Deepavali – the Festival of Lights, is the most important festival for the Hindus. Come on this walk to find out how the Hindus celebrate this colourful holiday.
Indulge in all your senses as you walk through this fascinating area.
Check out Serangoon Road and its back streets, where you will find a myriad of interesting shops selling spices, textiles and garlands. Learn about the history of the area and see the beautiful architecture of the colourful terrace houses.
Hear about the Gods in the oldest Hindu temple in the area and witness how the devotees do their prayers.
Taste delicious Indian snacks and ‘pulled’ tea. Always curious as to how a sari is tied? Well this is your chance to see a demonstration in a shop that sells beautiful saris.
Price includes: Indian snacks and ‘pulled’ tea
Date: Thursday 2nd November 2023
Time : 09:30am – 12.30pm
Meet: 09.20am – Buffalo Road (Junction of Buffalo Road and Serangoon Road, where the pavilion is)
Cost: $70 ANZA Member, $80 Non-Member
Additional Notes: There is lots of walking, so please put on comfortable footwear that is easy to slip on/off – we have to remove our shoes at the entrances to the temples. Bring an umbrella and a bottle of water.
Fitness Level: High – Substantial walking/exertion required in the heat. Expect to be on your feet for most of this tour, with infrequent rest stops.
Looking for a tapestry corset, patchwork jeans, or reworked handbag? After running a successful online secondhand clothing store, Eileen Tan and Eden Tay, both 30, opened Vintagewknd on Haji Lane earlier this year. The store is a hotbed of unisex vintage fashion, repurposed textiles, and cool fabrics repurposed from garment waste factories in developing countries. The brand’s purpose is to “give back to the planet more than what we take away from it.” To date, they’ve sold over 100,000 items which accumulates to about 50 tonnes. Says Eden, “We’re looking to have more people know about us and to remove as many tonnes as possible.”
When Covid 19 hit, it opened founder Amanda Teng’s eyes to the fresh demand across Singapore for legit vegan groceries. While many would be put off from expanding a business during a pandemic, Amanda wasn’t deterred. After a stint selling vegan goods online, she opened Everyday Vegan Grocer on Haji Lane last summer. This sweet little store sells the likes of Beyond Meat, Gardein, Quorn, Oatly and Mikoyo’s Creamery, as well as Aussie favourites such as Fine Cultures, Dilectio, House of Biskota and Kresho as part of the selection of plant-based products, meat alternatives, dairy-free substitutes, pantry staples and snacks. “We’re more than just a vegan shop, we’re a vibrant community dedicated to promoting compassionate living,” she says.
Towards the bottom of Haji Lane, opposite the 7-Eleven, is a veritable enclave of delights. Mr Lim’s Shop Of Visual Treasures belongs to (yes, you guessed it) Mr Lim. After a cancer diagnosis in 2021, rounds of chemo caused him to rethink his life. As an artist and art lover himself, he opened his shop of treasures as a place to ‘air’ his work, but most of all, to support and represent promising but less-advantaged artists of all ages. “When I started meeting local artists, I found that many of them would just give up after a few years as the art scene here in Singapore is very difficult,” Mr Lim says. He constantly adds new and unique pieces to his collection which is all available to buy. The hope is that in time, there’ll be less art from Mr Lim and more from new graduates, up and coming artists, and veteran artists who just need a venue to show off their talent.
The brainchild of three local friends, Coffee Donkee is a cosy coffee shop serving brews made from freshly imported Japanese beans. The menu includes the usual suspects and signature brews such as the Sakura blend and their in-house Donkee blend which uses five different types of bean. Like the drinks, the decor has a distinctly Japanese feel with wooden walls and an open concept coffee counter which allows you to witness the beans brewing and dripping. We love the hidden area at the back of the café decorated like a tiny zen garden complete with Japanese umbrellas – the perfect place to escape the heat, hustle and bustle. Look out for their second store opening on Joo Chiat Road in September.
This blink-and-you-might-miss-it halal bakery was opened by pastry chef Aishah and her husband in 2021. Sleek and subtle from the outside, it’s the selection of mouthwatering croissants, pastries, fluffy bread, buns and more waving at you from the window that grab your attention. Sweet-toothed types will like the flaky vanilla bean crème brûlée, madeleines and generously portioned carrot cake. The French American Bakery is takeaway only, which is fine by us as you need to keep your energy levels up when strolling around Haji Lane these days.
Another pandemic baby, tarot-themed cocktail bar 3 Of Cups was founded by ex-air stewardess and mystic-fan Shamini Ishwara Dass. Opulent and charming, you find yourself under a spell in this unique spot from the get-go. There are two ways to get your drink: order off the menu or pick a random tarot card to let fate decide your potion. The 40-seater bar also serves Asian-inspired bites including Evil Spam and Empress Prawns. From 7.30pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays you can order three drinks and get a free tarot reading. Magical!
This art-centric nail studio has had a presence in Haji Lane for a while thanks to its focus on providing stunning nail art and a huge amount of colours. Unlike other nail salons, you can get your classic mani and pedi, or book in for a bespoke design where the nail artists work to create something totally individual just for you. What’s new is that the past few years have seen this salon move to a new location in the neighbourhood. Keep your eyes peeled for the sign on the ground floor and climb the shophouse stairs for this little slice of sanctuary.
Have you ever been overwhelmed by the sheer volume of possessions before your international relocation from Singapore? Many people reach a point where they realise it’s time to declutter and downsize their living space before meeting with international moving companies in Singapore. This is precisely the situation that Mark and Lisa found themselves in before their move to Australia.
The Background
Mark and Lisa had lived in a spacious suburban home for over a decade. They had accumulated furniture, appliances, and a vast collection of sentimental items. But as their children grew up and moved out, they began to feel that their home was too big for just the two of them.
The Decision to Downsize
The decision to downsize is a big one. It involves finding a new place to live and sorting through years’ worth of belongings to determine what stays and what goes.
The Sorting Process
As they began sorting through their possessions, Mark and Lisa realised how attached they were to many of their belongings. Each item seemed to carry a memory, a story, or a sentimental value that made it difficult to part with. They asked, “Do we need all these kitchen gadgets?” or “Can we bear to part with our children’s old toys?”
The Lesson of Letting Go
One of the most significant lessons Mark and Lisa learned during their downsizing adventure was the art of letting go. As they started to donate, sell, or give away items, they discovered a sense of liberation they hadn’t expected.
Letting go of possessions they found made room for new experiences and a more straightforward, more intentional way of living. Mark put it best when he said, “We’re not losing memories by letting go of stuff. We’re making space for new memories to be created.”
Prioritising What Truly Matters
Another essential lesson Mark and Lisa learned was the value of prioritising what truly matters. Possessions in their old home had surrounded them, but the maintenance and upkeep of a large property had also bogged them down. As they moved into their smaller, more manageable apartment, they realised they were gaining something invaluable: time and freedom.
Embracing Minimalism
Through their downsizing adventure, Mark and Lisa discovered the beauty of minimalism—a lifestyle that focuses on living with less and finding joy in simplicity. Minimalism isn’t about depriving yourself; it’s about choosing what adds value to your life and letting go of the rest.
Tips for a Successful Downsizing Adventure
Start Early: Before moving, Begin the downsizing process to avoid feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Take It Step by Step: Divide the process into manageable stages, such as decluttering one room at a time.
Set Clear Criteria: Determine what criteria you’ll use to decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. For example, you might ask if an item brings you joy or serves a practical purpose.
Involve the Whole Family: If you have family members living with you, involve them in decision-making to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or a professional organiser if you need help or emotional support during the downsizing process.
Embrace the Change: Understand that downsizing is a significant life change, and having mixed emotions is okay. Focus on the positive aspects of simplifying your life.
Enjoy the Freedom: Once you’ve downsized and moved into your new space, relish the freedom and opportunities of a simpler, more intentional lifestyle.
If you’re considering downsizing, remember that it’s not just about moving to a smaller space; it’s about creating a life that aligns with your values and brings you joy. Here is a list of places to donate.
About SIR MOVE
Established in Singapore and Malaysia in 2006, SIR Move Services is a Singapore/British brand, and it is a moving company that continues to build a business based on integrity and trust. SIR provides Complete Move Solutions for International, Commercial and Domestic Relocations, including storage and insurance. We move pets, too. SIR Move is a qualified FIDI/FAIM Quality Mover.
Singapore has been a top choice for expatriates due to its friendly, stable environment. As a global financial hub with low taxes, a strong education system, safety, and diversity, it is a perfect place for business and families. Singapore is home to many expatriates and there are numerous support communities where expatriates can connect. This, along with a high standard of living, makes Singapore the ideal destination.
See below for an overview of the latest work visas
New Work Visa Categories:
Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONEPass)
The ONEPass is a new personalised work visa for top talents across all sectors. It allows applicants to start, operate and work for multiple companies in Singapore simultaneously. To be eligible, a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$30,000 in the past year is required. This work visa offers applicants greater job flexibility as it is tagged to the applicant and not to companies. The ONEPass has a 5-year validity and is renewable. Spouses of this pass may work in Singapore on a LOC with any valid job offers.
Tech Pass
This work visa is for established tech entrepreneurs, leaders, and experts. It allows them to work and take on multiple roles concurrently in Singapore. The following are requirements to qualify for the Tech pass:
A minimum fixed monthly salary of minimally S$22,500 in the past year.
A minimum of 5 cumulative years of experience in a tech company with a valuation/market cap of at least US$500million; or
Have developed a tech product which has at least 100,000 monthly active users.
This pass allows its holder to be employed under a company and/or operate their own start-ups, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.
Letter of Consent (LOC)
Allows spouses of pass holders, who are on a Dependent Pass to operate a business in Singapore. To qualify for a LOC, the dependent needs to be either a sole proprietor of an ACRA registered business, a partner of an ACRA registered business, or a company director with at least 30% shareholding in an ACRA registered business.
Immigration for existing pass holders
Putting down roots in Singapore is a dream for many. This incredibly welcoming cosmopolitan island has plenty to offer for everyone. With the rest of Asia right at your doorstep, Singapore provides an excellent base for those seeking adventures afar.
To solidify your roots in Singapore, you may consider applying for Singapore Permanent Residency (PR) where the benefits include better work opportunities and flexibility, greater travel freedom, ability to contribute to a flexible pension system (CPF), and healthcare access.
Existing PR holders may apply for Singapore Citizenship (SC) which comes with benefits such as priority work consideration, healthcare and property purchase privileges, waived stamp duties on your first home, visa-free travel, parenthood benefits, and educational subsidies.
About Voyage Consultants
Securing a work visa, permanent resident, or citizenship involves navigating and understanding the complex criteria and regulations in Singapore. With a combined experience of over 10 years in the immigration industry, our team comprises of former expatriates who understand the process themselves and would love to help you by using their experience to lighten yours!
Not sure where to start? Feel free to contact us at for a consultation or visit our website at www.voyageconsultants.sg to discover our full suite of services!
One of the highlights of the ANZA Melbourne Cup Race Day at Singapore Turf Club is the chance to enter the iconic Fashions on the Field Competition. If you’re picked as ‘best dressed’ by our panel of judges, you not only get a grand title, but you also win a fabulous travel prize. Here, we meet the winner of Ms Melbourne Cup 2022, Yvonne Rankin Constantine, who’s just been on her winning trip to 5* Anantara Ankor Resort in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
This year we’re offering the same incredible prize to the winner of Ms Melbourne Cup 2023, so read on for what to expect! (And get dusting down your outfit!).
Congratulations on winning Ms Melbourne Cup 2022! Had you attended the ANZA Melbourne Cup Race Day before?
Yes – it’s always such a great time! I’d been to the ANZA Melbourne Cup Race Day previously when we lived in Singapore from 2008 -2013, but last year’s event was extra special because it was post-Covid. I nearly didn’t go, as my husband Gary had to pull out for work commitments, but the ANZA cycling Ladies were insistent so I joined them.
What made you enter ANZA’s Ms Melbourne Cup 2022?
I arrived on my own and a wee bit late, so I only entered Fashions on the Field because a very kind ANZA friend suggested I enter. Aussie humour I thought! I was particularly proud of my hat, which I bought in Melbourne. My kids tease me about it as they call it ‘the Quality Street sweetie’, so I thought – my hat represents Melbourne and how all of the ladies (and some of the men) make an effort to dress up each year – I’ll share my Quality Street hat! Then I realised ‘I have to walk the ‘catwalk’’ with all of these incredibly beautiful Ladies, and that’s when your Scottish humour has to kick in!
What else made up your outfit please?
A purple/black dress and matching shoes. I walked onto the catwalk chatting with such a diversity of amazing ladies, it was so much fun. To win was just a huge surprise, and I felt really chuffed that I had created an ensemble from my Melbourne hat, and hey kids – Quality Street is a winner. What a prize – a weekend at the Anantara Ankor Resort – thank you ANZA Melbourne Cup 2022!
Your winning prize was a two-night stay at Anantara Angkor Resort, which you only used this weekend! Had you visited Cambodia before?
It’s been 23 years since I was last in Cambodia, so I was very excited! This time I went with my husband Gary, and it coincided with my birthday.
How was your stay?
Anantara really pushed the boat out from our arrival to our departure. We were picked up from the airport, welcomed by the General Manager, and given a Cambodian welcome ‘scarf’. Our room was amazing with a welcoming message, cake, and a very romantic bed. The fabulous hospitality was extended throughout our stay, with discounts on our spa, beverages, and more.
How were the dining experiences at Anantara Angkor Resort?
On our first evening we went to the hotel restaurant and had a wonderful experience. We were not only entertained by the local dancers and music, but the quality of the food at Anantara, and the service, was just incredible. Everyone made such an effort; they even celebrated my birthday with the staff singing, and we felt very spoilt and special. Anantara is a resort which understands and appreciates its clientele and makes you want to return. They have it all: location, great food, and impeccable service.
What did you get up to in Siem Reap?
It was an action packed weekend: Anantara organised our first trip with a tuk tuk ride to the Apopo Visitor Center. This was a global education, as we had not appreciated how many countries are dealing with landmines post war. We left feeling very humbled, grateful and educated to post war challenges.
Next stop was the Angkor National Museum, which was an insightful journey through the ages of Cambodia, their kings, religions – the room with 1000 buddhas was spectacular! We then popped into the local market. If you want to experience local night life, Pub Street is a great place to start.
Our final trip organised by Anantara Angkor Resort was a sunset cruise. This was a great finale to our winning prize from ANZA. Whilst you have the luxury of a Anantara ‘nibbles & beers’ , you also become aware of one million people live on the stilt houses on the river, in a population of 17 million. When we returned, we found a beautiful framed picture of us which was taken on the boat, plus Gary’s favourite sticky rice coating a bean.
As members of ANZA Cycling, did you get on the bike at all?
We did a 4:30am pick up for a cycling temple trip. It was so worth the early rise! Gary organised a guide, Sok, who was brilliant. We started our day watching the sunrise at Ankor Wat, while Sok shared his immense knowledge. We then hired mountain bikes and cycled through the trees to Ankor Thom, which was featured in the film Tomb Raider.
How was your prize winning trip in all?
Cambodia is an amazing country and it needs tourism, so if you’re looking for a few days aways from Singapore, it’s only a two hour plane ride away. Gary and myself would like to thank Anantara Angkor Resort for sponsoring one of the most special Australian annual events in Singapore. I would like to think the panel of judges for making me Ms Melbourne Cup 2022! I am so looking forward to the next one in November!
Who can resist the call for a good pizza? None of us – which is great news for this fresh and exciting partnership between renowned L’Arte Pizza & Focaccia and Wine Connection Cheese Bar. Together, they’ve joined forces to bring the masses gourmet, handcrafted Romana pizzas crafted by Chef Radostin Kiryazov. Chef Rado, with over 30 years of experience perfecting the art of pizza making, has risen to become one of the world’s finest pizza masters, earning numerous prestigious accolades along the way.
Romana pizza is unlike any other pizza. It comes in a rectangular shape with a thicker and crunchier crust, quite distinct from its more familiar round and doughy Neapolitan cousin. Yet, it is precisely this crispy, airy foundation that provides such immense satisfaction.
For this collaboration, in addition to L’Arte Pizza & Focaccia’s regular menu, three mouth-watering offerings have been exclusively crafted for the Wine Connection Cheese Bar.
ANZA had the pleasure of trying out this partnership, and to our delight, the menu includes fantastic wine pairing suggestions that elevate the entire pizza experience. The wine experts at the Wine Connection Cheese Bar have done an exceptional job curating a wide range of wines from various regions to complement these delectable creations
Exclusive to Wine Connection Cheese Bar feature:
ANCHOVIES
Spinatta, Anchovies, Red Onions, Mozzarella Cheese and Cherry Tomatoes
Best paired with Zinfandel
GAMBERETTO
Burrata Cheese, Prawn, Green Zucchini, Dill, Black Sesame, Sweet Lemon Sauce
Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese, Oregano, Basil and Extra Virgin Oil
Best paired with Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, Pinot Noir
BACON RADO
Mozzarella Cheese, Brie Cheese, Bacon, Truffle Cream with Ricotta Cheese and Parmesan Cheese
Rosé, Garnacha, Tempranillo
BURRATA CHEESE
Tomato Sauce, Burrata Cheese, Cherry Tomatoes and Pesto Basil
Soave, Pinot Noir, Gamay
TARTUFATA
Mozzarella Cheese, Truffle Cream with Ricotta Cheese, Parma Ham, Rocket Leaves and Parmesan Cheese
Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo
Chef Rado also indulges those with a sweeter tooth, delighting them with his Nutella pizza as a perfect way to conclude this outstanding pizza adventure. It’s worth mentioning that this creation earned Chef Rado the top award in the Pizza World Championship 2005 in the Dessert Pizza Category!
NUTELLA
Nutella, Banana, Strawberry, Icing Sugar and Mint leaves.
Best paired with Muscat, Brachetto d’Acqui, Riesling Kabinett
VERDICT: Sharing a pizza is typically a fun occasion or a matter of practicality sometimes. And frankly often times the pizza takes a supporting cast role either because it is our usual delight, or it is not that memorable amid a lively table filled with laughter and conversation. But rest assured, this pizza is bound to spark oohs and aahs. Drop by the Wine Connection Cheese bar to experience it in person, and if you are feeling indulgent, consider pairing it with a nice glass of wine.
Australian Bobby Hurley has come a long way since his competitive swimming days and his list of achievements is impressive. Not only is he a former world record holder in the short-course 50-metre backstroke and the 2012 World Champion, but he also participated in five FINA World Championships and has two golds, one silver, and two bronze medals under his belt. These days Bobby is the Director of Swimming at Tanglin Trust School with a lot of sporting wisdom to share.
What’s your story?
I grew up in Wollongong, a small town on the beach, near the south of Sydney. In Australia, everybody grows up learning to swim because of all the water around and backyard swimming pools. I learned to swim at around five years old and remember doing my first competitions when I was about seven or eight because I was bored just sitting at the pool. By nine, I was really passionate about the sport, and it turned out that I was a pretty fast swimmer.
“You make sure the training is fun and people keep coming back”
What do you think makes you a successful swimmer?
There are some physical traits that help. I have very long limbs and I’m hypermobile so I’m really flexible. This helps to get an increased range of motion. But more than that, having a passion for swimming is important because it’s such an individual sport most of the time. You need to have that internal motivation and drive to keep pushing yourself to achieve.
Why coaching?
In 2016, one of my good friends, Chad le Clos, approached me during a swimming competition in Singapore. Chad was the Olympic champion back in 2012, famously beating Michael Phelps on the last stroke of the 200m Butterfly race. He asked me to be his coach and travel with him, so three months later I joined Chad in Cape Town. Cameron Van der Burgh, another world record holder, was there too so I was pretty much coaching South Africa’s two greatest swimmers. This lasted a year which made me think that I was pretty good and could make a career out of it!
How did you move from coaching professional swimmers to coaching children?
The swimming and coaching scene is obviously strong in Australia and I wanted to see if I could make it in Sydney. I went from coaching two Olympic champions and world record holders to overseeing a Learn-to-Swim programme at a small club with just a handful of competitive swimmers.
It was a big change but the way I coach swimmers and the conversations we have are the same as with the pro’s. You make sure the training is fun and people keep coming back. Before I knew it, my club became one of the top 10 clubs in New South Wales.
What plans do you have for Tanglin Trust’s swimming programme?
The new aquatic centre at the Tanglin Centenary Building helps to raise the level of performance and expectation throughout our programme. Coming from a performance background, I believe this centre is probably one of the best facilities in Singapore and Southeast Asia.
We have two really high-quality facilities that children can use from infant school to sixth form students – any swimmer, whether they’re just learning to swim, want to be a competitive swimmer, or are aiming for university scholarships. It’s about creating a pathway for every student, and it’s been really exciting for me to build the programme.
What’s made you the most proud recently?
We had two swimmers win multiple gold medals in the Singapore Nationals and four swimmers won medals overall in their age group. I’m thrilled to have had a positive impact on them and the programme in such a short time.
Walking the Camino del Norte section of the Camino de Santiago showed Lena Dobreci, an expat from Canada, just how mentally and physically strong she is.
From Left:The view of Bilbao from atop Mount Avril. Lena in Guernica
“I love walking and hiking but the thought of taking on a major trek overseas had never crossed my mind – I thought walking 10 -15km around Singapore each week was my limit! However, when a friend invited me to join her and a group of seven other expat women on an adventure to Spain, it was a challenge I couldn’t resist. The plan was to trek part of the Camino de Santiago, a religious pilgrimage trail harking back to the Middle Ages in the northwest of the country. Apart from the sacred walk itself, I loved the thought of travelling with a group of females I’d never met before. All of us were aged between 48 – 68 and from as far and wide as Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, USA and Norway – whatever happened, we’d have a lot to learn from one another! Yes, it was a gamble that we’d all get along, but we created a WhatsApp group prior to leaving so we felt like friends before meeting in person. (And it stayed that way!).
I possibly didn’t train as much as I should have! In the run up to the trek I added in a few extra hikes at Fort Canning Park, and joined some ANZA walks, but I was more concerned about learning how to use hiking poles and walking with wool socks – as warned by others, it took weeks to adjust to them!
Ongoing connection
Right: Below: The yellow scallop shell highlights the route for the walk.
Our trek lasted six days and we covered approximately 130km. We started in the beautiful town of San Sebastian, known as a gastronomical mecca with delicious pintxos, Michelin-starred restaurants, and stunning beaches on which to relax before we set off.From there we ascended a steep climb out of town, with the yellow scallop shell, which is the symbol of the Camino de Santiago, marking the way throughout to the seaside town of Zarautz – a total of 23km along the green coastline of the Bay of Biscay and countryside.
And so, we were off! Within minutes of starting out we were greeted by strangers saying “Buen Camino”– “Good Camino” – and the rule is that you reply with the same. This verbal exchange happened daily with locals and other walkers, and was an ongoing connection to people on the pilgrimage and the land throughout our journey.
Days passed fast and every one was different. We stopped to see a church in Getaria and at a quaint café in Zumaia. A 22km path led us along the coastline, with steep descents and ascents and flat terrain of paved pathways to reach the seaside town of Deba. We headed into the mountains for 23km of undulating hills on dirt pathways to Markina where we encountered wet and slippery conditions (and there may have been some cursing!). Another day we covered 24kms over creeks and into woodlands before reaching the historic town of Gernika (immortalised in Picasso’s masterpiece Guernica). The local square was bustling with activities and live music – a true highlight. Another 22 kms had us tackling cobbled pathways and steep ascents through local hamlets to the town of Lezama, before we ended on a relatively easy 15km to our final destination, Bilbao. Here we stood atop Mount Avril, mesmerised by the valley below.
Each night we’d stay at a pensione (guesthouse) and head out for incredible local food: fresh pastries, seafood, meats, Albarino wine, craft beer, and so many baguettes we all agreed that we never wanted to see another one again!
Our walking pace varied but thankfully, while I found each day challenging, it was also manageable. We remained motivated by chatting – laughter and comradery were key. There were also periods where we each walked alone, absorbed in the scenery and our own thoughts. A few of us followed the spiritual tradition to carry a rock/stone to leave somewhere on the trail. Doing so symbolises leaving your worries and fears behind.
Completing the Camino del Norte section of the Camino de Santiago showed me a physical and mental strength I didn’t know I possessed. I’m amazed that I could carry a backpack for such long distances. I’m now hoping to plan another trekking adventure, perhaps to Annapurna, Nepal. Who’s in?”
“I got my confidence back”
Deborah Lee from Singapore is the founder of trauma consulting company, Creaturae (creaturae.org). She has spent 2023 building up her self-confidence and identity through writing, poetry and performance.
“When my marriage ended in 2021, I felt like my reality had been shattered. Embarking on life alone, I realised there were many pieces of myself I had lost which I wanted to reclaim.
Words and music have always been twin passions; I studied film music composition in Los Angeles and used to perform regularly as a singer/songwriter around Singapore. Post-relationship, I wanted to tap into my creativity again and connect with the person I used to be.
I knew that writing was a good way of accessing my emotions. In my healing journey post-separation and divorce, I started to write as a form of catharsis, for example when I couldn’t sleep or had a lot on my mind. I was grieving, and writing my thoughts down helped me to process them. Through writing stories, poetry and songs and sharing them on my blog with others, I gained a sense of purpose, connection and healing.
Earlier this year, when I noticed that the ANZA Writing Group needed some volunteers, I felt inspired to help out. Initially, I joined as I was keen to meet new people, connect with others, and develop my writing voice, however, the benefits have gone far beyond that: together we talk about our writing and we share some of our most intimate work. To many, this might sound like a terrifying thing to do, but I’ve found it to be deeply encouraging. Indeed, this process has boosted my confidence as a writer, and as an individual.
One of my dreams is to write a memoir – I started a book titled “Memoirs of the Lonely Singaporean” six years ago. With the writing group’s help, this year I’ve got back into developing it. I’ve also found the courage to host regular open mic nights at the bar Non Resident (nonresident.sg).
In the process of doing so, I’ve learned to move past many of my fears that previously held me back as a singer-songwriter. I used to feel consumed by the mistakes I’d make, but today, after everything I’ve been through, I’m able to embrace mistakes as a beautiful and quintessential part of life.
Returning to writing and performing has restored my zest for living. These twin creative outlets remind me of who I am. For me, sitting down to write feels like an act of self-care and it is something I now prioritise. I am proud of how far I have come, am deeply thankful for the gifts of music and writing, and not least, the community, including ANZA, that has supported me in this journey forward.”
Ellie Mills moved to Singapore six years ago from the UK. This year she took to the water to update her skills with a newhobby, wakeboarding.
“I’ve always enjoyed outdoor activities and living in Singapore brings many opportunities for trying new sports that somehow appear so much more appealing when away from the weather conditions of the UK!In the past I’ve scuba dived and tried paddleboarding, and wakeboarding caught my attention a few years ago. My first time out on the boat was during the pandemic when we couldn’t travel. My friend invited me along to a session and I thought it sounded like a fun thing to do. This year I’ve taken my new hobby to another level!
Wakeboarding involves being towed behind a boat (or by a cable) on a board similar to a snowboard. Your feet are encased in boots (bindings) and you hold onto a rope. As your confidence grows, you learn how to do tricks across the wake.
There are only a few places in Singapore where you can do this and my go-to is Marina Country Club where the boat takes us close to Selatar Island. I go with a group of friends – usually four of us for three hours, although groups can be bigger, or you can go alone. We take it in turns to wakeboard, and chat and listen to music in between goes (beers optional!).
Thankfully, the first time I tried wakeboarding I was able to stand up quickly which inspired me to continue. The secret to success is not to pull the rope.
However, it took a while until I could move the board across the wake. It takes guts to manoeuvre between the water, and of course, there is a lot of falling off as you go. My instructor, Melvyn, has a lot of patience! Once I was comfortable navigating the wake, I started to carve (fast turns), switch (change my leading foot position) and most recently, do a bit of jumping!
These days I wakeboard at least once a month. It’s pretty addictive and as soon as I learn one skill I’m keen to start working on the next. My new hobby has made a huge difference to my life here in Singapore. I now have a regular routine that involves seeing friends and keeping fit (it’s a full-on workout!). Seeing my improvement has helped boost my self-esteem, especially now that I’ve mastered some moves that at first seemed impossible. I’m currently practicing how to do jumps across the wake and I’m still working on getting the perfect photo for Instagram!”
Canadian International School (CIS) is opening its doors to families with children aged 2 to 5 to CIS Discovery Day on 10 November where you and your child can explore their Kindergarten programme. Experience fun, teacher-led activities and see firsthand how CIS’ play and inquiry-based approach fosters curiosity, builds confidence and develops essential learning skills for your little ones.
A solid foundation for academic success
Parents often ask how a school plans to balance both academic rigour and developing softer skills and competencies at an early age. CIS’ inquiry-based and purposeful play approach sets that solid foundation for academic success beyond school life. Your child will be challenged, think critically and be confident and resilient.
“Purposeful play offers endless opportunities for learning and development. It helps children develop an infinite number of skills and character traits through teamwork and collaboration. As they explore their imagination and creative ideas during play, children will develop fine and gross motor skills while nurturing their sense of curiosity,” — Angela Speirs.
Your Guide to CIS Discovery Day
Begin your day with a warm Canadian welcome to CIS and meet kindergarten principal, Angela Speirs, and her team of experienced educators. Chat with them to find out more about CIS’ ethos, their approach to education and have your specific questions answered.
Make your way to the Outdoor Discovery Centre (ODC), where families can participate in educational activity stations focusing on numeracy, literacy, arts, and STEAM, all under the guidance of their expert teachers. These activities offer hands-on experiences to stimulate your child’s creativity, communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It’s a wonderful chance to gain insight into CIS’ inquiry-based learning that takes place both inside and outside the classroom every day.
Some of the activities include:
Enchanting Art Creations: Your child can craft enchanting flowers, dragons, fairies, or anything their imagination conjures using sustainable student-made watercolours sheets. This teaches children about colour mixing, the distinction between 2D and 3D modelling, and hones their fine motor skills through the squeezing of droppers and the twisting of paper.
STEAM Exploration with Ice Painting: Dive into the world of STEAM where you’ll have the chance to experiment with ice painting. Children will explore colour mixing, look for patterns, and feel the textures of slippery, cold, and wet surfaces. As they delve into the science, they’ll uncover the magic of cause and effect, observing the transformation of ice from a solid to a liquid state.
Learning takes place everywhere
Learning happens best when children are having fun and making discoveries for themselves about things that interest them, in a hands-on, real-world way. The ODC offers children a natural, lucious, green space to explore and learn. There are sound and art gardens, an eco-pond, and a mud kitchen where children can learn maths concepts like mass and volume. There are also grassy hills, tunnels, a play fort, and a yoga lawn for your little explorers to develop motor skills as they run, jump and climb.
A campus within a campus
At CIS, Kindergarten has a dedicated wing that fosters a close-knit kindergarten community within our larger campus, where everyone knows everyone. Spaces in this purpose-built kindergarten wing integrate facilities with learning. Classrooms are organised by grade levels, with the ODC just a stone’s throw away, a heated indoor pool is conveniently located next to it, and they also have a library, instructional bakery, junior gym and black box theatre that’s all housed under one roof.
Come and explore the CIS Kindergarten and meet their expert teachers in their living, breathing classroom — the ODC on 10 November, 9am-10am. Book now.
When did you last do something new? We don’t mean little actions like switching up your coffee order or trying a different bus route, but something more life-affirming or confidence-boosting: throwing yourself into a new hobby, starting a side hustle, upskilling, or even joining a new ANZA group.
Saying ‘just do it’ is easy, but anything that involves getting out of your comfort zone and an element of change is also scary. Starting something new comes with uncertainty and our brains are naturally wired to want to protect us from discomfort should things not work out. It’s normal for our mind to come up with negatives around why we shouldn’t go for something as a way to protect us from potential danger. Feeling fearful, worrying about failure, and being wary of what’s going to happen are all perfectly normal reactions from our brain, which wants to check we’re not doing silly, dangerous things that could harm us.
Never too late
“Starting something new can be daunting, especially when there are so many reasons not to: ‘I don’t know how it will turn out, I’m comfortable with the status quo even though not fully content’, and ‘I’m too old and it’s too late’ are common excuses,” says Ho Shee Wai, Director and Registered Psychologist at The Councelling Place.
But, she continues, can we really use age as a reason to stay stagnant in today’s world? Time was, people (okay, mostly women) aged 40+ seemed to simply disappear from public view, in nice sensible shoes while saying sorry to everyone. However, society has changed. People return to uni after retirement, mid-lifers train for triathlons and embark on new careers, and don’t get us started on the fantastic Facebook group, Solo In Style: Women Over 50 Travelling Solo & Loving It!
“If there’s a will, there’s a way,” Shee Wai continues. “Sure, if you start ballet in your 30s you won’t be as flexible compared to if you had started as a child, but so what? You’re still dancing! If you stop fixating on the perfect picture you’re holding in your mind of what the outcome needs to look like, there is nothing that you can’t start.”
“Switch your mindset to focus on the gain and not the loss “
Shape-shifting
Certainly, our mindset is most often the biggest obstacle in our path, afterall, how we think is our reality. If we think something is not going to work, it is definitely not going to work. Alternatively, if we think something is going to be okay, it will be okay somehow, just maybe not in the exact way we imagined.
If the only thing stopping us from beginning something new is ourselves, a bit of mental shape-shifting is the best place to start. “It can be helpful to switch your mindset to focus on the gain and not the loss,” suggests Shee Wai. “Often things in life have both positives and negatives. An approach I suggest to my clients is ‘Prepare for the worst, hope for the best!’.”
It’s also beneficial to concentrate on ‘what will I get if I start this?’. Continues Shee Wai, “Doing so can be motivating and help us to overcome any initial resistance. Approach the negatives you have about starting something as ‘problems to be solved’ instead of ‘reasons to not start’.”
And let’s not forget, despite our brain’s need to protect us from danger, our grey cells love new things and grow bored with the same old, same old. “Embracing newness is a way to stimulate, grow, and develop. Even Alzheimer patients are encouraged to learn something new so that their brains continue to make new neural-connections,” Shee Wai says.
Entering the unknown in small or big ways can provide a new passion for life. We feel more purposeful, interested and enthusiastic which creates the feeling that there are always great things to look forward to.
STEPS TO starting something from fear to the future
Choose your goal What is it that you want to try? Get clear about why you want to start it, when you will start it and how you will start it
Make a commitment Think about what will make this goal more appealing. For example, could you start with a friend, take small steps to prepare for the start, do some research, speak to someone, observe, or watch how it’s done?
List obstacles & solutions You’ll begin to see that most problems are solvable which will propel you to move forward
Call in a reinforcement squad List people who can help support you or hold you accountable. Alternatively, journal your journey to keep yourself on track and to monitor your progress
Visualise your achievements Create a vision board of how life will look and feel once you’ve achieved your goal (Pinterest is great for this). Imagine yourself performing on stage/finishing the race/seeing your byline, and so on. Get your mind used to these new ideas
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Canadian International School (CIS) is opening its doors to families with children aged 2 to 5 to 
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