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Saturday, November 23, 2024
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Looking for escape? Find self-discovery & relaxation in Bali

It takes me approximately 82 minutes to feel so at home at Revivo Wellness Resort that I fall asleep in yoga and wake to find the teacher and several unknown faces gazing down at me. Obviously, I am mortified (was my mouth open? was I snoring?), but any embarrassment dissipates within – ooooh – seconds. After all, I’m not on a solo trip in Bali to care about what I look like; my focus here is on what I feel like.

Considering how I feel is not a pastime I do often; checking in with myself is not a priority. But it appears I need to get with it. According to all the brain experts, dedicating just a small portion of time to yourself can reduce stress, foster self-improvement, and ensure you’re well-rested to face what’s to come. What’s more, according to all the travel experts, holidaying alone is excellent for the soul and a key opportunity to recalibrate yourself – something that is equally as important for mental health as connection to others. A single sojourn to a wellness retreat is just the ticket then.

Forming a deep connection with the pool

Emotional health

Being a tailor-made resort, service at Revivo starts before my arrival with the completion of a comprehensive questionnaire about my life. It covers all manner of subjects from menstruation to marital situation, and as a result the on-site doctor places me on their Emotional Health & Mindfulness package.

Revivo is just a half-hour drive from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport in a countryside setting. Walking inside feels like receiving a massive hug. The staff are serene and smiley, and the natural landscape dotted with majestic frangipani trees and low-rise buildings is minimalist and instantly calming. With only 16 villas, a restaurant, lounge, fitness studio, Remissio spa, yoga studio, meditation rooms, and luxurious large pool, it’s intimate enough to not feel overwhelming, but large enough to allow guests to blend into the background if you so wish.

At check-in I’m invited to start my pre-prepared personalised package with a gentle yin yoga session. As I stretch out by the studio’s open floor-to-ceiling doors, dappled rays of light beam onto my feet. Just like that, I’m out like a light …

“54% of individuals planned a solo trip in 2024”
Skyscanner

Initial consultation

Everyone at Revivo is assigned a bespoke programme, but the mission for all remains the same: to help guests find “mind-body harmony and happiness” through self-discovery and healing. Aside from my Emotional Balance & Mindfulness programme, signature packages include De-stress & Relax, Sleep Well, Detox, Longevity & Anti-Ageing, Press Reset, and more. Each package starts at three nights and includes retreat consultations, spa treatments, movement classes, healthy meals, and nighttime rituals. Mindfulness practices and journalling are ecouraged throughout to keep you on track.

My initial consultation with wellness consultant Didi sets me up for what lies ahead. We talk through my questionnaire and I have my body composition, posture, and circumferences taken via a super-tech 3D body scanner. The results point to areas in which I need help – pain in the body, bad posture, excess fat. We also discuss personal goals for my stay and write them down – this provides motivation to stay focused.

Days at Revivo are structured but not rigid. They generally start at 7.30am with homemade Trio Shots of lemon, kombucha and turmeric, and coconut. I’m assigned three tailored meals and snacks plus one activity class in the morning and afternoon. In the evenings there’s a holistic spa treatment before bed. I am not booked in for any of the more vigorous workouts available in the fully equipped gym, but I do add swimming and time at the on-site hot and cold plunge pools into my schedule.

Sense of peace

I’m excited to embark on the wellness activities assigned to me. Morning hatha yoga energises me for the day, and the hot stone massage, herbal bath, and vibrational sound therapy calm my nervous system and instill a sense of peace. My first private breathwork session facilitated by Sofia is both fascinating and valuable. As I lay in a comfortable position, she uses the vibrations of the Indian harmonium and a selection of gongs to decompress my mind and body, before guiding my breath into a deeper state of relaxation.
I love the group mandala meditation which sees me creating my own mandala with fresh petals. According to modern medicine, doing so evokes calm and channels concentration. In addition, my acupuncture session session with wellness consultant Dr. Jay leaves me feeling super-chill. As two tiny needles are placed on my third eye and the top of my scalp for mental balance, I have a side order of moxibustion – a Traditional Chinese Medicine where mugwort leaves are burned around the body to stimulate Qi (energy), strengthen the blood, and maintain general health.

My first foray into a TCM gua sha facial massage is also a revelation. This practice – which massages with a rose quartz gua sha tool – breaks up blockages, improves blood flow, lessens toxins, and reduces pain. As a nighttime teeth grinder, this feels positively pleasant on my vice-like jaw.

“Light beams onto my feet and I’m out like a light”

Self-confidence

Latest research points to single travel being a major travel trend, and that more married women than ever are travelling without their other half. Indeed, the clientele at Revivo comprises singles and couples of all ages, male and female. It is over a dinner of hearty kale miso soup; chunky fish, sweet potato, and falafel; and chocolate brownies that fellow guests Cathy and Ingrid, two lifelong friends from Australia and Scotland, reveal they are on their third visit. They make it a tradition to “meet in the middle” here once a year.

Says Lucia from Spain, “My children have flown the nest, and I have more time to focus on my passions for yoga and nutrition. My husband has knee issues and doesn’t share my interest in wellbeing. He supports that I travel solo as I support his golf.” Also a third-timer to Revivo, Lucia adds, “Coming here is like coming home. I reconnect to the curious and independent person I am who has somewhat disappeared. I experience something new about myself when I holiday alone, especially when it comes to self-confidence.”

As for me, three days of head-to-toe healing has been a precious opportunity to focus on things that I may not have faced had I not stopped and spent dedicated time on myself. After 72 hours I feel physically healthier, mentally stronger, and ready to handle life’s challenges. One major discovery on my journey to me? I can’t wait to return to Revivo.

 revivoresorts.com
 revivo_wellness_resorts

5 reasons why self-connection matters

  1. Enhances Self-Awareness
    Connecting with yourself helps you understand your emotions, strengths, and weaknesses. This self-awareness allows you to make better decisions, improve relationships, and live a more fulfilling life.
  2. Boosts Mental Health
    Taking time to connect with yourself can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It provides an opportunity to process your thoughts and emotions, leading to a calmer and more balanced state of mind.
  3. Increases Resilience
    When you have a strong connection with yourself, you’re better equipped to deal with life’s obstacles. Inner strength and clarity help you bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive outlook.
  4. Fosters Personal Growth
    Self-connection encourages introspection and self-reflection. By understanding your motivations, you can set meaningful goals and pursue life with confidence.
  5. Improves Relationships
    Knowing yourself better enables you to communicate more effectively and set healthy boundaries. This can lead to deeper, more authentic connections with others.

Statistics source: skift.com

Secrets of Emerald Hill 29 October

Emerald Hill is not only a hotspot for bars and nightlife, but also a beautiful neighbourhood just off busy Orchard Road, showcasing some of the finest Chinese Baroque shophouses built in the early 1900’s. This tour will begin with an overview of the area from the rooftop of Orchard Central. We’ll learn why Emerald Street was called Theatre Street and what Postmaster General William Cuppage had to do with the settlement of the elevated hill called Emerald Hill. We’ll also discover how the old nutmeg and gambier plantations along Orchard Road transformed into a thriving upscale residential neighbourhood, home to wealthy Chinese merchants, and discover what inspired playwright Stella Kon to write Emily on Emerald Hill in 1983.

Date: Tuesday 29th October

Time : 10.00am – 12.00pm

Meet point: 9.50am, outside Orchard Central, corner of Killiney & Orchard Road (near the Nutmeg Grove sculpture)

Cost: $35 ANZA Member, $40 Non-Member

EXERTION: High: Substantial walking/exertion required in the heat. Expect to be on your feet for most of this tour. Infrequent rest stops

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The Connection Cure

Raising children in 2024 feels more complex than ever. Gone are the days when a call to Grandma or a flick through a Gina Ford book provides all the answers. Today’s parents are surrounded by a barrage of information, much of it conflicting, leaving them uncertain about whom to trust (including themselves).

Traditional wisdom feels inadequate in today’s world where societal norms and technology evolve rapidly. Could the primative act of tuning into ourselves and our core beliefs be the answer to better, more confident and focused childcare?

For Singapore expat Rachel McLean, it was a bid to develop her communication style and connect more easily with her children, James, 15, and Jessica, 8, that led her to sign up to a six-week course at her kids’ school, Tanglin Trust, last February. Doing so not only changed her relationship with her kids, but the entire family dynamic and her direction in life.

The advice shared on the course was simple, yet effective. “It encouraged parents to actively engage with their children by listening attentively and validating their feelings, thereby creating an environment where open communication can flourish,” Rachel shares.” In just a few weeks, our family home transformed into a more peaceful, calm, caring, empathetic, respectful and organised environment as a result. It was quite unbelievable.”

Cultivating communication

The course Rachel attended was an introduction to the principles of The Virtues Project (TVP). Originating in Canada in 1991 and practiced in over 100 countries across the globe, the project offers a framework for cultivating communication and deepening connections with others alongside recognising and nurturing the virtues within yourself.

Buoyed by such positive results, Rachel signed up for TVP’s facilitators course and is now a professional guide. “TVP feels like every useful parenting or self-help book I had ever read simplified into just five comprehensive strategies,” she says. “This makes the processes easy to understand, remember and implement.”

Continues Rachel, “Through the course, I discovered that my own personal ‘core virtues’ are idealism, determination, love and curiosity. With these in mind, I could relate TVP principles to creating changes within my family. For it to work, every member needs to try to embody the virtues that are meaningful to you. As the adults, it’s especially important that we role model with words and body language. Our children may not always do what we say, but they usually copy what we do.”

Here she shares the five TVP principles for stronger communication and connection with children.

The 5 Virtues

  1. Language Of The Virtues
    You say: “You’re so lazy! This room is a tip. You never put things away.”
    New way: “I can see your commitment to get to the end of the book you’re reading. We have 10 minutes before we leave for swimming, are you going to put your things in your drawers first or hang up your shirts?”If we label our children with negative words, they’ll live up to those labels which can mean they’ll feel shame or guilt. If we spot the good in them, they’ll want to do their best so we notice again. Their self-esteem will be raised. When we speak “the language of the virtues” we’re naming the virtues we see in our children, rather than blaming them.
  2. Recognising Teachable Moments
    You say: “You’re always making us late. Can’t you just sit down and get your shoes on!”
    New way: “I can see your enthusiasm for our trip to the park. What do you need to do so that you are ready? You need your shoes on. Show me your independence to sit down and put your shoes on. Are you going to wear your sandals or trainers?”If our children aren’t listening to us, or doing something we don’t like, call them to the virtue that we want to see. For example, if your child is running around instead of getting their shoes on to go out, approach this in a way that will make them feel good and encourage cooperation. In the example above, the child is being called to the virtue of independence and being told exactly how they can achieve it – by sitting down and choosing which shoes to put on. After they’ve done so, use the language of the virtues to acknowledge their efforts. See them swell with pride – they’ll want to do it again next time!
  3. Boundary Setting
    If we don’t express what we expect of our children, they won’t know what to aim for or what make us happy. Boundary setting at home models assertiveness and expresses what’s acceptable and what isn’t. As children become teens and adults they’ll encounter situations that push their boundaries and it’s essential they have the tools to say “no”.Perhaps bedtime is like herding cats? Let your child list what they need to do before they go to sleep. They can then take responsibility to tick off the checklist before you read a book together. If screen time is an issue, develop an agreement around usage for the whole household, including yourself. You’ll be surprised how children will remind you to put your phone away, rather than reaching for theirs, if they spot you breaking the rule.
  4. Honouring Your Spirit
    Making time for the things we love doing helps us to self-regulate so that we can effectively manage our own emotions, rather than be reactive with others. Take time to think about what you enjoy. A friend of mine goes to a cafe on the way home to sit alone, reflect, breathe, and have a coffee for 20 minutes. This gives her space to detach from the stress of her job and switch into “Mum Mode”. Other ways we can honour our spirit are through meditation, walking, exercise, reading a book, sketching, dancing, listening to music, spending time in nature – anything away from a screen that brings us back to the present.
  5. Companioning
    Have you ever noticed that when you speak to a friend about an issue they often jump in with, “Oh yes! That happened to me …” and then the attention is turned onto them. Nurture the skill to sit back and listen. Children don’t always need you to solve their problems but they do need you to listen so that they can work things out for themselves.Use “How…?” and “What…?” questions to help your child get to the root cause of their issue. Bring them out the other side to assist them to problem solve and put their solution into action. What do they need to find within themselves? Perhaps it’s courage to tell a friend that their behaviour is unacceptable; self-discipline to put homework before playing computer games; or flexibility to see an issue from someone else’s point of view.When they find a solution, acknowledge the virtue they’ve demonstrated, such as love for their friend, the maturity to be more self-disciplined, or empathy to step into someone else’s shoes. Being present but remaining detached will improve your ability to remain calm and instill a growth mindset in your children.

For more information on The Virtues Project, contact Rachel McLean on +65 9247 6121

ANZA Tennis Clinics Starting 16 October

ANZA Tennis Clinics

The ANZA Tennis Clinics are a 6-week programme designed for newcomers wanting to learn the basic skills of tennis, or for players wanting to refresh their technique. Savitar Tennis Centre’s skilled team of tennis coaches will cover all the fundamentals of tennis including forehand, backhand, volley, serve, overhead, and basic match play. Emphasis will be on enjoyment of the game and players will receive an excellent foundation to improve and develop.

Cost: $210
When: Wednesdays
Start Date: 16 October
Time: 11am – 12pm
Where: Savitar Tennis Centre, Fairmont Hotel, Raffles City
What to bring: Tennis racquet, towel, plenty of water

Make-up sessions: if sessions are canceled due to inclement weather make up sessions will be in 30min blocks added to subsequent sessions ie: two sessions of 1.5 hours.

Please join the WhatsApp group so we can update you of any changes to the sessions due to weather etc… The link will be provided on your confirmation notice after you have completed registration.

Useful location info: To get to the Savitar Tennis Centre, take the lift to the 8th floor of the Fairmont Hotel and walk through the spa to the swimming pool. The courts are accessed via a walkway behind the pool. The Savitar Tennis Centre is situated directly above the Raffles City Shopping Centre and lots of parking is available below.  The City Hall MRT is nearby.

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How can you plan ahead for your 2025 financial goals?

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Achieving financial success doesn’t happen overnight. It requires intentional planning, a clear vision, and a strategy that will guide you toward your goals.

Here are five steps to help you plan effectively for your 2025 financial goals.

Know Your Purpose

Before you can achieve your financial goals, you need to define what they are. Simply saying “I want to save more” isn’t enough – that’s just an intention. Money is a tool to reach your “real” objectives, so be specific about what you’re saving for. Here are some examples:

  1. Build an emergency fund of X SGD, enough to cover at least three months of living expenses.
  2. Save X SGD for a deposit on a property in your home country.
  3. Allocate no more than 40% of your income toward dining out and holidays.

The clearer you are about your purpose, the easier it will be to create a strategy to reach it.

1. Set a Time Frame

Once you have your goals, it’s essential to establish a timeline for achieving them. A great way to visualise this is by drawing a timeline with 2025 as your starting point. Place each goal along the timeline according to when you expect to reach it. This financial road map helps you stay focused and provides a clear path to follow.

2. Prioritise Your Goals

In a perfect world, we’d have unlimited resources to accomplish all our goals simultaneously. Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case. You need to prioritise how you allocate your resources effectively. Don’t fall into the trap of focusing only on short-term goals because they seem closer. Consider what’s most important in the long run and balance your efforts accordingly.

3. Create an Actionable Trigger

It’s time to take action. But where do you start? Often, the first step is the hardest, but it’s crucial for gaining momentum. Let’s say you know someone who’s been wanting to learn to play the guitar for years but hasn’t done anything about it. What advice would you give them? Probably something simple like, “Sign up for a lesson.” The same principle applies to your financial goals.

For example, if you want to save for a holiday, consider opening a separate savings account dedicated solely to that goal. This makes it easier to take concrete steps toward your objective.

4. Set an Autopilot Plan

Now, the best part: automation. In my eight years of helping clients achieve their financial goals, I’ve found that the key to success is automating as much as possible. Once you’ve defined your goals, set a timeline, and created a strategy, put your savings on autopilot. For example, if you need to save 3,000 AUD per month for retirement, set up automatic transfers so that amount is invested each month without you needing to think about it.

This removes the human factor – and the temptation to skip a month or two – ensuring that you stay on track. We all struggle with discipline, but automation makes it easier to stick to the plan and reach your goals.

By making your goals specific, setting timelines, prioritising effectively, taking actionable steps, and automating the process, you can set yourself up for financial success in 2025 and beyond.

 

Côme Doléac
Associate Partner, Select Investors
come.doleac@sjpp.asia
+65 82840434
www.selectinvestors.sg

The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. Members of the St. James’s Place Partnership in Singapore represent St. James’s Place (Singapore) Private Limited, which is part of the St. James’s Place Wealth Management Group, and it is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and is a member of the Investment Management Association of Singapore and Association of Financial Advisers (Singapore). Company Registration No. 200406398R. Capital Markets Services Licence No. CMS100851. St. James’s Place Wealth Management Group Ltd Registered Office: St. James’s Place House, 1 Tetbury Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1FP, United Kingdom. Registered in England Number 02627518.

 

 

How to do Deepavali in Singapore with kids

I’m Severine, an expat in Singapore, a chocolate lover and travel enthusiast, and mum to two energetic boys; Nathan, 7, and Quentin, 10. We’ve been living in the Lion City for five years, and the island’s mix of cultures has amazed me from the moment we arrived. I quickly fell in love with the island and became fascinated by its history and rich traditions.

We are French, but we make sure to celebrate all of Singapore’s major festivals. It’s a fantastic way for us to learn about different beliefs as a family. We make a big deal out of Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, and Deepavali, but with so many celebrations throughout the year, it’s challenging to fit them all in!

One of our favourite times is Deepavali (Diwali), the Festival of Lights. Taking place from 29 October – 3 November this year, it’s a special period for Indians to celebrate light winning over darkness. This message is especially meaningful for kids, reminding them to stay strong when things are tough.

Celebrating Deepavali with your children can be fun and educational. It’s a good chance to learn about Indian culture and the things we have in common with people from all around the globe. Living in Singapore, Nathan and Quentin are exposed to different languages and cultures every day, which helps them to become more open-minded. Read on for some ideas of activities to do with your kids during this year’s five-day Deepavali celebration.

Left: Pop into the Indian Heritage Centre

Day 1: Out & About

Traditionally, people clean their homes and shop for new clothes to wear during the festivities to bring good fortune. Some may buy gold and kitchen utensils as well. If cleaning doesn’t sound like fun, Deepavali is the ideal opportunity to visit Little India. You can pick out decorations together. Most shops and the Festival Village along Campbell Lane sell items such as clothes, snacks, and festive trinkets. Look for peacock feathers for good luck, flower garlands, stencils, and coloured powders to make rangolis – bright, colourful, and intricate religious and symbolic designs. If your children enjoy dressing up, you can find beautiful Indian outfits for them too. While you’re there, pay a visit to these:

  • Sri Veerama Kaliamman Temple: This vibrant temple offers a wonderful opportunity to learn about Hindu deities and their significance. Ask your children who can discover the most statues while appreciating the artistry and symbolism of each ( 141 Serangoon Road, 218042)
  • Indian Heritage Centre: Check their website for special Deepavali activities like dance shows or workshops for kids ( indianheritage.gov.sg)
  • Little India murals: There are fantastic murals in this area, and they offer a unique way to discover Indian culture and history. We love ‘tHIS is our STORY’ by Yip Yew Chong (Lembu Square), ‘Traditional Trades of Little India’ by Psyfool (Belilios Lane) and ‘Kathaka’ by Didier Mathieu (Upper Dickson Road)
  • Indian snacks & sweets: Grab some yummy fare at the food bazaar or try sweet treats from a local shop. Komala Vilas Sweets ( 4 Upper Dickson Road, 207464) has a wide variety. If you don’t like crowds, do these activities on weekends leading up to Deepavali, as Little India gets busy during the celebrations

Day 2: Decorations

  • People decorate their homes with clay lamps and rangolis. Locals create these stunning floor designs made with coloured powders, which can be quite complicated. Get ideas by watching YouTube with your kids. There are also stencils available from Mustafa Centre ( 145 Syed Alwi Road, 207704) or Lazada ( lazada.sg)
  • Pick a spot and place the stencil on the floor (or a sturdy plate if you’re worried about the mess)
  • Sprinkle some powder over the stencil and gently rub it in
  • Carefully lift the stencil. Ta-da!

If you don’t have stencils, encourage your children to draw mandalas instead. (See above image).

  1. Draw a small circle.
  2. Think of it as a compass. Add triangles that point to North, South, East, and West.
  3. Add triangle points in between North, South, East, and West so you’ve got eight spaces to play with.
  4. Add a circle to the end of each triangle.
  5. Keep building your mandala! Each time you add something, be sure to include it in all eight slices of the pie. You can add circles, domes, triangles, squares, lines, waves, and outlines. This process keeps kids focused and calm.

Day 3: Party time!

The main day of Deepavali is all about family coming together and enjoying a big meal. Dress up for the occasion! Put on those clothes you bought in Little India, or wear bright, festive colours to celebrate. Order Indian food at home or visit a nearby Indian restaurant. My boys love egg or cheese prata (flatbreads), Murukku (crunchy and twisted deep-fried snacks made from chickpea flour and spices), and Ladoo (sweet balls made with flour, sugar, and ghee – the Indian butter). Don’t forget to light up your diyas! These clay lamps bring good fortune to your home.

Day 4: Happy New Year!

This is the first day of the new year, when friends and relatives visit with gifts.

Left: Nathan and Quentin embrace the festive spirit

Day 5: Creative Cooking

Traditionally, brothers visit their married sisters on this day, but if you’re not doing visitations, this is a chance to get creative in the kitchen. There are many easy Indian snack recipes online. Nathan and Quentin like making Nankhatai, a light, crisp, and delicious eggless cookie.

Play a guessing game with spices while you cook. Take a few common Indian spices (like star anise, coriander seeds, cloves, and cardamom), grind them up, and let your kids smell and try each one. Then, mix them together and see if your kids can identify each spice by smell, sight, and taste. Blindfold them for an extra challenge!

Severine Male is the founder of KiddoTrip, a self-guided tour platform for families.
 kiddotrip.com

Perfect weekends at Marlborough College Malaysia

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There is the option to take part in creative pursuits such as ceramics

When the last bell rings on Friday afternoon, it signals the start of another fun-packed weekend for boarders at Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) – a time when the campus community gathers together to enjoy a range of enriching experiences with friends. And with the addition of even more weekend activities on offer, pupils are relishing the chance to explore new hobbies, from kayaking to ceramics, to climbing and lifesaving skills.

Each Saturday morning, boarders start their day with a buffet breakfast in the dining hall before diving into their chosen activity, specifically tailored for their age group. Pupils can opt for either “active” or “creative” pursuits, ensuring that they find something that matches their interests, as well as giving them the chance to learn something new. Over the course of five weeks, pupils are guided by specialist teachers and taught the basic skills needed before being set a final challenge. For instance, boarders may learn how to kayak and paddleboard on the college lake before taking part in a final skills test, or they might learn how to operate a pottery wheel before making their own ceramics.

“Pupils enjoy a truly holistic education and become all-rounders”

Pupils enjoy new experiences such as learning to paddleboard on the college lake

University & beyond

Mr. Tolba, Boarding Activities Co-ordinator at MCM, explained that “the benefits of expanding our boarding activities programme means that pupils enjoy a truly holistic education and become all-rounders, gaining experiences in all kinds of activities and building skills that will help prepare them for university and beyond.”

As well as the offerings on Saturday morning, boarders also have the opportunity to participate in weekend trips such as going to the cinema, visiting Legoland, or taking a day trip to Singapore. There is also time to simply relax and enjoy the college facilities, and many boarders make use of the swimming pool, sports pitches, and tennis courts.

MCM’s dedication to the evolving weekend programme for boarders is part of its award-winning pastoral and boarding care, which has recently led to the opening of two additional boarding houses this academic year. Boarders enjoy a real “home-from-home’ experience”, with plenty of teachers living on campus, creating a supportive community that pupils love. With so much fun to be had, it’s easy to see why boarders at MCM thoroughly enjoy their weekends.

To find out more about boarding at Marlborough College Malaysia email admissions@marlboroughcollege.my or visit www.marlboroughcollegemalaysia.org for more information.

 

 

Marlborough College Malaysia
 +60 7 560 2200
 www.marlboroughcollegemalaysia.org
 Marlborough College Malaysia
 mcmalaysia
 @MarlboroughMCM
 Marlborough College Malaysia

AIS student, 6, bikes 128km around Singapore for Cambodian children

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Six year old Australian International School (AIS) student AJ is a girl who knows what’s important in life.

During a trip to Cambodia earlier this year, AJ and her family visited the Angkor Kids Centre, a non-profit organisation providing English language and computer literacy education to children in rural areas.

AJ saw firsthand how previous book donations from AIS were helping the local children. The visit also involved donating sports gear, which was warmly received. AJ learned about the challenging conditions the students face, such as walking long distances to attend English classes after a full day at their regular schools. Despite the difficulties, the children take pride in maintaining their classroom, even sweeping it clean before each session.

Fundraising ideas

AJ was moved by the students’ determination and the challenges they face, especially the deteriorating state of the AKC’s facilities. The roof at the Angkor Kids Centre is in poor condition, and the solar power system’s batteries are old and unreliable.

Determined to help, AJ discussed fundraising ideas with her parents, ultimately deciding on a biking challenge that would test her limits. The goal was ambitious: complete the entire 128km loop around Singapore within 10 days, all while attending school during the day. AJ gave up her usual after-school activities to focus on biking, committing to cycling every day to achieve her target.

The fundraising goal was set at SG$5,000 (approximately USD$3,740), with all proceeds going directly to AKC for critical repairs and resources.

AJ’s challenge quickly garnered attention and support from her school community and beyond. It not only raised awareness but also inspired others to contribute to the cause.

AJ completed a 128 km ride in 8 days, surpassing her target. Her efforts raised significant funds to repair AKC’s roof, replace solar batteries, and support staffing needs for students. AJ’s journey shows how even the youngest can make a significant impact through compassion and determination.

What a star you are AJ!

 

ANZA Soccer October Camp 14 – 17 October

ANZA Soccer

ANZA Soccer October Camp

The camp runs for four days and welcome all ANZA members, including children who do not currently play soccer with ANZA, and non-members. The camp will be conducted by our professional coaches, and offer a blend of skills training, fitness activities, and enjoyable games.

Encourage your friends to join so they can also enjoy our fantastic program. It’s an excellent opportunity for them to discover what makes ANZA Soccer unique.

Regardless of the weather conditions, the camps will proceed as scheduled – in case of inclement weather, please remember to bring a towel and a change of clothes.

Date: 14 – 17 October
Time: 
9:00am to 1:00pm
Venue:
The Cage Dempsey
Ages: 
6 to 14 years old
Cost:
$350 per camp

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ANZA Ladies Night @ LeVeL33 Wednesday 23 October

ANZA Ladies Night LeVeL33

ANZA Ladies Night is going PINK in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October. Join us and raise awareness for an essential cause.

For ANZA’s October Ladies Night there’s only one thing for it: put on your favourite shades of pink – whether it’s a fabulous fushia dress, a chic cerise blazer, or your sassiest shades of scarlet – and join us to paint the town pink in support of Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF). Pink Ribbon pins will be available on the night with donations going BCF.

The fun takes place at LeVeL33 on Wednesday, 23 October. Located atop Marina Bay Financial Centre, this panoramic rooftop venue offers craft beers (from their in-house brewery) alongside a great selection of wines, spirits, and cocktails. Come along from 6.30pm – 9.30pm for hot discounts, to hang out with our community, and for a few bevvies (including a special Pink Ribbon cocktail) against the stunning backdrop of the Marina Bay skyline.

Here’s what’s in store:

  • LeVeL33 Craft Beers $10 nett
  • Prosecco $10 nett
  • Pinot and Sauvignon $10 nett each
  • LeVel33 Cocktails $12 nett
  • Blond-ie (a signature beer cocktail) $12 nett
  • Pink Ribbon Cocktail $12 nett

Flying solo or with a gaggle of girlfriends, the ANZA team will be there to welcome you on the night!

Time : 6:30pm – 9.30pm
Venue: LeVeL33, 8 Marina Boulevard #33-01, Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1, Singapore 018981

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