What’s on in Singapore in September & October

Sep 4 2023

All That Jazz

Remember those few years we were all stuck indoors due to that thing called Covid? It played havoc on the livelihoods of local jazz musicians, and many artists had to rely on social media to get their work out there. The Eden Jazz Festival at Blu Jaz Café is a two-day event showcasing many of those musicians who are now able to perform live again. There will be four bands per night playing as you enjoy a few pints, so head along to show some support.
6 & 7 October. Jazz Loft (3rd floor Blu Jaz Café), 11 Bali Lane, 189848 Tickets available at the door and from eventbrite.sg

Head to Clay Camp

If you’ve enjoyed a drink or nibble at the Art Science Museum, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, National Gallery of Singapore, or with the late Queen Elizabeth II (the studio crafted a tea set for her 90th birthday), you might know Mud Rock. This local ceramicist brand, founded by Michelle Lim and Seok Har Ng, are celebrating their 10th anniversary with a five-day Clay Camp at the end of September. Participants can take part in masterclasses (ranging from Porcelain Throwing to Glaze and Lustre-making) and lectures, all led by award-winning ceramic masters including Greg Daly, an Australian ceramic artist.
27 September – 3 October claycampsingapore.com

In The Running

Anyone feeling energetic? The biggest race in Singapore, Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, takes place on 1 – 3 December 2023. Runners thread through the heart of the city, passing by Singapore’s heritage sites, iconic skylines and landmarks such as Chinatown, Little India, Marina Bay Sands, and Gardens by the Bay. Opt for the marathon, half marathon, 10KM, 5KM or Kids’ Dash.
F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Blvd, 038975
singaporemarathon.com

Design For Life

Singapore Design Week 2023 is back this year with more than 50 different events including design exhibitions, fairs, marketplaces, tours, showcases, talks and symposiums. Keep your eyes peeled for flashes of creativity around Bras Basah, Bugis, Marina Bay and Orchard Road.
21 September – 1 October
sdw.designsingapore.org

Mad For It!

Madagascar – The Musical will be in town throughout January, so if you (or the little ones in your life) fancy an animal adventure, get booking. This gorgeous story follows Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Gloria the hip hip Hippo and more as they escape from New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on a journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. What else to do but sing and dance? Pure joy!
18 – 28 January 2024
1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981
madagascarontour.com

Make yourself at home with Singapore American School

Sep 1 2023

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Having lived in three different countries, I’m keenly aware that Singapore is not my home, even though I’ve lived here for 21 years. I was reminded earlier today that I am not the only one who is rootless when a friend and colleague of 11 years shared that they’d be moving at the end of the school year. These feelings of living a nomadic existence shouldn’t surprise me, but they do. With each Singapore American School graduating class, I know that another cohort of students will experience similar feelings as they transition to university and beyond. Some will choose to settle in one country, making it their permanent home. Others may not feel anchored in any particular country, including their country of passport, and choose to live the life of a sojourner.

Author Shoshana Zuboff notes, “It is in the nature of human attachment that every journey sets in motion the search for home; however, we know it’s not always possible, or even desirable, to return to the same patch of earth. Home need not always correspond to a single dwelling or place. We can choose its form and location but not its meaning…home is where we know and where we are known, where we love and are beloved.”

Known, loved, and beloved

What unites us is a connection with those who have shared similar life experiences. I’m reminded of Zuboff’s words as I think of the former SAS educators I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside. I suspect many alumni can recall shared life experiences with these impactful educators, as well as fellow students whom they made sure felt known, loved, and beloved throughout their time studying at SAS.

Not even the physical structures have permanence. As I type these words, significant construction is underway on campus. Within the next few years, new elementary and middle schools will be built. With ongoing renovations, the campus will change, so much so that if you left a few years ago and return to visit, you would not recognise the spaces and places. While these physical changes are welcome, former SAS Superintendent Bob Gross notes, “From its inception in 1956, SAS has focused on creating a vibrant learning environment that is child-centered, international in perspective, engaging, active and critical.”

“What unites us is a connection with those with similar life experiences”

Laws of transition

In the midst of learning, there is constant transition. Dr. Doug Otto, psychologist and international educator, notes in his book Safe Passages that there are Six Laws of Transition:

LAW 1 You have to say a clear “goodbye” in order to say a clear “hello.” We have to grieve well to leave well.

LAW 2 For every connection, there is an equal and opposite connection. For a person to connect with others, that other person must be willing and able to make the connection.

LAW 3 The Transition Team is the Transition Team for the Transition Team. We are all, at some point, moving on.

LAW 4 A person’s role within a school is subject to drift. Arrivers become stayers, and stayers become leavers. Arrivers need to be helped to consider accepting the roles and responsibilities of the stayers when the time comes.

LAW 5 Humans need safe attachments to the community. We all need a place(s) and spaces to belong.

LAW 6 An international school should conceive of itself as a transitional attachment object for its clientele. We need to be intentional in building community in our actions, activities, and architecture.

The international school community is unique, filled with individuals who have experienced multiple transitions and have had to redefine what being at home means. While our physical presence may not be permanent, the connections and memories fostered through friendships at SAS will last a lifetime.

How about you? It’s likely the relationships formed while attending your school mattered, and still do. When was the last time you took a moment to connect with a former classmate, teacher, counselor, or administrator, letting them know of the positive impact they’ve had on your life during your time attending or serving at your school?
I’m fully aware that my time at Singapore American School too will come to pass. I don’t view this with trepidation. Rather, in our remaining years, with gratitude, I intend to bask in the “awe” international education has provided me and our family throughout our international career.

Singapore American School
40 Woodlands St 41, Singapore 738547
Email: sasinfo@sas.edu.sg
Phone: +65 6363 3403

facebook.com/singaporeamericanschool
@samericanschool
@SAmericanSchool
linkedin.com/school/singapore-american-school

ANZA Magazine September/October 2023 is out now!

Sep 1 2023

Hotspots: Humpback

Aug 29 2023

From left: Oyster platter. Mussel toast with spicy nduja

A stalwart in Bukit Pasoh, Humpback, located in a 1930s shophouse, has undergone an exciting transformation with a revamped menu and interior. The new roster offers seafood-focused dishes blending European culinary traditions with Japanese influences, complemented by an extensive wine collection. A meal here invariably involves oysters and – reader – we couldn’t wait!

We started with Hama Hama oysters with light and clean undertones and a hint of cucumber. Each one is freshly shucked and served with its house mignonette, lemon, and a seasonal citrus. My favourite, Summerstone, was a lusciously creamy number that carried a touch of sea breeze and culminated in an unexpected, sweet aftertaste ($8 each, min 6x order). We paired them with a refreshing glass of Loire Valley Muscadet Domaine L’Ecu Classic 2020, ($19/ glass, $90/bottle).

From the Snacks and Bites section, we relished the Mussel Toast with Spicy Nduja priced at $16 for two pieces. This irresistible snack features succulent and plump Australian mussels tossed in a smoked oil, served on toasted brioche fingers and topped with vinegar gel, fennel flowers, and chives. Moving on to my personal standout, we had the House-cured Hamachi Pastrami ($18). This light yet refined starter packed in a generous serving of sliced Hamachi cured in-house with pastrami spices and then smoked with applewood; the dish is finished with smoked sour cream, pickled mustard seeds and dill sprigs.

From left: Whole marble goby with broccolini, black garlic and mussels. Cavatelli and wine

From the Small Plates we tried the White Asparagus with Blue Crab and White Miso ($25) where chunks of lump blue crab came with shaved white asparagus, all dressed in a delicate miso-mustard dressing. The Red Prawn Tartare with Tosazu Jelly and Pomelo ($26) was delectable, featuring sweet and meaty Argentinian scampi marinated in dashi and rice wine vinegar, then combined with tomato, celery, and pomelo.

We wrapped up with the outstanding Ricotta Cavatelli with Swordfish Bacon and Chitose Corn ($28), the only pasta available. The smoky flavour of the fish bacon beautifully complements this creamy dish and was a unanimous winner among our group, not least because it was accompanied by a glass of Domaine Bachelet-Monnot Chardonnay 2020 ($26/glass; $125/bottle), a lively white burgundy with velvety notes and a long finish.
From the Large Dishes, we opted for the Marble Goby with Broccolini, Black Garlic and mussels ($52). This featured two generously sized fillets of wild-caught marble goby which were expertly pan-seared with thyme, garlic, and butter. The fish was finished with a reduction of mussel jus and brown butter, served alongside broccolini and black garlic that put a perfect finising touch on the fish.

By this point, we were fit to burst, but somehow managed to squeeze in the Toasted Castella Cake with Crème Fraîche Ice Cream and Soy Caramel ($14), a delicious combination of sweet and savoury flavours. The soy caramel provided an umami taste topped with wafer-thin flakes of snow salt for a special touch, making it an ideal finish to an excellent meal.

Verdict: Humpback’s new menu is innovative and unique. It brings a flavourful fusion of Scandinavian and Japanese essence resulting in a culinary experience where the freshness of the ingredients and sophisticated techniques deliver fantastic food. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted showcasing the chefs’ creativity and passion – a must-visit!

Humpback
18-20 Bukit Pasoh Rd, 08983
humpback.sg

ANZA PickleBall Clinics | Starting Friday 22 September

Aug 29 2023

The ANZA Pickleball Clinics are a 4-week programme designed for newcomers to the game wanting to learn the basic skills of pickleball.

Played on a court with players of two or four, it’s fast moving, heaps of fun, and will get your fitness levels up! It might just be your new sporting obsession.

Our specialist coaches from the Pickleball Academy Singapore have all played pickleball competitively and want to spread their passion for this fast paced and unique sport. The emphasis is to have fun and improve your game.

All participants will be provided with a complimentary pair of paddles and a t-shirt.

Cost: $240

When: Fridays (starting on 22 September, with the last session on 13 October 2023)
Time Option: 10am – 12pm
Start Date: 22 September 2023
Where: Red Quarters

This venue is centrally located close to Singapore Stadium, indoors, has free roadside parking, toilets and showers, and has a viewing gallery and rest area.

What to bring: towel, plenty of water, dress in appropriate sporting attire, court shoes are recommended, otherwise minimally running shoes

Please join the WhatsApp group. The link will be provided on your confirmation notice after you have completed registration.

A minimum of 8-12 players required.

Registration to ANZA Pickleball is only available to ANZA members. Click here to Join ANZA!

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Growing up as an expat in Singapore – Nina’s story

Aug 28 2023

Hello, my name is Nina. I’m nine years old and from Australia, with European heritage. I can’t remember coming to Singapore as I was only two years old, but my first memory here is breaking my arm at the Singapore Science Centre when I was three (!).

When I think of Singapore, I think of bustling crowds, my friends, hot (temperature and chilli), green grass, Indian minor birds, monitor lizards, hawker centres, playing on HDB playgrounds, half boiled eggs, pangolins (which are from Singapore and nearly extinct because of their beautiful shells), and Jurong Bird Park.

“When I think of Singapore, I think of hawker centres and HDB playgrounds”

Awesome Aunty

If we were living in Australia, my parents would be working all day long and we would also have no Aunty to help us. In Singapore, we have an awesome Aunty called Rosaly who helps Mum and Dad to spend more time with myself and my brother Miles. When we eventually move back to Australia, we will move to Melbourne near my Oma and Opa, and I hope to get a house with a back yard, a sausage dog called Ash, and a Birman cat called Majid.

I go to school at Dover Court International School, and I’ve been going there for six years. I’ve had the same school bus driver, Uncle Majid the whole time, and I feel like I’m part of the school now. My favourite subject is Project Work because we learn about the land, the sea and the sky. My dream jobs when I‘m older are to be a singer and songwriter, an animal rescuer and an artist who paints with watercolours. My favourite hobby is making slimes and potions, but my mummy and daddy don’t like it as it stains everything.

The Matildas

I joined ANZA Soccer in 2022 because I love soccer and my parents encouraged me to join. We get up early on Saturday morning to go, but it’s worth it. I really like my team “The Matildas – Sirens” because the girls are super-nice, and we always have fun. Our coaches Andy and Will are also funny and teach us a lot, however we need to practice at winning because we only won one match this year. I’m looking forward to next season already.

My best friends in Singapore are Olivia, Molly, Gracie, Ellie, Alaz and Joao. They are from a mix of Singapore, England, New Zealand, Australia, Turkey, Brazil, Italy, South Africa. They are cool because they all make me laugh and this is just what friends are for.

What makes me happy is my hamster, Dylan, animals, singing and dancing, and making slime. My favourite foods are pasta, dumplings, sushi and udon noodle soup. I’m vegetarian because I love animals.

Nina with dad Tristan, brother Miles, and mum Julia

My special message to my family who are reading this from overseas is “Hi family, I love you so much!!!!!!!!”. I also want to wish ANZA a massive Happy 75th birthday and wish it another 75 years or more in the future.

Bye!

Expat Health Coverage: Is my employer’s insurance enough?

Aug 28 2023

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Many expats make the mistake of assuming they can rely on their employer-provided health insurance, only to realise their misconception when it’s too late. From not knowing their corporate benefits to feeling healthy, there are various reasons why expats avoid investing in health insurance.

However, it’s crucial to understand that most corporate health insurance policies offer only standard coverage at best, and healthcare inflation is rapidly rising. While living in the Lion City grants you access to world-class healthcare, it comes at a cost – and the peace of mind that comes from having expat health insurance is invaluable.

Our friends from Pacific Prime CXA are here to discuss why your employer’s insurance coverage is likely inadequate.

Corporate Health Insurance: Pros & Cons

A corporate health insurance policy undeniably offers a great benefit as it provides a certain level of financial protection for your health, covered by your employer. However, issues such as coverage amount and policy duration highlight the problem of solely depending on a corporate health insurance plan to fulfill your needs.

A significant advantage of an employer-provided health plan is the waiver of the waiting period, ensuring employees are covered from the first day of the policy. Similarly, claims are often accepted regardless of any pre-existing conditions (though you should review the policy to confirm) and pre-medical screenings are not required.

Downsides of corporate health plans, such as coverage amount and the capping of hospital room rent capping, can result in you having to pay the difference out of pocket – which can be a substantial amount considering Singapore’s healthcare costs. Your coverage is also tied to your employment, leaving you without coverage if your employment ends.

It’s also important to note that dependent family members aren’t always covered by employer health insurance plans. If you’re in Singapore with your family, ensure that your corporate health plan also covers them, or consider obtaining family health insurance to bridge the gaps.

Why Expat Health Insurance in Singapore Is Essential

Foreigners in Singapore aren’t eligible for government-provided MediShield Life, and some don’t even have access to employer-provided health insurance. Whether you’re looking to supplement your existing policy or secure a comprehensive health insurance plan tailored to your needs, it’s wise to safeguard yourself against the unexpected.

Contact Pacific Prime CXA for impartial advice or a free plan comparison today!

Celebrating history, diversity & unity at UWCSEA

Aug 25 2023

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Founded in 1971, UWCSEA celebrated its 50th year during the 2021/2022 school year. Fiftieth celebrations included a series of community-centred events with students, staff, parents, alumni, as well as global and local community partners. Celebrations ended with the highly anticipated UWCSEA Forum – ‘Learning to Shape the Future’. This capstone event was held over two days and played host to more than 2,000 attendees from more than 128 countries. The forum was a celebration of the past 50 years of college history and the many contributions made to the success of our holistic model of education.

Service from the heart

One of the five interlinking elements of the UWCSEA learning programme is ‘Service’. This is at the heart of the UWCSEA Mission and enables students to actively contribute to solving social and environmental problems, globally and locally. We believe that when students deepen their understanding of why these problems exist, they realise that everyone can play a part in taking informed, purposeful action. UWCSEA has 115 Global Concerns service groups and 96 local service groups in Singapore. In our 50th year we showcased some of the partnerships students have fostered over the years with our Singapore partners and you can listen to these stories on our UWCSEA Stories podcast.
During this year’s Hari Raya celebrations, nine of our student-led Local Service groups on East Campus hosted an event for local community partners. They also enjoyed cultural performances by preschool students from SGM Murni Child Care Centre, a UWCSEA service partner of 10 years.

Connections to local and global communities through our service programme enables students to develop their sense of identity as global citizens, who have the ability to enact positive change in the world.

Intercultural understanding

The intentional diversity in our UWCSEA community adds to the learning environment and outcomes for our students: increasing the richness of ideas, creating an internationalist mindset and, most importantly, building an understanding and respect for others. We honour diversity through the recognition and celebration of cultural holidays and festivals; through linguistic landscaping and displays on campus; and through in-classroom activities and academic programmes.

‘Artists in Residence’ is one programme that brings students and cultures together through art, drama, music and other artistic forms. Students have been fortunate to receive instruction from Uli Fadhli, founder of Inspire to Greatness, who works with local communities and schools to share his passion for Silat- a fusion of traditional art and music from the Nusantara and surrounding areas of Southeast Asia.

Community spirit

In celebration of community spirit and diversity, this year saw the much-anticipated return of the annual UWCSEA Family Festival and Community Fair on East and Dover Campuses. Together these events hosted 5,000 guests; 90 vendors; almost 400 volunteers and performers; and more than 100 student-led Global Concerns groups.

The food stalls were a standout, showcasing culinary delights from around the world – Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Thai, American, Australian, German, Middle Eastern, Dutch and more! Stalls are run by parents, staff, and students, and visitors could sample a variety of homemade recipes and family favourites. There was plenty of fun for everyone with bouncy castles, face painting, carnival games, handicraft stalls, used book sales and sports games. The annual UWCSEA Family Festival and Community Fair are wonderful celebrations of our college community and are put together by our dedicated Parents’ Associations.

Reflecting on our history in Singapore and looking ahead, we are excited. Excited about the future of learning for our students; about the stories of impact that will come from our alumni; and about the continued strengthening of our ties with local service partners. As a united UWCSEA community we will continue our mission to make education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future for all.

UWC South East Asia
Dover Campus: 1207 Dover Rd, 139654 | 6774 2653
East Campus: 1 Tampines Street 73, 528704 | 6305 5353
uwcsea.edu.sg admissions@uwcsea.edu.sg

10 minutes with … ANZA’s General Manager Kerry Low

Aug 24 2023

Congratulations on 12 years in the driving seat! How’s the ride been?
Sometimes a rollercoaster, sometimes a racing car, and sometimes a sailing boat, but never lonely and always fun!

You joined ANZA in 2011. What was your first task?
To immerse myself in the ANZA community and connect with the incredible volunteers who are the driving force behind ANZA’s sports and sub-groups. It was essential for me to understand their valuable contributions and the dedication they bring to our organisation. Many of these individuals continue to be steadfast ANZA rockstar volunteers to this day.

What was ANZA’s membership and demographic like back then?
Australians and New Zealanders accounted for approximately 70%. However, over the years, ANZA has successfully conveyed its message of inclusivity for everyone, resulting in a significant diversification of its membership base. Today, ANZA proudly represents over 60 nationalities, attracting and engaging individuals from all backgrounds and cultures, creating a vibrant and multicultural association.

How else has ANZA evolved?
We’ve undergone significant evolution in terms of operations and communications. A new CRM system has greatly improved our data collection and reporting capabilities. Our revamped website now offers comprehensive editorial content and details on ANZA events and sub-groups, while also facilitating effective information sharing. The weekly e-newsletter keeps our members informed.

“Every day brings fun, challenges, and continuous learning”

What do you think has most contributed to our success?
The strong sense of community fostered by our members and the volunteers who lead our sports and sub-groups. Also, the invaluable support of our strategic partners who share ANZA’s vision and values. Many of these partnerships have endured for decades. I enjoy working to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with new and existing partners who are valued contributors to our community. These partnerships play a vital role in ensuring the sustainability and growth of ANZA.

What’s been your proudest moment?
There’s too many to mention, but I will pick the remarkable resilience and unity our community demonstrated during the pandemic. It was an anxious time which included cancelling major fundraising events and pausing our weekly sports and sub-group sessions. Nonetheless, it was through the collective efforts, cooperation, and unwavering support of our community that we managed to keep ANZA strong.

Please answer the following: I couldn’t do my job without …
My team. Over the past 12 years I’ve worked with some extremely talented and dedicated professionals, and the support of the ANZA Executive Committee. They serve as the caretakers of our organisation.

What do you most enjoy about your role?
Every day brings fun, challenges, and continuous learning. My job also brings a profound sense of purpose on a personal level, providing me with an extended family, especially when my own is far away. My life has been enriched in ways I could have never imagined, reminding me of the boundless goodness and generosity that exists within our community.

What makes the hard work worth it?
When I read heartfelt messages from departing members. They often share a common sentiment, exemplified by one I’d like to share: “We have thoroughly enjoyed our experience with ANZA. The community that has been created and sustained over generations, and the friendships and support we have experienced have been priceless. We wholeheartedly recommend ANZA as a ‘MUST’ for any newcomers to Singapore”.

What are your hopes for ANZA?
That we continue to thrive in the next 75 years and beyond, expand our reach and impact, touch the lives of even more individuals and make a lasting difference in our community.

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