After becoming a single parent in the Philippines and juggling the responsibilities of being a sole provider and a parent, Rowena decided to work in Singapore, with the goal of supporting her son and creating a better life for him. “The first two years of being a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) were honestly not that easy, as it was so hard to be away from my family. I kept crying at night and felt very homesick.” But in 2015, Rowena joined Aidha. She was very happy and excited because it signalled the beginning of a new journey and gave her a purpose. “After joining Aidha, it really changed my life. Because of Aidha, little-by-little, step-by-step, I can make my dreams come true! Aidha taught me to manage my money, be more confident and how to communicate well with people.”

Aidha offers classes in money management, computer skills, leadership, entrepreneurship and English. The idea is to prepare the students to go out into the world and be financially independent, whether that be saving money or starting a business. Since meeting Rowena, Ann Jarrold, her employer and ANZA member, has seen how capable she is in managing her money and handling herself with confidence. “She is very focused on providing an education and stability for her son. She is in the process of buying a house back in the Philippines. Aidha helps FDWs to learn, grow and gain confidence. The majority come here to earn money to support family back home and it can be easy for them to lose sight of the long term, the importance of planning for their own future. Aidha helps them take control of their future by making better financial decisions and teaching them computer skills and the keys to running a successful business.”

AIDHA TOUR DE SINGAPORE
Aidha also offers a community for students and volunteers alike. There are potluck dinners, Zumba classes, health check-ups and more. One of the sporting highlights for Rowena was Aidha’s ‘Tour de Singapore’ where more than 90 cyclists, including the ANZA cyclists, rode in the OCBC Cycle to raise awareness and funds for financial literacy programmes for FDWs and other low-income women. “It was a great experience, not just for fun, but to help to raise funds for the FDW scholarship program, together with the Aidha supporters such as Barclays and the ANZA team,” says Rowena. “As an alumni of Aidha, I benefitted from the same scholarship when I was a student.” Team Aidha were also supported by the ANZA cyclists on a 25km practice ride, where ANZA riders provided useful tips about safe cycling.

ENROLLING AND VOLUNTEERING
Three-hour classes are held on two Sundays a month for six months at UWCSEA Dover campus. The heavily-subsidised fee is $200 for employers and $150 for self-supporting FDWs. Either the FDW can enrol herself or an employer can do the enrolment for her. New enrolments start almost every month. There are three modules in total, each building on the other, and culminating in a big graduation ceremony in October. Aidha relies on volunteers from all backgrounds and walks of life, not only to teach the students, but also to support the staff. The next Volunteer Orientation day is Sunday, 21 July.

Visit aidha.org, call 6341 5287 or email info@aidha.org for more information.

6-9 Jun
(5pm – 11PM)
Summer Matsuri 2019
Resorts World Sentosa, Forum, Level B1
Celebrate Japan’s summer season with this festival, which includes Japanese food, film screenings and cultural performances. Try award-winning donburis, grilled seafood, a sake bar and unique snacks and watch Koenji Awa-Odori Dance and Akita Kanto – a thrilling pole lantern display. Free.

8 Jun
Professor Brian Cox Universal World Tour The Star Theatre
Using state of the art graphics and imagery from ground-based telescopes and space probes, Brian will offer a fascinating insight into the Universe. Visual highlights include a journey around and into a black hole a well as fundamental questions about the value of science, and why we should trust it. Tickets from $90, Sistic

8-9 Jun
Ultra Singapore
Ultra Park, Bayfront Ave
Get your rave on at this two-day dance party, boasting the world’s top EDM DJ’s. Expect crowds of dance music fans, fabulous stage designs, lighting and production. This year’s line-up includes Skrillex, Josh Wink, Martin Garrix, Jamie Jones and more. 1-day tickets from $158, ultrasingapore.com

15-30 Jun
(10am-5pm)
Children’s Festival 2019 by Gardens by the Bay
Supertree Grove
This colourful carnival is filled with family-friendly games and activities, inspired by characters from Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 4. Kids can learn through play, with plenty of hands-on, immersive experiences encouraging friendship and teamwork.  There will also be activities where parents and children have to work together to overcome challenges – definitely a good bonding exercise! Free.

15 Jun
Aviva Superfundae
The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay
Head down to Garden’s by the Bay for all-day outdoor play that kids of all ages will love. Check out games, workshops and activities which encourage both structured and free play. Tickets from $19.90, Sistic. superfundae.com.sg

15 Jun
STGR Uglow Marathon
The Green Race is coming to Singapore for a hybrid trail, road marathon, half marathon and 10km. Sign up for the 42km, 21km or 10km races and enjoy the lush green surrounds of beautiful Coney Island and the waterside paths of Punggol Parkway. s.tgr.run

19-22 Jun
INALA
Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands
This award-winning Zulu ballet presents an exhilarating fusion of South African and Western cultures, live on stage. Singaporean dancer Adelene Stanley performs alongside Grammy Award-winning South African choral legends, Soweto Gospel Choir in an explosion of music, song and dance. From $55, Sistic

From 5 July
Cirque Du Soleil KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities
Big Top, Bayfront Avenue, MBS
Presented in the signature Big Top, Kurios celebrates the greatest inventions of the 19th century, as audience members are transported into the Curio Cabinet of an ambitious inventor who defies the laws of time, space
and dimensions.
Tickets from $95, Sistic.

4 Jul-18 Aug
WILD RICE Housewarming Season
Funan Lifestyle Complex
Catch revivals of Wild Rice’s most popular shows at their brand new theatre. Performances include Alfian Sa’at’s An Actress Prepares, Pam Oei’s Faghag and Thomas Lim’s Supervision, alongside the premier of original production, ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN/SOMETHING MUST HAPPEN, by their award-winning youth division, Young & WILD. wildrice.com.sg

RAELENE TAN offers advice on dining etiquette in a Malay home, just in time for this month’s Hari Raya Puasa celebrations.

The Islamic festival of Hari Raya Puasa will be celebrated on Wednesday, 5 June. Coming at the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan, Hari Raya Puasa is a joyful occasion shared with family and friends, when traditional delicacies are enjoyed. Here in Singapore we have opportunities to eat festive fare in Malay restaurants or celebrate at the homes of Malay friends. This is a good time to brush up on our dining etiquette.

TABLE SETTING

At a Malay home, whether seated on colourful floor-mats or at a table, serving platters of food are placed in the centre, with serving spoons. In both instances, individual dinner plates are provided and, traditionally, cutlery is not used unless requested. Malays customarily eat with their fingers. Drinking glasses are placed at the top left of individual settings. It is usual for the host to invite guests to eat by saying, “Jemput” (help yourself) and, “Silikan” (start now). To be urged several times to begin eating shows politeness in not being greedy.

USING FINGERS

There will normally be a finger-bowl on the table for use before and after eating. Use the fingers of the right hand for eating purposes. With your fingertips, take a small amount of food and mound it smoothly, then, fingertips facing upwards, push the food quickly into the mouth using the thumb. Practice makes perfect!

SERVING FOOD

Dishes are passed around the table from right to left. The left hand is used for passing dishes when the right hand is sticky from eating. When serving oneself, the serving spoon must not touch other food on one’s individual plate. It is customary for each person to serve themselves. Rice is placed on the individual plate first. Then, other food is placed on the far (top) side of the plate. Serve yourself small portions initially, as it is considered respectful to have ‘seconds’.

SOUP

Soup is generally served in a central tureen. Consumed throughout a meal, soup is for moistening the rice and not only for drinking’s sake. Ladle a little soup over the rice on the individual plate. Solid ingredients in the soup are placed at the top of the dinner plate.

FINISHING

After a meal say, “Terima kasih” (thank you) to the host, who will reply with, “Sama-sama” (same to you). “Selamat Hari Raya!” (‘Peaceful celebration day’).

Excerpts from “Malay Etiquette-A Matter of Course” by Raelene Tan published by Landmark Books.

Who are they: A couple of different ANZA Book Clubs meet up around Singapore in the mornings and evenings to chat about all things literary. This month, we take a closer look at the long-running Tuesday morning group.
Where do they meet? “We meet on the third Tuesday of the month at 10am,” says clubber Tanya Burrows. “We tend to gather at each other’s homes. The host provides morning tea, scones, cakes and biscuits.”
What’s it all about? “It’s a lovely group and everyone’s shared love is reading. You only need to read one book a month, but we often discuss other books we’re reading as well. We choose our books over a year ahead, so people can plan their reading. We tend to read recently published books but add a few oldies as well.”
What does a typical meeting entail? “We sit around and chat and then one of us provides the author’s bio. Then each of us talks about the book we’ve just read and gives it a mark out of 10,” says Tanya. “The convenor takes notes and sends out a review afterwards. It’s always interesting when we have different points of view about the book in question!”
Guest authors: “We combined with another ANZA book group for an author visit with Rosie Milne. She wrote Olivia and Sophia (a novel based on the lives of Sir Stanford Raffles wives) and recent book Circumstance. She had interesting insights into writing and researching a book. We all enjoyed it thoroughly.”
Best thing about the group? “It’s a very relaxed, welcoming book group, with a reliable structure. We try to vary the books and that means we all read books we wouldn’t necessarily pick up ourselves. My favourites are the local Singapore novels, but we also read thrillers, classics and non-fiction. It’s a fantastic mix.”
How do I join? You need to be a current ANZA member, then head to the ANZA website and click on groups, book club. “We are always open to new members,” says Tanya. “There are day or evening choices available. We have only ladies in our group, but blokes are very welcome too.”
Hot tip: “It’s a really good idea to join the Singapore Library Service (nlb.gov.sg) – there are many branches, and tons of print books and ebooks available,” suggests Tanya. “Kinokuniya is also a great book shop if you like to own the books you read.”

ANZA currently has book clubs running on Tuesday mornings and Monday evenings. Find out more about Book Clubs at anza.org.sg/groups/book-club

Where is home? 
Home is the south coast of England, just outside Brighton. We’ve lived in Singapore for nearly 18 months. My husband Richard was offered a full-time job with Airbus Asia Training Centre, based in Seletar. We are here with our 13-year-old son, Tom.

How did you become the author of Blood & Bandages? 
Purely by chance. My parents-in-law live a few houses down from William Earl, the book’s star. They’ve been friends for years and as he got older, they started to look after him. William was at their house one Remembrance Sunday when I popped in. As the Veterans March Past began, William started reminiscing about his time in the RAMC during WW2.

Who is William Earl?
William is an independent and bright 103-year-old former dispensing chemist. He’s a sports fan and lifelong supporter of Arsenal football team. He’s engaging and gregarious and has a keen eye for a pretty face. He’ll never turn down an adventure and sees each day as a blessing.

What’s the book about? 
It focuses on the period 1939-1946 when William met his first wife Mary, was called up to serve in the RAMC as a nursing orderly, and his service in North Africa and Italy. His story is set in the context of the wider conflict and reveals the stories of his comrades, equally brave and selfless men who fought to save lives on the frontline at battles such as Enfidaville, Salerno and Anzio. It’s a unique and compelling story.

How long did this project take? 
We started in January 2009 and worked right up until the publisher’s deadline in September 2016. It was hard work and at times the only thing that kept me going was my promise to tell William’s story.

Did you worry about finishing the book in time, given William’s advanced years?
We started when he was 96, so it was always in the back of my mind. I needed to gather his evidence quickly and accurately so our interviews were recorded. I also felt that William’s testimony should be captured on film, so I have several hours of film footage. Once I had that, I knew I had enough material to work with should he pass away before the project was finished.

How much did you learn about WW2?
A huge amount. I was starting from scratch and to pull this off I had to acquire a general knowledge of WW2 in northern and southern Europe; a good knowledge of the Italian campaign, the operation of the RAMC and the 56th London Division and an expert knowledge of a Field Ambulance and the 214th in particular.

How did you research?
I started with general textbooks on WW2 and moved onto books about the Italian campaign. I tracked down rare books on the RAMC’s operation published in 1943-4, but most importantly I trawled through hundreds of original documents at the National Archives in Kew, London. Eventually, I knew more about William’s war than he did himself. The book includes extracts from his letters home, original photographs, training manuals, and official war diaries.

What relationship did you form with William? 
We formed a relationship based on honesty, love, respect and support, which still exists today. We like each other and the warmth of our relationship can be felt in the prose. He trusted me with memories that he had never shared and I trusted him to disclose the truth, warts and all. He gave up his privacy and I put my beloved screenwriting on hold to complete this project.

How excited was he to see the completed book? 
Very excited. For the first few minutes, he just kept turning it over saying; “This book. This is the book.” There were times when we thought it would never be finished.

What events did you do together? 
William and I are a double-act, so after it was launched in April 2017, we appeared on BBC TV news and Forces TV; we were interviewed on the radio; we gave book talks and attended local fairs. In 2018, we were invited to sign books at the Imperial War Museum in London and appear at the War and Peace Revival in Kent. This year, we will be returning to War and Peace and William will no doubt woo the audience again with his stories and passion. I am definitely an ‘also ran’ when William is around.

What’s your next writing project? 
To complete my full-length stage play called Shakespeare’s Sister. It’s set in 1920s England and is about a passionate kitchen maid who is determined to become an author despite her sex, family, class, and societal pressures.

Would you take on another biography?
Yes, if it was a unique story with good supporting evidence and I fell in love with it. You must love the story because it will take over your life for years.

Find out more about Liz at her website: lifeon-shorehambeach.blogspot.co.uk

How has having a guide dog changed your life?
I call Esme my yellow ‘Furrari’, emphasis on fur, because she accelerated my life and gave me independence, safety and confidence. Having Esme in my life also gave me the advocate bug – I just couldn’t stand the idea of other blind people needing guide dogs and facing the same negative experiences I did – like being unceremoniously manhandled out of establishments and battling taxi drivers. My simple hope is that 50-100 years down the road blind people needing guide dogs will have it a lot easier and there will be more understanding and tolerance in Asia about service dogs.

What have been some of the guide dog initiatives you’ve been involved with?
In the early days it was speaking with different stakeholders in the public and private sectors about guide dogs and requesting policy changes for guide dogs in establishments. The part I enjoy most now is curating Esme’s Facebook page (facebook.com/EsmeTheGlobalGuideDog), which has organically grown to over 11,000 followers over the years. On the page, I can show the regular person what a guide dog can do daily and how it changes my life as a blind person.

You have a new guide dog on the way?
Yes, her name is Elke! Elke was bred by Guide Dogs Victoria. She was puppy-raised by a volunteer family until she was a year old, before entering formal guide dog training at the school. Over the past months she has been trained to weave through crowds, avoid obstacles, and find landmarks like curbs, stairs and bus stops, to aid in a blind person’s mobility. I’m going over to Guide Dogs Victoria this month to be trained with Elke in Guide Dog Victoria’s onsite residential training. I’ll stay for about a month. During the training, we will get an opportunity to learn each other’s body language and to trust each other. Elke will fly back with me to Singapore on Qantas airlines. She’ll guide me at the airport and on and off the plane – guide dogs fly in the cabin with their handlers, to continue the work they do.

How long does it take to settle in with a new guide dog?
Whilst it only takes hours to fall in love with the sweetness of a Labrador, it takes a couple of weeks to establish a working relationship. It involves a lot of repetition, for example, going to our regular places like the office, church or mall. With more successful trips, Elke will learn to trust that I’ll provide the directions she requires to do her job well, and I’ll learn to put my life in Elke’s four paws to keep me safe. I think it will take several months for our bond to be cemented. Elke has big paws to fill as Esme my retired dog guide has been just simply life changing and amazing!

What’s next for Esme?
A good friend of mine will be adopting Esme, and she will transition into a lady of leisure! I’ll still get to visit her on weekends.

How have attitudes changed towards guide dogs in Singapore?
It has come a long way. When I first returned with Esme in 2011, it was almost impossible to go anywhere without a drama. Nowadays, I hear little children on the trains or in malls tell their parents; “that’s a guide dog, it’s helping that blind lady, and it’s allowed in here”. It helps a lot when members of the public speak up when seeing a guide dog team being refused access into a public place. Whether it’s a pair of wheels to replace legs, or four paws to replace eyes, it’s a way for disabled people to mitigate their impairment.

Cassandra is a counsellor, speaker, advocate and consultant. You can contact her at cassandrachiu.com

Regular ANZA volunteer Simon Tyndale-Biscoe comes into the ANZA office every Wednesday to work on Membership cards and New Members packs, bringing along his gorgeous Golden Retriever, Chutney. Chutney loves a snuggle, but he’s never far from Simon’s side! “Chutney provides love and affection to me, my wife, and our helper all the time,” says Simon. “He welcomes everyone who visits our home with a friendly bark, and he puts a smile on everyone’s face who meets him.” Chutney’s brother Pickles sadly passed away, but Chutney provides Simon with ongoing doggy love and support in Singapore. “He’s a valued family member, and a source of joy and happiness no matter what’s going on.”

Communications & Membership Manager, Mathilde Dujardin brings her Singapore rescue dog Frankie into the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Frankie can be found snoozing in sun patches, sneaking a second breakfast from Designer Christina Lim, and guarding the team from nefarious posties and unannounced visitors! “We rescued Frankie when she was five months old from local shelter Save Our Street Dogs (SOSD) and she has been the best addition to our family,” says Mathilde. “We’d been looking for a rescue pup for a while and she jumped out at us from the moment we met.” Frankie is a bundle of energy, who requires plenty of exercise. “She brings so much joy to our lives and forces us to get up for those early morning walks before work. We definitely get our 10,000+ steps in every day now!” Work days are one of the highlights of Frankie’s week and she laps up unlimited pats and attention. “She loves to come in to the ANZA office, where she is showered with love and cuddles by the whole team and has even convinced some to share their snacks and lunches with her!”

Website Manager Geoff King’s West Highland Terrier, Ellie, also pops into the ANZA office from time to time, brightening up the work day for staffers. She’s curious, a little shy and loves fruits; especially mango, rock melon and cherry tomatoes!

Benefits of Dogs in the workplace

Studies show bringing your pooch into the office makes for a more relaxed, productive, enjoyable workplace. Being around animals has many positive health benefits, including fewer visits to the doctor, lower cholesterol and improved heart health. A study in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management found that workers who brought their pets to work had decreased stress levels and more creativity.
Dogs are the ultimate ice-breaker and they increase socialisation between departments and colleagues, boosting opportunities for collaboration and teambuilding. A Dogs at Work policy is often viewed by employees as a valuable employment perk and can also lead to higher levels of job satisfaction. No wonder companies like Google and Amazon (and ANZA!) have adopted bring your pet to work policies.

23 June is Bring Your Dog to Work Day in Singapore! Don’t forget to bring a lead, pet food, toys, and lots of water.