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Adjusting to Being a Dependent Spouse

The first time you are tagged with the label ‘dependent spouse,’ it can be a bit of a shock. Adjusting to being without an income, colleagues, family and friends in a new country can be a challenge. Here are a few things that helped me to embrace living in Singapore and come to terms with being the trailing talent of the family.

1. Be honest
Lots of people love it here from the second they land; others don’t. While it’s good to stay positive, it’s ok to find it difficult and to say so. When I first arrived, so many cheery people told me how easy it is to live here. I found it really difficult. It wasn’t until I met someone who hated it here (and wasn’t afraid to say so) that I realised I needed to stop fake smiling, nodding and agreeing and admit that I didn’t like it. Somehow that helped.

2. Set a weekly entertainment budget
Don’t fall into the mind-set that if you aren’t earning you can’t spend. Your spouse’s salary should compensate somewhat for your loss of earnings, so allocate some money to spend on getting out and keeping busy.
If you do need to watch your pennies, there are plenty of ways to entertain yourself on the cheap:
Explore hawker eating: The basement of Tanglin Mall is a good place to start if you find the idea a bit daunting.
Explore the museums: The Singapore National Museum, Asian Civilisations Museum and the Peranakan Museum all have reasonable entry fees.
Join one of the lower-cost groups in ANZA, such as Casual Coffee, Playgroup or Tennis.
Explore the malls and window shop: Sounds frivolous but if you need to be out of the house in the middle of the day, they are cheerful, plentiful and air-conditioned.
Explore the Botanic Gardens, National Parks, reservoirs or walk the Rail Trail.

3. Adjust the rhythm of your day
If you find yourself sitting around at the end of the day waiting for your spouse to arrive home (before pouncing on them for conversation the second you walk through the door), plan something active to do at that time. Plan your outdoor activities for the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest times of the day. It sounds simple, but the day I realised I couldn’t do the grocery shop on foot at lunchtime was a turning point in my relationship with Singapore.

4. Make connections
You will meet some amazing people here and most people are very open to forming new friendships. Even long-term expats need to keep meeting new people to replace their friends that move on. Don’t assume that you will run into people again – exchange contact details with people you would like to meet again. In the absence of a business card it is common to have a personal name card or you can simply exchange telephone numbers.

5. Become a part of the community
In order to be happy living here, you need to create your own community. Engaging in the formal communities that you encounter will make such a difference to how happy you feel about living here. Joining an interest group, attending events and volunteering are great ways to get involved.

ANZA has over 20 interest groups with meetings running almost every day. They are found in the What’s On section of the website. Not every event that you attend will be full of like-minded people, but persevere; each event draws a different crowd and being part of the community will make a huge difference to how you will feel about being here as a dependent spouse. Many events are hosted, so seek out the coordinator if you need someone to chat to.

We have hundreds of volunteers working on supporting our charities, running groups, organising sporting activities and working in the office. ANZA Action provides an opportunity to volunteer with ANZA’s charitable work and can match volunteers to local community organisations. Volunteering and being involved can provide purpose and an identity in the community, which has given me the sense of belonging here.

Top tips on breaking into the Singapore jobs market

Regional Director of Hays in Singapore and ANZA member Chris Mead shares his best advice on how to land a job in Singapore.

KNOW THE AREAS OF DEMAND FOR FOREIGN TALENT

Due to the ongoing skills shortage overseas talent is still needed to fill vacancies where local Singaporeans are in short supply. Employers continue to struggle to attract highly skilled and experienced professionals they need, especially in technical areas like IT, banking, construction and engineering.  

Employers need to look overseas if workloads are to be completed and Singapore is to remain competitive in the global business environment. However, it’s now more difficult for foreign candidates to gain work in Singapore, particularly when they are looking to move to the region and are not based here.

Expatriates are still in demand in certain industries. Banking is one example where foreign owned banks operating in Singapore need to hire for their parent company regulatory reporting team. For example, British banks in Singapore still need to report back to the Bank of England and other relevant authorities. These regulations differ to local regulations, and employers usually require candidates who have specific regulatory reporting experience.  Many locally based candidates do not have this prior experience, increasing the need for employers to look to foreign candidates.

 

KNOW THE DIFFERENCES IN WORK CULTURE

A lot of organisations in Singapore are adopting the western and a modern style of working. However, there are still cultural differences in Singapore that new employees need to be aware of. For example, work culture in Singapore was traditionally one of a high-power distance, which means there are clear authority structures and social status is defined by your position in the society and workplace.

Communication in the workplace

Unlike many other Asian countries, English is widely spoken in Singapore; ‘Singlish’ may have its domestic advantages, but in business standard English skills are essential. There are cultural differences in the way you communicate, if not the language used.

Be very direct when communicating, but soft-spoken not aggressive. If you are someone who talks with a lot of gestures, be careful not to point at anyone with your index finger or pound your fist into your hand. Expect business to be conducted formally and take time to build personal relationships with colleagues and clients.  Wait to be told where to sit when entering a meeting room.  Do not publicly discuss disagreements about decisions – wait for a private meeting.

It’s also worth mentioning etiquette for business cards – use both hands to accept and offer a business card and take a moment to read the card – don’t just glance at it and put it aside.  And for meetings, turn up on time – not early, and not late.

Business dress code

For men, a jacket is generally not necessary, although you may need it in the air-conditioned offices! Dark trousers with a shirt and tie are acceptable business dress for men. For women, dress conservatively in trousers or a skirt reaching past your knees, and cover your upper arms.

Business entertainment etiquette and socialising outside of the office with colleagues

In general, there are few differences between Australia & New Zealand and  Singapore when it comes to business entertainment etiquette and socialising. In terms of gifts for clients, it is socially acceptable, and generally expected, that you would give gifts to clients at Chinese New Year and for the Moon Cake Festival.

Outside of these times, it’s culturally acceptable to give gifts provided they are acceptable and not too expensive, otherwise it could lead to embarrassment and the connotation that something extra is implied by the giving of the gift. It is not culturally accepted to give gifts of cash, with the exception of Hong Bao, where management give staff a nominal amount in a red envelope.

In addition, most publicly listed companies have strong anti-bribery and corruption legislation in place, so that all staff know what is acceptable.

In terms of entertaining clients, it is acceptable to take clients and potential clients to lunch but again this action needs to be within your company’s guidelines, and at a reasonably priced venue.

Socialising with colleagues outside of working hours happens regularly, but be aware that Singapore is a very small place and therefore you need to protect your reputation and your business’ reputation when you go out. Given the geographical size of our business district, poor behaviour can have long-term consequences for your career.

 

PREPARE FOR ARRIVAL

Singapore is one of the world’s most expensive cities so do some research on how much it will cost you to live in Singapore. If you’re coming from Australia or New Zealand, the low tax rates in Singapore will give your net earnings a big boost! However, your biggest expenses are likely to be rent, transport (if you buy a car), and schooling (if you have children studying in international schools). You can minimise rent costs by sharing a flat or living further away from the city center.

If you’re planning to come to Singapore first and then look for a job when you get here you can apply for an Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate (EPEC) from the Ministry of Manpower. If you qualify, this grants you a Social Visit Pass valid for up to a year so you can look for work. You can apply online – processing time takes about seven days.

You’ll need to provide electronic versions of these documents: a certified true copy of your tertiary academic qualifications, transcript, or your professional qualifications; a copy of your passport particulars page; and a recent passport photo taken within the past three months.

 

WRITE A GREAT CV

Your CV has 10-15 seconds to impress a potential employer so it is important to sell yourself using positive language and emphasise your key skills. It goes without saying your CV should include your name, address, email and mobile phone number. You would be surprised how many people miss these off, regardless of their level of experience or seniority.

Other details you should include are:

  • Education and qualifications: Include the institutions, courses and dates that you attended in reverse order, making sure to include grades at each stage; 
  • Work experience: Career history is also presented in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Place more emphasis on the most recent role and provide more information. Make sure to explain any gaps in employment;
  • Interests and activities: These should demonstrate your networking and organisational skills, and should be kept brief.
  • Be concise – Your CV should be no more than two pages long. Bear in mind that the recipient will have seen several other CVs that day and only spend on average eight seconds scanning your CV. Think about the parts you want to highlight, and remove any excess that would be better suited to discussion at interview. 
  • Be relevant: Whilst drafting your CV, make sure to read several job descriptions of roles which interest you. What particular skills do they look for? Can you demonstrate experience in this area? Use of keywords is very important, as the reader will scan for these during an initial skim of the document. Think about specialist terminology that can be used. Equally avoid mentioning the irrelevant, such as work in other fields or membership of unrelated organisations.
    Where possible tailor your CV to the job in question. Highlight the key skills mentioned in the job advert/description, or have two or three versions of your CV that feature different skills, experience more prominently, using the most suitable when applying for a job. 
  • Be positive: Positive language makes a big difference. You can instantly make your achievements sound a lot more impressive by using words like ‘managed’, ‘led’ and ‘achieved’ at the expense of ‘tried’, ‘assisted’ and ‘helped’. 
  • Be professional: Your CV should be in a common font, such as Arial, in size 10-12. Bear in mind that your CV will be read on screen as well as printed out. For this reason, lines, borders, boxes, pictures, colours and even italics should not feature. 

hays.com.sg

Babette


 

LITTLE INDIA: Housed in the new four-star Parc Sovereign Hotel, Babette is the second venture for its owner Darren Wee, who also owns Chillax café in Serangoon and is the lively presenter of the Sunday brunch show on Mediacorp’s 987FM.

This recent addition to the increasingly hip Jalan Besar area offers a confluence of French and Japanese cuisines (though it’s decidedly heavier on the latter) in a casual setting designed for down-to-earth diners keen for unique comfort food.

Some dishes are perfect for sharing, like the grilled octopus salad ($17) or the delightfully sinful tempura bacon with yuzu mayo ($10), which goes down a treat with one of the draught beers on offer (Asahi, Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc and Weihenstephan are available on tap). Other dishes, especially the donburi – like the duck confit donburi ($28), Babette chirashi donburi ($19) or the steak and foie gras donburi ($28) – are best kept to oneself (particularly the latter).

 

 

An unlikely standout is the roasted avocado with aburi salmon and diced tomatoes served inside the avocado skin ($12). It’s a satisfying twist on the humble avo, and a welcome light alternative to some of the heavier items on the menu. The same can be said of the salmon confit and soba noodles with tamago ($17).

After dinner, be sure to try the matcha lava cake ($12) – a brilliant Asian twist on the classic dessert that sees a not-too-sweet cake oozing with green tea-infused ‘lava’ and complemented by vanilla ice cream and azuki red bean.

 

 

Babette doesn’t try too hard to be anything that it isn’t, and will attract relaxed diners keen for a casual meal with a difference in a warm, laid-back setting.

Babette
165 Tyrwhitt Road
Tel 6341 7727

View our listings for Bars, Restaurants and Cafes in Little India

Jag’s Gastropub

SIGLAP: There aren’t too many bars or restaurants in Singapore that waive the renowned ‘plus plus’ (GST and service charge adding another 17 per cent to your bill), so when you do find somewhere that only charges nett prices and provides good food and service, you’ll want to hold onto them.

Jag’s is a small boutique bar/bistro on East Coast Road with a casual ambience, providing an indoor area as well as an outside area to cater for the smokers. Open seven days a week from 3pm on wards, the staff are friendly and – as someone who regularly frequents the venue – it is clear that they have a very loyal following.

The bistro provides inexpensive, good quality food. The menu is simple, not over-complicated and primarily Western. Highlights include the pork belly, with its crispy outer layer and succulent meat, while the braised beef cheek just melts in your mouth. The duck leg confit is crispy on the outside, tender and falls off the bone.

Jag’s has a good offering of assorted beers, and while their wine selection is limited, they offer a decent glass of red for $8. Because of the great value for money and they fact that they don’t charge ‘plus plus’, we always find ourselves quite happy to leave a generous tip. Definitely worth a try.

Jag’s Gastropub
922 East Coast Road
Tel: 6876 0060
www.jags.com.sg

View our listings for Bars, Restaurants and Cafes in Katong and Siglap

The Importance of Learning a Second Language

Singapore is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, and people from all over come to this little red dot to holiday, work and even start a family. We live in a melting pot of cultures where multi-cultural respect and understanding is important, but there is also an increased need for us to maintain our cultural heritage.

Language is a substantial cultural component. It is the glue that brings communities together and helps us preserve our roots. Edward Sapir, an American anthropologist-linguist, widely considered to be one of the most important figures in the early development of the discipline of linguistics has said that language and “common speech serves as a peculiar potent symbol of the social solidarity of those who speak the language”.

Language can greatly shape one’s perspective on a particular culture. Aside from an expanded world view, some of the lifelong benefits for young learners include greater inter-cultural appreciation and sensitivity, the ability to learn additional languages more easily and a competitive edge in future careers.

This is why the Australian International Schools (AIS) offers comprehensive and intensive second language programs in Mandarin, Bahasa Indonesia and French.

Language teachers at AIS are fully qualified and experienced in language teaching to aid students in learning a new language. For students whose first language is not English, they will also have the choice to learn other subject material in their mother tongue, supplementing this with intensive English classes, to provide them with a truly exploratory and effective world-class education at AIS.

Bernadette Ward-Daniels, Head of Languages Other Than English (LOTE) at AIS, “Our dynamic language programs help our students learn a new culture through learning another language, whilst benefitting from an international level of education without facing potentially inhibiting language barriers. The system we have is designed to teach not only a new language, but also to nurture and extend the capabilities of multi-lingual students.”

However, all this would come to naught if children do not feel comfortable learning. Providing adolescents with an encouraging environment is the key to success to language mastery. In order to be successful, students need to feel secure about taking risks, practicing what they have learnt and be part of a mutually beneficial community that promotes interactive learning.

According to Andrew Mowat, Director of Information and Communications Technology at AIS, “Children are most receptive to learning when they enter a zone of mindfulness. In my research around The Neuroscience of Engagement, I realize that when children are surrounded by a calm and positive environment, they become more engaged and take away more from the lesson.”

At AIS, classes are conducted based on respect, responsibility and community through exploration and discovery in a supportive and enriching environment.

To learn more about our school, you are welcome to visit during our upcoming AIS Open House Sessions:

Wednesday, 26 November- 9:30 am

Book a tour online, phone +65 6517 0247 or email admissions@ais.com.sg.

Q&A with Dr Dale Anderson, Deputy Vice Chancellor, James Cook University Singapore

  

JCU Singapore programs follow the same curriculum as the Australian versions but are contextualised to the Asian environment. What are the benefits of studying at the Singapore campus?

The Singapore Campus is a relaxed and friendly place. It provides students with a unique opportunity to establish networks and friendships with other students from across the world. The diversity of the student population and of the lecturing staff provides opportunities to better understand the greater world and to contextualise that understanding to individual aspirations and interests.

 

University isn’t just about academic education; It’s also about the overall experience of student culture and life at university. How does JCU address this?

The JCU Singapore experience is not confined to a lecture room or an on campus experience.  From day one students are encouraged to extend themselves through experiencing the vibrancy and opportunity that is Singapore. JCU Singapore offers clubs and societies and through our acclaimed volunteer program the chance to become part of Singapore’s culture and community.

The sense of community that we build JCU Singapore starts when the student is greeted at the airport on their arrival into Singapore or if Singaporean on their first day on campus and continues through to the warm welcome that graduates receive when joining our very active alumni association. The JCU community is strong in Singapore and beyond and supported by social media and on-going functions but most by the bond that is fostered through studying and socialising on a small friendly campus.

It is also important to understand that academic life at JCU Singapore is not separated from the rest of the student experience. I encourage and support collaborative learning experiences which extend well beyond the classroom. Students are also given the opportunity to experience the creation of knowledge that working with research active lecturers provides and to have access to new knowledge worldwide through the best technology available.

 

Last year JCU Singapore celebrated its 10-year anniversary. How has the Singapore campus evolved over this time?

I have been part of the evolution of  JCU Singapore for the past eight years and have seen it grow from a small teaching focused institution into what it has become- a vibrant opportunity for students to experience learning and a centre for research. The campus is now focused on making life different for people in the tropics by producing graduates who can make a difference.

The big milestones were the opening of the Upper Thomson campus in 2007 which saw very rapid growth and the opportunity to give our students an experience unrivalled in the private education sector in Singapore. We were welcomed to the Upper Thomson community of which we are now part and that campus became the centre of our student life.

At about the same time we made the decision to employ as many full time academics as possible which changed our teaching and learning experience forever. We also made the decision in 2007 that all academics would hold a PhD and be research active and this has established a culture that has distinguished us ever since.

Becoming wholly owned by James Cook University and being awarded Singapore Quality Class and EduTrust 4 year status were also defining features of JCU Singapore’s evolution over the past 10 years. The attaining of our many quality awards is supported by our overriding philosophy of putting students first and second.

However the most satisfying part of my time at JCU has been seeing the achievements of our students. JCU Singapore has graduates worldwide who are making a difference and I believe that our students will make the world a better place.

 

Can you tell us a bit about the new JCU Singapore campus?

The new campus will allow us to offer an even better student experience in an environmentally sustainable atmosphere. The campus is in Aljunied and is more than twice the size of our current two campuses together. The new site was formally a secondary school and its current configuration will have to change extensively to offer the collaborative leaning environment we want to see developed there.

We are currently at an early stage in our planning but we hope to offer contemporary learning technology throughout the campus and an environmentally sustainable approach to everything we do at the new campus.

jcu.edu.sg

Southbridge

 

BOAT QUAY: Though Singapore has its fair share of rooftop bars, it’s fair to say that Boat Quay isn’t where you’d generally go to find them. Opened late in September, Southbridge is a welcome addition to the Boat Quay strip, providing impressive views of the Singapore skyline over the water from its low-rise rooftop just across the river from Parliament House.

Coming from the team behind Latteria Mozzarella Bar in Duxton Hill, ilLido on Sentosa and &Sons in Chinatown, Southbridge has two specialities: cocktails and oysters. Oysters are available in six different variations and are served by the half-dozen.

We try a plate of freshly shucked Umami oysters, served with ponzu and yuzu sauce, and the Thai-style Tropical oysters, which come with chilli, garlic and calamansi sauce (both $20 during Happy Hour and $24 after). Both variations are decidedly fresh and aren’t overpowered by their accompanying sauces. We also sample a hot plate of oysters, the Unifeller oysters ($30) served with cheese and uni (sea urchin) sabayon. It’s an unexpected take on the oyster, though not unwelcome, but if you like your oysters so fresh they still taste like the ocean, you should probably stick to the cold options.

We also sample the lobster knuckle rolls ($28), the chilli crab croque ($18), tuna tataki ($18), truffle and smoked pancetta bikinis ($12) and a plate of pulled pork sliders ($12). The latter was the standout, with the lobster rolls a close second – both were great accompaniments to the array of cocktails on offer, and substantial enough to satisfy but light (and well priced) enough to be able to try a variety of dishes.

 

The bar is helmed by Italian barman Gerry Callipo, who brings a refreshing and extremely varied assortment of cocktails to the menu, such as the fruity Elgin’s ($18) – Abelha Silver Cachaça complete with lime, pineapple and cinnamon salted caramel – and the Southern Belle ($16), which sees wild berry and chamomile-infused whiskey topped off with strawberry caramel and lemon. The cocktails are fairly priced ($15–$22) for their generous size, and are all crafted using small batch spirits, homemade infusions and fresh fruit. An extensive range of champagne is also on offer, not to mention European wines and five kinds of sake.

Overall, Southbridge is a refreshing addition to the area, serving up elegant and quality food and drinks in a picturesque yet wholly unpretentious rooftop setting. With a generous daily Happy Hour until 8pm, it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the island finds out about this little gem.

Southbridge
80 Boat Quay (enter via South Bridge Road)
Tel 6536 5818

View our listings for Bars, Restaurants and Cafes in Boat Quay

Startup Smart with Joseph Barratt

Joseph Barratt launched his public relations and content marketing agency Mutant Communications in early 2012. He is currently writing a series for articles for the ANZA magazine about getting a business up and running in Singapore. Here are the first three installments in this informative series.

Startup Smart: Getting the right start

To kick-start this column on launching and running your business, I think I’ve got to start right at the beginning.Sure, you might know you want to launch a fashion line or a beauty product e-commerce site, or perhaps your goal is to build a media empire… Read More

Startup Smart: Asking the tough questions

It’s important to do your research before taking the plunge when launching a startup, says Joseph Barratt. It goes without saying one of the most important aspects of your business is what you are selling. What is your product or service?… Read More

Startup Smart: What’s in a name?

Finding the perfect name for your startup isn’t always easy, says Joseph Barratt. You’d think that naming your startup would be the easy part. After all, it’s your opportunity to develop the personality and brand of the entire company and, given your passion for it, shouldn’t that come easily?… Read More

Melbourne Cup Fashion Inspiration

Wondering what to wear to our Melbourne Cup event? Take inspiration from the striking outfits worn in previous years.

2013 Fashions on the Field Finalists.

Last year was my first ANZA Melbourne Cup experience; I ordered my fascinator on eBay, popped on a dress I found in the back of my wardrobe and off I went. Compared to the thought, effort and imagination that went into all the stunning outfits on the day, I felt a little plain. This year I am going bigger and better with my fascinator, brighter and bolder with my dress, but wearing much more comfortable shoes. Follow the links to be Melbourne Cup ready, inspired by the fashion stars of the previous ANZA race days.

For more of the 2013 fashion, see the full wrap up of the finalists and winners> story or view the 2013 Video below.

You can also view the photos from the 2012 Cup Day or the 2012 Fab Foto Booth on Facebook.

 

Pita Pan

MARINA BAY: With one of the best names in the business, Pita Pan is a vegetarian restaurant, serving up traditional Mediterranean dishes in a no-nonsense, busy setting in Marina Square and Marina Bay Sands.

A few friends and I stopped off at the new Marina Square location for a hearty veggie meal, starting with a Mediterranean platter. This thing was huge, filled with dolmades, hummus, baba ganoush, mixed vegetables, pickles, falafel and more.

At less than $30 it was a meal in itself for three people, and would make a great cheap snack for a party of four.

Next up was the traditional Mediterranean dish shakshuka, a sizzling hot iron pan filled with spiced tomato-and-onion stew, topped with two eggs. Usually served with lamb, the vegetarian alternative was a lot lighter and easier on the waistline too!

We also shared a few falafel pockets (we overheard one patron asking for the ‘meatballs’ at the counter) which were very good, and available in traditional, basil and sundried tomato flavours.

But my pick of the bunch had to be the kumara chips. Known here as ‘sweet potato fries’, the sweet, golden-brown slivers brought back memories of making my own as a child.

If you want a vegetarian meal that is heartier than your usual salad at a good price, head down to Marina Square or MBS and check it out.

CLOSED
Pita Pan
Marina Bay Sands and Marina Square
Tel 6688 7450