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Avoid rookie travel mistakes this summer

The past few years have left us all a little out of practice when it comes to planning a holiday. Prepping for post-pandemic travel requires a little more than dusting down your suitcase and remembering the Hawaiian Tropic. Should you be taking your vaccine card? Do you need additional travel insurance? To make sure your break remains free of travel mistakes, here are some key travel tips to navigate the new normal and avoid rookie  errors. 

1. Check your passport now

Yes, we know these seems terribly obvious, but hear us out. Many countries require passports to be valid for six months from the date of travel, and considering passport processing times are slower than usual, you may want to get onto it now. What used to be a simple online procedure that takes a few weeks might now involve a long wait and lots of patience. 

2. Research restrictions

It would be lovely to think that the world is entirely ‘back to normal’, but sadly that’s not the case. “The coronavirus continues to be a concern in many destinations, and some countries still have pandemic restrictions and testing requirements such as PCR tests in place,” says Lucy Jackson Walsh, co-founder and director of luxury tour operator Lightfoot Travel. “Be realistic about where you want to go and research thoroughly prior to booking up. Potential travellers should take local and national public health directives  into consideration before planning any trips, and be aware of any changes in regulations.”

3. Get your vaccinations (no, not those ones)

Many countries require you to get vaccinated in order to visit them, and not just with Covid-19. “With opportunities to travel near and far opening up this is the perfect time to consider your family’s vaccination history,” says Dr Jaqueline Dukino of International Medical Clinic. “Are your children up-to-date with childhood immunisations according to the schedule of your home country and for mandatory vaccinations in Singapore? Are there vaccinations that would be important for your next travel adventure – Influenza, Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, a booster for Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis, and for certain places -Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis and Yellow Fever vaccines? After a few years of no travel at all, it could well be that you need a top up on some of the essentials. Don’t make the post-pandemic travel blunder of forgetting about them!

4. Don’t wait to book

“Some people are making travel mistakes right now by not doing enough planning or booking in advance,” says Jo Hendry-Prior of 360 Private Travel (@jhptravel). “They’re waiting to reserve accommodation or buy flights in the hope that they’ll get a last minute deal, but understandably, travel is in hot demand right now. Many hotels are getting booked up in popular destinations in a way that they weren’t before the pandemic hit. Even if you’re thinking of travelling at the end of the year, you’ll still find high occupancy levels already.”

5. Pre-book your tickets to attractions

Speaking of which, many major attractions in touristy destinations will also be extra busy over the next few months, expecially as children head on school holidays. Try to pre-book attractions online and go for the option to skip the queue if there is one to avoid wasting precious holiday/pool/cocktail time. 

6. Prepare your proof of vaccination

International travellers will almost certainly need proof of vaccination as more countries require it and/or a negative COVID-19 test result to enter or avoid quarantine. Some domestic travellers also need to show they’ve been jabbed depending on where they’re heading.

7. Consider travel insurance carefully

If there’s one year to secure some travel insurance, it’s 2022. Some travel credit cards include it as a benefit, and coverage will come in especially useful if a Covid-19 test comes back positive and you can no longer get away. Do note that disinclination to travel because of Covid-19 isn’t usually a covered reason – that’s when “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage — often offered as an upgrade on some travel insurance plans – comes in handy if you can find one.

8. Don’t ditch the airline emails

Remember to do ‘spot checks’ on your flights, and pay attention to any emails or text messages from your airline. “Flights changing due to the lack of crew, pilots or even seats sold is a real possibility for post-pandemic travel at the moment,” says XXX. 

9. Make extra copies of your passport and important documents

Remember to email copies to yourself too. You never know when you might need to show your vaccination form or have some sort of documentation and you won’t have your original with you. Additionally, keep a copy of your passport.

10. Pack right 

Take a sarong. For some reason you’ll always need one, whether it’s at the beach, as a blanket on a picnic, to help you dry off, or to keep you warm. Don’t wear a bumbag. This is no time to bring out your inner-hipster, and they just scream “I’m a tourist!” And never underestimate the power of a headtorch.

11. Start as you mean to go on

Avoid following families in airport security lines who tend to be slower moving because of the kids, and instead opt for get behind business travellers. They move fast since they are usually in a rush and travel light so you can speed through the line! Just don’t say we told you to do it.

 

ANZA Soccer: Fun, friends, football & sponsors!

ANZA Soccer’s commitment to providing “Fun, Friends, and Football” to a diverse community of families is made possible by our generous and community-minded corporate sponsors.

Our Saturday league and Sunday competition teams rely on our sponsors to help defray our costs and keep our programmes affordable for expat and local families alike. In the current economic environment, we understand that companies must carefully consider whether to make monetary commitments to nonprofit organisations like ANZA, and we are very grateful that these companies support our Fair Play philosophy and see our mission as worthy of backing.

This month – and every month – ANZA Soccer extends a heartfelt thank you to our new and returning sponsors.

  Our Sponsors Speak Out  

Interactive Brokers, sponsoring green and gold competition teams

ANZA Soccer
ANZA Soccer partner for three years

ANZA SoccerWhat they say: “Interactive Brokers recognise the positive impact that competitive sports can have on shaping a child’s life and supports ANZA’s objective of offering affordable youth soccer programmes to the community. Many of our clients are involved with ANZA soccer, which brings our organisation together with clients and members of the community. We enjoy the camaraderie and competitive spirit of the games and hope to see more of it this year! In the meantime, we cheer on our ANZA Soccer teams and support the organisation as a whole.”
What they do: Interactive Brokers is an automated global electronic broker that serves clients from over 200 countries and territories and conducts its broker business in over 135 market destinations worldwide. IBKR provides direct access (“on line”) trade execution and clearing services to institutional and active traders for a variety of electronically traded products including stocks, options, futures, currencies, bonds, gold and funds worldwide.
David Friedland, Managing Director, and Kevin Tan, CEO
interactivebrokers.com

MUFG, sponsoring our youngest five age groups in multiple colours and the G7 to U18 Gunners in grey

ANZA Soccer
MUFG have partnered ANZA Soccer for three years

What they say: “I’ve seen first-hand the effort put in by ANZA parents, coaches and club reps on a weekly basis – it is grassroots and community focused, a true NGO. We want to give back to the community that supports us by giving organisations like ANZA the peace of mind that cash-flow challenges won’t affect their ability to positively impact kids’ lives. Perhaps the next Messi or Marta is playing on a Saturday morning in Turf City and our sponsorship has helped them a little bit!”
What they do: MUFG provides outsourcing, administration and financing to asset managers and sovereign wealth funds. We build long-term strategic partnerships with clients, often building bespoke solutions to cater for their specific needs. MUFG values community and believe large institutions like ours have an obligation to support organisations like ANZA that are focused on bringing people together, child welfare, and family.
Paddy Kirwan, Managing Director
mufg-investorservices.com

Canadian International School, sponsoring the Gordons in red

ANZA Soccer
ANZA Soccer partner for four years

What they say: “Enrolling a child in a recreational sport can help develop life-long skills, introduce healthy living at a young age, and hone communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. Getting involved in activities can introduce a whole new environment that will make their learning more engaging, help boost their skills and talents, and encourage them to challenge themselves and push boundaries. On a personal note, my son has been part of the ANZA Soccer family for five years and has benefited enormously, not only from the fitness aspect but also from being part of a team and meeting new friends from other schools.”
What they do: My team organises the Canadian International School’s extracurricular activities and holiday camps. We offer a wide range of activities available including sports, STEAM, arts, enrichment and global languages – children are spoilt for choice these days!
Wendy Nussey, CIS Head of Activities and Camps
For an early bird special offer of 10% off on all CIS summer camps, sign up by 31 May. Learn more at cis.edu.sg

Expat Dental, sponsoring the Matildas girls programme in turquoise

ANZA Mathildas
Expat Dental have supported ANZA Soccer partner for five years

What they say: “We applaud ANZA Soccer and its focus on healthy outdoor fun and sports for people of all ages, nationalities and ability levels. We are very happy to be sponsors of youth sports at ANZA, especially the Matildas soccer teams. We want to be proactive in encouraging girls to keep active which we know is so beneficial socially, physically and mentally.”
What they do: Expat Dental has been providing holistic dental care to expats and Singaporeans since 2013. We have a full range of services for the family, including orthodontics, which I take care of. On a soccer note, I always try to encourage my patients who play soccer to wear a mouthguard for safety, especially if they have braces. Players of any sports where there is contact are good candidates for a proper, custom-fitted mouthguard.
Dr Clara Gibson, Dentist
expatdental.com

Edge Healthcare, sponsoring the Sailors in white

ANZA Soccer
ANZA Soccer partner for two years

What they do: Edge Healthcare has built a reputation as the leading Physiotherapy and Osteopathy group in Singapore and was founded on the vision to change the way Physio and Osteo is delivered in Singapore. We have clinics in Orchard at Forum Mall and in the CBD on Cecil Street, with private treatment rooms and an extensive rehabilitation gym. Our therapists treat all age groups with acute and chronic pain; sports injuries; vertigo and dizziness; post-surgery; pre and post-natal matters; and cardiac, neurological and development issues.
edgehealthcare.com.sg

James Cook University, sponsoring the Flyers in blue

ANZA Soccer
JCU have been an ANZA Soccer partner for almost a decade

What they say: “Our community-minded values align with ANZA Soccer and we at James Cook University (JCU) in Singapore look forward to further strengthening our long-standing relationship together. Sponsoring ANZA Soccer U8s to U17s is a great way to promote teamwork, resilience, and mutual respect amongst our youth – key attributes to prepare them for a bright future ahead.”
What they do: The Singapore campus of JCU is owned by James Cook University Australia. We offer programmess in business, information technology, psychology, education, science, accounting, arts, aquaculture, environmental science, games design, tourism and hospitality. The university also offers Higher Degree by Research programmes. The Tropical Futures Institute was launched in 2018 to enhance the university’s research capability in Singapore. In 2021, the university established James Cook Academy which in turn acquired Eagle Infotech for Continuing Professional Development in Singapore and the region.
Mr Andrew Chew, Chief Commercial Officer
jcu.edu.sg

Carey Olsen, sponsoring our coaches in red and blue

ANZA Soccer
ANZA Soccer partner for five years

What they say: “The first thing we did upon arrival in Singapore in 2016 was enrol our kids in the ANZA Soccer Saturday Club League. We liked that it was fun, social, and run by volunteer parents. We also appreciated the opportunities for children to develop competitive skills. The kids have thoroughly enjoyed playing in both ANZA Soccer leagues and we’ve made some long-lasting friendships with the coaches, team managers, and AGCs, who work hard to make the ANZA Soccer programme so successful.”
What they do: It is one of our priorities at Carey Olsen to give back to the communities in which we are based, and so we are delighted to offer steady support to ANZA Soccer over the years. ANZA has established a fantastic social community and coaching programme that has become hugely popular with both youth players and their parents in Singapore. We look forward to seeing the ANZA programmes go from strength to strength.”
Anthony McKenzie, Managing Partner
careyolsen.com

The King’s School, sponsoring the Warriors in green

ANZA Soccer
ANZA Soccer partner for four years

What they say: “Our partnership with ANZA Soccer has been very positive, as it extends our involvement within our own community in Singapore and supports them in a very practical way. Singapore’s Australian and New Zealand families often reach out to get to know us, and we are always happy to help those families to consider their educational choices. When visiting our King’s community in Singapore, we’ve seen over the years how important ANZA is to Singapore’s expat community.”
What they do: The King’s School is Australia’s oldest independent school and enjoys a peaceful setting in the heart of Sydney. We offer education to boys from pre-kindergarten through to Year 12. A Christian community, King’s is also proudly one of the largest boarding schools in Australia with unique links to the rural sector, along with a significant enrolment from the city as day boys and weekly boarders.
Michelle Petrovic, Marketing Manager
kings.edu.au

Dallas Bar and Restaurant, sponsoring the Vikings in yellow

ANZA Soocer
Dallas Bar & Restaurants have been an ANZA Soccer partner for one year

We thank new sponsor Dallas Bar and Restaurant for joining the team this season. With restaurants at Boat Quay and Marina Bay Sands, Dallas is a contemporary bar-bistro concept and a popular hangout for Singaporeans, expats and tourists. “Come have a mouthwatering lunch, a delectable dinner, or casual drinks with us. We offer an irresistible variety of culinary delights, a full bar, and a great selection of fine wines.”
Jason Pope, Director
dallas.sg

Where to celebrate Father’s Day 2022 in Singapore

When it comes to any celebration in Singapore, food is the way forward. This Sunday 19 June marks Father’s Day for many countries around the world, and while it may not be the exact date we do it in Australia and New Zealand (that’ll be Sunday 4 September 2022), we’re all for jumping on the party bandwagon. For that reason, here’s our round-up of the best Dad Meals in town. Many of them are happening now and continuing over the weekend. So go on, treat the top man in your life with some dude food to show him just how special he is.

The Capitol Kempinski Hotel

Father’s Day at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel has got it all going on this 19 June. Treat Dad to an all-you-can-eat brunch, special Mighty Meats Platter for sharing, Father’s Day cocktail and complimentary beer. The hotel’s signature restaurant 15 Stamford by Alvin Leung is offering a special Buffet Brunch. Afterwards, head to The Bar at 15 Stamford for a Daddy Day Care cocktail masterclass, where pops will learn to create iconic favourites for the rest of the accompanying family to enjoy. Chances are he may need to take an MC next Monday.

15 Stamford Rd, 178906

Black Tap Burgers & Craft Beer

If your dad loves a burger, look no further than the ultimate boss burger at Black Tap Burgers & Craft Beer. Father’s Day celebrations are happening her enow until 19 June and  include their juicy fat meat stacks and huge selection of craft beers. Other favourite picks from this New York stalwart include the All-American – fluffy brioche, 8oz Prime patty, American cheese, tomato, and a special sauce – and the Cantonese BBQ Burger with bacon, black bean mayo, spicy acar pickles, and sambal BBQ sauce. It’s exclusive to Singapore – a bit like your dad. 

10 Bayfront Ave #L1-80, Bay Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Ave, 018972

Bedrock Bar & Grill

From now until 20 June, take Dad to lunch at award-winning steakhouse Bedrock Bar & Grill at Somerset for some bonding over a juicy steak. The three-course lunch set ($98 per person) highlights a hearty Beef Oscar that is grilled over aromatic apple wood and topped with sweet jumbo crab meat. Also available at Bedrock Origin at Oasia Resort Sentosa if you dad is pining for the laid back beach life of back home.

Locations vary, log on here for more

Sofitel Singapore City Centre

In celebration of Father’s Day, Sofitel Singapore City Centre is putting on the glitz on 19 June. Racines will feature the Semi-Buffet Brunch showcasing highlights including cheese and charcuterie, Escargots and an extensive Seafood Platter. Signature dishes such as the French Chicken, 8-hour Slow-cooked Lamb Shoulder and Angus Steak Frites will be hard to resist, but make sure Dad leaves some space for sweet treats crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Sam Leong such as Baba Au Rhum, Crêpes Suzette and the Tiramisu Pot.

9 Wallich St, 078885

Super Loco Chef Randy Torres gets set to celebrate Father’s Day with his family. Photo: Super Loco Group

Super Loco

The Super Loco group are bringing their special Mexican roasts back to the table from 6 – 18 June in celebration of Father’s Day. Raise a roast to your padre with a juicy, messy and dope Mexican roast dinner, seasoned in an eight hour brine and slow cooked on the rotisserie with a special blend of spices. Add margarita’s into the mix and you might just secure your spot as Dad’s favourite child.

Locations islandwide. Log on here for details

LAVO Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar

Have a sky-high celebration with a special Father’s Day 2022 edition of the Sunday Champagne Brunch at LAVO Restaurant & Rooftop Bar. Dive into appetisers like the ultra-cheesy quattro formaggi pizza, white asparagus with maltaise and smoked salmon, and the decadent seared foie gras with brioche and roasted figs agrodolce. Save room for Italian-American dishes like the ultimate mac & cheese and baby back ribs. End with Father’s Day-themed cookie cream doughnuts, red velvet muffins, tiramisu, strawberry profiteroles and cannoli.

10 Bayfront Ave, Tower 1, Level 57, 018956

Level 33

For this weekend only (18 & 19 June), Level 33 are going large for the dad in your life. A specially curated Father’s Day menu presents a juicy Portoro Australian ribeye with rich and intense beefy flavours. Served with sweet and tangy stout balsamic roasted vine cherry tomatoes, crispy roasted potatoes, grilled asparagus, and a range of house-made beer condiments, this is the ultimate way to say thank you. There are also family sharing platters if you want to all get in on the action together.

8 Marina Blvd, #33 – 01, 018981

Shangri-La Singapore

You can count on Shangri-La Singapore to whip up a gastronomical feast for Father’s Day and this year is no exception. From the next level international buffet at The Line, featuring highlights such as Australian Angus Beef Prime Rib, New Zealand Lamb Leg, Krakauer Sausage; to the exclusive set menus at the Michelin-starred Shang Palace; to exquisite afternoon tea at The Rose Veranda; it’s the place to be from 17 – 19 June.

22 Orange Grove Rd, 258350

So France

As Singapore’s favourite French bistro and gourmet store, So France honours all dads this Father’s Day with the addition of a grand Tomahawk Steak on the menu. A seasonal exclusive, this hefty, premium cut of meat is ideal for sharing with the family. Cooked to your preference and served alongside creamy mushroom, mashed potatoes, and fries, with béarnaise and peppercorn sauce, it’ll add a little ooh-la-la to lunch and dinner on 18 and 19 June.

7 Fraser Street Duo Galleria #01-51/56 Bugis MRT, 189356

Seared Steakhouse

Seared Steakhouse has a gorgeous outdoor seating area and serves up grilled steaks, BBQ ribs, burgers, salads and an impressive 1kg Australian Tomahawk for $88. What makes this a winner for Father’s Day is that children can entertain themselves with the on-site bouncy castle, giant trampoline, trikes and spinning buckets. This means Mum and Dad can chill with their drinks. Extra Dad points go to the one who takes on the bouncy castle personally. There’s always one …

Seared, 91 Tanglin Road, #B1-01, Tanglin Place, 247918

9 tax planning tips for the end of the Australian financial year

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While tax planning for the end of the Australian financial year may feel as exciting as getting prospective root canal treatment, it’s important to be mindful of the closing date of 30 June 2022 and to know exactly where you stand when it comes to your finances.

Many expats feel that there’s not much point in doing doing end of Australian financial year tax planning now they’re living overseas, but and even though tax in Australia may not be as much of a concern for those who have left, they could be leaving tax savings on the table and as they say, a penny saved is a penny earned.

Read on for some tax planning tips for the end of the Australian financial year from our friends at Select Investors. If you’re an expat in Singapore especially, read on!

1. Don’t forget superannuation

If you have a positively geared rental property back in Australia, then you are likely paying non-resident tax at 32.5%+ with no tax-free threshold on your net income, which is unpleasant. Accordingly, you can consider making a deductible superannuation contribution of up to A$27,500 before 30 June which can be claimed as a deduction against your rental income in the same year, thus saving you 32.5% tax at the individual level. This does however get taxed at 15% within your superannuation fund on the way in, and 15% annually on its earnings up to retirement, however there is a net saving of 17.5% together with the fact that you are putting some funds towards your retirement. Furthermore, from 1 July 2018, you can carry forward any unused “concessional” contributions year meaning that you could contribute up to $102,500 this year (to 30 June 2022) if you did not make any contributions in the last four years providing your super balance is less than $500k. Superannuation can be complicated and therefore it is important to reach out to a professional like myself to discuss your contributions before you make them.

2. Get a depreciation report

If you have a rental property back home and do not have a depreciation report, it is worth considering this if the property was constructed after 15 September 1987 or had substantial renovations after this time. Depreciation is a deduction for the reduction in value of the construction (not the land!) for up to 40 years of the property together with the plant and equipment, and furniture and fittings. I recommend reaching out to a quantity surveyor such as BMT or Tax Shield to discuss your specific property and determine whether it is worthwhile commissioning a report. Furthermore, the cost of the actual report is deductible so if you pay for this pre 30 June, you may claim a deduction. You can also amend some of your old returns to do a back claim after the report is produced which could potentially pay for the cost of the report in refunds.

3. Give your share portfolio some love

For those expatriates who may have been holding shares when they moved away from Australia and never elected a “deemed sale” for tax purposes in that particular year, these shares will still be taxable in Australia on sale. Accordingly, year end presents opportunity to sell (and buy back) any shares at a loss to crystalise the Australian capital loss (and potential gains against the loss as well). If you buy them back as a non-resident, you then pay no further tax on the gains as a Singapore tax resident until you move back to Australia again.

4. Push back Australian sourced income and bring forward expenses

This is always the fundamental principal of tax planning as you approach 30th of June each year, even as an expatriate. As an Australian non-resident for tax purposes, you are only taxed on your Australian sourced income and assets, which is, for most of us, Australian property, and any shares which we acquired in Australia and were not “deemed” sold when we moved. So, applying this principal to your property, generally you cannot defer rent, but any expenses which you may have to pay, ensure to pay them pre 30th of June including for repairs and maintenance work, and other expenses like land tax and depreciation reports.  Furthermore, Australian based Income Protection Insurance premiums are also deductible against your Australian rental property.

5. Don’t sell your former family home whilst you are offshore

More a point to note however the Capital Gains Tax Principal Place of Residence Exemption was removed from 30 June 2020 for “Foreign Tax Residents”. This means that if you sell your former family home as a non-resident now going forward, you will be taxed on it with no principal place of residence exemption allowed. Important action is to either hold onto it until you return back to Australia as a tax resident again OR sell it in the future but be aware that you will have no tax concessions allowable under this provision. Some exemptions do apply for divorcing couples and other major life events.

6. Lookout – land tax!

It is important to ensure that your property back in Australia is no longer listed as your principal place of residence for land tax purposes, as you will be liable for land tax on this if you are not living in it.

7. Keep your family trust in good order

For those few that may still have an Australian discretionary trust active, ensure that you prepare your trust distribution minutes by the 30 June.

8. Leave in better shape than you arrived

In the event that you are an expatriate and considering a move back to Australia within the next 24 months, it is well worth commencing repatriation planning to ensure you understand the effect of bringing back your assets into a jurisdiction which taxes you on worldwide income and worldwide assets. This would include review of the tax position of each of your assets and income, together with restructuring opportunities, Australian tax residency position, treatment of those assets which will remain offshore and ensuring you have a retirement plan in place as your income in Australia will most likely drop and income tax will increase.

9. Keep an eye on Albo’s future tax changes including Residency

Potential changes to the Australian tax residency rules were announced in the 2021 budget which have currently not progressed to consultation. We expect to see these re-emerge post-election and will be largely tested on the number of days you are in Australia. They could have a sting in their tail so it is important to keep a look out for the changes when they occur.

Please reach out if you would like an obligation free meeting to further discuss any questions you may have via email: Tristan.perry@selectinvestorsaustralia.sg and do watch the recent on demand webinar to learn more about Australian tax planning.

The above information is general in nature and could vary depending on your personal circumstances. Do contact me if you have any questions about any of the above or for an obligation free discussion to talk more specifically about personal circumstances.

 

ANZA Action: Out & about with the Salvation Army

ANZA Action food deliveryIt’s been a happy few months for our Salvation Army volunteers who’ve been delivering food packages to those in need around Singapore. As one of ANZA Action’s longest running activities (rumoured to be 25 years-old!), it’s fantastic to see the team out and about and giving back to the community again.

The past few weeks have seen Maree Roberts and Virginia Soh head to Jalan Bukit Merah, and Marie and Virginia joined by Rae Moller, Wendy Borland, Naomi Cornet, Tanya Brock and Siobhan Moore to do drop-offs at Kim Tian, Jalan Kukoh and Bukit Merah View.

AZNA Action food deliveryThe volunteers get together at the Salvation Army Family Support Services centre in Tiong Bahru three Tuesday mornings each month, where they meet with staff who’ve already packed up two supermarket bags per recipient.  The food delivered varies, but consists of dry goods like tinned food, noodles, rice, oil and toiletries. “Sometimes, during festivals like Christmas and Chinese New Year, there will be an extra bag of goodies. Special bags are also made up for those with dietary requirements,” explains Virginia.

Referrals are made by local social workers, and on average the volunteers deliver to around 35 households every month – mainly to the elderly – in the Salvation Army van. 

ANZA Action food delivery
Distributing goodies at Jalan Kukoh

Biggest smiles

While there may be limited chat between the volunteers and recipients, a ni hao and zai jian (hello and goodbye) go a long way. “We deliver for around two hours and the uncles and aunties appreciate us with the biggest smiles and a xie xie (thank you) when we knock on their doors,” continues Virginia.

ANZA Action food delivery
Distributing goodies at Bukit Merah

Pre-Covid, the volunteers would also help out at the Salvation Army’s Family Services Centre, where they’d assist the elderly with crafts and games of mahjong, and provide manicures and hand massages. They even accompanied a group to Gardens by the Bay. It’s a wonderful way for expats in Singapore to see another side of the heartlands, support the great work of the Salvation Army and give back to the community. So, what are you waiting for?!

To join the Salvation Army volunteers, log onto anza.org.sg/groups/anza-action or email info@anza.org.sg  

Eco eating with Chef Darren Farr

In the final part of our Singapore Chef Special to highlight the plight of sustainable eating and climate change, we speak to Sydney-born Chef Darren Farr who has taken his culinary skills around the globe including Tetsuya’s in Sydney, Peak Café Hong Kong and Mezzo Bar Restaurant London.

As one of the top chefs in Singapore who is using his Australian background to drive sustainable dining ahead on the red dot, his work is integral to Singapore becoming a more sustainable foodie haven.

“It was easy to stop serving straws, and we do our part with recycling and food waste”

Chef Darren Farr
Chef Darren Farr was born in Sydney and grew up in Albury. He’s taken his culinary skills around the globe including Tetsuya’s in Sydney, Peak Café Hong Kong and Mezzo Bar Restaurant London. He worked at Culina Singapore before becoming Chef-Owner of The Lokal.

When it comes to food, how do you keep your businesses as sustainable as possible?
Sustainability means being able to operate in a way that has minimal impact on the environment, and also being able to engage and inspire employees to practice good habits that make a difference. There are steps that are easy for us to implement such as not serving straws for our drinks, and offering an incentive to diners who bring their own cup for takeaway orders. We also do our part with recycling and the reduction of food waste.

In what ways do you enforce zero waste in your kitchens?
We try to do this constantly. For instance, at The Lokal, buttermilk left over from making our butter was used in our muffins of the day; whey left over from making our ricotta cheese was used to brine our chickens for roasting. We also try to reduce our use of single-use plastics.

Where do you source the ingredients for your menus?
We try to source locally but it’s not always easy. We used to source locally-farmed kale in Singapore and it was a fantastic product, but unfortunately they had to close the farm when Covid-19 hit. Currently on our menu we have Bass Strait Beef, which is Australian grass-fed beef for our steak offerings – this is generally more expensive but we feel customers will pay for good produce.

What needs to change to help F&B become more sustainable?
There are cost barriers to implement when using certain systems or packaging, which can be hard for small businesses. I feel like the general mindset of sustainability in Singapore needs to be changed. Even in our day to day operations, we see so much food wastage from over-ordering. I hope people will change their perspective about what they’re eating and become more aware of their choices as well.

How do your Australian roots influence the dishes you create?
Some of the dishes come from memories of growing up in Australia, but I attribute my dishes to years of travelling and working overseas, eating and experiencing many different cultures.  Australia in itself is highly multicultural – including in its cuisine – so I take my inspiration from quite a range of multifaceted heritages and sources.

How have dining tastes changed due to the pandemic?
Many of our customers opt for dishes that remind them of home or of their travels, especially since travel has been off limits for so long. I don’t see a significant shift in diners choosing healthier or greener dishes, but I must commend our guests for always being willing to bring their own takeaway containers which makes a big difference.

Where do you recommend visitors to Australia should go for great sustainable food?
Three Blue Ducks (threeblueducks.com) is a spot I always hit up. I think what they do is great in terms of sustainability. I’m very envious!

Find Darren on Instagram @fuzzychef

Eating green with Cloudstreet’s Chef Rishi Naleendra

Sustainable dining has never been more popular or important. As part of a Singapore Chef Special to highlight the plight of cleaner eating and climate change, we speak to top chefs in Singapore who are using their Australian backgrounds to drive sustainable dining ahead within the F&B industry here on the red dot.

In the second part of our series, we chat to Chef Rishi Naleendra who trained in various Australian kitchens, and was the Chef de Partie at the world-renowned Tetsuya’s in Sydney. Today he’s the Chef-Owner of FOOL, Cloudstreet and Kotuwa in Singapore.

‘My time in Australia gave me a creative freedom which is evident in the food at FOOL and Cloudstreet’

Chef Rishi
Chef Rishi Naleendra is originally from Sri Lanka, but trained in various Australian kitchens, and was the Chef de Partie at the world-renowned Tetsuya’s in Sydney. Today he’s the Chef-Owner of FOOL, Cloudstreet and Kotuwa in Singapore.

Tell us about the concept for FOOL …
It was inspired by the amazing and diverse wine-bar scene in Australia, and designed to bring a very different wine and food experience to the diners in Singapore. We not only wanted to challenge the status quo, but also debunk the stigma of stuffiness around wines.

What does sustainability mean to you?
It has always been the core of what we do, be it from culinary offerings, staffing, and the business as a whole. Our wine list is mostly made up of wines from passionate and quality winemakers who practice sustainable winemaking. We have a large portion of organic and biodynamic wines. Supporting local farms and producers on our food menu is something we have strongly believed in and practiced since day one.

How do you keep FOOL as sustainable as possible?
When the pandemic hit, we were forced to delve into takeaways and deliveries. As such, we sourced biodegradable takeaway containers made from sugarcane pulp and only used paper bags for transporting food. We did away with straws, but have biodegradable ones on standby. In our cocktail programmes, we’re receiving our alcohol using the ecoSpirits system, a new spirits distribution technology by Proof & Company that reduces the carbon footprint of the entire spirits life cycle – from field to glass to landfill.

How do you minimise waste?
From utilising the whole animal to using the rinds from fruit, we try our best to keep our waste to a minimum. With the quality of ingredients we use, we cannot afford any wastage, hence we need to be creative with how we use our ingredients. In addition, our food trimmings are kept and used in our staff meals or used to create tasty snacks for staff.

What are your hopes for sustainable dining here in SG?
We need bigger corporations on board. Singapore is a small country and there is not much land for farming. Vertical farming is developing here for plants and vegetables, but for animal farming there is not enough land for a sustainable resource on a large scale. For mass produced meats, huge chain eateries and fast food chains, cell-based meats or cultured meats might be the future. There is a long way to go but I believe the industry as a whole is moving in the right direction.

Where should our readers go in Australia for sustainable food?
Sunda Dining (sunda.com.au) in Melbourne focus on Southeast Asian cuisine, but use Australian ingredients. Also, Yellow Sydney (yellowsydney.com.au) serve a great full vegetarian menu.

foolwine.com.sg @foolwine.sg @rishinaleendra

Long Covid: Symptoms, signs & recovery

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Young lady with long covid

What do we know about long Covid so far?

Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer. As we accumulate data we’ll understand more, but for now it can be divided into three categories:

  1. Acute Covid-19 with symptoms of Covid-19 infection for up to four weeks.
  2. Ongoing symptomatic Covid-19 where symptoms may last between four to 12 weeks.
  3. Chronic or post-Covid-19 with symptoms lasting for more than 12 weeks. Various symptoms can affect multiple organs, which fluctuate in intensity and mature over time.

It’s worth noting that a diagnosis of post-Covid-19 syndrome doesn’t necessarily need a positive test for Covid-19 infection. This is because many individuals experiencing post-Covid-19 syndrome have often had a relatively mild illness or been asymptomatic, and hence, an undiagnosed Covid-19 infection.

What are the symptoms?

The most common tend to be fatigue and sleep disturbance. Those experiencing chronic post-Covid-19 syndrome notice anxiety and breathlessness. Also:

  • Fatigue, fever, body aches and pains
  • Breathlessness, a cough
  • Chest pain, chest tightness, palpitations
  • ‘Brain fog’ with loss of concentration or memory issues
  • Headaches,changes in sleeping pattern, dizziness
  • Changes in vision
  • Numbness or tingling hands and/or feet
  • Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea
  • Weight loss or reduced appetite
  • Muscle or joint pains
  • Mood changes
  • Skin rashes, hair loss
  • Tinnitus (a ringing sound in ears), ear aches, sore throat, loss of taste and/or smell, nasal congestion

Who gets long Covid?

At present we don’t know why some people develop post-Covid-19 syndrome and others do not. Early worldwide research has highlighted some risk factors:

  • Prolonged low oxygen levels and/or admission to intensive care unit (ICU)
  • A history of some pre-existing lung-related diseases
  • Higher body mass index (BMI)
  • Older age adults
  • Females
  • White ethnicity

What about children?

As a parent, I appreciate this is a great concern for many people. Most children affected by Covid-19 infection tend to be asymptomatic or have less severe disease than adults. Studies are underway on the long-term effects on children, but sadly we cannot put knowledge before the current amount of data available.

What do studies reveal?

Latest findings reveal that children may experience respiratory-related concerns and general symptoms, such as headaches, as long-term related effects of Covid-19 infection. These conditions don’t usually require specialist intervention. Taking a holistic view, it’s worth noting that the pandemic has led to nearly a third of all children and adolescents reporting anxiety and/or sadness, regardless of infection status.

What should I do if I have symptoms?

Please visit us. We have two clinics – in the CBD and the West – we can help!

How can a GP help?
Find Osler Health clinics at 328 North Bridge Road, #02-27 Raffles Hotel Arcade, 188719 and 1 Vista Exchange Green, #B1-27, The Star Vista,138617. Email us at raffles@osler-health.com or starvista@osler-health.com

Dr Trisha Upadhyaya
Dr Trisha Upadhyaya is a British trained doctor from Osler Health International and is based at Star Vista clinic, near to Holland Village.

 

 

What’s new with sustainable dining in Singapore?

Sustainable dining may not be new, but the growing urgency of our fight against climate change and the global target of being carbon zero by 2050 means the solution is a collective one.

Thankfully, like-minded people in the hospitality industry have long been driving the change to more sustainable dining options by making changes in their own communities and connecting with others to tackle concerns: Australia and Singapore are one such pairing.

“Singapore is a bona fide foodie nation that is known for its fantastic multicultural cuisine, with much that the world can learn from,” says Penny Rafferty, Head of Sustainability for Tourism Australia. “We see many synergies with Singapore in terms of collaborating on food inspiration and ingredient ideas. Australia prides itself on our diverse range of produce and how our food and wine operators innovate with creative takes on those ingredients. Our farmers and fishermen are passionate about sharing their knowledge and engage in advocacy for the cause.”

The exchange of ideas between Singapore’s trailblazing chefs and trendsetters is also exciting, especially when it’s driven by F&B development and a more sustainable ecosystem. From regenerative farms to coffee roasters, breweries to bakers, everyone is aiming for a more eco-friendly and positive impact together.

“The question businesses and individuals are asking is no longer ‘why’ do we need to be sustainable, but ‘how’,” continues Penny. “As the voice for tourism in Australia, we are looking forward to growing and developing together, sharing the evolution of our sustainable food future, and exchanging stories from across the country with Singapore. We also look forward to learning from Singapore, a country that punches way above its weight in terms of food and innovation.”

In light of this, we meet top chefs in Singapore who are using their Australian backgrounds to pioneer changes and drive sustainable dining ahead within the F&B industry here on the red dot. Here’s our first conversation with Chef Jason Jones, Culinary Director and Co-Owner of Singapore’s Super Loco Group.

Penny RaffertySustainable F&B Explained

“Sustainable F&B is about embedding sustainability in the end-to-end conceptualisation, operation and delivery of an F&B concept. This almost always includes sourcing the best produce from local suppliers, often organically grown and with minimal transport; using renewable sources of energy; and finding other creative solutions to encourage regenerative farming and reduce carbon footprint.”
Penny Rafferty, Head of Tourism Australia’s Sustainability Strategy

‘We’ve made our menus at least 50% plant-based by constantly adding new vegetarian and vegan dishes’

Chef Jason Jones
Chef Jason Jones from Bega, NSW, is the Culinary Director and Co-Owner of Singapore’s Super Loco Group, a Mexican restaurant and bar group that serves authentically-inspired Mexican cuisine with a unique contemporary approach, along with a curated collection of artisanal agave-forward tequila and mezcal.

What does sustainability mean to you?
It means providing a great product and experience with as little impact to the environment as possible. At Super Loco Group we use as much local produce as we can, partnering with regional farms recognised as having the ‘best practices’ – such as our chicken farmers and our sustainably-farmed barramundi supplier. We reduce glass usage through our partnership with ecoSpirits. We’ve also gone zero-plastic by making our delivery packaging fully compostable thanks to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

What sustainable efforts go into your menu?
We try to incorporate under-loved cuts in our carbon-conscious menu to show guests that they are just as delicious as popular cuts, for example, our Ox Tongue Tacos at Super Loco Robertson Quay.

Tell us about some other ways you champion green issues through F&B?
We have a series of sustainability initiatives that each address different aspects of sustainability within our kitchens, bars and delivery experience. In addition, we’ve partnered with reforestation technology start-up Green Steps Group to aid reforestation in Borneo’s endangered rainforests through a tree adoption project at our venues.

How easy is it to run an environmentally responsible F&B businesses in Singapore?
It’s not easy at all as most produce in Singapore is imported. The SG Recycling programme could be better. Recycled biodegradable packaging costs more than plastic, making it hard for small businesses to justify the reduced margins. I think food waste needs to go back into the ground to help grow more stuff – every restaurant creates a huge amount of compost that could be used wisely. This being said, vertical farms are starting to help and certain environmental groups are making a solid impact. The government definitely helps these movements with grants and support so I do think the road ahead will see positive changes.

How do your Australian roots influence the dishes you create?
I think the main one is being versatile, and not set in any particular way. In Australia, we don’t have a cuisine that dates back centuries; it’s made of influences from around the world. In my apprentice training days we learned a lot of basic French techniques along with Thai curry, risotto, tagines, chilli crab, schnitzel, guacamole, and so on. So you can imagine, when it comes to creating new Mexican dishes here, we apply our skills in a versatile way that is also (hopefully) appealing.

Do you see diners making greener choices today?
Guests are starting to be more conscious of where and how ingredients are sourced or produced. There also seems to be a growing interest in including plant-based proteins in their dietary lifestyle choices – whether for health reasons, or simply in the interest of leading a more eco-friendly lifestyle. We’ve made our menus at least 50% plant-based by constantly adding new vegetarian and vegan dishes.

How do you stay healthy and well yourself?
I do try to balance the eating game. I like to eat vegan, and I like to eat healthy, but not all the time. If I’ve eaten meat one night, I’ll try not to eat it again for a little while, but how good is fried chicken? Exercise is important, as is rest. Can someone please tell my two little children this?!

super-loco.com @superlocogroup

New Zealand & Oz come to i Light Singapore 2022

When it comes to things to do in Singapore in June, Asia’s i Light Singapore 2022 is right up there! The illuminating event returns to Marina Bay from 3 – 26 June 2022 with a selection of captivating light art installations across the island. Curated to the theme Spark of Light, the 20 artworks by artists from 14 countries have taken inspiration from the colour violet, which signifies the awakening of senses. To celebrate the event, we caught up with two of the international artists featured this year – Angus Muir from New Zealand and Atelier Sisu from Australia – to find out how they got involved and what they’re most looking forward to.

Florescentia by Australian artist Atelier Sisu
Shish-ka-buoy by New Zealand artist, Angus Muir

 

Hi Angus and Atelier Sisu! Is this the first time you’re participating in i Light Singapore 2022? 

Angus Muir: This is our third time! We were excited about coming back for i Light Singapore in 2020, and 2021, but Covid wasn’t allowing that!  It’s great to be back in Singapore, one of our   favourite cities.

Atelier Sisu: Yes! This is the first time for us. It’s been a few years in the making – the artwork was actually scheduled to be part of the 2020 event. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, this was unable to go ahead. We’re thrilled  to finally be part of it. Singapore is such an iconically beautiful city and it is a real pleasure to bring our work here. 

Please talk us through your installations for the festival …

AM: Shish-ka-buoy is an installation of pure joy and colourful delight bundled up into a mesmerising skewer of illuminated spheres. The ever changing gradients of colours almost appear like a spherical sunset going down on a dark street. We spent a long time perfecting the installation and hope that it draws people in like moths to a flame.

AS: Florescentia is an existing artwork that was originally commissioned by Vivid Sydney. i Light Singapore will be its first debut in Asia. The word ‘Florescentia’ is the Latin word for blossoming. Florescentia is defined by its kinetic personality – standing three metres off the ground, the heads of each of the Florescentias rotate, thereby manipulating the petal profiles so that the work expands and contracts, emulating the opening and closing of flower petals. We refer to this movement as a photosynthesis ballet, mimicking the blossoming of a flower. 

You’ve both used recyclable materials for your pieces. How important is it for you to stay as sustainable as possible?

AM: I think it’s incredibly important to be as sustainable as you can in this day and age. We always focus on materials that are recycled, or can easily be recycled. For us we create works that last for many years. This installation has been exhibited over 30 times. I think creativity stands apart from the use of recycled materials, if anything, using sustainable materials can be more challenging and requires a lot more thought and energy.

AS: Minimising any environmental footprint is always key when creating a public artwork. We work closely with Megara Australia to create many of our artworks, Florescentia being no exception. The rotating and twirling profiles of the work are made from 100% Australian Carbon Neutral polypropylene. This material has strength, flexibility, good light diffusing qualities, is able to withstand constant kinetic manipulation for long durations and is environmentally friendly. 

How did you get your installations from NZ and Oz over to Singapore? 

AM: Our installations travel by sea. It takes around five weeks to get over from NZ. Shipping is pretty busy right now so we had to allow some extra time. Once it arrives, the equipment is sent to site, where we then rebuild it on site. Everything packs pretty small and is very modular.

AS: Florescentia travelled to Singapore dismantled, in two very large road cases. When we arrive in Singapore it will take us around two days to reconstruct the artwork, while ensuring that it is curated to the space in a site specific way. 

Which other artists or parts of i Light Singapore are you excited to check out while you’re here?

AM: We’re looking forward to seeing everything! We know a few artists already, but it is nice to meet new ones.

AS: We’re particularly eager to see the work ‘Fireflies’ by Toer Studio. This is also a kinetic artwork that emulates the magical movement of fireflies in the night. We are of course excited to see Angus Muir’s beautiful Shish-ka-buoys again. While we have had the pleasure of seeing them displayed in New Zealand, they’re always a crowd favourite and beautiful against the night.

How will you spend your spare time in Singapore?

AM: We are going to spend five days exploring the city after we set-up. We love the architecture, food and shopping!I love getting out for an early morning walk and watching the sunrise over Marina Bay, then watching the sun go down from a nice rooftop bar! You will definitely find us in a mall from 11-2pm hiding from the heat – hahaha! 

AS: One half of the Atelier Sisu team, Zara, has spent quite a lot of time in Singapore over the years while performing in Holiday Ice Shows at Novena Shopping Center. We’re really looking forward to visiting some of her favourite places (Newton Circus and Jumbo’s for some long awaited Chilli Crab!). We’re also going to head to the National Gallery and Gardens by the Bay, in particular the beautiful Cloud Dome within the gardens.

Please tell us about some of the artworks you’ve illuminated back in your respective homes … 

AM: We’ve spent a lot of time exhibiting in New Zealand. We’ve been involved with LUMA for six years in Queenstown, which is an incredible location. We’ve also been in light festivals and events in most major cities in New Zealand, Oamaru, Dunedin, Christchurch, Nelson, Wellington, Kapiti Coast, Hastings, Napier,  Taupo, New Plymouth, Gisborne, Tauranga, Hamilton, Auckland and Whangarei. For me, my absolute dream space is the beautiful landscape of New Zealand. 

AS: Atelier Sisu’s work in Australia sits within the intersection of art and architecture. Coinciding with i Light Singapore, Atelier Sisu is activating Walsh Bay on Sydney Harbour with the artwork, Ephemeral Oceanic as part of Vivid Sydney. The artwork is a partially water based, larger-than-life bubble scape and we’re thrilled to be working on Sydney Harbour.

Don’t miss i Light Singapore 2022 from 3 – 26 June 2022. 

 

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