Ask the Expert: Financial tips for a Singapore newbie

Jun 23 2023

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Welcome to Singapore and the ANZA community! As an expatriate, you may face complex financial decisions when it comes to holding assets across multiple jurisdictions. However, with the correct planning, you can build and protect significant wealth offshore. Here’s how:

1 Continue to save for retirement

If you’re not a Singapore citizen or PR, you won’t be contributing to CPF, which could result in gaps in your retirement planning. Setting up a regular contribution is crucial for reaching retirement goals. If you were in places like Australia, New Zealand and UK, you would have been contributing approximately 10% per annum to retirement structures like Superannuation, KiwiSaver, or UK Pensions. For some who are abroad for some time, the retirement gap left by not contributing can make a big impact.

2 Embrace the favourable tax

Singapore offers internationally portable, multi-currency investment accounts that can help you to take advantage of various tax-effective investment opportunities. The benefits you reap from tax exempt accounts can continue even after you return home. Some can also further assist with estate and succession planning for your children and grandchildren.

3 Protect you and your family

It’s important to discuss the subject of death with loved ones, especially if you’re living away from trusted friends and family. There are a few key considerations as an expat in addition to the normal Wills, Power of Attorney and Temporary and Permanent Guardianship that you may not have in your home country.

4 Review your current arrangements

Mortgages/Loans, Retirement Accounts, Insurance and Property should be reviewed to ensure they are working hard and relevant while you are abroad. Consider consolidating retirement accounts for ease of management and lower fees. Review property annually to ensure no nasty surprises when you return.

5 Seek advice

Managing your personal finance may seem daunting, especially if you have assets across multiple jurisdictions. Seeking advice can help you navigate complex financial decisions and make informed choices.

Living in a foreign country can be exciting and paying lower income tax and no Capital Gains Tax on investments can be rewarding. However, it’s important to be forward thinking. Singapore offers favorable tax structures and reviewing your current arrangements can ensure you’re making the most of them.

The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances. You are advised to seek independent tax advice from suitably qualified professionals before making any decision as to the tax implications of any investment.

The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested.
Advice relating to a Will, Guardianship and/or Lasting Power of Attorney involves the referral to a service that is separate and distinct to those offered by St. James’s Place.
Please note your home or other property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

If you’d like to discuss further planning on how to make the most of your time in Singapore, please contact Jamie on [email protected] or +65 91679634 to arrange a consultation.

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

ANZA’s Got Talent: The Crafter

Jun 21 2023

Wendy Howell is a dressmaker and textile artist from Sydney. She lives in SG with her husband, Cam, and is a regular at ANZA Stitches.

When did you discover your talent?
I grew up in the Blue Mountains surrounded by creative women. One grandmother was a talented seamstress, the other an artist who also loved textile crafts. My mother has always been my creative cheerleader, inspiring me with her own projects, be it sewing, knitting, crochet or a new recipe. My passion for sewing started in high school, after which I trained in Fashion and Garment Construction focusing on custom made clothing. This developed into a dressmaking business that specialised in bridal and formal wear.

When did you join ANZA Stitches?
The ANZA Stitches group really helped me to settle after moving to SG in 2020. The ladies became a support group as friendships grew. The creativity we share is infectious. As everyone brings their own projects, it has inspired me to try new crafts and develop my skills. We all help each other, sharing our knowledge and ideas.

Is there one area you like to specialise in?
Because of ANZA Stitches, I’m doing more patchwork and quilting, Blackwork, and Japanese sashiko and temari. Last year, I made my own traditional Peranakan beaded shoes after attending a workshop in Joo Chiat. I love that I’m helping to keep this unique craft of beading alive. Now I have a special memento from my time in Singapore that is handmade, by me, using traditional techniques.

What are you currently working on?
I always have a creative craft project (or two) on the go, be it cross stitch, bag making, embroidery or patchwork. Recently, I was introduced to a quilt pattern by Véronique’s Quilt Design (wattlebird.com.au), which I loved working on (see left). I gathered sections of material from Singapore and Australia and added hand embroidered flowers. It took around two months to complete, and each section was just the right size to travel with or work on at the weekly Stitches group meetings.

ANZA Stitches meet every Thursday morning in the ANZA office. All abilities welcome. anza.org.sg/groups/stitches

Hotspots: Meadsmoore

Jun 20 2023

Meadesmoore has made its mark on Singapore’s rich steakhouse scene, offering a distinctive concept that celebrates secondary cuts of meat, or what some folks refer to as Butchers’ cuts. Located on Boon Tat Street (formerly Fat Belly Social Steakhouse), this sophisticated and inviting establishment is an ideal setting for business meetings, cosy gatherings, and intimate conversations.

Meadesmoore Chef Victor Loy pays homage to the 1900’s grand steakhouses, such as Delmonico and Peter Luger’s, while showcasing his own unique philosophy. These cuts, appreciated by butchers for their robust flavours, varying levels of fattiness, and consistent quality, take centre stage here. Complementing the meat offerings, diners are treated to an array of delectable updated classic side dishes, perfectly rounding out the flavourful meat cuts. Additionally, a thoughtfully curated seasonal menu showcases limited produce sourced from the chef’s trusted network.

Simple sophistication

Our culinary journey began with a couple of appetisers that beautifully showcased Chef Victor’s vision of simple sophistication. The Beef & Crab Tartare (S$28) presented a delightful surf and turf concept. Velvety chopped beef tartare crowned with crab salad, enhanced by hints of umami from the colatura di alici (anchovy essence), lemon juice, and sherry jelly. The tartare was elegantly served on a bone marrow base, garnished with ikura and microgreens.

Accompanying the tartare, we enjoyed the Tendon & Escargot (S$24), a delightful marriage of garlicky snails and bone marrow. The escargots were roasted in green garlic butter and combined with slow-braised beef tendon. This tantalising mixture was placed on a toasted buttered brioche, generously spread with horseradish cream. It was a table favourite.

After a brief break, the star of the menu arrived: The Meadesmoore Cut (S$200). This exclusive cut, sourced from 2GR in Australia, is a rare gem that is typically served in shabu shabu style. However, Chef Victor elevates this extraordinary cut, which comes from the area between the ribeye and the chuck, by offering guests three distinct types of marbling and unique flavour profiles.

The Underblade, tender and succulent, provided a delightful combination of sweetness and rich beefy notes reminiscent of a flatiron steak. Next to it, the Ribeye Cap boasted a velvety texture and a luxurious buttery consistency. Finally, the beef loin offered deep, robust beef flavours. Chef Victor’s suggested condiments include: Bordelaise ($7), Café de Paris butter ($7), and Fleur de Sel, perfectly enhanced the steaks.

All great steaks need an exceptional supporting cast, and Meadesmoore’s choices certainly delivered. We savoured the Black Kumato (S$18), juicy and vibrant black tomatoes marinated in sherry, accompanied by shaved shallots, extra virgin olive oil, and topped with thinly-shaved sweet shallot rings and tarragon leaves. The Butterhead (S$16), as its name suggests, featured butterhead lettuce tossed with herbs, honey lemon vinaigrette, and house-made macadamia tahini, topped with grated roasted macadamia nuts.

Supporting cast

No steak experience would be complete without a serving of Mac & Cheese (S$24). Meadesmoore’s version features Grana Padano, bleu, mozzarella, and a seasonal cheese. This deliciously gooey rendition is mixed into a bechamel and casarecce pasta, the shape of this pasta has a middle groove perfect for catching extra amounts sauce. This dish is then put under the broiler and finished with a shower of fresh shaved truffle. Needless to say, the table fought for the last two pieces of pasta.

To conclude, we indulged in a sweet finale suggested by Chef Victor himself: the S’mores ($20) and the Popcorn (S$16). Meadesmoore’s rendition of the American camping classic, S’mores, showcased a delightful combination of flavors. It featured a chocolate sea salt cookie sandwich filled with a tantalizing sour berries compote and refreshing coconut sorbet, all enveloped in a luscious marshmallow mousse. As a theatrical touch, a shot of vodka was flambeed tableside and poured over the dessert, adding a dramatic element to the presentation.

The Popcorn dessert offered a playful twist on the classic caramel version. It included house-made corn curd and summer strawberry ice cream, topped with a delectable sea salt caramel sauce. The dessert was further enhanced with a generous sprinkling of sea salt caramel popcorn kernels, adding a delightful crunch to every bite.

VERDICT: In the vast Singapore steakhouse scene, Meadesmoore carves a unique place in the landscape featuring different cuts that are not usually found and without compromising flavours and quality. Chef Victor’s creations do not drift far away from the classics, but rather are evolutionary and designed to satisfy our carnivore-gastronomical desires. And please, do not miss the Mac & Cheese and the S’moores.

Meadsmoore

21A Boon Tat St

Level 2

Singapore 069620

Home maintenance strategies to protect your family

Jun 20 2023

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As homeowners, we appreciate that minor issues can escalate into significant problems if left unattended. Therefore, we’ve collated a list of crucial home maintenance tasks to protect your property asset.

Paint and Repair Your Home’s Exterior

Peeling paint, cracked siding, or other exterior damage can negatively impact your home’s curb appeal and structural integrity. Regularly paint and repair your home’s exterior protects it from nature elements and maintain its appearance.

Safeguard Your Power Outlets

Next, check all power outlets annually. If you encounter dead or dysfunctional outlets, hire an electrician to repair them promptly. Finally, verify that your outlets near plumbing fixtures are grounded to ensure safety.

Exhaust Fans & Mold Prevention

Exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms are excellent moisture removers. However, they need an annual cleanout to perform effectively. Clean these exhaust fans to prevent potential mold growth and maintain air quality.

Maintaining Tubs, Showers & Bathroom Fixtures

Check your grout or caulk regularly for any signs of deterioration, peeling, or mildew. Treat moldy grout or caulk with a bleach solution as a quick fix, but consider regrouting or recaulking every five years.

Water Damage Restoration

Address water damage promptly and ensure the removal of any visible traces of the issue. Search on youtube for guidance on stain removal and prevention.

Maintain Fire Safety Equipment

Fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, are critical to ensuring your home’s and its residents’ safety. Test these devices every six months to ensure they are in working condition. Replace batteries and inspect these devices for any signs of damage. Replace expired fire extinguishers to ensure optimal preparedness in case of a fire.

Water Heater Maintenance

Annually flush your water heater to remove any accumulated minerals or debris. This procedure ensures efficient operation and can be performed by a handyperson or by following DIY guides.

Monitoring Water Consumption

Monitor your water bill closely for any unexpected spikes in consumption, indicating potential leaks. A consistent and unexplained increase should warrant a professional plumber’s inspection.

Maintain Your Aircon System

Regular air conditioning system maintenance is crucial for your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. Have a professional aircon servicing technician perform a comprehensive maintenance check at least once a year. This will prolong the system’s lifespan and prevent costly repairs.

Clean Your Carpets and Rugs

Carpets and rugs can hold dust, dirt, and allergens. Regular cleaning improves your indoor air quality and the overall aesthetic of your home. You should vacuum weekly and consider a professional carpet cleaning service annually.

Conclusion

Maintaining your home is an ongoing task that requires consistent attention. To effectively manage this, it is advantageous to establish a maintenance budget. By doing so, you can allocate resources to ensure the continuous upkeep of your property without placing excessive strain on your finances.

When it comes to maintaining and repairing your home, engaging Handyman Services Singapore is a wise choice. These skilled professionals can handle various tasks, from minor repairs to sliding door repair services, ensuring your home remains in excellent condition. By entrusting your home maintenance and repair needs to reliable handyperson services in Singapore, you can enjoy a well-preserved property that provides a comfortable and safe living environment for you and your family.

7 sculptures by famous artists on the streets of Singapore

Jun 19 2023

Besides the soaring skyscrapers, heritage buildings and bustling markets, Singapore is home to an impressive amount of public art, much of which is by world-famous artists and seriously expensive. If you know where to look you’ll find work by the likes of surrealist Salvador Dalí, American pop artist Roy Lichtenstein, Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, and many more. Grab a bike, or get your walking shoes on, and let’s go!

1. Large Reclining Figure by Henry Moore

This piece in the CBD by British artist Henry Moore might be the most valuable of all of Singapore’s public art. According to auction house Christie’s, a similar but smaller ‘Reclining Figure’ sold for more than $40 million in 2016. This larger version arrived in Singapore in 1984 thanks to American architect I.M. Pei who designed the OCBC building in the late 1970s. Being a fan of Moore’s work, he asked him to create a sculpture for the building’s forecourt. At over 10 metres long, it’s one of the largest works Moore ever created. The sculpture’s pose also resonates with many of us living in the island’s unforgiving heat.
OCBC Centre, 65 Chulia Street, 049513

Photo Courtesy: PublicArtSG/Peter Schoppert

2. Tall Tree In The Eye by Anish Kapoor

If you haven’t spent time looking at your distorted reflection in these polished orbs, you haven’t lived. This showstopper by acclaimed British artist Anish Kapoor comprises 29 polished stainless steel spheres that appear to float upwards. Measuring eight metres tall and weighing over six tonnes, this sculpture was installed in 2013 as part of a $12 million budget for three works of public art. Not just a fancy kaleidoscopic House of Mirrors, according to auctioneer Sotheby’s, a single large orb by Kappor, two metres in diameter, sold for $3.3 million in 2011.
Ocean Financial Centre, 10 Collyer Quay, 049315

Photo Courtesy: ORBA/ www.orchardroad.org/play

3. Let’s Go To A Paradise Of Glorious Tulips by Yayoi Kusama

Chances are you’ve frequented Orchard Central for a spot of shopping, but did you know there’s a whole world of wonder located on this mall’s 11th and 12th levels? Here you’ll find a cute rooftop garden featuring the mixed-media art installation, ‘Let’s Go to a Paradise of Glorious Tulips’ by Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama. The piece, featuring a girl in a garden with flowers and animals, has been here for over a decade nestled amidst the greenery that comes complete with a waterfall and fish pond.
Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road, 238896

4. Planet by Marc Quinn

It’s hard to miss this 10-metre-long, three-metre-tall sleeping baby hovering above the field at Gardens by the Bay. Seemingly suspended above the ground, this piece was created in 2008 and inspired by Marc Quinn’s own son, Lucas. The giant scale of this sculpture titled ‘Planet’ is balanced at just one point where it’s connected to the earth and questions the vulnerability and fragility of life. “To me, ‘Planet’ is a paradox – overwhelmingly big, yet also an image of vulnerability,” said Quinn upon its unveiling. “It’s both a reflection of ourselves and the earth upon which we live.” Planet was commissioned for the UK, before making a debut in Musée Oceanographique in Monaco, and proceeding to settle in Singapore.
31 Marina Park Singapore, 019191

5. Six Brushstrokes by Roy Lichtenstein

Head to Millenia Walk and you’ll find one of the last works by American pop artist Roy Lichtenstein. ‘Six Brushstrokes’ consists of six aluminium sculptures which bring Chinese and Western culture together. The pieces, which were commissioned explicitly for the space, are described as “calligraphic renditions of nature, land and seascapes.” They were flown to Singapore just months before Roy’s last days in 1997.
Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Boulevard, 039596

6. Homage to Newton by Salvador Dali

This unique sculpture by Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali is a tribute to 17th century English physicist and man who discovered gravity, Sir Isaac Newton. Look closely and you’ll see a ball at the centre, suspended off the right-hand side of the statue, which represents a falling apple. The figure, located at UOB Plaza, is almost skeletal and there’s a hole in its head the size of a cannonball. While Dali had a dark sense of humour, he’s definitely the one having the last laugh as the piece is rumoured to be worth over a whopping one million dollars.
UOB Plaza, 80 Raffles Place, 048624

7. Mother And Children by Ng Eng Teng

Nicknamed “The Grandfather of Singapore Sculpture”, Dr Ng Eng Teng is acclaimed for his innovative sculptures and chances are you’ve spotted his work in Changi Airport or on Orchard Road. This 3.5 metre-tall bronze sculpture featuring a mother holding her child was received by National Gallery Singapore in November 2019. It was the last monumental work produced by Eng Teng before his death in 2001. Today ‘Mother and Children’ stands proudly in front of the gallery, and has become an important part of the building’s façade that faces the Padang.
National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, 178957

Tips for transferring money home or abroad

Jun 16 2023

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We know, relocating isn’t easy. Neither is managing your finances in two different countries. Whether you’re new to Singapore or already comfortably settled, you’ll probably need to transfer money abroad or back home to pay for overheads and expenses such as school fees, loans, allowance, or contribute to your Superannuation or investments.

Most expats friends we know either use the traditional bank transfer methods, or multi-currency accounts that enable users to hold different currencies in one digital wallet, make international transactions relatively quickly and affordably including sending, receiving and withdrawing money in multiple currencies.

While those methods are all well and good, they may not offer you the best value in the long run.

In addition to considering the applicable currency conversion rates which fluctuate according to market conditions, the user usually bears a transaction fee for each transaction, which can vary according to the amount of transfer each time.

Manage & transfer money with ease

Here’s an alternative to converting and moving your money internationally!

Singtel Dash Remit offers an attractive and secure solution for those who need to send money overseas. Provided by SingCash Pte Ltd, licensed by Monetary Authority of Singapore and a subsidiary of Singtel (Singapore’s largest telecommunications provider), its international fund transfer service Dash Remit provides competitive exchange rates and fast transfers, and notably – with a low fixed fee.

For overseas money transfers to Australia and supported European countries (including United Kingdom), a fixed fee of only SGD4 per transaction is applicable. This means you can transfer any amount you wish (within the daily and monthly limits, of course)¹ without worrying about paying more.

We like that the exchange rates and fees are shown in real-time on their app too, so you know exactly what you’ll be getting. For New Payment Platform enabled accounts to Australia, you can even receive your funds within the day, talk about efficiency!

To start remitting on Dash, simply register for a remittance account, add recipient², and hit send! New users enjoy SGD3 cashback³ on the first remittance transaction – no minimum amount required.

For more information on how to register for and use Singtel Dash, visit their website. Thanks to their scale, Singtel Dash offers multiple support touchpoints if you need assistance, you can reach their customer service on WhatsApp, their hotline, email or at their physical shop in Orchard Road.

¹Upon account verification, you may remit up to SGD5,000 a day and SGD10,000 a month for non-Work Permit-holders with app versions 6.2.0 and above. Work Permit-holders may remit up to SGD3,000 per day and per month. The total Dash wallet debit transactions, including remittance, cannot exceed SGD30,000 in a year.

² For transfers to Australia, you will require the following information from your recipient: First and last name, Mobile number, Bank account number, BSB code, Date of birth, Nationality, Address (in Australia), Postal Code (in Australia)

³ SGD3 cashback is available for (i) new users who sign up for Dash during the promotion period and perform a first minimum remittance transfer via the Dash app within the first 60 days of sign-up and (ii) existing users who make a first minimum remittance transfer via the Dash app during the promotion period. Exclusions apply. Subject to terms and conditions.

ANZA’s Got Talent: The Photographer

Jun 15 2023

David Lau is a professional photographer, shooting corporate events, advertising, aviation, military, sports, and dog portraits. He also contributes to ANZA. David is originally from New Jersey, USA, and lives in Singapore with his wife, Amy.

When did you discover a passion for photography?
I bought my first digital camera (a Nikon D100) when I was in college. It was during the transition stage between film and digital, and I wanted to know everything about it. Looking back, I may have planted the seed for my love of photography years before that when I randomly took photos of buses, trams and airplanes from our apartment window in Hong Kong.

Have you had any formal training?
My only formal training consisted of taking an intro to photography class as an elective to satisfy the requirement for my undergraduate degree – the rest is mostly self-taught. I learned by reading countless books and viewing photography on internet forums. I then practiced the technique in the field, probably repeating it a million times until I mastered it.

When did photography become your full-time job?
In 2004. I started as a young newspaper photographer and a wedding photographer. As my career evolved, I shifted into the commercial space. My photos are featured in military and civilian publications and displayed as artwork at many government and military buildings and bases. I’m also honored to be a Nikon speaker and Z creator, where I get to share my photography knowledge through online and in-person workshops.

Tell us about some favourite assignments…
Over the last 19 years, my career has taken me from the sidelines of basketball games at a local high school to sitting on the jump seat of a Boeing 757 covering an aviation event in Toulouse; to photographing brides walking down the aisle, and to freezing temperatures in the North Atlantic on board a military ship.

Which piece of work are you most proud of?
Each one is special to my heart. For example, I recently shot the 2023 ANZA Cycling member kit. It was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and we were going to cancel it. I used the rain as a creative element to provide the background with a wet look, which matches the climate of Singapore. I used three Profoto strobes to light the scene and voila! I got this stunning shot.

Where do you get inspiration?
I’m very visual – every time I leave the house I find inspiration. It can even be memories of a place. My photos are simple but complex; I want the audience to find small details after focusing on the main subject. The lighting setup is usually technical. I use multiple strobes and modifiers to shape light onto my subjects. It’s like having control of the sun and not being dependent on ambient light.

What does your passion for photography bring to your life?
My career has allowed me to meet people from all walks of life, from a photography student, a retiree who likes to photograph birds, to the US Vice President Kamala Harris. I also believe in giving back to the community and country. I would take on a purpose-driven photoshoot over cashing in another paycheck. The sense of accomplishment is immeasurable.

hey.davidlau
davidlauphoto.com
[email protected]
+1 8484593198

Expanding minds at Marlborough College Malaysia

Jun 13 2023

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There are many factors to consider when selecting a school for your child: boarding or day, the curriculum, community, fees, facilities and location. All of these can have an impact on the way pupils learn and their development. Therefore, it’s important to ensure schools provide the right environment and facilities to help support your child’s development and needs.

At Marlborough College Malaysia we understand the importance of holistic learning in every aspect of education, and we pride ourselves on the support offered to our pupils. Our aim is to develop not only academic excellence, but to provide opportunities for pupils to explore their talents and develop their own skill sets inside and outside of the classroom. We do this by offering a close and supportive environment that is enriched by a wealth of co-curricular experiences to enhance our pupils’ education.

External opportunities

Within the college curriculum, our dedicated activity sessions help to broaden pupils’ minds, allow them to explore new hobbies, and enable them to gain skills outside of the classroom. The wealth of activities range from eco-friendly, technically based Precious Plastics, to learning essential life skills in the Cooking Club or Ivy House leadership development programme.

We also provide many external opportunities to develop skills on activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, ski trips and sporting ventures throughout Asia. All of our activities see passion combined with skill and discovery to create curious and accomplished pupils. Exploring passions outside of the classroom allows us to cater to every individual interest and as activities change every term, creates a diverse range of interests that pupils can experience over the school year.

Curiosity & learning

This developmental attitude towards learning begins with our very youngest learners in Forest School, a morning every week when our pre prep pupils spend time amongst nature, learning about different animals, habitats and environments. Exploration, discovery and curiosity are values that we aim to instil in every one of our pupils from their first day at MCM, igniting a lifelong love for adventure, curiosity and learning.

“Pupils explore new hobbies and help them to gain skills outside of the classroom”

Helping Marlborough achieve this is our expansive 90-acre campus home to a full range of outstanding facilities for drama, music, art and a range of sports. The College has multiple rugby and football pitches, an all-weather astroturf, high performance sports centre, Olympic swimming pool, theatre and music studio. There’s also a lake for watersports and an organic farm which children of all ages help to run themselves while at the same time learning about ecology, chemistry and biology. By accessing Marlborough’s extensive facilities, our pupils develop into well-rounded individuals who have many interests and hobbies that they are able to take the lead in cultivating.

Marlborough College Malaysia
Jalan Marlborough, 79200 Iskandar Puteri, Malaysia
[email protected]

Holistic health: What’s the deal with naturopathy?

Jun 12 2023

We know how privileged we are to have access to healthcare, and we’re well aware that Singapore offers some of the best medical facilities in the world. When we have an ache, pain or spooky symptom, most of us head to our doc for conventional help, leave with a prescription or follow-up appointment, and wait to feel human again.

Yet as much as we love our GPs, when it comes to optimum health, there’s a variety of less mainstream and more natural options available to support wellbeing. In Asia, a more holistic approach to wellness, where the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual side of symptoms is addressed has been prevalent for centuries with disciplines such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture, Ayurvedic treatments and shiatsu massage.

While a lack of official science backs up the effectiveness of many alternative therapies, there’s no denying that they’re gaining popularity. According to Health Times Australia (healthtimes.com.au), at least two out of every three Australians use some form of complementary medicine, while a survey found usage rates as high as 87 per cent among some patient groups, such as women with breast cancer.

But how do these holistic approaches work and where to start? As most of them exist outside of Singapore’s medical health care system, ANZA consults with a naturopathic and homoeopathic doctor as a bid to discover just what the deal is.

Naturopathy V Homeopathy

Naturopathic medicine is based on the theory that ailments can be successfully treated or prevented without the use of drugs. It aims to heal the root causes of an illness, not just the symptoms. Naturopathic therapies provided are wider than those related to homoeopathy and can include herbs, massage, acupuncture, exercise, and nutritional counselling
Homoeopathy is based on the belief that the body can cure itself and views symptoms of illness as ‘normal responses’ as the body attempts to regain health. Tiny amounts of natural substances like plants and minerals are believed to stimulate the healing process. Unlike naturopaths, homoeopaths can only provide homoeopathic remedies to patients

Holistic Help: Naturopathy

Jo Upcraft visited The Integrative Medical Centre, a unique medical practice with a holistic approach to treatment. She consulted with General Practitioner Dr Dheeraj Khiatani and Dr Sabine Schellerer, a pharmacist and naturopath.

SYMTOMS: Lately I’ve been feeling super-tired with increased anxiety and body aches. If I was a phone, I’d be running on 20% battery. I’m putting symptoms down to a potential iron deficiency, but at 47, could it be perimenopause?

CONSULTATION: The Integrative Medical Centre brings together practitioners from all areas of the health industry to collaborate on treating a patient’s mind, body and soul as one. It’s rare to find this kind of collective set-up in Singapore, so I feel really lucky to not only see a GP, but also a naturopath.

Through my separate consultations I learn that there are certain avenues a GP would go down to form a diagnosis which a naturopath wouldn’t do, and vice versa. (For example, saliva tests on hormones would not be commonly used in conventional medicine). GP Dr Dheeraj carried out a blood test (something naturopaths in Singapore are not permitted to do), and naturopathic doctor, Dr Sabine offered a more unusual source of diagnosis: The Dutch Test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones).

Consisting of filter paper collection strips, this is an advanced hormone test offering an extensive profile of sex and adrenal hormones to identify imbalances. (A male version is also available). My job was to take urine samples over 24 hours at a specific point in my menstrual cycle (or anytime if you’re post-menopause), then wait for my results to return from the lab in the UK.

“Prolonged exposure to stress can drain cortisol meaning that you’re running on empty”

DIAGNOSIS: Remarkably, my blood test returned with no signs of issues which could be linked to my symptoms such as an iron or Vitamin D deficiency, thyroid problem or melatonin dysregulation. However, The Dutch Test presented something that could otherwise only be established with multiple blood tests per day: the severe drop in my cortisol levels over 24 hours. “Cortisol is the body’s stress hormone which is released by the adrenal glands,” explains Dr Sabine. “Prolonged exposure to stress can drain cortisol and the adrenal glands which leaves you ‘running on empty’.” Symptoms include a lack of focus, low energy, a depressive mood, nervousness and digestive problems, amongst other symptoms (tick, tick and tick!). If I want to avoid a total burn out I need to take action. On the plus side, the results show I’m nowhere near menopause – yay!

TREATMENT: There are very limited conventional medical treatments for adrenal exhaustion and reducing it is multi-layered, but naturopathy can help. Dr Sabine suggests adaptogenic herbs in supplement form such as rhodiola, liquorice tea, Ashwagandha and B Vitamins, all of which aim to lift energy levels and encourage sleep and brain function. She also shocks me with the reality that overcoming adrenal fatigue can be a lengthy process – up to nine months. As naturopathy doesn’t offer ‘quick fixes’ and requires a strong commitment to supplements and herbal support, I’d better get started!

Dr Sabine’s lifestyle hacks for tired adrenals

Avoid strenuous exercise
Hard HIT sessions or intense spin classes will be counterproductive to someone with adrenal fatigue. Choose low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking and yoga to move your body without causing extra stress.
Hydrate
Drink plenty of water throughout the day and fill up on food rich in Vitamin C such as Brussels sprouts, kale, fennel, broccoli, peppers, citrus fruits.
Build rest into your day
You don’t necessarily need to nap, but take timeouts alone to practice deep breathing and restoration.
Change your mind
Many of us hold unrealistic expectations about what we ‘should’ be achieving. The idea that being constantly stressed is a badge of honour only adds pressure. Find value in a balanced life instead.
Get to bed
Getting to bed before 11pm is a must. Many people get a second cortisol surge after this time which can further disrupt sleep patterns.

The Integrative Medical Centre, 491B River Valley Rd, #11-02, 248373.
theintegrativemedicalcentre.com

If you think you have a health condition, do not visit a holistic practitioner instead of seeing your GP. Always see your GP first.

Australia research: healthtimes.com.au/hub/natural-medicine/72/guidance/kk1/the-rise-of-natural-medicine-and-therapies/2148

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