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Friday, June 20, 2025
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Hotspots: Three Buns Quayside

Being a community of Australians and New Zealanders, we know how to whip up a mean burger back home on the barbie. For this reason, we didn’t have to be asked twice to try out the new burger menu at Three Buns – the burger joint cooking up a storm in Singapore since 2018 with their inventive, tasty and seriously good-portioned burgers with twists on this absolute classic.

A member of the Potato Head family, helmed by Executive Chef Adam Penney, prides itself on building all burgers from scratch using choice cuts of aged vintage Tasmanian beef, simply seasoned with kosher salt and dressed in home-made sauces and premium cheeses. A variety of buns, such as brioche and mango flour are freshly baked by a local baker using in-house recipes.

Not ones to rest on their laurels, Three Buns Quayside has introduced a new series of burgers to their already impressive menu. We started with the new “Sambal Man” ($19.50) which brings an Indonesian twist with gochujang ketchup, miso mayo and sambal sauce slowly cooked down for a lingering spice and fragrant sweetness.

Cheese fans can indulge in the “Jason 4 Cheese” ($27.50), loaded with a an in-house mix of the world’s best cheeses, then slowly and carefully marinated with Brewdog Punk IPA for a sharp bitterness from first bite. The brilliantly named “Lambdango” ($22.50) will delight lovers of lamb. A lighter version of the house signature “Rambo” lamb burger, the “Lambdango” comes with a delicious home-made guacamole, caramelised tomato salad and a dash of crème fraiche.

The menu also boasts a range of plant-based options for vegans and vegetarians. New addition “Fry Me to The Moon” ($20.50) is made with TiNDLE – an authentic ‘chicken’ that is made from plants, and comes with a home-made Korean-style barbecue sauce, three island mayonnaise, hot sauce and pink onion pickles.

To accompany the burgers at Three Buns Quayside are range of new sides and salads. Dip into the “Miso Dirty Fries” ($14.50) for loaded fries drenched in miso bearnaise sauce and smoked chicken sausage, or “Nugg It” ($11.50) for plant based nuggets served with Korean BBQ sauce. As a different alternative, try “Broc Party” ($12.50), roasted broccoli served with miso mayo, parmesan, calamansi and toasted cashew.

Verdict: Three Buns Quayside just gets better. Up for a challenge? A whopping 1.7kg burger stacked with seven patties and the full works or cheese, ketchup, pickles and spiced mayo is only for the very bravest and most voracious of burger-lovers. Finish in under 15 minutes and it’s yours for free! (We did not attempt this, but vowed to return to give it a go!).

Three Buns Quayside

60 Robertson Quay

238252

 

Why financial health starts with you

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Money plays a critical role in our lives, but few of us realise just how much it can impact our health. Sometimes the topic of personal finances can feel overwhelming, but starting with one small financial habit at a time could be all you need to improve your situation – and in turn positively impact your overall health and happiness. Indeed, financial wellbeing involves the process of learning how to successfully manage financial expenses and conversely, your health.

Our relationship with our finances is central to our physical and emotional wellness. Financial wellbeing is about feeling secure and confident that you can pay the bills, deal with the unexpected and stay on track for a fulfilled financial future. When people feel in control of their money, individuals and communities are healthier, businesses start to boom and the economy benefits. The key is to find balance.

Calm & control

Experiencing financial pressure, can be extremely stressful, and those suffering problems may find that their mood, focus, and sleep are impacted as stress takes its toll. Financial problems can impact how we feel and perform at work and how we communicate with others. We also know that living with a pre-existing mental health condition can affect someone’s ability to plan and make decisions, making it even more difficult to manage any lingering money troubles.

Worrying about cashflow can be so consuming that people may try to ignore their financial circumstances altogether. While this might provide some short-term relief, it will only cause more strife further down the line. Whatever monetary matters you may be experiencing, don’t try to tackle the whole issue at once – break it down into short-term and manageable goals. By building levels of financial wellbeing up slowly, you can start to take action with assurance, calm, and control.

Boost self-esteem

When it comes to money problems within a relationship or when family is involved, it can often be (but is not always) the female who takes the strain. While times are changing, women today are still adversely impacted by the gender pay gap and are more likely to take career breaks to raise a family or look after elderly relatives. Some women in the so-called ‘sandwich generation’ – where they are caring for elderly parents while still raising their own children – often face a dilemma when it comes to moving wealth between generations. Furthermore, females have a longer life expectancy than males, therefore planning for the future is essential.

Financial education and autonomy are the biggest drivers of financial wellness for women. Although this may sound daunting, with a little guidance, achieving financial literacy around personal and household wealth can be empowering. We should all look out for friends and family. If there are signs that someone is struggling with money and mental health, you should encourage them to reach out for professional support.

Alexis Livanes, Partner, Eight Wealth International, Financial Wellness Accredited
Alexis has over 18 years of experience as a financial planner in the UK, Australia and Singapore and is passionate about helping clients, especially women, to understand their relationship with money. To get in touch, contact [email protected] or join the Facebook group Alexis Financial Wellness Retreat. Alexis is also hosting ANZA’s Discovering Balance Series: Exploring the relationship between mental, physical, and financial wellness.

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 License 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.

Australian High Commission: Here’s to women!

Angela Robinson with Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong

Australian High Commission have come a long way in driving gender equality, be it in terms of senior leadership representation or the achievement of equal pay. Equality means having opportunities to achieve, regardless of gender.

Within Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, there has been some incredible changes. In 2015, just 25% of Australia’s Heads of Mission or Post were women. Thanks to the Women in Leadership Strategy launched in November 2015, this number increased to 43.6% in just five years.

Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner to Singapore, Angela Robinson has been at the forefront of these positive changes. Here, we find out her thoughts on what it means to be a woman in government.

What’s been your experience as a female working in diplomacy?

I love being a diplomat and representing Australia, but it hasn’t always been easy. For much of my career, diplomacy was male-dominated, especially in fields such as international security. As a young disarmament negotiator, I was often the only woman in the room. I’ve had roles in which men were unwilling to talk to me or even shake my hand. But diplomacy is about finding a way to break through barriers. I’ve learnt to value my authentic self and what I bring to the table.

In what ways have you taken a stand?

I’m lucky to be in a position where I can advocate positive changes. I was responsible for the Women in Leadership programme in our foreign service, where we had to take a difficult look at our culture, structure and systems. We’ve made massive changes in the last ten years.      

The Women in Leadership Strategy team: Frances Adamson, Angela Robinson, Suzanne McCourt

Why is it important for women to be represented in international relations?

Australian High Commission are facing an unprecedented confluence of challenges in global affairs. To forge a steady path we need to avoid ‘group thinking’ at all costs and realise that diverse teams are absolutely essential. For example, peace treaties have been shown to be much more successful if they include women negotiators. Diplomats should also look like the people they represent – how else can we have legitimacy as public servants? The Australian population is extraordinarily multicultural and gender diverse. Our diplomats should be the same.    

What’s your advice to females interested in entering international relations?

  •  Be authentic – the world needs your unique perspective more than ever  
  •  Be confident – we always feel like there is someone more eloquent, more qualified, more able to perform a role. Don’t be afraid to embrace your strengths
  •  Be resilient – mindset changes need time
  •  Find a mentor – someone whose style you admire. Everyone needs a strong support system. It’s never too early to be that mentor to others
  •  Have fun – you will always perform best in the roles that bring you joy 

If you’re interested in a career in international relations, reach out to us. My team is made up of fantastic women and men born in Australia, India, Germany, China, New Zealand – you name it. 

Women in business #1: Rebecca Metcalfe

Being a business owner is a dream for many who long for a life without a pesky boss breathing down their neck or the chance to see their passion turn into a successful money-spinner. While we all know that starting up is no easy task, the challenges often increase when you’re a) female, and b) live overseas. But we won’t let that deter us!

Globally, more women than ever are striking out solo as female entrepreneurs. *New LinkedIn data shows that this was especially the case during Covid-19 when women sought out greater flexibility, or became ‘necessity entrepreneurs’ due to the economic headwinds from the pandemic. In the month that celebrates International Woman’s Day, we meet three enterprising expats in SG who’ve launched, are learning loads, and loving it.

“I would love to leave a legacy that my children can be proud of”

Rebecca Metcalfe is the Creative Director and Founder of fashion brand She Creates Stories (SCS). She’s originally from the UK and moved to Asia in 2021. Rebecca lives in Keppel Bay with her husband Nick, daughter Marnie, son George, and cat Max.

Please describe your business to us …
SCS is an online marketplace focused on curating a handpicked selection of Australian brands and making them accessible to women in Asia. We showcase a diverse range of styles from businesses who love breathable fabrics suitable for the humid climate. Today we stock nearly 30 Australian brands from all over the country. 

When did you launch?
We launched in Hong Kong in 2021, a year after I’d left my buying manager job in Australia for a move to Asia. I knew I wanted to start a business, so when we were in quarantine I put it into action!

How does SCS stand out from other fashion retailers?
We’re unique because we offer face-to -face in-house fitting sessions, where we make sure our customers get the right sizing. They also benefit from advice and guidance from my experience as someone who has worked in the women’s fashion retail industry for nearly 20 years. 

Where do you operate from?
I currently work from home. This really suits me because I have two small children. If one of them is ill, I can drop everything and be right there. It’s lovely as a mum to have that flexibility. I started my company as I’d love to leave a legacy and have a family business that my children can be proud of.

What obstacles did you face as an expat woman launching a business in SG?
The difficult thing in Singapore is the visa stuff. I couldn’t work when I got here so I applied for an LOC on my husband’s EP. This was a long and expensive process. It’s challenging for expat women to work here because of the DP visa, but I couldn’t not work. I’m very committed and serving my customers is in my blood. 

What do you wish someone had told you about running a business beforehand?
How much time everything takes. I knew it would be hard work, but even small tasks take time when you’re doing everything on your own. I’m hoping to hire a local administration and marketing assistant this year to help me focus on my business strategy instead of getting bogged down in day-to-day admin. I’m excited about this, and for having someone to work alongside, as it can be quite lonely and isolating on your own. 

What do you most love about being an independent business owner?
That I’m in charge of my diary, and I can be flexible. I try to do something new every week to do with my business – visiting local factories, new shopping centres, a pop up market or a customer event. This keeps me motivated, engaged and coming up with new ideas.

Rebecca’s business boo-boos (and what she learnt)

  • Launching in Hong Kong just before the Covid restrictions! In hindsight, there isn’t anything I could have done about this. However, it was great learning how to adapt fast. We quickly started contactless doorstep deliveries in Discovery Bay in the She Creates Stories golf buggy
  • Buying too many styles from an expensive Sydney designer that just did not sell in Asia. The fabric, although breathable, was too heavy, which cost me a lot of markdowns. This was a classic Covid issue, as not being able to travel meant I wasn’t able to touch and feel the stock. Thankfully I’m doing a buying trip to Australia this year!
  • Lack of financial backing meant we couldn’t do all the things I wanted to right away. Our slow and steady approach has worked well so far, and has meant that I’ve been able to be more 1:1 with our customers, which I think has been appreciated

 shecreatesstories.com

 She Creates Stories

 @she_creates_stories  

 9667 9907

Family vibes at Vibe Hotel Singapore

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The first Vibe Hotel to open outside of Australia, Vibe Hotel Singapore Orchard, is located in the residential enclave of Orchard Road, within easy access to Singapore’s busiest and longest shopping belt. Catering for travellers looking for a hotel with a character that provides a welcome retreat amidst contemporary design, Vibe Hotel Singapore Orchard will be your favourite social space to connect with your loved ones, work, like-minded guests, and the surrounding area.

If you’re looking for a way to spend meaningful family time, the Family Vibes package is well worth checking out, with a 3-days 2-nights (Friday to Sunday) stay in the spacious
family room.


Start your day with the iconic dining experience – Breakfast in the Wild at Singapore Zoo – designed to inspire your love for wildlife and delight your senses at the same time.
Savour a delicious meal of local and international flavours amidst the charming rainforest zoo. Get to meet wildlife ambassadors such as the Tamandua, Coatimundi, Macaw and Orangutans. Let the zookeepers excite you with stories about the animal kingdom, habitats and nature. Spend the rest of your day of family fun at the zoo exploring the wildlife’s habitats.

Every travel-goer knows it’s a must to capture precious family moments, which is exactly why the Family Vibes package includes a one-hour photoshoot session by MovingStills Photography. You can choose the location you want to shoot at within a five-kilometre radius of the hotel.


Back at base, your friendly Vibe Host will show your brood how to put your green fingers to work by creating a terrarium to take home as a memento. Remember to leave time to enjoy the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool, the ideal setting in which to cool down from the Singapore heat with good vibes all round.

Check out the Family Vibes package by visiting https://feh.sg/FamilyVibes or scanning the QR code.

Available for booking for stays from 3 March 2023 – 25 June 2023.

24 Mount Elizabeth, Singapore 228518
[email protected]
 +65 6738 1188
 www.vibesingapore.com
 www.instagram.com/vibehotelsg
 www.facebook.com/vibehotelsg

New ANZA Event Series: Discovering Balance

Money plays a critical role in our lives, but few of us realise just how much it can impact our wellbeing. Sometimes, just the topic of personal finances can bring us out in a hot sweat, so we prefer to avoid the subject rather than face our finances head on – not exactly healthy behaviour.

But our relationship with our finances is central to our overall physical and mental wellbeing. ‘Financial wellness’ is about feeling secure and confident that you’re in control of your cash, have autonomy over your spending, feel prepared for the unexpected and can stay on track for a fulfilled and secure future. (Oh, and you’re satisfied that you can treat yourself and your loved ones now and again without fear, too!).

The good news is that despite how daunting gaining financial control may feel, just starting with one small positive fiscal habit at a time could be all you need to improve your situation – and in turn boost feelings of a better life balance.

Once you’ve mastered the process of learning how to successfully manage your money, conversely, your entire wellbeing will improve. How good does that sound?!

This month, ANZA is excited to be partnering with Eight Wealth International to bring you a fascinating series of in-person events to help you to get ‘financially and physically fit’. Led by Alexis Livanes, who has over 18 years of experience as a financial planner in the UK, Australia and Singapore, helping clients – especially women – to really understand their relationship with money, she’ll be joined by experts to escort you on this journey.

Unlike many workshops which focus on the areas of finances and health individually, Alexis will be bringing the two subjects together with the help of two guest speakers.

Camilla Knight

Founder of Creative Connection – Mindful Movement, Breathwork & Meditation
Camilla has guided Women for the last 10 years across Asia to explore their relationships in life by recognising patterns of disharmony linked to self-confidence, worth, purpose and personal power. Through using an intuitive process, Camilla guides her clients on a journey to reconnect with their body. Her methods include talking and breathing techniques, movement, and visualised guided meditation. The aim of these practices is to enable her clients to release not only physical, but emotional tension, allowing themselves to heal and become fully connected with their authentic selves.

Lizzie Corbett

Owner and Strength Conditioning Coach at Empower Fitness Lizzie specialises in strength training for females and high-performance clients. She has worked in the fitness industry for over 16 years, initially as a Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Air Force (U.K.), and now runs her own gym facility based in Singapore.  Her passion is to ensure her clients not only increase their health and fitness levels, but also enjoy the process along the way.  Lizzie understands how building confidence in the gym and feeling physically strong affects positively different areas of our lives.

To find out more and sign up for Part 1 of the event series, Financially Fit and Physically Strong click HERE

New Zealand High Commission: Introducing High Commissioner Gabrielle Rush

Thanks for the many warm welcomes I’ve received. I’m thrilled to be back in Asia representing New Zealand in Singapore. I’m looking forward to meeting fellow Kiwis through my work with the High Commission and to working closely with ANZA and the great Antipodean communities it serves. 

My partner Ford and I have both lived in Asia before – I’ve had earlier assignments in Beijing and Hong Kong – but this is our first time living in Singapore. We have much to learn and a lot to explore as we settle into our new life here. 

When I’m not working with the High Commission team to enhance New Zealand’s links with Singapore, I’ll be on the lookout for good spots to swim at – I’m trading a passion for ocean swimming in Wellington for the beauty of Singapore’s many pools. Happy Year of the Rabbit! 

RETURN OF THE KIWI CUP
The start of 2023 marked the return of a very special tradition – The Kiwi Cup! The annual Kiwi Cup goes back to 1967 when Saint Andrew’s School and Raffles Institution competed for the prestigious Cup donated by New Zealand’s very first High Commissioner to Singapore, Jim Weir. 

Deputy High Commissioner Peter Kemp was fortunate to witness the first Kiwi Cup held after Covid. It was a nail-biting game with some very hard work and gumption shown by both teams, but ultimately Raffles Institute prevailed this year. The highlight of the match however, was an incredible haka performed by the RI team. This haka was taught to the team by members of the New Zealand Defence Force in the early years of the Kiwi Cup. 

NZ TEAM WINS AT INAUGURAL SINGAPORE SAIL GRAND PRIX
We’re incredibly proud of the NZ Sail GP team for placing first at the inaugural Singapore Sail Grand Prix race in Singapore. The NZ team battled back from a four point pre-event penalty to claim dominating victory over Denmark and Australia amid very difficult weather conditions.

In addition to watching a fantastic display of talent and sportsmanship, Deputy High Commissioner Peter Kemp had a chance to learn all about how the Sail GP has committed to ensuring all its races are climate positive. SailGP uses SGD$1.50 from each ticket to projects that offset carbon emissions, and has adopted a food charter which encourages low carbon choices and locally sourced primarily vegan and vegetarian food served in sustainable packaging. 

Advantages of hiring an insurance broker in Singapore

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If you’re an expat residing in Singapore, you already know you must have mandatory health insurance. Most of the time, your employers take care of it for you, however, group insurance plans may not cover all of your requirements. So, it’s always a good idea to get in touch with a reputed insurance broker in Singapore to discuss your insurance requirements.

Our friends at Pacific Prime Singapore have listed the various advantages of hiring an insurance brokerage in Singapore.

1. Expertise and Knowledge

Insurance brokers are experts in the insurance industry, with in-depth knowledge of the various insurance policies available in the market. They are trained to understand your specific needs and to identify the insurance policies that best suit your requirements.

2. Tailored Coverage

Insurance brokers take the time to understand your unique needs and tailor insurance coverage to meet your needs. They can help you assess their risks and advise on the types of coverage you need to protect their assets.

3. Time-Saving

Shopping for insurance can be a time-consuming process, and it can be challenging for someone who is not familiar with the industry. Hence, hiring an insurance broker can save time, as the broker will do all the research and comparison for you.

4. Competitive Pricing

Insurance brokers have access to a wide range of insurance companies and policies, which allows them to negotiate competitive pricing on your behalf. They can help you find the best coverage for the best price.

5. Claims Assistance

In the event of a claim, an insurance broker can assist you in the claims process. They can advise on how to file a claim and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses.

6. Ongoing Support

Insurance brokers provide ongoing support throughout the policy term. They can help you make changes to your policy as your requirements change and provide guidance on risk management.

About Pacific Prime Singapore

From health insurance to corporate insurance, Pacific Prime Singapore can help you find a plan that meets your requirements and budget. Insurance experts at Pacific Prime have helped corporates and expats across the world secure comprehensive insurance plans for over 20 years now.

Get in touch with Pacific Prime Singapore today for a FREE no-obligation quote.

 

 

Embark on an international journey to Joeys

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International students Tom Williams (left) and Tristan Seeto have found a home at Joeys.

Renowned for its inclusive, family atmosphere and academic results, St Joseph’s College in Sydney’s Hunters Hill was a natural secondary school choice for Tristan Seeto. But for Tristan, who’d completed his primary years at an international school in Kokopo, Papua New Guinea, it was a big step. In PNG, he’d had as few as seven students in his year group; now he’d be attending Australia’s largest boarding school for boys, alongside day students from all over the globe.

“Coming from such a small place, more than 3000 kilometres away, I wasn’t that talkative,” he says. “But being at Joeys has brought me out of my shell. I’ve made so many new mates from Australia and Asia.”

Joe-Boy for life

At Joeys, there’s a saying: you’re a new boy for one day and a Joe-Boy for life. Boarders and day students study, play and sit down to a hot lunch in the dining rooms together, forming strong friendships. The dormitories are social hubs for the school’s 1000-plus students (about half are boarders). On weeknights, more than 80 per cent of day students enjoy study sessions, co-curricular activities, plus sporting opportunities. Sports facilities include rugby fields, tennis courts, cricket nets and gyms, plus a pool, running track and rowing shed.

On weekends, boarders enjoy supervised excursions to amusement parks and football matches or can visit local friends. Parents receive regular updates from the boarding coordinators, which is especially reassuring for those based overseas.

“We know that he’s in a caring environment,” says Tristan’s mother, Katherine, who runs an autoparts sales and repair workshop with her husband, Brendan, in PNG. “Tristan is a long way from us but we’ve seen his confidence grow over the years and he’s matured considerably at Joeys.”

One of Tristan’s biggest fears was that he’d struggle to catch up academically. Instead, he has flourished under the guidance of the teaching staff and the college’s Extended Day Program, which ensures all boys become consistent, self-motivated learners.

“In Year 7, I was in the lower English and maths classes so I put in a lot of effort and I’m now in the top classes,” he says. Currently in Year 11, Tristan has received several academic awards and is weighing up his career options.

International students Tom Williams (left) and Tristan Seeto have found a home at Joeys.

Structure & consistency

The unique learning programme was a major reason Peter and Catherine Williams chose the college for their son, Tom. Australian expats in Hong Kong – who both work in finance – the Williams met the headmaster on one of his international tours and were impressed by what they’d heard from other parents.

“We felt Tom needed structure and consistency,” says Peter. “Joeys gave him the support and the nudge he needed. Previously, when I’d ask him what he was doing at school, he wouldn’t say much. Now he tells me about his assignments and he’s enthusiastic.”

“I also lost my American accent,” says Tom, laughing – a legacy of the international school he previously attended. He says being part of a big, diverse boarding community, which includes several boys from Hong Kong and Singapore, made boarding in Australia a much less daunting proposition.

“I thought of it as a fresh start,” says Tom, now a senior student and making plans for life beyond Joeys. His academic results are impressive and his parents can rest assured he has the pastoral care and career guidance he needs at this important time. “We’ve never had reason to worry about Tom,” says his father. “We have seen him develop into a resilient and thoughtful young man.”

 

Want to make your son a Joe-Boy for life? Learn more at www.joeys.org or contact [email protected].