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How to choose your cheese!

With the festive season ahead, the world of cheese is about to get a lot more exciting. Who can refuse a Christmas cheese and cracker to end an epic meal? Is there anything that tastes better with an obligatory glass of seasonal Port? What to snack on after an entire day of leftovers, takeaways and deliveries, but a gargantuan slab of cheese?

The Cheese Ark is also the only fromagerie in Singapore with an ageing cellar and they pride themselves in gathering rare cheeses on the brink of being phased out by time and evolution. “No conventional cheeses are found in our store and no effort is spared. We personally visit dairies in small, waylaid European villages each year in the hope of discovering precious cheeses and bringing them to Singapore before they disappear entirely,” explains Ai Ming, Syu Fromagere.

So, in the spirit of Christmas, Ai Ming she shares some of her favourite cheeses that work year-round, but taste especially good as we end the year.

TRUFFLE LA BOUSE

Christmas season is truffle cheese season at The Cheese Ark. Available only this time of year and always eagerly awaited by fans, Truffle La Bouse has truffles mixed in it with a fresh cheese sandwiched between a brie. A delicious soft mess, as the name might suggest.
Pairs well with: Full bodied whites or reds

TRUFFLE FONDUE

Each holiday season, we have a Truffle Fondue Kit put together by our cheesemakers in Berne, Switzerland. It features their own mix of cheeses and wine and a very generous amount of truffles. This fondue mix goes beautifully with scallops and ripe melon, as well as the usual accompaniments. Always a party favourite, the truffles and wine will leave you heady. Pairs well with: A bone dry white

LANCASHIRE BOMBS – ORIGINAL (WHITE) AND CHILI (RED)

This is a three year-old cheese from Lancashire, UK. Both the orginal and chili flavours come wrapped in a red and white wax, looking great for the festive occasion, on the table or as gifts. Cut it into half like an orange and scoop the cheese out with a spoon. Technically a hard cheese but it has the lovely creamy texture of moist brownie. A really fun party cheese. Pairs well with: Any sweet dessert wine, Port or fruitcake

SPECIAL MONCENISIO X

Each year we age some blue cheese with Port specially for Christmas, as some are accustomed to this tradition. The cheese is a creamy blue originally from Piedmonte, Italy, from a remote village that has about 12 people for the majority of the year. Depending on what new port has caught our fancy, we will age this cheese with it, hence the “X”.
We like how the port will often turn this blue cheese looking a deep shade of purple, adding some colour onto festive cheese boards. Pairs well with: Full bodied red wine

SPECK RACLETTE

Just in time for your annual raclette parties, speck is freshly smoked this time of year at our cheesemaker’s farm in Switzerland, and then Speck Raclette then becomes available. (Truffle Raclette is also available). Pairs well with: Red crunchy apples, the balance of sweet savoury is addictive

MURGU

This is an unusual looking blue that is made using the ancient method of catching natural blue spores in the air than inoculating the cheese. Sometimes it’s a blue cheese that bears no blue mold like a white stilton, but it will taste distinctly so in the mouth. A lovely form and shape that begs for a try from any cheese lover. Pairs well with: Madeira or White Port

The Cheese Ark 
49 Stirling Road
#01-489
141049

Why this hot desking space is hot stuff!

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Spectrum Office

With the growing demand for flexible work arrangements, individuals and companies have an ardent desire to form genuine connections and build meaningful networks. Hot desking and shared workspaces provide a great solution to retaining the autonomy and flexibility that people now enjoy, while still fostering a sense of belonging and finding a sense of place.

SPECTRUM has introduced their Hot Desk Membership, complementing their existing packages including Flexi, Dedicated Desks, and Private Offices, which are all part of their diverse and curated community. For individuals working remotely or companies looking for a collaborative environment for their teams, SPECTRUM’s Hot Desk Membership offers unlimited access to their open shared workspace, including monthly credits for meeting rooms and printing. With natural lighting, warm hospitality and spacious seating layouts, their workspace has been carefully designed to provide an inviting habitat primed for productivity.

As the new concept commences, community remains at the heart of everything SPECTRUM do. The company looks forward to growing a membership base that will help to create variety and depth to their already strong network and ecosystem.

With their DNA of “work, play, and belong”, the workspace has not only built a welcome place for proficiency, but a thriving community. To create a personalised service, the team has dedicated personnel who attend to members’ needs. They are constantly on hand to provide operational and IT support, hotel bookings, international guest transfers and other important concierge services.

In line with their vision of helping members to grow their business, SPECTRUM regularly organises activities to link organisations within their ecosystem, thus enabling the right relationships with positive outcomes. Hot Desk members are invited to participate in all community happenings, events, and curated networking sessions to connect with businesses in the same industry or ones that complement their own.

DOOR XXV, a private bar located within SPECTRUM’s workspace, is also an intimate lounge where members can continue to do business or unwind after a long day.

To learn more about SPECTRUM’s Hot Desk Membership, visit https://spectrum.global/hot-desk

spectrum.global

www.facebook.com/spectrum.globe

www.linkedin.com/company/spectrum-global

3 Fraser Street, DUO Tower, #05‑21, 189352

[email protected]

+65 6911 4588

Hacks for finding a new home in Oz

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Looking for a new home is no easy feat. From trawling through endless online listings to negotiating and bidding to finally moving in, there’s a lot to be done – a process made all the more stressful when you’re doing it from overseas. 

The only thing harder than finding a new home? Finding one as an expat living in an entirely different country. 

That’s where Milk Chocolate comes in. We work with Aussie expats across the globe, helping them to locate, buy, build and move into their dream Australian home, and making the process smooth and stress-free from start to finish. In fact, 75% of our clients are Australian expats, so we know exactly how to fulfil their unique needs.

Who is Milk Chocolate?

Milk Chocolate is an Australian company that works across all parts of the property lifecycle. We take care of researching, finding, purchasing, managing and building of properties around Oz, and we assist clients from across the country and around the world.

How can they help me find a new home?

Securing homes for Aussie expat families is a core part of our business. We know finding a family home isn’t just a straightforward property transaction; it’s your new place to live, work and nest. It’s a highly emotional purchase, so our team holds your hand every step of the way – from figuring out where to live to finally getting those new keys. 

You also receive the expertise of in-house licensed real estate agents who are masters of negotiation, location selection and asset selection, along with our in-house economists, valuers, designers, builders, property managers and project managers. Plus, our clients get access to a fixed fee structure and more than 20 million data points. That’s a super strong team batting on your behalf.

How do the fees work?

We believe in total transparency, so we charge a fixed fee for our services, rather than relying on a commission-based structure. This allows us to remove the unknowns for you and provides certainty of purchasing costs before we’ve even picked up
the tools.

What if I want to build a home from scratch?

We know construction like the back of our hand and do everything from straightforward cosmetic renovations to complete home builds and even subdivisions. First, we work with you to find the perfect parcel of land in the best location. Then, our design team collaborates closely with you to figure out exactly what kind of home you want. Next, it’s build time and your dream home comes to life.

What if I’m not ready to move, but want to invest in Oz property?

While we’re pros at purchasing family homes, we’re just as experienced when it comes to investment properties. A number of clients choose to buy a property back home, with the intention of returning to Australia after a few years. In this instance, we look for properties that boast investment potential, especially when it comes to delivering a solid rental yield for the period you’re away. 

Our construction team can also enhance the property to increase its liveability and value, plus we provide property management services. And if you want to expand your property portfolio further, we’ll find you the ideal investment property to suit your budget and financial goals, be they around capital growth or ongoing rental yield. 

What does the process look like?

It depends on your needs. You may have a clear idea of exactly where you want to live and only need help finding a property, or you might be starting entirely from scratch, with the entirety of Australia as your oyster. Generally, though, you can expect the process to look like this:

  • Onboarding to figure out your precise needs
  • Suburb due diligence to provide locations and other recommendations
  • Live tracking so you can stay across our property reviews in real time
  • Property selection, including identifying the right home and completing multiple pre-purchase inspections
  • Property recommendations, be they maintenance or design-related
  • Negotiation and purchase
  • Exchange to settlement
  • Pre-settlement inspection
  • Making the home move-in ready, including utility connection, top-to-toe cleaning and important garden maintenance
  • Handover, including our Home Handover pack 

Something we get asked about a lot is how our overseas clients can properly vet each property when they’re far away. Well, that’s where we shine. While you’re welcome to physically attend home inspections here in Australia, it’s not essential.Interestingly, only 3% of our purchases have actually been viewed by our clients. The rest? We help them to see options via video call, or we put together a comprehensive virtual inspection pack that provides a thorough look around prospective homes. 

Ready to get started? Reach out to the Milk Chocolate team today at [email protected] 

Men’s Health: Prevention is better than the cure

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November is Men’s Health Awareness Month. However, implementing and taking charge of healthy lifestyle decisions is a year-round commitment. Lifestyle changes and interventions have been shown to reduce the risk of chronic disease.

Higher incidences of chronic disease and conditions like obesity and diabetes are increasing, emphasising the importance of preventative health and identifying risk factors early.

We’ve highlighted some of the essentials men should check regularly based on evidence-based practice.

Blood Pressure & Cholesterol

In early adulthood, from your 20s to your late 30s, pay attention to your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Neither of these things can be felt but can silently affect your heart, brain and other organs. A family history of high blood pressure, heart disease and strokes can put you at higher risk and therefore be checked more frequently.

Diabetes

There is also a worrying upward trend of diabetes, so consider getting your blood sugar tested. A better test called glycated haemoglobin (also known as HbA1c) is recommended.

Testosterone

Testosterone levels drop off as men get older. For most, this won’t require any treatment, but very low levels can cause problems with libido, energy levels and erectile dysfunction. Again a simple morning blood test can show if there is a problem.

Cardiac Screening

All men should consider more detailed cardiac screening over 50. This can be in the form of a treadmill stress test or other more accurate tests such as a CT calcium score test, a stress echocardiogram or a CT coronary angiogram. Which test is best can be decided in consultation with the doctor. Even younger men who perform strenuous exercise could benefit from such cardiac testing.

Cancer Screening

Do consider cancer screening too. For younger patients, the main concern is skin cancer, so do come in for a skin check, especially if you have noticed any changes in your moles. As men get older, prostate cancer and colon cancer become concerns too. Generally, screening for these should start at 50 (younger if there is a family history). Prostate cancer screening can be done through a combination of a clinical examination and a simple blood test. Colon cancer screening takes the form of a stool test or a colonoscopy referral. Thyroid and testicular cancers can often be picked up on clinical examination.

Regular checks give you the best chance to pick up cancer early when it is easier to reverse and treat. Almost all the tests are simple and non-invasive. We can discuss your health concerns and work with you to stay healthy for longer.

Vitamin D

Screening for Vitamin D can also be considered, as most of us spend most of our time indoors. Low Vitamin D levels can cause fatigue, weak bones and even heart disease. A simple blood test can reveal if you are at risk of this.

At IMC, we offer personalised health screenings based on evidence-based practice for your age and risk factors and listen to your concerns.

Dr Dex Khor

IMC Katong

86-88 E Coast Rd, #02-07, Singapore 423371

PH: 6342 4440

[email protected]

Facebook: @IMCSG

Instagram: international_medical_clinic

Dr. Dex Khor graduated from University College London in 1999 and later obtained Membership of the UK Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.  Dr Dex worked in UK Paediatric wards before returning to Singapore. Dr Dex has also worked in KK children’s hospital. Dr Dex is a member of the Society for Men’s Health, Singapore and is fluent in Mandarin he is based at IMC Katong.

 

 

ANZA Scouts go camping!

The wet weather did little to dampen the spirits of our ANZA Scouts during the last weekend of August. For the first time since 2019, thirty one Joeys, Cubs and Scouts aged 4 -16 years old ascended upon Sarimbun Scout Camp, one of the biggest and oldest scout camps in the northwest of Singapore, for two days of bonding activities and outdoor fun. 

The Summer Camp had been a long time coming thanks to Covid restrictions, but when group sizes were finally increased along with five people being allowed to sleep per tent, plans kicked into place.

Saturday began with the kids setting up camp, locating the (retro) loos, and pitching the tents with the help of ANZA parent volunteers who were all set to supervise proceedings and wrangle with a hammer. Once everyone found their sleeping spot it was time to highlight safety instructions for what was to come. “It’s imperative that the adults and children all sit down together to discuss certain protocols and behaviours before we get cracking with activities,” says Toph Brown, who’s been volunteering with ANZA Scouts for ten years. “We also ask the children to come up with their own suggestions for camp rules to make them feel involved, too,” he adds. 

First up was the task of constructing a giant wooden pyramid with poles and ropes. After a few years of activities taking place on a much smaller scale, the kids loved rising to the challenge and the opportunity to make new friends, work with others, and develop independence. “As we have no base at the moment, we can’t do anything that involves building things including large scale equipment, so being able to achieve this at camp has been a turning point,”  Toph explains. Meanwhile, trusty volunteers not tasked with overseeing activities rolled up their sleeves in the kitchen to whip up a filling tomato pasta alongside cups of Milo – proper energy food!

Everyone involved was clearly thrilled to be outside amongst tropical nature and with an enormous sense of freedom. Many volunteers commented on how happy they were to see children playing and interacting with one another in the wilderness with no technology in sight! Indeed, tech was nowhere on the agenda as the kids constructed swings, navigated complicated rope ties, and slip-slided their way around campus when the rain came. Pure innocent joy and happiness took hold.  

Of course, the most exciting thing about Summer Camp is the camp fire which took place after the washing up had been completed, and everyone was clear on safety precautions. A light drizzle didn’t stop the gang from bursting into chants of “Fire! Fire! Fire!” as they willed the flame to catch. Thankfully, everyone got a chance to nibble on toasted marshmallows before the weather got too wet – not that the children noticed!

By 10pm, the little ones were securely snuggled in their tents. As for the parent volunteers, they were just starting the nightshift. “Despite the strict bedtime curfew, it’s likely we’ll be chasing kids back to bed all night long!” laughed Toph, who added that “as everyone wakes with the light, we plan for an early start.”

Sunday’s agenda? Breakfast, more construction, and that essential part of the camping experience – packing up! 

Why Summer Camp Rocks

  •   It brings kids together as a team 
  •   The chance for children to sleep outdoors to the sounds of nature
  •   It teaches new challenges which can only arise in the wild

We ask: What’s your fave thing about ANZA Scouts?

Emma
“Putting up the tent today. I hope that when we pack up, we can remove the pegs and it will just fall down.” 

 

Noah
“Making a sofa from comfy tyres. Sometimes my sister helps me but mostly it’s pretty easy.”

 

Sophia
“How much fun you can have and how you can do silly things. Sometimes we go to museums with ANZA Scouts, but hanging out at camp is much better!”

 

Anouk
“Eating marshmallows by the campfire. I’ve been with ANZA Scouts for one month. I’m the youngest in the cubs and I’m still waiting for my special activities suit.”

 

Kayan
“This trip! It’s nice to get away and have fun.I joined Scouts because I haven’t done anything like this before. I wanted to make new friends, too.”

 

Alexandra
“I like making new friends and doing things together.”

 

Max
“I love building things and doing fun stuff like that!”

 

Gabriel
“During Covid we did lots of activities online like building planes, but now we can do hikes and biking which is cool. I also like constructing things like pyramid structures.”

 

Adelyn
“This camp! Usually we have to do structured activities at Scouts, but here we can just goof around!”

 

Find out more at anza.org.sg/groups/scouts

How Tanglin Trust School provides a path to the future

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In the Singapore expat community most people have heard of Tanglin Trust School, which is not surprising given its reputation and heritage as the oldest British International School in Southeast Asia. But did you know that it’s an increasingly popular choice for families from Australia and New Zealand? Over 50 nationalities are represented at Tanglin with Australians and New Zealanders accounting for more than 10% of the student population. Australians alone are the third highest in nationality.

Indeed, Tanglin’s Head Boy from the Class of 2022, Matthew Wong, is from New Zealand. When asked why Tanglin was his parents’ school of choice for him and his brothers, Matthew said: “When my parents moved to Singapore 20 years ago, they were intent on finding a good school with a strong British curriculum. My parents liked the fact that Tanglin offers both the option of A Level and International Baccalaureate. I chose A Levels, with the subject combination of Physics, Maths, Economics and Biology. I opted for this combination because I enjoy them and want to have the pathway open for Medicine if I decide to pursue it.”

Matthew has now joined his brother, also a Tanglin Alumnus, to pursue his undergraduate studies at Brown University in the United States.

SEAMLESS ACADEMIC TRANSITION

Is it difficult to transition back to universities down under after studying a British curriculum? Not for Tanglin students. Universities in Australia and New Zealand recognise both A  Level and the International Baccalaureate (IB). Tanglin is unique amongst international schools in Singapore as it offers both A Level and the IB Diploma in sixth form, both of which yield consistently outstanding academic results. This year’s IB cohort achieved the school’s highest ever average Diploma score of 41.4 points, more than 9.4 points above the world average and 3.9 points higher than the Singapore average. Tanglin’s 2022 A Level leavers also achieved outstanding results; 100% pass rate, with an exceptional 40% of all grades being an A* and 69% of all grades being an A* or A. 

Tanglin’s Head of Admissions, Kellie Hammond said: “We have noticed a rise in new students from Australia and New Zealand, and an increase in the number of Tanglin students who are applying to universities in Australia and New Zealand.” 

“One of the key reasons as to why parents from Australia and New Zealand choose Tanglin is because of the school’s versatility. Students sit for public exams in Year 11 and Year 13, and they get a leaving certificate at different exit points; (I)GCSEs, A Level and IBDP. Lots of families have commented that they like the dual pathways option for their children. Many expat parents move around to work and live in different parts of the world, and Tanglin offers their children the option to go to universities all over the world,” Kellie added.

DEDICATED UNIVERSITY COUNSELLING TEAM

Tanglin’s students often go on to study at the best universities globally.  This is not by chance but due to a well-thought out process helmed by Tanglin’s University Guidance Team. Based at the heart of the school’s Sixth Form centre, the team provides all the information, support and counsel students need to make the right decision about their future academic journey. Sixth Form students (age 16 to 18) are invited to university visits where bespoke advice includes one-on-one time with a counsellor to help them decide which higher education establishment and course best fits them. This includes understanding different countries’ application systems such as UCAS, Common App, OUAC and many more. The team also provides guidance on preparing personal statements, college essays and mock interviews. Typically, 97% of Tanglin students secure their first or second choice of university. It is no wonder that graduating students often report back to the school that it has prepared them well for the ever-changing world ahead and a fulfilling journey beyond the school gates. 

Tanglin Trust School
95 Portsdown Road, Singapore 139299
+65 6778 0771
tts.edu.sg

Have yourself a simple little Christmas

It’s the most wonderful – yet also wildly excessive – time of the year. We party more, spend more and waste more in a bid to immerse ourselves in  celebrations. But making the festivities simpler and with more thought for the planet does not have to mean scrimping on frivolity. A gentler outlook can lead to increased creativity, smarter thinking and more care going into the entire holiday season. Here’s how to do it.

 

All wrapped up

Ditch the wrapping paper where you can and cover presents in fabric instead. Furoshiki is the beautiful Japanese art of fabric wrapping and we’re here for it! Use leftover fabric, tea towels or silk scarves which can double up as an extra gift. Spotlight (spotlightstores.com) is your go-to for cuts of material, ribbons and ties. Alternatively, use this very ANZA magazine for wrapping this year – we’d be honoured!

Ban Bushy

Christmas trees don’t always have to be the pine and bushy variety. Wooden trees look great and add a unique touch (and talking point) to your home. Crate&Barrel (crateandbarrel.com.sg) tend to stock some chic offerings, as do MUJI (muji.com/sg) when the season starts.

Keep it real

Real trees are more eco friendly than plastic ones, but going for one that’s grown locally is a pretty hard ask in Singapore. An alternative is a getting a tree from Sing See Soon (singseesoon.com) which hails from a sustainable farm in Canada. Even better, they provide a Christmas tree disposal service once the festivities are over. If you prefer to go artificial, Mason (mason.com.sg) has a large selection of fakes, as do Christmas Trees (christmastreessg.com).

Do-good decos

Decorations add to what makes Christmas feel so special. For plastic-free alternatives to tinsel, try a festive garland or banner from Far East Flora Garden (fareastfloragarden.com). For a retro feel, thread strings of popcorn to decorate your tree. Not nimble with your fingers? Twinkly lights give a cosy ambience to any room. Hooga (findinghooga.com.sg) has a gorgeous selection. 

Light up

If you want candles, choose eco-friendly soy or beeswax varieties rather than paraffin. Specialising in soy candles, Sally’s Room (sallysroom.sg) offers nine different scents; Mellow Over (mellowover.com) stock a fabulous range; and we’re partial to a purchase from the lovely folk at Gratitude Shop (shopgratitude.com).

Easy advent

Invest in a reusable advent calendar. Etsy (etsy.com/sg-en) has well-priced reusables all set for 2022. Or lose the traditional cardboard calendar altogether and instead hang hand-wrapped daily treats from a tree branch as part of your decos. 

“In the week after Christmas, New Zealanders send 50,000 extra tonnes of waste to landfill”

Secret stuff

You’re either super-organised and buying gifts in September, or having a Tangs-induced breakdown a week before the big day. Take unwanted stress out of shopping by considering a family Secret Santa; everyone buys (and receives) just one, high-quality, thoughtful present. 

Think local

Shopping at a local independent business scores you extra simple Christmas points. Design Orchard (designorchard.sg) and Independent Market (independentmarket.sg) are both excellent for SG-flavoured memorabilia for friends and family back home; Nana & Bird (shop.nanaandbird.com) and In Good Company (ingoodcompany.asia) are ideal for the fashionable types in your life; and The Social Space (thesocialspace.co) and Source Collections (sourcecollections.com) stock lots of sustainable goodies. Look out for the Christmas markets by Fairmarch (fairmarch.com), The Green Collective (thegreencollective.sg) and Crane (wearecrane.com) making a comeback this year. 

Play tag

Personalised gift tags add a special touch. Try Times Printers ([email protected]) and add dried flowers, strings and twine. Garden centres and markets will provide the foliage. 

Make memories

You don’t have to opt for tangible presents. According to research by Science Daily, experiential gifts can result in greater happiness. For inspo, take a look at Singexperience (singexperience.sg) who offer hundreds of activities as gifts for all ages. Bungee jumping, seeing Singapore on a Harley, private yacht excursions and singing in a recording studio will all create lasting memories. And of course, you can’t go wrong with gifting a family an ANZA membership which comes complete with all of our wonderful community activities (anza.org.sg/join-anza/#join).

“Aussies receive over 20 million unwanted gifts at Christmastime”

Out with the old

Clear your clutter in time for Xmas. ANZA Classifieds (anza.org.sg/life-in-sg/anza-classifieds/), HCSA Community Services (hcsa.org.sg) and Society for the Aged Sick (societyagedsick.org.sg) accept clothes, furniture and household supplies. Books Beyond Borders (booksbeyondborders.org) and Dignity Mama (projectdignity.sg/dignity-mama) take old tomes. Your secondhand items will perhaps take the pressure off of somebody else’s festive season. 

Dine consciously

Food is such a huge part of the festivities (see our recipes on p36), but with it comes tonnes of wastage. In Australia, a Melbourne University study found that 40 per cent of food purchased for the celebrations ends up in the bin. Here’s how eat more mindfully:

1. Plan well
Use a shopping list to avoid impulse purchases and ask guests to bring something specific to reduce double-ups.

2. Repurpose leftovers
There will always be some leftovers (brussels sprouts, we mean you!). Get creative in the kitchen, or donate to  The Foodbank Singapore (foodbank.sg)

3. Choose low-impact foods
Considering the kinds of food we eat (meat and dairy has the highest food footprint, poultry is lower) doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the ham or trifle, but taking a more conscious and gentle approach. 

4. Look to Oz
Australian consumers are snapping up festive gift boxes of what they lovingly call ‘wonky’ but fresh fruit and vegetables from social enterprise Good and Fugly (goodandfugly.com.au). Every purchase comes with a cooking demo designed to reduce food waste, so check them out if you’re overseas.

Statistics source: Unwanted gifts, nationalstorage.com.au.Landfill waste:  sustaintrust.org.nz. Melbourne Food Waste, channelnewsasia.com

Ask the Expert: Key tips for planning your family’s financial future

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Clients regularly wish to get ahead and put a plan into place to be in a better position, financially, when they return home. Many people have started families in Singapore and it is a desired outcome to set them up for future success.

Building foundations

We help ensure clients are protected from unexpected situations to help lay a solid foundation which allows for better wealth accumulation. For example: 

  • Establish a cash buffer: Generally, three to six months of household expenses to meet any unexpected expenses. This is so important today as leaving Singapore is not a cheap exercise
  • Health insurance: A comprehensive international medical plan to cover any accidents, but also if you repatriate, you can have continued cover with no new waiting periods, exclusions, or loadings
  • Financial education: The old proverb, ‘Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime’ is even more true for children. Learning about budgeting is a key life skill that you and your children will benefit from in the years to come
  • Family protection: Protect your family’s biggest asset – YOU. Your income is the biggest family asset and if something happens it could lead to financial hardship

Wealth accumulation

Once you have a solid foundation, it’s time to put your money to good use. It’s important to match saving with your key financial objectives. These can cover a variety of goals, big or small, but it’s important that the savings vehicles you use are flexible, and internationally portable. Consider the following:

  • Net of tax performance: Tax can impact the overall performance of an investment. In Singapore, there is no Capital Gains Tax on investment, however if you were to move back home, what would the tax be in that jurisdiction? Structure your investments in ways that are tax efficient when back home, too
  • Reducing household debt: Paying off a family home will leave you with financial freedom, and a sense of gratification. Start with highest interest first (credit cards)
  • Compound interest: As Einstein said: “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world”. The important thing is to start saving and investing as early as possible. The more you can save and the more time these funds are invested, the more opportunity you have to benefit from compounding returns
  • Impact of fees on performance: It’s obvious, but ensure you understand the total costs of investments as these do impact net performance

Succession planning 

Family trusts, legal guardians and multi-jurisdictional wills can be morbid topics. However, it’s important that your assets are passed on in accordance to your wishes and your children are well looked after through the correct distribution of your wealth. 

These are only a few key issues when it comes to family planning. Please contact us for more information or to review your arrangements. 

This article is purely for informational purposes. It should not be relied upon as financial advice and does not constitute a recommendation, an offer or solicitation. 

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, guardians and/or trust involve(s) the referral to a service that is separate and distinct to those offered by St. James’s Place.

Contact Jamie on [email protected] or +65 9167 9634 to arrange a consultation and discuss your planning needs for your family’s financial future.

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.

 

Where to find Christmas food in Singapore

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Planning and executing the perfect Christmas meal can be stressful. With so many mouths to feed, dietary requirements to cater for, and potential disasters, it can be tempting to give up and call for a takeaway. But that’s for those who don’t know about The Fishwives. For those living in Singapore, The Fishwives’ outstanding selection of quality meat and seafood, alongside essential sauces, cakes, puddings, treats and wines, make holiday meals easier and extra special.

Rebecca’s top tip:

Quality hams and turkeys are in short supply in Singapore so order early!

Yuletide traditions

For owner Rebecca Forwood, holiday planning is a year-round affair as she’s always on the lookout for the best festive meats and goodies to stock in her Cluny Court shop and online store. “The holidays were always special when I was growing up,” she says. “I loved the hustle and bustle of preparations, spending time with family in Australia, and all of the fun traditions we had. My mum’s side of the family are incredible cooks and between my mum, grandma, uncles and aunties, we created the most amazing Christmas Day feasts.” 

With this in mind, Rebecca works hard every year to continue many of the same yuletide traditions while raising her own kids and operating her gourmet grocery store in Bukit Timah. Her key to success? As long as you have good quality food and plenty of it, you will pull off a successful festive meal. “Choosing the highest quality ham or turkey is a great start,” says Rebecca, who puts hefty legwork into finding premium hams and turkeys available for every Christmas season. The hams come in half-bone (5kg) and full-bone (10kg) varieties and are certified free-range. The delicious French turkeys are approximately 3.6kg and include the giblets which are great for making gravy.

Glazed & baked

Rebecca’s holiday meal prep looks much like that of her mum, the original founder of The Fishwives, so the process is near and dear to her heart. “In my family, we always glaze our holiday ham with our homemade glaze made from maple syrup, brown sugar, orange marmalade and dijon mustard – and maybe an extra special secret ingredient,” Rebecca reveals. It’s the same recipe they use in-store if you add a glazing package to your ham when ordering – The Fishwives team glaze and dress your cut for you. By doing so, you can save yourself hours in the kitchen while the ham will be glazed, baked, and the centre of attention come meal time, without you having to lift a finger.

The Forwood holiday turkey is also prepared in the same way every year. Rebecca’s trick for a moist, flavourful turkey is to cover the bird with slices of bacon and slide a homemade butter mixture under the skin of the breasts and legs. She also stuffs the whole bird with a mouthwatering homemade stuffing and a tantalising fresh blend of herbs and spices for the perfect finishing touch. “It’s always a winner and everyone always comes back for seconds,” she says.

Holiday goodies galore

Indeed, holiday food favourites are endless at The Fishwives and you can create a memorable and special spread with minimal stress. Don’t miss their wide variety of festive specialties including Italian panettone, gourmet Australian cheeses, crackers, dried fruit, and artisan honeys and chutneys for the ultimate cheeseboard. You’ll also find an outstanding artisan Christmas pudding from Australia with a gluten free and vegan option so no one misses out.  

Of course, no celebrations are complete without bubbles. Although they’re known for their wholesome, natural Australian foods, The Fishwives offer a carefully chosen selection of excellent cellar door wines, including superior champagnes and alcohol free champagnes. We’ll raise a glass to that!  

How to order your essentials
This year, holiday hams and turkeys will be ready for delivery from The Fishwives from 20 November 2022. Order online at thefishwives.com or visit the store. Delivery is free for all orders over $100. The Fishwives do everything possible to ensure your celebrations are stress-free and focused on time with friends and loved ones. Be sure to stop by as you’re prepping for the festivities this season.

The Fishwives, #01-05B Cluny Court Shopping Centre, 501 Bukit Timah Road, 259760. thefishwives.com

10 Minutes With… Corinna Lim of AWARE

When was the first women’s helpline at AWARE (Association of Women for Action and Research) launched?
Before its current location at Dover Crescent, AWARE occupied the upper floors of a Little India shophouse. We launched Singapore’s first women’s helpline there on January 7, 1991. It was born out of a need to create a safe space for women who were in distress and needed a listening ear and non-judgmental advice. 

How fast did the helpline gain traction?
Very quickly. People often find it difficult to speak to friends or family members about personal troubles; there’s a fear that the listener might not be empathetic or might pass judgmental comments which can lead to feelings of isolation. Women immediately called about marital conflict, family violence and other things. 

How does the Women’s Helpline work?
We only run one Women’s Helpline and offer a call-back request option and online live chat. Live chats are conducted via Zoom with the video and audio both off. We also have the Sexual Assault Care Centre (6779 0282), and the Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Advisory (6777 0318).

Does one subject reoccur?
More than one-third of callers in 2021 reached out due to emotional and psychological distress. We saw a rise in family violence cases due to pandemic lockdowns, where survivors often had to be in close proximity to their abusers. 

Along with a listening ear, how else does the helpline provide proactive support?
Our helpliners can provide referrals to AWARE’s internal services and external agencies. Depending on the caller’s circumstances, we can refer them to emergency shelters, family service centres, family violence specialist centres and the Family Justice Court. We introduced counselling services in June 1991 and we also run a free legal clinic; our team of volunteer lawyers are available for a 30-minute appointment via the helpline. 

Your current Helpline Fund aims to raise $250,000 by the end of 2022. Where will this money go?
People often underestimate how much it takes to run a well-oiled, effective helpline. On the operational side, running the service requires a sizeable technological investment, as well as intensive training for our volunteers. We need as much support from the public as possible to ensure that we can keep up with growing need and remain the premiere service for women in Singapore.

What’s the priority for AWARE’s Women’s Helpline in 2023?
Providing timely support. Our goal is for the Women’s Helpline to never miss a call, and to be accessible to as many women in distress as possible. 

How can ANZA readers volunteer on the Women’s Helpline?
All our helpline volunteers are trained by AWARE staff. Recruitment takes place every one or two years, and eligible volunteers undergo intensive training that consists of three phases. Do keep a lookout for the new recruitment cycle next year via our social media platforms or subscribe to AWARE’s monthly newsletter. 

The Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) is Singapore’s leading women’s rights and gender equality advocacy group aware.org.sg

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