Murder at Old Changi Hospital: Immersive theatre for the unafraid

Oct 18 2021

Do you have what it takes to be a paranormal investigator ready to uncover a chilling mystery? Have you got a bit of Miss Marple about you? Fancy yourself as quite the Hercule Poirot? Then follow the interactive online theatre production of Murder at Old Changi Hospital through the eerie halls of Old Changi Hospital in this theatrical murder mystery simulation.

Award-winning playwright, Chong Tze Chien, invites you to solve a crime that took place 25 years-ago in Singapore. Murder at Old Changi Hospital is set in the abandoned hospital. Distant cries echo the hallways following the alleged murder of young canteen worker Farah (played by Munah Bagharib) and the disappearance of four commando associates.

Guests can log on and join the detective work virtually. Those who correctly identify the culprit will have the chance to win the grand prize of a one night stay at Shangri-La Singapore (not the abandoned hospital, thankfully).

When: Every Friday to Sunday until 7 November 2021
For details go to: www.thefuturestage.com

Prevent Tooth Decay in Kids

Oct 18 2021

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Tooth decay (or dental caries) is a common problem afflicting adults and children alike all over the world. Did you know that 4 in every 10 Australian and New Zealand children (aged 5-10) have dental caries? Of those, about 1 in 4 kids have untreated decay. This affects over 600 million children worldwide, which is staggering because tooth decay in kids is preventable! Before we go into how to prevent it, let’s try and understand the science behind decay.

What causes tooth decay?

There is a balance between different types of bacteria in our mouth, with some species producing acid known as cariogenic bacteria. If these bacteria are not cleaned off, the acid they produce can cause our teeth to lose minerals such as calcium from the tooth, this is known as demineralisation. If this is allowed to continue, eventually it will lead to a hole in the tooth, which we know as tooth decay.

Is demineralisation reversible?

Demineralisation is reversible to a certain extent. The mouth is in constant flux between demineralisation (losing mineral content in the teeth) and remineralisation (depositing mineral content in the teeth). Snacking on foods with high sugar content as well as drinking soft drinks will lower the PH in the mouth, causing demineralisation, while brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste and keeping hydrated will allow saliva to play a protecting ‘remineralising’ role for the teeth. If we change the environment from a ‘demineralising’ environment, back to a more favourable remineralising environment, early decay can be stopped from progressing.

What role does diet play?

Tooth decay is caused by how frequently we snack and how long our teeth are exposed to food. This doesn’t mean just lollies and fizzy drinks; this includes foods that are high in natural sugars or starch. Every time we eat our teeth are exposed to the sugars in food. The bacteria in our mouths (plaque) are fed by these sugars to make acid which causes the tooth decay.

It’s not all bad news. No one is saying that your children should never be allowed to eat sugary foods again! Rather, when choosing snacks, be aware of how much sugar is in them. A good rule of thumb is to aim for less than 10g of sugar per 100g serving. If the product contains fruit, allow for less than 20g of sugar per 100g serving. Remember that food that claims to have ‘no added sugar’ often has a higher amount of natural sugar. The nutritional information for most products can be found on the back of the packaging. Just as importantly, reduce the number of times your children eat these foods and make sure they are eaten in an appropriate time frame, not over long periods.

Does keeping teeth clean help reduce decay?

Maintaining good oral hygiene can also reduce decay risk! By brushing twice a day for two minutes each time, as well as flossing daily, we can remove the acid producing bacteria before they cause damage.

How often should my child visit the dentist?

Six monthly routine visits to the dentist completes the last piece of the puzzle. Tooth decay can be discovered early before it becomes worse! Gone are the days of just drilling and filling. If spotted early, the dentist may conservatively treat areas of demineralisation before they become a hole by applying fluoride topically to arrest decay. They’re also able to identify high risk areas, such as deep grooves in erupting adult teeth, that can be sealed off preemptively using ‘fissure sealants’ so they can be protected from decay in future.

What age should I bring my child for their first check-up?

We generally advise the first dental visit to be around 12 months old, however it’s never too late to get started. It’s important to pick up any possible problems early! This is also a great opportunity to acclimatise your child to the dental clinic setting, so their first visit to the dentist is a positive experience!

5 DIETARY TIPS TO STOP PREVENT DECAY

Avoid snack foods that are sticky, gummy, chewy or sweet.
Avoid grazing! Have set meal times and form a routine.
Limit fruit to two servings per day. Fruit is good but too much can be harmful.
Give your kids water with every meal to help wash away lingering food.
Be selective with snacks. Veggies, cheeses and lean meats are healthy and tasty options.

Dr Jason Fang is an Australian dentist, hailing from Perth. He has been practicing in Singapore for the last eight years. He takes pride in connecting with and treating locals and the expat community, providing personalised, friendly dental services for the whole family. This has been a tricky time for expats having difficulty visiting their family dentist back home but Dr Fang is pleased to offer a continuous quality of care at the same high standard offered at home.

Fang Dental, 304 Orchard Road 05-52

Call: 6235 8183, WhatsApp: 90298469 or visit fangdental.sg

Smoked Salmon Pate

Oct 14 2021

Serves 8 as a canape

Ingredients

200g Akaroa Hot Smoked Salmon (skin off)
120g mascarpone cheese, or you can use crème fraiche
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of half a lemon
Sprinkle of Murray River salt flakes and black pepper to season
Sprigs of fresh dill, snipped. Leave some for decoration

Variation
Try adding a teaspoon of minced horseradish to the mascarpone/crème fraiche mix for a subtle kick

Method
1. Using a fork, mash the salmon in a bowl. In a separate bowl, add the mascarpone cheese or crème fraiche, lemon zest, lemon juice and combine. Add the salmon to the mascarpone cheese or crème fraiche mixture and combine well. Add some fresh ground black pepper to the mix.

2. Taste the pate to see if it needs any salt flakes, more pepper, or a little more lemon juice. Snip in some dill leaves and mix carefully.

Pile onto a pretty plate or bowl and garnish with dill. Serve with poppy seed crackers or a delicious fresh French baguette.

Our Tamarama Kitchen is available from The Fishwives, thefishwives.com

New Venue: Wild Child Pizzette

Oct 13 2021

Wild Child Pizzette
50 Circular Rd, 049405
wildchildpizzette.com

Wild Child Pizzette, a new Italian restaurant by the Cicheti group, has opened its doors in the bustling Circular Road area with an array of playful and contemporary versions of pizza classics. There’s also a fantastic beverage programme that includes a first-rate happy hour, The Smackdown Hour, and The Sommakase, a curated wine pairing which is like omakase but where the sommelier picks a flight of wines.

Over the last 10 years, Cicheti has built a loyal following thanks to its delicious trattoria-style menu and adherence to true Neapolitan pizza dough traditions. In this new iteration, co-owners Lim Yew Aun and Liling Ong fulfil a decade-old self-made promise to open a pizzeria “only when they were ready”, and that time is now! Wild Child specialises in 10-inch pizzettes baked in Cicheti’s famous Neapolitan style dough; the toppings are genuinely Italian, but come with a dash of ingenuity. In addition to the pizzettes, this clever menu offers the Anti Pizzette (read: starters) and Post Pizzette (dessert) dishes. We dropped by to have a taste of one of Singapore’s favourite Italian restaurants.

Pizza perfection
For Anti Pizzette (starters), we chose the Bikini ($18.50). It’s a take on Barcelona’s famous sandwich, but this version consists of a generous spread of mouthwatering braised beef cheek marmalade, creamy taleggio, and provolone cheese between two slices of bread made from their pizza dough. Next was the Kurobuta Pork Belly ($17), roast pork belly, secret spice, house giardienera, and crack oil. This dish got big marks from the table, in particular the crack oil. We followed with the Cauliflower ($14.50), deliciously roasted with coriander, mint and chopped pistachios on top of labneh. It was packed with layers of flavours and a great complement to the pork belly.

Our pizzette journey began with the Crispy Fried Margherita ($21). Fried pizza dough, semi-dried San Marzano tomatoes, creamy Stracciatella, fresh basil, and aged parmigiano. This pizzette earned all the accolades. Then came the Cavolo Nero ($18.50), Tuscan kale, garlic confit, fior di latte, bagna cauda, grana Padano, and pickled onions. This pizzette packed some serious flavours and everyone agreed it was the best way to eat veggies! The Trio Formaggio ($19), taleggio, fior di latte, grana Padano and caramelised onions followed, and we could taste each cheese – simply amazing! Last was the Spianata Calabrese ($19), showcasing yummy tomato sauce, spicy salami, fennel seeds, fior di latte, and Sichuan chilli honey – everyone loved this.

For the Post Pizzette, we plumped for the Pecan Tart ($13), a delicious and dense tart, which was not overly sweet. We got the NSFW version served with a luscious, boozy, whisky gelato and caramel bourbon sauce.

Beers, wines & sake
When it comes to the beverages and keeping in line with all things “wild”, in-house sommelier extraordinaire Ronald Kamiyama has gone off-the-book, assembling a more “natural” list that includes producers who adopt organic, biodynamic, and sustainable practices. Ronald took us on a rollercoaster of flavours and we adored every minute of it. With the Anti Pizzette, we had the Poggerino, a fresh and floral Tuscan rose that matched both the cauliflower and pork belly. With the Crispy Fried Margherita, his selection was an artisanal New Zealand beer aptly called Beer from Garage Project Aro St. The next selection was a complex but too-easy-to-drink artisanal sake Motoshibori, a perfect match for the earthiness of the Tuscan kale. Our Trio Formaggio was paired with a white wine from the Barcelona region of Penedes;its well-balanced acidity complemented this cheese trio. For our Spianata Pizzette, Robert pulled out all the stops with a Les Bars Vigneron Tavel 2020, a great pairing to the spiciness of the salami. To close this one-of-a-kind Sommakase, we had the world’s first certified organic scotch whisky with our NSFW whisky gelato and bourbon caramel sauce. Us? Spoiled? Oh yes!

The “Smackdown Hour” (happy hour) runs from 5.30pm to 6.30pm every day with a straight 10% discount on all bottles. A “Blinder” quiz – where a blind taste test on a mystery wine and the bottle’s origins will determine tiered discounts – can lead to 25% off or even the entire bottle on the house. There are two Sommakase options ($39 a la carte, $32 per pax for parties of four and more).

Verdict: Wild Child is an oasis in lively Boat Quay decorated in an elegant and minimalist Japanese style. The atmosphere is relaxed and uncomplicated, but faithfully adheres to Cicheti’s high standards, friendly service, first-rate food, and a standout drinks menu. Go hungry!

Mosquito Management in Singapore

Oct 12 2021

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Mosquito-borne diseases are an ongoing problem in Singapore. While the island has seen outbreaks of Zika, the two diseases of major concern are malaria and dengue. Singapore’s densely-packed population make it susceptible to mosquito-borne disease outbreaks. Additionally, the primary vector of dengue, the Aedes aegypti mosquito, is very well-adapted to urban environments, preferring to breed, mate and feed near human dwellings. This combination of people living in close proximity, the presence of Aedes mosquitoes, and the availability of artificial breeding receptacles such as pails and potted plants has led to a greater concentration of dengue clusters.

Are conventional mosquito control methods Enough?

They don’t provide 24 hour protection
Conventional mosquito control methods don’t provide 24-hour protection. Fogging is only effective for 30-60 mins. Insect repellent body sprays can be effective for a few hours, depending on the ingredients. Natural options like citronella oil may only be effective for 30 mins. But mosquitos are around all the time. How do you stay protected?
They only tackle part of the problem
Fogging alone isn’t enough to tackle mosquitoes, as it only works on the mosquitoes that are physically present at the time. Some mozzies are in really hard to reach places which can’t be tackled by spraying. Fogging also doesn’t eliminate the larvae.
They expose you and children to pesticides and chemicals:
Mosquito repellent sprays and coils are essentially pesticides and can contain ingredients that may cause allergic reactions, headaches and respiratory problems. They’re generally not recommended for infants and young children. Swallowing products containing DEET causes stomach upset, vomiting, and nausea. DEET is especially dangerous for small children. Seizures may occur in small children who regularly have DEET on their skin for long periods of time.
They kill our pollinators!
Fogging is also toxic to other insects, such as butterflies and bees. The National Parks Board is planting more plants that host butterflies in an attempt to increase their population numbers and these beautiful insects are particularly sensitive to pesticides. When bee populations are affected by pesticides, global food production is at risk because of the lack of pollination.

Rentokil’s Integrated Mosquito Management program

Rentokil, the world’s leading pest control company has developed an Integrated Mosquito Management Solution which is a holistic mosquito program. With over 70 years of experience, Rentokil have developed a 4-step mosquito control program which is designed to attack a mosquito’s life cycle at every stage by combining science-based control methods with innovative solutions.

What is the Integrated Mosquito Management Solution?

Water based fogging:
Powerful and virtually odourless, water is used instead of diesel to disperse insecticide. It has reduced carbon emissions and is safer and more environmentally friendly.
In2Care Mosquito Trap
The In2Care Mosquito Trap effectively attracts and kills Aedes mosquitoes with novel and green ingredients that target both larvae and adults. The trap activity is not limited to the trap itself, but extends to the surrounding area. Mosquitos land on the trap and then get infected by green actoves which kill them and any larvae they come in contact with.
Mosclean mosquito trap:
Engineered to be used indoors, this device emits UV light of a specific wavelength that is attractive to mosquitos. Once the mosquitos come near the unit, a fan creates a vacuum and sucks them in. The mosquitos then get trapped and die of dehydration in the unit. No mosquitos and no exposure to chemicals indoors!

What are the key benefits of the Integrated Mosquito Management Solution?

24 x 7 protection
Integrated solution: Protects you indoors and outdoors
Environmentally friendly: Effective technology means less
need for toxic pesticides and insecticides
Complete lifecycle control of mosquitoes
Kids and pet friendly

Why choose Rentokil?

Rentokil are market leaders in vector management with over 90 years of experience.
All their products go through rigorous testing and validation to ensure their effectiveness and safety.
Experienced, NEA licenced staff identify hotspots and provide recommendations on how to reduce and prevent pest infestations.
Strict product protocols are followed to ensure chemicals are handled and used safely.
Fast and responsive treatment: Receive a call back within two hours of your query and Rentokil will take action within 24 hours.

rentokil.com.sg

Your Guide to Financing Property in Australia

Oct 11 2021

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3 Things You Need to Know to Finance a Property in Australia

For many years, Aussie expats living abroad could get a mortgage on Australian property quite easily. But, due to tightening credit policies and lending policy changes over the past few years, that’s no longer the case. However, that’s not to say that you can’t invest in property at home while living abroad.

The game has changed and it’s important that you know the rules. The following three points should bring you up to speed.

1. Lenders and Expat Policies

First things first, you need to do your research. There are plenty of lenders that won’t offer mortgages to expats at all. Of those that do, some policies are better than others. In addition, some Australian lenders regularly revise their policies based on their desire for expat finance. Keep that in mind if your decision-making process is a long one.

It’s a tricky landscape to navigate, particularly if you don’t know what’s out there. So, you should consider working with a specialist broker that understands expat mortgages inside and out.

2. Deposit Requirements

As an expat taking out an Australian mortgage, be aware that you may have to pay a higher deposit. While most Australian lenders will allow buyers to borrow up to 80% of the property value, it’s different for expats.

The likelihood is that you’ll only be able to borrow up to 70% of the property’s value. However, lenders consider mortgages for expats on a case by case basis. So, your new country of residence, its currency, and your visa status may affect your ability to borrow even that much.

Using a mortgage broker can give you an advantage as they understand the market, and eligibility criteria across multiple lenders. With their expertise, you may be able to borrow 80% depending on your circumstances.

You generally won’t be eligible for Lender’s Mortgage Insurance (LMI), which would otherwise allow you to borrow more. However, a couple of lenders do offer LMI, so make sure to ask your broker if this is one of your requirements.

3. Serviceability

No matter who you are and where you live, lenders always need to know that you’re capable of repaying your loan. Still, the process tends to be more rigorous when it comes to expats. So, expect to have your income, credit score, expenses, and more scrutinised when you apply for a mortgage.

It’s important to note that serviceability is measured differently by different lenders. Therefore, if you aren’t considered serviceable with one, you might be with another. Here again, it’s useful to have a knowledgeable broker onside. They should have an idea about which lenders you have the best chance with.

How Expats Can Finance Property in Australia

Although it’s harder than it once was for expats to finance property in Australia, it is by no means impossible. All you have to do to make the process easier for yourself is work with the experts in the field.

At Odin Mortgage, we know how lenders operate. So, we can give you a real insight into the loan options and interest rates that will best suit you. We’re also available seven days a week, which means you’ll never be in the dark about an approval. In these ways and many more, working with Odin Mortgage can take the confusion out of financing property.

Contact the team at Odin Mortgage today at https://www.odinmortgage.com/

Check Out: Foodie Singapore

Oct 11 2021

Brettschneider’s Baking & Cooking School
1 Greendale Avenue 289495
bakingandcookingschool.com/
Join Baker & Cook’s talented Executive Chef Jenna White and rotating guest chefs to learn more about, well, baking and cooking! The schedule changes frequently but includes classes like milling and baking healthy grain breads, creating classic cakes, quiches and pies, or kids 2-day school holiday baking boot camps.
Singabites
Various locations
singabites.com/tours
Singabites guides are the best around – using their deep local knowledge and passion for food to invite guests into Singapore’s bustling food scene. Expect hidden gems, insider secrets and amazing flavours with a range of day and evening food tours. Try their Shiok Chinatown Tour, Sunset Street Eats of Katong, or Lunch With Locals in Little India and Kampong Glam. Bring your best appetite and good walking shoes!
Food Playground
24A Sago St, Chinatown 059020
foodplayground.com.sg
Join this award-winning cultural cooking class online or in the studio (if group sizes permit). Learn how to dish up three authentic local dishes, designed to help you peek into the fascinating history of Singapore’s food heritage and culture in an informal and fun atmosphere. Depending on the day, you might be mastering Nasi Lemak, Prawn Sambal, Egg Tarts or Laksa.
Wok ‘N Stroll Food Tour
Various locations
woknstroll.com.sg
Join food explorer Karni Tomer and her Wok ‘N Stroll guides for tours of Singapore’s gastronomic treats. Choose from a bunch of foodie adventures – from the Crazy Rich Asians inspired tour, which takes in the hawkers and cool eateries mentioned in the bestselling book, to a tour inspired by the Netflix Doco, Street Food and wet market discoveries in Little India. All food tours include bites and sips and cater to a wide range of tastes.
RedMan Shop by Phoon Huat
Serangoon, Sims Lane and The Star Vista
redmanshop.com
This popular homegrown brand is the place to go for affordable and hard to find baking ingredients, tools and accessories. Restrictions permitting, they also offer baking classes almost every day of the month – from on trend chunky cookies, to silky coconut pannacotta, and even mooncakes.
BEE AMAZED GARDENS
Kampung Kampus, 91 Lorong Chencharu 769201
beeamazed.com.sg
Love sweet, gooey honey? Head down to Bee Amazed Garden, a unique visitors’ centre which offers educational programmes, corporate workshops, family activities, honey tasting, environmental talks and basic beekeeping lessons. Visit the beehive’s observatory where you can meet local honeybees without the danger of getting stung.
Tott Store
2 Tampines Central 5, #02-14 529509
3 Temasek Blvd, #02-427 038983
tottstore.com
Tott, or ‘Tools of the Trade’ stocks a vast array of cooking and baking equipment, kitchen tools and tableware, but it also offers a large cooking academy. There’s a variety of classes, ranging from Middle Eastern Dining to Junior Chef Pizza, Cupcakes and Donuts, Local Favourites, and much more.
Brass Lion Distillery & Tanglin Gin Tours
brassliondistillery.com
tanglin-gin.com
Gin enthusiasts can join a fun tour of Brass Lion Distillery and catch a glimpse behind the scenes of their working distillery. Start off the $45 tour with a welcome drink and find out more about the Singapore spirit makers, including their processes and equipment. Enjoy a neat tasting flight of their three gins in the Tasting Room and stay on to enjoy more food and drinks. Want more gin? Another fun local distillery tour can be found at Tanglin Gin in Mandai.
Bollywood Veggies
100 Neo Tiew Road (Kranji) 719026
bollywoodveggies.com.sg
Set in the rustic environment of thebollywoodveggies.com.sg northwest Kranji Countryside, visiting Bollywood Veggies is a step back in time and an introduction to Singapore’s locally grown fruits, vegetable and herbs. Take a culinary class, tour the lush farm with an expert, and pick up chemical-free bananas, papayas, edible leaves and flowers, and other seasonal produce at the Earth Shop. Stay for a delicious farm-to-table meal at Poison Ivy bistro.

Men’s Mental Health: Depression & stress during Covid-19

Oct 9 2021

World Mental Health Day takes place annually on 10 October highlighting a health issue that is more important than ever before. Covid-19 has thrown many lives into disarray, and it has also put the importance of men’s mental health into the spotlight. “The pandemic has put pressure on us all – job security, money concerns, fears for the health of loved ones and the feeling that the world is irrevocably changed,” says Dr Christopher Eldridge of IMC Camden Singapore. “But surveys show that men find it difficult to open up about mental health, and they are significantly more at risk of attempting suicide than women.”

Men’s mental health & depression

It’s not uncommon to experience days of feeling blue. “This is normal,” says Dr Eldridge. “Mood swings happen, but when it comes to men’s mental health, the mood does not swing back up. The days turn into weeks or months, and this can develop into a major depressive disorder, or clinical depression. Depression is a disease, caused by changes in chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. Depression not a choice, and it does not mean you are weak, bad or going crazy. It is characterised by different symptoms that are present for at least two weeks and represent a change from how someone ‘normally’ functions.” These symptoms are:

Depressed mood most of the day every day (feeling sad or empty, being tearful)
Loss of interest in activities that you normally enjoy
Changes in appetite
Changes in sleep patterns (either insomnia or sleeping more than usual)
Loss of energy or fatigue
Inappropriate feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Difficulty thinking or concentrating
Possibly recurrent thoughts about death and suicide

Men’s mental health & stress

One common men’s mental health issue is stress. During Covid-19, they might be finding it hard to juggle work with childcare during work from home periods. “Stress is a common human emotion. It’s natural for us to experience stressful periods at points in our lives, but especially now,” says Dr Eldridge. “Unfortunately, stress is an expected part of life in Singapore, particularly for those in jobs with regular deadlines, long hours and high levels of responsibility.”

Stress serves a protective function in our evolutionary history by mediating the ‘flight or fight’ response to protect us from danger. “Being stressed heightens our awareness and focus and prepares the body to respond to a threat,” says Dr Eldridge. “What humans have not evolved very well to cope with is persistent stress. When we are exposed to even low-level stress on a day-to-day basis, problems can arise.”

Men’s mental health & anxiety

Anxiety and stress can seem similar, but they are not the same, says Dr Eldridge. “Anxiety occurs in people who have been chronically stressed, however it can also happen with no obvious trigger. “One of the key differences is that people can clearly recognise why they feel stressed. In anxiety the focus shifts away from the trigger/situation and onto the feelings and emotions experienced. You can feel anxious about feeling anxious.”

As it becomes more severe, anxiety can lead to physical symptoms:

Sleep problems
Restlessness, agitation, anger
Loss of appetite
Low mood/depression
Palpitations, dry mouth, nausea, chest pains
Panic attacks

Not forgetting anxiety-related disorders

These disorders include the following:

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common anxiety disorder characterised by uncontrollable worrying. Sometimes people worry about bad things happening; at other times they may not be able to identify any source of worry
Panic disorder is a condition that causes panic attacks, which are moments of extreme fear accompanied by a pounding heart, shortness of breath, and a fear of impending doom
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) causes flashbacks or anxiety as the result of a traumatic experience
Social phobia causes intense feelings of anxiety in situations that involve interacting with others
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition that causes repetitive thoughts and the compulsion to complete certain ritual actions

Seeking help

If you suspect someone you know is experiencing issues in coping with feelings of stress and anxiety, help is always available. “Speak to your GP to find ways to feel better,” says Dr Eldridge. “This can be anything from exercise, meditation and relaxation techniques, referral for psychological therapy and medication. It is important to remember that most people will experience symptoms of anxiety at some point in their life and most will make a complete recovery. The key is recognising the problem. Share your feelings and seek help before things get worse.”

Dr Christopher Eldridge is a UK doctor who graduated from Guys and St Thomas’ Hospital in London. He intercalculated this with a degree in psychology. www.imc-healthcare.com T: 6733 4440

ANZA Netball: Fun, skills & friendship

Oct 9 2021

WHAT DOES ANZA NETBALL OFFER?
ANZA Netball is a not-for-profit organisation with years of experience in delivering quality netball programmes to girls aged 6-16 years. Our inclusive programme focuses on fun, friendship and fitness. We believe in providing opportunities for children of all abilities to play netball in a safe, positive, and encouraging environment. One of the highlights for the ANZA Netball players is building friendships with girls from a range of diverse backgrounds and different schools here in Singapore.

WHEN & WHERE WE PLAY
The season traditionally runs until mid to late March. It takes place indoors and outdoors on Saturday mornings in Tanglin Trust School. Off season training is available for those who wish to continue playing outside the traditional season, as well as midweek training for older age group league teams, school holiday camps, and the opportunity to participate in a range of tournaments and leagues throughout the year.

VOLUNTEERS
ANZA Netball is run by dedicated volunteers who offer their time and skills in a variety of roles, including coaching and assistant coaching, age group, uniform, IT or equipment coordinators, as well as Committee Members. Our volunteer coaches are all encouraged and supported to attend Coaching Netball Foundation Courses, run by Singapore Netball. The ANZA Netball Committee provides strategic direction. This dedicated and multi-talented group of women are led by ANZA Netball Coordinator, Karen Velthius, an ex-Olympic diver with a background in sports management. In the off season they are busy initiating new ideas, such as online training sessions, school holiday camps and clinics.

COACHES
ANZA Netball’s Lead Professional Coach, Shuangru Lin brings a wealth of coaching experience to the team. She is a Level 2 Coach and has been coaching around Singapore in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions since 2003. She’s been Head Coach and Assistant Coach at a National level for 17 and Under and 14 and Under age groups, and coaching at the elite level in the Netball Super League. We are very lucky to have her!

HISTORY
ANZA Netball started in Singapore over 20 years ago and has grown to a club of 400 enthusiastic players. The last few years have seen a dramatic transformation with the burgeoning netball environment in Singapore. ANZA Netball has responded by introducing professional coaches, particularly in the older age groups, providing professional first aid services, supporting entry into a variety of netball leagues across Singapore, and also introducing our own tournaments, such as the ANZA Accelerator Series and the ANZA Netball Carnival. We hope to see a return to these events soon.

WHAT THE PLAYERS & PARENTS SAY:

Jen Bond, Volunteer Coach
“ANZA Netball is a great community, providing kids an opportunity to develop friendships outside of school and experience the excitement that comes from growing and working together as a team.”

Sharon Walker, Volunteer Coach
“I’ve enjoyed being Assistant Coach with ANZA Netball. It’s a great opportunity to get back into a sport I loved and played as a teenager. It allowed me to bond with my seven-year-old, Chloe. I got to know so much more about my little girl and was there to support her growth. Everyone is friendly and helpful. It is inclusive and fun! I recommend it for all young girls and their mummies!”

Marina Bridges, ANZA Netballer
“I love ANZA Netball because of the well-structured sessions, the awesome coaches,
the competitive opportunities, and meeting other girls my own age, but not necessarily from my school! I have made some great friends through ANZA Netball.”

Sign up now! Registrations for the 2021/2022 season are open at anza.org.sg/sports/netball

The true cost of moving overseas due to the pandemic

Oct 6 2021

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How Covid-19 has impacted International Relocation

If you’ve moved internationally before, you will know that moving overseas is no walk in the park, and it gets even more challenging with the COVID-19 pandemic. With COVID-19 still causing disruption in a variety of ways, life has become quite different from what it used to be.

On the brighter side, however, some countries are slowly winning the fight against the virus and are re-opening their borders. However, even as the borders reopen, we must adjust our expectations when it comes to international moving.

In this article, we will cover the changes that have had the biggest impact on international moving services.

The Cost of Moving

The cost of moving overseas has skyrocketed, mainly because of the unprecedented rise in Ocean Freight rates. The biggest change in year-on-year prices is from East Asia to Europe, as well as to North America/Canada. Although not as drastic, freight prices to Australia and New Zealand have also seen a sharp rise.

Here is a comparison of what it costs to move now (Correct as of 1^st September 2021) vs the pre-pandemic cost.

Move Size / Description	Pre-pandemic Cost	Current Cost
20ft Container: Singapore to Melbourne	S$7,000	S$10,000
20ft Container: Singapore to Auckland	S$8,000	S$11,500
40ft Container: Singapore to Calgary	S$26,000	S$48,000
40ft Container: Singapore to New York	S$21,000	S$53,000
4 Cubic Metres (30 Cartons) to Sydney	S$2,400	S$4,000

Shipping delays

There are a variety of factors that have led up to massive shipping delays across the world.

The accumulation of cargo waiting to be exported in a certain country can cause bottlenecks in the flow of trade when it is eventually shipped. Whilst doing their best to clear backlogs and maximise resources, Air and Ocean carriers are still limited by the resources that they have.

Delays in customs clearances because there are simply not enough customs officers to process the overwhelming number of imports.

Delays in vessels berthing at ports across the world are due to the lack of equipment and facilities to manage the sudden surge in requirements.

Some shipping lines have cancelled sailings because the incidental costs are too high. Some have decreased the frequency of shipping weekly to fortnightly or even monthly. The delays at origin and destination port will add to their ongoing costs as well as diminish their ability for a quick turnaround.

Even though moving overseas at this time is quite a major challenge, it’s still possible as long as you prepare well and hire the right movers.

How CM Relocation can help

While we are unable to control container shipping rates or the delays in international shipping, our team works hard to keep you informed of what is happening so that you are better prepared. We provide transparency in our quotations to let you know which components are fixed costs, and which components are subject to change. We also work with different shipping lines for different routes to ensure you get the best service and value package. Apart from taking away whatever stress we can from the International Move, with our technology partner Moovaz, we are able to offer a one-stop solution for all your relocation needs by giving you access to your very own relocation platform.

The Platform

Sign on with us today to enjoy the benefits of your very own relocation platform. This platform is an exclusive digital tool designed to help you manage your relocation journey seamlessly. Discover other essential relocation services you may need at origin and destination. Get quotes directly from multiple service providers and manage them all in one place.

Benefits of our Relocation Platform

All your relocation needs on a single platform

Our specially curated and trusted partners will provide you with 23 relocation services to choose from.

Effortless Comparisons & payments

Quotations and invoices can be easily viewed and compared between different service providers.

Friendly human advisor

A relocation advisor, aka ‘Relo Buddy’, is there to advise you on your relocation needs from start to end.

Services available on our platform

About CM Relocation

Apart from our dedication to customer service and the thirst to advance and evolve our service offerings, the CM team prides itself on being a family business put together to serve yours. Being a boutique-sized relocation firm means that we can be flexible when serving our customers.

The strategic partnership with Moovaz is not the only way that enables us to provide you a solution to all your relocation needs at affordable prices. We also help our customers defray costs on international moving by offering shared (groupage) shipping to popular destinations such as Australia, The United Kingdom as well as Europe.

Contact us today and let us help with your move

enquiries@cmrelocation.com

www.cmrelocation.com

+65 6265 7664

ANZAAustralian and New Zealand Association