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Hotspot: Luke’s Lobster

Luke’s Lobster
lukeslobster.sg

To commemorate its anniversary, Luke’s Lobster is joining forces for a “Luke Goes Local” series with three homegrown chefs from Thevar, Birds of a Feather, and Fatfuku. Each chef will create an exclusive iteration of the brand’s signature Lobster Roll that reflects their culinary domain and inspiration. These creations will combine this beloved Maine classic with the many familiar flavours that Singapore loves.

We kicked off our tasting with the first collaboration: Thevar’s Curry Aioli Lobster Roll (S$30.50). Chef Mano’s modern approach to traditional Indian ingredients transformed an uncomplicated Lobster Roll into a complex and rich explosion of flavours without losing the delicate essence of the lobster.  The lobster claw and knuckle meat are tossed in a wonderful combination of Xec Xec spices, roasted coconut chutney and shellfish oil before being wedged on buttered split-top buns with a swipe of curry aioli. The Lobster is topped with fried shallots, a brunoise of onions, tomatoes, green chilli, and coriander. Each bite is filled with punchy spices and smokiness that captures Chef Mano Thevar’s vision of Indian cuisine. Of course, we had to accompany this roll with the corresponding Curry Aioli Curly Fries ($9.50).

Next up was the Birds of a Feather collaboration, the Sichuan Mala Roll ($30.50). Chef See’s creation starts with the silky and rich aioli: a sophisticated combination of Sichuan spices, light soy sauce, Dou Ban Jiang (preserved soybeans), black vinegar, egg yolk and Chef See’s house signature red chilli oil.  After being coated with the aioli, the lobster gets a sprinkle of sea salt, cumin powder, Sichuan peppercorns and dried chilli powder for extra heat.  Each bite is packed with fiery flavours leaving a tingling sensation that will please all Mala lovers. As part of the collab, Sichuan Aioli Curly Fries ($9.50) will be available for extra spice if needed.

Of course, to have the complete Luke’s Lobster experience, we had to try the Lobster Bisque ($12.90) and the Clam Chowder ($11.50).  Both soups are the ultimate in delicious comfort food, however, as a constant visitor to Maine USA in the past, the Clam Chowder gets my vote.

But back to the rolls. Thevar’s Curry Aioli Lobster Roll is the monthly special running until early October, then from mid-October, the Sichuan Mala Roll will take over. Closing off this series (at least for now), come mid-November, Chef Annette Tan of FatFuku’s will showcase her Peranakan Lobster Roll adaptation. Sadly, there are no details yet, but I’m convinced it will be another enticing iteration of the beloved Lobster Roll.

While these local flavoured rolls are part of the Great World opening, the “Luke’s Goes Local” series will be taking place at all outposts concurrently, and on GrabFood, Foodpanda, Deliveroo and its official website, https://lukeslobster.sg/.

Verdict: Drop by and try these Singapore-inspired Rolls or go for the classic Lobster Roll. If you’re a seafood lover, Luke’s Lobster will satisfy that craving.

Lukes Lobster operates daily for dine-in, takeout and home delivery in 3 great locations.

Luke’s Lobster, Great World
1 Kim Seng Promenade
#01-152, Great World
237994

Luke’s Lobster, Isetan Scotts
350 Orchard Road
#01-K4, Shaw House
238868

Luke’s Lobster, Jewel Changi
78 Airport Boulevard
#01-K209, Jewel Changi Airport
819666

Recipe: Steamed sea-bass in Thai sweet, sour and spicy sauce

Chef Payal Thakurani shares this healthy, everyday seafood dish, with balanced Thai flavours.

Ingredients
600g fresh Sea-bass fillets (or any other local white fish of your choice – thread fin, snapper)
3 stalks lemon grass, lower half bashed with a pestle
6 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
2-3 Thai red chili padi, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped ginger
3 spring onion bulbs and greens, chopped separately
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 cup chicken stock
2-3 tablespoons fish sauce
1/2 Thai lime or lemon, freshly squeezed
1 teaspoon white sugar
6-8 lime leaves, roughly torn

Method

  1. Heat coconut oil in a wok on medium flame. Add ginger, garlic, chilies, spring onion bulbs and lemon grass, stir-fry until garlic turns slightly brown.
  2. Next, add chicken stock, turmeric and lime leaves, bring to a boil. Add fish, cover and cook on low heat for about 10 minutes until fish is done.
  3. Taste sauce add sugar and 2-3 tablespoons fish sauce depending on saltiness of chicken stock. Take if off heat and finally add lemon followed by spring onion greens. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice and your choice of steamed vegetables.
Commune Kitchen
Payal Thakurani

Long term expat Payal Thakurani is an author, consulting chef, cooking instructor and founder of Commune Kitchen. She hosts cookery classes to promote healthy South-East Asian cooking at her studio in Downtown Gallery and also specialises in catering.

“I love wet markets in Singapore, mainly because of the wide array of locally available fresh seafood, along with herbs and spices from all over South-East Asia. My Thai steamed fish recipe below is easy, super-healthy and so addictive that it’s become a weekly staple in our home. I have used fresh Sea-bass but any white fish works beautifully in this dish – thread fin, snapper, cod, and sole are all easily available in local markets as well as supermarkets here. Enjoy the recipe!”

http://communekitchen.com/

Host a Petite Pink event in October

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Last October ANZA Action and ANZA Casual Coffee joined forces to launch Petite Pink Events raising funds and awareness of this important cause.

ANZA members have busted out their pink creativity with great gusto yet again to get behind this great cause. This October restrictions have taken us back to groups of 2, but as the saying goes ‘we might be down (in group size) but we are not out’!

From Petite Pink High Teas, Pink Picnics, Pink Walks, Pink Pungs at Mahjong or Ride, or even Pink Bubbles by the pool (yes, please!), ANZA members are having fun dressed up in all shades of blush, rose and neon pink.

Organise a Petite Pink activity and help us spread the message by sharing your snaps on the Petite Pink WhatsApp group -join here.

Pink Ribbon Pins are available for collection from the ANZA office. Appointment required, call 96581455 to arrange a pick-up. Minimum donation $5/pin. For any additional donations to support BCF, you can PayNow to the ANZA UEN S61SS0117F. Please ensure you include  “PPE for BCF” in the reference field.

Wear the Pink Ribbon
Pink Ribbon Collector’s Edition

More info:

Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF) is a non-profit organisation with the mission to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease. BCF Singapore is dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness, promoting early detection, and providing support to people affected by the disease. All donations are gratefully accepted, and they also train volunteers to work in their support programmes.  For more info go to their website

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, BCF is encouraging all women to take charge of their own breast health with regular screening and self-exams.  Learn more about breast health here.

Mapped Out in the Kitchen

ATLAS Chef LokiOriginally hailing from Coff’s Harbour on the north coast of New South Wales, these days you can find Lachlan ‘Loki’ Lynch cooking up lobster rolls, steak frites or refined afternoon tea sets at ATLAS, Singapore’s coolest bar, or perhaps cruising East Coast Park on his long skateboard. 

Loki spent most of his professional career in Sydney before moving to Singapore in 2018 to join ATLAS as Head Chef. He started early in the kitchen, assisting chefs during his spare time in high school and deciding at 16 he wanted to make cooking his career. “I used to help mum in the kitchen when I was younger,” says Loki. “When I was 14, I got a job in one of the resorts in Coffs Harbour where we were living. I fell in love with the pace and atmosphere of the kitchen.”

ATLAS Afternoon Tea

After graduating from The Hotel School – Sydney, Loki began his career working for Chef George Diamond at The Keystone Group. Starting as Chef de Partie, Loki eventually rose through the ranks to run multiple venues across Sydney with the hospitality group. Most recently, he worked as Head Chef of The Coogee Pavilion with Merivale for four years, before making a move to Singapore to pursue his role with ATLAS. “We relocated to Singapore in December 2018, because of the food culture and quality of restaurants and it being a great hub to access South East Asian countries,” says Loki. “I was impressed by the culture and ethos of the ATLAS team, as well as it being one of the world’s most iconic bars.” 

When crafting a new menu for the bar, Loki was looking to bring a sense of fun and familiarity to his plates. “The brief for coming on board was to write a menu that was high quality, yet approachable food. So, items like my lobster roll and sausage roll fitted straight into the menu. So far, the lobster roll has been a fan favourite and so has the banana cream pie. But the streak frites will most likely be a main stay of the ATLAS menu.”

ATLAS Steak FritesAtlas has a focus on drinks, with over 1000 varieties of gin and an impressive cocktail list, however Loki’s European- influenced menu provides the perfect balance. “The food compliments the drinks, but the plates aren’t complicated so they can pair easily,” says Loki. “The afternoon tea is the perfect way for non-drinkers to enjoy ATLAS with friends.”

The laidback Sydneysider is supported in the kitchen by a crack culinary team. “Fara, my sous chef, is my go-to when I need to get things done,” says Loki. “Being local she’s a very big help with sourcing different suppliers of food and knowing what’s available.”

ATLAS_Lobster Roll mini with caviar

Loki’s favourite thing about cooking is expanding his knowledge of flavours and techniques and he draws inspiration from reading, eating and using seasonal produce. Lately he’s been experimenting with fermentation and teaching himself about the process through The Noma Guide to Fermentation by Chef René Redzepi. “I also really like Mediterranean food – from Spanish and Italian through to Lebanese, Greek and Turkish,” says Loki. “One of my favourite snacks is gozleme, which is a Turkish pastry filled with spinach and white salty cheese, then grilled on hot plate. I haven’t found it in Singapore yet, but we make it at home all the time.”

The restrictions and shutdowns of Covid have impacted ATLAS, but they’ve been luckier than most F&B venues in Singapore, with patrons wanting to escape to its refined, elegant Art Deco space. “Lockdown periods are hard on everyone in hospitality, but with most people not able to travel we have found ATLAS super busy,” says Loki. “Our afternoon tea has been very popular.” 

Loki was last in Australia in October 2018, and he misses loved ones and fishing on Sydney Harbour. The first thing he would eat back in Australia is a family favourite around a relaxed dinner table. “I’d eat my mum’s lamb roast; she always cooks one when I come home.” 

Loki’s Likes
Favourite hawker dish?
BBQ sambal stingray

Local drink?
Mr Coconut

Local breakfast?
Marsala tosai

atlasbar.sg 

 

 

 

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT: ANZA Cycling


(Photo by That Cameraman/ Darren Wheeler/Superleague Triathlon)

WHAT DOES ANZA CYCLING OFFER?
The beating heart of ANZA Cycling is the presence of our bunches on the road, every day of the year, around all parts of the island. Year-round warm weather, smooth roads, slow moving traffic, and relatively unaggressive drivers make Singapore a fantastic place to ride. Throw in the neighbouring islands of Bintan and Batam for their almost traffic-free roads, and there are plenty of great cycling opportunities.
Many of our members have a collection of bikes in their stable, so it’s not uncommon to find people dabbling in off-road riding or sandwiching their ride between a swim and a run leg in the world of triathlon. As far as road opportunities go, there is really something for everyone, from shorter 25-30km loops in no-drop groups, where no-one is left behind, and the focus is also on the coffee and chat, to groups that set off to ride the 125km ‘Round the Island’ (RTI) or further, up into Malaysia for the better part of a day or even overnight.

The original ANZA Cycling crew in 2001!

HISTORY
It all began in late 2001, when a couple of blokes came up with the idea of forming an official cycling club under the umbrella of ANZA. From two official members they amassed a contingent of 10 which saw ANZA (Singapore) Cycling represent at their very first race, an Individual Time Trial (ITT) in June 2002. Later that year the club cleaned up at the Team Time Trial (TTT), with seven of the eight teams of four racing in ANZA jerseys. Almost 20 years on, the club has grown to just under 400 members. Many have told us there is simply nothing else like it, particularly for the organisation and camaraderie, anywhere else in the world.

CLUB CODE OF CONDUCT
With a focus on good road-sharing etiquette, bunches are designated a Ride Captain (RC), capped at fourteen riders, and expected to follow the Club’s Code
of Conduct. Anyone with a roadworthy road bike who can ride competently in traffic is welcome to join. Previous group riding experience is not necessary as
each newcomer is asked to join our monthly Induction Ride before joining
a regular club ride. The Induction Ride gives us a chance to meet all newcomers and to advise which groups/rides/routes would be most appropriate for each person to join.

ANZA CYCLING CHIX
Women are welcome at every level of the club, but we also offer weekly women’s rides with the ANZA Cycling Chix. This group has been growing steadily over the last few years and now sees around 40 women regularly riding together and representing the club
at races and events across the region.

SOCIAL SIDE
From daily post-ride coffees to Saturday brekkies, monthly Club Drinks, parties and international trips, our members often talk about their ANZA Cycling mates as members of their Singapore family.
As far as families go, it’s a pretty mixed one, with around 30 nationalities represented, including a growing number of Singaporean members. Our members range in age from older teens, who are accompanied by their parents, to members in their 70s, with the bulk lying in the 30-50 age group, all sharing the same love for getting out on two wheels in great company!

OFF ROAD

What does ANZA Off Road offer?
Previously known as ANZA MTB (Mountain Bike) we now include cyclocross and gravel cycling as part of the Off-Road group. These two additional forms of off-road riding have been gaining huge popularity in Singapore, both recreationally and competitively.
Cyclocross has parallels with mountain bike racing, cross-country cycling, and criterium racing. Riders do laps of a short course featuring pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills, and obstacles. ​Thanks to Cycosports and Singapore Cycling Federation, cyclocross is becoming a regular race event on The Red Dot.


Gravel riding began in the US, where long remote stretches of fire road bridged the gap between the worlds of road, mountain biking, and cyclocross. The more remote and technical terrain allows riders to hone their passion for racing, exploration, and adventure. Gravel bikes are built to withstand some rather extreme terrain! With the help of ANZA members such as Will Price, gravel rides are becoming popular on weekends and public holidays. Linking roads, parks, tracks, and trails to create fun, multi-terrain adventure rides. Mountain biking is also alive and kicking in Singapore, thanks to organisations such as Singapore National Parks and Cycosports who have created designated trails and events.ANZA Off Road has regular trail rides on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

TRIATHLON

What does ANZA Triathlon offer?
The ANZA Triathlon community is made up of those cycling members that also like to run and swim. Our members train and participate across the full range of the multi-sport distances from sprint and standard, to the longer half and full distanced triathlons. We welcome newcomers and also support seasoned athletes competing for podiums and Championship qualifying spots.
The ANZA Tri group regularly meet up on a Saturday for a ride, with a 20-minute run, before meeting our follow ANZA cycling members for coffee at Dimbulah MBFC. Once a month, we organise a Sentosa Brick Session – with a Swim, Ride and Run.
Living in Singapore we are spoilt for triathlon choice with our local MetaSprint and Tri-Factor race series; our neighbouring country races in Johor, Malaysia and Bintan, Indonesia, both only a drive or ferry ride away; and our holiday destination races only a short flight away in Malaysia, India, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam to name a few.

Ironman stars
Some of our triathlon members also compete in Ironman races, like Jelte who signed up for his First 70.3 Ironman last year in Busselton, Australia. The 70.3 Ironman consists of a 1.9km swim, followed by a 90km bike, then the 21.1km run leg. New members, Maxime and Juliette enjoyed a family tri-cation to Bangsaen 70.3 Ironman in February – and were due to race in the Desaru 70.3 and also Port Macquarie Ironman this year, before these races were rescheduled. During the year, dependent on goals, we organise a training long weekend away to either Bintan or Phuket – to get some more intense swim, ride, run sessions in – while also enjoying some relaxing downtime by the
pool. If you would like to get involved, or find out more about what we do, email triathlon@anzacycling.com

WHAT THE CYCLISTS SAY:

Christopher Bloch
(Road Director – ANZA)
“The club prides itself on scheduling rides at different distances, speeds, and parcours (route profiles) around Singapore, virtually 365 days a year. These rides set off at varying speeds for all levels and keep everyone together for a great and safe morning out. Regardless of the route, our final destination will always be the all important coffee with mates. Let’s be honest – that’s the real reason we ride!”

Stephanie Lim
“I joined ANZA Cycling four years ago and ride regularly with them during the week, as well as off-road CX riding. The best part is the community. I’ve met a wide range of people, attend regular club breakfasts, social evening drinks, and have made friends both on and off the bike. The female specific Chix group has been great too!”

Lucy Pollock
“What appeals to me about ANZA Cycling is not only their mixed rides but also being a part of their supportive ANZA Cycling Chix sisterhood. These women encourage, support and inspire me constantly.”

Philippe Mouret
“While actively involved in ANZA’s road cycling schedule I’ve also been doing more MTB as riding the jungles of Singapore is truly a unique experience. Apart from great trails, riding with monkeys, wild boar, and giant lizards is a whole new thing for me! The club provides an excellent opportunity to integrate quickly to life here in Singapore.”

Haythem El-Ansary
“I joined ANZA Cycling prior to arriving in Singapore, back in 2014. It’s a very welcoming club and I quickly got to know the keen triathletes in the group. I’ve been involved in a few of the triathlon training camps, and the contingent for local races, as well as the 70.3 World Championships in South Africa. I’ve also really gotten into all the social side; quiz nights, club drinks, club breakfasts, Christmas functions, and kit launches…all good chances for like-minded people to get together and catch up off the bike.”

Words: Megan Kinder, Christopher Rawlings and Jason DuBois

Sign up now at anza.org.sg/sports/cycling

Makan Oz Style & the Aussie Avo Challenge!

AustCham Singapore President, Chris CoburnAustCham Singapore President, Chris Coburn, enjoying a drop in the #MakanOzStyle challenge

Thank you to everyone who took up High Commissioner Will Hodgman’s #MakanOzStyle challenge this year by ordering great Australian food and drinks to enjoy at home. While all sectors of the economy have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, the hospitality industry has been particularly hard-hit. One way to support our Australian restaurants, chefs and grocers in Singapore has been to continue to order meals and produce from them when dining-in was not possible.

Tiong Bahru Community Centre Chairman, Kenneth SeetTiong Bahru Community Centre Chairman, Kenneth Seet, ordering in for the #MakanOzStyle challenge

Team Australia in Singapore certainly rose to the challenge! Our social media channels were buzzing with messages and photos of your meals using the #MakanOzStyle hashtag. Please continue to support our Australian restaurants, chefs and grocers here by ordering in, checking out their amazing products online or in store, and dining-in when possible. We will continue to #MakanOzStyle wherever we can to support the Aussie food and beverage industry and increase demand for Australian produce here in Singapore.

BHP Chief Commercial Officer, Vandita Pant
BHP Chief Commercial Officer, Vandita Pant, taking part in our #MakanOzStyle challenge

We’re so fortunate to have fresh Australian produce on Singapore supermarket shelves, supported by the Australian Government’s International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM). Australian agri-businesses were also given a boost to expand their export markets in 2021 as part of the Australian Government’s Agri-Business Expansion Initiative (ABEI).

Australia’s Trade Minister Dan Tehan MP and Singapore’s Sustainability and the Environment Minister Grace FuAustralia’s Trade Minister Dan Tehan MP meeting with Singapore’s Sustainability and the Environment Minister Grace Fu in Singapore in July 2021

Australia’s Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, The Hon Dan Tehan MP, visited Singapore in July 2021. Minister Tehan had fantastic meetings with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and several Singaporean Government Ministers to discuss our food security partnership, agrifood trade and how a new Green Economy Agreement between our countries will support sustainability goals. Two-way open travel with Singapore was high on the agenda – both countries remain committed to this, when the COVID situation allows. The Minister wanted very much to meet more of our Aussie expats, but COVID restrictions made this difficult.  He did get to speak to business leaders at an AustCham Singapore event.

DID YOU KNOW…
…the word ‘makan’ is a Malay term for ‘eat’ and is a commonly used word in Singapore? Food is an activity so close to the heart in Singapore that “have you eaten?” is a common heartfelt greeting.  

Avocado

Go green with Australian avocados in Singapore!
Avocados are just one example of Australian produce arriving in Singapore this year with support from the Australian Government’s IFAM. To celebrate these delicious green beauties, we invite you to take up Taste Australia’s #AussieAvoChallenge, by buying some Australian-grown avocados and trying out some of the incredible avocado-based recipes at australianavocados.com.au. If you’re feeling creative, come up with your own creation!

Australian High Commission Sg Logo

 

 

 

 

 

Australian High Commission Singapore
25 Napier Road Singapore, 258507
Tel 6836 4100
Fax 6737 5481

Stay connected
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/AustraliaInSingapore

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ahc-sg

Twitter: @AusHCSG

Hotspot: Swatow Seafood Restaurant

Swatow Seafood Restaurant

Toa Payoh, Serangoon Gardens Country Club, HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok
swatow.com.sg/

Swatow Seafood Restaurant has gained a loyal following for its traditional Teochew cuisine and handmade Hong Kong dim sum. The restaurant’s energy was palpable the moment we stepped into the buzzing dining hall. The wait staff were in constant motion, delivering food to customers anticipating their favourite dishes. Even with today’s social distancing and limitation in numbers (strictly followed), Swatow was a hive of activity and energy that made for fun dining.

We started with an intriguing plate of Deep-fried Snow Gyoza and Deep-fried Xiao Long Bao. Both dishes were a fantastic way to start this local food adventure. A plate of warm, buttery Hong Kong Polo Bun soon followed. These were a favourite of the table for their flaky crust, combined with a tender, juicy pork filling.

Next up was the Teochew Siew Bee (steamed prawn dumpling) and Teochew Kai Lan Fried Kuay Teow with preserved radish; both dishes were fantastic. These dim sum dishes are served with a variety of sauces that match each bite. The chilli sauce is made inhouse daily and it adds the perfect spicy kick.

Authentic Teochew Braised Duck

One of the restaurant’s most popular specialities, and our final savoury course was the Teochew Braised Sliced Duck. Unlike the most common roasted version, this authentic Teochew dish offers juicy, delicious slices of meat that simply melt in the mouth.

Purple Potato Cream & Golden Salted Egg Toasts

It’s Mooncake season and for dessert we were treated to the Crispy Mini Orh Nee – a yam paste mooncake, and Mixed Nut mooncake – a perfect sweet treat, enjoyed with refreshing Chinese tea.

VERDICT: Swatow Seafood restaurant offers authentic Teochew cuisine and excellent dim sum. If you’re craving memorable local food, head over to wallet-friendly Swatow for a fun atmosphere and satisfying meal.

Anniversary offer:

Swatow is running a special anniversary offer which includes the Afternoon Tea Dim Sum Buffet, priced at $25.80++ per adult and $16.80++ per child on weekdays, and $28.80++ per adult and $19.80++ per child on weekends. The buffet is available daily at the Toa Payoh outlet, and on weekends and public holidays at the Serangoon Gardens and Bukit Batok Home TeamNS outlets.
Roasted Duck with Black Truffle

From now till the 27th of October, Swatow Seafood Restaurant is offering HBL Bundle Deals for only $60! (UP $75). The HBL bundle deals include a 6-course set meal for 2 adults with 2 kids bento. Diners can add-on the kids bento at $12.80 each. These bundle deals are available daily, for both self-pickup and island-wide delivery through Oddle. Let’s stay strong and get through these tough times together!

Online Order though Oddle:
Swatow Seafood

Swatow City

Swatow Garden Seafood

 

Dress for Success Singapore

choosing workwearWhen and why was Image Mission set up?Li Kin
I started Image Mission in 2015 to manage the Dress for Success Singapore affiliate, which is part of an international network of 150+ affiliates. I come from a humble background, my mother had to single-handedly raise eight children and I believe that employment is the solution to overcoming poverty. 

Since then, Image Mission has served more than 780 clients through its two programmes – Dress for Success Singapore and IM Ready – with 30 percent of participants securing employment. We managed this without staff in the first five years, using a pool of dedicated volunteers from both the local and expat communities. In fact, ANZA Action was one of the first organisations I approached for support, and we are very grateful to have had many regular ANZA volunteers.

What do you do for women?
Many of the women we serve come from low-income households or disadvantaged backgrounds. They’ve been out of the workforce for a long time and often have low self-esteem. Our programmes are designed to cover every facet of our client’s journey, from job search to employment and beyond.

The Dress for Success programme provides interview and career coaching as well as professional attire for job interviews and employment. Our boutique has workwear, shoes and accessories that we give to women who have secured a job interview or employment. Clients are referred by community partners, who make an appointment for a styling or coaching session. 

Dress for Success SingaporeLi Kin conducting an interview skills session

How do the coaching sessions work?
At a coaching session, a volunteer coach provides one-to-one interview or resume preparation coaching. At an interview or employment styling session, the client is fitted by a volunteer stylist who shares dressing tips and selects an appropriate outfit for the interview, adding a finishing touch of professional make-up. Once employed, the client returns to receive a set of workwear to start off their new job.

Do you provide other training?
The IM Ready programme is a structured 4-6 weekly programme to equip clients with the skills, resources, and knowledge to become workforce ready. We now offer this programme one-to-one as well as in a workshop format.

IM Ready begins with a competencies diagnostics assessment so clients can discover their strengths and skills and better align their job search to match these. We then help clients to create a job search action plan, which will also track their progress. Other services include resume crafting/review, interview techniques and image styling.

Both programmes help them improve their confidence – to believe in themselves, their abilities, skills and experience, the way they look. This newfound confidence is most apparent after a makeover session or when they complete an assignment. 

This confidence empowers them to present themselves well at the job interview because they are dressed professionally and have prepared for the interview questions. Getting the job, in turn, boosts their sense of self-worth and gives them the means to work towards achieving financial independence and creating a brighter future for themselves and their family. For many of our clients, this newfound confidence also helps them in other areas of their lives – they are more confident dealing with their children for example.

Dress for Success SingaporeDFS Kathmandu founder with Li Kin (centre) and Elizabeth (right) in 2018

How can ANZA members support Dress for Success?
We are very grateful to the many ANZA members who have supported us over the past six years as coaches and stylists. ANZA members also gave strong support at our fundraising events, especially in our start-up years. 

We’re also always in need of volunteers who can help in ad-hoc event management. Whether you can commit to a regular schedule or on a project basis, we’d love to have you. Do subscribe to our mailing list at imagemission.org/contact-us so you’ll be updated on volunteering opportunities.

Alternatively, you could champion our cause by adopting us as a charity of your choice for your birthday or celebration!

Dress for Success SingaporeAn IM Ready workshop

How has Covid affected women in the work force?
The onset of COVID-19 and the circuit breaker in April 2020 had a great impact on our clients as they are among the most economically vulnerable in Singapore – being disproportionately represented in the retail, F&B and hospitality sectors. 

With kids at home and unable to go to school, women were often the ones who had to sacrifice their jobs for child care, especially single mums. Many of those in contract or part-time roles lost their jobs or had their jobs suspended. 

For Image Mission, we had to quickly move our services online to meet our clients pressing needs for employment support. We redesigned our programmes to suit an online format and trained our career coaches and stylists to facilitate virtual coaching and styling sessions.

This worked out well and the move to virtual allowed us to serve women in need of support, which we continued even after physical sessions resumed. In all, we managed to conduct more than 400 sessions last year, about the same as pre-Covid in 2019.

Any future plans?
We aim to serve 2025 women by the year 2025. One of our new programme initiatives is to engage employment partners who can offer expertise in areas relevant to our clients (e.g. recruitment or insights on the types of jobs/careers available in their industry) or who have job opportunities for our clients. 

Hotspot: Meet The Bartender at Mo Bar

Tell us about the latest cocktail list at MO BAR?
MO BAR’s current Volume Three cocktail menu is inspired by our latest travels and virtual collaborations around the region, focusing on using indigenous ingredients, local spirits, traditional techniques, and modern equipment.

SARIMANOKWhat’s one drink visitors must order at MO BAR?
“SARIMANOK”, inspired by the mythical creature from the southern part of the Philippines that looks after the region, bringing fortune and good favours. It’s made with croissant fat-washed rum, jasmine green tea kombucha, mango and peaches, and finished with edible rice paper printed with edible ink featuring the beautiful colours of the Sarimanok and the Philippines.

cocktail White Rabbit“WHITE RABBIT” is a clarified kimchi Bloody Mary. The Korean-inspired cocktail is made with poblano infused tequila, fresh tomatoes, kimchi, Korean black garlic, spices, and finished with a tomato crisp from the clarification method, topped with black garlic cream and micro shiso leaf.

Mo Bar SnacksWhat’s special about MO BAR and why should people visit?
Inspired by the Pacific Ocean, the rich culture of Asia’s ports and the travellers who journey between them, MO BAR has designed a series of cocktail menus for guests to experience the rich culture and history of the region. 

We aim to give each guest a unique experience with a full menu explanation and storytelling of the nomadic journey of MO BAR’s menu. Our team shares knowledge and expertise with our guests and takes them on a “Behind the Bar” tour, showing all the indigenous ingredients, unique (even hand-made by the team) vessels and modern equipment.

It’s all about recognising each guest and personalising each visit. We do this by sharing small tasters of upcoming menu experiments and other sorts of fun treats and shenanigans. Once we know that guests are celebrating special occasions, the team pulls out all the special tricks… if you want to know more, come and experience it for yourself! 

Cocktail MikywayHow hard has Covid been on the team?
As soon as Singapore went into the Circuit Breaker, the team and I explored opportunities immediately and were able to launch the first bottled cocktails in Singapore on our website, within 36hrs of the start of the lockdown. The positive feedback of our guests and the collaboration with our local community, such as the taxi drivers, gave us the energy to continue develop this further and we came up with a full range of MO BAR Signature and Classic cocktails. 

Besides the takeaway cocktails, we also engaged with our regular guests and clients to organise virtual cocktail classes and tastings. After the reopening of F&B in Singapore, we started with virtual bar takeovers where we featured bartenders from around the region by preparing their signature cocktails at MO BAR and vice versa.

After the launch of the new Volume Three menu, we quickly noticed that a Virtual Menu would be useful to be able to give guests an enhanced experience at MO BAR, while also showcasing our team and concept to a wider audience, outside of Singapore. 

During difficult times right now, our message is to be strong and don’t give up. Keep pushing boundaries and find new opportunities that times like these provide too. It’s a time to engage with the community more than ever, either physically or virtually, we all need each other. 

Adrian’s Faves 

  • Favourite cocktail?
    Smoked Boulevardier
  • Bar snack?
    Wasabi chips
  • Singapore bar?
    Jigger and Pony
  • World bar?
    Bamboo Bar, Bangkok
  • One person you’d like to share a cocktail with?
    Italian conductor Michele Mariotti 

How to Find Your Ideal Property in Sydney

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Defining the brief
To secure the right property, clearly define your specific needs. Not sure what you want? The Brady Marcs team can work with you to determine a clear brief from the outset and are experienced in asking questions that give you a clear and complete picture. Expats should consider the usual property considerations – personal style or taste, location, local amenities, the flow of the floorplan, and the presence of natural light – but also additional needs such as having a strong rental profile to maximise rental yield, scope to renovations, and value for money.

Unique and timely opportunities
One of the key strengths in using the services of a Buyer’s Advisor is access to properties you usually wouldn’t get. Our team have established relationships with a wide network of selling agents across Sydney, allowing direct access to off-market properties and direct lines of communication. We take a thorough and proactive approach for clients, delivering exceptional results that would not otherwise have been possible.

Choosing an area
The most fundamental question when buying property from overseas is knowing where in Sydney to live or invest. Personal factors must be considered, including being close to friends and family, or wanting to explore an entirely new region. In either context, current knowledge and research of neighbourhoods and suburbs becomes essential. The depth of local knowledge held by the Brady Marcs team is invaluable.

Knowing the schools, transport and amenities
Knowing the location of international and private schools can be particularly relevant for expats and is just one of the many areas of expertise that our team can assist with. A good understanding of transport routes and how they align to family needs is a huge factor in decision-making, such as proximity to schools, the CBD, local parks, and family.

Inspections and auctions
Not being able to physically visit an open house or auction can be limiting for expats. Our team members will visit opens on your behalf and provide detailed video walk-throughs, photos, and live video calls.

Bidding at auction
One of the most valuable services we offer is bidding at an auction on behalf of clients. The Brady Marcs team removes emotion from an often highly stressful situation and brings experience in forming a key bidding strategy. Whether in person at a physical auction or online, our team have the expertise to ensure the best outcome while ensuring clear boundaries are established before an auction.

Due diligence
Our team can manage and coordinate all required due diligence on a property, including pest reports, researching local development applications, and accessing Strata reports. We act as a single point of contact for all external professionals during this process.

Facilitating time differences
The Brady Marcs team pride themselves on offering exceptional customer service and always going the extra mile to deliver great results. The team strives to balance the challenges of different time zones and busy work schedules for their clients when communicating.

A smooth transition period
One of the biggest unknowns during an international relocation is the overlap in time between arriving in Australia and being able to move into a home. Even if settlement is fast and the property becomes physically available, furniture can take months to arrive. Our team are experienced in organising short-term accommodation in a similar area. They’ve even arranged for a complete furniture fit-out, ready for clients to move into as soon as they arrive in Sydney. The key is in pre-empting each step of the process with helpful tips, tricks, and professional connections.

Negotiating the contract
Our team are very experienced in successfully negotiating on price and amendments to a sales contract, and managing the process between vendors, selling agents and solicitors. Even if a property is going to auction, terms can be agreed prior to auction should the client be the successful bidder. Brady Marcs helps manage the process to run as smoothly as possible while ensuring the best outcome for clients.

Understanding tax implications
There are many tax considerations for expats, and it’s best to enlist professional help. Brady Marcs can make recommendations of professional accountants and financial advisors who can help demystify any issues. As an independent advisory, our team can offer objective advice and recommendations for choosing professionals unique to your circumstances.

Property management
For any investment property, ensuring trusted Property Management is in place is essential. We offer a range of Property Management solutions to ensure a complete service for our clients.

At the end of the day, buying property from overseas doesn’t need to be stressful. What’s required is a trusted partner and clear, meaningful communication. Brady Marcs Buyers Advisory has an exemplary track record in delivering exceptional results for clients.

If you are an expat returning home, or you are keen to explore investment opportunities while overseas, Brady Marcs is here to help.

For more information, including case studies and resources, or to book an obligation-free video consultation with a member of the Brady Marcs Buyers Advisory team, email lucy@bradymarcs.com.au or visit bradymarcs.com.au/expats.  

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