Expat Life Through an Old Timer's Eyes by Rob Faraone
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
SingaporeSince 1958 American • March 2015 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE www.aasingapore.com March 2015 American Association.....2-3 Member Discounts..............3 CRCE & Business.............4-5 Community News..........6-10 SG50.............................11-23 Health & Wellness.......24-25 Food & Dining.............25-26 Arts & Culture..............27-29 Business 4-5 Health & Wellness 24-25 Sports 30 SG50 11-23 Sports................................30 What to know about paying your The key to staying young Spider fighting, a sport from This month’s theme is SG50, What's Happening............31 American taxes from Singapore Singapore’s days gone by Singapore’s Golden Jubilee MCI (P) 178/01/2015 Expat Life Through an Old Timer's Eyes By Rob Faraone henever I tell people I first city-state was just 2.3 million, with good to be an American in Singapore expat community was smaller and moved here in 1976, the first fewer than 5% being foreigners of all then: the exchange rate was about closer knit. We lived and shopped more Wthing they say to me is, “I nationalities. Most of the Americans S$2.25 to US$1.00. centrally. With fewer recreational and bet you’ve seen some changes.” They’re here were working in the energy field Five-and-a-half day work weeks were entertainment outlets, we might go out right. I have. Singapore has evolved with the majority being from Texas or common and trailing spouses, mostly alone, but would run into a friend or over the past four decades and expat Louisiana. wives, seldom worked. Expat packages neighbor.” life right along with it. were commonplace and covered cars, Expats now live all over this Red Dot The Basics clubs, taxes and domestic help. School Exotic Singapore and currently there are about 26,000 Singapore, Hong Kong and Manila fees were also fully covered though they Despite the popularity of Bob Hope's Americans who call Singapore home. were the most sophisticated cities weren’t nearly as expensive then. 1940 movie, Road to Singapore, and the Back in the ‘70s, things were very in Asia, which made them the most Sam Angrove first traveled to Singapore Singapore Sling, most Americans in the different. The population of the entire desirable regional postings. And it was in the ‘60s and settled here in 1980. “The ‘70s had no idea where Asia's Garden Continued on page 21 American Association of Singapore Strategic Partners 2 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION Singapore American • March 2015 A Message from the President... SINGAPORE AMERICAN NEWSPAPER elcome to a new month and a new AAS Executive EDITORIAL committee. My sincere thanks to all who attended Editor-in-Chief: Melinda Murphy, [email protected] Wour Annual General Meeting on February 25 and Publishing Editor: Toni Dudsak, [email protected] not only put your faith in me for a second term as President, but also voted in a slate of fine EXCO members: Steven Tucker, DESIGN & LAYOUT Vice President; Anne LeBoutillier, Secretary; Joe Foggiato, Graphic Designer: Joanne Johnson, [email protected] Treasurer; Shawn Galey, Director; Ana Mims, Director; Stephanie Nash, Director; Christopher Keen, ADVERTISING Director; Mary Beth McCrory, Director. David Advertising Manager: Valerie Tietjen, [email protected] Boden continues as our Immediate Past President. We’re committed to making AAS even stronger in CONTRIBUTORS 2015 and to giving you value for your membership. Suzanne Anderson, James Arpin, Jim Baker, Kevin F. Cox, Nithia Devan, We hope that you’ll attend events, participate in our volunteer opportunities and, of course, give us feedback Melissa Diagana, Rob Faraone, John Hallenbeck, Hwang Yee Cheau, on how we can make your membership more rewarding. Kaitlin M Krozel, Lee Seow Ser, Thomas McNutt, Chris Milliken, Laura O’Gorman The Glamour of the Orient Express rolls into town Schwartz, Lauren S. Power, Mallory Rigger, Maya Thiagarajan, Toh Siew Luan, with the 82nd George Washington Ball (GWB) on Rear Admiral Charlie Williams March 7. I’m looking forward to seeing you all at the American Association : Mary Ferrante, Anne Morgan, Melinda Murphy W Singapore-Sentosa Cove for what promises to be an amazing evening of food & drink, ceremony and AMERICAN ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBERS charity. I promise to keep the speeches to a minimum! The Singapore Children’s Society (SCS), our 2015 President: Glenn van Zutphen • Vice President: Steven Tucker charity, will benefit from GWB proceeds. Since being Treasurer: Joseph Foggiato, • Secretary: Anne LeBoutillier established in 1952, the Society has provided services to Directors: Shawn Galey, Christopher Keen, Mary Beth McCrory, Ana Mims and Stephanie Nash vulnerable children, adolescents and families. Last year, Immediate Past President: David Boden • AmCham Chair: James Andrade the SCS reached more than 72,600 children and won the President of Singapore’s Award American Club President: Scott Weber • AWA President: Annette Foster for Social Impact. I’m very excited that we will be able to contribute to such a worthwhile SACAC Chair: Stu Wilson • SAS Chair: Catherine Poyen charity throughout this Singapore’s Golden Jubilee Year. US Embassy: Chahrazed Sioud If you’re looking for something for your own kids, Junior Achievement will be held on Non-Voting Member: US Military: Rear Admiral Charles F. Williams March 14 and April 11. It’s the AAS’ second JA program and is complimentary for AAS and American Club kids between 12-14 years old. The program, “It’s My Business,” teaches the PUBLISHER - AMERICAN ASSOCIATION four key characteristics of successful entrepreneurs. It’s a great opportunity for your teens to The American Association of Singapore (AAS) is a professional, not-for-profit organization look into the business world in an age-appropriate way. established to enhance the well-being and living experience of Americans residing in Singapore For adult sporting fun, get your foursome together for the AAS Ambassador’s Cup Golf and to promote relationships, both business and social, between Americans and those from Tournament sponsored by Shell on April 18 at the Palm Resort Golf & Country Club in different cultures and nationalities. Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Played since 1935, the Texas Scramble format always means plenty AAS was established in 1917 by a small group of Americans living in Singapore to provide a of fun, no matter what your level of ability. safety net of community support for American residents. AAS continues to provide community Finally, I hope you noticed the newly redesigned newspaper. Three cheers to the AAS staff, welfare as well as programs and community events. especially our Graphic Designer, Joanne Johnson. We hope you like what you see and be 10 Claymore Hill, Singapore 229573 T: (+65) 6738 0371 • F: (+65) 6738 3648 sure to look at the story that SAN Editor-in-Chief, Melinda Murphy wrote (Page 9) on the E: [email protected] • www.aasingapore.com history of SAN design. The Singapore American newspaper, a monthly publication with readership of 10,000+, has been We value your ideas. Contact me or General Manager Toni Dudsak: generalmanager@ published by the American Association of Singapore since 1958, with the purpose of enhancing the aasingapore.com. expatriate experience in Singapore. Also, please visit our website and Facebook page or tweet us: @AmAssocSG, (hashtag #AmAssocSG on Facebook, Twitter). SUBSCRIPTION Best, A subscription to the Singapore American is complimentary with an AAS membership. AAS annual family membership is just $70. CRCE membership is $160. To join, visit www.aasingapore.com and have the Singapore American delivered to your home. Glenn van Zutphen Reproduction in any manner, in English or any other language, is prohibited without written [email protected] permission. The Singapore American welcomes all contributions of volunteer time or written material. twitter: @glennvanzutphen The Singapore American is printed by Procomp Printset Pte Ltd, 57 Loyang Drive, Level 3 Annex Building, Singapore 508968. 3 AMERICAN Singapore American • March 2015 ASSOCIATION AAS Upcoming Events Past Events wednesday Repatriation Workshop Believe it or not, moving back home is actually harder than moving away. Not only do you have to find a place to live and the right school, but most people 11 experience a reverse culture shock. Join AAS, SACAC Counselling and Allied march Pickfords for an informative talk aimed to help you to understand the emotional and logistical impacts of moving back. Food and drinks will be served. 7-9pm The American Club, Colonial Room (Level 3), 10 Claymore Hill Free for members • $25 non-members. wednesday Networking Evening: Panel Discussion “Leveraging Technology & Social Media to Manage & Grow Your Business” Join AAS and Money Matters as we hear from a panel of experts on the latest 18 developments in the digital world. Not only will you learn a lot, but this is a great march opportunity to network with business owners. Quiz Night The atmosphere was electric at the inaugural AAS quiz in the iconic American Club’s 6:30-9:30pm Union Bar! Sixteen teams fought a closely contested battle, but in the end it was a The American Club, Colonial Room (Level 3), 10 Claymore Hill clear victory for the all-female team, “The Late Show!” “Only for The Beer” came in $35 members • $55 non-members. second and the ever competitive “Mad Expats” rounded out third place. Everyone had a huge amount of fun and AAS extends a big thank you to quiz master Glenn van Zutphen and The American Club. Look out for the next quiz in April! wednesday Mingle, Taste and Shop! Sample Clessidra’s Italian delicacies while sipping a range of Italian wines. At the Can you recognize this movie same time, browse Valerie Brandt’s exceptional yet affordable precious and semi- without the actors? For the answer 15 precious gemstone jewelry, designed with an Asian, European and Indian flare. and other similar questions from april Quiz Night, visit our blog on our 7-9pm website at www.aasingapore.com The American Club, Colonial Room (Level 3), 10 Claymore Hill $35 members • $55 non-members.