ANZA’s July – August 2026 magazine is out now!

Claire has been at AIS since 2014. She holds an A* average, has served as a student leader for three consecutive years, and represents AIS across basketball, rugby, volleyball and netball at both U16 and U19 level. Two of her artworks are on display around campus. This year she helped launch contact rugby for girls at AIS.

Whether you're reading this magazine online or in print, I hope you're doing so while sitting somewhere comfy with the intention of being present. If this is the case, congratulations! You've not only got excellent taste in reading matter, you're embracing a new movement: slow living. Across the world, people are making space for things that get them out of constant contactability and the daily rush. Think of it as a modern-day 90s revival, without the perms, VHS tapes and use of street lights to tell the time.

This edition of ANZA magazine celebrates the people and places across the red dot adopting this shift. In Press Pause on p24, we explore the initiatives encouraging people to reclaim their attention. From evening lectures in secret bars to ballroom dancing in abandoned buildings, the ideas are eclectic and unexpected. In The Spaces In Between on p28, we meet three Singaporeans who've created cool community hangouts. Then, in Pung & Games on p32, we look at the growing popularity of mahjong. This tile-based pastime is perhaps the ultimate antidote to our hyper-connected world –and one ANZA members have been enjoying for 20-plus years. (Yay, us!).

Elsewhere, we share basketball tips from the New Zealand 3x3 team in Hoops, Here We Go! on p50 and highlight an exciting new initiative for our netball players in Aspire To Reach Higher on p62. We also celebrate 50 Years of ANZA Soccer on p58. Like many great ANZA success stories, the club began with parents who wanted to provide more sporting opportunities for children. Read how David and Elsie Foreman literally got the ball rolling in 1976.

If this issue inspires you to put distractions on mute, ANZA’s 30-plus sports and activity groups are a great place to start. Whether you're new to the Lion City, have lived here for

THE ANZA TEAM

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION

261A Beach Road, Singapore 199541 Hours: Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm +65 6291 6301

years or are proudly Singaporean, we welcome you to join us. Step away from the screen, meet amazing people and discover something new about yourself and the island we're lucky enough to call home – no pressure and no speed limits involved.

Enjoy the issue. (There's no need to rush!).

GENERAL MANAGER AND SPONSORSHIP

Kerry Low gm@anza.org.sg

Ellie Mills accounts@anza.org.sg

www.anza.org.sg facebook.com/anzasingapore @anzasingapore linkedin.com/groups/ANZA-Singapore EVENTS

Melinda Kaur events@anza.org.sg

THE SLOW LIFE

JULY/AUGUST 2026

FEATURES

22 SPIN CITY

Headphones ready! Here's where to embrace the vinyl revival in Singapore

24 PRESS PAUSE

Why we're ditching the hustle and embracing slower living

28 THE SPACES IN BETWEEN

The new hangouts bringing back hobbies, community and connection 32 PUNG & GAMES

Mahjong is having a major global moment – and ANZA is in on the action

36 STUCK IN A BAD NEWS CYCLE?

How to stay informed while protecting your wellbeing

38 TIME FOR A BEDROOM DETOX

Expert tips for creating the ultimate sleep sanctuary

44 SERVED WITH SERENITY

Singapore’s best nature-lined dining spots

46 BACK TOGETHER IN BANGKOK

Where to stay, eat, explore and unwind in this spicy Thai metropolis

Tennis/Swim

Camp

Here’s to human connection

In a world that seems to move ever faster, this issue invites us to do something that can feel surprisingly difficult: slow down. The third phase of life should be the time when we slow down the most and stop to smell the roses. Most ANZA members are in the first two phases – schooling years and career or caregiving – where so much is imposed by pressures and demands outside ourselves.

I am fortunate to have just retired, and for the most part, this current year has been the exemplar of disconnecting from the digital world. For my third phase, I purchased a rural property overseas, and the work cataloguing the various fruit trees and vines, and beginning the slow process of rejuvenating the land has been very rewarding. This has brought back teenage memories of helping my mother back in Australia, an avid gardener. Even hours of removing ivy can lead to zen-like periods of contemplation.

One of the benefits of slowing down is that it allows us to appreciate things we might otherwise overlook. Europe’s temperate weather is generally more comfortable for outdoor activities, but once you adapt to it, Singapore’s tropical climate offers its own advantages. When I lead ANZA Scouts, the most common question we get from new parents about camping is, “How do you cope with the heat?” The answer is that 26 degrees overnight, yearround, with a gentle breeze is remarkably pleasant and easy to sleep in. Much better than near zero in some latitudes.

This issue encourages leaving the device behind. The benefits are becoming more obvious, with improvement to sleep quality, attention, and in some cases, mental wellbeing. Every weekend and on some weekdays, our ANZA subgroups are busy cycling, playing sport, reading books or meeting for coffee and chat. None of these need an online connection; all of them build human connection. Ultimately, that is what slow living is about – making space for the activities and relationships that enrich our lives.

Enjoy the ideas in this issue, and as always, if you have an idea to share, reach out via president@anza.org.sg

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING ANZA PARTNERS, VALUED GREATLY FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE ASSOCIATION.

PREMIER PARTNERS

PLATINUM PARTNERS

Australian Wines Of Distinction

Majulah Singapura!

Singapore National Day is on 9 August, marking the country’s independence from Malaysia in 1965. As the Lion City celebrates its 61st birthday, this year’s theme is “Majulah Singapura, Go Beyond!” and the island will come alive with events, discounts, exhibitions by the Singapore Armed Forces and fireworks.The National Day Parade (NDP) 2026 will feature a live drone show, new songs and a nationwide treasure hunt in the lead-up to the big day. It will also mark the first time in a decade that the parade is held at the National Stadium. Keep up to date with happenings at ndp.gov.sg

Meet A Featured Partner

JAKE HAMMOND Head of Outdoor Education, Australian

International School (AIS) ais.com.sg

What's your role at AIS?

As the Head of Outdoor Education at AIS, I oversee Year Level camps, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and curriculum-focused experiential visits.

How does outdoor education at AIS stand out against the competition here?

What distinguishes AIS is its Service-Learning projects and Project Pathways for Year 10–11 students. Offerings span Sport; Conservation with PADI Open Water certification; Culture and Service expeditions across Yunnan, China; Service Projects in the Phuket jungle; and the flagship Schools4Schools visit to India.

What does community mean to AIS?

It’s fundamental to our success. We meet with parents regularly to share details about upcoming visits and gather feedback after each trip. Ongoing dialogue helps us to improve and respond to evolving family needs.

GOT SOMETHING TO SAY?

Email us at info@anza.org.sg or comment or send a message through our social media platforms

DID YOU KNOW?

On Tuesday, 25 August, Onam, or Malayalee New Year, will be observed. Malayalee people are originally from Kerala state in South India and they form the second largest Indian ethnic community in Singapore after the Tamils. Colourful decorations and traditional festive vegetarian fare add to the celebrations. “Happy Onam!” is an appreciated greeting. BY

RAELENE TAN

What surprises parents most after joining AIS?

The extraordinary range of opportunities available. Our students hike multi-day routes in Japan, raft the Ganges, explore ancient cultures across China, and earn certifications in kayaking, rock climbing and paddleboarding. They build meaningful connections with schools across remote locations throughout Asia.

What makes ANZA a good fit for AIS families?

AIS and ANZA are closely aligned through shared values, a vibrant community spirit and a mutual passion for embracing life in Singapore. Please describe the AIS–ANZA relationship in one sentence…

It’s a dynamic, collaborative and highly positive partnership full of fun and energy.

Away from work, how do you spend your time? Cycling, running, hiking and playing football. I practice what I preach and get comfortable being uncomfortable!

So Long, Singapore

After more than three years strengthening one of the world’s great friendships, High Commissioner Gabby Rush reflects on partnership, people and memories of Singapore.

New Zealand High Commission Singapore

One George Street, Level 21-04 Singapore 049145

Tel 6235 9966 Fax 6536 8180 nzhc.sin@mfat.govt.nz

As my time as New Zealand High Commissioner in Singapore draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on how lucky I’ve been to serve in this extraordinary place on behalf of New Zealand, the country that I love. There is much I will miss, but even more to celebrate.

STAY CONNECTED

Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/ NewZealandinSingapore

Register when travelling: safetravel.govt.nz

Find out more: mfat.govt.nz/singapore

I have been lucky to serve alongside an outstanding team at the New Zealand High Commission, with colleagues from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Invest New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand, Education New Zealand, Immigration New Zealand, and the New Zealand Defence Force. Together, our goal has been to deepen ties with an already close friend and to ensure the Singapore–New Zealand relationship is fit for the future.

In 2024, Prime Ministers Lawrence Wong and Christopher Luxon committed to elevating the

Singapore–New Zealand links in time for the 60th anniversary of our diplomatic ties in 2025. When our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) was launched in October 2025, it was not just symbolic – it was hugely substantive. Including over seventy workstreams covering the full depth of the relationship, the CSP includes a world-first Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies, so important right now with the ongoing energy crisis, a Strategic Food Partnership, expanded defence cooperation, and negotiations toward a Green Economy Partnership Agreement.

Resilience & resolve

A personal CSP highlight for me was helping deliver the inaugural Singapore–New Zealand Leadership Forum, bringing together 29 of New Zealand’s most senior business leaders

with Singaporean counterparts during Prime Minister Luxon’s visit here in early May. Another has been our leaders’ work together, and with other like-minded countries, to respond to ongoing global disruption in new, innovative and agile ways. Neither Singaporeans nor New Zealanders are peoples who sit back in the face of change and accept whatever comes. We are strong, with inner resilience and resolve. It’s been great to see our leaders using the agency we have, to help protect the international rules and governance so essential to small and medium-sized states. Beyond work, it is everyday life in Singapore that I will miss. The warmth, professionalism and drive for excellence of Singaporeans. The architecture and seamless integration of nature and urban life. Weekends exploring the arts, museums and nature. My favourite hawker centres, early morning walks along the Rail Corridor,

morning coffees from Baker & Cook in Chip Bee Gardens on my way to work, time spent at Gardens by the Bay with Felix and the team, whose work captures so much of Singapore’s spirit of imagination and precision. Fruit from Dennis at the Holland Village Market, the ever-present orchids, the birdsong and endless opportunities to promote the best New Zealand produce to Singaporeans. How many people have I

raved to about our finest zero-alcohol craft beers, chocolate and nut butters!

And then there are friends in the New Zealand and Australian communities here. The leadership and commitment of those involved in ANZA is deeply inspiring and appreciated by those of us working on behalf of New Zealand and Australian governments. I have been privileged to work with you and participate in your events. You keep our cultures alive here and bring our communities together. Thank you.

As I leave, I feel grateful for what has been achieved and have confidence in what lies ahead. The Singapore–New Zealand relationship is stronger, more ambitious and more future-ready than ever.

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa - Many thanks and regards to all.

NEW ZEALAND SPRINT INTO SINGAPORE

Aotearoa’s waka ama community is set to make a major splash in Singapore this August, with around 580 paddlers travelling to the 21st IVF World Sprint Championships. Joined by coaches, managers, whānau and supporters, the New Zealand contingent will be part of a global gathering of more than 3,000 competitors from 31 countries at the biggest event on the international Va’a calendar.

The championships mark a major milestone for the sport, being the first time the event has been hosted in Singapore and the first time it has been held in Asia. Racing gets underway with the World Elite Championships from 20–22 August, where Aotearoa will compete in Open Tāne, Open Wāhine, J19 Tāne, J19 Wāhine and Mixed Para divisions. The World Club Championships follow from 23–29 August, with reserve days scheduled for 30–31 August. This year’s competitors range in age from just 11 to 89 –head on down and show them some love! worldsprints2026singapore.com

GET UP & GLOW

Glow Festival by Prudential is back at Sentosa from 10–19 July 2026, and this year it’s had a glow-up of its own. Returning with its biggest programme yet, expect everything from sunrise yoga by the sea and scenic coastal runs to strength-training workouts, breathwork classes and creative workshops. The daytime lineup is stacked with fitness heavyweights, including British fitness coach Joe Wicks, Australian trainer Chontel Duncan and Hong Kong fitness creator Emi Wong. Come sunset, the festival swaps sweat sessions for live music and Glow Commons serves up food and drinks. glowfestival.sg

ESCAPE REALITY AT THE PORTALS EXPERIENCE

Sci-fi and fantasy fans are in for a treat with "The Portals Experience." Running until 2 September, the exhibition features 300+ original artworks, books, miniatures and collectables from major gaming franchises. Highlights include rare handcrafted pieces and original illustrations from "The Lord of the Rings", "Dune" and Warhammer 40,000. Fever Exhibition Hall, 25 Scotts Road, 228220 portals-experience.sg

IN FULL BLOOM

The Singapore Garden Festival (SGF) returns to Gardens by the Bay from 4–12 July 2026, marking its 10th edition with "Carnival of Blooms." Held once every two years, the event showcases immersive floral displays, wow-inducing garden installations, and plenty of botanical inspiration from international and local horticulturalists, transforming the gardens into a colourful celebration of nature and design.

18 Marina Gardens Drive, 018953 nparks.gov.sg

GET YOUR GRUMP ON

"The Adventures of Grumpy Cat" is the latest exhibition by acclaimed local artist Yip Yew Chong. Taking place until 30 August, the showcase brings together dozens of witty, heartwarming paintings starring the beloved, unnamed tubby cat. Guaranteed to raise a smile, even if the cat itself doesn’t look amused. East Garden Gallery, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, 1 Fullerton Square, 049178 fullertonhotels.com

ANZA TOURS

Food and heritage take centre stage for these exclusive ANZA Tours around the island. Come hungry!

July & August

EXPLORING SG’S FOOD FACTORIES

Ever wondered how some of the foods you spot in Singapore’s wet markets and hawker centres are made? Here’s your chance to go behind the scenes. This tour takes you inside a food production facility in eastern Singapore for a closer look at how everyday staples such as soya bean cakes and noodles are produced. There’s plenty to taste along the way, too. Kopi lovers will get to see the traditional

coffee roasting process up close and discover how the beans develop their distinctive flavour and aroma. Prepare to get a fascinating glimpse into the people, skill and hard work behind some of Singapore’s most-loved foods. And chances are, your next cup of kopi will taste even better once you’ve seen what goes into making it.

UNCOVER SINGAPORE’S LOCAL MARKETS

Go beyond the supermarket shelves with ANZA! This fascinating tour takes you from a little-known wholesale vegetable market, where top chefs and savvy home cooks source the freshest produce, herbs, spices and dried seafood. You’ll then head to the lively stalls of Chinatown Wet Market, packed with heritage ingredients, local delicacies and staples that define the dishes passed down through generations. Your journey ends at Geylang Serai Market, a community hub housed in a Malayinspired building, where the scent of spices and traditional Malay specialities fills the air. Along the way, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the cultures and traditions that shape the Lion City’s rich and diverse food scene.

9am, Newton Food Centre

TOUR GUIDE: Diana Chua EXERTION: This is an easy walk with minimum exertion $90 members $105 non-members Thu 13 August

TIONG BAHRU HERITAGE TOUR

Join us to explore Tiong Bahru, Singapore’s most stylish Art Deco neighbourhood. Beneath its cafe culture and independent boutiques lies a rich history of people, architecture and community. Find out how the area got its name, why Block 78 has three different addresses and how it earned its reputation as the “neighbourhood of beautiful women” many years ago. Along the way, our guide will share insights into the distinctive pre and post-war Bauhaus-inspired architecture that makes this estate unlike any other on the island. You’ll wander through the streets lined with family-run businesses that have been serving the community for generations, including that of Alice Wang, the cobbler who works from her ground-floor apartment window. You’ll also sample Mrs Cheng’s awardwinning gula melaka chiffon cake, discover murals by Singaporean artist Yip Yew Chong, uncover a pre-war air raid shelter, visit the

Monkey God Temple and stop by the famous Birds’ Corner. This tour ends at Tiong Bahru Wet Market and Hawker Centre where you can sample local snacks at your own expense.

MEET: Tiong Bahru MRT, Exit B (near Decathlon)

TOUR GUIDE: Sarah Lev EXERTION: Substantial walking required in the heat. Expect to be on your feet with few rest stops

ANZA OUTINGS

Big experiences, small groups, endless discovery.

ANZA Outings are a brand-new addition to ANZA Tours, offering small group adventures. Designed for those who love local encounters, these bite-sized excursions uncover Singapore’s hidden gems through cultural walks, neighbourhood explorations, hawker visits and relaxed social meetups. Organised by the ANZA Tours committee, ANZA Outings offer a more intimate way to experience the stories, flavours and everyday magic of the island. Perfect for newcomers and longtimers alike. Join us at anza.org.sg/outings

CHILL, CHAT, CONNECT

There was a fabulous sense of community at ANZA’s Chill, Chat, Connect evening in June as new and existing members gathered at Singapore Cricket Club. For those attending their first ANZA event, it was a chance to discover just how much is happening across our community, from sports teams and social activities to special interest groups and volunteering opportunities. Our friendly sub-group coordinators were on hand to answer questions and help people find their perfect fit. One of the evening's highlights was a performance from our ANZA Singing group, whose energy and enthusiasm never fail to light up a room. The ever-popular prize draw also meant several lucky winners headed home with fantastic prizes. Most of all, it was a lovely reminder of what ANZA does best: bringing people together. See you at our next Chill, Chat, Connect event on 29 September.

LADIES NIGHT

ANZA gals descended on Kopi & Spells for a magical Ladies Night. Drinks flowed, music beckoned, and while no actual witchcraft was reported, the loss of inhibitions while dancing to YMCA remains under investigation.

BASKETBALL

ANZA's basketball sessions continue to bring together players of every generation for some friendly competition, impressive ball skills and major whoops when the ball zooms through that hoop!

WRITERS GROUP

"Write drunk, edit sober" is an old writing adage our group took very seriously as they paired creativity with a fine glass of fizz.

SET LUNCH

While we were dining al desko, ANZA Set Lunch were conducting culinary research at KOMA. Diners reported an experience "like no other" – and no, we’re not jealous at all!

SOCCER

ANZA Soccer took Thailand by storm, heading to the Bangkok International Youth Cup for an action-packed few days of soccer, fun and sparkling team spirit. Shout outs go to our B8s who won the Plate trophy and to our U10 Matildas, who returned home as Silver Cup champions! It was an outstanding effort on the pitch and everyone still found energy for pool time and post-match adventures. A big thank you as always to the coaches and families who helped make the trip such a success.

TENNIS

Friday tennis came with more emotion than a Wimbledon final (but less strawberries and cream) as members bid farewell to Greg, Judith and Simone. They'll be greatly missed both on and off court.

NETBALL

ANZA Netball headed to Perth only to discover they had accidentally signed up to play during the region's stormy weather! Lesser teams may have been deterred. Not this lot, who stayed smiley throughout.

GOLF

From sunshine to rain, ANZA Golf had all weather conditions thrown at them. However, the biggest challenge of the day was saying goodbye to Judith.

MAHJONG

Tiles clicked, fortunes shifted and concentration levels reached impressive heights as ANZA Mahjong gathered for another fun session of gameplay and testing the ol' grey matter.

PICKLEBALL

The pickleball was fast, the rallies were fierce and the farewells were doubly difficult as we saw off to two top team members, Zoe and Karen. To say we'll be in a pickle without them is an understatement.

SINGING AT HAJI LANE

ANZA Singing hit all the right notes at Black Sheep in Haji Lane, treating the public to a Saturday afternoon of live music. Everyone agreed it was a fab way to spend a few hours and a weekend highlight.

TOURS

ANZA Tours embarked on three very different adventures. One tour headed north for an insight into Singapore’s HDB system. Another packed in creativity and colour exploring some of the island's coolest design stores. A third saw members crossing the border to Malaysia for street art and the sights and sounds of Johor Bahru's old quarter.

CASUAL COFFEE

The formula for ANZA Casual Coffee is simple: coffee, conversation and community. Open to all members, it's one of the easiest ways to feel at home.

SECRET MEN'S BUSINESS ( SMB )

Fundraising for Children's Aid Society remains firmly on the agenda for Secret Men’s business, thanks in no small part to ANZA member Mike Sabey’s beautifully handcrafted donation box (right). After giving a cash donation to this worthy cause, members got stuck into blokey bants and beers at Dallas Restaurant & Bar.

KILL- O - METRES

ANZA Kill-O-Metres ticked off the final section of Singapore's Coastto-Coast Trail with a gorgeous walk through Punggol. Highlights included plenty of greenery, waterfront views and – to everyone's delight – some cute otter sightings!

Deviate from the norm

Roving reporter Ivana Nathaglas sits down with Deviate Wine Bar Owner JOE KEATS. And regrets her decision immediately.

What inspired you to open a wine bar in Singapore, and why the name?

Joe’s pretty easy to spell… oh, the bar name? We wanted to do something a bit different from the norm, so Deviate Wine Bar felt right. You also need to deviate quite a bit off the beaten track to actually find us. Basically, I was sick of being either bored or bombarded when I went out for a drink, and figured there was space for a place in between.

What do you think of as ‘the norm’?

The big guy sitting at the bar in Cheers. He is, quite literally, The Norm. I didn’t want us to be another stuffy, atas or overly trendy joint. Today, we’ve got around 450 wines on our list at very unSingaporean prices and we’re very equal-opportunity when it comes to selection. We don’t care where a bottle is from – it’s all about the score on our taste-value matrix. Georgia, Macedonia,

Chile, New Zealand, Lebanon, China, a few French wines… the list goes on. Our Champagne list is suitably fizzy.

What’s Deviate’s USP?

Not having one. We have no theme, no mission statement, no marketing department. Almost no social media either. We know we’re a bit hard to find in Dempsey Hill, so we just try to make sure it’s worth the trip. People like that you can bring your own food, we’re pet-friendly, and we’re surrounded by so much greenery that it often feels like you’ve left Singapore entirely Oh, and we don’t charge ++ on top of everything.

You’re well known for hosting wine tastings. Is that your main focus?

Not really. We do host plenty of tastings with importers and winemakers, plus birthdays, private events, corporate do's and

so on. But at the end of the day, we’re a bar – people come to meet, drink, relax and laugh. I’ve also been running Petersons Wines tastings in Singapore for about nine years, which confuses people. That’s completely separate from Deviate, although we usually host them next door.

How does Beans N’ Bottles tie in with the bar?

We sell coffee, plus retail wine and beer to take home, hence Beans N’ Bottles. It’s also where the Petersons wine tastings usually happen. We host events there, and it’s now also a 9–5 workspace to rent if anyone fancies a slightly green-tinged office or retail spot. The logo is a nod to Guns N’ Roses, so hopefully the lads will drop by in November when they tour! Music-wise, it’s an eclectic mix: mostly 80s and 90s rock, acid jazz, old-school hip hop and other random treats on shuffle.

What’s with the big bright red bear / beer fridge?

A nod to my Kiwi accent. We’ve got loads of great global beers, but a strong New Zealand focus – lots of Garage Project and Duncan’s. We have three beers on tap too: Brewlander from Singapore and a rotating Kiwi keg. Stone & Wood and Little Creatures keep the Aussies happy.

What’s your favourite thing about Deviate Wine Bar?

It’s hilariously, beautifully friendly. Strangers share bottles, food and stories every night. We’ve got long tables specifically designed to discourage social distancing – post-Covid irony fully intended. My least favourite thing is that my brain can’t keep up with all the faces and names! I have an annoying knack of remembering people’s names just after they've left! Sorry about that in advance!

Move over Spotify! A host of places in SG are serving up vinyl’s signature scratch, inviting us to slow down, listen up and embrace an analogue revival.

For those of a certain age, there's no sound quite like the faint crackle of a stereophonic needle hitting vinyl. It's an experience that was mostly over by 1985, when the far less exciting cassette tape took over – but now, listening bars, cafes with serious music collections and independent record stores are all part of a growing music scene across the Lion City. Here's where to head. No energetic jumping near the turntable, please.

Appetite

Part listening lounge, part artful dining room, Appetite is a restaurant, record lounge and art gallery in one. Head to the stylish and cosy Living Room area, where a collection of more than 3,000 records spans time and geography, from Afro-Cuban jazz to 70s rock and 90s R&B. Sink into a sofa, soak up the speakeasy atmosphere, order something delicious, and let the records spin from one of Singapore’s largest private vinyl collections. Warning: you’ll likely stay longer than planned.

72A Amoy Street, 069891 appetitesg

SPIN

Swee Lee Clarke Quay

Choice Cuts Pizza & Records

For an easy hang with great tunes Choice Cuts offers joyful retro fun in the best way. Downstairs is the place for New York-style pizza cuts and chatter; upstairs, vinyl spins in a laid-back listening nook. This community-driven spot is a little scrappy, full of charm and often spills out to the pavement.

Ideal if you’re a parent with teens and want to show them how it used to be done!

446 Joo Chiat Road, 427659 choicecutsgoods

This music store doubles as a playground for vinyl lovers. Think of it as a discovery space for creators, collectors and coffee lovers. Browse records, settle in at a listening station, try out instruments or just kick back and relax with a cuppa. It's perfect for beginners or anyone rekindling a love of making or listening to music.

Blk 3B River Valley Road, #01-06 Clarke Quay, 179021 sweeleemusic

RPM by D.Bespoke

This super-cool spot presents as a calm coffee shop by day, before transforming into a vinyl lover’s dream come nightfall. A vintage collection – much of it from the owner’s personal stash – lines the walls, spanning everything from Japanese jazz singers to American funk and soul. At the end of the bar, a turntable and speakers set the tone, while drinks celebrate traditional shochu. Guest DJ nights are also a fixture. 16 Duxton Road, 089482 rpm_bespoke

The Analog Vault

The Analog Vault is a shop for dedicated listeners and curious browsers. Think rows of vinyl, beautifully engineered turntables and shelves dotted with music books. The collection is deep and wide-ranging, from mono pressings to rare box sets and collectible 7-inch singles, spanning genres and eras. Extra personality points go to the in-house record label, TAV Records, championing local artists alongside global names.

#03-121, 26 Sin Ming Lane, Midview City, 573971 analog_vault

Offtrack

The brainchild of the co-founders behind local music collectives Darker Than Wax and Ice Cream Sundays, Offtrack puts music firmly front and centre, with a focus on creating an authentic listening experience. Where many venues relegate sound to the background, this is a place designed for enjoying the tunes as much as the PanAsian plates and cult-favourite cocktails. Look out for their rotating programme of DJs, artists and collectives.

34 North Canal Road, 059290 offtrack.sg

Slow Boat

Each table at this cute vinyl listening cafe comes with its own turntable and headphones, inviting you to sit, listen and disappear into your record of choice. Flipping through the music here, coffee in hand, with nowhere else to be, is an absolute step back in time. It’s also a great option as a secret hideaway from the hustle and bustle and SG heat.

45A Craig Road, 089683 slowboat_

Musicology Records

Tucked along ever-hip Haji Lane, Musicology Records is part of a new wave bringing vinyl to a younger crowd. The shelves lean contemporary, with pressings from pop heavyweights like Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter and Dua Lipa. It’s relaxed, unpretentious and somehow encourages you to emerge, arms full. If luck’s on your side, you might score a vinyl gem for under $10. 66 Haji Lane, 189259 musicology.records

Press Pause

Singapore moves fast, but a growing trend is encouraging people to slow down and reset.

It's 7.43am on a Tuesday and the MRT is already at capacity. Everyone is looking at their phone, a podcast in one ear, a Slack notification pinging every thirty seconds, a wellness app reminding someone to breathe.

This is Singapore’s default setting. It’s a city built on efficiency, forward momentum and the collective anxiety of what happens if you stop. There’s a word for it in Hokkien – kiasu – or “fear of losing out.” It starts in primary school, with school timetables that would exhaust the most hardy of adults, and it doesn’t really let up after that.

According to Ministry of Manpower data from 2025, one in three workers on the red dot faces work-related stress, while a January 2026 report noted that 72% of respondents recently felt burned out from long hours and job uncertainty. Sadly, switching off can be hard to achieve here, but that’s not for want of trying. As the ambient pressure to keep up, stay relevant and strive forward continues to intensify, the desire for a more gentle pace of life has started to form not just in Singapore, but globally.

Peace over pressure

Enter the slow living movement. At its core, it’s a philosophy built around choosing peace over pressure, and rejecting the idea that living a good and successful life has to come with constant exhaustion. Slow living offers an antidote to “always-on” culture, with people seeking new ways to manage their time, set stronger work boundaries and prioritise more meaningful out-of-hours activities.

SLOW DOWN, SINGAPORE

Take a breather and explore the places pushing back against the hustle.

Stranger Conversations

At Pearl’s Hill Terrace, Stranger Conversations is an unpretentious neighbourhood hangout where regulars have gradually formed their own informal support network. People come together to step away from the rat race and engage more meaningfully. Journalling sessions, social mixers, workshops and intentional gatherings are designed around genuine discussion rather than surface-level interaction. strangerconvos

Silk Tea Bar

In Chinatown, Silk Tea Bar is a quiet space dedicated to tea and conversation. Co-owners Melody Teo and Xian Tan created the almost-hidden spot as an antidote to the daily grind –somewhere to pause, stay present and feel at ease. From brewing to drinking, the ritual of tea invites patience and precision, turning each cup into a calm, restful experience. silk.teabar

New Bahru New Bahru, a former school in River Valley, has been transformed into a soulful lifestyle hub. From social table tennis to culinary and pottery workshops, community and togetherness lead the way. newbahru.com

Its most visible expression right now is what’s being called the analogue shift: a broad turn away from screens towards out-of-office pursuits that focus on things you can hold, make, learn and experience without a notification attached. Vinyl is back. Film cameras have waiting lists. Bathing houses where tech can’t be accessed are all the rage. Hobbies and pastimes that require patience rather than a password are gaining traction, acting as pushback against a life that constantly demands more.

The scene has been bubbling under for a while, especially post Covid when we were forced to embrace a world without the constant on-switch. From Amsterdam’s The Offline Club (theoffline-club.com), where people gather in public spaces, hand over their phones and spend a few hours reading, sketching, doing puzzles and talking to strangers; to Australia’s cooking circles, birding walks and chess nights, people are finding new ways to step away from the algorithm, connect with others and be more present.

Here & now

Closer to home, ANZA offers myriad offline activities that embrace slow living – from our singing and mahjong group (see p32) to book club and casual coffee meetups, there’s plenty to draw members into something unhurried. According to psychologists who study burnout, these kinds of analogue activities work precisely because they introduce friction: they cannot be rushed, optimised or multitasked.

Remedial Kids

Playces

Playces turn Singapore's underutilised public places into third spaces for community-led events and social impact. So far they've collaborated with local partners to host a rave in a climbing gym, a ballroom dancing session, an amateur theatre group, a bad-ideas hackathon and an eczema festival. ourplayces.com

Remedial Kids welcomes the culturally curious into a cosy bar setting where the focus is less on drinking and more on discovery. Through playful, accessible lectures, the collective brings together professors, poets, specialists and passionate enthusiasts to share their knowledge on an eclectic range of subjects. Past talks have explored everything from the history of dogs in Singapore and the local punk scene of the 1990s, to bridal fashion and Muslim identity in China. remedialkids

The turn towards slow living may be a sign of the times, yet it isn’t a rejection of progress. The MRT will still be packed tomorrow and notifications will still ping. But in small pockets across Singapore, people are starting to make different choices about what their time means to them, minus the kiasu mentality.

The Living Room

At Phoenix Park, The Living Room is a wellness space built around personal reflection and authentic expression.

Founded by Gayle Nerva, former Singapore Idol contestant turned yoga practitioner and Katie Jonzen, a recruitment consultant and inner peace mentor, it launched in August 2025. Yoga, sound baths, dance sessions, music jams and women’s circles are all on the programme.

thelivingroomsg.com

Beyond the bars, cafes and restaurants, a new kind of third space is taking root in Singapore, built on creativity, mindfulness and genuine human connection.

Kevin Chua is the founder of Studio S.F., an artistic space and peaceful escape at an HDB kiosk unit in Bedok South.

“Before pottery became part of my life, I was in the Armed Forces. Structure, discipline and decisiveness shaped my daily routine. Everything was fast-paced and outcome-driven, and that environment influenced how I thought and operated.

Pottery came along much later, almost as a counterbalance. It brought in a slower, more reflective process that was very different from what I was used to. During the pandemic, like many people, life slowed down significantly. One day, I happened to spot a poster at Everton Park advertising pottery classes. It wasn’t something I'd ever considered before, but I signed up on impulse.

me patience and how to accept failure without overreacting. The shift in mindset was probably more valuable than the technical skills I was learning.

EXPERIENCE OVER VOLUME

It turned out that I wasn’t very good at pottery in the beginning, but I was drawn to how tactile and grounding it felt, and that feeling stayed with me. Over the few years that followed, I took more than 80 pottery lessons. Clay has a way of reflecting exactly what you put into it – you can’t rush it or force it – and I really leaned into that. As the months passed, I became less focused on making ‘perfect’ pieces and more interested in understanding form, proportion and surface. The process taught

In 2023, after my mother passed away, I went through a period that forced me to rethink space, both physically and emotionally. Working on my pottery from home no longer felt the same without my mother there. I needed a separate place where I could continue working with clay while rebuilding some sense of routine and purpose. Opening a studio wasn’t a grand plan at that point; it felt more like a necessary step forward.

I started looking at small, affordable spaces in Singapore and eventually came across a 19sqm HDB kiosk unit in Bedok South. It felt manageable and compact enough to take the risk. To be honest, I didn’t have a detailed business plan, just a rough idea of what I wanted: a small, focused studio that prioritised experience over volume.

HUMILITY & FOCUS

The initial steps were practical: securing the space, sourcing wheels, planning for the kiln and figuring out how classes could run within a tight footprint.

Turning the empty kiosk into a functioning pottery studio was challenging. Space constraints meant every decision mattered –where the wheels would go, ventilation for the kiln, storage for clay and finished work. At the same time, working within those limits forced clarity. The studio became very intentional with nothing excessive to it, just what’s needed to make and to teach.

Today, pottery classes at Studio S.F. are kept small, usually with two to four people per session. Each one lasts about one and a half hours, where they make and paint their own pieces. It’s very hands-on, and I try to guide participants through the process without over-directing. They're are a mix of neighbours, families, couples, friends and individuals simply looking for a gentle activity.

I’ve worked with people from many different backgrounds, from seniors to young couples. One moment that has stayed with me was a session with a lady in her 90s. She was very quiet at first, but once she started working with the clay, she was smiling, fully present in the moment. What I hope people take away from their time at Studio S.F. isn’t just the object they make, but the feeling of slowing down, focusing and working with their hands.

Since opening in November 2024, the response from the Bedok South community has been very encouraging. Being in a heartland area, I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but everyone has been open and curious. What surprised me most is how people keep coming back, not just for classes but to check in, see what’s new or to have a coffee and chat. The studio has become a small but steady part of the neighbourhood.

Pottery continues to teach me humility and focus every day. Clay reminds you that not everything can be controlled. You can do everything ‘right’ and something can still go wrong in the kiln. It also promotes presence because the process unfolds in its own time, and it shows if you try to force it. Over time, you learn to pay attention to small details and let things take shape naturally. Those lessons extend far beyond the studio.”

163 Bedok S Road, #01-K1, 460163

studiosf_sg

Rebecca Toh is the founder of Casual Poet Library, a one-of-a-kind community library in Bukit Merah.

“Casual Poet Library is a shared community library where each of our 200 shelves is rented to a different individual. They curate and decorate them and share their favourite books with others. Anyone can come and read for free. To borrow, people can join for SGD$15 a year.

I discovered the concept for the library when I was visiting Shizuoka, Japan. While there, even though I couldn’t read the books, I felt connected to the shelf owners. Their personalities shone through providing a human-ness and magic which, as amazing as our public libraries are, cannot be replicated elsewhere.

Casual Poet Library opened four months after my visit at an HDB block in Bukit Merah. Some of my favourite shelves: the one shared by secondary school classmates who published books about the environment. The shelf run by a mother and her sixyear-old son. The one that

gives everything away for free, zines included. And the shelf of books from a Hong Kong bookstore that closed because of the political situation there.

Away from the shelves, we also run a monthly book club and host a Midnight Library on the last Saturday of every month. Sometimes volunteer librarians make cocktails, or someone organises a curry night. People come alone, but leave with new friends.

The locals on the estate have been very welcoming. Someone said they felt like we'd been in the neighbourhood forever, which was a great compliment.

We have no plans to grow or expand the space. We’re content to be as we are, surrounded by birds, chickens and trees, and the neighbours we now call friends. Our library tagline is 'In no great hurry', after all.” 123 Bukit Merah Lane 1, #01-110,150123

casualpoetlibrary

Low Seow Yee is the owner of Hangout Laundry, a cool spot to wash and dry clothes, but also a space to just be, in comfort.

“The idea for Hangout Laundry came from two things coming together. I’ve always loved building spaces and communities – something that grew during my years working at Timbre – and at the same time, laundromats in Singapore haven’t really innovated in years. I felt that with a few tweaks, I could create a laundromat that felt different, one I’d actually want to spend time in. Travelling overseas and doing laundry in cool laundromats also shaped the idea in my head, probably more subconsciously than I realised.

At its core, Hangout Laundry is still a place to wash and dry clothes, but it's also somewhere you can hang out in comfort. If you look at it more deeply, the space is all about taking back your time and making a routine chore feel more rewarding and productive. We also host occasional events, so you can do your laundry while socialising.

The concept of combining laundry with coffee and co-working came from how time-starved we all are. Laundry is one of those never-ending chores, so stacking habits made sense to me. You can clear emails while doing your laundry, or meet a friend for coffee and turn it into a laundry date on the weekend.

When designing the floorplan, my husband and I were very aware that traditional laundromats tend to be small, narrow and stuffy. From the start, we wanted something air-conditioned and spacious, with communal tables and relaxed seating so people would actually want to stay. We kept the design minimalist and clean-cut, which also makes it easier to transform the area for events.

We launched in December 2024, and from the start, it

was important to me that Hangout Laundry functioned as a community hub. Our regular customers are mostly local residents. Some settle in with a laptop and don’t do laundry at all, and that’s part of what the place is meant to allow. We also get curious visitors who just come for coffee.

In a place like Singapore, where space is limited, it also makes sense to make the most of what a venue can offer. We’ve organised a range of fun events so far. Halloween saw everyone dressing up in costume. Fold & Flirt on Valentine's Day featured DJs, a pop-up bar, laundry dates, a blindfolded folding competition and the chance to meet someone with a strong laundry game! Earlier this year, we held a storytelling session, Once Upon A Spin, with dramatic arts practitioner Seraphina Underhill. We’ve also hosted a literary writing salon with Unfold Margins and collaborated with Aliwal Chess Club for Midknight Chess, playing street chess in the laundromat until 2am. Ultimately, I hope Hangout Laundry offers an easy, lowpressure way for people to connect with others and feel a sense of belonging.”

531 Bedok North Street 3, #01-706, 460531 hangoutlaundry.sg

Planning for Possibility

Family law matters, even when things are going well. Read on for a practical guide to looking ahead and protecting what's important.

For many Australians living and working in Singapore, family law is not something that feels immediately relevant. Life is busy, opportunities are exciting and relationships are often built around shared goals such as careers, travel and raising children in an international environment. The reality is that family law becomes important not only when a relationship ends, but also when life changes. For expat families, those changes often carry an extra layer of complexity.

WHEN DOES FAMILY LAW BECOME RELEVANT?

In many cases, it is not a single event, but a gradual shift. It might be a major life change, such as the birth of a child; the challenges of raising children in a foreign country, where support networks may be limited and questions emerge about where they should grow up; or difficult decisions concerning ageing parents, when the possibility of returning home to provide care and support comes to the fore.

Sometimes it is more personal, and differences in values or expectations can become more visible over time.

An extra-marital relationship may strain the foundation of a marriage. The demands of international careers can leave partners feeling disconnected.

When these issues emerge, family law steps in because it provides the structure for resolving them. In an international context, the stakes can be higher. Questions are no longer just about “what is fair”, but also where decisions should be made and which legal system applies. It is common for more than one country to have jurisdiction over a family dispute, and the choice of where to act can significantly affect outcomes.

For example:

A couple living in Singapore may still have the right to divorce in Australia, depending on their connection to Australia

Property may be located across multiple countries and treated differently depending on where proceedings are brought

Parenting arrangements may depend on where children are habitually resident, not their citizenship

www.millsoakley.com.au swarda@millsoakley.com.au amarran@millsoakley.com.au +61 2 8289 5800

WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?

The most important step is often simply to inform yourself. Understanding the landscape by obtaining some family law advice does not mean you are committing to separation or litigation. It means you are acquiring knowledge to help you understand your rights, identify risks and make decisions calmly rather than reactively.

In an expat context, this is particularly important because decisions made early, sometimes unintentionally, can have lasting consequences. For example, relocating with a child, transferring assets or even delaying action may limit your options later.

Understanding your legal position allows you to:

Plan rather than respond

Protect assets and financial interests

Make informed decisions about children’s arrangements

Avoid unnecessary dispute or cost

Family law should be seen as preventative, supportive and strategic. Like understanding your financial position or the matters affecting your children’s health and wellbeing, it is something worth having a basic knowledge of before issues arise. It provides a framework for making decisions that protect you and your family over the long term and should be viewed as part of building a stable and secure life abroad.

FP ung & games

The clatter of mahjong tiles has been the soundtrack of Singapore for generations. Now the the world is catching on, while ANZA has been ahead of the curve all along.

our players. 144 tiles. Mahjong, the tile-based strategy game, has been part of the fabric of Singapore, China, Hong Kong and much of Southeast Asia for well over a century. The click-clack sound of shuffling is the same whether you’re at a table in 1890s Shanghai or a restaurant on Robertson Quay in 2026, but the company around the table has changed considerably.

Today, hotels programme Mahjong & Mingle initiatives into their guest offerings, cruise lines are building itineraries around the game and global brands from Louis Vuitton to McDonald’s have collaborated on limited-edition sets. Actress Julia Roberts has claimed that she indulges every week with her friends to “make order out of chaos”, and a new generation of players, from Sydney to San

Francisco, are discovering there’s no better game for making new mates in a city.

Here in Singapore, ANZA knew this before everyone else. For over 20 years, across various locations around the island, our members have regularly come together to play. Sue Chamberlain, who organises ANZA Mahjong, runs several sessions for more than 100 members and teaches mahjong to newcomers. Most are addicted immediately.

“While we play a Western version of the game, it’s based on the Asian game and both have their merits,” explains Sue, who joined the group in 2005 after being inspired to give it a go after attending her first ANZA Casual Coffee morning the day before. “A few sessions in, I was hooked. I also met some lovely people who became long-term friends along the way. As

they left Singapore over time, a few of us continued to play. I wanted others to experience the support I’d been given when I moved to Singapore.”

She adds, “It's a great way for those of us on the island to expand our cultural awareness and explore part of what makes up this wonderfully diverse country and region.”

LOCAL CULTURE

Mahjong started in 19th-century China and spread around the world in the early 20th-century. It was first popular with the elite in Shanghai’s tea houses, then made its way through Japan and across Southeast Asia. It took such a hold over Singapore that there's a local version, featuring a unique set of animal bonus tiles – the cat, mouse, rooster and centipede – that you won’t find elsewhere.

The game is not just a great way to immerse yourself in local heritage. Research indicates that mahjong is cognitively and socially demanding, requiring players to identify patterns, read opponents and make rapid decisions while engaging with those around them. Studies consistently show that regular players demonstrate improved memory and sharper focus.

Sue supports this view. “Our ANZA Mahjong players have been interviewed by the local Singapore press several times as it’s believed the game can help delay cognitive decline. Whether it’s the mental stimulation, the social interaction, a combination of both or something more, it’s certainly a positive outcome while we enjoy playing over a good chat.”

Mahjong is indeed a rare activity that earns its place on both counts – good for the mind and the soul – much like the ANZA community as a whole! For those interested in giving it a go, or who want to know what sets us apart, Sue shares more here.

Why do you think ANZA Mahjong is one of our most popular groups?

I’d like to think that we offer a great opportunity for our members to experience and learn a little bit of the culture of our adopted home while we’re here and be able to take that back, or onward, with us. People may initially come to ANZA Mahjong out of curiosity, but they stay for the fun, challenge and company.

What do you say to a newbie who thinks it looks too intimidating to try?

We’ve all started something new at some point, so we reassure new players that someone will sit with them and walk them through it, getting them up to playing a basic game to start with. They tend to become confident with that foundation, adding various hands and moving on to increasing their technical ability at their own pace.

You’ve overseen ANZA Mahjong for many years. Has the type of player changed?

As our ANZA membership changes over time, so too does the makeup of our

IT’S A RARE ACTIVITY THAT’S GOOD FOR THE BRAIN AND GOOD FOR THE SOUL

activities. Fortunately, mahjong can be enjoyed by all ages, males and females and all nationalities. We host two daytime sessions a week and in recent years we’ve added an evening session too, which suits those working through the day.

Do you have any personal highlights from being such an integral part of the group?

After an initial enquiry in July 2025 from a local film production company, several ANZA members, along with people from other organisations in Singapore, were lucky to be cast as extras in the mahjong movie “Luck my Life”. A fun tale of luck, skill and life lessons, it was screened not only in Singapore, but around the region.

As you step away from your role as coordinator, what are your hopes for ANZA Mahjong moving forward?

It’s been my privilege to be either involved with or coordinate this group for over 20 years. I thank all those who have helped and supported me, but now it's time for new eyes and fresh ideas. I’m still around but passing on the baton. As we seek more hosts and teachers for our sessions to enable the group to continue and thrive, I see people sharing and passing on their knowledge and skills. ANZA Mahjong really is something special to have been a part of.

If you’re interested in joining ANZA Mahjong or becoming an mahjong coordinator, contact info@anza.org.sg

Iron it out

Constantly tired,

Iron deficiency, also known as iron deficiency anaemia, is one of the most common health conditions worldwide. It occurs when the body doesn't have enough iron to produce healthy red blood cells, which are essential for carrying oxygen throughout the body. As a result, reduced oxygen delivery can affect overall energy levels and organ function.

Common Symptoms

Many people experience symptoms of low iron without realising the underlying cause. These may include persistent fatigue, low energy, weakness and dizziness. Some individuals notice pale skin, shortness of breath or difficulty concentrating. Because the signs can be subtle or develop gradually, iron deficiency often goes unnoticed until it becomes more severe.

Causes of Low Iron

Iron Infusion Benefits

Treatment Options

1

ORAL IRON SUPPLEMENTS

There are several reasons why iron levels become depleted. Poor dietary intake is a common factor, particularly in individuals who don't consume enough iron-rich foods. Blood loss, such as from heavy menstrual bleeding, can significantly reduce iron stores over time. Pregnancy increases the body’s demand for iron, making deficiency more likely. Additionally, certain conditions like celiac disease can impair the body’s ability to absorb iron effectively.

Dr. James Maguire, General Practitioner, IMC

Oral iron supplements, such as ferrous sulphate, are typically the first line of treatment. While effective for many people, they can take weeks to months to restore iron levels. Some individuals experience side effects such as nausea or constipation, and in certain cases, the body may not absorb the iron efficiently.

2

IRON INFUSION (IV IRON THERAPY)

An iron infusion is an alternative treatment where iron is delivered directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) drip. This method bypasses the digestive system, making it especially useful for individuals with moderate to severe deficiency, poor absorption or intolerance to oral supplements.

An iron infusion offers several advantages. It can rapidly increase iron levels, leading to faster relief of symptoms such as fatigue and weakness. Many patients report improved energy and overall wellbeing soon after treatment. It's also highly effective for those who don't respond well to oral iron therapy.

What to Expect

Iron infusions are typically performed in a clinic or hospital setting. The treatment involves an IV drip that may take anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on the type of iron used. Common formulations include iron sucrose and ferric carboxymaltose. Most people can return to their normal activities shortly after the procedure.

Safety & Side Effects

Iron infusions are generally safe and well-tolerated. Mild side effects can include headache, nausea or slight discomfort at the injection site. Serious reactions are rare, and the procedure is carefully monitored by healthcare professionals to ensure patient safety.

Key Takeaway

Low iron is a common but treatable condition. Persistent fatigue or weakness shouldn't be ignored, as they may indicate an underlying deficiency. A simple blood test can confirm the diagnosis. For those who need faster or more effective treatment, an iron infusion is a safe and efficient option that can significantly improve quality of life.

To book a consultation with Dr. James, schedule an appointment via the IMC Health app, call +65 6733 4440, email serangoongdn@imc-healthcare.com, or visit imc-healthcare.com

When the world feels like it’s spinning slightly too fast, it can be hard to stay grounded. Here’s how to steady yourself and find your footing, wherever you are.

As we enter the second half of 2026, many of us do so with a certain amount of trepidation. What’s happened since the almost halcyon days of December 2025 is a lot to take in. Wars, cybercrime, the manosphere, ongoing climate anxiety, rising prices, a robot called Claude – all have been front and centre of our daily news consumption, and that’s before we even begin to tackle the myriad personal challenges we're all individually facing.

For those of us living overseas, there’s an added layer – we tend to absorb news from multiple countries at once: home, Singapore and wherever’s next. Constant negative headlines can sharpen threat-detection and pull communities closer together, but being perpetually informed about events we’re emotionally invested in, yet can do little about from a distance, creates a particular kind of helplessness. The mental load feels heavier and more fragmented.

While we can’t change a bad news cycle, acknowledging it –and being more mindful of how we’re coping – is the first step to feeling better. First up is recognising what’s happening to our bodies. “It’s likely that current global circumstances are affecting us more than we know. Many people think coping means ‘I’m still functioning’, but our nervous systems don’t measure coping that way,” explains Soolin Choi, counsellor at New Leaf Counselling and Integrative Health (soolin@newleaf.com.sg). “A constant barrage of negative news can lead to chronic anxiety or emotional exhaustion, but people adapt to it so well that they stop noticing. It shows up in subtle ways, but often at a higher physiological cost than we’re aware of.”

According to Soolin, compulsively checking phone updates, feeling uneasy in quiet moments, difficulty concentrating, disrupted sleep and a dulled sense of feeling are all signs that your nervous system is under undue stress. “Many people miss these signs because they attribute them to work stress or general life demands, rather than connecting them to their media consumption and the state of the world,” she says, noting that irritability is one of the most common symptoms that often gets overlooked. “Without acknowledging the signs, over time, even low-level stress can elevate cortisol, affecting sleep, digestion, energy, immune function and how quickly we become overwhelmed.”

Creating structure

The good news (there is some!) is that engaging with world events more intentionally can significantly ease symptoms. “For people who need to stay informed, whether for work or personal reasons, the goal isn’t to switch off completely, but to create structure around media intake,” Soolin says.

A healthy relationship with the news means choosing when and how you consume it, rather than being pulled in throughout the day. Practically, this means setting clear time limits, choosing a few reliable outlets and resisting scrolling across multiple sources. It also means developing a critical lens; not absorbing everything that sounds urgent and staying alert to how easily a clickbait headline can trigger an emotional response before you’ve had a chance to think. “Guilt often comes from the

belief that being constantly updated means being responsible,” Soolin continues. “But more exposure doesn’t lead to better understanding, it leads to overload and confusion.”

Sleep, meanwhile, is foundational. “It’s what allows the nervous system to reset,” Soolin says. In addition, physical movement helps to release accumulated tension, while social connection provides perspective and emotional regulation, reminding us we’re not dealing with things alone.

For those with children, it’s important to be mindful of your own response to the news. Kids don’t just absorb information; they also pick up on mood and tone. The goal isn’t to shield them from every difficult reality, but to help them make sense of what’s happening in a way that feels safe and manageable.

“Keep explanations simple, ageappropriate and grounded in what they can understand,” Soolin suggests. “Emphasise what’s being done to keep people safe, rather than focusing only on what’s going wrong.”

Stay attuned to their reactions. More often than not, a child’s questions are less about the facts than they are about seeking reassurance –something that, in different ways, applies to all of us.

BAD NEWS BE GONE

Be aware of changes in mood, appetite, sleep or social engagement. These are often the first signs that news consumption is becoming too much

The body needs periods of safety to recalibrate. Constant exposure to distressing information interrupts that process, so set aside time to do something away from a screen that occupies your mind in healthier ways

Establish a “news curfew.” Avoid the news late at night. Distressing content tends to stay with you, making it harder to wind down. Reading headlines earlier in the day is better

Choose reliable, calm news sources. Opt for news outlets that provide comprehensive, fact-based reporting rather than sensationalist stories

Sleep, movement and social connection all buffer news anxiety. “If I had to prioritise, I’d say sleep sets the baseline,” says Soolin. “But without movement and connection, it’s harder to maintain it.” ANZA Casual Coffee (anza.org.sg/activities/casualcoffee) and ANZA Social Night (anza. org.sg/events) offer great starting points for meetups

When the big picture feels overwhelming, zoom in. Focus on your immediate environment, your community and positive actions within reach that make you feel good –that's where your energy is best spent

Time for a bedroom detox

Stress and screens get all the blame, but your bedroom might be the thing standing between you and a decent night’s sleep.

You lie down exhausted. Your brain fires up. If you’re in Singapore, statistically speaking, this is how it goes. According to research, only one in four people on the red dot gets the recommended seven or more hours of sleep a night, and eight in ten wish they slept more. And while stress and screens are often the biggest kip-stealing culprits, the room you’re sleeping in may be doing more damage than you realise.

Dr Moussa Abdelhak, a GP at Singapore’s International Medical Clinic (imc-healthcare.com), backs this up. “Your bedroom environment is not incidental. When it comes to sleeping well, it's doing a lot of the work – or undoing it.”

What happens is more psychological than it may seem. “The bedroom becomes hard to switch off in because modern times have trained our brains to treat it as a place of wakefulness rather than sleep,” Dr Abdelhak says. “Every moment lying awake, checking the time, scrolling or worrying in bed strengthens the association: bed equals consciousness, frustration or anxiety.” It’s called conditional arousal, and once established, it’s a stubborn habit to shift. The good news is that what’s been learned can be unlearned; it just needs the right environment – and a few new habits.

ONLY ONE IN FOUR PEOPLE ON THE RED DOT GETS THE RECOMMENDED SEVEN OR MORE HOURS OF SLEEP A NIGHT

Make your phone sleep elsewhere

If there’s one change Dr Abdelhak would prioritise above all others, it’s this. “Make your bedroom a phone-free zone.” He identifies four separate ways your phone disrupts sleep: it delays when you fall asleep; social media and news activate emotional processing at the exact moment your brain needs to wind down; and if you pick it up after waking in the night, the damage is worse than prebedtime use. As for your screen's pesky blue light beaming in your face, the science is real but more nuanced than headlines suggest. “Blue light inhibits melatonin production, which plays a crucial role in regulating your circadian rhythms. But how much this impacts your ability to fall asleep is unclear. Exposure to other light sources – LED lights in your bedroom, for example – may have more of a destructive impact.”

Get the temperature right

Sleep onset is coupled with a drop in your core body temperature; your body shunts heat to the skin’s surface to cool itself down. A warm room fights that process. “We should generally aim for a temperature between 18 and 24 degrees,” recommends Dr Abdelhak. “In tropical climates like Singapore, air conditioning is often required to achieve this.” Consider it a non-negotiable, not a luxury.

Dim everything down

“An hour before bed, dim overhead lights, switch to floor lamps or bedside lamps with warm bulbs of 2700K or lower and avoid bright lighting,” Dr Abdelhak advises. Phone apps can measure lux (light intensity) in your environment. He recommends aiming for 10 lux or less in the hour before you sleep. Night mode helps, but removing devices from arm’s reach altogether is more effective.

Nature at night

A few well-chosen plants can soften the atmosphere of a room while countering the dryness that air conditioning creates, Dr Abdelhak says. A subtle move, but anything that makes a space feel calmer can ease the transition into sleep.

A note of calm

Scent can have a surprisingly big effect on your nightly rest. “There's good evidence that certain essential oils can improve sleep quality,” says Dr Abdelhak. Lavender has the strongest research behind it. Roman chamomile, bergamot, cedarwood and valerian are also worth exploring.

The room is sorted, get your head there too

DR ABDELHAK’S SAVVY SWITCH-OFF TIPS

TAKE

A WARM SHOWER ONE TO TWO HOURS BEFORE BED

–

NOT IMMEDIATELY BEFORE, BECAUSE TIMING MATTERS

EMBRACE THE BRAIN DUMP Set a timer for five minutes and write a to-do list for tomorrow. Don't make it a journal entry or reflection on your day, but a clear picture of tasks. Research shows this significantly speeds up sleep onset; the more detailed the list, the faster participants drift off. The theory is that externalising your tasks offloads them from active mental processing. Your brain stops rehearsing them on a loop because they’re already captured.

ADOPT COGNITIVE SHUFFLING Pick a neutral, emotionally bland word – say “window” or “rug”. Then slowly visualise objects beginning with each letter. Window: W.. wardrobe, waterfall, walrus. Do this at a leisurely pace. It sounds a bit bonkers, but that’s the point. The technique interrupts the brain’s tendency to latch onto anxious thoughts by giving it something just engaging enough to hold attention, but not interesting enough to keep it wired.

TRY PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION Start at your toes or your forehead. Tense each muscle group firmly for a few seconds, then release. Move through the body methodically: feet, calves, thighs, stomach, hands, arms, shoulders and face. The physical release of tension has a direct calming effect on the nervous system. It takes around ten minutes and most people don’t

Reclaim your space

“The single biggest mistake people make,” says Dr Abdelhak, “is using the bedroom as a multipurpose space when it should only be used for sleep and sex." This erodes the brain’s conditioned association between the bed and sleep. "Keep work, TV, doom-scrolling and eating for a separate environment." Sweet dreams!

A WARM SHOWER, TIMED RIGHT Take a warm shower or bath one to two hours before bed – not immediately before, because timing matters. The warmth draws blood to your skin’s surface, helping your core body temperature drop. That drop is precisely what the brain uses as a cue to initiate sleep. Done at the right time, it tricks your body into thinking it’s ready to switch off.

We don’t want to suggest that this very magazine could lull you into a slumber, but it might just be the tool you need! Unlike a screen, with its notifications, temptations and comedy dogs on tap, a physical book or magazine asks nothing of you except to follow the words.

Saturday mornings at Tanglin Trust School

• Led by professional coaches

• All abilities welcome, starting from 5 years upwards

• Fun, friendship and teamwork

REGISTER NOW

Date: Sunday 6 September Time: 8.45am to 10.30am

Venue: Ola Beach Club, Sentosa

Petersons Wines Tasting Event

Sip, swirl and unwind with us at an exclusive wine tasting evening hosted by Petersons Wines in their beautiful Dempsey tasting room.

Wednesday, 26 August | 7pm – 9.30pm

Register at anza.org.sg/events/petersons-wine-tasting

Venue: Deviate Wine Bar, 71 Loewen Road #01-06 S248847

Tickets: Members $40 Non-members $45

SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED A STRONG CUPPA AND A FRIENDLY WELCOME.

Whether you’re new to Singapore, new to ANZA or have been here a while, our Casual Coffee mornings are a fantastic way to meet new people and pick up tips for living in Singapore. ANZA Casual Coffee meets at various locations around the island.

Register at anza.org.sg/activities/ casual-coffee

Welcome to the ANZA Set Lunch group. Each month, we seek out great value set lunch deals around Singapore to enjoy together in group outings. Discover new restaurants and cafes, meet new friends, and explore Singapore’s diverse and delicious food scene.

anza.org.sg/activities/set-lunch

Secret Men’s Business

For men who want a bit of male bonding Secret Men’s Business (SMB) is a relaxed, friendly crew made up mostly of male trailing spouses from all backgroundscoming together for cold beers, tasty lunches, and plenty of good-natured banter. Join the lads at anza.org.sg/activities/secret-mens-business As for the secret part of SMB, it remains shrouded in mystery until you join

VEGGIE VIBES

Vegetarian dining on the red dot is full of colour, flavour and feel-good favourites inspired by the city’s many cultures, says RAELENE TAN.

In Singapore we have ready access to a plethora of edible plants, with statistics showing that approximately seven percent of the population are vegetarians. Easily available are fried rice and noodles, chap chye (mixed vegetable stew, fermented soya-bean paste and fungi) and mezze platters (Middle-Eastern dips). Singapore’s ethnic communities offer dishes to suit various tastes.

CHINESE cuisine features lo han chai (stewed mixed fungi with soya-bean accompaniments), favoured for special occasions. Braised ee-fu noodles with mushrooms are well known. Tau huay, soft beancurd pudding with syrup, is enjoyed hot or cold. Chinese tea and soya-bean milk quench thirsts. Greendot Vegetarian ( greendot.sg), with various locations including Westgate and One Raffles Place, offers affordable, inspiring, vegetarian creations.

Gado gado is a MALAY favourite, as is sayur lodeh. The former comprises salad with rich peanut sauce, while the latter is mixed vegetables stewed in spicy coconut gravy. Tempting goreng pisang (banana fritter) makes a sweet finale, with popular drink bandung (rose syrup with condensed or evaporated milk). Try Hajah Maimunah, 11 Jalan Pisang, near Arab Street, for selected vegetable dishes ( hjmaimunah.com)

INDIAN vegetarian fare embraces a large diversity of tastes and colours, appealingly

spicy, or not. Vegetable biryani (saffron rice with vegetables, complemented by blended herbs and spices) comes to mind for its deceptively simple preparation and taste, with children clamouring for more. Chana masala, spicy chickpea curry, is nutritiously enjoyable. Payasam (milk-based thick porridge made with rice or vermicelli, nuts and fruit) is a perennial sweet ending. Sip on spicily aromatic masala tea or yoghurt-based lassi. Singapore’s oldest Indian vegetarian restaurant, Ananda Bhavan, 95 Syed Alwi Road, Little India, continues to resonate with many ( anandabhavanrestaurant).

NYONYA popiah appeals, whether presented ready-to-eat or individually choosing prepared ingredients at the dining-table, then wrapping in paperthin crepes. The latter provides a sense of camaraderie, being preferred by my family. Nyonya chap chye beckons invitingly. Kueh (colourful cakes made with rice flour and coconut milk) are iconic and enjoyed with coffee or lime juice. Coco Veggie Nyonya Cuisine, #03-130A Marina Square awaits ( cocoveggienyonya).

Soy terung, a EURASIAN dish, comprises stir-fried eggplant with spicy-hot paste, while bergedel (potato croquette) is always looked forward to. Sugee (semolina) cake is a firm favourite, savoured with a glass of wine or fruit juice. Quentin’s Eurasian Restaurant ( quentins.com. sg), 139 Ceylon Road, is well known for its delectable sugee cake, plus several delicious veggie items.

Rojak (fruit and vegetable salad with a tingling sauce) makes regular appearances in homes and eating places because of its spontaneous adaptability. Chilli-hot sambal blachan condiment is also tweaked for vegetarian consumption.

As an aside, a Japanese friend recommends Ki Su Shoujin Omakase, 60 Tras Street, for its upmarket vegetarian appeal ( kisu.com.sg).

Here’s to healthy veggies!

Born in Adelaide, Raelene Tan is a retired etiquette consultant and a food and travel writer. She has authored five books and has been a regular guest on radio and television.

Served with Serenity

Leaf it all behind and settle in for birdsong, sea breezes and garden vistas at some of Singapore’s most soul-soothing dining spots.

Park Side by PS.Cafe, Singapore Botanic Gardens

Inspired by lazy weekends and picnic afternoons, this cosy cafe channels garden cottage charm.

A stylish indoor area sits with a dog-friendly terrace amid greenery.

Brunch, Big Plates, Soft Serve Sundays and House Botanical Lemonades loom large, with a menu leaning into herb-driven influences and Asian flavours. The Botanical Bowl is a go-to, featuring turmeric rice layered with paneer, tempeh, snake beans and crispy chickpeas. Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, 259569 parkside.sg

Under Der Linden, Portsdown Road

Under Der Linden is all soft blooms, whitewashed walls and leafy surrounds, with an in-house florist adding to its rustic elegance. Set within a black-andwhite colonial building, it retains its original character, from retro rattan chairs to tables dotted with potted plants. The alfresco terrace overlooks towering trees, while the cool interior offers respite from the Singapore heat. There's a pet-friendly policy too.

The food is heartier than the delicate setting might suggest. Begin with the Burrata Garden Delight, then tackle the Wagyu Beef Burger. Woodfire-grilled meats, tasty pastas and creamy risottos show there’s more to this place than just a pretty face.

5B Portsdown Road, #01-02, 139311 underderlinden.com.sg

The Summerhouse, Seletar

Hidden among Seletar's tree-lined streets, The Summerhouse is home to several idyllic dining spots. These include Wildseed, a pet-friendly cafe, patisserie and bistro-bar with live music, as well as Botanico and the Garden Domes, where guests can dine surrounded by flourishing edible gardens.

At Botanico, seasonal produce, herbs and edible flowers shape a menu rooted in the surroundings. The Garden and Prestige set menus showcase the likes of Pan-Seared Atlantic Cod and Inka-Grilled Wagyu Sirloin and suit a special night out. For something more relaxed, the forestto-table Afternoon Tea includes Atlantic surf clam croquettes, yuzu scallops, yakitori, and a dessert of matcha mochi custard with tea or coffee.

3 Park Lane, 798387 thesummerhouse.sg/garden-domes

Eden Cafe, Chinese Garden

With the Cloud Pagoda on one side and Jurong Lake Gardens on the other, Eden Cafe enjoys the pleasure of being located slap-bang inside Singapore's Chinese Garden. This fabulous refuelling stop keeps the earthy feel flowing when inside, with muted interiors and clean lines keeping the focus firmly on nature.

Expect confit chicken leg and beef short rib alongside brunch favourites such as Turkish egg toast. Nothing overly complicated and fussy – just well-executed dishes in a dreamy location where ease is everything.

70B Yuan Ching Road, #01-04, 619629 edencafe.sg

AIR CCCC, Dempsey Hill

Tucked within a green enclave, AIR CCCC is a total bucolic bolthole. Airy by name and by nature, you’re immersed in the great outdoors even when you’re inside. Glass walls slide open onto expansive lawns, trees stretch beyond the windows and the whole place is designed for slowing

down and breathing easier. Even the fixtures and furnishings, crafted from recycled timber and repurposed plastic bottles, reflect the restaurant’s thoughtful approach.

AIR CCCC works with local suppliers, including Ng Ai, a kampong chicken specialist who's been feeding Singapore since the 1970s, organic farming pioneer Quan Fa, and Golden Cap Farm, renowned for its pesticide-free mushrooms. This means you'll be tucking into mushroom barley risotto, BBQ'd lamb ribs, and glazed duck breast with sambal ijo before finishing with bubur hitam gelato.

25B Dempsey Road, 249918 aircccc.com

Fico, East Coast Park

Set within East Coast Park, this striking whitewashed villa is modelled on the traditional masserie – fortified farmhouse estates – of Puglia, Italy. Framed by coastal light, manicured grass and seaside views, a visit feels like a mini vacay. Led by Pugliese chef Mirko

Febbrile and The Lo & Behold Group (Tanjong Beach Club, Le Bon Funk), it's all about Mediterranean vibes, from front-row seats at the open kitchen to the breezy alfresco terrace. Handmade pasta and signature focaccina take centre stage, with grains, cheese, olive oil and seafood sourced directly from Puglia. Don’t miss the San Marzano tomato focaccina with mozzarella and fresh basil, best enjoyed with a vat of Italian wine.

1300 East Coast Parkway, 468964 ficomasseria.com

Back Together in Bangkok

Four old friends, one long-overdue reunion and a city that knows how to deliver a good time. CHRISTINA LIM reveals why Bangkok belongs on every girls' trip list.

Bangkok is a city that never stops moving. Packed with energy and always ahead of the curve, no two visits are ever the same. Just a 2.5-hour flight from Singapore, it was a no-brainer for Christina Lim and her three friends, who were looking for an easy destination full of fun. The girls set their sights on culture, food and entertainment – and Bangkok, as always, delivered.

FAVE MOMENT

Wat Arun photoshoot We’d been talking about having a Thai photoshoot for a while. I needed a bit of persuading, but I’m so glad we made it happen. We booked through Absolute Thai Shop ( thaicostimerental_official), a costume rental studio, a ten-minute walk from Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn on the Chao Phraya River. The SGD$45 package covers costume, basic hair and makeup, accessories and a one-hour shoot with a photographer across five locations inside the temple grounds. Our photographer was brilliant and somehow made all four of us look good. We started off following his suggested poses, and obviously ended up pulling funny faces.

Why we went

The last time I went to Bangkok was 20 years ago. I was keen to see how the city had developed, and my stomach was keen to sample all the great food on offer. With nearly two decades between the youngest and oldest in our group of friends, we were excited that our schedule would be varied and were keen to pack in as much as possible.

Where we stayed

We chose Grande Centre Point Hotel Ploenchit (grandecentrepointploenchit. com). It’s located along Wireless Road, a stretch lined with embassies, which makes the area feel quiet and safe. It’s also a 20-minute walk to Siam Paragon and Siam Square, which made it convenient for shopping, food and dashing about. When we ventured further, we used Grab which was easy peasy and good value.

What we did

Dib Bangkok A converted 1980s warehouse between Rama IV Road and Sukhumvit Soi 40 is now one of the city’s best contemporary art spaces ( dibbangkok). The exhibition we visited, "(In)visible Presence", runs until August 2026 and is super interactive, so we were not just looking at the art but participating in it. There were several different artworks on show. We found ourselves hitting a wall with a baseball bat, climbing inside an upside-down Volkswagen Beetle suspended from the ceiling, and stamping die-cut postcards with the date to take home. A great way to spend a few hours.

Happie Cat Cafe

This is an adorable place, with a kitten nursery at the back, where you can chill with feline friends over coffee ( happiecate.cafe). We paid SGD$4 for half an hour with 32 cats. They were all friendly and just curled up next to us while we talked. It was a really therapeutic experience.

At Ease Massage & Spa You can’t visit Bangkok without a massage! Options are endless, but we plumped for At Ease Massage & Spa and booked via Instagram ( atease_massageandspa). The shop was professional, clean, comfy and the SGD$20 price tag for a one-hour foot massage was a bargain! DM and go early – by 1.30pm it’s full.

TYME Rooftop Bar TYME Rooftop Bar ( tyme.rooftop) was our go-to because we wanted to catch the sunset over the Chao Phraya River. We tucked into French fries and cocktails while witnessing the magical moment when the lights at Wat Arun were switched on for the evening. The street leading to the bar, Soi Tha Suphan, is also worth a wander.

What we ate

Khao San Sek As this place has a Michelin star, we booked our reservation two weeks in advance. The setting was lovely – we were given a stylish and cosy corner to ourselves and didn’t hold back on the ordering. Blue Crab, Slow-Cooked & Roasted Suckling Pig, Coconut Brulee and Coconut Ice-Cream all made the cut. The Australian Black Angus Beef Rib Green Curry was my standout. At SGD$186 for all of us, the meal absolutely lived up to its reputation. More than just the food, the ambience and experience made it memorable. ( khaosansek.bkk)

Kate Teaw Boat Noodles This place serves a slightly more elevated and modern take on traditional boat noodles. Prices start from around SGD$2 for a basic small bowl, while the premium wagyu beef versions are SGD$8. Definitely cheaper than Singapore, especially considering how satisfying and flavourful they were. The plate of watermelon cubes, topped with fine fish floss and crispy dried shallots, made a great accompaniment. ( kateteawboatnoodles)

Kanom Siam Soft, fragrant and chewy… dare I say it, the Thai version of pandan kueh here was better than those in Singapore. And yes, I did bring some home! ( kanomsiam.com)

Sarnies Sukhumvit We couldn’t visit Bangkok and not check out Singaporefave, Sarnies! The Bangkok outpost has a Japanese-inspired menu alongside the usual brunch. The bento set, SGD$18, is generous: salmon, fried eggplant, tamago and miso soup. ( sarnies.bkk)

Next time

I’ll definitely return to Bangkok, and when I do, I’ll check out a restaurant called Soma ( somanagkok), which we couldn’t fit into this trip. I’d also like to

explore more of the city’s street art and graffiti scenes. There’s a lot of hidden creative corners in this city, and I’d love to scout out more of them.

Last tip

Leave space in your suitcase for snacks!

We stocked up on Thai treats to bring home, but next time I’ll double the haul so I can hold on to my Bangkok memories a little longer.

Discover Singapore on foot with ANZA Kill-o-Metres. Walking groups depart from all over Singapore.

FIND OUT MORE anza.org.sg/activities/walking-group

9 Hole Golf

Looking to kickstart your golf game? This relaxed group of golfers meet on Tuesday mornings. Other activities include group lessons and social events. Suitable for beginners and those seeking a handicap.

VENUE

Mandai Executive Golf Course

Upper Seletar Reservoir, Mandai Rd Track 7, 779384

anza.org.sg/sports/golf-9-hole

ANZA Social Pickleball

We play 9am – 10.30am on Friday mornings at centrally located courts in a friendly, social atmosphere.

PICKLEBALL CLINICS

New to pickleball or looking to build confidence? Our 4-week clinics cover the fundamentals, skill development and match play.

Register at anza.org.sg/sports/pickleball

ADULT NETBALL TERM 2

REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN

Join ANZA Netball’s adult indoor programme at Tanglin Trust School! Led by professional coaches, sessions blend skill-building with friendly games - a great way to stay fit, social, and connected.

7:00pm –8:30pm Thursdays 27 August to 8 October TIME WHEN Tanglin Trust School VENUE Members $175, Non members $210

Register at anza.org.sg/sports/adult-netball

HOOPS, HERE WE GO!

ANZA’s newest sports group has landed, and whether you’re a seasoned basketball player or have never bounced a ball before, you’re invited!

Do you know your daggers from your wedgies? Does your heart beat faster when you hear the names Michael Jordan or LeBron James? Or did your basketball era peak at Five’s "Slam Dunk Da Funk" and stay there?

After months of interest checks and hard work by our Basketball Committee, ANZA Basketball launched in April, bringing one of the world’s fastestgrowing sports to our community’s evergrowing portfolio of sports and activities.

Taking place on Saturday mornings at Nexus International School’s indoor courts, the group is open to all ages, from U8 through to U16, and to adults who want to play socially, stay fit or just switch up their weekends with a new hobby.

Sessions are led by professional coaches, with support and sideline cheering from excited parents. The setup is deliberately inclusive and all ability levels are welcome. You don’t need to have played before or be particularly sporty; you just need to show up.

Why basketball, why now?

Basketball has had a remarkable rise globally over the past decade. The NBA’s international reach has turned a generation of kids around the globe into

fans. Indeed, hoops fever gripped OCBC Square at The Kallang in Singapore in April, with New Zealand’s men’s squad going unbeaten at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup – storming to gold in the final – and qualifying for the FIBA 3x3 World Cup. For younger players, the benefits of playing basketball go beyond fitness. The game builds coordination, quick thinking and the ability to read a situation fast – all skills that translate beyond the

BASKETBALL IS A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN FIND COMMUNITY

court. It’s also a fantastic team game. Learning to pass, trust your teammates and communicate under pressure are key character-building qualities.

For adults, basketball is an exercise that doesn’t have to feel like a chore, and it’s big on variety. Whether you opt for a 3×3 half-court game or a full 5×5 match, a skills session or a weekly pick-up game, there’s plenty to keep it interesting.

As Aezra, 8, an ANZA Basketball newbie tells us: “I wanted to learn something new and try basketball. So far I’ve learned six types of dribbling, and I like the different drills and games, and making new friends. Playing matches with my team is my favourite part. ANZA gave everyone a basketball so I also practise at home.”

Pro Tips, Straight from the Source Insights and game-play advice from the New Zealand 3x3 Tall Blacks, exclusively for ANZA!

TE TUHI LEWIS

You’ve got 30 seconds to sell basketball. Go! Basketball is a high-intensity game where you combine many different skills – dribbling, shooting, passing and other ball skills. Then there’s physical fitness: running, jumping and moving laterally. All of that, along with teamwork and IQ, makes a beautiful game where you’re trying to score points into the opposition’s hoop.

What’s the secret to shooting hoops? If you’re off-balance, it’s never going to go right. You need to activate strength from your legs through to your hips, core and shoulders, all the way up through your arms, into your fingertips and right into the ball.

What's your advice for parents deciding between basketball and other sports for their child? Growing up, the biggest thing for a child is to have fun in what they do. As a parent, you can’t force it. If a child chooses basketball, the best thing you can do is support them.

What are the biggest basketball benefits for kids? Basketball is a place where you can find community. Through playing the game, I’ve got to know a lot of people and made a lot of friends. It’s also great for building general life skills, like discipline. If you really want to be good at basketball, it takes a lot of discipline.

JOSH BOOK

If someone is brand new to basketball, what’s the most important thing to get right? No matter what level you’re at – beginner, intermediate, expert, pro – the fundamentals are crucial to your overall skill development and everything you do. If you have a good base of fundamentals, you can learn more advanced moves. Getting them right early is the most important thing.

What bad habit do you see beginners picking up? Dribbling with their head down which is really natural, but you need to keep your head up. You’re going to make a lot of mistakes to start with, but that’s the only way to improve.

AIDAN TONGE

How important is fitness in basketball? The game requires a lot of continuous movement and constant effort. There aren’t many moments where you get a break, and it moves really fast, so fitness is crucial to make sure you can handle the pace and perform as well as possible.

How does the mental side of basketball show up? It’s very much part of the sport. The more you practice, the more mentally strong you become to handle whatever comes at you. New Zealand and Australia boast some epic basketball talent. Why is this? Tenacity. We're very habitual, focused, task-oriented people. We meet challenges head-on and there’s a lot of power in that.

Sign up to ANZA Basketball at anza.org.sg/basketball

Scott! Great

ANZA Cycling's new Road Director, SCOTT ELLIOTT, is behind the club’s weekly riding programme. Here's how he’s steering them forward.

Behind every great ANZA Cycling ride is a Road Director keeping the wheels turning – and now, that role belongs to Scott Elliott. From curating a diverse calendar of rides to ensuring a safe, inclusive riding environment, Scott’s role sits at the very heart of our club. Working closely with a dedicated team of Ride Captains, the Road Director helps shape the culture and consistency that make ANZA Cycling such an awesome community on two wheels. We caught up with Scott to talk about why the role suits him, and what's ahead under his direction.

How did you discover ANZA Cycling?

My job brought my family and me to Singapore in 2018. I’d always been a runner and had cycled on and off over the years, but it was during the Covid lockdowns in 2021 that I really fell for road cycling. The early mornings, the quiet roads and the rhythm of riding got under my skin. I started heading out with friends and colleagues, and for a while that was enough. But as expat life goes on, people moved on. When a few close buddies headed home for good at the end of their assignments, I realised it was time to find a proper community. That’s when I found ANZA Cycling.

What was it about ANZA Cycling that made it feel right for you?

What drew me in specifically was the culture. The club takes safety seriously and rides by Singapore’s road rules, which matters to me. Beyond that, it’s the people. Everyone is genuinely welcoming, regardless of your level. The breadth of rides throughout the week means there’s always something to fit your schedule and your legs. And practically speaking, the club ride app makes it seamless as you can register for rides, pick your speed group and see exactly who you’ll be riding with.

Road Director is a big commitment. What made you put your hand up for it?

It felt like the least I could do. ANZA has given me a community and years of great riding, great friendships and more than a few memorable coffees along the way. The Road Director role is a chance to give something meaningful back.

How do you see your role?

At its core, it’s about making sure every member – whether they’re riding with us for the first time or the five-hundredth –has a safe and enjoyable experience. This

JOINING ANZA IS ONE OF THE FASTEST WAYS TO FEEL AT HOME IN SINGAPORE

starts with having Ride Captains who understand their responsibilities. It’s a privilege to help maintain that standard, and I don’t take it lightly.

What does a typical week of riding look like for you?

I split my mornings between road cycling and strength training, and when I’m in Singapore, I usually join four ANZA rides a week. Wednesday is a fast-paced group ride which is all about high effort and good energy. Friday is an easy base ride and deliberately relaxed, which means there’s time for a proper post-ride coffee and conversation before the workday begins. Saturday is the full club ride, with multiple speed groups to suit everyone. I line up at the spicier end of the range. It’s a real test and strength builder for me. Sunday rounds things out with an easy recovery ride alongside our much-loved club legend, Dave Powell.

That’s a lot of cycling!

Across the week, that’s around 230 kilometres. The fitness is wonderful, but what keeps me coming back is simpler than that: riding clears your head, connects you to people, and there’s something grounding about starting your day that way.

What would you say to someone considering joining ANZA Cycling?

Don’t wait as long as I did. Just sign up and you won't look back. Joining ANZA is one of the fastest ways to feel at home in Singapore. You’ll discover the best routes – and the safest ones – far sooner than you would on your own. You’ll become part of a community that looks out for each other, on the road and off it. And you’ll make friends who make Singapore feel like exactly where you’re supposed to be.

Enter the

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

While the pool teaches kids how to swim, it’s on the beach that skills, surf and safety education really begins.

The beach at Sentosa doesn’t ease gently into Sunday mornings. As ANZA Nippers arrive, there are boards to carry, flags to plant, races to run and Age Managers at the centre of it all, trying to be heard. But beneath the hive of activity, ANZA Nippers is an outdoor classroom, teaching kids to understand the environment around them.

1 Learning to Read the Beach

A core skill in surf lifesaving is learning what the ocean is doing. Many children in Singapore grow up in pools, which are fantastic for learning to swim but they don’t move. The ocean brings waves, currents, tides, wind and weather which shapes how safe the water is, and learning to read these takes time. Nippers introduces these concepts early: why certain areas are safer, how conditions change and why surf lifesavers constantly assess risk before entering the water.

ANZA Nippers' annual Desaru trip puts lessons into practice with bigger waves than we see on the red dot.

THE CLEVEREST THING ABOUT NIPPERS IS THAT THE KIDS DON’T REALISE HOW MUCH THEY’RE LEARNING

2

Getting Comfortable in the Water

Being comfortable in the ocean isn’t the same as being comfortable in a pool.

ANZA Nippers arrive able to swim, but standing waist-deep in open water, with waves, uneven sand and distractions all around feels very different. That’s where our seemingly simple activities come in. Wading drills and high-knee running teach balance and movement. The much-hated (but secretly revered) “long swim” builds efficient movement through small waves and low visibility, with no wall in reach. The kids learn not to panic when things feel different, and watching hesitant swimmers grow confident over a season is one of the most rewarding parts.

3 Looking After the Environment

Before most sessions begin, the kids spread out along the sand collecting rubbish. Sentosa gives us a playground every Sunday, and looking after it is part of the deal. For younger children, it’s often their first lesson in environmental stewardship: how much litter accumulates even on a well-maintained beach and how small actions add up. As one Age Manager jokes, ANZA Nippers probably help make Siloso one of Singapore’s cleanest beaches. More importantly, they begin to see the beach as something we share.

4 Respecting the Equipment

The rescue boards are always a favourite activity – fast, fun and occasionally launching their riders into the water. Children learn to carry, launch and return them without damaging the board or anyone nearby. Exactly the habits future surf lifesavers rely on.

5 Science Disguised as Fun

The cleverest thing about Nippers is that the kids don’t realise how much they’re learning. Relays build fitness and teamwork. Flags sharpen agility. Boards build balance. Swimming develops endurance. Sprints build strength and every game has a purpose. Ask most Nippers what they learn each week, and they’ll tell you they had fun, got sandy and maybe beat their mate in a race.

The science of the beach is complex. Water, weather, safety, teamwork and the environment take years to master. But every Sunday on Sentosa, one relay, one board paddle and one beach clean-up at a time, ANZA Nippers are getting there.

ANZA Cricket endured some of the hottest conditions the red dot has thrown at us, yet still managed to enjoy 87 overs as they took on Singapore Cricket Club (SCC) at the Padang. It was a phenomenal effort from the boys, with a few special mentions deserved along the way. Sean Reeves put in an incredible 46 straight overs as keeper, Graeme Gardiner beat Jadeja’s world record for the quickest over ever bowled, Alex Bellamy produced a ridiculous catch at slip, and Sarath Kolachana was the only player able to extract any swing all day despite the heat. Finally, credit goes to Ali Muhammad, who went full Bazball by rejecting a draw and nearly throwing his back out trying to send the ball into Marina Bay Sands in pursuit of victory. ANZA mounted a huge chase against SCC, only to fall short by the narrowest of margins in the end.

The Good Times Roll

Heat, hustle and a healthy dose of competitive spirit have been the name of the game for ANZA Cricket.

Home v Home

Another fantastic day out proved that ChatGPT still can't quite take over cricket selections when it comes to splitting the club in this all ANZA game. Wickets were shared fairly evenly across the bowlers, but shout outs go to Ali Muhammad (45), Aakash Dogra (43), and Patrick Winters (50), whose contributions ensured the spare ball bag was empty by the end of it. We’re already looking forward to the next match – and some people’s leg stumps are already shaking in anticipation.

It’s Not All Cricket!

There can never be too many centuries in a day, although the lads at Southlinks may have disagreed during a social golf outing to Batam. Organised by Guy Hudson, it was a great trip out on the course and another chance for ANZA Cricket to spend time together off the field.

SCC Youth Development

As yet, ANZA doesn’t run a junior team, but Singapore Cricket Club offers a youth development programme for kids aged 5 – 10. With a variety of sessions running on weekends and mid-week, the Cubs Cricket environment is “all about fun and enjoyment through our brilliant game.” Contact David Bennett at JuniorCricket@scccricket.com

2026 season now well underway!

Head over to the ANZA website at anza.org.sg for details of our 2025 –2026 cricket season. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, there’s plenty of cricket on offer and available to all. We hold weekly NETs sessions at The Cage Dempsey, making it a great way to ease back into the game and enjoy the social perks that come with it. It’s very relaxed and welcoming, so even if you haven’t picked up a bat in years, you’ll fit right in. Email info@anza.org.sg

CELEB R ATING YEARSOF ANZASOCCER 50

In 1976, David Foreman had a simple idea: Singapore’s expat kids needed sport. Fifty years on, we’re proud to celebrate ANZA Soccer.

ANZA Soccer has its roots where most good ideas within our community do – in a parent who wanted better for their kids. When David Foreman arrived in Singapore from Vancouver with his wife Elsie and their three sons, his first concern was straightforward: their two boys needed sport. Soccer was what they knew and David was determined. He firmly believed that the exercise, routine and friendships formed through the beautiful game were essential for their children’s happiness and development.

Back in the early 70s, the only organised soccer option was a league run by the British Armed Forces, played on the fields at Terror Barracks, its entrance flanked by cannons. Then, in November 1975, the British military withdrew from Singapore, heralding the final transition of the island from colonial outpost to an exciting new world. As the forces departed, David - ANZA SOCCER FOUNDER, DAVID FOREMAN

Centre: David and Elsie with members of the committee, 2017

I HAVE LONG BELIEVED THAT THE TRUE CHARACTER OF A PERSON CAN BE SEEN ON A PLAYING FIELD

recognised that this was also a chance to create a new youth soccer league. Before the garrison departed, he approached the Commanding Officer with a proposition: bequeath the league’s trophies to a new organisation, and he would build one. The CO agreed, and the die was cast.

Dining room to pitch

David enlisted the help of Frank Wakefield, a cotton surveyor from Liverpool, and Gordon Gerachty, an Australian businessman, both of whom had sons of playing age. Insurance liabilities were handled by John King, an insurance manager.

The dining room of his home became the HQ of what was to become a small institution. In December 1975, around 1,000 application forms were distributed to the expat schools across Singapore, inviting boys to join the International Junior Soccer League for a season starting in January 1976. Ninety boys replied. On the day, 33 turned up. As David himself later noted, “Not a very auspicious beginning!”

Undeterred, United World College offered their playing fields and specially designed goalposts were built, scaled down for the younger age groups who played across half a pitch. Four teams per age bracket were kitted out in distinctive

Embracing Growth 1980s – 1990s

The league quickly became a fixture of expat life in Singapore. Backed by the Sports Council, the Saturday morning chaos migrated across the island from Portsdown Road to Minden Road, Farrer Road and Loewen Road.

The Games Open Up 1990s

Modern inclusivity arrived in the 1990s, when the club opened its doors to girls. Playing in mixed teams helped challenge the status quo, and proved that pitch camaraderie is for everyone.

Turf City & Welcoming Coach Yakob 2000s

After decades of pitch-hopping, ANZA Soccer found stability at Turf City. This era matured the programme, bolstered by the professional skills and reassuring support of former Singapore National player Coach Yakob. Continuing to coach today, he jokes: “I still share tricks with players, though it takes me five minutes to get up now!”

Full-Circle Moment 2017

The Matildas Take the Field 2011

2011 marked the formal debut of the ANZA Matildas. Today, over 100 girls embody our spirit, holding their own in competitive, Singaporewide leagues.

Forty-one years after the first ANZA Soccer flyer was dropped, founders David and Elsie Foreman returned to Singapore for a special visit. They were met with over 800 children taking to the pitch.

colours, each named in honour of the forces that had just departed: the Flyers in blue for the RAF, the Gordons in red for the Gordon Highlanders, the Sailors in white for the Royal Navy and the Warriors in green for the Jungle Warfare School.

Family occasion

Word about the new sports group spread fast, and within three weeks, there were over a hundred players and the programme was extended to include fiveyear-olds. Volunteer fathers stepped up as managers, coaches and referees. Saturday afternoons became a family occasion with mothers and siblings on the touchlines.

The trophies bequeathed by the British Forces were presented at the first awards ceremony, on the understanding they’d be promptly returned. The senior trophy was never seen again; it’s believed to grace a mantelpiece somewhere in Australia!

By the end of that first season, it was clear that a formal structure was needed.

John Curran, a chartered accountant and long-time Singapore resident, made the case: in a city like Singapore, official status mattered. Rather than navigate the red tape of forming an independent society, Gordon Gerachty (by then chairman of the Australian and New Zealand Association) offered to fold the league into ANZA as a sub-committee. ANZA International Soccer League was born.

There were a few bumps along the way, notably when the Singapore Sports Council reallocated their fields, but new pitches were quickly assigned at Portsdown Road, and the league continued. Registrations quickly climbed and, with supporters cheering from the sidelines, more than a thousand people filled the grounds each weekend.

Five years after founding the league, David passed the chairmanship to Gordon, satisfied that he’d done what he set out to do. As we celebrate 50 years of ANZA Soccer, the five decades that have followed belong to the countless numbers of players, parent volunteers, professional coaches and cheering squads who have carried it forward.

A Heartfelt Thank You

As we celebrate 50 years of ANZA Soccer, our deepest gratitude goes to what has been the backbone of this group for half a century: our parent volunteers and pro coaches. From the organising committee to team managers, your dedication ensures every child feels supported. You are the reason we've thrived – thank you for making soccer with ANZA fun, fair and unforgettable.

ANZA Soccer officially transitioned to full-sized pitches at Canadian International School (CIS) in 2023, with additional sessions at The Cage Dempsey.

A New Base at CIS 2023

2026

Here & Now

What began as a handful of young expat players has grown into a programme for both expats and locals, with 20 teams competing in local leagues and regional tournaments. The season runs from September to April, split into two terms, for players aged 3–17. From 2026, the 12–17 age groups are based at The Cage Carlisle, while younger players contiue to train at The Cage Dempsey. ANZA Soccer also runs six annual camps, competition team trials and a six-week post-season programme.

ASPIRE TO REACH HIGHER

Big skills mean bigger ambitions. ANZA Netball’s ANZA ASPIRE programme is giving the next gen of players exactly the court time they deserve.

There’s a new energy at ANZA Netball this term. The group launched a fresh initiative called ANZA ASPIRE, a midweek development programme for players in the 2013 and 2014 age groups. Designed to complement existing Saturday training, it gives players more opportunity to build confidence, develop skills and deepen their understanding of the game in a supportive setting.

Importantly, ANZA ASPIRE also recognises the amazing strength and depth emerging across our ANZA age groups. Many players only narrowly missed the Perth selection this year, and ANZA ASPIRE was designed to ensure they, as well as others, continue to receive meaningful development opportunities and guidance.

A recent highlight was the chance to play friendly development matches.

These games gave players valuable match exposure and a chance to apply their training at a competitive level, pushing the girls to step outside their comfort zones, build resilience and keep learning through real match play.

What’s stood out most, though, is the attitude and commitment shown by the players. Across the training block, the girls have embraced the chance to keep improving, lift one another up and fuel their love for the game.

ANZA Netball is committed to creating pathways for all players to keep progressing, and we can’t wait to see where ANZA ASPIRE goes next.

THE NEW PROGRAMME RECOGNISES THE AMAZING STRENGTH AND DEPTH EMERGING ACROSS OUR ANZA AGE GROUPS

IN THE ZONE

Congrats to ANZA Netball players Jemima and Richa who've been selected for the Singapore 17 & Under Zone Squad 2026. It’s a well-deserved nod to their talent, dedication and hard work on the court. We’re so proud of them both and can’t wait to see them shine!

From Vietnam to Victory

From a scorching ANZAC Day tour in Vietnam to a historic 20th anniversary comeback, the ANZA Singapore Wombats and Wombettes are having a year to remember.

The ANZA Singapore Wombats and Wombettes are ruling 2026 so far! April saw the club travelling to Vung Tau for the annual ANZAC Day Cup, taking on the Malaysia Warriors and the Vietnam Swans. They wasted no time making a statement to the rest of Asia.

Wombats v Malaysia

Warriors Final Score: 119 – 6

The Wombats opened the tour with a statement. Slick ball movement cut through Malaysia’s defence from the first bounce, producing a scoreline that set the tone for the tournament.

Best on Ground: Sebastian Ashford, Daniel Branchflower, Sam Duffy

Wombats v Vietnam Swans

Final Score: 69 – 20

The home side made them work for it. Playing in front of a passionate local crowd, the Vietnam Swans pushed the Wombats to sharpen up – and they did, delivering a more clinical performance to secure their second victory of the tour.

Best on Ground: Duncan Moore, Tom Saggio, Dan Brooks

Wombettes Join the All-Stars

Final Score: 81 – 17

Without a full squad, the Wombettes joined forces with the Vietnam All-Star Team and showed everyone how footy should be played! A special thanks to the Vietnam Swans women’s players, who made the team feel at home throughout.

The ANZA Singapore Wombats and Wombettes retained the ANZAC Day Cup and left Vietnam with their reputation on the regional stage firmly intact.

Bill Niko’s Cup Comes Home

In May, the ANZA Singapore Wombats and Wombettes hosted the annual Bill Niko Memorial Cup – a day held in honour of former player Bill Nikolopoulos. Bill had a huge passion for both AFL and Gaelic Football, and each year the teams continue his legacy with an International Rules tournament against the Singapore Gaelic Lions.

One of the standout additions this year was the junior curtain-raiser between the AusKick Sharks and the Singapore Gaelic Lions Cubs. Sixty-four kids aged 7–14 took part in a mixed AFL and Gaelic Football match, with four games running simultaneously across the field. It was great to see both groups playing together, learning new skills and enjoying the spirit of the game. For over 12 years, the Singapore Gaelic Lions had held the title, but on this 20th anniversary of the Bill Niko Games, the Wombats and Wombettes brought the cup home.

The Wombettes were first up against the Singapore Gaelic Lions, and they delivered! Strong early goals set the tone, and they maintained control. The Lions, building a relatively new side, fought hard but struggled to convert. The Wombettes continued to capitalise with clinical finishing. Congrats, Wombettes.

On the men's side, The Lions dominated, holding a commanding 58–37 lead heading into the final quarter, their long reign looking secure. But the Wombats had other ideas and an extraordinary finalquarter comeback sealed a twopoint victory. Historic!

Find out more about ANZA Singapore Wombats and Wombettes at singaporewombats

Member Discounts

From cut-price dining at Singapore’s finest spots, to deals on services, ANZA members can unlock more than 55 special perks to amp up your red dot lifestyle! Dive in for offers unavailable elsewhere.

25% off total F&B at SKAI

Singapore looks pretty snazzy from the 70th floor, and you can see it for yourself with ANZA! Home to sweeping skyline views and an excellent menu, SKAI is made for special occasions, celebrations and nights worth remembering. Set within Swissôtel The Stamford, it combines a buzzy atmosphere with a fabulous backdrop. ANZA members enjoy 25% off the total food and beverage bill at Fairmont Singapore and Swissôtel The Stamford. anza.org.sg/discounts/skai

$458 nett for 3D2N stay per person at Rawa Island Resort

Swap busy schedules for sandy toes at Rawa Island Resort, a tropical escape in the beautiful Sultan Iskandar Marine Park archipelago. Just 20 minutes by boat from Mersing, Johor, this beachfront retreat is a firm favourite with families looking to recharge. Its 80 individually designed rooms reflect the island’s relaxed character, while fullboard dining and return ferry transfers from Mersing Jetty make every stay super easy from Singapore. anza.org.sg/discounts/rawa-island-resort

20% off Headshot Photography

Put your best face forward with Rebecca, a Singapore-based personal branding photographer specialising in pro headshots and business portraits. She knows what shots work and helps clients feel at ease. Enjoy 20% off headshot services.

anza.org.sg/discounts/rebecca-downiephotography

15%

off classes at Dopamine

Movement

15% OFF

15% off Food & Beverage at Barrio Barrio brings a slice of Spain to the table with classic tapas, huge sharing plates and plenty of Spanish flair. Ideal for business lunches, group get-togethers and casual dining, it champions quality ingredients, great flavours and warm hospitalit y. ANZA members can also say olé! to 15% off the food bill.

anza.org.sg/discounts/barrio-by-kulto

Feel stronger, lighter and more energised at Dopamine Movement. Choose from Sculpt, Arms & Abs, Bodyweight Tone, or Hips & Glutes sessions and expect functional strength gains and a post-class glow. ANZA members enjoy 15% off all regular priced credit packs and monthly unlimited membership. anza.org.sg/discounts/dopamine-movement

15% OFF

ALPHA CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH

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50% off initial consultation (UP $150)

SARNIES

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50% off 250g bags of coffee beans purchased online; 10% off in-store

ANTI:DOTE

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25% off food & beverages

ASIAN MARKET CAFÉ

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CLOVE

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PREGO

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SKAI

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THE EIGHT

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25% off food & beverages

THE STAMFORD BRASSERIE

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25% off food & beverages

BQ BAR

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20% off during birthday month; 10% off total bill

BROKERFISH brokerfish.com/anza

20% off international health insurance plans

CAFÉ MELBA cafemelba.com.sg

20% off during birthday month; 10% off total bill

LE PETIT DEPOT

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20% off sitewide with $20 minimum spend

MOLLY MALONE’S molly-malone.com

20% off during birthday month; 10% off total bill

1-ARDEN 1-arden.sg

15% off total bill

ALBATROSS SPEEDBOAT ADVENTURE speedboat.sg

15% off and free welcome drink

BLUE SKIES blueskiesfood.com

15% off healthy fruit snacks

HARD ROCK CAFÉ, SINGAPORE cafe.hardrock.com/singapore

15% off food & beverages

LOCABA locaba.sg

15% off customised cakes

THUNDERWEAR thunderwear.asia

15% off with no minimum spend

EDITED HOMES editedhomes.com

12% off ready-to-style room packages

THE MEAT CLUB themeatclub.com.sg $20 off sitewide

BAIA baia.sg 10% off total bill

BAKER & COOK bakerandcook.com 10% off total bill

BEANS N’ BOTTLES deviate.com.sg 10% off total bill

COMVITA comvita.com.sg 10% off storewide

DEVIATE WINE BAR deviate.com.sg 10% off total bill

FIRE firerestaurant.sg 10% off total bill

HERO’S heros.sg 10% off non-promotional beverages

MOGAMBO BAR & RESTAURANT mogambo.sg 10% off non-promotional beverages

PETERSONS WINES petersonswines.com.sg 10% off 4 bottles or more

PUBLICO publico.sg 10% off weekday lunch menu

SANTI’S PIZZA AND PRODUCE santis.pizza 10% off in-store

SOSPIRI sospiri.sg 10% off total bill

SOUTHBRIDGE southbridge.sg 10% off total bill

CLASSIC MOVING classicmoving.asia/anza

Free 25kg Air-Courier box

CM RELOCATION cmrelocation.com

Free transit insurance coverage worth SGD$525

MANDY T SKIN THERAPY mandytskinlab.com

Free eye treatment with any skin therapy booked

ODIN MORTGAGE & TAX odinmortgage.com/partners/anza-sg

Free ATO health check

ROMPIN FOREST LODGE rompinlodge.my

3D2N stay @ SGD$275 nett per person

THE RIPPLE CLUB therippleclub.fit

Buy 1 class, get 1 free

ATICO LOUNGE & BAR 1-atico.sg 1-for-1 on selected cocktails

KNAI BANG CHATT kepwest.com/knaibangchatt

Book 3 nights, pay 2 nights

THE RESIDENCE MALDIVES marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sinlb

From USD$493++ per night, per villa

RAFFLES HOTEL SINGAPORE raffles-hotel-anza-offer

Exclusive ANZA member-only offers

WINE CONNECTION wineconnection.com.sg

Complimentary glass of wine with every visit

THE RESIDENCE BINTAN cenizaro.com/theresidence/bintan

SGD$168 nett per night for a One-Bedroom

CHICCO TRATTORIA chiccotrattoria.sg

15% off the food bill

QUTTO

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10% off with a minimum spend of $50

NEW MEMBERS

We are delighted to welcome new members every month to the ANZA community.

Wanwen Lan

Michelle Hatfield

Elise Cocozzo

Michael Cocozzo

Danielle Santori

Thibaud De Monchy

Nicola Brown

Matthew Brown

Zoe McPherson

Helen Tahim

Mandeep Tahim

Marianna Damonte

Giorgio Rotolo

Brendan Reidy

Aoife Kane

Harini Sivasankaran

Sriram Jayakumar

Kay Bingley Ho

Barrett Bingley

Jocelyn Powell

Adrian Heaton

Shoko Suzuki

Anna Gowanlock

Daniel Gowanlock

Tim Heasley

Laura Brisbane-Cohen

Shane McEvoy

Michelle Miller

Hamish Blair

Antonia Debbonaire

Nadav Cohen

Fotini Kofidou

Stavros Brekoulakis

Rishi Naleendra

Anupam Bhargava

Nitika Luthra

Mitty Martin

Sam Martin

Steven Shaw

Kyra McCardle

Brock Miller

Alice Smith

Brad Smith

Luisa Nardini

Simon Hendrie

Payal Sangwan

Siddharth Sangwan

Leonie Lui

Thuc Tran

Max Amies

James Paul

Owen Quake

Chelsea Quake

Anthony Smith

Angela Roberts

Melanie Grant

Matthew Foskin

Christopher Ho

Amanda Jane Hutton

Robert Dickson Walker

Robyne Chambers

Stephen Flynn

Amitha Rajan

Vikram Subhedar

Ratchanok Burke

Bradley Burke

Teresa Rose Lamb

Mathew Lamb

Vivian Twiss

Chris Twiss

Anna Ivanova

Sergey Ivanov

Joeffrey Cummings

Hyojin Kim

Richard Henry

Marjolein Scheuierman

Taylor Corbett

Xinyao Wu

Joanna Deakin

Yeekei Chan

Bettina Becker

Emily Eades

Jake Eades

Tessa de Kock

Nicholas de Kock

Demaras Middleton

Neil Wildman

Allison Wildman

Rainer Ptasznik

Kate Ptasznik

David Pickup

Rachel Watson

Benjamin Lindsay

Alana Marshall-Robinson

Philip Jones

Jane Jones

Charlie Swan

Bruno Luz

Dev Badigar

Prachi Badigar

Mark Wise

Stephanie Thompson

Toni Ovenden

Congratulations to TAYLOR CORBETT

Winner of a Free Consultation and Chiropractic treatment (worth $248) by Alpha Chiropractic

The ANZA App is Coming Soon

Make the most of your ANZA membership with the official ANZA app. Discover exclusive discounts and nearby benefits across dining, travel, entertainment and lifestyle.

Stay Tuned!

Play Mahjong with ANZA

MONDAY EVENING SESSIONS!

anza.org.sg/activities/mahjong

Singing Group

Come sing with us – where every voice is welcome!

We cover pop, rock, musicals, old favourites, classical, karaoke –you name it! Don’t be shy, all abilities are welcome.

ANZA Singing welcomes all voices for fun, relaxed sessions exploring folk, pop, and more. No experience needed – just laughter, harmony, and community spirit. Join us!

Group host, Bernadette Nagy, is a singer and a passionate music educator.

Find out more at anza.org.sg/ groups/singing-group

Find out more at anza.org.sg/ activities/singing-group

Interested in writing but not sure how to begin? The ANZA Writers’ Group invites you to tell your story.

anza.org.sg/groups/ writers-group

ANZA RUNNING GROUP

Start the week off on the right foot with ANZA Running!

Zion Hawker centre: Tuesday evenings, 7.20pm

You don’t need to be an ultramarathon runner to join this friendly running group – the pace and distance varies and is suitable for both experienced runners and keen newcomers. It’s a great way to get fit, meet people and set yourself a running challenge.

For more information and to register visit anza.org.sg/sports/running

ACTIVITIES GROUPS

ANZA SCOUTS

Open to everyone aged 5 – 17, ANZA Scouts is about meeting new friends, developing leadership skills and being outdoors. They meet Saturdays at various locations. Scouts is currently on pause while we recruit more leaders.

ANZA ACTION

The community affairs arm for ANZA supports charities in Singapore through fundraising and volunteering activities. For info visit the ANZA website.

BOOK CLUBS

We have a number of social book clubs that meet monthly in the morning or evening. Options are posted on the ANZA website.

INVESTORS INTEREST GROUP

This money-minded group meets monthly to connect and discuss investments and important financial matters for expats.

CASUAL COFFEE

Sometimes you just need a good cuppa and a friendly welcome. Casual Coffee catch ups are being held on various days and locations around the island.

ANZA MAHJONG

Join our group mahjong sessions on Monday evenings and various days in different locations. It’s fast paced, social and great fun.

WRITERS’ GROUP

Connect, create and grow with ANZA Writers' Group, a welcoming space for writers of all levels. Whether your passion is fiction, poetry, memoir or blogging, this is the place to share ideas, network, and hone your craft.

ANZA members are an active bunch, which is why we offer a plethora of interest groups. Find out more and register at anza.org.sg

ANZA SINGING

This group of passionate singers comes together to celebrate the joy of music, exploring a wide range of songs across various genres. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned vocalist, all levels are welcome.

SECRET MEN’S BUSINESS

Secret Men’s Business (SMB) is a laidback, social group made up mainly of male trailing spouses from all walks of life – all looking to connect over a few beers, a good lunch, and some friendly banter.

STITCH 'N' CRAFT

This group meets at the ANZA office and welcomes anyone keen to work on their own needlework, craft, or creative project in a relaxed setting. It’s a great way to share ideas, enjoy conversation, and get inspired while you create.

SET LUNCH

We seek out great value set lunch deals around Singapore to enjoy together in group outings. Discover new restaurants and cafes, meet new friends, and enjoy Singapore’s delicious food scene.

KILL-O-METRES

Join ANZA’s walking group to get moving around some of Singapore’s great nature reserves and interesting neighbourhoods.

LADIES NIGHT

ANZA organises monthly girls-only get togethers at various hotspots in Singapore. They’re a great way to widen your social circle, and always a good night out.

ANZA OUTINGS

This group is an exciting addition to ANZA Tours, offering small group adventures. These bitesized excursions go deeper into local life through cultural walks, neighbourhood visits, hawker trips, and social meetups.

SPORTS GROUPS

ANZA ADULT NETBALL

Welcomes beginners and those looking to get back into the game. A senior coach leads upbeat sessions, teaching new skills, refining existing ones, and offering advice for friendly matches.

ANZA CRICKET

Three cricket teams. Two leagues and one social side. 1-2 teams play every week. NETs are on Wednesday evenings. It’s a great way to meet people, enjoy some banter, and keep fit while having a hit.

ANZA CYCLING

Join our keen cycling group and you can get out on two wheels every morning of the week. Suits most skill levels and includes road, racing, MTB and also triathlon disciplines.

ANZA GOLF / 9 HOLE

ANZA Golf is a great way to get outdoors, meet new people, and enjoy the game. The 9-hole golf group is relaxed, fun, and perfect for players of all levels.

ANZA NETBALL

ANZA Netball offers a fun, inclusive and competitive netball programme for players aged 5-16. Teams play Saturday mornings at Tanglin Trust School, with a mix of parent and professional coaches.

ANZA NIPPERS

Children aged 5-14 learn ocean awareness through fun surf lifesaving activities, including paddling, drills and swimming. Sunday mornings at Ola Beach Club, Sentosa.

ANZA SINGAPORE WOMBATS AND WOMBETTES (AFL)

This welcoming Aussie Rules Football programme is open to men and women aged 18+. Training is on Thursday evenings and Saturdays, with regular social catch-ups.

ANZA RUNNING

Looking for some running buddies in Singapore for regular casual runs? The ANZA Running Group meets on Monday evenings in the Botanic Gardens.

ANZA SOCCER

Get your kids kicking with ANZA Soccer! Our programme is open to children aged 3 –18, focusing on fair play and community. Saturday games and mid-week training for all levels of players. We also offer a competition league for competitive players.

CASUAL TENNIS

Join our social tennis group. Sessions run Friday mornings, 9am - 11am. Six-week clinics that focus on the fundamentals of tennis run throughout the year.

ANZA PADEL

ANZA Padel provides an ideal setting for players of all levels to get together and enhance their gameplay. Sessions take place on Sunday afternoons.

ANZA PICKLEBALL

ANZA Pickleball meets for social play on Friday mornings at centrally located courts, offering fun and friendly games for all. We also run coached beginner sessions and clinics for newcomers, as well as intermediate sessions for players looking to sharpen their skills.

ANZA WATERSPORTS

Join our stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking sessions at Ola Beach Club, Sentosa.

ANZA BASKETBALL

ANZA offers junior and adult basketball for players of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor, enjoy shooting hoops socially, or have a keen basketballer in the family, registrations are now open at anza.org.sg/sports/basketball

disclaimer

ANZA

National Day is meaningful to all in Singapore, but especially ANZA member RAELENE TAN, who moved from Australia to Singapore 56 years ago on National Day 1970.

Tell us how you came to move to SG, Raelene?

Soo Ren and I married in Westminster, London, in August 1968, three years after meeting; from Singapore, he was studying architecture, while I, from Adelaide, Australia, was working at the Australian High Commission. We sailed from Sydney (where we'd been working for a year), arriving on the public holiday in August 1970 to celebrate Singapore’s National Day. It was also the day I met my parentsin-law for the first time.

What memories stand out from that day?

As Soo Ren and I stood on deck looking down to the quay, we could see a crowd (my husband is one of 12 siblings) of relatives waiting to greet us. That first drive from the ship was strangely exciting – Soo Ren seeing a Singapore he hardly recognised, having been away for 10 years, and I seeing it for the first time. Upon arriving home, we immediately starred in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony to acknowledge our marriage. Memories are made of this!

What helped you feel a sense of belonging early on?

My sense of security came from Soo Ren guiding me. When I commenced work at the Australian High Commission, familiar accents and humour added to my sense of home.

How did you discover ANZA?

From people visiting the Australian High Commission. At that time there was no ANZA office, simply a post-officebox address and a telephone landline. I became an ANZA member in 1973, continuing to this day.

Your ‘Tuckerbox’ column has run for over 20 years...

ANZA monthly newsletters, in the early days, were a Roneo-ed page or two, posted by mail to members. Later, a monthly magazine came into being and, having resigned from full-time work to better enjoy motherhood, I offered to write a regular column on food in relation to Singapore. My first ‘Tuckerbox’ column, featuring the iconic chicken rice meal, appeared in ANZA magazine in 2003, to coincide with Singapore’s National Day.

What surprises you most about SG in 2026?

Seeing Singapore grow from a villagelike newly independent country to a

cosmopolitan powerhouse has been eye-opening. From being relatively unorganised, including chaotic traffic and limited public transport, to a wellrun, efficient country, with plans always brewing, it is a credit to the forefathers from Singapore’s independence in 1965, to everyone along the way.

What defines the "Singapore spirit" this National Day?

Celebrating various festivals, forming genuine friendships, feeling comfortable within Singapore's multi-cultural, multiethnic and multi-religious society, and eating delicious food are, to me, the hallmarks of the "Singapore spirit."

How has ANZA contributed to your life on the island?

My friendship of over half a century with ANZA has enabled me to maintain my links with Australia, while being adopted by Singapore, where I have happily lived for most of my life. I, and my Singaporean family, now numbering 11, with my husband, two children, their spouses and five grandchildren, appreciate that ANZA has greatly contributed to my ability to assimilate here.

So Singapore is home, truly?

I have the best of both worlds, sharing my love of both countries by regularly contributing to ANZA, providing guidance in Singapore customs, etiquette and food, and hopefully enabling members to feel more at ease.

Congratulations

CLASS OF 2026

From the University of Oxford and Imperial College London to the National University of Singapore, the University of Hong Kong and Columbia University, our graduates leave Dulwich College (Singapore) this year with exceptional opportunities across some of the world's leading universities.

These outcomes reflect not only academic excellence, but a belief that success is about finding the right path for every student.

To the Class of 2026 — we wish you every success for the journey ahead.

Dulwich College (Singapore)

Building Bridges to the World

EVERY BIT INCREDIBLE

On one of South Brisbane’s most tightly held riverfront positions, The Riversdale by Mosaic is being realised — a generation-defining luxury address where design, outlook and amenity are resolved with absolute clarity.

Light-filled interiors, timeless in their expression and exacting in their detail, sit alongside an expansive and considered collection of amenity, conceived to a global standard — all positioned at the edge of Queensland’s cultural and lifestyle heart.

A RETURN HOME WORTH THE WAIT

Construction commenced. Due for completion late-2029.

Register to learn more. theriversdalebymosaic.com.au