September 2015

SINGAPORE

September 2015

ANTIQUES & Their Stories V olunteers Historic Treasures & Fine Reproductions

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS Splurge or Save Afternoon Teas

FIGHTING Allergies

Holidays Rawa, Bali & Koh Samui

CAPE SAFAR I

NEWS WELCOME MAT

Editor’s Letter Most of us say that we love to travel, but don’t you think it depends on what kind of travel it is? There are the enjoyable trips – the ones that involve a short flight to a beach resort, for example, or a cultural enclave. But then there are the “visiting the family” trips; these ones often come with long flights one way or the other, and can involve trying to fit back into the structures or issues of an earlier life. There are business trips too, of course; they can go either way really, depending on what’s waiting for you at the other end! I hadn’t been back to the UK in three years and I found the flight on this recent holiday really long and uncomfortable. My friend flew a few days before me, from the UK all the way to New Zealand, so I shouldn’t complain. At the end of the trip he sent me this by email, and it made me laugh, so I thought I’d share it! “First flight wasn’t too bad, seemed to go quickly. Managed to get two movies in. Second flight had little Jonny (3) next to me and he brought his game console with him. At sleep time, Jonny Senior decided to lie him down, hence not-so-little Jonny’s feet ended up across my lap... After a few pushbacks, Jonny Senior decided to turn him round. I dozed off for a bit only to wake up with little Jonny’s head on my lap. Jonny Senior had lifted the arm-rest between him and me. Anyway, order was restored when I accidentally brought the arm-rest down, in my sleep of course, on little Jonny. Jonny Senior eventually worked out that he wasn’t going to fit and made him sit up...”

STAY UPDATED ONLINE @

NEWS Keeping you up to date with the latest news and promotions around town, plus heaps of online-only content. Tip: For fabulous EL travel deals, go to expatliving.sg/travel. EVENTS CALENDAR You’ll never miss a concert, play, sale or exhibition again. Plus, upload your own events for free by hitting “Post an Event” on the homepage (top right). WHERE TO BUY A COPY Head to expatliving.sg/about_us for a list of retail outlets where you can buy the latest copy of Expat Living. Better still, subscribe at expatliving/shop. HOW TO SELL YOUR OLD STUFF Looking to sell off items online or in the magazine? Post all the details and photos by hitting “Post a Notice” on the homepage (middle left).

Having flown with young children regularly and often on my own, I can empathise with those in similar situations, but I’m still amazed how many people don’t even attempt to keep children quiet – especially slightly older ones who should be able to take some form of instruction. Maybe I’m just becoming old and grumpy! Speaking of travel, this month we’re featuring more fantastic destinations, including one that’s close to my heart: South Africa. Enjoy the journey and then start planning your next real one.

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REBECCABISSET Editor-in-Chief

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P.S. If you’ve really enjoyed a destination or a particular holiday, why not write a story about it? Email it to us at contribute@expatliving.sg and we’ll consider it for publication.

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NEXT MONTH’S MAGAZINE Lamps & Lights • Art • Family Health

12

September15

NEWS WELCOME MAT

SINGAPORE

September2015

ANTIQUES &TheirStories V olunteers Historic Treasures &Fine Reproductions

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS Splurge orSave Afternoon Teas

FIGHTING Allergies

Editor-in-Chief REBECCA BISSET

Holidays Rawa,Bali &KohSamui

Group Editor SHAMUS SILLAR Executive Editor VERNE MAREE Editors HOME, PROPERTY: AMY BROOK-PARTRIDGE LIFE & FAMILY: KATIE ROBERTS HEALTH, LEISURE & DINING: AMY GREENBURG

Front Cover: Kwandwe Game Reserve, South Africa (kwandwe.com) Adventures CAPE SAFAR I SepCoverRhino.indd 2 12/8/15 3:07pm

Expat Living Publications Pte. Ltd. has taken every reasonable care to ensure the accuracy and objectivity of the information contained in this publication, but accepts no responsibility for the content of advertisements published, and no liability for mistake, misprint, omission, typographical error, loss or damage suffered as a result of relying wholly or in part on the content of advertising or editorial published herein. Expat Living Publications reserves the right to refuse any advertisement or advertorial for any reason. All artwork designed by Expat Living Publications or any part of this publication may not be reproduced in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by means - graphical, electronic or mechanical, photocopying, recording, taping, etc, without prior permission in writing from the Publishers. Expat Livingmagazine has been certified by the Audit Bureau of Circulations for a total average net circulation of 18,455 per monthly issue. The audited circulation figures will be posted on http://abcsingapore.org/reports.html. CONTACT US General Enquiries +65 6812 1780 | info@expatliving.sg Advertising Sales +65 6812 1781 | sales@expatliving.sg Subscription +65 6812 1783 | subscription@expatliving.sg Production +65 6812 1787 | production@expatliving.sg Editorial & Media Releases editorial@expatliving.sg Calendar of Events calendar@expatliving.sg Events events@expatliving.sg Expat Living Hong Kong info@expatliving.hk | sales@expatliving.hk subscription@expatliving.hk Websites expatliving.sg | expatliving.hk I exmag.sg Published by Expat Living Publications Pte Ltd 18 Howard Road, 08-10 NoveltyBizcentre, Singapore 369585

HAIR & BEAUTY, FASHION ( LIV ): SUSANNAH JAFFER EDITORIAL INTERNS: MADISON DANIELS | EZRA GIDEON Regional Online Editor MICHELLE CASTILLO Online Editors AZLINDA SAID | ARMAN SHAH RAWI Web Developer RENE YUTIAMPO Client Services & Production LEANDA RATHMELL | LIANA TALIB | NUR HANANI KAMAL LUDDIN Graphic Designers MICHAEL BERNABE | BEATRICE NG | JEANNE WONG Circulation ANNA TSERLINGAS Subscription & Administration VALMAI DHIR | GRACE BANTARAN Business Development KATIE PEACE Partnerships & Events NATALIE WHITTELL Marketing & Business Development Executive VEENA GILL Advertising Sales, Singapore KARIN GALLEY-DICK | DANIELLE ROSSETTI | LARA SAGE JACQUI YOUNG | EMILY FINCH Chief Operations Officer COLIN PURCHASE HR JULIET KEYS Contributing Writers BEATE BALDRY | ANTHIA CHNG | GEETA COLACO | KIM FORRESTER HARSHARAN KAUR | HELEN MCCLURE | SARAH PURCHASE

Contributing Photographers KEN TAN (WITHINIMAGES.COM) Printed by HO PRINTING SINGAPORE PTE LTD | HOPRINTING.COM

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CONTENTS

52

64

NEWS 24 What’s New in Town 28 Dates for Your Diary 36 Social Pages: Photos from recent events 40 Forum: Readers’ letters 42 Our City Guide — Out Now! HOME 46 News 52 Showcase: Inside the Katong home of Majella Skansebakken 62 Home Interiors: Tips on giving your bathroom a luxurious look 64 Expert Voices: Four furniture storeowners discuss antiques, replicas and more 76 Readers’ Recommendations: Furniture favourites with a focus on antiques 85 Buying Guide: Antiques and reproductions

LIFE & FAMILY 120 News 126 Noticeboard: 130 Convertible Cot Beds 133 Volunteeering:

Birth notices; dogs for adoption

Seven expats who lend a helping hand

Education Roundup: 143 Teachers at GEMS World Academy 144 Tanglin Trust’s new Gateway Building 146 Fitness programmes at MSIS

PROPERTY 101 Showcase:

149 Expat Life:

The eclectic Serangoon home of French expat Eloïse

Deciding whether to stay or to leave

152 All About EarthFest 154 Staycation:

109 Hot Property:

What’s on the market?

In the lap of luxury on Sentosa Island

113 Street Talk:

161 Behind the Wheel:

Exploring the Chancery Lane neighbourhood

Readers and the cars they drive

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CONTENTS

184

232

ARTS & LEISURE 175 Shopping:

184 On the Wall:

What’s on in the art scene

188 On the Page:

Recent book releases

Find distinctive, handcrafted gifts at The Fair

176 On the Stage:

WINE & DINE 196 News 202 Bar Tab:

Live music, dance and theatre

182 On the Screen:

Big-and small-screen highlights for this month

85

New nightspots reviewed

TRAVEL 230 News 232 Indonesia Focus:

204 Urban Farming: A new food venture near Dempsey 207 Sustainable Seafood:

Ethics, the environment and the fish we eat

Getaways to Bintan, Bali and beyond

214 High Tea Highlights:

Our roundup of the best spots in town

240 Return to Rawa:

A family holiday off the Malaysia coast

220 Restaurant Focus:

Spanish food and culture at Don Quijote

244 Kicking Back in Koh Samui 250 South Africa Safaris:

222 Meet the MasterChef: Audra Morrice on cooking and family 224 The Great Recipe Swap: Our gluten-free special

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve and its rhinos

258 Best of New Zealand

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CONTENTS

216

HEALTH & FITNESS 264 News 268 Ask the Experts:

Eight common ENT issues, from ear infection to sinusitis

272 Allergy Alert:

Dealing with hay fever, asthma and more

274 Power of Suggestion:

What can hypnotherapy do for you?

REGULARS 276 Subscribe Now! 283 Numbers & Websites 284 Horoscopes for September

85

286 Advertiser List 288 Parting Shot:

On surviving toddlers

SUBSCRIBE NOW! expatliving.sg/subscribe

For the latest updates, find us on Facebook or Follow us on Twitter @ExpatLivingSg

22

September15

NEWS

UP FRONT

New choices and things to do, buy and try

CHILD’S DELIGHT We think the adults will enjoy a visit to newly opened British toy store Hamleys as much as the little ones. With a history of 255 years, it’s billed as the oldest toy store in the world, and now Singapore has joined 17 other countries with its very own piece of London history. Marvel at the 10,000 toys, hands-on play opportunities and fun toy demonstrations. Plaza Singapura, 68

START YOUR ENGINES Unarguably the biggest event this month, the Singapore F1 will, as always, surprise, delight and thrill. For a rundown on all the entertainment action off the racetrack, check out our On The Stage section from page 176. For race schedules and daily activities, visit singaporegp.sg .

Orchard Road. hamleys.com

ACE EVENT We’d recommend buying your tickets soon if you want a seat for the world-class action at the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) finals next month. The event returns for the second year with big-name female tennis players headlining the 10-day festival. Also on the bill are a legends classic competition, and a rising stars invitational event. 23 October to 1 November. Tickets from sportshub.com.sg/ WTAFinals. facebook.com/WTAFinalsSG

Loewen by Dempsey Hill is a new extension to this popular retail and restaurant enclave. Formerly a British military hospital, the site has been transformed into an education and lifestyle destination where you can take an art class at Impressions Art Studio, unwind at relaxing family retreat Tanderra, learn the art of artisanal chocolate making at Anjali Chocolat, or leave your pet in good hands at The Wagington Luxury Pet Hotel. You can also keep curious young minds occupied at Little Mandarins Learning Centre or Between Two Trees Early Learning School, or enrol your children in integrated special classes at Melbourne Specialist International School. Elsewhere, they can have fun at Sky Gym, or dive into a mermaid swim class at SWISH! Swimming, while their mums get a fresh makeover at beauty atelier Trimmings & Spa, or kick-start a home décor project by shopping at Möbel Story for contemporary European furniture or finding an artwork from Billkey Art gallery. dempseyhill.com

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NEWS

JIGS AND JOINERY If you’ve always wanted to wield a saw and build your own furniture, here’s your chance. The Singapore Furniture Industries Council Institute offers short carpentry courses for enthusiasts keen to get their hands dirty. In the seven-day Carpentry 101 course, learn basic techniques in timber assembly and joinery, how to choose materials, performance testing and more. If that rocks your boat, continue to the Level 2 three-day Furniture Craftsmanship course. Carpentry 101 commences on 19 September and runs over seven Saturdays; cost, $3,424. Furniture Craftsmanship runs in November for three Saturdays; cost, $802.50. SFIC Institute Yishun Campus. Call Darren at 6496 9458. sficinstitute.com

It’s no secret that buying or leasing a car can both be expensive and lock drivers into a long commitment. AVIS has a convenient solution. How about a monthly car rental for a minimum of just 28 days? Even better, this offer comes with a discount of up to 25 percent off your monthly rental. The offer is valid on self- drive pick up until 31 December; advance booking is required. Call 6737 1668 or 1800 737 1668. avis.com.sg

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT While our Expat Living readers may have a firm grasp of the English language, there are many around us who could do with a hand. Just launched is this innovative visual dictionary app to help non-native English speakers. Simply take a photo of an unknown object, and Visual Dictionary displays the word and provides the audio pronunciation. visualdictionaryapp.com

Pop culture fans will want to check this out. Comic- book artist Adam Hughes, who brought to life legendary heroes like Captain America, Hellboy, Wonder Woman and Supergirl, is one of the big names visiting as part of the annual Singapore Toy, Game and Comic Convention . Meet anime artists, watch a cosplay championship, hear music from manga soundtracks, and, of course, add to your own collection of comics and games. Sands Expo and Convention Centre. 12 to 13 September. singaporetgcc.com

26

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NEWS

SEPTEMBER2015 CALENDAR MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL (1 SEPTEMBER) Mooncakes make their return, as part of the celebrations for the Mid-Autumn Festival, a six-week Chinese celebration that includes festive food, wayang performances and

GLAMOROUS GIVING (1-2 SEPTEMBER)

Fashion Steps Out

To support the Singapore Committee for UN Women, the Hollandse Club is hosting a fashion and homeware sale, organised by Stones That Rock. Designer firms are clearing stocks for a cause, with generous discounts and with prices starting from just $5. Hollandse Club, 22 Camden Park. For more information, visit unwomen-nc.org.sg. BEETHOVEN PIANO CONCERTOS show off his prodigious talent at the Esplanade, covering Beethoven’s five concertos over a series of performances. Theatres on the Bay, Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Drive. For more information, visit sistic.com.sg. (2, 5 AND 10 SEPTEMBER) Popular British pianist Stephen Hough will

more. Chinatown. For more information, visit festivalasia.net.

UWC Open Days

Mid-Autumn Festival

28

September15

NEWS

Shakespeare’s Hamlet

SINGAPORE STREET FESTIVAL (UNTIL 6 SEPTEMBER) A social and community project by Annie Pek, the Singapore Street Festival aims to develop talent in local youths and features graffiti showcases, street football tournaments, break-dancing competitions and more. Orchard and Somerset. For more information, visit singaporestreetfestival.com. In collaboration with ION Art, The Affordable Art Fair’s Young Talent Programme serves as a platform to highlight the talents of young and aspiring artists between the ages of 18 and 35. F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Boulevard. For AFFORDABLE ART FAIR (UNTIL 7 SEPTEMBER)

UWC OPEN DAYS (7-17 SEPTEMBER)

DOUBLE BILL OPERA (10-12 SEPTEMBER) Singapore Lyric Opera’s (SLO) double bill opera features Leoncavallo’s popular Pagliacci and the Puccini comedy Gianni Schicchi , directed by Tom Hawkes and showcasing an international cast of singers. Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Drive. To book tickets, visit sistic.com.sg. SINGAPORE TOYS, GAMES & COMICS CONVENTION (12-13 SEPTEMBER) Pop culture fans can celebrate the world’s best in toys, games, comics, animation and design at this annual event. The 2015 edition features professional illustrator Adam Hughes who has worked on characters like Catwoman and the X-Men for DC and Marvel comics respectively. Marina Bay Sands. For more information, visit singaporetgcc.com.

United World College (UWC) invites families to take a look around its Dover and East campuses, visit classrooms and meet teachers and students over a number of Open Days. For more information about the different days allocated

for Primary, Middle and High School visits, see uwcsea.edu.sg. SHAKESPEARE’S HAMLET (8-12 SEPTEMBER) Part of a two-year tour of

breath-taking scope – the idea is to visit every country in the world – this version of The Bard’s most famous play is presented by ABA Productions and Shakespeare’s Globe (UK). Capitol Theatre, 17 Stamford Road. To book tickets, visit sistic.com.sg

more information, visit affordableartfair.com.

30

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NEWS

SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX (18-20 SEPTEMBER) The 66th season of the Formula One World Championship makes its much-anticipated stop in Singapore, promising adrenaline-pumping races and electrifying performances by the likes of Pharrell Williams and Maroon 5. Marina Bay Street Circuit. For tickets and more, visit singaporegp.sg. THE PODIUM LOUNGE (18-20 SEPTEMBER) Ready to get your party on? The Podium Lounge is throwing its annual A-List after-party for F1 racing fans. Guest DJs include Kristian Nairn (from Game of Thrones ) and the Fierce Angel collective, among a host of other high-octane appearances. Don’t miss it! The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia. To book tickets, visit podiumlounge.com.

EARTHFEST (26 SEPTEMBER) Featuring a farmer’s market,

Singapore F1

a food fair, eco-carnival games, live music, film screenings and more,

EarthFest promises fun for all ages and hopes to inspire and empower us all to work towards a sustainable future. Marina Barrage, 8 Marina Gardens Drive. For more information, visit earthfestsingapore.com. KIDS’ ANTI-BULLY & SELF- DEFENCE WORKSHOP (27 SEPTEMBER) Jae Hun Kim Tae Kwon Do studio is tackling the issue of school bullying through self- defence workshops. Katong, Siglap and Millenia Walk. For more information, visit community.tkd-singapore. com.

SLEEPING BEAUTY ON ICE (24-27 SEPTEMBER) Daring ice-skating manoeuvres and a refreshing take on the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty is what has made this show so successful; now it’s back for a limited time at Marina Bay Sands. For more information, visit entertainment. marinabaysands.com.

DR SEUSS’S THE CAT IN THE HAT (UNTIL 27 SEPTEMBER) Whether you’ve grown up with his books or are reading them to your kids, Dr Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat will definitely be a treat for the young and the young at heart. DBS Arts Theatre, 20 Merbau Road. For more information, visit sistic.com.sg.

Dr Seuss’s The Cat in The Hat

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NEWS

PLAN AHEAD OCTOBER 2015 As part of his global “Let Me Entertain You Tour”, Robbie Williams returns to Singapore, to remind concert-goers of his electrifying live presence and his big back catalogue of hits. Singapore Indoor Stadium. For more information, visit sportshub.com.sg. HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS (2-31 OCTOBER) Universal Studio’s Horror Night has been scaring people for the past four years and is now back to torment adults and children alike with its fifth freaky rendition. Universal Studios Singapore, Sentosa. For more information, visit halloweenhorrornights.com.sg. ROBBIE WILLIAMS LIVE (4 OCTOBER)

OKTOBERFEST ASIA 2015 (16 OCTOBER)

Prost! Oktoberfest Asia is back once again, ready to serve up as many steins of cold beer as you could ever want, plus delicious German food to boot. Marina at Keppel Bay. For more information, visit sistic.com.sg. SINGAPORE JEWELLERY & GEM FAIR 2015 (22 OCTOBER) If you’re lusting after a bit of bling, don’t miss this one-day fair at Marina Bay Sands. International jewellers will be showcasing some of the world’s best gems and settings. For more information, visit singaporejewellerygemfair.com. BNP PARIBAS WTA FINALS (25 OCTOBER) Returning to Singapore for a second year, the WTA women’s tennis finals will settle the score in a ten-day play- off to determine the 2015 champion. This year sees the introduction of a round-robin format. Singapore Indoor Stadium. For more information, visit wtafinals.com.

Halloween Horror Nights

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NEWS

SCENE AROU NDT OWN Recent events, openings & parties

Cross-cultural Affair Guests gathered for the gala night performance of Wild Rice’s Another Country , a Singapore-Malaysia co-production that brought together 50 writers and 10 performers from both sides of the Causeway to reflect on the history, culture and peace shared by the two countries. Following the show, which was co-directed by Ivan Heng and Jo Kukathas, guests were treated to a dinner in the foyer of the Drama Centre Theatre, catered by Purple Sage.

Relay the Night… …was the slogan for the first Asics City Relay in Singapore, which kicked off at 6pm on 1 August from the new Singapore Stadium at the Sports Hub, and of course the EL corporate team was there! Each teammember ran 10.5K – that’s a quarter of the full marathon distance – with plenty of support from the pyro-technicians, DJs, cheerleaders, roaming performers and more. Well done, everyone!

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SOCIAL PAGES

Premier Night Out Bringing the glamour and excitement of Britain’s most famous race to Singapore for the first time, racing and social syndication, Premier Racing Partnerships, held its most glamorous event to date, Midnight at Royal Ascot at the Fairmont Hotel. Guests at the charity gala mingled with racing royalty and VIPs as the world’s most prestigious race for middle-distance thoroughbreds, The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, was televised live from Royal Ascot. The night also included a fashion show to raise funds for the Cure for MND Foundation, First Hand and March for the Arctic charities.

Furnishing Funds Furniture store Journey East held a charity art exhibition to raise funds for the Philippine Bayanihan Society Singapore (PBSS), an organisation that supports the large community of Filipinos working in Singapore; donations to PBSS will help fund social and community services for Filipino workers, including computer courses and supportive counselling. Titled Half Empty Half Full, the exhibition featured a series of paintings by artist Michael Cu Fua that explore the social and cultural issues of contemporary Singapore through the multiple roles taken on by the Singaporean woman.

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NEWS

A Running Start The first ever MSIG Singapore Action Asia 50 ultra-marathon saw more than 1,200 runners from around the world compete on one of Singapore’s most beautiful race routes covering 10km, 21km and 50km distances, including nature trails such as the Green Corridor, MacRitchie Reservoir Park and even the new bridge on the Durian Loop. Proving that age is just a number, more than one in 10 runners were in the over-50 age category, including an 85-year-old Singaporean who has completed 100 marathons over the last 30 years all over the world. The race drew participants from far and wide, including elite runners from Jordan, Australia, Switzerland and Belgium, alongside Singapore’s very own ultra-marathon runners.

Tableware and Tipples Over 150 guests joined Nicolas Luc Villeroy, CEO of Villeroy & Boch’s Tableware Division, for the unveiling of the first Villeroy & Boch flagship store in Asia, located at the newly revamped, historical Capitol Piazza. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests enjoyed wine and a lobster, foie gras and wagyu feast, and got an up-close look at the 267-year-old brand’s beautiful tableware, including pieces from the Amazonia, Samarkand, and La Classica Contura collections in the Lifestyle series.

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LETTERS

Readers’ thoughts and comments

From One Island to Another

Best Letter We want to hear from you! Send us your thoughts on the magazine, or on any subject under the sun. For her appreciation of our kid-friendly content, Joey Earnshaw wins a bottle of champagne!

I’m just writing to thank the EL team fo r t he brilliant August 2015 issue. Excellent edition yet

again! My hard-copy magazine came just in time before my summer trip to Coco Bodu Hithu in the Maldives. I brought it along with me as I couldn’t bear to leave home without reading it. Here are a couple of photos I’d like to share, taken by Shad Sanari on an LG G4 smartphone.

– Khad Sanari

Secrets of Sime Road

LIFE&FAMILY

Holiday Rescue Though I love my children dearly, they’re both highly active and intelligent boys who need to be kept busy all the time. Thanks for all the information on summer camps and other constructive ways to occupy their time. The summer holiday would have seemed far too long without these options! (And I might have actually run away from home.)

SIME ROAD CAMP

BLACK-AND-WHITES

ByVerneMaree

of a Girl in Changi by Sheila Allen, In theShadowof theRisingSun byMary Thomas and WithinChangi’sWalls by George L. Peet poignantly document the civilian internee experience, first at Changiand thenatSimeRoad. Though the interneeswere primarily British and Australian, there were also French, Dutch, South African, Russian, Norwegian, Polish, Maltese, Irish, French, Greek, Indian, Iranian, Danishandotherprisoners.

I previously interviewed JON COOPER about his fascinating archaeological work on the Adam Park battleground, artefacts from which are currently being sorted for display atChangi and othermuseums. When we meet again, Jon is hard at work on revising and relaunching the ChangiMuseumwebsite.By theendof the year, itwill featurea virtualmuseum that people can visit and contribute to online fromallover theworld.

scenario formany of their husbands, who had joined the local volunteer units and were in uniform. Though in fact civilians in Singapore, they were treated in the harshermannermeted out toPOWs. By theendof thewar, thepopulation of the camp included about 3,000 men,1,000womenandmore than300 children.And for a so-called “forgotten army fighting a forgotten campaign”, saysJon, life in thecamp isactuallyvery welldocumented.

put 4,000 people into a place like this, and you get fighting, cliques, sexual liaisons and romantic intrigues, theft, comedy, musical and theatrical shows,gardening,escapeattemptsand everythingelse thathumansgetup to in communities.” Interestingly, Sime Road Camp continued as a refugee camp for up to ninemonths after the end of the war, mainly for the localEurasianandJewish ex-interneeswhohadbeenmoved to the camp during the latter part of the war and did not immediately have homes togoback to.

O n t h e E x p a t Living website, I came across Verne Maree’s article on the Sime Road prison camp where civilian prisoners were held by the 142 May14 Sime Road was the Command and Control Centre for the RAF inMalaya, explainsJon.BothAdamParkandSime Road became work camps in 1942: “After dumping a load of Australian POWs inAdamPark, the truckscarried on up the road and left the Brits in SimeRoad. They rebuilt the attap huts that had been used by the RAF for accommodation, as they’d been badly damaged in the fighting.” As Karien says, only some of the houseshadbeenbuilt;othersconsisted only of drains and platforms. Jon explains that’sbecause therewassucha rush toget thecommandcentreupand running. “We’renotsurehowmanyhad been built in the first phase; but when houses are rebuilt, it’s always cheaper to rebuild them on existing platforms. So,while theplatformofKarien’shome ispre-war, its construction ispost-war.” At the end of 1942,when the POWs weresentoff toworkon theThai-Burma railway, it seems thatSimeRoadCamp stoodempty forawhile.ThePOWswho startedcomingback in1943stayed just longenough to rebuild thehousesand build a chapel, before beingmoved to Changi Prison. On the interior walls of the Sime Road Camp huts, they inscribed a heart-wrenching list of the fewmenwho had survived thework in Burma and Thailand, and another of thosewhohadnotmade it. Civilian Internees The civilian internee story is a distinctly separate period that kicks off on 1 May 1944 and ends only with the end of the war in September 1945. A post- war account in The Western Australian describes 17SimeRoad,photographedby JonCooper

The women, having been captured in civilian dress, were then treated as civilian internees.But itwas a different

Contemporary accounts of camp lifemake for fascinating reading: “You

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The470-acre siteof theSimeRoadCampwas theOperationalHead- quartersof theBritishArmyandRoyalAirForceduringWWII.Because of theadvanceof the Japanese,GeneralPercivalandhis staffwere forced tomove toFortCanning.The campwasabanonedon the11thof Feb.1942.Singapore fellon the15thofFeb.1942.During the Japanese OccupationSimeRoadCampwasusedasan internmentcamp.Both in 1942and from theendof1943POW´sgoingor returning toSingapore,

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CHASSERIAU ESTATE CAMP

CALDECOTT CAMP

MOUNT PLEASANT CAMP

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NIPPONESEHQ. ( JAPANESEHQ.) ANDADMINISTRATION.THISWAS THEBRITISHARMY&RAFHQ. IN 1942BEFORETHEFALLOF SINGAPORE.THEFIRSTFLAGSTAFF HOUSEWASBUILT IN1937.

FORGE, TINSMITH, FATIGUES

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THISGRAPHIC ISBASEDONTWOMAPS. )& The layoutof thecampon thismap is taken fromadetailedmapdrawnby HaroldMacKenzie in June1945.HewasaCivilian Internee whohad trainedasanarchitect,butworked inMalayaasa rubberplanter.Hisdrawing isveryprecise. *& Thenumberingof thehuts is taken from from two,very similiar,pencildrawnmaps found in the IvorSalmond Papers inTheChangiMuseum, Singapore.Thesehutnumbers seemed tobe thoseusedby thePOW´s.Themapshavea lotof extra informationabout thecampon them,which

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hasbeenused in thisgraphic. It isnotknown when thesemapsweredrawnorbywhom. +& Additional informationhasbeenaddedafter surveying thearea inFebruary,2013.

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KITCHEN WOODENPOWHUTS Size:ONAVERAGE120FEETBY18FEET HOUSEDABOUT100 INTERNEESEACH COVEREDSTRUCTURES K : MILITARYTUNNELS CONSTRUCTEDBY INTERNEES T POPULATION INAUGUST1945: Males: 3,160 Females: 1,021 Children (up to10yearsold): 329 Total: 4,510 Totaldeaths: 217

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the first 900 men arriving with “their wretched bundles”, taking possession of

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the 50-acre plot: “from theremains of destroyed RAF huts they built their communal dormitories and kitchens”. Thewomen followed later. There are a number of books by civilian internees – apart from Diary by

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*AnoutlineofadrawingdonebyCivilian InterneePrichardDavis inDecember 1944 inwhichhewrites that theview isdrawn fromhutnumber121 looking eastwards.Healsonumbered thehutshecould see inhisdrawing. Thisdrawing supports the layoutof thecampdrawnbyHaroldMacKenzieonhis map,butonecan see that thehutsarenumberedusing the IvorSalmondmap.

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© THECHANGIMUSEUM,Singapore. www.changimuseum.com

MappingCampLife With thehelpofsketchesmadebybothmenandwomen in the camps, says Jon, Jane Nielsen has done some wonderful work in locating many of the platforms of where the hutswere: her latestmap is reproduced here withpermission. Nevertheless, he adds, a proper topographic survey would help us understand the landscape as it was: denuded of trees in those days, it looked very different from the jungle surroundings you see today.

Thismap is stillbeing researched.Anyverified informationorcorrectionswouldbemuchappreciated.

© Graphicand research: JANEBOOKERNIELSEN. February,2014 MemberofTheMalayanVolunteersGroup. ! Permision touse theHaroldMacKenziemap: givenbyMr. IanMacKenzie. ! Permision touse thepencildrawnmap, in the IvorSalmondpapers: givenbyTheChangiMuseum. ! Permision touse the informationon thePrichardDavisdrawing: givenbyMr.PeterBampton.

The women’s camp, called Fujin, is shown on the right-handsideof themap.Forefficiency’ssake, food for thewomen’s campwas cooked in themen’s camp and brought over to Fujin atmealtimes. “Food, or the lack of it, was a constant preoccupation for the internees. By working, you could earn extramoney to buy food and wardoffmalnutrition.” Note: Jane Nielsen’s Sime Road maps and more information on the camp are available at the Changi Museum.

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Japanese during their occupation of Singapore in WWII. My parents and my eldest brother were held in this camp for almost two years, and were only released after the Japanese surrender. My father passed away in 2011 at the age of 89. I would always ask questions about what happened and he would tell me stories. I miss him. I have tried many, many times to obtain a list or register of the names of those held during this time, but have been unsuccessful. Is there any way I can find this information? I would be most grateful for your help in pointing me in the right direction.

– Joey Earnshaw

Victorious Vicki! Vicki Trueman was the lucky winner of our Reader Survey prize – a

– Barbara Pedley

luxury beachfront holiday to Miskawaan Resort in Koh Samui, Thailand. Her prize includes four flights on Bangkok Airways, airport transfers, and five days and four nights’ accommodation in an idyllic beachfront villa.

Ed: The best we can do is to put you in touch with historian Jon Cooper, a British expat here in Singapore who contributed his expertise to that article. Good luck, and do let us know how the investigation turns out!

Email us at info@expatliving.sg

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CITY GUIDE 2015/2016 OUT NOW! Everything you need to make the most out of living in the Lion City, whether it’s exploring the island, tips on finding jobs, seeking the best furniture stores or eating like a local. For a limited time only, we’re giving away a FREE copy when you sign up online — grab yours today.

Scan the qr code or visit expatliving.sg/CityGuide

Terms and conditions: Limited to one copy per person living in Singapore. Available in print and digital format. Print edition is sold in major bookstores and newsstands islandwide. To buy the digital edition, visit expatliving.sg/shop.

Home

Majella Skansebakken’s Joo Chiat home

March15

HOME

WHAT’S NEW

Hot shops and what to buy right now

SPECIAL OFFER Great news for lovers of antique Asian furniture: Knock On Wood is currently offering a 20 percent discount for all Expat Living readers, between now and the end of the year. The company specialises in restored Burmese antiques from the Colonial and Art Deco periods, plus carvings and furniture reproductions using reclaimed timber. (Delivery charges, if any, will be quoted at cost.) Viewing by appointment only. 2 Kallang Pudding Road, #09-05 Mactech Industrial. 6272 2633 knock-on-wood.asia

Living the Dream Dreamweave carries 10 key statement brands, and products that vary from leather bags and accessories to jewellery, rattan and teak furniture, furniture accessories – even luxury “glamping” tents! On the furniture side, it’s the range of seating – from cool artificial rattan dining chairs and funky ottomans to the classic egg chair – that sets the company apart. And, when you can’t find something for those with everything (think wives and husbands!), the leather bags and jewellery are perfect. Dreamweave has two stores (#01-34 Millenia Walk and #02-24/25 Shaw Centre) and a show home (by appointment only). dreamweaveconcepts.com

HAND-DRAWN DESIGNS E&A Interiors has recently added Quercus & Co to its exclusive collections of fabrics and wallpapers. The Australian company is known for its love of colour and pattern, with a focus on beautiful, energising fabrics that are drawn from its favourite wallpaper designs. Before being printed with the latest digital techniques, the artwork is first created by hand, and features washy watercolours, scratchy charcoal, soft pencil and blobby block- prints. Visit the E&A Interiors Design Studio at 46 Kim Yam Road to see the full collection. 6702 4850 | info@eandainteriors.com

SCANDINAVIAN STYLE Scanteak has launched its second collaboration with international designers Outofstock, with a collection called Holm. Fitting with its Scandinavian-inspired teak furniture designs, the pieces are sleek and natural with classic appeal. See for yourself at 60 Sungei Kadut Drive. 6368 2802 | scanteak.com.sg

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DINE IN STYLE A lovely range of fine bone china is now available at colonial antiques store, The Past Perfect Collection . Handcrafted and with beautiful designs that can be mixed and matched, the chinaware will make a stylish addition to any dinner table. 896 Dunearn Road, Sime Darby Centre, 2nd level. 6737 3078 pastperfect.sg

Fit for a King

Award-winning international furniture designer, manufacturer and retailer King Living has arrived in Singapore. The new showroom offers a huge display of sofas, chairs, beds, dining and outdoor furniture, as well as a range of exclusive Italian designs from Former Italy. Among the highlights are the modular sofas, which are distinctive and durable and provide flexibility to configure a room to suit any occasion. Choose from individual statement pieces to collections that carry a personal style, such as the Neo range. 22 Kallang Avenue, #01- 00 Hong Aik Building. 6805 4198 | kingliving.com

CUCKOO FOR CUSHIONS

Do children really deserve something this pretty? Only joking, of course they do! Check out these linen floor-cushions from French brand Bed and Philosophy, as well as plenty more cool things for kids, available at Cuckoo , 6B Dempsey Road. 9111 3598 | cuckoo.com.sg

SLEEP DEEPLY The Sofzsleep Trilogy mattress consists of three individual latex cores with varying firmness ratings; you can adjust overall firmness by changing the order of the layers. The accompanying removable cover is made of additive-free bamboo fibres that resist infestation by fungi and harmful bacteria; bamboo fabric also provides excellent moisture absorption and ventilation, ensuring a cool, fresh mattress, even in Singapore’s climate. And, for unexpected guests, each latex core can be separated to provide three individual mattresses. 21 Bukit Batok Crescent, #24-82 WCEGA Tower. 6100 4569 | sofzsleep.net

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KEEPING IT CLEAN US brand Method ’s limited- edition Americana collection is now available in Singapore, in Cold Storage, Isetan and Meidi-Ya. Including foaming or gel hand wash, as well as body wash, its colourful recyclable plastic bottles should brighten up any bathroom. methodhome.com.sg

Renowned European brand Villeroy & Boch has made its mark in Singapore with the opening of its first Asian flagship outlet. In store you’ll find its signature range of tableware and glassware, including traditional collections alongside more contemporary pieces such as these decorative vases – even more of a reason for someone to buy you flowers. House of Villeroy & Boch, 15 Stamford Road, #01-74/76 Capitol Piazza. villeroy-boch.com FIRST IN ASIA

NEW DEMPSEY SPOT It’s a new name and a new space for furniture store Hi Ko, rebranding as Möbel Story and taking up a 4,000-square-foot showroom on Loewen Road in Dempsey. The store has brought in six European brands, including Scandinavian kids’ interiors specialist Flexa and German brand Hülsta. Head to Block 71 Loewen Road, #01-02, or call 6634 3835 for more information.

NEWLY OPENED Whitewoods Living has a new store at Millenia Walk, and, to celebrate, it has brought in a fresh range of British designs made from European white oak. Shoppers will also find products in Indonesian teak, along with completely new range of items of Indonesian design. To mark the opening, these new items are available at a 20 percent discount. 6336 9003 shop@whitewoodsliving.com

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HOME NI-NIGHT, SWEET DREAMS

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SHOWCASE

Once you’ve lived on the East Coast, they say – especially in quaint Katong or its neighbour, Joo Chiat – you won’t want to stay anywhere else in Singapore. Well, n i ne year s have passed since I first visi ted MAJELLA SKANSEBAKKEN a t he r Ma rga t e Road house, and she and her family a r e s t i l l f i r m l y ensconced. What’s more, her popular children’s furniture and f u r n i sh i ngs business, Ni-Night, operates f rom a shophouse in Joo Chiat Road – a mere hop, skip and jump away.

By Verne Maree; photography by Michael Bernabe

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“If we hadn’t had the privilege of living in this house for the past nine years,” Majella says, “I don’t think we would have stayed in Singapore this long.” This sort of rental property is a rare find in condo-land Singapore, though there’s a fair number of landed houses in the Mountbatten Road vicinity. It’s an old-fashioned family home with high ceilings, five bedrooms and plenty of grassy garden where children can play. “When we put in the pool, laid out the garden and installed a trampoline, the neighbours could see we were here to stay,” she recalls. “For Aussies, this is as ‘normal’ a home and lifestyle as you can get in Singapore. We’re doing our best to bring Australia to Singapore.” You’ll even find motorbikes in the front garden, though to ride them in the countryside the family has to make an expedition across the Malaysian border – and, importantly, remember to take their passports along! Majella sings the praises of the UWC East campus, its service ethic and particularly the way it celebrates having students from 90 nationalities. She herself is very active in school life: representative of both the Australian and the Cambodian nationality groups,

Who lives here? Majella, her engineer husband Tom and their three children. They moved into the house with their Cambodian toddler son Sorya (he’s now 11); daughter Solveig (9) was born a week later, and then came Finbar (6) for good measure. Where do they come from? Sydney, Australia How long in Singapore? 14 years What size is the house? It’s a five-bedroom, single-level, stand- alone bungalow with a pool. H ome s t y l e : E a r t h y , comfortable and kid-friendly. Favourite furniture: All of it, from the solid wooden Originals and The Shophouse pieces to Majella’s own children’s bedroom furniture designs.

she’s also what’s called a “class mum” – that’s the mother who’s responsible for organising class parties and the like. The appreciation seems mutual, as the school supports Majella’s extensive charity work in Cambodia, too: teacher Andrea Naylor is the Singapore Project Coordinator for Kuma Cambodia school (see below for more), and UWC East is one of the drop-off points for Ni-Night’s annual September donation drive. “We go to Cambodia regularly,” Majella tells me. “Apart from my solo business trips, we go there as a family twice a year to do house-building, and to visit the Missionaries of Charity (Mother Theresa) orphanage.”

Above: Splashes of colour on washable white covers make for a stylish yet child- friendly family living room.

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Talking Shop Majella is happy to share her passion for Joo Chiat and its shophouses – and I, excited about just having moved to nearby Amber Road, Katong, am eager to get the inside scoop on this atmospheric precinct. I already know and love The Bread Project’s artisanal loaves; now we have to visit Hat of Cain (for genuine Panama hats), Werner’s (for German Above: Rustic and weathered wood is balanced with contemporary white chairs, pale floors and walls to make the most of high ceilings and abundant tropical light. Opposite page: An artist in Ho Chi Minh City painted this family portrait from a photograph. “It captures a moment in time,” says Majella. The “Sydney Australia” print in the living room is by Aussie artist Ken Done. The white-painted rubber-wood furniture is Majella’s own design, like everything from Ni-Night. The grey-on- white bedding and the green honeycomb-patterned rug are from Australian brand SCOUT, also available at Ni-Night – “It’s light and fresh, which can be hard to find here,” she says.

baked goods and crackling good eisbein ), and The Cheese Shop (better stocked than Monty Python found it, one must hope). And photographer Hart Tan of Tomato Photo is about to move into the upper level of 7 Joo Chiat Place, right upstairs from Ni-Night. In fact, Majella had a map made of the area to help passing tourists find these and many other highlights. You, too, can pop into Ni-Night to pick one up and perhaps do your own walking tour. (Parking is plentiful in the big car park opposite.) Inside Story Before setting up Ni-Night, Majella spent eight years managing two of the Singapore expat’s favourite furniture shops – Originals and The Shophouse. So it follows that most of the high-quality hardwood furniture in her home comes from that time and those stores. To ring the changes, she’s more likely to update her home with different soft furnishings and wall art, she explains. “That said, everything in the house is very personal to us, and that includes what’s on the walls.”

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