Want to keep up to date on with what’s new in Singapore and Singapore life? We bring you news in Singapore today on the events, products, school news and services for families, plus other fun happenings around the city.
Get ready to vote!
As of 16 January, British expatriates who have been living abroad for more than 15 years have regained their right to vote in UK general elections. This change is timely, with a UK general election guaranteed to take place by January 2025 at the latest. Overseas voters have to register to be able to vote, and they need to renew the registration every three years.
Full details at gov.uk/register-to-vote.
Stress-free Pet Relocation
After 30 years of expert pet relocation in Hong Kong, Ferndale Pet Travel has expanded to Singapore. It specialises in assisting expatriates relocate their pets to or from the Lion City in a seamless transition. The company tailors solutions to meet the unique needs of expat families, working with a global network of trusted partners to guarantee the safety and comfort of pets throughout the international journey. The result is a personalised and stress-free experience for moving your cherished furkids!
Keeping Baby Comfy
Elly Milley’s organic air bamboo wear is designed especially for little ones with skin that’s sensitive or prone to eczema or rashes. Its custom formulation offers a breathable, moisture-wicking, hypoallergenic and buttery-soft experience, ensuring comfort in Singapore’s tropical humidity. Swaddles, rompers, sleepsuits and more wardrobe basics are available for newborns and beyond. Parents can experience this first hand at the newly opened Elly Milley showroom (#04-09 Techplace II, 5008 Ang Mo Kio Ave 5 – by appointment only; call 9017 1119).
Deal! Receive 20 percent off with code “EL20” when shopping online at ellymilley.com.
Returning to Rock!
American rockers Incubus return to Singapore as part of their 2024 Asia tour and to mark the release of Morning View XXIII, a complete rerecording of their 2001 album. The Grammy nominated, multi-platinum band performs at The Star Theatre on 29 April. The touring lineup has Nicole Row covering for bassist Ben Kenny as he recovers from a surgery. Expect a bunch of their big hits, including “Drive”, “Wish You Were Here”, “Pardon Me” and “Stellar”.
Tickets are available from sistic.com.sg and Sistic outlets.
Sustainable travel luggage
Samsonite’s latest retail store in Singapore has opened at Suntec City. More than just a place to pick up the brand’s latest lifestyle bags or travel luggages, it features Samsonite’s commitment to sustainability in its products and packaging. Experience the convergence of travel and social responsibility at #01-476/482 Suntec City Tower 1. samsonite.com.sg | IG: @Samsonite_SG
Better features, same high quality
Leica’s range of mirrorless full-frame cameras now includes the SL3. Equipped with the brand’s SL-System for photography and videography, users can expect high image quality with more user-friendly features and ease of handling. The camera body is more compact and lighter than the preceding model–the brand says the SL3 will suit professional content creators, amateur photographers and lifestyle enthusiasts. The SL3 retails at $10,400 and is available at all Leica physical and online stores and authorised dealers. leica-store.sg
Empowering Migrant Domestic Workers
After going through two progressive six-month modules of a curated financial literacy programme, 53 migrant domestic workers graduated in October 2023. They are now equipped with skills development in the areas of money management, communication, leadership, computer literacy and entrepreneurship. The programme was run by Aidha, a charity dedicated to empowering migrant domestic workers and other low-income women with financial education and self-development.
As part of the Graduation Competition, 12 selected graduates had the opportunity to showcase their business and financial plans to Aidha’s corporate partners in front of a 100-strong audience at the graduation ceremony. Charito Baron Cabigas and Ninik Rofiqoh Matkari were respectively selected as Personal Financial Plan Winner and Business Plan Winner.
Aidha’s mission is to help migrant domestic workers and low-income women secure sustainable futures. The charity has positively impacted over 6,000 women since 2006 through its courses and initiatives. Students who have graduated from Aidha’s most advanced course on entrepreneurship have seen average monthly savings increase by nearly 80 percent and a 40 percent increase in business ownership in their home countries.
Aidha runs new classes every month for domestic workers of all skill levels and backgrounds.
For employers looking to enrol helpers, go to aidha.org/courses/i-am-an-employer-enrolling-my-helper.
School News
Taking Centre Stage
The Arts is integral to the holistic IB education at awardwinning Chatsworth International School, and from visual arts to music, drama and wide ranging arts-related CCAs and events, there are abundant opportunities for students to discover and hone their artistic talents and interests. Last December, all the primary students performed in Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, bringing their favourite characters of this classic to life. It was a hit with the parent audience! Every primary student also has the opportunity to perform in the annual Sing and Dance Off event toward the end of the school year, where they can express themselves and increase their self-confidence.
Calling Senior School Pupils
The Senior School of Brighton College (Singapore) is now open! Launched in August 2023 for Years 7 and 8, it now has places available for Year 9 in August 2024, with Years 10 and 12 to be offered in 2025*. In addition to maths, English, science, geography, history and computing – all taught by subject-specialists in world-class and stimulating departments – pupils learn modern foreign languages, music, art, drama and PE, following the IGCSE and A-level curriculum*. (*Subject to regulatory approval.)
6505 9790 | brightoncollege.edu.sg
Nurturing Nature Lovers
Situated along the green belt of Yio Chu Kang Road, The Grange International Preschool is the preschool affiliate of The Grange Institution, an award-winning international school in Singapore. Preschoolers here are nurtured as Young Botanists through the Green Granger initiative, engaging in outdoor learning activities such as organic farming, recycling programmes and related excursions. They also engage their senses at the unique in-house Green Granger Trail. Recently launched, the trail’s four zones including the Fruit Tree Zone and Mini Pond Community offer insights into the school’s eco-garden and miniature food forest, featuring over 100 plants, vegetables and fruit.
preschool.thegrange.edu.sg/book-a-tour
Saturday Open House
Picnic Discover the welcoming community of the Australian International School at their annual picnic on 2 March, from 3.30pm, at the campus at 1 Lorong Chuan. Children can enjoy a bouncy playground, mechanical animal rides and more as parents gain insights into the school’s curriculum and the various programmes on offer. You can tour the facilities, too, including large purpose-built open-air playgrounds, a swimming pool, gym and more.
Register at ais.com.sg/saturdayopen-house for a fun-filled family afternoon. All attendees receive a complimentary picnic goodie bag.
Meet the Team
The Canadian International School’s Primary Principal Andrew Marshall is all about promoting diversity and kindness among the school’s students, who come from over 80 nations. Andrew is focused on creating safe, respectful and responsible learning environments at CIS: “When a classroom culture is supportive and positive, students feel comfortable and confident to celebrate their successes and reflect on their next steps.” Meet Andrew and the CIS leadership team at the Meet the Team Fair on 8 March.
Register for your slot at hubs.la/Q02g_GVz0.
These news snippets appeared in the latest issue of Expat Living. Read on for more:
The expat’s guide to where to live in Singapore
20 quirky facts about Singapore