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December 2008 / January 2009 - Association of Dutch Businessmen

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<strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong><br />

MITA 373/03/2001<br />

Special<br />

The <strong>Dutch</strong><br />

in Singapore<br />

Your<br />

Editorial<br />

Committee<br />

wishes you a<br />

Merry Christmas<br />

and a Happy<br />

New Year!


Prologue<br />

Dear members,<br />

Jan de Vegt<br />

Time flies and <strong>2008</strong> is almost gone;<br />

Time to look back at all the things we have done;<br />

The membership <strong>of</strong> ADB has again grown;<br />

Apparently we are very well known;<br />

The end <strong>of</strong> the year is also the time that people leave for another place or job;<br />

Hopefully your time in Singapore has been ‘top’;<br />

That is the theme what this issue is about;<br />

I recommend the reading and you will enjoy without doubt;<br />

The questionnaire was filled in by <strong>of</strong> lot <strong>of</strong> you;<br />

That makes the articles recognizable and true;<br />

Times may look a bit bleak;<br />

With financial crises and the economy quite weak;<br />

That may bring one nasty thing;<br />

That it will be uncertain what the future will bring;<br />

I think this is enough <strong>of</strong> rhyme, I experience it is even more difficult to rhyme in English<br />

than it is in <strong>Dutch</strong>. Anyhow, Sinterklaas is gone when you will receive this magazine<br />

which has <strong>Dutch</strong> people living in Singapore as a theme.<br />

The network drinks at my place was a well attended and an enthusiastic gathering,<br />

special thank to RBS for sponsoring this event. The next event will be our traditional New<br />

Year’s reception at the residence <strong>of</strong> our Ambassador Mr. Chris and Marianne Sanders. The<br />

Embassy <strong>of</strong> the Kingdom <strong>of</strong> the Netherlands and Vopak have kindly agreed to sponsor the<br />

New Year’s reception.<br />

The end <strong>of</strong> the year is also traditionally a period <strong>of</strong> job changes with people leaving and<br />

arriving in Singapore. I wish our leaving members lots <strong>of</strong> success in their new endeavors.<br />

A warm welcome to our potential new members!!<br />

Finally I wish all our members and their friends and families, a Merry Christmas and a<br />

very Happy and Healthy <strong>2009</strong>.<br />

Jan de Vegt<br />

President<br />

‘<br />

To share meaningful and business-related information amongst the <strong>Dutch</strong><br />

business community in Singapore, whilst networking in a fun environment ’<br />

Remco Muzerie<br />

Annabelle Deken<br />

Ard Huisman<br />

Freddy Meindertsma<br />

Richard van der Werf<br />

Frank Kuijsters<br />

<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


A monthly publication <strong>of</strong> the<br />

<strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dutch</strong> <strong>Businessmen</strong><br />

ADB Board<br />

Jan de Vegt<br />

Remco Muzerie<br />

Annabelle Deken<br />

Ard Huisman<br />

Freddy Meindertsma<br />

Richard van der Werf<br />

Frank Kuijsters<br />

Vacancy<br />

Editorial Committee<br />

Frank Kuijsters, Chief Editor<br />

Anouk Binkhuysen<br />

Dennis van der Meijs<br />

Kiki van der Erf<br />

Lineke van Nederpelt<br />

Madelon van Tol<br />

Richard Soemita<br />

Sharon van de Veerdonk<br />

President<br />

Vice-President<br />

Honorary Secretary<br />

Honorary Treasurer<br />

Member<br />

Member<br />

Member<br />

Member<br />

Secretariat<br />

Lineke van Nederpelt<br />

Mailing Address:<br />

c/o 22 Camden Park, Singapore 299814<br />

Telephone: 9101 6201<br />

email: adb@pacific.net.sg<br />

Website<br />

Email<br />

: www.adb.org.sg<br />

: webmaster@adb.org.sg<br />

Editorial contributions for the next issue may<br />

be sent or handed over to the ADB Secretariat,<br />

before or on the day <strong>of</strong> the monthly ADB<br />

meeting. The contents <strong>of</strong> this magazine are partly<br />

based on information received from third parties.<br />

The Committee does not take responsibility<br />

for the correctness <strong>of</strong> the articles.<br />

Designed by Jennifer Phua<br />

Printed by Khoo Sun Printing Pte Ltd<br />

MITA 373/03/2001<br />

Membership fee is S$ 100 per calendar year.<br />

For registration, please see the website www.<br />

adb.org.sg/en_member_signup.htm.<br />

Membership is renewed automatically effective<br />

the first month <strong>of</strong> the new calendar year.<br />

Make your cheque payable to “Assocation <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dutch</strong><br />

<strong>Businessmen</strong>” and send to ADB, c/o 22 Camden<br />

Park, Singapore 299814.<br />

Termination <strong>of</strong> membership must be received by<br />

ADB Secretariat in writing before 1 <strong>January</strong>,<br />

otherwise you will be charged for the full amount<br />

for the following calendar year.<br />

Please notify the ADB secretariat <strong>of</strong> any changes in<br />

employer, (email) addresses or any other personal<br />

particulars that might be <strong>of</strong> interest to the ADB<br />

administration.<br />

C o n t e n t s<br />

Prologue 1<br />

Review<br />

Integrated solutions for the Shipping and<br />

Oil & Gas industry 3<br />

End Year’s Network ‘Borrel’ 6<br />

Business<br />

<strong>Dutch</strong>Cham Singapore 8<br />

Singapore<br />

Hollandse Club: International club with a<br />

strong <strong>Dutch</strong> flavour 10<br />

<strong>Dutch</strong> sporty ADB members in Singapore! 12<br />

Christmas and Christmas trees in Singapore 15<br />

The Appearance <strong>of</strong> <strong>2008</strong>: An overview <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>Dutch</strong> highlights in Singapore 16<br />

Bizz Agenda 18<br />

Business<br />

The workspace <strong>of</strong>… 19<br />

Special<br />

Results survey ADB Magazine <strong>2008</strong> 20<br />

Lifestyle<br />

The little match girl 24<br />

Escape the city life for one big chill: BALI 26<br />

Festive restaurants in Singapore 28<br />

Conference Calendar 30<br />

Column by...<br />

Richard Soemita<br />

Yet another weekend 31<br />

Event Agenda 32<br />

Embassy info 33<br />

Business News 34<br />

association info 35<br />

<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


November Review<br />

Integrated solutions for the Shipping<br />

and Oil & Gas industry By Frank Kuijsters<br />

Hans van der Vlugt, Senior Vice President for Pareto<br />

Securities Asia Pte Ltd gave approximately 35 <strong>of</strong><br />

our ADB members an interesting lecture on Pareto’s<br />

integrated solutions for the shipping and oil & gas<br />

industry on the 10 th <strong>of</strong> November.<br />

Pareto is a leading independent player on the<br />

Singaporean, European and Norwegian, market for<br />

financial services to the shipping and <strong>of</strong>fshore oil &<br />

gas industry.<br />

Pareto’s Singapore division (Pareto<br />

Securities Asia Pte Ltd) was opened in 2006<br />

and today consists <strong>of</strong> 7 pr<strong>of</strong>essionals. Due<br />

to an increased demand from clients for<br />

integrated services Hans’ activities consist<br />

<strong>of</strong> a combination <strong>of</strong> traditional finance<br />

solutions and unconventional banking<br />

services.<br />

The Corporate Finance department<br />

<strong>of</strong> Pareto Securities is structured around<br />

Corporate Finance, Capital Markets,<br />

Offshore, Equity sales and Industry and<br />

Equity research.<br />

Pareto also established a number <strong>of</strong> shipping funds with a joint portfolio <strong>of</strong> around 84 ships with<br />

an estimated market value <strong>of</strong> around US$ 2.5 billion at the moment.<br />

Commercial shipping has as main characteristics:<br />

1. It’s a commercial Industry – anyone can enter<br />

2. It can be roughly divided in Deep Sea, Short Sea, and Inland<br />

3. It’s part <strong>of</strong> a chain<br />

4. There is also non-commercial shipping such as the navy<br />

Most importantly, the demand for shipping is a derived demand <strong>of</strong> the World economy and specifically<br />

the demand for transportation <strong>of</strong> goods globally. A large part <strong>of</strong> the shipping services drives around<br />

commodities like Iron Ore, Crude Oil, rice, etc.<br />

Of course the demand for commodities such as oil and iron ore is ultimately driven by a region’s<br />

economical growth i.e. a country / region’s Gross Domestic Product – or – on a macro level, the<br />

world’s GDP.<br />

Since the demand for Shipping is a derived demand from the World Economy it is cyclical and depends<br />

on supply and demand for ships. If for instance China requires more Iron Ore to support its construction<br />

boom, the iron ore will need to be imported from places such as Australia and Brazil and carried by<br />

ships to China. Supply <strong>of</strong> ships comes from ship owners, but it takes about 3 years to build new ships<br />

causing supply constraints. The 5 main factors influencing the demand for sea transport are; the world<br />

economic activity, sea born commodity trade, average haul (ton- mile), political events, wild cards such<br />

as hurricanes and transportation costs.<br />

There are four segments <strong>of</strong> the shipping industry: the freight market, the sale & purchase or secondhand<br />

market, the new building market and the scrap or demolition market. Other markets important<br />

to shipping industry are: the freight derivatives markets, the bunker fuel market, commodity markets<br />

and financial markets. These markets are all closely related and ship-owners, managers and operators<br />

have to make decisions regarding their operation in each market.<br />

Pareto is different from competitors in that it <strong>of</strong>fers ‘packaged’ solutions both from an acquisition<br />

perspective as well as a corporate finance perspective. Services are aimed to build the company’s<br />

<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


November Review<br />

Pareto<br />

is different from<br />

competitors in that<br />

it <strong>of</strong>fers ‘packaged’<br />

solutions both<br />

from an acquisition<br />

perspective<br />

as well as a<br />

corporate finance<br />

perspective.<br />

Services are<br />

aimed to build<br />

the company’s<br />

balance sheet in<br />

every stage <strong>of</strong><br />

its development<br />

backed by shipbroking<br />

activities.<br />

The goal is to<br />

increase company’s<br />

entreprise value<br />

by <strong>of</strong>fering equity<br />

and debt finance<br />

solutions, and<br />

additionally, to<br />

provide aftermarket<br />

services<br />

for companies<br />

with publicly listed<br />

securities.<br />

balance sheet in every stage <strong>of</strong> its development backed by ship-broking activities. The goal is to increase<br />

company’s entreprise value by <strong>of</strong>fering equity and debt finance solutions, and additionally, to provide<br />

after- market services for companies with publicly listed securities. Aftermarket services include equity<br />

research to improve market awareness and thus promote liquidity in coherence with securities brokerage.<br />

Pareto’s Private Equity division in Singapore is active in sale-and-leaseback transactions, much like the<br />

<strong>Dutch</strong> CV system and the German KG system, but it is not tax-driven.<br />

The structure works under a so called “Kommandittselskap” which is a Norwegian Limited Partnership<br />

that has the attraction <strong>of</strong> limited liability for its limited partners. The structure is essentially that <strong>of</strong><br />

an operating lease, whereby the effective operating lessor is a group <strong>of</strong> Norwegian investors generally<br />

consisting <strong>of</strong>:<br />

Participants: Domestic and international investors from the public that own around 55% - 75% <strong>of</strong><br />

the share capital.<br />

Commercial Manager: Normally owns 15% - 35% <strong>of</strong> the shares in the KS. The role <strong>of</strong> the commercial<br />

manager will be to ensure the charterer’s obligations under the bareboat / time charter, supervise any<br />

inspection <strong>of</strong> vessels and records, and assist the KS in maximising shareholder value.<br />

General Partner: (Usually owned by the commercial manager) owns up to 10% <strong>of</strong> the KS and<br />

has unlimited responsibility for the company’s engagements, unlike the other participants whose<br />

responsibilities are limited to their invested capital.<br />

As the Business Manager (Pareto) provides Investor Services; the business manager will look after the<br />

company’s interests towards the lenders and shareholders, prepare tax information for the participants<br />

and the company, prepare annual reports, organize board meetings and general meetings, in addition<br />

to maintaining a secondary market for the shares.<br />

One <strong>of</strong> the interesting features <strong>of</strong> the KS system is that there is an active stock market in KS<br />

Shares, allowing investors to diversify their exposure to the shipping market into various sectors. For<br />

instance, an investor can own 1/60 <strong>of</strong> a product tanker and 1/80 <strong>of</strong> a Panamax bulk carrier and trade<br />

these exposures actively. This makes the shares freely tradable and adds to the attractiveness to invest<br />

in such a scheme. The structure is shown below:<br />

Effective Operating Lessor<br />

Commercial<br />

Manager<br />

100%<br />

General<br />

Partner<br />

15%<br />

Participants<br />

75%<br />

10% Shipowning<br />

SPC<br />

100%<br />

Charterer /<br />

Guarantor<br />

Bank Finance<br />

Biz Manager<br />

(Pareto)<br />

Technical<br />

Manager<br />

With a case study <strong>of</strong> the the Middle East Tanker transaction described, Hans lined out the whole<br />

spectrum <strong>of</strong> advice from Private Placement, Ship Broking, Corporate Advisory and Debt Arranging services<br />

that Pareto can <strong>of</strong>fer.<br />

<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


<strong>December</strong> Review<br />

ADB End Year’s ‘borrel’By Lineke van Nederpelt<br />

On the 10 th <strong>of</strong> <strong>December</strong> the ADB End Year’s ‘borrel’ was held<br />

at family de Vegt’s home. More than 120 members enjoyed<br />

a great networking evening till midnight! On behalf <strong>of</strong> those<br />

present, I would like to thank Jan and Liesbeth de Vegt<br />

for their kind hospitality at their lovely home. Unfortunately<br />

for a few <strong>of</strong> our members, it was their last ADB event before<br />

they return back home or move to another destination.<br />

Luckily, many new members were able to join and meet<br />

their country (wo)men in Singapore. A big thank you to<br />

Hans-Peter’s team <strong>of</strong> the Royal Bank <strong>of</strong> Scotland for sponsoring<br />

this event.<br />

Jan de Vegt<br />

Hans-Peter Borgh<br />

Liona Potrikus, Prita Leenheer, Jos Kleijne, Han Kort,<br />

Nancy Hilbrink<br />

Arjen van der Linden, Michael van Ommeren, Valentijn van<br />

Velthoven, PC ‘t Hart, Robert-Jan Bertina, Arjan de Boer<br />

Berend Jan Berger, Fleur Valk, Erik van Amerongen, Hans-Peter<br />

Borgh, PC ‘t Hart, Valentijn van Velthoven<br />

<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


<strong>December</strong> Review<br />

Madelon van Tol, Marie-Hélène Piederiet<br />

Rutger Oudejans, Marcel Aggenbach<br />

Frank Kuijsters, Dennis van der Meijs<br />

Ivan Landen, Jord Figee, Louis Harrewijn<br />

Nicolien Luijsterburg, Jean Pierre Koolmees,<br />

Marieke Bruinstroop<br />

Jeroen Koppes, Gijs Kind, Ralph Hoekstra<br />

Richard van der Werf, Harm Duim,<br />

John Bruinsma<br />

Floris Messing, Pieter van Houten,<br />

Joost van Baardwijk<br />

Fleur Valk, Ivo Rutten, Marco Robbertsen<br />

Marlous van der Starre, Nicolien<br />

Luijsterburg, Heleen Baars, Geer Langezaal<br />

Frank Bomers, Jan-Arie Bijloos, Olaf Guffens,<br />

Tjebbe Smit<br />

Erik van Amerongen, Bram Tijsseling,<br />

Dik Jan Jetses, Camiel Frijlink<br />

<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


Business<br />

The <strong>Dutch</strong> Chamber <strong>of</strong> Commerce in Singapore, so called <strong>Dutch</strong>Cham, is a private sector non-pr<strong>of</strong>it<br />

organization. Established in <strong>2008</strong>, <strong>Dutch</strong>Cham represents <strong>Dutch</strong> business interests in Singapore. Objectives<br />

include providing advocacy and information concerning trade, commerce, industry, finance and investment<br />

in Singapore and ASEAN.<br />

Its mission is to expand and facilitate trade between the Netherlands and Singapore and to promote<br />

<strong>Dutch</strong> commercial and economic interests through regular dialogue with its partners in the <strong>Dutch</strong> and<br />

Singapore governments, Eurocham, the Singapore International Chamber <strong>of</strong> Commerce, other chambers<br />

<strong>of</strong> commerce and relevant organizations taking account <strong>of</strong> Singapore’s strategic position in the region.<br />

Membership is not exclusive to <strong>Dutch</strong> companies. With its aim to foster closer ties with Singapore-based<br />

companies <strong>Dutch</strong>Cham welcomes local and foreign companies alike.<br />

The founding members <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dutch</strong>Cham (S) are Fortis,<br />

Heineken, ING, KLM, Philips, TNT, Rabobank and Unilever.<br />

MAY <strong>2008</strong>: S<strong>of</strong>t Launch <strong>Dutch</strong> Chamber <strong>of</strong><br />

Commerce (S)<br />

On 19 May <strong>2008</strong>, the <strong>Dutch</strong> Minister for Foreign Trade, Mr. Frank<br />

Heemskerk, <strong>of</strong>ficiated at the s<strong>of</strong>t launch <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Dutch</strong> Chamber<br />

<strong>of</strong> Commerce. The <strong>Dutch</strong> Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Chris Sanders<br />

kindly hosted the evening at the <strong>of</strong>ficial residence.<br />

JUNE <strong>2008</strong>: Official Launch <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Dutch</strong> Chamber <strong>of</strong> Commerce (S)<br />

On 19 June <strong>2008</strong> the <strong>Dutch</strong> Chamber <strong>of</strong> Commerce (Singapore) <strong>of</strong>ficially opened its doors to the public.<br />

Mr. Peter Ong, Singapore’s Permanent Secretary <strong>of</strong> Trade & Industry, <strong>of</strong>ficiated at the event which saw a<br />

fantastic turnout from both <strong>Dutch</strong> and Singaporean companies as well as many individual guests who came<br />

to wish the Chamber well.<br />

The Netherlands is the 3 rd largest direct foreign investor in Singapore after the USA and Japan and<br />

the largest from the EU. Last year’s combined trade exceeded S$13.6 billion which made the Netherlands<br />

one <strong>of</strong> Singapore’s larger EU trading partners, yet until June <strong>2008</strong>, the <strong>Dutch</strong> business community never<br />

had its own representative body. The <strong>Dutch</strong>Cham aims to fill this gap and to act as a coordinating body<br />

for the business interests <strong>of</strong> its members in Singapore, whilst keeping a finger on the pulse <strong>of</strong> business<br />

developments in ASEAN.<br />

Official Opening: Guest <strong>of</strong> honor, Mr. Peter Ong, H.E. Mr. Chris Sanders, Board <strong>of</strong> Directors and Management <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dutch</strong>Cham and Founding Members.<br />

<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


Business<br />

OCTOBER <strong>2008</strong>: <strong>Dutch</strong>Cham Luncheon Meeting with Mr. Jochum<br />

S. Haakma<br />

On 16 October <strong>2008</strong> the <strong>Dutch</strong>Cham (S) organized its first luncheon. Mr. Jochum S. Haakma,<br />

Chairman <strong>of</strong> NCH – the Netherlands Centre for Trade Promotion – gave a keynote speech<br />

about the economic rise <strong>of</strong> China. After an introduction by His Excellency Mr. C. Sanders,<br />

Mr. Haakma shared his views on the current status and outlook for doing business with<br />

and in China. The lunch meeting was attended by both members and non-members.<br />

Prior to this meeting a workshop was organized by <strong>Dutch</strong>Cham on the occasion <strong>of</strong><br />

Mr. Haakma’s visit between <strong>Dutch</strong>Cham (S), NCH and the Singapore Government. The<br />

main objective <strong>of</strong> this workshop, moderated by Mr. Roman Scott (Managing Director,<br />

Calamander Capital and BritCham Economic Spokesperson) was to discuss 3 key themes:<br />

<strong>Dutch</strong>Cham as a Business Incubator, a Lobby Group and a Promoter <strong>of</strong> Holland Inc. The<br />

key outcome <strong>of</strong> the formalized role <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dutch</strong>Cham as a facilitator between Singapore<br />

government agencies, among which the Economic Development Board (EDB) and NCH<br />

was very much supported and endorsed by all present. In this context, <strong>Dutch</strong>Cham is<br />

proud to announce that NCH is now an <strong>of</strong>ficial partner <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dutch</strong>Cham.<br />

NOVEMBER <strong>2008</strong>: Annual Economic Outlook by Mr. Roman Scott<br />

On 6 November <strong>2008</strong> Mr. Roman Scott gave his critical opinion on the global financial<br />

situation. According to him the signals for this financial crisis were there long time ago, only<br />

analysts either did not understand or ignored them. For example, the US economy is in household<br />

debt because it has been in a state <strong>of</strong> denial for a long time, mainly caused by the use <strong>of</strong> credit cards<br />

(“buy now, pay later”). Singapore is in a very vulnerable position as it has an open economy because <strong>of</strong><br />

the global trade. For the short-term, Mr. Scott, predicted tough times ahead but sees Asia recover in 18<br />

to 24 months whilst the old world economies will likely take quite a while longer.<br />

November <strong>2008</strong>: The Marina Barrage<br />

<strong>Dutch</strong>Cham organised a Seminar and Tour at the recently opened Marina Barrage in close cooperation with<br />

PUB, Singapore-Delft Water Alliance, ISEAS and The Two Hundred. Speakers Pr<strong>of</strong>. Vladan Babovic (SDWA),<br />

Mr. Devaraj (PUB) and Mr. Tan (Metax) gave presentations on Singapore’s Water Management Strategy &<br />

The Marina Barrage, Pumps for the Marina Barrage Project and about Appreciating Science Behind Water<br />

Quality <strong>of</strong> Marina Lake. Read more in ADB’s next February issue.<br />

<strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong>: Breakfast Talk with Mr. Winy Maas: ‘Singapore: Leader or<br />

Follower in Landscape Architecture & Spatial Planning?’<br />

<strong>Dutch</strong>Cham, in close cooperation with the French Chamber <strong>of</strong> Commerce, was pleased to organise a<br />

Breakfast Talk presented by Mr. Winy Maas. Mr. Maas is an internationally respected <strong>Dutch</strong> architect,<br />

landscape architect and urban planner, who is one <strong>of</strong> the co-founding directors <strong>of</strong> MVRDV, an award winning<br />

architectural firm based in Rotterdam.<br />

Membership & Upcoming Events<br />

Please check our website (www.dutchcham.sg) regularly for the latest updates and to download the<br />

Membership Application Form, and also please note the following dates for your diary.<br />

15 <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong><br />

- breakfast<br />

Carbon Credit<br />

In cooperation with FCCS and BLBG<br />

Grand Hyatt Hotel<br />

20 <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong><br />

- breakfast<br />

The Financial Crisis<br />

In cooperation with ING<br />

Suntec Convention Centre<br />

03 February <strong>2009</strong><br />

- evening<br />

<strong>Dutch</strong>Cham Chinese New Year Drink<br />

Suntec Convention Centre<br />

<strong>Dutch</strong>Cham (S) invites everyone to join for these events.<br />

For more information and for membership, please contact <strong>Dutch</strong>Cham: 541 Orchard Road #13-01<br />

Singapore 238881. Tel: 6739 1112 Email: info@dutchcham.sg Website: www.dutchcham.sg<br />

<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


Singapore<br />

Hollandse Club: International club<br />

with a strong <strong>Dutch</strong> flavour By Kiki van der Erf<br />

100 years <strong>of</strong> existence provides the Hollandse Club<br />

with a sense <strong>of</strong> pride. Such a long history is <strong>of</strong> great<br />

importance for a Club that values its traditions<br />

and its role for the <strong>Dutch</strong> community in Singapore.<br />

Going back to the inception means also going back<br />

to the reason <strong>of</strong> existence and the added value the<br />

Club has for the <strong>Dutch</strong> expats living in Singapore.<br />

An interview with Gérard Hanssen (General<br />

Manager Hollandse Club), Inge Oostendorp<br />

(Marketing & Communications Manager) and Elaine<br />

Young (Corporate Communications Executive).<br />

What has been the role <strong>of</strong> the Hollandse<br />

Club from the inception 100 years ago<br />

till nowadays for the <strong>Dutch</strong> community in<br />

Singapore?<br />

The Hollandse Club is one <strong>of</strong> the oldest clubs<br />

in Singapore. It was founded by Jacob Christian<br />

Koopman in 1908 at his home in Grange Road. In<br />

1910 the Club moved to Cairnhill Road, before<br />

eventually settling at Camden Park in 1950.<br />

In the early days, the Hollandse Club played<br />

a very important role for the <strong>Dutch</strong> community as<br />

there was no Orchard Road or Dempsey Hill, and<br />

not much to do for <strong>Dutch</strong> families in Singapore.<br />

They sought a sense <strong>of</strong> belonging, a home away<br />

from home with like-minded people to call friends.<br />

Of course nowadays Singapore is much more<br />

developed, has a lot <strong>of</strong> activities to <strong>of</strong>fer and <strong>Dutch</strong><br />

expats can easily fill their days and years in and<br />

out <strong>of</strong> Singapore. Still, the Hollandse Club plays<br />

an important role for the <strong>Dutch</strong> community: for its<br />

members with the numerous activities and facilities<br />

<strong>of</strong>fered, but also for the community as a whole,<br />

playing host to the Netherlands Charity <strong>Association</strong><br />

(NCA), <strong>of</strong>fering their facilities as and when to the<br />

<strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dutch</strong> Business Men (ADB) and the<br />

<strong>Dutch</strong> Chamber <strong>of</strong> Commerce (<strong>Dutch</strong>Cham). It also<br />

brings the taste <strong>of</strong> home by selling stroopwafels,<br />

drop sweets, and Jip and Janneke products. In the<br />

future, there will be more typically <strong>Dutch</strong> products<br />

on <strong>of</strong>fer, including pindakaas.<br />

Why should somebody become a member<br />

<strong>of</strong> the Club, what are your key selling<br />

arguments?<br />

The Hollandse Club currently has about 1,900<br />

adult members. The average membership includes<br />

husband, spouse and two children, but the Club<br />

does not count the children into the membership<br />

figures.<br />

Some <strong>Dutch</strong> companies provide their expats with<br />

a membership <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Dutch</strong> Club; other companies<br />

give their expats money to become a member <strong>of</strong> a<br />

club they themselves get to choose. Other expats<br />

or people on a local contract pay themselves for a<br />

membership. The Hollandse Club is known for its<br />

nice sports facilities ranging from the swimming<br />

pool and the tennis courts to the bowling alley and<br />

the spa. These facilities are one <strong>of</strong> the main reasons<br />

to become a member at the Club, especially for<br />

those people who live in a landed house. Further<br />

reasons to become a member <strong>of</strong> the Hollandse<br />

Club are: meeting other <strong>Dutch</strong> and or international<br />

people and remaining in touch with <strong>Dutch</strong> culture<br />

and traditions like Sinterklaas. Parents see these as<br />

important reasons both for themselves and maybe<br />

even more so for their children.<br />

As opposed to other clubs like the British and<br />

the American Club, the security measures at the<br />

Hollandse Club are very relaxed as there is no<br />

immediate need to do otherwise. Perhaps it is for<br />

this reason that people feel more comfortable in<br />

such a relaxed environment. Location is obviously<br />

another important motivation, with families<br />

in the vicinity <strong>of</strong> the Hollandse Club preferring<br />

membership here over travelling to other clubs,<br />

regardless <strong>of</strong> nationality. Expats differ very much<br />

in their attitude living abroad. Some <strong>Dutch</strong> expats<br />

are glad they left the Netherlands and would<br />

rather not speak a word <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dutch</strong> while living here<br />

in Singapore, others however, feel more at home<br />

here if they can speak with fellow country mates<br />

once in a while.<br />

What is the mix <strong>of</strong> nationalities <strong>of</strong> the members<br />

<strong>of</strong> the Hollandse Club? Do they have different<br />

motivations to join the Club?<br />

Since 1963, the Hollandse Club has been open to<br />

all nationalities so considers itself international<br />

10<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


Singapore<br />

with a <strong>Dutch</strong> touch. Nowadays, the majority <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Hollandse Club members are actually <strong>of</strong> another<br />

nationality than the <strong>Dutch</strong> nationality. <strong>Dutch</strong> people<br />

only account for about 27% <strong>of</strong> the total. Second are<br />

the British with 17%, then the Singaporean with 15%<br />

and other nationalities make up 41%.<br />

Motivations for the British to become a member<br />

<strong>of</strong> the Hollandse Club are partially mentioned<br />

above: location and a child-friendly atmosphere.<br />

Another reason might be the slightly more informal<br />

ambiance at the Hollandse Club as opposed to the<br />

British Club. One delicate aspect is that no maids<br />

are allowed at the Club, as it demands its member<br />

parents to be hands-on with their children. This<br />

has been a topic for discussion for years, critics<br />

advocating that maids are not treated as fellow<br />

human beings. During the last survey <strong>of</strong> the<br />

members, though, it was found that the majority<br />

still view that the hands-on parenting approach is<br />

desirable, and this is a legitimate reason not to<br />

allow maids.<br />

For Singaporeans the main reasons to choose for<br />

the Hollandse Club are that they like their children<br />

to get in touch with an international community,<br />

but they may also see becoming a member <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Club as an investment. The premises <strong>of</strong> the Club are<br />

built on freehold land, land that belongs to the Club<br />

and Camden Park is prime residential area, where<br />

recently one bungalow was sold for $20 million. So<br />

should the club cease to exist, the residual money<br />

will be shared amongst the members.<br />

What is the typical pr<strong>of</strong>ile <strong>of</strong> your members? Are<br />

you specifically targeting this group?<br />

The Hollandse Club is definitely a family club.<br />

The Club specifically targets this group, with its<br />

affordable food and beverages, its relaxed ambiance<br />

and its facilities. Especially the pool area usually is<br />

a get-together <strong>of</strong> families with children enjoying the<br />

good weather and the company <strong>of</strong> their friends at<br />

the Club. The Club has strong ties with Aquaducks,<br />

a swimming lessons company, as the founder <strong>of</strong> the<br />

company has been a member <strong>of</strong> the club since he<br />

was a child. Over 450 children are currently involved<br />

in swimming lessons at the Club.<br />

Bachelors and couples without children are to a<br />

lesser extent targeted by the Club. Being realistic,<br />

these groups will probably enjoy the variety <strong>of</strong><br />

restaurants and activities in Singapore, looking for<br />

new experiences every weekend.<br />

Who are your staff, what nationalities do they<br />

have?<br />

The current General Manager (GM) at the Club is,<br />

as you would expect, a <strong>Dutch</strong>man but this has only<br />

been the case since late last year. Before Gérard<br />

Hanssen took over, the Club’s GM was <strong>of</strong> British<br />

descent. The <strong>of</strong>fice staff consists <strong>of</strong> two more<br />

<strong>Dutch</strong>men <strong>of</strong> the 14, while the serving staff is<br />

mainly Singaporean and a small percentage is Malay.<br />

To preserve the <strong>Dutch</strong> character <strong>of</strong> the Club, four<br />

members <strong>of</strong> the Board are required to be <strong>Dutch</strong>.<br />

Treating the (serving) staff well is highly valued<br />

at the Hollandse Club. Management at the Hollandse<br />

Club believes that both members and staff should<br />

feel comfortable at the Club with a pleasant<br />

environment for everybody.<br />

What are the challenges the Hollandse Club has<br />

facing the future?<br />

It is clear that the current economic outlook is a<br />

great disadvantage for clubs in Singapore. People<br />

think twice before they spend their money and<br />

if they have to cut costs memberships <strong>of</strong> clubs<br />

and associations are one <strong>of</strong> the first expenses to<br />

economize. During the early nineties the Club lost<br />

a lot <strong>of</strong> memberships, so <strong>2009</strong> might also become a<br />

difficult year with regards to not only memberships<br />

but also with sponsors investing in the Club. The<br />

Club looks to large Companies to sponsor the<br />

activities organised by the Club.<br />

As the Club wants to build on its quality and<br />

service standards, it is difficult to know how to<br />

react with decreasing membership numbers. It<br />

considers itself a premiere club, which provides<br />

a home away from home for its members. And<br />

to do that, renovations are a necessary part <strong>of</strong><br />

Club life. A recent membership meeting resulted<br />

in the go ahead to invest in a new kitchen, new<br />

food facilities and upgraded changing rooms at the<br />

swimming pool.<br />

Constantly renewing its facilities to stay<br />

competitive with the other expat clubs is another<br />

challenge the Hollandse Club faces.<br />

The Hollandse<br />

Club is definitely<br />

a family club.<br />

The Club<br />

specifically<br />

targets this<br />

group, with its<br />

affordable food<br />

and beverages,<br />

its relaxed<br />

ambiance and<br />

its facilities.<br />

Especially the<br />

pool area usually<br />

is a get-together<br />

<strong>of</strong> families<br />

with children<br />

enjoying the<br />

good weather<br />

and the company<br />

<strong>of</strong> their friends<br />

at the Club.<br />

11<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


Singapore<br />

<strong>Dutch</strong> sporty ADB members<br />

in Singapore! By Madelon van Tol<br />

Due to the constant heat in Singapore it might<br />

be quite a challenge to do sports (outside). The<br />

<strong>Dutch</strong>ies nevertheless seem to be very active! I had<br />

the honor to interview the following committed<br />

sportive ADB members about their sports:<br />

Football: Ard Huisman (Director Finance<br />

at Vopak)<br />

Golf: Rob de Louw (General Manager Digital<br />

Document Systems Asia Hub at Océ)<br />

Hockey: Olaf Kwakman (Global Development<br />

Manager at Springglobalmail) Geertje<br />

Langezaal (Organizational Psychologist at<br />

LeAD Consulting Group).<br />

Tennis: Marianne Doele (owner <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Bodyfirm) and Rutger Oudejans (Regional<br />

Area Sales Manager at DMV Fonterra-<br />

Excipients)<br />

Let’s get started!<br />

Could you please tell me about your football<br />

team members Ard? Are they all <strong>Dutch</strong>?<br />

“The Hollandse FC is an unaffiliated football club,<br />

and although most players have a <strong>Dutch</strong> mother<br />

tongue, the club is also open for non-<strong>Dutch</strong><br />

players. We are participating in the Cosmo League,<br />

which is the expatriates’ amateur football league<br />

in Singapore. The league consists <strong>of</strong> 15 teams<br />

Ard and teammates after a match at a “not the best” football field.<br />

from a variety <strong>of</strong> countries, including England,<br />

Japan, France, Germany, etc. Ever since the<br />

1970s the motto <strong>of</strong> the Hollandse FC is “let the<br />

best team become second and the <strong>Dutch</strong> win”.<br />

In reality though we can generally be found in<br />

the “rechterrijtje”, and <strong>of</strong>ten in the southern<br />

part <strong>of</strong> it”.<br />

And Rob; are you an experienced golfer?<br />

Where did you learn to play? Where do<br />

you golf at the moment?<br />

“I started playing golf for the first time in<br />

Singapore about 2,5 years ago purely because <strong>of</strong><br />

business reasons. I had been invited for attending<br />

some tournaments organized by my customers in<br />

the Asian region and I was pretty confident it would<br />

not be so difficult to play golf. Honestly speaking<br />

I really felt embarrassed about my game. My wife<br />

and I decided to play golf together and we took<br />

golf lessons once every two weeks. Meanwhile I<br />

practiced a lot on the driving range and played<br />

every week at Safra and Green Fairways which<br />

are two 9 holes public golf courses”.<br />

Could you please elaborate a bit on playing<br />

tennis in Singapore, Marianne?<br />

“I play tennis ever since I was 8 years old and<br />

always loved the game.<br />

When I came to Singapore 3 years ago I picked<br />

it up again and joined the <strong>Dutch</strong> Club. Since I work<br />

full time, I don’t have a lot <strong>of</strong> time to play. I am<br />

happy to play once or twice a week. We play a<br />

lot <strong>of</strong> doubles, mainly because <strong>of</strong> the heat I think.<br />

The <strong>Dutch</strong> Club has a lot <strong>of</strong> active tennis players.<br />

Some ladies (and a few men) really dedicate a<br />

lot <strong>of</strong> time in organizing fun tournaments for<br />

all different levels. Fortunately everyone can<br />

join; there is no waiting list. I do enjoy watching<br />

tennis and I think it’s really nice that nowadays<br />

the women are not only very powerful, but they<br />

have turned the whole scene into a fashion show<br />

as well!<br />

I heard the ZOAT was a fantastic event!<br />

How did your hockey team play at the<br />

ZOAT, Olaf?<br />

“Great! It was a fantastic tournament, very well<br />

organized, and we enjoyed it to the max. Having<br />

450 <strong>Dutch</strong> hockey players from all major cities in<br />

South East Asia together is a guarantee for a great<br />

atmosphere. But besides the enjoyment we also<br />

played really well and won the tournament!”<br />

12<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


Singapore<br />

Taken after the victory <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Dutch</strong> hockey men at the ZOAT.<br />

Hockey ladies victory after the<br />

ZOAT event.<br />

I am curious about the ladies… Geertje?<br />

“Well… the ladies won as well! We played against<br />

Hong Kong in a very exciting final. Though they<br />

had a very strong team and we were under a lot<br />

<strong>of</strong> pressure, we managed to keep the score after<br />

30 minutes at 1 all. In the extra time it was all<br />

about the golden goal, and after some nail biting<br />

and exhausting minutes we scored!”<br />

Rutger, you are the captain <strong>of</strong> the A-league<br />

tennis team at the Hollandse Club. What is<br />

that like?<br />

“Being captain <strong>of</strong> the Hollandse Club A-league<br />

team, I try to organize 6 players on both weekend<br />

days to play three matches <strong>of</strong> doubles against<br />

another club. This itself is quite challenging<br />

with the team consisting <strong>of</strong> an international<br />

group <strong>of</strong> expats with a lot <strong>of</strong> traveling involved.<br />

Nevertheless we managed to pull <strong>of</strong> some excellent<br />

performances this year finishing fifth out <strong>of</strong> ten<br />

teams competing.<br />

One more question for you Rutger. What<br />

grand tournaments did you attend in<br />

Holland & Asia?<br />

“I have attended numerous tournaments throughout<br />

the years including Davis Cup and the ABN-AMRO<br />

tournament in Holland and some exhibition<br />

matches in Hong Kong. I also visited the Clash <strong>of</strong><br />

Champions series in KL a few weeks ago which<br />

was a match between old legends like Mc Enroe<br />

and current top ATP players like Roger Federer.<br />

Furthermore, I am representing the Tennis Summit<br />

<strong>2009</strong>, an exhibition and Legends Tournament to be<br />

held in Dubai in April <strong>2009</strong>; www.tennis-open.net<br />

as their Asian & Netherlands representative”.<br />

Olaf and Geertje: was the party afterwards<br />

the ZOAT comparable to the notorious<br />

hockey parties in the Netherlands?<br />

“Olaf: Absolutely comparable, but probably<br />

even better. On Saturday evening we had a big<br />

party at the beach on Sentosa Island. The setting<br />

was beautiful and the band, flown in from The<br />

Netherlands, knew how to get this crowd on<br />

their feet. Strengthened by some drinks and a<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>essional DJ, this party lasted until the wee<br />

hours <strong>of</strong> the morning”.<br />

“Geertje: I think it was even better! I can’t<br />

remember a hockey party in the Netherlands<br />

where I was dancing barefoot on the beach!”<br />

Rob: what is your handicap? I am an expert<br />

in golf; is that good?<br />

“My current handicap is 23,4 and I feel there is<br />

still a lot room for improvement. Playing golf<br />

is a real challenge as there is no one to blame<br />

except myself when playing a bad game. It is not<br />

always easy to play on a golf course in Singapore<br />

as you have to be a member or to be invited by a<br />

member. I did not want to become member <strong>of</strong> a<br />

golf club as I do not like to play on the same golf<br />

course every time. My Singaporean golf instructor<br />

advised me to become member <strong>of</strong> the Society <strong>of</strong><br />

Singapore Golfers. This society has around 300<br />

members (only 15% is non Singaporean). It is an<br />

independent organization and not linked to any<br />

particular golf course. Through this organization<br />

I achieved my <strong>of</strong>ficial handicap and it also gives<br />

me the opportunity to play on most <strong>of</strong> the golf<br />

courses in Singapore. The society is also organizing<br />

a monthly golf event on different golf courses”.<br />

Ard: what is your trainer’s vision regarding<br />

the position on the football field and what<br />

is yours?<br />

“Our trainer has read a huge pile <strong>of</strong> football<br />

literature, as a result <strong>of</strong> which we play a<br />

sophisticated 3-2-3-1-1 system. When executed<br />

flawlessly, this system is a guaranteed avenue to<br />

victory. Reality is different and the system does<br />

not only confuse the opponents, but <strong>of</strong>ten also<br />

our own players. Nevertheless, we continue our<br />

attempts to bring it to perfection, which is why<br />

we also have a training evening every week on<br />

Thursdays. Within this system I generally play the<br />

position just behind the striker”.<br />

Rutger playing<br />

an invitational<br />

tournament on grass<br />

at the Padang;tennis<br />

against the<br />

Singaporean skyline.<br />

13<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


Singapore<br />

Ard: do you have to be an excellent and<br />

outstanding football player to join your<br />

team?<br />

“No, you do not have to be an excellent player.<br />

We try and maintain a good balance between a<br />

competitive spirit and being a social club where<br />

people can drink a beer and have a laugh or two.<br />

That being said, our ambition is definitely to<br />

populate the “linkerrijtje”, so excellent players<br />

may get a slightly preferential treatment over<br />

those who seemingly play with their shoe boxes<br />

still on”.<br />

Attendees <strong>of</strong> last Hollandse Club golf event at the golf course “Legends” in<br />

Johor (Malaysia).<br />

Rutger: short question for your. Which one<br />

is better, your forehand or backhand?<br />

“I am known to most <strong>of</strong> my foreign team mates<br />

as Roger instead <strong>of</strong> Rutger. Not only is it easier to<br />

pronounce but it also relates to my forehand which<br />

does show some distant similarities with the one<br />

<strong>of</strong> Roger Federer. He is just a bit more consistent<br />

in hitting them I suppose!”<br />

Please describe the composition <strong>of</strong> your<br />

hockey team Olaf? Are all team members<br />

<strong>Dutch</strong>?<br />

“The Hollandse Club hockey section plays with 2<br />

men’s and 2 women’s teams in the competition <strong>of</strong><br />

the Singapore Hockey Federation. The Hollandse<br />

Club B-team, which is the team I am part <strong>of</strong>,<br />

plays in the second division <strong>of</strong> this tournament.<br />

This team consist <strong>of</strong> 23 players, all <strong>Dutch</strong>. Every<br />

Wednesday we have a training session, together<br />

with the A-team. From the approximately 45<br />

players that join each week, 5 players are non-<br />

<strong>Dutch</strong>”.<br />

How do you promote golf in Singapore<br />

Rob? Furthermore this might be an<br />

inappropriate question, but what exactly<br />

happens at the 19 th hole?<br />

“Being member <strong>of</strong> the golfing committee <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Hollandse Club we promote the golf sport among<br />

the <strong>Dutch</strong> community by organizing at least 5 golf<br />

events annually. Last month we played on the<br />

prestigious Sentosa golf course and early February<br />

next year we will play on the Palm Springs Golf &<br />

Beach resort at Batam. An important part <strong>of</strong> the<br />

event is to evaluate each performance on the 19 th<br />

hole. Regardless whether you have played well<br />

or bad, everyone is enjoying some nice food and<br />

cold beers. In fact, after 4, to 4,5 hours “working<br />

and sweating”, the 19 th hole always takes the<br />

longest time”.<br />

Geertje and Olaf; does this mild criterion<br />

also apply to hockey? And who and why is<br />

your favorite player at the moment?<br />

“In principle everyone is welcome, <strong>Dutch</strong> and<br />

non-<strong>Dutch</strong>, Hollandse Club members and nonmembers.<br />

The number <strong>of</strong> players is actually<br />

steadily growing: new enthousiastic players arrive<br />

almost on a weekly basis. The team-spirit is very<br />

good; play (fanatically) to win when on the pitch,<br />

and enjoy each others company while having some<br />

drinks after the matches and training sessions”.<br />

“Geertje: It is hard to keep up with all the new<br />

people in the <strong>Dutch</strong> teams while living abroad, so<br />

I’ll go for a golden oldie, Teun de Nooijer. When I<br />

started to play hockey he was already one <strong>of</strong> the<br />

best players in the world and he still is. It takes a<br />

lot <strong>of</strong> commitment, and love for the game to stay<br />

at the top for so long!”<br />

“Olaf: Although maybe not so famous outside<br />

Singapore, I would like to nominate Michiel<br />

Bouwman for this. He is a teacher at the <strong>Dutch</strong><br />

school in Singapore who plays very attractive<br />

hockey. His hockey skills and general shape are<br />

very well in order, but the most important reasons<br />

for me to like his play is that he never plays selfish,<br />

never complains to the referees and actually<br />

makes other people in his team play better”.<br />

Two last questions for you Rob. Is golf in<br />

Singapore financially a big investment and<br />

what is the ultimate golf course in the<br />

region?<br />

“During weekdays it is quite affordable, but in the<br />

weekend it is really expensive and in most cases<br />

the golf course is fully booked. A good alternative<br />

is to go to one <strong>of</strong> the 11 golf courses just across<br />

the Malaysian border. For half the price (including<br />

lunch) you can play golf. Personally I prefer the<br />

golf course Legends in Johor.<br />

Best golf courses are definitely in Korea. The<br />

service and the caddies are beyond ordinary. The<br />

top three golf courses in Singapore are Sentosa,<br />

Singapore Island country club and Tana Merah,<br />

but to play there you can only be invited through<br />

a member”.<br />

Ard, Rob, Olaf, Geertje, Marianne en Rutger,<br />

thank you very much for this pleasant interview<br />

and keep up the good sportswork!<br />

14<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


Singapore<br />

Christmas and Christmas<br />

trees in Singapore By Anouk Binkhuysen<br />

I’m currently sitting at home looking out <strong>of</strong> the window, watching the <strong>December</strong> rain soak the city.<br />

Not so unusual for <strong>December</strong> time you might think, until I remember that I’m in Singapore. However<br />

the rain makes it feel like home, there’s something wrong with Christmas in Singapore.<br />

Hearing Christmas carols wearing shorts and flip-flops is like drinking expensive wine in a plastic cup.<br />

Despite the amount <strong>of</strong> Christmas trees that have gone up in the last couple <strong>of</strong> weeks and Singapore’s<br />

effort to decorate the city into a shiny Christmas atmosphere, I lack the pre-Christmas-feeling that makes<br />

me feel like pimping up my home with a big Christmas tree and to shop-till-I-drop for Christmas gifts.<br />

Normally at this time in The Netherlands, I gather with friends in dark cosy bars to warm up for the<br />

<strong>December</strong> family gatherings, talking about our planned ski-holidays, going through our shopping list and<br />

I will show my friends my best-buys at ‘De Bijenkorf’. In Singapore, I could go to ‘Tangs’ and Harry’s,<br />

but it will still not be the same.<br />

More surprising actually is on questioning the local Singaporeans about their ‘Christmas feeling’, it<br />

turns out they just don’t celebrate Christmas at all. Apart from in the normal way that Singaporeans<br />

celebrate… by hitting the shops. Well, apparently I am not the only one that feels awkward shopping<br />

with “Jingle Bells” on the background and facing human-snowmen in the streets <strong>of</strong> Singapore.<br />

Maybe it is just a matter <strong>of</strong> time, because the more Christmas trees that are rising in the streets<br />

and malls, the more familiar I become with ‘I am dreaming <strong>of</strong> a white Christmas’. So although a little<br />

biased, I did my best to collect one <strong>of</strong> the best Christmas impressions in Singapore together with the<br />

Christmas highlights <strong>2008</strong>.<br />

I wish you all a tropical and a Merry Christmas!<br />

Big tree at Orchard Road<br />

Christmas Highlights <strong>2008</strong><br />

From 15 Nov 08 to 2 Jan 09<br />

• 5km <strong>of</strong> fairy lights from Orchard Road to Marina Bay<br />

• 19-25 Dec 08: caroling, shows, Christmas floats, Christmas charity.<br />

• Grand Concert on 25 Dec 08<br />

Big tree at Ngee Ann City<br />

Shopping Mall<br />

Street decoration at Orchard Road<br />

One <strong>of</strong> the four trees near<br />

Suntec City<br />

15<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


Singapore<br />

The Appearance <strong>of</strong> <strong>2008</strong>: An overview<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>Dutch</strong> highlights in Singapore<br />

By Anouk Binkhuysen<br />

Facts & Figures<br />

Trade relations between The Netherlands and Singapore have been very successful over the years.<br />

Between 2000 and 2007, with increasing trade promotional efforts to help <strong>Dutch</strong> companies to export<br />

more to Singapore, there was an increase <strong>of</strong> 93% in <strong>Dutch</strong> exports. In 2002, <strong>Dutch</strong> exports to Singapore<br />

totalled $ 2.2 billion, in 2007 this amounted $ 4.4 billion. Total trade hit $ 13 billion in 2007, compared<br />

to $ 9.3 billion in 2000.<br />

The Netherlands is the top 3 foreign investor in Singapore for the past decade and the largest <strong>of</strong> the<br />

EU. There are close to 300 <strong>Dutch</strong> companies operating in Singapore ranging from the MNCs to smaller<br />

engineering and technical companies in niche sectors.<br />

The total number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dutch</strong> residents in Singapore (including children) is estimated at 3.500 persons<br />

in <strong>2008</strong>.<br />

Netherlands Delegations Visits to Singapore <strong>2008</strong><br />

24-25 <strong>January</strong> Interactive and Digital Media Visitor Programme for Utrecht University<br />

and TNO<br />

19-22 February Netherlands Aerospace Group (NAG) delegation<br />

VIP Guest: Chief Commander <strong>Dutch</strong> Airforce Gen. De Jong<br />

9-10 March Visit <strong>of</strong> Minister Mr. E. van Middelkoop, Ministry <strong>of</strong> Defense<br />

26-28 March Holland Marine Equipment Group (HME) at the Asia Pacific Maritime trade<br />

show <strong>2008</strong><br />

15 – 16 April <strong>Dutch</strong> Booth at Biomedical Asia <strong>2008</strong><br />

19-20 May Netherlands Foreign Trade Minister Frank Heemskerk and the Deputy Mayor<br />

<strong>of</strong> Amsterdam, Lodewijk Asscher<br />

19-22 May Holland Marine Equipment Group (HME) delegation at the International Tug<br />

and Salvage <strong>2008</strong> Conference<br />

21 May Visit <strong>of</strong> Ms Karin Rancunet, Regional Director Asia NDL Company<br />

26-27 May Visit <strong>of</strong> Mr. Bernold Kemperink, Food Valley Wageningen<br />

23-26 June <strong>Dutch</strong> booth at Singapore International Water Week <strong>2008</strong>. Visit <strong>of</strong> Renee<br />

Bergkamp, DG Entreprise and Innovation, Ministry <strong>of</strong> Economic Affairs.<br />

7-10 September Visit <strong>of</strong> Minister Guusje ter Horst,<br />

Ministry <strong>of</strong> Interior and Kingdom relations<br />

16-18 September Director <strong>of</strong> Military Intelligence, Ministry <strong>of</strong> Defence<br />

16<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


Singapore<br />

31 October Official Opening <strong>of</strong> Marina Barrage<br />

19-22 November HKH Princess Laurentien der Nederlanden, WWF Pandaball<br />

26 November Booklaunch <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dutch</strong> Nobel Prize Winner Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Gerard ’t Ho<strong>of</strong>t in<br />

Singapore<br />

4 <strong>December</strong> Logistics Seminar<br />

5 <strong>December</strong> Food and Beverage Seminar<br />

Source: Embassy <strong>of</strong> the Kingdom <strong>of</strong> the Netherlands, Singapore<br />

The Embassy <strong>of</strong> the Kingdom <strong>of</strong> the Netherlands assisted the Organisation<br />

HOME with funding <strong>of</strong> the <strong>2008</strong>/<strong>2009</strong> budget.<br />

The Embassy <strong>of</strong> the Kingdom <strong>of</strong> the Netherlands assisted the Organisation HOME with funding <strong>of</strong> the<br />

<strong>2008</strong>/<strong>2009</strong> budget. From the Governments Human Rights Fund, €50.000 was allocated to HOME for their<br />

shelter and advocacy activities in favour <strong>of</strong> abused foreign workers in Singapore.<br />

HOME celebrated its 4 th anniversary this year. Together with the Embassy they launched a Friends-<strong>of</strong>-<br />

HOME group. With help <strong>of</strong> the friends -among them several Embassies and High Commissions, charities<br />

and private individuals- HOME will be able to secure a more stable position in society and tackle problems<br />

when and where they arise. The Netherlands Charity <strong>Association</strong> is also one <strong>of</strong> HOME’s sponsors and<br />

friends. In <strong>2008</strong> HOME improved the shelter for women, opened an IT training centre, regained its charity<br />

status and upgraded the shelter for men.<br />

Background <strong>of</strong> HOME<br />

In response to the growing concern over the plight <strong>of</strong> some foreign workers in Singapore, a civic movement<br />

known as TWC2 (The Working Committee 2) began to campaign against the abuse <strong>of</strong> foreign domestic<br />

workers. The public empathy generated created the conditions for the birth <strong>of</strong> H.O.M.E. in 2004.<br />

H.O.M.E. or the Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics was registered as a society<br />

under the Societies Act on 6 th September 2004 to respond to the special needs <strong>of</strong> foreign communities.<br />

The following year, the society was accepted as a member <strong>of</strong> NCSS and registered as a charity under<br />

the Charities Act <strong>of</strong> Singapore.<br />

Source: Embassy <strong>of</strong> the Kingdom <strong>of</strong> the Netherlands, Singapore, www.home.org.sp<br />

17<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


Singapore<br />

The influence <strong>of</strong> Mr Albert Winsemius on Singapore’s economy<br />

The <strong>Dutch</strong> economist Albert Winsemius (1910-1996) was Singapore’s long-time<br />

economic advisor from 1961-1984.<br />

He was the founding father <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Dutch</strong> post World-War-II reconstruction and<br />

industrialization programme and came to Singapore by invitation <strong>of</strong> the newly<br />

independent nation’s government to find out what opportunities the future would<br />

<strong>of</strong>fer to Singapore.<br />

In the spring <strong>of</strong> 1960, Dr Winsemius arrived in Singapore for the first time in his life.<br />

It was soon to become his second fatherland. He was the Head <strong>of</strong> the United Nations<br />

team to examine Singapore’s potential for industrialization. His first impressions were not<br />

hopeful, there were strikes and riots almost every day. At that time, Singapore had just<br />

attained self-government and was facing high-unemployment and growing population.<br />

Within a year Winsemius presented a 10-year development plan to transform Singapore<br />

from an entrepot trade port into a centre <strong>of</strong> manufacturing and industrialization.<br />

His first emphasis was on creating jobs and attracting foreign investment. Labour<br />

intensive industries were expanded. With his help, Singapore attracted big oil companies<br />

like Royal <strong>Dutch</strong> Shell and Esso to establish refineries here. Winsemius also kept Lee<br />

Kuan Yew –according to his memoires- from turning Sentosa into a military base or a<br />

refinery and managed to make Singapore turn it in the leisure island it is today.<br />

During his term as Chief Economic Advisor from 1961-1984, Dr. Winsemius worked closely<br />

with Lee Kuan Yew, Goh Keng Swee and later with Goh Chok Tong. He visited Singapore two or<br />

three times a year to review economic performance indicators and to discuss macro-economic<br />

strategy with government planners. In the 1970s, Singapore was upgrading its industrial capacity<br />

to use higher technological methods, including electronics. He personally went to persuade <strong>Dutch</strong><br />

electronics companies like Philips to set up production plants in Singapore. He also proposed that<br />

Singapore could be developed as a financial centre, as well as an international centre for air traffic<br />

and sea transport. Over the next twenty years, these predictions proved to be accurate.<br />

Winsemius also advised to build a large capacity container terminal in Singapore’s harbour. In<br />

the beginning it proved hard to convince Singapore harbour authorities, but soon after, Singapore<br />

had the first container terminal in the region modelled after Rotterdam. Today Singapore’s<br />

turnover in containers surpasses that <strong>of</strong> Holland.<br />

Dr. Winsemius retired as Singapore’s economic advisor in <strong>December</strong> 1983, at the age <strong>of</strong> 74.<br />

He died in The Netherlands on <strong>December</strong> 1996.<br />

Source: Embassy <strong>of</strong> the Kingdom <strong>of</strong> the Netherlands, Singapore<br />

Bizz Agenda<br />

Living Tomorrow <strong>2009</strong><br />

27 <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> - 04 <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong><br />

Singapore Expo, Hall 6A<br />

sales@premierservices.com.sg<br />

1 st Singapore Tattoo Show <strong>2009</strong><br />

09 <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong> - 11 <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong><br />

Singapore Expo, Hall 6B<br />

www.tattoo.com.sg<br />

Receive Divine Wealth Seminar<br />

11 <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong><br />

Suntec, 208-209 (Level 2)<br />

www.wayonnet.com<br />

The 4 th Congress <strong>of</strong> the International Society for<br />

Vascular Behavioural and Cognitive Disorders<br />

13-16 <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong><br />

Suntec<br />

www.vas-cog.org/vas-cog<strong>2009</strong><br />

18<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


Business<br />

The workspace <strong>of</strong>…<br />

By Sharon van de Veerdonk<br />

Fokko Leutscher<br />

What company do you work for, since<br />

when and what is your job?<br />

The company I work for is ASM International NV.<br />

ASM International has two divisions, Front End and<br />

Back End. As such ASMI designs and manufactures<br />

semiconductor equipment for both the front end<br />

as well as the back end process <strong>of</strong> chip making.<br />

In other words: Chip makers use ASMI equipment<br />

to manufacture chips.<br />

I joined ASMI in 2000. From 2000 to 2005 I<br />

was responsible for ASM Europe Logistics first and<br />

later for the full Operations scope for ASM Europe.<br />

Since 2006 I am General Manager for ASM Front End<br />

Manufacturing Singapore Pte Ltd, FEMS in short.<br />

FEMS was set up in 2004 with the strategic goals<br />

to streamline Front-End manufacturing costs and<br />

production flexibility by introducing the vertical<br />

integration concept in the Front-End Division <strong>of</strong><br />

ASM International. We are therefore continuously<br />

optimizing make/buy decisions both with respect<br />

to regions as well as in house make or outsource.<br />

FEMS employs around 250 people.<br />

Where is your <strong>of</strong>fice located?<br />

FEMS is located in Yishun, Industrial Park. Reason<br />

for setting up FEMS in this location was very<br />

obvious: ASM Technology Singapore (ATS in short,<br />

a company in the Back End division) was already<br />

located in this area. We were even so lucky that<br />

we could purchase the building next door to<br />

our sister company ATS, which helped a lot in a<br />

smooth start up <strong>of</strong> FEMS in 2004/2005.<br />

Cubicle or <strong>of</strong>fice?<br />

I have an <strong>of</strong>fice, which is just big enough to also<br />

have meetings and teleconferences. “Enough” is<br />

a key word if your company is a manufacturing<br />

company that is set up for cost streamlining.<br />

Although I like to do the good old “management<br />

by walking around”, I do need the <strong>of</strong>fice to have<br />

meetings, sometimes even with the door closed.<br />

What do you see through your window?<br />

Through my window I can see other companies<br />

that take part in the “real” economy. Companies<br />

in the Industrial Park area <strong>of</strong> Yishun are targeting<br />

to add value by “making” things. I find this very<br />

inspiring.<br />

What is your favorite lunch place?<br />

There is this basic c<strong>of</strong>fee shop around the corner<br />

<strong>of</strong> my <strong>of</strong>fice. I like this place, because they know<br />

me good enough to always provide me with a tissue<br />

and have my favorite fresh juice ready when I hit<br />

the fruits counter: red apple + melon; “sweet mix”<br />

they named it.<br />

Which ADB member’s workplace would<br />

you like to see next?<br />

Valentijn van Velthoven is happy to share his<br />

workplace with you next.<br />

19<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


SPECIAL<br />

Results survey ADB<br />

Graph 1<br />

Graph 2<br />

Graph 3<br />

Graph 4<br />

154 ADB members (40%) <strong>of</strong> the 394 members have responded to<br />

the ADB Magazine Survey and have answered the 38 questions.<br />

Of the respondents 122 are male (79%) and 32 are female (21%).<br />

The editorial committee is really content to have that many<br />

responses. We thank you all for your cooperation and we hope<br />

you like to read the results as much as we did.<br />

Background <strong>of</strong> the ADB members<br />

The majority <strong>of</strong> the ADB members is between 30 and 50 years old (44% is<br />

between 30 – 40 years and 34% is between 40 – 50 years), 11% is younger<br />

than 30 years and 11% is older than 50 years. 49% <strong>of</strong> them are here with<br />

partner and children (35% <strong>of</strong> this group has more than 1 child), 37% is<br />

with a partner and 14% is in Singapore without a partner.<br />

The majority <strong>of</strong> 72% is working for a company or government<br />

institution (50% has a local contract and 50% has an expat contract), 24%<br />

owns their own company. Among the respondents are 1 housewife and<br />

1 retiree. 3 persons are looking for a job. One third <strong>of</strong> the respondents<br />

are a member <strong>of</strong> the Hollandse Club. Other clubs joined by ADB members<br />

are: Prime Time, Tanglin Club, Cricket Club, Tower Club, American Club,<br />

and One15Marina.<br />

Most <strong>of</strong> the respondents live in Singapore between 2 – 5 years (graph<br />

1) and expect to live here another 2 – 5 years (graph 2).<br />

More than 50% lives in an apartment (graph 3). The most respondents<br />

live in the area <strong>of</strong> Holland Village (19%). There are no specific other area<br />

with such a high score. The CBD including China town, East Coast, West<br />

Coast, the Orchard area including River Valley, and the Bukit Timah area<br />

all amount around 10%. Only 2% <strong>of</strong> the respondents live in Little India<br />

and the Woodlands Area.<br />

Although the <strong>Dutch</strong> have almost 3 bicycles per person in the<br />

Netherlands, most <strong>of</strong> the ADB members don’t even have a bicycle in<br />

Singapore and if they do have a bicycle they barely use them (graph 4).<br />

The ADB<br />

More than 50% <strong>of</strong> the ADB members joined the ADB over the last two years<br />

and 8 respondents (5%) are a member for more than 10 years (graph 5).<br />

25% <strong>of</strong> the respondents have never attended an ADB activity and 71%<br />

attends more than 50% <strong>of</strong> the meetings (graph 6). It would be good to<br />

know why this 25% never comes to an activity. So if you belong to this<br />

group, please let us know what the reason is.<br />

That the <strong>Dutch</strong> like socializing and drinking becomes very clear when<br />

we look at what the most favourite ADB activity was in the past year;<br />

number 1 is the black tie dinner (38%), followed by the New Year drinks<br />

(19%) and the networking BBQ (13%).<br />

The ADB Magazine<br />

The magazine is well read; more than 37% reads every issue and 45%<br />

reads parts <strong>of</strong> it. Only 2 persons never reads it (see graph 7).<br />

20<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


SPECIAL<br />

Magazine <strong>2008</strong> By<br />

Frank Kuijsters<br />

We are happy to read that the magazine is being rated overall as<br />

‘good’; 2 persons find the magazine boring and 5 find it excellent<br />

(see graph 8). The top articles to read in the ADB magazine are:<br />

interviews with <strong>Dutch</strong> people in Singapore, company pr<strong>of</strong>iles, the<br />

column, reviews <strong>of</strong> ADB activities, business info and what is happening<br />

in Singapore. It is great to read that 38 respondents (28%) are willing to<br />

write an article for the magazine. We are really looking forward<br />

to their contribution, please contact the editorial committee at<br />

adb@pacific.net.sg.<br />

What products do we miss most?<br />

We miss our <strong>Dutch</strong> (old) cheese, drop, bread and broodbeleg (hagelslag,<br />

muisjes, pindakaas and filet American). Of the <strong>Dutch</strong> cookies we miss<br />

the stroopwafels, speculaas and ontbijtkoek. The Singaporeans like their<br />

fried food but we <strong>Dutch</strong> miss our real good and tasty <strong>Dutch</strong> bitterballen,<br />

the famous van Dobben kroketten, frikandellen or just a patatje oorlog.<br />

Of course the Hema rookworst and a broodje Shoarma were mentioned<br />

as well. The oer-Hollandse stamppot (andijvie, boerenkool or zuurkool)<br />

isn’t missed on the list either.<br />

What <strong>Dutch</strong> newspapers do we read?<br />

Regarding the <strong>Dutch</strong> newspapers the Telegraaf (including online) and<br />

the NRC (including NRC next, week, buitenland) are the most and<br />

equally read. We prefer the Financieele Dagblad (including online) to<br />

the Volkskrant. AD, Parool and Trouw are barely read. Regarding the<br />

<strong>Dutch</strong> magazines Elsevier is the most read magazine. Linda, Quote,<br />

FEM, HP de Tijd, Geen Stijl are the other magazines that are read by<br />

<strong>Dutch</strong> ADB members.<br />

Apart from newspapers we also look online at Nu.nl, Dft.nl and<br />

NOS.<br />

What do we dislike most <strong>of</strong> Singapore?<br />

There was a whole list <strong>of</strong> dislikes, but the top 3 <strong>of</strong> dislikes is:<br />

1. The weather, it is too humid and there are no seasons;<br />

2. The driving skills <strong>of</strong> Singaporeans including taxi drivers;<br />

3. The Singaporeans in general: they only focus on money, they lack<br />

elegance, they don’t have humour, they are hard to understand<br />

(Singlish) and finally, they are inflexible.<br />

What do we like most <strong>of</strong> Singapore?<br />

Just like with the dislikes we got also a whole list <strong>of</strong> answers, but mainly<br />

the following 4 were mentioned:<br />

1. The weather, good climate, temperature and clean air;<br />

2. Food, lots <strong>of</strong> different places and different types <strong>of</strong> food (cheap to<br />

expensive);<br />

3. That it is an excellent hub in the region, easy to travel to different<br />

beautiful places in the region;<br />

4. That it is safe, clean, well organised and green.<br />

Graph 5<br />

Graph 6<br />

Graph 7<br />

Graph 8<br />

21<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


SPECIAL<br />

Graph 9<br />

Graph 10<br />

Graph 11<br />

Graph 12<br />

How much do we travel and what is the top holiday<br />

destination?<br />

We <strong>Dutch</strong> travel a lot, either for business or pleasure. 76% visits the<br />

Netherlands 1-2 times a year for private reasons, 9% even more than 3<br />

times, and one person goes at least once a month (see graph 9).<br />

48% <strong>of</strong> the respondents don’t need to visit the Netherlands for<br />

business reasons and 48% travels 1-2 or even more times for business to<br />

the Netherlands (see graph 10).<br />

That we like Singapore as a hub for the region becomes clear from<br />

the figures on how many times ADB members go on short (see graph 11)<br />

and/or long holidays (see graph 12).<br />

30% <strong>of</strong> the respondents goes in between 3 - 4 times a year on a<br />

short holiday and 38% goes even more than 4 times a year. Only 3% (5<br />

persons) never goes on a short holiday in the region. If we look at the<br />

long holidays (>5 days) then we see that the majority <strong>of</strong> 44% is going<br />

on a long holiday 2 times a year, 13% does so even more than 2 times.<br />

For 1 person the whole year is a holiday!<br />

Bali in Indonesia is the most favourite holiday destination in the<br />

region (see graph 13). Other destinations in Indonesia that are mentioned<br />

are Bintan, Batam, Jakarta, Lombok and Sumatra. Thailand is the second<br />

most favourite, with Phuket highest on the list followed by Bangkok,<br />

Koh Samui and Khao Lak. For Malaysia many different destinations were<br />

mentioned: East coast, West coast, and the Highlands. No other Malaysian<br />

destinations were highly favoured.<br />

The other destinations (18%) that were mentioned are (in ranking<br />

order); Cambodia (Angkor Wat), Hong Kong, Phillipines, China, Japan,<br />

New Zealand, India, Maldives, Taiwan, Tibet, Myranmar, Laos, Sri Lanka,<br />

Fij, Bhutan and Papua New Guinee.<br />

Sinterklaas and Christmas<br />

Even though the Netherlands is far away and you don’t see Sinterklaas<br />

with his Pietermannen in the shops or walking on Orchard Road still 43%<br />

<strong>of</strong> the respondents celebrates Sinterklaas. Half <strong>of</strong> the respondents will<br />

have a Christmas tree this year, but not all will be here for Christmas.<br />

40% will celebrate Christmas in Singapore, 19% will be in the Netherlands,<br />

11% didn’t know at the moment they answered the question and the rest<br />

(33%) will be somewhere on the globe: Argentina, Australia, Denmark,<br />

Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, New Zealand, Phillipines, Switzerland, USA,<br />

Vietnam,..........<br />

What do we do in the weekends?<br />

Most <strong>of</strong> us like to hang around the house, being busy with the kids, do<br />

some sports and meet up with friends. Besides that 38% <strong>of</strong> the respondents<br />

work during the weekend. Only a small group (7 persons) does volunteer<br />

work (see graph 14).<br />

What are the favourite restaurants and bars?<br />

It was clear that everyone has their own favourite restaurant and bar<br />

as we got many different responses on this question. In the next issues<br />

<strong>of</strong> the ADB magazine we will highlight some <strong>of</strong> them.<br />

It wasn’t surprising that the most favourite bar for drinks after<br />

work is Harry’s at Boat Quay. Other mentioned bars are on Emerald<br />

Hill, Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay and Dempsey road. Furthermore<br />

specifically the following bars were mentioned; Lo<strong>of</strong>, The Postbar in<br />

the Fullerton Hotel, Indochine, Brewerkz, and Equinox. Late night,<br />

most respondents go to Attica, St. James Power station, Supperclub,<br />

22<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


SPECIAL<br />

Pump Room, Brix, the Screening Room or stay the whole evening<br />

at Harry’s.<br />

Regarding restaurants we have got a simular response. Most prefer<br />

breakfast at home, if elsewhere then it would be at Epicurious, Simply<br />

Bread, Ps Cafe, Toast Box, Fullerton, Starbucks or Muddy Murphy’s East<br />

Coast Park. Beside these restaurants many others are mentioned. For<br />

lunch we got a whole list <strong>of</strong> different names that range from (specific)<br />

foodcourts, the regular c<strong>of</strong>fee places to expensive restaurants that<br />

<strong>of</strong>fer lunch buffets.<br />

For dinner there are some favourites: Flutes, Lido, Cliff, IndoChine,<br />

Jumbo, Chrystal Jade, Picotin and the various restaurants in Rochester<br />

Park. But not one really comes out as the most favourite.<br />

Graph 13<br />

Friends <strong>of</strong> ADB members<br />

Although the majority <strong>of</strong> 34% has a mixture <strong>of</strong> different nationalities<br />

among their friends, for 29% <strong>of</strong> the respondents the majority <strong>of</strong> their<br />

friends is <strong>Dutch</strong>. Only 8% have Asian friends, with Singaporeans as the<br />

major nationality (see graph 15).<br />

The worst experience <strong>of</strong> last year<br />

What were the worst experiences <strong>of</strong> last year? 15 respondents (20%)<br />

can’t recall a bad experience or didn’t have one in the past year. Most<br />

mentioned was the economic downfall with all its consequences; loss <strong>of</strong><br />

money, depreciation <strong>of</strong> the value <strong>of</strong> shares, people loosing their jobs or<br />

who are no longer certain <strong>of</strong> their job, and the difficulties people face in<br />

finding a new job. Another one was the increase <strong>of</strong> the rent which meant<br />

for several people that they had to move to a new place. Others faced the<br />

death <strong>of</strong> family members and/or friends, medical problems and illnesses<br />

or got divorced. Some had a car accident. One person mentioned the<br />

feeling just before his/her first bungy jump above Kawarau River in New<br />

Zealand. Also work-life balance, the stress calls during holidays, the long<br />

hours at work and the amount <strong>of</strong> traveling were mentioned.<br />

The best experience <strong>of</strong> last year<br />

And least what were the best experiences <strong>of</strong> last year?<br />

New borns or expecting a new family member (together 15%) were<br />

the biggest highlight in the past year. Another highlight was a holiday<br />

with family or friends (15%). The Formule1 race was a highlight for 10%<br />

<strong>of</strong> the respondents. Others won a big contract, set up their own business<br />

and got it working or their business grew beyond expectations. Meeting<br />

new people or having great friends is also mentioned several times. And<br />

finally, for some their highlight was arriving and settling in Singapore.<br />

Graph 14<br />

Graph 15<br />

Hopefully you enjoyed reading the results <strong>of</strong> the 38 questions <strong>of</strong> the<br />

ADB Magazine Survey <strong>2008</strong>. In short we can say that the 40% <strong>of</strong> the ADB<br />

members like to live in Singapore and still want to live here for several<br />

years. We all live in different areas <strong>of</strong> Singapore although more <strong>of</strong> us are<br />

living in the area <strong>of</strong> Holland Village. We like to travel a lot and in the<br />

region; we prefer to go to Bali. We visit the Netherlands quit frequently.<br />

The majority works for a company but still a lot <strong>of</strong> the members have set<br />

up their own business. We miss our <strong>Dutch</strong> cheese and dropjes. We have a<br />

hate love relation with the weather; we love the temperature and hate<br />

the humidity. Volunteer work is not really our thing. For drinks Harry’s<br />

bar is our favourite and for dinner we all have our own favourites.<br />

In next year issues <strong>of</strong> the ADB Magazine we will highlight different<br />

topics mentioned in the survey.<br />

23<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


Lifestyle<br />

The little match g rl By<br />

Richard Soemita<br />

IT was a very cold day and the start <strong>of</strong> the rainy<br />

season; it rained and it grew dark; it was the last<br />

evening <strong>of</strong> the year, New Year’s Eve. In the cold<br />

and the dark a poor little girl, with bare head and<br />

bare feet, was walking through the empty streets<br />

<strong>of</strong> Woodlands. It was close to midnight and all<br />

shopping malls were already closed. She lived in<br />

Johor Bahru and came to Singapore every day to<br />

sell her matches. Her dad told her that across the<br />

big bridge many rich people lived who would buy<br />

her matches for at least a Singapore dollar a box.<br />

When she left her own house she certainly had her<br />

plastic slippers on; but what could they do? They<br />

were very big slippers, and her mother who died<br />

when she was only a little baby had used them till<br />

then, so big were they and worn out. The little girl<br />

lost them as she slipped across the road, where<br />

two motorbikes were speeding by terribly fast.<br />

One slipper was not to be found again, and a boy<br />

ran away with the other. He said he could use it<br />

when he had children <strong>of</strong> his own.<br />

So now the little girl went with her little naked<br />

feet, which were quite red and blue <strong>of</strong> the cold.<br />

In an old Cold Storage plastic bag she carried a<br />

number <strong>of</strong> matches, and a bundle <strong>of</strong> them in her<br />

left hand. No one had bought anything <strong>of</strong> her all<br />

day due to the rain; no one had given her a dollar,<br />

not even a cent. Hungry and cold she went, and<br />

drew herself together, poor little thing! The rain<br />

fell on her long black hair, which curled prettily<br />

over her neck; but she did not think <strong>of</strong> that now.<br />

In all the shop windows lights were shining, and<br />

there was a glorious smell <strong>of</strong> roast goose out there<br />

in the street; it was no doubt New Year’s Eve. Yes,<br />

she thought <strong>of</strong> that!<br />

She decided to find a warm shelter at her<br />

favourite shopping mall, but the security guard<br />

had sent her away and threatened to call the<br />

police who would for sure lock her up. The last<br />

time she was stopped by the police who asked for<br />

her identity which she has not got. But when one<br />

<strong>of</strong> the police <strong>of</strong>ficers noticed that she was just a<br />

poor little hungry thing he let her go. But they<br />

first bought her some chicken rice at the nearby<br />

hawker centre which she ate in 2 minutes like<br />

there was no tomorrow. She walked around and in<br />

a corner formed by two houses, one <strong>of</strong> which was<br />

a little farther from the street than the other, she<br />

sat down and crept close. She had drawn up her<br />

little feet into her stepsister’s old skirt that was<br />

too long, but she was still colder, and she did not<br />

dare to go home, for she had sold no matches, and<br />

she had not a single cent; on top she was not too<br />

cold since she had a long sleeves blouse on that<br />

she got from an old <strong>Dutch</strong> lady that lived in the<br />

neighbourhood.<br />

Occasionally this lady would buy her some food<br />

and talked to her although she had no clue who<br />

this lady was saying most <strong>of</strong> the time. She had<br />

such a strange accent.<br />

Her father remarried soon after her mum died.<br />

The stepmother who moved in with 2 more elder<br />

children did not like the little girl and beated<br />

her regularly. She thought <strong>of</strong> the stepmother’s<br />

beating; and besides, it was cold at home, for they<br />

had nothing over them but a ro<strong>of</strong> through which<br />

the rain and wind whistled, though old newspapers<br />

and rags stopped the largest holes. The little girl<br />

was the only one who had to sleep on the cold<br />

floor, that was <strong>of</strong>ten wet, whilst the rest <strong>of</strong> the<br />

family all slept on mattresses.<br />

Her small hands were quite numb with the<br />

cold rain. Ah! a little match might do her good<br />

if she only dared draw one from the bundle, and<br />

strike it against the wall, and warm her fingers at<br />

it. She drew one out. R-r-atch! how it spluttered<br />

and burned! It was a warm bright flame, like a<br />

little candle, when she held her hands over it; it<br />

was a wonderful little light! It really seemed to<br />

the little girl as if she sat before a great polished<br />

stove, with bright brass feet and a brass cover.<br />

The fire burned so nicely; it warmed her so well,<br />

-- the little girl was just putting out her feet to<br />

warm these, too, -- when out went the flame; the<br />

stove was gone; -- she sat with only the end <strong>of</strong> the<br />

burned match in her hand.<br />

She struck another; it burned; it gave a light;<br />

and where it shone on the wall, the wall became<br />

thin like a veil, and she could see through it into<br />

the room where a table stood, spread with a<br />

white cloth and with china on it; and the roast<br />

goose smoked gloriously, stuffed with apples and<br />

24<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


Lifestyle<br />

dried plums. And what was still more splendid to<br />

behold, the goose hopped down from the dish, and<br />

waddled along the floor, with a knife and fork in<br />

its breast; he came straight to the little girl. Then<br />

the match went out, and only the thick, damp,<br />

cold wall was before her.<br />

She lighted another. Then she was sitting<br />

under a beautiful Christmas tree with red and<br />

blue ribbons, a huge golden star on the top and<br />

full <strong>of</strong> little lights; it was greater and finer than<br />

the one she had seen in the department store at<br />

her favourite shopping mall. Thousands <strong>of</strong> candles<br />

burned upon the green branches, and colored<br />

pictures like those in the shop windows looked<br />

down upon her. The little girl stretched forth both<br />

hands toward them; then the match went out. The<br />

Christmas lights went higher and higher. She saw<br />

that now they were stars in the sky: one <strong>of</strong> them<br />

fell and made a long line <strong>of</strong> fire.<br />

“Now some one is dying,” said the little girl,<br />

for her old grandmother, the only person who had<br />

been good to her, but who was now dead, had said:<br />

“When a star falls a soul mounts up to God.”<br />

She rubbed another match against the wall; it<br />

became bright again, and in the light there stood<br />

the old grandmother clear and shining, mild and<br />

lovely.<br />

“Grandmother!” cried the child. “Oh, take<br />

me with you! I know you will go when the match<br />

is burned out. You will go away like the warm<br />

stove, the nice roast goose, and the great glorious<br />

Christmas tree!”<br />

And she hastily rubbed the whole bundle <strong>of</strong><br />

matches, for she wished to hold her grandmother<br />

fast. And the matches burned with such a glow<br />

that it became brighter than in the middle <strong>of</strong> the<br />

day; grandmother had never been so large or so<br />

beautiful. She took the little girl up in her arms,<br />

and both flew in the light and the joy so high, so<br />

high! and up there was no cold, nor hunger, nor<br />

care -- they were with God.<br />

But in the corner by the house sat the little<br />

girl, with red cheeks and smiling mouth, died <strong>of</strong><br />

sadness on the last evening <strong>of</strong> the Old Year. The<br />

New Year’s sun rose upon the little cold body, that<br />

sat there with the matches, <strong>of</strong> which one bundle<br />

was burned. She wanted to warm herself, the<br />

people said. No one knew what fine things she<br />

had seen, and in what glory she had gone in with<br />

her grandmother to the New Year’s Day. At the<br />

funeral there was only one person, the old <strong>Dutch</strong><br />

lady who cried like she had lost her own daughter.<br />

From that day onwards she laid little white flowers<br />

on that spot with a little white candle, every 31<br />

<strong>December</strong>.<br />

Voordeligste tarieven vanaf € 22,- per dag<br />

all-in<br />

Snelste Schiphol service • 24 uur per dag • Voordeligste all-in tarieven • Laagste eigen risico<br />

www.bblcarrental.nl<br />

bb&l_<strong>2008</strong>_ad_194x61.indd 2<br />

12/17/07 5:06:48 PM<br />

25<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


Lifestyle<br />

Escape the city life for one<br />

big chill: BALI By Anouk Binkhuysen<br />

Life is not easy as an expat-wife; settle down,<br />

presenting myself on the local recruit market,<br />

preparing job interviews, writing dozens <strong>of</strong> mails<br />

and letters to potential employers and getting<br />

along with my new Chinese neighbours. So, after<br />

nearly five months <strong>of</strong> living in my clean and safe<br />

new hometown Singapore, it was time for a breakaway!<br />

And although Singapore is a great place to<br />

live with everything smoothly organized, all its<br />

perfect facilities and good weather, after a while<br />

I became hungry for some ‘real Asia’; bargaining<br />

for souvenirs, food stalls at every corner <strong>of</strong> the<br />

street, crowded chaotic places, peaceful white<br />

sandy beaches and lots <strong>of</strong> cold beers in laidback<br />

bamboo bars. So I headed for a week Bali, which<br />

also appears one <strong>of</strong> the most favourite getawaydestination<br />

according the majority <strong>of</strong> the ADBmembers.<br />

Here is my journey in a nutshell to a<br />

beautiful island with magnificent places and lovely<br />

people. And for those who are still planning to go,<br />

do not hesitate anymore. For those who plan to go<br />

back again; join the club!<br />

Day 1 and 2: SANUR<br />

We (my sister and I) had a late flight from Singapore,<br />

so we arrived after midnight in Denpasar. With no<br />

definite plan for the week, however we had booked<br />

our first night over the internet with some help<br />

from the latest Mr. LP (Lonely Planet). Although<br />

our internet reservation had never arrived at<br />

the Stana Puri Gopa Hotel, fortunately there was<br />

still one room left for two girls from Holland; the<br />

‘Deluxe Suite’.<br />

The next morning we discovered that we had<br />

made a good choice; we woke up and found out<br />

that all the rooms are built in little traditional<br />

Balinese houses surrounded by a beautiful garden<br />

and a very nice pool. We decided to stay another<br />

day and we went straight for our first traditional<br />

Balinese massage on the beach!<br />

Day 3: Nusa LEMBONGAN<br />

Sanur is a nice place to hang-out for a couple <strong>of</strong> days<br />

but we came to Bali to see something <strong>of</strong> the island<br />

and its underwater world, so time to move on. It<br />

is very easy to visit Nusa Lembongan by speedboat<br />

from Sanur, so we booked a daytrip to Lembongan<br />

and decided to stay there overnight in one <strong>of</strong> the<br />

beach houses at ‘Dreambeach’.<br />

After 40 minutes, we embarked <strong>of</strong>f Lembongan<br />

beach and for the first time since my arrival here<br />

in Asia, I felt like being on the other side <strong>of</strong> the<br />

world. Apart from some surf tourists and the 7000<br />

locals that live from the production <strong>of</strong> seawead,<br />

the island is very quiet and pure. For me and my<br />

sister, reading books and some good afternoon naps<br />

would be our main time-spending here.<br />

Apart from the beaches and some good diving<br />

and snorkeling sites, the island is definitely worth<br />

a tour. We visited a mangrove and some traditional<br />

villages and driving around the island gives you<br />

a good impression how the locals live and work.<br />

After being semi-fried in the open pick-up truck<br />

during the morning, we could fortunately spend<br />

the afternoon in the water for some nice snorkeling<br />

near the island to spot thousands <strong>of</strong> tropical fish<br />

and colourful coral.<br />

Day 4 and 5: UBUD<br />

We departed early in the morning from our bounty<br />

island to go to our next destination; Ubud. I was<br />

recommended by lots <strong>of</strong> friends that had been to<br />

Bali before definitely to go here and to hang out at<br />

this place for a couple <strong>of</strong> days. Besides the beautiful<br />

paddy fields and countryside, Ubud is supposed to<br />

be Bali’s spiritual heart but also a great place to<br />

shop for silver and handicraft souvenirs.<br />

When we took the taxi from Sanur to Ubud,<br />

it surprised me how easy it is to drive from one<br />

place to another in Bali. The island is relatively<br />

small and after one-and-a-half hour we arrived in<br />

Ubud. The vibes in Ubud are definitely different<br />

compared to the beach places. However visited<br />

by many tourists, the atmosphere is laid back and<br />

with an utter choice <strong>of</strong> luxurious spa-hotels as<br />

well as low- and mid-priced guesthouses that <strong>of</strong>fer<br />

cooking-classes and Balinese belly dance lessons,<br />

Ubud is a favourite destination for travellers with<br />

small and big budgets.<br />

The owner <strong>of</strong> our guesthouse immediately<br />

recommended us to go for an ‘Eco and Educational<br />

cycling tour’. As we were planning to visit some <strong>of</strong><br />

rural Bali in Ubud and curious what to expect, we<br />

signed up for the tour.<br />

After a relaxed first day in Ubud, we were<br />

picked up the next morning at our hotel for the<br />

cycling tour. With a small group <strong>of</strong> 7 persons, we<br />

drove to Mount Batur (north <strong>of</strong> Bali) and cycled for<br />

approximately 40 kilometers back to Ubud through<br />

the countryside. The focus <strong>of</strong> this tour is to learn<br />

more <strong>of</strong> traditional Balinese (culinary) life and<br />

nature. Our local tour guide brought us to local<br />

villages, the paddy fields, a traditional Balinese<br />

26<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


plantation and we ate a traditional Balinese feast<br />

for lunch. However I could not walk the stairs for<br />

a day because <strong>of</strong> the pain in my legs <strong>of</strong> cycling, it<br />

was definitely worth doing!<br />

Day 6 and 7: LOVINA<br />

From central Bali, we headed to the north <strong>of</strong> the<br />

island to Lovina, a recommended place to spot<br />

dolphins and to dive.<br />

Lovina appears to be very ‘<strong>Dutch</strong>’ according<br />

to the locals. A lot <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dutch</strong> tourists spend their<br />

holidays here, because it is not as crowded as<br />

places like Kuta or Seminyak. However it was hard<br />

to imagine what this place looks like in high season<br />

as Lovina is completely deserted in November, it<br />

looked more like a ghost-town now. Fortunately we<br />

had travelled to this place with a Swiss/ Austrian<br />

couple we had met on our cycling tour in Ubud, so<br />

we were at least four in town! Despite the dolphin<br />

watching that was not as spectacular as expected,<br />

we had a great time enjoying the beaches, drinking<br />

happy hour beers and have nice chats with the<br />

locals in Lovina.<br />

From Lovina, back to Denpasar by taxi to take<br />

a late flight back to Singapore on Sunday evening,<br />

I was slowly getting ready for the city life again... I<br />

have to admit that this week was a great experience<br />

to me and I was happy that Bali had brought me a<br />

little bit closer to my original Indonesian roots too.<br />

How I love Bali and the Indonesians and how I love<br />

to come back again!<br />

Good places to stay and travel tips:<br />

Place Address Comments<br />

Sanur<br />

Lembongan<br />

Ubud<br />

Stana Puri Gopa Hotel<br />

www.purigopabali.com<br />

Lembongan Reef Bungalow<br />

www.balilembonganscuba.com<br />

Bali Eco and educational<br />

cycling tour<br />

Nice spacious air-conditioned bungalow rooms<br />

in traditional Balinese style. Price for a double<br />

bedroom: USD 55 per night, including breakfast<br />

Huge bungalow rooms, nicely decorated<br />

with own private balcony with sea view.<br />

Air-conditioned. Price for a double bedroom:<br />

USD 40 per night, including breakfast<br />

Booking through your hotel or directly contact<br />

PT. Bali Budaya Tours, tel.: +81 337 420 420<br />

Price per adult Rp. 360.000/ child Rp. 250.000<br />

27<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


Lifestyle<br />

Festive restaurants<br />

With Christmas approaching that one question which<br />

is asked every year, comes up again: “Where and<br />

what shall we eat on this special day?”<br />

In this article I would like to share some ideas<br />

and suggestions for this year’s Christmas brunch or<br />

dinner. At least for those who will spend the holidays<br />

in Singapore since many <strong>of</strong> you have travel plans<br />

either here in the region or overseas.<br />

When thinking about which restaurants I would<br />

like to write about I was immediately confronted<br />

with a dilemma. Which restaurants shall I mention<br />

and why? Dear reader, I warn you up forehand, this<br />

is going to be a very subjective article. I can only<br />

write based on my personal experiences, which may<br />

or may not match with your preferences and taste.<br />

In a place like Singapore, choosing a restaurant<br />

and type <strong>of</strong> food for ‘normal’ lunch or dinner is<br />

already a difficult decision for most <strong>of</strong> us so I can<br />

imagine selecting a place for a special occasion like<br />

Christmas is even worse. Anyway, I will give it a try<br />

and provide a personal review <strong>of</strong> 4 restaurants (in<br />

no particular order) and hope it will help you making<br />

your Christmas dining decision for <strong>2008</strong>.<br />

For those not in Singapore this holiday season,<br />

the restaurants mentioned are suited to celebrate<br />

any special occasion or even if there is no particular<br />

reason and you just want to escape the ‘regular’<br />

hawker foods which are <strong>of</strong>fered in excess everywhere<br />

on the island.<br />

If you want to have a special experience,<br />

culinary and in ambiance and budget is <strong>of</strong> less<br />

importance the place to be is Jaan on the 70 th floor<br />

<strong>of</strong> the Swissôtel The Stamford. (www.fairmont.<br />

com/singapore/GuestServices/Restaurants/Jaan.<br />

htm) Part <strong>of</strong> the Fairmont Group and located in<br />

the Equinox complex, Jaan is an intimate 60 seat<br />

French restaurant. You think selecting a restaurant<br />

for Christmas is difficult, wait until you see the<br />

menu <strong>of</strong> Jaan. If you’re in for a real treat, ask sous<br />

chef Michael Muller to decide for you and surprise<br />

you with some <strong>of</strong> his great creations. Just inform<br />

him how many courses you like and if there are any<br />

ingredients you don’t like. Ask to combine each<br />

course with a nice wine and sit back, relax and<br />

enjoy the magnificent views <strong>of</strong> Singapore. Actually<br />

being located higher then the Singapore Flyer the<br />

views <strong>of</strong> the city and the harbour are awesome.<br />

The service is what you can expect from a high-end<br />

place like Jaan, very pr<strong>of</strong>essional and hospitable.<br />

For those who dine regularly at one <strong>of</strong> the<br />

restaurants <strong>of</strong> the Fairmont Group and looking for<br />

a discount, you might want to consider purchasing<br />

the “Feed at Raffles” card. With this card you will<br />

enjoy considerable discounts for unlimited visits to<br />

restaurants at Raffles Hotel, Fairmont Singapore,<br />

Swissôtel The Stamford, Equinox Complex at Raffles<br />

City and the Swissôtel Merchant Court. Please<br />

note that conditions apply and on certain days <strong>of</strong><br />

the year (mostly public holidays) the card cannot<br />

be used. Unfortunately Christmas day, including<br />

Christmas Eve, is one <strong>of</strong> them but this should not<br />

stop you to experience Jaan. For all details and<br />

perks <strong>of</strong> the “Feed at Raffles” card please check<br />

the Internet: www.hospitalityclubs.com/Raffles_<br />

Plaza_Singapore/<br />

Menu suggestion at Jaan: ask for the “snickers”<br />

ice cream for desert!<br />

Another great place to celebrate special<br />

occasions is Senso Ristorante & Bar located at 21<br />

Club Street in the heart <strong>of</strong> Chinatown. If you are<br />

in the mood for an authentic Italian fine dining<br />

experience in a colonial style ambiance, this is the<br />

place to be. Senso is located in a former convent<br />

and if you don’t mind dining ‘al fresco’, booking<br />

a table in the courtyard will further enhance your<br />

experience. Senso also does a great Sunday brunch.<br />

A buffet containing a wide range <strong>of</strong> delicious Italian<br />

dishes at S$78++ inclusive free flow <strong>of</strong> Prosecco is<br />

quite a good deal. For more information please go<br />

to: www.senso.com.sg<br />

Menu suggestion: Senso serves quite a good<br />

carpaccio classico.<br />

28<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


Lifestyle<br />

in SingaporeBy Dennis van der Meijs<br />

My third suggestion would be Picotin Bar<br />

Bistro Epicerie located at 100 Turf Club Road.<br />

This European style bistro in the newly revamped<br />

Horse City in Bukit Timah opened its doors in<br />

<strong>December</strong> 2007. Picotin <strong>of</strong>fers European cuisine.<br />

The hosts Sebastien Reullier (French national) and<br />

Jacky Stevens (<strong>Dutch</strong> national) will ensure your<br />

experience will be memorable and you want to<br />

return. Although Picotin has been around for less<br />

than one year it is already quite popular for drinks,<br />

lunches and dinners. Because the restaurant<br />

is very child friendly, many families enjoy the<br />

informal atmosphere and surroundings especially<br />

during weekends and public holidays. Also part<br />

<strong>of</strong> the premises is the Picotin Shop <strong>of</strong>fering a<br />

wide variety <strong>of</strong> take away items ranging from<br />

fresh home made breads to caviar, sauces and<br />

condiments. For more information please go to:<br />

www.picotin.com.sg<br />

Menu suggestion: Picotin <strong>of</strong>fers great wood fire<br />

pizza’s (maybe the best pizza in Singapore!)<br />

My last suggestion is Flutes at the Ford<br />

located at Fort Canning Park, 21 Lewin Terrace,<br />

Fort Canning, (www.flutesatthefort.com.sg). This<br />

Australian restaurant is housed in the former Fire<br />

Chief’s colonial black and white residence in Fort<br />

Canning’s Gardens, which was built in 1908. Since<br />

the restaurant is located on a small hill, note<br />

you have to take quite a steep staircase before<br />

reaching the restaurant but I guarantee you the<br />

views from the balcony are definitely worth every<br />

effort. If you don’t mind the humidity, recommend<br />

you reserve a table outside on the balcony and<br />

fully experience the tropical surroundings. Also<br />

be aware that after dinner you have to come<br />

down the same stairs again which might be a little<br />

bit <strong>of</strong> a challenge after seeing Flute’s extensive<br />

wine list. The menu consists <strong>of</strong> modern dishes<br />

containing fresh seasonal ingredients.<br />

Menu suggestion at Flutes: the grilled prawn<br />

and squid salad is very good.<br />

These are only 4 great places to consider for<br />

the festive season. There are many more and<br />

this listing certainly does not do any right to<br />

Singapore’s reputation <strong>of</strong> ‘capitol <strong>of</strong> food’. Since<br />

great places come and go and many <strong>of</strong> us are<br />

always on the look for new experiences. Luckily<br />

the survey gave us a whole list <strong>of</strong> restaurants for<br />

breakfast, lunch and dinner. In future issues <strong>of</strong> our<br />

ADB magazine, we will share the recommendations<br />

with the other ADB members.<br />

On a closing note for now and regardless where<br />

you celebrate Christmas this year: Merry Christmas<br />

and Bon Appétit!<br />

29<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


Conference Calendar<br />

A selection <strong>of</strong> upcoming conferences in the region in <strong>January</strong>/February:<br />

Brand and Product Management in<br />

FMCG companies<br />

7-8 <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>, Kuala Lumpur<br />

General Office Skills for Clericals and<br />

Admin Staff<br />

11-12 February <strong>2009</strong>, Damansara Perdana<br />

Search Engine Marketing Conference<br />

12-13 <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>, Singapore<br />

World LNG Finance Summit <strong>2009</strong><br />

18-21 <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>, Dubai<br />

Anti-Corruption Asia Congress <strong>2009</strong><br />

19-21 <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>, Hong Kong<br />

Indonesian Telecoms International<br />

Summit<br />

19-21 <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>, Jakarta<br />

The Fundamentals <strong>of</strong> Natural Gas<br />

22-23 <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>, Singapore<br />

Middle East Energy Security Forum<br />

2-4 February <strong>2009</strong>, Dubai<br />

9 th Annual Insolvency Practice<br />

Symposium<br />

5-6 February <strong>2009</strong>, Melbourne<br />

Contract Selection & Risk for Major<br />

Projects<br />

9-11 February <strong>2009</strong>, Sydney<br />

China Competition Reform<br />

12-13 February <strong>2009</strong>, Beijing<br />

Pricing Strategies for Telecoms<br />

12-13 February <strong>2009</strong>, Bangkok<br />

Marketing to Young Pr<strong>of</strong>essionals<br />

16-17 February <strong>2009</strong>, Singapore<br />

Western Australia Power & Gas <strong>2009</strong><br />

17-19 February <strong>2009</strong>, Perth<br />

Retail Space Asia <strong>2009</strong><br />

17-19 February <strong>2009</strong>, Shanghai<br />

Complex Project Management<br />

23-26 February <strong>2009</strong>, Sydney<br />

Indexing & ETF Investments Asia <strong>2009</strong><br />

24-25 February <strong>2009</strong>, Singapore<br />

Anti-Monopoly & Competition Law Forum<br />

24-26 February <strong>2009</strong>, Hong Kong<br />

The Second Annual Global Learning<br />

Summit<br />

24-27 February <strong>2009</strong>, Singapore<br />

Log on to www.conferencebay.com for more information on these and many other events.<br />

And remember, you can make a bid and decide the price you’re willing to pay for any <strong>of</strong> the<br />

conferences listed on Conference Bay!<br />

30<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


Column By…<br />

Yet another weekend<br />

Richard Soemita<br />

Most <strong>of</strong> you who have been in Singapore for over a<br />

year will notice that there will come a time when<br />

you think ‘what the hell will I do this weekend?’.<br />

Of course this is not the case when you have a<br />

family (especially with kids), have lots and lots <strong>of</strong> ‘real<br />

friends’ (expats, not locals) and are as pathetic like the locals<br />

that shop all the time as soon as they have a spare minute.<br />

I’m talking about a single guy (+ daughter) like me or even<br />

young couples that wanna do more than enjoying the great<br />

Singapore culture. Ehhh, shopping or working that is!<br />

During the first few months you explore the club scene<br />

and all the bars. Apart from spending half your salary on a<br />

good night out (drinks are so expensive!) you will find out<br />

very soon that the club scene is not that fantastic here. They<br />

are either too crowded, too young, too many prostitutes<br />

(who do a good job in disguising themselves, pretending<br />

they are locals on a night out), bands playing the same songs<br />

in the exact same order, too dark so you get scared to be<br />

groped by a ladyboy or it is freezing so hard that even the<br />

wildest techno music will not make you sweat. With regards<br />

to bars I have not found my ‘local’ yet apart from one bar<br />

that I go to with colleagues since this one is 10 steps away<br />

from the <strong>of</strong>fice and one does not want to waste valuable<br />

‘beer time’. Harry’s on Boat Quay is <strong>of</strong> course so-so, that is<br />

if you do not want to bump into the <strong>Dutch</strong> colony. There are<br />

a few nice ro<strong>of</strong>top bars and Holland Village does have a bit<br />

<strong>of</strong> the European atmosphere mostly created by 99% <strong>of</strong> white<br />

folks walking around and their kids terrorising the blocked<br />

<strong>of</strong>f street with their scooters or skateboards. Basically it<br />

is the locals that I blame for the dull atmosphere. Did you<br />

ever wonder why you never come across ‘strange characters’<br />

(type <strong>of</strong> village idiot you come across in Amsterdam in every<br />

neighbourhood) or groups <strong>of</strong> boys celebrating a stag night?<br />

In Amsterdam I come across idiots on a daily basis, so bad<br />

that when you meet someone ‘normal’ you think that he is<br />

the idiot! What I’m saying here is that if the locals act a bit<br />

more like idiots and stop worrying about losing face, life would<br />

be a lot more fun on this island!<br />

Once you have done all the clubs and bars, including<br />

Orchard Towers, one will start exploring Asia. Bali, Bangkok,<br />

Ho Chi Min, Hong Kong, Hanoi, Siem Reap etc. Most <strong>of</strong> us have<br />

seen all these places in the first 3 months. You can always tell<br />

if someone has been a bit longer here in Singapore when they<br />

say that they are <strong>of</strong>f for a long weekend to Wellington, Bombay<br />

or Sydney. My <strong>Dutch</strong> friend, just hops over to California and<br />

hardly knows where Amsterdam is, but that happens when you<br />

are in Singapore for donks!<br />

Even artists avoid Singapore except if you are Paul Anka,<br />

The Osmond Family, Jose Feliciano or Rick Ashley. Perhaps<br />

they want to see Singapore a last time before they pop <strong>of</strong>f,<br />

since I thought that most <strong>of</strong> them were already dead! I will not<br />

mention the exorbitant ticket price you have to pay too, you<br />

should be paid when going to Paul Anka’s funeral…ehh concert!<br />

Then again would you go to Paul or Tsai Chin?<br />

Have you ever been to a concert here and wondered if<br />

people are really listening carefully or if everyone has fallen<br />

asleep? Everyone here sits very docile on their seat and<br />

you never hear the occasional ‘yeah’ or ‘right on’ from the<br />

audience. The last time I shouted ‘oooh yeah!’ in the Esplanade<br />

everyone in front <strong>of</strong> me, including the first and second rings<br />

turned around and looked at me like I should be locked up for<br />

20 years. Last year I saw this Japanese band in Paradiso and<br />

The Melkweg called the Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra. This<br />

band has 11 members and one cannot sit still when one sees<br />

their amazing performance. I therefore had serious question<br />

marks why this band would visit the Esplanade. Where would<br />

we dance and could we burn down the ro<strong>of</strong>? This band already<br />

exists for many years and has a huge Japanese support. This<br />

was noticeable during the concert and as soon as the first tune<br />

was blasted into the crowd everyone jumped up and stormed<br />

to the front: all Japanese, the angmohs and me! But within<br />

seconds a large army <strong>of</strong> security guards controlled the group<br />

and we were all summoned to go back to our seats. Dancing<br />

was allowed in front <strong>of</strong> your seat, but only there. You could<br />

spot all the locals immediately who refused to stand up and<br />

remain seated.<br />

It therefore is quite clear that everyone without realizing,<br />

flees the island. As far as great art exhibitions go we can forget<br />

these since only a handful people will visit these. On my last<br />

visit to the Historical museum I noticed that most <strong>of</strong> the space<br />

was taken up by this bar and restaurant and the museum part<br />

kind <strong>of</strong> looked pretty empty.<br />

I also wonder how much entertainment the new IR<br />

Project will provide. Not sure if Europeans are waiting for<br />

more canto-pop discos and a casino which probably will only<br />

attract mainland Chinese and other gamble-crazy Asians.<br />

Looks like I will continue my long weekends in Amsterdam or<br />

‘relax’ on Sundays at East Coast Park where most <strong>of</strong> the island<br />

hangs around on a strip slightly wider than and as long as the<br />

Kalverstraat. Try to find a quiet spot!<br />

31<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


Event Agenda<br />

A Jazzy Christmas,<br />

Noel Samba<br />

Bassa Nova<br />

DATE<br />

VENUE<br />

: Saturday 20 <strong>December</strong>, 7:30 PM<br />

: Esplanade Concert Hall<br />

DURATION : approximately 1 hours and 30 minutes<br />

TICKET PRICE (EXCLUDE BOOKING FEE):<br />

Standard - S$80, S$60, S$40, S$20 (Restricted View)<br />

Synopsis:<br />

A Jazzy Christmas - Noel Samba Bossa Nova by Jeremy<br />

Monteiro, Toots Thielemans, Two for Brazil - Paulinho<br />

Garcia, Greg Fishman, Grazyna Auguscik, Shawn Kelley,<br />

Bart De Nolf and Mohamed Noor Singapore, Belgium,<br />

Poland, USA and Brazil.<br />

Come celebrate the yuletide season with Brazilian<br />

panache! This samba and bossa nova concert, produced<br />

by Asia’s foremost jazz pianist and Singapore’s “King<br />

<strong>of</strong> Swing” Jeremy Monteiro, brings together a stellar<br />

gathering <strong>of</strong> internationally acclaimed musical talents<br />

from Singapore and around the world in one big party <strong>of</strong><br />

great artistry, fantastic music and good vibes!<br />

Jeremy Monteiro, a Cultural Medallion winner<br />

(pianist, vocalist, composer, jazz educator) has won<br />

critical acclaim in many parts <strong>of</strong> the world (allaboutjazz.<br />

com). With more than 20 albums, his latest Homecoming<br />

features all original tunes. He has collaborated with<br />

jazz luminaries such as Toots Thielemans, James Moody,<br />

Michael Brecker, Cassandra Wilson, Ernie Watts and<br />

Charlie Haden. During his last concert with Toots five<br />

years ago, Toots was so exhilarated with making music<br />

with Monteiro that he exclaimed “Jeremy…what a<br />

revelation!”<br />

Toots Thielemans is the undisputed master <strong>of</strong> the<br />

harmonica, a natural talent in his field who learnt his craft<br />

on the job. Now at an age <strong>of</strong> 86, his harmonica playing is<br />

still unrivaled, captivating audiences worldwide with his<br />

playing “in that little space between a smile and a tear.”<br />

Two for Brazil is Brazilian-born Paulinho Garcia on the<br />

guitar and vocals and Chicago native Greg Fishman on the<br />

saxophone and flute. With a shared passion for Brazilian<br />

music, the two have received countless rave reviews for<br />

their tender, beautiful recordings and performances.<br />

Polish-American singer, composer, arranger and<br />

producer and Jazz Forum Magazine’s “Best Jazz Vocalist”<br />

from 2002-2006, Grazyna Auguscik is hailed as “one <strong>of</strong><br />

the most intriguing vocalists on the jazz scene today”<br />

(allaboutjazz.com), delivering her own version <strong>of</strong> jazz<br />

with an otherworldly voice and a fearless, virtuosic<br />

style.<br />

Experience them live in concert together with gifted<br />

musicians Shawn Kelley (drums), Bart de Nolf (bass) and<br />

Mohamed Noor (percussion).<br />

Singapore Dance<br />

Theatre presents:<br />

The Nutcracker<br />

DATE : 12-20 <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong>, Friday-Saturday<br />

(12&13 <strong>December</strong>): 8 PM, Wednesday-<br />

Saturday (17 – 20 <strong>December</strong>): 8 PM.<br />

VENUE : Esplanade Theatre<br />

DURATION : Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes<br />

TICKET PRICE (EXCLUDE BOOKING FEE):<br />

Standard - S$138 (VIP Box), S$108, S$88, S$68, S$48<br />

SYNOPSIS:<br />

In this enchanting fairytale ballet that is set in a joyous<br />

Christmas’s eve occasion, The Nutcracker is a lighthearted<br />

tale <strong>of</strong> adventure and courage featuring Clara<br />

and her adventures after she receives a beautifullycrafted<br />

nutcracker doll from Dr Drosselmeyer.<br />

At the stroke <strong>of</strong> midnight, the Nutcracker doll comes<br />

alive and comes to her rescue when her room is invaded<br />

by an army <strong>of</strong> rats. The King Rat is defeated by the<br />

Nutcracker Doll, and The Nutcracker is transformed into<br />

a Prince. The Nutcracker Prince then treats Clara to a<br />

magical journey through the Kingdom <strong>of</strong> Sweets, where<br />

she is enchanted with sights <strong>of</strong> Spain, France, Istanbul,<br />

Russia, China and Holland and later greeted by the Snow<br />

Queen and the Sugar Plum Fairy.<br />

With an alternating cast <strong>of</strong> 200 dancers dressed<br />

in colourful costumes, fascinating projections, an<br />

animated backdrop and stage sets for the enthralling<br />

scenes <strong>of</strong> Land <strong>of</strong> Snow, Kingdom <strong>of</strong> Sweets, and more,<br />

this mega-production promises to be a spectacular<br />

Christmas treat for the entire family.<br />

Countdown to <strong>2009</strong><br />

at the New Year’s Eve Party<br />

at the Hollandse Club!<br />

Spend your last few hours <strong>of</strong> <strong>2008</strong> at the club in style!<br />

As the band plays, the bhangra dancers entertain and<br />

Kien the magic artist dazzles you with his skill, all you have<br />

to do is enjoy yourself.<br />

As <strong>2008</strong> turns to <strong>2009</strong>, the champagne will flow at<br />

every table as you toast your friends, family and colleagues.<br />

Each table seats 10, so invite your nearest and dearest<br />

to celebrate the start <strong>of</strong> a new year.<br />

Ticket price for members is $95 ($40 for the kids)<br />

and $110 for guests ($50 for the kids). Tickets for sale<br />

at reception Hollandse Club (6464 5225).<br />

32<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


Embassy Info<br />

Public holidays<br />

<strong>2008</strong>/<strong>2009</strong><br />

The Embassy <strong>of</strong> the Kingdom <strong>of</strong> the Netherlands will be closed on<br />

Monday 8 <strong>December</strong> (Hari Raya Haji)<br />

Thursday 25 <strong>December</strong> (Christmas Day)<br />

Friday 26 <strong>December</strong> (Boxing Day)<br />

Monday 29 <strong>December</strong> Tuesday 30 <strong>December</strong> Wednesday 31 <strong>December</strong><br />

Thursday 1 <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong> (New Year’s Day)<br />

Monday/Tuesday 26-27 <strong>January</strong> (Chinese New Year)<br />

Monday 22, Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 <strong>December</strong>, the Consular Section will<br />

operate from 9.00 hrs to 13.00 hrs. The other departments <strong>of</strong> the Embassy will be<br />

closed during this period.<br />

In case <strong>of</strong> an emergency, please contact the duty <strong>of</strong>ficer on HP: 9661 5704<br />

With respect to the closure <strong>of</strong> our financial year only cash payments can be accepted<br />

at the consular counter in the month <strong>of</strong> <strong>December</strong>. It will not be possible to use our<br />

credit card facility.<br />

Event Agenda<br />

Siloso Beach Party<br />

DATE<br />

VENUE<br />

: Wednesday 31 <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> at 8 PM<br />

: Sentosa, Siloso Beach<br />

DURATION : 10 hours <strong>of</strong> partying!<br />

TICKET PRICE (EXCLUDE BOOKING FEE):<br />

Standard - S$65 (Includes 2 free drinks & $20 worth <strong>of</strong><br />

food vouchers)<br />

Standard - S$35 (Includes 1 free drink)<br />

Price includes island and event admission, transportation<br />

via Sentosa Express and bus.<br />

SYNOPSIS:<br />

The Countdown Begins…<br />

10 Hours <strong>of</strong> Partying<br />

90,000 m 2 Party Sphere<br />

8 Thousand Revellers<br />

7 Million Foam Bubbles<br />

6 Hundred Dance hits<br />

5 Roving Entertainers<br />

4 International DJs<br />

3 Party Zones<br />

2 Local bands<br />

The ONE place to PARTY on New Year’s Eve!<br />

Asia’s Grooviest Beach Countdown Party - Siloso<br />

Beach Party at Sentosa – is turning up the heat<br />

this year with TWO stages, MORE DJ line-ups, our<br />

SIGNATURE foam pool and sandy dance floor! Shake<br />

those svelte bodies to pulsating music or groove to<br />

the jazzy beats at our new chill-out stage. Fuel up<br />

your energy tank with the array <strong>of</strong> food and drinks,<br />

as the fringe performances provide you with a visual<br />

feast. Party with international DJs; DJ Shy returning<br />

from the USA, DJ Don P (USA) and duo-DJs from Starz<br />

Angels (France) and your local spin doctors; DJ K<strong>of</strong>low,<br />

DJ Rough, DJ Gee! There are lots more entertainment<br />

to satisfy your appetite throughout the night – this is<br />

Asia’s Grooviest beach party you cannot miss!<br />

33<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


Business news<br />

Sources: Het Financieele Dagblad and Reuters<br />

Ex-finance minister<br />

to head Fortis,<br />

ABN Amro (new)<br />

Former finance minister Gerrit Zalm<br />

was appointed head <strong>of</strong> the banking<br />

combine Fortis-ABN Amro in a surprise<br />

announcement last month. “We have<br />

chosen to create one new, strong and<br />

vital bank,” said finance minister Wouter<br />

Bos at a press conference. This bank<br />

should remain in government hands<br />

until at least 2011, he added. The<br />

announcement put an end to the longrunning<br />

uncertainty over the fate <strong>of</strong> the<br />

two banks and their employees. ABN<br />

Amro and Fortis Bank Nederland were<br />

nationalised by the <strong>Dutch</strong> government<br />

in October, after the Fortis group lost<br />

the confidence <strong>of</strong> investors and clients.<br />

The Fortis group, which has since been<br />

dismantled, was one <strong>of</strong> the three-strong<br />

consortium which bought the ABN Amro<br />

group last year. Fortis had been trying to<br />

integrate ABN Amro’s Benelux arm into<br />

its own operations but this was difficult<br />

because <strong>of</strong> the culture clash between<br />

the two groups. The merger process was<br />

on hold when the government stepped<br />

in. Since the nationalisation, various<br />

scenarios have been suggested for the<br />

future <strong>of</strong> the two banks.<br />

Impeccable reputation<br />

One <strong>of</strong> the reasons suggested for keeping<br />

the banks separate was to save jobs in<br />

a time <strong>of</strong> economic downturn. Together,<br />

Fortis Nederland and ABN Amro employ<br />

about 30,000 people in the Netherlands<br />

and an estimated 7,800 <strong>of</strong> those jobs<br />

are expected to be cut when the<br />

banks are integrated. Nevertheless,<br />

Bos has now opted for a merger. And<br />

he has appointed his predecessor as<br />

finance minister, Gerrit Zalm as the<br />

new combine’s CEO. “We searched for<br />

people with an impeccable reputation<br />

and with knowledge <strong>of</strong> the banking<br />

sector. And we wanted a leader who can<br />

bring the [companies’] different cultures<br />

together, someone from outside the<br />

banks concerned,” Bos said.Gerrit Zalm<br />

is a member <strong>of</strong> the right-wing liberal<br />

party VVD and currently the financial<br />

director <strong>of</strong> the DSB bank. He will take<br />

over the helm <strong>of</strong> the integrated ABN Amro<br />

and Fortis bank “as soon as possible,”<br />

said Bos.Bos also announced that Hessel<br />

Lindenbergh, former executive <strong>of</strong> bank<br />

insurer ING, will become the chairman <strong>of</strong><br />

the supervisory board <strong>of</strong> the integrated<br />

Fortis Nederland-ABN Amro combine<br />

from <strong>January</strong> 1.<br />

Cannabis cafe mayors back current policy<br />

Most <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Dutch</strong> towns and cities with<br />

cafes that openly sell cannabis under<br />

licence are happy with the current policy<br />

<strong>of</strong> tolerating s<strong>of</strong>t drugs and even want the<br />

government to regulate the production<br />

and supply, according to two surveys.<br />

This, say the councils, would put an end to<br />

the current anomaly in the system which<br />

turns an <strong>of</strong>ficial blind eye to the sale and<br />

consumption <strong>of</strong> cannabis but bans the<br />

large-scale cultivation <strong>of</strong> marijuana plants<br />

and the wholesale trade.<br />

Legalisation<br />

Both surveys asked the mayors <strong>of</strong> towns<br />

with c<strong>of</strong>fee shops, for their views on<br />

the country’s policy <strong>of</strong> tolerating s<strong>of</strong>t<br />

drugs sales. The outcome is in marked<br />

contrast to calls at a national level for<br />

a more restrictive policy by the national<br />

government. In total, c<strong>of</strong>fee shops were<br />

identified in 109 different local authority<br />

<strong>Dutch</strong> €1.3bn loan to Iceland agreed<br />

areas and 88 mayors took part in the<br />

telephone survey. Of these 54 said they<br />

were in favour <strong>of</strong> legalising the entire s<strong>of</strong>t<br />

drug supply chain including the mayors<br />

<strong>of</strong> Amsterdam, Maastricht, Haarlem and<br />

Hilversum.<br />

Another 25 said were satisfied with<br />

the existing situation and 9 said they<br />

would like c<strong>of</strong>fee shops to be banned<br />

altogether.<br />

Few want a ban<br />

Of the 70 or so local councils that responded<br />

to the questionnaire, over 75% said they<br />

want the national government to regulate<br />

the supply <strong>of</strong> cannabis to c<strong>of</strong>fee shops and<br />

14 want them closed down. The number<br />

<strong>of</strong> cafes where cannabis is sold fell from<br />

729 in 2005 to 702 last year, according to<br />

new statistics for the justice ministry. Nine<br />

years ago there were 846 so-called c<strong>of</strong>fee<br />

shops nationwide.<br />

The Netherlands has finalised a €1.3bn loan to the Icelandic government to enable<br />

it to pay back <strong>Dutch</strong> savers who put money into bankrupt internet bank Icesave. The<br />

loan is one <strong>of</strong> a package with a total value <strong>of</strong> €5bn which the Netherlands, Britain and<br />

Germany are extending to Iceland to compensate savers, the paper said. Icesave was<br />

active in all 3 countries. The ministry spokesman said the money would be enough to<br />

pay back <strong>Dutch</strong> savers but did not mention the position <strong>of</strong> local government loans.<br />

Some 22 local authorities have a combined €220m frozen in Icelandic banks. Iceland<br />

is responsible for the first €20,887 <strong>of</strong> savings held by private individuals with the<br />

<strong>Dutch</strong> state paying the rest, up to a maximum <strong>of</strong> €100,000. Also the International<br />

Monetary Fund finalised a $2.1bn loan to Iceland to ‘restore confidence and stabilise<br />

the economy’. Scandinavian countries are to provide a further €2.5bn in loans. The<br />

Netherlands, Britain and Germany issued a joint statement saying they welcome a<br />

statement by Iceland in which it says it will honour its commitments to savers and<br />

had voted in favour <strong>of</strong> the IMF package.<br />

Parliament divided on short-time working<br />

Crisis talks on the troubled current financial climate in parliament saw political parties<br />

divided on the need to introduce shorter working hours as an emergency measure to<br />

avoid mass redundancies.Left-wing parties, including the Labour coalition partner, and<br />

the anti-immigration PVV are sympathetic to union calls for the introduction <strong>of</strong> shorttime<br />

working. But coalition parties Christian Democrats (CDA) and ChristenUnie, together<br />

with the right-wing liberals VVD and the D66 democrats, are against the move. Labour<br />

MP Jacques Tichelaar echoed party leader Wouter Bos, saying there is no need to panic.<br />

The Netherlands is still doing well in comparison with other countries, Tichelaar says.<br />

But Labour does think allowing healthy companies, which cannot get bridging loans,<br />

to cut workers hours should be considered. Workers would be compensated for the lost<br />

hours via the unemployment benefit fund.<br />

No hasty decision<br />

Short-time working allows companies hit by disaster to cut working hours for up to 6<br />

weeks, but does not cover long-term economic developments. Workers whose hours are<br />

cut then have 70% <strong>of</strong> their salary paid from the unemployment benefit fund. To date,<br />

35 companies have asked social affairs minister Piet Hein Donner to extend short-time<br />

working to cover the current economic situation. Both Donner and Bos want to avoid a<br />

situation where failing companies and bad management are propped up with tax-payers<br />

money. Donner also warned parliament not to make a hasty decision. He pointed out<br />

that ministers are still in talks with employers and trade unions and said the government<br />

will make its decision soon.<br />

34<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


<strong>Association</strong> Info<br />

Job Seekers / Internship<br />

Name : Ties Guensberg<br />

Age : 26<br />

Tel. no. mobile : +31-6-2152-6676<br />

Email-address : t.guensberg@gmail.com<br />

Study: Physics and Innovation management (Bachelor’s degree)<br />

Specialization: Finance<br />

Working experience: I have been (and still am) working as a risk<br />

manager/controller at one <strong>of</strong> Europe’s largest brokers for the<br />

last 2 years (since I got my bachelor’s degree).<br />

Looking for: I am looking for a new challenge preferably in<br />

finance. I want to work hard and be able to make a difference<br />

for my future employer.<br />

Name : Ngoc Chau and Gulsum Beter<br />

Age<br />

: Ngoc: 29; Gulsum: 22 years old<br />

Tel.no. home : Gulsum: +31615243878; Ngoc: +31612734269<br />

Email-address : hn.chau@student.avans.nl;<br />

g.beter@student.avans.nl<br />

Study: International Business and Languages<br />

Specialization: Marketing, communication, sales and purchase<br />

Internship:<br />

Gulsum: Cmile Europe SL. A photo marketing agency in Barcelona.<br />

Job: organised the Barcelona Marathon Event, market research,<br />

identifying and approaching potential clients/partners, preparing<br />

presentations, writing texts for website and brochures.<br />

Ngoc: Urban Living Real Estate in New York.<br />

Job: General Manager: accountancy, administration, maintenance<br />

<strong>of</strong> properties, recruiting clients, contact with clients, updating<br />

the website.<br />

Working experience:<br />

Gulsum: Theatre ‘Schouwburg Theaters Tilburg’, Hostess (part<br />

time); Telemarketing Company “Your Voice/DMG”. Telemarketing<br />

employee including administrative activities (part-time). Océ Den<br />

Bosch, market research by phone.<br />

Ngoc: Clothing store Gassel<br />

Casuals, Den Bosch, shop<br />

assistant (part-time); McDonalds<br />

with Mcdrive in Rosmalen,<br />

Hostess and floormanager<br />

assistant; Océ Den Bosch,<br />

market research by phone.<br />

Looking for: We are seeking for<br />

a final graduation thesis within<br />

an international operating<br />

organization for February-<br />

June <strong>2009</strong>. The assignment can<br />

contain the following subject:<br />

- International marketing<br />

plan;<br />

- International strategic<br />

plan;<br />

- International communication<br />

plan;<br />

The subjects are on an<br />

international level, we are<br />

a l s o r e s p o n s i b l e f o r t h e<br />

i m p l e m e n t a t i o n a n d t h e<br />

performing <strong>of</strong> the assignment.<br />

The host company can also<br />

decide on any other related<br />

assignment.<br />

Canadian International School invites suitable<br />

candidates to apply for the following position:<br />

ADMISSIONS OFFICER<br />

Essential job functions:<br />

• Attend to all enquirers (telephone, emails, personal tours<br />

and interviews) <strong>of</strong> CIS’ programme<br />

• Attend to the admissions and maintenance <strong>of</strong> all students<br />

<strong>of</strong> assigned campus<br />

Minimum requirements:<br />

• Good interpersonal and excellent communication skills,<br />

and ability to freely and openly engage in discussions with<br />

a multicultural clientele<br />

• Highly fluent in English (both written and oral). A second<br />

language is an asset<br />

• Some working experience in a multi-cultural environment<br />

preferred<br />

• Sound knowledge <strong>of</strong> computers and good working<br />

knowledge <strong>of</strong> Word, Excel and Access. Comfortable<br />

with learning new programmes<br />

• Good organizational skills, and ability to work within a<br />

team environment<br />

• Knowledge <strong>of</strong> IBO and/or International school programmes<br />

would be an asset<br />

Please send your resumes with a recent photo to apply@cis.<br />

edu.sg or contact Joanna Lim at 6469-4962<br />

35<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


<strong>Association</strong> Info<br />

New Members<br />

Alfons van Woerkom, Unilever<br />

Bart de Wit, MaFoi Management Consultants<br />

Eelco Hoekstra, Vopak Asia<br />

Iris Westrik<br />

Karin Gerbens<br />

Linda van Helvoort, Océ<br />

Lishya Liauw<br />

Louis Dijkshoorn, Nokia Siemens Network<br />

Marieke Barker, Lexmar Engineering<br />

Mark Peeters, Ernst & Young<br />

Martijn Snijder, BHP Billiton<br />

Patrick van der Voort, Vopak Asia<br />

Shah Ramdjan, BT Singapore<br />

Suzanne Tol<br />

Toine van den Berk, DSM<br />

<strong>January</strong> event<br />

Dear ADB Members,<br />

Strictly for ADB members only<br />

The ADB Board invites you and your partner<br />

for the<br />

ADB New Year’s ‘borrel’<br />

on Monday 12 <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong><br />

at the Residence <strong>of</strong> Ambassador<br />

Mr & Mrs Chris C. Sanders<br />

from 19:00-21:00 hrs<br />

The ADB is very pleased to announce that<br />

Minister & Mrs Maxime Verhagen<br />

(Ministry <strong>of</strong> Foreign Affairs)<br />

will also attend our traditional ADB ‘borrel’<br />

Please register by 8 <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong><br />

via email: adb@pacific.net.sg<br />

Leaving Members<br />

Antoine Wijsman, KPMG<br />

Arnold Bruins, Fortis<br />

Derk Jan van der Weerdt, Nyenburgh<br />

Dik Jan Jetses, Citco<br />

Edgare Kerkwijk, Asia Green Capital<br />

Ferdinand Balfoort, International Risk<br />

Gerard Ajoydeji, Flowtraders<br />

Gideon Loudon, Oiltanking<br />

Hans van Gaalen, AC Analytical Controls<br />

Inbar van den Burg, Shell<br />

Joost de Ruijter, Flowtraders<br />

Karin Martens, Micros<strong>of</strong>t<br />

Laurens Meulenberg, BHP Billiton<br />

Lennart van der Beek, Innotion<br />

Madelon van Tol<br />

Marius Rietveld, Greif Singapore<br />

Michiel Schoenmaeckers, Van Oord<br />

Mieke de Schepper, Philips<br />

Mike Wetselaar<br />

Mirjam de Bakker, Flynnish<br />

Nico van Duren, Yxion Bioprocess<br />

Niels Boef, KPMG<br />

Onno Boots, TNT<br />

Peter-Paul Nijsten, Garner International<br />

Pieter Maarleveld<br />

Rob van Zwieteren, Shell<br />

Rogier Gasseling, Fortis<br />

Sharon van de Veerdonk<br />

Timmo van de Bunt, RBS<br />

Veronique Boots, Loyens & Loeff<br />

Xander Okhuizen, Brintons Carpet<br />

KINDLY SPONSORED BY:<br />

MEMBERSHIP FEE <strong>2009</strong><br />

The ADB has started the process for next year’s subscription fee.<br />

You are kindly requested to arrange payment at your earliest convenience, at the<br />

latest before the 31 st <strong>of</strong> <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong>. Payment can be made as follows:<br />

1. By crossed cheque made payable to: “<strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dutch</strong> <strong>Businessmen</strong>”,<br />

and send your cheque to <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dutch</strong> <strong>Businessmen</strong>, c/o 22 Camden<br />

Park Singapore 299814<br />

Please state your name on cheque.<br />

2. In cash and send/deliver to/at for the attention <strong>of</strong> ADB, c/o 22 Camden<br />

Park, Singapore 299814<br />

3. By internet<br />

Bank name : Standard Chartered Bank, Battery Road<br />

Benificiary : <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dutch</strong> <strong>Businessmen</strong><br />

Account # : 01-0-837759-8<br />

Branch : 001<br />

Bank code : 7144<br />

Please make sure that your name will be stated on our bank statement.<br />

Your prompt payment will be appreciated.<br />

Address: 23 Ridout Road<br />

(parking @ Dempsey car park)<br />

Dress code: smart casual<br />

N.B.: Cancellation <strong>of</strong> your membership must be received in writing (by email) before<br />

31 st <strong>of</strong> <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong>, otherwise payment <strong>of</strong> full membership fee will apply for<br />

calendar year <strong>2009</strong>!<br />

The ADB will implement memberships for students as per 1 <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>.<br />

Membership will be SGD 50 per calendar year. Students are invited to sign up<br />

via the website: www.adb.org.sg; see membership, sign up students.<br />

36<br />

Vol.18 • No. 10 • <strong>December</strong> <strong>2008</strong> / <strong>January</strong> <strong>2009</strong>


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We welcome you to view our collection; there is a heirloom waiting<br />

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Venue:<br />

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Fax: +65 6732 5585 Email: info@maharajas.com.sg Website: http://www.maharajas.com.sg

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