The Buzz

By Tara Strunk Photos courtesy of Patrick and Kay During our recent membership drive, I had the pleasure of catching up with longtime member Patrick McGoldrick, who has been part of the AAS community since the 1980s. Patrick and his wife, Kay, arrived in Singapore in 1981. At the time, the American community was much smaller, with organizations like AAS, AWA, AMCHAM, and the American School serving as important touchpoints for newcomers. Patrick fondly remembers attending

Written by Wazir Whenever possible, I invariably book my return flights to ensure a late night arrival in Singapore. From the vantage point of an airplane window, you’d see that this little red dot glows in the dark — and far brighter than anyone would expect from an island of its size. If there's one thing Singapore doesn't get enough credit for, it's the constellation of lights that brings the urban jungle to life after dark. To my fellow lovers of luminosity, I come bear

Some dental advice gets passed down for years without anyone stopping to question it. Some of it, however, is a little out of date — and a few common beliefs may quietly work against healthy teeth.

By Wazir “Will I be able to get by with just English?” is a question that's been asked more often than you'd expect by prospective visitors to Singapore on online travel forums. The answers to that innocent query usually range from sympathetic and helpful to sarcastic and snarky, with the latter being unfortunately more common. Whether you find yourself navigating immigration at the airport or the streets in unfamiliar neighborhoods, you'll never need to pull up Google Transl

By Dr Low Teck Boon, Specialist in Respiratory Medicine, Raffles Medical Group Haze can affect air quality and may cause irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory system. People with existing heart or lung conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may experience worsening symptoms after exposure to haze. This is particularly relevant during periods of El Niño, which can bring warmer and drier conditions to Singapore and the surrou

Written by Jane Tay Photos by Tara Strunk Singapore’s Local Housing Scene Singapore houses the majority of its population in public housing built by the Housing & Development Board, HDB. Public housing consists of high-rise and low-rise concrete flats of various configurations and sizes. The first flats were built in the 1960s at Toa Payoh, Queenstown, and Marine Parade. As great numbers of people moved out of makeshift squatter quarters, fishing settlements, and multi-genera

End-of-Year Offer Now Available As the end of the year approaches, many people find themselves trying to complete important tasks before the calendar resets. Whether it's finalizing work projects, planning holidays, or preparing for a new role, the months leading up to the new year are often a busy period of transition. For those planning a relocation, moving before year-end can offer several advantages. It can provide more time to settle in, reduce the stress of last-minut

Written by Wazir The assortment of ghoulish masks and pumpkin-shaped candies I saw during my most recent visit to Cold Storage left me with a feeling somewhere between excitement and panic: the unmistakable harbinger of Halloween had arrived in my neighborhood, and I once again had no costume planned. The Superman T-shirt I settled for last year was so underwhelming that I almost wish I hadn't worn it at all. I made a silent promise that if I ever dressed up for the year's on

While many people connect Orchard to shopping, it is where I go when I want to treat myself to a good meal I do not have to cook myself. Let me introduce you to a few downtown eateries you may consider worthy of patronage. Takashimaya Food Village Takashimaya Food Village is a hall of food stalls, eateries and small restaurants worthy of a visit. Depending on the length of your strides, it would take you around 5 minutes to walk to Ngee Ann City from the Orchard train

My favorite foodie sidekick is back in Singapore for a short holiday from her work with a charity in Ontario, Canada. Naturally, I'm hoping to catch up with her, and if all goes well, we'll embark on one of our usual culinary adventures around the island. The only question is: where should we eat next? I've always loved exploring food from different cultures. In many ways, my appreciation for international cuisine grew out of years spent living abroad. I lived in Canada for n

Relocating can be one of the most exciting chapters. Whether you're arriving in Singapore for a new role, moving your family overseas, or relocating within the island, understanding the moving process can make the experience far less overwhelming. At Allied Moving Services Singapore, the focus is on creating a tailored moving experience, supported by experienced relocation professionals, global resources, and personalized support from start to finish. Allied handles both loc

America's 250th "Snap the Spirit" Photo Wall Every year, it wouldn’t be July 4 without ribs, corn, corn dogs – and celebration with the American Association of Singapore. Held this year at The American Club, it is one of the marquee events of AAS that didn’t disappoint. The nation’s 250th birthday was marked in style. Nothing less would have sufficed, and the community and its friends rose to the occasion. What began many decades ago with a loose collection of expatriates gat

Looking to rent a home in Singapore? Whether you're relocating for work, moving within the city, or renting for the first time, understanding the rental process can save you time, money, and stress. This guide explains everything you need to know about renting in Singapore, from choosing the right neighborhood to signing a Tenancy Agreement and collecting your keys. 1. Choose the Right Neighborhood One of the first decisions you'll make when renting in Singapore is where to l

Relocating is an exciting step, whether it’s for a new career opportunity, a lifestyle change, or repatriating. However, moving in or out of Singapore often involves more than simply packing boxes; it requires careful planning, coordination, and an understanding of local requirements. From HDB and condominium moving guidelines to building time restrictions, lift bookings, and international documentation, even a local move can quickly become complex. For many individuals and

AAS members recently joined Ann Marie Regal, Michael Humphreys, and Daniel Weiss of Avrio Wealth https://avriowealth.com/ for an informative session combining a market update with a practical guide to making the most of time spent in the United States. On the markets, the Avrio team shared their view that inflation is likely to remain elevated for longer than many expect. Bond yields have climbed to their highest level in nearly a year as inflation concerns and rate-hike expe

Tax implications for American founders of Singapore companies.

Sometimes it starts with a photograph. Or seeing yourself on video calls more often than you used to. A small chip that catches the light differently. Teeth that have gradually darkened over time. An old crown that no longer quite matches. Slight crowding that was never noticeable years ago but now seems more obvious. For many expats living in Singapore, cosmetic dentistry is rarely about wanting a dramatically different smile. More often, it is about wanting things to feel f

For individuals relocating to, from, or within Singapore, it often represents more than just a logistical change; it’s a transition that involves careers, family routines, and lifestyle changes. Timing plays a critical role in how smoothly that transition unfolds. With Singapore’s peak moving season running from June to August, now is the ideal time to start planning. Demand for professional movers rises sharply during these months, availability tightens quickly, and early pr

For expat families living in Singapore, life often runs on school terms, sports schedules, work travel and the possibility of future relocations. With so much moving at once, dental and orthodontic milestones can quietly slip down the priority list — especially when everything seems “fine”. Yet one of the most important orthodontic milestones happens earlier than many parents expect. If you are searching for orthodontics for expat families in Singapore, here is what to under

Headed out of the country and need some Singapore-themed gifts? Here are some great ideas.