Month: September 2023

How families and friends had fun getting competitive at the HomeTeamNS Adventure Rally 2023

Post author By Ben
Post date September 27, 2023
No Comments on How families and friends had fun getting competitive at the HomeTeamNS Adventure Rally 2023

The inaugural event featured challenges such as rock-climbing, target shooting and futsal across four HomeTeamNS clubhouses.

WRITER: DESIREE KOH
PHOTOS: HOMETEAMNS

Channeling skills from his National Service stint, a young man patiently showed his mother and sister how to handle airsoft rifles at a shooting range. Over at another activity station, costume-coordinated friends belted out lines of Kit Chan’s hit song Home.

Those were among the scenes I witnessed at the HomeTeamNS Adventure Rally, which unfolded across the organisation’s four clubhouses on Aug 13 as part of its National Day celebrations. The friendly competition drew 130 participants, who formed 28 teams to complete various challenges and amass points. After getting registered at HomeTeamNS Khatib in the morning, teams embarked on different routes, travelling across the island in their cars.

My cycling buddy Jane and I spent our Sunday putting our teamwork and stamina to the test. We started at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir, where we dove into a relay race that brought out our competitive spirit. Jane’s agility helped us to fire ahead in the rope-skipping segment, while I tapped on my motor skills to run while balancing an egg on a spoon. Post-race, we took in the spectacular view of the reservoir from the clubhouse terrace.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

I met a diverse range of participants including a three-year-old and a sprightly team of sexagenarians.

Besides the more physically challenging activities such as futsal and rock-climbing offered at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok and HomeTeamNS Khatib respectively, participants could also enjoy nostalgic games such as “zero point” and “five stones” at HomeTeamNS-JOM Balestier. My muscle memory from playing countless rounds of the latter as a child did not fail me, as I easily grasped the rice-filled pyramids at first toss. It evoked fond memories of playing with the fabric “stones” sewn by my mum.

Teams could earn bonus points by completing challenges such as tent building and producing #ProudlySingaporean videos with their own fun renditions of the Great Singapore Workout and National Day songs.

Other activities included archery at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok and airsoft at TactSim, HomeTeamNS Khatib’s indoor target shooting range. Jane and I explored facilities such as HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok’s driving range and outdoor Adventure Centre that’s rigged with a rope course and zip line. We also enjoyed HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir’s Aqua Adventure that boasts an 85m-long slide, as well as various swimming pools. We weren’t the only ones who were impressed by what we saw.

“It was an amazing experience to see what HomeTeamNS has done in the new Bedok Reservoir clubhouse. I explored all five levels of facilities, and they were just awesome,” said Ms Sherry Pong, whose team won the second prize in the competition’s Open category.

MAKING PRICELESS MEMORIES

The winners were announced at an afternoon tea reception where participants noshed on local hawker fare such as mee siam, chwee kueh and chicken curry.

The Open category champions won S$500 in cash, a full tank of fuel from Sinopec and Passorex car accessories. There were also lucky draw prizes such as an Apple Watch SE and a two-day, one-night’s stay at Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa.

While our score of 51 points didn’t earn us a spot on the leaderboard, Jane and I were buoyed by the energy of the crowd, with participants cheering loudly for their teammates and competitors.

“We’re all winners because the Adventure Rally brought all of you and your families together,” said Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of National Development and President of HomeTeamNS, at the prize presentation ceremony. “Today was extra meaningful because it was organised by a committee of NSmen, and special because you got to experience all our clubhouses and their best facilities in one day.”

Ms Tan Su Anne, whose team notched 71 points to take home the first prize of S$300 in cash, a full tank of Sinopec fuel and Passorex car accessories in the Family Category, says that the win came as a surprise as the competition was strong. “It was a really good bonding session, and we discovered so many wonderful HomeTeamNS clubhouse facilities that we can’t wait to try out. We also hope to come back next year as the defending champion!”

Like our stories? Subscribe to our Frontline Digital newsletters now! Simply download the HomeTeamNS Mobile App and update your communication preference to ‘Receive Digital Frontline Magazine’, through the app settings.

Tags HomeTeamNS Adventure Rally, National Day 2023, Competition

Close Up

These former convicts now mentor others to prevent re-offending

Post author By Ben
Post date September 20, 2023
No Comments on These former convicts now mentor others to prevent re-offending

Ex-offenders David King Thorairajan, Bruce Mathieu and Andrew Ong mentor former inmates under the Desistor Network.

As part of the Singapore Prison Service’s Desistor Network, the ex-offenders offer friendship and support to newly released inmates looking to forge a better path.

TEXT: ANNIE TAN

PHOTOS: ANDREW ONG, BRUCE MATHIEU, DAVID KING THORAIRAJAN

Thrice a week, a small group of cyclists meet at Seletar Aerospace Park. They then cross the island together, covering distances of more than 50km on two wheels.

But this collective — known as Break The Cycle — is no mere hobbyist group. Founded in 2020, Break The Cycle is part of the Desistor Network launched in April 2023 by Singapore Prison Service (SPS), where 53 agencies work with ex-inmates to create a support ecosystem that steers them away from re-offending.

During cycling breaks and breakfast sessions, the cyclists chat about work, family, as well as their struggles and hopes for the future. They form a deep bond that often extends beyond cycling. The group’s co-founder, ex-offender Andrew Ong, sums up the clique: “We do life together.”

THE POWER OF CAMARADERIE

Approximately four in 10 former inmates return to prison within five years of release, according to SPS. Ong is part of a small but growing group of ex-convicts helping others navigate the challenging transition from prison life to reduce recidivism. The 45-year-old himself was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment at the age of 18 for his involvement in a gang fight, though he only served nine months after a successful appeal. He shared that his parents’ divorce drove him to seek a sense of belonging in gangs.

However, after his release, he slipped back into his old lifestyle of drug consumption. An overdose at the age of 21 proved to be the wake-up call he needed to get clean. He worked hard to build his career and is now the director of partnership and strategic communications at HCSA Community Services — a charitable organisation that helps ex-offenders, abused teenage girls and single parents, among others. Knowing how easy it is to backslide into crime, Ong has been volunteering at church and halfway houses for many years to help others stay the course.

Such support makes a huge difference, says Bruce Mathieu. The 54-year-old joined a gang at the age of 13, quickly became hooked on heroin — an addiction with which he struggled for 30 years — and was imprisoned five times, serving 20 years in total.

Some 11 years ago while serving his fifth prison stint, he resolved to turn his life around for his then three-year-old daughter. Since his release in 2016, he has been giving talks at schools, organisations and public events, as well as mentoring newly-released inmates as an SPS volunteer. These include Tian Boon Keng, who was featured in the CNA documentary Inside Maximum Security.

“A common misconception about mentoring is that it involves a lot of counselling. But no, it involves being a friend in the true sense of the word — that’s it,” explains Mathieu, who still meets Tian at least once a month, and recently supported him when he shaved his head for Hair For Hope.

WHY IS IT SO EASY TO RE-OFFEND?

While prison life is known to be challenging, life after release from incarceration isn’t necessarily easy, and re-offending does occur. One possible reason for this is that many inmates find that they have fewer job opportunities upon release, especially those without a good education, notes David King Thorairajan, 41, who volunteers at prison chapel services and through prison befriender programmes.

Thorairajan joined a gang in his teens, got involved in violent fights and was imprisoned twice for a total of eight years, enduring 18 strokes of the cane. During his second sentence, he studied hard and completed his N-, O- and A-levels. Upon discharge, he enrolled at the Singapore Management University, graduating with a double major in psychology and human resources. Despite his qualifications, he had difficulty securing a good job, and eventually started his own life coaching and training company in 2012. Over the years, he has engaged, trained and mentored ex-offenders to coach at-risk youth in schools.

Before they can bounce back, get a job or study, they need to deal with their trauma and baggage – the hurt, disappointment, unforgiveness. There needs to be a major overhaul because there are patterns of thinking that need to be broken, otherwise the cycle will keep repeating.

Andrew Ong

Mathieu adds that drug addictions are hard to break. “Those who have never been addicted to drugs may think (that kicking a habit) is just a case of mind over matter. That is absolutely hogwash. Drugs rewire your whole brain, so that you cannot function without them,” says Mathieu. “It is very easy to fall back into addiction. If you veer off half a degree and don’t pull yourself back, in a matter of time, you will realise you are too far off,” he adds.

Despite these challenges, all three men agree that the most important factor to avoid re-offending is internal change. “People don’t understand that former offenders may have suffered trauma in their lives,” Ong says, adding that many sought solace in gangs because they come from broken families.

STRENGTHENING THE SUPPORT ECOSYSTEM

Mentorship under individuals with similar experiences is a powerful avenue to help ex-convicts resolve their internal conflict and drive positive change. “Because who better to know their problems than us? We’ve been through it and done that,” reasons Mathieu.

These individuals don’t just relate to their mentees on a personal level; they may also serve as a better sounding board than friends from their past life, who may still be involved in crime. Groups like Break The Cycle provide a safe and accepting community under which ex-offenders can thrive. One such individual is Ravin Sadanadan, whom Thorairajan hired as a coach in his company after mentoring him.

“David coached me to get back on my feet and gave me opportunities to reach out to other youths in need. I was so motivated to work with them and their families that I completed my diploma, degree and masters in psychology,” said Sadanadan, who is now a senior counsellor at a non-profit organisation.

Because who better to know their problems than us? We’ve been through it and done that.

Bruce Mathieu

Mentoring former offenders however, is not without its challenges, says Ong. “It’s not like distributing groceries or cleaning someone’s house – you don’t see the outcome immediately. There is a lot of backend work, and mentees can often misunderstand you.”

“You have to understand that these are things they project because of their childhood experiences and things that they are dealing with. You must be thick-skinned and not take it personally,” adds Ong, who recently reconnected and began cycling with a youth he had mentored more than 10 years ago.

Ong maintains that planting the seed of hope can start a positive and powerful cycle of change.

“Some of our cyclists have also volunteered to be befrienders with SPS, journeying with inmates for 12 months upon their release from prison,” he shares.

NAVIGATING LIFE AFTER PRISON

To help reintegrate former inmates into society upon their release, SPS works with Yellow Ribbon Singapore to offer support for job placement and retention, skills assistance subsidies and other education assistance. SPS also helps inmates to apply for financial assistance and provides addiction treatment to those in need of it. Community support is also extended to them via drop-in centres, self-help groups and befrienders, as well as family programmes and family resource centres to support bonding.

Tags David King Thorairajan, Break the Cycle, Desistor Network, Singapore Prison Service, ex-offenders, Yellow Ribbon, Inspiring stories, Bruce Mathieu, Andrew Ong

Singapore Buzz Technology

Made in Singapore, and proud of it

Post author By scott
Post date September 19, 2023
No Comments on Made in Singapore, and proud of it

Shiok Meats aims to bring delicious, sustainable and healthy seafood to consumers in the form of cultivated meat. Photo: Shiok Meats Facebook page

From the latest alternative meats to gadgets that help an ageing population, here are some future-ready innovations that are putting Singapore on the map.

TEXT: MELODY TAN

PHOTOS: SHIOK MEATS FACEBOOK PAGE, SKY GREENS FACEBOOK PAGE, SINGAPORE POLYTECHNIC, PHILLIPS SINGAPORE FACEBOOK PAGE

Contrary to popular belief, “Made in Singapore” isn’t limited to the electronics, aerospace or biomedical sciences industries. Our nation is home to a thriving ecosystem of innovative startups that hope to change consumers’ lives through technology.

These local products all punch above their weight. They aim to address climate change, improve our quality of life and even provide robotic canine companionship. Even everyday items like shoe insoles have been zhng-ed (enhanced) to achieve a new level of safety.

So, the next time you iron your clothes or stir-fry some seafood for dinner, take a closer look at the product’s label – you just might see “Made in Singapore” proudly printed on it.

SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD

Who doesn’t love a good chili crab or sambal shrimp? Problem is, global demand for seafood is so high that some types of seafood like shrimp are being fished at an unsustainable rate.

Enter local startup Shiok Meats, which aims to bring delicious, sustainable and healthy seafood to the table in the form of cultivated meat. How does it work? The startup grows stem cells from livestock inside bioreactors or cultivators. The result? Lab-grown shrimp, lobster and crab that tastes just like their wild-caught peers.

VERTICAL FARMING

To conserve space in land-scarce Singapore, our homes have been built upwards. That same logic has been applied to farming. Sky Greens is the world’s first low-carbon, hydraulically-driven vertical farm.

Rather than being flown or driven into Singapore, your favourite tropical leafy vegetables like cai xin (choy sum) and Chinese cabbage might now be grown just a few blocks away. This means consumers get fresher produce that’s delivered using fewer carbon emissions.

PET ROBOT DOGS

Say hello to SParkle, a pet robot dog that encourages seniors to do their therapy exercises. SParkle is part of a wider system that helps caregivers and therapists remotely monitor seniors’ exercise data.

Rather than looking like something out of the Terminator movies, SParkle is a soft toy that resembles a beagle. It’s equipped with a linked smart dumbbell, glove and gamebox. When tested at a senior activity centre in Ghim Moh, SParkle recorded increased muscle activity among elderly participants — a win for this furry, tech-enabled friend.

SMART INSOLES

Startup Flexosense has developed smart insoles that use sensors to help to detect if a worker falls or trips at the workplace. This could help to enhance safety in the maritime and construction sectors.

Closer to home, Flexosense insoles can also help reduce diabetic foot ulcers. As diabetes patients are less sensitive to pain in their feet, they may unknowingly put too much pressure on foot ulcers, which may worsen and even lead to amputation. The flexible microfluidic sensors in these smart insoles monitor pressure on different parts of the foot. They send the information to a mobile app, so users can be reminded to take a break.

IRONING OUT FRICTION

Few tasks in the world can be as mind-numbing as ironing your clothes. A collaboration between A*STAR and Philips however, has made it slightly less tedious, thanks to the invention of a polymer known as sol-gel. This material helps the iron glide much more smoothly.

Sol-gel achieves this by dispersing solid nanoparticles in a liquid. This forms a protective coating on your iron, helping to eliminate the creases in dresses, shirts — and of course, your No. 1 uniform.

HIGH-TECH HELP FOR THE HOME TEAM

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) have also deployed smart, robotic help to perform their mission.

While it’s not quite Robocop, the SPF’s patrol robots at Changi Airport Terminal 4 help to support frontline officers. If an incident occurs, each robot can secure the area before SPF officers arrive and use its camera to provide a 360-degree view of the scene.

The SCDF’s Rover-X is a robotic dog that uses its sensors to help with search and rescue missions. Its robotic legs help it to climb stairs and other rough terrain that wheeled or tracked robots may not be able to traverse.

Like our stories? Subscribe to our Frontline Digital newsletters now! Simply download the HomeTeamNS Mobile App, and update your communication preference to ‘Receive Digital Frontline Magazine’, through the App Settings.

Close Up Spotlight

Fauzi Aziz: You’re never too old to become a content creator

Post author By Ben
Post date September 19, 2023
No Comments on Fauzi Aziz: You’re never too old to become a content creator

Fauzi Aziz is now an independent content creator.

The HomeTeamNS volunteer gets candid on how he became an influencer, life after The Smart Local, and the irrepressible Uncle Raymond.

TEXT: ALYWIN CHEW

PHOTOS: FAUZI AZIZ

Given the ease with which one can post content on social media, it’s no surprise that many think being an online content producer is an easy job.

But the profession is no bed of roses, says content creator SGT (NS) Fauzi Aziz, who gained a following while working for local travel and lifestyle platform The Smart Local (TSL).

“Many people think this job is just about posting videos and photos and making money out of it. But there’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes,” explains the 34-year-old, who served his National Service at the Singapore Civil Defence Force’s technology department, and now volunteers with the HomeTeamNS Branding and Publicity committee.

“Besides planning the content and finding the right people to help produce it, you also have to network and scour for business opportunities, negotiate with clients and manage finances. You’re basically a one-man production house!”

Today, Fauzi may be considered a micro-influencer, having notched some 25,000 followers on Instagram. But it wasn’t always the career he’d envisioned for himself.

PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF

Born to civil-servant parents, Fauzi aspired to become a dentist, though he eventually realised he did not have an aptitude for the sciences. He was, however, fascinated with the arts and the English language. This led him to pursue a degree in theatre studies at the National University of Singapore, though he later gravitated towards the media industry.

Upon graduation, he spent six months applying for various publishing roles while working part-time. Finally, in 2014, he accepted an internship at TSL.

While TSL was then a fledgling start-up which – some may argue – did not provide the same level of security as a more established organisation, Fauzi relished the opportunity to contribute to the company’s growth. This is something he has accomplished, having eventually been hired as one of the firm’s full-time producers. Today, TSL Media Group is a multi-platform media tech company that reportedly has more than 200 million annual page views across its content channels.

It’s been a fulfilling journey for Fauzi. Over the past eight years, he has worked in various departments where he picked up skills in events management, marketing and social media content production. He’s also hosted several productions, including The $100 Nomad, a reality show produced by TSL and broadcast on Mediacorp’s Channel 5.

“This was a major milestone for the company,” says Fauzi, in reference to the programme that challenged contestants to live on S$100 for three days.

“It was rare to see something like this (an independently produced show) make it onto national television. I really enjoyed the process. It was probably the most exciting project I got to work on at TSL,” he recounts.

HOW TO WIN FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE

Having parted ways with TSL Media Group earlier this year, he’s struck out on his own as an independent content creator. One of the main reasons he says, is the desire to mentor young content creators and help them advance their careers.

It’s the same spirit of altruism that compelled him to become a HomeTeamNS volunteer. Here, he advises the marketing and communications team on social media best practices. “It’s honestly always a pleasure to be able to use my skills and experience to help brands, especially since social media is something that I live and breathe. It’s also very heartening to know that people take my advice seriously!” he quips, before adding that volunteering has also contributed to his personal growth.

He’s also happy to share his tips with those looking to carve out careers as content creators. He says that anyone can be a content creator, with a good dose of self-motivation. “Learning how to use your smartphone creatively for video and photography is easy. There’s just so much information on the Internet. I’ve learned a lot about video editing just by watching YouTube tutorials.”

Age is not a barrier to success either. One example of this, says Fauzi, is Uncle Raymond, the lanky sexagenarian who rose to fame after TikTok videos of him dancing in public went viral.

He asserts that aspiring content creators should always try to be original and true to themselves. “I think the best way to go about it is to show things from your perspective. Don’t try to copy anyone else,” he advises.

But above all, he says that content creators should always possess interpersonal skills. “I never knew how important forming connections is until recently, when many of my past acquaintances reached out to inquire about collaborations,” he shares.

“I’ve noticed that many younger creators don’t really bother about talking to potential clients, including brand representatives. It is imperative to build relationships and leave a good impression, because someone you interact with might be signing your next pay cheque!”

Tags Influencer, Career advice, content creator, HomeTeamNS volunteer, Fauzi Aziz

Travel

Insider guides to Melbourne, Taipei and Bangkok for families

Post author By Ben
Post date September 19, 2023
No Comments on Insider guides to Melbourne, Taipei and Bangkok for families

South Melbourne Market serves as a great introduction to Australia's culinary scene.

Tired of overrated tourist traps? Frequent fliers and Singaporeans abroad share their top picks for under-the-radar attractions, food and activities for families visiting cities popular among their compatriots.

TEXT: THERESE TAY

PHOTOS: Hank’s Café and Bagelry; South Melbourne Market; Koy Gozleme; Murmur; Sovereign Hill; Flickr user Ji Soo Song; Flickr user Iwtt93; Flickr user Ken Marshall; Flickr user Streets of Food; Kate’s Place; Asia Herb Association; Klook; Michelle Ang, Elvin Sng; Audrey Ang

It isn’t surprising that Melbourne, Taipei and Bangkok rank among the top 10 destinations that Singaporeans are interested in visiting, according to data recently released by Google. The cities have long captivated us for an array of reasons, from their tantalising foodie spots to hip haunts for urbanites. While many of such draws feature prominently in the endless scroll of social media feeds, it can be tough to distinguish the must-visit gems from the overhyped and underwhelming locations that locals tend to shun.

At times, it takes an insider to help you sidestep the tourist traps and point you to attractions worth your limited vacation time. To that end, we spoke with three Singaporeans — including residents and a frequent visitor — of these popular cities, who share their favourite spots and practical tips for families. After all, who knows our hearts better than our fellow countrymen?

MELBOURNE MARVELS

About the insider: Michelle Ang is a 27-year-old product designer who has been living and working in Melbourne for a year. Though she misses the food and familiarity of home, she enjoys discovering the Australian city’s parks and international foodie offerings.

MELBOURNE MARVELS

ROLLING IN DOUGH

“While Melbourne is known for its cafes — and correspondingly, its coffee culture — it’s also home to a burgeoning baked goods industry. Check out Hank’s Cafe and Bagelry, in the historic and upscale Armadale suburb that was an important commercial area in the 19^th century. Taking pride in bringing “a hearty dose of New York to the leafy streets of Armadale”, Hank’s declares on its website that bagels should be “chewy” and “malty”. Savour these qualities in elevated creations such as the beetroot and gin-cured salmon with herbs, red onion and cream cheese; and the lamb and rosemary meatloaf with pistachio pesto, provolone and cream cheese.”

MARKET DAY

“Hit up South Melbourne Market — open since 1867 and a treasured landmark for locals — not only for its ubiquitous fresh oysters but also some of the best toasties I’ve ever had at the French-themed Oui Chef! Toastie Bar. Favourites include the classic Croque Monsieur (ham, bechamel (a rich white sauce), chives, comte (French cheese made from cow’s milk) and gruyere (a hard Swiss cheese)), and Saucicson (French salami, raclette (melted Swiss cheese), usto (traditional French mustard)). For a delicious Halal option, head to the iconic Koy Gozleme — gozleme is a crispy stuffed Turkish flatbread — where Turkish mamas hand roll and cook the savoury treats in four flavours: Cheese & Spinach, Mushroom & Veg, Minced Meat and Herbed Chicken.

SING OR SPIN

“Beyond its vibrant culinary scene, Melbourne has no shortage of interesting venues for a fun night out. These include piano bar Murmur, where resident and visiting artistes belt out mostly old-school hits to a lively audience. Cocktails are priced at A$18 from 5-7pm. If you’re after an arty day-time activity, spin the potter’s wheel at one of 2 Mayfield Street’s workshops. Its studio is situated in the peaceful and eclectic Abbotsford suburb, which lends access to plentiful green spaces and the Yarra River.”

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

“If you’re in town in June or July, you must experience the yearly Winter Wonderlights event at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat. This Christmas-themed festival presents a rare opportunity to bask in the Yuletide spirit in the middle of the year, which happens to be when winter falls in the Southern Hemisphere. Expect lights, faux snow, dressed-up storefronts and costumed merrymakers.”

TIPS FOR FAMILIES

Use public transport as it is pretty accessible, and most buses and trains are stroller-friendly. There is also the Free Melbourne City Circle Tram (route No. 35), a “hop on, hop off” service that covers attractions such as St Paul’s Cathedral, SEA Life Melbourne Aquarium and Queen Victoria Market.
Score free tickets to an Australian Football League match — a quintessential Aussie experience — under the Kids Go Free programme. The latter grants free access to selected matches for kids aged 14 and under.
Go camping with BIG4 Holiday Parks, which offers family-friendly cabin accommodation and camping facilities within easy reach of the city.

TAIPEI TREASURES

About the insider: Elvin Sng, a 42-year-old regional director in the energy industry, has been living in Taipei for five years with his wife and four-year-old son. He relishes the city’s friendly people and the easy access to nature it provides.

TAIPEI TREASURES

WATCH YOUR SNACK

“One of Taipei’s top attractions is its street food. While some of the best can be sampled at the OG of night markets, Shilin Night Market, those seeking a gastronomic adventure might want to head to the slightly smaller Ningxia Night Market. Here, you’ll find Michelin Bib Gourmand-rated Liu Yu Zi, which is famous for its egg yolk taro cake — deep-fried taro paste-filled pastries topped with salted egg yolk and pork floss. Don’t miss Yuan Huan Pien Oyster Egg Omelette, which uses Tainan oysters known for their plumpness and sweetness, and are drizzled in a homemade sweet-spicy sauce.”

WALK THIS WAY

“Speaking of adventures, Yangmingshan National Park is known for its nature trails with lots of manageable options for families and those who want to take it easy. The 2.4km Qingtiangang Circular Trail, for instance, is a particularly scenic and relaxing route. I took a walk there with my wife a week before she gave birth to our son, and we had a really nice time.”

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

“You can glimpse Taiwan’s richly-layered past in Taipei’s historic parts. A 30-minute drive from the city takes you to Heping Island, which is connected by a bridge to the main island, and home to the ruins of a church built in 1626 by Spanish missionaries. The island is also presided over by an ancient fort constructed by the Spanish, who were later driven out by Dutch colonisers, as well as old buildings that can be traced back to the Japanese Occupation. Those keen to discover Taiwan’s pottery heritage should head to the quaint Yingge Old Street, where they’ll find a ceramics museum, pottery workshops and traditional teahouses.”

TIPS FOR FAMILIES

Take the MRT, an affordable, reliable and efficient way to get around, even with little ones on hand. Plus, children under the age of six travel for free. The rail operator even provides umbrellas on rainy days!
Check out themed cafes, for which Taipei is famous. Apart from those inspired by Alice in Wonderland, Moomin and Gudetama, many kiddos will no doubt be tickled by the Modern Toilet Restaurant, which will bring their toilet humour to another level.
Use Google Translate when hailing taxis — which are easy to find and inexpensive — as few cab drivers speak English. You may also want to ensure your destination is saved to your phone, ideally in Traditional Chinese which is commonly used in Taiwan.
Download the Halal TW app by Taiwan’s Chinese Muslim Association. It’s available for iOS and Android users and is handy for discovering Halal and Muslim venues in the country, including restaurants, hotels, mosques and prayer rooms.

BANGKOK BOUNTIES

About the insider: Audrey Ang is a HR manager in her late-40s who travels to Bangkok some four times yearly. She loves the affordable and value-added experiences in Thailand, and skilled professionals — including chefs and massage therapists — who are truly passionate about what they do.

BANGKOK BOUNTIES

NOODLES FOR DAYS

“Food-wise, there’s more to Bangkok than just the usual Pad Thai and pineapple fried rice. A lesser-known yet delicious street food delicacy is duck noodles in a comforting broth that comes complete with duck blood pudding — try the one from Siah Duck Noodle at Rama IV Road. Another hearty meal can be found at Rung Rueang Pork Noodles at Soi Sukhumvit 26. The noodles here are light, silky and super delicious.”

BLINK AND YOU’LL MISS IT

“Bangkok is home to a plethora of creative contemporary cafes and dining concepts. Prepare to be surprised as you put your tastebuds in the good hands of Pikun “Kate” Wangsantia of Kate’s Place, a supper club hidden behind a bookshelf on the second floor of a shophouse. The latter also hosts a noodle shop. True to its private dining roots, Kate’s Place serves what the boss’ mood dictates. Thankfully, her local-inspired dishes have been described as comforting and uplifting.”

KNEAD TO UNWIND

“For relaxation, Thai spa group Asia Herb Association, which has three conveniently located branches, always hits the spot with great service plus a welcoming and clean atmosphere. It specialises in the traditional Thai “Herbal Ball” massage that uses a warm compress filled with natural herbs. Register as a ‘family member’ and earn points for every visit — these can be redeemed for more massages.”

BUY BY NIGHT

“If you like markets and have already visited the well-known Chatuchak, try Jodd Fairs, which is sprawled between Central Rama 9 shopping mall and the Unilever building at Rama IX Road. This night market offers a slew of interesting things to eat and purchase, including vintage clothing and customisable handbags. I do enjoy the Insta-worthy XL Leng Zapp Volcano Ribs from Diaw Maekhlong Restaurant. The dish’s name is a misnomer as it features stacked pork spinal bones (not ribs) served in a moreish sour-spicy soup. There are also quite a few Halal options, such as fresh barbecued seafood, cute character pancakes and fried snacks among the plethora of stalls.”

TIPS FOR FAMILIES

Consider apartment-hotels or serviced apartments, which are generally equipped with facilities such as a kitchenette, and washers and dryers for laundry. HomeTeamNS members enjoy 15 per cent off the best flexible rate at Modena by Fraser Bangkok Hotel Residences. The same discount applies to Fraser Suites Sukhumvit Bangkok, which also offers a complimentary breakfast for one.
Don’t relinquish date night. Many top hotels offer guests babysitting services through accredited partners. Enquire about them at reception.
Bring a baby carrier if you’re travelling with an infant or toddler, as Bangkok roads aren’t exactly stroller friendly.

EXCLUSIVELY FOR HOMETEAMNS MEMBERS, GET TRAVEL READY!

Enjoy a 10 per cent discount on the base rate for Hertz car rentals worldwide.
Notch six per cent off accommodations worldwide when booking through Agoda.
Travel with peace of mind with the complimentary one-year Singlife Travel Insurance, which comes with a free one-year HomeTeamNS membership.

Tags travel, family travel, hometeamns promos, travel guides, travel like a local, Family activities, Melbourne, taipei, bangkok

MELBOURNE MARVELS

MELBOURNE MARVELS

TAIPEI TREASURES

TAIPEI TREASURES

BANGKOK BOUNTIES

BANGKOK BOUNTIES

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