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JUL 2015 ScandAsia.dk ScandAsia.fi ScandAsia.no ScandAsia.se Cycling Without Age is coming to Singapore

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July 2015 edition of ScandAsia Singapore for Scandinavian residents from Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland living in Singapore

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Page 1: ScandAsia Singapore - July 2015

JUL

2015

ScandAsia.dk ScandAsia.fi ScandAsia.no ScandAsia.se

Cycling Without Age is coming to Singapore

Page 2: ScandAsia Singapore - July 2015

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Page 3: ScandAsia Singapore - July 2015

ScandAsia is the only magazine that covers all the Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish residents in Singapore.

We also publish a ScandAsia maga-zine in China, Thailand, and the rest of South East Asia.

Get your own FREE copy: scandasia.comPublisher : ScandAsia Publishing Co., Ltd.211 Soi Prasert Manukitch 29Prasert Manukitch RoadChorakae Bua, Lad PraoBangkok 10230, ThailandTel. +66 2 943 7166-8, Fax: +66 2 943 7169

Editor-in-Chief : Gregers A.W. Mø[email protected]

Assistant Editor :Joakim [email protected]

Advertising :Frank [email protected]

Finn Balslev [email protected]

Graphic Designer : Peerapol [email protected]

Distribution : Wanvisa [email protected]

Printing : Inthanon Interprint Co., Ltd.

Your FREEScandAsia Magazine in Singapore

Coming Events

Waterloo Street - a microcosm of street life where the locals come to shop, play, eat and worship. Witness the multiracial and multi-religious character of Singapore where different places of worship are situated along this colourful street - Buddhist and Hindu Temples, Jewish Synagogue and Churches. Where is the Mall of ‘Feng Shui’?

Wondering about all the weird and wonderful Preserved and Dried Chinese Foodstuff –on the tour, you can learn more about them. Find out about a stockist of essential oils at very reasonable prices.

Please dress modestly and put on ‘easy to slip on-off ’ footwear.

Chilli Crab Night

The Finnish female choir Philomela will be performing in Singapore on 19 July and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra will play Sibelius on 31 July.

The Philomela Choir will be taking par t in the Singapore International Choral Festival. In addition, they will have a feature concert on 19th of July. The concert will be held at the School of the Arts Concert Hall.

You can order tickets by emailing to: [email protected].

Tickets: www.sistic.com.sg/events/ssoe310715

Where: More details available from NBASWhen: 4 September 2015

Norwegian Business Association (Singapore) and The Norwegian Embassy are repeating last year’s success!

Each autumn the NBAS and the Royal Norwegian Embassy bring together Norwegian newcomers and veterans for a night of mingling and fun.

Like last year, we want you all to join us for a uniquely Singaporean feast. We promise amazing chilli crab and other local delights, including non-seafood, at the charismatic Hua Yu Wee Restaurant at East Coast Road.

SWA: Waterloo Street tourWhere: Fascinating Street Life of Waterloo StreetWhen: 3 August, 9am - 12pmMeet : Bus stop in front of Fu Lu Shou Complex along Rochor Road (nearest MRT is Bugis, 5 mins walk away). End : Singapore Art MuseumPlease register with Jeanette at [email protected] by Sunday, 26 July 2015. Charge: SWA-member : $45, Non-SWA member : $55

Finnish music in SingaporeWhere: SOTA School Of The Arts, 1 Zubir Said DriveWhen: July 19, 2015, 19:30

Page 4: ScandAsia Singapore - July 2015

4 ScandAsia.Singapore • July 2015

News Brief

Ambassador meets students ahead of Denmark trip

Following the signing of an earlier MOU (memorandum of understanding) between Singapore’s Ministry of the Environment

and Water Resources, and the Danish Ministry of Environment during the Singapore International Water Week 2014, another MOU waa signed in June 2015.

VCS Denmark, Denmark’s third largest water and wastewater utility, and PUB, the water agency that manages Singapore’s water supply, water catchment and used water treatment in an integrated way, are the par ties in this

second MOU, marking a major milestone in the cooperation between Singapore and Denmark in water solutions.

Both leading water utilities recognize the benefit of accelerating the sharing and creation of solutions by tapping on each other’s strengths in areas such as wastewater technology and operations, energy reduction, and climate adaptation.

“Through this agreement to cooperate in a wide spectrum of technical and institutional areas with PUB, VCS anticipates many benefits that

will allow us to improve in the ways we serve our customers, while continuing our efforts to contribute positively to the advancement of the water industry around the world”, said Ms Gerda Hald, VCS Denmark’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the signing ceremony.

VCS - VandCenter Syd - is an interesting know how partner for Singapore. A wastewater treatment plant at Ejby Molle in Odense, Denmark, which is based on their concept produces more energy than it consumes and therefor creates a profit for the owners.

On Friday 29 May, 2015 the Danish ambassador Berit Basse participated in a “Fireside discussion” about Denmark

for a batch of young ambitious students at Ngee Ann Polytechnic who were preparing themselves for a study trip to Copenhagen Business School. The Embassy of Denmark, Singapore wished all the best for their trip and looked forward to hear ing about the experiences and impressions they will obtain in Denmark.

Singapore signs another Danish MOU - with VCS Denmark

Danish Ambassador Berit Basse with all the excited young students preparing themselves for their trip to Denmark.

Gerda Had, Deputy CEO of VCS Denmark is positive that VCS can contribute positively to the services offered by PUB.

Page 5: ScandAsia Singapore - July 2015

July 2015 • ScandAsia.Singapore 5

We believe in your child’s potential as much as you do.

Choosing a school is no easy task. You’re searching for the very best and a large part of your child’s future is resting on your decision. You know your child better than anyone, you see the sparks of brilliance where others can’t, you see the scholar, and the artist and what might be.

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Realising Potential

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We believe in your child’s potential as much as you do.

Choosing a school is no easy task. You’re searching for the very best and a large part of your child’s future is resting on your decision. You know your child better than anyone, you see the sparks of brilliance where others can’t, you see the scholar, and the artist and what might be.

We believe in your children as much as you do, and we know what it takes for them to realise their full potential because that’s what we do best.

We’d love the opportunity to welcome you to our school and discuss how to make your children soar.

Contacts:Elementary & Middle Schools: +65 6235 5844High School: +65 6475 4188Email [email protected]

Realising Potential

ISS is registered by the CPE | Registration no: 20136975E | Registration period: 16 June 2011 to 15 June 2015 | www.iss.edu.sg

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Page 6: ScandAsia Singapore - July 2015

6 ScandAsia.Singapore • July 2015

News Brief

Danish veteran journalist leaves Asia

Bjarne Wildau Nielsen, a veteran Danish journalist in Asia, celebrated on Saturday 13 June 2015 his 25 year anniversary as an Asia

reporter. A week later, the 70 year old reporter packed three bags and broke up from Cambodia, where he has lived for the past six years, and flew to Bulgaria where he will start a new chapter in his adventurous life.

When Bjarne Wildau first arrived in Asia, his first stop was Bangkok, where he had a long list of articles that his clients had requested him to write. From there he moved to Indonesia, where he married an Indonesian English teacher. Always open for a new adventure, Bjarne suggested that they should go to Denmark - by bicycle. A stop-over in Bangkok on the way became longer than planned and eventually, the trip ended there.

After more than a year in Thailand, Bjarne moved back to Indonesia, but eventually his marriage fell apart and Bjarne left his wife and their two daughters in Jakar ta and moved to Thailand - only to move back to Indonesia again with his new love. Tragically, she died shortly after they had returned to Indonesia, and Bjarne moved to Cambodia, where he settled down and worked for the past six years.

Bjarne Wildau is moving to Bulgaria to be within the EU. That means his Danish pension will no longer be reduced by living outside the EU and at the same time hospitalization, should he one day need that, will be a public service and not a private business as is the case in Cambodia.

“The trip that should have lasted no more than a year became a new life. Now it is time to start a new life altogether again - this time in Bulgaria under somewhat safer conditions,” he writes on his personal blog.

Bjarne Wildau has written several thousand articles for media back in Denmark through the years. He has been a regular contributor to ScandAsia both when the magazine was only a paper product and later, when it beecame a news portal he was for a period News Editor on ScandAsia.com. It is a testimony to Bjarne Wildau’s extreme productivity that to this very day, Bjarne Wildau remains the most productive writer on ScandAsia - ever.

Erik Borgen has elected to step down as President of NBAS after over 10 years of outstanding service for the Norwegian

community in Singapore. He will be going back to Norway by the end of the year but will be staying on the NBAS Board as a Board member until then.

“It has been very exciting to have had the opportunity to lead the Board for such a competent and interesting organisation as NBAS is, for the last 10 years or so,” says Erik Borgen in a press release to the members.

“Over these years, we have seen both increasing as well as diverse Norwegian business presence and activity in Singapore, cementing its position as the major hub for Norwegian business in Asia. The activity and quality level of NBAS has over these years definitely followed suit! Keep up the good work NBAS, I will definitely be missing NBAS in the future.”

In the same statement, NBAS announces that Hilde Merete Nafstad will take on the exciting role as the new NBAS President.

Hilde is the President of Statoil Asia Pacific and moved to Singapore in August 2014. She has 27 years of experience from the oil and gas industry in Norway and the United States, including positions in oil companies, government and the service industry. Before moving to Singapore, she served four years as Statoil’s Senior Vice President for Investor Relations, following three years as President of Statoil Natural Gas LLC in Stamford, Connecticut. She has held various

many great people from the DABS community,” Lars Kyvsgaard writes in a DABS newsletter.

The new interim President of DABS is Jakob Bergholdt, who is CEO of NORDEN Shipping Singapore and very known to the DABS community since he has been Honorary Treasurer for the last seven years. A position he is keen on withholding.

But, as it is right now, Jakob Bergholdt is not going to be the new permanent President of DABS.

“As a committee and organization, we will be spending the time until next Annual General Meeting (AGM) in 2016 to find the new permanent president. I have made it clear to the committee that I won’t be running for the presidency at the AGM,” Jakob Bergholdt states in an email to ScandAsia.

Jakob Bergholdt has agreed to carry on the torch temporarily because he is an experienced man in the committee.

“Since we’re right now looking in to our DABS value proposition and trying to increase the memberships, I agreed to temporarily take charge and lead these drives through the rest of 2015 so we won’t loose momentum,” he adds.

The committee expects to elect a new permanent President of DABS right after the Annual General Meeting in early 2016.

Erik Borgen with incoming NBAS President Hilde Meret Hafstad.

Jakaob Bergholdt, CEO of Norden Shipping Singapore, will be the new DABS President - but only for the rest of departing president Lars Kyvsgaard’s term, he says.

The President of DABS, Lars Kyvsgaard, has announced that he is resigning since he is moving back to Denmark. Jakob Bergholdt,

CEO of Norden, will be the temporary president but a permanent replacement won’t be elected until early 2016.

Lars Kyvsgaard, Nordea, is moving back to Denmark since he has received a new assignment for Nordea Bank.

“I have had the pleasure to be part of the DABS committee work for the last two years and I have really enjoyed the journey together with

New President for NBAS

leadership positions in Norsk Hydro and Saga Petroleum, mainly within natural gas and business development. She has also worked seven years for the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy.

“I am very happy to take on the role as NBAS President, and look forward to further cooperation with the competent and experienced NBAS board and administration and all the great members of the NABS community,” says Hilde Merete Nafstad

“In particular, I am excited about the fact that NBAS has been elected to organize the Norway Asia Business Summit 2016, which will take place in Singapore next April. I would also like to take this opportunity to again thank Erik Borgen for his excellent work during many years and wish him all the best in the future.”

New President for DABS

Page 7: ScandAsia Singapore - July 2015

July 2015 • ScandAsia.Singapore 7

News Brief

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AD_ScandAsia_Pontus_WP_eng NEW.indd 1 26/01/2015 11:57

About 200 people gathered at the Polo Club to celebrate the Swedish National Day on the 6th of June.

In his opening address, Ambassador Håkan Jevrell welcomed the Swedish community and Angelica Lundberg, the Swedish priest, also gave a speech. The Swedish national anthem as well as traditional Swedish summer songs were also sung. The guests then enjoyed a traditional Swedish summer buffet.

The National Day celebration was a collaboration between the Embassy of Sweden, SBAS (Swedish Business Association of Singapore), Swedish Women’s Educational Association (SWEA), the Church of Sweden in Singapore, and the Swedish Supplementary Educational School. The National day committee would like to extend a big thank you to all the sponsors who made the celebration possible.

Swedish National Day celebrated in Singapore

Page 8: ScandAsia Singapore - July 2015

8 ScandAsia.Singapore • July 2015

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The Embassy together with the Swedish Business Association of Singapore, SBAS, also hosted a lunch for specially invited guests and SBAS corporate members to get a taste of the culinary blend of Swedish and Singaporean gastronomy.

This concept is a win-win where visiting chefs get to showcase their respective own specialties while creating new dishes inspired by the ideas our local kitchens throw at them.

For the Swedish Embassy this chef showcase was a follow-up to previous participation in the ‘Savour food festival’, a food and wine extravaganza, attracting an audience of more than 16 000 visitors, to which the embassy brought Michelin star Chefs Gustaf Trädgårdh and Ulf Wagner (Sjömagasinet) in 2013.

As Savour branched out with new concepts, the embassy partnered up with Savour for the $100Gourmet series, striving to find a new angle on how to profile Sweden and Swedish gastronomy.

Chefs like Niklas Ekstedt are putting Sweden more firmly on the culinary map as an upcoming epicentre for culinary delights. Swedish chefs are renowned around the world for their ability to make the best of this blend of tradition and innovation, states the Swedish Embassy.

During his visit to Singapore the embassy talked to Niklas about Swedish and Singaporean cuisine, and about current culinary trends. A few extracts:

“My latest restaurant, Ekstedt, is a bit of a “historical project”. I wanted to revive the lost flavors of the Scandinavian heritage of cooking over a wood-fuelled fire that disappeared when electricity was introduced into the kitchens. Instead of focusing on introducing new produce and creating new dishes, I have fixed my attention to the preparation process, using old Scandinavian techniques.”

“Sweden has been a culinary nation for culinary enthusiasts all over the world for quite some time now. The next step is to make it into a culinary nation for the mainstream crowd. Most people think about music and culture when they think about Swedish culture, but I would like them to also think about food. I am working with Stockholm Visitor Board on this, and I also think that Sweden needs ‘food ambassadors’, who can market Sweden as a culinary nation.“

Swedish Embassy Singapore successfully showcases cuisine with Michelin chefInterview/text and photos: Embassy of Sweden, Singapore. Edited by: Joakim Persson

As the most recent effor t in promoting Swedish culture , including its cuisine, the Embassy

of Sweden in Singapore, in partnership with $100Gourmet, invited the Michelin-starred Swedish chef Niklas Ekstedt to Singapore.

$100Gourmet is a year-long series that features acclaimed international chefs who collaborate with a host restaurant in Singapore, with the concept to offer create uniquely created 6-course menus for only $100.

Being one of the first two in the line-up of visiting international chefs Niklas Ekstedt, from one star restaurant Ekstedt in Stockholm, teamed up with Singaporean chef Jason Tan. Together they cooked up a storm at Jason’s restaurant, Corner House at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. They combined their culinary expertise and created a unique food tasting experience offering lunch and dinner for four full days to food hungry Singaporeans. The sold-out event series, showcased a collaborative effort in bringing together Swedish and Singaporean cuisine in a creative way, complimented by Asian flavours and ingredients.

News Brief

Page 9: ScandAsia Singapore - July 2015

July 2015 • ScandAsia.Singapore 9

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Page 10: ScandAsia Singapore - July 2015

10 ScandAsia.Singapore • July 2015

It’s Sunday, the sun is shining, there’s a light breeze and you have nothing scheduled. It’s a perfect occasion to jump on your bike and feel the wind in your hair. People of all ages know that feeling, also the ones who are no

longer able to actually do it. But they should be able to, so how can we help them?

That was the entrepreneur Ole Kassow’s thoughts when he started the project Cycling Without Age. On his way to work he saw this elderly man who sat on bench and one day decided to take him on a bike ride. Afterwards he started to offer rides on a borrowed rickshaw to people at a local nursing home. His personal charity soon became a bigger project and started to expand first nationally and later worldwide. Now it’s expanding to Singapore where Pernille Vedersø Bussone, who has been living in Singapore since August last year, is the local project manager.

“This concept has caught attention from people worldwide the last six months and that’s how I got in touch with Pernille who wants to

give something positive back to Singapore. I found that very touching and that motivated me to help Cycling Without Age in Singapore get started,” Ole Kassow says.

Remembering the daysThe basic point of Cycling Without Age is that volunteers take elderly people on a ride on a bicycle that is very similar to a taxi bike. But there’s another thing to it, because the founder, Ole Kassow, soon experienced that the bike ride made the elderly people reminisce. So the project developed to also being about the volunteers listening to exciting and nostalgic stories during the ride.

Pernille Vedersø Bussone now hopes to experience the same thing in Singapore. She also believes that there are elderly people in Singapore who are a bit isolated and don’t get out much. And according to her, there’s another factor that suggests that this will be a success.

“About 60 years ago, bicycles quite similar to the ones we use were apparently a popular

Cycling Without Ageis coming to SingaporeIn 2013, the Danish entrepreneur Ole Kassow started a project called Cycling Without Age where volunteers take elderly people on bike rides. It quickly became a success in Denmark and now it’s expanding worldwide – including Singapore.

By Soren Engelsbrecht

Page 11: ScandAsia Singapore - July 2015

July 2015 • ScandAsia.Singapore 11

thing here in Singapore, so my hope is that they will open up and talk about those days,” she says.

Won a bikeThe project is constantly expanding and at the moment Cycling Without Age is represented in 23 cities in 13 countries besides Denmark. In a lot of cases it is still in an early phase and not up and running yet. That includes Singapore, but on a certain point they are one step ahead of many cities; they have a usable bicycle for the purpose - or at least it is one its way at the time being.

“DTU - the Danish Technical University - said that they wanted to donate a bicycle for one of the branches abroad, so there was a lottery between all the cities that are represented and Singapore won,” Pernille Vedersø Bussone says.

The bicycles are designed in a way that makes it easier for the volunteer and the passengers to have a conversation while riding through the wind, and now she is able to show organisations and associations what their financial support will go to.

“That’s very important to me, because it can be difficult to convince people to sponsor something that is not there physically yet. Now I can show them why it is important to use this exact bicycle,” she explains.

The founder comes on a visitIn the first weekend of July, the founder, Ole Kassow, is coming to visit Singapore and see how the project is developing. Cycling Without Age has become a busy business for him, but visiting the branches of the project worldwide is a high priority for Ole Kassow.

“I love to meet dedicated people and elder lies in new countries and cities, and I hope that this visit will give me some exciting and enriching relations and friendships. I also hope to learn more about and experience Singapore and find out how they can contribute to the development of Cycling Without Age,” he says.

Pernille Vedersø Bussone is excited and her hopes for a great result are high.

It can be difficult to convince people to sponsor something

that is not there physically yet.

Now I can show them why it is

important to use this exact bicycle

Ole Kassow with Pernille Vedersø Bussone at Salvation Army with the first bicycle. Photo: Charles Tng

Page 12: ScandAsia Singapore - July 2015

12 ScandAsia.Singapore • July 2015

Their fir st job was a l ibrar y in Alexandria, Egypt. Now 26 years later, their por tfolio of buildings, landscape and interior work has grown big and impressive. Norwegian

architecture firm Snøhetta is behind a 9/11 memorial museum in New York, the forthcoming reconstruction of Times Square and the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, to name a few.

But among all these projects, spread on several continents, which one makes them more proud?

“The next project,” he says.Thomas Fagernes, par tner in Snøhetta,

doesn’t need much time to think it over. As I let the silence pass and wait for him to laugh it over and give me a serious answer, he takes a sip of his ice coffee. I realize that this is his serious answer, but feeling unfulfilled, I force out of him that they are of course very proud of the National Opera in Norway.

It’s never theless obvious that Thomas Fagernes and Snøhetta are looking straight ahead and focusing on what’s next. Right now, that’s Asia.

Moving to AsiaBesides Oslo, Snøhetta has two offices in America and one in Austria, since most of their projects are

The nextis always better

The Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta is behind big and grandiose projects in mostly Europe, America and the Middle East. The next target is Asia and that’s why they have now set up an office in Singapore.

By Søren Engelbrecht

Page 13: ScandAsia Singapore - July 2015

July 2015 • ScandAsia.Singapore 13

is constantly ringing. It’s actually the opposite.“We are making some calls to let the industry

know that we are here. And then we speak to other companies in the business to learn more about the environment here and what jobs may come up.”

Thomas Fagernes underlines that they have been well received in Singapore by everyone, but he also adds that the big test is to see whether they are going to get jobs any time soon. There’s no shift in his calm attitude and smiling tone of voice. Both he himself and Snøhetta are too experienced to be concerned about the fact that they haven’t got any jobs in Singapore yet. But then again, South Korea, Brunei, Indonesia and Thailand are a handful itself.

No perfect projectsThomas Fagernes wasn’t much for pointing out one project that they are more proud of, so I decide to turn around the question. Are there any projects that they wish they had done better?

“All of them,” he laughs.Just like his first answer, it’s both unspecific

and determined. Humble and ambitious.“It’s often a little thing and everybody else will

probably don’t even notice it, but there is always something you wish, as an architect, that you had done better,” Thomas Fagernes adds.

The next thing is going to be better.

We’re looking at how easy it is to run a

business, so it was between Singapore and Hong Kong. We ended up choosing Singapore

since it has a good, central location in South East Asia. But also, it’s a

nice place to live

in Europe and the US. But the ambitions don’t know any geographical limit, so now they are heading for Asia.

“We’re doing a Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Brunei, and we also have projects on-going in China, South Korea, Indonesia and Thailand. So we thought it would be a good idea to establish an office here,” Thomas Fagernes explains. He is in charge of setting up the new office and Snøhetta’s chief representative in Singapore.

But Singapore is not on the list of Asian countries where Snøhetta have any on-going projects, so why here?

“Well, among other factors, we’re looking at how easy it is to run a business, so it was between Singapore and Hong Kong. We ended up choosing Singapore since it has a good, central location in South East Asia. But also, it’s a nice place to live,” Thomas Fagernes says with a smile and takes another sip of his ice coffee. He has been here since February with his family and he seems to enjoy the life and climate in Singapore.

The difficult start-upEven though Snøhetta’s reper toire is big in especially Europe and America, starting up in a new country is always a challenge. Establishing an office in Singapore doesn’t mean that the phone

The two top photos are by Thomas Harrysson. The smaller from outside

is by Christopher Hagelund.

The National Opera House in Oslo is among the buildings Snohetta is proud to have designed.

Page 14: ScandAsia Singapore - July 2015

14 ScandAsia.Singapore • July 2015

Rayong born half-Norwegian Laila Vanessa Stuvik spent her Songkran holiday in the south of England completing her British helicopter pilots education. Having trained in the

United Kingdom during her school holidays for the past year, she passed her EASA (CAA) PPLH certification on the first attempt and achieved her pilot wings on the 15th of April, 2015.

Although only 17 years old she now can captain her helicopter worldwide. Miss Stuvik trained and flew several helicopters during her training, such as the new Guimbal G2 helicopter, as well as more traditional training helicopters like the Robinson R-22 and R-44. The young Thai lady were though most impressed when she flew the twin engine Bell 206 Jet Ranger, which she said had “so” much more power. Elite Helicopter School is located at Goodwood Aerodrome in West Sussex in the south of England and also provides charter flights and VIP support for larger events, like the British Grand Prix.

Having finished a grueling pilots training while also doing her first year International Baccalaureate studies at Regents International School in Cholburi, Laila Vanessa Stuvik dreams of studying international finance and business, before getting involved in Thailand aviation business. The

by Sasinee Aoucharoenpuck (Aey)

LailaStuviktakes British helicopter pilots license

Page 15: ScandAsia Singapore - July 2015

July 2015 • ScandAsia.Singapore 15

high flying Thai girl hopes she can inspire other young Thai girls to pursue higher education and a professional career.

After returning home to Rayong, Thailand Laila Vanessa Stuvik said:

”I thoroughly enjoyed flying and especially enjoy when I am high up in the air all by myself, then I know I am in total control. During my training I really liked the emergency drills, like the auto rotate that every pilot have to learn and master in order to bring the helicopter safely to the ground in case of an unlikely engine failure. That was quite a thrill. Having completed the training I hope to continue to expand my flying capabilities, but first I will focus all my energy on my business studies. Hopefully one day I can combined both my flying interest with the business studies”.

Laila is the younger brother of Sandy Stuvik who is a very successful young racing driver. In a previous interview published in ScandAsia, readers were introduced to a very dedicated young man who sacrificed much of his social life with his friends for a rigorous training scheme.

“My brother’s dedication towards driving has definitely been an inspiration to me, especially seeing his determination through the preparation and racing which can get stressful. It helped me get

through with the flying as it was very demanding and I had to give up a few of my holidays, along with having added work from school - on top of all the work I had from helicopter training.”

“However I loved it so much, and just like my brother, we continued doing what we love and it is definitely worth it,” Laila adds.

Now that she has achieved the immediate goal of getting the helicopter pilot license, Laila has set new goals for herself.

“My foreseeable future plans would include expanding my licence by getting ratings for bigger helicopters, night flying and more qualifications,” she says.

Eventually, she sees that her pilot qualifications could be offered as part of her father’s business. For instance offering off-shore companies transportation of people, like charter flights.

“That would mean I would also have to become a commercial pilot and also learn emergency procedures in order to ensure the safety of my passengers. I would definitely like to become a commercial pilot as flying is something that I really enjoy and could see it become a part of my future career.”

Laila understands that people are curious how the Stuvik family can afford to allow both their children to pursue quite expensive dreams

like racing and helicopter piloting. “We are able to afford both Sandy’s racing

ambitions and my flying ambitions because of many contributors such as Sandy’s sponsors. They help with the costs tremendously for Sandy. As for me, my parents took out a bank loan in order to pay for lots of the flying.”

takes British helicopter pilots license

Page 16: ScandAsia Singapore - July 2015

Our ‘no waitlists’ approach to admissions …… means that every year, every one has the opportunity to apply for a place at one of UWCSEA’s two campuses.

The annual open days are a chance to meet Principals and teachers, observe classes and, most importantly, speak directly to our students about their experience at UWCSEA.

We invite you to come and see for yourself:

Dover Campus Primary School Wednesday, 9 September Thursday, 10 September Middle School Monday, 7 September High School Tuesday, 8 September

East Campus Primary School Tuesday, 15 September Middle School Wednesday, 16 September High School Thursday, 17 September

Visit www.uwcsea.edu.sg to RSVP, or to find out more.

Applications for August 2016 open on 1 September 2015.

139ADV-1415UWCSEA Dover is registered by the CPE CPE Registration No. 197000825H Registration Period 18 July 2011–17 July 2017 UWCSEA East is registered by the CPE CPE Registration No. 200801795N Registration Period 10 March 2011–9 March 2017

Photo by Grade 10 student Marina Zilliacus