EXPERT BLOGS
Hard Rock Cafe introduce legendary Wagyu burgers. Tasty!
I now have a burger fetish! I had lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe last week and we all enjoyed delicious Wagyu Burgers on toasted sesame buns and served with lettuce, tomato, red onion and french fries. Wagyu is a breed of cattle whose meat is pre disposed to fatty marbling. The fat is important for burgers as it adds flavour and helps to keep the burgers moist and juicy, so I recommend choosing from Classic Wagyu Burger, Portobello Mushroom Wagyu Burger, Bacon and Cheese Wagyu Burger – my selection – or the popular Foie Gras Wagyu Burger. Tasty! Let me know if you get a chance to try these mouth-watering burgers. I’ll be back for sure especially as the Wagyu is imported from Australia.Singapore’s youngest cellist Brendan Goh
The Finder is pleased to announce Singapore’s youngest cellist Brendan Goh will be launching his first CD on Thursday November 3rd 2011. The title of the CD is Brendan: A brand new day. All sales proceeds will be donated to The Business Times Budding Artists Fund, which provides financial assistance to other artistically gifted children like him, who hopes to develop their talents in Singapore.Aged 12, Brendan is not only juggling his schoolwork and rehearsal schedule, but is also setting aside time to play all the right tunes for charity. The recording of this CD was made under the close supervision of his mentor, world renowned cellist Qin Li Wei, who is also head of the cello department in Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Singapore (NUS).
The CD is priced at $25 dollars and will be available at Tanglewood Music School, all GPA Dental clinics, Synwin Music, Gramercy Music (Katong) and Gramercy Music (Esplanade Mall).
The Finder is excited for young Brendan and look forward to following his career as he matures onto the international stage. Watch this space!
Bronte Beef Cheeks a Must Have... this week in Greenwood Avenue
This is a prime example of the exciting and tasty beef Cheeks at Bronte in Greenwood Avenue. The Finder was invited to experience this exciting taste sensation and highly recommends this menu item as a MUST HAVE dining experience in Singapore.
The principles behind purchasing a property using a legal structure
Australian property tax and expatriate tax expert STEVE DOUGLAS explains why setting up a company to purchase property requires careful consideration
Q I’m thinking of buying a property in Australia. Should I set up a company to do this?A Using a legal structure to purchase property is a very personal decision and should be based on a number of issues. These include legal protection, succession planning, transferability – and of course, taxation. As a general rule it’s not ideal to set up a legal structure as the company will not benefit from the current 50 percent Tax Exemption on Capital Gains. If a legal structure is deemed necessary, a Unit Trust or Family Trust would be more appropriate.
The nature of the property also makes a difference. If it’s commercial rather than residential, a legal structure may be more suitable – especially when there are multiple owners involved. In this instance a record of a defined unit allocation can determine each individual’s ownership of the asset.
With residential property, it’s best to make an acquisition in your personal name because if you can keep the debt levels high on the property during the time rent is collected, it can be very tax effective – both during your time abroad and upon a return to Australia. Buying in your own name is also essential if you wish to take advantage of the Principal Residence Exemption on Capital Gains Tax rule. This can only apply if you live in the property at some point upon your return to Australia.
Setting up a legal structure may also incur the loss of any benefits in building up tax credits on excess holding costs. In such an instance, any tax losses can become trapped in the entity, prohibiting you from offsetting any personal salary income against these losses upon your return to Australia.
In all cases, the use of a structure should be carefully considered. If your only reason is to obtain an artificial tax benefit, which some schemes and Hybrid Trusts promote, you may find yourself in trouble with the authorities. The Australian Tax Office has the power to look through and void the entity for tax purposes.
The current system and legal incentives for purchases as an individual already promote the ability for you to enjoy a tax-free investment. So if tax avoidance is your sole motivation, using a legal entity could prove detrimental – you may just outsmart yourself!
Frequently asked questions on school medical examinations
IMC’s Dr Lim Hui Ling answers frequently asked questions about school medical examinations.
Children enrolling for school, summer camps or a sports team may be required to undergo a medical. This is a good opportunity to evaluate your child’s overall health, update any necessary vaccinations and screen for any unrecognised medical problems.Q. Why conduct a medical?
A. Most international schools want to ensure your child is not carrying any infectious diseases, is physically fit and properly vaccinated. Some are also interested in the psychological development of your child and whether they have any special needs. The requirements vary greatly from school to school and can range from half-a-page to a comprehensive four-page form. Children involved in competitive sports or physically strenuous camps may require an annual medical. If your child has not had a check-up for a while, this is also a good opportunity for the doctor to review their growth and development and assess any minor symptoms pointing to a more serious problem, such as snoring or allergies. You can also catch up on any overdue vaccinations.
Q. Does my child need to be present?
A. Yes. The doctor cannot simply sign the form. He or she is entrusted to confirm your child is well and fit. Also, previous medical visits may not have focussed on the relevant aspects outlined in the form.
Q. What happens during the medical?
A. A nurse will check your child’s weight and height, blood pressure and basic vision before the doctor’s consultation. So arrive earlier than the stipulated time especially if you’re bringing a few children in one visit. During the consultation, the doctor will go over your child’s medical and vaccination history, and perform a thorough physical examination, according to the requirements of the school. Sometimes, vaccinations may be required during the examination.
Q. How should we prepare for the examination?
A. Review the form ahead of time so you know what’s required. Bring it along together with all other medical records including vaccination records. Inform your child about the check-up but don’t stir any anxiety by talking excessively about vaccinations and try not to focus on the fact that needles might be involved. On the day, bring along your child’s favourite toy and a treat. Schedule the appointment as soon as you receive the forms so you’ll not be rushing at the last minute. This is especially important if the medical is required for relocating to a foreign school as some require more in-depth and time consuming tests and x-rays. And if a medical issue is detected, there’ll be a need for further investigation or referrals.
Dr Lim Hui Ling MBBS MMed (Family Med) MCFP(S)
Dr Lim is a Senior Family Physician at IMC’s Jelita clinic with an interest in women’s health, asthma and allergies, breastfeeding and minor surgery. She is also a Collegiate Member of the College of Family Physicians and was awarded her Masters in Family Medicine in 1999.
How to establish the right grounds for divorce
Lawyer-mediator RAJAN CHETTIAR explains how establishing the right grounds for divorce can minimise drama and maximise amicability. 
When you petition for a divorce, you’ll need to state the reason behind your intentions. Even if you and your estranged spouse have mutually consented to the divorce, you’ll need to prove to the Court one or more of the following has happened to cause the end of your marriage – unreasonable behaviour, adultery, desertion or separation.
Unreasonable behaviour is the most common and accepted grounds for a divorce. Although it may sound somewhat offensive it doesn’t caste any imputations on you or your estranged spouse’s character, personality or conduct. It also doesn’t affect either of you personally, professionally and your immigration status in Singapore will not change.
All you have to do is demonstrate behaviour unreasonable to you – it doesn’t have to be an extreme example. This is usually easy to gather because in most marriages it’s likely you’ve found your estranged spouses’ behaviour unreasonable at some point. Evidence of unreasonable behaviour is not initially required when you contemplate a divorce because most divorce cases don’t lead to a trial in the Singapore Family Court. Contested divorce cases are often mediated in the Family Court and result in consensual divorce orders.
Grounds for divorce don’t allow you or your estranged spouse to enjoy a larger pay out. It’s common for spouses who are sued for divorce to contest the proceedings initially, which can lead to ugly Court battles. However, after filing their responses in the proceedings, they usually decide not to contest during mediation.
During divorce mediation, the Judge mediator and the solicitors will consider the divorce writ and counterclaim filed by both you and your estranged spouse. You’ll both be asked to consider proceeding on the claims filed so as to achieve an uncontested divorce order against each other. If you or your estranged spouse decide to contest the divorce proceedings without filing a counterclaim, you may be asked to withdraw your defence and consider making amendments to the divorce writ. Once you both agree the amendments to the divorce writ, you can obtain an uncontested divorce order. Eventually, the Family Court’s objective is to assist both sides to obtain an amicable divorce, which is often the wish of both parties going through the divorce, once emotions subside and they are ready to move on with their lives.
Rajan Chettiar
Commissioner For Oaths, Mediator LLB (Honours), Barrister-at-law (Middle Temple), UK
TMJ syndrome explained & treatment options
Dr Jon Ryder of SMILEFOCUS explains TMJ syndrome and gives medical and lifestyle treatment options.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) syndrome is a cycle of pain, muscle spasms and joint imbalance at the point where your jaw meets the skull and often causes chronic facial pain. The temporomandibular joint allows you to chew and speak and is one of the most complex joints in your body.
Cushioning these two bones is a thin disc of cartilage. So when there’s an imbalance in the bones, muscles and cartilage it can result in a myriad of symptoms including headaches, neck and ear aches, difficulty in opening or closing the jaw, a clicking or a popping in the joint, a dull aching pain around the ear that spreads into the face and tender or painful jaw muscles. Other symptoms to look out for are teeth clenching and grinding – both a cause and a symptom – numbness in your fingers and toes, vertigo and undiagnosable tooth pain. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from properly working together may result in a painful TMJ disorder.
Several conditions can be related to TMJ disorders. They can be quite varied and often difficult to pinpoint, but in general it’s the muscles or joint of your jaw that are affected – usually involving the joint, ligaments and muscles used for chewing and grinding food. TMJ syndrom is usually caused by grinding or clenching your teeth, a bad bite caused by missing teeth or badly aligned teeth, a blow to the joint, the onset of arthritis, an injury to the muscles allowing the joints to move and stress, particularly emotional stress. TMJ affects women of childbearing age and older men and women.
Your dentist can identify the source of the pain with an exam and an x-ray and will advise on the best way to treat your TMJ problem. Treatment options may include crowning teeth, filling the gaps, adjusting the bite or even moving your teeth with orthodontic treatment to restore balance and harmony to the joint. You can also ease TMJ symptoms by making some lifestyle changes such as engaging in stress reducing exercises, taking muscle relaxants or wearing a splint, which is a plastic mouthpiece to prevent teeth clenching and grinding.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) syndrome is a cycle of pain, muscle spasms and joint imbalance at the point where your jaw meets the skull and often causes chronic facial pain. The temporomandibular joint allows you to chew and speak and is one of the most complex joints in your body.Cushioning these two bones is a thin disc of cartilage. So when there’s an imbalance in the bones, muscles and cartilage it can result in a myriad of symptoms including headaches, neck and ear aches, difficulty in opening or closing the jaw, a clicking or a popping in the joint, a dull aching pain around the ear that spreads into the face and tender or painful jaw muscles. Other symptoms to look out for are teeth clenching and grinding – both a cause and a symptom – numbness in your fingers and toes, vertigo and undiagnosable tooth pain. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from properly working together may result in a painful TMJ disorder.
Several conditions can be related to TMJ disorders. They can be quite varied and often difficult to pinpoint, but in general it’s the muscles or joint of your jaw that are affected – usually involving the joint, ligaments and muscles used for chewing and grinding food. TMJ syndrom is usually caused by grinding or clenching your teeth, a bad bite caused by missing teeth or badly aligned teeth, a blow to the joint, the onset of arthritis, an injury to the muscles allowing the joints to move and stress, particularly emotional stress. TMJ affects women of childbearing age and older men and women.
Your dentist can identify the source of the pain with an exam and an x-ray and will advise on the best way to treat your TMJ problem. Treatment options may include crowning teeth, filling the gaps, adjusting the bite or even moving your teeth with orthodontic treatment to restore balance and harmony to the joint. You can also ease TMJ symptoms by making some lifestyle changes such as engaging in stress reducing exercises, taking muscle relaxants or wearing a splint, which is a plastic mouthpiece to prevent teeth clenching and grinding.
D.D.S (Iowa)
Dr Jon Ryder is a restorative dentist and also an Adjunct Professor for Restorative Dentistry at the University of Iowa. A fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, his expertise includes full mouth rehabilitation, implant surgery and prosthodontics, periodontal surgery and oral pathology.
Find a cause, keep it real and laugh out loud!
Recently, The Finder was invited to the launch of Enslaved: An MTV Exit special – a cutting edge, innovative educational campaign to raise awareness and increase prevention of human trafficking and exploitation. It got us thinking about causes. For certain it’s good to take a stand when it comes to having an opinion, a passion or a cause to support. What do you believe? What really gets you inspired to take action? It may be personal or universal, but whatever the focus it’s good to believe in something. We hope Singapore Secrets contributes to a little awareness-awakening in its own way.
Indeed, we invite you to make a difference, no matter how big or small. It may or may not be so serious every time. It could be simply straightening mayhem around the home or focusing on yourself to invigorate your look, a sure way to achieving a sense of pride and wellness! Share the joy, that’s our mantra. Don’t you agree, when you have people around you who exude happiness you feel happy too? You feel nothing is a challenge and you seem to get the job done, effortlessly. Laughter is infectious and it’s free so spread it in abundance. Just like the stars of The Kings and Queen of Comedy Asia 2 who’ll get you giggling in Five Minutes With…This is the second incarnation of what is set to be a seriously belly laughing event so see you in the front row – I’ll be the guy rolling around on the floor in hysterics!
For those who like a little tipple, whether it be over a quiet dinner for two or a gathering with friends, Wolf Blass has a year’s supply of Australian wines to give away. Visit Win Prizes for all the entry details. Plus, apart from our regular features you have come to know and expect from The Finder, we welcome Sarafina Pavia from Lemongrass House who shares her love for all things lemongrass, chat with Chris Churcher from Red Sea Gallery about Beagles In Boots and go horse trekking in Mongolia with Mano Griffiths from Barefoot Traveller. In Going Places we visit some choice golf and spa locations across the region with our travel reporter David Bowden while Assistant Editor Jassmin Peter takes a closer look at some of The Lion City rooftop wine and dining options in Wine and Dine. So what’s our advice? Find a cause, keep it real, laugh out loud and take the time to get in touch with what makes Singapore tick in this month issue. So pick one up the October issue today at one of 400 locations across Singapore, Find the Finder here and Enjoy!