December 2012 / January 2013 - Association of Dutch Businessmen

Association of Dutch Businesspeople in Singapore
www.adb.org.sg
Dec 2012/
Jan 2013
Event
Doing business
in Indonesia
MITA 373/03/2001
Business
The Holland Brand
Bringing Dutch products
to Singapore
Extra
Places in Indonesia

PROLOGUE
Board Members
TIME FLIES
Mark Leenders
President
Market Director South East Asia,
Greater China and Korea Nespresso
Marleen Dieleman
Vice President
Visiting fellow NUS Business School
Raymond Hofstede
Honorary Secretary
Attorney-at-Law Loyens Loeff
Martijn Schouten
Honorary Treasurer
Business Development Manager
Vopak
Frank Kuijsters
Member / Chief Editor
Director Digne Consult Asia Pacific
Nico Derksen
Member
Director International Tax
Management
Rinske Bloemendal
Member
Senior Medical Receptionist
International Medical Clinic
Jan Benes
Member
Business Development Director
Philips Healthcare APAC
Secretariat
Lineke van Nederpelt
Executive Assistant
IMCD Asia
It’s just a few more weeks until the end of 2012. Time
flies and it always seems to go faster with a filled calendar
of family life, work, sports, holidays and social activities
and events.
In 2012, we strived to provide a mixture of monthly
events that were appealing to as many active members
as possible, from current affairs (Steve Slater’s talk on
Formula One in September), company visits (Philips
Lightning and ABN AMRO to name a few) to forums (Doing
Business in Indonesia in October).
This December, ADB will introduce new member
administration software that highly facilitates Lineke
van Nederpelt in her daily administrative tasks. We are
preparing the use of Paypal for our members, in order
to simplifying the payment of the ADB contribution. This
will be raised to SGD 125 per annum in 2013, as agreed in
the 2012 Annual Meeting. The costs linked to the Paypal
transactions will be covered by ADB.
As of 1 December, our new email address will be:
adb@adb.org.sg We kindly ask that you not use the old
“pacific.net.sg” address in future.
Furthermore we are working on a new approach to
advertisement and sponsoring. I hope to be able to come
back to you with more detailed information in the next
edition of our Magazine.
Raymond Hofstede will hand over his responsibilities as
ADB Honorary Secretary to Mr Kuan Yoe The in December.
We thank Raymond, who will step down from the Board,
for his solid contribution and to-the-point minutes of our
Board meetings and wish him all the best. We extend
a warm welcome to Kuan Yoe in his new role and look
forward to his contribution.
With this last position filled, the Board is at full strength to
enter a new and challenging year with great events for you.
I look forward to seeing you all at our December
networking event at the Hollandse Club on Monday,
10 December, where we shall toast the past year while
looking forward to 2013.
On behalf of the Board, I wish you a fantastic festive season
and a prosperous and healthy 2013!
“The ADB provides opportunities for Dutch business
people to meet, interact and share knowledge by
means of company visits, lectures, networking events
and membership communications.”
Mark Leenders
1

Contents
Vol. 22 / No. 7 /
Dec 2012 - Jan 2013
Prologue 1 By Mark Leenders, ADB President
Events 3 Doing business in Indonesia
6 A visit to ABN Amro Singapore
Business 8 The Holland Brand
Bringing Dutch products to Singapore
11 Apps Reviewed – 4sqwifi and Mobile Mouse
12 Company profile: ING Bank
Extra 14 ‘Pepernoot’ Logistics
16 Going Indonesia
How to survive in the ‘Big Durian’
18 Eight must-see places in Indonesia (other than Bali)
Bizz News 20 Dutch business news
Singapore 22 The 10 best Indonesian restaurants in Singapore
nOt to miss 24 Things to do in Singapore
Column 25 Bali on wheels
Embassy News 26 Latest news by the Dutch Embassy
adB News 26 Announcements, member info and more
Photographer for cover: Peter Kloprogge
P3
If you think the ADB is only focused
on Singapore, you missed the panel
discussion on 8 October. Reputable
ADB members and Indonesia
specialists shared their expertise
and experiences on doing business
in Indonesia.
P8
In the second ADB entrepreneurial
café, the three entrepreneurs who
introduced Beemster cheese, Kapla
building blocks and Join the Pipe in
Singapore.
P18
When planning your next trip,
remember that Indonesia is not
just Bali. There are many other
interesting places that are worthy of
seeing next time you visit Indonesia.
2

Events
Doing business in Indonesia
Text ANd Photos ARTHUR CLARINGBOULD
If you think the ADB is only focused on Singapore, you
missed the panel discussion on 8 October.
ADB is proud to have among its members, reputable
Indonesia specialists Hans Vriens (Vriens & Partners), Joe
Teng (Amicorp), Pieter de Ridder (Loyens & Loeff), and
Marleen Dieleman (NUS), who shared their expertise
and experiences in a panel discussion on doing business
in Indonesia. The panel was chaired by Nico Derksen
(International Tax management).
A short introduction to the background of the panel
members:
Hans Vriens specializes in Southeast Asian and
Indonesian politics. His firm assists multi-national
companies to find their way in the complex political
landscape in Indonesia and Southeast Asia.
Joe Teng is specialized in investment structuring and
succession planning in Indonesia.
Pieter de Ridder helps companies with tax and legal
structuring of their investments in Indonesia.
Marleen Dieleman is doing research on the working of
conglomerates in Asia.
Indonesia is the largest economy and most populous
country in ASEAN. To give you a rough idea:
• Population 237 Million
• GDP 2011 $ 834 Billion
• Growth rate 2009: 4.6 %
2010: 6.1 %
2011: 6.4 %
Business opportunities in Indonesia are plentiful,
possibly only matched by the number of cultural,
relational, regulatory, political, tax, and financial challenges
one faces when doing business in Indonesia.
All the panel members were asked to describe their
best and worst experiences while doing business in
Indonesia:
Hans Vriens:
Best: Reformasi- working on the transformation after
Suharto was removed from office.
Worst: his deputy started her own business while
working for Hans.
Marleen Dieleman:
Best: Meeting with a top tycoon and landing an
assignment for her previous boss, after refusing a job
offer and having a tough time to meet the guy.
Worst: Getting totally stuck in Jakarta traffic and
therefore missing the plane, and suffering other
personal inconveniences.
Joe Teng:
Best: experiencing how the financial markets and the
conglomerates in Indonesia have become more mature
and responsible.
Worst: In his first job in Indonesia, he uncovered that
the assets he was supposed to manage were “tapped”
by numerous government officials, so there were no
assets to manage.
Pieter de Ridder:
Best: In a complicated acquisition project, with a highly
indebted firm, being able to acquire four fiscal rulings
from the Director General of Taxation.
Worst: The above-mentioned rulings were not obeyed
by the lower ranking tax-inspectors.
Some one-liners from the evening:
“Britain rules the waves, however Indonesia waves the rules!”
“Indonesia is the country of the future and will always remain the country of the future!”
“Fighting with a conglomerate is not impossible, however it is very expensive!”
“Hire an eighty year old eminence to smooth your way!”
3

Events
After this very illustrative opening, we zoomed in on
several expertise areas for doing business in Indonesia:
• Political landscape
• The Regulatory and Financial landscape
• The Private sector landscape
• Tax landscape
Political landscape
There has been a tremendous transformation in the
political landscape since Suharto stepped down as
president. However the reforms have not yet been
completed.
There are positive signs, such as the electorate now
making more rational choices. Higher ranking officials, such
as ministers and secretary generals, are talented and highly
educated (often in the UK or the US), but many institutions
still lack stability.
• Parliament is crowded with all kinds of people,
• Government bodies are still easily bought. The
decentralisation of power has led to very unpredictable
and often bad decision taking,
• NGOs are, at best, weak,
• The judiciary is deteriorating at a fast pace.
However, there is also positive news. The KPK (anticorruption
committee) seems to be holding its own
and making good progress. The tax court is improving
considerably.
A very peculiar aspect of Indonesian politics is that
many candidates are not Muslims, in a population where
more than 80% of the people consider themselves Muslim.
Political leaders who are Muslim often try to move away
from their Muslim image. For example, the new governor
of Jakarta has a running mate who is a Christian ethnic
Chinese.
Elections for a new president will be held in 2014. At
the moment, it is not very clear which candidate will be
able to succeed the current president, Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono. None of the current candidates is generally
seen as ideal.
The Regulatory and Financial landscape
As the above figures show, the economic climate is
currently very positive, with plenty of strong economic
growth. That growth has been sustained in sectors where
the new middle-class has started spending, such as in
banking, insurance, nutrition and food. Initially, growth
came from the export of raw materials, mainly to China.
In the past few years, investment in infrastructure has
lagged behind, for example very noticeably in Jakarta.
It is expected that there will be a boost in infrastructure
development. However many plans are currently held
up because of the lack of an effective expropriation law,
a proposal for which is currently before parliament. It
remains to be seen when it will eventually come in to
effect.
During the financial crisis in 1998, many banks were
sold to foreign investors, while most of the others failed.
The financial crisis in 1998 exposed severe weaknesses
in the Indonesian banking system and most banks were
forced to write off as much as 80 to 90 percent of their
assets. Conglomerates used banks to collect money from
the public to finance their own businesses. Nowadays, the
banking system is relatively efficient, with a strong central
bank, making the system far more reliable.
In the past, many companies that were brought to
the stock exchange did not perform in accordance with
their predicted growth and financial results. Often sister
companies in the same conglomerate out-performed the
company that traded publicly. Nowadays, debt and capital
markets function much better in general than in the past,
thanks to stronger institutions. For instance, the Securities
and Exchange Commission is not for sale anymore, and
IPOs (initial public offerings) are now far more reliable and
successful than in the past.
The Private sector landscape
In the 1950s, many companies were nationalised by
Sukarno. At the beginning of the Suharto era, foreign
investors were welcomed, as long as a co-ownership with
Indonesian companies was established. The ethnic Chinese
still have an important stake in businesses in Indonesia.
As in many other Asian countries, conglomerates
control many businesses in Indonesia nowadays. These
conglomerates are tied to one or more families. Many
companies in Indonesia are therefore linked to one or
other conglomerate.
Before you start doing business it is very important
to do your homework well. You need to know whom you
are doing business with. Another aspect of knowing your
business partner, is that it is impossible to “work your
way up”. You need to work around the contact in order
to reach the top. Starting at the wrong end can lead to
disappointment. Companies tend to be very “closed”
or secretive. The total overview of the company is only
available at the top. Most employees do not know what
is going on in their company. Only the patriarch has the
total picture. Also, if you think your business partner is
an independent entity, it is crucial to find out whether
this is indeed the case. Sometimes you need to act like a
detective to make sure you are doing business with the
right people.
Dutch people doing business in Indonesia do not
necessary have an advantage or a disadvantage. Some
in the older generation know about the Dutch history
and will be proud of it. The younger generation is not
very historically aware or interested. The Dutch are not
considered a major force in the business world there. The
Japanese are considered major business partners. Dutch
business people should be careful about coming across
as ‘know it alls’ or arrogant. Indonesian business partners
can be very sensitive about being preached to about what
is the right or wrong way of doing things. The relationship
between the Netherlands and Indonesia deteriorated
during the era of Dutch politician Jan Pronk, because
Indonesians felt the Dutch were too arrogant.
Tax landscape
One of the major taxes which foreign investors are
confronted with is withholding tax in Indonesia. This is a
tax on the payment of dividends, interest, service fees and/
or royalties.
Indonesia has around 60 tax treaties and interpreting
them is not easy in practice. Assistance from professionals
4

Events
is advised when investing in Indonesia. The treaty with
the Netherlands was unilaterally terminated in 2000.
However, on the initiative of Indonesia, a new treaty was
soon established, which is surprisingly better than the old
treaty. The treaty was so advantageous on the subject
of financing that around 18 billion dollars was raised
on the capital markets by the Netherlands and lent to
Indonesia. The Dutch tax treaty with Indonesia provides
for withholding tax exemption on interest payments,
which is a unique feature. In 2009, Indonesia decided to
impose restrictions on the ability to enjoy the benefits of a
tax treaty to situations where the other company receiving
income from Indonesia is an active company and not just
a passive holding of a financing company. If the overseas
company is not active enough, the treaty will not be
applicable.
Indonesia also imposes a profits tax on the profits
of business carried out in Indonesia. The profits tax is
paid on the basis of expected profits for the year, which
are calculated based on the previous year’s results. It is
possible to get a tax refund at the end of the year, if the
actual results for the year turn out to be lower than the
expected results. However, if a refund is requested there
will be a mandatory tax-audit, which will in practice lead
to management spending lots of time handling all the
questions from the tax auditors. In most situations, this
could lead to a certain amount of tax not being refunded
to the taxpayer. Tax refunds should be avoided in practice.
In the appropriate situation, one way to achieve this is to
make a timely adjustment of the actual profits for the year.
For example, companies accelerate profits, which would
otherwise be earned during the next year to the current
financial year, so that the actual results for the year are
at the same level as the predicted profits. This also saves
the company the cost and hassle of having to deal with tax
audits.
General Information from the Q&A
As Indonesia is a Muslim country, is it difficult for women
to do business there?
• First, Muslim culture in Indonesia is very different from
the culture in the Middle East.
• The number of women in high up business positions
is quite good and much better than, for instance, in
Singapore.
• The general opinion of the forum was that is probably
more an advantage than a disadvantage to be a women
when doing business in Indonesia.
What areas of business are prosperous?
• Some areas such as shipping and, to a lesser extent,
banking are becoming safer for external investors.
• With a growing middle class, tourism could be a
booming area to invest in. Traditionally, the workforce
is willing to please and serve. Improvements in English
training in schools and a better understanding of
hygiene could make tourism very prosperous.
Can you tell us about the level of education in Indonesia?
• All children must go to school until the age of 18.
• The quality of teaching could be seriously improved.
How does doing business in Indonesia compare with other
Asian countries?
• Indonesia is relatively open, compared with other
South-East Asian countries like Malaysia.
• However compared with Singapore and western
countries, it is relatively closed.
• Doing business there is a matter of good preparation.
Know your partner.
It was a very interesting evening for all, with a lot of
practical advice, interesting anecdotes and deeper insights.
Thanks to the panel members and the enthusiastic
audience for making this event a great success!
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5

Events
A Visit to ABN Amro Singapore
Text Richard Soemita
PHOTOS Frank Kuijsters and ABN Amro
It was a great turn up at Level 25, One Raffles Quay, South
Tower, where one of the ABN Amro divisions is located.
Nico Derksen was the ADB MC for the evening and first
introduced Hans-Peter Borgh, now working for ABN Amro.
Some of us were surprised to see Hans-Peter with the
ABN, which he explained to the audience. In June 2012,
Hans-Peter Borgh was appointed Chief Commercial Officer
for Asia and the Middle East. As a member of the Asia
and Middle East Private Banking Management Team and
reporting to Hugues Delcourt, CEO, Private Banking Asia
and Middle East, Hans-Peter’s responsibilities will include
strategy, business development, performance and sales
management as well as marketing and communications.
Hans-Peter joined from Australia and New Zealand
Banking Group (ANZ), where he was the Regional Head
of Affluent Banking Asia Pacific, responsible for its wealth
management business across 21 countries. Based in
Singapore since 2004, Hans-Peter was accorded “The
Promising Young Banker” leadership award by The Asian
Banker in 2011. ABN AMRO recognizes the increasing
business and operational synergies between Asia and
the Middle East, and therefore has aligned its activities
in the Middle East – particularly its Dubai operations –
more closely with its Asian Private Banking business, by
integrating both regions in a “Private Banking Asia and
Middle East” management structure.
Shortly afterwards, Hans-Peter handed the floor to
Hugues Delcourt, who gave an inter-active speech where
questions could be asked on the spot, rather than a Q&A
session at the end. This was a very open and honest
approach. One would think that Delcourt could almost be
Dutch! Below a few lines on the topics that were covered:
- In Asia, the history of the bank dates back to 1826,
when our first branch in Indonesia started operating to
support trading activities.
- On 1 May 1858, ABN AMRO Singapore was founded
and as such is the oldest bank in Singapore.
- 2007-2008 turbulent years / the break up and finally:
July 1, 2010 the legal merger between ABN AMRO Bank
N.V. (ABN AMRO Bank) and Fortis Bank (Nederland) N.V.
(Fortis Bank Nederland), creating a combined entity
called ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
6

Events
- ABN AMRO Singapore has 420 staff and approximately
USD 150m turnover.
- The main global business lines present in Singapore are:
Private Banking, Energy Commodities & Transportation,
ABN AMRO Clearing and Commercial Banking
International.
A private bank with a strong growth ambition
in Asia
ABN AMRO Private Banking is the international wealth
management division of ABN AMRO Bank N.V., with over
USD 200 billion of assets under management. We operate
in 10 countries worldwide, serving over 100,000 high net
worth individuals. ABN AMRO Private
Banking has one of the largest research and strategy
teams of any private bank, with more than 40 analysts
covering all major asset classes based in Amsterdam,
Geneva, Zurich, Frankfurt, Paris, Singapore and Hong Kong.
ABN AMRO is one of the largest banks in the
Netherlands, with roots reaching back as far as 1720. In
Asia, the history of the bank dates back to 1826, when
our first branch in Indonesia started operating to support
trading activities. Today, we serve some 6.8 million clients
and over across 28 countries and territories. ABN AMRO
Private Banking ranks amongst the top three private banks
in the euro-zone, top seven in Europe and top twenty in
Asia. We recently won the Euromoney Award 2012 for
being the Netherlands’ best private bank. We were also
highly commended, in the ‘Best Private Bank in Europe’
category at the Global Private Banking Awards 2011.
Clients ABN AMRO Private Banking
• Servicing more than 100,000 clients through 53
domestic and international branches, in 10 markets
worldwide
• Our clients have over 100 different nationalities
• Our clients have entrusted EUR 155 billion of their
assets to us
• We have over 1 million client contacts per year
Market position
• 1 st in the Netherlands
• 2 nd in France
• 5 th in Germany
• Ranked amongst the top 20 in Asia
• Ranked 3 rd in the Eurozone and 7 th in Europe
Delcourt illustrated the above with some impressive
slides and, after the speech, Nico wrapped up the
presentation by thanking ABN AMRO and handed
both gentlemen a nice bottle of wine, offered by Wine
Directions.
About Hugues Delcourt
Hugues Delcourt was appointed as Country Executive,
ABN AMRO Bank N.V. Singapore and Chief Executive
Officer of ABN AMRO Private Banking Asia on 1 October
2011. Effective 1 July 2012, with the alignment of the
Bank’s activities in the Middle East with that of its Asian
Private Banking business, Hugues was appointed Chief
Executive Officer of ABN AMRO Private Banking Asia &
Middle East and made responsible for the Private Banking
businesses in both regions.
Jeroen Rijpkema, CEO of ABN AMRO Private Banking
International: “Asia is an important growth region for our
bank. With his vast experience in private and corporate
banking, his leadership and comprehensive knowledge
of the region, Hugues Delcourt is the ideal person to
help spearhead our ambitions in the fast-growing Asian
markets. I am therefore delighted Hugues is taking up the
opportunity to lead our Singapore activities as well as our
private banking activities in Asia”.
7

Business
The Holland Brand
Bringing Dutch products to Singapore
Text Aleid van der Schrier and Petra Pronk
Beemster cheese, Kapla building blocks and Join the
Pipe, are three examples of Dutch products that have
successfully been introduced in Singapore. In the second
ADB entrepreneurial café, the three entrepreneurs who
introduced these products, spoke openly about their
experiences. Leonie van der Sluis, owner of Dutch Link
Pte. Ltd. and importer and distributor of Dutch specialty
cheeses, Dorien Knaap, owner of Paint Box and importer
of Kitsch Kitchen, Pip Studio and Kapla, and Daniel van
Dijk, owner of Dutch Lion Consultancy Pte. Ltd. who
brought the ‘Join the Pipe’ initiative to Singapore let us in
to the fascinating world of bringing the Holland Brand to
Singapore.
Inspiration
One year ago, while visiting a conference on water
technology in Kuala Lumpur, Daniel van Dijk met the
founder of the ‘Join the Pipe’ initiative. “Join the Pipe is a
Dutch non-profit organisation that promotes the drinking
of tap water as a sustainable alternative to drinking bottled
water”, explains Daniel. “By providing tap water stations
at strategic locations, such as parks, offices, schools
and restaurants, it is a viable, environmentally-friendly
alternative to buying a bottle.” Join the Pipe sells Dutch
designed water bottles, carafes and water tap stations in
the shape of sections of a water pipeline. Proceeds from
the sales are used to finance sustainable water projects in
Asia. Since Singapore tap water is perfectly safe to drink,
Daniel volunteered to bring Join the Pipe to Singapore.
Leonie van der Sluis, who has been living in Singapore
since 2002, started importing Beemster cheese in 2009,
together with her husband. Leonie explains, “In 2009,
my husband was asked to relocate to Germany. We did
not want to leave Singapore yet, so we choose to stay
and try setting up our own business. One thing I really
missed was Dutch cheese. That gave us the inspiration to
start importing cheese.” Dutch Link focuses on the import
of high quality cheese, produced in a traditional and
sustainable way. For Leonie, Cono, the holding company
of Beemster, appeared to be the partner that best suited
her business model. After the success of Beemster
cheese, she extended her product range to include other
Dutch quality cheeses, like Rijpenaer, Klaverkaas and
Veldhuyzen cheese.
Dorien Knaap, who has been living in Singapore for
12 years, started Paint Box in 2005. “I remember walking
along Orchard Road in 2005 with my colourful Kitsch
Kitchen carrier bag. I got a lot of positive reactions, which
made me realize that there might be a market for such
products in Singapore.” So, she started importing Kitsch
Kitchen products. Later, she added Kapla building blocks
and Pip Studio home ware to her assortment.
Local challenges
The start-ups got going. To a certain extent you can rely on
the expat community in the beginning. However, it is vital
to include the local market in your client base if you want
your business to become sustainable. Conquering the local
market with new products is not always easy. Cheese, for
example, is not part of local tradition. “Singaporeans are
quite open to new products. They do not have a specific
preference for one type of cheese, they even like the
strong tastes of the older cheeses,” describes Leonie. In
addition, Leonie put a lot of effort into teaching locals
about what you can do with cheese, other then consuming
it as a snack. “When sales of cheese increased, I started
importing whole cheese wheels. These wheels had to be
cut into smaller pieces. It took some time to educate the
8

Business
store assistants about handling the cheese cutting wire to
cut the pieces of cheese to the right size.”
Although tap water in Singapore is safe to drink, a lot
of households still boil the water before drinking. These
old habits are hard to change. Due to the tropical climate,
installing tap water stations in Singapore comes with
temperature and hygiene issues. Furthermore, a lot of
offices, schools and shopping malls in Singapore already
have tap water stations or water coolers installed. Daniel’s
challenge is to try to create a link between ‘Join the Pipe’,
existing tap water stations and local initiatives and to
create awareness in Singapore that people are in fact
rather blessed with safe drinking water from the tap. In
addition, ‘Join the Pipe’ makes safe drinking water available
to more people in the world.
Think Big, Start Small
All three entrepreneurs started as small businesses.
Dorien set up a sole proprietorship for her sales activities.
In the beginning, she sold most of her products at fairs.
Later, she opened a shop at Loewen Gardens, together
with four other entrepreneurial women. She has many
fond memories of this time. She says, “The shop was a
success. Sales were increasing and I considered selling the
products in department stores, like Tangs and Takashimaya.
The main drawback was that department stores work
on consignment basis, where you operate as a store in
a store. This means that you have to take care of the
replenishment yourself and that you might even have to
hire a shop assistant. On top of that, department stores ask
30 - 40% of the sales as a fee.” For Dorien, who sees Paint
Box as a hobby that got out of hand, a further expansion
of her business turned out not to be her ambition. After
having enjoyed importing Dutch brands for 7 years, she has
decided to sell her business and return to her real passion:
history.
Just like Dorien, Leonie and her husband started
their company as a sole proprietorship. They also started
participating at fairs. When business took off, they changed
their company to a Private Limited. If the risk you run
increases, limiting your liability with the right business
format is a must. Changing the business format turned
out to be an easy task. A lot of things could be arranged
on-line, like changing their registration with ACRA. “The
hardest part turned out to be changing the name of the
company at the bank. Doing business in Singapore comes
with a lot of rules and regulations, but with some creativity
it is not that hard to comply with them,” says Leonie.
Daniel started his company as a Private Limited right
away. Planning to stay in Singapore for a longer period of
time and due to the need for his own employment pass,
he decided to go ‘the full Monty’. “Join the Pipe is just one
my projects,” explains Daniel. “The nature of the other
activities of Dutch Lion Consultancy asks for a limitation in
liability.” For introducing Join the Pipe to Singapore, Daniel
also participates in fairs, exhibitions and events.
Link with Holland
Because of the origin of their products, the entrepreneurs
have regular contact with The Netherlands. “Dutch Link
is the sole importer and distributor of Beemster Cheese
in Asia,” says Leonie. “I often consult with the product
manager at Cono about adjustments in the assortment and
product developments. They are very supportive.”
For Dorien it is a different story. “I was a relatively
small player. Kitsch Kitchen, Kapla and Pip Studio were
not inclined to give me a distributorship. So I bought my
products directly from them or their wholesalers,” she
explains.
“The power of the ‘Holland Brand’ should not be
underestimated”, adds Daniel. “The Dutch are well-known
for their business instinct and Dutch products are seen
as high quality goods. Together this creates a strong
‘Holland Brand’, which is much liked by the brand-minded
Singaporeans.”
Wij begrijpen wat u zoekt
Het Nederlandse makelaarskantoor in Singapore
Hester Calkhoven +65.9011.8055
www.executive-homes-consultants.com
EH_ADB_BW 180x56 staff.indd 1
2/7/2012 11:52:44 AM
9

Business
Doing business in Singapore
In doing business in Singapore is it very important to show
your face. You really have to stay on top of your business.
Leonie visits the outlets as often as she can and also uses
mystery shoppers to check on the presentation of her
cheese products in the supermarkets. “Since I pay to have
my products available in the supermarkets, I expect them
to present my products in the right way. You really have
to stay on top of it, otherwise your products might simply
disappear from the shelves,” she describes. Daniel has
comparable experiences. He had his ‘Join the Pipe’ water
bottles on display at a yoga-studio. When he checked the
display a few days later, the products had been taken out.
When doing business it is also important to take
local culture into account. You should be considerate in
choosing your colours, your pricing (circumvent using
4s) and usage of symbols. Dorien gives an example, “In
Singapore, with its vast Chinese population, the red
teacups of Pip Studio sell much better than other colours.”
Daniel adds that Singaporeans are very critical and are
always looking for bargains. And, they love lucky draws!
Less convenient is the ‘no notification’ culture here.
Singaporeans tend not to contact you themselves, so you
have to keep chasing them up.
Now and in the Future
While Dorien is enjoying her time off from Paint Box and
is training to be a guide at the Asian Civilisations Museum,
Leonie and Daniel are planning ahead for the future.
Leonie sees a change in traditional consumption
patterns. For example, there is an increase in bread
consumption, rising demand for wines and also an
increase in cheese consumption, which could turn out
to be fortunate for her. The quality and taste of Dutch
cheese cannot be compared to cheeses from other cheese
producing countries, such as Australia. Competition is
limited. Her latest challenge is to introduce cheese at
schools, as it not only tastes good but also contains a lot
of calcium. Furthermore, Leonie is experiencing increased
demand in Malaysia and Hong Kong in particular. Being the
sole importer and distributor for Cono in Asia, she expects
Singapore to become the central distribution centre for
Asia. In addition to the foodservice and retail industry,
she also sells direct to the consumer under the Dutch Deli
business set up with discounted pricing and home delivery,
preparing and delivering Cheese platters for any occasion
and arranging festive season hampers.
Daniel’s challenge for the coming years is to create the
necessary ‘Join the Pipe’ awareness in Singapore and sell
as many tap water stations and bottles as possible. “I am
looking into cooperating with a water vending company.
Also, I am trying to get local celebrities involved in the
awareness campaign. Getting public endorsement from
politicians to radio DJs helps a lot,” he says. He expects that
Singapore will develop itself into the Asian hub for ‘Joint
the Pipe’.
Tips
When we asked the ‘Holland Brands’ entrepreneurs for
tips on starting up a business in Singapore, they hardly
needed to think. Daniel’s main piece of advice is to “just do
it”. “A lot of people have brilliant ideas. Although they see
the opportunities, they do not dare to take the first step.
Relocation is the ideal time to reach out and start. Before
you know, you have waited too long and someone else has
started your business opportunity.” He also warns, “make
sure you look before you leap and get some good advice.”
Leonie adds that it is important to look for a niche
product. Dorien endorses that. “12 years ago there
was hardly anything ‘fun, hip or colourful’ available in
Singapore. Nothing like Kitsch Kitchen products could be
found and Kitsch Kitchen turned out to be a hit. Although
the expat community is a good starting the point, your
focus should be on the local market,” she advises. Leonie
adds that it helps to start small with a few products and
a few outlets to test market demand. If demand picks up,
you can expand the number of distribution channels you
use.
Don’t wait! With the positive image of the ‘Holland
Brand’, manageable regulations and a some guts, setting
up a successful business in Singapore is feasible. Who’s
next?
10

Business
Apps Reviewed –
4sqwifi and Mobile Mouse
Text Jonie Oostveen
4sqwifi
Most of us have a mobile subscription that includes the
use of 3G data. As long as you are in Singapore, you don’t
have to worry about using your apps and paying any extra
charges for data use (as long as it’s normal use).
However, when travelling abroad this is a different story,
as data roaming is very expensive. If you want to use your
apps abroad, continuously, it’s best to buy a data roaming
plan from Starhub or Singtel which costs around SGD 15/
day for unlimited usage or to only use your phone when
you are in your hotel and can connect to WiFi. We all know
that most restaurants, bars and public places have WiFi as
an extra service for their customers. Logically, these places
only provide you the password when you use their services.
So if you are lost and want to look at Google Maps, you may
need to order a sandwich to get WiFi access.
You could also use 4sqwifi (pronounce as: “four
square WiFi”). This app lists all the WiFi points near you,
including passwords, thus making it possible to connect
to the Internet. It’s a crowd sourced database, meaning
that users who know the password of a certain WiFi point
submit the information to this app. It’s amazing to see
that basically anywhere, in any city there is a whole list of
WiFi points in a range of 50-100m away from you (I have
tried it in Jakarta, Hong Kong and Amsterdam). Of course,
you can also use this app to connect your laptop to WiFi.
Note: in order to use the app, you need data connection,
so you will need to roam a little every time you want to
look for a WiFi point. Secondly, some venues regularly
update their WiFi passwords and the password in the app
could be out-dated.
Mobile Mouse
Many Dutch people use their PC to watch
uitzendinggemist.nl, het Journaal, and other Dutch TV
programs. Now that most PCs and TVs have either a VGA or
HDMI plug it is very easy to connect your PC to your TV and
see all the Dutch programs on your TV in Singapore, as if
you are in the Netherlands.
The only problem I have is that you have to get up
from the couch in order to change the TV show. I bought a
wireless keyboard, but that just meant more clutter next to
the 4 remotes I already have. The battery always seems to
die on me at the most crucial moments. Now I found the
perfect solution: Mobile Mouse. It turns your iPhone, iPod
or Android phone into a wireless multi touch track pad. You
can now browse the web, browse your photo library and
play your favourite songs using your mobile. Additionally,
you can also use it as a pointer during presentations.
There are two versions, a free one called Mobile Mouse
Lite that has the basic functions, and a paid version at SGD
2.58. The Lite version will do for most people. The Pro
version has media control, and the presentation pointer.
You do have to install a piece of software on your PC or
Mac and connect your mobile and PC to the same WiFi in
order to make it work.
Rating : *****
Costs : Free and paid
Platforms : iPhone, iPod, Android
URL : www.docusign.com/ink
Rating : ***
Costs : Free
Platforms : iPhone
URL : www.docusign.com/ink
11

Business
Company profile: ING Bank
Text RICHARD SOEMITA Photos ING
This month, in the spotlight, we have ING and Arnout
van Heukelem, Director of Natural Resources Asia, who
is willing to give us some insight into ING Bank’s Natural
Resources division.
ING Group
ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin, offering
banking, investments, life insurance and retirement
services to meet the needs of a broad customer base.
Going forward, we will concentrate on our position as an
international retail, direct and commercial bank, while
creating an optimal base for an independent future for our
insurance and investment management operations.
We draw on our experience and expertise, our
commitment to excellent service and our global scale to
meet the needs of a broad customer base, comprising
individuals, families, small businesses, large corporations,
institutions and governments.
Globally, ING Commercial Banking has an international
network in 40 countries with key positions in Structured
Finance and the Financial Markets. ING ranks no. 16 in
the Top 20 European Financial Institutions by market
capitalization. (Source: MSCI Bloomberg 30 September
2012)
ING Bank in Asia
ING Bank in Asia is part of ING Group covering Commercial,
Retail and Direct Banking in Asia Pacific. Our Commercial
Banking (CB) division conducts a wide range of
international financial services, offering corporate finance,
financial markets, debt capital markets, corporate and
structured lending, and M&A advisory services to meet
clients’ needs.
Present and active in 14 major economies, namely
Australia, China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan,
Malaysia, Mongolia, the Philippines, Singapore, South
Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam, ING CB provides
in-depth client coverage, local knowledge and product
expertise in key Asia Pacific markets.
ING Bank in Singapore also serves as the regional
headquarters for ING’s Commercial Banking network across
14 economies in Asia, which employs approximately 900
employees in total, half of which are based in Singapore.
ING Retail Banking operations in Asia include a 13.64%
stake in Bank of Beijing, China; a 44% stake in ING Vysya
Bank, India and a 30% stake in TMB Bank, Thailand as well
as a 100% stake in ING Direct in Australia.
ING Bank launched a Trade Finance Services global hub in
Singapore in October 2012. Tell us more about this move.
The aim of setting up a global processing hub in Singapore
is to support new business growth in some markets
where such processing capability is lacking and free up
resources in other markets to focus more on servicing
clients’ needs.
The Singapore office has acted as a regional platform
from which the management team works seamlessly with
the local experts to service our international, regional
and local clients on the ground. Taking this model a step
further, we are now leveraging Singapore’s position as a
recognised global trading hub, with its accessible pool of
skilled specialists, with trade finance services experience
to eventually provide trade processing services to all ING
locations, except the seven core trade locations.
Currently, there are 29 countries where ING Bank’s TFS
products are offered and over time, the Singapore hub will
roll out its services to many of these countries using the
“Service locally – Process globally” model. With a team of
17 specialists, ING Bank’s hub in Singapore will become
a global centre of excellence in trade-finance processing
by ensuring the standardisation of processing and the
deployment of global policies.
12

Business
How is ING distinguishing itself from the other Dutch
banks present in SG / Asia?
As the Benelux’s largest bank, ING Bank has always had
a focus on three main areas: the inward/ outward bound
business for our European/ international clients in Asia and
taking our Asian clients to our European platform; our key
strengths in structured finance and financial markets.
To strengthen its cross-border commercial banking
services, ING Bank has an International Business Clients
(IBC) desk to support its multinational and local corporate
clients looking to expand beyond their domestic markets.
IBCD is headquartered in the Netherlands and has a
globally coordinated approach. It combines and centralises
the resources and strengths of individual local account
management desks across 23 countries under a single,
fully integrated platform. With this platform, ING enhances
its ability to offer clients support and advice on financial
services in their chosen countries.
At ING Bank, we focus on what we do best. Having
achieved strong track records in both structured finance
and financial markets globally and in Asia, we continue to
maintain our leading positions and win awards in some key
areas. Under structured finance, we have a sector focus in
natural resources, TMT (telecoms, media & technology),
TCF (trade commodity finance), transportation (mainly
in shipping and containers) as well as utilities, power &
infrastructure.
On the other hand, ING Bank has been concentrating
on further enhancing its expertise in financial markets.
In particular, the bank is well known for its capabilities in
foreign exchange & rates, debt capital market (especially
in high grade, high yield bonds as well as emerging
markets) and derivatives which has won awards in the
Philippines.
We also have a strategy of “going in early” and ING was
the first European bank to establish representative office
in the Mongolia capital city of Ulaanbaatar back in 2008.
The Mongolian representative office achieved a series
of “firsts”. For example, it was the first international US$
corporate bond for Mongolian Mining Corporation and the
first international bond for a Mongolian financial institution
- the Trade & Development Bank of Mongolia. Moving in
line with clients’ needs and demands, we recently opened
a representative office in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam,
in May 2012 to strengthen our cross-border commercial
banking services.
What are the trends that you are seeing?
1) Growing Asian angle
The natural resources sector is a truly global business.
The importance of Asian corporates and state-owned
enterprises in the sector are structurally on the rise.
Korean/Malaysian/Chinese and Japanese parties have, over
the past few years, been steadily amassing equity interests
in companies in the natural resources space, for a variety
of reasons. These range from a desire to ensure security
of supply, a desire for vertical integration, and being in
a strong position, by having a strong domestic currency,
and access to plentiful (domestic) liquidity. It is important
for us to be able to capture this shift and to maintain and
build on our leading market position, as the concentration
of economic activity moves. We are well positioned to
capitalize on this trend, as we have very strong capabilities
and knowledge that allow us to translate our global best
practices into a local context.
2) Market conditions improving
It is a diverse space that we cover, but, generally speaking,
the market can absorb larger deals again. The past few
months have seen companies successfully raising very
large sums of money. For instance, in the oil and gas
space, the Ichthys (Australian LNG project owned by Inpex
and Total) is at the verge of closing a US$ 20bn financing
and Fortescue (Australian iron ore producer) recently
successfully raised US$ 5bn in secured financing in a very
short time frame, when they faced a liquidity squeeze due
to temporarily low iron ore prices.
We are, however, not seeing a return to pre-crisis
market conditions. Whilst liquidity has returned, pricing
remains much higher due to structural changes in the
banking industry and a more realistic pricing of risk.
Risk appetite itself is also much diminished and lending
continues to be very relationship driven with a keen focus
on the cross selling of other financial services.
The market conditions notwithstanding, our ongoing
dialogue with our client’s puts us in an advantageous
position. By helping our clients understand and stay abreast
of the changes in the financial markets, we also helped
them to arrive at the correct funding decisions. At the same
time, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges our
clients face in their industry, which enhances our ability to
work with them in finding appropriate financial solutions.
About Arnout van Heukelem and his area of expertise
After five years at the head office in Amsterdam, helping to build the mining team into a
market leading team, I was offered the opportunity to help build the natural resources
franchise in Asia. The franchise has been very successful and our business has grown
very significantly over the past three years.
ING Bank’s Natural Resources division provides structured lending and advisory
services to companies in the mining, oil & gas and offshore services sectors from
its offices in Amsterdam, London, Moscow, Houston, New York and Singapore. The
Singapore team covers the Asian Pacific region, ranging from LNG projects in Australia, to
mining in Mongolia, to floating production and storage units all over the world for major
Japanese and Malaysian clients. I have been with ING for 8 years and based in Singapore
for the last 3 years.
13

Extra
‘Pepernoot’ Logistics
Text and Photo Aleid van der Schrier
A few weeks ago, I visited the Netherlands. Although I was
in a tropical mind-set, the first signs of winter were visible
in Holland; supermarket shelves filled with chocolate letters
and ‘pepernoten’ for the Sinterklaas celebrations. I have
to admit, I love this stuff. I filled up my shopping basket
and took at least three kilos of Sinterklaas goodies back to
Singapore with me.
Then I started to wonder. A Dutch community without
Sinterklaas is not a Dutch community. I am definitely not the
only one shopping for Sinterklaas goodies in the Netherlands.
How about the other Dutch people and Dutch organisations
that celebrate Sinterklaas in Singapore, like the Hollandse
School, the Hollandse Club and the Netherlands Charity
Association (NCA)? I decided to find out. I was curious about
how ‘pepernoten’ logistics work in Singapore.
Every year the Dutch community celebrates the name
day of the friendly bishop with his long white beard and red
cape. Half way through November, the ‘Good Holy Man’
arrives, together with his ‘Zwarte Pieten‘ (Black Peters),
by boat at Keppel Bay. After that he joins the children
for a Sinterklaas celebration at the Hollandse Club. On 5
December, Sinterklaas visits the Hollandse School and a lot
of homes of Dutch families.
Early ‘Pepernoot’ Preparations
The preparations for all these festivities start much earlier
than December. Of course, enough ‘pepernoten’ should
be at hand in time to fill up Zwarte Piet’s burlap sacks
(jutezak). In order for the Sinterklaas goodies to arrive
on time, preparations start as early as May. By then the
German Marketplace, a cosy supermarket located on Bukit
Timah Road selling German and Dutch products, places
their Sinterklaas order with their two Dutch suppliers. In
July, the Hollandse School, the Hollandse Club and the NCA
start preparing their orders. The Hollandse School orders
‘pepernoten’, chocolate letters and Sinterklaas ‘schuim’,
based on the estimated number of children and staff in
December. The Hollandse Club orders the same range of
delicacies, based on the expected number of children (350
to 400 yearly) attending the festivities on the arrival day of
Sinterklaas. Included in their order are the ‘pepernoten’ for
the arrival of Sinterklaas at Keppel Bay and the children’s
Sinterklaas party at the Hollandse Club afterwards.
‘Pepernoten’ for a Good Cause
The NCA’s orders are much more elaborate. During their
Christmas Fair, a fund raising event held yearly half way
through November at the Hollandse Club, they sell a broad
assortment of Sinterklaas products. Next to the abovementioned
delicacies, they also sell marzipan, puff pastry
rolls with almond paste filling, speculaasbrokken, taaitaai
and non-food Sinterklaas products, such as Sinterklaas
wrapping paper and burlap bags. The order size is based on
the experiences of the preceding years. NCA offers a preorder
service, which starts in late September. Order forms
can de downloaded from the NCA website. With these
order forms, reservations can be made for the Sinterklaas
products. The pre-ordered Sinterklaas products are kept
aside by the NCA and can be collected on the day of the
Christmas Fair. In that way, those who pre-order are assured
that they will not miss out, as many items sell out quickly at
the Christmas Fair.
Orders placed by the Hollandse School, the Hollandse
Club and the NCA are combined in one big order by the
NCA. Annette Kunst has been the volunteer responsible for
this task for the NCA for the last five years. “Five years ago,
NCA was the sole seller of Dutch products in Singapore,”
says Annette. “People would be waiting in line on the
morning of the Christmas Fair, to make sure that they would
be able to buy the products they needed.”
14

Extra
These practices are history now, but the ‘Dutch products’
stand at the NCA’s Christmas Fair is still very popular and
crowded. “The proceedings of the sales at the Christmas
Fair are used to support local charity projects and initiatives,
which are not supported by the Singapore government,”
says Annette. “The sales at the Christmas Fair contribute
substantially to our yearly donations.”
Dutch Treats at the German Marketplace
For the Dutch community, the wider availability of Sinterklaas
products makes it easier to get hold of the much-loved items.
“Our Dutch customers specifically asked us to include the
Sinterklaas products in our assortment,” says Fiona Raissig,
owner of the German Marketplace. “After consultation
with them we decided to extend the range of our products
and include food, as well as non-food Sinterklaas items,
like pepernoten, taaitaai, chocolate letters, Sinterklaas and
‘zwarte pieten’ made of chocolate, ‘zwarte pieten’ hats,
Sinterklaas stickers and wrapping paper. Although this seems
like a lot the Sinterklaas products only make up a small
percentages of our total product range.”
The shipment for German Marketplace is shipped by air
around mid- September. Since the largest group of clients
at German Marketplace is German, they try to coordinate
the displaying of the Dutch Sinterklaas products with the
displaying of the German Christmas products. Normally, this
is around the beginning of November. In the unfortunate
case that both NCA and the German Marketplace run out of
stock, chocolate Sinterklases can nowadays also be bought
at Cold Storage.
‘Pepernoot’ Logistics
The NCA orders from International Distributors, who offer
an extensive range of food and non-food products, and even
Albert Heijn products. They prepare the shipment and do
all the necessary paperwork. They deliver the shipment to
KLM, who takes care of transport to Singapore. “KLM offers
this service for free. This helps the NCA to keep the prices at
the Christmas Fair competitive and at the same time raise
lots of funds for charity,” explains Annette. The German
Marketplace does not have this advantage. “Of course, we
cannot compete with free shipments,” says Fiona with a
smile. “But we make sure that our prices are competitive
too.” For the NCA, the local handling agent SDV arranges
customs clearance in Singapore and delivers the pallets to
the Hollandse Club. They also do this for a ‘charitable’ rate.
At the Hollandse Club, the goodies are stored in an airconditioned
room until needed.
Sint Stats
As I carried three kilograms of Sinterklaas delicacies back
home to Singapore, I was rather curious about how many
kilograms the Dutch Sinterklaas celebrating community
would order. Well, the complete combined Sinterklaas
order from the Hollandse School, the Hollandse Club
and the NCA weighs almost 1400 kilograms, packed on 4
pallets. The biggest part of the shipment, around 70%, is
for the NCA Christmas Fair. Next to Sinterklaas goodies,
they also sell Calvé peanut butter, chocolate sprinkles,
Dutch candy, stroopwafels and cheese. 22% of the order
goes to the Hollandse School, while the other 8% is for
the Hollandse Club. 26,5% of the complete order - more
than 300 kilograms! - consists of ‘strooigoed’, containing
‘pepernoten’, ‘kruidnoten’, ‘strooigoed’ and ‘schuimpjes’.
The 1.400 chocolate letters are the second biggest bulk,
good for 13% of the shipment. Of these two categories,
the Hollandse School is the biggest consumer. Around 60%
of the ‘pepernoten’ and chocolate letters go there. The
Sinterklaas order of the German Marketplace contains
around 200 kilograms of ‘pepernoten’ and 500 chocolate
letters. So, the Dutch community in Singapore consumes
at least 500 kilograms of ‘pepernoten’ and almost 2.000
chocolate letters yearly!
Belgian Sinterklaas Celebration
What about our Belgian neighbours? Sinterklaas is also part
of their tradition. The Belgian and Luxembourg Association
Singapore (BLAS) organises a Sinterklaas party for children
every year. At this party all the kids (50 to 60) receive a
‘party-bag’, containing Belgian Sinterklaas goodies, including
a chocolate Sinterklaas or ‘zwarte piet’, ‘nic-nacs’, chocolate
coins, ‘speculoos’ cookies and ‘gummiveerkes’ (‘onze-lievevrouwekes,
made of yellow and pink soft sugar). These
goodies are not centrally ordered, but are brought in by
members of BLAS, travelling to and from Belgium for business
or leisure. The total weight of the Sinterklaas products flown
in for BLAS on a yearly basis adds up to around 20 kilograms.
Of course, these figures are not complete. Just like in my
case, there must be lots of other Dutch people who bring
back the Sinterklaas goodies from the Netherlands and
Belgium themselves. Dutch companies in Singapore might
also order Sinterklaas products directly from the Netherlands.
But for me, since writing this article, something has changed.
Next year I will buy my Sinterklaas goodies in Singapore. In
that way I can be a little bit of a Sinterklaas myself, either by
supporting a small speciality shop or by helping raise funds
for the ones who need Sinterklaas most.
15

Extra
Going Indonesia
How to
survive in the
‘Big Durian’
Text Aleid van der Schrier
PHOTOs Annoek van den Wijngaart
While visiting Jakarta, I met up with Annoek van den
Wijngaart. Annoek and I met three years ago, when she
was still living in Singapore with her husband and their
two daughters. Two years ago, they exchanged their
comfortable life in Singapore for the dazzling city of
Jakarta.
In Singapore, Annoek worked as the Science and
Technology Counsellor at the Royal Netherlands Embassy
for seven years. In 2009, after finishing a Masters Degree
of Public Health, Annoek decided to set up her own
company: Healthy Futures Asia (HFA). HFA is a public
health and nutrition consultancy firm focusing on
assisting both the public and private sectors in Asia to
improve health of populations and implement nutrition
programmes. HFA has carried out projects for, amongst
others, the Flour Fortification Initiative, UNICEF and the
Strategic Alliance for the Fortification of Oil and Other
Staple Foods (SAFO).
Creating Opportunities
In Indonesia, she would love to do the same. However,
working in Indonesia is not that easy for a spouse. “Just like
in Singapore, I live in Jakarta on a dependent’s pass, called
KITAS. According to Indonesian regulations, people residing
in Jakarta on a spouse KITAS are not allowed to work, not
even with a letter of consent,” she explains. This does
not mean that nothing is possible. Just like in Singapore,
starting your own company is an option. However, it is
relatively expensive and the requirements and regulations
are not as clear as in Singapore. Moreover, Indonesia is
an agent country. For almost everything you decide to do,
whether it is applying for a school, an Indonesian passport
or setting up your own company, it is wise to use the local
market knowledge of a reliable agent. This is true for both
Indonesians and foreigners. Another alternative is to apply
for advertised jobs or to join a consultancy firm and obtain
the necessary employment pass.
Getting Around in Grid-lock
How do you survive in a city with 10 million inhabitants
and horrific daily traffic jams? “Adjust your life accordingly,”
says Annoek. “You cannot change anything about traffic
jams. Because of the jams, it is important to choose
your living location wisely.’ She opted for living close to
the school of her two daughters and not too far from
a highway exit. In that way, she is able to get her kids
to school on time and her husband is able to reach his
work, located 60 kilometres outside of Jakarta, within an
acceptable time frame. “However,” adds Annoek, “because
of the traffic jams, we go out less often. If you want to go
out during rush hour you can take an ojek: getting a ride on
the back of someone else’s motorbike. 10,000 Rupiah will
get you a long way!”
The Local Lingo
When I ask Annoek about the importance of learning
Bahasa Indonesian, she stresses that everything, either
socially or business-related, becomes easier when you can
speak the local language. “It will help you to connect to the
16

people of Indonesia more easily. I have got to know the
Indonesians as friendly, warm-hearted and cheerful. Being
able to speak their language surely adds to the fun,” she
explains. Upon arrival in Jakarta, Annoek and her family
took a Bahasa Indonesian language course in Yogyakarta.
That helped, but it will take some more time to completely
master the language.
According to Annoek one of the most important
ingredients for getting by in Indonesia is having a good
sense of humour. Next to that she learned that flexibility,
and looking at things from a broad range of different
perspectives, helps with in understanding each other. One
thing Annoek misses about Singapore are the beautiful
parks. In Jakarta, there is hardly any nice outdoor space,
which results in the family spending less time outdoors.
“It took me some time to get settled into our new habitat.
With our daughters attending a small international school,
making new friends came easily. There are plenty of
activities organised in Jakarta. Sometimes you won’t be
able reach them due of the bad traffic and you will only
hear about them after they have occurred. One tip is the
Erasmushuis, the Dutch cultural centre in Jakarta, that
organises interesting concerts, exhibitions and movies”,
Annoek advises. This helped to get he got her family and
her life up and running in the bustling city of Jakarta. And I
am sure that, with a lot of humour and a smile, she is doing
more than fine!
Extra

Extra
Eight Must-see Places in
Indonesia (other than Bali)
Text Frank Kuijsters
Lake Toba
Tana Toraja
When planning your next trip, remember that Indonesia
is not just Bali. There are many other interesting places
that are worthy of seeing next time you visit Indonesia.
The following list might help you figure out what else
the Indonesian Archipelago has to offer. The Indonesian
Archipelago extends from Sumatra to Papua Island. The list
below is in no way exhaustive.
Lake Toba, North Sumatra
Located in North Sumatra Province, on Sumatra Island
in the most western part of the Indonesian archipelago,
Toba is the largest volcanically formed lake in the world
at 100 km long by 30 km wide. It is 505m at its deepest
point. The volcanic eruption that formed Lake Toba,
which occurred about 75,500 years ago, was one of the
largest ever and caused such massive climate change,
transforming the atmosphere for all life on Earth thereafter.
Lake Toba offers astoundingly beautiful panoramas
and an abundance of exotic marine life. On shore, views
of Batak traditional houses with their boat shaped roofs
are no less beautiful. In the centre of the lake there is an
island called Samosir, with many sacred Batak sites to visit
such as huge statues for Batak ancestors and stone chairs
used for judgement and executions in Ambarita. The Batak
Museum in Simanindo has traditional dance performances
twice daily. There are many guesthouses, homestays and
hotels ranging from very basic to more modern both on
Samosir Island and the mainland. The scene may offer a
great escape for those who want to leave their busy lives
behind for a while.
Getting there: first fly to Medan and then take a bus to
Parapat (3- 4 hours) or fly with Susi Air to Silangit (40
minutes).
Yogyakarta and Central Java
Yogyakarta and Central Java Province on Java Island, offer
many cultural and historical tourist destinations. They
include magnificent temples built in the ancient era of
Javanese monarchs in the 7 th and 8 th century. The most
famous temples are the Buddhist Borobudur and Hindu
Prambanan Temples. Many other smaller temples are
scattered throughout the province. Besides temples,
Yogyakarta and Central Java offer various cultural highlights
such as traditional dance, arts and crafts, sultanate palaces,
and of course, don’t forget to buy some traditional fabric,
Batik, if you pay a visit to this area.
Getting there: fly to Yogyakarta with Silk Air or Garuda
Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi
Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi has many rich and
fascinating traditions, in particular those related to funeral
ceremonies. This ceremony is celebrated on such a grand
scale. Sacrifices of farm animals such as cows, sheep
and chickens are made in huge numbers. The larger the
number of animal sacrifices, the higher the rank of the
family conducting the ceremony. The deceased is then be
buried inside a cave in hillside.
The traditional houses of Tana Toraja, called Tongkonan,
are also very beautiful and rich with ornaments and
crafting. The ornaments are mostly made of cow horn. The
ornaments and rafting found in the houses are all symbolic,
telling the stories of the value of life for the Toraja people
and the status of the house owner.
Getting there: fly to Makassar and then take a plane to
Tana Toraja with SMAC, or take a 8-10 hour bus, or rent
your own taxi with driver.
18

Extra
Komodo National Park, Nusa Tenggara
The park consists of 3 islands; Komodo, Padar and Rinca
Islands. Located in Nusa Tenggara province, it has been
recognized as the original habitat of the Komodo dragon, a
species of reptile, which had survived since the pre-historic
era. An adult Komodo dragon can weigh up to 70kg and
grow to 3m in length. If you get lucky, you may witness
how a Komodo eats its lunch.
The National Park is also home to various species
of fish, shark, dolphin, sea turtle, reef and coral.
Besides seeing a Komodo dragon, you may also have an
unforgettable snorkelling experience. In addition, you can
visit the local traditional village to experience how the
native people live.
Komodo National Park
Getting there: fly to Denpasar (Bali) and take another flight
to Labuan Bajo Airport. You could also book a 44-hour bus
trip from Bali to Labuan Harbour in Flores, which takes you
via Lombok by multiple ferries.
Kalimutu National Park, Flores
The park is located on Flores Island, Nusa Tenggara. Mount
Kalimutu is the habitat of many species of flora and fauna,
including eagles and other birds. At the peak of Mount
Kalimutu are the phenomenal 3 different coloured lakes.
The colour of the lakes changes from time to time.
Getting there: see above.
Kalimantan
If you are looking for adventure in one of the largest
tropical rain forests in the world, you must visit Kalimantan,
which is also known as Borneo Island. Orang-utans, one of
the “great ape” species, live on this island. In Martapura,
South Kalimantan, there is a central market of diamonds
from the area.
Getting there: several airlines depending on where you want
to go. See www.borneotourgigant.com for suggestions.
Nias, North Sumatra
Consisting of 1 major island and hundreds of smaller
islands, this region offers beautiful sandy beaches and
is a great place for surfing. In addition, the island is also
rich in traditions; traditional houses, traditional warrior
Nias
dancing, the traditional “lompat batu” ceremony and other
traditions and artefacts originating from the Megalithic age.
Getting there: first fly to Medan and then fly into Guning
Sitoli with Merparti or Riau Airline.
Bunaken National Park, North Sulawesi
Bunaken is an island located in Manado bay, North Sulawesi.
This ocean park is home to many ocean species, boasting
the highest marine diversity in the world. Scuba diving is the
most popular activity in this park. There are also 12 diving
spots on Bunaken. To the southeast of the island, there is an
underwater great wall, which is a giant, vertical coral wall
that houses and feeds many ocean creatures.
Getting there: first fly to Manado and take a boat to
Bunaken Island
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19
12/9/09 4:13:43 PM

Bizz News
The Dutch economy is recovering slowly,
says Brussels
The Netherlands is ‘slowly emerging from the economic doldrums’ but the
recovery in 2013 and 2014 will be modest as domestic demand remains
weak, the European Commission said in its autumn growth forecast.
Spending by consumers has fallen for six successive quarters and is now
back at 2003 levels. As a whole, the Dutch economy will shrink by 0.3%
this year, the commission said. Earlier it had forecast a decline of 0.9%.
Growth next year will be around 0.3%, which is well down on the 0.7%
predicted by the commission in its spring forecasts. The forecasts do not
take into account the likely effect of the new government’s policies.
Exports back at precrisis
level
The Netherlands is importing and
exporting goods and services at a similar
level to pre-crisis 2008, according to
research by ING economists. Exports
in particular have been boosted
by the cheap Euro, the research
into international trade shows. The
economists predict the Dutch trade
surplus may reach as much as €45bn by
the end of this year.
Inflation reaches 4-year high
The official Dutch inflation rate rose to 2.9% in October, its highest level
in four years, as per the national statistics office CBS. Inflation was up 0.6
percentage points on September, due mainly to the increase in valueadded
tax (btw) from 19% to 21%. The tax hike came into effect last month.
Higher food prices also played a role as the poor harvest boosted the cost
of potatoes, vegetables and fruit. According to the European harmonised
inflation index, the Dutch cost of living rose to 3.3% in October, its highest
level in 10 years and well above the eurozone average of 2.5%.
DSM profit drops in Q3
Limburg-based specialty chemicals group
DSM announced turnover is down 7%
and a drop in net profits of 52% at €81m.
The results are worse than analysts
expected and are particularly affected
by the polymers division which makes
raw materials for synthetic fibers and
materials, a sector hit by lower prices and
fewer orders. According to board chairman
Feike Sijbesma, DSM has done well despite
the difficult global market circumstances.
The restructuring programme is on
schedule and should provide savings
of €150m in 2014, the company says.
In addition, there has been a €2.3bn
investment in a number of takeovers,
particularly in the food sector. These
should make DSM stable in a still uncertain
global economy, the company said.
Scrapping the health insurance reforms
The decision by the new cabinet to drop its plans to make health insurance premiums income-dependent created a great
deal of comment. The VVD and PvdA have taken a sensible decision to drop the plans and have listened to the concerns
of VVD supporters. But the fury the measure evoked, does make one ask if the coalition has the right capacity to lead the
Netherlands. Those doubts will remain even though the plan for health insurance has been dropped. ‘VVD leader Mark
Rutte and Labour leader Diederik Samsom must come up with a believable declaration of how this unfortunate decision
came to be taken’. ‘There are two options: a lack of expertise or a lack of experience.’ Both these options beg the question
if the governance of the country is in good hands since the September 12 general election. ‘Rutte and Samsom have got 4.5
years to show that they can do better’.
Agreement
A coalition agreement has never before been broken open in the same week as the new ministerial team was presented
to the public. But the pressure was too great on the VVD and the party has opted for a painful loss of face in place of
a total political crisis. The VVD would appear to have made a strategic error in agreeing to allow the redistribution of
wealth via health insurance. While the PvdA had agreed to compromise on issues close to its heart - by agreeing to cuts in
development aid and unemployment benefit for example - they do not hit people quite so hard or quite so obviously.
Leaks
The affair has been the biggest blunder in Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s political career. Both he and Samsom were very keen
to ensure there were no leaks during the coalition talks and were largely successful. But this means the health insurance
plans were kept secret until it was too late. If a civil servant had leaked the plan, Rutte would have realised how much
opposition there would be and would have been able to take action earlier. Now Rutte has become the biggest victim of the
radio silence. He has been forced to correct the agreement in front of everyone. He is in debt to the PvdA and support for
his own party has halved in the polls.
20

Bizz News
Tax increase likely option to replace
health insurance plan
An increase in income tax is likely to replace the new coalition’s plans to
reduce the income gap between rich and poor. The new coalition agreed
to drop plans to make health insurance premiums income-dependent,
following an outcry from mainly VVD supporters, who said the plan would
hit middle-income families particularly hard. Ministers and party financial
experts have now come up with alternative plans which are currently being
studied for their effects on spending power. The revisions are expected to be
finalised, when new ministers will hold their first debate with parliament.
Income tax
The third tax band may now be increased from 42% to 45%. The
government had originally planned to cut the third tax band to 38% to
compensate people for the higher health insurance costs. The fourth tax
band, currently 52%, could also be put up. Another option could be to
press on ahead with making health insurance premiums income-dependent
but to reduce the effective health tax from 11% to 8% and spread it over
incomes up to €150,000. Labour leader Diederik Samsom has stressed
the new plan must meet the conditions of the coalition agreement by
strengthening the economy, getting the government’s finances in order and
reducing the gap between rich and poor. This means some form of wealth
redistribution is inevitable, insiders say.
Consumers
Meanwhile consumer confidence has plummeted because of the ‘chaos’ in
The Hague surrounding the new cabinet’s plans. ‘The cabinet was formed
very quickly and that gives rise to certain expectations,’ ING economist
Charles Kalshoven is quoted as saying. But that momentum has now been
lost in the row over income-dependent health insurance. ‘The uncertainty
that followed is extremely bad for consumer confidence,’ he said. Early
research by ING involving 62,000 people shows consumers have been hard
hit and their willingness to spend money has reduced still further.
Aegon underlying earnings rise by
almost one-third in Q3
Aegon boosted underlying profits by almost one-third to €472m in the
third quarter of this year. A strong rise in sales in the US was offset by
developments in the Netherlands, UK and Spain. Net profit reached
€374 while group revenues fell 4% to €1.55bn. ‘Although there are signs
of gradually improving market conditions, there remains considerable
uncertainty in the general economic environment,’ chief executive Alex
Wynaendts said. ‘Consequently, we believe it is prudent and necessary to
maintain a sufficient financial buffer while at the same time adhering to our
strict risk and pricing discipline.’
ING to cut 2,350 jobs
as Q3 earnings drop
sharply
Financial service group ING announced
plans to cut its workforce by 2,350,
describing the plan as ‘painful’. Some
1,350 jobs will go at the insurance
arm and 1,000 in the banking division,
generating structural savings of some
€460m from 2015 onwards. The
measures are a result of a ‘strategic’
review of both operations. ING booked
sharply lower profits of €609m in the
third quarter of 2012, down 64% on the
year-earlier period. Underlying operating
profit from banking operations was
up 16.3% at just over €1bn while the
insurance result was down over 90%
to €44m. During the third quarter, ING
announced a number of divestments and
‘made good progress’ in its ‘constructive
dialogue with the European Commission
about revisions to the restructuring plan,’
chief executive Jan Hommen said. The
European Commission ordered ING to
sell off some activities in return for a
€10bn bail-out in 2008.
Insurance group Delta
Lloyd says operating
profit may slip 10%
Banking and insurance group Delta
Lloyd said its operating profit may be
down 10% this year, compared with
2011. Premium income was down 11%
in the third quarter, with life insurance
accounting for the bulk of the decline.
‘The low interest rate environment is
impacting our potential to grow the
operational result,’ chief executive Niek
Hoek said. ‘If interest rates persist at this
low level we expect a 10% decrease in
operational result.’
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23/3/12 10:34 AM
21

Singapore
The 10 Best Indonesian
Restaurants in Singapore
Text Frank Kuijsters
With over 18,000 islands, there are many different styles of
Indonesia cuisine from region to region to savour. Whether
you’re looking to tuck into a meal from Sumatra, Java or
Sulawesi, you won’t have to cross the Straits of Malacca
to find it. We hunt down ten restaurants in Singapore that
dish up the best from the across Indonesia’s rich culinary
heritage, to suit different tastes and budgets:
Ayam Penyet Ria
As the name suggests, this popular restaurant chain boasts
a knockout Ayam Penyet ($7.40). The traditional Javanese
dish literally translates into ‘smashed chicken’, describing
the end process of bashing a piece of deep-fried marinated
chicken with a wooden mallet. Served with a large dollop
of homemade Sambal Belacan (chilli paste) and fried Tahu
(Indonesian for ‘beancurd’), this Indonesian staple is also
best paired with white rice and a tangy Sayur Asam (sour
vegetable soup). Find out why this is the unbeatable Ayam
Penyet in Singapore.
799 New Upper Changi Road, #01-05 Bedok Point Mall,
plus four more locations | Tel: 6441 0025 | Mon-Thu
11.30am-1am, Fri-Sun 11.30am-3am
Cumi Bali
Tucked away in the old charm of Duxton Hill, this
quaint Balinese-style restaurant has a rustic allure. The
restaurant, heavily adorned with traditional Balinese
house décor, offers a signature Cumi Bali (from $28): a
tender, flame-grilled squid with black sweet sauce. The
Ikan Bakar (from $28) is also wonderfully unique as it is
flavourful: prepared by spreading Otah paste on top of a
peculiar ‘chicken fish’ and steamed (prices vary according
to how big your fish is). Don’t worry about it being too
fishy, the kaffir lime leaf is most pronounced among the
18 different spices used in the paste, creating a spritely
aroma of herbs and spice.
66 Tanjong Pagar Road | Tel: 6220 6619 | Mon-Sat
11.30am-3pm, 6pm-9pm
Djanoer Koening
This family-run business, led by Javanese head chef
Suharmi Wiryatmoko (affectionately known as Ibu) prides
itself on their healthy, no-MSG policy. Even the most
savoury of dishes in East Javanese cuisine like the Bakso
Urat (beefball soup) is cooked in a fragrant bone-boiled
broth. Ida is also famous for her house specialty Osengoseng
Mercon – an intriguing dish of spicy stir-fried beef
with a sharp bite from petai beans (stinky beans).
191 Joo Chiat Road | Tel: 6440 0774 | Mon, Wed-Sun
11am-10pm
Garuda Padang Cuisine
Traditional cuisine from Padang, Minangkabau (West
Sumatra). Drawing from traditional Minangkabau recipes
but plated in a clean-chic minimalist style, the established
restaurant chain offers a set menu ($30++ per person) that
includes favourites like Sambal Cumi Cumi, Gulai Ayam
(chicken curry) and Tahu Goreng Bumbu Nenas (fried
beancurd served with pineapple and peanut sauce) that
are characteristic of Padang’s earthy and mellow flavours.
VivoCity #B2-28, 1 Harbourfront Walk, plus two more
locations | Tel: 6376 9595 | Daily 11.30am-10pm
22

Singapore
Rumah Makan Minang
This large ‘coffee shop’ is very efficient, serving a variety of
$3 dishes like Mee Rebus ($3), Ikan Asam Pedas (mackerel
stew marinated in a sweet sour sauce, $3) and a unique
Soto Singapura (yellow egg noodles with slices of boiled
chicken in a savoury gravy-based soup, $3). A great venue
for a quick, fuss-free, and absolutely tasty meal to perk up
your day.
18 & 18A Kandahar Street | Tel: 9457 7384 | Daily 8am-
7.30pm
Rumah Rasa
The packed lunchtime at Rumah Rasa should be proof
enough that former Raffles Hotel and St Regis chef
Sharifah Zaharah’s hearty Indonesian and Malay dishes
are a hit. Of course, from the Paru Goreng (fried beef
lungs, $8) to Tahu Telor Surabaya (fried egg and beancurd
tower in sweet sauce, $8) and curry fish head ($28) –
the good, varied menu lets everyone pick their own
favourite.
G/F Bay Hotel Singapore, 50 Telok Blangah Road |
Tel: 6818 6681 | Daily 6am-4am
Tambuah Mas Indonesian Restaurant
Rallying traditional, home-styled cuisines from Padang,
Sulawesi and Java into one kitchen, Tambuah Mas is
probably your best bet for a sumptuous, hearty, and frillfree
family dining experience. You can’t go wrong with a
crispy Tahu Telor ($9) or a savoury Gado-gado ($7).
The Paragon, #B1-44, 290 Orchard Road, plus one more
location | Tel: 6733 2220 | Daily 11am-10pm
The Moluccas Room
This swanky venue carries a slightly pricier tag. Head chef
Alicia Tivey’s gourmet menu combines the province’s
flavourful heritage with contemporary French techniques.
The Confit Sakura Ayam Tuturaga ($27) – a citrusy confit
chicken curry, laced with hints of nutmeg and mace – is a
sure win; right next to the Angus steak Rendang ($32) –
beef tenderloin coated in a robust curry sauce. Cleanse your
palette after with their unique Sri Kaya Crème Brûlée ($12)
that cradles a creamy, pandan-infused coconut custard
centre, topped with homemade Gula Melaka ice cream.
L1-81, 2 Bayfront Avenue, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands |
Tel: 6688 7367 | Daily 11.30am-3pm, 6.30pm-10pm
23

Not to miss
Singapore Fringe Festival
16-27 Jan 2013
The M1 Singapore Fringe Festival is an annual festival of theatre, dance,
music, visual arts and mixed media created and presented by Singapore and
international artists. Themed differently each year, the Festival aims to bring the
best of contemporary, cutting-edge and socially engaged works to the Singapore
audience.
More Information http://singaporefringe.com/fringe2013/
CITY GYM The Musical
31 Jan - 6 Feb 2013
“CITY GYM The Musical” set in the 1980s, when muscle was king! In this singing
and dancing spectacular, enjoy 22 original 80s style rock and pop songs written
by Dan Thompson.
The International cast and dancers make you laugh until your sides hurt in this
fun comedy all ages will enjoy. Only one week at Jubilee Hall, so don’t miss out!
Book now!
More Information www.sistic.com.sg
The Crucible
7-23 Feb 2013
Fuelled by the success of their latest production, Purple, drama company Toy
Factory presents an unconventional adaptation of one of the theatre finest
works, “The Crucible” written by American master playwright, Arthur Miller. Toy
Factory will take on the challenge of staging this timeless classic next year at the
Drama Centre Theatre, with bold pizzaz and strong cast of both theatre veterans
and talented new actors.
More Information www.sistic.com.sg
Chingay Parade Singapore 2013
22-23 Feb 2013
Chingay 2013 sets its sights to celebrate the strength of the human spirit in
the face of life’s challenges. Themed ‘Fire in Snow’, it will present a dazzling
spectacle of fire as a symbol of power, passion, dynamism and determination.
In contrast, the cold, harsh snow symbolises struggles and hardships, which are
overcome by fire’s indistinguishable light of hope. The breathtaking multi-cultural
performances are set to emblazon Singapore’s Grandest Street Parade!
More Information www.sistic.com.sg
24

column
Bali on Wheels
by Richard Soemita
While sitting stiffly in a taxi, I can’t decide what bothers me
more; the painfully slow traffic or the taxi driver’s choice of
music? His speakers are blasting “One Love” and if the next
track is “No Woman No Cry”, I swear I am going to jump out.
C’mon! What’s with all the Bob Marley? Help me connect
the dots here.
To manoeuvre through this wall-to-wall traffic in the
scorching heat, you either need to be on a motorbike and
work it like locals. You must be decisive, confident and
brave, but also despicable, thoughtless and unabashed in
order to survive on the mean streets of Bali. I suppose the
same is true of Singapore. (Last year, there were 99 deadly
accidents involving motorbikes.) All the road rules that you
must memorized to pass your driving test are no longer
applicable here. You’ll soon discover that it’s always you who
must stop or slow down to ‘give way’. “Just deal with the
front. Don’t worry about the rest,” is the advice a Balinese
friend gave me once. As crazy as it sounds, that’s how things
are here. You either go local or will certainly go loco.
What about texting while driving a car? It’s child’s play
for many Balinese, as they seem even better at it on their
bikes! They can also carry water coolers, gas cylinders and
their entire families on tiny bikes. Once I saw a man carry his
infant daughter in one arm, control the bike with the other,
while a second child held on for dear life behind him. This is
kind of comparable to Dutch mothers on their bikes in the
pouring rain with one child at the front, one at the back, a
full ‘Appie Heijn’ shopping bag on each side of the steering
wheel and the dog running alongside on a leash. Of course,
she also balances an open umbrella in one hand whilst
calling her disappointed husband to tell him that she could
not fit the beer crate on the back as 8 year-old Lottie had to
take the back seat.
In Bali, pedestrians are never safe because motorbikes
drive on pavements once the traffic worsens. You could get
your behind kissed by a motorbike while having a leisurely
stroll. Then there are those Australian brats on bikes, drunk
on Bintang, making Kuta their playground. Blame it on the
thriving tourism or frequent roadblocks for ceremonies,
in truth, Balinese traffic gets madder because of reckless
driving. During heavy traffic jams, bikers usually take over
and start driving the opposite way, effectively locking the
road on both sides.
I sometimes take taxis to avoid getting lost, but most
drivers are clueless and unreliable. Even though it is not a
metropolis with a population of 27 million, getting around
in Bali is never easy. Whether you are driven in circles so
the driver can make a few extra bucks or they are genuinely
oblivious about where they are going, I’ll never know. One
thing is certain though; taxis have outnumbered tourists in
Bali. Empty taxis on Seminyak’s streets that are desperately
honking at tourists are fast becoming a common sight. If you
happen to be driving there, DO NOT follow taxis at closerange,
as they will stop instantly at the sight of anything
white. They may also pretend they go on meter, but when
caught out, they’ll call you ‘Boss’ and demand flat fees. I go
ballistic, of course, but then I feel horrible about arguing
over SGD 2. It’s the principal though. Who likes to be
cheated?
Well, in the meantime, the traffic outside isn’t getting
any better. These negative thoughts linger and I will certainly
be sitting here a little while longer. So, I comfort myself with
the following: be a Buddhist about the situation and stop
getting mad at the traffic and Bob Marley!
25

Embassy AND ADB News
De ambassade van het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden
wenst u Prettige Kerstdagen en een Gelukkig
Nieuwjaar!
De ambassade is gesloten op dinsdag 25 december, woensdag 26
december en dinsdag 1 januari. In noodgevallen kunt u de ambassade
bereiken op +65 9661 5704.
Ambassade nieuwsbrief
Wist u dat de Nederlandse ambassade de Nederlanders in Singapore
regelmatig informeert over consulaire zaken en ambassade evenementen
via de ‘NL Ambassade Singapore Nieuwsbrief’? U kunt zich voor deze
nieuwsbrief aanmelden door een email te sturen naar sin@minbuza.nl.
Job seekers / Internship
Name : Nynke Kinderman
Age : 29
Tel. no. : +31 648924349 (O)
Email : nynkekinderman@gmail.com
Study: Economics
Specialization: Business Administration
Working experience: Business innovation consultant in
an international setting for over five years. My professional
experience and passion lies in enabling organizations to
identify and select opportunities to innovate and grow.
This involves market and capability-driven idea generation,
proposition and business model development, as well as
valuation and commercialization of opportunities.
Looking for: I would like to continue and further develop
my career in the field of innovation and new business
development in an international product context. Preferred
industries are Consumer Goods and Life sciences. Potential
roles could be an internal consulting position, product
innovation manager or new business development function.
Name : Mark van Klaveren
Age : 28
Tel. no. : +31 654634133
Email : markvanklaveren@gmail.com
Study: Msc Strategy & Innovation, BBA International
Business and Management Studies
Specialization: Sector Advisory, Business Development,
Strategic & Commercial Intelligence, Project Management,
Operations Excellence, Management Consulting, FMCG
Working experience: Operations Traineeship at
Philip Morris, Jacques Fischer Evolution Program Leading
Change Intensive Leadership Development Program, Junior
Consultant at Stichting Duurzaam Nederland, Marketing
intern at Heineken Asia Pacific, HR Intern at AF KLM,
Marketing & Comms intern at Rabobank International.
LOOKING FOR: I am a young professional seeking a new
(fulltime) challenge in Singapore in business development,
strategic & commercial intelligence and consultancy in a
dynamic and highgrowth industries.
Name : Lize Adriaanse
Age : 19 years
Tel. no. : +31 633873232
Email : lizeadriaanse@hotmail.com
Study: Marketing
Specialization: Communication
Working experience: I’ve worked one and a half year
in a restaurant as a catering assistant. After the restaurant
job I’ve worked one and a half year in a department store.
There I was working as an assistant at the food department.
Looking for: I would like to work in a modern company.
I could do a market research or do another marketing
oriented activity. If it is possible I would like to do an
internship together with my friend Sanna Dijk, but alone is
no problem.
Name : Sanna Dijk
Age : 20
Tel. no. : +31 629328978 (O) +31 529456551 (H)
Email : sanna.dijk@Hotmail.com
Study: Commercial Economics
Specialization: Marketing and communication
Working experience: I have gained a lot of knowledge
about the practical side of sales and marketing. I have
promoted brands like Samsung (tablets), Heineken (Jillz),
Kraft (Milka) and Unilever (Robijn) in many different places.
Looking for: I am searching for an opportunity to get
acquainted with a foreign business culture while additionally
enhancing my English knowledge and getting some practical
experience, in the field of my studies. I would like to do a
Market research and I want to organize a small event.
26

ADB News
New members
Alfian Sutojo
Andries Smit, FrieslandCampina
Bastiaan van Beijsterveldt, Jones Lang
Lasalle
Choy Yiu Chan, Bonnard Lawson
Eric Beukeboom, Spectrum Brands
Jacinta Noonan-den Hartog
Joost van Doodewaard, SKF Asia Pacific
Joyce Coenraads, Deer Industries
Maarten Moen
Magdalena Wichman-van Steen
Marcel van Doremaele, Rabobank
Mark Velthuis
Rutger van Halder
Rene Maan, Hydrostyle
Sebastiaan van Cranenbroek, Maxgrip
Asia Pacific
Leaving members
Alexander Meeuwsen
Ard Verboon, Philips
Arjan Bolhuis
Claire Chauvel, Inmarsat
Danielle Verweij
Hans van der Vlugt, NIBC
Hans Polstra
Jan Polderman, Svitzer Salvage
Jasper Koek, Ernst & Young
Joost van Baardwijk, Oce
Jorn Veld, Deutsche Bank
Juud Tempelman, JTS Consulting
Kartal Cona, NIBC
Koos van Leeuwen, Kalzip
Liesbeth Heijne
Noor van der Lans
Rudi van Kemseke
Sandra van Hellemond, qpa
Sandor Bakalis
Sylvana Postmus, Zpin
Name : Eric Beukeboom
Why did you come to Singapore, and why did you decide
to join ADB?
I have been working in an international environment
since 1994 and a critical success factor for me is having a
good network. I have been relocated for Spectrum Brands
to Singapore in July 2012 and I hope that ADB offers me
that platform of sharing best practices in Asia.
Spectrum Brands is a global consumer products
company and a leading supplier of batteries, shaving and
grooming products, personal care products, specialty pet
supplies, lawn & garden and home pest control products.
Name : René Maan
Why did you come to Singapore, and why did you decide
to join ADB?
I left Holland around 20 years ago and, after several other
stations, I arrived here with my wife and 2 children at the
end of 2008. Ever since, I have been busy building the
business, so I was too occupied to notice this club. I was
recently introduced to ADB, as an association which can
be very helpful for networking and information purposes.
So far Singapore has been a great place for business and
family, and we will hang around here for some time,
although who knows!
Name : Alf Sutojo
Why did you come to Singapore, and why did you decide
to join ADB?
My name is Alf, I currently work for an American
relocation management company at their APAC HQ
in Singapore. I have a very strong Dutch connection. I
am officially a “drs.” in International Business Studies /
Internationale Bedrijfskunde, earned at the Universiteit
Maastricht in NL. I speak fluent Dutch, next to English,
French, German, Spanish, Mandarin and Bahasa
Indonesia. By joining ADB, I would like to broaden my
network with other interesting people, and of course for
the “gezelligheid”.
Name : Jacinta Noonan
Why did you come to Singapore, and why did you decide
to join ADB?
I moved to Singapore from Haarlem with my Dutch
husband. Being Australian, my Dutch language skills
diminish rapidly when not exposed to Dutch. Joining the
ADB is a great way to stay connected with the culture and
language of my adopted country. I want to meet likeminded
business people who inspire me and keep me in
touch with the business world. I run my own coaching &
training company and have lots of experience working
with Dutch companies. Music is a passion. Any other
musicians in the club?
27

ADB News
ADB ‘Eindejaarsborrel’
10 December 2012
In between Santa Claus and Sinterklaas
ADB invites you to have a glass
End the year warmly with friends new and old
Enjoy summer drinks, avoid thinking rain and cold
Dress up in red for a glamorous night
Postpone your anxiety for that long KLM flight
Home is calling, but your mother-in-law can wait
First ADB’s “eindejaarsborrel”, 10-12, HC, at 8.
Hollandse Club, The Lounge, 10 December, 20:00-22:00 hrs
Please register at www.adb.org.sg/events by 5 December.
Kindly sponsored by:
Bronze sponsors:
ADB New Year’s ‘borrel’
7 January 2013
Ambassador Johannes Jansing and Mrs. Barbara Jansing kindly
invite you and your partner to attend the ADB New Year’s
‘borrel’ on Monday 7 January at their residence from
18.30 – 21.00 hrs.
If you would like to attend, please register by 2 January via
www.adb.org.sg/events (limited registration).
Address : 23 Ridout Road (please park at Dempsey car park)
Dress code : Smart Casual
Co-sponsored by:
Bronze sponsors:
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
Frank Kuijsters, Chief Editor
Aleid van der Schier
Arthur Claringbould
Bridget Schiff van Akkooi
Lineke van Nederpelt
Petra Pronk
Richard Soemita
SECRETARIAT
Lineke van Nederpelt
MAILING ADDRESS
ADB Singapore
c/o 22 Camden Park
Singapore 299814
Telephone: +65 9101 6201
Email: adb@adb.org.sg
WEBSITE www.adb.org.sg
DESIGN
Jennifer Phua
PRINTER Khoo Sun Printing Pte Ltd
MITA 373/03/2001
This magazine is distributed free of
charge to all members and relations
of the ADB.
We invite members to contribute to
the next issue.
The contents of this magazine are
partly based on information received
from third parties. The Committee
does not take responsibility for the
correctness of the articles
Membership fee is S$ 125 per
calendar year. For registration, please
see the website www.adb.org.sg
Membership is renewed
automatically effective the first
month of the new calendar year.
Make your cheque payable to
“ADB Singapore” and send to ADB,
c/o 22 Camden Park, Singapore
299814.
Termination of membership must
be received by ADB Secretariat in
writing before 1 January. Please
notify the ADB secretariat of any
changes in employer, (email)
addresses or any other personal
particulars that might be of interest
to the ADB administration.
28

May the good times and treasures of the present
Become the golden memories of tomorrow.
We wish you lots of love, joy and happiness.
Merry Christmas
and a
Happy New Year

Making the purest water
drinkable since 1873