Jan – Jun 2015 SHA UPDATE Chief Editor : Ms Margaret Heng Writers : Ms Clare Yeo, Ms Li Shaoting & Ms Shrestha Sook Yean Published by : Singapore Hotel Association Designed and printed by : Colorcom Graphics Pte Ltd SHA Update is the official publication of the Singapore Hotel Association and copies of SHA Update are not for sale. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher . EDITORIAL TEAM MICA (P) 021/02/2015 • The 2015 Forbes Travel Guide Star Award Winners • InterContinental Singapore Awarded Plaque of Commendation at May Day Awards 2015 • International Property Awards 2015-2016 13 14 • Hospitality Information Technology Association of Singapore (HITAS) 14-15 • Les Clefs d’Or Members Bring Cheer to Singapore’s Pioneers at the ‘Society of the Aged Sick’ Over Chinese New Year with a Fundraising Charity Dinner 16 • Earth Hour 2015 17 • Highlights of the Singapore Hotel Industry Survey 2015 (Financial Year 2014) • STB partners with more than 40 stakeholders for Golden Jubilee campaign launch • Extended validity of Multiple Journey Visa will help attract more visitors to Singapore 18 18 19 • SHA Inter-Hotel Athletic Meet 2015 1 • 33 rd SHA Inter-Hotel Soccer League 2015 2 • Industry Update and Networking Session for General Managers 3 • HR Seminar “ Employee Investigations: Risks and Pitfalls” • Your Say: Enhancing Singapore’s Attractiveness as a Tourist Destination • SHA Welcomes New Ordinary Members • SHA Welcomes New General Managers 4 5-6 7 8 • Tribute to the late Mr. Lee Kuan Yew by Mdm Kay Kuok, President of the Singapore Hotel Association 9 • SHA Annual Meeting 2015 10 Email : [email protected]Website : www.sha.org.sg 17 Cantonment Road, Singapore 089740 SHA Inter-Hotel Athletic Meet 2015 The 34th SHA Inter-Hotel Athletic Meet 2015 was held on 16 May 2015 at the Yio Chu Kang Stadium. Following feedback received from members, this year’s meet was changed to a 1-day event to encourage greater participation from our hotel members. In addition, the scoring format of the annual meet was revised whereby participating hotels were grouped in the following categories and graded accordingly: Less than 299 rooms Between 300-600 rooms More than 600 rooms This year’s Meet saw a total of 20 teams competing in the various track and field events. Undeterred by the thunderstorm which took place halfway through the Meet, the supporters remained high-spirited and cheered their team mates on in the events. The winners of the 34 th SHA Inter-Hotel Athletic Meet 2015 were as follows: SHA NEWS SHATEC NEWS HOTEL CIRCUIT TOURIST TRACKS • Advertisment 11 • Spotlight 12 Special Awards Winner Best Individual Performance (Women) Ms Nur Amalina Binte Ngadia, Capella Singapore Event: Triple Jump (Women Open) Best Individual Performance (Men) Mr Ryan Poh, Marina Bay Sands Event: Javelin (Men Open) Best Team Women Resorts World Sentosa Best Team Men Marina Bay Sands Champion Hotel Category: Small Hotels (Less than 299 rooms) Capella Singapore Champion Hotel Category: Mid-Sized Hotels (Between 300-600 rooms) Conrad Centennial Singapore Champion Hotel Category: Large Hotels (More than 600 rooms) Marina Bay Sands Overall Champion Hotel Marina Bay Sands
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Jan – Jun 2015
SHA UpdAteChief Editor : Ms Margaret Heng Writers : Ms Clare Yeo, Ms Li Shaoting & Ms Shrestha Sook YeanPublished by : Singapore Hotel AssociationDesigned and printed by : Colorcom Graphics Pte Ltd
SHA Update is the official publication of the Singapore Hotel Association and copies of SHA Update are not for sale. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.
2nd Runner up MrJovianHun(FuramaCityCentreSingapore)
Champion MrJamesChong(Jayleen1918Hotel)
1st Runner-Up MsMikaUmemura(VillageHotelBugis)
GMs’ 100M Race (46 Yrs and above)
Congratulationstoall!
33rd SHA Inter-Hotel Soccer League 2015 TheFinalsofthe33rdSHAInter-HotelSoccerLeague2015tookplaceon15June2015attheHougangStadium.
The beating of drums intensified andloud cheers soared through as defendingChampion, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS)wascrownedtheChampionofthe33rdSHAInter-HotelSoccerLeague2015withafinalscoreof4-nilattheir1st/2ndplacingmatchagainstMarinaMandarinSingapore.
The3rd/4thplacingmatchwhichtookplaceearlier during the Finals saw old-timers -ConradCentennialSingaporeandRCHotels(Pte) Ltd pitting against each other. At theblowofthefinalwhistle,thegamerecordedwith a score of 3 - 4, RCHotels (Pte) Ltd,successfully clinched the 3rd spot at themuch anticipated annual SHA Inter-HotelSoccerLeague.
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Industry Update and Networking Session for General Managers
Singapore touristhighlightsshouldgobeyondofferingsof family funso thatour touristattractions for thenextdecade isabalancedkaleidoscopeofanenrichingandrichartscene,afoodhavenofferingthe‘bestof’;aleaderandatrend-setterofsmartopportunitiesforthetourismmarketsinbothleisureandMICE.
In this issue, we have invited our members to share their suggestions or ideas on how Singapore can further enhance its attractiveness as a tourist destination for both the leisure and business markets, and hence increase visitor arrivals.
Wemustalsokeep lookingatways toworksmarter to improvebothefficiencyandservice,whether it’s through leveragingtechnologyorrefiningprocesses.Finally,asadestination,wehavetokeepreinventingandimprovingourselves. Thisisnotjustintermsofcapitalinfrastructure,butalsotakingourfestivalsandeventstoanevenhigherlevelandinitiatingnewreasonsforpeopletovisitSingapore.
Overthelast50years,Singaporehasbecomeahighlydesirabledestinationwithworld-classfacilitiesandevents. However, as consumers’ tastes change, as attractions age, new destinations emerge, existingdestinationswillneedtobecomemorecompetitive.Weneedtostepupourgametoconsistentlyprovidememorableanduniqueexperiencesforvisitors,sothattheywouldcomeback,timeaftertime.
Mr. Philip JonesGeneral ManagerMovenpick Heritage Hotel Sentosa
When consideringwhatmakes a destination attractive to visitors, be it leisure or corporate, there are anumberoffactorstoconsider.Theseinclude,butarenotlimitedto;cost/relativevalue,accessibility(airline/airportinfrastructure),qualityanddiversityofhospitalityproductsandofcourse;thequalityofserviceinthatdestination.
Therehasbeenalotoftalkaboutthis,butIbelievewithoutsomeformofgovernmentorindustrymandate,therewillbenosignificantbreakthrough in thisarea.Having facedsimilarcircumstanceswith labourduringmytimeasanExecutiveHousekeeper in theUnitedStates,where there is analmost identicaldynamicwithhigh labourcost and limitedsupplyofwilling labour toclean rooms, thecompany Iworked forat that timeengagedanorganizationcalledCarpedia.Theirintentwasto identifyprocess improvementsthatcouldbemadeasaresultofconductingobservationsoverasixweekperiodofhowworkwasdoneandidentifyinglosttimeopportunities.Theselosttimeopportunitiesbecamethebasisforrecommendationstocompresstheexistingprocessandreducethemanhoursrequiredtocleanaroom.Thereductionwastranslatedintoarequiredtargetofhoursperoccupiedroomtoachieve,whilestillmaintainingthequalitylevels.TheresultswerereviewedweeklyandmeasuredagainstthetargetwithboththehotelteamandCarpedia.Oneofthemanyreasonsthisapproachwassuccessful,isthatthisorganizationactedasan“externalirritant”toensurethatthehotelremainsontrackwiththeprojecttimelineandtargetsset.
Thebottom line is that the raw ingredient foranyemployee isbasic talent. Inorder toachieve this thereneeds tobeacommitmentfromtheindustrytoselectaccordingly.
Sofitel So Singapore, housed withinthe iconic former telecommunicationsbuilding, istheperfectblendofFrenchstylingwithachicandverySingaporeantwist, redefining luxury boutiqueaccommodationintheLionCity.ItsetstochangethefaceofSingapore’sluxuryhotelexperience.
Designed by Singapore’s only Frenchdesign house, MIAJA Design Group,ledbyaward-winningdesigner,IsabelleMiajia, Sofitel So Singaporewill reveal134exquisitelydesignedroomslocatedwithinaSoHipWingandaSoHeritageWing.Exciting features includea light-filled atrium that will welcome guestsintoalobbywithuniqueartworksandacaptivating hexagonal light installation,calledL’Hexagone,aplush ‘bed table’within the stunning restaurant and aglamorous golden-tiled rooftop poolwith unsurpassed views of the urbancity.
Situated alongOrchardRoad betweenthe Dhoby Ghaut and Somerset MRTStations, Hotel Chancellor @ Orchardoffers travellers a good location, greatvalueandeasyaccesstotherestofthecity.
A Green Marked Certified hoteladoption, the hotel has adoptedconstruction methods and materialsthat are eco-friendly. Additional greenmeasures implemented by the hotelinclude harvesting rainwater for thewatering of plants, equipping everyroomwithafilteredwaterdispenserandthe use of large tinted double-glazedwindowswhich allows natural sunlighttoenterwhilekeepingouttheheat.
In addition, most guestrooms faceeither the green Istana grounds or thelush inner courtyard of the hotel. AllroomsareequippedwithalargeLEDTVfittedwithasmartboxwithpre-loadedinternetapplicationssuchasYouTube,
Sofitel So Singapore
Hotel Chancellor @ Orchard
Google, Gmail and YahooMail. The smart box also allowsmedia streaming frommobiledevicestotheTV.ThehotelalsoprovidesguestswitheasyaccesstointernetsiteswithitsintegratedTVremotethatcomeswithaQWERTYkeyboard.
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SHA Welcomes New General Managers ConcordeHotelSingapore,managedbyHPLHotels&Resorts,ispleasedtoannouncetheappointmentofMr.KarlL.MuirasthenewGeneralManagerofConcordeHotelSingaporefrom1stMay2015.ANewZealandnational,Mr.MuircomestoSingaporewithawealthofexperiencegainedfrominternationalpostingswithinthehospitalityindustryoverthepast35years.
Mr.Muirstartedhiscareerasa traineemanager in1977with theTouristHotelCorporation,SouthPacificHotelsCorporation,hethenwentontomanagesevenpropertiesinAustraliaandNewZealand.Mr.MuirjoinedHPLHotels&Resortsin1999astheGeneralManagerofConcordeHotelGoldCoast,and inJune2002,hewas transferred toConcordeHotelShahAlam,wherehe tookon the roleofGeneralManagerformorethan12years.
Mr.Muirisapassionateandhighlyexperiencedhotelier.Hisfocustodriveahighlevelofcustomerservice, superior attention to detail and intuitive understanding of quality aptly demonstrate theConcordeHotelSingapore’sapproachtoimpeccablehospitality.
Withmore than 25 years of experience spanning ten cities,Mr. Cheong bringswith him a proventrackrecordofbusiness,operationalandreputationalriskmanagement,havingworkedinleadinghotelgroupsprior tohiscurrentappointment.Partofhisextensiveexperiencealso includespre-openingpreparationsforahotelinTokyoaswellasresortmanagementinMaldivesandBundung.
TheseasonedSingaporeanhotelier,Ms.TinaSim,hasbeenappointedas theGeneralManagerofPARKROYALonPickering.Ms.Simhasnearly threedecadesofoperationsandhotelmanagementexperience with leading global luxury brands such as Shangri-La, Westin, Ritz-Carlton, ConradCentennialandFullerton.
Tribute to the late Mr. Lee Kuan Yew by Mdm Kay Kuok, President of the Singapore
Hotel Association
Tribute to Mr Lee Kuan Yew by Mdm Kay Kuok, President of the Singapore Hotel Association, at the Tribute Session for Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Raffles City Convention Centre, Padang and Collyer Ballroom on 28 March 2015.
As we gather here this morning tomourn the passing of our belovedfoundingPrimeMinister,MrLeeKuanYew,WeareremindedofhisgreatloveforanddevotiontoSingapore.
The hospitality industry has benefitted enormously from his astuteleadership,whichsawSingaporebeing transformed intoamulti-facetedtouristdestinationwithinashortspanof50years.Alongtheway,wehavewonmanyaccoladesforbeingabeautifulgardencity,ashoppingparadiseand having a vibrant dining scene, world-class attractions, exccellenthotelsandanawardwinningairportthathasjustbeennamedthebestintheworldagain.SingaporeisalsoAsia’stopconventioncityandaleadingmeetingcity in theworld.All thesearepossiblebecauseof the lateMrLee’s foresight, dedication and tenacity to build Singapore into a first-worldnation.
In this issue, we would like to share a short tribute made to Singapore’s beloved leader and founding Prime Minister, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew.
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SHA Annual Meeting 2015
We would like to thank all whoattendedtheSHAAnnualGeneralMeeting(AGM)thattookplaceon30June2015atOneFarrerHotel&Spa.
2015 is the election year for theAssociation. At the AGM, MdmKay Kuok announced that shewould be stepping down as thePresidentofSHAand thankedallcolleaguesandmembers for theirstrongsupportduringhertermasPresident.
The Association also took theopportunitytoexpressoursincereappreciationtoMdmKuokforhercommitmentandtime,despiteherbusyschedule, toguideand leadSHAforadecade.
ThenewSHAPresident,MrAlbert Teo, pointed out in hisacceptance speech that theAssociation has made greatstridesinthepast10years. Healso highlighted that the newlyelectedBoardmembers, togetherwith the support frommembers,will continue to engage thegovernment and all stakeholderstoworkasonestrongvoicefortheindustry.
In this issue, Mr. Sam Chia, Director of Sales & Marketing, The St. Regis Singapore was invited to share with us his journey to success.
Mr. Sam Chia, Director of Sales & Marketing,
The St. Regis Singapore
1) What is your most memorable experience whilst as a student at SHATEC?
SHATEC has provided me with an enriching learningjourneyandsparkedmyinterestinthehospitalityindustry.
We were once assessed for a particular RestaurantServiceSkillmodule,basedonourserviceandproductknowledge.For thisgradedassignment,our familyandfriendswerespeciallyinvitedtoparticipateasguestsatthe restaurant, whilewe performed our duties. Despitefeeling apprehensive, I overcame the anxiety and evenachievedafavourablegrading.ItwascertainlyarewardingexperienceasIhadthechancetodelivermybesttothe“guests”, and what made it even more gratifying wasreceivingtheirpraises.
3) What is your advice to current SHATEC students on how to be successful in the hospitality industry?
Instillingpassionandhavingacontinuousdrivetolearnisessentialwithinthedynamichospitalityindustry.Alwaysseektogainknowledge,both insideandoutsideof theclassroom.Nevermissanopportunity to learnsomethingnew,aslearningisalifelongprocess.
2) Share with us your success story and how SHATEC has played a part in your career development through the years.
The real-life exposures which providedme with an in-depth understanding of the situations that I may befacedwithinahospitalitycareerwere indeedextremelybeneficial.Theysetastrongfoundationformetopreparemyselfforallaspectsoftheindustry,andalsotrainedmetohandlesituationseffectively.
I enjoyed the curriculum especially the experientiallearning component experienced during the 2.5 yearsthatiwaswithSHATEC.Iwasequippedwithadepthofknowledgeandexperience throughhands-onexposuresuch as training modules for operational managementanda6-monthindustrialattachmentprogramme,whichopenedthedoorstomanyopportunitiesandguidedmycareerpath.
InterContinental Singapore Awarded Plaque of Commendation at May Day Awards 2015
Singapore, May 2015- The May Day Awardsarebestowedon individualsandorganisationsthathavemadesignificantcontributions to the LabourMovement, comprisingNTUC-affiliatedunionsandassociation,NTUCSocial Enterprises,relatedorganisationsandtripartitepartners.Theseprestigiousawardsarepresentedduringthe May Day Dinnereachyear.
In recognition of its positive contributions to the LabourMovement, InterContinental® Singapore is proud to be arecipient of thePlaqueofCommendationAwardconferredbytheNationalTradesUnionCongress(NTUC).
InterContinental Singapore is committed to workingalongside the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union(FDAWU)andtheBranchCommitteeinordertoensurethebettermentofemployees’welfare.Itdoessobykeepinganopenmindinadoptingsuggestionsmadebytheunions,re-employmentofmatureworkersafterretirementtilltheageof68andmaintainingclosecommunicationwiththemtobetterunderstandtheirneeds.
Over the years, InterContinental Singapore has adoptedseveralinitiativessuchastheInclusiveGrowthProgramme,ExecutiveDevelopmentProgrammeandalsotheOpenDoor
The International Property Awards areopen to residential and commercialproperty professionals from around theglobe.Theycelebrate thehighest levelsofachievementbycompaniesoperatingin all sectors of the property and realestateindustry.AnInternationalPropertyAward is a world-renowned mark ofexcellence.
Followingarigorousjudgingprocessforthe Asia Pacific International PropertyAwards2015-2016,PanPacificServicedSuitesBeachRoad,Singapore isproudto be named Winner in the SingaporeHotel Architecture and SingaporeNew Hotel Construction and Designcategoriesamongstsomeoftheregion’smostprominentdevelopments.
“Weareextremelydelightedandproudofour latest,highlycovetedawardswhichhighlight Pan Pacific Serviced SuitesBeach Road, Singapore’s excellentqualities. Collectively, our three awardsthus far reflect the recognition theproperty has earned as an outstandingdesignproductandaffirmitsstandingatthe forefront of the global developmentindustry.” Mr. Richard Tan, VicePresidentofServicedSuites,PanPacificHotelGroup.
Hospitality Information Technology Association of Singapore (HITAS)
The Hospitality Information TechnologyAssociation of Singapore (HITAS) wasofficiallylaunchedon23January2015.
Over 80 hoteliers and industry vendorscame together to attend the inaugurallaunch event that was held at TheRitz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore. Theinvitation-only event was well receivedbyallattendees.WewouldliketothankoursponsorsandthespecialguestsfromSHAandARDE.
Les Clefs d’Or Members Bring Cheer to Singapore’s Pioneers at the ‘Society of the Aged
Sick’ Over Chinese New Year with a Fundraising Charity Dinner
6th March 2015, Singapore – The membersand Executive of Concierge Association, LesClefsd’OrSingapore,celebratedthecloseoftheChineseNewYearwithacharitydinnerhostedtohonortheelderlybeneficiariesof theSocietyoftheAgedSick.
The initiative saw 30 Clefs d’Or members andtheirfamiliesvisitingthewardsofthewelfareresthome,connectingwiththeoldfolksandbringingcheer to the residents, before adjourning to adinnerjointlyhostedbytheSocietyoftheAgedSick’s President, and Clefs d’Or InternationalHonoraryMember,Mr.EricTeoh.
A cheque of $1,700 raised through a charitydrive by the concierge association’s ExecutiveCommitteewasalsopresentedtoMr.EricTeohbyLesClefsd’OrSingaporeVicePresident,AliAlsagoff.
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Earth Hour 2015
Since 2011, Singapore has been the home of EarthHour –the world’s largest environmental movement to engagegovernments, businesses and individuals to take a standagainstclimatechange.Throughthismovement,WWF(WorldWide Fund for Nature) globally has activated hundreds ofmillions of people to make a united stand against climatechange.
Highlights of the Singapore Hotel Industry Survey 2015 (Financial Year 2014)
Conducted by Horwath HTL in collaboration with SHA, theannualSingaporeHotelIndustrySurveyforFY2014receivedthestrongparticipationof57memberhotels,representinganestimated58%ofthetotalhotelroomsavailableinSingaporein2014.
The report gives an overview of the key developments andtrendsofthehospitality industry inSingapore. It includesan
in-depth analysis of the operational costs and sources ofrevenue,includingbothdepartmentalrevenuesandexpenses,operating statistics by departments, as well as statisticsrelatingtohumancapitalandproductivityindicators.
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STB partners with more than 40 stakeholders for Golden Jubilee campaign launch
Singapore, 27 May 2015 – The Singapore Tourism Board(STB)unveilstodaythearrayofspecialdealsandexperiencesunder the Golden Jubilee campaign. More than 40 tourismstakeholders have come together to offer these deals andexperiences as part of a $20 million marketing outreach insevenkeymarkets.
“2015 is not only a tremendous milestone for Singapore,butalsoanopportunityforSTBto leveragethe internationalattention to ramp up marketing efforts for destinationSingapore,”saidMsLynettePang,AssistantChiefExecutiveofSTB’sMarketingGroup.“Weinvitedthetourismindustrytopartnerusonthisopportunity,andtheresponsefromacrossthevarioustourismindustrieshasbeenheartening.”
From May to December 2015, visitors will be able tochoose froma rangeofattractiveairfares,hotelstays, retailexperiences, dining deals, and admissions to attractions.More than35hotelshavecomeonboard tooffer two-nightpackageswith a third night free (for bookings up to end ofAugust2015).Under“KidsPlayforFree”,childrenenjoyfreeadmissionintoparticipatingattractions(termsandconditionsapply).
Innovative local brands such as Supermama and LOVESG are offering specially-designed SG50 collectibles thatreflectSingapore’sculture,andserveasuniquesouvenirsofSingapore.
During the Great Singapore Sale, tourists who spend aminimumof$50willgetachancetowin$500intheformofaMasterCard pre-paid card, with onewinner daily. Visitorscan also enjoy hassle-free shopping, airport transfers, hoteldelivery, personal shopping services and more at some ofSingapore’sshoppingmallsanddepartmentstores.
Beyond the myriad deals, visitors will also be able toexperience events such as Pedestrian Night. The popularPedestrianNightonOrchardRoadwillreturnforasecondrunfromJulytoDecemberthisyeartoaddbuzztoSingapore’siconic shopping belt. In addition to entertainment-themedactivitiesonthepedestrianisedroadeveryfirstSaturdayofthemonth,visitorscanlookforwardtoin-mallorin-storeeventsorganised by Orchard Road stakeholders. More details onPedestrianNightwillbesharedatalaterdatebytheOrchardRoadBusinessAssociation.
“SG50 isanonce-in-a-lifetimeevent forSingapore,andhascaught the interest of the world, placing us on numerouslists of top places to visit.With the excitingGolden Jubileecampaign,welookforwardtocelebratingthismilestonewithbothlocalsandinternationalvisitors,”addedMsPang.
Extended validity of Multiple Journey Visa will help attract more visitors to Singapore
Singapore, 15 May 2015 – The Singapore Tourism Board(STB) welcomes the announcement by the Immigration &CheckpointsAuthority (ICA) todayofvisameasures thatwillextendthevalidityofMultipleJourneyVisas(MJVs)issuedtonationalsfromthePeople’sRepublicofChina(PRC),uptoamaximumof10years.
The extended validity of theMJVswill reduce thehassle ofhaving to reapply foravisa foreach trip,andmake itmoreconvenient for PRC tourists to visit Singapore. This willenhanceSTB’seffortstoincreasevisitorarrivalsandtourismspending, which will benefit Singapore businesses andworkersintourism-relatedsectorssuchashotels,attractions,diningandretail.
this year, with an exciting calendar of activities planned inconjunctionwithSingapore’s50thanniversary. BesidesChina,STB is also reaching out to visitors fromother keymarketsincludingIndonesia,IndiaandAustralia”,saidMr.LeongYueKheong,AssistantChiefExecutive,InternationalGroup,STB.
In addition, STB is working with our embassy in China toexpand thenetworkofAuthorisedVisaAgents so thatPRCvisitorshavemorechannelstoapplyforSingaporevisas.
Aspart of itsmarketing efforts todrive travel demand fromthe PRC, STB’s China office had launched a micro-movieby Singaporean director Royston Tan on 15 April 2015.Thismicrofilm showcases unusual aspects of Singapore asseen through the eyes of a Chinese child on an exchangeprogramme, and revolves around the budding friendship hehaswithhishost,aSingaporeanclassmate.
