Singapore Cricket Club - Luncheon With Paul Askew

The Singapore Cricket Club (SCC), the premier sports club on the Padang commemorated Singapore’s Bicentennial with two weeks of events and activities while at the same time raising funds for sports development under the auspices of SportCares.

On 22 October, the SCC featured a Luncheon & Cooking Demonstration with celebrity chef Paul Askew.

Champagne was served in the pre-lunch cocktail reception...

The menu was thoughtfully set out in an elegant folder for each individual diner...

 The luncheon was held at The Padang Restaurant with walls decorated with nostalgic paintings of old Singapore...

A huge video screen with live video streaming to allow all to have a close-up view of the cooking demo...

APPETIZER - AMUSE BOUCHE

The first dish for the luncheon was the Amuse Bouche with a theme on onion. Chef Askew put considerable thought into this modest dish. It was only after his explanation did we understand how complicated the multi-layer preparation was.

At the top is a thick mousse of white onion and potato soup. Embedded within the soup was a sprinkling of crispy baby onion rings to create a surprise to the liquid texture, followed by chives and herb oil. Right at the bottom is the coffee-brown caramelised shallot puree, creating a dessert-like finish to the starter dish.

Wine Pairing : Saint Louis Blanc de Blancs Brut, France

Named after King Saint Louis who reigned over France in the Middle Ages, renowned for his charity and much beloved by his people, this aromatic sparkling wine is refreshing with a good balance of green apple flavour.

STARTER - Barramundi Fillet

Freshly-delivered from Jurong Port, the barramundi was roasted to perfection with a crispy skin and semi-seared outer crust. Risotto was stir-fried with aromatic saffron to create that delicious yellow texture with mussels.

The dish was tastefully decorated with a circle of red wine reduction, a simmered liquid made with red wine and vinegar, and dotted with exquisite beluga caviar, which added to the taste and colour of the light-coloured fillet.

It was not every day that every dish you eat is cooked right before you, with each procedure carefully explained in detail. Having such an explanation allowed us to savour each mouthful with greater consideration and appreciation for the thought that Chef Askew has put into it before it is presented to each of us on a plate.

Wine Pairing : Noblesse Sauvignon Blanc 2017, Central Valley, Chile

This was a medium-bodied white wine, bright with golden hues, and aromas of lime and pear with notes of spices. Light on the palate, it delivers a crisp and clean taste with a lingering finish.

MAIN - Honey-Glazed Duck Breast

The main was heavier on the palate with a honey-glazed duck breast with lavender and the flavourful pan-fried foie gras doused with roast orange puree, and served with duck fat potatoes, charred baby gem lettuce, peas, and spring onion.

One important lesson that we've learnt from Chef Askew is the respect he puts into his food. Every possible part of the animal he cooks is put to good use. In this case, the duck fat contributes to the richness of the potatoes, creating a smooth texture for the normally starchy side.

Wine Pairing : Noblesse Merlot 2017, Central Valley, Chile
The Merlot was deep red with hues of purple. The initial taste was tannic, on opening up, aromas of red berries and blackberry with notes of spices can be detected. When paired with the duck, the fruit-laden intensity of the red can be savoured.

DESSERT - Pavlova

Ending it all is a sweet Pavlova of gin-soaked blackberries, raspberries and strawberries with Turkish Delight ice cream and white chocolate soil.

To find more about the Singapore Cricket Club and the events for Singapore’s Bicentennial, visit scc.org.sg.

About Paul Askew

Paul Askew is Chef Patron of The Art School in Liverpool, now in its 5th year of business following its launch in September 2014. For 12 years before, Paul ran The London Carriage Works in Liverpool, where he and the team helped to build the city’s reputation for gastronomic excellence by opening its first boutique hotel with fine-dining restaurant.

With over three decades of experience working in the restaurant industry, Paul Askew has a firm reputation as a pioneer of excellent modern British cuisine, as well as having an unmatched level of commitment to developing the next generation of culinary talent.

Throughout his career, Paul has become a stalwart of Liverpool’s burgeoning culinary scene, helping the city to grow to become the gastronomic hub that it is now, and cementing him as one of the country’s most popular chefs.

About SportsCares

Established in 2012 as the philanthropic arm of Sport Singapore, SportCares activates sport as a force for social good; leveraging sport experiences to empower the vulnerable and the underserved communities in Singapore. Through its programmes and initiatives, SportCares creates opportunities that nurture positive values and practical capabilities in children and youth at-risk, building their confidence and imbuing in them a positive worldview.

SportCares serves to inspire and enable:  

• Children and youth from low-income families
• In-risk and at-risk youth 
• Vulnerable seniors
• Persons with disabilities (PwDs) and special needs (SNs)

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Singapore Cricket Club - Peranakan Fiesta

The Singapore Cricket Club (SCC), the premier sports club on the Padang commemorated Singapore’s Bicentennial with two weeks of events and activities while at the same time raising funds for sports development under the auspices of SportCares.

On 18 October, the SCC Peranakan Fiesta featured a Straits Chinese buffet feast prepared by The Peranakan’s Chef Raymond Khoo.  

(Photo Source : SCC)

The Peranakan Fiesta was held at The Oval with its choice of alfresco dining on the verandah or an aircon dining area...

Food was served buffet style amidst the scenic view at the Padang...

Start your meal with light bites like popiah...

The all-time favourite was Ayam Buah Keluak with its thick gravy simmered to richness...

Savour traditional Peranakan desserts with their mix of sweetness and a tinge of coconut flavouring...

The plate of traditional Perankan declicacies...

Local night "street" stalls at the Club’s Courtyard were selling batik patchwork pieces, rattan bags and print crafts among other items.

The Peranakan Voices (TPVs) choir and band from The Peranakan Association Singapore  provided live entertainment with their melodious voices and colourful Peranakan outfits...

To find more about the Singapore Cricket Club and the events for Singapore’s Bicentennial, visit scc.org.sg.

About Chef Raymond Khoo

The Peranakan opened its doors in June 2016 and it is currently the only traditional Straits Chinese cuisine restaurant along the Orchard Road belt. The restaurant is owned and managed by Executive Chef Raymond Khoo who serves authentic home-cooked Straits cuisine based on recipes handed down from three generations of Nonyas and Babas in his family. 

An F&B veteran. Raymond has been behind the creation of many novel concepts like the first of Singapore’s Hong Kong style cafes - Tong Shui Café (2006) at River Valley, the rainforest themed 3 Monkeys (1997) at Orchard Road and the Singapore hawker food corner, Rasa Singapura (2008) at The Venetian, Macau. 

He is also the founder of The Saturday Movement (saturdays@lengkokbahru), comprising a non-profit group of professionals and volunteers who donate their time and resources each Saturday afternoon, come rain or shine, to see to the needs of a group of elderly residents living alone, also providing free tuition for the children living in one of Singapore’s oldest HDB estates, Lengkok Bahru.

(Photo Source : SCC)

About SportsCares

Established in 2012 as the philanthropic arm of Sport Singapore, SportCares activates sport as a force for social good; leveraging sport experiences to empower the vulnerable and the underserved communities in Singapore. Through its programmes and initiatives, SportCares creates opportunities that nurture positive values and practical capabilities in children and youth at-risk, building their confidence and imbuing in them a positive worldview.

SportCares serves to inspire and enable:  

• Children and youth from low-income families

• In-risk and at-risk youth 

• Vulnerable seniors

• Persons with disabilities (PwDs) and special needs (SNs)

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A Fiesta Of Heritage And New Beginnings At SCC

The Singapore Cricket Club (SCC), the premier sports club on the Padang – which will soon be gazetted as a national monument – will be commemorating Singapore’s Bicentennial with two weeks of events and activities while at the same time raising funds for sports development under the auspices of SportCares.

A Fiesta of Heritage and New Beginnings

Themed “A Fiesta of Heritage and New Beginnings”, activities will pay tribute to Singapore and the Club’s heritage while also heralding a new era in nation building.

From 11-26 October, SCC will be organising a series of cultural and food events that celebrates Singapore’s and the Club’s own diverse heritage.

The celebrations will start with a modern Asian four-course dinner created by Celebrity Chef extraordinaire Eric Teo, with each course paired with wines from the Commonwealth (11 October).

The SCC Peranakan Fiesta on 18 October will feature a Straits Chinese buffet feast prepared by The Peranakan’s Chef Raymond Khoo.  Local night “street” stalls at the Club’s Courtyard will sell batik patchwork pieces, rattan bags and print crafts among other items. The Peranakan Voices (TPVs) choir and band from The Peranakan Association Singapore will provide live entertainment.

The entire Clubhouse will be open to members of the public on the SCC Family Day and Open House on 20 October, when families can enjoy pony rides, bouncy castles, bubble soccer and various F&B and games stalls. Members of the public can also book special-access Club tours.

Kavin Jay, one of Southeast Asia’s most sought-after comedians, will headline the SCC Comedy Night on 23 October, with popular local boy Sam See and rising star Qam taking to the stage for a fun-filled night of hilarious stand-up comedy. 

Of special significance to SCC is the participation of Chef Paul Askew – a pioneer of excellent modern British cuisine and the Chef Patron of the Art School Restaurant in Liverpool, UK – in the club’s events. 

Chef Askew spent part of his childhood in Singapore with his parents who were SCC members, and often visited the club with them to play lawn bowls and have dinner.  This would be a homecoming of sorts for Chef Askew as he returns to Singapore and joins SCC in commemorating Singapore’s Bicentennial. He will be conducting a cooking demonstration at a special four-course Luncheon paired with wines on 22 October, as well as preparing an exquisite dinner for the SCC Heritage Charity Ball on 25 October.

“Singapore provided me with one of my first and greatest inspirations to become a chef,” said Chef Askew. “I travelled with family from very early on and was exposed to the markets and hawker centres of Singapore which, with its vibrancy of colours and flavours, was literally like being in Aladdin’s cave – it’s like the New York of Asia!”

Excited to cook for the SCC’s own Bicentennial events, Chef Askew continued, “When I sit down to create a menu for such a special occasion, I try to choose dishes and ingredients that are celebratory in their nature and fitting to the event. I want to share my repertoire of flavours, colours and textures, with some British colonial elements mixed with Singaporean highlights from the local markets.” 

The final event of SCC’s Bicentennial celebrations is the SCC Football Carnival on Saturday, 26 October, on the Padang, in partnership with SportCares, the philanthropic arm of Sport Singapore.

The morning will start with a children’s football clinic for SportCares constituents and SCC members conducted by Chelsea Football Club International Development Centre (CFCIDC). In the late morning, SCC will host an Under-14 seven-a-side mini football tournament for SportCares football teams from its development programmes. The winning team will be invited to compete in the 2020 edition of the SCC International Soccer7s Tournament (6 – 7 June).

Fundraising for SportCares

The SCC Heritage Charity Ball and SCC Football Carnival are especially meaningful events that SCC is organising as part of its commemorative activities for the Singapore Bicentennial, as the club is also raising funds for SportCares.

Using sport as a force for social good, SportCares leverages sport experiences to make a positive difference to the lives of the vulnerable and under-served communities in Singapore. In addition to persons with disabilities and special needs and seniors, SportCares designs and delivers sport-based development programmes that engage children and youth at-risk – this includes football, rugby, swimming, athletics and floorball. 

SCC has already started raising funds for SportCares through various activities but the SCC Heritage Charity Ball will be the main fundraiser. SCC will be conducting charity auctions during the night and hopes to raise a significant amount for SportCares. The St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the St. James’s Place Wealth Management Group which is the event title sponsor of the Ball and gold sponsor of SCC’s Bicentennial commemorative events, will be matching funds raised at the Ball up to a maximum of S$50,000.

Meanwhile, the SCC Football Carnival will provide another platform for SportCares’ constituents to play, interact with others and learn to be better versions of themselves through sports.

“SCC has a strong sporting background dating back to 1852 and therefore it is all the more meaningful that as we go forward we will play an even bigger role in supporting sports development beyond our Club. We believe that sports can inspire and enable our children and youth and build stronger communities,” said SCC President Sher Baljit Singh. “These are also the goals of SportCares and we are privileged to have the opportunity to support their good work.”

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has kindly agreed to grace the Club with his presence at the Visitor’s Dinner to be held at the end of the year when SCC will bestow him with the honorary title of “Visitor”; during which time Prime Minister Lee will also receive the cheque on behalf of SportCares for all funds raised by SCC’s Bicentennial Celebrations. The SCC honorary title of “Visitor” has to date only been bestowed upon then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew (1970) and then-Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong (2007).

All the events will be held at SCC, save for the Heritage Charity Ball which will take place at the InterContinental Singapore in Bugis. The events open to members of the public include the Cooking Demonstration & Luncheon with Paul Askew, SCC Family Day & Open House, SCC Heritage Charity Ball, and the SCC Football Carnival.

SCC is privileged to have the title sponsorship support of Maitri Asset Management for all its Bicentennial events, Qatar Airways as its official airline partner and Royal Plaza on Scotts as its official hotel partner. SCC is also grateful for its gold sponsors St James’s Place Wealth Management Group and Vapor, and bronze sponsor Lorna Whiston Schools.

For more information and to register, visit scc.org.sg/sccbicentennial/.

About Singapore Cricket Club (SCC)

Established in 1852, the Singapore Cricket Club (SCC) is the premier sports and lifestyle club in the heart of the city. The club is a gazetted building framed by a breathtaking blend of historic and modern buildings, with the iconic soon-to-be-gazetted Padang field at its doorstep. Across time, SCC has been a magnet for Singapore’s sporting fraternity.

The story of the Singapore Cricket Club is a fascinating microcosm of the story of Singapore itself. The club’s transition from an elite, colonial sports club to an open, multi-racial club playing a leading role in both the sporting and social life of the wider community mirrors changes in the nation as a whole.

Here, just about every popular field game is played: from cricket, naturally, to soccer, hockey, rugby, tennis, lawn bowls, netball among others.

To accommodate its ever-increasing number of sports enthusiasts, the SCC has leased another field in the Dempsey district.  Across its two fields, the Club plays host to sports at all levels – from friendlies to interclub and national leagues, as well as international signature tournaments that bring in big name teams.  The latter includes the SCC International Hockey 6s, the SCC International Rugby 7s, SCC Cricket Twenty20 and SCC International Soccer7s.

The camaraderie built on the field extends to the Clubhouse where wining, dining and socializing facilities cater to a diverse and distinctive community of members. The Club is reputed for its fine dining and local fare options, topped with impeccable and personalised service.  All this in venues that have been refurbished with great care to retain its architectural splendour dating back to its early beginnings.

The Club’s packed calendar of events is reflective of its mix of members – celebrating Singapore’s many festivals, commemorating milestone events and creating events that bring friends and families together.

More information about the Singapore Cricket Club can be found at www.scc.org.sg.

SCC’S Singapore Bicentennial Event Partners

Title Sponsor

Official Airline: Qatar Airways

Official Hotel: Royal Plaza on Scotts

Gold Sponsors

   

               

Bronze Sponsor

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Chiam See Tong Sports Fund - Support For Upcoming Athletes

The Chiam See Tong Sports Fund, which supports disadvantaged athletes, raised more than S$170,000 last Thursday, with about S$10,000 coming from the auction at the gala dinner.

The 400 guests at the dinner, including Guest-Of-Honour, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Mr Edwin Tong, Senior Minister of State for Law and Health, stood up to applaud and welcome him.

"Sports can also help build character, discipline and resilience. The Chiam See Tong Sports Fund is doing precisely that by helping children and youths from disadvantaged backgrounds reach their sporting dreams."

--- ESM Goh Chok Tong ---

Athletes that were present at the event included National Trap Shooter and five-time South-East Asian Games Gold Medallist Choo Choon Seng, Former Captain of the Singapore Hockey Team Melanie Martens, modern pentathlon athlete Kok Kiat Xuan and last year’s Asian Games Silver Medallist in Jujitsu Constance Lien.

“Today we might not be at the very top but we are producing globally competitive athletes in sports such as swimming, sailing, table tennis, bowling and silat.”

--- ESM Goh Chok Tong ---

Items for bidding include this set of No. 10 soccer jerseys from Argentina and Brazil...

Auction in process...

Since its launch in March 2017, the fund has supported more than 30 young athletes. They include sailor Olivia Chen, modern pentathlete Koh Kiat Xuan and powerlifters Matthew and Matthias Yap. The Yap brothers have continued on to represent Singapore in numerous international powerlifting competitions.

About The Chiam See Tong Sports Fund

After serving as Member of Parliament (MP) for Potong Pasir for 27 years, former six-term MP Mr Chiam See Tong started the Chiam See Tong Sports Fund on 9 March 2017. He now serves as the Patron-in-chief of the Chiam See Tong Sports Fund, together with his wife, Mrs Lina Chiam, who served one term as a Non-Constituency MP from 2011 to 2015.

The Fund was officially launched in the Chamber of the Old Parliament House, a venue where Mr Chiam first took his oath as a Member of Parliament in January 1985 after winning the Potong Pasir seat at the 1984 General Elections. 

"Our sports level as far as the international standard is concerned, is at the kampung level. I think we have to do something to build up one or two sports champions and that will give inspiration to other sportsmen.”

--- Chiam See Tong, Budget Debate, 1989 ---

(On his inspiration behind his support for sports)

The Fund aims to help children and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds reach their sporting dreams with the following objectives:

• To help build the character of children and youths from under-resourced families through their participation in sports. 
• To advocate on behalf of the value of sports for under-resourced children and youths in the community. 
• To build key athlete, corporate, and community relationships that increase sport opportunities for under-resourced children and youths. 
• To develop programmes and services to supplement and complement national initiatives for children and youth sports development in Singapore.  

“Our emphasis has to be plugging gaps in the arena of sports which will reduce or eradicate the instances and probability of inequality in sports.”

--- Jose Raymond, Chairman, Organising Committee, Gala Dinner ---

The Board of the Fund is chaired by former national swimmer and one-time world’s fastest over the 50m freestyle Mr Ang Peng Siong and co-chaired by Mr Edmond Pereira, lawyer and President of Flash Athletic Club. 

For more information on the Fund, visit chiamseetongsf.org.

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Japan Summer Festival - Enjoy Matsuri The Active Way

A feast for the senses awaits visitors at the biggest Japan Summer Festival. This is held in conjunction with the 10th edition of the Sports Hub Community Play Day, at the National Stadium on 8 and 9 September. The stadium premises will be transformed into a gigantic festival ground with more than 100 Japanese F&B, games, and merchandise booths as well as a centre stage featuring 25 sensational stage performances by 24 groups and organisations from Japan and Singapore. 

These performances include:

• Taiko drum performance – an ancient Japanese percussion using large drums;
• Yosakoi – a unique style of dance typically performed at festivals in Japan;
• Domobics – an aerobics dance performance named after the beloved Domo, official mascot of Japan's public broadcaster NHK; and
• the distinctive Hawaiian Hula dance performance amongst many others 

“The Summer Festival is a huge event for the Japanese Association. This year’s Summer Festival is particularly special because of its venue at the Singapore Sports Hub. It marks a milestone in how the Summer Festival connects both the Japanese and local communities here in Singapore.”

--- Sue Kealohiokalani Mayuzumi, Japanese Association of Singapore’s Hula Dance Group ---

Authentic Japanese stalls

Apart from the authentic Japanese F&B stalls serving dishes typically associated with festivals, shop among a colourful array of Japanese merchandise including anime-related products, cosmetics and skin care products, tote bags, stationary, origami earrings, prepacked snacks, toys, French-inspired hats, handmade spoon kits, artisanal accessories, and many more.

Domo and Pikachu Meet-and-Greet Sessions

Get the chance to meet with life-sized Domo and Pikachu in action and snap a picture with them in the meet-and-greet sessions...

Thrilling games to keep the whole family entertained

There are three main game zones to keep the whole family entertained - the Pokémon Carnival zone, the Sports Hub Community Play Day – Fun on Wheels! zone, and the Japanese Association’s Game Corner. The carnival features several Pokémon-themed game stations and machines, where participants can test their hand-eye coordination skills in games including “Let’s Battle Pikachu”, “Squirtle Yo Rescue” and “Gengar Shadow Ball”.

The Japanese Association’s Game Corner

At the Japanese Association’s Game Corner, there are five booths featuring traditional Summer Festival favourites including Yo-Yo Tsuri, a game involving fishing for water balloons using a frail paper string with a hook; Shateki, a game where participants can shoot their target prizes to win them; and Senbonbiki, a game where participants can choose from a multitude of strings to pull, to see if he or she can win prizes.

“Fun on Wheels!” theme

The Sports Hub Community Play Day will be taking place concurrently on the National Stadium grounds, with activities taking on a “Fun on Wheels!” theme. Visitors can relive the arcade glory days with 90s car racing video game Daytona and Initial D. Other popular Japanese-made arcade games include Dance Dance Revolution and Bishi Bashi.

Singapore GP F1 Roving Truck

Besides arcade games, a Singapore GP F1 Roving Truck will be on site inside the National Stadium, for participants to test out the reflexes of car racing enthusiasts in our simulators.  There will also be giant versions of popular group games such as Twister, Snakes & Ladders, and Pick-Up Sticks.

Japanese-themed games

The Sports Hub Community Play Day zone will also comprise Japanese-themed games such as Hanetsuki, a game resembling badminton, but played without a net; Ohajiki, a game involving flicking small, coin-shaped pieces called with one’s fingers, to hit other pieces; Otedama, a game where the challenge is to toss and grab small bean bags.

Keeping active through fun-play, sports and fitness activities

J-Party Fitness mass workouts by Japanese instructors

Fitness buffs can look forward to the J-Party Fitness mass workouts conducted by Japanese instructors. The programme comprises popular routines such as Zumba, Salsation, and Kardioblast, and it will take place from 1 pm to 3 pm on both days with fitness packs up for grabs.

One of the Japanese fitness instructors, Masami Miko, who has been teaching fitness classes for 4 years, said: “This is my first time participating in the Japan Summer Festival and I’m thrilled that I can spread the culture of Japan through my role conducting the J-Party Fitness session. I’m looking forward to leading the dance party fitness aerobics Zumba and Kardioblast workouts, incorporating some elements of Japanese culture such as the movements and even Japanese pop music. More importantly, I hope everyone can join in and stay healthy by leading an active lifestyle.”

“This is my first time participating in the Japan Summer Festival and I’m thrilled that I can spread the culture of Japan through my role conducting the J-Party Fitness session.”

--- Masami Miko, Japanese fitness instructor ---

ELXR’s assessments and fitness mobile application

Try out ELXR’s assessments and fitness mobile application which functions as a DNA-based training programme.

The WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) Finals activation

Tennis fans and enthusiasts can take part in fun challenges at the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) Finals activation at the festival and stand to enjoy tournament giveaways. Challenge your balancing skills with a giant tennis racket at the Bucket Challenge, attempt the Tennis Trivia memory card game, and learn to play tennis with the friendly WTA crew at the mini-tennis court.

“The festival at the National Stadium presents truly a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience through the combination of cultural festivities and fun-play entertainment for everyone. Our broad range of offerings will have something for everyone, from thrill seekers to fans of Japanese culture.”

--- Christine Lau, Director of Sports and Community Programming, Singapore Sports Hub ---

Yukata Try-outs

As part of the festivities, visitors are encouraged to bring or rent the traditional Japanese summer garment, the Yukata. The Yukata rental service is priced at $15 and available on both Saturday from 1500-1830 hours, and Sunday from 1500-1730 hours.

Renters can wear the garment till the end of the event at 2110h on Saturday and 2010h on Sunday. Yukatas are limited and rented out on a first come, first served, while stocks last.

The Bon Odori dance

Each day will conclude with the Bon Odori dance, where you can take part in the traditional dance while wearing the Yukata. For more information on the Japan Summer Festival, please visit https://www.sportshub.com.sg/japansummerfest.

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