THE MAGAZINE FOR SINGAPORE EURASIANS • SEPTEMBER 2004

ea newsMITA (P) 234/04/2004

Striving for Excellencehighlights • ECF Education Awards 2004... pg 4

• Dutch Eurasians Get Together... pg 6 & 7 • Plans to Set Up EA Choir... pg 10 • Sarong Nite with Tombola... pg 12

Dear Friends

Another quarter has passed and as we celebrate our nation’s Birthday, we can reflect on what this country has given us, and what we can do to give back to society. It is important to share our new Prime Minister’s vision and take steps to ensure that the vulnerable among us, the young and the old, are cared for. For this to happen, we need to cultivate and develop a stronger spirit of charity and volunteerism. Our challenge is to help the Eurasian community continue to grow as an integral part of multi-racial Singapore.

There are families threatened with job losses due to structural unemployment. The EA has programmes to offer help at job-finding and re-training. Over the last 15 months, we have placed 200 Eurasians in jobs and assisted another 40 in re-training. Many more from other ethnic groups have also been placed in jobs. Our Family Support Services continue to help disadvantaged families with daily living expenses, education and retraining. The FSS is looking at new ways to reach out and help.

In this newsletter, you will notice our rich cultural heritage. For example, the Dutch Eurasians’ Westerhout clan had its first Asian get-together recently. Even Eurasians have many origins, much like our multi-ethnic Singapore society. This diversity enriches our cultural heritage, and paying attention to this heritage gives us confidence to play a strong role in multi-cultural Singapore. One last word on the Westerhout clan: ancestor Newbold Benjamin Westerhout was a founding father of the EA and an early EA president. Nearly a hundred years later, his descendants continue to play a leading role: Tim De Souza, EA Trustee and former EA president; Burton Westerhout, former EA vice president.

Our Youth Committee has planned exciting programmes, and together with the newly formed Performing Arts Chapter, will get members to gel, interact and learn more about the uniqueness of our rich and diverse heritage.

I am heartened by the vibrancy and commitment of our new Management Committee elected by you in April, and by the enthusiasm of our volunteers and staff. We have a solid volunteer base but we need more. We would like you to make a difference to our community and our Singapore.

With Warmest Regards,

Bryan DavenportPresident

Eurasian Association

THE MINISTERRepresenting the Eurasians in Cabinet

BG (NS) George YeoTHE EURASIAN ASSOCIATION, SINGAPORE

(Established July 1919)

Patron

Herman R. Hochstadt

President

Bryan Davenport

Vice-President

Gerald Minjoot

Honorary Secretary

Gerry de Silva

Honorary Treasurer

Roy Higgs

Assistant Honorary Secretary

Edward D’Silva

Committee Members

Rene Shepherdson JrValerie ScullyWilliam da SilvaAnn OehlersMichelle SolianoGeoffrey da Silva (co-opted)Freddy Fox (co-opted)Mel Ferdinands (co-opted)

Endowment Fund Selection Committee/

Finance Review Committee

Lawrence Da SilvaMyrna Braga-BlakeRene Pereira

Legal Advisory Panel

William JansenMichael PalmerMartin Marini

Honorary Auditor

Ernst & Young

General Manager

Maurice A Phillips

Public Relations & Promotions Manager

Pat Monkman

Senior Social Worker

Peter Lean

Accounts Executive

Anita Lee

Education Executive

Joyce Frugtniet

Executive Assistant

Lorraine Bligh

CareerLink Office

Manager (Employment) Manager (Training)

Julia Tessensohn Karen Ang

Editorial Committee Editorial Advisor

Pat Monkman Gerry de SilvaYvonne Lim

As I prepared this issue, one fact hit me. There were many stories of Eurasians striving for achievement, for excellence. Look at Travis Woodford, 11 and top Singaporean in his age group in the triathlon. The pocket dynamo is EA’s Sports student of the year. There is Annabel Pennefather, former hockey international who achieved double ‘firsts’ - first Eurasian and first woman to lead our national Olympic contingent.

In Singapore excellence is usually linked to academic achievement. In that we can be proud of Jonathan Capel with his First Class Honours in mechanical engineering at NUS. He achieved this while devoting time to the EA’s youth committee and bagged the Top University Student Award at EA’s merit and bursary awards event. Recognition does not exclude those unlike Jonathan, who is a scholar. Ronald Batchelor, 19 and profoundly deaf, against the odds went through mainstream secondary schools. He enrolled at Ngee Ann Polytechnic which has no facilities to aid him. After picking up EA’s Most Improved Student Award, the second-year horticultural and landscape management student said he wanted to work independently. “I have to be prepared to work with people who can hear.”

There is another type of striving - the type displayed by Keith Morton who pursued his dream of becoming a chef of his own fine-dining restaurant. Along the way he touched scores of hearts with his humble demeanor and kind personality. He even volunteered a dish at a National Day Observance pot luck dinner that was planned after the usual EA soccer session. Keith always tried to make it for EA Sunday Soccer, such was his zest for life. He never made it. He died in a car accident that Aug 15 Sunday morning. His life showed the kind of excellence many aspire to - achievement-orientated, a big heart, and a love for those around him. He was 25.

Gerry de SilvaAdvisor EA NewsHon Secretary, Eurasian Association

President’s Message

From the Advisor’s Desk

First Class

Travis Woodford- EA’s Top Sports BoyTravis Woodford, Singapore’s only Under-18 national triathlete, has been awarded Top Sports Boy award at the Eurasian Community Education Fund 2004 Awards on 21 August. And to think he only started training seriously a year ago.

The 11-year old student of St Stephen’s School has taken it in his stride to swim 3km, cycle 40km, and run 10km - three times a week. Add two voluntary training sessions, and you have a remarkable boy who has the endurance and mental discipline of athletes twice his age.

Travis took second place in the under-12 category of the A’Famosa Triathlon 2004, held in Malacca in June last year he beat more than 100 others to emerge eighth place in his first triathlon, the OSIM Singapore Triathlon.

The inspiration behind Travis’ remarkable sportsmanship is Lance Armstrong, the cyclist who beat cancer with his single-minded determination, grueling training and positive energy and emerged to become the greatest cyclist. It all started when his dad gave him Armstrong’s autobiography. “I was then in Primary 4, and I didn’t even know what ‘triathlete’ meant. But I was inspired by Mr Armstrong’s determination to fight cancer. His principle that it’s not about the quality of the bike you ride, but the quality of the rider, guides my training today. “

Training for triathlons has made Travis more disciplined and hardworking. He trains at the Singapore Management University pool, the Triathlon Association of Singapore (TAS) pool, and Changi Coastal Road. Travis’ ambition is to win the triathlon event at the 2011 SEA Games.

A report of the ECF Awards can be found on page 4

- Article adapted from The New Paper.

Meet our New General Manager

Maurice A. PhillipsMaurice A. Phillips, a retired Colonel with the Singapore Armed Forces, has joined us as General Manager.

He replaces Victor Pinto who had been with us for three years and is now retired.

Maurice served the SAF for nearly 30 years, and was, for four years Singapore’s Defence Attache with the Singapore Embassy in the Philippines. Following his retirement, Maurice initially entered the world of management and consultancy dealing in project management, and then into the IT world.

A father of two, Maurice approaches his new task at EA with a “strong desire to serve the community.” You can reach him at maurice@eurasians.org or telephone 6447 1578.

The EA wishes Victor all the best in his future and welcomes Maurice.

Picture courtesy of SPH

Jonathan Mark Capel is awarded the Top University STUDENT 2003-04 at this year’s ECF Education Awards held on 21 August. Jonathan graduated from the University of Singapore with a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering), First Class Honours.

Despite his heavy commitments, Jonathan remains active in the EA. He is the second Vice-chairman of the Eurasian Association Youth Committee. He believes that his community work in the Association is one of the ways to return to the community all that he has received over the years.

Jonathan, 24, will soon be pursuing a career in the Ministry of Home Affairs.

See page 4 for full reporton the ECF Education Awards 2004

First Class Achievements

JONATHANMARK CAPEL

1news

She Scores Another First asLeader of Singapore

atAthensOlympics Ms Annabel Pennefather, Vice President of the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC), was appointed as the first woman Chef de Mission, and also the first Eurasian for the Singapore contingent.

Annabel is a long time stalwart of the local sports scene, having played hockey at the National level from 1964 to 1980. She then went on to preside the Singapore Women’s Hockey Association for 11 years, and was elected to the Singapore Hockey Federation as vice president in 1992. Since then, she has also been an active member and vice president of the Singapore National Olympic Council. She was awarded the Sporting Singapore Inspiration Special Contribution Award in 2003.

In a recent interview with the EA before going to Athens, Annabel highlighted her hopes and dreams for Singapore sports.

As the first woman Chef de Mission to represent Singapore in the Olympics, What are your hopes for the contingent at the Games? The Olympic Games is the pinnacle of sporting competition. My hopes first and foremost are

for all our 16 athletes to achieve best personal performances and to display a strong fighting spirit, sportsmanship and show fair play in the process. If in the course of achieving the goals, one or more of them get into medal contention, my support team and I will do our very best to help them.

In your opinion, which local sportsperson will shine at the Games?Whilst I hope that all our 16 athletes will shine by being the best that they can be, I believe from

previous results that we stand the best chance of getting within striking distance of a medal in table-tennis and badminton.

Where do you see the local sporting industry headed to in the next five to ten years?I see the local sport industry growing in the next 5 to 10 years. The increase in marquee sport events and outstanding students from the Singapore Sports School will in turn attract more commercial sponsors and sport industry

The CEOs of the Self-Help Groups (SHGs), i.e., SINDA, MENDAKI, CDAC and the Eurasian Association have been meeting regularly to exchange views and ideas and work together on common projects, either on a multi-lateral or bi-lateral basis. Some of the programmes which the SHGs have collaborated on include:

• Finding jobs for the unemployed through CareerLink

• Providing tuition to primary and secondary students through the Collborative Tuition Programme

• Organisation and participation in the annual Camp Teen.

• Organising and participating in other racial harmony programmes together with the Joint Social Service Centre.

Lately, as a result of the recommendations of the Remaking Singapore Committee, the CEOs of the SHGs were invited to come together and institutionalise their co-operation through the formation of a SHG Coordination Council.

The SHG Coordination Council had its inaugural meeting on 1 Jun 2004. The members of the Council are Rozlan Giri, CEO MENDAKI, Sam Tan, CEO CDAC, S. Vivakanandan, CEO SINDA, Bryan Davenport, President EA and Gerald Minjoot, Vice-President EA. MCDS is represented in the Council by Amy Hing, a Director in MCDS.

At its inaugural meeting, Bryan Davenport was elected Chairman of the Council. The Chairmanship is rotated annually among the CEOs.

The objective of the Council is to be a forum for discussion and implementation of programmes that cut across the ethnic groups. The Council would focus on a few meaningful core programmes for implementation. The prioritization of implementation of programmes was as follows:

• Ongoing joint programmes e.g. Joint Tuition, CareerLink.

• Extension of existing joint programmes where applicable and necessary.

• New joint programmes which the CEOs agree to launch.

Self-Help Group Coordination Council

2 news

players. Next July, Singapore will host one of the biggest sports meetings when the IOC meets in Singapore to choose the host city for the 2012 Summer Olympics. All this media exposure and the presence of so many influential sport officials can only help Singapore in its aim to develop the local sport industry.

How do your achieve balance in your life, with your hectic work schedule as a lawyer, commitments to the various sports councils in Singapore and still have time for yourself?In order to have more time for myself and my family since I underwent heart surgery in 1996, I chose to cease full time legal practice after more than 25 years. After that, I spent my time mainly involved as a volunteer in the various sport roles

that I found myself in. Although these roles kept me quite busy, I was at least able to have more control over my time and my life than when I was in full time legal practice. Even when I recently resumed practice as a Consultant for sport law, I chose a very flexible arrangement which still gives me time for myself and my family.

You have been actively involved in sports at the National level for the past four decades. How does it feel to play such an integral part in Singapore sports?When I first started playing hockey, I never imagined that I would one day be involved in so many different and challenging roles in sport. It just seemed to be a natural transition for me because of my deep love and passion for sport and the unwavering support that I received from

my family. I feel very honoured and very fulfilled to be playing such an integral part in Singapore sports and I hope that my experience will encourage and also enable more women to be involved in sport at all levels and in all roles.

From clockwise:

Melissa OrchardBest Overall Academic PerformanceGCE ’N’ Level

Michelle TheseiraBest Overall Academic PerformancePSLE

Darren SpruytBest Overall Academic PerformanceGCE ‘O’ Level

Fifteen Eurasian students were officially recognized for their academic improvements in the Self-Help Groups Joint Tuition Awards Ceremony that took place on 10 July 2004.

The Eurasian Association, together with the Chinese Development Assistance Council, Singapore Indian Development Association and Yahasan Mendaki held the inaugural ceremony at the Nanyang Polytechnic. Guest of Honour, Assoc. Prof Yacob Ibrahim, Minister for Community Development and Sports, presented the certificates.

The award is aimed to encourage these students to continue to excel and achieve, at the least, post secondary qualification.

The awards were handed out to students for PSLE, GCE, “O” and “N” levels. Each received a certificate and book voucher.

The following were awarded:

PSLE LEVEL

Michelle Theseira Johnson LeeBryan AngJosephine PereiraVijayaletchumi d/o Badivel Mahalakshimi DhanabalanCassandra JosephNicole De Souza

GCE ‘O’ and ‘N’ LEVELS

Darren SpruytValencia De SouzaJesse JoanDionne De SouzaSaravanan s/o BadivelMelissa Orchard Eugene Jude Nonis

Special mention should be given to the following students who achieved Best Overall Academic Performance in their respective levels.

Michelle Theseira - PSLEMelissa Orchard - GCE ‘N’ LevelDarren Spruyt - GCE ‘O’ Level

Self-Help Group Joint Tuition Awards Ceremony

3news / events

More students recognized - brains and grit

A new award - The Special Awards - was introduced in this year’s Eurasian Community Fund Education Awards.

The Special Awards recognize excellence and effort in achievement beyond the confines of mainstream education and including non-academic achievements.

Altogether 173 Eurasian students received their ECF Awards in a special ceremony on 21 August at the EA House. The awards are presented to outstanding students as well as those who have shown good progress and effort in their studies.

The EA has over the last 11 years awarded over $310,000 in bursaries and other awards to 1685 award winners.

The ECF is funded by Eurasians through the Central Provident Fund Board. The Awards are aimed to help defray the cost of education and encourage and honour students who achieve academic progress and excellence.

Guest of Honour Mr Chan Soo Sen, Minister of State (Education), presented the Awards. He commended the EA for celebrating the achievement of our youths and noted the tuition and co-curricular classes for primary and secondary school students.

SPECIAL AWARDS WINNERS

• Timothy Jeremy Jansen • Joseph Christopher Ang• Marylou Ann De Silva• Travis Woodford Sports Boy, 2003-2004

(Sponsored by Harry Elias)

TOP STUDENTS - ACADEMIC AWARD WINNERS

• The ‘Peter H Fernandez Award’ for Top PSLE Student 2003 - Ivan Francis De Souza (sponsored by Mr Lawrence da Silva)

• The ‘Colonel R J Minjoot Award for Top ‘N’ Level Student 2003 - Shawn Moses Macintyre (sponsored by Mr Gerald Minjoot)

• The ‘Evelyn Rodrigues Award’ for Top ‘O’ Level Student 2003 - Jeane Gwendoline Duclos (sponsored by Mr Edmund and Evelyn Rodrigues)

• The ‘Peggy Wai Chee Leong Award’ for Top ‘A’ Level Student 2003 - Bevin Rozario Desker (sponsored by Mr Herman Hochstadt)

• The ‘Oscar F da Silva Award’ for Top Polytechnic Student 2003 - Charlene Teresa Hendricks (sponsored by Mr Lawrence da Silva)

• The ‘Henry David Hochstadt Award’ for Top University Student 2003 - Jonathan Mark Capel (sponsored by Mr Herman Hochstadt)

• The ‘Coral Davenport Award’ for Most Improved Student 2003 - Ronald Oliver Batchelor

COMPARATIVE RESULTS OF EURASIAN STUDENTS IN 2003

Eurasian students have consistently performed well in school examinations at the national level. The performance for the 2003 examinations were:

PSLE: 100% passesO Level: 98.8% passesN Level (Ac): 100% passesN Level (Tech): 79.3 % passes A Levels: 100 % passes in General Paper

Eurasians top the cohort in English at the O level examinations.

In the ‘O’ and ‘N’ level Maths and Science exams, the grades of Eurasian students are comparable to that of their other ethnic counterparts.

• 70% of Eurasian students take Mandarin as 2nd Language

• 30 % take Malay as 2nd Language• Improved success rates for both.

EURASIAN COMMUNITY FUND

EducationAwards 2004

The Eurasian Association ECF Education Awards 2004 - our top students (from left): Ivan De Souza (Top PSLE), Bevin Desker (Top A-Level), Jeanne Duclos (Top O-Level), Jonathan Capel (Top University / First Class Honours), Travis Woodford(‘Sports Boy’ Outstanding award), Ronald Batchelor (Most Improved Student)and Charlene Hendricks (Top Polytechnic Student).

4 education

‘Reconnecting through our roots - International gathering of Dutch descendants’ was a special and unique event focusing on the three Dutch descent communities found in Malaysia, Dutch Eurasians originating from Malacca, Dutch Burghers originating from Sri Lanka and Dutch Indos originating from Indonesia.

The two-day event was held in ‘The Atlas Ice Building’, Malacca, on July 17 and 18. It was organised by the Malaysian Dutch Descendants Project under the auspices of H.E. John C.F. von Mühlen, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Malaysia. Other co-operating organisations involved were the Melaka Museums Corporation (PERZIM), Malacca Heritage Trust and the Maritime Archaeology Museum at Malacca.

The purpose of this event was to show the historical and ancestral ties between the three Dutch descent communities and to allow those of a common heritage to reconnect with each other. The event also attempted to display the history and heritage of the Dutch community and to demonstrate the existence of these communities in Malaysia, although they were thought to be extinct.

The venue for the event was at a recently rediscovered Dutch building, popularly called the ‘Atlas Ice Building’. Located on Jonker Street within the old ‘Kampung Belanda’ (Dutch Village) vicinity in Malacca, the building is also known as the ‘1673 Building’ because the year that the building was built has been fixed on its facade. The building is believed to be originally the ‘boomkantoor’ (tax-office) for the VOC (Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie - Dutch East-Indies Company) where the ‘havengelden’ (harbour taxes) could be collected in Malacca during Dutch times. In the beginning of the 20th century, the Atlas Ice Company purchased the building from the Dutch Eurasian families Baumgarten and de Wind. Recently, the Malacca State government acquired the building and has restored it.

The first day of the event began with the official opening of theexhibition by Dr. Badriyah Salleh, the General Manager of the Melaka Museums Corporation.

The exhibition featured the historical and ancestral background of some families from the three Dutch descent communities.

For the Malacca Dutch Eurasians, there were translations of seldom seen genealogies obtained from the Central Bureau of Genealogy at The Hague, genealogies from private research, old family pictures from private collections and reproduction of Dutch records obtained from the Malaysian National Archives.

For the Ceylon Dutch Burghers, the exhibition included the genealogy from private research of families such as van Dort, Manen and Jansz. There were reproductions of genealogical data published in the extremely rare Journal of the Dutch Burgher Union in the early 1900s at Ceylon, some old Burgher family pictures from private collections and extracts from a diary of an adventurous Dutch Burgher in Malaya named Cyril Ephraums.

On the Dutch Indos, displayed were some old family pictures from private collections during their time in Indonesia, the genealogy of some families and some information regarding the ‘Pasar Malam Besar’ - the largest gathering of Eurasians in the world held annually in The Hague.

There were several talks given on the first day, most notably from the organiser’s special guest for this event was drs. Pim ten Hoorn from the Netherlands, who delivered a talk on the Dutch Eurasian community in the Netherlands. Pim, a Dutch Indo born in Palembang, Indonesia now resides at The Hague, where he is involved in various Eurasian organisations there.

The second day began bright and early with a heritage walkabout of Kampung Belanda. Participants were brought on a tour to discover the history and heritage of Malacca’s treasured Jonker Street and Heeren Street and informed of conservation efforts currently taking place.

The highlight of the event was the first-ever-international gathering of Dutch descendants. Dutch descendants attended this historic gathering from not only Malaysia and Singapore, but also from Australia and the Netherlands, New Zealand, the UK and the USA.

As part of a coinciding event, the Westerhout world-wide family reunion also took place in Malacca and members of the family participated in this gathering.

Gathered in a setting of a newly restored 17th century Dutch building, almost 150 people attended the gathering. The crowd was made up of Dutch descendants from Malacca, Ceylon and Indonesia and even South Africa. For the very first time, all the communities of Dutch descendants of the world were represented there that day.

The gathering was truly the right opportunity for all who came to reconnect with each other, more so because of their common heritage. There were many friends who met again after so many years of being apart and relations from afar who met each other for the very first time.

DutchTreat! RECONNECTING THE DUTCH DESCENDANTS

The gathering was officiated by John C.F. von Mühlen, ambassador of the Netherlands to Malaysia and Datuk Chua Peng Song, Deputy Chairman of the Melaka Tourism, Culture and Heritage Committee who acted on behalf of Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam, the Chief Minister of Malacca.

The ambassador said that Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands had taken note of the gathering and delivered her very best wishes to the Dutch descendants there.

With the coming together of so many Dutch descendants and the Royal recognition it received, the event is destined to be recorded in history as the first-ever congregation of Dutch descendants since Malacca was given up by the Dutch to British hands 180 years ago. And probably the only of its kind gathering in the world. Many Dutch descendants left feeling a little more proud of their Dutch roots.

Dennis De WittCo-ordinatorMalaysian Dutch Descendants Project

Please see centerspread for more on Dutch Descendants.

5heritage

First Asian Gathering of

It took four years to organize. On the weekend of July 17 & 18, 2004, eighty members of the world-wide Westerhout family finally gathered in Malacca, many meeting each other for the first time! Representing four generations (7th to 10th generations) they travelled from 7 countries spanning 4 continents to be at the 2nd World-wide Westerhout Family Reunion. The inaugural reunion was held in Sacramento, California, USA in 2000.

The Reunion Programme began in Singapore on Friday, July 16, with a large contingent from the USA touring the Island and visiting places associated with their grandfather Alexander Westerhout. Alex was a fifth generation descendant, who later migrated to the USA in 1916. The tour included stops at the Botanic Gardens to visit a palm tree first discovered by Johannes Bartholomeus Westerhout (Alex’s grandfather) in central Malaya, and also the new Eurasian Community House to view the Eurasian Heritage Centre. The group was proud to learn that Newbold Benjamin Westerhout (5th generation descendant and brother of Alexander) was a founder member and past President of the Eurasian Association in 1919. Before leaving, they sampled a Eurasian-style lunch at Eddie’s Café.

The next morning they took a coach to Malacca to join the rest of the clan for the second stage of the Programme.

At the Reunion dinner held on Sunday, July 18, the family members learnt of the remarkable story of their origins and connection to Malacca, specially presented by Geoffrey Morris (husband of Nanette Westerhout - 7th generation descendant).

Joining the Westerhout family members at the Reunion dinner were H.E. Jonkheer John von Mühlen, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Malaysia & his wife Danielle; Dr Badariyah Salleh (GM, Malacca Museum); Mr Mat Nasir Baba (Director, Dept. Museums and Antiquities); Mr Martin Carvalho (Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Malacca) and Mr. Dennis De Witt (historian, genealogist, & driving force behind the Malaysian Dutch Descendants Project).

Earlier in the day, family members visited the historical sites of Malacca, many of which are connected with the history of the Westerhout family. These told of the family’s involvement in Malacca through both the Dutch and British governance of the Settlement. Some of the earlier Westerhouts

The Westerhout story is one of a brave 14-year old Dutch boy, Sjouwke Jansz Westerhout from Jevers, Friesland (now part of Germany) who signed on as Ship’s Boy on the “Meerlust” a ship owned by the Dutch East Indies Company (VOC). The ship sailed on May 24,1741 for Batavia (Jakarta today), a journey that took 8 months. Sjouwke rose through the VOC ranks and eventually captained his own ship, the “Bonte Kijerd” before finally settling down in Malacca in 1757. The rest, as they say, is history.

6

By Burton Westerhout

are commemorated by wall plaques in the altar area of Christ Church in Malacca. These can still be viewed today along with the Reredos - the tiled mural of the “Last Supper” behind the altar presented to the Church by the 5th generation Westerhouts in 1910.

One of the highlights of the Reunion programme was a walk-through of the house of Johannes Bartholomeus Westerhout (grandson of Sjouwke). The building was fully restored by the Malacca State Government only recently and has been now been declared a National Monument of Malaysia. Plans are afoot to turn it into a museum. The Westerhout family members were honoured to be the first visitors to the restored house.

Another highlight was the chance to reconnect with other Malaysian Dutch Descendants at a special morning tea organized by the Malaysian Dutch Descendants Project in the newly renovated “Atlas Ice Building” in Jonker Street.

Research into the family origins has been a multi-national effort over the past 40 years with many recent contributions coming from family members and friends. The 31-foot long wall chart of the family tree on display bore testimony to the amount of effort put in by Joyce Westerhout-Freeland, the family’s proclaimed historian. There are still a lot of gaps to be filled, but the quest continues, especially tracing those descendants who moved to India in the 19th Century

Even though the Reunion Organizing Committee was globally dispersed, the power of IT and the Internet enabled them to connect with family members around the world and quickly spread reunion news and updates.

Family members voted to hold the next Reunion in Perth, Australia in 2008.

The hardworking Committee comprised: Nanette & Geoffrey Morris (Singapore); Kerry Reutens (Singapore); Phyl Westerhout-McArtney (Auckland); Hazel Westerhout-Song (Malacca); Daphne Westerhout-Lee & Hedley Westerhout (Kuala Lumpur); Vernon Westerhout (Perth); Joyce Westerhout-Freeland, Elizabeth Westerhout-Barclay and Dale Westerhout (California); Hedley Westerhout (London) and Burton & Maureen Westerhout (Singapore/Yokohama/Muscat).

I am a Westerhout descendant through my Grandmother, Olivia Westerhout (my father’s mother) who is the sister of Burt’s father, George. Burt is therefore my uncle. Olivia was the only girl in that family with 5 brothers. She was a 5th generation Westerhout, making me a 7th generation descendant... There were 85 at the Reunion, which was a fantastic event!

Timothy De SouzaEA Trustee & former EA President;

Burt Westerhout: former EA Vice President

7

The Family Support Services (FSS) is a pillar of our Eurasian Community. Our mission is:

1 To ensure our elderly is well taken care of through financial assistance. We strive to ensure that their remaining years are spent with dignity, love and care.

2 To ensure our younger, under privileged families are provided with jobs, retraining and counselling to help cope with the modern day pressures of life.

3 To uplift the lives of our young children in terms of financial assistance, tuition and counselling.

The FSS Committee comprise:

• Bryan Davenport (President, Eurasian Association)• Ann Oehlers (MC Member, Eurasian Association)• Michelle Soliano (MC Member, Eurasian Association) • Peter Lean (Social Worker, Eurasian Association)• Victor Pinto (Member, Eurasian Association)• Royston Jalleh (Special Projects, The Patrician Society)• Shakthi Sivasubramaniam (HOD Pupil Welfare, St. Patrick’s School) • Karen Pereira (Teacher, St. Patrick’s School)

The Family Support Services Current Programs:

1 Provide rations to approximately 80 families.

2 Provide counselling, care and referral services to the elderly and to younger families.

Upcoming Projects

1 The Golden Years - Be prepared. Talk by our financial consultants and family planners to be held in November.

2 Project to assist N-level students at St Patrick’s School.

3 Uplifting young families through counselling, job placement and retraining.

A True Story There is a family of 11 living in a three-room flat in Jurong, with a total monthly income of $500. Some of the children are not attending school.

However, we believe that by educating the older children in the family and getting mentors to guide this family through their difficult times, we will be offering some help to our community.

There are many other Eurasian families in similar circumstances. The EA is able to do only do so much. We need mentors and volunteers to assist us in improving the lives of these families. If you have a couple hours a month with which you can volunteer your time and services, please do not hesitate to call us at 64471578. You will be making a big difference in other peoples’ lives!

If you need a place in a home or have difficulty handling your old age, we are able to help you. Younger families who require financial assistance and/or counselling to manage your lives, please contact us. We have many schemes and plans to help you. Please contact our social worker, Mr Peter Lean, at 64471578.

FAMILY Support Services Bryan Davenport

Bryan Davenport, EA President and tireless volunteer social worker, was awarded the Public Service Medal (Pingkat Bakti Masyarakat) at this year’s National Day Awards for his contributions to society. The awards are presented annually in conjunction with Singapore’s National Day celebrations.

Bryan, now serving his third term as EA President, has pioneered several programmes to help the disabled, elderly, dysfunctional families and single-parent families. He was also instrumental in establishing the EA CareerLink with other Self Help groups. CareerLink is currently one of our top job placement agencies.

Bryan is also Chairman of the Community Outreach Services, Chairman of Self Help Groups’ Coordination Council, member of the National Steering Committee of Inter Racial Confidence Circles and Director of Ang Mo Kio Community Hospital. In 2002 he delivered to the Community the Eurasian Community House, a milestone in the history of the community.

awarded

The Eurasian Association was present at the Istana on two occasions in August.

On 10 August, the EA Committee was invited to the National Day Party by the President of Singapore SR Nathan and the Cabinet. On 12 August, the EA was back at the Istana to witness and celebrate the historic inauguration of Singapore’s new Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (above).

The EA was represented by EA President Bryan Davenport, Hon Secretary Gerry de Silva and members of the MC, including Ann Oehlers, Rene Shepherdson Jr and Michelle Soliano.

The EA were invited along with other self-help groups and other representatives from all walks of life. The EA is proud to represent the community at such significant occasions.

EA at Istana

Bryan Davenport (right) welcoming President SR Nathan at EA Community House opening last year.

Public Service Medal

8 family support services / news

Perhaps more than anybody else, Ronald Oliver Batchelor has to work doubly hard to gain an equal footing in society. Roland, who receives the Most Improved Student award, was born profoundly deaf.

While there was nothing Ronald could about his hearing loss, he did not let it impair the opportunities that lay ahead. At 19, Ronald’s

future is indeed promising. Currently he is in his second year of a 3-year-course in Horticulture and Landscape Management at Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

Ronald was born to Colin and Hui Kim Batchelor both also profoundly deaf. His 23-year-old sister Charlene, also a polytechnic grad and who works as an operations executive in an autism company, is also profoundly deaf. The family communicates by lip-reading and sign language. But Ronald has never felt disadvantaged or different. He has always enjoyed school life.

Ronald attended primary school at the Singapore School for the Deaf, but moved to a normal mainstream education to Upper Serangoon Secondary School, where hearing-impaired resource teachers help interpret for deaf students. “I have many friends, both hearing and hearing-impaired. In fact my hearing mates

are very helpful, and they have learnt to use sign language. My deaf friends and I have learnt to work and mingle well with the hearing school mates,” he said.

He has received numerous awards, including the Outstanding Deaf Student Award by Singapore School for the Deaf and in 2002 the EAGLES award for his leadership skills. He was a member of his class management committee, chairman an adviser of the Hearing Impaired Club, a senior prefect and a peer leader in secondary school.

Beneath the calm smiling exterior lies an incurable extrovert. Sports is a passion. Roland, a striker, has played for One United Football Club. He also enjoys tennis and jogging. He is a gentle, happy teenager who enjoys entertaining his friends with his bag of magic tricks. He is also an avid reader, keen photographer and nature lover.

EA Youth Soccer School held its first National Day Observance Ceremony and Pot Luck Dinner on 15 August at Ping Yi Secondary School.

Approximately 200 showed up, including friends, supporters and parent volunteers who prepared fantastic food - such as Sugee Cake and Devil - for the potluck. There were football matches that involved approximately 70 young EA footballers between the ages of 6 and 14.

At the end of the matches, there was a one-minute silence to honour Keith Morton who died in a car crash early that morning. Keith, a gifted cook, had earlier prepared Shepherd’s Pie as his contribution to the potluck, but the dish was yet to be baked. It was completed later that day and shared among family and friends.

Chief Coach Freddy Fox led the singing of the National Anthem followed by the taking of the Pledge and the cutting of the National Day cake. EA President, Bryan Davenport gave away the prizes to winning soccer team. Deep appreciation goes out to all volunteers.

Soccer School NATIONAL DAY Observance Ceremony

Ronald Oliver Batchelor Against the Odds

KeithMorton Keith Andrew Morton, 25, had a passion for cooking, for soccer, for life.

The son of William Adam Morton (Deputy Superintendent, Singapore Prisons Emergency Action Reponse team) and Myra Rodrigues, Keith returned to Singapore from London late last year. There he had spent three years undergoing a culinary course at the Leiths Culinary Academy, and working in a restaurant. He had plans to set up a fine-dining fusion restaurant here.

Keith was a member of the EA Youth group and used to play soccer with the EA soccer team, which is described as one solid unit of boys.

Brian Batchelor, an old friend and former EA soccer coach, said Keith always gave 100 percent whenever he was called to play. “He had good heading skills. He was big and his size was intimidating, but he had a jewel of a heart,” added Brian.

Keith died on the morning of Sunday Aug 15 in a car accident in Upper Changi Road. That was the same day as the Observance Day Potluck Dinner and Keith had planned to cook a dish. The EA extends its deepest condolences to Keith’s family.

Keith Morton (back, centre) surrounded by cousins Gary and Desiree and brother Russell (right)

One for the album - Ronald Batchelor(extreme left) and his family share a moment with Mr Chan Soo Sen, Minister of State(Education) (second from left)

9news / youth

EAChoir to be formed Music mentor and teacher Dixie Ferdinands

MORE MUSIC LESSONS

We are increasing the number of music lessons currently offered at the EA House. Instructors Dixie Ferdinands and Claudio Arriola, both established local musicians, have brought many students to the next level of musicianship.

You can sign up for lessons in acoustic or electric guitar, bass guitar, drums or if you have bunch of talented friends and want to form a band - get in touch with our secretariat and leave your contact details so that we can in touch with you!

THE EURASIAN CHOIR

If you enjoy group singing, then this is for you! EA is forming a choir in September and all are invited to register. If you’re over 12, and with some experience singing in a choir, please contact our secretariat for more information. If you have no experience, we’ll still be pleased to meet up with you and assess your vocal range and suitability. We’ll be having our first session on 11 September at the EA House, 2 -4pm.

ARE YOU UNEMPLOYED? Career Link Can HelpCall us at 6254 3711 ext 100Are you unemployed? Do you need training to learn a new skill or upgrade your current skills level?

Every job and every opportunity to train and learn is a step towards your goal. Our CareerLink staff will be able to help you. We can help to kick start your new career.

Contact us straightaway. Call our CareerLink office Tel: 6254 3711 ext 100 or email careerlink@jssc.org.sg

Or drop in personally. The address is 381 Toa Payoh Lorong 1, #01-07, S 319758. The Centre is next to Block 116, exit B from Braddell MRT station.

Facilities at CareerLink:

Use the centre to get your work done. Create your resume, type and send out application letters. You can use the computer, telephones (not personal calls), fax and email to help you with your job search.

There’s also a library where you can read up on interview tips and gain ideas on how to write effective and up-to-date resumes.

And if you’re not quite sure where to start, just approach our consultants and tell them what’s on your mind. Or you can speak to our Case Management Officer, Malcolm Norfor.

CareerLink

SEE YOU AT OUR 1st SESSION:11 SEPTEMBER, 2 - 4 pm, EA House

MUSIC, DANCE + HOSTING

We are planning workshops for public speaking/hosting; broadcast DJs, guitar workshops and dance competitions. For details, contact the office if you have any ideas, or if there is a particular aspect of the performing arts that you would like to see more of.

PERFORMING ARTS CHAPTER

The Eurasian Community has many notable personalities who have excelled in the different aspects of the performing arts. With this in mind, the Performing Arts Chapter (PAC) was recently introduced as a program for the EA.

Our mission is to provide for all Eurasians a platform to nurture and develop talent and the love for performing arts. Several programmes are now open.

Enquiries: Ring Lorraine 6447 1578or email: lorraine_bligh@eurasians.org

10 performing arts / career link

The Song and Dance Troupe received numerous invitations to perform during the Racial Harmony month in July - which means that the public got a chance to savour and enjoy a slice of Eurasian culture.

The Troupe performed at the Heritage Fest at Suntec City on July 24 and 25. The event was organized by the National Heritage Board. Sisters Carmen and Cynthia Meyer took up a booth and sold their beadwork and handmade porcelain dolls.

EA also participated in The National Heritage Board’s Heritage Food trail by hosting a typical Eurasian lunch at our Community House on 24 July. The food was prepared by Mrs Helen Joseph and her team of helpers. Mr and Mrs Lionel d’Cotta provided the Eurasian cakes and Casa Bom Vento their delicious jelly drink. Participants were given a conducted tour of the Eurasian showcase as well as a talk on Eurasian heritage food by Valerie.

They also performed at the Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society’s Multi-racial, Multi-religious

Song & Dance

From June 15 to June 18, 22 young enthusiastic Eurasians embarked on a journey of self-discovery through our first ever-organised drama camp. The camp showed them how to explore choices and moral dilemmas in a given situation, which helped build up their confidence. They expressed different points of view and test their individual viewpoints against others. They explored conflict, negotiation and resolution.

Through the camp the children, aged between 7 and 16, learned to brainstorm a skit, write a script to include all the participants, rehearse, prepare props and costumes and finally to perform at the EA Awareness Day on Sunday, 20 June - their big day!

By Debbie Woodford

Drama AWARENESSCAMP

Harmony Night at the Singapore Expo, and at the Nee Soon Community Club. They also enthralled audiences at the Southeast CDC’s multiracial campfire at East Coast Park on Saturday 31st July. This was the first multiracial campfire and opened by Mr Othman Haron Eusofe, Mayor of SE CDC.

Valerie Scully and Marian Lazaroo ran a 7-session dance workshop of the Jinkli Nona for students of Ghim Moh Secondary, as part of Singapore Discovery Centre’s “learning each other’s culture” programme in July. In August, the duo delivered talks on Eurasian culture to HDB staff and a small group of Tanjong Katong Secondary School teachers.

Let’sJazz up your rock n roll grooves in time for the year end parties. New classes begin on 9 September. Your dance instructor is the fab Andre De Silva, five times South East Asia Latin American Champion. After this course, Andre may be running Salsa classes too. So watch this space!

Your rock and roll dates:When: Every Thursday, 8 - 9 pm

Where: Dance Studio, Eurasian Community House

How much: $90 for eight lessons

Ring Lorraine at 6447 1578 or email lorraine_bligh@eurasians.org to confirm your participation.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Goodwill

Want to de-stress and yet have a workout? Why not try yoga ?

Hatha YogaClass

The Eurasian Community House offers Hatha Yoga Class every Thursday evening with our instructor Christine Toong from 7.30pm - 9.00pm. Come join us.

Price for the course is $80 for 8 Sessions.

For more detailsContact Lorraine at 6447 1578 orE-mail : lorraine_bligh@eurasians.org

Do you want to dance like a cowboy?ClassPrice for the course is $50 for 6 sessions

For more details:Contact Lorraine at 6447 1578or E-mail : lorraine_bligh@eurasians.org

Line Put on your cowboy boots, hats & jeans & come on down to The Eurasian Community House and join the Line Dance Class. Classes are every Wednesday evening with our instructor : Allan Pereira from 7.30pm - 9.30pm.

11announcements

Children’s Special(below 12 years)

September: FREE ice-cream with meals

October: 20% off your Fish ‘n’ Chips

November: 20% off your Chicken Chops

Eddie’s Place

Happy Hour promotion from 3.00 pm - 8.00 pm daily1 Jug of Beer at $14.50 (usual $ 16.50)

Operating HoursTuesdays - Thursdays 12.00 pm - 10.30pmFridays - Sundays 12.00 pm - 12.00 amClosed on Mondays

Need a scholarship for your tertiary education?

Eurasian students can apply to pursue their tertiary education at the Auston Institute of Management and Technology. The Auston Scholarship is open to Eurasian students (Singaporeans and permanent residents) with a household income of less than $3,000 or a per household capita income of $750 and below.

The Auston Scholarships, worth $4 million in total, are granted to the four Self-Help Groups and spread over 10 years. This marks Auston’s commitment to providing each Self Help Group with the full registration, tuition and examination fees up to a million dollars. Two Eurasian students who have been awarded the scholarship are Alfie D’Silva and Kevin Peter Braberry. Congratulations to both.

For further information, please call Joyce at EA Education at 64471578.

REMINDER

GetBetterGrades!GetyourtuitionatEAWe are holding tuition classes in Malay and Mathematics at all Primary and Secondary levels. Ring Joyce at EA Education on 64471578 for more details!

Auston Singapore Scholarships

LunchDon’t miss our popular Sunday lunches, held once a month only. Enjoy the Devil, Smore, Pulot Hitam and more…

Dates : 26 September, 24 October 28 NovemberCost : $12 adults / $6.00 children (below 12)

The Ladies Circle

The Ladies Circle at EA continues to grow in numbers. Ladies who have signed up with Circle membership are invited to their monthly meetings which are held on the last Wednesdays of each month (subject to change).

Activities planned at the Eurasian Community House:

3 September, 7 - 10 pm

Sarong Nite with TombolaIt’s Tombola with a difference. Wear your sarongs in your own unique style! There’ll be light snacks and drinks. Great price. Call the EA (6447 1578) to register.

12 September, 2 - 6 pm

A Cultural ExchangeAfternoon with the Ladies from

the Arab CommunityMake yours a unique afternoon of tea and delightful company with ladies from the Arab community. Mdm Khatijah Sahel, Counselor and Family Therapist, will enlighten us with a special presentation on Arab Women Today. Places are limited, so call 6447 1578 to book your places. Members: $25.00.

Call Jasmine at 63488739 for reservations or enquiries

We cater for outside functions as well.

EAYC’s“ Treasure Hunt on Wheels” The Car Treasure Hunt will take place on Sunday, 21 November. Cars will be flagged off, sending their drivers off to a fun and exciting chase for treasures! Hint: Some of the treasures will be cleverly concealed around Singapore’s cultural landmarks.

The event, organized by EA Youth Committee, will take on a multi-racial theme. Our friends from the other self-help groups will be invited to join in the treasure hunt.

Participants will need to register now, so do hurry.Ring Angie at 64471578.

12 announcements

WANTED

Circa 1930. Pte George Prior, SVC(Courtesy Prior Family/Terry Foenander)

Old and New Photos ofEurasian Servicemenand Servicewomen

for our PublicationThe Eurasian Soldier

In Defence of Settlement, Colony,State and Nation

Please contact:

EA Secretariattel: 6447 1578

Ann Ebert Oehlerstel: 6545 1008 email: aejo@starhub.net.sgBarry Pereiratel: 6445 2405 email: dosbarry@nus.edu.sg

PRESS FOUNDATION

DONATIONThe Eurasian Association gratefully

acknowledges the donation of $10,000 from the Press Foundation of Singapore Limited

in August.

We are extremely touched by this kind gesture. The donation will help fund the

various on-going projects that serve the Eurasian community.

THE

EURASIANASSOCIATIONpresents

Glitter & Glamour Nite

Your Countdown to 2005

Dinner & DancingKing & Queen of the Ball

Lucky Draw PrizesLive Band

DJs

Date: 31 December 2004Time: 7 pm - 2 amDress: Glamour Place: Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel (Havelock Road)Price: $95.00 nett per person $950.00 nett per table

Free flow of soft drinks & mixers No corkage on duty-paid hard liquorSpecial price of $5.oo+++ corkage per bottle of wine

LIMITED TABLES. BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT

REPLY SLIP

Complete form with cheque made out to: The Eurasian Association.Send to Eurasian Association, Eurasian Community House, 139 Ceylon Road, Singapore 429744.Or contact Lorraine at 6447 1578, or email lorraine_bligh@eurasians.org

I wish to book seats / tables for the event.

Total amount:

Cheque no: Bank:

Name:

Address:

Tel: Handphone: Email:

Glitter & Glamour Nite 2004

13announcements / social

You can reach us at:

EURASIAN COMMUNITY HOUSE139 Ceylon Road, Singapore 429744 • Tel: 6447 1578 • Fax: 6447 3189 • http://www.eurasians.org

EA News is the official publication of the Eurasian Association, SingaporeEA News is distributed free to members • Correspondence to the Eurasian Association (Singapore) can be directed to the above address.

The Eurasian Community House vibrated with laughter, music, drama, sports and overall good cheer on Sunday 20th June 2004 when the EA threw open its doors for our very first “Awareness Day.”

Spearheaded by the EA Youth Committee, the event was conceived as a full-day “open house” to reach out to our fellow members of the Eurasian community and make the many EA community services, facilities, sports and education programmes better known. There was a strong emphasis to attract new EA members and encourage potential volunteers to step forward. In the words of Youth Chairman Rene Shepherdson Jr, “Our youth felt there is still a need to reach out to more Eurasians and Singaporeans to do their part for the community. The aim was to provide a platform to introduce Eurasian culture, heritage and activities to all Singapore Eurasians and non-Eurasians. Also, to reach out to those who require help and who can give help in return, to make a difference in each other’s lives.”

Rallying around the event’s theme “Have YOU Been Home Lately?”, each and every EA sub-committee gave their utmost and robust support.

The Song and Dance Troupe’s lively practice demonstration, wedding re-enactment and display of traditional Eurasian wedding and cultural artifacts was just one of the excellent displays put up for the more than 350 visitors, the majority of whom were new to EA. Highlights included the Family Support Services’ innovative display of the actual ration items distributed to needy families, the mini-soccer tournament staged by the Soccer School at the adjoining field along Ceylon Road, and the Art activities and numerous performances in the Mutli-purpose Hall. Every group, including the Secretariat, Education sub-committee, Ladies’ Circle, Senior Citizen’s Committee and Youth Committee energetically promoted and generated much interest in their activities. The wide spectrum of activities even included provision of free Legal Advice.

A key attraction was the Eurasian Showcase, our heritage centre that chronicles Eurasian heritage, culture, values and customs. This is Southeast Asia’s first and only such centre. The Showcase has garnered numerous accolades from visitors and VIPs over the years, and is also on the Education Ministry’s “Learning Journey Programme” for schools.

Sparkling entertainment was provided in the Multi-Purpose Hall by local band the Newnotes, the EA Guitar Class students, and the Song & Dance Troupe. A notable debut was made by the young performers from the EAYC Drama Camp. Warm appreciation was expressed by EA President Bryan Davenport to the organizers, all EA groups, sub-committees and visitors. To add the icing on the cake, media coverage was provided by Channel I which featured a two-minute segment on the nightly TV News that same evening.

HAVE YOU been HOME lately?- Eurasian Association Awareness Day