When I earned a promotion to move to Singapore in 2009, the business plan was simple; join the Singapore Cricket Club.
The Singapore Cricket Club represents a focal point for the Singapore business and the social sporting community. Joining meant I could engage in a sport that has been a passion of mine since a young age and meet like-minded people at the same time. This presented a great way to make friends who could introduce me to the culture, customs and connections needed to make this new country my home.
Featured: Aditya, Phil, James, Vikas, Riaz, Arun, Kartik, Arit, Arjun, Jack, Mohan.
Like most clubs and associations, entry is not automatic, so after my sponsors, Ashok Mahtani and Matthew Streeton acknowledged me, it was game on!
Fast forward nine years I've made some fantastic friends and introduced own workmates and friends arriving in Singapore as new members to the Club. We have travelled to exotic places to play cricket and meet global enthusiasts for the game. Along the way, we have connected and collaborated on a business level as well.
Joining the Singapore Cricket Club introduced me to people from all walks of life all cultures and diverse ethnic backgrounds. In the field and after each match, I can share news, views and ideas with professionals and players from Singapore, Malaysia, India, South Africa, China, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Thailand and the Philippines.
My teammates work in a range of sectors including legal, finance, shipping, recruitment, sport and hospitality to name but a few. We are diverse, from many fields, backgrounds, industries and life circumstances but all united in our love and enjoyment of the game of cricket.
The diversity of the Singapore Cricket Club is one of the aspects I enjoy the most. Women are an essential part of the cultural fabric and recently I was thrilled to play with one of rising stars of the Singapore’s cricketing community Diviya G.K.
Featured: (L-R) Dene Border, Adam Martin, Phil Simmonds, Nick Power, Nick Dorney, Diviya G.K, Ben Gliddon, Sohrab Khushrushahi, Sai Pogaru, Karthik Suresh, Richard Stapley-Oh.
Aside from cricket there are numerous other ‘sections’ to get involved and connect, mix and build friendships, networks and even business opportunities, such as Tennis, Soccer, Rugby, Netball, Snooker, Darts, Squash, Hockey, Golf, bridge, Balut, and Bowls. There is even a wine section.
So, bringing it all together, If you are considering moving to Asia (or anywhere that is foreign to you) join a sport or social club of interest and get involved. Open a world of business and social opportunity, and have a fabulous time doing it!
Photographs: Thanks to Venkat Iyer & Surya Azad.
For membership enquiries at Singapore Cricket Club, contact:
Telephone: 6338 9271.
Written by Philip Nihill Simmonds
