Moving Marvels

There's something about the unique mature of expat life that fashions fast Friendships. That's certainly the story arc for KASIA NOSKE and ELISE WERFEL, who bonded over shared relocation challenges, and then channelled this spark into a business. Here they tell us all about their journey.

- GEORGINA HOCKLEY

How have you found yourselves in sunny Singapore?

Kasia: I was born in Germany, grew up in Adelaide and lived and worked for years in Sydney and Hong Kong in the financial industry within risk and compliance. I was then asked to be part of a project in Singapore in 2011 – initially a ten-month secondment; 13 years later, I’m still here with my two kids in tow.

Elise: I’m from Adelaide and have worked for years in leadership in the HR industry. Along with my three kids, I’m 16 months into my stint as a trailing spouse with my husband’s job with an Australian oil and gas company. We’re loving our first expat experience.

What’s the backstory behind Expat Handovers?

Kasia: In recent years, expats in Singapore have been impacted by sudden and significant rent increases. This was exacerbated by landlords who were either keeping deposits or deducting for things that would normally have been considered fair wear and tear. Landlords have had the upper hand.

This power imbalance persists because, unlike other countries where deposits are held and managed by an independent party, landlords hold funds personally. As a result, many tenants are at the mercy of the goodwill of their landlord.