Inside Eden Hall
Expat Living Singapore|July 2024
Stepping into the grand British High Commissioner's residence I was expecting a formal, British stiff upper-lip experience.
GEORGINA HOCKLEY
Inside Eden Hall

But, on meeting warm and down-to-earth KARA OWEN this preconceived idea was immediately dispelled. Instead, I found a working house designed to welcome British expats and locals alike, dedicated to strengthening diplomatic ties between nations. As Kara prepares to end her posting in Singapore this July, we were keen to chat with her and take a peek inside.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your journey to becoming the British High Commissioner to Singapore.

When I was growing up in West Cumbria, I never imagined that in June 2019 I'd be presenting a letter of credentials from Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to President Halimah Yacob of Singapore, marking the moment when I officially became British High Commissioner.

It was my history teacher who first suggested to me at age 16 to become a diplomat. I wasn't 100 percent sure what the job was, so I looked it up and from that time and through university, the idea was worming away in the back of my mind. It became the only thing I wanted to do. So, I was delighted when I managed to secure a spot in the diplomatic service at 22, and since then I have worked in the consular directorate, on economic reform in Russia, on the European Union and the Americas and I have had postings in Hong Kong, Hanoi and Paris before becoming High Commissioner to Singapore. I was incredibly lucky that I also learned Cantonese, Vietnamese and French along the way.

What does the role of British High Commissioner to Singapore involve?

Broadly, I am here to progress the interests of the British government, British businesses and organisations and British people in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Every day, my team and I are working to increase UK prosperity and security as well as deliver mutual benefits from our partnership with Singapore.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 2024-Ausgabe von Expat Living Singapore.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 2024-Ausgabe von Expat Living Singapore.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS EXPAT LIVING SINGAPOREAlle anzeigen
Becoming a Self-regulated Learner
Expat Living Singapore

Becoming a Self-regulated Learner

In an age of easy access to digital learning, how can children form motivation and habits for self-learning? MATTHEW TUCKLEY, Year 11 Progress Leader at Dover Court International School DCIS), shares how the school is guiding students in this.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
March 2025
From Grape to Glass Sip, click, repeat!
Expat Living Singapore

From Grape to Glass Sip, click, repeat!

Whether you like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a bold Pinot Noir, getting great wine in Singapore has never been easier. From premium vintages to wallet-friendly blends, these top wine delivery services bring the bottles straight to your doorstep with free delivery when you hit the minimum spend. Cheers to that!

time-read
3 Minuten  |
March 2025
Starting Young!
Expat Living Singapore

Starting Young!

We go inside the Reggio Emilia-inspired Early Learning Center (ELC) at the Singapore American School (SAS) and find out four ways it's giving a leg-up to its youngest learners.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
March 2025
Building a Vibrant Community
Expat Living Singapore

Building a Vibrant Community

According to PIERS MATTHEWS, Director of Admissions and Marketing at Dulwich College Singapore), the school is writing a story rich in diversity of skills, passions and experiences. Here, he reveals how the admissions process reflects this.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
March 2025
Celebrating Women in Business: Diane Hall
Expat Living Singapore

Celebrating Women in Business: Diane Hall

In honour of International Women's Day, the team at retail collective A Raft Of Otters shine the spotlight on their founder, DIANE HALL.

time-read
1 min  |
March 2025
Live Work & Play!
Expat Living Singapore

Live Work & Play!

The first Weave Suites property opened in Singapore a few years ago, providing a place for professionals to live and enjoy convenience, comfort and flexibility while staying close to the island's hotspots. On the cusp of the brand's second property launching this month, we look at five ways Weave Suites can help you step into a Singapore lifestyle.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
March 2025
Keeping IT Original!
Expat Living Singapore

Keeping IT Original!

If, like many of our readers, you enjoy browsing the fabulous finds at Originals Furniture, you may have seen NIKKI SETTLE busy at work in the store. It's no surprise that her passion for interior styling extends to her home in Bukit Timah too. We went along for a look.

time-read
1 min  |
March 2025
Producing the Goods
Expat Living Singapore

Producing the Goods

Grade 12 BTEC Art & Design students at Stamford American International School surprised the school's Maintenance team with Christmas gifts. Find out how they raised money for the gifts through their Mini-Business Project (MBP).

time-read
2 Minuten  |
March 2025
6 Steps for Troubleshooting Poor Wi-Fi
Expat Living Singapore

6 Steps for Troubleshooting Poor Wi-Fi

Fixing unreliable Wi-Fi can be a challenge, but with a little know-how you can tackle some of the problems on your own.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
March 2025
Fab Family Photos
Expat Living Singapore

Fab Family Photos

Children grow up so fast! Hold onto each special moment by booking a photographer in Singapore that specialises in Photoshoots with families. Here are a couple that our readers recommend.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
March 2025