From Trailing Spouse to Trailblazer
Expat Living Singapore|January 2025
FLEUR MAIDMENT is an Australian environmental scientist whose expat posting in Singapore helped put the plight of another regional country on her radar - including its issues with water quality.
LIZ COWARD
From Trailing Spouse to Trailblazer

After moving here in 2016, Fleur balanced caring for the family’s teenage children with taking the well-trodden path of familiarising herself with Singapore by hiking the island’s trails and exploring the city’s culture and history. She also became heavily involved in ANZA, designing trips for both newcomers and old hands with their tours committee.

Fleur most enjoyed discovering Singapore’s multiculturalism – “the richness of Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India; the diverse food that ranged from a roll of popiah at the local hawker centre to multi-course degustation menus at some of the city’s luxurious venues such as Zen and Born,” she says. “I also loved paddle boarding from Ola Beach Club and seeing the sea birds, otters, flying fish and occasional turtle and, of course, travelling further afield and exploring the wonders of Southeast Asia.”

In a hint of things to come, Fleur also supported One Planet on its beach cleanups, and Tabitha, a Cambodian charity supporting women’s homewares; she also completed a teaching course in English as a Second Language.

However, in 2018, during one of her visits home to Australia, Fleur met Tha Blay Sher, a former Karen refugee from Myanmar. They were both attending a local Rotary meeting to hear a presentation on water filters. It had piqued Tha Blay’s interest because her relatives in Myanmar were regularly suffering from stomach upsets. She suspected this was caused by the local water supply and was keen to purchase a water filter. Hearing this, Fleur suggested that “she put some science behind it first”, and offered to accompany Tha Blay on her next visit to Myanmar.

On the ground in Myanmar

This story is from the January 2025 edition of Expat Living Singapore.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the January 2025 edition of Expat Living Singapore.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM EXPAT LIVING SINGAPOREView All
Stroke Risk: Are Asians and Caucasians Different?
Expat Living Singapore

Stroke Risk: Are Asians and Caucasians Different?

Do the causes of strokes vary between different races? DR SRIRAM NARAYANAN, Senior Consultant Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon at The Harley Street Heart and Vascular Centre, shares his insights.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025
Hotel in the Heart of HK
Expat Living Singapore

Hotel in the Heart of HK

The flagship property of the family-owned Ovolo Hotels launched in Hong Kong's Central district back in 2010and it continues to make its mark today.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025
Caring for Your Cartilage
Expat Living Singapore

Caring for Your Cartilage

Anyone with a cartilage joint injury knows how crucial it is to restore mobility. Here, orthopaedic surgeon DR FRANCIS WONG talks causes and treatments of these injuries, and gives an insight into the future of the field.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025
Spice Up - Your Lingerie Wardrobe
Expat Living Singapore

Spice Up - Your Lingerie Wardrobe

Don't know where to get bras that fit you properly, or need an undie update for Valentine's Day and beyond? Here's a new lingerie boutique in Singapore we think you'll love!

time-read
1 min  |
February 2025
Foodie Alert
Expat Living Singapore

Foodie Alert

From bold Asian flavours to elegant Japanese cuisine, here are two gastronomic gems worth adding to your must-try restaurant list in Singapore.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025
Coaching for Change
Expat Living Singapore

Coaching for Change

Lived experience often sparks the beginnings of a business idea. This was the case for Singapore-based entrepreneur NOEMIE ALINTISSAR-MOONEY, who channelled her personal transformation and zeal for fitness, nutrition and psychology into a holistic health coaching programme.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025
Connections Start Here
Expat Living Singapore

Connections Start Here

The American Women's Association offers a huge step into a community of women who want to build new friendships while taking part in interesting activities, social events and volunteering. We chat with its president, JULIA TAN, to find out more!

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025
Spaces with a Story
Expat Living Singapore

Spaces with a Story

Life as an expat can feel transitory if you don't invest the time and energy to make your house feel like a home. This is a story that long-term Aussie expat and interior designer MIRANDA KOZAN knows so well that she's turned her passion and knack for creating stunning spaces into a thriving business. We sit down with her to uncover how she brings magic to homes across Singapore and beyond.

time-read
3 mins  |
February 2025
Slim Down & Tone Up!
Expat Living Singapore

Slim Down & Tone Up!

Want to bounce back from festive (over) indulgences and make 2025 your fittest year yet? Here's a bodyshaping and slimming treatment on our radar that promises to help tackle those jiggly concerns.

time-read
1 min  |
February 2025
Brand New on Bintan!
Expat Living Singapore

Brand New on Bintan!

Have you been checking your long weekends in 2025 and thinking about booking a short trip or two? We've been doing the same - and in the process we've discovered a new resort on Bintan! Here's an overview of what to expect from a stay at the recently opened Holiday Inn Resort Bintan Lagoi Beach.

time-read
1 min  |
February 2025