Nov

Meet the Dasher: The Sustainability Enthusiast Who’s Sociable And Courageous

Wonder what it’s like to experience life in Singapore without having been here before?

Read on and meet Helene, who came from France to intern and work here in Singapore. She shared with us how she embarked on her current career path, what co-living is like, and an authentic French dish that she couldn’t find anywhere else in the world except in her hometown and right here in Singapore!

Hi Helene, please tell us about yourself!

H: My name is Helene, I’m 23 years old. I’m French and I currently live in Singapore with Dash Living. I’m doing an internship in sustainability in a small start-up that upcycles and gives agricultural waste a second life.

We’d like to understand how you got into sustainability.

H: I did my Undergraduate in Political Science and International Relations, and I was oriented towards diplomacy. Then I realised it’s not my path. I want something with more impact. So I know I like to help the world. You know, it really started with that big thinking. Like, ‘Oh what do I want to do? And so I realised that I’m very active about environmental issues and trying to live more sustainably in my personal life. So yeah, it really came progressively with me realising that sustainability is what I want to do and it’s what I like to talk about. Even in my personal life, it’s something that I appreciate.

Is this the reason why you chose co-living?

H: No. (Laughs) Honestly, it’s just because I had so many constraints moving to a new continent that I had never been to. And, you know, I was gonna start to work and it was definitely a short period of time to find a place for me to stay. And then also being an expat, it’s harder to find a place and you don’t know who you can trust. So that was the main thing for me when I found Dash. The budget constraint was very big. And then finding a place where you can cook with that budget. You know, most of the places, they’re often like, ‘Oh, cannot cook’. I’m like, ‘Wha- what do you mean I cannot cook?’. I need a place where I can cook and stuff.

So Dash answered really fast and was very efficient. This room has all my criteria. The house is great. My bedroom’s small, but everything else is modern, clean, and accommodating. We even have a rooftop. There’s barbecue and I never used it yet, but you know, it’s still such a nice place. I was just like, I know I can trust you. It’s established. It’s good. It’s not like, a scam.

Interesting! How’s the area that you’re staying in?

H: I’m staying near Haw Par Villa. It’s very calm. So I like that. You know, if you want to chill, there’s not gonna be noise. There’s not a lot of cars, you’re not disturbed. But the closest supermarket is 30 minutes away (laughs) so that’s probably the downside to it. But it’s still very beautiful and very safe. Very, very chill. I like that we’re so close to West Coast Park as well.

Are there any other places in Singapore that you enjoy in particular?

H: Lots, but I love Gardens by the Bay. It’s so pretty. I’ve just been two times but I love it. Even all the MBS (Marina Bay Sands) area, I mean that’s very cliche, but I just love it. The Promenade was one of the first places I went to when I arrived and I was just like, ‘Wow!’. The vibe’s amazing so I really started to like Singapore.

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Any restaurant or bar you would recommend?

H: For ladies, my Wednesday place is The Exchange. Free drinks for ladies every Wednesday night. Amazing. Very great (laughs) 6pm till 10pm. Gorgeous. I definitely discovered that way too late.

We’ll have to go there then! We know you’ve attended a couple of our community events. How were they and which is your favourite?

H: They were all great, honestly. But I think the Tiger Brewery was so cool. The tour of the brewery is nice. But I think the socialising between the people was so good! The Cocktail one (Cocktail Masterclass) was also very lovely, I really like them both. But yeah, in terms of the people and the vibe, probably Tiger Brewery Tour.

Did you make some friends in the community?

H: Yeah, even with my housemates – because we had three people who changed almost at the same time while I was there – but the first group of people, there’s one I’m actually still in touch with. He moved out but he still lives in Singapore and we hang out once in a while. That first batch, we used to hang out together. We went to events together so they were really really nice people.

That’s really nice! I think it’s amazing to hear stories of people in the community hanging out and making friends because that’s what we’re trying to do here, especially in a co-living environment.

So, you’re going back to France! Is there anything that you’ll miss here about your stay with us?

H: Many things! The food in Singapore is great, there are so many dishes that I’m gonna miss!

What’s your favourite dish? (Laughs)

H: Hmm, I know, ban mian. It’s so amazing. Dried chilli ban mian, I live for it! But then I also like prata, rendang…

Yup, honestly, food is Singapore’s best thing. Food brings us together!

H: And Singapore has food from everywhere! Because I come from a small region of France and we have a local traditional dish called tarte flambée which I have never found anywhere else in the world. I found one chef that does it here in Singapore and I went to try it and it’s good.

Ok, one last question. “Stay fab live well” is the quote we use in our community. What’s one quote you live by!

H: “Don’t worry about failures, worry about the chances you miss when you don’t even try.” – Jack Canfield. That’s the mindset. Don’t worry about what people think and just try it, go for it. Usually that’s when the best happens. Don’t be scared of going out of your comfort zone. Just go out of it, go where you don’t know anything.