Quantcast
Channel: AsiaOne - Singapore
Viewing all 5962 articles
Browse latest View live

Police reports filed over by-election ad breaches

0
0

An Elections Department (ELD) officer filed police reports yesterday against a socio-political site and two individuals for violating a ban on election advertising on Cooling-off Day and Polling Day for the Bukit Batok by-election.

The reports were made against online news site The Independent Singapore (TISG), former political detainee Teo Soh Lung, who turns 67 this year, and blogger Roy Ngerng, 35, ELD said in a statement.

All three published articles online or made Facebook posts on May 6, which was Cooling-off Day.

TISG also published an article on May 7, Polling Day.

Election advertising is prohibited on Cooling-off Day and Polling Day.

The ban is to give voters time to reflect rationally on the issues raised by candidates before they vote, ELD said.

Election advertising is defined as any material posted on any platform that is intended to enhance the standing of, or promote electoral success for, an identifiable party or candidate.

In filing the police reports, the assistant returning officer considered the nature of the posts and their potential impact, said ELD.

"Socio-political sites such as TISG that regularly promote, propagate and discuss political issues should be accountable and responsible for what they publish," it added.

TISG, in particular, continued to publish articles even after being told by the assistant returning officer not to post any election advertising during Cooling-off Day and Polling Day.

As for Ms Teo and Mr Ngerng, ELD noted that they "regularly engage in the propagation, promotion and discussion of political issues".

Ms Teo, who contested in Yuhua in the 2011 General Election on a Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) ticket, published four posts on her Facebook page from 2.16am to 7.45am on Cooling-off Day.

These included an SDP photo calling for support for Dr Chee Soon Juan, the SDP's secretary-general and candidate in the by-election.

Dr Chee lost to the People's Action Party's Mr Murali Pillai, who was elected Bukit Batok MP with 61.2 per cent of the vote.

Mr Ngerng called for submissions of photographs for a campaign titled "I believe in Chee Soon Juan" in a blog post at 2.08pm on Cooling-Off Day.

Posting election advertising on Cooling-off Day and Polling Day is an offence under the Parliamentary Elections Act.

A person convicted of the offence may be fined up to $1,000, jailed for up to 12 months, or both.

The police confirmed they have received the reports and are looking into the matter.

Posts, articles on Cooling-off Day, Polling Day

The Independent Singapore

The Independent Singapore (TISG) published online two articles on Cooling-off Day.

The first featured highlights of Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam's speech at the People's Action Party's (PAP) final rally on May 5, while the second compiled what Workers' Party members had said about the Bukit Batok by-election.

On Polling Day, TISG also published an article on a statement former PAP MP and presidential candidate Tan Cheng Bock made on May 5, in which he said he had not and would not express an opinion on the by-election.

Ms Teo Soh Lung

Ms Teo made the following four posts on her Facebook page on the morning of Cooling-off Day: (a) A note that the PAP and Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) had not been given equal airtime and coverage on Channel NewsAsia on May 5, posted at 2.16am; (b) An SDP photo calling for support for its chief Chee Soon Juan, posted at 7.22am; (c) A picture with quotes from unnamed individuals stating why they would vote for Dr Chee, posted at 7.32am; and (d) A link to a transcript of SDP member Paul Tambyah's rally speech on May 5, posted at 7.45am.

Dr Chee lost to the PAP's candidate, Mr Murali Pillai.

Mr Roy Ngerng

On Cooling-off Day, Mr Ngerng posted a Facebook note at 2.08pm calling for people to submit photographs to a campaign titled "I believe in Chee Soon Juan".

On the same day, he published an article on the "I believe in Chee Soon Juan" campaign on his blog.


This article was first published on May 28, 2016.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.

Image: 
Category: 
Publication Date: 
Saturday, May 28, 2016 - 14:00
Send to mobile app: 
Source: 
Rotator Headline: 
Bukit Batok by-election: Police reports filed against Roy Ngerng, Teo Soh Lung and The Independent for violating ban
Rotator Image: 
Story Type: 
Others

Pek Kio food centre open again but business slow

0
0

Business was not back to usual at Pek Kio Market and Food Centre when it reopened yesterday morning, following a two-day closure prompted by an outbreak of gastric flu in the area.

Hawkers said business was much slower, but hoped it will recover in the next two weeks.

Mr Wu Kim See, 63, who runs an economic rice stall, said he served fewer than 10 customers in the four hours after opening at 5am, a drop from the usual 30 to 40.

While business picked up a little during lunchtime, he said he still made 50 per cent less than usual.

Mr Lee Gim Koon, 56, who sells carrot cake, pointed to the empty tables and said: "It's very quiet, you can see. But I think the residents nearby will come back. The rest might think twice."

The centre was closed for two days for thorough cleaning and disinfection by the authorities as a precautionary measure after a spate of more than 180 cases of the viral illness in the Owen Road area.

In a joint statement yesterday, the National Environment Agency (NEA), Ministry of Health (MOH), Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority and PUB said pigeons and rats are unlikely to be the source of the outbreak, although they are "nonetheless unwelcome pests". 

Tanjong Pagar Town Council, they added, will get its pest control operator to step up pest control measures and conduct weekly treatments on rat burrows.

To date, 144 cases were verified as linked to the outbreak. Of these, 17 patients have been admitted to hospital. Seven have been discharged and the rest are in stable condition.

But customers told The Straits Times they were not worried about eating at the centre as it had been cleaned thoroughly.

Said 44-year-old relationship manager Rickie Teo: "I think it's a one-off incident."

Ms Yvonne Chan, 35, a senior customer service officer, said: "Actually, it's not the food stalls that should be blamed. People should also practise good hygiene."

The Tanjong Pagar Town Council has stepped up pest control, MP for the area Melvin Yong said.

He visited the centre yesterday to see if the crowd was back, and to gather feedback from residents and stallholders. They told him business had suffered.

"I hope I can reinforce the message that the closure of the market is, really, a precautionary measure. The findings by NEA and investigation by MOH have not indicated any stall as the source of the gastric flu," he said.

Dr Angela Cheong, who runs a clinic at Block 45, Owen Road, had alerted the Health Ministry after she started seeing about 30 patients a day for the infection from May 16, up from five to 10 usually.

Up till Tuesday, she had treated 155 patients for the infection, she said. The number she had seen tapered to 18 from Wednesday till noon yesterday, she said.

Investigations into the source of the outbreak are ongoing.


This article was first published on May 28, 2016.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.

Image: 
Category: 
Publication Date: 
Saturday, May 28, 2016 - 14:00
Keywords: 
Send to mobile app: 
Source: 
Rotator Headline: 
Pek Kio food centre open after gastric flu outbreak, but business is slow
Rotator Image: 
Story Type: 
Others

UberTaxi gets LTA nod to continue operating here

0
0

Uber's cab booking service UberTaxi was given the green light to continue operating in Singapore by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) on Thursday.

It joins other third-party cab booking services that have successfully registered under a regulatory framework that took effect in September last year. Both GrabTaxi and Hailo were approved in December, while MoobiTaxi and Karhoo were approved in February.

Asked why Uber's approval took longer, Uber Singapore general manager Warren Tseng said "paperwork and bureaucracy" required time. He said Uber had been working with LTA to meet the accreditation requirements.

"Data sharing is something we typically don't do with anyone, including governments, so that was the compromise we made to be regulated," he told The Straits Times.

The Third-Party Taxi Booking Service Providers framework was created with the aim of safeguarding commuters' interests, with cab booking via mobile apps becoming more prevalent in recent years.

Such apps allow commuters to book taxis that are nearest to them, regardless of the operator.

Under the regulations, these apps must dispatch only licensed taxis, and specify all fares upfront.

Bidding and pre-tipping for taxis, such as previously available on the GrabTaxi app - and later removed - are also not allowed under the guidelines.

Taxi apps that were active in Singapore before September last year, such as UberTaxi, were allowed to continue operating, provided they sent in an application before Dec 1 last year.

Service providers that are found by LTA to have fallen short of the requirements would not be allowed to operate in Singapore. They also risk being fined or jailed if they are found operating without a certificate, which is valid for three years.


This article was first published on May 28, 2016.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.

Image: 
Category: 
Blurb: 
Publication Date: 
Saturday, May 28, 2016 - 15:00
Keywords: 
Send to mobile app: 
Source: 
Story Type: 
Others

About 5,000 Singaporean families have set up home in Johor

0
0

According to a 2014 estimate by the Johor-Singapore Community Care Association, about 5,000 Singaporean families have set up home across the Causeway.

Some are retirees, such as 68-year-old Amy Tan, who moved in 2014 after her husband retired. Others, such as Mr Ang Khartono Jamil Hanmin, 35, who works in events project management, still work in Singapore, but have chosen to live in Johor Baru and commute between the two cities daily. 

Mr Ang says one could buy a terrace house in Johor Baru for the price of a three-room HDB flat in Singapore.

Cost of living was also the main reason behind Ms Noraini Mokhtar's move. The 47-year-old decided to become a stay-home mum five years ago. Bringing up six children on one income, she and her husband decided that living in Johor Baru would be more viable.

Cheaper cars are another draw. A BMW 320i Sedan Sport retails at $193,800 (after $5,000 CEVS rebate) in Singapore. Its equivalent costs RM231,800 (S$78,270) in Malaysia - about 60 per cent cheaper.

A 2.4-litre Honda Odyssey EXV costs $158,999 in Singapore and RM248,288 in Malaysia - almost half the price. 

Singaporeans who take up the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programme are allowed to import one car into Malaysia or buy a locally made car with duty and sales tax exemptions. 

In addition to the already substantial differences in car prices, these tax exemptions mean even bigger savings.

Moreover, when one buys a car in Malaysia, one can keep it for as long as one wishes, unlike in Singapore, where the car's certificate of entitlement (COE) has to be renewed every 10 years.

Cars are cheaper to maintain as well. The road tax in Johor Baru is RM200 a year for a 1.8-litre car, compared to S$929 in Singapore. Insurance premium for the same car is less than RM2,000 a year - before no-claim discount.

The pump price for 97-octane petrol is RM2.05 a litre, which works out to be about S$0.70 - less than half the price of the lowest- grade fuel in Singapore.

Read also: Johor Sultan: S'poreans will live in Johor and work in S'pore

But there is a big catch. While cars are cheaper in Malaysia, Singaporeans are not allowed to use or keep any foreign-registered vehicle in Singapore. This is a measure by the Land Transport Authority to control the car population in Singapore.

It also plugs the loophole for anyone attempting to bypass Singapore's COE and other vehicular taxes by buying and registering a car in Malaysia and using it in Singapore.

For those who live in Johor Baru and need to return to Singapore frequently, this is a big consideration. 

But Mrs Tan says a Land Transport Authority (LTA) officer told her over the telephone that Singaporeans living or working in Johor Baru can apply for a limited exemption to this rule. This means they can drive Malaysian-registered vehicles to Singapore for an unspecified number of days a year. The LTA would not comment on this when asked.

Whether it is with a Malaysian or a Singapore-registered car, commuting between the two cities may well be the most challenging aspect of living in Johor Baru.

Mrs Tan and her husband used to shuttle between the two cities a few times a week, but started cutting back on unnecessary trips after the vehicle entry permit rates were raised in August 2014.

About a year ago, the couple traded their Singapore-registered car for a Malaysia-registered vehicle under the MM2H scheme. They now take the train across the Causeway about once a week.

Previously, they would leave home at about 6am. Their drive to Singapore took about an hour on average.

It is the same for Ms Noraini. Her children attend school in Singapore and she does the school run on most days. When she first moved to Johor Baru, she would leave home at about 6am and reach her daughter's school at 7am.

But she has observed that the Johor Baru-Singapore traffic volume has increased in recent months.

"Since early last year, I have had to leave home earlier, at about 4.45am, to beat the jam. On Mondays when the traffic is heavier, I must reach the Checkpoint before 5.30am to avoid being stuck in a two-hour jam," she says.

She adds that once, she set off at 4.45am, but reached her destination at 8am - a one-way commute of more than three hours.

She relies on transport apps and webcams from sites such as onemotoring.com, causewayjam.com and jalanow.com to monitor the traffic situation to help her decide what time to leave home and whether to take the Causeway or the Second Link.

After taking her children to school, she runs errands, visits friends or goes to the library before picking them up to drive home at about 3pm. The trip back to Johor Baru is relatively smooth and she is home in about 30 minutes.

Race driver Denis Lian, 44, moved to Johor Baru in 2008 and drove to work in Singapore until 2013.

"I would leave home at 8.45am and be at the office by 9.30am. It was a very convenient arrangement," he recalls. "You only had to be aware of public holidays or school holidays, then you would plan to leave at least an hour earlier."

After work, he would get to the Second Link by about 5pm. It usually took him 20 minutes to clear immigration and customs. He stayed back to have dinner with friends on Fridays, when the jam is usually bad. During school holidays or public holidays, the journey to Johor Baru can take two hours or more. 

Read also: Wise to buy Malaysian property now?

Like Ms Noraini, he has also noticed that the traffic seems to have slowed considerably over the years.

Mr Ang commutes daily between Johor Baru and Singapore via the Second Link. He typically spends between 30 minutes and an hour waiting in the immigration queue. He drops his wife off at the office and his one-year-old daughter at her caregiver's place before going to work. 

He and his family drive back to Johor Baru after 8pm. The return trip at that time usually takes about an hour.

Going by these examples, it would seem that Singaporeans living in Johor Baru have to put up with commutes of more than two hours regularly if not daily. The return trip takes about an hour on average. So they can end up spending three hours on the road a day.

Those who have chosen to live in Johor say it is par for the course, though.

Mr Ang says with a shrug: "If I were in, say, Australia and I lived in the suburbs and worked in the city, my daily commute would probably take at least an hour too."

Mrs Tan adds: "The travelling time is something that Singaporeans have to accept as part of living in Johor Baru."

Read also: S'porean students drawn to Johor's EduCity

•The writer contributes to Torque, a motoring monthly published by SPH Magazines.


This article was first published on May 28, 2016.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.

Image: 
Publication Date: 
Saturday, May 28, 2016 - 19:45
Keywords: 
Send to mobile app: 
Source: 
Rotator Headline: 
About 5,000 Singaporean families have set up home in Johor to enjoy lower cost of living
Rotator Image: 
Story Type: 
Others

'There have been near-misses' at Australian accident site of car crash involving Singaporeans: Journalist

0
0

Five Singaporeans travelling in a grey Nissan Qashqai were involved in a car accident on Tuesday in the Australian town of Laharum, Victoria.

The crash left two of them critically injured.

The town, which is about 300km from Melbourne, is close to the Grampians National Park, a popular tourist destination.

The sport utility vehicle (SUV) was travelling near the intersection of Wonwondah-Dadswell Bridge Road and Northern Grampians Road around 4.20pm (2.20pm Singapore time) when it collided with another car, a Victoria Police spokesman told The New Paper yesterday.

Three women in the back seat of the SUV, all aged 23, were injured, an Ambulance Victoria spokesman told the Australian media.

Two were critically injured - one had head and leg injuries, while the other had head, chest and spinal injuries, and had to have a blood transfusion on the way to the hospital.

Both women were flown by air ambulance to different hospitals in Melbourne.

The third woman had neck and back injuries and was taken to a local hospital in stable condition.

The 24-year-old male driver and the 23-year-old woman in the front passenger seat had minor injuries.The driver of the other car, a 24-year-old Australian woman, was not injured.

The Singaporean driver was charged with two counts of dangerous driving causing serious injury and two counts of negligent driving causing serious injury.

SERIOUS CONDITION

The Victoria Police spokesman said that each set of the different charges were for each of the two women who were critically injured.

Yesterday, both women were still in serious condition.

The driver is expected to appear at the Horsham Magistrates' Court on Aug 24 and is out on bail.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was aware of the accident, and was in contact with the Singaporeans and their families.

The Singapore High Commission in Canberra also sent officers to Melbourne to provide consular assistance.

Ms Carly Werner, 28, senior journalist at The Wimmera Mail-Times, which covers the Laharum area, told TNP yesterday that residents in the area said the intersection was dangerous and had wanted the authorities to install more stop signs or rumble strips.

"Most said that they had many near-misses at the intersection because some vehicles were travelling too fast," she said.

Four of the five Singaporeans are believed to be undergrads from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and were members of NUS' Climbing Club.

A friend of one of the critically injured women told TNP she had graduated from NUS this year.

The woman's Facebook account showed a photo posted on Monday of her and three other people at a lookout point in Grampians National Park.

She also posted a video of herself scaling a rock wall in the park.

The friend said the woman had gone for two operations since the accident - one on Wednesday and another yesterday.

After Wednesday's operation, she was in stable condition but was still unconscious and in the intensive care unit, the friend added.


This article was first published on May 28, 2016.
Get The New Paper for more stories.

Image: 
Category: 
Publication Date: 
Saturday, May 28, 2016 - 21:00
Send to mobile app: 
Source: 
Rotator Headline: 
Australian car crash site that left 2 Singaporeans critically injured was dangerous
Rotator Image: 
Story Type: 
Others

Launched by LKY, People’s Variety Show is back at Botanic Gardens

0
0

Singapore's People's Variety Show of the past is back at the Botanic Gardens.

And a new Heritage Garden has bloomed on the same lawn where the country's first "Aneka Ragam Ra'ayat", or People's Variety Show, took place many years ago.

When founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew (below) officially opened the inaugural People's Variety Show in 1959, he said to an audience of 22,000: "Here, under open skies, Malays, Chinese, Indians will, I hope, discover the materials for a national art and national culture."

Today, Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong opened the garden, as well as the People's Variety Show, which was held at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage, not far away in the gardens.

Hosted by television personality Suhaimi Yusof, visitors were treated to tunes from popular local artistes and groups including Ramli Sarip, Roy Li Feihui, MICapella, Shabir, The Main Wayang Singers and Sebastian Tan.

The concert, which was attended by about 6,000 people, kicked off the nine-day Singapore Botanic Gardens Heritage Week - a new annual event that will feature a series of performances and activities for the public to celebrate the gardens' rich heritage.



The new Heritage Garden showcases plantings that reflect the variety of species introduced to Singapore through its Garden City campaign, especially plants that were utilised for their colour and fragrance.

More than 80 types of plants can be found in the garden, including species and cultivars of Bougainvillea, Brunfelsia and Gardenia.

More events at various parts of Botanic Gardens

Tomorrow (May 29), visitors can look forward to performances by Philharmonic Winds and the People's Association Youth Chinese Orchestra.

A carnival will be held at Orchid Plaza near the National Orchid Garden from 11am to 5.00pm. Visitors can purchase food and beverages, take part in interactive activities and enjoy roving performances.

Singapore residents will enjoy free entry to the National Orchid Garden during the Heritage week. Visitors will have the opportunity to view a special orchid display at Burkill Hall, featuring 40 heritage orchids that have been named after historical figures or won international awards.

Orchids that will be displayed include Papilionanda Tan Chay Yan, Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim Var. Agnes and Aranthera Anne Black.

Visitors are advised to take public transport to the Gardens. Shuttle bus services will be available from Botanic Gardens MRT station on May 29 from 10.30am to 8.30pm.

chenj@sph.com.sg

Image: 
Publication Date: 
Saturday, May 28, 2016 - 21:58
Send to mobile app: 
Source: 
Rotator Headline: 
Variety show launched by Lee Kuan Yew is back at Botanic Gardens; original venue is now the Heritage Garden
Rotator Image: 
Story Type: 
Rewritten Story

79-year-old man dies from dengue

Tower Transit eyes expansion as service begins

0
0

EVEN as its first nine bus services started plying the roads yesterday, Singapore's third bus operator, Tower Transit, already has its eyes set on expanding its presence here.

The Anglo-Australian firm, which won its first government bus contract a year ago, said it will compete in an upcoming tender, likely to be held next month, to run more bus routes.

Tower Transit chief executive Adam Leishman said the company's attention to customer experience, its engineering capabilities and success in recruiting locals to become bus captains put it in good stead to contribute to Singapore's transport sector.

Tower Transit's debut on the roads here marks a key step in the restructuring of Singapore's bus industry to raise service standards.

Under the contracting model, operators are subject to stricter reliability standards, with performance incentives or financial penalties given depending on whether standards are met.

Tower Transit Singapore's managing director Andrew Bujtor said the firm is "very confident" in meeting these standards, which include regularity in bus arrivals - often a bugbear among commuters here.

Mr Bujtor said a lot of training has been conducted so that bus captains can co-ordinate with the operations control centre to regulate bus headways or intervals, to "deliver the consistent gap between the buses that the passengers desire".

Tower Transit's first nine services - 77, 106, 173, 177, 189, 941, 945, 947, 990 - operate out of Bukit Batok bus interchange. Next month, it will gradually take over 17 more routes from SBS Transit, also in the western part of the island.

At around 5.30am yesterday, the first Tower Transit service in Singapore, service 945, left the interchange. This was followed by service 106, which was taken by Mr Leishman, Mr Bujtor and National Transport Workers' Union executive secretary Melvin Yong, also an MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC.

More than 20 "bus spotters" also turned up in Bukit Batok to photograph the first Tower Transit buses arriving from Bulim depot. These were in lush green, the colour chosen in a public voting exercise.

Tower Transit took over around 90 buses from SMRT, which remained in their original colour scheme. It also received 10 buses painted in green from the Government, which owns all assets in the contracting model.

Institute of Technical Education student Muhd Naz Farihin, 19, said: "The arrival of the green buses mark a leap forward in the bus industry to the new contracting model."

adrianl@sph.com.sg


Get MyPaper for more stories.

Image: 
Category: 
Publication Date: 
Monday, May 30, 2016 - 07:50
Keywords: 
Send to mobile app: 
Source: 
Story Type: 
Others

WP's Low Thia Khiang retains secretary-general post after contest

0
0

WORKERS' Party chief Low Thia Khiang has been re-elected as its secretary-general, but not without facing a fight.

This was the first time the 59-year-old opposition leader faced contest for the post since he took it up in 2001.

At the party's biennial Central Executive Committee (CEC) election yesterday, Mr Low came head to head with fellow Aljunied GRC MP Chen Show Mao, 55.

Sources say Mr Low retained his seat with 61 votes, to Mr Chen's 45.

Party chairman Sylvia Lim, 51, was re-elected unopposed.

In all, 21 members vied for the other 12 CEC places at yesterday's election.

All of the party's Members of Parliament and Non-Constituency MPs (NCMP) were elected into the committee.

While Mr Chen lost the challenge against Mr Low, he made it into the CEC along with fellow Aljunied MPs Pritam Singh and Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap, as well as Hougang MP Png Eng Huat, and NCMPs Daniel Goh, Dennis Tan and Leon Perera.

Former Punggol East MP Lee Li Lian and former NCMP Gerald Giam also kept their spots.

Rounding out the committee are three new faces, Kenneth Foo and Firuz Khan, who were both fielded in last September's general election, and Tan Kong Soon, who is Mr Low's legislative assistant.

Those who are out of the party's top decision-making body include Mohammed Rahizan Yaacob, who was party vice-chairman, L. Somasundaram, who was deputy treasurer, John Yam and Mohamed Fairoz Shariff, who was co-opted into the CEC in October last year.

This year's internal election took place at a rented conference room along Cecil Street, instead of the party's Syed Alwi headquarters, to accommodate the larger number of cadres.

The party had last month appointed 28 new cadres, bringing the total to about 130.

rachelay@sph.com.sg


Get MyPaper for more stories.

Image: 
Category: 
Publication Date: 
Monday, May 30, 2016 - 08:00
Keywords: 
Send to mobile app: 
Source: 
Rotator Headline: 
WP's Low Thia Khiang retains secretary-general post after contest against Chen Show Mao
Rotator Image: 
Story Type: 
Others

SMU outlines plans for new 24/7 facility

0
0

EVEN as Singapore Management University (SMU)'s revamped campus takes shape, it is drawing up plans for another building to optimise degree education for millennials who learn on the go.

The university is in the process of seeking the necessary approvals, but SMU president Arnoud De Meyer said the building, which it hopes to build by 2019, will have classrooms that encourage active and collaborative learning both online and off-line.

It will be open 24 hours, seven days a week, and the facilities will include sleeping pods to allow students to work overnight on projects.

Professor De Meyer also gave an update on SMU's revamped campus plan during an interview with The Straits Times, saying that most of the new facilities including the law school, the 240-seat amphitheatre and three-storey fitness centre, will be ready next year.

As for the new building, it will be named SMU-X after a new programme in teaching and learning that the university piloted last year.

Students in the programme take on projects from industries and organisations. A public policy management course, for instance, may get students to work with a social welfare agency to draw up programmes for disadvantaged families.

Prof De Meyer said the SMU-X programme was a hit with the 600 students who had a taste of it last year. This year it has been expanded to allow up to 2,000 students to take the SMU-X courses.

This means every undergraduate will be able to take up at least one SMU-X course over their four years of study. Some 150 companies have come in as industry partners.

"Students work on projects brought in by industry partners. So they are immediately applying what they learn in solving real-life problems," said Prof De Meyer.

Professors and industry mentors guide students through projects. Students earn credits from the semester-long courses and are graded on their participation and the final outcome of the project.

Currently, the SMU-X courses are conducted at the conserved red-and-white building in Stamford Road, which was home to the flagship MPH bookstore until 2003.

Prof De Meyer said the facilities in the three-storey building were specially designed for the way millennial students learn.

Students were involved in the planning and design of the rooms. They held focus group discussions, conducted surveys and went overseas to look at facilities in other campuses.

The White Room is a favourite with students for brainstorming sessions. The walls, floors and even the table can be used for scribbling ideas.

SMU's facilities have already proven to be a draw for full-time national serviceman Darren Lim, 20, who will be entering SMU next year to study business. He said he picked the university over another local institution partly because of its "cool city campus".

sandra@sph.com.sg


Get MyPaper for more stories.

Image: 
Publication Date: 
Monday, May 30, 2016 - 08:39
Keywords: 
Send to mobile app: 
Source: 
Story Type: 
Others

View from the top that's on the money

0
0

The symmetry of Suntec City's Fountain of Wealth comes into stark focus in this shot by drone photographer Joel Chia, who was lauded by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in a Facebook post yesterday for his "stunning aerial photos of Singapore".

Mr Chia, who goes by the moniker Idroneman, regularly posts the photos he takes on his Facebook and Instagram pages.


Get MyPaper for more stories.

Image: 
Category: 
Publication Date: 
Monday, May 30, 2016 - 08:43
Send to mobile app: 
Source: 
Story Type: 
Others

6 rescue man from flipped van

0
0

SIX people helped rescue a trapped passenger from a van after it collided with a sedan in Yio Chu Kang on Saturday.

The accident involving a silver van and a black car occurred at about 10.40pm at the traffic junction of Yio Chu Kang Road and Buangkok Green, Chinese newspaper Shin Min Daily News reported yesterday.

A 27-year-old manager, Mr Yu, who lives nearby, told Shin Min that he heard a loud sound and went downstairs to see what happened.

He said that the three passengers inside the black car managed to get out.

But the silver van had overturned and, while the two men in the front had crawled out of the window, the person in the back was trapped.

"Kind-hearted members of the public and the driver spent five minutes getting the back door open," said Mr Yu. "An injured man lay inside and paramedics later got him out."

Shin Min understands that the car was going straight and the van was about to turn right when the accident happened.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force said that it deployed three ambulances to the scene and sent six injured people to Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

A man, who declined to be named, told Shin Min that the van driver was his employee and that he had offered a lift to three colleagues home from church.

The driver of the van, a 50-year-old delivery man, told Shin Min yesterday morning that he was discharged from hospital early yesterday.

He said that his two colleagues in the front were still under observation, while the passenger in the back suffered the most severe injuries.

He needed stitches for injuries to his forehead and was in the intensive care unit awaiting surgery.

The police confirmed the accident and are investigating.

myp@sph.com.sg


Get MyPaper for more stories.

Image: 
Category: 
Publication Date: 
Monday, May 30, 2016 - 08:45
Send to mobile app: 
Source: 
Story Type: 
Others

PM Lee praises local photographer's "stunning aerial photos of Singapore"

0
0

SINGAPORE - A local photographer who has been taking bird's eye view shots of Singapore has one very famous person among his fans.

In a Facebook post on Sunday (May 29), Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong shared a number of Chia Joel's photos, praising the "stunning aerial photos of Singapore" that he has taken.

"I enjoy doing #guesswhere photos, but Joel Chia takes it to the next level," he wrote.

Highlighting that Mr Chia had captured various subjects including schools, the beach and even the PSA container terminal, Mr Lee said the photos showed Singapore from a different perspective that many rarely consider.

"Happy to see that we have such creative talent. Gives me a few new ideas!" he added.

Mr Lee's post comes just a few days after he shared a composite image of lightning streaking across Singapore's skies by another local photographer, Darren Soh.

AsiaOne first featured Mr Chia's work on May 5. His photos, which are taken using drones, are posted on his "Idroneman"Facebook and Instagram pages.

According to photography website PetaPixel, he uses a DJI Phantom 3 drone, which weighs about 1.3kg, to take his photos.

He also said that a lot of preperation work goes into taking his photos, including scouting areas online and on foot, checking weather conditions and finding a solid launching and landing spot for the drone.

The captivating photos include views of familiar landmarks in Singapore, including the National Stadium, the Esplanade and Suntec City's Fountain of Wealth.

Mr Chia had previously said that he hoped that his photos would remind people that beauty could indeed be found in Singapore.

"Sometimes, we take for granted and forget how blessed we are to be living in such a thriving city," he added.

seanyap@sph.com.sg

Image: 
Publication Date: 
Monday, May 30, 2016 - 11:48
Send to mobile app: 
Source: 
Rotator Image: 
Story Type: 
Rewritten Story

Cat found dead at Tampines St 83: Women saw man slam it on ground twice and use lighter to burn it

0
0

In yet another worrying case of what seems to be animal cruelty, a cat has been found dead at the foot of Block 884 Tampines Street 83.

Stomp contributor Jaslynn and her mother happened to witness a guy slamming the grey Siamese cat to the ground on Wednesday (May 25) at about 1.55am.

Jaslynn described their harrowing encounter in a phone interview with Stomp:

"I suspect he threw the cat down from high level first, and then slammed it on the ground twice to make sure it was dead.

"He even took a lighter out to burn it to 'check' that it was dead."

Jaslynn's mother first heard signs of trouble. She frequently goes downstairs to stop cats from fighting.

"My mother heard a shriek from downstairs and went down to see what happened," Jaslynn said. "However, she did not find anything."

Her mother went back upstairs and that was when she heard yet another shriek of agony.

From their third-storey kitchen window, she could see a figure bending down with a lighter. There was a puddle of water on the ground.

Jaslynn recounted:

"My mum was puzzled. She saw someone throw something to the ground twice. And she did not know why the man wanted to burn the ground or a pool of water.

"Then, she saw a tail. She shouted and rushed down without saying anything to me."

Jasslyn followed and they saw a man slam the cat to the ground. She described him to be in his 20s.

When they approached, he quickly walked away and pretended like nothing had happened.

While the spate of cat deaths previously reported was in the Yishun area, this is apparently not the first tragedy that has struck Tampines, according to the Stomp contributor.

The Stomp contributor's black cat Hitam went missing on May 23, and was later found dead with blood oozing out of its mouth at Block 885.

She had asked a cleaner if he had seen her missing cat, only to hear news from him that he had thrown away its carcass. He apparently "did not want trouble" and that the decomposition was "smelly".

Jasslyn's other cat, a grey Tabby named Wing Wing, was found with a dislocated leg on the morning of May 23.

At first, she had thought the cases might be accidents. However, after her most recent encounter, she realised otherwise.

The Stomp contributor would like to advise residents to be alert and investigate the source of some strange sounds, like cat shrieks that do not sound like typical cat fights.

"They are like shrieks of pain, we should not ignore.

"People who feed cats regularly should also go and look for them if they go missing, and not assume they have run off."

She says that she has already contacted the Police and AVA about the cases, and they are currently investigating it.


Visit STOMP for more stories.

Image: 
Category: 
Publication Date: 
Monday, May 30, 2016 - 11:27
Send to mobile app: 
Source: 
Rotator Image: 
Story Type: 
Others

Wild boar spotted at Edgefield Plains

0
0

Stomp contributor Ferlyn was in a lorry on the way to meet a friend at Block 106B in Edgefield Plains yesterday (May 29) at around 3.30pm when she came across an unusual sight.

In an email to Stomp, she said that a wild boar dashed in front of a lorry she was in.

Her husband who was driving the lorry then followed the animal for around two minutes as it was running on the road.

At one point, the wild boar then ran up the pavement into a housing estate.

It is unclear where the animal came from or where it went thereafter.


Visit STOMP for more stories.

Image: 
Category: 
Publication Date: 
Monday, May 30, 2016 - 11:30
Keywords: 
Send to mobile app: 
Source: 
Story Type: 
Others

Trial of China ex-tour guide Yang Yin begins on Monday

0
0

SINGAPORE - Former China tour guide Yang Yin has not been seen in public for almost two years.

He has spent that time in Changi Prison, after being arrested by the police in September 2014, charged a month later and denied bail.

Today (May 30), he made his first public appearance as his trial kicked off this morning. He is on trial for falsification and immigration charges. 

Dressed in purple overalls, Yang's hair was neatly-trimmed and he looked seemingly run down, said The Straits Times.

The 42-year-old reportedly "looked tense" when he appeared in court with hands and legs shackled.

Yang faces 349 criminal charges, the most serious of which are for criminal breach of trust for allegedly siphoning off $1.1 million from Madam Chung Khin Chun, 89.

Also spotted in court on Monday were Madam Chung, her niece Hedy Mok and her long-time friend, retired teacher Chang Phie Chin, reported The Straits Times.

When Yang spotted Madam Chung, he tried to make eye contact with her, according to the report.

The case involving Madam Chung and Yang broke in 2014, when the widow's niece, Madam Mok, started legal action against him for allegedly manipulating her aunt into handing over her assets.

Madam Chung owns a bungalow in Gerald Crescent and her assets are estimated to be worth $40 million. The retired physiotherapist has no children.

Her husband, Dr Chou Sip King, died in 2007.

Yang acted as Madam Chung's private guide during a China trip in 2008. He had been introduced to the widow by Madam Chang Phie Chin, a retired teacher who is a family friend.

A year later, he came to Singapore and moved into her bungalow, claiming that the widow wanted him to be her "grandson".

In 2011, he obtained permanent residency and later, moved his wife and two young children here as dependants. The family lived in Madam Chung's bungalow.

maryanns@sph.com.sg


Timeline

2006

Madam Chang Phie Chin introduces Yang Yin to Madam Chung Khin Chun and her husband, Dr Chou Sip King.

Dr Chou dies in 2007.

2008

Yang acts as the private tour guide for Madam Chung and Madam Chang while they are on holiday in Beijing.

Yang keeps in touch with Madam Chung after the trip.

2009

Yang visits Madam Chung and stays in her bungalow. He also sets up his company, Young Music and Dance Studio . In September, Yang fires Madam Chung's driver of 30 years. He obtains an Employment Pass to work in Singapore.

2010

Madam Chung makes a will leaving her assets, including the bungalow, to Yang.

2011

Madam Chang moves out of the Gerald Crescent bungalow. She had lived there since 2004, after Dr Chou's health deteriorated.

Yang becomes a Singapore permanent resident.

2012

Yang is given Lasting Power of Attorney(LPA) by Madam Chung, giving him control over her welfare and assets.

In 2013, his wife Weng Yandan and their two children move in to live in the Gerald Crescent bungalow.

2014

In April, Madam Chung is diagnosed with dementia.

The LPA is revoked in November after Madam Chung's niece, Madam Hedy Mok, starts court proceedings against Yang.

Yang is arrested in September and charged in October. He is later denied bail.

2015

Madam Chung's new will is recognised by the Family Justice Courts in April. Her new will leaves most of her assets to charity and nothing for the former tour guide.

2016

The High Court dismisses the appeal made by Yang in April this year regarding the new will. The criminal trials are scheduled to take place from May to July.

The key players in the saga

MADAM CHUNG KHIN CHUN

The woman at the heart of the saga is 89-year-old widow Chung Khin Chun, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2014. Her assets, which include a Gerald Crescent bungalow off Yio Chu Kang Road, are estimated to be worth $40 million.

YANG YIN

The 42-year-old former tour guide is being accused of manipulating the elderly widow into handing over her assets. In a 2010 will, Yang Yin stood to inherit all of Madam Chung's assets. But a new will recognised by the courts will leave most of her assets to charity, and nothing to Yang. His wife and parents are also defendants in the civil suit.

MADAM HEDY MOK

The case unfolded in 2014 after the niece of the wealthy widow, Madam Hedy Mok, a 62-year-old tour agency owner, commenced a series of legal actions against Yang.

MADAM CHANG PHIE CHIN

The retired teacher has known Madam Chung and her late husband, Dr Chou Sip King, for more than 50 years. Madam Chang Phie Chin, who is now 86, lived with the couple in their Gerald Crescent bungalow after Dr Chou's health deteriorated. She moved out in 2011.

MR PETER DORAISAMY

The lawyer from Selvam LLC represents Madam Mok in the High Court civil suit. MR IRVING CHOH The lawyer took over the civil case for Yang Yin from Mr Joseph Liow in April. He is the founder of law firm Optimus Chambers.

MR WEE PAN LEE

He acts for Yang in the criminal matters.

Image: 
Publication Date: 
Monday, May 30, 2016 - 11:58
Send to mobile app: 
Source: 
Rotator Headline: 
Tussle over widow's $40m assets: Yang Yin appears in court for trial looking 'tense' and seemingly thinner
video embed code: 
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N-OHN1R-F5U" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Video Media: 
Other Video Media
Story Type: 
Rewritten Story

Beerfest Asia 2016 returns with AsiaOne as official online media partner

0
0

SINGAPORE - Asia's largest beer festival returns for its 8th edition to offer beer enthusiasts the chance to savour a mind-boggling variety of over 500 beers. The four-day Beerfest Asia 2016 is organised by Beerfest Asia Pte Ltd, owned by Sphere Exhibits Pte Ltd (Sphere Exhibits), and AsiaOne is the official online media partner. Sphere Exhibits is the events and exhibitions arm of Singapore Press Holdings Limited (SPH).

Set in the picturesque Marina Promenade and presented by United Overseas Bank Ltd (UOB), Beerfest Asia has raised the profile of the beer industry in Singapore and has expanded over the years with increasing consumer, trade and international interest.

This year's event will be held from 16 to 19 June 2016 and will see the return of the Asia Beer Awards, with an international panel of industry experts recognising Asia's favourite beers. Visitors can expect the largest selection of international beers ever at Beerfest Asia 2016 and a large number of new beers making their debut in Singapore.

VARIETY OF BEERS

At Beerfest Asia 2016, over 500 beers from more than 35 exhibitors will be available to taste. Beer sampling platters starting at $8 per platter of six 50ml portions will be a smart way to sample a wide variety before chugging your favourite brew. Visitors are encouraged to try the new brews the various exhibitors have to offer, such as:

  • Archipelago Brewery's new Singapore Blonde Ale

  • Chaoying's Flensburger Winterbock, a dark seasonal brew, which is rich and flavoursome with a pleasantly mild taste

  • SABMiller's Fat Yak, an American style pale ale from Australia. The golden hop driven craft beer with fruity and herbaceous aromas is easy to drink and refreshingly clean on the palate

  • TSA Wines' Moon Dog Love Tap Double Lager, Stillwater Yacht Lager, Brewdog Jackhammer, Evil Twin Sunshine Slacker Session IPA, Brewdog Sink the Bismarck and Spencer American Trappist Ale

  • Yen Investments' Benediktiner Bitburger, a wheat beer that has been brewed for centuries, and Bitburger Premium Beer, Germany's No. 1 draught beer

  • Asia Pacific Breweries' Desperadoes, a tequila flavoured beer

  • Eastory Asia's Pilsner Urquell, the world's first golden beer

  • Cockies Beer with its Surf Coast Blonde

  • Asia Pacific Breweries with its new-to-Singapore Strongbow flavours, Cherry Blossom and Dark Fruit as well as new brands like Soproni, Maes, and Karlovacko

  • Cockies IPA from the Barrabool Hills Brewing Company, a beer that has no preservatives and Otway rainforest water

  • East of Avalon's new Brother's Coconut and Lime, the latest addition to their extensive portfolio

FOOD

Great beer needs great food to go along with it and visitors will be able to enjoy a wider variety of food selections from Mr & Mrs Maxwell, Tiger's Milk and of course, Harry's! Tuck into Harry's Signature Wings, Fish Cracklings, Grilled Sausages and more; or head for classier fare with Tiger Milk's Truffle Mac and Cheese, Foie Gras & Beef Patty, and Lamb Short Ribs.

ENTERTAINMENT

On the entertainment front, a stage line-up of live music and bands will pay tribute to artists like Bon Jovi, David Bowie, Abba and Elton John. Killer Queen Experience, Queen tribute band, is also back by popular demand. A stage showcasing the best acts in electronic music around the world has also been set up.

Support local with local band favourites Supersonic, Sweatshop Jam, Shili & Ali, Jack & Rai, Johan & Jerome and The Day Trippers as they liven up the night with their tunes!

For the first time ever, there will be an Electronic Dance Music element featuring an all-female line-up! 17 of Asia's best female performers such as DJ Dowager, DJ Sakura, and DJ Reiko, will be pumping out the music to party the night away. Between them, they have played at some of the hottest clubs and festivals in Asia, ensuring a night to remember.

A perennial favourite with Beerfest Asia's fans, the Comedy Lounge returns with an exciting line-up of local and international stand-up comedians. A great night of laughter awaits guests who venture into the comfortable air-conditioned room for a comedic session with a line of international comedians.

For the first time in Beerfest Asia, visitors will be able to try their hands at darts - Dartslive Singapore will be at Beerfest Asia 2016 with their dart stations for 4 nights of fun! Watch out for the classic beer pong tables, table football and more free play at Beerfest Asia 2016.

ASIA BEER AWARDS

The Asia Beer Awards is also back on 16 June to honour and recognise the best in the beer industry. A panel of esteemed judges including Mr Franck Berges, a Belgian Beer Knight, Mr Michael Richmond, Brewing Process Manager of Stone Brewing Co, Mr Ralf Hugger, Germany Sales Rep, Founders Brewing Company, Ms Shaheen Kwong, Editor of Coaster Magazine, other beer industry experts, beer enthusiasts and media partners will hand out Gold, Silver, Bronze medals to deserving winners across 18-20 beer categories. 3 trophies: Best of Singapore, Best of Festival, Redmart Champion will be awarded as well. Redmart is the Official Presenter of Asia Beer Awards.

TRADE

Beerfest Asia also presents the opportunity for companies in the beer, alcohol, food & beverage, hospitality related industries to try out new beer products and network with trade suppliers and wholesalers. A special "Trade Session" will take place on 16 June, between 4pm to 6pm before the festival is opened to the public. Industry participants who are keen on this private session can register via the Trade section on the festival's official website at www.beerfestasia.com.

TICKETS

Tickets are on sale at SISTIC (www.sistic.com.sg / (65) 6348 5555). All tickets include one complimentary welcome beer (with the exception of VIP tickets) that can be redeemed at the festival grounds. For die-hard Beerfest Asia fans, limited 4-Day passes and VIP packages with benefits such as free flow beer, merchandise and express entry at festival gates are also available. More information can be found on www.beerfestasia.com.

Image: 
Publication Date: 
Monday, May 30, 2016 - 18:14
Keywords: 
Send to mobile app: 
Source: 
Story Type: 
Others

Teenage love affair ends with bloody mess at Teck Whye badminton court

0
0

SINGAPORE - Zhang Jin Wei, 19, was angry that his 14-year-old girlfriend had spent the night at the house of another boy, Jiang Ze Xin. A meeting was arranged to settle the dispute.

But Jin Wei ended up being hospitalised after the meeting went awry. A 28-year-old man was also injured in the confrontation.

According to the Shin Min Daily News, Jin Wei met Ze Xin, 18, at a badminton court near Block 115 Teck Whye Lane on Sunday (May 29) evening.

"I wanted to clarify matters but before I could even talk, I was beaten up by Ze Xin and his father," Jin Wei told the Chinese evening daily.

"I am still attached (to the 14-year-old girl). She should not have gone to Ze Xin's house and spend a night there." 

The elder Jiang, who accompanied his son to the meeting, was armed with a bamboo pole which he used to beat Jin Wei and the 28-year-old man, Yang Zi Yi.

Ze Xin's ex-girlfriend, Miss Huang, 19, told Shin Min Daily News that Ze Xin had been cheating on her with the 14-year-old girl.

Before the incident, they had dated for six months. During that time, she got pregnant.

"I initially planned for an abortion, but Ze Xin assured me that he will take responsibility. Our families even met to discuss marriage preparations," Miss Huang told Shin Min Daily News.

"But when I was five-months pregnant, he refused to take responsibility. I later discovered that he cheated on me twice, and one of them is the 14-year-old girl."

The 14-year-old girl was dating both Ze Xin and Jin Wei.

"My 28-year-old friend was at the scene. He thought something was amiss and tried to stop the fight, but Ze Xin and his father mistook him as helping the other party and he was beaten in the process," added Miss Huang in the report.

Yang Zi Yi, 28, who was also hospitalised, told Shin Min Daily News: "I stepped forward to stop the fight.

"Suddenly, the Ze Xin's father commented on my tattoos and started hitting me with a bamboo pole for about three times," the tattoo artist said.

"My nose was bleeding. Even now, I still feel unwell. Both of my elbows and head hurts."

Zi Yi added that he intents to sue Ze Xin.

Neighbours told Shin Min Daily News that Ze Xin's mother called the police after she learnt of the fight involving her husband and son, and the police were on-scene in 15 minutes.

Ze Xin and his father then fled the scene, leaving the bamboo pole on the floor.

Jin Wei was warded in the hospital for one night for his bruised left eye, and received eight stitches to his left eyelid.

An SCDF spokesperson told Shin Min Daily News that two men were sent to the hospital for facial injuries.

The police also confirmed with the Chinese evening daily that an 18-year-old man was arrested on charges of voluntarily causing grievous hurt.

a1admin@sph.com.sg

Image: 
Category: 
Publication Date: 
Monday, May 30, 2016 - 20:48
Send to mobile app: 
Source: 
Rotator Image: 
Story Type: 
Rewritten Story

Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat recovering well: PM Lee

0
0

SINGAPORE - Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat is recovering well, and making steady progress, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong disclosed in a Facebook post today.

"Visited Heng Swee Keat in the TTSH Neuro ICU at NNI this evening. Delighted to find him recovering well, and making steady progress," PM Lee wrote on Monday (May 30).

"He was fully lucid, communicative, and cheerful."

on Facebook

Visited Heng Swee Keat in the TTSH Neuro ICU at NNI this evening. Delighted to find him recovering well, and making...

Posted by Lee Hsien Loong on Monday, 30 May 2016

Doctors have advised Mr Heng not to receive visitors for him to get as much rest as possible, PM Lee added.

Mr Heng collapsed during a Cabinet meeting at 5.34pm on May 12 and was taken to Tan Tock Seng Hospital immediately.

A CT scan revealed that he had suffered a stroke due to an aneurysm, which is a localised weakening of a blood vessel.

He then underwent initial neurosurgery to relieve pressure in his brain due to the bleeding, which successfully closed the aneurysm.

Mr Heng's fellow Tampines GRC MPs, which comprises Environment and Water Resources Minister Masagos Zulkifli, Mr Baey Yam Keng, Mr Desmond Choo and Ms Cheng Li Hui, had assured residents in Mr Heng's ward that they will be taken care of Mr Heng recovers.

"Swee Keat wants to thank everyone for their support. He especially sends his greetings and best wishes to his Tampines residents and volunteers, who have been asking after him," PM Lee wrote.

Mr Masagos wrote that he was feeling anxious for Mr Heng, but that the GRC team would take care of Tampines residents while he recovers.

Previously on May 13, PM Lee said in a Facebook post that "[Mr Heng's] condition is stable, but he will remain in the intensive care unit (ICU) for some time."

on Facebook

Visited Heng Swee Keat at the ICU in Tan Tock Seng Hospital this evening. He was sedated. His condition is stable, but...

Posted by Lee Hsien Loong on Friday, 13 May 2016

Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, took over duties at the Finance Ministry immediately.

According to The Straits Times, many Singaporeans also visited the hospital to ask about Mr Heng, and filled a table at its Heritage Museum with flowers, cards and gifts.

Mr Heng was appointed Finance Minister after last year's General Election, and had recently delivered his maiden budget in Parliament on March 24.

Besides helming the Finance Ministry, he is also the chair of the Committee of the Future Economy, a high-level panel convened to develop strategies to keep Singapore's economy competitive.

In a Facebook post three weeks ago, PM Lee described Mr Heng as a "valuable member" of his team.

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said that Cabinet members are "expectedly shaken" because of Mr Heng's collapse. He said they managed to resuscitate Mr Heng, but the Finance Minister and his family "will now need all our prayers and support as he undergoes critical procedures and treatment for the stroke".

on Facebook

<<Prayers for Swee Keat and his family>> Cabinet colleagues are expectedly shaken because Swee Keat collapsed suddenly...

Posted by Ng Eng Hen on Thursday, 12 May 2016

Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam revealed that he had observed that Mr Heng had been looking very tired recently.

"I have been telling him that he was overworking so much that it will affect his health," he wrote. He also highlighted the "incredible load" that Mr Heng was carrying, including the Finance Ministry as well as various other important projects such as SG50 and the Committee of the Future Economy.

on Facebook

Heng Swee Keat ___________________________________________ Min Heng Swee Keat collapsed during Cabinet meeting this...

Posted by K Shanmugam Sc on Thursday, 12 May 2016

President Tony Tan Keng Yam also said that he hoped Mr Heng makes a speedy recovery. "Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time.

on Facebook

Heard the news about Minister Heng Swee Keat. Hope he has a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time. TT

Posted by Dr Tony Tan on Thursday, 12 May 2016

a1admin@sph.com.sg

OTHER RELATED STORIES:

- Tampines residents ask about Heng

- What Heng Swee Keat's stroke means for the average Singaporean

- Do we expect too much of our ministers and MPs?

- Minister Shanmugam rebukes Facebook user for suggesting by-election after Mr Heng's stroke

Image: 
Category: 
Publication Date: 
Monday, May 30, 2016 - 21:42
Keywords: 
Send to mobile app: 
Source: 
Rotator Image: 
Story Type: 
Rewritten Story

#BeerfestAsiaOne contest: How fast can you 'tar' a can of beer?

0
0

Beerfest Asia 2016 is coming soon from June 16 to 19 and we're giving away 10 VIP tickets to the 8th edition of this event.

The VIP tickets are worth $180 with free flow beer, and they are valid either the Friday, June 17, or Saturday, June 18.

How to take part? Here are the contest rules:

1. Follow @sphasiaone on Facebook, Instagram and/or Twitter

2. Make a video of how fast you can chug a can of beer (watch our video for inspiration)

3. Follow the steps (also shown in our video) to qualify for entry.

We must see this in the video for it to be a valid video entry:

Step 1: Open the beer can
Step 2: Drink the beer
Step 3: Turn the can upside down when finished

4. Tag your video entries with #BeerFestAsiaOne on any of the social media platforms. You may also send us private messages, if you like, to make sure we note your entries.

5. Keep your fingers crossed to win!

Closing date for entries is Sunday, June 12 at 11.59pm.

Judges decisions will be final.

Terms and conditions apply.

AsiaOne advocates responsible drinking.

Get your #BeerFestAsiaOne entries in now!

AsiaOne is the official online media partner for Beerfest Asia 2016.

Image: 
Publication Date: 
Monday, May 30, 2016 - 22:00
Keywords: 
Send to mobile app: 
Source: 
Rotator Headline: 
Make a video and stand to win VIP tickets to Beerfest Asia 2016
Rotator Image: 
video embed code: 
<div style="display: block; position: relative; max-width: 100%;"><div style="padding-top: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/4802324435001/default_default/index.html?videoId=4919161932001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0px; bottom: 0px; right: 0px; left: 0px;"></iframe></div></div>
Video Media: 
Other Video Media
Story Type: 
Assignment
Viewing all 5962 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images