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Want tickets to NDP Preview 2 on July 30? Tell us your dreams for Singapore!

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Thank you all for your creative responses to our first National Day Parade (NDP) 2016 contest which ended on Wednesday (July 20).

The winner has been notified and already collected the prize of a pair of tickets to this Saturday's NDP Preview 1 show as well as an NDP funpack.

But if you didn't win, fret not.

You can still stand a chance to win tickets to the NDP Preview 2 next Saturday (July 30) as well as a funpack set.

All you have to do is to answer the following question in 100 words: What do you think Singapore will be like in the next 50 years?

Send your answer to a1admin@sph.com.sg with the subject header 'AsiaOne NDP Challenge 2016: Preview 2' by Monday (July 25).

Please remember to include your full name, NRIC and mobile number in your entries.

Look out for updates on how you can win tickets to the subsequent shows via our Facebook page.

a1admin@sph.com.sg

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Friday, July 22, 2016 - 15:13
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6 things to know about one Michelin-starred Tai Hwa Pork Noodle

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6 things to know about one Michelin-starred Tai Hwa Pork Noodle

The Michelin Guide recognised the iconic Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle with one star on Thursday (July 21).

Here are six things about the brand:

1. Origins

Second son Tang Chay Seng at his Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle stall in Crawford Lane. Photo: The Business Times

Tai Hwa Pork Noodle was founded by Tang Joon Teo, who operated at Hill Street in the 1930s. The late Mr Tang died in 1995 at the age of 89, and left the business to his three sons.

Second son Chay Seng, 69, was the first to work full-time at the stall after dropping out of secondary school when he was 14.

His two brothers followed suit later, with Chay Seng at the helm.

In the 1990s, the stall moved to Marina Square before settling in its current premises at Crawford Lane in 2004.

2. Hokkien or Teochew?

L: Hokkien-style bak chor mee from Seng Hiang at Fengshan Market and Food Centre. R: Teochew-style bak chor mee from Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork noodles. Photos: Andre Hoeden, The New Paper

According to a 2005 Lianhe Zaobao report, a family from China's Fujian province brought the Hokkien-style bak chor mee (minced pork noodles) to our shores.

However, Singaporeans can claim their bragging rights for the Teochew-style bak chor mee, which is uniquely Singapore.

Food critic K.F. Seetoh told The Straits Times in 2009 that the concept of "using sambal and vinegar to flavour the noodles with meat topping" can't be found anywhere else.

For Tai Hwa's bak chor mee, founder Tang Joon Teo concocted the addictive blend of black vinegar, chilli paste plus other sauces, in which the egg noodles are tossed in.

3. Cheapest Michelin-starred meal, but expect to wait

Mr Chan Hon Meng (left), 51, owner of Hong Kong Soy Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle at Chinatown Food Complex with Mr Tang Chay Seng, 70, owner of Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle at Crawford Lane. Both outlets received one Michelin star. Photo: The Straits Times

"For the first time, you would be able to have a Michelin-starred meal for under S$5," said Michael Ellis, international director of the Michelin guides in an interview with AFP on Thursday.

Although Mr Tang Chay Seng says he will not increase prices, he told the media that the queue is expected to get longer.

It is not uncommon to queue for up to 45 minutes - or more, for a bowl of Tai Hwa's noodles. According to Channel NewsAsia, queues on Friday (July 22) - a day after the Michelin awards were announced, stretched for more than an hour.

4. Hill Street Tai Hwa? High Street Tai Wah?

Youngest brother Tang Chai Chye at his High Street Tai Wah Pork Noodle (minced pork noodle or bak chor mee) stall in Bestway Building in Prince Edward Road. Photo: The Straits Times

With Chay Seng operating Hill Street Tai Hwa at Crawford Lane, what about his two brothers? They are running other pork noodle stalls loosely tied to the Tai Hwa brand: High Street Tai Wah and Lau Dai Hua.

The youngest brother, Chai Chye, 63, used to run High Street Tai Wah Pork Noodle in Bestway Building in Prince Edward Road which has since closed.

Two of Chai Chye's sons also started their pork noodles stores under the High Street Tai Wah brand.

Gerald Tang, 37, is now running the family's stall at Hong Lim Food Centre, Chinatown, while Jason Tang, 27, had a stall at Singapore Food Trail, a dining concept at the Singapore Flyer.

5. Hill Street Tai Hwa? Lau Dai Hua?

Tung Chye Hong (left) and his son, Arthur, at Lau Dai Hua minced pork noodle (bak chor mee) outlet at Food Republic, VivoCity. Photo: Shin Min

In the 1960s, eldest son Chye Hong, 72, opened an outlet in a Cecil Street coffeeshop at his father's urging. The stall closed in 1978 and Chye Hong returned to run the Hill Street stall with his two younger brothers.

He left the business in the 1980s to become a taxi driver as he was tired of the job and felt that he was unsuited for the business. In the 1990s, he returned to help at the relocated stall at Marina Square for a few years while continuing his daytime job as a taxi driver.

Chye Hong's son, Arthur Tung Yang Wee, 46, is now running Lau Dai Hua Pork Noodle at Straits Food Village in Changi Airport Terminal 2.

6. A blemish on the famous brand

Mr Arthur Tung Yang Wee, owner of the Lau Dai Hua bak chor mee (minced meat noodles) stall in the Food Republic outlet in VivoCity shopping mall. Mr Tung has been accused by his uncle, Mr Tang Chay Seng, owner of the famous Hill Street Tai Hwa bak chor mee stall in Crawford Lane of trying to pass off his stall as the original. Photos: Lianhe Zaobao, The Straits Times

A family feud erupted in 2008 when uncle sued nephew for trademark infringement over the 'Tai Hwa' brand.

Eldest brother Chye Hong's son, Arthur Tung Yang Wee, ran an advertisement in the Chinese newspaper Lianhe Zaobao that his stall Da Hua, "formerly from... Hill Street" had "moved to VivoCity".

Images of awards won by Tai Hwa were also plastered on the advertisement for Da Hua.

Arthur's uncle, Chay Seng, who runs Tai Hwa Pork Noodle at Crawford Lane, told the Chinese newspaper Shin Min that while he did not object to the usage of the brand 'Da Hua', which is the hanyu pinyin pronunciation of Tai Hwa, he slammed the advertisement for being misleading.

"After that, my customers kept calling to ask me if I had really moved, and it caused my business to drop by 20 per cent," he said in the 2008 interview.

While Chay Seng later lost his case, he was awarded nominal damages of $1,000 for loss of goodwill.

grongloh@sph.com.sg

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Friday, July 22, 2016 - 15:55
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California Fitness closure: Free gym access for affected HomeTeamNS members

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SINGAPORE - HomeTeamNS is offering six months of gym access to members affected by the recent closures of California Fitness outlets here, the non-profit association said in a statement today (July 22).

It is able to accommodate at least 800 affected individuals in the next six months at its Fitness Workz gyms in HomeTeamNS Balestier and HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok.

Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) NSmen can also apply for the same assistance after signing up for HomeTeamNS Ordinary membership.

This is to ensure that they will not have disrupted training, and to encourage them to continue adopting an active lifestyle, HomeTeamNS said.

HomeTeamNS is also offering about 10 part-time positions to personal trainers affected by the California Fitness closures.

"The temporary employment assistance will give a bit of time for personal trainers to secure new jobs at other gym outlets. I hope this will motivate others on similar initiatives, and show how the gym industry could come together to assist those who are affected by the closure," HomeTeamNS' chief executive Agnes Eu said.

Those interested in the assistance programmes can contact Fitness Workz at Fitness_Workz@hometeamns.sg or 6705 9473.

huizhen@sph.com.sg

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Friday, July 22, 2016 - 16:46
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You've said goodbye to some familiar places in 2016, here are more to add to that list

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You cannot go a day in Singapore without news about some international brand pulling out of the country due to dwindling profits, or a long-time local favourite brand losing the unending battle of sky-high rentals and e-commerce.

Two months ago, we explored the brands that, in recent years, had to shut down operations after suffering sustained losses in the current market conditions.

Now we'll look at more retail locations and attractions that have had to succumb to the demons of rising costs and competition.

Underwater World

We begin by tugging at your heartstrings. If you grew up in Singapore, you would definitely have been to Underwater World Singapore at least once in your life. For those who didn't, I'm sorry but your chance has been destroyed with its recent closing on June 26, 2016.

Photo: The Straits Times.

The signature tunnel that runs through its main aquarium holds many special memories for anyone who has visited it, and for many, it was the first encounter they had with undersea creatures as children.

As with any enclosed wildlife attraction, they were not too far away from trouble, and most recently came under scrutiny in 2014 for the health conditions of its pink dolphin inhabitants. This is nothing new, as a decade back in 2004, they came under fire from the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) for the way the dolphins were acquired.

Perhaps the final nail in the coffin came with the opening of the S.E.A Aquarium in Resorts World Sentosa at the tail end of 2012, then the largest oceanarium in the world.

Where Underwater World was becoming very dated and awkwardly located at one corner of Sentosa, the shiny new S.E.A Aquarium was located in the heart of Resorts World Sentosa, and is currently one of the more popular tourist attractions in Singapore.

Thanks for the memories, Underwater World.

77th Street

While I personally have not bought a single thing from 77th Street, I have accompanied friends who did.

Photo: Elim Chew.

From the latest trendy backpacks, to even getting some bling-bling, they were a synonymous brand among teenagers of the 1990s and early 2000s. What's more, their stores are as cool as their enigmatic founder Elim Chew.

In a perfect world, Elim would have wanted the last two outlets at Bugis Junction and Ang Mo Kio Hub to soldier on, but with consistently rising rentals, and also the lease of her store in China having ended in June, it was time to bid farewell to the brand.

Catch your last whiff of nostalgia of our very own streetwear store at its last location in Ang Mo Kio Hub before it finally winds down… for good.

California Fitness

Update July 20, 2016: California Fitness has announced that, with immediate effect, all its remaining outlets will be shut down.

This was the source of an Internet uproar within the local community this past Friday.

Photo: The New Paper.

While technically not fully closed down as of yet, the tell-tale signs are there, and soon the writing will be on the wall.

Merely a day after news outlets reported that California Fitness has closed all of its branches in Hong Kong, with those in China to follow suit, gym-goers were stunned to find out that the one in Raffles Place was also closed "until further notice".

With the branch in Orchard having closed earlier this year in February, they went from four branches to two in less than six months, and if the news from Hong Kong is anything to come by, those who have signed long-term memberships with the gym are already preparing for the inevitable.

Park Mall

More popularly known as somewhere to get the latest swanky furniture for your home, Park Mall will be closing its doors come end of September this year.

Photo: The Straits Times.

This comes after the property was bought over through a joint venture for a cool $411.8 million, and there are plans to turn the site into a two-block office property with a retail component, so say goodbye to Park Mall as it will be demolished not long after it officially closes.

In the meantime, you can still snag a good deal or two from the many furniture stores clearing their stocks from now until September.

Perhaps what Park Mall will instead be greatly missed for is actually right beside it - where the largest Fish & Co restaurant has taken residence for 14 years.

Many company dinners, school gatherings and reunions, and birthday parties have graced its dining hall. There's just something special about having a get-together with large amounts of people while indulging in deep-fried seafood here.

Originally slated to close last month, they instead have extended operations to coincide with the closing of Park Mall itself, so you have until Sept 26 to reminisce over a plate of fish and chips.

Funan

The only other place in the list to have closed recently in June after Underwater World Singapore is of course everyone's favourite IT mall Funan.

Often preferred to Sim Lim Square due to its more convenient location, as well as customer safety (of not getting conned), this place has been the go-to place to get your hands on the latest gadgets and accessories.

In its heyday, the mall hosted a large variety of events and product launches, from the latest and biggest game titles and consoles, to the latest cameras and computers. The most famous tenant to have graced its floors would definitely be Challenger, which took up the entire sixth floor and even has its roots in the mall - having been started there by founder Loo Leong Thye.

Now, the tenants have so far been scattered mostly to nearby CapitaLand properties such as Bugis Junction and Plaza Singapura, while others have decided to stay in the vicinity by moving to neighbouring buildings such as The Adelphi and Peninsula Shopping Center.

Raintree Cove

If you've ever had your fill of chilli crab and seafood from Long Beach Seafood Restaurant, or feasted on Korean barbecue with your friends at Ju Shin Jung East Korean Charcoal BBQ Restaurant, you will know that this place is a favourite for gatherings with friends and family.

Photo: The Straits Times.

As part of the redevelopment plans by the National Parks Board, the plot of land that Raintree Cove sits on has a lease that will end on Feb 28 in 2017, with NParks not revealing too much about what visitors can expect in the future, saying that "it is too early to reveal the plans for development".

The site is also home to Singapore's only drive-thru Burger King outlet.

This move was not a surprise considering that redevelopment of East Coast Park has been ongoing in stages, with the Marine Cove area being opened again just last month with a spanking new McDonald's outlet.

Big Splash

Another East Coast Park establishment with a lease expiring with NParks, albeit much earlier, is Big Splash.

Closing on Oct 21 this year, Big Splash is home to several food and beverage establishments, much like Raintree Cove.

After 40 years, the company behind Big Splash has decided to call time on the business. While it no longer offers the exciting and colourful water slides that made it famous and gave the area its name, many people have fond memories of playing there as kids.

Photo: The Straits Times.

As for the future of the tenants, many have already made plans to move to nearby locales, while also having secured lease extensions at their current location to better facilitate their move.

It won't be long now until all of East Coast Park loses the old charm that we grew up with, replaced with modernist designs and facilities that we need to grow accustomed to.

The Changing Faces Of Singapore; Online And Off

Change is constant, as proven by the examples above.

While some suffer due to the presence of new players and an inability to adapt to new business models, others are simply at the mercy of developers, as shopping malls in Singapore seem to have an ever-decreasing lifespan.

Perhaps it is time developers think about ways to retain both tenants and customers, before they have nothing left to redevelop as more people go online to make their purchases.

Vulcan Post is all about living life with a digital edge, up and coming startups, and people who inspire conversations.
Visit Vulcan Post for more stories.

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Friday, July 22, 2016 - 16:50
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Singapore bans ISIS newspaper Al Fatihin; gazetted it as prohibited publication

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The Singapore government has banned a newspaper published by Furat Media, an Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) affiliated media agency.

The newspaper, Al Fatihin, was gazetted as a prohibited publication under the Undesirable Publications Act, according to a statement by the Ministry for Communications and Information (MCI) on Friday (July 22).

MCI said the ISIS poses a serious threat to the security of Singapore, and that the Malay-language newspaper was another step by the terror group to spread its propaganda abroad with a "clear intention to radicalise and recruit Southeast Asians to join them".

Minister for Communications and Information and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Dr Yaacob Ibrahim said: "Extremism has no place in Singapore - it cannot and must not take root here."

He added that the Government takes a "very strong stance against terrorist propaganda" and will enforce "decisive action as necessary".

Under the Undesirable Publications Act, it is an offence to distribute the newspaper by any means in Singapore. Any individual found in possession of the newspaper but does not surrender it to the authorities can be fined up to $10,000, or jailed for up to three years, or face both penalties.

ssandrea@sph.com.sg

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Friday, July 22, 2016 - 19:12
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Long queues at 2 hawker stalls awarded Michelin stars

Best places to snap NDP fireworks

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Parks, footpaths and Housing Board estates.

With the first of the National Day Parade previews to start tonight, professional photographers have shared secrets of some of their best vantage points from which to capture the best shots of the fireworks.

And with this year's parade taking place at the 55,000-seater National Stadium for the first time since it was rebuilt, there is a whole range of new angles to try out.

Pyrotechnics will be set off from the domed roof of the National Stadium and three barges on the nearby Kallang Basin, so nearby riverside locations - such as the walkways between Tanjong Rhu Place and Kallang Basin, and waterfront walkway along Republic Avenue - and residences will have the prime views.

The residential areas include the HDB estates in Pine Close or across the Rochor River in Beach Road.

Mr Seah Kwang Peng, Straits Times photojournalist and leader of the ST photography team for this year's parade, suggested the HDB estate in Pine Close for high-angle shots and Tanjong Rhu and Republic Avenue walkways for low angles.

He said the fireworks typically begin just past 8pm and advises taking along a tripod.

Mr Chan Kim Han, 47, a professional photographer who specialises in landscapes, said: "Fireworks are all about timing... Go and shoot during the trial run and you will be prepared on the actual day."

Full-time photographer Aram Pan, 40, said: "My advice as a photographer to other photographers: Don't forget your family, in the pursuit of that perfect shot.

"And don't be so caught up... that you miss out on the emotions and experience that make NDP so special."

Residents living around good vantage points do not seem fazed by the photographers who have shown up for firework rehearsals over the past few Saturdays.

Madam Lai Mee Lian, 73, who lives in an HDB flat in Beach Road, has seen her fair share of fireworks in the almost five decades of living there.

She said in Mandarin: "It seems like every year, there are a few occasions for fireworks. Every time I hear the sound of fireworks, I will go out to the corridor to check them out."

Ms Low Mun Peng, 80, who lives in an HDB flat in Kampong Kayu, said: "They would be snapping away with their big cameras and fancy equipment. I just try to stay indoors and out of their way."

The NDP previews will be held this evening and on July 30, ahead of the official parade on Aug 9.

• Additional reporting by Nicole Alexandra Weers


This article was first published on July 23, 2016.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.

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Saturday, July 23, 2016 - 14:00
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California Fitness closures: Effort being made to seek out buyer who'll help affected members

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The memberships in California Fitness are not part of the sale of the chain's three gyms and equipment following their abrupt closure over the past week, but there is an effort to seek out a buyer who would be willing to lend a helping hand to affected members.

This is according to the fitness chain's provisional liquidators, Ferrier Hodgson.

The recovery firm also told The Straits Times yesterday that the owner of California Fitness' gym outlets, JV Fitness, will not be sold.

California Fitness closed down its Republic Plaza branch suddenly last Saturday, followed by its Novena and Bugis outlets on Wednesday, leaving members high and dry after having paid upfront thousands in membership fees.

Mr Tim Reid, a partner at Ferrier Hodgson, said that it is the recovery firm's "objective to secure the co-operation of potential buyers to offer attractive membership rights to existing California Fitness members".

So if the potential buyers, Ferrier Hodgson and the landlords of the gyms can come to an agreement, members who have had workout schedules disrupted after the gyms shut may see services offered to them in the same premises again.

Even so, other alternatives have been offered to affected members. HomeTeamNS, a non-profit organisation that recognises the contributions of police and Singapore Civil Defence Force national servicemen (NSmen), said yesterday it will offer its members and NSmen affected by California Fitness' gym closures up to six months of free usage at selected branches of its Fitness Workz gyms.

Another gym chain, True Fitness, is offering a one-month free trial to all affected members.

However, California Fitness members who want refunds instead could find it harder to get their money back .

Gym members form the largest creditors of California Fitness in terms of size and value owed to them, said Ferrier Hodgson.

But this might not translate into a tangible advantage. Gym members are still unsecured creditors. This means they do not get priority in laying claims to any assets the company might have.

Said lawyer Mohamed Baiross: "The fact that they are a large group of creditors actually diminishes their chances of getting a substantial recovery."

Whatever assets the troubled gym chain might have will first be used to pay off any secured or preferential creditors - which could include banks or the tax authorities. So, there is a chance there might not be sufficient funds leftover to pay each affected gym member in full, especially if any remaining funds have to be divided among many members.

Still, not all cases of establishments shutting end in defeat for consumers. When Borders Singapore closed down all its branches here in 2011, gift-card holders with the bookstore managed to get full refunds in the following year.

Still, this case is different from California Fitness', said Mr Reid, who also handled Borders Singapore's closure. "The gift-card holders made up a much smaller proportion of the liabilities in the Borders case," he added.

The Consumers Association of Singapore has advised members against contacting the provisional liquidators, who already have a comprehensive list of members' details.


This article was first published on July 23, 2016.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.

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Saturday, July 23, 2016 - 15:00
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Money changer vows to address any issues

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Raffles Money Change (RMC), a money changer censured by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) for alleged links to the flow of funds related to the 1MDB scandal, has come out to defend itself.

The company said yesterday that it "is focused on carrying out its business on the basis of high standards of honesty and integrity, corporate governance and transparency, as well as compliance with all necessary laws and regulations to ensure long-term sustainability".

RMC operates money-changing and remittance services at its two branches, at Jurong Point Shopping Centre and The Arcade in Collyer Quay. Its headquarters at Clifford Centre undertakes remittances in major currencies across the Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America.

The MAS said on Thursday that RMC exercised weak management oversight, inadequate risk management practices and internal controls. The regulator also reprimanded a number of other financial institutions in relation to control lapses in relation to the 1MDB scandal.

In remitting US$12.8 million (S$17.3 million), RMC was also found to have failed to identify beneficial owners and to verify the authenticity of remittance instructions. RMC had also neglected its responsibility to assess if a remittance activity was consistent with the profile of the customer.

In a media statement issued yesterday, the management of RMC stated that it "has always co-operated with the MAS, assisting fully in providing any information requested for".

RMC said: "Over the years, whenever it comes across any suspicious transactions, the RMC would report them to the relevant authorities.

"The management of RMC believes in having in place strong internal controls and risk management policies, and is constantly working to improve its compliance procedures."

RMC added that it will continue to work closely with the MAS to address any issues as required. Meanwhile, the MAS is finalising regulatory actions against RMC.


This article was first published on July 23, 2016.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.

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No Singaporeans injured in Munich shooting

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No Singaporeans have been injured in or directly affected by the recent shooting attack in Munich, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement today (July 23).

It has verified the safety of most of the registered Singaporeans in Munich, and will continue to contact the remaining others.

Singaporeans in Munich who have not registered with the MFA have been advised to let their loved ones know that they are safe, or to contact the MFA for urgent assistance.

The Singapore Embassy in Berlin is also in contact with the local authorities to ascertain whether any Singaporeans are injured or directly affected by the incident on Friday evening local time.

A gunman opened fire in a busy shopping centre, killing at least ten people including himself, Reuters reported.

"We are shocked and saddened by the loss of innocent lives. We extend our condolences to the bereaved families and wish the injured a speedy recovery," the MFA said, while condemning the attack which Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong called a "senseless act".

"We have seen so many brutal terrorist attacks in recent months, one after another. We are at risk of becoming numbed, and have to remind ourselves of the terrible human tragedy each time. Our thoughts are with the people of Germany during this time," PM Lee wrote in a Facebook post.

on Facebook

Shocked to learn of the shootings in #Munich last night. Singapore condemns this senseless act. We have seen so many...

Posted by Lee Hsien Loong on Friday, 22 July 2016

Singaporeans in Munich have been advised by the to exercise vigilance, follow the instructions of the local authorities and monitor the local news for the latest updates.

Those who require consular assistance can contact the Singapore Embassy in Berlin or the 24-hour MFA Duty Office at:

Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Berlin
Address: Voßstraße 17, 10117 Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany
Tel: +49 (0) 152 2341 2182
Email: singemb_ber@mfa.sg

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24-hour)
Address: Tanglin, Singapore 248163
Tel: +65 6379 8800, 6379 8855
Fax: +65 6476 7302
Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg

huizhen@sph.com.sg

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Saturday, July 23, 2016 - 13:27
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PM Lee attends former MP Chor Yeok Eng's wake

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Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday attended the wake of former PAP MP Chor Yeok Eng, who died on Wednesday aged 86.

In a Facebook post last night, Mr Lee paid tribute to Mr Chor for dedicating his life to the country and to improving the lives of Singaporeans. Mr Chor was MP for Bukit Timah from 1966 to 1984 and retired from politics as senior parliamentary secretary for the environment.

Mr Lee wrote: "As a young man, he joined the PAP to fight for an independent Singapore. As MP for Bukit Timah, he saw the poor neighbourhood turn into a beautiful modern estate, and improved the lives of residents.

"Mr Chor's integrity and character shone on many occasions. In 1956, when a 2,000-strong mob threatened to burn down the former Yeo Hiap Seng factory in Bukit Timah, he stopped them. He reminded them that they were against the colonialists and not the local manufacturer."

He noted that Mr Lee Kuan Yew considered Mr Chor one of his oldest, most steadfast and courageous party comrades: "He said that if he had to choose one other to go to battle with him, he would pick Mr Chor."

Mr Chor remained active after retiring in 1984, Mr Lee added.

"Mr Chor kept a watchful eye over his old constituency. I often met him when I visited Bukit Timah for constituency events, and was glad to see him again last year when we celebrated the 60th Anniversary of Bukit Timah," he said.


This article was first published on July 23, 2016.
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Saturday, July 23, 2016 - 17:00
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Tying the knot? Engage grassroots leader to help

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Mr Wilson Lim has presided over 700 marriages, but one especially sticks in his mind. It took place in a hospital, between a dying man and his girlfriend.

Mr Lim was given just two days' notice, but he could not say no.

"They both were very brave. I'll remember it for life," the 49-year- old told The Sunday Times.

Mr Lim is not a religious leader or a Justice of the Peace. Instead, the real estate consultant is a Citizens Consultative Committee secretary in the Punggol East constituency and one of nearly 200 grassroots leaders who, since 1992, have been authorised to solemnise marriages.

Marriage numbers released by the Department of Statistics recently show that nearly 7,000 solemnisations last year, or about a third of the 22,540 non-Muslim marriages in the same year, were conducted by grassroots leaders.

This is about as many as the number of marriages conducted at the Registry of Marriages (ROM).

A spokesman for the Ministry of Social and Family Development, which oversees the ROM, said grassroots leaders have to be recommended by, for example, heads of religious orders or the People's Association before they can become licensed solemnisers.

The nominee must also meet strict criteria, he said, including having a track record as a community or religious leader, or other positions of influence or leadership.

Couples said grassroots leaders are a good alternative for solemnising marriages on weekends as the ROM is closed then, as well as on popular dates or if they are planning something "different".

Solemnisers said they have been called to conduct solemnisations on yachts, the beach and even at Jurong Bird Park, where the wedding ring was flown in by a bird.

For solemniser Tan Yan Boon, 46, who runs a vending solutions company, it can mean working his overseas business trips around dates requested by couples as early as one year in advance.

He has been married for 18 years and has three children, aged 17, 14 and 11.

While solemnisers can be officially booked only three months in advance, Mr Tan, who is a community club management committee chairman in Sembawang GRC, takes note of the dates and tries his best not to disappoint couples.

In nine years, he has conducted about 3,000 solemnisations. Almost all his weekends for the past five years have been spent marrying people.

He schedules up to two solemnisations a day, but tries to ensure that both are in the evening or in the afternoon so that he can have lunch or dinner with his family.

"The couples do keep me updated about their lives, inviting me to their baby functions," he said.

The solemnisers whom The Sunday Times spoke to all shared similar stories of friendship and giving love advice.

Ms Joanna Portilla, 45, who has been married for 14 years and has a nine-year-old son, has been a grassroots leader and solemniser for 10 years and has married about 1,000 couples.

"They are strangers first. Then we become friends on Facebook. Sometimes, it becomes a family thing and I marry the siblings too," she said.

She vividly remembers solemnising the marriage of a 76-year-old man and a 78-year-old woman who had been living together for 40 years.

"If you saw them together, you wouldn't have realised they didn't have any papers."

Mr Lim, who has been married for 20 years and has two daughters aged 13 and 15, said he advises couples not to tie the knot simply to get a Housing Board flat. He also tries to bring out their romance.

"I make sure they draft their own vows. When it is from their own heart, it's more meaningful," he said.


This article was first published on July 24, 2016.
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Passers-by from all races rush to help injured old man near Pasir Ris Elias CC

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If the recent posts about racism encountered in Singapore has brought you down, this will lift your spirits again.

A Facebook post by Khairul Farhan recounted a heartwarming incident on Jul 21, at about 7.30pm near Pasir Ris Elias Community Club.

He wrote, "What happened last night reaffirmed my beliefs that RACIAL HARMONY is still strong in Singapore!"

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What happened last night reaffirmed my beliefs that RACIAL HARMONY is still strong in Singapore ! About 7:30pm last...

Posted by Khairul Farhan on Friday, 22 July 2016

Khairul and his wife saw an old man fell off his bike, and he was bleeding.

He said:

"I yelled to my wife to call the ambulance while I dug my bag for a shirt. I immediately applied pressure on his head where he was bleeding from.

"He was shivering and muttering. I continued applying pressure and carried him up to sit at the ledge. At that point of time all I could think of is to stop his bleeding as it has already went down to his shirt."

What happened next warmed his heart.

"Out of nowhere, a few passers-by came by to help.

"1) A Chinese woman shielded the old man with an umbrella while asking the old man for his family member's contact.

"2) A Malay man came to us and took the old man's bicycle aside (it was still in front of me)

"3) An Indian man rushed to the nearest clinic and called the doctor to help

"4) A Bangladeshi man stood behind me to shield me and the old man from the rain while I was still applying pressure"

He continued:

"I don't even know the names of the people who helped me last night but I was truly touched and moved by the unconditional help by our fellow Singaporeans (and Foreign help!!)

"What gave me hope that the uncle can make it was that he was even asking for his bicycle when he was being put on the ambulance."


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Indoor fireworks dazzle at NDP preview show

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Audiences at this year's National Day Parade (NDP) will be treated to an indoor fireworks display for the first time, as the event returns to the National Stadium after a decade.

This will be the largest indoor fireworks display staged inside the National Stadium, with roughly five times more fireworks than that used at last year's SEA Games.

Yesterday, the first of two NDP preview shows kicked off with spectators streaming into the Sports Hub as early as 4pm. Among them was trade manager Chia Pei Fang, 28, who was watching the NDP "live" for the first time.

"It's definitely different from joining in the celebrations along Marina Bay in previous years," said Ms Chia, who went with her mother, sister and friend.

The audience at the preview enjoyed a closer look at the revelry and colours of the indoor fireworks display segment.

"From the ground up, there will be the comets and mines," said Military Expert 4 (ME4) Joel Li, chief safety officer of the Fireworks Committee, referring to the different types of fireworks.

"And for the fireworks flying downwards, we will have the falling stars for a longer burning effect."

The parade will feature 16 flame projectors, 36 high-powered lasers and 1,000 units of lights, all synchronised to upbeat remixes of popular NDP songs.

Preparations for the indoor fireworks typically begin four days in advance.

A team of 50 Singapore Armed Forces personnel is roped in for the massive task, which includes packing the fireworks into 98 pyrotechnic boxes.

At the stadium, the boxes are connected to wires at 36 locations lining the sides of the stage and 26 along the sides of the four ramps.

There are also 36 boxes on the ground in front of the stage, linked wirelessly to the firing system.

Overhead, six fireworks structures are hoisted 45m high and secured to the roof of the stadium.

For safety, the fireworks are installed 5m away from performers and 15m from spectators. Fans help to improve air quality and flow.

Besides the indoor fireworks, fireworks will also be set off outdoors over Kallang Basin during the NDP.


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Racial harmony will help us prevent, respond to and recover from attack: DPM Teo

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In the wake of a spate of terror attacks in Europe, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean yesterday urged Singaporeans to strengthen their resolve to maintain peace and racial harmony here.

Speaking on the sidelines of a community sports event, he said: "By having good racial harmony, it helps us to prevent, it helps us to respond, and it helps us to recover if ever an attack were to take place."

He highlighted the recent arrests in neighbouring countries, including that of 14 Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants by the Malaysian authorities who were caught with a 1kg improvised explosive device.

These "reflect the level of activity that is going on in the countries around us", he said, adding that Singapore has also had to deal with people who encourage extremism and violence. "We should stop these people, we should take them in and make sure that we guide them along the right path, if we do find such people in Singapore."

Singaporeans who notice someone "who may be going down the wrong way", should bring the matter up to friends, religious figures or the authorities. "We can guide him on the right path, save him, save his family, save the community from harm," said Mr Teo, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security.

"No country in the world today is immune from terrorism. That's why we have to prepare for all three phases: To prevent as much as possible, to respond if there's an attack, and most importantly, to maintain social harmony and unity should an attack happen."

Yesterday, more than 40,000 residents took part in Community Sports Day events across 76 locations in Singapore. The inaugural sports day, organised by the People's Association, is meant to promote racial harmony.

At Pasir Ris Elias Community Club yesterday, 500 people took part in a fun race and games with a kampong theme - such as sepak takraw and skipping - flavoured with an ethnic twist. For example, the sepak takraw teams of three had to be made up of different races. Similarly, participants had to skip 20 times while wearing a traditional Indian sarong called a lungi.

Games, Mr Teo said, are a "wonderful way to bring people together" since it is a common language everyone can enjoy.

Engineer Gopa Kumar, 48, taught his teammates to wear the lungi. "The games really help build bonds with your neighbours," he said.


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Bye bye, Big Splash

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The splashes at Big Splash have been missing for a decade now. Come October, the 40-year-old East Coast Park landmark and its name will also go the way of the multi-coloured water slides into history.

When its lease expires, the site will be returned to the Government for redevelopment, thus bringing the curtain down on one of Singapore's first water theme parks.

Housewife Toh Sew Lay, 52, who once visited the water theme park with her secondary school classmates, says: "Going there was a real treat because it was the biggest water park at the time. I had so much fun playing in the pool.

"I could not swim, so I found the slides a little daunting at first. Nonetheless, I still went on them in the end and had a splashing good time."

The attraction was developed in 1977 at a cost of $6 million by Goldhill Properties, a private developer, and opened in the same year as a water theme park with four pools, including a 50m-long pool capable of creating 1m-high waves, a 230m-long flowpool, where water was kept in constant flow, and a children's pool. All the pools were filled with seawater.

The water slides had five lanes. The tallest slides were more than six storeys high and were reportedly the highest water slides in the world at the time.

During Big Splash's heyday in the 1980s, it had big-name tenants such as KFC and many corporate events were held there.

Mr Morgan Chow, 64, public relations manager of current anchor tenant, The Seafood International Market & Restaurant, has been working at the restaurant since 1983. He recalls the numerous celebrities who visited the place, including Hong Kong actors Chow Yun Fat and Stephen Chow, Taiwanese star Chiling Lin and Chinese actress Gong Li.

He says: "For me to meet so many famous people and be able to talk to them, I felt very honoured."

But in the 1990s, the 300,000 sq ft Big Splash complex fell into disrepair. The slides grew filmy with algae and word of the dubious sanitation of the pools spread and became an urban myth.

Between 1997 and 2000, it reportedly suffered losses.

Then in 2006, Seafood International tendered for the site from National Parks Board and did away with the water slides. It has since become a lifestyle and dining enclave.

Its last day of operation is Oct 21, although some businesses will cease operations earlier.

Some tenants, including Seafood International, will have to stop operations temporarily while they look for new locations.

But until its closure on Sept 16, the 500-seat restaurant - which has been operating at the location since 1983 - will run a Thai-themed a la carte lunch buffet promotion, featuring many dishes on its original menu, such as Thai prawn cakes, fishcakes and basil prawn and chicken.

Says its director Justin Tan, 43: "We want to bring back the favourites for old times' sake, so those who supported us can come back for one last visit."


This article was first published on July 24, 2016.
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Former lifeguards still at Big Splash

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The year was 1988 and Mr Wong Tham Poh was a lifeguard at Big Splash water theme park.

On weekends, when thousands thronged the park, he strode the premises in a white T-shirt, red shorts and sunglasses.

He thought himself the king of safety - with a sculpted physique - who also knew how to have fun.

Whenever he was on a break, he would join in the water games that patrons were playing. How many invitations did he get a day? He did not keep count.

Mr Wong, now 53, says: "Back then, work felt like a party every day. The lifeguards - there were about 30 of us - felt like one big family.

"We were young, we got along. We loved the customers - the more, the merrier, really. Even if we were not on duty, many of us lifeguards showed up. Honestly, in those days, what else could you do with your free time?"

His nickname at the pool was "Spider" because of the way he swam freestyle.

"People said my body looked like a spider swimming - my limbs were all over the place. But at least I could swim fast," says Mr Wong, who worked part time and full time as a lifeguard at Big Splash for 18 years.

Although he met many pretty lasses in the course of his work, he never dated any of them. His wife was a salesgirlhe met outside of his job and, ironically, she could not swim.

Mr Wong, who has two sons aged 18 and 13, says: "You could say I was pretty wild when I was young. But even when I was having fun, I kept one eye on the pool."

He recalls going to the aid of children who unwittingly ended up at the deep end of the pool, but does not remember the details.

During the theme park's heyday, there were occasional reports of customers injuring themselves while going down the slides.

He says: "If you followed the instructions - sit upright and hold the sides of the slide - you would have no problem. It was only when customers tried to do stunts - like stand up or jump from lane to lane while going down - that trouble arrived."

Nowadays, he works full time as a lorry driver for a shipping company. In the evenings, he works as a kitchen hand at The Seafood International Market & Restaurant, killing crabs, lobsters and fish ordered by customers.

He says: "It is strange that my life came to revolve around Big Splash. But it is honestly not a bad place to be."

Another former lifeguard at Big Splash, Mr Gary Lim, 40, also works at the lifestyle and dining enclave now, as a property maintenance executive.

Referring to his lifeguard days, Mr Wong says: "My life now is more mellow. As they say, all good things come to an end. Still, I am grateful I was that person once - young, fun, without a care in the world."


This article was first published on July 24, 2016.
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Growing up and marrying at the Big Splash

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In 1985, Mr Kee Ah Lam married Madam Ang Ah Keok at The Seafood International Market & Restaurant, where he works as a purchasing manager.

Last year, the elder of their two sons, Mr Kee Yong Ming, married his wife Connie Lee at the same restaurant.

Accountant Yong Ming, 30, says: "Big Splash has been a big part of my life. My father was already working there when I was born. As a child, I visited the water theme park and had many fond memories there.

"You can also see the sea from the restaurant. When it was time to choose a location for my wedding, it was my first choice."

In 1983, his father started work at the restaurant as a storeman. Two years later, he married Madam Ang, who handles quality control in a factory.

Looking at his wedding photos, Mr Kee says: "See the flared trousers I was wearing? In those days, such trousers were very fashionable.

"I chose the restaurant because I worked there. Why would I want the best day of my life to be anywhere else?"

He adds: "Having your wedding dinner at a restaurant was also cheaper than at a hotel."

A year after the wedding, he left to work in the construction industry. But three years later, he returned to work in the restaurant and has not left since.

He says: "I realised that working in a restaurant was my true calling."

Yong Ming recalls that although his father worked at Big Splash, his family visited the attraction only a few times a year, due to his father's busy schedule and the fact that it was not easily accessible by public transport.

But when they played there, Yong Ming says, "we really enjoyed going down the slides, playing in the pool and eating at the KFC outlet".

"Those are among my best memories," he adds.

Nowadays, he visits Big Splash every one or two months - usually with his wife - to eat at the restaurant.

"I have grown up with Big Splash and seen it evolve over the years. It will be sad to see it go."


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Fans eager for launch of Pokemon Go here, but trespassers beware

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With Pokemon Go's debut in Japan on Friday, Singapore fans of the wildly popular game expect it to be launched here soon and are getting ready and set to go.

Some have already mapped out possible locations to "catch" the game's cuddly virtual pocket monsters, and take part in the latest global mobile game sensation.

Using what is known as augmented reality, the game allows players to see these virtual creatures in real-life locations through the lens of a smartphone camera. Places where these creatures battle or gather are called "gyms" and "Pokestops".

Fourteen-year-old Nicole Oo is convinced that a "Pokestop" will be at the Old Ford Motor Factory at Upper Bukit Timah Road, now closed for renovation. She said she has an advantage as she lives in a condominium behind the factory.

"I will go close to the edge of my condo to access the Pokestop at the factory to get balls to 'catch' any Pokemon that show up," said the avid gamer, who aims to nab all 151 of the game's creatures.

Mr Tan Jing Jie, 22, who is doinging national service, said he spotted two "gyms" near his home in Hillview when he downloaded the version of the game released in Australia. This worked for a while before it was locked down.

"I will be visiting these 'gyms' after I book out from camp every night when the game is available," said Mr Tan.

Pokemon Go has been a global phenomenon since it was first released in the United States, Australia and New Zealand on July 6. It is now available in more than 35 countries, where it is free to download on both the iOS and Android operating systems.

However, on the flip side, the game has also led to reports of gamers breaking into private properties, raising huge security and privacy concerns.

Last Tuesday, a Frenchman was caught trespassing at a military base in Indonesia while playing Pokemon Go. In Singapore, designated gyms and Pokestops could be construction sites, army camps, school grounds and the Istana, prompting experts to warn of possible trespass.

Assistant Professor Alex Mitchell of the communications and new media department at the National University of Singapore said: "The popularity of the game will likely fade over time, only to be replaced by other augmented reality games. We need to develop social protocols for these games."

He said property owners could put up quirky signs like: "Pokemons are here to guard the base, please leave them alone."

Associate Professor Dion Goh of Nanyang Technological University's Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information said: "If trespassing is a problem, property owners could submit requests to game maker Niantic to remove the Pokestops from their location."

The police said it will investigate every complaint of trespass and take appropriate action. Those found guilty of trespass may be fined or jailed, or both, depending on the severity of the case.


This article was first published on July 24, 2016.
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Security firms not ready for wage ladder

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With six weeks to go before a new wage ladder sets in to lift the pay of security officers, fewer than half the security firms here are prepared for the change.

Union of Security Employees executive secretary Steve Tan said that around 100 out of some 250 security agencies are ready to implement the Progressive Wage Model (PWM), which will be mandatory for the security sector from Sept 1.

The PWM is a framework for basic pay and career progression of low-wage workers who are Singaporeans or permanent residents so as to improve their well-being.

It is already compulsory for the cleaning and landscaping sectors.

Even though the security firms which are ready employ the bulk - or over two-thirds - of the industry's officers, it is unclear if the remaining 150 can meet the Sept 1 deadline. Not doing so would cost them their licences to operate.

Mr Tan said there would be no further grace period for the remaining firms to implement the PWM after it comes into effect.

"In 2014, we agreed as a tripartite committee upon a two-year timeline. To move it further now would be unfair to companies that have already established the framework," he said.

One company that recently made major adjustments is Certis Cisco, Singapore's largest security service provider. It managed to put in place the PWM for its 16,000 officers - more than a third of the industry's 43,000 active officers - on July 1.

Cisco vice-president of human resources Daniel Low said this meant the firm's security officers would see their average basic pay rise by 30 per cent, with a minimum wage of $1,100 for entry-level officers.

Senior officers will get a sweetener. "For our senior security supervisors, we have adopted a minimum pay of $2,500, as opposed to the PWM basic of $1,700," said Mr Low.

The moves were welcomed by workers like Mr Freddy Yuam, 26, who joined Cisco last year as a protection specialist. He was sent for courses to become a security supervisor after bosses saw his leadership potential. "I feel the new model acknowledges and rewards good performance," he said.

Mr Kumaran Ramanathan, 36, who has been with Cisco for a decade and is now an assistant manager in recruitment and administration, felt the new model will help draw new joiners to the industry.

National Trades Union Congress assistant secretary-general Zainal Sapari called on security agencies to step up the pace of training for officers, and estimated the industry might be short of 3,000 security supervisors come Sept 1.

"The PWM is based on the premise that the officers are better trained and hence they should be paid higher. Without the training component, it is a bit difficult to justify to service buyers why they should be paying more," he said.

"The labour market is very tight. Many of the security agencies... have to do what it takes to retain their officers," he added.


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