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Compass One mall re-opens after revamp

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Sengkang's Compass One mall officially opened yesterday after a major year-long upgrade.

Previously called Compass Point, the mall now includes 50 new retailers, including IT store Challenger, optical shop Owndays and eateries Royal London Duck and Paradise Hotpot. There is also a new wet and dry children's playground.

Long-time tenants like Cold Storage, Kiddy Palace and Royal Sporting House are also back. The mall opened its doors on Sept 1.

Mayor for the North East District Teo Ser Luck, who attended the opening, said: "The mall is an important focus for the community and has contributed to the development of the community over the years. I am delighted it has been upgraded and re-opened to complement other amenities in the area."

Ng Chiang Ling, chief executive of mall owner M&G Real Estate Asia, said that the "substantial investment" made to refurbish and upgrade the mall demonstrated the company's long-term confidence in Sengkang.

The mall serves more than 260,000 people, mainly from Sengkang, Punggol and Hougang. Ms Ng said that new features like the playground, a nursing room and more eateries were introduced to cater to the needs of the community, which includes young families, who may eat out frequently.

"The mall is already 12 years old. It was built for the needs of its time. We knew that if we wanted to keep the mall serving the community, we had to do something about it," she said.

jalmsab@sph.com.sg


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Wednesday, September 28, 2016 - 08:59
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Alert MOM to layoffs early: Teo Ser Luck

Pedestrian's death: Ex-SBS Transit driver charged

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A bus driver who ran into an elderly pedestrian on his first day of work was charged in court yesterday with causing death through negligence.

Malaysian Wong Kum Fatt, 36, was driving service 235 when he allegedly failed to give way while making a left turn out from Toa Payoh interchange into Lorong 6. His bus collided with 78-year-old Mr Wee Joon Kin who was walking on a pedestrian crossing on July 7 this year just before 6.30am.

Mr Wee was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Photo: The Straits Times

Wong's lawyer Rajan Supramaniam asked that the case be adjourned for a Criminal Case Management Session (CCMS) to review the evidence.

District Judge Ronald Gwee adjourned Wong's case to Oct 25 and extended his bail until then.

Wong, whose service with SBS Transit has been terminated, was in court with his wife and sister-in-law.

The maximum penalty for causing death through a negligent act is two years' jail and a fine.


This article was first published on September 28, 2016.
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Wednesday, September 28, 2016 - 14:00
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Potential plastic bag charges divides Singapore netizens, proves there are 2 kinds of people

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What do Singaporean netizens care about?

Apparently, charges on plastic bags used during supermarket shopping trips.

According to a report on Channel NewsAsia at around 10pm last night, "local supermarket chains could impose a plastic bag charge if there is an industry-wide effort to implement one".

The statement comes as a response to environmental group Zero Waste's call for the Government to introduce charges on the use of plastic bags among Singaporeans.

Executive director of Zero Waste, Mr Eugene Tay, said: "If there is a charge [for plastic bags] then people will start thinking about how can they reduce the plastic bags that they take."

The group proposed that retailers charge their customers 10 cents and 5 cents for large and smaller plastic bags respectively, which already sparked discussions on Facebook on the feasibility of the solution.

For example, a netizen said, "Most dwellers use plastic bags to recycle as trash bag. Imagine them dumping trash directly into our rubbish chutes. It would be environmentally unhygienic when the waste foods start rotting inside."

On the Government side, Member of Parliament Lee Bee Wah, chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Environment and Water Resources firmly stated that it should be the big supermarkets' duty to carry out this proposal, as "The Government should look at education; look at bigger issues on the environment, not just plastic bags, per se."

Spokespeople from the Dairy Farm group (which owns Cold Storage and Giant), and NTUC FairPrice have come forward to tell CNA that at the moment, they already have incentives and efforts in place to reduce the dependence on plastic bags by their shoppers.

Singaporeans are said to use a whopping 2.5 billion plastic bags each year, and according to statistics from the National Environment Agency's website, 824,600 tonnes of plastic waste were generated in 2015.

From the latest report, it does seem like these big supermarket chains have decided to respond, albeit without promising anything concrete, to the proposal.

Singaporean Netizens Debate

In response to the news, netizens seem to be somewhat divided.

One begged for others to look at the "bigger issue" as compared to potential inconveniences:

“The rubbish thrown down the chute doesn’t just disappear into thin air y’know.”​

Some have mentioned how it is "long overdue", and suggested ways that the implementation can be carried out:

“[…] Provide one or two reusable shopping bags to the low income group.”  

 

“For those who [don’t request for plastic bags], you pay them instead.”​ 

One called for the Government to take the lead, in light of other nations already taking nationwide steps to reduce plastic waste:

 “So come on Singapore Government […] make it compulsory across the industry”​ 

 

“Adding charges to [the] consumer is definitely not the way to go.”​ 

However, some are adamantly against the potential changes, and have spoken out strongly against it:

 “Don’t buy the hype” 

 

 “[It’s utter] nonsense.”​ 

Regardless, the sentiments can be accurately summarised in this particular thread, and the number of 'likes' for each polarising comment:

 Photo: Screenshot from CNA’s Facebook page

Online Grocery Providers Can Be Pioneers In Environmentally-Friendly Practices

 Netizen cites saving time and money on taxi rides

What's interesting though, is the fact that a few have taken to the news as even more reason to grocery shop online.

The online grocery shopping scene is a highly competitive one, with honestbee and RedMart being among the few big players in the (pun intended) market.

Honestbee team / Photo: Vulcan Post

An increasing number of Singaporeans, even without the plastic bag charge fiasco, have been turning to these online providers due to the convenience that comes with the services, especially in light of their busy schedules and the need for a means of transport after an intense grocery shopping session.

Perhaps then, these providers can be the pioneers in encouraging environmentally-friendly practices, and use recyclable bags for their clients' purchases.

Regardless, the issue seems to be still in pending mode, and there's no certainty on what the verdict will be.

What do you think about the potential charges? Let us know!

Vulcan Post is all about living life with a digital edge, up and coming startups, and people who inspire conversations.
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Wednesday, September 28, 2016 - 15:08
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Video showing men in SCDF uniform having sex being investigated by police

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Police are investigating a video that shows two young men in the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) uniform having sex.

The video, titled 'SCDF boys shimy' was uploaded on a streaming site, where it has since garnered nearly 18,000 views.

It is unclear when or where exactly the clip was filmed, but a link to the video was also posted on the forum of sammyboy.com this morning (Sep 28).

The men in the video could not be identified. One guy's face was out of the frame while the other, clad in an SCDF uniform and bent over a desk, had his face censored.

According to The Straits Times, SCDF said it has reported the film to the police.

They said in a statement: "SCDF takes a serious view of the matter and has lodged a police report. The police are investigating the matter for an offence under the Films Act."

It is an offence to make, reproduce or distribute an "obscene film" under section 29 of the Act.


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Wednesday, September 28, 2016 - 21:11
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Boy, 2, rescued after 17-hour stand-off

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A 17-HOUR stand-off between the police and a man who had locked himself in a Sembawang flat with a two-year-old boy ended at noon yesterday when police broke into the fifth floor unit.

The 39-year-old man was arrested for wrongful confinement and drug-related offences, while the boy - who was unharmed - is now in the custody of the authorities.

The boy's mother, who was involved in an alleged dispute with the man before the stand-off occurred, was also arrested at the scene for drug-related offences.

Officers from Special Operations Command broke into the unit at 12.03pm, police said in an update on its Facebook page.

The dramatic stand-off at Block 462, Sembawang Drive, started when police received a call at 6.44pm on Tuesday.

The Straits Times understands that the man and the boy's mother are friends.

A resident of the block, Adam Bhai, 33, a personal trainer, said he heard the loud cries of a child coming from the flat at around 8pm.

"The man refused to open the door to police," a police spokesman had said.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said that it set up a safety life air pack at the foot of the block on Tuesday evening.

SCDF also dispatched a fire engine, a red rhino, two fire bikes, an ambulance and three support vehicles.

Its Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team was also put on standby.

Sembawang GRC MP Lim Wee Kiak, who was at the scene earlier, said the police had been working hard to negotiate with the man and their most pressing concern was the safety of both the individual and the child.

He said they were trying to resolve the family dispute and based on database checks, the family was not on the Government's ComCare financial assistance.

Dr Lim said the mother has three other children, who are with their grandmother in Woodlands.

adrianl@sph.com.sg
feliciac@sph.com.sg


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Thursday, September 29, 2016 - 08:10
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DPM Tharman rules himself out as next prime minister: 'I am not the man for PM'

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SINGAPORE - Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam yesterday (Sept 28) ruled out the possibility that he might be PM, saying Singapore has a distinctive political culture where each minister contributes to the team in a way that matches his strengths.

This culture has been built up over time and the next PM - who will be "first among equals" - will be decided from among the fourth generation of leaders, he added.

"There's no urgency to see succession in this term of government. That's why we're focused on the fourth generation of leaders, building them up and enabling them to take over during the next term of government," he said.

Mr Tharman was responding to questions from reporters on recent speculation, including a poll that Yahoo Singapore ran on Monday, that showed him as respondents' top choice to be Singapore's fourth PM.

"Just to be absolutely clear, because I know of this talk that's going around, I'm not the man for PM. I say that categorically. It's not me. I know myself, I know what I can do, and it's not me," he said.

"I'm good at policymaking, I'm good at advising my younger colleagues, and at supporting the PM - not at being the PM. That's not me."

Asked if his age was a concern to his being considered for next PM, the 59-year-old said: "I'm quite clear about this. I know who I am and I know what I'm capable of doing, and I know how I am best able to serve Singapore."

Mr Tharman cited as examples Old Guard stalwarts Goh Keng Swee and S Rajaratnam, saying: "Their contributions to Singapore were immense, and till today they are in a league of their own, but even they would not have been ideal as a PM."

He said Dr Goh was a remarkable person without whom Singapore would be much poorer and much less secure, but "did not have the temperament to be PM and did not want to be".

As for Mr Rajaratnam, an "extremely good foreign minister", "he wasn't cut out to be PM, he knew it, and no one regards him the lesser because he wasn't PM."

"I mention them as illustration. I myself and no one in future is going to come close to Dr Goh and Rajaratnam's contributions to Singapore, but even they would not have been ideal as PM," he added.

"We each find a way to contribute to Singapore, that matches our strengths, and we each contribute to a strong team."

As for Singapore's political culture, he said: "No one is out to outdo someone else in Cabinet, or worse still to undermine someone else in Cabinet because he or she could be a competitor to them. Everyone is in this as a member of the team. It's a culture that we've built up over time that we must absolutely keep."

Mr Tharman added that he sees this in the fourth generation of leaders, some of whom entered politics in the 2011 elections, others in 2015.

"I've seen how they work together, I've seen them building up trust with each other," he said.

He also made clear that Singapore does not face an "immediate problem" when it comes to succession, because PM Lee Hsien Loong is healthy despite a recent scare at last month's National Day Rally. PM Lee is "still on top of the challenges that Singapore faces", and is highly regarded by the international community, Mr Tharman said.

PM Lee has previously said he plans to step down some time after the next general election, which must be called by Jan 15, 2021.

Mr Tharman said there are a few fourth-generation leaders who could be "first amongst equals during the next term of government".

Asked whether the list of potential PMs has narrowed for him, he said: "We all have our sense as to who has the potential to be the first among equals and it doesn't lessen the contributions of the others."

"Who thinks lowly of Raja and Goh Keng Swee? They were towering figures, but not everyone is suited to be the PM," he added.

"The whole idea is build a strong team to take Singapore forward, and I'm confident of that in the fourth generation. I've watched them; I know them well," he said.

"Some I've known for a long time like (Finance Minister Heng) Swee Keat; some others over the last six years. I've confidence in them and some of us in the third generation would be around to support them."


This article was first published on September 28, 2016.
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Thursday, September 29, 2016 - 09:32
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Faulty rail halts Bukit Panjang LRT

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The troubled Bukit Panjang LRT (BPLRT) line faced yet another setback yesterday as train services were suspended between interchange stations for almost five hours, causing inconvenience for thousands of commuters.

The culprit was a signal rail joint near the Choa Chu Kang station, which was damaged on Tuesday evening.

This caused the current collector devices - which serve to transfer power and signals from the tracks to the trains - on several train cars to dislodge as they moved over the damaged joint.

As a result, services were halted both on Tuesday night and yesterday between the Bukit Panjang and Choa Chu Kang stations, both of which connect to MRT lines.

SMRT said engineering staff worked through the night to correct the problem.

But while services had resumed by 6.40am, a track fault near Choa Chu Kang station caused a power trip on the line at about 10.20am, said SMRT, resulting in train services being stopped again between Bukit Panjang and Choa Chu Kang stations.

Services for the entire 7.8km LRT line, which serves more than 60,000 commuters daily, were suspended between noon and 1.20pm for inspections and assessments by engineers.

Subsequently, service for the eight stations between Bukit Panjang and Petir resumed at 1.20pm. Service B, which travels between the Petir and Choa Chu Kang stations, resumed at 5.45pm.

Shuttle services between stations and regular bus services were free for the duration of the disruptions. Travel on the LRT line was also free until the end of service at about 1am.

SMRT Trains managing director Lee Ling Wee apologised for the inconvenience to commuters. "BPLRT trains will be partially manned as a contingency until the end of service today," he added.

The Bukit Panjang line has been beset with problems since it began operating in 1999, most recently in July, when a faulty antenna caused a train to fail to stop at three stations.

azhaki@sph.com.sg


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Thursday, September 29, 2016 - 09:04
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1st govt-run nursing home here opens

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From sensors that alert staff if frail residents leave their beds or toilets unassisted to mechanical wheelchair storage solutions, the first Government-run nursing home here is trying to "push the boundaries" in the eldercare sector.

The three-storey, 130-bed Pearl's Hill Care Home - which used to be Pearl's Hill School - was officially opened in Chinatown yesterday by Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong.

It is operated by Vanguard Healthcare, which was set up by the Ministry of Health (MOH) last year to run its own nursing homes.

Two years ago, MOH announced that it would operate several nursing homes to better understand the issues faced by operators, and come up with solutions and innovations in eldercare which can be adopted by others.

The MOH said it intended to directly operate about 1,000 beds by 2020 - 6 per cent of the total here.

Latest statistics show that the proportion of Singaporeans aged 65 and above grew from 13.1 per cent last year to 13.7 per cent this year.

Currently, there are more than 12,000 nursing home beds and the target is to have 17,000 in four years' time.

The second nursing home to be run by Vanguard will open in Woodlands at the end of next year.

"Vanguard will develop new models of care that are cost-effective while striving to provide affordable quality care to patients," said Mr Gan.

"We will share our experiences and innovations with other providers in the eldercare sector to push the boundaries, so as to benefit the sector as a whole."

The home is working with Ngee Ann Polytechnic on new projects, such as having sensors in the toilet. These help to prevent falls by alerting caregivers when the patient attempts to stand up from the toilet seat unassisted.

It is also trying out a space-saving solution for wheelchair storage by mechanically lifting wheelchairs onto a two-tier rack.

Besides long-term stays, Pearl's Hill Care Home also provides short-term rehabilitation services for patients leaving hospital before they return home.

Since it started operating in January, its 50-plus staff have cared for 159 residents. So far, 18 of them have gone home.

jantai@sph.com.sg


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Thursday, September 29, 2016 - 10:10
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Zika cluster at Bishan St 12 is first to be 'closed'

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The Zika cluster at Bishan Street 12 was declared closed yesterday by the National Environment Agency (NEA).

It is the first Zika cluster to close since the outbreak began in Singapore on Aug 27.

Five cases were linked to the area, which was designated a cluster on Sept 6.

 
 

No new cases have been reported in the past two weeks, although the NEA said that the area will be kept under close surveillance for another three weeks, until Oct 10.

Continued vigilance is advised as the virus could still be spread by asymptomatic patients.

The NEA has carried out vector control measures in the area, detecting and destroying two mosquito-breeding sites in homes and six more in other premises.

Currently, there are eight other Zika clusters around the island, although seven have not had any new cases in the past two weeks.

The only cluster that reported new cases in that timeframe is the initial Aljunied Crescent cluster, where four of its 294 cases fell in the past fortnight.

To date, there have been 408 diagnosed cases of locally transmitted Zika in Singapore.

leowhma@sph.com.sg

on SPH Brightcove

Read also: Singapore goes to war against Zika


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Thursday, September 29, 2016 - 10:31
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Hair dyes do not contain excessive skin sensitisers: Case

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Hair dyes sold in Singapore do not contain excessive skin sensitisers that may trigger allergic reactions in people with sensitive skins, said a statement by the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) today.

Earlier this year, Case commissioned a test on 20 hair dyes sold in Singapore. The test results showed that they are safe and do not exceed the safety limits set for the following skin sensitisers:

- p-Phenylenediamine (PPD)
- Toluene-2,5-diamine (PTD)
- m-Aminophenol (MAP)
- Resorcinol

Case purchased a total of 20 samples from a variety of hair dyes of different shades, brands and countries of manufacture, focussing on permanent hair dyes for home use. They were purchased from personal care chains, departmental stores and neighbourhood retail shops.

The samples were tested for their PPD, PTD, MAP and resorcinol content at CASE's designated test laboratory.

These chemicals, which are found in dyes for home and salon use, are also skin sensitisers that may trigger allergic dermatitis, blisters and rashes on the scalp and face in individuals with sensitive skin, said the statement.

Such reactions may happen up to two days after the treatment. Skin sensitisers in hair dyes are also believed to have triggered fatal reactions in two cases in Britain in 2011 and 2012.

Read also: Korean man's head balloons after dyeing hair in salon

Recommendations

Case advises consumers using hair dyes at home to follow the manufacturers' usage directions carefully. Mixing the products correctly ensures that there are minimal residual skin sensitisers in the dye.

They can also minimise skin contact with the dyes by using protective gloves and applying Vaseline to their ears, hairline and neck before dying their hair, said the statement.

Consumers who develop skin problems after dying their hair should stop using them immediately and seek medical attention, while those who are unsure of their reaction to these chemicals may wish to seek medical advice in advance.

spanaech@sph.com.sg

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Thursday, September 29, 2016 - 12:03
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9 outstanding women achievers honoured at the Great Women of Our Time Awards 2016

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Singapore - From a museum curator to the founder of a voluntary organisation, nine outstanding women have been honoured at this year's Great Women of Our Time Awards.

The awards ceremony is an annual initiative that honours the achievements of the country's most inspiring women.

The Singapore Women's Weekly, one of Singapore's most popular women's magazines published by SPH Magazines Pte Ltd, announced the winners at a cocktail party cum awards presentation at Lewin Terrace on Thursday (Sept 29).

On hand to grace the event was Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Finance Ms Indranee Rajah.

Here's a look at the winners for all the categories:

Arts and Media

Lim Shu Juan
Curator, National Gallery Singapore

After a $532 m decade-long restoration, the National Gallery Singapore is now home to the world's largest collection of modern Southeast Asian art. Behind the transformation of the former Supreme Court and City Hall, stands a committed team of industry experts, including Ms Lim, who played a key role in the restoration project as its building history curator.

She is also the project editor of The Making of National Gallery Singapore, a 168-page book that documents the history and transition of the two monuments.

Design and Style

Lim Wen Hui
Director, Spark Architects

Many of us have marvelled at the architectural design of the rejuvenated Clarke Quay and the beautiful Shanghai International Cruise Terminal. These well-known projects were completed by award-winning architecture firm, Spark.

Ms Lim, who spearheads the socially-conscious firm's Singapore headquarters, also oversees its global brand and graphic identity. She is credited for leading the teams that won Spark's first commissions in Vietnam in 2009, and in Australia in 2013.

Education and Public Service

Fion Phua
Founder, Keeping Hope Alive

For over 20 years, Ms Phua and her team of more than 50 volunteers have been knocking on the doors of one- and two-room rental flats every Sunday, actively seeking out residents who need help. These volunteers deliver porridge to the needy, providing them with practical necessities like induction cookers and mattresses.

Last year, the mother-of-one was a recipient of the annual President's Volunteerism and Philanthropy Awards, and also won The Singapore Woman Award 2015.

Finance and Commerce

Yvon Bock
Managing Director & Founder, Hegen

Ms Bock's vision has always been about making a difference. The mother-of-four drew on her own breastfeeding experience to create a revolutionary line of baby bottles. Hegen was founded with the aim to design meaningful products that advocate breastfeeding, protect the integrity of breast milk, and enhance the breastfeeding journey for parents everywhere.

In 2014, the mumpreneur showcased Hegen bottles at Kind + Jugend, the largest baby products trade show in Cologne, Germany.

Health, Sports and Wellness

Dr Sheila Vasoo
Senior Consultant & Rheumatologist, Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre

Dr Vasoo pioneered the Pregnancy Loss Program (a first in Singapore) at the National University Hospital with Professor Mahesh Choolani.

In 2012, she was awarded the John Gusdon New Investigator Award at the joint American and European Society of Reproductive Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting, for their work on the placenta and the immune system in women with recurrent pregnancy losses.

Science and Technology

Associate Professor Ho Ghim Wei
Associate Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore

Believing that women can excel equally in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) industry, Assoc Prof Ho now leads the Ho Research Group at NUS with the aim of creating novel nanostructured materials for energy and environmental sustainability.

Last year, the mother-of-two was an honouree winner in the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) 2015 Awards.

Subsidiary Award - Skin Inc Outstanding Businesswoman Award

Tan Su-Lyn
Co-founder & CEO, The Ate Group

Ms Tan is a multi-hyphenate: As a brand catalyst, she co-founded integrated communications agency, The Ate Group (which counts Odette, Destination New South Wales, and The Omakase Group, amongst its illustrious list of clients); she has edited numerous cookbooks and restaurant guides, such as Passion and Inspiration (renowned chef Justin Quek's first cookbook), and the Lonely Planet World Food Guide to Malaysia and Singapore.

She also co-founded food blog Chubby Hubby with her husband, Aun Koh.

Subsidiary Award - Swarovski Trendsetter Award

Winnie Chan
Founder and CEO, Bynd Artisan

Bynd Artisan reflects Ms Chan's fight to take the traditional art of bookbinding into the future. Bynd Artisan is her way to provide the new generation of customers with a tactile experience of choosing and making their own notebooks - something Ms Chan, the third generation scion of Grandluxe, a 71-year-old stationary manufacturing company, wants to preserve as we enter a digital world.

In July, the home-grown brand, which can be found in selected retailers in Singapore, made its first international launch in Lane Crawford, IFC Mall, in Hong Kong.

Most Inspiring Award

Chrissy Goh-Tasker
Founder and CEO, JLCSports.com

When Ms Goh-Tasker wanted to spend time with her young child, she decided to start her own e-commerce site retailing sporting goods, right at home. Her company JLCSports.com has since become the leading online regional platform that acts as both retailer and wholesaler for sports brands such as Adidas, Puma, New Balance and Nike.

Ms Goh-Tasker has since diversified into the business of recycling.

Her company Nephews & Nieces imports beautiful vintage furnishings from the UK; while her latest venture, The Gon Company, has developed a Domestic Crushing Machine that reduces the size of recyclable cans and bottles. She hopes this will be a way we all can play a part in caring for the environment.

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Thursday, September 29, 2016 - 20:03
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Singapore's next PM to be decided among younger members of Cabinet: PM Lee

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TOKYO - It is up to the younger members of the Cabinet to decide among themselves who the next Prime Minister will be, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Thursday (Sept 29).

"They have to decide, because they have to support him, and help to make the system, make the team work," he said at a special session of the 22nd Nikkei International Conference on The Future of Asia in Tokyo.

Mr Lee was responding to a question on Singapore's leadership succession from session moderator Sonoko Watanabe, who is editor-in-chief of business publication Nikkei Asian Review.

His remarks came a day after Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, 59, categorically ruled himself out of the running to succeed Mr Lee, 64, who has been prime minister since 2004.

The question of Singapore's political leadership succession took on added significance after Mr Lee briefly took ill during his speech at last month's National Day Rally. He recovered and returned after an hour to complete it.

Mr Lee himself has repeatedly said that he plans to step down some time after the next general election, which must be held by April 2021.

At the Nikkei forum on Thursday, he said Singapore wants its leaders to be "able people, good people, committed people - people who can connect with the population, who can lead Singapore, who are prepared to fight for what they believe in and fight for what they can do together."

Based on these qualities, he said, he has assembled "to the best of my ability" a team in Cabinet.

And as for who will eventually assume his mantle, PM Lee said: "I've said very likely the next PM will come from amongst the younger members of my Cabinet.

"Who, (that) is up to them to work out among themselves and I hope in good time - I'm sure in good time - a consensus will develop among them as to who the next leader will be."

Read also: S'pore must not be seen to play multiple sides: PM


This article was first published on Sept 29, 2016.
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Friday, September 30, 2016 - 09:00
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Most children here fall short in whole grain intake

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Six out of 10 children in Singapore are not eating any whole grains, a new study has revealed.

The islandwide survey of 561 children in Singapore aged six to 12 was conducted by Newcastle University International Singapore.

Whole grains contain all parts of the grain: The germ, which includes vitamins such as B and E; the endosperm, which provides energy; and the bran, which is the fibre-rich outer protective shell.

Refined "white" grains contain only the endosperm.

The study found that 94 per cent of children surveyed here do not meet the United States' recommended daily intake of 48g of whole grains.

The study claim that people who regularly eat whole grains tend to have a better nutrient intake, healthier weight and are less likely to have diabetes and certain types of cancer.

For children who do consume whole grains, bread and rice were the most common sources. The two food products were tied at 29 per cent, the study found.

Breakfast cereals were a source of whole grains for 18 per cent of children surveyed.

The survey, said to be the first of its kind studying whole grain consumption habits of children here, is a joint venture between food companies General Mills, Nestle and Cereal Partners Worldwide, which makes breakfast cereals.

Singaporeans are becoming increasingly open to healthier food choices such as whole grains.

Wholegrain rice sales increased from about 2 per cent in 2008 to about 5 per cent last year, The Straits Times reported in June.

The topic of whole grains also took the spotlight earlier in May when The Straits Times reported that the preference for white rice was the Health Promotion Board's main concern in fighting diabetes.

In the months since, supermarket chains such as NTUC FairPrice have rolled out promotions for wholegrain rice options, with some chains reporting an increase in wholegrain rice sales while sales for white rice fell.

myp@sph.com.sg


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Friday, September 30, 2016 - 08:52
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S'pore must not be seen to play multiple sides: PM

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SINGAPORE must never be seen to be "playing multiple sides", Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told reporters yesterday at the end of a four-day official visit to Tokyo to mark 50 years of bilateral ties between Singapore and Japan.

"We must have a stand, our own position, and we stick to that position whomever we are talking to, whichever country or capital you are in," he said.

"When you make a speech, the gist of the message has to be the same. That's what I try to do, and that's what I tell the leaders I'm speaking to whether I'm in Washington, Hangzhou, Tokyo, Europe or Moscow. My essential message is the same."

Speaking about Singapore's "basic foreign policy approach" - which is to be friends with all the countries who want to befriend Singapore,

PM Lee added: "You cannot have different messages for different people because you will soon run into very serious trouble."

But he acknowledged that ties among Singapore's friends might, from time to time, be complicated by issues such as the territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

In such a situation, he said: "We will have to decide where we are going to stand, and how we can try our best to preserve our friendship with both sides of the issue."

Singapore, as the dialogue coordinator for ASEAN-China relations, has been consistent in what it stands for, said Mr Lee. "And where we can try to help push things forward for other countries, we work with them to do that."

But he added that, when the countries do not agree, Singapore accepts that there are different perspectives.

"I'm not exactly the same as your position but that doesn't mean I'm against you, and we have to work together because no single issue defines the whole relationship with another country," he said, noting the multifaceted nature of diplomatic relations, ranging from trade and people-to-people exchanges to tourism.

"You have to try and contain the issues where there may be difficulties, and not let it sour the whole gamut of ties," PM Lee added.

And within ASEAN, whose member states have substantive partnerships with major powers, countries "have to work out where they stand on issues and whose interests they take".

"I think most of the time, the ASEAN countries will decide on interests which are in their own or collectively ASEAN's interests, or where that's not possible, to take or state its own stand," he added.

PM Lee was scheduled to arrive in Singapore yesterday evening.

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Friday, September 30, 2016 - 08:53
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Bendy bus stuck in field after U-turn attempt

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An SMRT bendy bus was stuck on a field behind Block 195, Kim Keat Avenue, for 10 hours since midnight Wednesday.

The wheels of the bus appeared to have sunk into the soft earth. Workers from a tow truck company, who were on the scene, tried unsuccessfully several times to reach the bus with tow vehicles.

Seah Hui Chou, a manager from People's Vehicle Recovery Service, said that his team had to attempt the "rougher" method of pulling the bus out of the earth, as opposed to trying to level the bus so that it can be driven out.

Workers attached a chain to a part of the rear end of the chassis, which has a risk of being damaged from the procedure. Engineers from SMRT gave the green light for this to be done.

The bus was finally removed from the mud around 10.10am. An SMRT staff member drove it out of the field onto the road, and it was towed away.

Mr Seah said in 19 years, he has never encountered a situation like this one.

SMRT vice-president for corporate information and communications Patrick Nathan said: "The bus captain was returning the vehicle to the bus depot early this morning when he took a wrong turn and attempted to make a U-turn on the field."

He added that SMRT was investigating the matter and apologised to residents for the noise from attempts to extricate the bus.

Graphic: The New Paper

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Friday, September 30, 2016 - 09:04
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New research on obesity in the young

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New research in the war against diabetes will focus on obesity factors in young adults, the lifestyle of pre-school children, and health programmes at work.

Some $1 million in funding will be set aside for 11 research projects on diabetes, with a focus in these three areas. The research will be carried out by the National University of Singapore's (NUS) Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health.

The studies range from those that could last about six to nine months to those that will take a few years.

This was announced by Professor Chia Kee Seng, dean of NUS' Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, at the second Singapore International Public Health Conference yesterday.

He noted that diabetes is a "lifestyle disease that can be prevented by adopting healthy dietary habits and regular physical activities".

The research in Singapore's effort to fight diabetes will seek to understand the factors causing increasing obesity in young adults, who are part of the country's active work force, said Professor Chia.

Another area of study is the lifestyle and behaviour of pre-school children, such as babies and toddlers who are fed sweetened milk, beverages and fruit juices.

"Such practices do not just damage (their) milk teeth, but also conditions them to consume more sweetened products as they grow older," said Professor Chia.

It is also important to examine and understand the factors influencing the adoption and effectiveness of health promotion programmes at work.

"Workplace health promotion can no longer be (something that is) 'good to have'. It is a must have," said Professor Chia.

The two-day conference is attended by about 600 researchers, healthcare professionals, policy makers and industry leaders from 25 countries.

Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Health and the Environment and Water Resources, said at the event:

"While the increasing prevalence of diabetes and its related complications is of grave concern, it is also a window of opportunity for us to relook at the challenges, and work together with our partners from all sectors of our society to develop new and enhanced measures to tackle this issue."

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Friday, September 30, 2016 - 09:14
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26 months jail for Yang Yin over PR status fraud

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Update: Yang Yin has been sentenced today (Sept 30) to six years jail for misappropriating $1.1 million from a wealthy widow. He will spend a total of eight years and two months behind bars.

26 months jail for Yang Yin over PR status fraud

For faking and lying his way to a Singapore permanent residency, former China tour guide Yang Yin was sentenced to two years and two months in jail yesterday - a punishment which the judge said should deter other foreigners from trying to stay here under false pretences.

Today, things could get worse for the 42-year-old.

He is expected to be sentenced for misappropriating $1.1 million from an elderly widow - for which the prosecution has asked for a jail term of 10 years to 12 years.

With a troubled expression, Yang stood in the dock hearing Deputy Presiding Judge of the State Courts Jennifer Marie list how he schemed his way to becoming a permanent resident.

Yang deceived the authorities, including the Ministry of Manpower and the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore, by using false documentation, including fake monthly payslips and financial statements to create the impression that his sham company, Young Music and Dance Studio, was a thriving one.

He also lied to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) that he was running a profitable business and earning a salary so they would grant him permanent resident (PR) status and his wife, a long-term visit pass.

In all, the prosecution proceeded with 120 charges out of 347 charges - most of which involved the falsification of receipts. The rest were taken into consideration for sentencing.

While Yang was a first-time offender with no previous criminal record, his offences were committed over an extended period of time.

Since Yang first made the news in 2014, when the widow's niece made him leave her aunt's house, pictures of him at grassroots activities had surfaced online.

His business card listed himself as the director of The Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry and executive director of the Singapore Chinese Immigrants Association. He was none of those.

Yang also faked his degree, which he claimed was from the University of Financial Trade Beijing.

Yang's lawyer Irving Choh asked the court to take into account how Yang is the sole breadwinner for his aged parents, wife and kids aged three and eight.

But the judge accorded "little weight" to that submission.

When asked, Mr Choh said that his client would not be appealing against yesterday's sentence.

The ICA said that those who provide false information in their applications will be dealt with firmly.

Any PR who has been convicted of an offence will have their status reviewed by ICA.

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Friday, September 30, 2016 - 09:26
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Online betting here soon with safeguards

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Online betting will be introduced in Singapore over the next two months after Singapore-based lottery operators Singapore Pools and the Singapore Turf Club (STC) were given the go-ahead to run online betting platforms.

The two operators will be exempted from the Remote Gambling Act, which outlaws online and phone gambling, said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) yesterday, confirming a recent Straits Times report which had flagged this.

But the operators have to put in place safeguards, such as allowing only those above 21 to open accounts and requiring players to set daily limits on how much they want to spend on online gambling.

Singapore Pools will launch its online betting services on Oct 25 and Turf Club will launch its new Web and mobile platform on Nov 15.

Punters can place bets only for 4D, Toto, football, F1 sports and horse-racing. Casino-style games or poker will not be allowed under this move.

The exemptions will last for three years and the operators can apply for renewal of exemptions.

Since the Act came into force in February last year, several hundred websites that offer remote gambling services have been blocked.

More than 120 people have also been arrested for remote gambling offences.

The Act was passed into law in late 2014 following intense debate spanning the political spectrum, and the move to grant the exemptions once again reignited concerns that this will make online betting more accessible, and lead to an increase in gambling addictions.

MHA it was not "straightforward to eradicate remote gambling totally".

Its spokesman said: "A complete ban would only serve to drive remote gambling underground, making it harder to detect, and exacerbate the associated law-and-order, and social concerns."

Operators have to "keep their management and operations of the remote gambling services free from criminal influence, ensure integrity of their operations and implement social safeguards and responsible gambling measures".

Some of these safeguards include the option for self-exclusion, and checks to ensure those that try to open accounts do not have existing casino exclusion orders.

Operators also have to put in place systems and controls to prevent money laundering and counter the financing of terrorism.

If the conditions are breached, the operators could be fined up to $1 million and have their exemption status revoked.

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Friday, September 30, 2016 - 09:36
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Police seeking witnesses to e-scooter accident that hurt 4-year-old girl near Marina Bay Sands

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SINGAPORE - Police are seeking witnesses to an e-scooter accident that injured a young girl near Marina Bay Sands.

Police said it was alerted to the incident at 11 Bayfront Avenue on Sunday (Sept 25) at 10.25pm.

A four-year-old child was found injured, and taken to KK Women's and Children's Hospital.

Police urged anyone with more information about the incident to come forward.

They can lodge a police report at any neighbourhood police centre or police post. They can also submit their report online at www.police.gov.sg/e-services or at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness.

Last week, a video of a e-scooter rider over taking a bus at Mandai Road sparked concern about dangerous scootering practices among members of the public.

Two weeks ago, housewife Ang Liu Kiow, 53, was allegedly knocked down in an accident involving an e-scooter at Pasir Ris.

She underwent two brain surgeries at Changi General Hospital, and was on life support, reports last week said.

A 17-year-old has been arrested in connection with that accident, on suspicion of causing grievous hurt.


This article was first published on September 30, 2016.
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