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Michelle Obama’s has mixed feelings about her daughters Malia and Sasha’s new home

The Independent
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Michelle Obama’s has mixed feelings about her daughters Malia and Sasha’s new home

 

Michelle Obama is a reserved person but the ex First Lady opened up about how she was feeling about her daughters moving into their first home together in Los Angeles recently.

In fact when she first found out that they would both be moving out to a place in L.A she wasn’t quite sure how to react. In an interview with People magazine she had said that didn’t want to show too much of a reaction but at the same time she was happy for them but she also has this feeling like she didn’t want them to go.

“So I just said: ‘Okay, well that’s interesting that you guys are going to try living together. We’ll see how it goes.’ But yeah, it feels good to know that the two girls you raised find solace at a kitchen table with one another. It’s like the one thing you want for them.”

Her daughters Malia, 25 and Sasha, 22 have always been very close. Both Michelle and Barack Obama like visiting their daughter and previously joked about their daughters new habits at their home. She spoke about it in a podcast on Today with Hoda and Jenna saying that she was very surprised by her children’s house rules.

Jokingly she said, “I’m like, ‘You never used a coaster in my house.’ So now, when it’s your stuff, you want to take care of it?

“The thing I love the most is that those two girls are each other’s best friends. I mean, there was a period of time when they couldn’t stand each other.”

Michelle said that she helped build that bond by telling them that both of them share a unique experience and one day they are going to wake up knowing that they have something very special.

In her book she also writes about her two daughters growing up and going through puberty while being in the spotlight at the White House. She said that she believes it is what has made them super close and now they are living together and thriving together.

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The post Michelle Obama’s has mixed feelings about her daughters Malia and Sasha’s new home appeared first on The Independent News.

5th POFMA order issued to Reform Party head Kenneth Jeyaretnam

Anna Maria Romero
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5th POFMA order issued to Reform Party head Kenneth Jeyaretnam

SINGAPORE: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong instructed the Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) Office to issue a correction order to Mr Kenneth Jeyaretnam, the leader of the Reform Party. This is the fifth time this year that Mr Jeyaretnam has been given such an order.

On Thursday (Nov 2), the government said that an article Mr Jeyaretnam posted on Oct 22 on his website, The Ricebowl Singapore, as well as on posts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X (formerly known as Twitter), contained false statements of fact concerning the NIRC and the Ridout Road issue.

Read also: 4th POFMA order issued to Kenneth Jeyaretnam over ‘multiple untrue statements’ online

“First, the article states that most of the Net Investment Returns Contribution (NIRC) has been transferred into long-term funds and therefore does not contribute to actual spending. This is untrue,” a clarification reads on Factually, the official fact-checking website. Mr Jeyaretnam is now required to post the correction notice on all the platforms where he published his article, as well as a link to the government’s clarifications.

The Ministry of Finance has said that NIRC comprises the investment returns of Singapore’s reserves and supplements the annual Budget for public spending every year. “The NIRC has provided an annual revenue stream of about 3.5 per cent of GDP on average over the past 5 years. No proportion of the NIRC is earmarked for specific spending items, or for transfer into any specific fund(s). Instead, a portion of the annual Budget as a whole may be used to top up funds. Hence, it is incorrect to state that most of the NIRC has been transferred into long-term funds.”

Regarding the Ridout Road issue, the government said Mr Jeyaretnam’s article claimed that the Singapore Land Authority gave preferential treatment to Ministers K Shanmugam and Vivian Balakrishnan, who are renting 26 and 31 Ridout Road, giving them prices that are below the market value while charging the Housing and Development Board (HDB) inflated land prices.

“This is untrue,” the clarification reads. “As established in the review conducted by Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, the rentals for both 26 and 31 Ridout Road were based on fair market value and not below market valuation. There was no evidence that the Ministers were given favourable rental rates due to their position. Details on how the market value was arrived at have been given in Parliament.

The clarification also debunked another claim Mr Jeyaretnam made in his article that only S$8 billion of healthcare expenditures were used as subsidies for Singaporeans, saying there is no factual basis for this claim. /TISG

Related: 3rd POFMA order issued to Kenneth Jeyaretnam over comments he made on his social media posts

SG Grab driver asks foreign woman to “walk it” after missing her hotel

Mary Alavanza
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SG Grab driver asks foreign woman to “walk it” after missing her hotel

SINGAPORE: An incident on social media sparked a discussion about customer service and attitudes in Singapore as a Grab driver asks a foreign woman to “walk it” after missing her hotel. The woman who came to Singapore shared a video on social media saying that her first impression of SG was “very, very bad.”

In her video, she voiced her dissatisfaction, stating, “People are so rude!” She recounted an incident involving a Grab driver who missed her hotel, leaving her with a 5-minute walk with a heavy bag. She requested the driver to make a U-turn due to her heavy luggage, but he declined her request with, “No, walk it”.

Why SG people are Rude?
byu/lanjiolover insingaporehappenings

After hearing the Grab driver ask her to walk it, she insistently said no and said she would not because she had a heavy bag with her and told the driver that she paid to be taken to her hotel. The Grab driver, however, informed her that he had another customer waiting and instructed her to get off, adding, ” If you don’t get out right now, I’m going to drive with you to the next customer.”

Desperate to reach her intended destination, the woman pleaded with the driver, asking him to return to the original drop-off point. She said, “Can you please just take me back to the place you were supposed to drop me off?” Unfortunately, the situation escalated when the driver began driving recklessly, causing the woman to get emotional and ultimately agree with the driver, saying, “Fine, I will walk, whatever.”

The woman’s video on social media has prompted various responses from online users. Several commenters pointed out their concerns about customer service in Singapore. They noted a perceived lack of empathy among service providers, saying, “Singaporeans lack empathy, simple as. That’s one of the things that cannot be taught in school. We’ve only been taught to be competitors.” User New_Bad4087  described it as a “3rd world mentality but with a superb modern infrastructure.”

Others shared their own experiences, mentioning that Singaporean customer service might not be as accommodating as in neighbouring countries. For instance, Grab drivers in nearby nations are often willing to assist passengers with their luggage, while some Singaporean drivers may not consider it their responsibility.

Another user named jalepenos127 admitted that Singaporeans are rude, stating, “We are quite rude actually. Not gonna deny it. Don’t see it as an issue if people think we are a**holes either.” However, another user countered, saying that it might not be accurate to generalize the behaviour of all Singaporeans but conceded that a significant portion of the population might display rudeness.

As for practical solutions, one user suggested that the woman could file a complaint regarding her experience. Another user lamented that while there were certainly kind Singaporeans, they might not represent the majority.

How can Singapore address the varying perceptions of customer service and attitudes in light of incidents like this?/TISG

Most bank phishing scam victims are young people from Gen Z

Jewel Stolarchuk
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Most bank phishing scam victims are young people from Gen Z

SINGAPORE: A recent survey conducted by British market research and data analytics firm YouGov has unveiled striking generational differences in the prevalence and types of phishing scams experienced by Singaporeans. The study, which gathered responses from over 1,000 Singaporeans aged 18 and above, revealed that Generation Z is more susceptible to bank phishing scams, while Generation X bears the brunt of online shopping scams.

The online survey found that 13 per cent of the respondents reported falling victim to investment scams and bank or bank card scams, while an additional 9 per cent had experienced loan and social media phishing scams. These statistics indicate the pervasive threat of online scams in Singapore.

One of the standout findings of the survey is the generational divide in the types of scams encountered. Generation Z, encompassing individuals born between 1997 and 2009, is particularly vulnerable to bank or bank card phishing scams. This tech-savvy but less experienced demographic appears to be more susceptible to fraud in the financial sector.

Conversely, online shopping scams disproportionately affect Generation X, born between 1965 and 1980. It seems that the middle-aged demographic, often characterized by a greater online presence, falls victim to deceitful online shopping schemes.

Intriguingly, the survey data also revealed that job scams primarily target millennials born between 1981 and 1996. This demographic, sandwiched between the older and younger generations, appears to be the primary target for fraudulent employment opportunities.

Furthermore, respondents from the baby boomer generation, born between 1946 and 1964, were more likely to be ensnared by investment scams. Their historical context and perhaps lack of digital fluency make them susceptible to fraudulent investment offers.

The generational divide extends beyond the types of scams experienced to the protective measures taken. Older respondents, especially those from Generation X and the baby boomer generation, were found to be more proactive in adopting anti-fraud measures. This suggests that experience and awareness play a crucial role in protecting individuals from falling victim to scams.

The survey underscores the need for increased education and awareness campaigns, particularly targeting younger individuals, to protect them from the growing menace of phishing scams in the digital age. As scams continue to evolve, it is imperative for individuals of all generations to remain vigilant and adopt protective measures to safeguard their personal and financial information in the digital world.

70% Singaporeans would consider using used textbooks amid rising cost of living

Jewel Stolarchuk
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70% Singaporeans would consider using used textbooks amid rising cost of living

SINGAPORE: A recent survey conducted by the NTUC FairPrice Co-operative has found that a significant majority of Singaporeans, faced with rising textbook prices and financial constraints, are willing to consider using old textbooks.

The survey involved 283 respondents; 67 per cent identified as parents and 33 per cent as students. The aim was to gain insights into how residents are coping with the escalating costs of education and to explore potential solutions.

According to the survey results, a striking 70 per cent of respondents expressed their willingness to use old textbooks as a means of alleviating the financial burden associated with education. Nearly 60 per cent of the participants hope that using old textbooks can help them save approximately $100 to $300 annually, significantly relieving their financial stress.

This cost-cutting measure is seen as a practical solution to reduce the overall expenses of education. In addition to old textbooks, respondents expressed the need for access to other educational materials, including exercise books, study guides, and old exam papers.

In response to these findings, NTUC FairPrice has announced plans to launch a textbook-sharing program. The co-operative will partner with the charity organization =DREAMS to collect used textbooks donated by the public. 177 collection points, including NTUC FairPrice supermarkets, will be established across the island for the donation drive.

The donation drive will run until Nov 30, 2023, providing a window of opportunity for the public to contribute old textbooks and other educational materials. The collected materials will be distributed to families in need, furthering the cause of accessible and affordable education in Singapore.

This initiative not only encourages the recycling of textbooks but also promotes a sense of community involvement in supporting education and addressing the challenges faced by those experiencing financial constraints.

Retrenchments doubled in Q3, highest since pandemic Q4 period in 2020

Jewel Stolarchuk
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Retrenchments doubled in Q3, highest since pandemic Q4 period in 2020

SINGAPORE: The latest labour market advance release, published by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) last week, shows that retrenchments have doubled since 2022, with the third quarter of 2023 experiencing the highest quarterly retrenchment rate since the COVID-19 pandemic period in 2020.

During the third quarter of this year, 4,100 individuals were retrenched, surpassing the peak seen in the fourth quarter of 2020 amid the pandemic. This surge brings the total retrenchment figures for 2023 to 11,120, a figure nearly twice the 6,440 recorded in the entirety of 2022.

Amid these unsettling statistics, MOM provided some contrasting insights. Total employment in the country, excluding migrant domestic workers, grew 24,000 during the third quarter.

Citizen unemployment also saw an uptick, rising to 3 per cent, while overall unemployment remained at 2 per cent. Resident unemployment registered at 2.8 per cent, reflecting the more significant impact on the local population.

MOM attributed the bulk of this surge in unemployment to the wholesale trade sector, citing its weaker external outlook. “Business restructuring” remained the predominant reason for retrenchments in the third quarter, underscoring the ongoing challenges businesses face in adapting to a rapidly changing economic landscape.

The Ministry emphasized that while retrenchments and unemployment have risen, the unemployment rates have remained relatively low. This suggests that many retrenched workers have secured new employment relatively quickly.

Temasek Foundation allocates $4M to provide scholarships to students from low-income families

Jewel Stolarchuk
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Temasek Foundation allocates $4M to provide scholarships to students from low-income families

SINGAPORE: Temasek Foundation has allocated more than $4 million to provide scholarships with no service requirements to students from low-income families.

These scholarships, named after three prominent labour movement leaders, Mr G Muthukumarasamy, Mr Nithiah Nandan Arumugam, and Mr RKS Nachiappan, are set to benefit nearly 200 students over the next five years. The scholarships are also the first in the country to extend financial assistance to the beneficiary’s family members, in addition to offering a bond-free and merit-based opportunity for academically gifted low-income Singaporeans.

The three labour movement leaders after whom the scholarships are named have made significant contributions to Singapore’s labour movement over the years. Mr Muthukumarasamy, a former General Secretary of the Amalgamated Union of Public Daily Rated Workers, Mr Nithiah, a founding member and later General Secretary and Executive Secretary of the Union of Power and Gas Employees (UPAGE), and Mr Nachiappan, the former General Secretary and Emeritus General Secretary of UPAGE, are well-known figures in Singapore’s labour landscape.

The scholarships aim to empower the underprivileged by offering them a comprehensive support system for their higher education endeavours. The support extends to various Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) in Singapore, including six universities, five polytechnics, and the ITEs (Institute of Technical Education).

The financial assistance provided under this scholarship is multifaceted. Recipients will receive financial aid covering living expenses ranging from $3,000 to $5,000. Additionally, a unique aspect of this scholarship is the provision of $2,000 to be shared among the recipient’s family members. This family support acknowledges the vital role played by the beneficiary’s family and aims to alleviate the financial burdens they may face.

The first batch of scholarship recipients was recently announced, with 38 deserving students awarded this prestigious scholarship.

Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam was present at the Temasek Foundation-Union Scholarship Award Ceremony on Wednesday (1 Nov) and addressed the awardees and their families. He said: “Let me thank your families for all the support they have given you. Let me also thank Temasek Foundation, the unions, and the IHLs, for making these scholarships possible. This is an effort that can change lives.”

How much allowance to give helper every month, employer asks

Obbana Rajah
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How much allowance to give helper every month, employer asks

SINGAPORE: An employer took to social media asking others if they gave an allowance to their helper every month and how much money they would give her. In an anonymous post to a support group for domestic helpers and employers alike, the employer wanted to know the general consensus and how others paid their helpers.

One employer wrote: “I give my helper 130 per month extra because she has a lot of friend and a boyfriend. On top of that, I organize parties for her friends to come my house and I buy alot of nice food and drinks to entertain them. Lastly she has 6 days off and can bring her friends to my house to gather but limit to 10 pax. Hope she enjoy her work here. Year end if my business is good, she get additional 4 months bonus with yearly air ticket going back to Indonesia. I hope I am making her happy”.

A helper wrote: “me 30$. But im free from everything.. and except from my allowance she still give me another 50$ incase im with kids or i go out i can use it.. then if not much give me again extra.. just update how much left money with me”.

Last year, a maid took to social media complaining that her employer was going on holiday for two weeks but did not pay her salary or give her any money for food. In a post to Facebook group FDW in Singapore (working conditions forum), the maid wrote that she was unsure about her situation and also how to ask her employers for money. She added that in preparation for the two-week trip, her employer started telling her what she needed to do a week ago, and even “put camera to make sure I’m working while they’re away”.

Though she thought the family would leave three days after she wrote the post, she noted that her female employer and two children had already left. Only her employer’s husband was still at home. The maid said in her post that she had a letter from the Manpower Ministry (MOM) for her medical checkup but her employers did not give her any money. “who suppose to pay my medical, me or my employer?” the helper wrote.

She also said that they did not pay her salary. “i suppose to ask her today to have it advanced because they’re gone for 2weeks,but when she wake up just send the kid to school and when she come back she was in a hurry cause they need to go already”, the maid wrote. Additionally, her employers did not give her any money for food and only bought rice. The helper wrote that she was not sure if she wanted to ask her employer’s husband who was still at home. She was afraid to talk to him lest he picks a fight with his wife, ruining their vacation.

M Ravi wins International Bar Association’s award for outstanding contributions to human rights

Obbana Rajah
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M Ravi wins International Bar Association’s award for outstanding contributions to human rights

SINGAPORE: Human Rights lawyer M Ravi was bestowed with the International Bar Association’s award for Outstanding Contribution by a legal practitioner to human rights. The annual conference was held in Paris between Oct 29 and Nov 3.

The International Bar Association (IBA) is the world’s leading international membership organisation for legal practitioners, bar associations and law societies. Chairs of the IBA Human Rights Law Committee, Melinda Taylor and Alka Pradhan, congratulated Mr Ravi and wrote in an email that the depth of his “commitment and perseverance – in the face of very steep odds and adversity is incredibly inspiring, as is your strategies resulting in groundbreaking developments in areas that are very close to our hearts (the death penalty, decriminalisation of homosexuality and freedom of expression”.

In her speech, Ms Taylor described Mr Ravi as Singapore’s first and perhaps only ’cause’ law. She added that his “immense contributions to the field of human rights through his work in promoting LGBTQI rights. This includes mounting constitutional challenges to laws penalising same-sex relations and also advocating for LGBTQI equality in the work place”.

In her own speech, Ms Pradhan said: “Described as “one of the foremost advocates against the death penalty worldwide,” Ravi Madasamy’s advocacy contributed to an amendment in the law on the mandatory death penalty for certain. Drug offenses. He has taken on many such cases pro bono, paying out of pocket for legal expenses and also for funeral expenses. On this issue, what Amnesty International calls Ravi Madasamy’s “rock firm, inspiring dedication to this cause” has truly made change in the world”.

When asked for his thoughts on the award, Mr Ravi said: “I feel truly honoured to be the recipient of this rare award. It has come at a time when I’m going through so much of challenges in Singapore and the award has certainly uplifted my spirit. It is great to know that IBA is appreciative of my contribution to human rights in Singapore in the course of my legal practice over a span of 20 years. I wish to dedicate this award to my late mother who had shown me the path and also dedicate the award to all the human rights activists in Singapore who have worked with me over the years”.

He continued: “For the moments of heartbreak, tears and hopelessness, receiving this award makes my journey completely worthwhile even if it means losing my liberty along the way; it has been a journey worth taking”.

“The IBA Award opens more doors for me to work with international organisations and charities who might hear of my work and collaborate. It also gives people a perspective of my struggles”, Mr Ravi added.

Sharing that he was deeply honoured and humbled to receive this award from the IBA, Mr Ravi added that he “least expected to win the award when there are so many other human rights lawyers around the world who do some amazing work and who make huge sacrifices in their career in furtherance of human rights”.

 

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The human rights lawyer said that his work has now expanded to include human rights due diligence on companies and climate justice. “I am currently running an international law practice, M.Ravi Law, which is headquartered in Bangkok providing legal services in the region. The firm has a presence in Myanmar and Nigeria as well as alliances in Malaysia and Singapore. Apart from that, I’m working on environmental, social and governance ( ESG) consultancy work in Singapore with a group of ESG professionals. In the last four years, I have been actively involved in the ESG sphere where I can bring my human rights law expertise into it. It is exciting to see the interaction between human rights and business and how ESG can play a part in optimising the client’s business”, Mr Ravi said. /TISG

Mother of premature twin babies struggles to meet staggering $150,000 hospital bill

Jewel Stolarchuk
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Mother of premature twin babies struggles to meet staggering $150,000 hospital bill

SINGAPORE: A mother working in Singapore has turned to the community in a desperate plea for help as the medical bills for her premature twin babies have surged to over $150,000. Sharing her heart-wrenching story on the Give.Asia crowdfunding platform, the mother is seeking support from kindhearted Singaporeans to alleviate their financial burden and ensure the well-being of their twin babies.

Their twins, born at just 31 weeks, weighed only 790g and 1640g at birth. Their baby girl faced the harsh reality of a congenital heart defect that stunted her growth, while their baby boy had his own struggles but emerged victorious after a battle with Patent Ductus Arteriosus.

In a heartfelt appeal on the Give.Asia platform, the mother revealed that she and her husband, both proud Permanent Residents of Singapore, had dreamt of becoming parents. When they discovered they were expecting twins, their joy was tinged with worry as their financial plans were originally prepared for one child.

The journey of pregnancy was filled with emotional turbulence, marked by fear and financial strain, as they prepared for the arrival of two children. The family’s world changed dramatically during a routine check-up in August when doctors informed them of complications, urging immediate action.

The twins’ mother said that the medical journey that followed has been both a blessing and a burden. The dedicated medical team at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital has been their guiding light, providing updates on the twins’ progress. Their baby girl continues to fight bravely, but her road to recovery is long.

As of now, their hospital bills have surpassed a staggering S$150,000, a financial burden that the family is struggling to bear.

The parents of the twins have received some government assistance in the form of partial Medisave deductions and government subsidies. However, the financial burden remains overwhelming, prompting them to turn to the community’s generosity for support.

The Give.Asia crowdfunding campaign, managed by the family, has seen an outpouring of support from more than 1,000 kind-hearted donors, who have contributed close to $60,000 thus far. These contributions will directly ease the family’s financial burden and ensure that their twins receive the care they urgently need.

In their appeal, the family humbly requested continued support, love, and generosity. The mother expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you from the depths of our hearts for standing by us in this challenging time. Your kindness will forever be etched in our hearts, a testament to the goodness in the world.”

The crowdfunding campaign on Give.Asia remains open for donations, allowing individuals to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these premature twins and their parents.

Visit this link to give your support and help towards the medical bills of baby Lei En and baby Wei Le. Donations will be channelled directly to the hospital to help cover the twins’ medical expenses.

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