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KF Seetoh: 3 words from Lee Kuan Yew that changed his life

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Photo: FB screengrab/kf seetoh

SINGAPORE: On what would have been founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew’s 100th birthday, food guru KF Seetoh shared three words Mr Lee had once told him that changed his life.

“I had photographed LKY personally on a few occasions over the decade from 90s to 2000s… This one was at the Istana. I set up my studio there and anticipated his arrival,” wrote Mr Seetoh in a Sept 16 (Saturday) Facebook post.

Mr Seetoh introduced himself to the iconic leader and then began to tell him what, why and how he needed to take his picture.

He asked, “this rather tall legend if he wanted to sit on a lower (to accommodate Doris) or higher chair for some light make up.”

Mr Lee was 5’11 (1.8m), while Doris, who did make-up for Mr Seetoh, was only 5 feet tall (1.5m).

“You tell me,” said Mr Lee.

“His answer changed me as a person and as a professional.

To me, it really meant – do your homework and make sure you know what you are doing and achieving before hand. It has to be or near perfect.”

The Makansutra founder went on to say that he proceeded to tell Mr Lee what to do and even asked him to change his tie for another session, to which he complied.

“It may have come across as some chiding on me, but it was perfect lesson for me. He even remembered my name when I asked for his autograph,” wrote Mr Seetoh, adding that Mr Lee asked if his name was spelt with two Es.

“Thank you and happy birthday Mr Lee. You will always be alive and inspirational in my mind.

Btw, his office ordered a few hundred copies of that signature silk suit photo I shot of him.

There will never be another like him… don’t kid yourself. /TISG

KF Seetoh invites US Ambassador to ‘uniquely Singaporean’ Hungry Ghost Festival Getai in Toa Payoh

House Leader Indranee Rajah files motion in response to Hazel Poa’s motion to suspend S Iswaran

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Photos from Facebook

SINGAPORE: After Progress Singapore Party’s Non-constituency Member of Parliament Hazel Poa filed a motion on Sept 7 to suspend Transport Minister S Iswaran, the NCMP posted over social media the response from House Leader Indranee Rajah.

It was announced on July 12 that Mr Iswaran, an MP for West Coast GRC since 2001, is being investigated by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) and has been asked by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to take a leave of absence while the probe is ongoing.

“The Leader of the House, Ms Indranee Rajah, has filed a motion in response to my motion to suspend minister S Iswaran. Among other things, it calls on the House to resolve to consider the matter regarding minister S Iswaran when the outcome of the ongoing investigations against him is known,” the NCMP said in a social media post on Saturday morning, Sept 16.

Ms Poa had said on Sept 12 that she would also be introducing a bill that would make sure the Transport minister would be reimbursed in the event that it is proven he committed no wrongdoing.

Last month, PM Lee said that the Transport Minister was interdicted with a reduced pay of S$8,500 a month until further notice but is also still permitted to draw the yearly MP allowance of S$192,500.

Ms Poa posted screenshots of the House Leader’s motion, dated Sept 14.

Calling on Singaporeans “to tune in to this important debate,” she added that Ms Indranee’s motion will be debated at the same time as her motion and that both she and fellow PSP NCMP Mr Leong Mun Wai will be responding to the House Leader’s motion.

“The Leader has also filed a motion to rearrange Parliamentary business such that my motion for leave to bring in a Private Member’s Bill will only be taken after the simultaneous debate on both the Leader’s motion and my motion. A motion for leave to bring in a Private Member’s Bill is normally taken right after Oral Questions, before any debates on the Second Reading of a bill or other business. The rearrangement of Parliamentary business will enable the House to consider all these matters at the same time,” she added.

Parliament’s next sitting is on Tuesday, Sept 19. /TISG

Lee Hsien Yang calls on PAP to lift party whip during debate on suspending Iswaran

Ex-Minister George Yeo “surprised” by Taiwan’s accusation that he’s a “mouthpiece” for China

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Photos: George Yeo FB

SINGAPORE: Former Singapore Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo expressed surprise at the Taiwan Government’s opposition to his comments during a speech this week. The opposition was so strong that he was accused of being a “mouthpiece for authoritarian China” and aiding in spreading Beijing propaganda.

On Thursday (14 Sept), Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) condemned Mr Yeo for calling on Taiwan to join a “Chinese commonwealth” with China to prevent a cross-strait conflict and embrace a “One China” path during his keynote speech at the Asia-Pacific Forward Forum in Taipei on Wednesday (13 Sept).

He added that former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi exploited Taiwan during her visit in August last year and claimed that the Taiwanese government was “not so willing” to receive her. Indicating that the status quo in the Taiwan Strait is unsustainable, Mr Yeo said Taiwan should work to achieve a “‘One China’ future.”

MOFA expressed deep dissatisfaction with Mr Yeo’s remarks, characterizing them as “completely inconsistent with the facts, clearly biased, and vastly different from the understanding of most democratic countries in the region.”

The ministry emphasized that Mr Yeo’s personal opinions not only failed to contribute to regional peace and stability but also harmed the positive development of Taiwan-U.S. relations and Taiwan-Singapore relations.

Mr Yeo has asserted that he meant well and expressed surprise at MOFA’s statement. He wrote on his Facebook page: “I was surprised by the reaction of Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to my speech in Taipei. The speech was in fact well received by the audience which included former President Ma Ying-jeou and former Vice President Vincent Siew.”

He added: “I have great affection for the land and people of Taiwan and meant well.”

In its statement on Thursday, MOFA called upon foreign visitors to Taiwan, especially those invited to attend events or offer commentary on regional affairs, to have an “accurate understanding of the developments in the international and regional situation” and to “demonstrate respect for the host country and adhere to basic diplomatic etiquette.”

MOFA also said it welcomes friends from all over the world to visit Taiwan and “witness firsthand Taiwan’s steadfast efforts to safeguard national sovereignty, as well as to defend democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law.”

Referring to Mr Yeo, the ministry added, “This is to avoid being perceived as assisting the Chinese government in its propaganda efforts and making inappropriate remarks…leading to social divisions and misunderstandings in Taiwanese society.”

Bali ATV company allegedly mocked Singapore family after they got injured during ride

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Photo: FB screengrab/Vicky Nathan

SINGAPORE: A group of tourists has come forward to warn fellow travellers about their nightmarish experience at Green Bali Adventures, a popular adventure operator in Bali, Indonesia. The tourists reported safety issues during an ATV ride that injured their family members and alleged unprofessional behaviour by the adventure company’s staff.

The incident came to light when Vicky Nathan, a tourist visiting Bali with his family, shared his harrowing experience on Facebook. Mr Vicky described how what was supposed to be an exhilarating ATV ride turned into a traumatic ordeal.

According to Mr Vicky’s Facebook post, the adventure operator claimed that their ATV rides were safe and even had an endorsement from their driver. However, during the ride, the front tire of his son’s ATV suddenly gave way, leading to a distressing accident in which his son and daughter suffered injuries.

Compounding the already dire situation, the escorting rider, who was responsible for ensuring the safety of the tourists, allegedly prioritized his own enjoyment over their well-being. Fortunately, other tourists came to their rescue when Mr Vicky’s son became trapped under the overturned ATV.

When Mr Vicky and his family approached the management of Green Bali Adventures seeking assistance and an explanation, they were met with shocking indifference and even mockery. According to his account, the staff showed no remorse and appeared to find the situation amusing.

The situation took a more disturbing turn when Mr Vicky threatened to file a report against the adventure operator. Instead of addressing the concerns professionally, the staff reportedly posed for pictures in a seemingly mocking manner. Furthermore, they demanded a compensation fee of 8 million rupiah (approximately $550 USD) for the alleged damage to the ATV, a demand that Mr Vicky refused.

Mr Vicky said: “When we approached the management they were not even apologetic but were very nonchalant and laughed at us like it was a practical joke!!! When I told them that I will lodge a report against them, they gleefully posed for pictures!!! To add insult to injury they wanted us to pay 8 million rupiah in compensation for the damage to the ATV!!!”

The father posted photos of the company staff mockingly posing for pictures.

 

In a highly distressing turn of events, Mr Vicky claimed that the staff of Green Bali Adventures began circling his family, attempting to intimidate them into complying with their demands.

Fortunately, the situation was diffused when other foreign tourists arrived, learned about the incident, and offered support. Their presence allowed the Nathan family to leave the premises safely.

Mr Vicky said, “When I refused they started circling me like a pack of hyenas doing their best to intimidate me into paying them!!! Thankfully more foreigners arrived and when they heard what happened they supported us and they then gave way for us to leave.”

This alarming incident raises serious questions about the safety standards at Green Bali Adventures. The tourists involved in the incident have warned fellow travellers to exercise caution and avoid the adventure operator due to what they describe as poorly maintained ATVs and a lack of concern for visitor safety.

Mr Vicky said: “Pls be wary of this Green Bali Adventures, their ATV is in very bad condition and they are least bothered about maintaining them. What a terrible experience!!!”

Veteran diplomat Tommy Koh awarded prestigious Paik Choong-Hyun Prize 2023

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YT screencapture

SINGAPORE: Veteran diplomat Professor Tommy Koh was honoured yesterday (15 Sept) as the recipient of the prestigious Paik Choong-Hyun Prize 2023 by the Asian Society of International Law. He was conferred the award in a ceremony held over Zoom, recognizing Prof Koh’s outstanding contributions to international law.

The Paik Choong-Hyun Prize is a prestigious accolade awarded annually by the Asian Society of International Law to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, scholarship, and leadership in the field of international law. It recognizes their contributions to advancing international law and fostering peace and justice on the global stage.

In a heartfelt post on his Facebook page following the award ceremony, Prof Koh reflected on the founding of the Asian Society of International Law in 2007.

He noted that Judge Hisashi Owada of Japan, Prof S Jayakumar and Prof Tan Cheng Han of Singapore, along with himself, envisioned the need for an organization that would represent Asian perspectives in the realm of international law, much like their American and European counterparts.

Over the years, the Asian Society of International Law has thrived and made significant strides in fostering understanding, cooperation, and scholarship in international law across Asia. Prof Koh expressed his satisfaction with the society’s accomplishments and growth.

During his acceptance speech, Prof Koh acknowledged the challenges the international community had faced in recent times, particularly referencing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which he stated had violated the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.

He emphasized the importance of redoubling efforts to protect and uphold these vital legal frameworks, not succumbing to despair and defeat. He also stressed the significance of supporting Ukraine in the face of adversity and opposing Russia’s actions, asserting the importance of standing by the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and international law.

Prof Koh’s receipt of this esteemed award underscores his profound impact on international law and his unwavering commitment to promoting the principles of the United Nations Charter and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

Tour de France legend Mark Cavendish set to thrill fans at Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium

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Photo credit: ASO - Jonathan Biche

SINGAPORE: Six more internationally renowned cyclists, including Tour de France legend Mark Cavendish and King of the Mountains Giulio Ciccone, have confirmed their participation in the 2023 Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium on Oct 28-29.

They will be joined by world number one rider and 2020 and 2021 Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar, who was the first rider to confirm his participation and is also set to debut in Singapore. This will also be a great opportunity for cycling enthusiasts to catch Cavendish in action, as the competition in Singapore could be his last, as the 38-year-old veteran has announced that he will be retiring at the end of the 2023 season. 

The Tour de France legend Cavendish secured second place in Stage 7 of the 2023 Tour de France. However, the Astana Qazaqstan team member who was previously tied for the most stage wins in Tour de France history with 34 victories had his hopes of surpassing Belgian legend Eddy Merckx’s record was shattered when he suffered a dramatic crash in Stage 8, which resulted in a broken collarbone.

Cavendish’s last Tour de France stage win came in 2021 when he won in Stage 4, 6, 10 and 13. He is also widely regarded as one of the greatest road sprinters of all time by Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme in the competition’s history.

“We’re excited to announce six star names to join Tadej Pogacar as some of the leading lights of this year’s Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium. Mark Cavendish was a firm fan favourite last year and we’re grateful that he’s agreed to come back for an encore, despite his recent injury,” said Agnes Goh, Managing Director of race organisers EVOKE EXP.

“He’s the King of the Sprints and an event like the Criterium will suit him well as he hopes to end his illustrious career with a memorable Singapore win. We will be firming up even more names in the coming weeks so do look out for more star names.”

Italian Ciccone, who is cycling for team Lidl-Tre, won the Mountain Classification of the 2023 race. Last year, he also participated in the inaugural Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium.

Other names confirmed for the 2023 Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium are the duo Pello Bilbao and Yukiya Arashiro from team Bahrain Victorious. His team won three stages in this year’s Tour de France, with Bilbao winning in Stage 10. The final two confirmed participants are 2023 Tour de France Stage 2 winner Victor Lafay and teammate Axel Zingle from team Cofidis. Bilbao was sixth in the general ranking after Stage 20, while Zingle is in the 142th spot.

The Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium is one of only two such criteriums in the world, the other being the Tour de France Saitama Criterium in Japan. The 3.0km street circuit will see 32 top cyclists from eight of the world’s best professional teams set off from Temasek Boulevard for an exhilarating 90 minutes, with the fastest to cross the finish line declared the winner.

Riders will flag off outside Suntec City and sprint along Temasek Boulevard before circling the Fountain of Wealth. They will then head down Nicoll Highway and Esplanade Drive before looping at Fullerton Road. The street circuit includes some of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks, such as the War Memorial Park, the Esplanade, the Merlion and the Fountain of Wealth.

56% young Singaporeans worried they couldn’t afford a home: OCBC survey

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AFP

SINGAPORE: A recent annual financial wellness survey conducted by OCBC has revealed alarming statistics regarding Singaporeans’ concerns over housing affordability and mortgage payments.

According to the survey, 56 per cent of Singaporeans in their 20s expressed deep concerns about their ability to afford a home, reflecting the challenges many young adults face in the city-state’s competitive real estate market.

The survey, which assessed the financial well-being of individuals across various age groups, highlighted growing apprehensions among Singaporeans, particularly those in their 20s.

The broader picture painted by the survey is equally concerning, with 38 per cent of all Singaporeans expressing worries about their ability to afford a home. This figure represents a significant increase in housing affordability concerns compared to previous years.

Another alarming revelation in the survey pertains to individuals with housing loans. A notable 40 per cent of Singaporeans are now anxious about their ability to meet their monthly mortgage instalments.

This figure marks a four-year-high, surpassing the anxiety levels recorded during the tumultuous period of the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022. In 2021, the figure sat at 31 per cent, and a recent spike in interest rates has exacerbated the escalation of mortgage affordability concerns.

During the survey’s data collection period, the 3M Singapore Overnight Rate Average (SORA) was recorded at a relatively manageable 1.27 per cent.

However, since Sept 8, 2023, the SORA rate has surged to a daunting 3.69 per cent. This sudden spike in interest rates has added to the financial burden of homeowners, pushing many to the brink of mortgage payment anxiety.

 

Man asks at what point do boundaries in a relationship turn into controlling behaviour

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“till-debt-do-us-part”:-how-to-solve-money-problems-of-married-couples

SINGAPORE: A man took to social media wondering about the boundaries in a relationship and what constitutes controlling behaviour towards a partner.

In an anonymous post to popular confessions page NUSWhispers, the man wrote: “I find it very hard not to have any expectation of your partner in the relationship. I always thought open communication about your expectations was the key but apparently, it is not”.

He said that when someone asked him if he would be all right with his girlfriend going clubbing with her friends, he said that he was not comfortable. However, he added that if he restricted her, she would feel that he did not trust her and she might feel suffocated and controlled. “So if your bf asked if you are ok with him helping a female colleague, who is flirty, young and dresses sexily, after work hours, would you be ok? In my mind, my thoughts are genuine and I have no feelings for her. On the other hand, girls would say that this is so red flaggy and I want to seriously meet the girl who says she is fine with this”, he added.

He said that while he initially thought that if he communicated his expectations and his girlfriend was agreeable, then it was fine. “If she doesn’t agree, she is fine to find someone else who doesn’t have such restrictions. I just don’t want to worry over stupid things. The most important thing in my mind is that we don’t force someone to do something they don’t and if they don’t agree with what you want/expect from a partner, they are fine to leave. However, it has come to my knowledge that even stating your “expectations” to someone is toxic and manipulative”, he wrote.

“If you realise your partner does not fit your expectation, you can find someone else. What if you are married and your partner doesn’t fit your expectations? How would you reconcile then? No is perfect without insecurities. What is the right way to approach this?” the man asked netizens.

Here’s what they said:

Earlier this year, a man who was dating a woman older than him ended up breaking up with her because he felt there was a big difference in the ways they showed love.

In an anonymous post to popular confessions page NUSWhispers, the man said that he was serving his National Service whereas she was working a flexible job. “We do love each other still, I do love her, i really do. But we always argue on how often I am spending time with her. I am pretty busy: with my own bills i need to pay, and I am someone who enjoys personal time, serving the country wtv,. To her, spending time = i love you, (quality time lover) but for me as long as she reassures me and makes me feel secure = i love you. (Words of affirmation)”, he wrote.

He added that she stayed in the east of Singapore while he stayed in the west and over time, it took a toll on the relationship. He wrote that he eventually broke up with her despite loving her. “My reason was being that we don’t perceive love the way we want it to be, i could be reassuring her and giving her words of affirmation but its not as well received as she just wants to spend time, something i don’t have at this point in my life”, he wrote, adding that his having to go to university soon also became a hurdle between them.

NS man breaks up with his older girlfriend because of their difference in love languages

NUS student in his final year says he has never dated before

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A couple takes pictures during the sunrise. (Photo by Mohd RASFAN / AFP)

SINGAPORE: A NUS student in his final year of university took to social media saying that he was ashamed he had never dated anyone before.

“I envy people who couple up easily. I would like to think I’m decent looking and have an ok personality. I just never thought of dating until recent months,” he wrote in an anonymous post to popular confessions page NUSWhispers.

He added that most women around him have friend-zoned him long ago, and wanted to know how he could put himself out there for a start.

“I’m interested in knowing this girl from another course but I think she doesn’t even know that I exist. How do I make friends with her?” he asked netizens.

Here’s the advice they gave:

Earlier this year, a young woman who just graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) took to social media to share her poor experience on her first-ever date.

In an anonymous post to popular confessions page NUSWhispers, the woman wrote that she was evergreen or had no relationship or dating experience. She added that she “didn’t find love during my university days as I was focusing on my studies. I was never into the idea of using a dating app but my friends had always been encouraging me to”. She wrote that she found it intimidating to meet and talk to strangers.

At the insistence of her friends, she went on a dating app and matched with someone she saw potential in. After messaging for about a month, she mustered the courage to meet him in person. “He brought me to fast food restaurant on the first date and we went dutch. & He then ghosted me after a few weeks,” she wrote.

Evergreen NUS grad who decided to use a dating app was taken to a fast food restaurant on the first date and made to go dutch

Sengkang GRC residents seek action to mitigate escalating bird menace

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Photo: Facebook screengrab / LamPinMin

SINGAPORE — During a recent visit to Block 235 Compassvale Walk in Sengkang GRC, former Member of Parliament for Sengkang West SMC Lam Pin Min encountered residents who complained about bird droppings, a problem they have been facing for years. The residents said they had reported the matter to the Sengkang Town Council, but unfortunately, the problem still persists.

“Many residents feedback to me that they have been plagued by bird’s droppings on their newly washed laundry left to dry outside their flats for the past 2-3 years. Some shared that other blocks facing the same issue had nettings installed except theirs,” shared former MP Lam on his Facebook page.

But that was not the only issue mentioned by the former Minister of State for Health on social media. Lam, who engaged with the residents alongside People’s Action Party member Theodora Lai. He added, “In addition, there were also feedback on the overall cleanliness or lack of, in the estate and hope that these issues can be addressed by the relevant agencies. Thanks residents for the feedback and your warm hospitality!”

Bird droppings plague not only the residents of Sengkang GRC.

In September last year, a resident named Farhan Saleha from Block 440A Fernvale Link in Ang Mo Kio GRC complained in a local Facebook group called ‘Fernvale Neighbourhood’ about his family’s struggles with pigeons and their droppings.

Various netizens responded to Farhan, suggesting that the birds might be gathering at the same spot each morning due to regular feeding by some residents. Others encouraged Farhan to report the matter to Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Gan Thiam Poh or purchase rubber spikes to deter the birds from landing on the ledge again.

Photo: Facebook screengrab / Fernvale Neighbourhood

It was reported last year that the Ang Mo Kio Town Council decided to install anti-bird nets at Blocks 467A and 467B in Fernvale Link after consultation with a resident who believed it could solve the pigeon problem.

However, another Fernvale resident Zhong Xueli posted in their community Facebook group, saying the netting made her feel “depressed” as it blocked her view and made her kitchen dimmer.

The anti-bird netting also created new headaches for other residents. The pigeons began to land elsewhere in the estate without the netting and eventually found their way into various parts of the HDB blocks.

Photo: Facebook screengrab / Fernvale Neighbourhood

The installation of the nets in selected HDB estates aims to deter birds from entering units, perching on aircon ledges, or soiling recently washed clothing  hung out to dry.

It is unclear how many blocks in Sengkang GRC have anti-bird nets and whether there are plans to put them up at Compassvale Walk as mentioned in the Facebook posting by former member of parliament Lam.