SINGAPORE: After sharing a link to an article titled ‘Singapore is the best state in the world? New study ranks America #23!’ Ho Ching, the wife of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and former Temasek Holdings CEO, wrote, “Yup!”
“Sg is not a democracy in the American sense of liberal democracy where the feelings of criminals matter more than the hurt to the victims, where money politics trump fair play through all sorts of loopholes like PAC (political action committee) under the guise of freedom of speech,” wrote Mdm Ho. Instead, “Sg is a social democracy where political campaign spending are limited to ensure a level playing ground,” she added.
The article, from research site Study Finds, quotes a recent index from German researchers which says that living in a democracy is not a necessity when it comes to how well a state functions. The study, published in July, ranked Singapore as highest functioning state in the world.
Mdm Ho went on to cite examples to prove her point, specifically from the recent presidential election, in terms of spending per voter, the updating of the electoral register, how this register is displayed publicly, and how people who did not vote and were taken off the register can be re-enrolled in it, or how they can apply to make modifications if they move residences, or object to the inclusion of another voter’s name if their status has changed.
“Once the inspection period is over, the various claims are processed, and the claimants’ list is again put up for public inspection,” wrote Mdm Ho.
She noted that campaign spending for this year’s presidential election was kept low.
“The spending limit worked out to be no more than S$812,822.10 based on the latest certified number of voters on our electoral register. That is under US$603,000 in total. Nope, foreign donations are not allowed, and there is strict accounting after every election.”
Mdm Ho also wrote that Singapore is “a strict democracy with protections in place against money politics, and against foreign interference or influence. So Sg is a social democracy with a keen sense of fair play that is based on justice and equality, regardless of race, language or religion, with a clear focus on the people today and all the tomorrows to come.” /TISG
SINGAPORE: Singaporeans in the West and Queenstown can look forward to a greener and more cycling-friendly future as the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announces plans for new cycling paths in Bukit Batok, Clementi, Jurong West, and Queenstown!
LTA announced on their Facebook page with the hashtag #KeepCalmAndCycleOn, saying, “Look forward to new cycling paths in the West and Queenstown! We’ve just called a tender for new cycling paths in Bukit Batok, Clementi, Jurong West and Queenstown. This will contribute to our goal of 1,300km of cycling paths by 2030.”
Photo: Facebook / Land Transport Authority
In the same post, LTA revealed, “To be progressively completed from 2024, the new paths will allow residents in the West to cycle more easily to key amenities in their neighbourhood. #GreenerRidesAbound”
Focusing on a sustainable Singapore, LTA ended the post with, “#GoGreen What’s more, in all our upcoming tenders for cycling paths, we’ll also require that low carbon concrete be used in construction.”
Here are some photos depicting future cycling spots:
Photo: Land Transport Authority (LTA)LTaPhoto: Land Transport Authority (LTA)Photo: Land Transport Authority (LTA)Photo: Land Transport Authority (LTA)Photo: Land Transport Authority (LTA)
A netizen commenting on the post asked, “Is there a way to know which cycling paths and/or PCN are under construction, or planned for future constructions? Like a map or something.”
Another answered, “Yes! Please connect up Ghim Moh to Queenstown fully to link up the two PCNs. There are currently only short stretch of cycling paths around commonwealth mrt and before Queenstown mrt.”
These new cycling paths are poised to transform the West and Queenstown, offering Singaporeans a greener, cycling-friendly future.
SINGAPORE — Six teams, including two from Singapore (an ‘Opens’ and an ‘A’ team), will participate in the 2023 Mirxes Nations Cup from Oct 22 to 28 at the OCBC Arena, Singapore Sports Hub. The competition will be held in a round-robin format, with top-ranked teams such as Sri Lanka (15), Cook Islands (20), former champion Papua New Guinea (39), and unranked Canada vying for top honours.
The Singapore Opens team comprises the national players who competed in the recent Netball World Cup. The team also welcomes back Lee Pei Shan and Singapore’s most-capped player, Charmaine Soh, who was sidelined for a year due to an injury. The Singapore A team was established in 2020 to serve as Netball Singapore’s developmental squad and comprises mostly under-23 players. The team also has players from the Opens squad who are seeking more regular playing time or are returning to the national setup after a hiatus from competitive action.
“It’s always an honour to represent Singapore, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to do so again. Overcoming a serious injury has been challenging, and I’m extremely grateful to all who have supported me during my recovery. I can’t wait to compete in front of the fans, friends and family again and contribute to the team’s success at the Mirxes Nations Cup,” said Soh, who made her national team debut in 2011 at the Netball World Cup in Singapore against Jamaica.
Soh, who currently has 123 caps with Singapore, has achieved numerous milestones with the national team, and also serves as a World Netball Athlete Ambassador for Asia. The 33-year-old was part of the winning team at the 2012 and 2014 Asian Netball Championships, and won the gold medal for Team Singapore at the 2015 SEA Games.
Toh Kai Wei and Khor Ting Fang will jointly captain the Singapore Opens team. The vice-captain will be Aqilah Andin, who made her return to competitive netball, representing and captaining the Singapore A Team at the 2022 Nations Cup after giving birth in July last year.
“I have cherished memories of competing at last year’s Nations Cup, especially because I had my son Qaif in the stands watching me play. Being part of the Singapore A Team last year significantly aided my exposure to competitive netball against top-notch teams again after almost being out for some time. This experience was pivotal in my journey back to the Opens team and paved the way for me to play in top competitions such as this year’s Netball World Cup,” shared Aqilah.
Earlier this year, Team Singapore participated in the Netball World Cup, achieving two remarkable victories against Sri Lanka. This marked the first time since 2015 that the national team defeated the reigning Asian champions. However, despite these victories, Singapore faced tough challenges in their Group D matches at the Netball World Cup. They suffered defeats against strong opponents, including Uganda (37-79), Trinidad and Tobago (36-49), and New Zealand (19-80).
In the preliminaries stage two matches, Singapore secured a 55-52 win over Sri Lanka but suffered losses to Barbados (50-55) and Zimbabwe (40-68). Singapore again faced Sri Lanka in the 15th placement match and triumphed 49-46. The two teams also met in the final of the Asian Netball Championships last year. But Singapore suffered heartbreak as they could not break down the Sri Lankan defence, as the South Asian team won the match 63-53.
“The team had a strong showing at the Netball World Cup earlier this year, and we’re determined to build on that momentum. While our team remains largely unchanged, the return of Charmaine brings a wealth of experience, while Pei Shan, with her height and strength, will provide a different challenge to opposing defenders. Together, Pei Shan and Charmaine offer unique strengths and we will continue to build on our strong showing this year as a team,” shared Singapore Opens team coach Annette Bishop.
The Nations Cup returned last year after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The competition was won by Botswana, who defeated Fiji 65-37 in the final. Singapore came in third after their 53-36 win against Ireland. Singapore ‘A’ team had to settle for sixth place, as they suffered a 47-40 loss to Malaysia in the fifth placement match.
Tickets for the 2023 Mirxes Nations Cup are available for purchase through Ticketmaster.
Singapore Opens Team
Toh Kai Wei (Co-Captain), Khor Ting Fang (Co-Captain), Aqilah Andin (Vice Captain), Charmaine Soh, Lee Pei Shan, Amandeep Kaur, Angelina Lim, Tan Yi Jie, Rachel Ling, Kimberly Lim, Jamie Lim, Reena Divya
Reserves: Goh Wei Ping, K. Mishalenee
Singapore A Team
Goh Wei Ping, Priscilla Wong, Rebecca Leong, Sherlyn Yip, Zulfa Rashad, Laura Low, Matilda Su-Yin Narayan, Miki Ng, Faith Lawrence, Norah Paul Gabriel, Shannon Tan, K. Mishalenee
SINGAPORE: With the rising popularity of aquatic sports, especially among young children, the Singapore Aquatics (SAQ) has initiated the “Hands Up for Safe Aquatics” campaign. Its primary aim is to ensure the athletes’ safety and well-being while fostering a conducive environment within the pool. The campaign also underlines the significance of adherence to safe sports regulations.
The campaign aims to bring attention to the various forms of abuse aquatic athletes may be subjected to. It urges all stakeholders, including coaches, parents of young children, and individuals involved in the aquatic community, to actively participate in establishing a safe environment.
The “Hands Up For Safe Aquatics” campaign was officially launched by Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and Ministry of Social and Family Development, and SAQ president Mark Chay on the sidelines of the FUTURES Swim Meet (for swimmers 7-12 years old) at the OCBC Aquatic Centre, Singapore Sports Hub.
“As the national body for aquatic sport in Singapore, our role is not just to produce champions. With our vision of Every Singaporean A Swimmer, Singapore Aquatics must also ensure that we help nurture a safe, conducive environment for aquatic sport enthusiasts of any age, any proficiency level, to be comfortable in the water,” said Singapore Aquatics President Chay.
SAQ president hopes that the “Hands Up For Safe Aquatics” campaign will get the aquatics community to pledge their support to keep aquatic sports safe from neglect, physical and psychological abuse, and indecent abuse and harassment.
“The primary aim of the campaign is really to make Safe Sport second nature to aquatics. For example, some coaches may mean well by offering to give athletes a lift to or from training. But there are do’s and don’ts when it comes to interacting with athletes, especially minors. The nature of aquatic sports also means that coaches often have to be in physical contact with athletes as they instruct swimmers about fine-tuning a swim stroke or divers to execute certain manoeuvres,” the former Nominated Member of Parliament said.
The campaign has received support from national athletes such as water polo player Mounisha Devi Manivannan, swimmer Ardi Zulhilmi Azman, Vivien Tai from artistic swimming, diver Max Lee, and para-swimmer Yip Pin Xiu.
“As athletes, we all train hard to achieve our dreams and goals. However, we can only do this if we have a safe environment to train in. I think that it’s important for everyone (coaches, athletes, parents) to understand that abuse and neglect do not just come physically, as athletes also need a nurturing environment free from other forms of abuse to thrive and enjoy their sport. This environment should be provided to athletes from young, so they understand what kind of behaviour is appropriate and what is not,” shared 20-year-old artistic swimmer Tai.
Coaches also come on board, including former national swimmer and founder of Aquatic Performance Swim Club Ang Peng Siong and Garett Lee, head coach of swim school Sentosa Swim Coaching.
Photo credit: Singapore Aquatics
“The issue of athletes having to deal with both physical and psychological abuse is a problem. It’s not just s*xual abuse, but even issues like publicly shaming an athlete because of how they look can have a lasting negative effect on a young person. It is important that we create a safe space for children and athletes to train in. Some of these budding athletes put in blood, sweat and tears to chase their dreams. But while doing so, it is important for them and their coaches to know what constitutes the right behaviour and what doesn’t,” explained coach Lee, a coach developer for SAQ.
In a media release, SAQ shared that the latest National Sports Participation Survey by the national sports agency Sport Singapore showed that sports participation in Singapore hit an all-time high in 2022. It indicates that 74% of 4,500 respondents aged 13 and above participated in sporting activities at least once a week.
In addition, swimming is among the top five sporting activities that they engage in. A 2022 Statista survey also showed that attendance at Singapore swimming pools crossed the 4.5 million mark, almost double the 2.5 million visits in 2021.
Newly arrived domestic helpers from Indonesia wait for their transportation to a maid agency after going through medical check in Singapore on March 6, 2012. Singapore's decision to grant a mandatory weekly day off for foreign maids was welcomed by social workers and human rights groups, but some employers were unhappy. AFP PHOTO/ROSLAN RAHMAN (Photo by ROSLAN RAHMAN / AFP)
SINGAPORE: An employer took to social media wondering if her maid would be upset if she left a list of chores for her to do while the family went overseas on holiday.
In an anonymous post, the employer asked: “Can I give my helper a list of tasks to complete when I go on holiday?” She explained that these tasks would be difficult to complete when the family was around, and they included chores such as clearing the store room, dusting walls and washing curtains.
“Will she be angry that I’m going to enjoy my holiday while she has to work? How to make her understand that she is supposed to work because we are still paying her salary? How to make her feel better?” the employer wrote.
Other helpers who commented on the post said it was a good idea for the employer to give her maid a list of tasks. Some suggested that she be mindful not to give her dangerous work so that she did not injure herself.
Here’s what they wrote:
Earlier this year, another foreign domestic helper who refused to stay at home alone while her employers went overseas got to go on her own holiday as well.
In an anonymous post to Facebook page FDW in Singapore (working conditions forum), the maid’s employer wrote that she and her family had planned to go overseas on a short family trip. However, she added that her helper did not want to stay in their house alone, so “we will treat her to a holiday at a place of her interest somewhere else”.
She also wrote that she would be giving her maid paid leave and covering the cost of her flight tickets as well. “Any idea if we should also cover her accommodation? This is on top of her fully paid home leave which we have already approved. What is your arrangement for helper when employer goes overseas for holiday?” the woman asked netizens in her post.
SINGAPORE: A number of construction firms are lamenting the rising rents for foreign worker dormitories, with some dormitories more than doubling the rentals that they used to charge. Larger companies have reportedly resorted to putting their foreign workers in their own temporary accommodation while smaller firms are struggling to find new housing solutions.
One construction company that spoke to Channel 8 news said it employs 20 migrant workers who lived in a dormitory for eight years until rentals rose so sharply that they decided to move their workers into cheaper apartments.
Noting that this may not be sustainable in the long run, the company’s director said that industry players are wondering what to do because there appears to be no better way to solve the problem.
Pointing out that workers are crucial to their projects, the director said that some firms face the possibility of closure if they cannot afford proper housing for their workers.
Due to these accommodation issues, some businesses have reportedly postponed their plans to bring in new foreign workers.
To solve this issue, some large construction companies have chosen to build temporary dormitories on their construction sites. Business owners told Channel 8 that contractors want to rent rooms for their workers but cannot do so due to government regulations.
Dormitories in Singapore are closely regulated to ensure residents have access to appropriate living arrangements. One construction company owner said that the new regulations introduced by the Ministry of Manpower on the number of bedrooms and toilets workers must have made the issues they face “very difficult”.
SINGAPORE: A new female employee at a company took to Reddit, sharing about a senior manager making inappropriate comments about female bodies. She wondered if she was being overly sensitive.
In an anonymous post, the woman wrote: “He (elderly)commented things like it is better to have curves and meat for females (my body) (and inappropriate gesture like imitating a girl dances) during lunch. I just joined this month”. She added that he would also try to matchmake her with other male colleagues.
“Am I overly-sensitive? Or this is really scary. I am avoiding lunch everyday and scared of being alone with him. Please help me to think of excuses to avoid group lunch everyday. If I reported him, basically it means over for me. (SME)” the woman wrote.
Others in the comments section urged her to leave and said that because it was an SME, HR would unlikely do anything to resolve the matter.
SINGAPORE: After Business Insider published a piece on Sept 11 (Monday) about how some students in Singapore are taking on multiple internships—on top of getting good grades and studying in top universities— to land the jobs they want, local Reddit users had a lot to say.
The piece, titled, “Good grades and top honours don’t cut it anymore. Welcome to the Gen-Z Battle Royale: Internship Edition,” featured so-called “warrior interns,” young people who’ve had as many as nine internships, beginning from the time they left secondary school, and taking advantage of every holiday break they had to work as interns in order to raise their bargaining power as jobseekers.
Whew! It’s exhausting to even think about it, and a good number of Reddit users said as much when the piece was shared on r/Singapore.
“University used to be that last period of time to be carefree, have fun and enjoy before a lifetime of work that is ahead. Not anymore,” commented one.
“I feel sad for the system in SG. I admire ambition in young kids but this seems downright mentally exhausting,” wrote another, who added, “It turns out, life is perfectly fine without having a Harvard or stressing that much to reach the highs. I hope everyone can experience the carefree environment when time feels like it passes slower.”
One commenter, however, remarked cynically that “Being spawn(ed) into the right family eliminates the need to compete for internships.”
“Or even just knowing the right friends. I have CS friends who struggle to get internships though they have CAP 5 and a lot of projects. Then I also have non-CS friends who got into tech roles like SWE in year 1 with knowledge of only HTML and CSS – they got in through friends and seniors’ connections,” another agreed.
“”If good grades & top honours” don’t cut it any more… then maybe it’s society that’s f***ed up? Just sayin’.
Also sayin’, burnout culture in this country is mad as is, but systemic burnout support is atrocious, BC the doctors & nurses are also overworked/burnt out. I’ve seen the hospitals.
So when ppl fail, then how? Die?,” another added.
“Wow…times have really changed. I graduated back in 2019, didn’t do a single internship but still managed to land a job. I guess back then competition just wasn’t as fierce! Anyway, at the rate we’re going, I Imagine next time we gotta submit portfolio for our kids’ pre-school and kindergarten admissions…,” a commenter remarked.
SINGAPORE: The National University of Singapore (NUS) has released a report revealing eight cases of indecent assault that have come to light in the first half of this year. Among these cases, three involved indecent assault, leading to the expulsion of a student, while one complaint implicated a university staff member.
All eight cases have been reported to the police as the institution seeks to reaffirm its zero-tolerance policy for indecent assault to maintain a safe environment for its students and staff.
First Complaint: Jan 25
The initial complaint received by NUS involved a student who was alleged to have raped a member of the public outside the school premises. However, the university did not take any further action on this case due to insufficient evidence.
Second Complaint: Jan 31
Just six days later, NUS received another complaint concerning a student accused of raping another person within the dormitory. The university promptly issued a no-contact order and expelled the student. The student is currently appealing this decision.
Third Complaint: Feb 13
On Feb 13, a complaint was filed against a student for inappropriately touching another person without their consent outside the school. The university’s disciplinary committee responded by suspending the student for two semesters, banning them from all university campuses during the suspension, and mandating 120 hours of community service sanctions and mandatory counselling. Additionally, the student has been permanently banned from campus housing for the remainder of the semester.
Fourth Complaint: February (exact date not provided)
During the same month, another complaint was lodged against a student for inappropriately touching another person within a dormitory without their consent. The case is currently under review by the University Disciplinary Committee, and the student has been issued a no-contact order.
Fifth and Sixth Complaints: April and June 19
In April, a student faced allegations of non-consensual filming during an intimate encounter outside school. Additionally, in June, the same student was accused of attempting to act inappropriately on another person outside the school and retaining intimate photos and videos without consent. No-contact orders have been issued in both cases, and investigations and hearings are ongoing.
Seventh Complaint: May (exact date not provided)
In May, a student was accused of posting intimate photos online without the other person’s consent. As a result, the student was suspended for four semesters and required to complete 120 hours of community service sanctions and mandatory counselling. The suspension also entails a prohibition from entering campus premises and housing upon their return.
Eighth Complaint Involving Staff (exact date not provided)
Regarding the complaint involving a staff member, NUS stated that no further action was taken after the investigation was concluded. The staff member, who had no teaching duties and was engaged in administrative work, was alleged to have inappropriately touched another person several years ago. However, the case could not be filed due to limited facts and evidence.
NUS has indicated that it remains committed to addressing issues of indecent assaults promptly and diligently.
SINGAPORE: The organisers of the SG Climate Rally have invited President-elect Tharman Shanmugaratnam to their upcoming event at the Speakers’ Corner, Hong Lim Park, on Sept 23. Their first rally in 2019 drew a predominantly youthful audience and centred around the urgent environmental and climate change issues that impact Singapore and the global community.
In an email to the former Senior Minister, the SG Climate Rally organisers congratulated Tharman on his presidential election victory. They also recalled some of their members’ recent interactions with him in a forum.
“Some of us attended the Access Singapore dialogue some weeks ago (with some of our members asking you a question), and we were heartened by your acknowledgement of climate change as the biggest issue of our generation during the Q&A section. It was encouraging to hear your endorsement of youth activism as a medium for change,” mentioned SG Climate Rally in their email to President-elect Tharman.
SG Climate Rally added, “While we applaud the government’s updated target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, we are calling for greater transparency and inclusivity on the pathway to this goal. Amidst this dire crisis, we must take bold measures to reduce emissions and establish robust support for populations made most vulnerable to climate change.”
In October 2022, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced that as part of Singapore’s Long-Term Low-Emissions Development Strategy, it will raise the national climate target to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, reduce emissions to around 60 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) in 2030 after peaking emissions earlier as part of its revised 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution.
“The transition to net zero demands ambitious and collective action. Singapore announced our national hydrogen strategy, which will guide our approach in developing low-carbon hydrogen as a new frontier in our efforts to green our power and industry sectors, as well as contribute to the decarbonisation of international maritime and aviation. To lead the way for Singapore’s decarbonisation journey, the public sector will commit to achieve net zero emissions around 2045 under the GreenGov.SG initiative. This will be contingent on the progress of technologies and international cooperation to enable mitigation measures,” the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment mentioned in a media release in October 2022.
Photo credit: SG Climate Rally
The SG Climate Rally have announced this year’s calls to action on their Facebook page – ‘To build a just and inclusive roadmap to net-zero emission.’ They explained the need to ‘accelerate the transition’, ‘protect the ecosystems’, and ‘empower the people.’
The second Singapore Climate Change rally, scheduled for Sep 23, will occur from 3 pm to 7 pm. Event organisers have called on attendees to wear red as a sign of support. The invited speakers will give their speeches from 5 pm. Prominent individuals addressing the 2023 Singapore Climate Rally include Dr Geh Min, former nominated Member of Parliament; Ho Xiang Tin, co-founder of LepakInSG; Nor Syazwan Abdul Majid, founder of Wan’s Ubin Journal; Madhu Ardhanari, a sustainability and strategic researcher; and Marlina Yased, a community worker.
There will also be community booths set up by various civil societies and environmental partners such as Students for a Fossil-Free Future, SG Riders, GreenCheck, Transformative Justice Collective, Migrant Death Map, Workers Make Possible, PM.Haze, Stridy, LepakInSG, Orang Laut SG, and Migrant Mutual Aid.
There is a range of activities planned during the SG Climate Rally. Attendees will have the opportunity to write postcards to members of parliament and participate in a climate learning corner where they can learn more about the current climate crisis and the calls to action. Furthermore, participants will have the chance to engage in climate-related games.
For those uncertain about what signs or placards to bring to the climate rally, organisers have arranged an art jam session on September 17. This session, taking place at 7 Ann Siang Hill from 2 pm to 5 pm, will bring together creative individuals passionate about climate issues. Do register your interest with the organiser here – https://tinyurl.com/sgcrartjam
Earlier this year, another 
