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Michelle Yeoh shares snippets of her wedding; netizens love her ‘Face of Happiness’ wedding dress

By
Aiah Bathan
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0
Photo: IG screengrab/ Michelle Yeoh

Award-winning actress Michelle Yeoh recently announced that she finally got married to the ex-Ferrari CEO, Jean Todt. The couple exchanged their wedding vows in an intimate wedding ceremony held in Geneva, attended by their closest family and friends. 

As the couple continues to host more wedding receptions for their loved ones, Michelle’s beautiful and unique wedding dress has caught the attention of many netizens. 

In an Instagram post, the actress shared more snippets of their wedding reception in Geneva. She stated in her caption: “Thank q my darling big Brother Diego and Daniel for my stunning @schiaparelli Face of Happiness dress to say hello as Mr & Mrs Todt ❤️❤️”

The wedding dress was an ivory bridal gown with a train and a corset with a face on it. It had eyes, a pair of lips, and a nose with a septum piercing. It was designed by the French fashion house Schiaparelli and was named ‘Face of Happiness’ dress. 

Photo: Michelle Yeoh’s Instagram

Netizens expressed their opinions in the comments section. 

One IG user stated: “So happy for you and that dress is amazing. Love SchiaparelliI love Schiaparelli.” 

Another IG user remarked: “OMG the bodice🔥🔥🔥 Congratulations to you both 💜💜💜💜” 

More users declared: “Stunning 😍 congratulations ♥️”, “You looked absolutely stunning! Many congratulations 💖”, and “stunning Madame, congratulations”. 

Michelle Yeoh continued to post more behind-the-scenes photos of her wedding on her Instagram page. In another post, she mentioned: “More joyful moments from beautiful family to the amazing Chef Massimilliano our Four Seasons friends in geneva” 


In social media X, formerly known as Twitter, Jean Todt confirmed his wedding with Michelle Yeoh. He stated in his post: “I can happily confirm the union with the Love of my life, Michelle.”

Michelle Yeoh finally ties the knot with ex-Ferrari CEO after 19 years engagement!

 

Ng Kok Song explains why Singapore’s reserves have to be kept secret

By
Anna Maria Romero
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0
Ng Kok Song says he is the only non-partisan candidate as Tharman was a PAP leader and Tan Kin Lian was endorsed by two members of opposition parties

SINGAPORE: Presidential hopeful Ng Kok Song, a former Chief Investment Officer of the GIC, spoke in a recent interview about why keeping the number of the country’s reserves a secret is important.

Mr Ng posted a series of video clips on his Instagram account wherein he tackled a number of topics, including financial literacy, investing, the reserves and meditation, which is one of his passions.

In talking about the reserves, he underlined that the reserves are part of the country’s overall defense, calling them Singapore’s financial defence.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ng Kok Song (@ngkoksong.official)

He captioned his post, “Some have asked why we cannot reveal how much we have in the reserves. Our reserves are our financial defence. In a war, you do not reveal to your enemy how much resources you have. Similarly, keeping the value of our reserves a secret is strategically important for Singapore. #ngkoksong2023 #unitedforourfuture #finance #adulting #secrets”

On the need for secrecy regarding Singapore’s reserves, he said the following:

“It is a very strange thing that when you’re confronting a hostile force, an enemy who wants to do damage to you, do you tell your enemy how much resources you have?

That is why we keep our resources a secret. Singaporeans say, ‘Why can’t you tell us how much reserves we have?’ Our reserves are our financial defence; they are part of our total defence for Singapore.

We have our military defence. We have our social defence. We must have our financial defence. The more reserves we have, the more people will think twice or three times to undermine the stability of our currency.

That’s what I mean when I say the reserves are strategically important for Singapore.”

Mr Ng was with the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC) for 42 years, serving as Group Chief Investment Officer from 2007 until his retirement in 2013.

He is a 2012 awardee of the Meritorious Service Medal from the Singapore Government.

Prior to working at GIC, he was with the Monetary Authority of Singapore from 1972 to 1986 and began his career at the Ministry of Finance in 1970. /TISG

Ng Kok Song confident in mounting a good challenge against Tharman

Read also:

Presidential candidate Ng Kok Song backed by former presidential hopeful Mohamed Salleh Marican

Ng Kok Song on CPF savings: Govt saves Singaporeans the headache of investing money, guarantees risk-free interest rate – Singapore News

Beyond winning: Ng Kok Song’s spiritual and philosophical approach to the presidential race – Singapore News 

Singapore goes to the polls: Tharman, Ng Kok Song, Tan Kin Lian qualify as presidential candidates

Ng Kok Song explains why Singapore’s reserves have to be kept secret 

George Yeo backs Ng Kok Song’s bid for presidency, amid scrutiny over “Tharman wants it” comment 

Ng Kok Song confident in mounting a good challenge against Tharman 

“One of the Zouk family otters has trash around its neck” — Netizens share concern for poor otter

By
Beatrice Del Rosario
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0
Image: Reddit Singapore screengrab / @orcsab

SINGAPORE: A Reddit user took to the online news forum on Monday (Aug 7) to share a heart-wrenching photo of a family of otters, one of which seemed to be trash wrapped around its neck.

“One of the zouk family otters has trash around its neck,” the post read. “Picture taken at Robertson quay.” The online user asked Singaporeans on the forum who to call for such problems. “Is there someone in Singapore that traps or rescues otters with problems?” the netizen asked.

A handful responded to the post.

“If you encounter otters in distress, please call NParks Animal Response Centre helpline at 1800-476-1600 or ACRES Wildlife Rescue hotline at 97837782,” one said.

The post author claimed to have already called ACRES and shared what the wildlife rescue centre reportedly said. “I called ACRES which resulted in a WhatsApp chat,” the netizen shared. “They have the picture, location, and time that I saw the otter. They say if the otter’s mobility doesn’t seem effected (it doesn’t, IMO) they’ll just monitor for a while.”

Image: Reddit Singapore screengrab / @orcsab
Image: Reddit Singapore screengrab / @orcsab
Image: Reddit Singapore screengrab / @orcsab
Image: Reddit Singapore screengrab / @orcsab

Another online user took the initiative as well, saying, “I have sent a screenshot of this post to Singapore Otterwatch. They’ll know what to do.”

Still, one netizen commented, showing empathy for the animal. “Youch, just looking at it, i can feel pain.”

A third wondered, “Not an animal expert here. Just wondering if the otter family is smart enough to try and bite free the entanglement? Curious to know.”

Image: Reddit Singapore screengrab / @orcsab
Image: Reddit Singapore screengrab / @orcsab
Image: Reddit Singapore screengrab / @orcsab
Image: Reddit Singapore screengrab / @orcsab
Image: Reddit Singapore screengrab / @orcsab

One of the zouk family otters has trash around its neck
by u/orcsab in singapore

 

Workers’ Party holds National Day flag distribution at Serangoon Gardens

By
Anna Maria Romero
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0
Photo: FB screengrab/Pritam Singh

SINGAPORE: On Sunday morning (Aug 6), Workers’ Party MPs held a flag distribution activity ahead of the upcoming National Day this Wednesday, with WP chief Pritam Singh, party chair Sylvia Lim, and their fellow Aljunied GRC MP Gerald Giam meeting and mingling with residents of Serangoon.

Their choice of venue for the activity is perhaps significant, as Serangoon had been the ward of former MP Leon Perera, who recently stepped down. In the wake of his resignation, the WP leadership immediately reassured Serangoon residents that they would be taken care of.

In a video posted on the WP TikTok channel, the three MPs can be seen giving out mini flags to smiling residents, many of whom gamely wave them.

@thehammertok

National Day Flag Distribution in Serangoon Gardens & Serangoon North with Pritam, Sylvia & Gerald 🤩🇸🇬❤️ #wpsg #singapore #ndp2023 #sg58 #OnwardAsOneSG

♬ Shine Your Light – NDPeeps

 

The fourth Aljunied GRC MP, Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap, also the party’s vice chairman, was brought to the hospital on July 24 for a cardiac condition but is now recovering.

Ms Lim, who, like Mr Singh and Mr Giam, was dressed in red and black, wrote in an Instagram post, “Happy 58th National Day to everyone and this morning, to residents at Serangoon Gardens and Serangoon North!

We were also happy to see the good progress of the artwork on a mural at Blk 151A, a project started by Leon Perera. With @pritamsingh76 @geraldgiam and volunteers. #SerangoonGardens #SerangoonNorth #AljunuedGRC“

The three MPs posed in front of the wall where the mural is being painted, which now has different birds painted on it.

On his part, Mr Singh, the Leader of the Opposition, wrote that he was “Grateful to meet many residents during our flag distribution exercise at the Serangoon Gardens hawker centre and in the Serangoon North commercial centre on the occasion of the upcoming National Day celebrations.”

He added that while having some Bak Chor Mee after the flag distribution activity, he talked to Mr Leow Hock Sin, who happened to have been the local winner of the 1986 Singapore marathon.

“Never a dull moment in Aljunied GRC!” added Mr Singh. /TISG

WP’s National Day flag distribution brings smiles to many, even as Pritam Singh acknowledges the challenges younger Singaporeans face today in achieving their dreams

“Can drive expensive car but can’t afford parking fees; always park illegally at loading/unloading bay!” — HDB resident calls driver out online

By
Beatrice Del Rosario
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0
Image: FB screengrab / Complaint Singapore

SINGAPORE: An online user took an issue with an illegally parked car, sharing pictures of the vehicle and calling out the driver.

“Can drive expensive car but can’t afford parking fees,” was the message shared by an online user who took to the Complaint Singapore Facebook group on Monday (Aug 7) to make an issue public. “Always parked illegally at loading and unloading bay!” the netizen included.

Attached to the post were photos of the same car, taken from different angles and at different times of the day.

Image: FB screengrab / Complaint Singapore

Many online users took to the post’s comments section to share their two cents on the matter.

A handful argued that the driver could afford the fine. “Driver is rich to pay for illegal parking fine…. No need to worry!” said one.

Another wrote, “He/she can afford the fine.”

Image: FB screengrab / Complaint Singapore
Image: FB screengrab / Complaint Singapore
Image: FB screengrab / Complaint Singapore
Image: FB screengrab / Complaint Singapore
Image: FB screengrab / Complaint Singapore

Still, a third commented, “It’s not (that) they can’t afford parking fees. They want to be nearer to their destination, less walking. My friend’s flat in Yishun, multistorey carpark is 8 blocks away. Every time I go sent or collect my dog for dog sitting I have to walk 8 blocks to and flow. So I think (forget) it, I’m paying the fine if LTA catch me, so I park double yellow line. I only stop for 15mins, was never fine, it’s been 2 years every Saturday sometimes Sunday. I’m not telling you the location incase you guys report me lol.”

Some netizens brought up convenience, with one saying “$100 for the convenience is worth it as the MSCP can be too far away. Probably his/her few minutes worth more than $100. As long as they are willing to face the music or the fine, then it’s their own business.”

Image: FB screengrab / Complaint Singapore
Image: FB screengrab / Complaint Singapore
Image: FB screengrab / Complaint Singapore
Image: FB screengrab / Complaint Singapore
Image: FB screengrab / Complaint Singapore

“Meanwhile delivery people kena saman because no place to park because the loading unloading lot is taken up by these ‘rich people'” said another.

Still, one user pointed out, “I love that you made the effort to take pictures from different angles.”

Jamus Lim Shares Positive Experiences with New Residents, Highlights Appreciation for Alternative Voices

By
Anna Maria Romero
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0
Photo: FB screengrab/Jamus Lim

SINGAPORE: Workers’ Party MP Jamus Lim (Sengkang GRC) addressed the common perception that Singapore’s new residents would always vote for the ruling party. He noted that they have always warmly welcomed him in the course of visiting homes and coffee shops, and many have told him that they see the value of alternative voices in government.

He noted in an Aug 5 (Saturday) Facebook post that the residents he meets have been “extremely welcoming” of visits from him and his team, writing this in the context of having visited 318C and 318D Anchorvale this week, as well as the eating house at 289 Compassvale.

“This perception may not just be mistaken, but unfair; after all, if we hold it, we strip our new Singaporean brothers and sisters from any agency over their choice of who represents them. And I, for one, happen to think that the desire for voice and accountability transcends borders, and is one closely held by people all over the world, new immigrant (or new #SengkangGRC resident!) or not,” wrote Assoc Prof Lim.

He wrote that the warm welcome they’ve experienced has come from new residents of China, India, and other countries, adding that this could partly be because “of their recent experience of being a guest in another country, which heightens their sense of hospitality overall.”

Assoc Prof Lim added that another reason may be due to the new residents coming from a country that “deeply respects democratic traditions (India) or from where such considerations have been given short shrift (China), and therefore imbuing them with a keen appreciation for what we have here.”

Or it could be, he added, that new residents “see the tremendous value of alternative voices even if, on balance, they value the work that the government has done thus far (a sentiment that many have shared directly with us, and one not limited to recent immigrants).”

The insight that new residents appreciate alternative voices in government is useful, given the common sentiment that new immigrants would always favour the ruling People’s Action Party, he noted. /TISG

Read also: 

Jamus Lim: Resident shares concerns over migrant professionals crowding out locals – Singapore News 

Resident talks to Jamus Lim about challenges singles face in Singapore 

Resident tells Jamus Lim that higher prices are “too close, too many, can’t breathe” – Singapore News 

Jamus Lim: Expand CPIB reporting line to other branches of government, not just PM and President

Maid says her day off is only from 9am to 4pm as she’s required to come back and work at 5pm

By
Obbana Rajah
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0

SINGAPORE: A domestic helper who still had to work after 5 pm on her day off took to social media asking others for advice.

In an anonymous post to a support group for domestic helpers and employers alike, the maid wrote that she had been working with her employer for four years and nine months. She added that while she got two Sundays off a month, she was only free between 9 am and 4 pm and had to work after 5 pm.

The maid added that on July 29 this year, she was hospitalised for four months of severe anaemia and continuous bleeding. She was hospitalised on a Saturday and returned to her employers’ home by Monday on light duty. However, she wrote that she constantly had fever and headaches and thus asked her employer to send her back home.

Her employer did not want to send her back home but agreed to give her rest whenever she needed it. The maid continued: “but i cant rest since she (her employer) is always come (sic) inside the room check”.

She added that doctors from the National University Hospital (NUH) gave her 19 days to rest, but she felt more stressed and agitated because her employer would constantly check on what she was up to. The maid wrote that she was mentally, emotionally and physically unwell and wanted to return to the Philippines to rest. She asked others in the group for advice about her situation.

Here’s what they said:

Earlier this year, a tired maid with a lack of sleep took to social media wanting to request her employers to hire a nanny for their child.

In an anonymous post to a support group for helpers and employers alike, the maid wanted advice on how she could convey her situation to her hirer. She wrote that she only got to sleep around midnight but had to wake up around 6 am to start her chores. She got no rest during the day because she had to take care of her employer’s baby.

To add insult to injury, the maid wrote that she would sometimes have to sleep with the baby at night if the baby fell sick.

Maid sleeps at midnight and wakes at 6am without any rest during the day, sometimes has to sleep with employer’s baby if child is sick

Demand for premarital health screenings soar by 30% as marriage age increases in Singapore

By
Jewel Stolarchuk
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0
YT screencapture

SINGAPORE: The demand for premarital health screenings has reportedly seen a significant 30 per cent surge, driven by more men and women opting to delay marriage until later in life.

According to several family clinics interviewed by Channel 8 news, approximately half of the couples availing the medical examinations are over the age of 30, with a number of patients even surpassing 40 years old.

Premarital medical examination services have experienced remarkable year-on-year growth, with an overall increase of 30 per cent and a 20 per cent rise in customers opting for comprehensive premarital packages.

These packages include routine physical examinations and tests for SDT and fertility health. One clinic in particular offers screenings for thalassemia, syphilis, hepatitis B, and AIDS as part of their comprehensive premarital package.

The clinics reported that most customers seeking these services fall within the age range of 28 to 37 years old. Generally, they initiate the medical examinations approximately one year prior to registering for marriage to address any potential health concerns promptly.

Doctors whom the Chinese broadcaster spoke to said that couples have benefited from early detection of health conditions during these screenings, enabling them to take proactive steps in preparation for their future together.

The premarital screenings, which come at a cost ranging from $100 to $500, also encompass a thorough examination of family medical history, focusing on chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Moreover, clinics offering these services go beyond mere testing, providing comprehensive advice on health condition management, preparing for pregnancy, recommending appropriate supplemental vitamins, strategies to quit smoking and drinking, and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen.

One clinic highlighted that male clients can avail a comprehensive assessment of their sperm’s quantity, quality, and motility, while female clients can elect to undergo blood tests and ultrasounds of the uterus to assess ovulation and natural conception potential.

The driving force behind these couples’ interest in premarital screenings is to understand better how they can enhance their chances of conception. In cases where any abnormalities are detected, the couples are usually referred to obstetricians or urologists for further evaluation and treatment.

The demand for premarital medical examination services is expected to rise in the foreseeable future as more men and women wait longer to tie the knot. The increasing popularity of these services signifies a growing awareness among couples regarding the significance of proactive health management and responsible family planning.

Tan Kin Lian becomes first to publish campaign manifesto for 2023 presidential election

By
Jewel Stolarchuk
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0
Tan Kin Lian brushes off concerns over his FB posts about "pretty girls", says only ‘very small minority’ are bothered by them
Tan Kin Lian FB

SINGAPORE: Ex-NTUC Income CEO and 2011 Presidential Election candidate Tan Kin Lian has become the first presidential hopeful for the upcoming 2023 race to release his campaign manifesto, weeks after he became the first to submit his eligibility application forms to the Elections Department (ELD).

Mr Tan could potentially face off with ex-Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, entrepreneur George Goh Ching Wah and ex-GIC chief economist Ng Kok Song if all four are declared eligible for the polls by the ELD.

All four hopefuls have pledged their independence from the government, but Mr Tan is the only one who has been dubbed the “true independent” given his history of speaking up for ordinary Singaporeans over the years.

Mr Tan said in a statement on Sunday (6 Aug) that he decided to heed the calls of his friends to participate in the upcoming presidential election as there is a risk that the election will be a walkover or a contest between two pro-establishment candidates if he does not come forward.

Revealing that he wishes to give the people a chance to pick their president as someone who is independent of the government and genuinely represents their aspirations and values, Mr Tan promised to help Singaporeans by bringing the cost of living down, ensuring affordable housing for all and securing stable jobs with upward mobility.

He pledged to focus on these areas, on top of the traditional duties of the president as outlined in the Singapore Constitution, such as safeguarding the reserves and upholding the integrity of the public service.

Mr Tan said that he has a vision to “leverage the power of the president’s office to make life better for the people of Singapore”, but he will achieve this vision in collaboration with the government, not as an adversary.

He said: “I believe that, on the whole, our ministers do work hard, are competent and they too share the same goals that I have outlined. However, it is evident that some of their approaches and policies are not producing the desired outcome.

I want to offer an independent perspective, to guide and support the ministers in finding alternative solutions to the issues at hand.”

Asserting that financial security is key to building a unified and harmonious society, Mr Tan said: “This was the spirit of unity and pride that Singaporeans felt 50 years ago. We need to rekindle that spirit. I ask for your support to make this our common vision and to turn it into reality.”

Read his manifesto in full here.

 

Read also:

Soh Rui Yong contemplates voting for Tan Kin Lian to express dissatisfaction with George Goh’s disqualification

PE2023: Will Tan Kin Lian be a Goliath slayer? 

The “true independent” Tan Kin Lian grew NTUC Income’s assets from millions to billions – Singapore News 

Tan Kin Lian obtains Certificate of Eligibility for presidential elections – Singapore News 

Singapore goes to the polls: Tharman, Ng Kok Song, Tan Kin Lian qualify as presidential candidates 

Tan Kin Lian says he and George Goh should discuss who will step down if both qualify for the Presidential Election, in order not to split the votes – Singapore News 

Calvin Cheng predicts a two-horse Presidential race — Tharman and Tan Kin Lian 

Presidential hopeful Tan Kin Lian raises concern over tight timeline – Singapore News 

Tan Kin Lian launches second bid for presidency, aims to restore trust and hope – Singapore News 

Over $6 for simple 2-meat-1-veg mixed rice shocks customer

By
Jewel Stolarchuk
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0
Photo: FB screengrab/COMPLAINT SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE: An increasing number of Singaporeans are expressing their dismay over what seems to be a surge in food prices at mixed rice stalls in food courts and hawker centres. In one of the more recent such cases, a diner said he was shocked to be charged more than $6 for a two-meat-one-veg mixed rice meal at the food court at Woodlands Interchange.

Facebook user Ggoo Lee recently took to the Complaint Singapore page to share their dissatisfaction with the prices and the behaviour of the mixed rice stall vendor at Woodlands Interchange. Lee had chosen only three ingredients with rice, but to his surprise, the total price amounted to a staggering $6.30.

Shocked, Lee inquired about the prices with the stall owner, who revealed that a single chicken wing cost $2.50, and the three meatballs were priced equally at $2.50. Lee said he found this price to be exorbitant and unjustifiable.

Apart from the high prices, the netizen also highlighted their disappointment with the vendor’s behaviour. He described the vendor as rude and needlessly loud towards customers, further souring his dining experience and leaving him dissatisfied with the overall service.

Asserting that the food price, in this case, was disproportionately high, given that a chicken wing typically costs around $1.50 at similar stalls elsewhere, Lee wrote:

“Won’t be going there eat already. Chicken wing at most $1.50 but this is too much. It’s not I cannot afford but the price is not reasonable!”

The rising food prices and unfavourable vendor behaviour have struck a chord with other netizens, who have commented on the post, expressing similar grievances and sharing their own experiences with escalating food costs at hawker centres and food courts across the city.

Exorbitant prices for what are considered simple mixed rice meals seem to be becoming the norm in Singapore instead of the exception. The unexpected price surge for seemingly simple items like a chicken wing has left many questioning the fairness and transparency of such pricing practices.

But hawkers are arguing that they must raise prices to cope with rising inflation and the increased costs they are forced to grapple with.

Nevertheless, it is clear that mixed rice dishes have gone from being one of the cheapest meals one could find at a hawker centre to one of the more expensive options.

In the not-too-long-ago past, Western food stalls and Pepper Lunch Express outlets were the most expensive options at most food courts but today, the price tag for most chicken chop dishes is friendlier to the wallets of food court patrons as compared to the cost of mixed rice fare at some food centres.

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