Maid says she has “no time to play phone” like other helpers, and adds, “sometimes if my boss just help me, maybe I have more time”

Tadej Pogacar - Stage 21 - Credit_ A.S.O _ Pauline Ballet — Photo credit: Amaury Sport Organisation / Pauline Ballet

SINGAPORE — Multiple Tour de France winner and world number one cyclist Tadej Pogacar has been confirmed as the first rider for the second edition of the Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium, which will be held from Oct 28-29. Pogacar, who will debut in Singapore, ended the 2023 Tour de France in second position behind Jonas Vingegaard.

Fans will undoubtedly anticipate the revival of the rivalry between the two cyclists in the bustling streets of downtown Singapore, provided that Vingegaard affirms his intention to return and defend the title. However, the complete list of participants will only be confirmed in September.

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. Vingegaard was crowned champion of the inaugural Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium last year.

“I’m excited to announce that I will participate in the Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium on October 29th. I’m looking forward to racing the streets of Singapore and ride in my white jersey one last time this year. See you soon Singapore!” exclaimed Pogacar.

Fans can look forward to an exciting change to the street circuit. Adding to the thrill, it will now feature the distinctive roundabout at Suntec City, paying homage to the famous Arc de Triomphe roundabout in Paris – an iconic element of the final stage of the Tour de France.

Cycling enthusiasts will witness a thrilling showdown amongst the top 32 cyclists, representing eight of the world’s finest professional teams. The action-packed event will commence from Temasek Boulevard, launching the participants into a 3km street circuit that promises an adrenalin-fueled 90-minute ride. As riders sprint towards victory, the first cyclist to cross the finishing line will be crowned the winner.

Photo credit: Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium

TSet to commence just outside Suntec City; riders will kick off the race with an exhilarating sprint along the picturesque Temasek Boulevard. This high-speed burst will perfectly showcase the awe-inspiring Fountain of Wealth, a stunning centrepiece of Singapore’s architecture. The route then takes a sharp turn down Nicoll Highway, followed by a thrilling stretch along the vibrant Esplanade Drive.

As the cyclists speed ahead, they will be met with an impressive loop at Fullerton Road, adding an extra element of tension and excitement to the circuit. This captivating street course highlights Singapore’s iconic landmarks, including the profound and solemn War Memorial Park, the renowned Esplanade arts centre, the mythical Merlion, and the glimmering Fountain of Wealth. These landmarks hold great historical and cultural significance, providing an unforgettable backdrop to this adrenaline event for cyclists and spectators.

“The last edition of the Tour de France was an outstanding success, attracting large crowds on the roadsides in France and large audiences in the media worldwide. Singapore, the home of cycling in South-East Asia, is an ideal destination to stage a Tour de France Criterium. A city known for its innovation and diversity, Singapore has embraced the spirit of unity and international cooperation of the Tour de France,” said Jean-Etienne Amaury, president of the Amaury Sport Organisation, who is the owner and organiser of the Tour de France.

“We are thrilled to hold a second edition of the Tour de France Criterium on a racecourse that will offer a great show for cycling fans in Singapore and around the world. Singapore is now part of the Tour’s history and global legacy and we are grateful and proud to count Singapore among the member countries of the Tour de France family.”

Tickets for the Criterium will be available at https://singaporecriterium.com/ from 18 August. Doors will open at 3 pm on 28 October 2023, with the Criterium team presentation due at 5 pm on Saturday. The main race will kick off on 29 October 2023, Sunday, at 4 pm, with an afterparty starting at 6.30 pm at the Fountain of Wealth.

Singaporeans charmed over little boy’s haircut with “I ❤ SG 58” shaved onto his head

By

-

August 11, 2023

SINGAPORE: People show patriotism in different ways, but one little boy, not to mention his parents, appeared to want to celebrate National Day in a little bit of an extra way this year with a very unique haircut.

A video on the Singapore Incidents Instagram and TikTok accounts on August 9, Wednesday, showed the child walking on a covered walkway in a blue shirt and khaki shorts, with a blue and yellow knapsack on his back.

@singapore_incidents

Majulau Singapura!!!! #singaporeincidents #sgviral #sgfyp #TikTokPromote

♬ original sound – Singapore_Incidents – Singapore_Incidents

What was truly unusual about the boy is that whoever gave him the haircut shaved his head in such a way that “I ❤ SG 58” could be read. The rest of his hair is very short and covers the top of his head.

The boy turns, smiles sweetly, and waves to the camera before the video ends.

The caption reads, “Happy Birthday Singapore!!!”

One commenter called the little boy a “mini Zangief” after the iconic Russian character in Capcom‘s Street Fighter series, who has the same kind of haircut. (Except for the I heart SG 58 part, of course.)

However, the commenter and others expressed concern about whether the little boy’s school would allow this type of haircut.

“School approve such hairstyle?! WOW! MOE standard changed,” another commenter asked.

“Proud to be resident,” one observed.

An Instagram user wrote, “LOYAL TO THE COUNTRY. SG UNITED❤”

Another called it, “So cool! 💝”

And when other commenters were less than kind, a netizen defended the boy and his parents.

/TISG

“We are patriotic only one day per year, which is on 9th August” — Singaporeans weigh in on patriotism

SDP eyes Sembawang GRC, hopes Bukit Batok and Bukit Panjang SMCs to remain at next GE

By

Khalis Rifhan

-

August 11, 2023

SINGAPORE — The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) held a multi-constituency walkabout on Wednesday, August 9th, celebrating Singapore’s 58th National Day. Led by the party’s secretary-general Dr Chee Soon Juan, and chairman Prof. Paul Tambyah, the team in red visited areas where they contested in the 2020 general election. These areas included Yuhua, Bukit Batok, Bukit Panjang SMCs, Holland-Bukit Timah, and Marsiling-Yew Tee GRCs.

The party also visited Kampung Admiralty, which is located within Sembawang GRC. The last time the SDP contested in this constituency was in 2011. In the 2015 elections, Marsiling and Woodgrove divisions were carved out from Sembawang GRC to form the newly-created Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC; as the SDP shifted their attention to Marsiling-Yew Tee, the National Solidarity Party contested in Sembawang GRC in the last two elections held in 2015 and 2020.

However, after the 2020 elections, the SDP has decided to engage again with the residents in Sembawang. As part of their efforts, they have created a Facebook page called ‘SDP Sembawang GRC’ highlighting their regular interactions with the residents. Long-serving party members Jufri Salim, Matthew Tan, Naresh Subramaniam, and the late Manimaran have been actively involved in community engagements within the Sembawang constituency.

“The response from the Sembawang residents has been very positive. Over the last year our Sembawang team have been walking the ground and making frequent visits to the residents. The sad thing is that we lost Mani. He passed away suddenly from a heart attack from playing football and he will be difficult to replace. But we had many young volunteers coming forward,” said SDP chairman Prof Tambyah during a media interview after the party’s National Day walkabout.

“It is a tragedy for the family; he has a young child. He exemplified the kind of dedication and commitment to democracy. Young people who are in tune with what is going on with Singaporeans who are concerned for the future of our country.”

Photo credit: Singapore Democratic Party

Prof Tambyah stated that if Sembawang GRC remained unchanged in the next election, the party would be confident and optimistic about its chances. They attribute this to their strong team, who have established a good rapport with the residents. Sembawang GRC is currently helmed by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, with Lim Wee Kiak, Mariam Jaafar, Poh Li San, and Vikram Nair.

In the 2020 elections, Prof Tambyah contested in the Bukit Panjang SMC against Liang Eng Hwa and secured 46.27% of the votes, while party chief Dr Chee garnered 45.20% of the votes in the Bukit Batok SMC against Murali Pillai.

“We got a warm reception at both Bukit Batok and Bukit Panjang, and they know Dr Chee and myself very well. But there’s a chance it will be swallowed up like it has happened to all the closely-contested SMC in the past,” Prof Tambyah shared with The Independent Singapore.

“SDP is the most improved political party in 2020. We have been building on that. Reaching out to residents and holding events at a national level as well. But the focus has been very much on these constituencies where we went today,” added the infectious diseases expert.

Prof Tambyah also mentioned that the party is making early preparations similar to previous general elections. They are hopeful to soon move into their new office, following which they will launch their election campaign.

#CovidIsNotOver: New variant ‘Eris’ behind rising cases in US, China & UK

By

-

August 11, 2023

person-putting-medical-mask-earth — Photo Freepik (for illustration purposes only)

SINGAPORE: Covid-19 cases are again increasing in the United States, China, and other parts of the world and on Wednesday (Aug 9), the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that a variant of the virus behind the uptick has been classified as a variant of interest.

The EG.5 coronavirus strain, a spin-off of the Omicron strain discovered late in 2021. Nicknamed ‘Eris,’ it has been found in South Korea, Japan, Canada, and other countries and is also spreading quickly in Ireland and France.

New #COVID19 variant of interest: EG.5.

Formerly a variant under monitoring, WHO has now designated this a variant of interest.

There has been a steady increase in this variant’s prevalence. As of 7 August 2023, over 7000 sequences have been shared from 51 countries.

More… pic.twitter.com/DlDdAPYMos

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) August 9, 2023

Eris is now causing around 17 per cent of new Covid-19 cases in the US. A mutation present in Eris has been found in 35 per cent of all Covid-19 infections across the globe.

Furthermore, an offshoot of EG.5 with another mutation, termed EG.5.1, is spreading quickly in the US and England, where it is now responsible for 15 per cent of new Covid-19 cases.

Is this cause for alarm?

For the time being, maybe not.

“Based on the available evidence, the public health risk posed by EG.5 is evaluated as low at the global level,” said the WHO.

While Eris has greater transmissibility than previous variants, the symptoms it causes do not appear to be more severe than other Omicron variants.

“We don’t detect a change in severity of EG.5 compared to other sublineages of Omicron that have been in circulation since late 2021,” said Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s technical lead on Covid-19.

#COVID19 is still circulating in every country.

Dr @mvankerkhove updates on the latest variant of interest EG.5 ⬇️https://t.co/aYCZfspZyb pic.twitter.com/KMw8mSrX2n

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) August 9, 2023

Columbia University immunology professor Dr David Ho told CNN that EG.5 and EG.5.1 “are only slightly more resistant to neutralizing antibodies in serum of infected and vaccinated persons.”

While visits to the emergency room and hospitalizations due to Covid-19 are increasing in the US, it cannot be said that this is because of Eris.

But the new classification as a variant of interest indicates that the WHO believes Eris needs to be tracked and studied further.

Only 11 per cent of countries have reported hospitalizations and intensive care unit admissions related to Covid-19, said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Underlining how important this data is, Dr Van Kerkhove added, “About a year ago, we were in a much better situation to either anticipate or act or be more agile. And now the delay in our ability to do that is growing. And our ability to do this is declining.” /TISG

Maid films TikTok videos with her wearing only a bra, employer says helper spread Covid-19 to her baby as well

Customer shocked after getting $20 haircut charge because salon said $10 advertised price is ‘for members only’

By

-

August 11, 2023

Screenshot 2023-08-10 at 11.29.16 AM — Photo: FB screengrab/ COMPLAINT SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE: A disgruntled netizen took to social media after being charged $20 for a haircut despite the stated price of $10 in the salon window.

Facebook user 小新 wrote a warning to the public on the COMPLAINT SINGAPORE page on Wednesday (Aug 9). “Avoid this despicable hair salon at all costs at 257 Bangkit Road. Stated clearly $10 for hair cut but was charged $20 because their ridiculous excuse is $10 for member(s) only.”

The netizen posted a photo of the signage on the glass, which does say that a haircut is $10.

The additional services advertised are Korea Treatment $29, Korea color $29, Korea Rebonding $69, Korea Perm $39. Under this list and prices, there are “Terms and Conditions” written in Chinese.

The Independent Singapore has reached out to the netizen for updates or further comments.

Many netizens have commented on the post of 小新, agreeing that this is not a good business practice.

“This is really a dishonest way of making money. $10 for each haircut as advertised, means for non members. Those who joined as members usually pay $50 for 10 haircuts like l do in the marine Parade central area. Why never specify clearly before you write your Term and Condition? Really an unethical practices to mislead customers!” wrote one.

“go this kind of place ah … state $10 but never state for MEMBER ONLY ! so how much is the membership ??,” commented another.

“Yes dishonest shop advert display put “term & Condition” they wat u to ask before hair cut,” a netizen chimed in.

“The important clause is “Terms/Conditions” as advertised below the banner. We have to ensure and understand what does it imply thoroughly. This is likely their way of “legal” charges. Lesson learned,” another wrote.

Others advised that it’s best to ask about prices before getting any services done.

/TISG

Woman shocked after Singapore salon charged her S$88 to just cut bangs (fringe) after initially offering free service collab

‘What made you come here?’ — Migrants in Singapore spill their reasons for coming

By

-

August 11, 2023

higher-foreign-exchange-rate-attracts-malaysian-workers-to-singapore

SINGAPORE: A Reddit user on r/askSingapore asked people who have moved to Singapore from other countries why they’ve migrated in a particularly timely post on National Day (Aug 9).

“What made you come here?” asked u/sixpastfour, adding, “So yesterday I asked Reddit why Singaporeans chose to leave the country. Today I’d like to ask those who have come here why they chose to. Not as some sort of national pride thing but just to see a different perspective.”

Many Reddit users have chimed in, and in one much-upvoted comment, u/zeindigofire, who’s from Canada and who lived in Brazil, mentioned NUS, safety, and the climate.

u/Comfortable-Ad6074 simply wrote “1 x 3 = :3,” in reference to the exchange rate between the Singapore dollar and the Malaysian ringgit.

slurymcflurry2, who’s also from Malaysia, wrote that she had never planned on moving to Singapore but at one point had a Singaporean boyfriend. However, “He changed his mind about getting married and by then it was totally stupid to consider moving back. So I stayed.”

“I came for the money at first. But over the years, I appreciate the system. True it’s quite restrictive from a certain point of view but the environment is super safe. So I stayed,” chimed in u/7pi_foundation, but added that he would encourage his own children to “leave Singapore to see the world.”

“I have a friend who converted to citizenship Because he thinks that he would be happier in singapore as a gay person,” wrote u/udontaxidriver.

A netizen who had come from Hong Kong had this to say: “Moved here because of deep dissatisfaction with the state and prospect of HK way before things blew up in 2019. The opportunity cost is 2 years of NS, somewhat hefty commitment of time and did not enjoy it but I’d say the passport is worth it.”

“My family came here because my dad’s company sent him over to Singapore to manage a project in the 90s. By the time the company sent him back, both his kids were already finishing up their A levels, so the family felt there was no point in upending their education to shift the whole family. (Plus Singapore universities were better anyway),” wrote u/TheDoorDoesntWork.

u/roytoy1988, who came from the Philippines, says he came for work because of a higher salary but ended up staying “when I met the love of my life and married her.”

/TISG

Survey: Majority of Singaporeans believe immigrants not doing enough to integrate into society

Morning Digest, Aug 11

By

Nick Karean

-

August 11, 2023

TISG - Morning Digest - LANDSCAPE — Photo: Pexels/Nataliya Vaitkevich (for illustration purposes only)

Monkey business: “Mini King Kong spotted” taking food from Punggol food stall

Image: Reddit Singapore screengrab / @Few-Ad6716

SINGAPORE: A video of a monkey stealing food from a Punggol food stall has been shared in an online news forum, eliciting a response from a handful of concerned Singaporeans.

An online user took to an online news forum on Tuesday (Aug 8) to share a video featuring a monkey stealing food from a food stall. “Mini King Kong spotted,” the caption read. “I am hungry where is my food @Punggol.”

Netizen asks Singaporeans who are no longer young, do you regret not spending enough money or spending too much money in the past?

Photo: jcomp/Freepik (for illustration purposes only)

SINGAPORE: “Do you feel that how you spent your money was just right?” u/ballotlunch asked on r/askSingapore on Wednesday morning (Aug 9).

The Reddit user had a question for Singaporeans who are no longer young: “Do you regret not spending enough money in the past or spending too much money in the past?”

Gotta Catch ’Em All: Man arrested after getting caught with 500 stolen Pokémon cards

Photo: FB screengrab/Singapore Police Force

SINGAPORE: An unnamed 22-year-old man was arrested by the Singapore Police Force after being found with about 500 Pokémon cards that did not belong to him.

The Police believe that the man took the cards from different shops in the vicinity of Paya Lebar and Clementi.

Singaporean celebrities share their appreciation for National Day 2023

Photo: IG screengrab/ Zoe Tay and Fann Wong

SINGAPORE: To celebrate the 58th birthday of Singapore this 2023, local celebrities shared on their personal Instagram accounts their appreciation for the country in their own simple ways.

Hazelle Teo, one of the hosts for this year’s National Day Parade, stated in her IG caption: “My country is what dreams are made of. Happy birthday, Singapore! 🇸🇬♥️ A full-blown celebration for this beautiful red dot I’m so proud to call my home and I’m so happy to be a tiny part of it.”

“Everything is way too centred around pay cheque and staying afloat in Singapore” — Singaporeans on what made them leave Singapore

SINGAPORE: “Those of you who have migrated out of Singapore, what made you leave?” This is the question an online user posted in an online forum. Many responded in the comments section, sharing what factors they considered when migrating. Ironically, the conversation started just a day before Singapore’s 58th birthday.

“I’ve just come back from staying overseas somewhere in Europe for an extended period of time,” an online user wrote in the Ask Singapore Reddit group on Tuesday (Aug 8). “Besides the food that I missed, I suddenly felt like I didn’t belong at home anymore, ironically in a period when national symbols are everywhere in the country. I wanna know what has prompted other Singaporeans to leave this country for life somewhere else and if it was worth giving up most of what’s here, or if you can see yourself moving back ever.”

Stories you might’ve missed, Aug 10

By

Nick Karean

-

August 10, 2023

TISG - Stories you might’ve missed 3 - LANDSCAPE — Photo: Pexels/Thirdman (for illustration purposes only)

“Everything is way too centred around pay cheque and staying afloat in Singapore” — Singaporeans on what made them leave Singapore

SINGAPORE: “Those of you who have migrated out of Singapore, what made you leave?” This is the question an online user posted in an online forum. Many responded in the comments section, sharing what factors they considered when migrating. Ironically, the conversation started just a day before Singapore’s 58th birthday.

“I’ve just come back from staying overseas somewhere in Europe for an extended period of time,” an online user wrote in the Ask Singapore Reddit group on Tuesday (Aug 8). “Besides the food that I missed, I suddenly felt like I didn’t belong at home anymore, ironically in a period when national symbols are everywhere in the country. I wanna know what has prompted other Singaporeans to leave this country for life somewhere else and if it was worth giving up most of what’s here, or if you can see yourself moving back ever.”

Customer wonders why she has to pay 20¢ fee for cashless payment

Photo: FB screengrab/ COMPLAINT SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE: A woman took to social media to ask whether an additional, though small, fee is allowed to be charged when a cashless payment is done.

Ms Nur Azah posted on the COMPLAINT SINGAPORE Facebook page on Wednesday morning (Aug 9) a photo of a cash register at a shop, with the display showing a total of $4.20.

Felicia Chin advises on how to find meaning in one’s work

SINGAPORE: In an Instagram reel, Felicia Chin advised people who had financial burdens but wanted to quit their jobs. She asked in her post caption: “What will you do if you face this crossroad in your life?”

Felicia admitted that she once felt that she could not find meaning in her work and intentionally looked for ways to find meaning in what she did. She encouraged everyone to take the time to rest, explore their interests more, and allow themselves to try something new.

“Nothing funny! The kids need to be made to pay for the trolley if they destroy it on purpose!” — Singaporeans react to video of youth crashing supermarket trolley

Image: FB screengrab / Singapore Incidents

SINGAPORE: In response to a recent video circulating social media featuring a young individual seen running around with a supermarket trolley, many called out the behaviour, labelling it as reckless.

An online user took to social media on Monday (Aug 7) to share a video with the Singapore Incidents Facebook page featuring the rather boisterous behaviour of young individuals outside a supermarket.

‘It hurts me if this is happening to my elderly’ — Netizen sad to see uncle sitting alone in wheelchair while maid plays with her phone

SINGAPORE: A newcomer to Singapore said she was shocked upon seeing an elderly man left alone in a wheelchair while a helper sat nearby, appearing to surf on her phone.

Facebook user Ho Wei Sheng wrote on the COMPLAINT SINGAPORE page on Wednesday (Aug 9) that she had seen the man at 421 Hougang.

Singaporean celebrities share their appreciation for National Day 2023

By

Aiah Bathan

-

August 10, 2023