Minister Edwin Tong urged public to get regular health checks after doctors discovered he had severely blocked coronary artery
Photo: Facebook screengrab/ Edwin Tong
SINGAPORE: Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong shared in a Tuesday night (Aug 8) Facebook post that doctors discovered a severely blocked coronary artery during a routine health check.
“This was significant because it is the main and largest artery supplying blood to the heart,” he wrote, adding that the discovery and the risks it carries had come as quite a shock to him, as he is not diabetic, does not smoke, has good cholesterol levels and leads a fairly active lifestyle with regular exercise.
“Happy 58th Birthday, Singapore!” — WP MPs including Faisal Manap wish everyone Happy National Day on TikTok
Photo: TikTok screengrab/thehammertok
SINGAPORE: The Workers’ Party Members of Parliament greeted Singapore with a “Happy Birthday” in a TikTok video on National Day, Aug 9, on the WP’s channel.
Though they are one man down since the resignation of former Aljunied GRC MP Leon Perera last month, the rest of the opposition Members of Parliament from Aljunied GRC and Sengkang GRC, gave cheery greetings, including Mr Muhammad Faisal Manap, the party’s vice chair, who recently had a health issue.
Historian predicts PAP will lose more parliamentary seats in coming election
Singapore Prime Minister and secretary-general of the PAP, Lee Hsien Loong (AFP)
SINGAPORE: Noted historian Michael Barr in an interview published by China News Weekly on Monday (July 31), has predicted that the People’s Action Party (PAP) will likely lose more parliamentary seats in the next general election.
Dr Barr, an Associate Professor teaching International Relations at Adelaide’s Flinders University, is widely considered an authority on Singapore’s political landscape. He has made significant contributions to the academic discourse on Singapore’s politics and history and has published several books on Singapore’s ruling elite.
Nikkei reports PAP is “walking on thin ice” following recent scandals
AFP
SINGAPORE: Japan’s The Nikkei, the world’s largest financial newspaper, has reported that the governing People’s Action Party (PAP) is “walking on thin ice” following a spate of scandals involving high-profile politicians that became public last month.
The article, entitled ‘Singapore political drama exposes frailty of Lee’s succession plan’, covered the corruption investigation involving Transport Minister S Iswaran and the extramarital affair between Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin and backbencher MP Cheng Li Hui.
Nikkei reports PAP is “walking on thin ice” following recent scandals
AFP
SINGAPORE: Japan’s The Nikkei, the world’s largest financial newspaper, has reported that the governing People’s Action Party (PAP) is “walking on thin ice” following a spate of scandals involving high-profile politicians that became public last month.
The article, entitled ‘Singapore political drama exposes frailty of Lee’s succession plan’, covered the corruption investigation involving Transport Minister S Iswaran and the extramarital affair between Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin and backbencher MP Cheng Li Hui.
Historian predicts PAP will lose more parliamentary seats in coming election
Singapore Prime Minister and secretary-general of the PAP, Lee Hsien Loong (AFP)
SINGAPORE: Noted historian Michael Barr in an interview published by China News Weekly on Monday (July 31), has predicted that the People’s Action Party (PAP) will likely lose more parliamentary seats in the next general election.
Dr Barr, an Associate Professor teaching International Relations at Adelaide’s Flinders University, is widely considered an authority on Singapore’s political landscape. He has made significant contributions to the academic discourse on Singapore’s politics and history and has published several books on Singapore’s ruling elite.
Lawyer predicts George Goh will not qualify for presidential election
YT screencapture
SINGAPORE: Predicting that presidential hopeful George Goh Ching Wah will fail to qualify for the looming election, lawyer and noted socio-political commentator Lian Chuan Yeoh has opined that the Presidential Elections Committee (PEC) should not issue an eligibility certificate to him “to respect the rule of law.”
Mr Goh is among four who are eyeing the head of state seat, alongside ex-Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, ex-GIC chief economist Ng Kok Song and ex-NTUC Income CEO Tan Kin Lian.
Couple holds wedding dinner celebration in coffeeshop at Lengkok Bahru, goes viral for being frugal & practical yet enjoyable and included everyone
Image: FB screengrab / Singapore Incidents
SINGAPORE: A couple who decided to throw a wedding dinner at a coffee shop at Lengkok Bahru has gone viral on social media. Many online users wished the newlyweds blessings and commended them for putting together such a practical yet enjoyable celebration with their loved ones.
The heartwarming video of the newlyweds who chose a simple yet special venue to hose their wedding dinner has garnered over 31,000 views on Facebook.
SINGAPORE: A man who padlocked the main door of an office for an hour after getting the boot received a S$4,000 fine on Aug 7 (Monday).
After his ex-colleagues discovered they had been locked into their office building, the business owner had a locksmith remove the padlock and then filed a police report against Vict Lim Siong Hock, now 52. CNA reported that he had worked as a driver and logistics assistant for the company but was fired before his probation period was over.
SINGAPORE: The Workers’ Party Members of Parliament greeted Singapore with a “Happy Birthday” in a TikTok video on National Day, Aug 9, on the WP’s channel.
Though they are one man down since the resignation of former Aljunied GRC MP Leon Perera last month, the rest of the opposition Members of Parliament from Aljunied GRC and Sengkang GRC, gave cheery greetings, including Mr Muhammad Faisal Manap, the party’s vice chair, who recently had a health issue.
The party’s National Day Greeting is kicked off by WP Secretary-General and Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh, who starts off in English, followed by Aljunied GRC MP Gerald Giam, who continues the greetings in Chinese.
WP chair Sylvia Lim then greets everyone in Malay before Mr Faisal comes in to say, “Happy Birthday, Singapore.”
The party’s younger MPs from Sengkang follow Assoc Prof Jamus Lim, Ms He Ting Ru and Mr Louis Chua. Mr Dennis Tan, who has been representing Hougang SMC since 2020, is last to give greetings before the video closes with a cheer from the MPs.
TikTok screengrab/thehammertok
Mr Singh published his National Day Message on Tuesday, Aug 8, acknowledging the recent scandals that have beset the country. Still, he expressed confidence that “In times of trouble, our country will find a way to start anew and overcome challenges.”
He also referenced the iconic song “Home,” which performer Kit Chan recently rereleased the song as a 25th-anniversary remake.
“’Home’ resonates deeply with our yearning to be connected to our homeland, embrace precious memories from our past and ignite our dreams for our future. It remains loved by Singaporeans, who passionately sing along—and are often moved to tears—whenever it is played,” said Mr Singh, whose message may be summarized this way: “Making Singapore the Home we all cherish.” /TISG
SEOUL: Blackpink officially celebrates their 7th Anniversary as a girl group. The four K-pop singers, Rose, Jennie, Jisoo, and Lisa, debuted under the management of YG Entertainment on Aug 8, 2016. Now, they are conquering their stages through sold-out concerts all around the world, making their name known to many fans they called BLINKS.
To celebrate this milestone, all the members posted throwback photos of their journey as a K-pop group on their Instagram accounts.
“Thank you, Blackpink, for being such a blessing in my life. I have been able to experience everything and more than what I have ever dreamed of growing up as an aspiring artist,” Rose stated in her post caption.
She thanked their agency YG Entertainment, music producer Teddy Park, and their beloved fans. She added: “My heart is so full.”
More so, Lisa shared: “Happy 7th anniversary to me and my 3 amazing girls @blackpinkofficial 7 is one of my favorite numbers and I hope this year will be a lucky one for us 💕 Love you girls and blinks so so much💫”
Another IG user remarked: “he journey was not at all easy. I am grateful that I met you 4 and I am so honoured that I got to stan a group like you. Thank you for staying with BLINKS for these 7 years. I wish we make more beautiful memories in the upcoming years. Love you 🖤💗”
Are you a BLINK? Here are the Top 10 Blackpink merchandise that you can purchase to celebrate the girls’ 7th anniversary!
SINGAPORE: Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong shared in a Tuesday night (Aug 8) Facebook post that doctors discovered a severely blocked coronary artery during a routine health check.
“This was significant because it is the main and largest artery supplying blood to the heart,” he wrote, adding that the discovery and the risks it carries had come as quite a shock to him, as he is not diabetic, does not smoke, has good cholesterol levels and leads a fairly active lifestyle with regular exercise.
And while Mr Tong acknowledged feeling “a little more tired from my regular routine than usual,” which he attributed to his busy schedule, he said that he had been feeling fairly well and had no other symptoms and risk factors.
“So it’s fortunate that I managed to have this picked up in good time through a routine health check. This episode is another reminder for us all to not take our health for granted – and to go for our regular health checks!”
A heart attack is caused by a completely blocked coronary artery, so it’s truly fortunate that doctors discovered the blockage during the Minister’s health exam.
Mr Tong said that on Tuesday morning, he underwent an angiogram, which clarified the diagnosis, and then an angioplasty.
After this, a stent was inserted into the Left Anterior Descending blocked artery to restore blood flow.
He thanked the medical team for taking care of him, saying that the doctors and nurses “are looking after me brilliantly,” but added that he would need to reduce some activities for a while and will be working from home.
“I want to extend my apologies for missing various events, and to the event organisers as well, for any inconvenience caused.
In the meantime, I will be spending this year’s National Day in hospital. Will have to be cheering the Red Lions and everyone else at NDP through the TV screen this year!
Happy National Day in advance,” wrote the Minister, who posted a photo of a sweet get-well-soon gift from his family. /TISG
The message was recorded at SkyOasis@Dawson in Queenstown and telecast on 8 August 2023.
My Fellow Singaporeans:
Singapore turns 58 this year. Our nation may be young, but it has seen its fair share of challenges. Yet each time, the Singapore spirit shone through, and we emerged stronger and more united. I am confident this spirit will continue to hold us together, even amidst troubling times.
Inflation is still a problem for us, as it is for many countries. Households and businesses are all feeling the pinch of rising prices. The Government has enhanced the Assurance Package and many other support measures to cushion the impact on you, especially the middle- and lower-income households. The storm may not blow over soon. But however long it lasts, you know this Government will weather it together with you.
Good Government, Trust, and Integrity
Recently, we have seen a series of cases involving Ministers and MPs. Some have asked what these incidents say about the Government.
My answer is this: such issues come up from time to time. When they do, we deal with them properly and transparently. That is what we have always done; and that is what we have done this time too.
In one case, allegations about preferential treatment surfaced. The two Ministers concerned were thoroughly investigated, and completely exonerated.
In a second case, CPIB found cause to arrest and investigate a Minister. It opened a formal investigation, which is still ongoing.
In a third case, the Speaker of Parliament and a Government MP fell short of the standards of personal conduct expected of them. They resigned.
In all three cases, for the good of the country, we sought to do the right thing, protect the integrity of our system of government, and carry through everything that needed to be done.
Let there be no doubt: my Government is determined to keep our system free of corruption and wrongdoing. We will maintain our high standards of honesty, integrity, and propriety. Singaporeans have come to expect this of us, and so have our international partners.
This is how we can preserve, protect, and strengthen the trust that Singaporeans have in the Government and in the Singapore system.
Trust is what enabled us to get through the last three years of the pandemic and emerge stronger. Trust is what allows political leaders to work closely with Singaporeans to deliver a better life for all. And trust will enable us to move forward safely in a troubled world.
Looking to the Future
We have a full agenda ahead. DPM Lawrence Wong and the 4G team have embarked on the Forward Singapore exercise. Over the past year, they have held dialogues with thousands of Singaporeans.
The goal of Forward Singapore is to refresh our social compact. Every citizen has a meaningful part to play in our society and our shared future. Collectively, we will forge a vision of the Singapore that we seek to create, and chart how we can turn our dreams into reality.
Housing
One major aspiration of Singaporeans is housing – in particular, good and affordable public housing. HDB flats are far more than roofs over our heads. They are homes we are proud to own, neighbourhoods we raise our families in, and communities we build together.
Today, I am speaking to you from SkyOasis@Dawson, here in Queenstown, one of Singapore’s oldest towns. Some of the first SIT flats were built here, back in the 1950s. About 15 years ago, we started rejuvenating this estate: we built new HDB flats and revitalised the public spaces. Dawson is now one of our most attractive HDB estates, a shining example of the Singapore housing story.
Decade after decade, the Government has invested heavily to build affordable, accessible, and high-quality HDB flats for millions of Singaporeans.
So far, HDB has been building flats in both Mature Estates and Non-Mature Estates. Flats in Mature Estates, like Queenstown, have better amenities and locations. They are in higher demand and so generally cost more. Flats in Non-Mature Estates, on the other hand, have less comprehensive amenities, or less central locations. Therefore, they generally cost less.
But as we continue to develop more public housing, fewer and fewer undeveloped sites are left for us to build new estates. Furthermore, existing Non-Mature Estates are steadily maturing, as their transport links and amenities improve.
So in time to come, more and more new HDB flats will be built in existing estates, like here in Dawson. Such flats will naturally be in greater demand. Their launch prices and resale prices will reflect that.
But even amidst this changing landscape, we must still ensure public housing is accessible and affordable for Singaporeans of all income groups. We must also keep our housing schemes fair and inclusive for all. This is how we keep our national housing story going strong for current and future generations. This is my Government’s commitment to you, and we will deliver on it.
We will have to adjust HDB’s housing schemes to achieve these goals. We have some ideas on how to do so, which I will share at the National Day Rally.
Ageing well
While we refresh our approach to public housing, we are also making special efforts to adapt our HDB estates and flats to serve a rapidly ageing population.
Today, nearly 1 in 5 Singaporeans is a senior, aged 65 or older. By 2030, 1 in 4 will be a senior. This is one quarter of us.
And this is why we are making our estates and homes more liveable for seniors. For example, to help seniors find their way around more easily, we will install more visible signages and designs. To make their commuting safer and more comfortable, we will build more pedestrian-friendly zones and rest points. And in your homes, HDB will install more senior-friendly fixtures.
Beyond physical infrastructure, we will improve community spaces, build more Active Ageing Centres, and enhance programmes that keep seniors well and in touch with friends and neighbours in their golden years.
Another aspect of preparing for old age is CPF savings. We have progressively enhanced the CPF system, to make sure people can save enough in their working years. We are also providing targeted assistance to lower-income workers, for example through Workfare and Progressive Wages. But some older workers now in their 50s and early 60s still have not built up enough CPF savings for retirement, and can do with some extra help. I will talk about this at the Rally too.
The Government, though, can only be part of the solution. Each of us also has to do our part to stay healthy and well. Better health is better wealth. So do enrol in Healthier SG, watch our diets, stay active, and continue working as long as we can. Family members can also help: take good care of your loved ones, encourage them to get out and about, and keep an eye on their wellbeing. Together, we can help our seniors age well.
Our seniors have built up the Singapore we call home today. It is now for us to make Singapore a place where every senior can age with dignity and grace, connected to friends and family, and with their peace of mind assured. Together, we will make Singapore an endearing home for all ages. This is our vision. This is our Home.
Forward Singapore
I have spoken about housing and ageing – two topics close to our hearts. They are among the issues that DPM Wong and the 4G team are working on.
But the Forward Singapore agenda covers much more: How to equip our people with the skills to learn and succeed throughout life; how to better care for the vulnerable amongst us; and how to deepen our solidarity and Singapore spirit.
The 4G team will wrap up the Forward Singapore exercise later this year. I have every confidence DPM Wong and his team will work closely with you to take the country forward, together.
Conclusion
Often, when I meet foreign leaders, they tell me how impressed they are by Singapore. They admire our ability to think long-term, set ambitious goals, and steadily achieve our aspirations.
I tell them – this is only possible because the people and the Government work closely together. This is what gives Singapore the edge over others. This is what makes us exceptional. We must never let this bond weaken.
This National Day, as we look back on how far we have come, we can also look forward with hope. The best chapters of the Singapore story are yet to be written. Let us continue to dream boldly, work hard, and move Onward as One. Together, we can face the future with confidence.
SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong addressed the spate of scandals that have beset his government in the past few months in this year’s National Day message, acknowledging that such incidents occur from time to time.
“When they do, we deal with them properly and transparently. That is what we have always done, and that is what we have done this time too…
Let there be no doubt: my Government is determined to keep our system free of corruption and wrongdoing. We will maintain our high standards of honesty, integrity, and propriety. Singaporeans have come to expect this of us, and so have our international partners.”
He also underlined how necessary trust in government is, adding that it is trust that allows “political leaders to work closely with Singaporeans to deliver a better life for all.”
Aside from these issues, he also said that the Housing Development Board’s schemes of providing homes need to be adjusted, given that there are now fewer spaces to expand. Yet, housing must be kept accessible and affordable.
Importantly, he added that special efforts are being made to adapt HDB estates and flats to serve a rapidly ageing population.
“I have spoken about housing and ageing – two topics close to our hearts. They are among the issues that DPM Wong and the 4G team are working on,” he added.
The Prime Minister ended his speech by saying, “This National Day, as we look back on how far we have come, we can also look forward with hope. The best chapters of the Singapore story are yet to be written. Let us continue to dream boldly, work hard, and move Onward as One. Together, we can face the future with confidence.
SINGAPORE: A couple who decided to throw a wedding dinner at a coffee shop at Lengkok Bahru has gone viral on social media. Many online users wished the newlyweds blessings and commended them for putting together such a practical yet enjoyable celebration with their loved ones.
The heartwarming video of the newlyweds who chose a simple yet special venue to hose their wedding dinner has garnered over 31,000 views on Facebook.
“Couple held wedding dinner at a coffeeshop at Lengkok Bahru,” the post read. “Practical, families and friends happy can already, so awesome.” The 20-second video showcased the lovely couple and their guests, with a very family-centric atmosphere seeming to saturate the entire coffeeshop.
Many online users responded to the post with well wishes for the newlyweds. A handful also commended them for choosing such a practical venue. It seems as though, for many, the essence of “It’s the people, not the place” was captured perfectly by the memorable video.
“Wow got the kampong vibe thing,” said one. “Bless them have a blissful marriage,” while another wrote, “As long as they love each other… anything is a happy and unforgettable memories.”
A third shared, “You can see the immeasurable love of the newlyweds. Doesn’t matter where the venue is. (What’s important is the moment they all shared together with their friends and guests).”
Others joined in on complimenting the “kampong” vibes.
“This is so cool! We need more of these kampong vibes definitely,” said one. “Congrats!”
Another wrote, “This is the true kampong spirit wedding.”
Still, one spoke of how the celebration embodied what Singapore should be like, “I fully support this!” the netizen said. “This is the Singapore we want. Frugal, practical and includes everyone!”
“Wow hard to see nowadays, the last time I saw one was 30 years ago when I was young at hawker center,” another pointed out.
One even shared marriage advice: “Invest in marriage instead of on wedding ceremony.”
SINGAPORE: Soh Rui Yong had trained hard and won medals for Singapore. He most recently snagged silver in the 10,000-metre race at the SEA Games 2023 in May, setting a new national record in his wake. Mr Soh is also the national record holder for 5,000 metres, half marathon and full marathon. For the 2015 and 2017 SEA Games, he was the marathon champ.
Three days ago, Mr Soh celebrated his birthday (6 August) and completed his second year of law school at University College London. He is expected to graduate in 2024. As Mr Soh keeps pacing his milestones in life, The Independent Singapore (TISG) catch up with him for an exclusive interview.
TISG: Some public sentiments say you are rebranding your image because it has cost you professionally. Another camp feels you have matured, are misunderstood, or know how to handle a public image better. How important and relevant is it for national athletes to build and promote their personal brand?
Soh Rui Yong: It is not necessary to have a brand to be an athlete who does well in sport – that is down to talent and opportunity. But having a brand to stand for something is a quality that attracts a fan base and makes one more likely to clinch sponsorship, book media appearances, speaking engagements and other opportunities. As far as those things go, I have shown how it can be done. I seek to use my profile to positively benefit society – be it as a guest speaker at a corporate event, guest of honour at a primary school sports event, or simply replying to messages and comments seeking guidance on training (within my bandwidth, of course).
TISG: During the off-season, when you are not training for any competitions, share with us a typical week in Soh Rui Yong’s life.
Soh Rui Yong:Nowadays, it is spent relaxing with my girlfriend, watching Modern Family, and taking her on holidays whenever I can afford it as I cannot travel with her when training for competitions. It is hard to date a serious athlete; I am thankful she has been an understanding partner.
TISG: On 6 July 2023, the Workers’ Party (WP) proposed a motion calling on the government to “undertake a thorough evaluation of the areas of improvement in Singapore’s sporting ecosystem” and “commit to realizing clear, achievable goals for sporting success over the coming decade”. To this, an amended motion proposed by the People’s Action Party was passed: the government would “continue its thorough evaluation” and commit to realizing “our goals in sports”. What are your thoughts on these two motions, and does the motion that was passed support athletes’ professional careers better or otherwise?
Soh Rui Yong: It was nice to see sports being debated as a key issue in Parliament. I believe the WP did well to propose this motion and raise issues that unfortunately plagued sports in Singapore for a while. I hope for Parliament and the government to work together on good ideas – no matter which side of the political fence they may come from – and better sports in the nation. Sports is truly the most powerful way to unite a country. Just look at the scenes in Argentina after they won the World Cup! The emotions and national pride connected to national teams are like no other. I myself look forward to contributing and making it better in the future.
TISG: What are your plans and goals over the two years, both personally and professionally?
Soh Rui Yong: I had a good comeback to the SEA Games in 2023, and since I am getting a bit better every year, I would like to keep up the momentum and do that. Athletics aside, I would like to further my studies and career to learn the skills I need to transition to life after competitive athletics. I plan to continue making the world better through sports. My dream is to build corporate-sponsored sports schools in underserved communities like Indonesia and provide opportunities for children who would not otherwise have had these opportunities. Children are the future of our world, and I believe they can learn and benefit so much from values inculcated through sports.
TISG: What are three quirky things about you that probably no one else in the world has or does?
Soh Rui Yong:
1) I watched Aladdin five times a day when I was a kid (my mum still reminds me of this).
2) I am possibly the first athlete in the world to have set a distance-running record in the Under Armour HOVR shakedown spikes! (5,000-metre in July 2021).
3) I watched every episode of The Office with my younger sister when we were in Oregon for university together. To this day, we continue sending each other The Office memes.
TISG: When you represent Singapore as an athlete, what are you most proud of sharing about the nation with international runners?
Soh Rui Yong: Water. LOL. (He was alluding to the SEA Games 2023, where he shared his water with Indonesian runner Rikki Marthin Luther Simbolon during the 10,000-metre final).
SINGAPORE: A Canadian content creator popular for cooking and food review videos posted a clip of himself making chicken rice on Aug 4, and local commenters have since given him two thumbs up.
“Singaporean here! It does look quite legit!” one commenter told social influencer Logan, whose chicken rice TikTok has since been viewed over 851,500 times.
And although it was the first time he made the dish, Logan made it look remarkably easy.
He prepared and cooked the chicken, made a chilli garlic sauce, another sauce with ginger, garlic and green onion, and then boiled the rice in the chicken stock. He served it all with a side of bok choy.
Logan then exclaimed how delicious the dish was. “Yeah, this is just like the best thing ever.”
He added that he enjoyed preparing it because you don’t even have to follow a recipe to make it, which he appreciated as someone who doesn’t enjoy following specific steps in cooking.
“There aren’t even any real measurements, you kind of just like add amounts of things. So yeah, try this at home because it’s really easy, to be honest.”
Food is almost sacred in Singapore, and many Singaporeans can be very critical when cooking local specialities.
But that’s not quite the case with Logan’s chicken rice. The video has gotten over 500 comments so far, with many approving ones from Singaporean TikTok users.
“FROM ALL OF US IN SINGAPORE – WELL DONE,” one said.
Another found it “quite legit!”
Others praised him but suggested some small tweaks.
Logan’s no-recipe method went over well with another netizen. “Same.. I’m Singaporean and I just dump stuffs till my ancestor says stop. I approve this dish.”
