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.
The 13-second video filmed youths running in an open space, with one pushing a shopping trolley, before letting it go and watching it crash into a flight of stairs. “Kids too free nowadays,” the video was captioned.
A handful of online users responded to the post, sharing their sentiments. While some were sarcastic, others blatantly called out the youngsters’ reckless behaviour.
“Nothing funny!” said one. “The kids need to be made to pay for the trolley if they destroy it on purpose.”
“Your parents will be so proud of you,” said another sarcastically.
“Sit inside and push each other lah why must destroy the trolley. Then put back so other people can use,” wrote a third.
“Make them pay for damages to property and do corrective work for six hours,” suggested another.
One netizen, however, went so far as to call it a crime, saying, “This is a crime. The trolley doesn’t belong to him. The act is known as theft and vandalism. Must teach him a lesson.”
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.”
A handful of online users took to the post’s comments section to answer the question in depth. From a “lack of work life balance” to the “competitive” nature and “crab mentality” of Singaporeans, Singaporeans shared their reasons for leaving.
“Lack of a work life balance,” answered one. “Everything is way too centred around your paycheck and staying afloat in Singapore. If you’re not wealthy, there’s no room for you to enjoy the other aspects of life to the fullest.”
Another who has not migrated but plans to do so next year said, “To be honest, I feel like Singaporeans’ view of the world is quite small. We feel like we are competing with one another at work, which causes a lot of unhappiness, but the world is bigger than Singapore.”
The online user added, “In general, we are very competitive, to the sense of the lack of cohesiveness in a team sometimes. I can feel it all the way from school to work. It’s like we think from a mentality of scarcity, If he succeeds, it means I don’t get it, if he gets the opportunity, it means that I miss out…how about changing the narrative to wow he succeeded, maybe I can too?, if he succeeds, it will open up door for us too? And sometimes it feels a little bit negative for me.”
A third shared, “I left because Singapore was too conservative for me politically and socially. For the first time, I felt like I could breathe and be my true self without having to worry about how others would view me. With something as simple as expressing my opinion, I didn’t feel I could properly do that in Singapore.”
Still, one user pointed out, “What a topic to discuss during National Day… Would leave if life becomes too difficult in Singapore as well.”
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.”
The one-minute-long video featured a monkey paying a visit to a food stall where a woman was working. Though the woman seemed to offer the animal food, the animal instead walked along the stall’s table and took the liberty of taking two items.
After hopping off the table, the monkey sat on the ground a good distance away, opened one of the containers, and started eating.
A handful of Singaporeans responded to the incident caught on camera, sharing their concern over the monkey’s actions. “I hope this monkey doesn’t go around telling his family about the rad new ‘fruits’ he found that are only available from human habitats. Primates can set social trends among themselves from just like humans. Before we know it there’s going to be an epidemic of monkeys invading for ang ku kueh.”
“Been terrorised by these monkeys for years,” shared another person. “Even after installing window grills (I live on the 4th floor by the way), we’ve had a few small ones contort themselves to squeeze through. Once they stole my only box of pineapple tarts from our store room. Sealed, so they couldn’t open also. Probably got thrown out in the forest somewhere. They say don’t feed them but they are literally sneaking into our homes to steal food.”
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.
“A healthy body, soul, and spirit gives us a clearer mind to make better decisions,” Felicia declared.
She added: “We might be able to use a different lens to look at things… Do you still have your initial interests towards your work?”
Felicia then advised others to share their thoughts with their bosses and colleagues to lessen burdens.
“Do some research or ask people around you… We might not be used to sharing with people around us… It’s a good step forward,” the actress said.
“Learn to share… You are not alone,” Felicia concluded.
Netizens expressed their opinions in the comments section.
One IG user stated: “Thank you Felicia. Your encouragement and sharing always brings comfort to our hearts. Take care and Jiayou too! 💜”
Another IG user remarked: “I think we must realise that it’s ok to let others know and help us. Not keep the problem to ourselves. If you don’t say out, nobody knows you needed help. On a lighter note, if money can solve your problem, its not a problem 😆”
One more IG user declared: “I fully agree to this and can relate to exactly what you said. 👋🏻💯”
In other news, Felicia Chin will still play the leading role in Channel 8’s newest drama and is partnering with Jason Godfrey after leaving Mediacorp last June 2022.
The drama will be about three foreign couples. Felicia and Jason’s story revolves around a man who wanted to return to Italy because he couldn’t adapt and live a Singaporean lifestyle, which caused the woman to doubt their ‘exotic’ relationship.
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.
