After a Redditor drew attention to a “bloody satanist symbol” they had found in a Primary 2A Chinese textbook, the text’s publisher, Marlinsons, said it would pull all the copies of the book that had been distributed.
Redditor Themoltenbeacon posted several photos of a bloody pentagram within the textbook on r/Singapore on Thursday (Apr 28), captioning it with “Didn’t know Satanist symbols were part of learning Chinese for primary school students.”
Since then, Marlinsons issued an apology.
The publisher told Coconuts Singapore that it was unaware of the symbolism behind the pentagram, which appears to have been used to teach shapes.
Marlinsons added that it will reissue the book, which is used by 8-year-olds, without the bloody pentagram, telling Coconuts, “We are not aware that this is a satanist symbol and have used it in our books carelessly.
We totally agree that our choice of picture is highly inappropriate and are appalled by this grave mistake.”
Marlinsons also said, “We pledge to exercise greater care and improve our quality inspection system to prevent such mistakes from being made in the future.”
Commenters on Themoltenbeacon’s Reddit post, however, pretty much made light of the matter.
Others commented, in surprise, about “higher Chinese” in the lower Primary levels.
Another professor from the National University of Singapore has lost his job due to allegations of sexual misconduct. It was reported on Thursday (Apr 28) that Ethan Putterman, who was an associate professor at the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences’ political science department, had been fired.
Since September 2020, former Tembusu College fellow Jeremy Fernando, former Provost Chair Professor in the Department of Political Science at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Theodore Geoffrey Hopf, and former Director at the East Asian Institute Zheng Yongnian, have all lost their jobs due to similar reasons.
NUS announced on Apr 28 that a faculty member had been terminated for “inappropriate and unprofessional behaviour” towards a student, without naming Prof Putterman, although he has been identified in the media and has spoken to TODAY.
A student had made a complaint of sexual misconduct on March 3 and police investigations are still ongoing.
The university said in its statement that a committee of inquiry had found that the faculty member in question had breached NUS’ code of conductafter it “determined that the staff’s actions constituted inappropriate and unprofessional behaviour towards the student.”
“Based on the findings of the committee of inquiry and in view of the serious nature of the misconduct, the staff’s employment with the university has been terminated.”
Prof Putterman’s profile page can no longer be found on the NUS website.
He was quoted in an Apr 29 article in TODAY as having said, “I’ll just say that everything was demonstrably consensual and, after admitting it, I resigned from NUS (on March 23) and they accepted it.
This said, NUS chose to fire me regardless and go public with it despite my almost 21 years of service to the university. I’m not bitter, though, we all make mistakes and life goes on. I wish everyone the best. Honestly.”
A number of netizens commenting on the story have asked why there have been so many NUS professors who’ve behaved inappropriately toward their students.
Others called for NUS and other universities to have “clear rules” governing the behaviour of the members of their communities.
A foreign domestic worker took to social media to ask her friends for help when the family she was working for did not give her sufficient rest or privacy.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday (Apr 27), a netizen who went by the name Khriz Omandac Alabado wrote that she was sharing a problem her friend faced.
Ms Alabado shared her post to the Facebook group FDW in Singapore (working conditions forum), where she wrote that her friend had been with her employer for four months.
Having to share a room with her employer’s daughter, the domestic helper wrote that the daughter would often come back home very late and switch on the room lights. The daughter would also listen to music or talk on the phone until 2 am or 3 am sometimes, Ms Alabado wrote. As a result, the domestic worker would often be without sufficient sleep or rest.
Asking for advice, the domestic helper said to Ms Alabado that she was afraid to inform her agency lest her employers send her back home.
Netizens who commented on the post unanimously advised the helper to talk to her employer and communicate her needs.
Last year, another domestic helper found herself in a similar situation. In a post to a help group for foreign domestic workers in Singapore, one Ms S wrote that she was very patient with her working situation.
She explained that she was required to work from 8 am to 12:30 am, with most of her work only ending at that time.
She wrote that she slept in the corner of the kitchen, with her bed placed there.
In her post, Ms S added that she was not able to sleep well because often as she lay on her bed, the family still came to the kitchen, and she was disturbed.
While it was unclear if their being in the kitchen disturbed her sleep, or if they came to the kitchen to wake her up, she was unsure how to handle the situation and asked other foreign domestic helpers for advice as to what to do.
In the comments section, the helper replied that she had already tried asking her agent for help with the situation, and added that the agent did not assist her. She wrote that as a result, she was planning to go back to her home country.
MOH: NUH did not contribute to the miscarriage of woman who allegedly lost her baby after being left unattended for two hours
Photo: Taken from Google Maps
The Ministry of Health (MOH) released its review findings into the case of a patient who allegedly suffered a miscarriage after waiting for two hours at the National University Hospital (NUH) on Mar 15, 2022.
The woman claimed she experienced a miscarriage after waiting two hours at NUH’s Emergency Department (ED) and was not attended to.
S’pore Café @ Orchard Central savage comebacks/responses to customer negative feedback & 1-star reviews
Photo: Google screengrab
Grain Alley, a café at Orchard Central, appears to have missed the memo on business ethics and has gone viral for its comebacks to negative reviews.
The café has received multiple complaints about its “no laptop, no tablet policy”, which customers deemed a “turn off”, especially for a “half-filled café”.
‘Crazy lady starts videoing me for no reason… doing the same to other people’ at MRT
Photo: FB screengrab/Singapore Incidents
A woman posted a video on social media alleging that another woman began to follow her around, taking a video of her, as she was walking to the MRT one day.
The video was shared on the Singapore Incidents Facebook and Instagram pages on Thursday (Apr 28), where it’s been viewed almost 100,000 times.
Alarming footage of a motorcyclist colliding with a moving vehicle and falling to the ground, his head inches away from the car wheel, is circulating online, causing speculation among netizens that the rider dozed off.
Facebook page Singapore roads accident.com posted a video of the incident along Woodlands Ave 12 on Apr 26 at around 6 pm. As the cam car recorded the happenings on the road, a motorcyclist came into view. The motorcycle’s signal lights were blinking, indicating an intent to turn or move left.
DJ SODA gets kicked off flight for wearing “F**KIN’ F**K YOU” worded sweatpants, but netizens are less than sympathetic towards the South Korean Deejay
Photo: Twitter screengrab/djsoda
Amid her current US tour, South Korean DJ Hwang So-hee, who is popularly known as DJ Soda, said in Instagram and Twitter posts that she was kicked off an American Airlines flight because of her pants.
She was only allowed to board again after she turned her pants inside out but claims that she was made to change in front of the flight crew, although she said she offered to change in the bathroom.
A new study is showing that Singapore now counts among the best places around the globe for an adventure holiday. Moreover, the Little Red Dot has edged out bigger countries including Australia and Canada as a top global outdoor adventure hotspot.
Research from UK branded clothing company Superdry analysed 99 different destinations based on options for hiking, camping, surfing, rock climbing, kayaking, as well as how many national parks it has, in order to determine the destinations that have the most and best opportunities for outdoor adventure per square mile.
Each destination was then given an “Outdoor Adventure score.”
The verdict: Europe took six out of the top ten spots, with Croatia taking pole position on Superdry’s list of the top 25 countries to have an outdoor adventure.
Singapore ranked fifth on the list, with only two Asian destinations making the top ten, which is as follows:
Croatia— 81.6 points (/100)
Israel—80.6
Hong Kong—78.7
United Kingdom—78.3
Singapore—77.6
Costa Rica—76.6
Switzerland—73.7
8-10. Austria, Germany, and Ireland tied to round out the top ten, each with a score of 73.3.
Superdry also published destinations’ rankings based on individual categories, with Singapore ranking number one as the best country for national parks as well as for kayaking. It also landed in the top five lists for rock climbing, surfing, and hiking.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong is considered the top country for hiking, Mauritius took the top spot for water sports such as surfing, and Australia was deemed the world’s camping capital.
“With warm weather all year round, Singapore is a great place to enjoy the great outdoors. Kayaking is a lovely way to explore a new area, with options to kayak with views of the city skyline or around picture-perfect islands with sparkling waters. If dry land is more your thing, then Singapore has a wealth of parks to enjoy – including the world famous ‘Gardens by the Bay’ which includes 50m-high futuristic trees,” reads Superdry’s descriptor for Singapore.
Now that travel has been opening more fully after two years of us getting stuck in our homes due to the Covid-19 pandemic, here are some places that Singaporeans may want to visit this year.
Croatia—come for the rock climbing, especially at Paklenica National Park, where there is a range of options from beginner to expert. If rock climbing isn’t your jam, you can also try sea kayaking, hiking or camping.
Photo: Superdry
Israel—come for the history on your visit to archaeological sites. The country also offers hiking across mountain ranges or swimming at Gan HaShlosha National Park, near the Sea of Galilee.
Photo: Superdry
Hong Kong—come for the hiking trails. If you’re not in the mood to travel very far, why not go for an outdoor adventure somewhere not very far away? Superdry recommends Dragon’s Back Hike for views of the coastline.
Photo: Superdry
United Kingdom—come for the adrenaline high of jumping out of a plane, especially at Lake District, which is beginner-friendly. For those who want to stay on the ground, camping is also an excellent option.
Photo: Superdry
Superdry’s full research results, and recommendations for your next outdoor adventure, may be found here. /TISG
Deliveroo Singapore announced it has partnered with charity organisations to deliver 4,500 iftar porridge to the charities’ beneficiaries and healthcare workers as part of its Delivering Smiles campaign during Ramadan.
Over 70 Deliveroo riders will deliver the iftar porridge for free to 12 different locations every Friday, from Apr 8 to Apr 29, said the online food delivery platform in a press release on Apr 25.
It has partnered with Ren Ci Hospital, Singapore Children’s Society and the Muslim Trust Fund Foundation (MFTA) to make the kind gesture happen.
Photo: from Deliveroo
The porridge was prepared by Muhammad Shazain Faiha Muslim Food Paradise, which also supported Deliveroo’s Heroes to Heroes campaign last year that saw Deliveroo riders delivering iftar meals to migrant workers.
The campaign paves the way for riders to spread joy to recipients through food and show their appreciation to the healthcare workers affiliated with the organisations who have continued helping the underprivileged amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Photo: from Deliveroo
“Deliveroo Singapore always strives to give back to the community. Our Ramadan initiative last year benefited over 1,600 migrant workers, undoubtedly our nation’s unsung heroes,” said Jason Parke, Head of Operations of Deliveroo Singapore.
“We wanted to build on the success and have increased our goal to deliver 4,500 iftar porridge to benefit more people this year.”
Mr Parke noted that the campaign focuses on the underprivileged, the sick, and the healthcare workers who have been tirelessly caring for them.
“With food at the heart of what we do, we are confident that our Deliveroo riders can deliver smiles and spread happiness this Ramadan. Our riders have been showered with compassion by Singaporeans during the pandemic, and we wish to pass our gratitude on and pay it forward,” he added.
A senior medical social worker at Ren Ci Hospital, Ms Aisya Binte Syed Mhd Bahrin, said it was “heartening” to see the riders bring festive cheer to the individuals at the hospital.
“Being part of the Delivering Smiles campaign is the perfect opportunity to return the kindness that the community has given me during the pandemic,” said Sng Yong Sheng, who volunteered for the initiative.
“Food can always brighten up someone’s day, and it was heartwarming to see the smiles on the recipients’ faces when we delivered the iftar porridge.” /TISG
Amid her current US tour, South Korean DJ Hwang So-hee, who is popularly known as DJ Soda, said in Instagram and Twitter posts that she was kicked off an American Airlines flight because of her pants.
She was only allowed to board again after she turned her pants inside out but claims that she was made to change in front of the flight crew, although she said she offered to change in the bathroom.
By the time the flight from New York to Los Angeles left last Monday (Apr 25), the plane had been delayed by an hour, which mortified Ms Hwang.
The pants in question had been given to her by US clothing and accessories company Ripndip and had the words “F**K”, “F**K YOU”, and “F**KIN’ F**K YOU” all over them.
“I have never had an issue with wearing this pair of pants before in my many months of touring in North America, and they did not have any problem with me wearing it at the time of check-in nor when I sat down at my seat,” the DJ tweeted.
I have never had an issue with wearing this pair of pants before in my many months of touring in North America and they did not have any problem with me wearing it at the time of check-in nor when I sat down at my seat.
She had already been aboard the plane when a staffer came and escorted her off, telling her that her sweatpants were “inappropriate” and “offensive” and that she needed to take the next flight.
As she had an important meeting in LA, she pleaded to be allowed to fly and offered to get changed.
“What happened next was horrendous,” she added.
With my broken fingers, I hardly ended up taking off my pants in front of the whole crew and standing half-naked while they still refused to board me on the flight. They even sarcastically commented that I could have taken off my pants earlier.
Maid being packed off to Philippines by her current employer who allowed her to look for new employer the day before, asks what can she do to remain in Singapore
A foreign domestic worker was at a loss for what to do after her employer told her ticket had been booked, and she was being sent back to the Philippines the next day.
In a post on Facebook group FDW in Singapore (working conditions forum), Majalia Padilla said she was asking a question on behalf of the domestic worker who is her friend. Ms Padilla wrote on Wednesday (Apr 27) that the friend thought that her employers would release her from her existing contract.
SATIRE: Netizens joke about Josephine Teo’s emotional video in Parliament, saying it should win her Star Awards 2022
Photo: FB/Umbrage Singapore/Justin Lim Lim
This article is a satire and not factual.
Following last Sunday’s (Apr 24) Star Awards, netizens were quick to take to social media to share their opinions on who should have won. Many quipped that a top contender for Best Actress should have been Communications and Information Minister Josephine Teo, who is also Second Minister for Home Affairs.
Netizens were making fun of her emotion-filled speech in Parliament on Sept 1, 2020, in which she promised to help Singapore workers “bounce back” and “emerge stronger”. Ms Teo who was then Minister for Manpower, earned their “vote” with her earnest, sometimes halting, speech. For a considerable part of her performance, she seemed to be tearful or on the verge of tears.
Gojek driver, sole breadwinner, believes passenger stole his bag containing his wallet, personal cards and S$526 in cash, wife appeals for help and wishes the contents be returned
Photo: FB screengrab/Complaint Singapore
The wife of a private-hire vehicle driver has appealed for information online, saying that her husband’s bag was stolen by a passenger. On Facebook’s Complaint Singapore page, Aisyah Lim related their “heartbreaking” experience on Wednesday (Apr 27), noting that her husband is the sole breadwinner.
In the midst of Ramadan, and with Hari Raya coming up, she wrote, “it feels so hard for us whole family. Days that we (are) supposed to celebrate joy but have to be so stressful,” said Ms Lim. She said her husband works as a PHV driver for Gojek to earn money for their two young children.
Singapore dollar hits record high against ringgit at 3.16, attracting Malaysians to work in Singapore
The Malaysian currency, the Ringgit, is now the subject of memes and jokes on Twitter and Facebook. Since the re-opening of Malaysia-Singapore borders, the Ringgit rate has dropped, attracting a huge number of Singaporeans to Johor Bahru’s bazaars and supermarkets.
The Ringgit was trading at RM3.16 to the Singapore dollar yesterday. It has a two-fold impact on Malaysia. One is, workers from Johor are leaving to work in Singapore. The other is hourly rates are rising in Malaysia and employers are worried.
ICA: Avoid peak hours if visiting Malaysia over the long weekends
Singapore Causeway
If you are planning to visit Malaysia over the Labour Day and Hari Raya Puasa holidays, the Immigration, and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) advises that you check the traffic situation and avoid the expected peak hours.
“Traffic flow through the land checkpoints at Woodlands and Tuas is expected to be heavy during the upcoming long holiday weekend,” ICA said on Wednesday in a media release. Northbound traffic is expected to be heavy between Friday and Saturday. Singapore-bound traffic is expected to be heavy from next Tuesday (May 3) through Wednesday (May 4).
A boyfriend whose girlfriend seems to want to spend more time with another guy wonders if he is being unnecessarily jealous.
In an anonymous post on Wednesday (Apr 27), the boyfriend asked: “Is it okay for your partner to meet with a guy alone?”.
In his post on popular confessions page SGWhispers, the 24-year-old guy wrote that he had been in his first relationship with his 20-year-old girlfriend for over two months, with things going well. However, he added that he was bothered by his girlfriend’s friend called Adam.
He noted that she got to know Adam through a mutual friend a month ago and “they started talking and texting (not sure how regularly though), and then arranged a meet up to have lunch not long after. She then informed me a day before their lunch that she was going to meet Adam for lunch at city area and asked if I was okay”.
When his girlfriend showed him Adam’s photos, he found Adam “a 10/10 in terms of looks” and started to get jealous. When he communicated this to his girlfriend, she reassured him that she and Adam were just friends and that she only loved him.
One weekend, he found it strange that his girlfriend went to study with Adam to prepare for an upcoming exam, “(exam is tomorrow). The study session lasted for the whole day, from like morning to night. Again, I got bothered by it and told her about it”, he wrote.
“She then asked if she should cut her study session short, and of course, i said no because i dont want to be an unreasonable bf.”
However, when he wanted to study with his girlfriend the day before her exam, “she told me yesterday that she don’t think it’s a good idea to head out to study today since her exam is tomorrow. So, I asked her if I am a distracting study partner, and if she had managed to complete her agenda on Sunday, to which she answered yes for both of the questions. She then further explained that she don’t usually go out a day before her exam”.
Still feeling unhappy with his girlfriend, he asked her about it again, and she “told me this is how she is. She treats guys the same way she treats her female friends”. His girlfriend also reassured him that the other guys were just friends and that she only had feelings for him.
In his post, the boyfriend asked: “is it normal for me to feel uncomfortable and jealous about this? Or am I just too insecure to deal with this maturely?”
Netizens were not sympathetic to his situation and pointed out that he was not mature enough, while his girlfriend did not respect her partner’s boundaries in the relationship.
A woman posted a video on social media alleging that another woman began to follow her around, taking a video of her, as she was walking to the MRT one day.
The video was shared on the Singapore Incidents Facebook and Instagram pages on Thursday (Apr 28), where it’s been viewed almost 100,000 times.
“This crazy lady starts videoing me for no reason as im walking to the mrt. Believed she had been doing the same to other people before me too.
Asked her what she wants but she doesnt reply. Videoing me all the way to the mrt. I tried to ignore her after that and she proceed to video a uncle,” wrote netizen Xiao Feng, before adding,
“Had anyone encounter the same or seen her before?”
In the video, a woman in a red top and a short orange skirt can be seen with her mobile phone to her face, appearing to take a video for over ten seconds.
She comes quite close to the poster, who can then be heard irately saying, “What the hell?”
The poster also appears to push the woman’s arm down, but with not enough force for her to drop her phone.
“What do you want? What do you want?” the poster also asks.
However, the woman seemingly taking the video gives no reply, which comes across as creepy and unnerving.
The clip then cuts to the woman, now some meters away, taking a video of a man for a few seconds, before putting down her phone and walking away.
A number of netizens commenting on the video said that the woman holding the mobile phone looked as though she were under stress or had mental problems.
Others seemed to recognize her from previous incidents of erratic behaviour since the poster had asked if anyone had seen her before.
