Singapore Also Can

[Loh]

STTA , Grace Shine extend sponsorship deal



Photo: Adelene Wong


Property investment firm’s new three-year deal with table tennis association worth S$300,000 kicks in on Dec 1



By Adelene Wong

26 July

SINGAPORE — Property investment company Grace Shine has extended its sponsorship with the Singapore Table Tennis Association (STTA), the nationals sports association announced today (July 26).

The three-year sponsorship agreement is worth S$300,000 and will commence from Dec 1.

The STTA said this will benefit their sports development and sports excellence plans.

 

[Loh]

Ex-World Bank President Zoellick joins Temasek board of directors


Former World Bank President Robert Zoellick.


5 hours 25 min ago

SINGAPORE — Temasek Holdings has announced the appointment of former World Bank President Robert Zoellick to its board of directors

The appointment will come into effect from Aug 15.

“With a distinguished career which spans academia, government, politics and business, Mr Zoellick, 60, brings with him extensive international experience as well as an in-depth knowledge of the global economy and international finance,” Temasek said in a press release this morning.

Mr Zoellick, who was the President of the World Bank from July 2007 until June last year, has also served the United States Government in various roles, including as the US Trade Representative (2001-2005) and Deputy Secretary of State (2005-2006) under President George W Bush.

During his tenure as Trade Representative, the US signed its Free Trade Agreement with Singapore, as well as with 11 other countries.

“We are very pleased that Bob has accepted our invitation to join the Temasek Board. He brings a wealth of experience in international business, diplomacy and finance that will be both welcome and valuable on our Board,” said Mr Lim Boon Heng, who took his place as Chairman of Temasek today following the retirement of Mr S Dhanabalan.

“His appointment to our Board also comes at an opportune time, as Temasek sets out to establish its first US office in the near future. Bob’s insights will be especially helpful as we continue to explore opportunities in the US, Europe and also in the various growth markets.”

Said Mr Zoellick, according to the Temasek press release: “I have a high regard for Singapore, and welcome its contribution to international business, finance and trade.

“Over the years, I have also come to know Temasek well, and have followed its growing reputation as a well-regarded international investor. Its commitment to strong corporate governance principles is very important to set the tone in international investing. I look forward to being part of a very strong team as I join the Temasek Board.”

The other members of the board are Chairman Lim Boon Heng, Executive Director and CEO Ho Ching, Mr Cheng Wai Keung, Mr Goh Yew Lin, Mr Kua Hong Pak, Mr Michael Lien, Mr Teo Ming Kian, Mr Marcus Wallenberg and Mr Lucien Wong.

 

[Loh]

S'pore students excel at international science olympiads

01 Aug 2013 7:37 PM

Singapore students have performed well at the International Olympiads for Biology, Chemistry, Informatics, Mathematics and Physics -- altogether, they obtained 12 gold, nine silver and two bronze medals.


SINGAPORE: Singapore students have performed well at the International Olympiads for Biology, Chemistry, Informatics, Mathematics and Physics -- altogether, they obtained 12 gold, nine silver and two bronze medals.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) said they also did well at the 26th International Young Physicists' Tournament in July. They clinched the tournament and were awarded the gold medal.

At the 24th International Biology Olympiad held in Bern, Switzerland, the Singapore team obtained four gold medals and placed 2nd out of 62 countries. The gold medallists are Cheong Yi Loong Benny, Yap Chun Hian John, Zhao Xing Liang from Hwa Chong Institution, and Stanley Quek Tee Kai from NUS High School of Mathematics and Science.

At the 45th International Chemistry Olympiad in Moscow Russia, the Singapore team received three gold medals and one bronze medal, with Singapore placed 4th out of 73 countries. The gold medallists are Chua Anlong of NUS High School of Mathematics and Science, Cao Yuxin and Lin Yongjie of Raffles Institution. The bronze medallist is Fang Haitian of Raffles Institution.

The Singapore team received three silver medals and one bronze medal at the 25th International Olympiad in Informatics held in Brisbane, Australia. Singapore was placed joint 17th with Australia out of 77 countries.

The silver medallists are Ranald Lam Yun Shao of Raffles Institution, Gan Wei Liang and Mark Theng Kwang Hui of Hwa Chong Institution; and the bronze medalist is Bernard Teo Zhi Yi from Hwa Chong Institution.

At the 44th International Physics Olympiad in Copenhagen, Denmark, the Singapore team obtained four gold medals and one silver medal, with Singapore placing 3rd out of 83 countries.

The gold medallists are Daniel Mark Keat Kay of Raffles Institution (Junior College), and Lim Jeck, Sean Seet Xiang En and Tan Wei Liang Byorn of NUS High School of Mathematics and Science. The silver medallist is Ashwin Venkidachalam from Raffles Institution (Junior College).

MOE said all the students in the Biology, Chemistry and Physics Olympiads had participated in the international competitions for the first time.


- CNA/ac

 

[Loh]

Schools moving into high-tech gear

Kids as young as nine learn 3-D modelling, app development, programming



Published on Aug 05, 2013
8:07 AM




(From left) Radin Mas Primary School pupils Keison Tan, Zachary Wah, Thea Huan, Tan Rui Yang and Mohamad Hafeez with their models from a 3-D printing workshop. Schools are introducing cutting-edge technology to equip pupils with 21st century skills. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND FOO


By Kash Cheong

Some learn computer programming while others apply cutting-edge techniques such as 3-D printing.

Not bad, considering they are all just schoolchildren.

Welcome to the increasingly advanced world of IT lessons, as schools introduce hot new technologies to prepare young people for a tech-heavy future.

Children themselves are also growing more interested as the subject sheds its image as a geeky pursuit for bespectacled nerds.


Background story

NEW CAREER OPTIONS

By starting them young, we want to open new career pathways in tech... They can be game designers, even technopreneurs.

- Mr Yeo Zhong Wei, head of IT at Ngee Ann Secondary

 

[Loh]

Cinemas go high-tech to tackle labour shortage

Computers can do jobs like screen the movie, sell and check tickets



Published on Aug 05, 2013
8:06 AM

http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/s...20130805/ST_20130805_JHCINEMA05A_3777370e.jpg
NEW METHOD: Cathay Organisation CEO Suhaimi Rafdi showing how the cinema experience – lights, curtains and movie projection – can all be controlled remotely from a laptop. -- ST PHOTOS: ALPHONSUS CHERN

http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/s...20130805/ST_20130805_JHCINEMA05B_3777371e.jpg
OLD METHOD: The film projection room at Cathay Cineleisure. Previously, each theatre hall needed one projectionist to screen the movie. But the new digital system means this is no longer necessary. -- ST PHOTOS: ALPHONSUS CHERN


By Janice Heng

Most moviegoers spare little thought for the existence of the film projectionist. Now, they might be justified in doing so - for he may not exist at all.

From projection rooms without projectionists, to automatic gates which check your tickets, cineplexes are finding high-tech ways to tackle the labour crunch.

Dimming the theatre lights, drawing the curtains back from the screen and starting the movie can all be done at the touch of a button - or even less.

Cathay Cineplex Cineleisure Orchard's computer system lets all this be scheduled in advance.


Background story

WORKING SMARTER

We embarked on this to reduce our reliance on manpower... This means we will be less reliant on labour - by 19 people - for day-to-day operations.

- Cathay Organisation chief executive officer Suhaimi Rafdi, on how the new system frees projectionists for front-line jobs

 

[Loh]

Remaining dragon kilns in Singapore given new breath of life

Published on Aug 03, 2013
1:50 PM

The Thow Kwang dragon kiln at Lorong Tawas, off Jalan Bahar. Thow Kwang Industry and Focus Ceramic Services which were to operate till December 2014 and January 2015 respectively, will have new tenancies for an initial term of three years. -- ST FILE PHOTO: CAROLINE CHIA



By Melody Zaccheus


Singapore's two remaining dragon kilns have been given a new breath of life after their tenancies were extended by the Government on Saturday.

Thow Kwang Industry and Focus Ceramic Services which were to operate till December 2014 and January 2015 respectively, will have new tenancies for an initial term of three years. This will be renewable for another two terms of three years each.

Both the Thow Kwang Industry and Focus Ceramic Services are located at 85 and 97L Lorong Tawas respectively. For the last 20 years, their fates were unclear as there are plans for an eco-friendly park in the area.

The National Heritage Board (NHB) which had assessed the heritage value of the two dragon kilns since May, had championed for the tenure extension.

 

[Loh]

More help for pioneer generation soon: Tharman



48th National Day Celebration at Taman Jurong with Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam. Photo: Ernest Chua



Govt to announce measures to offset hospitalisation, outpatient, nursing home bills for this ‘special group’

• 
  By NG JING YNG
  
  7 hours 36 min ago
  
  SINGAPORE — The Government will be announcing measures “soon” to help the pioneer generation of Singaporeans who were unable to reap the full benefits of Singapore’s economic rise during their working life.
  
  Specifically, the authorities will be looking to alleviate the healthcare costs in “all aspects” — including hospitalisation, outpatient and nursing home bills — for this “very special group”, said Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam yesterday in his speech at the National Day celebrations at Taman Jurong.
  
  “We are all working very hard on this and soon we will be making some announcements,” he said.
  Mr Tharman, who is also Finance Minister, noted this group of Singaporeans did not manage to accumulate much savings in their Central Provident Fund because their salaries were relatively low.
  
  “Now when they retire, they find the cost of living is high ... The younger generation now has higher pay so we want to do more to help the older Singaporeans, especially with healthcare costs,” said Mr Tharman, adding that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has made it “very clear” that the Government must do more to help older Singaporeans.
  
  Mr Tharman said the pioneer generation had “worked very hard” to support and defend the country. “Now we will defend them as they retire and as they grow older,” he said. “We owe it to them and we want to do something special for this group of Singaporeans.”
  
  Political watchers expect the National Day Rally on Aug 18 to be a possible platform for the announcements.
  
  Tanjong Pagar GRC Member of Parliament (MP) Chia Shi-Lu, who sits on the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) for Health, shared that one of the things on the cards is a more streamlined process for older Singaporeans to receive assistance for healthcare costs.
  
  He noted that Singaporeans in the pioneer generation are disadvantaged because the current healthcare financing framework — which is undergoing a review — was not in place during their economically active years.
  
  To signal that this group deserves special recognition, Dr Chia added that the Ministry of Health is looking into greater differentiation between help with healthcare costs for the pioneer generation vis a vis other Singaporeans.
  Nee Soon GRC MP Patrick Tay, who also sits on the Health GPC, agreed with the need to do more for this group. The escalating healthcare costs have been accentuated by a higher life expectancy and shrinking family sizes, which result in less support for the elderly, he said.
  Citing the need to do more for two other groups of Singaporeans — children and workers — Mr Tharman reiterated the importance of providing opportunities for them to move up the socio-economic ladder. Children whose families are less well-off must be given more help, he said.
  
  On workers, he said employers ought to improve jobs by investing in equipment and grow their businesses without having to hire more people.
  He added that, over the next few years, the Government will put “a lot of emphasis” on ensuring every Singaporean can “move up the ladder in every job”.
  
  “The Government will do more, employers must do more and every worker must also put in the effort to improve, learn more, do well on the job,” he said.
  
  Speaking to reporters later, Mr Tharman urged Singaporeans to exercise “collective responsibility” and help those “who have less do well so that we can all progress”.

 

[Loh]

Stamps to mark Singapore's 48th year of independence

A set of five commemorative postal stamps will be released to mark Singapore's 48th year of independence. Singapore Post said the stamps will showcase examples of what Singaporeans have shared, overcome and achieved together.


The set of five commemorative postal stamps launched to mark Singapore's 48th year of independence. (Photo: Singapore Post


SINGAPORE: A set of five commemorative postal stamps will be released to mark Singapore's 48th year of independence.

Singapore Post said the stamps will showcase examples of what Singaporeans have shared, overcome and achieved together.

This series is the first of three special stamp sets that SingPost is launching in as many years in the lead up to Singapore's golden jubilee in 2015.

The subjects featured in this year's series include "Beating SARS Together", "Cleaning and Greening Our City", "Conquering Our Water Challenges" and "Living Together in Harmony".

The stamps, with the surface values of 1st local mail, 50 cents, 65 cents, 80 cents and S$1.10, will go on sale on 5 August 2013.

And for the first time, the stamps will also be featured as 'Cinderella stamps' - which are stamps without postage value - in the National Day Parade (NDP) souvenir book titled "Our Storybook". The book is included as part of the fun pack for participants at the NDP.

Miniature sheets, pre-cancelled first day covers and presentation sets of the special stamp issue will also be on sale.


- CNA/xq/ir

 

[Loh]

From primary school to nursing home

Photo: Ooi Boon Keong SOURCE:MediaCorp Press Ltd

Photo: Ooi Boon Keong SOURCE:MediaCorp Press Ltd

Photo: Ooi Boon Keong SOURCE:MediaCorp Press Ltd

Photo: Ooi Boon Keong SOURCE:MediaCorp Press Ltd



Yishun facility will house 180 beds and is one of 10 to be developed by 2016


By Neo Chai Chin

8 hours 8 min ago


SINGAPORE — It used to have schoolbag-toting children scampering up and down its staircases, but come 2015, when the building that was formerly Yishun Primary reopens, its users will be at the other end of the age spectrum, with lifts taking them to various floors.

The former primary school at 551 Yishun Ring Road is set to be converted into a nursing home with 180 beds, according to a tender for lift installation recently called by the Ministry of Health (MOH).

The nursing home is expected to be ready by the first half of 2015, an MOH spokesperson told TODAY.

One of 10 new nursing homes announced last year that will be developed by 2016, the Yishun home will be the only one retrofitted from an existing site. The others will be newly built facilities, and consultancy tenders for five of them — in Choa Chu Kang, Geylang, Ang Mo Kio, Hougang and Jurong West — have been called so far. Sites for the four remaining homes have been identified, said the spokesperson, but tenders have yet to be called.

“We are on track with our plans to ramp up nursing home infrastructure,” she said. The 10 new homes will reportedly add about 3,300 beds to the current capacity of over 9,000 beds.

Disused sites can be retrofitted more quickly to “inject new beds to meet the current demand for nursing home beds”, said the spokesperson. Depending on their conditions, these sites could take about 15 months to retrofit, compared to about 18 months when built from scratch.

The Health Ministry works with land agencies to identify sites for nursing home development. Factors considered include the size and layout of each site, its impact on traffic, proximity to the community and accessibility by public transportation, said the spokesperson.

The conversion of a former school to a nursing home is not without precedent: In 2011, private nursing home ECON Medicare Centre began operations at 451 Yio Chu Kang Road. The single-storey, multi-building site was previously used by the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore, and the MOH renovated the site before ECON moved in, said a spokesperson from ECON Healthcare.

Although altering an existing site entails lower capital investment and a shorter lead time, ECON had to “work around the existing structures for our daily operational routines”.

With wards at the 88-bed Yio Chu Kang facility spread out, more nursing stations — where staff prepare medication, do administrative work and keep an eye on residents — were set up and the centre has a staff-patient ratio that is 10 to 15 per cent higher than at ECON’s purpose-built homes, said the spokesperson.

Disused school sites, however, have been more commonly adapted into offices, commercial schools and student hostels in recent years.

The former Nan Chiau High School at Kim Yam Road was tendered last October for office and commercial school use, for instance.

The Singapore Land Authority (SLA), which currently manages 20 former school buildings, said it considers tendered price, concepts, proposed uses, track record and financial health of bidders when evaluating bids in an open tender.

It also works with other government agencies for former schools to be used by volunteer welfare organisations. The former Corporation Primary School at Boon Lay Avenue, for example, is presently used by Casa Rauda Women Home and Catholic Welfare Services.

 

[Loh]

Singapore team places third at International Geography Olympiad in Japan

Published on Aug 06, 2013
11:56 AM




(From left to right): Tan Hean Shuen, Ian Teo Tze-Rong, Eric Ryan Toh Yung Slung, and Daniel Wong Xue Wei. The team from Singapore has placed third in a field of 126 students at the 10th International Geography Olympiad (iGeo) in Japan. -- PHOTO: MINISTRY OF EDUCATION


By Audrey Tan

A team of four boys from Singapore has placed third in a field of 126 students at the 10th International Geography Olympiad (iGeo) in Japan.

Held in Kyoto from July 31 to Aug 5, the Singapore team attained a total of two gold medals, a silver and a bronze.

Daniel Wong from Raffles Institution and Ian Teo from St Andrew's Junior College were both awarded gold medals, with Daniel clinching the position of top gold medalist in the competition.

Tan Hean Shuen from Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) clinched a silver and Eric Ryan Toh from Victoria Junior College was awarded a bronze.

 

[Loh]

Singapore has overcome its small geographical size: Foreign Affairs Minister


Published on Aug 05, 2013
7:19 PM




Singapore's small geographical size makes the country "intrinsically not relevant," but it has overcome this handicap by succeeding both economically and politically, Foreign Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said on Monday, Aug 5, 2013. -- ST FILE PHOTO: ASHLEIGH SIM


By David Ee


Singapore's small geographical size makes the country "intrinsically not relevant," but it has overcome this handicap by succeeding both economically and politically, Foreign Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said on Monday.

Singapore's relevance can be seen in the active roles it plays - despite being small - in international and regional fora like the United Nations and Asean, said Mr Shanmugam in remarks at this year's Foreign Service Scholarship Awards on Monday.

Mr Shanmugam, who is also Law Minister, cited Singapore's role in creating more than 30 Free Trade Agreements with other countries and having defence arrangements with Asean nations. Having a voice at these multilateral discussions is "far more important for us than for a bigger country," he added.

Singapore's size, he said, means that people will talk to us only if we are relevant. And he added: "We are only relevant if we are successful."

 

[Loh]

Visit Gardens by the Bay on Google's Street View

Virtual tour will include paid attractions such as the Flower Dome



Published on Aug 06, 2013
7:12 AM


By Derrick Ho

Singapore's Gardens by the Bay is joining a growing list of iconic travel spots accessible only by foot which are being photographed by Google for its Street View feature.

The mapping service allows users to zoom in from above and get a panoramic 360-degree view of an area and take a virtual tour.

The tech giant will begin capturing images of several parts of the Gardens, including the Super Trees, Indian Garden and Dragonfly Lake, from today. The Flower Dome conservatory, which has an entry fee of $12 for local residents, will also be photographed.

A Google operator will walk through the Gardens with what is called the Trekker - a special backpack with a Street View camera system. This consists of 15 lenses mounted on a mast and connected to a computer, which allows the wearer to automatically capture an image of their surroundings every 2.5 seconds as they move.

Trekker operator Dan Luo Dequan, 28, at the Gardens by the Bay. The Trekker, a backpack with a camera system, will allow Google to take panoramic shots of travel spots usually accessible only by foot. -- PHOTO: DIOS VINCOY JR FOR THE STRAITS TIMES

- PHOTO: DIOS VINCOY JR FOR THE STRAITS TIMES

http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/s...20130806/ST_20130806_DHGOOGLE06A_3779236e.jpg
The Grand Canyon's Bright Angel Trail in the United States. -- PHOTO: GOOGLE


Background story

Other mapped tourist sites

AS AN extension of Street View, Google has, since 2012, been taking 360-degree panoramic photos of tourist sights around the world that are only accessible by foot. Here are those completed so far:

• Grand Canyon, US.
• Mount Fuji, Japan.
• Hashima Island, Japan - more commonly known as Battleship Island.
• Iqaluit, Canadian Arctic - the capital of the Canadian territory of Nunavut.
• Burj Khalifa, Dubai - the world's tallest building.
• The Galapagos Islands, a Unesco World Heritage Site off the coast of South America.

 

[Loh]

Members of SAF counter-piracy team in Gulf of Aden receive recognition

Published on Aug 05, 2013
8:24 PM

http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/straitstimes.com/files/20130805/medale.jpg
Colonel Giam Hock Koon, 47, receiving the SAF Overseas Service Medal from Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the presentation ceremony. For three months, members of the Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 remained alert and thwarted numerous piracy attempts in the Gulf of Aden. -- PHOTO: YEO SAM JO

http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/straitstimes.com/files/20130805/medal2e.jpg
Dr Ng Eng Hen interacting with medal recipients and their family members after the presentation ceremony. For three months, members of the Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 remained alert and thwarted numerous piracy attempts in the Gulf of Aden. -- PHOTO: YEO SAM JO

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A member of the SAF Command Team working with his South Korean counterpart during their deployment to the Gulf of Aden. For three months, members of the Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 remained alert and thwarted numerous piracy attempts in the Gulf of Aden. -- PHOTO: YEO SAM JO


By Yeo Sam Jo

For three months, members of the Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 remained alert and thwarted numerous piracy attempts in the Gulf of Aden.

But it was the second last morning of June this year that commander of the force Colonel Giam Hock Koon remembers the most. The task force was involved in the successful disruption of a hijacking by about a dozen Somali pirates on an Indian dhow that was carrying livestock.

"The alert was raised and we responded to it by directing the Japanese maritime patrol aircraft, which after a few searches, was able to localise this vessel and subsequently direct the adjacent task forces, which were able to pressurise the pirates into abandoning their plans," he recalled. "This was the closest the pirates were to being successful," added the 47-year-old navy officer.

Colonel Giam was one of 47 recipients of the SAF Overseas Service Medal on Monday at the Defence Ministry, in recognition of their counter-piracy efforts.

 

[Loh]

Lee Kuan Yew bust unveiled at SUTD


Published on Aug 07, 2013
6:59 AM

-- PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO


A bronze bust of former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew was unveiled yesterday at the Singapore University of Technology and Design. The sculpture, cast by contemporary French artist-sculptor Nacera Kainou, was an early birthday present to Mr Lee from the Lyon- Singapore Association and the municipality of Lyon.

Mr Lee turns 90 next month.

At his suggestion, the bust will be placed at the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities in the university at Dover Drive.

 

[Loh]

Lee Kuan Yew: New book is unvarnished account

Published on Aug 06, 2013
7:54 PM

By Goh Chin Lian


Former prime minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew said that while his views are "largely unvarnished" in his latest book on geopolitics, some of the rugged edges were shaved off.

"I didn't want to ruffle too many feathers," said Mr Lee at the launch of his book on geopolitics "One Man's View of the World" on Tuesday.

SPH chairman Lee Boon Yang said in a speech that the elder statesman was "remarkably candid" in his analysis of international politics, now that Mr Lee is freed from the limitations of being in the Cabinet.

He added: "Mr Lee is an unapologetic realist in his perspective of international relations, one that eschews emotion or ideology."

Mr Lee Kuan Yew delivers a speech at the launch of the book One Man's View Of The World at the Istana. Mr Lee said that while his views are "largely unvarnished" in his latest book on geopolitics, some of the rugged edges were shaved off. -- ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN

 

[Loh]

Cartoonist Leslie Chew apologises; AGC won't proceed with contempt of court charges

Published on Aug 06, 2013
5:37 PM

The exterior of the Supreme Court. Cartoonist Leslie Chew Peng Ee, who was facing contempt of court charges for some comic strips, has apologised for scandalising the judiciary. -- ST FILE PHOTO: TERENCE TAN


By Bryna Singh

Cartoonist Leslie Chew Peng Ee, who was facing contempt of court charges for some comic strips, has apologised for scandalising the judiciary.

In the apology, initiated by Mr Chew and released through his lawyers on Tuesday, he said: "I accept that (the) comic strips had misrepresented to the public that the Singapore Judiciary administers differential treatment to individuals based on their nationality, social status and political affiliation, and that there have been specific criminal cases in which decisions were made by the Singapore judiciary on the basis of the above factors rather than on the merits."

The Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) said that in the light of Mr Chew's apology and undertaking, as well as the fact that the offending comic strips have been taken down, it will not proceed with the contempt of court charges.

"All members of the public should note that the Attorney-General's Chambers will take firm action to protect the administration of justice in Singapore, and uphold the integrity of the Judiciary. Where appropriate, such action will include the commencement of proceedings for contempt," said a spokesman.

 

[Loh]

Resources, race and religion, sovereign rights will contribute to conflict in Asia-Pa

Published on Aug 06, 2013
4:33 PM




Resources, race and religion, and sovereign rights are three issues that will persist as potential sources of conflict in the Asia-Pacific region, said Senior Minister of State (Defence) Chan Chun Sing on Tuesday, Aug 6, 2013. -- ST FILE PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG



By David Ee

Resources, race and religion, and sovereign rights are three issues that will persist as potential sources of conflict in the Asia-Pacific region, said Senior Minister of State (Defence) Chan Chun Sing on Tuesday.

This is especially so given the region's rapid growth, diversity and complex history, he told about 50 gathered senior military officers from more than 20 countries including the US, China, Japan, India and South Korea. Mr Chan, who is also Acting Minister for Community Development, was speaking at the 15th Asia-Pacific Programme for Senior Military Officers or Appsmo, held at The Sentosa Resort & Spa.

Organised by Nanyang Technological University's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, the conference allows officers to forge ties with their counterparts while keeping up to date with security trends. Mr Chan said that countries need avenues to "discuss such issues amicably and resolve their differences constructively," to prevent conflicts from flaring up.

He urged officers to take the opportunity to build trust and bonds with each other at events such as Appsmo, so that in times of challenge these ties can be called upon when countries work together. "It is incumbent upon us, as the new generation, to similarly build upon the foundation that (the previous generation) have, to...resolve the challenges facing us now and ... in the future," he said.

 

[Loh]

Singapore Memory Project: Lives and stories of 30 Singaporeans

Published on Aug 06, 2013
2:53 PM

By Kash Cheong


The Singapore Memory Project on Tuesday unveiled a multi-sensory exhibition that showcased the life stories and hard work of 30 Singaporeans through portraits of their hands.

"This exhibition celebrates the values displayed by pioneers in overcoming the odds- it is through their hands that this nation blossomed, allowing us, the succeeding generation, to enjoy the gift of modern-day Singapore," said Minister For Communications and Information, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim.

Stories included that of hawkers, teachers and builders. Visitors may bring home memories with a special memory card which collects memories from the exhibition and allows them to access it through the Singapore Memory Portal online. They may also submit their memories through interactive digital platforms at the exhibition.

The exhibition being held at the National Library Building at Bugis. It is open from Aug 6 to Oct 13 from 10am to 9pm daily.

 

[Loh]

No wigs for St Margaret’s five: Education Minister



TODAY file photo


Not all the five St Margaret’s students who shaved for the Hair for Hope campaign will have to wear wigs, says Heng Swee Keat


28 min ago

SINGAPORE — The five St Margaret’s Secondary School girls who shaved their heads in support of the Hair for Hope campaign will not have to wear wigs, Education Minister Heng Swee Keat said today (July 7) after having spoken to Mrs Marion Tan, the school’s principal.

“It is reasonable to ask if and how exceptions (to the school’s rules) could be made, under special circumstances,” wrote Mr Heng in a post to his Facebook wall today.

“Mrs Tan, on her part, has also reflected on her decision, and understood that the girls wanted to show empathy and solidarity with cancer patients which entail the experience of going bald. With this in mind, she has supported all five in their wish not to conceal their shaved heads.

“I am glad that the Principal, teachers and students of St Margaret’s Secondary School have resolved this and will move on from here.”

The school had previously made the five girls promise to wear wigs as a condition for their participating in the campaign. After some resistance, the five complied but two subsequently said that they developed rashes from wearing wigs.

St Margaret's does not permit hairstyles deemed as "punk, unfeminine and sloppy". The Hair for Hope campaign is intended as a show of solidarity with children with cancer, who may suffer severe hair loss from chemotherapy treatment.

The Education Minister’s Facebook post, in full, reads as follows:

“Some parents have been asking if St Margaret’s Secondary School was harsh in asking some students to wear wigs after they shaved their heads to show support for children with cancer. I would like to share some thoughts on this.

“First, the teaching community and I are very proud when our students show great character, such as by showing solidarity with those afflicted with cancer. It is not easy for a teenage girl to shave her head — I fully appreciate and applaud the commitment it shows. I personally support the Hair for Hope campaign and, in fact, was happy to join the organisers last year when they invited me. I remember a 15-year-old cancer survivor who had his head shaved. I thought it was very brave of him to show the operation scar on his head. I could understand how much it meant to know others empathise with him.

“We want our schools to nurture young people with a natural empathy for those who have known suffering. I know that Mrs Tan, the Principal of St Margaret’s, feels the same way, which is why she gave her support to the students who first sought the school’s permission to shave their heads, on the condition that the girls would don wigs in school. Many have asked why Mrs Tan did not take into account the fact that in the context of Hair for Hope, going bald is a sign of solidarity and empathy for cancer patients. I know some may say, why is the school so rigid in the first place? Other schools let their students bare their heads for the same cause, don’t they?

“I understand that Mrs Tan’s rationale for asking the girls to wear wigs was because she was concerned that students of St Margaret’s should present themselves within the school’s guidelines. However, it is reasonable to ask if and how exceptions could be made, under special circumstances like the Hair for Hope cause. Or, are there other ways of showing support that are compatible with the school’s rules and ethos?

“Part and parcel of education are developing character, inculcating a healthy respect for views, and honouring commitments. The school had no issue with students having a heart – but the school was also trying to teach the girls that character is seen in how we honour our commitments, as much as it is seen in our charitable acts.

“I am happy to learn that yesterday, Mrs Tan and her teachers spoke with the students who participated in Hair for Hope. The girls shared with their Principal the learning they have had through this experience. Mrs Tan, on her part, has also reflected on her decision, and understood that the girls wanted to show empathy and solidarity with cancer patients which entail the experience of going bald. With this in mind, she has supported all 5 in their wish not to conceal their shaved heads. I am glad that the Principal, teachers and students of St Margaret’s Secondary School have resolved this and will move on from here.

“This, then, is the real heart of education, that everyone appreciates there is a learning moment in every situation, in every decision we make, in every promise we pledge. Our Principals and teachers have a huge responsibility to help shape our students’ characters. Of course, parents play a most important role, so I ask parents to work together with our educators to give our children the best experiences and lessons to become outstanding young people of character. Because ultimately that is what is really at stake.”

 

[Loh]

In a class of her own

Sports









Kok Mun Wai and the trophies she led her charges to win this year. This is the second time she has completed the five-gold sweep. Photo: Wee Teck Hian


Kok’s second five-gold sweep means she has now won 43 national schools netball titles since 1996


By Low Lin Fhoong

7 hours 52 min ago

SINGAPORE — Eight years ago, Kok Mun Wai achieved the unprecedented in schools netball.

The coach of CHIJ Kellock (Primary), CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh) and Anglo Chinese Junior College (ACJC) led her teams to all five national titles at stake in the sport — the Primary Junior, Primary Senior, “A”, “B” and “C” Divisions.

Last week, she did the five-gold sweep again when her young charges from CHIJ Kellock scored a 36-23 victory over CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace in the Primary Senior final.

Yet, the 44-year-old, who declined to reveal any details about herself outside of netball, did not break out the champagne, nor jump for joy. In fact, the significance of the double triumph only sank in much later.

“It didn’t come to my mind as I was so focused on my job that day,” she said.

“I only realised it after the prize presentation when one of the teachers mentioned it. I was very happy as all the hard work by the girls had paid off. Everything came together this year as I had good, skilful players who were mentally strong. This is one of my lucky years. Hard work is important for sports, but so is luck!”

CHIJ Kellock’s victory means that Kok has now won 43 national titles across the primary, secondary and pre-university levels in her 17 years as a coach.

In all likelihood, she is Singapore’s most successful school coach, at the top of a list of decorated school coaches and teachers who have led their students to glory numerous times.

They include Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) rugby head coach Adrian Chong, who has led the Under-11, U-13, “A”, “B”, “C” Div teams to over 30 titles; former Victoria School teacher and coach Ho Kiat Chong (26 “B” and “C” Div cross country crowns, including eight doubles); and former hockey coach Felix Hector Gomez, who clinched 21 national hockey and floorball titles from 1994 to 2010 with Northland Secondary, Xishan Primary and Peixin Primary.

Despite attributing some portion of her two five-gold sweeps to luck, it is clear that the straight-talking, no-nonsense Kok does not believe in leaving things to chance either.

Said the former international who switched from an accounting job to coaching in 1996:

“I am strict with the girls, and I expect a lot of discipline, commitment and hard work from them. At the start of the season, I usually have a talk with them to tell them what I want — maximum effort in training.”

National netballer Natalie Long remembers the mantra to this day. The 23-year-old goal shooter spent 14 years under Kok’s tutelage at CHIJ Kellock, CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh) and ACJC, winning eight titles.

“I was scared of her when I was younger as she was very fierce and used to shout at us when we slacked off,” she recalled

“I was really fearful of training for a long time because we had to run many rounds on the track, and we were punished if we didn’t meet the time targets.

“I was more scared of her than of my mum!”

But the disciplinarian and taskmaster also has a soft side. She would always reward her Player of the Match with personalised gifts.

Said Long: “She’s taught me the basics and that hard work pays off. Even though she is no longer my coach, she cares for me.

“Once, I was telling her about some problems I was going through, and she offered her help without me asking for it.”