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How 2 S’poreans adapted to new job roles amid Covid-19 pandemic

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1 minute

SINGAPORE - When Ms Joyce Seah left her job at an oil and gas multinational corporation (MNC) last July, she was afraid she would not be able to secure another job amid the weaker hiring market. The company where she worked as a senior buyer restructured during the Covid-19 pandemic and she was assigned a new role which she felt was unsuitable for her. So she resigned. Please subscribe or log in to continue reading the full article. Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month Latest headlines and exclusive stories In-depth analyses and award-winning multimedia content Get access to all with our no-contract promotional package at only $0.99/month for the first 3 months* Subscribe now *Terms and conditions apply.

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Fewer than 10 stalls open at Bukit Merah View market on first day of reopening

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6 minutes

SINGAPORE - The 115 Bukit Merah View Market and Food Centre - which is at the centre of Singapore's largest open Covid-19 cluster - reopened on Sunday (June 27) after a two-week closure. However, fewer than 10 stalls out of the 182 there were open for business when The Straits Times visited at 8.30am. Some stallholders returned to clean their stalls and clear existing stocks, after ending their quarantine on Saturday. Human traffic was also visibly thin, as some residents were told by hawkers that they were not operating yet. One of those stallholders who returned to work on Sunday was Ms Lindawati Tjong, 47, who has for nine years run a stall selling raw chicken with her husband. She said she was not too worried about the virus as her family members have mostly been vaccinated or are going to get the jab. Her family of five - including three children aged 11, 17 and 19 - were quarantined at home for the past two weeks. Their quarantine ended on Saturday. Asked why she reopened so soon, she told reporters: "We have no choice - we have a family to feed and no income for the past two weeks." But she is more optimistic now that business can resume. Lawyer Ho Woon Chan, 51, who has bee...

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NParks staff, volunteers promote good etiquette at Changi Beach at low tide

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5 minutes

SINGAPORE - Dawn had not yet broken at 6am on Sunday (June 27) but people were already out on the mudflats of Changi Beach, exploring the area at low tide. As they peered into tiny holes in the seabed and sought marine creatures among the blades of seagrass, volunteers and staff from the National Parks Board (NParks) kept a close watch. "Just look, don't touch," Madam Doreen Foo, 44, one of the volunteer guides, was overheard reminding a family of four. She pointed out to them a cake sea star that had been exposed by the retreating waters. A rare find, she added. Madam Foo, a marketing assistant manager, was among those who volunteered with NParks to patrol the nation's accessible seashores over the weekend, to remind beachgoers not to handle marine life in a way that could be harmful. Other than Changi Beach, patrols were conducted in other places such as Pasir Ris Park. Tides on Saturday and Sunday were low, exposing large tracts of the seafloor and the bounty that lie in and on them: warty sea cucumbers, anemones, sea stars and many different types of crabs. The patrols by NParks staff and volunteers come after crowds were seen flocking to the intertidal areas of Changi Beach, d...

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Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on June 27

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2 minutes

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Sunday, June 27. New enterprises bloom in S'pore despite Covid-19 gloom There were 63,480 new enterprises last year, up from 61,573 in 2019. READ MORE HERE Housewife who starved, tortured and killed Myanmar maid: What drove her to violence? Gaiyathiri Murugayan was sentenced to 30 years' jail for abusing her domestic helper. READ MORE HERE Elderly woman who visited Bukit Merah View block dies of Covid-19; new cases include CGH nurse The 84-year-old Singaporean had not been vaccinated and had a history of cancer and hypertension. READ MORE HERE More on this topic Related Story ST newsletters: Get alerts on the latest news Firms in S’pore turn to tech, online space to weather pandemic storm While figures show that a significant number of new businesses opened last year, some sectors have seen their fair share of firms going belly-up. READ MORE HERE S'pore's F&B business owners grapple with dine-in curbs while juggling delivery For restaurants that are newly opened or about to open, owners have had to tweak their timelines and plans. READ MORE HERE Phuket gets ready for tourists amid Covid-19 in 'sandbox' experiment by Thai gov...

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Over 1,700 PMDs disposed of since fatal Woodlands lift fire

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5 minutes

SINGAPORE - Three years ago, Mr Muhammad Sofiyan, 32, who is self-employed, used his personal mobility device (PMD) for food delivery jobs. Then, in late 2019, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) banned e-scooters from footpaths and his PMD had been left idle outside his flat since then. That ban and the recent fire in Woodlands, where a PMD burst into flames in a lift and killed a man, convinced Mr Sofiyan to dispose of his PMD last Wednesday at a designated collection point in Dover. In fact, since that fire was reported on June 4, more than 1,700 PMDs have been disposed of, said waste management firm KGS, which is overseeing the free disposal of PMDs until June 30. On June 3, Mr Muhammad Irfan Danish Azhar, 20, a food delivery rider, was in a lift at Block 537 Woodlands Drive 16 when his PMD caught fire. Residents doused the flames but he died the next day. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) had said preliminary investigations indicated the fire was of electrical origin from a PMD. Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Baey Yam Keng told The Sunday Times he was deeply saddened when he heard the news. He added: "I strongly urge owners who are holding onto non-complian...

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Housewife who starved, tortured and killed Myanmar maid: What drove her to violence?

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1 minute

SINGAPORE - Gaiyathiri Murugayan was so preoccupied with cleanliness that she made her then husband drive her to a clean toilet from her workplace on a daily basis. At home, she ordered her sister-in-law to wear a shower cap in the flat after noticing some strands of her hair on the floor. She also made her family members wear masks to prevent contamination from their nasal discharge. Please subscribe or log in to continue reading the full article. Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month Latest headlines and exclusive stories In-depth analyses and award-winning multimedia content Get access to all with our no-contract promotional package at only $0.99/month for the first 3 months* Subscribe now *Terms and conditions apply.

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Covid-19 swabbing exercise begins for residents in Tiong Bahru’s Eng Watt Street

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5 minutes

SINGAPORE - Residents from a block of flats in Tiong Bahru trickled slowly into a pavilion for mandatory Covid-19 swab tests on Saturday morning (June 26). This comes after 13 residents from three households at Block 66 Eng Watt Street tested positive for the coronavirus, with the Health Ministry hoping to disrupt any wider, undetected community transmission. Ms Janine Stein, 59, a publisher in the entertainment industry, was among the first to get swabbed when testing operations began at 9am. She had found out about the mandatory swabbing the previous evening, from the notices put up around the block. "I was really worried because this was my first time taking a swab. I spoke to some friends who said it was really painful, sore and uncomfortable, but actually it was okay. I could feel it, but it wasn't painful at all," said Ms Stein, who is fully vaccinated against Covid-19. One of her nostrils was blocked and the swabber had to try again, she said, adding that the swab took about 20 seconds in total. Ms Stein said she was worried after hearing about the cases in her block, especially since it is not clear how the cases could be linked or how transmission had occurred. She said sh...

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NUS holds first-ever online graduation ceremony for 186 students

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4 minutes

SINGAPORE - A total of 186 students from the National University of Singapore (NUS) graduated in a virtual ceremony on Saturday morning (June 26). This is the first time NUS has held a graduation ceremony in this manner. Saturday's was the first among 60 online ceremonies that will see more than 23,500 students from the classes of 2020 and 2021 graduating. Those from the class of 2020 had their graduation ceremonies postponed to this year. President Halimah Yacob, who is also NUS chancellor, gave a speech to the graduating students, in which she noted that the Covid-19 pandemic had upended Singaporeans' way of life and altered the face of an already disruptive future. "It is a reminder that sometimes, even the best-laid plans can be overturned by events that are not within our control," she said. Addressing 154 graduates from the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health and 32 graduates from the Master of Science in Industry 4.0 programme offered by the NUS School of Continuing and Lifelong Education, Madam Halimah encouraged them to hold steadfast to values of respect, integrity, innovation, excellence and resilience during these challenging times. She said: "I encourage you to e...

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Dentist struck off S’pore dental register for making false Chas claims

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2 minutes

SINGAPORE - Dentist Teo Eu Gene, who was jailed last year for having submitted false claims for dental procedures, has been struck off the official dental register. He will not be permitted to practise as a dentist in Singapore for at least three years. After this period, he can apply for his name to be restored in the register, said the Singapore Dental Council in a statement on Friday (June 25). Last year, Teo became the first person to be jailed for cheating the Government through the Community Health Assist Scheme (Chas). He was sentenced to 46 weeks' jail after being convicted of 25 charges of making false Chas claims. These claims were for dental procedures between 2014 and 2015. Teo's actions caused two polyclinic groups - SingHealth Polyclinics and National Healthcare Group Polyclinics - that process and reimburse Chas claims on behalf of the Ministry of Health to wrongfully disburse more than $18,000. On Friday, the Singapore Dental Council said it held on April 12 a disciplinary inquiry against Teo, who previously practised at Phoenix Dental Surgery clinics. The disciplinary committee noted that Teo's dishonest conduct and convictions seriously impinged upon the reputatio...

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Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on June 26

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2 minutes

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Saturday, June 26. Covid-19 vaccinations in overdrive in Singapore Should the vaccination be made mandatory at some point? We examine this and other vaccine-related issues. READ MORE HERE Interactive: Is Singapore on track to meet its Aug 9 vaccination target? Singapore is ramping up its Covid-19 vaccination programme from June 26. Track the progress here. READ MORE HERE New Covid-19 clusters in Henderson Crescent, CGH; 3 unlinked cases There are currently 10 and three cases that have been linked to these two new clusters respectively. READ MORE HERE More on this topic Related Story ST newsletters: Get alerts on the latest news Some Bukit Merah, Redhill residents to get Covid-19 self-test kits Mandatory testing will also be conducted for residents of Block 66 Eng Watt Street in the Tiong Bahru neighbourhood. READ MORE HERE HDB terraced houses: Where are they, why are people buying them, and is Sers a possibility? These houses have come under the spotlight after a record sale of a 210 sq m unit in Whampoa for $1.268 million. READ MORE HERE Ex-police officer Derek Chauvin sentenced to over 22 years in jail for George Floyd mur...

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askST@NLB: Let kids learn about nature to spark interest

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3 minutes

SINGAPORE - Exposing children to as much nature as possible from a young age can help interest them in climate change, said National Library Board (NLB) Exhibitions Co-Curator Georgina Wong at an askST @ NLB discussion on Friday (June 25). Hosted by The Straits Times Science and Environment Correspondent Audrey Tan, the discussion - When Nature Speaks - was done virtually on Zoom and broadcast on ST's Facebook page. Ms Wong said allowing children to learn about Singapore's natural history firsthand can help them grow an appreciation for the natural environment, and NLB's HumanxNature exhibition on Singapore's biodiversity heritage is one such avenue for parents to do so. Open till Sept 26, HumanxNature explores Singapore's relationships with the natural world from cultural understanding and scientific study to commercial and urban land use, as well as conservation and restoration. The exhibition features an array of natural history books, botanical prints, plantation photographs and maps from the collections of the National Library and National Archives, together with herbarium and natural history specimens on loan from the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, Singapore Botanic G...

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Digital skills programme helps mid-career jobseekers find work before completing course

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4 minutes

SINGAPORE - A six-month intensive course to train mid-career jobseekers in digital skills was so successful, about 10 per cent of the 1,300 trainees found work before completing the course. Global management consulting firm Boston Consulting Group (BCG), which runs the programme, said on Friday (June 25) that around 1,500 participants should complete the course by the end of this year. The Rapid and Immersive Skill Enhancement (Rise) programme is part of the company training segment of the SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways initiative. The Government had rolled out the initiative last year in response to Covid-19's impact on the economy and jobs. The Rise programme aims to help participants upskill and get a digital-related job even if they do not have prior related experience. Participants can learn digital essential skills and fundamentals of technology such as artificial intelligence and human-centred design. BCG managing director and partner Aparna Bharadwaj said many of the trainees come from the financial services sector. There are also some from sectors such as infocomm technology, wholesale and retail trade, as well as travel and tourism. She said that there are many roles availa...

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Jail for man who used others’ particulars to cheat Temasek Foundation of masks worth $84

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2 minutes

SINGAPORE - A marine surveyor obtained the personal particulars of seven colleagues amid the Covid-19 outbreak and used the information to dupe Temasek Foundation into issuing seven face masks through a vending machine. Temasek Foundation is the social and charity arm of Singapore investment company Temasek and the masks cost a total of $84. Indian national Srinivasan Yuvaraj, 39, pleaded guilty on Friday (June 25) to a cheating charge and was sentenced to seven weeks' jail. The court heard that Temasek Foundation had conducted the fourth round of its nationwide mask distribution exercise in March to provide Singapore residents with adequate access to the masks during the pandemic. From March 1 to 14, residents could each collect one reusable mask by keying in their NRIC or FIN numbers at the machines installed at various places, including community centres, islandwide. No further verification was needed and the masks would be issued only once per NRIC or FIN number. Srinivasan had in his possession the name lists of his colleagues, along with their personal particulars. He then randomly selected seven names and jotted down their particulars, including their NRIC and FIN numbers. W...

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All 71 Singapore mosques will support anti-drug fight by CNB and Muis

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2 minutes

SINGAPORE - All 71 mosques here will be backing an anti-drug campaign this year, with a specially crafted sermon encouraging the community to play an active role. The Dadah Itu Haram initiative was unveiled by Minister for Home Affairs and Law K. Shanmugam and Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim at the Al-Ansar Mosque in Bedok on Friday (June 25). They were joined by Mr Esa Masood, chief executive of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis), and Ustaz Dr Mohammad Hannan Hassan, the deputy Mufti. The annual anti-drug campaign is in conjunction with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, and is a collaboration between the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) and Muis. The effort, which was launched in 2017, was supported by 15 mosques last year, but is backed by all 71 mosques this year. During Friday prayers, a specially crafted sermon by the Office of the Mufti emphasised the importance of community involvement in the fight against drug abuse. "As one community, we play an important role together in helping and providing the required support, to those who have fallen into the trap of drug abus...

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117 people fined for breaching Covid-19 curbs since start of phase 3; Orchard Hotel ordered to suspend bookings

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3 minutes

SINGAPORE - As many as 17 people were found together at one beach and 13 at another. They were among the 117 people fined for breaching safe management measures such as limits on group sizes, at parks and beaches, since the start of phase three (heightened alert) on June 14. The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) said on Friday (June 25) that the breaches also included not wearing masks when not doing strenuous exercises. The limit for social gatherings went up from two to five on June 14, following a fall in the number of Covid-19 cases in the community. But in one incident, a group of 17 people were caught at Changi Beach Park, and another group of 13 people were caught at East Coast Park. MSE said about 1,800 advisories had been issued for breaches. Orchard Hotel Singapore has also been issued a fine and a suspension order after Singapore Tourism Board enforcement officers found 11 people gathered in a room there for a birthday celebration on Feb 6, MSE said. At that time, no more than eight people were allowed to be together for social gatherings. The hotel was given a composition fine of $1,000, and was ordered to suspend room bookings for 30 days, till July ...

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President Halimah Yacob sends condolences after former Zambian president dies

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1 minute

SINGAPORE - President Halimah Yacob has written to President Edgar Lungu and the people of Zambia to express her condolences following the death of the country's former president Kenneth Kaunda. Dr Kaunda, independent Zambia's first president, died on June 17 at the age of 97. In her letter dated Thursday (June 24), Madam Halimah said: "Dr Kaunda was a remarkable statesman who will be remembered for his role as a champion for African independence. He steered the development of a modern Commonwealth, advocating equality and peace in a tumultuous post-colonial period." She added that Dr Kaunda had also supported Singapore during its early years of independence. As a fellow leader of a newly independent country, he had many interactions with the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, both being active participants in Commonwealth meetings. In 1971, Dr Kaunda, who was then Zambia's president, had visited Singapore during the inaugural Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which was held here. More on this topic Related Story President Halimah, PM Lee convey condolences to Britain over death of Prince Philip Related Story President Halimah, PM Lee convey condolences to Bahrain over death of its prim...

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Man who allegedly harassed 2 women with racist slurs intends to plead guilty

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2 minutes

SINGAPORE - A man allegedly harassed two women with racist slurs in separate incidents, and a district court heard on Thursday (June 24) that he intends to plead guilty to his charges. Periyanayagam Appavoo, 52, is accused of two counts of harassment and one count of using criminal force on a man. His nationality as well as the nationalities of his alleged victims were not disclosed in court documents. He is expected to plead guilty on July 27. Periyanayagam was at a Rivervale Drive supermarket in Sengkang on April 23 last year when he allegedly verbally abused a woman identified as Ms Kamsuna with vulgar language. He is said to have told her: "Be careful as I would return to beat you... You Chinese people bring the Covid into Singapore." He was at Sengkang General Hospital on June 23 last year when he allegedly targeted a nurse, Ms Catherine Lam, and abused her with vulgar language. He is said to have pointed his finger at her and exclaimed: "You are Chinese, Chinese people are stupid. I want an Indian doctor." While at the hospital, Periyanayagam is also accused of using criminal force on Mr Muhammad Faizuan Ahmad Juan by grabbing his neck. Details about Mr Faizuan and Ms Kamsuna...

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540,000 CPF members to pay less for home protection insurance

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2 minutes

SINGAPORE - More than 540,000 Housing Board (HDB) flat owners will, on average, pay 10 per cent less in premiums for a Central Provident Fund (CPF) home insurance scheme from July 1. The CPF Board on Thursday (June 24) said it is reducing premiums for the Home Protection Scheme (HPS) "due to better-than-expected investment returns and claims experience". The scheme protects CPF members and their families from the risk of losing their HDB flats in the event of death, terminal illness, or total permanent disability before their housing loans are paid up. Last year, $83.8 million was paid out in claims to home owners insured under HPS. The last time a reduction in premiums for the scheme was made was in 2018. Periodic reviews are conducted by the CPF Board to ensure that HPS premiums remain affordable, while maintaining the long-term sustainability of the HPS fund, said the CPF. The new rates will kick in for members who join the scheme on or after July 1, while existing members will pay the lower prices when they pay their annual premium or adjust their coverage on or after July 1. For example, a male member aged 36 with a $200,000 housing loan from HDB for 30 years will pay a reduce...

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17 organisations, 114 people get awards from Commercial Affairs Department for thwarting scams

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3 minutes

SINGAPORE - The Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) handed out awards to more than 100 people who helped thwart 83 cases of scams last year. The 114 people, from various organisations, were presented with Community Partnership Awards on Thursday (June 24) to recognise their contributions that led to the recovery of more than $3.2 million last year that would have otherwise been lost to scammers. The CAD said most of the cases involved Internet love scams. It added that it was because of the swift intervention by these individuals that the department was able to intercept the scams. The awards were also given to 17 organisations, including banks, remittance agencies and other businesses, which have been committed to detecting and preventing scams. The award recipients included DBS Bank, UOB and Hako Technology, which operates cryptocurrency platform Coinhako. In his speech at the ceremony held virtually on Thursday morning, CAD director David Chew noted that scams increased by more than 65 per cent last year as compared with 2019. He added that the amounts lost to scammers had also jumped from $170 million in 2019 to $268 million last year. He said there have been several initiative...

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Low risk of severe haze from Indonesia this year: Singapore Institute of International Affairs

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4 minutes

SINGAPORE - There is a low risk of severe haze originating from forest fires in Indonesia this year, a local think-tank has assessed. The report by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) released on Thursday (June 24) said this was due to a confluence of factors. These include improved land management policies by the Indonesian government, projected weather conditions and the growing recognition among the authorities there that the carbon-rich peatlands and forests in the country could be a source of carbon credits. This means there is now a business case for the conservation of these natural habitats - they no longer need to be drained and felled for oil palm or pulp and paper plantations in order for the land to reap economic gains. Peatlands are carbon-rich habitats that are naturally waterlogged. But for the land to be used to grow cash crops, they need to be drained - increasing the risk of fire and releasing lots of carbon into the atmosphere. On a scale of green, amber and red - with green being low risk and red being high - the 2021 haze outlook is green for the first time, said SIIA chairman Simon Tay in the report's foreword. In 2019 and last year, the ha...