aseanpr

9 months’ jail for maid who elbowed 1-year-old baby’s face and stepped on his knee

aseanpr 5 4 月

3 minutes

SINGAPORE - Feeling upset over personal issues, a maid decided to vent her unhappiness on a one-year-old baby boy under her care by abusing him with acts such as stepping on his leg and pushing his head until he fell. Indonesian Suliana Kasim Dapok, 42, was sentenced on Monday (April 5) to nine months' jail after pleading guilty to two counts of ill-treating the child. The baby cannot be named due to a gag order to protect his identity and details about his home have been redacted from court documents. The court heard that Suliana started working for his family in October 2018. Her duties included taking care of her employer's four children. The baby was at home at around 11.15am on May 8 last year when he vomited on a carpet in the living room. Deputy Public Prosecutor Ben Mathias Tan said: "The accused was in the process of cleaning the carpet with detergent when the victim walked towards the accused. "As the accused did not want the victim to come into contact with the detergent, the accused elbowed the victim in his face, causing the victim to fall to the floor and cry." Suliana was walking towards the kitchen after wiping the carpet when she thought that the baby would grab he...

No obvious increase in commuter numbers on trains on first day of eased work regulations in S’pore

aseanpr 5 4 月

5 minutes

SINGAPORE - The morning commuting crowd streamed out of Raffles Place MRT station, most of them office workers walking closely behind one another. From 8.30am to 9.30am on Monday (April 5), the tap of bank and ez-link cards at the gantries was relentless. If not for the wearing of face masks, one could almost forget that people continue to live through a viral pandemic. Work from home seems to be an arrangement of the past. But people whom The Straits Times spoke to said this has been the case for months. Despite Monday being the first day of eased regulations for workplaces, with companies allowed to bring up to 75 per cent of their staff back to the office at any one time, there was no noticeable further crowding in train cars. "There is no difference. All same," a security guard who works near the train station said. "I don't know if this will change. It's a good level." Ms Rebecca Quah, 35, a financial consultant who alighted at Raffles Place MRT station at 8.30am - traditionally the morning peak hour - said: "Companies are not exactly rushing to change their policies. People have become quite comfortable with how they work. "It is only the first day and I think many companies ...

Man charged with murder of 49-year-old at Bedok Reservoir Road flat

aseanpr 5 4 月

2 minutes

SINGAPORE- A man who allegedly killed another in a Bedok Reservoir Road flat last weekend appeared in a district court on Monday (April 5) and was charged with murder. Naing Lin, 49, is said to have stabbed the victim, who is of the same age, last Saturday. There is no further information on the weapon used as of this point. In an statement on Saturday evening, police said that they were alerted to the incident at around 10.15am that day. Officers arrived at the unit and found the victim lying motionless at the scene. A resident, who lives in the same block and wanted to be known only as Mr Seow, 55, had earlier told Chinese-language newspaper Shin Min Daily News that the unit was cordoned off at noon on Saturday. He said: "There were about six police officers along the corridor. They did not disclose what happened and told me only to leave quickly." Another neighbour, domestic helper Ms Yato, 32, said that she had heard two men quarrelling in the unit on Friday night. According to her, one of the men then shouted: "Stop it! I'm already angry." Naing Lin is remanded at the Central Police Division and his case has been adjourned to April 12. Offenders convicted of murder will face t...

Number of COE extensions plunge, but trend seen remaining strong

aseanpr 4 4 月

1 minute

SINGAPORE - The number of car certificate of entitlement (COE) revalidations - which form the bulk of total COE extensions - have fallen for the first time in a decade, and this may mean bigger COE supplies ahead. According to fresh statistics from the Land Transport Authority, the figure plunged by more than 50 per cent to 20,071 in 2020 - from 2019's record of 41,777. 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.

Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on April 4

aseanpr 4 4 月

2 minutes

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Sunday, April 4. 'My mother doesn't think she has a problem': The challenges faced by those helping people who hoard A new study shows that hoarders resist help and groups trying to help them declutter find it difficult even to gain entry to their homes. READ MORE HERE MOH to formalise panel to look into issues related to Integrated Shield Plans Insurers, doctors reminded to serve best interests of patients who are policyholders. READ MORE HERE 'I tried to help her out, but the debris was too heavy': Taiwan train crash survivors mourn the dead Three in a family of four were killed in the crash, after they missed an earlier train. READ MORE HERE More on this topic Related Story ST newsletters: Get alerts on the latest news She grew a tiny practice into a global design firm and now wants to build a world-class start-up Skills and smarts can open doors in life, Shagufta Anurag readily admits. READ MORE HERE Who killed my father? 47 years on, son of labourer murdered in 1974 in S’pore hopes for answers An article on the unsolved case of a girl who was found murdered in Singapore in 1995 brought back a flood of memories for Rajoo...

‘My mother doesn’t think she has a problem’: Challenges faced by those helping hoarders in S’pore

aseanpr 4 4 月

1 minute

SINGAPORE - Mr Chng, 26, took this video as he carefully made his way up the stairs to his mother's second-floor Chinatown home. There is barely enough space for him to walk, a narrow path on the stairs is flanked on both sides by mounds of stuff. To the right are boxes stacked shoulder height or higher against a wall. To the left, paper bags and plastic bags packed with unidentified objects are strewn, alongside an assortment of items seemingly picked up from the trash - random bits of paper and empty drink bottles. 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.

Online Hari Raya bazaars to stay for now in Singapore

aseanpr 4 4 月

5 minutes

SINGAPORE - Mr Feroz Abdullah, 46, has been a fixture at the Geylang Serai Hari Raya bazaar for the past 30 years, mainly selling traditional Malay Muslim clothing. At 16, he ran his first bazaar stall with some help from his father. Now he is marketing his own brand, Glamour Muzika, which was launched in 2000. He also has a permanent stall in Joo Chiat Complex. The cancellation of all bazaars in March last year has forced Mr Feroz and other stallholders to change strategy. Bazaars like the popular Geylang Serai bazaar have traditionally operated during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which will fall between April 13 and May 12 this year. But the Covid-19 pandemic put paid to physical bazaars and, as they are unlikely to return soon, merchants have moved to virtual bazaars, social media and e-commerce websites. Many merchants told The Sunday Times that going online has been challenging with Mr Feroz saying it has not been as profitable. He said: "In 2019, I earned about $250,000 from my bazaar stalls. When bazaars were cancelled last year I only made about $70,000 from my website and on Facebook Live sessions during the Ramadan period." The merchants pointed out that demand on...

Who killed my father? 47 years on, son of S’pore labourer who was murdered in 1974 hopes for answers

aseanpr 4 4 月

1 minute

SINGAPORE - When Mr Rajoo Mani read an article in January this year that described the unsolved case of a girl who was found murdered in Singapore in 1995, it brought back a flood of memories. He was nine years old when police officers found his father's body in Clementi Road on Oct 6, 1974. 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.

More orchids, attractions for visitors at National Orchid Garden as enhanced display area opens

aseanpr 3 4 月

4 minutes

SINGAPORE - Visitors to The Sembcorp Cool House at the National Orchid Garden might feel like they have been transported into a cloud forest half the world away, with the cool air, a waterfall and orchids from across the globe. The facility is one of the jewels in the crown of the new Tropical Montane Orchidetum, which was opened by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Saturday (April 3). It comes after extensive enhancement work at the National Orchid Garden undertaken by the National Parks Board (NParks) from 2017 and at a cost of about $35 million. The work was expected to be completed in 2019 but was delayed due to design and technical challenges as well as the Covid-19 pandemic. The Orchidetum is designed to simulate the experience of ascending through a tropical montane forest and features orchids and other plants. A montane forest, also known as cloud forest, describes a terrain found in mountainous areas - an environment far removed from Singapore. The Orchidetum contains three display houses - The Sembcorp Cool House, the Yuen Peng McNeice Bromeliad Collection and the Tan Hoon Siang Mist House - which have been expanded from their original sizes. The Sembcorp Cool House has b...

Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on April 3

aseanpr 3 4 月

2 minutes

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Saturday, April 3. Taiwan train accident: At least 50 killed, flags to be flown at half-mast from Saturday The driver of the truck that had slid down a bank onto the track was questioned by police. READ MORE HERE 'Mangled bodies everywhere': Taiwan train survivors recount harrowing crash A boy whom rescuers saved said: "My mother is trapped but she wanted me to escape." READ MORE HERE Vaccinating Asia: How does world's largest continent immunise 4.5 billion people in shortest time possible? It is a critical issue as the world rushes to achieve herd immunity against the coronavirus. READ MORE HERE More on this topic Related Story ST newsletters: Get alerts on the latest news Police officer killed in car-ramming attack on US Capitol The suspect drove into US Capitol officers and brandished a knife before being shot. READ MORE HERE SIA flights from S'pore barred from landing in HK from April 3 to 16 after detection of Covid-19 case Passenger services from Hong Kong to Singapore are not affected. READ MORE HERE Having more doctors on IP panels may lead to higher premiums: Life Insurance Association The topic is in the spotlight,...

More hikers in S’pore caught straying off designated trails last year

aseanpr 3 4 月

1 minute

SINGAPORE - With global leisure travel largely out of the question for most Singaporeans last year, many took to the nature reserves here in search of a much-needed getaway. However, the number of cases involving people caught straying off designated trails was also the highest in five years. 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.

Worshippers in Singapore welcome Good Friday service after a difficult year

aseanpr 3 4 月

3 minutes

SINGAPORE - Identified as a close contact of a church member who tested positive for Covid-19, Mr Kenneth Lek was quarantined in February last year. During the two weeks at home, the 52-year-old investment manager was touched by the kindness of his neighbours and fellow church members, who dropped by to leave meals for him and his family. Mr Lek, a member at the Grace Assembly of God church, was one of many worshippers who attended on-site Good Friday services across Singapore after months of virtual and hybrid religious activity due to Covid-19 restrictions. Mr Lek said the Good Friday service was a special moment to share with other church members and to reflect on his experience in overcoming a difficult year. "Although we attend Good Friday services every year, it was made more memorable this time because we truly appreciate how fortunate we are and how we should not take things for granted in our lives," he said. Last year's Holy Week services were held virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year, services were conducted on-site with a cap on the number of attendees and stringent measures in place to prevent the spread of infection. Attendees who spoke to The Straits Tim...

Large crowds throng Rail Corridor on Good Friday

aseanpr 3 4 月

2 minutes

SINGAPORE - Visitors hoping for a relaxing stroll in nature at the Rail Corridor between Hillview and King Albert Park on Friday (April 2) were shocked by the large crowds. Some said the former railway line was so packed that there was hardly any room for social distancing. The 4km stretch reopened on March 22, with restored bridges, among other new features. Visitor numbers peaked at around 8am, according to the National Parks Board's website, reported Chinese-language daily Lianhe Wanbao. One Yishun resident who was there with his family, including four children, told Wanbao he did not expect such huge crowds. Many of those interviewed told the paper that it was their first visit to the Rail Corridor. The carpark at the nearby Rail Mall was also full, forcing many to park on the road. Users on several outdoor interest groups on Facebook warned others to avoid heading to the area due to the crowds. Outdoor adventure tour group X-Trekkers urged: "Do avoid Green Corridor (aka Rail Corridor) during the peak hours (8am-12pm, 5pm-7pm), on public holidays and weekends. "Too crowded and safe distancing is not possible." People walking on Rail Corridor (Central) despite the rain, as viewe...

More than 900,000 people have received first dose of Covid-19 vaccine: DPM Heng Swee Keat

aseanpr 2 4 月

3 minutes

SINGAPORE - More than 900,000 people in Singapore have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said on Friday (April 2). But Mr Heng also urged vigilance over the Easter weekend and called for people to continue adhering to safe management guidelines. "Last year, Good Friday coincided with the start of the circuit breaker, and there was palpable fear and uncertainty. One year on, we can look ahead with a greater sense of hope and progress," Mr Heng wrote on Facebook. The Covid-19 situation in Singapore is under control, vaccination is under way, and more activities are gradually being resumed, he said, noting that Christian worship services are able to have up to 250 attendees. Live performances are also allowed. From next week, congregants will be able to sing during worship with masks on, he added. On Wednesday, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth announced that congregants will be allowed to sing during worship services from April 5, but for only up to 30 minutes and without removing their masks. Good ventilation must be maintained if worshippers are to sing and this can be done through opening of doors and windows, or us...

Universities in Singapore focusing research efforts on solving global post-pandemic problems

aseanpr 2 4 月

4 minutes

SINGAPORE - Universities here are altering their research landscape to emphasise interdisciplinary and results-driven studies. This is meant to find more solutions for pressing global issues such as food security and public health - the challenges of a post-pandemic era. Late last year, the National University of Singapore (NUS) launched a research programme and fund to put together 100 cross-faculty research teams in five years, with the aim of getting 20 new projects running every year. Injecting up to $20 million a year on the Reimagine Research Initiative, NUS will fund interdisciplinary studies that go beyond getting published in prestigious journals, to making impact in the real world. The initiative has enrolled 21 groups so far, and it is set to be one of the largest university-wide research programmes, said NUS deputy president of research and technology Chen Tsuhan. In January, the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) unveiled its five-year plan detailing goals in education and research. A key tenet of its plan is to support interdisciplinary research to address global challenges, and find ways to accelerate innovation from research discoveries. At NUS, Professor Chen s...

Having more doctors on IP panels may lead to higher premiums: Life Insurance Association

aseanpr 2 4 月

9 minutes

SINGAPORE - Having more doctors on the panels of Integrated Shield Plans is on the cards but they cannot expect default fees at the upper end of fee benchmarks set by the Ministry of Health (MOH), as this may lead to higher claim costs and consequently, premiums, said the Life Insurance Association (LIA) Singapore on Friday (April 2). In its second response to a position statement on IPs released by the Singapore Medical Association (SMA) nearly a week ago, LIA Singapore reiterated the link between an increased number of doctors and higher claims. "If insurers recklessly increase panels, premiums will rise significantly, but if we increase the panel sizes in a careful manner, while paying the doctors reasonable fees, then the impact on premiums can be muted," said a spokesman from LIA Singapore. The SMA has expressed unhappiness at the limited number of private specialists on IP panels, and the fact that they are mostly paid at the lower end of the fee benchmarks. SMA argues that their costs are rising because of greater management expenses and commission costs for insurers, rather than higher claims. LIA Singapore's point is that insurers' costs went up in the short term, but this...

Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on April 2

aseanpr 2 4 月

2 minutes

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Friday, April 2. Singapore's handling of Covid-19 pandemic key feature in its human rights report to UN Singapore took steps to protect low-income and vulnerable residents, including migrant workers in dorms, it said. READ MORE HERE Worshippers return to churches for Easter services with Covid-19 safe distancing measures in place Some elements such as the feet-washing ceremony traditionally performed on Maundy Thursday will not take place. READ MORE HERE askST: Will I be affected by the ongoing battle between doctors and IP insurers? The rift intensified after the Singapore Medical Association issued a position statement on what it called "troubled" IPs. READ MORE HERE More on this topic Related Story ST newsletters: Get alerts on the latest news Operators in Singapore gear up to hold bigger weddings, performances and tournaments from April 24 But mandatory pre-event testing at bigger events for those who are not vaccinated may deter some from attending. READ MORE HERE Pure Fitness at Ngee Ann City visited 10 times by Covid-19 cases while infectious Two restaurants in Orchard Road and Cherry Discotheque in Cecil Street were ...

askST: Will I be affected by the ongoing battle between doctors and IP insurers?

aseanpr 2 4 月

1 minute

SINGAPORE - Doctors and Integrated Shield Plan (IP) insurers are currently locked in a battle over the relatively small number of preferred private specialists on the insurers' panels. The rift is not new but it intensified at the start of the week when the Singapore Medical Association (SMA), which has more than 8,200 members, issued a position statement on what it called "troubled" IPs. 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.

More than 120,000 have taken cruises to nowhere, with no Covid-19 cases on board: STB

aseanpr 1 4 月

3 minutes

SINGAPORE - More than 120,000 people have set sail on cruises, with no Covid-19 cases on board since the pilot programme to reboot the cruise industry began last November, said the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) on Thursday (April 1). Noting that a cruise pilot was launched last November to regain the confidence of passengers, STB's director of cruise Annie Chang said that it did so by endorsing cruise operators with rigorous hygiene measures. "Singapore's CruiseSafe standards have set a clear benchmark for our cruise partners, who have been diligent in ensuring the measures on board are adhered to," she added. On Thursday, Royal Caribbean International announced it was extending its Quantum of the Seas cruises until October this year after the cruise company saw an overwhelming demand for travel. The cruise-to-nowhere pilot began in November last year, with two operators - Genting Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean International - given the go-ahead to offer round trips with no ports of call. Royal Caribbean said that since its first cruise in December, it has completed more than 30 successful sailings. "With more than 50,000 guests having cruised with us and zero positive Covid-19 c...

Programme launched to drive passion in entrepreneurship and social change in youth

aseanpr 1 4 月

3 minutes

SINGAPORE - Youth with a passion for entrepreneurship and desire to tackle problems in the community will be able to attend a free six-week intensive programme where they learn to develop solutions to real-life problems with guidance from industry experts. The Campfire programme targets youth aged 18 to 35 who are keen on entrepreneurship, design innovation, social enterprise, volunteerism and creative storytelling. Th programme, which can take up to 50 participants at a time, is a partnership by the National Youth Council, *Scape and innovation agency Tribal Worldwide Singapore. It was launched at *Scape on Thursday (April 1), with the first batch of more than 40 participants. Founded by Tribal's head of film and social content Josiah Ng and creative group head Boston Ho, the Campfire programme aims to create more opportunities to support youth in the areas of jobs and skills, and engage them on social issues. National Youth Council chief executive officer David Chua said at the launch: "Young people want real world relevance and impact... (They) like to learn through exposure, they want to go into zones of discomfort and exploration." "And in the process they are also looking for...

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