SeaPRwire
Read More

Polytechnic student allegedly recorded woman in toilet without her consent

aseanpr
2 minutes

SINGAPORE - A Republic Polytechnic (RP) student appeared in a district court last week after he allegedly recorded a woman inside a toilet at Jurong West Community Building. Gerald Che Hong Yao, 20, who faces a single voyeurism charge, is accused of committing the offence at around 11.40am on Jan 11. RP told The Straits Times in a statement on Monday (Jan 18) that the Singaporean is still one of its students. "RP takes a strong view against sexual misconduct, and will not hesitate to mete out disciplinary action against any student found guilty of such acts. As court and internal proceedings are ongoing, RP is unable to comment further," said its spokesman. On Jan 14, Che was ordered to be remanded at the Institute of Mental Health for psychiatric observation. His case has been adjourned to Jan 28. If convicted of voyeurism, he can be jailed for up to two years and fined or caned. Che was just one of several local tertiary students who were hauled to court in recent months over similar offences. For instance, Singapore Management University student Tien Kiat Chong, 24, is accused of targeting a woman 19 times and secretly filming upskirt videos of her between May 28 and Sept 3, 201...

SeaPRwire
Read More

Serial protester on trial for protesting outside US Embassy in Singapore

aseanpr
3 minutes

SINGAPORE - A serial protester was put on trial on Monday morning (Jan 18) for protesting outside the US Embassy here. Singaporean Yan Jun, 45, allegedly held a one-man protest outside the embassy in Napier Road on the afternoon of Nov 2 last year. The prosecution proceeded on one charge of taking part in a public assembly without a permit and another charge of behaving in a disorderly manner. A third charge of refusing to answer a public servant was stood down. Yan was placed on trial after he did not indicate his position on the charges. He did not respond when asked by District Judge Ng Cheng Thiam for his position on trial. In the prosecution's opening address, Deputy Public Prosecutor Nicholas Lai told the court Yan sent an e-mail addressed to the United States Embassy at about 4.10pm that day, declaring his intention to protest outside at 5pm. DPP Lai said Yan showed up just before 5pm, displaying several placards. Yan allegedly had placards claiming that the US government spied on him in Johor Baru and that Changi Prison is a slave camp, as well as demands for Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to step down. The court was told the protest lasted about 15 minutes, after which the...

SeaPRwire
Read More

37,000 front-line workers in aviation, maritime sectors expected to get Covid-19 vaccine within 2 months

aseanpr
5 minutes

SINGAPORE - A mass exercise to vaccinate 37,000 front-line workers in the aviation and maritime sectors began on Monday (Jan 18) and is set to be completed within two months. About 13,000 workers have registered to get their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine this week, Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung told reporters during a visit to the vaccination centre at Changi Airport Terminal 4. The vaccinations are a very important step towards reviving Singapore's air hub, which has been decimated by the pandemic, he said. If a substantial number of workers in the aviation and maritime sectors is vaccinated, "whoever comes through will know that it is safe, (that) our people are cohesive and we work as a team". "This is a huge advantage in terms of our brand name," he stressed. Singapore Airlines can be the first vaccinated international airline of the world, Mr Ong said. Inoculating front-line workers will also protect Singapore, he added, noting that while the situation here is largely under control, the virus is "raging like wildfire" abroad. "All our 37,000 front-liners, they're defenders of our borders because the borders are a key vulnerability," he said. The authorities have set asid...

SeaPRwire
Read More

Child molester sentenced to preventive detention for reoffending 10 months after release from prison

aseanpr
3 minutes

SINGAPORE - A man sentenced to 10 years' preventive detention in 2009 for molesting six children, including a one-year-old baby, will be back behind bars for molesting a 10-year-old girl just 10 months after his release in 2019. Cleaner Salim Abdul Rahman, now 61, was sentenced on Monday (Jan 18) to 12 years' preventive detention. He pleaded guilty to the molestation charge in December last year. The court heard that the Singaporean has "paedophilic sexual interest" and a high risk of reoffending. However, an Institute of Mental Health report states that he was not suffering from any psychiatric disorders or illnesses when he molested his latest victim on Oct 1 last year. Preventive detention is meted out to recalcitrant offenders aged over 30 and it does not offer the usual one-third remission for good behaviour. The detention order can last up to 20 years, and those given such a sentence will receive a substantial period of imprisonment to protect the public. Deputy Public Prosecutor Colin Ng said that Salim, who was released from prison on Dec 27, 2019, targeted the victim on Oct 1 last year. The cleaner was on a bus at around 1.40pm when he spotted the girl, who was in her scho...

SeaPRwire
Read More

Singapore construction demand for 2021 expected to rise up to $28b

aseanpr
4 minutes

SINGAPORE - Construction contracts for the built environment sector are expected to grow to between $23 billion and $28 billion this year, as the sector recovers from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, National Development Minister Desmond Lee said on Monday (Jan 18). This is up from the $21.3 billion worth of projects estimated to have been awarded last year - a figure that was revised downward by $10 billion in September after demand took a hit owing to the pandemic, with projects postponed in light of market uncertainties and disruption. The growth is expected to continue over the next five years to between $25 billion and $32 billion, Mr Lee said at a seminar organised by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and the Real Estate Developers' Association of Singapore. The public sector will contribute about 65 per cent of the overall construction demand for 2021, he added. This figure - which ranges from $15 billion to $18 billion - is higher than the $13.2 billion worth of public sector projects in 2020. Upcoming public sector projects include the Jurong Region Line, the Cross Island Line and Phase 2 of the Deep Tunnel Sewerage System, which will convey used water from...

SeaPRwire
Read More

Tackling Covid-19 through Total Defence a key focus in N.E.mation! competition this year

aseanpr
5 minutes

SINGAPORE - The Covid-19 pandemic was a key issue tackled by teams in this year's N.E.mation! competition. The annual contest sees students and youth produce short animation clips to express their views on total defence. Of the 1,064 submissions for the student and youth categories this year, 70 per cent highlighted how Singaporeans could apply the concept of total defence during the pandemic. Themed "Together We Keep Singapore Strong", the 15th edition of the annual competition moved online this year due to Covid-19. Teams in the youth category produced animation clips with online mentoring from industry partners. The mentors include Lucasfilm, the production firm behind the Star Wars franchise, and Singapore Press Holdings' content marketing agency Sweet. Participants in this category are aged 17 to 25, from post-secondary educational institutions. This year, those in the student category - for participants aged 13 to 16 - competed in storyboarding instead of animation production. Only the top three teams turned their concepts into animation clips, while the other seven teams within the top 10 had their storyboards turned into illustrations. The N.E.mation! open house was held at...

SeaPRwire
Read More

Purple water, dead fish in Sentosa South Cove waterway due to heavy rainfall altering water conditions

aseanpr
3 minutes

SINGAPORE - Investigations into the fish die-off and pinkish-purple colour of the Sentosa South Cove waterway earlier this month have found that it was caused by the recent weeks' heavy and persistent rainfall that altered water conditions. Water samples tested had low levels of salinity and dissolved oxygen, which may have led to the dead fish sighted on the waterway banks from Jan 6 to Jan 9, said the Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) and National Environment Agency (NEA) in a joint statement on Sunday (Jan 17). The algal bloom that changed the colour of the waters was likely triggered by a high nutrient level and organic content in the water, NEA added. Sentosa Cove residents first noticed a foul, sewage-like smell coming from the waterway on Jan 5. This was followed by the fish kill, and the waters turning shades of plum from Jan 12. SDC and NEA, together with Sentosa Cove Resort Management (SCRM), studied water samples collected between Jan 6 and Jan 13. The National University of Singapore's (NUS) Tropical Marine Science Institute (TMSI), which was tapped by SDC and SCRM, found high amounts of pico-cyanobacteria - a form of algae - in the water samples. The colour of the ...

SeaPRwire
Read More

Pasir Ris resort fined, barred from accepting bookings for a month after 19 people gathered in its units

aseanpr
3 minutes

SINGAPORE - The Cherryloft Resorts & Hotels in Pasir Ris has been fined $1,000 and ordered to suspend bookings for a month after it breached multiple safe management measures and allowed 19 people to gather on its premises. The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) on Sunday (Jan 17) said the resort will not be allowed to accept new bookings for 30 days between Sunday and Feb 15. It may continue to fulfil existing bookings made before Sunday. A joint operation by STB and the police last Friday found that 19 people had gathered in two adjoining units at the resort, which was formerly known as Costa Sands. All 19 were fined $300 each for breaching the maximum group size of eight people allowed under Singapore's Phase 3 restrictions. Hotels here are currently not allowed to have gatherings of more than eight people in a room or adjoining rooms, except where the gathering consists of people from the same household. Cherryloft had also failed to conduct entry screening and ensure its guests performed SafeEntry check-ins for contact tracing, STB added. On its Facebook page, the resort says it has 180 villas. The law requires visitors entering hotels or hostels to be screened, including having th...

SeaPRwire
Read More

New female manikin vest to help train rescuers on proper CPR technique for women

aseanpr
3 minutes

SINGAPORE - A new vest that gives medical dummies a more feminine physique has been developed to help people being trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) better help female victims whose hearts have stopped and increase their chance of survival. Traditionally, CPR training is taught with manikins of a male physique. Rescuers may not be as familiar with performing CPR on women, said the Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF), which developed the manikin vest. Some also hesitate to perform chest compressions on women for fear of being accused of molest if they touch a female patient's breasts. Likewise, worries about outrage of modesty may stop them from using an automated external defibrillator (AED) to revive a woman. SHF board member Chee Tek Siong said such worries may lead rescuers to placing their hands too low on the chest, below a woman's bustline, which may cause injuries when performing chest compressions during CPR. But the female manikin vest can help familiarise first aiders with where to correctly place their hands on a woman's chest - on the lower half of the sternum, just like for men. Trainees can also learn how to paste AED pads without unnecessarily exposing a wo...

SeaPRwire
Read More

Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Jan 17

aseanpr
2 minutes

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Sunday, Jan 17. All travellers to S'pore need to take Covid-19 PCR test on arrival from Jan 25 Foreign workers will also need to take PCR and serology tests once they arrive in Singapore. READ MORE HERE Malaysians debate govt flip-flops on movement curbs as Covid-19 cases hit record high Some are puzzled by what businesses should be open or shut with the MCO imposed again. READ MORE HERE A mother hopes for answers in her 7-year-old child's murder case from 1995 A pink tin box filled with memories of her daughter is never too far from the 65-year-old's bed. READ MORE HERE More on this topic Related Story ST newsletters: Get alerts on the latest news Lunch With Sumiko: Pritam Singh on the need to keep calm and stay grounded Mr Singh believes that when things are going good, it's best to keep your feet grounded and not get overly exuberant. READ MORE HERE Hawkers go online to boost sales of festive goods in lead-up to Chinese New Year 20 hawkers at Chinatown Complex have joined a pilot online store. READ MORE HERE Feeding wildlife in Singapore is a lose-lose situation: Experts People often feed wildlife out of compassion, but e...

SeaPRwire
Read More

Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Jan 16

aseanpr
2 minutes

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Saturday, Jan 16. Covid-19 deaths top 2 million amid global lockdowns and fresh outbreaks It took 9 months to hit a million deaths globally, but just over 3 months to reach the next million. READ MORE HERE 57-year-old Singaporean housewife is sole Covid-19 community case The patient was detected when she took a Covid-19 pre-departure test for a trip to Vietnam. READ MORE HERE WhatsApp delays data-sharing change after backlash sees users flock to rivals It has cancelled its Feb 8 deadline for accepting the tweak to its terms of service. READ MORE HERE More on this topic Related Story ST newsletters: Get alerts on the latest news Trump's fraught legacy in Asia Did America's influence wax or wane under his watch? READ MORE HERE Singapore Resets: How to build back better after Covid-19 What will a post-pandemic Singapore look like? READ MORE HERE 25 police dogs test negative for Covid-19 after contact with infectious para-vet in K9 unit Three police officers who were in close contact with the officer have also been quarantined. READ MORE HERE Fewer Singapore businesses wound up last year in spite of pandemic The shutters came do...

SeaPRwire
Read More

Singapore resets: How to build back better after Covid-19

aseanpr
2 minutes

SINGAPORE - The Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc around the world over the past year, disrupting businesses and upending livelihoods, as well as bringing about considerable changes to the way we live, work and travel. At the same time, the outbreak has exposed systemic weaknesses and revealed opportunities to improve the way things were previously done. Insight speaks to experts in six sectors to learn how Singapore can build back better – whether it is by embracing the work-from-home revolution, adapting to blended learning, or changing the way food makes its way from the kitchen to our dinner plates. Back to the workplace of the future Hybrid, flexible model – incorporating office, home and satellite workspace options – seen as the new normal. READ MORE HERE Eateries expand revenue streams, online presence With restrictions still in place, F&B outlets looking to improve resilience to pandemics. READ MORE HERE Tapping changes in commuting patterns to rethink concepts When it comes to longer-term investments in transport infrastructure, changes in commuting patterns could throw a spanner in the works. READ MORE HERE Technology set to change face of medical care Radical changes b...

SeaPRwire
Read More

Fewer desks, more open spaces: How the pandemic is changing Singapore’s offices

aseanpr
1 minute

SINGAPORE - It is 8.30am on March 27, 2023. Mrs Aileen Tan takes a water bottle and cardigan from her office locker, picks her desk for the day, and settles down to work. Two hours in, she heads to a soundproof "phone booth" to take a call. Mrs Tan leaves early for a medical appointment, planning to work from home afterwards. If she needs anything in the office, she knows the onsite concierge is on standby to help. 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.

SeaPRwire
Read More

Eateries expand revenue streams, online presence

aseanpr
1 minute

SINGAPORE - When the circuit breaker was imposed in April last year, banning dining-in at eateries, Co Chung Restaurant had been open for just two months. It could have been a very short-lived tenure. 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.

SeaPRwire
Read More

Mice sector restarts with hybrid events, exploring options to overcome safe distancing challenges

aseanpr
1 minute

SINGAPORE - When Singapore raised its alert level in response to the potential spread of Covid-19 on Feb 7 last year, event company Hydse started receiving cancellations or postponements of contracts. And while a few events went ahead before the circuit breaker was imposed last April, "June was bad", said project director Nazran Ahmad. 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.

SeaPRwire
Read More

Orchard Towers murder: Man who threw away bloodstained shirt jailed for five months

aseanpr
4 minutes

SINGAPORE - A 27-year-old man linked to the 2019 Orchard Towers murder was sentenced to five months' jail on Friday (Jan 15) for disposing of a bloodstained T-shirt worn by the alleged killer. Loo Boon Chong was also fined $1,000 for a separate gambling-related offence. He was among a group of seven originally charged with the murder of Mr Satheesh Noel Gobidass, 31. Loo's murder charge was later reclassified to that of consorting with 29-year-old Tan Seng Yang, who was carrying a foldable karambit knife in the incident on July 2, 2019. The weapon is a curved blade resembling a claw. Loo had earlier pleaded guilty to one charge of obstructing justice by disposing of a bloodstained T-shirt worn by Tan, who is the only member of the group still facing a murder charge. He had also admitted to an offence related to a separate incident in February last year, where he gambled over a game of dice in a public place. Loo and his six friends had patronised Naughty Girl Club on the second floor of the shopping mall in the wee hours of July 2, 2019. While in the club, they got into a dispute with another group. The ensuing fight, which Loo tried to stop, saw Tan injure a security officer and a...

SeaPRwire
Read More

Redesigning education to empower next generation of Singaporeans for a post-pandemic world

aseanpr
10 minutes

When Ms Kim Saxe, director of Innovation Labs at The Nueva School in California, set up a pilot programme called Introduction to Enterpreneurship for her students, she was stunned at the response she received. “We actually had to turn away students,” she recalls. “Clearly, we had hit a chord with today's youth.” As part of the course, students have to identify needs, create solutions, collaborate, write a business plan, build a business model, create financials and pitch their venture. The results have included soccer shoes that simulate barefoot running and anti-procrastination homework solutions for students, just to name a few. “We thought we would prepare the students for their futures as knowledge workers,” says Ms Saxe, who is also a keynote speaker at this year’s summit. “Students are supported as they wade into the real world, but not given the answers. In the end, they learn that they have the tools to deal with uncertainty and to translate ideas into real outcomes.” Indeed, as we emerge from a year of unprecedented changes into an increasingly complex and uncertain world, it is becoming clear that this approach might just be the best way to equip our youth to deal with th...

SeaPRwire
Read More

Man arrested for possessing and importing 47 airsoft guns

aseanpr
1 minute

SINGAPORE - A 38-year old man was arrested on Wednesday (Jan 13) for the possession and importation of airsoft guns without a valid licence. The guns are replicas that shoot non-metallic projectiles. Any gun that shoots pellets using compressed gas - including airsoft guns - are considered arms under the Arms & Explosives Act. Police said they were alerted to toy weapons being imported into Singapore on Dec 30 last year and later established the man's identity after an investigation by officers from Clementi Police Division. In total, 47 airsoft guns and accessories were seized. Police said no one is allowed to possess or control any such arms without a licence. Those convicted of possessing or having under their control any gun without a licence face a fine of up to $5,000 per gun and up to three years in jail. It is also an offence for anyone to import or export any arms or explosives, or any parts of arms or explosives, without a licence. Offenders face a fine of up to $10,000 and jail of up to three years. More on this topic Related Story Some enthusiasts here fired up over illegal replica guns, despite the risks

SeaPRwire
Read More

British man under SHN who left hotel room without mask to meet fiancee among 3 people to be charged

aseanpr
3 minutes

SINGAPORE - One man chose to spend time with his fiancee, another wandered around Geylang and went to work. Both were supposed to be isolated and completing stay-home notices, and are set to charged on Friday (Jan 15) with allegedly breaching the requirements. In one case, a Singaporean man - Abdul Rahman Mohamed Hanafiah, 71 - returning from Batam took public transport, spent time at various public places and went back to work during his stay-home notice, said the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on Friday. In another, a British man - Nigel Skea, 52 - serving his stay-home notice at The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore in Marina Bay left his room on the 14th storey without wearing a mask on three occasions on Sept 21 last year. On the last occasion, his fiancee - Agatha Maghesh Eyamalai, 39 - was with him. To meet her, he left his room at about 2am and took the stairs to the 27th storey where her room was located. She was not subject to a stay-home notice and had booked a different room in the same hotel. Agatha will be charged with abetting Nigel's breach of his stay-home notice requirements. Meanwhile, Abdul Rahman, who returned to the Republic on March 17, did not go ...