Budget 2025: Singaporean households to get S0 in CDC vouchers, up to S0 in utilities rebates

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

According to Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong, every Singaporean household will receive S$ 800 ( US$ 600 ) in Community Development Council ( CDC ) vouchers to help cover rising costs.

The second S$ 500 in tickets will be distributed in May, and the second S$ 300 will be distributed in January of next year. As with earlier CDC vouchers, quarter can be used at participating stores, while the other half may be spent at homeland merchants and peddlers.

This fiscal year, the government is expected to spend$ 1.06 billion on the CDC certificates program.

Additionally, homeowners may obtain up to S$ 760 in U-Save subsidies – double the normal amount – to assist with their services expenses, said Mr Wong during the national Budget conversation.

The subsidies will support about six months of infrastructure costs for those living in one- and two-room cottages, and three times for those in three- and four-room cottages.

These subsidies, which will go to more than 950, 000 Taiwanese families, will been disbursed in April and October, supplementing the S$ 1.1 billion cost-of-living support deal announced in September 2023.

Continue Reading

MasterChef Singapore S4 winner’s ‘fun dining’ restaurant serves modern interpretation of street food

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

DID POP-UPS IN INDIA BEFORE OPENING MEH’R&nbsp,

Yet before MasterChef Singapore, Singh, &nbsp, a former officer, &nbsp, had always dreamed of opening his own restaurant. ” I used to tell my wife, one time I’ll have my own restaurant”, he recalled. ” She’d state, yeah, okay, concentrate on work, don’t overdo things. And finally MasterChef happened”.

After his win, Singh dipped his fingers into the private dinner scene, crafting six-course foods for consumers. But when one of his visitors– who eventually became an investor – suggested opening a restaurant, Singh wasn’t confident he was prepared.

To examine himself, he embarked on month-long cooking travels across India, having pop-ups in&nbsp, franchises in&nbsp, cities like Delhi and Mumbai. He served upscale versions of Singaporean street food, such as biryani, carrot cakes, and chili crab it. ” The journeys helped me realize that I can really work a kitchen”, he said. &nbsp,

With new confidence, Singh soft-launchedMeh’r in January, backed by a small team of secret eating clients-turned-investors who prefer to remain anonymous. He chef at the restaurant regularly, leading a team of three restaurants.

Continue Reading

Ex-director of facilities management at Singapore Zoo accepted bribes of more than S.4 million

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

SINGAPORE: A former director at the Singapore Zoo accepted bribes of more than&nbsp, S$ 2.4 million ( US$ 1.8 million ) &nbsp, in a scheme spanning more than a decade and involving at least eight companies. &nbsp,

Barry Chong Peng Wee@Danial Chong, 57, admitted guilt on Tuesday ( 18 February ) to 19 corruption-related charges, including one involving the sale of real estate with his criminal proceeds.

On April 3, another 88 expenses of a similar nature may be taken into consideration for punishment. &nbsp,

In the crimes involving Chong, 10 additional co-accusations from eight different businesses were listed. In exchange for receiving projects or positions from WRS, several employees from these businesses bribed Chong. &nbsp, &nbsp,

At the time of the crimes, Chong was the chairman of infrastructure control at the Singapore Zoological Gardens, a company of Wildlife Resources Singapore, which was renamed Mandai Wildlife Group in&nbsp, 2021.

He was responsible for, among other things, maintaining the zoo’s grounds and obtaining requests for repair works. &nbsp,

Up until 2013, when the task was given over to a purchasing group established for the same purpose, he had the authority to approve the granting of WRS jobs to contractors. &nbsp, The purchasing group relied heavily on Chong’s tips. &nbsp,

The crooked program lasted from July 2005 to October 2016, with the exception of an investigation launched by the Corrupt Practices Investigations Bureau. &nbsp,

By then, Chong had obtained no less than S$ 2, 437, 862 in enjoyment. He spent the amount on family cars, sound systems, meal expenses, a espresso machine and searching for luxury items. &nbsp,

Chong purchased a metal Rolex Daytona view for S$ 15, 900 in October 2013 among these. &nbsp,

THE SCHEME&nbsp,

The crooked plan began in 2005. Chong and two others, Toh Siang Bee and Too Say Kiong, made arrangements for Shin Yong Construction ( SYC ) to receive WRS jobs in exchange for money. &nbsp,

SYC was founded by Toh Siang Bee, but he has since passed away. His sons Toh State Yong, 68, and Also, 57, were chairman and supervisor at the company both. &nbsp,

After Toh Siang Bee died, Toh State Yong and Too continued the crooked design. Chong did send To the details of each job or project and offer him the bid price. &nbsp,

To ensure that WRS may award the job to SYC, Toh State Yong or Also may request from different contractors to submit bids that were significantly higher. &nbsp,

Chong do compile a written list of the jobs he had to do for his commission once the project or job was given to SYC. This sum would be delivered to Chong biweekly by Toh State Yong or To. &nbsp,

In the late 2013 or early 2014, Chong and To made an offer to look for additional contractors to work on the corrupt scheme.

Two of the firms Katana Engineering and Thiam Lee Tradings Construction, who also started giving cash to Chong in letters, were roped in by them. &nbsp,

Toh Yong Immediately, Toh State Yong’s son, who started working in SYC between 2010 and 2011, gradually took up the scheme. Toh Yong Immediately, a task manager, took over Too’s part in activities after the latter was removed from SYC due to a debate. &nbsp,

Toh Yong Quickly after roped in firms Geoscapes, KKS Engineering, Ultron Construction, Hong Power Engineering, and KK Iron Engineering, which even paid committee to Chong. &nbsp,

In accordance with this arrangement, Chong would call Toh Yong Quickly frequently to let him know when future projects or jobs the five businesses and SYC would bid for and what specific costs they should expect to pay for the project.

The various five businesses may be kept informed by Toh Yong Immediately. Chong even met Toh Yong Soon for breakfast at least once per month, where he would list the positions held by the company and specify the commission amount he wanted. &nbsp,

Toh Yong Quickly would strengthen the funds from the businesses and pass it to Chong at least once a fortnight by acting as the intermediary. &nbsp,

Continue Reading

Leader of the House Indranee Rajah reminds MPs to be truthful in parliament

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

SINGAPORE: Leader of the House Indranee Rajah on Tuesday ( Feb 18 ) reminded Members of Parliament ( MPs ) of their obligations to be truthful in parliamentary proceedings.

This took place at the first sitting of congress after Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh’s judgment the evening before&nbsp, for lying to parliament.

Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng gave an update on Singh’s conviction and the S$ 5,200 fine for lying to the Committee of Privileges ( COP) during its investigation into a false anecdote that former Workers ‘ Party ( WP ) MP Raeesah Khan told in parliament at the start of the session.

Felipe Manap, Singh’s brother WP MP, was given a policeman ad because he declined to answer questions before the COP, but he was not charged.

The COP made the recommendation that Singh and Mr. Manap, both Aljunied Group Representation Constituency MPs, be referred to the public attorney for more research.

As an MP, Mr. Seah made it clear that Singh was still eligible for a seat in parliament because each of his crimes did not qualify for a prison expression of at least one time or a fine of at least S$ 10,000.

Following his release, Ms. Indranee presented a paper titled” Claims made by people to parliament and its committees.” Members of the room received hard copies.

The paper, which Ms. Indranee signed, read,” A member making a deliberate speech to parliament or its boards is a tombstone hatred of legislature,” read.

The paper reiterated Section 31 ( q ) of the Parliament ( Privileges, Immunities and Powers ) Act, which states that no one shall, “whether or not he has been sworn or has made an affirmation, wilfully make a false answer to any question material to the subject of inquiry put during examination before Parliament or a committee”.

This was the cost on which Singh was convicted.

The paper continued,” Intentionally making false statements or providing false information undermines our parliamentary techniques.”

To ensure that the government can continue to have complete confidence and trust in our legislature and its staff, all users are expected to uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity and adhere to the laws of political do.

Continue Reading

Live: Singapore Budget 2025 to be delivered by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

SINGAPORE: Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong will present Singapore’s 2025 Budget on Tuesday ( Feb 18 ).

After leading the past three repayments as the primary joystick of the nation’s finances, this will be his first funds as prime minister.

” It will be a Budget for all Singaporeans. Additionally, it will be a budget that includes everyone, helping us advance our# ForwardSG goals for a more powerful and united nation. This move eastward along for a better tomorrow”! In a Twitter post on Monday, Mr. Wong stated.

See the budget speech live on CNA starting at 3:30 pm, and pursue our blog for the most recent developments.

Continue Reading

Former national swimmer Mark Chay named as next SNOC secretary general

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

Having represented Singapore at the Olympic Games, Asian Games, SEA Games and Commonwealth Games, Mr Chay understands the objectives and difficulties of players, SNOC said.

He is also experienced in sports governance, having served as the&nbsp, chair of the SNOC Athletes ‘ Commission and Singapore Aquatics ( SAQ ) president, while he was a&nbsp, Nominated Member of Parliament from 2021 to 2023.

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong and Ms Fu both hailed Mr Chay’s session.

” I think he is an excellent option for this part, having dedicated his life to game – first as an athlete, therefore as a sports head”, said Mr Tong&nbsp, in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

” Mark has fierce expertise in sports at the highest rates. He is a former Olympic for Singapore who represented Singapore at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics in Athens, and he is aware of firsthand the sacrifices and struggles that sports face in order to achieve their goals.

Ms. Fu expressed confidence that Mr. Chay will “promote the Olympic motion in Singapore and help our athletes achieve wearing quality”

Mr. Chay, who will be stepping down from his current position as SNOC’s vice-president, stated that his main objectives when he takes on the position would be to” support Team Singapore,” foster a flaunting group rooted in friendship and admiration, and inspire the next generation to dream big. &nbsp,

” I even believe in the importance of developing a strong network of local activities administrators, equipping them to take on global roles and further enhance Singapore’s appearance on the international sports phase”, the 43-year-old added.

I look forward to furthering these attempts and honoring the cohesive and uplifting power of activity in collaboration with the wearing community.

After seeing players from all over the globe competing at their best, Mr. Chay told CNA in July of last year that he was inspired to take on many functions in training, administration, and management in the sports habitat.

When I switched from swimming for myself to playing sports as a vision, he said back then.

Being an swimmer means giving chances to others as opposed to simply having the opportunity to yourself.

Continue Reading

Celeb couple Darren Lim and Evelyn Tan get 2 of their kids to give up their phones for 10 days as part of experiment

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

Every parent is aware of how challenging it is to get your children to set down their phone. Picture having four kids who are all smart device-dependent.

That’s why star couple&nbsp, Darren Lim, 52, and&nbsp, Evelyn Tan, 50, decided to sign two of their children, &nbsp, Jarius, 18, and Means, 15, off for new CNA series&nbsp, No Screen, No Existence?.

The males were instructed to keep their electrical devices locked up during the program and given a 10-day Nokia brick telephone.

Before and after the experiment, the two boys will be monitored by neuroscientists from the Singapore University of Social Sciences ( SUSS) to determine whether the detox affected their cognitive functions.

When&nbsp, 8days. When sg&nbsp contacted Tan and Lim, they claimed to have signed up all four of their children for the test but were later told that the present merely needed two. &nbsp,

Tan and Lim, who tied the knot in 2004, even have princess, &nbsp, Kristen, 19, and another child, Elliot, 11. &nbsp,

” We wanted all of them to go through the test. At least that’s 10 weeks of no monitor moment for all of them”, Tan laughed. &nbsp,

Post-experiment, the pair was pleased to discover very significant changes in the boys ‘ sleep patterns and concentrate.

The trial, however, furthermore came with a reasonable share of challenges for all.

Lim claimed that his children were doing “quite cool” for the first two days, but they started to feel the urge to use their phones way through the test.

Jarius, who was preparing for his O-Levels during the study, also said he needed his telephone to help him research because he’s an music learner. &nbsp,

” It was difficult for us. We made a deal, but when he used his Trump card to get his class and tests, Tan laughed out,” we had no option but to let him have access to it.”

But, Tan and Lim made it clear to Jarius that if he decided to break the trial, he would have to declare it on the show.

” I did inform him: ‘ Are you ready to show the whole world that you failed the study?’ and he said: ‘ Yah, because I have ]the purpose of school ] to back me up'”, recalled Tan, who was the one in charge of gatekeeping the tools as Lim was travelling a bit for work at that time. &nbsp,

Nevertheless, the pair chuckled, suggesting that if Lim had been the guardian rather than Tan, the outcomes might have been better.

” Mum is always ]up for ] negotiations”, chuckled Tan while Lim admitted it’s “easier” for him to say no. &nbsp,

The couple’s smartphone use policy is unique for their children. &nbsp,

The children are not permitted to utilize their phones while they are together at the desk or in the car. They even can’t play game after evening, except for certain weekends.

” But youth being youth, we set the rules, and the laws are made to be broken,” Tan said.

So which person is the most rebel? ” I do suggest it’s Jarius”, laughed Lim.

Continue Reading

Money Talks Podcast: MT Explains – Do you really need an integrated shield plan rider?

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

So have that dialogue, think about it, and really ponder because a devotion to an Internet horse is an annual subscription. And I think it has to depend on the ( person’s ) financial situation and financial planning. &nbsp,

Andrea: 
When’s a good time to examine if we decide, fine, this time I can afford to pay for a more costly horse because I want more protection. When do we ask ourselves these issues?

Samuel: 
If this state (you have the financial means ), or if there’s a change in your living situation, for example, getting married, next having children, you will have to prepare. &nbsp,

Continue Reading

How safe are X-rays, MRIs, mammograms and CT scans? What you need to know about radiation and health risks

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

When is ultrasound used? According to Matthew, ultrasound is frequently used in obstetrics and gynecology to track baby development as well as for evaluating different medical conditions.

” It is ideal for delicate tissue review, including surveillance pregnancy, assessing abdominal tissues, detecting stones, and examining blood flow in blood vessels. It is also used for guided procedures such as biopsies”, she said.

Who isn’t suitable: Ultrasound can’t penetrate bone and won’t be able to show what lies within, according to Singhealth.

Also, it cannot pass through air, such as intestinal gas, so it may be difficult to evaluate the stomach, small, and large intestines. Body tissue weakens the sound waves the deeper they enter the body, which may limit the performance of lower body parts like the pancreas and aorta, especially if the patient is obese.

4. MAMMOGRAM

What is it: Put simply, it is a specialised X-ray of the breasts. ” It can identify abnormalities in the breast before symptoms appear, significantly improving treatment outcomes”, said Matthew.

The scan itself is actually very fast, typically a few seconds, according to Dr Lee. According to the article,” Time is needed to position the breast to get the best images, and this may take an additional 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how many additional images are required.”

” Also, as compression on the breast tissue is needed”, he highlighted, “it can be a little bit uncomfortable for the patient”.

Continue Reading

Commentary: If we don’t shape the internet, others will

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

Additionally, according to the IMDA report, many reports go unsolved for very long, leaving users feeling helpless, despite platforms having reporting tools in place. Platforms may increase their responsiveness, but users also have a responsibility to follow in creating a responsible reporting lifestyle.

Users may report hazardous content through correct platform tools and legal channels instead of engaging in online vigilantism and doxxing. We may also make sure that website actions remain fair and ethical, resisting the urge to take part in online pile-ons, while advocating for greater accountability in content tolerance is necessary.

Will THIS CONTENT IMPROVE JOY?

Simply as a congested home breeds stress, an crowded digital storage affects mental well-being. Research has consistently demonstrated that excessive screen time and social contrast, particularly among young people, contribute to increased stress, anxiety, and decreased productivity.

We may priest our digital areas with purpose rather than passively consuming what pops up in our feeds. Inspired by Marie Kondo’s beliefs, we might question: Does this material flash joy, remind or add value? If no, why promote it?

One of my specific goals for this year was to spend less time on autoplayed information. I spent 30 minutes changing the playback settings on my streaming software for various devices. The outcome? A significant decrease in camera time frees up my time for meaningful interactions with people.

Continue Reading