This fine-dining restaurant chef started a tea drinks stall to build his ‘own dream’ instead of other people’s
ACCIDENTAL PARTNERSHIP AND STALL EXPANSION
Enter Teo’s business partner , the advertising savvy Josiah Tan, 33. ” I was having kway guy at Bedok Food Centre when I saw an aunt take a sip test from Kenneth’s barn. Within 10 hours, without even checking the rate, the aunt said ,’gei did pi bei’ [give me one glass in Mandarin],” recalled Tan. Intrigued, he tried a test himself and was won over.
The SMU company management and marketing student launched a business consulting company focused on helping SMEs increase in his second season of college and ran it for nearly a century. He has since stepped up from that company, which his spouse continues to run.
Why the hinge to owning a stall company? Tan said his parents used to run a poultry corn barn, working gruelling days in sweltering temperature.
” My mother would move to neighbouring booths for a glass of Coke to seek relief from the extreme temperature,” Tan recalled. ” By 38, she developed diabetes. Back then, people didn’t understand the long-term repercussions of these seemingly innocent daily routines. “
Her condition gradually worsened, leading to two deformities. ” Her heart and passion for life were sucked out because of hyperglycemia,” he said quietly.
” What if, 40 or 50 years ago, the barn behind hers wasn’t selling sweetened beverages, but a healthier substitute like our drink where you can handle sugar levels? That’s one of the biggest factors I’m doing this,” Tan emphasised. ” Beyond merely making money, we want to give coffee that can help to people’s well-being. “
At this new cafe for pets and their owners, a young baker with autism serves his goodies made with love
And, because he enjoyed baking, “he learned to beat a lot of things”, she said, quite as allergies to certain foods and constraints in choices.
In 2015, she started an online business for him called Bakes By Ben. “ I thought, ‘If he didn’t study, what else can I do to tell him self-reliance and the ability to become independent when I’m not about? I’d much start then, while I’m fit. ’ ”
Followers rallied. “We got some purchases, especially at Christmas and Taiwanese New Year, ” she shared.
It was also a development opportunity as “ I trained him in in presentation food, measuring, pay, cleaning up, throwing bullshit away, freedom and doing everything by himself from start to finish”. She even had him make written names for consumers, which helped him develop more attention.
But, it was challenging, as she had to take care of all aspects of the business including advertising.
Working at a shop is “a excellent program for him to communicate with more people”, she said. “ He may also know to serve clients. In the years to come, I think that will help him get more confidence. And having a system is very important for his future. ”
Pope Francis and the Philippines: How he won over the nation
BBC News
BBC News
Getty ImagesLashed by an off-season storms, Pope Francis stepped out on a rain-soaked wooden step in front of hundreds of thousands of weeping travelers in the northern Philippines.
Organisers had warned him to withdraw the 2015 opened heat mass in Tacloban as the wind had worsened.
But Francis was never been put off: he flew through the storms from the cash Manila to keep the density in remembrance of more than 6,000 individuals who had perished in Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. As he rode in his popemobile around the huge aircraft carpark waving to the masses, palm branches swayed violently in the wind.
In Asia’s largest Roman Catholic nation, all Popes like riot position. Here, faith brought by Colonial colonisers in the 16th Century has become woven into the very fabric of society, and given a distinctly Filipino strength and color. In some cities devotees are also nailed to the cross at Easter to follow the anguish of Jesus.
But with his large in Tacloban- along with his casual, down-to-earth sense and calls for fairness- Pope Francis won certain devotion among the Philippine’s 80 million Catholics.
Some have described Monday’s demise of the person they called Lolo Kiko, or Grandpa Francis, as leaving them feeling like kids. Poor to grieve him had been held across the country.
” So many of you have lost all,” he told those who had gathered in the rain to listen to his speech more than 10 years earlier.
” I do not know what to show you. But undoubtedly He knows what to show you! So many of you have lost members of your family. I can only be motionless; I visit you softly, with my heart. “
And therefore horror struck.
Getty ImagesA metal crane collapsed, killing 27-year-old Kristel, an aid worker who was among the church.
Paul Padasas Jr was at apartment in Taguig, a district of Manila, when he received the news of his mother’s death.
” I thought of questioning God, why did he permit that happen to my child? ” he told the BBC.
The second morning, he woke up to a burst of missed calls, asking him to come to the Pope’s greek hotel at the Vatican’s political objective near Manila’s old Spanish third.
He got dressed quickly and brought along his family and brother-in-law.
As he waited in a holding area at the Apostolic Nunciature, personnel people asked him to listen to a television spread of the Pope’s size at the local University of Santo Tomas. There, the Pope mentioned Kristel and offered his condolences to her home.
At that point, Mr Padasas said he broke down. ” I was feeling all kinds of thoughts at that time. “
He said he felt exceptionally nervous as he was led to the Pope’s place a few hours after.
Beside the Pope was Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, next the Archbishop of Manila, who translated the Pope’s thoughts into Tagalog for Mr Padasas.
Mr Padasas said the Pope told him that he was praying for Kristel. Then the pope placed his hands over Mr Padasas ‘ nose and blessed him.
” My heart was beating out of my stomach. Finally I felt something like an electrical current going through my whole figure,” he said. ” I told myself, that must be what the Holy Spirit feels like. “
Mr Padasas recalled feeling at harmony.
” Our kids are only on product to us from God. Kristel has served her goal. “
The rest of the Argentinian-born Pope’s visit, which took place only two years into his church, was a victory.
His aircraft- codenamed Shepherd One- returned to Manila carefully from Tacloban the next day, despite the windy conditions. Minutes later, a private flight skidded off the airport, shutting it down.
The following morning, six million attended the open-air size he held in and around Luneta, Manila’s principal square at dusk- the largest congregation previously recorded by the Vatican. It unofficially exceeded the four-million strong crowd at John Paul II’s Luneta mass in 1995, officially recognised by the Guinness World records as the world’s largest papal gathering.
Everywhere Pope Francis went during his five-day visit, traffic stopped and the Catholic faithful scrambled for selfies as his popemobile drove past.
Rodrigo Duterte, who would assume the presidency the year after the papal visit, would make headlines after cursing the Pope for the traffic chaos he caused.
IN PICTURES: Defining images of Pope Francis’s life
PROFILE: Acting head of the Vatican Cardinal Kevin Farrell
EXPLAINER: How the next pope is chosen
When he learned that Pope Francis had died at the age of 88, Mr Padasas said he reached for daughter’s photo at the family altar and said to her in prayer:” Please welcome Pope Francis in heaven. “
He said he still keeps the rosary that Pope Francis gave him as a gift. ” I will not sell this, even for a million dollars. “
Across the country- where it is not uncommon for the smallest village to have a patron saint- church bells tolled and portraits of Pope Francis were hung inside churches as the faithful mourned.
” Pope Francis is special to me. He is my favourite pope. As an LGBT member, I saw in him love for all genders, whether you are rich or poor. He is truly the people’s pope,” 19-year-old nursing student Renzie Sarmiento told BBC News outside Manila Cathedral on Tuesday.
” As someone who wants to return to the Catholic Church, Francis is someone who represents the love of Jesus Christ,” he said.
Mr Sarmiento said he hoped Francis ‘ successor would maintain the Catholic Church’s openness to diversity.
” Love should not exclude LGBT members,” he said.
But even as the nation mourns, Filipinos are thinking about what happens next: at the Manila Cathedral mass for Pope Francis, mourners were saying the time has come for someone from one of the largest Catholic populations on the planet to be the church’s next leader.
Getty ImagesIn fact, the Philippines has five cardinals who are eligible to vote for- and also potentially be elected as- the next Pope, but many are pinning their hopes on Cardinal Tagle.
Luis Antonio Tagle was in Francis ‘ inner circle and is largely believed to be someone who would further his progressive agenda. Based in the Vatican, he is the pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation, the office that promotes evangelisation and growth of new churches.
Widely known as the” Asian Francis”, Fr Tagle accompanied Pope Francis on his 11-day tour of South East Asia last year. He also constantly tries to make Catholicism relevant to younger Filipinos with a strong presence on social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube and X.
For ice cream vendor Reymond Clores, a Tagle papacy would be like a dream.
” I used to see Cardinal Tagle here all the time. It will be a very happy moment for Filipinos. It will make me very proud as a Filipino,” the 37-year-old vendor said.
Mr Padasas said Tagle would make a kind Pope, like Francis.
” If that happens, I will consider myself very lucky. How many people can say that they met two Popes at the same time? “
Thai exchange lists eight Chinese tech depositary receipts in April | FinanceAsia
The Stock Exchange of Thailand ( SET ) has announced listings of eight depositary receipts ( DRs ) for Chinese technology and telecommunication companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange ( HKEX ).
¬ Plaza Media Limited. All rights reserved.
US readies huge tariffs on solar cells from Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia | FinanceAsia
In a further escalation of the US trade war, the US Department of Commerce has placed antidumping duties ( AD ) and countervailing duties ( CVD ) on crystalline photovoltaic cells ( solar cells ) arriving into the US from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, according to an April 21 announcement.
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‘Merman’ courts controversy by refusing to kowtow
Siranudh” Psi” Scott has entered the media spotlight after clashing with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation ( DNP ) and being dismissed from his role advising the department’s director-general amid allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
Some praised Mr Siranudh for his restoration work, while people criticised him for his ignorance and taking advantage of his place for individual get. Below are the facts of what transpired.
Who is Siranudh Scott?
Mr Siranudh, also known as” Merman”, is a Scottish-Thai sea naturalist, energy swimmer, and founder of Sea You Sturdy– a volunteer-driven effort focused on sea survival and climate education.
In 2023, Mr Siranudh and a group of 36 participants made headlines by completing a 70-kilometre switch swim across the Andaman Sea, setting a South Asian history and raising knowledge about aquatic conservation and plastic waste.
A fourth-generation part of the Bhirombhakdi home, users of the Boon Rawd Brewery, Mr Siranudh holds a degree in video from the California Institute of the Arts. He returned to Thailand during the Covid-19 crisis, seeking a deeper intent and to interact with his lifelong passion for the lake.
His relevant content and lobbying have won him a huge following on social media, with over 555,800 TikTok fans and 272,000 on Twitter.
On Jan 2, 2024, Mr Siranudh was appointed as an assistant to the director-general of the DNP, in acknowledgment of his growing influence on climate campaigning in the country.
What sparked the lights?
The fight between Mr Siranudh and the DNP stems from many problems, one of the most significant being a popular movie he posted in which he confronted a foreign partners for making racist remarks in a national area. The video, which showed him warning the tourists after they greeted him in Chinese with ni hao, sparked both praise and criticism.
Mr Siranudh explained that he and a team of rangers had encountered the tourists after their boat broke down. ” Before we approached, I saw the man turn to his partner and say’ni hao’, then laugh. I took the opportunity, while their boat was still stalled, to remind them to show respect to both me and the park officers. “
He continued,” When I spoke to them, the man showed no remorse or awareness of the consequences of his words. I asked them to return to shore so we could talk properly and help him understand that visiting Thailand– or any country in Asia– does not give him the right to make racially offensive assumptions about Asians. “
Mr Siranudh explained that the assumption the tourist made– mistaking him for a Chinese national– was problematic. ” In this interconnected world, where people can easily travel and access information, the lack of awareness is concerning. Thailand is not China, and we don’t speak Chinese. This type of behaviour undermines Thai identity and is, frankly, racist. “
The incident highlights a larger issue for Mr Siranudh– the mindset of some tourists who feel entitled to act however they please, just because they’re visiting another country.
The act of standing up
Mr Siranudh recalled a separate incident in late February involving two elderly Italian tourists who were swimming in a coral restoration zone near Koh Kai in Krabi– an area closed to the public due to severe coral bleaching. Despite clear signage and warnings, the couple swam about 700 metres from their boat without safety supervision. When rangers tried to intervene, the couple ignored them, forcing the team to follow them, blow whistles, and finally stop them.
Mr Siranudh described the male tourist as responding aggressively, swearing in Italian, and claiming that purchasing a tour ticket gave him the right to do whatever he wanted. He refused to comply until a ranger was forced to physically escort him back to the patrol boat. Before leaving, the tourist declared that he would never return to Thailand.
In the final clip, Mr Siranudh was seen flipping the tourist off– a gesture that divided opinion but gained significant support online. The video went viral, racking up over 20 million views across his social media platforms.
Advocacy for ranger welfare
Alongside his advocacy for marine conservation, Mr Siranudh has been vocal about the lack of welfare support for marine park officers. He highlighted issues such as the absence of life insurance and the low salaries (around 8,000 baht/month ) for temporary staff, despite the high-risk nature of their work.
Complaints from park officials
On April 19, park officials filed a formal complaint to the DNP director-general, alleging that Mr Siranudh frequently overstepped his advisory role by commanding staff and using national park vehicles without prior approval. He was also accused of bringing foreign team members into the park without permission, flying drones, and filming videos without authorisation.
Mr Siranudh’s content creation was another point of contention. Officials claimed he focused on producing videos for his personal channel rather than for the DNP’s. He was also criticised for making derogatory remarks about tourists, guides, and tour operators, often citing his superior education and conservation values as justification.
Sangsuree Songthong, chief of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, also expressed concern over Mr Siranudh’s independent actions. His private content creation and team management reportedly made park staff uncomfortable, particularly when they felt unfairly generalised as negligent.
Despite these issues, park authorities maintained that law-breaking tourists, such as those swimming in protected coral zones, were still dealt with legally, including being fined for their actions.
Response from the DNP
DNP Director-General Attapol Charoenchansa, who appointed Mr Siranudh as his adviser, acknowledged the man’s contributions to marine conservation but criticised his recent focus on content creation, which he claimed misrepresented facts and damaged the DNP’s reputation.
Mr Attapol emphasised that while Mr Siranudh had been an asset for youth engagement, his growing fixation on social media had become detrimental. He clarified that as an adviser, Mr Siranudh did not have the same legal authority as park rangers and must adhere to internal protocols. He also stressed that conservation is a collective effort, not a solo mission.
As a result, Mr Attapol decided to remove Mr Siranudh from his advisory role due to inappropriate conduct and failure to follow prior warnings. He noted that Mr Siranudh initially showed promise, but his behaviour had become problematic.
Following the announcement, many netizens united in a backlash, arguing that the director-general, not Mr Siranudh, should be dismissed.
In defence of his actions
Mr Siranudh stated,” I’ve never crossed the line. I follow all the rules because I believe in perfectionism. The system works– it’s just not being used properly. “
He believes that the reason for the complaints against him is due to his interference with the interests of some local tour operators or certain park officers who appear to have engaged in corrupt practices, especially concerning the issue of ticket fraud at some marine national parks.
He said that in four years, he has never accepted any funds from the DNP.
” I belong to the sea … and no one can take me away from what I love,” he said proudly.
Siranudh ‘Psi’ Scott :Won’t tolerate’racism’
Kanchanaburi teacher pockets award
PUBLISHED: 23 Apr 2025 at 06 :18
A dedicated professor from Kanchanaburi, Praiwan Yapan, has been named one of 14 excellent teachers to get the exclusive Princess Maha Chakri Award 2025.
The Princess Maha Chakri Award Foundation Committee approved this year’s contenders on Monday [April 21], who will be honoured with the nomination on Oct 15. The prize recognises excellent teachers from Asean states, along with Timor-Leste, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Mongolia.
Mr Praiwan, a professor at Ban Kong Mong Ta in Kanchanaburi’s Sangkhlaburi region, has been recognised for unwavering efforts to promote training in rural areas. He played a vital role in the setting up of the Pilokki border patrol officers class, and activists educational rights for racial minority babies and developing institutions struggling with teacher shortages.
His” Khai Kham Khao Online” ( selling across the mountains online ) teaches children income-making and entrepreneurship through online sales of community agricultural products, with a portion of the income set aside to fund their education.
The Princess Maha Chakri Award Foundation Committee also honoured Plairat Samlee, a teacher from Srisatchanalai Industrial group and schooling school, in Sukhothai for his job as an pioneer in the field of energy sustainability and Thon Buaruang, a former teacher from Ban Don Nam Dua in Phetchabun who has devoted his retirement to guiding students to accomplish their dreams.
The foundation also agreed to provide assistance to a previous recipient, Kyaw Zin Aung from Myanmar, who has been affected by the armed conflict and the March 28 earthquake. The committee will coordinate with the Thai embassy in Yangon to provide support to the teacher who received the Princess Maha Chakri Award in 2021.
To enhance community development, the foundation will further partner with the Equitable Education Fund and its affiliates to promote teacher training and development.
They’ve got ‘magic hands’: Meet this family of massage therapists that started with her late great-grandma
For the past six years, Hajar Agil has seen a steady stream of people almost every time, usually from morning to late hour. Some come to her present residence in Bedok; other occasions, she travels around Singapore to view them.
Hajar is a massage therapist, and she has one goal in mind – to “fix ” her clients with her “magic hands”, as her granddaughter Farhanah Khailani describes them.
Then in her eighties, Hajar is very much sought after by consumers, who come to her through word of mouth, from mates, friends, friends of friends, and extended family.
But Hajar does n’t work alone. Helping her is her whole home: Four years of treatment professionals, including her child Halijah Tahir and daughter Farhanah.
The home specialises in Javanese and Malay treatment, and Farhanah recalled that as a child, she may lay beside her mother and see her job. These make up some of her earliest thoughts, she told CNA Women.
“We support people feel better. Whether it ’s a neck sprain, an injured shoulder, or prenatal and postnatal care, you name it, we know how to approach it and ‘fix ’ the problem, ” said the 35-year-old. “My whole family, including my aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, knows at least the basic methods – it ’s like coming from a whole community of First-Aiders.
“Of course, we also know when we cannot ‘fix ’ something, ” she added. “If it ’s serious, like an injury that involves a great loss of blood, we usually encourage our customers to seek medical help from a physician. ”
Push for Chiang Mai Unesco nomination
Dossier features 7 historic locations
PUBLISHED: 23 Apr 2025 at 06 :15
The state is set to select Chiang Mai as a Unesco World Heritage Site by 2026 to mark the northwestern state’s 730th celebration.
Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol said on Tuesday that a government commission has worked on a election document since Chiang Mai was included on Unesco’s preliminary record in 2015.
To encourage the town as a Unesco World Heritage site, the report highlights seven areas that showcase its cultural complexity and traditional contributions. They include: Wat Chiang Man, Wat Jedi Luang, Wat Phra Singha, Wat Jet Yot, Wat Suan Dok, Wat U-Mong, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, and the city windows and pond.
The election report is expected to be completed by August before being submitted to the 2026 Unesco General Conference section. The city plan is set to celebrate Chiang Mai’s 730th celebration in that year, said Ms Sudawan.
” Chiang Mai was the investment of the Lanna Kingdom, with a history dating back 730 years. Its history prosperity is seen in the numerous temples and several archaeological sites. Its history, people, and lifestyle are the beauties that attract guests,” said Ms Sudawan.
Meanwhile, a push to turn the city from a province to a metropolis, in administrative terms, is being presented by the Internet Dialogue on Law Reform (iLaw ) with its Chiang Mai Metropolis Act.
A nearby source said that ILaw is set to gather up to 10,000 names to protest the government afterwards.
iLaw, representing native civil society systems, pitched the work as part of a decentralisation effort where the local jurisdiction will no longer be under the main state.
The work will enable the province’s residents to choose their chancellor and the town council under statewide election constituencies. The town council will change the Chiang Mai Provincial Authority Office.
The elected statewide government will have complete power over macroeconomic and budget management and will oversee the work of additional local subjected systems.
Minister says law backs Thaksin’s long hospital stay
PUBLISHED: 23 Apr 2025 at 06 :04
Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong has downplayed concerns over the Ombudsman’s review of Thaksin Shinawatra’s hospitalisation order in 2023, saying the former prime minister’s six-month stay at Police General Hospital ( PGH) was legally justified.
Pol Col Tawee said on Tuesday he is not concerned about a petition filed by the National Human Rights Commission ( NHRC ) requesting the court nullify the Department of Corrections ‘ ( DoC ) regulation that allowed Thaksin to enjoy what is alleged to be privileged treatment at the hospital. He said the government respects studies conducted by an impartial organisation and abstains from interfering in them.
The Ombudsman has previously issued three ideas regarding Thaksin’s move, medical treatment, and adherence to rules.
The justice minister more explained that the Criminal Procedure Code and the Corrections Act carry similar lawful mass. Prison transfers for health care in the previous edition of the corrections rules were done equally without requiring judge authorization, he said.
But the Supreme Court’s ruling has individual rights. Pol Col Tawee said the government was prepared to understand its position if required.
However, Pol Lt Col Keerop Kritteeranont, secretary-general of the Office of the Ombudsman, said the NHRC’s complaint, received next Friday, raised two important issues– the 2020 rules permitting inmates to get treated outside prison and the decision to grant permission for Thaksin to get transferred to the hospital.
The Ombudsman’s business has formally accepted the problem and will now look into the facts. It will question the DoC and important organizations to find out how they thought to issue such a restriction and whether its withdrawal may harm the public or contradict the law.
Pol Lt Col Keerop said that more steps, including summoning important agencies or requesting supporting documents, may depend on the initial review.
As the Supreme Court sentenced Thaksin without stipulating for any potential hospitalisation, critics argue that his subsequent transfer to PGH could conflict with judicial intent. If any of the related information is unclear, agencies may be invited for further discussions. Usually, the Ombudsman sends clarification requests within a week, giving agencies 30 days to respond. Extensions are allowed up to 60 days. If the Ombudsman agrees to amend the regulation, but relevant agencies decline to follow suit, it may take the matter to the Administrative Court.
On the question of restarting Thaksin’s sentence, Pol Lt Col Keerop said such decisions would depend on legal analysis. If any regulations are nullified, a final decision could depend on whether the legal consequences would impact Thaksin, the DoC, the correctional hospital, or PGH in accordance with existing laws.
The NHRC’s petition followed a complaint filed last year about possible human rights violations due to the unequal enforcement of laws by a government agency, alleging that Bangkok Remand Prison failed to fulfil its constitutional obligations under Section 53, which mandates that the state must ensure strict compliance with and enforcement of the law.
The NHRC thus issued a letter dated April 10 to the Ombudsman, urging it to consider submitting the case to the Administrative Court to revoke the decision allowing Thaksin to receive medical treatment outside the prison and to annul the 2020 Ministerial Regulation on the transfer of prisoners for external medical treatment.