Law Society vice-president Chia Boon Teck resigns after backlash over comments about rape victim

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

These remarks attracted strong criticism from well-known doctors and the advocacy group AWARE.

K Shanmugam, the minister of laws and home matters, also made an observation, stating that while Mr. Chia had “expressed his private views,” he held an administrative place at the Law Society.

” I worry that some people may actually believe that the views he has expressed reflect the standards in Singapore,” I worry. And I’m concerned about the effects his speech might have on other patients, the minister said.

He added that lawyers, especially those in senior jobs, must be cautious when making statements that “minimise or ignore victims ‘ concerns,” as that may have an impact on those who may end up not being willing to review what has happened to them. &nbsp,

” Shaming and blaming patients crosses the line. And patriarchy should not be tolerated in our society, according to Mr. Shanmugam. &nbsp,

Mr. Chia removed the LinkedIn article after the reaction. He explained to CNA that the responses were intended to draw attention to people’s contextual awareness and not to blame any particular party.

” As a criminal lawyer, my intention was not to blame anyone, but to highlight the value of situational knowledge, both to protect against being assaulted and to prevent behavior that could eventually be misinterpreted,” he said.

My opinions were intended to spur discussion about how people can better protect themselves in social settings. This involves understanding real-world risks rather than shifting role.

Mr. Chia co-manages the law company Chia Wong Chambers. His position as vice-president of the Law Society since August 2023 and as its manager due to that, according to his account on the website of his firm.

Continue Reading

3 Culinary Class Wars chefs are bringing their dishes to Singapore’s Gu:um from April

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

And he speculated that if he had been” Artist Chef” instead of” Celebrity Chef,” he would like to be called that. It would be nice to combine my passion for cooking with my love for interior design because I have a lot of interest in the arts ( interiors, paintings, photography, fashion, etc. ). I think that cooking on a tray is also a form of art.

What can he say about his cooking class war experiences? Since he signed a non-disclosure arrangement, he laughed, not much.

However,” I does share one point. If you watch the very first field, you may recognize me, best? However, I truly entered the competition area as the next participant. Napoli Matfia, the second contestant, came out on top and won the present. The team edited it in such a way to avoid any viewers misinterpretation of favoritism when it was just a coincidence.

Han praised Lim’s performance on the program as “fun to see” because of “his easy-going personality.” He continued,” The dish he showcased was just one of many delicious dishes he’s created over the time I’ve known him,” and continued,” I’m true to myself on the show.”

He is a fan of the present because “many of my peers got to promote their expertise to the earth,” he said, but if he himself were to thrive,” I really am not sure how I may do. I did some shooting for CNA Lifestyle, and I know I freeze up with the camera on, as you may be aware. I actually respect the restaurants on the show, and nbsp”!

On April 12 at 29 Keong Saik Road, Doljanchi at Gu :um takes place. Visit https ://www.guum .sg to reserve for April 12 and click here to reserve.

Continue Reading

Law Society president asks vice-president to resign after comments on rape case draw condemnation

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

RESIGN CALLS TO RESIGN

Mr. Chia’s remarks on the now-deleted LinkedIn post also sparked calls for him to withdraw from other legal practice. His status is no longer accessible on the social media platform.

The problem, according to TSMP Law Corporation joint handling partner Stefanie Yuen Thio, went beyond” just comment on a criminal situation.”

” I’m disgusted by this perspective from someone who holds the position of a head of the club. I ask him to reveal himself to the legitimate fraternity, both men and women. He may step downward from the Council of the Law Society, Mr. Thio said,” Absorpt an appropriate reason.”

Similar sentiments have been echoed by notable attorneys, including criminal defense attorney Shashi Nathan of Withers KhattarWong. Clarence Lun, a prosecutor for Fervent Chambers, is one of the people who have demanded that Mr. Chia resign from his position with the Law Society.

Mr. Shanmugam criticized Mr. Chia and said he was” amazed” by his remarks in a Facebook post on Monday.

Despite the High Court finding the victim” an exceedingly convincing witness” whose proof was “internally and publicly consistent,” the minister claimed that Mr. Chia was suggesting that the sufferer in Panfilov’s case” should not be believed.”  

While the minister acknowledged that Mr. Chia had “expressed his private views,” he even took note of his  location within the Law Society.

According to Mr. Shanmugam, “my problem is that some individuals might really believe that the views he has expressed reflect the conventions in Singapore. And I’m concerned about the impact his declaration might have on other patients. ”

He added that lawyers, especially those in senior positions, must be mindful when making statements that “minimise or dismiss victims ‘ concerns, ” as that could “disproportionately impact others” who may not then be willing to report what transpired.  

The practice of blaming and shameful patients is unacceptable. Additionally, the chancellor remarked,” Misogyny should not have any spot in our world.”

Mr. Chia responded to CNA’s questions on Monday by saying: ” As a criminal lawyer, my intention was not to blame anyone, but to highlight the value of contextual knowledge, both to protect against assault and to prevent behavior that could be misinterpreted later.

My remarks were intended to spur discussion about how people can better protect themselves in social settings. This does not involve shifting duty, but rather understanding the risks in the real world. “

Continue Reading

‘Saving is the most important thing’: Why China’s trade-in scheme may not spark lasting change

By:
On:
In: Asia

Keeping MONEY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING

Consumer opinion of the trade-in program on the ground is still combined, though. &nbsp,

Zhu sees the payment as a temporary possibility as opposed to a long-term motivator, despite his excitement over his new e-bike.

” I have experienced a sense of novelty and substantial benefits,” Zhu said.

Zhu continued,” This coverage made me feel some sweetness, but I won’t alter my spending routines.” ” I’m still going to abide by my parents ‘ advice to” save as you can”

Emma Fang, a 21-year-old scholar in Beijing, agrees that” saving money is the most important thing.”

She chose to restore her current iPhone 13 by replacing its cracked screen, spending only 340 yuan, despite being tempted by the program’s generous subsidies, rather than trade it in. &nbsp,

However, she claims that the federal subsidies also provide a lot of benefit. The pull is still quite appealing, and it can undoubtedly cause people to consume it.

Fang adds that there are also environmental benefits, particularly among eco-conscious younger Gen Z customers. &nbsp,

Knowing that you are helping the environment, trading in older tools allows empty products to become reused and repurposed.

TEMPORARY BOOST OR SUSPENSIBLE RECRUIT?

Huang Tianlei, a research fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, claims that China’s consumer trade-in program is only a temporary increase. &nbsp,

Huang told CNA,” It’s only front-loading coming consumption.” Policymakers are just waiting until they can find more responsible and architectural ways to permanently raise private consumption, according to the statement.

He also emphasized the need for fundamental changes to lower the threshold for cautious savings and increase the average household income, citing a significant shift in how policymakers perceived “investing in people” rather than just facilities during this year’s Two Sessions. &nbsp,

” The Chinese authorities now comprehends the value of investing more in persons in raising domestic demand, particularly usage, and rebalancing the business,” according to the statement.

He continued,” This attitude change will likely take time to translate into more practical steps.” &nbsp,

Continue Reading

Cold Storage: From its beginnings in 1900s Singapore to being sold to a Malaysian company in 2025

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

SINGAPORE: For 120 times, Cold Storage has been a family name in Singapore. The string of supermarkets is now gearing up for a new book.

Malaysian retail group Macrovalue announced on Monday ( Mar 24 ) that it would buy Giant and Cold Storage&nbsp in a deal worth S$ 125 million ( US$ 93 million ).

CNA examines the development of Cold Storage, documenting its transition from a small retail facility to one of the nation’s most well-known retailer companies.

1903: Formation

The Singapore Cold Storage Company, the country’s oldest retailer chain, was established on Jun 8, 1903, according to an article published by the National Library Board.

It was a pioneer in Malaya in this area and its name suggests that it was founded as a company that specialized in the storage and distribution of frozen foods and consumables.

1905: Opening its second retail location on Orchard Road.

On March 24, 1905, Cold Storage opened its first financial location on Orchard Road, where customers could purchase frozen meats, poultry, and dairy goods imported from Queensland, Australia.

The goods ‘ first sale was kept in a 400-tonne stored facility in Keppel Harbour.

Produces Paradise snow milk in 1923.

The second company to produce ice cream in Singapore was Cold Storage two years after its establishment.

The National University of Singapore’s ice milk product was originally known as Paradise, but it was later renamed Magnolia, which is still popular in Singapore now.

1930s: Launches the second tropical dairy farm in the world.

In Singapore in the late 1930s, the National Parks Board established the first tropic dairy farm in the world.

The company’s next managing producer, Fred Heron, wanted to raise the standard of milk in Singapore by putting it on a 24-hectare plot of land in a forest.

24 Friesian calves were originally brought in from the Netherlands and Australia.

Dairy Farm Road and Dairy Farm Nature Park are the names of the land, which closed in the 1970s.

Introduces Singapore’s second self-service mall in 1959

Cool Storage remained in operation through World War II, and its Orchard Road location became a self-service mall in 1959 in a second for Singapore.

Cool Storage was also well-known for its Magnolia ice cream, cake, and milkshake bars, which were also made in this time.

The Capitol Building’s Magnolia Breakfast Bar was a notable store. The Straits Times reported on its shutdown in 1988, stating that it has for more than 40 years been a “favorite haunt of individuals, courting people, and travellers likewise.”

1987: Provides a recognizable National Day music as a sponsor.

We Are Singapore was a 1987 music that Cold Storage promoted on social media to celebrate its 116th day in 2019.

The song was referred to as” a gift from the Cold Storage Group of companies” by the National Library Board.

Continue Reading

Jail for SCDF officer found to have consumed meth in routine test

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

A Singapore Civil Defence Force officer (SCDF) who admitted to using methamphetamine was sentenced to a year in jail on Monday ( Mar 24 ). &nbsp,

Rahul Tay Abdullah, known as Jeremy Tay Chen, was discovered past August during a regular blood test. The 50-year-old was a member of the Civil Defence Academy at the time of the crimes and held the position of Warrant Officer. &nbsp,

Tay was a member of the SCDF’s health documentation group that received a Long Service Medal in 2022, according to the Prime Minister’s Office’s site. &nbsp,

The SCDF reported that Tay, an agent with a non-frontline career, has been interdicted since Jan. 21, 2025 in response to CNA’s inquiries. He may be subject to disciplinary action from the public services, according to a spokeswoman. Discharges from services are also a punishment.

“SCDF takes this issue seriously. We anticipate that all of our soldiers will defend high standards of conduct, expertise, and skill at all times,” the spokeswoman continued. &nbsp,

Tay admitted guilt on the methamphetamine-related fee. &nbsp,

At around 8.30 am on August 7, 2013, he was subjected to a course blood test at the Civil Defence Academy. &nbsp,

His nozzle test resulted in a controlled substance good. His officer then brought him to the Central Narcotics Bureau to conduct an investigation. &nbsp,

Tay gave the Health Sciences Authority two containers of his blood samples for analysis at the office. &nbsp,

Both tests were discovered to contain meth. Tay was detained on September 2, 2024, and charged in January. &nbsp,

Tay, who was present in court without a solicitor, claimed he had no prevention when asked by District Judge Ng Cheng Thiam. &nbsp,

Judge Ng noted that the laws forbids a minimum of a month’s imprisonment for Tay’s offense.

He therefore made a comment about Tay’s association with the SCDF. &nbsp,

” It’s not simple to get to that level of rank.” I hope you can be a better person once you are released from prison, please know.” Tay responded,” Yes, Your Honour,” to which the prosecutor asked. &nbsp,

Tay may have received a season- to ten-year prison sentence and a fine for consuming a particular drug. &nbsp,

Continue Reading

Barrages, artificial coral reefs among suggestions to safeguard Sentosa’s coastline

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

According to experts, Sentosa island may be protected by installing artificial coral reefs, installing barrages, and providing beach sustenance.

Sea levels may fall even higher on days with rainy weather and high tides due to the stronger waves.

Experts suggested that one natural-based option might be to install synthetic corals at sea that act as a barrier against the beach.

They could prevent seaside erosion and shield the coastline from the continuous forces of nature by breaking up large ripples before they hit the shore, particularly on rainy days.

Installing obstacles between islands, which could be raised or lowered depending on sea levels, would be another way to break the waves.

Alternately, a potential solution to replacing the gravel on Sentosa’s beaches and steadily raising them in line with the rising sea levels is a good idea.

URBAN AREAS

Sentosa, according to experts, requires various deployments for various areas because it serves a myriad of reasons, including theme parks, golf courses, hiking trails, luxury hotels, and personal attributes.

Continue Reading

As Hong Kong hosts finance, sports and arts events, some say the city is getting its groove back

By:
On:
In: Asia

Additionally, some businesspeople are hesitant to accept the greater power Beijing officials have over the city.

They don’t think the decades-old “one country, two systems” approach to governance also gives rise to freedom, particularly since a Hong Kong national security law was passed a year ago.

The controversial law, which is also known as Article 23, targets crimes like crime, the theft of state secrets, spying, destroy, sedition, and “external interference.”

There is still hope.

Hong Kong’s once-red-hot property sector is still reeling from a protracted collapse, but its Hang Seng standard has experienced a double-digit rise since Donald Trump took office on January 20, making it the world’s best performer.

Hong Kong operates out of a worldwide brokerage. It’s a good position to do business, according to Oliver Weisberg, CEO of Blue Pool Capital, a multi-strategy investment firm based in Hong Kong.

He was speaking on Monday during an Is Hong Kong Up section. focused on access to the Greater Bay Area, care, employment opportunities, and the state’s education industry.

Goodwin Gaw, his co-panelist, claimed that the American media portrays Hong Kong as having a false image.

Hong Kong is a difficult place to keep investment conferences because it is difficult to get attendees to be focused with you, according to the chair, handling primary, and co-founder of Gaw Capital Partners, one of Asia’s largest real estate private equity firms.

Gaw praised Hong Kong’s natural environment as much as his strong ties to mainland China and its tax-haven position.

He stated in an interview with CNA that the world’s investment in China is the simplest glass. Additionally, Hong Kong is a gateway for Chinese businesses to get international capital.

Hong Kong may have never left, but ( It only needs a little cleaning and shining. ”

SOME STRIKE OTHER CRIMEOUS TONE

Despite the looming effects of price threats and industry wars originating from the Trump administration, other observers expressed more caution in their opinions of Hong Kong’s coming and current.

According to Steve Okun, CEO of APAC Advisors, new American tariffs have been “explicitly applied to both China and Hong Kong, ” with products from both regions then being subject to the same customs attention and trade restrictions.

Washington’s distinction between the two is still ambiguous. A recent example is when CK Hutchison, based in Hong Kong, sold power of two Panama Canal docks to a US-led party, according to Okun.

Businesses and investors should use this as a warning to get a tougher stance to reduce Foreign influence and power. Hong Kong’s political frailty will get worse if this pattern persists. ”

Continue Reading

Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam rebukes Law Society vice-president over comments on rape case

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

K Shanmugam, the vice-president of the Law Society of Singapore, has criticized him for his remarks regarding the case of a previous actor who was found guilty of rape.

Mr. Shanmugam claimed in a Facebook post on Monday ( Mar 24 ) that he was surprised by comments made over the weekend on LinkedIn by lawyer Chia Boon Teck. &nbsp,

Mr. Chia, who is the co-managing chairman of the law firm Chia Wong Chambers, made a comment on the highly regarded circumstance of ex-Wah! Lev Panfilov, a panamana actor, was found guilty last Friday by the High Court on charges of molesting the same woman victim while also being a victim of rape, sexual abuse by infiltration, and abduct. &nbsp,

Mr. Chia made an appearance in his blog to issue the victim’s behavior during the crimes. &nbsp,

Mr. Shanmugam noted in his Instagram post that Mr. Chia was suggesting that the sufferer in Panfilov’s case” should not be believed,” despite the High Court having found the victim” an exceedingly encouraging witness” whose evidence was “internally and publicly regular.” &nbsp,

The secretary acknowledged that Mr. Chia had “expressed his private views,” but he also made reference to the Law Society’s administrative makeup.

” My issue is that some people may actually believe that the views he has expressed reflect the standards in Singapore,” Mr. Shanmugam said. And I’m concerned about the effects his declaration might have on other patients.

The minister next shared his own opinions and what his two ministries have been doing to assist sexual assault victims, including how a clause in the Proof Act, which allowed defense attorneys to query an alleged victim of rape in an effort to establish that the sufferer was of usually evil character, was repealed in 2012. &nbsp,

Marriage immunity for murder was abolished in 2020, making it impossible for a partner to have sex with his wife without her assent. &nbsp,

Two years later, the penalties for physical offenses, including molesting, were increased. &nbsp,

” As I previously stated, we have been moving quite in the same course, no matter what administrative position he holds,” said Mr. Shanmugam, referring to some of the changes to the law over the years. &nbsp, &nbsp,

” I sincerely hope that our society will continue to provide a proper foundation for the protection of people who are victims of sexual assault.” Patients very frequently keep quiet. We must assist them in reporting and coming forth.

He added that lawyers, especially those in senior jobs, must be cautious when making statements that “minimise or ignore victims ‘ concerns,” as it can “disproportionately effect others” who does then not get ready to report what happened to them. &nbsp,

Lawyers should still adhere to proper boundaries in court, the minister continued, noting that this did not imply that every allegation made by a woman against a man should be taken literally.

” Shaming and blaming victims crosses the line,” he said. And misogyny should not be a part of our society, according to Mr. Shanmugam. &nbsp,

The Association of Women for Action and Research ( AWARE ) and the legal fraternity have criticized Mr. Chia’s statements, with some calling them “victim-shaming.” Others demanded that he apologize and step down from his Law Society position.

Since then, Mr. Chia has since removed the position and stated to CNA that the goal is to draw people’s attention to their situational awareness rather than to blame any particular party.

Continue Reading

Law Society vice-president’s comments on rape case spark outcry; lawyers call for apology

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

Following a blog on the legal situation of a former Wah! member, an office-bearer of the Law Society of Singapore has sparked an online backlash on Linked In. Actor from Banana who was found guilty of sexual abuse.  

In a social media post over the weekend, attorney Chia Boon Teck, the vice-president of the Law Society, made a comment about the well-known event involving Lev Panfilov, but his words have drawn criticism from the legitimate community, with lawyers  calling his remarks “victim-shaming.”  

In a reply to CNA, Mr. Chia, who was not Panfilov’s defense attorney, has since removed the article and made inquiries about his remarks.    

A High Court judge found Panfilov guilty last Friday ( Mar 21 ) of raping, molesting, and sexually assaulting a woman he met through Tinder on January 12, 2021. Panfilov is a permanent resident of Singapore and a resident of Russia.  

Before the match returned to his chamber where he sexually assaulted the sufferer, Panfilov met the target at a Wine Connection restaurant the day of the crime. Panfilov has not yet received a sentence for the atrocities.  

Justice Pang Khang Chau, who handed down the guilty verdict on Friday, stated that the victim had been an “unusually convincing” witness, but he also noted that her account of her evidence was” not without difficulty.” He cited a number of arguments in favor of this, but he finally accepted that there were valid reasons.

Mr. Chia, who is the co-managing chairman of the law company Chia Wong Chambers, made a comment on the situation in a LinkedIn post, stating that some inquiries had come up from a media statement he had read about it. The initial article is no longer accessible, but additional LinkedIn users have shared it in pictures.  

In his opening post, Mr. Chia said,” People who take one night stands does want take note of themselves from assault, or accusations of attack.”  

Finally, Mr. Chia continued to list ten of the report’s details, each with his comments. He pointed out the four crimes that Panfilov was found guilty of and said,” Wow. She remained alive throughout the workout. ”  

In another, Mr. Chia cited the defendant’s age and her role as an actress and model, adding,” But not simply a babe in the trees,” “

The victim also stated that she “hoped to get some script-writing advice from ( Panfilov)” and that she had just met him on Tinder at that late hour. “

Among his comments, popular attorneys, including TSMP Law Corporation’s combined managing partner, Ms. Stefanie Yuen Thio, have criticized him. In a profligately phrasing LinkedIn post, Ms. Thio criticized Mr. Chia’s remarks, claiming that the conversation went beyond” just comment on a legal situation.”  

Ms. Thio compared Mr. Chia’s remarks to victim-shaming, which, according to her, “goes against what the authorities have really said is correct cross-examination.”  

” I’m disgusted by this perspective from someone who holds the position of a head of the table. I ask him to reveal himself to the legitimate brotherhood, both men and women. He may step downward from Council of the Law Society if there is an appropriate reason, she continued.  

Her article, which echoes similar sentiments, has been responded to by other well-known attorneys, including criminal defense attorney Shashi Nathan from Withers KhattarWong and lawyer Clarence Unit from Fervent Chambers. Some have demanded that Mr. Chia resign from his position with the Law Society and make an apology.    

Mr. Chia has served as the Law Society’s vice-president since August 2023 and was its manager due to that. His page on his law firm’s website indicates that he has done so since then.  

The Law Society responded to inquiries from CNA by saying it was informed of Mr. Chia’s social media post and is considering the situation.  

MR CHIA Listens

Mr. Chia responded to questions from CNA on Monday night, saying that his initial article was intended to draw people’s attention to their contextual consciousness and not to blame any particular party.

He claimed that the media report on the event “raised some red-flag situations” that the sufferer and Panfilov experienced at the time of the offence.

My goal with this article was to draw attention to people’s contextual attention so they can avoid being assaulted or accused of assaulting. He said,” I was expressing my opinions as a legal attorney.”  

I have always provided remark on criminal cases and insights on how to avoid situations where legal action may not always be enough. “

He continued to say that he appreciated the points raised regarding his position.

As a criminal lawyer, my goal was not to blame anyone, but to highlight the value of situational awareness in order to protect against being assaulted and to prevent deeds that might eventually be taken as a bad thing.

My remarks were intended to spur discussion on how people can better defend themselves in social settings. It’s more important to comprehend real-world challenges than to shift role. ”

AWARE WEIGHS IN

In a Facebook post on Monday, the Association of Women for Action and Research ( AWARE ) expressed its disapproval of Mr. Chia’s remarks, noting that they are offensive. It is risky. ”

The women’s rights organization claimed none of these components were assent to sex in light of the same assertions made by Mr. Chia.  

The true harm is not just the commentary’s mocking voice. Even after 13 weeks of cross-examination, a High Court judge will also find a victim as ‘unusually encouraging ’ and will still be publicly doubted, dissected, and discredited. that her years, career, and dating history are all good. The team claimed in its publish that saying “no” wasn’t enough.  

The team added that it was informed by  patients grappling every day at its Physical Assault Care Centre; seven out of ten sufferers choose not to record their suffering, which is ultimately followed by seven others.

The concern of astonishment is the most prevalent purpose, according to the article. When those in older legitimate positions share these beliefs, it perpetuates the victim-blaming mentality that we need to end. It has an impact on how people perceive the justice program. Whether victims report to the fairness system is affected, according to the organization.  

This is not just negative for individuals, he said. It harms the justice system’s people confidence. These kinds of information are not available everywhere, especially from those in power. When a person has been sexually assaulted, she shouldn’t have to defend her figure, her outfit, her career, or her dating background. A crime is murder. Let’s stop blaming the target for their rape. “

Continue Reading