‘It made my heart hurt’: 82-year-old volunteer who was scolded over free haircut in Tampines

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Ms. Yang eventually admitted to CNA that his words had spewed deeply despite her initial resistance to talk about the incident. &nbsp,

When he said that to me, she said,” I was so sad and it really hurt my heart.” &nbsp,

I received a lot of information and calls from my companions asking me what happened when the media came out eventually. I was just really sad … yet as I think about it today, it makes me feel a little bit like crying”, she said, as her voice quivered. &nbsp,

However, the people around me gave me a lot of convenience.

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY&nbsp,

CNA spoke with volunteers for the regular free cut project, which explained how uncommon such incidents are and how the majority of participants are usually very kind and appreciative of volunteers. &nbsp,

” I’ve heard of some individuals getting angry with volunteers at other area projects,” I’ve heard. One volunteer, who works as a hairdresser for some community-organised events, reportedly hurled vulgar things at a volunteer because the clippers bit her. &nbsp,

” It doesn’t occur a lot but it does happen often. But generally, the participants are really great and some will bring food for us to display their appreciation”.

Ms. Jamie Neo, who has been volunteering at the Tampines job since 2022, claimed this was her first day seeing a situation like this.

” It was quite upsetting to see that happen. I felt very sad for Aunty Jenny, who has been a charity for so much, because the man’s thoughts were quite hurtful”, said the 49-year-old, who provides free nails grooming for older people at the monthly period.

However, these individuals said they are determined to avoid letting these negative views discourage them from giving back to the community. &nbsp,

In the end, Ms. Neo, who started volunteering as a hammer specialist two years ago after battling cervical cancer, said,” I’m volunteering because I want to help those in need and give back to my community.” &nbsp,

The 49-year-old reached up to Mr Baey two years ago, shortly after finishing her chemo therapy, to give her service for the project. &nbsp,

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Trial opens for Healing the Divide’s Iris Koh, doctor and assistant accused of cheating MOH over COVID-19 jabs

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” REFERRALS” FROM KOH

According to the lawyers, Dr. Quah and Koh first became acquainted at some point in 2021. The court was given more information about how they got together and how Dr. Quah reportedly began administering saltwater to patients.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Karl Elliott Lim Peng, who was the lawyer’s first see, took the jury through a speech he recorded from Dr Quah on Jan 21, 2022.

According to Dr. Quah, Koh accompanied a female person to one of his facilities in July 2021. He just knew Koh from what had been reported in the media at the time about her.

Dr Quah said the client requested a body test to determine if she had vaccine-related difficulties, and he administered one.

After this, Koh was “grateful” and wanted to know if he could do body tests for other people with similar symptoms. They exchanged phone numbers and communicated.

According to Dr Quah’s speech, after the government started introducing more vaccine-differentiated methods, Koh asked him if he administered Sinopharm vaccinations. She said she would send citizens to him for the vaccinations when he confirmed this.

Dr. Quah claimed in the statement that he understood that Koh may send the patients to him so they could get the Sinopharm vaccine.

Somewhere in 2021, a female person visited his office and identified herself as a “referral” from Koh. According to Dr Quah, she said she would like to get the COVID-19 vaccination but was wary of the area consequences, and “pleaded” with him to procure an other picture.

He added that more clients” trickled” in identifying themselves as Koh visits and saying they were hesitant to get shots over time.

Dr. Quah claimed in the assertion that he primarily would not be aware if a person was a Koh patient, even though she would occasionally text him to let him know who the patients were and when they would come in for a visit.

He stated that he would make and administer the vaccine in accordance with the accepted method for all individuals who wanted it.

However, Dr. Quah said in his speech that if they called themselves “referrals from Iris” and said they were afraid of getting vaccinated, he may give them a salt shot and reflect that they had received the Sinopharm vaccination.

The physician responded to ASP Lim’s question about Dr. Quah’s decision to do this because unvaccinated people faced limits at the time. He said he “found it difficult” to accept an older couple who made such a request, for instance.

He claimed that some people approached him because they didn’t want to have their jobs terminated, while others sought to “get around” cultural restrictions for unvaccinated people.

” TOKEN OF GRATITUDE” FOR SALINE JABS

The physician also stated to ASP Lim that he wanted to help those in need rather than hurt anyone or make money from the salt injections.

He said in the assertion that one family of three offered him S$ 1, 000 to S$ 6, 000 for saltwater needles that would be recorded as COVID-19 treatments.

But, he said he interpreted this as a” token of gratitude” rather than pay, and said he would not accept people who offered to pay more. &nbsp,

One of Dr Quah’s clients, David Christopher Newton, was recently convicted and jailed for paying S$ 6, 000 for saltwater pictures for him and his innocent partner in December 2021 and January 2022.

CNA’s August 2021 inspections revealed that Singaporean facilities charged about S$ 98 or S$ 99, including GST, for the two-dose Sinopharm vaccination.

Dr. Quah added that Chua was the only part of his clinic staff who was aware of the salt photos, and that Chua had worked for him for the past two years to provide medications and work clinical duties.

He referred to Chua as the “middleman” who coordinated between Koh, the people, and the doctor, as well as the one who collected the money from the people and gave it to him.

Dr. Quah even informed ASP Lim that he consented to Chua keeping about 30 % of the profits because he wanted to assist him in improving his financial situation.

If found guilty of fraudulently making a false picture, the sentence is imprisonment for up to 20 years, a great or both for each command.

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Veteran actor Xie Shaoguang starring in Chinese drama Last Hurrah with Chen Hanwei, premiering in late 2025

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Xie Shaoguang, a numerous Star Award winner, reportedly left the industry in 2005 to pursue Buddhism. He even ran an animal shelter and cooked at a vegetarian eatery in Malaysia while he was away.

” I was on a mission of moral revival. I was burnt out”, he said in a prior meeting with CNA Lifestyle.

Xie stated that when he was acting, playing all these heroes, and dealing with the feelings, it was a fine release, noting that the death of his household members played a role in his decision to leave. It helped me understand”.

But, work kept him from being completely in touch with himself.

” It affected my personal life. The crowd had state,’ Oh, you did a great job’, but I don’t think I did a very good work in my personal lifestyle… That’s when I found that a job is never everything”.

He stated in a previous interview that he made the decision to pursue acting after being encouraged by his former manager, who officially oversees Mediacorp’s The Celebrity Agency.

” Acting has always been my passion. She said,’ Since you’re excited about this, why don’t you appear backwards?'”

” I hope my timing is right”, he said.

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Long queues, inaccurate distances: Runners vexed by quality of Singapore races

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SINGAPORE: Ms. Sara Haghani has been training for at least three weeks, and on December 1 she was running also past the 30 km level of the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM). &nbsp,

But things quickly started to unravel, with the majority of the 42.2km culture being run on the large open and shelterless West Coast Highway in blistering temperature. &nbsp,

” It was around 10.15am when I reached it, but the sun was now up”, said the 26-year-old biology expert. ” I saw many participants lying down on the side ( of the road ), most likely due to heat exhaustion” .&nbsp,

Ms. Haghani herself slowed down as she went for a move out of fear of passing out or worse. ” The moon was just too strong”, she said. &nbsp,

For tough situations, faced by the majority of SCSM athletes, was just the latest in a series of incidents at tribes this time which have frustrated hundreds.

These included hours-long prepares for dropped bags, severe congestion at begin lines, and also athletes being led down the incorrect roads. &nbsp,

Complaints from outdoor runners and elite athletes have been reported on social media, leading to various race organisers apologizing either publicly or privately. &nbsp,

The institution of a contest can also have implications for member security, as&nbsp, Ms Haghani’s experience demonstrated.

Mr. Eugene Beh, who was photographing runners while on the triathlon training, told CNA that he had assisted three runners who had collapsed along West Coast Highway from heat exhaustion. &nbsp,

The 50-year-old claimed that there could have been more thought given to athletes ‘ performance on such a challenging expand.

” Perhaps organisers planned in such a way because it’s a good view, maybe they can view Sentosa, but they forgot there is no house, nothing at all, and they are generally exposed to the elements”, said Mr Beh, who’s the leader of Singapore Runner’s Club, the largest running group around.

Santoz Kumar, the general manager of SCSM organiser IRONMAN Group, responded to questions from CNA and stated that this year’s race saw a” substantial increase in the general contribution amounts compared to previous centuries, which led to a” minor increase in the number of riders requiring medical assistance during the occasion.”

About 55, 000 took part in the 2024 SCSM compared with 44, 000 last month.

Mr. Santoz added that heat prevention measures were in place, including increasing the number of aid stations that offer water, osmotic sprays, and food from 30 kilometers onward. Additionally, there was on-site medical assistance, such as bedrooms and houses.

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Support the Lions through thick and thin, former Singapore football coach Raddy Avramovic urges fans

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Avramovic is in Singapore for the first time since 2019 as part of an initiative spearheaded by ex-players like former Lions striker Aleksandar Duric and supported by the Football Association of Singapore ( FAS ).

” Miss about effects, I have more happiness when I see those guys. I knew them as teenagers, they are now grown people, serious people and a lot of them stayed ( in football )”, he said.

The Tigers have not yet reached the final of the game, which is now known as the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup, since Avramovic left in 2012.

As regional rivals usurped Singapore as the powerhouse in the area, The Lions ‘ fortunes have fluctuated between wax and wane.

However, Avramovic’s fans still have the same information:” Get behind the team.”

” They should come to support their team, ( it ) doesn’t matter against who they are playing”, he said.

” That means, it may offer more assurance to the players, the players may feel a lot more comfortable, a lot easier to deal with everything on the industry. because they are aware of their followers ‘ support.

This means backing the team actually during lean magic, Avramovic said.

” It’s easy to state:’ This person makes this mistake’. After a sport, everyone is smart– to clever”, he added.

” I don’t believe any person ever makes a mistake to say that he is delighted with what he did in a activity.” That is the moment when you need to help him that he doesn’t make ( that mistake ) again.

” There will be interval when they cannot get, they may bring, they lose. But support them, give them ( a ) chance.”

It is easy to get on a winning group, he added.

” There’s no place saying: ‘ Yeah, I support Singapore when they are winning’. It’s quick,” said the original head coach.

” They need that enable when not everything is correct, that’s when they need that assistance. And I think this group needs that help.”

A total of 12, 391 fans showed up to help the Lions against Cambodia, which surprised Avramovic.

” You need to help your staff, “he added.

” THEY HAVE GOT THE Outcomes”

The Lions have registered a good start to their plan, with a 2-1 get over Cambodia before beating Timor-Leste 3-0.

They are now following in Group A, behind Thailand on objective change. The other group in the class is Malaysia.

A win against Thailand on Tuesday will take Tsutomu Ogura’s people through to the semi-finals.

They would still go through if they lost to Thailand but did pull with Malaysia on Friday. The Lions did advance as a result of two draws in the remaining games.

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Govt intends to stop masking NRIC numbers, apologises for ACRA’s ‘mistake’ of making details available

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After privacy concerns were raised over the new Bizfile portal showing people’s details for free, the government announced early on Saturday ( Dec 14 ) that it plans to change the practice of masking National Registration Identity Card ( NRIC ) numbers.

In response to advertising inquiries, the government said it would make this change “only after explaining the problem and setting the earth.”

But, the&nbsp, Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA )’s new Bizfile&nbsp, website had a search function that produced people’s names and complete NRIC numbers. This new website was launched on December 9 before the state made its plans known.

” We acknowledge that cooperation could have been much but that ACRA’s walk would not have run ahead of the president’s intent”, said MDDI in its speech.

We regret making this error and making people anxious.

Bertha Henson, a former journalist, initially brought up the matter on Twitter. She posted about how easy it was to get NRIC numbers on Bizfile, a online service site for business membership, filing and information. &nbsp,

Some readers of Ms. Henson’s article expressed surprise and concern for the security of their personal information.

On Friday morning, CNA searched the site for a number of users with their titles and complete NRIC figures. When CNA looked up some Cabinet officials on Bizfile, this appeared to work.

Under ACRA’s past system, users may search for people who are business buyers or business users in Singapore. Their titles, as well as their veiled NRIC figures, would turn up in the search results.

People could then pay for the entire set of details about a person, which would include their whole NRIC number as well as an tackle. Some people give the collection a unique contact, such as an office address.

In the business environment, this information is available to assist business transparency and trust.

ACRA acknowledged in a separate speech early on Saturday morning that users no longer had to pay for the information because the new site had displayed a person’s total NRIC variety in the search results.

According to the statement,” This is in line with the larger government effort to stop using masked NRIC numbers.”

ACRA stated that it had “moved ahead with unmasking” in order to provide public education on the appropriate use of NRIC information.

Many people reacted negatively to the new search feature and expressed unease over their full NRIC numbers being made public, the authority said, adding that the search function has been turned off for the time being.

” We apologize for the error and for causing concern in the community. We will continue to update and review the Bizfile portal in order to fulfill our responsibilities as Singapore’s national business register.

When CNA tried to use the search feature early Saturday morning, a pop-up message stated:” This service is temporarily unavailable. We regret the inconvenience that was caused.

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Packaging matters: China’s eco-conscious young shoppers want sustainability. But are there enough options?

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In recent years, some of China’s top online shopping portals and distribution companies have taken action to reduce plastic and paper use and replace non-biodegradable materials with washable boxes and recyclable packaging. &nbsp,

While rival wholesale page JD.com has introduced similar environmental activities focusing on using sustainable packaging and recycling techniques, Taobao, probably China’s most popular shopping program run by the Alibaba Group, has been promoting the use of recyclable presentation through a” Green Parcel Initiative.”

The use of “green package” materials like paper and another biodegradables, rose this year by 20 per cent during the Singles ‘ Day sales time, read a review by&nbsp, Alibaba’s study arm, the Ali Research Institute.

The Cainiao logistics messenger services, which frequently reuses packing materials like paper boxes and uses clean energy to “reduce up to 298, 000 tons of graphite emissions,” was also highlighted in the report. &nbsp,

According to the review, warehouse workers have been “routinely sorting out” and recycling a total of 47.6 million paper boxes. &nbsp,

But such measures are “far from enough” and only &nbsp, “baby stepping”, said Wang Songlin, founder and chairman of the Qingdao Marine Conservation Society ( QMCS), adding that show and food delivery services were also strongly reliant on cheap packaging- most of it single-use.

Guo Liangping, a Senior Research Fellow at the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore, criticized alternative activities and commitments made by Taiwanese e-commerce and delivery firms as “gimmicks.” &nbsp,

Companies use these gimmicks because it’s fashionable and helps improve their ( public ) image, according to the company. But, it means much”, he told CNA. &nbsp,

Some dealers and smaller businesses on the ground still find it challenging to live up to.

The owner of a Brazilian jiu jitsu clothing store on Taobao, who did not wish to be identified, shared her dilemmas of using biodegradable supply bags, which were” too thin and fragile” to carry purchases, especially large sports kits and gear. &nbsp,

“Eco-friendly clothes bags are very thin and tear easily. These bags frequently fall off before they reach the customer, she told CNA, given the difficult vehicles approach from manufacturer to warehouse.

” I do what I can, using more eco-friendly materials, minimising packaging and skipping unnecessary freebies ( but ) I can’t completely avoid plastic right now”, she added.

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Doctor Anywhere slashes workforce by 8% in restructuring push

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SINGAPORE: Healthcare provider Doctor Anywhere ( DA ) has laid off about 45 employees, or 8.1 per cent of its workforce.

” This restructuring is part of a broader effort to adapt to current economic challenges and secure the company’s long-term sustainability”, said Doctor Anywhere on Friday ( Dec 13 ) in response to CNA’s queries.

This difficult choice was made to ensure that DA stays focused on the areas where we can make the most of our clients and partners and in accordance with our goal to create a more affordable and accessible” Hospital Wherever” model in Asia.

The affected tasks had become “duplicative” as the company streamlined its procedures and restructured its tech staff into “leaner, more lean” models, added Doctor Wherever.

When asked how it would help affected workers, it said it would give “enhanced compensation benefits that exceed legal requirements, including compensation pay based on tenure, notice period pay, leave encashment, and extended healthcare coverage where appropriate”.

Doctor Anywhere&nbsp, added that it will also help affected employees with immigration help, where needed. &nbsp,

The company had announced intentions in 2022 to increase its therefore staff of over 450 individuals as well include 200 new jobs to its&nbsp, regional headquarters in Singapore.

Founded in 2017&nbsp, as a Singapore healthcare start-up, it&nbsp, has since grown to become a regional medical service with a reputation in six East Asian countries, including Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia.

Doctor Everywhere, according to its website, offers more than 2.8 million users in the area telemedicine services, as well as seven clinics in Singapore and an included health facility in Orchard Road.

For FY23, it saw an operating loss of S$ 31.1 million ( US$ 23.6 million ), &nbsp, which was an improvement of 17 per cent year on year, &nbsp, several Singapore media outlets, including The Business Times, reported.

CNA has contacted the Ministry of Manpower ( MOM) and the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) for more details regarding the layoffs.

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Death of renowned novelist sparks discussions on elderly support and suicide in Taiwan

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EUTHANASIA DEBATE

Chiung Yao was reportedly in good health when she made the decision to take her own life.

On Nov 28, she dedicated a heartfelt Facebook post to her late husband, renowned publisher Ping Hsin-tao, who died in 2019. The pair shared a deep passion for literature and were married for four decades.

In Ping’s ailing final years, Chiung Yao had a dispute with her stepchildren over whether to continue his intubation.

Since then, she has publicly expressed her support for voluntary euthanasia.

In her parting note, Chiung Yao emphasised her decision came at an old age, after living a fulfilling life teeming with beautiful experiences.

She urged readers never to give up on life lightly, writing: “Momentary setbacks or negative events hone you for a beautiful life.

“I hope you can endure them, like me, and live until 86, 87 years old, until your physical strength fades, before deciding how to face death.

“By then, hopefully, humankind will have found more humane ways to help the elderly leave joyfully.”

Her message has renewed debate about euthanasia, which is illegal in Taiwan.

“Taiwan should have euthanasia because sometimes we just want to leave the world happily,” retiree Rebecca Chen, 70, who grew up reading Chiung Yao’s novels, told CNA. 

Among the messages of sorrow and disbelief under Chiung Yao’s Facebook post were a handful who supported her decision and some who did not.

“Your life is your own decision. I highly support her choice!” said one commenter. 

“I can understand (her) decision. Last year, I also almost made a trip to the other side. I know the feeling of being intubated and confined to the bed,” said another commenter.

“I’m in disbelief… There are so many people who love you. Can’t you see? You are not thinking straight,” a user commented.

“Why did you choose to leave this world? I feel disappointed. Are you not afraid of punishment in the afterlife?” said another commenter.

AGEING IN TAIWAN

Authorities said palliative care and societal support are important to ensure that the elderly are taken care of.

Official data shows those over the age of 65 have the highest suicide rate in Taiwan.

Liu Su Fang, chairwoman of the Taipei branch of the Teacher Chang Foundation, which offers counselling services, said deteriorating mental and physical health are contributing factors.

“The elderly could feel as if they are useless… that they have no value. Some also feel isolated because they live alone. Their children could be working in other cities,” she said.

Currently, more than 20 per cent of those over the age of 65 live alone, and the number is set to increase.

Taiwan has in recent years stepped up efforts in establishing agencies to help the elderly cope with their problems.

Authorities have set up more than 1,600 stations across Taiwan to provide physical and mental support to senior citizens.

The government has also encouraged the construction of more residential buildings and communities that are elderly-friendly, such as ramps and handrails, and activities to keep them occupied.

Initiatives like these are becoming all the more important, as Taiwan is expected to become a super-aged society next year with 20 per cent of its population over 65.

Advocates have urged those with elderly parents or grandparents to pay more attention to their behaviour and mood.

“If elderly people show signs of depression, we should try to let them interact with more people and let them take part in social activities,” said Liu.

“If the condition worsens, they should see a doctor. If people could show more concern by taking them out for meals or interacting more with them, they may feel supported.”

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30 years after making darts history, 70-year-old ‘Singapore Slinger’ Paul Lim continues to achieve new feats

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” It was a blast. I can’t explain it. Until this very day, I also find chills thinking about it”, said Lim, who represented the United States at that event.

He still brilliantly recalls his success to this day.

The money he earned, which considerably exceeded the prize money given to the game winner, also proved useful to Lim, who used it to launch his own arrows company.

While working as a specialist for an electric darts business, he has continued to contend in major competitions.

But he has a unique place in his heart at Lakeside Country Club.

He said,” I was thrilled to get back that after so many years,” this time while waving the Singapore flag.

Going into this season ‘s&nbsp, WDF World Darts Championship, Lim’s goal was to take it one activity at a time– and he saw off challenge after challenge.

” What’s going to happen, you never know. But I go with the intent that I want to perform well”, he said.

Lim won the second two games, beating Hong Kong’s Leung Kai Fan and the Netherlands ‘ Moreno Blom 2-0.

The suit against Leung, a close friend of Lim’s, was particularly strong, he said. Leung had invited Lim to sit at his house while the tournament was being drawn prior to the draw.

He was the person I spent time with, and he was the one who looked after me. It’s usually difficult”, added Lim.

Lim’s tale work continued, as he beat Scotland’s Gary Stone 3-2, Dutchman Jarno Bottenberg 4-3 and American Jason Brandon 5-0.

” I always take my thoughts one step at a time. If I win one step at a time, I’ll be in the final”, said Lim. &nbsp,

However, he failed in his quest to become the oldest arrows world hero on December 8 in&nbsp. McGuirk took home the winner’s cheque of&nbsp, £50, 000 ( US$ 63, 500 ), while Lim collected £16, 000. &nbsp,

” I did prove a point that age is not really a critical thing”, he said.

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