Taiwan’s tech industry taps female talent pool amid labour shortage

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FEW FEMALE EMPLOYEES

Female employees only account for about a third of the workplace in the tech sector, according to MediaTek Foundation executive director Cynthia Feng.

Female graduates make up an even smaller percentage of the workforce in the semiconductor industry and other relevant fields like electrical engineering and technological information, she continued, with 13 to 15 % of graduates in the semiconductor industry. &nbsp,

According to research publications she has published, prejudices may have prevented females from working in the tech sector, she told CNA. &nbsp,

Between the ages of 10 and 14 years old, women “lose involvement in mathematics and tech because of the perception of their roles in society or lack of confidence in their own skills,” she said.

Now, MediaTek’s female employees account for 20 per share of its entire workplace- a proportion it is looking to increase in a bid to improve innovation.

” Adding children’s opinions may help to find a more creative and complete solution to a problem,” she said. &nbsp,

Additionally, it wants to hire more women to complete the gender gaps in the workforce because the tech sector is struggling with a talent shortage as a result of a declining birth rate and increased competition from foreign tech giants. More than 50 % of Taiwan’s technology companies are hiring, according to a recent study conducted by a neighborhood job bank.

Now, there are more than 100, 000 job opportunities merely for technicians.

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China’s eateries slash prices by up to half to woo diners hungry for value, but at what cost?

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According to spectators, a competitive environment is compelled to provide more value to extremely budget-conscious diners, particularly as the economy is deteriorating and prices are rising, making it more difficult for consumers to tighten their belts.

They also warn against continuing cost reductions from the perspective of the company. Eating establishments also need to make sure their food and service requirements are upheld, in order for their popularity to suffer. &nbsp,

According to Mr. Daniel Zipser, who leads McKinsey’s customer and financial function in Asia, “winners will be those who adapt quickly to new market trends and are adaptable to consumer demands with excellent service level.”

THE QUEST FOR Price

From cuisine to espresso, F&amp, B manufacturers have been slashing costs to get exceedingly budget-conscious diners in a competitive marketplace. &nbsp,

Among them is high-end diner network Hefu Noodle, which announced price reductions in June. A standard dish of pasta costs between 16 and 29 renminbi for members, almost half the price of a regular bowl of noodles when the company was founded in 2012 when Beijing Business Today first launched.

However, common Taiwanese-style cuisine network Xiabu Xiabu announced in May that the prices of its new list would “return to the ancient days”.

According to local media website Guangzhou Daily, average set meal prices that have decreased by more than 10 %, with a single food costing 58 yuan on average and a double meal costing 130 yuan.

The latest developments have sparked conversation on Taiwanese social media platforms. A netizen remarked,” Cuisine prices are falling faster than the heat of the broth.

Local diners are slashing costs, and international fast food chains are also bucking the trend. According to a report released on August 4 by the state-run newspaper Global Times, US fast food giant Burger King is pricing its unique burgers at 9.9 yuan each, almost a fourth of what it was originally priced at.

In the area of caffeine, which Reuters reported in May, Starbucks has increased the number of discount deals being offered nationwide. Belinda Wong, the CEO of Starbucks China, stated in January that the business is” not interested in entering the rate battle.”

According to experts, the price cuts are intended to entice customers because consumer spending is sucked in by the nation’s second-largest economy’s economic and labor market problems. &nbsp,

According to a research report released by Daxue Consulting in April, the latest craze for customers in China is to look for value-for-money choices.

Of the 1, 000 survey respondents, 32.6 per share viewed value as the top concern. Second was the presence of particular recipes, followed by the restaurant’s general atmosphere. &nbsp,

The current trend of pricing is not a passing cycle, and is a reaction to major shifts in the market, said Ms Ashley Dudarenok, chairman of China-focused digital firm ChoZan.

She also made note of the fact that consumer choices for the Foreign F&amp, B business vary considerably depending on the individual and the time party.

According to a survey conducted by McKinsey &amp, Company at the end of 2023, client attitudes in industrial China varied significantly between different age groups.

The Gen Zs, aged 18 to 25, exhibit a more “optimistic” perspective on their economic prospects, leading them to spend more on excellent services that offer personal and social significance. &nbsp,

In comparison, the rising middle class in primary- and second-tier towns, especially those aged 26 to 41, tends to follow a more traditional approach to investing, particularly on F&amp, B. &nbsp,

This is often due to their financial agreements, such as children’s education and loan payments, said Mr Zipser.

Better Swallows, BUT AT WHAT COST?

Experts warn that such actions may not be responsible in the long run despite F&amp, B companies dangling discounts and promotions to give consumers more for their penny.

According to Mr. Zipser, the effects on company loyalty and long-term success is questionable, particularly if lower prices come with a price.

” Consumers are looking for price choices, but compromising on service quality can quickly damage a company’s picture”, he said.

Ms Chen, the hotpot standard who frequents chain restaurant brands, said that based on her observations, outlets scarcely maintain portion sizes after reducing prices, even if the quality of food stays the same.

” For example, after Tai Er ( known for its Chinese sauerkraut fish ) lowered its prices, the portion size of its signature pickled fish dish became smaller”, she claimed.

In a Jul 19 report from the Chinese financial paper The Securities Times, Jiumaojiu acknowledged that the exclusive pursuit of low prices is “unsustainable.” &nbsp,

The catering business added that it would instead” continue to maintain the product value-for-money ratio while achieving a balance between quality and price.”

Similarly, Haidilao does n’t see lower prices as the pivotal factor in attracting business, even as it comes out with more budget ventures.

The Chinese hotpot chain first introduced Xiao Hai Hotpot last year, which the company claims is aimed at offering affordable yet high-quality hotpot options. Customers have each spent under 80 yuan on average, it added.

According to popular review and rating app Dianping, checks by CNA found that a 54-yuan value for an individual weekday lunch hotpot set meal coupon at Xiao Hai Hotpot is comparable to a children’s meal coupon, which is only valid for 0. 9 yuan.
 

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‘A fresh start’: Singapore Sports School’s Kallang move will boost larger ecosystem, say current and ex-students

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While he was a student at the Sports School, original world champion Loh Kean Yew may also travel to and from Kallang and Woodlands.

” I needed to think:’ May I be staying at Woodlands, or if I be staying at Kallang? “,” Loh, who was pursuing a certification that Republic Polytechnic and SSP simultaneously offered, recalled Loh.

In order to save money, he finally occupied a place with his brother in the Geylang region and cycled to teaching.

Liew, the sprinter, said:”( The ride ) takes away a lot of time for athletes to recover and sleep and even do work. “

A more visible location will protect time- and even mean that more students may choose to never board at the school, she added, nothing that it can be” very limiting” spending almost all of one’s time in the same environment.

” You do n’t get as much time with family members; companions from inside,” she explained. I believe I would have been a little happier student-athlete if I had the opportunity to attend Sports School and return home. “

The open-water sprinter added that the school’s location in Kallang could draw in more kids and, possibly, expand the possibilities for partnerships with other educational institutions.

The centralization of the various sports ‘ training facilities at Kallang, according to Mr. Hairul Sahril, whose daughter will join SSP in the following year, will also result in fewer student-athletes having to travel to the individual program record.

AN EXTRA PUSH

The SSP’s transfer to Kallang will likewise give student-athletes the opportunity to learn from Team Singapore players who are also training nearby.

The athlete’s degree will likely increase the more they gather in one place, according to former federal soldier and two-time earth champion Darren Choy.

Amita Berthier, a two-time Gymnast, predicted a perfect environment for SSP kids.

When you are surrounded by people who share your goals or had achieved excellent outcomes. You soon look up to them,” said the fighter.

” That’s just the nature of sports in general. You try to find inspiration. And I believe this will undoubtedly give the kids more encouragement because it can be a little tiresome when you’re in Woodlands in the middle of nothing.

” ( With the move ), it’s like, refreshing… a new start. “

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StarHub broadband service disrupted in many areas across Singapore

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SINGAPORE: StarHub customers in numerous areas of Singapore reported issues with their broadband service on Tuesday night ( Aug 20 ). Some people complained about slow internet connection, while others claimed they had no access to any kind of services. &nbsp,

As of 9 p.m., more than 7, 000 reports were made to the Downdetector failure monitoring system. &nbsp,

StarHub stated in a Facebook article at around 8 p.m. that it was conscious that some consumers may be experiencing “disruptions” to their broadband service.

” Our team is working to resolve the problem immediately. We apologize for the inconvenience and may keep you informed as soon as possible.

By around 8.50pm, Star Hub’s Facebook post had garnered more than 600 comments.

Problems were reported by Twitter users in areas like as&nbsp, Pasir Ris, Woodlands, Bukit Batok, Jurong, Hougang, East Coast, Boon Keng, Dover, Tampines, Choa Chu Kang, Kovan, Bukit Merah, River Valley, Toa Payoh, Yio Chu Kang, Simei, Telok Blangah, Commonwealth and Boon Lay.

CNA has contacted StarHub for more information.

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Tightening of HDB loan limits will have limited impact on property market in the long run, say analysts

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Property analysts CNA spoke to on Tuesday ( Aug 20 ) and said the tightening of the Housing and Development Board ( HDB) loan limits may slow down demand in the short term but it will have a small impact on prices in the long run.

Late on Monday, HDB and the Ministry of National Development ( MND ) announced that the loan-to-value ( LTV ) cap for HDB loans will be lowered from 80 % to 75 %, thereby lowering the maximum amount that home buyers can borrow from HDB. &nbsp,

Since December 2021, when the LTV for HDB loans was lowered from 90 % to 85 %, this set of property cooling measures is the fourth. It was &nbsp, further reduce to 80 per cent&nbsp, in September 2022.

Mr Lee Sze Teck, top producer of data analysis at Huttons, said&nbsp, the sale need may decrease briefly in the near term as purchasers take inventory of the new measures.

But, over time, he said demand will return and costs will continue to rise.

Mr Lee added that an estimated 7, 000 cottages may reach their maximum job time ( MOP) next yr- lower than this year’s estimated 12, 000 cottages. As such, &nbsp, he said HDB resale prices may continue to rise next year.

There is also a “possibility” that there may be more gains in the prices of two-room and three-room resale flats, according to Mr Lee. &nbsp,

He claimed that most buyers for four-bedroom and larger flats do not see an increase in grants and use bank loans for their purchases, so the most recent cooling measures are of” no difference to them.”

However, prices are likely to increase as a result of the lower supply of 4- and 5-bedroom apartments that are currently available on the open market after passing the MOP ( minimal occupation period ).

Mr. Nicholas Mak, the chief research officer at property technology portal Mogul, shared his thoughts. Sg, who agreed that the measures will have a constrained effect on the market. &nbsp,

” It will probably slow down the rising prices of HDB flats but… this measure cannot be used alone, it has to be used in conjunction with… a steady, strong supply of Build-to-Order ( BTO ) flats because this measure only addresses the demand side of the equation, it does not address supply side”, said Mr Mak. &nbsp,

He added that those who are currently in financial predicaments will be affected by the tightening of loan limits.

” This group will try to max out their loan-to-value ratio, their total debt servicing ratio… to buy the HDB flat”, he said.

FINANCIAL PRUDENCY

In a television interview with CNA presenter Elizabeth Neo, Professor&nbsp, Sing Tien Foo, &nbsp, provost’s chair professor in the real estate department at the National University of&nbsp, Singapore’s business school, said the reduction in loan-to-value limit can help to boost financial prudency of buyers especially in the HDB resale market. &nbsp,

He noted that in the first two quarters of this year, HDB resale property prices increased by about 4 % &nbsp.

” A lot of these are driven by the mature HDB market transactions, especially the more expensive transactions in the first half of the year” ,&nbsp, said Prof Sing. &nbsp,

I believe that this action is intended to actually slow down or stabilize the resale market rather than to dampen property prices, particularly in the resale market.

He questioned whether additional steps could be taken to reduce the private property sector, despite the high prices that are still present. &nbsp,

” I believe it’s crucial to actually keep an eye on the situation without actually making too early an intervention. At the moment, I think this can actually bring uncertainty to the market”.

RAISING OF GRANTS COUNTERINTUITIVE?

The enhanced&nbsp, Central Provident Fund ( CPF ) Housing Grant, which will see eligible&nbsp, first-timer families get up to&nbsp, S$ 120, 000, up from the current&nbsp, S$ 80, 000 limit, will benefit lower-income groups the most, said property analysts. &nbsp,

With no restrictions on the location or type of flat, the amounts are distributed according to household income.

Depending on the monthly household income, the increase will range from S$ 5, 000 to S$ 40, 000 for families and from S$ 2, 500 to S$ 20, 000 for singles, with higher increases for lower-income households who require more support.

” The cooling measures (tightening of HDB loan limits ) is a broad-based measure, regardless of income level, but at least the grants will help to cushion this for the lower income bracket. The lower their income, the bigger the cushion”, said Mr Mak.

Ms&nbsp, Christine Sun, chief researcher&nbsp, and strategist at OrangeTee Group, noted the measures seem to be” carefully calibrated”.

Despite the lower LTV, those who require financial assistance, such as those in the lower income groups and first-time buyers who are eligible, will still be able to afford an HDB flat because they will be receiving more assistance, she said, in the form of the enhanced CPF Housing Grant. &nbsp,

” This is a good move as the measures will likely be more targeted”, Ms Sun added.

Mr Lee said this might also, conversely, encourage some buyers to spend more on their house. &nbsp,

” When you increase the grant, there’s a possibility that people can take this amount… and pay more or the seller may ask for more money”, he said. &nbsp,

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Giving birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy: How a premature birth affects a mum’s physical and mental health

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The long-term effects of stress from a pre-term baby may also be felt in a parent’s mental health. A 2014 study of 183 children born very pre-term ( Week 30 or earlier ) showed that when these pre-term babies turned seven, their parents were more likely to exhibit moderate to severe anxiety symptoms compared with parents of full-term babies.

They even reported higher levels of depression, poorer home working, and ultimately higher rates of family stress.

Nevertheless, not every pre-term delivery results in such problems. ” Long-term medical implications vary based on the circumstances surrounding their delivery,” said Dr. Sharon Foo, consultant obstetrician and gynecologist and maternal-foetal medicine specialist from Thomson Specialists ( Paragon ).

Research indicates that there are n’t major problems in the long run for parents who had spontaneous preterm delivery. It is crucial to take into account each case’s particular environment.

HELP FOR Mother OF PRE-TERM Children

For mothers, and their immediate family and friends, strong assessment and recommendation to healthcare professionals — be it their doctor, a counselor, or other specialists— are essential for long-term wellbeing and intellectual well-being.

Dr. Foo emphasized the value of family support and a nurturing care setting. Subjective research has identified emotional effects, including what mothers describe as ‘ shattered expectations’,’ helplessness and horror’, and fear about’ the infant’s vulnerable health’ and ‘ the need to adjust to the birth and care of a pre-term infant’ as vital anxieties these mothers face,” she said.

To lessen their fear of the unknown, Dr. Lee at SGH suggests that mothers who are at risk of a preterm delivery visit the NICU.

” At SGH, we refer these women to Neonatology colleagues for counselling. They will be given details about the likelihood of neonatal survival and hear about the timing and duration of the births.

Couples will also be informed about what to expect after the birth of the baby and how to care for them while the baby is still young.

Dr. Lee also advised speaking with other preemie parents to learn more about their journey and find inspiration, focusing on bringing their healthy baby home.

Dr Foo added that there are support groups, parenting websites, and mental wellness therapy available. Ultimately, it is important to recognise that self-care comes in many forms — getting sufficient sleep, eating well, and engaging in movement to kick-start recovery. &nbsp,Continue Reading

Payout of S,000 for the involuntarily unemployed meant to keep ‘handout dependency’ at bay, say experts

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SINGAPORE: The amount of monetary assistance for the unconscious unemployed&nbsp, is meant to support applicants while ensuring that happiness dominance does not kick in, said&nbsp, academics and sociologists. &nbsp,

Under the new&nbsp, SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme, lower- and middle-income workers who have lost their jobs would get up to S$ 6, 000 ( US$ 4, 600 ) over a period of up to six months. &nbsp,

This was announced by&nbsp, Prime Minister&nbsp, Lawrence Wong during his&nbsp, National Day Rally speech on Sunday ( Aug 18 ), in a major shift in Singapore’s approach towards helping the unemployed.

Eligible jobseekers&nbsp, may furthermore do their part by going for education, job training and job matching solutions.

According to experts, financial aid may be provided for an excessive amount of time or for an excessive amount of time, which could lead to unwanted outcomes.

According to Mr. Christopher Gee, deputy director at the Institute of Policy Studies ( IPS), if the amount is too high, behaviors may change and a worker’s motivation to pursue a job search may decline.

” Moreover, the higher the amount of financial help, the more expensive the project will be”, said Mr Gee, who is also a senior research fellow heading the Governance and Economy office.

According to sociologists, retrenched employees are likely to need to use their savings or rely on family members for assistance with the highest monthly budget of up to S$ 1, 000. &nbsp,

” If it is just at most S$ 1, 000 a month, then it is best seen as a key amounts, particularly with the prices that is still with us, and so unlikely to result to a perspective of happiness dependency”, he said.

Dr. Tan, who serves as an alternative principal research fellow and educational director at Social Lab at IPS, said,” The calculate seems more like a symbolic gesture, sticking close to the basics of self-help as the first line of defense.” &nbsp, &nbsp,

Manpower Minister Tan See Leng&nbsp, will provide more information about the new system.

The program would assist retrenched Singaporeans who were formerly earning an average monthly income of less than S$ 5, 000 while they seek out a new career, according to the Workforce Singapore website on Monday morning.

Nevertheless, as of 3pm on Monday, the S$ 5, 000 number was removed, and the site stated that the program is for “lower- to middle-income retrenched Singapore people”. &nbsp,

Responding to CNA’s queries, a spokesperson from WSG said:” More details of the scheme will be made known at ( the Ministry of Manpower’s ) upcoming announcement and details of the event will be made known very soon” .&nbsp,

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Indonesia’s President Jokowi reshuffles Cabinet two months before term ends, but critics question if changes are necessary

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TWO MONTHS BEFORE JOKOWI ENDS THE MOVE

The change, according to observers, is too small for the ministers to be effective in their work because it is only two months until Mr. Jokowi’s term ends.

” This change is needless. To maximize achievements and efficiency, the federal should concentrate on the remaining two months, according to Mr. Agung.

The Jokowi federal claimed the change would facilitate the transition of power.

“( The reshuffle ) is needed to prepare and support the transition of government to run well, smoothly and effectively”, Presidential Special Staff Coordinator Ari Dwipayana said on Monday, as quoted by Detik.

According to Mr. Agung, it was possible that those chosen on Monday would provide in Mr. Prabowo’s administration. ” Finally, they can be in line with his plans. But if they are replaced again ( in the Prabowo government ), then this ( reshuffle ) will be redundant”, Mr Agung said.

But, Mr. Ray claimed that there was no guarantee that Mr. Prabowo may continue to work with Mr. Jokowi once he took over. &nbsp,

” Jokowi is brave enough, when he disagrees he may openly declare it”, Mr Ray said.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO OTHER PDI-P Ministries

There are still three PDI-P officials in Mr Jokowi’s case, including the cabinet minister, but watchers suspect that they will not be affected by any additional alterations, as their positions are not proper, unlike the secretary of law and human rights.

” That is Jokowi’s authority. But sometimes because Yasona had made a deadly mistake, he was replaced. All parties want to keep the Ministry of Law and Human Rights ‘ corporate status because all their celebration disputes, including those involving rivals, will get resolved through the government, Mr. Ujang told CNA.

At the same time, keeping some PDI-P officials in the Cabinet could also be piece of Mr Jokowi’s plan. ” The aim is that for PDIP to be half-hearted in criticism, it should not be allowed to disrupt the balance of the state”, Mr Ray said.

With 16.72 percentage of the vote, PDI-P won the parliamentary elections in February. Following in second and third place were Mr Prabowo’s supporting coalition parties, Golkar ( 15.28 per cent ) and Gerindra ( 13.22 per cent ). &nbsp,

PDI-P has no stated whether it will add the ruling partnership or form the opposition. The group congress that will take place next year will decide PIDI-P’s place.

The group, chaired by Ms Megawati Soekarnoputri, the child of Indonesia’s primary leader Soekarno, has also but to remark on the overhaul.

” Would the reaction be severe, or did they just watch? They may even remove all their officials”, Mr Agung said.

Mr. Ray added that the modifications might even stifle PDI-P’s desire to further criticize Mr. Jokowi.

” PDI-P may be freer and will no longer have the discomfort to denounce Jokowi”, Mr Ray said.

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Malaysia VEP information counter opens at Singapore’s Woodlands industrial park, despite no public announcement on location

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Singapore’s first-ever information counter for drivers to inquire about Malaysia’s Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP ) was launched on Monday ( Aug 19 ) without much fanfare because the only driver CNA who met there by noon had only learned about its location from a friend. &nbsp,

TCSens, the vendor chosen by Malaysia’s Road Transport Department ( JPJ) to handle inquiries from Singapore drivers, made no public announcement regarding the exact location of the office in Woodlands, nor by the authorities there. &nbsp,

A staff member at the TCSens business in Johor’s Danga Bay second let CNA know about the office’s place.

When CNA arrived at 8.45am, the company, which is located at 186 Woodlands Industrial Park E5, was clear. No evidence indicating that the location was the VEP data center were displayed at the office, nor did there are no waiting drivers it. &nbsp,

The building’s table list, however, listed the second floor system as” MY VEP PTE LTD”. &nbsp,

A VEP details shop will be set up in Woodlands earlier this month, according to Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke, to assist individuals with their queries. &nbsp,

He stated at the time that a Singaporean company would run the shop in partnership with TCSens.

On Monday, team people running the heart arrived at about 8.47am to set up activities. &nbsp,

Six data counters, six chairs, a TV screen, and six information counters were visible inside the company. &nbsp,

But, no vehicles were seen at the workplace in the first hours of operation. &nbsp,

At about 10.20am, a vehicle arrived at the office to check about his VEP program.

A friend who visited TCSens ‘ Johor Bahru office and inquired about the beginning of the Singapore company contacted Mr. Jackson Tan, a private-hire drivers, to inform CNA of the information. &nbsp,

” Even on the Malaysia side, they only told my friend ( the address )… Not even the unit number ( of the office )”, the 55-year-old told CNA. &nbsp,

The Woodlands office’s director, Mr. Ng Poh Heng, claimed it was purely an “enquiry center.”

The company is here to assist Singaporeans who have issues and problems with applying for the VEP online, which is required to provide Malaysia.

Because the center is an enquiry center, Singaporeans do n’t have to travel all the way to Johor Bahru to get it done. So whatever issues they have, they can request it these face-to-face, “he said.

CNA is aware that drivers ca n’t install or collect their radio frequency identification ( RFID ) tags at the office.

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After 3 surgeries for scoliosis, she started a support group: ‘I was once like you. I can give you some hope’

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Extreme scoliosis you press the heart and lungs, and affect their ability to fully functionality, said Liew. After taking her O-Level test, Liew underwent spinal fusion surgery to treat her physical appearance and prevent health issues.

To prevent growth in the unusual segment of the spine and stop the curvature from growing, the surgeons fuse the curved spine ( the bones that stack up to form the backbone ) into a good bone.

This involves placing small pieces of bone in between the bones that are to be fused in a tooth bone. The back is kept in place until the integration occurs through metal rod. After the merging, the shafts are no longer needed, but are not generally removed unless they cause problems.

It was a major procedure, and the 16-year-old was rightly worried.

” Those were the weeks before Twitter. No single we knew had scoliosis”, Liew recalled.

The mother of Liew’s buddy, a friend in her 30s who had had this operation, looked round and discovered her. She met me and assured me that a normal life could be direct after surgery. That gave me a lot of hope and confidence. I knew that I was never alone”, Liew said.

Putting off the concern, she underwent the eight-hour operation.

” I cried post-surgery because of the tremendous pain. I had a sense that something was on my back when I woke up. I could n’t turn. I struggled to breathe. I had to learn how to walk again”, she said.

However, the procedure was powerful and ended her spine to a slight curvature.

” I told myself, this is my career – I am reformed and transformed. This shaft will be my long companion”, she said. ” If you are more accepting of the situation, you will be able to restore faster”.

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