GE2025: Ong Ye Kung to lead PAP's Sembawang GRC team, including 2 new faces Gabriel Lam and Ng Shi Xuan
Singapore
Both newcomers hail from the private sector, bringing "dynamism", "resourcefulness" and "enterprise" to the Sembawang team, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung.
SINGAPORE: Health Minister Ong Ye Kung on Tuesday (Apr 22) formally confirmed the People's Action Party (PAP) slate for Sembawang GRC, which includes two new candidates Ng Shi Xuan and Gabriel Lam.
Mr Ong had first introduced Mr Ng, 36, and Mr Lam, 43, on Mar 29 during a community event at Bukit Canberra, although he stopped short of confirming if they would be fielded at the time.
On Monday, Mr Ong put up a video on social media on Monday featuring all five candidates. The other members of the Sembawang team are Mr Vikram Nair, who has served in the ward for three terms, and one-term MP Mariam Jaafar.
Introducing Mr Ng and Mr Lam on Tuesday, Mr Ong said: 'I hope they bring that dynamism, that resourcefulness, that enterprise, into this community and help residents get things done, because in Sembawang, a lot of things has to be done."
Dr Lim Wee Kiak, a four-term MP, was absent from the event. Mr Ong said he could not confirm if Dr Lim will be retiring.
"He has been a dear friend, a dear comrade, both as well as a colleague, dear friend, because we are really personal friends.
"He has served four terms in this area, and I think is right for me during the Canberra Day to pay him a proper tribute. And I think it is also right of us to return him to his family and his private practice," said Mr Ong, referring to an event earlier this month where he hailed Dr Lim's contributions.
Dr Lim, an ophthalmologist, has been in politics since 2006 contesting in various GRCs. He entered politics as part of the Sembawang team, then moved to Nee Soon GRC in 2011.
His Canberra ward returned to Sembawang in 2015 and he has been in the GRC since then.
As for former Sembawang MP Poh Li San, she will be contesting in Sembawang West SMC, a new ward that was carved out following the redrawing of electoral boundaries.
Also spotted in the crowd on Tuesday's slate introduction for Sembawang GRC was former Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Raj Joshua Thomas, who had earlier announced that he will not stand in the upcoming General Election. Mr Thomas was dressed in his party's colours, with a PAP symbol pinned to his white outfit.
He was one of two NMPs who resigned before their parliamentary terms ended on Feb 14. The other person is Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, who has been formally introduced as a potential candidate for Nee Soon GRC.
In the 2020 General Election, the PAP team won against a National Solidarity Party (NSP) team with a vote share of 67.29 per cent.
SDP, which had contested in Sembawang in the past but did not do so in the last two general elections, has unveiled a team led by party vice-chairman Bryan Lim to stand in the ward for the 2025 polls.
NSP has also declared it will send a team there, setting the scene for a three-cornered fight in the ward, which has 133,919 voters. Mr Ng Shi Xuan at Beaulieu House in Sembawang Park on Apr 22, 2025. (Photo: CNA/Wallace Woon)
Mr Ng is the director of battery company Powermark Battery & Hardware and used to be a public servant.
He had previously volunteered in MacPherson SMC for 10 years, and was vice-chairman of the MacPherson Youth Network. Mr Gabriel Lam at Beaulieu House in Sembawang Park on Apr 22, 2025. (Photo: CNA/Wallace Woon)
Mr Lam is the chief operating officer of moving company Shalom International Movers.
While new to Sembawang GRC, he had previously volunteered at Chong Pang (Nee Soon GRC) and at a rehabilitation centre.
This article will be updated. Please refresh for the latest. GE2025 Sembawang GRC Ong Ye Kung
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AsiaOne
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More younger Singaporeans are getting Botox and collagen shots. How effective and safe are they?, Lifestyle News
SINGAPORE — Slightly over a year ago, Ms Caitlin Lim noticed the circles around her eyes were getting darker. She visited an aesthetic clinic in the hope of a solution and took up the doctor's suggestion to use fillers. "I had never considered injectables because I'm scared of needles, but I thought that I'd just try it," said the marketing executive, now 28. "The lack of fat around my cheeks created shadows under my eyes, and the fillers really made a difference." A small volume of gel-like substance, injected just above her cheekbones, settled her concerns and made her face look fresh and plump, she said. Like Ms Lim, a growing number of people in Singapore in their 20s and 30s are getting injectables to improve their facial appearances. Some of these cosmetic enhancements have long carried the stigma of creating an unnatural appearance, partly because of the use of Botox by Hollywood celebrities who experienced less-than-desired results due to a range of factors. These may include incorrect techniques or over-treatment, dermatologists told The Straits Times. A loss of muscle and decrease in their strength, reduced effectiveness over time, and even addiction or over-reliance on injectables are some other concerns that have been raised over such treatments. Yet dermatologists and aestheticians told ST that they have observed an increase of between 10 per cent and 20 per cent in Singapore among those in their 20s and 30s using injectables for cosmetic reasons since 2020. This mirrors a global trend: A report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons showed that from 2022 to 2023, there was a nine per cent increase in the number of people aged 20 to 29 who received botulinum toxin — commonly known as Botox — or similar treatments, and an eight per cent increase in those who received hyaluronic acid fillers. These treatments include the use of fillers and collagen boosters, which replenish skin moisture and firmness. They do not have permanent effects, and injections are administered quarterly or yearly, with the frequency varying across procedures. The costs of these treatments vary widely, depending on factors such as the amount of substance used and location of the injection. Botox treatments typically cost from $300, while fillers usually range between $600 and $1,000. While getting the fillers done, Ms Lim also received shots of Botox into her jaw and forehead. The doctor had told her the treatment would help her achieve a tighter facial appearance, she said. "After Botox and fillers, the results were so good that I wanted to try more procedures," said Ms Lim, who tried Rejuran, an injectable skin rejuvenation treatment, at a following session. These days, Botox is no longer used by just older people to melt wrinkles or frown lines, or by celebrities desperate to "freeze" the ageing process. Younger patients often receive Botox jabs to make tweaks to their appearances, said Dr Sean Leong, a consultant dermatologist at Livingstone Dermatology clinic. For instance, some of his patients get Botox injected into the muscles of their jawlines to achieve a slimmer face shape, said Dr Leong. "A little Botox can also lift one's mouth shape for a friendlier appearance, so the person doesn't look angry all the time," he added. Dr Joseph Toh, a dermatologist at the Parkway MediCentre Dermatology Clinic, said Botox might delay the formation of deep wrinkles by relaxing and reducing the movement of facial muscles. It can also be used to alleviate teeth grinding, he added. Dr Evelyn Tay, founder and consultant dermatologist at Lumine Dermatology & Laser Clinic, said that collagen boosters such as Rejuran and Profhilo can be used to lighten the appearance of depressed acne scars and give one's face a lifted appearance respectively. Injectables are also less invasive — and less intimidating — than cosmetic surgery. A smaller face is achievable with shots of Botox, and a higher nose bridge can be created with fillers, added Dr Tay. Ms Serene Lam, 25, who first had Botox injected into her jaw in 2024 as she wanted a V-shaped face, appreciates the impermanence of these treatments. "Surgery is irreversible, but if you do Botox or fillers and you don't like it, you can wait for it to dissolve," said Ms Lam, who gets Botox injections every four to six months. Social media has raised the awareness of the availability of these options as alternatives to skincare or cosmetic surgery, said doctors. "When young people look at influencers who are promoting these treatments to achieve an appearance of glowy and glass-like skin, they are usually more receptive and want to start early," said Dr Tay. Fitness instructor Mandalyn Tan, 28, first received shots of Rejuran in 2023 and goes for boosters every three months. She said that she was "desperate for a solution" to stop her acne breakouts. "My bad skin affected my self-esteem quite a lot." The injections have reduced the appearance of her acne scars and dark eye circles, and smoothened her skin, she said. Although she was initially afraid of judgment from the public, Ms Tan went on to review her experiences with different skincare procedures on social media platform Lemon8. "There are so many influencers and celebrities paid to market skincare products, which I used to spend a lot of money on in my early 20s," she said. "I feel that I have the responsibility to be transparent and share what works and what doesn't with the people around me." Moderation, research is crucial While dermatologists say such treatments can be safe and give patients a confidence boost, they also caution against being excessive. But as with any injections, these treatments run the risk of side effects such as bruising, swelling and bleeding. In rare and severe cases, fillers might also cause blindness, said Dr Leong. Patients must be mindful to exercise moderation. People who start getting Botox and fillers may find it hard to stop, said Dr Tay. "Sometimes you might forget what you originally look like — this is called perception drift — and you keep thinking you need more fillers." Younger people, who are frequently on social media, might also chase a standard of beauty perpetuated online — a sharp face, and full lips and temples. "It's quite sad, because beauty is a very diverse thing," she said. Dr Toh said too much Botox at a young age may lead to a loss of muscle and a decrease in their strength. One's body may also develop antibodies against Botox and its effectiveness may be reduced over time, although such cases are rare, he added. Dr Leong said injecting too much Botox and fillers may also result in an unnatural-looking face. "Too much Botox might make your face look frozen, or make you look shocked all the time," he said. "Patients who get more fillers than they require might end up looking puffy." Dermatologists noted that some patients travel abroad — mainly to South Korea or Thailand — to get these treatments and warned that due diligence in ensuring that the clinics are reputable and have qualified professionals should be done. "The last thing you want is a non-medical person injecting fillers in your face," said Dr Tay, adding that research on relevant substances should also be done beforehand, as some might not be approved in Singapore due to safety reasons. While injectables may produce almost immediate results, they should remain a supplement to good skincare practices, said Dr Tay. Sun protection, using active skincare ingredients such as vitamin C or retinol, cleansing your face thoroughly and a healthy diet and lifestyle are integral to maintaining good skin, she said. "If you get all these treatments but don't maintain your skincare routine, you're back to square one." [[nid:716514]] This article was first published in The Straits Times . Permission required for reproduction.
AsiaOne
12 hours ago
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More younger Singaporeans are getting Botox and collagen shots. How effective and safe are they?, Singapore News
SINGAPORE — Slightly over a year ago, Ms Caitlin Lim noticed the circles around her eyes were getting darker. She visited an aesthetic clinic in the hope of a solution and took up the doctor's suggestion to use fillers. "I had never considered injectables because I'm scared of needles, but I thought that I'd just try it," said the marketing executive, now 28. "The lack of fat around my cheeks created shadows under my eyes, and the fillers really made a difference." A small volume of gel-like substance, injected just above her cheekbones, settled her concerns and made her face look fresh and plump, she said. Like Ms Lim, a growing number of people in Singapore in their 20s and 30s are getting injectables to improve their facial appearances. Some of these cosmetic enhancements have long carried the stigma of creating an unnatural appearance, partly because of the use of Botox by Hollywood celebrities who experienced less-than-desired results due to a range of factors. These may include incorrect techniques or over-treatment, dermatologists told The Straits Times. A loss of muscle and decrease in their strength, reduced effectiveness over time, and even addiction or over-reliance on injectables are some other concerns that have been raised over such treatments. Yet dermatologists and aestheticians told ST that they have observed an increase of between 10 per cent and 20 per cent in Singapore among those in their 20s and 30s using injectables for cosmetic reasons since 2020. This mirrors a global trend: A report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons showed that from 2022 to 2023, there was a nine per cent increase in the number of people aged 20 to 29 who received botulinum toxin — commonly known as Botox — or similar treatments, and an eight per cent increase in those who received hyaluronic acid fillers. These treatments include the use of fillers and collagen boosters, which replenish skin moisture and firmness. They do not have permanent effects, and injections are administered quarterly or yearly, with the frequency varying across procedures. The costs of these treatments vary widely, depending on factors such as the amount of substance used and location of the injection. Botox treatments typically cost from $300, while fillers usually range between $600 and $1,000. While getting the fillers done, Ms Lim also received shots of Botox into her jaw and forehead. The doctor had told her the treatment would help her achieve a tighter facial appearance, she said. "After Botox and fillers, the results were so good that I wanted to try more procedures," said Ms Lim, who tried Rejuran, an injectable skin rejuvenation treatment, at a following session. These days, Botox is no longer used by just older people to melt wrinkles or frown lines, or by celebrities desperate to "freeze" the ageing process. Younger patients often receive Botox jabs to make tweaks to their appearances, said Dr Sean Leong, a consultant dermatologist at Livingstone Dermatology clinic. For instance, some of his patients get Botox injected into the muscles of their jawlines to achieve a slimmer face shape, said Dr Leong. "A little Botox can also lift one's mouth shape for a friendlier appearance, so the person doesn't look angry all the time," he added. Dr Joseph Toh, a dermatologist at the Parkway MediCentre Dermatology Clinic, said Botox might delay the formation of deep wrinkles by relaxing and reducing the movement of facial muscles. It can also be used to alleviate teeth grinding, he added. Dr Evelyn Tay, founder and consultant dermatologist at Lumine Dermatology & Laser Clinic, said that collagen boosters such as Rejuran and Profhilo can be used to lighten the appearance of depressed acne scars and give one's face a lifted appearance respectively. Injectables are also less invasive — and less intimidating — than cosmetic surgery. A smaller face is achievable with shots of Botox, and a higher nose bridge can be created with fillers, added Dr Tay. Ms Serene Lam, 25, who first had Botox injected into her jaw in 2024 as she wanted a V-shaped face, appreciates the impermanence of these treatments. "Surgery is irreversible, but if you do Botox or fillers and you don't like it, you can wait for it to dissolve," said Ms Lam, who gets Botox injections every four to six months. Social media has raised the awareness of the availability of these options as alternatives to skincare or cosmetic surgery, said doctors. "When young people look at influencers who are promoting these treatments to achieve an appearance of glowy and glass-like skin, they are usually more receptive and want to start early," said Dr Tay. Fitness instructor Mandalyn Tan, 28, first received shots of Rejuran in 2023 and goes for boosters every three months. She said that she was "desperate for a solution" to stop her acne breakouts. "My bad skin affected my self-esteem quite a lot." The injections have reduced the appearance of her acne scars and dark eye circles, and smoothened her skin, she said. Although she was initially afraid of judgment from the public, Ms Tan went on to review her experiences with different skincare procedures on social media platform Lemon8. "There are so many influencers and celebrities paid to market skincare products, which I used to spend a lot of money on in my early 20s," she said. "I feel that I have the responsibility to be transparent and share what works and what doesn't with the people around me." Moderation, research is crucial While dermatologists say such treatments can be safe and give patients a confidence boost, they also caution against being excessive. But as with any injections, these treatments run the risk of side effects such as bruising, swelling and bleeding. In rare and severe cases, fillers might also cause blindness, said Dr Leong. Patients must be mindful to exercise moderation. People who start getting Botox and fillers may find it hard to stop, said Dr Tay. "Sometimes you might forget what you originally look like — this is called perception drift — and you keep thinking you need more fillers." Younger people, who are frequently on social media, might also chase a standard of beauty perpetuated online — a sharp face, and full lips and temples. "It's quite sad, because beauty is a very diverse thing," she said. Dr Toh said too much Botox at a young age may lead to a loss of muscle and a decrease in their strength. One's body may also develop antibodies against Botox and its effectiveness may be reduced over time, although such cases are rare, he added. Dr Leong said injecting too much Botox and fillers may also result in an unnatural-looking face. "Too much Botox might make your face look frozen, or make you look shocked all the time," he said. "Patients who get more fillers than they require might end up looking puffy." Dermatologists noted that some patients travel abroad — mainly to South Korea or Thailand — to get these treatments and warned that due diligence in ensuring that the clinics are reputable and have qualified professionals should be done. "The last thing you want is a non-medical person injecting fillers in your face," said Dr Tay, adding that research on relevant substances should also be done beforehand, as some might not be approved in Singapore due to safety reasons. While injectables may produce almost immediate results, they should remain a supplement to good skincare practices, said Dr Tay. Sun protection, using active skincare ingredients such as vitamin C or retinol, cleansing your face thoroughly and a healthy diet and lifestyle are integral to maintaining good skin, she said. "If you get all these treatments but don't maintain your skincare routine, you're back to square one." [[nid:716514]] This article was first published in The Straits Times . Permission required for reproduction.
Straits Times
a day ago
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More younger Singaporeans are getting Botox and collagen shots. How effective - and safe - are they?
Ms Caitlin Lim getting fillers injected in her under-eye area at a aesthetic clinic. PHOTO COURTESY OF CAITLIN LIM More younger Singaporeans are getting Botox and collagen shots. How effective - and safe - are they? SINGAPORE - Slightly over a year ago, Ms Caitlin Lim noticed that the circles around her eyes were getting darker. She visited an aesthetic clinic in hopes of a solution and took up the doctor's suggestion to use fillers. 'I'd never considered injectables because I'm scared of needles, but I thought that I'd just try it,' said the marketing executive, now 28. 'The lack of fat around my cheeks created shadows under my eyes, and the fillers really made a difference.' A small volume of gel-like substance, injected just above her cheekbones, settled her concerns and made her face look fresh and plump, she said. Like Ms Lim, a growing number of people in Singapore in their 20s and 30s are getting injectables to improve their facial appearance. Some of these cosmetic enhancements have long carried the stigma of creating an unnatural appearance, partly due to the specific use of Botox by Hollywood celebrities who have experienced less-than-desired results due to a range of factors. These may include incorrect techniques or over-treatment, dermatologists told The Straits Times. A loss of muscle and decrease in their strength, reduced effectiveness over time and even addiction or over-reliance on injectables, are some other concerns that have been raised over such treatments. Yet dermatologists and aestheticians told ST that they have observed an increase of between 10 per cent and 20 per cent in Singapore among those in their 20s and 30s, from 2020. This mirrors a global trend: A report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons showed that from 2022 to 2023, there was a 9 per cent increase in the percentage of people aged 20 to 29 who received botulinum toxin – commonly known as Botox – or similar treatments, and an 8 per cent increase in those who received hyaluronic acid fillers. These treatments include the use of fillers and collagen boosters, which replenish skin moisture and firmness. They do not have permanent effects, and injections are administered quarterly or yearly, with the frequency varying across procedures. The costs of these treatments vary widely, depending on factors such as the amount of substance used and location of the injection. Botox treatments typically cost from $300, while fillers usually range between $600 and $1,000. While getting the fillers done, Ms Lim also received shots of Botox into her jaw and forehead. The doctor had told her the treatment would help her achieve a tighter facial appearance, she said. 'After Botox and fillers, the results were so good that I wanted to try more procedures,' said Ms Lim, who tried Rejuran, an injectable skin rejuvenation treatment, at a following session. These days, Botox is no longer just used by older people to melt wrinkle or frown lines, or by celebrities desperate to 'freeze' the ageing process. Younger patients often undergo them to make tweaks to their appearance, said Dr Sean Leong, a consultant dermatologist at Livingstone Dermatology clinic. For instance, some of his patients get Botox injected into the muscles of their jawline to get a slimmer face shape, said Dr Leong. 'A little Botox can also lift one's mouth shape for a friendlier appearance, so the person doesn't look angry all the time,' he added. Dr Joseph Toh, a dermatologist at the Parkway MediCentre Dermatology Clinic, said Botox might also delay the formation of deep wrinkles by relaxing and reducing the movement of facial muscles. It can also be used to alleviate teeth grinding, he added. Dr Evelyn Tay, founder and consultant dermatologist at Lumine Dermatology & Laser Clinic, said that collagen boosters such as Rejuran and Profhilo can be used to lighten the appearance of depressed acne scars and give one's face a lifted appearance respectively. Injectables are also less invasive – and less intimidating – than cosmetic surgery. A smaller face is achievable with shots of botox, and a higher nose bridge can be created with fillers, added Dr Tay. Ms Serene Lam, 25, who first had botox injected into her jaw in 2024 as she wanted a V-shaped face, appreciates the impermanence of these treatments. Ms Serene Lam at an aesthetic clinic, which she visits regularly for botox treatments. PHOTO COURTESY OF MS SERENE LAM 'Surgery is irreversible, but if you do botox or fillers and you don't like it, you can wait for it to dissolve,' said Ms Lam, who gets botox injections every four to six months. Social media has raised the awareness of the availability of these options as alternatives to skincare or cosmetic surgery, said doctors. 'When young people look at influencers who are promoting these treatments to achieve an appearance of glowy and glass-like skin, they are usually more receptive and want to start early,' said Dr Tay. Ms Serene Lam before receiving jaw botox (left) and one month after (right). PHOTO: COURTESY OF SERENE LAM Fitness instructor Mandalyn Tan, 28, first received shots of Rejuran in 2023, and goes for boosters every three months. She said that she was 'desperate for a solution' to stop her acne breakouts. 'My bad skin affected my self-esteem quite a lot.' The injections have reduced the appearance of her acne scars and dark eye circles, and smoothened her skin, she said. Although she was initially afraid of judgment from the public, Ms Tan went on to review her experiences with different skincare procedures on social media platform Lemon8. 'There are so many influencers and celebrities paid to market skincare products, which I used to spend a lot of money on in my early 20s,' she said. 'I feel that I have the responsibility to be transparent and share what works and what doesn't with the people around me.' Moderation, research is crucial While dermatologists say that such treatments can be safe and give patients a confidence boost, they also caution against being excessive. But as with any injections, these treatments run the risk of side effects such as bruising, swelling and bleeding. In rare and severe cases, fillers might also cause blindness, said Dr Leong. Patients must also be mindful to exercise moderation. People who start getting Botox and fillers may find it hard to stop, said Dr Tay. 'Sometimes you might forget what you originally look like – this is called perception drift – and you keep thinking you need more fillers.' Younger people, who are frequently on social media, might also chase a standard of beauty perpetuated online – a sharp face and full lips and temples. 'It's quite sad, because beauty is a very diverse thing,' she said. Dr Toh said too much Botox at a young age may lead to a loss of muscle and a decrease in their strength. One's body may also develop antibodies against Botox and its effectiveness may be reduced over time, although such cases are rare, he added. Dr Leong said injecting too much Botox and filler may also result in an unnatural-looking face. 'Too much Botox might make your face look frozen, or make you look shocked all the time,' he said. 'Patients who get more filler than they require might end up looking puffy.' Dermatologists noted that some patients travel abroad – mainly to South Korea or Thailand – to get these treatments, and warned that due diligence in ensuring that the clinics are reputable and have qualified professionals should be done. 'The last thing you want is a non-medical person injecting fillers in your face,' said Dr Tay, adding that research on relevant substances should also be done beforehand, as some might not be approved in Singapore due to safety reasons. While injectables may produce almost immediate results, they should remain a supplement to good skincare practices, said Dr Tay. Sun protection, using active skincare ingredients such as vitamin C or retinol, cleansing your face thoroughly and a healthy diet and lifestyle are integral to maintaining good skin, she said. 'If you get all these treatments but don't maintain your skincare routine, you're back to square one.' Check out the Headstart chatbot for answers to your questions on careers and work trends.
