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CNA
5 days ago
- Politics
- CNA
Primary 1 registration: 33 schools oversubscribed in Phase 2B
SINGAPORE: A total of 33 primary schools are oversubscribed in Phase 2B of the 2025 Primary 1 registration exercise, up from 30 last year, latest data from the Ministry of Education (MOE) showed on Thursday (Jul 24). Twenty spaces in each school are reserved for Phase 2B each year – the last phase where children with links to a school can apply to enter. Of the 33 oversubscribed primary schools, 29 will go to the ballot. The most oversubscribed school in Phase 2B this year was Tao Nan School in Marine Parade, with 63 applicants vying for 20 places. The next two most oversubscribed schools were Ai Tong School in Bishan and Nanyang Primary School in Bukit Timah, with 62 and 53 applicants respectively, vying for 20 spots in each school. They were followed by Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary School and Methodist Girls' School (Primary), both in Bukit Timah. Ai Tong School and Nanyang Primary were also among the top five most oversubscribed schools in Phase 2B last year. BALLOTING The four schools that will not be going to the ballot are Frontier Primary School, Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary School, St Joseph's Institution Junior and Wellington Primary School. Balloting is conducted when the number of applicants exceeds the number of vacancies. This takes place in any phase from Phase 2A to Phase 2C supplementary. Priority admission into the school is given in this order: Singaporeans living within 1km of the school, Singaporeans living between 1km and 2km of the school, then Singaporeans living further than 2km from the school. They are followed by permanent residents in the same distance groups. Which schools are going to ballot? Balloting for Singaporean children living within 1km of the school: Ai Tong School Anglo-Chinese School (Junior) Anglo-Chinese School (Primary) Catholic High School (Primary) CHIJ Primary (Toa Payoh) CHIJ St Nicholas Girls' School (Primary) Chongfu School Fairfield Methodist School (Primary) Holy Innocents' Primary School Kong Hwa School Maris Stella High School (Primary) Methodist Girls' School (Primary) Nan Chiau Primary School Nan Hua Primary School Nanyang Primary School Northland Primary School Pei Chun Public School Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary School Princess Elizabeth Primary School Red Swastika School Rosyth School Rulang Primary School Singapore Chinese Girls' Primary School South View Primary School St Hilda's Primary School Tao Nan School Balloting for Singaporean children living between 1km and 2km of the school: Admiralty Primary School Maha Bodhi School Balloting for Singaporean children living further than 2km from the school: Paya Lebar Methodist Girls' School (Primary) Oversubscribed but no ballot: Frontier Primary School Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary School St Joseph's Institution Junior Wellington Primary School Phase 2B is for parents who have joined the primary school as a volunteer no later than Jul 1 of the year before the registration exercise. They must have given at least 40 hours of voluntary service to the school by Jun 30 that year. Parents who are endorsed by the church or clan directly connected with the primary school can also apply in this phase, as can parents who are endorsed as active community leaders. Endorsed active community leaders are eligible to register their child only for schools within 2km of their residential address in Phase 2B. The next phase, 2C, is open to all students. Applications will open at 9am on Jul 29 and close at 4.30pm two days later, with the results out by Aug 12.
Independent Singapore
21-07-2025
- Independent Singapore
Vapes on the rise: 16-year-old boy caught with 54 vape pods at home
SINGAPORE: The authorities have been cracking down on the use of e-vaporisers, also known as vapes, which are illegal in Singapore. A statement released by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) on Sunday (Jul 20) says that it is increasing its reporting channels for vape-related offences starting from Jul 21. 'The hotline service to report vaping-related offences will be expanded to operate seven days a week with extended hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. HSA will also be launching a new online reporting platform, making it more convenient for the public to report illegal e-vaporiser activities,' the statement reads. The statement gave several examples of incidents of people getting caught with vapes in their possession, largely due to public tip-offs on official feedback channels. Notable among these examples is that of a 16-year-old boy, who was found with a large number of vaporiser pods in his home. These pods are used in a smaller type of portable vaping device. Because they are easier to use than other types, many young users prefer them. The teenage boy was caught on May 22, when his home was raided by officers from HSA. The driver of a private-hire car reported the boy and his friend, another 16-year-old male, after they reportedly vaped in his car while travelling along the Bukit Timah Expressway on May 18. After the traffic police seized two vapes from one of the boys, his house was searched during a follow-up check by an HSA officer. They seized 54 e-vaporiser pods and three e-vaporisers. Fortunately, no vapes or pods were found in the home of the other boy. Alarmingly, some of the pods that were seized by HSA were found to contain etomidate, an anaesthetic which can cause addiction and physical dependence. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said on Sunday that Singapore is now working towards listing it as an illegal drug. 'Vaping, especially those that are laced with etomidate, is increasing. It is causing quite serious concern amongst agencies, including the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health,' he told reporters. At present, individuals who use drug-laced pods are subject to fines. However, when etomidate is listed under Singapore's Misuse of Drugs Act, users 'will be treated no differently from those who consume hard drugs and narcotics, such as cannabis or cocaine,' CNA reports Mr Ong as adding. HSA also said in its statement that a 21-year-old man who was allegedly distributing e-vaporisers and components in Bishan and Ubi was caught on July 11, and when the authority conducted raids, it was able to seize almost three tonnes of vapes. In May, HSA identified a 24-year-old man vaping in a lift at Sim Lim Square and conducted a raid at his home. Officers were able to seize two e-vaporisers from his residence. 'With effect from 21 July 2025, those who have information on the illegal advertisement, import, distribution, sale or possession of e-vaporisers can contact HSA to support our enforcement efforts through two convenient channels,' HSA said. Members of the public may submit information through the online reporting form found here or scan the QR code found at the bottom of this page. /TISG Read also: Man claims someone put a vape in his bag while he was traveling to SG from Japan
CNA
18-07-2025
- General
- CNA
Staff at Red SchoolHouse's Toh Tuck branch left unpaid after preschool's sudden closure
SINGAPORE: Several employees at a private preschool in the Bukit Timah area have made police reports against their former employer, alleging unpaid salaries after it went bust about two months ago. Red SchoolHouse @ Toh Tuck closed with just two weeks' notice in May, leaving dozens of students, parents and staff in limbo. This follows a spate of abrupt private preschool closures, with at least six reported to have shuttered at short notice in the past two years. Under Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) rules, preschools must provide six months' notice to parents and ECDA before ceasing operations. Around 36 children were enrolled at Red SchoolHouse's Toh Tuck branch in April, said one teacher who only wanted to be known as Madam Wong. She also told CNA that about half of the students were left on the last day of operations. The centre informed parents on May 14 that its last day of operations would be on May 30, according to staff. It appeared shut with renovations ongoing when CNA visited the school on Thursday (Jul 17). ECDA said it has issued a formal warning to the preschool's licensee due to a breach of regulations. It also provided affected parents with a list of nearby preschools with vacancies and offered assistance with placements. Mdm Wong described the closure as 'heartbreaking', with some parents uncertain if their deposits would be refunded. 'The sudden closure disrupted the children's education, sense of stability and routine. Some of them are too young to even understand what was going on,' said the veteran teacher of 25 years. 'THINGS WERE FALLING APART' Mdm Wong said that after the Toh Tuck branch closed, she realised she was not the only one who did not receive their salary despite many requests. "During my time at Red SchoolHouse, teachers were committed to the children's learning and wellbeing. But behind the scenes, things were falling apart - salaries were not paid. CPF (Central Provident Fund) was not paid,' she said. 'Despite these setbacks, I continued to show up every day because I genuinely cared for the children under my care.' She said she and her fellow teachers repeatedly raised their concerns to the preschool's directors and asked for answers, but were 'either ignored or given empty promises'. Some teachers approached the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and filed claims through the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management, added Mdm Wong. The alliance helps employers and staff to resolve salary-related claims and employment disputes. CNA has asked MOM for comment. LEASE WAS NOT RENEWED The franchisor of Red SchoolHouse said that the Toh Tuck branch was shuttered because the lease was not renewed and the branch currently faces liquidation. The franchisor also said it has helped with the students' transition to other schools. Documents seen by CNA showed that as of early June, the preschool's director owed creditors almost S$300,000 (US$233,000). The debts include enrolment deposits, rental fees and unpaid loans from three banks such as DBS. ECDA said while the branch ceased operations due to business considerations, operators still have a responsibility to give sufficient notice as such closures are disruptive to the families involved. 'ECDA understands that the operator had earlier considered relocating but subsequently decided to cease operations,' it added in a statement to CNA on Thursday. Preschools considering cessation of operations must provide six months' notice to both parents and ECDA before ceasing operations. They must also inform parents and ECDA once they are notified of the possibility of non-renewal of tenancy agreements. Operators that breach these requirements may face regulatory actions, including being issued warning letters or being barred from applying for future preschool licences.
Time Business News
10-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time Business News
Say Goodbye to Wrinkles: The Truth About Professional Ironing Services in Singapore
Are you fed up with using your weekends for ironing or cleaning the floors? Find out how Singaporeans are making use of part-time house cleaning and professional ironing services to get back their time — and their sanity. Living in a fast-moving city like Singapore, cleaning your house might make you feel like you are working full-time. This is why part-time house cleaning is the solution. It is a service that allows you to engage professionally trained cleaners to do the housework at any time that is convenient for you, without the need to have a live-in helper. General tidying and dusting Floor sweeping and mopping Kitchen and bathroom sanitation Changing bed linens Light ironing and laundry support Part-time cleaners are the most affordable option regardless of your place of residence, be it an HDB flat, condominium, or landed home, and they can help you maintain a clean house. Ironing might be perceived as an easy task; however, it is still the most time-consuming and tedious work for many families in Singapore, particularly for office clothes, uniforms, and school garments. Thus, professional ironing services have become a high demand all over the island. wrinkle-free garments every time Allows for more time to do your favorite activities No need to buy costly appliances. Great for families, busy people, and seniors Certain part-time cleaners may provide ironing service as an extra. Most part-time house cleaning services in Singapore have ironing packages as an optional add-on. It is like if you decided to do the cleaning of your place along with the ironing of the laundry, done professionally, that is provided in one session only. Feature Part-Time Cleaner Full-Time Maid Commitment Low (hourly/daily basis) High (live-in arrangement) Cost Affordable, pay-per-session Higher monthly cost Flexibility High – you choose the timing Fixed working hours Tasks Covered Cleaning, ironing, laundry Same (but with live-in care) Privacy Full privacy maintained Live-in may reduce privacy Part-time house cleaning is the smarter, more flexible choice for many Singaporeans, especially when it comes to smaller households or those who only need help once a week. Here's a general guide to what you can expect to pay: Hourly cleaning rate: S$20 – S$30/hour Weekly 3-4 hour package: S$80 – S$120/session Ironing add-on (per load or piece): S$10 – S$30 Pro tip: Bundle cleaning and ironing together for better value and fewer bookings to manage If you are trying to find a trustworthy cleaning service, take these steps: Look for NEA-licensed companies. Read Google and Facebook reviews. Make sure that the cleaners have undergone background checks and are insured. Find out whether ironing is included or if it can be an additional service. Search for clear prices without hidden charges. Tampines Bukit Timah Toa Payoh Jurong East Orchard Sengkang Bedok Numerous agencies provide services throughout the island; thus, it is highly probable that you have coverage everywhere you live. In this day and age, it would be extremely unwise to spend your precious leisure time on chores like ironing or deep cleaning. The people of Singapore have been using their time effectively by hiring professional part-time house cleaning and ironing services. They have also been enjoying cleaner homes and looking sharper than ever at the same time. Make one step in the direction of a life with less pollution and stress. If you require only a few hours a week or a thorough clean before the holidays, there's a part-time cleaner in Singapore that fits your needs. 👉 Experience the difference by hiring a trustworthy part-time cleaner with ironing services now. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
South China Morning Post
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Singapore's first 3D-printed house is out there yet introverted
Visitors to the Pantheon often leave with tangible souvenirs – a Roman coin, a pendant of its famous dome, a model of the ancient architectural marvel. But Singaporean architect Lim Koon Park, founder of Park + Associates, took home something more profound: a feeling of oneness with nature. 'What really attracts you when you enter is the oculus open to the sky,' he recalls of his family's excursions to the temple-turned-church in Rome, Italy . Through the circular hole puncturing the Pantheon's giant dome, light descends and moves across the interior as day turns to dusk. QR3D, Singapore's first 3D-printed house, designed by architect/owner Lim Koon Park. Photo: Derek Swalwell Inspired, Lim – who lived in Hong Kong and Zhuhai in the 1990s, overseeing the design and development of Zhuhai's Lakewood Golf Club and the Zhuhai International Circuit – built his own oculus. Penetrating his family's seven-bedroom, six-split-level, 6,130 sq ft home in upscale Bukit Timah, the 12-metre-high opening is awe-inducing for another reason, too. The feature is the product of a hard-working nozzle in what is Singapore's first 3D-printed house. Park estimates 400 layers of concrete 'Colgate' were squeezed out just to form the asymmetrical cone containing the oculus. With the oculus at the top, its effect over the dining area is as dramatic as it is divine: heaven-sent light illuminates abundant curves in the walls, ceiling and furniture. A space-making element in a house dubbed QR3D, the oculus and its funnel solved the potential problem of darkness and stuffiness at the centre of what is essentially a square, semi-detached building connected at the back to its neighbour. A concealed extractor fan drives hot air up and out of the house, while a heat pump throws cold air, its by-product, down the stairs. The living area. Photo: Jovian Lim The cone up to the 'eye' is also felt on the levels above, where it shapes – directly or by design – the bedrooms of Park and his wife, plus their four children. His newly married eldest, also an architect, lives on the top floor with his spouse.
