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New Paper
26-05-2025
- Health
- New Paper
Chua Chu Kang GRC, Bukit Gombak residents try firefighting, first aid to boost resilience during emergencies
As residents living near community sports facility The Arena @ Keat Hong were heading to breakfast and their Sunday grocery shopping on May 25, a "scuffle" broke out between two men. The altercation left one person with an injured arm while the other started to go into cardiac arrest. Before the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and the police could arrive on the scene, two civilian responders from the People's Association Community Emergency Response Team (PA Cert) swooped in to help after noticing the commotion. One of the PA Cert responders provided first aid to the man with the injured arm, while the other performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the other party. Another two civilian responders, who were alerted to the incident via SCDF's myResponder app, located the nearest automated external defibrillator (AED) and applied it to the man. The incident was part of a simulation at Chua Chu Kang GRC and Bukit Gombak SMC's Community Resilience Day event on May 25 that showed how civilians can work together with uniformed personnel in responding to emergencies. PA Cert members are trained in performing CPR and using AEDs. Formed in 2004, PA Cert is a group of 8,000 volunteers under the PA Community Emergency and Engagement Committees that seeks to raise crisis preparedness in the community, respond to emergencies and help the community in the recovery process. Looking out for one another and being vigilant is a responsibility that must be shared by everyone in the community, said Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng at the event. Manpower Minister Tan See Leng performing CPR on a mannequin at the Community Resilience Day event. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Dr Tan was joined by the other three Chua Chu Kang GRC MPs - Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow, Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim and Dr Choo Pei Ling. "Any time someone collapses, whether it's because of a cardiac arrest, because of a stroke, the brain needs oxygen, and you have only about four minutes to respond before the brain suffers damage because of the lack of oxygen," said Dr Tan. Making reference to the simulation, Dr Tan said: "As you can see from our first responders, how they very quickly assess the person who is lying down, and they started CPR almost immediately, that is crucial because then it ensures that the blood continues to be pumped to the brain." (From right) Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow and fellow Chua Chu Kang GRC MPs Choo Pei Ling and Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim at the Community Resilience Day event. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG At the event, some 1,500 residents not only tried performing basic first aid and CPR, but also experienced "putting out" a fire at a booth at The Arena by the SCDF that drew a long queue of enthusiastic children. Another favourite was a booth by the Republic of Singapore Air Force that featured interactive simulators. Mr Leow Foo Kay, 51, said he took his seven-year-old son, who dreams of being a pilot, to the event to show him different ways of contributing to the community. "I hope that events like these will inspire him to pick up lifesaving skills to help others in the future," said Mr Leow, who works in finance.
Straits Times
25-05-2025
- Straits Times
CCK, Bukit Gombak residents try firefighting, first aid to enhance resilience during emergencies
Residents trying to put out a fire at Chua Chu Kang GRC and Bukit Gombak SMC's Community Resilience Day event on May 25. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG SINGAPORE – As residents living near community sports facility The Arena @ Keat Hong were heading to breakfast or their Sunday grocery shopping on May 25, a 'scuffle' broke out between two men. The altercation left one person with an injured arm, while the other started to go into cardiac arrest. But before the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and the police could arrive on the scene, two civilian responders from the People's Association Community Emergency Response Team (PA CERT ) swooped in to help after spotting the commotion. One of the PA CERT responders provided first aid to the man with the injured arm, while the other performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the other party. Another two civilian responders, who were alerted to the incident via SCDF's myResponder app, located the nearest automated external defibrillator (AED) and applied it to the man. The incident was part of a simulation at Chua Chu Kang GRC and Bukit Gombak SMC's Community Resilience Day event on May 25 that showed how civilians can work together with uniformed personnel in responding to emergencies. PA CERT members are trained in performing CPR and using AEDs. Formed in 2004, PA CERT is a group of volunteers under the PA Community Emergency and Engagement Committees that seeks to raise crisis preparedness in the community, respond to emergencies and help the community in the recovery process. Looking out for one another and being vigilant is a responsibility that must be shared by everyone in the community, said Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng at the event. Manpower Minister Tan See Leng performing CPR on a mannequin at the Community Resilience Day event. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Dr Tan was joined by other Chua Chu Kang GRC MPs, which includes Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Social and Family Development Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim – both newly minted political office-holders – and Dr Choo Pei Ling. 'Anytime someone collapses, whether it's because of a cardiac arrest, because of a stroke, the brain needs oxygen, and you only have about four minutes to respond before the brain suffers damage because of the lack of oxygen,' said Dr Tan. Making reference to the simulation, he added: 'As you can see from our first responders, how they very quickly assess the person who is lying down, and they started CPR almost immediately, that is crucial, because then it ensures that the blood continues to be pumped to the brain.' (From right) Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow, Chua Chu Kang GRC MP Choo Pei Ling and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Social and Family Development Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim at the Community Resilience Day event. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG At the event, some 1,500 residents not only tried performing basic first aid and CPR, but also experienced putting out a fire at a booth at The Arena by the SCDF that drew a long queue of enthusiastic children. Another favourite was a booth by the Republic of Singapore Air Force that featured interactive simulators. Mr Leow Foo Kay, 51, said he took his seven-year-old son, who dreams of being a pilot, to the event to show him different ways of contributing to the community. 'I hope that events like these will inspire him to pick up lifesaving skills to help others in the future,' said Mr Leow, who works in finance. Children dressed up as police officers and firefighters at the Community Resilience Day event. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Wong Yang is a journalist at The Straits Times, covering housing, property, land use and community stories. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
The Star
05-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Wong: Results a clear signal of trust and confidence in govt
The strong mandate that Singaporeans gave the PAP will put the nation in a better position to face the current turbulent world, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said. 'It is a clear signal of trust, stability and confidence in your government,' he said, about an hour after the PAP was returned to power, winning a vote share of 65.57%. Wong pointed out that many were watching the elections closely. These included international media, investors and foreign governments. The results show a 'clear and strong' mandate, he noted, adding that the PAP had improved on its 2020 vote share by four percentage points. 'My team and I gave it our all in this campaign, and I am deeply humbled and grateful for the results,' said Wong, adding that he was satisfied with the outcome of the elections. It takes place at a critical time for Singapore, said the prime minister, who helmed a 3am press conference held at The Treasury after the official results were out. 'It is a changed world – not just an economic slowdown, but fundamental shifts in the international order,' he said. Singaporeans can draw strength from the results and look ahead to their future with confidence, said Wong. This is his first election as prime minister and secretary-general of the PAP. 'To all Singaporeans, I say the results will motivate us to work even harder for you. We will do our best to serve you and improve your lives,' he said. The party clinched 82 of the 92 contested seats, winning in all constituencies in which it was the incumbent. The opposition, WP, claimed the 10 remaining seats in Aljunied, Sengkang and Hougang. Wong said his immediate task is to form his next Cabinet, which will be announced when ready. When asked about his considerations when selecting members of his Cabinet, he said he would look at how best to assign the right responsibilities to the individuals based on their strengths and contributions. 'I'm grateful that all my key members have been voted in, and Singaporeans have now given me the chance to put together the best team to serve you and to serve Singapore,' he said. They include Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, who was a central figure in the hustings after his Nomination Day switch from Chua Chu Kang GRC to Punggol GRC. During the hustings, Wong had called him his 'right-hand man' and also christened him 'task force man'. Wong said his choice to move Gan to Punggol showed the residents there that he was taking them seriously. 'I'm not just putting in a new person to take over, but I am treating their needs seriously,' he said. Gan's team in Punggol beat a WP team of newcomers led by Senior Counsel Harpreet Singh with 55.17% of the vote. Asked if this was his toughest election yet, Gan said that every election is tough, and he always treated his opponents with great respect. 'I always feel that every battle is worth fighting, because it is not just a battle against opposition, but it is also an opportunity for me to engage my residents, to reach out to my residents, to refresh the trust that I have with (them),' he said. Wong reminded all the newly-elected PAP MPs that the mandate they have received is a 'heavy responsibility'. They will have to take good care of their constituencies, engage residents and build deep relationships with them, bring forward their voices in Parliament, as well as advocate and champion causes that matter to them, he said. Wong also reflected on the concerns that had been raised throughout the hustings. Singaporeans have given feedback on the cost of living and housing, he noted. 'We have been working on these issues, and I assure you, we will redouble our efforts in the coming term to tackle these issues of concern,' he said. 'My team and I will use this mandate to serve with humility and responsibility. 'We will serve all Singaporeans, whether you voted for the PAP or you voted for another party – everyone matters. We will serve all of you. We will do our utmost to improve your lives.' He added that the PAP government will learn from this election and reflect, improve and strive to do better. It will also involve Singaporeans in this journey, he said. — The Straits Times/ANN
Straits Times
30-04-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
GE2025: Universal minimum wage will scare businesses amid economic uncertainty, says Tan See Leng
Manpower Minister Tan See Leng (second from right), flanked by his fellow Chua Chu Kang GRC candidates (from left) Choo Pei Ling, Jeffrey Siow and Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, speaking to the media during a walkabout on April 30. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE - Now is not the time to introduce a universal minimum wage policy as it will risk driving businesses away amid economic uncertainty in the light of the US tariffs, said Manpower Minister Tan See Leng on April 30. 'Currently, what is most important is to make sure that we are able to ensure that... our workers continue to have gainful, meaningful employment opportunities,' Dr Tan said during a walkabout at Chua Chu Kang GRC, which he is contesting. 'We think there's a storm that lies ahead, and whatever study that people propose, there is a timing for everything,' added the anchor minister for the PAP team. Dr Tan was responding to calls for a universal minimum wage policy made by the opposition PSP on the campaign trail. The PSP, which is running against Dr Tan's PAP team in the group representation constituency, has suggested setting a minimum monthly wage of $2,250 to help Singaporean workers cope with rising living costs. One of PSP's candidates for Chua Chu Kang GRC, Mr Lawrence Pek, has criticised the Government's current wage policies as outdated and urged a review of the feasibility of implementing a universal minimum wage. Mr Pek was the former secretary-general of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF). 'Businesses are finding it very hard pressed, particularly with the uncertain economy, (to move) forward because of the tariff war,' said Dr Tan, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a walkabout at Lot One. 'Now, if you impose anything, I think you're going to really scare a lot of the businesses away.' He said the Government has assembled the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce, led by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, to look into the impacts that the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump would have on Singapore. The priority now is to ensure businesses are supported and that workers continue to have meaningful employment opportunities, said Dr Tan, who is also the Second Minister for Trade and Industry. He said that a one-size-fits-all approach will not work in Singapore. Instead, the Government has a toolbox of wage policies to work in tandem to support lower-income workers. It includes the Progressive Wage Model (PWM), first introduced in 2014, which Dr Tan said is more robust than a minimum wage policy. The PWM is an initiative that aims to sustainably raise lower-wage workers' incomes by linking wage increases to skills upgrading, productivity improvements and career progression. Dr Tan said: 'As a result, there's a very proper wage ladder, a career ladder which (businesses) can find is a more sustainable model.' He added: 'Mr Pek, he was formerly in the SMF. I think he may have only understood, in part, but not much depth, as to what our PWM is all about.' Dr Tan also highlighted the existing Workfare Income Supplement, which complements the PWM. The scheme is designed to encourage Singaporean workers to build their Central Provident Fund savings, earning them cash payments and additional fund contributions . He said: 'We have a whole suite of measures available that we will be able to draw on very quickly.' The salaries of lower-wage workers here have also risen faster compared with those of the workforce as a whole, said Dr Tan, referring to figures highlighted in Parliament in March to show the results of Singapore's progressive wage efforts. PAP's candidate for Chua Chu Kang GRC Jeffrey Siow, who was formerly the permanent secretary at the trade and industry and manpower ministries, said the universal minimum wage risks raising business costs and could deter firms from hiring Singaporeans. 'I would suggest that it is worthwhile to ask companies themselves what they think of this proposal, perhaps ask the SMF,' said Mr Siow. Mr Siow had earlier referred to PSP's policy proposal as more of a 'political tool' than a practical solution. With the hustings coming to its final day on May 1, Dr Tan said the PAP team, who are mostly new to the GRC, have focused on visiting markets, the MRT station and residents at their home to introduce themselves to voters. His team includes incumbent Keat Hong MP Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim and new faces Dr Choo Pei Ling and Mr Siow. Dr Tan said the team will come up with a 100-day plan to see how concerns raised by residents can be addressed, such as connectivity issues in Tengah, which will be prioritised. Mr Pek, who was also at Lot One doing a walkabout with the PSP team in the evening of April 30, said he hoped the ongoing debate between parties during the hustings would raise greater awareness of the minimum wage policy. 'I stress, the socioeconomic situation in Singapore has changed dramatically over the last five years and is very different from all the labor policies that we had 10 years ago,' he said, repeating his call for a feasibility review on the universal minimum wage policy. He was speaking alongside PSP teammates Ms Wendy Low, Mr A'bas Kasmani and Mr S. Nallakaruppan. The team also pledged to tackle the rising cost of living and shortage of job opportunities — key concerns frequently raised by residents. Ms Low, a lawyer, said the team plans to set up a studio to support both job seekers and mental well-being, and will tap on their networks of companies and contacts to connect residents with employment opportunities. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
CNA
28-04-2025
- Politics
- CNA
GE2025: Who are the PAP new candidates touted by their leaders as potential political office holders?
SINGAPORE: Some ruling party candidates have emerged as potential political office holders, should they get elected on May 3, with current Cabinet ministers identifying them as such. 'I have new candidates who will add to my team, and eventually grow to take on larger leadership roles," Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Monday (Apr 28) at a lunchtime election rally. Speaking at the promenade area beside UOB Plaza in the central business district, Mr Wong identified former army chief David Neo in Tampines GRC, ex-Agency for Integrated Care Dinesh Vasu Dash in East Coast GRC, and former senior civil servant Jeffrey Siow in Chua Chu Kang GRC as part of the country's future leadership pool. At a rally in Choa Chu Kang over the weekend, Mr Wong had also identified West Coast-Jurong West GRC candidate Hamid Razak as another person with potential for political office. Two days before the hustings began, Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam said that two new faces on his Nee Soon GRC team are potential political office holders who can 'go far in helping govern the country as a whole'. Speaking at the unveiling of the slate on Apr 21 during a press conference at the PAP's Chong Pang branch office, Mr Shanmugam added that he would 'strongly recommend' Ms Goh Hanyan and Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi to the prime minister, if his team gets elected. The renewal of Singapore's political leadership has been emphasised on multiple occasions by Mr Wong since he took office and especially so in this General Election period. It is not unheard of for political first-timers to become office holders once they are elected into parliament. In 2020, six new faces became political office holders after their first election. Dr Tan See Leng was made a full minister, as Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Manpower and for Trade and Industry. Ms Gan Siow Huang was made Minister of State for Education and Manpower; Mr Desmond Tan was appointed Minister of State for Home Affairs and Sustainability and the Environment; and Mr Tan Kiat How became Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office and for National Development. Mr Alvin Tan was also made Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth and for Trade and Industry, while Mr Eric Chua became Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development and for Culture, Community and Youth. JEFFREY SIOW Mr Siow, who is standing in Chua Chu Kang GRC, was the second permanent secretary at the Ministries of Manpower and Trade and Industry before he retired from public service on Apr 2. He was also the first managing director and chief operating officer of Enterprise Singapore, where he led initiatives to transform local enterprises and trade associations, and helped small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) navigate the post-COVID recovery. From 2017 to 2021, Mr Siow served as principal private secretary to then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Speaking at a rally in Choa Chu Kang on Saturday, Mr Siow touted his 24-year experience in the public service, telling voters that he has the experience and capability to get things done. 'Working in the public service, my job was always about improving the lives of Singaporeans. Someone once told me that to make a difference is not just about making big government policies, but it's about delivering policies to the people and for the people,' he said. 'With my experience in government I can deliver on the promises to you, my residents, and make your lives better. I know I can. And most important of all, I have the heart to serve because I have been lucky to be born here and I want to give back to Singapore.' DAVID NEO Mr Neo previously served as chief of army for nearly three years and held the rank of major-general in the Singapore Armed Forces. He was the first commando officer to assume the post. The Tampines GRC candidate led the Army 2040 transformation initiative, which focused on modernising the SAF through new warfighting concepts, inter-service integration, technology adoption and workforce development. According to the Ministry of Defence, Mr Neo also oversaw the resumption of large-scale training and live-firing exercises after the COVID-19 pandemic and led operations including the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. He also oversaw SAF's contributions to Singapore's national COVID-19 response. 'When we were in the deepest, darkest hour in COVID, when we had no idea how severe this disease was, when countries were closing their doors to their own citizens, this PAP government made sure every Singaporean could come back to Singapore, whether they had COVID or not,' Mr Neo said at Monday's lunchtime rally. 'And this was something that was not even debated within the multi-ministry task force led by PM Lawrence Wong. It was a given. All Singaporeans will come home, COVID or no COVID, and we got it done. This is a party that puts Singaporeans first with action.' Mr Neo also said that young people are discerning and thoughtful, and care deeply about the country's future. 'You know the difference between noise and action. You know the difference between what's and real progress. You know that leadership is about making tough decisions, standing firm and delivering results, not just talking when it's easy, but acting when it's hard,' he said. 'Young voters today are not looking for fairy tales. You are looking for leadership that secures real opportunities, jobs, homes, education, healthcare and a future where you can build dreams with confidence.' DINESH VASU DASH The East Coast GRC candidate drove major initiatives such as the Healthier SG and Age Well SG programmes, and oversaw the integration of the Council for Third Age into Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), in his former role as CEO of the agency. Prior to that, he was a group director at the Ministry of Health (MOH). The former civil servant received the Public Service Star (COVID-19) for leading Singapore's vaccination push during the pandemic. Before joining MOH, Mr Dinesh was in the Singapore Armed Forces for more than 20 years. In a rally at Bedok Stadium on Saturday, Mr Dinesh identified seniors and caregivers support, helping young families and uplifting minority communities and the vulnerable, as areas he would focus on. 'In my experience in the Agency for Integrated Care, an agency that primarily focuses on seniors and elder care issues, and prior to that my eight years in a nursing home, I have been able to walk the ground, implement policies and understand what seniors and caregivers are going through,' he shared. 'So just as I did during the vaccination operations, I will make our senior care policies work for you.' Mr Dinesh added that he believes in being a voice for the underdog as he has been an underdog his entire life. 'I was not a scholar in the army, but I rose up the ranks through hard work and determination,' he said. 'However not all of us may be as successful and we do require more support. I believe I can be of help as I understand what you are going through, and I am deeply motivated to help you.' GOH HANYAN Ms Goh was formerly in the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) as director of the Smart Nation Strategy Office and director for policy and strategy in the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Group. The mother of three young children had left the public service on Apr 3 after 16 years. She is running as part of the five-member Nee Soon GRC slate. Before MDDI, she was director for economy and sustainability in the Prime Minister's Office's Strategy Group. Ms Goh was the deputy director for strategic planning in the Singapore Economic Development Board prior to that. In her speech at Monday's lunchtime rally, Ms Goh called for 'a society that is built on kindness'. 'The demands on all of us are increasing. We worry about cost of living. We worry about our jobs. We worry whether we are the best parent, child and spouse that we can be,' she said. 'To those of you out there who are juggling multiple responsibilities in life, I want to let you know that we see you, we feel you, and we are here with you. No one should be going on this journey alone. Families and caregivers must be given support, and the party recognises this.' She added that there must be a belief that children in Singapore will live a better life, in a future where they have better opportunities and can chase their dreams. 'Finally, we need to be a nation with strength. Strength in the face of domestic challenges. Strength in the face of international threats,' said Ms Goh. Dr Syed Harun, who is also a Nee Soon GRC candidate, is a consultant psychiatrist and medical director of The Starfish Clinic of Psychiatry & Mental Wellness. He is the first and only Malay-Muslim psychiatrist in Singapore, and was a former Nominated Member of Parliament. He holds several leadership appointments in charitable and public organisations here, including the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), the Films Consultative Panel, National Youth Council, Singapore Psychiatric Association, and Muslim Healthcare Professionals Association. Dr Syed Harun is also president of Lembaga Biasiswa Kenangan Maulud, a charity that provides financial aid to students, and vice chair of the Ministry of Social and Family Development's review committee for welfare homes. In his speech at Monday's lunchtime rally, Dr Syed Harun said that Singapore emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic with a 'renewed sense of purpose in how our Singapore society should and could be tomorrow'. 'We are redefining how success could look like for ourselves and our families, and giving hope and opportunity for each and every one of us. We are nurturing aspirations of our youth and harnessing their ideas for the Singapore of tomorrow. And we are doubling down our efforts for the vulnerable in our midst,' he said. HAMID RAZAK Dr Hamid, currently the deputy branch chair of PAP's Jurong Spring branch and a grassroots adviser, said he was drawn to politics because of his alignment with PAP's values and his own upbringing under the party's policies. The West Coast-Jurong West GRC candidate said he was first approached to join the party in 2017 and he agreed. Three years ago, signs that he was being groomed for political office became more apparent, as he was entrusted with greater responsibilities – taking on executive-level planning across the division and contributing policy insights in both closed-door and public forums. The orthopaedic surgeon said during a rally at Jurong West Stadium on Sunday that as a doctor, he observed that while Singapore has a very strong healthcare system, more can still be done. 'Throughout this journey, I've understood a very simple truth: health problems and social problems are always intertwined, and even the most resilient of patients, they battle not just their sickness, but they face loneliness, financial hardships and family breakdowns,' he said. While his patients come in with various ailments which he could treat with medication, injections and even surgery, there are deeper issues at play, said Dr Hamid. 'Behind that knee pain, behind that shoulder pain and behind that back pain, there is a burden they hold for too long: families and individuals who, when trouble hits, have no cushion to fall back on, no additional cash savings, no strong family networks, no hand to hold to pick themselves up.'
