Latest news with #ClaudiaTan
Sinar Daily
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
The Music Run turns 10: A decade of running, beats and community vibes
A spectacular show of energy and excitement! Participants kick off the 5km Sound Track run with high energy and excitement at The Music Run's 10th anniversary event. IN conjunction with The Music Run's 10th anniversary, the fitness organisation — which has always combined running with music to make it more fun — conducted a spectacular show of energy and excitement on May 17. It drew over 15,000 enthusiastic participants during its signature 5km "Sound Track" at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium. The Live the Beat Festival show was curated for its 10th edition, featuring their very own E-Squad — a dynamic crew of emcees and renowned DJs leading the charge and keeping the crowd hyped from start to finish. Held at night, it culminated in a high-energy live concert showcasing some of Malaysia's hottest music talents. Participants strike rockstar poses and throw up rock hand signs for the camera, soaking in the electric vibes of The Music Run's 10th anniversary concert. Alex Ungku (@alexungku) kicked off the concert with some rhythm and blues, adding a chill yet energetic vibe to the night, followed by Claudia Tan (@claudiaaatan), a homegrown singer-songwriter who captivated the audience with her distinct voice. The event escalated into a full-scale party with its headline act — Malaysia's top DJ, DJ Blink (@blink_mys) — playing infectious beats and top hits of the year. The musician brought The Music Run's defining vibe of "Run, Music, Party" to life. DJs electrify the crowd with high-energy beats during The Music Run's 10th anniversary at Bukit Jalil National Stadium. Held under Fresh Events Asia, it has carried out 40 events globally, including 28 in Asia, welcoming over 350,000 runners to its music-fuelled experience. They blended the power of movement with the excitement of music festivals, bringing together people across generations — particularly urban Gen Z and millennial communities — in a celebration of positive energy and an uplifting rush of dopamine. Over the past 10 years, The Music Run has accumulated a huge, loyal fan base, with participants returning year after year. It is more than just a run — the event champions an active lifestyle in a safe, alcohol-free, and inclusive space for all. Participants gather and gear up, full of excitement and ready to hit the track at The Music Run's 10th anniversary. According to Fresh Events Asia general manager Jeffrey Ross, The Music Run has always focused not just on time and competition, but on celebrating music and fitness over the past 10 years. "Today, we are extremely proud to mark the 10th edition of The Music Run. Its success is deeply rooted in how rhythm and movement unite people and inspire positive energy among our runners. 'Bringing it back to their everyday lives, we hope tonight's positivity serves as a reminder to the community that wellness goes beyond physical health to emotional well-being. We are committed to pushing boundaries and continuing to deliver the event's power of happiness, togetherness, and lasting memories for all," he said. Participants leave their mark on the signature wall, celebrating The Music Run's 10th anniversary with messages of positivity and unity. The Music Run was launched in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2014, with events expanded across multiple countries, including Singapore, Taiwan, China, and others. Announcing its proud continued venture on an international journey with upcoming events in Dubai and the Philippines, it is set to more effectively empower communities to embrace running, music, and an active lifestyle. More Like This
Singapore Law Watch
19-05-2025
- Singapore Law Watch
Should there be harsher penalties for animal abusers? Lawyers weigh in
Should there be harsher penalties for animal abusers? Lawyers weigh in Source: Straits Times Article Date: 18 May 2025 Author: Claudia Tan Given the spike in animal abuse cases, is it time to re-examine the law and implement harsher penalties? In the space of less than a week, two community cats have died. One was found on the road near an estate in Yishun on May 9, disembowelled and with its eyes gouged out. Another was discovered to be severely injured in a carpark in Punggol on May 12. Cat rescuers took the feline to a vet, but it eventually died from its injuries. The National Parks Board said on May 17 that the cat had likely sustained its injuries due to a vehicular accident. Nonetheless, the two incidents sparked outrage among members of the public, with some going to the extent of hiring a private investigator to catch the perpetrator. In 2024, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) received 961 reports of animal cruelty and welfare concerns involving 2,190 animals – numbers which hit a 12-year-high. More than half of these were cats, with 1,330 cases. Given the spike in animal abuse cases, is it time to re-examine the law and implement harsher penalties? Limitations of the law Under the Animals and Birds Act, first-time offenders convicted of animal cruelty can be jailed for up to 18 months, fined up to $15,000, or both. Repeat offenders can be jailed for up to three years, fined up to $30,000, or both. Despite the large number of reported cases, very few are taken to the courts, said criminal lawyer Josephus Tan, who represented a man who threw a cat over the 13th-floor parapet of his block in Yishun Ring Road in 2016. On Feb 7, Barrie Lin Pengli was sentenced to 14 months' jail for abusing five cats and killing two of them over a period of one year and eight months. The prosecution, which originally sought a jail term of 24 months, appealed against the sentence on Feb 11. 'There is still a disproportionate number of cats killed compared with perpetrators who are arrested and charged. Optically, it looks very bad because it seems to suggest that (society) does not value the lives of animals,' said Mr Tan. Head lawyer Gloria James of law firm Gloria James-Civetta & Co told The Straits Times there are several limitations to the current laws when it comes to prosecuting and sentencing offenders. 'A significant challenge is that animals are voiceless and cannot plead their case, which makes it difficult to gauge the extent of their suffering. This can impact the ability to impose a punishment that truly reflects the harm caused.' Associate Professor Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim, who heads the public safety and security programme at the Singapore University of Social Sciences, said cases of animal abuse often lack direct evidence or credible witnesses. 'CCTV footage is rare, and animal carcasses may be disposed of before analysis can occur,' she said. 'The time lapses between the act of abuse and its reporting can also diminish the strength of cases and make it difficult to arrest and charge suspects.' Harsher penalties as a strong deterrent In its 2024 report, the SPCA called for stronger animal protection laws and enforcement, which included stricter penalties as a deterrent. Mr Tan said that amending the law to introduce tougher penalties is the right way forward. 'The law is dynamic, and it must reflect the cultures and trends of society. If there is a surge in the number of animal abuse cases, then it is something Parliament should look into.' He suggested that the jail term for first-time offenders be increased to three to five years, and even caning offenders to send a 'strong message' of deterrence. He likened it to the Ministry of Home Affairs considering caning for some scam offences, given the record amount of scam losses in recent years. Ms James hopes to see enhanced sentencing for offences committed in aggravating circumstances, as she thinks the current laws are insufficient. 'For example, harsher penalties could be mandated where the act of cruelty is prolonged, involves multiple animals, is committed in the presence of children, or is filmed or shared online. 'These aggravating factors are not currently specified in the Animals and Birds Act. Codifying them would provide greater consistency in sentencing and signal a stronger moral condemnation of particularly egregious conduct,' she said. Alternatives to punishment Veteran criminal lawyer Ramesh Tiwary, on the other hand, feels the current laws are adequate. He said simply meting out harsher punishments is a 'one-dimensional' approach. 'There are many other factors that come into play when somebody commits a crime – he might be frustrated, angry or not thinking straight.' Rather, more emphasis should be placed on tackling the root of the problem. 'I think enhancing or increasing sentences is not going to prevent the offence. It is more necessary to find out why people are doing these things. If we can find out why people are being cruel to animals, then perhaps we can work at removing the reasons and solving the problem.' Mr Tiwary believes in educating offenders, which can be done by taking them to a shelter to take care of animals, for example. 'This way, you teach the (offender) that animals deserve love and affection, rather than just sending them to prison.' Beyond fines and jail terms, Prof Razwana suggested a longer disqualification period from animal ownership, up from the current 12 months. Ms James echoed similar sentiments: '(12 months is) manifestly inadequate in cases involving severe or repeated cruelty. The revised Act should empower courts to impose longer-term or even permanent disqualification orders in appropriate cases. 'This would better reflect the gravity of the harm caused and provide greater protection for animals in the long term.' Ms James recommended post-sentence behavioural reviews for convicted offenders, which assess whether offenders have internalised the consequences of their actions, and if they remain a risk to animals. Prof Razwana said public education efforts should also be ramped up to inform the public about their duty of care towards pets and animals. She added: 'Tackling animal cruelty requires a multi-faceted approach: stricter laws, better enforcement, deeper psychological intervention and systemic education.' Acknowledging that the Government's move to review the Animals and Birds Act is a 'step in the right direction', Prof Razwana said its success will depend on how well it integrates legal reforms with public education and offender rehabilitation. 'It is also critical to work with affected stakeholders, the communities and individuals in addressing the root cause and the aftermath of such cruel incidences,' she said. Claudia Tan is a journalist at The Straits Times covering the crime and court beat. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction. Print
