Latest news with #Poh
New Paper
5 days ago
- Sport
- New Paper
Team Singapore steal the show at World Indoor Skydiving C'ships despite break-in
The Singapore skydiving team showed incredible resolve as they rose above a burglary at their accommodation to collect a sterling haul of four medals (one gold, two silvers and one bronze) at the World Indoor Skydiving Championships in Charleroi, Belgium. On April 25, the athletes were shocked to find their place ransacked, forcing them to relocate to a hotel midway through the April 24-27 competition. But rather than let the harrowing experience affect them, the skydivers regrouped with Kyra Poh teaming up with her younger sister Vera, Choo Yi Xuan and Kai Minejima-Lee to claim the dynamic four-way open title. Kai, 16, added a silver in the solo freestyle open event, while Poh and Choo showed their chemistry is still intact with a dynamic two-way open bronze in their first competition since 2018. Vera, also 16, snatched a silver in the solo speed junior category, while the remaining member of the Singapore contingent, Jordan Lee, was placed 11th in the solo freestyle open event on his world championships debut. A spokesperson for iFly Singapore, an indoor skydiving facility in Sentosa where the skydivers train, confirmed the burglary took place but declined to reveal further details when contacted by The Straits Times. Poh, making her return to competition after a year-long hiatus due to an ankle injury, was delighted to add to the solo freestyle open gold she won at the 2023 world meet. "Coming back from such a long injury break and immediately winning medals at the world championships is incredibly rewarding," said the 22-year-old, Singapore's only Red Bull-sponsored athlete. Hailing the support of the team during her recovery from the injury, Poh added: "It feels amazing to be competing again at the highest level." The gold was especially satisfying as Singapore avenged their loss to Switzerland at the world meet two years ago with a decisive victory. "To come back this year and win... against the same Switzerland team, made all the daily training worthwhile," said Choo, who was in the 2023 team who won a bronze. The 23-year-old also marked her reunion with Poh for the "Team Firefly" partnership by edging out France by just 0.2 seconds in a dramatic tiebreak for the dynamic two-way open bronze. Choo Yi Xuan and Kyra Poh, also known as "Team Firefly", competed for the first time together since 2018. PHOTO: MARAT DAMINOV "Reuniting with Yi Xuan after my injury and immediately getting back on the podium feels amazing," said Poh. For Kai, the solo freestyle open champion at the World Cup in 2024, it was another close call as he finished a mere 0.1 point behind Poland's Maja Kuczynska. "I gave everything in my routine and am proud to add a world championships silver to my World Cup gold," said the teenager. "The margin of 0.1 point shows just how competitive this field is." Kai Minejima-Lee (left) won the silver medal in the solo freestyle open event. PHOTO: MARAT DAMINOV Vera also showed her potential after losing by a mere 0.985sec to Sofya Pauzin of France in the solo speed junior category. "Speed events are all about focus and consistency," said the 16-year-old. "We are flying at speeds of 280kmh which means there is hardly a split second to think when I'm in the tunnel. "I've been working on perfecting every move and the transitions between patterns and I'm proud to contribute this first silver medal for a solo speed event."
Bloomberg
20-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Grab, GoTo Targeted by Indonesia Drivers' Protest for Better Pay
By and Olivia Poh Save Grab Holdings Ltd. and GoTo Group ride-hailing and delivery services are set to be disrupted on Tuesday in Indonesia, their biggest market, with tens of thousands of drivers preparing to protest over compensation and other terms. The strike comes at a delicate time for the Southeast Asian internet leaders, as Singapore-based Grab has been negotiating to buy its Indonesian rival for more than $7 billion. Drivers in Indonesia, a country of more than 275 million people, are protesting what they describe as exploitative app policies and regulatory negligence.
The Star
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
A beacon of peace and unity
Pride of Kuching: The Unifor Complex is a symbol of Sarawak's unity in diversity. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star KUCHING: The Unifor (Unit for Other Religions) Complex, which stands prominently at Jalan Ong Tiang Swee here, is not only a new landmark but a symbol of Sarawak's unity in diversity, say religious leaders. Although the building is not yet operational, it embodies the spirit of harmony and mutual respect among the various faiths in the state. 'The Unifor Complex is a testament to Sarawak's commitment to multireligious and multicultural harmony, unity and understanding,' Anglican Bishop of Kuching Datuk Danald Jute said. He said the complex would facilitate more interfaith activities and interactions, leading to better understanding, acceptance and respect. 'In this way, we can build bridges together between communities as we promote cooperation on common goals,' he said. The RM73mil Unifor Complex was completed in October last year when the occupation permit was handed over to the Unifor Charitable Trust's board of trustees. It comprises a nine-storey office tower with a rooftop green space, convention facilities and commercial spaces. Office renovation works are ongoing and the complex is expected to open by the third quarter of this year, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said. He said both Unifor – a government agency under the Sarawak Premier's Department – and the Unifor Charitable Trust, which owns the complex, would have offices in the new building. Unifor was set up in 2017 by the Sarawak government to provide financial assistance to non-Muslim houses of worship and mission schools in the state. The Unifor Charitable Trust is a separate entity which carries out activities for the well-being of non-Muslim communities in the state. Both Danald and Kuching Roman Catholic Archbishop Datuk Simon Poh pointed to the Unifor Complex's emblem, incorporating the various non-Muslim religious symbols, as a reflection of Sarawak's unity and harmony. 'This is a concrete sign that we are not just willing to come alongside each other, but to walk and work together with a great deal of respect for one another,' Danald said. For Poh, the complex would not only strengthen racial unity and religious harmony but help to serve other charitable organisations along Jalan Ong Tiang Swee, like the Sarawak Cheshire Home, Sarawak Society for the Blind, Perkata Special School, a community-based rehabilitation centre and senior citizens' service centre. 'I envisage the Unifor Complex will provide a venue and opportunity for religious leaders to meet. 'This is also a good opportunity to invite spiritual leaders to contribute directly to the charitable organisations nearby. 'My sincere desire is that the new Unifor Complex will inspire volunteers from respective faiths to serve those who are differently-abled,' he said. Poh also said Unifor's funding for non-Muslim houses of worship and mission schools contributed to character formation and nation-building. 'What is built is not just buildings but the formation of conscience, morality and values that will eventually bring about greater harmony,' he said. Sarawak Sikh Temple Association president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira welcomed the complex as a landmark symbolising the unity of the different races and religions in Sarawak. 'The building is something we all look forward to. Unifor has been helping all the non-Muslim religions in the state and we are very thankful for that. 'We are hopeful that all the non-Muslim faiths will have a place where they can go to and be associated with the building,' he said. Dr Kalwinder also said the complex was a concrete reminder to Sarawakians to work hard to maintain unity. 'We have always been a multiracial and multireligious society, so you'll find people of different religions living together in Sarawak. 'But to all Sarawakians and Malaysians, we have to work at it. 'Going into the future, we also have to educate the younger generation on the importance of unity,' he said.
Time Out
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Cute but weird: KL's Apohapoh on how she developed her quirky art style and the coolest spots in her city
Close-ups of eyeballs, chubby and heavily mascaraed faces, baby heads arranged in an endless spiral – Apohapoh's art is weird, psychedelic, kind of cute. Ask the Kuala Lumpur-based illustrator and tattoo artist, and she'll say it's very much intentional. "I've always been curious about crime and psychological horror," says Apohapoh, who grew up on a diet of "weird" cartoons like The Ren & Stimpy Show, which follows the misadventures of a psychotic chihuahua and dimwitted cat. And those uncomfortable close-ups in SpongeBob SquarePants? Her favourite thing about the show. Funny enough, Apohapoh says that she's never been able to create the kind of 'frightening' art she's so drawn to. So, why not make it a little cute? This blend of kawaii (meaning "cute") and kowaii (meaning "scary") has worked very well for her. As she says of the people who encounter her art, "The more they stare, the more they feel weird. But they like it." The tattooist-illustrator dilemma Enough to put it on their skin. Now 36, Apohapoh has been drawing since she was a kid, but has now branched out into tattooing. This dual identity – as a tattooist and illustrator – was initially difficult for her to reconcile. There's the difference in approach to both. Apohapoh shares, "Tattooing is something I enjoy, but it's also something that I do 'for someone'. I work for a long time to understand how I will put myself into the picture in a way that works for my clients too. But when it comes to illustration, I don't have to be concerned about whether my clients will like it. I just need to focus and be happy with what I draw." Then there's the surprising difficulty of having people understand that she's both a tattoo artist and illustrator. "In Malaysia, a tattoo artist is a tattoo artist, and an illustrator is an illustrator. If I say that I'm a tattoo artist, they don't want to understand the illustration part and vice versa. So, I took a long time to figure out how to gel both." Her solution? "I just emphasise my art style. Like, hey, Poh is doing psychedelic stuff, and she's able to do it both ways. Then it's easier for people to understand." It's in the little things Whichever medium she works in, art is undoubtedly a bridge to others—and herself. As a self-professed quiet child, Apohapoh used paper and pen to communicate her emotions to family and friends through images. This act of drawing was often even the first step to understanding herself. When asked about the work that's meant the most to her so far, Apohapoh recalls an unpublished sketch she eked out while homesick and depressed in the United States. Instinctively, she drew "a meaty human, with a small face and a small body". It was dressed in tight clothes, hemmed in by words and images describing what she'd seen and done in the US. There was no colour. "After I was done, I realised it was how I felt," says Apohapoh. "Often, I feel small in a big body because I'm trying to be tough in an unfamiliar environment. I don't fit." Maybe that's why Apohapoh is not so fussed about some 'big message'. "These are problems that all of us experience and have a hard time talking about. If something as 'small' as my art can help create a small conversation, help people feel better and go through their life more easily, then it helps me to heal as well. So, I focus on the small stuff but express it with bigger, more colourful visuals," says Apohapoh. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @michaelchuahgallery Going 'professional' Nowadays, Apohapoh is busy looking ahead. Having completed her first-ever solo show in Kobe, Japan, she's considering heading back to the country for another one. A sneak peek: she might contribute to an annual exhibition held at a temple, which aims to encourage kids to get involved in the arts. Having worked on a lot of digital art in 2024, Apohapoh is also exploring turning those pieces into actual paintings, and generally, exploring different mediums and materials. Part of the challenge is 'professionalising' – making sense of her existing body of work and creating a coherent narrative for audiences at galleries and exhibitions. We have faith that she's got it in the bag, though – and Apohapoh seems pretty certain too. "I'm not the most confident person in the room, but when it comes to my work, I'm confident to say that I know what I'm doing and I'm not afraid of trying different things." Wayang Kulit Tatu Apohapoh works as a tattoo artist at Wayang Kulit Tatu. It's worth a visit for the many artworks that adorn its walls. "It's not just our drawings," says Apohapoh, "but drawings from around the world by guest artists from Spain, Belgium, Taiwan, the UK, and each art piece has its own story and personal meaning." Grab a coffee from the tattoo studio's café, admire the artworks, and maybe get a tattoo with Apohapoh the next time you're in Kuala Lumpur. Chinatown Apohapoh used to think Chinatown was overrated – until she went on a typography-focused tour of the district. On the tour, she learned about the Chinese, Malay, and English typography on the old signboards around, and now makes it a point to return to Chinatown regularly to sniff out more of these historical gems down lorongs and side streets. REXKL Also in Chinatown, REXKL is a creative hub with indie shops, a library, and dining in a former cinema. For Apohapoh, this is people-watching central. Like her, take a seat at Fafaba KL, which sells fermented drinks like kombucha and natural wine. "I like to sit here and talk to friends, talk to the owners, see what people are wearing, and what the trend is. It helps me to understand people better," says Apohapoh.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
GE2025: Poh Li San edges out Chee Soon Juan in Sembawang West SMC with 53.19% of the vote
Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE – People's Action Party (PAP) candidate Poh Li San beat Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) secretary-general Chee Soon Juan to secure Sembawang West SMC for the ruling party, with 53.19 per cent of the vote. Ms Poh, 49, who was elected in the 2020 General Election as part of a five-member team in Sembawang GRC, has looked after the Sembawang West ward for the past five years. The senior vice-president at Changi Airport Group had said before the hustings that she was prepared for a tough fight. She eventually prevailed over Dr Chee, 62, one of Singapore's most recognisable opposition politicians. Her pitch to voters included more support for seniors, strengthening mental wellness programmes and speaking up for them in Parliament on jobs and bread-and-butter issues. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, who led the PAP team to win Sembawang GRC, had said he would continue to work closely with Ms Poh and pay close attention to Sembawang West SMC if they were both successful in the polls. Meanwhile, Dr Chee campaigned on several alternative policy proposals, on issues such as healthcare and the economy. These included removing the goods and services tax from basic necessities such as food, medication and education supplies, while raising it to 13 or 14 per cent for luxury goods to compensate for the loss in revenue. He also talked about SDP's healthcare proposal of switching to a national health insurance 'single payer' system for hospital bills. Dr Chee proposed organising town hall meetings to hear residents' issues as this would reduce waiting times at Meet-the-People Sessions. He also committed to being a full-time MP if elected. Ms Poh countered by saying that although his suggestions made for good rally speeches, they demonstrated a lack of understanding of how Meet-the-People Sessions work – offering a safe, private space for residents to talk about their life challenges. 'It is not a town hall for public political theatre,' she said at an April 28 rally. She acknowledged that Dr Chee is passionate and has walked a long political path, but has not served 'a community from within'. She said: 'Passion alone does not build playgrounds, nor support seniors, nor comfort a struggling family.' Sembawang West SMC, with 24,206 voters, was carved out from Sembawang GRC following the release of the report by the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee on March 11. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
