Latest news with #RafflesCity
CNA
13 hours ago
- General
- CNA
She lost her husband to cancer at 45 and now leads a widow support group for grieving women and their children
They fell in love when they were barely 16. The year was 1988 – a time when phones had cords, not cameras. 'In my time, during your O-Level year, you'd write autographs for your friends and attach photographs taken with traditional film cameras,' 53-year-old Cynthia Tay recalled. 'We didn't have Wefies then. So my friends and I were looking for someone to take group photographs for us. Three guys we met at Raffles City Shopping Centre volunteered, and took photographs with our camera and their camera,' she reminisced. The teenagers exchanged addresses so that they could mail the photos to one another. Then, Tay and one of the boys Jesse Peh began exchanging letters, since there was no WhatsApp or email then. After writing to each other for a year, they met up, and a romance quickly blossomed. Tay came from a divorced family with an absent father. Peh came from a family with two loving parents – something that attracted her. 'I grew up with many insecurities. Finding love and security had always been my mission,' she told CNA Women. In 1997, after eight years of dating, the couple got married at the age of 25. Together, they built the family Tay never had. They had three children, and Tay quit her job after their second child was born to be a homemaker. Peh, who was a Republic of Singapore Air Force pilot, supported the family. 'My husband had always been a good father. Growing up, I didn't have a father, so I wanted my husband to be very present,' said Tay. This dream shattered when Peh died of stomach cancer in 2017 at the age of 45. For Tay, it felt like 'the whole world collapsed'. Faced with the kind of grief that was hard to articulate, the young widow found solace in other bereaved widows. In 2017, she joined Wicare Support Group, a charity for widows and their children,and began volunteering as a befriender and board member shortly after. In May this year, she was appointed the chairperson of the support group. GRIEF BEGINS BEFORE DEATH 'Grief does not start after a person passes on. It starts when he is not able to hold a conversation with you, hold your hands, sleep in the same bed,' Tay reflected. Peh was first diagnosed with early-stage stomach cancer in 2010 at the age of 38, but recovered after surgery and chemotherapy. For four years, he was cancer-free. But in the fifth year, just before a long-anticipated family trip to Italy, the cancer returned. This time it was terminal. In 2015, Peh was diagnosed with Stage 4 stomach cancer. The doctor said the father-of-three had up to a year to live. 'We cancelled our trip. All our plans were shattered,' Tay said. For a while, Peh swung into depression. 'He knew my dream was to be with the kids and give them a really good childhood. He also knew I'd always wanted a complete family. Knowing he could not provide for us or be there for us anymore was really tough for him,' she added. But Peh picked himself up and decided to spend his remaining time well. He even proposed to Tay again, and the couple held an intimate renewal of vows ceremony in 2015 on Christmas Day. 'I was very, very happy,' reminisced Tay. Peh outlasted his doctor's forecast and survived for two years and three months. Over this period, he underwent radiotherapy, and several operations where he removed parts of his stomach, intestine and pancreas. However, during the last nine months of his life, his digestive system shut down and he had to be fed intravenously. This did not satiate his hunger, and he was always hungry. 'My children and I dared not eat in front of him, and hid ourselves to eat. We made sure to rinse our mouth before going near him,' Tay said. Her husband was hospitalised during this period and she stayed in the hospital with him the entire time; her children visited daily. But towards the last two weeks of his life, Peh could not even be fed intravenously – his failing organs could no longer process the nutrients. By that time, Tay had already watched her husband wither from a robust 70-plus kg to 30-plus kg. Helpless, the family brought him home where he died eight days later, on Mar 31, 2017. Their children were eight, 16 and 18. A FAMILY SHATTERED 'Sometimes, people compare the experience of widowhood to people who are not married, or those who get divorced and become a single parent. 'But there is a bit of difference. Widowhood is a loving relationship that is forced to stop. Nobody wanted it, no one is at fault, but you just have no choice but to accept it,' said Tay. 'The longing for that person lingers,' she added. 'Now, every morning when I wake up, he's not there. Sometimes, I battle with acceptance. Is it really true that he's gone?' Because Peh had been the sole breadwinner, Tay sold the family condominium and moved into a Housing Development Board flat to shore up the family finances. With the proceeds and Peh's savings, the family had enough to survive. But a heavy silence fell over their home. 'As a caregiver, you're so busy day in, day out. But after he passed on, time stood still,' she said. Sometimes, Tay would cry herself to sleep. In fact, on Tay's first birthday after her husband's death, she deliberately told her kids to return home late and give her alone time. 'I was so ready to cry big-time. But I couldn't squeeze a tear out of my eyes that day. Instead, I spent the time reflecting on our journey and good memories. And that's when I felt like, maybe this should be the way I start my life again,' she said. Nine months after Peh's death, two friends of Tay's from church invited her for a Wicare workshop. During the session, she heard other widows echo her greatest fear – dying and leaving her children orphaned. She also learnt to her surprise that the fatherless children in the group had different fears – they resented how people looked at them differently and wanted to be seen as normal. Moved by the open sharing, Tay began to attend Wicare's counselling and group therapy programmes more frequently. 'This is a place where you can talk about death openly. It's not easy to talk about (such things elsewhere) because people don't know how to talk to you, which lines they cannot cross,' she said. LEADING OTHERS THROUGH GRIEF A few months after attending Wicare sessions, Tay volunteered as a befriender, offering a listening ear to newly bereaved widow. She has since befriendered several widows, walking the journey with them. 'When you put a widow beside another widow, even though you don't say anything, tears can just flow. You know you have gone through a similar journey,' she said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wicare (@ A year later, in 2019, Tay was invited to join the Wicare board. She and a few other board members set up a befriending framework and recruited befrienders. She also enhanced its Children Grief Support Programme, which equips children whose fathers have died to process their grief through counselling, group therapy, and psychosocial therapies like ceramic and puppetry workshops. This is an initiative under WiShine, a programme that supports widows and their children during their healing journey, and is funded by the Community Chest and SGSHARE, Community Chest's donation platform. Tay brought the spirit of volunteerism into her family as well. Since 2020, she has involved her children, who are now 17, 25 and 26, in Wicare activities and events where they care for and interact with younger children through games, arts and craft, and conversation. Because of her active volunteerism, Tay was appointed chairperson of Wicare in May. 'I used to be a very simple person. All I needed to do was to be a good mum to my kids. But after the loss, I see the world in a very different perspective. I now see that there are so many people who are going through losses. I also draw courage from every story I hear. 'Along the way, I am really glad to have come to this space where I can rediscover myself and do things that I would previously never do,' she said. But no matter how many years have passed and how much she has changed, Tay still misses her husband dearly and tears when she thinks of their happy times. What hurts, she said, is knowing that as her children grow up, she will walk the rest of the road without the man who had shared his life and built their family with her. In those moments, she is struck by a deep sense of loneliness, she said.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference (APPEC) to Address Key Industry Issues Facing Global Energy Markets
Premier energy summit set for September to focus on 'Navigating Trade, Technology and Transition" SINGAPORE, Aug. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 41st annual Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference (APPEC) by S&P Global – Asia's leading energy conference - will take place from September 8 to 11, 2025, at the Raffles City Convention Centre in Singapore. A cornerstone of the energy industry for the past 40 years, this premier gathering of close to 1,500 industry leaders, experts and executives across 65 countries aims to explore the evolving landscape of the oil and gas sector, discussing critical issues such as energy transition, technological innovation, and sustainability strategies to prepare for a resilient future. Ms. Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth for Singapore will provide the opening address for APPEC 2025. Alongside more than 200 esteemed speakers, S&P Global's team of energy specialists will provide insights across the global energy landscape — from geopolitical influences to market trends and pricing outlooks —and will address pressing topics such as the changing trade dynamics, financing future energy solutions and the impact of technological innovations and disruptions on the energy sector. "Amid an evolving energy landscape and the onset of new market realities, APPEC by S&P Global continues to provide a vital platform for industry stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions. This conference will facilitate the exchange of ideas on navigating the complexities of balancing energy security while maximizing opportunities for growth and sustainability," said Dave Ernsberger, co-President of S&P Global Commodity Insights. "It will give participants a valuable forum to gain insights and learn how they can maximize opportunities for their business and stakeholders, while supporting the wider energy transition for the industry." APPEC 2025 will explore these key themes across a 3-day program: Day 1: Monday, September 8 - Strategic Conference Oil market fundamentals: Global dynamics Geopolitical influences: Navigating tariffs, sanctions and economic shifts Realigning business models for the energy transition Exploring opportunities with focus on Americas, China, India, Southeast Asia Day 2: Tuesday, September 9 - Concurrent Sessions Strategic Conference Global oil demand and trading landscape Downstream developments & drivers Spotlight on Africa's energy landscape and refining resurgence Review of the state of upstream and strategies for the future Chemicals & Carbon Markets Conferences Structural issues in the petrochemical industry and the impact of changing trade dynamics Exploring Asia's national carbon mechanisms and regional cooperation Financing Asia's low-carbon transition: Navigating policy shifts, supply chains and energy evolution Exploring global systems in carbon markets: Article 6 and CORSIA Day 3: Wednesday, Sep 10 - Concurrent Sessions Strategic Conference Pathways for decarbonization and renewable energy Spotlight on the role of critical minerals Growth areas for low carbon fuels AI and energy optimization Financing the future of energy Biofuels, Shipping & Bunker Conferences Asia Pacific's biofuel market potential and regional dynamics Sustainable feedstocks, ethanol, biodiesels in Asia: Current status and future prospects Navigating the SAF landscape: creating a traceable and sustainable value chain Investment and financing: fueling the biofuels revolution Navigating structural shifts in global shipping Pathways to net zero for shipping Transition to multi-fuel future Shaping the future maritime energy mix S&P Global Speakers & Experts (partial list) Dave Ernsberger, Co-President, S&P Global Commodity Insights Kurt Barrow, Head of Oil, Fuel and Chemicals Research, S&P Global Commodity Insights Jim Burkhard, Global Head of Crude Oil Market Research, S&P Global Commodity Insights Nick Sharma, Executive Director, Upstream Solutions, S&P Global Commodity Insights Vera Blei, Head of Market Reporting and Trading Solutions, S&P Global Commodity Insights Rahul Kapoor, Global Head of Shipping Analytics & Research, S&P Global Commodity Insights Roman Kramarchuk, Head of Energy Transition Narratives, Policy Analysis, S&P Global Commodity Insights Paul Gruenwald, Global Chief Economist, S&P Global Ratings For the complete list of speakers and the latest agenda, visit APPEC 2025 Speakers. Registration Information APPEC will be held at Raffles City Convention Centre, Level 4, Singapore, from September 8-11, 2025. For further information and to register, visit APPEC Registration. Media accreditation and passes Members of the media interested in covering APPEC 2025 are required to apply for accreditation and should email About S&P Global S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) provides essential intelligence. We enable governments, businesses and individuals with the right data, expertise and connected technology so that they can make decisions with conviction. From helping our customers assess new investments to guiding them through ESG and energy transition across supply chains, we unlock new opportunities, solve challenges and accelerate progress for the world. We are widely sought after by many of the world's leading organizations to provide credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help the world's leading organizations plan for tomorrow, today. For more information, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE S&P Global Commodity Insights Sign in to access your portfolio
CNA
18-07-2025
- Business
- CNA
Books Kinokuniya opens new Raffles City outlet ahead of previously announced date
Good news for folks who were eagerly awaiting Books Kinokuniya's third outlet: The Japanese bookstore chain opened its new Raffles City outlet on Friday (Jul 18), ahead of schedule by weeks. Books Kinokuniya previously announced that the outlet would open in August. Its Raffles City store joins Books Kinokuniya's flagship store at Takashimaya, which was reconfigured and "right-sized" early this year, and its other store at Bugis Junction as the remaining Books Kinokuniya outlets in Singapore. According to Books Kinokuniya, the change in the opening date was because "renovations and preparations progressed ahead of schedule". View this post on Instagram A post shared by Books Kinokuniya 🇸🇬 (@kinokuniya_singapore) Books Kinokuniya Raffles City at located on the third floor of the mall and takes over the space previously used by electronics chain Challenger. The store spans 3,433 sq ft and boasts a reading room with deep blue shelves. There's also store-exclusive stationery and merchandise here, including cat-themed products from Matsuo Miyuki and rare Pickles The Frog items. Interestingly, in the lead up to Books Kinokuniya Raffles City's opening, the bookstore chain's Instagram account appeared to allude to the possibility of a new outlet at Jewel Changi as well as the revival of its JEM store, which was closed in 2022. Responding to fans' comments on the Instagram Story, Books Kinokuniya said: "Please keep us in business. And hopefully these will be a reality one day." In response to queries from CNA Lifestyle, a spokesperson from Books Kinokuniya clarified that the two suggested potential outlets were "actually suggestions put forth by customers" in April. "At this moment, these projects are not in the works, but responses from our customers do contribute to our strategic planning," said the spokesperson. When asked about its decision to open an outlet in Raffles City, Books Kinokuniya said that the mall was a "natural choice" due to its central location and strong foot traffic. 'We saw it as an ideal space to introduce a refreshed retail concept and engage with a broader community of readers and customers. With the move to rebrand our sister company, NBC's Raffles City outlet to Books Kinokuniya, we aim to continue serving stationery lovers and book lovers at the new outlet."
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Michelin Bib stalls join in Raffles City's reopened food court
The reopening of The Food Place at Raffles City brings a 20-stall array that's bound to satisfy your cravings. The crowds were at an all-time high as I took in all the new stalls that had set up in the new storefront. A concept by Food Republic, The Food Place aims to combine Michelin-recognised brands with food court prices. Among these renowned names is Mon Kee Café, responsible for authentic Hong Kong cha chan teng-style recipes. They are especially famous for their scrambled egg rice, featuring various cooked meats enveloped within a layer of fluffy egg. The Scrambled Egg Rice with Homemade Sweet Sauce (S$8.50) was a plate of true indulgence. The soupy sauce was drizzled generously, coating the entirety of the omelette. Paired with the thick slices of char siew, each bite was a balance of sweet and savoury. I love how the scrambled eggs were still slightly moist, adding a velvety texture as they mix with the rice. A dish like this can only be called comforting! Ever wondered what stars like Jay Chou, Alan Tam and Bosco Wong enjoy during lunch? Well, come for a taste of Ju Xing Fish then! They're the first sauerkraut fish express concept by Ju Xing Home: a Hong Kong restaurant awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand for 6 years since 2018. This Sauerkraut Fish Soup (S$13.80) features crunchy grass carp. The sour and slightly spicy soup whets the appetite. I was pleasantly surprised by the texture of the fish. It was meaty and light, enhanced by the acidity of the soup. Smash burger fans, you're going to love this one. Smash by BurgerLabo brings their juicy, umami-rich burgers to The Food Place's reopening. The Smash Burger (S$16.80) was filled with pickled onions, two thick beef patties, and a creamy sauce. It also came with a side of salted fries that were fried to crisp perfection. Seared on a griddle till a crust is formed, the minced beef turns an appetising caramel brown. So, if you're not sure of what to eat, why not pop by The Food Place? You're bound to find something that tempts you when you arrive! New Ocean 新海: Saucy KL-style pork noodles & clean-tasting fish soup in Toa Payoh The post Michelin Bib stalls join in Raffles City's reopened food court appeared first on
CNA
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
Popular pizzeria Casa Vostra opening new outlet at Jem in September
Casual pizza and pasta hotspot Casa Vostra may have launched its first restaurant a year ago at Raffles City, but it continues to attract daily queues today. The no-reservations eatery currently has an average queue time of 45 minutes during peak mealtimes on weekdays and an hour on weekends. SECOND OUTLET OPENING THIS SEPTEMBER AT JEM MALL Hopefully, the lines will ease with the opening of its second outlet at Jem mall in Jurong East on Sep 1. Casa Vostra takes over the space formerly occupied by Marche on the first floor of the heartland mall. MORE SEATS AT UPCOMING JURONG BRANCH The bad news: You'll still have to queue for a table at the Jurong outlet. The good news – there are more seats here: 80 versus 60 at Raffles City's outlet, which may or may not ease waiting times. While the folks at Casa Vostra have yet to reveal any exclusive dishes and prices for its Jem outlet, some of its signature dishes are expected to remain on the menu, says its PR representative. Some of the dishes we think may be included are: Prosciutto e Rucola Pizza and Carbonara Rigatoni. Similar to the Raffles City outlet, all pastas at Jem will be handmade and some of its preserved meats like guanciale are cured in-house. WALLET-FRIENDLY PRICES Casa Vostra's Raffles City menu currently features 18 pizzas, including options like Mortadella and Tartufo e Funghi (ham with truffle and mushroom). It also serves 16 pasta dishes, including the tasty Agnolotti del Plin bathed in lush chicken jus and butter sauce. Prices for pizzas and pastas at the Raffles City outlet range from a wallet-friendly price point at S$15 to S$28, though they may differ a little at the upcoming Jem location, says the brand's PR representative. The Italian chef-owner Antonio Miscellaneo, 52, tells that the same flavoursome pizza dough will be served at the outlet in Jem: 'It all begins with a mix of unrefined and low-refined Italian flours, which is then made into dough and fermented through different stages and temperatures for 72 hours.' 'The dough is further shaped by pizzaiolos, and baked in a wood-fired oven at 460°C for a base that's crispy, airy and melt-in-the-mouth all at once.' The man is right, declares our food editor, a fan of his pies. Several new dishes introduced in April this year at Raffles City will also be available at the Jem outlet. The dishes include: PROSCIUTTO E FICHI PIZZA A savoury-sweet number layered with salty Parma ham, sweet fig puree, bitter, nutty rocket leaves, umami Parmigiano Reggiano, crunchy candied walnuts and gooey Fior di latte cheese. Pretty addictive paired with the crisp, puffy-edged crust, says our food editor. BAKED SCAMORZA A tiny but mighty-tasting appetiser of stretchy baked cheese, which boasts an irresistible smoky flavour and oozy mouthfeel that's lovely with a drizzle of honey. Shiok. MAMMA'S AGLIO E OLIO This simple dish of house-made fresh spaghetti with garlic, chilli, fresh parsley and a scattering of sun-dried tomatoes is inspired by chef-owner Miscellaneo's mum's recipe. HOW CASA VOSTRA WAS BORN Since opening its doors at Raffles City Shopping Centre last July, Casa Vostra has been drawing massive queues. The pizzeria is co-owned by the quirky and talented otaku Italian chef Antonio, who began his culinary journey with private dining concept Casa Nostra ('our home' in Italian) at his condo. After closing his home diner, Miscellaneo launched his first commercial eatery: The award-winning La Bottega Enoteca, a slightly upmarket brick-and-mortar Italian restaurant in Joo Chiat. From there, Casa Vostra ('your home' in Italian) was spawned – initially as a home delivery service, offering more affordable pizzas out of a central kitchen in Tai Seng. Next came its thriving dine-in equivalent at Raffles City and soon, Jem. Casa Vostra was opened in collaboration with F&B company the Ebb & Flow group, which is also behind other food concepts like tapas bar, Carlitos. Stay tuned to Casa Vostra's socials for updates on exclusive dishes as well as the opening date of its Jem outlet.
