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New Paper
3 hours ago
- Automotive
- New Paper
More safety protocols for set-up of peak-hour operations at Woodlands Checkpoint after accident
More safety protocols have been put in place for the setting up of peak-hour operations at Woodlands Checkpoint, following an accident that occurred on May 24. The enhancements include the use of cones, reflector discs and blinker lights to more clearly indicate to motorists a lane where traffic flow has been reversed to accommodate the large number of arriving vehicles. At about 5.30am on May 24, a Singapore-registered car heading towards Malaysia along the Causeway collided head-on with a Malaysia-registered bus approaching Singapore. The driver of the car and his three passengers were taken conscious to the hospital. In a statement after the accident, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said the accident happened before barriers were put in place to divert departing car traffic away from a lane that had the flow of traffic reversed to accommodate heavy vehicles arriving from Malaysia. The changing of the flow of traffic at the departure lane is part of ICA's contra-flow operations, which are initiated during peak periods to manage heavy traffic at the land border crossings. After the accident, ICA also said it would undertake a full review of safety measures before restarting the contra-flow operations. Following the safety pause, operations resumed on May 26 with the enhanced measures. The media was invited to observe operations on May 30. At about 4pm, departing traffic at the checkpoint was halted to allow ICA officers to prepare to convert one of the three departing lanes into an arrival lane. After the accident, ICA also said it would undertake a full review of safety measures before restarting the contra-flow operations. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY The departing lane that is converted is also known as a "flexi lane" that is used by vehicles exiting the cargo zone. While usually meant for cargo vehicles heading to Malaysia, the zone can also be converted for cars to pass through when departing car traffic gets heavy. Once the lane is converted, vehicles exiting the cargo zone would be directed to merge into the other two lanes. As part of the new safety enhancements, safety barriers with blinker lights and cones marking out the end of the lane are set up about 20m further ahead to give motorists advance notice that they need to merge into the two remaining lanes. During the media observation, six officers were involved in the setting up of the cones along the lane, some of which had reflector discs. After the officers set up the cones, heavy vehicles coming from Malaysia were diverted into the lane at about 4.30pm, easing building congestion towards Singapore. The command centre at Woodlands Checkpoint on May 30. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Speaking to the media on May 30, Senior Assistant Commissioner Maran Subrahmaniyan said on weekends, more than one million travellers usually cross the borders through Singapore's land checkpoints. The commander of ICA's Woodlands Command said given current infrastructural constraints and increasing travel volume - especially comprising cars and motorbikes - ICA has been leveraging technology to better monitor and manage traffic at the land checkpoints. SAC Maran added: "Contra-flow operations at our side of the Causeway are part of our measures during daily peak hours to manage traffic congestion. We have enhanced the safety measures of our contra-flow operations to further increase visibility of the contra-flow lane. "We have also put in place additional layers of checks to ensure safety protocols are in place before the contra-flow operations are activated."
Straits Times
17 hours ago
- Automotive
- Straits Times
More safety protocols for set-up of peak-hour operations at Woodlands Checkpoint after accident
ICA personnel installing cones along a lane at Woodlands Checkpoint on May 30. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY More safety protocols for set-up of peak-hour operations at Woodlands Checkpoint after accident SINGAPORE - More safety protocols have been put in place for the setting up of peak-hour operations at Woodlands Checkpoint, following an accident that occurred on May 24. The enhancements include the use of cones, reflector discs and blinker lights to more clearly indicate to motorists a lane where traffic flow has been reversed to accommodate the large number of arriving vehicles. At about 5.30am on May 24, a Singapore-registered car heading towards Malaysia along the Causeway collided head-on with a Malaysia-registered bus approaching Singapore. The driver of the car and his three passengers were taken conscious to the hospital. In a statement after the accident, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said the accident happened before barriers were put in place to divert departing car traffic away from a lane that had the flow of traffic reversed to accommodate heavy vehicles arriving from Malaysia. The changing of the flow of traffic at the departure lane is part of ICA's contra-flow operations, which are initiated during peak periods to manage heavy traffic at the land border crossings. After the accident, ICA also said it would undertake a full review of safety measures before restarting the contra-flow operations. Following the safety pause, operations resumed on May 26 with the enhanced measures. The media was invited to observe operations on May 30. At about 4pm, departing traffic at the checkpoint was halted to allow ICA officers to prepare to convert one of the three departing lanes into an arrival lane. After the accident, ICA also said it would undertake a full review of safety measures before restarting the contra-flow operations. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY The departing lane that is converted is also known as a 'flexi lane' that is used by vehicles exiting the cargo zone. While usually meant for cargo vehicles heading to Malaysia, the zone can also be converted for cars to pass through when departing car traffic gets heavy. Once the lane is converted, vehicles exiting the cargo zone would be directed to merge into the other two lanes. As part of the new safety enhancements, safety barriers with blinker lights and cones marking out the end of the lane are set up about 20m further ahead to give motorists advance notice that they need to merge into the two remaining lanes. During the media observation, six officers were involved in the setting up of the cones along the lane, some of which had reflector discs. After the officers had set up the cones, heavy vehicles coming from Malaysia were diverted into the lane at about 4.30pm, easing building congestion towards Singapore. The command centre at Woodlands Checkpoint on May 30. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Speaking to the media on May 30, Senior Assistant Commissioner Maran Subrahmaniyan said on weekends, more than one million travellers usually cross the borders through Singapore's land checkpoints. The commander of ICA's Woodlands Command said given current infrastructural constraints and increasing travel volume – especially comprising cars and motorbikes – ICA has been leveraging technology to better monitor and manage traffic at the land checkpoints. SAC Maran added: 'Contra-flow operations at our side of the Causeway are part of our measures during daily peak hours to manage traffic congestion. We have enhanced the safety measures of our contra-flow operations to further increase visibility of the contra-flow lane. 'We have also put in place additional layers of checks to ensure safety protocols are in place before the contra-flow operations are activated.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
What's The News? S'pore students face off in ST's quiz competition
Organised as part of ST's 180th anniversary celebrations, the What's The News? competition brought together students across secondary and tertiary levels to take part in an interactive quiz that merged current affairs with fun team-based physical challenges and creativity. Quiz host Rishi Budhrani interacting with students in the preliminary round of the competition at St Gabriel's Secondary School on April 15. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI ST's What's The News travelling showcase at St Gabriel's Secondary School on April 15. The showcase will be visiting schools and public spaces until June 16. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Temasek Junior College emerged as the champion when the competition ended on May 23 at NUS University Cultural Centre. Members of the winning team from Temasek Junior College (in green) shaking hands with the other finalists from Outram Secondary School, St Joseph's Institution and Presbyterian High School at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY The competition is supported by the Ministry of Education with the Central Narcotics Bureau as a partner. ST editor Jaime Ho speaking to attendees at the finals of the competition at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Guo Yatian, 16, who was part of the winning team, said: 'This competition has definitely inspired us to continue our habit of reading the news and to keep abreast of current affairs around the world. 'It enriches not just our knowledge but also how we approach daily life. It is helpful not just in our studies but also how we interact with people from different backgrounds.' (From left) Winners Rayner Ng, 16, Melody Keiko Chua, 17, Chloe Natalie D' Mello, 16, and Guo Yatian answering a question about the Lapu Lapu festival tragedy during the short answer question round at the finals on May 23. The answers were judged by (big screen from left) ST managing editor Murali Subramaniam, ST editor Jaime Ho, and Ms Leah Aw, director, Humanities Curriculum Planning and Development 2, Ministry of Education. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Citing concerns like the unpredictability of the second Trump presidency, Yatian added: 'As Singaporeans, we shouldn't be so insular. We should look beyond our country to know what's happening beyond our borders. ST VIDEO: MATILDA AQUILA CHIA, AZIM AZMAN, JACEN TAN, JORDAN LEE, JOEL CHNG & AILEEN TEO The journey to the finals began with an online individual quiz in April. ST editor Jaime Ho interacting with St Gabriel's Secondary School students during the preliminary round, which requires the participants to answer a 30-question quiz in 30 minutes on May 15. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI More than 6,000 students from 50 schools – across secondary and tertiary institutions – taking part in the competition. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI The top 16 schools then advanced to the semi-finals on May 21, each sending a team of six representatives. The Ballpits and Blindfolds game being held during the semi-finals of ST's What's The News? competition at Our Tampines Hub on May 21. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Zhonghua Secondary School students playing a game with merchandise to be won at one of the travelling showcase booths prior to the semi-finals on May 21. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH The 16 teams were divided into four zones, where only one team from each zone would secure a spot in the finals. Naval Base Secondary School supporters cheering their schoolmates on during the semi-finals at Our Tampines Hub on May 21. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH During the arena-style semi-finals – consisting of four telematch games – the sports hall at Our Tampines Hub was filled with a tense and exciting atmosphere. Raffles Institution students (from left) Han Peng Hao, 16, Xie Yundi, 18, and Li Houzhe, 18, holding on to one another to keep their balance on a foam mat as they compete in the Go The Distance game during the semi-finals on May 21. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Loyang View Secondary School student Jumao-As Nicholas Lim, 16, holding his stance on two foam mats as he competes in the Go The Distance game during the semi-finals at Our Tampines Hub. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Alexis Eng, 16, from Naval Base Secondary School holding up her team's answer to a true or false question while competing in the Go The Distance game during the semi-finals on May 21. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Challenges included finding answers hidden in a ball pit while blindfolded, and illustrating social issues such as drug abuse and mental health through drawing. A Pasir Ris Secondary School student resting during a break in the Ballpits and Blindfolds game at the semi-finals at Our Tampines Hub on May 21. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Yishun Innova Junior College students guiding their teammate – sitting in a ball pit blindfolded – to find the placard with the correct answer as quickly as possible. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Victoria School student Joshua Krisnanto, 16, said the competition was an 'eye-opening experience'. Victoria School students participating in a Pictionary-style contest, which tested their creativity and presentation skills. The game was part of the semi-finals at Our Tampines Hub on May 21. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY 'The competition got us to know more about current affairs, not only in Singapore but also on an international scale, which we felt was really beneficial as it's important to know what's happening around us at this moment,' he added. Yishun Innova Junior College students presenting to ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo and SPH Media's managing editor of English, Malay and Tamil Media Dominic Nathan during the semi-finals at Our Tampines Hub on May 21. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY The members of the Victoria School team – one of the youngest teams in the semi-finals – said they felt like the 'underdogs of their zone'. Judges assessing the student presentations for the Pictionary-style game. During the semi-finals at Our Tampines Hub on May 21, the 16 teams were divided into four zones, where only one team from each zone would go on to the finals. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Despite not making it to the finals, team members said they had fun and hope to join the contest again. Outram Secondary School students (from left) Liam Hu, 16, Didi Chua, 15, Kara Anne Ringling, 15, Laris Ho, 16, Sonya Koh, 15, and Abburu Sai Daksha, 16, jumping for joy on May 21 after finding out they qualified for the finals of the competition. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY ST VIDEO: MATILDA AQUILA CHIA, AZIM AZMAN, JACEN TAN & JOHNBOY IYPE JOHN Intensity grew at the finals, where four schools went up against one another in a game show format. Teams, consisting of four members, chose questions of varying difficulty and could redirect one question to an opponent. Correct answers earned points for both teams, but wrong answers meant only the receiving team lost points. The four teams at ST's What's The News? finals held at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Presbyterian High School, which was gunning for second place, found itself on the losing end after two difficult questions were redirected its way. The team ultimately finished fourth. Presbyterian High School students (from left) Zoe Tan, Cherisse Kow, Daven Voo and Lee Yu Xin, who are all aged 15, reacting after getting a challenging question during the short answer question round at the finals on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Team member Zoe Tan, 15, said: 'There is a sense of regret, because we had asked our friend to check (one of the questions) for us, but we still didn't get it right.' Presbyterian High School students comforting each other after the finals at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY The team said the experience taught them lessons in strategy and presentation skills. St Joseph's Institution (SJI), which took second place, credited its success to strong teamwork. SJI students (from left) Ethan Chong, Wang Xuanwen, Nathan Henry Asikin and Krishay Gautam Patel, all aged 16, preparing their responses for the presentation round at the finals of the competition at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Though well-versed in global affairs from participating in Model United Nations, the team admitted to initially underestimating the depth of local news. St Joseph's Institution students using a 'redirect' card to deflect a question during the short answer question round. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Supporters of St Joseph's Institution cheering their team on during the finals at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY 'Prior to What's The News?, we felt that as a small country, (Singapore's news) would be quite mundane. But after this competition, we have found that it's far more than what we had envisioned,' said SJI team member Ethan Chong, 16. His teammates agreed that they now have a newfound interest in learning more about local politics, especially after the recent general election. ST VIDEO: MATILDA AQUILA CHIA, AZIM AZMAN, JORDAN LEE, JACEN TAN & AILEEN TEO
Straits Times
23-05-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Temasek JC wins first place and $4,000 cash prize at ST's What's The News? quiz competition
Temasek Junior College was crowned champions of at the finals of the ST What's The News? competition at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY SINGAPORE - While others were stunned, the four-member team from Temasek Junior College (TJC) were praying for the question on newly elected Pope Leo XIV's first words when he first appeared in public in Vatican City to be given to them. Rayner Ng, 16, said: '(The Pope's quote) had come out in ST's daily reports. I read about it from there and so, we answered correctly (when it was redirected to us).' In the past few weeks, the team of four from TJC had made reading the news a daily habit. Their efforts paid off, when they emerged the winner at The Straits Times' current affairs quiz competition on May 23. Temasek Junior College students answering the redirected question on Pope Leo XIV correctly during the short answer question round at the finals of the competition at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY 'It was more about applying what we had learnt in our day-to-day lives in this competition,' said one of the team members, 16-year-old Guo Yatian. Both excited and surprised to have won the competition, the team expressed their gratitude to the teachers and friends who had supported them throughout their journey. They took home a $4,000 cash prize for coming in first. The schools that finish second, third and fourth won $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000 respectively. Presbyterian High School students during the multiple choice question round at the finals of the competition at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY What's The News?, is an interschool interactive quiz competition organised by ST as part of its 180th anniversary outreach, and is supported by the Ministry of Education (MOE). The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) is a partner. The preliminary round kicked off in April, where more than 6,000 students across 50 schools participated individually in an online current affairs quiz. Following an intense competition during the semi-finals on May 21, which featured four telematch games, four schools entered the finals – Presbyterian High School, Outram Secondary School, St Joseph's Institution and TJC. The finals were held at the event's campus partner, the National University of Singapore's University Cultural Centre. Temasek JC came in first, followed by St Joseph's Institution, Outram Secondary School and Presbyterian High School. Students answering questions during the quickfire multiple choice question round at the finals of the competition at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY On a stage modelled after a television game show set, the four finalist teams were pitted against each other in a game show. Students were given three challenges with a focus on current affairs. Teams first competed in a rapid fire multiple choice round consisting of ten questions. Their critical thinking and presentation skills were then tested in the next round, when students had 15 minutes to create one slide showing their answer to questions on different future trends in areas like healthcare and jobs. They had three minutes to present their answers. The final round was a trivia quiz where teams took turns to pick questions worth varying number of points based on their difficulty levels. Topics ranged from environment and health to sports and pop-culture. Ourtram Secondary School students during the presentation round at the finals of the competition at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY The Outram Secondary School team said they were extremely nervous coming into the finals. 'As a neighbourhood school, we were not expecting to be standing up here (on stage at the finals)' said one of the teammates when asked by the host Rishi Budhrani how they were feeling during the competition. Nonetheless, the team showed their worth, scoring the most points in the quick fire questions round. When asked about their biggest takeaways from the competition, Outram Secondary School student Kara Ringling, 15, said: 'I feel that in our generation, primary, secondary and JC schoolers, they find news very uninteresting. It's just something that is seen more as a task rather than something they could do in their leisure time. 'This competition has really opened our eyes that news can actually be interesting and something fun.' ST editor Jaime Ho speaking to attendees at the finals of the competition at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY ST editor Jaime Ho said : 'The finals today were a capstone to our event for young audiences as part of The Straits Times' 180th anniversary, and, really another milestone for our work with some of the youngest of our audiences. 'From Day 1, the participants showed just how ingenious, critical, and thoughtful they were. While I'm sure the students took away some lessons about the news from this experience, we also learnt a lot from the students.' He added: 'They taught us about how young people want to be reached and what makes them sit up and take note. It's also given us a chance to introduce contemporary issues in a more friendly way to those who may have found it quite daunting in the past. 'This event was one of my favourites of the ST180 events, and we hope we can bring it back year after year in some form. I'd also like to thank our various partners for helping us bring this event to life.' St Joseph's Institution students during the presentation round at the finals of the competition at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Mr Kangtai Zhong, assistant director of planning and development at the DrugFreeSG office , said: 'ST's aim of encouraging youth to think critically about current affairs whilst having fun aligns with our approach at CNB DrugFreeSG Office. 'We aim to equip youth with essential life skills and critical thinking abilities, enabling them to learn more and think more about the world we live in, specifically about the issue of drugs, so that they can grow into their roles as future leaders of our society and advocate for a drug-free Singapore.' Mr Shawn Huang attended the event on May 23 in his capacity as the outgoing senior parliamentary secretary in MOE. He has since been appointed the same role in manpower along with his current finance portfolio. ST's What's The News competition 'promotes media literacy and raises awareness on current affairs among our students', he said . 'Participants get to analyse news stories and understand complex global issues through interactive and fun activities. This not only sharpens their critical thinking skills but also encourages our youth to become more discerning and engaged citizens.' Mr Huang encouraged students to keep on learning. 'Be curious in your pursuits, and wherever you travel to, whomever you interact with, always ask good questions,' he said. 'Most important of all is when we come together in such competitions, is to make good friends, because in the future, all of you will be working together to build the future of Singapore.'
Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Hougang Secondary students turn stale bread into sweet victory at ITE skills competition
(From left) Hougang Secondary School students Muhammad Ariq Danish Mohammad Azhar, Wong Hong Xi and Mohamed Firas Mohamed Rafi won the BreadCycle Challenge at the finals of the 9th ignITE Skills Challenge at ITE College Central on May 20. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY SINGAPORE - Three students from Hougang Secondary School upcycled day-old bread to make skincare products, breathing new life into food waste. For their innovation, they were one of the winners on May 20 at the ignITE Skills Challenge 2025 finals, a competition organised by the Institute of Technical Education (ITE). Held at ITE College Central, the annual contest is designed for secondary students to explore technical skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the courses offered by the institution. After receiving feedback during the preliminary rounds that their product had a short shelf life, the team replaced yoghurt with kaolin clay and added essential oils to improve longevity and give the product a more appealing aroma. 'As teenagers start to grow acne, they will feel insecure about themselves. We aimed to create skincare products to aid them,' said Secondary 3 student Wong Hong Xi, 14, one of the team's members. 'Beyond this competition, I want to continue fixing this project's flaws,' he said, adding that he hopes to start a business in skincare in the future. The team clinched first place in one of the categories - BreadCycle Challenge: Innovate and Repurpose - where participants were tasked to upcycle day old bread into other items. Among the participating schools, Spectra Secondary School emerged as overall champions, bagging the most trophies across the 16 challenges. A skincare product made from stale bread and other ingredients was amongst the winning entries of the ignITE Skills Challenge 2025 finals. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Some of these challenges include Ultimate Robotic Claw, where students control a robotic arm to sort and move objects and The Business Enterprise where students manage a new start-up business. In a speech at the event, ITE chief executive Low Khah Gek said: 'ignITE Skills Challenge is more than just a competition. It is an invaluable opportunity for students to learn and then apply their knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios.' Now in its ninth year, the competition has evolved with the times, featuring 16 skills challenges under three key themes: smarter innovations, sustainability and entrepreneurship. This year's challenge drew the highest number of sign-ups in the past five years, with 1,767 students from 63 secondary schools. This year's challenge drew the highest number of sign-ups in the past five years, with 1,767 students from 63 secondary schools. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Some students said the competition gave them a new sense of direction in their studies. 'This challenge inspired me to look deeper into entrepreneurship and business courses,' said Hong Xi. Students from Spectra Secondary School encouraged those who are interested in hands-on skills to take the leap. Together with their teammates, Secondary 4 students Reyhan Kuthubudeen and Mohammed Audi, both 16, came up with prototypes of coasters made from expired bread. Both teenagers hope to study pastry and baking at ITE College West. 'Don't be afraid. Even if you lose, at least you have had some experience in the areas that you can improve on,' said Reyhan. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
