Latest news with #SamuelLee
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
The Chic Home: Interior designer renovated his own HDB flat in Punggol
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox SINGAPORE – Having lived in large HDB flats growing up, interior designer Samuel Lee and his wife, quantity surveyor Pearlynn Chia, needed time to adjust to the size of their new flat. 'We were willing to make compromises, but not lose the features that we grew up with. Wanting even more modern comforts while trying to make them all fit in was tough,' says Mr Lee, director and lead designer of local studio Atum Interior. In renovating the 1,001 sq ft, four-room unit in Punggol Drive, Mr Lee – who is also a contractor – let himself be guided by what he has always practised: purposeful design that pays attention to ergonomics and spatial flow. The couple, both 32, agreed on certain important criteria for the home: It should be low-maintenance, relaxing and timeless. Almost every non-load-bearing wall was removed and all the finishes were replaced, except for the flooring in the living room and bedrooms. To the left of the main entrance, a new breakfast bar-cum-shoe cabinet demarcates the entrance foyer and separates it from the kitchen. A sliding door at the end allows the entrance foyer to be closed off to prevent the couple's two dogs from escaping. The same sliding door can also close off the kitchen. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business Who loses the most from Trump's tariffs? Who wins? Business SGX posts highest full-year earnings since listing, quarterly dividend of 10.5 cents a share Asia Cambodia, Thailand agree on Asean observers monitoring truce, but fundamental differences remain Singapore Flying greener will come at a price, industry players warn Opinion At 79, Liew Mun Leong has no time to be sentimental Singapore Student found with vape taken to hospital after behaving aggressively in school; HSA investigating Singapore Chikungunya cases in Singapore double; authorities monitoring situation closely Singapore CDC and SG60 vouchers listed on e-commerce platforms will be taken down: CDCs A breakfast bar-cum-shoe cabinet demarcates the entrance foyer and separates it from the kitchen. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA The kitchen lies on the other side of the breakfast bar, and its reconfigured entrance faces the dining and living areas. It has been combined with the yard, and the galley-style layout lets in natural light from the window at one end of the laundry area. The kitchen has a galley-style layout. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA Some of the thoughtfully designed features in this space include a vertical utensil cabinet, hide-away laundry sink, dedicated housing for the robot vacuum cleaner and a self-flushing dog toilet. A row of built-in carpentry occupies the back wall, including shelves and cabinets to house the wife's collection of Sylvanian Families figures. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA The dining room is right beside the balcony, which is decked out with stained recycled chengal wood. A row of built-in carpentry occupies the back wall, including shelves and cabinets to house Mr Lee's aquarium and Ms Chia's collection of Sylvanian Families figures. These are collectible animal figurines who live in the fictional North American village of Sylvania. The dining table, which is made of solid black walnut planks, is the couple's pride and joy, as they built it themselves. It also doubles as Mr Lee's workspace when he is aquascaping. The couple built their own dining table out of solid black walnut planks. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA One of the bedrooms has been converted into the new living room, with a simple design and cosy lighting. Next to the living room, the walkway connecting the household shelter, common bathroom and master bedroom has been designed as a feature wall that conceals the three doors. Using a framing design, the resulting shadows cast by the frames hide the seams for the doors in plain sight. The walls between the master bedroom and adjacent bedroom were removed, then re-partitioned using new carpentry incorporating full-height, L-shaped wardrobes and a study nook with a dog door. A window above the study desk is roughly aligned with the external window of the bedroom next door. This creates a layering of spaces while offering a view out of, and allowing natural light into, the study area. The walls between the master bedroom and adjacent bedroom were removed, then re-partitioned, to create a larger suite with a study. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA The placement of the carpentry created a larger master bedroom and a smaller second bedroom which can be repurposed when the couple have a child. In the meantime, this spare room, which has a Murphy bed, serves as a space to exercise, play mahjong or accommodate guests. Mr Lee fitted the master bathroom with large-format tiles, a wall-hung water closet, bathtub, concealed shower mixer and large twin basins. For the common bathroom, he designed a double-faced wall incorporating niches on both sides. He went with a WPC (wood-plastic composite) material for the carpentry, as it is waterproof and easy to clean. The owner fitted the master bathroom with a wall-hung water closet, bathtub and large twin basins. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA The couple moved into their home in November 2023 after a 10-week renovation that cost about $80,000, excluding furnishings. Being a designer himself, Mr Lee constantly tweaked the design during the renovation as he watched the space evolve. 'Working on my own home gives me the freedom to experiment with riskier ideas and features that I would never put in my clients' homes,' he says.
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Danica Patrick entertains wild conspiracy theories as NASCAR legend questions if the moon is real
Former IndyCar and NASCAR driver Danica Patrick has ventured into the world of conspiracy theories on her podcast many times. But one recent clip is confounding to many. A bizarre and confusing video recently posted on her Instagram account featured moments from an episode of her 'Pretty Intense' podcast with Samuel Lee, MD, a man who promotes himself as 'The Spiritual Psychologist.' In the clip, which has a thumbnail with the words 'The Lies We Have Been Told To To [sic] Control Us', the pair go off on a wild number of conspiracy theories and promote some off-base ideas. Patrick added a caption to the post, saying that Lee is 'someone who has been on the spiritual journey discovering new truths and exploring new and old ways of communicating with our higher self.' At the beginning, Lee appears to try and draw a parallel between Christians receiving communion to the conspiracy theories surrounding the chemical compound Adrenochrome. Those theories, perpetuated by far-right QAnon supporters, suggest that there's a cabal of Satanists who rape and murder children to harvest the chemical from their blood for use as a recreational drug. 'They tried to form a religion out of Jesus and try to get people to pay. He was preaching the opposite thing,' Lee said in the clip. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Danica Patrick (@danicapatrick) 'He wasn't trying to start a religion, his true message is that... you're literally going to a cathedral and you're drinking symbolic blood and you're eating a body. Who does that on planet Earth? Are you talking about Adrenochrome?' While art of 'Satanists' in red hooded robes was shown in the background, Patrick replied, 'Talking about drinking blood, that's deep state satanic rituals.' Other theories discussed on the show included if there were people living inside of the Earth (Lee believes there are), if 'the moon is real' (Lee believes it was 'implanted' in the sky), and Lee's connection to an AI program that 'knew him'. Many of the comments under Patrick's post took issue with Lee's criticism of the communion ritual - with a number of Christians quoting verses from the Bible. This is not the first time that the former driver and current Sky Sports F1 commentator has flirted with conspiracy theories or invited conspiracy theorists on her podcast. Back in June of 2024, in an episode with 'spiritualist' Elizabeth April, Patrick discussed the existence of 'lizard people'. April suggested that pop icon Justin Bieber was a 'shapeshifter'. Later that year, in October, Patrick attracted widespread criticism for bringing on conspiracy theorist and Holocaust denier David Icke.
Straits Times
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Feeling stressed? Children learn to regulate their emotions through art
(From left) Young artists Chua Kah Ing, 10, Samuel Lee, 14, Kendric Chai, 8 and Chen Yening, 10, at the SELebrate! The Colours of Emotion: A Journey in Art exhibition in Bedok Library on June 20. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG SINGAPORE - Art is a source of comfort for 10-year-old Chua Kah Ing when she feels anxious. 'I felt like all my problems would go away. When I see this picture it makes me very calm,' she said of her watercolour painting of a full moon over a mountain. The Primary 4 pupil from Opera Estate Primary School said she chose to use the colour blue in the painting as it calms her whenever she feels sad. Pink, which lines the landscape's horizon, reminds her of her happiness. Kah Ing is among more than 120 children whose works are showcased at Bedok Library in the art exhibition , SELebrate! – The Colours Of Emotion: A Journey In Art, which opened on June 1 and runs till June 29. Chua Kah Ing, 10, with her artwork exhibited at the SELebrate! The Colours of Emotion: A Journey in Art exhibition in Bedok Library on June 20. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG The exhibition displays works from children who attended Social Emotional Learning (SEL) art workshops, which were organised by Morning Star Community Services and designed to help children manage stress. Morning Star believes that emotional regulation is something many children struggle with in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment like Singapore. Apart from the possibility of experiencing academic stress, children could face relational challenges such as misunderstandings with friends and communication gaps at home. These experiences, when unaddressed, can affect their mental well-being and development. In line with the non-profit's mission to support children and families, Morning Star launched structured art workshops that use visual art to express the six core emotions and achieve social-emotional learning outcomes. Its SEL art classes were conducted at seven primary schools and at the organisation's student care centres in Sengkang and Hougang. The art exhibition marks the launch of Morning Star's public education initiative SELebrate!, which advocates for SEL as a means to build resilient families and emotionally healthy individuals. 'This exhibition is a window into how children see and feel the world around them. Through art, they learn to name, understand, and regulate their emotions – a key building block of mental wellness,' said Mr Freddie Low, executive director of Morning Star. Samuel Lee, 14, said the reds, greens, and blues in his painting of a rainbow over green mountains, A Wonderful Scenery, calm him, while the yellow sun 'brightens up' his feelings. Samuel Lee, 11, with his artwork exhibited at the SELebrate! The Colours of Emotion: A Journey in Art exhibition in Bedok Library on June 20. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG He had attended SEL art workshops as part of Morning Star's CareNights programme, which provides evening care for children aged six to 14. For Kendric Chai, an eight-year-old pupil from Morning Star's Aspire student care programme, blue is 'as peaceful as a river'. His painting at the exhibition, A Peaceful House, depicts a house in light blue to represent peace and relaxation. Kendric Chai, 8, with his artwork exhibited at the SELebrate! The Colours of Emotion: A Journey in Art exhibition in Bedok Library on June 20. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG SEL art workshops are immersive and sensory-based, using music to aid reflection during painting sessions. After each piece of music , facilitators prompt the children to identify the emotion expressed by the music and imagine colours or shapes that come to mind when they feel this emotion. These prompts help students visualise emotions and communicate them in their art. Chen Ye Ning, 10, said she finds it easier to explain what she feels using colours and shapes than with words, and this helps her to better understand emotions like calmness and nervousness. Chen Yening, 10, with her artwork exhibited at the SELebrate! The Colours of Emotion: A Journey in Art exhibition in Bedok Library on June 20. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Her painting at the exhibition , Peace In Space, is a tranquil scene of the planet Jupiter surrounded by numerous stars dotting the emptiness of outer space. The exhibition at Bedok Library includes a video essay featuring selected artworks and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra's performance of Holiday, the fifth movement of Day In The Lion City, an orchestral suite by Singaporean composer Kelly Tang. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
05-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Food Picks: Better butter from Churne
SINGAPORE – When it comes to compound butter, the possibilities are endless. So many ingredients lend themselves to being mixed into softened butter – garlic, chopped herbs, spices, nuts, seeds and the ubiquitous truffle oil. Churne, a home-based food business, makes complex ones that have many delicious applications. They are made b y S amuel Lee, 33, a private chef by day; and his wife, former pastry chef Lin Liping, 35. Of the three products, the Umami Duo ($24 for a 170g jar) is the one I want to slather on everything. The base is Churne's Signature Umami Pure – French butter with shio kombu and kizami nori mixed in, which is then swirled with Okinawa black sugar and aged dark soya sauce. What results is an umami bomb. Very savoury with just a touch of rounded sweetness, it is great on hunks of toasted sourdough, but also with steak or roasted vegetables. The Signature Umami Pure ($22 for a 170g jar) is perfect with steamed vegetables and adds depth to any savoury sandwich. Try tossing a big knob of it with cooked pasta – heaven on a forkful. Dark Chocolate Koji Caramel ($26 for a 170g jar) is no slouch. Like the other two, there is depth in the flavours. In this case, butterscotch, a slight edge of bitterness from the dark chocolate and a hint of sweetness from jiu niang, or sweet fermented rice. Spread this on a croissant or dollop it on ice cream (yes, butter on ice cream) or strawberries. A bundle of the three spreads is priced at $62. Info: Order via Instagram @ or WhatsApp chef Lee on 8838-4779. Delivery costs $10 to $30 depending on location and is free for orders of $180 and up. Self-collection in MacPherson i s also available. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Independent Singapore
27-05-2025
- General
- Independent Singapore
‘Now look elsewhere!' People's Power Party candidate Samuel Lee resigns
SINGAPORE: Samuel Lee, who contested in the recent General Election at Ang Mo Kio GRC under the People's Power Party (PPP), announced in a May 27 (Tuesday) social media post that he has resigned from the PPP. 'On May 23, I, Samuel Lee, resigned from the People's Power Party, to pursue new opportunities while continuing my commitment to activism and advocating for a better Singapore. I am grateful for the lessons learned and wish PPP well in its future,' he said in a 20-second video. @samuel_leeyr On May 23 (2025), I, Samuel Lee, resigned from the People's Power Party to pursue new opportunities, while continuing my commitment to activism and advocating for a better Singapore. I am grateful for the lessons learned and wish PPP well in its future. Thank you #SamuelLeePostGE2025 ♬ 原声 – Samuel Lee (李育儒) – Samuel Lee (李育儒) Mr Lee, 33, drew widespread attention on Nomination Day (April 23), when he sang the lyrics from 'I'm Just A Tiny Bird,' a Chinese song, during an interview. 'I look left, look right, look left, look right, for a career path. Is this a request considered too high?' he sang. @woodafook Can't deny this guy will be a legend in times to come #lookleftlookright #legend #therealslimshady ♬ The Real Slim Shady – Instrumental – Eminem The other reason why the former candidate received attention leading up to the May 3 polls is that he had been charged with two counts of reckless behaviour endangering the lives of others. This was for an incident in February 2022 in Toa Payoh, at a pedestrian crossing near Victory Family Centre's technical support centre. While driving a Mercedes-Benz, Mr Lee collided into the gate of the centre after he had an argument with a rider on a Personal Mobility Device (PMD) . Read related: Police investigating roadside jostling for right of way between Mercedes driver and PMD rider He was given a six-week jail sentence in June 2024. Goh Meng Seng, the secretary-general of the PPP, said that the party was aware of the incident. The party added that Mr Lee had been remorseful over what happened and had taken full responsibility for his actions, CNA reported on April 25. 'The Party believes strongly in rehabilitation and second chances,' the PPP said in a statement to the media over the matter. According to the CNA report, Mr Lee had been part of PPP since late 2023 and had been a member of its Central Executive Committee, handling matters related to the press. 'Born in a humble family and raised with the values of hard work and resilience, Samuel knows firsthand the challenges faced by ordinary Singaporeans,' wrote the PPP about Mr Lee last month, adding, 'Samuel is 33 years old. His political awakening originated from a simple but powerful realisation that no amount of individual hard work can fix a system that isn't working for the people. Therefore, he is passionate about championing policies that put people first.' On May 27, many commenters online brought back the lyrics Mr Lee sang last month as they commented on his resignation. 'Look right, look left and now look elsewhere!' wrote one Facebook user, who nevertheless gave the former candidate props 'for being brave enough to stand in elections!' Another quipped that he would 'Continue [to] look left, look right, look for a better opportunity.' One asked, 'Look left and right and now look where???' /TISG
