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New Paper
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Paper
Come 'to gather' at i Light for illuminating giant humanoids, fiery displays and more
Anchored on the theme "To Gather", Asia's leading light festival i Light Singapore is returning for its 11th edition from May 29 to June 21. This year's festival will feature 17 new installations by 20 artists at Marina Bay, South Beach and for the first time, new sites along the Singapore River and at Raffles Place. "As we celebrate SG60 this year, it is apt that the theme for i Light Singapore 2025 puts the spotlight on the power of collective action," said Urban Redevelopment Authority chief executive Lim Eng Hwee. Festival director Jason Chen shared that i Light Singapore is a testament to how partnerships can transform urban spaces into meaningful destinations. "By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise from artists and stakeholders, we have created an experience that welcomes people to not only gather, enjoy and connect, but also be inspired in taking collective action to shape a more sustainable future and lead greener lifestyles." Here are highlights from i Light Singapore 2025 you should not miss. Fantastic Planet - What's That Located at Mist Walk at Marina Bay. TNP PHOTO: SEAH JUN DE Fantastic Planet - Comfort Located at Waterfront Promenade at Marina Bay. TNP PHOTO: SEAH JUN DE Fantastic Planet - Over Located at Red Dot Design Museum. TNP PHOTO: SEAH JUN DE Think Smiski minifigurines that Gen Z has been crazy over, but way larger than that. Fantastic Planet by Amanda Parer of Australia is a series of three installations - What's That, Comfort, and Over - featuring three glowing humanoid figures in different poses observing its surroundings. The works use scale to highlight humanity's impact on Earth - how mankind demands more than its share. Sign Located at The Promontory at Marina Bay. TNP PHOTO: SEAH JUN DE Building on the concept of fires commanding attention and captivating us to gather around it, this grand display of 'flames' is made from bamboo poles covered with reflective aluminium tape. This optical illusion by Paul Vendel and Sandra de Wolf of The Netherlands gathers us to reflect on how endings can pave the way for new beginnings. Urban Oracle Located at the Pontoon near Red Dot Design Museum. TNP PHOTO: SEAH JUN DE Presented by Alibaba Cloud, 24 illuminated letters that can be triggered by buttons along the boardwalk are suspended along the pontoon's edge. When pressed, light pulses through the letters to display AI-generated messages inspired by Singapore's past, present and future. Playing on the idea of oracles and divination, Italy-based design studio Ultravioletto examines how today's society turns to algorithms for guidance. Embrace Located at Event Square, Marina Bay Sands. TNP PHOTO: SEAH JUN DE A circle of life-sized silhouettes by Australian-based light art studio Beamhacker come alive through human touch, displaying camouflaged patterns that represent the four services of the Singapore Armed Forces. Presented by Defence Collective Singapore, visitors can stand among the silhouettes and connect their hands with the figures. Upon conjoining all figures, a symphony of light and sound will be revealed. This is Not a Screen Located at South Beach Avenue, Level B1. TNP PHOTO: SEAH JUN DE Created by a group of Master of Architecture students from the National University of Singapore and presented by Aedas, this artwork uses polarised screens recycled from devices to alter light. As the screens are rotated, light is distorted to create unique perceptions of the monolith, similar to how invisible algorithms filter our worldview. i Light Singapore 2025 will be held from May 29 to June 21, 7.30pm to 11.00pm daily, and extended to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission to light installations is free, while charges apply for certain programmes. For more information, visit
New Paper
5 days ago
- General
- New Paper
University fees: A parental obligation or a student's burden?
This long-standing question has sparked many debates over the years. For older generations, the answer was often clearer: tertiary education fees were typically paid by students, especially when pursuing university studies was less common. However, with rising incomes and the perceived necessity of a university degree in today's society, the question of who foots the bill has gained prominence. A recent Reddit post highlighted a startling reality for some. The user, a student accepted into medical school at both the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), expressed exasperation over their parents' refusal to fund their university degree. To compound the issue, the student's parents also expected financial support from their children upon retirement. While such situations may not be the norm for many Singaporean families, this case raises a pertinent question: beyond mandatory education, are parents responsible for funding their child's tertiary studies, or should young adults bear the cost themselves? The New Paper surveyed 60 students, aged 16 to 25, from various institutes of higher learning, including Junior Colleges, Polytechnics, the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), and Universities. Most student respondents felt that parents should pay for their child's education in a survey conducted by The New Paper on financial responsibility. PHOTO: TNP A significant 90.2 per cent of students surveyed believe funding a child's tertiary education is an inherent parental responsibility, viewing it more as a right than something to be earned. A 19-year-old polytechnic student commented: "I think it's unfair not to pay. When bringing kids into the world, parents have the responsibility to raise them in a safe manner, both mentally and physically. Refusing to pay [for higher education] is not ensuring a good and safe environment for children." Some respondents suggested that if parents are unable to fund their child's education, it could indicate poor family planning, thereby creating unnecessary stress for the child. 52.5 per cent of respondents felt that parents have the right to refuse to pay for their child's school fees. PHOTO: TNP However, 52.5 per cent of respondents also believed parents have the right to refuse to pay their children's school fees. They reasoned that valid circumstances might exist, such as a desire to teach independence. One university student remarked: "It depends on their circumstances and their belief system; they might feel that their child should learn independence and stop relying so much on their parents." 60.7 per cent of respondents felt that it was acceptable for parents to ask for money from working children. PHOTO: TNP Students also had varying responses when asked whether parents have the right to demand money from their children. Most acknowledged that, within the context of Asian culture where filial piety is emphasised, it is reasonable for parents to seek financial support from their children upon retirement. A 20-year-old university student said: "It only seems fair, given our society's values of filial piety. Children should also develop the habit of setting money aside to support their parents, especially after their parents retire." Reciprocity appears to be a key driver: students felt that if parents had supported them financially throughout their schooling, it is natural for children to give back when they are able. Mr Ignatius Gan, a 21-year-old university student, suggested that financial support for parents should stem from gratitude: "Asking for money from your child should be a healthy, two-way interaction. The parents ask, and the child is happy to give." However, other respondents felt that when financial support becomes an expectation or demand, it crosses a line. "It no longer makes it okay, especially if your parents expect you to 'return' the money they spent raising you. Then why have kids if they're just bank investments to you?" said Miss Genevive Tan, 21. Ultimately, many students believe that once an adult child begins earning their own income, they should decide how to spend it. Currently, the Maintenance of Parents Act in Singapore allows parents aged 60 and older, who are unable to support themselves, to claim financial maintenance from children who have the means to provide it. However, a key point of contention, as some see it, is that while the Act enforces an obligation, true willingness to provide support often stems from reciprocity. Children may feel more inclined to support parents if they themselves felt supported throughout their childhood. Strained parent-child relationships can complicate this, as support given purely to avoid a lawsuit may not resolve underlying issues. Perhaps the focus should be on mending estranged family relationships and tackling the root of emotional disconnects, rather than relying solely on legal mechanisms. Laws like the Maintenance of Parents Act provide a safety net, but they cannot legislate love, trust or mutual care. In a society where both independence and interdependence are increasingly valued, the conversation around who pays - and who gives back - will continue to evolve. If there is one takeaway, it is that financial responsibility within families is rarely just about money. It often involves the invisible emotional debts accumulated over time, and how each generation chooses to settle them.
Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Heiress Kim Lim draws 16k viewers to her luxury handbag livestream sale, warns resellers: 'Karma will hit you'
Heiress Kim Lim draws 16k viewers to her luxury handbag livestream sale, warns resellers: 'Karma will hit you' Teo Yan Ting TNP May 16, 2025 When billionaire heiress and entrepreneur Kim Lim decided to clear out her designer wardrobe, she didn't just toss a few bags into the donation bin - she turned it into a full-blown social media spectacle. Hosting two back-to-back Instagram live streams on her new account, @kimlimstuff, the 33-year-old daughter of tycoon Peter Lim sold dozens of luxury handbags at jaw-dropping prices - and drew over 16,000 viewers in the process. Her reason? "Decluttering", not profit. "I let go at such good prices and lost a lot of money but if it can make someone else happy, and help me declutter, then okay - declutter." she later wrote on Instagram. Some of the deals were wild: a black Dior Saddle Bag, which typically retails at $6,400, was let go for just $2,900. Others included a Chanel Woven Chain Top Handle Vanity Bucket Bag, a rare collector's item, that Lim said she wanted to keep, and a Chanel Croissant Mini Black Lambskin bag for $5,200. The first stream on May 13 kicked off at 10pm and ran for nearly four hours, peaking at over 12,000 viewers. The second, held past midnight on May 15, drew an even bigger crowd, over 16,000, and ended at 4.15am with nearly 2,000 viewers still watching. Buyers had to act fast. To secure a bag, viewers had to comment quickly and send a WhatsApp message with payment proof within three minutes. And even those who didn't get a bag walked away with something. Lim offered every viewer three $100 vouchers for her businesses: Illumia Therapeutics, Papilla by Kim Lim and 198 Space. More than 10,000 people messaged in, temporarily triggering WhatsApp to block the number due to high traffic. And she wasn't alone in the spotlight. Lim roped in several familiar faces to help host the streams - including content creators Xiaxue, JianHao Tan and Jordus Bingjie. Her stepmother, former actress Cherie Lim, even made a surprise cameo, helping to model some of the handbags. However, the streams weren't without chaos - or controversy. Some viewers complained that hosts were giving priority to friends or popular followers. In response, Kim's team changed the selection process during the second stream, taking repeated bids and screenshots to determine the winner. Still, some weren't satisfied. "End of the day, nobody owes you the right to purchase a Chanel bag lah hor," Xiaxue said. She also called out viewers who were rude to backend staff over voucher claims. "You paid nothing??? Still keep scolding for what ah? Get free vouchers still so rude!" wrote Xiaxue. But perhaps the most explosive moment came when a buyer, who snagged the cult-favorite Chanel 22 Chain Hobo Quilted Lambskin with Shearling bag for $6,900, listed it online shortly after for $8,500. The listing even bragged that it was from the "Kim Lim collection". Kim's team noticed. Xiaxue blasted the move, saying: "At least wait for a while to sell lah… You haven't even got the bag with you, yet you went to list [it]." Lim herself said she was disappointed and would refund and block the buyer, warning that successful buyers should not attempt to resell or else "karma will hit you". Other quirky moments included Lim selling two bags of "air" for $88 as part of a dare, later offering gifts to the buyers as a light-hearted gesture. Despite the drama, Lim remained generous and upbeat. "Thank you for your support - 15K viewers! We have more great deals coming," she wrote on Instagram. Love her or not, Kim Lim might have just become Singapore's next unlikely livestream queen - one luxury bag at a time. Click here to contribute a story or submit it to our WhatsApp Get more of Stomp's latest updates by following us on:
Straits Times
06-05-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Woman's coffee spills on man's pants when bus stops suddenly, he pours water to clean it off
Woman's coffee spills on man's pants when bus stops suddenly, he pours water to clean it off TNP May 5, 2025 In a video shared on Xiaohongshu just after 8am on May 5, a man is seen using handfuls of water to clean his trousers. The woman seated next to him handed him tissue paper as the man continued to clean his trousers. Water could be seen flowing all over the floor. On a closer look, the water appeared brownish. The Xiaohongshu user explained that in the incident that took place in the early morning, the bus driver had hit the brakes suddenly and a female commuter with a cup of drink in her hand lost her balance. A female commuter can be seen standing next to the man in the video. Her cup of drink had a zarf bearing the Starbucks logo. Netizens commenting on the video commended the man's calmness in dealing with the situation. There were also netizens who pointed out how it was an early-morning commute, meaning the passengers were most probably on the way to work. "If I were sitting there and wearing white when this happened to me, I would have to grab a bus home, change and then grab another bus to work," read a comment. "If I were forfeited for being late, I would make her compensate me for everything." Many were quick to reiterate the importance of not taking food and drinks onto public transport. "Why would anyone want to hold a cup of hot drink on a bus during peak hour?" questioned one netizen. Although there is no law to ban eating and drinking on the bus, commuters are encouraged not to do so to keep the bus clean and "for the comfort of others". "What if it had spilt onto a child?" questioned a Xiaohongshu user on the video. "Don't take drinks onto public transport! There must be a reason you're discouraged from doing so." Click here to contribute a story or submit it to our WhatsApp Get more of Stomp's latest updates by following us on: Share this article Show Comments
Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Straits Times
16-year-old boy befriends woman on WeChat, spends over $1,000 at massage parlour that offers 'happy endings'
16-year-old boy befriends woman on WeChat, spends over $1,000 at massage parlour that offers 'happy endings' TNP April 27, 2025 Mr Chen, a 40-year-old warehouse manager, told Shin Min Daily News that his 16-year-old son had spent more than $1,000 at a massage parlour. The teen was playing ball near Block 101 Towner Road in early-April when he received a WeChat message from a woman. The teen started chatting with the woman, who claimed to be working at a nearby massage parlour that offered "happy endings". "My son is still in his developing stage and couldn't resist the temptation," said Mr Chen. "He went to the massage parlour that day and got hooked." The teen apparently visited the massage parlour multiple times and received the special services there. Mr Chen and his wife grew thought that something was amiss when their son would finish spending his $500 monthly allowance in no time. Last week, asked for extra pocket money, which made Mr Chen puzzled. He asked his son why he had no more money for food and checked with his wife if she had given the boy pocket money. That was when the couple grew suspicious and questioned the boy about his spending habits. The teen did not reveal anything, so the couple checked his chat records and saw the explicit exchange between him and the masseuse. "He refused to speak, so we said we would call the police to teach him a lesson. Only then did he confess," said Mr Chen. He and his wife could not believe what their son had been keeping from them. Not only did the teen spend all his pocket money at the massage parlour, but he also emptied his piggy bank and used up all the hongbao money he received during Chinese New Year. In total, the teen had spent more than $1,000 at the massage parlour. "Of course he did something wrong," said Mr Chen. "But as a business, how can it target teenagers?" Click here to contribute a story or submit it to our WhatsApp Get more of Stomp's latest updates by following us on: Share this article Show Comments
