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New Paper
2 days ago
- Business
- New Paper
'You mattered': Friends mourn Jane Lee, businesswoman who spoke out days before death
Jane Lee, small business owner and a beloved friend to many, died on July 19 after posting on Facebook that she had been the target of a workplace injury scam. In her final posts, Lee claimed that an employee had faked an injury in a bid to file a false compensation claim. The mother of two added that it was a premeditated scheme involving the worker's husband and possibly a law firm. The posts, written just a day before her death, ended with an emotional message to her staff, friends, and family: "I'm truly sorry that I couldn't find the strength to face this battle on my own." When The New Paper visited Lee's wake on July 21, the mood was sombre as loved ones gathered to honour Lee's memory. Family members and mourners alike declined to speak to TNP. Her brother-in-law David Loh posted: "Awful way to start the week with the passing of a family member. May you rest in peace Jane. The Lord will bless and look after Victor and your kids. Till we meet again." Lee, who was reportedly in her 40s, was the founder of Sumo Salad in Holland Village. In online posts, friends fondly recalled not just the food she served, but her kindness and generosity. Sumo Well was still open for operations on July 21. TNP PHOTO: ETHEL TSENG "Thank you for serving us beautiful salads and tea," wrote Max. "During Covid, I remembered how you gave me delivery jobs to make ends meet. All the good things you have done, we will never forget." Calis Looi, who said she was her best friend of 37 years, posted: "I couldn't believe it. I kept hoping for a reply from you, even a simple emoji would have been enough. "When May and I visited your wake, it was so painful that I couldn't bring myself to say a proper goodbye. But I promise to send you off properly. Let's meet again in our next life." Lee's story has struck a chord with many in the business community, particularly fellow SME owners. Ng Keng Guan wrote that he had reached out to Lee after reading her post. "It takes a lot of courage and a great deal of accumulated stress to take such a step. "Several of our mutual friends who work in the same industry also spoke about the immense pressure they face. Running a business in Singapore is already tough, and when you add family responsibilities and societal stress, it can become overwhelming." Jeffery Khoo, a Progress Singapore Party (PSP) candidate for Marymount SMC in this year's general election, also paid tribute in a Facebook post: "We have been Facebook friends for many years. She invited me to her shop but regrettably I did not get to meet her in person." "Her final post before her passing is very disturbing. If found that there is truly a devious scam involved, please come down hard on the perpetrators. The damage done is irreversible." In response to queries from TNP, police said that the case has been classified as an unnatural death and that investigations are ongoing. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) also said it was investigating Lee's allegations about the fraudulent work injury claim. MOM said it had been in touch with Lee and is working with the insurer to assess the claim. It added that it would not hesitate to take action against those found abusing the Work Injury Compensation system.
Straits Times
17-07-2025
- Straits Times
Jurong minimart manager thought business dwindling, realises worker pocketed $57k for gambling
Seah Jun De TNP July 17, 2025 A Malaysian woman working at a minimart in Jurong was caught pocketing nearly $57,000 to fuel her online gambling habit. The embezzlement began last April and went on for about five months, as the minimart's manager had initially thought the decline in daily sales was down to worsening business. Kon Chin Sia, who was considered to be hardworking, was eventually found out thanks to CCTV footage. On July 14, the 37-year-old was jailed 17 months after pleading guilty to one count of criminal breach of trust. A second count was taken into consideration during sentencing. Pocketing cash while on duty Shin Min Daily News reported that Kon had worked at the Block 651 Jurong West Street 61 minimart for seven years. Last September, the minimart manager noticed that whenever Kon was on shift, the sales would decrease by $600 to $700. The manager then reviewed surveillance footage from Sept 30 to Oct 27 and discovered that when customers paid in cash, Kon would put the cash into a drawer instead of the cash register. When the manager confronted Kon, she admitted that she had been misappropriating $500 to $600 every time she was on shift. She would put the money in her pocket before leaving the shop and later deposit the sum into her bank account. Kon was given a chance to make restitution, but failed to do so. The manager then called the police and sacked Kon. According to bank records, a total of $56,797 was deposited into Kon's account. She admitted that the money came from the minimart and said that most of it was spent on online gambling. The prosecution argued that Kon could not be considered a first-time offender as she committed a crime every time she was on shift. It was also highlighted that most of the money stolen was gambled away. 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
14-07-2025
- Straits Times
‘There's no shame in having your story corrected'
Mr Peter H.L. Lim with a mock Page 1 of The Straits Times that his colleagues gave him when he left the group. Peter H.L. Lim, 86 Portrait Mr Peter H.L. Lim dreamed of becoming a fighter pilot as a youth, but when he was found to be short-sighted, that path was closed. Instead, he joined The Straits Times as a cub reporter in 1957. In 1978, he became editor-in-chief of the Times Organisation, overseeing The Straits Times as well as sister publications like The Sunday Times, Berita Harian and the Fanfare entertainment magazine. He focused on improving quality and raising staff skills, with conditions and salaries for journalists notably improving. He describes the early 1980s as a 'golden age' for journalists. In January 1987, he handed over the editor-in-chief role to Mr Cheong Yip Seng and became editor of The New Paper (TNP), a new afternoon tabloid launched on July 26, 1988. He led TNP for two years. Now 86, Mr Lim's career reflects a significant period of growth and transformation in Singapore's newspaper landscape. Recollections 'Journalism was very challenging during my time because information was difficult to get. There were many people who wanted to resign because they were fed up. I had to persuade them to stay. Sometimes they stayed because of their faith in me, but only sometimes was that the case. Their inherent strength was that many journalists were very motivated and willing to continue doing their part. They felt they had a larger purpose, contributing to the changes and advances in Singapore. They were underpaid for a long time, but they were thrilled to be the first to break the news, excited about getting a scoop, whatever their pay. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore HSA intensifies crackdown on vapes; young suspected Kpod peddlers nabbed in Bishan, Yishun Singapore Man charged over distributing nearly 3 tonnes of vapes in one day in Bishan, Ubi Avenue 3 Singapore Public healthcare institutions to record all Kpod cases, confiscate vapes: MOH, HSA Singapore Man allegedly attacks woman with knife at Kallang Wave Mall, to be charged with attempted murder Singapore Singapore boosts support for Timor-Leste as it prepares to join Asean Singapore UN aviation and maritime agencies pledge to collaborate to boost safety, tackle challenges Singapore High Court dismisses appeal of drink driver who killed one after treating Tampines road like racetrack Singapore 18 years' jail for woman who hacked adoptive father to death after tussle over Sengkang flat Getting your byline, getting a scoop amid the competition were big things. One of the things we started during my time was the 'What it should have been' feature in the paper to ensure accuracy. It was also to show fellow journalists that there's no shame in having your story corrected, and that was how it was born. Journalism today is much better than it was then. Now, information is transmitted far more easily from the Government to the public. I think we're much better off today because of that than we ever were. For a long time, I didn't imagine that Singapore would come so far. There were so many challenges, the natural resources were limited. There were so many external problems. But I'm glad it happened because of the benefits it will have for future generations. This is my country, my home. And for many, this will always be home. One area where more can be done is how we relate to people. There was a time when sociology as an intellectual discipline was spoken of with disdain by some of our top political leaders. It was dismissed by them as a 'soft' pursuit. But the realisation has grown that an understanding of social problems – meaning real people's real-life problems – is as crucial as... well, as any and everything else. I wish I had done more to help promote such understanding in my time in the newsroom. Looking ahead, I hope Singapore develops more to allow people to have more empathy and to feel more for other people's feelings. Given a chance, would I be a journalist again? No. I wanted to be a fighter pilot, flying the latest fighter aircraft.'
Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Straits Times
American says Malaysia's cuisine is better and cheaper than Singapore's: Local food bosses respond with spice
An American tourist recently shared what he called a 'controversial' opinion on food in Singapore. PHOTO: SCREEN CAPTURE FROM MALAYSIA TRAVEL TIPS, BRENT FARRIS/FACEBOOK American says Malaysia's cuisine is better and cheaper than Singapore's: Local food bosses respond with spice Ivan Lim TNP July 4, 2025 The age-old cross-Causeway debate about whose food is better has resurfaced. This time, an American who spends considerable time in Malaysia has weighed in with a bold assertion that our neighbours make better food, and at just a third the price. Brent Farris, who describes himself on Facebook as being from Eldorado, Illinois and currently living in St Charles, Missouri, is a regular contributor to the public Facebook group, Travel Tips Malaysia. From his frequent posts in the group, it appears he's spent a fair bit of time in the country. On June 25, he posted this hot take: "Here goes. I'm going to say something quite controversial. If it offends you, I apologise in advance. Ok, I'm not sorry. "Anything you can find in Singapore (food wise) you can find in Malaysia for one-third the price, and tastes better. "And, Singapore's national fruit is the durian. I'm sure they love durian, but they don't grow any. Malaysia originated it and the durian from Malaysia is better than any durian grown anywhere in the world. Sorry, Thailand. There, I said it. Whew that feels like a weight has been lifted. I've been wanting to say this for years." That post has since gone viral, racking up over 17,000 reactions, more than 1,400 comments, and over 800 shares. Melvin Chew with the late Anthony Bourdain. PHOTO: Courtesy of Melvin Chew Melvin Chew, 47, owner of Jin Ji Teochew Braised Duck and Kway Chap in Chinatown Point, was unfazed by the American traveller's judgment when The New Paper spoke to him. "Taste can be subjective," said Mr Chew, chewing on the matter. But it's all monosodium glutamate, a flavour enhancer, he added. "Maybe the Malaysian food stalls which he went to, the cze char stalls he visited, are managed heavily by a Japanese master, Mr Ajinomoto - hence the taste is very good," he quipped. "When he comes to Singapore, his friend Mr Ajimamoto, who has no passport, stays in Malaysia." Mr Chew believes that Mr Farris' post was made to gain attention. "We will not blame him for his assessment of Singapore food, as we know attention seekers are very kay kiang. (Hokkien for "act smart", but not really.) He thinks he is Anthony Bourdain, is it? More like Anthony Bo Bi Sor (Anthony "bad taste", in Hokkien)," he added in immaculate Singlish. "So please don't let a non-professional food critic spoil our good relationship with our neighbours." Melvin Chua with his King. PHOTO: Courtesy of Melvin Chua Meanwhile, durian boss Melvin Chua, 54, who owns Durian Garden at 42 Cambridge Road, seemed perplexed that an American would think that the durian was Singapore's national fruit. "National fruit? I've never heard of that in my 12 years of selling durian," said Mr Chua as he was packing up for the night at his stall when The New Paper approached him about the thorny issue. "Unofficially, maybe, because we are not an agricultural country. Malaysia has a greater right to claim it as their national fruit," he said, while offering us a piece of the pungent fruit. "We know it better as the King of Fruits. But the durian is king in Malaysia as well as in Thailand. We are all part of the durian's huge empire," he added. "And it is OK to share the king. "The penny dropped when we explained that the proclamation was made by a traveller from the United States. "They don't have kings there, do they? So he probably wouldn't know or understand," noted Mr Chua, wiping his fingers. "Oh wait, they have Donald Trump!" he said, chuckling. "So we really shouldn't take this guy too seriously. But Happy Independence Day, anyway." Benny Se Teo. PHOTO: Courtesy of Benny Se Teo Meanwhile, renowned Singapore chef, restaurateur and social entrepreneur Benny Se Teo agreed - at least partially - with Mr Farris' view. Mainly, on durians. Not so about his view on food, though. "Oh Brent," said the celebrity chef. "Bless your adventurous palate! We're glad Malaysia gave your taste buds a budget-friendly thrill … just remember - if food were only about price, instant noodles would win Michelin stars. "But hey, thanks for the review," added Mr Se Teo. "Come back to Singapore when your stomach needs Wi-Fi, safety, and a napkin." 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
09-06-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Elderly man sleeps at void deck, showers at coffee shop -- as his Bedok flat is filled to the ceiling with rubbish
Elderly man sleeps at void deck, showers at coffee shop -- as his Bedok flat is filled to the ceiling with rubbish Teo Yan Ting TNP June 9, 2025 An elderly man living alone in a rental flat in Bedok Reservoir has been sleeping on a chair at the void deck every night - because his home is so packed with clutter there's no room for him inside. The 78-year-old, known only as Mr Lin, is believed to have a hoarding habit. He reportedly also uses the nearby coffee shop to shower, as his own bathroom is inaccessible. Non-profit organisation Helping Joy highlighted Mr Lin's situation in a recent Facebook post, describing his unit at Block 704 Bedok Reservoir Road, as being filled "floor to ceiling" with all kinds of miscellaneous items. The kitchen passageway was completely obstructed, and the living room was the only space left with some standing room. The group added that there were cockroaches in the home, raising concerns about hygiene and fire safety - not just for Mr Lin, but also for his neighbours. When Shin Min Daily News visited the flat, the front door could barely open. Debris blocked the entrance, forcing people to step directly onto the clutter to get inside. Speaking to the paper, Mr Lin said he began picking up discarded items during the Covid-19 pandemic after he lost his job. "It started with a few things I thought I could sell. Over time it just piled up. Some items I couldn't bear to part with," he said. He acknowledged that his neighbours had complained about the clutter, especially items left outside his door. "Eventually, the authorities sent people to clear the area. They threw away four large bins of stuff - even the things I had hanging outside," he recalled. Volunteers from Helping Joy were scheduled to help him clean up his unit on June 8, but Mr Lin admitted he had wanted to postpone the clean-up. "I'm worried they'll throw everything away. I need time to sort through it. I'm afraid I'll be left with nothing. What if I throw something out and later realise I need it?" Neighbour Mr Peng, 78, said that while Mr Lin lives alone, he does have family. He once saw Mr Lin's daughter-in-law and grandson visit briefly during Chinese New Year - they stood outside the flat to greet him before leaving. Mr Pang and a coffee shop employee both confirmed seeing Mr Lin using the coffee shop toilet to shower and relieve himself. "He's in there for over 10 minutes each time," said Mr Pang. The coffee shop employee did not report the matter, as he sympathised with Mr Lin's situation. Click here to contribute a story or submit it to our WhatsApp Get more of Stomp's latest updates by following us on:
