Latest news with #TanSeeLeng
New Paper
26-05-2025
- Health
- New Paper
Chua Chu Kang GRC, Bukit Gombak residents try firefighting, first aid to boost resilience during emergencies
As residents living near community sports facility The Arena @ Keat Hong were heading to breakfast and their Sunday grocery shopping on May 25, a "scuffle" broke out between two men. The altercation left one person with an injured arm while the other started to go into cardiac arrest. Before the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and the police could arrive on the scene, two civilian responders from the People's Association Community Emergency Response Team (PA Cert) swooped in to help after noticing the commotion. One of the PA Cert responders provided first aid to the man with the injured arm, while the other performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the other party. Another two civilian responders, who were alerted to the incident via SCDF's myResponder app, located the nearest automated external defibrillator (AED) and applied it to the man. The incident was part of a simulation at Chua Chu Kang GRC and Bukit Gombak SMC's Community Resilience Day event on May 25 that showed how civilians can work together with uniformed personnel in responding to emergencies. PA Cert members are trained in performing CPR and using AEDs. Formed in 2004, PA Cert is a group of 8,000 volunteers under the PA Community Emergency and Engagement Committees that seeks to raise crisis preparedness in the community, respond to emergencies and help the community in the recovery process. Looking out for one another and being vigilant is a responsibility that must be shared by everyone in the community, said Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng at the event. Manpower Minister Tan See Leng performing CPR on a mannequin at the Community Resilience Day event. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Dr Tan was joined by the other three Chua Chu Kang GRC MPs - Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow, Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim and Dr Choo Pei Ling. "Any time someone collapses, whether it's because of a cardiac arrest, because of a stroke, the brain needs oxygen, and you have only about four minutes to respond before the brain suffers damage because of the lack of oxygen," said Dr Tan. Making reference to the simulation, Dr Tan said: "As you can see from our first responders, how they very quickly assess the person who is lying down, and they started CPR almost immediately, that is crucial because then it ensures that the blood continues to be pumped to the brain." (From right) Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow and fellow Chua Chu Kang GRC MPs Choo Pei Ling and Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim at the Community Resilience Day event. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG At the event, some 1,500 residents not only tried performing basic first aid and CPR, but also experienced "putting out" a fire at a booth at The Arena by the SCDF that drew a long queue of enthusiastic children. Another favourite was a booth by the Republic of Singapore Air Force that featured interactive simulators. Mr Leow Foo Kay, 51, said he took his seven-year-old son, who dreams of being a pilot, to the event to show him different ways of contributing to the community. "I hope that events like these will inspire him to pick up lifesaving skills to help others in the future," said Mr Leow, who works in finance.
Straits Times
25-05-2025
- Straits Times
CCK, Bukit Gombak residents try firefighting, first aid to enhance resilience during emergencies
Residents trying to put out a fire at Chua Chu Kang GRC and Bukit Gombak SMC's Community Resilience Day event on May 25. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG SINGAPORE – As residents living near community sports facility The Arena @ Keat Hong were heading to breakfast or their Sunday grocery shopping on May 25, a 'scuffle' broke out between two men. The altercation left one person with an injured arm, while the other started to go into cardiac arrest. But before the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and the police could arrive on the scene, two civilian responders from the People's Association Community Emergency Response Team (PA CERT ) swooped in to help after spotting the commotion. One of the PA CERT responders provided first aid to the man with the injured arm, while the other performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the other party. Another two civilian responders, who were alerted to the incident via SCDF's myResponder app, located the nearest automated external defibrillator (AED) and applied it to the man. The incident was part of a simulation at Chua Chu Kang GRC and Bukit Gombak SMC's Community Resilience Day event on May 25 that showed how civilians can work together with uniformed personnel in responding to emergencies. PA CERT members are trained in performing CPR and using AEDs. Formed in 2004, PA CERT is a group of volunteers under the PA Community Emergency and Engagement Committees that seeks to raise crisis preparedness in the community, respond to emergencies and help the community in the recovery process. Looking out for one another and being vigilant is a responsibility that must be shared by everyone in the community, said Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng at the event. Manpower Minister Tan See Leng performing CPR on a mannequin at the Community Resilience Day event. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Dr Tan was joined by other Chua Chu Kang GRC MPs, which includes Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Social and Family Development Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim – both newly minted political office-holders – and Dr Choo Pei Ling. 'Anytime someone collapses, whether it's because of a cardiac arrest, because of a stroke, the brain needs oxygen, and you only have about four minutes to respond before the brain suffers damage because of the lack of oxygen,' said Dr Tan. Making reference to the simulation, he added: 'As you can see from our first responders, how they very quickly assess the person who is lying down, and they started CPR almost immediately, that is crucial, because then it ensures that the blood continues to be pumped to the brain.' (From right) Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow, Chua Chu Kang GRC MP Choo Pei Ling and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Social and Family Development Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim at the Community Resilience Day event. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG At the event, some 1,500 residents not only tried performing basic first aid and CPR, but also experienced putting out a fire at a booth at The Arena by the SCDF that drew a long queue of enthusiastic children. Another favourite was a booth by the Republic of Singapore Air Force that featured interactive simulators. Mr Leow Foo Kay, 51, said he took his seven-year-old son, who dreams of being a pilot, to the event to show him different ways of contributing to the community. 'I hope that events like these will inspire him to pick up lifesaving skills to help others in the future,' said Mr Leow, who works in finance. Children dressed up as police officers and firefighters at the Community Resilience Day event. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Wong Yang is a journalist at The Straits Times, covering housing, property, land use and community stories. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Business Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
A*Star sets up 2 new semiconductor R&D platforms to help Singapore firms tap growth opportunities
[SINGAPORE] To stay competitive in the growing semiconductor market, Singapore is deepening innovation with two new research and development (R&D) platforms, said Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng on Tuesday (May 20). Set up by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star), these are part of efforts to partner the industry to 'prepare for future growth', said Dr Tan at the opening ceremony of Semicon Southeast Asia 2025. The global semiconductor industry is in the eye of a global trade storm, with export restrictions and the threat of upcoming tariffs, noted Dr Tan. Companies are worried about implications for demand and supply disruptions, with some putting investment decisions on hold. Yet the semiconductor industry is resilient, and should be able to adapt and maintain 'long-term prospects for growth', he added. This will be fuelled by megatrends such as generative artificial intelligence (AI) and industrial automation, which boost demand for high performance semiconductors for applications from consumer electronics and electric vehicles (EVs) to 5G connectivity. In Asean alone, noted Dr Tan, the semiconductor market is expected to almost double by 2032. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up New alliances, industry development 'Given this operating context, Singapore will carry on with our work to strengthen existing partnerships and forge new alliances in two key areas,' said Dr Tan. These are deepening integration with like-minded countries, and working with the industry to innovate and develop the workforce. First, with countries that are similarly committed to open and free trade, Singapore will collaborate on areas across the semiconductor value chain. 'These could include providing companies access to new supply chains and end-markets, to help them navigate global developments,' said Dr Tan. Second, the government will work with companies to drive innovation and grow talent. These efforts include A*Star's two R&D platforms. One of the platforms, by A*Star's Institute of Microelectrionics (IME), is an open R&D line for 200mm silicon carbide wafers, used in electric vehicles, radio frequency devices and 5G communication systems. It makes R&D faster by bringing the development and pilot manufacturing of such wafers under one roof, in contrast to the former 'fragmented processes' where researchers and companies had to work with multiple facilities, said A*Star in a separate statement. Said Dr Tan: 'This is the world's first industry-grade line of its kind, and accessible for use by local companies, especially those serving the power electronics end-markets.' Several companies have already benefited from the platform, including local startup WaferLead, he added. The second platform is an extension of A*Star's 'lab-in-fab' initiative: a 200mm R&D and manufacturing line that focuses on piezoelectric micro-electro-mechanical systems (piezoMEMS) technology. The project began with the A*STAR Institute of Microelectronics, STMicroelectronics and Japanese vacuum manufacturer ULVAC. In this second phase, the partnership will expand to include the A*STAR Institute of Materials Research and Engineering and the National University of Singapore, to further accelerate the development of new piezoelectric materials and devices. These can potentially be used in technology such as ultrasound imaging devices, miniature speakers and smartphone cameras. Separately, Singapore's Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Netherlands' Brabant Development Agency (BOM) on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen economic relations. This provides a framework for Singapore and BOM to develop complementary business ecosystems, collaborating in areas such as deeptech – including semiconductors; digital research; climate-neutral energy solutions; medtech and pharmaceuticals; and sustainable food systems. EDB and BOM will work with companies and partners in both locations to facilitate knowledge and policy exchanges, talent development initiatives, and joint research opportunities. Talent development Besides innovation, talent is key to the semiconductor industry's growth, said Dr Tan. 'This is another area that we are heavily invested in, and have worked with our industry partners to develop.' For local talent, Singapore is ramping up its programmes for graduates. For instance, the Institute of Technical Education and A*Star's IME signed MOUs with GlobalFoundries, Micron and STMicroelectronics to offer student internships, staff attachments and to promote joint projects. Singapore is also actively pursuing talent from the region, said Dr Tan. 'Given the global nature of semiconductor companies' operations, it is crucial for employees to learn from a diversity of experiences beyond Singapore.' For instance, the Innovation Talent Exchange programme between Singapore and Vietnam will facilitate the annual exchange of up to 300 workers from each country. They can take up tech and innovation jobs – including semiconductor roles – in the other country, for up to two years. This is the 30th edition of Semicon Southeast Asia, a regional trade exhibition for semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, and the first time that it is being held in Singapore since 2013. The event is happening from May 20 to 22 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre. (*see amendment note) *Amendment note: A previous version of the story said this is the first time Semicon Southeast Asia is being held in Singapore.
Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
S'pore to forge global partnerships, ramp up talent development for chip industry's growth: Tan See Leng
SINGAPORE - Singapore will continue to strengthen its existing partnerships and forge new alliances to allow its semiconductor industry to access new supply chains and end-markets, Manpower Minister Tan See Leng said on May 20. Speaking at the opening ceremony of Semicon South-east Asia 2025, a global conference and exhibition for the chip industry, Dr Tan said the Republic will also work closely with the industry t o ramp up innovation and workforce development. 'We will build on our relationship with countries that share our commitment to open and free trade, and continue to collaborate on areas across the semiconductor value chain, either bilaterally or through regional platforms, ' he said, adding deeper integration with like-minded countries will also help Singapore chipmakers navigate global developments. 'These efforts, complemented by similar initiatives at the industry level, will serve us well in delivering strong economic outcomes for the industry,' said Dr Tan, who is also the Second Minister for Trade and Industry. He said the efforts are needed as the industry now faces a challenging operating environment due to trade and geopolitical tensions. 'The semiconductor industry is now in the eye of a global trade storm,' he said, referring to the unilateral export restrictions on advanced chips and related manufacturing equipment and the imminent possibility of tariffs on global semiconductor trade. 'This has caused anxiety amongst companies, who are uncertain about the implications on demand for their products, as well as potential disruptions to their supply chains. Some are already putting investment decisions on hold.' However, he pointed out that the global semiconductor industry - despite being highly cyclical - has historically demonstrated a capacity for resilience and adaptability. 'You have consistently demonstrated the ability to adapt to changing market conditions, and maintained long-term prospects for growth,' he said, referring to the 1980s US trade embargo against countries such as the former Soviet Union and Japan, and the more recently the global chip shortage in 2022 'I believe it will remain the case today,' he said. The current uncertainty surrounding the industry stems from the tech rivalry between the United States and China - the world's two largest economies. US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on US semiconductor imports which could hurt demand and disrupt global supply chains. Dr Tan said Singapore has already taken some decisive steps to deepen its collaboration with the chip industry, including the establishment of a $500 million research and development (R&D) fabrication facility under the National Semiconductor Translation and Innovation Centre. 'This provides shared industry-grade infrastructure access for companies and researchers engaging in semiconductor R&D, starting with advanced packaging,' he said. Advanced packaging in the semiconductor industry refers to the technology and techniques used to create electronic devices with superior performance - both in terms of computing power and energy use - by combining multiple chips and components into a single package. Dr Tan said more of such partnership programmes are under way for other growth domains in semiconductors. The other area Singapore is focusing on to promote growth in the industry is ensuring talent availability and workforce development. 'This is another area that we are heavily invested in, and have worked with our industry partners to develop.' He said Singapore's educational institutions, such as the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), play an instrumental role in helping to build a local talent pipeline for companies here, he said referring to ITE's Work-Study Diploma programme. 'We are ramping up similar programmes so that graduates can benefit,' he said, adding ITE and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR's) Institute of Microelectronics have recently signed pacts with chip-makers GlobalFoundries, Micron, and STMicroelectronics to offer student internships, staff attachments and promote joint projects. Given the global nature of semiconductor companies' operations, Dr Tan said Singapore is also actively pursuing talent from the region, while providing local employees the opportunity to gain work exposure overseas. On the sidelines of the Semicon event, Singapore's Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Brabant Development Agency (BOM) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen economic relations between Singapore and the Dutch agency that supports innovative tech start-ups. EDB said the partnership will provide the framework for Singapore and Brabant to develop complementary business ecosystems, and allow the two agencies to work with companies and key partners in both locations to facilitate knowledge and policy exchanges, talent development initiatives, and joint research opportunities in areas such as deeptech, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, clean energy, medtech and agritech. Also, GlobalFoundries (GF) - a US chipmaker with significant manufacturing operations here - announced plans to expand its capabilities in advanced packaging through a new MOU with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star). Under the MOU framework, A*Star will provide GF with access to its R&D facilities, capabilities and technical support, while GF will provide critical equipment to A*STAR to further its R&D efforts. GF said the collaboration will accelerate its plan to expand its offerings at its Singapore plant. The collaboration will also see skills enhancement initiatives implemented for GF employees, where they can develop new expertise in the area of advanced packaging. Addressing the Semicon event on May 20, Mr Ajit Manocha, president and chief executive of global industry association Semi, said the challenging global economic environment presents the industry 'unprecedented challenges and unprecedented uncertainties, but also unprecedented opportunities.' He said besides trade and geopolitical tensions, the industry faces issues such as fragmented global supply chains and talent shortage. He said Semi - which has 3,500 members worldwide - is working with the industry and policymakers to seek solutions for these issues. In an effort to boost access of its members and communication with stakeholders, Semi will set up a new global headquarters in Singapore in addition to its existing one in Milpitas, California. Singapore is a critical global node in the semiconductor supply chain, contributing one in 10 chips and one in 5 semiconductor equipment produced annually. The industry contributes more than 6 per cent to Singapore's economy. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Business Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
New A*Star platforms for semicon R&D will help Singapore companies tap growth opportunities
[SINGAPORE] To stay competitive in the growing semiconductor market, Singapore is deepening innovation with two new research and development (R&D) platforms, said Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng on Tuesday (May 20). Set up by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star), these are part of efforts to partner the industry to 'prepare for future growth', said Dr Tan at the opening ceremony of Semicon Southeast Asia 2025. The global semiconductor industry is in the eye of a global trade storm, with export restrictions and the threat of upcoming tariffs, noted Dr Tan. Companies are worried about implications for demand and supply disruptions, with some putting investment decisions on hold. Yet the semiconductor industry is resilient, and should be able to adapt and maintain 'long-term prospects for growth', he added. This will be fuelled by megatrends such as generative artificial intelligence (AI) and industrial automation, which boost demand for high performance semiconductors for applications from consumer electronics and electric vehicles (EVs) to 5G connectivity. In Asean alone, noted Dr Tan, the semiconductor market is expected to almost double by 2032. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up New alliances, industry development 'Given this operating context, Singapore will carry on with our work to strengthen existing partnerships and forge new alliances in two key areas,' said Dr Tan. These are deepening integration with like-minded countries, and working with the industry to innovate and develop the workforce. First, with countries that are similarly committed to open and free trade, Singapore will collaborate on areas across the semiconductor value chain. 'These could include providing companies access to new supply chains and end-markets, to help them navigate global developments,' said Dr Tan. Second, the government will work with companies to drive innovation and grow talent. These efforts include A*Star's two R&D platforms. One of the platforms, by A*Star's Institute of Microelectrionics (IME), is an open R&D line for 200mm silicon carbide wafers, used in electric vehicles, radio frequency devices and 5G communication systems. It makes R&D faster by bringing the development and pilot manufacturing of such wafers under one roof, in contrast to the former 'fragmented processes' where researchers and companies had to work with multiple facilities, said A*Star in a separate statement. Said Dr Tan: 'This is the world's first industry-grade line of its kind, and accessible for use by local companies, especially those serving the power electronics end-markets.' Several companies have already benefited from the platform, including local startup WaferLead, he added. The second platform is an extension of A*Star's 'lab-in-fab' initiative: a 200mm R&D and manufacturing line that focuses on piezoelectric micro-electro-mechanical systems (piezoMEMS) technology. The project began with the A*STAR Institute of Microelectronics, STMicroelectronics and Japanese vacuum manufacturer ULVAC. In this second phase, the partnership will expand to include the A*STAR Institute of Materials Research and Engineering and the National University of Singapore, to further accelerate the development of new piezoelectric materials and devices. These can potentially be used in technology such as ultrasound imaging devices, miniature speakers and smartphone cameras. Separately, Singapore's Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Netherlands' Brabant Development Agency (BOM) on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen economic relations. This provides a framework for Singapore and BOM to develop complementary business ecosystems, collaborating in areas such as deeptech – including semiconductors; digital research; climate-neutral energy solutions; medtech and pharmaceuticals; and sustainable food systems. EDB and BOM will work with companies and partners in both locations to facilitate knowledge and policy exchanges, talent development initiatives, and joint research opportunities. Talent development Besides innovation, talent is key to the semiconductor industry's growth, said Dr Tan. 'This is another area that we are heavily invested in, and have worked with our industry partners to develop.' For local talent, Singapore is ramping up its programmes for graduates. For instance, the Institute of Technical Education and A*Star's IME signed MOUs with GlobalFoundries, Micron and STMicroelectronics to offer student internships, staff attachments and to promote joint projects. Singapore is also actively pursuing talent from the region, said Dr Tan. 'Given the global nature of semiconductor companies' operations, it is crucial for employees to learn from a diversity of experiences beyond Singapore.' For instance, the Innovation Talent Exchange programme between Singapore and Vietnam will facilitate the annual exchange of up to 300 workers from each country. They can take up tech and innovation jobs – including semiconductor roles – in the other country, for up to two years. This is the 30th edition of Semicon Southeast Asia, a regional trade exhibition for semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, and the first time that it is being held in Singapore. The event is happening from May 20 to 22 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre.
