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Straits Times
06-07-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Changkat Primary School turns 2,000 old uniforms into new creations for 60th anniversary
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Primary 4 pupil Kaelyn Ore (centre, in yellow top) joining parents and volunteers in upcycling old uniforms on July 2. SINGAPORE – A couple of months ago, 10-year-old Kaelyn Ore was given a pair of uniform shorts by her teachers to bring home and cut up. A short instructional video guided the Changkat Primary School pupil on how to properly take apart the garment, which had been donated by a schoolmate. Kaelyn brought the cut-up pieces back to the school in Simei, when they eventually joined around 2,000 other used uniforms starting a new life as pouches for cutlery and tissue paper, stuffed owls and other items. Since January, parents, pupils and volunteers have worked to upcycle old uniforms into about 1,400 gifts in celebration of the school's 60th birthday and in line with its emphasis on sustainability education. Most of these items were given to visitors at an event held at the school on July 5 marking its anniversary, while some 'premium' ones such as paint brush holders will be auctioned, with the proceeds going back to the schools' parents' support group for educational programmes. Every pupil – about 1,000 of them – was given a donated uniform to cut up as a project to do with their parents. These were then upcycled into the items by volunteers from the parents' support group as well as parents of former pupils and the public, with help from other institutions like Temasek Polytechnic. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore First BTO project in Sembawang North to be offered in July HDB launch World Tariffs will kick in on Aug 1 barring trade deals: US Treasury Secretary Singapore Woman on SMRT's 190 bus injured after bottle thrown at vehicle leaves hole in window Business Great Eastern says Takeover Code not breached when it shared IFA valuation with OCBC Asia 'Don't be seen in India again': Indian nationals pushed into Bangladesh at gunpoint Asia Thousands evacuated as Typhoon Danas lashes Taiwan Asia Two women fatally stabbed at bar in Japan by man Life Star Awards 2025: Christopher Lee wins big, including Special Achievement Award and Best Actor Mrs Cheng Huey Teng, Changkat Primary's principal, said the school is serious about sustainability education, and 'relentless about propagating a culture of eco-stewardship in the school community and beyond'. She said: 'When we were planning to give everyone who comes to our 60th anniversary celebration a memorable token, instead of contracting a vendor to produce it, we conceptualised the plan to mobilise all students, parents and staff to upcycle our 'pre-loved' school uniforms into useful memorabilia.' This taught the pupils some art and craft skills as well as knowledge about upcycling textiles, she said. Upcycling uniforms is not a new concept at the primary school. Stuffed owls made from old uniforms during a workshop as part of the 60th anniversary of Changkat Primary School on July 2. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM Three years ago, Ms Leonie Nagarajan and Ms Zinobia Tinwala's children graduated from the school, leaving them with a problem: what to do with their uniforms. Ms Nagarajan, a permanent resident originally from Germany who works in research funding, and Ms Tinwala, an artist, worked with students from Singapore Management University on a study on what parents do with used uniforms. It found that about 86 per cent of school uniforms end up in waste or donated to charity. In 2023, they set up a social enterprise, The Circular Classroom, to address this issue, among others, and that year worked with Changkat Primary's parents' support group to make Teachers' Day gifts from used uniforms. Ms Nagarajan said: 'Kids wear their uniform the whole day. They need to understand it's a valuable resource. They need to understand the uniform lives hundreds of years longer than them, because most of it is polyester. 'But we can find a solution, and we can try to support a circular economy, at least by extending the lifespan of these uniforms.' 'Premium' items like paint brush holders will be auctioned, with the proceeds going back to the schools' parents' support group for educational programmes. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM While their children are now in secondary school and university, the pair were still involved in Changkat Primary's 60th anniversary project. The school and its parents' support group have been extremely supportive, but challenges remain, such as the cost of upcycling and perceptions that such uniforms are unhygienic, Ms Nagarajan added. Ms Nagarajan , who is married to a Singaporean, estimates that 400,000 to 500,000 uniforms are thrown away yearly by students across Singapore schools. She said: 'There are thousands of uniforms available to be reused. The key challenge is what you do with them. 'We as a social enterprise want to set a nationwide system where we first think – how can we reuse uniforms or repurpose them meaningfully?' Cutlery pouches made from old uniforms during a workshop as part of the 60th anniversary of Changkat Primary School on July 2. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM For Kaelyn, who is in Primary 4, transforming her old uniforms will not stop after this event. During a social studies lesson, a teacher showed her how to make a uniform into a bag, which has inspired her to try other things with them. She said: 'I feel glad because the uniforms got a second life... they were just sitting in my cupboard doing nothing.'
CNA
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
987 Star winner Georgina Dobson juggles school with two part-time waitressing jobs
It's just after 10am on a Tuesday when 987 Star winner Georgina Pattarida Dobson walked into the cafe where we agreed to meet, looking all fresh and full of energy. At first glance, it's easy to see why the 19-year-old who is half-Thai and half-British, stood out in the search for 987's new voice. Sure, her mixed looks might turn heads, but Dobson has a voice that is made for radio, especially when she regularly does a drawn-out 'Ohhh…' while mulling over her answers. Adding to that, her friendly and genuine character that makes you instantly want her as your best friend. Impressive for someone who, in her own words, says she has 'no radio experience'. 'I never knew how to get my foot through the door till 987 Star came up. Before that I always thought how cool it is that so many people were listening to the same voices at one time,' she said. Dobson, who is in her final year studying psychology at Temasek Polytechnic, told us that since winning 987 Star – where she edged out fellow finalists, Lex Whitlock, Nicolette Callie Wee and Shaniah Kiew – school hasn't exactly slowed down. 'There just have been so many projects, meetings and classes!' she said breathlessly, quickly apologising for not being able to meet us earlier after her win. And it isn't just school that's keeping her busy. Dobson also works two part-time jobs as a hostess at Atlas Bar and Morton's, The Steak House. Wait, why the hustle, superwoman? 'I just wanted to try and experience new things,' she laughed, telling us she started working when she was waiting to enroll into Temasek Polytechnic. She told us she earns between S$800 to S$1,000 a month during school holidays. Did we mention she would also need to complete an internship before she graduates? However, Dobson assured us time management is not an issue and that she has always been a pro at fitting things into her schedule. 'I've always been pretty organised and I make sure to have my to-do lists so I don't slip up. I do miss out on sleep though,' she jokingly sighed. Dobson once again assured us that being a part of 987 would be a priority and said: 'If things get too crazy, I would be open to dropping one of my part time jobs too'. Well, guess the S$5,000 cash prize she got from winning 987 Star came in handy. 'About that…' Georgina sheepishly grinned. 'I already spent it on treating the top 10 finalists of the competition to a meal at Genki Sushi, and drinks at No. 5 Emerald Hill.' When we praised her generosity towards her former competitors, she waved it off and said the group really bonded together during filming. Really? We would have thought there would be some tension, especially after seeing the barbed exchanges between some finalists during a few of the group challenges. 'We are really friends now and I got closer to many of them when it was just 10 of us left,' she coolly insisted. She jumped at the opportunity when 987 Star dropped by Temasek Polytechnic for auditions. 'I chanced upon it on IG and was telling my friends, 'Guys, we don't have class tomorrow but let's just go down for this!'" she laughed. When she got through the auditions, Dobson said the most excited person in the room was her mum. 'She kept telling me to just go and have fun and said I would never know what would happen and I will never regret joining,' said Dobson. Even though her mum, who is a pastry chef, couldn't be at the finals due to work, Dobson told us she found a way around it. 'My mum secretly hid her phone in a box and watched the live stream on TikTok. 'She commented 'Mummy loves you!' when I was announced as the winner and my friend managed to take a screenshot,' she laughed. Her Thai mother and British father, both 49, met in Thailand before relocating to Singapore for work. They later had Dobson and her older brother, who is a year older, here. However, her parents divorced when she was about five years old. Though Dobson said she isn't especially close to her dad, who now lives in Belgium and works in the engineering field, they still meet up during the festive season and special occasions. We also found out that despite growing up in Singapore and going to local schools (Kheng Cheng Primary School followed by Peirce Secondary School), Dobson is still a permanent resident and currently holds both British and Thai citizenship. According to her, she loves her life here, though she isn't quite ready to make the call to become Singaporean just yet. 'I'm not sure if my mum would want to retire here so we'll see,' she said. So, what's next for Dobson? "Definitely hitting the airwaves and having my own show!' she said excitedly, telling us that she hopes she would be able to focus on topics like psychology and even mental health. Heavy stuff. But Dobson thinks of it as a sort of calling. 'I'm not sure whether you feel it, but I it seems more and more people are getting depressed easily and I want to be able to help them through all of that,' she mused. Though it's early days, Dobson told us that beyond radio, she has big dreams of having her own TED Talk one day. 'I have a lot of friends who come to me for advice, and someone even floated the idea to me, and it just sparked a 'Really?' in me ever since,' she said.
Straits Times
17-06-2025
- General
- Straits Times
From reluctant volunteer to CCA leader: Temasek Poly graduate finds purpose beyond classroom
Mr Ryan Vernados is a recipient of Temasek Polytechnic's Community Service Excellence Award under the individual category. PHOTO: COURTESY OF RYAN VERNADOS From reluctant volunteer to CCA leader: Temasek Poly graduate finds purpose beyond classroom The TL;DR: Once a shy student who saw volunteering as a chore, Mr Ryan Vernados found meaning through the Engineering Peer Mentors group at Temasek Polytechnic. It opened his eyes to the struggles of the less privileged and inspired him to lead efforts to support them. When Mr Ryan Vernados first began volunteering at an orphanage in his home town in Indonesia as part of a class activity, the experience was more like an obligation than a calling. It felt like a 'task', he said. Today, the 23-year-old engineering graduate of Temasek Polytechnic (TP) is a recipient of the school's Community Service Excellence Award – which recognises students who have made meaningful contributions to the community over the past academic year. Mr Vernados, who is from Tanjung Balai on Indonesia's Karimun Island, began his studies in Singapore in 2022. During his first year at TP, his strong academic performance earned him a recommendation to join Engineering Peer Mentors (EPM), a co-curricular activity (CCA) where students tutor their peers and take part in outreach and community service projects. He participated in community initiatives, such as grocery distribution in Tampines North and outreach events with voluntary welfare organisation Minds – mostly tagging along with friends. Though initially hesitant, Mr Vernados gradually developed a genuine interest in volunteering. It became a meaningful way for him to unwind and connect with people from all walks of life in a country that was still unfamiliar to him then. 'I found it challenging at first as I was in a completely new environment. But through Engineer Peer Mentors, I was able to bond and communicate with my friends through our common interest in volunteering,' he said. One of his most memorable experiences was a grocery distribution project with charity Hao Ren Hao Shi – Mandarin for 'good people, good deeds'. Every first Saturday of the month, volunteers hand out groceries and help carry them to residents' rental flats, often striking up casual conversations along the way. He recalled one resident in particular, a former teacher, who shared stories about her students and how much she missed being in the classroom. 'She was happy to see young people like us caring for the community. It made me feel warm inside, knowing that small actions can leave a big impact,' he added. Through volunteering, Mr Vernados became more aware of the struggles faced by low-income families in Singapore, including the lack of reliable access to sufficient, nutritious food, and cramped living conditions, with entire families sometimes living in a single room. 'Before this, I didn't even know rental flats existed in Singapore. I always thought of it as such a developed country,' he said, adding that before studying here, he had visited Singapore only as a tourist. In his third year, Mr Vernados was appointed president of the EPM group, where he led planning efforts and oversaw volunteering teams. While studying at Temasek Polytechnic, Mr Ryan Vernados led the Engineering Peer Mentors in distributing groceries to residents in rental flats in Tampines North every first Saturday of the month. PHOTO COURTESY OF RYAN VERNADOS When asked why he was selected, Ms Jenessa Thng, the CCA staff adviser, said he was a regular volunteer at grocery distribution drives and played a key role in coordinating peer tutors. Another memorable experience for Mr Vernados was organising an outreach activity with Minds, where TP students made crafts and danced with participants with intellectual disabilities. 'They are often left out or overshadowed by society,' Mr Vernados noted. 'Working with them helps our volunteers get to know them better and interact comfortably, which in turn helps those individuals feel included.' Many of the volunteers were initially unsure of how to interact with the participants, as it was their first time working with those with intellectual disabilities. 'We were all very shy, and I was just standing at the edge watching,' Mr Vernados recalled. 'Then a boy pulled me into the dance. Some of them held our hands during the activities, and we slowly started to open up. That moment showed me they're really no different from us – in fact, (they are) very outgoing and welcoming.' On how volunteering has changed him, Mr Vernados said: 'Though I'm still reserved and take time to open up, I've grown into a more confident and compassionate community leader.' He added: 'Sometimes, I still worry about saying the wrong thing. But being in this role has helped me step out of my comfort zone and build confidence.' Mr Vernados led the Engineering Peer Mentors CCA to receive Temasek Polytechnic's Community Excellence Award in the group category. PHOTO: COURTESY OF RYAN VERNADOS He will pursue a degree in computer engineering at the National University of S ingapore in 2025 . He plans to remain active in volunteer work and hopes more people will give it a try. 'Volunteering helps you develop empathy and grow as a person,' he said. 'Even small acts, like a simple thank you or a smile, can make a big difference.' He added: 'Life is unpredictable. Trying new things and meeting people from different backgrounds not only helps others, but also shapes who we are.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
CNA
17-06-2025
- Business
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - Heading to Batam or Bintan? Are ferry prices getting too expensive?
CNA938 Rewind Play A round-trip ferry ticket to Batam will cost you between 56 and 76 dollars – up from the 34 to 60 dollar range seen in 2021. Are ferry prices getting too expensive? Daniel Martin speaks to Benjamin Cassim, Senior Lecturer for Hospitality & Tourism Management, School of Business, Temasek Polytechnic.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
IP student drops out to study fashion and is now a cosplay influencer; No injuries in Tuas Port crane collapse: Singapore live news
Elise Lim was on the "safe path" to success – she qualified for the Integrated Programme (IP) after her Primary School Leaving Examination, and managed to get into the Art Elective Programme to pursue her interest in art. However, she stepped away from it all in her fifth year of the IP at National Junior College to study fashion at Temasek Polytechnic (TP). She had cultivated an interest in cosplay during her fourth year, and tried making character wigs and props, and tailoring costumes. She is now a cosplay influencer on TikTok with 94,000 followers. A new crane tipped over at Tuas Port during its delivery on 15 June to a non-operational berth. No injuries were reported in the accident. In a joint statement on the same day, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and port operator PSA Singapore said an assessment of adjacent port equipment and facilities has found no damage. The incident is under investigation. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Singaporeans love to travel and that isn't lost on the telcos who are seeking to woo globetrotters with 'borderless' mobile plans at low prices. With these plans, consumers can use a generous bundle of mobile data across borders without paying more, or activating a travel e-SIM or roaming feature. M1 is the latest telco to jump on this trend with its Maxx plan that offers 290GB of data for use in Singapore and Malaysia for a monthly record low price of $7.90. The plan also includes 10GB of mobile data for use in Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan. Singapore's virtual telco started this trend in September 2023 when they launched a monthly plan that let customers use 100GB across eight Asian destinations (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh). The plan cost $30 monthly for the first three months, then $37 after that. Fabian Sossa, vice-president of corporate and global marketing at said: "The plan is designed for mobile professionals, digital nomads, students, tourists and families with cross-border ties... essentially anyone who needs connectivity across multiple countries without friction." For more on local telcos' 'borderless' mobile plans, read here. A new crane tipped over at Tuas Port during its delivery on 15 June to a non-operational berth. No injuries were reported in the accident. In a joint statement on the same day, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and port operator PSA Singapore said an assessment of adjacent port equipment and facilities has found no damage. The incident is under investigation. For more on the Tuas Port accident, read here. Business owners in Johor Bahru (JB), especially hawkers, have raised concerns to the authorities about the impact of Singapore commuters on their businesses. The issue seems to centre around the fact that parking spaces near the CIQ complex and JB City Centre have been monopolised by Johor residents who commute to Singapore for work. These workers typically park as early as 5am, and return as late as 8pm. It was reported that workers even occupy designated lots for these businesses, removing cones and disregarding reserved signs. A hawker in Perling said she found that her allocated business lot had been taken when she arrived to her stall one morning. At the Iskandar Malaysia Food Court in Gelang Patah, a stall owner claimed nearly 20 vendors have experienced declining profits over the past two years due to this ongoing issue. For more on the challenges JB food vendors face over parking lots, read here. Elise Lim was on the "safe path" to success – she qualified for the Integrated Programme (IP) after her Primary School Leaving Examination, and managed to get into the Art Elective Programme to pursue her interest in art. However, she stepped away from it all in her fifth year of the IP at National Junior College to study fashion at Temasek Polytechnic (TP). She had cultivated an interest in cosplay during her fourth year, and tried making character wigs and props, and tailoring costumes. Lim said, "It's not common for people to drop out of the IP, and a lot of parents could be worried that this is an unstable future, which is true, because the design and art field is unstable." Yet, after three years, the 19-year-old has achieved some level of success in her field with more than 94,000 followers on TikTok where she posts tutorials on how to make wigs, and other cosplay content. On Instagram, she has 12,200 followers. Lim is now in her third year of the fashion design and management at TP. She juggles studies and taking on commission orders for wigs on a first come, first served basis. The prices of her wigs range from US$100 to US$700 (S$130 to S$900). Lim's mother, who only wanted to be known as Mrs Lim and declined to reveal her occupation, said, "I'm proud of Elise and generally supportive of her love for crafting... My main concern is her frequent exposure to chemicals when making wigs, and I hope she takes care to protect herself." For more on Elise's inspirational journey from IP to fashion and cosplayer, read here. Singaporeans love to travel and that isn't lost on the telcos who are seeking to woo globetrotters with 'borderless' mobile plans at low prices. With these plans, consumers can use a generous bundle of mobile data across borders without paying more, or activating a travel e-SIM or roaming feature. M1 is the latest telco to jump on this trend with its Maxx plan that offers 290GB of data for use in Singapore and Malaysia for a monthly record low price of $7.90. The plan also includes 10GB of mobile data for use in Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan. Singapore's virtual telco started this trend in September 2023 when they launched a monthly plan that let customers use 100GB across eight Asian destinations (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh). The plan cost $30 monthly for the first three months, then $37 after that. Fabian Sossa, vice-president of corporate and global marketing at said: "The plan is designed for mobile professionals, digital nomads, students, tourists and families with cross-border ties... essentially anyone who needs connectivity across multiple countries without friction." For more on local telcos' 'borderless' mobile plans, read here. A new crane tipped over at Tuas Port during its delivery on 15 June to a non-operational berth. No injuries were reported in the accident. In a joint statement on the same day, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and port operator PSA Singapore said an assessment of adjacent port equipment and facilities has found no damage. The incident is under investigation. For more on the Tuas Port accident, read here. Business owners in Johor Bahru (JB), especially hawkers, have raised concerns to the authorities about the impact of Singapore commuters on their businesses. The issue seems to centre around the fact that parking spaces near the CIQ complex and JB City Centre have been monopolised by Johor residents who commute to Singapore for work. These workers typically park as early as 5am, and return as late as 8pm. It was reported that workers even occupy designated lots for these businesses, removing cones and disregarding reserved signs. A hawker in Perling said she found that her allocated business lot had been taken when she arrived to her stall one morning. At the Iskandar Malaysia Food Court in Gelang Patah, a stall owner claimed nearly 20 vendors have experienced declining profits over the past two years due to this ongoing issue. For more on the challenges JB food vendors face over parking lots, read here. Elise Lim was on the "safe path" to success – she qualified for the Integrated Programme (IP) after her Primary School Leaving Examination, and managed to get into the Art Elective Programme to pursue her interest in art. However, she stepped away from it all in her fifth year of the IP at National Junior College to study fashion at Temasek Polytechnic (TP). She had cultivated an interest in cosplay during her fourth year, and tried making character wigs and props, and tailoring costumes. Lim said, "It's not common for people to drop out of the IP, and a lot of parents could be worried that this is an unstable future, which is true, because the design and art field is unstable." Yet, after three years, the 19-year-old has achieved some level of success in her field with more than 94,000 followers on TikTok where she posts tutorials on how to make wigs, and other cosplay content. On Instagram, she has 12,200 followers. Lim is now in her third year of the fashion design and management at TP. She juggles studies and taking on commission orders for wigs on a first come, first served basis. The prices of her wigs range from US$100 to US$700 (S$130 to S$900). Lim's mother, who only wanted to be known as Mrs Lim and declined to reveal her occupation, said, "I'm proud of Elise and generally supportive of her love for crafting... My main concern is her frequent exposure to chemicals when making wigs, and I hope she takes care to protect herself." For more on Elise's inspirational journey from IP to fashion and cosplayer, read here.
