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Independent Singapore
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Independent Singapore
Over half of Singapore students say parents can refuse to pay for university to teach 'independence' — Survey
SINGAPORE: More than half (52.5%) of Singapore students said parents can refuse to pay for their children's university education if it's to teach them 'independence,' according to a recent survey by The New Paper. The New Paper surveyed 60 students aged 16 to 25 from junior colleges, polytechnics, the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), and universities. One university student said it depends on the parents' beliefs. 'They might feel that their child should learn independence and stop relying so much on their parents,' he said. Still, 90.2% believe parents are responsible for paying for higher education. A 19-year-old polytechnic student said it's 'unfair' for parents not to pay since they're the ones 'bringing kids into the world,' as they have the responsibility to raise their children both mentally and physically. 'Refusing to pay [for higher education] is not ensuring a good and safe environment for children,' he added. Some respondents said that parents who are unable to pay for their children's university fees might indicate they planned poorly, putting stress on the child. When asked if parents have the right to demand money from their children, most respondents said they understood the importance of supporting parents upon retirement, especially in Asian culture, where filial piety is emphasised. 'It only seems fair, given our society's values of filial piety,' said a 20-year-old university student, adding that children should 'develop the habit' of setting aside money to help their parents after they retire. A few students saw it as a way of showing gratitude, with one noting that 'Asking for money from your child should be a healthy, two-way interaction.' However, one respondent added that it becomes a problem when parents treat their children like 'bank investments.' She said, 'It no longer makes it okay, especially if your parents expect you to 'return' the money they spent raising you.' In Singapore, the Maintenance of Parents Act allows parents over 60 to claim support from their children if they cannot support themselves. However, recent conversations online suggest deeper concerns around family expectations and emotional strain tied to parental support. See also 4 Beginner-Friendly Credit Cards With No Annual Fees In May, a full-time student who took on a part-time job shared on social media that her father often asked her for money, accusing her of 'gatekeeping money' when she said she didn't have any. She also shared that she was covering her daily expenses on her own, as she wasn't given an allowance by her parents. /TISG Read also: Did you know Singaporeans pay the most to own a BMW 3 Series (G20) in Southeast Asia? Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)
New Paper
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Paper
A tale of two pageants: Samuel Seow on celebrating culture, confidence and second chances
Samuel Seow is no stranger to the spotlight - but these days, he prefers to shine it on others. The 52-year-old founder of Beam Artistes is the driving force behind two newly launched male pageants: Misters of Nusantara and Masters of the World. Though both events celebrate men, their goals are distinct: one seeks to unite a region, the other to honour the resilience of age. Debuting this year, Misters of Nusantara is a landmark competition bringing together contestants from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia - three countries that Mr Seow says "share a very close relationship, one that's both competitive and cooperative." "The Nusantara (the Malay Archipelago) includes not just these three, but also countries such as Thailand, Timor Leste and Brunei," he explained in an interview with The New Paper. "But we're starting with the first three countries, where there are a lot of similarities in culture, dance, dress and performance styles, and I want to find someone who can represent that shared identity," he added. Three national titleholders will be crowned - Mr Singapore, Mr Malaysia and Mr Indonesia - but the coveted overall title of Mr King of Nusantara will be decided by public online vote. The winner takes home a brand-new car. For Mr Seow, the pageant is about more than just competition. "There's a deep history in Nusantara. We're one of the oldest peoples in the world after the Africans - and I think people should know that. This is about educating others on our legacy," he said. Running separately from Misters of Nusantara is Masters of the World, an international pageant for mature men. It features two categories: Masters Prime (ages 36-49) and Masters Elite (ages 50 and up). "This has never been done before," Mr Seow stated. "We're often told we can't do things because of age - can't go to the gym, can't wear certain things, can't chase goals. I wanted to challenge that." He added: "The men we're looking for are people who have stories to tell and wisdom to share - not just six-packs." Contestants include CEOs, musicians, fathers, and even men who have overcome incarceration or difficult upbringings. "This year we have one contestant who has a stutter, and he has to work twice as hard to speak every day," Mr Seow said. "Life isn't a bed of roses. These are the stories people need to hear." Both pageants are part of Mr Seow's broader goal: to redefine masculinity and representation in Southeast Asia. "There's a lot of pressure on men to behave a certain way," he observed. "Do you open the door for a woman? Do you offer to pay for dinner? These are the kinds of questions that reflect how ideas of manhood are changing - and they're exactly the kinds of things we explore in our Q&A rounds." Despite setbacks - including issues with a partner in Indonesia who allegedly mishandled contestant fees - Mr Seow remains committed. "We had to rebuy air tickets for contestants ourselves. It was disappointing," he admitted. "But this will still be the biggest male pageant event in the region. And we're just getting started." As he puts it: "This is not about perfection. It's about growth, effort, and being the best version of yourself - no matter where you come from or how old you are."
New Paper
2 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.
New Paper
21-05-2025
- Business
- New Paper
'Too fat cannot, too skinny cannot': Employer asks for applicant's full-body photo
It may be normal for employers to request a headshot of an applicant, but is it normal to ask for a full-body portrait? It is - or at least according to an employer at a cafe. A WhatsApp conversation between a job applicant and an employer was shared in a TikTok video by user justwanttofindajob on May 20. The conversation went smoothly until the employer asked for a photo. "Please send me your recent photo showing your full height," he wrote. Sceptical, the applicant asked for the purpose of the request: "Just wondering, may I ask what the full-body photo is needed for? I'd be happy to send one if it's relevant for the role." In response, the employer sent two voice messages. "This is a job interview, job interview we need to see photo," said the employer. "I tell you why: too fat cannot, too skinny cannot, too ugly cannot, too pretty also cannot. So we have to see, okay?" He then added that the request was "100 per cent relevant". "If you go for a job interview, every interviewer will want to see your photo. Photo for job interview is 100 per cent relevant." The video showed that the applicant has blocked the employer. Netizens were alarmed by the request, with one writing: "That's a red flag right there." Another quipped: "Sounds like chikopek (Hokkien for pervert)." However, some noted that such requests are not uncommon in customer-facing roles: "I understand the full-length photo if it's for a customer-facing job. But the way he phrased it just weirds me out." According to Ms Melissa Chua, senior recruitment consultant at Recruit Now Singapore, full-body photos are usually requested in specific industries like hospitality, where physical presentation is part of the job. "In general, most employers require only a professional-looking headshot," Ms Melissa told The New Paper. She explained that employers in certain industries might still favour good looks over ability: "While many companies claim to hire based on merit, there are still unspoken biases in certain industries. Some employers may have a mental image of what an 'ideal candidate' should look like." Ms Melissa recommended that applicants clarify the purpose of photo requests, especially full-body photos, whenever they feel uncomfortable. "If it still feels unnecessary or inappropriate, it's okay to express discomfort or decline."
Straits Times
16-05-2025
- General
- Straits Times
From ITE to poly: Dad of 3 who once disliked school earns diploma at 47
Mr Shaiful Khairi Mohammed Johari with his daughter Nur Amalina on his graduation day. From ITE to poly: Dad of 3 who once disliked school earns diploma at 47 Teo Yan Ting TNP May 15, 2025 School was not his top priority. The young Shaiful Khairi Mohammed Johari would rather spend his time rock climbing than hitting the books. "I was very playful," Mr Shaiful, now 47, told The New Paper. "I did not go to ITE because I was stupid or lazy, but because I wasn't interested in school. It wasn't fun. "I told my mum I would get my NTC-2 but that would be all. "There were acquaintances who laughed at me for having 'nothing' to my name. They looked down on me because of the path I chose." On May 13, the father of three went on stage at Temasek Polytechnic to receive his Diploma in Engineering (Aerospace) - fulfilling a promise he had made to his mum, who died in 2017. "I'm not academically inclined but I told myself that if I wanted to set a good example for my kids, this is one way to do it." Mr Shaiful's graduation was witnessed by his 18-year-old daughter Nur Amalina. "It is cool to see how far my dad has come, having juggled years of work and school," said Amalina, beaming with pride. In 2021, a colleague encouraged Mr Shaiful to enrol in a part-time course. "I really wasn't sure back then," said Mr Shaiful. "I was already comfortable where I was but the pandemic gave all of us a lot of extra time, so I gave it a shot." Going back to school was no walk in the park for a man who loves the great outdoors and would rather be spending his time cycling. "There were times I really felt like quitting," admitted Mr Shaiful. Even his daughter Amalina was surprised to hear her dad's intention to pursue a diploma. "I was a bit confused when he first told me about his decision to go back to school. But the more he talked about it, the more I was assured this was what he wanted and he would get it." And his children had his back. Amalina, along with her 20-year-old sister Iman Natasha and 14-year-old brother Muhammad Zakir, helped Mr Shaiful with whatever they could, such as showing him how to use a scientific calculator. Now, with a diploma in hand, Mr Shaiful is eligible for promotions and received a $10,000 CPF top-up under the ITE Progression Award. "I feel good. I kept the promise I made 30 years ago. Even though my mum is no longer around, I still did it," revealed Mr Shaiful. "Don't limit yourself. Just try, especially now when there are so many alternative routes to further your education." Click here to contribute a story or submit it to our WhatsApp Get more of Stomp's latest updates by following us on:
