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AsiaOne
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Producers of all-Asian rom-com Worth The Wait reject Hollywood pressure to cast white actors, Entertainment News
SINGAPORE — Producers on the US-Canada romantic comedy-drama Worth The Wait wanted their movie to showcase Asians falling in love, navigating awkward encounters with former lovers and coping with loss. But they faced pressure from Hollywood financiers, who suggested a change they thought was minor, but was anything but to Rachel Tan. The Malaysia-born, Los Angeles-based producer says they wanted to add a white male to the cast rather than letting the film be an all-Asian ensemble. "They gave me a list of white guys we could cast. If we could give one of the roles to them, we could get funded. It was so tempting," the 43-year-old recalls. She was in town with her producing partner and husband, Chinese-American Dan Mark, for a screening of their film — which the couple also co-wrote — at Tanglin Club on July 10. The investors held the belief that, except for genres such as martial arts, Asian male characters are not bankable, with little appeal for Western audiences, she says. [embed] Tan and her team ignored the suggestion, completing Worth The Wait without watering down their goal of an all-Asian cast in stereotype-breaking stories. For years, Asian Americans have been viewed by the majority as the "model minority", the ethnic group to be the most well educated, well adjusted and upwardly mobile, but the film seeks to show a more complete picture, she says. Slated to open in Singapore cinemas in August, Worth The Wait is directed by Taiwanese film-maker Tom Shu-Yu Lin, known for his Golden Horse-nominated drama The Garden Of Evening Mists (2019), adapted from the 2011 Booker Prize-shortlisted novel of the same name by Malaysian author Tan Twan Eng. Set in Seattle and Kuala Lumpur, it revolves around a group of singles and couples of different ages, and features actors of Asian or mixed descent from North America and Europe, including Ross Butler, Lana Condor, Andrew Koji, Sung Kang and Elodie Yung, as well as Singapore actors Tan Kheng Hua and Lim Yu-Beng. Producer Mark, 43, says audiences will see that Butler (Shazam!, 2019; 13 Reasons Why, 2017 to 2020) fits the profile of the romantic lead, while also being Asian. "He's a masculine Asian man. He's stereotype-breaking, and we love that — we need to have that in our culture," he says. Singapore-born American actor Butler plays Kai, the son of a corporate bigwig (Lim). On why on-screen white male-Asian female couples are the more common representation, Butler feels it has to do with Asian men being seen as not desirable. "It's a deep topic to talk about. In the West, for a hundred years, the Asian man has been emasculated," the 35-year-old tells The Straits Times at the same event. Butler drew on his personal experience to play Kai, who is under pressure to live up to his father's goals for him. The performer took chemical and biomolecular engineering at Ohio State University, but left his studies to pursue acting as a career. "A lot of this was generational legacy pressure from my mum. She is from Malaysia, and she took me to the US for the opportunities. We all know about the immigrants' dream," he adds. In another of the film's intertwining story threads, a couple played by Chinese-Canadian actors Osric Chau and Karena Lam find their marriage becoming strained after a miscarriage, while a young man, Blake (Chinese-Canadian actor Ricky He), has priorities other than school. Rachel Tan says: "Osric's character is vulnerable and Blake failed maths. There are so many layers to the characters. We are so much more than what's usually shown." Worth The Wait opens in Golden Village cinemas on Aug 8 and EagleWings Cinematics on Aug 14. [[nid:720270]] This article was first published in The Straits Times . Permission required for reproduction.
Singapore Law Watch
3 hours ago
- Health
- Singapore Law Watch
‘Kpods broke our marriage, shattered our children': Woman on husband's vape addiction
'Kpods broke our marriage, shattered our children': Woman on husband's vape addiction Source: Straits Times Article Date: 16 Jul 2025 Author: Nadine Chua Vaping in Singapore has become a growing problem; MP calls for etomidate to be classified as a drug for harsher penalties and mandatory treatment, plus a review of vaping legislation. The first sign that something was amiss was when Mary's (not her real name) husband shut himself inside the bedroom, ignoring his wife and two young sons. The once loving husband and father turned violent, wrecking things at home, kicking doors in the middle of the night. One day, he collapsed in the living room, his body slouched against the wall, with a vape in hand. Since The Straits Times launched its anti-vaping campaign, Vaping: The Invisible Crisis, on July 13, several readers have written in to share their experiences about loved ones vaping. Some said they never knew the effects vapes had on a user's health, while others called for vaping legislation to be strengthened. Three readers e-mailed ST about how vaping and Kpods, which contain the powerful anaesthetic drug etomidate, have ruined their families. Used in hospitals for inducing sedation during medical procedures, etomidate is designed to be injected directly into the veins under clinical supervision and never intended to be inhaled. When vaped, etomidate enters the lungs directly, potentially triggering spasms, breathing difficulties, seizures and even psychosis. Sons scared of father For years, the two boys, aged seven and nine, had always known their father to be a loving and doting man. But everything changed when the man, 41, used Kpods. Mary, 35, said her husband was so depressed he could not work, and got fired from his technician job. Mary, who works in marketing, said her husband spiralled into repeated episodes of violence, emotional outbursts and dangerous behaviour while using Kpods. One night, the family heard him destroying things around the home as they hid in the bedroom. The next morning, they saw their microwave badly damaged. Mary's younger son, who has autism, became afraid of his father. She said: 'They used to be close and would play badminton together. But he soon became fearful of his father. My husband would also snap at my older son. He was traumatised and anxious after being yelled at so many times.' In May, Mary moved to her mother's place with her sons, and has filed for divorce. She said: 'We dated for 10 years and were married for nine. Now, I don't even know who he is any more. Kpods broke our marriage and shattered our children.' Calling for stronger laws to tackle vaping, Mary added: 'I don't want another family to go through what we went through.' 'My sons are like zombies' One mother, who wanted to be known only as Ms Lim, 53, said she had seen her sons experience seizures from Kpods. When her 27-year-old son got a job as an antique shop assistant after his release from prison in July 2024, Ms Lim was hopeful about his future. Then, he was introduced to Kpods at a nightclub. He became sluggish, skipped work often and got fired. The Singaporean homemaker lives with her husband, who works overseas. She said: 'I can monitor my (older) son only using the CCTV in our home. I see him walking around like a zombie, and my neighbours would tell me they see him walking unsteadily and vaping openly in the park.' Her younger son was also addicted to vapes before he was convicted and jailed for assault in February. Ms Lim sent ST videos of her younger son trembling and struggling to close the gate to their flat after using Kpods in 2024. Her older son was fined by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) four times for vaping. She said: 'Every time he gets fined and his Kpods get confiscated, he just gets new ones.' Ms Lim said her older son has attempted suicide three times due to Kpods. In February, she bought him an e-bike after he promised to quit Kpods and get a job as a deliveryman. She found out he sold the e-bike to gamble and buy more vapes. Ms Lim said: 'I hope possessing and using vapes will become a crime that offenders can be jailed for. If that means my son getting jailed, then so be it. Because once he is behind bars, he will no longer have access to Kpods.' Possessing, using and buying e-vaporisers carry a maximum fine of $2,000. She added: 'My (older) son has attempted suicide before, and we have stopped him. But if he continues using Kpods, it would only be a matter of time before he dies.' Daughter vaped in toilet with boys When Sara (not her real name) received a call from her daughter, 13, at 4.30am to fetch her from a mall in Yishun, she feared the worst. The teen had been caught by the police vaping in a handicap-accessible toilet with three older boys. Sara, 55, who works in social services and is widowed, first found the girl's vape stash in her drawer in 2024. Sara said: 'She used to vape secretly, but then vaped openly. She was caught vaping in Orchard (Road) and in Serangoon.' Sara said she had approached agencies for help, but still feels helpless. Her daughter is at a residential girls' home undergoing rehabilitation. To fuel her addiction, she would borrow money from friends and sell her clothes and make-up online for quick cash. She even stole money from her late father's drawer. Sara said: 'I have gone beyond depression, helplessness, tears and frustration. I need to maintain the relationship I have with her. That is all I have. 'But when I remind her about the damaging health effects vaping has, she just sniggers at me. I am at my wits' end.' Referring to ST's anti-vape campaign, she said: 'With this push, I hope there will be a review of the law and (it will) open up space for conversations on this issue. Kids are suffering. Parents are suffering.' Classify etomidate as a drug: Vikram Nair Mr Vikram Nair, chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Home Affairs and Law, acknowledged the growing problem of vaping in Singapore and called for a much stricter regime for etomidate. Mr Nair, who is an MP for Sembawang GRC, said: 'I am in favour of etomidate being classified as a drug. The main purpose is for harsher penalties for those trafficking it. This would also permit ordering mandatory treatment for addicts and those caught using it.' Referring to the ST video of an HSA officer diving into a moving car to stop a suspected vape peddler from escaping, Mr Nair said: 'HSA is doing the best they can about this issue. I have seen stories on their crackdowns and the dramatic video with the car. 'But if the penalties are somewhat limited after their arrests, there is only so much that can be done under the current framework.' Former Jurong GRC MP Tan Wu Meng said more than 10 Clementi residents, mostly young parents, had spoken to him in 2025 of their concerns of vaping before he retired from politics in April. He said one 13-year-old girl told him she was worried her friends could get vapes so easily. In January and March, Dr Tan raised the issue in Parliament. He brought up a case of a parent reporting the child to the police for vaping, and the child getting fined by HSA. Dr Tan then called for agencies to consider helping children curb their addiction rather than handing them fines. He told ST: 'We won't want vaping to be a crack in Singapore's defences against illegal drugs. So, the legislation needs to be looked at, and the agencies need to study ways to handle such vaping devices more effectively and with more muscle.' Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction. Print
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
SM Lee does not expect US tariffs to be temporary; Singaporeans share their horror stories on Kpods: Singapore live news
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong believes that once trade and economic policies are set, it becomes politically unfeasible to remove them. Therefore, Singapore should not expect current US tariffs to be rolled back even after US President Donald Trump is no longer in office. The Straits Times recently launched its anti-vaping campaign, which saw readers share personal stories on how drug-laced vapes – Kpods – destroyed their families. Earlier this month, a father also shared the heartbreaking story of his daughter's death at the age of 19 – and the role her addiction to Kpods played in the tragedy. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates: Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong believes the impact of US President Donald Trump's trade policies are long lasting and the world will not simply go back to "status quo" even after his presidency ends. SM Lee, who was speaking at the Economic Society of Singapore's (ESS') annual dinner on 15 July, said that once tariffs are in place it becomes politically unfeasible to remove them as businesses which emerged from the new policy will push back against any rollback. He used the example of former US president Joe Biden who did not overturn earlier tariffs that Trump had imposed on China in his first term. "It will not go back to the status quo in trade policy, in economic policy. Once you make a move, you can't take it back," Lee said. Instead, SM Lee has urged countries that support free trade to work closer together and adapt to evolving trade landscapes. You can read more on SM Lee's comments from the dinner, here. Criminal operations selling drug-laced vapes known as Kpods are becoming an increasing problem across multiple countries in Asia – including Singapore. Authorities have been cracking down hard on vapes and the government is also considering enhancing current enforcement laws, following a spike in seizures of Kpods. The Straits Times recently launched its anti-vaping campaign, which saw readers share personal stories on how Kpods – and also vapes – destroyed their families. A 35-year-old woman revealed how her husband spiralled into repeated episodes of violence and emotional outbursts while using Kpods, causing their children to fear him. "We dated for 10 years and were married for nine. Now, I don't even know who he is any more. Kpods broke our marriage and shattered our children," she said. Another woman said she had seen both her sons experience seizures from Kpods. She went on to describe how her eldest son would 'walk around like a zombie' and she has videos of her younger son struggling to perform simple tasks such as closing the gate to their flat. Earlier this month, a father also shared the heartbreaking story of his daughter's addiction to Kpods which he believes played a part in her tragic death at the age of 19. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong believes the impact of US President Donald Trump's trade policies are long lasting and the world will not simply go back to "status quo" even after his presidency ends. SM Lee, who was speaking at the Economic Society of Singapore's (ESS') annual dinner on 15 July, said that once tariffs are in place it becomes politically unfeasible to remove them as businesses which emerged from the new policy will push back against any rollback. He used the example of former US president Joe Biden who did not overturn earlier tariffs that Trump had imposed on China in his first term. "It will not go back to the status quo in trade policy, in economic policy. Once you make a move, you can't take it back," Lee said. Instead, SM Lee has urged countries that support free trade to work closer together and adapt to evolving trade landscapes. You can read more on SM Lee's comments from the dinner, here. Criminal operations selling drug-laced vapes known as Kpods are becoming an increasing problem across multiple countries in Asia – including Singapore. Authorities have been cracking down hard on vapes and the government is also considering enhancing current enforcement laws, following a spike in seizures of Kpods. The Straits Times recently launched its anti-vaping campaign, which saw readers share personal stories on how Kpods – and also vapes – destroyed their families. A 35-year-old woman revealed how her husband spiralled into repeated episodes of violence and emotional outbursts while using Kpods, causing their children to fear him. "We dated for 10 years and were married for nine. Now, I don't even know who he is any more. Kpods broke our marriage and shattered our children," she said. Another woman said she had seen both her sons experience seizures from Kpods. She went on to describe how her eldest son would 'walk around like a zombie' and she has videos of her younger son struggling to perform simple tasks such as closing the gate to their flat. Earlier this month, a father also shared the heartbreaking story of his daughter's addiction to Kpods which he believes played a part in her tragic death at the age of 19.
New Paper
6 hours ago
- Health
- New Paper
'Kpods broke our marriage': Woman on husband's vape addiction
The first sign that something was amiss was when Mary's (not her real name) husband shut himself inside the bedroom, ignoring his wife and two young sons. The once loving husband and father turned violent, wrecking things at home, kicking doors in the middle of the night. One day, he collapsed in the living room, his body slouched against the wall, with a vape in hand. Since The Straits Times launched its anti-vaping campaign, Vaping: The Invisible Crisis, on July 13, several readers have written in to share their experiences about loved ones vaping. Some said they never knew the effects vapes had on a user's health, while others called for vaping legislation to be strengthened. Three readers e-mailed ST about how vaping and Kpods, which contain the powerful anaesthetic drug etomidate, have ruined their families. Used in hospitals for inducing sedation during medical procedures, etomidate is designed to be injected directly into the veins under clinical supervision and never intended to be inhaled. When vaped, etomidate enters the lungs directly, potentially triggering spasms, breathing difficulties, seizures and even psychosis. Sons scared of father For years, the two boys, aged seven and nine, had always known their father to be a loving and doting man. But everything changed when the man, 41, used Kpods. Mary, 35, said her husband was so depressed he could not work, and got fired from his technician job. Mary, who works in marketing, said her husband spiralled into repeated episodes of violence, emotional outbursts and dangerous behaviour while using Kpods. One night, the family heard him destroying things around the home as they hid in the bedroom. The next morning, they saw their microwave badly damaged. The microwave that Mary's husband damaged and destroyed after using Kpods. PHOTO: COURTESY OF MARY Mary's younger son, who has autism, became afraid of his father. She said: "They used to be close and would play badminton together. But he soon became fearful of his father. My husband would also snap at my older son. He was traumatised and anxious after being yelled at so many times." In May, Mary moved to her mother's place with her sons, and has filed for divorce. She said: "We dated for 10 years and were married for nine. Now, I don't even know who he is any more. Kpods broke our marriage and shattered our children." Calling for stronger laws to tackle vaping, Mary added: "I don't want another family to go through what we went through." 'My sons are like zombies' One mother, who wanted to be known only as Ms Lim, 53, said she had seen her sons experience seizures from Kpods. When her 27-year-old son got a job as an antique shop assistant after his release from prison in July 2024, Ms Lim was hopeful about his future. Then, he was introduced to Kpods at a nightclub. He became sluggish, skipped work often and got fired. The Singaporean homemaker lives with her husband, who works overseas. She said: "I can monitor my (older) son only using the CCTV in our home. I see him walking around like a zombie, and my neighbours would tell me they see him walking unsteadily and vaping openly in the park." Her younger son was also addicted to vapes before he was convicted and jailed for assault in February. Ms Lim sent ST videos of her younger son trembling and struggling to close the gate to their flat after using Kpods in 2024. Her older son was fined by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) four times for vaping. She said: "Every time he gets fined and his Kpods get confiscated, he just gets new ones." Ms Lim's 27-year-old son (left) using Kpods. PHOTO: COURTESY OF MS LIM Ms Lim said her older son has attempted suicide three times due to Kpods. In February, she bought him an e-bike after he promised to quit Kpods and get a job as a deliveryman. She found out he sold the e-bike to gamble and buy more vapes. Ms Lim said: "I hope possessing and using vapes will become a crime that offenders can be jailed for. If that means my son getting jailed, then so be it. Because once he is behind bars, he will no longer have access to Kpods." Possessing, using and buying e-vaporisers carry a maximum fine of $2,000. She added: "My (older) son has attempted suicide before, and we have stopped him. But if he continues using Kpods, it would only be a matter of time before he dies." Daughter vaped in toilet with boys When Sara (not her real name) received a call from her daughter, 13, at 4.30am to fetch her from a mall in Yishun, she feared the worst. The teen had been caught by the police vaping in a handicap-accessible toilet with three older boys. Sara, 55, who works in social services and is widowed, first found the girl's vape stash in her drawer in 2024. Different types of vapes belonging to Sara's 13-year-old daughter. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SARA Sara said: "She used to vape secretly, but then vaped openly. She was caught vaping in Orchard (Road) and in Serangoon." Sara said she had approached agencies for help, but still feels helpless. Her daughter is at a residential girls' home undergoing rehabilitation. To fuel her addiction, she would borrow money from friends and sell her clothes and make-up online for quick cash. She even stole money from her late father's drawer. Sara said: "I have gone beyond depression, helplessness, tears and frustration. I need to maintain the relationship I have with her. That is all I have. "But when I remind her about the damaging health effects vaping has, she just sniggers at me. I am at my wits' end." Referring to ST's anti-vape campaign, she said: "With this push, I hope there will be a review of the law and (it will) open up space for conversations on this issue. Kids are suffering. Parents are suffering." Classify etomidate as a drug: Vikram Nair Mr Vikram Nair, chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Home Affairs and Law, acknowledged the growing problem of vaping in Singapore and called for a much stricter regime for etomidate. Mr Nair, who is an MP for Sembawang GRC, said: "I am in favour of etomidate being classified as a drug. The main purpose is for harsher penalties for those trafficking it. This would also permit ordering mandatory treatment for addicts and those caught using it." Referring to the ST video of an HSA officer diving into a moving car to stop a suspected vape peddler from escaping, Mr Nair said: "HSA is doing the best they can about this issue. I have seen stories on their crackdowns and the dramatic video with the car. "But if the penalties are somewhat limited after their arrests, there is only so much that can be done under the current framework." Former Jurong GRC MP Tan Wu Meng said more than 10 Clementi residents, mostly young parents, had spoken to him in 2025 of their concerns of vaping before he retired from politics in April. He said one 13-year-old girl told him she was worried her friends could get vapes so easily. In January and March, Dr Tan raised the issue in Parliament. He brought up a case of a parent reporting the child to the police for vaping, and the child getting fined by HSA. Dr Tan then called for agencies to consider helping children curb their addiction rather than handing them fines. He told ST: "We won't want vaping to be a crack in Singapore's defences against illegal drugs. So, the legislation needs to be looked at, and the agencies need to study ways to handle such vaping devices more effectively and with more muscle." If you have a story to share about vapes, e-mail us at stnewsdesk@ Helplines Mental well-being National helpline: 1771 (24 hours) / 6669-1771 (via WhatsApp) Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp) Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928 Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1 Women's Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm) The Seniors Helpline: 1800-555-5555 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm) Counselling Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252 Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555 Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366 We Care Community Services: 3165-8017 Shan You Counselling Centre: 6741-9293 Clarity Singapore: 6757-7990 Online resources
Straits Times
11 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Straits Times
Telling the Singapore story for 180 years
The Straits Times commemorates its 180th anniversary with a slew of activities including a celebratory gala dinner, a roving exhibition and the launch of a new website and app. From the smell of the freshly printed morning newspaper, to the notification ping from a cellphone signalling the arrival of the evening newsletter summing up the day's key news stories, The Straits Times has become part of Singaporeans' daily life since its very first edition landed on July 15, 1845, as an eight-page weekly.
