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Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Non-invasive depression treatment TMS helped engineer get his life back
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox SINGAPORE – Mr Ng Chee Hiong shunned contact with others for years, staying at home for days on end, self-isolating – at least on one occasion – for as long as two months and only coming out after running out of food. And when he made it to the outside world, he would walk staring straight down at the pavement, a hat worn low, his mop of long hair shielding him from seeing those around him. Depression and anxiety has haunted Mr Ng, 52, for over a quarter of a century. He said that he had a difficult childhood beset by family problems. Things went bad after he experienced study-related stress. Mr Ng said: '1998 was (when I had) my first appointment with a psychiatrist... I was studying in the university and the stress was tremendous. My personal life was also not good.' He was diagnosed with depression and anxiety that year, and started treatment. Over the years, he had multiple trials of antidepressants and therapy, but he did not respond well to them. In 2005, the engineer relapsed and had to stop work for a year. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore PM Wong calls on S'poreans to band together for nation to remain exceptional in National Day message Singapore NDP 2025: No ticket, no problem – here are some spots to soak up National Day vibes Business Who loses the most from Trump's tariffs? Who wins? Business Singapore's digital banks trim deposit rates, mirroring moves by incumbent players Life S'pore's nightlife isn't dead yet: A nightlife reporter's 6 favourite places to drink World Intel CEO Tan Lip-Bu says has board support as Trump calls for resignation Singapore Ex-lawyer convicted over charges for cheating company director of more than $8 million Singapore Chief Justice names law graduate who wanted anonymity after being denied Bar admission That happened again in 2011. In 2017, following a severe relapse, Mr Ng resigned from his job at an engineering firm and withdrew from social life. But thanks to a different treatment made available, things are now looking up for Mr Ng: In June, he started working in the laundry room of a nursing home – his first job in over eight years. 'It's a part-time job to help me transit into the working world…. Right now, I am taking one step at a time,' he said. Mr Ng is among a small but growing group of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) patients with treatment-resistant depression who are receiving Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) , a non-invasive treatment. TMS delivers magnetic pulses via a coil to stimulate nerve cells in underactive parts of the brain . Dr Tay Yi Hang adjusts the placement of the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation machine during the brain stimulation therapy session. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO It is used to treat conditions including major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults. Mr Ng is sharing his story to give hope and create awareness of the therapy that he said helped him to get his life back. TMS became more accessible in Singapore after the authorities announced in October 2024 that MediShield Life would cover it, along with more outpatient treatments, to support the shift in healthcare delivery from hospitals to outpatient and home settings. When Mr Ng underwent his first course of TMS treatment, he experienced a drop in negative thoughts straight away. That is how he knew it was working, he said. 'I am able to think about other things… that keeps me going every day,' he added. Mr Ng's TMS sessions take place at KTPH's outpatient psychological medicine clinic at Admiralty Medical Centre, which is located at Kampung Admiralty in Woodlands Drive. His doctor, Dr Tay Yi Hang, one of six psychiatrists there, was the one who started the TMS service at KTPH in May 2022. Since then, an average of about 10 patients with treatment-resistant MDD each year have received the treatment, but this mark has already been crossed in 2025. Research shows that more than 35 per cent of patients with MDD have treatment-resistant depression. This is a term that is often used for patients who have failed to respond to two different antidepressants, despite adequacy of the treatment trial and adherence to treatment. The chance of responding to the third antidepressant is usually less than 17 per cent but with TMS, there is a response rate of 60 per cent, said Dr Tay. 'Based on what we have seen so far at KTPH, approximately 60 per cent of patients who have undergone TMS treatment have achieved at least a 50 per cent reduction in depression rating scales,' said Dr Tay. Furthermore, about 50 per cent of their patients experienced a significant improvement, becoming virtually asymptomatic. Dr Tay said they also use TMS for patients with OCD, though that is less popular as it involves the provocation of the patient's symptoms to activate specific brain circuits before the session. Each session of TMS usually lasts around 3 minutes or 18.5 minutes, depending on the protocol prescribed. There is no pain, but the frequency of sessions and cost might deter some patients. The recommended number of TMS sessions is about 30, conducted daily over six weeks, or twice or thrice daily over two to three weeks. Each session costs $125. Mr Ng completed 30 TMS sessions in mid-2022. That was after his long-time private sector psychiatrist retired and advised him to find not just a new psychiatrist but also a psychologist to help him. He found both, and he achieved a good response with the TMS treatment. Encouraged by this progress, he continued his medication and therapy with a psychologist at KTPH. However, Mr Ng experienced a return of his symptoms around nine months later, and went for a second course of TMS in early 2023. To sustain these gains, he has continued with monthly maintenance TMS ever since. He pays for his sessions, as the maintenance sessions are not covered under MediShield Life, which covers up to 24 sessions for the first round of TMS treatment, and up to 15 sessions if the treatment is repeated. TMS became available in Singapore in 2015, when Promises Healthcare in the private sector brought it in. IMH started offering it soon after for patients with treatment-resistant depression. About three years ago, it started to use it for patients with OCD. In 2024, IMH started clinical trials to study a personalised form of TMS, which involves mapping a person's brain using scans to locate a precise spot to target during the stimulation. Another hospital here tha t offers TMS for treatment-resistant depression is the National University Hospital.
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Asian Insider Podcast: Asia and the world think Trump's US 'has lost its mind': John Bolton
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox In this episode, senior columnist Ravi Velloor (right) speaks with John Bolton (left), former National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump during his first term. Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times' senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this episode, Ravi speaks with Ambassador John Bolton, the American foreign policy hawk and former National Security Adviser to President Donald Trump, on US policy toward Asia. Mr Bolton speaks on the chaos and confusion in the Trump White House, the lack of a coherent policy toward Asia including senseless tariffs slapped on key security partners, and Mr Trump's proclivity to personalise foreign policy. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:00 A tone-deaf presidency 4:45 Asia in Trump 2.0 6:30 Singapore's shock over tariffs Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore NDP 2025: No ticket, no problem – here are some spots to soak up National Day vibes Business Who loses the most from Trump's tariffs? Who wins? World Israeli army will 'take control' of Gaza City: PM's office Business Singapore's digital banks trim deposit rates, mirroring moves by incumbent players Life Singapore's nightlife isn't dead yet World Intel CEO Tan Lip-Bu says has board support as Trump calls for resignation Singapore Ex-lawyer convicted over charges for cheating company director of more than $8 million Singapore Chief Justice names law graduate who wanted anonymity after being denied Bar admission 10:20 Is Trump more than an aberration? 11:30 Trump's China fascination 13:40 Desperation for a Nobel; Trump in Asian conflicts 16:40 Are Quad and Aukus dead in the water? 19:00 Taiwan has reason to be worried Host: Ravi Velloor ( velloor@ ) Read Ravi's columns: Follow Ravi on X: Register for Asian Insider newsletter: Produced and edited by: Fa'izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: Feedback to: podcast@ SPH Awedio app: --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: Get more updates: The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: Google Play: --- #STAsianInsider
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Deaf Palestinian uses social media to highlight Gaza's struggles through sign language
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Hearing-impaired Palestinian influencer Basem Al-Habel, who turned to social media to document the war in Gaza through sign language, reaching a wide range of followers from both inside and outside of the enclave, films himself in Gaza City August 5, Hajjaj GAZA - Basem Alhabel stood amongst the ruins of Gaza, with people flat on the floor all around him as bullets flew, and filmed himself using sign language to explain the dangers of the war to fellow deaf Palestinians and his followers on social media. Alhabel, 30, who describes himself as a "deaf journalist in Gaza" on his Instagram account, says he wants to raise more awareness of the conflict -- from devastating Israeli air strikes to the starvation now affecting most of the population -- by informing Palestinians and people abroad with special needs. Bombarded by Israel for nearly two years, many Gazans complain the world does not hear their voices despite mass suffering with a death toll that exceeds 60,000 people, according to Gaza health authorities in the demolished enclave. "I wished to get my voice out to the world and the voices of the deaf people who cannot speak or hear, to get their voice out there, so that someone can help us," he said through his friend and interpreter Mohammed Moshtaha, who he met during the war. "I tried to help, to film and do a video from here and there, and publish them so that we can make our voices heard in the world." Alhabel has an Instagram following of 141,000. His page, which shows him in a flak jacket and helmet, features images of starving, emaciated children and other suffering. He films a video then returns to a tent to edit -- one of the many where Palestinians have sought shelter and safety during the war, which erupted when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel in October 2023, drawing massive retaliation. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore NDP 2025: No ticket, no problem – here are some spots to soak up National Day vibes Business Who loses the most from Trump's tariffs? Who wins? World Israeli army will 'take control' of Gaza City: PM's office Business Singapore's digital banks trim deposit rates, mirroring moves by incumbent players Life Singapore's nightlife isn't dead yet World Intel CEO Tan Lip-Bu says has board support as Trump calls for resignation Singapore Ex-lawyer convicted over charges for cheating company director of more than $8 million Singapore Chief Justice names law graduate who wanted anonymity after being denied Bar admission Alhabel produced images of people collecting flour from the ground while he used sign language to explain the plight of Gazans, reinforcing the view of a global hunger monitor that has warned a famine scenario is unfolding. "As you can see, people are collecting flour mixed with sand," he communicated. Alhabel and his family were displaced when the war started. They stayed in a school with tents. "There was no space for a person to even rest a little. I stayed in that school for a year and a half," he explained. Alhabel is likely to be busy for some time. There are no signs of a ceasefire on the horizon despite mediation efforts. Israel's political security cabinet approved a plan early on Friday to take control of Gaza City, as the country expands its military operations despite intensifying criticism at home and abroad over the war. "We want this situation to be resolved so that we can all be happy, so I can feed my children, and life can be beautiful," said Alhabel. REUTERS
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Straits Times
Wildfire near Spanish tourist town under control
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The blaze had started on Aug 5 at a campsite, with strong winds causing it to spread near the tourist destination of Tarifa. MADRID - Firefighters have brought under control a wind-driven wildfire near the southern Spanish tourist town of Tarifa that forced the evacuation of more than 1,500 people, officials said on Aug 8. The blaze broke out on Aug 5 in La Pena, a wooded area near a beach outside Tarifa, a coastal town of about 19,000 residents known for its strong winds that attract windsurfers. The authorities said the fire started in a camper van at a campsite and quickly spread in the gusty conditions. About 1,550 people and 5,000 vehicles were evacuated from campsites, hotels and homes. Residents and tourists were allowed to return on Aug 6 after the fire was declared 'stabilised'. While the flames have been contained, firefighting crews will remain in the area in the coming days to secure the perimeter and prevent flare-ups, Andalusia's regional firefighting agency, Infoca, said on X. Spain is currently experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures nearing 40 deg C in many regions. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business Who loses the most from Trump's tariffs? Who wins? World Israeli army will 'take control' of Gaza City: PM's office World Intel CEO Tan Lip-Bu says has board support as Trump calls for resignation Singapore Ex-lawyer convicted over charges for cheating company director of more than $8 million Singapore Four Certis officers charged after allegedly receiving over $9,700 in bribes from man Life One-Michelin-starred Restaurant Euphoria shut on Aug 2, its local chef to move into F&B consultancy Opinion At 79, Liew Mun Leong has no time to be sentimental Singapore More SUSS students, including part-timers, to get free tuition under expanded financial aid scheme The extreme heat is expected to last until at least Aug 13, as civil protection authorities warned of a high to extreme wildfire risk across much of the country. AFP
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
US performers seek safety and risk at the Edinburgh Fringe
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Director, producer and writer Connor Malbeuf performs in this undated handout picture, taken in Edinburgh, Scotland, Britain. Elizabeth Viggiano/Handout via REUTERS Eddie Jen, a drag queen from San Francisco, wants to show that "America still fights for kindness", while Abby Govindan, a U.S. stand-up comic of Indian heritage, aims to convince audiences Texas is not what they think. The performers are among those who make the number of U.S. acts at this year's Edinburgh Fringe the highest in at least a decade. The Edinburgh International Festival, held every August, was established in the aftermath of World War Two with the goal of using culture to heal divisions. It immediately spawned an unofficial Fringe that became bigger than the original festival, attracting thousands of more maverick performers in venues across the city. This year's Fringe includes productions from Armenia to Zimbabwe, organisers say. The percentage of U.S. acts is 12.1%, compared with 11.1% last year and 6.1% in 2014. No earlier data is available. British acts have decreased to 69.8% of the total, from 71.2% in 2024, and 81.5% in 2014. Performers have said high costs, especially for accommodation, are a deterrent. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business Who loses the most from Trump's tariffs? Who wins? World Israeli army will 'take control' of Gaza City: PM's office World Intel CEO Tan Lip-Bu says has board support as Trump calls for resignation Singapore Ex-lawyer convicted over charges for cheating company director of more than $8 million Singapore Four Certis officers charged after allegedly receiving over $9,700 in bribes from man Life One-Michelin-starred Restaurant Euphoria shut on Aug 2, its local chef to move into F&B consultancy Opinion At 79, Liew Mun Leong has no time to be sentimental Singapore More SUSS students, including part-timers, to get free tuition under expanded financial aid scheme For U.S. artists, that can matter less. Their numbers had already risen as producers chose Edinburgh to test the appeal of musicals as a cheaper alternative to Broadway. U.S. President Donald Trump, who changed laws on diversity after he returned to office in January, making many artists anxious about freedom of expression, is a factor. Govindan said she would have brought her show "How to Embarrass Your Immigrant Parents" to Edinburgh "regardless of politics". Her aims include doing justice to Texas, which she says is "commonly misrepresented as white and racist". "Houston, my hometown, is the most diverse city in the country," she said. Jen is also keen to get beyond stereotypes with "Seeking a Pen Pal for the End of the World" that tells the story of an immigrant drag queen exchanging letters with his high school English teacher - a retired, white, Republican woman from Bountiful, Utah. "When Trump was re-elected in November, I wanted to let the world know that America still fights for kindness," Jen said. The number of Canadian acts at the Fringe has hovered around 1% for the last decade. Connor Malbeuf, who has lived in the United States for eight years, says the Fringe is "a safe space" for his show "Sorry: A Canadian's Apology for America". "There's no better neutral ground to comment on the absurdity, political landscape, and poke the bear without the bear threatening the possibility of deportation," he said. For Govindan, whose comedy is established in the United States, Edinburgh amounts to healthy risk-taking. "Being here is really pushing me out of my comfort zone in a way that is undoubtedly going to make me a better performer and comedian," she said. REUTERS
