Latest news with #Yap
AsiaOne
2 days ago
- AsiaOne
Woman injured after PMD collision in Pasir Ris, lodges police report, Singapore News
A woman was left with cuts and bruises after she was allegedly knocked over by a Personal Mobility Device (PMD) rider on an overhead bridge in Pasir Ris. In a post to the Complaint Singapore Facebook page on July 13, user Mel Yap stated that the incident occurred that morning at around 7.15am near Block 124, Pasir Street 11. Calling it a "hit and run", she wrote that she had been walking downslope on the bridge when the PMD collided into her. She also called for the rider to apologise. "If [the] rider comes forward and apologises and compensates my bills (with receipt), I won't pursue further," she wrote on Facebook, with accompanying photos showing the injuries she sustained to her right palm, left elbow and right knee. She made a police report later. In an interview with Shin Min Daily News, the 49-year-old woman accountant described how she and her friends had been walking on the overhead bridge when she heard a sound from behind. She turned and saw a man who looked to be in his 20s on his PMD. Although Yap and her friends were walking in a single file, the path was narrow. The man did not pass immediately and appeared to be waiting for them to give way to him, said Yap. Yap said she told the rider to dismount from the PMD and push his device, as she believed PMDs should not be ridden on overhead bridges. Fell backwards, then forwards Yap claimed that not only did the rider ignore her advice to dismount, he also tried to squeeze past the group. In the process, a part of the PMD allegedly hit Yap, causing her to fall. "I fell backwards, but as he didn't stop, I tried to grab him and fell forwards," said Yap. "I shouted at him but he ignored me and left." Yap told Shin Min that as the path was strewn with small rocks, she ended up scraping her elbows, palms and knees, which bled. After cleaning her wounds with water, she went to a clinic before making a police report. Yap said that her medical bill cost $150 and the wound on her right knee continued to bleed after 12 hours. Although her injuries were not serious, she was issued two days of medical leave and she said her body was still aching. She reiterated that she is willing to drop the case if the rider comes forward to apologise, stating that he "should have a sense of responsibility". "There are often cases of errant riding in the area. The rider should have gotten down to push his device. I'm lucky, but the situation would be more serious if it were an elderly person who fell." In a statement to AsiaOne, police confirmed that a report has been lodged and investigations are ongoing. A photo taken by Shin Min Daily News at the site showed a "no riding" sign at the bridge. In spite of this, the reporter observed at least one cyclist or personal mobility device user crossing the overpass every two to three minutes. According to the Land Transport Authority guidelines, PMDs such as e-scooters are only allowed on cycling paths while e-bikes can only be used on cycling paths and on the road. [[nid:714126]] candicecai@
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
EDUPRENEURS IN THE MAKING
Two generations, one purpose: (left) David and his son, Samuel, are turning a family mission into a nationwide education movement. — Photos by KAMARUL ARIFFIN/The Star FOR founders David Yap Wing Fai and his wife Carol Yap Yee Yee, the real story has been about creating a nurturing environment where both children and educators can thrive. 'Back in 2005, I saw too many children slipping through the cracks of one-size-fits-all tuition classes,' recalled Carol. That early drive to do better for children has since grown into an education movement: a network of YelaoShr learning centres, a teacher training college (YelaoShr Education College) and a digital platform powered by artificial intelligence (AI). At its core is a shared belief that great teachers change lives – and with the right support, they can transform the industry too. 'Education is not just about preparing kids for exams. It's about building confident, thoughtful individuals who can think critically and solve real-world problems,' said Yap. From educator to edupreneur YelaoShr's growth is closely tied to its 'From Educator to Edupreneur' initiative, which helps passionate teachers build long-term careers beyond the classroom. Yap sees franchise partners as collaborators in a shared mission, rather than investors. 'Many of our best-performing centres are led by women who started with us as teachers. They didn't come in with capital but with heart,' he said. 'When parents see that, they trust it. And over time, success follows.' The goal is to grow from 60 centres to 300 across Malaysia and the region, while empowering more teachers, especially women, to lead the way. YelaoShr prioritises personalised learning to help every child progress at their own pace. A tech-enabled promise Long before edtech (education technology) became a buzzword, YelaoShr had already built internal systems to manage operations, track learning outcomes and support teacher development. With AI integration, the group is now taking things a step further. This is reflected in YelaoShr's Progress Guaranteed programme, which provides parents with assurance that learning goals will be met, without incurring extra fees if more time is needed. If a student takes longer than expected to complete a level, YelaoShr's internal system flags it, triggering additional learning support, such as a month or two of extended lessons at no extra cost. The company is also using AI and big data to strengthen its model. Digital systems now allow real-time tracking of teacher performance, centre outcomes and student learning trends. In development are an AI-powered learning chatbot and a series of colourful digital textbooks aimed at making learning more engaging and accessible. Second-generation legacy This legacy is already being passed on. Earlier this year, the couple's son, Samuel, joined the business full-time after completing his college studies, rotating across departments to learn the ropes. While he started in marketing, he soon found himself drawn to the teacher training department, helping with session prep and supporting educators in the classroom. 'I think what gravitated me towards teacher training is that I like interacting with teachers and I love seeing them receive new information on how to better help children,' Samuel shared. YelaoShr is now preparing for its next milestone: a pre-IPO announcement event on July 23 at One World Hotel, Petaling Jaya. The event will mark the beginning of the group's next phase of expansion and innovation. The day's programme includes the unveiling of a new book inspired by Finnish education –showcasing how YelaoShr's personalised, progressive model blends international best practices with local needs – as well as a franchise licence handover and franchisee signing ceremony. Two Asean Records attempts are also planned, in line with YelaoShr's ambitions to expand regionally. In the afternoon, a dedicated franchise opportunity briefing will provide potential franchisees with a preview of how they can partner with YelaoShr to build a sustainable education business. 'Rising start-up costs are a challenge, but through the IPO, we aim to establish a fund to empower more teachers to run their own centres,' said Yap. Find out more information on franchise opportunities at Parents can visit the website
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Yap urges SUPP members to unite under GPS, reject divisive Peninsular politics for Sarawak's future
KUCHING (July 20): Members of the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) must stand united under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition and reject attempts to import divisive Peninsular-style politics into Sarawak, said Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap Yau Sin. Speaking at the SUPP Kota Sentosa Branch's 17th Anniversary Dinner last night, Yap, who is also the branch chairman, emphasised the importance of political stability and unity as Sarawak navigates crucial developments related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), autonomy, and the state's share of national revenue and resources. 'Politically, Sarawak is in a very important phase. With increasing discussions on MA63, autonomy, and Sarawak's rightful share of revenue and resources, it is crucial that we stay united under GPS, and that we reject those who are only interested in playing Peninsular-style politics in Sarawak,' he said in his speech. He stressed that SUPP's continued role within GPS is essential to ensuring that Chinese voices in Sarawak remain heard and respected. 'SUPP stands firmly for Sarawak's rights and dignity, and our role in GPS ensures that Chinese voices are not sidelined, but heard, respected, and included.' He reminded party members that it was the people's confidence that brought SUPP and GPS back into leadership in Kota Sentosa three years ago. 'Three years ago, the people of Kota Sentosa entrusted SUPP and Gabungan Parti Sarawak with the responsibility to serve them once again. Since then, we have worked tirelessly — not with loud slogans, but with action on the ground.' Yap highlighted the branch's efforts in addressing longstanding community concerns, including flash flood mitigation, drainage system upgrades, better road connectivity, and street lighting improvements. He also pointed to ongoing support for schools, religious institutions, and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) through Minor Rural Project (MRP) grants and regular community outreach. 'We have been present — during emergencies, during festive seasons, and during moments of need — not only as politicians, but as neighbours and fellow Sarawakians.' Yap did not mince words in criticising the Democratic Action Party (DAP), which held the Kota Sentosa seat for over a decade before losing it to SUPP in the last state election. 'Let us not forget: DAP's silence on crucial state matters — from judicial appointments to oil and gas rights — shows they are more loyal to their Peninsular bosses than to Sarawakians.' Yap warned against returning to what he described as DAP's 'empty promises and politics of division.' 'Kota Sentosa cannot go backwards. We cannot afford to let DAP return and continue with their empty promises and politics of division.' Looking ahead to the next state election, Yap urged SUPP members to double down on grassroots engagement and strengthen internal machinery. 'As we approach the next state elections, we must remain united — not just in spirit, but in action. The next battle will not be easy, but it is winnable — if we stay united, disciplined, and rooted in service to the people.' He called for more youth participation and vigilance against misinformation. 'Every member of this branch, young and senior, plays a role in defending our hard-won seat. We must continue to strengthen our grassroots machinery, train our new members and engage more youth, and counter misinformation and propaganda with facts and sincerity.' He thanked branch members and reaffirmed his personal commitment to serving the people. 'As your state assemblyman and branch chairman, I thank each and every one of you for your dedication to the party and your service to our community. 'Let us continue to walk together, serve together, and fight together — not just for votes, but for the future of our children and this land we love,' he added. The evening featured the official swearing-in of the new SUPP Kota Sentosa branch committee for the 2025–2027 term. Deputy Premier and SUPP president Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian officiated the event and witnessed the newly appointed committee members take their collective oath of service. For the new term, Yap will continue to serve as chairman of the branch, while Kapitan Wong Ka Chuang has been appointed as deputy chairman. The three vice-chairmen are Kapitan Chai Yong Liang, Kapitan Lee Tho Fung, and Kapitan Voon Boon Min. Lee Tong Kwang has been named secretary, assisted by Philip Liaw Kian Sin and King Sie Ying as assistant secretaries. Yeo Eng Kuang will serve as treasurer, with Tan Kok Chai as assistant treasurer. The Youth Section will be led by William Bong Lip Ken as chairman, while Chung Fong Fui will head the Women's Section.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
NGO calls for state policy to get people to separate recyclable waste
KOTA KINABALU: A non-governmental organisation has called on the Sabah government to draw up a policy to get people to separate recyclable materials from their waste. Community Initiative for Recycling, Circular Learning and Education (Ripple Circle) project director Tressie Yap said with the policy in place, it could reduce the cost and burden at local recycling centres. "Because we don't need to sort out the materials like we are doing now, and the people should be trained to separate their waste before sending them to the centres," said Yap after the launch of the Ripple Circle new recycling centre by Kapayan assemblyman Datuk Jannie Lasimbang at the Luyang multipurpose hall. She said many recyclable materials were disposed of together with other waste materials. "We must have a policy to change the ecosystem and people's mindset, so that we can do the work without additional costs of paying the workers to do the cleaning up," she added. She said Sabah could follow the example of successful countries like Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and Australia, which had a system to segregate recyclable waste, such as a timetable for the collection of papers, plastic and glass. She said a glass recycling project was started by the group in 2019 with support from corporate funders and the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia-Sustainable Development Goals before it ventured into recycling plastic materials. "So we cannot continuously appeal for funding. We have to be sustainable and make progress. Because of this, we have to make products to have a circular economy. "These products are for sale in the souvenir shops in Kota Kinabalu and it can generate between RM2,000 and RM3,000 a month to pay for the workers from the B40 group," said Yap. She said they have also talked to Kota Kinabalu City Hall to transport glass materials collected at Pusat Lestari of the Kota Kinabalu community hall to the recycling centre. Ripple Circle chairman Michelle De La Harpe said they would be hiring 15 people from the B40 group next month at the group's recycling centre. Through previous projects, she said they had diverted more than 41 tonnes of glass and 22 tonnes of plastic away from landfills, besides generating an income of more than RM28,000 for the communities, she said. Present at the event was Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Josie Lai.
The Star
4 days ago
- General
- The Star
Ripple aims to make waves in Sabah's green living movement
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Recycling Association (Ripple) is setting up a community-based learning centre to educate the public on household waste management and environmental sustainability. It also intends to train at least 15 leaders for grassroots recycling initiatives. The Ripple Circle (Community Initiative for Recycling, Circular Learning and Education) centre is part of a mission to tackle Sabah's waste issues through volunteerism, education and action, said Ripple Sabah co-chair Michelle De La Harpe. 'This will be more than just a recycling centre. It is a space where community, environment, and education come together to create a lasting impact,' she said at the launch event in Luyang on Friday (July 18). The centre, run entirely by volunteers, will accept sorted and cleaned glass and plastic bottles from 9am to noon every Sunday from next month. Supported by the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia on Sustainable Development Goals (APPGM SDG), the centre is part of Ripple's wider vision to empower communities through environmental education. 'We aim to train at least 15 people, particularly unemployed youth, women, and those from the B40 group, to become eco-entrepreneurs with the skills to run small-scale recycling businesses,' De La Harpe added. She said earlier Ripple initiatives had diverted over 41 tonnes of glass and 22 tonnes of plastic from landfills, prevented more than 6,000kg of carbon emissions, and generated over RM28,000 in community income. The centre also addresses the lack of structured recycling infrastructure. Co-chair Tressie Yap highlighted the daily struggles faced by Ripple and other NGOs, which end up handling contaminated recyclables during sorting because of poor public awareness. 'We are overwhelmed. People drop off recyclables mixed with food waste and even diapers. Clear policies, proper scheduling and support are needed for recyclers like us,' Yap said. She urged local authorities to step in with structured logistics and manpower, suggesting designated collection days such as paper on Mondays, plastic on Tuesdays, and so on. 'It is not just our problem. All recyclers and social enterprises face the same issue. If Malaysians followed practices like cleaning before recycling, as it's done in Japan and Australia, we would see more grassroots efforts succeed,' De La Harpe added. Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) will be delivering the glass bottles it collects directly to the centre. Friday's launch was officiated by Kapayan assemblyman Datuk Jannie Lasimbang, who said the initiative is an example of how community-led action can align with and strengthen government environmental goals. Some of the materials collected will be repurposed into items like mobile phone holders, book covers and decorative pieces, and sold at outlets both here and in Kuala Lumpur. The movement's flagship store, Upcycle Shack, founded by Yap, is currently Ripple's only operating social enterprise, but there are plans to replicate the model to encourage more artisanal upcycling businesses. 'Response has been very encouraging. We earn between RM2,000 and RM3,000 monthly, which helps cover wages, machine upkeep and operating costs,' Yap added. The public is invited to drop off recyclables every Sunday from August, and those interested in volunteering or participating in training may sign up via Ripple's social media platforms.
