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Straits Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
How do household bomb shelters in Singapore really work?
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox A recent chat between deejays sparked the question: What happens to household shelters after a bomb attack? SINGAPORE – The humble household shelter: In some homes, it is the 'maid's room'. In others, it is where junk goes to die. And in still others, it represents a loss of square footage to a space that cannot be structurally altered. If Singapore is ever under attack from aerial ordinance, many residents will have easy access to a household bomb shelter. But what happens after the hypothetical bombs have stopped? The question came up during an on-air conversation between Kiss92 deejays Joshua Simon and Juliana Yeow in early July. Yeow, referring to how shelters in HDB flats are built in a continuous vertical stack , asked where one goes once it is safe to leave the shelter. 'You just fall right through, right?' Simon pondered. It is an issue that has got many in Singapore talking – the Kiss92 video has hit about 800,000 views on Instagram. It was also the topic of at least one debate on the r/singaporehappenings community on Reddit. The idea of the household shelter is unique to Singapore, where the Civil Defence Shelter Act has mandated the inclusion of either a household shelter, or a storey shelter, in all residential buildings since 1997. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. 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These shelters are designed to withstand blast and fragmentation effects, a spokesperson for the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) tells The Straits Times. 'In household and storey shelters, the protection to the occupants comes from a combination of thickened structures and the shielding offered by the surrounding walls, floor and ceiling slabs.' As for the question raised by Yeow and Simon, the spokesperson would say only that the stacking of the shelters in vertical columns 'enhances the overall strength and resilience of buildings against blast effects'. The implication is that household shelters protect occupants from bombs – and not necessarily anything else. Meanwhile, Mr Harvey Lukman, an associate director at DP Architects, says this is a question of engineering rather than architecture. But he does add: 'It is worth noting that SCDF and the Building and Construction Authority have stipulated the requirement for a strengthened ceiling slab directly above the household shelter's door. 'This enhances protection for occupants as they enter or exit the shelter – whether to check on the situation outside or be rescued – in scenarios where the surrounding structure may be compromised.' Meanwhile, a write-up about shelters on the SG101 portal – which is maintained by Nexus, the agency under the Ministry of Defence that oversees national education and total defence efforts – has a more straightforward answer: 'It is unlikely that the entire block of flats will collapse in a bombing, leaving only a column of shelters standing.' For now, the vertical stacking of household shelters is a bigger problem for architects such as Mr Lukman than it is for everyday Singaporeans. 'Its position cannot vary within the same stack,' he says. Another challenge: Placing the household shelters in such a way that they can be functional during peacetime, while also keeping to the shielding and setback requirements laid out in the Civil Defence Shelter Act. 'The household shelter is usually located near the entrance of the unit or in the kitchen/utility area, where it can serve a more functional purpose during peacetime . Placing it within bedrooms is generally avoided, as there are restrictions that limit internal and external modification of shelter walls,' says Mr Lukman. Arguably, the storey shelter might be the more advantageous option in the unlikely catastrophe of a building completely collapsing but leaving the shelter stacks still standing. If nothing else, one can just take the stairs down. The storey shelters also offer greater flexibility, particularly for smaller units, adds Mr Lukman. 'T hey help to reduce structural complications, especially in cases where the residential tower sits above a commercial space or a carpark podium, or is situated above a basement.' But the storey shelters are largely limited to private residential developments, as 'the unit layouts of modern public housing today always include a household shelter in all unit types', says Mr Daniel Po, associate director at DP Architects. All of this may be moot if you are not home during the hypothetical bombing. But worry not: There are more than 500 civil defence public shelters in Singapore, including in some community centres, MRT stations and schools. Although these may not be the answers they were looking for, Yeow and Simon say the debate has been a helpful reminder of the important role that shelters play in Singapore's safety and total defence. 'I can't believe this has been a question that has been bugging so many fellow Singaporeans,' says Yeow. 'Seeing everyone come together to speculate, and even think up hilarious solutions, is the kampung spirit that I live for,' says Simon. 'I feel pretty comforted that my shelter would really shield me from a bomb attack,' adds Yeow. 'Now, I'm just counting on our buildings to hold up.'
The Star
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Dong Yang, BLT join forces to drive smart elevator solutions and regional expansion
SHAH ALAM: Dong Yang Elevator (M) Sdn Bhd has forged a strategic partnership with China's Brilliant Elevator Co. Ltd (BLT) to drive smart manufacturing and global expansion in Malaysia. BLT is the flagship brand of Shenyang Yuanda Intelligent Industrial Group, a global leader in high-end equipment manufacturing. As part of its global expansion, Yuanda Group will be establishing a Southeast Asian regional logistics and smart service centre in Malaysia. This centre will integrate warehouse logistics, parts distribution, intelligent maintenance, remote monitoring and customer service, enhancing response times and regional coordination. At the official launch of its brand and products in the Malaysian market on Tuesday in Shah Alam, BLT described the event as a strategic milestone in its Asean expansion journey. Over 200 professionals and representatives from the government, construction, development, engineering and maintenance sectors attended the launch. Dong Yang Elevator's chief executive officer Yeow Ewe Hor emphasised the importance of collaborative potential and the future of Malaysia's building and construction ecosystem to be integrated into smart and sustainable cities. "As the driving force behind Malaysia's urban progress, we aim to turn blueprints into communities and dreams into national landmarks. "Malaysia's vertical transportation industry is at a turning point toward safer, greener and smarter systems," he said, adding that the industry needs to address three core challenges - safety, sustainability and innovation. Yeow also said that since 2008, Dong Yang has worked hand in hand with BLT, selling over 400 elevators and maintaining more than 1,300 units locally. "We've actively implemented global standards, green technologies and intelligent maintenance systems. "Moving forward, we'll continue collaborating closely with Public Works Department, Department of Occupational Safety and Health and other government bodies to shape the future of intelligent vertical mobility in Malaysia," he said. Established in 2002, Dong Yang is a leading Malaysian supplier of elevators, escalators, and home lifts. Separately, BLT general manager of international sales Liu Ruisheng said the company has cultivated its presence in Malaysia for 18 years and is now entering a key phase in its strategic upgrade. "We plan to establish a regional logistics centre in Malaysia, leveraging the geographical and industrial strengths to serve the Southeast Asian market and accelerate our global brand development," he said. In recent years, BLT's export performance has grown steadily with exports surpassing RMB580mil in 2024, reaching more than 140 countries and regions worldwide, ranking among the top Chinese elevator exporters. Additionally, the successful operation of Yuanda Group's joint venture factory in Saudi Arabia has become a benchmark for high-end smart manufacturing. This year, the group will launch its assembly plant in the United States, aiming to build a global platform for smart, digital and green vertical transportation solutions with Saudi Arabia and Malaysia as dual engines of this strategy. The group also plans to launch local assembly operations and talent development programmes, moving from an "equipment supplier" model toward becoming a smart building solutions provider. So far, the BLT Global Brand Tour has already launched in Vietnam, Saudi Arabia and Mexico. "Globalisation is not only about product exports. It's about exporting systems of brand, technology and management. "Malaysia will be our bridgehead into Asean and our collaboration with Dong Yang will take us from deeply rooted to regionally leading," Liu added.
Tatler Asia
12-06-2025
- General
- Tatler Asia
Home tour: This modernist family home in Kuala Lumpur features thoughtful design for multi-generational living
Above The striking exterior of Max House showcases DCA+ architects' modernist design with overlapping concrete planes and warm Thermopine cladding Yeow was drawn to the scope of this project and was intrigued by the challenge of balancing the private with the communal. There was also the fact that the client was a long-time friend of Yeow's from secondary school. 'Having known him for many years, there was a deep level of trust and understanding throughout the design process.' Don't miss: Inside Peninsula House: The transformation of a Penang art deco landmark Pride of place Above A bold composition of overlapping concrete planes and dynamic cantilevered elements Above The resort-style pool area features a sunken seating area with turquoise cushions, exemplifying the seamless indoor-outdoor living concept With its dense vegetation and winding slopes, the serene enclave that is Bukit Tunku provided a spectacular backdrop. It made sense for DCA+ to integrate nature into the whole architectural scheme. As Yeow notes, 'we embraced the philosophy of 'form follows nature', allowing the site's conditions to inform architectural decisions.' Read more: 3 most expensive neighbourhoods in Kuala Lumpur for luxury real estate investment Above The infinity pool extends toward the verdant landscape Full-height glazing on the north-south orientations were put in place to allow unobstructed, expansive views of the outdoors. Mature trees were preserved and extensive landscaping was implemented. The team also made it a priority to maintain the perimeter slopes in order to minimise soil disturbance and to mitigate the impact of the construction. See also: Private islands and wealth: How 6 tech and business leaders built their secluded domains Above The floating open-riser staircase wraps gracefully around a glass lift, serving as both a sculptural centrepiece and a thoughtful accessibility feature Above The ground floor was designed as the heart of the home, seamlessly integrating the living, dining, and kitchen areas for fluid movement In fact, there was a consistent effort to respect the site and its environs. When the land was acquired in 2018, there was already an existing house. Rather than demolishing the structure wholesale, the team opted for a lighter touch by preserving as much of the original building as possible – including its foundations, columns, and retaining structures. Thus, while the 25,000 sq ft Max House exudes a bold sense of modernity, it also represents a definite sense of continuity with what had come before. Don't miss: Inside the world's most extraordinary art homes: 5 residences where architecture serves priceless collections Drama and nuance Photo 1 of 2 Soaring double-height ceilings and full-height glazing transform the living area into a cathedral of light Photo 2 of 2 A dramatic double-volume living space where the granite feature wall contrasts against the warmth of Thermopine cladding Seen from the exterior, there is no denying the visual impact of the overlapping concrete planes. Yeow explains that they constitute 'dynamic architectural gestures'. This bold geometry is matched indoors by the double-height living room, which is all about the interplay between solid and void. While these features create a sense of drama, they are also tempered by other design elements that introduce quieter, more nuanced touches. As always, balance was a prime concern. Read more: 7 concrete masterpieces: The world's most striking Brutalist hotels now Photo 1 of 2 The sophisticated lounge area balances comfort with architectural elegance, with carefully curated furnishings by EDI, led by Cherry Chong and team Photo 2 of 2 The sophisticated lounge area balances comfort with architectural elegance, with carefully curated furnishings by EDI, led by Cherry Chong and team The material palette, in particular, helped to create an inviting feel. The living room may boast a striking full-length granite feature wall, but the Thermopine cladding throughout lends a refined warmth to the space. Concrete might feel a bit raw, but the Max House's board-form concrete walls were treated with a timber-strip shuttering technique, adding a layer of tactility and depth. The luxurious Botticino marble of the main living areas is balanced by the welcoming tones of the bedroom's Burmese teak, Sienna walnut, and honey maple. See also: VanaVasa Eco-Resort: Luxury meets sustainability in Janda Baik, Malaysia Above The state-of-the-art AV room seamlessly blends technology with comfort, featuring acoustic treatments that harmonise with the home's refined material palette Elegant functionality Above An intimate conversation corner where a cluster of pendant lights cascade from above, casting a warm glow against the light-colored stone wall Above A luxurious bathroom showcases the refined material palette with granite feature walls, contemporary fixtures and woven pendant lights In terms of tailoring this home to its multigenerational family, DCA+ settled on the concept of 'stacked living' as a guiding principle for the distribution and utilisation of space. The ground floor was designated as the heart of the home: here, we find a seamless flow between the living, dining, and kitchen areas. This floor is also where the parents' suite is located. The caretaker's room is directly adjacent to that suite, thus ensuring support is always readily at hand. Meanwhile, the higher floors cater more to the younger generations. The use of staggered volumes shapes the flow of movement and also carves out areas that are more private. Don't miss: Home tour: An elegant Mediterranean-inspired residence in Malaysia Above The board-form concrete walls treated with timber-strip shuttering technique add tactile depth to the modernist facade while preserving mature trees below The centrepiece of the interior would have to be the lift with its wraparound staircase. These elements are artistic statements in and of themselves: the glass of the lift allows natural light to flood the interior while the open-riser staircase contributes a feeling of weightlessness. Yeow enthuses about how these features 'interact with light, shadow, and materiality'. For all that, these central elements were also designed with functionality in mind. At the design phase,it was of the essence to ensure accessibility for the client's mother, whose health was a key consideration. Read more: How The Campus Ampang is revolutionising Malaysia's retail landscape through adaptive reuse Above Max House at night has a futuristic feel with strategically places lights In the end, the completion of the project was a bittersweet moment, as the client's mother was never able to experience the space. So much of the design had been tailored around what was important to her. Still, the residence serves as a lasting tribute to the late matriarch. As Yeow puts it, 'her presence is deeply embedded in the home's design, even while it continues to serve the family's evolving needs'. NOW READ David Rockwell on 40 years of global restaurant design: From Nobu to W Hotels and beyond Home tour: A biomorphic Moscow villa where natural curves meet luxurious living 7 iconic cantilever chairs that shaped modern furniture Credits Photography: Heartpatrick Best of Tatler Asia video highlights Featured videos from around Tatler Asia: Get exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the interviews we do, the events we attend, the shoots we produce, and the incredibly important people who are part of our community
Sky News AU
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
'Different person': MasterChef Australia star Julie Goodwin, 54, shocks fans with dramatically slimmed-down transformation in new social media video
Julie Goodwin has stunned fans with her slimmer-than-ever appearance in a new video. The 2009 MasterChef Australia winner, now 54, took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a video promoting a chemical-free cleaning brand. In it, the svelte TV star appeared to have lost even more weight after she first shed a whopping 20kg almost a decade ago. Goodwin's natural grey locks peeked through her short dyed tresses, with the hairstyle accentuating her slender face and frame. The cullinary extraordinaire's slender collarbones and arms were visible beneath her black-and-white striped T-shirt. Despite her new appearance, Goodwin kept her signature glasses on, which have become synonymous with the star for more than a decade. Fans flooded the comments after failing to recognise the star cook due to her new look. "Wow, you look like a different person," one person said. "Julie, I didn't recognise you at all," another person said. Another person said had Goodwin not introduced herself in the clip, they wouldn't have ever guessed it was really her. "Had she not said, 'I am Julie Goodwin', I would not have believed my eyes! You are fabulous, as always!" they said. It comes as the celebrity is rumoured to be replacing Poh Ling Yeow, who was runner-up in Goodwin's MasterChef season, as a judge on the show. Yeow first spun the rumour mill into overdrive earlier this year after she revealed the role doesn't come naturally to her. Instead, the star, who joined judges Andy Allen, Sofia Levin, and Jean-Christophe Novell in 2024, reminisced about "being a contestant again". "I constantly run through the challenges that I have just delivered and think about what I would do in that situation," Yeow told the From the Newsroom podcast. "That's how much I miss and love it." Despite Network Ten denying Yeow would be replaced at the end of the 2025 season, an insider last week tipped Goodwin to take her place. "Julie would be a fantastic judge. Fans love her," the source told New Idea. "While no one wants to see Poh leave, everyone would welcome Julie back with open arms." The celebrity cook herself said she "absolutely loved" guest judging the cooking competition in 2023, leaving many to believe Yeow's time was up. After her rise to fame on MasterChef, Goodwin became a household name in Australia and is adored by many for her happy-go-lucky personality. She went on to build a successful career as a cookbook author, Australian Women's Weekly columnist, and TV personality. However, in her personal life, Goodwin has faced serious struggles while grappling with her fame. She recorded a drink driving offence in 2018 and made an attempt on her life in 2020. Opening up about the dark time on the Head Game podcast in March, Goodwin said she went "right down to the bottom of the well". "I had made a decision that everybody, everybody, my colleagues, my children, my husband, my family, everybody would be better off if I just racked off and let them all be," Goodwin said on the Head Game podcast in March. The chef recently revealed she's now in a much better place. "I'm good, I really am," she told Nine Honey.
Courier-Mail
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Courier-Mail
MasterChef star Poh Ling Yeow ‘set to quit the show' in ‘judges shake-up'
Don't miss out on the headlines from TV. Followed categories will be added to My News. MasterChef Australia judge Poh Ling Yeow is reportedly set to be replaced on the beloved Channel 10 show. An insider has claimed that the fan-favourite judge could be set to walk away from the show at the end of the season that's currently airing. It's believed that Channel 10 executives are hoping to get original contestant Julie Goodwin to step into Yeow's role. 'Julie would be a fantastic judge. Fans love her,' a source told New Idea. Returning MasterChef season 17 judges Jean-Christophe Novelli, Sofia Levin, Poh Ling Yeow, and Andy Allen,, Source: Network 10 'While no one wants to see Poh leave, everyone would welcome Julie back with open arms.' Goodwin originally beat Yeow to the title during the very first season of the competition all the way back in 2009. She later made a return to the show in 2022 before appearing as a guest judge in 2023. It's believed she loved being able to step into the role of a judge for the first time and would be keen to return full-time. The rumours come after Yeow shared in the last that she didn't always feel as though judging others came naturally to her, admitting that she sometimes thinks about being a contestant again. 'I don't want to sound ungrateful, but I love the chaos (of being a contestant) and there's nothing quite as exhilarating as just having days on end where you do not know what's going to happen,' she said about her time as a MasterChef competitor in 2009 and 2020. 'Even when I'm standing … at the top of the room (as a judge), I sometimes fantasise about being a contestant again,' Yeow added. Returning MasterChef season 17 judges Jean-Christophe Novelli, Sofia Levin, Poh Ling Yeow, and Andy Allen,, Source: Network 10 'I constantly run through the challenges that I have just delivered and think about what I would do in that situation. That's how much I miss and love it.' Poh joined the judging panel last year alongside newcomers Jean-Christophe Novelli and Sofia Levin, as well as existing judge Andy Allen. Speaking to Poh previously admitted that she's still struggling to get her head around the judging role. 'I'm still feeling so in the deep end, to be honest,' she said. 'It is so difficult. I knew it was going to be hard, but I didn't quite realise just how hard it was gonna be.' 'It is a little bit related to me feeling self-conscious, and I don't really like to use the words 'impostor syndrome,' it's more that … I feel like I don't know that much,' she said. Originally published as MasterChef star Poh Ling Yeow 'set to quit the show' in 'judges shake-up'
