Latest News from Independent Singapore
Independent Singapore
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Independent Singapore
Philip Ng, 47, confirms his romantic relationship with 34 y/o model Renee Li
HONG KONG: It seems Philip Ng, the Hong Kong-American actor who was once romantically involved with TVB's Linda Chung, has found someone new. As reported in The Star, the 47-year-old made his relationship with model Renee Li official on Wednesday. This happened just a day after eagle-eyed fans spotted them together at Raymond Lam's concert. Photo: Instagram/Renee Li The actor was previously seen with a younger woman at a theme park, according to Oriental Daily . Although Ng, the actor from last year's Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In , had already been seen with Li, he was still being cautious with reporters. He confirmed he was 'getting to know' someone, but kept her identity a secret at that point. It seems he wanted to take his time before officially announcing things. Met through mutual friends Ng told the Hong Kong media how he actually met Renee Li. Apparently, it was through a friend they both know. He also confirmed that Renee, who's 34, making her 13 years younger than him, was the same woman he was spotted with at the theme park before all this news came out. He said they were introduced recently and just started dating. He hopes that everyone can give the couple time and space, and he thanked everyone. In 2011, Li joined the entertainment industry. In addition to presenting several ViuTV shows over the years, she has starred in films such as Magic To Win (2011) and Detective (2013). Secretly dated for eight years For context, Ng and Linda Chung secretly dated for eight years. They had to keep it quiet because of their careers at the time. Later, Linda married Jeremy Leung, and they have two children together. Philip Ng, also known as Ng Wan-lung, is interesting because he's got roots in both Hong Kong and America. He was born in Hong Kong in September 1977, but his family moved to the States when he was young, so he's considered both a Hong Kong and an American actor. Master of various martial arts He is a master of various martial arts, including Wing Chun Kung Fu (trained under the late Sifu Wong Shun-leung), Choy Li Fut Kung Fu (trained by his father, Sam Ng), Hung Gar Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do, Jujutsu, and Escrima. Ng is talented both in front of and behind the camera when it comes to action. He's a skilled fight choreographer, which makes sense with his martial arts background. Fun fact: he even started a Wing Chun club at his university in the US called the Illini Wing Chun Association. Then, in 2002, he decided to come back to Hong Kong to pursue his dreams of acting and choreographing action for movies and TV. Some of his notable films include Twilight Of The Warriors: Walled In (2024), Birth of the Dragon (2016, where he played Bruce Lee), Once Upon a Time in Shanghai (2014), and Invisible Target (2007). He has also appeared in TV series such as A Fist Within Four Walls (2016) and The Righteous Fists (2022).
Independent Singapore
5 hours ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Singapore Aquatics bolsters coaching team with Japanese Masataka Ishimatsu's expertise
SINGAPORE: Japanese coach Masataka Ishimatsu will join the national training centre as part of its long-term ambition to develop a sustainable pipeline of elite athletes and prepare a competitive team for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The announcement by the Singapore Aquatics (SAQ) on May 29 coincides with its National Training Centre's 10th anniversary this year, as the national sports association charts a bold course for the future with a strategic expansion of both its coaching and sport science teams. 'I'm excited to be part of the team at Singapore Aquatics, especially as the National Training Centre enters this new chapter. I have seen firsthand how committed teams can make a big impact on the world stage,' said SAQ's co-lead coach Ishimatsu. Ishimatsu, a key figure in Japan's Olympic coaching setup from 2017 to 2025, will be supporting Singapore's national swimming head coach, Gary Tan, alongside current lead coaches Alexander Mordvincev and Gustavo Schirru. 'The recent growth of our National Training Centre marks a pivotal moment in our pursuit of sporting excellence. By blending experienced international coaches with promising local talents, we are building a high-performance system geared for both immediate success and long-term sustainability. The addition of Masataka Ishimatsu strengthens our depth in middle-distance events, complementing our existing strengths,' expressed Gary Tan, SAQ's national head coach. Singapore Aquatic's national training centre co-lead Singapore Aquatics – Masataka Ishimatsu and national swimming head coach Gary Tan. (Photo credit: Singapore Aquatics) Ishimatsu brings extensive international experience, having trained some of Japan's most decorated swimmers, including two-time Olympic gold medalist Yui Ohashi, two-time Olympic medalist Ryosuke Irie, and Akihiro Yamaguchi, a former world record holder in the 200m breaststroke. Beyond his coaching credentials, Ishimatsu has played a key role in developing national training camps and technical planning structures for Japan's elite squads and is highly regarded within Japan's coaching community as a rising leader in high-performance swimming coaching. 'My goal is to contribute not just in the pool but also by sharing technical knowledge and coaching culture that supports long-term success. I look forward to working with the athletes and staff to build something special together,' added the 38-year-old Japanese swimming coach. SAQ also shared that they remain focused on preparing a strong and competitive team for the LA 2028 Olympics, and they are working to deliver world-class performance through enhanced coaching and sport science capabilities. Ex-national swimmers nurturing the next generation Former national swimmer Zach Ong will join SAQ as coach of the Emerging Talents Programme, where he will lead efforts to shape and develop Singapore's next generation of youth swimmers. Meanwhile, Donovan Lee will step into his new role as sports science executive. The sports science team will also welcome Koh Chiya as a full-time high-performance sports scientist. See also Golden gift from Shanti Pereira and Remy Ong to National Museum SAQ's national swimming head coach Tan also pointed out that as they prepare for the 2028 Olympics, they are 'dedicated to nurturing a strong pipeline of junior athletes and cultivating a strong coaching workforce rooted in local expertise, setting the foundation for our development into a world-class aquatics nation.' These appointments underscore SAQ's long-term commitment to nurturing local talent, with Ong and Lee's transition from national athletes to technical and coaching roles reflecting a purpose-driven pipeline that invests in individuals with lived experience in high-performance sport. Former national swimmer Donovan Lee will join Singapore Aquatics' sport science set-up. (Photo credit: Singapore Aquatics) 'As we mark 10 years of the National Training Centre, we are not only celebrating a significant milestone but also charting the next phase of our journey. Moving forward, we are placing greater emphasis on developing a robust pipeline of coaching talent,' said Associate Professor Kenneth Goh, President of SAQ. Goh shared that their goal is to build a sustainable, high-performance ecosystem anchored in home-grown talent. This includes providing meaningful opportunities to the local coaching community through educational workshops and on-deck mentorship from both local and international experts. 'This long-term investment in people and systems will strengthen Singapore's competitiveness in aquatics across all levels—from junior development right through to the Olympic stage,' added Goh. Apart from the 2028 Olympics, SAQ also highlighted its commitment to building a broad talent pipeline that will develop more athletes ready to compete in the 2026 Asian Games, as well as the 2027 and 2029 SEA Games.
Independent Singapore
5 hours ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Deaf TikToker shares glimpse into daily life as an employed Singaporean
SINGAPORE: TikTok user Jaslyn, who goes by the handle @rainb0wxriice, has garnered online attention for her video documenting a typical day in her life as a deaf person working in Singapore. The video, shared in late May, offers a straightforward and heartening look at her daily routine. It begins with her morning commute by bus, followed by a stop to purchase kopi o kosong and a pau for breakfast. She is then seen heading to work, where she later joins her colleagues for lunch and bubble tea. In the evening, while walking home, Jaslyn encounters several community cats, one of which climbs into her lap. The video ends with her feeding the cats before heading home. Many viewers expressed their appreciation in the comments. One user wrote: 'What an inspiring video! It's amazing to see the diverse career choices and positive attitudes within the deaf community. Kudos to everyone!' Several others asked about her occupation, to which Jaslyn responded in a subsequent video, stating that she works in finance and administration at a government agency. See also Mickey Mouse grills satay and Donald Duck flips roti canai Her video has been viewed thousands of times and widely circulated for its portrayal of the everyday experiences of a deaf person in Singapore.
Independent Singapore
5 hours ago
- Health
- Independent Singapore
They told me to ignore it: Why our response to bullying is failing
SINGAPORE: When we think about bullying, the mind often jumps to name-calling, shoves in the hallway, or viral clips of schoolyard fights. However, in Singapore, the reality is more insidious—and far more damaging. Behind closed doors, on anonymous screens, and even in the silence of exclusion, thousands of students are grappling with a quiet epidemic, and it's leaving scars not just on the body but on the mind. According to a recent CNA Talking Point survey, nearly 30% of secondary school students in Singapore said they had been bullied, almost half of them within the last year. The official figures reported by the Ministry of Education (MOE) are much lower, averaging six reported cases per 1,000 students annually. This stark gap suggests a painful truth: many students are suffering in silence. The many faces of bullying Bullying today is not confined to physical aggression. Emotional and social bullying—like exclusion, rumour-spreading, or repeated verbal insults—is increasingly common. Even more chilling is the rise of cyberbullying, where the perpetrator may never show their face, but the damage is no less real. According to a Lancet Public Health paper released in May 2025, mental disorders are one of the leading causes of death among youths in Singapore. The rise of social media, academic pressure, and social isolation is driving young people to breaking points. Self-harm is the top cause of injury-related deaths among youth aged 20 to 24, and bullying, often the trigger for spirals of anxiety, depression, and low self-worth, is deeply entwined in this mental health crisis. One troubling finding is that many victims don't report bullying to teachers or school counsellors. A National Institute of Education report found that approximately 5% of bullied primary school students approached school staff first. The majority turned to friends or parents—if they told anyone at all. Why? Students fear retaliation, social exclusion, or being labelled as weak. Teachers, already stretched thin, may lack the time and support necessary to investigate thoroughly. The policy response—and its limits MOE states that anti-bullying efforts are embedded in the Character and Citizenship Education curriculum. Peer support networks, teacher training, and restorative practices are in place. Schools also partner with the police and mental health professionals. Yet, bullying persists, and the perception of certain critics is that interventions are often reactive, not proactive. What if the problem isn't just bullying, but the way we talk about it? In Singapore, official numbers suggest bullying is under control, but scratch the surface, and you'll find a different story. Many suffer in silence, not because the pain isn't real, but because they don't think anyone will do anything about it. So, the question is: What kind of culture have we created in our schools, in our homes, in our conversations? We're quick to introduce new policies, set up reporting channels, and hold assemblies, but what do these mean if the lived reality on the ground still makes children feel unsafe? Shouldn't we be asking: What would it take for a student to feel truly safe raising their hand and saying, 'This is happening to me'? What does support look like, not just for victims, but for the bullies themselves, many of whom carry pain of their own? Even at home, what messages are we sending? Asst Prof Cheung Hoi Shan from NIE points out that many parents still tell their children to 'just ignore it,' but what does that advice really do? Is it protection or dismissal? What if, instead of teaching kids to toughen up, we taught ourselves to listen better? What if we asked: 'What's been hard for you lately?' 'Who makes you feel small or left out?' 'What do you need from me right now?' Because maybe the solution isn't just stricter rules. Maybe it's not just more discipline or surveillance. Maybe it's a culture shift — one that begins with the courage to question how we've always done things, and the compassion to imagine doing them differently. Healing the Hidden Wounds The effects of bullying often linger long after the bruises fade. Without early intervention, they metastasise into adult trauma, toxic self-image, and lasting distrust, but it's not too late to act. To the teachers, parents, classmates, and policymakers, your awareness can be the difference between a child breaking down and a child breaking through. Because behind every statistic is a child, hoping someone will finally see what's been hurting them all along. If you or someone you know is struggling with bullying or mental distress, help is available: Institute of Mental Health's Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours) Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 or 9151-1767 (CareText WhatsApp) Singapore Children's Society: for mental wellness resources
Independent Singapore
5 hours ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Singapore bars serve non-alcoholic drinks and unique experiences to win over Gen Z amid falling alcohol consumption
SINGAPORE: Singapore bars are using non-alcoholic drinks and unique experiences to win over Gen Z, as occasional or regular alcohol consumption while socialising fell to 74% in early 2025, down from 78% four years earlier, according to a GlobalData survey. Tim Hill, key account director for Southeast Asia at GlobalData Plc, said the biggest drop was among men aged 25 to 34, where regular drinking fell from 35% in the first quarter of 2021 to 25% in the same period this year. Still, he told Singapore Business Review that the longer-term outlook for Singapore's pub sector remains 'cautiously optimistic'. Philippe Chan, general manager at YouGov for Hong Kong and China, said only 3 in 10 Gen Z Singaporeans drink beer, compared to 44% of the general population. Just 12% drink red wine and 11% drink whisky, both lower than the national averages of 23% and 18%, respectively. Mr Hill said regular alcohol drinkers in the Asia-Pacific region tend to spend more across all food service categories than non-drinkers. So if fewer people drink regularly, spending per capita across all food service channels may also drop. While this is the case, Nathanael Lim, Asia Pacific Insight manager for beverages at Euromonitor International, said non-alcoholic experiences are popping up in Singapore tourism, pointing to a local tour called the SingaPour Drink Tour, which brings visitors to three bars to try alcohol-free drinks and snacks. Mr Lim said low- and no-alcohol cocktails are catching on as young people move away from alcohol consumption. Rob Temple, managing director of Sinowine Pte. Ltd, said this could be Singapore's edge, as bars in the city-state offer wines and spirits that are harder to find elsewhere. Notably, 11 local bars made it to Asia's Top 50 Bars 2024, which Mr Temple said shared common traits like creative use of local ingredients and bartenders who give guests a memorable, social media-friendly experience. One of the bars on the list is Fura, located at 74A Amoy Street, which serves cocktails made with low-carbon-footprint ingredients like their martini with jellyfish and spirulina. They also offer non-alcoholic drinks made from upcycled surplus produce. Mr Temple said, 'Wines and spirits that offer authenticity with a story will be appealing to young consumers who value these attributes over brand strength.' Meanwhile, Bar Spectre in Tanjong Pagar hosts wellness workshops like 'Death in the Afternoon', where guests get two drinks and join talks on death, missed chances, and finding life's deeper meaning for S$50. Mr Lim said this kind of unique product offering, which provides a novel experience and sense of community, is key to attracting Gen Z to bars while helping bars thrive in an increasingly competitive nightlife market. It will also amplify brand visibility, as Gen Z consumers seek social connection and share widely on social media, he added. Mr Hill remains optimistic about pub revenues this year, driven by regional business and leisure travel beyond local demand. /TISG Read also: With costs rising, S'pore companies freeze wages and look abroad for AI skills
