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Vibes 50 | Jul - Sep 2016
Vibes is reconnecting with the past! In our 50th issue, we find out what some of the residents we’ve featured before, are up to now.
ADVISER Mr Zainal Sapari
CHAIRMAN Raymond Lye, BBM
VICE-CHAIRMAN Steven Lam, BBM
MEMBERSMohd Anuar Bin Md Yusop, PBMSingapuri Mukesh BalwantramHaja Nizamudeen, PBMPatrick Pang ZhiweiLam Lee Choo
SECRETARY Regina AngMelody Yeung
EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Design Fusion Pte Ltd
PRINTER Times Printers Pte Ltd
PASIR RIS OFFICEBlk 577, Pasir Ris Street 53 #01-88 Singapore 510577Tel: 6585 4938 Fax: 6585 4937 Email: [email protected]
PUNGGOL OFFICEBlk 603 Punggol Road #01-01 Singapore 820603 Tel: 6590 9500 Fax: 6659 8263 Email: [email protected]
RIVERVALE OFFICEBlk 156A Rivervale Crescent #01-01 Singapore 541156Tel: 6489 0520 Fax: 6385 7120 Email: [email protected]
SENGKANG OFFICEBlk 266 Compassvale Bow #01-06 Singapore 540266 Tel: 6489 0520 Fax: 6385 0930 Email: [email protected]
For Feedback on Vibes, email us at: [email protected]
Visit our website atwww.prpg-tc.org.sg
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It’s Vibes 50th issue and we’re commemorating it in a very special way! To move forward, we go back in time to revisit the people and places of our town that have grown and changed along with us. Inside, we feature a family who has been on the cover of Vibes a cool 15 years ago. Wait till you see their ‘Then & Now’ picture!
But more importantly, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making Vibes one of the most well-received community newsletters. Thank you for reading, for writing in, and for giving us your support the last 19 years. We’ll continue to put out interesting and inspiring stories for your reading pleasure. Here’s to the next 50 issues!
Patrick Pang ZhiiweiMember
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YOUTH FOR YOUTH
RACIAL AND RELIGIOUS HARMONY STREET PARADE
RUN, PUNGGOL EAST RUN
SG51 @ PUNGGOL DAMAI
GRCWHAT & WHERE: National Day Observance Ceremonies &
National Day Dinner at All DivisionsWHO: WHO: MPs of Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC – Deputy Prime
Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Mr Teo Chee Hean; Acting Minister for Education (Schools) &
Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Transport Mr Ng Chee Meng; Minister of State, Ministry of Manpower & Mayor of North East
District Mr Teo Ser Luck; Deputy Speaker for Parliament Mr Charles Chong; Minister of State, Ministry of Communications
and Information & Ministry of Education Dr Janil Puthucheary; Mr Zainal Sapari; Ms Sun Xueling
WHEN: 6 – 9 Aug 2016
SHOW SINGAPORE THE LOVE!Pasir Ris-Punggol residents celebrated
Singapore’s 51st birthday with bubbling fervour and enthusiasm
in August by participating in their division’s National Day
Observance Ceremony and the joint National Day Dinner! The
observance ceremonies were held in the morning of August 9 for
Singaporeans from all walks of life to come together and share their joy, pride and loyalty to the nation. People
sang songs, watched uniformed groups march proudly in a show of unity, and took
part in an array of creative fringe activities. The GRC’s National Day Dinner, held three days before National Day, had more than 3000 residents in attendance that made
up a lively sea of red and white.
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SG51 @ PUNGGOL DAMAI
Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all our Muslim residents! Leading up to the end of Ramadan, Pasir Ris-Punggol organised numerous community
Iftar sessions, and later marked the end of the holy month with festive celebrations held around the GRC. The boisterous events saw the
attendance of many residents who arrived dressed to the nines in their baju kurungs. Together with their family and friends, they enjoyed the variety
of performances put up by local singers and musical groups, and also indulged in food, games and lucky draws.
HARI RAYA @ PASIR RIS - PUNGGOL
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GRCWHAT & WHERE: Hari Raya Celebrations at All Divisions
WHO: MPs – DPM Teo Chee Hean; Mr Ng Chee Meng;Mr Teo Ser Luck; Mr Charles Chong; Dr Janil Puthucheary;
Mr Zainal Sapari; Ms Sun XuelingWHEN: 31 July 2016
Header Photo by Masjid Al Mawaddah
Classrooms and learning corners
MapleBear-ADA4-FA(Revised)-8Aug Path.indd 1 8/8/16 4:57 PM
Header Photo by Masjid Al Mawaddah
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to Our 2016 National DayAward Recipients
CongratulationsPasir Ris-Punggol Town Council would like to congratulate our community leaders who have won the National Day Award.
(From left to right)Mr Choo Guan Ann, PBMMr Andrew Lim Hong Wan, PBMMr Lim Chee Siong, PBMMr Albert Lim Swee Keng, PBMMr John Ho Yip Cheng, PBMMdm Glynis Lee Huang Kew, PBMDr Doreen Tan Nee Moi, PBMMr Haja Nizamudeen, PBMMr Subramaniam s/o Sadasivam, PBMMr Albert Koh Tiong Wah, BBMMr Charlie Cheong Wing Tim, BBMMr Alvin Tan Chee Tiong, PBMMr Goh Hock Kwee, PBM
(Not pictured)The late Mr Jasmond Ong Chee Keong, PBM
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United Against Zika
PASIR RIS WESTWHAT & WHERE: Community Against Zika Walkabout at Pasir Ris West PlazaWHO: MP – DPM Teo Chee HeanWHEN: 3 Sept 2016
With the number of Zika cases on the rise, Pasir Ris West responded to the growing issue by organising a walkabout to raise awareness on the mosquito-borne disease. Led by DPM Teo and supported by Pasir Ris West C2E, Pasir Ris Meridian RC, Atlantis RC and WhiteWater NC, the group went around Pasir Ris West Plaza to provide residents with more information on the virus and how they can help fight it. Shop owners are also stepping up and helping to raise awareness by distributing flyers to their customers. DPM Teo also said that the most important thing right now is for Singaporeans to work together, and to deal with the situation by eradicating the Aedes mosquito and their breeding grounds.
SENGKANG CENTRALWHAT & WHERE:
Sengkang Central CACC PassionArts Festival 2016 at Sengkang CC
WHEN: 13 Aug 2016
YOUTHIt’s the time of the year for community arts in Singapore
to take the spotlight again! The annual PAssionArts Festival returns with the theme “Towards a Brighter Singapore”
with aims of bringing people of different backgrounds together through the co-creation of art. Residents got to experience arts
and culture at their doorstep on 13 August at the Sengkang Central PassionArts Festival 2016. Propelling the sub theme
“Future of Us”, the event served as a platform for the youth to shine through their stage performances. Leading the way to a more vibrant arts
scene were also students from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA)
who conducted a series of art workshops and curated a Fine Arts Exhibition for the event. Through them, residents had the
opportunity to try their hand at various art techniques and bring home
valued pieces of their works.
FOR YOUTH
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Residents of Waterway Terraces I took the opportunity to get acquainted with their neighbours at their block’s welcome party in August. Organised by the Housing Development Board and Punggol West Constituency Office, the event provided them the chance to make new friends through activities such as the ‘Friends Next Door’ Children’s Colouring contest and the ‘Waterway Terraces I Fun Quest’.
PUNGGOL WEST
WHAT & WHERE: Welcome Party at Waterway Terraces I WHO: MP – Ms Sun XuelingWHEN: 13 Aug 2016
Waterway Terraces I Welcome Party
Hearttoheart
A follow-up to the Public Consultation Exercise conducted in February 2016, the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP): Consensus Gathering for Blocks 440-461 Pasir Ris Drive 4-6 took place in July for residents to cast their vote in favour of or against the proposed upgrading works. Featuring a total of 16 upgrades/ additions, some of the highlights include a new 3-Generation garden and a landscaped path with seats. The upgrading proposal is a product of collective feedback residents provided at the Consultation Exercise previously; each feedback was analysed by the architects and incorporated whenever feasible. Mr Zainal Sapari was present to remind residents that the project is fully funded by the government, and advised them to take this opportunity to enhance their neighbourhood and living environment.
PASIR RIS EASTWHAT & WHERE: NRP Consensus Gathering at Blk 440 Pasir Ris Dr 4
WHO: MP - Mr Zainal Sapari WHEN: 17 July 2016
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A STEP CLOSER to a Rejuvenated Neighbourhood
A STEP CLOSER to a Rejuvenated Neighbourhood
All proposals are subjected to clearances from various statutory authorities and approval of funds.
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PUNGGOL NORTHWHAT & WHERE: Punggol North Racial and Religious Harmony Street Parade at Blk 173 Punggol FieldWHO: MPs – DPM Teo Chee Hean; Mr Ng Chee Meng; Mr Charles Chong; Mr Zainal SapariWHEN: 17 Jul 2016
More than 10,000 residents came out to celebrate inclusivity and diversity at Punggol North’s 12th annual Racial & Religious Harmony Street Parade & Family Carnival. Every year, the parade reminds us that Singapore has come a long way since the devastating 1960s racial riots, and continuous efforts must be made in preserving our unity and social harmony. On that day, contingents from different interest groups, clubs and associations took the streets to put up colourful and energetic performances for the crowd to marvel at. Hosted by Mr Ng Chee Meng, he was joined by Mr Charles Chong, Mr Zainal Sapari and DPM Teo who urged all residents during his address to always focus on what unites us as Singaporeans, rather than be drawn apart by what makes us different.
Racial and Religious Harmony Street Parade
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Where are They Now
The Rahman Family
15 years ago, the Rahmans caught our attention with their large family of seven. Sharing their unique joys and challenges of raising five children, Mr and Mrs Rahman also said they’ll never consider moving out of Pasir Ris – and they never did! Their entourage may have expanded considerably, but one thing that hasn’t changed is how closely-knit the family still is.
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Featured in: Issue 16 • When: March 2001
?Where are They Now
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Siti Aishah, 32She was taking her O levels the year the newsletter came out. Oldest child Aishah feels “overwhelmed” upon realising how much her brothers have grown! Now a mother of two bubbly boys, she says she now understands real responsibility and has come to see how much their parents have sacrificed. A bank officer at DBS, she now lives in Tampines with her family.
Muhammad Umar, 29A carefree secondary two student 15 years ago, Umar now carries the weight of the eldest son and feels responsible for the wellbeing of his siblings and his aging parents. The father of one works at SCDF as a Disaster Assistance Rescue Team (DART) Specialist, and remembers the frenzy when the newsletter was circulated on the now-ancient ‘Friendster’ (wow).
Abu Bakar, 27The first to get married, Abu Bakar is now daddy to three kids. A self-described bad boy, he was once touted as someone who would never succeed in life. He is now the youngest safety manager handling one of the biggest projects in Singapore – the Terminal 5 Airport. Because of his work, he understands the importance of Mandarin and has made learning it a priority in his family.
Muhammad Ali, 24The baby of the family, Ali is now studying Mechanical Engineering at the Singapore Institute of Technology. Only nine years old back then, he was blissfully unaware that his family photo had been on the cover of Vibes and distributed to the entire town. One of his fondest memories as a child was going to Changi Airport with this family to gaze at airplanes while drinking bandung. Ali intends to pursue his childhood ambitions of becoming a pilot after graduation.
Muhammad Othman, 25Working at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Othman is most proud of how well his parents have brought him and his siblings up. His goal in life? To “discipline my children like how my parents disciplined us”. While running and wrestling were his childhood staple, he observes the current generation’s obsession with IT and hopes they will learn to limit their usage.
Haji Rahman, 61 and Hajjah Habsah, 57It was all about the kids back then. Now that they’re all grown up, Mr and Mrs Rahman have more time for themselves but choose to spend their days working to keep their bodies and minds active. Mr Rahman is now a senior operations manager, while Mrs Rahman works at HDB Sengkang Branch as an admin executive; she’s been with HDB for 37 years! Like how their family has changed, they say that Pasir Ris has evolved too and appreciates the improvements around the estate.
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Sungei Api Api:Through the years, Sungei Api Api has grown from a barefaced river to one with lush mangroves and thick vegetation. In 2013, under the PUB’s Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) programme, Sungei Api Api underwent an enhancement to include even more greenery, communal spaces, cleansing biotopes and rain gardens. The makeover was completed in 2015 and now gives residents and nature lovers alike a waterfront experience like no other.
Pasir Ris Park and Beach:Since its opening in 1989, Pasir Ris Park and Beach has been the go-to place for those yearning to get away from the city. While the beach hasn’t changed, over time, more sporting and lifestyle elements such as playgrounds, restaurants and pony rides have been added for public use and entertainment, making the park an indispensablefeature of our town.
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Matilda House:One of the oldest houses in Singapore, the Matilda House was given conservation status by the URA in 2000. Often referred to as “Ghost House” or Istana Menanti (The Waiting Palace), the site was sold in 2012 for redevelopment and the house is now part of the condominium, A Treasure Trove. The façade and interior have been restored and it now functions as thecondo’s clubhouse.
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PUNGGOL COASTWHAT & WHERE: Punggol Damai SG51 Celebration at Blk 613 Punggol DriveWHO: MP – Dr Janil PuthuchearyWHEN: 3 Aug 2016
Didn’t manage to grab tickets to catch the National Day Parade? Punggol Damai had the solution for those who were feeling just a little left out. Gathering all the residents who wanted to celebrate the joyous occasion together, they celebrated National Day their own way at the Punggol Damai SG51 Celebration. Plenty of game and food stalls were set up for the residents to patronise, and amongst the night’s highlights was a fire safety demonstration by the Singapore Civil Defence Force. The night ended with a hearty sing-a-long session led by Dr Janil Puthucheary, where kids and adults alike gathered and sang their favourite NDP songs with gusto.
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SG51 Hearttoheart
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Some 500 Punggol East residents spent a very fulfilling morning at the Community Sports Day 2016 & Family Day that was organised by Punggol East Community Sports Club & Rivervale Arc Residents’ Committee. At 8.30am sharp, the enthusiastic folks convened and embarked on a 1.2km-long walk along Rivervale Drive and Sengkang East Drive, before returning to partake in the racial harmony sports challenge. The area was also peppered with an assortment of game booths, sports workshops and snack stalls for their enjoyment. While the skies were overcast that day, poor weather did not stop our residents from enjoying the rest of the morning.
PUNGGOL EAST SMCWHAT & WHERE: Community Sports Day & Family Day @ Punggol East at Blk 180C Rivervale Crescent Open FieldWHO: MP – Mr Charles ChongWHEN: 23 Jul 2016
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Hearttoheart Hi Leonie, for those who haven’t caught wind of your proposition, could you share what you’re offering in light of the Zika outbreak?Leonie Besson: My husband, Justin, and I are opening up our home in Pasir Ris to any couple expecting a baby and who are living in known Zika hot spots. We have a spare room that’s air conditioned and furnished with a wardrobe and pull-out bed. The couple is free to use our home like theirs, and is welcome to the kitchen, living and dining areas as well!
Why are you doing this? I was lamenting to Justin how some people in Singapore behave, clearing stocks of mosquito repellent from shelves even though they didn’t need that many right away, and in the process, depriving others of even having some for immediate use. I even saw a posting of a person selling it on Carousell at a marked up price hoping to make a quick buck.
I wish for a Singapore that is less about individual survival and more about helping everyone in the community - and thought to myself, what can we do? And then I got the idea to open up our home. I was pregnant at this time last year, so I could imagine the worry pregnant mothers must be feeling.
That’s a pretty generous gesture. Have you always had charitable tendencies?I wouldn’t say that I’ve always had charitable tendencies, but I do tend to prioritise and value a community benefit over an individual one. I had a convent school upbringing and later taught at a Lasallian school, so you could say my entire life I was surrounded by people and a culture that placed community above self.
What do you and your family stand to gain from any of this, if any?It’s always nice to meet new people, so I think the only thing to gain would potentially be new family friends.
Has anyone taken up or enquired on the offer yet? Nope, no one has taken it up yet!
Tell us a little bit about yourselves. What do you guys like to do in your free time? Justin and I stay at home mostly, and we like to cook meals together. We also enjoy taking the little one out to see things like nature in parks or for water play
How do you think the community can play their part during trying times like these? I think the community can be more open and cooperative with each other. If a neighbour says you have a breeding ground for mosquitoes, instead of calling them kaypoh or getting defensive, say thank you and do what you need to do to make the whole area safe. If you are ill, be socially responsible; stay at home to prevent the disease from spreading.
We are all here on this tiny island together, if we can band together and help each other, we can overcome any obstacle. We need to be the Singapore we want to see, not wait for someone else to do it.
Pregnant and living in a Zika hotspot that you temporarily
want to get away from? Look for the Bessons.
IT STARTS WITHONE
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Stop High-Rise Cigarette Butt Littering! It Burns and Causes Fires!高楼乱抛烟头会灼伤他人
也会引起火灾!
Hentikan Pembuangan Puntung Rokok Dari Tempat Tinggi!Ia Membakar Dan Menyebabkan Kebakaran!
Town Council
Stop High-Rise Cigarette Butt Littering! It Burns and Causes Fires!高楼乱抛烟头会灼伤他人
也会引起火灾!
Hentikan Pembuangan Puntung Rokok Dari Tempat Tinggi!Ia Membakar Dan Menyebabkan Kebakaran!
DON’T WASTE WATER!
It is precious. It is the source of life.
FREE
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Help your child achieve mastery in reading, spelling and writing through our comprehensive and progressive four-stage phonics programme! Stage One: Sound GeniusStage Two: Word Family MastersStage Three: Blending ExpertsStage Four: Budding Writers Give us a call for a diagnostic assessment for your child today! Bring this magazine to enjoy $20 off the registration fee!
Allegro Education Centre: Blk 198 Punggol Field #02-05 Singapore 820198 (opp COVE LRT)www.allegroeducation.com, Email: [email protected]
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WE ARE LOCATED IN PUNGGOL!
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Travel
GLOBETROTTERS WANTED!! HELLO
RESIDENTS!!!Are you a travel bug who can’t wait to share your travel experiences with us? Just write to us about your favourite trip in about 300 words, include four photos in jpeg, and you may just see your article published in Vibes!
Send your articles to [email protected]. Selected entries stand to receive a special token from us!
What was the theme of this year’s PAssionArts Festival?________________________________________________________________
Name two consequences of high-rise cigarette butt littering.
________________________________________________________________
How many times has Punggol North’s Racial & Religious Harmony Street Parade been held?________________________________________________________________
In what year was the Rahman family first featured in Vibes?_______________________________________________________________
Quiz?
Name*:_____________________________________________________
IC:_________________________Contact:_________________________
Email:______________________________________________________
Address:____________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________Send your entries to:
The Editor, Pasir Ris – Punggol Vibesc/o Pasir Ris – Punggol Town CouncilBlock 603 Punggol Road #01-01 Singapore 820603
CLOSING DATE: 18 November 2016
CONSOLATIONS
1st Prize $70.00 LIM BEE HUA SXXXX575H2nd Prize $50.00 TAN XIN YI SXXXX537C3rd Prize $30.00 SITI RAHILAH BINTE MOHAMED RUMLAN SXXXX511Z
$15.00 CHUA GEOK CHENG SXXXX572B $15.00 HO YEH PEI SXXXX001E $15.00 LEE WENDY SXXXX077Z $15.00 CHOO CHERRY SXXXX098I $15.00 TAN SHAN YI CONSTANCE SXXXX746A $15.00 CHAN WEI PING BRENDA SXXXX188F $15.00 MUKUND VIJAYARAGHAVAN SXXXX588A $15.00 YAP CHEE KEONG SXXXX312G $15.00 NG SAN SHAN SXXXX928B $15.00 SUHAIMI BIN PAIMON SXXXX436I $15.00 FOO XIU TING SXXXX410I$15.00 CHOCK KWONG FAH SXXXX766H
WINNERS OF PASIR RIS-PUNGGOL VIBES ”QUIZ ME” CONTEST (ISSUE NO. 49)
*Name must be stated as per NRIC otherwise entry will be disqualified.
“Italy, and the spring and first love all together should suffice to make the gloomiest person happy.”- Bertrand Russell
From the fashion in Milan, the picturesque scenery of Venice, the serenity of the atmosphere in Cinque Terre, the Renaissance treasures of Florence to the beauty of Rome, Italy was one of the most breathtaking holiday my family and I had ever been to.
We went with Dynasty’s packaged tour last December and our mindswere at ease as we did not have to worry about planning our dailyactivities or catching the last train or having to overcome languagebarriers if we were to lose our way in unfamiliar grounds.
Mamma Mia!
We were mesmerized by the beautiful architecture of the Duomos suchas the Milan Duomo. Aside from the dazzling architecture, we were alsoenthralled by the delicious food in Italy. The land of pizzas and pastasserved food that looked similar to what we have in Singapore, yet tastevastly different. The portions were huge. Can you believe that we hadhalf of a 16-inch pizza each for appetizers? APPETIZERS!
Towards the last few days of the trip, we were given a chance to step into the kitchen of an Italian restaurant and make our very own pizzas for dinner!
You will definitely regret it if you don’t try the Gelato ice cream in Italy.Despite the freezing cold weather, almost no one in our tour groupgave the Gelato ice cream a miss because it was just so refreshing andtempting.
Of course, Singaporeans being Singaporeans, we definitely could not miss out on the shopping at the boutiques in Italy where the prices of luxury goods such as Chanel & Salvatore Feragamo were half the prices in Singapore! How could we possibly miss out on all the shopping to be done there?
Mamma Mia! What a trip it was with afair combination of good food, shoppingand getting to enjoy the beauty of Italy.
Natasha Razak
Cinque Terre: where villages are strung along a short stretch of cliffs above the Gulf of Poets. The view from the top was captivating and the picture captured is only half as beautiful as the scenery itself.
