GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY At Tampines Town Hub

JUNE 2013

MCI(P) 115/01/2013

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONYAt Tampines Town Hub

5-Step Mozzie Wipeout- Page 8

Community Connectors

- Page 7

What’s New in Your Neighbourhood?

S&CC Rebate- Page 4

CONTENTS2 CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

3 Announcements & UpdatesTampines Town Hub Groundbreaking

Ceremony

Our Home@Tampines

4 What’s New in Your Neighbourhood?

S&CC Rebate

Project Updates: NRP / LUP / HIP

5 NEA: More Smoke-Free Areas

LTA Introduces Green Man+

6 Tampines in Focus4th Town Council Management Results

Help Prevent Cluttered Corridors

7 Community Connectors

Detox, Strengthen, Energise!

Through the Lens of Reality

8 Community Outreach5-Step Mozzie Wipeout

DengueProtector

9 TTC’s Efforts in Fighting Dengue

10Be a Good Neighbour: Stop the Rain!

Good Cycling Behaviour

11WOW - Workers-on-Watch

Junyuan Primary - Sharing is Caring

12Happenings in Tampines!Our Singapore Conversation: Tampines

Homemakers

SCDF Lift Sticker Unveiling

13Carnations for Mother’s Day

Imagination in Every Click

14Adopt a Bench, Create an Everlasting Memory

Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP)

15Winds That Bind

Town Council Mailbox

Issue Contest

16Upcoming Events

Chairman’s Message

Dear ResidentsI would like to wish all of you Happy June Holidays! I hope our students and families will have much fun together.In this issue of Tampines Tempo, we recognise and applaud two of our residents, Mr Sam Kang Li and Ms Ming Sook Ha, who took the initiative to make a positive contribution to the community. Do read on to find out how Mr Sam’s photography project At Our Doorsteps brought families closer together, and also where you can find Ms Ming practising her 365 Lymph Node Detox Exercise.On 11 May 2013, the Kampong Tampines spirit came alive when the residents congregated at the Tampines Stadium to participate in the largest groundbreaking ceremony ever held in Singapore for the Tampines Town Hub, Singapore’s first integrated lifestyle hub in the heartlands. The upcoming Tampines Town Hub is set to become a large convenient community space where residents can interact and socialise, enjoy retail services and use the sports facilities. In addition, there will also be services provided by social and government agencies to help meet the needs

of the residents. During the process of construction, there will inevitably be dust and noise. We will be working with the contractor and Town Hub Management Committee to keep these to a minimum. Singapore is currently facing one of the worst dengue outbreaks since 2005. More than 7000 cases have been registered island-wide since January this year. As many of you would know by now, Tampines is one of the more badly affected towns. To

overcome this, Tampines Town Council Staff have been working closely with the Grassroots Organisations and NEA to get rid of potential breeding spots. We have increased the frequency of oiling and larviciding potential breeding spots such as drains, manhole covers and rooftops. Misting of insecticide has been carried out at the common areas within the dengue clusters in order to reduce the adult mosquito population. We will continue to work with your Resident Committees and NEA to spread dengue awareness messages as well as share household tips on dengue prevention measures. Thank you for your proactive efforts in providing feedback, suggestions and ideas to the Town Council. Cleanliness, cluttered common areas and anti-social behaviours are among some of the key concerns. Keeping the common areas clean and safe is a joint responsibility between our residents, Town Council and supporting government agencies. In this issue, you will find tips on safe cycling and being a good high-rise apartment neighbour. We would also like to encourage residents to keep their common corridors clean and uncluttered. You may call the Town Council for free disposal of bulky items and we will be happy to assist.I wish you all the best for the second half of 2013. Let us work together to make Tampines, Our Best Home!

Masagos ZulkifliChairman of Tampines Town Council

Eco-Office CertificationTampines Town Council is committed to provide excellence in our service and conservancy to all our residents in Tampines, without compromising our green efforts. We are proud to have achieved this Eco-Office Certification, a testament to our commitment to being an environmentally-conscious organisation. We will continue to strive to educate and advocate the green cause, empowering our staff to be more environmentally-conscious and sustainable in our daily work.

Tampines Town Council

Present to

TAMPINES TEMPO JUNE 20132

Announcements & Updates

Tampines Town HubGroundbreaking Ceremony

Our Home@TAMPINES

1 2 3

At the home screen, select Feedback.

Take a photo and make a report.

Submit the report.

Smartphone App

How to make a report

As part of Tampines Town Council’s continuous efforts to better serve and connect with our residents, TTC has launched the OurHome@Tampines smartphone app for residents to submit their feedback using their iPhone and Android phones. This free application, downloadable from the Apple App Store and now from Google Play, provides Tampines residents with the convenience to capture images on-location to send as feedback or suggestions to the town council. Through this, TTC hopes to enhance our level of efficiency and response to our residents. With greater collaboration with residents in taking care of our living environment, we can make Tampines our Best Home.

On Saturday 11 May, more than 2,500 Tampines residents picked up spades to take part in the Tampines Town Hub groundbreaking ceremony at Tampines Stadium. It marked the start of construction work on the 5.6ha Hub (the size of about seven football fields) on the site of the existing Tampines Stadium and Sports Hall.

Tampines Grassroots Advisers Mr Mah Bow Tan, Ms Irene Ng and Mr Baey Yam Keng were there to witness the event. In his speech, Mr Heng Swee Keat, Minister for Education and Adviser to Tampines GROs, said, “Tampines Town Hub is a very significant project in serving our residents and the first ever integrated community space in Singapore. The Hub provides the focal point for reinforcing the Tampines kampong spirit, and for our residents to enjoy a wide range of sporting, cultural and learning activities, to deepen bonds with family members, and to connect with friends and neighbours.”

Tampines Town Hub will house facilities including Singapore’s first regional sports centre, a library and hawker centre under one roof when it opens in 2016.

now on AndroidHow does it work?

» Install the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play;» Launch on your iPhone or Android phone; and» Make a feedback report simply by following these steps:

TAMPINES TEMPOJUNE 2013 3


As announced during the Singapore Budget 2013 in February, more than 780,000 HDB households will receive a rebate on their service and conservancy charges (S&CC) this year. Through this rebate, the government aims to help lower- and middle-income families with their expenses.Here are the answers to some FAQs:

How do I know if my household is eligible for the rebate? To be eligible for the S&CC rebate, your household has to fulfil these criteria:

a There must be at least one Singapore citizen lessee or occupier in the flat.

b The lessee(s) and essential occupier(s) of the flat do not own or have any interest in a private property.

c The lessee(s) have not sublet the whole flat.

How many months’ worth of S&CC waivers will I get this year? In which months will the charges be waived?

If I have already arranged to pay my S&CC through GIRO, must I do anything to enjoy the rebate?If you are paying your S&CC through GIRO, you need not do anything as the Town Council will inform the bank to only deduct any balance after offsetting the S&CC rebate.

Type of flat/No. of months’ waiver

Month 1-room 2-room 3-room 4-room 5-roomExecutive/

Multi- generation

April 1 1 1 1 0.5 0.5

July 1 1 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5

October 1 1 0.5 0.5 0.5 –

Total in 2013 3 3 2 2 1.5 1

NEIGHBOURHOOD?IN YOURWHAT’S NEW

S&CC Rebate

Who can I contact for more information on the S&CC rebate?Residents may call 1800-8663078 (Mondays to Fridays, 8.30am to 5pm) for questions about S&CC rebate eligibility. For enquiries on S&CC payment and account status, residents of Tampines may contact their Tampines Town Council or obtain more information at http://www.tampines.org.sg/.

UPDATESPROJECT

DIVISION ESTATE STATUSTampines West Blk 910 to 916, 921, 922, 926 to 928,

931 to 935, 938 to 940, 943 and 944 Completed in Sept 12

Blks 821,822,824 – 829 Completed in 1Q 2013

Blk 889 On schedule. Expected completion in 4Q 2014

Tampines Central Blk 858A, 858B, 859, 859A, 860A, 860B, 861, 861A Completed in 1Q 2013

Blks 842, 844, 846, 848, 850, 852, 854 & 856 Expected completion in 1Q 2013

Blks 860, 863 On schedule. Expected completion in 1Q 2014

Tampines Changkat Blks 301 to 315 On schedule. Expected completion in 2Q 2013

Tampines North Blks 485B, 487A - 487C, 488A, 488B, 489A, 489C Completed in 4Q 2012

Blks 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423, 424, 447

Completed in 1Q 2013, Lift A at Blk 419 expected in 3Q 2013

Blks 401 - 407 On Schedule. Expected Completion in 3Q 2013

Blks 426 - 431 TP St 41 (Blk 426 & 431 for partial lift solution)

Polled in May ’12Service diversion in progress. Expected Completion in 4Q 2014

Blks 476, 477, 479 to 484 On schedule. Expected completion in 4Q 2013

Blks 491A - H, 492B - D Completed in Sept ‘12Blks 493A-E, 494B-C, 495A, 495C-F Completed in Nov ‘12

Blks 496B - G On schedule. Expected completion in 1Q 2014

Tampines East Blks 501 - 503, 505, 508, 509 On schedule. Expected completion in 2Q 2013

Blks 257 - 262 Expected completion in 4Q 2013

Blks 249 - 255 On schedule. Expected completion in 2Q 2013

Blks 230B, 230C, 230D, 230E, 230F, 230G, 230H & 230J

New lifts completed in Oct ’12.Pending modification and synchronisation of existing lifts by HDB.

Blks 381 - 389 Completed in 1Q 2013

Blks 371 - 374, 390 - 396 On schedule. Expected completion in 3Q 2014

LIFT UPGRADING PROGRAMME (LUP) UPDATES(Updated as of May 2013)

We have been working actively with LTA to improve the bus services in Tampines, and are happy to

update you on the improvements. We will continue to push for more improvements.

Thank you for your support!

MPs of Tampines GRC

NEIGHBOURHOOD RENEWAL PROGRAMME (NRP) UPDATES(Updated as of May 2013)

HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME (HIP) UPDATES(Updated as of May 2013)

DIVISION ESTATE STATUSTampines East 1) NRP B3 (Blks 231-248, 501-506,

508, 509)Construction will commence from mid-June. Expected completion in 3Q 2014

2) NRP B5 (Blks 201, 201A-201E, 211-214, 225-227

Tentatively carry out in June

Tampines West NRP-N9 Blocks 902, 903, 906 to 916, 921, 922 & 924 to 946

Maze Garden - 100% completionCultural Hub - Pending for Temporary Occupant Permit (TOP)

DIVISION ESTATE STATUSTampines West 921, 922, 924-935, 902, 903, 906-916 CompletedTampines North Blk 408-417, Blk 425-428 On schedule. Expected

completion in 1Q 2014



AreasAre you aware of the extended smoke-free areas? Since NEA announced the extension, starting 15 January 2013, some of our more vigilant residents have alerted us of hotspots in our estates, especially near bus stops. Tampines Town Council thanks our residents for playing their part. With residents’ feedback, we were able to notify NEA to take timely enforcement action.

NEA:Smoke-

More

Free

Green Man+LTA IntroducesLand Transport Authority Introduces Green Man+. Green Man+ is an initiative by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to address the needs of elderly pedestrians and Pedestrians With Disabilities (PWD) who may require more time to cross the road. Elderly pedestrians and PWD can expect up to 12 seconds more of green man time when they make use of signalised pedestrian crossings fitted with the Green Man+ device.

1 2 3

Currently, there are 17 Green Man+ devices installed in Tampines. How Green Man+ WorksElderly pedestrians aged 60 and above who are Singapore citizens/permanent residents and wish to apply for the senior citizen concession card may obtain the application form from any TransitLink Ticket Office or via the TransitLink website at www.transitlink.com.sg.


Help Prevent Cluttered Corridors Let’s create a safer living environment for our loved ones and friends by putting these simple guidelines into practice!

Ayuh kita wujudkan suatu persekitaran hidup yang lebih selamat untuk orang tersayang dan rakan-rakan kita dengan mengamalkan garis panduan mudah ini!

Tampines in FOCUS

请帮忙阻止杂乱的走廊BantuHalangKoridorDaripadaBarang-barangBersepah

让我们通过以下这些简单的准则实践，并为我们的亲人和朋友创造更安全的居住环境！

4th town CounCil ManageMent Results

How You Can HelpIn the fourth Town Council Management Report (TCMR), Tampines Town Council has achieved the green banding in the areas of cleanliness, lift performance and S&CC arrears, and amber banding in maintenance and corporate governance. TTC is committed to improving our performance across all five areas to create the best living environment for Tampines residents. To do that, we need you to do your part. Obstruction of common areas is the biggest observation in maintenance evaluation, and this can cause fire hazards and pose danger to fellow residents. Follow these tips below, and help us make Tampines the best home for everyone!

Common corridors should have 1.2-metre-wide clearance.公用的走廊应该拥有1.2米宽，并且通畅无阻的空间。

Koridor kegunaan awam hendaklah kosong tanpa apa-apa barang selebar 1.2 meter.

Shoe racks and foldable/removable clothing racks are allowed as long as the 1.2m wide clearance is maintained.只要在走廊上保持1.2米宽，并且通畅无阻的空间，便可摆放鞋架和可折叠/可拆卸的衣架。

Segala rak kasut dan rak pakaian mudah lipat / mudah alih dibenarkan letak selagi ada ruang kosong selebar 1.2m.

Flower/Plant pots should be placed neatly along parapet walls; do not place too many pots along the corridors.所有的花盆（花和植物）都必须沿着走廊的墙壁，摆放整齐。不要在走廊上方摆放太多花盆。

Pasu-pasu bunga/tanaman perlu disusun kemas di sepanjang dinding tembok; jangan letak terlalu banyak pasu di sepanjang koridor.

Dry/Wet riser compartments should not be obstructed.消防干湿水喉隔间不可受到任何阻碍。

Ruang tetingkat kering/basah tidak boleh dihalang.

Corridors and staircase landings should be kept completely clear as these are escape routes during emergencies.所有的走廊和楼梯口都必须保持通畅无阻，以便可以在紧急情况时作为逃生路线。

Koridor dan pelantar tangga hendaklah sentiasa kosong kerana ini adalah laluan keselamatan yang digunakan semasa kecemasan.

Do not store combustible and/or bulky materials along common corridors.不要在公共走廊放置任何可燃物和/或笨重的材料。

Jangan simpan bahan mudah terbakar dan/atau besar di sepanjang koridor awam.


For someone whose photojournalistic work has won recognition and funding

and even been mentioned in a speech by the Prime Minister, Sam Kang Li is a really down-to-earth and unassuming sort of guy. After graduating, Kang Li joined his friends in starting and running Little Red Ants Creative Studio. At Our Doorsteps, his personal photography project at Block 230G Tampines Street 21, was a result of an outlook-reframing exercise. He had taken photos of nearly every household in his block, each one framed by their own doorway, and finished off with the publication of the photos in a book and an exhibition at the void deck.“I wanted to challenge myself to do something meaningful here before thinking of venturing out,” Kang Li said, on his inspiration for this project. “People say Singapore is a boring country and we have nothing ‘real’ to photograph or make commentary on, so I thought—instead of just being local, why not be ‘hyper local’?“Places like Chinatown, Geylang and Arab Street are tourist attractions. But the HDB is the Singaporean suburb and this is where most of the average people

are found. It’s the heartland, so I wanted to try to do something

here and make it both meaningful and interesting.”Despite all the attention, At Our Doorsteps is still really just a small personal project. “Projects like this cannot directly foster good relationships. But it broke the first barrier of social embarrassment, the ‘taboo’ of being ‘too friendly’ or being the first to speak, and now people here find it easier to have conversations. It is through repeated voluntary interactions that relationships can develop.”For Kang Li, the most meaningful part of the exercise was the way it brought his family closer. Most importantly for Kang Li, “I got to work with and talk with my father more. In the past, he never really understood what I was doing. Photography can do a lot of things, but most people’s perception of it is quite basic. Involving him in a project like this helped him to understand the possibilities of photography and get to know me better. So while this was a personal project, towards the end it became a family thing too, which was really nice.”

Community Connectors

People always lament that since high-rise apartment living became the norm, we

have lost the kampong spirit that leads us to take care of one another. But we have

found, right here in Tampines, examples of ordinary residents who have done and are

doing extraordinary things, showing us that community spirit is alive and thriving.

REALITYREALITYThrough the Lens of

You may have heard of or seen a lively group of about 20 to 30 people engaging in mass exercise and even dance routines at the Festival Park in the mornings, from about 7.20 to 8.30am.

They are your fellow residents, and they are boosting their immune systems through a workout format known as the 365 Lymph Node Detox Exercise. They do this every morning, five days a week (Mondays to Saturdays, except Thursdays). There is also

Tampines in FOCUS

Detox, Strengthen, Energise!

an evening session on Wednesdays from 8.30 to 9.30pm. They are led by the vivacious Ms Ming Sook Ha, a 50-year-old housewife and mother of three who definitely does not look her age.

After recovering from a scare in 2006 where she had to remove polyps from her womb, Sook

Ha resolved to lead a healthier and more active lifestyle. Midway

through 2007, she joined her friends at regular exercise sessions taught

by Billy Wang (Dongfang Billy) at Kampong Java Park.

After six months of consistently following the routine and seeing improvements in her

general health and appearance, Sook Ha began holding free exercise classes at Festival Park in 2008 to share the benefits with others. Regular participants report more-than-satisfactory weight loss and muscle toning, increased strength and stamina,

improved joint mobility and flexibility, better blood circulation and a general boost in lymphatic health.

As time went on, Sook Ha became a volunteer with the 365 Cancer Prevention Society. The exercise has proven helpful and effective to some degree for cancer patients’ recuperation and physical maintenance, and over the past few years she has made visitations to cancer patients, conducted exercise demonstrations at various locations like CCs, RCs, churches and the Singapore Cancer

Society.

Sook Ha intends to continue running her 365 Lymph Node Detox Exercise sessions for as long as she can find the time to do so.

Community bonding and the forging of friendships and camaraderie are her

rewards, she says—why not join her one of these mornings, take her out for breakfast

after, and make a new friend yourself?


Community OUTREACH

DENGUEPROTECTORBamboo pole holders are a hot spot for breeding of mosquitoes, making up more than half of the total breeding places found in two dengue fever outbreaks last year. When it rains, rainwater collects inside the holders, making them a conducive breeding place for mosquitoes. Residents can protect themselves from dengue by covering the holders with a cap at all times when they are not in use.

The DENGUEPROTECTOR, a bamboo holder cover invented by Tampines resident Charles Toh, features a gap that drains all rainwater from the cover. Nominated twice for the President’s Design Award and the winner of MediaCorp’s Innovation of the Year, the DengueProtector effectively eliminates the risk of mosquito breeding in bamboo pole holders. Find out more about the DengueProtector at http://www.dengueprotector.com!


Community OUTREACH

TTC’s EFFORTS inTAMPINES TEMPOJUNE 2013 9

GoodCycling

Value your life – stay safe on the road!

Be a Good Neighbour:Stop the Rain!

Tampines Town Council has received feedback from several residents about inconsiderate behaviour by their neighbours living directly above them. They are upset because these neighbours have been leaving dripping laundry or wet mops out to dry, inevitably affecting those living below them.

One resident wrote, “It’s so frustrating. We spoke with the neighbour in question several times, but nothing has improved. Once, the colour of his wet shirt ran, and damaged my wife’s dress that had been hung out to dry below. When we confronted him with the evidence, he threatened us!”

Community OUTREACH

We implore Tampines residents to spare a thought for your neighbours, especially those living directly below your floor. Inconsiderate actions not only inconvenience others, but can also lead to unnecessary confrontations and unhappiness. As the saying goes, do unto others as you would have them do unto you!

Laundry tips:

Before putting laundry out, ensure that it has been spun dry in the washer.

If laundry requires to be drip dried, hang them in your bathroom. This goes for wet mops too.

If you have a domestic helper, teach them to spin dry your laundry.

Remember to bring in your laundry, especially if no one is at home. This helps you save time and effort in re-washing your laundry due to wet weather.

There has been a recent spate of road accidents, several of them involving cyclists. As the first cycling town in Singapore, Tampines should set a good example for everyone else. Practise these safe cycling habits!

TIP 1

TIP 2

TIP 3

TIP 4

Cycle only on bicycle paths, and give way to pedestrians if they have the right of way. Dismount at pedestrian crossings, and push your bicycle across the road.

Cycle at a safe speed to reduce accident risk.

Pay attention to your surroundings at all times, and anticipate what other road users might do.

Be aware of your blind spots, especially around large vehicles.

Wear bright clothing in the day and reflective clothing or accessories at night.

Use bicycle lights when riding at night.

Use appropriate hand signals when turning on the road.

Wear a helmet to protect your skull from serious injury in case of an accident.

Behaviour


workers on watch

—Sharing is Caring

WOW! Conservancy workers enhance the safety and security of our neighbourhood!

Junyuan Primary School has been collaborating with non-profit organisation Food from the Heart (FFTH) through their Toys from the Heart programme.

To promote caring and sharing, we encouraged pupils to offer their toys which were still in good condition to less fortunate children. The Primary 5 and 6 pupils helped to wrap the donated toys using cellophane paper and ribbons, and even wrote friendly notes to accompany their gifts.

The wrapped toys were distributed during FFTH’s Annual Toys Buffet, a day filled with fun, games and food for the beneficiaries. Junyuan’s National Education Ambassadors came forward to help out during the event, where the invited beneficiaries chose their gifts.

Through this collaboration, we hope that our pupils have learnt to appreciate what they have, and that the joy of giving and sharing can mean more than the act of receiving.

Training conducted in 2013

National CSSP Awards Ceremony (Workers on Watch WOW)

Community OUTREACH

Junyuan Primary

In 2008, Bedok Police Division embarked on a Community Safety and Security Programme (CSSP), called “Workers-on-Watch” (WOW). The initiative was extended to areas under Tampines Town Council in 2010.

Conservancy workers are part of the community and they can help maintain a watchful vigilance over the neighbourhood, while they perform their cleaning duties during the day when most residents are out at work. These conservancy workers are trained by the Police, National Crime Prevention Council, Singapore Customs and Singapore Civil Defence Force, to recognise tell-tale signs of suspicious characters or activities, so that they can assist the authorities to detect crime or flag out issues of concern to the relevant authorities.

The WOW CSSP is a good example of the joint effort by the authorities and the community to make our estate a safer and more secure place to live in. It has yielded positive feedback from the grassroots and residents, and won the prestigious National Community Safety and Security Programme Award in 2011.

On 7 January 2013, more than 150 conservancy workers from East Coast, Tampines, Pasir Ris-Punggol, Moulmein-Kallang and Marine Parade Town Councils were trained under the WOW CSSP at Tampines West Community Centre. Topics such as crime prevention, fire safety and contraband cigarettes were shared with the workers. They will certainly help to keep watch over our neighbourhood and enhance the safety and security of our estates!


Tampines HomemakersOn 11 January, Tampines Grassroots Adviser Ms Irene Ng led the sixth Our Singapore Conversation (OSC) session at Tampines Changkat CC. Over 80 homemakers aged between 30 to 70 years old attended this national conversation, which was specially targeted at this often silent segment of the population. It was a platform to share their concerns over the future of Singapore from their perspectives as women, wives, daughters and mothers.

SCDF Lift Sticker UnveilingOn 24 February, Tampines Grassroots Adviser Mr Masagos Zulkifli unveiled a new lift door sticker with fire safety advisory messages at Block 819, Tampines West Avenue 3. One of the key initiatives of the campaign organised by SCDF and its community partners, the lift door stickers carrying pictorial fire safety advisories are meant to increase public awareness on the dangers of discarding items at common areas such as corridors, lift lobbies, staircases and void decks.

HAPPENINGS in Tampines!TAMPINES TEMPO JUNE 201312

HAPPENINGS in Tampines!

in Every ClickIMAGINATION

Carnations for

Mothers have the hardest job in the world, and it is only right that we all show our gratitude for what they do. Grassroots Adviser and Member of Parliament Mr Baey Yam Keng did just that on Mother’s Day on 12 May, going around Tampines Neighbourhood 4 to specially present carnations to mothers who were in the area during lunchtime. Judging by the appreciative smiles on their faces, we’re sure these mothers enjoyed their special moment!

Sunday 31 March saw amateur photographers from all walks and stages of life gathering at the Tampines Central CC Hall. Even before the official registration start time of 1.30pm, enthusiastic participants had already formed a line at the booth outside the hall. They had come not just from around Tampines, but from all over Singapore.

After the participants had checked out the sponsors’ booths and displays, they settled down in their seats and were treated to a

90-minute sharing by and Q&A session with Mr Jimmy Fok, an award-winning photographer who specialises in conceptual and advertising photography and whose works are regularly published in advertising journals. In view of the varying levels of skill and experience represented, Mr Fok gamely presented what he called a “crash course” in photography—just right to send them on their way to the next part of the programme: a photography competition on the theme “Our Tampines, My Best Home”.

Mother’s Day

When the competitors returned in the evening, they enjoyed dinner, wine and conversation while waiting for the judges to finish going through all their submissions. They were joined by Minister for Education and Grassroots Adviser Mr Heng Swee Keat, who listened to their stories of the afternoon’s adventures and commented on some photographs.

Invited to address the crowd prior to the release of the results, Mr Heng shared some humorous photography-related anecdotes from his childhood and youth. He shared his thoughts on how photography is a great medium for memory, and talked about the encounter in which an old lady’s comment, “Many people look but they don’t see,” led to his realisation that we all tend to be too busy to really look around us and notice what is really special. “If we care to look around us, we’ll see there’s a lot of beauty around us, and a lot of great people too,” he said.

Mr Heng, all of us agree with you that it takes such an attitude to build a society and community that really appreciates the things around us, and we are glad that this competition was a step towards that ideal. Winning isn’t everything—sharing the lessons we’ve learned is what’s really valuable!


The varied group that gathered at the Tampines Changkat Butterfly Garden on the morning of Sunday 31 March had two things in common. Firstly, they were the family and friends of the late Victor Oh, a pioneer member of the Tampines Changkat Butterfly Garden Interest Group. Secondly, they were there to participate in two simple ceremonies.

Grassroots Adviser and Member of Parliament Ms Irene Ng, as someone who counted Victor as a friend, was there to host the memorial ceremony. She and Ai Leng, Victor’s daughter, shared a little about his life and his contributions before leading a small group of family members and friends in releasing butterflies into the tranquil surroundings of the Garden. It was a way of celebrating Victor’s love of and dedication to the Butterfly Garden and releasing their feelings, good memories and wishes to his soul “on the wings of a butterfly”. The group then observed a moment of silence to pay their respects to Victor.

The next part was the unveiling of a commemorative bench just outside the Garden, again a nod to Victor’s love of the place. The bench, which carries a small plaque bearing Victor’s name and a short epitaph, is the first of its kind in Tampines. After taking some


ADOPTABENCHCreate an Everlasting Memory

time to mingle and take photographs, the group adjourned to the nearby Nature Centre (another of Victor’s favourite places) to watch a video made by one of his fellow volunteers in his memory, and share some light refreshments.

This ceremony, while dedicated to Victor’s memory, also marked the launch of the Adopt-a-Bench programme initiated by Ms Irene Ng as a special and lasting way to remember a loved one or a special milestone in one’s life, like a wedding anniversary, birthday or promotion. Donors who adopt a bench can also choose to hold a small ceremony like Victor’s, with or without the releasing of butterflies.

Renewal Programme (NRP)Neighbourhood

The Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) Town Hall Meeting was held on Sunday 7 April at Block 209, Tampines Street 21. Residents from 11 blocks in Tampines East Zone 1 and 2 precincts got a preview of various estate features that will be upgraded and introduced to the neighbourhood. Residents also gave feedback on the programme and stated their support. Adviser to Tampines Grassroots Organisations Mr Mah Bow Tan joined residents in the event, and gave his input on further improvements to be made.



Winds That BindWinds That BindFrom June through September, experience

the fifth instalment of the NTUC Income Kite Festival with five events held at all corners of

the island! This year, the theme is ‘Winds That Bind’, representing the event’s commitment to bringing people together

via this inspirational festival.

Each event celebrates different aspects of kites, from the children-focused Kite Carnivale to indoor kite flying and the artsy finale of ‘Grand Flying Days’. They all promise exhilarating experiences and new discoveries for the festival-goer, so make sure you join in the fun!

DATE & TIME EVENT LOCATION

1 & 2 June 4pm-7pm

Kite Giants – Big & Wondrous East - Tampines Fields (Tampines Industrial Ave 3, opposite

United World College)

29 & 30 June 4pm-7pm Children’s Kite Carnivale West – Grand Lawn at West Coast Park

9 July – 7 August Blown Away 2; Kite Education School Tour Islandwide

21 & 22 July 4pm-7pm Indoor Kite Flying Show North – Teck Ghee CC

31 August & 1 September 4pm- 8pm Grand Flying Days South – The Promontory @ Marina

Town Council MAI BO

Dear Sir/Madam,

This letter is to compliment Tampines Town Council. After my child fell sick with dengue fever, I raised my concerns to the Town Council about mosquito breeding in our neighbourhood. I am glad to see that the Town Council has been putting in consistent effort in keeping dengue at bay by creating awareness on dengue preventive measures. I sincerely hope that the dengue situation is under control and I hope that the Town Council will keep up the good work.

Thank you.Madam Tan

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 6735 9986.

Issuecontest

Send your answers to the following questions, along with your name, NRIC number and address, to: Tampines Tempo Quiz (June 2013), Tampines Town Council, Block 136 Tampines St 11, Singapore 521136, or emaIL US at [email protected]. If they reach us by 31 August and you get them all correct, you may win a prize!*

1) In which year will the Tampines Town Hub be Opened?2) With LTA’s Green Man+ device, how many more seconds of

green man time can elderly pedestrians and Pedestrians with Disabilities (PWD) expect?

3) Common corridors should have ___-metre-wide clearance.4) In which year was the Workers-on-Watch (WOW) initiative

extended to Tampines?5) On 11 January, Our Singapore Conversation (OSC) was held for

the ___ time.

*This contest is open to all residents of Tampines GRC except staff members of Tampines Town Council and their immediate families. Judges’ decisions are final and no correspondence or enquiries will be entertained. Winners will be notified by post.

HAPPENINGS in Tampines! TAMPINES TEMPOJUNE 2013 15

COMMUNITY EVENTSDIV EVENT DATE TIME VENUE ORGANISER PHONE

TL Tampines Central Emergency Preparedness Day 1 Jun 5pm – 8pm Junyuan Secondary School, along Tampines St 84

Tampines Central C2E, Tampines Spring and Vista RCs 6785 0004

TL Tampines Central CSC Badminton Talent Quest 2013 1-2 Jun 10am – 4pm Tampines Central CC MPH, 866A Tampines St 83 Tampines Central CSC 6785 0004

TL Community Awareness for Relief on Essential Supplies (CARE) Programme 7 Jun 8pm Tampines Central CC Room 2B, 866A

Tampines St 83 Tampines Central CCC & CDWF 67850004

TL Heng Swee Keat Basketball League 2013 8 Jun 6pm – 10pm Sheltered basketball court next to Blk 842, Tampines St 82 Tampines Central CSC 67850004

TL Family Getogether 8 Jun 2pm – 6pm Tampines Central CC MPH, 866A Tampines St 83 Tampines CC WEC & YEC 67850004

TL Dumpling Festival 2013 9 Jun 6pm – 9.30pm Tampines Central CC MPH, 866A Tampines St 83 Tampines Central CC SCEC 67850004



TL Karaoke Cum Flea Market 22 Jun 11am – 7pm Tampines Central CC MPH, 866A Tampines St 83 Tampines Central CCMC & SCEC 67850004

TL Blood Donation Drive 27 Jun 11am – 4pm Tampines Central CC MPH, 866A Tampines St 83 Tampines Central C2E 67850004

TL Residents Networking Session 2013 28 Jun 8pm – 10pm Tampines Central CC MPH, 866A Tampines St 83 Tampines Central CC IAEC 67850004

TL Line Dance Nite 29 Jun 5pm – 9.30pm Tampines Central CC MPH, 866A Tampines St 83 Tampines Central CC WEC 67850004

TL Soccer Tournament 29 Jun 5pm – 9.30pm To be confirmed Tampines Central CC IAEC 67850004

CG Tampines Changkat Dumpling Festival and Dragonboat Race 2013 8 Jun 3pm – 5pm Bedok Reservoir Tampines Changkat CCC 67811806

CG Irene Ng Bowling Challenge Trophy 2013 9 Jun 1pm – 5pm Safra Tampines Tampines Changkat CSC 67811806CG Launch of Cycling Path 14 Jun 5pm – 8pm To be confirmed Tampines GRC 67811806

CG Pertandingan Dikir Bola Gelanggang (Dikir Barat Street Soccer Tournament) 23 Jun 9am – 6pm Tampines Changkat CC Hall Tampines Changkat MAEC 67811806

CG Yakult Tour 25 Jun 11.30am – 1pm Yakult Factory, Senoko Tampines Changkat Z1 67811806

CG Longest Bunga Manggar (S'pore Book of Record) & Malay Traditional Culture Showcase 30 Jun 8am – 1pm Tampines Changkat St 11 Round Market Tampines Changkat MAEC 67811806

CG Blood Donation 30 Jun TBC Tampines Changkat CC Hall Tampines Changkat C2E 67811806

TN Movie Screening Marathon 1-2 Jun 7.30pm – 9.30pm Courtyard at Block 480, Tampines Ave 9 Tampines North CACC 67857166

TN Dumpling Festive Celebration 8 Jun 7pm – 10pm Block 2 Tampines St 41 Tampines North CC WEC 67857166TN KopiTalk 15 Jun 2pm – 4pm Block 478 Tampines St 44 Tampines North GROs 67857166TN Fathers’ Day Celebration Dinner 15 Jun 7pm – 10pm Block 2 Tampines St 41 Tampines North CC SCEC 67857166

GRC Kite Flying Festival 2013 1-2 Jun TBC Open field, Tampines Industrial Ave 3 Tampines GRC GROs 67851210

TE 7-a-Side Street Soccer Tournament 2 Jun 8.30am – 3.30pm Tampines East Leisure Park Tampines East Zone 8 RC & CSC 67863227

TE Falling in Love Again 8 Jun 5pm – 9pm Tampines East CC MPH Tampines East Zone 4 RC 67863227TE Brisk Walk 9 Jun 7am – 11am Chinese Garden Tampines East CSC 67863227TE Visit to the Singapore Flyer and River Safari 15 Jun 8am – 5pm Singapore Flyer / River Safari Tampines East Zone 8 RC 67863227TE Blood Donation Drive 16 Jun 9am – 3pm Tampines East CC MPH Tampines East C2E 67863227

TE Parents' Day Celebration 23 Jun 8.30am – 3.30pm Guilin Restaurant Tampines East SCEC 67863227

TE CEPP training 30 Jun 9am – 5pm Tampines East Conference Room Tampines East C2E 67863227

TW Rice Dumpling Celebration 7 Jun 7pm – 10pm Block 924 Palmspring Senior Citizens' Corner Tampines Palmspring RC 67837910

TW Baby Show 30 Jun 9am – 1pm Tampines West CC MPH Tampines West WEC 67837910TW KL/Genting Tour 1 Jun TBC KL/Genting Tampines Terrace RC 67837910TW ECHO Health Screening 1 Jun 8am – 12pm Tampines West CC MPH Tampines West AAC 67837910TW ECHO Health Screening 2 Jun 8am – 12pm Tampines West CC MPH Tampines West AAC 67837910TW ECHO Result Collection 8 Jun 10am – 12pm Tampines West CC MPH Tampines West AAC 67837910TW Brisk Walk 9 Jun 7am TBC Tampines Green RC 67837910

DISCLAIMERTampines Tempo is a newsletter published by Tampines Town Council and delivered to the letterboxes of all HDB households in Tampines GRC. Copies of the newsletter can also be collected from the Town Council office and the five Community Clubs in Tampines. The Publisher makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of information in Tampines Tempo but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions.

Editorial CommitteeAdviser: Mr Masagos ZulkifliChairman: Ms Jeanne Cheng, PBMMembers: Mr Eddie Soh, PBM; Mr Alan Ho, PBM; Ms Fennie Chung; Mr Murugian Vadiveloo, PBM

Published by Tampines Town CouncilBlock 136 Tampines Street 11Singapore 521136

Design & ProductionThe Print Lodge Pte Ltd

Keep a look out for an upcoming photo contest by Tampines Town Council in the next issue! The winning photos will be used in the 2014 Desktop Calendar issued by TTC and will be seen by tens of thousands of people. More details will be given in the next issue of Tampines Tempo, so stay tuned!

P o og yCo i ion

2014 TTC

Calendar

Upcoming EventsTAMPINES TEMPO JUNE 201316

Documents

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY At Tampines Town Hub