YOUR COMMUNITY BULLETIN OF KEMBANGAN - CHAI CHEE
Friend us at www.facebook.com/kembangan.chaichee
April - June 2014
Spirit of Giving Grassroots leaders share their passion for volunteering
One Community Day
Highlights from the event
Working For A Better Neighbourhood
Budget 2014 Education Assistance Kindergarten Fee Assistance Scheme (KIFAS) • Monthly fee assistance increased from $108 to $160 • Gross household income increased from $3500 to $6000
Parent Support Group Fund Annual top-up PSG Fund of up to $2,500 per year to promote parent-child bonding, parent education workshops and community projects
Improved Quality of Early Childhood Care and Education • Combine Child Care Act and Education Act (Kindergartens) into one in 2015 • Improved process to rate quality of pre schools School-based Student Care Centres Expansion to 40 more primary schools over the next two years to a total of 120, which is twothirds of our primary schools School-based Dyslexia Remediation Programme Expansion to 20 more primary schools in 2014 to a total of 62
Disability Support Special Education Needs (SEN) Fund Each polytechnic and ITE college can use up to $5,000 per student with physical impairment to purchase assistive technology devices. Up to $25,000 will be made available for each student with visual or hearing impairments to procure assistive technology devices and supporting services.
Disability Support Office In each publicly-funded university, polytechnic, ITE college and arts institution, there will be a Disability Support Office to provide more structured and sustainable support to students with special educational needs. Eligible Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) • 25% off bus and train fares from July 2014 • Taxi subsidies for PWDs to be introduced in Oct 2014 Infrastructural Support • 4 new Adult Disability Homes (ADH) – 12 ADHs by FY2018 • 140 new places in Day Activity Centres – 1140 places by end 2014 • 14 Social Service Offices (SSOs) in operation by mid 2014 to better serve needy residents. Four new offices at Ang Mo Kio, Sengkang, Bedok and Queenstown.
ADVISER’S NOTE
BUILDING TIES THAT BIND Dear friends, I was tremendously encouraged to see family members come together to support and encourage our students when they received their various awards. Although it was a small gesture to recognise and encourage our young charges, we felt it important to organise something meaningful for all concerned. It was a reminder about the importance of family in everything that we do, and to take that step to thank our loved ones for all that they have done. At the heart of what it means to be a Singaporean is our family. Without love and these ties that bind, our house will remain just that, a house and not a home. In the same vein, we also wanted to encourage neighbours to reach out to say hello to each other. When we connect, the place will slowly become a community. This is really the purpose of many of these activities that we try and organise, to bring families together across the generations and for neighbours to get to know each other just that little bit better. It is these relationships that are the bedrocks and building blocks of Our Singapore. 看到在籍学生领取奖助学金时，家人齐来支持鼓励，我深深的受到鼓舞。 虽然这只是一个小小的示意向稚龄学子表达认同与鼓励，感觉到这类活 动有意义并各方关注，至关的重要。在我们所做的事上,提醒‘家’的 重要性, 走出一步向我们所爱的，对他们的付出说谢谢。作为一个新 加坡人的中心内涵意义就是我们的家。没有了爱及亲属繫带的粘 合，我们的住屋只是住屋，並不是家。 以同样的脉调，我们也要鼓励作为邻居的走出来互相打个招呼。 当我们有联系时，地区逐渐变为社区。我们尝试做相关活动目的 是在於促使家中各代人结合，让邻居多一点互相认识。 正是这种关系，成为新加坡的基石与立体支柱。 Tan Chuan-Jin
April-June 2014
8
11
16
18
CONTENTS 3 Adviser’s Note
14 Loudhailer
5 Grassroots Leaders
8 Kaleidoscope
Snapshots from One Community Day 2014
11 Our Learning Journey
Make Mother’s Day a happy one for her
12 Know Your Neighbourhood
The Edusave Awards 2013
TCM Clinic launched and other happenings
16 Brothers in Arms
Upgrading works and rejuvenation projects
18 What’s New
Recent developments in our neighbourhood
19 Glimpse into the Future
Calendar of events from Apr-May 2014
12
Chief Editor PROF. TEO CHENG SWEE, JP PBM Editors MR RAHUL KUMAR JANAK SHAH MS NORAMI ALIZA HARON Creative Director MR LEE NGEE CHEW Editorial Coordinator CHEN YINGQI KELLY Business Relations MR TYLER LIM Chief Photographer MR SHENG YEE ZHER Photographer MR TAN WAN LEE Member MR NEO CHEE YONG Member MS EDLYN TAN Member MS SAMANTHA LAU LIXIA Publishing Consultant REGENT MEDIA PTE LTD Publisher CECILIA WOO Managing Editor BEN POON Editor DEREK RODRIGUEZ Art Director JUNLONG LOH Graphic Designer PYAE PHYO OO Photographer VICTOR TOH Production Manager NAZZAREI CHIA Printer KHL PRINTING CO PTE LTD For advertising enquires, please email sales@regentmedia.sg A PUBLICATION OF K-CC No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of the Publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure that the contents of this publication are corect and up-to-date at the time of printing. Some details are liable to change. The publisher cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions in this publication.
GRASSROOTS LEADERS
SPIRIT OF GIVING
The act of sharing your time with others in the name of charity speaks volumes about a person’s character. Grassroots leaders reveal the reason behind their decision to volunteer and what they have gotten in return.
We met, dated, got married and formed our family in the 23 years of volunteering. It has completed us and shall continue in the generations to come.
Volunteers reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and pure love for one another. Vekaneshvari Jayabal Kampong Kembangan Youth Executive Committee
Sheng Yee Zher & Loo Siok Chen Citizens’ Consultative Committee & Women Executive Committee
Volunteering is a learning curve for me. Seeing how my efforts make real impacts on the lives of others is amazing! Goh Meng Zi
Kembangan-Chai Chee Community Social Team
You don’t have to be perfect or famous to volunteer. You just have to care to make a difference. Samantha Lau Kampong Kembangan Youth Executive Committee
I’ve always been blessed with lots of love in life. Volunteering is my way of gratitude. We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone. Raine Lee
Kembangan-Chai Chee Community Social Team
5
GRASSROOTS LEADERS
I have been an RC Member for about 12-15 years. Never at any one time in those years have I felt that it was a waste of time or cumbersome to handle. I always enjoy interacting with residents and non-residents and many a time felt humbled by these experiences. It’s very gratifying at the end of any occasion to see the smiling faces of both young and old alike, happy and contented with the feeling of having attended an event that was to them both beneficial and time well spent.” Baba Maharauf Carrim
Lengkong Tiga Residents’ Committee
Volunteering is about giving unconditional help to the less fortunate, making a difference and improving their lives. The best reward is the smiles on their faces. Mong San Ping
Kembangan-Chai Chee Community Social Team
Work for a cause, not for applause. Live life to express, not to impress. William Chow
Ping Yi Garden Residents’ Committee
The main motivation is that at the end of it all, I have done something useful for my fellow residents. Seeing their smiles, you know at that moment, that ‘something’, has brought meaning into their lives. Markus Tan
Ansar Residents’ Committee
6
GRASSROOTS LEADERS
Helping the less fortunate gives me a sense of self satisfaction. It not only brightens up their lives, but mine too. I hope I can set an example for others to follow.
Bringing smiles to others and forging everlasting friendships – a Saturday well spent indeed! Tan Xuehui
Kampong Ubi Youth Executive Committee
Wee Quee Eng
Ansar Residents’ Committee SCEC
As a volunteer for these past years, whether it is organising block parties or tours for our residents, it has always been fulfilling for me. Toh Pin
Ping Yi Garden Residents’ Committee
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful and committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has.
Being better off myself, I have the compulsion to give back to those in need. Derek Quah Kembangan Chai-Chee Community Social Team
The sense of accomplishment in serving as a volunteer is more than words can describe. Deon Chan Qiang Feng
Sriville Residents’ Committee
Teo Kaiwen
Kampong Ubi Youth Executive Committee
7
THE KALEIDOSCOPE
Events and happenings in Kembangan-Chai Chee
ONE COMMUNITY DAY 2014
Grassroots leaders, resident volunteers and members of the public came together as one community on January 19, 2014, as they worked hand in hand in the name of selfless charity. Bonds were forged and new friendships were formed through the whole day event as everyone contributed towards the three main missions – spring cleaning, rice distribution, and food donation.
Our packing team
8
Unloading of home necessities
Our resident ‘angels’ from One Community 2014
Distribution of necessities packs
Rewarding our volunteers with a hearty meal
Events and happenings in Kembangan-Chai Chee
Preparing our donations
Advisor briefing the volunteers before the event
Volunteers sweating it out
Teamwork in sorting
A heartfelt gratitude to our volunteers
Our unsung volunteers doing all the packing work
Every little step counts
9
THE KALEIDOSCOPE
Events and happenings in Kembangan-Chai Chee
Cultivating volunteerism in the young
Everyone getting personally involved
Everyone focusing on their roles
In anticipation of the smiles they bring forth
Volunteers stringed by a common purpose
10
A heartware production line is formed
Transferring items efficiently with a human chain
Self-development and self-improvement
OUR LEARNING JOURNEY
5 STEPS TO A HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY Make this year’s Mother’s Day a meaningful one as you celebrate it in these different ways. It’s not too difficult to express our love for our mothers if you realise that they just want some quality time with their grown-up children once in a while. What better way to do this than to spend Mother’s Day (May 11) with the person that brought you up. Step 1: Talk to her It’s natural to take your mother for granted when you see her every day. This Mother’s Day, make it a point to ask her how she is doing and share your life with her as well. Most mothers delight in communicating with their children and receive a sense of love in this manner.
Step 2: Go on an adventure A family that goes on a zipline together stays together! Outgoing moms who love the sun will be thrilled by a morning in Bedok Reservoir Park’s Forest Adventure (www.forestadventure.com. sg). The centrepiece of the park is a tree top course consisting of 34 obstacles that promises to provide lots of fun and laughter, especially when you overcome them together. Step 3: Bring her shopping When was the last time you went out with your mom? In this busy day and age, it’s easy to find excuses if you can’t remember. Show your love
and appreciation by bringing her to a nearby shopping centre like Bedok Mall and showering her with gifts of her choice – something most mothers do every weekend with their children. Step 4: Take your mom for dinner The go-to activity for almost all special occasions, dinner is the perfect reason to gather the whole family at one table. If your mom is a fan of seafood, a perfect location is the East Coast Seafood Centre. Book your tables early and be sure to request for a table outside so you and your mom can enjoy a view of the coastline. Step 5: Sing the night away Who says karaoke is only for the young? Belt out your favourite tunes alongside your mom or serenade her with song at K Box at Bedok Point. Indulge her love for oldies from the 60s as the night winds down.
11
KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD
EDUSAVE AWARDS 2013 Conceived in 1993, the Edusave Scheme was introduced to maximise opportunities for all Singaporean children. Every year, students in Primary schools, Secondary schools, ITE’s and Junior Colleges are recognised for outstanding performances in academic as well as non-academic domains. In total, there are five categories of Edusave Awards: 1. Edusave Character Award – for students who demonstrate exemplary character and outstanding personal qualities.
12
Discover interesting hangouts and activities at Kembangan-Chai Chee 2. Edusave Award for Achievement, Good Leadership and Service (EAGLES) – for students who display strong leadership qualities, service to the community and schools, and excellence in non-academic activities. 3. Edusave Merit Bursory – for students from modest backgrounds who persevere and do well academically. 4. Edusave Good Progress Award – for students who have made significant improvements in academic performance. 5. Edusave Scholarships – for students in Primary and Secondary schools who have performed well academically. On December 28 and 29 of last year, the Edusave Awards were given out to the deserving students in a ceremony. Resident Adviser Mr Tan Chuan-Jin presented each winner with his or her award with the hope that they would be spurred on to even greater heights.
13
LOUDHAILER
ATTENTION
ALL RESIDENTS!
TCM CLINIC LAUNCHED The Chai Chee Cheng Hong TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) Clinic was officially opened by Mr Tan Chuan-Jin on Sunday, 19 January 2014. Located next to the Kembangan-Chai Chee Seniors Activity Centre, the clinic aims to provide residents with a convenient and accessible avenue in which they can seek medical treatment. The TCM clinic will be open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11am3pm and will be free of charge. It is open to all residents on a first-come-firstserved basis. The TCM clinic will be closed on public holidays.
14
The latest news and feedback from our Neighbourhood
CNY DINNER AT ROLAND RESTAURANT Residents of KembanganChai Chee celebrated Chinese New Year as one community on 22 February 2014 at Roland Restaurant in Marine Parade. It was a night with plenty of cheer and festivities as everyone, regardless of race, language or religion, enjoyed the great food and great company!
DISTRIBUTION OF ORANGES On Tuesday, 11 February 2014, Mr Tan Chuan-Jin traversed the shops around the Kembangan neighbourhood on foot to meet the various store owners and distribute oranges to them. All the store owners and storekeepers were glad to receive the oranges and were excited to pose for photos with Mr Tan.
15
BROTHERS IN ARMS
UPGRADING WORKS The Revitalisation of Shops (ROS) scheme will be applied to blocks 25A, 26A, 27A and 32A Chai Chee Road/Avenue, and repairs, redecoration and improvement works will be carried out at 14 blocks of flats, namely blocks 25 to 27, 25A, 26A, 27A Chai Chee Road and blocks 32 to 37, 32A, 40 Chai Chee Avenue in KembanganChai Chee division. The tender for the above works has been awarded to BM Buildling Pte Ltd and the contract is for the period from 25 November 2013 to 24 September 2014. Under the ROS, the proposed works to be carried out are awning, shop signage, high level linkway and entrance marker. The Town Council will also be carrying out repairs and redecoration works in conjunction with the ROS and works will commence concurrently.
Existing Condition
16
Artist’s Impression
PROPOSED HIGH LINKWAY
Existing Condition
Existing Condition
Artist’s Impression
Artist’s Impression
Acknowledging our community partners for their dedication and commitment to our neighbourhood
REJUVENATION PROJECT The rejuvenation of HDB Town and Neighbourhood Centres (TCs/NCs) project under the Remaking Our Heartland programme aims to create vibrancy and strengthen identity for these centres, and improve facilities for community interaction to benefit the retailers and residents. Chai Chee Neighbourhood Centre is one of the HDB NCs in the East Coast area that has been identified for common area upgrading under the rejuvenation project. As part of the design concept, a distinctive ‘Chai Chee’ precinct marker will be located at the cross junction of Chai Chee Road and New Upper Changi Road to demarcate the entrance of the NC. Besides creating a more conducive outdoor environment with new seats and improved landscaping, a multi-purpose community plaza and a central courtyard will also be provided for community interaction and activities. The project budget is S$2 million and will be fully funded by the government. The construction is targeted to commence in the second half of 2014 and will take about 12 months to complete.
17
WHAT’S NEW
KIDSREAD PROGRAMME An initiative of the National Library Board (NLB), the kidsREAD programme aims to cultivate good reading habits in children between 4-8 years old, and to provide them wide an avenue to interact with each other. Each session will last an hour and will be held once a week. Participation is open to children from families with gross monthly household income not exceeding S$3500 or per capita income not exceeding S$900. Older residents with a passion for books and a generous spirit can also join kidsREAD as volunteer readers or club coordinators. To join kidsREAD as a participant or a volunteer, or for more information, call 63424205 or email kidsread@nlb.gov.sg.
MURAL PAINTING @ CHAI CHEE Students from the Nanyang Polytechnic Design and Media Club joined forces with the elderly of the Senior Activity Centre and residents of Kembangan-Chai Chee to paint six murals at blocks 22, 23, and 24. In all, the venture attracted 50 participants. The murals, which depicted kampong life, were painted in four separate sessions over four different days – December23 and 27, January 2, and February 22.
18
Upcoming News and Events in Kembangan-Chai Chee
GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE
THE FOLLOWING LIST IS A SNAPSHOT OF EVENTS FROM APRIL TO MAY 2014 Date/Day
Time
Name of Activity
Venue
Organiser
Details
7-Apr to 26-May
7:00-8:30 pm
Aerobics Cum Yoga (Only For Women)
Kg Ubi CC
Kg Ubi CC
“8 Sessions $70 (M) $75 (NM)”
19-Apr to 19-Jul
10:00 to 11:30 am
Drama & Role Play Thru Story Telling (for Children age 4 to 7 yrs old)
Kg Kembangan CC
Kg Kembangan CC
“10 Sessions $95 (M) $100 (NM) $5 (MF)”
20-Apr to 6-Jul
10:30 to 12:00 am
Conversational Mandarin
Kg Ubi CC
Kg Ubi CC
“12 Sessions $80 (M) $85 (NM)”
21-Apr to 9-Jun
8:15-9:30 pm
Hatha Yoga (Elementary)
Kg Ubi CC
Kg Ubi CC
“8 Sessions $65 (M) $70 (NM)”
25-Apr
7:30 pm
Pasar Geylang Serai 50 years Golden Celebration
Pasar Geylang Serai
Geylang Serai Market Association
In celebration of 50 years anniversary for Pasar Geylang Serai Market
29-Apr
7:00 to 9:30 pm
Hawker’s Delight - Local Delights At Home Cooking
Kg Ubi CC
Kg Ubi CC
“1 Session $20 (M) $30 (NM)”
14-May to 4-Jun
7:30 to 9:30 pm
Cooking – Cake Making Workshop 1
Kg Kembangan CC
Kg Kembangan CC
“4 Sessions $68 (M) $72 (NM) $6 (MF)”
16-May
TBC
Sea Of Love 2014
Cruise
Family Life Champions
Getting Singles to go on board the cruise to get to know one another.
17-May
10:00 am
HIP Polling for Blk 55 to 63 Chai Chee Rd cum Block Party
Blk 58 Chai Chee Rd Void Deck
Ping An RC
HIP Polling for Blk 55 ~ 63
22-May to 31-Jul
4:45 to 5:30 pm
Tots Ballet – for new students age 31/2 to 5 yrs old
Kg Kembangan CC
Kg Kembangan CC
“10 Sessions $98 (M) $108 (NM)”
25-May
08:00 am
Community Sports Festival @ SE
Macpherson CC
Community Sports Club
Promote sporty lifestyle and SSC games booth
25-May
2:00 pm
Multi Racial Dumpling Festival
Kembangan CC
K-CC GROs
Promote multu cultural exchange via chinese festival
25-May
5:30 pm
Galloping Dreams @ KembanganChai Chee
Kembangan-Chai Chee Open Field
Community Arts & Cultural Committee
Large format visual & performance arts display based on the horse-year theme
31-May
9:00 am
Adviser Pre-Hari Raya Visit
Pasar Geylang Serai Market & Joo Chiat Complex
K-CC GROs
Visit to Stall and Shop owners in celebration of Hari Raya
*Details are updated at time of print. Residents are strongly encouraged to confirm event details nearer to date.
For enquiries and ticketing, please call: Kg Kembangan CC: 6449 6022, Kg Ubi CC: 6745 9919
19
1800-2222-888
contactus@pioneers.gov.sg
www.pioneers.sg