your Community bulletin of Kembangan - Chai Chee
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July - September 2014
We Love SG Flowers Learn how to craft flowers with recycled plastic bags
OUR PEOPLE OUR HOME The Joys of Teaching
Your instructors talk about the rewards of sharing their knowledge
Adviser’s note
Dear friends, The theme for our National Day celebration this year is “Our People, Our Home�. While seemingly stating the obvious, it is a useful reminder for us to reflect about how it is often our people and relationships that make this place home. Together as a community, everyone play their roles, contributing their individual effort, however small. Over time, we see residents and the agencies coming together to put in place many improvement works and services in the estate so that we have a better living environment. We see volunteers putting in time and effort to help those in need as they believe that their effort can make a difference. Everyone of us is unique in our own way and can contribute to make a difference to the place we live and to the others around us. I hope that more of you can come forward to join us, whether in the various programmes such as meal distributions, KidzCare, befriender for the elderly or community activities that we are organizing. Hope to see you soon. Happy National Day. Tan Chuan-Jin
July-September 2014
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ContentS 3 Adviser’s Note
13 RCNC Common Issues
5 The Kaleidoscope
8 News Around the Area
Enhancing the lives of residents
10 Our Learning Journey
Self-development and self-improvement
11 Know Your Neighbourhood
Leaders of various community events
Resolving issues raised by residents
14 Food Trail
Delicious eats at Kembangan-Chai Chee
17 Brothers in Arms 18 What’s New 19 Glimpse into the Furture
Upcoming News and Events in Kembangan-Chai Chee
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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 ADORA WONG 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.
The kaleidoscope
Events and Happenings in Kembangan-Chai Chee
Many activities were organised for our residents to meet and bond with each other during the period between April and June. Some of these activites included the WeCare Pack distribution – where the Adviser and volunteers gave out essential items to single, elderly residents, many of whom are immobilised and home-bound – and the Eunosville Street Party, where residents mingled and provided feedback. Other events that took place were the Lengkong Tiga brisk walk cum Mother’s Day celebration, the Dumpling Festival, and the CACC PAssionArts Month celebration. We thank our residents for the support and hope to see you soon.
Jun14 - WeCare Pack Distribution
May 14 - Lengkong Tiga Briskwalk cum Mothers Day
Apr14 - Eunosville Street Party
Jun14 - Multiracial Dumpling Festival
Jun14 - CACC Galloping Dreams
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The kaleidoscope
Events and happenings in Kembangan-Chai Chee
May 14 - Lengkong Tiga Briskwalk cum Mothers Day
Jun 14 - SME Dialogue
Jun 14 - Singapore River Tour
May 14 – Community Malay Culture Fiesta
Jun 14 - CACC Galloping Dreams
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Jun 14 - Lengkong Tiga Kukup Durian Tour
May 14 - Ping An HIP Polling
World Cup 2014 Screening
World Cup Fever !!!
Projection screens for residents to view the matches
Mr Zaidin & Family, All Gear Up to support their favourite team
Family Bonding Time
A happy resident receiving his lucky draw prize
Bringing back the Kampong Spirit
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News around the area
Children Care KidzCare @ K-CC is a series of programmes for primary and secondary school children living in the constituency. These programmes are intended for facilitators to befriend and provide a support network for children so that they may cultivate their confidence and their interest in learning. If you wish to participate and contribute to these programmes, drop Nicholas an email at nicholas_soh@pa.gov.sg.
Homework Club Homework can be tough. Hence, the Homework Club was started to help make homework more manageable. The children may choose to pop by any time they wish to seek assistance with their school work. Volunteers will guide the children in solving their homework questions as well as revise topics taught in school. Homework Club sessions are held every Thursday and Sunday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Blk 23A Chai Chee Road. All are welcome!
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Enhancing the lives of residents
Mentoring Club Transitioning into a teenager and handling exam stress are some things that may prove unsettling for children as they grow older. A group of our youth volunteers recognised these issues and started to form a Mentoring Club in which mentors provide guidance for the children on a one-to-one basis. These mentors maintain bi-weekly contact with the kids through activities, outings, makan sessions or just by simply providing a listening ear. The mentors hope to guide and support the children in their development while providing support to deal with the ups and downs of life.
as well as with our volunteers and indulge in educational opportunities beyond the classroom. Till date, we have brought the children to the Science Centre, Snow City, the Army Museum of Singapore, Singapore Discovery Centre, and various farms.
Tuition Programmes Children from underprivileged backgrounds receive support so that they may continue with their academic pursuits. The organisation works with the YMCA and other self-help groups to provide tuition at no cost to these children. As such, the children will be able to understand their school work better and build their confidence in coping with school.
Back to School Outings These are fun trips for the children where they can bond with others in the neighbourhood
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Self-development and self-improvement
Our Learning Journey
We Love SG Flowers Learn how to craft flowers with recycled plastic bags An eight-month community engagement project, We Love SG Flowers promotes the 3Rs – reuse, reduce, and recycle – and is part of the celebration of Singapore 50. More than one million flowers, each of which represents the love and good wishes for Singapore, made by various communities will be presented during the prelude and finale of Chingay 2015. The sea of flowers will also be displayed as an art installation at several community centres and at the PAssionArts Festival, which will be held from August 2014 to June 2015.
10cm
Using one medium-size plastic bag
15cm
Using two medium-size plastic bags
Suggested Guidelines for Contributing to SG Flowers Use recycled plastic bags only Coloured plastic bags are ideal Minimum size: 10cm x 10cm Make a mixture of small and big flowers; big flowers can be made using two medium-size plastic bags
Flower-making Process
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Lay a medium-size recycled plastic bag on a flat surface
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Cut the plastic bag into two
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Tear and twist the edges to form flower petals
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Roll up the plastic bag loosely to form a flower
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You made a We Love SG Flower!
Leaders of various community events
Know Your neighbourhood
The Joys of Teaching
Teachers make a difference in the lives of many. These instructors of various disciplines at two of our community centres talk about the rewards of imparting their skills.
We are very happy teaching as we can see our students improve and make friends with them. Teaching not only allows us mental and physical exercise but also a great sense of satisfaction as we help people of all ages to stay healthy. Er Soo Lang, 61, and Tan Chay Hoe, 62, are DanceFIT instructors at Kampong Ubi CC. The husband-and-wife team also teaches line dance, Chinese dance, and folk dance, and has travelled widely around the region to take part in various competitions. They each have over 30 years of dance experience and have also been involved with Chingay Parades.
It’s a joy sharing the knowledge of yoga and to learn about the needs of different body types. Because I teach, I crave to learn even more about the practice, and as a result I am always growing as I continuously upgrade myself by attending many seminars and conferences. Dolly Gwee, 53, has been teaching yoga at Kampong Ubi CC for the past 13 years. She also teaches yoga at Temasek Poly and Pan Pacific Singapore Hotel, among several other locations.
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Know Your Neighbourhood
I feel really happy when I have the support of parents. For example, when I first got married my husband asked me to quit teaching, but after many parents called and asked me to continue teaching I decided to go back to it. To teach children, you must really like them! Cherlie Lau, 52, teaches art to kids at Kampong Ubi CC. She has a background in graphic design and has been teaching at community centres for 30 years.
Because children are playful, I have to understand how to get them to focus. My greatest joy from teaching kids is when they recognise me even though it’s been years since they graduated. I usually do not think that they will remember me, but when they do, it makes my day. Juan Xian, 31, a taekwondo instructor at Kembangan-Chai Chee CC, picked up the sport at the age of 17 and has been teaching for 10 years. She can be found leading classes at the complex every Monday and Friday evening.
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Qigong aids tendon stretching and improves energy. I noticed that a lot of people who were not well and who were dealing with the degenerating effects of ageing saw a boost in their health after getting active with health qigong. I always stress that determination is very important. Joining an activity like qigong in a group helps as it is very easy to give up after a while when alone. Alice Ho, 62, is the chairman of the Qigong Shi Ba Shi Association Singapore. She teaches qigong shi ba shi and health qigong at KembanganChai Chee CC and has had 28 years of teaching experience.
RCNC Common Issues
Hearing Our People Out The residents’ committees and neighbourhood committees listened to the concerns of residents and took measures to solve the various issues Residents’ Committees Estate Maintenances Agencies involved: HDB/MPTC/NEA Issue
Resolution
High rise littering/ throwing of bird feed out of window
Residents are issued reminders and informative brochures so that they may be educated on estate cleanliness. NEA encourages residents to take photos of offenders to deter them from repeating their actions. NEA also installed cameras to monitor the various situations
Urine at staircase corners and inside lifts
MPTC put up posters and installed CCTVs in lifts to prevent it from happening again
Transport Issues Agencies involved: LTA/HDB Issue
Resolution
Limited car park lots for residents
HDB is limiting the number of white lots in the car parks and are only availing them in the higher floors of multi-storey car parks
Inadequate frequency of Bus Service 222
GROs worked with LTA to source for private bus operators to serve alongside the existing Bus Service 222 during peak hours. Bus Service 222P was launched in early 2014 to alleviate the crowding
Inadequate frequency of Bus Service 222
Limited car park lots for residents
Neighbourhood Committees Traffic Issues (Illegal parking and speeding) Agency involved: LTA Issue
Resolution
Taxis speeding at the junctions of Jln Ishak and There was also feedback that it was the taxis that were not slowing down Lor Marican when approaching the junctions, and that many did not stop at the stop line. This issue will be raised in the LTA operational meeting with taxi operators to advise taxi drivers to observe traffic rules Illegal parking issues
The adviser has urged residents to take photos of the illegal parking of cars and to send them to LTA for enforcement
Cleanliness/Hygiene and Dengue Issues Agencies involved: NEA/PUB Issue
Resolution
Clogged drains at the back of a resident’s home causing the breeding of mosquitoes
A site reccee was performed to assess the situation. The resident was paid a few home visits and PUB was contacted to resolve the issue. Residents were notified of the drainage works to take place
The drain behind his unit was not cleaned regularly and water could not flow through smoothly
DPC to repair/regrade the drain to help improve the drain flow. As the drain is affected by tides, the repair work can only be carried out during low tide DPC has communicated with the resident directly and will monitor the area closely
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Food Trail
Delicious eats at Kembangan-Chai Chee
Foodie Favourites We put the spotlight on signature dishes of popular eateries in the area that consistently delight the young and old
Fresh Fruits Lab 351 Changi Road,S419818 Tel: 6677 6741 Open 11:00am – 10:00pm Daily (Closed on Mondays) A chic bistro and bar with a focus on fruit-infused, laboratory-style dishes, the new kid on the block is big on experimental and nourishing creations. The Da Bomb Burger, a scrumptious heavyweight that includes a 250g beef patty, is sure to satisfy, but if looking to eat healthy the Spice-Me-Up and the Kiwi-Me-Up, the latter of which comprises a yuzu-made wrap, will keep you in shape. An array of wholesome, flavourful teas are available; be sure to get your hands on a slice of the very popular rainbow cake.
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Seng Kee Black Chicken Herbal Soup 467 Changi Rd, S419887 Tel: 6746 4089 A stone’s throw away from Kembangan MRT Station, the Open 5:00pm – 4:00am Daily humble but prominent establishment is famous for their kidney vermicelli (mee sua), steamed fish, and la la (clams) in lemon sauce, among others. The famed black herbal chicken soup is a must-try; aside from being appetising it is believed to aid blood circulation and restore energy.
Rice & Fries 484 Changi Rd, S419896 Tel: 9738 6648 Open 11:00am – 11:00pm Daily Cosy and family-friendly, the restaurant is easily accessible and serves hotel-quality fare at affordable rates. Star dishes include the lamb shank, rack o’ ribs, and soft-shell crab marinara, and the forest mushroom cappuccino and the garlic potato soups are unique well-loved appetisers. End your meal with a luscious chocolate lava cake for a meal to tell your friends about.
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Food Trail
Mak’s Place – The Hawkerant 401 Changi Rd, S419847; tel: 6844 7656 Open 4:30pm – 1:00am (Closed on Mondays) The coffee shop with a sizable following serves delicious Chinese-Muslim fare, wellknown dishes of which include the butter squid, an addictively crispy and buttery delight, the cereal prawn, and the salted egg crab. Sample the flavourful sambal kangkong or the Thai spicy beef for dish variations or tuck into the tasty and tender sirloin steak for a fulfilling meal.
Goldhill Hakka Restaurant 299A Changi Rd, S419777; tel: 6842 4283 Open 11:00am – 4:00pm (Closed on Mondays) Renowned for its Hakka yong tau foo, which attains its distinctive flavour from fillings made with fish paste instead of the usual pork meat, the eatery is also popular for its yu sheng (raw fish) that is served with sesame oil, garlic, and ginger and for its yam abacus, a classic dish of dimpled balls of yam doused with condiments. Order the steamed la la and the fried kailan for more delectable eats.
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Brothers in arms
Serving You Better A quick look at the upgrading works recently made in these areas around Kembangan-Chai Chee that will better the lives of residents. Before
After
Streetlight New footpath
A footpath with streetlights has been constructed at the end of Jln Grisek units 2 and 3. Before
After
Streetlight
Upgraded foothpath and new lighting at Jalan Rahmat/Jalan Sarina The footpath located between Jln Selamat and Jln Senang has been levelled and installed with streetlights. Steps and railings have also been constructed at the end of Taman Selamat. Before
After
Newly installed lightings (In progress)
Before
After
Newly resurfaced footpath
Newly installed steps and railings
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What’s new
Service 222P Launched in April and operated by private bus operator ComfortDelGro Bus, the peak period short service 222P was introduced to alleviate the crowding of feeder bus service 222 during peak hours and to make it more convenient for Chai Chee residents to commute to Bedok. Service 222P travels from Bedok MRT Station to New Upper Changi Road, Chai Chee Road, Chai Chee Street, and Chai Chee Drive and operates from 5.45am – 7.45am on weekday mornings and 4.45pm – 6.45pm on weekday evenings.
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Volunteers committed to enhancing the living environment of Kembangan-Chai Chee were the ones who made the commencement of bus service 222P possible. These caring residents had conveyed the issue of overcrowding to the grassroots leaders, and the leaders in turn raised the issue with the community adviser and stakeholders.
Upcoming News and Events in Kembangan-Chai Chee
Glimpse into the future
Nerf Interest Group will be held in Kg Ubi CC starting August on the last Sunday of every month. 10:00am-12:00pm. Look out for the heartland games or contact Kg Ubi CC for more information.
The following list is a snapshot of events from July to september 2014 Date / Day
Time
Name of Activity
Venue
Details
8-Jul to 30-Sep
7.30pm-8.30pm
Yamaha Children’s Electone Course (Level 6A)
Kg Kembangan CC
11 sessions $280(m) / $280 (nm)
31-Jul
6:45pm-9:00pm
International Cleaners’ Day 2014
Blk 22 Chai Chee Hard Court
Recognition of efforts by cleaners
31-Jul to 2-Oct
8.30pm-9.30pm
Line Dance (Adult)-Elementary II
Kg Kembangan CC
10 sessions $56(m) / $60 (nm)
09-Aug
7:30am-9:30am
National Observance Ceremony
Hard Court next to Blk 61 Chai Chee Road
Pre registration required
11-Aug to 29-Sep
8.15pm-9.15pm
Spiral Pilates
Kg Kembangan CC
8 sessions $80 (m) / $85 (nm)
13-Aug to 1-Oct
7:30pm-9:30pm
Ki –Aikido
Kg Ubi CC
8 sessions $80 (m) / $100 (nm) Age: 12 Years and Above
13-Aug to 15-Oct
8:00pm-9:30pm
Malay Language For Adults
Kg Ubi CC
10 sessions $85 (m) / $90 (nm)
23-Aug
7:00pm-10:30pm
National Day Dinner 2014
Blk 35 Chai Chee Hard Court
Pre registration required
24-Aug
7:30am-10:00am
One Community Walk
Kg Kembangan CC
An Island wide mass briskwalking session organised by individual division
3-Sep to 22-Oct
8.00pm-9.30pm
Health Qigong
Kg Ubi CC
8 sessions $45 (m) / $50 (nm)
06-Sep
7:00pm-9:00pm
K-CC Mid-Autumn Festival 2014
Hard Court next to Blk 61 Chai Chee Road
Celebration of yearly mid autumn festival with residents
07-Sep
9:00am-5:00pm
Nerf Fiesta 2014
Tanjong Pagar Railway Station
Pre registration required. Contact Kg Ubi CC for more information
10-Sep to 1-Oct
7:30pm-9:30pm
Cooking – Cake Making Workshop
Kg Kembangan CC
4 sessions $68(m) / $$70(m) + $6(material fees)
20-Sep
2:00pm-4:30pm
Indian Resident Dialogue With Adviser
Kg Ubi CC
Dialogue session to understand concerns faced by Indians in Singapore
21-Sep to 9-Nov
9.30am -10.45am
Yin Yang Yoga
Kg Ubi CC
8 sessions $90 (m) / $95 (nm)
28-Sep to 14-Dec
4:00pm-6:00pm
Taekwondo (Singapore Taekwondo Federation)
Kg Ubi CC
12 sessions $25 (m) / $30 (nm)
*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