YOUR COMMUNITY BULLETIN OF KEMBANGAN - CHAI CHEE
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BELLS ARE RINGING BIKE SHOPS IN THE AREA YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT PG-14
THE GOLDEN GENERATION BIG-HEARTED HEROES KNOWING THE VOLUNTEERS WHO SERVE YOU PG-10
October - December 2014
For Lease Buyback Information HDB Hotline: 1800-225-5432 8am to 5pm (Weekdays)
ADVISER’S NOTE
Dear friends, Happy Holidays! I’d like to take the opportunity to wish everyone Happy Deepavali, Merry Christmas as well as a Great New 2015 Year ahead! Where we can, take a breather with your family and loved ones. Time spent with family is never wasted and we don’t really want to end up regretting at some point that we didn’t spend enough time with those who mean the most to us. Make time. As we prepare to wind down and enter the new year, it cannot escape us that it’d be our 50th year of independence next year. While there will be much to celebrate, it’d also be a time for reflection. What does it really mean to be Singaporean? Why are we proud to be who we are? Each year, I make it a point to visit the people behind the performances and the parade. Having organised the National Day Parade in 2009, I know that there is always much passion involved. Each year, I walk away from the visits with a palpable glow. The energy and cheerfulness of the participants are simply infectious. This has become, for me, one of the key moments of any National Day. It is an opportunity to remind myself that despite our grumbling, many do feel tremendously proud to be Singaporean. For us, nurturing our identity and building our nation are really about doing our part to build up the little relationships around us. Deepening family bonds is critical. Hence the need to spend time with our loved ones. Establishing friendships with our neighbours and those who live in our neighbourhood is an important step towards building a community. Experiences change when we actually know the people living about us. In this issue of The Tweeter, we recognise some of our volunteers who play their part on this front. We also see the community groups that have remained over time. Even the little shops and stores are gathering places where new friendships are forged and old ones renewed. Reflecting on who we are as a nation is really about reflecting about who we love and who our friends neighbours are. These are the building blocks of any nation. They make Singapore Home. Tan Chuan-Jin
THE TWEETER OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2014
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October-December 2014
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CONTENTS 3 Adviser’s Note
13 RCNC Common Issues
5 The Kaleidoscope
8 Community Hub
VWOs within Kembangan-Chai Chee Community Hub
10 Know Your Neighbourhood
Big-Hearted Heros
12 Our Learning Journey
Tips to Flying Cheaper!
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Improvement to roadside drains in Lorong Melayu Estate
14 Specialty Shops
Cyclist’s Champions
17 Brothers in Arms 18 Glimpse into the Future
Upcoming News and Events in Kembangan-Chai Chee
19 Ansar RC
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 MARINA CHONG 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
Connecting Residents at K-CC
24 Aug - One Community Walk
12 Jul - Photo Hunt
12 Jul - Photo Hunt
24 Aug - Eunosville Street Party @ 96 Joo Chiat Terrace
Aug - KCC International Cleaner’s Day
24 Aug - Post NDR Dialouge
24 Aug - Eunosville Street Party @ 96 Joo Chiat Terrace
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THE KALEIDOSCOPE
Mid-Autumn Festival 2014
6 Sep - Mid-Autumn Festival
6 Sep - Mid-Autumn Festival
6 Sep - Mid-Autumn Festival
Ramadan During the month of Ramadan, Adviser Tan ChuanJin distributed food and broke fast with Muslim residents at location such as Darul Aman Mosque, Al-Ansar Mosque, and Pasar Geylang Serai Market.
14 Jul - Habuan
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6 Sep - Mid-Autumn Festival
15 Jul - Iftar @ PGS
National Day Observance Ceremony
9 Aug - Observance Ceremony
National Day Dinner
9 Aug - Observance Ceremony
WeCare Pack Distribution
9 Aug - Pioneer Generation Dinner 9 Aug - National Day Dinner
9 Aug - National Day Dinner
29 Jun - WeCare Pack Distribution
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COMMUNITY HUB
VWOs Within Kembangan-Chai Chee Community Hub The New Charis Mission (TNCM) Block 1 and Block 2, Level 2 For youth • Team bonding and leadership camps. Open also to youth under probation after committing juvenile offences Rehabilitative programmes for exoffenders • Provides recreation facilities, bunks and consultation rooms.
Association for Persons with Special Needs (APSN) Centre for Adults Block 4 and Block 2, Level 2 Activities to pick up vocational and life skills • Food & Beverages Programmes • Hospitality Programmes • Horticulture & Grasscutting Programmes • Recycling Programmes • Commercial Handicraft Programmes • Contract Work Programmes Sheltered workshop for adults with disabilities. • Social Work • Psychology Services • Occupational Therapy • Professional Support Services Email: cfa_admin@apsn. org.sg Tel: 6346 2425 Fax: 6346 7518 www.apsn.org.sg
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Email: admin@tncm.org.sg Tel: 6483 3707 www.thenewcharismission.org.sg www.facebook.com/thenewcharismission
Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) Block 3 For those with intellectual disabilities Activities to pick up vocational and life skills • Employment Development Centres (EDCs) • Training and Development Centres (TDCs) Day Activity Centre for adults with disabilities MINDS (HQ) Email: minds@minds.org.sg Tel: 6479 5655 Fax: 6479 0706 www.minds.org.sg
WE CARE Community Services Block 5 For ex-offenders or those recovering from various addictions • Rehabilitation programmes [PsychoEducational) • Counselling/Therapy or support group sessions • Drop-in centre for recovering community • Conducting awareness/ educational talks Email: admin@ wecare.org Tel: 6547 5459 Fax: 6547 5458 www.wecare.org
Willing Hearts/ Cheng Hong Welfare Service Society Block 6 (soup kitchen) and Block 2 Level 1 (free clinic, dental, legal advice office)
Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic Operates: Mon/Wed (1pm-4pm, close on public holidays) Tel: 6749 3402 Legal Consultation Service Case by case via appointment booking Interested public can call: 64496022/67459919(Legal Advice) Dental Clinic Operates: Mon-Fri (9am-1pm, 2pm5pm) Sat (9am-1pm) Tel: 6749 3400 *By appointment only
For the needy elderly Free breakfasts and lunches Free medical and dental checks Help to tidy and refurbish homes Soup kitchen Provision of free meals to residents in need (currently provides free meal to K-CC residents) Interested public can call: 64496022(Free Meal) *Subject to requirement *Require self collection
Willing Hearts Email: willingheartsingapore@gmail.com Tel: 6476 1098 (Lily) www.willinghearts.org.sg Cheng Hong Welfare Service Society Email: info@chenghongwelfare.org Tel: 6748 2948 Fax: 6844 5969 www.chenghongwelfare.org THE TWEETER OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2014
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KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD
Big-hearted Heroes Always wanted to know these volunteers who serve within the area better? We break the ice for you
Cikgu Arif, 76 Widely recognised as “the top man� because of his proficiency at making gasing (the spinning top and kampong game unique to Singapore and Malaysia), Cikgu Arif is a gasing champion and has travelled to countries including New York, Rome, and Hong Kong to hold demonstrations. A volunteer for the past 32 years, the accomplished woodcarver not only teaches top-making at Kampong Ubi Community Centre but also helps with museum tours and various activities. The great-grandfather owns half of the Malay artefacts exhibited at the CC and has taught several Malay cultural classes at NUS.
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Uncle Sam, 69 A former fireman who had been selected for the national B division badminton team in his younger years, the man affectionately known as Uncle Sam went on to work as a truck driver before retiring in 2010 following a fall. The eloquent speaker not only hosts the various functions held by the Kambangan-Chai Chee Senior Activity Centre but also interacts with residents and helps with distributional duties daily. The charmer with a light blue ring around the irises of his eyes takes great pleasure in karaoke and can sing in numerous languages and dialects.
Mdm Khoo, 64 A Chai Chee block rep for the past two years, Mdm Khoo has been participating in volunteer work for the past five years. She not only makes it her responsibility to connect with the members of all 24 units of her block but also contributes to the centre’s activities via cooking – a great passion and strength of hers. Signature dishes by the cheery lady include curry chicken, dumplings, and red bean soup, and her house exterior is particularly known for being extravagantly-decorated during festive periods. Avid gardeners, Mdm Khoo and her husband are also recognised for their rows of pretty potted plants on display in the area.
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OUR LEARNING JOURNEY
Tips to Flying Cheaper! Singapore is now a hub for budget airlines. We let you in on some of the top tips to pay less and get more from low-cost flight carries
DON’T be tempted by the extras Book
6 weeks in advance
According to the Airlines Reporting Corporation, the price of flights is generally below average six weeks before departure.
Cut costs by avoiding offerings such as priority boarding and checkedin baggage. If you foresee yourself having to eat during a flight, pre-order your meal to pay less or bring your own snacks. Also, pack an empty bottle to fill water with at the boarding gate.
Two one-way flights may be CHEAPER than a return ticket Unlike conventional airlines, budget airlines do not usually provide cheaper fares for return flights. A one-way flight to and from your vacation spot could be cheaper than a return one to popular destinations such as Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Phuket.
Look out for BARGINS Some budget airlines offer discounts off flights regularly. For example, Scoot offers promotional fares to various destinations every Tuesday morning.
PRICE BEAT guarantee works
10% OFF
Some budget airlines such as Jetstar offer a 10 percent discount off their fare if you can find one of a lower price online. This usually works better for non-intra Asia flights.
SAVE on the convenience fee The credit card convenience fee can be as high as S$9 per one-way flight per person. Avoid paying this fee for certain budget airlines by booking your trip at least 14 days prior or making payment at Singpost. 12
THE TWEETER OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2014
Sign up for newsletters Most budget airlines make their promotional fares known through their free newsletters.
RCNC COMMON ISSUES
Improvements to Roadside Drains in the Lorong Melayu Estate Progress Update (Sep 2014) Lorong Melayu Estate (Improved Drain) - Merging Drain at Jalan Eunos
Before
After
Lorong Melayu Estate (Improved Drain) - Outside House No.83 Lorong Marican
Before
After
Lorong Melayu Estate (Improved Drain) - Outside House No.41 Lorong Melayu
Before
After THE TWEETER OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2014
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SPECIALTY SHOPS
Cyclists’ Companions We put the spotlight on some bicycle shops in the area so you know where to check out the next time you’re shopping for a two-wheeler
Soon Watt & Co. 482 Changi Road, S419895 Tel: 6445 4755 Open: Tue to Fri 12pm – 8pm; Sat 11am – 6pm; Sun 11am – 3pm www.facebook.com/Orbea.Singapore One of the island’s oldest bike stores, the established company owned by Ah Boon and Victor Yew is the official retailer of Spanish bicycle brand Orbea and offers the largest range of accessories by well-loved labels Topeak and Ergon. Parents will be happy to know that the fullservice shop managed by the charming Mave Goh also carries the multi-award winning kids’ bike range Orbea Grow.
Marine Hawaii Bike Shop Adjacent to the famed Marine Hawaii Photo Studio is this five-monthold new kid on the block by the genial Tan Poh Heng. A modest man who in his prime spent much time embarking on cycling trips across Malaysia and photography excursions around the region – check out the multitude of accolades and photos on his walls – he offers bikes by brands such as Bruno, Cronus, and Valo and bike rental services. 14
THE TWEETER OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2014
Blk 58 Marine Terrace #01-51, S440058 Tel: 6242 1391 Open: Mon to Sat 12pm – 8pm; Sun & PH 12pm – 6.30pm www.facebook.com/ MHBikeRental
Integrated Riding 96 Koon Seng Road, S427035 Tel: 6346 0448 Open: Mon to Fri 12pm - 8pm; Sat 12pm - 5pm www.facebook.com/integratedriding The affable Lim Thiam Sing launched the popular highend bike store previously located along Changi Road in 2010. A regional distributor of Boardman Bikes, the company avails bikes by brands such as Swift Carbon, Saracen, and Ridgeback and not only sponsors various riders and athletes but also actively contributes to charity events including Ride for Rations and Ride for Rainbows.
12cycle 80 Marine Parade Central, S440080 Tel: 6345 7112 Open: Mon to Fri 10am – 8pm; Sat & Sun 9am – 9pm www.facebook.com/12Cycle
Situated strategically in the heartland, the spacious shop run by a youthful Koh Zhen Rong stocks bikes by Ridgeback, Saracen, and Boardman Bikes and foldable ones by Dahon and Java, among others. The twoyear-old store’s bestsellers are its hybrid and foldable bikes, and aside from a comprehensive range of bicycle services and accessories also has rental bikes available.
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SPECIALTY SHOPS
EverythingBikez 299 Joo Chiat Road, S427550 Tel: 6348 9727 Open: 11.30am – 10pm daily www.facebook.com/pages/verythingbikezcom/282436625227758
Opened by Eugene Ng, the grandson of the man behind the 50-year-old bike shop Gee Hin Chan at Waterloo Street, the year-old EverythingBikez presents a wide array of foldable and hybrid bikes and is the sole local agent of folding bike brand Anemos. If looking to take a break from the bikes for a bit, pick up quality skate scooters for the entire family here.
Leong Kong Bicycle & Electrical Co. 8 Eunos Crescent, S400008 Tel: 6745 2909 Open: Mon-Sat: 9.30am to 7.30pm, Sun: 9.30am to 1pm Acquire bikes or get repair work done at affordable prices at this old-school store that has been operational since 1976. The shop managed by Ng Kok Chuen and his wife avails an assortment of mountain and foldable bikes, and those into all things retro will be delighted to know that the oldfashioned tricycles for kids can be found here.
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BROTHERS IN ARMS
Path of Light We talk to the committee members of Yew Ghee Sia to learn about some of the history and contributions of the philanthropic association
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ncepted in 1939 to bring together immigrants who were lodging at Kampong Chai Chee, Yew Ghee Sia has come a long way in serving the community in the area and remains active in assisting residents. Founding members steered away from the then-rampant pastime of gambling and devoted their time to structuring a place where people could build ties and experience a sense of belonging. The association had moved from a kampong-style attap dwelling to a semi-detached house before dropping anchor at its current wellappointed location. Yew Ghee Sia regularly acted as a mediator between two parties in a dispute and following
Singapore’s independence was one of the places where PAP issued passports to citizens. It was also a rehab centre for recovering opium addicts and a temporary clinic during the tuberculosis epidemic. Some of its members have served on the board of directors of Ping Yi Secondary School, and the organisation is still involved in the education of schoolchildren by providing needy families with bursaries. Although the number has dwindled because of the ageing population there are still more than a hundred members at the association, many of whom turn up during the weekly tea sessions or even daily to play chess and socialise with one another. Some members also make it a point to turn up at funerals in the area to pay respects and lend comfort to families. While the current leaders of Yew Ghee Sia understand that the younger generation does not possess the kampong spirit they hope that more youths will step forward and carry on the spirit of the community created by their forefathers 75 years ago.
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glimpse into the future
The following list is a snapshot of events from October to December 2014 Date / Day
Time
Name of Activity
Venue
Details
18 Oct 14
12.00 pm - 2.00 pm
Adviser’s Lunch gathering with New & Potential Volunteer for K-CC
Kembangan CC
For interested new volunteers, pre registration required.
30 Nov 14
7.00 pm - 9.00 pm
K-CC Racial and Religious Harmony
Blk 39 Chai Chee
Inter racial celebration
06 Dec 14
7.00pm – 9.00pm
O3 @ Telok Kurau Park
Lorong J Telok Kurau Park
Performances, dance, live bands etc Fee: 4.00
27-28 Dec
9.00am -6.30pm
Edusave Award & SE CDC Education Award 2014
Kembanagan CC
Nomination by MOE for outstanding performance
26 Nov14
2.00pm -3.30pm
Ice Cream Cheesecake Making
Kg Ubi CC
1 Session: $25 (M) $30 (NM) $5 (Material Fee)
30 Oct 14 to 18 Dec 14
7.30pm -9.30pm
Western Flowers Arrangement Stage I
Kg Kembangan CC
8 Sessions: $65 (M) $75 (NM) $10-$20 (Material Fee)
December School Holiday Programmes for kids 1 Session: $10 (M) $15 (NM) $2 (Material Fee)
19 Nov 14
9.30am -10.30am
Windmill Painting
Kg Kembangan CC
22 Nov 14
9.30am -12.30pm
Digital Music – Composition & Song Writing (for children age 5 to 10 yrs old)
Kg Kembangan CC
26 Nov 14
9.30am -1.30pm
Robotics: Rise of the EV3 Robot Goozilla (for children age 9 to 12 yrs old)
Kg Kembangan CC
1 Session $55 (M) $60 (NM)
04 Dec 14
10.00am - 12.30pm
The Disappearance of Little Ozzi Magician (for children age 7 to 10 yrs old)
Kg Kembangan CC
1 Session: $32 (M) $37 (NM) $3 (Material Fee)
08 Dec14
10.00am -12.30pm
Monster Robots Challenge (for children age 6 to 9 yrs old)
Kg Kembangan CC
08 Dec14
2.00pm - 4.30pm
Robot Engineers: Battle of the Mutant Bots (for children age 9 to 12 yrs old)
09 Dec 14
2.00pm - 5.00pm
10 Dec 14
1 Session: $60 (M)
$65 (NM)
1 Session: $38 (M)
$43 (NM)
Kg Kembangan CC
1 Session: $38 (M)
$43 (NM)
SpideyKid Robots (for children age 6 to 10 yrs old)
Kg Kembangan CC
1 Session: $45 (M)
$50 (NM)
10.00am -12.30pm
Mutant Heroes: Adventure of the Turtlez Ninjas (for children age 5 to 8 yrs old)
Kg Kembangan CC
1 Session $32 (M) $37 (NM) $2 (Material Fee)
16 Dec 14
9.30am - 12.15pm
Improve Spatial Intelligence Fun with Tangrams (for children age 6 to 9 yrs old)
Kg Kembangan CC
1 Session $35 (M) $40 (NM)
16 Dec 14
2.30pm - 5.30pm
Angry Space Science (for children age 5 to 9 yrs old)
Kg Kembangan CC
1 Session $35 (M) $40 (NM)
22 Dec 14
2.30pm - 5.30pm
Secret Math Tricks Revealed (for children age 8 to 11 yrs old)
Kg Kembangan CC
1 Session $35 (M) $40 (NM)
*Details are updated at time of print. Residents are strongly encouraged to confirm event details nearer to date.
For enquiries, please call: Kg Kembangan CC: 6449 6022, Kg Ubi CC: 6745 9919 18
The tweeter october-december 2014
ANSAR RC
Coming Together at Ansar RC Besides marking Singapore’s 49th year of independence, 2014 also leads up to the nation’s 50th birthday next year. Ansar RC ushered in the SG50 celebration with a bang by allowing this year’s celebration to be a preview of what is to come for the string of grand SG50 festivities. “Big” was the theme as the committee explored big ideas, big concepts, big budgets and finally decided to return to the root of it all – a simple, big flag visible to all that represents the infrastructural growth of Singapore during the past 49 years. The block selected to showcase the giant flag borders the MRT line connecting the world’s best airport to Singapore’s first HDB estate, the well-known reclaimed land Marine Parade, and the landed properties of Opera Estate. It fronts the exterior of the modest HDB block to signify the type of dwelling that houses majority of the Singaporean population.
The strips of cloth painted red and white that collectively make up the Singapore flag and the individual fabrics combined symbolise our society and its diverse races, languages, religion – all of which exist harmoniously on our island. The often-talked about kampong spirit was also represented with this display as a village was needed to prepare and put up the flag, as will one be needed to maintain it with the honour and respect it deserves. One can surely feel a sense of pride and patriotism as they look upon the big red and white exhibit adorned with the crescent and five stars. Majulah Singapura!
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