BRIDGE - Jan/Feb 2015

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JAN/FEB 2015

RIDGE

What’s Inside ON THE GROUND 22,000 benefit from firms giving back Page 6

PERSONALITY Fit for life Pages 14-15

WELLNESS Pose. Breathe. Focus.

Pages 16-17

years

a green champ PLUS

Bonus for a big heart Page 10

MAKAN Special diets in the neighbourhood Pages 18-19

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ONTHEGROUND

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

Activities galore at the Clean and Green Singapore 2015 held on 9 November last year.There were booths showcasing the community’s environmental efforts across Singapore, as well as interactive exhibits for the residents. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, South West District Mayor Low Yen Ling, and Chairman of South West CDC’s Environment Functional Committee Tiew Chew Meng (third from left in the bottom left photo).

The Green Revol

One of the challenges in South West District’s green journey is getting residents to drop old habits and attitudes

I

n recognition of its efforts and contributions to the environment, the South West District has been given the Best Community Achievement Award for the 10th time. This was presented at “Clean and Green Singapore 2015”.

However, to the man who has been the South West District’s moving force in championing environmental causes over the last three years, the journey ahead is still a long, hard one.

“We’ve faced many challenges in educating residents on environmental issues, and there is still a lot to be done,” said Mr Tiew Chew Meng, Chairman of the South West CDC's Environment Functional Committee.

One important area which he sees as the biggest hurdle

and still needing much work is changing how people think.

This, he predicts will take some time.

He cited the simple act of setting temperature of the air-conditioner to the recommended 25 degrees Celsius. By doing so, less fossil fuel is used and less heat is released into the atmosphere, thus reducing the harmful impact on the environment.

“In my younger days,” the 47-year-old recalled, “my mindset was –– shouldn’t I turn it to 18 degrees Celsius if I want my bedroom to be cooler?”

It took him a while to adjust his thinking, admitted Mr Tiew, the Managing Director of a lighting company. He added: “It doesn’t actually take very long to cool my bedroom.”

Explaining complex concepts in layman's terms to interest residents in protecting the environment is another challenge his committee faces.

One way to help residents understand environmental issues, he reckoned, is to use examples which people can relate to easily.

“I tell them about protecting the trees they can physically see, versus something like protecting the ozone layer”, he explained.

“We can roll out many initiatives, but the important thing is to make sure residents have a stake in them.”

One clear example is the introduction of a smartphone application. The Intraix app tracks energy usage in the house and the amount of money that can be saved

on electricity bills. Tips on saving energy are part of the App. Mr Tiew also believes that it is important to inculcate care for the environment from young. Hence, programmes such as “Green Schools @ South West” and “My Preschool Shines @ South West” play an important part.

Through these, his committee hopes to educate young people as well as members of their family.

At the launch of “Clean and Green Singapore 2015”, on 9 November last year, South West District Mayor Low Yen Ling highlighted the need for every resident to play a part in protecting the environment.

One significant initiative, she pointed out, is the “Environment and Community (ECo) Plan

South West”, a 10-year sustainability masterplan which was launched in 2009.

“It has become part of our lives in the South West District, to raise the community’s overall awareness and advocate effective actions,” she noted.

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“We can roll out

many initiatives, but the important thing is to make sure residents have a stake in them.”

Mr Tiew Chew Meng Chairman of the South West CDC’s Environment Functional Committee.

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Yew Tee clinches ‘Best Constituency (Ownership)’ award About 200 residents fanned out over nine residential zones in Yew Tee last April to pick up litter and identify areas which are prone to high-rise littering, under “The B.I.G. Spring Clean @ Yew Tee”.

During the mass clean-up, volunteers picked up cigarette butts, bottles and plastic bags among other items discarded at grass patches in the area.

Anti-littering reminders were also posted on the “Friends of Yew Tee” Facebook page.

This annual initiative, which started in 2013, helped the division to win the Best Constituency (Ownership) award at “Clean and Green Singapore 2015”.

Volunteers in Yew Tee also came together to form litter-free watch groups under a programme known as “High-rise Littering Outreach @ Yew Tee”, which highlights the dangers of high-rise littering to residents.

In recognition of the hard work in keeping the estate clean, the Yew Tee division presented 64 contract cleaners with tokens of appreciation.

lution @ South West PROGRAMMES UNDER CLEAN AND GREEN SINGAPORE ARE DESIGNED: • To raise awareness and increase the adoption of good public health and hygiene habits; • To increase the conservation of resources, such as energy and water, and fight climate change; and

South West District Mayor Low Yen Ling (second from left) received the symbolic cheque of $15,000 from Mr Georges Grosliere (far left), Manufacturing Director of the Singapore Chemical Plant, ExxonMobil Chemical Company.

Our Home nment Our Enviro Our Future e e Singapor Sustainabl 2015 Blueprint

• To allow residents to appreciate nature and create more green spaces.

The South West CDC rolled out 85 environment-friendly programmes in 2014, involving grassroots organisations, residents and corporate partners, to build community ownership.

“Clean and Green Singapore 2015” was launched by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the open field next to Lot One Shoppers’ Mall and showcased the community’s environmental efforts across Singapore, as well as interactive exhibits to engage residents.

Two new campaigns were introduced at the event. One was the “ExxonMobil Bright Spots Challenge @ South West” (see other story) and the other was the No Waste Days Challenge, which aims to reduce the amount of food thrown away and the use of disposables like plastic and paper.

ExxonMobil takes on ‘Bright Spots Challenge’ The South West Community Development Council and ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, together with the National Environment Agency (South West Regional Office) have teamed up to kick off the “Bright Spots Challenge’’ at the district’s annual “Clean Up South West!” event on 25 January.

This new initiative aims to increase community ownership by keeping community spaces in the South West District clean.

ExxonMobil has pledged to contribute $1 for every student participating in this challenge. The amount is capped at $250 per school, with the funds collected going to the respective schools’ needy students. ExxonMobil has pledged $15,000 to this challenge.

Exxonmobil’s Public and Government Affairs Manager, Ms Michele Ng, said: “This partnership with the CDC is a win-win relationship for both the organisation and the community.”

She emphasised: “Our goal is to create awareness among the students to take proper care of their neighbourhoods by keeping them litter-free, and to do our part in making the South West District a cleaner and more pleasant environment to live, study and work in.”

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ONTHEGROUND

22,000 benefit JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

from firms giving back

To celebrate volunteerism, the South West CDC launched a guide to help companies connect at its appreciation dinner

T

he quartet of cajon players on stage slapped the sides of their box-shaped instruments with vigour. In the 200-strong audience, representatives of corporate partners, big and small, clapped enthusiastically in sync with the beat.

Mr Douglas Foo, President of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF), was among the “lucky”

few who discovered they had the Peruvian percussion instrument hidden underneath their seats, and gamely had a go at drumming up a storm.

Such was the energy throughout the “South West Community Development Council (CDC) Corporate Partners’ Appreciation Dinner”, held on 29 October to celebrate philanthropic acts and volunteerism.

Mayor Low Yen Ling observed, to much laughter, that some guests had given out “half their boxes” of name cards barely an hour into the dinner, setting, hopefully, the foundation for future partnerships which could benefit South West residents.

To encourage more companies to join the “family”, she launched the South West Corporate

Connect! Guide, an illustrated guidebook produced in collaboration with the SMF and SPRING Singapore.

This explains how SMEs can access services that can improve their businesses, such as advice on best practices. It also explains how the CDC can facilitate their efforts to give back to the community.

“I think when you give, you receive even more. No

Top: An artist finishes the mural while cajon players bang their box-shaped instruments with vigour.

Above: (From left) Singapore Manufacturing Federation President Douglas Foo, SPRING Singapore Assistant Chief Executive Chew Mok Lee, Mayor Low and Mr Seow Choke Meng, South West CDC Volunteerism and Philanthropy Functional Committee Chairman launching the guidebook to services.

matter how small the SME is, we just have to start with the simple step of giving back,” said Mayor Low, noting: “Many organisations are answering the call to be responsible corporate citizens, by supporting meaningful causes that resonate with their business.”

In the fiscal year 2013/2014, more than 100 donated over $1.1 million in cash and kind. The funds were channelled to more than 70 projects to improve the lives of some 22,000 South West residents.

“Because of you, we have a bigger and stronger social safety net to support those in need,” said Mayor Low. Among the contributors, two – CapitaLand Hope Foundation and DSO National Laboratories – were presented with the South West CDC Corporate Caring Award, for their “tremendous effort not just in fundraising but also the energy individual staff members devoted to the cause”.

Both organisations’ efforts were for young people. The foundation, the philanthropic arm of real estate company CapitaLand, has been providing about $90,000 annually for four years, while defence research agency DSO has been contributing around $150,000 annually for the last three years.

This is the third time the CDC gave out the awards.

Mayor Low also announced that the CDC will conduct its first “Corporate Social Responsibility Survey”, to better understand the aims of its partners and “enable a greater match between the capabilities and objectives of corporations, and the needs of the community”.

“Let’s build this wonderful partnership and forge ahead for a better South West District, for a better Singapore and a better future.”

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ONTHEGROUND

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

BRIDGE meets the two winners of the South West CDC Caring Corporate Award

The DSO team, many of whom were first-time climbers, outside the Laban Rata resthouse.

(Photo: Yee Qing Xiang)

Mountain high

Getting to the top was only half the battle. After a gruelling climb, the team had to endure aching thighs and calves as they made their descent.

(Photo: Harminder Singh)

DSO NATIONAL LABORATORIES Only the sounds of raspy breathing and rough scraping of boots against rock broke the silence on the last leg of the climb up Sabah’s Mount Kinabalu.

To catch the sunrise, the group of 30 researchers had started out for the summit at around 2 am.

The attempt to conquer the 4,095 m peak was the culmination of five months of planning and training, to get to what one climber described as “the highest place on earth we will physically climb and reach in our life”. For one man, it was a 40th birthday he would never forget.

The effort by the team from the Defence Medical & Environmental Research Institute raised $14,000 to help residents in the South West District.

It was one of the fundraising projects the DSO National Laboratories, at which the group works, held over the last three years. This year, there included a bazaar.

All in, the defence research agency has contributed $450,000 to the “DSO-South West CDC Education Grant”, which helps needy students with their school-related expenses. The programme

was launched by the South West Community Development Council (CDC) in 2011.

The idea of a climb to raise funds, mooted in late 2013 by Director William Lau, was met with enthusiasm and apprehension.

“We shared information we found on the net and the experiences of friends and colleagues; went shopping together for equipment – boots, backpacks, clothing – and trained at the same pace,” recounted Ms Yap Xiu Huan, 25.

She was one of the

climbers, whose ages ranged from 24 to 58 years.

Most were making their first attempt at tackling a mountain. About a third were women.

As news of the expedition spread, donations, advice and messages of support poured in from colleagues.

The website set up to publicise the venture grew to more than 60 pages!

Chief Executive Officer Quek Gim Pew, who has also cooked and sold his special green bean dessert for the cause, exhorted the group to go “All the way!” and pledged $1,000.

A specially-crafted training regimen prepared the group physically and mentally, and built up camaraderie.

On 2 March, the team flew to Sabah. They started climbing the following day, cheering boisterously. They were home on 5 March with tales of rainforests, altitude sickness, teamwork and thoughtfulness.

“There was a point when we were totally drained, but there were still warm hugs, pats on the back and the ‘Almost there, guys!’ gazes shared among us,” recounted Ms Claudia Lim, 37.

Children are the focus CAPITALAND HOPE FOUNDATION Around 200 children from low-income families in the South West District enjoyed some early Christmas cheer last November; hunting down school and daily essentials at Westgate Shopping Mall.

The bill was picked up by CapitaLand Hope Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the real estate developer, which gave each child $150 worth of vouchers to pay for what they needed.

The youngsters, who were accompanied by 100 CapitaLand staff and community volunteers, were also treated to lunch and entertainment, under CapitaLand’s “My Schoolbag” programme.

As part of the nationwide programme, 1,000 students in Singapore were given items, such as schoolbags,

water bottles and stationery, among other essentials.

Said Ms Tan Bee Leng, the foundation’s General Manager: “Our philosophy is ‘Building People. Building Communities’. We have dedicated ourselves to helping underprivileged children, who we see as shapers of society in time to come, in their shelter, education and healthcare needs.

“Helping them will have a multiplier effect on their families and the community, which will enable future social mobility.”

Every year, CapitaLand allocates up to 0.5 per cent of its net profits to the foundation, which has donated more than $360,000 in total to the South West Community Development

The children from the "My Schoolbag" programme responding with youthful eagerness during the lunchtime entertainment show, held specially for them, at Westgate Mall. (Photo: Capitaland Hope Foundation)

Council over the last four years. This has directly benefitted about 1,500 primary school pupils in the district.

“My Schoolbag” is not the only programme the foundation helps with. It has also donated $100,000 to

the “CapitaLand Kids’ Food Fund”, launched in 2013.

Here, needy children are given $2 to supplement their daily meal allowance, so they have a well-balanced meal at school.

CapitaLand staff are also encouraged to volunteer.

Ms Maggie Chua, the Centre Manager of JCube, a mall in Jurong East, who helps out, said: “Small gestures like this do make a great difference. I wish all of us can put our work aside for just half a day for such meaningful causes.”

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ONTHEGROUND

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

F

ourteen-yearold Muhammad Nazirulmubin Abdul Moomen may feel nervous approaching strangers to sell them an item, but the way he peddled a business idea to a panel of industry veterans belied any hint of that.

The Kranji Secondary School student’s presentation was part of a five-day youth entrepreneurship programme, “BizCamp Lite”. It was organised by educational charity Halogen Foundation Singapore, whose focus is building young leaders and entrepreneurs, in partnership with the USbased Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, which aims to improve the social mobility of underprivileged youth.

The camp was one of two held last November.

These were attended by a total of 42 students.

Most were from Boon Lay, Bukit View, Kranji, Pioneer and Westwood Secondary Schools. The other, “BizCamp”, ran for 10 days.

Through the programme, designed specifically for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, Halogen aims to boost their confidence and teach them about businesses.

Participants got to network with peers from other schools, and were taught business basics and how to present ideas.

They also visited several companies – Beat’ABox Group, which conducts lessons in how to play the cajon, a percussion instrument, and Tata Communications, a telecommunications and Internet service provider, to see how a business is run.

Halogen is currently in talks with several companies to provide internships for the students.

Foundation Chairman Lim Soon Hock explained that learning how to have your own business can be “a powerful social leveller’’, as it “can help transform street-smart, less academically-inclined students to business-smart youth”.

Both camps culminated with the youngsters, dressed in clothes cosponsored by apparel retailer G2000, making individual business pitches

a headstart New course to give teens The programme, which teaches how to set up a business, targets those from needy families

Mayor Low Yen Ling (in pink jacket), with “BizCamp Lite” participants, Halogen Foundation Singapore staff, and the judging panel.

L-R: Students Muhammad Nazirulmubin Abdul Moomen, Eric Hoe and Danish Basyir Khamis were given awards for Best Presenter, Best Team Player and Best Overall Participant respectively at the five-day camp.

before a panel.

The judges – marine supply firm Amos International’s Managing Director, Mr Danny Lien; AXA Life Insurance Singapore Chief Marketing Officer Kwek Li Choo; Tata Communications Global Chief Strategy Officer Tri Pham – quizzed them on the relevance and

feasibility of their ideas, as well as offered business advice and encouragement.

Representatives from law firm Genesis Law Corporation, branding company fourby4, and Republic Polytechnic were on the judging panel at the 10-day camp.

This is the first time the programme is being held

for schools in the South West District.

Nazirulmubin was named Best Presenter. He proposed fitting a water bottle with a bulb and battery, so it can double as a torch.

Secondary 3 student Danish Basyir Khamis, who suggested setting up an animation and design company, won Best Overall participant.

“We were told that ‘Every failure is a step to success’.

I’m not afraid of failing.

What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger,” said the 15-year-old.

Pioneer Secondary School Teacher Seah Gek Hoon, who heads her school’s Innovation and Enterprise Committee, described the camp as “quite motivating”.

She added: “They made friends. It’s good for them to know people from other schools and with various points of view. Dressing up also made them feel more

confident.”

South West District Mayor Low Yen Ling, who related her own family’s efforts to build businesses, described the programme as having “the potential to influence the future of many students”.

To Nazirulmubin, who plans to pursue a diploma in Biomedical Science, the option of having his own business seems a viable one now.

“The camp has widened my career prospects,” he said.

Over the next three years, Halogen hopes to raise about $4.5 million to enrol 1,600 students from the Normal (Technical) stream in schools around the island in the programme.

To find out more on how you can support more of these youths, you can contact Halogen Foundation Singapore at singapore@ halogenfoundation.org

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ONTHEGROUND

Wise ways

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

with money

A new series of workshops is teaching older people how to manage their finances

W

hen Madam Wong bought property in Malaysia in the 1980s, it was with the intention of having a source of steady income.

Since then, the rent she has been collecting from it has provided her with pocket money and more for the last 30 years.

That sum has been boosted by her dividends from blue chip stocks (big companies with a solid reputation), which she has been buying over the years.

“I don’t like to take risks, so my husband advised me to invest in shares that have stable and good returns,” said the housewife.

One of her strategies is to take advantage of drops in the stock market, which she sees as a good thing if you have done your homework and chosen a good company to put your money in.

“When the market falls, it means you can buy more units of the same stock at a lower price,” she explained.

The 62-year-old recounted her investing experience with a group of participants at the launch of the “South West Financial Life Skills Programme for Seniors” in November 2014.

The initiative was organised by the South West Community Development Council (CDC) together with Securities Investors Association (Singapore) or SIAS. It aimed to educate residents between 45 and 65 years old on money matters such as insurance, managing money, the investment tools and banking services available to protect themselves financially after retirement, as well as the legal documents, like the Lasting Power of Attorney, that they need to be aware of.

The workshops, which are free, are conducted in English and Mandarin. The CDC hopes to reach 50 seniors in each of the 18 divisions in the South West District.

“Financial health is as important as physical health,” Mayor Low Yen Ling told the 54 participants at the launch session. “As the average life span increases, we need to also step up our knowledge to better plan our finances for the future.”

The first two-hour session was on wealth management. It covered the questions to ask before investing; common money mistakes; dealing with sudden wealth like selling one’s home; how to spot a scam and seek redress; what to do when family members handle your money and what to look for when appointing a financial adviser.

It was presented by Mr Stanley Tan, the Managing Director of Trusted Advisor Pte Ltd, an investment

consulting firm. He is also a volunteer with SIAS. Quoting legendary investor Warren Buffet, he said: “One of the biggest mistake people make is not saving from young.

Another is how we try to get rich quickly.”

Workshop participant Koh Kim Boon, 67, has been putting aside a portion of what he earned from his 20s.

“Savings are very important as they help see you through a rainy day and when you stop work,” said the retired taxi-driver.

Questions to ask before investing

投资前需考虑的问题

 What are my financial needs and objectives? 我的财务目标和需要是什么？  How much risk am I willing to take? 我愿意承担多大的风险？  How risky is the product?

这项金融产品有多高的风险？

 What are the expected returns on my investment? 我的投资的预期回报有多少？

 How does this product fit my investment needs and portfolio? 这项金融产品是否符合我的投资需要？

WORKSHOP •AYER RAJAH CC: 7 and 14 March •PIONEER CC: 4,11,18 and 25 April

Venue: The respective Community Clubs.

Residents should approach the clubs to sign up.

Enthusiastic seniors at the first wealth management session.

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ONTHEGROUND

Bonus for a big heart JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

Teen’s work in the community earns her a $10,000 scholarship

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ccountancy undergraduate Victoria Tan had planned to chill after her “O” level examinations in 2011. Her parents, however, had other hopes. “Do something meaningful,” they urged.

The Nan Hua High School student took up their suggestion.

For three years, she has been helping at meetthe-people sessions, where she helps draft letters for residents.

Now, she also pitches in for events, among them the ongoing “Project Big Heart”, which provides free medical consultations and medication to senior and needy citizens.

Recently, she went even

further – she proposed a project. She has suggested holding recipe-sharing and cooking sessions as a way for teens and young adults to strike up friendships with the elderly “Everyone engages in volunteer work for different reasons. The passion is cultivated. They just need to take the first step,” said the 20-year-old.

Her efforts have earned her the $10,000 Lim Boon Heng Scholarship for the 2014/2015 academic year. It is so named in recognition of the contributions of the former Jurong Adviser to Grassroots Organisations and Minister.

Applicants are required to have a track record

in community work, in addition to excellent academic and co-curricular achievements.

Miss Tan was the only recipient last year. Twelve others were given book prizes.

It was the third time the Jurong Central and Jurong Spring Citizens’ Consultative Committees gave out both awards.

These are to help residents defray the cost of a local university education and to foster a spirit of service, and are funded by community leaders and well-wishers.

Miss Tan said she applied for the scholarship as its focus is in line with her belief that “charity begins at home”.

“I want to make a difference to people who live close to me.” She added: “Volunteering has given me a weekly dose of reality.”

She intends to spend the scholarship money on her first-year school fees and “settling in” costs, such as textbooks. In total, she estimates that she would need at least $30,000 for her three-year direct honor degree course.

“Without it, it would be hard on the family’s finances,” said the older of two children, whose mother is an Administrator in a childcare centre and dad works in sales.

Life Sciences undergraduate Rachel Goh, who is studying at

the National University of Singapore plans to use her $3,000 book prize for textbooks, laptop servicing and school events.

Her foray into volunteerism is likely to start with a project by her faculty – running 50 free science-related workshops for needy children and students, as part of Singapore’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

“I’m hoping to see more of the world through community events,” added the 21-year-old.

Applications for the 2015 Scholarship will open soon.

For more details, call Jurong Green Community Club at 6567-1374/65693806 or Jurong Spring Community Club at 6562-4066/6569-0484.

Applicants need to be: • Singapore citizens

• Resident in the Jurong Central or Jurong Spring constituencies for at least one year • Applying for and/or pursuing a course of study leading to a first degree at a Singapore university • In possession of excellent academic and co-curricular activitiy results, leadership qualities, as well as a track record in community service Successful applicants are expected to lead community projects in their division.

Victoria Tan (fourth from left) with other Jurong Central volunteers and Lim Boon Heng Book Prize winners at the Universal Studios Singapore, where they brought stay-alone elderly people to a day out.

$3,000 book prize winner Rachel Goh.

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ONTHEGROUND

confidence booster Such a

More families will come under the ‘Adopt-A-Precinct’ programme, which helps children from disadvantaged families in Bukit Batok find their feet

O

n 20 December last year, 10-year-old Sherly Loo gave her first solo “concert”: She sang part of Katy Perry’s “Roar” for a 500-strong crowd, who gave her a resounding round of applause.

It was an impromptu performance brought about by the composition about herself, which she read out at the launch of “AdoptA-Precinct (AAP) @ Bukit Batok”.

“It was like a mini concert,” she exclaimed.

The chatty child from Yuhua Primary School recounted: “I told the audience how much I loved singing and that I’ve always been a bathroom singer.”

Sherly is one of the pupils under the bi-monthly reading programme conducted by Fei Yue Family Service Centre (FSC) as part of the “AAP @ Bukit Batok”.

Launched in June 2013, it equips children, from age five to 12 years old and staying in Bukit Batok’s Block 210A, with literacy and social skills.

The Primary 4 pupil credits her new-found confidence to speak and sing in public to the programme.

“The volunteers are very patient when they teach us new words and how to pronounce them.

This helped me when I was chosen to speak to all those people,” she said.

Activities like storytelling, games, skits and excursions are held specifically for these children. Of the 100 who have participated, about 70 per cent have expressed an increased interest in reading and said that they feel more confident about themselves.

Another 30 families living in one-to three-room flats in Bukit Batok are being brought into the programme.

They have been adopted

by Franklin Offshore International Pte Ltd, a rigging and mooring service provider, the FSC and the Bukit Batok grassroots organisations.

Franklin Offshore’s Director of Corporate Services, Mr Fong Chee Kiang, said, “We want to put in time and effort to be personally involved in helping the beneficiaries, besides contributing financially.”

Currently, about 200 individuals from 25 community partners are involved in the project.

These volunteers help mentor the children, provide food rations, donate story books and organise outings for them during school holidays.

Nur Atikah Amir Hamzah from Woodlands Ring Primary School especially enjoys the excursions because she gets to spend more time with her friends.

The Primary 6 student does not interact much with people apart from her family. She, too, was selected to read out her composition at the launch.

“Attending the programme has helped me open up. We were given five minutes each on stage, but the time passed very quickly because I was enjoying the experience,” said Atikah.

It was not all that easy for the 12-year-old and she found herself wanting to back out during the threeday preparation period as she found it “stressful”.

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Besides getting to read their favourite books, Atikah (left) and Sherly also learn social skills at their bi-monthly reading programme sessions.

Mayor Low at the launch of “Adopt-A-Precinct @ Bukit Batok” on 20 December.

She sought advice from her 21-year-old brother who told her to prove to others that she is not a person who gives up easily.

“In the past, I’ve just give up completing my homework when I didn’t know how to solve a problem,” admitted Atikah.

She added, beaming proudly: “Thanks to this experience, I feel that with enough practice, I can recite my composition to one million people!”

--------------------------------------------------“Thanks to this experience, I feel that with enough practice, I can recite my composition to one million people!”

Nur Atikah Amir Hamzah

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‘Adopt-a-Precinct’ @ South West

The Adopt-A-Rental Block @ South West (AARB) programme, which was launched in 2007, aims to cater to the needs of disadvantaged families residing in all 24 rental flats within the South West District, by engaging community and corporate partners to collectively address the social wellness, healthcare, home safety & improvement, education and enrichment needs as part of the ‘Many Helping Hands’ approach.

Following the success of the AARB, Adopt-A-Precinct @ South West was launched to render the safety net beyond rental blocks and provide enhanced social support to disadvantaged residents residing in 3-room flats. As of 2014, a total of 4,000 households have benefitted from the coordinated efforts in delivery of assistance.

For more information, call 6316 1616 or e-mail southwest_cdc@pa.gov.sg

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COMMUNITY

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

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hen he gets home from work each day, Mr Tan Ah Kau heads up to the rooftop of his rental block in Jurong West and potters around the garden with his neighbours for two to three hours.

The 68-year-old is part of a small group of residents who have volunteered to weed the community plot and water the plants. The efforts of the eight have not only resulted in the greenery growing but also in friendships blossoming.

“Sometimes, we have a meal together after gardening, and I get to try delicious curry dishes prepared by the Malays and Indians in the group,” said the factory worker, who lives on his own. “It’s like the good old days when I lived in a kampong.”

The enjoyment he gets from his new past-time, and particularly from socialising with his neighbours, is an unexpected bonus from participating in “Project Hand in Hand”, a programme organised by the Jurong Central Citizens’ Consultative Committee and Jurong Central Zone D Residents’ Committee.

Under this, residents like Mr Tan get points which they can exchange for at least $30 worth of daily necessities every month if they keep their front yards and corridors clean, and up to an extra $120 worth of points for redemption if they also put in two hours each month to improve their community.

The residents get to choose the groceries they need, as the vouchers can be exchanged for items, such as cereal and orange juice, which go beyond what is given out in free food packs for the needy.

An important aspect of the programme is giving the participants a sense of belonging to the community.

The monthly redemption sessions are held as neighbourhood gatherings, where they can also get free haircuts and dental check-ups, be alerted to jobs available, as well as join in activities for people of all ages, from walks to art projects to children’s games.

The concept, which has been tried out since April last year, was sparked off when those living in the one- to two-room rental flats at Blocks 373 and 374 in Jurong West Street 32

Mr Tan (with hand raised) and his neighbours. They got to know each other through working on their rooftop garden.

win-win for Self-help scheme proves a A new project to help the needy with their daily necessities has grown into much more

approached their grassroots adviser Ang Wei Neng, for financial help.

“We began to look into ways to raise funds to buy food for them regularly. At the same time, we found the common corridors in the blocks filled with items like cupboards and laundry racks,” recounted the Adviser to Jurong Central Grassroots Organisations.

“It made it difficult for the

wheelchair-bound and posed a fire hazard.

He added: “We came up with the idea of ‘Project Hand in Hand’ in order to kill two birds with one stone.”

More than 70 per cent of the 462 households have since come on board, and about $50,000 worth of food and necessities have been distributed.

A team of 30 volunteers

--------------------------------------------------“Sometimes, we have a meal together after gardening, and I get to try delicious curry dishes prepared by the Malays and Indians in the group, it’s like the good old days when I lived in a kampong.”

Mr Tan Ah Kau

---------------------------------------------------

checks out the two blocks every month to determine which households are eligible for the points and how many they qualify for.

Grassroots Leader Winston Wang, who heads the group, explained that the inspections are not meant to penalise, but to ensure that the community is kept clean. Residents have the opportunity to clear their front yards and qualify for the points before each month’s redemption session.

Explaining the clutter, the 45-year-old said: “Emotionally, it’s difficult for many of the residents to discard their personal items, but we’ve seen improvement since the implementation of the project. It’s a joy seeing

a clean common area.”

A growing number of residents from the two blocks is coming forward to volunteer their time.

In November, four were appointed to encourage their neighbours to join in.

Buoyed by the response, Mr Wang’s team is working on extending the initiative for a longer period, and expanding it to other divisions in the South West District, as “it’s a very meaningful project and has resulted in many strong, multi-racial friendships being formed despite language barriers”.

“Project Hand in Hand” is supported by the Singapore Totalisator Board and Gobbler Pte Ltd, an online company selling groceries.

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COMMUNITY

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

Chauffeurs for free A new scheme is offering needy residents a ride to the doctor

W

Under the programme, residents earn points, which can be exchanged for groceries, by keeping their estate clean.

r all

ho says there are no free rides?

In Keat Hong division, needy residents who require help to get to their medical appointments can have as many as they need through a new service – “Care on Wheels”.

Under this initiative, volunteers will pick them up and chauffeur them to the polyclinic or hospital and back home again.

The “goodwill service” was launched in October by the Keat Hong Citizens’ Consultative Committee, to help the growing number of elderly people who require medical

treatment and check-ups.

Around 15 residents have so far offered their time and cars. Apart from picking up and dropping off their charges at their destinations, they will also lend a hand to those who are wheelchairbound and do not have anyone to assist them.

The volunteers are mainly self-employed individuals and taxi drivers. Mr Jenson Soh, 40, a taxi driver, said: “I’m happy to contribute in a small way. It’s very satisfying to see them smile.”

Madam Zainab Huri, 66, who signed up to ask for help to take her dementia-

stricken husband to his check-ups, said: “This programme has taken some of the load off our family. Getting taxis, especially during offpeak hours, can be very difficult.”

“Care on Wheels” is the second initiative by Keat Hong Grassroots Organisations to help needy residents get around. Seven years ago, it started “Wheelchair on Loan”, which allows immobile residents to borrow wheelchairs.

Residents who need the chauffeur service or can provide it, should call Mr Teo Poh Aun, the volunteer in-charge, at 91852266.

Super spin-offs

Project Hand in Hand started as an effort to help the needy and also keep the area where they live in spick and span, but it has grown to be more than that, as residents are now also chipping in for the community.

Besides working on the rooftop community garden, they are also: • Joining in estate patrols once a month with the Community Emergency Response Team.

• Picking up litter at Jurong East Avenue 1 and Street 32.

• Helping give out food packs to other needy people at a Chinese temple. One session saw a multi-racial group participating.

• Washing their blocks once a month with the cleaners.

Members of more than 40 households have offered their services so far. One of the participants is Mr Wanchek Isman who stays in Block 374. The relief security guard, who is also a kidney transplant patient, has been helping to pick up litter twice a week at his void deck.

“I can’t do strenuous activities because of my health, but I want to do my part to keep the block neat and clean,” said the 45-year-old, who also assists in setting up events like the redemption sessions for those with food vouchers.

He observed: “This way, self-help is a win-win situation.”

Manpower Minister Tan Chuan Jin and Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Adviser to Keat Hong Grassroots Organisations, help a wheelchair-bound resident get a free ride at the launch of “Care on Wheels”.

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PERSONALITY

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

T

here is a bounce in Mr Arthur Fong’s step, a liveliness and vitality that many younger men would envy. The semi-fitting polo T-shirts he is often seen in hint that taut muscle lies beneath them.

He credits his energy and trim figure to exercise – two sessions each week for cardio, when he cycles, and a third that focuses on just strength building, where he does resistance training with weights at the gym.

“If you do both in the same workout, it won’t be as effective for retaining muscle mass,” explained the 50-year-old, who also golfs.

He used to pursue water activities when he was younger. In school, he was a water-polo player and swam competitively. While studying management and finance at the University of Oregon in the United States, he worked as a lifeguard, so I could earn some pocket money. “I used to do the 11 pm to 1.30 am shift.”

Those were the days he would scuba dive too. Being a qualified Dive Master, he also worked as a Teaching Assistant in the summers. He gave up diving when he returned home from his studies, because of work and, later, family and community commitments. “I hope I can go back to it one day.

He started his current exercise regime to relieve stress. Ironically, it led to him to being able to shoulder more work and community commitments.

“Exercising made me feel more energetic!” he explained.

He describes it as raising his “destructive level”.

That is the point where you are maxed out. By knowing your limit, you can push against it and eventually be able to take on more, he said.

However, his milestone 50th birthday was spent quietly with friends and family. “It’s nice to celebrate with our adult children, where we can now have a beer with them” said the father of two.

His cake displayed hand-me-down candles. These, in the shape of the numbers 5 and 0, are shared among his friends. “After every birthday, we pass them on to the next person celebrating.”

Being older has changed him, he said. “I’ve mellowed a bit in terms of how I react to acts of unkindness.”

His interest in reading management books has shaped his thinking and attitudes, as much as following his father, former Minister of State Fong Sip Chee, on his house visits and to meet-the-people sessions in the late 1970s and early1980s.

Both have come in handy, in helping me relate to residents and clients, said the banker of 25 years.

Asked for financial advice, he urges care and to be especially conservative when one spends on big ticket items like buying a home.

He also suggested that people do not empty their CPF accounts when buying property, so that in the event they are retrenched, they will still have money in their account to service their mortgage while getting back on track.

In his ward, the Adviser to Clementi Grassroots Organisations has been encouraging neighbourliness.

One initiative he is particularly proud of is “Clementi CARE (Community Action – Responsive and Engaging)”.

Another, is the “Citizens Community Policing Programme”, which involves both the Home Team and residents, who are trained by the Police and help patrol and keep our neighbourhood safe.

Nearly 1,000 residents have volunteered for the informal network, started in 2008 to keep an eye out for each other as they go about their daily business.

As a result, the number of cases of harassment by loan sharks has dropped and culprits are apprehended faster.

“Basically, residents are seen to be taking ownership for the safety and security of their neighbourhood.”

He added: “The best eyes are the people living in the neighbourhood, be it for security, welfare, cleanliness or civic mindedness. This imbues community spirit.”

On buying a home 关于购屋 "Buying a home in many societies today is one of the biggest ticket items you will spend on in your life. Those making their first purchase should not overstretch themselves, but buy something costing slightly less than they can comfortably afford, so their finances are not stretched if something unexpected happens." “如今在很多社会中，买房子已是一项最大的花费。第 一次买房子的人，不应该让自己的财务状况绷得太紧， 可以购买比自己能力所及再低价一点的房子。那么，万 一有什么事故发生，就不会面对偿还房贷的压力。 我们必须未雨绸缪，万一失去工作，可能需要超过几星 期的时间找一份新的差事。而且屋漏偏逢连夜雨，你可 能还会面对其他状况，像家中有人患病。这些都会影响 一个人偿还房贷的能力。所以，还是买较低价的房子， 把部分钱留来应急。”

On improving the environment 关于改善环境 "We can all help make our living environment better. Being more gracious is one. Smiling and greeting your neighbour when you see him helps make life more pleasant too!" “我们都可以为更好的居住环境而尽力。更优雅待人是 可做的其中一件事；见到邻居时，给他送上一个笑容与 问候，就足以让居住环境更变得更舒适愉快。”

Fit for li

ife

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15

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

活出健康 邝臻的脚步很轻快，他身上散发的活力，就连很多年轻 人都不禁要羡慕。他常穿的半紧身T 恤，也让人感觉他的衣 服下有着结实的肌肉。 他把饱满的精神和健壮的体型，归功于运动——每周两 次骑脚踏车的带氧运动，另外他也到健身房做肌力和重量训 练，增强体力。 现年50岁，也喜欢打高尔夫球的邝臻解释：“如果你 两种训练一起做，其实对保持肌肉的密度不是很有效。” 他说，年轻时较喜欢水上运动。求学时期，他不但是水 球队员，也是游泳健将。他在美国俄勒冈大学修读金融与管 理时，就曾打零工当救生员，从而赚点零用钱。“我通常在 晚上11点到半夜1点半值班。” 那段时期，他也喜欢潜水。身为合格的潜水导师，他也 曾在大学放暑假时，担任潜水助教。不过，学成回国后，他 放弃了潜水，先是因为忙于工作，跟着是因为有了家庭和投 身社区服务。“我希望有一天能重拾我的兴趣。” 他现在的运动习惯，原是为了减压，没想到却让他更 有精力，去肩负更多工作和服务社区！他说：“运动让我 觉得更有活力！” 他形容运动提升了负荷极限。换句话说，当你了解自己 的极限，就可以挑战极限，并最终超越极限，做得更多。 虽然更有活力，但对于人生重要的50岁，他选择在家 人和朋友的陪伴下，安静度过。育有两个孩子的他说：“ 和已经成年的孩子一起庆祝生日，还可以和他们喝一杯啤 酒，是件美好的事。” 在他的生日蛋糕上，组成5和0的蜡烛，并没有用后即 丢，而是在朋友间轮着用。“每次庆生后，就会传给下一 个寿星公用。” 随着年岁增长，他也有所改变。他说：“面对恶意的行 为时，我的反应已没那么强烈。” 除了他喜欢阅读的管理学书籍，塑造了他的想法和态度 外，他在70年代末及80年代初，跟随曾担任政务次长的父亲 邝摄治接见民众和做家访，也对他有相当的影响。 邝臻在银行界有25年经验，他的阅读习惯，和陪父亲见 居民的体验，都有助于他和居民及客户沟通。 问他有什么理财忠告时，他警惕大家要谨慎，尤其是花 大笔钱如买房子时，更要持保守态度。他也建议大家不要掏 空公积金购屋，因为万一被裁员，至少公积金户头还有钱可 以暂时应付房贷。 谈到他的选区，这名金文泰基层组织顾问向来看重邻里 守望相助。他特别对区内推展的一项计划感到骄傲，那就是 金文泰关怀计划“Clementi CARE（Community Action - Responsive and Engaging）”。 另一项是居民巡逻计划。在这项计划下，由警察和经过 警方训练的居民，一起维持邻里安全。共有近千名居民，加 入这个自2008年开始的义务团队，并在日常生活中彼此守 护，以保出入平安。正因如此，阿窿的骚扰事件减少了， 罪犯也更快被发现和被捕。 “居民基本上看来更愿意挺身而出，主动维护自己的 邻里安全。” 他补充说：“拥有最好守护眼的是我们的居民，无论是 在监督保安、福利、清洁或公德心方面，都是如此。这就是 我们需要激发的社区精神。”

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WELLNESS

Pose. Breathe.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

BRIDGE takes the pulse of an ancient Chinese exercise keeping practitioners in the pink of health

I

t is 8.15 pm. The air is chilly and the ground is damp after a thunderstorm, as the group of 10 members from Telok Blangah’s Neijing Yizhichan（内劲一指禅） qigong group do their weekly 75-minute routine on the top floor of a multistorey carpark.

Dressed in white polo T-shirts, black track pants and sport shoes, they stand in a circle for light warmup exercises. Then, as a soothing Chinese melody plays in the background, they launch into a series of martial arts moves that vary from slow to fast, gentle to forceful.

No one speaks, for focus and concentration are essential.

While everyone appears in good health, most once grappled with illness. They credit their current state to the consistent practice of Neijing Yizhichan, a branch of Shaolin qigong, which translates loosely to “onefingered zen with inner strength”.

The exercise, which has martial, medical and spiritual aspects, originated in southern China, about 150 years ago. Initially, it was done only by Shaolin Buddhist monks. But in the 1960s, others got to learn it.

It was introduced to Singapore in 1996 by retiree Lee Wing Tuck, who started the first Neijing Yizhichan qigong group. The exercise is now part of the People’s Association’s “Wellness Programme”, which was introduced in 2008 to help those over 50 years old keep mentally and physically active.

Involving the circulation of qi, or internal energy, each move is targeted at a specific part of the body. There are six sets of routines, with up to 20 moves in total.

Mr Jumat Mohd Yatim, a member of Telok Blangah’s qigong group, claims that it helped speed up his recovery from heart and kidney problems.

Five years ago, the father of two suffered severe chest pains and underwent surgery to clear his blocked arteries. He also found out his kidneys were failing then.

Depressed over his health and hefty medical expenses, he began practising Neijing Yizhichan on the recommendation of a colleague.

When the 57-year-old found he had recovered three months later, the sceptic became a believer in what it could do.

“My doctors congratulated me

-----------------------“The results are not immediately apparent, so you have to persevere,” Mr Lee Chairman of Neijing Yizhichan Qigong Association

------------------------

on my progress, halved the dosage of my medication and said I no longer had to see them, just nurses for the occasional checkup,” he recounts, “Since then, I haven’t stopped practising it.”

The supervisor at a baking ingredients supplier, who says that the exercise has addressed his high blood pressure, gout and long-sightedness, now attends qigong classes five days a week. The lessons are free.

A healthy diet and playing tennis and golf has helped too, he adds.

The exercise has other benefits – he has made close friends within his qigong group, and learnt new languages.

He now understands Mandarin and Cantonese, and can sing Hokkien songs!

Madam Tan Ai Lian, who sits in the Dover Crescent Senior Citizens’ Executive Committee, is just as enthusiastic about the exercise.

The 73-year-old retiree used to use railings to help her climb stairs. Now the qigong practitioner of eight years manages the seven flights to her flat unaided.

Madam Giam Yoke Chin, 66, a clinical associate professor and senior consultant dermatologist at the National Skin Centre, swears by it too.

The West Coast resident, who has been practising it for eight years, likes that it carries a lower risk of injury and the teachers are readily available.

Members of the Neijing Yizhichan Qigong Association held a mass display at

“This qigong also helps to calm the mind,” she adds.

“The results are not immediately apparent, so you have to persevere,” says Mr Lee, 73, who went on to set up the Neijing Yizhichan Qigong Association and chairs it.

It takes six months to a year to learn the basic steps, and two to three years to advance to higher levels.

A keen practitioner, Mr Jumat Mohd Yatim, says the qigong has not only improved his health, it has made new friends and led to his understanding Mandarin and Cantonese. Plus, he can now sing Hokkian songs!

He learnt the basics from a visiting qigong master in 1991. Till then, he had been in pain and discomfort for 15 years, after a stroke at age 37. Finding the exercise extremely beneficial, he spent two years in China doing the advanced levels and became a certified trainer.

“I went to China in a wheelchair and came back walking on my two feet,” the former Vice-President of a stock broking firm says.

His friends were impressed with his

B R I D G E

WELLNESS

Focus.

17

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

NEIJING YIZHICHAN QIGONG 搓丹田 CUO DAN TIAN ( STRETCHING THE SPINE )

The bending forward and backward body movements exercise the waist, stomach, shoulder and back; good for hypertension, insomnia, giddiness. 磨丹田 MO DAN TIAN ( ROTATING THE PELVIC JOINTS )

Overall tranquilizing effects on the body; balancing the ying and yang, connecting the internal qi with that of the cosmos.

提丹田 TI DAN TIAN ( OUT STRETCHING ARMS )

Improves lung air exchanges, promotes recovery from pneumonic problems. 马步站桩 MA BU ZHAN CHUANG ( HORSE STANCE )

Increases the volume of blood circulating in the upper body, improves “microcirculations”; brings oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body, achieves balanced yin and yang and harmonises the bodily systems. 霸王举鼎 BA WANG JU DING ( ALL ROUND STRETCHING )

Builds up muscular strength.

Hong Lim Park last December.

progress and asked him to teach them the qigong style. His first classes had just 20 students, but soon hundreds were turning up.

So in 1996, Mr Lee set up his association.

This now has more than 1,200 active members and around 30 branches.

Some charge a membership fee of $12 to $50 a year, to cover expenses for events such as annual qigong trips to Malaysia.

On 7 December, the association held a mass display involving about

700 practitioners at Hong Lim Park.

The exercise not only appeals to locals but foreigners too, like Mexican Norma Moncayo, who does it with her Singaporean husband, computer technician Ang Chuan Seng.

The couple also does wushu and taichi.

“In Mexico, such forms of exercise are usually expensive. If we ever live there again, we intend to teach what we have learnt,” says the 47-year old housewife and mother of two.

Check out a Neijing Yizhichan qigong session near you VENUE

WHEN

CONTACT NO.

Block 210 Bukit Batok Street 21 (RC)

Wed and Fri: 8.15 pm-9.30 pm

91157442

Block 816 Jurong West Street 81

Daily: 7.30 am-8.45 am, Tue and Thurs: 8.15 pm-9.30 pm

67923302

Block 665B/666 Jurong West Street 64 (RC)

Mon-Sat: 6.30 am-7.45 am

97328408

Block 207 Boon Lay Place (RC)

Mon and Fri: 8 pm-9.30 pm

62642529

Block 731 Clementi West Street 2 (RC)

Mon and Fri: 8 pm-9.30 pm

96194076

Dover Community Centre

Mon and Thurs: 8 pm-9.30 pm

90618461

Block 78A Telok Blangah Street 32

Wed and Fri: 8 pm-9.30 pm

90941898

Hong Lim Community Centre

Mon and Thurs: 8.15 pm-9.30 pm

62965985

Block 401 Pandan Gardens(RC)

Tue and Thurs: 8.15 pm-9.30 pm

96385276

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18

MAKAN

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

Special neighbourhood diets in the

BRIDGE suggests an award-winning vegetarian restaurant and a cosy ice cream parlour in Bukit Batok

Miss Serene Mak, 45 Hong Kah North Zone 6 Residents’ Committee Chairperson

I

t seems natural that someone who works in the cable industry is on the lookout for ways that bring people together. Miss Serene Mak’s choice of binding material is similar goals.

“If everyone is of one heart, with one objective, it’s easier to get things done,” explained the chairperson of the Hong Kah North Zone 6 Residents’ Committee (RC).

She should know, as she has been involved in community activities since her 20s, when her curiosity over what was happening in the neighbourhood prompted her to serve in the zone’s Youth Executive Committee.

Today, at 45, she organises those events, among them the annual Residents’ Day, as well as community walks and carnivals. Recently, she went on a study trip to find out about Hong Kong’s social services.

She sees her role as helping to bridge the gap between residents and the government, gathering feedback and getting more people involved in grassroots activities.

Often, after activities and meetings, she and her Grassroots Leaders have a meal together, hunting out new places and trying those recommended by other residents. These are two that they frequently return to.

The affogato, Belgian waffles topped with hand-made ice cream, and the freshly brewed latte are treats not to be missed. Mr Seow (below in white) and Mr Theng also make sure there is a new flavour of ice cream every month, to keep their menu fresh.

When three friends met for coffee in Bukit Batok in early 2013, they chanced upon a shop for rent, which prompted them to realise a business plan they had developed when they quit their jobs as engineers a year earlier.

Today, Mr Seow Teck Wee, 41, churns out at least 20 tubs

of ice cream each week, while Mr Nigel Theng, 40, mans the counter and deals with hiring, advertising, and other operational issues. The third member, in her 30s, is in charge of accounting and back-end administration.

Both the men learnt how to make ice cream from scratch, and have been developing new flavours ever since. A different one

Beans & Cream  Address: 347 Bukit Batok Street 34, #01-260  Open: 12.30 pm to 9 pm from Tuesday to Friday; 12 pm to 9.30 pm on Saturday and Sunday  Closed: Mondays, first week of Chinese New Year  Cost: $3 to $3.80 for a scoop of ice cream, waffles from $4, $3.50 onwards for a cup of coffee

pops up on their menu each month.

These take into consideration the nutritional value of the ingredients. For instance, there is chlorella, an algae rich in protein and other essential nutrients, in their matcha green tea ice cream.

Preparation starts at 10.30 am every day, and includes whipping up the mix for their waffles, which are crispy outside and fluffy inside. It is served with their dark chocolate and hazelnut ice cream.

Mr Theng, though, prefers his with the

mao shan wang durian ice cream, their bestseller.

The outlet’s coffee – the latte and cappuccino – is brewed to complement it.

“Being your own boss is not as easy as people imagine,” he said. “But while my hours are long, I really enjoy talking to my customers, especially about the taste and quality of our food.”

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

Chicken rice with a twist C

Hwa Jin Vegetarian Family Restaurant  Address: 359 Bukit Batok Street 31, #01-393  Open: 6.30 am to 2.30 pm and 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm daily  Closed: First Wednesday of each month, first three days of the lunar new year  Cost: $4 - $18 depending on serving size of the zichar dishes

When Mr Yiew Siew Mong lost his job as a construction site foreman in the 1988 recession, he turned his hobby into an income earner and changed his diet – he went vegetarian, “because it is healthier”.

He learnt how to cook the dishes in Taiwan, and went on to open a stall in a coffee shop in Bukit Batok.

Business was slow in the first few years, as vegetarian cuisine had not caught on.

Sometimes, he and his wife, Madam Toh Ah Yew, made just $100 a day.

But things picked up, and when his children completed their studies in 2007, he decided to open a restaurant.

The 58-year-old now employs 20 others – four cooks and senior citizens in their 50s to help with the daily tasks.

His efforts won various awards in 2013 and 2014, including the “Food and Service Excellence Award 2014” from media consultancy Singapore Enrich Group, and “SME of the Year 2014” from marketing consultancy Singapore

Mr Yiew's menu offers a variety of other zichar dishes, such as honey roasted 'pork' (top), deep fried bai yeh tofu (centre), and kai lan (bottom).

hicken is a major component of many people’s diets, as a relatively cheap source of protein.

It provides essential vitamins and minerals, particularly niacin (a B vitamin which helps lower cholesterol), vitamins A and E, and the mineral magnesium (needed for energy production, and it helps lower blood pressure and keeps bones strong).

This recipe gives a healthier twist to a Singaporean favourite by incorporating carrots and replacing the white rice with brown. The increase in fibre intake helps one

to feel fuller for longer.

As it is cooked in a covered claypot, no oil is needed and the nutrients are kept within the dish.

This dish has many health advantages – one of it is being low in fat.

The recipe was created

CLAYPOT CHICKEN RICE Business Incorporation.

These days, his day starts at 10 am, “overseeing operations and doing quality checks”, and ends at 10 pm, except when a cook is unavailable. He will then head in at 4.30 am to help with preparations.

Once a year, he and his wife fly to Taiwan for a charity food fair held by a temple, bringing with them their vegetarian version of ohr luak (oyster omelette).

However, he recommends his curry “fish” dish, which draws people from Changi and Hougang. “Customers say its sour, spicy taste is like the real thing.” said Mr Yiew, who cooks it with mock fish, lady’s fingers, tomatoes and pineapples.

He added: “Vegetarian food is not just about cooking vegetables. When it succeeds in making the consumer believe there is almost no difference in taste, that’s the best.”

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS • 500 g boneless chicken thighs, skin removed, cut into thick slices • 8 pieces (or 20 g) dried Chinese mushrooms • 200 g carrots, peeled and cut into cubes • 1 ½ cups (375 g) jasmine mixed brown rice and white rice • Enough water to reach up to 2 cm above the rice grains in the rice cooker • 2 tbs vegetable oil (use canola oil) – optional • 1 tsp dark soya sauce (normal quality) • 2 tsp sesame oil • ¼ tsp fine salt • ½ tsp 5-spice powder (optional) • 300 g chye sim MARINADE • 5 tbs (75 ml) oyster sauce (healthier choice) • 1 tbs (15 ml) dark soya sauce • 1 tbs sesame oil • ½ tsp fine salt • 1 ½ tbs cornflour • A dash of white pepper powder to taste

METHOD • Soak the mushrooms in tap water overnight.

Squeeze dry and cut each mushroom into two.

Keep the water.

• Wash chye sim and cut into finger lengths.

• Mix the ingredients for the marinade, pour over chicken and mushrooms and leave them to soak overnight in the fridge or for at least an hour.

• Wash and drain the rice. Heat the clay pot and add 2 tbsp of vegetable oil. When it is hot, add the drained uncooked rice and stir fry for 4 to 5 minutes with the carrots till fragrant. Add 1 tsp of dark soya sauce, 2 tsp of sesame oil and ¼ tsp of salt and fry for 1 more minute.

• Alternatively, just mix all ingredients well and put them into the clay pot.

• Add the mushroom water to the claypot. Add more water if required until the water level reaches 2 cm above the rice level (brown rice requires more water and a longer cooking time).

Cover and boil till the water reaches the level of the rice.

• Top with the chicken, mushrooms and marinade, cover with the lid and steam till the chicken and rice are cooked.

• Put the chye sim on top, cover with the lid and steam the vegetables till they are cooked • Serve.

DESSERT per person • • • •

by well-known Singapore chef Violet Oon for the Health Promotion Board’s “National Healthy Lifestyle Campaign” last October.

Having recovered from a stroke in 2014, she now gives extra emphasis to healthy cooking.

1 apple, cored and cut into 2 cm cubes (leave the skin on) 2 tablespoons of low fat yoghurt 1 tablespoon of natural honey Serve cold. Mix the apple with the yoghurt and honey just before eating.

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Westside Landscape

Flood at kampong houses in West Coast Road in the old days. Torrential rain and howling Sumatra affected many houses at the fishing farm near the source of Sungei Pandan.

In the 1940s, this rural area with hills in the north and swamps mainly in the west had plantations and livestock farms which were owned by immigrants from China’s Fujian and Guangdong provinces.

There were Chinese cemeteries and military camps too.

Close to 50 families lived there, in houses made of wood, zinc and attap leaves. Although they had electricity, water had to be fetched from public taps.

The residents were nicknamed “Pan Lan Kia”, Hokkien for “Pandan Man”, because of the presence of Sungei Pandan, which runs through the area all the way to the present-day Pan-Island Expressway (PIE) and branches out to Sungei Ulu Pandan at the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE), as well as because of the large amount of pandan grown in the area.

Tapioca and cai xin were also grown, together with rambutan and durian trees.

The hills were covered with plantations of rubber, pepper, gambier and pineapple. The farmers reared pigs and chickens.

All that began changing in the 1960s, when the government started repossessing the land to develop the area.

Residents were either offered an HDB flat or compensated in cash, based on the type and quantity of crops they grew or animals they reared. For instance, durian

F

rom swamps in the 1950s to the present day high-rise apartments, Clementi has undergone several major transformations. Mr Ng Yat Chor is regarded as the man to go to for Clementi’s history, though he has never lived there. However, the sprightly 82-year-old served as a grassroots leader there from 1968 to 2011.

“These days I’ve trouble remembering events that happened a few days ago, but memories of Clementi more than 40 to 50 years ago are still so vivid,” said Mr Ng, whose home is in Hougang. “I have a deep sense of belonging for this place.”

The former principal of the now defunct Ying Qun Primary School witnessed many developments such as the construction of Ngee Ann Polytechnic in 1963, which was in what used to be Clementi then, the area’s first HDB neighbourhood in Clementi Avenue 2 in 1974 and the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE) in the late 1980s.

This bus shelter was the first of many built by the Housing Development Board in new housing estates. The shelter is in Clementi Avenue 4, between Blocks 375 and 376.

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story trees were valued at $5 each and ordinary fruit trees at $1. Pig farm owners could receive up to $45,000 for their farm licences.

“People would ‘transplant’ fruit trees into their plantations overnight to get more compensation from the government, but their plans were foiled when a storm uprooted them,” recounted Mr Han Tan Juan, 73, a historian and former journalist who grew up in Clementi.

In 1973, there was a mass resettlement of about 800 villagers to Dover, Jurong, Boon Lay and Queenstown, to make way for the construction of roads and HDB flats. The transformation into Clementi New Town commenced a year later.

Most of it stands on what used to be the Colombo Malay Regiment’s camp. This allMalay military force, formed in Malaya in 1933 was the group which fought the invading Japanese in the historic Battle of Pasir Panjang in 1942.

Swamps were filled with earth from the area’s surrounding hills. By the late 1970s, close to 25,000 units of one- to five-room HDB flats had been built, with nearby amenities such as post offices, clinics, markets, hawker centres and recreation facilities. It was the HDB’s eighth new town.

“Life was very simple and straightforward then.

Customers at the time were very thrifty,” recalled Mr Low Yan How, 70, who was a grassroots leader and owned a shop selling clothes for infants at Clementi Central. “Now they tend to be more demanding and brand conscious.”

Over the years, Clementi has developed into a bustling area with some of the country’s busiest highways going through the heart of the town. However, the area got its first mall, CityVibe, only in 2011. It was built on the site of Clementi Cinema.

21

Transportation

There was just one bus service which passed through Clementi, from the 1950s to the 1970s. It was provided by a private company called Jiao Tong, and was residents only means of leaving their area and of getting home. Importantly, it ride them to their nearest marketplace – in Bukit Timah, an hour away.

“The roads were very bumpy and dust would be flying in through the open windows,” recalled Mr Lee Fok Man, 71, whose parents, once illegal hawkers in Jurong Kechil, opened a stall at the Clementi Central hawker centre in the 1980s.

However, things started to improve in the 1980s, when the area’s first bus interchange was built. Now, residents have a choice of more than 20 services, and they were linked to other major town centres, such as Toa Payoh and Queenstown.

The faster way of travelling became available in 1988 – Clementi station, which is on the East-West line, opened. This made the city centre and the east more accessible.

That year too, the first two phases of the construction of the AYE, which included the building what was then the longest road viaduct, the Keppel Viaduct, were completed. The highway runs through the heart of the town.

“Clementi used to be considered part of rural Singapore. Now it’s a gateway to the far west and central Singapore,” noted Mr Lee. One iconic transport landmark, which draws history buffs, is the steel truss bridge over Sungei Pandan behind Block 339 on Clementi Avenue 5. This is all that remains of a 40 km-long bridge line, built in the 1960s by the Jurong Town Corporation to ferry freight between factories in Jurong and Malaysia. It was closed in the 1990s.

Big crowds at Clementi station, eagerly to ride the new stretch of the MRT line in 1988.

Sungei Pandan, a place where Singapore Yachting Team used to have their training.

Fun Facts

24,881 HDB

As of 2014, there are residential units with an estimated population of 72,200

It from got its n whic Clemen ame ti h to b was be Road li e na med eved after

Sir C Clem ecil S enti the B mit h, ritish G o

ov f Sett the Stra ernor leme its 1887 nts fr om to 1 893.

For all older residents of Clementi, one dish stands out –

The Sunset Way estate.

PAPER WRAPPED CHICKEN..

Union Farm, which also had a restaurant, introduced the Cantonese classic of chicken marinated in sauce and rice wine, wrapped in grease-proof paper and fried, in 1953. The farm ceased operations in 2012.

Half completed 5km Telok Blangah Semi Highway Viaduct seen in 2002.

Union Farm Eating House, a restaurant famous for its paper-wrapped chicken for 60 years.

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SNAPSHOTS in the district

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

Ms Foo Mee Har (Ayer Rajah)

Madam Halimah Yacob (Bukit Batok East)

Mr Arthur Fong (Clementi)

Mr Lawrence Wong (Boon Lay)

Ms Low Yen Ling (Bukit Gombak)

Dr Amy Khor (Hong Kah North)

Mr Gan Kim Yong (Chua Chu Kang)

Mr Ang Wei Neng (Jurong Central)

As we celebrate Singapore's Golden Jubilee this year, let us reflect on how far the country has come. Let us be inspired by our Pioneers and reaffirm our belief that Singapore can achieve greatness when everyone pulls together, living and working in harmony. May your year ahead be filled with joy and happiness.

I wish all residents a prosperous and meaningful year ahead. Together, let us build a community that is caring, harmonious and inclusive. Let us look forward to a brighter future as we celebrate Singapore’s 50th birthday!

Mr David Ong BBM (Bukit Batok)

Our lives are more enriched and fulfilling when we step forward to land a helping hand to those who need it.

My wish is for our community to come together and help build a society that is compassionate, caring, considerate and cohesive. I want to thank you for the good work and let's continue to build Singapore into a caring and vibrant home for all! Happy New Year!

My wish for 2015 is for Singaporeans to forge closer and stronger ties, building a more cohesive community. Let’s lend a helping hand to the less fortunate – and together we can more forward hand-in-hand, so that no one will be left behind! I wish all Singaporeans a happy and healthy new year!

We’ve come a long way in building the South West spirit – a big-heartedness that cares for people and the environment we live in, and the sense of a shared future together. Let’s enter the next 50 years of our nation with hopes and dreams that bring us to greater heights. Best wishes for an exciting 2015! (Image: Singapore Press Holdings)

As we usher in the new year, let us take this moment to look back and appreciate how much our pioneer generation has done for Singapore. Let us all strive to contribute to society just as they did, continuing their legacy. I wish everyone a wonderful and meaningful year ahead!

May this year be filled with happiness and good health for all! As we gear up to celebrate Singapore’s Golden Jubilee, I hope everyone will take a step back to appreciate the contributions of our pioneer generation and contribute as much more to the society as they did.

Here’s wishing all residents a fruitful year ahead!

I wish all residents a happy new year! This will be an exciting year as we come together to commemorate a significant milestone in Singapore’s history, our Golden Jubilee. At the same time, let us remember to stay healthy, adding years to our life and life to our years!

Happy 2015!

As we celebrate Singapore’s jubilee year, I hope more Singaporeans volunteer to assist fellow Singaporeans who need more help. Every bit of effort goes a long way in making Singapore a better, more caring place to live, play and work. I would like to wish everyone a prosperous and blessed 2015!

SNAPSHOTS in the district

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

Mr Desmond Lee (Jurong Spring)

Mr Cedric Foo (Pioneer)

Mr S Iswaran (West Coast)

Mr Zaqy Mohamad (Keat Hong)

Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam (Taman Jurong)

Mr Alex Yam (Yew Tee)

Mr Lim Hng Kiang (Telok Blangah)

Ms Grace Fu (Yuhua)

I wish all residents a very happy 2015. This is a very significant year, where we celebrate 50 years of our independence as a nation. Let’s take this time to specially honour our pioneers, while taking stock of the progress that we’ve made thus far, and anticipating the excitement and challenge of our future together.

My wish for Singaporeans this new year is for each one of us to take an interest in learning new skills or constantly improve ourselves. I also hope that we find time to give back – to the community and to our families. As it is Singapore's 50th birthday, let us continue to create a harmonious environment, and play an active role to build a brighter future for Singapore and our family and friends. I wish you and your loved ones a happy new year!

Mr Alvin Yeo (Nanyang)

As we celebrate our 50th year of independence, let us remember our humble beginnings, and be grateful to the pioneers who perservered through the early struggles.

As we strive to build our nation through the next 50 years, we hope others will step forward to serve the nation and the community, in the same spirit as those who went before! Have a great year ahead!

2015 is a year when our Nation celebrates her 50th anniversary. Let us look back with pride in Singapore's past success even as we recommit ourselves to build a better place for future generations of Singaporeans.

Happy New Year.

As we reflect on 50 years of nationhood this year, let’s think of how we can build on our strengths and make this country of ours even better. Let’s move ahead, strengthen our multiracial society, and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to keep learning throughout life. Happy 50th birthday, Singapore!

Here’s wishing all residents a wonderful year ahead!

Let us strive to build a more inclusive and harmonious society. Spare the community some of your time and energy because every step goes a long way! May 2015 be a fulfilling and joyous year for everyone!

May this year be meaningful and fruitful for all Singaporeans! Let us continue our efforts to build a cohesive and harmonious community together, and forge even stronger bonds with one another. Happy New Year!

I wish all Singaporeans a healthy and joyous year ahead!

Let us all do our part in giving back to society and make life better by supporting one another. Every little effort counts in building a more harmonious and cohesive community. Happy 2015!

As we celebrate Singapore’s golden jubilee, let us pay tribute to our pioneers who have built the foundation of Singapore. Let us also celebrate our achievements as one united people – of all races, religions and creeds.

And for a brighter future, we welcome all Jubilee Babies in 2015 who will bear the hopes and aspirations of Singaporeans. May the year be a fulfilling one for everyone! Happy New Year!

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

Please cut along this line.

SG100

SUDOKU FUN HOW TO PLAY

Enter numbers from 1 to 9 in the blank spaces.

Every row and every column must contain only one of each number. This also applies to every 3x3 square. Have fun!

Complete this puzzle and send your entries to us at: Sudokufun, South West CDC, Jurong Town Hall Road, #26-06, Singapore 609434.

If your entry is selected, you will win a South West CDC teddy bear!

DEADLINE:

31 March

GATEWAY TO NEW CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SOUTH WEST Date: Tuesday, 10 February 2015 Time: 10am to 4pm

7 5 1 8 1 9 4 8 6 4 5 3 1 8 5 2 9 6 7 2 8 6 7 8 4 1 9

3 7 6 4 3 7

Name: ____________________________________________________________

Venue: Devan Nair Institute for Employment and Employability (Event Hall 1) Level 1, 80 Jurong East St 21, Singapore 609607 Participating companies: Big Box (Retail), Jurong Genting Hotel (Hospitality) & Ng Teng Fong Hospital (Healthcare)

MAMMOGRAM FOR EARLY DETECTION SCREENING (MEDS) @ SOUTH WEST Date : Ongoing Venue: Jurong Medical Centre, 60 Jurong West Central 3, Singapore 648346 The South West CDC, together with Jurong Health Services, has rolled MEDS, to provide FREE breast cancer screening for women who meet the following criteria: a) Blue/Orange CHAS Card Holder; b) Residing in the South West District; c) Aged 50 years and above and not screened in the last 24 months; d) No breast cancer (breast lumps, blood stained nipple discharge); and e) No known history of breast cancer.

NRIC: __________________________________ Age:______ Gender: ______ Address: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Tel: __________________ E-mail: _____________________________________ Puzzles taken from www.websudoku.com

Call Jurong Medical Centre’s hotline: 6551 7828 or e-mail jmc.appointment@juronghealth.com.sg (Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 5.30pm / Saturday: 8.30am to 12.30pm ) for an appointment. Quote South West MEDS to qualify for the free screening. Your mammogram appointment should be at least one week after the last day of your menstruation.