Contact South East Jul-Sep 2015

A CO M M U N I T Y M A G A Z I N E O F T H E

SOUTH EAST DISTRICT

JUL> SEP 2015

SOUTH EAST

singapore

celebrateS

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SE BUZZ

Recognising the exemplary efforts of youth leaders

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CHATROOM

Residents talk about what racial harmony means to them

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IN MY SHOES

Step into the heart of Malay cultural life

Stand a chance to win movie passes and CapitaLand Vouchers!

SEA Games triumphs, CDCs Celebrating Communities & more

ContactJulSep15COVER chosenNEW.indd 2

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e mb e v o er to 18 N 11 Septemb

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15

@ South East

For every

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to needy residen

F i Pr FairPrice Fair Fa Pric icce Wa Walk l for for Rice Ricce @ South So outh h Eastt encourages encou oura rage gess the the South So outh East Easst community good bowls ccomm munity unit un ityy to o walk k fo forr a go for ood o ccause cause. We aim to raise 500,000 b owl of brown benefit our District. brow br b own and white whit itee rice ce tto o be bene efit 7,000 needy families residing in ou efi

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For more Fo F more information, inf nfor orm mati tio on, please plea contact Ms S M Stephanie teph te phan anie ie Dong g @ 6319 8724 or Steph_DONG@pa.gov.sg Steph_DONG@pa.gov.s Steph_DO sg

Join the roadshows at these outlets Date :

12 to 13 September 2015 (Sat – Sun) Time :

12pm – 4pm

Venues : FairPrice Finest Marine Parade 6 Marine Parade Central, Singapore 449411

FairPrice Xtra Sports Hub 1 Stadium Place, #01-29, Singapore 397628

FairPrice Xtra Nex 23 Serangoon Central, #03-42 Nex Mall, Singapore 556083

FairPrice Bedok North (A) Blk 212 Bedok North Street 1, #01-147, Singapore 460212 Organiser

Corporate Sponsor

Supporting Brands

Supporting Partners

Visit www.southeastcdc.org.sg or www.facebook.com/secdc for more updates!

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MOVIE PASSES AND CAPITALAND VOUCHERS Find out how on pg33

senior editor

POH HSIAO YEN editors

CAEN LEE, CLAIRE KOH publishing and design consultan consultant

supervising senior editor

AGATHA KOH BRAZIL senior editor

pg10

pg14

RONALD RAJAN assistant editor

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CENTRE STAGE 4 6

CHIA EE KHIM

Mayor’s Message The Golden Jubilee South East Sports Heroes

AVOID THE DEBT TRAP Find out how to safeguard yourselves from financial ruin by understanding how credit lines operate pg28

SE BUZZ 8 The Best of Youth 10 A Community Skip-a-long 12 A Celebration of Community

CHATROOM 14 Regardless of Race

ON THE GROUND 16 Nurturing the Next Generation

OF SERVICE 18 National Day Wishes from our Grassroots Advisers

DON LEE senior writers

FAIROZA MANSOR, WANDA TAN senior designer

CAROL CHAN assistant business relationship manager

FELICIA NORFOR

HELPING HANDS 20 Stepping Out Again 22 Her Sister's Keeper

contributors

IN MY SHOES

for advertising enquiries, please email

ASHUTOSH RAVIKRISHNAN, CHARLES CHUA, DAVID LOH, EALBERT HO, HONG CHEE YAN, TAN KAY HIAN, WILSON PANG

24 Keeping it Traditional

FELICIANORFOR@MEDIACORP.COM.SG TEODIANA3333@YAHOO.COM.SG

FEAST

cover photo

REUTERS, SHUTTERSTOCK

26 Seasonal Treats

FINANCE 28 Smart Money Moves

MAKING CONNECTIONS 30 Bonding the People

WIN! W 33 Contests pg24

UP & COMING 34 Events in the South East

1 Contents.indd 1

art director

Contact South East clinched this award in the category of Magazines, Journals & Tabloids — Design and Layout

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 correct 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.

Printed in Singapore by KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd. MCI(P) 106/09/2014 ISSN.0219-4031

9/3/15 5:51 PM

DEAR RESIDENTS,

IN THE SOUTH EAST, WE CONTINUE TO CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE LIVING IN THE DISTRICT TO CONNECT WITH THEIR FELLOW RESIDENTS WHO ARE LESS-FORTUNATE.

If you have any questions or concerns that you would like to highlight to the Mayor, please write in to Contact@secdc.org.sg or mail your enquiries to Contact South East – Mayor South East Community Development Council, 10 Eunos Road 8 #12-05A Singapore Post Centre Singapore 408600

Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman Mayor, South East District Grassroots Adviser to East Coast GRC GROs and MP for East Coast GRC

My heartiest congratulations to our athletes for their exceptional performance and success in the recentlyconcluded SEA Games.

In the South East District, we are proud of our athletes for bringing glory with their respective gold medals.

The huge success of our athletes is indeed the best birthday present for Singapore as we celebrate our 50th National Day. Indeed, this year’s National Day marks a significant milestone in our nation’s history as we cross the half-century mark.

Much has been achieved in such a short period for this country to turn into an economic miracle, yet remaining a society that is deeply rooted in our heritage, which connects us as one. It is all thanks to sheer grit and determination of the Pioneer Generation, who instilled in us values of hard work, integrity and perseverance. It is also timely that we celebrate the spirit of caring, sharing and giving among Singaporeans as we unite as one people.

In the South East, we continue to create opportunities for those living in the district to connect with fellow residents who are lessfortunate and do their part through various innovative programmes, such as the CP Skips for Food, FairPrice Walk for Rice and 3M Step Up Challenge. At the same time, we continually reaffirm our commitment to multiracialism through programmes like the Racial Harmony Youth Ambassadors, enabling our

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youths to take ownership of this important pillar of our nation.

As we move forward in the next 50 years, much more is in store for us given the strong foundation our Pioneers have left us with. May I wish Singapore and all Singaporeans a Very Happy 50th National Day filled with soaring aspirations drawn from our collective inspirations.

CP Skips for Food, FairPrice Walk for Rice, 3M Step Up Challenge

JUL> SEP 2015

MEYAMBUt ULANG tahun keemasan singapura

MAYOR'S MESSAGE

PEDUDUK YANG DIHORMATI, Tahniah saya ucapkan kepada semua ahli sukan yang menunjukkan prestasi dan kejayaan yang luar biasa semasa Sukan SEA yang baru lepas.

Di Daerah Tenggara, kami berbangga dengan ahli-ahli sukan tempatan yang telah meraih pingat emas dalam sukan masing-masing.

Kejayaan ahli-ahli sukan negara merupakan hadiah terbaik bagi Singapura sempena sambutan Hari Kebangsaan yang ke-50. Sememangnya, Hari Kebangsaan tahun ini amat bermakna dalam sejarah Singapura tatkala kita melangkah ke setengah abad.

Banyak yang telah dicapai dalam masa yang singkat. Di samping prestasi ekonomi yang menakjubkan, masyarakat kita tetap berpegang kepada warisan-warisan dan tradisi-tradisi yang menyatukan rakyat. Ini semua hasil dedikasi dan kegigihan Generasi Perintis, yang telah berjaya menanamkan nilai-nilai murni seperti ketekunan dalam kerja, kejujuran dan ketabahan. Ini juga adalah masa bagi kami menyandang sikap penyayang, berkongsi antara satu sama yang lain dan memberi kepada yang memerlukan, langsung membina rakyat yang bersatu padu.

Di Tenggara juga, kami tidak putus menyediakan peluang bagi masyarakat kami mendekati penduduk-penduduk yang kurang berkemampuan melalui program-program seperti CP Skip for Food, FairPrice Walk for Rice dan 3M Step Up Challenge. Di masa yang sama, kami terus menekankan komitment kami terhadap program-program yang menyatukan masyarakat berbilang bangsa seperti Racial Harmony Youth Ambassadors.

Sambil kami bergerak ke setengah abad yang seterusnya, banyak lagi yang dapat diraih hasil titik peluh Generasi Perintis.

Kepada Negara Singapura dan semua warga Singapura, saya mengucapkan Selamat Hari Kebangsaan yang ke-50 — semoga ia penuh dengan aspirasi yang diambil daripada inspirasi kita secara berkumpulan.

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Story::Fairoza Mansor Photos: SINGSOC

Team 0 celebrations, 5 e G S e th to g ormance at th rf e Addin p ic st ta n fa in a was Singapore put Asian (SEA) Games, which 2015 Southeast hin our very own district! it largely held w

centre stage

MORE THAN

A NUMBERS GAME 7,000 athletes & officials

Number of days the 28th SEA Games was held. Singapore last hosted the Games in 1993.

from ASEAN NATIONS were welcomed to Singapore

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Oldest: 50 years (from Pentaque) Youngest: 12 years (from Sailing) Average age of Team Singapore athletes & officials

The SEA Games 2015 cauldron was a

19.2m -tall structure located at Waterfront Plaza

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UNDERWATER CAMERAS in the OCBC Aquatic Centre were used to record swim footage

THE SPORTING STAGE A majority of the SEA Games 2015 excitement happened here in the South East District at the Singapore Sports Hub! Here are some things you may or may not know about the Republic’s sports, entertainment and lifestyle hub:

Over 2,700 solar panels have been installed to partially power the precinct’s cooling system. This and other sustainable features earned the Sports Hub a Green Mark GoldPLUS rating.

It is home to the new National Stadium which can hold up to 55,000 spectators.

With a height of 82.5m and a diameter of 310m, the stadium — which is also equipped with a retractable roof and movable tiered seating — is wide enough to fit four A380 jumbo jets!

It is located on a 35-hectare site in Kallang.

The 6,000seater OCBC Aquatic Centre meets FINA standards.

Youth Celebrate! was held at the Sports Hub on 26 July. The event brought together more than 3,700 performers and athletes from all MOE schools, as well as Special Education schools and Institutes of Higher Learning.

Youth Celebrate! also marked the official opening of the Singapore Sports Hub.

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Nila, the 28th SEA Games mascot proved very popular with Singaporeans and tourists alike.

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In the final medal standings, Singapore finished

2

ND overall,

259

ITEMS from limited-edition collectible pins to gel bracelets & tote bags

5,000

1,000 tweets 500 videos 500 updates

PERFORMERS & VOLUNTEERS

3,500 SOLDIERS

A COMMUNITY FOCAL POINT The Singapore Sports Hub isn’t just for professional athletes. Residents are more than welcome to enjoy the following facilities here:

Singapore Youth Olympic Museum & Singapore Sports Museum

Sports Hub Library

Hard courts for futsal, basketball & netball

Water Sports Centre with canoes & kayaks for rental

Climbing wall

Skate park

FOR OF SPORTS-BASED COMMUNITY SERVICE

Every gold medal won by a Team Singapore athlete during the 28th SEA Games & 8th ASEAN Para Games

This community-driven initiative — Going for Gold — was announced on 4 June.

As part of Going for Gold, the Sports Hub will engage charities, such as the Singapore Children’s Society, through the help of the National Council of Social Service. The Hub will also work with the South East CDC to engage its community partners.

The first Going for Gold community service programme was held on 8 August, as part of Sports Hub’s SG50 Carnival in celebration of Singapore’s Golden Jubilee.

Going for Gold has been designed to support both the community and our Team Singapore athletes, as Sports Hub strives to build a long-term relationship with both demographics. We want to personally donate our time to give back to the community by promoting national sporting glory.

MR OON JIN TEIK, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, SINGAPORE SPORTS HUB

Running & cycling paths

For more information, visit www.sportshub.com.sg!

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To celebrate the first SEA Games at the Singapore Sports Hub, employees at the Hub have pledged to donate:

Throughout the Games, the media posted over:

The opening & closing ceremony involved

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AS GOOD AS GOLD An initiative to cheer our athletes on and, at the same time, give back to the community!

MEDALS with the highest medal haul among participating countries.

The SEA Games merchandise featured over

JUL> SEP 2015

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Story: Fairoza Mansor Photos: SINGSOC

Joseph Isaac Schooling

centre stage

SWIMMING (JOO CHIAT)

GOLDEN BOYS & GIRLS ALISON TANG WAN XUAN Gymnastics (Women) Potong Pasir

AMSHAR BIN AMIN Floorball (Men) Kembangan-Chai Chee

ANG WEI MING SEAN Waterpolo (Men) Mountbatten

BERNIE CHIN CHEOK KHOON Sailing (Men) Joo Chiat

CHEN LILI Netball MacPherson

COLIN NG WEE TAI Sailing (Men) Siglap

south east

CHUE MUN EE Swimming (Women) Joo Chiat

DARREN CHOY WONG LOONG Sailing (Men) Siglap

FARIZA BEGUM BTE MOHAMAD ZABIR Floorball (Women) Braddell Heights

GOH CHENG WEI MARCUS Waterpolo (Men) Braddell Heights

JODIE LAI Sailing (Women) Kembangan-Chai Chee

Congratulations to all Team Singapore apore dalathletes, especially these Gold medalg residents of the district! winning

Crystal Yap Yu u Hui Hui ui SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING WIMMING MIN NG (CHANGI SIMEI) MEI)

KANG RUI JIE Taekwondo (Women) Kampong-Chai Chee

LIM PEI TING FELICIA Floorball (Women) Geylang Serai

LIONEL KHOO Swimming (Men) Bedok

LIN QINGYI (MICKY) Netball Geylang Serai

NATALIA CLARE WEE YUNING Floorball (Women) Joo Chiat

NIGEL LIM SWEE HON Shooting (Men) Mountbatten

ONG WEI LOONG BRYAN Waterpolo (Men) Joo Chiat

PANG SHE SHENG JUN

Terena Lam

Swimming (Men) Changi Simei Swimmin

SAILING (MARINE PARADE)

POH LIP MENG M Shooting (Men) Bedok

SAMANTHA ANNABELLE SAMANTH Sailing (W (Women) Geylang Serai

SARA TAN

Tessa Neo

Sailing (W (Women) Bedok

SHOOTING (EAST COAST)

STANLEY CCHAN HIAN GEE Sailing (M (Men) Joo Chiat

SURIA R Floorball (Men) Potong Pasir Floorbal

TAN JWEE ANN PAUL LOUIS Waterpolo (Men) Bedok Waterpo

Lee Mei Shuang SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING (SIGLAP)

TANG XIN YI, WYNNE

Amanda manda Lim

Floorball (Women) Geylang Serai Floorbal

SWIMMING (POTONG OTONG PASIR) 6

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South

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D C t s Ea

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SECGS16 1km contactmag.ai

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8/4/15

10:08 AM

Join me at the South East Clean and Green SG50 Carnival for some fun and games!

OneKM Shopping Mall Atrium 11 Tanjong Katong Rd 17 and 18 October 2015 11.00am to 9.00pm Colour and bring this colouring sheet to our carnival for a gift!

Bring 2kg of paper, clothing, plastics, glass or e-waste for recycling to take part in a sure-win lucky dip*!

DIY recycle craft workshops, Kids Magic Show and many carnival games await you.

More than $3000 worth of lucky draw prizes up for grabs.

Join our Clean and Green SG50 colouring competition!

Pre-register and win attractive prizes!

For more information or enquiries, please contact us at southeast_cdc@pa.gov.sg or 6243 8753.

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE Organisers

* While stock lasts

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Story: Wanda Tan / Photos: Tan Kay Hian

THE BEST OF YOUTH Youth volunteer leaders in the South East District were recently commended for their community efforts.

T’S ONE THING TO ROLL OUT a volunteer programme for youth. It’s quite another to see the programme catch on and grow in popularity. Such success is down to the efforts of committed youth volunteers who take on leadership roles within the programme, planning and implementing new projects while acting as role models to their peers. On 18 April 2015, the South East Youth Community Leadership Awards (YCLA) ceremony

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South East Youth Community Leadership Awards Held annually since 2008 Conceived as a top accolade for volunteers from all of the South East CDC’s youth programmes

LEFT Excellence Award winners waiting to be called up on stage.

RIGHT Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman chatting with YCLA recipients.

was held at the SAF Changi Yacht Club to honour individuals who have done just that for or various South East CDC youth h groups over the past year.

This year, 103 recipients ipients — double the number from rom last year — were recognised ed for their outstanding performance ance in youth activities and for initiating ating youth projects that created a meaningful impact on the community. unity. They hailed from four different erent South East CDC youth initiatives: tives: My First Break (MFB), Racial Harmony Youth Ambassadors (RHYA),, Community Laboratory and the NextGen

ABOUT THE YOUTH PROGRAMMES My First Break

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NextGen Leadership

Community

Racial Harmony

Laboratory Youth Ambassadors Programme Students from vulnerable Students plan and carry Students organise youth Students and young backgrounds are imparted with out community-service activities aimed at fostering professionals are trained to basic business and life skills an appreciation of Singapore’s through learning from local become future community leaders. projects to help the less-fortunate. multi-racial society. and overseas entrepreneurs and organisations.

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SE BUZZ LEFT An Excellence Award winner (third from right) sharing the proud moment with his family.

THROUGH THE YCLA, WE HOPE TO ENCOURAGE MORE YOUTH TO STEP FORWARD TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY. DR MALIKI OSMAN, MAYOR, SOUTH EAST DISTRICT Leadership Programme.

A total of 58 Merit, 38 Gold and seven Excellence Awards were presented to youths aged 13 to 26, as their family and friends watched proudly from the audience.

Recipients also took part in fun games and were treated to a buffet dinner, while Excellence Award winners participated in a joint sharing session to talk about their volunteer experiences.

PAR EXCELLENCE Present at the YCLA ceremony was South East District Mayor

Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman, who — together with South East CDC District Councillors — handed out awards to the recipients. In his opening address, Dr Maliki called the event “by youth, for youth”, noting that last year’s Excellence Award winners had done a terrific job organising it. He was heartened by the larger number of recipients this year, and reserved special praise for the senior volunteers who return year after year to mentor their younger counterparts.

In particular, Dr Maliki singled out Excellence Award winners Ms Goh Mei Juan, 26, and Ms Fiffialffiyenti Binte Azman, 23, stalwarts of the RHYA and MFB programmes, respectively. Despite holding full-time jobs, both have contributed significantly to the programmes and are pillars of support to new volunteers. Dr Maliki urged youngsters to follow their example and continue volunteering, even after they start work.

“Volunteerism has no age boundary,” he said. “It is just about us doing the best we can for others.”

EXEMPLARY VOLUNTEERS One of the South East CDC’s longest-serving youth volunteers, Goh Mei Juan has been with the RHYA programme since 2003, when she was a Secondary 2 student at Bedok Green Secondary School. The Simei resident is now a teacher at East View Secondary School, but still makes time for junior Racial Harmony Youth Ambassadors who often turn to her for advice and encouragement. She is also on the RHYA Council, which guides the RHYA Executive Committee.

“I am passionate about working with young people,” said Mei Juan. “Although work is hectic, I attend the Council meetings and ev events such as induction camps whenever time permits.”

Fiffialffiyent Binte Azman Fiffialffiyenti vividly rememb remembers her first trip to Vietnam as part of the MFB 2008 cohort. Then a Secondary 3 student at Changkat Cha Changi Secondary relished the School, she reli foreign exposure and also learned valuable business follow skills. The following year ‘Fiffi’ volunteered for the MFB Alumni Network, which plans trips for new coh cohorts each year. She even to took leave from her job a as an associate engineer to accompany this a year’s group on their visit to China. “MF MFB helped me to become less le shy and more self-reliant,” said self-re the Bedok re resident. “I find fulfilling to give it very fulfilli programme back to the p empower others in the and empowe same way.”

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Story: Wanda Tan / Photos: Wilson Pang & Tan Kay Hian

Skipping might sound like an odd way to help the vulnerable, but it works!

a cOMMUNITY SKIP-A-LONG ECORDS WERE SMASHED LEFT, right and centre at the OneKM shopping mall on 23 May 2015, the final day of the two-month CP Skips for Good Food 2015 community campaign.

This year marked the second such collaboration between food conglomerate CP Foods and South East CDC, following its 2012 debut.

To close out the campaign, two new records were entered into the Singapore Book of Records. From morning to night, participants ranging from PCF MacPherson pre-schoolers to active elderly in Team Strong Silvers banded together to set the record for ‘Most Number of People Skipping in a Continuous 12 Hours Relay’.

Ms Madeleine Png, 37, a customer service manager who regularly competes in bodybuilding events, also won the gruelling challenge for ‘Most Number of Skips by an Individual in 12 Hours’.

The final tally far exceeded the previous records of 230 skippers and 35,000 skips by an individual, respectively.

In honour of their accomplishments, Ms Joyce Yap, Vice President of CP Foods Singapore, announced that CP Foods would donate an additional 1,100 hampers worth $33,000 — a move which was met with cheers from the audience. The day-long event also

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THE GOAL To encourage citizen volunteerism and provide food assistance to vulnerable South East residents.

IN 2012 3 million skips accumulated CP Foods donated 2,000 food hampers worth $60,000

RDA RECO EAT NG F BREAKI

8,361,246 skips were garnered in total 10

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featured performances by the likes of Temasek Primary School’s choir group and Skipaholics.

A TEAM EFFORT

In total, 53 schools and organisations signed up for the campaign. Members of the public also contributed to the total skip count, either by making an online pledge on Instagram and Facebook or by taking part in the record-breaking attempt at OneKM. Together, they doubled the amount of food hampers raised in 2012.

South East District Mayor Dr Maliki Osman was among those present at OneKM. Together with Ms Yap, he kicked off the skipping relay and returned 12 hours later to congratulate the participants. “Every small act — in this instance skipping — will add up to impact the vulnerable community positively, reinforcing the closely-knit and inclusive environment in the district,” he said.

“We are thrilled to have surpassed our initial target of five million skips in celebration of our nation’s 50th birthday,” said Ms Yap at the end of the event.

“It has been a massive effort and we thank South East CDC as well as all participants for their contributions.”

512

participants took part in a continuous 12-hour skipping relay

57,957

skips were achieved by a single individual in 12 hours

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JUL> SEP 2015

CO N TAC T S O U T H E A S T

SE BUZZ

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE FIT TO DO YOUR PART FOR CHARITY. ALL YOU NEED IS A WILLING HEART, AND FAITH MAKES ALL THINGS WORK. MS MADELEINE PNG, SINGAPOREAN RECORD HOLDER

PLEDGED TO DONATE

IN 2015

GAVE AWAY

3,000

4,100

FOOD HAMPERS

FOOD HAMPERS

worth

worth

$90,000

$123,000

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Story: Ashutosh Ravikrishnan

A Celebration of Community In May, Singapore’s five CDCs commemorated Singapore’s Jubilee Year together with a brisk walk and parade that showcased their achievements HE SCENIC MARINA BAY precinct was a hive of activity on 31 May 2015, as more than 5,000 partners, Grassroots Advisers, beneficiaries and volunteers from Singapore’s five Community Development Councils (CDCs) came together for CDCs Celebrating Communities, an event that commemorated both Singapore’s 50th birthday and the strength of bonds among residents.

The celebration marks the first time that Singapore’s five district Mayors, who jointly hosted the event, marked SG50 with members of the communities they have helped to develop. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong graced the event as its Guest-of-Honour.

The day’s activities kicked off with a 2.5km brisk walk led by PM Lee. Beginning at The Float at Marina Bay, participants made their way past historic and modern-day landmarks, such as the Fullerton Hotel and the newly-opened Jubilee Bridge,

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before returning to the starting point. Back at the Float at Marina Bay, they participated in a community parade.

RECOGNISING ACHIEVEMENTS

PM Lee kicked off the 2.5km-brisk walk around Marina Bay

At the parade, representatives from each of the five CDCs showcased projects and programmes they had initiated. Through these exhibitions, the CDCs highlighted how they work closely with both community and corporate partners to carry out their mission of assisting the needy, bonding the people and connecting the community.

The South East CDC showcased five such programmes, namely Neighbours for Active Living, Racial Harmony Youth Ambassadors, EcoKepalas @ South East Schools, My First Break and South East Community

South East CDC General Manager Mr Kia Siang Wei (left) and Mayor Dr Maliki Osman (centre) with staff of Eastern Health Alliance, beneficiaries and volunteers from the Neighbours for Active Living programme

Participants, together with Mayors and Grassroots Advisers, showed off their love for Singapore

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CLIFFORD PIER ESPLAN

ADE DR

IVE

JUBILEE BRIDG Laboratory. Through the exhibition, many learnt of the programmes being conducted in districts other than their own.

Participants were also treated to a series of performances by community talents. Representing the South East District were youths from Team CampVision, a volunteer-driven movement that aims to empower disadvantaged youth. The group performed two songs, including local favourite ‘Home’ as a tribute to Singapore.

Capping off the festivities was an energetic rendition of ‘Count on Me, Singapore’ and ‘Stand Up for Singapore’, by Mr Lee, together with Mayors, Grassroots Advisers and other participants.

The five Mayors agreed that the event had fulfilled its twin purposes of celebrating the achievements of the CDCs as well as commemorating Singapore’s 50th birthday.

Mayor of South East District Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman remarked, “Today, we celebrate communities, because we’ve always seen community cohesion as being critical to Singapore.

It’s a good way to celebrate Singapore’s 50th birthday, as it allows us to observe how Singapore has evolved over the past 50 years, and to also see how the CDCs stepped in 18 years ago to facilitate the development of communities.”

JUL> SEP 2015

SE BUZZ

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START

ESPLANADE PM Lee thanked volunteers for their efforts

FLOATING PLATFORM END

IT ALLOWS US TO OBSERVE HOW SINGAPORE HAS EVOLVED OVER THE PAST 50 YEARS, AND TO ALSO SEE HOW THE CDCs STEPPED IN 18 YEARS AGO TO FACILITATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITIES. MAYOR DR MOHAMAD MALIKI OSMAN

SINGAPORE’S 5 CDCs Community Development Councils (CDC) were first established in 1997 with the aim of building a close-knit, compassionate and self-reliant community. There are currently five CDCs, each chaired by the respective district’s Mayor:

Dr Teo Ho Pin Mayor of North West District

Mr Teo Ser Luck Mayor of North East District

Ms Low Yen Ling Mayor of South West District

Ms Denise Phua

Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman

Mayor of Central Singapore District

Mayor of South East District

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Story: Fairoza Mansor / Photo: Charles Chua

REGARDLESS OF RACE South East District residents get together over breakfast to discuss what racial harmony means to them.

Q What does ‘racial harmony’ mean to you?

Ana: It is about finding a common ground between people of different cultures. To me, it just boils down to being good to everyone.

Charlotte: When I hear the term ‘racial harmony’, Singapore comes to mind. The Singapore I know and grew up in is one that is multicultural. During my school years, I was surrounded by friends of different races, and along the way, we learned each other’s traditions. That friendship and exchange signifies racial harmony to me.

Q Do you believe there is racial harmony in Singapore?

Chandan: Yes. ‘Racial harmony’ works in Singapore mainly because of our housing policy — the quota for each race required per HDB block. Perhaps if given a choice, we might still be segregated. Now, we are of course embedded in the system and most of us don’t just stick with members of our respective communities. We have friends, colleagues and neighbours of all races and faiths.

CK: I used to live in one of Singapore’s last few kampungs at Jalan Mat Jambol. Regardless of the colour of our skin or mother tongue, we’d share fruits, play with the ducks and chickens reared by our neighbours, and eat together during Hari Raya and Chinese New Year. So my answer to your question is ‘yes’.

Ana: Definitely. We wouldn’t have survived as a society for 50 years otherwise.

That said, when people live together, conflicts are inevitable — you don’t even need to be of a different race to disagree on things.

Q What are your opinions on racial stereotypes?

Chandan: It’s only human to form opinions on others.

There will always be stereotypes about different ethnic groups.

Ana: I think you can apply stereotypes on everyone, but it’s the intention behind them that matters. For example, if you watch [local comedian] Kumar doing his stand-up routines, you will laugh even at the racial jokes, as they are not meant to hurt, but to entertain. (To Charlotte) On that note, I’m curious: the Eurasians used to be referred to as “Others”. What are your thoughts on that?

Charlotte: It wasn’t apparent to me until I was required to fill up a form and had to check the “Others” box. As a child, I didn’t even know what being Eurasian meant. People also just assumed I was Indian or Malay because of how I look.

But to me, Singapore isn’t just about the four races anymore.

We are diversifying, with people from around the world choosing to call this place their home.

CK Foo

Charlotte

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JUL> SEP 2015

CHATROOM

Ana Ismail 39, Copywriter, Eunos resident

CK Foo 38, Owner of Tian Kee & Co, Dakota resident

Chandan

THERE IS DEFINITELY RACIAL HARMONY IN SINGAPORE. WE WOULDN’T HAVE SURVIVED AS A SOCIETY FOR 50 YEARS OTHERWISE. ANA

Chandan Mahtani 42, Businessman, Marine Terrace resident

Charlotte De Souza 29, Human Resource Executive, Bedok resident

Ana

Q Is the Government doing enough to foster racial harmony?

Charlotte: I think so. During my grandparents’ times, all the Eurasians would only cluster in Katong. Over the years, this has evolved, as Chandan mentioned, via HDB housing policy and public education.

This enables bonding between different ethnic groups.

Ana: Maybe it was easier during our parents’ generation when ‘racial harmony’ wasn’t a buzz phrase. It was more organic for them because living in a kampung then, they had an open-door policy and thus to share and participate in one another’s festivities and traditions was common. But with our fast-paced lives now, it’s difficult for people to take time out and If you are keen to be part of next issue's interview, just be neighbourly. We need a bit of guidance simply email your details to Contact@secdc.org.sg and that’s where the under the heading "Chatroom Panel" for an Government comes in. opportunity to be featured!

Join in the conversation

Q Can racial harmony be spurred by the everyday actions of Singaporeans?

Ana: Somehow, yes. But you know the Singaporean culture is about doing things successfully and efficiently. I think the Government is also realising that it’s not just about racial harmony, but about kindness. This goes back to my first point. Social harmony is about being compassionate to people in general, and not letting differences get in the way.

CK: We can all bond over our common love of food! (laughs) But on a serious note, I really do think that hawker centres play a part in fostering racial harmony! Being drawn to a range of local delights from satay and char kway tiao to thosai alone will encourage interactions among the different races and, as a result, connect us.

Contact South East would like to thank Tian Kee & Co (12 Dakota Crescent) for hosting this issue’s Chatroom session. Just a walk away from Mountbatten MRT Station, the café serving local and western delights used to be a provision shop. Many of the shop’s features, including the signboard that is visible from the café’s façade, have been preserved.

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Story: Wanda Tan & Ashutosh Ravikrishnan / Photos: Ealbert Ho & Hong Chee Yan

on the ground

Tyler

GIVING KIDS A LEG UP Armed with a desire to help the less-fortunate, Mr Tyler Lim became a member of the Kembangan–Chai Chee Citizens’ Consultative Committee (CCC) two years ago. “There are seven rental blocks in this area, with a mix of elderly residents and young families,” says the 30 year-old who works in his family’s F&B business. “Many of the children who live here lack attention at home and are in need of positive guidance. I wanted them to have someone to turn to.”

With this in mind, Mr Lim created the Kembangan–Chai Chee KidzCare programme in June 2013, aided by volunteers

MANY OF THE CHILDREN LACK ATTENTION AT HOME AND ARE IN NEED OF GUIDANCE. I WANT THEM TO HAVE SOMEONE TO TURN TO. TYLER LIM

Nurturing the Next Generation Amid the nationwide SG50 celebrations, let’s not forget those grassroots leaders whose work with younger Singaporeans often goes unnoticed. from the estate's well as educational visits to Youth Executive factories and CBD offices. Like Committee (YEC). the volunteers who range udents What started from Junior College students with a ‘Back To to young professionals,, Mr School’ outing — in Lim has formed close bonds iring which 40 primary with the children. “Chairing ade me school children were the programme has made uccesses, given a budget to realise that people’s successes, d be buy school supplies however small, should — soon grew into celebrated,” he says. almost-monthly trips to Last year, Mr Lim places like the Science Centre was elated to find Singapore. A year later, he set out that children in up a homework club to provide his programme had free tuition for the children, h performed well enough and this has now become the in their Primary Schooll cornerstone of the programme.

Leaving Examination Some 15 to 20 kids are present (PSLE) to get into their at each homework club session, preferred secondary with more showing up during schools. “My hope for exam periods. “But even if the these kids is that they kids don’t have any homework will break out of the or exams to study for, we still poverty cycle, and a encourage them to come and good education is crucial ial hang out with us,” says Mr Lim. to achieving that.”

“As long as they are with us, they are safe and not surrounded by bad influences.”

The KidzCare programme now has about 100 volunteers and 300 children. Apart from The Kembangan–Chai Ch tutoring children during homework club meets everee KidzCare homework club sessions, y and Sunday at the void deThursday some volunteers mentor Block 23A Chai Chee Road ck of the kids on an individual basis. They also organise 7.30pm to 9.30pm. To findfrom ou various interest-group more, contact Nicholas at t activities such as swimming nicholas_soh@pa.go and reading clubs, as

JOIN THE CLUB

v.sg.

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CALLING ON THE YOUNG Sitting on Fengshan Primary School’s Advisory Committee for the past three years has convinced Ms Serene Wong that schools have a great part to play in assisting the community. “My role here is to bridge the school with the community,” says the 42 yearold financial director. “We’d like to encourage children to get involved in the community, and hope to reach out to their parents through this as well.”

So far, Ms Wong has encouraged the students to take part in the past two editions of Project K.AN, an initiative by the Kampong Chai Chee YEC. This year, the students,

JUL> SEP 2015

DO YOUR PART together with nearly 350 volunteers, helped to collect dried and canned food rations from residents and households. The 19,000 tins of food collected were first arranged to form a map of Singapore, which entered the Singapore Book of Records as the “Largest Singapore Map Made of Canned Food". The cans were then distributed to more than 2,000 needy and elderly residents in the district.

Ms Wong was also pleased to see a bonding session between the school’s Primary 5 students and residents from the nearby Zion Home for the Aged and Marine Parade Aspiration Elderly Lodge.

Held in July 2014, the session saw both the young and old bonding over a meal and via traditional games such as marbles and five stones. “It was well-received by both groups: the students told me that they were surprised that the elderly could be so much fun to hang out with, and the elderly had a good time too!”

Serene

MANY THINK OF CHARITY AS INVOLVING A HUGE SUM OF MONEY, BUT THIS IS NOT TRUE. IT IS ABOUT FEELING FOR OTHERS AND TAKING TIME TO UNDERSTAND THEIR NEEDS. SERENE WONG

If you are a South East resident who is interested in becoming a volunteer for our community, please drop us an email at

SE_VOLUNTEERING@PA.GOV.SG with your name, contact number, residential address and postal code.

Do your part to build our community. Join us now!

A serving grassroots leader with Kampong Chai Chee CCC and Kampong Chai Chee Community Centre Management Committee since 2011, Serene believes such activities encourage empathy in students and teach them the importance of giving back.

She is heartened to see that many younger Singaporeans are coming forward to help the lessfortunate, often on their own accord. She credits this to the rise of social media, and uses platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to encourage others to contribute a little time and talent for a worthy cause.

Since her first foray into volunteering in 2009, Ms Wong has observed a positive change in her own children, aged 10, 12 and 14, whom she brings along on her trips to the homes of the elderly. “I find that my children have more empathy.

In the past, they would be reluctant and embarrassed to join me, but nowadays they are more eager to help. They have also grown more proactive and eager to readily extend a helping hand to any needy children and elderly they see on the street.”

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of service

s e h s i w

from ourotS advisers grassro es and

op ir SG50 h tion. e h t e r a h he na sers s Our Advi the District and t r wishes fo

Singapore’s Golden Jubilee caps our coming of age in many ways. Yet I hope we will always stay young, vigorous and eager to inherit the world. I wish for my fellow Singaporeans to always find new peaks to conquer and horizons to explore.

Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, Grassroots Adviser to Marine Parade GRC GROs

A special year, our SG50… Let’s reflect on how far we have come, how we got here, how much further we have to go and what each of us have to do. What are the things that makes us Singaporeans? Our principles and foundations are strong, and we must continue to adapt, to change and to transform as needed, in an increasingly global world. Our values of multiculturalism, multiracialism, racial and religious harmony, meritocracy, strong family ties and opportunities for all, must continue to be upheld. Happy National Day Singapore! To more great years ahead.

Associate Professor Fatimah Lateef, Grassroots Adviser to Marine Parade GRC GROs

SG50 is a good opportunity for us to reflect on Singapore and what it means to be Singaporean and Singapore. Why we are proud of who we are and what we have achieved, and what our aspirations are for the future. I hope that we will be able to spend time with our families, loved ones, neighbours and friends because ultimately, this place is home largely because of them.

Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister for Social and Family Development and Grassroots Adviser to Marine Parade GRC GROs

Is Singapore’s exceptional growth in the last 50 years an aberration? Will our political stability and governing capacity remain high or will Singapore be another country destined to the backwaters of South-East Asia? Because in truth, and by nature, that is where we would be, if we had not striven, fought and clawed our way forward.

Indeed, it is highly probable that we will lose the advantages we have gained if we lose our will to pull together as a country. This is an age of anxiety but it is also a chance for us to make a real difference to the next 50 years.

I wish everyone a Happy National Day! Seah Kian Peng, Grassroots Adviser to Marine Parade GRC GROs

SG50 is a very special year for all Singaporeans. As we reconnect with our past, draw precious lessons from decades of nationbuilding and gain new appreciation of our collective identity, let us also look to the future with hope and zest. As our founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew put it in 1971, "There’s a glorious rainbow that beckons those with the spirit of adventure. And there are rich findings at the end of the rainbow. To the young and the not-so-old, I say, look at the horizon, follow the rainbow, go ride it." Happy SG50 to all!

Tin Pei Ling, Grassroots Adviser to Marine Parade GRC GROs

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This year is a special year for all Singaporeans. We have worked in unity for the last 50 years and we will continue to stride forward in confidence in the years ahead. Let’s continue to build on the vision of our founding father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew and the legacy he has left. We will strive to create an even better Singapore for all.

Happy 50th Birthday Singapore!

JUL> SEP 2015

This year, we celebrate our 50th birthday. What a wonderful journey this has been! My wish for Singapore is that all Singaporeans will continue to work together to make the next 50 years an even more memorable journey. Happy National Day! Lim Biow Chuan, Grassroots Adviser to Mountbatten GROs

Lim Swee Say, Minister for Manpower and Grassroots Adviser to East Coast GRC GROs

This year marks 50 years of Singapore's independence. It is a momentous year for every Singaporean. I would like to wish all Potong Pasir residents and every Singaporean a very Happy National Day. I hope that you enjoy all the special activities that have been planned for you nationwide to mark this significant milestone in our Nation's history.

Sitoh Yih Pin, Grassroots Adviser to Potong Pasir GROs

A 50th birthday is always a special event and as we celebrate SG50 this year, I am filled with gratitude to the generations of Singaporeans who have worked hard to create this wonderful place we call home today. I wish all residents of South East District a very Happy National Day. Charles Chong, Grassroots Adviser to Joo Chiat GROs

Our grandparents and parents have worked hard to build us the Singapore we now enjoy. Their sacrifices, work ethic and values showed their determination and steely character in overcoming odds. Now it is our responsibility to pass on to the next generation our forefathers’ visions and values. Our courage, determination and values will ensure Singapore’s survival towards SG100. Majulah Singapura!

Lee Yi Shyan, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of National Development; and Grassroots Adviser to East Coast GRC GROs

As Singaporeans, we are proud of what we have achieved. Let us continue to build a stronger nation, and a more caring, vibrant and inclusive society in Singapore.

Happy 50th Birthday Singapore.

This National Day marks a significant milestone in our history as we cross the half-century mark. Much has been achieved in such a short period, thanks to the grit and determination of the pioneer generation, who instilled in us values of hard work, integrity and perseverance. As we move forward, much more is in store for us given the strong foundation our pioneers have left us. I wish Singapore and all Singaporeans a Very Happy 50th National Day filled with unimaginable aspirations drawn from our collective inspirations.

Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman, Mayor of South East District; Minister of State, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of National Development, and Adviser GROs to East Coast GRC GRO Oss O

Happy Birthday, Singapore!

May the next 50 be even better than the first 50.

Raymond Lim, Grassroots Adviser to East Coast GRC GROs

Jessica Tan Soon Neo, Grassroots Adviser to East Coast GRC GROs 19

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Story: Ashutosh Ravikrishnan / Photo: Shutterstock

Stepping Out Again Thanks to the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), this back-to-work mum eased into a career in a brand-new industry.

N 2013, MDM ANG* LEFT her job as a Production Coordinator in a printing firm to care for her then-five year-old daughter, the youngest of her three children.

Supported by her husband, Mdm Ang took on the role of homemaker for a year before deciding that it was time to return to the workforce.

“I had been working throughout my adult life, and I missed the satisfaction I derived from it,” says the 47 year-old Bedok resident, who had spent 12 years in her previous job. “Since I had managed to sort out my childcare issues with the help of my mum, I decided to return to work.”

However, Mdm Ang was hoping for a career switch from the previous printing sector where she came from.

I

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INDUSTRIES ARE CURRENTLY SUPPORTED BY THE PROFESSIONAL CONVERSION PROGRAMME (PCP).

SOURCE: SINGAPORE WORKFORCE AGENCY

CONTACT US Seeking employment or training advisory? Contact WDA Career Centre at 6883 5885 or visit https://portal.wda.gov.sg/ feedback today!

FINDING HER PASSION Having learnt about WDA's programmes, Mdm Ang approached the WDA Career Centre at Paya Lebar for career and training advisory.

“As Mdm Ang had been out of the workforce for a period of time, it was essential for us to first improve on her interview skills and enhance her résumé by highlighting her professional achievements,” says Career Coach Ms Lee Li Xin. Besides referring Mdm Ang for a series of computer refresher course to ensure that she was familiar with the latest software, Ms Lee also carried out a series of mock interviews to boost

Mdm Ang’s confidence.

Mdm Ang’s interest in the creative field was identified through a profiling assessment. Ms Lee then recommended that Mdm Ang consider pursuing a career in the Merchandising and Marketing industry, which offers a suitable training curriculum and career progression. With Ms Lee’s assistance, Mdm Ang enrolled in the Professional Conversion Programme (PCP) in November 2014, aimed at helping jobseekers to re-skill themselves and obtain relevant knowledge and competencies required to take on jobs in new sectors.

A NEW CAREER Upon completion of the threemonth Singapore Workforce Skills Qualification Diploma in Fashion Technology, Mdm Ang was offered a two-month internship stint with a local sportswear company in March 2015. Ms Lee commented that Mdm Ang’s positive attitude has motivated her to succeed in gaining entry into a new sector. “I’m grateful to Ms Lee and WDA for their assistance and encouragement,” said Mdm Ang. The programme has helped her gain confidence to go back to work and embark on a career switch to a sector of her interest.

*Not her real name

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CO N TAC T S O U T H E A S T

GET ONLINE! Find out how the job portal can provide solutions to your employment and hiring needs.

www.jobsbank. gov.sg

Services at WDA Career Centres Visit us at our Career Centres for a wide range of career services. You can:

1 Identify your skills and talents

2 Discover your career interest 3 Gain labour market insights on the hiring sectors

4 Search for career

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opportunities at the Jobs Bank website and at career fairs Sign-up for job preparatory workshops to improve your resume-writing, interview and job search skills and grooming tips Obtain advisory on relevant Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications [WSQ] accredited training programmes Access to training funding support

Our WDA Career Centres located at Toa Payoh, Jurong, Paya Lebar, Tampines and Woodlands provide a range of career and training services for the local workforce.

Benefit from professional advice on how to improve your employability and gain access to job and training opportunities.

JUL> SEP 2015

HELPING HANDS

KEMBALI BEKERJA LAGI

ਊ⥵⧀毮気

Dengan bantuan Agensi Pembangunan Tenaga Kerja (WDA), ibu yang kembali bekerja ini dapat memulakan pekerjaan di dalam industri baru.

ົ✣ߘ༈߱ߢߓ঵ូឝ䇂ᬦߤč븽 氓ਅ濜氈ᫀː痳ɮ䇂ィǰᶽȴ秕‫ܟ‬ ໄ椨‫✣׹‬弱Ģ븍

P

ada 2013, Puan Ang meninggalkan kerjayanya sebagai Penyelaras Pengeluaran di sebuah syarikat percetakan untuk menjaga anak bongsunya yang berusia lima tahun. Dengan sokongan suaminya, Puan Ang menjadi surirumah selama setahun, sebelum membuat keputusan untuk kembali bekerja.

"Saya rindu rasa kepuasan apabila saya keluar bekerja," kata penduduk Bedok yang berusia 47 tahun, yang sudah berkhidmat selama 12 tahun di dalam pekerjaan sebelumnya.

Bagaimanapun, beliau tidak mahu pulang ke sektor percetakan, dan ingin cuba mencari kerja di bidang yang lain.

MENCARI SEMANGATNYA Apabila mendapat tahu tentang program WDA, Puan Ang melawati Pusat Kerjaya WDA di Paya Lebar untuk mendapatkan nasihat. “Oleh kerana Puan Ang tidak bekerja selama setahun, ia amat penting bagi kami untuk memastikan beliau mahir dalam menjawab soalan-soalan temuduga. Kami juga meningkatkan mutu resumenya dengan menonjolkan pencapaian-pencapaian kerjayanya,” kata Jurulatih Kerjaya Cik Lee Li Xin. Selain merujuk Puan Ang kepada siri latihan komputer untuk memastikan dia tahu perisian yang terkini, Cik Lee juga membuat siri latihan temuduga untuk meningkatkan keyakinan diri Puan Ang. Puan Ang berminat dalam bidang kreatif dan Cik Lee menyarankan Puan Ang untuk memasuki kerjaya di dalam industri barangan dan pemasaran.

Dengan bantuan Cik Lee, Puan Ang menyertai Program Penukaran Kerjaya pada November 2014.

Program ini bertujuan meningkatkan kemahiran pencari kerja dan memastikan mereka mempunyai kepakaran dan ilmu yang diperlukan dalam bidang yang ingin diceburi.

KERJAYA BARU Setelah memperolehi Diploma dalam Teknologi Fesyen dari Kelayakan Tenaga Kerja Singapura, Puan Ang ditawarkan program ‘internship’ selama 2 bulan bersama sebuah syarikat pakaian sukan tempatan pada bulan Mac lalu. Dengan sikap positif, Puan Ang bermotivasi untuk berjaya memasuki sektor baru. “Saya berterima kasih kepada Cik Lee dan WDA atas bantuan dan sokongan yang telah mereka memberikan kepada saya," kata Puan Ang.

HUBUNGI KAMI Jika anda ingin mencari pekerjaan, atau nasihat kerjaya, sila hubungi talian khas WDA Career Centre di 6883 5885 atau lawati https://portal.wda.gov.sg/feedback *Bukan nama sebenar

了照顾当时5岁大的女儿，身为3名 孩子母亲的洪女士＊ 在2013年卸 下印刷生产项目协调员的工作。在先生的 支持下，洪女士成为了一名全职母亲。一年 后，她认为是时候重返工作行列。 “工作是我成人生活的一部分，而我 怀念由工作得到的满足感,”这名 47岁的勿 洛居民表示。在这之前，她在工作岗位上待 了12年。 “既然我母亲已经帮忙解决了照顾 孩子的问题，我决定再度工作。”但洪女士 也希望能在这个阶段加入一个新的行业。

为

重燃热忱 在知道新加坡劳动力发展局的各种计划 后，洪女士造访位于巴耶利峇的劳动力发 展局职业中心寻求职业及就职培训的帮 助。 “因为洪女士离开工作岗位已经有一段 时间， 我们必须帮助她提升面试技巧，并 改善她的履历表，凸显她的专业成就,”职 业辅导员李莉欣表示。除了介绍洪女士参 与一系列电脑复习课程，以确保她熟悉最 新软件的操作，李女士也进行了一系列模 拟面试，以提升洪女士的自信心。通过剖 析测验，洪女士对创意行业的兴趣也轻易 被确认，因此李女士建议 洪女士考虑在有 相关培训课程及职业发展的产品促销及营 销行业里展开事业。在李女士的协助下， 洪女士在2014年11月报读了 专业人士转 业计划——其课程旨在帮助寻找工作者重 新培训，学习相关行业知识以在新行业里 担任工作。

新事业 完成为期3个月的文凭课程时尚技术新技 能资格专业文凭后，洪女士于2015年3月 在一家本地运动服装公司开始了为期2个 月的实习。李女士表示： 洪女士的正面态 度是她成功在一个不同的行业开启新事业 的一大因素。 “我很感激李女士和新加坡劳动力发 展局的协助和鼓励,” 洪女士说。这项计 划让她能够自信回返工作行列，并踏上一 个符合她个人兴趣的新职业。

剔䰽ⅸȼ 嚌ὁ睠憔ញĢ⑋ߤ븽昧剔䰽✣ߘ༈ ߱ߢߓ঵ូឝ: ⊵⇦ 6883 5885 ⅾ ㋚戂 https://portal.wda.gov.sg/feedback *ď⟶ሻ䇂䊪ᙿዯਅ

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Story: Fairoza Mansor / Photos: Shutterstock

her sister's keeper With an ailing elder sibling and no support from her children, Mdm Salma* was trapped in a dire financial situation until she reached out for assistance.

FTER HER 74 YEAR-OLD sister suffered a series of falls in their one-bedroom rental flat at Pipit Road, Mdm Salma quit her job to become a fulltime caregiver. The accidents had resulted in the older woman — who already had a thyroid problem and weak lungs — being admitted to hospital on a number of occasions and in need of constant attention.

This arrangement, however, put a further strain on their finances. “Although my job in the laundry department of Marina Mandarin Singapore didn’t pay much, I could at least support the both of us,” says Mdm Salma, now 62. Without a job and hardly any financial help from her three adult children (who have their own financial difficulties and are unable to support her), Mdm Salma found just getting by to be a struggle. To make matters worse, she herself was recently diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure.

A

In early 2014, Mdm Salma approached the Social Service Office @ Geylang Serai (SSO@GS), formerly part of the South East Community Development Council (CDC), for help. Her case was escalated to an officer from the Ministry of Social and Family (MSF) Development, Mr Justin Seng, in April 2014. Mdm Salma also approached MUIS, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore for assistance.

A LOAD LIGHTENED

After getting her case reviewed

by Mr Seng, Mdm Salma and her sister now receive financial assistance to cover their basic daily expenses from the SSO@GS. MUIS now provides them an additional total monthly allowance.

“I was at my wits’ end and help came in the nick of time.

I’m very thankful to SSO@GS, MUIS and other agencies for their assistance,” says Mdm Salma. “At least now I can go to the market

CONTACT US If you are a South East resident who needs financial assistance, or know of someone who does, please call the ComCare hotline at 1800-222 0000.

I WAS AT MY WITS’ END AND HELP CAME IN THE NICK OF TIME. I’M VERY THANKFUL TO THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT AND MUIS FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE MDM SALMA to buy fish and vegetables for our daily meals. Furthermore, when we go to the hospital for my sister’s regular check-ups or to the polyclinic, the treatment and medication is free.”

To not be left out in the Hari Raya festivities in July, Mdm Salma also approached the Tabung Amal Aidilfitri (TAA) Trust Fund for a one-time assistance.

She says, “We live simply in our daily lives and that’s more than I can ask for — but for Hari Raya I had hoped that we could afford some chicken and sweet treats to humbly celebrate the holiday.” *Not her real name

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The idea for the fund was first mooted by the late Dr Tay Eng Soon, then Senior Minister of State for Education to the needy during the month of Ramadan. For more details or to donate to the fund, visit www.taa.org.sg.

JUL> SEP 2015

HELPING HANDS

4,000 RECIPIENTS BENEFIT FROM THE TABUNG AMAL AIDILFITRI (TAA) TRUST FUND EVERY YEAR.

GET SUPPORT In the past six years, MSF officer Mr Justin Seng has seen a number of elderly who have difficulties getting by day to day, but have lost contact with their children. Parents who are unable to support themselves can turn to the Commissioner for the Maintenance of Parents for assistance. Find out more on the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) website at www.msf.gov.sg

WHAT IS IT? The Commissioner for the Maintenance of Parents helps parents who are unable to support their personal basic needs due to old age or illness get support from their children who are capable of supporting them, but are not doing so.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Parents who are: Aged 60 and above, residing in Singapore and unable to look after their basic needs; or Below the age of 60 but not in good health.

HOW DO I GET HELP? You can contact the Office of the Commissioner For The Maintenance of Parents from 8.30am to 5pm on a weekday at 1800-222 0000 or visit: Family Link @ Lengkok Bahru 8 Lengkok Bahru, #02-01 Singapore 159052.

The Office of the Commissioner For The Maintenance of Parents is closed on weekends and Public Holidays.

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Story: Fairoza Mansor / Photo: Wilson Pang & David Loh

t i g n i keep ulture, be, c y a l a lace to ose of M GEYLANG For a d Serai is the p ant owners r , g SERAI Geylan ple and restau l Rahman, 50 WET MARKET u u d o says c Mahiran Ab , 59.

Madam Didih Ibrahim The GEYLANG SERAI WET and Mr MARKET might have been renovated but we still consider it to be the heart of this area.

We continue to get our supplies for the restaurant from this pasar (Malay for ‘wet market’).

Over the years, we’ve built good relationships with the store owners and so they know the quality we are looking for and are expecting. A lot of our Malay friends from all over Singapore come here for the fresh fish, chicken and other meats. These are known to be reasonably-priced here.

HJH MAIMUNAH RESTAURANT

We frequent the GEYLANG SERAI area a lot mainly because the second outlet of our restaurant, which sells Malay dishes and delicacies, is on JOO CHIAT ROAD. Four out of our five children have shown interest in taking over the business, which is great, so we will eventually have more time to play with our three grandchildren.

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CO N TAC T S O U T H E A S T

JUL> SEP 2015

IN MY SHOES

SIGLAP PARK CONNECTOR

We serve lots of kueh-kueh in the restaurant, but still make it a point to swing by the HARI RAYA BAZAAR during Ramadan (fasting month) to check out the street snacks on offer there. We usually buy some dendeng (sliced, barbecued meat) and Ramly Burgers, but mostly go to get into the festive mood.

Back in the 1980s, the shops were set up haphazardly, but nowadays, things are a lot more orderly.y

HARI RAYA BAZAAR

The Ram famous ly b urge r

We live in Siglap but we are very fond of Geylang Serai. It’s a familiar place and an iconic spot for the re.

Muslim community in Singapore.

The area becomes even more lively during fasting month, with the annual street light-up and the sounds of festive music.

Geylang Serai is where you can experience Malay culture and best of all, Malay food.

We usually go to MASJID KHALID which is just a short walk down Joo Chiat Road for our prayers. The mosque has been around for a long time and the story goes that it was constructed at the suggestion of Malay peddlers who used to sell their food on what used to be an empty plot of land.

This is a stretch that is actually closer to our home. It’s important to exercise and keep fit. Every morning, we go for a slow jog here. It’s a scenic and nicely-shaded trail that goes all the way to EAST COAST PARK.

MASJID KHALID

WALK WITH US! Share your special memories or favourite hangouts in your neighbourhood and see them get featured in upcoming issues of Contact South East.

Email your stories and details to Contact@secdc.org.sg 25

24-25 In My Shoes.indd 25

9/5/15 9:48 AM

Story: Chia Ee Khim

Make the upcoming Hari Raya Puasa and Mid-Autumn celebrations extra special by baking your own cookies and mooncakes.

KUIH MAKMUR Also known as ‘prosperity cookies’, kuih makmur requires some patience to make as well as nimble and meticulous hands, as the pattern on the dough is best clipped by hand and not with a cookie mould. This household favourite is usually served at family gatherings and special occasions.

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

(Makes 50-60 cookies)

1. Heat a pan over medium heat and dry-fry cashew nuts for a few minutes until lightly browned. Leave to cool, then crush the nuts coarsely using a food chopper. Mix nuts with sugar and melted butter, stirring until well combined. Set the filling aside.

FILLING 80 g cashew nuts 1 tsp castor sugar 20 g butter, melted DOUGH 160 g unsalted butter, at room temperature 100 g ghee ¼ tsp fine salt 110 g castor sugar 1 egg ½ tsp vanillin powder 320 g plain (allpurpose) flour, sifted Icing (confectioner’s) sugar, as needed

2. Using an electric mixer, beat butter, ghee, salt and sugar until creamy and smooth.

To keep the size of the cookies consistent, use a measuring spoon to portion out the dough. Alternatively, use a digital weighing scale.

Vary the filling by using peanuts instead of cashew nuts.

3. Add egg and vanillin powder and stir well. Continue to stir mixture while adding flour a little at a time until dough is formed.

4. To make the cookie, pinch a bit of dough and roll into an oval shape. Press it in your palm to create a well in the middle. It should resemble a leaf. Spoon some filling into the well, then bring sides of dough up to enclose filling.

Clip dough using a cookie pincher to create veins of leaf.

5. Place cookies on an ungreased baking tray. Preheat oven to 170°C. Bake cookies for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned.

6. Leave cookies to cool completely before dusting lightly with icing sugar. Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.

This recipe is taken and adapted from Malay Heritage Cooking ($38, excluding GST), published

by Marshall Cavendish.

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CO N TAC T S O U T H E A S T

JUL> SEP 2015

FEAST

TRADITIONAL BAKED MOONCAKES Mooncakes can be a challenge to make at home because of the numerous steps involved. But master this basic recipe and you’ll soon be wowing friends and family with your homemade creations.

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

(Makes 4 large or 8 mini mooncakes)

1. To make the dough, place the golden syrup, corn oil and alkaline water in a large bowl and mix until well combined.

65 g golden syrup 30 g corn oil ½ tsp alkaline water* 100 g Hong Kong flour*, sifted 380 g mooncake filling* (ready-made paste) 10 g melon seeds (optional) 2 salted egg yolks (optional) Egg wash (1 egg + 2 tbsp water) *Available from baking supply stores such as Phoon Huat

2. Add the flour mix, stirring until it just comes together – a wet, sticky mess. Wrap the dough mix in cling film and leave to rest for at least 1 hour.

3. Divide the filling into 4 equal portions for large mooncakes, or 8 for mini mooncakes, and roll each one into a ball. (Optional: If using melon seeds, knead them into the filling, then roll into balls. If using salted egg yolks, flatten each portion of filling and gently wrap around each yolk.)

4. When you are ready to assemble the mooncake, lightly brush the inside of the mooncake mould with oil to prevent the mooncakes from sticking.

5. Divide the dough into 4 equal large portions or 8 mini portions (as you did for step 3). Roll out each one into circles large enough to cover each ball of filling.

6. Gently place each mooncake into the mould and press down firmly for more defined etchings. Gently tap the mooncake out of the mould.

7. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the mooncakes on a lightly oiled baking tray, and lightly spray them with water. Bake for 10 minutes.

8. Remove the tray from the oven and leave outside to cool for 20 minutes.

9. Brush the top of the mooncakes with a thin coat of egg wash, then return the mooncakes into the oven and bake for another 10 minutes or until they turn a rich golden brown. Allow the mooncakes to cool before storing in air-tight container.

This recipe is contributed by chef Ally. A Le Cordon Bleu Sydney graduate, she is the founder of MyPastri.es, a patisserie and baking school where she shares her love for all things sweet with people from different walks of life. For more info on chef Ally’s classes, visit www.MyPastri.es, or call 9295 9079.

RESIST! DO NOT BE TEMPTED TO TUCK INTO YOUR FRESHLY-BAKED MOONCAKES. Set them aside for at least 3 days before consumption. This step helps to soften the skin and add shine to it.

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Story: Wanda Tan Illustrations: Shutterstock

smart money moves Don’t get caught in the debt trap!

ITHOUT PROPER FINANCIAL PLANNING, YOU CAN easily end up overspending and unable to meet your debt obligations such as home loan, car loan and credit card payments. And falling into debt is like falling into quicksand — once you sink in, it’s hard to get out.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has introduced a number of measures to encourage prudent borrowing and to avoid the accumulation of excessive debt.

W

BETTER INFORMATION DISCLOSURE

MEASURES TO AVOID DEBT ACCUMULATION

To ensure you do not rack up excessive debt,

2 NEW MEASURES Total interest-bearing unsecured debt that can be incurred across all financial institutions

From June 2015 onwards, your bank will send you a

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

were implemented in June 2015:

LIMITED TO

24 X

if you have not fully paid your month's bills for:

YOUR MONTHLY INCOME

&

you will not be allowed to receive further unsecured credit.

OTHER REVOLVING UNSECURED LOANS

CREDIT CARD

(which do not have a fixed tenure or fixed installment payments)

The statement shows:

INDUSTRY-WIDE BORROWING LIMIT WILL EVENTUALLY BE LOWERED June 2017

TOTAL AMOUNT & TIME NEEDED to clear all your debts if you pay only the minimum payment each month

AMOUNT OF DEBT THAT WILL ACCUMULATE if no payment is made for 6 months

BY ROLLING OVER YOUR DEBT

you are at risk of incurring substantial borrowing costs

18 X

YOUR MONTHLY INCOME

With this knowledge, you can:

ADJUST

your spending & borrowing habits

IF YOU EXCEED THIS CAP FOR 3 CONSECUTIVE MONTHS

REPAY

PAY

your outstanding debts

your monthly bills on time

June 2019

12 X

YOUR MONTHLY INCOME

Failure to make the minimum payment on any credit card or unsecured loan 60 days after it is due

THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTION WILL SUSPEND your credit cards and unsecured loans.

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CO N TAC T S O U T H E A S T

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

JUL> SEP 2015

SOME STEPS YOU CAN TAKE

FINANCE

to improve your debt situation:

PURCHASE A COPY OF YOUR CREDIT REPORT The report shows your credit payment history, as well as your total outstanding debt balances and credit limits across all financial institutions.

This will give you a complete picture of your debt situation.

REDUCE BORROWING. Your total debt will spiral upwards if you continue to charge items to your credit cards or draw down on your lines of credit.

SEEK ASSISTANCE. Contact your financial institution or Credit Counselling Singapore if you need assistance to manage or repay your debts.

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE Of course, the best solution is to avoid getting into debt in the first place!

That means living within your means and adopting

GOOD FINANCIAL HABITS

SAVE MONEY REGULARLY TO REDUCE YOUR DEPENDENCE ON LOANS.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MANAGING DEBT

See www.moneysense.gov. sg/Understanding-FinancialProducts/Credit-and-Loans/ Getting-Out-of-Debt.aspx

DRAW UP A BUDGET FOR EXPENSES AND STICK TO IT.

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS WILL ALSO BE BARRED from granting you credit limit increases or new credit cards and unsecured loans.

ON PURCHASING CREDIT REPORT

Visit Credit Bureau Singapore www.creditbureau.com.sg

OR

DP Credit Bureau www.dpcreditbureau.sg

See www.ccs.org.sg ON CREDIT COUNSELLING OR Call 6225 5227 SINGAPORE

ASK FOR A LOWER CREDIT LIMIT WHEN YOU APPLY FOR A NEW CREDIT CARD OR UNSECURED LOAN. 29

28-29 MAS Credit Change_new.indd 29

9/3/15 6:14 PM

Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, Adviser to Marine Parade GRC GROs, joining devotees at the consecration of Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Hindu temple at Ceylon Road in January.

MARINE PARADE

Grassroots Adviser Associate Professor Fatimah Lateef, Adviser to Marine Parade GRC GROs, addressing the crowd at the Lunar New Year-cum-Singapore World Water Day Celebrations held at Lorong 40 Geylang in March.

STAYING TRUE TO THE SPIRIT OF SG50, OUR GRASSROOTS ADVISERS HAVE BEEN BUSY RALLYING THE COMMUNITY AT EVENTS ACROSS THE DISTRICT

BONDING THE

MOUNTBATTEN

Grassroots Adviser Lim Biow Chuan, Adviser to Mountbatten GROs, congratulating award winners at the Mountbatten SECDCMountbatten CCC Merit Awards Presentation Ceremony 2015 in April.

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CO N TAC T S O U T H E A S T

JUL> SEP 2015

MAKING CONNECTIONS

GEYLANG SERAI

KEMBANGAN CHAI CHEE

Grassroots Adviser Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister for Manpower and Adviser to Marine Parade GRC GROs, sharing a moment with residents during a house visit in May to the Jalan Senang and Jalan Paras neighbourhoods.

Grassroots Adviser Seah Kian Peng, Adviser to Marine Parade GRC GROs, alongside prize-winning families at the Baby Singapore 2015 event held in April at the Braddell Heights Community Club.

BRADDELL HEIGHTS

Grassroots Adviser Tin Pei Ling, Adviser to Marine Parade GRC GROs, interacting with the residents at the Groundbreaking Ceremony at 1014 Geylang East Avenue 4 in April.

MACPHERSON

Grassroots Adviser Sitoh Yih Pin, Adviser to Potong Pasir GROs, taking a group photo with Potong Pasir residents during the recent Mega Penang Tour between 30 April and 3 May that was organised

by Potong Pasir CCC.

POTONG PASIR

Grassroots Adviser Charles Chong, Adviser to Joo Chiat GROs, observing young residents taking part in a colouring contest during the SG50 Easter Fun Party at Siglap South CC in April.

JOO CHIAT

31

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9/5/15 9:51 AM

Grassroots Adviser Lim Swee Say, Minister, Prime Minister’s Oɝce and Adviser to East Coast GRC GROs welcoming residents to the East Coast Care-retro-themed SG50 event where guests were invited to "step into the past" at the Bedok Temporary Interchange in March.

BEDOK

Grassroots Adviser Lee Yi Shyan, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of National Development; and Adviser to East Coast GRC GROs, agging o΍ the Valentine Run 2015 - Back to 1965 event at Bedok Reservoir Park (Floating Platform) in February.

KAMPONG CHAI CHEE

Grassroots Adviser Raymond Lim, Adviser to East Coast GRC GROs, celebrating Lunar New Year with Fengshan residents in February that was held at 93 Bedok North Avenue 4.

Grassroots Adviser Jessica Tan Soon Neo, Adviser to East Coast GRC GROs, interacting with elderly residents during the Changi Simei Spring Fiesta 2015 event at the open eld beside Eastpoint Mall in February.

FENGSHAN

CHANGI SIMEI

Grassroots Adviser Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman, Mayor of South East District; Minister of State, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of National Development taking a photo with participants during Siglap Day @ Ubin in June, in which 1,000 Siglap Residents headed to Pulau Ubin to experience the past and to preserve the future.

SIGLAP

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CO N TAC T S O U T H E A S T

GIVE THESE CHALLENGES YOUR BEST SHOT AND STAND TO REAP THE REWARDS!

JUL> SEP 2015

CONTESTS

Spot the difference!

Find the 5 differences in these two photos and stand a chance to take home a pair of movie vouchers.

Send in your sg50 greetings AND WIN! Post your birthday greetings for the nation!

The most creative entries stand to win $20 worth of CapitaLand vouchers.

STEPS TO WINNING 1) Go to our Facebook page.

2) Post your messages and photos that express your love and best wishes for Singapore. The 5 best entries will claim the prize!

‘LIKE’ US AT www.facebook.com/secdc

These contests are only open to the residents of the South East District (Bedok, Braddell Heights, Changi Simei, Fengshan, Geylang Serai, Joo Chiat, Kampong Chai Chee, Kembangan-Chai Chee, MacPherson, Marine Parade, Mountbatten, Potong Pasir and Siglap). South East CDC sta΍ and their immediate family members are not eligible. Winners will be noti ed by Facebook and post respectively. Residents who have already won this contest in 2015 will not be eligible. Closing date: 15 October 2015

NAME _________________________________________________ NRIC _________________________________________________ ADDRESS ______________________________________________ CONTACT NO ____________________________________________ EMAIL ________________________________________________ Scan and email your entry along with your details to Contact@secdc.org.sg with the subject header: “Contact South East (Jul-Sep 2015) – Contest” or mail in your entries to: Contact South East – Contest South East Community Development Council, 10 Eunos Road 8 #12-05A Singapore Post Centre Singapore 408600 33

33 Contest.indd 33

9/3/15 6:16 PM

Photos: Shutterstock

17 & 18 OCT 2015 (SAT & SUN)

South East Clean and Green SG50 Carnival ORGANISER National Environment Agency (NEA) and South East CDC TIME 11am to 9pm VENUE OneKM Shopping Mall Atrium HIGHLIGHTS Get in touch with your green side this Golden Jubilee! Bring 2kg of paper, clothing, plastics, glass or e-waste for recycling and get to take part in a sure-win lucky dip*! There’s something for everyone, even young residents, who can look forward to a Clean & Green SG50 colouring competition, a magic show and a host of carnival games.

Older residents can also attend a series of DIY recycle craft workshops. Stand a chance to win attractive prizes if you pre-register for the event, so hurry!

GUEST OF HONOUR Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister for Social and Family Development and Adviser to Marine Parade GRC GROs CONTACT southeast_cdc@pa.gov.sg /6243 8753 *While stocks last

12 SEP 2015 (SAT)

Public Forum — Transformation of Katong-Siglap ORGANISER Joo Chiat & Mountbatten MAECs TIME 3pm to 5pm VENUE Mountbatten CC HIGHLIGHTS Members of the Pioneer Generation will impart values through the sharing of their memories of the good ol’ days.

Younger residents will also learn of various aspects of Singapore life and the stories behind uniquely Singaporean traditions. Finally, the forum will highlight the importance of Malay Language usage. It will be held in conjunction with the nation’s SG50 celebrations.

CONTACT 6442 5317

26 SEP 2015 (SAT)

Bedok Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrations 2015 ORGANISER Bedok RCs TIME 7pm to 10pm VENUE TBC HIGHLIGHTS It’s mooncake season again! Besides the annual lantern procession under the stars, participating residents will each receive a free mooncake and get to enjoy a line-up of exciting performances.

CONTACT 6442 5317

34

34 Up & Coming V6.indd 34

9/5/15 9:52 AM

NAME SXXXXXXXA

35-Contact Se July-Sep 2015 Ads.indd 35

9/3/15 6:18 PM

DENTAL STUDIO Our Range of Services Root Canal Therapy

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A CO M M U N I T Y M A G A Z I N E O F T H E

APR> JUN 2015

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Scan this QR Code to visit our website:

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Please call our clinic or email us for an appointment

Marine Parade Branch Tel: 6348 0824

Buangkok Branch Tel: 6752 1008

Hill V2 Branch Tel: 6354 0111

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Untitled-1 Untitled-1 11

pg8

CHATROOM

pg14

IN MY SHOES

pg24

Ensuring that seniors living alone are never lonely

MERCURY-FREE PRACTICE 6SK NYL` ZPS]LY TLYJ\Y` MPSSPUNZ HYL YLWSHJLK ^P[O HLZ[OL[PJ [VV[O JVSV\YLK TH[LYPHSZ [OH[ HYL UV[ VUS` NVVK SVVRPUN I\[ WYV[LJ[ `V\Y [LL[O SHZ[ ^LSS HUK SVUNLY .P]L \Z H JHSS VY LTHPS \Z MVY TVYL KL[HPSZ HIV\[ KPYLJ[ SHI IHZLK VUSH`Z HUK PUSH`Z

SE BUZZ

A CO M M U N I T Y M A G A Z I N E O F T H E

What it means to spend time together

Young eco-warriors display the kampung spirit

building

SOUTH EAST DISTRICT

JUL> SEP 2015

SOUTH EAST

singapore

family ties

Stand a chance to win movie passes and CapitaLand Vouchers!

celebrateS

Nurturing bonds and a sense of belonging in the District

Contact South East is published quarterly, with a circulation of 190,000 copies, and it is distributed to every household in the South East District; encompassing estates such as Marine Parade, Bedok, Joo Chiat, Siglap, Changi and Simei.

pg8

SE BUZZ

Recognising the exemplary efforts of youth leaders

pg14

CHATROOM

Residents talk about what racial harmony means to them

pg24

IN MY SHOES

Step into the heart of Malay cultural life

Stand a chance to win movie passes and CapitaLand Vouchers!

SEA Games triumphs, CDCs Celebrating Communities & more

12/1/14 12/1/14 12/1/14 12/1/14 12/1/1411:12 11:12 11:12 11:12 11:12 AM AM AM AM AM

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12/1/14 11:21 AM

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