For seasoned gym-goers, getting a 152kg sled to budge a few centimetres would be tough. Yet Margaret Lim, 51, and Seah Seow Ping, 54, pushed one across 50m at the Puma Hyrox World Championships in Stockholm, Sweden, last month. They were competing in the Women’s Pro Doubles category for those between 50 and 54 years.

Widely regarded as one of the world’s toughest functional fitness races, Hyrox combines 8km of running with eight gruelling workout stations.

Standing at 157cm and 150cm tall respectively, Lim and Seah also powered through other stations, including a 103kg sled pull, lunges with 20kg sandbags on their shoulders, and 100 repetitions of 6kg wall balls, which involved squatting and throwing a medicine ball to strike a target.

In the Women’s Pro division, the weights used are equivalent to those in the Men’s Open category.

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The women, both Singaporeans, secured their spot at the international level after competing in AIA Hyrox Singapore 2025, last November, where they placed second.

Competing against women from the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East, some young enough to be their children, the pair said they wanted to challenge assumptions about what women in their 50s are capable of.

“We had the privilege to compete on this world stage, and we trained incredibly hard for it. We may not be the fastest, the fittest, or the strongest athletes out there, but we didn’t give up,” Lim told CNA Women.

Seah added: “I think many women underestimate what they are still capable of in their 50s. I never saw myself as an athlete, so qualifying for the World Championships felt surreal. It reminded me that growth and new possibilities don’t stop with age.”

FROM AGEING WELL TO FITNESS RACES

When they first started their fitness journey, neither imagined they would compete at a world championship.

Both are working mothers. Seah, a marketing and training consultant, has two adult daughters while Lim, a pilates instructor, has two teenage sons. Like many women in midlife, they were focused on ageing well.

They met last year at F45 Novena, where they took up functional training at the fitness franchise to become fitter and sort out niggling health issues common among middle-aged women.

Seah has a long-standing knee problem and was concerned about her metabolic health, having experienced gestational diabetes in the past.

Her long working hours meant she led a largely inactive lifestyle until the age of 45. She started training for a marathon then as a personal challenge, completing her first full marathon in 4 hours and 42 minutes.

“It made me realise with consistency, we are capable of much more than we think, regardless of age,” said Seah.

For Lim, the turning point came after a routine health screening in 2024. It revealed that her bone mass was “on the low side”, despite an active lifestyle that included pilates, running, and board sports like wakeboarding, surfing and snowboarding.

“No one knew my bone mass was going downhill until that health screen. It was a rude shock as I’ve always been active,” Lim said. “I realised that if I wanted to age well, I had to shift from being ‘active’ to intentionally increasing more muscle and skeletal density.”

The women initially signed up for their first Hyrox race with other partners. When the November 2025 race came around, they decided to team up for the Women’s Doubles after learning they were around the same age and shared the same training mindset – steady, repeated efforts, partner commitment and team progress.

“We took part to prove a point to ourselves. Even though we lack the physical advantage, we can strategise and take a tactical approach towards the race,” Lim said.

TRAINING WHILE JUGGLING LIFE

Preparing for Hyrox required discipline. Their typical training week consists of strength training, running and mobility exercises.

In the lead-up to the race in Stockholm, Lim clocked around six to eight hours of training over four days. Seah trained around nine hours weekly, mostly in the mornings before work.

They trained separately because of their schedules, meeting on weekends to do what they call “mini Hyrox” simulations and check in on each other’s progress.

To cope with training while running physically demanding pilates classes, Lim paid close attention to her sleep, diet, hydration and recovery.

For Seah, balancing work and training was challenging. She travels extensively for work and struggles to get sufficient sleep on workdays.

“There are times when, physically and mentally, I can’t take it and will have to forego a planned training session,” she admitted.

She also struggled with self-doubt. “There are moments when I’m so bogged down with work, and mentally and physically tired, where I ask myself, ‘Why am I doing this?’,” Seah said.

“We are not superwomen – we still struggle with fatigue, self-doubt and balancing responsibilities like everyone else,” she added.

What kept her going, Seah said, was a sense of responsibility and accountability, and a desire to give her best for the World Championships.

“I also want to set a good example to my daughters and family about continuing to challenge ourselves and grow at any age,” she said.

OVERCOMING SCEPTICISM

While their families have been supportive, the pair encountered their fair share of scepticism. Lim admitted she was initially a sceptic herself, when a colleague first suggested Hyrox. Looking at the race format, she recalled thinking: “That looks quite intense. I don’t think it’s for me.”

Seah has received comments like, “You’re not young anymore. If you break a bone, it’ll take a long time to heal” from well-meaning people.

She added: “In the beginning, many people told me: ‘You better take care, don’t chiong (Singlish term that loosely means to put in intense effort) so much. You’re already so old’.”

Over time, Seah noticed their doubts faded.

“There came a point where the sceptics became very encouraging. They started saying things like ‘Hey, well done’, after seeing my consistency, that I wasn’t getting major injuries, and that I could lift heavier and looked fitter. That’s when they realised that something must be done right somewhere,” added Seah.

Her 78-year-old mother, she added with a laugh, remains sceptical and still feels she is exerting herself too much.

TRUSTING EACH OTHER

Competing in the Hyrox doubles category requires not only strength and endurance but also trust and knowing how to play up their strengths.

Both teammates run every 1km side by side, followed by a workout station where the partners can divide the workload, until they complete 8km of running and eight workout stations.

The pair said they learnt to divide stations according to their strengths. At the SkiErg station, for instance, which simulates the full-body motion of skiing, Seah’s more efficient and consistent strokes allowed her to shoulder more of the workload.

Meanwhile, Lim took on more wall-ball training while Seah managed a shoulder injury ahead of the competition.

“Generally, the person who is stronger in a particular station will do more of the work,” Lim explained.

Success also depends on trust, they said. “We are constantly looking out for each other during the race. Sometimes, it’s not even spoken. You can sense when your partner needs more support or needs you to take over,” said Seah.

The trust also extends beyond race day. Despite demanding jobs and family commitments, both women train consistently because they do not want to let their partner down.

“I think that mutual effort and responsibility is what builds trust between us,” said Seah.

WHAT AGEING WELL MEANS TO THEM

For the women, competing in Stockholm had little to do with rankings, though Lim admitted she has always dreamt of being a professional athlete since childhood.

Competing alongside athletes, many of whom were younger, taller and more athletically built, and crossing the finish line knowing they gave their best, was a win.

“Even though we missed our target, the experience was invaluable,” said Lim. “We’re walking away with a plan to train even more structurally to better this race next time.”

More importantly, the experience showed them what the body is capable of, even after 50. For example, Lim feels she is now a better runner due to her training than when she was back in school.

“I realise the body is really amazing: Give it the right dose of stimulus and it responds,” she said.

“A lot of people tend to put the blame on age for their decline, but research shows that it’s mostly due to lack of movement. You can be 50 but you need not move like a typical 50-year-old.”

Lim views her Hyrox milestone as the “start of a chapter called Ageing Well”. In her work as a pilates instructor, many of her clients are older adults or people undergoing rehabilitation.

“Being able to move and exercise is a real privilege,” she said.

To Seah, her fitness journey taught her how small consistent steps can open unexpected possibilities in life. Ageing well, to her, means staying as curious as a child, being adventurous like a teenager, and being wiser in the choices she makes.

“I want to keep learning, trying new things and fully participating in life for as long as possible,” she said.

Their message to women is simple: Never let age define what you can or cannot do.

“I hope women stop limiting themselves before life even does. Show up consistently, don’t do it alone, get proper guidance and join a community. Sometimes, one small step can lead to things we never imagined possible,” said Seah.

SINGAPORE: Electricity tariffs have hit a record high in Singapore, as natural gas prices, driven skyward by the Middle East conflict, have pushed up the cost of producing electricity.

For the July to September quarter, the household electricity tariff will rise by 17 per cent, or 4.64 cents per kilowatt-hour before Goods and Services Tax (GST), adding about S$17 (US$13.18) a month to the average electricity bill for a four-room HDB flat.

Earlier this year, Manpower Minister and Minister-in-charge of Energy Tan See Leng warned that the July-September tariff would see "significantly sharper increases" because of the way Singapore's regulated tariff is calculated. He added that households wanting to hedge against higher prices could switch to a fixed-price contract.

However, the Energy Market Authority (EMA) said on Tuesday (June 30) that if the Middle East situation improves, lower fuel prices could lead to lower electricity tariffs in the fourth quarter.

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That leaves households that have yet to lock in a fixed-price plan with a dilemma: Should they sign up for one now, or wait to see if electricity tariffs ease later this year?

Will electricity tariffs come down?

Possibly, but not immediately.

Singapore generates about 95 per cent of its electricity using imported natural gas, leaving local electricity prices highly vulnerable to supply shocks in global fuel markets.

Grid operator SP Group reviews the regulated electricity tariff every quarter, based on the gas prices in the first 2.5 months of the previous quarter, according to EMA. 

For example, gas prices between April and mid-June 2026, when global fuel prices were elevated, are used to set the tariffs for July to September 2026. 

This means that changes in fuel prices in the third quarter will only show up in the electricity tariffs in the fourth quarter. 

“The record high electricity tariffs are at a critical watershed now - much will depend on the still unfolding scenario on the Middle East oil and gas situation,” said Professor Lawrence Loh, director of the Centre for Governance and Sustainability at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School.

“Even when there may be truces for the current periods, the setting can be volatile,” he said.

“It is likely that the fuel and electricity prices will remain high, if not rise higher, before they can subside if the situation gets better”

Dr Sung Jinseok, a Research Fellow at the NUS Energy Studies Institute, said that while electricity prices may fall in the fourth quarter if the geopolitical situation in the Middle East stabilises, the fall is more likely to be insignificant.

“In many countries, Q3 is a peak demand season, and there are still a lot of uncertainties in the situation in the Middle East,” he said.

“A return to the pre-conflict price level can happen in 2027, assuming the situation will be normalised in the Gulf region.”

What are my options if I’m choosing an electricity plan today?

Households may choose to stay on SP Group’s regulated tariff, or sign up for an energy retailer’s fixed-price plan. Some retailers also offer time-of-use plans, or plans that give a discount off the regulated tariff.

According to EMA, 62.8 per cent of households purchased electricity from SP Group under the regulated electricity tariff as of Jun 1, while 37.1 per cent of households were on fixed-price retail plans.

“Since EMA announced the expected increase in electricity costs in mid-June, we have seen daily sign-ups increase by approximately four times in recent weeks,” said CEO of energy retailer Geneco Lim Han Kwang.

PacificLight Energy general manager Geraldine Tan said the retailer has observed a steady increase in its customer sign-ups since the fuel price increases due to the conflict in the Middle East.

As of Jul 3, EMA's price comparison website showed 24-month fixed-price plans at 27.5 cents per kWh (including GST), below the regulated tariff of 34.78 cents.

Households on the regulated tariff pay the rate reviewed every quarter under EMA's pricing framework. Because there is no retail contract, they remain free to switch to an electricity retailer later. The trade-off is that bills can rise when fuel prices go up.

Fixed-price plans lock in a rate for a contract period, typically between six and 24 months, although some retailers offer longer contracts. The household pays the same contracted rate,even if the regulated tariff rises. But if the regulated tariff later falls below the contracted rate, the customer continues paying the fixed rate until the contract ends.

"While no one can predict how electricity prices will move in the coming months, many customers value the certainty of knowing exactly what they will pay each month," said Senoko Energy head of commercial and corporate communications James Chong.

"In today's environment of continued volatility in global energy markets, that peace of mind can be just as valuable as the immediate savings.

Dr David Broadstock, a partner at energy consultancy Lantau Group, said a fixed-price plan makes sense only if consumers believe tariffs are unlikely to fall sharply.

"This seems fairly probable since fuel prices have been hovering in reasonable steady levels," he said.

Discount-off-tariff plans move with the regulated tariff, but apply a fixed discount to it. For example, Senoko Energy has a plan offering a discount of 1.64 cents per kWh off the SP tariff, while PacificLight Energy introduced a new plan on Wednesday offering an 18 per cent discount off the tariff.

However, the downside is that electricity rates will change when the regulated tariff changes.

“Discount-off-regulated-tariff options make more sense for consumers when the tariff rate itself is stable,” said Dr Broadstock.

“This makes it easier for consumers to have confidence that they are likely to save money. However, the current context is different from that, with a tariff rate that has been moving around a lot, and with more changes possible.”

Time-of-use plans charge different rates depending on when electricity is used. They may suit households that can shift more consumption to off-peak hours, such as by running appliances at night.

But regardless of the plan chosen, the physical supply of electricity remains the same, with SP Group continuing to operate Singapore's power grid and deliver electricity to homes.

The main factor is the consumers' risk tolerance, said Prof Loh.

“If you think you can sleep better with the mitigation of upside risk, take the fixed-price plan but you are more concerned about the downside risk and care about the regret factor, then take the discount-off-regulated-tariff plans.”

Should I wait for better deals or lock in now?

Energy retailers CNA spoke to said the regulated tariff and retail fixed-rate plans are priced differently and therefore do not always move in the same direction.

"The regulated tariff is determined on a quarterly basis, based on the average daily cost of natural gas in the first 2.5 months of the previous quarter. In contrast, electricity retailers price fixed-rate plans based on the forward energy futures prices over the tenure of the contract, which reflects market expectations of future energy prices," said Mr Chong.

Mr Lim said that as fuel cost forms the largest component of the electricity rate, the fixed rate is largely determined by the hedged fuel cost.

Dr Broadstock told CNA that retailers’ price adjustments are a reasonable reflection of further geopolitical risk, as the prices they are offering are based on the expectations of fuel costs over the coming months. 

“Pricing for continued instability is quite prudent from a commercial perspective, and would reduce the risk of market exit should fuel market conditions deteriorate any further, as retailers may have some buffer built in to their pricing,” he said.

Prof Loh said energy retailers’ exposure to risk at the aggregate level is very significant.

“In some ways, consumers paying this premium is like buying insurance for price increases,” Prof Loh added.

In other words, current retail offers may already reflect retailers’ expectations of fuel prices, hedging arrangements and competitive pressures, not just the latest regulated tariff. 

Analysts cautioned households against “timing the market” for better deals.

“There is never an easy time or way to confidently time the market, but when major uncertainty exists as in the fuel markets right now, things can move far from expectations very quickly,” said Dr Broadstock.

Prof Loh said most households were unlikely to time the market better than institutional players.

“Instead of trying to call the bottom, it’s better to settle for fixed prices if you want peace of mind when things go awry.”

What should I compare before signing up?

Before signing up, households should consider the different options against their own usage patterns and their ability to live with further price changes.

“The beauty of a fixed-price plan is certainty, which is very attractive for household budgeting,” said Dr Broadstock.

Prof Loh said that households with high energy consumption could face greater risks, so fixed prices are more appropriate for them.

“Tight budgets may not be conducive to large price fluctuations - if the fixed prices are within your budgets, go for certainty - in other words, take the fixed-price plans,” he said.

But for households who do not mind quarterly changes in electricity rates, so long as they are lower than the regulated tariff, a discount-off scheme may be a better option.

“The opportunity with the tariff, or a discount-off scheme, is that they may, within the duration of a fixed price plan, lower far enough to make them cheaper”, said Dr Broadstock.

Other factors to consider include sign-on bonuses, bill rebates or earlier contract renewals.

For instance, Mr Chong said existing Senoko customers have been renewing their contracts earlier, taking advantage of the retailer's policy that allows renewals up to six months before contract expiry.

But ultimately, the choice between a discount-off-tariff and fixed-price plan, or a shorter-duration and longer-duration plan, depends on the consumer’s risk appetite.

“Make the decision depending on your situation and not as a game of chance,” said Prof Loh.

SINGAPORE: Artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are reshaping Singapore's healthcare and social service sectors, but observers stressed that these are intended to give professionals more time to focus on people, not replace human interaction.

From helping hospitals manage staff rosters to assisting social workers with documenting children's developmental progress, technology is increasingly taking over routine administrative tasks.

But industry leaders told CNA that adopting technology in sectors built on trust and empathy requires a measured approach. 

RESHAPING HEALTHCARE JOBS

On Thursday (Jul 2), public healthcare provider NHG Health launched a workforce accelerator programme to support the transformation of healthcare jobs and skills.

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The programme will explore how patients' needs may evolve in the future, to determine whether existing roles can be redesigned or if new roles are needed to fill the gaps.

NHG Health said job redesign has become increasingly urgent as healthcare needs evolve rapidly and technology becomes more embedded in the workplace.

At the launch, Senior Minister of State for Health Tan Kiat How said technology should strengthen professional expertise, not replace it.

“Our challenge is not simply responsible AI. It is responsible professional development in the age of AI,” he added.

“We have long understood the risks of deskilling. Today, we must also guard against mis-skilling – people becoming highly proficient at using technology, but less confident exercising their own judgement.

“Patients deserve better than that. Our healthcare professionals deserve better than that too.”

Observers said technology should enable healthcare professionals to spend more time with patients while supporting their judgement.

Healthcare Services Employees' Union executive secretary Steven Goh said automating tasks such as documentation and scheduling could reduce administrative burdens that contribute to staff burnout.

"All these will alleviate a lot of their time, and with that, I think the nurses will have better job satisfaction, and therefore be able to have greater staff retention," he said.

TECHNOLOGY FOR SOCIAL GOOD

Meanwhile, in the social service sector, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) is setting aside S$15 million (US$12 million) over three years to tap emerging technologies such as AI.

Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli said on Thursday that the government would lead efforts to bridge innovation with frontline expertise.

One priority is making better use of data to identify people at risk and reach out with support earlier, he added.

But Mr Masagos noted that any new tools must remain human-centred, with professional oversight and safeguards.

In his speech, he said: “AI is not a silver bullet, nor can it replace the care professional. But used well, AI can help us reach further, respond faster, and support families more effectively than ever before.”

AI is already being put to practical use across the social service sector, from facial recognition tools that help ensure clients receive the correct medication to platforms that support case workers handling complex family cases.

Social service agencies told CNA that a fresh tranche of funding will help expand these efforts and scale successful solutions.

Care Corner Singapore, for instance, has deployed an AI-powered transcription tool that has cut the time staff spend on administrative tasks by at least half.

It is also trialling an AI-enabled case management platform designed to surface gaps in assessments and strengthen case planning.

“Our social workers are coming back to tell us that case numbers may not see big increases, but the kinds of cases that they are working with have become a lot more complex,” said Care Corner Singapore CEO Christian Chao.

“So the time taken to support the family, help them through that difficult period, actually now requires a lot more effort.”

PEOPLE BEFORE TECHNOLOGY

Experts said introducing technology requires careful management because much of the work involves supporting people at their most vulnerable.

“Trust is very important,” said Mr Bruce Liew, senior director of disability and inclusion at social service agency AWWA.

“If technology becomes the first touch point, it sometimes makes the client feel less seen, less heard, less understood. So professionals are quite cautious in introducing tech before the trust is built.”

Mr Liew added that one-size-fits-all technology solutions may not suit the highly personalised nature of care.

“A lot of care, a lot of intervention, it's very individualised, and sometimes technology starts off by standardising processes, and that may not be so well received by frontline teams,” he said.

“The use of AI or tech is not meant to replace the empathy provided by the practitioners, it's meant to give them some of the time and energy back for them to practice some of this empathy.”

SINGAPORE: The Transport Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) will table a motion on Tuesday (Jul 7) urging Singapore to strengthen its long-term transport strategy to stay globally competitive. 

It will be the first private member's motion tabled by a GPC since the 2025 General Election.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the sitting, GPC chairperson Tin Pei Ling said the motion aims to position connectivity as a critical driver of Singapore's long-term economic competitiveness. 

The debate would focus on global connectivity rather than day-to-day public transport issues, she said, although the latter remains a GPC priority.

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The issues being discussed "may not be politically sexy" but are important at the "national strategic level", Ms Tin said.

She will lead the motion with deputy chairperson Mr Edward Chia. Months in the making, it is intended to set the agenda for transport discussions for the rest of the parliamentary term.

The MPs also hope Singapore can use its Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chairmanship in 2027 to strengthen regional transport cooperation amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.

"As an open economy, as a small country, all the more so it is important for us to ensure that we have robust connectivity to the region and to the rest of the world," Ms Tin said.

Work on the motion began before the recent conflict in the Middle East, though Ms Tin said the crisis reinforced its urgency. 

AI'S IMPACT ON TRANSPORT

The motion will span four areas meant to strengthen Singapore's resilience: international cooperation, frontier technologies, integrated physical and digital infrastructure, and creating good jobs for Singaporeans.

On technology, Ms Tin said Singapore should focus less on competing in foundational artificial intelligence models and more on applying AI within transport.

She and Mr Chia said AI could better integrate transport systems across land, sea and air, optimising flows and improving efficiency across platforms. The MPs also intend to call for greater investment in AI research and development, alongside infrastructure that better integrates physical and digital systems.

The motion will also look at how Singapore can prepare workers for changes brought by AI and other emerging technologies in the transport sector, with the goal of anchoring higher-value jobs while helping workers build the skills needed for future roles, Ms Tin said.

Mr Chia said discussions with the GPC's transport resource panel found that employers were more concerned about filling vacancies than job displacement, particularly in aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul, and in the maritime sector. 

This may stem from the challenging nature of the work or a lack of awareness of and interest in these careers, the MPs said.

"It's not about job losses, it's about how we can train, upskill Singaporeans, make greater awareness of the career opportunities in the transport sector," Mr Chia said.

The MPs also plan to propose stronger partnerships between large companies, small- and medium-sized firms and startups to accelerate Singapore's transport strategy.

REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY

Strengthening regional connectivity, particularly within ASEAN, is another key pillar of the motion. Mr Chia said Singapore should deepen cooperation with regional economies to improve productivity.

"We have already made some progress in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. Can we extend that to Singapore-Johor-Batam-Bintan?" he said.

The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone agreement was signed in January last year, and discussions have since expanded to explore extending cooperation to Indonesia as part of broader regional economic integration.

"Batam is actually already doing a lot in terms of dry dock, ship maintenance and shipbuilding. They obviously have more space than us," Mr Chia said. "But how can we, as a regional ecosystem, leverage complementary sharing to forge practical win-win outcomes and secure our regional resilience at the same time?"

Ms Tin also cited the ASEAN Power Grid as an example of sharing power across regions, though she noted that geopolitical risks remain a key challenge as the grid passes through multiple jurisdictions.

When land routes are disrupted, Singapore could explore alternative ways of transporting green energy, such as converting it into a form that can be moved by sea or air, she said – an example, she added, of why Singapore needs resilient connectivity across land, sea and air.

The GPC's six other members are also expected to address various aspects of transport in their speeches, covering innovation, jobs, logistics and sustainability.

DILI, Timor-Leste: Mr Lawrence Wong hopes his visit to Timor-Leste, the first by a Singapore prime minister, will spark greater interest and exchanges between Singaporeans and the Timorese people.

“There are many possibilities, and hopefully with this visit it will spark more interest among Singaporeans, and it will spark more exchanges and interactions between Singaporeans and the Timorese people,” Mr Wong told Singapore media on Friday (Jul 3), at the end of his two-day trip to the capital Dili.

There is "a lot of room for optimism in Timor-Leste's long-term potential", he said. "They are a young nation, youthful population, they have the resources, they have the potential to grow much more than where they are now."

Mr Wong said Timor-Leste's status as an emerging economy would also present challenges for Singaporeans looking to invest there.

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“For businesses coming into any emerging market, they have to come in with their eyes open, recognising that there are always going to be complexities when you go overseas – businesses have to take the long view and have to find good local partners,” he said.

“That's something that businesses need to know how to do. Governments cannot guide businesses in making these decisions.”

Mr Wong met a group of 50 to 60 Singaporeans based in Timor-Leste on Thursday, and said he was encouraged by the exchange. 

“Small though they may be, but there have been many who are here, have been here for a long time, they have sunk roots here, and some of them have indeed started businesses in a wide range of different areas,” he said.

While not everyone has succeeded, "quite a number of them" are thriving and optimistic about the road ahead, he added. 

Singaporeans considering business there face "another new dimension of learning", but can draw on the experience of those who have already found success.

As Timor-Leste diversifies its economy beyond oil and gas, Mr Wong said new sectors such as hospitality, infrastructure and the blue economy – the use of coastal areas and the sea for economic growth – could open up for Singapore businesses.

“As Timor-Leste opens up its economy, there may well be new opportunities for Singapore businesses, and our business associations may be interested,” he said, adding that a business mission could be mounted to let more companies "see for themselves what these opportunities are".

Mr Wong also encouraged Singaporeans and other tourists to visit Timor-Leste and learn about its culture and people.

“Do not just come in presuming that people want to learn from us, they do, but I think in many ways we can learn from them as well,” he said, adding that visitors should make an effort to learn local customs, norms and some of the local language.

During the visit, Mr Wong received Timor-Leste's top honour from President Jose Ramos-Horta. He also announced that Singapore will open its construction, marine shipyard and process sectors to workers from Timor-Leste next year.

SINGAPORE: Personal data of about 70,000 people was compromised following a cybersecurity incident involving the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) and a cloud environment managed by its vendor IBM.

In a media release on Friday (Jul 3), SLA said the incident involved unauthorised access to a data set created for vendor development and testing.

IBM manages the development and systems-integration testing environment for the Singapore Titles Automated Registration System (STARS) and eLodgment System (ELS). The web-based system allows lawyers, government agencies and authorised individuals to submit documents relating to property transfers and caveats.

In response to CNA's queries, SLA said IBM first notified it on Jun 12 of a "security incident" involving the IBM-managed cloud environment.

The company subsequently informed SLA on Jun 15 that there may have been unauthorised access to personal information.

SLA said it then immediately examined the affected data set. 

Preliminary investigations showed that the compromised dataset, created in 1998 for testing purposes and updated periodically over the years, was intended to contain only mock and anonymised data based on property ownership and lodgment records.

However, it was found to contain real information such as names, NRIC numbers and past property addresses of about 70,000 people.

"This information should have been anonymised but was not," SLA said. "Investigations are ongoing to determine how this occurred."

"As the data set was created in 1998, the majority of the addresses are not the current place of residence of the affected individuals," it added.

The affected environment managed by IBM is separate from SLA’s operational systems.

“There is no connection or compromise to the live systems used for operations of STARS, ELS or any other SLA systems," the agency said. "Property ownership and lodgment records in STARS and ELS remain secure and unaffected."

IBM has since revoked access to the affected system to prevent further unauthorised entry.

As a precaution, SLA has begun notifying affected individuals and advising them on steps they can take for assistance.

The authority said it aims to notify all affected individuals by the end of next week.

“SLA is working closely with IBM, the Government Technology Agency of Singapore and the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore to investigate the incident, establish the full facts and ensure that the necessary remedial measures are taken,” the authority said.

It has also lodged a police report and notified the Personal Data Protection Commission.

“As investigations are ongoing, we advise members of the public to remain vigilant against phishing emails, phishing websites, text messages or telephone calls from parties claiming to represent government agencies or other organisations,” it said, apologising for the concern and inconvenience caused.

In response to queries from CNA, an IBM spokesperson said the company was working in partnership with SLA in the investigation into the matter.

"As this investigation is ongoing, we will not be able to provide any additional details at this time," the spokesperson said.

It's always refreshing to see a fellow Singaporean featured in street interviews on viral social media platforms. But when that Singaporean is Fiona Xie, it's no surprise that netizens go into a frenzy.

In a video posted on Thursday (Jul 2) by viral TikToker Tokyo Sims, host Kole Sims was seen conducting a street interview with the 44-year-old actress, asking her about her metallic corset top.

The video appears to have been filmed at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. However, Sims' street interviews are usually filmed in Shibuya.

In a snippet posted on Instagram, the 24-year-old half-American and half-Japanese host asked, pointing to Xie's sculptural top: "Can I, like, knock on this?" 

He also likened the outfit to "body armour" because of its metallic material.

"Thank you. It dispenses doughnuts as well; it's very special," quipped the Crazy Rich Asian actress, prompting Sims to reply, "You're sweet like that."

Xie's responded: "Uh huh, be careful, I'll give you diabetes."

Singaporean viewers of Sims' videos were thrilled to see the actress, who faded out of the local entertainment scene in 2009. A few called her surprise appearance on the viral account "Singapore representation".

"Did not expect to see Fiona Xie here," remarked one user. 

"Fiona?! Ma'am?!" another commenter exclaimed with fire emojis.

"I watched her act since I was really young. Wasn't expecting to see a Singaporean feature," wrote another netizen.

Others fawned over their "childhood crush", saying she hasn't aged a bit and is "still so gorgeous".

"Is she immortal? It's like she's never aged," noted one online user. 

Another praised: "She is beautiful, and her confidence comes with maturity and experience."

This story was originally published in 8Days.

For more 8Days stories, visit https://www.8days.sg/

SINGAPORE: A mixed-use site in Jurong Lake District that could yield up to 1,200 private homes was launched for sale on Friday (Jul 3), as part of efforts to advance development in the area.

The 3.7ha site at Town Hall Link is intended to kickstart the next phase of development in a new precinct in Jurong Lake District, and support medium-term demand for housing and office space, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said in a media release.

The development will include at least 40,000 sqm of office space, up to 1,200 private residential units and 44,000 sqm of gross floor area for complementary uses such as retail, hotels, recreational spaces and attractions.

“The future integrated development will complement the existing critical mass of office, residential, retail, healthcare and institutional uses to cater to diverse market needs in the area,” said URA.

The site will be connected to Jurong East MRT interchange station and have an underground pedestrian link to the upcoming Cross Island Line MRT station, which is scheduled to open in 2032.

Located next to the Jurong Town Hall national monument and a planned park, the plot offers what the authority described as a strategic opportunity for developers to partner the government in shaping the district’s growth.

"The launch of the site today marks an important step towards shaping JLD (Jurong Lake District) into the largest mixed-use business node outside Singapore’s city centre," URA said.

The tender for the site will close at noon on Nov 17.

Marcus Chu, CEO of ERA Singapore, noted that the site was carved out of a larger area launched for tender in June 2023. That site's tender was not awarded because URA deemed the bid price too low, he said.

"This site is unlikely to meet the same fate as the previously-launched land parcel because it is a more palatable size," said Mr Chu. "Furthermore, the government will undertake some infrastructural works which will lessen construction cost." 

The government will undertake a greater share of infrastructure and land preparation works for the area south of Jurong Town Hall Road, to make the site more attractive to developers, said URA. 

These include the demolition of state properties, construction of a new road and the diversion of existing services, which were requirements for the previous site.

INVESTMENT INTO JURONG LAKE DISTRICT

Jurong Lake District is a key part of Singapore’s decentralisation strategy aimed at bringing jobs and amenities closer to homes.

Once fully developed, the more than 410ha district is expected to provide more than 100,000 new jobs and 20,000 new homes, while serving close to 1 million residents and more than 3,000 companies in the western part of Singapore.

The government has invested significantly in key infrastructure to drive the transformation of the region, said URA, noting how two new MRT lines - Jurong Region Line and Cross Island Line - will serve the area.

“The Cross Island Line will save commuters about 20 minutes of travel time between Jurong Lake District and Pasir Ris Central compared to today,” said URA.

Plans to connect the Jurong Region Line to the Cross Island Line and Circle Line are also expected to cut travel time between the west and the city centre by up to 20 minutes.

Other key developments in the pipeline include the new Science Centre, slated to open at the end of 2027. Jurong Gateway Hub - an integrated development comprising a bus interchange, offices, shops, a library, community club and sports facilities - is expected to be completed in 2029.

Together with the new site, these projects are expected to boost the district’s vibrancy and support its vision as a “live-work-play destination”, said URA.

It noted that some government agencies, including the Land Transport Authority and the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, are also studying plans to move their offices to the area.

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Police Force (SPF) on Friday (Jul 3) launched its newest unit that aims to be the "tip of the spear" in the fight against scams and cybercrimes.

First announced in May, the unit, known as Cyber Command, will consolidate cybercrime-fighting units from across the SPF. 

"Operating under a unified command, the Cyber Command will provide a full-spectrum response to scams and cybercrime, from dismantling criminal syndicates to raising public awareness," said the police in a news release. 

Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SAC) Justin Wong Xing Shun is the commander of the new unit. Having joined the SPF in 2007, he has held several key appointments, including Assistant Director (Major Crime Division) of the Criminal Investigation Department and Deputy Director (Homefront Contingencies) of the Joint Operations Group in the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Speaking at the launch, he said the Global Anti-Scam Alliance estimated that S$1.26 trillion (US$975 billion) was lost globally to scams in 2025, and nations across the world are now alive to this threat and many efforts have been taken to deal with it.

"From 2015 till now, the Singapore Police Force has been ahead in our fight against scams and cybercrime, putting in efforts when others were not so aware of the threat that we faced," he added.

The number of scam cases in Singapore fell by 27 per cent to about 37,300 cases last year. This was the first time there had been a decrease since the police began reporting scam statistics separately in 2023. 

The total amount lost to scams also dropped by 17 per cent to about S$913 million.

"The Cyber Command brings together four units, and it will be the tip of the spear in SPF's response to online cybercrime," said SAC Wong.

The new unit will not be "a typical police unit", he added.

It will bring together psychologists to understand why people fall prey to scams; civilians versed in media and marketing, as well as Home Team specialists and intelligence analysts who help to piece together various scam reports.

The unit will also comprise commercial affairs officers who will perform fund tracing; national service cybercrime operators; and uniformed police officers experienced in dealing with syndicates who are "prepared to take the fight" both locally and overseas.

Deputy commander of Cyber Command, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police (DAC) Gregory Kang said that the use of artificial intelligence to commit crimes is a trend that the police are concerned with.

"In the past, in order to commit cybercrimes, one had to be rather technically proficient. But as society evolves and becomes increasingly digital native, cyber criminals are also making use of technology to provide what we call cybercrime as a service," he added.

"What this means is that in order to commit cybercrimes, one no longer needs to have deep expertise in cyber. Instead, with the means to procure packages that you can use to launch exploits, to pay for certain cybercrime-related services, it is much easier to do so than ever before.

"This is an area that we are concerned with, because it changes the mode of use, the ease of use, and the cost of use to commit criminal activities."

CYBER SKILLS

The Cyber Command will strengthen investigation units and build up operations investigation intelligence capabilities, said SAC Wong.

A cyber operations centre will be established to disrupt online scam enablers that allow criminals to exploit people.

"The people will also be something special. We will ... bring together dedicated schemes across the police force in order to strengthen our cyber capabilities," said SAC Wong. 

The new unit will recruit, train, and deploy both uniformed and civilian officers, with complementary skill sets for cyber investigations. 

Under the Cyber Command, a more diverse talent pool of uniformed and civilian officers with specialised skill sets will work together across different roles such as investigations, cyber-threat hunting, and disruption. 

The police will also expand the number of full-time national service cybercrime operators over time and establish a contingent of national servicemen specialising in scams and cybercrime-fighting capabilities.

DAC Kang said six civilian investigators have already been deployed within the cyber investigation branch, which will be part of the new unit. 

"We will be growing this pool by close to another 10 officers this year, so that will bring the number closer to 15," he added.

SAC Wong highlighted the National Scams List as an example of how the Cyber Command will work with partners. 

The platform, developed with the Home Team Science and Technology Agency, enables automatic real-time exchange of known scam enablers – such as bank accounts – with partners such as banks, empowering them to proactively identify and suspend potential scam accounts before they can be exploited.

DILI, Timor-Leste: Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong was awarded Timor-Leste's highest honour on Friday (Jul 3) by President Jose Ramos-Horta, during a two-day visit to the country.

He received the Order of Timor-Leste (Grand Collar) at a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Dili, in recognition of Singapore's contributions to Timor-Leste's national development and its support for the country's accession to the Association of South-east Asian Nations (ASEAN). 

The award recognises Timorese nationals and foreigners who have made significant contributions to the country.

Mr Wong, who is also finance minister, said he received the award "not as an individual but on behalf of Singapore and the many Singaporeans who have contributed to the friendship between our two countries".

“The award belongs to those who have served here over the years, conducting training, sharing professional knowledge, building capabilities and living and working alongside our Timorese friends in support of nation-building,” he said in his acceptance speech.

“We are very grateful to the Timorese people who have welcomed Singaporeans with friendship, generosity and kindness.”

The award reflects a bond forged even before Timor-Leste's independence in 2002, Mr Wong said. More than 1,000 Singaporean personnel served in international peacekeeping efforts between 1999 and 2012, during the country's transition to peace and stability.

Mr Wong said he reaffirmed Singapore's commitment to helping build up Timor-Leste's human capacity in his discussions with Dr Ramos-Horta, describing the country as youthful, filled with energy and promise.

“On my arrival yesterday, I was struck by the dynamism of the young people of Timor-Leste,” he said.

“The drive and determination of the youths of Timor-Leste will not only propel this country to achieve its national goals, but will breathe new life into our region and make ASEAN even more vibrant.” 

At a lunch hosted by Mr Gusmao, Mr Wong toasted the health and success of Dr Ramos-Horta and Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao.

He also paid tribute to the between 50 and 60 Singaporeans living in Timor-Leste. “Though small in number, they have devoted themselves to serving alongside the Timor-Leste people – as doctors, nurses, educators, and entrepreneurs,” he said. 

Their friendships with the Timorese reflect "the goodwill and trust between our nations", Mr Wong added.

Singaporean actress-host Eswari Gunasagar has spoken out after becoming the target of AI-generated images depicting her with another man, highlighting the dangers of non-consensual AI-generated imagery, as well as the victim-blaming that follows.

In an Instagram video posted on Thursday (Jul 2), the 36-year-old said a man had used artificial intelligence to create a fake image of the two of them closely together at a beach, depicting her in a bikini.

"I've never uploaded pictures of myself in a bikini before, so I can see why this was worrying to my parents, especially," she said.

Eswari, who married her longtime partner Shane Meyers in May, said she first learnt about the Facebook post after people alerted her to it. She reported the post and messaged the man, warning that she would file a police report if he did not remove it.

Although he did not respond, the post was taken down, leading her to believe the matter had been resolved.

The following day, however, Eswari's father told her that a friend had found another post on the man's Facebook profile. 

According to Eswari, the man falsely claimed that she was his wife, accused her of "bullying" him, said he wanted to file a personal protection order against her, and included a caption expressing a desire to sexually assault her.

"My father was worried, and I told him, 'Don't worry. I'm going to make a police report,'" she said.

The Ah Girls Go Army actress said she subsequently lodged a police report, took screenshots of the posts and shared them on her own social media accounts, urging people to report the profile.

"Leave us women alone. Stop using our photos. Stop creating fake AI-generated images," she wrote in her post. "The level of entitlement it takes to take someone's face, manipulate it and put it online for your own sick amusement is beyond disgusting."

In her video, Eswari said that many of her followers reported the account, and it was removed within three hours.

"For that I am so thankful. Thank you for doing that for me," she said.

However, Eswari said what troubled her even more was the response from some social media users, including women, who blamed her for what had happened. She recalled one comment that read: "You're a celebrity. What do you expect?"

"A person is targeted with a fake AI-generated image. Their privacy is violated. And instead of condemning the act, people choose to mock the victim," she said. "The problem isn't just technology. It's the lack of empathy, the ignorance and the willingness to excuse such harmful behaviour just because it's not happening to you.

"The moment we laugh at victims instead of standing up for them, we become part of the problem. Technology will continue to evolve. Our humanity needs to evolve with it."

Eswari's experience comes amid growing concern over AI-generated intimate images, also referred to as deepfakes, which have become an increasingly common form of technology-facilitated sexual abuse, particularly against women.

"If we can't show basic empathy when someone is violated, then we have a bigger problem than AI," she said.

SINGAPORE: The restaurant owner behind Eminent Frog Porridge & Seafood in Geylang was charged with evading income tax and Goods and Services Tax (GST), and money laundering offences on Friday (Jul 3).

Buntono, who goes by one name, is accused of evading about S$3.8 million (US$2.9 million) in taxes - close to S$2 million in income tax and almost S$1.8 million in GST.

He is also accused of possessing benefits from his alleged tax evasion in the form of cash worth over S$2.4 million, a Lamborghini Aventador and a landed property.

The 49-year-old Singaporean was slapped with 30 charges of tax evasion and money laundering offences in court on Friday.

According to its Facebook page, the restaurant was founded in 2004.

Court documents allege that Buntono underdeclared his income tax from 2016 to 2024. He is also accused of underdeclaring his business income to deliberately hide his obligation to register his company for GST in the same time period, and failing to keep sufficient business records.

His alleged offences came to light after a joint investigation by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) and the Singapore Police Force’s (SPF) Commercial Affairs Department.

Companies in Singapore must register for GST if their taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million in a calendar year or is expected to exceed S$1 million in the next 12 months, said the authorities in a separate press release on Friday.

Sole proprietors must register for GST once the combined turnover from all their businesses and income from any trade, profession or vocation exceeds or is expected to exceed S$1 million in the next 12 months, they noted.

Any business that fails to register for GST will still need to pay the tax on all their past transactions from the date the business became liable for GST registration, and it is payable even if the amount was not collected from customers, the authorities said.

Failing to register for GST is an offence, and businesses can face penalties of 10 per cent of their payable GST and fines of up to S$10,000, they added.

For making false statements or entries willfully with the intention to evade tax, an individual may need to pay triple the amount of taxes owed and be punished with a fine of up to S$10,000, up to three years’ jail, or both.

Offenders who are convicted of possessing benefits derived from criminal conduct can be punished with a fine of up to S$500,000, a jail term of up to 10 years, or both. 

DILI, Timor-Leste: Singapore will open the construction, marine shipyard and process sectors to workers from Timor-Leste next year, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced on Friday (Jul 3).

“This will create new opportunities for Timorese while strengthening our business and people-to-people links,” said Mr Wong at a joint press conference with Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao in the country's capital, Dili.

From the second half of 2027, Timor-Leste will be designated as an approved non-traditional source country for work permit holders.

Selected occupations in the manufacturing and services sectors will also be open to Timorese workers. 

Mr Gusmao called the move "a significant development of the relationship between our countries", adding that it was also a sign of confidence in the Timorese people. 

Working in Singapore would give Timorese workers training, skills and experience that would shape their character and prove valuable when they eventually returned home, he said, noting that the arrangement would also provide income for workers and their families.

Mr Wong described the scheme as a "win-win" for both nations. "It provides more opportunities, as Prime Minister Gusmao highlighted, it allows for Timorese people to gain skills and work experience, and then come back eventually to contribute to Timor-Leste. At the same time, it helps to meet the manpower needs of Singapore in selected sectors," he said.

Mr Wong's visit, the first by a Singapore prime minister, comes a year after Timor-Leste became a full member of the Association of South-east Asian Nations (ASEAN). 

He laid out several areas where the two countries could increase their cooperation. Foreign ministers Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and Mr Bendito dos Santos Freitas will set up a "regular consultation mechanism" to discuss bilateral, regional and international developments, giving both governments "a platform for closer coordination", Mr Wong said.

Singapore will also continue to support Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN.

“Now that Timor-Leste has joined ASEAN, the next priority is for it to contribute fully to the organisation and prepare for its chairmanship of ASEAN in 2029,” said Mr Wong.

Timor-Leste has indicated it will be ready to host the 2029 ASEAN Summit.

The enhanced Singapore Timor-Leste ASEAN Readiness Support (eSTARS) package, launched during Mr Gusmao's visit to Singapore last year, will be expanded to include more ASEAN-related programmes. 

Singapore will run tailored workshops on the duties of the ASEAN chairmanship for officials in Dili, and it welcomes attachments for Timorese officials with Singapore's ASEAN chairmanship team next year, Mr Wong said.

On the economic front, Singapore remains one of Timor-Leste's biggest investors, with Singaporean companies exploring opportunities from wholesale trade to renewable energy. 

“These investments reflect growing interest and confidence in Timor-Leste’s future,” he said. “By working together, we can create new business opportunities, support economic diversification, and generate growth that benefits both our peoples.”  

Singapore will also deepen healthcare cooperation to support capability building and workforce development in Timor-Leste. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said last Friday that the National University Hospital and Timor-Leste's Ministry of Health intend to sign a memorandum of understanding later this month, covering health workforce development and public health capability.

The two countries will also cooperate on education, to develop school leaders who can help shape the next generation in Timor-Leste, Mr Wong said.

Bilateral ties between both countries have grown, said Mr Wong.

Singapore opened a resident embassy in Dili in 2024 and appointed its first resident ambassador, Ms Teo Lay Cheng, earlier this year. These are milestones, he said, that reflect Singapore's commitment to building a stronger partnership with Timor-Leste.

SINGAPORE: From an islet-hopping experience along 3km of beaches to elevated forest canopy walks, visitors to Sentosa and Pulau Brani can look forward to more leisure and lifestyle experiences as new developments start to open from the early 2030s.

These upcoming attractions form the next chapter of the Greater Sentosa Master Plan, which will unfold over two decades. The blueprint was unveiled by the Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) on Friday (Jul 3).

As part of the plan, a new transport hub featuring a tram system will also link the two islands and serve as the gateway to the area, with water taxis being explored as an option, the SDC said.

When completed, the Greater Sentosa area, which comprises Sentosa and the 120-hectare Pulau Brani, is projected to attract around 32 million visitors a year, twice the number Sentosa currently receives.

Calling it Sentosa's "boldest vision yet", Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations Grace Fu said the plan will redefine the area as Singapore's "island playground" and make it "livelier and more exciting than ever before".

She was speaking at the launch of an exhibition at VivoCity on Friday, where the public can view the master plan, explore Sentosa’s history and share their views on what they hope Greater Sentosa will look like. The exhibition will move to Our Tampines Hub, Jurong Point and Waterway Point before returning to Sentosa in October.

Ms Fu said: “Sentosa holds a special place in the hearts of Singaporeans. Many of us have fond memories here – family outings at the beach, school trips, celebrations with loved ones.”

She said while the island has been a getaway for Singaporeans across generations, Sentosa also has to refresh its experiences and strengthen its appeal as tourism demand grows.

“Today, we are not just celebrating what Sentosa is. We are reimagining what it can be for decades to come – an island transformed, connected and sustained,” she said.

The plan to integrate Sentosa and Pulau Brani was first announced by then Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the 2019 National Day Rally.

As part of the master plan, SDC said on Friday that commuting to the island will be an experience in itself.

The existing Sentosa Express monorail will be replaced by a new "people-mover" system, which SDC said will be a tram system with greater carrying capacity to cater to the anticipated growth in visitor numbers.

By bringing Pulau Brani into the fold, there will be "space to imagine new possibilities and experiences that will strengthen Singapore’s destination appeal," said SDC’s chief executive officer Thien Kwee Eng.

REJUVENATING SENTOSA

New experiences and concepts are being studied for Sentosa’s beaches, including plans to connect islets through a floating boardwalk, said SDC. 

The islets were built to dissipate wave energy so that the beaches would not be eroded, and are largely inaccessible to the public at this point. 

When completed, visitors will be able to visit these islets for the first time and hop between them along the 3km stretch of Sentosa’s beaches and get up close to the water.

There could be beach clubs built around sunrise and sunset views, or treetop dining to make the beaches more “vibrant and flexible spaces” around the clock.

A beachfront landmark called the Sensorium, which will include indoor attractions and a multipurpose venue for events and festivals, is also in the works.

It will be designed with green spaces to keep the building cool.

Further inland, a new sheltered elevated forest canopy walk, the Imbiah Lookout Walk, is likely to be ready from the early 2030s.

Another landmark in the works is Imbiah Canopy, a vantage point atop Mount Imbiah that will have dining and retail options as well as sheltered event spaces.

Ms Fu said the developments will be "dovetailed" with coastal protection measures, which can take decades to implement.

"Sustainable development does not constrain our ambitions. It is the foundation that makes them possible," she said. 

To this end, SDC said it has conducted environmental studies and nature group engagements to integrate the new experiences sensitively with Sentosa’s ridgelines, greenery, coastlines and heritage, and will plan further studies.

SDC added that some businesses on Sentosa will have to close amid the redevelopment and the closures will be timed to coincide with the expiry of leases.

Sufficient notice will be given to those affected, said SDC.

GAME-CHANGING ATTRACTIONS AT BRANI WEST

Over on Brani, SDC said the western part of the island, Brani West, is one of the largest sites earmarked for attractions development.

Engagements with potential partners are underway, supporting the broader ambition of introducing new and refreshed experiences to increase Greater Sentosa’s appeal to locals and tourists.

SDC did not identify the parties that have expressed interest in Brani West, but described the upcoming attractions as “game-changing”.

In 2019, then Prime Minister Lee said Pulau Brani could house an attraction similar to Universal Studios Singapore, as well as a new resort called Downtown South for National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) members.

Pulau Brani is currently occupied by the Brani Port Terminal, but port operations are expected to move to Tuas in 2027.

Apart from these large-scale attractions, the master plan sets out how the various forests across Pulau Brani, Serapong and Imbiah may be linked in the future, and how nature trails could connect to the Southern Ridges on Singapore’s mainland.

Ms Fu said the Greater Sentosa Master Plan is Sentosa’s vision to create a world-class destination that Singaporeans can call their own.

“A place where we can find new adventures, reconnect with nature and create new memories with families and friends,” she said.

SDC’s Ms Thien said the master plan will shape the future of Sentosa while staying true to what visitors have loved about it over the years.

“We want to create the next generation of world-class experiences inspired by our beautiful coastlines, our greenery, our heritage, our sense of escape, as well as a Singapore identity,” she said.

Thien Yeok Lin, who went viral as the "Stick Art Uncle" for his art pieces, has died at the age of 83. Thien, known affectionately as Uncle Thien, was beloved in Pek Kio, where he would create portraits out of fallen twigs on pavements.

These portraits would usually depict figures from Chinese tales.

Images of his works went viral in 2020, with many praising their simplicity and beauty.

Thien, who used to work as a hawker, would reportedly work on a different art piece every day, and even accepted requests from residents nearby.

According to a post by Thien's nephew, Thien died on Wednesday (Jul 1) and his wake is being held at 47 Owen Road. Thien's funeral and cremation will take place on Jul 4.

Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry and National Development, as well as MP of Tanjong Pagar GRC, paid tribute to Thien, saying that he was "dear to us in Pek Kio".

"Even when we offered him a space in Pek Kio Community Centre or our Pek Kio RN centre, he politely refused, so we respected his wishes," wrote Mr Tan, who had also visited Thien's wake.

Looking to recharge while being surrounded by eye-catching flowers? Head down to Gardens by the Bay from Jul 4 to 12 for this year's Singapore Garden Festival (SGF), which is back for its 10th edition.

Themed "Carnival of Blooms", SGF 2026 will feature floral competitions as well as fun installations and experiences.

The Show Gardens: All-Stars Edition competition, for instance, will have eight returning “Best of Show” winners, comprising award-winning local and international designers, competing for the prestigious Pinnacle Award. Visitors can head to The Meadow to see the competing gardens, each showcasing striking plants and innovative designs.

Once they are there, they can also marvel at the eight-metre-high Floral Roller Coaster – a roller coaster-themed installation that sports tropical plants and blooms along its curves and tracks.

There's also the Floral Mirror Maze that features eight unique floral chandeliers suspended from an open canopy, as well as mirrors lining both sides of the maze.

For an even more immersive experience, check out the Known by Flowers Light Installation by renowned Chinese landscape designer Hu Shiyang, which integrates larger-than-life floral blooms, dynamic lighting and technology.

If you're looking to add a touch of mystery to your pictures, head over to Floral Vortex for arches of orchids, framed by soft, lush greenery.

Other attractions at SGF 2026 include a variety of themed gardens and landscapes, as well as a marketplace offering gardening tools, trinkets, collectibles and more.

Tickets can be purchased on-site at Gardens by the Bay’s ticketing counters or online via this website, with prices for adults starting from S$12.

Two years ago, before I gave birth to my son, I joined my first WhatsApp group for mothers.

I was nervous, but also excited at the prospect of meeting other mums and bonding over the struggles that came with caring for a baby.

“A group can make you feel less lonely about pregnancy and new motherhood,” my friend, who was also pregnant, said.

Well, less lonely was one way to describe the experience.

The group, with over 700 members, was based on our estimated delivery date. But that was about the only thing we had in common.

Everything else, from socioeconomic background to our opinions on diaper brands, confinement practices and how we dealt with hunger pangs, was different.

At first, this seemed interesting and I did learn a few things. After all, here were hundreds of women going through roughly the same stage of pregnancy, asking various questions at odd hours of the day. Was this discharge normal? Which breast pump was worth buying? Who else is unable to sleep?

But I realised that a community built around shared uncertainty could also become one where judgement is rampant.

Barely a week after I joined, a few mums had an intense argument about babymoons. One mum in her final trimester had asked for destination suggestions and some mums commented that she was being extremely irresponsible for holidaying during that period.

When the disagreement got ugly – condescending remarks flew thick and fast and there were intense debates about what made a “good mother” – I left the group.

I could not escape the mentality, however. The atmosphere of judgement among mums followed me everywhere, from pregnancy to birth and beyond.

When I opened up about my son not sleeping unless my husband or I were close by, one friend remarked: “Oh, but did you know if you keep doing that, he’ll never learn independence?”

When he turned one, and I shared my struggles with trying to stop breastfeeding or getting him to eat more, another mum said: “It’s probably because you’re not resilient enough and you give in every time he cries.”

I see this on social media too, where loud voices hide behind anonymity and parade around on their high horses. And there, it’s worse.

Commenters who watched a video of a mum sleep training her one-year-old son said she was “heartless” and “selfish”. A post by another mum about low-stimulation forms of screen time for toddlers was flooded with comments that she was “lazy” and “not creative enough in engaging kids”.

Rather than responding with curiosity or empathy, or giving constructive advice, it seems there are always mums ready to turn someone else’s parenting choice into a moral test.

THE RULEBOOK MENTALITY IN MOTHERHOOD

There is a term for this. Some call it a rulebook mentality, which refers to a mindset where all mums must follow a certain set of rules – and if they don’t, they will be judged.

In motherhood, this manifests as the belief that there is a One and Only Correct Way to Mother, and that anyone doing it differently must be careless, selfish, ignorant – or just a bad mother.

I am guilty of this, too. I catch myself giving the side-eye when I see a mum using a digital device to calm her toddler’s tantrum. I feel taken aback if a mum goes on frequent long holidays without her young children. And don’t get me started on mums who push all the playtime to their helpers.

I have watched another mum choose differently from me and felt that small, ugly spark of superiority.

I do not like admitting this. It makes me come across as petty and self-righteous – and I know that, in those moments, I am.

So why are mums so rigid with their rulebooks? And why do we judge others when we hate being judged?

Jackie Li, a 38-year-old speech therapist and mum of one, has a theory: “Many mums are over-functioning – we wear a lot of hats, giving and giving but don’t receive the recognition or take the rest that we need.

“This makes us more easily exhausted or burnt out, yet we still feel like we need to strive to be ‘perfect’ or control everything to make sure things are right.

“So when we see someone approaching parenting differently, calling them out or judging can be a quick feel-good move or even provide us with some form of validation that we’re better. We look at other mums doing it ‘wrong’ and think, ‘Phew, at least I’m not doing that’.”

This over-functioning also hides mums’ deep-seated insecurities and a desire for affirmation, Li said.

This makes sense to me. Parenting is full of everyday decisions that rarely come with instant confirmation that we have made the ‘right’ choice. We pick a sleep method, feeding approach, a daycare centre or childcare arrangement – then worry that we’ve got it all wrong.

THE IMPACT OF CONSTANT JUDGING

Of course, some decisions are objectively harmful and should be called out, including unsupervised or excessive screen time, neglecting a child’s medical or emotional needs, verbal abuse disguised as jokes or putting kids in unsafe situations.

But I’m not talking about those extremes, I’m referring to the ordinary, everyday decisions that differ from family to family.

If another mum sleep trains her baby and I do not, it can feel as though one of us must be wrong. If I choose to let my child go barefoot at the playground and another would never dream of it, it can feel as though one of us is either too relaxed or too particular about hygiene. If I choose to work while another stays home, it may feel like only one way is right.

When another mum chooses differently, it feels like a challenge to our own decision-making. It seems easier to decide that the other must be wrong.

Perhaps mums judge other mums because women are so used to being measured against one another – at work or home, in relationships or looks, in ambition or progress.

It’s akin to the Queen Bee mentality, where a woman in a position of authority or success in the workplace acts unsupportively or with hostility towards other, usually junior, women around her.

Motherhood may not be the workplace but in a society where women are often pitted against each other, it is hard not to feel that familiar competitiveness in parenting, which leads to constant judging.

We treat other mums as competitors, every choice becoming proof of our moral character and what good mums we are.

We become overly defensive and make excuses for our choices, even if they are flawed. Advice, even when well-meaning and constructive, becomes harder to hear.

In the process, we lose what mum communities ought to be: Safe spaces where we can be exposed to different perspectives and feel relieved that we’re not alone in this ever-changing journey of parenthood.

ADVICE IS NOT THE SAME AS JUDGEMENT

By judging less, we open ourselves to something all of us could benefit from: constructive advice.

Not every comment on one’s parenting is judgemental. Sometimes, it’s simply a mum who has been through a particular stage or problem wanting to help another mum with it.

Advice helps us become better versions of ourselves – even the best mothers among us need it.

At times though, the two can be difficult to distinguish. A comment can sound like judgement disguised as concerned advice. For example, “That’s not right, you should really try this”, “I would never do that, I’d do this instead”, or “Actually, that won’t work, the better way is…”

Being “judgy” carries an element of assessment that concludes with a pronouncement – Good Mother or Bad Mother.  It also says that there’s only one way and that’s mine – which means yours must be wrong.

Advice, on the other hand, offers perspective. While it may be annoying to receive unsolicited messages, it is built on good intentions to help make another mum’s life easier, be it caring for her teething baby or handling a stubborn three-year-old.

Nabilah Moen, a 34-year-old mum of three and homeschooling educator, said: “Mothers give advice on different issues because they went through the same thing, and what they did led to either a good or bad experience, so they take every opportunity to talk about it.”  

Amanda Ong, a mum of one, shared the sentiment.

“Some mums give advice without being asked because they feel like their parenting methods have worked for them, so they want to make sure that other mums are aware of them, too,” the 31-year-old co-founder of online group Mindful Mamas said.

NO SINGLE RULEBOOK FOR PARENTING

Judgement assumes that every child is the same and every parent is working with the same values, resources and circumstances.

While we think of parenting as the decisions we make to raise our children, it is as much a response to a child’s unpredictable and varied needs. And this differs from child to child, even in the same family.

A child who thrives on routine may need a parenting style that’s different from one who hates being on a schedule. A mother with family support will make different choices from one who handles most of the caregiving duties on her own. A parent with a flexible job and a higher salary will undoubtedly have more options than another parent who works on a rigid shift and earns less.

Sometimes what looks like bad parenting from the outside is just a mother making the least bad choice available to her.