From TODAY, Voices
Wednesday August 27, 2008
Letter from Narayana Narayana
I REFER to the letter “Why local kids fall short” (Aug 25).
Mr Jimmy Ho Kwok Hoong’s experience as set out in his letter may well have elements of truth, but it basically reveals the extent, and expense, that “kiasu” parents in Singapore are prepared to go in pushing their young children.
In this case, it is costly coaching in the game of ping pong and with what objective in mind? Surely, not to prepare them for a career as accomplished table tennis players at probably international level and eventual Olympic representation?
It is a well-known fact that the shelf life of sports athletes is limited to their youth, and is as ephemeral as the lives of butterflies.
Hence, it is arguable how many Singaporean parents would be prepared to groom their children to such an uncertain future.
Their pragmatic appraisal would be that a career in sports is not seen here as a means of a comfortable livelihood, or as rewarding in monetary terms, compared to say, a cushy job in the financial sector.
Mr Ho observes, perhaps truly, that “Singapore’s educational environment wouldn’t permit local students training as intensively as their Chinese counterparts”.
The end objective for most Singaporeans is more likely to be to attain a place in the more prestigious schools, to serve as a springboard to achieve higher marks in examinations, though this may well be not much different from ancient times in China with its Imperial examinations to pick out “scholars”.
The parameters now are so widely different that comparing local kids with those from China is little more than an exercise in futility.
Very generally, it would boil down to a choice of “brain” or “brawn”, wouldn’t it?
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
EAR WAX REMOVAL
From TODAY, Health
Tuesday August 12, 2008
ASK THE DOC
Tuesday August 12, 2008
ASK THE DOC
QUESTION BY NINA HO
My nine-year-old daughter has dry ear wax. When she was seven, a health check revealed that her ears were partially blocked by it. When we took her to the polyclinic to have the wax irrigated, we found, to our horror, that the wax was about the size of a quail’s egg! The secondary wax came out in smaller pieces.
Last year, her ear canal was blocked again. I tried to dislodge the wax with the use of a plastic baby clipper. It was mildly successful as I could remove the wax which was not too deep in. Recently, she complained of the clogging in her ear again. What can I do to resolve this problem? Is it advisable to use the irrigation method once a year on a child? Is there any long-term solution or daily care regiment I should take note of?
ANSWER BY DR LESLIE TAY
GENERAL PRACTITIONER
KARRI FAMILY CLINIC
My nine-year-old daughter has dry ear wax. When she was seven, a health check revealed that her ears were partially blocked by it. When we took her to the polyclinic to have the wax irrigated, we found, to our horror, that the wax was about the size of a quail’s egg! The secondary wax came out in smaller pieces.
Last year, her ear canal was blocked again. I tried to dislodge the wax with the use of a plastic baby clipper. It was mildly successful as I could remove the wax which was not too deep in. Recently, she complained of the clogging in her ear again. What can I do to resolve this problem? Is it advisable to use the irrigation method once a year on a child? Is there any long-term solution or daily care regiment I should take note of?
ANSWER BY DR LESLIE TAY
GENERAL PRACTITIONER
KARRI FAMILY CLINIC
In general, one should not stick anything smaller then a small finger into the ear canal. One common practice is to use cotton buds to clean the ears after bathing. Instead of helping, it worsens the problem. Pushing the wax deeper into the ear canal and compacting it is very much like how gunpowder is compressed into a canon. We advise parents not to do this.
If your child has frequent problems with ear wax, one safe solution is to use eardrops — which you can obtain easily from a pharmacy — to dissolve the wax. The drops can be used frequently to keep the wax from building up.
If there is a lot of wax and the drops are not sufficient, bring her to the doctor to irrigate the ear canal. This is a very safe procedure when performed by a medical professional.
The information provided above is for your general knowledge only. You should seek medical advice or treatment for your condition. Email questions to health@newstoday.com.sg.
If your child has frequent problems with ear wax, one safe solution is to use eardrops — which you can obtain easily from a pharmacy — to dissolve the wax. The drops can be used frequently to keep the wax from building up.
If there is a lot of wax and the drops are not sufficient, bring her to the doctor to irrigate the ear canal. This is a very safe procedure when performed by a medical professional.
The information provided above is for your general knowledge only. You should seek medical advice or treatment for your condition. Email questions to health@newstoday.com.sg.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Demystifying breastfeeding
From TODAY, Health
Tuesday August 12, 2008
WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK
HPB advises breastfeeding as long as ‘mutually desired’
Picture: Many Singaporean mothers don’t bother to breastfeed or give up on it because of traditional beliefs, myths or incorrect advice from the older generation. TODAY file photo
EVELINE GAN
eveline@mediacorp.com.sg
YOU’RE not feeding him enough milk. Look, he’s hungry again. Formula is better. This was what well-meaning relatives told firsttime mum, Elaine Chan, when she was breastfeeding her newborn son.
“I was set on breastfeeding, but my in-laws had some misconceptions about it. This caused some friction in the family during the early months,” said the 29-yearold technical assistant.
As in Elaine’s case, such scenarios are not uncommon among breastfeeding mothers. Despite increasing awareness on the benefits of breastfeeding in recent years, lactation experts Today spoke to said that misconceptions about breastfeeding are still rampant (see Breastfeeding myths debunked).
Breast milk has been proven to prevent infections, allergies and obesity in babies.
The Health Promotion Board (HPB) encourages mothers to “start breastfeeding exclusively as soon as the baby is born, for at least six months and after, as long as mutually desired”.
A 2007 clinical study conducted by the National University of Singapore on 450 women found that those who did not receive antenatal education were less likely to breastfeed exclusively after delivery, compared to those who had.
Senior clinical research coordinator and lactation consultant Mrs Doris Fok, who was involved in the research, said: “The mothers who did not breastfeed their babies were not as well-educated about breastfeeding. With the lack of family support and education, they didn’t think that breastfeeding was a lifestyle that was possible for them.”
Dr Lim Hui Ling, a senior family physician at International Medical Clinic, who has an interest in breastfeeding, said that she has seen many mothers give up breastfeeding because of traditional beliefs and myths, as well as pressure from their relatives.
Ms Betty Lee, a lactation and prenatal consultant in private practice said that even for those who attempt to breastfeed initially, lack of family support can cause them to give up later on.
“I tell them to try, but their in-laws or husbands may tell them otherwise. Many mothers start out with the best intentions, and then give up after two months,” she said.
Incorrect advice given by doctors who are “not well informed” about breastfeeding can also sabotage a mother’s efforts to breastfeed, said Dr Lim, who has seen mothers who were told to stop breastfeeding by their family doctors because of prescribed medication — another breastfeeding myth.
But are there instances in which a mother cannot breastfeed?
In rare cases, a mother may be unable to breastfeed due to “overwhelming health concerns” such as AIDS and active tuberculosis.
“Those on certain strong and toxic medication, like cancer drugs or drugs that affect the immune system and brain function, should also not breastfeed,” said Dr Lim.
In addition, mothers who have had their milk ducts cut in certain breast enhancement surgeries will have problems breastfeeding.
Tuesday August 12, 2008
WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK
HPB advises breastfeeding as long as ‘mutually desired’
Picture: Many Singaporean mothers don’t bother to breastfeed or give up on it because of traditional beliefs, myths or incorrect advice from the older generation. TODAY file photo
EVELINE GAN
eveline@mediacorp.com.sg
YOU’RE not feeding him enough milk. Look, he’s hungry again. Formula is better. This was what well-meaning relatives told firsttime mum, Elaine Chan, when she was breastfeeding her newborn son.
“I was set on breastfeeding, but my in-laws had some misconceptions about it. This caused some friction in the family during the early months,” said the 29-yearold technical assistant.
As in Elaine’s case, such scenarios are not uncommon among breastfeeding mothers. Despite increasing awareness on the benefits of breastfeeding in recent years, lactation experts Today spoke to said that misconceptions about breastfeeding are still rampant (see Breastfeeding myths debunked).
Breast milk has been proven to prevent infections, allergies and obesity in babies.
The Health Promotion Board (HPB) encourages mothers to “start breastfeeding exclusively as soon as the baby is born, for at least six months and after, as long as mutually desired”.
A 2007 clinical study conducted by the National University of Singapore on 450 women found that those who did not receive antenatal education were less likely to breastfeed exclusively after delivery, compared to those who had.
Senior clinical research coordinator and lactation consultant Mrs Doris Fok, who was involved in the research, said: “The mothers who did not breastfeed their babies were not as well-educated about breastfeeding. With the lack of family support and education, they didn’t think that breastfeeding was a lifestyle that was possible for them.”
Dr Lim Hui Ling, a senior family physician at International Medical Clinic, who has an interest in breastfeeding, said that she has seen many mothers give up breastfeeding because of traditional beliefs and myths, as well as pressure from their relatives.
Ms Betty Lee, a lactation and prenatal consultant in private practice said that even for those who attempt to breastfeed initially, lack of family support can cause them to give up later on.
“I tell them to try, but their in-laws or husbands may tell them otherwise. Many mothers start out with the best intentions, and then give up after two months,” she said.
Incorrect advice given by doctors who are “not well informed” about breastfeeding can also sabotage a mother’s efforts to breastfeed, said Dr Lim, who has seen mothers who were told to stop breastfeeding by their family doctors because of prescribed medication — another breastfeeding myth.
But are there instances in which a mother cannot breastfeed?
In rare cases, a mother may be unable to breastfeed due to “overwhelming health concerns” such as AIDS and active tuberculosis.
“Those on certain strong and toxic medication, like cancer drugs or drugs that affect the immune system and brain function, should also not breastfeed,” said Dr Lim.
In addition, mothers who have had their milk ducts cut in certain breast enhancement surgeries will have problems breastfeeding.
BREASTFEEDING MYTHS DEBUNKED
From TODAY, Health
Tuesday August 12, 2008
Myth 1: Women with small breasts cannot produce adequate milk for their babies.
Lactation consultant Betty Lee has seen many mothers with cup AA-sized breasts successfully breastfeed their babies.
“Some mums think they don’t have enough milk and start supplementing with formula. This causes the milk production to go down further,” she said.
What they don’t know is that milk is produced due to a supply-demand effect. The baby’s suckling stimulates the brain to produce hormones that will cause milk to be produced. “It’s like a water tank. The milk is replaced only when it is emptied.”
Myth 2: Breastfeeding is tiring.
On the contrary, breastfeeding releases a hormone, oxytocin, which induces a feeling of relaxation in the mother.
“This helps with mother-baby bonding and helps the mother to sleep more easily but does not tire her. It’s the demands of caring for and adapting to a new baby that makes any new mother tired,” said Dr Lim Hui Ling of International Medical Clinic.
Myth 3: Women with flat or inverted nipples cannot breastfeed.
According to Ms Lee, about 3 per cent of mothers she counsels have flat or inverted nipples, but they can still breastfeed even though they may experience some difficulties in the initial months.
“It’s all in the mind,” said Ms Lee. “Breastfeeding is not called nipple feeding for a reason. In proper breastfeeding, the baby latches onto the areola (the breast tissue around the nipple) instead of the nipple.”
Myth 4: Breastfeeding mothers who are taking prescribed medication or antibiotics should stop breastfeeding.
According to Dr Lim, it is “extremely rare that a mother needs to stop breastfeeding just because of a prescribed medication, especially for simple short-term illnesses”. She added: “There is usually a choice of a few different drugs to treat most medical conditions. A knowledgeable doctor can choose one which is suitable for a mother so that she can continue breastfeeding.”
Tuesday August 12, 2008
Myth 1: Women with small breasts cannot produce adequate milk for their babies.
Lactation consultant Betty Lee has seen many mothers with cup AA-sized breasts successfully breastfeed their babies.
“Some mums think they don’t have enough milk and start supplementing with formula. This causes the milk production to go down further,” she said.
What they don’t know is that milk is produced due to a supply-demand effect. The baby’s suckling stimulates the brain to produce hormones that will cause milk to be produced. “It’s like a water tank. The milk is replaced only when it is emptied.”
Myth 2: Breastfeeding is tiring.
On the contrary, breastfeeding releases a hormone, oxytocin, which induces a feeling of relaxation in the mother.
“This helps with mother-baby bonding and helps the mother to sleep more easily but does not tire her. It’s the demands of caring for and adapting to a new baby that makes any new mother tired,” said Dr Lim Hui Ling of International Medical Clinic.
Myth 3: Women with flat or inverted nipples cannot breastfeed.
According to Ms Lee, about 3 per cent of mothers she counsels have flat or inverted nipples, but they can still breastfeed even though they may experience some difficulties in the initial months.
“It’s all in the mind,” said Ms Lee. “Breastfeeding is not called nipple feeding for a reason. In proper breastfeeding, the baby latches onto the areola (the breast tissue around the nipple) instead of the nipple.”
Myth 4: Breastfeeding mothers who are taking prescribed medication or antibiotics should stop breastfeeding.
According to Dr Lim, it is “extremely rare that a mother needs to stop breastfeeding just because of a prescribed medication, especially for simple short-term illnesses”. She added: “There is usually a choice of a few different drugs to treat most medical conditions. A knowledgeable doctor can choose one which is suitable for a mother so that she can continue breastfeeding.”
Thursday, August 7, 2008
A formula for savings?
BREASTFEEDING
From TODAY, News
Thursday August 7, 2008
Ong Dai Lin
dailin@mediacorp.com.sg
Picture: Not only are there health benefits, but breastfeeding can be cheaper, too. TODAY file photo
THE health benefits have long been touted. Now, amid inflation woes, the financial advantages of breastfeeding are coming to the fore. The Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) has revealed that mothers who exclusively breastfeed their baby during the first six months can save an average of $710.
A price survey on breastfeeding kits may not be one of its usual food and grocery surveys, but the association was approached by the Breastfeeding Mothers’ Support Group (Singapore), said Case vice-president Lim Biow Chuan — this is Breastfeeding Awareness Week — and “we found that consumers can save a lot if they decide to breastfeed”.
Case calculated the prices of nine formula powder brands and 12 pieces of breastfeeding equipment and estimated that the average cost of buying milk powder would be around $735, while breastfeeding equipment costs as little as $25.50.
The survey focused on infant formula powder (0-6 months) because the World Health Organization recommends that infants under six months should be exclusively breastfed. WHO estimates a baby would otherwise need 20 kg of milk powder.
The survey also showed that prices of formula milk powder vary widely, for example, from $10.70 for a 400g tin of Wyeth Nursoy to $19.15 for Enfalac A milk powder.
When asked if the cost savings would motivate more mothers to breastfeed, BMSG vice-president Alderline Wong said: “It may affect the decision of the mother, if she is earning a lower income or if she is cost-conscious.” She added: “Through this survey, we also hope to create more awareness of breastfeeding and encourage more mothers to breastfeed their baby.”
Lactation consultant Doris Fok told Today there is no study to show that costs are a major factor influencing the decision of lower-income mothers to breastfeed. Nonetheless, these mothers are less likely to breastfeed than higher-income mothers.
“These mothers tend to return to the workplace earlier after giving birth, as they usually have a shorter periods of maternity leave and their respective companies may not have proper facilities for them to pump breast milk,” said Ms Fok.
Customer service officer June Yee is one of those who found it too time consuming to exclusively breastfeed her baby. But, the mother of a 17-month-old boy may consider it if she has a second child, she added, “because of the health benefits it can bring to the baby — not because of costs.”
The health benefits are said to include a lower risk of skin rash and asthma for babies, as well as a reduced risk of diabetes and ovarian cancer for mothers.
From TODAY, News
Thursday August 7, 2008
Ong Dai Lin
dailin@mediacorp.com.sg
Picture: Not only are there health benefits, but breastfeeding can be cheaper, too. TODAY file photo
THE health benefits have long been touted. Now, amid inflation woes, the financial advantages of breastfeeding are coming to the fore. The Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) has revealed that mothers who exclusively breastfeed their baby during the first six months can save an average of $710.
A price survey on breastfeeding kits may not be one of its usual food and grocery surveys, but the association was approached by the Breastfeeding Mothers’ Support Group (Singapore), said Case vice-president Lim Biow Chuan — this is Breastfeeding Awareness Week — and “we found that consumers can save a lot if they decide to breastfeed”.
Case calculated the prices of nine formula powder brands and 12 pieces of breastfeeding equipment and estimated that the average cost of buying milk powder would be around $735, while breastfeeding equipment costs as little as $25.50.
The survey focused on infant formula powder (0-6 months) because the World Health Organization recommends that infants under six months should be exclusively breastfed. WHO estimates a baby would otherwise need 20 kg of milk powder.
The survey also showed that prices of formula milk powder vary widely, for example, from $10.70 for a 400g tin of Wyeth Nursoy to $19.15 for Enfalac A milk powder.
When asked if the cost savings would motivate more mothers to breastfeed, BMSG vice-president Alderline Wong said: “It may affect the decision of the mother, if she is earning a lower income or if she is cost-conscious.” She added: “Through this survey, we also hope to create more awareness of breastfeeding and encourage more mothers to breastfeed their baby.”
Lactation consultant Doris Fok told Today there is no study to show that costs are a major factor influencing the decision of lower-income mothers to breastfeed. Nonetheless, these mothers are less likely to breastfeed than higher-income mothers.
“These mothers tend to return to the workplace earlier after giving birth, as they usually have a shorter periods of maternity leave and their respective companies may not have proper facilities for them to pump breast milk,” said Ms Fok.
Customer service officer June Yee is one of those who found it too time consuming to exclusively breastfeed her baby. But, the mother of a 17-month-old boy may consider it if she has a second child, she added, “because of the health benefits it can bring to the baby — not because of costs.”
The health benefits are said to include a lower risk of skin rash and asthma for babies, as well as a reduced risk of diabetes and ovarian cancer for mothers.
GOOD SAMARITANS
He can't swim...
From TODAY, News
Thursday August 7, 2008
But student and another youth pull drowning woman out of the sea
ONG DA I LIN
dailin@mediacorp.com.sg
YOU would think someone who rescues another person from drowning would know how to swim.
But Mr Nay Aung Aye Ko, 21, confesses, he not only doesn’t know how — he is even afraid of the water.
One of two youths who pulled Ms Dang Thi Tio out of the water at East Coast Park on Monday night, the foreign student from Myanmar said: “There were other people at the beach. I thought someone would save her but no one did a thing. So I went into the water to take a look.”
He had earlier seen the Vietnamese woman’s lover pulling her into the sea, but thought “they might just be playing around”. He got worried when he heard shouts from the woman and she did not emerge subsequently.
Meanwhile, Mr Aghilesh Balakrishnan Nair, 23, also saw the woman being dragged offshore and sensed something was wrong when both vanished underwater. Both men were alone and sitting at different benches behind McDonald’s “to chill out”.
Minutes later, they saw Ms Dang floating unconscious five metres from shore, waded in and pulled her out. Mr Nay Aung pressed on her chest and Mr Aghilesh performed CPR.
“I don’t know CPR but I learned from the movies. Only once in biology class did the teacher teach us a bit about CPR,” said Mr Aghilesh, a student from India.
“When she regained consciousness, she wanted to go back into the sea as she said she wanted to follow the man. She was crying and shouting.”
The two men had to hold her back while other bystanders blocked her way.
Mr Aghilesh called the police before going back into the sea to look for the man — a futile effort as “the currents were very strong”. The man’s body was found the next morning.
Both youths were presented yesterday with the Civil Defence Testimonial (Public Spiritedness) by Lieutenant Colonel Kadir Maideen, Commander of the 2nd Civil Defence Division, for their bravery.
From TODAY, News
Thursday August 7, 2008
But student and another youth pull drowning woman out of the sea
ONG DA I LIN
dailin@mediacorp.com.sg
YOU would think someone who rescues another person from drowning would know how to swim.
But Mr Nay Aung Aye Ko, 21, confesses, he not only doesn’t know how — he is even afraid of the water.
One of two youths who pulled Ms Dang Thi Tio out of the water at East Coast Park on Monday night, the foreign student from Myanmar said: “There were other people at the beach. I thought someone would save her but no one did a thing. So I went into the water to take a look.”
He had earlier seen the Vietnamese woman’s lover pulling her into the sea, but thought “they might just be playing around”. He got worried when he heard shouts from the woman and she did not emerge subsequently.
Meanwhile, Mr Aghilesh Balakrishnan Nair, 23, also saw the woman being dragged offshore and sensed something was wrong when both vanished underwater. Both men were alone and sitting at different benches behind McDonald’s “to chill out”.
Minutes later, they saw Ms Dang floating unconscious five metres from shore, waded in and pulled her out. Mr Nay Aung pressed on her chest and Mr Aghilesh performed CPR.
“I don’t know CPR but I learned from the movies. Only once in biology class did the teacher teach us a bit about CPR,” said Mr Aghilesh, a student from India.
“When she regained consciousness, she wanted to go back into the sea as she said she wanted to follow the man. She was crying and shouting.”
The two men had to hold her back while other bystanders blocked her way.
Mr Aghilesh called the police before going back into the sea to look for the man — a futile effort as “the currents were very strong”. The man’s body was found the next morning.
Both youths were presented yesterday with the Civil Defence Testimonial (Public Spiritedness) by Lieutenant Colonel Kadir Maideen, Commander of the 2nd Civil Defence Division, for their bravery.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
THEY DESERVE BETTER
From TODAY, Voices
Wednesday August 6, 2008
Wednesday August 6, 2008
Some ideas to enhance cabbie safety
Abusive passengers should know they face severe penalty
Letter from Liew Kai Khiun
I REFER to the article “More cabbies attacked” (Aug 4).
I told a taxi driver how vulnerable and exposed he was from my view as a passenger in the back seat when he opened his cash box to return me my change. While the crime rate may be low in Singapore, it does not mean that the personal safety of our cabbies should be ignored.
In Shanghai, the driver’s seat is “bubbled” up by a transparent plastic screen, with only a small opening for transactions. In London, a panel separates passengers from the cab driver.
However, aside from physical protection, public transport operators should assist taxi drivers in safekeeping their earnings on the road, perhaps with the installation of safeboxes as well as expanding the use of more cashless transactions such as ez-link or CashCard for payments.
Like the public bus system, passengers can be made to tap their ez-link cards upon boarding to have about $10 deducted from their account. Upon reaching the destination, the difference can be refunded by the cabbie if the cost of travel has not exceeded the initial deposit.
Our taxi drivers should have the right to reject passengers who are drunk or potentially aggressive. There should also be a sign displayed that renders a passenger financially responsible should he/she damage or dirty the taxi.
Another point of contention is the calculation of the surcharges which, until the end of the trip, are treated separately. Perhaps the taxi companies should consider displaying a single fare on the taxi meters to prevent unnecessary disputes.
There should also be notices in the taxis warning passengers of severe legal penalties for any physical and verbal abuse of taxi drivers.
Our taxi drivers have the right to work in a safe environment, and violence should not be seen as an acceptable occupational hazard for them.
-----
Signs that put taxi drivers in bad light
Letter from Cheong Tiong Hua
I REFER to the article “More cabbies attacked” (Aug 4).
There is a standard sign at taxi stands stating that “touting and over-charging” are not allowed. To warn against touting is fair, but as over-charging is tantamount to cheating, the use of that word creates an impression that cheating by taxi drivers is common in Singapore.
It portrays taxi drivers in a bad light, and it comes as no surprise then that there are passengers who feel that cabbies are out to cheat them.
With the upcoming Formula One event, there will be an influx of visitors to Singapore. What will their impressions be of our cabbies then?
Can those in charge replace the “overcharging” warning with reminders to cabbies to either switch on their meters or to ferry passengers safely to their destinations?
Besides, taxi drivers are by and large, an honest lot. Published letters in the newspapers are proof of that.
Passengers are feeling the pinch of recent fare hikes and increased electronic road pricing charges. We hope the authorities can do their bit to help drivers to put the passengers at ease.
The writer is a relief driver with ComfortDelGro.
Signs that put taxi drivers in bad light
Letter from Cheong Tiong Hua
I REFER to the article “More cabbies attacked” (Aug 4).
There is a standard sign at taxi stands stating that “touting and over-charging” are not allowed. To warn against touting is fair, but as over-charging is tantamount to cheating, the use of that word creates an impression that cheating by taxi drivers is common in Singapore.
It portrays taxi drivers in a bad light, and it comes as no surprise then that there are passengers who feel that cabbies are out to cheat them.
With the upcoming Formula One event, there will be an influx of visitors to Singapore. What will their impressions be of our cabbies then?
Can those in charge replace the “overcharging” warning with reminders to cabbies to either switch on their meters or to ferry passengers safely to their destinations?
Besides, taxi drivers are by and large, an honest lot. Published letters in the newspapers are proof of that.
Passengers are feeling the pinch of recent fare hikes and increased electronic road pricing charges. We hope the authorities can do their bit to help drivers to put the passengers at ease.
The writer is a relief driver with ComfortDelGro.
On The Verge of change
From TODAY, News
Wednesday August 6, 2008
Tekka Mall upgrade
But tenants, pleased with renovations, worry the new name is out of place
Alicia Wong
alicia@mediacorp.com.sg
THE NEXT time shop owner Mr Chua Seow Bin reprints his name-cards, they will read “The Verge (Tekka Mall).”
It is good that the mall is being renovated to attract more customers, the partyware shop owner said, but he is not sure changing the mall’s name is a good idea. Tekka Mall is a popular name, everyone recognises it, he argued.
That about sums up the general sentiment of tenants and customers at Tekka Mall.
Renovations began earlier this year, and by the fourth quarter, the mall will be relaunched as an IT, lifestyle and food and beverage (F&B) hub.
Most tenants Today spoke to were glad the works would be completed soon, and expected business to do better. But the name change raised more than a few eyebrows.
Given a more sophisticated tenant mix and service offerings, the new moniker “reflects the new positioning of The Verge,” said group director of property Amir Salleh from DRB-HICOM BERHAD, one of the co-owners of The Verge, which will feature more than 100 shops on eight levels.
The mall will be refurbished to look more contemporary and brighter. Existing tenants such as the Singapore Human Resources Institute will undergo a revamp, while discussions are underway to secure IT/electronics tenants.
Still, watch store sales assistant Allal Ho, 35, asked how the mall would compete with nearby Sim Lim Tower, famous for its electronics selection.
Mr Johnny Eng, co-owner of an optical store, applauded the new name for being “more unique, like a modern shopping centre”, while others felt the name unsuited for the area. Engineer Sidney Chng, 37, said the mall “should be remodeled as a heritage centre because of the Indian neighbourhood. The Verge sounds good, but it is out of place here.”
A store assistant, who did not want to be named, said the new name might attract the “more educated” but the customers who shop here, such as foreign Indian workers, would find it “too hard to pronounce… My friends and other tenants also said they don’t know how to pronounce it”. The adjoining block — renamed Chill@ The Verge — will also be made over and dedicated to entertainment and F&B outlets for the younger audience. It is expected to be completed by mid-2009.
Wednesday August 6, 2008
Tekka Mall upgrade
But tenants, pleased with renovations, worry the new name is out of place
Alicia Wong
alicia@mediacorp.com.sg
THE NEXT time shop owner Mr Chua Seow Bin reprints his name-cards, they will read “The Verge (Tekka Mall).”
It is good that the mall is being renovated to attract more customers, the partyware shop owner said, but he is not sure changing the mall’s name is a good idea. Tekka Mall is a popular name, everyone recognises it, he argued.
That about sums up the general sentiment of tenants and customers at Tekka Mall.
Renovations began earlier this year, and by the fourth quarter, the mall will be relaunched as an IT, lifestyle and food and beverage (F&B) hub.
Most tenants Today spoke to were glad the works would be completed soon, and expected business to do better. But the name change raised more than a few eyebrows.
Given a more sophisticated tenant mix and service offerings, the new moniker “reflects the new positioning of The Verge,” said group director of property Amir Salleh from DRB-HICOM BERHAD, one of the co-owners of The Verge, which will feature more than 100 shops on eight levels.
The mall will be refurbished to look more contemporary and brighter. Existing tenants such as the Singapore Human Resources Institute will undergo a revamp, while discussions are underway to secure IT/electronics tenants.
Still, watch store sales assistant Allal Ho, 35, asked how the mall would compete with nearby Sim Lim Tower, famous for its electronics selection.
Mr Johnny Eng, co-owner of an optical store, applauded the new name for being “more unique, like a modern shopping centre”, while others felt the name unsuited for the area. Engineer Sidney Chng, 37, said the mall “should be remodeled as a heritage centre because of the Indian neighbourhood. The Verge sounds good, but it is out of place here.”
A store assistant, who did not want to be named, said the new name might attract the “more educated” but the customers who shop here, such as foreign Indian workers, would find it “too hard to pronounce… My friends and other tenants also said they don’t know how to pronounce it”. The adjoining block — renamed Chill@ The Verge — will also be made over and dedicated to entertainment and F&B outlets for the younger audience. It is expected to be completed by mid-2009.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Beat the jam with IT
From TODAY World - TRAFFIC WOES
Monday August 4, 2008
New technology will allow on-board computers in cars to communicate with each other
LONDON — Cars that warn motorists about accidents before they happen and “intelligent” roads that direct drivers to empty parking spaces are being developed in Britain.
Traffic authorities and vehicle manufacturers are testing new “cooperative transport systems” that allow cars to send and receive up-to-the-minute information about the road ahead and the vehicles around them.
The main causes of traffic jams and accidents are drivers failing to react to changes in traffic and overreacting by braking too hard. Experts hope the project will improve safety and lessen traffic jams on the overloaded road network — there are more than 32 million vehicles on Britain’s roads.
Technology similar to that used by wireless computer networks will allow onboard computers in cars to communicate with each other to get information about hazards and congestion. In one example, sensors in the wheels of a car can detect when it is beginning to skid or the driver brakes suddenly, allowing the vehicle to send a warning to surrounding motorists that an accident is imminent.
Vehicles will also be able to provide the authorities with information about defects in the road surface. Central traffic management centres can then redirect motorists along alternative routes to avoid jams.
The technology is being tested in six locations around Europe, including a site in London. It is being developed as part of a European Commission project involving car manufacturers including BMW, Volvo and Daimler Chrysler. Mr Hermann Meyer, chief executive of Ertico, the partnership behind the project, said: “At the moment, cars receive information on their radios and GPS, but we want cars to also transmit information both to the road infrastructure and to other cars around them.
In London’s Camden High Street, a system that announces when parking lots are empty and then uses GPS to guide drivers to the space is being tested.
Using roadside masts incorporated into lampposts, they hope to provide roads with a high-speed network that will allow cars to communicate with each other and with the traffic management authorities.
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
Monday August 4, 2008
New technology will allow on-board computers in cars to communicate with each other
LONDON — Cars that warn motorists about accidents before they happen and “intelligent” roads that direct drivers to empty parking spaces are being developed in Britain.
Traffic authorities and vehicle manufacturers are testing new “cooperative transport systems” that allow cars to send and receive up-to-the-minute information about the road ahead and the vehicles around them.
The main causes of traffic jams and accidents are drivers failing to react to changes in traffic and overreacting by braking too hard. Experts hope the project will improve safety and lessen traffic jams on the overloaded road network — there are more than 32 million vehicles on Britain’s roads.
Technology similar to that used by wireless computer networks will allow onboard computers in cars to communicate with each other to get information about hazards and congestion. In one example, sensors in the wheels of a car can detect when it is beginning to skid or the driver brakes suddenly, allowing the vehicle to send a warning to surrounding motorists that an accident is imminent.
Vehicles will also be able to provide the authorities with information about defects in the road surface. Central traffic management centres can then redirect motorists along alternative routes to avoid jams.
The technology is being tested in six locations around Europe, including a site in London. It is being developed as part of a European Commission project involving car manufacturers including BMW, Volvo and Daimler Chrysler. Mr Hermann Meyer, chief executive of Ertico, the partnership behind the project, said: “At the moment, cars receive information on their radios and GPS, but we want cars to also transmit information both to the road infrastructure and to other cars around them.
In London’s Camden High Street, a system that announces when parking lots are empty and then uses GPS to guide drivers to the space is being tested.
Using roadside masts incorporated into lampposts, they hope to provide roads with a high-speed network that will allow cars to communicate with each other and with the traffic management authorities.
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
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