MCI (P) 004/03/2016 Circulation 105,500 Copies Vibes 54 | Jul - Sep 2017 Show

05 INC INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP DAY

THE EDITORIAL COMMITTEE 06 08 ADVISER Mr

CHAIRMAN Raymond Lye, BBM OneNationTo VICE-CHAIRMAN # get Derrick Ong Ter Koh, BBM her MEMBERS Haja Nizamudeen, PBM David Chian Fook Leong, PBM RACIAL AND RELIGIOUS Santadaevi D/O V Gurunathan Goh Soo Pheng, PBM COMMUNITY SPORTS DAY 2017 HARMONY STREET PARADE Henry Yeo Meng Tee Asraf Belal S/O Kader Maideen, PBM

SECRETARY Christel Lee Melody Yeung

EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Design Fusion Pte Ltd

PRINTER Times Printers Pte Ltd

PASIR RIS OFFICE Blk 577 Pasir Ris Street 53 #01-88 510577 Tel: 6585 4938 Fax: 6585 4937 Email: [email protected]

PUNGGOL OFFICE NEIGHBOURHOOD RENEWAL PROGRAMME 10 Blk 603 Punggol Road #01-01 Singapore 820603 Tel: 6590 9500 Fax: 6659 8263 Email: [email protected] Share

RIVERVALE OFFICE Hello everyone, many of you probably already know that a series of container Blk 156A Rivervale Crescent #01-01 restaurants have opened up at Tebing Lane just beside Riviera LRT. But did you Singapore 541156 know these brightly coloured eateries do more than just serve good food? As Tel: 6489 0520 Fax: 6385 7120 Email: @prpg-tc.org.sg I tasted some duck meatballs at Seoul Good, the owner told me how each of them work with a social mission to make their business inclusive and impactful. SENGKANG OFFICE Find out more from them inside. Happy reading! Blk 266 Compassvale Bow #01-06 Singapore 540266 Tel: 6489 0520 Fax: 6385 0930 David Chian Fook Leong, PBM Email: [email protected] Member

For feedback on Vibes, email us at: [email protected]

Visit our website at: www.prpg-tc.org.sg

02 vibes Hearttoheart

#OneNationTogethe r GRC WHAT & WHERE: National Day Dinner and National Day Observance Ceremonies at All Divisions As Singapore turns 52 this year, the call for unity has never been WHO: MPs of Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC and Punggol East SMC – stronger! Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC and Punggol East SMC held a Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for joint National Day dinner to commemorate the independence, National Security Mr ; Minister for Education as well as to mark the progress of our nation. Together with the (Schools) & Second Minister for Transport Mr ; MPs, some 4,000 residents decked in red and white illuminated Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Harmony Square 2 (the hardcourt next to Block 157A Rivervale Information & Ministry of Education Dr ; Crescent) and exemplified the theme of this year’s celebration: Mr ; Deputy Speaker for Parliament One Nation Together. Mr Charles Chong; Mr Zainal Sapari; Ms WHEN: 5 Aug 2017

Punggol North Pasir Ris West Sengkang Central

Punggol Coast Pasir Ris East Punggol East Punggol West

vibes 03 Hearttoheart

Selamat HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI Marking the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, community Hari Raya Aidilfitri (also known as Hari Raya Puasa) celebrations were organised in each division so our Muslim residents could celebrate the joyous affair with their neighbours and friends. In their beautiful baju kurungs and baju Melayus, residents enjoyed lively performances by Kompang groups, participated in lucky draws, and feasted on traditional dishes and desserts.

GRC WHAT & WHERE: Hari Raya Celebrations at All Divisions WHO: MPs – DPM Teo Chee Hean; Mr Ng Chee Meng; Dr Janil Puthucheary; Mr Teo Ser Luck; Mr Charles Chong; Mr Zainal Sapari; Mr Zainal Sapari and his grassroots leaders celebrate Ms Sun Xueling Hari Raya Puasa together at his home WHEN: 15-29 Jul 2017

04 vibes Photo by Masjid Al Mawaddah Hearttoheart

INC International Friendship Day In an effort to help new citizens and Permanent Residents settle in the community, Pasir Ris East’s Integration and Naturalisation Champion (INC), Grassroots Organisations, and Residents’ Committees worked hard to plan the division’s first ever INC Friendship Day that highlighted the multicultural spirit of Singapore. The outreach was aimed at helping new immigrants make friends and develop mutual understanding with their neighbours. With more than 500 people in attendance, the event featured various ethnic and traditional performances, international food delights, and craft booths where participants learnt origami from little girls in kimonos. Local games of the yesteryears such as ‘five stones’ and ‘congkak’ were also introduced; playing them was concurrently eye opening for our new residents, and nostalgic for many Singaporeans.

PASIR RIS EAST WHAT & WHERE: INC International Friendship Day at Pasir Ris East CC WHO: MP – Mr Zainal Sapari WHEN: 22 Jul 2017

Photo by Masjid Al Mawaddah vibes 05 Hearttoheart

FOR DURIANS!

Community Sports Day 2017 Punggol East’s Community Sports Day began bright and early on a Sunday morning with more than 700 residents assembling to exercise together. Community Sports Day, which is the largest sports event held island-wide on the same day, aims to promote bonding among residents of different races, religions, ages, and abilities through a myriad of activities. Organised by Punggol East Community Sports Club, the highlights of this year’s event were Zumba followed by a brisk walk around the neighbourhood. After a high-energy Zumba session, residents set off on a 20 minute walk that is approximately 1.5km long before returning to Rivervale Community Centre for a round of cool down exercises. At the end of the programme, breakfast snack packs and a sports pouch was given out to all participants.

PUNGGOL EAST SMC WHAT & WHERE: Community Sports Day 2017 at Rivervale CC WHO: MPs – Mr Charles Chong WHEN: 23 Jul 2017

06 vibes Hearttoheart

FOR DURIANS!

With about 4,000 people feasting on 10,000kg of durians, Durian Day at Sengkang Central was an overwhelming success! Popular year after year, the event drew residents to Sengkang Community Club’s hardcourt as early as nine in the morning. With a $3 ticket, each person was entitled to two durians of either the ‘Red Prawn’ or ‘D24’ variety. Sitting with their families and bonding over the thorny fruit, some residents say durians have never tasted better!

SENGKANG CENTRAL WHAT & WHERE: Sengkang Central Durian Day 2017 at Sengkang CC WHEN: 23 Jul 2017

vibes 07 Hearttoheart Racial and Religious Harmony Street Parade

Residents of all races and religions gathered to celebrate the 13th annual Punggol North Racial and Religious Harmony Street Parade in July. Occupying the entire stretch of Punggol PUNGGOL NORTH Field Road, a dazzling medley of street performances was put up by various interest groups, WHAT & WHERE: Punggol North Racial and Religious grassroots organisations, local artistes, associations, and more for over 10,000 spectators. In his Harmony Street Parade & Family welcome speech, host Mr Ng Chee Meng underscored the importance of forging harmony at a Carnival 2017 at Blk 175A Punggol community level, as well as building trust and bonds at a neighbour-to-neighbour level. Echoing Field this sentiment was DPM Teo who encouraged residents to “reach out, build friendships, and WHO: MPs – DPM Teo Chee Hean; strengthen trust”. The parade kicked off with eleven schools putting up their best performance Mr Ng Chee Meng; Mr Charles Chong; Ms Sun Xueling pieces and continued with groups like the Lamborghini Club Singapore, Punggol North Active WHEN: 16 Jul 2017 Ageing Committee, and Goldwingers Singapore. Adding to the atmosphere was also a buzzing family carnival the residents had much fun participating in!

08 vibes Hearttoheart

Official Opening & Embracing Parenthood Carnival The official opening of the Punggol Seas Residents’ Committee Centre in July was held in conjunction with the People’s Association’s Embracing PArenthood Movement. The occasion was graced by special guest Dr , Senior Minister of State for National Development, and Trade & Industry, and host adviser Ms Sun Xueling. Attracting a crowd of more than 700, residents enjoyed the family-oriented programmes such as carnival games, bouncy castle, face painting, finger puppet making, snacks stalls and many more. There was even a ‘Music & Movement’ activity and a nutrition talk for families with young children. Families with babies born in 2016 even received special Embracing PArenthood gift sets at the event!

PUNGGOL WEST WHAT & WHERE: Punggol Seas Official Opening & Embracing Parenthood Carnival at Punggol Seas RC WHO: MP – Ms Sun Xueling WHEN: 2 Jul 2017

vibes 09 Hearttoheart Neighbourhood Renewal Programme Blocks 531-562 and Blocks 564-569, Pasir Ris Drive 1/Street 51

Three-generation fitness corners, drop off porches, elderly fitness corners, foot reflexology paths, and new sheltered linkways are just few of the many planned improvements to ensure that Pasir Ris continues to be an attractive and comfortable place to live in. Residents were invited to share their thoughts on the proposed neighbourhood upgrades at two Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) Public Consultation sessions in July. In addition to the exhibition panels available onsite to help residents visualise the upgrades easier, the architects-in-charge were also present to respond to any queries on the spot.

Residents who have yet to indicate their support are highly encouraged to do so. Residents can hand in their survey forms by post/fax/email or by hand at the Pasir Ris-Punggol Town Council office.

Please continue to provide your support for future NRP projects such as the upcoming Public Consultation for Blocks 500-521 and 601-615, Pasir Ris Street 52 /Elias Road.

Let’s all work together to bring about positive change to Pasir Ris-Punggol!

PASIR RIS WEST WHAT & WHERE: NRP Public Consultations at Blk 555B MPH Pasir Ris Street 51 & Blk 535/536 Pasir Ris Drive 1 WHO: MP – DPM Teo Chee Hean WHEN: 23 & 30 Jul 2017

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Punggol Coraltree RC organised several block parties for the residents of Coralinus over a period of four months to encourage greater interaction and bonding. More than 200 people attended the events in total! While the adults chatted, the children got creative with the sand art activity and were given adorable animal balloons that could “walk”. Dr Janil, who was present at all three parties, joined them in the lunch buffets and took the chance to know the residents better.

PUNGGOL COAST WHAT & WHERE: Block Parties at Blks 302C, 303C & 305A Punggol Central WHO: MP – Dr Janil Puthucheary WHEN: 6 May-19 Aug 2017

vibes 11 Feature

Every night, Tebing Lane comes alive as six F&B container restaurants begin serving the crowd piling in to dine under the stars. These compact little restaurants pack a punch in more ways than one. More than just serving delicious food, each container commits to a unique social mission that forms the backbone of their business model. Find out how food and community collide.

D Grill L’Chaim Bistro Seoul Good “Celebrate Diversity” “Enable Equal Opportunity” “Inspire Positive Change”

Committed to celebrating diversity, The only rose amongst the thorns, Having been a community volunteer bossman Kiang Siang Heng has plans Amy Lee is working with AWARE for over 20 years, aligning social to hire staff from all backgrounds including (Association of Women for Action and responsibility with his food container the needy and those with mental health Research) to empower women by offering business comes naturally. Alvin Chua offers conditions. Equally diverse is also their them jobs. L’Chaim Bistro also believes work to those from low-income families, and menu; D Grill specialises in serving local strongly in minimising food wastage and is even in the midst of getting hiring people food on a hot plate. From sambal seafood keeping the ingredients fresh; which is why from the deaf community. Seoul Good also to spaghetti, they also bring in exclusive their menu and servings is deliberately wants to inspire positive change through products during different festive periods. limited to prevent wastage. According to their food which contains zero MSG and When you’re there, try out their popular Amy, the bistro’s concept is to promote preservatives. They also plan to bring sambal stingray, Tom yum fish and chicken togetherness. Their long communal tables outdoor barbeque and DIY rice wings. can sit up to 30 people – perfect for those rolling that will encourage bonding amongst looking for a gathering space. L’Chaim families. Sambal grilled seafood and hot plate serves local craft beers at $10 a pint, and local delicacies they’d be happy to recommend pairings! “We have to give the less fortunate a chance to survive and support themselves. In terms “I think it’s very meaningful to me because of food, we contribute back by ensuring it’s @dgrillsg we’re the only ladies amongst the six healthy. We hope to inspire other business containers so our slogan is to enable owners to do the same, and make food that equal opportunity. It means that the F&B is proper for the younger generation.” business is not only for men, but that ladies can do it as well. It’s very important for me Authentic Korean food made with and close to my heart.” ingredients imported from Korea

Home-cooked food with a menu that @ seoul_good_desserts_and_coffee changes daily. Be surprised!

@lchaimbistro

12 vibes Feature

Big Fish Small Fish Boost@Banks Pump Station 1965 “Promote Inclusivity” “Strengthen Communities” “Support Sustainable Living”

Serving you the hottest fish and crispiest A mini darts bar right in the heart The only two-storey unit featuring retro crisps in a cone, Big Fish Small Fish’s twist of Punggol, Boost@Banks is a decorations and recycled oil drums is on the traditional Fish & Chips has proven combination of drinks, entertainment, helmed by head chef Macs Fong, an ex-convict to be very popular with the young and old. atmosphere, ambiance, and service for (he got into fights when he was younger) Selling a variety of fish, their must-trys include residents to have a good time. In the near determined to help others like himself. the salmon and seabass. Freshly sliced and future, owner Edward says are looking into Developing a positive and sustainable work cooked potato crisps replace the French the option of adding finger food choices environment is also important to Macs, who fries you’d normally get outside. Their social into their menu. understands just how bad the kitchen culture mission message is to promote inclusivity. can get. Pump Station 1965 is all about keeping Owner Ong Wei Sheng is working closely with “Locating a mini darts bar in the both their staff and their customers happy. For SIP* to provide employment to single mothers. neighbourhood is our way of encouraging the latter, other than a wide selection of food They’re even taken the extra step to redesign the residents to have fun yet be able to and drinks, a two-piece acoustic band plays their jobs to fit the elderly! have quality bonding time with family every Thursday and Saturday; and they air live and friends. This is how we’re working to EPL games on weekends. “We believe that no one should be left behind, strengthen communities.” especially the disadvantaged. We would like to “Hiring ex-offenders is not easy. If you really play a role and contribute even in the smallest want to help them, you have to be patient and of ways to help the weak and the unfortunate.” Beers, beers, and more beers! know the consequences. I had two ex-offender staff that have left, but I won’t give up on this Fish & Crisps with free flow of homemade @boostatbanks mission. It’s something I want to continue sauces (i.e. XO mayo, salted egg, tartar, trying.” cheese). Daily selection of premium fish fillet available while stocks last. Asian fusion cuisine and more than 100 types of beverages which includes Featured @bigfishsmallfishsg beer, speciality drinks and liquor.

@pumpstation1965

* The container restaurants are part of SEED (Social Entrepreneurship & Eco-park Development), a social enterprise under Social Innovation Park (SIP). Other than F&B, SEED will feature community farm plots, urban farming showcase, and welcome different events to its green space. Find out more at www.socialinnovationpark.org.

vibes 13 Flipside

Ron Low paid homage to the Old East Coast Park McDonald’s at this year’s LEGO #BuildAmazingSG contest where he emerged Grand Winner. The replication may have been scaled down, but nostalgia and memories for this beloved landmark remains larger than life. Hear it from Ron!

Hello Ron! How do you feel about being chosen as the Piecing it together must have been quite arduous since the contest’s Grand Winner? building has already been demolished. It’s amazing! To be honest, I didn’t expect myself to be chosen as Unfortunately, I didn’t have photos of the old McDonald’s. I found one of the finalists, not to mention the Grand Winner. I took on some photographs from the Internet and used them as reference. the contest with little or no expectations, and so the eventual The old McDonald’s has a really unique and iconic facade, and outcome came as a pleasant surprise. There are many talented and that made the creation process very interesting. For the smaller experienced builders in Singapore and I’m deeply humbled and details, there was a fair amount of guesswork. I worked on the honored that my submission was well received. build for about three nights. The biggest challenge was having to work with the limited LEGO bricks I had. I had to estimate what I You recreated the old East Coast Park McDonald’s as your needed before ordering the rest of the bricks online. This planning submission. What’s the story behind that? portion took the bulk of the time. I feel that Singapore is progressing so fast that many old landmarks are demolished to make way for newer ones. I wanted Your Lego entry is currently on display at the ‘Piece of Piece to create something that links the past to the present, something World Heritage’ exhibition at the Fort Canning Arts Centre. that’ll bring a smile to the faces of the people who see it. What do you plan to do with it after the exhibition ends? I’ll be over the moon if someone adopts it! If not, it will be The old East Coast McDonald’s comes naturally to mind as I have “demolished” and the bricks will be used for my next build or for many fond memories of it. When I was a kid, my mother used to my boys’ playtime. This is what LEGO is about. Build, rebuild, and bring me to ECP and we would often pass by McDonald’s. The have fun! fun and laughter there always gave me a happy and welcoming feeling, and throughout my school days even up till National Service and university, the ECP McDonald’s remained close to my If you share Ron’s fun and passion for LEGO and heart. would like to check out more of his ideas, visit www.facebook.com/ronlbrick. Some of my friends and even strangers who saw my build shared with me their fond memories of the ECP McDonald’s, so I think it’s great that the build helped to connect people and brought back wonderful memories.

14 vibes Photos: Lego Singapore Hearttoheart

From Left to Right: • Mr Derrick Ong Ter Koh, BBM • Mr Tan Thoo Cheng, BBM • Mr Joseph Lim Beng Huat, PBM • Mr Lim Ho Seng, PBM • Mr Thomas Tan Teng Lee, PBM • Mr Tan Poh Whua, PBM • Mr Gilbert Quek Chieng Chern, PBM

to Our 2017 National Day Award Recipients Pasir Ris-Punggol Town Council would like to congratulate our community leaders who have received the National Day Award.

From Left to Right: • Mdm Lina Beh Lee Wah, PBM • Mr Yew Ai Choo, PBM • Mr Jeffrey Tan Eng Loong, PBM • Dr Ernest Kan Yaw Kiong, JP, BBM • Mr Roslee Bin Puasa, PBM • Mdm Lam Lee Choo, PBM

vibes 15 Hearttoheart Infant Milk Formula An update by MP Sun Xueling Earlier this year, the rising costs of Infant Milk The government acted swiftly by forming Even Abbott, one of the five major incumbent Formula had come to the forefront as an issue a task force5 helmed by SMS Koh Poh Koon suppliers has also launched a value pack of concern for young families. Research showed (MTI, MND) and SMS (MOH, MEWR), recently, which is 20% cheaper than its tinned that in the past decade, infant milk formula supported by the National Population and version on a per gram of infant milk formula prices had risen close to 120%1 . An online Talent Development Division (NPTD), the Agri- basis. I am glad that retailers and manufacturers survey I conducted in May 2017 revealed that Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore are also doing their part to help lower costs of parents with children under a year old spend an (AVA) and the Heath Promotion Board (HPB) infant milk formula for consumers. average of $191 a month on infant milk formula to protect the interests of consumers. I am a – not an altogether small sum - and that the 5 member of this task force. The AVA is also reviewing regulations on major suppliers accounted for the vast majority labelling and advertising as consumers can of sales of infant milk formula in Singapore2 . Since then, there has been a number of positive be misled if nutritional, health claims and developments. One of the key actions that will idealised images of infant milk formula were I discussed the need to ensure fair pricing be undertaken is that the Government will used indiscriminately. The review is expected to and appropriate marketing for infant milk simplify and streamline import requirements be completed by year end after which industry formula in my Facebook post on 5 May this to allow more imports of affordable infant members will be given up to one year’s grace year. Following a parliamentary exchange milk formula into Singapore. The AVA has period to amend their labels accordingly. on May 83 , the Competition Commission of done due diligence in overseas markets and Singapore released its findings4 which revealed the review of existing formula milk will be The HPB’s Sale of Infant Food Ethics Committee amongst other things, that the reasons for the finalised by the end of 2017, removing barriers is also reviewing its code of ethics to extend increase in prices of infant formula milk are: for affordable imports while maintaining food restrictions on the advertising, marketing and the increase in markup safety standards, providing more choices for promotion of infant formula to cover milk of wholesale prices consumers. powder for infants up to 12 months of age, up over manufacturing from the current restrictions which cover milk costs by Retailers in Singapore have also actively powder for infants under 6 months. formula milk stepped up to provide more affordable options manufacturers, for consumers. I visited the supermarkets Coupled with the regulations, the HPB has the need to build recently and am glad to report that there are kicked off a multi-year campaign to educate a “premium” currently four more affordable brands of infant parents on the nutritional needs of young image, and milk which have hit the shelves in the past 3 children. At NTUC Fairprice, for example, I increasing focus on months. Please see below for their cost and was happy to note the prominent display of R & D. availability. educational brochures at the supermarket shelves listing out nutrition information for Name of Brand Cost Available consumers. Parents can then easily compare nutritional values and make an informed choice for their young children. The HPB has Nature One Diary $25.50 Sheng Siong also increased its outreach efforts to promote 900g breastfeeding given it has the best nutritional content for young children. Einmilk <$40 U Stars (made in Sg) 800g supermarkets Lastly, the MOH is reaching out to the private hospitals one by one to encourage them Australia’s Own $27.50 - $35 Fairprice follow World Health Organizational guidelines 900g to be baby-friendly hospitals which promote breast-feeding and also to discourage Gold Infant Formula possible conflicts of interest on the part of the (first house brand formula in Sg) $27 - $29 Fairprice hospitals arising from the practice of accepting 900g sponsorships which are tied to milk-rotation programmes. The MOH will also work with industry players to put more affordable infant milk options onto the milk-rotation programmes of the hospitals.

A lot has been done to provide affordable options of infant milk formula to parents and ensure accurate marketing of information on infant milk formula, but we still have some way to go.

Breast-milk continues to be the best form of nutrition for young children but for those young parents who need to buy infant milk formula to supplement breast-feeding, I hope that the combined initiatives led by the various government agencies can help you make more informed choices and present more affordable Sun Xueling with Deputy CEO, NTUC Fairprice and some members of the Infant Formula Taskforce options for you. 16 vibes KLC_Vibes Advertorial_Aug 2017_FA_PATH.pdf 1 31/8/17 11:12 PM Town Council DON’T GIVE RATS A CHANCE

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Turning Weaknesses Into Strengths graduated in August last year, and had difficulties during job interviews. I wasn’t sure about how to present Imyself, and couldn’t build rapport with my interviewers. With the guidance of my assigned career coach, we went through my performance at my previous interviews and she conducted a mock interview session with me as well to prepare me for my upcoming interviews. These sessions really helped me to become more aware Feeling Satisfied of myself. I was definitely more confident When I Make A in my job interviews after going for career coaching. The two interviews I attended after that went very smoothly compared to the ones before. In fact, I got offers from both Difference employers! I encourage others to consider career coaching if they are facing difficulties in eing a Career Coach at securing a job. WSG allows me to work with clients from different Choo Hui Jia, community relations executive Bbackgrounds. One of my clients was in senior management whose role became redundant Finding His Calling At 44 due to structural changes within n 2015, I saw firsthand how my good his organisation. We connected friend and mentor struggled with quickly as we were both from the cancer, spending 8 months in and out of IT industry. He was very open to Ithe hospital. Through this experience, I was my suggestions of tapping on his inspired by the medical staffs’ tirelessness network and refining his online and the difference they made in their persona when searching for a job. patients’ lives. I wanted to be like them, He soon found work as a Group and began to consider a career switch. I Sales Director for a global IT was advised against it by family and friends solutions and service company. as I was 44 years old, and did not have the I feel a deep sense of satisfaction relevant qualifications and skills. Despite when I make a difference in my that, I decided to visit Career Connect, clients’ life. I want to help my where my career coach shared about the clients to become more resilient, healthcare jobs and relevant skills required. He also shared successes and challenges. independent, and capable of I knew if I didn’t try, I would regret it. In the beginning, I was a little nervous because carving out long-lasting and therapy is a big change from my old job. Nowadays, I look forward to going to work. It fulfilling careers. gives me great fulfilment to help people live better lives. Tarcisius Wong, career coach at Careers Connect Voong Tat Yee, therapy assistant at SASCO Senior Citizen Home

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If you need career guidance or advice, visit Careers Connect at bit.ly/cms-psrpgl or call 6883 5885 for an appointment to meet a career coach.

www.wsg.gov.sg facebook.com/WorkforceSingapore @workforcesg

2017Aug29 Pasir Ris 297x210.indd 1 29/8/17 4:51 pm C

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K SHARE Share your My 1st Birthday with mummy after Snaps! I was adopted! My Pet & I Doreen Yap & Poppy Gyendaline Yeo & Mickey Jul-Sep Our first pet :)

Wefie :)

Jane Toh & Pebbles Ian Lin & Jade Daphne, Edwin & Herbie Mr and Mrs Ng & Augustus

We celebrate Long Long’s birthday every year. He never A little boy fails to bring joy and his dog in Amy Tan & Long Long and laughter to the a big box. Tommy Chua & Bing Bing family. Ryan & Scruffy

Next Issue: We Want Your Photos! Send us! Submit an original photo together with a short caption for a chance to be featured.

Email your entries to: [email protected] with your name, NRIC, address and contact details. Selected entries stand to receive a token from us! Your favourite Open to Pasir Ris-Punggol residents only. moment of 2017l Submission Deadline: 21 Nov 2017. 22 vibes Travel

HANGZHOUHANGZHOUHELLO

Contributed by: Chanel Li

I travelled to China for the first time atop streams of water. I took the boat ride that weaved its way in my life despite it being one of the through the waters as I took in the beauty and tranquillity of more frequently visited countries by the town. The town had its own little charms and as I explored Singaporeans. I went to the beautiful city the alleys and mini museums there, I learned more about of Hangzhou in late November when the China’s history. weather was chilly but not freezing. On a whim, I took a bullet train down to Shanghai for a one- During this trip, I visited West Lake which is famous for its day tour. I had a feast at their local dim sum restaurant and association with Chinese poets and painters. Modern artists ate a xiao long bao (soup dumpling) that’s so big, a straw was hang out next to the lake, scooping up the lake’s water with needed to drink the soup! After a satisfying meal, I walked pails. They then dip their giant calligraphy brushes (about half along the streets of Shanghai and eventually made my way to the height of an adult) in the pails. Tourists like myself gather The Bund. I waited till the sun set and watched all the buildings around them and watch in awe as they write out elegant on the other side of the Hangpu River light up. Everyone rushed Chinese characters. After a relaxing walk by the lake, I settled in a to the edge to get a closer view of the stunning city lights. busy Chinese restaurant and tried one of Hangzhou’s specialty - Although I waited for quite some time for the buildings to light West Lake Fish in Sweet Sour Sauce. It was perfect. Be sure to try up, trust me, the sight was worth the wait! it if you visit! My trip to China was definitely memorable. There are many Another special place I visited was the Wuzhen Water Town. more places to explore within these two cities that 300 words Dubbed the “Venice of China”, the small town has now become just cannot cover! Visit Hangzhou and Shanghai for yourself a major tourist attraction. Homes and little shop houses sit and have your very own adventure!

vibes 23 Project S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Two Birds, One Stone A grassroots leader referred two unemployed residents to Project Singapore database. She was informed of an opening at a law firm S.U.C.C.E.S.S. for employment assistance. Project S.U.C.C.E.S.S. found as administrative assistant cum receptionist, and was eager to try. both of them permanent jobs at the same firm within a week! Like Ms Ho, Mdm Elaine was shortlisted for the interview and was subsequently offered the job. Ms Ho is a 20-year-old recent graduate from the Institute of Technical Education. She had registered herself under the Workforce Initially, Project S.U.C.C.E.S.S. was told that there was only one Singapore database in the process of her job search. With some opening at Templars Law LLC. But after interviewing both Ms Ho and luck, Project S.U.C.C.E.S.S. came across her Mdm Elaine, the employer decided to data and contacted her for a job opening create a second position to hire them at a law firm. Ms Ho expressed her keen both. At present, both of them are interest and forwarded her detailed resume working happily together. Not only is to follow up. Very quickly, she was shortlisted the working location convenient, they for an interview and offered the job as an also like the working environment and administrative assistant. their colleagues. On some occasions, Ms Ho feels that the job can be pretty The second is Mdm Elaine, a 34-year-old with challenging. But being young and more than 16 years of working experience positive, she says: “I am flexible and in different industries. She was formerly a confident in my competency to graphic designer, a marketing representative, handle all work assigned, and I will and even a beauty advisor for a while. She had always put in my best effort!” been unemployed for some time until Project S.U.C.C.E.S.S. found her through the Workforce

Approach Project S.U.C.C.E.S.S. for Employment Assistance Project “S.U.C.C.E.S.S.”, the acronym of “SINGAPOREANS UNITED AS A COMMUNITY Sengkang Community Club, 2 Sengkang Square #01-01, TO CARE AND TO ENCOURAGE SELF-SUFFICIENCY”, is a collaboration by the Sengkang Community Hub, (S) 545025 Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC’s Citizens’ Consultative Committees (CCCs), the North East Community Development Council (CDC), and the Pasir Ris-Punggol Town Council. 6388 1742 Project S.U.C.C.E.S.S. aims to provide holistic assistance to unemployed residents to [email protected] help them towards employment and self-sufficiency and is supported by the Kwan 9am – 5pm (Mon – Fri) [closed on weekends and public holidays] Im Thong Hood Cho Temple. Quiz Me WINNERS OF PASIR RIS-PUNGGOL VIBES The Punggol Seas Residents’ Committee Centre opening was held in conjunction with which other event? ”QUIZ ME” CONTEST (ISSUE NO. 53) 1st Prize $70.00 SHOBA BARTHOLOMEUZ SXXXX376C ______2nd Prize $50.00 CHAN WAI YIN SXXXX546I 3rd Prize $30.00 HARIYANAH BINTE JOHARI SXXXX569H Resident Ron Low built what out of LEGO bricks that won him the LEGO #BuildAmazingSG contest? CONSOLATIONS $15.00 CHIM KENG HONG SXXXX324E ______$15.00 KOMATHI D/O ARMUGAM SXXXX387D How many kilograms of durians did residents consume at Sengkang Durian Day 2017? $15.00 LIM SOO KHIM, GILLIAN SXXXX223D $15.00 NUR HIDAYAH BINTE SAPIAN SXXXX990C ______$15.00 KHAIRUL ANWAR BIN CHASMAT SXXXX526F $15.00 KENG CHIAT HAN SXXXX567J Pasir Ris East held an INC International Friendship Day event in July. What does ‘INC’ $15.00 NG CHOON FONG SXXXX226B stand for? $15.00 YEAP SOON HUAT SXXXX557A $15.00 KASSIA WU KAILI TXXXX257C ______$15.00 NG HOCK SENG SXXXX013F $15.00 LAVANTIKA PRAKASH TXXXX779G Name*:______$15.00 HELENA MARGARET GUNAWAN TXXXX299C IC:______Contact:______Email:______Address:______GLOBETROTTERS ______HELLO Send your entries to: WANTED!! Are you a travel bug who can’t wait to share RESIDENTS!!! The Editor, Pasir Ris–Punggol Vibes your travel experiences with us? Just write to us about your c/o Pasir Ris–Punggol Town Council favourite trip in about 300 words, include four photos in jpeg, and Block 603 Punggol Road #01-01 Singapore 820603 you may just see your article published in Vibes!

CLOSING DATE: 21 Nov 2017 Send your articles to [email protected]. Selected entries stand *Name must be stated as per NRIC otherwise entry will be disqualified. Contest is open to to receive a token from us! Pasir Ris-Punggol residents only.