NUMBER 70 MAY - JUNE 2006 • MICA(P)087/02/2006

MeetMeet ourour MPsMPs pagespages 66 && 77

ESTATE 3

ESTATE IMPROVEMENTS

THOMSON - Covered Walkway between Blk 401 to 402/403 Ave

TOA PAYOH EAST - Elderly Fitness Corner at Blk 15 Lorong 7

TOA PAYOH CENTRAL - Children’s Playground at Blk 97 Lorong 3 Toa Payoh

Bishan East - Pavilion cum Barbeque pit at Blk 149 Bishan St 11

BISHAN-TOA PAYOH NORTH - Covered Walkway at Blk 267/278 Bishan St 22

BISHAN-TOA PAYOH TOWN COUNCIL NEWS may / june 2006 4 GRC NEWS

Join your fellow residents and get to know them better Have Fun! at these activities organised especially for you.

TOA PAYOH CENTRAL Time : 8.00am Ð 12 noon Venue : Guangyang Primary School Carnival 2006 SERS Handing over Ceremony Fees : $3 per ticket (In Conjunction with Date : 22 July 2006 (Saturday) 41st National Day Celebrations) Venue : Blk l53A Rooftop Garden Karaoke Appreciation Nite (Mandarin) Date : 6 August 2006 (Sunday) Time : 7.45pm Date : 22 July 2006 (Saturday) Time : 8.30am Organiser : Toa Payoh Central Time : 7.00pm Ð 10.00pm Venue : Open field opposite Zone ‘5’ RC Venue : Bishan Community Club Blk 231 Bishan St 23 Fees : $3 per person National Day Dinner For more information, please call 6451 5955 Date : 5 August 2006 (Saturday) 41st National Day (after 2pm) Venue : Toa Payoh Central Amphitheatre Celebration Dinner Time : 7.40pm Date : 5 August 2006 (Saturday) THOMSON Organiser : Toa Payoh Central GROs Time : 7.00pm Ð 10.30pm Venue : Open Field beside Block Party National Day Observance Ceremony Blk 156 Bishan St 13 Date : 13 August 2006 (Sunday) Fees : $25 per person Date : 23 July 2006 (Sunday) Venue : Toa Payoh Central Amphitheatre Venue : Blk 118B Multi-Purpose Hall Time : 7.30am Bishan East national Day Time : 7.30pm Organiser : Toa Payoh Central GROs Observance Ceremony Organiser : Toa Payoh View RC Date : 9 August 2006 (Wednesday) Block Party cum Folk Dance Nite For more information, please call 6254 6842 Time : 7.00am Ð 10.30am Venue : Bishan Community Club Date : 29 July 2006 (Saturday) Venue : Blk 25, RC Centre Courtyard TOA PAYOH EAST Bishan East Family Sports Day Time : 8.00pm Organiser : Thomson Sin Ming Ville RC National Day Dinner Date : 9 August 2006 (Saturday) Time : 7.00am Ð 10.30am Date : 28 July 2006 (Friday) Venue : Bishan Community Club National Day Block Party Venue : Toa Payoh East CC Fees : $3 per person Date : 13 August 2006 (Sunday) Multi-Purpose Hall Venue : Blk 23/24 Community Linkhall Time : 7.00pm That’s Entertainment featuring Verve Time : 7.30pm Organiser : Toa Payoh East GROs Enharmonics + Duo Performance Organiser : Thomson Sin Ming Ville RC by Ruth Ling and Cat Ong National Day Observance Ceremony cum Family Sports Day Date : 13 August 2006 (Wednesday) National Day Celebration, Baby Show, Time : 7.00pm Ð 8.00pm Line Dance Nite, Folk Dance Nite, Date : 13 August 2006 (Sunday) Venue : Bishan CC Open Plaza Basket Ball Tournament Time : 8.00am Ð 12.00pm Date : 13 August 2006 (Sunday) Organiser : Toa Payoh East GROs For more information, please call 6259 8978 Venue : Toa Payoh West CC Block Party Time : 9.00am Ð 10.00pm Organiser : Toa Payoh West CCMC/ Date : 19 August 2006 (Saturday) BISHAN NORTH WEC/SCEC/MAEC Venue : Blk 10 Link Hall Time : 6.00pm Ð 9.00pm Schools in Concert - Most Entertaining Block Party Organiser : Toa Payoh East Zone ‘2’ RC Band Competition 2006 (In Conjunction with Date : 20 August 2006 (Sunday) Block Party 41st National Day Celebrations) Venue : Blk 403 Sin Ming Ave Time : 7.30pm Date : 19 August 2006 (Saturday) Date : 4 August 2006 (Friday) Organiser : Thomson Sin Ming Garden RC Time : 6.00pm Ð 9.00pm Time : 7.30pm Organiser : Toa Payoh East Zone ‘4’ RC Venue : Open field opposite Blk 231 Bishan St 23 Thomson National Day Dinner For more information, please call 6251 6515 Date : 27 August 2006 (Sunday) Bishan-Toa Payoh North Venue : Open Field beside Thomson CC National Day Dinner 2006 Time : 8.00pm BISHAN EAST Date : 5 August 2006 (Saturday) Organiser : Thomson Sin Ming Garden RC Time : 7.30pm Racial Harmony cum EP Day 2006 Venue : Open field opposite Date : 22 July 2006 (Saturday) Blk 231 Bishan St 23 GRC NEWS 5

1 4

2 5

3 MP 1 Mrsactivities activitiesJospehine Teo having a cozy chat with a senior resident.

2 Mr Zai having a good laugh with the residents at Bishan North.

3 Mr had fun chatting with the stall-holders.

4 Dr having fun with our young residents.

5 Mr Hri Kumar getting resident’s feedback during the house visit he conducted.

BISHAN-TOA PAYOH TOWN COUNCIL NEWS may / june 2006 6 GRC MAP BISHAN-TOABISHAN-TOA PAYOHPAYOH GRCGRC

Every Tuesday from 8pm

BISHAN EAST

DPM Wong Kan Seng Blk 196 Bishan St 13 #01-563 570196 Tel: 6259 0542 Fax: 6353 8871

BISHAN NORTH

Mr Blk 231 Bishan St 23 #01-21 Singapore 570231 Tel: 6452 4107 Fax: 6454 9607

TOA PAYOH EAST

Mrs Blk 18 Lorong 7 Toa Payoh #01-240 Singapore 310018 Tel: 6259 2881 Fax: 6354 4912 BISHAN-TOAlegend: TOA PAYOH CENTRAL TOA PAYOH EAST PAYOH GRC 7 BISHAN-TOABISHAN-TOA PAYOHPAYOH GRCGRC Meet-The-People Session

Every Tuesday from 8pm

TOA PAYOH CENTRAL

Dr Ng Eng Hen Blk 178 Toa Payoh Central #01-238 Singapore 310178 Tel: 6253 8600 Fax: 6253 1249

THOMSON (Shunfu Office)

Mr Hri Kumar Blk 309 Shunfu Road #01-175 Singapore 570309 Tel: 6258 2755 Fax: 6353 8861

Every Thursday from 8pm

THOMSON (Toa Payoh West Office)

Blk 128 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh #01-837 Singapore 310128 Tel: 6251 1500 Fax: 6259 3182

BISHAN-TOA PAYOH NORTH BISHAN EAST THOMSON BISHAN-TOA PAYOH GRCBISHAN-TOA PAYOH TOWN COUNCIL NEWS may / june 2006 8 BISHAN-TOA PAYOH TOWN COUNCIL FIFTH TERM OF OFFICE (2005-2006) 9

Mr Wong Kan Seng Dr Ng Eng Hen Mr Zainudin Nordin Mrs Josephine Teo Mr Hri Kumar Deputy Prime Minister & Minister Manpower Minister and Second Mayor for Central Singapore MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC for Home Affairs Minister for Defence District Vice-Chairman of Bishan-Toa Vice-Chairman of Bishan-Toa MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC Payoh Town Council Payoh Town Council Advisor to Bishan-Toa Payoh Elected Member of Bishan-Toa Chairman of Bishan-Toa Payoh Advisor to Toa Payoh East Advisor to Thomson Grassroots Town Council Payoh Town Council Town Council Grassroots Organisations Organisations Advisor to Bishan East Advisor to Toa Payoh Central Advisor to Bishan-Toa Payoh Grassroots Organisations Grassroots Organisations North Grassroots Organisations

Establishment Committee Advisor: Mr Zainudin Nordin

Mr Foo See Lian Mr Cheng Wai Keung Mr Er Kwong Wah Mr Teh Hee Seang Mr Yee Fook Hong Mr Ling Ming Chuan Chairman Vice-Chairman Member Member Member CEO / Secretary

Finance & Administration Committee Advisor: Dr Ng Eng Hen Mr Yee Fook Hong Mr Poh Puay Eng Mr Roy Cheng Mr Chia Pen Chuen Mr Lai Kah Seng Mr Larry Lau Hooi See Mr Lim Joo Lye Mr Tan Kee Khoon Mr Tin Beng Chan Mr Sng Jin Poh Mr Yeo Hiang Meng Chairman Vice-Chairman Siew Cherng Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member

Tenders & Contracts Committee Advisor: Mrs Josephine Teo Mr Mr Teh Hee Seang Mr Gregory Tang Ms Chua Geok Lan Ms Catherine Lee Mr Ling Tuck Mun Mr Mohd Yusof Bin Mr Tan Kia Seng Ms Tay Mok Lan Ms Patricia Toh Mr Wee Jit Sun 2nd Advisor Chairman Wee Thiang Member Member Member Abdullah Member Member Bee Lan Member Vice-Chairman Member Member

Environment & Development Committee Advisor: Mr Hri Kumar Mr Cheng Wai Keung Dr Foo Yung Kuan Mr Azman Bin Yahaya Mr David Choo Mr Lau Cheng Nam Mr Leong Chong Meng Mr Jason Leong Mr Lawrence Lim Mr Henry Ng Ms Frances Tang Mr Yeo Suay Tee Chairman Vice-Chairman Member Yong Kee Member Member Wai Hoong Tau Jeow Boon Hwee Po Tim Member Member Member Member Member Member

Community Relations Committee Advisor: Mr Zainudin Nordin Mr Er Kwong Wah Mr Cheong Chee Onn Mr Roger Chia Ah Sah Mr Khoo Kay Chai Mr Anthony Kiong Mr Texas Loh Kia How Mr Michael Low Mr Ng Wee Loon Mr Ramadoss Ms Sophia Su Mr Raymond Teoh Ms Violet Wong Chairman Vice-Chairman Member Member Beng Hoe Member Hock Kim Member Ravindran Huah Tee Member Choh Sang Member Member Member Member Member

PROFILE OF MR HRI KUMAR 11

until everyone is able to better their lives, and no one is left Q1. Prior to being the MP of Bishan-Toa behind. Long may that attitude continue. Payoh GRC, what were your views of: a. Grassroots organisations As an MP, you would be spending many weekends at b. Meet-the-People Sessions Q4. your constituency. What did you like to do on weekends before c. Town Councils going into politics? A: I was helping out as a petition writer for the MPS at Taman A: Being with my wife. It really did not matter what we since October last year, and so had did, so long as we were together. developed some understanding of these matters. Grassroots Q5. What did your spouse & children say to you when you organizations (GROs) have had some announced your political ambition to them? critics, and some go so far as to say they should be disbanded. But you cannot A: She was naturally concerned about the (lack of) time truly appreciate how much the community we would spend together, but accepted that this was a step I relies on them, and the personal sacrifices of really wanted to take. their leaders and members, until you have worked with them. The demands on their time are so great, and they carry out Q6. What are your plans for the residents of your constituency? their duties which such enthusiasm, that it is sometimes easy to forget that they are volunteers, with their own personal, A: My immediate plan is to meet as many residents as I family and work concerns. can, and listen to their concerns so that I can prioritise matters and be effective. There a number of matters which need looking I have always regarded MPS as the MP’s most important duty. into right away, such as making life more comfortable for our It is not about policies or debates. It is the time when you are senior citizens, particularly those who are less well off and/or confronted with real problems, and come to understand the require medical help. concerns of the residents. Sometimes, these matters can have a devastating impact on their lives, and the future of their Q7. Some residents think MPs can do miracles for them. children. It is through dealing with such problems that an MP How do you tell such residents to get real? can truly appreciate the effects of a policy on the ground, and therefore help improve or refine it. A: Very politely. I think Singaporeans, while having a reputation Town Councils have a thankless task. We expect our estates for being demanding, are mostly sensible and reasonable. to be spotless, and all amenities to be in working order, and do not really notice or appreciate it when they are. However, Q8. When you come across a resident that is rude and when something goes wrong, the Town Council is often blamed disrespectful, which of the following would you do? for not discharging their duties. The fact that Singapore is a. Ignore the person. internationally acknowledged as a clean and green country b. Tell the person off. is in large part due to their efforts. c. Listen to the person with a smile and walk away.

Q2. Now that you have met some of your residents and A: I will first find out if there is an underlying reason for his grassroots leaders in your constituency, what are your rudeness. He may be upset from having lost a loved one or impressions of the place and the people? his job. If he is just plain rude, I will wish him a good day and move on. Life is too short, and there are more important things A: How warm and friendly the people are. It is like becoming to do, and other residents to help. part of a (very) large family. I was concerned with the reception I would get as Mr Leong Horn Kee had been at, and done so Q9. You would like to reach out to all your constituents, much for, Thomson for 22 years. But my fears were misplaced. but that takes time. Would you consider giving them your mobile nos. / email address? Why? Q3. After conducting your first MPS, what is the single issue that sticks in your mind, and why? A: I have set up a special email account for those who wish to write to me directly. It is [email protected]. Please write! A: Despite the great economic progress our country has made, there are many who are finding it difficult to make ends Q10. What are the issues close to your heart that you meet, or who have given up completely. Even worse, their would raise in Parliament? Why? children risk being caught in the same trap, and we cannot allow that to happen. This is, of course not unique to Singapore, A: I will be looking closely at Education. It is a bit early to and we probably have fewer disadvantaged citizens than most talk about the specific issues I will raise. If residents have any countries. However, Singaporeans have big hearts and are suggestions or would like to raise any issue, I do hope they also perfectionists. We will never feel good about ourselves will drop me an email or visit me at MPS.

BISHAN-TOA PAYOH TOWN COUNCIL NEWS may / june 2006 12 HEALTHY LIFESTYLE Is Childhood Immunisation Really Important for My Child?

For many parents, immunisation means taking your baby to a clinic and coming home after a quick jab in the leg or arm. It can be confusing too, as there are so many different vaccines with different schedules. Some require 2 doses, some 3 doses and at different ages. Currently there are also new vaccines like 6-in-1, 5-in-1, chicken pox, Haemophilus influeanzae (Hib), pneumococal and rotavirus. It is no wonder that parents are anxious and confused. Some lament and ask “why must my child be injected so many times”. Immunisation is important as it protects your child against potential and dangerous and sometimes life-threatening childhood diseases. When a child is immunised against a disease, its body will produce antibodies to fight off that disease.

Currently in Singapore there are compulsory vaccinations under the The National Childhood Immunisation Programme (NCIP) and other optional vaccines such as chicken pox, Hib and others.

The NCIP covers two compulsory immunizations against Diptheria and Measles, as these are life-threatening diseases to children. Other immunizations under the NCIP protect against Tuberculosis, Pertussis (whopping cough), Polio, Mumps, Rubella and Hepatitis B. With the exception of the Hepatitis B vaccine, all the other vaccines are fully subsidized by the Government and are provided free of charge in all Polyclinics. Medisave can be used for the Hepatitis B vaccine.

Post-vaccination advice Any injection may result in soreness, redness, swelling, itching if over 1 1/2 years old; or burning at an injection site for 1 to 2 days. This is no cause ❥ Signs of dehydration: increased thirst, infrequent dark urine, for alarm. Should your child develop any of the symptoms, it is dull eyes, dry skin and lips; important to relieve their discomfort and: ❥ Child less active than usual, cranky, crying, has stiff neck; ❥ Child stops making eye contact; - Give your child extra fluids to drink ❥ Seizure or rapid breathing; - Dress your child in light clothing ❥ Fever lasts more than 2 days despite medication - Give your child a dose of panadol - Sponge your child using room temperature water. This should So to find out more about vaccinations for your child and the latest be done with all the clothing removed and apply the cool advice on the newer vaccines, come to the forum “Raising Healthy compress to the forehead, nape of the neck, armpits and groin. Children” organized by the National Healthcare Group Polyclinics Do not sponge the child for more than 15 minutes at a time. on 5 August 2006. This forum will also educate you on better parenting skills and paediatric nutrition. Consult a doctor immediately if your child has any of the following symptoms: ❥ Fever over 37.8 degree Celsius in child under 3 months; 38.3 Contributed by National Healthcare Group Polyclinics degree Celsius if under 1 1/2 years old; 39.4 degree Celsius Setting Higher Standards for Family Healthcare in the Community

Details REGISTRATION FORM Date : 5 Aug 06, Saturday Time : 1pm to 5 pm, (Registration from 1-2pm) REGISTRATION FORM FOR FORUM ON 5 AUG 06 Venue : HDB Hub Convention Centre, Auditorium Mail registration form and cheque payment to: Cost : $5.00/person (Each participant gets a goodie bag, National Healthcare Group Polyclinics while stocks last) 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Level 6 All are invited especially parents with children below 3 years of age Singapore 308433 and mothers-to-be. Attn : Corporate Development & Communications Department

Enquiries All registrations are confirmed only upon receipt of payment and on For enquiries please call 6757 7800 or 6757 7875. For more details a first-come-first served basis. on the forum, please visit www.nhgp.com.sg. Closing date : 28 July 2006

Registration Name : (Mrs/Ms/Mdm/Mr) For registration & payment, please proceed to the payment counters at any polyclinic. Alternatively, you may send in your crossed cheque Address: payment with the registration form to: (S) National Healthcare Group Polyclinics 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Level 6, Singapore 308433 Tel : (Hp) (H) (0) Attn: Corporate Development and Communications Email : All crossed cheques made payable to “National Healthcare Group Polyclinics”. No refund will be made after payment. No. of persons attending : All seats are confirmed upon receipt of payment, first come-first served basis Closing date : 28 July 06, Friday (All payment to reach us by this time) Amount : Cheque Number Bishan-Toa Payoh www.btptc.org.sg Town Council

QUIZ CORNER 15 TRENDY T-SHIRTS to be WON! Questions for Quiz #59 Name the two new MPs in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC.

1. 2. (Deadline: 31 July 2006)

Name : (Mr/Ms)

NRIC No :

Address :

(Postal)

Tel : (H) (O)

(Mobile) Email:

ENTRY RULES 1. Only HDB residents of Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC are eligible to participate and all entries must be made on the official entry form 2. Each household is allowed to send in only one entry 3. Councillors and employees of Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council and their immediate families are not allowed to participate 4. The judges' decision is final and no correspondence will be entertained 5. Prizes will be awarded to the first 50 all correct entries drawn and winners will be notified by post 6. Answers will be published in the next issue of Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council News Please send your entries on the back of an envelope to reach us before 31 July 2006 Address the envelope to: The Editor, The Quiz Corner (Quiz No. 59), BTPTC News, Blk 125A, #01-134, Lorong 2 Toa Payoh, Singapore 311125 WINNERS for Quiz #57 Answers to Quiz 1 Mr Wong Chew Fai 18 Ms Tay Jia Qi Reena 35 Mr Tan Suan Wang Answers to Quiz 2 Ms Chang Meng Lun 19 Mr Yong Kim Lam 36 Ms Yew Kwee Guek 3 Ms Teo Kai Ling 20 Ms Goh Sok Kiang 37 Ms Cher Meow King 4 Mdm Wong Boi Lang 21 Mr Lim Jiu Hwee 38 Ms Karen Chow # 5 Mr Lai Moon Weng 22 Ms Kumathavalli d/o R.D.Raj 39 Ms Ruth Cheng 57 6 Ms Vivian Neo Pei Ling 23 Lau Jing Jia 40 Ms Hui Lai Hoong 7 Mr Neo Hoi Leong 24 Mdm Lim Pay Ling Pauline 41 Ms Li Jinmei 8 Ms Lim Jee Heng 25 Ms Sherlyn Mark 42 Ms Lew Bee Kuan 9 Ms Lim See Wah 26 Ms Betty Lim Chwee Gek 43 Ms Ling Shwu Fong TRUE 10 Ms Liu Hui Ming 27 Mr Tan Thung Keat 44 Mr Ho Yew Ko 11 Ms Phua Jok Lan 28 Mdm Kum Meng Ngoh 45 Mr Kwek Twa Soong 12 Mrs Grace Ng 29 Mr Yip Wai Lum 46 Mr Wu Leong Seng 13 Ms Hsu Siew Yang 30 Mr Teo Wee Yang 47 Mdm Angeline D/o RC Devadan 14 Mr Teo Choon Sing Simon 31 Ms Mak Oi Leng 48 Mr Tan Yong Kwee 15 Mr Yong Hok Khuen 32 Ms Wong Lai Kuan Katherine 49 Mdm Puteh Binte Basari 16 Ms Diana Koh Guet Ngoh 33 Mr Tan Kee Seng 50 Ms Patricia P. Malika 17 Ms Zahariah Bte Ahmad 34 Ms Loh Yook Moey

IMPORTANT The information disclosed by you to the Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council (the Town Council) is being furnished voluntarily and on the basis that you consent that it may be used by the Town Council and the Advisors of the Town Council (in their capacity as Advisors, Members of Parliament or in any other capacity whatsoever for the purpose of communicating with you.

BISHAN-TOA PAYOH TOWN COUNCIL NEWS may / june 2006 Useful Numbers

24-HOUR TOWN COUNCIL 1800-325 8888 ESSENTIAL SERVICE UNIT (EMSU)

NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE CENTRE Toa Payoh 1800-251 9999 Bishan 1800-552 9999

NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE POST (NPP) Bishan 1800-258 9999 Boon Teck 1800-254 9999 Kim Keat 1800-252 9999 Thomson 1800-452 9999

POLICE HOTLINE 1800-255 0000

COMMUNITY CENTRES / CLUBS Bishan CC 6259 4720 Bishan North CC 6451 5955 Thomson CC 6251 6344 Toa Payoh Central CC 6252 1249 Toa Payoh East CC 6256 7601 Toa Payoh South CC 6259 6602 Toa Payoh West CC 6353 4487

PUBLIC UTILITIES BOARD (PUB) Water Supply 1800-284 6600

POWER GRID ELECTRICITY 1800-778 6666

CITY GAS PTE LTD 1800-752 1800

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AGENCY (NEA) Call Centre 1800-225 5632

HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT BOARD (HDB) Mainline 6490 1111 Bishan Branch Office 1800-225 5432 Toa Payoh Branch Office 1800-225 5432 Home-Link (24 Hours) 1800-866 3060 Rental Housing 1800-225 5432 Sales 1800-866 3066 Carpark Enforcement (24 Hours) 1800-225 5432