CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE TABLE OF CONTENTS

Mr Chong Kee Hiong Chairman, Bishan- Town Council MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC Chairman’s Message 2 Dear Residents, gardens, roof solar panels, cool paint and smart LED lighting will be added 2020 has been an extraordinary year to selected HDB blocks to achieve for most of us and as we braved the Municipal energy savings and sustainability in COVID-19 pandemic together and Services Awards the long run. 3 emerged as a stronger community, 2020 our efforts in building and maintaining As the nation moves into the a well-balanced, holistic and improved digitalisation age, the Town Council standard of living for all continue. had also taken a huge step in upgrading our digital platforms, Town A recap on some of the notable to improve our service delivery 4 Councillors improvements for the year include and enhance communication with the Lift Renewal Programme (LRP) residents. The revamped official to bring better accessibility to our website offers a one-stop-shop of residents, especially the elderly, Town township information, community the wheelchair-bound and families Improvement news and feedback mechanisms. 6 with young kids in strollers. The 2020 ban on personal mobility devices at For the past year, we have all been HDB block void decks and common adapting to the new norm of life and property was executed for the safety I will like to take this opportunity to Boundary Map of the residents. And to combat the extend my heartfelt appreciation to 8 outbreak of COVID-19 last year, all residents, frontline conservancy stepped-up efforts in cleanliness workers and community partners and safety management measures who have worked together to National Day were also implemented in all areas to maintain a clean and safe estate. ensure a safe estate for all. And also my heartfelt thanks to the 10 Awards 2020 Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council team This year, residents can look forward of dedicated staff for their tireless to more community spaces projects efforts on the ground. for active living such as the mega Community playpark @Toa Payoh, more barrier On behalf of my fellow MPs and Town 11 Scholarship free access ramps, covered linkways, Councillors, I would like to express sheltered drop-off points, lifts, my gratitude for your continued playgrounds, fitness facilities and R&R support and understanding. Having to 160 blocks in our constituency. overcome many challenges in the Getting to past as one community, the Town Apart from maintaining the clean and Council will continue to safeguard 12 Know green surroundings in the estate, the best interest of our residents and more horticulture and greenery work closely with the community in will be added to enhance the green reshaping our heartlands. Heartland spaces in the neighbourhood. In the pipeline are urban farming at some Here’s wishing everyone a very happy 14 Happenings of the multi-storey carpark roof and prosperous 2021 ahead!

2 Chairman’s Message MUNICIPAL SERVICES AWARDS 2020

The annual Municipal Services Awards (MSA) recognise excellence in co-ordinating and delivering citizen- centric municipal services, and inter-agency efforts to provide effective solutions. Out of 105 nominations during the nomination period of 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020 last year, Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council’s nominations were amongst the 17 recipients for the Team, Community and Individual categories.

Tier 3 Award, Community Category Combat COVID-19 As One Community Toa Payoh East-Novena Mr Chong Kee Hiong Winning the Tier 3 Award (highest tier) in Chairman, Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council the Community category is the team from MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC Toa Payoh East-Novena. In recognising community partners who had contributed towards improving our living environment together with Partner Agencies and Town Councils, the Tier 3 Award was conferred to the Town Council, People’s Association and Kumudra Myanmar Arts & Culture Association. This meaningful project included several ground-up initiatives like the “Public Spaces Wipe Down”, "#toSGwithLove" and "Clean Hands, Good Health #SingaporeTogether". Receiving the Awards and certificates with the Toa Payoh East-Novena team was Mr , Adviser to Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC Grassroots Organisations and Vice Chairman of Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council.

Tier 2 Award, Team Category Fight Mozzie As One Community -Thomson Winning the Tier 2 Award in the Team category is the team from Bishan East- Thomson. It recognises inter-agency/ Town Council/projects which had exhibited excellent team spirit and impactful outcomes in municipal service delivery through sustainable/systemic solutions. Receiving the certificates with the Town Council, National Environment Agency and People’s Association was Mr Chong Kee Hiong, Adviser to Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC Grassroots Organisations and Chairman of Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council.

Municipal Services Awards 2020 3 Town Councillors

4 Town Councillors Town Councillors 5 Town Improvement 2020

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented. That said, Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council has proven that when faced with such challenges, ingenuity can yield innovative results. As we face unpredictability and new norms, we were forced to seriously rethink our operations and the manner town improvement projects were carried out. Flexibility is key and this was exactly what we did to adopt phased and multi-faceted approaches in bringing more new and improved facilities to Bishan, Toa Payoh and Marymount residents in 2020 and moving into 2021! Children’s Playgrounds / Fitness Stations

COMPLETED UPGRADED! NEW! Blk 12 Lorong 7 Toa Payoh UPGRADED! NEW! Blk 17 Lorong 7 Toa Payoh UPGRADED! NEW! Blk 200 Toa Payoh North

IN-PROGRESS UPGRADE Blk 273A Bishan Street 24 UPGRADE Blk 11 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh UPGRADE Blk 53 Lorong 5 Toa Payoh UPGRADE Blk 85A Lorong 4 Toa Payoh UPGRADE Blk 138A / 138B Lorong 1A Toa Payoh UPGRADE Blk 138C / 139B Lorong 1A Toa Payoh UPGRADE Blk 195 Kim Keat Avenue UPGRADE Blk 228 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh

Drop-Off Points

COMPLETED UPGRADED! NEW! Blk 191 Bishan Street 11 UPGRADED! NEW! Blk 211 & Blk 216 at Bishan Street 23 NEW! UPGRADED! Blk 219 Bishan Street 23 NEW! UPGRADED! Blk 99C Lorong 2 Toa Payoh

IN-PROGRESS UPGRADED! NEW! Blk 313 Shunfu Road

6 Town Improvement 2020 Covered Linkways / Barrier Free Access Ramps

COMPLETED IN-PROGRESS NEW! UPGRADED! UPGRADED! Blk 125 Bishan Street 11 NEW! Blk 145 Bishan Street 11 NEW! UPGRADED! UPGRADED! Blk 130 to 131 Bishan Street 12 NEW! Blk 146 Bishan Street 11 NEW! UPGRADED! Blk 145 Bishan Street 11 NEW! UPGRADED!Blk 160 to 161 Bishan Street 13 NEW! UPGRADED! UPGRADE Blk 178 Bishan Street 13 Blk 179 Bishan Street 13 NEW! UPGRADED! UPGRADE Blk 187 Bishan Street 13 Blk 196 Bishan Street 13 NEW! UPGRADED! UPGRADED! Blk 189 to 191 Bishan Street 13 NEW! Blk 281 & 288 Bishan Street 24 NEW! UPGRADED! UPGRADED! Blk 201 Bishan Street 23 NEW! Blk 293 and 288 Bishan Street 22/24 UPGRADED! NEW! Blk 211 & 216 Bishan Street 23 connecting to the LTA Covered Linkway, NEW! UPGRADED! linking to existing covered linkway in Blk 27 Toa Payoh East to Blk 257 Kim front of Blk 282 Keat Avenue UPGRADE NEW! UPGRADED! Blk 25 Road Blk 35A to existing linkway between NEW! UPGRADED! Blk 36 and 35A Lorong 5 Toa Payoh Blk 405 to 410 Sin Ming Ave NEW! UPGRADED! NEW! UPGRADED! Blk 68 Lorong 5 Toa Payoh to bus stop Blk 123 to 125 Lorong 2 Toa Payoh UPGRADE UPGRADED! NEW! Blk 124 to 126 Lorong 2 Toa Payoh Blk 153 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh NEW! UPGRADED! UPGRADED! NEW! Blk 147 Lorong 2 Toa Payoh to Toa Blk 203 to 205 Toa Payoh North NEW! UPGRADED! Payoh West Community Club Blk 239 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh to bus stop

Other Improvement Works

COMPLETED NEW! UPGRADED! Residents’ Corner at Blk 207 Toa Payoh North

IN-PROGRESS UPGRADE UPGRADED! BBQ Pits at Blk 53 Lorong 5 Toa Payoh NEW! Fixed Awning at Blk 23 Toa Payoh East UPGRADE UPGRADED! Community Hall at Blk 63 Lorong 5 Toa NEW! Pavilion at Blk 53 Lorong 5 Toa Payoh Payoh NEW! UPGRADED!Community Playpark at Lorong 1 & 2 UPGRADE Communal Area in front of Blk 202 Toa Toa Payoh Payoh North UPGRADE Pavilion and BBQ Pits at Blk 228 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh

Town Improvement 2020 7 BOUNDARY MAP

8 Boundary Map BISHAN-TOA PAYOH GRC

TOA PAYOH CENTRAL Dr [email protected] www.facebook.com/ngenghen

TOA PAYOH EAST Mr Saktiandi Supaat [email protected] www.facebook.com/saktiandi.page1

TOA PAYOH WEST- THOMSON Mr [email protected] www.facebook.com/hongtat.chee

BISHAN EAST- SIN MING Mr Chong Kee Hiong [email protected] www.facebook.com/chongkeehiong

MARYMOUNT SMC

MARYMOUNT Ms [email protected] www.facebook.com/gansiowhuang

Boundary Map 9 National Day Awards 2020

MR ROLAND NG SAN TIONG, MADAM ONG GEK HWA, JP, BBM CATHERINE, PBM

• Chairman, Toa Payoh Central • Member, Toa Payoh East Citizens’ Consultative Committee Citizens’ Consultative Committee • Grassroots Senior, Toa Payoh East Community Club Women’s BBM (L) BBM Executive Committee

MR ANG KOK HUI MR CHEW CHUAN KIM, • Vice Chairman, Marymount CHARLIE KILO Citizens’ Consultative Committee • Assistant Secretary, Toa Payoh • Chairman, Marymount Community West-Thomson Citizens’ Club Management Committee Consultative Committee • Chairman, Thomson Community • Chairman, The Peak Residents’ Club Management Committee Network PBM • Patron, Marymount Community PBM Club Building Fund Committee • Chairman, Thomson CC Community Club Building Fund Committee MR KANG CHOON HOWE, CHARLES • Member, Toa Payoh West- MS FEN NG Citizens’ Consultative Committee • Secretary, Bishan East-Sin Ming • Auditor, Marymount Community Citizens’ Consultative Committee Club Management Committee • Chairman, Bishan East Zone 1 • Auditor, Thomson Community Club Residents’ Committee PBM Management Committee • Chairman, Thomson Community Club Senior Citizens’ Executive PBM Committee

MR LEE YEOW CHOR MR LARRY CHARLES MEDINA • Vice Chairman, Toa Payoh East • Auditor, Toa Payoh Citizens’ Consultative Committee West-Thomson Citizens’ • Vice-Chairman, Toa Payoh East Consultative Committee Zone 1 Residents’ Committee • Chairman, Toa Payoh East Community Emergency and PBM Engagement Committee PBM

MRS SUJATHA RAMKUMAR MISS LISA LIM KIAN PING • Vice Chairman, Bishan East Zone 4 • Secretary, Toa Payoh Central Residents’ Committee Citizens’ Consultative Committee • Member, Bishan Community • Auditor, Toa Payoh Crest Club Indian Activity Executive Residents’ Network Committee • Assistant Secretary, Toa Payoh • Vice Chairman, Bishan East Zone Central Zone 6 Residents’ PBM 4 Residents’ Committee Senior PBM Committee Citizens’ Executive Committee

10 National Day Awards 2020 COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP

OUR COMMUNITY SCHOLARS Mr Dhanesh Kokilavanan The scholarships are awarded by the Bishan-Toa Bishan East-Sin Ming Payoh GRC to provide financial assistance to Tertiary level : University Singaporean children of Bishan, Toa Payoh and After an unfortunate family tragedy Marymount residents who are pursuing tertiary early this year with the sudden passing studies in local universities, polytechnics and the of his father, Dhanesh applied for the community scholarship to ease Institute of Education (ITE). Congratulations to the burden of his study expenses. the following scholars as we speak to them to find He decided to pursue a career in out more about their aspirations. accountancy which he thinks no matter how the economic conditions are, accountancy is an important and essential skill to have. Ms Cheryl Chew Bei Ying Toa Payoh Central Dhanesh’s Aspiring Quote: "If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you Tertiary level : University can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep Since young, Cheryl has always been moving forward." enjoying helping people. A personal encounter with a social worker in 2015 made Cheryl realised what she wants to pursue in life. From then on, Cheryl Ms Sarah Jane Lau Bte Husainy learnt of the social work profession and Marymount hoped to become one in the future to be able to help others Tertiary level : Polytechnic in return. When Sarah took up Principles of Cheryl’s Aspiring Quote: Accounting (POA) in Secondary 3, it “Sometimes, it may not seem possible to achieve your desired sparked her interests in accounting. goal. However, take small steps at a time. Work on the practical Thanks to her POA teacher who was things you need to graduate or sustain your living. When you inspiring and made the lessons fun have more time or more income, slowly work towards your and enjoyable, she is now pursuing goal.” accountancy, and hopes to be an accountant and/or open her own bakery shop in the future! Sarah’s Aspiring Quote: Ms Cynthia Siva Guru “Change is never easy, but it happens for a reason. Don’t Toa Payoh East worry, go for it. Things will turn out the way you want with Tertiary level : University hard work and determination.” Cynthia has had aspirations of becoming a journalist to a radio jockey and eventually wanting to be a public Mr Tandy Low Dean relations practitioner. Toa Payoh Central She first heard about the community Tertiary level : University scholarship when she attended the BTP Tandy had applied for the scholarship Edusave Bursary Award Ceremony in her final year of study at as he did not want his mother to worry RP and was shocked to know that the GRC was so willing to go about the school fees and work so hard above and beyond to support students who are passionate to for it. He realised what he wanted to be pursue a higher education but may not be able to do so due only when he started going out to shoot to financial constraints. photos using a camera five years ago. Cynthia’s Aspiring Quote: Tandy’s Aspiring Quote: "Just keep swimming." We are all faced with different “Live life with no regrets!“ challenges in life but no matter the circumstance, press on and believe that there will be light at the end of the tunnel.

Ms Darcel Al Anthony Ms Karina Lim Chean Li Bishan East-Sin Ming Toa Payoh West-Thomson Tertiary level: University Tertiary level : University Passionate about reading and writing, Pursuing her Sociology degree in NTU, Darcel enjoys being with people. Being Karina wants to create more awareness awarded the scholarship had motivated and help humans co-exist with animals her to work hard towards achieving her in society. She believes that it is alright goal of being a journalist. She hopes to to be unsure of what you want at times connect with people through her words but don't hesitate to just try. and make a difference in the world. Karina’s Aspiring Quote: Darcel’s Aspiring Quote “Endure it to the end. It reminds me to persevere and never "To seize the day to do the best that you can and always make give up. If I give up just because it is tough, I will never be able the most out of everything that you have - even in the peskiest to learn and grow.“ of situations!”

Community Scholarship 11 GETTING TO KNOW Who inspires you the most Q and why? My parents, they are both very selfless and principled Apeople and that’s really been instilled in me. They taught me that it’s about pursuing what I believe in and doing right by my values, and they embody that every day. When I feel lost about what I should do, I think about that.

How did joining your mum at her community work Qwhen you were young influence President Scholar 2020 you and what changes you like to Ms Alyssa Marie Loo Li Ann see to improve the community? Resident of Bishan East-Sin Ming She showed me the power of the Arts in bringing people Atogether, whether it was through Could you share with us her upcycling craft projects, her , 19, Ms Alyssa Marie Loo Li Ann Q how do you feel on being canvas art jamming, or her clay is the first President’s Scholar to the only recipient for this year’s art, she showed me that Art pursue linguistics at university, President Scholarship Award? can be a platform for people to and she aspires to create a create something they are proud of chatbot that can recognise It was definitely surprising, not just at being the only together. My appreciation for Art as to aid with government Arecipient but to be a President’s a community tool started from there. schemes. With the extensive Scholar, I feel grateful to be given government support and such trust and honoured to be schemes available, she hopes to recognised, and I will continue Any advices for fellow integrate and have an artificial working hard to live up to the title. Q striving students and intelligence system where you aspiring scholars? can just type out your income Be a do-er. You don’t need level and what kind of help you What inspires you to go A to worry about ‘optimising’ need, and find out what policy Q into public service ? your CV or cherry-picking your suits you best. I really value a sense of involvements, let yourself pursue purpose and principle in what you are interested in. But no As a child, her mother now 47, Amy work, and I think there is no matter what you choose to do, you sent her for art classes in the better place where our efforts can must commit and give it your best. neighbourhood where they and will do good for the people lived in Kedah, Malaysia. Her in . I’m drawn by that family moved to Singapore common purpose to a goal bigger in 2008 when she was seven than just myself. and Ms Loo obtained her citizenship at the age of 11. She continued to pursue art What are some of the — taking it up as a subject in Q changes you will like to see Raffles Girls’ Secondary School in the future? and subsequently pursuing I hope to see more filmmaking in . compassion; as the world Agets more unpredictable (we have The Raffles Institution alumna already seen from this year) I believe has since merged her passion for Singaporeans need to pull together the arts with her volunteer work and look out for one another. I where she put together a photo also hope to see more diversity essay of rental flat residents and vibrancy encouraged in our living in Stirling Road in a project artistic and cultural scene, to move with non-profit organisation beyond tolerance of differences Beyond Social Services last year. to harmonising and creating something uniquely Singaporean out of it.

12 Getting To Know GETTING TO KNOW

Cultural Medallion 2020 Mr Sarkasi Said Resident of Bishan East-Sin Ming

When did you start batik How has batik painting How do you feel about painting and how did you changed your life? winning the Cultural Qget started? Q QMedallion award? Batik painting has certainly I started batik painting back changed my life, giving I am delighted and honoured in 1970s in my 30s. I was Ame an avenue of expressing my to have received this award, Ainspired by an Italian artist after interpretations and my inner Abut it also means new responsibility. attending his exhibition featuring feelings. For example, when I There is no full stop in art and at my batik techniques. I thought to see flowers, I would interpret age, I hope to continue contributing myself, batik is an art originating and translate their beauty to my new works to the local batik painting from my region and heeded to the paintings, which can be hung in scene and guide the younger calling. Thus, I headed to Malaysia every home, bringing everlasting generation of artists to evolve and and Indonesia, where large part of warmth. excel. community was involved in the art of batik painting and started my self-learning journey. What are some of the What is your valuable memorable experiences advice for aspiring young Qcontributing to local community Qartists? and art scene? Which is your proudest/ Batik art is not just about Q favourite design and is I had the privilege of A learning the technique. there a story behind? A conducting many workshops We have to constantly improve, I do not have a favourite as I in America and Asia, but the most create, experiment and achieve believe every piece of artwork memorable experience was one breakthroughs. In my lifetime, Ais created with heart and has its own conducted at NUS last year. It was I am very grateful to have the unique character. Every masterpiece extremely heart-warming to engage opportunities to promote this I have created in the past decades many local students with interest special artform both locally and was done with excitement, passion and potential batik art and be internationally, bringing batik and feelings. tributed for my efforts and passion. painting to greater heights.

Getting To Know 13 HEARTLAND HAPPENINGS

NEIGHBOURHOOD RENEWAL PROGRAMME Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council (BTPTC) is constantly rejuvenating the estates for our residents with various upgrading programmes. Residents of Marymount can look forward to the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) coming to various precincts in Bishan North this year. At the Public Consultation & Exhibitions in the first quarter of 2021, we welcomed many excited residents who polled in support of the NRP. We thank residents for the continued feedback, suggestions and support!

OUR SCHOOLS. OUR STORIES BTPTC was happy to partner with Ministry of Education for “Our Schools, Our Stories” roving photo exhibition 2020/21. Showcasing school life through the lenses of our students, teachers and school staff, these photo stories had brought their experiences of joy, learning and growth to residents in Bishan and Toa Payoh during the December school holidays.

SHARING FROM THE HEART Spreading festive joy and community spirit in the neighbourhood, Ms Gan Siow Huang, MP to Marymount SMC, distributed lunch bentos to thank and appreciate foreign worker friends who have worked hard to keep the estate clean and safe for the community. Initiated by the Marymount Young PAP and supported by BTPTC, the Christmas Eve Lunch for 280 Town Council conservancy workers in the GRC/SMC brought the hectic year to a heart-warming close.

14 Heartland Happenings CAREER CONNECT ON-THE-GO Good news for job seekers in the neighbourhood! Workforce Singapore's (WSG) roving Career Connect On-The-Go (CCOTG) had received overwhelming response from residents in its pilot outreach at Blk 22 Toa Payoh in December 2020. Supported by BTPTC to help residents in seeking employment during these difficult times, the CCOTG will be back at Blk 70 Toa Payoh on 2 & 3 March 2021, 9.30am to 6pm. Residents are welcomed to visit the bustling Toa Payoh Vista Market for career advice, guidance and interviews.

TOWARDS A GREENER COMMUNITY As Tree Planting Day happens island-wide in the month November, the campaign was actively supported and orchestrated by the BTPTC in the GRC/SMC. Planting in small groups of five with safe distancing, Advisers, residents and grassroots leaders in various divisions gathered and planted in unison for a greener tomorrow!

2020 has been an extraordinary yet challenging year for many. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a drastic impact on our lives and the way we interact with one another. The new norm of putting on a mask whenever we are out, adopting safe distancing from one another, checking in via QR code to be updated on COVID-19 cases; have all become a part of our lifestyle but that has not dampened the kampong spirits nor stopped the community from coming together to serve the residents and help one and another in times like this.

During the Circuit Breaker, volunteers, residents and community partners came forward to assist with the mask collection, top up hand sanitisers inside the lifts, and distribute food and care packs to residents in need. We are indeed humbled by the great efforts and enthusiasms of the local community and residents who came forward and offered to help out at the various activities and initiatives.

A big thank you to our community volunteers, partners, Town Council cleaners and medical healthcare workers! Together we will stay united and continue our efforts to fight off COVID-19.

Heartland Happenings 15