the tweeter (oct-dec 2014)

BELLS ARERINGINGBIKE SHOPS IN THE AREA YOU SHOULD CHECK OUTPG-14

BIG-HEARTED HEROESKNOWING THE VOLUNTEERSWHO SERVE YOUPG-10

THEGOLDENGENERATION

Y O U R C O M M U N I T Y B U L L E T I N O F K E M B A N G A N - C H A I C H E E

October - December 2014Friend us at www.facebook.com/kembangan.chaichee

For Lease Buyback Information

HDB Hotline: 1800-225-5432 8am to 5pm (Weekdays)

ADVISER’S NOTE

THE TWEETER OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2014 3

Dear friends,

Happy Holidays! I’d like to take the opportunity to wish everyone Happy Deepavali, Merry Christmas as well as a Great New 2015 Year ahead! Where we can, take a breather with your family and loved ones. Time spent with family is never wasted and we don’t really want to end up regretting at some point that we didn’t spend enough time with those who mean the most to us. Make time. As we prepare to wind down and enter the new year, it cannot escape us that it’d be our 50th year of independence next year. While there will be much to celebrate, it’d also be a time for reflection. What does it really mean to be Singaporean? Why are we proud to be who we are? Each year, I make it a point to visit the people behind the performances and the parade. Having organised the National Day Parade in 2009, I know that there is always much passion involved. Each year, I walk away from the visits with a palpable glow. The energy and cheerfulness of the participants are simply infectious. This has become, for me, one of the key moments of any National Day. It is an opportunity to remind myself that despite our grumbling, many do feel tremendously proud to be Singaporean. For us, nurturing our identity and building our nation are really about doing our part to build up the little relationships around us. Deepening family bonds is critical. Hence the need to spend time with our loved ones. Establishing friendships with our neighbours and those who live in our neighbourhood is an important step towards building a community. Experiences change when we actually know the people living about us. In this issue of The Tweeter, we recognise some of our volunteers who play their part on this front. We also see the community groups that have remained over time. Even the little shops and stores are gathering places where new friendships are forged and old ones renewed. Reflecting on who we are as a nation is really about reflecting about who we love and who our friends neighbours are. These are the building blocks of any nation. They make Singapore Home.

Tan Chuan-Jin

Chief Editor PROF. TEO CHENG SWEE, JP PBMEditors MR RAHUL KUMAR JANAK SHAHMS NORAMI ALIZA HARONCreative DirectorMR LEE NGEE CHEWEditorial Coordinator CHEN YINGQI KELLYBusiness Relations MR TYLER LIMChief Photographer MR SHENG YEE ZHERPhotographerMR TAN WAN LEE MemberMR NEO CHEE YONGMemberMS EDLYN TANMemberMS SAMANTHA LAU LIXIA

Publishing ConsultantREGENT MEDIA PTE LTDPublisherCECILIA WOOManaging EditorBEN POONEditorADORA WONG Art DirectorJUNLONG LOHGraphic DesignerPYAE PHYO OOPhotographerVICTOR TOHProduction ManagerMARINA CHONGPrinterKHL PRINTING CO PTE LTDFor advertising enquires, please email [email protected]

A PUBLICATION OF K-CCNo part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of the Publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure that the contents of this publication are corect and up-to-date at the time of printing. Some details are liable to change. The publisher cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions in this publication.

October-December 2014

8 10

14

5

CONTENTS3 Adviser’sNote

5 TheKaleidoscope

8 CommunityHub VWOswithin Kembangan-ChaiChee CommunityHub

10 KnowYour Neighbourhood Big-HeartedHeros

12 OurLearningJourney TipstoFlyingCheaper!

13 RCNCCommonIssues Improvementtoroadside drainsinLorongMelayuEstate

14 SpecialtyShops Cyclist’sChampions

17 BrothersinArms

18 Glimpseinto theFuture UpcomingNewsandEvents inKembangan-ChaiChee

19 AnsarRC

17


THE KALEIDOSCOPE

Connecting Residents at K-CC

24 Aug - Eunosville Street Party @ 96 Joo Chiat TerraceAug - KCC International Cleaner’s Day

12 Jul - Photo Hunt

12 Jul - Photo Hunt

24 Aug - One Community Walk

24 Aug - Eunosville Street Party @ 96 Joo Chiat Terrace 24 Aug - Post NDR Dialouge

THE KALEIDOSCOPE

6 THE TWEETER OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2014

During the month of Ramadan, Adviser Tan Chuan-Jin distributed food and broke fast with Muslim residents at location such as Darul Aman Mosque, Al-Ansar Mosque, and Pasar Geylang Serai Market.

Ramadan

Mid-Autumn Festival 2014

14 Jul - Habuan

6 Sep - Mid-Autumn Festival


15 Jul - Iftar @ PGS




WeCare PackDistribution

National Day Observance Ceremony

National Day Dinner

9 Aug - National Day Dinner

9 Aug - National Day Dinner 29 Jun - WeCare Pack Distribution

9 Aug - Observance Ceremony 9 Aug - Observance Ceremony

9 Aug - Pioneer Generation Dinner

COMMUNITY HUB


VWOs Within Kembangan-Chai Chee Community Hub

The New Charis Mission (TNCM)Block 1 and Block 2, Level 2

Association for Persons with Special Needs (APSN) Centre for AdultsBlock 4 and Block 2, Level 2

For youth• Team bonding and leadership camps.

Open also to youth under probation after committing juvenile offences

Rehabilitative programmes for ex-offenders• Provides recreation facilities, bunks and consultation rooms.

Email: [email protected] Tel: 6483 3707

www.thenewcharismission.org.sgwww.facebook.com/thenewcharismission

Activities to pick up vocational and life skills• Food & Beverages Programmes• Hospitality Programmes• Horticulture & Grasscutting Programmes• Recycling Programmes• Commercial Handicraft Programmes• Contract Work Programmes

Sheltered workshop for adults with disabilities.• Social Work• Psychology Services• Occupational Therapy

• Professional Support Services

Email: [email protected]: 6346 2425 Fax: 6346 7518www.apsn.org.sg

Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS)Block 3

For those with intellectual disabilitiesActivities to pick up vocational and life skills• Employment Development Centres (EDCs)• Training and Development Centres (TDCs)

Day Activity Centre for adults with disabilities

MINDS (HQ)Email: [email protected]: 6479 5655 Fax: 6479 0706www.minds.org.sg


Willing Hearts/ Cheng Hong Welfare Service Society Block 6 (soup kitchen) and Block 2 Level 1 (free clinic, dental, legal advice office)

WE CARE Community Services Block 5

For ex-offenders or those recovering from various addictions• Rehabilitation programmes [Psycho-Educational)• Counselling/Therapy or support group sessions • Drop-in centre for recovering community

• Conducting awareness/educational talks

Email: [email protected]: 6547 5459 Fax: 6547 5458

www.wecare.org

For the needy elderlyFree breakfasts and lunchesFree medical and dental checksHelp to tidy and refurbish homes

Soup kitchen Provision of free meals to residents in need (currently provides free meal to K-CC residents)Interested public can call: 64496022(Free Meal)*Subject to requirement *Require self collection

Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic Operates: Mon/Wed (1pm-4pm, close on public holidays) Tel: 6749 3402

Legal Consultation ServiceCase by case via appointment bookingInterested public can call: 64496022/67459919(Legal Advice)

Dental Clinic Operates: Mon-Fri (9am-1pm, 2pm-

5pm) Sat (9am-1pm)Tel: 6749 3400 *By appointment only

Willing HeartsEmail: [email protected]

Tel: 6476 1098 (Lily)www.willinghearts.org.sg

Cheng Hong Welfare Service SocietyEmail: [email protected]: 6748 2948 Fax: 6844 5969www.chenghongwelfare.org

KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD


Big-hearted HeroesAlways wanted to know these volunteers who serve within the area better? We break the ice for you

Cikgu Arif, 76Widely recognised as “the top man” because of his proficiency at making gasing (the spinning top and kampong game unique to Singapore and Malaysia), Cikgu Arif is a gasing champion and has travelled to countries including New York, Rome, and Hong Kong to hold demonstrations. A volunteer for the past 32 years, the accomplished woodcarver not only teaches top-making at Kampong Ubi Community Centre but also helps with museum tours and various activities. The great-grandfather owns half of the Malay artefacts exhibited at the CC and has taught several Malay cultural classes at NUS.


Mdm Khoo, 64A Chai Chee block rep for the past two years, Mdm Khoo has been participating in volunteer work for the past five years. She not only makes it her responsibility to connect with the members of all 24 units of her block but also contributes to the centre’s activities via cooking – a great passion and strength of hers. Signature dishes by the cheery lady include curry chicken, dumplings, and red bean soup, and her house exterior is particularly known for being extravagantly-decorated during festive periods. Avid gardeners, Mdm Khoo and her husband are also recognised for their rows of pretty potted plants on display in the area.

Uncle Sam, 69A former fireman who had been selected for the national B division badminton team in his younger years, the man affectionately known as Uncle Sam went on to work as a truck driver before retiring in 2010 following a fall. The eloquent speaker not only hosts the various functions held by the Kambangan-Chai Chee Senior Activity Centre but also interacts with residents and helps with distributional duties daily. The charmer with a light blue ring around the irises of his eyes takes great pleasure in karaoke and can sing in numerous languages and dialects.

OUR LEARNING JOURNEY


Singapore is now a hub for budget airlines. We let you in on some of the top tips to pay less and get more from low-cost flight carries

Tips to Flying Cheaper!

Book 6 weeks

in advance

10%OFF

According to the Airlines Reporting Corporation, the price of flights is generally below average six weeks before departure.

Some budget airlines offer discounts off flights regularly. For example, Scoot offers promotional fares to various destinations every Tuesday morning.

Cut costs by avoiding offerings such as priority boarding and checked-in baggage. If you foresee yourself having to eat during a flight, pre-order your meal to pay less or bring your own snacks. Also, pack an empty bottle to fill water with at the boarding gate.

Some budget airlines such as Jetstar offer a 10 percent discount off their fare if you can find one of a lower price online. This usually works better for non-intra Asia flights.

Most budget airlines make their promotional fares known through their free newsletters.

Look out for BARGINS

DON’T be tempted by the extras

PRICE BEAT guarantee works

Sign up for newsletters

Unlike conventional airlines, budget airlines do not usually provide cheaper fares for return flights. A one-way flight to and from your vacation spot could be cheaper than a return one to popular destinations such as Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Phuket.

Two one-way flights may be CHEAPER than a return ticket

The credit card convenience fee can be as high as S$9 per one-way flight per person. Avoid paying this fee for certain budget airlines by booking your trip at least 14 days prior or making payment at Singpost.

SAVE on the convenience fee


RCNC COMMON ISSUES

Progress Update (Sep 2014)

Before

Before

Before

After

After

After

Lorong Melayu Estate (Improved Drain)- Merging Drain at Jalan Eunos

Lorong Melayu Estate (Improved Drain)- Outside House No.83 Lorong Marican

Lorong Melayu Estate (Improved Drain)- Outside House No.41 Lorong Melayu

Improvements to Roadside Drains in the Lorong Melayu Estate

SPECIALTY SHOPS


Cyclists’ CompanionsWe put the spotlight on some bicycle shops in the area so you know where to check out the next time you’re shopping for a two-wheeler

Soon Watt & Co.482 Changi Road, S419895Tel: 6445 4755Open: Tue to Fri 12pm – 8pm; Sat 11am – 6pm; Sun 11am – 3pmwww.facebook.com/Orbea.Singapore

Marine Hawaii Bike ShopBlk 58 Marine Terrace #01-51, S440058Tel: 6242 1391Open: Mon to Sat 12pm – 8pm; Sun & PH 12pm – 6.30pmwww.facebook.com/MHBikeRental

One of the island’s oldest bike stores, the established company owned by Ah Boon and Victor Yew is the official retailer of Spanish bicycle brand Orbea and offers the largest range of accessories by well-loved labels Topeak and Ergon. Parents will be happy to know that the full-service shop managed by the charming Mave Goh also carries the multi-award winning kids’ bike range Orbea Grow.

Adjacent to the famed Marine Hawaii Photo Studio is this five-month-old new kid on the block by the genial Tan Poh Heng. A modest man who in his prime spent much time embarking on cycling trips across Malaysia and photography excursions around the region – check out the multitude of accolades and photos on his walls – he offers bikes by brands such as Bruno, Cronus, and Valo and bike rental services.


Integrated Riding96 Koon Seng Road, S427035Tel: 6346 0448Open: Mon to Fri 12pm - 8pm; Sat 12pm - 5pmwww.facebook.com/integratedriding

Situated strategically in the heartland, the spacious shop run by a youthful Koh Zhen Rong stocks bikes by Ridgeback, Saracen, and Boardman Bikes and foldable ones by Dahon and Java, among others. The two-year-old store’s bestsellers are its hybrid and foldable bikes, and aside from a comprehensive range of bicycle services and accessories also has rental bikes available.

The affable Lim Thiam Sing launched the popular high-end bike store previously located along Changi Road in 2010. A regional distributor of Boardman Bikes, the company avails bikes by brands such as Swift Carbon, Saracen, and Ridgeback and not only sponsors various riders and athletes but also actively contributes to charity events including Ride for Rations and Ride for Rainbows.

12cycle80 Marine Parade Central, S440080Tel: 6345 7112Open: Mon to Fri 10am – 8pm; Sat & Sun 9am – 9pmwww.facebook.com/12Cycle

SPECIALTY SHOPS


EverythingBikez299 Joo Chiat Road, S427550Tel: 6348 9727Open: 11.30am – 10pm dailywww.facebook.com/pages/verythingbikezcom/282436625227758

Leong Kong Bicycle & Electrical Co.8 Eunos Crescent, S400008Tel: 6745 2909Open: Mon-Sat: 9.30am to 7.30pm, Sun: 9.30am to 1pm

Opened by Eugene Ng, the grandson of the man behind the 50-year-old bike shop Gee Hin Chan at Waterloo Street, the year-old EverythingBikez presents a wide array of foldable and hybrid bikes and is the sole local agent of folding bike brand Anemos. If looking to take a break from the bikes for a bit, pick up quality skate scooters for the entire family here.

Acquire bikes or get repair work done at affordable prices at this old-school store that has been operational since 1976. The shop managed by Ng Kok Chuen and his wife avails an assortment of mountain and foldable bikes, and those into all things retro will be delighted to know that the old-fashioned tricycles for kids can be found here.

BROTHERS IN ARMS


We talk to the committee members of Yew Ghee Sia to learn about some of the history and contributions of the philanthropic association

Incepted in 1939 to bring together immigrants who were lodging at Kampong Chai Chee, Yew Ghee Sia has come a long way in serving the

community in the area and remains active in assisting residents. Founding members steered away from the then-rampant pastime of gambling and devoted their time to structuring a place where people could build ties and experience a sense of belonging. The association had moved from a kampong-style attap dwelling to a semi-detached house before dropping anchor at its current well-appointed location.

Yew Ghee Sia regularly acted as a mediator between two parties in a dispute and following

Path of Light

Singapore’s independence was one of the places where PAP issued passports to citizens. It was also a rehab centre for recovering opium addicts and a temporary clinic during the tuberculosis epidemic. Some of its members have served on the board

of directors of Ping Yi Secondary School, and the organisation is still involved

in the education of schoolchildren by providing needy families with bursaries.

Although the number has dwindled because of the ageing

population there are still more than a hundred members at the association, many

of whom turn up during the weekly tea sessions or even daily to play chess and socialise with one another. Some members also make it a point to turn up at funerals in the area to pay respects and lend comfort to families. While the current leaders of Yew Ghee Sia understand that the younger generation does not possess the kampong spirit they hope that more youths will step forward and carry on the spirit of the community created by their forefathers 75 years ago.

18 The TweeTer october-december 2014

glimpse inTo The fuTure

The following lisT is a snapshoT of evenTs from ocTober To December 2014

Date / Day Time name of activity venue Details

18 Oct 14 12.00 pm - 2.00 pm Adviser’s Lunch gathering with New & Potential Volunteer for K-CC Kembangan CC For interested new volunteers, pre

registration required.

30 Nov 14 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm K-CC Racial and Religious Harmony Blk 39 Chai Chee Inter racial celebration

06 Dec 14 7.00pm – 9.00pm O3 @ Telok Kurau Park Lorong JTelok Kurau Park

Performances, dance, live bands etcFee: 4.00

27-28 Dec 9.00am -6.30pm Edusave Award & SE CDC Education Award 2014 Kembanagan CC Nomination by MOE for outstanding

performance

26 Nov14 2.00pm -3.30pm Ice Cream Cheesecake Making Kg Ubi CC 1 Session: $25 (M) $30 (NM)$5 (Material Fee)

30 Oct 14 to 18 Dec 14 7.30pm -9.30pm Western Flowers

Arrangement Stage I Kg Kembangan CC 8 Sessions: $65 (M) $75 (NM)$10-$20 (Material Fee)

December school holiday programmes for kids

19 Nov 14 9.30am -10.30am Windmill Painting Kg Kembangan CC 1 Session: $10 (M) $15 (NM)$2 (Material Fee)

22 Nov 14 9.30am -12.30pmDigital Music –

Composition & Song Writing(for children age 5 to 10 yrs old)

Kg Kembangan CC 1 Session: $60 (M) $65 (NM)

26 Nov 14 9.30am -1.30pm Robotics: Rise of the EV3 Robot Goozilla(for children age 9 to 12 yrs old) Kg Kembangan CC 1 Session

$55 (M) $60 (NM)

04 Dec 14 10.00am - 12.30pmThe Disappearance of Little Ozzi

Magician(for children age 7 to 10 yrs old)

Kg Kembangan CC 1 Session: $32 (M) $37 (NM)$3 (Material Fee)

08 Dec14 10.00am -12.30pm Monster Robots Challenge(for children age 6 to 9 yrs old) Kg Kembangan CC 1 Session: $38 (M) $43 (NM)

08 Dec14 2.00pm - 4.30pmRobot Engineers: Battle of the

Mutant Bots(for children age 9 to 12 yrs old)

Kg Kembangan CC 1 Session: $38 (M) $43 (NM)

09 Dec 14 2.00pm - 5.00pm SpideyKid Robots(for children age 6 to 10 yrs old) Kg Kembangan CC 1 Session: $45 (M) $50 (NM)

10 Dec 14 10.00am -12.30pmMutant Heroes: Adventure of the

Turtlez Ninjas(for children age 5 to 8 yrs old)

Kg Kembangan CC1 Session

$32 (M) $37 (NM)$2 (Material Fee)

16 Dec 14 9.30am - 12.15pmImprove Spatial Intelligence Fun

with Tangrams(for children age 6 to 9 yrs old)

Kg Kembangan CC 1 Session$35 (M) $40 (NM)

16 Dec 14 2.30pm - 5.30pm Angry Space Science(for children age 5 to 9 yrs old) Kg Kembangan CC 1 Session

$35 (M) $40 (NM)

22 Dec 14 2.30pm - 5.30pm Secret Math Tricks Revealed(for children age 8 to 11 yrs old) Kg Kembangan CC 1 Session

$35 (M) $40 (NM)

for enquiries, please call:Kg Kembangan cc: 6449 6022, Kg Ubi cc: 6745 9919

*Details are updated at time of print. Residents are strongly encouraged to confirm event details nearer to date.

ANSAR RC


Besides marking Singapore’s 49th year of independence, 2014 also leads up to the nation’s 50th birthday next year. Ansar RC ushered in the SG50 celebration with a bang by allowing this year’s celebration to be a preview of what is to come for the string of grand SG50 festivities.

“Big” was the theme as the committee explored big ideas, big concepts, big budgets and finally decided to return to the root of it all – a simple, big flag visible to all that represents the infrastructural growth of Singapore during the past 49 years.

The block selected to showcase the giant flag borders the MRT line connecting the world’s best airport to Singapore’s first HDB estate, the well-known reclaimed land Marine Parade, and the landed properties of Opera Estate. It fronts the exterior of the modest HDB block to signify the type of dwelling that houses majority of the Singaporean population.

Coming Together at Ansar RC

The strips of cloth painted red and white that collectively make up the Singapore flag and the individual fabrics combined symbolise our society and its diverse races, languages, religion – all of which exist harmoniously on our island.

The often-talked about kampong spirit was also represented with this display as a village was needed to prepare and put up the flag, as will one be needed to maintain it with the honour and respect it deserves.

One can surely feel a sense of pride and patriotism as they look upon the big red and white exhibit adorned with the crescent and five stars. Majulah Singapura!

the tweeter (oct-dec 2014)

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