As the last surviving kampong on the mainland, Kampong Buangkok serves as a juxtaposition against the modern cosmopolitan city, highlighting the camaraderie and kampong spirit that is paradoxically absent in today's world
In cosmopolitan Singapore, everyone and everything is hectic and fast-paced. Yet in a corner of Singapore, exists a place where time slows down to a peaceful pace, and residents enjoy a simple yet relaxing lifestyle, content with their status quo. This xanadu of greenery and nostalgia exists in the North-Eastern part of Singapore. Established in 1956, Kampong Lorong Buangkok is the last surviving kampong (Malay term for village) on Singapore's mainland. The kampong was also known as Selak Kain, which meant 'hitching up one's skirt' as people used to hitch their skirts up to wade through floods whenever the kampong experienced flash floods in the 20th century The land was first acquired by Mr Sng Teow Hoon, a traditional Chinese medicine seller, who rented out land for people to build homes. It was later handed down to his children, one of whom is Miss Sng Mui Hong, who is currently still living in the kampong. Kampong Buangkok used to house about 40 familes, but has since shrunk to the size of approximately two soccer fields with less than 30 families now. Each family pays a token sum of less than $30 to Miss Sng as monthly rent. read more
Those were the (kampung) days. An important part of Singapore’s treasured heritage, the kampung (village) spirit refers to a sense of community and solidarity.
Life in a kampung was mostly harmonious and it was not uncommon for people to readily offer their neighbours food, help and support. Oral history interviewee Chan Chong Beng remembers that he could even sleep with his doors open in the kampung without worry.
As the nation progressed and these villages made way for housing estates, the kampung spirit can still be seen, most recently in how neighbours have reached out to each other during COVID-19. Check out this curated selection of photos, audiovisual content and oral history extracts to find out more.
We’re currently living in a world where we’re glued to our smartphones. But, there are many reasons why you should distance yourself from your screen.
Dr Devra Davis, an American scientist, has been studying the effects of mobile phone radiation for years. She found that phone radiation has been used in the medical field to treat liver cancer, detect cancer and enhance the absorption of drugs in the brain. Furthermore, she found that if you store your phone in your pocket, it could weaken your pelvic area and reduce bone density. Store it in your bra? Dr Davis explained a case where a young woman developed breast tumours exactly the same shape as her phone that she’d been tucking into her bra.
If that’s not scary enough, researchers have also found mobile phone use could also contribute to the development of depression, diabetes and heart irregularities.
readmore Singapore's political figures show concern Political figures in Singapore have expressed their views after a historic referendum which shows that UK would leave the European Union (EU) on Friday. Grace Fu, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth said that the effects of the referendum would soon to be seen. "The effects on the real economy will come quickly and last for years as investors and businesses work through the possible ramification...UK will have to deal with a messy situation that will cast a dark shadow on the global economy. Brace for gloomier outlook," said Fu. read more Brexit vote a 'turning point': PM Lee Britain's vote to leave the European Union (EU) is a turning point, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Fri (Jun 24), after the UK voted in a referendum to leave the EU. The decision reflects the anxiety of the British population over immigration, their resentment at having to negotiate with and accommodate European partners, and their desire to assert British identity and sovereignty, Mr Lee stated. "Other developed countries also face similar challenges as Britain. We all live in a globalised, interdependent world. The desire to disengage, to be less constrained by one’s partners, to be free to do things entirely as one chooses, is entirely understandable. And yet in reality for many countries disengaging and turning inwards will likely lead to less security, less prosperity, and a dimmer future." read more Will make the best of new reality: PM Lee on Brexit The UK vote to leave the European Union (EU) is “a turning point” reflecting the anxieties of the British population, and the next few years will be uncertain ones for Britain and Europe, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, as he cautioned against the consequences of countries disengaging from the world. When the Brexit was agonisingly close at 11:57am, Singapore’s Ambassador at Large Bilahari Kausikan reacted and said: “The Brits are committing suicide before our eyes!” When the results became official, Mr Kausikan said Britain will be “a much diminished (nation)”, adding that, with it leaving the EU, it is “divided and certainly on a faster downwards trajectory”. read more Lee Hsien Loong Facebook
The UK vote to leave the European Union (EU) in the #Brexit referendum is a turning point. It reflects the anxiety of the British population over immigration, their resentment at having to negotiate with and accommodate European partners, and their desire to assert British identity and sovereignty. Other developed countries also face similar challenges as Britain. We all live in a globalised, interdependent world. The desire to disengage, to be less constrained by one’s partners, to be free to do things entirely as one chooses, is entirely understandable. And yet in reality for many countries disengaging and turning inwards will likely lead to less security, less prosperity, and a dimmer future. The next few years will be uncertain ones for Britain and Europe. Leaving the EU is as complicated as joining it. What new arrangements will be made? Will Brexit hurt investor confidence more broadly, and the global economy? How will Britain’s leaving affect the rest of the EU? How will this affect us, living in Asia but part of the same globalised world? read more Tharman Shanmugaratnam Facebook
But the more profound questions revolve around politics. Many of the people who voted for Britain to leave Europe, like those in England’s industrial cities, may end up being hurt by its economic consequences. Yet their frustration over their jobs and wages, and their fear of uncontrolled immigration if Britain stayed in Europe, has shaped their votes. There is a new brew in politics around the world, especially in the most mature democracies like the US, UK and in Europe. The growing appeal of nationalist politics, demagogues, and in some cases outright racism. (There was in fact all of that in the UK referendum debate.) A growing disaffection with the establishment. A weakening of trust and consensus in society, and of the centre in politics. That too has happened in the UK itself, with the two major parties now weakened. As politics gets fragmented, the political extremes will gain appeal. We do not know where this will lead to, but it cannot mean anything good. But to tackle it, the politics of the centre must stay connected to the challenges that ordinary people face - and address their need for jobs and security, and a balance in immigration that preserves a sense of identity. Tackling this without turning inward, and weakening jobs and society further, is the central challenge everywhere. read more Vivian Balakrishnan Facebook
Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said he did not expect the Singapore-UK relationship to change significantly as the two had always had a "strong traditional relationship in the economy, in diplomacy, and even in defence relations". "For instance, almost half our investments in the EU actually go to the UK ... I don't expect that to change significantly," he said on the sidelines of a Maker Faire event. read more Grace Fu Facebook
Meanwhile, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu said that there will be market turmoil ahead, which will affect Singapore. "The effects on the real economy will come quickly and last for years as investors and businesses work through the possible ramification," said Ms Fu. "UK will have to deal with a messy situation that will cast a dark shadow on the global economy. Brace for gloomier outlook." "Singapore thrives in a market with free trade and movement of goods and funds," she added in a reply to a comment from a member of the public. "If this signals a more nationalistic and protectionist world, it will not be good for us." read more Lawrence Wong Facebook
Beyond the initial turbulence in the market (which will settle down to a new equilibrium in time), this historic move is likely to raise concerns about the longer-term repercussions on global growth, trade and integration. As a small open economy, we will always be subject to the vagaries of the global market, and of major forces beyond our control. So while Brexit may not be uppermost on our minds, we will have to be prepared for the consequences of the decision taken today. For us in Singapore, it's yet another reminder that we must continue to stay alert and nimble; to continually adapt and innovate; to survive and thrive in an uncertain world. read more Ng Eng Hen Facebook
Will the Government be pressured to step down? What will Scotland do, having voted to stay in EU? Will other EU countries want referendums to leave too? Whatever the ramifications, no one doubts that this is a monumental, historic moment for this generation. What do we in Singapore learn from this? For me, the most important lesson is that change is inevitable and that when it comes, it is the solidarity of a nation’s people with each other and their leaders that will pull them through. Tomorrow will be a different world for UK people, and only unity and common purpose will lead them through safely and for a better future. Disunity and lack of strong leadership will blight their future, however they voted in the referendum. read more Bilahari Kausikan Facebook
Ambassador-at-Large Bilahari Kausikan also weighed in on the Brexit vote. “It isn’t often you see a country commit suicide before your eyes,” said Mr Bilahari to Channel NewsAsia. “We are also witnessing the tragically irrational consequences of western democracy. The UK is only an example of the dysfunctionality of a system taken to extremes," he added. read more Tommy Koh Facebook
In a Facebook post, Ambassador-at-Large Tommy Koh said Mr Cameron had "messed up big time by holding an unnecessary referendum". "The result is a tragedy for the UK and for the EU. It is a victory for populism over rationality. It is a victory for fear over hope. It will probably lead to the secession of Scotland from the UK," he wrote. "The global wave of populism which is sweeping the world is a danger to democracy and to democratic institutions. Let us hope that it will not invade Singapore," he added. read more Singapore political figures express concerns after Brexit vote In the meantime, Singapore's Ambassador-at-Large Bilahari Kausikan showed his concern. "It isn't often you see a country commit suicide before your eyes," said Mr Bilahari. "We are also witnessing the tragically irrational consequences of western democracy. The UK is only an example of the dysfunctionality of a system taken to extremes." Singapore's National Development Minister Lawrence Wong also gave his comments, saying that such a move would pose long-term implications on global growth. read more 5 Things Singapore needs to learn from Brexit
To learn from your own mistakes, that’s foolish. The wise man learns from other people’s mistakes
Politics is about convincing people emotionally too
read more Brexit's negative campaign holds lesson for Singapore In the lead-up to the UK's European Union referendum, the Leave campaign was long on playing up fears and short on substance ("Facts no longer seem to matter in campaigns"; last Wed). Many of the emotionally charged messages were beset with lies, half-truths and misinformation. These messages might have clouded minds and hearts about what is at stake for the future. related: Brexit vote holds lessons for Singapore read more 3 Reasons Why Singaporeans Shouldn’t Be Overjoyed By Brexit It is not often that such a huge interest in financial markets is taken by non-market practitioners. Nonetheless, with the excitement akin to a World Cup Final, many were focused on Friday’s Brexit result. Singaporeans in particular – with their own unique brand of opportunism, jumped at the opportunity to take advantage of the lower GBP exchange rates. While a cheaper UK holiday or cheaper clothes from online UK retailers are all wonderful things to celebrate about, the longer term perspective of the Brexit event needs to be considered as well. While the one-day move is tremendous, with the breaking of serious technical support, the current level of GBP/SGD is not exactly at all-time ridiculous historical lows. In fact, you could have gotten approximately the same rate in 2013 or at 1.90 in April (not a huge difference from today’s 1.85 on a long-term basis). You probably would have had a better deal, given less time queuing at the money changer coupled alongside smaller bid-ask spreads. Of course it could go lower from this point – but current exchange rates don’t really warrant such enthusiasm for money changing yet. read more PM Lee: Brexit reflects anxiety of British population over immigration and relationship with EU
The United Kingdom has voted leave the European Union (EU) by a vote of 52% to 48% on 24 June 2016 in its referendum to decide whether to leave or remain in the EU. According to the results, Votes to leave the EU won the majority of votes in England and Wales, while every council in Scotland saw votes to remain in as majorities of the votes. In response to the results of the referendum, Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lee Hsien Loong posted his views on his Facebook page. read more UK PM resigns over Brexit
The voters of UK have finally decided to leave EU with the results of the referendum showing 52% in favor of leaving and 48% against. Soon after the results were out, UK PM David Cameron announced his resignation. “I think the country requires fresh leadership. I do not think I can be the captain to take the country to its next destination,” he said, fighting back his tears with his voice breaking. read more Bad Brexit! Bad!
NOBODY is saying a good thing about Brexit. Which means that the majority of British voters (okay, 52 per cent who voted Leave Euro) could possibly be wrong? Gasp. The fallout is immediate and bad. The poor pound has got poorer, down to 31 year low, and stock markets around the world are taking a dive. Take a look below. So the economic/business types are reacting badly. British PM David Cameron, roundly castigated for holding the reckless referendum to appease Eurosceptics in his own party, has resigned. Whoever takes over the job will have to see how to negotiate the divorce settlement with the European Union. It will take at least two years to sort through the tangle of treaties and financial arrangements. But the new PM is expected to immediately do something about immigration – since that appears to be the message from voters which Mr Cameron described as “an instruction to deliver”. read more This is the only reaction to Brexit from a brainy Singaporean you need to read
And here is a brainy Singaporean’s reaction, as reported by Channel NewsAsia: "It isn’t often you see a country commit suicide before your eyes." "We are also witnessing the tragically irrational consequences of western democracy. The UK is only an example of the dysfunctionality of a system taken to extremes." read more Brexit is outright racism and unnecessary
Following the official announcement of Britain’s exit from the European Union, leaders of the Singapore government reacted very negatively with Deputy Prime Minister Tharman calling it “outright racism”. Yesterday (Jun 24), the British majority voted to leave the European Union (EU) in a referendum mainly because of the hefty amount of English taxes spent on helping other poorer countries in EU like Greece. Britain was the second-largest economic power, below Germany, who have to pay up to 350 million pounds a week to EU because of it’s membership obligation. English voters contend that the money could be better off spent on local investments, especially on it’s ailing healthcare system. Another key issue behind the British exit, aka Brexit, is the influx of cheap foreign labour from the Europe continent. Salaries were depressed in the decade and the middle and low income saw falling income because of the liberal immigration policies. Britain were also denied from the rights to make independent policies without consulting other EU members, which pro-Brexit supporters felt is an infringement of their sovereignty. read more related: Brexit: What Next for the EU? EU referendum: Brexit or Bremain
Flames engulf the right wing of a Singapore Airlines plane, on the tarmac of Singapore’s Changi Airport. (Lee Bee Yee/AFP/Getty images)
Lee Bee Yee was sleeping on her flight from Singapore to Milan early Monday morning when the flight crew informed her and the more than 200 people on board that their flight would be turning back to the airport.
They’d been in the air for two hours, she told Channel NewsAsia, and the plane smelled strongly of fuel. The pilot said the right side engine was leaking oil, she told the TV station, which meant that they’d have to proceed without it. But that would make the whole plane vibrate, unfavorable conditions for the flight to Milan.
She and her husband didn’t think much of it, she told Channel NewsAsia.
Woman Writes Terrifying Facebook Post From Inside Burning Airplane
Even frequent fliers are sure to get heebie-jeebies from this story
Traveler Yee Bee Lee, 43, said she “escaped death” after a Singapore Airlines flight from Changi Airport began leaking oil on Monday.
The plane turned back, but as soon as they landed a wing burst into flames.
The passenger documented the terrifying scenes on Facebook. Lee wrote:
I just escaped death!!!!
Our Singapore Airline plane was leaking oil three hours flying off and the plane had to turned back. After reaching Changi Airport, as the plane was landing, the engine burst into flames!!!! Huge fire was burning! See video!
It was a heart-wrenching five mins! Waiting for the fire engine and firefighters to put out the fire! They shot foam and water into the fire and eventually it was put out! We were so close to death!! I am still in the plane with all passengers. But I think we are safe for now….they will be evacuating us soon.
I thank God I am alive! I going home to hug my kids…. Europe Sale has to wait for a while. Sorry everyone!
Boeing 777 passengers tell of their terror as chilling new pic shows engine on FIRE as it makes emergency landing
Terror in the skies: A shocking picture taken by a passenger on board the Singapore Airlines flight captures the moment the engine explodes mid-air as it came into land at Changi Airport
One woman claimed the Singapore Airlines jet was leaking oil for three hours before being forced to turn back.
Passengers have spoken of their terror after their Boeing 777 burst into flames as it made an emergency landing.
Shocking pictures and footage capture the moment the engine exploded just as the Singapore Airlines jet touched down.
Watch: Singapore Airlines flight catches fire during emergency landing
The aircraft’s right engine caught fire after the aircraft, a Boeing 777-300ER, touched down about 6:50 am (8:50 am AEST).
According to Channel News Asia, two hours had passed and shocked passengers heard the pilot make an announcement that the plane was to return to Singapore, because of a problem detected in the engine. The plane’s control had presumably been flashing an engine oil warning message.
There were 19 crew members and 222 passengers on board the flight, when the pilot announced that they would be making an “emergency landing at Changi airport.”
SIA plane catches fire after making emergency landing
Right wing of SQ368 on fire after emergency landing. Photo: Lee Bee Yee
A SINGAPORE Airlines (SIA) flight enroute to Milan from Singapore this morning caught fire after being forced to make an emergency return to Changi Airport. All passengers are unharmed. According to a statement by SIA, flight SQ368 took off at around 02.05am but had to turn back after pilots detected an engine warning. The Boeing 777-300ER safely landed at about 06.50am but its right wing went ablaze shortly after with all 222 passengers and 19 crew still onboard. Airport emergency services were activated and put out the flames caused by a fuel leak. Passengers then disembarked via stairs with no one injured. SIA said that passengers will be transferred to another aircraft which is expected to depart for Milan on the same day. read more Singapore Airlines jet catches fire during emergency landing
Fire burns on the right wing of a Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER aircraft originally bound for Milan in this still image taken from handout video, at Changi Airport in Singapore June 27, 2016
More than 240 people on board a Singapore Airlines flight on Monday had a narrow escape as their jet caught fire while making an emergency landing at Changi Airport here after it turned back en route to Milan but they were safely evacuated. The Singapore Airlines (SIA) Flight SQ368 departed from Changi Airport for Milan at 2.05am Monday but about two hours into the flight, the pilot announced that there was a problem in the engine and the flight had to turn back to Singapore. The SIA said in a statement that flight SQ368 was en route from Singapore to Milan when an "engine oil warning message" forced it to turn back. read more Passenger Films Singapore Airlines Plane Catching Fire
The fire was put out by airport emergency services and there were no injuries to the 222 passengers and 19 crew on board
A Singapore Airlines plane caught fire Monday while making an emergency landing at Changi Airport after turning back from a flight to Milan following an engine oil warning message, the carrier said. No one was injured aboard the Boeing 777-300ER, but one passenger described those moments as a "so-close to death" experience. SIA said in a statement Flight SQ368 was en route from Singapore to Milan when an engine oil warning message forced it to turn back to the city-state. read more Singapore Airlines plane catches fire after emergency landing
Firefighters took about five to 10 minutes to extinguish the flames on the plane
A Singapore Airlines plane bound for Milan caught fire shortly after making an emergency landing. Flight SQ368, which departed at 02:05 local time on Monday (18:00 GMT Sunday), was two hours into the flight when the pilot announced there was an engine problem. The plane turned back and landed before the right engine of the Boeing 777 burst into flames. read more
