30/06/2018

8 Habits That Make You Age Faster Than You Should


"You don’t stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.” George Bernard Shaw

There are things that we do in our day-to-day lives that can make us age beyond our years. As we get older, we want to make sure that we’re doing things in our lives to keep us as healthy as possible, rather than adding years onto our bodies.

There are habits that we do every day that can age us faster. Being able to recognize these habits will make it easier to quit them, so that we can keep our bodies and minds young, and make sure that we’re not aging ourselves. Science has proven that avoiding these specific habits will keep you young.

HERE ARE 8 HABITS THAT MAKE YOU AGE FASTER:

  • NOT REDUCING YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE
  • NOT WATCHING YOUR WEIGHT
  • SMOKING
  • NOT LIVING LIFE
  • LACK OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
  • HIGH CHOLESTEROL LEVELS
  • NOT PRACTICING MEDITATION
  • GIVING UP ON EDUCATION

read more

29/06/2018

Singapore's lesser-known Southern islands

Singapore is made up of more than 70 islands. Some of the lesser-known islands are:

Pulau Seking

PULAU SEKING - VIEW FROM SEA


Pulau Semakau

Verdant greenery and various species of wildlife can be seen on Semakau Island, a garbage landfill for mainland Singapore. -- PHOTO: BERITA HARIAN FILE


Pulau Damar Laut

ST FILE PHOTO


Pulau Serangoon

On weekends, up to 100 people can be seen fishing at Coney Island, also known as Pulau Serangoon. - PHOTO: SHIN MIN


Pulau Busing



Pulau Busing is an island located off the southwestern coast of Singapore, north of Pulau Hantu and west of Pulau Bukom


Pulau Satumu

Raffles Lighthouse, situated on Pulau Satumu, south of the main island of Singapore. - ST PHOTO: CAROLINE CHIA


Pulau Sudong

A soldier runs with his weapon during the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Readiness Exercise held on Aug 2, 2011, at Pulau Sudong - ST PHOTO


Pulau Senang

A Forgotten Past – ‘Prison on Fire’ at Pulau Senang
Pulau Pawai

Pulau Pawai, a name synonymous in the RSAF community for its sole purpose in life, a life firing area


Pulau Hantu

Into The Wild: Pulau Hantu

28/06/2018

5 Deficiencies That Keep People Up At Night


"Sleep is important.” We’ve heard these three words – or some variation of them – over and over again. Yet, despite the mass of knowledge available explaining the essential nature of sleep, many of us shrug it off.

When we see a doctor about our sleep troubles, they are all-too-eager to prescribe a “knock-me-out pill.” (See: “Valium, Xanax, usage.”) It’s more time-consuming to evaluate things like diet and exercise and how they may be affecting our shut-eye.

It goes without saying that both diet and exercise profoundly influence sleep quality. Relatedly, both have various effects on the absorption and activity of vitamins and minerals.

HERE ARE 5 NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES THAT CAN CAUSE POOR SLEEP:

  • MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCIES
  • POTASSIUM DEFICIENCIES
  • B-VITAMIN DEFICIENCIES
  • IRON DEFICIENCIES
  • CALCIUM DEFICIENCIES

read more

27/06/2018

President Halimah launched Milo Gao Kosong


Nestle launches Milo Gao Kosong, made-in-Singapore formula without added sugar
President Halimah Yacob made and drank the first official cup of Milo Gao Kosong at Plaza Singapura on June 19, 2018. ST PHOTO: TIMOTHY DAVID

Fans of Milo can now get their beverage in a formula without any added sugar.

Milo Gao Kosong contains only natural sugars from malt and milk, which means it has 9.7g of sugar in each serving compared to 13.5g of sugar in the regular formula.

The beverage was launched on Tuesday (19 June 2018) by President Halimah Yacob, who made and drank the first official cup of the Gao Kosong, at Plaza Singapura.

related: Halimah Yacob added 3 new photos to the album Launch of MILO Gao Kosong.


Halimah Yacob: Speaker, President, Chancellor

The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) is pleased to announce that Mdm Halimah Yacob has been appointed Chancellor, effective 1 October 2023. Mdm Halimah takes over from Mr Stephen Lee, who has served as SUSS Chancellor since 2018.

Mdm Halimah Yacob has had an illustrious career, starting in 1978 as a legal officer with the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), before rising through the ranks to become the Executive Secretary of the United Workers of Electronics, Director of the Women’s Development Secretariat and eventually, NTUC Deputy Secretary-General. In 1999, she became the first Singaporean elected into the Geneva-based International Labour Organisation (ILO), where she served for four terms, representing workers across many ILO committees. Mdm Halimah was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Jurong Group Representation Constituency (GRC) in 2001 and served her final and fourth term as an MP in the Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC.

In 2011, she was appointed Minister of State for Community Development and Sports. She introduced various programmes for seniors and enhanced services for people with disabilities, including laying the foundation for the Social Services Offices. A leader of many firsts, Mdm Halimah was elected as the ninth Speaker of Parliament in 2013, the first woman to hold the position. She was the first female to become President of the Republic of Singapore, when she was sworn in on 14 September 2017 for a 6-year term.


US V-P Kamala Harris meets President Halimah

United States Vice-President Kamala Harris will begin her formal engagements on Monday (Aug 23) with a call on President Halimah Yacob at the Istana, followed by a meeting and joint press conference with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

An orchid will be named in her honour in a ceremony at the Istana.

She will also visit Changi Naval Base and the US littoral combat ship USS Tulsa, which is in port for a multilateral exercise.


Halimah earns 48x more than Istana’s chef while US President earns only 6x of White House’s chef

It was reported that a recent job advertisement placed by the Istana looking for butlers and junior chefs has caused much controversy in social media (‘Istana offering lowball salaries for its butlers and cooks?‘).

The Istana has offered S$1,400 to S$2,000 for the butler positions and S$2000 to S$2,500 for junior chef positions. Netizens have questioned about the offered pay and asked if it is enough to survive and care for his or her family in Singapore.

Even the market pays better than what Istana is offering. According to last year’s median gross wage statistics by the Ministry of Manpower, the median gross income of waiters is S$1,838 while a captain waiter or waiter supervisor gets S$2,700. And the median gross salary for a chef is S$3,532.

related:


The Straits Times Food 19 Jun 2018

You can try the new formula at Plaza Singapura from Wednesday to Sunday as Nestle is handing out samples over the next five days.


Halimah Yacob Launch of MILO Gao Kosong June 20 at 9:04 AM

I was delighted to launch the world’s first MILO Gao Kosong yesterday.

It is heartening that Nestle has taken my suggestion to create a version of MILO with zero table sugar added. I suggested this idea when I met the team during the Healthy Lifestyle Festival SG 2017.

Congratulations, Nestle Singapore, and keep up your efforts in helping Singaporeans stay healthy.

read more

The Online Citizen Asia June 26, 2018

"Perhaps it’s the weight of the office. More likely it’s the manner of her ascension to the presidency which has taken its toll, which led to the hashtag #notmypresident.

It’s still early days. But President Halimah’s most high-profile contribution and appearance so far has mystifyingly been as ambassador and guest-of-honour for Milo Gao Kosong. She launched the beverage on June 19,  making and drinking the first official cup of Milo Gao Kosong – a feat which put her in the spotlight more than any other.

What else is memorable?

read more

Try new Milo formula without added table sugar
President Halimah Yacob helping to make the first cup of Milo Gao Kosong with Nestle Singapore's managing director Rajiv Deraniyagala. TNP FOTO: TIMOTHY DAVID

Inspired by President Halimah Yacob & in line with the national agenda to reduce sugar intake, Milo unveiled its latest offering, Milo Gao Kosong, at the Milo Gao Kosong Pit Stop at Plaza Singapura Outdoor Front Plaza yesterday.

Madam Halimah helped make the 1st cup of Milo Gao Kosong - the 1st Milo powder with no added table sugar - at the event, with Nestle Singapore's managing director Rajiv Deraniyagala.

She also sampled the new product, which is endorsed by the Health Promotion Board's Healthier Choice Symbol programme and promises the signature taste with higher levels of protein and calcium.

read more

Milo launches new variant with no added table sugar after conversation with President Halimah Yacob
President Halimah Yacob poses with a cup of Milo Gao Kosong. (foto: Matthew Mohan)

Beverage brand Milo on Tuesday (Jun 19) launched a variant of the drink with no added table sugar, in a move welcomed by the Health Promotion Board (HPB).

The Gao Kosong version only contains sugar that is naturally present in milk & malt - the two key ingredients in Milo.

Speaking at the pop-up Milo Gao Kosong Pit Stop at Plaza Singapura, where President Halimah Yacob was also in attendance, Nestle Singapore managing director Rajiv Deraniyagala said that the drink is the result of a challenge posed by the President.

read more

Nestle launches Milo Gao Kosong, made-in-Singapore formula without added sugar
President Halimah Yacob made and drank the 1st official cup of Milo Gao Kosong at Plaza Singapura on June 19, 2018. ST FOTO: TIMOTHY DAVID

The Health Promotion Board (HPB) has included the drink in its Healthier Choice Symbol programme, which highlights healthier packaged food options. The board said that it looks forward to more companies coming on board with options to encourage consumers to reduce sugar intake from beverages.

The new formula, which was developed & produced in Singapore, comes as Singapore battles a high rate of diabetes in its population.

Sugared drinks could soon be taxed, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said in an exclusive interview with The Straits Times on Monday, as part of Singapore's war against diabetes.

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Presiden Halimah cetus inspirasi Milo tanpa gula
MINUMAN KEGEMARAN RAMAI: Puan Halimah diberi taklimat mengenai sejarah Milo di Singapura oleh seorang pegawai Nestle Singapura sambil diiringi Encik Rajiv ketika melancarkan serbuk terbaru, Milo Gao Kosong semalam. - Foto BH oleh TIMOTHY DAVID

SEBAGAI langkah menyokong gerakan pemerintah mengurangkan kadar pengambilan gula dalam kalangan penduduk Singapura, Nestle Singapura telah memperkenalkan produk yang diperbaharui kandungannya - Milo Gao Kosong.

Minuman Milo kegemaran ramai ini mengekalkan rasa semula jadi bijirin dan susu, bagaimanapun kini tanpa tambahan gula. Milo Gao Kosong merupakan produk yang diperbaharui dari produk minuman Milo Gao Siew Dai dengan pengurangan gula. namun dengan 30 peratus lebih banyak khasiat.

Diperkenalkan buat pertama kali di sini, serbuk minuman itu telah dilancarkan oleh Presiden Halimah Yacob di acara Milo Gao Kosong Pit Stop di pusat beli-belah Plaza Singapura semalam.

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President Halimah’s promotion of Milo comes under severe criticisms

Milo on Tuesday launched a variant of the drink with no added table sugar and named the beverage ‘Milo Gao Kosong’. Nestle Singapore managing director Rajiv Deraniyagala said that the beverage was produced as a result of a challenge posed by President Halimah Yacob.

“It was about eight, nine months ago when we had this conversation with President Halimah Yacob on what we can do to reduce the sugar in Milo,” Mr Deraniyagala said.

Nestle Singapore introduced another variant of Milo in July last year. The product christened ‘Milo Gao Siew Dai’ has 50 per cent less table sugar and 30 per cent more protein than the original formula. When they launched this product the President challenged the beverage maker to make a Milo product with no added sugar.

read more

官世民 June 19 at 11:00 PM
This is ridiculous

“ The Gao Kosong version only contains SUGAR that is naturally present in milk and malt - the two key ingredients in Milo.” - caps emphasis is MINE.

The food and beverage companies are still holding ties to government. Please for the sake of the country just let real market forces take over! The countrymen are learning, no need to “ cater” for it or have endorsement by HPB! Hasn’t HPB learnt their lesson?!?!

This is simply a negative nudge made by people who don’t have skin in the game. It’s appalling to all healthcare workers, disappointing for the people and shameful for HPB to endorse this.

read more

President Halimah needs to moonlight as Milo promoter, grossly underpaid

PAP should review and increase the president’s salary as she has become a national embarrassment, ie becomes promoter for Milo.

When compared with same-race president Nathan, President Halimah appears to be grossly underpaid.

Both jagas of our reserves, CPF balance was only $90 billion under Nathan in 2000.  Current CPF balance: $368 billion and growing.

read more

President Halimah Yacob advertising for Milo

President Halimah Yacob has unwittingly broke the law by advertising “Milo Gao Kosong” for private corporation Nestle Singapore.

Under clause 163 of the Singapore Penal Code, the ignorant Singapore President has shown favour to a private business entity during the exercise of her official function:
“…in the exercise of the official functions of such public servant to show favour or disfavour to any person… as such, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.”
read more

President Halimah launched Milo Gao Kosong, Singaporeans buay song
Source: President Halimah’s Facebook

Some say that’s not her job. Some say President shouldn’t promote commercial products. Others say it’s not new because milo tin doesn’t contain sugar.

Pictures of President Halimah launching Milo Gao Kosong seemed to have gotten Singaporeans pretty riled up.

Aiyoh…relak a bit lah. President Halimah promoting Milo kosong lah, not kosong in people’s bank account.

read more

Milo Gao Kosong officially launches in Singapore!

MILO, Singapore’s most-loved brand, together with President Halimah Yacob, unveils a new variant of the local favourite health drink – MILO Gao Kosong. The world’s first MILO powder with zero added table sugar, MILO Gao Kosong retains the signature MILO taste with naturally occurring goodness from milk and malt, for Singaporeans looking to enjoy their favourite beverage without the sweetness.

Developed and produced in Singapore for Singaporeans, MILO Gao Kosong also has higher levels of protein and calcium, providing Singaporeans with the nutrition needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

MILO Gao Kosong is a further sugar reduction from MILO Gao Siew Dai that has 50% less table sugar and 30% more protein. MILO Gao Siew Dai was launched last year and has been favourably received by consumers.

read more

President Halimah who launched Milo Gao Kosong will sing at President’s Star Charity show

President Halimah Yacob will be performing at the President’s Star Charity 2018 event on Sunday (14 Oct) this month.

She will be taking to the stage, along with her husband in a special closing performance together with The Purple Symphony, Singapore’s largest inclusive orchestra that includes musicians with special needs, as well as singer Aisyah Aziz, visually-handicapped singer Wai Yee and the Purple Choir Kids.

The theme for President’s Star Charity this year is "Shine Together", and it will also include performances by homegrown celebrities like Zoe Tay, who will be performing a solo dance piece surrounded by kinetic light spheres


President Halimah becomes Milo promoter after Trump-Kim summit?


Do businesses need to have a conversation with jiak liow bee president to launch new products?

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Where was President Halimah Yacob during the high profile Donald Trump-Kim Jong Un meeting?

Singapore’s head of state was missing even at her own residence in Istana. The Indian-turned-Malay President had to deliberately vacate her own residence when Lee Hsien Loong separately hosted lunch with Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un.

The Istana, in the Malay language means “Malay palace”. However at both lunches, Lee Hsien Loong brought only Chinese and Indian Singaporeans to the table. How embarrassing is it going to a Malay palace without seeing a single Malay. The issue is made worse when lower-ranked officials and ministers with no involvement with foreign affairs were chosen over Halimah Yacob. The Singapore President could have taken the place of Law Minister K Shanmugam, Deputy PM Tharman Shanmugaratnam and National Development Minister Lawrence Wong, but the S$1.5 million-a-year Halimah Yacob was not chosen.


Lee Hsien Loong’s decision to leave Halimah Yacob is open to speculation, but this appears to be passive racism. The Singapore Prime Minister nonetheless need to be questioned, like whether if he perceives Halimah Yacob’s hijab a poor representation to Singapore.

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President Halimah Yacob not spared in Miss Universe Singapore 2018 Photoshop Battle

The highly-criticised Miss Universe Singapore 2018 national costume has spawned a photoshop battle on social media, drawing submissions from dozens of netizens.

Some of those who took part in the photoshop battle replaced the digital image on the skirt of the dress with notable Singapore icons, foods and prominent figures, while others used other creative images to create an optical illusion. Other netizens also featured images and quotes by prominent figures in their submissions.

Establishment figures like the late Founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, his son and current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Lee Hsien Loong’s wife and Temasek CEO Ho Ching in her infamous sandals, and President Halimah Yacob were among those featured in the photoshop battle.

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Halimah Yacob to sing on stage at President’s Star Charity 2018 this Sunday

President Halimah Yacob and her husband are going to be among the performers at the President’s Star Charity 2018 that will be telecast live this Sunday.

The President and her husband will take to the stage for a special closing performance, alongside The Purple Symphony, – Singapore’s first and largest all-inclusive orchestra that includes Singaporeans with and without special needs – visually-handicapped singer Wai Yee and singer Aisyah Aziz.

This is President Halimah’s second President’s Star Charity show and her third major charity event, after the annual President’s Challenge earlier this year.


Yahoo Poll: Has Halimah Yacob met your expectations as president?

A “down-to-earth” president with a “common touch” – these are some of the descriptions of Mdm Halimah Yacob, Singapore’s first woman president, in media reports since she took office one year ago. The former Speaker of Parliament was named president without a single vote being cast, as she was the only candidate to be awarded a Certificate of Eligibility in an election reserved for Malay candidates - which sparked online displeasure and the use of the #notmypresident hashtag.

Since she was sworn in on 14 September 2017, Mdm Halimah has received foreign dignitariesinvited Donald Trump to Singapore for a state visit in November 2018, attended NDP 2018 and participated in community events ranging from the President’s Star Charity 2017, the Garden Festival Orchid Show to the launch of a new Milo drink.

Has Mdm Halimah Yacob met your expectations as president over the past year? Take our poll and leave a comment below:


HALIMAH YACOB IKON WANITA

It is one of the worst kept secrets this year, where she decided not to say yes until everything has been sorted out (she had to talk to her family, residents, consider her existing duties etc etc).

It’s not like she can suka suka drop everything and go for the presidency, and if she loses, it’s not like she can just say “Can put me back as Speaker?” right?

So what other worst-er kept secrets did Halimah Yacob have that maybe you already knew (or can just pretend you did)?
  • Halimah Yacob’s a Malay (no, you don’t say!)
  • She was a lawyer who took companies to court over workers’ rights
  • She started working at 8 years old at an illegal pushcart
  • She studied at Singapore Chinese Girls’ School
  • She lives in a 5 room HDB flat in Yishun

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A doctor’s prescription on ‘who is a Malay’ could settle Halimah’s Malay credentials


Who is a Malay? The debate is still raging in Singapore with many disputing the Malay credentials of the PAP’s Presidential election’s candidate.


But a doctor’s prescription on who is a Malay in Malaysia could save Halimah Yacob the day in the court of the social-media haranguers.

The book A Doctor In The House could eventually settle the issue of ‘who is a Malay’ and could endorse Halimah’s Malay credentials

read more


Reserved presidency a 'political minus' but right thing to do: PM Lee
The move gives minority ethnic groups an assurance that their place in society will always be safeguarded, he said, just like how the group representation constituency system - which guarantees at least one candidate per constituency is from a minority race - ensures there will always be MPs from minority races in Parliament

The PAP secretary-general was referring to public unhappiness over the Constitutional amendments passed in November 2016, to reserve the elected presidency for candidates of a particular racial group if there had not been a president from the group for the five most recent presidential terms.

Critics said the decision went against Singapore's meritocratic values, and hundreds protested in Hong Lim Park days after the first election, reserved for Malays, saw Madam Halimah Yacob sworn in as President on Sept 14, 2017.

Mr Lee cited the issue as an example of how Singapore is proactively strengthening the institutions that support its multiracial and multi-religious society.

related: President Halimah's inauguration:Don’t overlook this key moment in Spore’s history

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PAP must never be afraid to do what is right for Singapore: PM Lee
The reserved Presidential Election in 2017 saw Madam Halimah Yacob elected unopposed

The People’s Action Party (PAP) must never be afraid to do what is right for Singapore, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday (Nov 10), noting that not all Singaporeans agreed with the need for a reserved Presidential Election to ensure minority races in the Republic’s highest office.

“If you ask me, overall from a short-term perspective, this issue is probably a political minus for the Government, for the PAP. But this is part of governing. I am convinced that we did the right thing. We must never, ever be afraid to do what is right for Singapore,” said Mr Lee to around 2,500 party activists at the PAP65 Awards and Convention at the Singapore Expo. The conference was held to mark the 65th anniversary of the PAP’s founding on Nov 21, 1954.

The reserved Presidential Election in 2017 saw Madam Halimah Yacob elected unopposed, and Mr Lee also said then that he recognised the move was unpopular and could cause the ruling party to lose votes.

related:
Halimah’s election lauded as ‘true sign of S’pore’s meritocracy’ in region
Support package to ‘cushion impact’ of impending GST hike to be announced
PAP must be prepared for a tough fight in the coming GE, says PM Lee
When could General Election be held?Analysts,opposition parties give their take
Who’s on Electoral Boundaries Review Committee,how it draws up GE battle lines

read more

Istana Wants To Hire A Chef, But Forgets President Halimah Is A Woman
Turns out 2 other job listings also forgot

As far as government jobs are concerned, nothing beats the prestige of working in the Istana. Coincidentally, one of our team members was checking out an official government job portal when he chanced upon a rather intriguing job listing — Istana is hiring a chef.

So being the inquisitive fella he is, our colleague clicked on the advert to find out what being an Istana Chef entails. Everything appears fine at first. The successful candidate gets to plan the daily menu, and even cook up a feast for “various events” — sounds like every aspiring chef’s dream job.

But all of a sudden, he spotted something on the listing that raised more than a few eyebrows. We won’t spoil it for you just yet, but we’ll give you a clue.


Istana Advertises For Chef Job, Keeps Repeating President Halimah As A He

The Istana is presently looking for a chef to join its staff, and has placed an advert on the government job portal, Careers@GOV. Istana, is of course, the official residence of the President of Singapore, Halimah Yacob. Unfortunately, the advertisement keeps referring to the President as a male.

President Halimah if of course no stranger to confusion in her presidency. She was elected as the reserved Malay president, when at one time in her political career, she was referred to as an Indian Muslim. Indian Muslims are definitely not Malay, but for Halimah's case, she is deemed Malay enough to be a Malay. So what to make of this latest confusion?

The Istana itself is not able to tell that they have been hosting a female president most recently? In the ad, the Istana has referred to President Halimah Yacob as a “he”. The first line of the chef job indicated in its description "to support the President in the execution of HIS presidential duties" Interestingly, the chef position is not the only one advertised by the Istana. There were another to jobs advertised, that of a Gallery Officer and another one as a Assistant Senior Butler / Butler. And both job description also describes the President as a "he".


 Careers@GOV

To support the President in the execution of his presidential duties, which include constitutional, ceremonial and community roles, and to uphold and maintain the dignity of the office of the President.

Responsibilities:
  • Plan daily menus, purchase ingredients and prepare excellent cuisines for various events.
  • Ensure high standard of hygiene in food preparation and cleanliness of the kitchen.
  • Collaborate with Butler Teams as well as external caterers to ensure F & B is delivered efficiently at functions.
  • Handle administrative work such as preparing claims for purchases and costing for menus.
Requirements:
  • Singapore Citizen
  • Able to prepare Western and Local cuisines.
  • At least 2 years working experience in a similar position
  • Positive attitude, good team player.
Gross Monthly Salary Range: $2,000 to $2,500:
  • Selected candidates will be offered a contract of 1 or 2 years in the first instance.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be notified within 4 weeks after the closing date.
  • For enquiries, please email to: istana_recruitment@istana.gov.sg


Former NS man raises question toward SAF pledge
Photo of Mdm Halimah Yacob's swearing in (ST Photo)

I take strong issue with the part that says, “We will bear true faith and allegiance to the President.”

The reality in Singapore today, very, very unfortunately, is that our President is a controversial President, whether we as a people are honest and courageous enough to admit it or not. I stress, firstly, the President is not a Malay President even though the Elected Presidency (EP) criteria for that election clearly stated that the EP was Reserved for the Malays only.

Next, it was a walked-over and nobody, absolutely nobody cast a vote for her even though that was supposed to be an Elected President. In other words, she was engineered and manoeuvred into the Office of the President of the Republic of Singapore by this People’s Action Party (PAP) government.

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Singapore's 8th and first female President
Inauguration ceremony for President-elect Halimah Yacob

Singapore make history as it inaugurates its first female President on Thursday (Sep 14)

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Gimme Hope Halimah!

Truth or fake???

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Halimah Yacob

Halimah was born on 23 August 1954 at her family home on Queen Street in Singapore, to an Indian father and Malay mother.

Her father was a watchman who died due to a heart attack when she was eight years old, leaving her and four siblings to be brought up by her mother. Her family was in poverty at the time of her father's death, and she helped her mother to sell nasi padang outside the former Singapore Polytechnic (now Bestway Building) along Prince Edward Road.

She attended Singapore Chinese Girls' School and Tanjong Katong Girls' School before graduating from the University of Singapore (now National University of Singapore) in 1978 with a Bachelor of Laws degree and was called to the Singapore Bar in 1981. She subsequently went on to complete a Master of Laws degree at the National University of Singapore in 2001.

Yusof Ishak (Appointed) Term of Office: 9 Aug 1965 - 23 Nov 1970
Benjamin Sheares (Appointed) Term of Office (3 Terms): 2 Jan 1971 - 12 May 1981
Devan Nair (Appointed) Term of Office: 23 Oct 1981 - 28 March 1985
Wee Kim Wee (Appointed) Term of Office: 2 Sep 1985 - 1 Sep 1993
Ong Teng Cheong (Elected) Term of Office: 1 Sept 1993 - 1 Sep 1999
S R Nathan (Elected Unopposed) Term of Office (2 Terms): 1 Sept 1999 - 1 Sep 2011
Tony Tan Keng Yam (Elected) Term of Office: 1 Sep 2011 - 31 Aug 2017
Halimah Yacob (Elected Unopposed) Term of Office: 14 Sep 2017 - 1 Sep 2023
Tharman Shanmugaratnam (Elected) 1 Sep 2023