24/04/2024

Pink Moon 2024

Pink Moon appears in S'pore sky on Apr. 24, not pink but still pretty

If you happened to look up at the sky on Apr. 24 night, you might have noticed the moon looking bigger and brighter somehow.

This was April's full moon — the Pink Moon — which, despite it's name, is not pink. Full moons typically get their names from Native American tribes, who charted time based on the moon.

This particular supermoon is named after a pink flower, the ground phlox, which blooms in April, one of the earliest spring blooms native to the eastern United States.


Pink Moon: Full Moon for April 2024

You can see the full Moon in April on Tuesday, April 23. It reaches its brightest point at 7:49 P.M. Learn why we traditionally call it the “Pink Moon” and some fascinating facts and folklore.

Venture outside on Tuesday, April 23, to catch a glimpse of April’s full Pink Moon. This full Moon reaches peak illumination at 7:49 p.m. Eastern Time. For the best view of this lovely spring Moon, find an open area and watch as the Moon rises just above the horizon. At this point, it will appear its biggest and take on a golden hue!

Why Is It Called the Pink Moon? The full Moon names used by The Old Farmer’s Almanac come from various sources, including Native American, Colonial American, and European sources. Traditionally, each full Moon name was applied to the entire lunar month in which it occurred, not only to the full Moon. Although we wish the name “Pink Moon” had to do with the color of the Moon, the reality is not quite as mystical or awe-inspiring. In truth, April’s full Moon often corresponded with the early springtime blooms of a certain wildflower native to eastern North America: Phlox subulata—commonly called creeping phlox or moss phlox—which also went by the name “moss pink.”  Thanks to this seasonal association, this full Moon came to be called the “Pink” Moon!


The next full Moon is the Pink Moon, Sprouting Grass Moon, Egg Moon, Fish Moon, the Pesach or Passover Moon

The next full Moon will be Tuesday evening, April 23, 2024, appearing opposite the Sun (in Earth-based longitude) at 7:49 PM EDT. This will be on Wednesday from the time zones of the UK, Ireland, and Portugal eastward across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia to the International Date Line in the mid-Pacific. The Moon will appear full for about 3 days around this time, from Monday morning to Thursday morning.

The Maine Farmers' Almanac began publishing "Indian" names for full Moons in the 1930s and these names are now widely known and used. According to this almanac, as the full Moon in April the tribes of the northeastern United States called this the Pink Moon, named after the herb moss pink, also known as creeping phlox, moss phlox, or mountain phlox, a plant native to the eastern USA that is one of the earliest widespread flowers of spring. Other names for this Moon include the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and among coastal tribes the Fish Moon, as this was when the shad swam upstream to spawn. This is the Pesach or Passover Moon. In the Hebrew calendar this full Moon is in the middle of Nisan, with Pesach or Passover beginning on the 15th day of Nisan. Pesach or Passover begins at sundown on Monday, April 22, and ends at nightfall on April 30, 2024. The Seder feasts are on the first two evenings of Passover. 

There are a number of variations of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, but for most regions this full Moon corresponds with the Hanuman Jayanti festival, the celebration of the birth of Lord Hanuman. For Buddhists, especially in Sri Lanka, this full Moon is Bak Poya, commemorating when the Buddha visited Sri Lanka and settled a dispute between chiefs, avoiding a war. This full Moon is near the middle of Shawwāl, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar and the middle of the third month of the Chinese year of the Dragon.


2024 Pink Moon: What to expect and why it's not actually pink?

April's Full Moon, commonly known as the “Pink Moon”, coincides with the peak of the Lyrid meteor shower this year, potentially overshadowing the annual display of shooting stars. The Moon will appear full for approximately three days, from Monday to Thursday morning.

The timing of the Full Moon varies depending on one's time zone. In India, the Moon's brightness will reach its maximum on Wednesday, April 24, at 5.18 am (IST), according to Time and Date. Meanwhile, in the eastern United States, it will occur during the evening hours of April 23, at 7.49 pm (Eastern Daylight Time).

The name “Pink Moon” for the Full Moon in April originates from the pink wildflowers that bloom in early spring. This association is mentioned in the Maine Farmers' Almanac, an annual American periodical. Additionally, the April Full Moon is known by various other names, such as the Sprouting Grass Moon, Egg Moon, and Fish Moon among coastal tribes, signifying shad spawning as they swim upstream.


Pink Moon 2024: What is it? And why you might not see what you expect

The pink moon will rise in the sky tonight – but it is not what its name suggests. The moon itself is not pink. While it can sometimes take on an unusual hue – such as pink, red, or orange – the “pink moon” does not refer to such a phenomenon.

Instead, the pink moon is simply the name for April’s full moon. It is the name that comes from The Old Farmer’s Almanac and takes its name from the fact that it would arrive alongside the blooms of the plant known as Phlox subulata. That wildflower, usually known as moss phlox or creeping phlox, comes out in a bright pink. As such, that colour became associated with the Moon. In other cultures, it is also given the names “the sprouting grass moon, the egg moon, and the fish moon”, according to the Royal Museums Greenwich.

The other full moons of the year have their own names – the “worm” comes before the pink, for instance, and the “flower” comes after it. Those names are often described as being traditional, and are taking from the Almanac that often cited colonial or Native American sources, but have become particularly popular recently. The fact that the “pink moon” is really just the Moon means that it is, however, easy to see the Moon. You simply need to step outside and look up. It is often best to see the Moon when it rises above the horizon, since that allows it to appear more dramatic and often larger in comparison with the buildings and trees that might be in front of it.



See The Full ‘Pink Moon’ Bloom Around The World
The full moon, which is known as the 'Pink Moon' during April, sets sets behind The Balmoral Clock

Did you see the full "Pink Moon?" The second full moon of spring 2024 in the northern hemisphere rose last night and was photographed around the globe, appearing in the east in a dramatic blaze of color.

Here is a selection of the best and most impressive images of the full "Pink Moon" from the U.S. as well as France, the U.K. and India. The "Pink Moon" is named not for its own color but for the color of spring flowers that bloom at this time of year. It was best seen at dusk on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. As with all full moons, the "Pink Moon" was visible all night, rising in the east at sunset and setting in the west at sunrise.

The name "Pink Moon" is thought to originate from Native American tribes. Other names include "Sprouting Grass Moon," "Growing Moon," "Fish Moon," "Hare Moon," and "Egg Moon." For a brief period of 15-20 minutes, the "Pink Moon" appeared to be orange. This phenomenon happens because the viewer is seeing it through the thickest layer of Earth's atmosphere.


Pink Moon Mesmerises Stargazers Across The World

A celestial phenomenon captivated the hearts of stargazers worldwide on April 23 – the Pink Moon. From amateur astronomers to seasoned sky watchers, social media buzzed with awe-inspiring images of this celestial marvel. But why is it called the Pink Moon?

According to NASA, the Maine Farmers' Almanac bestowed native American names upon full Moons, offering a glimpse into the cultures of the indigenous tribes. The Pink Moon derives its name from the herb moss pink, also known as creeping phlox. This plant signalled the arrival of spring in the northeastern United States.

The full Moon, NASA says, will be visible for three days from Tuesday morning to Friday morning. So if the weather is perfect, you can watch it for the next couple of nights.


Pink Moon 2024: Its date, folklore and significance

The Pink Moon, also known as the April Full Moon, will take place on Tuesday, April 23 in 2024 around 07:49 EDT or 23: 49 UTC. This is the first full moon that marks the welcome of the beautiful Spring season in April 2023.

Unfortunately, as opposed to what most people think, the Pink Moon is actually just a normal full moon observed in April. It might show a different color depending on the reflection of the sunlight. The name Pink Moon was first used in the Maine Farmer's Almanac, a yearly American Periodical. It published a list of all the Native American names of the moon phases every month. Pink Moon was used to refer to the full moon in April.

Why is it called the Pink Moon? The word 'Pink Moon' comes from the herb pink moss or Phlox Subulata - a wildflower which blooms during the early springtime. These flowers usually grow in the North American region. Thus, the name Pink Moon associates with Springtime.


Pink Moon - The Largest Supermoon of 2020
A super 'pink moon' will light up the Singapore sky

Get your telescopes out – the Singapore sky is about to be streaked with glowy orange hues (perfect for that golden hour selfie) as a full pink moon emerges through the clouds around Wednesday morning at 10.35am. The moon isn't exactly bathed in the rosy shade but its position in the sky gives it a pinkish tint. This marks the third supermoon this year and it's set to be the biggest and brightest one as the perigee – the moon's elliptical orbit – comes closest to the earth, especially during sunrise and sunset.

What makes the moon super? While it doesn't bring any special powers like giving us clear skin, it appears 14% bigger and 30% brighter than the average moon. It also has made appearances in 1955, 1974, 1992 and 2005. While it's hypnotically beautiful to stare at, it has a bad rep amongst the superstitious – it's often associated with natural disasters such as tsunamis and earthquakes.

The full moon will peak during around 10.35am on April 8, while stargazers in the US will experience it in the late hours of Tuesday and Europe in the early hours of Wednesday. The supermoon usually lasts for only 20 minutes, so try your best to not blink an eye as you'll have to wait until the moonset time or until May 7 for the final supermoon.


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23/04/2024

Threatening fake obscene photos in mail

Update 23 Jun 2024: Scammers using deepfake nude images to demand money from victims in Singapore

A few days after John (not his real name) connected with a woman on the dating app OkCupid, he received a message from a friend who said someone had sent him a photo purportedly of John in the nude. John, 21, said he knew it was the woman he met on the dating app in June 2024. Janice had insisted they chat via video call on Telegram. Hours later, she sent him a photo with his face on the naked body of a man.

She threatened to distribute the photo to his friends on various social media platforms unless he agreed to transfer $1,000 to a bank account. John told The Straits Times he never sent her a picture, let alone a nude shot. They had only one video chat. That image turned out to be a deepfake, with scammers using face-swopping artificial intelligence (AI) technology to transpose John’s face on another body.

ST has learnt that at least four men have been targeted by scammers in what has been coined “deepfake sexploitation”. John refused to pay, but others did, with one victim squeezed by the scammers for repeated payments.


12 people investigated for suspected involvement in extortion letters with fake obscene photos
Twelve people are being investigated following a police probe into extortion emails involving manipulated photographs (Photos: Singapore Police Force)

Twelve people are being investigated following a police probe into recent reports of extortion letters containing manipulated obscene photos of the victims. The seven men and five women, aged between 18 and 46, had purportedly provided bank accounts and SIM cards used to commit a series of extortion, police said in a news release on Wednesday (May 1).

They were "allegedly involved in either procuring bank accounts for criminal activities or facilitated or assisted in the unauthorised access of Singpass accounts, or purchased and relinquished local SIM cards which were obtained through illegal means", read the news release. "All of which were alleged to have been facilitating the criminal activities of overseas scam syndicates."

Preliminary investigations revealed that the 12 people had purportedly received or were promised commissions. During the two-week operation, at least S$115,000 (US$84,000) in suspected criminal proceeds, some of which were allegedly linked to other scam cases, were recovered,  police said, adding that an array of electronic devices were also seized. A 23-year-old woman will be charged in court on Thursday for facilitating unauthorised access to computer material under the Computer Misuse Act.


More than 70 people threatened with fake obscene photos in mail: Police
The letters were sent to recipients’ workplaces and warned of “threatening consequences” if they did not contact the e-mail address provided. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: UNSPLASH

More than 70 people received letters of extortion containing manipulated photographs of themselves in lewd poses in March and April. At least one victim, aged 50, lost $20,000 after transferring the sum to the sender, who threatened to “leak” the pictures online. The letters were sent to recipients’ workplaces and warned of “threatening consequences” if they did not contact the e-mail address provided, the police said on April 19. Once victims made contact, the sender would threaten to release the obscene pictures on social media unless victims paid them.

The photographs and workplace addresses of the blackmailed victims were likely obtained from publicly available sources online, the police said. With advancements in artificial intelligence-powered editing tools, manipulated pictures and videos may increasingly be used for extortion, the police added. The police advised that anyone who receives such faked images should remain calm and ignore orders to initiate contact or transfer money and make a police report immediately. The letter should be put in a separate storage bag and passed to the police.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, on Dec 29, warned the public in a Facebook post not to respond to scam videos on investments or giveaways after a deepfake video of him purportedly promoting an investment surfaced. It is not known who was responsible for the campaign. Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, whose appearance has also been used to promote investment scams, alerted the public on Dec 11 of deepfake posts spreading rumours that the authorities were planning a circuit breaker amid a spike in Covid-19 cases. The likeness of Ms Ho Ching – PM Lee’s wife and former Temasek chief executive – was also manipulated by fraudsters in another investment video that surfaced in December.


Vivian Balakrishnan, Tan Wu Meng among MPs who received extortion letters with fake obscene photos
The police say that they have received over 70 reports from victims who were sent extortion letters containing manipulated obscene photos of themselves

Several Members of Parliament (MPs) are among dozens of people who have received extortion letters with manipulated photos. Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, as well as MPs Tan Wu Meng and Edward Chia posted on Facebook on Saturday (Apr 20) saying that they have received such letters and have lodged police reports. Dr Balakrishnan, who is an MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, said in his Facebook post that several other MPs and himself received letters containing a “fake distasteful image accompanied by a threat”.

"This conduct is deplorable and totally contrary to the values and good practices that we are trying to inculcate in our society. We have filed police reports and will take appropriate legal action," he added. 
The police said late Friday night that the letters, which were sent by post to the victims' workplaces, contained pictures of the victims' faces superimposed onto obscene photographs of a man and a woman purportedly in an “intimate and compromising position”. There have been over 70 police reports since March about such extortion letters. The letters warned of "threatening consequences" unless they contact the email address provided. If the victims contact the email address, they would be asked to transfer money to prevent "compromising photographs and videos" of themselves from being leaked and exposed on social media, the police said.

Dr Balakrishnan said: "In this age of deep fakes and scams, we must take a strong collective stand against such conduct." Dr Balakrishnan's fellow MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, Mr Chia, was among those who were targeted by the "distressing letters". "Inside was a distasteful photo where my face was digitally manipulated onto one of the figures, accompanied by an extortion demand," he wrote on Facebook on Saturday. He said that while it is not uncommon for public figures to face extortion scams, the rise of "deepfakes" makes it "harder to discern reality from fiction".



3 S'porean politicians make police report after receiving letters with ‘distasteful’ photos, extortion threats
Vivian Balakrishnan, Tan Wu Meng and Edward Chia addressed the issue on social media

Three Singaporean politicians have made police reports after they received letters with manipulated photos, accompanied by extortion demands. Vivian Balakrishnan, Tan Wu Meng and Edward Chia put up social media posts on Apr. 20 addressing the issue. Vivian, who is the Foreign Minister, wrote: “In this age of deep fakes and scams, we must take a strong collective stand against such conduct.” He also described these acts as “deplorable”, and “totally contrary to the value and good practices that we are trying to inculcate in our society”.

Chia, a Member of Parliament (MP) for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, wrote that a “distasteful photo” sent to him showed his face digitally manipulated onto a figure. He added that the increasing popularity of deepfakes makes it harder to discern reality from fiction, even though it is not uncommon for public figures to face extortion scams. He wrote: “With readily available tools, anyone can create deepfake content within minutes.”.

Tan, an MP for Jurong GRC, said a number of MPs received letters with fake photos and threats and that the police are investigating. Tan said in a video addressing the issue that he did not want to speculate on who and where the perpetrators are located. He also did not want to delve into why such acts are happening now at a “very important time in Singapore’s history”.


50-yr-old in S'pore lost S$20,000 after responding to extortionary mail with fake obscene photos
The victim was one of 70 reports the police have received in relation to exortionary letters between March and April 2024

Between March and April 2024, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) has received more than 70 reports of victims receiving extortionary letters via post. According to an Apr. 19 news release from SPF, such letters contain "manipulated photographs where the publicly sourced pictures of the victims' faces would be superimposed on obscene photographs of a man and a woman purportedly in an intimate and compromising position".

The letters also warned of "threatening consequences" unless the receivers contact the email address provided in the letters. In one of the reports to SPF, a 50-year-old victim lost S$20,000 after responding to the email address and transferring the money to a bank allegedly provided by the other party. The police added that based on current cases, the letters would be sent to the victims' workplaces.

When the victims contact the email address, they would be "threatened to transfer money" so as to prevent compromising photos and videos with their face from being exposed on social media. Based on preliminary investigations, the photographs and workplace addresses, appear to be obtained from publicly available online sources, according to the police. Police investigations are ongoing.


TOP TIPS TO STAYING SAFE ONLINE

It’s no secret that the internet is full of dodgy characters, but being secure online doesn’t mean turning off your computer. Instead, practice mindfulness and review these ten simple online safety tips:
  • Don’t share personal info.
  • Double-check and verify links.
  • Use secure public Wi-Fi.
  • Use a VPN.
  • Only log into sites that start with https://.
  • Be careful who you chat with.
  • Turn off your Bluetooth.
  • Use antivirus software.
  • Use secure passwords.
  • Backup your data.


How does ScamShield work?

The app filters incoming calls and text messages. ScamShield compares an incoming call against a list maintained by the Singapore Police Force to determine if the number has been used for illegal purposes and blocks it.

When you receive an incoming SMS from an unknown contact, ScamShield will determine if the SMS is a scam using an on-device algorithm. For iOS, it filters the messages to a junk SMS folder. For Android, a notification is sent to users to notify them that a scam message has been received.

Scam SMSes will be sent to NCPC and SPF for collation. This keeps the app updated and will help protect others from such scam calls and messages.


How can you act against scams? MHA outlines 3 steps you can take
The ACT acronym in the new campaign tagline outlines how members of the public can Add security features, Check for signs, and Tell the authorities and others about scams

What is ACT? ACT outlines three actions individuals should take to safeguard themselves and the community against scams:
  • Add security features such as ScamShield and two-factor authentication for personal accounts. Also, set up transaction limits for Internet banking, to limit the amount of funds possibly lost in the event of a scam.
  • Check for potential signs of a scam by asking questions, fact-checking requests for personal information and money transfers, and verifying the legitimacy of online listings and reviews. Take the time to pause and check. If it is too good to be true, it is probably untrue, and a scam.
  • Tell the authorities and others about scam encounters by reporting to the bank, ScamShield, or by filing a police report. Tell others about ongoing scams and preventive steps they can take.
There were 14,349 scam cases reported in the first half of 2022, with a total of $346.5 million lost, of which $227.8 million was lost to the top 10 types of scams. Both the number of cases and total amount lost were more than half of the 23,931 cases reported and $633.3 million lost in the whole of 2021. The top 10 scams for the first half of 2022 were:
  • Job
  • Phishing
  • E-commerce
  • Investment
  • Social media impersonation
  • Fake friend call
  • Loan
  • Internet love
  • Credit for sex
  • Fake gambling platforms

The 'Free Wi-Fi' scam
A total of $346.5 million was lost to scams in the first half of 2022. PHOTO: ST FILE

Keying in your personal details to access free Wi-Fi at a cafe might sound harmless, but it could lead to a lifetime of regret.

Fraudsters can get their hands on such information – through hacking or buying it illegally – and claim to be from government agencies to manipulate people into handing over their life savings, said Assistant Professor Kang Hyunjin from Nanyang Technological University (NTU). She said: “Many victims don’t realise they are being cheated as they underestimate the lengths these swindlers will go to steal from them.”

5 common types of scams:
  • E-commerce scam
  • Investment scam
  • Job scam
  • China officials impersonation scam
  • Internet love scam

Top 10 Scams in Singapore
New scam? Man pretends to be hit by car in Serangoon

What a dramatic accident — except that there was no collision involved. A man was caught on camera throwing himself out in front of an oncoming car and then falling onto the ground even though the vehicle did not hit him.

Several readers alerted Stomp to the video that has been circulating online since Wednesday (Sept 28). The incident reportedly occurred along Serangoon North Avenue 5 on Monday evening. In the video, the pedestrian is seen flinging himself onto the road in an exaggerated tumble.

The driver who captured the video, however, had honked and stopped in time while still some distance away from the man. She can be heard saying, "What are you doing?" It is unclear what the man replied but he continued to sit on the road. Many netizens called out the incident for being a "100 per cent insurance scam" and made sarcastic comments about the man's acting.


Protect yourself from fraud & scams
Failing to protect your digital privacy can lead to a host of issues, from identity theft to your accounts being hacked

In the age where every Google search inevitably results in customised ads showing up on your screen, and social media platforms suggest friends of friends to follow, it’s understandable why many people give up on digital privacy. After all, why bother when the Internet already knows so much about you (and all the cat videos you watch)?

In reality, we should all be doing our best to maintain our digital privacy. More than just having your embarrassing social media photos shared in public, a lack of digital privacy can have far-reaching consequences.

For example, password leaks and hacks can lead to your accounts being hijacked. Even if your passwords are safe, your identity may not be: If your full name and IC number are retrieved by a malicious actor, they can be used to apply for credit cards or loans, or even commit fraud at medical institutions. In some cases, the victim might not even be aware that their accounts or information have been compromised until they attempt to log in or are notified by the authorities.


Phishing and other SMS scams
New measures for digital banking are to be rolled out for banks in Singapore, after a recent spate of SMS phishing scams affected at least 469 of OCBC's customers

Banks in Singapore will be removing clickable links in emails or SMS messages sent to retail customers and set the threshold for funds transfer notifications to customers by default at S$100 or lower. These are part of several measures to protect account holders from phishing scams. The changes, announced by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) in a joint statement on Wednesday (Jan 19), will be implemented within the next two weeks.

The new measures came after at least 469 customers were affected by an SMS phishing scam targeting OCBC bank customers, with losses totalling at least S$8.5 million. The fraudsters had sent out fake bank alerts that spoofed the bank's official SMS channel, duping many of them into clicking on web links and giving up their personal account information last month. In the joint statement, MAS and ABS said that these measures will bolster the security of digital banking, given that it will lengthen the time taken for certain online banking transactions and also provide an added layer of security to protect customers’ funds.

Other measures that banks will be putting in place include:
  • Delaying activation of a new soft token on a mobile device by at least 12 hours
  • Sending notification to a customer's existing mobile number or email registered with the bank whenever there is a request to change a customer’s mobile number or email address
  • Introducing a cooling-off period before executing requests to important account changes such as in a customer’s key contact details
  • Having dedicated and well-resourced customer assistance teams to deal with feedback on potential fraud cases on a priority basis
  • More frequent scam education alerts

Investment Scams
Itsy Bitsy Spider on Uncle Cai

财叔投资到身上长满蜘蛛网了😥 Did Uncle Cai invest in spider webs? Why are they all over him?

#金刚媒体 #kingkongmediaproduction MoneySense


What Is Pig-Butchering Scam 杀猪盘
Sha Zhu Pan - The "Pig Butchering" Crypto Scam is GROWING

I want to raise awareness on the Pig-Butchering scam or Sha Zhu Pan in Chinese. So called because victims are patiently worked on every day for 1-3 months before scamming them big time, like fattening up a pig before slaughter. They have extremely well-planned operations and have really been successful in the Chinese-speaking world. Sha Zhu Pan scam has become one of the top Chinese buzzwords in 2019-2020.

Victims are scammed on average $24k, and millions in total have been lost. It's a huge cottage industry that Chinese police has had a hard time stamping out. There are scores of recent news stories, blogs, video clips, and other media online about Sha Zhu Pan victims and scammers. Sadly, almost all are in Chinese. I think the rest of the world has to wise up to this, because now as most Chinese are becoming aware of this Pig-Butchering Scam, the scammers are turning their skills more towards non-Chinese, more so this year.

This first half is somewhat detailed because since everyone is generally aware of romance scams, being vague won't convince someone who is in the thick of it and thinks that his/her online friend is THE exception. Exposing specific details of the Pig-Butchering scam is most convincing to current victims that the "spontaneous" events are actually planned.


Enhancing the Security of Digital Banking

Received a call from 'DBS' from this number 91418609. An automated person telling me that I had made several repeated transactions and to press '1' to hear message again or press '2' to speak to Customer Service.

Do not respond by pressing '1' or '2' coz it is from Hackers which will lead you to their Scam Sites and their Malware will take 'Full Control' over of your Hand Phone and deplete your Bank Account.

Always remember that Banks will not send 'Clickable Links' via your Hand Phones, SMSes, messages or Emails. If you wish to verify with the Bank's Customer Officer, please use the Bank's Official Contact Number or their Online Websites. Banks to remove clickable links in emails, SMS sent to customers as part of new security measures.


Artificial Intelligence Impersonation

Fake advertisements that name Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and use his image to promote crypto scams, among others, have been seen on the Internet recently, Mr Lee said on Facebook on Saturday night.

He said such advertisements, which tend to surface after a major speech or announcement with lots of media coverage, have re-emerged in the past few days.

“If the ad uses my image to sell you a product, or asks you to invest in some scheme, or even uses my voice to tell you to send money, it’s not me,” he added.


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22/04/2024

Earth Day 2024

How a California Disaster Inspired the First Earth Day
A 1969 oil spill off the shore of Santa Barbara helped serve as a catalyst for environmental action

Happy Earth Day.

As you probably know, April 22 is a day set aside for appreciating the environment and demonstrating support for laws that protect it.

The tradition dates back to the first Earth Day in 1970, which led to the passage of landmark environmental legislation in the United States. It was a momentous event that helped create the modern environmental movement — one whose origins can be traced to the shores of California.

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21/04/2024

The Trishaw: Singapore Iconic Heritage

From their heyday in the 1940s to their demise: The end of trishaws in Singapore

Decades ago, trishaws used to be one of the most popular modes of public transport in Singapore, but today, they no longer ply the streets.

On Tuesday (Apr 9), the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) confirmed with CNA that no trishaw service is operating in the country after the contract of the last operator ended and was not renewed.

From taking people through crowded inner-city streets in the 1940s to becoming a tourist attraction and their eventual demise, CNA journeys through the history of trishaws in Singapore:
  • 1914 – 1943: FROM RICKSHAWS TO TRISHAWS
  • 1940s: POST-WAR BOOM
  • 1950s – 1970s: DECLINE AS PUBLIC TRANSPORT
  • 1970s – 2023: LAST RIDE


No more trishaw rides in Singapore after last licensed operator ceased tours mid-2023
Trishaw Uncle provided trishaw tours around popular tourist destinations in Singapore. (Foto: Trishaw Uncle)

Trishaws have stopped plying the streets of Singapore since June 2023, after the contract of the country's last trishaw operator ended and was not renewed.

The operator, Trishaw Uncle, had run trishaw tours from Albert Mall Trishaw Park on Queen Street since 2010. Trishaw Uncle executive Tieu Xin Yue told CNA that the company had obtained its licence to operate through a contract with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). "Prior to the end of our contract term, which (was) last May, we were told that we will have to return the site for other uses," Ms Tieu said on Tuesday (Apr 9).

Trishaw Uncle was the last remaining licensed trishaw operator at the time its contract expired end-May 2023, she added. STB's director of travel agents and tourist guides Annie Chang confirmed that the site of Trishaw Park at Queen Street was "returned to the relevant agencies for their review on usage of the site". "There are currently no other trishaw services operating in Singapore," she added.



Twilight of the trishaws in Singapore
TRISHAW UNCLE: Mr Liew Chong Fah has been a trishaw rider for 15 years.TNP FOYO: GARY GOH

Once a common mode of transport, trishaws are now a tourist novelty. The three-wheeled vehicles were one of Singapore's earliest mode of public transport. Trishaws ferried housewives to the market, children to schools and couples on dates, charging 20 to 50 cents a ride.

Today, they have evolved to offer novelty rides to tourists, taking them through the small street lanes in Bugis, Little India and by the Singapore River. Operator Trishaw Uncle charges $39 for a 30-minute ride through Bugis and Little India. The supervisor at Trishaw Uncle, Mr Sim, tells The New Paper on Sunday that when it started four years ago, Trishaw Uncle had only 50 trishaws. The fleet has since doubled, and he says it is not going out of business any time soon.

"Business got better over the years. With the standardisation of trishaw riding, everything is regulated, such as licensing, rules to follow and a standard attire - everything is now more reliable." Trishaw Uncle is the only remaining "licenced" trishaw operator here, with the competition dying out over the years though there are a few scattered freelance riders such as those who pick up tourists outside Raffles Hotel. A trishaw rider can earn about $1,200 a month, Mr Sim says.


Trishaw Ride Through History in Singapore

The trishaw was a common means of transport back in the olden days in Singapore. The three-wheeled vehicle existed in its earlier form as the "rickshaw puller" in China and was manually pulled by a rider in front of a seat attached to two big wheels. The trishaw made its debut in Singapore in the 1940s and although we do not see many trishaws on the roads now, it remains a strong icon of our rich cultural history.

Trishaw riders began initially as rickshaw pullers. With the evolution of rickshaws to the three-wheeled trishaws, many became trishaw riders often using the vehicle as their own home or for hawking food. Trishaw riders were primarily Chinese immigrants who had worked as coolies or rickshaw pullers. Many trishaw riders can converse fairly fluently in different dialects as well as a little English. Most of these rickshaw pullers came to Singapore around the period of World War II, with the bulk arriving during the late 1930s. Most of those who took on the job had little skills and needed to earn a living fast. Many modified their trishaws so that it often served as a roving hawker stall as well.

Today's trishaw riders serve mainly tourists and a large proportion of the tourist rides are driven through the historical sites of Singapore, the blaring music of radios boxed into the trishaws' seats and their brightly coloured lights announcing their presence. Pick up point is at Albert Centre Market and Food Centre, off Rochor Road and these tours cost about S$15 per person. Singapore's skylines are getting higher and higher, and buildings and technology are transforming this island into one of the top holiday destinations in Asia. While the modern aspect of Singapore is gaining popularity year-on-year, it's the less modern areas of Singapore that travellers are starting to forget. People tend to forget that as much as Singapore is the epitome of Asian development, it is also rich in cultural diversity and the best way to go about experiencing that is through a trishaw ride.


A trishaw in Chinatown

The first trishaws were officially registered in Singapore in 1914 although they were advertised in the papers as early as 1886 in the form of the Upton Park tricycle. These early trishaws were essentially modified rickshaws attached to a bicycle and as such were known as ‘pedal rickshaws’ or ‘pedicabs’ when they were first introduced.

It was not until the 1920s that trishaws became more widespread on the island when a new wave of Chinese immigrants turned to trishaw peddling as an occupation. Although less manoeuvrable than the hand-drawn rickshaw, the trishaw proved popular in Singapore and the region due to its greater speed. The use of trishaws grew even more dramatically during and immediately after the Japanese Occupation when petrol for motor vehicles was scarce. They have since become a rare sight on Singapore’s busy roads and are now mainly chartered by tourists looking to experience the Singapore of yesteryear. The historic district of Chinatown grew from the Chinese settlement known as the ‘Chinese Campong’ designated by Sir Stamford Raffles in his 1822 Town Plan for Singapore. Located on the southwestern bank of the Singapore River, the settlement initially covered an area of one square mile and was separated into zones each occupied by a particular Chinese dialect group.

Major development of the district began in the 1840s following the granting of more land leases to build shophouses, and by the turn of the century, overcrowding and congestion were commonplace in the area. Starting from the mid 1960s, many of Chinatown’s residents were moved to new housing estates as part of the government’s urban renewal and resettlement schemes. Major upgrading works on the shophouses in Chinatown were carried out in the 1980s and many of the street hawkers in the area were moved to the Kreta Ayer Complex. In 2002, the Singapore Tourism Board opened the Chinatown Heritage Centre along Pagoda Street to showcase the area’s long history.


Trishaw

The trishaw was a popular mode of transportation in Singapore in the mid-20th century. Trishaws first surfaced in Singapore in April 1914 as “pedal rickshaws” which had chairs bolstered to tricycle frames.

The use of trishaws grew in the 1940s, especially in the years after the Japanese Occupation when petrol for motor vehicles was scarce, along with the abolishment of the rickshaw by colonial authorities in 1947. The trishaw industry declined from the mid-1950s with the introduction of multiple government regulations and increasing number of motor vehicles such as private taxis.

Other factors such as the government’s urban renewal program contributed to the decline of trishaws as people were resettled from Central Areas of the city to urban neighbourhoods. They have since become a rare sight on Singapore’s busy roads and are now mainly chartered by tourists who seek to experience old Singapore.


Trishaw

A trishaw (also known as a cycle-rickshaw or pedicab) is a bicycle with a sidecar, powered entirely by the cyclist. The trishaw was a popular mode of public transportation in the immediate years following the end of the Japanese Occupation (1942 to 1945) in Singapore but started to suffer a decline in popularity from the mid-1950s onwards. By the late 1970s, trishaw riders were regarded as a dying breed with most of them primarily involved in the tourism trade.

The trishaw evolved from the rickshaw (known in Japanese as jinrikisha, or “man-powered carriage”), which is pulled by a man. Trishaws first surfaced in Singapore in April 1914 as “pedal rickshaws”, which had chairs bolted to tricycle frames. The initial batch of 15 trishaws, with unknown origins, were said to be crudely constructed, and did not last long on the streets of Singapore. An American company’s request to import 500 trishaws later that year was rejected by the British colonial authorities due to considerations for road safety.

Trishaws were reintroduced to Singapore during the Japanese Occupation. According to a Syonan Times article published on 8 August 1942, the first batch of 10 trishaws (referred to as “ricksha-cycles” in the report) started plying the streets on 7 August 1943 with an official fare rate of 15 cents per mile. The Syonan Tricycle Co. rented out each trishaw at 80 cents per day. Trishaws in Singapore during the postwar era were made of locally available materials and parts, which mainly consisted of wood and standard bicycle frames. While initially appearing in various shapes and sizes, the dimensions of the trishaw were later standardised by the Municipal Commission, first in 1946 and then again in 1948. By the 1950s, the average cost of a brand new trishaw was between $500 and $600, although prices varied among the different bicycle manufacturers.


Cycle Rickshaw
A trishaw and rider at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore

The cycle rickshaw is a small-scale local means of transport. It is a type of hatchback tricycle designed to carry passengers on a for-hire basis. It is also known by a variety of other names such as bike taxi, velotaxi, pedicab, bikecab, cyclo, beca, becak, trisikad, sikad, tricycle taxi, trishaw, or hatchback bike. While the rickshaw is pulled by a person on foot, the cycle rickshaw is human-powered by pedaling. By contrast, the auto rickshaw is motorized.

The first cycle rickshaws were built in the 1880s and were first used widely in 1929 in Singapore. Six years later, they outnumbered pulled rickshaws there. By 1950, cycle rickshaws were found in every south and east Asian country. By the late 1980s, there were an estimated 4 million cycle rickshaws worldwide. The vehicle is generally pedal-driven by a driver, though some are equipped with an electric motor to assist the driver. The vehicle is usually a tricycle, though some quadracycle models exist, and some bicycles with trailers are configured as cycle rickshaws. Some cycle rickshaws have gas or electric motors.

The configuration of driver and passenger seats varies. Generally the driver sits in front of the passengers to pedal the rickshaw. There are some designs, though, where the cyclist driver sits behind the passengers. In many Asian countries, like Bangladesh, India, and China, the passenger seat is located behind the driver, while in Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam the cyclist driver sits behind the passenger. In the Philippines, the passenger seats are usually located beside the driver in a side car. Similar to this, passengers sit alongside the driver in both trishaw, in Singapore, and the sai kaa, in Burma.


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