vibes_31 web.indd - Pasir Ris

contents
04
MINISTERIAL VISIT
07
GRACIOUS LIVING
BEGINS WITH ME!
06
08
HAVE YOURSELF
A MERRY LITTLE
CHRISTMAS
SPIRIT OF GIVING
09 Top of the class (GRC Edusave)
13 Talk of the town
15 Something special for the family
09
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
How quickly time flies! We kickstart this issue by bidding farewell to
2010 and welcoming 2011. To commemorate the New Year and New
Beginnings, we speak to some of our bright young stars from our very
own neighbourhoods and ask them about their ambitions for the future.
Here’s to another fantastic year ahead!
Happy New Year Everyone and Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Best wishes,
K Gaanasagaran I Member, Publicity Committee
THE EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
Adviser
Dr Ahmad Magad
Chairman
Raymond Lye, BBM
Vice-Chairman
Steven Lam, PBM
02 vibes
Members
David Ong Keng Huang
Eileen Lim Gek Kwan, PBM
Eric Ek Gek Soon
Kanapathy Gaanasagaran
Loke Choon Wai
Secretary
Rosita Chow
Editorial Consultant
Design Fusion Pte Ltd
Printer
Print & Print Pte Ltd
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HEART TO HEART
Goodbye 2010,
Hello 2011!
It was a night of mystic and magic at
the carnival-themed Punggol North
Countdown Party. Fire-dancers wowed
the crowd with their daring and dramatic
performances while magicians kept the
crowd captivated with card tricks and
sleights of hand. For the first time ever,
residents were able to greet the New Year
with a spectacular display of fireworks!
WHAT & WHERE: Punggol North Countdown 2011
at open field behind Mee Toh School WHO: MP
- Ms Penny Low WHEN: 31 Dec 2010
For the first time ever,
residents of Punggol
North greeted the new
year with fireworks!
A fist bump with
Ms Low!
Kids, please don’t try
this at home!
Time for some
festive cheer!
Happy New
Year!
Ushering in 2011!
Sleeq impressed
all with their
smooth moves
The Punggol East Year End Countdown Party was a star-studded
affair. Sleeq delighted the crowd with their smooth and soulful
performance while the comedic duo Mark Lee and Henry Thia kept
the audience in stitches all night. The New Year was ushered in with
fireworks and the highlight of the evening was a performance by
Singapore’s very own Usher, Taufik Batisah!
WHAT & WHERE: Punggol East Year End
Countdown Party at Harmony Square
WHO: MP - Mr Michael Palmer WHEN: 31 Dec 2010
Taufik’s charisma sure
got the crowd on their
feet!
Mark and Henry kept the
crowd in stitches
Party people living it up!
vibes 03
HEART TO HEART
Minister and MPs
officiate the opening of
the new PCF Centre
Getting
to know
Minister
Gan
Residents of Punggol South enthusiastically
welcomed Minister of Manpower Mr Gan Kim Yong
on his first visit to Punggol South. Minister Gan
and MPs viewed exhibitions and visited the various
stations for the Ministerial Community Visit such as the
official opening of a PCF centre at Blk 270 Sengkang
Central, the SilverCircle @ Punggol South as well as
the Al-Mawaddah Mosque. His visit was concluded at
Hougang Secondary School where a short dialogue
session took place. He warmly connected with all
residents, both young and old. Welcome to the town
Mr Gan and we hope to see you again soon!
WHAT & WHERE: Ministerial Community Visit WHO: Minister
for Manpower Mr Gan Kim Yong, MPs – Deputy Prime Minister
and Minister for Defence, Teo Chee Hean; Mayor of Northeast
CDC, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of Community
Development, Youth and Sports & Ministry of Transport, Mr Teo
Ser Luck; Mr Charles Chong; Dr Ahmad Magad; Ms Penny Low,;
Mr Michael Palmer WHEN: 7 Nov 2010
Mayor Teo shows the
children the importance
of road safety
A record was set for most number of children
performing using recycled materials
Come sing with us,
Mister Minister!
Say cheese,
everybody!
04 vibes
The Minister learns
how to make ecofriendly soap from
recycled materials
The Minister shakes
hands with residents
Minister and MPs visit a religious discussion at
the Al-Mawaddah Mosque
Minister has a few
tricks up his sleeve!
Mingling with
patrons at a
coffeeshop
Hm...some men just don’t get it...
The Minister and MPs release Koi fish into
the pond at Hougang Secondary School
The visit was concluded with a dialogue session at Hougang Secondary School
vibes 05
HEART TO HEART
Are you dancing
Mayor Teo?
GRACIOUS LIVING
BEGINS WITH ME!
MY TOWN MY HOME was the name of our Pasir Ris - Punggol GRC Town Day this year. Many
residents turned up to celebrate and support our “Gracious Living” theme with performances,
games and fun rides. Families and friends were kept entertained by MediaCorp acts such as Elvin
Ng, Aunty Lucy, Dai Yang Tian and Singapore Idol runner-up Sylvia Ratonel. 32 local cleaners were
rewarded with cash prizes for their exemplary hard work to upkeep our town. Lets us all do our
parts and be proud of our town!
WHAT & WHERE: Treeplanting in front of Blk 261A Sengkang East Road cum Pasir Ris - Punggol GRC Town Day at
Hard Court behind Sengkang CC WHO: MPs - DPM Teo, Mr Teo Ser Luck, Mr Charles Chong, Dr Ahmad Magad, Mr
Michael Palmer WHEN: 12 Dec 2010
Local cleaners are recognized
for their hard work
Watch us go round!
Children
flock to the
game stalls
J C Sum and
Magic Babe
Ning
We are
part of the
Town Day!
Sylvia Ratonel
Elvin Ng
DPM Teo mingles with
residents during Town Day
06 vibes
Ah...Don’t burst the
balloons please!
Vrooom!
Dai Yang Tian
we all want one!
Residents of
all races came
together to
celebrate the
Festival of Light
WELCOMING THE
FESTIVAL OF LIGHT
Eid Mubarak Mufti and Mayor Teo!
SPIRIT OF GIVING
The Korban rites began early in the morning after Aidil Adha
prayers at the Al-Mawaddah Mosque. Mr Teo and residents were
invited to observe the Korban rites and proceedings at the new
mosque. He also distributed the korban meat to needy residents to
commemorate the true spirit of giving.
Residents of all races came together to celebrate the
Festival of Light. The Deepavali Celebration held at Pasir
Ris East CC was the perfect opportunity for residents to find
out more about Deepavali while mingling with their Indian
neighbours. Guests dined on a scrumptious dinner while being
entertained by Indian classical and folk dance performances.
WHAT & WHERE: Pasir Ris East IAEC Deepavali Celebrations at Pasir Ris East
CC WHEN: 4 Dec 2010
WHAT & WHERE: PS Hari Raya Aidil Adha Celebration cum Korban Rites at
Punggol South CCC & Al-Mawaddah Mosque WHO: MP - Mayor Teo Ser Luck
WHEN: 17 Nov 2010
Senior residents play a balancing game
Dancing in the moonlight
Volunteers distribute the korban meat to the needy
vibes 07
HEART TO HEART
Are you dreaming of a
white Christmas?
Make a wish!
Everyone helped make the
event a smashing success!
HAVE YOURSELF
A MERRY LITTLE
CHRISTMAS
Christmas was indeed the season
to be jolly as children gathered at
Pasir Ris Elias CC and kept riveted
with an inexhaustible list of games
and candy. While waiting for Santa
Claus to make a special appearance,
they sang songs with elves and some
of them even walked away with
prizes given away by DPM Teo.
WHAT & WHERE: PASIR RIS WEST
CHILDREN’S X’MAS PARTY 2010 at Pasir Ris
Elias CC WHO: MP – DPM Teo Chee Hean
WHEN: 11 Dec 2010
08 vibes
top of the class
The pride in every parent’s face was eminent at the annual Edusave Scholarship &
Bursary Awards that took place across all divisions across the GRC. Beaming students
came onstage to shake hands with the various MPs and accept their awards for excelling
in the previous academic year. The bursary award serves as a token as well as a further
motivation for students to continue striving for academic excellence in the year ahead.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL EDUSAVE AWARD
RECIPIENTS!
Ms Low signs photos
for award recipients
WHAT & WHERE: Edusave Scholarship & Bursary Awards Presentation at all divisions of GRC WHO: MPs
– DPM Teo Chee Hean; Mr Teo Ser Luck; Mr Charles Chong; Dr Ahmad Magad; Ms Penny Low and Mr
Michael Palmer WHEN: Jan 2011
Students anxiously waiting to
receive their awards
Parents eagerly registering
their children for the awards
vibes 09
COVER STORY
meet the
future
To commemorate the New Year and New Beginnings, VIBES speaks to some bright
and exhuberant stars from our very own neighbourhood and ask them about their
hopes and dreams for the future.
Rachel Man
Britney Lin Higgins
Ali Mourtadha
Ashwini Poobalan
10 vibes
“WHEN I GROW UP, I
WANT TO BE A... VET”
“WHEN I GROW UP,
I WANT TO BE A...
PROFESSIONAL
VIOLINIST”
Ashwini Poobalan, 14,
Punggol Secondary School
Rachel Man, 13,
Tanjong Katong Girls School
What made you decide that you wanted to
be a vet?
I love animals and so many of them are
becoming endangered nowadays. It’s
important for someone to save them.
What made you decide that you wanted to
be a professional violinist?
I’ve been inspired by the likes of Li Jun and
Vanessa Mae who are professional violinists
from Singapore and I have also been taking
lessons since I was primary 4.
Describe your heroes/role models?
My role model would be Li Jun, the
professional violinist from Singapore. I like
her playing especially her expression of the
pieces.
What do you like to do for fun and how do
you balance work and play?
I play around with my father and two siblings,
aged five and two. I also like to read a lot. It’s
very important to manage your time. Learn
how to draw out a plan and stick to it.
What are some of your wishes for this New
Year?
I really hope to get into the string ensemble
and come out in the top 10% of my cohort in
TKGS!
“WHEN I GROW UP,
I WANT TO BE A...
LAWYER”
Britney Lin Higgins, 10,
Parkview Primary School
What made you decide that you wanted
to be a lawyer?
I want to be a lawyer because I want to
bring justice to people.
What do you think you need to do to
achieve your ambition?
I think I will have to study hard so that I
can learn how to become a good lawyer.
It is also very important to help people
whenever I can.
“WHEN I GROW UP,
I WANT TO BE A...
SURGEON”
What do you think you need to do to achieve
your ambition?
I will have to study hard especially in my
science subjects. Hopefully in future, I can go
overseas to get my certificates before I can
start my own practice.
Ali Mourtadha, 11,
Meridien Primary School
What made you decide that you wanted to
be a surgeon?
I like to be able to help people and maybe in
future help my family if they ever need help.
Describe your heroes/role models?
I like Batman! He saves people and helps the
city by fighting the bad guys. He also fights
Catwoman, Penguin, Killer Croc and Riddler!
Describe your heroes/role models?
My role model is my mom. I know it is difficult
for her because she is raising me up as a single
parent and I want her to be proud of me.
What do you like to do for fun and how do
you balance work and play?
I like to play games like Bioshock on my XBox
360. When I go home, my parents allow me to
play my games and do whatever I want. But
after dinner, the TV is switched off and I study
all the way. I also sleep early.
What do you like to do for fun and how do
you balance work and play?
I like to go out with my friends. When I stay
home, I’m usually on the computer. When I’m
in class, I usually concentrate and try to absorb
all the info so that it saves time for me later.
What are some of your wishes for this New
Year?
I hope that I will do well in all my subjects
and get higher than my brother for my PSLE
this year!
What are some of your wishes for this New
Year?
I really want to grow taller! I think I’m very
short for my age! I also want to improve my
netball skills for the upcoming zonals.
Describe your heroes/role models?
My role model is a head prefect in my school
named Javier. He is 12 and always helps other
students who are younger than him and go
to him for help. I think it’s important to be
good and respectful to everyone.
What do you like to do for fun and how do
you balance work and play?
I like to draw and colour in my spare time.
I also like to swim and read books. It’s very
important to finish your homework first. I
won’t play if I haven’t finished my homework.
What are some of your wishes for this New
Year?
I hope my family will be healthy and also to
make my parents proud of me with good
marks in school.
vibes 11
FLIPSIDE
Parenting Tips
What tip would you give to other parents so as to understand their kids better?
“As a single parent, share problems with your child. It has taught her
independence and exposes them to the real world.”
Ms Malathi D/O Periyasamy, 42, Ashwini’s Mother
“Always keep the communication channels open. If I see her looking
troubled, I’ll prompt her for her problems. It’s also important to spend
a lot of time together.”
Mr Daniel Man, 52, Rachel’s Father
“It takes a combination of monitoring them as well as letting them be
free. Don’t be too rigid and make sure that you distinguish clearly the
time to play and the time to study. My family uses dinner time and
prayer time to bond.”
Mr Razman Abdullah, 46, Ali’s Father
“She knows that she can come to us if she has any problems that
need to be solved. We make it a point to spend a lot of time together.
Weekends are usually spent going for breakfast together or going to
the beach.”
Mr Higgins Michael Francis, 57, Britney’s Father
DELIGHTFULLY
DIWALI
Mr Palmer is greeted
with a garland
Mr Michael Palmer commemorated
the festival of lights with residents
at the Punggol East Deepavali
Celebrations 2010. During dinner,
residents were treated to various
Tamil song performances, a hip-hop
dance performance by Mega Geniz
and even got to enjoy a King of Pop
impersonation!
Guests enjoyed
traditional
folk dance
performances
WHAT & WHERE: Punggol East Deepavali
Celebrations 2010 at Blk 135, Rivervale Street,
Multi-Purpose Hall WHO: MP - Mr Michael
Palmer WHEN: 21 Nov 2010
SAMBUTAN
DEEPAVALI
Perayaan Deepavali disambut mesra
oleh Encik Michael Palmer dan para
penduduk di sebuah majlis khas
yang diadakan di dewan serbaguna
di Punggol East. Sambutan yang
istimewa ini di meriahkan lagi dengan
persembahan dan dendangan lagu
dan tarian traditional Tamil yang
sungguh menarik.
12 vibes
Happy Deepavali everyone!
HEART TO HEART
Dr Magad inviting views from
residents on how to better
improve their neighbourhood
Officers gathering
feedback from
residents
SPRUCING IT UP
Response was overwhelming during the
recent Public Consultation of Neighbourhood
Renewal Programme (NRP) & Lift Upgrading
Programme (LUP). Residents were invited
to view the proposed plan and contribute
their views on how to better improve their
neighbourhood. Soon residents in the selected
area can look forward to exciting amenities
including an integrated linear park with fitness
equipment, an upgraded playground, covered
linkways and lifts to every floor. Do look out for
the upcoming NRP polling date!
Residents exercising
their right to vote at
the LUP
WHAT & WHERE: Public Consultation of Neighbourhood
Renewal Programme (NRP) & Lift Upgarding Programme
(LUP) at Blk 109, Pasir Ris St 12 WHO: MP – Dr Ahmad
Magad WHEN: 14 Nov 2010
Ms Penny Low
encourages residents
to share views close
to their hearts
A resident asks a question
The panel shares
their views
TALK OF THE TOWN
On 8 January 2011, Punggol North residents bonded
over issues close to their hearts and homes. Issues like
dog poo, high rise littering – they put their minds together
to brainstorm possible solutions. In the words of Ms Penny
Low, “This workshop, the 2nd series after the 1st dialogue
series, is aimed to be more solutions-focused, right from
the ground. It serves both issues and aspirations of our
residents.” Residents, hear that? Your voice matters.
WHAT & WHERE: Punggol North Town Hall Forum & Punggol North
Town Hall Workshop at various locations in Punggol North division
WHO: MP – Ms Penny Low WHEN: 10 Oct 2010
Announcement l
Spectator’s Gallery cum Multi-Purpose Hardcourt, located at the Open Field along
Punggol East Road, beside Riveria LRT Station will be ready soon.
vibes 13
HEART TO HEART
FUN WITH MIND GAMES
Guests were treated to a
scrumptious feast
As part of an initiative introduced by the People’s
Association, elderly residents took part in an Active Ager
competition aimed at engaging seniors and keeping them
mentally sharp with games such as mahjong, Sudoku, Chinese
chess and contract bridge. Lucky winners got to walk away with
attractive prizes that night!
WHAT & WHERE: Active Mind Games Competition cum Active Ageing
Dinner Celebrations at Sengkang CC WHO: MP – Charles Chong WHEN: 28
Nov 2010
Mr Chong poses with the
staff of Uncle Tony’s
Let the games
begin! Pong!
Age is no barrier when it comes
to helping others
AGE KNOWS NO BARRIERS
Age is no barrier when it comes to helping others as was apparent
during the dinner held by Pasir Ris East CC as a tribute to senior
residents who continue to volunteer while remaining young-atheart. Guests were able to dine on scrumptious food while enjoying
the karaoke sessions, video screenings and awards of appreciation
plaques and awards were even given to active participants who
continue to serve and enrich the lives of others.
WHAT & WHERE: Active Ageing Dinner at Pasir Ris Elias CC WHEN: 21 Nov 2010
Guests watching karaoke
performances while
enjoying their dinner
A tribute to senior residents
who remain young-at-heart
14 vibes
Doing your part for
the environment
Whipping up
something special!
SOMETHING SPECIAL
FOR THE FAMILY?
Grandparents, parents and children had a field day at the
recent 3-generation cooking competition and were able
to play to their hearts content at the booth games. On the
side, those who turned up were also entertained by DJs from SG
Reporter Pte Ltd. As expected, there was a large turnout from
the residents in the area.
WHAT & WHERE: Punggol Grove Residents Day at Punggol Field WHO: MP
– Mr Charles Chong WHEN: 11 Dec 2010
Weighing in...
Mr Chong observing a game
Children overcome their
shyness to sing onstage...
SPARING A THOUGHT FOR
THE ENVIRONMENT
The Veolia Recycling Program is held every month in an effort
to reduce our carbon footprint. Residents who come to exchange
their recyclable items are given groceries in exchange. Several
groups are holding similar programmes across the town. So if you
are interested to contribute your part to the environment, do check
with your CC for more details!
WHAT & WHERE: Veolia Recycling Program at Blk 146, Pasir Ris St 11 WHEN: 2
Jan 2011
... while the audience
cheered them on
The team who made the
Recycling Program possible
vibes 15
MAKAN WITH VIBES
A Sweet Escape
A new ice-cream parlour has just opened
up in Hougang Mall guaranteed to satisfy
all your sweet tooth cravings! The owners of
Enjoy Soft! have opened up the chain with the
sweetest of intentions: To put a fun and fresh
new spin on an age-old concoction while
bringing affordable Japanese ice-cream to
consumers.
What sets Enjoy Soft! apart from other icecream parlours is their usage of soft-serve
ice-cream, served at 2 to 5 deg Celsius which
doesn’t numb your tongue and lets you taste
the ice-cream. The accompanying toppings
also do help to give a variety of textures
that ensure you don’t get an overdose of
sweetness.
refreshing treat to ward off a hot day and the
Straits Chendol which uses red bean paste
with gula Melaka and really captures the
nostalgic essence of the dessert.
Health-conscious patrons needn’t fret because
Enjoy SOFT! uses only low-fat cream and
there’re also a myriad of healthy flavours for
you to choose from such as Sunny Ensemble
and Fruitfull Ensemble which uses only
premium, organic ingredients.
Prices are extremely affordable and range from
$2 to $5. Don’t miss out on the scoop, come
down and indulge your inner child today!
:
Address g Mall B1-K17
an
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st #01-2
town Ea
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The Maldon’s Organic Seasalt Butterscotch
seems to be their newest bestseller. The
sea salt is specially imported from UK and
patrons have been known to come back for
more. Some of our other favourites were also
the Fizzy Cherry Float which is the perfect
WINNERS OF PASIR RIS-PUNGGOL VIBES
”QUIZ ME” CONTEST (ISSUE NO. 30)
1st Prize
2nd Prize
3rd Prize
$70.00
$50.00
$30.00
TANG POH CHOO
CHONG LI PING
MOHAMED SALLEH BIN DIN
CONSOLATIONS
$15.00
$15.00
$15.00
$15.00
$15.00
$15.00
$15.00
$15.00
$15.00
$15.00
$15.00
$15.00
Quiz Me!
?
SALIMAH BTE AHMAD
WONG MAN YUEN
HAILLY SHAH
WANG LIANG SHENG ANDREW
CHONG KIM TIAP
NORLIAH BINTE AB KADIR
CHOI BAO YI
TAN YOKE KOON
HOO TZE KIANG
MUMTAZ BIBI
LEE WEI LENG
LIM BEE CHOO
Enjoy
Soft!
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What is the name of this year’s Pasir Ris - Punggol GRC Town Day?
FOODIES
WANTED!!AHOY
Are you a foodie at heart?
S
Know fantastic dinning places
RESIDENT
that you simply cannot do
with out? Share with us your yummilicious experience
along with one or two photographs (4R size, 300 dpi), and
you may just see your by-line and article published in VIBES!
Send your articles to prpg.vibes@gmail.com. Selected
entries stand to receive a special token from us!
____________________________________________________________
Name:___________________________________________
IC:______________________Contact:_________________
Email:___________________________________________
Address:_________________________________________
Where is the pond that Minister Gan and the MPs released the Koi fish?
Send your entries to:
____________________________________________________________
Name 3 acts who performed at the Punggol East Countdown 2011.
____________________________________________________________
views on the town?
The Editor, Pasir Ris – Punggol Vibes
c/o Pasir Ris – Punggol Town Council
Block 156A Rivervale Crescent #01-01 Singapore 541156
____________________________________________________________
CLOSING DATE: 15 March 2011
What were the 2 events where Punggol North residents shared their