Air India crash: What happened in the lead up to the disaster?
Air India crash: What happened in the lead up to the disaster?
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CNA
2 hours ago
- CNA
MOE not investigating SJI International for student's death during Maldives school trip
SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Education (MOE) said on Tuesday (Jul 15) it will not be investigating the management of St Joseph's Institution International (SJII) for the death of a student during a school trip to the Maldives in November 2024. The student, 15-year-old Singaporean Jenna Chan, died during a National Youth Achievement Award overseas expedition in the Maldives, Dr Michael Johnston, the school's CEO, previously told CNA. In response to CNA queries, MOE said it has been "closely engaging" the school's board of governors, which oversees its operations and policies, and that it understands the school has safety processes in place for overseas trips. These safety processes were adhered to for the Maldives trip, said MOE, and as such, the ministry will not be investigating the school's management. "We also understand that the Board has convened a board-led review into the incident, which includes a review of SJII's safety processes. We have encouraged the parents and SJII to work together to find out the cause of the incident." MOE added that privately funded schools (PFSs) - schools catering to international students and local students who prefer an alternative schooling option - such as SJII are "outside the mainstream school system and have autonomy over their operations, policies and governance". As such, the school's activities are mostly not under MOE's purview. "To support the safety and well-being of Singaporean students in PFSs, MOE conducts regular exchanges with PFSs to share best practices, including on overseas trips planning considerations and safety measures which they can incorporate into their policies and processes, taking into consideration their specific circumstances and activities," said MOE. "We will continue to work with SJII to support the family during this difficult period." MOE also said that the Singapore government has been in contact with the student's family since the incident and is "providing support where possible, within the ambit of our laws and regulations". It added that while Singapore authorities do not have legal jurisdiction to investigate incidents that happen outside the country, the Singapore Police Force has been assisting the Maldivian authorities, who have primary responsibility and jurisdiction over the case.
Independent Singapore
3 hours ago
- Independent Singapore
'In Singapore, everything works, so why does it sometimes feel like something's missing?'
SINGAPORE: The city-state is often admired by people all over the world. The country is known for its extraordinary accomplishments: top-notch infrastructure, effective governance, low crime rates, and a solid rule of law. For most people, it's an archetype of a well-managed society, but sometimes, people would wonder: What's the trade-off? This reflective question was posed by a Reddit user who has lived in Singapore and found much to respect about it, yet there is something he found unsettling. 'Everything works, but somehow it feels like life happens within boundaries — not just legal ones, but social, emotional, creative ones too… Even art and culture sometimes seemed like they were performed more than lived.' He wasn't criticising Singapore, he stressed, but simply asking: Do locals ever feel a kind of emotional or creative flatness? Or is this just how it appears to outsiders? The responses were swift and meaningful. One commenter remarked, 'It's a common expat feeling, especially if you come from non-East Asian countries.' Another user saw it differently. 'Boring is good. I like boring. That means I have the time, space, and freedom to create my own excitement.' Also, there lies the inconsistency. What one individual thinks of as flat or excessively curated, another one sees it as a valuable gift — harmony, stability, and the choice to exist without anxiety. One local clarified how his non-local spouse, while at first feeling similar emotional distance, but the longer they stayed, the spouse came to profoundly appreciate everything that Singapore has to offer. 'Safety and security breed a certain culture and mindset, and not necessarily a bad one,' they wrote. 'The spontaneity you're talking about… often comes from more chaotic and unstructured environments. It's a double-edged sword.' In societies where tomorrow is undefined, people may create intense, more evocative social bonds as an endurance mechanism. There's something beautiful in that, but there's also defenselessness, risk, and tension. By contrast, Singapore allows its residents to live without the continuous dread of unpredictability. Another commenter further expressed a bigger outlook: 'Singapore creates an environment where all the fundamental aspects of life are well taken care of. The residents are then given the liberty to pursue the life they want, as long as they do not disrupt the order of society.' It's a delicate sense of balance — order as opposed to impulsiveness, safety against creative autonomy. One user referred to a YouTube video where a vacationer made comparisons about living in seven global cities. According to this netizen, every place has its pros and cons: the U.S. has freedom, but safety is a problem; Europe offers quality of life, but there is limited convenience; India is affordable but messy; Australia is safe but comes with very high taxes. Eventually, she opted for Singapore, not for being the best in any single category, but for doing well in all categories. After a while, the conversation highlighted a profound reality — every city is moulded by its exceptional past, distinct policies, unique culture, and priorities. Singapore isn't just 'any other city.' It is what it is — a deliberate design built on certainty, discipline, and distinction. For many, that might feel emotionally subdued. For others, it's precisely what makes the city feel like home. See also Three Singapore books to be made into TV series And maybe, just maybe, what feels like 'missing' is merely something different — a softer kind of contentment.
Independent Singapore
3 hours ago
- Independent Singapore
Employee learns confirmation letter has been unsigned for 5 months, turns to local forum for help
SINGAPORE: An employee was taken aback upon learning that her confirmation letter had not been signed for five months. On Monday (Jul 15), the employee took to the r/askSingapore Reddit forum to seek advice from others in the workforce. In the post, she explained that she was verbally confirmed by HR after completing three months in her current role. Following that, HR printed a formal confirmation letter and passed it to her manager for signing. However, according to the employee, the manager has yet to sign the document. 'I've personally seen the printed, unsigned letter lying on my manager's table for a couple of months,' she wrote. She further shared that the confirmation letter does not include any pay increase or additional benefits. It simply states that the company is happy to confirm her employment status. Not knowing whether the lack of a signature would affect her position or entitlements, she asked Reddit users, 'Does a confirmation letter matter?' 'Be a bit thick-skinned and ask for your manager to sign it.' In the discussion thread, one Singaporean Redditor pointed out that the unsigned letter might actually have some serious implications. 'It matters for company benefits and notice period. Without that confirmation, you can't be sick because MC won't be a paid leave, or annual leave won't be paid, etc.,' they said. Some Redditors also criticised the manager for letting the letter sit unsigned for so long One wrote, 'Doesn't this show how irresponsible your manager is? Fives months is damn long??? It's as if he doesn't care.' Meanwhile, a few others encouraged the employee to speak up and ask the manager to sign the letter. 'For your own sake, be a bit thick-skinned and ask for your manager to sign it. It's not unreasonable to get a black-and-white proof of your confirmation as a full-time employee. For the notice period or for any other benefits or entitlements that were specified in your contract,' one explained. 'HR wouldn't confirm you unless it has been given approval by your supervisor. Maybe your supervisor thought it was a copy of the letter for him. Doesn't hurt to ask nevertheless,' another chimed in. Are confirmation letters legally required? According to Bestar Singapore, employment confirmation letters are not legally required. Employers in Singapore are not obligated by law to issue them. However, it remains a common practice and is often part of the standard HR process. While not mandatory, such letters are useful for various purposes. They serve as official proof of employment and may be needed when applying for visas, renting a property, applying for loans or credit cards, or for other official needs. Read also: Newer helpers complain a lot more these days, says maid agency owner Featured image by freepik (for illustration purposes only)
