Latest news with #AsiaOne
AsiaOne
12 hours ago
- Health
- AsiaOne
'It was a calling': Teen who grew up with special needs brother hopes to help others like him, Singapore News
Isabelle Lee had a childhood unlike most of her peers. The aspiring speech therapist grew up looking after her younger brother, Emmanuel, who has special needs, becoming the "quiet and dependable child" she believed her family needed at the time. Speaking to AsiaOne on Thursday (June 26), the 19-year-old described her childhood as "a blend of warmth and complexity". "I grew up in a very loving home, but I also felt that I had to grow up faster than most children my age," she said. Isabelle explained that she felt she had to take on more responsibilities than her peers, such as making sure he completed his homework, ate and drank properly, played safely and felt accompanied. "I had to learn how to manage my own emotions at a young age, be helpful and be good," said the teen. By harnessing her experience as a "glass child", a term which refers to siblings of children with special needs, Isabelle is determined to help others like Emmanuel and herself. She has enrolled for a four-year course in speech and language therapy at the Singapore Institute of Technology starting in September. When asked why she chose to pursue speech therapy over other healthcare or special education-related paths, Isabelle said that the job stood out to her because of the part it played in her and her brother's life. "It touches something very fundamental: the ability to be heard, to be connected and to be understood. For my family, it meant healing and hope. But for me, it was a calling," she said. "It (isn't) just about therapy, but about rebuilding relationships, restoring dignity, and helping every child unlock a potential (only) words can. "I wanted alongside children and families through those hard, beautiful steps towards communication and human connection." She explained that a lot of her family's care, attention and energy was spent on her brother. "His therapy appointments and hospital visits were the centre of my family's life," she said, adding that she sometimes felt unseen, not because anyone meant to ignore her but because "everyone was already doing their best in a very demanding situation". Despite the challenges she faced as a child, Isabelle said that caring for her brother has shaped her in "meaningful and lasting ways". Her experiences taught her patience and empathy, making her attentive to the "silent struggles" others might carry, as well as quiet strength and independence. 'Silence filled the space between us' Emmanuel, 15, was diagnosed with Global Developmental Delay (GDD) and Apraxia at the age of 2. GDD is a condition where a child under five years old experiences significant delays in achieving milestones in developmental areas such as motor skills as well as speech and language, among others. Apraxia is a disorder of the brain and nervous system in which a person is unable to perform tasks or movements like chewing or speaking when asked. These conditions made communication a constant challenge for Isabelle and her family. "I felt helpless when I wasn't able to understand what my brother wanted and I could (feel) his frustration he wasn't able to express his needs," she said "That silence filled the space between us." However, Isabelle also vividly remembers Emmanuel's breakthroughs — like when he said his first word at four years old. "Behind every one of these milestones was a speech therapist who believed in him," she said. Inspired by this journey, Isabelle's mother Janice Tay left her corporate job to start Bridging the Gap — an early intervention centre for children with special needs. "Seeing her vision and sacrifice to create a more inclusive society for children really inspired me to do the same," Isabelle explained. Job shadowing solidified her commitment As she got older, Isabelle got the opportunity to shadow speech therapists at private centres like Bridging the Gap, special education schools and hospitals, which made her even more determined to pursue it as a career. Recalling her time shadowing a speech therapist at Bridging the Gap, the teen spoke about a boy she met who was having issues learning prepositions. While he initially struggled to remember a list of words like front, behind and above, the boy showed improvement over time and one day managed to list the words taught to him correctly. "I saw the smile on the therapist face, but what was (more) heartwarming to me was the joy in the child's eyes... a face of pride, as though (he) had done something meaningful," said Isabelle. "This moment was very important to me because it reminded me that progress in speech therapy isn't always immediate, but is incredibly rewarding." "It was a quiet but powerful affirmation to me that this was the work that I wanted to do — to help each child celebrate their achievements and find joy while helping them find their voice." Every person deserves to be heard When asked what she hopes to achieve in the future, Isabelle said that she wishes to educate and empower those with communication difficulties as well as their families. She also plans to advocate for them in educational settings and amplify their personal stories to improve awareness. "At the heart of it, I want society to move from 'what is wrong with you' to 'how can I understand and connect with you better' because I believe that every person — regardless of the way they communicate — deserves the right and recognition to be heard." [[nid:718460]]
AsiaOne
a day ago
- Automotive
- AsiaOne
Retro throwback: Porsche 911 Spirit 70 and 911 Turbo 50 Years are now in Singapore, Lifestyle News
Porsche has unveiled two special limited editions of its iconic 911 sports car at an event held at the Porsche Studio Singapore on June 26, with both models evoking the 911's storied heritage and marking a throwback to the glamourous 1970s. The first of these is the Porsche 911 Spirit 70, which is inspired by the era of glitzy disco and flashy individuality, and is part of the brand's Heritage Design series of classic-inspired modern 911 models. Limited to just 1,500 units worldwide, of which just two have been allocated to Singapore, the 911 Spirit 70 is based on the 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet, which features the brand's first-ever hybrid powertrain. The engine is a newly-developed 3.6-litre unit, and, with hybrid assistance, produces a total output of 534hp and 610Nm of torque. The car comes in a unique Olive Neo paintwork that's specific to the Spirit 70, and the lower parts of the car, along with the classic style wheels, are finished in a grey-gold Bronzite colour. There are also distinctive black stripes and decals across the car that are further reminders of the style of the 70s, and these are complemented by the car's badging that are plated in gold. Inside, the 911 Spirit 70 gets a special 'Pasha' upholstery pattern that is meant to represent a moving chequered flag, and is available in either black or the car's Olive Neo body colour. The retro effect is further matched by the dials in the driver's instrument cluster, which feature a green/white colour scheme that is reminiscent of the style of that era. The other model that was unveiled was the Porsche 911 Turbo 50 Years, which celebrates 50 years of the original Porsche 911 Turbo. The car is limited to just 1,974 units worldwide, in a nod to the first 911 Turbo's debut in 1974, and only one unit has been made available for Singapore. That unit is finished in an Aventurine Green Metallic paintwork, and comes with unique Sport Classic wheels in Brilliant Silver and White. The interior upholstery also features a classic tartan design that is reminiscent of the iconic 'Mackenzie' pattern of the original car. The marque lists the price of the Porsche 911 Spirit 70 at $1,095,188, and the Porsche 911 Turbo 50 Years at $1,377,058, both without COE, and interested buyers may make an appointment to view them at the Porsche Studio Singapore. However, given their limited edition status, both cars are likely hot property and are expected to be snapped up quickly. [[nid:714668]] No part of this article can be reproduced without permission from AsiaOne.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Jet Li on gaining fame: 'I became a bit of a recluse'
HONG KONG: Martial arts action hero Jet Li recently revealed that achieving fame early in life led him to lose himself, resulting in an unwillingness to visit crowded places or interact with people. In a recent report by AsiaOne, Li, 62, stated, "I think I may be a bit of a recluse." Li, who made his show business debut in 1982 and became a Singaporean citizen in 2009, added that after gaining popularity, he was frequently approached by fans for autographs. "I realised I had lost myself. I couldn't even eat a meal outside because everyone would crowd around me to have a chat. If I didn't smile, they would say I wasn't courteous." Featured Videos Li further explained, "I realised that I couldn't satisfy everyone. When I saw others unhappy, I felt a sense of fear and worry. I became unwilling to interact with others, attend gatherings, or go to crowded places." He once felt he should have been an athlete rather than an actor, as he would only have had to focus on his performance. "Because of this, I wasn't willing to do media interviews or go to crowded places, other than for filming," Li said. He also shared that to overcome his reclusive tendencies, he turned to charity work. One Foundation is a charity Li founded in 2007, which focuses on disaster relief, children's welfare, and funding grassroots charities. "Doing charity work isn't about me wanting to gain something from it. I was thinking about what I should do for society, so I had to go and communicate with people and encourage them to donate. "Sometimes I think, when I'm helping others, I'm also helping myself to become someone who is more open to communicating with others," he said.
AsiaOne
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
'I don't know how to enjoy quiet moments': Iman Fandi looks back on life and career, Entertainment News
Iman Fandi's career started at 14 when she began modelling. Now she's 25 years old, and in an interview with AsiaOne on June 25, she said she has gotten used to "always working". "When I do have quiet moments, I realise I don't know how to enjoy it. And also, in the kind of industry that I'm in, sometimes there's no stability in what's next, and I think that is something I always worry about," explained Iman, who kicked off her music career with the single Timeframe in 2021. She has a "quarter-life crisis" twice a year but feels it's normal: "Honestly, I also feel that it makes you more aware of your surroundings and what you need to do next. "When I look back at it, I'm like, 'Oh my gosh, Iman. You're fine. Now relax.'" Now, she's working on herself: Her growth as an individual and learning how to be an independent artiste. When asked what interested her in music, she told us she has been surrounded by it her whole life. "I used to be a dancer as well. My family in South Africa, every time we have, like, barbecues, someone is playing music and dancing around. So, I think just having that atmosphere around me made me want to go into entertainment and music," she added. "I listen to music a lot as well, so I just thought, why not just create something of my own and tell my own story?" Iman's South African heritage comes from her mother, model Wendy Jacobs, who married local retired football player Fandi Ahmad in 1996. The couple have five children, with Iman the only daughter. In February this year, she released her first Malay song Hari Raya Raya Raya, which was recorded together with her parents and brothers. [embed] 'A place that holds a lot of meaning' Besides music, Iman also recently took part in a few short-form video series for Kakee, a local entertainment and lifestyle app. In an episode of See You There — where local personalities introduce a location or landmark in Singapore that holds special significance to them — she takes host Irene Ang to her alma mater, the Singapore Sports School. "I was able to just tell her (Irene) about how I grew up, memories that I created, and a lot about my past and me growing up during that period of time. It's a place that holds a lot of meaning to me," the former sprinter recalled, adding that the trip brought back memories she had forgotten about. We asked which year she would travel back to if given the chance. "I'd go back to the time when my dad was still playing football, because I'd love to know how the atmosphere in the stadiums were like… I think so many people of his generation still talk about it now," she said with a fond smile. "Sometimes when I'm hanging out with my dad, there are people who come up and talk about it. To hear about it is so different to seeing it, so I wish I could understand what that felt like back then." She cheekily added: "Also, of course, just to see my dad play and see if he's really good or not." 'Ask me in 10 years' With so much working experience at a young age, we asked Iman how she copes with the periods of uncertainty. For her, she leaves it to time and doing things she enjoys. "Maybe working on an art piece or just taking things slow. Do it day by day. Don't rush, because the more you put pressure on yourself — or at least for me — the more anxious and pressure you feel on yourself," she advised. "Talking to friends, meeting people who make you feel supported and maybe even understand where you are, and getting advice is something that I also do." What makes her happy now? "Travelling. I'm looking forward to my next round of travels, but also what makes me happy now, I think, is finding peace," she said. "I'm still in the middle of finding where my happiness or peace is, because happiness fluctuates, but peace will be a little bit more stable. So, I'm trying to find more of that." She's slowly getting there, she added. "I mean, it comes with age and time, right? So maybe you can ask me in, like, 10 years, and we'll see." Iman's episode on Behind the Song is streaming on the Kakee app, while her appearance in See You There releases June 30. In celebration of Kakee's launch, a four-day public event will run from June 26 to 29 at Plaza Singapura's Outdoor Square. Admission is free and visitors can immerse themselves in interactive zones, enjoy exciting games and giveaways. [[nid:719487]] syarifahsn@ No part of this article can be reproduced without permission from AsiaOne.
AsiaOne
2 days ago
- Health
- AsiaOne
'I avoided food courts': Mum hopeful that new study on kids' food allergies will create greater awareness , Singapore News
You are spoilt for choice when you visit food courts. But for 10-year-old Corey Yong it was different — it was impossible for him to eat there due to his egg allergy. It was so severe that the mere presence of egg proteins in the surrounding environment would trigger symptoms like hives and swelling, meaning that he could not even walk past food courts or restaurants that cooked eggs. Corey was diagnosed with allergies to eggs, dairy, peanuts and dust mites when he was just six months old, after an allergist recommended taking a skin prick test. His mother, Amanda Chan, recounted the "traumatic" period prior to the skin prick test, where he was stuck in a "vicious cycle" of flaring up and being given antihistamines as paediatricians were unable to pinpoint the cause of his symptoms. "It was invisible and we didn't know what was happening," the 45-year-old mother told AsiaOne, adding that she felt guilty for not being able to protect her son from such reactions. Corey's case is among the increasing number of paediatric food allergy cases according to National University Hospital (NUH) and KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), with the number of day therapy sessions performed in children rising by 60 per cent in just two years. Common allergens in younger children include eggs, milk, and peanuts, while shellfish allergies are more common in adolescents and young adults, said NUH and KKH. To address this issue, the Singapore Food Allergy Study, a two-phase project spanning over four years, will determine the prevalence and impact of food allergies in Singaporean children. Led by clinicians and researchers from NUH and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine), the study will involve over 2,000 children and is the first study to evaluate the social and economic impacts of food allergies — in addition to the health impacts such as nutrition and growth. The first phase began in February, with caregivers of children aged 12 to 24 months surveyed regarding possible allergic reactions to food. At a media event on Thursday (June 26), Associate Professor Elizabeth Tham, Lead Principal Investigator, shared that there have been 549 participants in the first phase, as of mid-June. From the current pool of participants, 79 children were found to have food allergies. The second phase, beginning in July, aims to study around 400 children aged 18 and under, with diagnosed allergies to milk, egg, peanut and shellfish for a minimum of six months. "Our goal is to create a safer environment for children with food allergies, enabling them to reach their fullest potential at school and work. Additionally, we aim to improve mental health and overall well-being, especially for older children and adolescents," said Assoc Prof Tham. 'Early years were really isolating' Because of Corey's severe food allergies, mealtimes became a major stressor for Amanda and her family. They cut down on eating out for fear of causing an allergic reaction in Corey. His 12-year-old brother is allergy-free. "The early years were really isolating," Chan, a stay-at-home mother said, adding that family dinners had to be "smaller and less frequent". They "adhered to a strict avoidance of environments that could risk him having a reaction", such as indoor restaurants and air-conditioned places where the air was recirculated. Going out with family and friends became "incredibly tough" and involved "a very tedious process of researching, calling the restaurants... talking to chefs, if they were willing to talk to me to make sure that they were able to make him foods that were safe for him". In some cases, restaurant staff even told her to "eat at (your) own risk". 'Any sort of desensitisation is better than zero' Chan and her family have adjusted their eating and living habits accordingly to ensure that Corey's allergies are manageable. After his diagnosis, Chan made a huge overhaul to her kitchen and removed all products containing Corey's allergens. She also opted for vegan alternatives when possible, such as vegan cheese and an egg-free mayonnaise. Birthday celebrations for Corey are also not an issue now, with allergen-free cakes for him and his family to enjoy together. Over the years, she has also taught Corey to read food labels, so that he can be more independent in finding food that he can eat. "His severe allergic reactions have become a lot lesser," she added, noting that it is much easier to manage his symptoms now that he is older and able to signal any discomfort so that his allergic reactions can be arrested as early as possible, "through the administration of the antihistamines or the EpiPen or heading straight to the hospital". Corey has been undergoing oral immunotherapy for the past four years, though there has been "limited success" due to the severity of his allergies. However, there has been a relative improvement in his egg allergy and Chan was able to reintroduce eggs into the family's kitchen around two years ago. Though he still is unable to consume eggs, she is happy to see some progress. "Any sort of desensitisation is better than zero. Whatever little we can achieve, it'll protect him when we are out," she said, adding that he has been "quite a trooper" throughout the oral immunotherapy process. Chan is also the founder of the Singapore Parents of Eczema and Allergy Kids, and hopes that the study will yield more updated national statistics so that there will be "better outcomes for say, oral immunotherapy", and that there will be greater access to information that will help children facing food allergies. Speaking at the briefing, Dr Chong Kok Wee, Head and Senior Consultant, Allergy Service, Department of Paediatric Medicine, KKH, said that the outgrowing trend for food allergies depends on the type of allergen. For milk and eggs, "about 60 to 80 per cent" of children are able to outgrow their allergies by the age of six. For peanuts and shellfish on the other hand, outgrowing rates are much lower, with "about 80 to 90 per cent" children having allergies that "will persist into adulthood". Food allergies involve the immune system and may result in life-threatening reactions such as anaphylaxis. Other reactions include rashes, abdominal pain and shortness of breath. [[nid:719324]]
