Latest news with #JASONQUAH
Straits Times
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Places Of The Heart: Architect Rene Tan revels in the ups and downs of Ann Siang Hill
Architect Rene Tan is the director and co-founder of award-winning firm RT+Q Architects. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Places Of The Heart: Architect Rene Tan revels in the ups and downs of Ann Siang Hill Who: Architect Rene Tan, 61, is the director of home-grown multi-award-winning architectural firm RT+Q Architects, which he co-founded with fellow architect T.K. Quek in 2003. The firm picked up the Urban Redevelopment Authority's Architectural Heritage Award in 2011 for its restoration of a 1913 bungalow. In 2016, it bagged other design accolades such as the President's Design Award in Singapore and the Chicago Athenaeum award. The practice's two-decade body of work was documented in Rethinking The Tropical House (2023) by Thames & Hudson, a London-based publisher of coffee-table tomes. Mr Tan is also festival director of Singapore Archifest 2025, organised by the Singapore Institute of Architects, from June 25 to July 25. He will be championing the theme, Don't (Just) Think Like An Architect! The 'accidental architect', who initially wanted to be a pianist, decided to study music and architecture at Yale College in the US. He later obtained a master's in architecture at Princeton University. He is married to Ms Chuah Woei Woei, who works in banking, and they have a 21-year-old daughter, Lara, who is studying music and government at Harvard University. 'My 'place of the heart' in Singapore is a story of ironies, running through busy Club Street to the quieter, undulating terrain around Ann Siang Hill. There is this delightful sense of finding the right things in the wrong places. For instance, just when you expect a stretch of shophouses, you stumble upon a hidden pocket of greenery. When you think the road will go higher, it unexpectedly dips. It is in this cacophony of contradictions that I find endless inspiration. The enclave also reaffirms my personal design approach that, sometimes, the best way to envision architecture is to stop thinking like an architect. Because only by letting go of rigid expectations can we open ourselves to new, creative possibilities. As both an architect and teacher, I have always believed that architecture begins with intuition. It is shaped by the mind, but must ultimately resonate in the heart. Club Street embodies this journey perfectly. It is a space that transcends logic and reason, echoing what the late American architect Robert Venturi called ' complexity and contradiction in architecture'. There is a vibrant, almost 'messy vitality' here that reminds me of Rome's eternal spirit. Although my RT+Q Architects Chinatown office is right in the heart of the 'hood at 32 Mosque Street, I still find myself drawn to the area, which offers a rare form of urban escape. Wandering aimlessly through the back alleys of Club Street is more than just a break. It is a cathartic ritual that helps me shake off the pressures of the architecture profession, such as deadlines, client meetings and press briefings. I am usually in Club Street for lunch or a work meeting, and one of the hot spots is Italian restaurant L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele at No. 8 , which is a short stroll from our office. It is a branch of a renowned brand founded more than 150 years ago in Naples, and where I often gather with colleagues for lively lunches. Outside of work, my wife and I love coming here after hours to unwind with friends over plates of authentic southern Italian cuisine. There is something invigorating about the noisy banter and raw energy of the place. It feeds both the appetite and the soul, making every visit a little celebration in the heart of the city. Mr Rene Tan describes himself as an "accidental architect" because he initially wanted to be a pianist. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH I love stumbling upon the unexpected in Club Street, such as a grand mansion where you would expect rows of shophouses. Or a linear pocket park tucked away from the bustle that wordlessly beckons. While on the surface, Club Street seems decidedly built-up, its hill-town vibe and sprawling, undulating streets create a natural setting tucked within the city. It is one of the few places in Singapore where you can experience this kind of hilly, layered urban landscape. Over at Ann Siang Hill, the urban pastiche offers a different visual respite from the city's relentless pace. I love how its picturesque streets and secret back lanes showcase the best of Singapore – a harmonious blend of old and new, high and low, history and modernity. The juxtaposition of shophouses and skyscrapers, the interplay of heat and shelter, all come together in a vibrant confluence that is both energising and liberating. Ann Siang is not just a park filled with greenery, but also a place where I can immerse myself, reflect and recharge. It is where I go to 'escape' architecture, although the enclave is a rich showcase of it. This exemplifies the little ironies that are woven into the pedestrian experience of the area. Club Street and Ann Siang Hill are a constant draw because every visit reveals a new facet. Its ever-changing character seems to mirror the spirit of the city itself. ' Designer and lifestyle journalist Chantal Sajan writes on design and architecture. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
23-06-2025
- Straits Times
Cyclist hit by bullet slug: Safety protocols followed during live firing at Nee Soon range, says Mindef
The rider had been cycling on June 15 in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve when he was hit. The area was gazetted for SAF live-firing. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Cyclist hit by bullet slug: Safety protocols followed during live firing at Nee Soon range, says Mindef SINGAPORE - The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said on June 23 that safety protocols were followed at the SAF live-firing range in Nee Soon when a cyclist was hit by a bullet slug near the area on June 15. It added that live-firing activity will resume operation with immediate effect. The next scheduled live-firing activity at the range will take place on June 26. The ministry said in its update on the case on June 23 that based on the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) investigation, all relevant training directives, safety protocols and control measures were adhered to during the live-firing activity. The weapons, ammunition, shooting positions and target placements were also in compliance with the SAF's stipulated guidelines, it added. The 42-year-old man was hit in an area gazetted for SAF live-firing around the Nee Soon 500m range while cycling with his friends in a restricted area in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR), between the Upper Seletar and Upper Peirce reservoirs. At the time of the incident, an authorised live-firing activity was being conducted by the SAF at the range, which was about 2.3 km away. In its statement on June 23 , Mindef said that the range was designed and built in accordance to international range safety standards, and certified for the firing of weapons such as general-purpose machine guns and sniper rifles. The cyclist, seen here in an undated photo, did not initially disclose to police and NUH that he had been riding near the Nee Soon live-firing range. PHOTO: SOCIAL MEDIA It added that beyond the stop butt of the range, the restricted area provides a needed safety buffer catering to scenarios such as ammunition ricochet - this was determined through trials and trajectory simulations matching the life-firing activities at the range. 'The SAF maintains a robust safety framework to ensure the safe conduct of live-firing activities, and will continue to work with NParks to ensure safety measures and public warnings regarding restricted areas remain in place,' said Mindef. 'The SAF seeks the public's cooperation in staying out of restricted areas for live-firing for their own safety. Trespassing into such areas is also a violation under the Military Manoeuvres Act.' The cyclist involved in the incident is under investigation for the offence of wilful trespass. Last week, The Straits Times learnt that the cyclist and his friends may have have taken steps to conceal from the authorities the route they took on June 15. ST found on June 17 that there are prominent signs around the park warning of a live-firing area and for visitors to keep clear. However, some cyclists and hikers choose to ignore these signs, with some in the riding community mapping out unofficial and 'more elusive tracks'. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
18-06-2025
- Straits Times
Cyclist hit by bullet in restricted area under investigation for wilful trespass
The rider had been cycling on June 15 in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve when he was hit. The area was gazetted for SAF live-firing. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Cyclist hit by bullet in restricted area under investigation for wilful trespass SINGAPORE - The cyclist who had a bullet slug removed from his back, after he was hit while riding in a restricted area gazetted for live-firing exercises, is being investigated for wilful trespass. The police on June 18 said investigations are ongoing. The 42-year-old rider, who was not identified, had been cycling on June 15 in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR), between the Upper Seletar and Upper Peirce reservoirs. The area was gazetted for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) live-firing. At the time, the SAF was conducting an exercise at its Nee Soon Range, about 2.3km from the site where the man was injured. The man suffered a gunshot wound, with a bullet slug lodged in his left lower back. Police said his friends took him to the National University Hospital the same day. His injury is not life-threatening, the police said in an earlier statement. The man was in a stable condition after surgery to remove the bullet. The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said that under the Military Manoeuvres Act, unauthorised individuals are not allowed to enter gazetted areas designated for SAF live-firing for their own safety. The area has signs warning against unauthorised entry. The CCNR is Singapore's largest nature reserve, with more than 2,000ha of forest land and over 20km of trails, according to the National Parks Board (NParks). The Woodcutter's Trail is a popular cycling route in the CCNR, known for its steep slopes and winding track. It is in a restricted area closed off to the public. Riders typically start at Chestnut Nature Park, off Bukit Panjang, and cycle about 6km to get to the trail, usually exiting it near Mandai Crematorium or Seletar Reservoir via areas clearly marked as restricted. The Straits Times found on June 17 that there are prominent signs around the park warning of a live-firing area and for visitors to keep clear. However, some cyclists and hikers choose to ignore these signs. Under the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act, the penalty for wilful trespass is a maximum fine of $1,000. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
17-06-2025
- Straits Times
ST Explains: What is a gazetted area and how do I avoid accidentally entering one?
The cyclist who got hit by a bullet on June 15 had entered a restricted forest area specified by Mindef for firing practices or military manoeuvres. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH ST Explains: What is a gazetted area and how do I avoid accidentally entering one? SINGAPORE - A man was hospitalised after he suffered a gunshot wound to his lower back while cycling with his friends in a restricted area between the Upper Seletar and Upper Peirce reservoirs on June 15. At the time of the incident, the man was about 2.3km away from a military range in Nee Soon, where an authorised live-firing activity was taking place. Mindef said in a June 16 statement that under the Military Manoeuvres Act (MMA), 'unauthorised persons are not allowed to enter gazetted areas designated for SAF (Singapore Armed Forces) live-firing in consideration of their own safety'. Here's what you need to know about restricted areas in Singapore. Q: What are gazetted areas? In Singapore, an area can be recognised, or gazetted, by the Government for purposes such as conservation, public safety and national security. In the case of the cyclist who got hit, he had entered a restricted forest area specified by Mindef for firing practices or military manoeuvres. Mindef has the authority to declare areas for such purposes under the MMA, said LIMN Law Corporation managing director John Lim, an expert in land law. The ministry may also declare that such areas are no longer used for such military purposes. Other than military uses, areas may also be gazetted for the purposes of preserving the appearance of an area under the Planning Act, or tree conservation under the Parks and Trees Act, among others. These would be published in the Government Gazette, an official public record that is available online. Q: What are some examples of gazetted areas in Singapore? Examples of such areas used by the military are the Jurong Troop Manoeuvring Ground, the Changi Troop Manoeuvring Ground and even Bedok Jetty, Mr Lim noted. Other areas also include firing grounds such as Pulau Tekong, Mandai Camp IV 25m Range and Nee Soon Ranges I and II, he added. Such areas are comprehensively defined by both coordinates and distance in the Military Manoeuvres Proclamations. There are two tree conservation areas – Central and Changi – which contain a particularly high density of mature trees. These areas are gazetted to prevent the unapproved felling of these trees, some which are more than 100 years old, according to NParks. There are also over 7,000 buildings, mostly shophouses and bungalows, gazetted for conservation. These include buildings in the four historic districts of Boat Quay, Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India, and some residential districts such as Cairnhill and Emerald Hill. Q: How are gazetted areas similar to or different from protected areas or places? You may have seen bright red signs outside certain facilities, warning people that the areas are protected areas or places, and that people should not enter such areas unless they are allowed to. According to the Singapore Police Force website, a protected area or protected place is a location 'where special measures are needed to control the movement and conduct of persons for public safety and security reasons'. Protected areas, such as the land checkpoints, are generally accessible to the public, while people have restricted access to protected places, such as military camps and water treatment plants, according to the same website. There is no one distinguishable factor between gazetted and protected areas or places, according to Mr Lim. Locations can be designated protected areas or places under the Infrastructure Protection Act (IPA), or the Protected Areas and Protected Places Act (PAPPA), he said. Those locations declared under the Infrastructure Protection Act tend to be sensitive installations or infrastructures, Mr Lim said, while those declared under the PAPPA are areas and premises where special measures are deemed necessary to control the movement of people. For example, Shangri-La Hotel was designated a protected area under the PAPPA during the Shangri-La Dialogue, the international defence forum, on May 30 to June 1. Roads near and leading to the hotel were subject to closures or traffic diversions, while people who sought entry to the area required valid pass cards or permits, among other security measures. Q: Can a location be both a gazetted area and a protected area/place, and can I be punished under multiple laws if I am found in one such location? Yes. It is possible that the same areas may be gazetted under both the MMA and the PAPPA. Q: What punishments could I face if I go into a gazetted area or protected area or place? An individual found to have unlawfully interfered with a military manoeuvre or entered a camp without authority faces a $2,000 fine or a six-month jail term. Other examples of punishments include facing a $20,000 fine and two years' imprisonment under the IPA for anyone caught taking photos or videos of a protected area. An unauthorised person found to have entered a protected place without a valid permit or without prior permission, in violation of the PAPPA, faces a $1,000 fine and two-year jail term. A person found to have damaged a tree with a girth of more than 1m in a tree conservation area faces a $50,000 fine as a violation of the Parks and Trees Act. Q: When was the last time someone was charged under the MMA or the PAPPA? There are no known prosecutions under the MMA, said Mr Lim. However, there are a number of prosecutions under the PAPPA. Notably in 2010, Swiss national Oliver Fricker and his accomplice were sentenced to two months in prison for violating the PAPPA by breaking into SMRT's Changi depot. Q: How do I know when and where the SAF would be holding its training exercises? The Mindef website publishes advisories on the locations and dates of SAF military exercises, where live-firing and demolition activities may be conducted. The public should avoid areas where the SAF will be conducting military and live-firing exercises, Mindef says. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Straits Times
GrabCab to launch in July with 40 new Toyota Prius taxis for a start
Singapore's sixth taxi operator will be launching its taxi services with 40 new fifth-generation electric hybrid Toyota Prius vehicles. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH GrabCab to launch in July with 40 new Toyota Prius taxis for a start SINGAPORE – GrabCab vehicles will hit the road from July as Singapore's sixth and newest taxi operator launches its services, with 40 cabs in its fleet for a start. Announcing this in a media briefing on June 4 , GrabCab, a subsidiary of Grab's rental arm GrabRentals, said it will be launching its taxi services with 40 new fifth-generation electric hybrid Toyota Prius . The company also said it will be adding more models to its fleet, including the electric hybrid Hyundai Kona from August and a fully electric vehicle 'some time' in 2025. GrabCab noted that it would like to meet the minimum fleet size requirement of 800 taxis for the street-hail operator licence before the third year of operations. Mr Victor Sim , director of GrabRentals , said that as at June 4 , the operator has received 700 to 800 registration applications from prospective drivers who expressed interest in renting a GrabCab vehicle. Of these, about 400 to 500 eligible applicants have been selected for the first pool of drivers. Mr Sim said GrabCab had chosen applicants with a taxi driver's vocational licence (TDVL) and 'good safety records' based on the driving demerit points they had accumulated. Applicants without a TDVL will be directed to take a TDVL course at approved training centres, with the course fees fully funded by GrabCab. Rental rates for a GrabCab vehicle can go up to $117 per day, and the first 100 drivers who sign up will get a rate of $112 per day . Comparatively, the rental rates for a Toyota Prius under other taxi operators can range from around $ 110 per day for ComfortDelGro, around $109.80 per day for Prime Taxi and from $100 per day for Strides. Information on taxi rental fees for Trans-Cab was not available. In terms of GrabCab fares for a four-seater standard vehicle, the flag-down fare will be $4.60, while the distance rates will be 26 cents for every 400m under 10km and 26 cents for every 350m after 10km . There is also a fee of 26 cents for every 45 seconds of waiting . Fares for the T oyota Prius m odel under ComfortDelGro, Trans-Cab, Strides Premier and Prime Taxi are identical . Rental rates for a GrabCab vehicle can go up to $117 per day, and the first 100 drivers who sign up will get a rate of $112 per day. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH And for GrabCab fares for a four-seater electric vehicle, the flag-down fare will be $ 4.80 . The distance rates will be 26 cents for every 400m under 10km and 26 cents for every 350m after 10km , as well as a fee of 26 cents for every 45 seconds of waiting . Mr Sim said GrabCab's passenger fare structure is pegged to what other operators are charging. The taxi meter is fully integrated with the Grab platform, added Mr Sim, so its drivers can access ride-hail and street-hail jobs easily by scanning a QR code displayed on the meter with the Grab driver app. Drivers can use the in-app relief driver matching service to chat with prospective partners located near them. Mr Sim said they may feel more assured in searching for a driving partner using this method, as GrabCab conducts a 'pretty tight screening process' with regard to safety records. He added that at present, drivers working for other taxi operators have to contact a call centre or access a desktop web portal to find a relief driver partner. When asked about the advantage GrabCab has over other taxi operators, Mr Sim said the benefits it can offer drivers come from its technological hardware and strong partnerships with the industry, including charging point operators and fuel stations. Drivers can use the in-app relief driver matching service to chat with prospective partners located near them. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH This is how GrabCab can offer its drivers fuel discounts and electric vehicle charging discounts of up to 25 per cent at some providers, he added. 'We will focus on the national supply (of drivers) problem,' said Mr Sim. He noted that GrabCab is focusing on 'reactivating' the relatively large pool of inactive drivers with TDVLs and reaching out to potential drivers who are on the fence about getting a TDVL. In a statement issued to Strides Premier taxi drivers on May 30, Grab said there will be no change to the job allocation algorithm on its app, even with the introduction of GrabCab. It added that there will be no preferential treatment that allows trips to be assigned to GrabCab drivers instead of Strides Premier drivers. When asked about this statement, Mr Sim said some Strides Premier drivers had concerns that GrabCab would affect how jobs were allocated to them. He clarified that GrabCab's aim is to 'grow the pie' and 'not to split the pie, or take some from (them)'. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
