Latest news with #LimPohSeng
Straits Times
01-07-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Forum: Collaboration made Eunoia JC-Marymount CC project a success
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox I refer to Mr Lim Poh Seng's letter of recognition for the design of the Eunoia JC-Marymount CC ( Forum: Eunoia JC-Marymount CC design marries form and function brilliantly , July 1). I was the adviser to Marymount Grassroots Organisations (GROs) when the project was conceived. From the moment I started serving there, residents had expressed hope for more community spaces to be made available to complement the much-loved Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. Under prevailing guidelines then, we could only justify a 'void deck CC', which proved to be quite unsatisfactory. When I became aware of plans to develop a new junior college at the junction of Sin Ming Avenue and Marymount Road, I thought that an integrated development would allow for the sharing of facilities like a sports hall and auditorium. This would not only stretch the public dollar and fulfil the community's aspirations, but would also create room for closer collaboration between the JC and GROs, contributing to stronger bonds in the community. But an idea like this is only good on paper unless the people involved are open-minded and willing to accommodate each other's needs. After all, considerable effort was needed and project timelines could be affected. Much credit goes to the Ministry of Education and the Peoples' Association leadership teams, Bishan North GROs, and agencies like the Land Transport Authority, for their responsiveness to review and update their initial plans. The architects, too, were instrumental in translating our needs into workable designs while operating within constraints, such as limited parking availability. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Seniors can claim $800 SG60 vouchers from July 1; adults to get $600 in vouchers from July 22 Singapore NSman, 30, dies in hospital after collapsing outside Maju Camp Asia Thai PM's suspension could spell end of Shinawatra clan's era of political dominance Singapore Judge rejects woman's claim that she owns 99% of Bukit Timah condo mostly paid for by ex-boyfriend Singapore 'He fought till the end': Man who survived acid attack as a baby dies of cancer at 26 Singapore Trial opens for 3 women who allegedly organised procession outside Istana Business Do not overcommit to a single solution in a multi-polar world, says ex-foreign minister George Yeo Singapore 1MDB saga: Standard Chartered Bank disputes $3.4 billion claim by liquidators in Singapore Although I no longer serve as the grassroots adviser for the area, it remains one of my fondest memories of how vision can become reality when people are aligned and focused on serving the community. Josephine Teo Minister for Digital Development and Information Grassroots Adviser to Jalan Besar GRC (Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng)
Straits Times
30-06-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Forum: Eunoia JC-Marymount CC design marries form and function brilliantly
The architects and planners behind the integrated development housing Eunoia Junior College (EJC) and Marymount Community Club (CC) deserve recognition. This project is a sterling example of innovative urban design that thinks outside the box. Raising the football field five storeys above ground is an architectural feat in itself – a bold and brilliant use of vertical space in land-scarce Singapore. Equally commendable is how the development integrates multiple functions under one roof: a full-fledged community club, a sports hall that can be shared between the college and the community, a large auditorium, a spacious canteen, and a generous study area for students. Every square metre seems to have been carefully considered for maximum utility and communal benefit. In a time when many developments feel like compromises between form and function, the Eunoia JC-Marymount CC complex is a rare gem that succeeds in both. It sets a benchmark for how educational and community facilities can coexist and complement each other harmoniously. Initially, I had concerns about the safety of evacuating people from the elevated football field in an emergency. However, when I saw that one side of the field connects directly to the Eunoia building, and the other side is served by both a lift and staircase, I was reassured that safety had not been compromised. Well done to all involved. Lim Poh Seng More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
29-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Forum: Enough economic incentives for home owners to install solar panels
We thank Mr Lim Poh Seng for the letter 'Offer subsidy to install solar panels on landed properties' (June 26). Solar power is currently the most viable renewable energy source for electricity generation in Singapore. Our solar deployment has grown significantly, with installed capacity increasing by about 10 times in the last seven years. These include solar panels installed by home owners, who enjoy cost savings by offsetting their electricity consumption and selling excess electricity to the grid. There are sufficient economic incentives for home owners to install solar panels. The payback period for home solar power systems has improved to as short as five years due to the decline in cost of solar panels. Owners of solar power systems are also able to sell the renewable energy certificates (RECs) generated from solar energy. To do so, the solar power system would need to be registered with an REC issuer or a third-party platform. Home owners can check with solar power vendors or REC issuers in Singapore for more information. In addition, some solar power vendors offer 'solar leasing' agreements or 'rent-to-own' plans that can reduce upfront capex for the home owner. We agree with Mr Lim that the adoption of more solar power in Singapore would be key to our energy transition journey. We will continue to support solar adoption across all sectors in Singapore. Toh Wee Khiang Director, Hydrogen and Sustainable Energies Office Energy Market Authority More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
25-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Forum: Offer subsidy to install solar panels on landed properties
As Singapore continues its push towards a greener future, there remains untapped potential in encouraging private property owners to contribute to national sustainability goals. One effective way could be to offer targeted subsidies for the installation of solar panels on landed properties. Many landowners have substantial rooftop space ideal for solar power generation. While some are already doing it, others may be hesitating due to the upfront costs and long payback period. By offering partial subsidies or rebates, the Government could accelerate adoption and make solar panels more accessible to middle-income households. This could be structured as a return of land-related subsidies or tax offsets. With such support, landowners could help reduce national grid dependency, lower overall carbon emissions, and even feed excess energy back to the system. Similar incentives have worked well in countries like Australia and Germany, where residential solar adoption has soared due to government-backed programmes. Encouraging the installation of solar panels on the rooftops of private homes would align with Singapore's vision of a resilient, low-carbon city. It would be a win-win strategy: empowering citizens to invest in clean energy while reinforcing national sustainability efforts. Lim Poh Seng More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
