logo
#

Latest news with #Mandai

Indonesian domestic helper jailed for stealing over S$30,000 from employer's sister-in-law
Indonesian domestic helper jailed for stealing over S$30,000 from employer's sister-in-law

Independent Singapore

time5 days ago

  • Independent Singapore

Indonesian domestic helper jailed for stealing over S$30,000 from employer's sister-in-law

Photo: DepositPhotos SINGAPORE: A 28-year-old Indonesian domestic helper was sentenced to 10 months in jail this week after she admitted to stealing more than S$30,000 from her employer's sister-in-law over the course of less than a month. Mei Santi Andriani, who was hired to care for her employer's elderly in-laws, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft. Another three similar charges were taken into consideration during sentencing. According to Shin Min Daily News , Andriani was employed by a 59-year-old woman but did not live in the same household. Her duties revolved around the care of her employer's 82-year-old father-in-law and mother-in-law and included cooking and cleaning. The elderly couple originally lived in a private residence in Mandai, but after renovation works began at the house, they temporarily relocated to a flat along Yishun Ring Road on March 26. There, the elderly couple shared a bedroom, while Andriani and the employer's 53-year-old sister-in-law were assigned individual rooms. According to court documents, the sister-in-law had made it clear to Andriani that she was not to enter her room unless she was home. The room was usually kept locked. However, at some point while doing laundry, Andriani discovered a key to the sister-in-law's room in the pocket of a pair of trousers. She kept the key without informing anyone, intending to use it for theft. On May 6, she entered the room while the sister-in-law was away and found a drawer in the wardrobe containing a stash of cash. That day, she took S$4,700 and deposited the money into her bank account. Over the next three weeks, Andriani returned to the same drawer at least 14 times, taking varying amounts of money. In total, she stole S$30,140. On each occasion, she deposited the stolen cash into her bank account the same day. Investigations later revealed that a large portion of the money was remitted to her husband in Indonesia. The rest was spent on personal items and mobile games. The court noted that Andriani had clearly abused the trust placed in her and exploited her role in the household to commit the thefts. She was sentenced to 10 months' jail on July 15. () => { const trigger = if ('IntersectionObserver' in window && trigger) { const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, observer) => { => { if ( { lazyLoader(); // You should define lazyLoader() elsewhere or inline here // Run once } }); }, { rootMargin: '800px', threshold: 0.1 }); } else { // Fallback setTimeout(lazyLoader, 3000); } });

Singapore's First Regenerative Resort Is Open—Here's How It Was Made
Singapore's First Regenerative Resort Is Open—Here's How It Was Made

Forbes

time08-07-2025

  • Forbes

Singapore's First Regenerative Resort Is Open—Here's How It Was Made

The organically shaped treehouses are a visual standout Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree Even without leaving Changi Airport, you immediately understand why Singapore is nicknamed the 'Garden City'. Incredibly green and teeming with plants, the airport is an apt introduction to the country where towering trees and gleaming skyscrapers sit side by side. The gardens, so to speak, are not limited to the outside. There's a large array of buildings that look like modern-day Gardens of Eden, thanks to the popularity of biophilic design and architecture in Singapore. The latest example is Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, a visionary project conceived not only to be sustainable but regenerative that opened its doors in April. Connected to Singapore's host of national parks such as the Night Safari and Bird Paradise, the eco-resort's setting is like no other. It's situated right by the tranquil Upper Seletar Reservoir and embraced by thick foliage that transports guests away from the concrete jungle and into a natural one. The first regenerative resort in Singapore sits at the Upper Seletar Reservoir Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree The resort respects its verdant location by not building taller than the treelines, so you feel ensconced in nature. And while the use of natural materials allows it to blend harmoniously with its surroundings, the forward-thinking architecture instantly piques curiosity. The undeniable stars are the curvaceous treehouses inspired by the endangered pangolins—the unusual, organic shape sets it apart from the typical tropical villa vernacular. With a strong aesthetic direction and a firm commitment to the environment, the property is certified as Singapore's first Super Low Energy (SLE) resort. How was this prime example of biophilic design made? We speak to Chiu Man Wong, co-founder of WOW Architects, to share the creative journey. How did WOW Architects get involved with the Mandai project and what were your first impressions of the site? The Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree project started with Mandai Wildlife Group convening a design competition with a very forward-looking brief. We won the competitive tender because we not only satisfied the brief, but also demonstrated that we were able to design a resort that centers around regenerative design. The design we put forth was able to show that the resort blends in and becomes one with its surrounding environment and enhances the existing site which used to house back-of-house facilities. It's a beautiful location—surrounded by the Upper Seletar Reservoir and vegetation including many mature trees. Wong Chiu Man, co-founder of Warner Wong Design and WOW Architects Courtesy of WOW Architects Maria (the co-founder of WOW Architects) and I felt that if we were to design and build a resort here, it had to be truly meaningful and worthy of the effort and responsibility involved. Part of the site had infrastructure like staff quarters and a wastewater treatment plant. These facilities were decommissioned and cleared, and we carefully designed the resort within this footprint to minimize disturbance to the surrounding vegetation. We also strongly felt a commitment to give back more greenery, planting in native trees to complement and enrich the area. Biophilic design and architecture is thriving in Singapore. How did you push the boundaries at Mandai? This was conceived of as a regenerative design-driven project, which means we aim to give back more than we have received when we took over the site. This is manifested in the green strategy with trees of conservation value retained in tandem with regreening efforts to plant native species, alongside expanding green surface area with the facade and rooftop forest. In addition to the increased green ratio, Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree is also certified to be Singapore's first Super Low Energy (SLE) resort, in which we have designed the total energy use to be 40% less than equivalent properties. The open-air lobby at Mandai Rainforest Resort allows natural ventilation to flow through the space Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree The design incorporates a host of energy-saving measures including the use of natural ventilation, mixed mode air-conditioning and solar panels. The treehouses also feature passive displacement ventilation—a solution that cools air using passive chilled water technology rather than traditional air conditioning compressor units. Our aim was not only to use less energy but to transform our guests' perception of coolness and thermal comfort, as well as educate them to be more discerning in their habits and demands. Rather than cooling entire spaces, we are creating cool zones around the guests so that guests still feel comfortable. Construction is an inherently carbon intensive exercise. How did you ensure this project was as sustainable as possible? Although the original design was conceived of using mass timber construction technology (a renewable resource), investigations showed that this method and material was not yet developed and proven robust enough for harsh tropical jungle climates, and to be enduring for a substantial life cycle. Therefore, we used proven concrete precast technology but adopted it with a twist. Felled trees were recycled and reused into the project. The bark of the trees was upcycled into textured patterned rubber moulds that remind guests of the rainforest. The Grand Mandai Treehouse has an expansive view of the lush setting Mandai Rainforest Resort By Banyan Tree The wood of the trunks was also recycled into reconstituted wood panels by a Singapore company specialising in this technology, and used in the external cladding of the treehouses. Certain species of hardwood trees were reused and upcycled into custom furniture specially designed for the resort in collaboration with Singapore craftsmen. We wanted to not only do our part in helping to regenerate the forest, but also celebrate artisanal craft in Singapore by transforming resources of the forest. Designing sustainable structures in a tropical setting has its challenges. Which decisions were made to ensure it had a strong sense of place? Our concept is sympathetic to the existing vegetation, treelines as well as natural topography. Wherever possible, the resort is elevated several meters above the ground to allow native wildlife to move across the site. It's also designed to be unobtrusive, sitting below the upper canopy layer of the surrounding trees. This Liana-like eco-resort tells the story of the rainforest not only by its biomorphic blending and branching form that meanders through the site, but it also describes the four major layers of the rainforest in section, so guests to traverse through the rainforest in multiple dimensions not normally seen to humans. Tell us, what are your favourite design elements of the project and why? There are so many aspects of the resort's design that are special to me and Maria for a variety of reasons. Most importantly, because of the thought that went into it or the effort to craft and execute it. It's crucial to note that it's not the design itself that is important to us, as much as the guest experience and memory creation as a result of the design, and its effect on the senses. There are a few standouts. For instance, the treehouse decks at sunset. After a tiring day walking around the parks, the most relaxing, soothing and healing experience is to sit out on the decks of the treehouse. There are only natural sounds and engaging views of water and jungle. Between 6pm and 8pm, if you focus on just breathing and gazing, the fading light and deepening shadows transports you into another emotional state. Because we chose not to have balustrades but only installed nets for safety, the connection is intimate and up close. The Private Pool Pavilion is the perfect place get some quiet time Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree Secondly, the sunrise at dawn inside the east pool pavilion followed by the journey up the decks as the sun rises. The wildlife parks and the immediacy of the surrounding rainforest favors early morning wake-up calls! When you get to the east pool pavilion at 6:45am, and strike a yoga pose that relaxes you, there will be the most amazing transformation of light and shadow and the promise of a better new day! By 7:30am, walk up the spiral stairs two decks between levels 4 and 5, and chase the rising sun as it illuminates the reservoir and the jungle. The jungle symphony can sometimes be deafening! Sometimes, early morning mist wafts through the trees for a mysterious unveiling of the panorama. These experiences are by design, and highly curated to awaken our senses and memory creation, so that we can be deeply aware of nature and all of its elements. Thirdly, walking through the guest room corridors and linkways between the central block and the west wing. Maria and I were passionate about retaining the small cluster of trees between the main wing and the west wing, and for good reason, as they are amongst the tallest and most mature on site. So we branched the buildings around these trees. Some pieces in the resort feature recycled wood Mandai Rainforest Resort By Banyan Tree Like a Liana vine, the room corridors and wings are weaved between these trees. As a result, the layered and non-identical overlapping corridors and lookout points celebrate these jungle giants. We want guests at every level to take time to pause, marvel, and learn about these silent sentinels who act like guardians to the regenerating jungle that we replanted around them. Another highlight is the concrete 'memory walls'. To reduce the carbon footprint, we decided to reuse every single tree we cut down in the non-concrete components. We harvested the barks of certain specimens as well as a few signature vines that were removed from the site. We made custom rubberised formwork moulds that are used in the casting process of the precast concrete panels. When guests run their hands along the easily accessible concrete walls as they walk along the corridors, they can see, feel, and connect with the trees that existed on the site. Lastly, the 'Mandai Chairs' in Forage. Along with some of the artisanal wood furniture in the lobby and rooms, we wanted to support local woodcraft and emerging talent in Singapore. One focal point where we thought this would be appreciated was Forage, the specialty restaurant at the resort. We designed the Mandai Chair—our Singaporean take on influences from popular Mid-century modern and American craftsman chair pieces. In collaboration with Roger & Sons, we selected a variety of local species found in the Mandai jungle, and after several attempts, perfected this chair, which we hope brings comfort, visual appreciation and tactile joy to guests! What is one thing you want guests to experience in the property before they check out? The one thing that all guests must do is to float inside the rooftop pool in the early morning or late evening, gaze out over the infinity edge, and soak in the sounds of the rainforest. Especially in the early morning, the symphonic melodies of the wild denizens is humbling and touching—you can really feel the presence of nature. Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree is located at 60 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729979 MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Wellness Design Is Booming—Rakxa In Bangkok Shows How To Bring It Home By Kissa Castaneda Forbes Is Quiet Luxury Over? Top Designer André Fu Believes It's Here To Stay By Kissa Castaneda Forbes Osaka Expo 2025: The Making Of The Philippine Pavilion By Carlo Calma By Kissa Castaneda Forbes The Hotels In 'The White Lotus' Season 3, Aside From The Four Seasons By Kissa Castaneda Forbes See Inside The First Fully AI Architectural Project By Studio Tim Fu By Kissa Castaneda

'People will just give up hope about playing this sport': Golf community laments impending closure of courses
'People will just give up hope about playing this sport': Golf community laments impending closure of courses

CNA

time08-07-2025

  • Sport
  • CNA

'People will just give up hope about playing this sport': Golf community laments impending closure of courses

SINGAPORE: The news that six golf courses will not have their leases renewed in the coming years has raised concerns within the golfing community about potentially stifling development in a sport that has earned global accolades for Singapore athletes. One of the facilities, Mandai Executive Golf Course, is currently Singapore's only public golf course. It will close at the end of 2026, resulting in the lack of a dedicated public golf course until after 2030. That's when the leases of two private courses - Keppel Club's Sime course and Singapore Island Country Club's (SICC) Bukit course - expire. Thereafter, the two sites will be turned into a dedicated 18-hole public golf course. Part of it may be used by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) for its members, given that the lease for NTUC's Orchid Country Club will not be renewed after 2030. The fifth and sixth golf courses whose leases will not be renewed are Warren Golf & Country Club, which will shut in October 2030, and Tanah Merah Country Club's Garden course, which will close at the end of 2035. Singapore currently has 16 golf courses sitting on about 1,072ha of land, or less than 1.5 per cent of the total land area in Singapore, according to the Ministry of Law. "I think people will just give up hope about playing this sport," said Mr Dalston Koh, who runs SG Golf Coach Academy at Mandai Executive Golf Course. Mr Koh, 34, believes people's attitudes toward golf would reflect what is seen as a lack of government support for golf, pointing to the dwindling number of courses. The nine-hole Mandai Executive Golf Course, which opened in 1993, is a place where almost all golf beginners in Singapore start their journey, he said. While Keppel Club runs a public-private course at Sime Road, Mr Koh said there are restrictions on coaches teaching on the greens there, as they are only allowed to guide and not demonstrate or make physical adjustments for players. There is more flexibility at Mandai Executive Golf Course, which also does not require coaches to pay fees to be on the greens, he added. Singapore's golfers have made their mark internationally of late, with Shannon Tan clinching a second Ladies European Title in June and Hiroshi Tai becoming the first Singaporean to play at the Masters. Despite these achievements, Mr Koh felt there was "not a lot of thank you, gratitude or trying to support golf in Singapore", and this is something he hopes the country's sporting bodies will look into. In the future, he expects more golfers to turn to indoor golf simulators or courses in neighbouring countries to get their time on the greens. Mr Koh also saw the future dedicated public course as a "replacement" rather than an "enhancement" for golfing in Singapore. This is because part of the site might be run by NTUC, which currently operates Orchid Country Club through NTUC Club. A spokesperson for NTUC Club said it endeavours to continue making golf "an affordable and accessible recreational option in Singapore". According to the R&A Global Golf Participation Report 2023, the total number of golfers in Singapore grew to 120,000 in 2022 from 80,000 four years before. While the number of registered golfers has largely remained the same since 2018, the number of non-registered golfers – those without a golf handicap – doubled from 40,000 to 80,000. Among the changes announced on Monday (Jul 7), Singapore Golf Association vice-president Ivan Chua said it was "heartening" that a new centre of excellence for golf will be set up by the National Service Resort & Country Club. He said there was "definitely an impact" from the ending of the leases, but that the association, which is the national golfing body, had anticipated this and remained committed to supporting the growth of the sport. PRIVATE CLUBS LOOK FOR SILVER LINING Golfers in affected private clubs expressed sadness at the leases ending, but also said they understood the requirements of land usage in Singapore. For instance, homes will be built on the 107ha site of Orchid Country Club's course in Yishun and 51ha site of Warren Golf & Country Club's (WGCC) course in Choa Chu Kang when their leases expire in 2030. "I think the government is doing the right thing to make sure they prioritise this for the masses and not a few people," said WGCC member Robin Lee, 59. However, if there are no immediate plans for the land, and if it is likely to sit idle for a few years, he said he hoped that the lease could be renewed for people to maximise use of the space. Mr Lee, the CEO of a non-profit organisation, paid a lifetime membership fee of S$21,000 to join WGCC two years ago and plays golf there weekly. Founded in 1962, it is a smaller club than others and "very much for the middle class", with seniors and retirees who use the facilities to stay active and socialise, he added. At SICC, annual memberships cost upwards of S$300,000. The club has about 17,000 principal and spouse members, with 40 per cent using its three golf courses. "While we are naturally disappointed, we understand that this decision comes amid competing national interests and that land allocated for golf course use has been progressively reduced," said SICC president Vincent Wee. He said the club would "engage members transparently and work towards sustainable plans that align with national objectives while meeting members' interests" as it approaches lease milestones. SICC's former president Andrew Low, 64, said his focus would be on how to make the best of the situation, with engaging the future operator of SICC's reallocated Bukit course being a top priority. Potential collaborations could take the form of preferential access to the greens for SICC members as a neighbouring club, or other partnership models, said the non-executive chairman of a Hong Kong-listed company. The SICC also has a 27-hole New course. Its 18-hole Island course is set to reopen in September. Their lease expires in 2040. "I believe we should position ourselves in a way that supports the next lease extension," Mr Low said of these courses. He added that this included being "forward-looking and inclusive" to ensure the club remains relevant in the years to come. While there are some who welcome land being diverted away from country clubs, business management consultant and SICC member Michael Aw, 57, said that such clubs still have a role to play in Singapore. For those who can afford it, a country club membership makes financial sense if one thinks of it as an investment in a resort home, similar to but even better than a timeshare, he said.

Tee time's up: Singapore to retire four golf courses for national needs by 2035
Tee time's up: Singapore to retire four golf courses for national needs by 2035

Malay Mail

time07-07-2025

  • Business
  • Malay Mail

Tee time's up: Singapore to retire four golf courses for national needs by 2035

SINGAPORE, July 7 — Four golf courses across Singapore will permanently close by 2035 as the country's government presses ahead with plans to optimise land use for housing, infrastructure and economic development. The Ministry of Law (MinLaw) announced today that the leases or tenancies of Mandai Executive Golf Course, Warren Golf & Country Club, Orchid Country Club and Tanah Merah Country Club's Garden course will not be renewed, The Straits Times reported today. This follows the recent closure of Marina Bay Golf Course in June 2024, which will make way for the upcoming Bay East Garden. MinLaw added that decisions on lease renewals are based on Singapore's growing land needs. Mandai Executive, a public nine-hole course, will be the first to go when its tenancy ends on December 31, 2026. Its land will be used by the Ministry of Education to build an Outdoor Adventure Learning Centre — one of three new campsites planned by 2032. Warren and Orchid Country Club will follow in 2030 when their leases expire. Both sites have been earmarked for residential use under the Urban Redevelopment Authority's Draft Master Plan 2025. The final closure will be Tanah Merah Country Club's Garden course, when its lease ends on December 31, 2035. MinLaw said its location near Changi Airport makes it suitable for future uses that support economic growth. The leases for SICC's Bukit course and Keppel Club's Sime course will also expire on December 31, 2030. Their land will be divided between a new 18-hole public course operator and the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), which currently runs Orchid Country Club. Details on how the land will be split and future lease terms are still under study. Following the closures, 12 golf courses are expected to remain, including the Bukit and Sime courses. Two of them — NSRCC's Kranji course and Sentosa Golf Club's Serapong course — will have leases extended to December 31, 2040. Seven more courses already have leases that run till 2040: SICC's Island and New courses Changi Golf Club Laguna National's two 18-hole courses Seletar Country Club NSRCC Changi Sentosa Golf Club's Tanjong course Sembawang Country Club, operated by the Ministry of Defence, sits on state land under a licensing agreement with Mindef. To support local talent, MinLaw said a second Centre of Excellence will be launched by the Singapore Golf Association (SGA) and NSRCC to expand training opportunities for the national and youth teams. It will complement the existing centre at Keppel's Sime course.

No lease renewal for six golf courses; two sites to be turned into public golf course
No lease renewal for six golf courses; two sites to be turned into public golf course

CNA

time07-07-2025

  • Business
  • CNA

No lease renewal for six golf courses; two sites to be turned into public golf course

SINGAPORE: Six golf courses will not have their leases renewed when they expire over the next 10 years, as the land will be set aside for other uses such as housing. The Mandai Executive Golf Course, which was previously granted a two-year extension, will shut by the end of 2026. Four golf courses - Warren Golf & Country Club, Orchid Country Club, Keppel Club's Sime course and Singapore Island Country Club's Bukit course - have leases expiring in 2030. The lease for Tanah Merah Country Club's Garden course will expire in 2035. Announcing this on Monday (Jul 7), the Ministry of Law (MinLaw) also said lease renewals until 2040 were offered for two courses: Sentosa Golf Club's Serapong course and National Service Resort & Country Club's Kranji course. Their leases had been set to expire in 2030. There are currently 16 golf courses in Singapore, and the leases of the remaining eight courses are subject to future review. "The leases of these golf courses are for a fixed term, with an end date that is publicly known, to allow both the operators and members of the golf clubs to make informed decisions," the ministry said. "This also ensures that land occupied by golf courses can be returned to the state and redeveloped for more pressing national needs in a timely manner." LAND USES The land currently occupied by Keppel Club's Sime course and Singapore Island Country Club's Bukit course will become a dedicated 18-hole public golf course after their leases expire on Dec 31, 2030. Part of that site is also being considered for use by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) for its members, taking into account that the lease for NTUC's Orchid Country Club will not be renewed, said MinLaw. Homes will be built on the land freed up by Orchid Country Club's course in Yishun and Warren Golf & Country Club's course in Choa Chu Kang when their leases expire on Dec 31, 2030 and Oct 31, 2030, respectively. These sites were earmarked for residential use in the Urban Redevelopment Authority's Draft Master Plan 2025. Authorities did not provide the media with more details, such as whether the land will be used for public or private homes. The Ministry of Education previously announced that Mandai Executive Golf Course, currently Singapore's only fully public golf course, will become an outdoor adventure learning centre after its tenancy ends on Dec 31, 2026. As for the site of Tanah Merah Country Club's Garden course, future use of the land is under study. 'Given its proximity to Changi Airport, the land is being studied for uses that have synergies with the airport to support economic growth,' MinLaw said in a press release. Singapore is 'a small city-state with limited land', said MinLaw, adding that the government takes a long-term approach to land use planning, including ensuring sufficient land for critical national needs such as housing, transport infrastructure and essential services. 'The demand for land for national uses will become more acute in Singapore, and this will impact the amount of land available for golfing over time,' said MinLaw. 'The government will balance the access to golfing facilities by private golf club members and the general public so that there can be golf courses catering to different segments of the golfing community.' PUBLIC ACCESS TO GOLF With the expiry of Mandai Executive Golf Course's tenancy on Dec 31, 2026, there will be no dedicated public golf course in Singapore between 2027 and 2030. Located along Upper Seletar Reservoir, Mandai Executive Golf Course's nine-hole course opened in 1993. MinLaw said that in addition to the future dedicated 18-hole public course, the government will continue to ensure public access to golf facilities in the long term. A new centre of excellence will be set up by the National Service Resort & Country Club in partnership with the Singapore Golf Association, in order to give the national team more training opportunities and promote golf among youths. This will provide dedicated weekly slots for the Singapore Golf Association to facilitate national and youth team training, to expose athletes to different types of golf courses, said MinLaw. This centre of excellence will join the existing one at Keppel Club's Sime course, which is run as a hybrid public-private golf course. Dr Su Chun Wei, chief of the High Performance Sport Institute, said Sport Singapore (SportSG) works closely with the Singapore Golf Association to develop the sport of golf and support elite golfers. Efforts focus on identifying and developing promising junior golfers and organising tournaments hosted across various golf courses and clubs in Singapore. 'SportSG also supports our promising and elite golfers through our spexPotential and spexScholarship programme, including Ryan Ang, Hiroshi Tai, Aloysa Atienza, James Leow and Shannon Tan,' said Dr Su. The non-renewal of leases will bring an end to some of Singapore's most storied golf courses. Singapore Island Country Club's 18-hole Bukit course, which opened in 1924, celebrated its centennial last year. It was home to the Rolex Masters, at least 28 editions of the Singapore Open and the inaugural Singapore Masters in 2001. It stands in close proximity to Keppel Club's Sime course. Keppel Club, established in 1904 and one of Singapore's oldest, relocated its 18-hole course from Bukit Chermin to Sime Road in 2022. Warren Golf & Country Club was founded in 1962 by Brigadier Derek Warren, commander of the British Army's 18th Signal Regiment. He negotiated to ensure the retention of the course after British forces moved out of Singapore in 1970. Opened in 1984, Tanah Merah Country Club's 18-hole Garden course hosted the early editions of the HSBC Women's Championship, which is now played at the Sentosa Golf Club.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store