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Business Times
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Business Times
Miss GE2025? Sketch show revives election's funniest moments
[SINGAPORE] Whether the 2025 General Election left you inspired, disappointed or doomscrolling into the early hours, the latest edition of Fat Kids Are Harder to Kidnap is here to put it all into satire and song. The long-running parody series – a kind of Singapore version of Saturday Night Live – weaves together Broadway-inspired show tunes and uniquely Singaporean quirks into one gloriously chaotic sketch show. Everything that became the stuff of memes in April and May has been repackaged into patter, puns and punchlines. These include Workers' Party candidate Alexis Dang and the public fixation with her distractingly good looks, and Singapore Democratic Party's Gigene Wong, whose jaw-dropping racial slur ended her political career and possibly that of her running mates. Alexis Dang's distractingly good looks are made fun of in 'Fat Kids Are Harder to Kidnap: The Musical'. PHOTO: BT FILE Of course, the People's Action Party isn't spared, either. David Neo's confusing 'the sun didn't rise just because I woke up' speech, Ong Ye Kung's over-extended 'co-driver' analogy, Ng Chee Meng's request not be appointed to the Cabinet, and Gan Kim Yong's much-memed 'Task Force Man' moniker are affectionately turned into parody and pratfalls. Even the prime ministerial succession saga – when no one was quite sure which fourth-generation leader would clinch the role – has been reimagined as a game of musical chairs, set to the dramatic strains of Game of Thrones. Perhaps it's no surprise that the script comes from seasoned journalist Jeremy Au Yong and his ex-journalist wife, Melissa Sim. Together, they know the political beat and how to toe the line with a wink. With decades in the newsroom between them, they're well-versed in where the out-of-bounds markers lie – and how to twirl just shy of them. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up The saga over who would succeed Lee Hsien Loong (left) as prime minister, which involved Lawrence Wong and other fourth-generation leaders, is affectionately reimagined as a game of musical chairs. PHOTO: BT FILE Sim, who left journalism to head theatre company How Drama, directs the show starring Ross Nasir, Teoh Jun Vinh, Jo Tan, Jon Cancio and Tiara Yap – with music direction by Eugene Yip and choreography by Vernon Huang. Fat Kids, however, tackles more than just politics. It also taps into the neurotic quirks of Singaporean life. In one skit, overprivileged tai-tais take a crash course on how to spend their Community Development Council vouchers. In another, a group of Singaporeans undergo therapy to unpack the frustration of being allotted just one parking space or being forced to shower before their morning commute. Talk about First World problems. Then there's the delightfully absurd 'toy craze' segment, where Labubu, Mofusand, Hello Kitty and friends spiral into kawaii chaos and identity crises, thanks to toy makers constantly cross-marketing and 'cross-dressing' them. The cast of 'Fat Kids Are Harder to Kidnap: The Musical' comprises (from left) Jo Tan, Teoh Jun Vinh, Tiara Yap, Jon Cancio and Ross Nasir. PHOTO: JON CANCIO At its heart, Fat Kids isn't just about roasting public figures or poking fun at national quirks. It's about holding up a mirror – funhouse-style – to our foibles. It's about reminding us that laughter might just be Singapore's most underrated coping mechanism. Fat Kids Are Harder to Kidnap: The Musical runs from Aug 1 to 3 at Wild Rice @ Funan. Tickets from
Independent Singapore
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Independent Singapore
Shirts worn by Chee Soon Juan during 120-km Walk the Talk sell quickly
Photo: TikTok screengrab/Chee Soon Juan SINGAPORE: Chee Soon Juan, the secretary-general of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), went on a walk around the perimeter of the city-state early last month as a fundraising event. He ended up walking 120 kilometres in all, sometimes in the rain, other times under the intense sun, and was able to meet a lot of people along the way. This is actually the third 'Walk the Talk' event for Dr Chee, who turns 63 later this month, as he also carried out similar walks in 2007 and 2015. While this year's walk ended on June 9, the fundraising went on this week, with SDP offering up two of the party chief's shirts on Sunday (Jun 30). @cheesoonjuan Missed your chance to give during #WalkTheTalk2025? Here's one last opportunity to support the cause! We're releasing just 2 exclusive, signed Walk The Talk 2025 t-shirts worn by Dr Chee Soon Juan – available at $150 each on a first-come, first-served basis. (Update: Both t-shirts are sold) DM us now to grab yours before they're gone! #fyp #sdp #teamSDP #sgpolitics #singapore #xyzbca #fypsg #fypviral #makeitviral #viral #singaporeelections #tiktoksg #cheesoonjuan #RenewRebuildReignite #SDP2030 #KeepTheFaith #democracysg #RenewRebuildReignite ♬ original sound – Chee Soon Juan – Chee Soon Juan 'Missed your chance to give during #WalkTheTalk2025? Here's one last opportunity to support the cause! We're releasing just 2 exclusive, signed Walk The Talk 2025 t-shirts worn by Dr Chee Soon Juan – available at $150 each on a first-come, first-served basis. DM us now at to grab yours before they're gone!' he wrote in posts over Instagram and TikTok. Perhaps unsurprisingly, given Dr Chee's considerable popularity, the t-shirts sold out quickly, according to an update to the posts. The SDP chief, who had been accompanied by a number of party members and supporters on his walk, wrote, 'We met strangers who became supporters, changemakers who stepped up, and a nation ready for change. This was not just a walk — it was a statement.' 'But the journey doesn't end here. This is just the beginning. Let's keep building for 2030 and beyond. Let's Renew. Rebuild. Reignite. Majulah Singapura!' he wrote at the end of the three-day event. @cheesoonjuan The walk may be over, but we're only just beginning. 🗳️ Support our movement to keep our party efforts going. 🤝 Join us as a member because your voice matters more than ever. ✊ Become an SDP Changemaker and help shape a better tomorrow. ✍ Sign our petition to demand a fair and accountable electoral system. 🫵 Take action now at #linkinbio #RenewRebuildReignite #WalkTheTalk2025 ♬ original sound – Chee Soon Juan – Chee Soon Juan Dr Chee came close to winning a seat in the May 3 polls, having garnered 46.82% of votes at the newly created Sembawang West SMC. While the win went to the People's Action Party's Poh Li San, more overseas voters had actually voted for Dr Chee than Ms Poh. For a brief moment during the evening of Polling Day, it had even looked as though the SDP chief might have clinched a seat as a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP). However, this seat went on to go to a candidate from the Workers' Party at Tampines GRC, as the WP had won 47.37% of the vote there. Nevertheless, the results of the last GE appear to have put a fresh wind in Dr Chee's sails, and he is leading SDP into its next phase. /TISG Read also: A dream deferred: Dr Chee Soon Juan falls short in Sembawang West SMC
Malay Mail
29-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Elections Dept: Singapore's GE2025 campaign bill tops S$13m, up 42pc from 2020
SINGAPORE, June 29 — Candidates contesting Singapore's 2025 General Election collectively spent more than S$13 million (RM43 million), with close to half of the expenditure going towards traditional, non-digital advertising such as banners and posters, according to final figures released by the country's Elections Department (ELD) on Friday. Physical rallies, which returned this year after being suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic, accounted for about S$1.7 million — or 13 per cent — of total spending. Online advertising made up around 16 per cent, while the remainder went towards logistical and operational costs such as office rentals, transport and supplies. Overall spending surged by 42 per cent compared to the 2020 General Election, where candidates spent a total of S$9.2 million. The ruling People's Action Party (PAP), which fielded candidates in all 97 seats, spent the most — S$9.4 million. In contrast, the 10 Opposition parties and two Independent candidates collectively spent S$3.6 million. Among the Opposition, the Workers' Party was the top spender, declaring S$1.6 million for its 26 candidates. The Singapore Democratic Party followed with S$583,440 for 11 candidates, and the Progress Singapore Party spent S$441,548 for its slate of 13. All parties remained within the legal spending cap of S$5 per voter, a limit that was raised from S$4 in 2020 to account for inflation. A total of 211 candidates contested the May 3 election. The complete set of expense declarations was made available for public inspection on the ELD website on June 27.
Independent Singapore
11-06-2025
- Independent Singapore
Young Democrats to host panel on animal welfare amid rising cruelty cases
SINGAPORE: Following a disturbing rise in animal cruelty cases, the Young Democrats are to host a panel discussion on June 15 that they hope will spark a serious national conversation—and real change. Titled Strengthening Animal Welfare in Singapore , the session will bring together a diverse panel of activists, legal experts, and a mental health professional to explore what more can be done to protect animals, especially the community cats and dogs that often fall through the cracks of policy and public concern. Set to take place at WCEGA Tower in Bukit Batok, the event is open to the public and aims to move the needle beyond sympathy and into action. 'Cats can't scream, but we can,' reads the event's tagline—a blunt but powerful reminder that animals can't speak for themselves. So we must. A worrying trend According to the SPCA, Singapore saw 961 confirmed cases of animal cruelty in 2024, the highest in over a decade. From neglect and hoarding to violent attacks, the cases have rattled animal lovers and caregivers across the island. One case in particular—the brutal killing of King Kong, a well-known community cat in Yishun—struck a chord nationwide. For many, it wasn't just an isolated act of cruelty. It was a wake-up call. Youth wing steps into the ring Animal welfare campaigns are usually the domain of NGOs and grassroots groups, but this time, the political youth wing of the Singapore Democratic Party is taking action. While attention often focuses on dramatic cruelty cases, the reality is that most animal welfare work happens quietly, out of the public eye, and often out of pocket. Every night across Singapore, community caregivers head out with food, clean water, and medications. Others rush from work to rescue a limping stray. Few of them are activists. They're ordinary people who care. Private vets also play a big part, often treating strays at discounted rates or for free. But with only one non-profit animal clinic in Singapore (run by the SPCA), there's mounting concern that the system simply isn't keeping up. What comes next? The June 15 panel is just one step, but organisers hope it will lead to more honest discussions and practical reforms. They're calling for a more coordinated approach—one where caregivers, clinics, policymakers, and citizens are on the same page. Because in the end, this isn't just about animals. It's about who we are as a society.
Online Citizen
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Online Citizen
Paul Tambyah warns of political decline in Singapore, urges hope and reform post-GE2025
SINGAPORE: Chairman of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), Paul Tambyah, delivered a critique of Singapore's political environment during a party appreciation dinner held on 18 May 2025. He accused the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) of systematically limiting opposition participation and stifling democratic development. 'Singapore seems determined to be mired in mediocrity—at least as far as its political leadership goes,' Tambyah said, reflecting on the results of the General Election held on 3 May 2025. Tambyah likened the political contest to a manipulated football match, stating, 'They keep shifting the goalposts, committing professional fouls, trying to shorten access to the pitch for opposition teams.' He warned that such tactics would not only degrade the quality of politics in Singapore but lead to broader societal decline. Referencing the recent election campaign, Tambyah pointed to key issues such as rising living costs and growing inequality. He argued that fear-based narratives had dominated the electorate's decision-making process. 'Fear of the unknown, fear of an unstable US president, fear that we will not survive without vouchers and $1 deals—this seems to have won the day,' he said. Despite the disappointing election outcome, Tambyah maintained that the SDP remained committed to its principles. 'There are things we could have done better, but we should not blame ourselves or the people of Singapore,' he noted. He drew parallels between Singapore and other authoritarian regimes, suggesting that the tactics used by the PAP are consistent with broader global patterns. Quoting from political science literature, Tambyah stated, 'Authoritarian regimes which hold regular elections tend to last longer than dictatorships who don't.' The observation was originally made by Nic Cheeseman and Brian Klaas in their book How to Rig an Election. Nevertheless, Tambyah offered a message of hope. He envisioned a future in which Singapore could become a 'functioning democracy' like Japan, Taiwan, or South Korea. He urged his audience to consider the long-term view. 'One day, maybe 10, 20 years from now—but hopefully sooner—Singapore will become a functioning democracy.' Tambyah posed rhetorical questions that pointed to curbs on civil liberties: 'Where were you when it was illegal to take a picture of yourself with a smiley face outside a state building? When people couldn't walk to the Istana to deliver a letter?' He continued, 'Where were you when the POFMA law was used to silence criticism… or when ministers dined with billion-dollar money launderers and no one said anything?' He praised the SDP for being the lone political voice standing firm through these challenges. 'One political party spoke up, went to court, and took a stand—because of you,' he told members. He affirmed that the party's persistence in contesting elections, despite the odds, was driven by the belief in a better Singapore. Quoting an earlier interview with the South China Morning Post, Tambyah reiterated the spirit within the party: 'Many say the SDP doesn't have members—we have believers.' He emphasised the conviction of his fellow party members: 'Until that breakthrough comes, we stay true to ourselves, speaking truth to power.' The appreciation dinner also featured key announcements from SDP Secretary-General Chee Soon Juan, who introduced the party's five-year plan titled Renew, Rebuild, Reignite. The strategy includes three core initiatives: A coalition for electoral reform. The launch of the Orange and Teal Social Enterprise Co-operative. A youth outreach programme aimed at engaging younger Singaporeans in civic discourse. Tambyah also expressed heartfelt tribute to the party's volunteers. He credited their unwavering dedication during the GE2025 campaign, saying, 'This dinner is for you.' He acknowledged the many unseen contributions—flyer distribution, rally setup, and navigation of logistical and bureaucratic challenges. Dr Tambyah contested in Bukit Panjang Single Member Constituency (SMC) during the General Election on 3 May 2025, but was defeated by PAP candidate Liang Eng Hwa, who secured 61.41 per cent of the vote. Tambyah garnered 38.59 per cent of the vote. A total of 31,131 valid votes were cast, with 19,116 going to the PAP and 12,015 to the SDP.
