Latest news with #Singaporeans
Straits Times
10 hours ago
- Straits Times
Jail for ex-employee of agency under MOH who corruptly obtained $18k trip from 2 men
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Ng Kah Siang was sentenced to five months and two weeks' jail after he pleaded guilty to one count of obtaining a bribe and two counts of attempting to do so. SINGAPORE – An engineer at an agency under the Ministry of Health (MOH) corruptly obtained a Paris trip worth over $18,000 from two senior executives of different telecommunications companies in or around March 2022. Ng Kah Siang was then working for Integrated Health Information Systems (IHiS) – a wholly owned subsidiary of MOH Holdings. He is no longer working for the agency, now known as Synapxe. He committed the offence in exchange for advancing the business interests of the men's firms with IHiS. On July 31, Ng, 37, who is also known as Ronnie, was sentenced to five months and two weeks' jail after he pleaded guilty to one count of obtaining a bribe and two counts of attempting to do so. He has since voluntarily surrendered more than $18,000 to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB). Court documents stated that he had obtained the bribe from Chiang Chee Seng, 50, then a senior sales director at Nera Telecommunications and Peng Ming, 39, then an account director at Huawei International. Chiang was sentenced to 11 weeks' jail on July 21 after he pleaded guilty to a graft charge. Peng's case is pending. All three men are Singaporeans. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore No entry: ICA to bar high-risk, undesirable travellers from boarding S'pore-bound ships, flights Singapore 5 foreign women suspected of trafficking 27kg of cocaine nabbed in Changi Airport Singapore Over half of job applications by retrenched Jetstar Asia staff led to offers or interviews: CEO Singapore Fallen tree branch damages two Yishun flats, showering one home owner in shattered glass Business Singapore gold investment soars 37% to 2.2 tonnes in Q2 while jewellery demand wanes Singapore Man accused of raping woman who hired him to fix lights in her flat claims she made first move Singapore Underground pipe leak likely reason for water supply issues during Toa Payoh fire: Town council Singapore 'Switching careers just as I became a dad was risky, but I had to do it for my family' Deputy public prosecutors Eugene Phua and Andre Ong told the court that while working for IHiS, Ng was in charge of various contracts that it signed with vendors, who would provide IT products and services to all public healthcare institutions in Singapore. In or around November 2021, he was assigned to be the IHiS project manager in charge of the renewal of a master contract linked to a multi-year term deal, which would allow public healthcare institutions to purchase IT equipment and solutions from the approved vendors. The DPPs told the court that the average annual procurement from two earlier contracts was valued at around $22 million in 2020 and 2021. In November 2021, Peng found out that IHiS was going to renew a contract linked to a term deal in early 2022 via an open tender. Ng then tried to obtain a bribe of $20,000 from Peng. Peng later offered Ng a visit to Huawei's lab in Singapore to better understand the company's capabilities. However, Ng did not accept Peng's offer as he found Huawei's lab in Changi to be 'too far' from his office in Serangoon North. The prosecutors added: 'There was nothing to entice (Ronnie) to travel the distance... In response to Ronnie's previous attempt to obtain gratification of $20,000... Peng offered to organise a trip for Ronnie to a country where Huawei had presence. 'This discussion between Peng and Ronnie then evolved to a sponsored overseas trip in Europe for Ronnie and his wife.' Initially, Ng had asked to go to Rome, Italy, but later changed his mind and opted for Paris, France. Peng then agreed to accommodate his request, the court heard. At around this time, Peng introduced Ng to Chiang. Peng also told Ng that Huawei had a good working relationship with Nera. Court documents stated that Peng then told Ng that Chiang would join them for the trip, and that Chiang would also help to plan it. This included covering the expenses for flights, accommodation and food for Ng and his wife. Ng understood that the Paris trip was to induce him to help Huawei and Nera win the IHiS term deal. The DPPs said that Peng and Chiang also stood to gain personally as part of their remuneration packages in their respective companies were based on the value of the business that they brought in. In or around March 2022, Ng tried to obtain from Chiang gratification involving 1 per cent of Nera's sales revenue linked to the term deal. The Paris trip in March that year involved nine people, including the three men and their loved ones. In earlier proceedings, the prosecutors said: 'Two months after the Paris trip and just before the tender specifications for the term deal were due to be published, Chiang and Peng received confidential tender documents on the morning of May 10, 2022, which they knew would stand them in a better stead to win the term deal.' Court papers did not disclose how the offences came to light but the DPPs had earlier said that the offenders 'were stopped in their tracks' when the CPIB arrested all three men the next day – May 11, 2022.
AsiaOne
13 hours ago
- Automotive
- AsiaOne
ICA to issue no-boarding directives to prevent high risk travellers from entering Singapore, Singapore News
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) can soon issue no-boarding directives to detect and stop high risk travellers even before they arrive in Singapore, said the authority at its 2025 Workplan Seminar on Thursday (July 31). The directive will instruct transport operators to deny boarding to individuals who pose security, immigration, or health risks on transportation bound for Singapore. This initiative will bolster Singapore's border security by preventing them from even reaching its checkpoints. More details on the implementation timeline will be shared in due course, said ICA. ICA's new Services Centre (ISC), which has been operating since April this year, was also officially opened by Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam at the seminar. The event showcased ISC's enhanced processes — including self-service kiosks where customers can collect their passports or identity cards on their own at any time on their appointment date. These kiosks are part of ISC's Integrated Smart Document Management System (iSMART) which comprises over 100 robots that sort, store, retrieve and issue passports as well as identity cards, said ICA. Such processes used to be handled by ICA staff and required more manpower as an officer could only man one counter. Now, one officer can manage four self-collection kiosks at a time. These kiosks also save customers' time as they are able to collect their documents within five minutes of arrival — a 55 per cent decrease from the time taken to do so at manual counters, ICA stated. There are also height-adjustable kiosks available for those who are wheelchair-bound. The ISC has allowed ICA to integrate all of its services, previously split up across five levels in the old building, into a single floor for convenience. Automated clearance at Tuas Checkpoint by 2026 ICA also announced its plans to automate clearance at Tuas Checkpoint by the end of next year to allow self-immigration clearance for travellers in cars, motorcycles, and cargo vehicles without them having to exit their vehicle. This means immigration lanes can operate around the clock with less manpower and travellers can see a reduction in the time they spend waiting for clearance, said ICA. While speaking at the Workplan Seminar, Shanmugam said that Singaporeans can also look forward to the RTS Link starting operations at the end of next year. The RTS Link will provide a smoother entry to Johor Bahru, and can serve up to 10,000 commuters an hour in both directions, compared to the current capacity of 640 for KTM train services, he said. "During peak hours, the waiting time for an RTS Link train is expected to be less than four minutes and clearance will be more seamless," he continued, adding that passengers travelling in any direction will clear only one checkpoint, at the point of departure. The Home Affairs Minister also stated that the expansion plans for Woodlands Checkpoint, which will be carried out in the next 10 to 15 years, will reduce the average travel time during peak periods from 60 minutes to 15 minutes. "Aside from improving clearance efficiency, redeveloping Woodlands Checkpoint would also allow ICA to conduct security checks away from the core checkpoint structure to mitigate security risks, as well as provide holding areas for traffic to reduce local road congestion," said Shanmugam. [[nid:716116]]
Korea Herald
17 hours ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Agoda launches campaign to drive tourism as Singapore celebrates 60 years of independence
Move comes as interest in Singapore among key Asian markets increases with Thailand showing highest search growth at 10% SINGAPORE, July 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda is launching its SG60 Celebration Campaign to encourage tourism in Singapore as the nation celebrates its 60 th year of independence. With rising interest from both regional and long-haul travelers, the SG60 Celebration Campaign presents an ideal opportunity for hoteliers to tap into the destination's growing popularity during this shared national milestone. Under the campaign, Agoda will be offering discounts of up to 20%, from 1 st August to 15 th August 2025, for consumers on inbound and outbound travel bookings. Singapore's diamond jubilee is a year-long nationwide effort to celebrate the nation's 60 th year of independence. Some of the participating partners in the SG60 campaign include hospitality groups like Resorts World Sentosa and Furama Hotels International, as well as airline providers including national flight carrier Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and Firefly, reflecting Agoda's ongoing collaboration with leading industry players for major campaigns. "As Agoda celebrates 20 years in Singapore, the SG60 Celebration Campaign is a special celebration for us," said Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President of Supply at Agoda. "Through our close collaboration with Singapore's tourism authority in past years, we are using innovative, data-driven campaigns to showcase the city's unique appeal to global travelers during the nation's 60 th year of independence." Agoda's search data from April to June shows key Asian markets including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and South Korea are among the top origin markets searching for Singapore, with Thailand showing the highest growth in searches with a 10% increase year-on-year. This growing interest is further supported by increased searches from long-haul markets such as Austria, Spain, and Denmark, each recording year-on-year growth and highlighting Singapore's expanding global profile. Singapore continues to stand out as an international hub and a leader in Asia thanks to its melting pot of different cultures, its world class food scene and iconic shopping malls, drawing increasing interest from travelers. "Agoda helps us attract customers from the region and beyond thanks to its wide reach and customer base. We're truly excited to be part of the SG60 Celebration Campaign," said Mathew Chan, Regional Director of Revenue at Furama Hotels International. "This collaboration allows us to connect with both new and returning guests from around the world. We look forward to sharing the warmth of our hospitality and creating memorable experiences for every traveler who walks through our doors." Singaporeans are also exploring the world, with travel searches on Agoda's platform spanning over 100 countries in 2025. China saw a 40% year-on-year increase in searches, while Malaysia, Japan and Indonesia remain the top regional destinations for Singaporean travelers. Supporting millions of travelers with localized expertise across Asia and beyond, and a proven track record in building high-impact marketing campaigns, Agoda continues to be a trusted growth partner for hotels looking to scale visibility and bookings.
New Paper
21 hours ago
- Politics
- New Paper
'They are just resting': Tan Kin Lian draws flak over foreign worker comments
Former presidential candidate Tan Kin Lian has incurred the wrath of netizens by linking an image of a resting foreign worker with homelessness and crime. "I saw more than five foreign workers sleeping in the void deck of a HDB block. They look like homeless people," he said in a Facebook post. "Maybe they are taking a rest during the afternoon break. They appear to be soundly asleep. "Are we going to experience an increase of homeless people or crime? I hope not." Many netizens seemed astounded by the former NTUC Income CEO's remarks about labourers who were resting during what appeared to be their lunch break. "Hello Sir, do you know what time they awake to cook their meal before going to work. After working in the hot sun for hours, these workers need a break so they take a nap at the void deck. They are not homeless but just need a rest for their tired body," said Sally Chia on Facebook. "You should know they are just resting," said Sandy Lee. "My wife regularly brings cold drinks and some snacks for them." "They are working hard at construction sites nearby to build our homes. Tough backbreaking work no one wants to do. They go about their business quietly and do not cause disturbance, I feel we should leave them alone and let them have their rest," said Shane Lee. Some were baffled by the connection between a resting foreign worker and homelessness or crime. "He shd just leave them to rest instead of comparing foreign workers to homeless people. Dunno what's his point," said Redditor NutKrackerBoy Few took Mr Tan's side, though Redditor LaughOverLife101 did offer an explanation for the post: "He raises the point that it may be 'unsightly', especially for non locals who think they are homeless when they are just resting." It was left to Redditor gane5h2308 reference an episode involving migrant workers that remains fresh in the mind of Singaporeans: "These are the same people who selflessly saved the women from the (Tanjong Katong) sinkhole."
AsiaOne
a day ago
- General
- AsiaOne
As Singapore marks its 60th birthday, can we turn 'complain culture' around?, Singapore News
As SG60 celebrations kick into high gear, you've probably seen some reflections on social media on how far we've come - and where we're headed next. Perhaps, it's also time to move past some of the lingering stereotypes that hold us back, like the idea that Singaporeans love to complain. So what happens when everyday Singaporeans try to do the opposite? Instead of reacting negatively and pointing fingers when they spot an issue, some are devising solutions and rolling up their sleeves as they follow through on plans with dedication. Take for instance 39-year-old Johny Tan, a healthcare administrator and grassroots leader. He started the Boon Lay Clean-Up Project - an initiative that invites everyone, including those residing outside Boon Lay - to contribute towards a cleaner estate. Tan, whose work revolves around the study of population health, was inspired by research showing that clean environments improve well-being and reduce stress. He kickstarted this community effort to collectively uplift the welfare of fellow residents. A cleaner 'hood for the greater good But creating a clean estate is just the icing on the cake - real impact lies in livening up the community to make it a brighter, warmer and more welcoming place to call home. "I think the town council has done a very good job [with maintaining cleanliness]. But the project is also about finding opportunities to galvanise my community and get them to do something together," said Tan. The ground-up initiative has since attracted volunteers across generations and diverse backgrounds. At the last session, around 50 volunteers, including students, working adults, seniors and even young children, showed up to contribute their time and effort. "Residents who come together to bond and clean-up have a stronger sense of community pride," said Tan. He noted that many who participated in this initiative have returned for volunteer opportunities with a renewed sense of shared responsibility and "community ownership". Collaboration between citizens and government for lasting solutions Tan believes that strengthening the community ought to be a "collective effort" between citizens and the government. Where citizens can offer ground-up insights, the government can provide structure and support to enhance community initiatives. "When both government and citizens work together, we have a sense of co-ownership which is essential for lasting and meaningful improvements," said Tan. Well-run projects with the necessary resources and backing would also ensure longevity and sustainability. Tan's project has since gained enough momentum among regular volunteers for them to run it without him taking the reins. "I'm actually handing off to the youth network to run the bimonthly litter pickups," he shared, underlining the keen effort from young adults in the community to continuously champion this endeavour. When more Singaporeans like Tan step forward with constructive solutions for the country, positive change can happen. These ground-up efforts ripple as ideators are equipped with the resources and know-how to shape our communities, co-create policies and improve our public spaces and services. A platform that connects Singaporeans to resources As a grassroots leader, Tan noted that he was attuned to the various resources he could tap on, such as the Municipal Services Office (MSO)'s Love Our 'Hood fund, the Residents' Network, as well as the National Environment Agency (NEA) to enable and fund his project. However, he recognised that getting in touch with the relevant agencies and constituency officers could prove challenging to people who may be interested but are new to participating in community efforts. To that end, the Singapore Government Partnerships Office (SGPO) was established to facilitate and catalyse such initiatives. It serves as a first stop for citizens and ground-ups that need the necessary backing and resources to start or scale up their community initiatives. With the establishment of SGPO, Tan hopes it will invite "great ideas take shape to benefit more residents and citizens in Singapore". Check out SGPO's website to explore existing initiatives and find ways to contribute to building the Singapore you would be proud of. This article is brought to you in partnership with the Singapore Government Partnerships Office (SGPO).
