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Straits Times
28-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
How letter in CPIB mailbox exposed case with 89 bribe recipients linked to waterproofing firm
Mr Phua Meng Geh, deputy director at the enterprise projects office at CPIB, said this case highlighted Singapore's intolerance against corruption. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG How letter in CPIB mailbox exposed case with 89 bribe recipients linked to waterproofing firm An anonymous tip-off in 2012 revealed a systemic practice of corruption embedded within a Singapore firm and the large number of people involved. Samuel Devaraj finds out how the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau cracked a case involving a company in the building and maintenance industry. SINGAPORE – In 2012, an anonymous letter landed in the mailbox outside the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) headquarters in Lengkok Bahru. The writer claimed there was an established practice of corruption in a company in the waterproofing and general works industry. Another letter arrived several months later with more information. CPIB officers investigated the claims and unravelled a web involving 89 people, including managing agents, contractors and property agents, who took money from the company documented in financial records as 'referral fees'. This is one of the highest numbers of bribe recipients in a corruption case in Singapore, said CPIB. At the centre was the company's director who adopted this practice so the recipients would be motivated to recommend his company for future work orders. Between January 2011 and February 2014, he offered bribes of about $461,600 to the 89 people. The individual amounts ranged between $100 and $19,000. In 2016, the then 43-year-old Singaporean director was sentenced to 30 months' jail after pleading guilty to 20 counts of corruption, with 517 other charges taken into consideration. CPIB's deputy director at the enterprise projects office, Mr Phua Meng Geh, was then heading the investigation unit assigned to the case. Speaking to The Straits Times on June 25 at CPIB headquarters, he said this case highlighted Singapore's intolerance against corruption, no matter the value of the bribe. Mr Phua, who has been with CPIB for 27 years, added: 'I think there is this thinking with many people that a lot of these (business) practices are a way of life. 'We are not saying you cannot give tokens of appreciation. What we are saying is if there is a corrupt favour attached to it, then that is where we need to take a very strong stance against it.' Of the 89, 21 were charged while the rest were given stern warnings. Eight of the 21 were given jail sentences of between four and 20 weeks. All 21 were fined between $9,000 and $40,000 and were ordered to pay penalties amounting to the gratification they received. Apart from the company director, six of the company's staff received jail terms of between four weeks and 13 months. Six others were handed fines of between $4,000 and $16,000. During court proceedings, it was revealed some employees were paid fixed salaries while others received commissions. For those on fixed salaries, the director would pass the 'referral fees' to them, and they would hand these to the clients. For those on commission, they had to contribute towards the clients' fees, to motivate these sales staff to secure the highest possible contract value. Mr Phua said after they were called up for investigations, some said the giving of the 'referral fees' was a business practice. He added while the full implications of their actions might not have dawned on them at the time, ignorance is no excuse under the law, especially for an act like corruption. He noted that the company director had said when the firm was small that the sums of money were given as a token of appreciation. Mr Phua said: 'When he first started out, his business wasn't that fantastic. He realised that by giving small tokens of appreciation, it helped his business a lot.' As his business grew to become one of the more established players in the waterproofing industry here, those receiving bribes demanded more money. When the director was arrested, Mr Phua said the man was relieved he would not need to continue paying the bribes. Following the case, Mr Phua said CPIB stepped up its anti-corruption educational efforts within the building and maintenance industry, and engaged the Association of Property and Facility Managers and Association of Strata Managers. Mr Phua reminded managing agents to have transparent dealings with contractors. For the business community, he said if they start offering such payments, then they will end up paying more and more until their business does not become viable. Highlighting the consequences of such practices, he added that the victims are home owners who may have to pay more after the inflated fees are paid by the Management Corporation Strata Titles. Added Mr Phua: 'If left unchecked, the managing agent who receives money would eventually become beholden to the contractors and could be forced to return the favour by bending rules or closing an eye here or there. 'Some of this may amount to safety breaches.' He cited the example of managing agents who need to ensure safety measures are in place for workers and residents when carrying out works involving the use of scaffolding. 'When they start deviating on some of these things in return for 'referral fees', the consequences can be severe,' said Mr Phua. The number of workplace deaths in Singapore rose from 36 in 2023 to 43 in 2024. One of the top causes was the collapse or breakdown of structures and equipment, said the Ministry of Manpower. Highlighting Singapore's zero-tolerance stance against corruption, Mr Vincent Lim, deputy director at CPIB, said it will take action against anyone for offering or receiving bribes. He added: 'Those who resort to corrupt means to get ahead in businesses will face the consequences under the law.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
25-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
1960s NatSteel building, former Pasir Panjang English School proposed for conservation
The National Iron and Steel Mills, known as NatSteel today, was the first factory set up in the Jurong Industrial Estate in 1961. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR SINGAPORE – The first stages of Changi Airport and Singapore's MRT system – which have today become pillars of the country's transport system – opened in the 1980s. What is not as widely known is that at the core of these projects was steel from the National Iron and Steel Mills – the first factory set up in the Jurong Industrial Estate in 1961. Known as NatSteel today, the firm has remained at its original location for the past six decades, with its former main office building still standing. Called the Steel Pavilion, the two-storey building – which is more than six decades old – has been proposed for conservation under the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) Draft Master Plan 2025, in recognition of NatSteel's contributions to Singapore's economy. While relatively unknown and sitting in a far-flung part of the island, the Steel Pavilion's proposed conservation is the latest sign of URA's shifting approach towards conservation. Having kept a significant number of structures from the colonial era – which form the bulk of the country's more than 7,200 conserved buildings and structures – URA has in recent times increasingly looked to conserve heritage markers from the period surrounding Singapore's independence in 1965. Also proposed for conservation are the former Pasir Panjang English School at 24 Yew Siang Road and 20 buildings at the former Bukit Timah Turf City, which will be redeveloped into a new housing estate, URA said at the draft masterplan exhibition launch on June 25. The former Pasir Panjang English School, pictured behind its gates on June 21. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG These add to five previously announced sites that are also slated for conservation, such as the former Turf City's two grandstands, former housing blocks in Dakota Crescent and Jurong Hill Tower. URA said the former school is an example of standardised designs for schools built with timber in the 1920s and 1930s, and was one of the first schools in Pasir Panjang when it opened in January 1933. The school closed in 1986, and its premises were used from 1999 to 2024 by Breakthrough Missions – a drug rehabilitation centre. URA said it would conserve the former school's U-shaped main building, which stands as an example of the development of Singapore's schools and education system. Public agencies are considering integrating the building, which is now vacant, into a future residential development. Meanwhile, URA's proposal to conserve 20 buildings at the former Bukit Timah Turf City – in addition to the former racecourse's North and South grandstands – follows a study that assessed the feasibility of retaining 27 heritage structures at the site. The internal courtyard of the former Pasir Panjang English School, encircled by a classroom block and greenery. PHOTO: URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Of the five not earmarked for conservation, two are horse bridges that may be retained but not conserved, while the other three, located in the Fairways Quarters – where Turf Club workers lived – were found to be structurally unsound. The buildings to be conserved include bungalows that were occupied by the club's management and their families, stables, workers' quarters and the former Dunearn Water Depot, which housed a Water Department district office and flats for the depot's officers. An artist's impression of the former Pasir Panjang English School restored and adaptively reused as part of a future residential development. PHOTO: URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 'Taken together, these buildings represent key yet different facets of the former racecourse's history and functional ecosystem,' URA said. 'Repurposing these selected buildings as part of the future housing estate will create a distinctive environment for future residents and communities.' On June 25, the agency revealed a new thematic framework that will aid its selection of sites and buildings for retention. The framework groups structures into four themes – economy, housing, social and defence – which represent the building blocks of Singapore's development. It will 'support the identification of selected sites that represent Singapore's history and development over the past 60 years'. An artist's impression of how the former Fairways Quarters could be integrated to serve as a community-centric node as part of a well-connected and accessible estate. PHOTO: URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Under 'economy' are infrastructural developments for commercial, industrial, transport and utility purposes that supported Singapore's growth, while 'housing' includes shophouses, high-rise public housing and mixed-use developments. The 'social' theme – which the former Pasir Panjang English School is classified under – includes medical facilities, schools, places of worship, event venues and sports facilities, while parked under 'defence' are military, law enforcement, fire security and facilities such as army camps and airbases. URA on June 25 also announced that it had identified three new identity nodes in Siglap, Moonstone Lane Estate and Newton, taking the number of such nodes from 18 to 21. Identity nodes, which have been earmarked since 2002, are areas with distinctive character and charm that the agency seeks to retain through methods such as rolling out design guidelines for new developments. URA said Siglap has a laid-back atmosphere that exudes a unique urban charm, while Moonstone Lane Estate's 'intimate waterfront setting and rich multicultural history' will be retained. It envisages that the upcoming neighbourhood in Newton will be community-centric, with greenery, heritage and identity woven into the area. Building on the identity nodes, URA in 2022 introduced five identity corridors as part of its long-term plan – a conceptual plan that looks into the country's needs for the next 50 years and beyond, and is reviewed every decade. At each corridor, the agency aims to strengthen the identity and character of areas along it, while improving walking and cycling infrastructure. Upgrades to three corridors have been planned based on public engagements. At the Historic East corridor, which covers Geylang and Changi, a new pedestrian mall will be developed along East Coast Road, near where it intersects with Joo Chiat Road. The pedestrian mall will stretch between i12 Katong shopping centre and Katong V mall. URA said the mall could include landscaping, seating, recreational spaces for visitors, as well as for community events and activities. As for the Kallang River corridor, public agencies are planning a new waterfront park between Serangoon Road and Bendemeer Road. The upcoming park at Kallang River could serve as a pit stop for cyclists travelling from Bishan to the city along the Kallang Park Connector, and as a new community space for local residents and visitors. PHOTO: URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Improvements will also be made to the riverbank fronting St Andrew's Village, with the possibility of outdoor classrooms for students from nearby schools. New cycling paths along the riverbank fronting St Andrew's Village will connect to the Kallang Park Connector, enhance connectivity in the area and allow more people to enjoy the waterfront. PHOTO: URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY At the Inner Ring corridor, which links fringe districts around the city centre, a stretch of Zion Road between Ganges Avenue and River Valley Road will be repurposed to accommodate wider walking and cycling paths. Am artist's impression of the stretch of Zion Road that will be repurposed for wider walking and cycling paths. PHOTO: NATIONAL PARKS BOARD By 2030, new cycling paths will also be added to the western stretch of this corridor, between Outram and Orchard, and the eastern stretch, along Lavender Street and between Kallang Road and Balestier Road. Ng Keng Gene is a correspondent at The Straits Times, reporting on issues relating to land use, urban planning and heritage. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
22-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Wilmar slips in S'pore after anti-graft action in Indonesia; Singtel falls on Optus penalty settlement
Shares of Singtel fell 2.28 per cent last week, closing at $3.86 on June 20. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG Market Insights Wilmar slips in S'pore after anti-graft action in Indonesia; Singtel falls on Optus penalty settlement SINGAPORE – Shares of Wilmar Group's Singapore-listed entity Wilmar International fell some 3 per cent last week after the Indonesian authorities seized 11.8 trillion rupiah (S$925.2 million) from the group in a palm oil graft case. The stock slipped below $3 for the first time since March 2020, closing on June 20 at $2.92. Indonesia's Attorney-General's Office said on June 17 that the seizure was part of efforts to recover state losses from corruption tied to the issuance of palm oil export permits in 2022. This comes as the Indonesian authorities are appealing against a court ruling that had cleared Wilmar and two other palm oil companies, which they accuse of paying bribes to obtain such export permits. Wilmar said the money would be returned if Indonesia's Supreme Court cleared the company of wrongdoing in the ongoing case, but would be forfeited in part or in full if the court ruled against it . Shares of Singtel fell 2.28 per cent last week, closing at $3.86 on June 20. Its Australia subsidiary Optus Mobile said on June 18 that it had reached a settlement with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, after the competition watchdog in October 2024 filed court proceedings against Optus over allegations of sales misconduct. The settlement includes a proposed A$100 million (S$83 million) penalty, subject to approval by the Federal Court, as well as an enforceable undertaking requiring Optus to address the misconduct. These include making changes to its retail processes, systems and sales incentives. Optus added that it has apologised to affected customers and is providing them with remediation. Stocks react to escalating Israel-Iran conflict Several Singapore Exchange (SGX) stocks saw increased volatility last week amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, which also pushed crude oil prices higher. Shares of jet fuel trader China Aviation Oil closed 4.8 per cent higher at 88 cents on June 20. Crude oil and jet fuel are directly related because jet fuel is refined from crude oil. While rising oil prices can pressure fuel consumers, traders like China Aviation Oil tend to gain from wider margins and trading opportunities. In contrast, shares of Singapore Airlines, for which jet fuel is the largest operating cost, declined, falling over 1.7 per cent during the week to close at $6.79 on June 20. SGX-listed oil and gas companies rose, with Rex International up 4.8 per cent through the week to close on June 20 at 22 cents, while RH PetroGas inched 0.5 per cent higher to close at 20 cents. Offshore and marine stocks gained, too. Mermaid Maritime rose 3.6 per cent to 11 cents, Marco Polo Marine added 2.2 per cent to 4.6 cents and Seatrium inched 0.5 per cent higher to $2.06. All of Fu Yu's independent directors resign Shares of Fu Yu Corp fell more than 5 per cent last week, closing at nine cents on June 20. All independent directors of the components manufacturer resigned, leaving the company's chief executive as the sole remaining board member, according to SGX filings released on June 15. Independent directors Royston Tan and Christopher Huang resigned on June 11 following persistent attempts by former director of strategy Victor Lim to remove them from the board. Mr Lim is also the group's largest shareholder, holding some 29.5 per cent of Fu Yu shares as at Jan 9. He has been calling for Mr Tan and Mr Huang's resignations since January, citing the need for a 'strategic reset' of Fu Yu due to poor performance and falling shareholder value. Independent director Daniel Poh also resigned on June 11, citing differences in opinion over Fu Yu's direction on matters unrelated to the company's day-to-day business. Mr Tan and Mr Huang also gave the same reason for resigning. In an update to shareholders on June 17, group CEO David Seow said that the company is actively seeking to appoint new independent directors to the board and has reached out to the Singapore Institute of Directors to invite suitable candidates to apply. SGX listing rules require at least one-third of the board to be independent and that the group has at least two independent non-executive directors. In a June 20 filing lodged on the SGX after the market closed, Fu Yu said four proposed directors have been assessed by an independent party, with no findings made against their suitability for the role. Earlier on June 20, in response to questions from the Securities Investors Association (Singapore), or Sias, Fu Yu noted that its 'day-to-day operations and decision-making processes remain unaffected' by the resignation of all its independent directors. The update comes ahead of Fu Yu's annual general meeting on June 27. Other market movers Thakral Corp declined some 4 per cent last week, closing at $1.42 on June 20, even as an initial public offering (IPO) by its associate GemLife is expected to significantly uplift the group's financial position and unlock growth opportunities. Thakral announced on June 17 the IPO of GemLife Communities, an Australian over-50s lifestyle resort operator, to raise up to A$750 million at an implied post-money valuation of A$1.58 billion. The stapled securities are expected to be listed and quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange upon successful closing of the IPO on July 3. Thakral, which holds a 31.7 per cent stake in GemLife, intends to subscribe to additional stapled securities via the IPO. Post-dilution, Thakral's effective interest in GemLife will be about 16.8 per cent, the company said. CNMC Goldmine fell 6.52 per cent last week after gold prices tumbled following the US Federal Reserve's decision to keep interest rates unchanged at 4.25 per cent to 4.5 per cent. The stock closed at 43 cents on June 20 as the US Fed forecast higher inflation from US tariffs and cooler growth in 2025. Thai Beverage saw strong trading volumes throughout the week, when its stock slid some 3 per cent to close at 44 cents on June 20. The beverage-maker reported in May that net profit declined 9.2 per cent year on year to 17.8 billion Thai baht (S$699 million) in the first half of 2025. In an annual information meeting for shareholders in Singapore on June 20, Thai Beverage said its spirits business' net profit fell due to lower sales and higher raw material costs. Net profit for its non-alcoholic beverage and food businesses also declined. However, its beer business delivered an increase in net profit, thanks to strong sales and favourable raw material costs. What to look out for this week Watch out for further market volatility as the conflict in the Middle East continues to unfold. Over the weekend, US President Donald Trump said the US completed strikes on three nuclear sites in Iran, prompting a fresh barrage of missiles from Iran towards Israel. Additionally, keep an eye out for Singapore's consumer price index and manufacturing output for May, which are a key gauge of inflation and industrial momentum amid ongoing tariff uncertainties. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Celeb Pawrents: Actor-DJ Dennis Chew's pedigree Toyger won 8 awards in first cat competition
SINGAPORE – It was their first feline competition, and local actor-DJ Dennis Chew went in with no expectations. He was pleasantly surprised when his fur-sibling Woody, a male one-year-old Toyger, went on to win eight rosettes at Universal Cat Association Singapore' s inaugural cat show held at Suntec City on June 7. Woody, which Chew adopted from local breeder Origins Toyger in 2024, was the only such breed in the competition, which featured about 60 cat breeds. A Toyger is a rare feline pedigree, and can cost between $13,000 and $35,000. It is known for its distinctive coat of deep orange hues and dark stripes reminiscent of a tiger's. Four judges from China, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand assessed each cat based on attributes such as physical appearance, temperament, confidence and grooming condition. The Malaysian and Singaporean judges named Woody as the best cat in the Shorthair Specialty category. Woody was chosen as the third- and fifth-best cat in the All Breed category by the Chinese and Thai judges respectively. Chew, 51, confidently says Woody could have been ranked higher if 'he wasn't so grumpy'. The Love 972 DJ, actor and host says: 'It was his first time in a public place. The numerous cats, smells and noises also stressed Woody out.' Moreover, the competition was long, from 9am to 6pm. The experience was an eye-opener, and Chew says he is looking forward to more such competitions. Despite his fierce-looking appearance, Woody is playful, friendly and affectionate. He also gets along with Chew's other cat. Furby is a male four-year-old chocolate golden point British shorthair that he bought for $5,000 from a local pet shop four years ago. Woody (left) won eight awards at Universal Cat Association Singapore's inaugural cat show on June 7. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG Furby is quiet and chill, and always greets him at the door when he gets home, says Chew. 'Woody is the vocal cat and will greet me with a meow. He will also follow me around the house,' he adds. The cats – both sterilised, licensed and microchipped – get along very well, something Chew is thankful for. They are also very sociable, unlike the stereotype that cats are aloof creatures. 'When they play rough, it looks like they are fighting each other, but you can also see them stroking each other often,' he says. He adds: 'Furby may be the older brother, but the real alpha is Woody.' Furby is a male four-year-old chocolate golden point British shorthair. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG Chew says he did not need to train them much, as they respond easily when their names are called. 'Furby can do one trick – a high five – when he's given treats,' he adds with a laugh. His feline companions read his moods too. 'I'm generally a happy person, but there are times when I feel stressed, Furby and Woody will come and rub against me,' says Chew. He recalls there was one day when he was feeling exceptionally down and lying in bed. 'Both of them came to my room and rested next to me, one on each side. Furby even put his paws around me, like he was hugging me.' Chew, who graduated from Ngee Ann Polytechnic with a diploma in Chinese media and communication in May, says Woody will position himself on the table next to his computer when he does his work. 'He's a good study companion,' he says. One of Woody's favourite spots in the house is on the table where Dennis Chew does his work. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG Both cats are also his 'meditation companions', he adds. 'They never fail to sit by me quietly whenever I meditate.' The Mediacorp artiste has not always been a cat person. He is nominated for the BYD Favourite Male Character Award for his performance in the supernatural drama Mr Zhou's Ghost Stories@Job Haunting III (2024) at the upcoming Star Awards. Chew used to have a schnauzer named Coffee, which he adopted from local shelter Voices For Animals in 2016. 'She was a breeder dog before she was abandoned, and was in such a bad shape when I met her,' he says. 'Her fur was all matted and her teeth were so decayed that the vet could not tell how old she was,' he adds. The dog was very fearful of people, and it took Chew six months of love and care before it warmed up to him. It never dawned upon Chew how bad the abuse was until he took Coffee to the vet once because she had diarrhoea. Wondering why Coffee had no reaction when given an injection, Chew says the vet told him that she had suffered a lot more pain when she was a breeder dog. 'Then the vet told me why Coffee never made any sound – her vocal cords had been cut. I cried when I heard that; how can people be so cruel? ' Coffee lived with Chew for five years, until he gifted the dog to his good friend's son. 'They visited my place one day, and while the son was playing with Coffee, he told his father that Coffee understands him very well,' says Chew. While the adults did not think much about what the then 12-year-old boy said, his friend called Chew a few weeks later, asking if they could adopt Coffee. 'My friend found out that his son was being bullied in school and had suicidal thoughts,' says Chew. 'A psychiatrist suggested getting a companion pet for the boy, so when my friend asked if they could have Coffee, my reply was an immediate yes.' He adds: 'The boy and Coffee had such an affinity. Coffee took to him instantly, which surprised us all. It felt so good seeing both of them together.' It was after Coffee's departure that Chew thought of having cats, which offered another kind of companionship. Unlike Coffee, who needed more care, Furby and Woody are independent and low-maintenance. Chew used to buy toys for them, but they lost interest in them quickly. Furby always greets Dennis Chew at the door when he gets home. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG He says: 'I learnt the best and cheapest way to entertain them. I just need to throw them a ball of scrap paper, and they will play 'fetch' with it.' He spends an average of $200 monthly on their grooming, litter and food, which consists of a diet of wet food and kibbles. He also pays about $1,200 a year for his cats' insurance premiums. 'Several pet food brands have approached me to offer to sponsor Furby and Woody's food in exchange for endorsements, but I rejected them,' says Chew. He points out that there is no need, as his pets are already used to the food and treats he feeds them. He has no plans to add to his fur family. 'Two is enough,' he says. 'They give me so much joy. When I have a bad day, seeing them at home, all the stress disappears.' Joanne Soh is a lifestyle correspondent at The Straits Times, with a special interest in entertainment and pop culture. 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Straits Times
06-06-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Volunteers knit bra inserts for breast cancer survivors to dress well, regain confidence
Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo launching Knitted Knockers@NHG, where volunteers can knit and distribute the bra inserts, on June 6. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG SINGAPORE - In her quest to find the right filling for her bra after undergoing mastectomy, breast cancer survivor Lyn Ee, 74, discovered Knitted Knockers, soft breast prostheses made from cotton yarn. 'They not only provide a gentler, softer alternative to the traditional breast prosthetics that can be hot and heavy, they also give back to breast cancer survivors their looks, confidence and peace of mind,' Ms Ee said. Today, 10 years after her discovery , the soft mounds of cotton yarn are being distributed free at all restructured hospitals in Singapore to women who have had mastectomy. Wanting to share her discovery of the prostheses with others here, Ms Ee in 2015 founded Knitted Knockers Singapore, t he local chapter of the American non-profit that has expanded internationally, gathering a group of volunteers to knit the bra inserts to give to breast cancer patients. Knitted Knockers@NHG (National Healthcare Group), where volunteers can knit and distribute the bra inserts, was launched on June 6 by Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo. Speaking at an event marking the 15th anniversary of the Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) Breast Clinic, Mrs Teo cited the initiative as an example of the good work the clinic has done. 'You want to provide the best clinical care and are equally keen to support the emotional well-being of your patients . The fact that you have put as priority helping patients regain a sense of normalcy and confidence – particularly for women who have had to go through mastectomies – is admirable ,' she said at the event. Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo (right) greeting breast cancer survivor Lyn Ee. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG Mrs Teo also shared the story of Ms Carmelita Calesagsag, her family's foreign domestic helper of 27 years who is a breast cancer survivor. The 61-year-old Filipina , fondly called Carmen by the Teos, has been working for the family for 27 years. Mrs Teo said: 'I remember vividly the day she was diagnosed. After she had reported a lump, Carmen had been sent by our family doctor to be properly tested. Parliament was in session when I received Carmen's phone call. I guessed it was bad news, because she would otherwise have waited till I got home . 'Over the next few weeks, I saw her struggle with fear and despair. Against the advice of some, we decided she should be treated in Singapore instead of being sent home. Now, 17 years later, we are glad we made that choice. Carmen is fully recovered. She watched all three of our children become working adults and remains very much a part of our family.' Ms Carmelita Calesagsag (right) has been working for Mrs Teo's family for 27 years. PHOTO: COURTESY OF JOSEPHINE TEO Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women in Singapore, making up nearly 30 per cent of all cancers diagnosed among women here. The incidence here has more than tripled over the past 50 years, to 74 cases per 100,000 women now – one of the highest in Asia. The Breast Clinic has performed more than 6,100 breast cancer surgical operations since 2010 and over 450 in 2024 alone, the largest number within the NHG cluster last year . One of the clinic's latest innovations is endoscopic breast surgery that combines keyhole mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction. The minimally invasive procedure is performed in the same setting by both a specially trained breast surgeon and a plastic surgeon. Cancerous tissue is removed from the affected breast, which is immediately reconstructed by the plastic surgeon using the patient's own skin, fat, and blood vessels. Since its introduction at the clinic in November 2024, three of its patients have undergone this advanced dual procedure. The first patient to undergo the procedure was polytechnic lecturer Kwa Sai Geok, 62, who was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer during a routine mammogram in 2024. Polytechnic lecturer Kwa Sai Geok was the first patient to undergo endoscopic breast surgery at the Tan Tock Seng Hospital Breast Clinic. PHOTO: COURTESY OF KWA SAI GEOK Describing herself as 'a forward-looking person and always trying my best to shorten the time to pull myself back up', Madam Kwa said she opted for the keyhole mastectomy and reconstructive breast surgery to future-proof her health. 'I did not feel any pain during the four-day stay in hospital... and life was back to normal about four months after my right hand fully recovered with the help of the TTSH physiotherapist,' she said. Dr Ang Wei-Wen, a consultant from Breast Surgery Service at TTSH, said that not everyone is suitable for the minimal-scar endoscopic mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. 'This is due to various factors, such as the stage and type of cancer, the patient's overall health, and the location and size of the tumour,' he said. Dr Ang said the next step would be to use robotics for the procedure. 'It is the future of breast surgery and already a trend in South Korea. It has more dexterity than a human surgeon, leading to smaller incisions, reduced pain, and faster recovery,' he added. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
