EAST COASTNews

I SS U E 1 2 2 • A U G / S E P 2 0 1 9MCI (P) 112/12/2018 P U B L I S H E D B Y E A S T C O A S T- F E N G S H A N T O W N C O U N C I L

B E S T H O M E , B R I G H T E R F U T U R E

CelebratingNational Day54thour

PAGE 5Think keeping our estate clean and beautiful is easy? Walk a mile in her shoes!

PAGES 7-9Our national flag soared high for the 54th year - and so did our pride

PAGE 11Why does Singapore celebrate Mid-Autumn when we don't have the four seasons?

CROSSWORD PUZZLESolve the puzzle and get a chance to win a $10 shopping voucher!

RULES & REGULATIONS

1. Fill in your personal details, cut out the quiz and mail it to: Quiz for Issue #122, East Coast-Fengshan Town Council, Block 206 Bedok North Street 1, #01-353, Singapore 460206

2. Closing date is 16 Oct 2019.3. Only HDB residents of East Coast GRC and

Fengshan SMC are eligible to participate.4. Winners will be notified by post.5. Only 1 entry per household will be accepted.

ANSWERS FOR LAST ISSUE:

376

982

451

S/N NameNRIC

(last 4 characters)

1 Ahmad Bin Mascom 503G

2 Anisa Parveen Begum 401C

3 Arlene Ng Siow Yen 961H

4 Ervin Ong Tze Seng 559Z

5 Haier Azhani Binte Hashim 076A

6 Jolie Lam Zi Lin 449E

7 Juriah Sapieh 052J

8 Lim Ah Tee 353B

9 Lim Kian Beng 762D

10 Tan Tee Yong 318G

WINNERS* OF QUIZ #121

Congratulations!

ACROSS

1 Town Council carries out maintenance of _________ property such as void decks, common corridors and car parks.

2 _________ and conservancy charges (S&CC) goes towards maintaining cleanliness of common areas.

3 _________ to estate amenities, and block re-painting and re-roofing are cyclical works.

DOWN

4 Horticulture officers maintain the landscaped grounds within the _________.

5 Playgrounds, linkways and residents’ _________ are amenities available for all residents to use.

6 _________ lobbies undergo periodic upgrading to improve safety and convenience.

2

3

1/5

4

6

ELLEN DEGENERES

When you take risks you learn that there will be times when you succeed and there will be times when you fail, and both are equally important.

*Winners have been notified by post

EAST COAST NEWS2

We Want an

Community Active & Green A brighter, active and green home awaits residents of Blocks 9, 10B to 10F and 14 Bedok South Ave 2, with the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) in the works. The Public Consultation and Exhibition were graced by Member of Parliament Mr Lim Swee Say on 27 July 2019. The NRP showcased new amenities that facilitate active and green community living. These include fitness corners, drop-off porches, covered linkways, playgrounds, 3-Generation exercise stations and a community plaza.

“Basically, this is an old and established estate housing 477 units. We are building a seating area opposite Bedok Green Primary School. Parents can mingle while waiting for their children. Connectivity will improve due to more upcoming linkways. The playgrounds will be designed such that even handicapped children can play. Car owners can allow their loved ones to alight in rough weather,” explained Mr Chua Seow Ann, the project architect.

Mr Low Hong Jong, 63, a resident who has lived at Bedok South since 1991, looked forward to the heritage corner near Block 10F. “This will be a unique view. I guess there will be murals which remind us of our collective past,” he said.

ISSUE 122 • AUG/SEP 2019 3

Bring your family and friends to enjoy exciting music performances and arts activities at

Bedok Town Square this November!

Arts in Your Neighbourhood (AYN), an initiative by the National Arts Council, presents a range of enriching arts

experiences by established artists and arts groups for everyone at their doorsteps.

COMES TO BEDOK TOWN SQUARE!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT AYN, VISIT ARTSFORALL.SG/AYN OR FOLLOW @NACSINGAPORE ON FACEBOOK/INSTAGRAM.

BY NAM HWA OPERADon’t miss this opportunity to

experience the increasingly rare art form of Teochew Puppetry, in this reinvention of the traditional

art form combining Teochew music with puppetry and storytelling.

10 NOV (SUN) 5:00-6:30PM

BY THE PHILHARMONIC WINDSLearn about wind instruments in a fun and interactive way! This series

of orchestra pieces depicts a family’s trip to the zoo, in which a child

falls asleep and is brought into an imaginary world of animals.

23 NOV (SAT) 6:00-6:45PM

BY HUMMINGBIRD MUSICIntroduce kids to the wonderful world of jazz music through this

interactive musical performance! Be enthralled by rich harmonies and exciting rhythms, while learning

simple life lessons about friendship.

24 NOV (SAT) 6:00-6:45PM

THE WORLD OF TEOCHEW MUSIC

FUN WITH MUSIC – A TRIP TO THE ZOO!

JAZZ FOR KIDS – HELLO HUMPTY!

RECYCLE DURING OUR NO-WASTE NOVEMBER!WHAT’S HAPPENING?The Town Council is collecting* your e-waste this November!

E-waste, or electronic waste, refers to electrical/electronic devices that are defective, obsolete, no longer functioning, or to be discarded.

WHY?Recycling reduces the need for disposal, which may lead to pollution and could harm workplace safety and health if done improperly.

Recycling also fulfils the demand for raw materials needed for new electrical/electronic devices.

We are helping to conserve the environment. Our concerted effort makes a big difference! Look out for our collection notices nearer to November.

*Only hand-held devices

(mobile phones, telephones, table fans, table lamps,

kettles, etc.) are eligible for

collection.

EAST COAST NEWS4

PROPERTY OFFICER

Working as a family

“My daily routine includes site inspection, checking for defects, following up with cases, and assessing the work done by our contractors. I also attend to ad-hoc cases that surface from residents’ feedback.

Us property officers also share experience (e.g. difficult cases) with each other. We share resources too, and even with other divisions. We work like a big family.”

Maintaining estates – and relationships

“As I have been making rounds in the estates for quite some time, residents often recognise me and acknowledge my presence. They will thank me if I have resolved their issue before.

There are a lot more things to do besides ensuring the cleanliness of the estates. POs have to work closely with agencies and grassroots personnel as well. It involves a lot of coordination.

There are some residents who expect immediate responses. However, some issues need time to resolve, as they are taken care of by other agencies. It is not easy to manage this group of residents.”

Fulfilling career aspirations

“It [estate management] was relevant to what I studied, so I decided to give it a try.

I have learnt a lot in this role and I think it teaches me groundwork and broadens my perspectives and network. It feels great when you work on the feedback provided by the residents/grassroots personnel, and are able to come up with a proposal which gets implemented through upgrading projects. These motivate me.”

Caring for more than 10 blocks of residents is a daunting task. For Ms Nur, who works with a team of Property Officers (POs) to maintain our estates, serving that many residents is actually a pleasure. She dishes on the highs and lows of being a PO.

ECFofHUMANS Behind the Scenes with a

ISSUE 122 • AUG/SEP 2019 5

Mr Yong Cheng Tong Asst Treasurer Kg Chai Chee Garden Hill RCThe Public Service Medal (Pingat Bakti Masyarakat)

Mdm Clara Ong Hui Kim Chairperson Eastwood Ria NCThe Public Service Medal (Pingat Bakti Masyarakat)

Mr David Tan Mui Kim Vice-Chairman Upper Changi NCThe Public Service Medal (Pingat Bakti Masyarakat)

Mdm Wong Mee Ling Executive Member Bedok Sunflower RCThe Public Service Medal (Pingat Bakti Masyarakat)

Dr Yusuf Ali 3rd Vice-Chairman Bedok CC MAECThe Public Service Medal (Pingat Bakti Masyarakat)

Ms Jasmine Lim Yan Yan Chairperson Changi Simei Zone 3 RCThe Public Service Medal (Pingat Bakti Masyarakat)

Mr Shek Chee Meng, Jonathan Member Kampong Chai Chee CCCThe Public Service Medal (Pingat Bakti Masyarakat)

Mr Lim Chin Boon, PBM PatronFengshan CCCThe Public Service Star (Bintang Bakti Masyarakat)

Mr Johan Bin Salim Chairman Fengshan CC MAEC The Public Service Medal (Pingat Bakti Masyarakat)

Congratulations!OUR 2019 NATIONAL DAY AWARDS RECIPIENTS

The Singapore National Day Awards are a means of recognising various forms of merit and service to Singapore.

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2019 National Day Awards!

BEDOK

CHANGI SIMEI

FENGSHAN

KAMPONG CHAI CHEE

SIGLAP

EAST COAST NEWS6

S I N G A P O R E A NP R O U D TO B E A

The National Day Observance Ceremony is an experience that grounds every Singaporean to the nation’s heart and dreams. By singing the national anthem and reciting the pledge, each person reaffirms their loyalty to the nation. Performances by our very own residents make the ceremonies celebrated across the divisions truly unforgettable.

FENGSHAN

BEDOK

SIGLAP

CHANGI SIMEI

KAMPONG CHAI CHEE

ISSUE 122 • AUG/SEP 2019 7

HIGH AND PROUD

BEDOK

CHANGI SIMEI

East Coast-Fengshan residents, you sure know how to party! You lit up the atmosphere at the five divisions’ National Day celebrations with your performances, and cheered to the National Day Dinners with your multiple toasts to Singapore’s prosperity. What a way to

celebrate the nation’s 54th birthday!

FLYING OUR FLAG

EAST COAST NEWS8

KAMPONG CHAI CHEE

FENGSHAN

SIGLAP

ISSUE 122 • AUG/SEP 2019 9

“I really missed being financially independent and the opportunities to socialise with co-workers,” recalls Ms Faizah Hirayama of the time she was unemployed.

It was in 2010 that the East Coast-Fengshan resident left the workforce. She had just given birth and decided to move to Tokyo with her family. At the end of 2016, she returned home to our sunny island. Ms Hirayama and her husband decided that she would return to work to help support their family’s finances.

However, things weren’t as easy as she’d hoped for.

“At the start of my job search, I sent out several resumes every day but barely got any replies. I was very discouraged,” the mother of one says.

Thankfully, Ms Hirayama’s mother spotted an advertisement in the newspaper about a career fair organised by Workforce Singapore (WSG) and encouraged her to attend. Not wanting to give up hope so quickly, Ms Hirayama decided to give it a shot. She visited the fair, where she was advised to visit one of WSG’s Careers Connect centres, where she later met career coach Shawn Moi.

Through Shawn’s guidance, the former air stewardess found her forte in administrative work. “I always thought my strength would be service-oriented roles,” she shares. “But Shawn guided me through a series of personality tests and profiling quizzes that helped me discover a strength I didn’t know I had – administrative work.” As such, Shawn advised her to take up a Microsoft Excel course to upskill, and make herself more employable.

Thanks to her career coach, Ms Hirayama soon managed to secure a role as a full-time administrative executive at a dance school. “I really enjoy being back at work because it allows me to interact with people outside of family and friends,” she says. “For others like me who are looking to transit back into the workforce, networking and asking around is definitely important when searching for a job.”

She adds: “I also realised that employers look out for relevant skills, and in order to re-enter the workforce, one must remain relevant in the changing employment landscape.”

Yes, that's right. If you care for your pet cat, or the cats in your neighbourhood, don’t “share” your love in ways that inconvenience others. The approved guidelines below should be adhered to.

Looking to return to the workforce? MyCareersFuture.sg has a wide range of job roles waiting for you. Visit bit.ly/ECFTC-MCF to view available jobs with government support today.

It wasn’t an easy task but Ms Faizah Hirayama managed to find her way back into the working world, with help from a career coach under Workforce Singapore.

East Coast-Fengshan Resident Returns to Workforce After Six-Year Hiatus

CARING IS NOT SHARING! YOUR DOG'S BUSINESS IS YOUR BUSINESS

KEEP YOUR CAT INDOORS

1

3

2

4

PLACE FOOD IN A SECLUDED AREA

KEEP THE FEEDING AREA CLEAN

STERILISE STRAY CATS YOU FEED

LOVING OUR ANIMALS

LAY NEWSPAPER ON GROUND TO CONTAIN YOUR DOG'S POO.

USE PLASTIC BAG TO BAG THE POO. THEN, SEAL BAG AND DISPOSE.

WASH AWAY YOUR DOG'S URINE AWAY USING WATER.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

Ms Faizah Hirayama, Resident of East Coast-Fengshan

EAST COAST NEWS10

Being a parent to your furkid involves looking after it when it is in public places. Do the right thing and clean up after your dog when

it poops or urinates in public areas. Here's what you need:

Pigeon droppings are a common way which diseases are spread. Young persons, the elderly, and those with poor immune system are more susceptible to diseases spread by pigeon droppings. Here are three simple steps to protect our loved ones:

Pigeon-feeding can get you fined up to $500 under the Animals & Birds Act (Pigeon Rules).

SPREAD THE WORD

1DO NOT

FEED PIGEONS

2BAG ALL FOOD

WASTE & DISPOSE INTO CLOSED-TOP BINS OR RUBBISH

CHUTES

3EDUCATE OTHERS

Mid-Autumn Festival originally celebrated the harvesting of crops during autumn season in Chinese countries. Another saying is of Chang Er, who flew to the moon after drinking an elixir that made her immortal. People would offer cakes to Chang Er the Moon Goddess, and the festival was named after these offerings. The Mid-Autumn Festival was also a chance for family and friends to gather and appreciate the abundance in their lives. In Singapore, this festival is also celebrated by non-Chinese - a true sign of understanding and respect of cultural traditions that remains a hallmark of our nation.

中秋节是华人庆祝秋季丰收的日子。另一个神话典故叙述嫦娥奔月的故事。话说嫦娥服用灵药，成仙飞到了月宫。人们以月饼祭拜嫦娥，赏月吃月饼的习俗也因而传开了。中秋节也是让家人与朋友聚集在一起，感受当下充实、富足的人生。点灯笼的习俗也应运而生，因为灯笼与月亮同样有生生不息的含义。在新加坡，非华人族群也庆祝中秋节。国人互相了解并尊重各族传统，体现我国是个多元种族，包容性的社会。

Making a wishLanterns are lighted,

signifying the people's wish to bask in the warmth of the sun

FeastingMooncakes are made and

shared with loved ones

The Meaning Behind Mooncake Festival中秋节的由来

How Mid-Autumn Festival is Celebrated

Giving thanks for blessings

Dragon dances are staged as the creature represents the coming

of rain

NEWSPAPER

A BOTTLE OF WATER

SMALL PLASTIC

BAGS

ISSUE 122 • AUG/SEP 2019 11

SCULPTING A GOOD TIME

A dialogue session regarding announcements made by Prime Minister in his National Day Rally Speech was held on 22 August at Changi Simei CC. Around 50 residents turned up, and some fielded with questions and views to Member of Parliament Ms Jessica Tan.

The annual Children's Balloon Sculpting Show was held on 25 August in conjunction with Bedok's National Day celebrations. Children and their family members enjoyed an afternoon of balloon sculpting fun, magic performances and games.

DIALOGUE WITH CHANGI SIMEI

BEDOK

CHANGI SIMEI

EAST COAST NEWS12

Kampong Chai Chee was alight with the glow of a lantern procession as it celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival on 31 August. A Chinese Orchestra serenaded residents gathered for the celebration at Block 212 Bedok North Street 1. A lion dance, dragon dance, and wushu performance delighted children and adults alike.

Siglap residents have a place in the Singapore Book of Records – and it’s thanks to the 3m tall and 1.7m wide origami map that they built on 7 July. Over 500 residents and 350 volunteers folded origami butterflies at Pulau Ubin and pieced them together to create the map.

MID-AUTUMN DANCE BETWEEN LIONS AND DRAGONS

SIGLAP FLIES INTO BOOK OF RECORDS

KAMPONG CHAI CHEE

SIGLAP

ISSUE 122 • AUG/SEP 2019 13

GOOD NEWS AT BREAKFAST

A makan session for residents staying at Blocks 94B to 94E Bedok North Avenue 4 took place on 18 August. There, they learnt of some wonderful news: this precinct has been selected for the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme! Member of Parliament Ms Cheryl Chan joined residents for the breakfast and shared in the joy of the happy news.

FENGSHAN

DAY DATE TIME ADDRESS ORGANISED BY

BEDOKEvery 3rd Sunday 20 Oct, 17 Nov 10.30am - 12pm Blk 37 Bedok South Ave 2 #01-445 Bedok Bunga Merah RCEvery last Sunday 27 Oct, 24 Nov 9am - 11am Blk 10C Bedok South Ave 2 #01-562 Bedok Orchid RC

CHANGI SIMEIEvery 3rd Saturday 19 Oct, 16 Nov 2pm - 5pm Blk 155 Simei Road #01-202 Changi Simei Zone 3 RC

KG CHAI CHEEEvery Saturday 5, 12, 19, 26 Oct,

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Nov10am - 12pm Blk 221A Bedok Central #01-70 Kg Chai Chee Linear Green RC

Every last Sunday 27 Oct, 24 Nov 11am - 11.30am Blk 765 Bedok Reservoir View Kg Chai Chee Longvale RC

SIGLAPEvery last Sunday 27 Oct, 24 Nov 1pm - 3pm Blk 71 Bedok South Rd #01-250 Siglap Lucky Valley RCEvery last Sunday 27 Oct, 24 Nov 8.30am - 10am Blk 51 New Upper Changi Rd #01-1500 Bedok Ixora RC

FENGSHANEvery 2nd Sunday 13 Oct, 10 Nov 8.30am - 12pm Blk 111 Bedok North Rd #01-323/325 Fengshan Pine RNEvery 1st Sunday 6 Oct, 3 Nov 8.30am - 10am Blk 124 Bedok North Rd #01-155 Fengshan Aspen RNEvery 2nd Sunday 13 Oct, 10 Nov 10am - 12pm Blk 93 Bedok North St 4 #01-1461 Fengshan Cedar RNEvery 2nd Sunday 13 Oct, 10 Nov 9am - 12pm Void Deck at Blk 185 Bedok North Rd

Void Deck at Blk 79 Bedok North RdFengshan Mulberry RN

RC RECYCLING SCHEDULE2019

EAST COAST NEWS14

What When Where Contact Phone

BEDOK

Halloween @ Heartlands 5 26 Oct 19, 6pm - 10pm Bedok Community Centre Brian 6442 5317

Bedok Deepavali Musical Night 2019 10 Nov 19, 7pm - 10pm Blk 15 Bedok South Road, Community Plaza Shagul 6442 5317

Family Sports Carnival 28 Dec 19, 3pm - 6pm Bedok Community Centre Brian 6442 5317

CHANGI SIMEI

Digital Clinic 5 Oct 19, 10.30am - 12pm Changi Simei Community Centre Fong Jia Min 6781 6058

Deepavali Nite 2 Nov 19, 7.30pm - 10pm Changi Simei Community Centre Eric Tan 6781 6058

Senior Digital Programme 7 Dec 19, 9.30am - 12.30pm Changi Simei Community Centre Cerelia Kew 6781 6058

KG CHAI CHEE

Linear Green Fun Nite 2 Nov 19, TBC Linear Green Estate Marilyn Lim 6241 9878

(TBC) Senior Citizens' Week 17 Nov 19, 7pm - 9.30pm Bedok Town Square Nur Sulaiha 6241 9878

Kampong Chai Chee Blood Donation Drive 23 Nov 19, 10am - 4pm Heartbeat@Bedok,

Kampong Chai Chee Function Room Lina Kamal 6241 9878

SIGLAP

Traditional Chinese Medicine Mobile Service

Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month (Excluding Public Holidays), 7pm – 9pm Siglap Community Centre Level 1 We Lin 6449 8040

Silver BluePrint Programmes for Seniors aged 50 and above (Excluding Public Holidays)

Every Tuesday – DanceFIT, 10.30am – 11.30am

Siglap Community Centre Brian Lee 6449 8040

Every Wednesday – HPB Senior Physical Activity Programme, 10am - 11am

Every Thursday – Senior Health Curriculum, 10am - 11am

Every Friday – Qigong, 10am - 11am

FENGSHAN

Children's Day Celebration @ Aspen 5 Oct 19, 3pm - 5pm TBC Cynthia Teo 6449 5136

Dandiya @ Fengshan 5 Oct 19, 6.30pm - 9.30pm Pavilion @ Blk 184 Bedok North Road Cynthia Teo 6449 5136

Mobile Digital Clinic @ Fengshan 26 Oct 19, 10am - 1pm Pavilion @ Blk 187 Bedok North Road Cynthia Teo 6449 5136

The above dates and venues are accurate at press time. Please call to check.

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE

EMERGENCY & USEFUL NUMBERS

ChairmanMr Lim Joo Kwan, JP, BBM(L) (Bedok)

Co-ChairmanMr Jason Ong, BBM (Changi Simei)

MembersMr Larry Chua, PBM (Bedok)

Mr Chai Kuo Fatt (Changi Simei)Ms Lynne Poh (Fengshan)Ms Marilyn Ng (Fengshan)

Ms Caroline Kwan (Kg Chai Chee)Ms Angelina Ee (Siglap)

SecretariatMs Han YuJing

Ms Jasmine Tan

Published Bi-monthly by East Coast-Fengshan Town Council

Design & Production by App Content & Concepts Pte Ltd

Block 206 Bedok North Street 1 #01-353 Singapore 460206 Tel: 6444 9549 • Fax: 6444 0775www.ectc.org.sg

ISSUE 122 • AUG/SEP 2019 15

Meet the People Sessions (MPS)

Every Monday (except Public Holidays)

YOUR MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

Dear PMD Users, dismount and push when you are at:

Thank you for keeping the place safe by watching out for them!

YOUR SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY

Report PMD/PAB Incident in MyTransport.SG mobile app!

EAST COAST NEWS16