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            <title>Mothership.SG - News from Singapore, Asia and around the world</title>
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                    <title>Another 6 luxury apartments in S'pore linked to S$3 billion money laundering case up for auction</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/10/6-apartments-auction-laundering/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-10-08T14:43:30</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Nicolas Wong ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/10/6-apartments-auction-laundering/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ This round follows an unsuccessful previous auction of 7 other properties. ]]>
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                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/photo_2026-10-08_14-33-45.jpg"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>Another six properties in Singapore, linked to the S$3 billion money laundering case, have gone up for auction.</p><p>According to <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/housing/up-for-auction-6-luxury-apartments-in-ardmore-park-leonie-hill-linked-to-money-laundering-case" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>The Straits Times</em></a> (<em>ST), </em>the luxury apartments consist of five units at Nouvel 18 near Orchard Road, and a four-bedroom apartment in Leonie Hill Road.</p>
<p>They will be auctioned on Oct. 28, 2:30pm, at the office of SRI Auctions, one of the three brokerages appointed to auction off the properties.</p><p>This follows a <a href="https://mothership.sg/2026/09/3-billion-money-laundering-property-auction-fail/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">previous round</a> of seven other properties auctioned off by Knight Frank.</p><p>None of the seven properties was able to meet the minimum price set by the auctioneer, and were ultimately unsold.</p><p>In total, 32 properties linked to the money laundering case have been put up for sale since September, with more than 80 in total slated for auction.</p><iframe class='post-embed title='Another 6 luxury apartments in S'pore linked to S$3 billion money laundering case up for auction' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2026/09/3-billion-money-laundering-property-auction-fail/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe><p><h2>On the auction block</h2></p><p>The five apartments in Nouvel 18 range from 1,335 square feet (sq ft) to 6,125 sq ft.</p><p>Prices start from S<span>$2,939 per sq ft (psf) to S$3,558 psf, reported <em>ST</em>.</span></p><p>These apartments comprise various layouts, from a two-bedder plus study, to a three-bedder, three-bedder plus study, and four-bedder unit.</p><p>The smallest apartment at 1,335 sq ft is a two-bedder plus study on the ninth floor, according to the <a href="https://auction.sri.sg/auction-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SRI Auction</a> website.</p><p>It starts with a guide price of S$4.48 million.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 696px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/apt1.jpg" alt="" width="696" height="416" class="size-full wp-image-1176713" /> Photo from SRI Auction
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p>The largest 6,125 sq ft unit is a four-bedder on the 36th floor, the top floor of Nouvel 18.</p><p>Pictures show the apartment clad in marble flooring and detailing.</p><p>The guide price for the unit is S$18 million.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 696px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/apt2.jpg" alt="" width="696" height="416" class="size-full wp-image-1176716" /> Photo from SRI Auction
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p>As for the lone unit at New Futura, the 2,691 sq ft four-bedder starts at a guide price of S$9.8 million, or S$3,642 psf.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 696px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/apt3.jpg" alt="" width="696" height="416" class="size-full wp-image-1176720" /> Photo from SRI Auction
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p>All six apartments are freehold.</p><p><h2>Tough sell</h2></p><p>So far, demand for the auctioned apartments has been lukewarm.</p><p><em>ST</em> reported that of the 26 other properties auctioned before this round, only four apartments <span>in Wallich Residence and Martin Modern, comprising S$16.28 million in value, were sold.</p><p></span></p><p>Managing partner of SRI Auction, Mok Sze Sze, told <em>ST</em> that the remaining units at Wallich Residence and Martin Modern are still "attracting a healthy level of interest".</p><p>SRI is awaiting directions from the authorities as to whether the properties will be put up for auction again.</p><p><p class="text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular" data-testid="article-paragraph-annotation-test-id">In addition<span> </span>to the 32 properties auctioned, three bungalows with private yacht berths and a seaview leasehold plot in Sentosa Cove were recently put up for an expression of interest (EOI) sale.</p></p><p><p class="text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular" data-testid="article-paragraph-annotation-test-id">This was done by luxury realtor List Sotheby’s International Realty (ListSIR).</p></p><p><p data-testid="article-paragraph-annotation-test-id">The EOI sale means that potential buyers can only submit non-binding offers to indicate their interest.</p></p><p><p data-testid="article-paragraph-annotation-test-id">On the other hand, luxury goods related to the money laundering case saw <a href="https://mothership.sg/2026/09/yayoi-kusama-bag-3-billion-money-laundering-auction/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">fierce demand and bidding</a>, with all 337 lots sold.</p></p><p><p data-testid="article-paragraph-annotation-test-id">Items included a Yayoi Kusama-Louis Vuitton bag that went for S$87,000, several Chanel bags, and Chrome Hearts jewelllery.</p></p><p><h2>Related articles</h2></p><iframe class='post-embed title='Another 6 luxury apartments in S'pore linked to S$3 billion money laundering case up for auction' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2026/09/real-estate-money-laundering-auction/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe><iframe class='post-embed title='Another 6 luxury apartments in S'pore linked to S$3 billion money laundering case up for auction' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2026/09/yayoi-kusama-bag-3-billion-money-laundering-auction/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe></p> ]]>
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                    <title>Woman with 5 huge bags of containers at BCRS machine sparks debate</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/10/woman-5-bags-bcrs/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-10-08T14:35:39</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Nicolas Wong ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/10/woman-5-bags-bcrs/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ She elicited various reactions online. ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/woman-bcrs-machine.jpg"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>A woman was spotted with a substantial amount of beverage containers at a BCRS machine, eliciting various reactions online.</p><p>She was recorded in a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reels/DeN3wRtgN-R/">video</a> posted on Instagram by account sgfollowsall on Oct. 8.</p>
<p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeN3wRtgN-R/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);"></p><p><div style="padding: 16px;"></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeN3wRtgN-R/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> </a></p><p><div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"></p><p><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div></p><p><div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"></p><p><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div></p><p><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></p><p></div></p><p></div></p><p><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div></p><p><div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewbox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div></p><p><div style="padding-top: 8px;"></p><p><div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></p><p></div></p><p><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div></p><p><div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"></p><p><div></p><p><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div></p><p><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div></p><p><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></p><p></div></p><p><div style="margin-left: 8px;"></p><p><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div></p><p><div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"></div></p><p></div></p><p><div style="margin-left: auto;"></p><p><div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div></p><p><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div></p><p><div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></p><p></div></p><p></div></p><p><div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"></p><p><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div></p><p><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></p><p></div></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeN3wRtgN-R/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A post shared by SgfollowsAll (@sgfollowsall)</a></p></p><p></div></p></blockquote></p><p><script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p><p><h2>Three huge bags that reached her chin</h2></p><p>In the video, she can be seen with five large garbage bags filled to the brim, presumably with beverage containers.</p><p>Three bags were stacked to a height that reached her chin.</p><p>BCRS, or the Beverage Container Return Scheme, involves consumers returning drink containers to machines in order to receive a S$0.10 refund for each container.</p><p><h2>Don't be kaypoh</h2></p><p>Her actions quickly drew reactions from commenters.</p><p>A number of them quipped that the woman might have been doing so out of necessity.</p><p>"This is what people do to survive," the top comment read.</p><p>One chided the poster for uploading the video, questioning why they recorded someone who might be in need.</p><p>The commenter called them "kaypoh", or nosy, and remarked that the poster might have been looking for quick attention and fame on social media.</p><p>Other users pointed to the fact that the woman appeared to be wearing a t-shirt printed with the word "Balenciaga", which is a luxury fashion brand.</p><p>One commenter wrote: "How many bottles to change 1 balenciaga?"</p><p><h2>Shock and awe</h2></p><p>Some other comments expressed disbelief at the number of drink containers she brought.</p><p>One questioned how she was able to obtain this many containers, calling it "crazy work".</p><p>Another wondered how long she would take to finish processing all the containers.</p><p>In response, other users shared their experiences with the machine and its relatively slow speed, with one commenter saying that they once witnessed a man taking "10-12 minutes" to process 24 cans and bottles.</p><p>According to <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/public-can-use-ez-link-card-to-get-10-cent-refund-when-recycling-drink-bottles-cans-from-april" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>The Straits Times</em></a>, each BCRS machine can hold either 1,000 or 2,000 containers depending on its size.</p><p>Her actions came in the wake of other incidents involving members of the public returning containers to BCRS machines.</p><p>Past reports include a man who spent two to three hours each day collecting bottles and cans to offset living expenses.</p><p>After a man and a child was seen presumably rummaging through a trash bin to look for containers, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said that such actions were against the law.</p><iframe class='post-embed title='Woman with 5 huge bags of containers at BCRS machine sparks debate' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2026/09/man-collects-2000-bcrs/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe><iframe class='post-embed title='Woman with 5 huge bags of containers at BCRS machine sparks debate' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2026/10/photo-man-boy-rubbish-cans-bottles/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe><iframe class='post-embed title='Woman with 5 huge bags of containers at BCRS machine sparks debate' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2026/10/grace-fu-bcrs-law/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe></p> ]]>
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                    <title>Eleanor Lee, 27, says mum Quan Yifeng only gave her RMB100 (S$19) when she first moved to China at 15</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/10/eleanor-lee-quan-yi-fong-rmb-100-move-china/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-10-08T14:26:02</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Nicolas Wong ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/10/eleanor-lee-quan-yi-fong-rmb-100-move-china/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ Lee reflected on her journey in the entertainment industry through an interview with Zaobao.  ]]>
                    </description>

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                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/eleanor-turns-27.png"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>Eleanor Lee feels like time has eluded her.</p><p>The daughter of Mediacorp host Quan Yifeng, Lee will turn 27 on Oct. 12.</p>
<p>Landing her first role at 15 in an Apple advertisement directed by Ann Hui, this marks her 12th year in the entertainment industry.</p><p>In an interview with <span style="font-weight: 400;">Singapore Chinese-language media <a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/entertainment/story20261007-9756179?ref=today-news-section-card-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Lianhe Zaobao</em></a> (<em>Zaobao</em>), Lee revealed that she occasionally feels like she is still 18 years old.</span></p><p>From her first role, she quickly took on other film and television roles in China, working from the get-go with veterans such as Leon Lai and Zhang Fengyi within the first two years.</p><p>She continued to star in several leading roles, such as in the <span>web series "Problematic Restaurant" and "My Poseidon", and the web film "The Enchanting Phantom". </span></p><p><h2>Not a nepo baby</h2></p><p>Lee told <em>Zaobao</em> that her mother Quan was relatively hands-off when it came to her.</p><p>While some may assume that being the daughter of a media personality might entail certain shortcuts, she said, her mother never "interfered" with her problems.</p><p>In fact, Lee claims, Quan never taught her anything about being on set or introduced her to directors.</p><p>This was so that she would learn how to deal with life independently.</p><p>She recalled how when she first moved to China, her mother only gave her a RMB100 (S$19) note.</p><p>Lee joked, "My mom is so bad at maths – I was going to stay there for one or two months, how could RMB100 be enough for food?"</p><p>Thankfully, though, her agent took her in and provided her with three meals a day.</p><p><h2>Shedding the 'cute' label</h2></p><p>Lee told <em>Zaobao</em> that during the initial phases of her career, she was seen as "cute" and repeatedly typecasted in "sweet" and "lively" roles.</p><p>Though she wished to push herself by taking on an "independent woman" role, and even auditioned for the role of a villain, she was rejected as her appearance was deemed a poor match.</p><p>It was only in 2024 when she was put on the set of "Within the Grip" that she was finally cast in a more mature role.</p><p>However, that came with its own challenges, as she was so accustomed to playing "innocent" characters by then.</p><p>She said that she sometimes found herself acting "too lively" on set, and had to constantly think about how to "remain composed".</p><p><h2>The anti-China fiasco</h2></p><p>In recent memory, however, Lee found herself attracting unwanted media attention.</p><p>While she was filming the drama "The Journey of Legend", an <a href="https://mothership.sg/2025/05/eleanor-lee-accusations-chinese-nationals/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">audio clip</a> surfaced on Chinese social media of a woman saying "<span>most Chinese nationals are idiots".</span></p><p>Netizens pinned it on Lee, and a deluge of backlash followed. Some asked her to "get out" of China.</p><p>The backlash was so intense that the team working on "The Journey of Legend" even considered using AI face-swapping technology to remove her likeness from the show.</p><iframe class='post-embed title='Eleanor Lee, 27, says mum Quan Yifeng only gave her RMB100 (S$19) when she first moved to China at 15' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2025/05/eleanor-lee-face-swap-possible/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe><iframe class='post-embed title='Eleanor Lee, 27, says mum Quan Yifeng only gave her RMB100 (S$19) when she first moved to China at 15' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2025/07/eleanor-lees-former-assistant-public-apology-audio-scandal/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe><p>Ultimately, however, the clip was found to have been fabricated by Lee's former assistant, who she sued for defamation.</p><p>Lee told <em>Zaobao</em> that it was the "lowest point" in her career.</p><p>What bothered her was the sense of guilt, she said.</p><p>Despite not being at fault, she felt sorry to her fans, supporters, and company who supported her, especially given that she did not land many roles during that period.</p><p>She felt like she had "disappointed" her mother and told her not to accompany her in Beijing in order not to worry her.</p><p>Till now, netizens occasionally leave negative comments on her social media posts, some of which are directed at Quan.</p><p><blockquote><p>"<span>I still want to protect my mother and I hope I can bring her honor."</span></p></blockquote></p><p>She further that the incident gave her courage and allowed her to mature.</p><p>Lee ended the interview by admitting that she has "slowed down" for a while, and wishes to pick up more roles soon.</p><p>She is also cultivating her singing career, having released more than 20 singles and film and television theme songs.</p></p> ]]>
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                    <title>S'pore girl, 11, hit by car at Yishun carpark, 62-year-old driver assisting with police investigation</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/10/girl-car-hit-yishun/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-10-08T14:17:07</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Gracia Yap ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/10/girl-car-hit-yishun/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ The girl was conveyed conscious to a hospital. ]]>
                    </description>

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                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/girl-hit-by-car-khatib.jpg"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>An 11-year-old girl was sent to the hospital after apparently being hit by a car at a carpark in Yishun on Oct. 7, 2026, with the driver assisting with investigations.</p><p>The incident was posted to Instagram by @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeMfURUAtvn/?stkn=MWRidWo0ejFld3doNg%3D%3D" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sgfollowsall</a>, which shared information from a follower that the girl was left immobile due to the "intense pain".</p>
<p>An ambulance was also called to the scene afterwards, the post added.</p><p><h2>Accident scene</h2></p><p>Based on the video, a number of passers-by were gathered in a carpark, overlooking a young individual lying on the ground.</p><p>Uniformed personnel could be seen attending to the girl while someone held an umbrella over her.</p><p>An ambulance, along with two other vehicles, were stationary at the scene.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 910px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/Screenshot-2026-10-08-at-10.31.23 AM.png" alt="" width="910" height="740" class="size-full wp-image-1176845" /> <em>Photo via sgfollowsall/Instagram</em>
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</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 1268px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
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    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/Screenshot-2026-10-08-at-10.38.09 AM.png" alt="" width="1268" height="902" class="size-full wp-image-1176846" /> <em>Photo via sgfollowsall/Instagram</em>
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</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 990px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/hit-by-car.jpg" alt="" width="990" height="1286" class="size-full wp-image-1176848" /> <em>Photo via sgfollowsall/Instagram</em>
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</p><p>Responding to <em>Mothership's</em> queries, the police said they were alerted at about 1:15pm on Oct. 7 to an accident involving a car and a pedestrian along Block 813A Yishun Ring Road.</p><p>The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it was alerted at the same time that day to a road traffic accident at the carpark of Block 813 Yishun Ring Road.</p><p>SCDF conveyed an 11-year-old pedestrian conscious to KK Women's and Children's Hospital.</p><p>A 62-year-old male car driver is assisting with investigations and police investigations are ongoing.</p></p> ]]>
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                    <title>F1 driver Valtteri Bottas cycles 420km from KL to S’pore, approaches Marina Bay circuit</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/10/f1-valtteri-bottas-cycle-singapore/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-10-08T12:00:28</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Belmont Lay ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/10/f1-valtteri-bottas-cycle-singapore/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ How to win fans. ]]>
                    </description>

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                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/f1-driver-reach-singapore-on-bicycle-.jpg"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>Cadillac Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas has made it to Singapore.</p><p>He arrived on Oct. 7, according to his social media post.</p>
<p>The 37-year-old Finnish driver wrote that he had cycled close to 420km over four days from Sepang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.</p><p>He made it in time for the Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix, where media commitments commenced on Oct. 8.</p><p>It was initially thought that Bottas <a href="https://mothership.sg/2026/10/valtteri-bottas-cycle-kl-singapore-f1-grand-prix/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">would traverse through 350km of terrain</a> from Malaysia to Singapore on his gravel race bicycle.</p><iframe class='post-embed title='F1 driver Valtteri Bottas cycles 420km from KL to S’pore, approaches Marina Bay circuit' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2026/10/valtteri-bottas-cycle-kl-singapore-f1-grand-prix/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe><p>But the journey took longer due to the paths he took.</p><p><h2>Regular updates</h2></p><p>He has been posting daily updates of his ride on social media.</p><p>While still in Malaysia, he was seen dining on chicken rice balls and satay.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 3072px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/f1-driver-reach-singapore-on-bicycle-cows.jpg" alt="" width="3072" height="4096" class="size-full wp-image-1176889" /> Photo from Valtteri Bottas social media
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</p><p><h2>Distances covered</h2></p><p>He rode 56.6km in just over two hours on Oct. 4.</p><p>On Oct. 5, he did 161.91km over 5hr 45min.</p><p>He then rode another 161km in 5.5 hours on Oct. 6.</p><p>On Oct. 7, he finished the last 40.16km.</p><p>On Wednesday, he posted a video of the Causeway taken at 2:22pm.</p><p>Two hours later, he was cycling past Beach Road towards Marina Bay.</p><p><h2>Presented with certificate</h2></p><p>He was presented a “certificate of completion” by The Ritz-Carlton, Millennia Singapore.</p><p>In all, he rode 419.67km to Singapre.</p><p>The Singapore GP’s first practice session is on Oct. 9.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 3072px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/f1-driver-each-singapore-on-bicycle-cert.jpg" alt="" width="3072" height="4096" class="size-full wp-image-1176885" /> Photo from Valtteri Bottas social media
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</figure>
</p><p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FValtteriBottas%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0KKbEV28TcC2sjUz9ARBrDgc6icweYnEFKSHaPP69ScnsvEXnL49fzgcPNJ1Hovsul&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="631" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></p></p> ]]>
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                    <title>Schools in Johor to close on Oct. 8 & 9 following worsening haze conditions</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/10/schools-johor-close-haze/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-10-08T11:48:59</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Khine Zin Htet ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/10/schools-johor-close-haze/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ To safeguard students' health. ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/Article-Cover-Pic-2000-x-1050-2026-10-08T114052.153.jpg"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>All schools in Johor, Malaysia, will be closed for two days starting Oct. 8 to safeguard students' health amid worsening haze conditions and deteriorating air quality across the state.</p><p>According to the <a href="https://eqms.doe.gov.my/APIMS/main" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS)</a>, all eight areas in Johor recorded unhealthy readings as of 11am on Oct. 8, ranging from 162 to 188.</p>
<p>Johor Education and Information Committee chairman Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali said the decision was made following a directive from Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, reported <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/08/haze-shuts-johor-schools" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>The Star.</em></a></p><p>“While this decision may req­uire some adjustment from everyone, under the current circumstances, the safety and health of children must be our shared priority,” he said.</p><p><h2>Safeguard children's health</h2></p><p>Naqib also urged parents and guar­dians to monitor their child­ren’s health, reduce outdoor activities and ensure they drink enough water.</p><p>“Seek immediate medical ­attention if they experience symptoms such as coughing, sore throat or breathing difficulties,” he said.</p><p>He also acknowledged the impact on parents who have to work and asked for the cooperation and consideration of employers in providing appropriate flexibility.</p><p>Meanwhile, schools will postpone assessments, subject to decisions by the Johor Education Department and relevant parties.</p><p>Home-based teaching and learning will be conducted during the two-day closure to ensure students can continue their lessons.</p><p>The state government and relevant agencies will continue monitoring the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, Naqib said.</p></p> ]]>
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                    <title>Crystal Jade shutters 4 more outlets, lays off 120 staff ahead of proposed sale</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/10/crystal-jade-restructuring/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-10-08T11:37:28</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Nicolas Wong ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/10/crystal-jade-restructuring/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ The company is undergoing a restructuring ahead of the sale. ]]>
                    </description>

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                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/photo_2026-10-08_11-35-44.jpg"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>Crystal Jade has closed another four outlets in Singapore and laid off 120 employees.</p><p>This comes as part of its restructuring measures undertaken ahead of a potential sale, said Crystal Jade's receivers Kroll in a press release on Oct. 7.</p>
<p>The financial and risk advisory firm announced that the measures were aimed at "positioning the business for a proposed sale and supporting its long-term future."</p><p><p class="p1">The four outlets that ceased operations on Oct. 6 were three Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao outlets located at Bugis Junction, Toa Payoh, and Katong i12, and one Crystal Jade GO outlet located at Punggol Oasis Terrace.</p></p><p>This move follows Kroll's appointment as receivers over the holding companies of both Crystal Jade's Singapore and Hong Kong operations on Sep. 29.</p><iframe class='post-embed title='Crystal Jade shutters 4 more outlets, lays off 120 staff ahead of proposed sale' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2026/09/crystal-jade-receivership/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe><p><h2>Consultation with unions</h2></p><p>According to Kroll, the 120 employees terminated worked in both restaurants and corporate capacities.</p><p>This leaves Crystal Jade with approximately 210 workers and nine outlets remaining.</p><p>All affected employees were informed directly and will receive salaries up till their final day of employment, Kroll said.</p><p>Restaurant staff will continue to serve their applicable notice periods and will be compensated according to their employment contracts.</p><p>Kroll and Crystal Jade have engaged the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU), an affiliated union of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), among other associations to support affected workers since Sep. 30.</p><p><p class="p1">In response, FDAWU's General Secretary Sankaradass S/O S. Chami said:</p></p><p><blockquote><p>"We know this will be a difficult and uncertain time for affected members, workers and their families. Our focus is to ensure that members and workers are treated fairly, kept informed and received the support they need and do not have to navigate this period of uncertainty alone."</p></blockquote></p><p>He also added that they were working with <span>NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) and employer partners to assist workers in finding new opportunities.</span></p><p>According to a statement, <span>FDAWU and NTUC’s e2i connected workers with more than 400 job opportunities across various sectors, and engaged employer partners to conduct on-site interviews for terminated workers during the exercise.</span></p><p><span> These include the food manufacturing, food services, hospitality, and wholesale and retail sectors.</span></p><p><span>Partners also included other food and beverage (F&amp;B) companies such as Paris Baguette, Neo Group Bakery and Din Tai Fung.</span></p><p><em>ST</em> also reported that FDAWU representatives assisted affected union members by addressing their queries and pointing them towards available support schemes.</p><p><p class="text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular" data-testid="article-paragraph-annotation-test-id">Care packs containing essential goods and groceries were also prepared for affected union members.</p></p><p><h2>Central kitchen closes doors</h2></p><p>Separately, Crystal Jade's central kitchen, Crystal Jade Food Manufacturing Pte Ltd, also ceased operations on Oct. 5.</p><p>Kroll said that the central kitchen operated outside the scope of the receivership.</p><p>Nevertheless, the decision was made by the company's management as part of the Crystal Jade Group's broader restructuring efforts.</p><p>Kroll also added that it does not expect further outlet closures in Singapore.</p><p>They intend to market the business for sale as a going concern, meaning that it is able to meet all financial obligations.</p><p>The nine remaining outlets in Singapore are:</p><p><ul></p><p> 	<li>Crystal Jade Palace at Takashimaya Shopping Centre</li></p><p> 	<li>Crystal Jade Golden Palace at The Paragon</li></p><p> 	<li>Crystal Jade Pavilion at VivoCity</li></p><p> 	<li>Four Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen outlets at Causeway Point, Takashimaya Shopping Centre, One Holland Village and Tampines 1</li></p><p> 	<li>Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao at Changi Airport Terminal 1</li></p><p> 	<li>Crystal Jade GO at Changi Airport Terminal 4</li></p><p></ul></p></p> ]]>
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                    <title>S’pore Airlines to roll out new closed-toe shoes for female cabin crew from January 2027</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/10/singapore-airlines-new-shoes-female-cabin-crew/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-10-08T11:24:12</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Xueting Wu ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/10/singapore-airlines-new-shoes-female-cabin-crew/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ They will no longer need to swap between two pairs of shoes, but wear one throughout the flight. ]]>
                    </description>

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                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/coverimage-2026-10-08T110240.095.png"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>From January 2027, Singapore Airlines (SIA) will be progressively retiring the iconic open-toe sandals of the female cabin crew, and replacing them with new closed-toe wedges designed by local brand Pazzion.</p><p>An SIA spokesperson told <em>Mothership</em> the move follows a review to enhance the safety, comfort, and support of their cabin crew while meeting operational requirements.</p>
<p>The final design was decided on after testing several prototypes on actual flights.</p><p><h2>Standardisation</h2></p><p>Currently, SIA's female cabin crew switch between two types of footwear for different flight phases.</p><p>They would first wear the open-toe sandals to greet passengers boarding the plane, then swap them for a pair of closed-toe slingbacks for take-off.</p><p>After landing, they would change back into the sandals to see passengers off.</p><p>The slingbacks were first introduced in 2001, a year after the deadly SQ006 crash in Taiwan that sparked questions whether the open-toe sandals could have impeded the female cabin crew's movement in helping passengers evacuate the plane.</p><p>However, SIA <a href="https://iol.co.za/news/world/2001-03-29-airlines-footwear-change-no-link-to-crash/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">denied the link</a> at the time, clarifying that they were already looking for a replacement earlier in September 1999.</p><p>From 2027, the new shoes will replace both footwear, so that the flight attendants can wear one pair throughout for better practicality, the SIA spokesperson told <em>Mothership</em>.</p><p>They will feature thicker lambskin insoles for support, and SIA's signature batik motif with colour variants matched to each crew rank's uniform.</p><p>According to an image shared on Xiaohongshu, the wedge heel will be the same height as the current slingbacks.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 596px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
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    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/photo_2026-10-07-12.02.17.jpeg" alt="" width="596" height="1060" class=" wp-image-1176854" /> Photo from Potato_Tomato/Xiaohongshu
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</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 583px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
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    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/photo_2026-10-07-12.02.15.jpeg" alt="" width="583" height="832" class=" wp-image-1176855" /> Photo from Potato_Tomato/Xiaohongshu
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</p><p><h2>A pity but practical</h2></p><p>A former SIA female flight attendant told <a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/singapore/story20261006-9794524" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Zaobao</em></a> that she found it a pity that the airline will be phasing out the open-toe sandals.</p><p>She said the sandals were not only comfortable but also an iconic part of the cabin crew's uniform.</p><p>Nonetheless, she felt that today's flight attendants would welcome the move as it means they no longer need to alternate between shoes while working.</p></p> ]]>
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                    <title>S'porean woman, 40, doesn't pay S$203.50 Haidilao bill & steals raisin bread from shop, gets jail</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/10/woman-never-pay-haidilao/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-10-08T10:16:16</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Belmont Lay ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/10/woman-never-pay-haidilao/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ She said she felt an urge to steal the bread. ]]>
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                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/woman-dine-dash-haidilao.jpg"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>A Singaporean woman, 40, was sentenced to eight weeks and five days' jail for dining and dashing at a Haidilao restaurant, as well as committing a series of petty retail shop thefts, including stealing two loaves of raisin bread.</p><p>The accused, Ong Rou En, pleaded guilty to three charges on Oct. 5.</p>
<p>The remaining charges were taken into consideration during sentencing.</p><p><h2>Claimed she gets to eat for free</h2></p><p>On Oct. 28, 2024, at about 12am at the Haidilao restaurant at Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ), Ong ordered S$203.50 worth of food.</p><p>The items included a beef tallow soup base, Iberico pork, prawn paste, Chinese bullfrog, and crispy pork strips, among other dishes.</p><p>Two hours later, the staff presented Ong with the bill.</p><p>Instead of paying, the accused suddenly said the restaurant manager had promised her a free meal.</p><p>The staff then clarified with the restaurant manager and was told that what the woman claimed was not true.</p><p>Ong then said she was a Haidilao staff at the Marina Bay Sands outlet.</p><p>After verifying with the Marina Bay Sands outlet, it was again discovered that the woman was not telling the truth.</p><p>She also could not produce a staff card when asked for it.</p><p>She then left the restaurant without paying.</p><p>The manager made a police report on the same day.</p><p><h2>Stole bread</h2></p><p>About two months later, on Dec. 21, 2024, Ong committed theft at a shop at Block 720 Jurong West Avenue 5.</p><p>She stole two loaves of California raisin bread valued at S$7.80 and returned a few minutes later to take six sambal ikan bilis buns valued at S$9.60.</p><p>The store manager noticed the thefts three days later while reviewing surveillance footage and reported the matter to the police.</p><p>Ong subsequently admitted to stealing the items as she had an urge to do so.</p><p><h2>Stole from Don Don Donki</h2></p><p>On Oct. 6, 2025, at about 5.45pm, Ong took S$300 worth of items at the Don Don Donki outlet located in Jurong West, and placed them in a white tote bag.</p><p>The items included one bottle of Smirnoff ice wild grape drink valued at S$4.90 and four slices of Mekajiki sashimi valued at S$55.20, among other goods.</p><p>She spent 15 minutes in the shop.</p><p>The retail manager detected the accused’s offences when he reviewed the surveillance footage more than a week later on Oct. 15 and reported it to the police.</p><p>The accused admitted to the theft and said she had been under a lot of mental stress at the time.</p><p><h2>Pleaded for leniency</h2></p><p>The court heard that Ong expressed remorse and deep regret for wasting public resources, <em>Shin Min Daily News</em> reported.</p><p>She added that she would actively seek treatment after her release, claiming that she never intended to evade responsibility and had promised her lawyer that she would change.</p><p>She also explained that she dined and dashed at Haidilao because she was angry with the waiter.</p></p> ]]>
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                    <title>How honest are civil servants & what does this mean for S'pore systems?</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/10/civil-servants-singapore-systems/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-10-08T10:00:33</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Mothership ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/10/civil-servants-singapore-systems/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ Food for thought. ]]>
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                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/IC-GE2025-COVER-2026-10-06T164044.654.png"/> <p>Are civil servants really more honest than the average person?</p><p>Amid an ongoing investigation about a U.S. study which claimed to have identified a statistical pattern of Singapore civil servants purchasing homes near MRT stations before their locations were publicly announced, there have been conversations about whether the existing safeguards are enough.</p><p>The paper questioned if "pro-integrity social norms can substitute for formal enforcement in deterring misconduct by public officials".</p><p>In response, the government said it is reviewing the data of<span> property purchases made between 2007 and 2011 by officers who were involved in rail planning, and has even extended the scope to 2014 as a matter of prudence.</span></p>
<p>The government has since updated the parliament that eight public officers whose property purchases warrant further examination have been referred to the police, after reviewing property transactions made by 191 officers.</p><p>As we wait for the results, it's worth considering: exactly what is the basis for these "social norms", and what does it mean for Singapore's systems?</p><p>Professor Leong Ching, NUSS professor of Behavioural Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, writes about her experiment on the matter.</p><p><hr /></p><p><h2><em><strong>By Leong Ching</strong></em></h2></p><p>On Oct. 6, the coordinating Minister for Public Services Chan Chun Seng announced that eight public service officers had been referred to the police for further investigation.</p><iframe class='post-embed title='How honest are civil servants & what does this mean for S'pore systems?' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2026/10/8-officers-referred-police-nber/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe><p>This came on the back of a working paper from the US-based National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) alleging that civil servants here “disproportionately” bought private homes near MRT stations before those stations were announced.</p><p>The minister added that this did not mean that wrongdoing had been established; rather the police would review the facts and that due process would be followed.</p><p>Whatever the results may be, it has brought new salience to a larger issue: the issue of honesty in the Singapore civil service.</p><iframe class='post-embed title='How honest are civil servants & what does this mean for S'pore systems?' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2026/09/paper-civil-servants-mrt-homes-psd/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe><iframe class='post-embed title='How honest are civil servants & what does this mean for S'pore systems?' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2026/09/government-review-misconduct-psd-nber-paper/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe><p><h2>Assessing people’s honesty</h2></p><p>In policy studies, the motivations of civil servants have long been the subject of study and theorising.</p><p>But empirical experiments testing honesty are notoriously difficult. Like the Higgs-Boson particle, honest behaviour is almost impossible to observe in an experimental setting.</p><p>Whether people are inherently honest is an old question. Much of our public life is built on an assumption of good faith — that we act honestly with one another and in our relations with the government.</p><p>Yet, from tax evasion to false declarations, people often fall short; in terms of policy design, audits and penalties are costly ways to detect and punish such behaviour.</p><p>In search of a low-cost and effective intervention, my colleagues and I at the National University of Singapore conducted a <a href="https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-026-08408-0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">field experiment</a> with 34,543 adults in nine countries across the Americas, Asia, and Europe.</p><p><h2>The experiment</h2></p><p>We designed three experimental conditions.</p><p>The first, <strong>“private cash”</strong>, got participants to privately roll a die and report the outcome, with a cash reward proportional to the reported value.</p><p>The rules were simple: if you roll a 1, you do not get any money, and if you roll a 6, you get S$5.</p><p>The incentive, therefore, is to report as high a number as possible.</p><p>If all participants in a large sample were perfectly honest, we would expect an average of 3.5. Anything higher indicates a degree of dishonesty.</p><p>The second, <strong>“private lottery”</strong>, was similar, but we introduced an element of chance. We wanted to see if people were more likely to be dishonest if their chances of getting the cash reward were determined by a virtual lottery.</p><p>The higher the reported value of the die roll, the higher the chance of winning. Again, the incentive is to report a high number.</p><p>The third,<strong> “public cash”</strong>, gave participants a choice to roll the die either privately or on a platform visible to the researchers. In this group, they could choose whether to be observed or not.</p><p>Importantly, they would still get paid out whatever amount they reported whether honestly or not.</p><p><h2>The results</h2></p><p>We found that most people were indeed dishonest.</p><p>Rolling entirely in private — the first experimental condition — average reports ranged from 3.76 in China to 4.43 in Mexico.</p><p>But most people were not maximally dishonest. Rather than thinking “in for a penny, in for a pound” and declaring a 6 when they rolled a 1, most shaded the truth a little.</p><p>They were partially dishonest — or, as they might tell themselves, partially honest.</p><p>Adding an element of luck — in the second condition — made little difference.</p><p>The most surprising result came from the third condition. I had expected most people not to opt into the condition to roll the dice on the NUS server where “you may be observed by the researcher”.</p><p>Instead, 85 per cent chose this option — and as a result were completely or almost completely honest, with averages ranging from 3.46 in Germany to 3.61 in Indonesia.</p><p>In the formal model, we worked out a coefficient which showed that people derived utility from being “seen to be honest”.</p><p>An intriguing finding.</p><p><h2>Are public servants different?</h2></p><p>For public servants, empirical evidence on honesty has largely been drawn from proxy samples — students who want to join the public service, police applicants and counter staff.</p><p>The results are mixed, i.e. we don’t know whether they are indeed more honest.</p><p>But our earlier, unrelated experiment provided a basis for answering the age-old question.</p><p>To find out, I ran the same experiment with nearly 3,000 public sector workers in the United States.</p><p>Rolling in private, public servants reported an average of 3.87, against 4.02 for Americans in the general population study.</p><p>When no one was watching, public servants were measurably more honest than everyone else (even if not perfectly so).</p><p>Given the option to be observed, 91 per cent opted in. Their average fell to 3.69.</p><p>At this number, the gap with the general public, who had been offered the same choice, disappeared. Even the few who declined to be observed were about as honest as those who opted in.</p><p>The offer itself seems to have been enough.</p><p>In short, civil servants do seem to be able to call on their better angels when no one is watching. Why?</p><p><h2>Being seen to be honest</h2></p><p>In the NBER paper, the authors argue that their data shows that social norms have limited persistence and are not enough to maintain a low-corruption equilibrium without formal enforcement.</p><p>My study does not compare enforcement with social norms, although it makes two interesting points about civil servants’ internal beliefs and their outward behaviour.</p><p>First, in the study, the more honest people believed their peers to be, the more honest they themselves were. They also consistently rated their colleagues as more honest than themselves.</p><p>Second, a common assumption about civil servants is that their internal values (or public service motivation) is related to higher standards of moral behaviour.</p><p>In this study, I did not find a connection — that is, an individual’s attraction to public service, commitment to public values, compassion, and self-sacrifice did not predict honesty.</p><p>Yet, most participants want to be perceived as honest and would behave honestly if given the chance.</p><p><h2>A high bar</h2></p><p>What would this insight look like in practice?</p><p>Well, for a start, like Section 8 of the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) 1960 in Singapore —  "Presumption of corruption in certain cases".</p><p>Murali Pillai SC, Senior Minister of State for Law and Transport, explained in a 2024 speech on anti-corruption how this use of presumptions worked in Singapore law.</p><p>He said: “Where a person employed by the government or public body receives gratification from someone who had dealings with the government or public body, both the giver and receiver are deemed to have given or received the gratification corruptly as an inducement or reward, unless it is proven otherwise.”</p><p>This is an extraordinarily high bar.</p><p>As the Singapore High Court explained in 2014, once a public servant is shown to have received a gift from someone dealing with the government, "the evidential burden of proof shifts to the recipient", who must offer an innocent explanation to rebut the presumption of corruption.</p><p>In short, to be seen as honest.</p><p><h2>Designed for scrutiny</h2></p><p>This is exactly what we are seeing play out in the PSD review and the police investigation.</p><p>Whatever the results from the PSD review therefore, the broader lesson is the same: integrity cannot simply be assumed from who public servants are (i.e. their public sector motivation, which may not relate to specific behaviours) nor from social norms (e.g. a belief in the honesty of others, which does co-relate to honest behaviours).</p><p>Instead, institutions and rules must be designed for scrutiny and the opportunity to be seen to be honest.</p><p>Second, and I think more significantly, there is the role of formal enforcement.</p><p>Empirically, formal sanctions have been shown to be effective deterrents, but even in the highly improbable instance that social norms can be shown to achieve the same behavioural outcomes, such enforcement must not be replaced.</p><p>Punishment is not mere quotidian behavioural intervention, it is a moral requirement underwritten by theories of justice and a contractarian understanding of public policy.</p><p>An incorrupt civil service does not require that no one be ever tempted, but instead, that those who give in to temptation be predictably punished, and honest officers given every opportunity to be seen to be so.</p></p> ]]>
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