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                    <title>M'sian contestant, 27, who won MasterChef challenge apologises for roti canai pronunciation, talks about M'sian roots</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/06/roti-canai-masterchef-pronunciation/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-06-09T18:15:57</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Nadya Pang ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/06/roti-canai-masterchef-pronunciation/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ She said: "Representing Malaysia on the show was just so meaningful to me so of course I'm upset at myself." ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/06/Untitled-design-2026-06-09T180426.392.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>The Malaysian representative <span>on Season 16 of MasterChef</span><span>: Global Gauntlet,</span> who won the week's “World Cup Cookoff” challenge, has apologised for her pronunciation of roti canai.</p><p>Jamie Tan, 27, who is a content creator, took to <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@igumdrop/video/7649214715498859789?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_device=pc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TikTok</a> to address the backlash.</p>
<p>She said, "It makes me sad to disappoint so many Southeast Asians."</p><p><blockquote><p>"I know how important it is to people, so I just wanted to say I'm sorry. It was not intentional at all, I do not mean to misrepresent a national dish on television."</p></blockquote></p><p>Tan added that the pronunciation was a mistake and that she now knows how to pronounce roti canai.</p><iframe class='post-embed title='M'sian contestant, 27, who won MasterChef challenge apologises for roti canai pronunciation, talks about M'sian roots' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2026/06/malaysia-contestant-win-masterchef-challenge-roti-canai/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe><p><h2>Challenge victory</h2></p><p>In the hour-long challenge, contestants were told to prepare the ultimate World Cup watch-party food.</p><p>The official MasterChef on Fox Instagram account shared a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZJrXfCTPo8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">video</a> of Tan's victory and the process of cooking the dish.</p><p>She was the overall winner of the challenge after cooking roti canai with Malaysian coconut curry, coconut rice, and cucumber and pineapple salad.</p><p>However, her pronunciation of roti canai angered some Malaysians.</p><p>In the video, Tan was seen explaining her dish to judge Tiffany Derry, where she pronounced the word, canai, with a hard "k" sound instead of a "ch".</p><p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZJrXfCTPo8/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background: #FFF; 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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/DZJrXfCTPo8/?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 MasterChef (@masterchefonfox)</a></p></p><p></div></p></blockquote></p><p><script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 525px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-09-at-4.47.43 PM.png" alt="" width="525" height="406" class=" wp-image-1151213" /> Photo from masterchefonfox/Instagram
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p><h2>Grandparents owned kopitiam</h2></p><p>In her apology video, Tan said she was not raised in Malaysia and that she is Malaysian American.</p><p>She said, "We do not have many Malaysians here. My dad is from Johor, and both my grandparents even had a kopitiam before they passed away."</p><p><blockquote><p>"I feel strong roots to Malaysia and feeling like I was carrying that or like representing Malaysia on the show was just so meaningful to me so of course I'm upset at myself."</p></blockquote></p><p>She explained why she cried multiple times in the aired footage of the show, saying that "when I finished my roti, I knew that it was not a perfect roti".</p><p><blockquote><p>"It takes hours for the gluten to develop, and [when] people properly make it, they actually rest the dough overnight, so it was a huge risk for me to do in under 60 minutes."</p></blockquote></p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 524px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-09-at-5.04.13 PM.png" alt="" width="524" height="399" class=" wp-image-1151216" /> Photo from masterchefonfox/Instagram
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p><h2>'Spare me please'</h2></p><p>Tan broke down the dish she prepared in under 60 minutes and said, "Spare me please".</p><p>She added that she knew it would not be perfect, but there would not have been another opportunity for her to make the dish.</p><p><blockquote><p>"There's so many beautiful dishes in Malaysia, it's like always my goal to show those foods."</p></blockquote></p><p>She added, "I haven't even read all the comments because I know the criticism will like lowkey get to me because I am that hard on myself as well."</p><p><blockquote><p>"Any type of criticism you guys thought of other than the roti canai incident, I have already thought of. I've beat myself for it again and again".</p></blockquote></p><p>She concluded the video by saying, "Much love to Malaysia, and I'm sorry I butchered roti canai".</p><p><blockquote><p>"Guys, I might not be able to say roti canai properly but I can open a durian with my bare hands and I think that's pretty Malaysian, Jamie boleh."</p></blockquote></p><p><blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@igumdrop/video/7649214715498859789" data-video-id="7649214715498859789" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;"><section><a target="_blank" title="@igumdrop" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@igumdrop?refer=embed" rel="noopener noreferrer">@igumdrop</a>I am sorry 🥲 roti kanai incident<a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - jaime" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7649219894893939469?refer=embed" rel="noopener noreferrer">♬ original sound - jaime</a></section></p></blockquote></p><p><script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script></p></p> ]]>
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                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1151173</post-id>
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                <item>
                    <title>PM Wong says S'pore 'far away' from 6.9 million population, just trying to maintain stability</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/06/pm-wong-spore-far-away-6-9-million-stability/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-06-09T17:55:02</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Tan Min-Wei ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/06/pm-wong-spore-far-away-6-9-million-stability/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ At one point, PM Wong quipped "how do we get to 10 million when TFR is so low?" ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/06/Copy-of-Cover-image-64.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> <a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/whatsapp-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a>Population projections that suggested that Singapore might achieve a population of 6.9 million by 2030 now seem unlikely, said PM Lawrence Wong on Jun. 8 at the Singapore Press Club's Eminent Speaker Series.</p><p>PM Wong said that his government's goal was to make the country a friendly and conducive place for families, not just increasing its population.</p><p>He spoke about the challenges faced by countries in raising or maintaining their populations, calling it a global phenomenon that affected developed and developing nations alike, for which there was no clear solution.</p><p><h2>Question parameters</h2></p>
<p>The questioner asked whether, given Singapore's worrying 0.87 per cent TFR, there would be an updated population white paper with new population planning parameters, or whether Singapore was looking at a more stable population figure as the country neared its initial 6.9 million projected population.</p><p>The questioner was referencing an unofficial population planning figure mentioned by architect Liu Thai Ker of about 10 million, as well as the 2013 Population White Paper that projected a total population of between 6.5 million and 6.9 million residents by 2030.</p><p>They also asked that if such an updated population planning parameter were to be set, it would present an opportunity to re-imagine Singapore as a country with more protected green and blue spaces for conservation, in order to do more to push forward the vision of a city in nature.</p><p><h2>Low TFR challenges</h2></p><p>PM Wong initially quipped, "How do we get to 10 million when the TFR is so low?".</p><p>Regarding the challenge of population and fertility, he said that Singapore should have some humility, noting the global nature of the challenge.</p><p>Previously, it was believed that population decline would only affect affluent societies, but PM Wong observed that even developing countries were currently facing declining birth rates below replacement levels.</p><p>He called it a "global phenomenon" for which no one really knew the reason why, nor did anyone have a solution.</p><p>Several countries had used a lot of resources to try to stop the decline and to encourage marriage and parenthood, but without enduring success.</p><p><h2>Not giving up</h2></p><p>But he said that his government had not given up, and that the task force led by Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Indranee Rajah continued to look for solutions.</p><p>He said that the government was thinking about the issue less as a procreation incentive or baby bonus but rather what it could do to create a more family-friendly environment in Singapore.</p><p>"It is a move away from the idea of giving incentives for marriage and procreation, but think more about what are the moves we can make to really make life better for families in Singapore."</p><p>Families, PM Wong said, are a key pillar of Singaporean society, and the government wanted Singapore to be a place that is "friendly and conducive for families to thrive and flourish," adding that the task force was thinking about specific moves and when ready, he would be happy to share them.</p><p><h2>On immigration</h2></p><p>In their initial question, the former journalist had referenced a suggestion that Singapore might import labour as a way to grow its population, and PM Wong addressed that as well.</p><p>PM Wong emphasised the immigrant roots of Singapore's population, saying that Singapore had traditionally been an open society that welcomes people.</p><p>He said that the Singapore government would continue to control the flow of immigration, to make sure that new arrivals shared Singaporean values, ways of life, and would be able to integrate.</p><p>But given controlled immigration flows and low fertility rates, he cast doubt as to whether Singapore's population would meet the 6.9 million projection of the 2013 White Paper, suggesting that Singapore was "a long, long way from getting there."</p><p>Instead, he stressed that immigration and population growth would likely, at best, maintain Singapore's population stability and avoid population decline.</p><p><h2>Green and blue spaces</h2></p><p>Given those factors, he referenced an earlier question about technology and artificial intelligence, saying that if Singapore did not have that many new immigrants and new arrivals, then Singaporeans needed to harness technology well in order to achieve their goals and become more productive.</p><p>Singapore, he said, would always make sure that it had green and blue spaces regardless of its population parameters.</p><p>PM Wong said that Singapore would always make sure that it was able to accommodate whatever its population was and make room for green and blue spaces.</p><p>It would continue to strengthen Singapore's biodiversity and make Singapore a city in nature.</p></p> ]]>
                    </content:encoded>
                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1151179</post-id>
                </item>

                <item>
                    <title>Man, 25, arrested in Tampines after police pursuit, allegedly drove under the influence</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/06/man-arrested-pursuit-tampines/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-06-09T17:51:16</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Rafael See Toh ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/06/man-arrested-pursuit-tampines/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ Pursuit. ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/06/cover-photo-mothership-7.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>A 25-year-old man was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and refusing to provide a breath specimen for analysis after a police pursuit in Tampines.</p><p>The incident occurred on Jun. 7 at about 2:05pm when police officers spotted a vehicle of interest while patrolling along the Pan Island Expressway (PIE) towards Bedok Reservoir Flyover.</p>
<p>The officers then chased and intercepted the vehicle, signalling the man to stop along Simei Road.</p><p>In a TikTok video, police vehicles were seen having intercepted a black van at a bus stop.</p><p>Three police officers arrested the driver, who wore what appeared to be a brown shirt and black shorts, while another police officer directed traffic.</p><p>Four other police vehicles later arrived at the scene.</p><p>The police said the van driver was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and had refused to provide a breath specimen for analysis.</p><p>No injuries were reported in the incident.</p><p>Police investigations are ongoing.</p></p> ]]>
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                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1151221</post-id>
                </item>

                <item>
                    <title>Former S'pore teacher, 102, passes away, ex-student, 86, comes to pay final respects</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/06/spore-principal-102-pass-away/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-06-09T17:45:36</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Izza Sofia ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/06/spore-principal-102-pass-away/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ She sat for an exam the day after a wartime air raid and dedicated nearly 40 years of her life to education. ]]>
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                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/06/Untitled-design-3-2.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><p class="p1">A former teacher and principal who dedicated nearly 40 years to education has passed away at the age of 102.</p></p>
<p><p class="p1">A student she had known for 78 years came to pay her last respects.</p></p><p><p class="p1">Zheng Lin Baoluan passed away peacefully on Jun. 7 at her daughter's home, according to <em><a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/singapore/story20260609-9177595?ref=sidebar-realtime" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span class="s1">Shin Min</span></a></em>. She had three children.</p></p><p><h2 class="p1"><b>A life shaped by war and education</b></h2></p><p><p class="p1">Her youngest daughter, Zheng Xiuhui, 60, a writer, told <em>Shin Min</em> that her mother had attended Fairfield Methodist Girls' School as a student and lived through the Second World War.</p></p><p><p class="p1">Despite living through the war, the elder Zheng never let it interrupt her studies. Her daughter recalled that her mother once sat for an exam the day after an air raid. After graduating around 1945, she returned to teach at her alma mater, Fairfield Methodist Girls' School, and later won a scholarship to study in the UK.</p></p><p><p class="p1">The elder Zheng later left the school in the 1960s to join the Ministry of Education as a School Inspector, a role she held until her <a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/singapore/story20260609-9177595?ref=sidebar-realtime" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span class="s1">retirement in 1984</span></a>.</p></p><p><h2 class="p1"><b>Care</b></h2></p><p><p class="p1">Among those at the wake was Lin Meinan, 86, a former Fairfield Methodist student who first met the elder Zheng at the age of eight and had <a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/singapore/story20260609-9177595?ref=sidebar-realtime" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span class="s1">remained close with her for more than 70 years</span></a>.</p></p><p><p class="p1">Lin <a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/singapore/story20260609-9177595?ref=sidebar-realtime" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">recalled</a> how the elder Zheng had gone out of her way to help her prepare for exams, even though she was not her form teacher at the time.</p></p><p><p class="p1">She said:</p></p><p><blockquote><p><p class="p1">"To help me do well in exams, she would often invite me to her home during exam periods to help me revise, even though she was not my form teacher at the time."</p></p></blockquote></p><p><p class="p1">Lin described her as a strict principal, but one who genuinely cared for her students more than anyone she had ever known, per <em>Shin Min</em>.</p></p></p> ]]>
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                    <title>US couple sold all their possessions to live on cruise ships full-time, find it cheaper than living on land</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/06/couple-sell-everything-cruise-full-time/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-06-09T17:41:13</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Sarah Choo ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/06/couple-sell-everything-cruise-full-time/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ They met, got engaged, and then married on the water. ]]>
                    </description>

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                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/06/tn-3.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>In 2019, Jeff Knapp stepped onto a cruise ship and decided he would much rather be at sea than on land.</p><p>By 2024, he met his wife, Debb, who had also given up life on land to live on a cruise full-time.</p>
<p>Together, the couple "chose a life of total freedom", selling all their possessions including their houses and cars to live out of 12 suitcases at sea.</p><p>"We have lived on ships full-time for over two years and plan to stay on the sea forever," the pair stated on their <a href="https://www.weliveonacruiseship.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">website</a>.</p><p><blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@livingonacruiseship/video/7615418944152669454" data-video-id="7615418944152669454" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;"></p></blockquote></p><p><h2>The nausea never came</h2></p><p>In a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/may/29/experience-we-sold-everything-to-live-on-cruise-ships">piece</a> on <em>The Guardian</em>, Jeff wrote that until he turned 47, he had thought cruises were "stupid".</p><p>He had suffered from nausea on previous ferry trips.</p><p>However, in 2019, a friend gave Jeff a Caribbean cruise ticket for just a few hundred dollars as he could not make the trip himself.</p><p>Despite his history of nausea, Jeff took his friend up on the offer and stocked up on travel sickness remedies for the trip.</p><p>To his surprise, the sea sickness never came.</p><p>He was so relaxed that he even missed the "sail away" party that passengers usually gather for to celebrate the start of the voyage.</p><p>Jeff found his love for cruise life then. He wrote in <em>The Guardian</em>:</p><p><blockquote><p>"Despite being in open water, I wasn’t feeling sick: I smiled in relief. That was the moment I fell in love with cruise life. It wasn’t just the calming effect of being surrounded by water.</p><p>I have severe OCD and it helps to do the same things every day. A cruise is perfect for this; I was able to eat the same meals at the same table with the same waiting staff, and every activity was scheduled and predictable."</p></blockquote></p><p>By 2024, he had been on 20 cruises.</p><p><h2>A relationship blossoms</h2></p><p>Jeff eventually found romance on a 2024 Caribbean cruise when he found himself sitting next to Debb.</p><p>The pair had many things in common — both were 52 and divorced, and between the two, had six children and five grandchildren.</p><p>More importantly, they both loved cruising.</p><p>By the time they met, Debb had been on more than 150 cruises and had already sold everything "except what she could fit into three cases" to live full-time on cruise ships.</p><p>"She loved the freedom, and the chance to explore the world," Jeff wrote.</p><p>When he returned to New Jersey, U.S., he promptly sold his house and most of his belongings, and bought a diamond ring.</p><p><h2>Got married on a boat</h2></p><p>With a proposal on the horizon, Jeff booked himself on the same 50 cruises Debb had planned.</p><p>The couple found that with their savings, as well as loyalty discounts and the rising cost of living, their life at sea was cheaper than life on land.</p><p>Their families did not think their unconventional lifestyles were strange.</p><p>When it came time to pop the question, Jeff proposed to Debb on the dance floor of a cruise ship.</p><p><iframe width="500" height="615" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FJeffDebbKnapp%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0gP39YEVZ6Ct4kKHmVLBX6X2NVhRw5PG89oBUCnyygUEn26w3ejrtE2fH6btWate6l&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></p><p>Months later, they had their legal ceremony on a beach in Miami, and a formal wedding on a cruise ship, officiated by the captain of the ship.<div class='fb-post' data-href='https://www.facebook.com/JeffDebbKnapp/posts/122118882716877855?ref=embed_post'></div><h2>Life onboard a cruise ship</h2></p><p>Addressing some frequently asked questions, he said that they have not put on weight due to eating less processed food and walking a lot on the ships.</p><p>Despite sharing a tiny 23 sqm cabin, Jeff stated that they have learnt to handle arguments well.</p><p>He added:</p><p><blockquote><p>"Contagious illnesses, such as the hantavirus, don’t worry us at all. We stay well informed and are aware that these stories are often sensationalised — from what we understand, it could have just as easily spread in any other congested environment on land."</p></blockquote></p><p>"At 54, I’m living my dream. Soon we’ll be heading to Europe, Mexico and Bermuda, and I can’t wait. I hope our life on the water goes on for ever," Jeff wrote.</p><p>According to their <a href="https://www.weliveonacruiseship.com/">website</a>, the couple confirmed that they are booked on cruise ships until April 2028.</p></p> ]]>
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                    <title>Grab S'pore launches new initiative to help smaller F&B businesses, includes dine-in discounts</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/06/grab-initiative-smaller-businesses-dine-in-discounts/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-06-09T17:05:02</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Nurshahiylia Sidin ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/06/grab-initiative-smaller-businesses-dine-in-discounts/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ Consumers can get dine-in discounts of up to 15 per cent at participating Tanjong Pagar restaurants through the Grab app. ]]>
                    </description>

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                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/06/Untitled-design-2026-06-09T150525.360.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>Grab Singapore has launched a new initiative aimed at helping smaller food and beverage (F&amp;B) merchants in Singapore attract more customers, improve their digital capabilities, and grow both online and offline.</p><p>The initiative, called Grab Full House Mission, was launched on Jun. 9 at Tanjong Pagar Community Club.</p>
<p>It is being rolled out in partnership with Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), and will include consumer promotions, merchant outreach, training programmes, industry insights and onboarding support for new merchants.</p><p><h2>Helping merchants get discovered</h2></p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 723px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/06/photo_6141031651455209630_y.jpg" alt="" width="723" height="543" class="wp-image-1151137 " /> Photo by Mothership
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p>The initiative comes as smaller F&amp;B operators continue to face pressure across dine-in and delivery channels, amid rising operating costs and more competitive consumer spending, according to Grab, .</p><p>Grab said consumer behaviour has also shifted, with more users turning to delivery platforms not only to order food, but also to discover where to dine.</p><p>Citing its consumer insights, Grab said 84 per cent of surveyed users had used the Grab app to discover new restaurants or stores, while 61 per cent said they often browse without a specific merchant in mind.</p><p>Alejandro Osorio, Managing Director of Grab Singapore, said at the launch that many people now open an app before deciding what to eat, adding that this gives smaller merchants an opportunity to be discovered at the “moment” when customers are still making up their minds.</p><p>He added:</p><p><blockquote><p>“That's why we believe that supporting merchants today requires more than simply helping them to generate orders. It means helping them to build the visibility, the skills, and the resilience to grow sustainably over the long term."</p></blockquote></p><p><h2>Workshops, roundtables and onboarding support</h2></p><p><p class="isSelectedEnd"><span>Grab Full House Mission also focuses on helping merchants build capabilities and strengthen business resilience.</span></p></p><p><p class="isSelectedEnd"><span>These include workshops and masterclasses run by GrabAcademy in partnership with EnterpriseSG and SkillsFuture Singapore, with four sessions to be held annually over the next three years for merchants nationwide.</span></p></p><p><p class="isSelectedEnd"><span>The sessions will cover topics such as business productivity, menu and promotional strategies, talent management, and the use of digital and artificial intelligence tools.</span></p></p><p><p class="isSelectedEnd"><span>Grab will also conduct monthly on-the-ground sessions across Singapore neighbourhoods to provide operational and digital support to merchants, as well as organising "roundtables" where F&amp;B owners and operators can discuss industry challenges and exchange practical insights.</span></p></p><p><p class="isSelectedEnd"><span>Grab and EnterpriseSG will publish free bi-annual industry insight reports as well, which aim to translate Grab’s data into practical guidance for F&amp;B businesses.</span></p></p><p>Lastly, a new onboarding initiative will help new F&amp;B operators get started with Grab — the company will fully sponsor the S$388 onboarding package for up to 70 merchants through December 2026.</p><p>Speaking at the launch, Senior Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth and Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling highlighted how Singapore’s F&amp;B sector plays an important role not only in the economy, but also in everyday life and Singapore’s identity.</p><p><blockquote><p>“When the small kitchens in the neighbourhood are kept busy, the neighbourhood becomes even more vibrant. The partnership announced today really reflects EnterpriseSG and the government's continued commitment to the F&amp;B sector.”</p></blockquote></p><p>Sherman Khoo, 37, Regional Director of Operations and Business Development at Two Men Bagel House in Singapore, however said that while the initiative appears to largely target demand generation, which is something “every food business” needs, he noted that smaller businesses still face supply-side and delivery-related pressures.</p><p><h2>Tanjong Pagar Dine Out discounts of up to 15 per cent</h2></p><p>A part of the initiative also includes Dine Out precinct campaigns to increase footfall and visibility for participating independent F&amp;B outlets in selected areas.</p><p>The first precinct campaign is being held in Tanjong Pagar from May 26 to Jul. 25.</p><p>Consumers are able to find participating restaurants through the Dine Out tile on the Grab app and redeem discounts of up to 15 per cent on their bill when dining in.</p><p>Grab said additional precinct campaigns are planned later this year in Holland Village and Jalan Besar.</p><p>Grab is starting with Tanjong Pagar as it wants to refine its “playbook”, according to Osorio, and learn from initial engagements with merchants before applying the model to other areas.</p><p>Beyond precinct campaigns, Grab will also run nationwide GrabFood delivery deals for smaller and independent merchants, with Grab-funded promotions of up to 15 per cent off menu-wide via the Food tile on the app.</p><p>These nationwide delivery deals are capped at S$6, subject to minimum order requirements, and valid until Dec. 31, 2026.</p></p> ]]>
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                    <title>S’porean man, 28, raped girl, 13, whom he met online, gets 8 years & 9 months’ jail & 6 strokes of cane</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/06/man-rapes-girl-met-online/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-06-09T17:03:52</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Rafael See Toh ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/06/man-rapes-girl-met-online/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ He was 25 at the time of the offence. ]]>
                    </description>

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                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/06/cover-photo-mothership-6.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>A 28-year-old Singaporean man was sentenced to eight years and nine months’ jail and six strokes of the cane for raping a 13-year-old girl he met online.</p><p>Kevin Tan Jia Hut pleaded guilty to one charge of rape on Jun. 9, <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/man-who-raped-13-year-old-girl-he-met-online-gets-almost-9-years-jail-caning" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>The Straits Times</em></a> reported.</p>
<p>Three other similar charges were taken into consideration during sentencing.</p><p>A gag order was imposed to protect the girl’s identity.</p><p><h2>Met online</h2></p><p>In court documents seen by <em>Mothership</em>, Tan and the girl met in May 2023 on Omegle, a discontinued online video-conferencing platform where users were anonymously matched with others for one-on-one video or text exchanges.</p><p>Tan was 25 at that time.</p><p>The exchanges between him and her became sexual, and they switched communications to Telegram.</p><p>They spoke about meeting up to have sex.</p><p><h2>Sexual acts</h2></p><p>In June 2023, Tan and the girl met at a staircase of a public housing block near the girl’s home at night.</p><p>She performed a sexual act on him and left soon after, informing him that she had to leave as she snuck out of her house.</p><p>On the night of Jul. 7 2023, the pair was communicating on Telegram when the girl said she wanted to have sex.</p><p>As his mother and sister were overseas at the time, Tan booked a private-hire car to take her to his home.</p><p>The girl arrived at Tan’s home on Jul. 8, 2023, at about 2:22am.</p><p>They proceeded to have intercourse with a condom in his room.</p><p>Tan then booked her another private-hire car to return home.</p><p><h2>Report</h2></p><p>Two days after the incident on Jul. 10, 2023, the girl’s mother lodged a police report stating that her daughter claimed that she was raped.</p><p>What made the girl tell her mother was not disclosed.</p><p>The girl later told police that she had engaged in sexual acts with multiple men.</p><p>Investigations revealed that Tan was one of those men.</p><p>He was arrested on Aug. 10, 2023.</p><p><h2>Prosecution</h2></p><p>The prosecution sought a jail term of nine to nine-and-a-half years and six strokes of the cane.</p><p>They noted that what Tan did was “no youthful folly”.</p><p>“The sentence imposed must give proper expression to the foremost sentencing consideration of deterrence,” the prosecution said.</p><p>Those who have sex with a minor below the age of 14, with or without consent, can be liable to a jail term of up to 20 years, fine or caning.</p></p> ]]>
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                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1151178</post-id>
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                    <title>S'porean, 69, a van driver, pleads guilty to speeding & fatally hitting jaywalker, 'angry with himself' for offence</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/06/van-driver-pleads-guilty-speeding-killing-jaywalker/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-06-09T16:57:05</pubDate>


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


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/06/van-driver-pleads-guilty-speeding-killing-jaywalker/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ The prosecutor argued that the accused was driving in a "clearly dangerous and reckless manner", and had a history of driving offences. ]]>
                    </description>

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                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/06/speedingvan-coverimage.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>A man driving a van in Singapore was speeding between 62km/h and 75km/h just before he collided into a pedestrian along a road with a speed limit of 60km/h.</p><p>The 54-year-old victim had crossed the road with his earphones on, when the light was still red.</p>
<p>The incident happened on Nov. 15, 2024, at around 7pm, and he passed away eight days later from his injuries despite going through several surgeries.</p><p>The van driver, 69-year-old Tan Kwee Teck, pleaded guilty on Jun. 8, 2026, to one charge of dangerous driving causing death.</p><p><h2>Driving dangerously</h2></p><p>Tan was driving his van home after work when the accident occurred, according to court documents seen by <em>Mothership</em>.</p><p>Driving along Woodlands Road towards Upper Bukit Timah Road, which is a three-lane carriageway, he made several dangerous manoeuvres, captured by the dashcam footage in his own van.</p><p>He weaved in and out of traffic by performing abrupt lane changes, including overtaking two vehicles.</p><p>He was also splitting lanes and not observing lane discipline.</p><p>As he approached a pedestrian crossing, the victim was crossing the road despite the red light for pedestrians, and was not aware that Tan was driving towards him at high speed.</p><p>According to the prosecutor, the victim was visible from a distance, but Tan only noticed him when he drove closer to the pedestrian crossing.</p><p>Although he tried to brake and sound his horn, he was "unable to take evasive action in time".</p><p>When his van collided into the victim, the impact caused the victim’s body to be flung some distance.</p><p>Tan stopped his vehicle and got someone's help to call for the police and the ambulance.</p><p>He remained at the scene until the police arrived.</p><p><h2>Victim's injuries</h2></p><p>The victim was conscious when sent to the hospital, where he was assessed to have multiple injuries.</p><p>They included severe traumatic brain injury, rib fractures, tibia fractures, and blunt abdominal trauma with splenic, pancreatic, and liver laceration.</p><p>He also had rhabdomyolysis, a damage to skeletal muscles said to be life-threatening.</p><p>Despite undergoing several surgical procedures, the victim passed away on Nov. 23, 2024.</p><p>According to an associate consultant forensic pathologist, the cause of death was multi-organ failure arising from the injuries from the road incident.</p><p><h2>Sped up to 109km/h</h2></p><p>Following Tan's arrest on the day of the incident, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) conducted a speed estimation analysis of his van at the time.</p><p>Focusing on his speed over a distance of about 202m leading up to the collision, HSA found that Tan was travelling between 102km/h and 109km/h at his fastest.</p><p>At the segment just before the collision, he was travelling between 62km/h and 75km/h.</p><p>As the speed limit of Woodlands Road is 60km/h, the prosecutor said Tan was speeding for at least 200m leading up to the collision, and at a speed dangerous to the public.</p><p><h2>Sentencing</h2></p><p>The prosecutor sought a sentence of two-and-a-half years to three-and-a-half years in prison, and a driving disqualification for 10 years.</p><p>He said Tan was driving in a "clearly dangerous and reckless manner" at the time of the offence.</p><p>"Although the victim was jaywalking and the accused had the right of way, the accused was driving at a speed that simply gave him no chance to react to the victim being on the road," the prosecutor argued.</p><p>"The accused’s cavalier disregard for road safety led to an entirely avoidable traffic incident and the loss of a life," it was added.</p><p>The prosecutor added that this incident was not Tan's first driving offence.</p><p>He had paid a S$380 fine in 2022 for failing to conform to a red-light signal, and a S$200 fine in 2023 for speeding.</p><p><h2>The defence</h2></p><p>At court, Tan's lawyer requested for a more lenient sentence of two years in prison along with a driving disqualification, <a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/singapore/story20260609-9177820" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Shin Min Daily News</em></a> reported.</p><p>The lawyer added that Tan has been "angry with himself" for committing the offence, as quoted by <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/van-driver-admits-speeding-before-fatal-crash-that-killed-jaywalker" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>The Straits Times</em></a>.</p><p>In January 2026, Tan's wife was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and a doctor said she only had six months to live.</p><p>This meant that Tan might not be able to see his wife to the end of her life before going to prison, the lawyer said.</p><p>He also emphasised that the victim was jaywalking, and argued that Tan was speeding only up to 75km/h just before the collision.</p><p>It was unfair for the prosecutor to judge his speed over the entire distance of Woodlands Road, he said.</p><p>Tan will be sentenced on Jun. 30.</p></p> ]]>
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                    <title>PM Wong says US & China in 'mutually assured disruption' dynamic, both worse off when restrictions imposed & other reacts</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/06/pm-wong-singapore-press-club-eminent-speaker-series/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-06-09T16:07:49</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Nadya Pang ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/06/pm-wong-singapore-press-club-eminent-speaker-series/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ PM Wong said the two economies will have to recognise that they have to coexist with one another as they are just too deeply intertwined. ]]>
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                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/06/PM-Wong.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>Relations between the U.S. and China could be seen as "mutually assured disruption", a dynamic similar to the U.S. and USSR's "mutually assured destruction" during the Cold War, said Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong.</p><p>PM Wong made these remarks during a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18wUZzwsKV/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">dialogue session</a> on Jun. 8 at the Singapore Press Club Eminent Speaker Series 2026.</p>
<p>He said that in the U.S.-China relationship, "any attempt by one side to impose restrictions on the other will trigger a response from the other side, and in the end, both parties will be worse off."</p><p>PM Wong added: "So, we hope that provides a stabilising factor in bilateral ties and an incentive for both sides to manage their differences well."</p><p><h2>'Does not mean that all the problems are resolved'</h2></p><p>PM Wong said that while it was good that U.S. President Donald Trump and <span>Chinese President Xi Jinping met for the summit, "it does not mean that all the problems are resolved".</span></p><p>The two <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CjgSJdLJa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">met</a> during U.S. President Donald Trump's state visit to Beijing, China, from May 14 to 15, 2026.</p><p>PM Wong said, "But increasingly, both sides, I feel, will have to recognise that they have to coexist with one another. The two economies are just too deeply intertwined."</p><p>PM Wong added that there will be competition, but hopefully it will not escalate into outright confrontation or conflict.</p><p><blockquote><p>"It is in the interest of both America and China to maintain this strategic framework, and to have that stability in their relationship. It is also in the interest of countries everywhere in the world."</p></blockquote></p><p><h2>Southeast Asian nations want both powers engaged</h2></p><p>PM Wong said that Southeast Asian nations prefer an arrangement that is more open and inclusive, engaging all the major players, whether "it is America, or China, or Europe".</p><p>He said that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) "has always wanted a region that is open, that is inclusive, where we engage all the major partners, whether it is the U.S., China, or, for that matter, other major powers like Europe and others, or even emerging groups like GCC."</p><p>He noted, "From Asia's point of view, we also do not want to see a world that is divided into competing spheres of influence".</p><p>He said that such an arrangement and configuration will be unstable and lead to more competition, rivalry and may lead to conflict.</p><p>PM Wong said, "We are in the midst of perhaps the most important transition in the global order since the end of the Cold War".</p><p><h2>'Not all poles are the same'</h2></p><p>PM Wong said that geopolitical power will continue to become more distributed as the world moves to become more multipolar in nature, but noted that "not all poles are the same".</p><p>He noted, "The U.S. remains a dominant power for the foreseeable future. China has risen to be a peer competitor to America."</p><p>PM Wong added that Europe remains a major force, India is rising rapidly, and middle powers are becoming more active both individually and in groups.</p><p>He addressed comments that America is on the decline and said the prediction has resurfaced multiple times, but that America has defied the odds.</p><p><blockquote><p>"There are some who think that America is on the decline and it is going to withdraw, and it will just pull back into its own hemisphere. We do not think that is happening."</p></blockquote></p><p>PM Wong said, "I was a student in America when all they said was, Japan is going to take over the world. It has not happened. And time and again, America has defied the odds, and it continues to be a dynamic and very innovative economy."</p><p>PM Wong added that China is "also a very important player and very key partner to all countries in Southeast Asia".</p><p>Singapore will be the <a href="https://mothership.sg/2025/07/asean-spore-future-pm-wong/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Asean Chair</a> next year, coinciding with the 11-member bloc's 60th anniversary.</p><iframe class='post-embed title='PM Wong says US & China in 'mutually assured disruption' dynamic, both worse off when restrictions imposed & other reacts' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2025/07/asean-spore-future-pm-wong/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe><p><h2>'We want to be friends with everyone'</h2></p><p>PM Wong was asked about Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan’s recent visit to North Korea and said it was due to a standing invitation as part of an anniversary milestone.</p><p>Singapore and North Korea celebrated their<a href="https://www.mfa.gov.sg/newsroom/press-statements-transcripts-and-photos/working-visit-of-minister-for-foreign-affairs-dr-vivian-balakrishnan-to-pyongyang--the-democratic-people-s-republic-of-korea--26-to-27-may-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span> 50th</span></a><span> anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2025.</span></p><p>PM Wong said, "Our approach is quite simple. We want to be friends with everyone. We do not need to have enemies."</p><p><blockquote><p>"Does not mean we agree with everything they do. We do not, but that should not stop us from having open lines of engagement and continuing to have friendship and continuing to have engagement with them."</p></blockquote></p><p>He noted that North Korea views Singapore as a trusted country and that they appreciate the relationship and engagement between both sides.</p><p>PM Wong added, "That is one major reason why they agreed to have the summit here in Singapore between America and the DPRK."</p><p>PM Wong was referring to the historic 2018 Trump-Kim summit held in Singapore.</p><iframe class='post-embed title='PM Wong says US & China in 'mutually assured disruption' dynamic, both worse off when restrictions imposed & other reacts' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2018/06/trump-kim-summit-singapore-all-to-know/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe><p>PM Wong said: "That's our approach in foreign policy: We have a position, we articulate our national interests, but we continue to be friends with as many countries as possible. It's always better to have more friends than fewer, right?"</p><p><iframe width="500" height="793" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FLawrenceWongST%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0urDZJgUMt2Ru2uCd9s5kCVUyLMpsogR2c7Kbxre3SMxhqF5Jghb3zoZhtYRxPYJvl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></p></p> ]]>
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                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1151107</post-id>
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                    <title>2 people from S'pore found dead 4 days apart at same Batam apartment complex</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/06/singapore-woman-man-found-dead-at-apartment-batam/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-06-09T15:44:13</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Rafael See Toh ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/06/singapore-woman-man-found-dead-at-apartment-batam/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ Preliminary investigations suggest that both individuals may have passed away due to illness. ]]>
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                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/06/cover-photo-mothership-5.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>An elderly man and a 59-year-old woman, both from Singapore, were reportedly found dead four days apart in an apartment complex in Batam, Indonesia.</p><p>Both of their bodies were found at Pollux Habibie, which houses thousands of residents.</p>
<p><h2>Unresponsive</h2></p><p>The woman, identified by the initial “L”, was found on the night of Jun. 8 on the 38th floor of an apartment, <a href="https://kepri.pikiran-rakyat.com/hukum/pr-26810259054/geger-mayat-wanita-wna-singapura-ditemukan-tak-bernyawa-di-apartemen-pollux-habibie-batam" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Kepri Post</em></a> reported.</p><p>After apartment security personnel conducted a check, they found her unresponsive and already deceased.</p><p>Local police then arrived at the scene.</p><p>Preliminary investigations suggested that the woman may have passed away due to an illness.</p><p>No signs of violence or external injuries were found on her body.</p><p>Local police are awaiting the post-mortem report</p><p><h2>Not the first incident</h2></p><p>Four days ago, on the Jun. 4 afternoon, an elderly man also from Singapore was found dead at the same apartment complex, <a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/singapore/story20260609-9177569" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Shin Min Daily News</em></a> reported.</p><p>The man had apparently not been seen leaving his unit for an extended period.</p><p>This prompted concerned neighbours to alert the building management, who then contacted the police.</p><p>After entering the unit, officers discovered that the man had passed away.</p><p>Local police cordoned off the area for investigation and confirmed the man's nationality.</p><p>Preliminary investigations suggested that the deceased may have died due to health issues or an existing medical condition.</p><p>No signs of violence or external injuries or any indication of criminal activity were found.</p><p>Local police have reportedly coordinated with immigration authorities and representatives from Singapore.</p><p>The man's family have arrived in Batam and is making arrangements to claim the body.</p></p> ]]>
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