Amid reports about Singaporeans getting lured into a suspected pyramid scheme in China, content creator and personal trainer Tyen Rasif took to social media to share her personal experience where she "almost got scammed" into joining it.

In a video posted on Sep. 10, Rasif said that she was invited on a trip to Nanning, the capital of China's Guangxi region, by a friend in 2018.

When she got there, she was brought to homes and cafes where "people in the community" explained to her the "business opportunity" of investing in Nanning's development.

These people were all Singaporeans, she told Mothership.

Rasif, who is 31 now, was only 23 at the time.

On Sep. 4, the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) announced that 52 Singaporeans were arrested and detained in Guangxi for suspected pyramid scheme activities and related offences.

Similar to Rasif, several other Singaporeans invited to Nanning previously told the media they were introduced to an investment opportunity linked to the city's development.

They later suspected it was a pyramid scheme, but not before some had already invested thousands.

Out of curiosity

The friend who invited Rasif to Nanning knew she had "zero interest" in investing in China, she said in her video.

Rasif told Mothership that this friend was not part of the programme, and she had also heard about it from a few other people at the time.

She decided to go on the trip because she was curious.

She was sceptical about the programme, but she wanted to document the "initiation process" and meet other Singaporeans who decided to move to China.

Plus, the trip was free — all expenses apart from her flight were covered by the programme organisers.

How the scheme works

Rasif said her experience on the trip "blew her mind".

The people behind the programme described Nanning as "the new Shenzhen" and "the city worth investing in", and showed her "propaganda videos" highlighting its supposed success.

To join the programme, she would have to buy shares at about S$18,000.

She would then have to recruit two new people into the programme, and they would then each bring in more recruits.

"And then you would earn commission off the people underneath you," she said.

Rasif then raised the possibility of starting a business in China without joining this community.

The organisers' response was that it would be difficult to do so without the right connections.

"They can be very convincing, but my intuition told me otherwise," she said.

She told Mothership she was suspicious from the beginning and did not invest any money.

She found it questionable that she needed to put down a deposit to secure a membership spot.

In her video, Rasif described visiting a big luxury shopping mall that was empty, like a "ghost town", which also appeared to have raised her suspicions.

Not only the gullible and vulnerable

The programme organisers eventually realised Rasif was not intending to invest, and gave up on trying to persuade her.

But she knew that many people lost money from the scheme.

"They are very convincing," she told Mothership. "I can see why people would be swayed to joining because it’s not just an investment opportunity, it’s an exciting chance to join a network outside Singapore."

It did not attract her, however.

"Because what was I buying? A membership? A network? Didn’t make sense to me then."

Through this experience, she observed that such schemes do not necessarily only target the gullible and vulnerable.

"A lot of these people are educated professionals who genuinely believe that they were building a better future in a different city," she said in her video.

She told Mothership she decided to share her story now to warn others against buying into similar "scam schemes".

She was surprised when the alleged Nanning pyramid scheme made the news.

"I'm surprised they are still running it and it’s bigger than ever," she said. "I thought [it] would have ended during the Covid-19 pandemic."

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The brother of Gunaseelan, the late 42-year-old who suffered from cerebral palsy, has received a letter from President Tharman Shanmugaratnam conveying his condolences.

Gunaseelan passed on Aug. 29.

The bond between Gunaseelan and his brother, Suresh Vanaz, had been the subject of media features.

Most notably, Malaysia media outlet New Straits Times told the story of how Suresh and Gunaseelan would make an annual trip to Batu Caves in Malaysia, with Suresh carrying his brother.

You gave him warmth and dignity: President Tharman

Suresh shared the letter from the President on his social media pages on Sep. 11.

In his letter dated Sep. 10, President Tharman shared that he read a recent CNA story about Suresh’s “care and inspiring devotion” to his brother throughout the years of his living with disability.

He recognised that Suresh and Gunaseelan had a "beautiful bond" with each other, through their "joys and struggles".

“You stood by him, and gave him not just security but warmth and dignity,” President Tharman wrote.

Before signing off, he also wrote, “I hope and trust you find peace and strength in the memories of the love you shared with Seelan.”

Special and heartfelt

On Instagram, Suresh wrote, “Thank you so much, Mr President, for taking the time to read about Seelan’s life and the love and care that surrounded him.”

He described the letter as "very special and heartfelt condolence message".

“Your words truly touched my heart and mean so much to me and my beloved brother, and all our loved ones during this painful time,” he continued.

Suresh also wrote, "To receive such kind words from our President is something I will always treasure. Thank you, Mr President, for remembering my brother and for acknowledging his beautiful journey."

He ended his post with a tribute to his brother, writing, “Your beautiful smile will live in our hearts forever.”

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A post shared by Suresh Vanaz (@vanazsuresh)

Suresh once shared in a media interview that he had chosen to stay single out of devotion and care for his brother.

Suresh was Gunaseelan’s sole caregiver prior to the latter’s passing.

Former coordinating minister Khaw Boon Wan will step down as chairman of Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) Media Trust (SMT).

Chan Yeng Kit, chief executive officer (CEO) of SPH Media, will take over the role, The Straits Times reported.

The changes are expected to take effect from Oct. 1, 2026.

They were agreed upon after consultation with SMT’s institutional members and board directors and are subject to regulatory approval.

Chan will continue as CEO while taking on additional responsibilities as chairman of SMT.

“As the SPH operations have stabilised, I think it is a good time for me, a retiree, to wind down my involvement in this project,” Khaw said.

First chair of SMT

In 2021, Khaw was appointed SMT chairman after SPH restructured and hived off media operations into a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee (CLG).

Khaw had just retired from politics in 2020, after serving as the coordinating minister for infrastructure and minister for transport.

SPH’s traditional advertising-funded business model was apparently under strain from digital disruption.

According to Khaw, the business model shift moved the CLG’s accountability to SMT’s institutional members.

When it carved out its media business, 16 institutional members, including key local institutions, such as banks and universities, reportedly replaced commercial shareholders as custodians.

This purportedly relieved the short-term profit and dividend pressures the company previously faced when it was listed.

New Chair "has an edge over me": Khaw

Khaw reportedly said it would not be wise for him to remain at the helm of an important institution, noting he would be over 78 at the next general election.

“With Mr Chan Yeng Kit and his team firmly established, this is the right time to move aside,” Khaw said.

“They will then have enough time to further consolidate the trust and credibility with the audience, the newsrooms and our stakeholders. Then we can be confident of a strong team to take SPH through the next GE cycle and other national events.”

Some board directors also reportedly asked to step aside so that fresh expertise and experience could be tapped.

Chan will be the first chairman of SPH Media in 20 years who was not a prior Cabinet minister.

Before joining SPH Media, Chan served as permanent secretary of the former Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts and as founding chairman of the Infocomm Media Development Authority.

“His background in new media and technology, in fact, puts him ahead of me. He has an edge over me. I am confident he and his team will do well,” Khaw said.

Chan has held the role of permanent secretary in other portfolios, including health, defence, and defence development.

He was permanent secretary at the Ministry of Health during the Covid-19 pandemic years from 2019 to 2024.

Past SPH chairmen

Former president S. R. Nathan, served as SPH's executive chairman from 1982 to 1988 and former minister Lim Kim San, served from 1988 to 2002.

Lim Chin Beng served from 2002 to 2005 as non-executive chairman.

Former president and deputy prime minister Tony Tan served as chairman from 2005 to 2011, and former minister Lee Boon Yang served as chairman from 2011 to 2021.

UPDATE on Sep. 11, 6:15pm: This article was updated with the latest figures from CASE.

After True Fitness and True Yoga ceased operations across their outlets on Sep. 10, customers have reported losses of more than S$609,000 in unutilised memberships, packages, and services to the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE).

This is the figure as of Sep. 11, CASE President Melvin Yong shared in a Facebook post.

CASE has received 241 complaints from consumers affected by the closure to date.

The True Singapore Group operates 10 fitness and yoga outlets in Singapore under three brands: True Fitness, TFX and Yoga Edition.

Images of a notice of closure put up at their outlets have circulated online.

It stated that the company has been placed under provisional liquidation effective Sep. 10, and all clubs have ceased operations with immediate effect.

A Mothership reader, who has been a member for over 20 years, said she received a notification regarding the liquidation on her app on the night of Sep. 10.

She has over S$1,000 in a two-year package with the gym, where she originally pre-paid over S$2,000 and has since used half of it.

Yong said that CASE has reached out to the provisional liquidator and will continue to seek clarification on the arrangements for affected consumers.

This includes obtaining information required for consumers to lodge their claims.

Consumers who have unutilised memberships or prepaid packages with True Fitness or True Yoga can approach CASE for assistance at 6277 5100 or at their website.

CASE encourages consumers to exercise caution when making large upfront payments for services. Where possible, consumers should consider shorter-term payment arrangements before signing up for a package.

Nine-year-old Gregory Imran Zahin has picked up a new hobby: collecting empty cans and plastic bottles and recycling them at designated Return Right machines under Singapore's latest Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS).

Learnt about recycling in school

Speaking to Mothership, Gregory's father, 29-year-old Muhammad Zahin Bin Zainal, said his son first learnt about recycling and the BCRS at school.

He said Gregory became particularly interested after spotting the BCRS logo on a bottle for the first time, and then began encouraging his family to collect their used bottles and cans so they could be recycled properly.

Earned S$20

The family recently accompanied Gregory to a Return Right machine to recycle the containers, an experience Zahin documented in a TikTok video posted on Sep. 8.

According to Zahin, Gregory started collecting the containers about two months ago and had accumulated around 60 plastic bottles and 140 cans.

Most of them come from the family’s home or from meals they had outside, said Zahin.

"If we come across bottles or cans left on the ground, we’ll pick them up and recycle them properly. However, we don’t actively go out of our way to look for them," he added.

In the video, Gregory can be seen carrying four large bags filled with empty plastic bottles, while one of his younger siblings carries a cardboard box containing cans.

Unfortunately, the family’s first attempt was unsuccessful as the BCRS machine was full and could not accept the bottles and cans.

Zahin said they subsequently returned to the machine a few days later and were eventually able to recycle their collection.

In total, Gregory earned about S$20 from the bottles and cans he returned.

Zahin said Gregory was "very happy and excited" throughout the experience, particularly because he was able to contribute to recycling efforts in Singapore while adding the money to his savings.

When asked how him and his wife felt about it, Zahin said:

"As parents, we are very proud of him. Recycling wasn’t something we actively practiced before, but he has influenced the whole family, including his siblings and cousins about recycling."

For now, Gregory's goal is to continue recycling regularly and make it a habit.

He also has plans to combine his interest in recycling with another hobby.

During the family’s next shore fishing trip, Gregory hopes to bring rubbish bags with him so he can help clean up the beach while enjoying fishing.

His goal, Zahin said, is to "help clean up the beach and keep the environment clean for others".

@thezackjourney Road to +$1000 for my son, Road to -$10000 for me… Importantly, He Save the Earth #fyp #recycle #10cent #singapore #money ♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono - moshimo sound design

A Thai abbot from Ayutthaya in central Thailand was arrested on Sep. 10, 2026, alongside a female aide who was caught on CCTV footage having sex with the monk in his quarters.

According to Bangkok Post, the abbot and his female aide were accused of embezzling 100 million baht (S$3.8 million) from Wat Phutthaisawan, an ancient royal monastery in Ayutthaya's Muang district.

Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau commissioner Natthasak Chaowanasai said that police raided the residence of 66-year-old Phra Vajirayan, also known as Luang Por Chot, after complaints were filed.

At the time of the arrest, police examined surveillance footage from inside the abbot's quarters and found a video of him engaging in intercourse on a table.

Misappropriated temple funds

The Bangkok Post reported that the complaints alleged that the abbot had misappropriated temple funds and passed the money to his female aide to disguise the ill-gotten gains under other people's names.

The female aide, Punyavee Rungrueang, 47, was also arrested on charges of abetting a state official in illegal activities.

A covert investigation was conducted, and authorities found evidence supporting the claims, Nathasak stated.

The monk purportedly issued over 20 unauthorised donation receipts in the temple's name over a period of more than two years.

This amounted to losses of around 100 million baht (S$3.8 million).

The female aide had tens of millions of baht circulating through her bank accounts each year,  police added.

Used meal table for sexual acts

The police noted that the table used in the compromising video was also used for meals.

Bangkok Post wrote that the sex videos were provided by the abbot's former followers who said they could no longer tolerate his behaviour.

Many monks in Thailand receive monthly stipends from the government and are hence considered state officials, reported The Bangkok Post.

In 2022, Phra Vajirayan was appointed as the temple's abbot.

He gained fame from creating highly sought-after Buddhist amulets, including the "Nuea Duang" coin.

Raided female aide's home

Police searched Punyavee's home in Pathum Thani, a province between Bangkok and Ayutthaya.

They found and seized 35 gold amulets and other gold bars and jewellery that weighed a combined 1.36kg and were estimated to be worth 6.04 million baht (S$231,000).

Authorities also seized 3.6 million baht (S$137,700) in cash, and other items including three mobile phones, 10 sets of land and bank documents, 18 sets of investment documents and other sale receipts.

Investigators noted that two or three other individuals and more than one woman may have been involved in the case, according to the Bangkok Post.

Defrocking ceremony

Bangkok Post reported that Phra Vajirayan was escorted to the temple's ordination hall for a defrocking ceremony after his arrest, changing into white robes and reverting to his former name, Atichote Thammavaro.

He was then taken into police custody before being taken to Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau for further questioning.

A lay administrator for the temple was also brought in for questioning and declined to comment.

A woman has sued Sheng Siong and its employee for negligence after she was allegedly hit from behind by a trolley carrying sacks of rice.

CNA reported that one Dong Lihua is taking Sheng Siong to court after the incident happened at the supermarket's Clementi West Street 2 outlet in March 2021. 

Dong claimed that she suffered injuries to her foot and back as a result of the incident.

According to CNA, she is seeking about S$11,000 in medical and transport expenses as well as further damages for pain, suffering, loss of amenity, and future expenses.

Sheng Siong has denied any negligence on its part.

How she was hit

The incident allegedly took place around 10am on Mar. 11, 2021, according to a statement of claim CNA saw.

While Dong was walking around the supermarket, a trolley containing bags of rice hit her from behind, hitting the back of her left foot and her back. An employee was pushing the trolley at the time.

A Sheng Siong branch manager accompanied her to a clinic, and she went to Clementi Polyclinic and the National University Hospital for further treatment.

According to Dong, she suffered bruising, swelling, and an abrasion to her left foot, a bruised left heel, and a restricted range of motion for her left ankle.

She further claimed that she suffered from degenerative disc disease in her lower back, which was worsened by the incident.

She also cited that she had chronic pain syndrome and depression.

Dong asserted that the negligence in the case arose from the employee going excessively fast, failing to be keep a lookout, and failing to manoeuvre the trolley to avoid colliding with her.

Subsequently, she also argued that Sheng Siong did not provide enough space in the aisles, and train the employee to ensure that he was moving the trolley safely.

Sheng Siong's version of the story

The supermarket chain challenged Dong's telling of the incident, reported CNA.

It is represented by lawyers from LVM Law Chambers.

Sheng Siong stated that the rice was placed on a trolley which was around 155cm tall and 122cm long.

The supermarket chain claimed that Dong had "suddenly emerged" from the aisles, into the trolley's path and failed to notice the approaching trolley.

Sheng Siong said that the accident and Dong's injury was "solely caused or contributed by" her negligence, and Dong did not take steps to avoid the trolley.

As such, her injuries were not caused by negligence on the part of the employee or the supermarket chain, it asserted.

It also disputed that Dong suffered the injuries, disabilities, losses or expenses she claimed, further claiming that they were "unreasonably incurred". 

The case is still pending.

Mothership has reached out to LVM Law Chambers for more information.

A police officer in Chonburi, Thailand was arrested on Sep. 10 morning, a day after he allegedly shot his wife, a teacher, at a kindergarten school.

Thatsaphong, a deputy investigation officer at Bang Lamung Police Station, had refused to leave his home following the shooting on Sep. 9, Khaosod English reported.

Son turned back

Thatsaphong's son, Rachata, a police sergeant, was travelling to his posting in southern Thailand when he heard the news.

He never made it there.

He turned back and headed to his father's house instead, staying through the night.

From about 5am, Rachata spoke to his father by phone and through a loudspeaker for more than an hour.

He urged him to come out, told him nobody would harm him, and asked him to trust the police.

He also reminded his father that they had parted just the morning before, hours before the shooting.

30 minutes, face to face

Thatsaphong took his son's calls and spoke to him, but would not leave the house.

So Rachata asked to see him in person.

Under police supervision, both men agreed to step out and meet halfway.

What followed was a half-hour conversation, and at the end of it Thatsaphong gave himself up.

He emerged at about 6:20am, visibly exhausted.

Nobody else was hurt.

Where the weapon was

Bang Lamung police chief Sarawut Nuchanart said the officer had come out unarmed, and told police where to locate the weapon so it could be retrieved as evidence.

Nuchanart described him as worn out and still under a great deal of stress.

Police would carry out investigations in line with the usual legal process, he said.

Thatsaphong was taken to Bang Lamung Police Station for questioning.

True Fitness and True Yoga are undergoing liquidation and are set to cease operations.

Closure notice

A Reddit thread showed a notice on one of their outlets stating that this was effective as of Sep. 10.

The notice read:

"Dear valued members, we write to inform you that True Fitness Pte. Ltd and True Yoga Pte Ltd have been placed under provisional liquidation effective Sep. 10, 2026.

"In view of the provisional liquidation, all clubs have ceased operations with immediate effect."

One Reddit user who had a membership valid until April 2027 had supposedly just visited an outlet and claimed it was "business as usual" and there were even "some new staff recently".

Another Reddit thread also noted that the Novena branch was closed as well.

As of Sep. 11, Google Maps states that it is "temporarily closed".

Employees informed of closure

According to a screenshot by a Mothership reader, staff were informed on the night of Sep. 10 regarding the liquidation.

Provisional liquidators are expected to explain the next steps to them during a meeting today.

Members affected

Among the members affected was a Mothership reader who has been a member for over 20 years. She received a notification regarding the liquidation on her app on the night of Sep. 10.

She has over S$1,000 in a two-year package with the gym, where she originally pre-paid over S$2,000 and has since used half of it.

Reasons for liquidation

According to their Hong Kong-based parent company, Kontafarma China Holdings, it was "extremely difficult" to continue "amid the fiercely challenging market" in Singapore.

It added that this was due to factors resulting in obstacles to attract customers, high operating costs and stringent cashflow.

They also cited an increasing popularity of boutique gyms, as well as more condominiums and residential developments providing gyms for their residents or guests.

This reportedly reduced the need for an external gym membership.

The document also noted that online training, mobile applications, video platforms and virtual coaching allow consumers to exercise at home or outdoors, resulting in competition with digital alternatives.

Liabilities

According to CNA, Kontafarma China Holdings, said in a Sep. 10 bourse listing that the directors of True Fitness and True Yoga had resolved that the businesses could no longer operate due to their liabilities.

Despite bringing in significant revenue, it added that the True Singapore Group recorded substantial losses and net liabilities surpassing S$64 million, The Straits Times reported.

Extraordinary general meetings will be held on Oct. 7 to propose a voluntary winding-up, followed by meetings with creditors, CNA reported.

The True Singapore Group operates 10 fitness and yoga outlets in Singapore under three brands: True Fitness, TFX and Yoga Edition.

A Penang-born woman in Australia reportedly passed away after being assaulted by her partner.

Tan Kah Ming, 28, was found unresponsive in a residence in Perth on Aug. 26, reported 7News.

She was taken to the hospital but later passed away.

Local police believe her partner, 38-year-old Younis Qambari, caused “extensive injuries which resulted in her death” during an assault in the days before she was found.

Qambari has been charged with murder.

GoFundMe for family

Tan's sister, Tan Kah Hooi, is now looking after her three young children, aged seven, five and three.

According to 7News, the sister is "distraught" and trying to come to terms with the tragedy.

A GoFundMe has been set up to support the sister as she cares for the kids.

According to the GoFundMe, the late Tan was a "caring, hardworking, and valued member of [the] community who touched many lives through her kindness, dedication, and warmth".

The funds will help cover essential living expenses, childcare, education, and daily necessities, providing financial stability during this uncertain time.

A total of AUD$74,716 (S$69,030) out of the AUD$100,000 (S$90,733) target has been raised to date.