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            <title>Mothership.SG - News from Singapore, Asia and around the world</title>
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                    <title>2024 Tampines chain collision that killed 2: Prosecution asking for up to 13.5 years' jail for man, 45</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/09/tampines-collision-prosecution-seeking-13-and-a-half-years-jail/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-09-07T11:53:11</pubDate>


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

                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Constance Tan ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/09/tampines-collision-prosecution-seeking-13-and-a-half-years-jail/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ Syafie wrote a letter to the victims and their family members to express his apologies for causing pain, grief and loss. ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/tampines-accident-2024-accused.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>The prosecution is seeking up to 13.5 years' jail for a Singaporean man, Muhammad Syafie Bin Ismail, 45, the driver who caused a chain collision in Tampines on Apr. 24, 2024.</p><p>Syafie appeared in court on Sep. 7, 2026.</p>
<p><h2>Prosecution and defence sentencing arguments</h2></p><p>The prosecution and defence called for a lifetime driving ban for Syafie.</p><p>The Deputy Public Prosecutor sought a jail term of 12 years and nine months to 13-and-a-half years.</p><p>He cited the damage to five vehicles, which has not been quantified, as well as the S$1,317 in repair costs sustained by the lamp post and green railing.</p><p>The victims are separately pursuing insurance claims against Syafie.</p><p>The DPP sought to accord only a 10 to 15 per cent — instead of 30 per cent — plead-guilty discount and for the three sentences to run consecutively.</p><p>In his mitigation plea, defence lawyer Kalaithasan Karuppaya sought between seven-and-a-half and eight years' jail, with a lifetime driving ban.</p><p>He added that Syafie admits that he should not have committed the acts in question and that his actions were due to a "lapse in judgement".</p><p>In court documents seen by <em>Mothership</em>, the lawyer shared that Syafie has previously devoted to serving the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) as a dedicated Quranic teacher since being qualified in 2019.</p><p>However, he was "unfortunately suspended" by MUIS from teaching in late 2024 due to the current proceedings.</p><p>Syafie had personally drafted a handwritten letter of apology to the victims and their families to express his "profound regret and remorse" for his actions and the pain and suffering he had caused, the lawyer added.</p><p>Principal District Judge Toh Han Li adjourned sentencing to October as he said he needed time.</p><p><h2>What happened</h2></p><p>Syafie ran a red light while speeding, which resulted in the deaths of two people.</p><p>A 17-year-old student, who was being driven to school by her father, and a 57-year-old woman, who was in the back of a van, died.</p><p>Syafie pleaded guilty on Aug. 6 to three charges for dangerous driving causing death, causing grievous hurt and causing hurt.</p><p>Other charges will be considered during sentencing.</p><p>Syafie's car overtook and side-swiped a car driven by another man, who had earlier overtaken him in Bedok.</p><p>Syafie had accelerated to 122kmh.</p><p>He swerved in and out of lanes along Bedok Reservoir Road and narrowly missed a motorcyclist.</p><p>He then accelerated to the cross junction of Bedok Reservoir Road, Tampines Avenue 1 and Tampines Avenue 4 at a speed of 129kmh to 134kmh.</p><p>The light had been red for at least 26 seconds.</p><p>Vehicles were travelling across the road in both directions.</p><p>Syafie hit three vehicles, which in turn hit a van and a school bus.</p><p>Three victims were grievously injured.</p><p>Some of them required multiple surgeries.</p><p>Another five victims, including two 11-year-old children, were injured and hospitalised.</p><p>Some of the victims developed post-traumatic stress disorder.</p><p>The mother of the 17-year-old girl developed major depressive disorder, finding life meaningless.</p><p>Syafie committed a careless driving violation in April 2022, among other traffic violations.</p><p><h2>Penalties</h2></p><p>For dangerous driving causing death, the penalty is between two and eight years' jail and a driving ban of up to 10 years.</p><p>For dangerous driving causing grievous hurt, the penalty is between one year and five years' jail and a driving ban of up to eight years.</p><p>For dangerous driving causing hurt, the penalty is up to two years' jail, and a fine of up to S$10,000, or both.</p></p> ]]>
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                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1169849</post-id>
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                <item>
                    <title>Calvin Cheng weighs in on comments about Indian nationals forming 'enclaves' in S'pore</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/09/calvin-cheng-weighs-in-race-comments/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-09-07T11:25:47</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Gawain Pek ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/09/calvin-cheng-weighs-in-race-comments/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ He remarked that it is natural for people to stick together, drawing on history and anecdotal experience. ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/calvin-cheng-comments.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>Former Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Calvin Cheng has weighed on the conversation on race and immigration in Singapore, addressing observations that Indian nationals tend to form exclusive social networks.</p><p>Drawing on history and anecdotal experience, Cheng pointed out that it is natural for people to stick together.</p>
<p>However, he also called on immigrants to try to assimilate and integrate more and move out of their comfort zones.</p><p>Cheng's remarks, made in a Sep. 6 Facebook post, came on the heels of the recent incident in which racist comments were made online about the nationality of the nine Singaporeans missing in the Nepal floods and about Singapore Airline's Air India investment.</p><p>Over the weekend, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong <a href="https://mothership.sg/2026/09/pm-wong-sm-lee-call-on-sporeans-to-reject-attempts-to-divide-us-hold-fast-to-ideals-of-the-pledge/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">called on</a> Singaporeans to reject such views, while Senior Minister K Shanmugam <a href="https://mothership.sg/2026/09/police-racist-comments-singaporeans-nepal-shanmugam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">said</a> that the police will be looking into the comments.</p><p><h2>'People are tribal': Cheng</h2></p><p>In his Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/calvinchengnmp/posts/pfbid02N49NaCEpuTC18kDaQd6KyqycLB7uwL9AJnsxQkTjfsGczwNjTxFTkyzGKU3iUXdkl" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">post</a>, Cheng noted that there have been observations about how Indian nationals "form enclaves and exclusive social networks" which are then used to help their own members, such as helping recruit each other into companies.</p><p>"This causes a lot of unhappiness amongst locals. In fact, this is a complaint not only in Singapore but also in Canada, Australia, and the UK," Cheng said.</p><p>The former NMP remarked that such behaviours are not limited to Indian immigrants, but can also be found amongst the Chinese as well.</p><p>Taking a historical perspective, Cheng noted that Chinese immigrants formed "informal networks that then morphed into clan associations".</p><p>"When new Chinese arrived, they relied on these networks to get housing and jobs. They too formed enclaves — that's why there are Chinatowns all over the world," he said.</p><p>"People are tribal," Cheng remarked.</p><p>He went on to say that the Chinese immigrants in Singapore today still do this, but such "enclaves" are less visible "because they look like the majority race here and they blend in".</p><p>"We have to thus put these social phenomena in perspective," Cheng commented.</p><p><h2>Integrate and assimilate more</h2></p><p>Cheng also suggested that it is natural for people of the same nationality to stick to each other and help each other out, noting that Singaporeans do the same.</p><p>However, the former NMP called on immigrants and expats to try to assimilate and integrate more.</p><p>"Mix with people of other nationalities. Move out of your comfort zone. And don't form social enclaves that exclude locals. That will only cause unhappiness in your host countries," he concluded.</p><p><iframe width="500" height="272" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fcalvinchengnmp%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02N49NaCEpuTC18kDaQd6KyqycLB7uwL9AJnsxQkTjfsGczwNjTxFTkyzGKU3iUXdkl&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">1169829</post-id>
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                <item>
                    <title>POV: After surviving cancer, I had to survive going back to work. I wish there'd be a bit more empathy.</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/09/survive-cancer-survive-work/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-09-07T10:41:07</pubDate>


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


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/09/survive-cancer-survive-work/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ Life goes on after cancer.  ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/IC-GE2025-COVER-2026-09-04T165442.077.png"/> <p>What happens after a person survives cancer?</p><p>Life goes on, and so does work. But recovery isn't always straightforward — there may still be follow-ups, check-ups, scans. Medical commitments with no clear end date.</p><p>As a two-time cancer survivor, Atiqah (not her real name) shares about the strain of balancing her appointments with her 14-day medical leave entitlement, and how she believes a little empathy will go a long way.</p><p><hr /></p>
<p><h3><em>By Atiqah</em></h3></p><p>I'm Atiqah. I am a Singaporean in my 40s.</p><p>I work in customer service, and have been in this industry about seven years already.<em></em></p><p>I was first diagnosed with cancer in 2021.</p><p>It was during my annual medical checkup. They found something, so they referred me to the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS).</p><p>I did a lumpectomy and also was on medication for a while, tamoxifen (hormone pill used to treat breast cancer).</p><p>Physically I was fine. But I was coping with my cancer, as well as a relationship issue. I suffered from depression.</p><p>And in 2023, I was diagnosed with breast cancer again. This time it was the other breast.</p><p><h2>First time with cancer</h2></p><p>The first time I had cancer, I was working at this place. Let's call it Company A.</p><p>When I was diagnosed, my bosses were very supportive of me. They would check on me to make sure that I'm all right.</p><p>My higher boss even came to ask me if he could do anything for my insurance coverage.</p><p>They let me recover as much as I can, told me to stay at home and rest. I felt they really cared about my health.</p><p>But I didn't stay on at the company, because they were closing down in Singapore.</p><p>After that job, I moved onto another company, which is where I'm working now. We'll call it Company B.</p><p><h2>Life post-cancer</h2></p><p>After I joined Company B, I was diagnosed with cancer for the second time.</p><p>So, same thing as before. I went for a lumpectomy, and continued with tamoxifen.</p><p>After I ended my hospitalisation leave (HL), I came back to work.</p><p>I am not in remission yet. I am still on hormonal pills. I also have quite a few medical appointments.</p><p>I have gynaecologist check-ups, mammograms and ultrasounds, and post-cancer physiotherapy.</p><p>For example, recently, I went for an ultrasound. With breast cancer, we have to go for annual checkups. If they find anything suspicious, they will send it for biopsy.</p><p>They found I had a suspicious lymph node, so I was sent back to do a biopsy.</p><p>After that, there is a doctor's appointment. So that's two more visits. And then, sometimes there is a gynae visit.</p><p><h2>Working with cancer</h2></p><p>However, my boss has been very rigid with how I take my time off and my medical certificates (MCs).</p><p>Because of my working hours, I get some time-off in one-hour increments.</p><p>With my previous boss, they would allow me to use the time-off along with my lunch hour, so I could go and see the doctor.</p><p>But my current boss doesn't allow it. Once, they commented that I have "so many medical appointments".</p><p>So I have to take either accumulated time-off, or MC.</p><p>I have 14 days of MC. When I take it in half days, it is just nice enough, as long as I don't fall sick.</p><p>As long as there's no additional issues in my life. I cannot have additional problems. I cannot fall ill.</p><p><h2>Dealing with it</h2></p><p>Every day, I take it one step at a time. From the beginning of the year, I will start planning my MCs.</p><p>Nobody counts MCs. But I do. Nearer the end of year, I will check to see if I have enough MCs. How many more checkups do I have to go? Would it be sufficient for me?</p><p>I'm really very mentally tired. Of overthinking, of cancer issues. Every time my checkups are getting near, my anxiety is even higher.</p><p>I'm actually seeing a counsellor now, for my anxiety.</p><p>But for the past two or three years, I have been managing it. So that's a good thing.</p><p><h2>On the surface</h2></p><p>I think people know that medical appointments are important, but maybe they don't know exactly how bad cancer can be.</p><p>Because I can be very smiley. I can have long hair. I can have good food. And I don't look like a cancer patient, or a cancer survivor.</p><p>Sometimes I'm really very tired, I cannot think anymore, I just need a rest. But they think I look OK, so they don't really understand how I feel.</p><p>I'm in a chat group with some other breast cancer survivors. For some of them, it's not as bad as what I'm facing. Some are even worse.</p><p>I have heard of cases where they're sent for disciplinary actions, they have their pay cuts, they're demoted, they have promotions frozen.</p><p><h2>A little empathy</h2></p><p>My manager feels I need to follow the same entitlement as the rest of the staff. No extras even though I am a cancer survivor still on pills.</p><p>I'm not being a Karen. But a little help could really ease my worries and stress.</p><p>To the employers out there, I'm sure you have someone in your family that needs care and concern.</p><p>Regardless of whether they have cancer or whether they are ill, they're fragile, they're old. They will have to go through this stage.</p><p>Many people don't know what we're facing. Maybe it is difficult to understand.</p><p>But just a little bit of thought, a little bit of empathy, will help us, and help everybody in the world.</p></p> ]]>
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                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1169128</post-id>
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                <item>
                    <title>Ecuadorian runner, 38, killed in hit & run during early morning training for her first marathon</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/09/monica-martinich-hit-and-run/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-09-07T00:40:04</pubDate>


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


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/09/monica-martinich-hit-and-run/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ She was reportedly a mother of two children.  ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/Copy-of-Cover-image-2026-09-06T200204.664.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>A 38-year-old runner in Ecuador was training for her first marathon when she was struck by a truck in a hit-and-run accident early in the morning of Sep. 4.</p><p>She was reportedly the mother of two children.</p><p><h2>Early morning training</h2></p><p><a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/world/articles/mother-training-her-first-marathon-115705831.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Where is the Buzz</em></a> reports that 38-year-old Monica Andrea Martinich Cohn, also identified as Monica Martinich, was running along the four-lane E40 highway outside of the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador.</p>
<p>A video of the incident shows the three runners were occupying the rightmost lane on the highway.</p><p>Ecuador drives on the right side of the road, meaning the runners were running in what might be expected to be the slowest-moving lane.</p><p>The incident occurred around 4:30 am on Sep. 4, and the sky was still very dark.</p><p>However, the street was well lit with bright LED lights, and the rightmost runner was wearing a bright neon yellow shirt with a blinking red light attached to his shorts.</p><p>The runners also had a pickup truck escorting them, moving slowly alongside while displaying its hazard lights.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 1466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-07-at-12.28.00 AM.png" alt="" width="1466" height="780" class="size-full wp-image-1169809" /> Screenshot from Connectus Skycath/ Facebook.
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p>The truck was in the second lane from the right, presumably to prevent cars from accidentally turning into the runners.</p><p>But unfortunately, the escort seems not to have been enough.</p><p><h2>Hit and run</h2></p><p>All of a sudden, a second truck moving at high speed appears from off-screen.</p><p>The truck appears to be trying to undertake the escort, with two vehicles in the third lane preventing it from going that way.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 1462px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-07-at-12.28.16 AM.png" alt="" width="1462" height="770" class="size-full wp-image-1169808" /> Screenshot from Connectus Skycath/ Facebook.
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p>The second truck hits the leftmost runner, Martinich, while the other two runners jumped off the road onto the pavement.</p><p>The second truck did not stop and sped off, leaving Martinich’s body by the side of the road.</p><p>The <em><a href="https://www.excelsior.com.mx/internacional/atropello-corredora-guayaquil" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Excelsior</a></em> newspaper reported that the Ecuadorian Transport Commission declared Martinich dead on the scene.</p><p>The other two runners were not injured.</p><p>As the driver did not stop and attempt to render aid, the commission has classified the incident as a hit-and-run.</p><p><h2>Training for her first marathon</h2></p><p>Martinich was an avid amateur runner and belonged to a local running club.</p><p>She had participated in several half-marathons in Ecuador and the United States, and was training for her first marathon at the time.</p><p>A social media <a href="https://www.facebook.com/100063550693491/posts/%EF%B8%8F-m%C3%B3nica-andrea-martinich-cohn-ten%C3%ADa-38-a%C3%B1os-y-convirti%C3%B3-el-running-en-una-parte/1711578904303783/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">post</a> for a local radio station paid tribute to her, saying that she had turned running into part of her life, and that her early morning run was a regular occurrence.</p><p>It said that Martinich’s death had hit the running community in the city of Guayaquil hard, especially those who also trained by running on roads in the early morning hours.</p><p>The incident sparked heated online discussion over the safety of runners training on roads before dawn.</p><p>Investigations are ongoing.</p></p> ]]>
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                <item>
                    <title>S'pore woman gets flak for room setup with small space for helper in 4-room BTO</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/09/singapore-woman-helper-bed-divider-4-room-bto/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-09-07T00:08:26</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Hannah Martens ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/09/singapore-woman-helper-bed-divider-4-room-bto/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ She clarified that the helper was not confined to the space behind the divider and apologised for her original post.  ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/helper-room-cover.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>Thinking her post might resonate with homeowners facing space constraints, a woman in Singapore took to Instagram to share how she carved out a private space for her helper in a 4-room BTO flat.</p><p>However, the post received much criticism from netizens so much so that she had since deleted the original post.</p>
<p>She has since posted a clarification to explain her intent and apologised for coming across as "insensitive" in her original post.</p><p><h2>Limited space</h2></p><p>In the original post, the woman wrote that she and her husband thought about where their helper would sleep in their 4-room flat and whether she would have any privacy.</p><p>This was the first slide of the now-deleted Instagram post:</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 633px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/2026-09-06-18.52.53-e1788707886292.jpg" alt="" width="633" height="720" class="wp-image-1169786 size-full" /> Screenshot via Instagram
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</figure>
</p><p>She then added that they "successfully squeezed in a single bed" in a room with a work desk setup.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 639px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/2026-09-06-18.53.02.jpg" alt="" width="639" height="809" class="size-full wp-image-1169789" /> Screenshot via Instagram
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p>A divider was added to provide the helper with some privacy.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 960px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/2026-09-06-18.52.45.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="1194" class="size-full wp-image-1169787" /> Screenshot via Instagram
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</p><p>The couple considered installing a curtain but ended up went with a divider, which was an easier option for them.</p><p>The woman shared this consideration in an Instagram story, with a link to where she bought the divider from.</p><p><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-06-at-7.06.51 PM.png" alt="" width="482" height="778" class="size-full wp-image-1169781" /></p><p>She also shared that she got her helper a mini night light as she did not want something that would take up space on the floor.</p><p><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-06-at-7.08.03 PM.png" alt="" width="452" height="729" class="size-full wp-image-1169782" /></p><p>She ended the post with this slide:</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
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    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/2026-09-06-18.52.48.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="772" class="size-full wp-image-1169788" /> Screenshot via Instagram
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</p><p><h2>Criticism</h2></p><p>The post clearly wasn't well received, drawing many negative reactions on Reddit and X.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 1170px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
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</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 462px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
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    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-06-at-6.32.50 PM.png" alt="" width="462" height="98" class="size-full wp-image-1169776" /> Screenshot via SGTea/Reddit
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</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 426px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
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    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-06-at-6.33.02 PM.png" alt="" width="426" height="156" class="size-full wp-image-1169777" /> Screenshot via SGTea/Reddit
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</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 441px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
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    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-06-at-6.33.15 PM.png" alt="" width="441" height="131" class="size-full wp-image-1169778" /> Screenshot via SGTea/Reddit
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</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 314px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
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    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-06-at-6.33.26 PM.png" alt="" width="314" height="92" class="size-full wp-image-1169779" /> Screenshot via SGTea/Reddit
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</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 598px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
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    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-06-at-7.09.11 PM.png" alt="" width="598" height="147" class="size-full wp-image-1169783" /> Screenshot via goreng pisang/X
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</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
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    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-06-at-7.09.47 PM.png" alt="" width="600" height="157" class="size-full wp-image-1169784" /> Screenshot via goreng pisang/X
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</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 597px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
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    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-06-at-7.10.26 PM.png" alt="" width="597" height="139" class="size-full wp-image-1169785" /> Screenshot via goreng pisang/X
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</p><p>The woman definitely did not expect her post to backfire which led to her deleting the original post.</p><p><h2>Clarification</h2></p><p>She also uploaded a clarification post with a black square image.</p><p>In the caption, she said that she "realised [her] previous post didn't give enough context" and "understand why some people felt uncomfortable with what they saw".</p><p>She went on to apologise if the post "came across as insensitive or as though [their] helper is confined to the small space behind the divider."</p><p>She explained it was not the intention and she should have explained it better.</p><p>The woman clarified that the work desk was for the day, and once the day ended, the room would be for the helper, as they did not need the room after that.</p><p>If they need to work after hours, they will use the desk outside.</p><p>She added that at night, the room is entirely the helper's, and they do not enter without knocking.</p><p>Regarding the divider, she said that because they share the room, they felt the helper should "at least have a visual barrier so her belongings and personal space aren't constantly exposed to us".</p><p>They felt this arrangement was better than the helper sharing a room with the baby who still wakes up occasionally at night and may disturb her sleep and rest.</p><p>Lastly, the woman said that space is genuinely a difficult constraint for them and it's not her intent to portray this as "luxurious setup".</p><p>Due to "housing regulations and [their] circumstances", moving to a bigger place is currently not an option for them.</p><p><blockquote><p>"We know that sharing a room isn’t ideal, and we’re not trying to portray it as some luxurious setup. We just wanted to make the best arrangement we could within the space and circumstances we have."</p></blockquote></p><p>The woman concluded that the "biggest" thing she failed to communicate in her original post was that the helper was not "confined to the space behind the divider" and she gets the whole room to use during her personal time.</p><p><blockquote><p>"I shared the original post because I know many Singapore families face the same challenge of trying to accommodate a helper in a smaller home and I apologise if it offended anyone."</p></blockquote></p><p>She has since limited the comments on her Instagram post.</p></p> ]]>
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                    <title>Mother of Sheng Siong bosses, who was kidnapped in 2014, dies at 91</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/09/mother-sheng-siong-found-kidnap-2014-dies/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-09-06T18:28:30</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Hannah Martens ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/09/mother-sheng-siong-found-kidnap-2014-dies/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ Also known as the "Sheng Siong Ah Ma". ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/photo_2026-09-06_17-48-09.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>Ng Lye Poh, the mother of Sheng Siong founders, has died.</p><p>According to the obituary, Ng passed away on Sep. 5 at 7:20am at the age of 91.</p><p>Ng, also known as the "Sheng Siong Ah Ma", was the victim of a high-profile kidnapping case in 2014.</p>
<p>She was remembered as an easy going and affable person.</p><p>Speaking to <em>Lianhe Zaobao</em> at the wake, her second son Lim Hock Chee said that the bereavement money will be donated to charity.</p><p><h2>The kidnap case</h2></p><p>Lim also recalled the kidnapping case, describing it as nerve-racking when he received the call from the kidnapper.</p><p>On Jan. 8, 2014, Ng was kidnapped by Lee Sze Yong and demanded S$20 million in ransom.</p><p>Lee told the court he had planned this for over two years after falling into S$200,000 in debt, <em><a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/man-behind-sheng-siong-kidnapping-pleads-death-penalty-gets-life-sentence-5775321">CNA</a></em> reported.</p><p>He decided that kidnapping Ng would help him, his mother, and his partner, Heng Chen Boon, be financially better off.</p><p>After going through Forbes magazine's "Singapore's richest" list for potential targets, he settled on Lim Hock Chee, who was worth S$500 million at the time.</p><p>Lee spent months gathering information.</p><p>On the morning of the incident, Lee approached Ng on an overhead bridge along Hougang Avenue 2 and lied to her that her son had fallen in the office.</p><p>Lee tricked Ng into getting into her car, then blindfolded her and drove her around, <em>CNA</em> wrote.</p><p>Lee then asked Heng to meet him at Punggol End, where Heng asked who Ng was, but was told not to ask questions.</p><p>Lee later confessed that he had kidnapped Ng.</p><p>When Lim made the ransom drop at Sembawang Park, the police caught Lee and Heng before they got the money.</p><p>Lee, who initially asked to be hanged, was sentenced to jail for life and three strokes of the cane.</p><p>Heng was sentenced to three years' jail.</p></p> ]]>
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                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1169749</post-id>
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                    <title>S'pore sends over S$560,000 worth of humanitarian assistance to Nepal</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/09/singapore-nepal-floods-aid/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-09-06T17:36:13</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Chloe Loh ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/09/singapore-nepal-floods-aid/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ "We stand ready to provide further support in accordance with Nepal's needs," said Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Gan Siow Huang. ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/spf-nepal.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>Singapore handed over more than S$560,000 worth of humanitarian assistance to Nepal on Sep. 4, to support ongoing search, recovery and disaster victim identification efforts.</p><p>The package includes medical supplies, DNA testing kits, personal protective equipment, and specialised equipment for search and recovery operations.</p>
<p>"The humanitarian assistance package that we are handing over today has been put together through close collaboration between several Singapore agencies and the Nepali authorities, to support Nepal's ongoing search and recovery efforts," Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Gan Siow Huang said.</p><p>She added that the Singapore Police Force (SPF), supported by the Home Team Science and Technology Agency and the Health Sciences Authority, is also deploying officers s<a href="https://mothership.sg/2026/09/singapore-police-nepal-help-floods/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">pecialising in Disaster Victim Identification</a> and aerial surveillance to assist the Nepalese authorities, in response to Nepal’s request.</p><p>According to an update on SPF's Facebook on Sep. 6, the 35-member contingent has arrived in Nepal and begun working on the ground in support of the ongoing disaster relief efforts.<div class='fb-post' data-href='https://www.facebook.com/singaporepoliceforce/posts/pfbid027m8YGWQXp2ordTNoeSGrTsu7XBv3vrvZ7TqjkHoLM6ZwCCaJAZo5UgyqhM1zuvxzl'></div>The latest assistance comes on top of an earlier US$100,000 contribution by the Singapore government to the Singapore Red Cross’ public fundraising efforts, which have raised more than S$3 million to date.</p><p>"We are heartened by the generosity and compassion of Singaporeans in supporting the Nepali people during this difficult time," Gan said.</p><p><blockquote><p>"The humanitarian assistance package that we are handing over today is a testament to the close relationship between our two countries. We hope that our modest contribution will support the brave men and women on the ground and bring comfort and relief to the people who are affected by this tragedy."</p></blockquote></p><p>"We stand ready to provide further support in accordance with Nepal's needs," she added.</p><p><h2>Search for missing Singaporeans ongoing</h2></p><p>Gan also said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' (MFA) Crisis Response Team has been on the ground in Nepal since Aug. 27 and is working closely with local authorities to locate the <a href="https://mothership.sg/2026/08/nepal-flash-floods-2-sporeans-from-tour-group-among-over-500-tourists-missing-at-least-160-dead/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">missing Singaporeans</a>.</p><p>The ministry remains in close contact with their families, providing regular updates, assistance on the ground in Nepal and other forms of support, she said.</p><p><blockquote><p>"We will continue to render the necessary assistance as we work with all the relevant parties and families during this very difficult period."</p></blockquote></p><p>The nine Singaporeans missing were earlier <a href="https://mothership.sg/2026/09/singapore-police-dna-samples-missing-nepal-floods/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">identified</a> as Rengarajan Prabu, Shalinny Deavy Elan Sozan, Subramaniam Diraviam, Rajesvaran Ayyavoo, Estee Loeh, Ghosh Aditi, Ng Kit Kuen, Shubakshi Rawla, and Sumit Rawla.</p></p> ]]>
                    </content:encoded>
                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1169511</post-id>
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                    <title>PM Wong & SM Lee call on S'poreans to reject attempts to divide us, hold fast to ideals of the pledge</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/09/pm-wong-sm-lee-call-on-sporeans-to-reject-attempts-to-divide-us-hold-fast-to-ideals-of-the-pledge/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-09-06T17:01:30</pubDate>


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


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/09/pm-wong-sm-lee-call-on-sporeans-to-reject-attempts-to-divide-us-hold-fast-to-ideals-of-the-pledge/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ “We must never allow prejudice against any community to become accepted or normal in Singapore," PM Wong said. ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/Copy-of-Cover-image-2026-09-06T163014.210.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>Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong have both called on Singaporeans to reject attempts to divide them and to hold fast to the ideals of the National Pledge, to stand by one another “regardless of race, language, or religion.”</p><p>Their comments, made on social media, come as Senior Minister K Shanmugam <a href="https://mothership.sg/2026/09/police-racist-comments-singaporeans-nepal-shanmugam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">spoke to the media on Sep. 5</a> that he had asked police to look into racist comments made regarding Singaporeans missing in recent Nepali floods, and in response to Singapore Airlines’ Air India investment.</p><p><h2>The kind of Singapore we want to be</h2></p><p>PM Wong said that at the recent National Day rally on Aug. 23, he had spoken about what it means to be Singaporean and “the kind of Singapore we want to be.”</p>
<p><iframe width="500" height="271" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FLawrenceWongST%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0gvsGQVKedo2xD7F7mDPZjsAGvGepF4ntBG3hgW4U33PNA8ENDrgdJFtgNZ47j9Ybl&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>He said that Singapore's identity must remain open and inclusive, and that whatever a Singaporean's background, if they embrace Singapore's values and way of life, they are part of this nation.</p><p><blockquote><p>“This is what our national pledge stands for, and I believe the vast majority of Singaporeans share this view.“</p></blockquote></p><p><h2>Never allow prejudice to become accepted or normal</h2></p><p>PM Wong expressed concerns over racist comments and anti-Indian abuse that had emerged over Nepal floods and questions about Singapore Airlines' investment in Air India.</p><p>PM Wong said that while Singaporeans can and should have robust debates, seemingly legitimate arguments should never be used as a cover to fuel prejudice against any community or hostility towards foreigners.</p><p>He said that such views did not represent Singapore, but they could not be dismissed as harmless online chatter.</p><p>If such behaviour were to continue unchecked, it ran the risk of becoming normalised, as well as possibly deepening mistrust between communities, pulling Singaporeans apart.</p><p>Because of this concern, he had discussed these developments with his cabinet colleagues, and this was why Shanmugam had decided to speak out firmly on this topic.</p><p>PM Wong warned that there would always be people who sought to exploit Singaporeans' differences, and while it was impossible to stop every hateful comment, the response to those comments was up to Singaporeans.</p><p><blockquote><p>"We can reject such views and refuse to give them more space or legitimacy."</p></blockquote></p><p>Singapore had held together because it had consistently rejected attempts to use race and religion to divide them, instead choosing to recognise each other as fellow Singaporeans.</p><p>PM Wong said that Singaporeans must keep making that choice and hold fast to the ideals in the national pledge of "regardless of race, language, or religion."</p><p><blockquote><p>“We must never allow prejudice against any community to become accepted or normal in Singapore.”</p></blockquote></p><p><h2>Deeply troubling to see racist comments in the wake of the tragedy</h2></p><p>Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong similarly appealed to Singaporeans to live up to the ideals of the pledge.</p><p>He gave his deepest condolences to those who had lost loved ones or were affected by the Nepali floods, and said that the appropriate response should be compassion and solidarity.</p><p><blockquote><p>“It is deeply troubling to see racist comments and hateful remarks directed at our Indian community in the wake of the tragedy.”</p></blockquote></p><p>He said that it was equally disturbing when legitimate issues, such as SIA's investment in Air India, were distorted or exploited to “stir vicious racial and anti-Indian resentment.”</p><p><iframe width="500" height="250" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fleehsienloong%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02X6nn8aM2xKmRd3Ji2bFF7nVBwFAs5rJmcFCvaWGs8qLFs4rMzf41trWoCiiMse4Hl&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>He said that Shanmugam had laid out the issues clearly in his statement.</p><p>While the temptation to stir racial prejudices and animosities would always exist, Singapore strived for interracial tolerance and respect.</p><p><h2>Not race-blind</h2></p><p>But he warned that human beings are not race-blind and that Singapore will always be “vulnerable to these visceral and divisive pulls.”</p><p><blockquote><p>“Race and religion will always be a fault line in our society. Hence, we must continue to work hard to strengthen our cohesion and protect our racial harmony.”</p></blockquote></p><p>SM Lee said that when such incidents happen, leaders need to speak up with force and conviction: “to call out what is happening, condemn the manipulation of base emotions, and call on all Singaporeans to stand together.”</p><p>He recalled similar incidents in the past, such as when anti-Indian sentiments were stirred up during the pandemic or <a href="https://mothership.sg/2025/04/identity-politics-has-no-place-in-singapore-pm-wong/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">during GE2025 when PM Wong had to call out attempts to politicise religion</a>.</p><p>SM Lee called on Singaporeans to reject hatred and support those who are mourning.</p><p>Evoking the ideals of the national pledge, he said that Singaporeans should stand by one another regardless of race, language, or religion, and that it was important for us to make every effort to live up to these ideals.</p></p> ]]>
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                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1169758</post-id>
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                    <title>S'pore photographer urges Tampines town council & MP to reconsider painting over brick facade of iconic HDB blocks</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/09/darren-soh-tampines-street-45-brick-facade/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-09-06T16:21:57</pubDate>


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


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/09/darren-soh-tampines-street-45-brick-facade/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ The blocks were the first HDB project to be designed outside of HDB.  ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/Copy-of-Cover-image-2026-09-06T132735.852.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>Architectural photographer <a href="https://mothership.sg/2021/01/darren-soh-landmarks-demolishment-photos/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Darren Soh</a> has appealed to Tampines Town Council and Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, David Neo, the area's MP, to reconsider painting over the brick facade at Blocks 497A-L at Tampines Street 45.</p><p>The blocks have been designated to undergo repairs and redecoration works, with residents being given three proposed paint schemes to vote on.</p><p>The voting period began on Aug. 29 and will end on Sep. 13.</p><p>However, architectural photographer Darren Soh has warned that painting over the brick facade will be an irreversible move that would “completely wipe out the spirit and essence of the estate.”</p>
<p><h2>Three colour schemes for residents to choose</h2></p><p>Tampines Town Council <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Dc0jBsGCHgt/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">said</a> that each design had been thoughtfully curated to give the neighbourhood a "fresh and vibrant look" while complementing existing surroundings.</p><p>Three colour schemes were provided for residents of the blocks to choose from.</p><p>Two of the colour schemes are significantly more colourful than the current bare-faced brick look that the blocks currently sport, with colour scheme 1 being matched to closely mimic the existing design.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 718px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-06-at-3.04.34 PM.png" alt="" width="718" height="898" class="size-full wp-image-1169745" /> Image from Tampines Town Council's Instagram
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</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 714px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-06-at-3.04.39 PM.png" alt="" width="714" height="894" class="size-full wp-image-1169746" /> Image from Tampines Town Council's Instagram
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p><h2>Not an ordinary HDB project</h2></p><p>In response to the repainting exercise, architectural photographer Darren Soh urged the town council to consider carrying out localised repair works to areas of brick deterioration instead of painting over the iconic brick facade of Blk 497A-L.</p><p>In his <a href="https://www.instagram.com/darrensohphoto/p/Dc3p5WPG5hl/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">post</a>, he explained that the blocks in question were not an ordinary HDB project, but were, in fact, a very special one, especially when it came to its brick-clad facade.</p><p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Dc3p5WPG5hl/?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/p/Dc3p5WPG5hl/?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/p/Dc3p5WPG5hl/?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 Darren Soh (@darrensohphoto)</a></p></p><p></div></p></blockquote></p><p><script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p><p>The blocks were the first of a scheme where Parliament decided that HDB should work with private senior architects to design and build HDB projects to “allow for more creative reimagining of social and internal spaces”, as well as “to add colour and character to HDB housing estates.”</p><p>The blocks at Tampines Street 45 was the first such project, and therefore, the first HDB estate to be designed by a group other than HDB, with Japanese construction firm Kajima and Global Architectural Firm P&amp;T Group winning the bid to design what would become known as Tampines Neighbourhood 4 Contract 24.</p><p>HDB praised the use of patterned facing bricks for the HDB block facade as a "quality finish with low maintenance cost," according to an April 1992 Houseword newsletter.</p><p>Soh added that the unpainted brick facade of the blocks at Tampines Street 45 had become an icon of Tampines and was symbolic of steps taken by HDB to cultivate diverse and innovative design in public housing.</p><p>He noted that the project had received an honourable mention at the Singapore Institute of Architects 1995 Architectural Design Awards, a feat which was “usually reserved for projects that cost much more.”</p><p>The iconic HDB estate of eight blocks with two central courtyards also appeared in a few local shows such as "Don't Worry, Be Happy" and "I Not Stupid 2".</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 2008px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-06-at-3.37.12 PM.png" alt="" width="2008" height="1306" class="size-full wp-image-1169750" /> Screenshot from YouTube.
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 1954px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-06-at-3.41.46 PM.png" alt="" width="1954" height="1082" class="size-full wp-image-1169751" /> Screenshot from<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BAPOBNR1GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> YouTube.</a>
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p><h2>No turning back</h2></p><p>Soh warned that the three proposed R&amp;R schemes would paint over the brick facade and would potentially completely wipe out the spirit and essence of the estate.</p><p>He said that painting over the brick facade was potentially irreversible, saying, "Once you paint over brick, there is sadly no turning back."</p><p>He appealed to the Tampines Town Council and MP David Neo to reconsider painting over the facade.</p><p>Instead, he suggested carrying out localised repair works to areas of brick deterioration and painting over the plastered concrete areas.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 4032px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/tempImageUqskuW.jpg" alt="" width="4032" height="3024" class="size-full wp-image-1169753" /> Photo by Mothership.
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p><h2>Online reactions</h2></p><p>Comments on Soh’s posts had a variety of responses, with some saying that repainting was required due to water seepage, but others are saying that nearby local blocks had also been significantly changed by repainting work.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 305px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/photo_2_2026-09-06_13-20-44.jpg" alt="" width="305" height="154" class="size-full wp-image-1169734" /> Image via Darren Soh/Instagram
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p>Some asked if it might be possible to clean and coat the brickwork, suggesting that such technology had improved significantly in recent years.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/photo_3_2026-09-06_13-20-44.jpg" alt="" width="310" height="137" class="size-full wp-image-1169733" /> Image via Darren Soh/Instagram
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p>Meanwhile, comments replying to Tampines Town Council's post were similarly a mix, with some echoing Soh's call to preserve the brickwork.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 298px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/photo_2026-09-06_13-22-10.jpg" alt="" width="298" height="373" class="size-full wp-image-1169735" /> Image via Tampines Town Council/Instagram
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</figure>
</p></p> ]]>
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                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1169729</post-id>
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                <item>
                    <title>On-duty SCDF NSF, 20, dies after being found unconscious at Marina Bay Fire Station</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/09/scdf-nsf-dies-marina-bay-fire-station/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-09-06T16:09:20</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Hannah Martens ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/09/scdf-nsf-dies-marina-bay-fire-station/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ The police do not suspect foul play. ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/09/Cover-Photos-10.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>A full-time Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) National Serviceman was found unconscious at the training yard of Marina Bay Fire Station on Sep. 6 at about 8:10am.</p><p>He was identified to be 20-year-old LCP Muhammad Nur Ilham Mohammed Iswadi.</p><p>According to a statement from SCDF, he was on duty at the time of the incident.</p>
<p>SCDF personnel at the fire station immediately administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation.</p><p>He was subsequently conveyed to Singapore General Hospital, where he passed away.</p><p>The Singapore Police Force (SPF) said that they received a call for assistance at 70 Marina View at 8:15am.</p><p>Based on preliminary investigations, the police do not suspect foul play, said SPF.</p><p>SCDF shared that LCP Muhammad Nur Ilham enlisted on Feb. 10, 2026 and completed the firefighter course at the Civil Defence Academy on Aug. 7, 2026.</p><p>He was then posted to Marina Bay Fire Station on Aug. 18, 2026.</p><p><blockquote><p>"SCDF is saddened by his death and extends our deepest condolences to his family. We are providing all necessary assistance and support to the family during this difficult time."</p></blockquote></p><p>Police investigations are ongoing.</p></p> ]]>
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                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1169752</post-id>
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