SINGAPORE: The lines on Jiak Kim Street snaked all the way to Robertson Bridge. Never mind the hours-long wait, the excitement to get into Mambo Jambo night was palpable, just like it was more than 20 years ago for many who had come right from work in office wear.

Nicole and Samantha (who declined to reveal their last names) had not been to Zouk for more than a decade, but on Wednesday night (Nov 30), they were determined to take a walk down memory lane for one last time, as it was the last “Mambo” at Zouk’s current digs before it moves to Clarke Quay.

“We just want to get inside and reminisce!” both women, clad in all-black outfits said, all ready to mambo their hearts out, the long wait not dampening their spirits one bit. “We first came when we were 18 years old,” Nicole said. “We have not come (to Zouk) for many many years – and we’re here because it’s the last Mambo.”

Zouk’s Mambo Jambo night has been a mainstay in Singapore’s nightlife scene for more than 20 years. Held on Wednesday nights since mid-1991, it is known as a rite of passage for teens to get their virgin clubbing experience here. 

Mambo night, which features mainly 80s and early 90s music, sees crowds dancing with wild abandon to retro classics. Those that make it to the podium are normally have their synchronised (some say cheesy) moves down pat.

The crowd goes wild when classics such as Love in the First Degree come on. (Photo: Nicole Chang)

For many at the swansong Mambo at Jiak Kim, the mid-week clubbing experience, dancing to old hits was the best part of their youth. It was all about having a blast with friends, sometimes in the Summer Rain, making pacts that they would be Together Forever – even if in their Electric Dreams. 

“You’re 18 and you come with your friends every week … and gossip about the regulars on the podium,” said Clara, 32. “They become like cult figures, and you always talk about them outside of Zouk.”

The Mambo kings dominating centrestage on Wednesday took the lead with gusto no matter the song. Among them was a man with greying hair, clad in a leather jacket and white gloves – a familiar figure, many would attest.

Those on the dance floor ranged from hopeful young adults, some first-timers at Mambo Jambo, the occasional auntie and uncle, and middle-aged folk – some of who came in their office wear. One of them was Mr Tong Yee, 42, who executed each move with precision just metres from the Mambo kings, while donning a Mambo t-shirt just for the occasion.

The social entrepreneur, who started going for Mambo nights in 1994, said he would not have missed the final night for the world. Calling the event a “national institution”, the grin on his face said it all when Belinda Carlisle’s Summer Rain came on.

What makes Mambo nights magical for him is not just the music, but the community that make up many stories. One of his favourite memories is coming back to Zouk at age 38, after his third child was born. “I couldn’t stop tearing. The nostalgia and reminder of such amazing carefree days was amazing,” he said.

Past three in the morning, the dance floor surged with energy. Amid strobe lights and pounding music, the crowd sang in unison to Bananarama.

For two minutes, it was all about putting your hands in the air and living in the moment. Some had drinks in hand, others enveloped their friends in a group hug, and almost everyone on the dance floor looked up smiling. 

And as the mood of the crowd soared, confetti was unleashed and everyone scrambled for their mobile phones, eager to document it on social media, only to be met by a blast of cool air and mist, that obscured the dancers’ sight for 30 seconds. 

Even though songs from the past decade – Katy Perry’s Firework, and Bruno Mars’ Just the Way You Are – came on, the Mambo Kings pressed on with their rehearsed moves. Even Kit Chan’s signature ballad Home got everyone swaying together, even foreigners.

Mambo regular Ron Tan, 31, summed it up: “No matter where you’re from, no matter who you are, everybody is so happy. Everybody is synchronised to the music; there’s a certain synergy you can’t find anywhere else.”

Part mass-dance, part karaoke, with a unique Singaporean flavour – that’s why thousands held out for hours on Wednesday night, even though Zouk confirms that Mambo Jambo will be making a comeback at its new premises, on an adhoc basis. 

Still, some think it is an end of an era. “It’s a different place, different kind of vibe, different location – just different,” said Nicole, of the soon-to-be-opened Zouk at Clarke Quay.

At the end of the night, cigarettes littered Zouk’s exit. There were groups gathered trying to decide on a supper venue, others huddled in deep conversation, and one could hear bursts of laughter.

The power of one song lies in its ability to bring people of all backgrounds together, no matter your name, age, or agility. And while things may be different over at Clarke Quay when Zouk makes its big move, perhaps a new generation of stories will emerge, fitting for a new start for the stalwart club. 

TOKYO: Japan and Singapore will work together to ratify the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade pact as soon as possible.

This came out of a meeting on Thursday (Dec 1) between Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam, who is on his first state visit to Japan.

“We agreed to continue to work together to an early entry into force of the TPP, as well as the completion of ASEAN negotiations so as not to reverse the trend of free trade,” said Mr Abe in a joint news conference.

Both countries are part of the 12-nation TPP that would cover about 40 per cent of the global economy. However, the future of the US-led initiaitve is now uncertain after US President-elect Donald Trump said he plans to pull out of the pact the day he takes office.

“We discussed the economic and strategic importance of the TPP, and agreed that it is in the interest of all TPP partners to ensure that it is ratified and enters into force expeditiously,” said Dr Tan.

The leaders of Singapore and Japan have been stressing the importance of the mega trade deal. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Nov 19 that Singapore will amend legislation to bring TPP into effect by next year. In Japan, the lower house has ratified the TPP and it is now before the upper house.

To take effect, the deal has to be ratified by February 2018 by at least six countries that account for 85 per cent of the group’s economic output.

Dr Tan also said he looks forward to “a timely conclusion” of the Regional Comprehensive Partnership Agreement, the 16-nation pact which Singapore and Japan are also part of.

CLOSE AND LONG-STANDING BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP

Dr Tan is on a nine-day state visit to Japan to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties (SJ50). Both leaders affirmed the long-standing and close bilateral relationship, and discussed cooperation in a wide spectrum of areas.

Dr Tan said he is happy to see Singapore’s educational and cultural institutions stepping up cooperation with their Japanese counterparts through the various agreements signed on Thursday, which will “go a long way in promoting mutual understanding and deepening relations for generations to come,” he said.

In the financial sector, he noted that the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Bank of Japan (BOJ) recently signed a local currency bilateral swap agreement which will enhance the financial stability of the two countries countries. 

On his part, Mr Abe said that he is keen to elevate bilateral relations between Japan and Singapore to a higher level for the next 50 years.

To commemorate the milestone, Singapore Post and Japan Post released a joint stamp issue on Thursday. The exchange of documents marking the collaboration was witnessed by Dr Tan and Mr Abe.

Singapore-Japan joint stamp issue to mark 50 years of bilateral relations. (Photo: SingPost)

The stamps feature ceramic works by renowned potters of the two countries – Singapore’s Cultural Medallion recipient Iskandar Jalil, and the late Mr Toyozo Arakawa who was given the title of “Living National Treasure” in 1995.

The stamp issue is available at all post offices in Singapore and the Singapore Philatelic Museum.

Dr Tan said: “As we round up a busy but fruitful year of SJ50 and consolidate our relations over the last half a century, I am confident that the relationship between Singapore and Japan will further strengthen and expand over the next 50 years and beyond.”

SINGAPORE: The lines on Jiak Kim Street snaked all the way to Robertson Bridge. Never mind the hours-long wait, the excitement to get into Mambo Jambo night was palpable, just like it was more than 20 years ago for many who had come right from work in office wear.

Nicole and Samantha (who declined to reveal their last names) had not been to Zouk for more than a decade, but on Wednesday night (Nov 30), they were determined to take a walk down memory lane for one last time, as it was the last “Mambo” at Zouk’s current digs before it moves to Clarke Quay.

“We just want to get inside and reminisce!” both women, clad in all-black outfits said, all ready to mambo their hearts out, the long wait not dampening their spirits one bit. “We first came when we were 18 years old,” Nicole said. “We have not come (to Zouk) for many many years – and we’re here because it’s the last Mambo.”

Zouk’s Mambo Jambo night has been a mainstay in Singapore’s nightlife scene for more than 20 years. Held on Wednesday nights since mid-1991, it is known as a rite of passage for teens to get their virgin clubbing experience here. 

Mambo night, which features mainly 80s and early 90s music, sees crowds dancing with wild abandon to retro classics. Those that make it to the podium are normally have their synchronised (some say cheesy) moves down pat.

The crowd goes wild when classics such as Love in the First Degree come on. (Photo: Nicole Chang)

For many at the swansong Mambo at Jiak Kim, the mid-week clubbing experience, dancing to old hits was the best part of their youth. It was all about having a blast with friends, sometimes in the Summer Rain, making pacts that they would be Together Forever – even if in their Electric Dreams. 

“You’re 18 and you come with your friends every week … and gossip about the regulars on the podium,” said Clara, 32. “They become like cult figures, and you always talk about them outside of Zouk.”

The Mambo kings dominating centrestage on Wednesday took the lead with gusto no matter the song. Among them was a man with greying hair, clad in a leather jacket and white gloves – a familiar figure, many would attest.

Those on the dance floor ranged from hopeful young adults, some first-timers at Mambo Jambo, the occasional auntie and uncle, and middle-aged folk – some of who came in their office wear. One of them was Mr Tong Yee, 42, who executed each move with precision just metres from the Mambo kings, while donning a Mambo t-shirt just for the occasion.

The social entrepreneur, who started going for Mambo nights in 1994, said he would not have missed the final night for the world. Calling the event a “national institution”, the grin on his face said it all when Belinda Carlisle’s Summer Rain came on.

What makes Mambo nights magical for him is not just the music, but the community that make up many stories. One of his favourite memories is coming back to Zouk at age 38, after his third child was born. “I couldn’t stop tearing. The nostalgia and reminder of such amazing carefree days was amazing,” he said.

Past three in the morning, the dance floor surged with energy. Amid strobe lights and pounding music, the crowd sang in unison to Bananarama.

For two minutes, it was all about putting your hands in the air and living in the moment. Some had drinks in hand, others enveloped their friends in a group hug, and almost everyone on the dance floor looked up smiling. 

And as the mood of the crowd soared, confetti was unleashed and everyone scrambled for their mobile phones, eager to document it on social media, only to be met by a blast of cool air and mist, that obscured the dancers’ sight for 30 seconds. 

Even though songs from the past decade – Katy Perry’s Firework, and Bruno Mars’ Just the Way You Are – came on, the Mambo Kings pressed on with their rehearsed moves. Even Kit Chan’s signature ballad Home got everyone swaying together, even foreigners.

Mambo regular Ron Tan, 31, summed it up: “No matter where you’re from, no matter who you are, everybody is so happy. Everybody is synchronised to the music; there’s a certain synergy you can’t find anywhere else.”

Part mass-dance, part karaoke, with a unique Singaporean flavour – that’s why thousands held out for hours on Wednesday night, even though Zouk confirms that Mambo Jambo will be making a comeback at its new premises, on an adhoc basis. 

Still, some think it is an end of an era. “It’s a different place, different kind of vibe, different location – just different,” said Nicole, of the soon-to-be-opened Zouk at Clarke Quay.

At the end of the night, cigarettes littered Zouk’s exit. There were groups gathered trying to decide on a supper venue, others huddled in deep conversation, and one could hear bursts of laughter.

The power of one song lies in its ability to bring people of all backgrounds together, no matter your name, age, or agility. And while things may be different over at Clarke Quay when Zouk makes its big move, perhaps a new generation of stories will emerge, fitting for a new start for the stalwart club. 

SINGAPORE: It was a pattern hidden deep in data, that scientists at the nascent GovTech agency spotted, which helped pinpoint the rogue train that caused a series of disruptions on the Circle Line.

On Thursday (Dec 1), data scientist Daniel Sim gave a detailed account of his team’s work in a blog post on Data.gov.sg, the Singapore government’s open data portal.

While train operator SMRT and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) already knew that the incidents were caused by signal interference, the incidents seemed to occur at random, and investigators had been unable to pinpoint the exact cause.

Initial analysis by GovTech’s scientists too, did not yield any clear answers, said Mr Sim. From data provided by SMRT, the team made the following observations:

1. The incidents were spread throughout the day, and the number of incidents across the day mirrored peak and off-peak travel times;

2. The incidents took place at various locations on the Circle Line, with slightly more occurrences in the west; and

3. The signal interferences did not affect just one or two trains, but many of the trains on the Circle Line.

Initial analysis gave no indication that the train designated as PV46 would eventually be identified as the rogue train. (Image: Data.gov.sg)

The data scientists then sought to incorporate multiple dimensions in their analysis, said Mr Sim. He cited the Marey Chart as their inspiration, noting that it was used by the Boston subway system to visualise the trips made by its trains.

The vertical axis represents time; the horizontal axis represents stations along a train line, and the diagonal lines represent train movement. (Image: Boston’s Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority, via Data.gov.sg)

The data scientists created their own version of the Marey Chart for Singapore’s Circle Line.

Under normal circumstances, said Mr Sim, a train that runs between HarbourFront and Dhoby Ghaut would move in a line similar to this, with each one-way trip taking just over an hour:

(Image: Data.gov.sg)

The data scientists then plotted the incidents as points on the chart, with each point representing an incident that triggered the train’s emergency brake.

The colours and arrows represent the direction in which each train was travelling at the time of the incident.

(Image: Data.gov.sg)

“It looked fairly random,” said Mr Sim of the visualisation. “But when we zoomed into the chart, a pattern seemed to surface:”

“If you read the chart carefully, you would notice that the breakdowns seem to happen in sequence. When a train got hit by interference, another train behind moving in the same direction got hit soon after.”

(Image: Data.gov.sg)

It seemed almost like there was a “trail of destruction”, said Mr Sim.

The team questioned if it could be something that was not in their dataset that caused the incidents.

Noting that the imaginary lines connecting the incidents looked “suspiciously similar” to those in a Marey Chart, his team hypothesised that a train on the opposite track could have caused the interference.

In testing their hypothesis, the team grouped emergency braking incidents together if they occurred within four minutes of each other – the upper limit of travel time between Circle Line stations.

They then grouped incidents that could be linked to the same rogue train.

The team concluded that, of the 259 emergency braking incidents in their dataset, 189 cases – or 73 per cent of them – could be explained by the rogue train hypothesis.

Drawing best-fit lines through the incident plots, the team found that the lines closely matched the movement of a single train. “This strongly implied that there was only one ‘rogue train’,” Mr Sim said.

Compare this with the Marey Chart visualisation of a Circle Line train (above). (Image: Data.gov.sg)

The data team then went to Kim Chuan Depot to identify the rogue train. “We could not inspect the detailed train logs that day because SMRT needed more time to extract the data,” said Mr Sim. “So we decided to identify the train the old-school way – by reviewing video records of trains arriving at and leaving each station at the times of the incidents.”

At 3am, the team found its prime suspect: PV46, a train that has been in service since 2015.

On Nov 6, LTA and SMRT tested the hypothesis by running PV46 during off-peak hours and found that it indeed caused nearby trains to lose communications.

Processing the historical location data for PV46, the data team concluded that more than 95% of all incidents from August to November could be explained by its hypothesis.

The pattern was especially clear on certain days, said Mr Sim, pointing out that the incidents happened during or around the time belts when PV46 was in service.

(Image: Data.gov.sg)

Investigations by LTA and the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) confirmed the hardware problems in PV46 and the train has since been pulled out of service. 

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong shared the GovTech team’s account of their work on his Facebook page. “It is a fascinating account, demonstrating close teamwork, sharp analysis, and a never-say-die attitude,” he wrote.

“This is how a Smart Nation should use data to solve real-world problems. Proud of the team’s good work, and a big thank you to all the officers who worked so hard to crack the puzzle!”