SINGAPORE – Building owners still have some way to go to make their properties more accessible, connected, green, smart, productive and high-tech.

This was National Development Minister Lawrence Wong’s message to more than 2,000 industry players at the BCA (Building and Construction Authority) Awards 2016 on Thursday.

In his speech, he set out three broad directions that buildings of the future must take.

First, buildings must be designed for all ages and abilities – to ensure an inclusive society. They also need to account for changing demographics. Singapore’s proportion of seniors is set to double by 2030. At present, there is still a lot of room to install elderly-friendly features at older private sector buildings, he said.

For new buildings, universal design can be incorporated during the design stage. Because it is more difficult to retrofit existing buildings, BCA has set up an Accessibility Fund to help private building owners defray the bulk of costs for adding accessibility features.

Second, Mr Wong wants buildings to be environmentally sustainable. Buildings are a major source of carbon emissions, with about a quarter of Singapore’s total emissions generated by buildings and the energy they consume. There is thus a need to cut back on energy usage and carbon emissions from buildings.

According to Mr Wong, only about 30 per cent of Singapore’s buildings are “greened”. This means they are energy and water efficient, sensitive to their surrounding environments, and providing a high quality indoor environment for users. This is a far cry from the nation’s aim to have 80 per cent of all buildings greened by 2030.

He beseeched private building owners to tap on BCA’s enhanced green building schemes which will help them manage the initial cost premium for energy efficiency projects in their existing buildings.

Builders can also do more with smart devices and data analytics. The government needs the industry to continue test-bedding smart energy efficiency solutions. Mr Wong hopes that the industry will be convinced that green buildings do make business sense, and are the right way forward.

Thirdly, Mr Wong said many of the industry players’ construction methods are still labour-intensive and time-consuming, and Singapore cannot continue like this in the long run. It is not sustainable to rely heavily on foreign, low-skilled manpower, he said.

There is thus a need to adopt the Design for Manufacturing and Assembly approach, which refers to a range of methods, such as prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction, cross laminated timber and structural steel – in short, more productive construction methods.

With more work mechanised and done off-site, the industry can then build faster, more safely, and with less impact to the surrounding environment. It will also create better career opportunities for Singaporeans and attract more young people to join the sector.

In the longer term, the government has major infrastructure plans to transform Singapore’s urban landscape. For instance, building the new Jurong Lake District as its second Central Business District, the Greater Southern Waterfront after the planned relocation of the City Terminals and Pasir Panjang Terminal to Tuas, and the re-development of Paya Lebar Airbase.

Mr Wong said these plans will take several terms of government to complete, and will need the help of a strong and capable construction industry to realise. He assured the industry that the government will work with them to drive the changes in the building sector.

The event also gave out awards to honour the industry’s best. This included the inaugural BCA Green Mark PlatinumSTAR Champion award – given to the Nanyang Technological University.

It is the latest category introduced to recognise developers and building owners who have 50 or more building projects with the highest BCA Green Mark Platinum rating.

This article was first published on May 27, 2016.
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We all know the drill. You fall for someone, take it to the next level by going on dates and enjoying the first few months of giddy affection.

But what happens if you end up in a long distance relationship instead?

A new short film by homegrown film maker Boo Junfeng touches on that subject and it has been gaining quite the attention online, racking up almost 400,000 views on YouTube since it was uploaded on Monday (May 23).

Viewers were evidently impressed by the clip with some even sharing their personal experiences with long distance romance in the comments section.

The 3-minute film, titled “Goodbye, Hello” is about John and Emily, two Singaporean youths that go from being platonic friends to an actual couple separated by distance.

The film literally takes viewers through the many goodbyes and hellos that the two experience – especially since Emily leaves Singapore to study in New York.

She starts seeing someone in New York but alas, it was not meant to be as that relationship did not work out (because the guy cheated on her, well, no surprises here).

Emily tearfully confides in John and soon, the two embark on a long distance relationship involving the mandatory Skype video calls.

And what better way to share their happiness than to announce their union on Facebook?

Ah, young love.

We’re not going to lie. We were half-expecting a tragic ending to their relationship. By tragic, we mean John and Emily not reaching the classic BTO flat application stage and barely making it through their ‘Netflix and chill’ nights.

Boo’s short film seems to present the idea that long distance relationships may not necessarily be as difficult as society deems them to be. Studies have also suggested that long distance love is actually “stronger” than what people think.

A research by City University of Hong Kong found that people in long distance relationships reportedly feel “emotionally closer” to their partners as compared to those in more ‘traditional’ relationships.

Many of us are probably accustomed to the idea that it is better for a couple to at least reside in the same country for a relationship to work.

The film, which is actually an advertisement Boo directed for Singtel, is a refreshing take on the marred idea of long distance relationships.

“When I was first presented with this idea, I thought it was quite interesting because I’ve been in a long distance relationship,” Boo said.

“A lot of it is in appreciating that there is a distance and we need to accept that. Whenever we are together and or when we are connected, that space becomes very special.”

*Spoiler alert*

So what was the best part of “Goodbye, Hello”? It was when John proposes to Emily with an actual ring (like real men do) after singing her a song during one of their video conversations.

It’s a nice ending to a great advertisement that is both heartwarming and real.

Oh, and the name of the song John crooned to his missus? “The Girl From Katong” – written by local indie band Serenaide.

Altogether now: Aww.

ssandrea@sph.com.sg

They were so realistic that some people thought she actually killed dragonflies to make the wings of her clay fairies.

But polymer clay sculptor Lim Qi Xuan, 24, said: “I am not so cruel.” The wings of the models were actually made from paper.

Ms Lim achieved the realistic look after experimenting with materials such as paper, resin and paint.

She enjoyed playing with model clay as a child but serious interest only began when she joined The Apprenticeship Programme organised by Noise Singapore in 2013.

“I was encouraged to do something that excites me but couldn’t pursue in school,” said Ms Lim, who did visual communication at the School of Arts, Design and Media in NTU and graduated in 2014.

As for the unique sculptures she makes, she says she has always been interested in “hybrid creatures and the tactility of flesh”.

Singaporean graphic designer creates unique sculptures

Click on thumbnail to view photos. Source: 

The New Paper, Monster Gallery and Mulan Gallery

FAIRY TALES

“As much as my work freaks people out sometimes, they can always relate to them in one way or another. People associate my works with themes of mortality, or our relationship with other living creatures,” said the freelance graphic designer, who tries to find time to sculpt once a week.

Inspired by fairy tales, fantasy stories and science fiction, Ms Lim’s delicate sculptures can take from one day to a week to complete.

“As I am very particular about details I can spend hours obsessing over one small portion of the work,” said Ms Lim.

She said her parents were initially apprehensive about her work, but have now grown used to it.

“Sometimes they still walk into my work space and question my liking for such morbid subjects,” she said.

Still, her mum has turned into an art critic of sorts.

Ms Tan Ai Tin, 52, said: “She talks to me about her ideas so I know about it even before it is made. The first time I saw her work – a foetus – I was still criticising it on its lack of proportions.”

Madam Tan now thinks her daughter’s work is special.

“I think her work is … different from works that I see around Singapore. Art is about finding that special voice that will stop people and make them listen to you.

“I think Qi Xuan found that voice with her sculptures. She has a natural talent for sculpting, considering that she doesn’t have any formal training or direct influences around her.”

But Ms Lim is as realistic as her sculptures.

“I don’t think my sculptures are the kind of works people want sitting in their living room,” she said.

Ms Lim has exhibited her work at several exhibitions, including the ArtScience Museum’s Sunday Showcase in 2014, the Kult Gallery last year and at the Mulan Gallery last month.

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This article was first published on May 27, 2016.
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She claimed they didn’t flee the accident scene.

And that they had left only because “someone had already called an ambulance”, and he wanted to accompany her home, as she was unwell.

“We didn’t flee,” said the girlfriend of the teen driver allegedly involved in a hit-and-run accident at the junction of Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5 and Ang Mo Kio Industrial Park 2 on Saturday that killed Madam Lau Lee Kiau, 46.

“(He) actually got out of the car and asked the woman on the ground: ‘You okay?’ and she nodded.

“As someone had already called the ambulance, (he) decided to see me home first.

“We hailed a taxi and he took me home,” the 15-year-old told Chinese newspaper Shin Min Daily News yesterday (May 26).

Madam Lau, a factory supervisor, was on her way to work that morning when the 17-year-old teen, who did not have a driver’s licence because he was underaged, crashed his car into the motorcycle she was riding pillion on.

The motorcyclist was the divorcee’s boyfriend, a 56-year-old plumber. His spine was fractured in two places and he broke his right leg and ankle in the accident.

The teen allegedly fled the scene, but was arrested later the same day. He is out on police bail.

Madam Lau died later at Tan Tock Seng Hospital and was cremated yesterday.

A harrowing 30-second video of the crash, captured by an in-car camera, was also put up on the Facebook pages of Shin Min Daily News and Roads.sg on Wednesday (May 25).

Under the law, motorists involved in an accident in which a person or animal is injured, or where another vehicle or structure is damaged, have to stop their vehicles. They must also render necessary assistance.

The penalty for hit-and-run accidents is a fine of up to $3,000 or up to 12 months’ jail.

The teen’s girlfriend said they had known each other for only two weeks and the youth was sending her home to Ang Mo Kio after she had spent the night at his flat in Redhill.

“It was the first time he drove me home. I was not well and was asleep in the car. The crash woke me up suddenly,” the girl said.

She said her boyfriend was still shaking from the shock of the accident while they were in the taxi on the way to her place.

“He was crying and blaming himself. After he saw me home, he told me he was going to the police to surrender himself,” she said, adding that she lost contact with him after that.

She had tried calling and texting him since Saturday, but to no avail because “he was probably in police custody”.

The girl said her boyfriend was guilt-stricken after the accident.

That was also how Mr Ong Jun Jie, the teen’s cousin, described him to The New Paper yesterday.

IN FEAR

“My cousin has not left his home for fear of what the public might do to him after what the netizens said online. They called him a murderer and a killer… My cousin is now very emotional and depressed about the whole thing,” said Mr Ong, who declined to give his age and occupation.

He added that the teen’s parents are considering taking him to the Institute of Mental Health for treatment and counselling.

When TNP asked to speak to the teen driver, Mr Ong said he would check with him. But by press time, he did not return our call.

Following the accident, Madam Lau’s son Toh Wei Xue, 17, told TNP that the driver, whom he called “heartless”, knew who he is and “he knows that I know that he is the culprit, but he has not even apologised”.

Both the driver’s girlfriend and cousin claimed he had wanted to but only returned home yesterday.

When contacted, police said the teen was arrested on the day of the accident and was released on police bail the same day.

juditht@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on May 27, 2016.
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Though the Monetary Authority of Singapore has eased restrictions on motor vehicle loans, car buyers are cautious and concerned about how the move will affect certificate of entitlement (COE) prices.

Interior designer Daphne Gan believes it could lead to more people bidding for COEs and driving premiums up. “I did my calculations and, even though the cost of entry to the car market is cheaper, I won’t be paying less in the long run,” said the 33-year-old, who drives a nine- year-old Honda Accord.

Mr Shahjehan Ismail Kutty, a 48-year-old finance manager, whose COE on his Kia Rio expires in August, said: “I would still have to fork out quite a bit as long as the COE remains high.”

Graphic designer Farhan Hassan, however, said the easing of restrictions has made the prospect of buying a car more attractive.

“The new loan restrictions put the car we want a little within reach,” said the 33-year-old, who hopes to buy a Honda Vezel after he gets married next March.

National University of Singapore transport researcher Lee Der Horng said the move will influence more people to buy cars, including those who were previously on the fence about entering the market.

However, he added that the authorities were sending “mixed signals” as making it easier for people to buy cars was not in line with the push towards a car-lite society.

Deputy chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Transport Ang Hin Kee said encouraging a car-lite society is an ongoing process and will not happen overnight.

He added that lifting the previous restrictions will make it easier for the average buyer to compete for COEs against companies such as Uber-owned Lion City Rental, which has secured about 1,700 car COEs in the last two months.

“Lifting the restrictions makes it easier for those who are self-employed and others who need their own vehicles,” said Mr Ang, who is also an MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC.

GPC for Transport chairman and MP for Potong Pasir Sitoh Yih Pin noted that the restrictions are still not at their pre-2013 levels, when the maximum loan was 80 per cent of a car’s price and the loan tenure was 10 years. “Whether this will have a significant impact on demand for cars and, consequently, COE prices remains to be seen.”

Mr Ang Wei Neng, who is also a member of the GPC for Transport, said there are considerations beyond just financing a car purchase and that prospective buyers should do their sums.

The MP for Jurong GRC said: “I would caution people to be prudent before deciding to buy a car. “

This article was first published on May 27, 2016.
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The Workers’ Party (WP) is holding its party conference on Sunday to elect a new team to its top decision-making body in a move to pave the way for leadership succession.

Last month, the party took the unusual step of appointing 28 new cadres – party members with voting rights to elect the Central Executive Council (CEC). It brings the total number of cadres to about 130, party sources told The Straits Times.

New cadres are typically not inducted in such large numbers. In the previous round of cadre admissions two years ago, fewer than 10 were added.

The latest group of 28 include candidates in last year’s general election as well as WP grassroots activists. Most support WP secretary-general Low Thia Khiang’s focus on leadership renewal.

They include the party’s candidates in Marine Parade GRC at the last general election Dylan Ng, 40, and Firuz Khan, 49, as well as Nee Soon GRC candidates Cheryl Loh, 32, and Ron Tan, 31.

Party insiders said admitting them as cadres gives Mr Low the assurance that those earmarked for leadership positions can be elected into the CEC. He will also have a firmer hand in deciding the timetable for succession, they added.

The new cadres also form a significant voting bloc that will help avoid a repeat of the fierce contest at the WP conference in July 2014, when more than 20 people vied for 12 available spots. Four CEC members that Mr Low deemed important were voted out of the CEC by a faction of cadres who were not happy with the direction of the party.

On Sunday, Mr Low, 59, and party chairman Sylvia Lim, 51, are expected to retain their positions unopposed, as they have the confidence of a majority of the CEC and most cadres. Neither Mr Low nor Ms Lim have been challenged since they assumed their positions in 2001 and 2003 respectively.

Succession planning is a top priority for Mr Low, who made leadership renewal in the WP a key message at last year’s general election.

He had identified the WP’s candidates in East Coast GRC and Fengshan as future leaders of the party, and all eyes will be on signs of the next secretary-general or chairman emerging among them.

In particular, Non-Constituency MP (NCMP) Daniel Goh, 42, part of the WP’s East Coast team, has been helping at Mr Low’s Meet-the-People Sessions, while NCMP Dennis Tan, 45, who stood in the Fengshan single seat, has been assisting Mr Low in his administrative duties.

Analysts said it is worth watching CEC moves for indicators of who might be next in line to lead the party. Institute of Policy Studies deputy director Gillian Koh said: “As the leading opposition party, some attention will be given to whether there will be new faces in its governing committee and if there are indications of leadership succession beyond just positions that Mr Low and Ms Lim hold.”

National University of Singapore political science academic Bilveer Singh said the WP CEC already includes “young faces that will matter in the near future”, such as Mr Goh, Mr Tan and NCMP Leon Perera, 45.

“The next GE is still four years away and the WP is not in a hurry to put all the key people in place, even though the top personalities are discernible,” he said.

“Low and Sylvia are still relatively young and capable. What is most important is the WP clearly signalling that it is not a personality-based party as some opposition parties appear to be,” he added.

“Most importantly, as Singaporeans are very particular about talented individuals, the WP also wants to signal that it has not just new faces but those who are highly talented.”

This article was first published on May 27, 2016.
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