Thursday, December 31, 2015

Mum's (Diana Ser, 徐秀盈 Xú xiù yíng) portal to teach Mandarin

Source Website: http://women.asiaone.com/women/people/mums-portal-teach-mandarin
By Gwendolyn Ng, The Straits Times, nggwen@sph.com.sg, Tuesday, 29 December 2015


Diana Ser made a series of videos starring daughter Jaymee (both above), her youngest child, for her online portal.
PHOTO: Diana Ser (徐秀盈 Xú xiù yíng) made a series of videos starring daughter Jaymee (both above), her youngest child, for her online portal.
Photo by Attitude Photography
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDG7iraj1zlEap07wiKTm8OjeAk9FkpV1ynuKR4o3EYlkZHO-YIOACFktNzhDrpa9wgHDyMKQF0yZ_KzZtOZJckh_Y17eB3wpKRCVc7rmGwGENdyq2Nz2sX0aixrwh1q7WQlnBw7i9m0o/s1600/20151228_Diana_Ser.jpg
http://women.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/full_left_image-630x411/public/original_images/Dec2015/20151228_Diana_Ser.jpg?itok=FifHuwQ_
http://women.asiaone.com/women/people/mums-portal-teach-mandarin


Local host Diana Ser's proficiency in Mandarin and English has not only helped her score emcee (master of ceremonies) gigs - it also snagged her a husband, actor-turned-bank executive James Lye.

"According to my husband, he was sitting with his back to the television when he heard the English-speaking host suddenly switch to Mandarin," recounts Ser, 43.

"He swivelled his chair around and saw me on TV. He thought to himself, 'Wow, who's this babe?' Those were his words. Later on when we met, he remembered me from when he saw me on TV."


Local host Diana Ser's proficiency in Mandarin and English has not only helped her score emcee gigs - it also snagged her a husband, actor-turned-bank executive James Lye.
PHOTO: Local host Diana Ser's proficiency in Mandarin and English has not only helped her score emcee (master of ceremonies) gigs - it also snagged her a husband, actor-turned-bank executive James Lye.
Source: The Straits Times, The New Paper, Attitude Photography, Diana Ser and James Lye, Streats
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjei9SKQto_c_6Oj3bNcszMlwfpGqAV-XWcgM_N5VyIpVuHwT4f7lnNgbeYAe4hdRiNTWnaiBdP-k7Q_ee7u_d4Jd4k2wwV44d7rGDXTsI0oVacsFguMdDnmKZ5Gj-EW-G9bnNSVMmW-_g/s1600/dianaser14.jpg
http://women.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/640-or-416/public/original_images/Dec2015/dianaser14.jpg?itok=Htw8LxRE
http://women.asiaone.com/women/people/mums-portal-teach-mandarin


After a nine-year courtship, the couple tied the knot in 2004. They have three children: Jake, nine, Christy, seven , and Jaymee, four.

Ironically, her two older children are reluctant to speak Mandarin. This inspired her to set up an online portal, Crazy About Chinese (www.dianaser.com).

Launched last month, the site is filled with articles and videos to encourage parents to teach their children the Chinese language through daily activities.

Her youngest daughter Jaymee is the star of the videos, while the others make cameo appearances.


After a nine-year courtship, the couple tied the knot in 2004. They have three children: Jake, nine, Christy, seven , and Jaymee, four.
PHOTO: After a nine-year courtship, the couple tied the knot in 2004. They have three children: Jake, nine, Christy, seven , and Jaymee, four.
Source: The Straits Times, The New Paper, Attitude Photography, Diana Ser and James Lye, Streats
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHXSR55JIL1R4pDMnOf_Qklav7ip3gKsdlB-fL3xnYKPXhR12a2tyr7FWtVWgts7qeOM8rFOTqNmnBdZtBqGG63G0hixNgg6D7Ixo-kCXWMpeubTx5X7rqV03Rofcaen5OuKn89fMDK8/s1600/dianaser13.jpg
http://women.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/640-or-416/public/original_images/Dec2015/dianaser13.jpg?itok=vc-jiszF
http://women.asiaone.com/women/people/mums-portal-teach-mandarin


Ser says: "My attitude towards Chinese learning is to not give up on any learning opportunities. For English-speaking families, the odds are against us.

"We must surround our children with the Chinese language. I try my best to speak Mandarin at home. I play Mandarin children songs in the car."

In the 1990s, she hosted shows on Channel 8 and 5 shows. She also helmed Channel NewsAsia's investigative current affairs show, Get Real, from 2004 to 2006.

These days, she splits her time between being a events emcee and a hands-on mother to her children.


These days, she splits her time between being a events emcee (master of ceremonies) and a hands-on mother to her children.
PHOTO: These days, she splits her time between being a events emcee (master of ceremonies) and a hands-on mother to her children.
Source: The Straits Times, The New Paper, Attitude Photography, Diana Ser and James Lye, Streats
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvEEfxGTkYWRkv2XpS_xEcosIYajKGMRf4WOioPRuRwPT8n_lzQ1Kvs9mHmq50Ii5P98IDByrf1oMT7m7dNItTgsBc5EE1ZymPf0xc5cWw51tOSROHmYcB3Wm4X-SlGbP-6PjX4CF210/s1600/dianaser09.jpg
http://women.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/640-or-416/public/original_images/Dec2015/dianaser09.jpg?itok=nFW9rAp9
http://women.asiaone.com/women/people/mums-portal-teach-mandarin


1. Singaporeans often find it hard to pick up the Chinese language. How did you become so fluent in Mandarin?
I think my fortune may be because I was born a heartlander. My childhood was not dominated by the English language.

My parents couldn't speak English very well. I watched Chinese dramas on TV.

I was very lucky to have good teachers. It helped that I was a good student too. (Laughs)

2. What is it like to film the videos with your daughter Jaymee?
Trust me, whatever you see on camera is not even like 50 per cent of what she is. She has already toned it down. She's lively, spunky, spontaneous and happy.

For the Christmas episode, we were decorating a Christmas tree at a department store. The decorations were so wonderful, she clung on to the bag of decorations.

I said: "Sweetheart, you need to return it." She refused and I could not pry it out of her hands.

I was desperate. I went to the retail assistant and asked her to pretend to be a fierce security guard.

The assistant talked to her nicely instead and Jaymee gave in.


Ironically, her two older children are reluctant to speak Mandarin.
PHOTO: Ironically, her two older children are reluctant to speak Mandarin. This inspired her to set up an online portal, Crazy About Chinese (www.dianaser.com).
Daughter Jaymee is the star of the videos, is  lively, spunky, spontaneous and happy.
Source: The Straits Times, The New Paper, Attitude Photography, Diana Ser and James Lye, Streats
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfaiQKhklo8KEKor_aKdRM-NQAdcQ8CDrAK6E88CiigSAAZ2Ontt2GqUQdkJB8qkC2zF6dpDY1XIYBnhZN2-KEyshkxtnIquky8YlMQrq-xFQX9v8Lxd5PWgpnsnofiG2LdXnLxqheVo/s1600/dianaser11.jpg
http://women.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/640-or-416/public/original_images/Dec2015/dianaser11.jpg?itok=Q6NAGJxK
http://women.asiaone.com/women/people/mums-portal-teach-mandarin


3. Does your husband help out with the portal Crazy About Chinese?
He's my cheerleader. I'm very glad that he is not objecting to it. He's a very private person and he could have said that he would have preferred if our children were not exposed to the public.

He told me: "If you think that it is going to be meaningful for you, then you should go and do it."

4. What kind of parents are you?
I'm solely in charge of the day-to-day operations. Invariably, I'm the disciplinarian.

James and I are quite fun parents. Once, when we were waiting for a flight at Changi Airport, the kids wanted to drink Milo. James came back with only one cup of Milo and suggested playing a game to decide who will get a sip each round. The kids had so much fun.


James and Diana Ser are quite fun parents.
PHOTO: James and Diana Ser are quite fun parents. James is her cheerleader who supports her portal 'Crazy About Chinese'. Launched last month, the site is filled with articles and videos to encourage parents to teach their children the Chinese language through daily activities.
Source: The Straits Times, The New Paper, Attitude Photography, Diana Ser and James Lye, Streats
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HIfgTmQqLdP1Q-dBQJ1cZHuWZBXyTdO3sc67dwRi6wkK9wV3RBD8WD_7GO9w_daKdAsJlt5UpxQGeo3qIWR2Ycj1_Pk9aN4X9R0UdorykerOpI_J1_FeC9r8gWKCCxehbRlSlC8QmhQ/s1600/dianaser15.jpg
http://women.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/640-or-416/public/original_images/Dec2015/dianaser15.jpg?itok=Rg9iIbIE
http://women.asiaone.com/women/people/mums-portal-teach-mandarin


5. Do your children take after you or your husband?
When it comes to looks, I have no chance. A friend used to tease me that the children came from only James.

She called them "James-lets". When it comes to personality, of course I will say that their good traits come from me. (Laughs)

6. How do you keep the romance alive in your marriage?
We try to set aside couple time. I've been trying to plan a movie night for just the two of us, but it hasn't materialised for the longest time.

We must accept that our notion of romance has evolved. There should be an acceptance that things have changed from the time we were dating.

Now we connect on a different level. When play together with the kids, it's deeply satisfying because you've built this family together.


They try to set aside couple time.
PHOTO: They try to set aside couple time. She has been trying to plan a movie night for just the two of them, but it hasn't materialised for the longest time.
Source: The Straits Times, The New Paper, Attitude Photography, Diana Ser and James Lye, Streats
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNT5LGY34BYI0OEjT2wgelecZi1f7HYVsiHFGBEDF90MT5HDMj4GOgBu6P2u2iYMN8sUkiFJJ5rFQ_Cs_tIp_mq3HvH1zVLV_8rldUvTjrVpBRycD0dlfp8_zqqAqIsRubhmxv861gNIU/s1600/dianaser08.jpg
http://women.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/640-or-416/public/original_images/Dec2015/dianaser08.jpg?itok=TWPq2OPL
http://women.asiaone.com/women/people/mums-portal-teach-mandarin


7. How do you juggle work commitments and mummy duties?
I have domestic help. That allows me to go to work with peace of mind. However, it still requires a lot of planning on my part - scheduling their tuition and deciding what they eat for meals.

Another thing that is important is the mummy network. When you start having children, you will find that friends who have children in the similar age group can be very helpful. When I'm really desperate, I will call one of my mummy friends to get them to help pick up my kid.

8. How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as a survivor. I do believe that resilience and the ability to adapt is what has gotten me through all these years.


Although Diana has domestic help, which allows her to go to work with peace of mind, but still requires a lot of planning on her part - scheduling tuition and deciding what they eat for meals.
PHOTO: Although Diana has domestic help, which allows her to go to work with peace of mind, but still requires a lot of planning on her part - scheduling tuition and deciding what they eat for meals.
Source: The Straits Times, The New Paper, Attitude Photography, Diana Ser and James Lye, Streats
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjby2aJ-oxpQ-aDpx9b5ldVENDU5spQwsr3XjugLJFwTJopKzZB12oGaG0z_EY8E-WHQfYmX4_4RLaBXdwYNuBo-QTMSSV_7Gt3hzl2oYrTNcDCR7m0o2Dd45mxQ2T40eSwLM06DBq79Uo/s1600/dianaser03.jpg
http://women.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/640-or-416/public/original_images/Dec2015/dianaser03.jpg?itok=EiMbG1vD
http://women.asiaone.com/women/people/mums-portal-teach-mandarin


Case in point: I nearly lost my No. 2 when my waterbag ruptured when I was five months pregnant. If she had been born at that time, she could have died or survived with handicaps.

That night when I was lying in hospital, I remember crying all night The next morning I told myself that you've cried and now your job is to make sure she survives in your tummy. We are very blessed that she did.

By Gwendolyn Ng, The Straits Times, nggwen@sph.com.sg, Tuesday, 29 December 2015


We must accept that our notion of romance has evolved. There should be an acceptance that things have changed from the time we were dating. Now we connect on a different level. When play together with the kids, it's deeply satisfying because you've built this family together.
PHOTO: "We must accept that our notion of romance has evolved. There should be an acceptance that things have changed from the time we were dating. Now we connect on a different level. When play together with the kids, it's deeply satisfying because you've built this family together."
Source: The Straits Times, The New Paper, Attitude Photography, Diana Ser and James Lye, Streats 
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVC6DPhG6U4oBzNmF9fxaeFDYXK81rkTSpd5aCOSUichsRlgUf6OO0Gxy7tvN6Zfurwr3mdqhH6AoFifyISgIst2o_grlJuZGcrAD5pM21FgqYa6qaeD7J-hXd9XScEjItqLDSCEzgM_k/s1600/dianaser05.jpg
http://women.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/640-or-416/public/original_images/Dec2015/dianaser05.jpg?itok=iGGoEgFm
http://women.asiaone.com/women/people/mums-portal-teach-mandarin


Midweek merriment with the 3 beautiful ladies
PHOTO: Midweek merriment with the 3 beautiful ladies Picture from Instagram @dianaserlye, #midweek#wednesday#poolsidefun#dianaser
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKE0Bg7pviiLjfVLA6SEOzKJGbCdrSgb1N7XOmtyd6-5DOt4Z2RJA3X1q_4Bwwwi0x8TqhUt_HO7jOguT63hSyZTA3ptujcaIEIoykmm6DSU9lWiBdVD-iVRPsSNpvoGnRfZbCw1Foqv4/s1600/11242017_420455578136926_1325862419_n.jpg
https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/e15/11242017_420455578136926_1325862419_n.jpg
http://www.online-instagram.com/media/983865363346206370_1581306002



Reference
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Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Dosage Calculation - Mass/Liquid For Liquid Questions - (2)

Source Website: http://www.dosagehelp.com/liquid.html
By DosageHelp.com

Mass/Liquid For Liquid Questions
Given an amount of mass per liquid, how much liquid do you require?
 
Formula:

     
          
            
              Ordered
              Have
           
           x
           Volume Per Have
           =
           Y(Liquid required)

Question (3): (From Ngee Ann Polytechnics Dosage Calculation Worksheet)
ORDER: Drug D 60 mg P.O.
AVAILABLE: Drug D 15 mg per mL

         
           GIVE:
           
             
          
          mL
        


         
            
              Ordered
              Have
           
           x
           Volume Per Have
           =
           Y(Liquid required)
        


         
            
              60 mg
              15 mg
           
           x
           1 mL
           =
           
             4 mL
Alternatively, 15 mg = 1 mL
Therefore 60 mg = 1/15 x 60 = 4 mL

Question (4): (From Ngee Ann Polytechnics Dosage Calculation Worksheet)
ORDER: Drug E 0.6 g P.O.
AVAILABLE: Drug E 400 mg per 2 mL

         
           GIVE:
           
             
          
          mL
        


         
            
              Ordered
              Have
           
           x
           Volume Per Have
           =
           Y(Liquid required)
Convert 0.1 g to mg.
    mcg ← mg ← g ← kg    ( x by 1,000 )
    0.6 g x 1,000 = 600 mg 

         
            
              600 mg
              400 mg
           
           x
           2 mL
           =
           
             3 mL
Alternatively, 400 mg = 2 mL
Therefore 600 mg = 2/400 x 600 = 3 mL

Question (5): (From Ngee Ann Polytechnics Dosage Calculation Worksheet)
ORDER: Drug F 45 mg I.M.
AVAILABLE: Drug F 50 mg in 2 mL

         
           GIVE:
           
             
          
          mL
        


         
            
              Ordered
              Have
           
           x
           Volume Per Have
           =
           Y(Liquid required)
        


         
            
              45 mg
              50 mg
           
           x
           2 mL
           =
           
             1.8 mL
Alternatively, 50 mg = 2 mL
Therefore 45 mg = 2/50 x 45 = 1.8 mL

Question (9): (From Ngee Ann Polytechnics Dosage Calculation Worksheet)
ORDER: Drug M 35 mg I.M.
AVAILABLE: Drug M 50 mg per mL

         
           GIVE:
           
             
          
          mL
        


         
            
              Ordered
              Have
           
           x
           Volume Per Have
           =
           Y(Liquid required)
        


         
            
              35 mg
              50 mg
           
           x
           1 mL
           =
           
             0.7 mL
Alternatively, 50 mg = 1 mL
Therefore 35 mg = 1/50 x 35 = 0.7 mL

 Question (11): (From Ngee Ann Polytechnics Dosage Calculation Worksheet)
The doctor prescribed Tagamet 400 milligrams orally. The Tagamet label reads Tagamet liquid 200 milligrams in 5 milliliters. How many mls will be given?

         
            
              Ordered
              Have
           
           x
           Volume Per Have
           =
           Y(Liquid required)
        


         
            
              400 mg
              200 mg
           
           x
           5 mL
           =
           
             10 mL
Alternatively, 200 mg = 5 mL
Therefore 400 mg = 5/200 x 400 = 10 mL
Question (12): (From Ngee Ann Polytechnics Dosage Calculation Worksheet)
ORDER: Drug Q 300,000 units I.M.
AVAILABLE: Drug Q 5,000,000 units in 25 mL

         
           GIVE:
           
             
          
          mL
        


         
            
              Ordered
              Have
           
           x
           Volume Per Have
           =
           Y(Liquid required)
        


         
            
              300,000 units
              5,000,000 units
           
           x
           25 mL
           =
           
             1.5 mL
Alternatively, 5,000,000 units = 25 mL
Therefore 300,000 units = 25/5,000,000 x 300,000 = 1.5 mL

Question (14): (From Ngee Ann Polytechnics Dosage Calculation Worksheet)
ORDER: Drug T 50 mg P.O.
AVAILABLE: Drug T 25 mg per 4 mL

         
           GIVE:
           
             
          
          mL
        


         
            
              Ordered
              Have
           
           x
           Volume Per Have
           =
           Y(Liquid required)
        


         
            
              50 mg
              25 mg
           
           x
           4 mL
           =
           
             8 mL
Alternatively, 25 mg = 4 mL
Therefore 50 mg = 4/25 x 50 = 8 mL

Question (15): (From Ngee Ann Polytechnics Dosage Calculation Worksheet)
ORDER: Drug U 0.4 g I.M.
AVAILABLE: Drug U 500 mg in 2 mL

         
           GIVE:
           
             
          
          mL
        


         
            
              Ordered
              Have
           
           x
           Volume Per Have
           =
           Y(Liquid required)
Convert 0.1 g to mg.
    mcg ← mg ← g ← kg    ( x by 1,000 )
    0.1 g x 1,000 = 100 mg
0.4 g = 0.4 g x 1000 = 400 mg

         
            
              400 mg
              500 mg
           
           x
           2 mL
           =
           
             1.6 mL
Alternatively, 500 mg = 2 mL
Therefore 400 mg = 2/500 x 400 = 1.6 mL

Continue (Go to Mass for Mass Questions)



Reference
[1] Advanced Formatting, Ry’s MathML Tutorial, http://rypress.com/tutorials/mathml/advanced-formatting.
[2] MathML, Presentation MathML, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MathML.
[3] MathJax in Blogger (II), Posted on Tuesday, 12 July 2011, http://irrep.blogspot.sg/2011/07/mathjax-in-blogger-ii.html
[4] MathJax, http://docs.mathjax.org/en/latest/start.html

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Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Chin Swee's elderly homeless

My Paper, Monday, December 28, 2015, Page A6, Top Stories
From http://epaper.mypaper.sg/epc/en/2015-12-28/
Source Website: http://mypaper.sg/top-stories/chin-swees-elderly-homeless-20151228
By Mohammed Hariz, The New Paper, Published on Dec 28, 2015


HARD BENCH FOR A BED
PHOTO: HARD BENCH FOR A BED: Mr Ang, who is homeless, sleeping on a bench in the open in Chin Swee Road HDB estate. Others were also seen sleeping on the floor at a staircase landing. Some say they live here as they have friends in the area. Others say it is because they can get free meals at the Buddhist Lodge.
PHOTOS: THE NEW PAPER
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJ8cwZ-v-LAIWNekUmycqff1XzawLz1yboBBTUkCEGDhfVunfylQWr2HlXOlTCAPFOHF6hPIRmR1f2nFV7UMhibG0pJTym00Y1SV8H-AhsVaqKrlT2LRI-v97EHuKHUntsS4UXL1uMaQ/s1600/MY_20151228_TNPHOMELESS28_P_1943328-1.jpg
http://mypaper.sg/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/20151228/MY_20151228_TNPHOMELESS28_P_1943328.jpg
http://mypaper.sg/top-stories/chin-swees-elderly-homeless-20151228


Last month, a 51-year-old homeless man was found dead at a Chin Swee Road HDB staircase landing. CHAI HUNG YIN and SEOW YUN RONG visit the area to learn more about the homeless there.

IT WAS Christmas Eve, and the Chin Swee Road HDB estate was abuzz with activity.

People shuffled in and out of the estate, children laughed at the playground while the adults sat at a nearby coffee shop.

By 9pm, the number dwindled to around 21 people sitting and chatting next to a Sheng Siong supermarket.

Some stole naps in the open to escape the heat.

Come 11pm, the merry estate changed its face.

A few elderly people, some with belongings in trash bags, moved to occupy the benches, resting their weary bodies.


A few elderly people, some with belongings in trash bags, moved to occupy the benches, resting their weary bodies. These are the lonely people of Chin Swee Road.
PHOTO: A few elderly people, some with belongings in trash bags, moved to occupy the benches, resting their weary bodies. These are the lonely people of Chin Swee Road.
Dr Neo, Jalan Besar GRC MP and Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), says the homeless situation at Chin Swee is "manageable and the homeless do not plague the whole precinct or create any inconvenience to our residents". Both Dr Neo and the spokesman for the Ministry of Social and Family Development said there are some homeless who chose to refuse aid and prefer to be self-reliant.
Posted by Mohammed Hariz, Published on 28 December 2015
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http://mypaper.sg/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/20151228/MY_20151228_TNPHOMELESS28A_P_1943330.jpg
http://mypaper.sg/top-stories/mp-very-few-cases-and-some-refuse-help-20151228


These are the lonely people of Chin Swee Road.

The same scene played out on the few occasions The New Paper on Sunday team visited the estate from last month.

Some of the elderly claimed to be homeless but refused help, preferring to be on their own, even hiding from the authorities.

On Dec 9, TNPS met Mr Ang at the open space near Block 52, Chin Swee Road, around midnight.


Mr Ang at the open space near Block 52, Chin Swee Road, around midnight. Clad in a white shirt, knee-length shorts and sandals, he was sound asleep on a bench.
PHOTO: Mr Ang at the open space near Block 52, Chin Swee Road, around midnight. Clad in a white shirt, knee-length shorts and sandals, he was sound asleep on a bench. Next to him was a black bag stuffed to the brim with his belongings.
PHOTOS: THE NEW PAPER
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictJwlSJYBJAS6HANhbHYKaIT7ZPJ0BiSWzX8rBMF7TpDGJ-ao899wVP9tfRhP71IFwiexeFTcoENI1qQp7wDai-cQe4bhZz9BDntGZB1OhcfsnxJabt1fK2EdN2DGvXzqr_DaLSWVs8E/s1600/Mr.+Ang%252C+homeless.jpg
My Paper, Monday, December 28, 2015, Page A6, Top Stories


Clad in a white shirt, knee-length shorts and sandals, he was sound asleep on a bench. Next to him was a black bag stuffed to the brim with his belongings.

The 72-year-old man, who was there on the four occasions TNPS visited the estate, says he has been homeless for more than 10 years.

But he was not the only homeless person there.

Two men, who described themselves as brothers, have been calling a secluded staircase landing their home for the past one year.


Two men, who described themselves as brothers, have been calling a secluded staircase landing their home for the past one year.
PHOTO: Two men, who described themselves as brothers, have been calling a secluded staircase landing their home for the past one year.
Photo Source: The New Paper, The lonely people of Chin Swee Road
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Another elderly man, regularly seen sleeping outside a row of shops near Block 52, says he has a flat to return to but prefers being outside.

Stall owners of a nearby coffee shop and supermarket staff say they are familiar with Chin Swee's lonely people.

Seafood restaurant co-owner Maxwell Zhu, 29, says: "Sometimes when I get off work between 3am and 4am, I can see people sleeping around the coffee shop or on the corridor."

Sukeman Tohfat, 67, a food stall owner at the Block 34, Pearl's Hill Road coffee shop, says: "They never change their clothes, so they smell. Sometimes they pull along a trolley of things."


These are the lonely people of Chin Swee Road.
PHOTO: These are the lonely people of Chin Swee Road.
Sukeman Tohfat, 67, a food stall owner at the Block 34, Pearl's Hill Road coffee shop, says: "They never change their clothes, so they smell. Sometimes they pull along a trolley of things."
Photo Source: The New Paper, The lonely people of Chin Swee Road
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BEGGING FOR FOOD
One particular man, who has been seen in the area for about three years, left an impression on Mr Sukeman.

"Sometimes, he eats leftover food on the table," he says.

"Other times, he comes looking for food. When he is hungry, he will beg for food and sometimes I will give him some instead of throwing away the unsold food.

"They are so pitiful. I'd rather give them my unsold food than to see them scavenge in the rubbish bin."

Regulars at the coffee shop would sometimes offer beer and buy food for the man who occasionally sleeps at the bus stop and washes up at the coffee shop's toilet, adds Mr Sukeman.

Drink stall worker Ooi Hau Lin, who is in his 30s, says he has often seen homeless people resting at the coffee shop at Block 34, Pearl's Hill Road, where he works the night shift.

He says in Mandarin: "We do not chase them away. They do not cause disturbance.

"They sleep with their faces down on the table. They don't line the chairs to sleep on. If they did that, we would chase them away because it would affect our business."


They sleep with their faces down on the table.
PHOTO: "They sleep with their faces down on the table. They don't line the chairs to sleep on. If they did that, we would chase them away because it would affect our business."
Photo Source: The New Paper, The lonely people of Chin Swee Road
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He has seen two to three such people who lug around their belongings wherever they go.

"They usually pull around a trolley or bags full of things," says Mr Ooi.

"There is a 90 per cent chance that they are homeless. If they lived nearby, they would not carry their things around.

"They have never come and beg for food. If they did, we would have to ask them to go away."


They lug around their belongings wherever they go.
PHOTO: They lug around their belongings wherever they go. "They usually pull around a trolley or bags full of things," says Mr Ooi.
Photo Source: The New Paper, The lonely people of Chin Swee Road
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A sign saying there is a job vacancy for a cleaner at the coffee shop was seen on the drink stall counter.

Mr Ooi adds: "They don't come looking for jobs either. If they were willing to work, they would surely have a home."

Why Chin Swee Road estate?


The 72-year-old man, Mr. Ang, who was there on the four occasions TNPS visited the estate, says he has been homeless for more than 10 years.
PHOTO: The 72-year-old man, Mr. Ang, who was there on the four occasions TNPS visited the estate, says he has been homeless for more than 10 years.
Photo Source: The New Paper, The lonely people of Chin Swee Road
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Some say they have friends in the area. Others say it is because they can get free meals at the nearby Singapore Buddhist Lodge.

Few are willing to leave the area even if it means sleeping out in the open.

This is their home after all.

By Mohammed Hariz, The New Paper, Published on Dec 28, 2015


On Dec 9, TNPS met Mr Ang at the open space near Block 52, Chin Swee Road, around midnight.
PHOTO: On Dec 9, TNPS met Mr Ang at the open space near Block 52, Chin Swee Road, around midnight. He could be one of those not willing to leave the area even if it means sleeping out in the open. He could have friends in the area. This is his home after all.
Photo Source: The New Paper, The lonely people of Chin Swee Road
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