More getting divorced, fewer getting married in Singapore
Posted 13 Jul 2016 11:12 Updated 13 Jul 2016 23:27
SINGAPORE: More couples ended their marriages while fewer tied the knot last year, according to Department of Statistics (Singstat) data released on Wednesday (Jul 13).
The number of divorces and annulments rose 2.9 per cent, with 7,522 marriages dissolved, up from the 7,307 dissolutions in the previous year.
A total of 28,322 couples tied the knot last year, down from the 28,407 marriages registered in 2014. The number of Muslim marriages rose from 5,544 to 5,778, helping to mitigate the decline in the number of civil marriages from 22,863 to 22,544.
MORE OLDER COUPLES DIVORCING
Between 2005 and 2015, there was a “significant shift” in the age profile of divorcees, with an increase in the number of older couples getting divorced, Singstat said.
Among men, the proportion of divorcees aged 45 years and above rose from 30 per cent in 2005 to 42.4 per cent last year. For women, the proportion rose from 20.1 per cent to 27.5 per cent.
The median age at divorce was 42.9 for men and 38.8 for women, up from 39.1 years and 35.4 years, respectively, in 2005.
Marriages also did not last as long, with the median marriage duration for divorces in 2015 at 10 years, slightly shorter than the 10.4 years in 2014.
Among civil divorces, the largest group was couples who were married for five to nine years (31.5 per cent). This was followed by those who were married for 20 years or longer, accounting for 21.3 per cent of all civil divorces.
For Muslim divorces, couples who were married for less than five years, and between five and nine years formed the largest groups in 2015, each accounting for 26.8 per cent. Next were the couples who were married for 20 years or longer at 18.3 per cent.
More than half (53.7 per cent) of plaintiffs in civil divorces cited “unreasonable behaviour” as the main reason for divorce, while 42.6 per cent cited “having lived apart or separated for three years or more”. In 61.6 per cent of the cases, the divorce was initiated by the woman.
Among Muslim divorces in 2015, “infidelity or extra-marital affair” was the top reason for divorcing, accounting for more than one in five divorces. The second-most common reason for divorce was “desertion” for male plaintiffs, and “financial problems” for female plaintiffs.
MORE MARRYING LATER
Many are choosing to marry later, with the median age for marrying rising from 29.8 years old in 2005 to 30.3 years old for grooms in 2015, and from 26.9 years old to 28.2 years old for brides.
Among first marriages, those with grooms older than brides were still the norm. However, the proportion had dropped to 66.8 per cent in 2015 from 73.7 per cent a decade ago.
Inter-ethnic marriages have become more common, making up 21.5 per cent of marriages last year, up from 14.9 per cent in 2005. Such marriages made up a larger proportion among Muslim marriages (33.8 per cent) than among civil marriages (18.4 per cent) last year.
More men are also marrying women with equal or higher educational qualifications. The proportion of university-educated grooms marrying brides with the same qualification rose from 71.1 per cent in 2005 to 80.3 per cent in 2015 for civil marriages, and from 46.2 per cent to 59.9 per cent for Muslim marriages.
Marriages involving minors – those aged below 21 years – remained uncommon, making up 0.2 per cent of grooms and 1.1 per cent of brides in civil marriages. For Muslims, the proportions declined to 1.5 per cent of grooms and 4.2 per cent of brides in 2015, from 3.5 per cent and 12.9 per cent, respectively, in 2005.
PARENTING PROGRAMME FOR DIVORCING PARENTS
To protect children whose parents are going through a divorce, the Mandatory Parenting Programme will be launched at the end of the year, Social and Family Development Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said in a blogpost on Wednesday.
“The programme will give them time and space to think deeply about issues they will face, both during and after divorce, and how they can protect their children's interests will be emphasised in all they do,” he said.
He also pointed out that the Ministry of Social and Family Development and its partners run marriage preparation and enrichment programmes for couples who run into marriage problems.
“These programmes will help us, as husbands and wives, to better understand and communicate with each other. It will give us skills to resolve conflicts when they arise,” Mr Tan said.
“A good marriage brings joy and deep fulfilment. But it will require our dedication and constant effort to maintain it. As much as we can, let's commit to our spouses and our marriage,” he added.
- CNA/cy
- wong chee tat :)
Showing posts with label child. Show all posts
Showing posts with label child. Show all posts
Thursday, July 14, 2016
新加坡统计局：本地去年结婚率持平 离婚率微升
新加坡统计局：本地去年结婚率持平 离婚率微升
13/07/2016 16:01
新加坡统计局：本地去年结婚率持平 离婚率微升
?
本地去年的结婚率，和2014年基本持平。而离婚率则略微上升。社会及家庭发展部长陈川仁表示，当局注意到这个变化，将进一步为离婚夫妇提供辅导和帮助，尤其是有年幼孩童的家庭。
新加坡统计局今天发布的数据显示，本地去年共有2万8322对新人注册结婚，比2014年略少了85对，基本持平。另外，离婚的夫妻则有7522对，和前年相比增加了215对，也就是略微上涨了2.9%。
社会及家庭发展部长陈川仁通过博客表示，去年的结婚和离婚数据和往年相比，没有太大的变化。但是注意到了离婚率略微上升。他表示，离婚对任何夫妻都不容易，尤其是一些家庭还有孩子牵扯其中。
当局将在今年年底推出强制性育儿辅导计划，为有年幼孩童的离婚夫妻提供帮助。社会及家庭发展部也将在社区，继续推出多种婚姻辅导项目，以协助夫妻更好地进行交流，解决纠纷。
- CH8/YW
- wong chee tat :)
13/07/2016 16:01
新加坡统计局：本地去年结婚率持平 离婚率微升
?
本地去年的结婚率，和2014年基本持平。而离婚率则略微上升。社会及家庭发展部长陈川仁表示，当局注意到这个变化，将进一步为离婚夫妇提供辅导和帮助，尤其是有年幼孩童的家庭。
新加坡统计局今天发布的数据显示，本地去年共有2万8322对新人注册结婚，比2014年略少了85对，基本持平。另外，离婚的夫妻则有7522对，和前年相比增加了215对，也就是略微上涨了2.9%。
社会及家庭发展部长陈川仁通过博客表示，去年的结婚和离婚数据和往年相比，没有太大的变化。但是注意到了离婚率略微上升。他表示，离婚对任何夫妻都不容易，尤其是一些家庭还有孩子牵扯其中。
当局将在今年年底推出强制性育儿辅导计划，为有年幼孩童的离婚夫妻提供帮助。社会及家庭发展部也将在社区，继续推出多种婚姻辅导项目，以协助夫妻更好地进行交流，解决纠纷。
- CH8/YW
- wong chee tat :)
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
My First Skool to offer 2,000 more childcare places this year
My First Skool to offer 2,000 more childcare places this year
NTUC's My First Skool also aims to grow its enrolment to 20,000 by 2020 - up from the current 13,000 places.
By Loke Kok Fai
Posted 15 Mar 2016 23:20 Updated 16 Mar 2016 15:09
SINGAPORE: Young, dual-income families can look forward to over 2,000 more childcare places in 2016, with the National Trade Union Congress' (NTUC) My First Skool opening childcare facilities in Jurong West, Punggol and Sengkang.
Each of the four centres opening this year can take in between 200 and 500 children.
My First Skool aims to grow its enrolment to 20,000 by 2020 - up from the current 13,000 places. This was announced at the opening of its newest childcare centre at Punggol Waterway Point on Tuesday (Mar 15).
NTUC's Secretary-General Chan Chun Sing, who was at the launch, said larger childcare centres give teachers the chance to pilot and try new ways of doing things. For instance, they can try out different teaching and learning pedagogies to bring out the best in every child.
"It's not just about the numbers - we're talking about people who are committed to the preschool sector and have the interests of the children at heart," he said. "But as you can see in this larger centre, it actually allows us to have economies of scale. It also makes it more attractive for the teachers to come because they're working as part of a larger team. So actually it gives us a lot of advantages to try new concepts."
- CNA/ly
- wong chee tat :)
NTUC's My First Skool also aims to grow its enrolment to 20,000 by 2020 - up from the current 13,000 places.
By Loke Kok Fai
Posted 15 Mar 2016 23:20 Updated 16 Mar 2016 15:09
SINGAPORE: Young, dual-income families can look forward to over 2,000 more childcare places in 2016, with the National Trade Union Congress' (NTUC) My First Skool opening childcare facilities in Jurong West, Punggol and Sengkang.
Each of the four centres opening this year can take in between 200 and 500 children.
My First Skool aims to grow its enrolment to 20,000 by 2020 - up from the current 13,000 places. This was announced at the opening of its newest childcare centre at Punggol Waterway Point on Tuesday (Mar 15).
NTUC's Secretary-General Chan Chun Sing, who was at the launch, said larger childcare centres give teachers the chance to pilot and try new ways of doing things. For instance, they can try out different teaching and learning pedagogies to bring out the best in every child.
"It's not just about the numbers - we're talking about people who are committed to the preschool sector and have the interests of the children at heart," he said. "But as you can see in this larger centre, it actually allows us to have economies of scale. It also makes it more attractive for the teachers to come because they're working as part of a larger team. So actually it gives us a lot of advantages to try new concepts."
- CNA/ly
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Premature births on the rise in Singapore
Premature births on the rise in Singapore
TODAY reports: The national rate of preterm births has gone up, from 7.2 per cent to 9.5 per cent, despite low birth rates in the past decade, said Professor Victor Samuel Rajadurai, head and senior consultant at KKH’s Department of Neonatology,
By Eveline Gan, TODAY
POSTED: 11 Nov 2015 07:11
SINGAPORE: When Mdm Audrey Lim first saw her twin babies after giving birth to them at just 25 weeks in KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), she knew they would face an uphill task to stay alive in the following months. “They had so little flesh on them that they looked two-dimensional. There were also so many tubes and wires going through them. At that moment, I felt so much heartache and helplessness,” said the 38-year-old property agent.
At birth, twins Ethan and Emma Low each weighed just slightly more than 700g. Despite their severe prematurity, the twins survived.
PRETERM BIRTHS INCREASING
It is estimated that about one in 10 babies is born too early. As preterm birth rates rise worldwide, Mdm Lim’s experience is no longer a rare occurrence - even in developed nations with top-notch medical care. A preterm birth is defined as one that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
The phenomenon has become increasingly more common here, too, said local experts TODAY spoke to ahead of World Prematurity Day on Nov 17.
Premature babies make up about 13.5 per cent of the babies born at KKH. Professor Victor Samuel Rajadurai, head and senior consultant at KKH’s Department of Neonatology, noted an increase in the incidence of preterm births seen at KKH, from 11 per cent to 13.5 per cent in the past decade. The national rate of preterm births has also gone up, from 7.2 per cent to 9.5 per cent, despite low birth rates over the same period, said Prof Rajadurai.
No one knows for sure what triggers premature labour. However, several factors, including older maternal age due to delayed childbearing and the use of fertility treatments, have been known to increase the likelihood.
Assisted reproductive technology is now more commonly performed than before, and that increases a woman’s chance of multiple pregnancy, which is associated with a higher risk of preterm labour, said Associate Professor Su Lin Lin, senior consultant at National University Hospital (NUH) Women’s Centre. The number of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycles done at NUH Women’s Centre has more than tripled in the past decade. About 700 IVF cycles were carried out at its centre last year.
Associate Professor Tan Thiam Chye, senior consultant and head of Inpatient Service at KKH’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, added that the risk of preterm delivery for twin pregnancies increases three to five times compared with a singleton pregnancy. In a triplet pregnancy, the risk increases to seven to nine times.
Assoc Prof Su said that advances in medicine have also made it possible for women with certain existing illnesses that affect fertility to conceive and go through a pregnancy. Some of these conditions, such as some kidney and autoimmune diseases, are linked to a higher risk of preterm labour.
Several studies have also linked preterm labour to high levels of chronic psychological and physical stress during pregnancy, but Assoc Prof Su said this area needs further research.
Current treatments to delay preterm labour include medication such as progesterone and tocolytic drugs to stop womb contractions, said Assoc Prof Tan. The mother is then given a steroid jab to hasten the baby’s lung development.
In instances of very early preterm labour (less than 24 weeks of pregnancy), the doctor may recommend a cervical cerclage. This is a procedure where stitches hold the cervix closed to prevent a premature birth.
In spite of the medications given to slow down contractions, Mdm Lim - whose twins were conceived naturally - was fully dilated within half a day and nothing could stop her babies from arriving four months early.
SURVIVING PREMATURITY
According to the World Health Organisation, preterm birth is the leading cause of newborn deaths and the second-leading cause of deaths in children under the age of five. However, modern neonatal intensive care has made it possible for even the tiniest of babies to survive their prematurity. About 90 per cent of premature babies treated at KKH’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) survive and the majority go on to live relatively normal lives, said Prof Rajadurai.
The two smallest survivors at KKH were born about 15 years ago, at 26 weeks, with a birth weight of 435g and 470g. At Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children’s Medical Institute, the lightest survivor was a 26-weeker who weighed 487g at birth in 2007. All three have gone on to lead normal lives.
However, Prof Rajadurai stressed that the above cases are exceptional as outcomes for premature babies born below 23 weeks’ gestation and/or birth weight of 500g are known to be “extremely poor”. Even with modern NICU care, the survival for premature babies born at 25 weeks is between 70 to 75 per cent, said Prof Rajadurai. About 30 per cent may have trouble with development.
After birth, Mdm Lim’s twins spent the first four months of their lives in the hospital battling a host of complications, including infections, liver and breathing problems. “The first year was the hardest because we had to constantly monitor their breathing at home, which could suddenly stop without warning. They were also hospitalised almost every other month due to low oxygen levels,” said Mdm Lim.
Today, the twins are growing well, apart from a few “manageable” health issues, said Mdm Lim. For instance, older twin Ethan has some vision-related problems and is having speech therapy as he stutters.
“Back then, my husband and I practically lived day by day not knowing what will happen to our babies. Now they look like any healthy kids who love to play and jump around. Looking back, we are really fortunate to have access to proper facilities and expertise to save our preemies,” she said.
Read the original TODAY report here.
-TODAY/av
- wong chee tat :)
TODAY reports: The national rate of preterm births has gone up, from 7.2 per cent to 9.5 per cent, despite low birth rates in the past decade, said Professor Victor Samuel Rajadurai, head and senior consultant at KKH’s Department of Neonatology,
By Eveline Gan, TODAY
POSTED: 11 Nov 2015 07:11
SINGAPORE: When Mdm Audrey Lim first saw her twin babies after giving birth to them at just 25 weeks in KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), she knew they would face an uphill task to stay alive in the following months. “They had so little flesh on them that they looked two-dimensional. There were also so many tubes and wires going through them. At that moment, I felt so much heartache and helplessness,” said the 38-year-old property agent.
At birth, twins Ethan and Emma Low each weighed just slightly more than 700g. Despite their severe prematurity, the twins survived.
PRETERM BIRTHS INCREASING
It is estimated that about one in 10 babies is born too early. As preterm birth rates rise worldwide, Mdm Lim’s experience is no longer a rare occurrence - even in developed nations with top-notch medical care. A preterm birth is defined as one that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
The phenomenon has become increasingly more common here, too, said local experts TODAY spoke to ahead of World Prematurity Day on Nov 17.
Premature babies make up about 13.5 per cent of the babies born at KKH. Professor Victor Samuel Rajadurai, head and senior consultant at KKH’s Department of Neonatology, noted an increase in the incidence of preterm births seen at KKH, from 11 per cent to 13.5 per cent in the past decade. The national rate of preterm births has also gone up, from 7.2 per cent to 9.5 per cent, despite low birth rates over the same period, said Prof Rajadurai.
No one knows for sure what triggers premature labour. However, several factors, including older maternal age due to delayed childbearing and the use of fertility treatments, have been known to increase the likelihood.
Assisted reproductive technology is now more commonly performed than before, and that increases a woman’s chance of multiple pregnancy, which is associated with a higher risk of preterm labour, said Associate Professor Su Lin Lin, senior consultant at National University Hospital (NUH) Women’s Centre. The number of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycles done at NUH Women’s Centre has more than tripled in the past decade. About 700 IVF cycles were carried out at its centre last year.
Associate Professor Tan Thiam Chye, senior consultant and head of Inpatient Service at KKH’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, added that the risk of preterm delivery for twin pregnancies increases three to five times compared with a singleton pregnancy. In a triplet pregnancy, the risk increases to seven to nine times.
Assoc Prof Su said that advances in medicine have also made it possible for women with certain existing illnesses that affect fertility to conceive and go through a pregnancy. Some of these conditions, such as some kidney and autoimmune diseases, are linked to a higher risk of preterm labour.
Several studies have also linked preterm labour to high levels of chronic psychological and physical stress during pregnancy, but Assoc Prof Su said this area needs further research.
Current treatments to delay preterm labour include medication such as progesterone and tocolytic drugs to stop womb contractions, said Assoc Prof Tan. The mother is then given a steroid jab to hasten the baby’s lung development.
In instances of very early preterm labour (less than 24 weeks of pregnancy), the doctor may recommend a cervical cerclage. This is a procedure where stitches hold the cervix closed to prevent a premature birth.
In spite of the medications given to slow down contractions, Mdm Lim - whose twins were conceived naturally - was fully dilated within half a day and nothing could stop her babies from arriving four months early.
SURVIVING PREMATURITY
According to the World Health Organisation, preterm birth is the leading cause of newborn deaths and the second-leading cause of deaths in children under the age of five. However, modern neonatal intensive care has made it possible for even the tiniest of babies to survive their prematurity. About 90 per cent of premature babies treated at KKH’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) survive and the majority go on to live relatively normal lives, said Prof Rajadurai.
The two smallest survivors at KKH were born about 15 years ago, at 26 weeks, with a birth weight of 435g and 470g. At Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children’s Medical Institute, the lightest survivor was a 26-weeker who weighed 487g at birth in 2007. All three have gone on to lead normal lives.
However, Prof Rajadurai stressed that the above cases are exceptional as outcomes for premature babies born below 23 weeks’ gestation and/or birth weight of 500g are known to be “extremely poor”. Even with modern NICU care, the survival for premature babies born at 25 weeks is between 70 to 75 per cent, said Prof Rajadurai. About 30 per cent may have trouble with development.
After birth, Mdm Lim’s twins spent the first four months of their lives in the hospital battling a host of complications, including infections, liver and breathing problems. “The first year was the hardest because we had to constantly monitor their breathing at home, which could suddenly stop without warning. They were also hospitalised almost every other month due to low oxygen levels,” said Mdm Lim.
Today, the twins are growing well, apart from a few “manageable” health issues, said Mdm Lim. For instance, older twin Ethan has some vision-related problems and is having speech therapy as he stutters.
“Back then, my husband and I practically lived day by day not knowing what will happen to our babies. Now they look like any healthy kids who love to play and jump around. Looking back, we are really fortunate to have access to proper facilities and expertise to save our preemies,” she said.
Read the original TODAY report here.
-TODAY/av
- wong chee tat :)
Sunday, August 17, 2014
China - Leftover men
Published on 6 Feb 2013
The growing number of older single men in China is NOT just an outcome of a gender imbalance caused by families favouring boys over girls in the one-child policy. Experts say it's also a reflection of a deeper social problem as a result of Chinese society's obsession with status and success. Channel NewsAsia's Valerie Tan has the report.
- wong chee tat :)
China women seeks financial security in marriages
Published on 19 Feb 2013
Financial security in marriage ranks high among women in China. That is according to the latest Chinese marriage report which shows that nearly 80 per cent of Chinese women look for partners who earn twice what they do. And more than half of them want full access to their future husbands' salary.
- wong chee tat :)
Take My Daughter, Please: China's Modern Matchmakers
In Shanghai, even love is a commodity that can be traded on the open market.
Originally published January 2009.
- wong chee tat :)
CHINA: China's "leftover men" pose potential social challenges
Published on 19 Oct 2013
It's predicted that by the year 2020, China will have 24 million men left on the shelf. It's great news for businesses like dating agencies, but the social challenges for the world's most populous country are tremendous. Channel NewsAsia's Valarie Tan got a first-hand look in Guangxi, the Chinese province currently with the most number of single men.
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Govt may tweak quota system to help married couples live near their parents
Govt may tweak quota system to help married couples live near their parents
Tweaking the quota system is one option the government could look into to improve the chances of those hoping to live near their parents.
SINGAPORE: Tweaking the quota system is one option the government could look into to improve the chances of those hoping to live near their parents.
Minister of State Mohamad Maliki Osman said this at the second housing conversation session on Saturday which aims to find out what more can be done to help extended families live together or close by.
He said another area is to consider extending grants to second-time home buyers purchasing HDB resale flats near their parents.
Thirty-six married participants attended the second housing conversation.
About a third said they were in favour of giving absolute priority to those hoping to buy a new flat near their parents.
32-year-old Arina Tan, who has a one-year-old daughter, said: "We had been balloting for a flat near our parents for four times but we weren't able to get it. For the fifth time, we tried a further place at Yishun where the government has opened up more flats at the non-mature estates. We were able to get it.
“We have our flat in Yishun but we still stay weekdays at my in-laws place because of the baby. She can take care of her and we do not need to travel every day from Yishun to Jurong."
A week ago, courting couples gave a resounding "no" when asked if they were in favour of giving absolute priority to those hoping to buy a new flat near their parents.
To prevent people from abusing the system, some participants said there should be conditions if absolute priority is given such as extending the Minimum Occupation Period from five, to 10 years.
However, some also acknowledged the challenges of giving absolute priority.
"If somebody were to have absolute priority, then there would be another group that wouldn't have anything at all so I think it's a bit difficult," said Joewind Han.
About half of the participants also said while they did not want absolute priority, they were in favour of more priority being given.
One option could be to tweak the quota system instead.
Dr Maliki said: "As we try to look at ways to enhance the opportunities for young couples to live near their parents, one option is to see how best we can tweak at the quota system. Today, we have about 85 per cent of BTO flats allocated to first-timers, 15 per cent to second-timers.
"One option is if you want to really look at ways to enhance the possibility, or increase the chances of second-timers who want to live near their parents, maybe we can set aside a quota within perhaps that 15 per cent. They can possibly look at how their chances can be better met. But nonetheless, we are still exploring some of these ideas."
Participants also discussed whether second-time home buyers should get housing grants when buying a resale flat near their parents.
Currently, first time home buyers purchasing a resale flat get a S$30,000 CPF Housing Grant, but this goes up to S$40,000 when they buy a resale flat to live together with, or near their parents.
Some had suggested that the additional S$10,000 be given to both first and second-timers.
Dr Maliki said: "This is a significant shift when we talk about giving grants to second-timers but I think they recognise the proposal is to give grants to those wanting to live near their parents and this is for those who did not get to exercise that option when they bought their first flat so I think it's quite a rational proposition.
"That's something that we can try to consider how else we can facilitate couples who have moved on to their next phase of their life stage to live near their parents. If it means that a grant can incentivise that, a grant can facilitate that, we will be prepared to consider that."
Participants were also split when asked if the government should continue building more Three-Generation (3Gen) flats.
Some said while they were in favour of having more 3Gen flats built, they also hoped some design improvements could be made.
"As a concept, it's great but I think if the useable space, the common spaces are not tweaked well, it could just lead to hot housing," said Goh Ling Pin.
"There could be extra conflict within the house like a lot of people crammed within a smaller space might not fulfil the purpose of helping a family get along," Goh added.
His wife Christine Choo said: "We are living with my father-in-law and I believe that he will like to have his own privacy as well, and for us to have our own privacy, but yet at the same time we want to live together so having a dual-key system where he's just next door and we're under one roof and for us to take care of the financing, would be very helpful for elderly who is also a retiree."
Dr Maliki said: "We're looking at the needs, the profile of different family types, size commensurate with the size of the family too. We want to make it optimal for families when they use the spaces."
Dr Maliki said how the first batch of 3Gen flats in Yishun pans out will have to be observed before fine-tuning designs.
The next housing conversation session is on June 19 and will target seniors with children above 21.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
Tweaking the quota system is one option the government could look into to improve the chances of those hoping to live near their parents.
SINGAPORE: Tweaking the quota system is one option the government could look into to improve the chances of those hoping to live near their parents.
Minister of State Mohamad Maliki Osman said this at the second housing conversation session on Saturday which aims to find out what more can be done to help extended families live together or close by.
He said another area is to consider extending grants to second-time home buyers purchasing HDB resale flats near their parents.
Thirty-six married participants attended the second housing conversation.
About a third said they were in favour of giving absolute priority to those hoping to buy a new flat near their parents.
32-year-old Arina Tan, who has a one-year-old daughter, said: "We had been balloting for a flat near our parents for four times but we weren't able to get it. For the fifth time, we tried a further place at Yishun where the government has opened up more flats at the non-mature estates. We were able to get it.
“We have our flat in Yishun but we still stay weekdays at my in-laws place because of the baby. She can take care of her and we do not need to travel every day from Yishun to Jurong."
A week ago, courting couples gave a resounding "no" when asked if they were in favour of giving absolute priority to those hoping to buy a new flat near their parents.
To prevent people from abusing the system, some participants said there should be conditions if absolute priority is given such as extending the Minimum Occupation Period from five, to 10 years.
However, some also acknowledged the challenges of giving absolute priority.
"If somebody were to have absolute priority, then there would be another group that wouldn't have anything at all so I think it's a bit difficult," said Joewind Han.
About half of the participants also said while they did not want absolute priority, they were in favour of more priority being given.
One option could be to tweak the quota system instead.
Dr Maliki said: "As we try to look at ways to enhance the opportunities for young couples to live near their parents, one option is to see how best we can tweak at the quota system. Today, we have about 85 per cent of BTO flats allocated to first-timers, 15 per cent to second-timers.
"One option is if you want to really look at ways to enhance the possibility, or increase the chances of second-timers who want to live near their parents, maybe we can set aside a quota within perhaps that 15 per cent. They can possibly look at how their chances can be better met. But nonetheless, we are still exploring some of these ideas."
Participants also discussed whether second-time home buyers should get housing grants when buying a resale flat near their parents.
Currently, first time home buyers purchasing a resale flat get a S$30,000 CPF Housing Grant, but this goes up to S$40,000 when they buy a resale flat to live together with, or near their parents.
Some had suggested that the additional S$10,000 be given to both first and second-timers.
Dr Maliki said: "This is a significant shift when we talk about giving grants to second-timers but I think they recognise the proposal is to give grants to those wanting to live near their parents and this is for those who did not get to exercise that option when they bought their first flat so I think it's quite a rational proposition.
"That's something that we can try to consider how else we can facilitate couples who have moved on to their next phase of their life stage to live near their parents. If it means that a grant can incentivise that, a grant can facilitate that, we will be prepared to consider that."
Participants were also split when asked if the government should continue building more Three-Generation (3Gen) flats.
Some said while they were in favour of having more 3Gen flats built, they also hoped some design improvements could be made.
"As a concept, it's great but I think if the useable space, the common spaces are not tweaked well, it could just lead to hot housing," said Goh Ling Pin.
"There could be extra conflict within the house like a lot of people crammed within a smaller space might not fulfil the purpose of helping a family get along," Goh added.
His wife Christine Choo said: "We are living with my father-in-law and I believe that he will like to have his own privacy as well, and for us to have our own privacy, but yet at the same time we want to live together so having a dual-key system where he's just next door and we're under one roof and for us to take care of the financing, would be very helpful for elderly who is also a retiree."
Dr Maliki said: "We're looking at the needs, the profile of different family types, size commensurate with the size of the family too. We want to make it optimal for families when they use the spaces."
Dr Maliki said how the first batch of 3Gen flats in Yishun pans out will have to be observed before fine-tuning designs.
The next housing conversation session is on June 19 and will target seniors with children above 21.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Gift pack for babies born next year to celebrate S’pore’s 50th birthday
Gift pack for babies born next year to celebrate S’pore’s 50th birthday
BY JOY FANG
PUBLISHED: APRIL 2, 6:20 AM(PAGE 1 OF 1) - PAGINATE
SINGAPORE — With ideas from the public pouring in on ways to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Republic’s independence, it was announced yesterday that all Singaporean babies born next year, including those born overseas, will receive a gift pack from the Government that could consist of practical and commemorative items.
The National Population and Talent Division (NPTD), which will fund the Jubilee Baby Gift, is calling for suggestions on the items to be included in the gift pack. It has ruled out giving cash handouts, as parents of newborns already receive monetary incentives under the existing Marriage and Parenthood Package.
There could be about five to 10 items and the idea is to make the gift pack “a meaningful, significant (and) tangible keepsake with heritage value”, the NPTD said. Among the gift ideas thrown up at a focus group discussion yesterday were a chain with a key, baby shoes and bibs, while Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Grace Fu suggested a sarong with a national flag motif, which she felt is practical — parents can use it to carry their child or during breastfeeding — and signifies a parental bond.
Separately, the two-month call for celebration ideas from the public — which ended on March 23 — has garnered a wide range of suggestions including organising a local music festival, reviving the Kallang Roar at the new National Stadium and holding nationwide quizzes on the Republic’s history.
A spokesman for the Singapore50 (SG50) Programme Office Secretariat said it is looking through all the ideas submitted via the various platforms to see how they can be incorporated into the celebration plans under the respective SG50 committees.
To date, the secretariat has also received almost 60 formal applications to tap the SG50 Celebration Fund, which was set up to seek and support meaningful ground-up initiatives. The applications ranged from charity and volunteerism initiatives to music and visual arts platforms. Applications for the fund are open until Aug 31 next year.
Speaking at the focus group discussion, Ms Fu described the gift pack as the nation’s little birthday surprise. “As we celebrate Singapore’s past and honour the contributions of our pioneer generation, we also set our sights on the future ... our Golden Jubilee babies symbolise our hopes and aspirations for the Singapore of tomorrow,” she said.
The public can submit ideas through the Jubilee Baby Gift’s microsite (http://www.nptd.gov.sg/jubilee) or at feedback booths islandwide until April 15. The first two booths will be set up at Jurong Point on April 5 and 6, and at VivoCity on April 12 and 13.
Singaporeans can also register their interest to participate in focus groups on what to include in the gift pack by emailing outreach@reach.gov.sg.
Between April 18 and May 15, the suggestions will be collated and curated in consultation with a five-member advisory panel comprising people-sector and community representatives. The panel, which will advise on the suitability of the items and the design, will be chaired by Ms Anita Fam, who serves on the council of Families for Life.
During this period, the public can vote on the shortlisted items.
Responding to TODAY’s queries, an NPTD spokesperson said: “We envision the gift to consist of a small package of items that newborns in 2015 could use in their early years. It would also have commemorative elements and serve as a token from our current generation to the next.”
She added: “As parents of Singaporean newborns already receive a cash gift under the existing Marriage and Parenthood Package, there is no intention to have a cash gift as one of the items.”
The budget for the gift pack will be finalised after the public engagement efforts are completed.
There were 32,000 citizen births last year and the NPTD expects the figure to remain about the same next year, although it is hoping for more.
“I don’t think parents would have children just for the gifts, but I think if we can all celebrate family and newborns, we hope it would encourage more to think about having their own family,” said Ms Fu.
(PAGE 1 OF 1) - PAGINATE
- wong chee tat :)
BY JOY FANG
PUBLISHED: APRIL 2, 6:20 AM(PAGE 1 OF 1) - PAGINATE
SINGAPORE — With ideas from the public pouring in on ways to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Republic’s independence, it was announced yesterday that all Singaporean babies born next year, including those born overseas, will receive a gift pack from the Government that could consist of practical and commemorative items.
The National Population and Talent Division (NPTD), which will fund the Jubilee Baby Gift, is calling for suggestions on the items to be included in the gift pack. It has ruled out giving cash handouts, as parents of newborns already receive monetary incentives under the existing Marriage and Parenthood Package.
There could be about five to 10 items and the idea is to make the gift pack “a meaningful, significant (and) tangible keepsake with heritage value”, the NPTD said. Among the gift ideas thrown up at a focus group discussion yesterday were a chain with a key, baby shoes and bibs, while Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Grace Fu suggested a sarong with a national flag motif, which she felt is practical — parents can use it to carry their child or during breastfeeding — and signifies a parental bond.
Separately, the two-month call for celebration ideas from the public — which ended on March 23 — has garnered a wide range of suggestions including organising a local music festival, reviving the Kallang Roar at the new National Stadium and holding nationwide quizzes on the Republic’s history.
A spokesman for the Singapore50 (SG50) Programme Office Secretariat said it is looking through all the ideas submitted via the various platforms to see how they can be incorporated into the celebration plans under the respective SG50 committees.
To date, the secretariat has also received almost 60 formal applications to tap the SG50 Celebration Fund, which was set up to seek and support meaningful ground-up initiatives. The applications ranged from charity and volunteerism initiatives to music and visual arts platforms. Applications for the fund are open until Aug 31 next year.
Speaking at the focus group discussion, Ms Fu described the gift pack as the nation’s little birthday surprise. “As we celebrate Singapore’s past and honour the contributions of our pioneer generation, we also set our sights on the future ... our Golden Jubilee babies symbolise our hopes and aspirations for the Singapore of tomorrow,” she said.
The public can submit ideas through the Jubilee Baby Gift’s microsite (http://www.nptd.gov.sg/jubilee) or at feedback booths islandwide until April 15. The first two booths will be set up at Jurong Point on April 5 and 6, and at VivoCity on April 12 and 13.
Singaporeans can also register their interest to participate in focus groups on what to include in the gift pack by emailing outreach@reach.gov.sg.
Between April 18 and May 15, the suggestions will be collated and curated in consultation with a five-member advisory panel comprising people-sector and community representatives. The panel, which will advise on the suitability of the items and the design, will be chaired by Ms Anita Fam, who serves on the council of Families for Life.
During this period, the public can vote on the shortlisted items.
Responding to TODAY’s queries, an NPTD spokesperson said: “We envision the gift to consist of a small package of items that newborns in 2015 could use in their early years. It would also have commemorative elements and serve as a token from our current generation to the next.”
She added: “As parents of Singaporean newborns already receive a cash gift under the existing Marriage and Parenthood Package, there is no intention to have a cash gift as one of the items.”
The budget for the gift pack will be finalised after the public engagement efforts are completed.
There were 32,000 citizen births last year and the NPTD expects the figure to remain about the same next year, although it is hoping for more.
“I don’t think parents would have children just for the gifts, but I think if we can all celebrate family and newborns, we hope it would encourage more to think about having their own family,” said Ms Fu.
(PAGE 1 OF 1) - PAGINATE
- wong chee tat :)
Saturday, September 7, 2013
HDB on track to deliver 13,600 new flats this year, says Khaw Boon Wan
HDB on track to deliver 13,600 new flats this year, says Khaw Boon Wan
POSTED: 06 Sep 2013 4:01 PM
Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan said the Housing and Development Board (HDB) is on track to deliver 13,600 new flats to Singaporeans this year.
SINGAPORE: Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan said the Housing and Development Board (HDB) is on track to deliver 13,600 new flats to Singaporeans this year.
In a blogpost, Mr Khaw said he witnessed the handover of keys from the main contractor to HDB at Floral Spring @ Yishun on Friday. The project marks the completion of 9,000 HDB flats this year.
This is 50 per cent more than in June, when 6,000 new flats were completed.
More than just meeting numbers, HDB is also delivering quality flats to home buyers.
Mr Khaw said Floral Spring @ Yishun is a good example. The housing project is located in an infill site, surrounded by existing residential developments.
Together, HDB and the contractors completed the project on schedule while minimising inconvenience to surrounding residents.
Despite the site challenges, they achieved a high Construction Quality Assessment System score of 88 for the project, comparable to those achieved by condominiums.
- CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 06 Sep 2013 4:01 PM
Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan said the Housing and Development Board (HDB) is on track to deliver 13,600 new flats to Singaporeans this year.
SINGAPORE: Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan said the Housing and Development Board (HDB) is on track to deliver 13,600 new flats to Singaporeans this year.
In a blogpost, Mr Khaw said he witnessed the handover of keys from the main contractor to HDB at Floral Spring @ Yishun on Friday. The project marks the completion of 9,000 HDB flats this year.
This is 50 per cent more than in June, when 6,000 new flats were completed.
More than just meeting numbers, HDB is also delivering quality flats to home buyers.
Mr Khaw said Floral Spring @ Yishun is a good example. The housing project is located in an infill site, surrounded by existing residential developments.
Together, HDB and the contractors completed the project on schedule while minimising inconvenience to surrounding residents.
Despite the site challenges, they achieved a high Construction Quality Assessment System score of 88 for the project, comparable to those achieved by condominiums.
- CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Modern Montessori International to open 29th centre at Spooner Road
Modern Montessori International to open 29th centre at Spooner Road
By Lip Kwok Wai and Ayesha Shaikh
POSTED: 03 Sep 2013 12:07 AM
One of Singapore's largest pre-school operators Modern Montessori International is on an expansion strategy to meet the rising demand for quality early childhood education.
SINGAPORE: Modern Montessori International, one of Singapore's largest pre-school operators, is on an expansion strategy to meet the rising demand for quality early childhood education.
The school’s 29th centre at Spooner Road is a refurbished bungalow with the latest teaching facilities, including a swimming pool and an eco-garden as part of environmental learning.
About 20,000 more places in pre-schools will be needed by 2015 and the centre will begin catering up to 100 children from the ages of three to six in October.
Dr T Chandroo, chairman of Modern Montessori International, said: "The response has been good; we have got about 220 parents who have registered their interest. So we are very optimistic."
- CNA/gn
- wong chee tat :)
By Lip Kwok Wai and Ayesha Shaikh
POSTED: 03 Sep 2013 12:07 AM
One of Singapore's largest pre-school operators Modern Montessori International is on an expansion strategy to meet the rising demand for quality early childhood education.
SINGAPORE: Modern Montessori International, one of Singapore's largest pre-school operators, is on an expansion strategy to meet the rising demand for quality early childhood education.
The school’s 29th centre at Spooner Road is a refurbished bungalow with the latest teaching facilities, including a swimming pool and an eco-garden as part of environmental learning.
About 20,000 more places in pre-schools will be needed by 2015 and the centre will begin catering up to 100 children from the ages of three to six in October.
Dr T Chandroo, chairman of Modern Montessori International, said: "The response has been good; we have got about 220 parents who have registered their interest. So we are very optimistic."
- CNA/gn
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
New measures to cool HDB resale market
New measures to cool HDB resale market
By Sumita Sreedharan
POSTED: 27 Aug 2013 5:48 PM
With immediate effect, the Housing and Development Board has shortened its maximum loan tenure to 25 years and the mortgage servicing ratio limit has also been cut to 30 per cent of the borrower's gross monthly salary.
SINGAPORE - With immediate effect, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) has shortened its maximum loan tenure to 25 years and the mortgage servicing ratio (MSR) limit has also been cut to 30 per cent of the borrower's gross monthly salary.
Previously, the maximum HDB loan tenure was at 30 years and the MSR limit was at 35 per cent of the borrower's gross monthly salary.
From August 28, financial institutions will in tandem reduce the maximum tenure of new housing loans and re-financing facilities from 35 years to 30 years.
With immediate effect as well, Permanent Residents (PR) who want to buy resale flats will have to wait three years after receiving their PR status. Prior to this change, they could buy a flat as soon as they received PR status.
Announcing these changes on Tuesday, the HDB also provided more details of the extension of the Special CPF Housing Grant (SHG) and the new Step-Up CPF Housing Grant, which Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong first announced during the National Day Rally.
The income ceiling for SHG will be raised significantly, from S$2,250 a month to S$6,500 a month for families and S$3,250 for singles. Mr Lee previously announced that the SHG would be extended to middle-income households and could be used for buying new four-room flats.
Under the new Step-Up Housing Grant, families who want to upgrade from a two-room to a three-room flat can get a housing grant of S$15,000.
The changes to the housing grants will apply from the July 2013 Built-To-Order (BTO) exercise.
From next month, parents who want to live near their children will also be offered more alternatives.
Parents will be allowed to apply for three-room flats, under the multi-generation priority scheme (MGPS). Currently, the scheme allows parents to jointly apply, with their married child, for either a studio apartment or two-room flat, together with another flat in the same project. This will come into effect in next month's BTO exercise.
To further cater to multi-generation families who wish to live under the same roof, the HDB will pilot a new type of flat.
The new Three-Generation flats - 80 of which will be available for sale in Yishun in the BTO exercise next month - will have four bedrooms and three bathrooms, with an internal floor area of about 115 square metres. Subletting of rooms in these new flats will not be allowed for the Minimum Occupation Period to ensure it serves its purpose.
-TODAY/ir
- wong chee tat :)
By Sumita Sreedharan
POSTED: 27 Aug 2013 5:48 PM
With immediate effect, the Housing and Development Board has shortened its maximum loan tenure to 25 years and the mortgage servicing ratio limit has also been cut to 30 per cent of the borrower's gross monthly salary.
SINGAPORE - With immediate effect, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) has shortened its maximum loan tenure to 25 years and the mortgage servicing ratio (MSR) limit has also been cut to 30 per cent of the borrower's gross monthly salary.
Previously, the maximum HDB loan tenure was at 30 years and the MSR limit was at 35 per cent of the borrower's gross monthly salary.
From August 28, financial institutions will in tandem reduce the maximum tenure of new housing loans and re-financing facilities from 35 years to 30 years.
With immediate effect as well, Permanent Residents (PR) who want to buy resale flats will have to wait three years after receiving their PR status. Prior to this change, they could buy a flat as soon as they received PR status.
Announcing these changes on Tuesday, the HDB also provided more details of the extension of the Special CPF Housing Grant (SHG) and the new Step-Up CPF Housing Grant, which Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong first announced during the National Day Rally.
The income ceiling for SHG will be raised significantly, from S$2,250 a month to S$6,500 a month for families and S$3,250 for singles. Mr Lee previously announced that the SHG would be extended to middle-income households and could be used for buying new four-room flats.
Under the new Step-Up Housing Grant, families who want to upgrade from a two-room to a three-room flat can get a housing grant of S$15,000.
The changes to the housing grants will apply from the July 2013 Built-To-Order (BTO) exercise.
From next month, parents who want to live near their children will also be offered more alternatives.
Parents will be allowed to apply for three-room flats, under the multi-generation priority scheme (MGPS). Currently, the scheme allows parents to jointly apply, with their married child, for either a studio apartment or two-room flat, together with another flat in the same project. This will come into effect in next month's BTO exercise.
To further cater to multi-generation families who wish to live under the same roof, the HDB will pilot a new type of flat.
The new Three-Generation flats - 80 of which will be available for sale in Yishun in the BTO exercise next month - will have four bedrooms and three bathrooms, with an internal floor area of about 115 square metres. Subletting of rooms in these new flats will not be allowed for the Minimum Occupation Period to ensure it serves its purpose.
-TODAY/ir
- wong chee tat :)
5 commercial pre-schools apply to be anchor operators
5 commercial pre-schools apply to be anchor operators
By Chng Kheng Leng and Ayesha Shaikh
POSTED: 27 Aug 2013 9:26 PM
Modern Montessori International has filed a joint application with Carpe Diem to be anchor operators while Ethan House, Metropolitan YMCA and Knowledge Universe are each applying on their own.
SINGAPORE: Five commercial operators that run pre-schools have applied to be anchor operators.
The deadline for applications closed on Tuesday.
Modern Montessori International has filed a joint application with Carpe Diem while Ethan House, Metropolitan YMCA and Knowledge Universe are each applying on their own.
Acquiring anchor operator status means the centres will be eligible for government subsidies and get first priority in the allocation of sites in HDB flats.
However, there are stringent criteria to become an anchor operator. These include running at least 10 centres or having an enrolment of 1,000 children, providing a financial guarantee of six months of operating costs or S$10 million (whichever is lower), and having a governing body with independent members.
Modern Montessori and Carpe Diem are joining resources to ensure that they meet the financial requirements.
Dr T Chandroo, chairman and CEO of Modern Montessori International, said: "We have the strength in terms of delivery standards and Carpe Diem has been very, very popular especially in their fees structure and most of their centres are within the heartland. I think they bring with them solid background."
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
By Chng Kheng Leng and Ayesha Shaikh
POSTED: 27 Aug 2013 9:26 PM
Modern Montessori International has filed a joint application with Carpe Diem to be anchor operators while Ethan House, Metropolitan YMCA and Knowledge Universe are each applying on their own.
SINGAPORE: Five commercial operators that run pre-schools have applied to be anchor operators.
The deadline for applications closed on Tuesday.
Modern Montessori International has filed a joint application with Carpe Diem while Ethan House, Metropolitan YMCA and Knowledge Universe are each applying on their own.
Acquiring anchor operator status means the centres will be eligible for government subsidies and get first priority in the allocation of sites in HDB flats.
However, there are stringent criteria to become an anchor operator. These include running at least 10 centres or having an enrolment of 1,000 children, providing a financial guarantee of six months of operating costs or S$10 million (whichever is lower), and having a governing body with independent members.
Modern Montessori and Carpe Diem are joining resources to ensure that they meet the financial requirements.
Dr T Chandroo, chairman and CEO of Modern Montessori International, said: "We have the strength in terms of delivery standards and Carpe Diem has been very, very popular especially in their fees structure and most of their centres are within the heartland. I think they bring with them solid background."
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Friday, July 19, 2013
Sex blogger Vivian Lee is a kindergarten teacher!
Sex blogger Vivian Lee is a kindergarten teacher!
18 Jul 2013 03:08pm
KUALA LUMPUR: It has been revealed in the Sessions Court at Jalan Duta here that sex blogger Vivian Lee is a kindergarten teacher!
The court was told Vivian teaches at an unnamed kindergarten and her salary is RM900 a month. Her sex partner Alvin Tan is unemployed.
- wong chee tat :)
18 Jul 2013 03:08pm
KUALA LUMPUR: It has been revealed in the Sessions Court at Jalan Duta here that sex blogger Vivian Lee is a kindergarten teacher!
The court was told Vivian teaches at an unnamed kindergarten and her salary is RM900 a month. Her sex partner Alvin Tan is unemployed.
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, July 18, 2013
My First Skool to implement measures to reassure parents amid alleged abuse case
My First Skool to implement measures to reassure parents amid alleged abuse case
POSTED: 18 Jul 2013 8:01 PM
My First Skool, which is embroiled in an alleged childcare abuse case, said it has put in place measures across all its centres to provide further reassurance to parents.
SINGAPORE: My First Skool, which is embroiled in an alleged childcare abuse case, said it has put in place measures across all its centres to provide further reassurance to parents.
On Wednesday, My First Skool was informed by the Early Childhood Development Agency through a warning letter that the licence tenure of its childcare centre at Blk 192 Toa Payoh would be cut from 24 months to six months with immediate effect.
The measures are aimed at improving its communications with parents, enhancing the incident review process, reinforcing the importance of proper care of children and stepping up support for teachers.
To improve parent communications, parents can direct their queries to its headquarters via a newly-set up email address (feedback@myfirstskool.com). Calls can also be made to its customer service team at 6634 9989.
My First Skool's management said it will see to the closure of all feedback.
As for improving the incident review process, it said all cases of injury, accident or mishandling reported through its principals or HQ are investigated thoroughly and promptly.
It added that complex cases will be assessed by an independent review panel with the aim to give parents greater assurance of transparency and accountability of the incident review process.
In terms of proper care for children, My First Skool said it will encourage staff to report questionable practices to their supervisors.
It wants its staff to escalate their feedback under its whistle-blowing policy should the issues not be satisfactorily attended to.
My First Skool said whistle blowing is done through an independent channel which reports to the board audit committee.
As for support for teachers, My First Skool said it will also deploy additional resources over time to assist teachers in managing classes that require more support.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 18 Jul 2013 8:01 PM
My First Skool, which is embroiled in an alleged childcare abuse case, said it has put in place measures across all its centres to provide further reassurance to parents.
SINGAPORE: My First Skool, which is embroiled in an alleged childcare abuse case, said it has put in place measures across all its centres to provide further reassurance to parents.
On Wednesday, My First Skool was informed by the Early Childhood Development Agency through a warning letter that the licence tenure of its childcare centre at Blk 192 Toa Payoh would be cut from 24 months to six months with immediate effect.
The measures are aimed at improving its communications with parents, enhancing the incident review process, reinforcing the importance of proper care of children and stepping up support for teachers.
To improve parent communications, parents can direct their queries to its headquarters via a newly-set up email address (feedback@myfirstskool.com). Calls can also be made to its customer service team at 6634 9989.
My First Skool's management said it will see to the closure of all feedback.
As for improving the incident review process, it said all cases of injury, accident or mishandling reported through its principals or HQ are investigated thoroughly and promptly.
It added that complex cases will be assessed by an independent review panel with the aim to give parents greater assurance of transparency and accountability of the incident review process.
In terms of proper care for children, My First Skool said it will encourage staff to report questionable practices to their supervisors.
It wants its staff to escalate their feedback under its whistle-blowing policy should the issues not be satisfactorily attended to.
My First Skool said whistle blowing is done through an independent channel which reports to the board audit committee.
As for support for teachers, My First Skool said it will also deploy additional resources over time to assist teachers in managing classes that require more support.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
My First Skool in Toa Payoh gets licence tenure cut
My First Skool in Toa Payoh gets licence tenure cut
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 18 Jul 2013 12:32 PM
The childcare centre involved in the alleged child abuse case has had its licence tenure cut from 24 months to six months.
SINGAPORE: The childcare centre involved in the alleged child abuse case has had its licence tenure cut from 24 months to six months.
Earlier this month, a teacher there was arrested after CCTV footage showed her allegedly dragging a three-year-old boy across the floor and pushing him to the floor with force.
The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) said that it conducted its investigations at My First Skool in Toa Payoh and found that there were certain aspects that required improvements.
This means that ECDA will conduct more frequent checks at the centre and it will have to demonstrate its compliance with certain conditions. This includes providing better support and training to its teachers to handle difficult situations, clearer standard operating procedures for reporting incidents, and improving its programmes.
Acting Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing added that following the alleged abuse incident, the priority is to strengthen processes within the sector, as well as build trust between parents, teachers and operators.
He said this on Thursday on the sidelines of a visit to teacher training programmes and pre-schools under the Crestar Education Group.
Mr Chan said: "Over the next six months we fully expect NTUC My First Skool to work closely with ECDA to comply with the regulations so that they can up their standards necessary. And then we will review the situation after six months."
- CNA/ac/xq
- wong chee tat :)
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 18 Jul 2013 12:32 PM
The childcare centre involved in the alleged child abuse case has had its licence tenure cut from 24 months to six months.
SINGAPORE: The childcare centre involved in the alleged child abuse case has had its licence tenure cut from 24 months to six months.
Earlier this month, a teacher there was arrested after CCTV footage showed her allegedly dragging a three-year-old boy across the floor and pushing him to the floor with force.
The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) said that it conducted its investigations at My First Skool in Toa Payoh and found that there were certain aspects that required improvements.
This means that ECDA will conduct more frequent checks at the centre and it will have to demonstrate its compliance with certain conditions. This includes providing better support and training to its teachers to handle difficult situations, clearer standard operating procedures for reporting incidents, and improving its programmes.
Acting Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing added that following the alleged abuse incident, the priority is to strengthen processes within the sector, as well as build trust between parents, teachers and operators.
He said this on Thursday on the sidelines of a visit to teacher training programmes and pre-schools under the Crestar Education Group.
Mr Chan said: "Over the next six months we fully expect NTUC My First Skool to work closely with ECDA to comply with the regulations so that they can up their standards necessary. And then we will review the situation after six months."
- CNA/ac/xq
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, July 8, 2013
Teacher in alleged child abuse case fired; 2 more police reports made
Teacher in alleged child abuse case fired; 2 more police reports made
POSTED: 08 Jul 2013 8:35 PM
The NTUC My First Skool teacher at the centre of an alleged child abuse case has been dismissed.
SINGAPORE: The NTUC My First Skool teacher at the centre of an alleged child abuse case has been dismissed.
NTUC First Campus, which runs My First Skool, said the teacher acknowledged her actions were "inappropriate" during a panel meeting Monday morning and accepted the dismissal.
Meanwhile, two other parents whose children were under the teacher's care have also filed police reports.
Channel NewsAsia understands that the two other parents had seen their children with bruises in the past, and want the police to investigate if their children had also been mishandled.
The 51-year-old teacher was arrested Sunday following an earlier police report.
The teacher is currently out on bail and police say investigations are still ongoing.
The incident happened on 5 July at My First Skool in Toa Payoh.
CCTV footage showing a woman dragging a boy across the floor and pushing him down with force has gone viral online. The woman is believed to be the child's teacher.
The father of the child said the boy suffered a hairline fracture in his left shin.
The parents had demanded to see the CCTV footage of the incident after they were told that the child had a fall.
About 10 parents from the playgroup class met the CEO of NTUC First Campus and the general manager of My First Skool on Monday morning.
Fourteen of the 45 children previously cared for by the teacher were absent on Monday.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 08 Jul 2013 8:35 PM
The NTUC My First Skool teacher at the centre of an alleged child abuse case has been dismissed.
SINGAPORE: The NTUC My First Skool teacher at the centre of an alleged child abuse case has been dismissed.
NTUC First Campus, which runs My First Skool, said the teacher acknowledged her actions were "inappropriate" during a panel meeting Monday morning and accepted the dismissal.
Meanwhile, two other parents whose children were under the teacher's care have also filed police reports.
Channel NewsAsia understands that the two other parents had seen their children with bruises in the past, and want the police to investigate if their children had also been mishandled.
The 51-year-old teacher was arrested Sunday following an earlier police report.
The teacher is currently out on bail and police say investigations are still ongoing.
The incident happened on 5 July at My First Skool in Toa Payoh.
CCTV footage showing a woman dragging a boy across the floor and pushing him down with force has gone viral online. The woman is believed to be the child's teacher.
The father of the child said the boy suffered a hairline fracture in his left shin.
The parents had demanded to see the CCTV footage of the incident after they were told that the child had a fall.
About 10 parents from the playgroup class met the CEO of NTUC First Campus and the general manager of My First Skool on Monday morning.
Fourteen of the 45 children previously cared for by the teacher were absent on Monday.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
Sunday, July 7, 2013
MSF to investigate alleged childcare abuse incident
MSF to investigate alleged childcare abuse incident
By Sara Grosse and Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 07 Jul 2013 7:51 PM
The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) will conduct a thorough investigation of the alleged childcare abuse incident at My First Skool, said Acting Minister Chan Chun Sing on Sunday.
SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) will conduct a thorough investigation of the alleged childcare abuse incident at My First Skool, said Acting Minister Chan Chun Sing on Sunday.
The investigation will include the training of the centre's staff, their supervision, and incident management procedures.
The acting minister said the findings will be shared with other childcare operators to allow everyone to learn from it.
Mr Chan added that his ministry is looking at the case very seriously as it concerns the safety of children.
He said: "This is a very timely reminder of the heavy responsibility that all of us have in taking care of children, as childcare operators and also as education providers.
"There are rules in place, there are frameworks in place for the conduct of any activities and lessons and we expect all these rules and frameworks to be followed and of course we will also be looking to see how all this can be improved to give our parents the sense of assurance."
The minister also said that there are considerations to implement CCTVs across the pre-school sector.
He however cautioned that while such surveillance has been useful in resolving misunderstandings, technology should not be seen as the solution.
The quality and commitment of teachers should be more important, he said.
Separately, Senior Minister of State for Education Indranee Rajah said the alleged incident underscores the fact that it is important for all childcare centres, or any place with children under their care, to ensure that their charges are well looked after.
She added that while the exact circumstances of the case are not known yet, it is important that the matter is being looked into.
Ms Indranee also said that the child's health and well-being is the most important thing.
She said: "At the present time, because investigations are still ongoing it's still premature to reach definitive outcomes... but I think that it's important the matter is being looked into. What I can say in general is that all childcare givers would obviously have to make sure that the children under their care are properly taken care of.
"One must always bear in mind that children are young, they're vulnerable, they obviously don't think and act like adults. And so long as they are under your care, you must ensure that the environment that you place them in, and the way you interact with them are in their best interests."
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
By Sara Grosse and Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 07 Jul 2013 7:51 PM
The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) will conduct a thorough investigation of the alleged childcare abuse incident at My First Skool, said Acting Minister Chan Chun Sing on Sunday.
SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) will conduct a thorough investigation of the alleged childcare abuse incident at My First Skool, said Acting Minister Chan Chun Sing on Sunday.
The investigation will include the training of the centre's staff, their supervision, and incident management procedures.
The acting minister said the findings will be shared with other childcare operators to allow everyone to learn from it.
Mr Chan added that his ministry is looking at the case very seriously as it concerns the safety of children.
He said: "This is a very timely reminder of the heavy responsibility that all of us have in taking care of children, as childcare operators and also as education providers.
"There are rules in place, there are frameworks in place for the conduct of any activities and lessons and we expect all these rules and frameworks to be followed and of course we will also be looking to see how all this can be improved to give our parents the sense of assurance."
The minister also said that there are considerations to implement CCTVs across the pre-school sector.
He however cautioned that while such surveillance has been useful in resolving misunderstandings, technology should not be seen as the solution.
The quality and commitment of teachers should be more important, he said.
Separately, Senior Minister of State for Education Indranee Rajah said the alleged incident underscores the fact that it is important for all childcare centres, or any place with children under their care, to ensure that their charges are well looked after.
She added that while the exact circumstances of the case are not known yet, it is important that the matter is being looked into.
Ms Indranee also said that the child's health and well-being is the most important thing.
She said: "At the present time, because investigations are still ongoing it's still premature to reach definitive outcomes... but I think that it's important the matter is being looked into. What I can say in general is that all childcare givers would obviously have to make sure that the children under their care are properly taken care of.
"One must always bear in mind that children are young, they're vulnerable, they obviously don't think and act like adults. And so long as they are under your care, you must ensure that the environment that you place them in, and the way you interact with them are in their best interests."
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
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