– Charlie “Tremendous” Jones, author and motivational speaker
There are many issues that the community is facing. And only when we take the effort to find out more and keep ourselves up-to-date, can we be part of the solution and change can happen, to truly build a community that cares.
Needy single-parent families receive groceries and vouchers
Getting by during the COVID-19 period as an unemployed single mum was already taxing for Ms Nur Humaiza, and she was dealt another blow when she and her son had to serve a 14-day quarantine order. Her seven-year-old had spent time with his father about a week before...
NParks to nurture young Singaporeans to be nature stewards
Engaging more young Singaporeans to participate in biodiversity conservation is vital as they will be future stewards of the city, said National Development Minister Desmond Lee yesterday. A new National Parks Board (NParks) initiative will create opportunities for...
Youth with mental health problems stay strong under COVID-19
Before the pandemic struck, 19-year-old Ashley was already struggling with her mental health. Ashley (not her real name) recalls: "Growing up, my self-esteem was very low. I really hated myself. I always compared myself to others and I saw myself as a failure." In...
School is a draw for ex-convict with teachers’ support
At 45, Mr Rahman Sanip stands out among his teenage course mates pursuing a fine arts diploma at Lasalle College of the Arts. But he is determined not to let this deter him, as the course is a fresh start for the former convict, who has spent the last 20 years in and...
Society must agree on efforts to fight inequality
As Singapore works to reduce inequality, conversations about the kind of social compact its citizens want and how to fund that support have to continue, Second Minister for Education Maliki Osman said yesterday. Joining the debate on the President's Address, Dr Maliki...
Evolution of education system ensures fair and just society
The education system needs to evolve to ensure Singapore remains a fair and just society, said Minister of State for Education as well as Social and Family Development Sun Xueling on 3 September. It must also always remain a social enabler so that everyone will have...
Charity provides free void-deck Wi-Fi access for residents
Madam Siti Aidah Abdullah's children, aged 17 and 15, used to spend hours doing their homework at a McDonald's outlet in Ang Mo Kio because of the free Wi-Fi. The mother of five has leukaemia and, when not too sick, would accompany her children to make sure they...
New initiatives to build caring commuting culture
Commuters will soon be able to share inspiring stories of care that they have witnessed or received during their commute, on an online portal that will be launched next month. The portal, which is one in a series of new initiatives by the Caring SG Commuters...
Trio promote mental well-being in online community
Three years ago, Ms Alyssa Reinoso, 29, went from newlywed to widow in four months. Long before they began dating in 2014, her husband Tyler Hung had been struggling with bipolar disorder. He alternated between depressive episodes and extreme highs, when he was...
Sparking more open discussions on disabilities
About a week after Ms Katherine Sumantri was born, she came down with a fever that would not break for days. Suspecting meningitis, her doctor put the newborn on a course of antibiotics, even before any test results came in. The doctor's guess was right, and Ms...
Siblings’ project helps residents of rental housing estates
Mr Zulhaqem Zulkifli is used to seeing neighbours stream in and out of his home, a two- bedroom rental flat in Queenstown that he shares with his father and three younger siblings. They come for any number of reasons - help with reading letters from the Government,...
Fighting COVID-19 to a tee
Pastry chef Janice Wong has designed an Egg Man T-shirt that she cheekily says might endow the wearer with "special powers", especially during the coronavirus pandemic. "My hope is when people wear the T-shirt, they feel like they have special powers and can do...
Support for family, mental well-being to be enhanced
Singaporeans hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis will continue to get support from the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). Support for mental and family well-being will also be boosted, said Minister Masagos Zulkifli on 25 August in his ministry's addendum to...
Climate fund step up support for developing nations
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has promised developing nations it will ramp up efforts to help them tackle climate challenges as they strive to recover from the coronavirus pandemic, approving US$879 million (S$1.2 billion) in backing for 15 new projects around the...
Single-use packaging gets a new lease of life
A shopper for clothes on online platforms Carousell and Instagram, Ms Rachel Han, 19, realised the packaging added up quickly, generating waste despite her attempt to be environmentally conscious by buying second-hand items. Meanwhile, Ms Rachel Lee, 19, who sells...
JC graduates give seed kits to seniors amid COVID-19
After receiving their A-level results earlier this year, Maxine and Grace had no idea what to do next. Unsure about what to study at university, they decided to take a gap year and make a difference together. Anthony, a national track-and-field athlete, roped in her...
Making an impact through Insta-art
Comic artist Rachel Pang does not shy away from tough topics while creating art. The 25-year-old makes comic strips about current affairs as well as various social issues such as racism and sexual assault. “I read up on topics to have enough information, but when I...
Plans to boost plastics recycling in Singapore
The Singaporean-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (SGC) has announced plans to establish a Plastics Recycling Association and a Centre of Excellence for recycling here, with the goal of turning Singapore into a regional hub for plastics recycling. The plan,...
Social sector needs bold and innovative leaders
The social sector needs leaders who can come up with creative ways to help Singapore's vulnerable groups, whose lives and livelihoods have been upset by the COVID-19 pandemic, said President Halimah Yacob. In her address during the National Council of Social Service...
New guide on smart home tech for people with disabilities
Smart home technology has helped 26-year-old Isabelle, who is deaf, to live more independently. The full-time photographer began using smart home devices last September, and has an app that links her home's smart doorbell and smart lighting system. "This is especially...
