DRAWING INSPIRATION FROM THE HEARTLANDS - ISSUE 25 Jan/Feb 2020 - HDB
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IS S U E 25
Jan/Feb 2020
DRAWI NG INS PIRAT ION F R O M T H E H E A R T L A N DS
Read about the journey of a local lecturer-turned-illustrator
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CONTENTS ISSUE 25 JAN/FEB 2020
EDITORIAL ADVISERS
Eileen Neo, Shivvonne Wong,
Jeremy Choy, Peh Yang Yu, Keegan Lim
Dear Readers, PUBLISHING AGENT
Happy New Year! We hope you kick-started 2020 with an amazing time with ThinkFarm Pte Ltd
your family and friends!
Managing Director
This issue, we continue to focus on community-driven events and initiatives Christopher Tay
in the heartlands. We joined participants for a series of workshops marking
the launch of a new season of the Lively Places Challenge 2020 (previously Editor
known as HDB Build-a-thon). Find out what we discovered about ideation Dang Hui Ling
processes in Talk of the Town.
Head, Creative
There are more landmarks and storied history to Toa Payoh, other than Sean Lee
the iconic dragon playground. Check out the shops and eateries that you
Art Director
shouldn’t miss when you are in the area! In addition, follow our journey
Lee Lily
around Punggol’s Explorer Trail and learn more about this vibrant
eco-friendly town in Around the Block. Contributors
Fiona Chen, Jasmine Alimin, Cheryl Sim,
To help seniors better understand the benefits of the Merdeka Generation
Ahmad Iskandar, Justin Loh, Mark Lee,
Package and promote engagement with their community, a string of
Vernon Wong, Gina Ang, Lee Kow Fong
roadshows was organised islandwide. Also featured in Our Life Stories is
Singaporean artist Lee Kow Fong (Ah Guo), who shared about his leap of Head, Client Relationship
faith to pursue his passion for children’s book illustrations. Jessie Kek
After all the Chinese New Year feasting, we offer tips on how you can Life Storeys is a quarterly
expend the excess calories from the festive goodies in Livin’ It Up.
community publication by the Housing
Last but not least, stand a chance to win shopping vouchers by participating & Development Board, bringing you
in our Readers’ Survey at http://hdb.gov.sg/lifestoreys! stories and happenings from your
neighbourhood. Join us in creating
We hope you enjoy reading this issue of Life Storeys.
a gracious and harmonious living
environment for all! You can also
The Editorial Team access the electronic version at
http://hdb.gov.sg/lifestoreys or
scan the QR code below.
TALK OF THE TOWN
01 Designing for Change
AROUND THE BLOCK
06 Touring Toa Payoh
08 Eat, Drink & Shop
01
Copyright ©2020
Merry in Toa Payoh! Housing & Development Board
All rights reserved. No part of
10 A Walk Down the
06
this material may be reproduced
Eco-friendly Lane or transmitted in any form or
by any means.
OUR LIFE STORIES
12 Ageing with Benefits
14 Drawing for Keeps
This publication is printed on
FSC™-certified paper. The paper
LIVIN’ IT UP
14
choice and printing methods
are green and environmentally
16 Belly Happy
friendly, leaving behind a smaller
carbon footprint.
Printed by KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd
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Talk of the Town
DESIGN
-ING
FOR
Change
THE LIVELY PLACES
CHALLENGE 2020 KICKED
OFF IN OCTOBER 2019
WITH A SERIES OF
WORKSHOPS GEARED
TOWARDS HELPING
PARTICIPANTS TURN THEIR
COMMUNITY-CHANGING
IDEAS INTO REALITY.
Living in one of Singapore’s
many HDB estates is very much
community-centric, and the Lively
Places Challenge aims to foster a
stronger community spirit in the
heartlands by encouraging residents
to be active contributors to the very
environment they live in.
This islandwide initiative began as
the HDB Build-a-thon, which was
launched in 2014 to invite residents
to conceive projects that would add
vibrancy to their neighbourhoods
while fostering a stronger sense of
identity and belonging.
This year, residents from eight towns
were invited to participate in the
initiative, now renamed as the Lively
Places Challenge, namely Bishan,
Bukit Panjang, Choa Chu Kang,
Punggol, Sengkang, Tampines,
Toa Payoh, and Yishun. From
the get-go, the participants, who
included representatives from
Residents’ Committees (RCs),
residents and schools, were guided
by a comprehensive Learn, Engage
and Co-create process that aimed to
bring their ideas to fruition.
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A series of Training & Engagement workshops was and conducting their own research methodologies,
conducted across five zones in October and November could help them progress with their initiatives.
2019 — a Design Thinking workshop, followed by a
Check-in Session several weeks later. “Design ideation plays a big part in creating
functional outcomes. It is important to ensure that
The learning advantage research of the end-users is a key part of that process.
The Design Thinking workshops were led by mentors There are methods that range from participatory
from the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Ngee design to co-design, which are different ways that
Ann Polytechnic (NP), National University of Singapore designers can engage with the users on a deeper
(NUS), and Singapore University of Technology and level," said Dr Teo.
Design (SUTD), with different methods and practices
imparted to each zone. This was followed by an idea refinement session,
where the groups filtered out the unfeasible ideas by
During the North East Zone’s workshop at Sengkang applying what they had learned, with Dr Teo and his
Primary School on 2 November 2019, SIT Assistant team providing input on the teams’ plans.
Professor Nicholas Teo walked the attendees through a
lecture on the design thinking process, explaining how Next, the participants visited the actual sites where
fundamentals, such as developing a user journey map their projects would be executed to garner residents’
feedback about their ideas. Over at Waterway
Cascadia, conversations with residents allowed the
team to gather useful opinions from the people
By integrating who would directly benefit from their project.
games and This allowed them to refine their prototypes of
transforming two unused void decks into vibrant
rewards into community spaces.
the workshop,
we managed to Over at the East Zone’s session conducted at
get more energetic responses Tampines Changkat Community Club on 23
November 2019, participants were given a crash
from the participants. Some of course on Asset-Based Community Development
them came with preconceived (ABCD) concepts, and Mapping and Engagement
notions but after the session, Strategies, facilitated by Ngee Ann Polytechnic
lecturers Mr Javihn Chan and Mr Daryl Chan.
they realised that their ideas
need to be refined and more During the first half of the day, Mr Javihn led the
grounded. Public engagement introduction into ABCD. Using various group
and observation is crucial to discussions and case studies to fuel understanding,
Mr Javihn explained how the ABCD framework
identify if their project is galvanises the community into action by drawing
suitable for execution. on the strengths of its people, whether physical or
- SUMMER HA, 29, RESEARCH ASSOCIATE, ARCHITECTURE AND personal. Empowering the community in this
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN FACULTY, SUTD ground-up manner fosters stronger bonds and
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Talk of the Town
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motivates everyone to create new opportunities for “I think this is a very good platform for people from
themselves in the process. diverse backgrounds to create a better community. It’s
also interesting to see how different the ideas are across
Mr Daryl’s segment focused on the importance of the different age groups! For example, the younger
community mapping in identifying and strengthening generation prefers using technology to connect people,
project goals and objectives. In addition, he explained how while the older participants are more into hands-on
community engagement is critical for participants to form activities,” shared Mr Wang Yam Peng, deputy general
better insights into how their proposed project can meet manager at Tampines Town Council.
the needs of residents and members of the public.
Armed with new knowledge and these fresh perspectives,
“We teach our students how to frame their projects by the participants will be implementing their ideas through
looking at the data first, and how to synthesise it and use to March 2020. Their efforts will culminate during HDB
it to create better ideas,” said Mr Daryl. Community Week 2020, where these projects will be
showcased and the winning teams announced in an
To grasp a better sense of the community mapping awards ceremony.
techniques, the groups conducted mock site inspections at
nearby void decks. While one group focused on a fruit and
herb garden maintained by residents, another was invited into
the home of a resident who embraced their plans for a tech- Urban planning has
driven event. With this feedback, the groups were ready for always been a very
the actual site inspection, which was held later that afternoon.
top-down approach,
Time for an update so it’s good to see
Reconvening a few weeks later, the groups presented their that the authorities
final ideas to the resource persons from various agencies, are receptive to letting the
such as the Town Council, as well as the facilitating
schools like SUTD. The Check-in Session at the East
community create their own
Zone on 30 November 2019 was a particularly rousing identity and people-places.
one, with participants, facilitators and resource persons - FATHIMAH FATHAH, 26, URBAN PLANNING POST-GRADUATE
all adding to the lively discussions that ensued. AT NUS AND HEAD OF “THE URBANIST”
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Talk of the Town
LIVELY PLACES
PROGRAMME
WHAT IS IT?
The Lively Places Programme is a joint initiative by HDB and URA to support
community-led efforts in enlivening Singapore’s public spaces.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF FUNDING AVAILABLE?
Project Fund Building Fund Street Closure
(up to $5,000) (up to $5,000) - Implementation period of 6 (up to $5,000)
This is for event months or less after installation; and Building This is for projects
initiatives that activate Fund (up to $20,000) - Implementation period of that transform
spaces or bond more than 6 months after installation streets into active
neighbours in HDB This is for projects involving installations that bring public spaces for
neighbourhoods. about a physical transformation of existing public spaces. the community.
Who can apply for How do I ensure that my ideas get funded?
the funding?
• Singaporean Citizens
and permanent
residents
• Individuals or as
a team
For more information, visit
https://www.hdb.gov.sg/
cs/infoweb/community/
getting-involved/lively-
places-programme.
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01-05 Talk of the town v2.indd 5 12/2/20 4:50 PM
TOURING Toa Payoh
H
TOA PAYOH IS ONE OF
SINGAPORE’S OLDEST Toa Payoh, the first estate developed Today, Toa Payoh remains one of
ESTATES THAT HAS THE by the HDB and the poster town the busiest estates as well as among
DISTINCTION OF BEING for being a public housing model, is the most coveted, thanks to its
VISITED NOT JUST ONCE, famous for a few milestones, such as proximity to the city. Besides the
BUT TWICE, BY HER being the location where the MRT iconic Dragon Playground, here are
ROYAL MAJESTY QUEEN held the inaugural ceremony that five more landmarks to discover in
ELIZABETH II! kick-started operations back in 1987. the area.
Block 53, Lorong 5
Back in the day, Block 53 at Lorong 5 formed a distinct
part of the skyline as one of the neighbourhood’s My best memory of
tallest blocks and was the only high-rise with a unique living in Toa Payoh
Y-shaped design. There are iconic buildings and that
status certainly belongs to Block 53 — after all, it is has to be receiving Queen
Singapore’s first block of public housing apartments Elizabeth II at my old home.
that Queen Elizabeth II visited during her maiden visit
to the country.
I remember my parents making
sure that the flat was spick and
Accompanying her on this momentous occasion on span, and that we were dressed
18 February 1972 were other dignitaries who included
Singapore’s second president Benjamin Sheares and
appropriately to receive the
Sir William Goode, the last British governor of VIPs. Of course, there was a
Singapore. In 2006, Queen Elizabeth II visited Toa Payoh lot of anticipation building up
again, for a second time.
towards the big day!
– JEROME LIM, 54, SELF-EMPLOYED
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Around the Block
I’ve lived in Toa
Payoh for more
than 20 years.
Although I don’t
really remember
using the facilities
Toa Payoh Sports Complex
In 1973, Singapore was abuzz at the at the Toa Payoh
prospect of hosting the Southeast Sports Complex
Asian Peninsular Games (now
known as the Southeast Asian
back then, now that
Games) for the very first time. Four I have children, I
residential blocks in Toa Payoh were find myself going Dragon Pillar
chosen as the Games Village for While Toa Payoh’s most famous
visiting athletes and officials.
there a lot more. dragon resides at the playground
My children enjoy on Lorong 6, another dragon
Constructed specially for the event, swimming there, can be found elsewhere in the
the Toa Payoh Sports Complex estate — specifically, in front
comprises a stadium, a swimming and it’s just super of Block 91 at Lorong 3. Here,
complex, and a sports hall. Since convenient for us to the mystical creature is curled
then, the Complex has been visit as a family, as around a red pillar, which is
maintained for the community. It has thought to have been built to
also served as a venue for other major it is located in the enhance the fengshui of the
sports events, such as the 2009 Asian neighbourhood. area (in Chinese culture,
Youth Games and the inaugural – AZMAN IVAN TAN, 41, CEO OF A
dragons represent wealth and
Youth Olympic Games in 2010. LOCAL START-UP
good fortune).
TOA PAYOH TOWN PARK
Chung Hwa Medical Institution
At a glance, the palatial Chung Hwa Medical Institution
seems uprooted from a bygone Chinese dynasty.
Fittingly, visitors can expect to receive exemplary
services at the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
clinic in its premises.
Thanks to its beautifully landscaped grounds,
the verdant park was one of the most
The building also houses the Singapore College of
popular wedding photoshoot venues in the
Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Chinese Medical and
1980s. It is also home to a diverse population
Drugs Research Institute, and the Chinese Acupuncture
of flora and fauna — in fact, more than 20
Research Institution. It is also the headquarters of the
species of damselflies and dragonflies have
Singapore Chinese Physicians’ Association, the country’s
been spotted here!
recognised authority in the TCM field.
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Eat, Drink & Shop
Merry IN TOA PAYOH!
IT IS NO SURPRISE THAT ONE OF SINGAPORE’S EARLIEST HOUSING ESTATES IS ALSO
WHERE YOU CAN ENJOY THESE NATIONAL PASTIMES TO THE FULLEST.
Toa Payoh’s dining and retail landscape features an
eclectic mix that leaves both residents and visitors spoilt
for choice, with a handful of notable establishments
worth travelling for.
Chey Sua Carrot Cake
Blk 127, Toa Payoh Lorong 1, #02-30,
Singapore 310127
Chey Sua’s history dates back to the 1960s, when founder
Tay Hoe Seng first started selling homemade chai tow
kway (carrot cake) from a pushcart in Serangoon Gardens.
Although his daughters now helm the stall in Toa Payoh,
they still insist on making everything from scratch — from
steaming the carrot cake to preparing the chilli.
The steamed carrot cake is cut into cubes, fried with
a huge serving of eggs and caipoh (preserved radish),
then spread with a thin layer of chilli. Unlike the
usual chai tow kway, Chey Sua’s version
is flatter and resembles a pancake.
Beneath the crisp brown outer The Larder Cafe
layer is the moist and soft Blk 177, Toa Payoh Central, #01-124,
carrot cake, while the Singapore 310177
chilli adds an extra kick. A stone’s throw from Toa Payoh MRT station, The
The Tays’ delicious Larder Cafe is still going strong after four years in
treatment of this business. With its concrete screed flooring, industrial-
humble dish earned style decor, and abundance of natural light, it’s hard to
their version a imagine the cafe being located at an HDB shophouse.
listing in the
Singapore The biggest draws for the cafe’s returning customers
Michelin Bib are its friendly service, extensive menu, and generous
Gourmand two portions at affordable prices — most of the mains are
years in a priced below $20. According to the staff, bestsellers
row, in 2016 include the Honey Baked Ham Eggs Benedict, Black
and 2017. Mama Pork Burger, and BBQ Pork Ribs. During our
visit, their wide selection of homemade ice cream
was also a hit among the full-house crowd.
DID YOU KNOW? Chey Sua sells only the white
version of carrot cake. The stall is open from 6am DID YOU KNOW? You can save on
to 1pm daily (except Mondays), but drop by early service charge and GST at The Larder Cafe.
to avoid disappointment! Advance reservations are recommended.
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08-09 Around the Blk - TP Eat drink V1.indd 6 13/2/20 4:36 PMAround the Block
BNC Retail @
Toa Payoh
Blk 178, Toa
Payoh Central,
#01-226,
Singapore 310178
A frontrunner
in the gardening and landscaping industry for over
50 years, Ban Nee Chen has diversified operations
islandwide with its sprawling nurseries and now, retail
shops that cater to the needs of gardening enthusiasts
in the heartlands. Its retail store in Toa Payoh Central
opened about a year ago, and offers an extensive
selection of indoor and outdoor plants, flowers, and tools
to indulge all levels of green fingers.
I go past the shop every Sunday.
I’m happy to have such a
comprehensive shop in the
neighbourhood. There’s no need
to go to the nurseries anymore! Creamier
– MDM WONG, 61, RETIREE Blk 131, Toa Payoh Lorong 1, #01-02,
Singapore 310131
DID YOU KNOW? Apart from retail, Ban Nee
One of the pioneering cafes that ushered in the first
Chen also provides a wide range of professional
wave of ice cream and waffle parlours in the HDB
landscaping and design-and-build services for both
heartlands back in 2011, Creamier is famous for
consumers and industrial users.
its generous scoops of handcrafted ice cream. New
branches have since opened at Gillman Barracks and
Phoon Huat Tiong Bahru, but it is the original location at Toa
Blk 107, Toa Payoh Lorong 1, #01-270, Payoh Lorong 1 that has the lion’s share of loyalists,
Singapore 310107 who formed long lines before the shop’s closure in
Despite its well-earned reputation as a go-to for all June 2019.
baking needs, Phoon Huat offers a bigger treasure trove
that goes beyond its core offerings of cake mixes and Thankfully, Creamier’s absence from the
dairy products. neighbourhood was short-lived, as the cafe made
a comeback with its new space located just across
The surprise is in discovering ingredients for Western the road from the former outlet! To our delight,
dishes are sold here, with myriad options for pizzas, the richness and taste of their ice cream remain
pastas and soups available. Although there is no artisanal gratifyingly good. We recommend crowd favourites
cheese, the outlet does stock soft types such as brie like Earl Grey lavender, sea salt gula melaka (palm
and camembert, sliced sandwich cheeses, and breaded sugar), and pulut hitam (black glutinous rice).
mozzarella
sticks. You can DID YOU KNOW? Creamier has partnered with
even customise The Food Bank Singapore (FBSG) to dedicate a
your own muesli section of the store named PIKO (short for “pick
with ingredients and go”) to host The Food Pantry 2.0, a concept
such as rolled featuring fully automated smart vending machines
oats, nuts that dispense donated food at $2 per item. The
and cereal! machines also serve as a collection point for
beneficiaries with issued RFID tags. Those who
DID YOU KNOW? On top of prices that are on wish to donate non-perishable food can do so at
par with or lower than regular supermarkets, PIKO, which also offers products such as frozen
Phoon Huat offers 10% storewide discount every meals, snacks, and household items to bring
Wednesday and Sunday. greater convenience to residents.
09
08-09 Around the Blk - TP Eat drink V1.indd 7 13/2/20 4:36 PMA WALK DOWN THE
Eco-friendly Lane
ONCE HOME TO AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES FROM
PIG FARMING TO FISHERIES, PUNGGOL’S CHANGING
FORTUNES AND FACELIFT HAVE CULMINATED IN A
SHOWPIECE OF MODERN ECO-LIVING.
Punggol may be one of Singapore’s and the use of self-cleansing paint
newest housing estates, but don’t on wall exteriors.
let its modern facade trick you into
thinking that it is just another concrete “I joined the Explorer Trail because
jungle. Earmarked as Singapore’s first I was interested to find out more
eco-town, Punggol’s once rugged about the sustainable features of
coastline has steadily transformed Punggol,” explained Ms Maisie Koh,
into a waterfront oasis primed for 24, who was there with her partner,
sustainable residential living. Mr Tan Wei Hao, 27. “But what I
really liked most about the activity
In particular, Punggol Waterway was the stories that our guide shared
and Treelodge@Punggol precincts of his childhood.”
represent the hallmarks of a vibrant
eco-friendly town with lush greenery Besides personal anecdotes, the
as well as innovatively designed tour’s programme shed light on
recreational spaces and infrastructure. how to fashion self-propelling toys
from tapioca leaves, and the various
To learn more about these iconic types of edible plants grown at the
developments, Life Storeys joined community garden.
the Explorer Trail, part of HDB’s
Eco Learning Journeys, which offer We headed next to My Waterway@
participants a free 2.5-hour guided tour Punggol, a riverine park a stone’s
to discover the green pulse of Punggol. throw from Treelodge@Punggol.
Punggol Waterway is Singapore’s Crossing the picturesque Kelong
Led by a professional tour guide, longest man-made waterway. The Bridge, we arrived at our last stop, a
our 40-member group headed to 4.2km-long waterway meanders 160m-long preserved stretch of Old
Treelodge@Punggol, HDB’s first through the heart of Punggol, Punggol Road, where information
eco-precinct that harnesses natural allowing visitors to enjoy panels outline Punggol’s history,
elements to promote green living. water-based leisure activities or including descriptions of the wild
take a stroll along the promenade animals that once roamed the area.
The precinct, which brings eco- surrounded by natural foliage. An old bus stop serves as a rest
friendly amenities closer to residents area and a throwback to a time
while fostering closer community Here, the group paused to learn when most bus stops sported these
ties, was completed in 2010. It is more about several types of trees distinctive orange and white stripes.
also a winner of the Green Mark growing at the park, such as
Platinum award, a prestigious “Singapore’s cherry blossoms” Although she did not grow up in
recognition for environmentally (Trumpet Tree or Tabebuia rosea, Punggol, Mdm Chua Heok, who is
friendly buildings. This is evident which in full bloom, cascades a in her sixties, recalled her visits to
from how the blocks are oriented to blanket of pink blossoms), and the the area when she was younger — in
maximise natural cross-ventilation rubber tree. particular, the pig farms, the last
10
10-11 Around The Block - Eco-friendly lane_V2.indd 10 13/2/20 4:42 PMAround the Block
I joined the Explorer
Trail because I was
interested to find
out more about the
sustainable features
of Punggol.
– MS MAISIE KOH, 24
of which closed in 1990. “Things
have certainly changed but I can
almost still ‘smell’ the stench from
the former pig farms here! Punggol
is so nice and green now, and I will
definitely come back to visit with my
family,” she added.
To find out more about the Eco
Trails, visit https://www.hdb.gov.sg/
cs/infoweb/ecolearning.
The guided tour allows participants to gain a better understanding of the history of and the eco-friendly features in Punggol
11
10-11 Around The Block - Eco-friendly lane_V2.indd 11 13/2/20 4:42 PMAGEING
WITH
SENIORS NOT ONLY LEARNED
MORE ABOUT THEIR BENEFITS,
Benefits
BUT ALSO HAD THE OPPORTUNITY
TO ENGAGE WITH THEIR
COMMUNITY AT THE MERDEKA
GENERATION ROADSHOWS.
Born in the 1950s, the Merdeka package, which serves to defray set up by People’s Association (PA),
Generation was raised during a healthcare costs and promote active Health Promotion Board (HPB),
tumultuous period before and after ageing, will be offered to some and Sport Singapore (SportSG)
Singapore’s independence. This is 500,000 eligible Singaporeans. aimed to encourage seniors to join
the generation that went through active living programmes.
the struggle against colonialism and Starting from June 2019, a total of
communism; they witnessed the 23 community roadshows have been Event-goers had the chance to take
racial riots and were instrumental progressively organised islandwide part in workshops, such as DIY
in Singapore’s survival after the to educate and engage the seniors on body scrub, basic Pastel Nagomi
separation from Malaysia. the benefits of the MGP and other Art and air-dry clay art. Those
care schemes. who signed up for PA courses on
To recognise their contributions, the spot could also redeem
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong A wealth of information exclusive collectibles.
first announced the Merdeka Held in the heartlands, the
Generation Package (MGP) during roadshows were met with huge Silver Generation Ambassadors
his National Day Rally in 2018. The turnouts. At each roadshow, booths were on hand to provide
12
12-13 Life Storeys -Ageing with Benefits.indd 12 14/2/20 4:04 PMOur Life Stories
5
I heard about the roadshow
on the radio, so I came to see BENEFITS
Rahimah Rahim. It’s a good OF
opportunity to mix around.
I chatted and made friends
MERDEKA
with people around my age. GENERATION
JAMIAH BTE SHAN, 61, PRODUCTION OPERATOR PACKAGE
1 PAssion Silver cards
one-to-one consultation for those One-time $100 top-up to
who required clarifications or had
feedback. Visitors could also pick up Use it to pay for activities
a comic book based on the theme at community clubs, utilise
of Lao Fu Zi (Old Master Q), with ActiveSG pools and gyms, make
essential details on the MGP. The purchases at selected merchants,
book also lists resources, such as take public transport, and more.
2 MediSave top-up
career support and lifelong learning
programmes, and care services, $200 annual
which the seniors can tap into.
Get the top-up every year
until 2023. This can help to pay
In addition, the seniors were
for health screenings, chronic
rendered digital literacy tips, such
disease management, outpatient
as downloading of useful apps treatments, hospitalisation,
(Wireless@SG and Healthy365, for care scheme premiums,
example), signing up for MGP’s among others.
WhatsApp service to receive Game for golden years
3 care subsidies
updates, and registering or resetting It wasn’t all serious, however. One Additional outpatient
a SingPass account. event highlight that attracted long
queues was the Spin & Win booth, Enjoy special Community
where participants snagged useful Health Assist Scheme (CHAS)
goodies, such as water bottles, subsidies for common illnesses,
The umbrellas, cooler bags, and chronic conditions, and dental
roadshow airtight containers. procedures. Get an additional
25% off subsidised bills at
helps The seniors particularly enjoyed polyclinics and public Specialist
raise the games where they could win Outpatient Clinics.
4 CareShield Life
awareness prizes by demonstrating their
understanding of the MGP, as well More incentive to join
about the MGP. as interact with local celebrities,
Receive an extra $1,500
Those who only including Rahimah Rahim, Marcus
“participation incentive” — on
Chin, Kym Ng, Mastura Ahmad,
knew of some of the and Pornsak. The latter proved to be
top of the previously announced
benefits previously a hit with the crowd at the Clementi
$2,500 — when you join
CareShield Life. This can offset
can now have a roadshow as throngs formed lines to your annual premiums for over
snap a shot with him at the Lao Fu
better idea of the Zi photo booth.
10 years.
5 Life premium subsidies
package by coming Additional MediShield
here. I also had Other stage activities, which varied
according to the different locations, These subsidies start from 5% of
fun collecting the included a skit on dementia by HPB, MediShield Life premiums, and
freebies, and the skit a sketch on cyber safety and scams will increase to 10% after your
performances are by the Media Literacy Council, 75th birthday. This translates
exercise demonstrations by to a discount between $31.50
very informative! SportSG, and performances by PA and $918, depending on the
MR TAN, 66, CLEANER interest groups. premium amount.
13
12-13 Life Storeys -Ageing with Benefits.indd 13 14/2/20 4:09 PMDraw ng FOR KEEPS
SINGAPOREAN ARTIST LEE KOW FONG DRAWS INSPIRATION FROM THE
HEARTLANDS TO INJECT A LIVELY LOCAL SPIN INTO HIS WHIMSICAL
WATERCOLOUR ILLUSTRATIONS.
We may get on in years, but our reputation and a strong following with endowed the 48-year-old with a rent-
inner child still resides within his distinctive works. Besides authoring free studio for his tenure as its first
us. Embracing that childlike sense and illustrating four series of picture artist-in-residence. Life Storeys paid
of wonder can help us rediscover books for children, he has also ventured him a visit at his cosy workspace,
life with a fresh perspective. That’s successfully into merchandising, with where he shared with us more about
what Lee Kow Fong, better known his illustrations adorning items from his extraordinary journey.
by his pen name Ah Guo, seeks to tote bags and towels to cushion covers,
accomplish with his works. stationery, and more. How did you acquire
your moniker?
A prolific columnist, illustrator In February 2019, Singapore Press When I was in junior college, I used
and author, Ah Guo has earned a Holdings’ Chinese Media Group to submit my writing to the Chinese
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14-15 Our Life Stories - Celeb Next Door v2.indd 14 6/2/20 10:47 AMOur Life Stories
papers. The trend then was to use a like look. If you look at the works of way of life through my works. This
pen name and I wanted one that didn’t different illustrators around the world, prompted me to start on a nostalgic-
sound too “artistic”. Aptly enough, the you’d realise that some of their styles are themed series depicting traditional
“Fong” in my name represents good actually very sophisticated and meant playgrounds, old bus stops and heritage
harvest, and indeed, I hope to reap to be appreciated by adults. During buildings, which turned out to be very
fruitful results in whatever I do. my visual storytelling, I use my own well received.
imagination liberally and this results in
When did you discover boundless possibilities. My vision is to These days, my drawings are related
your passion for drawing? create picture books that are not only to daily life. I’m currently working on
I’ve enjoyed drawing since young enjoyed by children, but also adults. a hawker centre series, which is so fun
but I didn’t attend any art classes. to draw! Kopitiams and hawker centres
Although I took Art Elective There’s a distinctive local are places that I pass by every day, and
Programme (AEP) as an O-level flavour in some of your where I make interesting observations.
subject, my subsequent endeavours works. Why is that so? When I witness heartwarming
still focused more on Chinese studies When I first started watercolour moments, such as an elderly man and
and writing, rather than art. Drawing painting, I didn’t incorporate any local his grandson having breakfast together,
was more of a personal hobby. Then elements. It was in 2015 when I’ll record these down to recreate in my
came the rise of blogging, which Mr Lee Kuan Yew passed away that illustrations later.
spurred me to create one to share I painted three portraits of him that
my writing. At the time, most people deviated from my usual style. It struck What’s your favourite part
were posting photos but I wanted to me then that I could convey the local about living in an HDB flat?
include my own drawings. I lived in a kampung until I was five
years old, and I’ve been residing in
How has your an HDB flat ever since. It is my living
professional journey as space and it provides me with a lot of
an artist been like so creative inspiration. In particular, I find
far, given that such a the void deck such an intriguing space:
career is not exactly sometimes, you see the elderly chit-
common in Singapore? chatting or playing chess; kids playing;
I joined Ngee Ann Polytechnic as or weddings, parties and wakes being
a lecturer in 2007. Along the way, I held there. Despite its name, the void
had opportunities to freelance as an deck is not empty at all; rather, because
illustrator, before I took a 1.5-year it is “void”, anything is possible.
break in 2009 to obtain a Master of
Arts (MA) degree in children’s book Any advice for
illustration in the UK. Although aspiring artists?
I returned to Singapore in 2011, When I meet illustrators in their 30s, I
it wasn’t until two years ago that I envy them as, unlike myself, they have
finally decided to resign from the luxury of time to explore, make
full-time teaching. mistakes, and develop their talent.
Time is of the essence; so if you are very
Initially I felt insecure and wondered if certain that this is what you want, go for
I could survive. In fact, I still do adjunct it while you are young. However, before
teaching at Ngee Ann, while working you take that leap of faith, do consider
on commissioned assignments. I also I find the void building a sizeable portfolio first, which
collaborate with my friend’s company deck such an will help convince people that you can
to produce merchandise that feature produce quality work.
my illustrations. I’ve put up several intriguing space.
original paintings for purchase, too. Despite its name,
Why children’s book the void deck is GET YOUR ART FIX
illustrations in particular? not empty at all; Visit Ah Guo’s (@kowfong)
I like writing original stories and ongoing art exhibition
complementing the words with rather, because it Whimsical Reality at Singapore
drawings. There’s a misconception that
illustrations for children’s picture books
is “void”, anything Flyer. Open daily from 10am
to 8pm, with a selection of
require a certain kiddy or Disney- is possible. merchandise available.
15
14-15 Our Life Stories - Celeb Next Door v2.indd 15 13/2/20 4:48 PM237
Belly kcal
per slice
KUEH LAPIS
(multi-layered
butter cake)
Happy
WORKOUT
• Walk 73min
• Swim 35min
• Household chores
90min
56
THE AVERAGE ADULT WOULD kcal
CONSUME AN EXTRA 500 KCAL per piece
A DAY FROM FESTIVE SNACKING.
HERE IS A GUIDE ON HOW MUCH LOVE
EXERCISE YOU NEED TO EXPEND LETTER
THE EXCESS CALORIES.
WORKOUT
• Walk 17min
• Stair-climbing
8min
• Household chores
Workout: recommended duration varies 20min
based on intensity
EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH CNY goodies are usually low in stimulates the release of peptides
FESTIVE SEASONS WITHOUT nutrients and therefore should not in the gut, which then signals to
RISKING UNHEALTHY be meal substitutes. Avoid skipping your brain that you are full. If you
REPERCUSSIONS. your regular meals before visiting are at a buffet or potluck party, be
1
— foods that are rich in fibre and more selective and not pile some of
LOAD UP ON vitamin C will help you stay full over everything on your plate.
3
FIBRES FIRST longer periods, so you naturally
Research has shown that people cut down on snacking. PACE YOURSELF
2
who go supermarket shopping Did you know it takes about
while feeling peckish tend to make PRIORITISE PROTEIN 20 minutes before your brain
more impulsive and calorie-laden At the dining table, identify registers that you are full? Avoid
purchases. Visiting your relatives on the lean protein (such as overeating during this lapse by
an empty stomach is likely to trigger skinless chicken, fish, and soy- chewing your food slowly, which
the same behaviour, with all the treats based foods) first. Protein is a aids digestion, too. To trick your
becoming even more irresistible. satiating macronutrient that mind, try eating off a smaller plate
16
16-17 Livin It Up - Belly Happy v3.indd 16 14/2/20 9:48 AMLivin’ It Up
23
kcal
per piece
SPICY DRIED
SHRIMP ROLL
WORKOUT
• Walk 7min
• Skip 2.5min
• Household chores
7min 15
kcal
per piece
KUEH
BANGKIT
(coconut cookies)
WORKOUT
• Brisk Walk 5min
• Carry a baby
5min
• Household chores
5min
93
kcal
370 per piece
kcal
per slice
PINEAPPLE
TART
BAK KWA WORKOUT
WORKOUT • Walk 28min
• Walk 113min • Jumping jacks
• Jog 47min 25min
• Household chores • Household chores
140min 30min
or nibbling smaller pieces of bak rough amount of time it takes for nuts or chia seeds in place of
kwa (sliced barbecued pork). food to fully digest. deep-fried crackers.
4 5 6
AVOID EATING THREE DON’T SNUB QUENCH YOUR THIRST
HOURS BEFORE BED HOMEMADE GRUB We may sometimes mistake
A sore throat in the wake of Preparing meals at home thirst for hunger and end up
the holidays could be a result of is not only economical and cosy, snacking when we really should
laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), but you are also in control of the be drinking. To tell the difference,
which happens when stomach amount of salt, oil and sugar that reach for a glass of water first.
acid travels up the oesophagus and goes into every dish. Consider If the hydration makes you feel
causes inflammation of the larynx making your own healthier better, then you probably weren’t
(voice box). To minimise LPR from version of the prosperity raw fish hungry in the first place. Water also
occurring, stop eating when you feel salad (yusheng) by substituting contains zero calories, while soft
nearly full and at least three to four plum sauce with a lime and drinks and alcohol have at least 150
hours before sleeping, as that is the honey mixture, and using crushed calories per serving.
17
16-17 Livin It Up - Belly Happy v3.indd 17 14/2/20 9:48 AMTake Our
Readers’
Survey
Answer some questions and stand to win shopping vouchers!
Log on to http://hdb.gov.sg/lifestoreys for the questions and
submit your answers.
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