Feature story
Opening Up to a More Open Society… Or Not?
By Bridget Tan
Almost every Wednesday night, 22-year-old Jolyn Mo queues outside The Butter Factory in One Fullerton for her weekly dose of all night alcohol and dance.
53-year-old John Goh does the same, except on Friday nights instead.
He said, “I go mainly to destress and enjoy the high mood generated by the entertainers and the crowd.”
“I go clubbing because I enjoy the music and the atmosphere in a club…When you’re in a club, you get to be someone else for the night,” said Mo.
Years ago, clubbing was limited to only youths and was largely regarded by many as uncouth and reserved only for gangsters and school drop outs. Today, clubs have become part of a weekly routine for both young and old, educated and not so educated, alike.
Clubbing is not the only aspect in which Singaporeans have become more liberal about.
Local video news provider RazorTV has recently been exploring the increasing trends of
Revealing shorts and midriff-baring tops. PHOTO: Bridget Tan
revealing shorts and midriff-baring tops, binge drinking and unprotected sex in teens. A recent survey by a pharmaceutical company revealed that 61 percent of youth aged 16 to 19 have had unprotected sex with new partners, a 12 percent increase from the previous year.
Teenagers are also becoming more tolerant of premarital sex.
16 year old Cheong Pui Leng said, “Premarital sex is okay because you are already going to get married. So if the woman gets pregnant, it’s like the confirmation from getting married so the husband won’t walk (away) from her.”
The observation of a more liberal society has also been noted by a cell group leader in NUS Catholic Student Society Eugene Chan, 22.
He said, “No longer is the purpose of sex as an act of love and affirmation between spouses with a goal to bring new life into the world but now simply a self gratifying act which must be “safe”- so as to ensure that life is prevented.”
On a global level, a survey for World Contraception Day 2010 has revealed that 42 percent of youths have a close friend or family member who has had an unplanned pregnancy, marking a 30 percent increase since 2009.
Fig 1: Percentage of young people with a close friend or family member with unplanned pregnancy
Associate Professor for Sociology at The National University of Singapore Dr Tan Ern Ser said, “As society moves beyond bread and butter issues, they become, what you call, post materialist. People do become more, in a way democratic, believe in self expression. That means they don’t follow tradition anymore.”
He also said, “In a way (people) become more individualistic and they believe in choice and in options. In the general theory you can say that they are becoming more open.”
This view is shared by regular clubber sales agent Zaymie Tan, 41, whose favourite Friday night hangout is Movida at St. James Powerhouse.
She said, “Of course (we’re) getting more liberal. Stuff like premarital sex, divorce, extra marital affairs etc. Views and behaviour greatly differs from the older generation (as they are) influenced by technology…The values differ and heavy influences by foreign cultures and media affect moral and traditional values. “
However, Dr Tan believes that Singaporeans are still more traditional than our foreign counterparts.
“There is some of (openness) but as I interact with young people some of them actually still do hold on to traditional values. So maybe we’re at the crossroads. On one hand because we are brought up with those values, on the other hand, we’re exposed to globalisation, more liberal values, not necessarily from the west, so you’re always caught between the two. “
He attributes the family and religion as the reasons contributing to Singaporeans still abiding by traditional values.
Feature story
Singapore: An ageing country with eroding values
By Joy Yang
Singapore – In an alley behind a coffee shop in Jurong West, a frail looking Chinese elderly man sits alone sipping a cup of black coffee. Moments later, he picks up his pail and damp cloth and heads back into the coffee shop.
Despite having arthritis, 70 year old Wong Tak Choy still works as a cleaner at a nearby coffee shop. He lives on his own in a one-room flat in Jurong West. Mr Wong works up to 8 hours every day of the week and earns about $800 a month. When asked why he still works, he answers in Mandarin, “My children don’t take care of me, so I have to take care of myself.”
Mr Wong’s case is a typical situation that an increasing number of elderly in Singapore are facing recently – financial abandonment by their children.
In March this year, MP Seah Kian Peng (Marine Parade GRC) accepted Community Development, Youth and Sports Minister Vivian Balakrishnan’s suggestion to table a Private Member’s Bill to revise and reinforce the Maintenance of Parents Act. The Act, which allows the elderly to use the law to seek maintenance from their children, has had a sharp increase in applicants in recent years. Last year, there were almost 200 cases, nearly double the figure from 2007.
More elderly are being abandoned by their children PHOTO: Xinmsn
This phenomena, social workers explain, is the effect of an ageing population in Singapore. Birth policies in the past decades have resulted in the nation’s present ageing population and the result is – an inadequate number of caregivers. Social workers attribute such situations to the increasing dependency ratio – the age-population ratio of those not in the labour force and those in the labour force.
Dr Sudha Nair, head of the social work department in the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, said, “A smaller group of young people have to care for a larger elderly population, and often, they feel a huge burden in providing for them, and as a result, many of the elderly are abandoned to relieve that burden.”
According to the 2010 census report, the number of younger persons aged 15-64 for every resident aged 65 and above (i.e. dependency ratio) fell from 9.9 in 2000 to 8.2 in 2010.
Furthermore, the pace of ageing is expected to increase significantly around 2012, when the first cohort of baby boomers reaches 65 years of age and it is estimated that by 2030, one in five residents in Singapore will be aged 65 and above.
Despite being fully aware of and being eligible to apply for the Maintenance of Parents Act, Mr Wong refuses to do so. He says that he does not want to force his children into providing for him.
“What is the point of doing this? They will just hate me for it. I might get the financial support, but I lose my pride and I won’t be happy. I’d rather work and support myself. I feel better this way,” Mr Wong said.
Like Mr Wong, more elderly are working or finding jobs due to the need to make ends meet. The labour force participation of the elderly has increased over recent years. For the elderly aged 65-69, participation went from 25.3% in 2006 to 29.9% in 2009. For those 70 and over, participation increased from 7.9% in 2006 to 10.5% in 2009. According to a survey by the MCYS in 2009 , financial need was cited the predominant reason for post-retirement employment.
Mr Ng Kean Peng, 68, is among those whom have successfully applied for the Maintenance of Parents Act. He feels that it is only right that children support their elderly parents and hence did not hesitate to apply for maintenance when his children turned their backs on him.
“I’ve been working all my life to take care of my children, I think I deserve to be taken care of.”
Miss Cheryl Soh, a counsellor at the Yishun Family Service Centre, said that the erosion of values such as filial piety and gratitude has arisen as a result of the increased emphasis on economic growth in Singapore.
“Our economy has suffered because of the ageing population, and as a result, the younger people whom are economically productive have to work harder to make up for the economic loss,” she said. “Then, they work so much and are so stressed, they don’t want the additional burden of supporting their parents.”
She added, “Many of them no longer take into account filial piety; they forget that their parents spent half of their lives bringing them up. All they think of is how to make more money – but not for the benefit of their parents.”
In view of arising elderly issues, the government has formulated various CDC schemes to help those in need better manage their circumstances. One that Mr Wong benefits from is the Primary Care Partnership Scheme (PCPS), a scheme with general practitioners in the community where those over 65 years old can seek medical help at government rates.
He consults a private clinic in his neighbourhood once or twice monthly at cheaper rates.
“If you ask me to go to the polyclinic, I’d rather just bear with the pain. Have to queue for so long and walk up and down stairs, and to go there I have to take the bus for a few stops, and then back again. All these need money,” he said. “And if there are no subsidies, I won’t even go to a doctor.”
Despite the challenges that Mr Wong faces, he remains positive about his situation.
“I’m lucky to be able-bodied at my age, and my arthritis doesn’t affect me too much. At least I can still get by.”
Statistical Indicators on the Elderly, 2009
| Item | Data |
| Proportion of Elderly1 (Residents aged 65 years and over) |
Year 2009 8.8% Year 2030 18.7% |
| Old-Age Support Ratio1 (Residents aged 15 to 64 years per elderly resident aged 65 years and over) |
Year 2009 8.3 |
| Old-Age Dependency Ratio1 (Elderly residents aged 65 years and over divided by residents aged 15 to 64 years) |
Year 2009 12.1 per 100 |
| Labour Force Participation Rates2 (Resident labour force participation rate) (i) 65 – 69 (ii) 70 – 74 (iii) 75 and Over |
Year 2008 (i) 27.5% (ii) 15.1% (iii) 5.4% |
Source: MCYS
Feature story
Cyber victim says, “To move on, I am my biggest motivator.”
By Joanne Tay
She sat hunched with her head bowed, waiting at a psychiatric clinic on Tanglin Road for her appointment. Her name is called, so she stood and knocked meekly at the doctor’s door. At 15 years of age, Sarah* (not her real name) is a patient being treated for depression.
The cause of her depression is cyber-bullying.
Sarah is just one of the many teenage cyber victims. About one in four students in Singapore is a victim of cyber-bullying, according to a recent survey of 1,700 students aged between 13 and 16 by the Coalition Against Bullying For Children and Youth.
In more extreme cases, American undergraduate Tyler Clementi, 18, committed suicide after discovering that his roommate had streamed a live online video of him engaging in sex with another man.
Aided with the Internet and social media accessibility, cyber-bullying, or hurtful gestures in an online format, is on the rise. Bullying is now on a whole new level, shifting from the physical playground bully to the virtual faceless bully.
In fact, cyber-bullying may be even harder on the victims than physical beatings or name-calling, according to an article by The Straits Times.
Youths are more vulnerable than adults when it comes to cyber-bullying. A study last month by the US National Institutes of Health of 10 to 16 year olds last found that those who are bullied online face a higher risk of being hit with real-world depression.
Such prevalence is a flashing red sign that calls for more active measures against cyber-bullying.
While parents, educators and the legal system play significant roles, the best defence against cyber-bullying ultimately comes from the teenagers themselves.
Sarah agrees no less, after her first-hand experience with cyber-bullying as a secondary two student at a local all-girls’ school.
Her torment began a year ago in the classroom, when she admitted abashedly to a fellow student about having a crush on a male teacher. The news soon spread to the other students, and it was blown out of proportion.
“The news got badly twisted into me having sex with the teacher. I suffered from a nervous breakdown soon after some girls ‘photoshopped’ my face onto a pornographic picture. That picture was splashed all over their blogs,” Sarah said in a soft voice.
Sarah’s parents were no less hurt.
“My mother started crying when she found out about my breakdown. She hugged me and said she was sorry, that she didn’t know much about the Internet so she couldn’t know how to warn me or protect me,” Sarah said, with her voice slightly cracking.
The school had since intervened by removing the blogs and counsellors spoke to Sarah as well as the teenage perpetrators.
Sarah said, “It’s a long trudge up a muddy slope to recovery, but to move on, I am my biggest motivator.”
She is also thankful for guidance, “It’s also nice that my parents and teachers try their best to encourage me, helping me to move on,” Sarah said.
To better protect students such as Sarah from cyber-bullying, cyber wellness programmes were launched by the Ministry of Education (MOE) at schools last year.
“Schools are doing their best to battle cyber-bullying. There is, however, a limit to which schools can keep track of the students’ cyber behaviour, such as at home. This is where parents could complement our efforts,” said Miss Linda Mak, 26, a secondary school teacher.
Parents are encouraged by MOE to attend talks and seminars by schools regarding their children’s cyber welfare.
Miss Mak felt that while schools and parents are important, they play only secondary roles.
“We help guide students along the correct path of cyber wellness. The primary role lies in the student himself or herself, to be aware of threats to their well-being and to self-govern their cyber behaviour,” said Miss Mak.
Besides schools, laws that could protect cyber victims do exist in Singapore.
Supreme Court Judge Justice Tay Yong Kwang said, “There are laws on defamation (if you think your reputation has been unjustly harmed), criminal intimidation (if you feel threatened by whatever has been uploaded) or even outrage of modesty (if videos or photos have been taken of you which violate decency).”
However, Justice Tay also pointed out that teenage cyber victims are generally less inclined to take the matter to the courts.
A better solution for all cyber victims, he recommended, was simply to ignore, “Why react to idiotic or unfair comments? React to them and we feed (the cyber bullies’) appetite because they want to provoke and get a reaction from the subject of their taunts and the public.”
As to how the future of cyber-bullying is likely to be, Justice Tay said, “We live in an imperfect world. The best antidote to cyber-bullying is to have a good sense of self-worth. Children must learn to develop it.”
Breaking News
The North Face 100 is a challenge for the determined
By Joanne Tay
Throngs of runners geared up at the 50 kilometers duo race starting line. PHOTO: Joanne Tay
It may be one of Southeast Asia’s most grueling marathons, but that did not stop the 1,400 runners from participating in The North Face 100 race in Singapore.
For the third year running, The North Face 100 attracted international competitors, ranging from Peru to China, keen to take on the tough terrains from MacRitchie Park to Mandai Nature Reserve.
The winner of the 100 kilometers solo race, open to only 35 pre-selected athletes, is awarded with an all-expense paid travel package to The North Face 100 in Beijing next April. Other runners could choose between the 100 kilometers duo and 50 kilometers duo race. Medals are awarded to those who complete the race.
Compared to the previous year’s race, Ms Elaine Tay, the event organizer for The North Face 100 trail marathon, said, “We’re definitely improving every year. This year we have 200 more participants than last year’s.”
Among the 50 kilometers duo runners was Team Shell, who saw the marathon as a healthy bonding exercise for Shell employees. “Our company really promotes health and fitness among its employees, and they subsidized our entry fee,” said Mr Alan Soh, a human resource officer at Shell.
Lifestyle was another reason for The North Face 100 runners. Singaporeans Catherine and Taran partnered as Team Skinny ‘Bitches’ in the 50 kilometers duo race in a quest to stay fit and slim. “There’s no hardcore preparation, but at least I started my jogging routine,” said Catherine, 24.
Grouses surrounding the marathon were mainly trivial. James, an Englishman who participated in the 50 kilometers duo race, said, “I’ve been working in Singapore for four years. I like the warm climate but when it comes to running, the heat annoys me.”
Others praised the marathon as being overall well-planned. Said Frank, a Malaysian runner who flew in solely for the event, “Refreshment stations were located exactly where they should be. At the 18 kilometers mark, I was feeling dizzy and the refreshments there were like an oasis to me.”
In comparison, other upcoming marathons including Nike City 10K SG and Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2010 attract more runners. Participants for last year’s Nike Human Race marathon peaked at 10,000.
As to how The North Face 100 viewed the other marathons, Ms Tay said, “Ultimately the goal is to get more people interested in trail running, to test their determination and challenge themselves. We definitely welcome other competitions that complement this goal.”
English runners pose for a picture at The North Face 100 race. PHOTO: Joanne Tay
Breaking News
Bicycle Accident Three Months after Launch of Road Safety Outreach Campaign
By Bridget Tan
A Malaysia-registered motorcycle collided with a Chinese cyclist along Clementi Road at
“The motorcycle was going very fast and he hit the cyclist from the back and they both fell down.” PHOTO: Bridget Tan
the exit of Kent Ridge Terminal on Thursday at approximately 10pm. The accident occurred along the innermost lane.
Both parties sustained head injuries and were sent to hospital immediately. The National University Hospital (NUH) could not provide information about the extent of the injury of the parties involved, citing patient privacy.
An eyewitness who wished to be known only as Zhong, 75, said in Mandarin, “The motorcycle was going very fast and he hit the cyclist from the back and they both fell down.”
The traffic police did not respond to media queries by press time.
This comes three months after Associate Professor Ho Peng Kee, Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and Law launched the Road Safety Outreach and Road Courtesy Campaign 2010 in July.
The key targets for the outreach campaign were the cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians.
In his speech, Ho said, “Cyclists should be properly attired and adopt good cycling behaviour such as maintaining lane discipline and using hand signals.”
This opinion is echoed by triathlete Cheong Wei Ming, 22, who said, “Alertness of each party is the key. People always talk about how cycling lanes should be constructed, more road laws should favour cyclists and so on but these aren’t going to happen in the near future so the onus still lies on the cyclist himself to take charge of his own safety.”
Road safety between motorists and cyclists has been a long-standing issue which the campaign hopes to resolve through educating the public on ways to avoid such mishaps.
Motorist and cyclist Cai Dingyan, 25, said, “Somehow safety seems to take a backseat in Singapore for cyclists because when I was in Australia, everyone who cycles has helmets and some form of guards and definitely those reflective vest when cycling at night. I don’t see any cyclist doing that.”
In December last year, the issue of road safety with cyclists gained prominence after three accidents occurred within a week.
Just five months ago, freelance writer Benjamin Mok Chee Kong, 35, died after being hit by a drink-driver whilst cycling with his friends for supper. Cyclist Evelyn Toh, 39, also died in an accident on her usual cycling routine.
Statistics from the Singapore Police Force have shown that the number of fatalities of pedal cyclists and pillion riders have decreased from 10 percent of total fatalities in 2008 to 9.3 percent in 2009.
| Road User Groups | 2008 | 2009 |
| Motorcyclists & Pillion Riders | 108 (48.9%) |
92 (50.3%) |
| Motorcar Drivers & Passengers | 23 (10.4%) |
12 (6.6%) |
| Pedestrians | 62 (28.0%) |
45 (24.5%) |
| Pedal Cyclists & Pillion Riders | 22 (10.0%) |
17 (9.3%) |
| Others (including Bus Passengers/Drivers, Heavy and Light Goods Vehicles Drivers and Passengers) | 6 (2.7%) |
17 (9.3%) |
| TOTAL | 221 | 183 |
* Figures in parenthesis denote fatalities as a percentage of total fatalities across all road user groups.
Source: Singapore Police Force
Both parties sustained head injuries and were sent to hospital immediately. PHOTO: Bridget Tan
Breaking News
ACS (I) principal saga yet to conclude
By Joy Yang
Singapore – It came as a shock to the school and its publics when Dr Ong Teck Chin,
Dr Ong Teck Chin, principal of ACS (I) retires from his position. PHOTO: Blue Skies Communications
principal of Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) announced his plans to retire.
Dr. Ong has claimed that the intention to be more cautious of his health led him to the decision, as doctors have recommended for him to slow down since his multiple bypass surgery in 2008.
The resignation came a few days after Mr Mark Richie Tan, a biology teacher from the school had lodged a complaint to the school board against Dr. Ong, accusing him of inappropriate behavior.
The Anglo-Chinese Schools board of governors as well as the Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) board of management have started investigating the allegation made against Dr. Ong.
In a press statement from Mr Richard Seow, chairman of the ACS board of governors, he said, “The Boards are currently looking into a complaint that has been directed at Dr. Ong. Notwithstanding his resignation, the Boards take a serious view of any complaint and are currently determining the facts of the matter.”
No details were mentioned regarding what the complaint referred to and no conclusions have been drawn from the investigations so far. Also, Dr. Ong has declined to respond to the allegations made.
This issue has raised concerns among those involved with the school as speculations regarding the complaint arise.
Mrs Wong, 49, mother of two boys whom are currently studying in ACS (I), said, “This issue has instigated a big controversy and I hope that there will be a conclusion soon. This will stop the public from making wild speculations which I feel is very damaging to the school’s image.”
Despite the controversy, supporters of Dr Ong firmly stand by him.
A former ACS (I) student, James Soon, 23, said, “I really respect and love Dr. Ong for all that he has done for our school, and I feel so sorry that he has to go through all this when his health is so poor. I pray for all these will blow over soon and that he will be healthy and fine.”
Currently, Mrs Fanny Tan, deputy principal of ACS (I) has taken over Dr. Ong’s duties as the acting principal. She has been deputy principal of the school for 14 years.
Dr Ong Teck Chin has been the principal of ACS (Independent) since 1994, after serving as Vice-principal for 6 years. During his term, the school received many prestigious awards, which included the Singapore Quality Class, the Singapore Quality Award and the School Excellence Award.
In 2005, Dr Ong led the school to pioneer the International Baccalaureate programme in Singapore.
Anglo-Chinese (Independent) is a Methodist institution founded in 1886. The school lays strong emphasis on Christian beliefs and values.
Event
September 7, 2010
Outdoor sports organised for the disabled
By Joanne Tay
SINGAPORE: They may be handicapped but their spirit rise above physical limitations.
Proudly overcoming the odds, the Society for the Physically Disabled (SPD) participated in rock climbing, boat paddling and a jungle walk at a one-day event in Pulau Ubin yesterday.
The event is organised and funded by Outward Bound Singapore (OBS), which involved around 30 beneficiaries and care-givers from the SPD and Asian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA).
This year’s theme was “Supporting a friend in a wheelchair”, fulfilling OBS’ annual dedication to community service.
OBS has prepared three months in advance, which included the construction of wheelchair-friendly ramps and handicap washrooms, learning how to handle wheelchairs and attending talks by the SPD.
Tay Kok Kwang, OBS’ head of the medical unit, said, “Today’s event is a win-win situation. The less privileged could experience and enjoy the outdoors. Empathy and compassion is also created among our staff.”
Mr Sivakumar Machap, OBS’ deputy director of strategic planning and development, reiterated OBS’ desire to share the Outward Bound experience with people whatever their challenges may be.
Mr Foo Zhi Wei, an SPD participant who has a spinal cord defect, said, “I’ve seen rock walls but did not have a chance to climb them. My older brother had climbed one before and encouraged me to try it. So I was very happy and felt a sense of achievement when I climbed to the top.”
The spirit of teamwork was also fostered in the activities. Despite being physically handicapped, the participants, assisted by OBS employees, successfully paddled their boats together in a rubber dingy around the northern coastline of Pulau Ubin.
Mr Tan Yao Zhi*, an SPD member, said, “It is very exciting take a ferry to Pulau Ubin. This is my first time to the offshore island and I enjoy it thoroughly.”
OBS provides outdoor education and adventure learning programmes, with centres located in Pulau Ubin and East Coast Park.
The AWWA has been adopted by OBS as its charitable organisation for this and next year. Mr Tay said, “We’re looking forward to next year’s community service day which will definitely have more exciting elements”.
*Not their real names.
A member of the SPD is assisted by an OBS employee to board the ferry. PHOTO: OBS
OBS employees are guiding a physically disabled youth on climbing the rock wall. PHOTO: OBS
Event
Long Wait for Taiwanese Food
By Bridget Tan
SINGAPORE – The unpleasantly pungent smell of stinky fermented bean curd did not deter Singaporeans from trying the dish.
In fact, the queue for stinky fermented bean curd was one of the longest at the Taiwan Food Street fair, one of the attractions at the Mid Autumn Festival by the River 2010, which was set up as part of the Chinese Cultural Festival. {What’s the festival about? Might need to insert a line somewhere in the story}
It was the dinner rush hour, yet many waited patiently in line to sample the Taiwanese cuisine offered at the event. Other than stinky fermented beancurd, there were also long queues for bubble tea and oyster omelette.
Joe Chen, 28, had been queuing for Mango Ice (blended mangoes on shaved ice), and zha jiang mian (minced pork noodles). The Chinese national said, “Everyone queue so I queue.”
Chen also said, “I don’t mind queuing if the food is good.”
Another queue participant, John Goh, 57, had a more pragmatic reason for queuing. He said, “I already parked my car so I might as well come and queue.”
There were queues extending from almost every stall, ranging from 40 to 80 people per queue.
Prices ranged from $3 for bubble tea to $8 for a bowl of eel noodles but patient patrons are not complaining.
Tan Choon Wah, 55, who was eating a bowl of eel noodles, said in Mandarin, “It tastes very unique and good. There’s more variety here than other Taiwanese Food Streets. My eel noodles are only $8!”
Other attractions include colourful lanterns in the shape of rabbits, mythical characters and the various Chinese Zodiac signs. Lantern riddles, stage performances and a Chinese Cultural Exhibition are some of the other activities open to the public.
The event was launched by Professor S Jayakuma, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security on 8th September 2010. It will conclude on 22nd September 2010.
Event
70,000 participants in the 19th SAFRA Singapore Bay Run
By Joy Yang
Marina Bay, September 12, 2010 – 70,000 participants took part in the 19th SAFRA Singapore Bay Run and Army Half Marathon (AHM), with an increase of 35% of female participants and 15% of male participants from last year.
At 1 am on Sunday morning, about 2000 organizers and helpers began to stream into different locations along the route of AHM to prepare for the race.
Army personnel from the 7th Singapore Infantry Brigade were engaged alongside organizers from SAFRA in preparation for the marathon.
The helpers and organizers spent a few hours preparing before the first wave of runners were flagged off at 5.15 am. Gusty cheering were also heard from the army personnel whom were practicing their cheer routines, as they were to double up as cheer squads to spur the runners on.
Along the running route, a total number of 80 water points were set up to ensure that the runners would be adequately hydrated while five medical posts and five ambulance posts were stationed to provide immediate aid for runners with signs of injury.
While the race proceeded, helpers were stationed at the water points to hand out cups of water for participants as they ran past, as well as cheer for them.
The run for all three categories, 21-km, 10-km and 5-km, were completed by 10 in the morning. However, the jobs of the helpers were not over.
Ernest Seet, 21, an army personnel, said, “We were there from 1 in the morning, and only left a few hours after the race ended, which was about 11, as we had to help to clear up the place after all the participants had left.”
The increased number of participants from last year has been attributed to the improving organization of the event.
24 year old Alvin Low, a competitive runner who has participated in over 50 marathons, said, “The organizers did a good job in terms planning of the running route, sufficient water points as well as entertainers to keep runners motivated. It’s a thumbs-up for the organizers.”
The AHM is jointly organized by SAFRA and The Singapore Armed Forces. It takes place once a year and seeks to encourage an active lifestyle. It comprises 21-km and 10-km routes for the competitive runners as well as the 5-km Fun Run.
NM 3211 News Blog 