The_King

Leader knowledge is hahahahahaha Starch is worst then sugar and it in many food and it not mention, carbo also not mention Cause leader ahhahahahah

Update on shtf

political leader like to cry, they can be actor liao

SINGAPORE: A vape pod containing the drug was found in her possession during a routine check by police officers on Nov 14, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said in a joint press release on Monday (Dec 8). She has been issued a Special Pass to allow her to remain in Singapore to assist with investigations by the police for other offences. "Following the conclusion of her case with the police, she will be deported and barred from re-entering Singapore," the authorities said. Under the enhanced anti-vaping framework that came into force on Sep 1, foreigners caught in possession of or using Kpods, or who test positive for etomidate, may have their pass or immigration status revoked and be deported and banned from re-entering Singapore. DRUG REHABILITATION CENTRE In another case, a 16-year-old Singaporean boy was on Nov 27 admitted to the Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC) for two months after he was caught for etomidate-related offences on three occasions. He is the first etomidate abuser to be sent to the DRC since it was classified as a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act on Sep 1. HSA first caught the boy in possession of a regular vape on Sep 4. On Oct 2, he was caught at his residence with vapes that were tested to contain etomidate. This constituted his first etomidate-related offence, the authorities said. He reoffended and was arrested for possession and consumption of etomidate on Oct 11 at his residence. His third etomidate-related offence was on Oct 23, when he was arrested after being found slurring and behaving abnormally in a private-hire vehicle. "Etomidate abusers admitted to the DRC will undergo rehabilitation programmes to address their risk of re-offending," said MHA and HSA. "These programmes may include psychology-based correctional programmes, family programmes, pro-social support programmes and religious counselling." After discharge from the DRC, they will undergo regular drug tests and supervision in the community. The total duration of rehabilitation in the DRC and subsequent community supervision is 12 months. Importers, sellers and distributors of etomidate e-vaporisers will face much stiffer penalties. This includes three to 20 years’ imprisonment and five to 15 strokes of the cane for importers, and two to 10 years’ imprisonment and two to five strokes of the cane for sellers and distributors. Source: CNA/nh(mi)

SINGAPORE: Singapore Customs has seized contraband cigarettes involving unpaid duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST) of over S$1.87 million (US$1.44 million), it said on Monday (Dec 8). This is its largest inland haul of contraband cigarettes to date this year. Customs seized a total of 17,279 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes and a van during two enforcement operations on Nov 30 and Dec 1 at Pandan Loop and Jurong Port Road, it said in a media release. A 27-year-old Singaporean man and three male Indian nationals, aged between 30 and 39, were arrested in connection with the haul. On Nov 30, Customs officers conducted an operation at an industrial building at Pandan Loop, where they saw a Singapore-registered van reversing into a loading and unloading bay and three men moving brown boxes into the vehicle's cargo compartment. The officers conducted a check and discovered 2,400 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes in the van, which was being driven by the Singaporean man. After further questioning, the men led them to a unit in the building, where another 3,195 similar cartons were found. The men were arrested, and the van and a total of 5,595 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes were seized. Cartons of contraband cigarettes found by Singapore Customs officers in the van during an enforcement operation. (Photo: Singapore Customs) "Based on information gathered, a follow-up operation was conducted on Dec 1, 2025, at a warehouse at Jurong Port Road," Customs said. "Customs officers found and seized another 11,684 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes stored on the premises." Court proceedings are ongoing against all four men, Singapore Customs said. "This case underscores Singapore Customs' steadfast commitment to detecting and deterring tax evasion. With our robust and decisive enforcement, all offenders caught will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law," said a spokesperson for the agency. The spokesperson also urged the public to support their efforts by reporting any suspicious activities. Under the Customs Act and the GST Act, those convicted of buying, selling, conveying, delivering, storing, keeping, possessing or dealing in duty-unpaid goods can be fined up to 40 times the amount of duty and GST evaded, or jailed for up to six years, or both. The vehicles used in committing such offences may also be forfeited. Source: CNA/dy(kg)

SINGAPORE: Courts and Prism+ have been taken to task by Singapore's consumer watchdog for using certain website features to mislead shoppers into making purchases. "Courts automatically added unsolicited items into consumers’ shopping carts, while Prism+ used fake countdown timers and misleading stock indicators to pressure consumers into purchases,” the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCS) said in a media release on Monday (Dec 8). The two retailers of consumer electronics and home appliances have given an undertaking to CCS not to engage in any unfair trade practices, said the agency. COURTS Following a consumer complaint, CCS investigations found that during certain promotion periods, Courts would automatically add items to shoppers' online carts without seeking consent. For instance, an Acer vacuum cleaner was added to a consumer’s cart after that consumer selected an Apple iPad for purchase, said CCS. This practice puts consumers at risk of unknowingly paying for the unsolicited items if they fail to notice and remove such items before checkout. Courts' "sneak into basket" conduct on its website in this screenshot taken by CCS on May 29, 2025. (Image: CCS) "Despite receiving customer complaints about this practice in as early as 2024, Courts made no changes until CCS intervened in June 2025," the agency said. “Courts has given an undertaking to CCS to cease this practice immediately. In addition to making changes to its website, Courts also agreed to refund customers affected by this unfair trade practice." In response to CNA's queries, a Courts spokesperson on Monday confirmed that it has made changes to its website and processed refunds to all affected customers. "We understand the impact this incident may have had on our customers and are fully committed to enhancing our consumer protection policies to prevent similar occurrences in the future," the spokesperson said. PRISM+ In a separate investigation, CCS found multiple design features on the Prism+ website that pressured consumers into making purchases by creating false urgency. These included fake countdown timers displaying messages claiming that popular items are selling fast, urging shoppers to purchase quickly to "avoid losing out". "However, these timers served no technical function, were not linked to any of Prism+'s inventory systems and simply reset after reaching zero without affecting the checkout process," CCS said. Prism+ also used misleading indicators claiming that stock was running low despite substantial inventory being available. For one product, the indicator was displayed even though the monthly sales figures represented only 7 per cent of Prism+'s total available stock, said CCS. “Prism+ explained that the indicator 'In Stock: Running Low' is used for any product with inventory levels above 100 units," the agency said, noting, however, that this threshold was not disclosed to consumers. The stock indicator on certain product listing pages on the PRISM+ website shows "In Stock: Running Low!" in this screenshot captured by CCS on Jan 20, 2025. (Image: CCS) The agency also found that Prism+ used unsubstantiated statements like "while other brands are all out-of-stock due to supply chain disruption", and "there’s an industry-wide shortage and all brands are sold out completely" on product pages. "Prism+ could not substantiate the statements when asked by CCS and claimed the statements were made in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic," the agency said. In addition, CCS said investigations revealed that for 10 products, Prism+ inflated discounts by offering “up to 67 per cent off” despite the maximum discount being unachievable. For one product, the actual discount only amounted to 38 per cent. "Prism+ attributed this to technical errors,” said CCS. The agency added that Prism+ has rectified the website issues and provided an undertaking not to engage in any unfair trade practices. In a statement on Monday, Prism+ acknowledged CCS' findings regarding what it called a "small number of legacy marketing practices" on its website. "These included genuine unintentional errors in our internal stock metafields, legacy COVID-period shortage messaging that was not updated, and website-level discount claims that were not always aligned with specific product offers." It added that it cooperated "fully" to review and amend its website after CCS reached out to the firm. "All required corrections were made swiftly within days and strengthened safeguards have since been implemented," it said, adding that no recent customers have been affected. Prism+ said that since May 2025, all prices and discounts displayed on its website accurately reflect the offers available. "We regret any concern caused to customers in the past and have strengthened our internal processes to uphold the highest standards of transparency." When contacted for more information, CCS said that it has been "stepping up" enforcement against businesses that utilise dark patterns, or website design features to mislead or deceive customers. It pointed to actions it took against Agoda and Lambency Detailing, for misleading website design and fake reviews respectively. "Consumers who are harmed by dark patterns from errant businesses can approach CASE for advice or assistance." CCS, which falls under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, is the administering agency of the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act (CPFTA). While it does not have any legal power to compel businesses to provide redress or compensation to affected consumers, it can gather evidence and take enforcement actions. In egregious cases, CCS can file for court orders to stop businesses from engaging in unfair trade practices. Non-compliance with a court order may result in contempt of court, which carries penalties of a fine or jail term. “Under Singapore’s fair trading laws, it is an unfair trade practice for businesses to charge for the supply of unsolicited products, or to make false or misleading claims to pressure consumers into making purchases,” CCS said on Monday. “Countdown timers should only reflect genuine timelines given to consumers, while stock indicators should be reasonable.” The commission also advised consumers to review their shopping carts for unexpected items when shopping online and verify that payment amounts match intended purchases. Customers should also question the authenticity of urgency claims before making impulse purchases. “These two interventions form part of a series of recent enforcement actions taken by CCS against businesses that employ dark patterns to mislead and pressure consumers into unintended purchases,” said CCS chief executive Alvin Koh. "CCS remains committed to ensuring fair, transparent and honest business practices in the digital space, enabling genuine competition amongst suppliers while empowering consumers to make informed decisions.”

[SINGAPORE] OG has sued supermarket operator Hao Mart for allegedly breaching its lease agreement over Taste Orchard by failing to pay rent from January to November 2024, as well as subletting parts of the premises without seeking its approval. As Taste Orchard’s landlord, OG claimed Hao Mart’s actions were a breach of the 7.5-year lease it had signed and thus served as grounds for termination. As at Oct 1, OG is seeking to claim nearly S$6.6 million from Hao Mart comprising S$5.6 million in principal arrears for rent; S$426,299 in increase in property tax; S$366,699 in principal arrears for charges; and S$178,857 in accrued interest so far. In addition, it is seeking to claim mesne profits until Taste Orchard’s premises are handed over; subsequent interest on this outstanding sum; as well as other damages to be assessed. Taste Orchard, formerly known as OG Orchard Point, opened in February 2024 as a food-focused mall spanning more than 150,000 square feet. OG had originally leased all five levels of the mall to master tenant Hao Mart for 7.5 years, of which three floors were occupied by the latter’s supermarket Eccellente. However, it terminated the lease after less than two years, requiring Hao Mart and its sub-tenants to vacate and surrender the premises by end-December. OG’s lawsuit comes shortly after Hao Mart sued PropNex Realty and its agent, Michael Tan Ban Aik, for alleged misrepresentation in the leasing of Taste Orchard. Hao Mart is seeking to claim almost S$3.5 million in losses, comprising five months of rent. It said that it had to pay this rental despite not being able to operate due to project delays, which it attributed to Tan’s misrepresentation. OG’s allegations In a statement of claim dated Oct 21, 2025, OG alleges that Hao Mart had failed to pay rent for the period of Jan 17, 2024 to Nov 1, 2024, amounting to a sum of S$9.2 million. OG is represented by Dentons Rodyk’s Koh Kia Jeng and Astrid Teo. It claimed that despite making further demands for payment on four separate occasions – July 19, Aug 7, Aug 21 and Oct 10 – in 2024, Hao Mart had “failed, refused or neglected” to pay rent and other charges due. This is with the exception of S$10.3 million – which OG received from Hao Mart around Dec 23, 2024 – and S$2.2 million, which OG received from United Overseas Bank on Jun 11, 2025, after issuing a demand to the bank under a letter of guarantee. Both of these sums were supposedly payment for damages, given OG’s termination of the lease agreement. Secondly, OG alleged that Hao Mart breached the lease agreement by subletting or parting possession with “parts of the premises” without obtaining its prior written consent. It said that it had learnt “sometime in August 2024” that Hao Mart had entered into various tenancy agreements with other third parties. OG claimed that Hao Mart did not remedy its unauthorised subletting of the premises, even after its solicitors had demanded for this on Aug 21, 2024 and Oct 10, 2024. As a result of these breaches, OG said that it notified Hao Mart – by letters dated Nov 18, 2024 – that it would be exercising its right of re-entry and accordingly, ending the lease agreement. It added that Hao Mart was given six weeks to vacate and surrender the premises no later than Dec 30, 2024, on top of reinstatement. However, OG stated that to date, Hao Mart has “failed, refused or neglected” to return the premises and remains “wrongfully in possession” of it. Taste Orchard, formerly known as OG Orchard Point, opened in February 2024 as a food-focused mall spanning more than 150,000 square feet across five levels. PHOTO: BT FILE OG said that on Oct 21, 2025, it had issued a letter to Hao Mart informing the operator of the outstanding sum of S$6.6 million as at Oct 1. On top of this, OG is seeking to claim interest of 12 per cent per annum, calculated daily, and mesne profits – or double the rent – from Hao Mart until the premises are handed over. It said that the latter is in accordance with a clause in the lease agreement commencing from Oct 21, 2025. Furthermore, OG alleged that it has suffered “damages, loss and expense” arising from or connected with these breaches and lease termination. It stated that it “expressly reserves all rights to claim for any further losses, damages, costs or other reliefs” arising from or connected to the lease agreement – including its termination – against Hao Mart, whether in these proceedings or by commencing separate proceedings. At the time of filing this statement of claim, OG said that it is “unable to quantify” the losses relating to procuring a replacement tenant for Taste Orchard. Hao Mart denies claims, said OG’s action is “misconceived” In a defence and counterclaim filed on Nov 19, 2025, Hao Mart denied OG’s claims, including its purported failure to pay rent for the period Jan 17, 2024 to Nov 1, 2024. The defendant is represented by Vita Law’s Sean Francois La’Brooy and assisted by Watershed Law Christian Teo and Esther Yong. Hao Mart stated that OG’s action is “misconceived” and has been superseded by both parties’ subsequent entry into an “oral agreement” – which OG has in turn breached. Following the claimant’s notice that it would retake possession of Taste Orchard’s premises, Hao Mart said both parties held a meeting at OG’s office on Jan 20, 2025 to negotiate. Those present at the meeting included Hazel Tay, a director and shareholder at OG; her husband Adam Emilianou; as well as Hao Mart director Tan Kim Yong. According to Hao Mart, both parties had discussed whether to negotiate and enter into a new lease. On its part, it had faced “significant difficulties” during the lease period, in seeking to comply with and obtain necessary regulatory approvals and had incurred “heavy” capital expenditure. Ultimately, the defendant claimed both parties “finally decided that there would not be a new lease” and would instead enter into an oral agreement, which happened “around March 2025”. Under the terms of this oral agreement, Hao Mart said that OG would not claim mesne profits or doubled rent from January 2025 onwards. Second, OG was supposed to give Hao Mart “reasonable time” for the facility agreement to be repaid and that it had agreed to allow the mortgage to be redeemed. OG, as the lender, had previously entered into a facility agreement with Dr Tan, the borrower, for a sum of S$66.2 million. Under the arrangement, a mortgage instrument was registered over two properties jointly and severally owned by Dr Tan and his wife Teo Siew Ling. However, Hao Mart claimed OG “held its hands on the matter” from giving the notice of re-entry on Nov 18, 2024” to commencing legal action Oct 21, 2025, which was a period of more than nine months. Third, as part of the agreement, Hao Mart would return the premises to OG by Dec 31, 2025, “by terminating and providing reasonable notice period” to existing subtenants or if additional time was required, by Mar 31, 2026 at the latest. To that end, Hao Mart said that OG would not claim damages in lieu of rent from April 2025 to December 2025. Hao Mart claimed both parties “finally decided that there would not be a new lease” and would instead enter into an oral agreement, which happened “around March 2025”. PHOTO: TAY CHU YI, BT FILE Fourth, Hao Mart said that OG had allegedly requested “forbearance” from the defendant in not commencing legal action against it with regard to the PropNex case. Hao Mart said that it had acceded on its part. Fifth, Hao Mart said that OG would share costs with the defendant with regard to the termination of the subtenancies, with the sum to be agreed upon. This was allegedly also on the basis that OG “would be getting a new master tenant and benefit from delivery of vacant possession of the premises earlier” by Dec 31, 2025 or at the latest, Mar 31, 2026. Sixth, Hao Mart said that OG would compensate the defendant – with the sum to be agreed upon – for the capital expenditure and expenses it had incurred during the lease period. This compensation, it said, also bears in mind “the misrepresentations made by Michael Tan and PropNex” who were OG’s agents at the material time, as well as the extensions of time Hao Mart had required in the lease agreement which OG had agreed to. OG’s action “premature” and “wrongful” In its defence, Hao Mart denied OG’s allegation that it had not paid the outstanding rent and other charges, which amounted to S$9.3 million. It pointed out that the claimant had acknowledged that it had received a larger sum of S$10.3 million, and would refer to the terms of the oral agreement. On OG’s accusations of subletting without seeking its approval, Hao Mart argued that the claimant “knew or ought to have known” of the subtenants and subtenancies as it “maintained an office” on Taste Orchard’s fifth floor. Subtenants “had to apply directly to the claimant” for season parking, it added. As such, Hao Mart asserted that OG had “acquiesced to the subtenants” and by this conduct, is precluded from making claims with regard to the subtenancies. The defendant also argued that it is permitted to grant concession space and licences to third party food and beverage and lifestyle retail stores without seeking OG’s approval, as these are “approved industries” under the lease agreement. Responding to OG’s claim that it is “unable to quantify the losses” arising from having to procure a replacement tenant for the premises, Hao Mart stated that OG had shared that there was, in fact, a replacement tenant “who would be signing a new lease agreement”. That was why OG had requested the premises to be handed over by Dec 31, 2025 or Mar 31, 2026 at the latest, it added. Furthermore, Hao Mart denied that OG is entitled to any reliefs it has demanded. It said that OG’s action is “premature” and “wrongful” since the claimant had agreed the premises could be handed over by Dec 31, 2025, and that this deadline had not yet expired when OG commenced legal proceedings against it. OG has since filed its own reply and defence to Hao Mart, denying “each and every allegation” in the latter’s defence and counterclaim.

Japanese department store Isetan will be closing its outlet at Serangoon NEX shopping mall in April 2026. This comes after 15 years since it first opened at the mall located in Serangoon. In a Facebook post by NEX Singapore, the mall said: "After 15 wonderful years at NEX, Isetan will be closing its doors in April 2026. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Isetan for their unwavering support and partnership over the years." The mall also teased that "new and exciting offerings" are coming soon to NEX. One outlet left Isetan recently closed their Tampines outlet in November 2025. Their flagship store at Isetan Scotts in Orchard remains its only outlet left in Singapore. The store confirmed this in a reply to a comment on their Facebook on Dec. 8. Screenshot via Facebook

If it keto then yes

hahahahahaha

why cant SG just shutdown/disband the whole of SG football. use the stadium, football area to build more flat/condo

BANGKOK: Singapore's Young Lions are on the brink of Southeast Asian (SEA) Games elimination after a 1-3 humbling at the hands of Timor-Leste on Saturday (Dec 6). Goals from Vabio Canavaro, Anizo Correia and Olagar Xavier were enough to sink Firdaus Kassim's men, who led through Amir Syafiz. To stand any chance of progressing to the semi-finals, Singapore will have to beat hosts Thailand by a significant margin on Dec 11. Thailand had already thrashed Timor-Leste 6-1 in their opening game on Wednesday. This service is not intended for persons residing in the E.U. By clicking subscribe, I agree to receive news updates and promotional material from Mediacorp and Mediacorp’s partners. The three countries were drawn in Group A following Cambodia’s withdrawal from the men’s football tournament at the Games. Singapore players react after Timor-Leste scored its third goal against them during the first half of the SEA Games match at Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Dec 6, 2025. (Photo: CNA/Jeremy Long) At the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, it was Timor-Leste which had the slight edge early on as Correia spurred a good chance in the 8th minute when a low freekick found him unmarked. Three minutes later, Timor-Leste were made to pay after the Young Lions wrestled control of the ball in the midfield, with a Jonan Tan pass sprayed out to Khairin Nadim. The striker's shot cannoned back off the post, but fell to Amir Syafiz, who slammed home. Singapore’s Young Lions celebrate after scoring against Timor-Leste in the first half of the SEA Games match at Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Dec 6, 2025. (Photo: CNA/Jeremy Long) But the Timor-Leste heads did not drop and they were rewarded in the 19th minute. While Young Lions goalkeeper Aizil Yazid pulled off a good stop from Tristan Arrarate, the ball rebounded to Cannavaro, who made no mistake. The dangerman for Timor-Leste was their skipper Zenivio. He came close to putting his team ahead soon after, but drilled a shot wide. The Tanjong Pagar player continued to be a thorn in the side of the Young Lions' defence, and forced Aizil into a diving stop soon after. With Timor-Leste in the ascendancy, Anizo had the freedom of the penalty box to score his side's second in the 43rd minute. The Young Lions were reeling, and Timor-Leste got their third in first-half added time. Xavier robbed Khairin of the ball, evaded a despairing tackle and tucked home after his first shot was saved. After the interval, Singapore came within inches of a second, but Kieran Teo's shot rebounded off the post with Timor-Leste goalkeeper Egidio Lurio beaten. The Young Lions should have got their second in the 81st minute, but substitute Nicholas Beninger hit the post and Kharin scuffed his shot at Egidio. A WOEFUL TRACK RECORD Singapore’s U-22 men’s football team have fared poorly at the Games in the past editions. The team last qualified for the semi-finals in 2013. Since then, they have been eliminated from the group stage in the next five Games. Timor-Leste celebrating their equaliser against Singapore during the first half of the SEA Games match at Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Dec 6, 2025. (Photo: CNA/Jeremy Long) Singapore’s Tan Jonan En Yuan with Amir Syafiz Abdul Rashid after the first half of the SEA Ganes match at Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Dec 6, 2025. (Photo: CNA/Jeremy Long) At the last edition of the tournament, the Young Lions suffered a 0-7 drubbing at the hands of Causeway rivals Malaysia. That was Singapore's heaviest defeat at the Games since the competition became an age-group affair in 2001. Earlier this year, the Young Lions were left out of the provisional list for the Games. But the team appealed successfully, playing out two closed-door friendlies, with a win and a draw, to strengthen the case for their inclusion. Late changes to the Young Lions' Games scheduling have not been ideal for preparations. The team were originally drawn in Group C to face champions Indonesia, Myanmar and the Philippines in Chiang Mai. However, after the withdrawal of Cambodia, Firdaus' men were shifted to Group A. Group B comprises Malaysia, Vietnam and Laos. The three group winners and the best second-placed team will advance to the semi-finals. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/singapore-timor-leste-sea-games-football-young-lions-5565451

If your only plans for the end of the week are staying at home and doomscrolling, it’s high time to get off your bum and shake up that sedentary routine. There’s so much happening in town on weekend nights, and no, we’re not taking cries of “it’s too far” and “I’m lazy to travel” as excuses – because CapitaLand has just launched a brand new shuttle bus service which operates between hotspots in town, CQ @ Clark Quay itself, and residential areas. Plus, with the day-to-night venue recently undergoing a massive revamp, there’s no reason why you should hole yourself up instead of exploring every corner of this vibrant precinct. It sounds almost too good to be true, but the CQ Night Shuttle is absolutely free to board, with looping pick-ups and drop-offs between the lifestyle hub and various points in town between 11pm to 3am. These include Somerset MRT, Ion Orchard, Ascott Orchard, Plaza Singapura, and Raffles City. Forget about your usual bedtime, because as long as you can easily zip around without forking out on cab fare, the night is still young as far as we are concerned. What about getting home, then? That’s all accounted for as well, provided you stay in the east or west. After the clubs and bars in CQ have closed for the night, the shuttle bus embarks from Clarke Quay 4am with direct one-way routes to Tampines MRT station and Westgate in Jurong. Even if you don’t live in either corner of the island, having one leg of your commute covered by the shuttle’s town loop is already a win. Here’s a handy infographic charting out the CQ Night Shuttle and Home Shuttle route: Photograph: CapitaLand TIME OUT TIP In true Singaporean fashion, you might wish to queue for the shuttle buses in advance. The town shuttle is a cosy one that seats only 23 persons, while the ones dropping off at Jurong and Tampines are slightly bigger with a 45-passenger capacity. Find out more about the CQ Night Shuttle and check the exact route and bus schedule here.

SINGAPORE – When Ms Joanne Huang picked up baking over a decade ago, she did not expect it to become her life’s work. What began as an act of love to ease her baker husband’s workload ended up taking her to the global stage. In July, the 44-year-old received the World Confectioner of the Year 2025 award at the International Union of Bakers and Confectioners Awards in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Although she sees herself as still a rookie in the industry, she is the first South-east Asian woman and first Singaporean to earn the title. Back in 2014, she learnt how to bake to help out her husband, Mr Forest Lim, 49. She watched him wake up five days a week at 2am to make curry puffs, doughnuts and egg tarts before delivering them to seven school canteens. Pregnant with their second child then, she could only help with packing and accompanying him on his delivery runs. The couple and their eldest son, then two years old, lived in an HDB flat above Mr Lim’s family bakery – founded in 1979 as New Generation Confectionery in Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 – while waiting for their own flat to be ready. Born in Taiwan, Ms Huang moved to Singapore in early 2012, after a whirlwind one-month romance with Mr Lim, whom she met while working here as a dance instructor in November 2011. She married him in May the following year and became a stay-at-home mother here. “It pained me to see my husband working so hard and I wanted to find some way to help him,” she recalls. Up till then, Ms Huang, who has a certificate of study in applied foreign languages from the Overseas Chinese University in Taichung City, had worked only as a dance teacher. With no baking experience, she suggested creating an online platform specialising in customised cakes for special occasions, which were then becoming popular. Mr Lim handled production while she managed their Facebook marketing and orders. “Right there and then, I knew I wanted to learn cake-making first to ease his burden,” she says. Former dance instructor Joanne Huang learnt baking out of a desire to help her baker husband. ST PHOTO: HEDY KHOO Secret plan After giving birth to her second child in March 2014, she took both children to Taiwan for a month in November, telling her husband she wanted to visit her family. It was a cover for her plan: an intensive two-week cake-making course at a bakery school there. “The timing was right. My mother was able to help look after my children while I attended classes and learnt how to make cakes. I wanted to surprise my husband when I got back.” Her first morning back in Singapore, she prepared whipped cream and decorated a cake her husband was supposed to work on. Surprised by her new skills, he supported her decision to continue attending bakery classes here and urged her to enter competitions. She eventually worked alongside him full time. Today, her creations – cakes, shio pan and sourdough loaves – sell out regularly. Winning the global award in her 11th year of baking marked a milestone she had never thought was possible, says Ms Huang, who hopes her win can serve as encouragement to younger bakers. Ms Joanne Huang was awarded World Confectioner of the Year 2025 by the International Union of Bakers and Confectioners in a ceremony held in Brazil’s Sao Paulo. ST PHOTO: HEDY KHOO “I want people to know, you can be working in a neighbourhood bakery and still have the opportunity to earn global recognition, as long as you continue to have passion and believe in what you do.” Mr Lim says: “When she initially told me she wanted to learn baking to ease my workload, I didn’t expect her to progress to this level and excel in the field. “She is always finding ways to improve her baking techniques and expand her knowledge, despite our daily workload at the bakery.” Before she became a baker, Ms Huang taught hip-hop dance to adult students in Taiwan for five years. She had picked up dancing on her own and later joined a dance group. “I love dancing,” she says. “I don’t have stage fright. It has helped me have the confidence to take part in baking competitions.” Baking appealed to the same creative instincts. “I like to create and try out new ideas, and see if customers can accept them.” Becoming a Singapore citizen in 2017 strengthened Ms Huang’s resolve to make baking her career. That same year, she entered her first international competition in Taiwan, creating a pineapple tart shaped like ang ku kueh and placed third. Bread came next in 2018. “I realised that to help my husband modernise his family’s bakery, I needed to understand bread thoroughly,” she says. It took her six months to master bread-making, beginning with the basics like proofing, kneading and shaping loaves, before she started incorporating local ingredients, such as laksa leaves and curry leaves, into the dough. Marrying trend and tradition A major renovation in 2018 transformed their 796 sq ft heritage bakery into today’s sleek-looking shop, which was renamed Cake In Action By New Generation. The couple invested $180,000 into the makeover, outfitting it with a new four-tier deck oven and industrial cake mixers. They also consolidated their online customised cake platform and physical bakery. One of the biggest hurdles was her father-in-law, who valued old-school loyalty to their long-time suppliers. Ms Huang recalls modifying their doughnut recipe using a higher-quality locally milled flour from a different supplier. “My father-in-law questioned me on the need to use expensive flour, which cost 20 per cent more than the one he had been using for years,” she says. The matter was laid to rest after he found that the new flour rendered well-hydrated dough, resulting in moister bakes and favourable feedback from regulars. Convinced the bakery was in good hands, he handed over the reins to the couple that year. Today, the doughnuts ($1.20 for sugar-coated, $1.50 for chocolate-coated) sell out daily. Ms Joanne Huang and her husband, Mr Forest Lim, run neighbourhood bakery Cake In Action By New Generation together. ST PHOTO: HEDY KHOO But some items remain unchanged. The butter cake and banana cake ($5 each) still hew to her father-in-law’s original recipes. Her attempts to introduce sourdough to the bakery took five years to succeed. In 2019, through the Singapore Bakery & Confectionery Trade Association – where she now serves as assistant secretary-general, with Mr Lim as president – she met a Swedish chef who shared his sourdough techniques generously. In June 2025, he passed her a levain (fermented dough) starter that is over 100 years old, which helped her ferment new batches of dough. Her own first attempts in 2020 failed miserably. Customers, unfamiliar with sourdough, mistakenly thought the bread had gone bad as they found it too hard and sour. After three months of poor sales and constant complaints, she took it off the menu. She reintroduced sourdough in October this year. Her latest iteration of Sourdough Loaf ($7) uses 30 per cent levain and is made with French flour. The levain results in a moist, chewy texture, enabling the bread to stay soft for three days, though she recommends freezing it. Since June, she has also incorporated levain into the recipes for the bakery’s doughnuts, baguettes and sweet buns, resulting in more digestible breads with a moister chewiness. Ms Huang also launched her new shio pan range, made with levain – Original, Matcha and Sesame ($1.80 each) – in August. Sourdough Loaf and Shio Pan in original, matcha and sesame flavours at Cake In Action. ST PHOTO: HEDY KHOO Staying grounded Her life remains centred in Ang Mo Kio, where she works and lives with her husband and their three children, aged 13, 11 and nine. She gets up every morning at 6am and is at the bakery by 6.30am, gathering and preparing ingredients for her bakes. Ms Joanne Huang starts work at 6.30am daily. ST PHOTO: HEDY KHOO Her husband prepares the children for school and reports for bakery duty by 8.30am after dropping them off. At 1pm, Ms Huang heads home to their four-room flat to do housework as the couple do not have a domestic worker. Her day ends at 10pm after the children are put to bed. As the bakery opens daily, they have no weekly day off. But she and her husband make it a point to take two days off monthly, which they use to run errands together. She says their love is not built on grand gestures but simple acts of thoughtfulness, such as her husband helping to mop the floor at home or taking her for a leisurely Taiwanese breakfast at one of her favourite eateries on their day off. “We see each other daily and spend nearly all our waking hours together, but we still get along and enjoy chatting with each other,” she says. Full-blown arguments are rare. “We always find some way to resolve any differences in opinion amicably.” Mr Lim says: “Having her by my side in life and in work puts my heart at ease.” She relishes how he still issues her challenges at work. “He will ask me if I want to take on more difficult orders, such as making 3D cakes.” She remembers an early mistake in 2018, when she forgot to add yeast to a batch of dough. “After four years on the job, I should not be making such an error,” she says. “But my husband did not yell at me or get angry that we had to throw out all 30kg of dough. Instead, he suggested that when I prepare the ingredients, I should put the yeast at a prominent spot where I won’t miss it.” She has no desire to work in a fancy patisserie in town. “I have never regretted my choice to work in a neighbourhood bakery. My main aim, right from the beginning, is to help my husband,” she says. “Many of our regulars have become our friends. They buy food for us and even give us souvenirs from their overseas trips.” “You can have lofty ideas as a baker, but at a neighbourhood bakery, being practical is key,” she says. “In the Central Business District, baked goods must be trendy to keep up with the younger working crowd. But at a neighbourhood bakery like ours, we focus on product consistency because we depend on regulars.” But she insists on using better-quality ingredients at the expense of higher profits. “I want to use high-quality ingredients, and I am willing to earn less because my goal is to give my customers baked goods they can eat with peace of mind and feel satisfied with.” Baking continues to surprise her after 11 years. “When I married a baker, I never imagined becoming one myself. I still love bread as much; I eat it every morning,” she says. “It is just like my husband. I don’t get tired of him.”

SINGAPORE - The police have issued 121 prohibition of disposal orders against vehicles registered under SRS Auto amid a multi-agency probe into possible money laundering activities in the car leasing business. The order blocks the sale and transfer of vehicles owned by the car leasing firm. Investigations had started in 2024, after police received financial intelligence from the Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office regarding Cambodian businessman Chen Zhi and his associates The 38-year-old tycoon, who chairs real estate and financial services conglomerate Prince Group, was later indicted in the US on Oct 14, 2025, over alleged wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy, and for allegedly directing the operation of forced-labour scam compounds in Cambodia. The probe in Singapore involves the police and member agencies of the Anti-Money Laundering Case Coordination and Collaboration Network, including the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and intelligence agencies. The Straits Times understands that police investigators are speaking to a number of industry insiders, including Ms Chen Xiaoxuan. Ms Chen is the daughter of Mr Tan Yew Kiat, the owner of SRS Auto. Mr Tan was arrested following a raid at his firm’s office in Kung Chong Road in late November. The 49-year-old was arrested for his suspected involvement in money laundering services. SRS Auto owner Tan Yew Kiat was arrested following a raid at his firm’s office in Kung Chong Road in late November. PHOTO: ST FILE Ms Chen, who is assisting police with their investigations, is listed as a director of Supreme Cars Financial Services, Rolls Platform, and Cars and Coffee Leasing. They are all registered to a commercial property at 2 Jalan Kilang Barat, which Ms Chen owns through her fourth company, 2JKB. Mr Tan and Ms Chen previously had links to two other firms in the auto trade – Supreme Cars Financial Services and SRS Auto Capital. Chen Zhi appears to be the central figure in the probe. Investigations started in 2024 after police received intelligence on Cambodian tycoon Chen Zhi, later indicted in the US over alleged wire fraud and money laundering. PHOTO: PRINCE GROUP The authorities are looking into his many business interests in Singapore, investments in sectors such as the auto trade, and individuals he had dealings with. ST previously reported that the commercial property also known as 2 Jalan Kilang Barat is directly linked to 11 Singapore-based companies owned by Chen Zhi, and another three linked to his close adviser Chen Xiuling, or Karen Chen. Located in the Bukit Merah vicinity, the property at 2 Jalan Kilang Barat was put up for sale for $50 million on Dec 2. PHOTO: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS Mr Tan and his close associate and former schoolmate Quek Teng Guan are also directly linked to Chen Zhi. The Singaporeans were directors in TGC Cambodia, a “pawnshop” in Phnom Penh chaired by a shadowy individual named Chhay Guy, who was sanctioned by the US Treasury along with Chen Zhi for their alleged ties to online scams and money laundering. Unregulated loans Motor vehicle loans granted by financial institutions must abide by the MAS’ motor vehicle financing restrictions, which place limits on the amount of loans that can be given out. The maximum loan-to-value limit is based on the vehicle’s open market value (OMV). For cars with an OMV above $20,000, the loan is capped at 60 per cent of the purchase price, while for those with an OMV below or equal to $20,000, the cap is 70 per cent. Car leasing companies are known to offer lease-to-own schemes that fall outside of MAS regulations. These schemes include unsecured personal loans, with higher interest rates, that can account for 100 per cent of the value of the car. In a reply to a parliamentary question in October, Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow said that such alternative financing arrangements extended by car dealers are not regulated by MAS. “Buyers are strongly advised to obtain loans through regulated arrangements instead of unregulated ones, as they will have no protection if there are problems with the loan arrangements,” he added. Industry insiders had previously sounded a note of caution over the rampant use of such financial arrangements by vehicle owners who register their cars as private-hire or corporate vehicles. Used-car marketplace Carro had revealed at a roundtable in 2023 that up to eight in 10 of its customers had taken loans to purchase a vehicle, and the bulk of those customers tend to register their cars as a corporate car or private hire vehicle. According to Land Transport Authority figures, the number of chauffeured private-hire cars surged from 614 to 46,477 between 2013 and 2022, while the pool of privately owned cars fell from 582,296 to 542,145. A spokesperson for MAS told ST that although the regulatory body does not regulate vehicle leasing companies, Singapore’s anti-money laundering laws apply whether or not an entity is licensed and regulated. INSEAD’s associate professor of finance Ben Charoenwong said motor vehicle financing is governed by the Ministry of Law for licensed moneylenders, under the Hire-Purchase Act for hire-purchase arrangements, and by MAS for financial institutions. In-house financing provided by car leasing companies falls outside of the regulatory environment. Prof Charoenwong said: “Regulated financial institutions must actively prevent and report – conducting know-your-customer (checks), monitoring transactions, and filing suspicious activity transaction reports. “Car leasing firms face no such preventive requirements. They are liable only if caught laundering.” He said the lack of regulatory oversight presents structural weaknesses that could be exploited. “When a car leasing firm receives a ‘business loan’ from an offshore entity, the firm’s bank sees incoming funds with commercial documentation. “The bank cannot easily verify whether the offshore source is legitimate,” said Prof Charoenwong. This is one area currently being looked at in the car leasing probe. SRS Auto was found to have taken an unspecified loan involving an undisclosed sum from Chen Zhi’s sanctioned Singapore investment vehicle – Skyline Investment Management – some time in May 2017. Prof Charoenwong noted that the source of funds in SRS Auto’s case was uncovered only years later. “Why would a Cambodia-linked entity provide revolving credit to a Singapore car lessor? “The absence of a coherent commercial rationale should itself be a red flag,” he said. Singapore University of Social Sciences transport economist Walter Theseira said current arrangements that limit vehicle financing are intended to promote consumer prudence and manage risk for financial institutions. He added that a secondary objective is that they also help to manage “COE (certificate of entitlement) market froth”. However, these arrangements are rendered ineffective for consumers willing to take the risk of unregulated loan arrangements. Prof Charoenwong said there are no easy fixes. “Regulators have several options, but it is also not immediately obvious the response to the scandal should be more regulation. “Better enforcement of existing rules – sure, but we don’t necessarily need much heavier-handed solutions,” he said, adding that tightening car leasing may push money launderers to other high-value assets, including boats, watches and art. “Global shadow banking assets grew from US$28 trillion (from 2009) to US$63 trillion (S$81.6 trillion) by 2022. The same dynamic applies here. Bad actors don’t disappear when disciplined. They migrate,” he added. Sale allowed A police spokesperson said car dealers who have financed vehicles through SRS Auto can submit documentation to sell or redeem these loans. “SPF (Singapore Police Force) will verify and assess the requests on a case-by-case basis. SPF will also seize any loan redemption amounts that are payable to SRS Auto,” the police added. A loan redemption refers to the settlement of the outstanding loan, which would include both the principal sum borrowed and interest collected. A car dealer ST contacted said he was informed that cars he had purchased through SRS Auto’s financing have not been blocked. Mr Ng Lee Kwang, managing director at Octagon Motors Group, said he had taken a loan of around $80,000 from SRS Auto to fund the purchase of a Kia Cerato and Honda City to resell them. He was informed by SRS Auto in late November that the loans for the two cars are not subject to any restrictions, so he can sell the cars and redeem the loans. This is known as a floor stock loan, which is a form of short-term financing that motor dealers like Octagon Motors Group use to buy cars for reselling. Such loans are typically given in three-month blocks. Motor dealers have to repay the sum owed before they can transfer ownership of the car to the next buyer.

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A female security guard in Singapore was reportedly assaulted by a male shopper while on duty at a mall on Dec. 3. In a Facebook post on Dec. 4, the Union of Security Employees (USE) said the incident occurred at about 11:30pm when she had informed him that the mall was closing. While USE did not disclose the exact location, the union indicated that it occurred at a shopping mall in northern Singapore. Suffered injuries to her hand According to USE, the security officer, identified as Delos, was ignored by the man, reportedly in his mid-30s, who was told that the mall would be closing. She then approached him again, but he suddenly became aggressive. Despite attempting to keep her distance, the man allegedly advanced towards her and punched her. She defended herself but sustained injuries to her hand, and the man fled shortly after. Police were alerted immediately, and a report supported by CCTV footage has been filed. Delos received medical attention and was given three days of medical leave. "Despite the trauma, Sister Delos, the sole breadwinner for her family, has bravely returned to the same site after her medical leave," said USE. Union condemns assault The union also condemned the alleged attack and reiterated that security officers must be protected from abuse while carrying out their duties. Security officers operate under the Private Security Industry Act (PSIA), which mandates their role in safeguarding lives and property. In May 2022, it was strengthened to offer greater protection for officers. USE has urged members of the public with information on any incidents of abuse against security officers to report them through the MyUSE app or via email at [email protected].

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