A new addition in parts of CCK Town has a ‘dampening effect’ — and residents couldn’t be happier.
Top and Bottom photo: Sound barrier between Choa Chu Kang Ave 1 and Ave 4 from Bukit Gombak to Choa Chu Kang MRT Station.
The completed railway sound barriers along the tracks at CCK and Bukit Gombak MRT stations have reduced railway noise levels by some 5 to 10 decibels.
Commenting on the improvement since the barriers have gone up, CCK estate resident David Er said: “In the past, if we were listening to the news on TV when a train passed by, the newscaster would get drowned out and we would miss the most important news point. That was frustrating.”
Such an occurrence, fortunately, is a problem of the past, solved by the installation of the railway noise barriers.
In fact, David, a CCK estate resident for almost three decades, feels the noise barriers have reduced the sound of passing trains by up to 60%.
He explained that residents like him who live near sections of the MRT track that curve have had to live with more noise than normal because the trains have to brake to slow down, hence creating more sounds.
His family coped with the higher decibels by taking measures such as closing the windows during nap times when his three children were younger. When the kids grew up, they would head out to the library when studying for their exams.
He laughingly said that everyone in his household had grown so used to the noise that it felt strange not to hear the trains so clearly when the noise barriers first went up. Ultimately, they are grateful for the noise reduction.
David is one of many residents across Singapore who has benefited from the Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) noise barrier programme for elevated sections of the North-South and East-West MRT Lines.
Sound barrier along Bukit Batok West Ave 5 from Bukit Batok to Bukit Gombak MRT Station.
Over 2km of noise barriers have been installed in these three locations in CCK Town, between:
- Bukit Batok St 31 to Block 395 Bukit Batok West Avenue 5,
- Bukit Batok Street 52 and Bukit Batok Avenue 5.
- Choa Chu Kang Avenues 1 and 4.
Another 560m stretch of the railway track from Block 805D Brickland Road to Choa Chua Kang Avenue 1 is expected to be completed by 2024.
In total, about 27km of noise barriers would have been installed across Singapore as a result of this programme – a welcomed improvement for many residents, especially those staying near the MRT tracks.
Did you know that Keat Hong and Brickland estates have hidden gems? They are much-loved by many residents there.
Uncle Ong Chin Hing and Uncle Jamadi Bin Meron are our estate cleaners who have become old friends to residents in the precincts they serve.
Uncle Ong’s work is so thorough that even visitors to Keat Hong have noticed how clean it is, and envy residents for having Uncle Ong take care of them.
Uncle Jamadi, on the other hand, is well-loved by the littlest residents in Brickland.
Going the Extra Mile and Beyond
Uncle Ong, who has served Keat Hong residents faithfully for the past 13 years, has been ill and away from work in recent weeks. Residents say the cleaner, whose dedication to his work is well-known in the estate, has been sorely missed.
Uncle Ong has been taking care of Keat Hong for the past 13 years, and residents say they are lucky to have him.
The popular estate cleaner in his 70s received the most nominations for CCK Town’s inaugural Appreciate Our Cleaner campaign.
Resident Lee Kaixin, who nominated Uncle Ong, said she has known him for more than a decade, since she moved into the estate. She admires the way the quiet cleaner is meticulous in his work.
“He will sweep each and every corner of the common space outside my unit such that it looks even cleaner than inside my home!” she laughingly said.
As someone who is rather shy herself, Kaixin said the Town Council’s campaign to appreciate cleaners gave her an opportunity to express her heartfelt gratitude for Uncle Ong.
Another nominator, Tan Pheck Luang, is not even a resident of Keat Hong, but is so impressed by Uncle Ong that he felt compelled to put in a good word for him.
Pheck Luang, who often visits his granddaughter in Keat Hong, said the thoughtful and caring cleaner would always remind residents to take extra care when walking on the wet floor after he has mopped it.
Not only does Uncle Ong clean the common areas on the ground floor, but he also goes the extra mile to sweep the corridor of every floor. Pheck Luang added: “The way he sweeps is like a person taking care of his own house, not missing any corner or space. I envy the residents living in the blocks under his care. They are lucky to have the best cleaner taking care of them.”
As Uncle Ong has not been well recently, he has not been at work and could not be interviewed for this article.
Residents hope that Uncle Ong will get well soon!
A Hit with the Kids
Friendly Uncle Jamadi is a ‘kid magnet’ in Brickland.
Brickland, on the other hand, has a ‘kid magnet’ who is none other than the friendly estate cleaner Uncle Jamadi.
Children at the nearby PCF Sparkletots preschool greet him “good morning” or “selamat pagi” without fail whenever they meet him.
Uncle Jamadi Bin Meron is popular with the children in Brickland. The kids will wave and stop to chat with him whenever they spot him.
They love to chit chat with him and show him their art and crafts. Their parents do not hurry them, giving the preschoolers plenty of time to interact with the 65-year-old.
Some parents will even buy extra snacks to offer to him when they pick up their children from the preschool. Often, Uncle Jamadi also has children waiting patiently to give him fruit or drinks whenever he goes by their homes on his duty rounds.
The father of three grown kids said he doesn’t know the ‘magic’ behind his popularity with the youngest residents. He said it could be because he smiles at the children whenever they walk to school, and they see him as a friendly and familiar figure in the neighbourhood.
After working as a cleaner for a condominium for over a decade, Uncle Jamadi started working for CCK Town Council in the last 1.5 years. He said he enjoys working in HDB estates because of the increased interactions he has with the residents and their children. They make him feel like he‘s part of Brickland estate.
Brickland resident QB Wong and her 2-year-old son Kai He with Uncle Jamadi. Kai He is one of the many children in the estate who love saying hi to the friendly cleaner.
It especially warms his heart when residents get their children to greet him whenever they meet him. He’s touched by their attention and respect, something cleaners like him really treasure.
Resident Nur Atikah, who nominated him, said Uncle Jamadi starts work as early as around 5am. The cheery and affable cleaner will always greet her when they meet.
She appreciates how hard Uncle Jamadi works to give residents like her a pleasant living environment. Not wanting to take his contributions for granted, Nur Atikah is happy that Uncle Jamadi has been recognised by the Town Council’s award and hopes that it will be a constant encouragement to him in his work.
Deepavali falls on 4th November this year. Contrary to popular misconception, Deepavali or the Festival of Lights is not a celebration of the Indian New Year, which usually falls in April. Instead, Deepavali marks the triumph of good (and light) over evil (or darkness).
As with most Asian festivities, food is central in the celebrations.
Many Indian families will be stocking up on desserts called ‘mithai’ in Hindu or Urdu, to give as gifts or to serve family and guests.
No meal or celebration is complete without a generous serving of ‘mithai’.
Made from base ingredients of milk, sugar, ghee and flour, ‘mithai’ is suitable for vegetarians. The addition of other ingredients such as nuts, spices, rose water, etc, create amazing varieties of very tasty desserts.
Most Indian sweets are cooked over stovetops, not baked. A thick-bottomed wok which ensures a slower transfer of heat to ensure that nothing burns is essential in the making of ‘mithai’.
Some common Indian ‘mithai’ are:
Jalebi
Ladoo
Ras malai
Gulab jamun
- Jalebi: a sticky-sweet snack made of fried batter soaked in sugar syrup that originates from Baghdad in Iraq
- Ladoo: a ball-shaped dessert made of chickpea flour to which chopped nuts and/or fruit are added.
- Ras malai: a soft cottage cheese dumpling soaked in rose-infused milk syrup. The name of this Bengali dessert is a combination of two Hindi words: ‘ras’ (which means juicy) and ‘malai’ (which means cream)
- Gulab jamun: a round rose-scented snack made of fried milk solids which has its roots in a Persian (modern day Iran) dessert
After this primer on ‘mithai’, are you ready to test what you have learnt?
Take the quiz:
Q1: Indian desserts are known in Hindi/Urdu as:
a) Sharkara
b) Mithai
c) Khanda
Q2: Which ingredient below is not used to make ‘mithai’?
a) Chicken
b) Rose water
c) Chickpea flour
Q3: How are Indian sweets cooked?
a) Baked
b) Sun-dried
c) Cooked over stovetops
Q4: Where did ‘jalebi’ come from?
a) Philippines
b) Bengal
c) Baghdad
Q5: Which dessert has a name which means “juicy cream”?
a) Murukku
b) Ras malai
c) Gulab jamun
Answer key:
Q1: b. In Sanskrit, ‘sharkara’ means sugar, whereas ‘khanda’ refers to candy.
Q2: a
Q3: c
Q4: c
Q5: b
HaCCKathon event moves CCK closer to sustainable living
(Left to Right): Mr Don Wee, Member of Parliament for Chua Chu Kang GRC (Brickland), Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, Mr Lim Kok Kiang, Principal of Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Ms Low Yen Ling, Mayor of South West District and Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, Member of Parliament for Chua Chu Kang GRC (Keat Hong).
Imagine living in an estate where you can charge your electric car in your carpark, where food waste goes into a compost hub which is used to fertilise community rooftop gardens, which are used in turn by residents to grow fruits and vegetables for consumption.
In this estate, residents sort and recycle their waste, and solar panels are installed on rooftops to harness solar power. There is no shortage of green space and gardens which not only provide shade and venues for the young and old to exercise and play, but in some cases also help to prevent floods during heavy rain.
Sounds like a dream? It may soon become a reality for some Brickland residents.
CCK Town is looking to pilot such a virtuous eco-cycle of sustainable living at Blocks 801 to 806 at Keat Hong Close.
Collaborating with eco-partners like SembCorp, HDB and Nanyang Technological University, this eco-project will make it possible for residents to embrace eco-living in one neighbourhood.
This is just one of many green projects expected to bear fruit in CCK Town after the HaCCKathon event facilitated by Ngee Ann Polytechnic in early October, where over CCK 80 residents came together to co-develop an eco-plan to transform CCK Town into a sustainable eco-town.
CCK Town is one of Singapore’s three eco-towns announced by the Government.
At the recent event, aptly named HaCCKathon, residents were encouraged to play an active role in shaping their living environment.
Chairman of the CCK Eco Town Taskforce, Dr Amy Khor, who is also Senior Minister of State of MSE, said: “We are looking forward to each CCK Town estate implementing at least three actionable initiatives in the coming year and also projects they could implement by 2030 in line with the Singapore Green Plan 2030.
“We also hope to develop, from our experience of this envisioning exercise, or HaCCKathon, best practices that we can share with others in their green journey.”
Dear Residents,
Partial Closure of Chua Chu Kang Town Council (Bukit Gombak Branch Office)
To safeguard the health and wellbeing of residents, visitors and staff, the Town Council’s Bukit Gombak Branch Office will be temporarily closed from Monday, 27 September 2021 to Sunday, 10 October 2021. The finance and administrative functions of the branch still remains open.
The Town Council continues to ensure that our staff work in separate teams and are not cross-deployed. Safe workplace management measures mandated by MOM and MOH are strictly followed. Our staff are reminded to seek immediate medical attention when unwell. As an added measure of precaution, they also undergo regular ART (antigen rapid test) testing.
Town Council’s services continue to run
The Town Council’s assistance and services continue to be in place for you. Residents who wish to access our services in person can either visit:
- Main office at 309 Choa Chu Kang Ave 4, Chua Chu Kang Centre, #02-02 Singapore 680309.
- (Admin & Finance Only) Bukit Gombak Branch at Blk 524 Bukit Batok St 52, #01-769, Singapore 650524
Opening hours are Mondays-Fridays: 8am to 5pm and Saturdays: 8am to 12.30pm (Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays)
Alternatively, residents can call the Town Council at 6569 0388 or email info@ccktc.org.sg for assistance or any enquiries. For payment matters, we encourage residents to use e-payment options such as Internet Banking or any of the S.A.M. or A.X.S. kiosks located island-wide.
Background
A member of the Bukit Gombak Branch staff was tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, 25 September 2021. The staff was last present in the office on Friday, 24 September 2021. Personnel in close contact with the staff have been identified and are already placed on quarantine. The Bukit Gombak Branch office had undergone a thorough cleaning and disinfection in line with NEA requirements.
Keeping everyone safe
Visitors who were at the Bukit Gombak Branch recently are advised to monitor their health, remain vigilant and exercise good hygiene practices. The health and safety of our staff and residents are our top priorities.
We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank you for your kind understanding.
We will continue to do our best in the upkeep of Chua Chu Kang Town.
Thank you. Stay well and stay safe.
Madam Soh Lian Tee with her eldest grandson, Mr Tan Kee Nam, at her flat in Keat Hong estate.
With the International Day of Older Persons coming up on 1st October, we turn the spotlight on the inspiring seniors in our midst and celebrate the resilience and ‘can-do’ spirit of our Pioneer Generation.
Meet Madam Soh Lian Tee, 102, our very own CCK Town centenarian. She survived the Japanese Occupation and lived through those early tumultuous nation-building years, during which she worked hard to raise her family of 8 children.
Mdm Soh having a quiet birthday celebration at home this year instead of the big parties of yester-years due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Photo provided by Mdm Soh’s family.
Learning Through Life’s Trials
Orphaned at seven, Mdm Soh was adopted by her maternal aunt, who married the young lady off to her adopted son, Goh Kheng Lian, who was about 3 years older.
An 18-year-old Mdm Soh in her wedding finery with Mr Goh. Photo provided by Mdm Soh’s family.
Although her husband’s family were wealthy rice merchants when Mdm Soh first got married, the Goh family was cheated of their family fortune.
Her husband became a seafarer to support his family but misfortune struck when his ship capsized. As no word was received on his whereabouts, everyone thought he had perished.
To support her six children, the youngest barely a toddler, Mdm Soh started working as a domestic helper for expatriate families. She cooked, cleaned and babysat for her employers.
Due to her diligence and industriousness, her services were highly sought.
Mdm Soh with her employer’s children. She cooked and cleaned for expatriate families to support her family. Photo provided by Mdm Soh’s family.
A few years after Mdm Soh became the family’s breadwinner, her husband made a surprise return! However, the stoic wife Mdm Soh continued working to support her family as her husband suffered from ill health until his death in 1972 at age 58.
The couple went on to have two more children after Mr Goh’s return. In total, they had eight children — one son and seven daughters.
Mdm Soh was fiercely dedicated to her job. Even during the turbulent period of the racial riots in 1964, she defied danger and went to work daily. In fact, Mdm Soh worked well into her 60s until her children managed to convince her to retire.
The feisty lady led an active life and loved cooking up a storm for her big extended family. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren never fail to rave about the matriarch’s cooking.
Fiercely independent, Mdm Soh was still doing all the housework and cooking for herself even when she turned 100. At 99 years old, she was still whipping up yummy and nutritious meals for two of her grandchildren’s post-natal confinement period.
Mdm Soh surrounded by her extended family at one of the last massive birthday party they threw for her before the outbreak of the recent Covid-19 pandemic. Photo provided by Mdm Soh’s family.
Today, her oldest daughter is 82 and youngest daughter is 60. Between them, they gave her 26 grandchildren, with the oldest aged 60, and more than 40 great-grandchildren.
Her seventh daughter, Madam Goh Bee Poh, said even though her mother is now quite deaf, she is still sharp as a nail and can recognise practically every member of her over 100-member strong extended family.
While she might not remember the names of the younger great-grandchildren so well, she is able to identify who they are related to.
Mr Tan Kee Nam, her oldest grandson, said Mdm Soh is so well loved that the extended family has a roster to ensure that she is always surrounded by at least one family member every day of the week. So, the beloved matriarch never wants for anything and is never lonely.
Mdm Goh said in Mandarin: “My mum had a tough life when she was younger, but she is now basking in all our love and care in her golden years.”
Calling all shutter bugs! Send us your best shots of CCK Town and get a chance to have your masterpieces featured in our town’s 2022 Calendar exclusive NETS FlashPay cards and win prizes!
Your photos should showcase how CCK Town thrives as an ecotown, or capture the beauty of our town’s sunrise/sunset or the diversity of its nature, flora & fauna.
12 prizes will be awarded for this photo contest.
The top 3 prizes are:
- 1st prize: Worth a total of $528 comprising $300 FairPrice shopping vouchers + exclusive NETS FlashPay card (worth $80) + Microsoft 365 Family license (worth $148)
- 2nd prize: Worth a total of $408 comprising $200 FairPrice shopping vouchers + exclusive NETS FlashPay card (worth $60) + Microsoft 365 Family license (worth $148)
- 3rd prize: Worth a total of $140 comprising $100 FairPrice shopping voucher + exclusive NETS FlashPay card (worth $40)
4th to 12th prize winners will each receive $50 FairPrice shopping vouchers.
How to participate
Send your entries to CCK Town Council by Sunday, 17 October 2021 via:
- or
- Email to corpcomms@ccktc.org.sg
Closing date
17 October 2021, 2359 hours.
Results will be announced in December 2021.
See terms & conditions.
Calling all nature lovers and photo enthusiasts!
Grab your cameras and show us your best shots of nature spots in CCK town.
Join our Action for Green Town Photo Contest 4-19 Sep 2021 and stand to win an attractive mystery prize. This contest is open only to residents of Chua Chu Kang Town (Chua Chu Kang GRC and Hong Kah North SMC).
A panel of judges will pick one winning photo per town.
To Join, simply:
- Post your photo on Facebook or Instagram with hashtags #Action4GreenTowns #CCKTC #mycckhome and set the post to public.
- Send the link of your post with your full name, contact number and address to corpcomms@ccktc.org.sg by 19 Sep 2021, 2359 hours.
- By participating, you consent to your submissions being used by Chua Chu Kang Town Council assets and publicity materials.
Share your ideas and suggestions on how we can achieve a Zero Waste, Energy Efficient and Greener Town at corpcomms@ccktc.org.sg
Let’s appreciate and protect the nature in our town together.
Uncle Alias Bin Wahid and Uncle Mohd Azmi may both be 62, but these active agers have been keeping busy and active by working as estate cleaners. The physical work keeps them fit and active, and allows them to continue supporting themselves.
Profile shot of Uncle Alias
Profile shot of Uncle Azmi
Uncle Alias has been an estate cleaner in Chua Chu Kang estate for more than 10 years, whereas Uncle Azmi has been serving Hong Kah North for the past three years, though he actually has over 30 years under his belt as an estate cleaner. His longest tenure was with Jurong Town Council for 20 years.
Both men said friendly and approachable residents in their respective estates make their work easier. Though both Uncle Alias and Uncle Azmi do not speak English well, the fact that majority of the residents often greet them with “selamat pagi” (good morning in Malay) or thank them with “terima kasih” (thank you in Malay) make them feel right at home.
Said Uncle Alias in Malay: “I like how language isn’t a barrier in this job. Even though I communicate with residents in broken English, they make a point to understand me and some even speak to me in Malay.”
Uncle Azmi added that he enjoys chatting with older residents in simple Malay and reminiscing together about the past when they all used to live in kampungs. Even younger residents, he said, will make the effort to ask him: “Uncle, you makan already?”
Always Keeping an Eye Out for the Young Ones
Even though both Uncle Alias and Uncle Azmi have encountered the occasional rude or unkind comments, both cleaners said most of the time, residents are appreciative of their work and commend them on being dependable and reliable.
Resident Keung Xi Zhen appreciates Uncle Alias for watching over her kids in the void deck.
CCK estate resident Keung Xi Zhen, who nominated Uncle Alias for the Town Council’s “Appreciate Our Cleaners” award, said she is especially grateful to him for being the extra pair of eyes watching out for her children when they are out and about playing at the void deck or pavilion.
Asked why he goes the extra mile, Uncle Alias simply replied: “Whenever I see kids playing, I naturally look out for them because I don’t wish any parent or grandparent to worry about the well-being of their kids.”
So, whenever he is performing his duties in Chua Chu Kang, and he sees children playing too near the car park, he will warn them to play elsewhere where it is safer.
Over in Hong Kah North, Uncle Azmi also keeps an eye out for the young ones.
He shared an incident where a domestic helper sought his assistance to rescue a child who went up to the top of a playground, but later became too frightened to come down.
Without any hesitation, he climbed up and carried the child down on piggyback. He said the grateful mother thanked him for doing so “without consideration to his own health” as the child he rescued was a little chubby.
As Uncle Alias sagely summarised, their age and experience allow them to understand and identify with the residents’ needs and concerns.
Residents Say Estate Cleaners Under-appreciated
Resident James Chua says he took part in the “Appreciate Our Cleaners” campaign to show cleaners like Uncle Azmi that residents do recognise and appreciate all their hard work and effort.
Of all the occupations in the world that are understated and under-appreciated, being a cleaner is one of them, said Hong Kah North resident James Cheng, who nominated Uncle Azmi.
James said: “My nomination is merely a very small gesture. I just wanted to do my part for these under-appreciated men/women who make our lives better every day!”
Asked what residents could do to make cleaners’ lives easier, James replied: “Don’t litter in public places. Any decent person will pick up after himself. No one should assume that someone else will pick up their trash.”
Without the hard work of cleaners like Uncle Azmi, our estates would be not be so spick and span, says resident James Chua.
James said he first noticed Uncle Azmi because Uncle was cycling around the estate to pick up trash. What impressed James most was the fact that Uncle Azmi went to considerable effort to pick up a small, inconspicuous piece of trash located at a corner of grass patch. That, to James, was a clear sign of Uncle Azmi’s amazing dedication.
Indeed, Xi Zhen said she has known Uncle Alias since her family moved into the estate in 2013, and he never fails to impress her with his diligence and positive spirit.
Residents say hardworking Uncle Alias starts making his rounds around CCK estate very early every day.
“He starts work super early every day,” she added.
Uncle Alias and Uncle Azmi said with the town council’s inaugural effort to recognise the efforts of cleaners in the town, it warms their hearts to know that CCK Town residents are aware of their hard work, and are appreciative, regardless of their age.
This month, as we mark our nation’s 56th birthday, we asked CCK residents what they thought are the most uniquely Singaporean items or icons.
No surprise, food made it to the list, alongside local flora and fauna, as well as well-loved icons like Singa the Courtesy Lion.
How many of these would also be your SG object of affection?
Crimson Sunbird — Yeh Chi (Brickland)
While out on a hike with his family, Brickland resident Yeh Chi spotted this little cute little fellow on the summit of Bukit Timah Hill. It was hanging upside down trying to feed on nectar.
Yeh Chi reminded us that the crimson sunbird is regarded as the “unofficial” national bird of Singapore after it won a 2002 poll organised by the Nature Society of Singapore.
Orchids — Serena Tan (Bukit Gombak)
The orchid is quintessentially Singaporean to plant lover Serena Tan, and the most famous orchid has to be Vanda Miss Joaquim, our national flower!
Did you know that Singapore is the only country in the world to have a hybrid as its national flower?
Among the several varieties of Vanda Miss Joaquim, the variety “Agnes” was chosen for its vibrant colours, hardiness and resilience — qualities that reflect our Singapore spirit.
Singa the Courtesy Lion — Barbara Lina Lei (Hong Kah North)
Hands up, those of you own a set of these 15 commemorative collectible figurines of Singa the Courtesy Lion that were produced to specially mark Singapore’s Jubilee. CCK resident Barbara Lina Lei actually owns not one but three sets of the full collection!
1.6 million of these figurines were distributed nation-wide in the National Day Parade SG50 funpacks in 2015, and they soon became popular collectors’ items. Limited sets were also made available for sale by the Singapore Kindness Movement
Dressed in costumes of various professions, there was a doctor Singa, a police Singa and one dressed in NDP red and white. There was even an “all white” DIY Singa for people to draw their own designs.
Merlion figurines — Sim Eng Pang (Bukit Gombak)
For resident and CCK Town Council volunteer Sim Eng Pang, there is nothing more endearingly Singaporean than the mythical half fish, half lion Merlion.
The half fish body symbolises Singapore’s humble beginnings as a fishing village whereas the lion’s head represents Temasek’s original name, Singapura, or ‘lion city’ in Malay.
The first Merlion statue, standing at the mouth of Singapore River, was unveiled in 1972 to welcome all visitors to Singapore. Its image has since been seen on various objects, from soft toys to chocolates to these paperweights produced by Eng Pang’s employer Makino.
Singapore Flag — James Chua (Bukit Gombak)
The Singapore flag for resident James Chua is a fond reminder of how Singapore got its independence and all the challenges our forefathers went through to build it into the small, but strong nation it is today.
Held here by James’ daughter Isabella, 8, he said the flag is also a poignant reminder of whether young or old, we, as citizens, need to stay united as one people, one nation, one Singapore.
Comic superhero Crimson Star — Ryan Mennen (Keat Hong)
What resident Ryan Mennen loves most about Singapore is that it is open so many possibilities — as vast as one’s imagination.
A comic artist with 17 years of experience under his belt and a Westie all his life, Ryan has dedicated his many of writings and creations to Singapore.
Crimson Star, depicted here, is a Singaporean comic superhero Ryan created in 2018. The character, an everyman bestowed with powers he does not entirely want, not only fights bad guys but also has to combat the struggles that most Singaporeans faced in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Old school biscuits — Aw Hai Jian (Hong Kah North)
Some residents, like CCK Town Council volunteer Aw Hai Jian, will look upon these biscuit tins with fond memories and nostalgia.
Hai Jian said they remind him of the kampong kedai (or neighbourhood shops in Malay) which used to sell biscuits by weight. The biggest benefit was it allows one to buy small quantities of biscuits of different varieties instead of a big pack of only one flavour.
Such old school biscuit shops do still exist, if you know where to look for them.
PCF Sparkletots @ Hong Kah North Block 419 presented 23 handmade cards to (from left) Hossain Mohd, Yatimah Bte Hussin, Teh Kian Pheng and Sundra Segaran.
Islam and Nonyo showing off the handmade gifts that had been thoughtfully made by the PCF Sparkletots Preschool @ Chua Chu Kang Block 123.
Handmade cards from PCF Sparkletots Preschool @ Chua Chu Kang Block 19.
Fathers are awesome! And for those with magical uplifting powers , we call them Superhero Dads!
In the outpouring of tributes received for CCK Town’s Father’s Day contest, we found out all about how dads could “scold”, and yet fix things and inspire.
Let’s find out from the three winners — who have each won an outdoor family photo shoot— what lies behind their dads’ superhero capes.
The Fitness Partner Dad
Jiayee Tan (Hong Kah North)
Jiayee with her dad, Kent, on a hiking trail during a family holiday to Korea several years ago.
Jiayee Tan’s dad, Kent, is a hiking enthusiast, so whenever the Tans travel overseas, they will try to include a hiking excursion in their tour.
While at home in Singapore, the family will make time at least once every weekend to take a walk together, whether it is to the scenic Bukit Batok Nature Park or Bukit Timah Nature Reserve in CCK Town.
Jiayee, 23, said she and her older sister have always been close to their dad. He is a hands-on person who would always be there to help them with projects and teach them simple DIY skills such as fixing toilets or changing light bulbs.
As a kid, Jiayee found having to learn such tasks a chore as they were “dirty and troublesome”. However, as she grew older, she began to appreciate these valuable lessons. As a result, she is now independent and self-sufficient, and does not need to rely on others for such basic tasks.
Since they can’t venture overseas due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Jiayee and her dad have been hiking and exploring Singapore together.
Highlights from Jiayee’s tribute to dad, Kent Tan:
Since young, whenever I was afraid, you’d tell me there is nothing to fear, and you would always have my back when I fall. Whenever I doubted myself, you’d always tell me to give it a try and challenge myself.
Thank you for always encouraging me to scale greater heights and to be a better version of myself.
The “Fiercely” Fun-Loving Dad
Eason Lau (Bukit Gombak)
From left: Eason and Efaye with their parents, Sally and Michael, enjoying the infinity pool during a staycation at Marina Bay Sands. Photo taken pre-Covid-19.
With his dad working from home due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Eason has been spending more time with him — and getting nagged at more often for spending too much time watching YouTube videos rather than on schoolwork.
Hence, the 11-year-old cheekily said he and his younger sister, Efaye, 8, love it best when his dad has to go to work in the office.
Though his dad can be very fierce, Eason said his dad also loves to make them laugh with his jokes. He is also their ‘current affairs advisor’. He makes sure they are kept abreast of global developments by sharing with them the news he reads.
One of their favourite places to take a walk, jog or cycle is Bukit Gombak Nature Park, which is literally in the Laus’ backyard. They often do cool things together, like catch grasshoppers in the park.
Another favourite haunt of the outdoorsy family is Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve in the north of the town. There, the children love “hunting” for crocodiles, birds and other insects.
Highlights from Eason’s tribute to dad, Michael Lau
During this pandemic, we got to spend more time with our Papa, but as a result, we also received more scolding from him. He has this amazing ‘skill’ where with just a glance, he can make us start tearing.
Our Papa may be fierce but we still think he is the best dad because he is also the person who makes us LOL and protects us. He teaches us a lot about life and is loving towards our mama. It makes us feel so warm and loved in our home sweet home.
The Best Playmate Dad
Megan Oh (Keat Hong)
Megan’s photo poster entry – with her dad, Max.
Some of the favourite activities Megan gets up to with her dad include jogging and playing at Choa Chu Kang Park, eating and shopping at Lot 1 Shoppers’ Mall and jogging at Bukit Gombak Stadium.
The 8-year-old Megan says her dad is the coolest man she has ever known because he loves her, protects her and fixes her toys (as well as other things in the house). He also helps her with her homework, cheers her up with a joke whenever she is feeling down, and listens to her stories.
He can always be counted on as her Pokemon playmate.
Her photo poster entry was inspired by what she saw on YouTube, and she participated in the contest because she loves taking photos.
Highlights from Megan’s tribute to her dad, Max
Daddy is my superhero. He tells me a joke when(ever) I feel sad. He is my inspiration.
What is an object that best represents your love for Singapore? Is it the durian, the Merlion or maybe kaya toast?
Mark National Day 2021 by sharing with us your photos of objects that are uniquely Singaporean to you.
Email us your photos (along with a short description on the significance of the objects) to corpcomms@ccktc.org.sg by 21 August. Submissions will be put up in the later part of August as part of our National Day celebrations.
- Remember to include your name, address and contact number.
- Your submission (including your name) may be featured in Chua Chu Kang Town Council assets
- The photograph you submit should be original and have the permission of the copyright owner to be published in Chua Chu Kang Town Council assets.
What We Love about Singapore
For five CCK Town Council volunteers, the objects chosen are: community cats, Singapore Airlines, Singa the courtesy lion, a card holder bearing the Singapore flag and a 2009 National Day Parade (NDP) banner.
Singapore flag card holder – Janica Ng
A card holder bearing the Singapore flag reminds Janica Ng how fortunate and proud she is to be a Singaporean whereas Shammir Karasu said the stray Singapura cats are his object of affection. He added these community cats are something that all of us grew up with and become part and parcel of the Singapore life.
The ubiquitous community cats that can be found in most estates – Shammir Karasu
Another cat — Singa the Courtesy Lion — was put forth by Jasmine Sim as a true icon of the nation, and, in her opinion, one of the most successful mascots ever created. Her bag emblazoned with 1965, the year of Singapore’s independence, is something else that makes her proud to identify as Singaporean.
A bag emblazoned with the year of independence and Singa the Courtesy Lion- Jasmine Sim
As for Francis Arokia Mary, there is nothing more satisfying than being involved in the annual National Day Parade (NDP), which she took part in in 2009.
The icing on the cake was having her father and son appear on the NDP banners that were put up all across the island that year, she added.
Her father (right) appearing in the 2009 NDP poster – Francis Arokia Mary
For Lai Chin Yee, it has to be our flag carrier, Singapore Airlines. Though travel has not been possible in the past year with the Covid-19 pandemic, she hopes that a flight on her favourite airline can be on the cards again soon.
The iconic Singapore Airlines – Lai Chin Yee
Make this National Day extra special! Share with us a photo of the object that best represents your affection for Singapore.
Chua Chu Kang Town Council has conducted deep cleaning and disinfection of the common areas, as well as surrounding blocks of Block 3 at Teck Whye Avenue. This includes all high-touch areas like lift buttons, letter boxes, void deck tables and chairs, and the nearby playground and fitness corner.
All lift buttons and handlebars in Chua Chu Kang Town are regularly applied with an anti-microbial coating that kills bacteria, virus and fungi.
In addition, the Town Council has increased the frequency and intensity of the daily cleaning of Chua Chu Kang Town to ensure our residents’ safety and wellbeing. The Town Council will continue to monitor the situation closely and further intensify the cleaning frequency when the need arises.
The health and wellbeing of our residents is our top priority. If there are any questions and feedback on town cleanliness, residents can email info@ccktc.org or call 6569 0388.
