Saturday, January 26, 2019

Press Release: SGI President Issues 2019 Peace Proposal | Soka Gakkai International (SGI)

Press Release: SGI President Issues 2019 Peace Proposal | Soka Gakkai International (SGI)

Press Release: SGI President Issues 2019 Peace Proposal | Soka Gakkai International (SGI)

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons [Photo © ICAN]

Tokyo, Jan 26, 2019: Today, the 37th annual peace proposal by Daisaku Ikeda, president of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) Buddhist movement, was released, titled "Toward a New Era of Peace and Disarmament: A People-Centered Approach."

The proposal's main theme is the need for concerted effort in disarmament, particularly hastening progress toward abolition of nuclear weapons around the 2017 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). Ikeda also stresses the dangers of emerging lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS) and proposes the prompt convening of a conference to negotiate a treaty banning these weapons.

Applauding the May 2018 Disarmament Agenda of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Ikeda advocates a shift from seeing security solely in terms of state or military security toward a human focus, a people-centered multilateralism based on the effort to build a world in which all people can experience meaningful security.

He notes how the complexity and scale of global challenges can make youth feel that positive change is impossible. He calls on them to resist feelings of resignation and "meet the severe challenges of our age as agents of proactive and contagious change."

Ikeda urges youth engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as crucial to their achievement. He calls for expansion of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) network of universities committed to supporting the SDGs and proposes a world conference of such universities in 2020.

Ikeda also welcomes the designation of youth as the focus of the fourth phase of the World Programme for Human Rights Education.

related article Press Release: SGI President Issues 2018 Peace Proposal Press Release: SGI President Issues 2018 Peace Proposal Regarding nuclear abolition, he focuses on expanding ratifications of the TPNW to achieve its entry into force and urges the creation of a group of like-minded states to deepen the debate and promote ratification—Friends of the TPNW, modeled after Friends of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). He advocates that Japan take the lead in this initiative.

He also highlights ICAN's new Cities Appeal and related #ICANSave social media initiative.

Looking ahead toward the 2020 Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Ikeda calls for steps such as the removal of nuclear warheads from high-alert status. He further proposes that a fourth special session of the UN General Assembly devoted to disarmament (SSOD-IV) be held in 2021.

Another focus is SDGs concerning water resource management. Ikeda hopes that Japan, China and South Korea will work together to support countries in the Middle East and Africa where demand for water reuse and desalination is growing.

The Soka Gakkai International (SGI) is a community-based network promoting Buddhist humanism and peace with 12 million members. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda (1928–) has issued peace proposals offering a Buddhist perspective and solutions to global problems on January 26 every year since 1983 to commemorate the founding of the SGI.

The full proposal in English will be available on February 15, 2019.

Contact:
Yuki Kawanaka
Office of Public Information
Soka Gakkai International
Tel: +81-80-5957-4919
Email: kawanaka[at]soka.jp



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Friday, January 25, 2019

Electricity supply disrupted in parts of Singapore, including Bishan, Shunfu, Toa Payoh, Singapore News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

Electricity supply disrupted in parts of Singapore, including Bishan, Shunfu, Toa Payoh, Singapore News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

Electricity supply disrupted in parts of Singapore, including Bishan, Shunfu, Toa Payoh

SINGAPORE - A power outage was experienced in parts of Singapore on Saturday afternoon (Jan 26).

Residents in Bishan, Toa Payoh and Shunfu reported that their electricity at home had been cut, and lifts and traffic lights had also been affected.

An SP Group spokesman said that power was fully restored to all areas at 2.58pm. This was about one and a half hours after initial reports of the electricity disruption had surfaced.

Shunfu resident Jane Oh told The Straits Times in Mandarin that she had been buying eggs at the provision shop downstairs when the blackout happened.

She also said that staff from the town council came by at around 2pm to check on the situation and make sure no one was still trapped inside the lifts as electricity was gradually restored.

"I started hearing the emergency alarm being rung at the lift, and realised that people had been trapped inside, and the blackout had affected at least the whole block."

She said that the power went out at around 1.30pm, and was restored at around 2pm.

An elderly couple, who was leaving after visiting their daughter on the 10th storey, had been trapped in the lift, said Ms Oh, 56, a freelance teacher.

"The lift had already reached the first floor, then the power was cut, trapping them inside. When the lift started working again at around 2pm, the auntie told us that she didn't want to take the lift anymore and told us not to take it too," she added.

"But I live on the 13th storey and don't have enough energy to climb so many stairs. Another resident was also sitting at the void deck with many bags of groceries waiting for the lift services to be restored," said Ms Oh. She added that this was her first time experiencing an electricity supply cut in over 20 years of living in Shunfu.

Mr Eddie Osman Zaieuddin, 42, said the whole of Block 303 Shunfu Road where he lives had no power. "I saw the essential services maintenance unit at my block trying to reset the lift," said Mr Eddie, who is self-employed.

His power was cut at around 1.40pm and restored at 2.05pm.

Freelancer Mohamad Syahid Arif, 38, was getting ready to head out from his second-floor home at Block 97 Toa Payoh Lorong 3 when the outage occurred. 

"There was totally no power. The lift was also not working. I could hear that there was someone stuck in the lift, pressing the emergency button," he said.

Mr Syahid also said that while he could not contact Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council through its emergency hotline, it was responsive when messaged via Facebook. 

He said: "It was quite calm, and there wasn't much chaos." For him, the power outage started at around 1.25pm and ended at 1.50pm.

Residents in other areas such as Bishan St 22 and Sin Ming Avenue were still experiencing disruptions to their electricity supply after 2pm.

Electricity provider SP Group posted on their Facebook page at 1.54pm: "Electricity supply to parts of Singapore was disrupted today. Our officers were immediately activated and our priority is to restore supply as quickly and safely as possible."

The post said that the company was investigating the cause of the incident.

The Straits Times has contacted SP Group for more information.

On social media, Twitter user Fyra Hilspears said that electricity had been cut in Bishan.

"Lifts, traffic lights and electrical appliances are down. 1 accident already happened. Traffic jam soon," she posted.



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Aloysius Pang dies: SAF needs to probe deeper into safety culture, Singapore News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

Aloysius Pang dies: SAF needs to probe deeper into safety culture, Singapore News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

Aloysius Pang dies: SAF needs to probe deeper into safety culture

For four years leading up to August 2017, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) had a clean record of zero operations-and training-related fatalities.

It was a hard-earned achievement in the light of a terrible 2012, when four SAF servicemen died in separate training incidents in that year alone.

The four years of zero fatalities was an achievement held up by Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen in August 2017 at an appreciation dinner for volunteers who had contributed to national defence.

Attributing the record to the impact of the External Review Panel on SAF Safety (ERPSS) that was set up in 2013, Dr Ng said: "The contributions of this panel have had the impact of saving lives."

But since then, the SAF has seen five fatal incidents.

It began with Third Sergeant Gavin Chan who died in September 2017 in an exercise in Australia after a Bionix tank he was commanding overturned on a steep embankment.

This was followed by Corporal First Class (CFC) Dave Lee's death from heatstroke on April 30 last year after completing an 8km fast march in Bedok Camp.

Third Warrant Officer Muhammad Sadikin died after he was hit by a falling tree branch in October last year while supervising maintenance work in Brunei. Last November, CFC Liu Kai died after a Bionix armoured vehicle reversed into a Land Rover he was driving as part of a field training exercise in the Jalan Murai training area.

(From left) Mindef's director of manpower Lee Chung Wei, Chief of Army Goh Si Hou, Chief of Defence Force Melvyn Ong, Combat Service Support Command Commander Terry Tan and Chief Army Medical Officer Edward Lo Hong Yee at the ministry's press conference on the death of CFC (NS) Aloysius Pang on Thursday. ST PHOTO: DESMOND FOO

The latest is actor Aloysius Pang, an operationally ready national serviceman (NSman) who died on Wednesday from injuries suffered when he was crushed by a lowering gun barrel while carrying out repair work inside a howitzer.

With each incident, public concern over SAF safety standards has intensified. The latest incident involving the high-profile death of the actor has cast a harsh spotlight on the issue.

The SAF top brass have defended the armed forces' safety systems as being sound and robust, though they also recognise there is room for improvement.

The unprecedented move by the SAF in lowering its training tempo across all services - announced by Chief of Defence Force Melvyn Ong on Thursday - shows a recognition by the military leadership that such incidents have to stop.

Still, some serious questions need to be asked.

First, is there a culture of complacency that might have slipped in after the four years of zero fatalities?

After all, the latest incident means that the five fatalities now run the full gamut of SAF personnel types: regulars, NSmen and full-time national servicemen (NSFs).

The incidents have occurred in a wide range of scenarios: From training in camp, to participating in overseas exercises, to doing repair work. Does the full range of personnel types and scenarios show that the problem of slipping safety standards runs deep and wide across the SAF?

Also, the move in lowering the current training tempo - which refers to the duration, intensity and frequency of training activities - raises the question of whether it has been climbing to an unsustainable level over the past years.

While the relationship between training tempo and training safety is unclear, has the SAF nevertheless effectively kept watch over this issue?

Third, have the recommendations by the various safety review panels, including the first ERPSS, been effectively implemented?

The panel was set up following the spate of incidents in 2012 that led to a number of deaths.

These included a 21-year-old NSF who died from an allergic reaction to fumes from smoke grenades, and a 20-year-old NSF who was killed when his jeep overturned. Another NSF, aged 20, drowned in Brunei in August that year during a river crossing training exercise.

After a three-year review, the panel found that SAF commanders strongly emphasised safety in their training and invested substantially in safety, and that the SAF management systems were sound and aligned with external industry standards. But it also cited areas that could be improved, like promoting the open reporting of accidents.

On this front, Dr Ng told Parliament last August, following CFC Lee's death, that the SAF would strengthen open reporting, where servicemen will be encouraged to report unauthorised activities through a hotline.

He reiterated in a Facebook post on Thursday that if any SAF soldier detects an unsafe practice, he should inform his commander or stop training to protect himself or his buddies. "No one needs to fear any disciplinary action for doing right to protect lives during training," he added.

It was reported last August that the army safety hotline has received about 50 calls every year since it was set up in 2011.

Have more calls been made since then? Could more regular updates be provided on the implementation of other safety recommendations to boost public confidence that the actions taken were effective?

To be fair, the SAF has adopted a more targeted approach to investigating the causes in the recent incidents. For instance, it has set up independent panels to study vehicular safety and heat injury management following the deaths of 3SG Chan and CFC Lee, respectively.

But clearly, more needs to be done to investigate if there is a fundamental and common root cause behind the recent poor safety record. A second ERPSS convened in July 2017, which is in the middle of its work, should look deeper into the safety culture.

The SAF has shown that it can get things right, based on the four years of zero fatalities. What it needs to do is to study what went right then and what has gone wrong since 2017.

A lot is at stake.

At the 2017 appreciation dinner, Dr Ng said: "Safe training raises morale and encourages soldiers to train even harder."

Conversely, five fatal incidents in 16 months might affect soldiers' morale and confidence in training.

This, in turn, might lead to a dip in public confidence, which is crucial to an armed forces where citizen soldiers make up the majority of its manpower.



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Thursday, January 24, 2019

Actor caught between end of howitzer barrel and cabin interior

Actor caught between end of howitzer

SAF study how to make further safety improvements

Aloysius Pang dies: Politicians offer condolences, Singapore News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

Aloysius Pang dies: Politicians offer condolences, Singapore News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

Aloysius Pang dies: Politicians offer condolences

SINGAPORE - Hours after news broke on Wednesday night (Jan 23) that actor Aloysius Pang died from injuries sustained during a military exercise, several politicians offered their condolences on social media.

He had been carrying out repair works inside a Singapore Self-Propelled Howitzer in New Zealand, said the Ministry of Defence (Mindef). He died at 8.45pm Singapore time.

Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat, who is in Davos attending the World Economic Forum, offered his deepest condolences to Corporal First Class (NS) Pang's family and loved ones.

"It is with a very heavy heart that I think of the sorrow you are going through. My family and I, together with many fellow Singaporeans, wish you all strength in this difficult time," he wrote on Facebook on Thursday.

Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman, Senior Minister of State for Defence and Foreign Affairs, said in a Facebook post that he was "deeply saddened" by CFC (NS) Pang's death.

"I… extend my deepest regrets and condolences to his family. May they find strength and support in this difficult time," he added.

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen had said in an earlier Wednesday Facebook update before CFC (NS) Pang's death that the actor's condition was very serious and needed artificial support for his lungs, kidneys and heart.

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu wrote in both Chinese and English on Facebook that she was saddened by CFC (NS) Pang's sudden death.

"(Pang) has died in the service for the country. We will remember this home-grown actor for his dedication to and love for his craft," she said.

She also offered her deepest condolences to CFC (NS) Pang's family, friends and fans in this difficult time.

Ms Sun Xueling, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Home Affairs and National Development, wrote on Facebook: "I have not served national service. But I am a mother… Every parent wants answers. Their sons are entrusted to the state during the sacred NS years."

She added that there is an "unbearable grief" when "bai fa ren song hei fa ren", a Chinese phrase that literally translates to "those with white hair sending off those with black hair".

The phrase refers to a situation where those who are older have to see those younger than them die.

Ms Sun also said she observed a minute of silence with some full-time national servicemen from the Singapore Police Force on Thursday morning at an engagement event, to honour him and say a prayer for his family, friends and fans.

MP Zainal Sapari offered his condolences to CFC (NS) Pang's family and loved ones, saying: "There is no foot too small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world."

His post came with the hashtags #AloysiusPang and #InTheLineOfDuty.

Among the first opposition members to post on Facebook after CFC (NS) Pang's death was Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh.

He shared that he was writing from NS in-camp training, saying that he has been "anxious and worried" like many Singaporeans about CFC (NS) Pang.

"Having been in uniform for the last four days, the news of his death last night is more acute, with the loss of a fellow NSman hitting closer to home," he said in a Facebook post on Thursday morning.

Mr Singh said that NS training has become more focused over the years, noting improvements in food quality, safety and balance with realistic training, and equipment quality.

"In spite of the changes, one thing remains constant. That sense of camaraderie - regardless of rank, race or religion when we swap our civvies for uniform, even if it is only for a few weeks a year," he added.

"Rest in peace Aloysius Pang. Like all NSmen and NSF personnel who have passed on while on duty, we pray for strength for their families and loved ones through difficult times. And we stand with them."

His post has over 1,300 reactions, and has been shared more than 230 times as at 4pm.

The Singapore People's Party (SPP) also offered its condolences to CFC (NS) Pang's family and added it was "deeply concerned" over the number of NS fatalities.

In a Facebook post, it said that seven NSFs and one NSman have died in the last 16 months during training or while on duty.

"Despite the many statements and promise of action, we still have sons of Singapore who are being killed in the line of duty, and during peacetime. This is unfathomable, and unacceptable. Singaporeans need answers, and a lot more than just assurances," SPP wrote.

SPP called on the Singapore Armed Forces to "spare no effort" in conducting a full investigation into the issue and to make its findings public, saying there should be "accountability and complete transparency".

"If there had been mistakes made or lapses in vigilance, they must be uncovered and acknowledged. While we understand the need for an effective fighting force to defend Singapore, we cannot continue accepting that this has to come at the expense of lives," it added.



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Aloysius Pang dies: Politicians offer condolences, Singapore News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

Aloysius Pang dies: Politicians offer condolences, Singapore News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

Aloysius Pang dies: Politicians offer condolences

SINGAPORE - Hours after news broke on Wednesday night (Jan 23) that actor Aloysius Pang died from injuries sustained during a military exercise, several politicians offered their condolences on social media.

He had been carrying out repair works inside a Singapore Self-Propelled Howitzer in New Zealand, said the Ministry of Defence (Mindef). He died at 8.45pm Singapore time.

Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat, who is in Davos attending the World Economic Forum, offered his deepest condolences to Corporal First Class (NS) Pang's family and loved ones.

"It is with a very heavy heart that I think of the sorrow you are going through. My family and I, together with many fellow Singaporeans, wish you all strength in this difficult time," he wrote on Facebook on Thursday.

Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman, Senior Minister of State for Defence and Foreign Affairs, said in a Facebook post that he was "deeply saddened" by CFC (NS) Pang's death.

"I… extend my deepest regrets and condolences to his family. May they find strength and support in this difficult time," he added.

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen had said in an earlier Wednesday Facebook update before CFC (NS) Pang's death that the actor's condition was very serious and needed artificial support for his lungs, kidneys and heart.

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu wrote in both Chinese and English on Facebook that she was saddened by CFC (NS) Pang's sudden death.

"(Pang) has died in the service for the country. We will remember this home-grown actor for his dedication to and love for his craft," she said.

She also offered her deepest condolences to CFC (NS) Pang's family, friends and fans in this difficult time.

Ms Sun Xueling, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Home Affairs and National Development, wrote on Facebook: "I have not served national service. But I am a mother… Every parent wants answers. Their sons are entrusted to the state during the sacred NS years."

She added that there is an "unbearable grief" when "bai fa ren song hei fa ren", a Chinese phrase that literally translates to "those with white hair sending off those with black hair".

The phrase refers to a situation where those who are older have to see those younger than them die.

Ms Sun also said she observed a minute of silence with some full-time national servicemen from the Singapore Police Force on Thursday morning at an engagement event, to honour him and say a prayer for his family, friends and fans.

MP Zainal Sapari offered his condolences to CFC (NS) Pang's family and loved ones, saying: "There is no foot too small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world."

His post came with the hashtags #AloysiusPang and #InTheLineOfDuty.

Among the first opposition members to post on Facebook after CFC (NS) Pang's death was Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh.

He shared that he was writing from NS in-camp training, saying that he has been "anxious and worried" like many Singaporeans about CFC (NS) Pang.

"Having been in uniform for the last four days, the news of his death last night is more acute, with the loss of a fellow NSman hitting closer to home," he said in a Facebook post on Thursday morning.

Mr Singh said that NS training has become more focused over the years, noting improvements in food quality, safety and balance with realistic training, and equipment quality.

"In spite of the changes, one thing remains constant. That sense of camaraderie - regardless of rank, race or religion when we swap our civvies for uniform, even if it is only for a few weeks a year," he added.

"Rest in peace Aloysius Pang. Like all NSmen and NSF personnel who have passed on while on duty, we pray for strength for their families and loved ones through difficult times. And we stand with them."

His post has over 1,300 reactions, and has been shared more than 230 times as at 4pm.

The Singapore People's Party (SPP) also offered its condolences to CFC (NS) Pang's family and added it was "deeply concerned" over the number of NS fatalities.

In a Facebook post, it said that seven NSFs and one NSman have died in the last 16 months during training or while on duty.

"Despite the many statements and promise of action, we still have sons of Singapore who are being killed in the line of duty, and during peacetime. This is unfathomable, and unacceptable. Singaporeans need answers, and a lot more than just assurances," SPP wrote.

SPP called on the Singapore Armed Forces to "spare no effort" in conducting a full investigation into the issue and to make its findings public, saying there should be "accountability and complete transparency".

"If there had been mistakes made or lapses in vigilance, they must be uncovered and acknowledged. While we understand the need for an effective fighting force to defend Singapore, we cannot continue accepting that this has to come at the expense of lives," it added.



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Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Actor Aloysius Pang dies from injuries suffered during SAF accident in New Zealand, Singapore News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

Actor Aloysius Pang dies from injuries suffered during SAF accident in New Zealand, Singapore News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

Actor Aloysius Pang dies from injuries suffered during SAF accident in New Zealand

SINGAPORE - Singaporean actor Aloysius Pang died on Wednesday night (Jan 23) from injuries suffered last Saturday while carrying out repair works inside a Singapore Self-Propelled Howitzer in New Zealand, said the Ministry of Defence (Mindef).

In a statement issued late Wednesday night, Mindef said Corporal First Class (NS) Pang, 28, died at 8.45pm. The ministry also shed light on how the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) operationally ready national serviceman was injured.

Mindef said CFC (NS) Pang, an armament technician from the 268th Battalion Singapore Artillery, was carrying out repair works inside the Singapore Self-Propelled Howitzer with two other SAF personnel on Jan 19 at the Waiouru Training Area, New Zealand.

"Unfortunately, CFC (NS) Pang sustained injuries when the gun barrel was lowered," said the ministry.

The actor was evacuated to the Waikato Hospital, a regional trauma centre where he underwent three operations in five days.

The medical team tending to him included Dr Teo Li Tserng, chief of trauma and acute care surgery at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, who was flown in to assist the New Zealand medical team.

Mindef said CFC (NS) Pang died despite attempts to repair damaged organs and putting him on artificial life support.

An independent Committee of Inquiry will be convened to investigate the circumstances leading to the incident. A press conference, to be chaired by the Chief of Defence Force, will be held on Thursday (Jan 24) to present the preliminary findings.

The SAF will be making arrangements to bring CFC (NS) Pang's body back to Singapore. "The Ministry of Defence and the SAF extend their deepest condolences to the family of CFC (NS) Pang and will continue to render assistance and support in their time of loss," said Mindef.

His parents, as well as his two elder brothers, arrived in Hamilton earlier this week, accompanied by SAF family liaison officers.

A post that appeared to have been written by one of his brothers on behalf of the family went up on late Wednesday night on the actor's Instagram account. The post said the last few days has been a difficult time for the family. 

"Every news that were brought upon us since his last op was devastating with little signs of hope on his recovery," it read. "We all broke down when the medical team spoke to us that his condition is worsening and we should be prepared for the worst.

"We're going to lose a brother. And my parents are going to lose their precious son whom is only 28."

The post added: "Thus I seek everybody's kind understanding that we are unable to comment further during these precarious time."

Mediacorp actor Desmond Tan commented on the Instagram post: "Bro, you are an important chapter in all our lives. Nothing is wrong, just that you went ahead of us like you always do as a human and actor. We will see you in future."

Several local artists, including Jayley Woo and Ya Hui, switched to black and white profile pictures on Instagram on Wednesday night. 

In a heartrending post, Woo wrote: "I'm not lucky enough to be your wife in this life. We must definitely get married in the next."  Woo and Pang had never acknowledged their relationship in public. But Woo said on Instagram after news of his death broke that they were waiting till when they got married to go public.

Fellow actor Shane Pow wrote on his Instagram account: "It wasn't enough being brothers with you this life. Let's be brothers again next life. I love you my big brother." 

CFC (NS) Pang was taking part in an annual live-firing exercise called Thunder Warrior. He was on reservist duty.

He underwent abdominal surgery in the evening of Jan 19, when the incident took place, with a planned follow-up surgery completed on Monday.

However, his condition worsened and he required additional surgery, which was completed on Tuesday just before midnight, said Mindef on Wednesday.

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, in an update on Facebook on Wednesday, said that his condition was very serious and he needed artificial support for his lungs, kidneys and heart.

The actor, who started acting at age nine, had been due to start shooting Channel 8 romantic drama My One In A Million next month after Chinese New Year.

Exercise Thunder Warrior has been conducted since 1997. This year's exercise takes place from Jan 5 to Feb 2, and involves more than 500 personnel from the 268th and 24th Battalions, Singapore Artillery.

Repair and maintenance work on the Howitzer, which entered service in 2003, is usually done in teams and supervised by a commander, said a former serviceman familiar with the platform. In combat, it is operated by a crew of four. 

The Howitzer has stopped production and is currently only operated by NS battalions, added the serviceman, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The Next-Gen Howitzer high-mobility weapon system, operated by a three-man crew, is envisaged to be introduced from 2020. 

There had been two other incidents that led to deaths in the past year. 

In April 2018, Corporal First Class Dave Lee Han Xuan, 19, from the 1st Guards Battalion, died close to two weeks after being admitted to Changi General Hospital for heatstroke. 

In November 2018, Corporal First Class Liu Kai, 22, died after a Bionix vehicle reversed into the Land Rover he was in. An Army-wide safety timeout was declared after the incident at Jalan Murai Training Area.

Additional reporting by Vanessa Liu



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ST Now, News As It Happens - Jan 23, 2019, Singapore News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

ST Now, News As It Happens - Jan 23, 2019, Singapore News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

ST Now, News As It Happens - Jan 23, 2019

In a message posted on his Instagram account, the family wrote: "Every news that were brought upon us since his last op was devastating with little signs of hope on his recovery. We all broke down when the medical team spoke to us that his condition is worsening and we should be prepared for the worst.

Actor Aloysius Pang dies after sustaining injuries during NZ military exercise: Mindef

Actor Aloysius Pang Wei Chong died at 8.45pm Singapore time on Wednesday (Jan 23) at Waikato Hospital, New Zealand, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

Despite surgical attempts to repair damaged organs putting him on artificial life support, Corporal First Class (National Service) Pang succumbed to the injuries, Mindef said.

An independent Committee of Inquiry will be convened to investigate the circumstances leading to the incident. A press conference will be held on Thursday to present the preliminary findings and will be chaired by the Chief of Defence Force.

The Singapore Armed Forces will be making arrangements to bring his body back to Singapore, Mindef said.

Pang, 28, was carrying out repair works inside a Singapore Self-Propelled Howitzer at Waiouru Training Area with two other SAF personnel during his reservist stint on Jan 19 when the incident happened. He sustained injuries to his chest and abdominal areas when the gun barrel was lowered.

He underwent abdominal surgery at Waikato Hospital on the same evening, and a follow-up relook operation was completed successfully on Jan 21.

Doctors had said after his second operation that he was in a stable condition. But his condition took a turn for the worse, and he underwent a third surgery.

In an update earlier on Jan 23, Minister of Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen said he was in a critical condition, and needed artificial life support for his lungs, kidneys and heart.

Mindef said in the statement: "The Ministry of Defence and the SAF extend their deepest condolences to the family of CFC (NS) Pang and will continue to render assistance and support in their time of loss." http://str.sg/oLNo PHOTO: FACEBOOK / ALOYSIUS 冯伟衷



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Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Injured actor Aloysius Pang's condition has worsened, now in ICU: Mindef, Singapore News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

Injured actor Aloysius Pang's condition has worsened, now in ICU: Mindef, Singapore News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

Injured actor Aloysius Pang's condition has worsened, now in ICU: Mindef

SINGAPORE - Home-grown actor Aloysius Pang Wei Chong, who was seriously injured during an overseas military exercise in New Zealand last Saturday (Jan 19), required additional surgery after his condition worsened.

In an update on Wednesday morning, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said the surgery was completed on Tuesday at 11.54pm (Singapore time).

Mindef said Corporal First Class (NS) Pang's condition is critical and he is being managed in the intensive care unit at Waikato Hospital.

The 28-year-old was hurt while repairing a Singapore Self-Propelled Howitzer during Exercise Thunder Warrior at the Waiouru training area.

Tan Tock Seng Hospital's chief of trauma and acute care surgery, Dr Teo Li Tserng, has been working with the New Zealand medical team to provide the best care for CFC (NS) Pang since arriving in New Zealand on Jan 22 morning (Singapore time), Mindef said.

Mindef and the Singapore Armed Forces said they will continue to provide support to CFC (NS) Pang's family.



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Injured actor Aloysius Pang's condition has worsened, now in ICU: Mindef, Singapore News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

Injured actor Aloysius Pang's condition has worsened, now in ICU: Mindef, Singapore News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

Injured actor Aloysius Pang's condition has worsened, now in ICU: Mindef

SINGAPORE - Home-grown actor Aloysius Pang Wei Chong, who was seriously injured during an overseas military exercise in New Zealand last Saturday (Jan 19), required additional surgery after his condition worsened.

In an update on Wednesday morning, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said the surgery was completed on Tuesday at 11.54pm (Singapore time).

Mindef said Corporal First Class (NS) Pang's condition is critical and he is being managed in the intensive care unit at Waikato Hospital.

The 28-year-old was hurt while repairing a Singapore Self-Propelled Howitzer during Exercise Thunder Warrior at the Waiouru training area.

Tan Tock Seng Hospital's chief of trauma and acute care surgery, Dr Teo Li Tserng, has been working with the New Zealand medical team to provide the best care for CFC (NS) Pang since arriving in New Zealand on Jan 22 morning (Singapore time), Mindef said.

Mindef and the Singapore Armed Forces said they will continue to provide support to CFC (NS) Pang's family.



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Sunday, January 20, 2019

Actor Aloysius Pang seriously injured during SAF training exercise in New Zealand, Singapore News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

Actor Aloysius Pang seriously injured during SAF training exercise in New Zealand, Singapore News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

Actor Aloysius Pang seriously injured during SAF training exercise in New Zealand

SINGAPORE - Actor Aloysius Pang was seriously injured during an overseas military exercise in New Zealand on Saturday (Jan 19).

Corporal First Class (NS) Pang Wei Chong, 28, was injured while repairing a Singapore Self-Propelled Howitzer at around 2.05pm Singapore time, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Sunday.

"An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the incident," Mindef added.

Talent agency NoonTalk Media confirmed that its artiste had met with an accident while on reservist in New Zealand.

CFC (NS) Pang, an armament technician from the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) 268th Battalion Singapore Artillery, had been taking part in Exercise Thunder Warrior at the Waiouru training area in New Zealand, Mindef said.

He was transferred to the battalion casualty station at 2.25pm, where he was assessed and stabilised by a medical officer for about 25 minutes before being evacuated to Waiouru Camp Medical Centre for further treatment.

A helicopter arrived at 4.10pm and CFC (NS) Pang was evacuated, while conscious, to Waikato hospital in Hamilton, in the northern part of the country.

He arrived at the hospital at 6pm, Mindef said.

He then went through surgery, which was completed at 11.40pm, and is now being monitored in the high dependency unit.

"The Ministry of Defence and the SAF are assisting CFC (NS) Pang's family during this period," Mindef said.

Exercise Thunder Warrior is an annual artillery live firing exercise that has been conducted by Singapore and New Zealand since 1997.

This year's exercise, which began on Jan 5, involves over 500 personnel. It will end on Feb 2.

NoonTalk Media said in a Sunday Facebook post: "We have just received a not too pleasant news this morning... Aloysius's mum is currently travelling to New Zealand and NoonTalk Media is also in close communication with Mindef." 

On Jan 5, Pang posted on Facebook about his upcoming reservist duties.

"Off to serve our country. Back at the end of the month! May not be able to post much when I'm there," he said, adding "wait for my return" in Chinese.

Following the news of his injury, several fans posted get well soon messages on Facebook.

Pang was announced as one of the top 10 most popular male artistes at the 2016 Star Awards, and clinched the Best Newcomer Award at the 2015 Star Awards.

A child star who started acting at age nine, he was one of eight young male stars picked by Mediacorp to form a new generation of celebrities dubbed the "Eight Dukes".



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Sunday, January 13, 2019

32 O-level Additional Mathematics Paper 2 scripts from Singapore lost in Britain, Education News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

32 O-level Additional Mathematics Paper 2 scripts from Singapore lost in Britain, Education News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

32 O-level Additional Mathematics Paper 2 scripts from Singapore lost in Britain

SINGAPORE - An examiner's bag containing 32 O-level Additional Mathematics scripts from Singapore was taken by mistake by another train passenger in Britain in November last year (2018).

The Paper 2 scripts, which make up 56 per cent of the overall subject grade, have not been found despite a major investigation by Cambridge Assessment to locate the bag, which was lost in transit from London to northern Britain on Nov 21.

This comes about a year after a parcel containing A-level Chemistry answer scripts from 238 Singapore students was stolen from a courier van transporting it to an examiner in Britain in November 2017. The scripts have not been recovered.

The Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB), which held a media briefing on Monday (Jan 14), said the 32 scripts in the latest incident were from two secondary schools - 20 from Nan Hua High School and 12 from Hong Kah Secondary School, which is now known as Jurongville Secondary.

The students, who received their O-level scores on Monday with the rest of their cohort, have been awarded final grades for Additional Mathematics based on their performance in Paper 1 and their cohort's performance.

Their marks in Paper 1 were used to work out their position in terms of percentile ranking within the cohort. The percentile ranking was then used to derive the missing Paper 2 mark. To check for consistency, their school preliminary examination results were also taken into account.

About 91 per cent of the affected candidates, or 29 of them, obtained at least a pass grade for Additional Mathematics, with about 20 achieving distinctions, referring to A1 or A2.

SEAB said that almost all affected candidates had better or the same grades for the subject, when compared to their school preliminary examinations.

Ms Tan Lay Choo, chief executive of SEAB, said: "We were very upset, disappointed and also shocked that it happened so soon after the first incident last year, which is barely one year ago.

"Immediately after that, our thoughts are with students who have worked hard for the exam, and we want to give them a grade that is fair and valid that they can use for their progression."

Ms Tan added that the priority now is to ensure that the affected students are not disadvantaged in any way by the incident.

SEAB will be meeting senior management from Cambridge Assessment in about two weeks in Britain to discuss how to improve processes.

"We'll also be looking into whether there is cause for us to seek penalty," she said.

Similar to last year's case, the students will be given an option to retake the paper on Feb 15. The better of the two grades - their awarded grade or the grade from the second exam - will be counted.

Mrs Juliet Wilson, director of assessment at Cambridge Assessment, said that the search for the missing bag is still ongoing. Cambridge Assessment started an extensive search through rail companies and the police.

It alerted SEAB to the case on Dec 14, after it became certain that the scripts were unlikely to be found.

The examiner's bag was placed in a luggage rack near the door of a train carriage when the train became crowded. His bag was mistakenly taken by another passenger as it looked similar to the latter's.

The examiner will not be engaged by Cambridge Assessment to mark scripts in future, because he breached its security policy for transportation of scripts by leaving them unattended.

Mrs Wilson, who attended the briefing on Monday, said: "We have very robust procedures for examiners around security of scripts. This is a really unfortunate incident, and I have come to Singapore to show you how important I take this incident, and how sorry Cambridge Assessment is."

She added that subject matter experts like teachers are used for marking. "They are from across the UK. We can't gather them all together. That's why we have procedures for sending scripts to the examiners so that they can mark them. We want to use the very best people for marking."

On tightening processes, she said: "We have sent a reminder to all examiners to reiterate to them the importance of keeping scripts secure when they are in their possession. We're also reviewing our procedures for examiners and looking at the guidelines and instructions we give them."

This could include reviewing where examiners are allowed to mark scripts. Most scripts are marked by examiners in their homes.

The exam board is also moving towards more on-screen marking or electronic marking, which would reduce the risk of scripts being lost or stolen.

Since 2015, SEAB and Cambridge Assessment have worked closely to implement such marking processes for written scripts, which involve scanning and marking papers online using an authorised software that examiners have been trained to use.

The implementation, which is part of a review to improve marking security and efficiency, started with the N-levels in 2017. Nearly 65 per cent of written scripts across the N-levels, O-levels and A-levels were marked on-screen in 2018.

By this year, almost all written papers will be assessed this way.

Ms Tan said that separately, SEAB has been considering other ways of marking, such as scanning scripts here before sending them over to Britain, or rethinking if there is even a need to send scripts over if they can be digitised.

"The incidents may make us speed up some of the plans we have."



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How much screen time should kids get?, Lifestyle News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

How much screen time should kids get?, Lifestyle News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

How much screen time should kids get?

SINGAPORE - Even though most parents believe it is unhealthy for children to be glued to a screen, they often leave them in front of the television or with an iPad or phone in return for some peace and quiet.

But parents need not feel too guilty - new guidance on children's screen time from Britain suggests that the evidence of harm from screen time is often overstated.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) said earlier this month that it would not recommend any age-appropriate time limits because there is not enough evidence that screen time harms a child's health at any age.

Instead, it recommends that families negotiate screen time limits with their children based on their needs. Parents should decide how much is enough.

However, the college did recommend that children refrain from using digital devices in the hour before bedtime because of evidence that they can harm sleep.

The guidelines can seem conservative because many parents often limit their children's screen time.

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In the United States, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends age-appropriate time limits.

An RCPCH spokesman said it could not find consistent evidence for any specific health or well-being benefits of screen time.

"Although there are negative associations between screen time and poor mental health, sleep and fitness, we cannot be sure that these links are causal, or if other factors are causing both negative health outcomes and higher screen time," he said.

BUT IT CAN BE PROBLEMATIC

Medical experts, however, warned that the lack of solid evidence does not mean that excessive screen time is not harmful.

Problems arise when screen time displaces physical activity and face-to-face social interaction and affects sleep and school performance.

"There's still some controversy, but the overall consensus is that excessive screen time is not recommended, especially for young children," said Dr Ong Say How, a senior consultant and chief of the department of developmental psychiatry at the Institute of Mental Health.

He added: "Some kids do not shower or eat late into the night despite pleas from their parents. They also sacrifice their sleep and we know that Singapore kids are sleep-deprived."

In recent years, the scientific literature supporting the connection between tech use and symptoms has been growing, said Dr Gary Small, a psychiatry professor and director of the University of California, Los Angeles' Longevity Centre.

"Our group did a study showing that pre-teens who went for five days without television, computers or smart phones had significant improvements in emotional and social intelligence," he said.

Studies have also linked excessive screen time to other negative effects such as poorer memory.

"The main fear with the increasing use of digital devices is that it will compromise time spent on physical or outdoor activities, sleep and human interaction with other children or adults in a typical 24-hour period," said Dr Wendy Liew, a paediatrician, with a special interest in neurology, at SBCC Baby & Child Clinic.

BE MINDFUL OF DIGITAL MEDIA USE

Dr Yang Linqi, a paediatrician at Thomson Medical Centre, said the new British guidelines builds on the current thinking that screen time should be controlled, but counters that not all screen time is bad.

She said the guidelines are catered towards older children and young persons, and are not relevant to younger infants and toddlers.

Dr Ong said, as a guide, a child aged below 18 months should not be exposed to screen time, as he is still learning basic skills like toileting and eating.

Older children can have limited screen time, though screen time should not prevent a child from exploring his environment and getting new experiences, he said.

"Children are also developing their fine motor and language skills, and screen time is not going to help in those areas," he added.

"Face-to-face interaction is still the preferred way of social engagement. It is when you activate more of your learning as you use more skill sets - motor, physical, social skills," said Dr Ong.

Dr Small said moderation is key.

"One important principle to keep in mind is that when we spend a lot of time on a particular mental task, the neural circuits controlling that task strengthen," he said.

"However, when we spend too much time on a particular task such as video gaming, it is likely that we neglect other mental tasks like conversations and physical exercise, and the neural circuits controlling those tasks weaken."

WHAT PARENTS CAN DO

Parents need to supervise their children when it comes to screen time.

"The brain of a child is like a sponge. A young and immature child may not be able to discern what is real and what is not, what is right and what is not right," said Dr Ong.

Limits should be enforced from young, so that the child knows he does not have free access to digital media. "You can't take for granted that he will know when to stop," he said.

Dr Lim Boon Leng, a psychiatrist at Gleneagles Hospital, said a common mistake parents make is in allowing very young children free rein over the usage when they are in pre-school and limiting them once there is academic stress.

"Having control over screen time from day one is important in getting the child to accept that he or she needs guidance over it."

Also, parents should teach their children how to protect themselves online, such as not disclosing personal data, said Dr Ong.

"Parents can engage with their child on social media and, in the process, interact and guide them online," he said.

"Parents should be better informed about digital media. Very often, they are clueless about digital media, and hence, the child gets a free hand in how to do it, and that's when it can get out of control. "

Dr Liew said what is most important is how parents are going to guide their children in the use of digital media.

"For younger children, deciding on the content is important. Sitting with the children and watching together can help them understand what they are seeing," she said.

"Placing consistent limits on time spent and ensuring that this does not impact outdoor activities, sleep and so on is important, and also ensuring human interaction and media-free times such as during meal times."

HOW BAD CAN THE HARM BE?

The overuse of digital devices can lead to behavioural addiction, neglect of school, academic failures and severe family conflicts. It has also been associated with depression, said Dr Lim.

The jury is still out on whether excessive screen time can result in anxiety, depression and other negative psychological effects, considering digital media has not been around for very long, said Dr Ong.

So far, there is "just some hint of association" between excessive screen time and these effects.

Children who are more vulnerable to these effects, such as those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), should be more careful about such use, said Dr Ong.

ADHD is a mental disorder that involves inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

"There's some concern that excessive gaming can lead to ADHD. For example, if the child has a short attention span, excessive gaming does increase the risks of him developing ADHD," said Dr Ong.

"One thing I would emphasise is that parents need to assess how much screen time impacts their child's behaviour," said Dr Small.

"Some kids are very sensitive while others are not. For a sensitive child, greater monitoring would be needed," he said.

"Also, if a child is doing well in school, spends time offline and has no symptoms, then restriction may not be as important."

Indeed, every child may be impacted by screen time differently.

Said Dr Lim: "While screen time use can be a problem, do not just see it as an enemy but that as parents, we can also utilise it as an incentive and a tool which the family can enjoy together."

PROS AND CONS OF VIDEO GAMES

Playing video games like Warcraft can boost some aspects of cognitive function, such as reaction time, complex reasoning and visual memory, said Dr Small.

"In moderation, video games can be fun and represent another form of social interaction."

It is only when gaming becomes excessive that it may have a negative impact on face-to-face communication skills or emotional and social intelligence; or lead to less time spent on physical exercise, he said.

"We have shown that simply searching online will alter neural networks after just one week, one hour a day.

"All these activities have brain and cognitive effects. The question is whether the effects will be positive or negative, and that depends on the extent of use and the nature of the mental activities involved in the use."

What parents should take note of is the suitability of the games for their child,

Dr Ong said children and young adults are more vulnerable to media influence, unlike adults who are more mature cognitively and have a stronger sense of morals.

"For a child or a young teenager, if he keeps watching violent or sexual scenes, he becomes sensitised to them and may re-enact them in the real world," he said.

"People think that teenagers are mature, but they are not. Studies have shown that your brain is fully mature only in your mid-20s."

Online games may help develop certain skills. "You have better hand-eye coordination and are probably more agile with your fingers, but is there a lot more to it?" said Dr Ong.

In theory, video games can be dispensed with, but many people enjoy them too much, said Dr Small.

The key is to balance screen time with activities away from the screen, such as physical exercise, social interactions and other experiences that support brain health, he said.

A child needs to have recreational activities every day and these should not be restricted to Internet games, said Dr Ong.

Screen time has to be balanced with other forms of social and physical activities, so as to allow the child to learn new skills that the computer cannot teach, he said.

Key recommendations on screen time from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

• For children younger than 18 months, avoid the use of screen media other than video-chatting.

• Parents of children aged 18 to 24 months who want to introduce digital media should choose high-quality programming and watch it with their children to help them understand what they are seeing.

• For those aged two to five, limit screen use to one hour a day of high-quality programmes. Parents should watch the programmes with children to help them understand what they are seeing and apply it to the world around them.

•For children aged six and older, place consistent limits on the time spent using media, and the types of media, and make sure media does not take the place of adequate sleep, physical activity and other behaviours essential to health.

• Designate media-free times together, such as dinner or driving, as well as media-free locations at home, such as bedrooms.

• Have ongoing communication about online citizenship and safety, including treating others with respect online and offline.

• The AAP has an interactive, online tool for families to create a personalised family media-use plan.

Key recommendations on screen time from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health:

• Families should negotiate screen time limits with their children based on the needs of each child, the ways in which screens are used and the degree to which use of screens appears to displace (or not) physical and social activities and sleep.

• Screens should be avoided for an hour before the planned bedtime.

As a guide to examine their screen time, families can ask these four key questions:

1. Is screen time in your household controlled?

2. Does screen use interfere with what your family wants to do?

3. Does screen use interfere with sleep?

4. Are you able to control snacking during screen time?



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