Issue 103 (Aug-Sep 2016)
A publication of The Grassroots’ Club MCI(P)020/06/2015
Age Well Together
Getting Around Singapore, Without a Car
Congratulations to our NDA 2016 Recipients
HAVE YOUR SAY! National Day Parade: Has it lost its sparkle?
www.grassrootsclub.org.sg
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Grassroots with passion
CONTENTS
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06
08
14
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12
03 04
Message by Mr Bobby Lim, General Manager
Editor’s Notebook
Spotlight Annual General Meeting
05 06 10 12 14
Age Well Together
National Day Awards 2016
Voices: National Day Parade: Has it lost its sparkle?
Warm Welcome to Our New Members
In Focus No Car, No Problem: There are Many Ways to Get Around Singapore 08
Issue 103 (Aug-Sep 2016)
Member Activities
Disclaimer: Advertisements that appear in Grassroots with passion do not constitute an endorsement by The Grassroots’ Club of any business, organisation, service or product. The Grassroots’ Club assumes no liability whatsoever for the honesty, integrity or validity of any of the advertisers in Grassroots with passion or on The Grassroots’ Club website; or the product and/or service they promote. All information concerning the products or services advertised in Grassroots with passion or on The Grassroots’ Club website is provided by the dealer, owner, or agent of the business. The Grassroots’ Club and its affiliates are not liable for misinformation, typographical errors or misprints in the advertisements in Grassroots with passion or on The Grassroots’ Club website.
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Strategies to Battle Healthcare Costs
Karaoke Singing Class
The Grassroots’ Club 190 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8 Singapore 568046 | Tel: 6554 2350 | Fax: 6554 2347 | www.grassrootsclub.org.sg
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MESSAGE BY
GENERAL MANAGER
Dear Members,
On behalf of the President, Management Committee and staff of The Grassroots’ Club (TGC), warmest greetings to all. To members whom I have not had a chance to meet, allow me to introduce myself briefly. Prior to joining TGC, I was the Assistant Director of Fitness & Leisure at The American Club, and before that, the Club Manager of SAFRA Tampines. I trust that my past experience will be useful to help bring TGC to new heights. Now for some Club updates. You will be pleased to hear that the installation of the giant TV screen at the Atrium has been completed. We have started screening news and children’s programmes on weekdays as well as local movies on weekends. We are also liaising with SingTel to screen English Premier League soccer matches. Do stay tuned for more updates. Meanwhile, other Club enhancements are being planned as part of Phase 3 upgrading, which we target to complete before the end of the current financial year. These include the renovation of the Health Centre and general landscaping works. Members who patronise our Jackpot Room will be pleased to know we are replacing several of the less popular machines with new ones. Increasing social events at the Club is also part of my focus for this year. The recent Members’ Night on 1 July 2016 was successfully held, a testament that such events have their appeal despite having been stopped for a while. On a final note, I look forward to your constant support, participation and feedback. I hope to see more of you at our activities organised for members like yourself.
Mr Bobby Lim General Manager The Grassroots’ Club
Wishing everyone the best of health.
EDITORIAL TEAM
Chairman John Lim Vice Chairman Edward See Chak Fei, PBM
Members Lim Yen Lan, PBM Marie Lim Soo Cheng Toh Sze Wei, PBM Joey Koh Eng Hwa, PBM David Seah Kah Long, PBS
Secretariat Bobby Lim Iris Teh Ethan Seet Design & Editorial Words Worth Media wordsworth.com.sg
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Grassroots with passion
EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK
Reciprocal Clubs Changi Beach Club No. 2 Andover Road Singapore 509984 Tel: 6546 5215 l Fax: 6545 6883 l www.changibc.org.sg Orchid Country Club 1 Orchid Club Road Singapore 769162 Tel: 6755 9811 l Fax: 6755 8874 l www.orchidclub.com The Arena Country Club 511 Upper Jurong Road Singapore 638366 Tel: 6897 9997 l Fax: 6897 8778 l www.arenaclub.com.sg The Malacca Club New Townhouse: No. 18, 5th Floor Jalan Syed Abdul Aziz, 75000 Melaka Tel: 06-282 4940 / 284 2488 / 283 3518 Fax: 06-284 8303 l malaccaclub.com.my Rotunda: Jalan Kampung Hailam, Tanjung Kling, 76400 Melaka Tel: 06-351 1543 / 351 1544 l Fax: 06-351 6309 Club Officials General Manager Bobby Lim @ Tel: 6550 2100 bobby_lim@grassrootsclub.org.sg Operations Manager Leong Fook Weng leong_fook_weng@grassrootsclub.org.sg Business Development Manager Lydia Galvinder Kaur @ Tel: 6550 2101 lydia_kaur@grassrootsclub.org.sg Assistant Manager (Operations) Richard Foo @ Tel: 6550 2117 foo_richard@grassrootsclub.org.sg Assistant Manager (Administration) Ethan Seet @ Tel: 6550 2115 ethan_seet@grassrootsclub.org.sg Club Directory Finance @ Tel: 6550 2103 / 2110 diana_er@grassrootsclub.org.sg yang_rayner@grassrootsclub.org.sg Computer & Info System @ Tel: 6550 2111 raymond_kwek@grassrootsclub.org.sg Admin & Human Resource @ Tel: 6550 2113 tan_jenny@grassrootsclub.org.sg Membership @ Tel: 6550 2114 devaki@grassrootsclub.org.sg Banqueting Services @ Tel: 6550 2121 / 6550 2120 kay@grassrootsclub.org.sg
Dear TGC Members,
A historic moment was created for Singapore on 13 Aug 2016 when Joseph Isaac Schooling won Singapore’s first Olympic gold medal ever. The Grassroots’ Club congratulated Joseph for his historical gold medal win. Do you know that you could capture this historic moment and other sporting moments through the giant LED screen at the podium of the Club. If not, do look out for the programme schedule. The Club has revitalised the Hardware, and now we will also look into revitalising the Heartware to organise novel and interesting programmes for our members. As we embark our journey to e-magazine, we would like to encourage you to contribute interesting articles to our magazine so that your voices could be heard. Do start writing now! Toh Sze Wei, PBM Editor
kavitha@grassrootsclub.org.sg Activities @ Tel: 6550 2119 iris_teh@grassrootsclub.org.sg Health Centre @ Tel: 6550 2128 Jackpot Room @ Tel: 6550 2132
Member Discounts at Club Outlets Level 1 Pat’s Schoolhouse Tel: 6459 2382
10% discount off monthly fees @ TGC $50 off monthly fees @ other centres Beauty Face Wellness Spa Tel: 6554 1379 20% discount Geladiso Tel: 66358107
10% discount on a la carte menu Muslim Delights Tel: 96330261 10% discount on a la carte menu Level 2 Brighton Montessori Tel: 6455 8830 10% discount off monthly fees @ TGC $50 off monthly fees @ other centres Level 3 Imperial Court Pte Ltd Tel: 6553 2777 20% discount on a la carte menu
Learning Vision@TGC Tel: 6459 9653 20% discount off monthly fees @ TGC 10% discount off monthly fees @ other centres
Level 4 Seventh Heaven KTV Tel: 6458 5026 20% discount
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SPOT LIGHT
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2016
The Club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on 22 July 2016, 7.30pm at TGC Auditorium. The meeting scheduled at 7.30pm was adjourned for half an hour, as there were only 115 voting members, which was insufficient to form the required quorum of 250 voting members. While waiting for the quorum, members had fun playing 2 games of Tombola during the interval. The meeting started proper at 8.01pm with 117 voting members. After the items on the Agenda were swiftly concluded, the key Management Committee members answered some questions from the floor. Members enquired about the Club’s membership, increases in maintenance and revenue
support costs, as well as the reasoning behind the location of the giant LED screen. The final note was given by People’s Association Group Director, Mr Tan Kim Kee who assured members that PA will continue to support TGC in its efforts to be an ideal place for grassroots leaders to socialise and network. Mr Tan also expressed his thanks to the 12th Management Committee for their dedication and contributions during the last two years. He also welcomed the newManagement Committee and is confident that they can continue the good work accomplished by the previous Committee. In closing, Mr Tan gave his best wishes for more successes in the years to come.
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SPOT LIGHT “AGE WELL TOGETHER” HEALTH TALK
BY HEALTHY AGING ASSOCIATION
The Club had the honour of being the venue of choice for the Healthy Aging Association (HAA)’s “Age Well Together” health talk. On 23 July 2016, a total of 74 members and guests attended the talk, and were given a free bone mass screening. Held in the Auditorium, the talk was given by Cardiology Specialist Dr Kenneth Guo, Neuropsychologist Dr Donald Yeo and Dr Tan Teck Jack from Northeast Medical Group. The experts delivered explanations on heart health, aging brain and pneumonia. Through the talks, participants acquired knowledge on how to keep their hearts healthy, the effects of aging on the brain, and how to guard against pneumonia, a lung infection that affects all ages. Armed with heightened awareness of pneumonia and flu prevention, some participants went for pneumococcal and flu vaccination administered by Dr Tan in one of the meeting rooms. Others visited the booths and enjoyed a good time exchanging ideas with fellow participants. They also received bags of goodies from HAA. It was a Saturday well spent learning the “secrets” to maintaining optimal health as we age. A good number of members remarked that the talks were very informative and useful. Let’s see what some of them have to say! The talks are very good, especially the one on pneumonia. Nowadays, Pneumonia is becoming wide-spread and we should be careful to protect ourselves against it.
“ “ Very good talk by all the doctors. I like the talk by Dr Donald Yeo. Very informative. ~ Ms Lim, member
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~ Mr Poh, member
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The talk was very good. Informative, realistic facts n give us seniors a channel to find out where to get help. ~ Ms Teng, member
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__ 22 SEPTEMBER 2016 TGC’s BBQ THEMED NIGHT RETURNS!!!!!!!
KAMBING GOLEK / ROASTED LAMB
KEPAK AYAM PANGGANG / BBQ CHICKEN WINGS
IKAN PARI BAKAR/ SAMBAL STINGRAY
MIX BBQ SATAY
Tantalize your taste buds with this one of a kind BBQ night on THURSDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2016!! This night will include “Live Station” BBQ dishes as well as our mini buffet such as Fried Rice, Mee Goreng , Desserts and a free flow of Hot & Cold Drinks CHARGES : $16(TGC MEMBERS) & $18(MEMBERS’ GUESTS) TIME : 6.30pm Onwards VENUE : Muslim Delights Restaurant @ The Grassroots’ Club Call 90019401 to reserve your seats now! * Advance booking is compulsory before Friday 16 th September 2016
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New 2 Blocks of 8-Sty & 4 Blocks of 7-Sty NTU Student Hostel with Basement Car Park & Ancillary Facilities
New 1 Block of 11-Sty & 3 Blocks of 13-Sty NTU Student Hostel with MSCP & Ancillary Facilities at Nanyang Crescent (Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction)
BCA Registered Contractor
School of Business & AeroHub at Singapore Polytechnic
General Building Works & Civil Engineering Works
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Grassroots with passion
IN FOCUS NO CAR, NO PROBLEM: THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO GET AROUND SINGAPORE
For some Singaporeans, expensive car prices have opened up new avenues for them to move around. These include cycling, using personal mobility devices (PMDs) and even becoming private-hire car drivers.
Prices for cars have skyrocketed in recent times, mainly due to the increasing cost of the Certificate of Entitlement (COE). Car park rates around the island are also set to increase in the months to come. Consequently, it has become more difficult to own a car in Singapore, despite the Monetary Authority of Singapore's recent adjustment that allows car buyers to pay lower downpayment rates and take up a bigger car loan. Consequently, some Singaporeans have resorted to taking public transport because of its lower cost. 41-year-old Brendan Goh lives in Punggol and uses an electric scooter to get to work everyday, covering a distance of 16 kilometres in total per day.
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© Tang Yan Song
© TK Kurikawa
“I scoot to work as it saves cost and time. Having a car is too expensive and public transport is too crowded,” he said. The ride takes him 20 minutes on the scooter, and 35 minutes should he opts for the bicycle which he does some days. It helps that his office at Tai Seng is located right next to a park connector, giving him easy access to and from home. What about road hazards such as speed limits, one's right of way and even contact with fellow road users like the pedestrians? "Obviously, we need to observe rules and regulations, and not abuse our rights as road users," he added. The recent announcement of the construction of a 150-kilometre Round Island Route, which will complement the 300 kilometres of pathway under the current Park Connector Network (PCN), ought to be music to the ears of those like Brendan, as it provides cyclists and PMD users alike safer routes to their destinations. For some, the rise of private-hire car services like Grab and Uber has given them an alternative that lets them own a car, but without paying the hefty upfront charges for a new vehicle. Last year, JasonWong bought a car with one year remaining on the COE. Like many others, he signed up with Grab and Uber, using his free time to offer private transportation. "Buying a 9-year-old car gives me the option of COE renewal, which offers lower overall depreciation than getting a new car," he said. "Getting an old car also gives me some buffer time in case COE prices go down. It also requires less upfront payment versus getting a new car." Jason estimates that using his car for private-hire has offset about 35 percent of his total car costs. But he admits that having a home that's closer to his office in the Central Business District will make the switch to public transport a viable option. "Having the ability and option to charge a fee for one's time and energy is something very empowering, but
it's not for everyone. The driver ideally needs absolute conviction in driving ability, judgment, low reaction times, customer service skills, a good dose of patience and humility, and most importantly a continual desire to do better than one's current state," he said. The proliferation of Grab and Uber has also worked in favour of passengers who were formerly car owners and recently surrendered their car upon the expiry of the COE. No longer do these people have to deal with road conditions and finding a parking space. Booking a private- hire car from the aforementioned companies is a cinch, and it complements the taxis that are already plying the road. "At present, it doesn't make sense to renew the COE and lose the rebate that comes with the car," said Damien Lai, who gave up his car in July. "I believe COE prices will fall in future, but for now, I am enjoying the cost savings of public transport and the comfort of the occasional taxi ride. Private cars that I hire come straight to my doorstep, and I don't have to think about parking charges or bad motorists." As Singapore gears itself for a "car-lite" society, it's crucial to realise that it will not be one that's completely car-free. Hence, it's reasonable to see citizens who use a combination of transport modes, including cars, to move around. P. Maui counts himself as one of them. Citing a lack of shower and locker facilities at his workplace, Maui chooses to load up his bicycle onto his father's car and cycle home after work ends. "My job requires me to carry a camera and laptop around, so on the occasions that I don't, I'll bring my bicycle out and cycle home," he said. Bicycles and PMDs, coupled with the increase in bus operators, MRT lines as well as PCNs, may give rise to the day when car ownership in Singapore becomes less of a necessity, as accessibility to any part of the island becomes convenient and cost-effective, no matter the mode of transportation.
NATIONAL DAY AWARDS 2016 Congratulations TO OUR CLUB MEMBERS WHO RECEIVED
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR / BINTANG BAKTI MASYARAKAT (LINTANG)
Mr Lim Ah Lek, Christopher, BBM(L)
Mr Tan Kian Hoon, JP, BBM (L)
Mr Yeo Khee Chye, David, BBM(L)
THE PUBLIC SERVICE STAR (BAR) / BINTANG BAKTI MASYARAKAT
Mr Ang Cheng Ho, BBM
Mr Ang Pong Tian, Allan, BBM
Mr Lee Yong Chuan, Edwin, BBM
Mr Lim Thien Su, Gerald, BBM
Mr Ng Tok Yong, Andrew, BBM
Mr Sarjit Singh, BBM
Mr Teo Seng Leong, Peter, BBM
Mr Kea Meng Kwang, BBM
Mr Sathinathan s/o M.R. Karuppiah, BBM
Mr Sim Kin Chye, BBM
THE PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL / PINGAT BAKTI MASYARAKAT
Mr Han Jiok Lee, PBM, PB
Mr Lee Song Tioh, Bob, PBM
Mr Leong Siew Khuen, PBM
Mr Lim Hong Wan, Andrew, PBM
Sreevardhanan s/o Vasu Pillai, PBM
Dr Tan Kia King, PBM
National Gallery Singapore
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Sports
The Arts
National Day Parade
Community Development
Social Service
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Grassroots with passion
VOI CES
NATIONAL DAY PARADE: HAS IT LOST ITS SPARKLE?
I was fortunate to be present at the National Stadium to watch the NDP live. As a show it's not too bad. But NDP is more than a show. It is supposed to showcase the nation's growth and glory and not about some mythology. Sure, there were some nice effects at NDP2016 but seeing the parachutes, flypast, fireworks etc. in the past NDPs was exciting. I hope those items can return again next time. ~ Ms Tan K.T
I enjoyed the NDP2016. If it was similar as previous years, you will hear complaints like having no creativity etc. To me NDP2016 had lots of creativity compared to the past NDPs. My thanks to the Organising Committee and all the thousands of participants who put in great effort in giving us an enjoying NDP2016! ~ Mr Lee P.K
I felt that the "parade" part of NDP was lacking. It was merely a curtain raiser to the show segment. I felt that it was more of a National Day Musical. I also missed the Red Lions, the military and aerial displays. I think this year’s NDP has lost its sparkle. I hope to see the items I mentioned earlier return for NDP2017. ~ Mr Wong C.S
I think it is good to try something different once in a while. This year’s NDP is quite different from the past NDPs which I think should appeal to some people, maybe more towards the younger generation. Despite the changes made, I won’t say that the NDP has lost its sparkle as I felt that the core spirit and theme is still present. ~ Mdm Lim S.K
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Grassroots with passion
3 STRATEGIES TO BATTLE HEALTHCARE COSTS Date: 17 September 2016, Saturday Time: 10.00am to 12.30pm MEMBER ACTIVITIES CALENDAR OF EVENTS As leaders and decision-makers in our family and community, we need to understand CPF Medishield Life vs. Private Shield Plans, and our own provision for early detection of critical illnesses. In this complimentary seminar, discover the choices available to you: • Comprehensive coverage of hospitalisation • Post-hospitalisation treatment: 6 or 12 months? • Daily allowance during hospital stay • Extra pay-outs in the event of severe disability or early detection of critical illnesses To register, please contact iris_teh@grassrootsclub.org.sg / 6550 2115
KARAOKE SINGING CLASS Date: Every Tuesday (Hokkien Singing) & Friday (Chinese Singing) Time: 7.00pm to 9.00pm Venue: TGC Fees: $120 (Members), $135 (Guests) Conducted by former Taiwanese media artiste Chen Lin, this singing class will provide a conducive environment to develop your singing techniques such as breathing, intonation and pitching. You can also start building your confidence by singing to your classmates! 想要有一个具有耐心，互相支持和挑战性的环境来发展你的歌 唱技巧吗？了解如何使用毫不费力地正确运用丹田呼吸的的方 法来唱歌。课程也能发展你的歌唱信心，同时也能让你学会控 制音质，声弹性和其他歌唱技巧。
Ang Mong Soon Chan Fook Leong Chua Ping Sun Richard Chua See Ngan Colin Tan Cheng Ngan Khooo Boon Chiu Roderich
Loo Chee Yong Mohamed Yasim Bin Mohamed Abidin Neo Teo Kong Ng Moi Kheng Doris Nikhil Menon Poon Yu Da Lester Seet Tiat Hee Tan Ah Lek
Tan Aina Tan Chee Meng Shawn Tan Su Ching Joy
TO OUR NEW
Tan Yong Hui Brian Telson Tan Loo Jun Yeo Poon Sheng Yeo Tze Wi
MEMBERS! *As of 17 June 2016
Koh Tat Meng Leong Sau Yip
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