LifeStyle Seletar

SELETAR - SALVATION ARMY DONATION DRIVE 2012

2012-01-17T21:50:00.001+08:00

On 14 Jan 2012, more than a hundred residents came by the Cheng San- Seletar Club at Jalan Selaseh to donate their used items. They were very generous. Many items were collected including several TVs and hifi sets, toys, clothes, books, paintings, bicycles and household items. This is the 3rd year that the donation drive has been organized by the Seletar Hills West Neighbourhood Committee.

Hon Fye, the organizing chairman said, "This is the most successful year so far. Many residents took part and a lot more items were donated. We hope to organize another donation drive next year."

CNY Educational Tour for Seniors in SHWNC

2011-12-23T12:34:00.000+08:00

Date: 13 Jan 2010
Time: Whole day.
Boarding Time: 8.45 AM
Boarding Place: Junction of Nim Rd and Nim Drive

Contact : Louisa 64825545

: Yippy 98209681

The itinerary:

0930hrs – Goat Farm

1045hrs – Mushroom farm

1130hrs – Lunch at Woodlands Industrial Area

1230hrs – Seah Spices

1330hrs – SHOPPING

1500hrs – back to Seletar Hills

4 September 2011: Dengue Fight in Seletar Housing Estate Goes Full-on

2011-09-07T16:20:00.000+08:00

Channel News Asia reported on 4 September 2011:

The fight against dengue is going full-on in northern Singapore, as outreach efforts have extended to more areas in the Seletar housing estate.

Residents at Seletar Hills chose to spend their Sunday (4 September 2011) learning more about dengue at a roadshow.

25 cases of dengue were reported in the estate over two fortnights in July, and some hotspots have been identified in the vicinity.

Supermarket chain NTUC FairPrice also chipped in at the roadshow, selling anti-mosquito products at heavy discounts.

Mr Richard Goh, chairman of Seletar Hills West Neighbourhood Committee, said: "We do not want our kids to have dengue. We started out by going house-to-house to drop educational pamphlets, (together) with NEA (personnel).

".....at the peak, we organised events like a tea (session) and sales of merchandise related to anti-dengue like insect repellents and so forth, so that residents can arm themselves and dispose of all these mosquitoes that might be hanging around."

MP Ang Hin Kee (centre) was at the event to mingle with the residents. He was seen here flanked by Mr Richard Goh (left) and Mr Lum Hon Fye.

Crime Alert - Snatch Thefts

2011-03-02T22:13:00.001+08:00

The Singapore Police has advised that several cases of snatch thefts on motorcycles were reported recently. The culprit would snatched the victim's gold chain and flee on a motocyle.

The description of the culprit is as follows:

• Male Chinese subject in his 30s to 40s with black hair;

• About 1.5-1.7m tall;

• Light tanned complexion and medium to plump built;

• Spotted in white or black helmet with transparent visor; and

• Wore t-shirt with Bermudas or shorts.

The culprit has been observed to use either a white, black or red motorcycle.

Please adopt the following crime prevention measures to prevent yourself from becoming the next victim:-

a. Avoid wearing excessive jewellery and/or carrying large amounts of cash;

b. Avoid taking shortcuts through back lanes or deserted areas;

c. Be alert and attentive to your surroundings. If you suspect that someone isfollowing you, proceed to a crowded area or call the Police for assistance; and

d. Whenever possible, walk facing oncoming traffic and hold your handbag on the side away from passing motorists.

You should not resist if you are a victim of crime. Remain calm and take note of the description (appearance, clothing, height and other physical details) of the culprit. Also note the direction and mode of escape by the culprit. Call the Police as soon as it is safe to do so.

Please call the Police hotline at 1800 - 255 0000 if you have any information on the above crimes or dial '999' if urgent Police assistance is required.

Dog for Rehome/Adoption

2011-01-25T07:25:00.000+08:00

I am fostering this dog for rehoming.
Please contact Eileen at 93842126 if you are able to help out.
Thanks!

Richard@Stratton

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAtuRyuT40Q&feature=player_embedded

Charity Drive 2010

2011-01-20T23:36:00.001+08:00

The Charity Drive 2101 Organised by Seletar Hills West NC
Chaired by Lum Hong Fye

Video by Lum Hong Fye

Pictures by Hong Fye:

Health Screening @ Cheng San CC,

2011-01-07T20:49:00.000+08:00

Health Screening @ Cheng San CC,

8am - 11am. 8 Jan 2011, Sat.

$2 for residents 50yrs and above.

Organized by Cheng San - Seletar AAC

Enquiries to 6458 8222

Singapore Nong Nong Ago

2010-12-12T18:31:00.002+08:00

The nostalgic Singapore.

Fun With Sokodu 2

2010-12-09T22:46:00.000+08:00

The challenge:

The solution:

Fun With Sokodu 1

2010-12-09T22:43:00.000+08:00

Try it before look at the solution:

The solution:

Breakfast in the Park

2010-12-01T17:35:00.006+08:00

More than 60 residents turned up for breakfast on 28 Nov 2010 in the Neram Crescent Park, an event organised by the Seletar Hills West Neighbourhood Committee.

Breakfast in the Park - 28 Nov 8 am

2010-11-17T13:28:00.001+08:00

Dear Fellow Residents,

On behalf of the Seletar Hills West Neighbourhood Committee (SHWNC), we would like to invite you to join us for a get-together to get to know the neighbourhood better and more importantly, to make new friends.

As your friendly Seletar Hills West Neighbourhood Committee, we are a team of resident volunteers who come together to encourage and foster stronger community bonds within our neighbourhood estate.

We are also using this opportunity as part of our gesture to welcome new residents into our Estate. We are pleased to invite you to our Breakfast Bonding Party, details of which are appended as follows:

Date : Sunday, 28 November 2010.

Time : 8.00 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. (door gifts to early birds while stock lasts)

Venue : Neram Playground (off Neram Crescent)

Dress : Casual

There will also be demo by WaiDang Gong, Line Dancing and making Miniature Orchid Garden, which are some of our regular activities.

Admission / Participation is FREE

We would appreciate if you could RSVP to: lifestyleseletar@gmail.com by 26 November 2010 to confirm your attendance with your contact details so that we can be in touch with you shortly. For catering purposes, please indicate how many would be coming. Meanwhile, you are most welcome to visit our website http://lifestyleseletar.blogspot.com/ to find out more about our activities. We would be most delighted to answer any doubts or queries you may have. We look forward to meeting you at the Breakfast.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully

Leonard Lee

Chairman of Organising Committee

Cheng San - Seletar CCC Fund Raising Dinner 2010

2010-11-11T15:12:00.000+08:00

Active Aging and Wellness Program

2010-10-24T22:11:00.002+08:00

Good Bye Sir

2010-09-27T16:43:00.001+08:00

Senior Minister of State Dr Balaji has passed away.

SINGAPORE - MINISTER of Foreign Affairs George Yeo tweeted this morning that Dr Balaji Sadasivan, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has passed away.

Click on thumbnail to view



For more photos, click here.

His Facebook status states that he "mourns the passing away of dear friend and colleague Dr Balaji Sadasivan".

Dr Balaji was suffering from colon cancer. He had surgery to have a cancerous tumour removed from his colon on September 23, 2008 at Gleneagles Hospital.

Dr Balaji was 55 years old when he passed away and leaves behind his wife and two children.

The former neurosurgeon was elected Member of Parliament for Ang Mo Kio GRC (Cheng San) in the November 2001 General Election. and was among seven new promising new candidates slated for office soon after being elected.

He later on went on to be Minister of State in the Ministry of Health (Nov 2001 - Aug 2004), Ministry of the Environment (Nov 2001 - May 2003) and Ministry of Transport (May 2003 - Aug 2004).

On August 2004, he was promoted to Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts and Ministry of Health. On 30 May 2006, he was appointed Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Dr Balaji was also elected to the post of Chairman of the World Health Organization Executive Board at its 121st session in May 2007.

He also played a big part in the Indian community. He was President of the Singapore Indian Education Trust (SIET), EXCO President of Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) and Chairman of Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) Steering Committee.

He also served as the following:

Chairman of National HIV/AIDs Policy Committee
Member of the Singapore Industrial & Services Employees' Union (SISEU) Council of Advisors
Honorary Advisor to the Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC)
Advisor to Peoples' Association Indian Activity Executive Committee Coordinating Council
Member of National Steering Committee on Racial & Religious Harmony
Member of National Art Gallery Implementation Steering Committee

Timeline and major contributions:

Born in Singapore in 1955
Studied at Siglap Secondary School and subsequently National Junior College
Graduated with a medical degree from the then University of Singapore (now National University of Singapore) in 1979
Became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1984
Trained in neurosurgery at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit followed by a Fellowship at Harvard University
Consultant in the neurosurgery department in Tan Tock Seng Hospital in 1981
Started his own practice at Gleneagles Hospital from 1994 to 2001, where he set up Singapore's first tereotactic radio-surgical treatment system, using a linear accelerator
Obtained a law degree with honours from the University of London in 1999
Became Member of Parliament for Ang Mo Kio GRC and appointed Minister of State in November 2001
Served in various ministries, including Health, Environment, Transport, Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts, and was currently Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
He was also President of SINDA's executive committee, President of the Singapore Indian Education Trust and served on several other committees, including the National Steering Committee on Racial and Religious Harmony
He was appointed chairman of National Aids Policy Committee in 2006, when he was at the Ministry of Health

Preloved Flea Market: Flea Market This Weekend - Items From $1!!! Lots of Ladies & Kids Wear, Decor & Accessories!

2010-09-10T20:51:00.002+08:00

Organized By BIGnBEAUTIFUL (B.A.B.) - Online Shopping For Plus Size Women
Supported By Cheng San Community Club

For more details, click here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=126209554060992

Eco - Story Writing Competition @ Central Singapore!

2010-08-30T21:40:00.003+08:00

The National Environment Agency (Central Regional Office) and the Central Singapore Community Development Council, present you an exciting challenge; the Eco - Story Writing Competition @ Central Singapore. We would like to call out to all, to participate in this eco-event which serves as a great opportunity to unleash your creativity in writing and express your passion for the environment.

Competition Details

1) Content & Theme

Your story should convey an environmental message to the community, encompassing one or more of these topics:

 Dengue Prevention

 Energy Efficiency

 Food & Personal Hygiene

 Resource Conservation (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) OR/AND

 Other Environment – Related Topics

2) Category

There are 2 categories in this competition.

 Category A:

- Participants between 10 to 16 years of age

- Submit a short story of 200 to 300 words

 Category B:

- Participants above 16 years of age

- Submit a short story of 300 to 400 words

3) Submission Deadline

08 October 2010 (Friday) at 12 noon

4) Submission Procedure

 Email to kavitha_rajandran@nea.gov.sg or

 Mail to the National Environment Agency, Central Regional Office, 3P Partnership Section (4545 Jalan Bukit Merah, Singapore 159466)

5) Prizes To Be Won

The 3 best entries from each category will receive these prizes:

 First Prize: 2GB i-Pod Shuffle, Trophy and Exclusive Goodie Bag

 Second Prize: Trophy and Exclusive Goodie Bag

 Third Prize: Trophy and Exclusive Goodie Bag

The Prize Giving Ceremony will take place during the Clean & Green Carnival on

13th November 2010 (Saturday), 6.00 pm –7.30 pm at Basement 1, Main Atrium (United Square Shopping Mall).

6) Recognition Of Talents

As a form of appreciation and recognition, your story will be made heard to members of the public during the 2-day carnival.

The winning entries will be showcased at the “Story –Telling” corner, by experienced story tellers who will present your stories in an interesting and engaging manner to all participants.

7) Judging Criteria

Judging will be jointly conducted by the National Environment Agency (Central Regional Office) and the Central Singapore Community Development Council based on these criteria:

 Language (20%)

 Content (20%)

 Creativity and originality (30%)

 Environmental message conveyed (30%)

8) Rules & Regulations

 One entry per person

 Each entry must be accompanied with a completed entry form, enclosed below

 The story should be kept within the stated word limit and should be an original composition which is unpublished

 The story should be typed out using a font size of 12 (Times New Roman)

 Submissions made after the deadline will not be considered for the competition

 Decisions made by the organizers are final

 Participants of winning entries will be informed via email and phone, by 29 October 2010, Friday

Do join us @ the Central Singapore Clean & Green Carnival

13th & 14th November 2010

12 noon to 8pm

Basement 1, Main Atrium, United Square Shopping Mall

Parks of Seletar Hills

2010-08-04T14:56:00.003+08:00

Our lovely parks and playgrounds. For your viewing pleasure.

Road Safety at Private Estates

2010-06-25T23:22:00.002+08:00

Click on the image to enlarge it for a better view of it.

World Cup Screening @ Cheng San CC

2010-06-13T11:16:00.000+08:00

Admission is FREE! 3rd/4th Placing will be screened , check with CC. Light Snacks and Drinks will be available for sale.

One Community Walk

2010-06-02T21:26:00.006+08:00

Participants: Please call Mr. SC Lee at his HP 98284625

or emaill sclly@singnet.com.sg

to register your names for this event by 15/July/10 latest.

PROPOSED DOTTED WHITE LINE ALONG MIMOSA TERRACE and MIMOSA DRIVE

2010-04-12T07:19:00.002+08:00

Please note the NC has revised the return date.
Please refer to your letter.

3 Days - 2 Nights Penang Tour

2010-02-06T11:37:00.002+08:00

Daperture - Saturday 13 March 8.30 am

Return - 15 March

Package Rates - $295 Nett-twin/triple

$265 Nett - Child with Extra bed (below 11 years)

$23 Nett - Child no bed

32 Jalan Selaseh

Closing Date: 27 Feb 2010

Tel: 68534864

Details:

3 Days 2 Nights Penang Tour

Day 1 : Singapore – Penang (Dinner)

Assemble at Designated Point to board our 29 seaters coach to Penang via to Tuas 2nd Link for immigration clearance. We will first head to Galang Patah for breakfast (own expenses). After breakfast, we will proceed north to Penang, we will check in to the hotel.

In the night, dinner will be provided at local restaurant. After dinner, we will join the night tour with view of Penang Bridge. You will also visit the Night Market (Pasar Malam), the Chinatown. After tour, you can stop over at Gurney Drive Food Street where you can to choose a large variety of local food, for example the Penang Laksa and also Indian Rojak.

Day 2 : Penang (Breakfast / Lunch)

After breakfast, we will get to visit Kek Lok Si Temple in Ayer Hitam, which houses the 30.2 meters tall bronze Goddess of Mercy. You will walk up staircase leading to the top which is sheltered by many shops selling souvenir and commodities.

Then, we will proceed to a Thai temple built in 1845 where a large statue of a reclining Buddha resides, one of the largest in the world. Optional: We can visit the Butterfly Farm where you can see many beautiful butterflies and also variety of insect’s species

(Entrance Fee: RM 20)

Next we will visit the Toy Museum where you can see a large collection of toys some as long as hundred years ago. Along the way, you’ll visit a pewter factory to watch how trendy souvenirs are made as a factory that stitches batik, a traditional Malay garment.

After the tour, you may return to the hotel or you may stop for shopping.

Day 3 : Penang (Breakfast)

After breakfast, we will depart for Singapore. On the way, we will have lunch at local restaurant (own expenses).

SELETARIANS TURN UP IN FULL FORCE TO SUPPORT CHARITY

2010-02-06T11:30:00.001+08:00

"Do Your Bit for Charity!" the banner exhorted. On 23 Jan, Seletarians responded in full force to do just that. More than 100 residents from as far as Cactus/Sunrise turned up at the Seletar Community Club in Jalan Selaseh to donate various items to the Salvation Army Red Shield Industries. Many drove, some walked, others cycled, bearing donations from clothes, toys, paintings and glassware to household electricals.

This first ever donation drive in Seletar was jointly organised by the Neighbourhood Committees of Seletar Hills West, East and Cactus/Sunrise. We were most pleasantly surprised by the wonderful turnout.

Richard Goh, Chairman of the Seletar Hills West NC said, " The donation drive was a HUGE success! The residents of Seletar showed their strong sense of charity and community. Some turned up as early as 8.30am. By the end of the day, we had collected 3 full truckloads of items! Many asked if we could hold this more often and when the next one would take place. We hope to organise this event every year."

To Seletarians, we say a BIG thank you!

Hon Fye

Chairman, Organising Committee

for Seletar Hills West and East, Cactus Sunrise NCs

Crime Alert

2010-02-03T18:11:00.000+08:00

Several Cases of Break-ins have been reported recently in Stratton, Nim areas. Please exercise vigilance. See anything suspicious please call the police at 999.

Salvation Army Collections 2010

2010-01-26T22:05:00.001+08:00

Team Seletar Wishes All Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2010

2010-01-14T14:44:00.001+08:00

DO YOUR BIT FOR CHARITY !!!

2009-12-05T15:39:00.004+08:00

JOINT DONATION DRIVE between

Seletar Hills West

Seletar Hills East

Cactus/Sunrise

Neighbourhood Committees

(http://lifestyleseletar.blogspot.com/) &

The Salvation Army Red Shield Industries

Date : Sat, 23 Jan 2010

Time : 10 am – 4 pm

Venue : Clubhouse at 32 Jalan Selaseh

Donate Your :

• clothes

• shoes

• bags

• books

• toys

• newspapers, magazines

• household appliances

(kindly donate items in good condition which can be resellable – Thanks!)

Hotline for enquiries and for donation of bulky items – 62885438

The Red Shield Industries (RSI) Family Thrift Stores are a social enterprise. The Salvation Army receives donations-in-kind from the public and companies. In turn, RSI resells them at affordable prices through its network of Family Thrift Stores. The income generated supports The Salvation Army’s social and community programmes.

For more info on the charity and community programmes, pls visit http://www.salvationarmy.org/

Bread Making Workshop

2009-11-24T21:16:00.003+08:00

Date: 12.12.2009 (Saturday)
Time: 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm
Venue: Cheng San Community Club
6 Ang Mo Kio St 53

For enquiries, please contact
Mr S C Lee at Tel 98284625
Ms Lilian Lee Tel 91284809 or
Mr Ang at Tel 68534864

Heart of Christmas as Selaseh Park

2009-11-18T14:05:00.004+08:00

Calling all Seletarians to join us on 19 December 2009 at Selaseh Park:

The Botanical Party!

2009-11-18T13:58:00.000+08:00

In celebration of the Singapore Botanic Gradens' 150th anniversary, you are invited to the Botanical Party to be held on 5th Dec 2009 at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage, Palm Valley.

If you are interested to attend, please email yippychew@yahoo.com.sg

We are Sinagpore.........

2009-10-23T20:53:00.000+08:00

We are Sinagpore........

Seletarian in Action - Don't Play Play .....

2009-10-14T09:29:00.000+08:00

Seletar residents' Tae Kwon Do Demonstration at Getting To Know You Dinner 2009

SMS CRIME ALERT SERVICE

2009-10-08T21:07:00.003+08:00

Our Police has informed that:

1 Currently, the Singapore Police Force have existing collaborations with M1 and Singtel to provide SMS Crime Alert service to their handphone postpaid subscribers. Recently, we have also established a similar collaboration with Starhub.

2 Under these collaborations, M1, Singtel and Starhub will assist the Police to disseminate SMSes containing crime information to their subscribers. With our community being more informed and aware of crime occurrences, appropriate preventive measures could therefore be adopted to prevent crime.

3 Existing M1, Singtel and Starhub handphone postpaid subscribers are welcomed to sign up for this service.

To subscribe to the Crime Alert SMS, follow the steps listed below:

For M1 users: SMS “REG” to 22999

For Singtel users: Type * 127 and press send button (call button), reply “Y” to confirm subscription of the service when you receive a Welcome SMS from Singtel.

For Starhub users: SMS “SPF” to 74581.

Starhub users also can subscribe by selected postal code: SMS “SPFpostal code” to 74581

To Un-subscribe to the Crime Alert SMS, follow the steps listed below:

For M1 users: SMS “UNREG” to 22999

For Singtel users: Call SingTel at 1626 & speak to the customer relation officer.

For Starhub users: SMS “SPF STOP” to 74581

4 For more information, please refer to the following websites.

a) M1 website at
http://www.miworld.com.sg/entertain/index.jsp followed by clicking on hyperlink for “SMS Crime Alert”under “Be Entertained & Informed”.

b) SingTel website at
http://www.ideas.singtel.com/ideas/sms_alert.jsp

c) Starhub website at
http://www.starhub.com/portal/site/Mobile followed by clicking on hyperlink for “SMS Crime Alert”.under “Related Links”

5 If you have any queries on the above or have information to help us solve any crime, do not hesitate to contact Serangoon NPC at 1800 – 4880999

Our Beautiful Estate

2009-10-07T12:00:00.000+08:00

This is beautiful, isn't it?

New Bus Services

2009-10-05T15:03:00.004+08:00

There is a bus service Seletar Express (PBS 576) - from our estate to Hong Lim Complex

If you are tired of spending a fortune on taxis, ERP or parking, but don’t wish to squeeze into peak hours buses and trains, then this service is perfect for you. For a fee, you can now enjoy a comfortable ride which will pick you up from within our estate and bring you to work in the city area.

Click Here to find out the details:

http://www.bushub.com.sg/

Help Line for Private Estates Maintenance 1800 2255 123

2009-10-04T20:33:00.002+08:00

The new helpline for private estates maintenance maintenance has been launched for residents of Yio Chu Kang area. The help line facility is known as One-Connect @ Ang Mo Kio - Yio Chu Kang.
.
Just call toll free number 1800 2255 123 to get help from the helpline operator.

Who Are We? Where Are We?

2009-09-06T10:39:00.002+08:00

Getting To Know You Dinner 2009

2009-09-06T08:18:00.000+08:00

[Video - Dr. Balaji's Speech]

[VIDEO]

[Video]

[Video - PM Speech]

HortBloom 2009: We won 3rd Prize!

2009-09-02T18:58:00.000+08:00

Private Estate of the FUTURE - Discussion

2009-08-19T07:09:00.000+08:00

How would you like to see the estate 5,10,50 years from now?
Those horrible greenie signpost imho does not add any value except negative ones.

So what would you like to see in the estate?

Drive thru amenities? ATM/Postbox?
Security posts?
People moving system? (Segways?)
Sheltered walkways?
High Speed Wireless Internet Access?

Discuss la

Construction of Punggol Promenade begins

2009-08-16T09:11:00.000+08:00

Construction of Punggol Promenade begins

Construction work on the landmark 4.9 kilometre Punggol Promenade has started with a groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday.

The ceremony was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Mr Teo Chee Hean, National Development Minister Mr Mah Bow Tan, Mayor, North-East District Mr Teo Ser Luck and Members of Parliament from Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC.

The waterfront promenade - targeted for completion in 2011 - is part of the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) plans to redevelop Punggol into a sea sports and recreational destination.

It also serves as a link between the proposed Punggol Point and Punggol East sports and recreational clusters.

The design will feature the characteristics and natural beauty of the coastline and will comprise of three themed zones - Punggol Point Walk (1.2km), Nature walk (2.4km) and Riverside Walk (1.3km).

Mrs Cheong Koon Hean, URA's CEO said, "The Punggol Promenade will improve the accessibility and open up the waterfront area at Punggol. The promenade, together with all the upcoming leisure options at Punggol Point and Punggol East will liven up the area, bringing even more buzz and recreational options, especially to residents in the North-East."

The Punggol promenade is part of a planned 150km Round-Island Route that will enable the walking, cycling or jogging around the entire Singapore.

It is to be designed and implemented by a consortium of engineers lead by LOOK Architects at a total cost of S$16.7 million.

Recreational activities available at Punggol currently include fishing and camping.

===

Punggol Vision One step Closer

.
By early 2011, Punggol residents can look forward to a host of recreational activities along the $16.7 million Punggol Promenade. The 4.9km promenade will link two activity clusters - Punggol Point and Punggol East. It is part of a 150km route that will allow residents to walk, cycle, or jog around the whole island eventually.

By Jessica Cheam

March 2011. From an elevated viewing platform at Punggol Point, some residents look out onto tranquil waters. Others stroll along a sandy beach while enjoying the sea breeze.

Along a 4.9km-long promenade that begins here, they can also walk to playgrounds, fitness corners, fishing spots and even a horse-riding school. If hunger strikes, they can pop by eateries that dot the route.

The $16.7 million Punggol Promenade, which is part of a grand vision to transform the former backwater village in the north-east into Singapore's iconic suburban waterfront town, took a step closer to reality yesterday.

Construction began with a ground-breaking ceremony.

'We are one step closer to realising the vision of Punggol as a beautiful waterfront town with an array of leisure opportunities,' said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean.

Mr Teo, who is an MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, noted that fresh plans for the walkway, released by the Urban Redevelopment Authority yesterday, had integrated feedback from residents, such as including fitness corners along the route.

This walkway is part of a 150km 'round-island route' that will eventually allow users to walk, cycle or jog around the whole island - connecting Singaporeans 'not only psychologically, but physically' as well, he added.

He was accompanied at the ceremony by National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan, North East District Mayor Teo Ser Luck and other MPs from the constituency.

Developments in Punggol have accelerated in the last two years since Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong offered a new vision for it - called 'Punggol 21-plus' - in his 2007 National Day Rally speech.

He had unveiled sweeping plans for a beautiful coastal suburb with public homes built along a pristine waterway, amid nature trails and restaurants serving Punggol's famous chilli crab.

But it has not always been smooth sailing for Punggol, which more than 10 years ago had a population of only 500.

The vision for its transformation began as early as 1996, when it was announced by then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong. But the Asian financial crisis halted the town's development, leaving many early residents miffed about the lack of amenities and critical mass in the new town.

Today, the town has a population of 53,600 and this is projected to grow to 70,000 by 2011.

The promise of Punggol is vivid in the mind of Madam Gillian Lim, 40, who has lived there for eight years. 'It's been a long time coming. I'm so glad we are finally seeing things built now,' she said.

Mr Teo Chee Hean told reporters the pace of Punggol's development will be determined by the demand for housing, which seems to be healthy.

Punggol is not the only town set for a metamorphosis. Mr Teo yesterday highlighted the Marina Bay area as one that is 'taking shape before our very eyes'.

Key projects like the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort and the Marina Bay Financial Centre will open their doors next year.'But more than just the commercial developments...it is really a place for all of us. There will be many public spaces for us to enjoy,' he said earlier at an exhibition launch at Sengkang's Compass Point.

The 'My Endearing Home' exhibition, launched in May, aims to encourage the public to rediscover the island and inform them of upcoming development plans. Mr Teo noted that a new 'double helix' bridge will soon connect Marina Centre to Marina South, and new attractions and event spaces all around the bay will be opened. Besides the transformations in the city area, Singapore's heartland, such as the Jurong Lake District, is also set for an intensive makeover to become an alternative business and leisure destination.

This article was first published in The Straits Times.

Community in Bloom Video

2009-08-14T15:03:00.000+08:00

CIB Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSwiD1K9rws

S$25m Interim Estate Upgrading Programme to help private estates improve

2009-08-14T10:23:00.001+08:00

S$25m Interim Estate Upgrading Programme to help private estates improve
By Hasnita A Majid, Channel NewsAsia Posted: 21 June 2009 2120 hrs

SINGAPORE : Private housing estates can now improve their physical environment under a new Interim Estate Upgrading Programme.

The S$25 million scheme allows for small scale improvements such as construction of footpaths, ramps and rain shelters.

It will complement the existing Estate Upgrading Programme (EUP), meant for upgrading older estates that are at least 30 years old.

Private estates like Tai Hwan Terrace in Serangoon Gardens may want to apply for the new programme, as residents said some areas need improvement.

Winston Lim, resident, said: "I think (rain shelters) is a very good idea because as residents in a private estate, we are usually quite far from public transport like bus stops and train stations, so we usually walk quite a distance to reach home. So if you caught in the rain, I think you need some kind of shelter in between."

Another resident, Daphne Tan, said: "...sometimes we can come back past midnight, so if it is lighted up, then you will feel more secure."

Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman, chairman, Estate Upgrading Programme Committee, and Parliamentary Secretary, National Development, said: "The idea is for immediate upgrading that may be needed by estates which are relatively less old...sometimes when the estate gets developed, certain things may need to be improved...(such as) access to roads - so ramps may be needed - pathways, lightings...sometimes banner posts, because when they begin to have activities, they need banner posts. So these are the things that we think we can do immediately.

"You do not have to wait until 30 years later, then you put up all these things you see. So it is kind of like an extension of the EUP to provide assistance for private estates dwellers."

Dr Maliki said there will be a cap on costs of items to be upgraded, to ensure prudence.

Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, who announced the three-year pilot project, said her constituency will certainly apply for the funds.

Mrs Lim, who is Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and MP for Aljunied GRC, said: "It is really a more timely response to the day-to-day needs of residents.

"I believe with the full funding, it will be extremely helpful. Because unlike the HDB estates where they have the Town Council and they have been contributing towards the Town Council Funds, private estates do not really have a mechanism to contribute towards it. So the full funding of the public area is extremely helpful."

Some 250,000 households in private estates are expected to benefit from the programme. But the general rule is that estates which had undergone improvements in the last five years will not be eligible for the programme.

Over the next few weeks, private estates' committees can start applying for the funding. The first interim upgrading works are expected to start in the first quarter of next year.

The existing EUP, which was launched in 2000, has benefited 38 older private estates. These include Serangoon Gardens, Tanjong Katong and Braddell Heights.

One to two estates are selected for EUP every one to two years. Improvement works under the EUP include upgrading of parks and playgrounds, drainage upgrading works and upgrading of footpaths. - CNA/ms

URA to launch the tender for the Reserve List site at Yio Chu Kang Road / Seletar Road in two weeks' time

2009-08-14T08:42:00.000+08:00

7 August 2009

URA to launch the tender for the Reserve List site
at Yio Chu Kang Road / Seletar Road in two weeks' time

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) announced today that it has
accepted an application from a developer to put up the commercial &
residential site at Yio Chu Kang Road / Seletar Road for public
tender.

The Land Parcel was made available for sale through the Reserve List
System on 19 November 2008. Under the Government’s Reserve List
System, the Government will put up a Reserve List site for public
tender if it receives an application from a developer who commits, by
signing an agreement and paying a deposit of 5% of the bid price, to
bid for the site at or above the minimum price which is acceptable to
the Government.

URA has received an application from a developer who has committed to
bid at a price of not less than $40.5 million for the Land Parcel at
Yio Chu Kang Road / Seletar Road. In accordance with the procedures of
the Reserve List System, URA is making public the minimum price
committed for the site. However, the identity of the applicant will
not be released.

URA will launch the public tender for the site in about two weeks. The
launch date will be announced later. The tender period for the Land
Parcel will be about four weeks.

Land Parcel at Yio Chu Kang Road / Seletar Road

The Land Parcel is located within the established residential area at
Seletar Hills and near the future Seletar Aerospace Park. Commercial
amenities such as shops, food and beverage outlets can be built within
the proposed development to serve the needs of the residents in the
development as well as those in the neighbouring housing estates.

The Land Parcel with a site area of 2.1 ha is designated for a mixed
commercial & residential development. With a gross plot ratio of 1.4,
the Land Parcel can generate a maximum permissible gross floor area of
about 29,400 sq m.

The details of the Land Parcel are at Annex 1 and the location plan at
Annex 2. More details of the Land Parcel are available on the URA
website at http://www.ura.gov.sg/sales/YCKSeletar08/MA/YCKSeletar-intro(T).html

Details of the launch will be announced later.

GardenTech2 2009 - We are participating!

2009-07-20T08:02:00.000+08:00

We have an entry in this event.
Come and support your fellow Seletarians.
Please email yippychew@yahoo.com.sg for details soonest.

Richard@Stratton
=====================

GardenTech2 2009 is back again. Like the previous GardenTech, this garden fair will be held in HortPark.

Several talks, as well as, the terrarium workshops and lifestyle corner guided tours will be conducted.

Do drop by GardenTech 2009 which will be held at HortPark - 33, Hyderabad Rd, off Alexandra Rd, from 14 to 18 Aug 09!

For more info, please refer to the GardenTech 2009 website:

http://www.gardentech.com.sg