Singapore Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Edwin Tong, previously underwent a procedure to relieve a blocked artery in his heart, and has since been discharged from the hospital and resting at home.

He made the updated announcement on his Facebook page, where he shared that the incident has reminded him to “always count (his) blessings”.

Facebook update

This year, my 54th birthday is a reminder that I should always count my blessings, and there are many of them!

Happy to be home for my birthday and to celebrate at home with my family, along with a few visits from some of my oldest and dearest friends. Topped off with a cake from the office and some festive balloons from ex-colleagues too!

Thank you everyone for your birthday greetings and get well wishes. They are all greatly appreciated and deeply cherished

Previous Facebook post

Over the last few weeks, I have had to deal with a health issue.

As part of a routine health check, my doctors discovered that I had a blocked coronary artery, the Left Anterior Descending. This was significant because it is the main and largest artery supplying blood to the heart, and it was assessed to be severely blocked.

I am neither diabetic nor a smoker, have maintained pretty good cholesterol levels and definitely not sedentary when it comes to daily activities and exercise. So it was quite a shock for me to find out about the extent of the blockage and the risks which it put me under.

I discussed with the doctors and earlier this morning, I did an angiogram, which made the diagnosis clearer, followed by an angioplasty. The LAD was then stented to restore blood flow. Very grateful to my doctors and the nursing team – they are looking after me brilliantly.

I will now recuperate and take things a little slower for a bit before getting back to my usual routine. Will be working from home as much as possible in the meantime.

I have also had to cut down on some of my events and meetings over the last couple of days, on doctors’ orders not to exert myself too much.

I want to extend my apologies for missing various events, and to the event organisers as well, for any inconvenience caused.

Looking back, whilst I was perhaps feeling a little more tired from my regular routine than usual, I had put it down to the hustle and bustle of the schedule. I did not otherwise feel unwell. Nor did I experience any symptoms or discomfort at all, and I also don’t have any specific risk factors. So it’s fortunate that I managed to have this picked up in good time through a routine health check.

This episode is another reminder for us all to not take our health for granted – and to go for our regular health checks!

In the meantime, I will be spending this year’s National Day in hospital. Will have to be cheering the Red Lions and everyone else at NDP through the TV screen this year!

Happy National Day in advance!

PS : got a little get well soon bear from the family!

A 28-year-old Singaporean man, Darrel Phee Chin Ann, lost his life while attempting to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, according to a report by 8World News.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) confirmed the situation and said that they are providing consular assistance and support to the 28-year-old’s family, as well as extending their condolences to the family.

A Facebook post by Adventures Unlimited, a travel agency, captured the excitement of the moment, with a message inviting everyone to join in on the thrilling journey of conquering Africa’s highest peak.

Adventures Unlimited said in a statement that his oxygen levels dropped significantly on the morning of the summit hike, and his heart rate increased during the early hours of the ascent.

In adherence to safety protocols, a decision was made for him to descend back to the campsite, accompanied by a guide.

Despite returning to the campsite, Darrel’s condition continued to deteriorate rapidly. It was later revealed that he succumbed to asphyxiation and high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), a severe altitude-related illness that occurs when fluid accumulates in the lungs, obstructing the efficient exchange of oxygen into the bloodstream.

Adventures Unlimited’s Facebook statement

We have received the sad news of a tragedy which had happened during the Kilimanjaro trek. One of our team members, Mr Darrel Phee, lost his life during the expedition.

Instances of fatalities on Mount Kilimanjaro are rare (<1%). However, there are instances where it could happen and this is attributed to various factors such as high altitude, extreme weather conditions, the climber’s physical condition and the physical challenges of the climb.

We have in place stringent safety measures, which include daily monitoring of oxygen levels, heart rate and symptoms. Darrel’s readings and symptoms have been normal throughout the days of the hike.

However, on the morning of the summit hike, his oxygen levels dropped and his heart rate increased. As per safety protocol, it was decided that he will abort the climb and descend with a guide.

At the campsite, he was closely monitored. Unfortunately due to the onset of altitude sickness and its serious health complications. his condition deteriorated and he passed away. The cause of death indicated – Asphyxia / HAPE

We express our sincere condolences for the tragic passing of Mr. Darrel Phee. This is a challenging period for Mr Phee’s family and our primary focus is on aiding the family in this difficult time.

AU remains committed to transparency and accountability to our participants. We hope that you can support us in this difficult time, understanding the spirit of adventure that drives us. as hikers, despite its inherent uncertainties.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro stands tall at an elevation of 5,895 meters, making it the highest peak in Africa. While the mountain attracts thrill-seekers and adventurers from around the world, it also poses formidable challenges.

The Climbing Kilimanjaro website noted that over half of climbers experience mountain sickness, showcasing the extreme conditions and altitude-related hurdles they face.

Fatal accidents on Mount Kilimanjaro are statistically rare, with a probability of less than 1 percent. Adventures Unlimited, the travel agency that organized the ill-fated expedition, highlighted the multifaceted nature of such incidents.

Factors such as extreme weather conditions, altitude, physical condition, and the inherent challenges of the climb can all contribute to unfortunate outcomes.

A resident in Choa Chu Kang has been complaining about being unable to sleep well because of the noise being generated by the claw machines at a pasar malam held about 10 metre away from his home on the 2nd floor of a HDB building.

Speaking to Shin Min Daily News, Mr. Yang, a 62-year-old resident living on the second floor of a nearby block, shared his plight and recounted how he had endured four consecutive nights of disrupted sleep due to the relentless music from the claw machines.

The continuous operation of these machines around the clock had left him weary and frustrated. Despite his efforts to address the issue with the operator, the noise persisted.

A Quest for Quiet

In a bid to find a resolution, Mr. Yang approached the operator and requested a reduction in volume. While the operator complied, the adjustment failed to quell the disruption effectively.

The clash between the vibrant entertainment and the tranquility of the night continued to disrupt his rest. Interestingly, not all residents shared the same sentiment, with some finding the situation tolerable after 9pm.

Deciphering the Noise

Upon investigation, Shin Min reporters visited the pasar malam and discovered a rather intriguing revelation.

Contrary to popular belief, the claw machines were not the primary source of the disturbance. Instead, the noise generated by the coin machines was identified as the main culprit, drowning out the music from the claw machines and creating a dissonant symphony of sound.

Seeking Solutions

Concerns escalated to the point where Brickland Constituency Office (BSO) stepped in to address the situation. In response to inquiries, a BSO spokesperson clarified that the operating hours for the claw machines were limited to 10.30pm.

Furthermore, the BSO representative engaged in a dialogue with the operator to ensure compliance with this regulation, aiming to restore peace and quiet to the neighborhood.

The pasar malam also stopped operating on 12 August.

@bricklandcares

Brickland's very first Pasar Malam is now open at Keat Hong Mirage 818, 818A and 818B until 12 Aug! 🌟 This is in conjunction with our upcoming National Day Carnival- Night of Dreams. Brace yourself for a feast of flavours and don't miss out the fun games and activities at the various stalls! Do spread the word with your neighbours, family and friends! 🇸🇬🇸🇬

♬ original sound – Friends of Brickland