I already know people are going to judge me or say that I’m lying, but I just want a space to vent. What’s happening to my mom really made me realize the importance of financial independence.
My dad finally left. Me and my sister had to force him to leave this morning after we found he had choked my mother the night before. He has physically and verbally mistreated all of us for years now, and it’s finally coming to an end.
At first I was relieved to know that at least we can move on with our lives starting now, but now that I’m sitting on it…our lives just might be ruined. My mom also works, but my dad was the bread winner. I knew we were dependent on him, but now I’m really realizing how much will be in dire straits. I finally understand the weight of his words when he told us we’ll have nothing.
I’m an incoming freshman at school. We don’t even know if my father will pay for my school feesor my sister’s final year because I know he wants to make us suffer.
I’ve never had a job nor do I have any qualifications. My father wouldn’t allow me to get a job in school because he wanted me to, “Focus on my studies.”
He constantly threatened us before leaving. Telling my mom he would take the house and he “wouldn’t pay for anything”. Saying that we’re nothing without him and that he hates us.
I just got done talking with my mom. I can’t stand seeing the tears in her eyes as she tells me she has no idea what she’s going to do.
I already know what I’m prepared to do. I’ll give my body away if I have to.
I was awarded over thousands of dollars in scholarships and I was also awarded work-study. I know, that’s not enough. I know working a low pay job is not enough either. so I’ll do more.
I like to think that my first boyfriend would also be my part time employer. That’s all. You know how much money a young virgin could get if I just played my cards right?
The world is a cruel place and not everything is simple. Like I said before I know people will look down on me and judge me, but at the end of the day I’m a survivor.
In his New Year’s Message, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong addressed the challenges faced by Singapore in 2023, emphasizing the tumultuous international environment. The Prime Minister highlighted key geopolitical events, underlining the ongoing complexities that impact global relations.
Global Dynamics and Tensions
Prime Minister Lee acknowledged the troubled international environment, citing the recent meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco. While the meeting contributed to stabilizing relations between the two powers, underlying tensions persist. The situation in Ukraine was also mentioned, with the Prime Minister noting the ongoing conflict and human suffering, emphasizing the strategic stalemate with no immediate resolution.
A portion of the message was dedicated to the recent conflict between Hamas and Israel; Hamas’ attack on Israel, followed by Israel’s military response in Gaza, resulting in the loss of lives and injuries, particularly among civilians, including women and children.
The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for the compassionate and practical response of Singaporeans who, despite their geographical distance, expressed anguish and concern for the situation.
National Unity and Social Cohesion
Addressing the local response to global issues, Prime Minister Lee highlighted the unity demonstrated by Singaporeans of all races. He acknowledged the acuteness of the situation for Muslim Singaporeans and appreciated the compassionate and practical manner in which citizens expressed their views while upholding national interests and social cohesion.
The Prime Minister particularly praised religious and community leaders for standing beside the government during this challenging time.
Snippet of PM Lee’s New Year Message
2023 was a challenging year. The international environment remains troubled. US President Biden’s recent meeting with PRC President Xi Jinping in San Francisco has stabilised relations between the two powers, but the underlying tensions remain. In Ukraine, the fighting and human suffering continues, but the war is at a strategic stalemate with no resolution in sight.
Most recently, Hamas’ savage attack on Israel, followed by Israel’s ferocious military response in Gaza, have killed and maimed thousands of civilians, many of them women and children. The horrific and continuing human suffering has aroused revulsion and anger around the world. In Singapore, people of all races have expressed their anguish and concern, with Muslim Singaporeans understandably feeling this most acutely.
Much as we try to insulate ourselves from problems elsewhere, inevitably from time to time we in Singapore will feel for the troubles of others. It is a consequence of our shared humanity. I am glad on this occasion Singaporeans have again responded in a compassionate and practical manner – expressing our views while upholding our national interests and social cohesion, and contributing generously to humanitarian aid for those in need, particularly in Gaza.
I am especially grateful that at this fraught moment, religious and community leaders have stood beside the Government to counsel wisdom and support our social cohesion. We have painstakingly built up our racial and religious harmony over decades as a fundamental basis of Singaporean society. We must continue to approach potentially divisive issues like the Israel-Hamas conflict with tolerance and respect towards one another’s views.
This is the way to honour the ideals and vision that Mr Lee Kuan Yew and his team of founding leaders stood for – a fair and just society where every Singaporean has full opportunity to succeed; a thriving economy built on meritocracy and hard work; and an endearing home where every Singaporean belongs.
A man was left in a lurch after his date ended things with him after consulting a temple stating that they are “not suitable”.
Here is his story:
Breakup due to parents superstition. Anyone encounter this issue?
Met and dated a girl from online dating app for almost 2 months, recently just met her parents. But out of sudden, she told me that her parents went to ask temple said we not suitable.
Wanted to breakup. Both of us 33 years old. Not really sure an excuse or what.
Any advice?
Here are what netizens think:
When u get a diagnosis from 1 doctor. If its not something good, confirm u will seek 2nd and 3rd opinion.. so u can go Few more temple..
Do you want parent in-law like that?But they don’t want you to be their son in law. Find the one who welcome you wholeheartedly.P.S. If she really loves you, do you think she will care about this superstitious belief? I married my husband who is 100% incompatible on any science of superstitions. We are together 22 years. She doesn’t want to work it out with you. That’s it. Good luck
Excuse or not don’t matter already. Just accept that she don’t want to see you anymore.
Win liao lor, use this as excuse, what else can u do, find another temple to prove her parents wrong?
it is an excuse if her parents dont know your birth sign and then suddenly know u r incompatible.but either way, it is true that she does not want to continue dating you. find someone else.
Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, delivered a comprehensive New Year’s Message, offering insights into the country’s economic performance and outlining key initiatives for the coming year. Despite facing economic challenges, the Prime Minister provided a measured outlook for the nation in 2024.
We Avoided A Recession
In his address, Prime Minister Lee acknowledged the economic challenges faced by Singapore in the past year. Despite the headwinds, the nation achieved a 1.2% growth, successfully avoiding a recession. He highlighted the resilience of the economy in the face of global uncertainties. Looking ahead to 2024, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) projects a GDP growth ranging from 1 to 3 percent. The Prime Minister expressed optimism that this growth would contribute to the nation’s continued economic stability.
While celebrating the economic resilience, Prime Minister Lee acknowledged that households continue to grapple with the pressures of a higher cost of living. He noted that inflation is gradually coming down, offering some relief. The Prime Minister expressed hope that the various assistance schemes implemented by the government have helped alleviate the financial burden on households.
GST Increase
A significant announcement in the New Year’s Message was the confirmation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate increasing to 9 percent from January 1. The Prime Minister explained that this adjustment is necessary to generate extra revenue, which will be crucial in covering the escalating healthcare expenses resulting from the aging population. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the sustainability of public finances in the long term.
Assurance Package for Households
To ease the impact of the GST rate hike on households, the Prime Minister assured the continuation of the Assurance Package in the coming year. This package aims to provide support to households facing financial challenges, ensuring that those who need assistance receive it. Prime Minister Lee stressed the dual objective of supporting vulnerable households while maintaining the fiscal health of the nation.
Prime Minister Lee acknowledged that the economic and fiscal outlook for 2024 is contingent on the external environment. The nation’s performance will be influenced by global factors, and he urged citizens to stay vigilant in the face of uncertainties.
Snippet of PM Lee’s New Year Message
We made 1.2% growth this year, avoiding a recession. But households are still feeling the pressure of higher cost of living, though inflation is gradually coming down. I hope the Government’s many assistance schemes have helped to relieve the burden on households. Next year, MTI projects our GDP to grow by 1 to 3 percent, and inflation hopefully to come down further, but much will depend on the external environment.
From 1 January, the GST rate will increase to 9 percent. The extra revenue will help the Government to pay for growing healthcare expenses as our population ages. To cushion the impact, households will continue to receive the Assurance Package next year. This way, households who need help will get it, while we can keep our public finances sound and sustainable over the longer term.
Looking Ahead to 2024
For some years to come, we must expect the external environment to be less favourable to our security and prosperity. Geopolitical uncertainties will continue weighing on the global economy. In our own region, there are tensions and risks over rival claims in the South China Sea, and because of the cross-Strait situation. These can affect confidence in the region, and hence our growth.
At the same time, climate change will pose major challenges for every country. We are already feeling its effects. Singapore needs to adapt to and prepare for rising temperatures and sea levels, and to transition our economy to net-zero carbon emissions. It will be costly and demanding.
But we also have reason for hope and confidence. Rapid technological progress, especially in artificial intelligence and robotics, holds great promise for our businesses and people. The Government will work closely with businesses to upgrade and transform their operations, and with our tripartite partners to support every Singaporean to up-skill and re-skill, so that all can actively pursue their careers and keep themselves employable and competitive.
At the same time, we must always care for others in our community, and help those in greater need than ourselves. The Government will keep uplifting lower-income families and vulnerable groups, to enable them to live with purpose and dignity. We will continue to build affordable and accessible public housing for Singaporeans, a cornerstone of our social compact. To care for our ageing population, we are enhancing our physical infrastructure and social safety nets, and transforming our healthcare system with Healthier SG and Age Well SG. All these, and more, form part of the blueprint for a refreshed social compact.
The Forward Singapore agenda for Singapore is an ambitious one – especially as we will have to realise it in an era of rapid external and internal change. Many larger societies have become divided and weakened because difficult issues were not tackled directly and effectively, rival interest groups jostled against one another, and leaders put their own interests above the nation’s. As a small red dot, Singapore cannot afford to make the same mistakes and suffer the same consequences. We must work ever harder to keep our society together, and strengthen our sense of shared identity and nationhood.
As 2023 drew to a close, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong addressed the nation in a New Year Message, offering insights into the upcoming year and delivering news of a significant leadership transition. In a noteworthy announcement, he revealed that Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong would assume the role of Prime Minister in 2024. This transition marks a crucial milestone in Singapore’s political landscape.
Leadership Handover in 2024
Prime Minister Lee emphasized that the leadership transition would take place in the coming year, with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong set to take the reins as Prime Minister. This move aligns with the earlier indication made in November, where PM Lee stated that the transition would occur before the next General Election, mandated to be held no later than November 2025.
Acknowledging the delicacy of leadership transitions, PM Lee urged Singaporeans to be mindful of the significance of the upcoming change. He highlighted that such transitions invite close scrutiny, both domestically and internationally. Observers worldwide will be keen to witness the bonding between the people and the new leadership and assess Singapore’s ability to maintain its success and exceptionality.
Global Scrutiny and Expectations
As Singapore undergoes this leadership transition, PM Lee emphasized that the eyes of the world would be on the nation. The global community will closely watch how Singaporeans and the new leadership connect and whether the country continues to uphold its reputation for success and exceptionalism.
In light of the challenges associated with leadership changes, PM Lee urged Singaporeans to extend their full support to Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and the 4G leaders who will be at the forefront of steering the nation forward. Recognizing the importance of unity and solidarity during this period, he emphasized the need for a collective effort in ensuring a smooth transition and continued success for Singapore.
Snippet of PM Lee’s New Year Message
“As a small red dot, Singapore cannot afford to make the same mistakes and suffer the same consequences. We must work ever harder to keep our society together, and strengthen our sense of shared identity and nationhood.
Next year, DPM Lawrence Wong will take over from me as Prime Minister. This is not the first time we are having a leadership transition. But transitions are always delicate.
Singapore will come under close scrutiny. People near and far are watching to see how the new leaders bond with Singaporeans, and whether our small nation can remain successful and exceptional.
I urge Singaporeans to stand together, give your full support to Lawrence and his 4G team, and work with them to build a nation that is vibrant and inclusive, fair and competitive, and resilient and united.
This is how we have come through successive crises and done well, and this is how we must surmount future challenges which are bound to come.
Let us face 2024 invigorated and confident, as one united people. The future may be uncertain, but our path is clear. I call on every Singaporean to come together to fulfil our aspirations, and secure a bright future for Singapore.”
In a peculiar case involving cross-border deception, a 58-year-old Singaporean man, Andrew Lu Eng Leong, was sentenced to 20 weeks in jail for utilizing a fake Malaysian passport to re-enter Singapore, according to TODAY.
The sentencing took place on December 29 after Lu pleaded guilty to charges related to the Immigration Act. This incident sheds light on the complexities of identity fraud and border control measures.
Background of the Case
Andrew Lu Eng Leong’s journey into deception began in 1991 when he left Singapore for Malaysia, believing he was wanted by the police for involvement in a gang fight. His Singapore passport expired later that year, prompting him to adopt a false identity.
Between 2000 and 2004, Lu obtained a fraudulent Malaysian identity card under the name “Low Kheng Nyok” through a Malaysian contact, paying a substantial fee for this false identity. A year later, he secured a Malaysian passport with his photograph and fabricated particulars, all in an attempt to travel back to Singapore incognito.
Deception Unveiled
In 2008 and 2009, Lu successfully entered Singapore using the fake Malaysian passport, exploiting loopholes in the border control system. He presented the fraudulent document to immigration officers at Changi Airport, receiving a 30-day visit pass on both occasions. The immigration officers, unaware of the deception, allowed him to enter and exit the country using the false identity.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) began investigating Lu on June 28, 2023, identifying him as a person using multiple identities. He was subsequently arrested on June 27, 2024, after the completion of the investigation.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Lu faced multiple charges under the Immigration Act, including failure to present a Singapore passport, producing a misleading document, and making a false statement to obtain a visit pass. The court took into consideration four additional similar charges during sentencing.
Deputy Superintendent Muhammad Izzat from ICA sought a jail term between 20 and 22 weeks, emphasizing Lu’s intentional circumvention of Singapore’s border control using a fake Malaysian passport. District Judge Paul Chan concurred, highlighting the importance of deterrence in sentencing. He emphasized that the case had implications for national security and Singapore’s ability to police its borders.
The charges Lu faced carry penalties under Singaporean law. Producing a false document can result in jail for up to two years or a fine of up to S$6,000, or both. Making a false statement to obtain a visit pass may lead to imprisonment for up to 12 months or a fine of S$4,000, or both. Failure to present a Singapore passport before entry could result in a jail term of up to six months or a fine of S$1,000, or both.
I was working in a small firm while waiting to go to uni. I was getting close to this boy who was interning there.
We would text almost every night for a few hours. For a few months. Not flirty conversation but just getting to know each other more in depth kind of conversation. We often ate lunch together, just the two of us.
Of all the topics we talked about, I didn’t tell him what course i applied for in uni, it was one of the more popular courses overseas and i didn’t think i could get in. Anyway when i finally got the offer, I excitedly told him about my good news. He didn’t seem very excited for me and he wasn’t very talkative for the rest of the day. Even worse, he started avoiding me. He stopped initiating text with me ever since that day. during lunch time, he would go out of his way to ask more people to join the two of us for lunch (he didn’t do that before).
I was really hurt as i thought that we were getting closer. But suddenly he was trying to create as much distance between the two of us. i thought i said something wrong that offended him. But after thinking long and hard i wonder was it because of my uni application.
Eventually, my last day came and i told him how i felt about him. As expected, he rejected me. Saying stuff like he doesn’t want a relationship. And i should find someone better than him in my uni course.
Despite him saying that, i couldn’t help but wonder. Did he really not have any feelings towards me? Did i imagine those feelings? Am i delusional?
It doesn’t help that his “loss if interest” was immediately after i told him about my uni application. I wonder if he feels “inferior” or something? Or was it because i am going overseas? If i am not going to that course would he have said yes to me? I guess i will never find out the answer because we cant go back in time.
Here are what netizens think:
It doesn’t matter whether he had feeling for you or not, bec he rejected your feeling already.Both of you were just in the stage of getting to know each other, so both are free to say yes or no.Please get ready for your future–your study oversea. Tremendous opportunities out there, both relationship, friendship and job.Young lady…our feelings are temporary. This internship and brief feeling chapters are over. Pack your luggage and move on.Always be positive. Your soulmate is not here yet. Believe me…you will find the better one in the future. WHY? Bec when you grow up and hv more experience, you will understand yourself and know what kind of person/partner/lover…you want to have better. Everyone in this world gets disappointed once about love/relationship. That’s why we call it puppy love. Cute for a little while. Burden for a long time if you choose the wrong one. Good luck with your journey
This is what it feels like to be young and in loveApparently the feelings are mutual but distance r/s are often challenging. At least get closure and go out of your way to have an open and honest conversation with him. You dont want to bring any excess emotional baggage overseas
Most people don’t want to have a 3-4 year long distance relationship. Better to suffer now by distancing yourself than later.
In the perpetual quest for a good deal, Singaporeans are known for their inclination to seek cheaper prices. A recent incident at a Malaysian petrol station, involving a Singaporean driver filling up with Ron95 petrol, has sparked a heated exchange and highlighted the complexities of cross-border fueling.
RON95 petrol in Malaysia is subsidized by the government and is exclusively available for locally registered vehicles. Foreign-registered vehicles are explicitly prohibited from fueling up with Ron95 petrol.
The Confrontation Unfolds
The incident, captured in a 27-second video circulating on Facebook, portrays a Singapore-registered car driver refilling his vehicle at a Malaysian petrol station. The situation takes a turn when a local Malaysian confronts the driver, expressing disbelief at the choice of Ron95 petrol.
In the video, the local man loudly questions the driver’s decision, emphasizing, “You Singaporean! Why you pump yellow petrol?” The driver attempts to explain, pausing the refilling process, but got scolded even more by the Malaysian man.
The confrontation escalates as the local man insists, “You know how to read?! When you go other countries, you follow their laws!” The driver, seemingly taken aback, eventually leaves the scene and heads to the petrol station’s counter.
The video, while capturing a specific incident, sheds light on the broader dynamics surrounding cross-border fueling, particularly in regions where fuel subsidies are in place.
Netizens’ comments
The other day saw Ang Moh, driving Thailand car pumping ron95
Knn this Ron95 story never ending…2024 soon…haizzz hahahahah
Chillax lah need to be so fierce or not
petrol station staffs should stop them from pumping 95
Ron 97 Petrol already dirt cheap in Malaysia as compared to Singapore why this joker still wanna pump 95? Already so much cheaper than Singapore 92 and already saved so much…. As a Singaporean myself I am ashamed by this action. Why is there a need for him to stoop so low? I don’t get it…
Whenever I try to speak to my colleagues about the problems of women, most of them just brush it off. I’m sick of hearing that women have it easier than men because almost every single day I feel so uncomfortable near them.
Sometimes is the older dude who stares at me in the bus or some random guy who stops me on the street, trying to get to know me. Other times I know I’m being followed by some weird dude. Or if I need some help with any small thing, I feel that they think I owe them so much in return.
In all of my relationships, I’ve felt extremely replaceable. I’m so sick of emtpy promises, one guy told me he had serious thoughts about me, talking about meeting my parents, going on trips with my family…and a few days after I got woken up by his girlfriend,(that I knew nothing of), messaging me like crazy. I’ve been cheated on a lot, I’ve been made to feel worthless by past partners and in general, I feel like men treat me like I am way waaay below them. I did a lot of things for my partners, but they didn’t really show any appreciation.
I would call myself a feminist, I always feel very good and safe near women that I even don’t know that well, but sometimes I feel really bad and unsafe near the men that I know.
My question is…how can I be taken seriously and respected? How can I feel safe? Is it possible to trust men again after all this experiences? I still want to have my own family one day, but I also want to be treated the way all women should be treated: with appreciation, esteem and politeness.
Here are what netizens think:
Ditch the boyfriends for awhile. Take Tae Kwon Do and continue until you can break a board with your hand and your foot or start training to either walk or run a marathon. Do something physical that requires your persistence, goal setting and perseverance — while also improving your physical well being. Or, start seeing a therapist for your low self esteem. Any of these idea will help you feel better about yourself from the inside out.
How about changing to another job since you colleagues are not treating u like an equal
Meet new people and find someone who treats you respect.
In the world of customer service, the adage “the customer is always right” is often upheld as an unwavering rule. However, a Japanese restaurant in Tanjong Pagar, The Public Izakaya, has recently challenged this norm by responding boldly to a one-star Google review. Let’s delve into the details of this unconventional exchange that caught the attention of Wake Up Singapore.
The Review in Question
The saga began when a dissatisfied diner took to Google to express their frustration with The Public Izakaya. In a review posted two months ago, the diner lamented about waiting for an hour on a weekday evening for a seemingly underwhelming skewer of vegetables.
The review explicitly mentioned the restaurant not being full, adding that the food did not justify the prolonged wait, concluding with a straightforward “Horrible.”
What the woman said
Do not go unless you planning on waiting 1-hour for a skewer of vegetables on a week day evening. It was it even full and I waited an hour for a mushroom and shiitake skewer. The food was not worth the wait. Horrible
The Restaurant’s Epic Response
Hi Maggie, thank you for your review and allowing us some time to look into the matter.
Our CCTV had you arriving at 7.34pm where you browsed through our menu outside the restaurant. At 7.36pm you were seated.
At 7.47pm you ordered and the order was sent to the kitchen at 7.48pm.
You were served the Shiitake and Shishito skewers at 8.07pm, 19 minutes after you ordered.
At 8.14pm, 27 minutes after you ordered you asked one of our staff members when the last dish the croquette will be ready. If not you don’t want it.
At 8.22pm the last croquette dish was packed and given to you, 35 minutes after you first ordered.
You picked up the bill at 8.26pm and left the restaurant at 8.29pm. 42 minutes after you decided what to have and first placed your order with our staff.
We understand sometimes we don’t have the best of days in our life. Tired days, where time crawls or even comes to a standstill. Where 1 minute feels like 5 or 10mins. And an hour seems like eternity.
On some evenings especially on Friday evenings, the wait for yakitori can be as long as 1.5 hours.
On normal weekdays, the wait ranges from 30mins to an hour at least.
We are happy we managed to serve you your skewers within 20 minutes. Not too stoked we got a 1 star review when you didn’t even spend an hour in the premises.
And the Yakitori chef who was “grilled” over the incident ain’t all smiles either.
