24/04/2024

Herbal Turtle Soup since 1940s

Tan Ser Seng Herbs Restaurant since 1946 in Geylang

Located in Geylang, Tan Ser Seng Herbs Restaurant is one of the remaining turtle soup restaurants in Singapore, and the first to cook turtle soup in a claypot. The rich turtle soup is made daily with quality ingredients and fresh turtle meat. Simmered for more than 12 hours every day, it’s hearty, full of collagen, healthy and absolutely delicious. The authentic recipe dates back to 1946! The family-run restaurant also cooks nourishing herbal soups, such as cordyceps chicken soup, ginseng black chicken soup and more.

Tan Ser Seng Herbs Restaurant was founded in 1946 by Tan Ah Sai. He’s a humble cook and entrepreneur from China who migrated to Singapore. Tan Ah Sai brought the unique trade of turtle soup to Singapore and began by peddling his herbal broth along Orchard Road. His first shop was at Cuppage Centre, then he moved Lorong Tai Seng, then MacPherson and Joo Chiat. Finally, the restaurant settled at Geylang in 1992.

Though Tan Ah Sai has since passed away, his recipes and quality herbal soups live on. His son, Tan Khar Seng, took over the business and quickly roped in his son, daughter and son-in-law. They cook the soups from scratch and serve customers all day long. Now, the Tan family wake up at 3am every day to prepare the soups. Five hours are spent preparing the herbs and fresh turtle meat, and the restaurant opens for business at 11am sharp, just in time for the lunch crowd. The lunch crowd comes in fast and furious. Tables were filled with both young and old alike, with tables and chairs even strewn along the walkways!


9 Herbal Turtle Soups in Singapore That Are a Dying Tradition

Often viewed as a delicacy, turtle soup is said to help lower blood pressure, improve kidney function and boost virility. In fact, it is a dish often served to Chinese emperors to boost their libido! If you’re cringing at the thought of eating turtle meat, rest assured that endangered or wild turtles are not used at all. The meat comes from farms and they are prepared exclusively for consumption. While not commonly found, the dish has been around for several decades. Today, it is a dying tradition, with just a handful of stalls left serving the dish:
  • Ser Seng Herb (Turtle) Restaurant - 39 Tai Thong Crescent, Singapore 347863
  • Tan Ser Seng Herbs Restaurant - 29 Lor Bachok, Singapore 387791
  • Very Lucky Turtle Soup - 166 Jln Berseh, Singapore 208877
  • Kok Kee Turtle Soup - 22 Lor 7 Toa Payoh, #01-39, Singapore 310022
  • Tai Seng Herbal Turtle Soup - 118 Hougang Ave 1, #01-186, Singapore 530118
  • Fu Hee Herbal Turtle & Delights - 166 Jln Besar, #02-40/47, Singapore 208877
  • Havelok Turtle Soup - 22A Havelock Road, #01-04, Singapore 161022
  • Keng Thong Turtle Soup - 335 Smith St, #02-188, Singapore 050335
  • Kin Turtle Soup - 659 Geylang Rd, Singapore 389589


TURTLE SOUP…YOUR SOURCE OF STRENGTH

What is turtle soup? This is the soup that strengthens you from the inside, to energise you for the next challenge as well as to vitalise you on the outside.

Fresh (soft-shell) turtle meat is the key ingredient in the traditional turtle soup.  Turtle meat is brewed in a mixture of Chinese herbs till the essence of the herbs is immersed in the turtle meat for the ultimate taste.  The choice of herbs is up to the individual.

Besides the benefits found in the turtle meat itself, the dish can be prepared in many other ways to suit the palate of the young and the old, just as in the preparation of any meat dish.  It can be made in soup, fried, steamed, braised, etc.  Traditionally, turtle meat is used in soup dishes to preserve the goodness of the turtle meat within the soup so that our bodies can absorb the essence easily.


Ser Seng Turtle Soup @ Geylang Lor 21 Singapore 生成山瑞補

I first indulged in traditional herbal turtle soup with my mates at MacPherson in the 1980s as our office was nearby in Paya Lebar. It became a life long love and my usual turtle soup haunt is at Berseh Food Centre. Meanwhile, while I heard a lot about the turtle soup at Ser Seng Herbal at Geylang Lor 21 & Lor Bachok intersection, it was only today (2017) that I finally got to try it. But, it was great and never too late!

Ser Seng Herbal was full house as usual this afternoon with customers spilling onto the fully occupied walkway outside. Looking at the boss Ah Seng, I can't believe that he is 10 years my senior Must be the herbal turtle soup which Ah Seng still drinks every day. Ah Seng's father started selling herbal turtle soup over seventy years ago with the large pot of soup and charcoal stove slung on a bamboo pole across his shoulders. Ah Seng, then 12 years old, joined his father when they set up a turtle soup push cart stall at the Orchard Road carpark of Singapore food lore (where 313@Somerset stands today). They then moved to Bukit Timah 7-Mile, followed by Tai Thong Crescent before settling here at Lor Bachok, off Geylang Lor 21.

The Tan family now runs 3 herbal turtle soup shops in Singapore - here at Lor Bachok / Geylang Lor 21, Tai Thong Crescent (by Ah Seng's brother) and in Bedok (by Ah Seng's sister). Ah Seng's son, Allan is running the shop in Geylang with his dad and also brother-in-law. So, we are going to enjoy traditional turtle soup for another generation.


Tan Ser Seng Herbs Restaurant

Tan Ser Seng Herbs Restaurant specialises in herbal turtle soup, located at Geylang Lor 21. Besides turtle soup, there are also impressive herbal chicken soup. It is visited by many famous Hong Kong and Mainland China Stars such as Sammo Hung, Patrick Tse, Zhao Wei. Tan Ser Seng Herbs Restaurant, currently into the 3rd generation of his family to run the business of turtle soup. It’s good to see that the Gen Y holds onto traditional food for the future generation. Thumbs up Allan:) Quality and consistency assurance of the broth as the family wakes up as early as 3am to prepare and cook themselves. There are over 20 herbs used in the broth, no wonder it is very flavourful and tasty.

Being a turtle virgin, I was having mixed feeling of this tasting. Firstly, probably culture, that we shouldn’t eat turtle. Next, the taste of turtle soup might not be suitable for me. Anyway I’ve decided to make a visit as they also offer herbal chicken soup. They are not turtle soup based, the herbs used in chicken soup is also entirely different from the turtle soup.

Brought along my foodie brother for the turtle soup tasting. He is enjoying himself with the turtle soup. So I’ve decided to YOLO for once for the collagen. Turtle jelly was smooth, bouncy with gelatinous mouthfeel. Surprisely, it doesn’t have any weird smell or taste. Most probably due to the rice wine. Rice wine is added to the turtle soup to increase the aroma of the soup.


Where to Eat Turtle Soup in Singapore?

Turtle soup is a traditional dish in Singapore made from the meat of green sea turtles. The turtle meat is slow-cooked with various herbs and spices, including ginger, garlic, and curry leaves, to create a rich, flavorful broth. Some restaurants also add ingredients such as Chinese mushrooms and vermicelli noodles to the soup. The soup is usually served hot and garnished with cilantro or spring onions. It is considered as a delicacy in Singapore and is traditionally served during special occasions or as a luxury item in seafood restaurants.

There is a widespread belief in China that eating turtle soup would let one live a long and prosperous life. The Chinese word for turtle, “guī,” is a homophone for “guǐ,” which means “return to antiquity” or “return to old ways.” It’s possible that the soup’s symbolic significance stems partly from this connection to antiquity and custom. Because of their lengthy lifespans and robust reputation, turtles are also seen as symbols of longevity and health in Chinese culture. Due to its association with good fortune and wealth, turtle soup is often served during celebrations like weddings and banquets. One of the reasons why turtle soup is so revered in China is that it was formerly reserved for the emperor and other high-ranking officials. Therefore, it is typically seen as a mark of social rank.

However, with the rising call for sustainability, turtle soup is no longer a cuisine that everyone can enjoy. Hence, you might be thinking, “where to buy turtle soup”? Not to worry! Here we will discuss where to eat turtle soup in Singapore:
  • It is subjective to say which place serves the “best” turtle soup in Singapore as it depends on personal taste and preferences. However, some of the most highly recommended places to try turtle soup in Singapore include Jumbo Seafood Restaurant and TungLok Signatures, which are known for their traditional Singaporean seafood dishes and use live green turtles in their turtle soup. Long Beach Seafood Restaurant is also a popular spot for turtle soup.
  • Another option is the Tiong Bahru market, where you can find a variety of traditional Chinese food stalls selling turtle soup. This is a great place to try turtle soup in a more casual setting, and the prices are often more affordable than those at a restaurant.
  • According to TripAdvisor, the best place where to buy turtle soup is Ser Seng Herbs Restaurant. Located at 39 Tai Thong Crescent Sennett Estate, this restaurant has a positive reputation nationwide for providing excellent turtle soup. If you take a peek at their menu, they have a variety of turtle dishes which you can choose from, including the different parts of turtle organs as well as which kind of soup. The restaurant’s turtle soup is made with real turtle meat and is cooked with a blend of herbs and spices to create a rich and flavorful broth. In addition, the restaurant is known for its traditional Chinese dishes, with a focus on herbal and medicinal ingredients.
  • For those who are looking for a more upscale dining experience, there are several high-end restaurants in Singapore that serve turtle soup as part of their luxury menu. Some of the most popular options include Rang Mahal, which is located in the Pan Pacific Singapore hotel, and the Jade Palace Seafood Restaurant, which is located in the Marina Square shopping centre. These restaurants are known for their elegant settings and high-quality ingredients, and they often have a wide selection of other Chinese dishes as well.


Fu He Turtle Soup @ Berseh Food Centre

My son wanted to take turtle soup, and that after gobbling up my experimental salted egg curry leaves prawn spaghetti.

This was our favourite turtle soup place, but we had not taken this for a while now. anyhow we went to brightshill to pay respects to ancestors, then proceeded to berseh food centre. it was about 1.45pm on a sunday on 10.8.2014. we ordered a S$40 pot. it seemed a lot more expensive than the last time which must be several years ago. we used to take like S$25 or a big portion (supposed whole turtle) at S$30. but now they said we don’t get the cartilage if we ordered S$35, so S$40 it was.

It was really good though! The soup was heavenly, very sweet & flavourful. and it came with a lot of meat. i liked both the meat pieces like the leg with skin & meat & muscles, and also the plentiful pieces of soft cartilage. real yummy and of course they refilled quite a big portion of the piping hot soup. The herbal soup came with lots of cordyceps & i think “huai san”? i remembered in the very early days, i always thought cordyceps (冬虫夏草) were worms that lived through winter & died in summer & became a plant. much later i learned that actually it was a parasitic plant that consumed the worm as it grew.


Turtle Soup in Singapore: A Delicacy That Defines the Culinary Heritage

Singaporean cuisine is renowned for its diverse range of flavours and unique dishes. One particularly distinctive delicacy that holds a significant place in Singapore’s culinary heritage is turtle soup. This traditional dish at Ser Seng Herbs (Turtle) Restaurant has a rich history and cultural significance in Tai Thong Crescent, making it a must-try for both locals and tourists.

History and Tradition of Turtle Soup in Singapore - Turtle soup has been part of Singapore’s culinary landscape for centuries. Its origins can be traced from traditional Chinese medicinal practices, where turtle meat was believed to have nourishing and health-boosting properties. Over time, the dish evolved from a therapeutic remedy to a sought-after delicacy at Ser Seng Herbs (Turtle) Restaurant, cherished for its unique flavours and cultural symbolism.

Cultural Significance of Turtle Soup in Singaporean Culinary Heritage - In Singaporean culture, turtle soup from Ser Seng Herbs (Turtle) Restaurant holds a special place as a symbol of prosperity and vitality. It is often served during important occasions such as weddings and family gatherings, signifying good fortune and well-being. The dish’s cultural significance is deeply rooted in the belief that consuming turtle soup brings strength and longevity.


Singapore’s Best Turtle Soup: The Taste of History

The best turtle soup in Singapore has deep roots and a long history of being a delicacy in many cultures. In Europe, turtle soup was considered a luxury food item and was popular among the upper class in the 18th and 19th centuries. In the United States, it was a popular dish among the wealthy in the colonial and early republican periods. Additionally, in other cultures, turtle soup is also regarded as a delicacy as well as a symbol of wealth. It is often served to important guests as a sign of respect and hospitality. Here, we are going to touch on how turtle soup has garnered its significance in Singapore and in Chinese culture. 

Turtle Soup Origins in Chinese Culture - The exact origins of turtle soup in Chinese culture have yet to be well-documented, but it is believed to have been introduced during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). During this period, Chinese cuisine began to incorporate a wider variety of ingredients, including wild game and seafood. In Chinese culture, turtle soup is considered to have medicinal properties and is consumed as a tonic to promote longevity and good health. It is believed that the soup can help to strengthen the immune system, improve circulation, and promote overall well-being. The soup is also believed to have warming properties and is often consumed during the colder months to help keep the body warm. Turtle soup is also considered an aphrodisiac and is believed to improve sexual vitality and fertility. Turtle Soup as Chinese Traditional Medicine - Turtle meat has its uses in Chinese traditional medicine as well. The soup is believed to strengthen the immune system, improve circulation, and promote overall well-being. In traditional Chinese medicine, turtles are considered to have “yang” energy and are thought to help balance the body’s “yin” and “yang” energies. Additionally, when it comes to Chinese mythology, the turtle is often associated with the image of the “black turtle” or “black warrior”, which is considered as a powerful symbol of both heaven and Earth. The turtle’s shell is said to represent the heavens, while the turtle’s underbelly represents the Earth. The Chinese believed that the turtle’s shell was a symbol of the universe and that the turtle was a protector of the Earth and its inhabitants. Moreover, turtles were also believed to have lived for a very long time, which made them a symbol of longevity, wisdom and stability. They also were considered to have healing powers and were believed to have the ability to chase away evil spirits and bring in good luck.

Turtle soup is considered a traditional delicacy in Singapore, and it has a long history of being a popular dish among the Chinese community in the country. The soup is typically made with the meat of the green turtle, and it is believed to have medicinal properties and to be a tonic for good health. The main reason for this is that turtles were traditionally considered a valuable food source and were often difficult to catch and prepare. This, combined with the perceived medicinal properties of turtle meat, made turtle soup a luxury item that was often reserved for the upper class and the wealthy. Although Singapore is a small country, the Chinese community there has thrived for many years, and its culture remains enriched with its long-withstanding traditions. On that note, the love for turtle soup, in spite of its perceived negative connotations, still stands. Hence, if you’re looking for the best turtle soup in Singapore, there are a plethora of restaurants you can find in this small country.


Turtle soup

Turtle soup, also known as terrapin soup, is a soup or stew made from the meat of turtles. Several versions of the soup exist in different cultures, and it is often viewed as a delicacy.

The principal characteristic of turtle meat is that the broth it is cooked in becomes extremely gelatinous once cooled. Turtle meat has no characteristic taste on its own, so the flavor of turtle soup depends entirely on seasoning. Mock turtle soup is made from other gelatine-producing meat such as calf's head and calf's feet.

Turtle soup gained popularity in England in the 1750s but declined rapidly about 150 years later from overfishing.[3] According to food historian Janet Clarkson, the dish, which she describes as one of several "noteworthy soups", became a symbol for civic dinners. In the United States, the common snapping turtle has long been the principal species used for turtle soup.[9] In this case the soup is also referred to as bookbinder soup, snapper turtle soup,[10] or simply snapper soup (not to be confused with red snapper soup, which is made from the fish red snapper). It is a heavy, brown soup with an appearance similar to thick meat gravy.

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23/04/2024

Threatening fake obscene photos in mail

More than 70 people threatened with fake obscene photos in mail: Police
The letters were sent to recipients’ workplaces and warned of “threatening consequences” if they did not contact the e-mail address provided. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: UNSPLASH

More than 70 people received letters of extortion containing manipulated photographs of themselves in lewd poses in March and April. At least one victim, aged 50, lost $20,000 after transferring the sum to the sender, who threatened to “leak” the pictures online. The letters were sent to recipients’ workplaces and warned of “threatening consequences” if they did not contact the e-mail address provided, the police said on April 19. Once victims made contact, the sender would threaten to release the obscene pictures on social media unless victims paid them.

The photographs and workplace addresses of the blackmailed victims were likely obtained from publicly available sources online, the police said. With advancements in artificial intelligence-powered editing tools, manipulated pictures and videos may increasingly be used for extortion, the police added. The police advised that anyone who receives such faked images should remain calm and ignore orders to initiate contact or transfer money and make a police report immediately. The letter should be put in a separate storage bag and passed to the police.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, on Dec 29, warned the public in a Facebook post not to respond to scam videos on investments or giveaways after a deepfake video of him purportedly promoting an investment surfaced. It is not known who was responsible for the campaign. Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, whose appearance has also been used to promote investment scams, alerted the public on Dec 11 of deepfake posts spreading rumours that the authorities were planning a circuit breaker amid a spike in Covid-19 cases. The likeness of Ms Ho Ching – PM Lee’s wife and former Temasek chief executive – was also manipulated by fraudsters in another investment video that surfaced in December.


Vivian Balakrishnan, Tan Wu Meng among MPs who received extortion letters with fake obscene photos
The police say that they have received over 70 reports from victims who were sent extortion letters containing manipulated obscene photos of themselves

Several Members of Parliament (MPs) are among dozens of people who have received extortion letters with manipulated photos. Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, as well as MPs Tan Wu Meng and Edward Chia posted on Facebook on Saturday (Apr 20) saying that they have received such letters and have lodged police reports. Dr Balakrishnan, who is an MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, said in his Facebook post that several other MPs and himself received letters containing a “fake distasteful image accompanied by a threat”.

"This conduct is deplorable and totally contrary to the values and good practices that we are trying to inculcate in our society. We have filed police reports and will take appropriate legal action," he added. 
The police said late Friday night that the letters, which were sent by post to the victims' workplaces, contained pictures of the victims' faces superimposed onto obscene photographs of a man and a woman purportedly in an “intimate and compromising position”. There have been over 70 police reports since March about such extortion letters. The letters warned of "threatening consequences" unless they contact the email address provided. If the victims contact the email address, they would be asked to transfer money to prevent "compromising photographs and videos" of themselves from being leaked and exposed on social media, the police said.

Dr Balakrishnan said: "In this age of deep fakes and scams, we must take a strong collective stand against such conduct." Dr Balakrishnan's fellow MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, Mr Chia, was among those who were targeted by the "distressing letters". "Inside was a distasteful photo where my face was digitally manipulated onto one of the figures, accompanied by an extortion demand," he wrote on Facebook on Saturday. He said that while it is not uncommon for public figures to face extortion scams, the rise of "deepfakes" makes it "harder to discern reality from fiction".



3 S'porean politicians make police report after receiving letters with ‘distasteful’ photos, extortion threats
Vivian Balakrishnan, Tan Wu Meng and Edward Chia addressed the issue on social media

Three Singaporean politicians have made police reports after they received letters with manipulated photos, accompanied by extortion demands. Vivian Balakrishnan, Tan Wu Meng and Edward Chia put up social media posts on Apr. 20 addressing the issue. Vivian, who is the Foreign Minister, wrote: “In this age of deep fakes and scams, we must take a strong collective stand against such conduct.” He also described these acts as “deplorable”, and “totally contrary to the value and good practices that we are trying to inculcate in our society”.

Chia, a Member of Parliament (MP) for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, wrote that a “distasteful photo” sent to him showed his face digitally manipulated onto a figure. He added that the increasing popularity of deepfakes makes it harder to discern reality from fiction, even though it is not uncommon for public figures to face extortion scams. He wrote: “With readily available tools, anyone can create deepfake content within minutes.”.

Tan, an MP for Jurong GRC, said a number of MPs received letters with fake photos and threats and that the police are investigating. Tan said in a video addressing the issue that he did not want to speculate on who and where the perpetrators are located. He also did not want to delve into why such acts are happening now at a “very important time in Singapore’s history”.


50-yr-old in S'pore lost S$20,000 after responding to extortionary mail with fake obscene photos
The victim was one of 70 reports the police have received in relation to exortionary letters between March and April 2024

Between March and April 2024, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) has received more than 70 reports of victims receiving extortionary letters via post. According to an Apr. 19 news release from SPF, such letters contain "manipulated photographs where the publicly sourced pictures of the victims' faces would be superimposed on obscene photographs of a man and a woman purportedly in an intimate and compromising position".

The letters also warned of "threatening consequences" unless the receivers contact the email address provided in the letters. In one of the reports to SPF, a 50-year-old victim lost S$20,000 after responding to the email address and transferring the money to a bank allegedly provided by the other party. The police added that based on current cases, the letters would be sent to the victims' workplaces.

When the victims contact the email address, they would be "threatened to transfer money" so as to prevent compromising photos and videos with their face from being exposed on social media. Based on preliminary investigations, the photographs and workplace addresses, appear to be obtained from publicly available online sources, according to the police. Police investigations are ongoing.


TOP TIPS TO STAYING SAFE ONLINE

It’s no secret that the internet is full of dodgy characters, but being secure online doesn’t mean turning off your computer. Instead, practice mindfulness and review these ten simple online safety tips:
  • Don’t share personal info.
  • Double-check and verify links.
  • Use secure public Wi-Fi.
  • Use a VPN.
  • Only log into sites that start with https://.
  • Be careful who you chat with.
  • Turn off your Bluetooth.
  • Use antivirus software.
  • Use secure passwords.
  • Backup your data.


How does ScamShield work?

The app filters incoming calls and text messages. ScamShield compares an incoming call against a list maintained by the Singapore Police Force to determine if the number has been used for illegal purposes and blocks it.

When you receive an incoming SMS from an unknown contact, ScamShield will determine if the SMS is a scam using an on-device algorithm. For iOS, it filters the messages to a junk SMS folder. For Android, a notification is sent to users to notify them that a scam message has been received.

Scam SMSes will be sent to NCPC and SPF for collation. This keeps the app updated and will help protect others from such scam calls and messages.


How can you act against scams? MHA outlines 3 steps you can take
The ACT acronym in the new campaign tagline outlines how members of the public can Add security features, Check for signs, and Tell the authorities and others about scams

What is ACT? ACT outlines three actions individuals should take to safeguard themselves and the community against scams:
  • Add security features such as ScamShield and two-factor authentication for personal accounts. Also, set up transaction limits for Internet banking, to limit the amount of funds possibly lost in the event of a scam.
  • Check for potential signs of a scam by asking questions, fact-checking requests for personal information and money transfers, and verifying the legitimacy of online listings and reviews. Take the time to pause and check. If it is too good to be true, it is probably untrue, and a scam.
  • Tell the authorities and others about scam encounters by reporting to the bank, ScamShield, or by filing a police report. Tell others about ongoing scams and preventive steps they can take.
There were 14,349 scam cases reported in the first half of 2022, with a total of $346.5 million lost, of which $227.8 million was lost to the top 10 types of scams. Both the number of cases and total amount lost were more than half of the 23,931 cases reported and $633.3 million lost in the whole of 2021. The top 10 scams for the first half of 2022 were:
  • Job
  • Phishing
  • E-commerce
  • Investment
  • Social media impersonation
  • Fake friend call
  • Loan
  • Internet love
  • Credit for sex
  • Fake gambling platforms

The 'Free Wi-Fi' scam
A total of $346.5 million was lost to scams in the first half of 2022. PHOTO: ST FILE

Keying in your personal details to access free Wi-Fi at a cafe might sound harmless, but it could lead to a lifetime of regret.

Fraudsters can get their hands on such information – through hacking or buying it illegally – and claim to be from government agencies to manipulate people into handing over their life savings, said Assistant Professor Kang Hyunjin from Nanyang Technological University (NTU). She said: “Many victims don’t realise they are being cheated as they underestimate the lengths these swindlers will go to steal from them.”

5 common types of scams:
  • E-commerce scam
  • Investment scam
  • Job scam
  • China officials impersonation scam
  • Internet love scam

Top 10 Scams in Singapore
New scam? Man pretends to be hit by car in Serangoon

What a dramatic accident — except that there was no collision involved. A man was caught on camera throwing himself out in front of an oncoming car and then falling onto the ground even though the vehicle did not hit him.

Several readers alerted Stomp to the video that has been circulating online since Wednesday (Sept 28). The incident reportedly occurred along Serangoon North Avenue 5 on Monday evening. In the video, the pedestrian is seen flinging himself onto the road in an exaggerated tumble.

The driver who captured the video, however, had honked and stopped in time while still some distance away from the man. She can be heard saying, "What are you doing?" It is unclear what the man replied but he continued to sit on the road. Many netizens called out the incident for being a "100 per cent insurance scam" and made sarcastic comments about the man's acting.


Protect yourself from fraud & scams
Failing to protect your digital privacy can lead to a host of issues, from identity theft to your accounts being hacked

In the age where every Google search inevitably results in customised ads showing up on your screen, and social media platforms suggest friends of friends to follow, it’s understandable why many people give up on digital privacy. After all, why bother when the Internet already knows so much about you (and all the cat videos you watch)?

In reality, we should all be doing our best to maintain our digital privacy. More than just having your embarrassing social media photos shared in public, a lack of digital privacy can have far-reaching consequences.

For example, password leaks and hacks can lead to your accounts being hijacked. Even if your passwords are safe, your identity may not be: If your full name and IC number are retrieved by a malicious actor, they can be used to apply for credit cards or loans, or even commit fraud at medical institutions. In some cases, the victim might not even be aware that their accounts or information have been compromised until they attempt to log in or are notified by the authorities.


Phishing and other SMS scams
New measures for digital banking are to be rolled out for banks in Singapore, after a recent spate of SMS phishing scams affected at least 469 of OCBC's customers

Banks in Singapore will be removing clickable links in emails or SMS messages sent to retail customers and set the threshold for funds transfer notifications to customers by default at S$100 or lower. These are part of several measures to protect account holders from phishing scams. The changes, announced by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) in a joint statement on Wednesday (Jan 19), will be implemented within the next two weeks.

The new measures came after at least 469 customers were affected by an SMS phishing scam targeting OCBC bank customers, with losses totalling at least S$8.5 million. The fraudsters had sent out fake bank alerts that spoofed the bank's official SMS channel, duping many of them into clicking on web links and giving up their personal account information last month. In the joint statement, MAS and ABS said that these measures will bolster the security of digital banking, given that it will lengthen the time taken for certain online banking transactions and also provide an added layer of security to protect customers’ funds.

Other measures that banks will be putting in place include:
  • Delaying activation of a new soft token on a mobile device by at least 12 hours
  • Sending notification to a customer's existing mobile number or email registered with the bank whenever there is a request to change a customer’s mobile number or email address
  • Introducing a cooling-off period before executing requests to important account changes such as in a customer’s key contact details
  • Having dedicated and well-resourced customer assistance teams to deal with feedback on potential fraud cases on a priority basis
  • More frequent scam education alerts

Investment Scams
Itsy Bitsy Spider on Uncle Cai

财叔投资到身上长满蜘蛛网了😥 Did Uncle Cai invest in spider webs? Why are they all over him?

#金刚媒体 #kingkongmediaproduction MoneySense


What Is Pig-Butchering Scam 杀猪盘
Sha Zhu Pan - The "Pig Butchering" Crypto Scam is GROWING

I want to raise awareness on the Pig-Butchering scam or Sha Zhu Pan in Chinese. So called because victims are patiently worked on every day for 1-3 months before scamming them big time, like fattening up a pig before slaughter. They have extremely well-planned operations and have really been successful in the Chinese-speaking world. Sha Zhu Pan scam has become one of the top Chinese buzzwords in 2019-2020.

Victims are scammed on average $24k, and millions in total have been lost. It's a huge cottage industry that Chinese police has had a hard time stamping out. There are scores of recent news stories, blogs, video clips, and other media online about Sha Zhu Pan victims and scammers. Sadly, almost all are in Chinese. I think the rest of the world has to wise up to this, because now as most Chinese are becoming aware of this Pig-Butchering Scam, the scammers are turning their skills more towards non-Chinese, more so this year.

This first half is somewhat detailed because since everyone is generally aware of romance scams, being vague won't convince someone who is in the thick of it and thinks that his/her online friend is THE exception. Exposing specific details of the Pig-Butchering scam is most convincing to current victims that the "spontaneous" events are actually planned.


Enhancing the Security of Digital Banking

Received a call from 'DBS' from this number 91418609. An automated person telling me that I had made several repeated transactions and to press '1' to hear message again or press '2' to speak to Customer Service.

Do not respond by pressing '1' or '2' coz it is from Hackers which will lead you to their Scam Sites and their Malware will take 'Full Control' over of your Hand Phone and deplete your Bank Account.

Always remember that Banks will not send 'Clickable Links' via your Hand Phones, SMSes, messages or Emails. If you wish to verify with the Bank's Customer Officer, please use the Bank's Official Contact Number or their Online Websites. Banks to remove clickable links in emails, SMS sent to customers as part of new security measures.


Artificial Intelligence Impersonation

Fake advertisements that name Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and use his image to promote crypto scams, among others, have been seen on the Internet recently, Mr Lee said on Facebook on Saturday night.

He said such advertisements, which tend to surface after a major speech or announcement with lots of media coverage, have re-emerged in the past few days.

“If the ad uses my image to sell you a product, or asks you to invest in some scheme, or even uses my voice to tell you to send money, it’s not me,” he added.


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22/04/2024

Earth Day 2024

How a California Disaster Inspired the First Earth Day
A 1969 oil spill off the shore of Santa Barbara helped serve as a catalyst for environmental action

Happy Earth Day.

As you probably know, April 22 is a day set aside for appreciating the environment and demonstrating support for laws that protect it.

The tradition dates back to the first Earth Day in 1970, which led to the passage of landmark environmental legislation in the United States. It was a momentous event that helped create the modern environmental movement — one whose origins can be traced to the shores of California.

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21/04/2024

The Trishaw: Singapore Iconic Heritage

No more trishaw rides in Singapore after last licensed operator ceased tours mid-2023
Trishaw Uncle provided trishaw tours around popular tourist destinations in Singapore. (Foto: Trishaw Uncle)

Trishaws have stopped plying the streets of Singapore since June 2023, after the contract of the country's last trishaw operator ended and was not renewed.

The operator, Trishaw Uncle, had run trishaw tours from Albert Mall Trishaw Park on Queen Street since 2010. Trishaw Uncle executive Tieu Xin Yue told CNA that the company had obtained its licence to operate through a contract with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). "Prior to the end of our contract term, which (was) last May, we were told that we will have to return the site for other uses," Ms Tieu said on Tuesday (Apr 9).

Trishaw Uncle was the last remaining licensed trishaw operator at the time its contract expired end-May 2023, she added. STB's director of travel agents and tourist guides Annie Chang confirmed that the site of Trishaw Park at Queen Street was "returned to the relevant agencies for their review on usage of the site". "There are currently no other trishaw services operating in Singapore," she added.


Twilight of the trishaws in Singapore
TRISHAW UNCLE: Mr Liew Chong Fah has been a trishaw rider for 15 years.TNP FOYO: GARY GOH

Once a common mode of transport, trishaws are now a tourist novelty. The three-wheeled vehicles were one of Singapore's earliest mode of public transport. Trishaws ferried housewives to the market, children to schools and couples on dates, charging 20 to 50 cents a ride.

Today, they have evolved to offer novelty rides to tourists, taking them through the small street lanes in Bugis, Little India and by the Singapore River. Operator Trishaw Uncle charges $39 for a 30-minute ride through Bugis and Little India. The supervisor at Trishaw Uncle, Mr Sim, tells The New Paper on Sunday that when it started four years ago, Trishaw Uncle had only 50 trishaws. The fleet has since doubled, and he says it is not going out of business any time soon.

"Business got better over the years. With the standardisation of trishaw riding, everything is regulated, such as licensing, rules to follow and a standard attire - everything is now more reliable." Trishaw Uncle is the only remaining "licenced" trishaw operator here, with the competition dying out over the years though there are a few scattered freelance riders such as those who pick up tourists outside Raffles Hotel. A trishaw rider can earn about $1,200 a month, Mr Sim says.


Trishaw Ride Through History in Singapore

The trishaw was a common means of transport back in the olden days in Singapore. The three-wheeled vehicle existed in its earlier form as the "rickshaw puller" in China and was manually pulled by a rider in front of a seat attached to two big wheels. The trishaw made its debut in Singapore in the 1940s and although we do not see many trishaws on the roads now, it remains a strong icon of our rich cultural history.

Trishaw riders began initially as rickshaw pullers. With the evolution of rickshaws to the three-wheeled trishaws, many became trishaw riders often using the vehicle as their own home or for hawking food. Trishaw riders were primarily Chinese immigrants who had worked as coolies or rickshaw pullers. Many trishaw riders can converse fairly fluently in different dialects as well as a little English. Most of these rickshaw pullers came to Singapore around the period of World War II, with the bulk arriving during the late 1930s. Most of those who took on the job had little skills and needed to earn a living fast. Many modified their trishaws so that it often served as a roving hawker stall as well.

Today's trishaw riders serve mainly tourists and a large proportion of the tourist rides are driven through the historical sites of Singapore, the blaring music of radios boxed into the trishaws' seats and their brightly coloured lights announcing their presence. Pick up point is at Albert Centre Market and Food Centre, off Rochor Road and these tours cost about S$15 per person. Singapore's skylines are getting higher and higher, and buildings and technology are transforming this island into one of the top holiday destinations in Asia. While the modern aspect of Singapore is gaining popularity year-on-year, it's the less modern areas of Singapore that travellers are starting to forget. People tend to forget that as much as Singapore is the epitome of Asian development, it is also rich in cultural diversity and the best way to go about experiencing that is through a trishaw ride.


A trishaw in Chinatown

The first trishaws were officially registered in Singapore in 1914 although they were advertised in the papers as early as 1886 in the form of the Upton Park tricycle. These early trishaws were essentially modified rickshaws attached to a bicycle and as such were known as ‘pedal rickshaws’ or ‘pedicabs’ when they were first introduced.

It was not until the 1920s that trishaws became more widespread on the island when a new wave of Chinese immigrants turned to trishaw peddling as an occupation. Although less manoeuvrable than the hand-drawn rickshaw, the trishaw proved popular in Singapore and the region due to its greater speed. The use of trishaws grew even more dramatically during and immediately after the Japanese Occupation when petrol for motor vehicles was scarce. They have since become a rare sight on Singapore’s busy roads and are now mainly chartered by tourists looking to experience the Singapore of yesteryear. The historic district of Chinatown grew from the Chinese settlement known as the ‘Chinese Campong’ designated by Sir Stamford Raffles in his 1822 Town Plan for Singapore. Located on the southwestern bank of the Singapore River, the settlement initially covered an area of one square mile and was separated into zones each occupied by a particular Chinese dialect group.

Major development of the district began in the 1840s following the granting of more land leases to build shophouses, and by the turn of the century, overcrowding and congestion were commonplace in the area. Starting from the mid 1960s, many of Chinatown’s residents were moved to new housing estates as part of the government’s urban renewal and resettlement schemes. Major upgrading works on the shophouses in Chinatown were carried out in the 1980s and many of the street hawkers in the area were moved to the Kreta Ayer Complex. In 2002, the Singapore Tourism Board opened the Chinatown Heritage Centre along Pagoda Street to showcase the area’s long history.


Trishaw

The trishaw was a popular mode of transportation in Singapore in the mid-20th century. Trishaws first surfaced in Singapore in April 1914 as “pedal rickshaws” which had chairs bolstered to tricycle frames.

The use of trishaws grew in the 1940s, especially in the years after the Japanese Occupation when petrol for motor vehicles was scarce, along with the abolishment of the rickshaw by colonial authorities in 1947. The trishaw industry declined from the mid-1950s with the introduction of multiple government regulations and increasing number of motor vehicles such as private taxis.

Other factors such as the government’s urban renewal program contributed to the decline of trishaws as people were resettled from Central Areas of the city to urban neighbourhoods. They have since become a rare sight on Singapore’s busy roads and are now mainly chartered by tourists who seek to experience old Singapore.


Trishaw

A trishaw (also known as a cycle-rickshaw or pedicab) is a bicycle with a sidecar, powered entirely by the cyclist. The trishaw was a popular mode of public transportation in the immediate years following the end of the Japanese Occupation (1942 to 1945) in Singapore but started to suffer a decline in popularity from the mid-1950s onwards. By the late 1970s, trishaw riders were regarded as a dying breed with most of them primarily involved in the tourism trade.

The trishaw evolved from the rickshaw (known in Japanese as jinrikisha, or “man-powered carriage”), which is pulled by a man. Trishaws first surfaced in Singapore in April 1914 as “pedal rickshaws”, which had chairs bolted to tricycle frames. The initial batch of 15 trishaws, with unknown origins, were said to be crudely constructed, and did not last long on the streets of Singapore. An American company’s request to import 500 trishaws later that year was rejected by the British colonial authorities due to considerations for road safety.

Trishaws were reintroduced to Singapore during the Japanese Occupation. According to a Syonan Times article published on 8 August 1942, the first batch of 10 trishaws (referred to as “ricksha-cycles” in the report) started plying the streets on 7 August 1943 with an official fare rate of 15 cents per mile. The Syonan Tricycle Co. rented out each trishaw at 80 cents per day. Trishaws in Singapore during the postwar era were made of locally available materials and parts, which mainly consisted of wood and standard bicycle frames. While initially appearing in various shapes and sizes, the dimensions of the trishaw were later standardised by the Municipal Commission, first in 1946 and then again in 1948. By the 1950s, the average cost of a brand new trishaw was between $500 and $600, although prices varied among the different bicycle manufacturers.


Cycle Rickshaw
A trishaw and rider at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore

The cycle rickshaw is a small-scale local means of transport. It is a type of hatchback tricycle designed to carry passengers on a for-hire basis. It is also known by a variety of other names such as bike taxi, velotaxi, pedicab, bikecab, cyclo, beca, becak, trisikad, sikad, tricycle taxi, trishaw, or hatchback bike. While the rickshaw is pulled by a person on foot, the cycle rickshaw is human-powered by pedaling. By contrast, the auto rickshaw is motorized.

The first cycle rickshaws were built in the 1880s and were first used widely in 1929 in Singapore. Six years later, they outnumbered pulled rickshaws there. By 1950, cycle rickshaws were found in every south and east Asian country. By the late 1980s, there were an estimated 4 million cycle rickshaws worldwide. The vehicle is generally pedal-driven by a driver, though some are equipped with an electric motor to assist the driver. The vehicle is usually a tricycle, though some quadracycle models exist, and some bicycles with trailers are configured as cycle rickshaws. Some cycle rickshaws have gas or electric motors.

The configuration of driver and passenger seats varies. Generally the driver sits in front of the passengers to pedal the rickshaw. There are some designs, though, where the cyclist driver sits behind the passengers. In many Asian countries, like Bangladesh, India, and China, the passenger seat is located behind the driver, while in Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam the cyclist driver sits behind the passenger. In the Philippines, the passenger seats are usually located beside the driver in a side car. Similar to this, passengers sit alongside the driver in both trishaw, in Singapore, and the sai kaa, in Burma.

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