Latest news with #SGH
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Straits Times
Another Stomper receives scam call from fake SGH staff, urges more awareness for elderly
Another Stomper receives scam call from fake SGH staff, urges more awareness for elderly Welcome to Stomping Ground - a space where Stompers share reflections, personal essays and social commentaries that spark conversation and insight. Yet another person has come forward about receiving a suspicious call from someone claiming to be from Singapore General Hospital (SGH). Stomper GC wanted to share her own experience after reading an earlier Stomp report on how a 71-year-old retiree outsmarted a scammer claiming to be from SGH. The 69-year-old said she received a call on her landline on June 5 from a man speaking in Mandarin and claiming to be from SGH. "I kept asking him to speak in English, but he insisted that in Singapore, the majority can speak Mandarin," recounted the Stomper, who is semi-retired. "I told him, 'No, you called me, so you speak English'. "He was unable to so I raised my voice to tell him to stop asking me to speak Mandarin." Before hanging up, the caller made a remark in Mandarin: "这么激动干嘛" ("Why so worked up?"), which the Stomper called "a great joke." GC said she later contacted SGH's official hotline to check if similar scams had been reported and was told that the hospital was aware of such incidents. She was asked if she had shared any personal information with the scammer. "I told SGH that I did not give them the chance to ask me anything as I had insisted throughout that I wanted to communicate in English only," she said. "My objective in calling SGH was not just to check, but to urge them to raise more awareness among their patients. "Many elderly people at home, who may only speak Mandarin, are their patients and can easily fall prey to such scams." For more information on scams, members of the public can visit or call the ScamShield helpline at 1799. Have your say on Stomping Ground! Write in to us at stomp@ or WhatsApp 9384 3761. Click here to contribute a story or submit it to our WhatsApp Get more of Stomp's latest updates by following us on:
Straits Times
2 days ago
- General
- Straits Times
4 people, including 2 firefighters, taken to hospital after fire in Holland Close flat
The fire being put out at Block 5 Holland Close on June 19. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG One of the bedrooms in a 23rd-floor unit was on fire, which was extinguished with two water jets. PHOTO: COURTESY OF WINSTON HO 4 people, including 2 firefighters, taken to hospital after fire in Holland Close flat SINGAPORE - Two people and two firefighters were taken to hospital after a fire broke out in an HDB flat in Holland Close on the evening of June 19. Firefighters from Alexandra Fire Station responded to the fire at Block 5 at around 7.25pm, said the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) in a Facebook post. One of the bedrooms in a 23rd-floor unit was on fire, which was extinguished with two water jets. As a result of the fire, the rest of the unit also suffered heat and smoke damage. Two people who had evacuated from the unit were assessed for smoke inhalation and taken to Singapore General Hospital (SGH). During the firefighting operation, two firefighters experienced heat exhaustion and were also taken to hospital - one to SGH, one to the National University Hospital - in a conscious state. Holland Drive resident Winston Ho, 50, was on his way home at around 7.20pm when he saw fire engines arriving in Holland Close. Smoke was billowing out of the affected unit, he said, adding that police officers started to cordon off the block, as broken glass was falling to the ground. The police also evacuated the block's residents to a nearby futsal court, where a roll call was conducted to account for the residents. About 100 people were evacuated from the affected block, said the SCDF. Defence Minister and Tanjong Pagar GRC MP Chan Chun Sing visited the scene to assist affected residents. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG The cause of the fire is under investigation. Defence Minister and Tanjong Pagar GRC MP Chan Chun Sing visited the scene to assist affected residents. In a subsequent post on Facebook, Mr Chan said those who needed help or temporary lodgings could contact the Buona Vista Community Centre. Additional reporting by Mark Cheong Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
12-06-2025
- Straits Times
71-year-old retiree outsmarts scammer claiming to be from SGH with fake name and info
71-year-old retiree outsmarts scammer claiming to be from SGH with fake name and info Welcome to Stomping Ground - a space where Stompers share reflections, personal essays and social commentaries that spark conversation and insight. A 71-year-old retiree recently received a call from an alleged scammer who nearly tricked her into divulging personal information. Stomper Sarah told Stomp she received a call on her landline on June 4. "When I picked up the call, it immediately started with a recorded message in PRC Mandarin, which immediately put me on high alert," she said. "The message then continued and claimed to be calling from Singapore General Hospital (SGH), and that they were calling regarding a problem with my records." A man later introduced himself as a representative from SGH, asking for Sarah's name, to which she responded with a fictitious one. "I put on a soft, feeble voice to mimic that of a frail old woman," she shared. The scammer then proceeded to ask personal questions, and Sarah, suspecting the call was a scam, began feeding him misleading information. "He asked me to wait a while and came back shortly, saying he had checked his computer and found my name and medical record," she recounted. "I told him I was 72 and a retired bank manager to lure him into thinking I had plenty of savings. "I also told him I was living alone, had no children and needed a walking stick. "Despite my telling him I hardly left the house, he said according to his records, I had ventured overseas on May 17 and May 23 and bought several syringes of intravenous morphine. "I denied it but he kept insisting. "I told him not to ask again or I would hang up, so when he did, I immediately ended the call." However, the scammer's persistence didn't stop there. A few minutes later, another man with a Chinese accent called, claiming to be the first scammer's supervisor. "He thought I was an easy target and tried to pressure me again," Sarah said. This time, Sarah switched to her normal voice, telling the caller that she had given a fake name and was aware that he was a scammer. "I told him what he was doing was evil, that heaven has eyes and that karma would strike him and his loved ones," she added. "Of course, he hung up immediately." Sarah told Stomp that whenever she receives such calls, she indulges them to find out what 'fairy tales' they are going to tell her so that she can report them on ScamShield. "I also share these with my contacts so they can be alert to such scams," she said. "I always tell these fraudsters that they are truly evil to scam old folks and that karma will strike their loved ones one day." However, despite her efforts, some people she has warned still fall for scams. "My ex-colleague in her 40s was scammed of her life savings," she said. "She is a divorcee working as a clerical officer and supporting two children and her old parents on her salary. "Now, she has no savings. I hope the scammers will be visited by karma. "I also know a dishonest person, a gambler and con-man with many unpaid debts. "He admitted he finally knows karma is real, watching his father suffer terribly because of his actions." Have your say on Stomping Ground! Write in to us at stomp@ or WhatsApp 9384 3761. Click here to contribute a story or submit it to our WhatsApp Get more of Stomp's latest updates by following us on:
7NEWS
11-06-2025
- Business
- 7NEWS
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese opens Seven Network's new Melbourne HQ
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has officially opened Seven's brand new, state-of-the-art Melbourne headquarters in one of the CBD's hottest locations. The opening, on Wednesday night, saw the launch of Seven's entire Melbourne operation at the stunning Melbourne Quarter Tower in Collins Street. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, Sport and Communications Minister Anika Wells, Seven West Media Chairman Kerry Stokes AC, SGH managing director and CEO Ryan Stokes AO and Seven West Media managing director and CEO Jeff Howard were also on hand for the opening. 'Seven is part of the fabric of Australian life — informing us, entertaining us, and helping shape the national conversation,' Mr Albanese said. 'This new purpose-built Melbourne headquarters is a major investment in the future of Australian media. It's not just a home for journalism and unforgettable sporting moments, but also a symbol of innovation and ambition. 'Congratulations to everyone involved. From suburbs to stadiums, Seven continues to play an ongoing role in telling our stories. And this world-class facility makes sure Melbourne remains at the heart of it.' Ms Allan praised the studio as one that would be home to 'those who tell the stories of our city and State'. 'Whether it's footy, breaking news or the moments that bring us together — they'll be told from Australia's sports and major events capital — here in the heart of Melbourne.' Mr Stokes said the new Melbourne headquarters was 'more than just a state-of-the-art facility'. 'It's a reflection of the city's important role in our national sporting and media landscape, and our commitment to delivering world-class content to all Australians,' he said. 'Every day and night, millions of Australians watch Seven, both on free to air television and on 7plus. They trust us to deliver the breaking news events and the unmissable sporting moments that matter most to them. Our new Melbourne studio strengthens our ability to tell those stories with even greater impact and in more innovative ways.' The centre incorporates 52km of cable and more than 190 screens. Inside the studio a digital IP-based television facility, full HD LED based news set and large-scale sports control room make it one of the most technologically advanced broadcasting centres in the country. Mr Howard said it represented 'a significant investment in both our people and our technology, ensuring we continue to deliver the very best content to our viewers now and into the future'. Seven Melbourne's managing director and Victorian sales director Peter Charles said the headquarters wasn't just a workplace, it was a 'hub of innovation and collaboration that is already seeing our teams work together in exciting new ways'.
Borneo Post
08-06-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
‘From Sibu to Singapore'
Sarawak-born doctor proud to have become pioneer in colorectal surgery in Lion City, hails late wife as 'greatest supporter' Dr Goh regards the relocation to Singapore in 1981 as 'the defining step of his career'. THE move from Sarawak to Singapore in 1981 was indeed the defining step for Mukah-born Prof Dr Goh Hak Su. It later earned him the recognition of being one of the most respected figures in the field of colorectal surgery. 'Well, I grew up in a poor household in Mukah. 'I went to school and studied up to O-Level at Three Rivers School. 'That's the highest you could go in Mukah. Usually, after Form 5, the next step would be to go to Miri to do the A-Level,' he shared with thesundaypost during an exclusive interview recently. Dr Goh, now 77, could never forget how fortunate he was to be awarded an English scholarship after his O-Level, which enabled him to pursue A-Levels at the prestigious Sevenoaks School in the UK. He then went on to pursue two degrees – one in Biochemistry, and the other in Medicine – at the King's College London and the University of London. He then underwent training as a surgeon and obtained a Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) in England, before coming back to Sarawak in early 1980. 'There were very few doctors in Sarawak in those days. I thought that before coming back, I would be more useful if I were a surgeon rather than just a GP (general physician). 'As a GP, you treat general medical conditions, which is also important. 'But if someone came in bleeding or with appendicitis, I wouldn't be able to deal with it as a GP. 'So I trained as a surgeon after completing my medical degree. 'The whole point of training and going back was to serve Sarawak,' he said. 'Return to homeland' Upon his return in early 1980, Dr Goh was posted at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) in Kuching. His wife Associate Professor Dr Cynthia Goh, also a trained doctor, had taken some time off to raise their son and daughter. Photo shows the old Lau King Howe Hospital in Sibu, where Dr Goh had served as its only surgeon from 1980 to 1981. — Photo from Dr Goh said after several months at the SGH, he was persuaded by the former deputy chief minister, the late Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Wong Soon Kai, to relocate to Lau King Howe Hospital (LKHH) in Sibu, where there were no surgeon at the time. 'It was a request that I graciously accepted,' said Dr Goh. He said including himself, there were two surgeons in Kuching at the time. 'The other was a more senior colleague. In Sibu, however, there was no surgeon stationed there. 'Datuk Patinggi Dr Wong, a great and highly-respected surgeon, approached me and said: 'We have two surgeons here in Kuching, but none in Sibu – why not serve where you're needed most'. 'So, after four months in Kuching, I agreed to move to Sibu.' 'One surgeon, many roles' Dr Goh then served at the LKHH as the sole surgeon, providing surgical care and covering not just Sibu, but the entire division at that time. 'I enjoyed my work at the LKHH very much. People came from Kanowit, Kapit, even as far as Belaga. 'Sometimes, though, we had patients with appendicitis who had to travel for two to three days just to reach us for surgery. 'Sadly, some did not make it.' As the only general surgeon in Sibu, Dr Goh performed a wide range of operations, from on the abdomen and lungs to, at times, heart and kidneys. 'I didn't do eye surgeries, because there was an eye surgeon; and there's one for O&G (obstetrics and gynaecology). 'The rest, I had to do myself. Obviously, it was very challenging. 'Given the limitations at the time, my team and I had to make do with what was available. 'It was a demanding environment, but it's also one that gave us invaluable experience and taught us to adapt effectively.' 'Decision shaped by circumstances' However, nearing the end of 1981 after having served in Sarawak for 18 months, Dr Goh left Sibu for Singapore. It was not a decision that he made lightly. 'It was driven by necessity,' he said, pointing out that the circumstances surrounding foreign spouses at the time made it almost impossible for his family to settle in Sarawak. In explaining this, he said Dr Cynthia was born in Hong Kong, but after having studied in the UK for so long, she was granted British citizenship. 'My wife, having studied in the UK for years, and my children, who were born in England, all held British passports. 'At that time, the situation was very different – they couldn't become Sarawak residents. 'My wife had to renew her permit every three months, and although she was a trained doctor, she wasn't allowed to work in Sarawak. 'It was very difficult,' he shared. 'A new chapter' After his family left Sarawak, Dr Goh joined the Department of Surgery at the National University of Singapore (NUS). It was in his first eight years with the university that he developed a special interest in colorectal surgery. 'Even at that time, we already knew that colorectal cancer was going to be a very important focus, because from the cancer registry, we could see that the numbers and the incidence were increasing very dramatically compared with the other types of cancers.' In 1989, Dr Goh was asked by Singapore's Ministry of Health to establish the Department of Colorectal Surgery at Singapore General Hospital. 'That's where it began. I started the first colorectal surgery programme in Singapore, as well as in Southeast Asia. In 1989, I established the Department of Colorectal Surgery at Singapore General Hospital, marking the beginning of the specialty in the region.' The department trained most colorectal surgeons in Singapore and provided fellowships and training to surgeons from across Southeast Asia, China, India, Bangladesh, and even as far as Australia and UK. In 2021, Singapore Health Services (SingHealth) and Duke-NUS Medical School established the Goh Hak Su Professorship in Colorectal Surgery, with a perpetual endowment, in honouring Dr Goh for pioneering the surgical specialty in Singapore, and also in Southeast Asia. A view of the wall showing the awards and recognitions conferred on Dr Goh, at a corner of the Goh Hak-Su Colon and Rectal Centre in Singapore. — Photo from However, it was only one part of the Goh's legacy. Dr Cynthia also left an equally profound impact in the field of palliative care. 'A wife's grace, a nation's care' Born on Nov 21, 1949, in Hong Kong into a family of doctors, Dr Cynthia pursued medicine in the UK. There, she met her future husband at St Bartholomew's Hospital in 1969, and married him in 1974. To Dr Goh, Dr Cynthia was 'simply remarkable – a woman of brilliance, with sheer drive and deep compassion'. 'She trained to become a physician, and completed a PhD in molecular biology, all while raising a family. 'She could do it all – housewife, doctor, scientist. 'She was a brilliant person,' he said. Dr Cynthia took a holistic approach to medicine, added Dr Goh. 'She believed that a person was never just a diagnosis. She treated people, not just illnesses.' That belief, said Dr Goh, shaped her life's work in palliative care, which was a nascent field in Asia back then. Archive photo shows Dr Cynthia (left) attending to a patient at St Joseph's Home during her earlier years in the field of palliative care. — Photo from Dr Cynthia began volunteering at St Joseph's Home and Hospice, Singapore in 1986, and went on to establish palliative care services at Singapore General Hospital and the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) in 1999. She also co-founded HCA Hospice Care in 1991, and served as its first president. 'Hospice Care Association (HCA) was a voluntary organisation. 'Doctors and nurses visited people in their homes so they didn't have to die in hospital,' said Dr Goh. Dr Goh says in recognition of her contributions, Dr Cynthia was hailed as the 'Mother of Palliative Care in Singapore'. Dr Cynthia's contributions helped bring palliative care into mainstream healthcare, and in 2008, she was appointed co-chair of the Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance (WHPCA). Even after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2020, Dr Cynthia remained focused on strengthening the field. She envisioned a lasting platform to support palliative care across Asia, and had laid the groundwork for what would become the Cynthia Goh Palliative Care Institute (CGPCI). 'Upon knowing that she was dying, she wanted the work to continue and grow. 'That's the legacy that she left behind,' said Dr Goh. Dr Cynthia passed away in February 2022, at the age of 72. In her honour, the CGPCI was launched on July 1, 2023, during the Eighth Singapore Palliative Care Conference, housed within the NCCS under Duke-NUS Medical School, where she had long championed the cause. Photo shows the Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore, where together with SingHealth had established the Goh Hak Su Professorship in Colorectal Surgery in 2021, in honouring Dr Goh for pioneering the surgical specialty in Singapore, and also in Southeast Asia. — Photo from Funded initially by S$6 million (then, one Singapore dollar = RM3.19) in donations from family and friends, the institute's key objectives are to build regional palliative care capacity, train future leaders through the Cynthia Goh Fellowship, and serve as the permanent home of the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network (APHN). In recognition of her contributions, Dr Cynthia was hailed as the 'Mother of Palliative Care in Singapore'. 'Measure success by purpose, not wealth' When asked what would be his advice for those from the younger generation aspiring to succeed, Dr Goh emphasised the importance of placing values above material gain. 'Never put money at the forefront of what you are doing. 'When we plan our life, we should not plan with the idea of wanting to be rich first. 'When you have money in front of you, and that's your goal, then to me, life would not be so fulfilling.' He added that one must always strive to do their best, making the most of whatever opportunities being given to them. He said: 'I was very lucky. I wanted to become a doctor, and I was given the opportunity to become one. 'So, I always wanted to be as good as I could, and that has enriched my life tremendously.' Dr Goh also expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support from Dr Cynthia, who shared his values and stood by him throughout their time together. 'I was trained in England and had no obligation to return to Sarawak – I wasn't bonded. 'But I wanted to come back to serve. 'Most people, at that time, had wondered why we chose to move to a place like Sibu, as it's not a big city. 'But Cynthia supported me fully. She believed that it was important for me. 'It was unfortunate that we could not stay longer in Sarawak, but we were given great opportunities in Singapore to develop, and that's where we went.'
