LAS VEGAS (AP) — Gervonta “Tank” Davis made a triumphant return to the ring after more than a year away, dominating Frank Martin and knocking him out at 1:29 of the eighth round Saturday night to retain the WBA lightweight championship.
Davis delivered a right and two lefts to Martin’s face to send the Indianapolis resident to the canvas for his first career loss after he won his first 18 fights. Tank again proved to be one of boxing’s most ferocious punchers, improving to 30-0 — all but two by knockout.
This fight further solidified Davis, a Baltimore native and resident, as one of his sport’s top pound-for-pound boxers.
Not that this was a surprise. Davis was a 7-1 favourite, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
That bout between 29-year-olds headlined the 100th championship fight night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, which has been supplanted by T-Mobile Arena as Las Vegas’ prime spot for combat sports. To mark the occasion, four title fights took place, including the interim WBC light heavyweight championship that David Benavidez won by unanimous decision over Oleksandr Gvozdyk.
But there was no doubt who the main attractions were on this night, and that was clear at Wednesday’s press conference. Davis and Martin bantered back and forth during the Wednesday news conference. Then when the two boxers did the traditional poses afterward, Davis pretended to take a swing at Martin. Martin flinched and Davis left the podium laughing.
This was Davis’ first fight since April 22, 2023, when he delivered a devastating left uppercut that handed Ryan Garcia a seventh-round knockout at T-Mobile Arena.
The 421-day layoff showed early as Martin won two of the first three rounds, including a right that caught Davis in the face.
That seemed to wake up Davis, who then took over the fight by repeatedly sending Martin into ropes and corners. Davis appeared ready to finish off Martin with several hard blows in the sixth round, bringing the pro-Tank crowd of 13,239 to its feet.
Benavidez (29-0) made a successful debut in his move up from super middleweight. The Las Vegas resident defeated Gvozdyk (20-2), a Ukraine native who trains in Oxnard, California, by scores of 116-112, 117-111 and 119-109.
Alberto Puello (23-0) of the Dominican Republic won the WBC interim super lightweight championship with a split decision over Gary Russell (17-1) of Capitol Heights, Maryland. Two judges gave Puello the victory with scores of 115-112 and 114-113 and another had it for Russell 118-109.
Dominican middleweight champion Carlos Adames (24-1) retained his WBC belt with a unanimous decision over Terrell Gausha (24-4-1) of Encino, California. Two judges scored the fight 118-110 and the other had it 119-109.
Heisman Trophy winner and Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was among those in attendance. Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard, Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan and coach Antonio Pierce and owner Mark Davis of the Las Vegas Raiders also were in the crowd.
Gervonta Davis poses on the scale during a weigh-in Friday, June 14, 2024, in Las Vegas. Davis is scheduled to fight Frank Martin in a WBA lightweight championship fight Saturday in Las Vegas. PHOTO: AP
Muslim pilgrims gather at top of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, June 15, 2024. PHOTO: AP
MINA, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Masses of pilgrims on Sunday embarked on a symbolic stoning of the devil in Saudi Arabia. The ritual marks the final days of Hajj pilgrimage and the start of the Eid al-Adha celebrations for Muslims around the world.
The stoning is among the final rites of the Hajj, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It came a day after more than 1.8 million pilgrims congregated on a sacred hill in Mount Ararat outside the holy city of Mecca, which Muslim pilgrims visit to perform the annual five-day rituals of Hajj.
The pilgrims left Mount Arafat on Saturday evening to spend their night in a nearby site known as Muzdalifa, where they collected pebbles they have used in the symbolic stoning of pillars representing the devil.
The pillars are in another sacred place in Mecca, called Mina, where Muslims believe Ibrahim’s faith was tested when God commanded him to sacrifice his only son Ismail. Ibrahim was prepared to submit to the command, but then God stayed his hand, sparing his son. In the Christian and Jewish version of the story, Abraham is ordered to kill his other son, Isaac.
Pilgrims will spend the next three days in Mina, where they walk long distances on pedestrian-only streets toward a multi-story complex housing large pillars. There, they cast seven pebbles each at three pillars in a ritual meant to symbolise the casting away of evil and sin.
While in Mina, they will visit Mecca to perform “tawaf,” circumambulation, which is circling the Kaaba in the Grand Mosque counterclockwise seven times. They will make another circumambulation, known as Farewell Tawaf, at the end of Hajj and as they prepare to leave the holy city.
The rites coincide with the four-day Eid al-Adha, which means “Feast of Sacrifice,” when Muslims with the financial means commentate Ibrahim’s test of faith through slaughtering livestock and animals and distributing the meat to the poor.
Once the Hajj is over, men are expected to shave their heads and remove the shroud-like white garments worn during the pilgrimage, and women to snip a lock of hair in a sign of renewal and rebirth.
Most of the pilgrims then leave Mecca for the city of Medina, about 340 kilometres (210 miles) away, to pray in Prophet Muhammad’s tomb, the Sacred Chamber. The tomb is part of the prophet’s mosque, which is one of the three holiest sites in Islam, along with the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
All Muslims are required to make the Hajj once in their lives if they are physically and financially able to do so. Many wealthy Muslims make the pilgrimage more than once. The rituals largely commemorate the accounts of Prophet Ibrahim and his son Prophet Ismail, Ismail’s mother Hajar and Prophet Muhammad, according to the Quran, Islam’s holy book.
More than 1.83 million Muslims performed Hajj in 2024, Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq bin Fawzan al-Rabiah said in a briefing, slightly less than last year’s figures when 1.84 million performed the rituals.
Most of the Hajj rituals are held outdoors with little if any shade. It is set for the second week of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month in the Islamic lunar calendar, so its time of the year varies. And this year the pilgrimage fell in the burning summer of Saudi Arabia. The heat soared to 47 C (116.6 F) at Mount Arafat on Saturday.
SEOUL (ANN/THE KOREA HERALD) – Titled “Narcissism”, Jaemin of NCT is set to make his debut as a photographer with a solo photo exhibition, announced SM Entertainment on Friday.
The exhibition will take place in Seoul from June 29 to July 19, featuring a collection of photographs that span seven years.
Jaemin’s work will include self-portraits, images of his fellow bandmates, and landscapes. The exhibition will also showcase collaborative pieces with contemporary artists, alongside a lineup of exclusive merchandise available for purchase.
Simultaneously, Jaemin will join his group NCT Dream for a live performance in Hong Kong this weekend as part of their tour, “The Dream Show 3: Dream()scape”.
This extensive tour covers 25 cities and will culminate in Seoul at the end of this year. Recently, the seven-member subunit completed their successful first dome tour in Japan, attracting a total of 235,000 concert attendees.
ANN/THE STAR – Hidden behind the smiles of many fathers today lies a modern struggle that is increasingly common yet often overlooked. In the past, fathers were primarily tasked with being the breadwinners, focusing solely on financial support.
However, contemporary expectations now demand that fathers not only provide financially but also actively engage as nurturing and involved parents.
Balancing these dual roles is exacting a toll on their mental well-being, intensifying stress levels and leading to a range of psychological challenges.
Joshua Hong, chairman of Better Dads Malaysia, a non-profit organisation dedicated to advocating for healthy and responsible fatherhood, elaborates on the evolving nature of fatherhood.
“Fatherhood today is shaped by the era we live in, influenced by social and cultural dynamics, parental expectations, and each father’s unique abilities, aspirations, and intentions,” Hong explains.
“Today, fathers are increasingly expected to be actively involved in all aspects of their children’s lives, including caregiving, emotional support and household responsibilities.”
But while expectations have changed, work and the world have yet to catch up, at least in Asia. Fathers don’t have much support to carry out familial duties thanks to a lack of family-friendly working policies, and they even lack avenues to reach out for help to thrive psychologically.
PHOTO: ENVATO
DYNAMICS OF WOES
There are several social factors and trends that contribute to the elevated stress levels experienced by fathers today, centering on their role as the breadwinner, says Hong.
“With increasing globalisation and technological advancements, many fathers find themselves grappling with longer working hours, higher job demands, and the pressure to excel in competitive environments.
“In addition, economic factors such as rising living costs, housing expenses, and financial instability add to the stress burden experienced by fathers.”
Hong says the pressure of being a provider while having to be constantly present to lend emotional support to the family is difficult to bear.
“This can often lead to a constant juggling act between work responsibilities and family commitments, causing stress and exhaustion.”
At the same time, shifting societal expectations and norms regarding fatherhood have added another layer of pressure.
“While there’s a growing emphasis on fathers being actively involved in their children’s lives, there’s often a lack of supportive policies and cultural recognition to accommodate this shift.
“Fathers may feel torn between traditional provider roles and the desire to be present caregivers, leading to feelings of guilt or inadequacy when they’re unable to meet all expectations,” says Hong.
He points out that the breakdown of traditional support structures within communities and families further compounds stress levels for fathers.
“With more families living away from extended family members and support networks, fathers may feel isolated and overwhelmed in their parenting journey, lacking the emotional and practical support that previous generations may have relied upon.”
Better Dads Malaysia adviser Jason Leong says instances of fathers suffering from mental health strains, including anxiety and depression, were seen during the pandemic.
“The Covid-19 pandemic brought about a lot of changes, stress, anxiety, and depression for fathers. We were engaging with a lot of men through our programmes during the pandemic years and we noted a significant uptick in the cases of men suffering from depression.”
Leong says according to studies by the Health Ministry and the police, men were at least three times more likely to commit suicide than women between the years 2020 and 2023.
“Many men feel they are failing today. They are lonely and isolated without any close men friends they can talk to about their emotions. We need to promote a more flexible and compassionate understanding of fatherhood to alleviate the pressures faced by fathers today.”
Faltering duties
High levels of stress and anxiety are common among fathers who feel that they are failing in their roles as both caregiver and breadwinner, says Universiti Sains Malaysia’s gender and leadership expert Dr Zaireeni Azmi, who also specialises in sociology and psychology.
“This is especially true for those of the lower income group. They often feel greater stress due to financial instability, which can directly impact their overall wellbeing and also the ability to engage with their children.”
Worrying about finances can cause anxiety and, “An anxious person can be irritable, have difficulties concentrating, and experience an increase in heart rate and muscle tension.
“There is also depression and sleep disorders, all part of the psychological impact of being burnt out, overwhelmed, and emotionally drained. This can lead the affected person to be detached from his family or isolate himself.”
Such setbacks can deter fathers from fulfilling the duties that they had committed to earlier.
“A father might have wanted to be involved in their children’s lives but could not be due to the burden of psychological impacts.”
The lack of interaction between a father and children in a family can lead to the latter suffering from stress and anxiety too, according to a study done by the University of California. The absence of parents during “critical developmental stages” may lead to feelings of neglect and insecurity in children, the study found.
At the same time, social media plays a huge role in adding to stress levels, says Zaireeni.
“The rise of social media leads to a culture of comparison. Some people like to upload pictures with their children, leading to some fathers feeling pressured to meet the standards of parenting displayed on social media.
“This constant comparison increases stress levels, spurred by unrealistic expectations of how fathers should behave or carry themselves.”
Zaireeni says there are studies in the United States that link fathers’ mental health and child maltreatment; she is not aware of similar research carried out in Malaysia.
Among the key points of a systematic review titled “Fathers’ Mental Ill-health and Child Maltreatment” that was published on Feb 1, is that there was “stronger evidence for the association between paternal depression and child maltreatment.
This indicates that fathers suffering from depression may be more likely to engage in behaviours that can be classified as child maltreatment”.
“However, the evidence for the association between paternal post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, and child maltreatment was found to be weak or non-existent.”
Zaireeni says there is mixed evidence for the association between fathers’ mental health and child maltreatment.
“The study is not conclusive on the matter. At the same time, there are varying degrees of stress and not all parents who suffer from high levels of stress will end up maltreating their children.”
Extending aid to fathers
Hong says several types of psychological support and interventions could be effective in helping fathers manage stress and improve their overall mental health and well-being.
From parenting support groups to workplace support programmes, such facilities can mitigate the burden of mental stress.
“Establishing parenting support groups specifically for fathers can offer valuable peer support and camaraderie. These groups can provide a platform for fathers to share their experiences, exchange tips and advice, and offer emotional support to one another.
“Being part of a supportive community of fellow fathers can help reduce feelings of isolation and enhance overall well-being.”
He also says stress management workshops or seminars can equip fathers with practical skills and strategies to navigate stress more effectively.
“These workshops can cover topics such as time management, anger management, setting boundaries, assertive communication, and problem-solving techniques tailored to the unique challenges faced by fathers.”
As for workplace support programmes, Hong says employers can introduce employee assistance programmes, psychological first aid, and flexible work arrangements and initiatives to promote a successful balance between work and life.
“Providing a supportive work environment that acknowledges and accommodates the challenges faced by working fathers can help alleviate stress and improve overall well-being.”
Malaysia can also emulate father-friendly policies practised by other countries such as Iceland, Japan, and Sweden.
“One notable example is Sweden’s robust parental leave system, often considered one of the most father-friendly policies in the world.
In Sweden, parents are entitled to 480 days of parental leave per child, which can be shared between both parents. Notably, 90 of these days are specifically designated for each parent, incentivising fathers to take an active role in caregiving from the early stages of their child’s life.
This policy not only promotes gender equality in parenting responsibilities but also supports fathers in bonding with their children and participating more fully in family life.
Hong says Sweden also offers a generous allowance for parental leave, typically providing 80 per cent of salary replacement during leave periods.
“This financial support enables fathers to take time off work to care for their children without facing significant financial strain, enhancing their ability to prioritise family commitments without sacrificing their livelihoods.”
SEOUL (ANN/THE KOREA HERALD) – Grappling with a saturated domestic market, South Korean convenience store giants are now setting their sights on international expansion, particularly across Southeast and Central Asia.
This strategic move comes amid burgeoning economic growth in these regions and a rising affinity for Korean culture, driving demand for Korean-style comprehensive convenience stores.
At present, the leading players in South Korea’s convenience store sector, BGF Retail and GS25, have established a formidable presence with a total of 1,168 outlets overseas.
GS25 leads with 573 stores bearing its brand in Vietnam and Mongolia, while BGF Retail operates 543 CU stores across Mongolia, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan.
Emart24, a smaller competitor under the Shinsegae Group, also contributes to the overseas footprint with 52 stores in Malaysia.
The companies are expanding their footprint in the Central Asian market, leveraging their expertise in managing compact stores equipped with centralised product distribution systems.
“Just as neighbourhood supermarkets in Korea were not seen as standard nationwide until around the 1980s, supermarkets in Central Asian countries weren’t modernised until the entry of Korean convenience stores,” said an official from one of the Korean operators, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“As these Central Asian countries achieve economic growth, there is a growing demand for sophisticated and standardised convenience stores where consumers can enjoy consistent product quality no matter where they are.”
The very beginning of the convenience store industry in Korea was not as sophisticated as it is today.
A clerk hands over a cup of tteokbokki to customers at a GS25 store in Vietnam. PHOTO: ANN/THE KOREA HERALD SOURCE
Only after the first three domestic convenience stores owned by Lotte Group – which opened in the early 1980s – all closed in 1984, did the first 7-Eleven store appear in Seoul in 1989, spreading convenience stores across the nation.
Since then, homegrown brands began to emerge, primarily focusing on benchmarking Japanese-style neat and modern convenience stores.
“The initial perception of convenience stores among Koreans was not positive due to their higher prices for the sake of ‘convenience.’ However, they experienced rapid growth during the economic crisis in the late 1990s and early 2000s, as ready-made meals such as lunch boxes and instant cup noodles became popular for their affordability,” said Chang Woo-cheol, a professor of tourism and hospitality industry at Kwangwoon University.
“The increase in one-person households and the development of new towns in Korea also fueled the demand for convenience stores. In particular, conglomerate-led centralised logistics systems contributed to the modernised convenience stores we see today,” he added.
In the meantime, industry officials said that the nation’s convenience store industry boom came with various merchandising efforts from domestic companies in recent years.
“Not only Korean customers but also foreign visitors love visiting convenience stores in Korea due to their diverse and unique product offerings,” a BGF Retail official said. “For instance, we release numerous collaboration products in partnership with various conglomerates, with over 1,000 new products launched annually, even including gold bars, cars and massage chairs that you wouldn’t typically associate with convenience stores.”
The BGF Retail official also highlights the growing popularity of Korean culture as one of the key factors in their success both domestically and overseas.
“As Korean convenience stores are frequently featured in the media, the demand for Korean-style convenience stores in other countries has also increased. Reflecting this demand, shelves in our stores in Mongolia and Kazakhstan have price tags and product descriptions written in both the local language and Korean.”
Meanwhile, the focus on overseas expansion by Korean convenience stores comes amid the saturation of the market at home.
With BGF Retail and GS25 operating 18,000 and 17,390 stores, respectively, there are about 55,580 convenience stores in Korea. The figure is a significant increase from 38,451 in 2018, but the growth rate began to slow down starting in 2021 after years of excessive competition and growing operating losses.
Over the same period, the number of overseas BGF Retail and GS25 stores started to jump, reaching 209 and 191 in 2021, and 510 and 498 in 2023, respectively. They first entered overseas markets in 2018 with 21 and 26 stores, respectively.
JOHOR BARU (ANN/THE STAR) – Johor police chief Commissioner M Kumar reported an incident where two men – one with a criminal record of nearly 40 offences – were killed in a shootout with police on Friday which occurred at 5.04pm on Jalan Abad.
“Officers from the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department and the Johor police special investigation unit (D9) were trailing a suspicious white car. When the suspects realised they were being followed, they attempted to flee and opened fire on the police.
“In response, the police returned fire until the situation was secure,” Kumar said in a statement.
After the shootout, police inspected the vehicle and confirmed that both suspects were deceased.
They also found two guns – one on the body of one of the suspects – along with substances believed to be drugs.
Comm Kumar said one of the suspects was a 42-year-old man with a criminal record involving 38 offences, including drug-related crimes.
“The identity of the second suspect has yet to be confirmed as no identification documents were found on him.”
Comm Kumar added that the case is being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder.
He urged those who have information on the incident to come forward to assist investigations.
“They can reach Johor police through their hotline at 019-2792095 or our command centre at 07-221299.”
The source earlier reported that at least two men on the wanted list were killed during a shootout in Johor Baru.
Social media was abuzz with pictures of the main road along Taman Abad being cordoned off and with a heavy police presence.
Heart-stopping incident: A photo of the shootout scene that has been making its rounds on social media. PHOTO: ANN/THE STAR SOURCE
A London double decker bus goes past the Palace of Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament, in central London, on June 14, 2024. PHOTO: AFP
SKEGNESS, United Kingdom (AFP) – Britain’s last general election was all about leaving the European Union but this time around Brexit is hardly getting a mention – and residents of anti-EU bastion Skegness are unsurprised.
“Labour avoid it because they didn’t want it, the Conservatives avoid it because they cocked it up,” 58-year-old Danny Brookes, a former mayor of the down-on-its-luck English seaside town, told AFP.
Add in Brexit fatigue and barely healed scars from the divisive vote and it is easy to see why the main parties are largely avoiding the toxic issue before the July 4 poll.
“A bit like a terrible row in a family, it’s just a while before anyone really wants to go near it again,” said Chris Grey, a Brexit expert at Royal Holloway, University of London.
Former prime minister Boris Johnson won a landslide for the Conservatives in 2019, pledging to “Get Brexit Done” that saw the constituency of Boston and Skegness return its Tory MP with a bigger majority.
The area on England’s east coast in the county of Lincolnshire had the highest share of “leave” votes in the 2016 referendum when 75 per cent of voters chose to exit the bloc.
An influx of migrants from Eastern Europe coupled with general dissatisfaction at the political establishment over low wages and lack of jobs were credited with fuelling the vote.
Johnson took Britain out of the EU at the beginning of 2020, before he was forced from office by numerous scandals that have since left fellow Brexit supporter Rishi Sunak in 10 Downing Street. 1win превращает обычные вечера в незабываемые, полные азарта и больших выигрышей.
Brookes voted for Brexit but feels that promises made by its main cheerleaders during the campaign – particularly over immigration, which has since hit record highs – were broken. Откройте для себя мир ставок и игр на пин ап — где каждый может стать победителем.
“A lot of what they said has not come true. They’ve let us down,” said the councillor at the cafe he owns on Skegness high street, citing the housing of asylum seekers in hotels in the town. Убедитесь в надежности мостбет, делая ставки на спортивные события и играя в казино.
Others in Skegness, home to 21,000 people and where fairground rides and amusement arcades compete for space with sweet shops and ice-cream stalls, express similar Brexit regrets.
Pete Ashmore, a 70-year-old retiree, voted “leave” eight years ago but says he would cast his ballot differently if offered the chance again.
“It sounded like a good idea,” he said on the promenade, with two UK flags fluttering from a basket attached to the front of his mobility scooter.
“But I had my suspicions it wouldn’t work, and I think they were right.”
Polls now suggest that most Britons think Brexit was wrong. Those who still maintain it was the right thing to do tend to say the Conservatives failed to properly implement it.
“(So) for the Tories there’s nothing much gained to be talking about it,” says Grey, a professor of organisation studies and author of “Brexit Unfolded”.
The smaller opposition Liberal Democrats have pledged to rejoin the European single market sometime in the future.
The Scottish National Party would apply to rejoin the EU if Scotland, which mostly voted against Brexit, gains independence, although that prospect is not currently on the horizon.
Labour leader Keir Starmer, a former Brexit spokesman who voted “remain” and wanted a second vote on the issue, has ruled out returning to the European single market, customs union, or free movement.
But he does want to negotiate a closer relationship with the EU, including a new defence pact.
That future relationship could include a youth mobility scheme recently proposed by the European Commission which would make it easier for Britons aged 18-30 to live, study and work in the EU.
Labour, though, talks little about Europe because doing so would enable the Tories to fight the entire campaign on defending Brexit, said Grey, while the economy and health are voters’ main concerns.
“You could argue that politicians are essentially just responding to the public mood,” he added.
In Skegness, 55-year-old Mandy Mann, tucking into a plate of fish and chips and mushy peas in the town centre, thinks Brexit should be on the ballot.
“We’re paying more now than when we were in the EU,” she says, citing a cost-of-living crisis that has crippled households with high energy bills and mortgage payments, adding that she would vote to rejoin.
Grey suspects that if Labour wins a whopping majority as expected, then Labour backbenchers in Starmer’s government could push for closer alliances with Europe, eventually putting Brexit back on the agenda.
“There will potentially be a significant conversation about rejoining towards the 2029 election,” he predicts.
CNA – Balmoral Bakery is a familiar name to those who grew up in the Clementi area of Singapore. However, many might not know that its head baker and second-generation owner, Mr Lim Ming Noong, initially pursued studies in the arts.
“I graduated from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts with the intention of pursuing a career in advertising,” the 78-year-old reminisced. “However, after finishing school, my paternal uncle invited me to join the family business, and I decided to take that path instead.”
During an interview with the source, he fondly reminisced about his artistic passions, showing us his “portfolio” – a series of photographs capturing the intricate birthday cakes he has crafted over the years.
“We get requests to draw all sorts of cartoon characters. I’ve never seen some of them before, but as long as you have a reference, I can make it happen.”
When Mr Lim first stepped into the kitchen in his twenties, though, he knew nothing about baking. Nevertheless, he chose to work with his hands as he was discouraged by the few career prospects his education offered him at the time.
“This was my first job, and I’ve stuck it out all the way till this day. I’ve gotten so used to it that I’m like a machine now,” he joked.
For over half a century, Mr. Lim’s day has begun at the crack of dawn. Rising at 4.30am, he starts preparations at 6.15am and opens the doors of the bakery at 9am. The rest of the morning whizzes by as pastries fly off the shelves and Mr Lim and his crew replenish them.
Until recently, Mr Lim spends his afternoons hunched over a sponge cake with a piping bag, working intently on custom designs. These jobs, however, have become rarer in recent years, and it’s not due to a lack of demand.
“My hands are no longer as steady, so I seldom draw these days. I only do simple ones, only if customers request it.”
Head baker and second-generation owner, Mr Lim Ming Noong (L). PHOTO: CNA
BAKING SINCE 1965
While Mr Lim takes immense pride in designing cakes, the Bakery’s true specialty lies in its traditional Eurasian pastries, a legacy that began at their original location in Holland Village.
Founded in 1965 by Mr Lim’s father and uncles, the Bakery was a humble streetside stall in Chip Bee Gardens. To cater to British soldiers living in the vicinity, they started selling traditional Eurasian puffs, pies, and tarts for no more than 35 cents a pop.
In 1985, in line with Singapore’s clean-up of its streets, the Bakery relocated to Sunset Way in Clementi. Despite attracting more Chinese customers than Caucasian ones here, the menu stayed true to its roots. Samosas, curry puffs, and custard puffs, which were bestsellers 60 years ago, continue to draw patrons from across the island today.
Much like its timeless recipes, the bakery’s physical appearance has been preserved with no renovations since the big move. During my visit, a former resident returning after 30 years was astonished to see the bakery looking “exactly as she had remembered” from 1985.
Now and then, Mr Lim said, former patrons of the Chip Bee Gardens stall would serendipitously find the bakery in Sunset Way and reconnect with its old-fashioned ambience in an instant.
“Customers who couldn’t find us after we relocated have passed by and said, ‘Wow! So you’re here now!’ They were really happy and urged me not to retire, or they wouldn’t know where else to find these pastries.”
Some pastries at the Bakery, like the elusive sugee cake, are not the most commonplace in Singapore. This may explain why they remain relatively unfazed by competitors that have emerged since the millennium, many of whom are bakeries selling buns.
Even among its contemporaries, the Bakery stands out. Whereas traditional Chinese bakeries, which see peak periods during Chinese New Year or Mid-Autumn Festival, the Bakery is busiest during holidays like Christmas and Good Friday, when their hot cross buns are a huge hit.
Mr Lim and his longtime staff who joined Balmoral Bakery in 1997. PHOTO: CNA
“WE DON’T MAKE ‘FUNNY FUNNY’ THINGS HERE”
Beyond nostalgia and unique offerings, Mr Lim believes what truly sets the Bakery apart is their insistence on doing things “the traditional way.”
While modern bakeries often opt for premixes, Mr Lim makes his butter cakes from scratch. Unlike most cakes that are frosted with light and airy fresh cream, he uses buttercream, churned with butter and sugar, for a richer and creamier taste.
In spite of the painstaking efforts that go into each morsel, the Bakery has kept its prices affordable.
“A slice of cake costs SGD1.80. Where can you find a slice of cake for SGD1.80 today? Because our prices are very low, we don’t make a loss, but we don’t make much of a profit either, to be very honest.”
Staying true to traditional methods also meant that Mr Lim has had to turn away requests for “Instagram-worthy” cakes, typically featuring over-the-top designs and layers of fondant icing.
“If they ask for a really tall cake, we cannot meet their expectations because we use sponge cakes, which are softer. The newer bakeries don’t, so they have no problem making cakes with several tiers. But we don’t make ‘funny funny’ things here,” he said.
By that, Mr Lim refers to the newfangled creations that modern bakeries flaunt for the social media generation, from elaborate birthday cakes to smashed croissants and croffles.
There’s a sense of pride in his voice as he notes a resurgence in the popularity of traditional bakes. In recent years, the Bakery has seen an increase in young patrons. Some come for the pastries; others for the bakery’s antiquated look, eager to experience the Singapore of yesteryears that their parents reminisce about. Either way, it’s a win for them.
“Maybe they’ve tired of the pastries out there which look good but don’t taste good,” he quipped.
An assortment of puffs at Balmoral Bakery at Sunset Way in Clementi. PHOTO: CNA
“WE’RE ALMOST THERE”
Thanks to Mr Lim’s wilful adherence to tradition, the Bakery has no shortage of regulars who grew up with the brand and who have no qualms travelling across the island for a taste of the good old days.
“Some customers are even older than I am, and I’ve known them for decades. When they stop visiting all of a sudden, you more or less know what happened,” he said.
“But their children may come here and say, ‘My father used to bring me here when I was little, and now it’s my turn to bring my kids here.’”
From childhood treats to wedding cakes and goodies for newborns’ one-month celebrations, the Bakery has been part of its customers’ and their families’ milestones for generations. Unfortunately, this wouldn’t be the case for much longer. As Mr. Lim’s 80th birthday approaches, the Bakery’s days are numbered.
“Give it another year or so. We’re almost there. My health is deteriorating, and this job is physically demanding. I think when I retire, I would have to say bye-bye to the shop altogether,” he said.
Asked if he would feel reluctant to bid the Bakery farewell, Mr Lim shook his head.
“No lah. I’ve kept at it for so long. When I retire, there’s no stress and no burden. I can finally rest.”
For now, there are no successors on the horizon. Mr Lim’s children are white-collar professionals with no intention to take over, and while a potential buyer came knocking 10 years ago (Mr Lim wasn’t ready to let go of the business then), the last decade has flown by uneventfully.
Nevertheless, he holds on to a glimmer of hope that someone outside the Lim family can keep their heritage alive.
“If I put up an advertisement, I think there will be takers. It’s impossible to make a loss with our good name. We’ve been around for so long.”
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The Auckland-based Blues will play the Hamilton-based Chiefs in an all New Zealand Super Rugby Pacific final on Saturday which has a strong sense of destiny for both teams.
The Blues have been pursuing their third Super Rugby title for more than 20 years, fruitlessly and often disastrously. They last won a full Super Rugby competition in 2003 and their best effort since was to win a truncated New Zealand tournament during the pandemic.
New Zealand rugby probably is poorer for the Blues’ struggles and a win might help re-engage many young Aucklanders who have drifted to other sports, mainly rugby league and basketball.
The Blues will come into the final as favourites on seeding after ousting Australia’s last hope, the Brumbies, in their semifinal. They will host the final against the Chiefs who upset the top-seeded Hurricanes 30-19 in Wellington.
The Chiefs arrive at the final with the wind at their back, in top form and with a real feeling that destiny is with them, that they will finally add to their second title which they won under Dave Rennie in 2013.
The manner in which they ousted the Hurricanes on their home ground in Wellington and in front of almost 30,000 fans who for most of the match were stunned into silence should be a warning to the Blues.
The Hurricanes always were going to be vulnerable to a fast start and the Chiefs produced that, scoring two tries in the first six minutes and adding a penalty to lead 17-0. There was no hope of the Hurricanes rallying from that deficit in the face of an intensely physical Chiefs defence which forced them into constant errors and hasty, inaccurate kicks.
Harry Plummer of the Blues, center, takes a high ball during their Super Rugby Pacific semi-final match against the Brumbies at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, Friday, June 14, 2024. PHOTO: AP
Young backrower Wallace Sititi had an outstanding match for the Chiefs and it was his intercept, leading to a try to Daniel Rona that finally sealed the Hurricanes’ fate.
Sititi might have levelled a challenge too to new All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson. There will be interest when Robertson names his first squad of the season to play England to see whether he recognises the form players of the current season or sticks mainly with the Crusaders players he knows best.
A number of young players have stood up this year and demanded recognition. Sititi’s run might have come too late but Hurricanes flanker Peter Lakai and fullback Reuben Love, Chiefs wingers Emoni Narawa and Etene Nanai-Seturo, flanker Samipeni Finau, scrumhalf Cortez Ratima all are demanding consideration.
The Chiefs will go into Saturday’s final without hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho and possibly back-up hooker Bradley Slater who were both injured against the Hurricanes. Taukei’aho looked an All Blacks certainty but has suffered a calf injury and Slater failed a head injury assessment.
“It’s pretty bad,” Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan said of Taukei’aho’s injury. “We might be looking for another hooker. It’s either a calf or an Achilles. I don’t think it’s real serious but something went there.”
Semifinals often are the stages on which young players announce themselves and Sititi’s performance was headline-grabbing.
Tupou Vaa’i of the Chiefs wins a lineout during the Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinal match between the Waikato Chiefs and the Queensland Reds at FMG Stadium in Hamilton, New Zealand, Friday, June 7, 2024. PHOTO: AP
“I thought he was immense,” McMillan said. “He had a number of involvements in big plays. He’s got a massive future.
“There were a lot of good rugby players running out there today and it was talked about in the media that this was like an All Blacks trial of sorts. Well if it was then a number of our guys would be putting their names in pencil if not ink.”
The Blues were satisfied with their performance against the Brumbies as a final preparation. They also scored early, led 27-13 at halftime and held out a Brumbies rally in the second half.
The Blues head again to the final, two years after their last confident bid for the title was thwarted by the Crusaders. Captain Dalton Papali’i recalled that loss and its cause: “complacency.”
“We’ve been reminded a couple of times this year, once against the Canes and once against the Crusaders, we can’t leave anything unchecked,” Papali’i said.
“The good thing this year is that we’ve had those reminders.”
Your comprehensive guide to understanding male pattern baldness
PHOTO: ENVATO
CNA – It’s a moment no man eagerly anticipates: gazing into the mirror and acknowledging the reality of a receding hairline or feeling the cool breeze on a thinning crown.
By the age of 50, up to half of men will face some degree of male-pattern baldness, with the number increasing as they age.
While genetics and hormones are major factors in hair loss, the precise mechanisms remain somewhat elusive.
This complexity contributes to the ongoing challenge of developing perfect treatments to prevent and reverse hair loss, explains Dr Arash Mostaghimi, vice chair of clinical trials and innovation in the dermatology department at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
However, there are steps you can take both before and after noticing hair loss. Here’s a guide to what works, what’s new, and what to avoid.
Understanding Male Pattern Baldness
The average human scalp has around 100,000 hairs, each connected to a follicle that can contain one to five hairs.
“A scalp follicle is essentially its own organ,” says Dr Arash Mostaghimi, vice chair of clinical trials and innovation in the dermatology department at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. “It has its own stem cells and regenerates.”
Male hair loss typically results from an increase in an enzyme in the scalp that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more potent form, according to Dr Mostaghimi. The exact reasons why some men have higher DHT levels than others are not fully understood, but genetics play a significant role.
When men have excessive DHT in their scalp, this hormone triggers a process leading to hair miniaturisation, causing hairs and follicles to shrink. This results in finer hair or even peach fuzz in balding areas.
Hair loss follows a predictable pattern: it starts around the temples and then affects the crown, where higher levels of DHT and its activity are found, explains Dr Mostaghimi. This progression is what gives rise to the term “male-pattern baldness.”
Treating and Preventing Hair Loss
If you’re concerned about hair loss, your first step should be to consult a dermatologist. Dermatology is a broad field, so it’s important to find a specialist who focuses on hair loss, advises Dr Danilo C. Del Campo, a dermatologist in Chicago.
When should you seek help? Ideally, before hair loss becomes a major concern. According to dermatologists, medications are generally more effective at preventing hair loss than reversing it. “The earlier you start, the more likely you are to retain the hair that you have,” says Dr Mostaghimi.
First-Line Medications
Dermatologists typically recommend two FDA-approved medications: Minoxidil and finasteride.
Minoxidil is the most well-known. “It does help to grow hair,” says Dr Del Campo, provided that patients apply it at least once daily, and preferably twice. Available as a foam or drops, Dr Del Campo suggests opting for a formulation without propylene glycol to avoid scalp irritation.
It can take a few months to see mature hair regrowth, but topical minoxidil doesn’t work for everyone, and many users find the frequent application inconvenient. Additionally, as Dr Mostaghimi points out, discontinuing the treatment will result in the loss of any gains and continued hair loss.
Another option is oral minoxidil, an off-label use that some dermatologists have practised for years. However, the pill can cause hair growth in unwanted areas, such as the beard or armpits, though this effect varies among patients, according to Dr Del Campo.
Finasteride is FDA-approved in pill form for treating male hair loss with a prescription. Research indicates that most men using finasteride maintain or improve their hair coverage over five years.
Dr Del Campo notes that oral finasteride carries a slight risk of erectile dysfunction, typically resolving upon cessation of treatment. He emphasises discussing this potential side effect seriously with patients.
While topical finasteride is not FDA-approved, it has gained popularity through online sources that may prescribe it based on surveys. Dr Del Campo acknowledges its efficacy with fewer side effects compared to the pill but underscores the importance of consulting a dermatologist before purchasing prescription medications online.
Comparing finasteride to minoxidil poses challenges due to differing study methodologies. Minoxidil generally receives higher ratings for hair regrowth, while finasteride is often preferred for maintaining existing hair, according to Dr Mostaghimi.
However, Dr Carolyn Goh from UCLA Health highlights that combining treatments is typically more effective than using either alone. This approach leverages their distinct mechanisms and strengths to optimise results for patients.
Secondary Therapies
Several alternative options exist, but experts emphasise they are not standalone treatments and should complement medications. One such option is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, where a patient’s blood is drawn, plasma separated, and injected into the scalp.
PRP therapy is costly, with patients typically undergoing three to four initial sessions followed by monthly maintenance, explains Dr Del Campo. Recent meta-analyses suggest PRP shows promise for some patients, although varying study methodologies make definitive conclusions challenging. Consequently, Dr Del Campo advises against relying solely on PRP as a treatment.
Another alternative is low-level laser light therapy, often in the form of helmets or combs. While some evidence supports scalp stimulation with these devices promoting hair growth, they can be expensive, costing up to USD2,500. Dr Mostaghimi warns of the difficulty in distinguishing between legitimate medical devices and scams, recommending them only as supplementary to other therapies.
Hair Transplants
Hair transplants are widely considered the pinnacle of hair restoration by many dermatologists. Over the past 25 years, the technology has advanced significantly from the era of hair plugs. During a hair transplant procedure, follicles are extracted from one area and meticulously relocated where needed. This can involve removing a strip from the back of the scalp or transplanting individual follicles from around the head.
However, the process has its nuances. Transplants typically do not yield immediate results, and the original hairline may continue to recede, underscoring the importance of the surgeon’s skill. Dr Goh advises that patients achieve optimal outcomes when they continue using medication post-transplant. Cost is another consideration, with transplants starting at approximately USD7,000 and increasing based on complexity.
Misinformation and Scams
Misconceptions about baldness abound, often leading to ineffective or harmful remedies. For instance, claims that frequent hat-wearing causes baldness or that cold weather exacerbates hair loss are unfounded, according to Dr Del Campo.
Other myths include beliefs that washing hair too often or too little effects balding (both untrue), and that a scalp sunburn can stimulate hair growth (advised against). Additionally, applying onion or garlic on the scalp is not a hair growth remedy and may irritate the skin, cautions Dr Del Campo.
Despite viral trends on platforms like TikTok, such as using rosemary oil for hair growth, dermatologists caution that evidence supporting such practices is lacking. Dr Del Campo acknowledges the popularity but advises caution due to potential allergic reactions from added chemicals in some products.
Genetics play a significant role in baldness, but predicting it based on paternal or maternal lineage is unreliable. Balding can onset at earlier ages across generations, notes Dr Goh, emphasising that it can occur unexpectedly early in life.
Hair loss impacts self-perception and interpersonal interactions, causing genuine distress for many men. However, starting a dialogue with a doctor upon noticing signs of hair loss can lead to effective treatments and alleviate unnecessary suffering.
“There are numerous options, and the outlook is promising for individuals dealing with hair loss,” assures Dr Del Campo. “No one should have to face it alone.”
