AD
A viral TikTok video showing Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Industry Gan Siow Huang appearing to overlook an elderly man's handshake has drawn mixed reactions online, prompting the minister to issue an explanation.
The 15-second clip, which has garnered over 214,000 views since being posted on June 7, captures the moment when Gan exits her vehicle at what appears to be a community event. An enthusiastic elderly gentleman in red closes her car door and immediately extends his hand - only for the minister to initially shake hands with another individual first.
Speaking to The Straits Times on Sunday (June 8), Gan clarified that the incident occurred during the Peck San Theng Cultural Festival in Bishan on May 17. "When I got out of the car, I was trying to identify the host of Peck San Theng and shake hands with the host first," explained Gan, who serves as MP for Marymount SMC.
The minister acknowledged feeling "a little overwhelmed by the big group" upon arrival at her first visit to Peck San Theng. She expressed regret over any unintended slight toward the gentleman in red while emphasizing her appreciation for organizers' warm welcome.
Online commentators have been divided in their responses - while some criticized what they perceived as discourtesy, others suggested it might have been an honest oversight during a busy public appearance. The video's comment section reveals heated discussions about public figures' social etiquette expectations versus realistic human interactions at crowded events.
AsiaOne understands that Peck San Theng representatives have been contacted for their perspective on this social media storm surrounding what was otherwise a successful cultural festival appearance by one of Singapore's political officeholders.
NUH Withdraws Bankruptcy Case Against Subsidized Nursing Home Patient After Last-Minute Discovery
SINGAPORE — In a dramatic turn of events, the National University Hospital (NUH) abruptly withdrew bankruptcy proceedings against former patient Philip Soh Keng Cheang just one hour before his scheduled court hearing in February. The 61-year-old, who owed over $290,000 in legal costs and unpaid hospital bills following an unsuccessful negligence lawsuit against NUH, was unexpectedly spared from bankruptcy after hospital administrators discovered he qualified as a fully subsidized nursing home resident.
Geylang Resident's Sleepless Nights Due to Late-Night Noise Disturbances
While most of Singapore sleeps soundly after midnight, one Geylang resident finds himself trapped in a nightly battle against relentless noise disturbances.
Ayam Penyet President Fined $1,000 for Food Safety Violations After Diners Fall Ill
Tiberias International Food, the company behind the popular chain restaurant Ayam Penyet President, has been slapped with a $1,000 fine on June 4 due to serious food safety breaches. The penalty comes after reports of multiple hygiene failures at their Hillion Mall outlet in Bukit Panjang.
Singapore Women's Football Team Withdraws from Asean Championship Amid Packed Schedule
In a surprising turn of events, the Singapore women's national football team has withdrawn from the upcoming Asean Women's Championship, just six months after securing their historic first qualification for the tournament. The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) made the announcement on June 9, leaving fans and some players in disbelief.
78-Year-Old Man's Home Overflowing with Memories – Fears Losing Everything in Clean-Up
For years, 78-year-old Lim has filled his Bedok Reservoir flat with collected items, refusing to part with them despite the clutter. Now, he worries a charity’s efforts to tidy his home might leave him with "nothing."
Singapore's National Day Parade 2026 Showcases Artworks by Talented Disabled Artists in Special NDP Packs
This year's National Day Parade (NDP) celebrations will feature something truly special - beautifully designed tote bags adorned with artworks created by 41 talented artists with disabilities, ranging from age 10 to 73.
Car Enthusiasts Bid Emotional Farewell to Legendary Lim Chu Kang Road Before Its Closure
Under the glow of flickering lamp posts, the usually tranquil Lim Chu Kang Road came alive on Saturday night (June 7) as hundreds of car lovers gathered for one final meet-up before the iconic stretch closed permanently at midnight.
Singapore Singles Swap Dating Apps for Unique Matchmaking Adventures in Japan and Beyond
SINGAPORE - Forget swiping left or right - a group of adventurous Singaporean singles are taking matchmaking to new heights with an exclusive four-day trip to Japan, inspired by the hit Korean reality show Single's Inferno.
Thoughtful Couple's Wedding Apology Note Sparks Heartwarming Neighborly Responses
When Bernard Kuah, 32, and his bride Chermaine Wong prepared for their traditional Chinese wedding gatecrash ceremony at the ungodly hour of 4am, they did something unexpectedly considerate - they apologized in advance to their neighbors at Block 77 Marine Drive. What happened next will restore your faith in community spirit.
Historic Sri Sivan Temple Consecration Draws Over 20,000 Devotees in Singapore
SINGAPORE — A sea of over 20,000 devotees gathered on June 8 to witness the sacred consecration of the iconic Sri Sivan Temple, one of Singapore's oldest Hindu temples with roots tracing back to the 1800s. The grand event marked a historic moment for the Hindu community, drawing worshippers from across the island.
Police Officer Involved in Collision with Cyclist on Keppel Road, Flees Scene Unaware
A 41-year-old cyclist was rushed to the hospital following a collision with a police vehicle on Keppel Road last Friday (June 6), in an incident that took an unexpected turn when the officer involved initially left the scene unaware of the accident.
Singapore's Food Farms in Transition: Dip in Local Production Signals Shift to High-Tech Agriculture
Singapore's agriculture sector is undergoing a significant transformation, with recent dips in local vegetable and seafood production reflecting what experts describe as a necessary transitional phase toward more technologically advanced farming methods.
