Sengkang Town Council refers to the Joint Statement on Settlement dated 24 July 2024.

High Court Suit No. 716 of 2017, which is one of the Suits referred to in the Joint Statement, was commenced on 3 August 2017 by Pasir Ris-Punggol Town Council (PRPTC). After the General Election held in 2020 and the formation of Sengkang Town Council, the proceedings were transferred from PRPTC to SKTC by way of law under the Town Councils (Declaration) Order 2020 and took effect on 28 October 2020.

On 5 September 2020, SKTC appointed an Independent Panel (IP), comprising Mr Lok Vi Ming, SC, Mr Kenneth Tan, SC, and Professor Kevin Y.L. Tan, under section 32(2) of the Town Councils Act to exercise SKTC’s powers to make all decisions relating to the appeals from High Court Suit No. 716 of 2017. SKTC councillors (including elected councillors) recused themselves from such decisions made in relation to this matter to avoid any potential conflicts of interests.

Under the Terms of Reference (TOR), the IP would at all times act independently and impartially in the best interests of SKTC. The members of the IP also agreed to receive no remuneration for their services.

On 24 July 2024, the IP represented SKTC at the mediation held at the Singapore International Mediation Centre. SKTC was then notified about the outcome of the successful mediation agreement that was reached between parties.

On 3 August 2024, a meeting was convened and attended by SKTC’s Town Councillors to formally receive updates on these developments. SKTC’s Town Councillors were also informed that a Notice of Discontinuance (NOD) will be filed in High Court Suit No. 716 of 2017.

SKTC wishes to once again extend its deepest appreciation to the IP, comprising Mr Lok Vi Ming, SC, Mr Kenneth Tan, SC and Professor Kevin Y.L. Tan, for serving without remuneration in their personal capacity on this matter. 

Reference:

Statement dated 24 July 2020
https://www.facebook.com/hetingru/posts/pfbid028sa74YW8B8zWyatc3c1hDbuBEPCxpdPPpz9MUUWekCtWirhE7CCtbWN6GVbHoQAJl?rdid=OWp0Xxu9cWOJbCHH

Statement on the appointment of Independent Panel dated 8 September 2020
https://www.sktc.sg/Media-Release/SKTC-Appoints-Independent-Panel

SKTC Independent Panel: Terms of Reference
https://sktc.sg/pdf/SKTC%20Indepedent%20Panel-%20Terms%20of%20Reference.pdf

Statement on Court of Appeal Judgement dated 30 November 2023
https://sktc.sg/Media-Release/SKTC-response-to-media-queries-on-the-Court-of-Appeal-Judgement

Joint Statement on Settlement dated 24 July 2024
https://ingoodfaith.blog/2024/07/24/joint-statement-on-settlement/

Sengkang Town Council (SKTC) notes the release of FY2023 Town Council Management Report (TCMR)- Operational Report, covering the period from April 2023 to March 2024, by the Ministry of National Development (MND), on 27 June 2024. SKTC is pleased to receive a green banding across all four operational indicators: Estate Cleanliness, Estate Maintenance, Lift Performance, and Service & Conservancy Charges (S&CC) Arrears Management.

Compared with the TCMR for the last financial year, SKTC has shown improvement in the management of S&CC arrears and has consistently scored green bandings in the other three indicators since its inception in 2020. As highlighted previously in our media release in June 2023, SKTC reported that our S&CC arrears has been in the green band since December 2022. We continue to implement repayment schemes that are practicable for our residents, taking into account their personal circumstances as well the economic climate.

We are grateful for the constructive feedback from our residents, whether shared electronically or in person at our engagements events such as our quarterly Sengkang Conversations. We also wish to thank our staff, contractors and partners for their continuous efforts at making Sengkang a vibrant and conducive place to call home.

Sengkang Town Council (SKTC) extends its sincere apologies to residents affected by the electricity outage at Block 272 series in Sengkang Central and Block 275 series in Compassvale Link on the night of 8th April 2024.

SKTC was alerted to the outage around 23:50 hours and activated our property managers and electricians on site. They worked closely and supported colleagues from Singapore Power (SP), Essential Maintenance Services Unit (EMSU) and Housing Development Board (HDB), to identify the cause of the outage and to restore electricity safely and quickly to our residents.

The electricity was restored around 01:05 hours and 01:25 hours of 9th April 2024 for Block 275 series and Block 272 series, respectively. After power had been restored, SKTC’s licensed electrical workers inspected all switch rooms while our electricians and technicians visited residential units who were still awake and required additional assistance. SKTC also activated lift technicians to ensure the safe resumption of lift service. The team stood down at 02:15 hours of 9th April 2024.

We understand that the electricity supply at SP’s substation was interrupted and that the investigation is currently underway. SKTC will be working closely with our colleagues from SP and HDB, and will consider necessary steps to prevent similar recurrence.

We are also aware that many residents have reached out about the incident, thus we have deployed additional manpower to follow up on their feedback.

We thank residents for their understanding as well as our colleagues from SP, EMSU and HDB for their collaborative efforts in restoring electricity to our residents.

Sengkang Town Council refers to the Court of Appeal judgment released on 29 November 2023.

The cases related to legal action initiated on 3 August 2017, by Pasir-Punggol Town Council (PRPGTC) and have been ongoing since. On 28 October 2020, all relevant legal proceedings were transferred by way of law to Sengkang Town Council (SKTC) as mandated by the Town Councils Act (Declaration Order 2020).

To appropriately address conflict of interest concerns, SKTC announced the appointment of an independent panel on 5 September 2020. The independent panel, serving without remuneration, was entrusted with acting independently and impartially in the best interests of SKTC. The panel's Terms of Reference have also been made accessible to the public.

In relation to queries over costs payable associated with the trials, we confirm that these will be covered by SKTC's operating funds, with provisions already in place. We also wish to clarify that The Workers’ Party, as a political entity, is not involved in the matter and no payments will be made to the party.

Sengkang Town Council

30 November 2023

With the release of the latest Town Council Management Report (TCMR) on 22 June 2022, Sengkang Town Council (SKTC) would like to share that we have been working very closely with our residents to manage the collection of monthly Service & Conservancy Charges (S&CC). SKTC remains focused on designing repayment schemes that are practicable for our residents, taking into account of their personal circumstances as well as the economic environment.

SKTC acknowledges that the TCMR rating captures the 12-month average (of the financial year) for all town councils. SKTC would also like to highlight our steady improvement in managing S&CC arrears, moving from the lower end score of the amber band in FY21 to the upper end in FY22. Since December 2022, SKTC has consecutively been in the green band.

SKTC also notes the green banding received for cleanliness, maintenance, and lift performance which the town council has consistently attained since inception. As a relatively young town council that have recently transited into direct management, SKTC would like to convey its appreciation and recognise the efforts of our various stakeholders—our residents, staff, contractors and partners- in doing our part for Sengkang.

Sengkang Town Council

22 June 2023

Sengkang Town Council and RELX were pleased to collaborate on an appreciation session for our estate workers on 28 April 2023. The teams gave out goodie bags to our conservancy workers, and participated in a litter-picking exercise around the estate.

65 staff from RELX took part in the event, which involved giving out gift vouchers, food and drink packs to 88 conservancy staff from Sengkang Town Council’s cleaning and maintenance teams across all four divisions. The items were purchased following contributions from and were prepared by staff from LexisNexis Risk Solutions, LexisNexis Legal & Professional, Elsevier, Cirium and Independent Chemical & Energy Market Intelligence (ICIS®).

Participants also took part in a litter-picking exercise, which resulted in 60 kilogrammes of litter being collected across the estate. A donation, matching the amount of litter picked, will be made to a community partner working with children.

Ms He Ting Ru, SKTC Chair, commented: “We are delighted to be able to collaborate with RELX to conduct this appreciation session for our estate cleaners, who are an integral part of our community. Many residents share with me that they are extremely grateful that they share a bond with their ground workers that is similar to one between neighbours".

“This festive Hari Raya season is the first to take place after three years of restrictions, and our cleaners have been working extremely hard to keep our estates clean in light of the increased activity in this post-pandemic new normal.”

Ms Christina Chua, RELX CAREs Champion, commented, “We are pleased to be able to do our part in the spirit of Eid to give back to these often overlooked workers who keep our community spaces clean. We hope that our small gesture will convey the appreciation that we have for them in the difficult work that they do. It was also enlightening to be able to experience first-hand the difficult physical work in challenging conditions that is involved in the upkeep of our estates.”

Sengkang Town Council

29 April 2023

Sengkang Town Council (SKTC)'s new branch office, located at Blk 323C Sengkang East Way, will commence operations from 20 March 2023 (Monday). SKTC is looking forward to being closer to and offering greater convenience to our residents, especially residents of Anchorvale and Compassvale divisions.

Following from the ground breaking ceremony held in July 2022, the official opening ceremony was held on 18 March 2023. We were delighted to have with us invited guests from the Council, as well as representatives from the public service, and our community partners. In her opening speech, Ms He Ting Ru, Chair of SKTC, said “The new office marks an important milestone for SKTC. As a relatively young town council which was established in 2020, SKTC is appreciative of the support from our valued partners and we look forward to working closely with our various community partners to serve the needs of Sengkang residents.”

Since commencing full direct management on 1 February 2023, SKTC has been following up closely on feedback as well as reviewing previous concerns. SKTC will also be implementing a single new Essential Maintenance and Service Unit (EMSU) hotline -- a 24-hour service to attend to emergency and maintenance requests. As SKTC was formed from parts of Ang Mo Kio Town Council and Pasir Ris-Punggol Town Council, it inherited two separate EMSU service providers which resulted in two different hotlines. We are pleased to now complete a transition to a new hotline, 6590 9777, which will come into effect on 1 April 2023 and attend to all Sengkang residents across the town.

Some other developments which residents can look forward to include the ongoing work to install electrical vehicles charging stations in the town, and also piloting digital engagements such as the survey and announcement feature of the OneService application by the Municipal Service Office. We will also continue to hold our quarterly Sengkang Conversations led by our Sengkang Members of Parliament, a town hall event for residents to voice concerns on issues affecting our community.

Finally, with the two Build-To-Order projects (Anchorvale Village and Rivervale Shores) expected to be completed this year, Mr Jamus Lim and Mr Louis Chua are looking forward to welcoming new residents to the Anchorvale and Rivervale community, and details about the two welcome parties will be announced closer to the date.

Sengkang Town Council

18 March 2023

Sengkang Town Council (SKTC) has commenced direct management of all divisions within Sengkang Town with effect from 1 February 2023. This follows from the conclusion of the Managing Agent (MA) contract with EM Services on 31 January 2023.

Anchorvale division has been under direct management since 1 November 2021, following the departure of CPG Facilities Management. Buangkok, Compassvale and Rivervale divisions, will likewise be directly managed, with the departure of EM Services.

As announced in May 2022, SKTC has been working on transitioning into direct management of Sengkang Town, with recruitment for the direct management team beginning as early as second half of 2022. To date, SKTC has recruited experienced and suitable individuals, including employees from both CPG Facilities Management and EM Services, for its town management works.

Existing contractors will continue to provide their services in the various divisions and there is no disruption to their day-to-day operations.

SKTC would like to convey its appreciation to EM Services for its years of service to Sengkang residents, and for working with the Town Council on the handover of the Buangkok, Compassvale and Rivervale divisions over the last eight months.

With the experience gained from directly managing Anchorvale division, SKTC is confident of delivering the standards of service that Sengkang residents have come to expect.

Sengkang Town Council

01 February 2023

After receiving no bids in a tender exercise for a Managing Agent (MA) in April, Sengkang Town Council (SKTC) will directly manage all divisions within Sengkang Town when the current management period of the remaining incumbent MA comes to an end in 2023.

As is publicly known, Sengkang GRC is a GRC formed shortly before General Election 2020. It comprises the Buangkok, Compassvale and Rivervale divisions, formerly part of Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC and Punggol East SMC (previously managed by EM Services under Pasir Ris-Punggol TC); and the Anchorvale division, formerly Sengkang West SMC (previously managed by CPG Facilities Management under Ang Mo Kio TC).

SKTC was established on 30 July 2020 and inherited the two MA contracts from the predecessor TCs. As announced earlier, Anchorvale division has been directly managed by SKTC since 31 October 2021, with day-to-day operations handled by staff hired directly by SKTC.

The other divisions of Sengkang GRC are being managed by EM Services, whose MA contract is due to expire on 31 January 2023. As a matter of prudence, SKTC called a tender for MA services for Buangkok, Compassvale and Rivervale divisions in April, well in advance of the expiry date. At the close of the MA tender on 29 April 2022, no bids were received.

Given the circumstances, Sengkang Town Councillors deliberated on this matter and voted to transit into direct management of SKTC, after the management period of EM Services comes to an end. Till the expiry of its contract, EM Services will continue to provide its services to SKTC. SKTC would like to convey its appreciation to EM Services for its years of service to Sengkang residents.

SKTC and in particular, the MPs for Sengkang GRC, would like to assure all Sengkang residents that continuity of services is an utmost priority. With the experience gained from directly managing Anchorvale division, and more than eight months to the handover of the Buangkok, Compassvale and Rivervale divisions from EM Services, SKTC is confident of a smooth transition, and its ability to deliver the standards of service that Sengkang residents have come to expect.

Sengkang Town Council

17 May 2022

Today, Sengkang Town Council (SKTC) commenced direct management of the town council’s services in Anchorvale Division. As SKTC has previously announced, the contract between SKTC and CPG Facilities Management (CPG) to manage town council services in Anchorvale Division has ended on 31 October 2021, and CPG has ceased to be the managing agent.

When SKTC was established on 30 July 2020, the Divisions in Sengkang GRC were managed by two managing agents, CPG and EM Services. EM Services continues to serve as the managing agent of the Buangkok, Compassvale and Rivervale Divisions.

In advance of the completion of the CPG contract, SKTC had called for a tender for a managing agent for Anchorvale Division. However, SKTC received only one bid, which was from a company which had no experience of managing a town council. After careful consideration, SKTC made the decision to directly manage Anchorvale Division.

SKTC has employed a direct management team to replace the outgoing CPG team. Existing contractors continue to provide services to Anchorvale Division and there is no disruption to any day-to-day operations.

SKTC has been working towards a smooth handover of Anchorvale Division from CPG. Moving forward, the direct management team for Anchorvale Division will work closely in collaboration with EM Services to serve the needs of Sengkang GRC residents. Any open issues arising from the term of CPG’s tenure as managing agent will be actively resolved. SKTC is committed to continuing to serve the needs of residents.

Sengkang Town Council

01 November 2021

The last day of operations for our managing agent for Anchorvale Division, CPG Facilities Management Pte Ltd, is Sunday, 31 October 2021.  

During this period, CPG Facilities Management Pte Ltd has committed to working towards a smooth handover of Anchorvale Division. Sengkang Town Council will continue to ensure that town council services and day-to-day operations are not disrupted.

Sengkang Town Council

25 October 2021

Sengkang Town Council to be jointly managed by EM Services and CPG Facilities Management

With effect from Wednesday 28 October 2020, Residents of Sengkang GRC will be served by Sengkang Town Council (SKTC). SKTC was established on 30 July 2020, will be jointly managed by two managing agents: EM Services and CPG Facilities Management. Both managing agents have affirmed their commitment to SKTC, and that they will work in close collaboration to deliver the highest standards of estate management service to Sengkang residents.

With both managing agents continuing township management operations, residents of Sengkang GRC can look forward to a smooth handover, and continuity in the provision of township services at Sengkang Town.

Sengkang GRC comprises the Buangkok, Compassvale and Rivervale wards, formerly part of Pasir Ris- Punggol GRC and Punggol East SMC (managed by EM Services under PasirRis-Punggol Town Council); and the Anchorvale ward, formerly Sengkang West SMC (managed by CPG Facilities Management under Ang Mo Kio Town Council).

Residents who pay their Service and Conservancy Charges (S&CC) in cash should make arrangements to pay Sengkang Town Council at the offices stated below from 28 October 2020. No further action is required for residents with existing GIRO and recurring credit card payment arrangements, as SKTC is currently working with the previous two councils to effect the changes without any disruption.

SKTC will be chaired by Ms He Ting Ru and assisted by Vice-Chairman Mr Chua Kheng Wee.

SKTC’s contact details are as follows:

SENGKANG TOWN COUNCIL

28 October 2020

By virtue of the Town Councils (Declaration) Order 2020 (the “Order”), all the assets and liabilities of Pasir Ris-Punggol Town Council (“PRPTC”) relating to the area of the town of Pasir Ris-Punggol comprised in the constituency of Sengkang, including all relevant legal proceedings which were commenced prior to 28 October 2020, will be transferred to the Sengkang Town Council (“SKTC”) on 28 October 2020. 

This transfer of assets and liabilities includes the pending appeals involving PRPTC from the decision of the Singapore High Court in Aljunied-Hougang Town Council and another v Lim Swee Lian Sylvia and others and another suit [2019] SGHC 241, which are presently fixed for hearing before the Court of Appeal on 18 September 2020 (the “Appeals”).

SKTC wishes to announce that it has on 5 September 2020 appointed an Independent Panel of three distinguished persons, namely, Mr Kenneth Tan Senior Counsel, Mr Lok Vi Ming Senior Counsel and Dr Kevin Tan under section 32(2) of the Town Councils Act to exercise SKTC’s powers to make all decisions relating to the Appeals. Mr Kenneth Tan SC graduated with 1st Class Honours from the National University of Singapore and was among the first batch of Senior Counsel appointed in 1997. Mr Lok Vi Ming SC is also a Senior Counsel and served as President of the Law Society of Singapore in 2013 and 2014. Dr Kevin Tan is an Adjunct Professor at the National University of Singapore’s Law Faculty and is a noted public law scholar.

The Independent Panel’s Terms of Reference are attached*. The Independent Panel will at all times act independently and impartially in the best interests of SKTC. The members have also agreed to receive no remuneration for their services.

The appointment of the Independent Panel is in furtherance of the SKTC's previous public statement that it is fully committed to ensuring that all decisions taken in relation to the management of the Appeals are fair, transparent and in accordance with the law. 

SKTC expresses its deep appreciation and gratitude to Mr Kenneth Tan SC, Mr Lok Vi Ming SC and Dr Kevin Tan for agreeing to take up their respective appointments.

*SKTC Independent Panel Terms of Reference:
https://sktc.sg/pdf/SKTC%20Indepedent%20Panel-%20Terms%20of%20Reference.pdf