Surrounded by guns: ST journalist recalls nerve-racking time, at final What’s The News? school programme
The article recounts a personal anecdote from Zaihan Mohamed Yusof, a senior crime correspondent at The Straits Times, about his experience covering a conflict between Acehnese rebels and the Indonesian military in 1999. He describes being surrounded by firearms and initially suspected of being a Javanese spy but was welcomed by the rebel leader, Teungku Abdullah Syafi’i. The story highlights his journey as a journalist and serves as part of a broader initiative called 'What’s The News?' (WTN), an educational program aimed at engaging youth with current affairs through quizzes, assemblies, and interactive showcases. The program, launched in 2025 as part of The Straits Times' 180th anniversary, involves partnerships with educational institutions and government agencies like the Ministry of Education and the Central Narcotics Bureau. The article concludes with mentions of recent activities, including a traveling showcase exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on information consumption.
Presslee Chng, a 25-year-old trainee teacher in Singapore, recently received the Ministry of Education (MOE) Teaching Award, marking a remarkable turnaround in his life. His journey from dropping out of Primary 1 to receiving recognition for his teaching potential is a testament to his perseverance and determination. Chng's early years were marked by instability, as his family moved frequently due to financial constraints, often relocating every half to a year. This constant movement disrupted his formal education, leading to his eventual departure from school in 2008 when the family was evicted from their flat. At that time, Chng had just begun Primary 1 at Anderson Primary School, but the eviction resulted in the loss of his school uniforms and books, effectively ending his schooling. Chng recalls the confusion and lack of understanding he felt during this period. As a child, he did not grasp the significance of being removed from school, instead viewing it as a respite from the pressures of formal education. However, the absence of structured learning opportunities meant that he missed critical academic milestones such as the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE). Despite this setback, Chng found solace in entertainment media, developing literacy skills through films and television shows, which became his informal education. Now, Chng is on a path toward becoming a teacher, having graduated from Republic Polytechnic in 2024. His journey reflects a deep commitment to education, driven by personal experiences and a desire to help others avoid similar pitfalls. His story highlights the resilience required to overcome early educational disruptions and the importance of finding alternative pathways to success. The experiences of Chng resonate with broader discussions about teachers with special needs in Singapore. Recent attention has focused on the challenges faced by students with disabilities and neurodivergent conditions, emphasizing the need for inclusive education practices. While efforts have been made to support these students, the role of teachers with special needs remains largely unrecognized. Joel Lee, a mathematics teacher at Pathlight School, exemplifies this overlooked group. Having once been a student at Pathlight, Lee transitioned to mainstream education and now teaches at the same institution where he once studied. His experience underscores the value of inclusive education environments that cater to diverse learning needs. Similarly, Syed Ali Mohamed Alhabshee, a science teacher, faces unique challenges as a hearing-impaired educator. His use of hearing aids has led to occasional misunderstandings among students, but he addresses these directly, fostering an environment of openness and acceptance. Alhabshee's approach illustrates the importance of transparency and communication in overcoming barriers related to sensory differences. Penny Chong, a resource teacher at Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary School, has dedicated her career to supporting students with visual impairments. Her personal experience of losing sight at the age of nine inspired her to pursue a career in education, where she can guide both students and their families through the complexities of visual disabilities. Chong's work emphasizes the necessity of tailored support systems within mainstream educational settings. As Chng continues his training to become a teacher, his story serves as an inspiration to others facing adversity. His achievements highlight the transformative power of education and the potential for individuals to redefine their futures despite early setbacks. With his newfound role in the teaching profession, Chng aims to contribute positively to the lives of future students, ensuring they receive the support and guidance necessary for success.
Presslee Chng, a 25-year-old Singaporean, dropped out of Primary 1 due to his family's unstable housing situation, which forced them to move frequently between rental flats. His family could not afford stable housing, leading to periods of homelessness and eventual eviction from their flat in 2008, during which he lost his school belongings. Despite spending nearly nine years outside the education system and missing key academic milestones like the PSLE, Chng eventually earned a degree from Republic Polytechnic in 2024. Now recognized with a Ministry of Education Teaching Award, he is pursuing a career as a teacher, having overcome significant personal and socioeconomic challenges.
Bias read (Center): While the article discusses social inequality and educational access, which are politically charged topics, the framing remains neutral. It presents Chng's personal struggle without overtly criticizing government policies or endorsing specific political ideologies. The focus is on individual agency,
Why factuality (90): The article provides detailed personal accounts from Presslee Chng, describing his early life, family situation, and educational challenges. While no primary source document is available, the information aligns with common narratives about education and housing instability in Singapore. It mentions
Why objectivity (75): The article presents a personal narrative with emotional language and subjective reflections from Presslee Chng. While it aims to tell a compelling story, it lacks balance by focusing primarily on his experiences without providing alternative perspectives or broader societal context. The tone leans
The Straits TimesParty-aligned🔒CenterFactual 80Objective 908/30/2026
Joel Lee, a 29-year-old mathematics teacher at Pathlight School in Singapore, returned to his former school where he was a student over 20 years ago. Pathlight is Singapore's first special education school providing the national curriculum tailored for students on the autism spectrum. Lee has been teaching at Pathlight's two Ang Mo Kio campuses for the past five years. The article highlights his personal journey and connection to the institution.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on an individual's career path within a specialized educational institution and does not present any political viewpoints, framing, or controversy. There is no indication of bias in the content provided.
Why factuality (80): The article accurately describes Joel Lee's experience at Pathlight School, including his transition from student to teacher. It provides clear information about the school's mission and his teaching roles. No conflicting information is present, and the facts are presented consistently with typical
Why objectivity (90): The article maintains a neutral and informative tone, focusing on Joel Lee's professional journey without introducing any subjective commentary or emotional language. It presents the facts objectively, making it highly objective.
Singaporean educator Nigel Li, based in Uzbekistan's capital Tashkent, is helping local students develop academic and professional skills through the Freshman Academy. The program supports ambitious youth like Amirbek Baxshilloyev, a 17-year-old from Bukhara who recently gained admission to Stanford University. Amirbek attributes his success partly to the academy's mentorship and resources, including guidance from Singaporean educators. The initiative aims to bridge educational gaps and connect Uzbek students with global opportunities, reflecting broader efforts to strengthen bilateral ties between Singapore and Uzbekistan.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced narrative focused on educational collaboration and personal achievement without overtly promoting any political agenda. It highlights mutual benefits between Singapore and Uzbekistan without taking a clear ideological stance.
Why factuality (75): The article provides detailed information about Amirbek Baxshilloyev's educational achievements and his connection to Singaporean educator Nigel Li. While there is no primary source document, the content aligns with common narratives about international education collaborations and personal success
Why objectivity (85): The article presents a positive narrative about Amirbek's academic and career aspirations without overt bias. It focuses on his personal story and achievements, maintaining a respectful and encouraging tone. There is no significant editorializing or emotional manipulation, contributing to a high obj
The article recounts a personal anecdote from Zaihan Mohamed Yusof, a senior crime correspondent at The Straits Times, about his experience covering a conflict between Acehnese rebels and the Indonesian military in 1999. He describes being surrounded by firearms and initially suspected of being a Javanese spy but was welcomed by the rebel leader, Teungku Abdullah Syafi’i. The story highlights his journey as a journalist and serves as part of a broader initiative called 'What’s The News?' (WTN), an educational program aimed at engaging youth with current affairs through quizzes, assemblies, and interactive showcases. The program, launched in 2025 as part of The Straits Times' 180th anniversary, involves partnerships with educational institutions and government agencies like the Ministry of Education and the Central Narcotics Bureau. The article concludes with mentions of recent activities, including a traveling showcase exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on information consumption.
Bias read (Center): The article primarily focuses on a journalistic experience and the educational initiatives of 'What’s The News?', which aim to inform youth about global and local issues. While it references international conflicts and government collaborations, the framing remains balanced, emphasizing education,媒体
Why factuality (70): The article recounts a personal anecdote from Zaihan Mohamed Yusof's early career, describing a specific incident during a news assignment. While the story is engaging, it lacks verification through primary sources such as interviews or official records. The details are presented as a recollection,
Why objectivity (80): The article uses a storytelling approach to convey Zaihan's experiences, which can be seen as somewhat subjective. However, it does not take a clear ideological stance or promote any particular viewpoint, maintaining a reasonable level of objectivity.
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