Naval divers join Red Lions in free fall for Singapore's National Day Parade (NDP 2018)

Aerial treats at the National Day Parade (NDP) will be bigger this year, with naval divers joining the crowd favourite Red Lions in a free-fall jump for the first time in parade history.

The divers from the Republic of Singapore Navy's Naval Diving Unit (NDU) will drop 1,800m from a Super Puma helicopter into the waters around the Marina Bay floating platform. They will be followed closely by the Red Lions, who, for the first time, will be jumping in wing suits for the parade, and will land on the platform itself. The NDU's manoeuvre on Aug 9, called the free-fall water jump, is used in actual operations to access areas that are hard to reach by other means, such as boarding a ship out at sea.

Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Eric Tay, 47, leads the group of eight divers and said they will be carrying gear weighing 50kg and wearing dive fins while falling. "This is to showcase the operational capabilities of the navy to the public," he said, adding that operational gear, which includes an assault rifle, can weigh up to 70kg.

MWO Tay said the fins catch a lot of wind when divers fall through the air, making it more difficult to control their movements. Once they land in the water, they remove their parachutes, perform an equipment check, regroup and move off. MWO Tay has jumped more than 750 times and has performed thrice as a Red Lion for the NDP.

Scroll down to see all the pictures.
Click on them for bigger and better views.

Feature: One shot, one kill - On target to be better snipers in the Singapore Armed Forces

SAF snipers in the advanced course take their game of stealth to the concrete jungle by Alphonsus Chern, Executive Photojournalist, The Straits Times.

Participants in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) first two-week Advanced Sniper Course delve into the science of long-range ballistics, in-depth weapon handling, engagement of multiple targets and urban sniping. All are qualified snipers, having previously graduated from the Basic Sniper Course, a nine-week programme that teaches navigation, field craft, long-range shooting and the art of stalking - moving stealthily through natural terrain without being spotted. The advance course aims to equip snipers with the skills to operate in an urban environment and to enhance their proficiency in using their weapons.

(Above) In order to approach and occupy a building, a team of snipers mask their presence by stalking through the jungle for most of the journey, pausing with pistols at the ready only to watch and listen for any sign of nearby enemies. The Singapore Armed Forces’ sniper weapon of choice is the bolt-action Sako TRG-22 equipped with a Schmidt & Bender PM II scope. ST PHOTOS: ALPHONSUS CHERN

Scroll down to see all the pictures.
Click on them for bigger and better views.

In the news: Lego artists build and transport replicas of S'pore landmarks for a heritage roadshow

This article appeared in The Straits Times newspaper today.

Honey, we shrank the monuments - Lego artists build replicas of Singapore landmarks

Brick artists Xyivie Wong, 34, Eugene Tan, 41, and Andy Goh, 35 were commissioned by the National Heritage Board (NHB) to build eight Lego replicas of Singapore landmarks for the Building History: Monuments In Bricks And Blocks roadshow. The models include the National Museum, old Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, St Andrew's Cathedral, Thian Hock Keng Temple, and the former Nanyang University Library and Administration Building.

The public can view the models of the national monuments at the Central Public Library in Victoria Street from June 7 to 30, 10am to 9pm daily.

Pic above shows Mr Eugene Tan places an old Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train model onto the tracks of the old Tanjong Pagar Railway Station replica. The building is scaled to the size of the train model. The platform pillars are represented by small rods that are more commonly used to hold pieces together. ST PHOTOS: GAVIN FOO

Scroll down to see the rest of the pictures.
Click on them for bigger and better views.

SCDF Exoskeleton to be worn by firefighters

The SCDF Exoskeleton, developed jointly with local engineering company Hope Technik and the Ministry of Home Affairs, was unveiled at its annual workplan seminar on Wednesday (April 18). A frame to be worn by firefighters, the Exoskeleton bears the weight of firefighting equipment and comes with pneumatic pistons that will help to push firefighters up when they are climbing stairs.

Looks like the suit we saw in the 2013 science fiction action thriller film Elysium is all too real. Check out my action figure review of the DollsOddSaga 1:6 "Outer Heaven" collectible figure which is 1/6th scale Matt Damon as Max Da Costa with a powered exoskeleton surgically attached to him posted on my toy blog HERE and HERE.

Scroll down to see all the pictures.
Click on them for bigger and better views.

Mighty Jaxx's toy story is one of guts and glory

For Mr Jackson Aw, toys are certainly no child's play.

The 28-year-old is the founder of a multimillion-dollar toy design and manufacturing business. The business, Mighty Jaxx, began in 2012 as a $20,000 start-up. Today, it works with big brands like Warner Brothers and New Balance and is projected to hit $5 million in revenue this year.

Mr Aw's toy story is about following one's passion in school, even if it means taking a path less ordinary. After graduating from Nanyang Poly in 2009, Mr Aw started selling refurbished vintage cameras. The business was successful but he sold it off to a business partner in September 2012 to start something new.

After years of collecting toys, Mr Aw figured he should start a related business. He liked the idea of creating toys and not just buying them. So he visited some toy factories in China and was surprised to find out that the toys were made not by machines but humans.

(Scroll down to see all the pictures.
Click on them for bigger and better views.)

Aerospace engineer spends $70,000 on home fit for superheroes with $4,000 S.H.I.E.L.D logo

When he watched Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman 37 years ago, she became the first superhero he fell in love with.

Last year, Mr Jason Koh, 47, spent $70,000 renovating his five-room flat in Punggol into a superhero-themed flat. It even has a $4,000 S.H.I.E.L.D logo that is 2.4m high.It was so big that it had to be carried 12 storeys up to his home as it could not fit into the lift. A superhero fan since he was 10, Mr Koh decided on a superhero theme when he wanted to renovate his flat after renting it out for three years while working overseas.

The aerospace engineer had initially considered a Manchester United theme. Said Mr Koh: "I thought a flat based on one football club might be boring. And I have many friends who are superhero fans."

The flat features Marvel Comics and DC Comics superhero figurines, wallpapers and home decor items, such as bedsheets, cushions, a carpet and a clock. Displayed in a floor-to-ceiling cabinet in the living room are 21 superhero figurines bought for $7,000 from Hong Kong toy manufacturer Hot Toys. They include Batman, Superman, the Hulk, Thor and Black Widow.

Mr Koh also used a 3D printer to print unit-number plaques with the S.H.I.E.L.D logo. Said Mr Koh: "I am not young any more, so I want to spend my money on something that makes me happy."

He is not alone in splurging on his passion.

Scroll down to see all the pictures.
Click on them for bigger and better views.

Customised 1:1 scale Star Wars Jedi pilot helmet

Most recently I was commissioned to design and paint an actual size (1:1 scale) helicopter pilot's helmet as a gift to someone important who was leaving his place of work and the people there felt that he deserved to be sent off with something meaningful, something to remind him of the many years of dedication and service he had given to his organisation. When the helmet was first handed to me, it was as plain and green as it could be (see pics in the post), totally nondescript as was the original intent. My job was to turn it around and make it stand out and carry the right message, to honor the person who once went by the callsign "Jedi". So I did and added a nice display case to showcase the helmet too.

I don't think the Jedi ever wore helmets when they flew their ships so I had to ask myself the question: what if the Jedi did wear helmets, how would the helmets look like in terms of design? There was a restriction in terms of colors because the actual helicopter that callsign "Jedi" flew were red and white so we kept to the color scheme which was also very similar to the helmets the X-Wing pilots wore in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. Check out the action figure review of Sideshow Collectibles "Star Wars" 1:6 scale Luke Skywalker Red Five X-Wing Pilot figure posted on my toy blog HERE.

Scroll down to see the rest of the pictures.
Click on them for bigger and better views.

Jihadi John Deported - ISIS Counterfeit Lego sets sold in Singapore taken off the shelves

Counterfeit Lego sets sold in Singapore depicting ISIS terrorists have been taken off the shelves.

The toys, which were sold at a local retail store and on e-commerce sites, were removed after concerns were raised that they could lead to the glorification of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria terror group. A reader had alerted The Straits Times to the made-in-China figurines being sold at a shop in People's Park Centre, as well as online.

These toy sets, recommended for children aged between six and 12 years, depict violent scenes that show figurines carrying the ISIS flag, launching sticks of dynamite and firing AK-47s. One also includes a plastic figurine of a decapitated head.

These toys, described as "Falcon commando" sets, were priced between $3.80 and $25. They were sold on local online marketplace Carousell and at 8 Series, a retail store selling household goods, toys and other lifestyle items in People's Park Centre.

Another online retailer, Brick Generals, also sold toy figurines described as "militants" and "bombers". One of them was labelled as "ISIS Jihadi John", while a description for a bomber figurine read: "Extremist who enjoys blowing things up for fun. One day, he'll blow himself up."

Scroll down to see all the pictures.
Click on them for bigger and better views.

A look at National Service through the years

National Service in Singapore, (commonly known as NS), is a statutory requirement for all male Singaporean citizens and second-generation permanent residents to undergo a period of compulsory service in the uniformed services. Depending on physical and medical fitness, they serve a two-year period as National Servicemen Full-time (NSFs), either in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Singapore Police Force (SPF), or the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). A 2-month reduction in full-time National Service is given for pre-enlistees who are able to pass their National Physical Fitness Award (NAPFA).

The majority of NSFs serve in the SAF, as part of the Army. The reasons for this include the relative manpower needs of the Army compared to the Navy and Air Force, the SPF, and SCDF. Moreover, as compared to the Army, the Air Force (RSAF) and Navy (RSN) are smaller armed services composed primarily of regular servicemen.

National service has been a key component of Singapore’s nation-building journey since its inception. This national duty ensures that Singapore has a strong and ready military force to defend itself should the need arise.

This year marks the 50th year of national service in Singapore. To commemorate it, The Straits Times look briefly at the history of national service and how individual soldier equipment has evolved.

Scroll down to see the rest of the pictures.
Click on them for bigger and better views.

And in The Straits Times today: It's a small, small world - miniature modelling by Singaporeans

The art of miniature modelling may seem like a niche interest, but more and more hobbyists here are turning their passion into a growing business - either as a profitable sideline or a full-time profession. Unique collectables like mossariums and food sculptures may catch the eye of the younger set, while the more traditional scale models are still highly sought after by collectors. The Straits Times executive photojournalist Desmond Foo looks at the work of some hobbyists.

Full report can be found at The Straits Times HERE

Mr Calvin Tan, 41, is not only a World War II buff but also a world-renowned miniature figure sculptor and painter. The winner of many overseas awards is also an author and recently produced a video on the art of miniature figure painting. It can take him a few months to complete a hyper realistic figure, but one measuring a mere 5cm in height, sculpted with epoxy putty and then painted, can command a few thousand dollars. They come predominantly in three scales – 1/9, 1/16 and 1/35. Having completed over 200 since he first ventured into scale modelling at the age of 13, he is now focused solely on finishing his private collection. Mr Tan, who is married and has two children, is a department chair and senior lecturer at DigiPen Singapore.

Scroll down to see all the pictures.
Click on them for bigger and better views.

EGGY by Minnimi - The all new Roly-Poly reinvented - Kickstarter Launch 17.07.17

Minnimi is a product design company based in Singapore. The team of four love vinyl art toys and after years of collecting figurines and designer toys, they wanted something different. Creating is their passion and they have come up with their first product: EGGY - The all new Roly-Poly reinvented, a fun and interactive collectible.

Inspired by the traditional Roly-Poly, EGGY is redesigned with a minimalistic feel and cuteness to it, a perfect balance between art toy and engagement. The self-righting characteristics of the toy has come to symbolize the ability to have success, overcome adversity, and recover from misfortune.

Campaign Launch Date – 17.07.17 on Kickstarter @ 9pm (GMT+8)

Don’t forget to sign up to their newsletter on their website and get up to 50% OFF retail price when they launch! Sign up at www.minnimi.com

Stay up to date on the latest news by following EGGY on:
Instagram – www.instagram.com/EGGYcollectibles
Facebook – www.facebook.com/EGGYcollectibles
Website – www.minnimi.com

Scroll down to the rest of the pictures.
Click on them for bigger and better view.

Local firm marks 50 years National Service with a series of miniature figurines of Singapore soldiers

You can read the full article at straitstimes.com (link HERE)

He had a collection of 150 military figurines but none of Singapore soldiers. So Caleb Lin, a military buff, decided to produce his own miniature Singapore soldiers which he also sells online.

Miniature Stories comprises 18 designs of SAF soldiers in three categories - parade, assault infantry section and the standard obstacle course. Each hand- painted metal figurine is 6cm tall. The parade series consist of SAR 21 rifle-trotting soldiers wearing different berets and feature three races - Chinese, Malay and Indian while the assault series captures a section of seven soldiers in camouflage get-up, using weapons such as a Matador anti-armour weapon system. Besides third-generation soldier figurines, there is also a first-generation one in the classic Temasek Green uniform that was worn in the 1960s and 1970s, and a second- generation soldier armed with an M16 rifle. The first-generation one was introduced in April to coincide with NS50, a year-long celebration to commemorate 50 years of national service this year.

FIRST-GENERATION SOLDIER - Baby boomers who did their national service in the 1960s and 1970s would have donned the Temasek Green uniform, held a self-loading rifle and strapped on a skeletal battle order (SBO) - a belt consisting of ammunition pouches, a water bottle, toggle rope and bayonet.

Scroll down to see all the pictures.
Click on them for bigger and better views.

ToyHaven in the news :) Grateful and honored to be featured in a magazine with other collectors

I am both grateful and honored to be featured in a magazine along with other collectors :) In the latest issue of "Little", a quarterly family lifestyle magazine dedicated for parents with children age 3 to 12 years old, the publisher has chosen to feature collectors of all kinds: six personas and their prized collections. It's especially nice since this magazine feature will show my new home and the updated toy / action figure collection since the last feature a while back - check out the earlier coverage HERE and HERE.

I was approached some time back and the shoot was actually done in March but the magazine is only out now. We all understand schedules and how the whole publishing process works but I was quite eager to see how the picture turned out. Unfortunately, they couldn't cover the entire collection in one picture as I have a customised 98.5" L x 84" H x 19.25" D (2500mm L x 2134mm H x 495mm D) full glass display shelf which is not shown. The customised full glass display contains most of my Hot Toys Movie Masterpiece Series 1/6th scale figures plus other miscellaneous action figures (you can see the pictures posted HERE). For more details of the interview and other collectors showcased, read on or scroll down to see them :)

Scroll down to see all the pictures.
Click on them for bigger and better views.

Superfans of superheroes - some spend thousands of dollars on merchandise and apparel

This was reported in The Straits Times today
(Source: www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/superfans-of-superheroes)

With the opening of Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice in cinemas earlier this week comes a new wave of frenzy over the two superheroes. But the Dark Knight and Man of Steel have long had their ardent fans here. Most are men in their 30s and 40s, who grew up watching movies and television series featuring the superheroes.

Some fill their bedrooms and living rooms with themed merchandise. One such fan is professional photographer Timothy Isaac, 30, who has been a Batman fan since he was five years old. He has more than 30 figurines of Batman and other characters from the Batman universe, such as Robin, the Joker and Catwoman. In all, he has spent $12,000 on Batman merchandise. He says: "Batman isn't like other superheroes. He was not born with any superpowers. He is just a man who decided to go out there to clean up his city and make a change. This, I feel, is admirable." That could well be the reason Batman fans seem to outnumber Superman fans here - two toy shop owners say Batman merchandise sells three times as well as Superman merchandise.

Mr Eric Sia and his Superman collection

Mr Eric Sia has spent more than $8,000 on Superman-related merchandise, including 200 action figures, 30 medium-sized statues, seven movie posters and 10 DVDs of the movies and animated TV series. Most of his collection is displayed in custom-made floor-to-ceiling glass cabinets in the living room of his five-room Tampines HDB flat, where he lives with his wife, an allied educator.

Scroll down to see the rest of the pictures.
Click on them for bigger and better views.

In The Sunday Times today: Star Wars fan Ng Hak Beng builds a walking and talking R2-D2

Source and copyright: The Straits Times

Singaporean Ng Hak Beng spent more than $15,000 building his own version of the iconic R2-D2 droid in his kitchen.

Wherever it goes, this working life-size replica of Star Wars droid R2-D2 elicits squeals of delight from children and adults alike.

Yet its builder, Mr Ng Hak Beng, has for years declined to take public credit for pulling off the impressive feat. "If people knew so much about the guy behind it, it would spoil all the magic of R2-D2. People like to think of him as real and autonomous, right?" the IT consultant says earnestly with a grin. It took much persuasion for him to agree to this interview. The 42-year-old puts in much effort to preserve the illusion that his 120kg aluminium creation - said to be the only one in Singapore - is real.

Whenever he takes it out for appearances at events, he stands far from it, controlling the robot covertly with one hand hidden in a messenger bag. This, despite the fact that the remote control is so heavy that his hand starts trembling after prolonged use.

Apparently, remaining incognito is a code of sorts for R2-D2 builders around the world - a community of about 7,000 Star Wars lovers who have attempted to build their own versions of the beloved droid. Mr Ng is one of about 130 of these builders who have completed the task, according to an online registry open only to members.

Scroll down to see all the pictures.
Click on them for bigger and better views.

Happy National Day with the Black Knights, Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) aerobatics team

Happy National Day!

It's SG50 which is Singapore's 50th Birthday! This little red dot has certainly come a long way from its kampong days. To celebrate our nation's Golden Jubilee, I'm posting these pictures taken by The Straits Times Alphonsus Chern on my toy blog to share how awesome these pictures are :) You can see more pictures and the full article posted on The Straits Times website titled "Trailing the Knights" HERE

These are the Black Knights – the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) aerobatics team. First formed in 1973, the team pulls together some of the best fighter pilots in the service to perform at air shows, and this year in particular, at Singapore’s Jubilee weekend celebrations. Only flying instructors with at least 500 flying hours are eligible to make this year’s team, the 14th in the RSAF’s history.

Formed just six months ago, they train five days a week, practising over the Southern Islands. Unlike many aerial display teams, such as the Royal Air Force Red Arrows and the Patrouille de France, the Black Knights are not a permanent or full-time show.

The eight aircraft (two spares), six pilots and 50 ground crew are drawn from combat-ready squadrons and can be returned to operational duties at a moment’s notice. Because of this, the Black Knights fly unmodified front-line fighters, the F-16C Fighting Falcons, but painted in red-and-white livery featuring the crescent moon and five stars – symbols on Singapore’s flag.

Scroll down to see the rest of the pictures.
Click on them for bigger and better views.

The passing of a great man: Mr Lee Kuan Yew (1923 – 2015). May He Rest In Peace

The founding father of Singapore has passed on. Rest in peace, Mr Lee. Thank you for all that you have done for our nation.

Happy National Day to all Singaporeans with 3D Crystal Jigsaw Puzzle Astro Boy on August 9

Every year I try to do a post just for Singapore's National Day which is on August 9. It has special significance because I was born in the same year Singapore gained her independence so as the nation gets younger, so do I

I am very proud of my country and even though many people like to complain about our government, I think we are most blessed with a very good government that takes care of most of our needs. Sure the prices of cars are ridiculous but at least I'm not stuck in traffic jams every time I decide to drive on the roads. Public Transport is most efficient and lifestyle is GREAT. Crime is low and there are no natural disasters to worry about because we are very well protected. Everything is clean (a big part to the credit of our city's cleaners) and everything works (most of the time). I wouldn't want to live anywhere else in the world. It's always nice to be able to go on holidays (thanks to Singapore's economy and strong currency which we have to give the government credit for) but it's always feels nice to come home to where family and friends are. There's a lot to be thankful for!

This year I chose Astro Boy to celebrate with the nation's birthday. Every year Singapore celebrates her birthday with a National Day Parade organized by Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) with the involvement of a multitude of public and private organizations. In every parade, there are always two main segments: the traditional parade and ceremony followed by the show segment. This particular 3D Crystal Jigsaw Puzzle Astro Boy is in the marching pose which fits in nicely with the parade segment. Scroll down to see more pictures

Happy National Day to all Singaporeans

Singapore turns 47 today and even though she is a young country, she has shown much progress and I am most proud to call Singapore my home. Whenever I take short breaks overseas for holidays, it always feels good to be home :) Every National Day the family will watch the National Day Parade on television together as Singapore celebrates her independence from Malaysia in 1965.

On National Day, most spectators who watch the National Day Parade live at the Marina Bay Floating Platform will dress in the national colors of Red and White. This same dress code is maintained by all students throughout the country as all the schools celebrate National Day as well and it's quite a sight when you see almost everyone dressed in national colors with such pride.

Seen @ STGCC 2011: Hot Toys 1/6 Figures & MORE

For me, the highlight of the 2011 Singapore Toy, Games and Comic Convention (STGCC) has to be the Hot Toys booth. This year Hot Toys brought along their whole (well, almost) lock stock and barrel to Singapore and put up an awesome display of current as well as upcoming Movie Masterpiece collectibles PLUS fantastic dioramas created by artists using Hot Toys products (including 1/6 figures and vehicles!). Besides the THREE exclusives up for grabs (the queue started from as early as 5.30am because NO overnight queues were allowed and the doors only opened at 10am), Hot Toys put up enough of a display to keep the photographers and fans alike happy, with so much to see and marvel at.

Click on the picture for a bigger view

I can tell you that the next Hot Toys MMS DX figure will be from the Batman movie. It's going to be another 1/6 scale Joker 12-inch figure but this time it's the Jack Nicholson JOKER from the 1989 Batman film directed by Tim Burton.