Sunday, November 26, 2017

While my boyfriend was suffering with cancer, I fell in love with his best friend

PHOTO: An unexpected romantic connection
Forced to confront the truth with a new beginning with a new man.
Picture posted by Her World Online, 26 November 2017

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPM36TbEmnuvkujadYmWyCsEJyUxxWQTRTWJPRLu4tnF7IP3D9lj1dJq6PjZYO48ZCEqPonfN7O63fM4e-1amkZEKcgycBVXHVlY-0-cH7e2OAd9rvzarjnN6Y5mVPtVe0eTaji5q0DT8/s1600/160811_HoldingHands_Pixabay.jpg
http://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/640x360/public/original_images/Aug2016/160811_HoldingHands_Pixabay.jpg?itok=so2dHb60
http://www.asiaone.com/women/while-my-boyfriend-was-suffering-cancer-i-fell-love-his-best-friend



"Jordan* and I were junior college sweethearts who continued to date throughout our university days and our 20s. We were in love and hoped to have a future together someday, but because we were both still quite young, we decided to wait until we were established in our careers before tying the knot and starting a family.

"When he was 30, Jordan was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of cancer that occurs when abnormal white blood cells - called lymphocytes - in the lymphatic system start growing uncontrollably. He had lost quite a bit of weight, and he was always tired and bruised easily. He also had swollen lymph nodes. A medical examination revealed what we feared: the cancer was aggressive and Jordan needed to undergo treatment immediately.

"When I found out about the diagnosis, my whole world came crashing down. A million questions ran through my mind: How much time would Jordan have? Would we get to fulfil our dream of having kids? How would I go through life without him? I was scared, worried, and heartbroken all at the same time."

An unexpected romantic connection
"All of Jordan's family members and friends rallied behind him as he began treatment. Because the lymphoma was considered advanced, Jordan had to undergo chemotherapy, which involved the use of a range of anti-cancer drugs. The drugs were administered intravenously. Jordan took time off work while he underwent treatment, which was just as well, considering that the drugs had some dreadful side effects, like mouth sores, a loss of appetite and nausea.

"I did my best to stay strong in those first few weeks. I found it hard to concentrate on my work. All I could think about was helping Jordan get through this ordeal. I spent as much time with him as possible, making sure that he got enough rest and doing whatever I could to lift his spirits.

 
"There was someone else spending a lot of time with us, too - Jordan's best friend, Ben*. I'd known Ben since university. Unless Jordan was around I didn't hang out with him very much, but now that Jordan was very sick, Ben and I were spending more time together privately. For instance, he would pick me up from work some evenings and drive me to Jordan's place or the hospital, or we'd go for coffee or a meal together after visiting Jordan. I felt very alone during that time, so it was wonderful having Ben around.

"Ben was a source of comfort and strength. I cried a lot and he was always there to wipe my tears away. Many nights, I'd call him just to talk about random things that had happened during the day, and he always listened to me. Ben was single, which was probably why he could devote a lot of time to me. But he struggled with Jordan's diagnosis, too, and needed my support as much as I needed his.

 
"Meanwhile, Jordan's condition was getting worse. His cancer wasn't responding well to the chemotherapy. Every time I saw him, he looked miserable and my heart would just break for him. I tried to keep my conversations with him positive - but instead of talking about the future like we always did, I'd reassure him that he would beat the cancer and be back to his old self in no time. Of course, a part of me didn't believe my own words, but I needed to be strong for him."

Forced to confront the truth
"Over the next several months, Jordan's condition deteriorated despite the chemotherapy. Because of his weakened immune system he was at risk of developing infections. He was also in a lot of pain, so his doctor recommended palliative treatment to help reduce the discomfort and improve his quality of life. Some days, Jordan was just too sick to even talk to me.

"I began to see less and less of Jordan and more and more of Ben. The more time we spent together, the closer we got, and finally it got to the point where neither of us could deny that we shared something special.

"'When Ben finally told me he loved me, my heart pounded with excitement. We were sitting in his car; we'd just finished dinner and he was sending me home. His declaration of love sounded natural and I wasn't the least bit surprised to hear it. Without hesitation I told him that I loved him, too.

"During those several months hanging out with each other, dating Ben didn't cross my mind even once. In fact, I was still so in love with Jordan, and so distraught over his condition, that I couldn't see myself with any other man, let alone my boyfriend's best friend. But all of a sudden, I was starting to think that I might be in love with Ben.

"That night in Ben's car, after we declared our love for each other and shared a kiss, we talked about the possibility of starting a serious relationship. The only problem was how it might come across to Jordan and his family."



The Devil Rides Out (1968)
PHOTO: The Devil Rides Out (1968)
Picture saved by John Brennan - Artist to The Devil and All His Works from 25.media.tumblr.com

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8Qr1gwtOjIOajsojjzXs18J6D8Z2Jevm5D3YFx6TUHPHtu954OiLDJjfkLpz2ZCJEW7RmtrHdl-swmh44sh2M9g32d85-fLw_NXlVpR2A3a2lH5k8PHnh7d0e7e_fgr4RmiAKPCfy_s/s1600/tumblr_mc980qW96F1rfa2tao1_1280.jpg
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mc980qW96F1rfa2tao1_1280.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/451626668852337699/



A new beginning with a new man
"Ben and I agreed to keep our relationship private for the time being. We knew that Jordan didn't have much time left; there was little hope that he'd last beyond a couple of years. We still visited him, either separately or alone, but we hid the truth from him. And as much as I loved Ben, a part of me still loved Jordan. We practically grew up together; there was no way I would hurt him by breaking up with him now.

"Jordan knew that his health was deteriorating rapidly, too. He had come to terms with the possibility that he might not see his next birthday but that didn't mean he wasn't sad, angry or scared. Ben and I did the best we could to comfort him in his final days.

"Even after Jordan passed away, Ben and I still kept our relationship private out of respect for Jordan's family. Jordan's parents and grandparents, in particular, were devastated by the death, so Ben and I grieved with them.

"Finally, about 18 months after Jordan's passing, Ben and I made our relationship official. Jordan's parents were surprised but gave us their blessing. Our friends were happy for us, too.

"I cherish my relationship with Ben. Unlike with Jordan, Ben and I haven't planned out our future together in great detail. We're just taking each day as it comes, and hopefully, we'll be able to figure things out along the way. Our relationship and friendship with Jordan made us realise how precious life is, how precious every moment is. It's a gift to be alive, to able to see Ben and to hear his voice every day. Neither of us asked for this relationship to happen, but now that we have it we will treasure every second of it."

*Names have been changed


Sad love story

PHOTO: Sad love story
Romance, Heartbreak, Romance, and . . . ? Jordan has right to be sad, angry and feel betrayed. Devastation after devastation. May the true love and grace of God be with him in eternity.
Picture posted by Sacry for kids on 16 August 2012

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5UBRA6ZH-0uI2PnmQoVf3bOMfsqbkuNVtD89PzGkUXLybgDSnIyfb73pDHIqx_GN5naOm01D_Q5qP7s0hO9PTx7RT7abz9KLKl9B7FLoOR654J82nMYROoRickbw9iZEdKiup3QkqYE/s1600/love-stories.jpg
http://www.scaryforkids.com/pics/love-stories.jpg
http://www.scaryforkids.com/love-stories/


This article was first published in Her World Online
By Her World Online, 26 November 2017



Reference
[1] Her World Online, While my boyfriend was suffering with cancer, I fell in love with his best friend, posted on 26 November 2017, http://www.asiaone.com/women/while-my-boyfriend-was-suffering-cancer-i-fell-love-his-best-friend

PSLE pupil balanced revision with caring for cancer-stricken dad

Source Website: http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/psle-pupil-balanced-revision-caring-cancer-stricken-dad
By Jan Lee, The New Paper, 25 November 2017 at 06:00 am


C. Abirami with her mother Madam Umadevi Balakrishnan. She makes it to express stream despite having to cope with caring for her father and siblings.
PHOTO: C. Abirami with her mother Madam Umadevi Balakrishnan. She makes it to express stream despite having to cope with caring for her father and siblings.
TNP Photo: Jan Lee
Picture posted by Jan Lee, The New Paper on 25 November 2017 at 06:00 am

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http://www.tnp.sg/sites/default/files/styles/rl680/public/articles/2017/11/25/NP_20171125_JNPSLE25_1667922.jpg?itok=nOV1eXor
http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/psle-pupil-balanced-revision-caring-cancer-stricken-dad



You wouldn't have guessed from her cheerful disposition that her father was diagnosed with stage four cancer in June.

But C. Abirami, a Primary 6 pupil at Queenstown Primary School, has been caring for her dad and her two younger siblings while studying for her Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE).

The 12-year-old, who yesterday collected her results together with over 38,000 pupils, is among the 98.4 per cent from this year's cohort who can move on to secondary school.



Students getting their PSLE results yesterday at Lakeside Primary School. 98.4% of PSLE pupils qualify for secondary school.
PHOTO: Students getting their PSLE results yesterday at Lakeside Primary School. 98.4% of PSLE pupils qualify for secondary school.
This year, Singapore maintained its record performance at the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE). Out of the 38,942 pupils who sat for the exam this year, 98.4 per cent of them can go on to a secondary school - similar to last year's cohort.
TNP PHOTO: Alphonsus Chern
Picture posted by Foo Jie Ying, The New Paper, Reporter on 25 November 2017 at 06:00 am

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEveYOcR2BbD1c4ihkgQuIzcW-eRv2VXP5t1OBaqhjh-qxgdwVscxOR1p0PEtNmt3Gu8LvrBg-Kl0wr4XGFDG3CyEWVkj1X4kOwzjDwSzYo3LeHRj96MLPxYCqS_Mc5CejcHAdQsZ4fs/s1600/NP_20171125_PSLE25_1667901.jpg
http://www.tnp.sg/sites/default/files/styles/rl680/public/articles/2017/11/25/NP_20171125_PSLE25_1667901.jpg?itok=Ny11grKo
http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/984-psle-pupils-qualify-secondary-school



She attained a T-score of 241 points and is eligible for the express stream, same as about two-thirds of her cohort.

Yet, most of her counterparts probably did not have to deal with the stress of juggling their first major examination with care-giving duties at home.

The eldest of three daughters - her sisters are aged 11 and 10 - Abirami took care of her father while her mother, a locum nurse, worked long hours as the family's sole breadwinner.

She said: "I had to manage my time well. Every moment, there was something I had to do."

As her father could eat only soft food, Abirami had to take time out of revision to buy food for him. She also had to set alarms to wake up intermittently to check on her father's breathing.

She said: "Sometimes it was difficult to concentrate as I'm worried about my dad. But I told myself to be positive."

As a school prefect, Abirami also helped others. For example, she would accompany a classmate who was under emotional stress due to personal reasons, to recess to ensure that she did not skip meals.

Abirami's mother, Madam Umadevi Balakrishnan, 44, said that helping others is in her daughter's nature.

"Sometimes when she sees elderly aunties struggling to push their shopping trollies outside our place, she will help them," she said.



Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and, Love your neighbor as yourself.
PHOTO: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and, Love your neighbor as yourself." (Luke 10:27)
Picture posted by Raffaella Spinazzi on Monday, 17 October 2016 at 23:51
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https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69cL0T2UGUlGKWgMy3lg_UNgK0opuFdKgg7p3PoZIuFNuIohuRv5_vxiRW6D-nLrLTMap1kqkpLoHZZO8PcqnJgSoFSddduv5ErTSrUzJ8gDkYOJKLstv4vvjTnV4rpGbIW7u2-snm5g/s1600/Mir%25C3%25A1ndose+al+espejo+-+Premio+en+el+38%25C2%25BA+Sal%25C3%25B3n+de+Piracicaba+-+Dar%25C3%25ADo+Castillejos.jpg
https://fany-blog.blogspot.sg/2016/10/dario-castillejos-un-agitatore-di.html?m=1



Abirami's father declined to be interviewed.

Abirami, an avid reader, also teaches pre-school kids at her church and hopes to sign up for the St John's Ambulance Brigade or join netball next year.

Focusing on others contributed to Abirami's studies as well. Helping classmates and her younger sisters with their homework gave her a chance to recap and revise concepts.

Abirami admits that sometimes it's hard caring for so many people, but added: "It makes me satisfied to see others smile."

That is the secret to how she overcame her challenges to score well enough to apply for Crescent Girls' School - her first choice.

Her father had assured her that he would be proud of her regardless of her results, but Abirami said: "I thought about how happy he would be if I worked hard and scored well."



The 5th Commandment
PHOTO: The 5th Commandment: "Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you." (Deuteronomy 5:16)
Picture posted by Jack Wellman on 30 December 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkiBRgiEi1y5BlxbnROqO93uKX4q4hbrZzV5h1mr5VGxJPKXNgQ8NcOvWedzR_qh-8nRpb6mOogVUQ0C0ZcOqaC7Q8gix8qlQS_OlARsSaTvZGXFkdXWbSfjUUzUzXHx3st3h4swZ3HDc/s1600/Honor-your-father-and.jpg
http://wp.production.patheos.com/blogs/christiancrier/files/2015/12/Honor-your-father-and.jpg
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/christiancrier/2015/12/30/top-7-bible-verses-about-caring-for-parents/


By Jan Lee, The New Paper, 25 November 2017 at 06:00 am
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.



Reference
[1] Jan Lee, The New Paper, PSLE pupil balanced revision with caring for cancer-stricken dad, posted on 25 November 2017 at 06:00 am, http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/psle-pupil-balanced-revision-caring-cancer-stricken-dad

[2] Foo Jie Ying, The New Paper, Reporter, 98.4% of PSLE pupils qualify for secondary school, posted on 25 November 2017 at 06:00 am, http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/984-psle-pupils-qualify-secondary-school

Links

Apple App Store - https://itunes.apple.com/sg/app/the-new-paper/id949361491?mt=8
Google Play Store - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sph.mypaperpdf&hl=en

New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Deuteronomy 5:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+5%3A16&version=NIV

Luke 10:27 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+10%3A27&version=NIV

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Faith, friends and family keep PSLE pupil going after tragedy

Source Website: http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/faith-friends-and-family-keep-psle-pupil-going-after-tragedy
By Jan Lee, The New Paper, 25 November 2017 at 06:00 am


Not only did Angel Ling have to deal with her father's sudden death last year in Taiwan, she had to endure taunts from cruel schoolmates.
PHOTO: Not only did Angel Ling have to deal with her father's sudden death last year in Taiwan, she had to endure taunts from cruel schoolmates.
Picture posted by Jan Lee, The New Paper on 25 November 2017 at 06:00 am

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oBIT8jclNhixAIEzczj7UqBbvsY9WA4UgazhXMxaWqRf47C51uy1dZBoQMF0d11I-74AVDRFpzDISXmN6hC1cOVUVKBL3vmt_J7wXdXRZ9AZuCxMpbucINv9BwvlGPJGATyX60BgecM/s1600/study_generic.jpg
http://www.tnp.sg/sites/default/files/styles/rl680/public/articles/2017/11/25/study_generic.jpg?itok=lJ89ryRN
http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/faith-friends-and-family-keep-psle-pupil-going-after-tragedy



Once, while posing for a photo, she stood next to a boy shorter than she was. The boy commented that she had tall parents, then remarked: "Oh wait, I forgot you only have one parent."

The Fairfield Methodist School (Primary) pupil, who collected her PSLE results yesterday, said she could tell that he said that just to hurt her.

However, she lives by her father's words.

The 12-year-old said: "I remember my father used to tell me 'Don't let other people affect you' and I just really want to make him proud."

Things were difficult at first, however.

Angel, an only child, said: "At first, I hated every­thing, I kept thinking, 'Why me? Why me?'"

But she has since learnt to accept her loss and credits her family, teachers, friends and faith for giving her strength after the tragedy.

Her mother, who only wanted to be known as Mrs Ling, said that while it was tough at first, both mother and daughter are at peace now. Mrs Ling, 46, a homemaker, added that they are surviving on savings and that she hope to find a job after Angel settles into secondary school.

Angel said: "A friend made cards and sent Bible verses to me and that really touched me."

Her faith kept her going as well and she added: "I overcame a lot through God's grace."

Angel, who had a T-score of 246 and hopes to move on to Fairfield Methodist School (Secondary) said: "In my family, we don't focus on results; we talk about how you reap what you sow. I've tried my best and I believe I did my father proud."

Mrs Ling added: "I'm very proud of her going through this with such resilience, she would have made my husband very happy."



Chosen to Reign
PHOTO: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -" (Ephesians 2:8)
Picture posted by Deborah Ann on 13 September 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCAN4Q_huUnnITN-Om2MPECOEY_qJYN4frykpum27vef1sR-wMATQhw-BnagiDdx7X_seFgq2ftnfo9SBKrTaoQrESwduYMLyMOjFr_jMouTU9Gms0sYRK0spHjBdkf6TWUEukjfaSIm0/s1600/by-grace-through-faith-christian-poetry-by-deborah-ann.gif
https://poetrybydeborahann.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/by-grace-through-faith-christian-poetry-by-deborah-ann.gif?w=419&h=236
https://poetrybydeborahann.wordpress.com/2015/09/13/its-about-the-grace/


By Jan Lee, The New Paper, 25 November 2017 at 06:00 am
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now



Reference
[1] Jan Lee, The New Paper, Faith, friends and family keep PSLE pupil going after tragedy, posted on 25 November 2017 at 06:00 am, http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/faith-friends-and-family-keep-psle-pupil-going-after-tragedy

Links
Apple App Store - https://itunes.apple.com/sg/app/the-new-paper/id949361491?mt=8
Google Play Store - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sph.mypaperpdf&hl=en

New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Ephesians 2:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2%3A8&version=NIV

Proverbs 31:25 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+31%3A25&version=NIV

Friday, November 24, 2017

Driverless buses coming to three towns soon

Source Website: http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/driverless-buses-coming-three-towns-soon
By Yunita Ong, The New Paper, 23 November 2017 at 06:00 am


A driverless vehicle being tested at the Centre of Excellence for Testing and Research of Autonomous Vehicles.
PHOTO: A driverless vehicle being tested at the Centre of Excellence for Testing and Research of Autonomous Vehicles. Question of insurance for autonomous vehicles remains unclear.
TNP PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
Picture posted by Yunita Ong, The New Paper on 23 November 2017 at 06:00 am [1]

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http://www.tnp.sg/sites/default/files/styles/rl680/public/articles/2017/11/23/NP_20171123_YOAUTO23_1666441.jpg?itok=E7XaAigG
http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/driverless-buses-coming-three-towns-soon



In five years, driverless buses could be plying roads in three town centres - Punggol, Tengah and the Jurong Innovation District. But question of insurance for autonomous vehicles remains unclear.

These buses will complement normal public buses and are aimed at providing first-last mile connections for residents and workers, announced Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan yesterday.

He was opening Singapore's first autonomous vehicle test centre yesterday.


Driverless buses will be deployed in three new suburban towns -Punggol, Tengah and the Jurong Innovation District.
PHOTO: Driverless buses will be deployed in three new suburban towns -Punggol, Tengah and the Jurong Innovation District. These towns have been designed to accommodate the vehicles for the pilot project, said Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan
Picture posted by AFP and Phoebe Weston For Mailonline on 22 November 2017 at 11:58 GMT [4]

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihewiQJZp33Vb5yieIaRyTTLUF3opMtrEglxcLPEtkIqAgWDoXGVaBvurdH1vnwRHUOHJia31vUepvIN3Rm0IzzM2Q8vrwyGl8RDiw_j_qLvff7wO8U-ZE4s4jTlw2cpG_GfG1xRHsxxM/s1600/46A1C3A900000578-5107363-image-a-22_1511443794673.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/11/23/13/46A1C3A900000578-5107363-image-a-22_1511443794673.jpg
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5107363/Singapore-deploy-driverless-buses-2022-minister.html



Of the plan to pilot autonomous vehicles in the three towns, Mr Khaw said: "We expect that the autonomous vehicles will greatly enhance the accessibility and connectivity of our public transport system, particularly for the elderly, families with young children and the less mobile."

These towns will also be planned with autonomous vehicle-friendly features, he added.

The Ministry of Transport (MOT) and Land Transport Authority (LTA) also launched a Request for Information (RFI) yesterday to seek industry input on the key requirements for autonomous vehicles to be deployed.


Driverless buses to ply Punggol, Tengah, Jurong Innovation District from 2022
PHOTO: Driverless buses to ply Punggol, Tengah, Jurong Innovation District from 2022
Self-driving shuttle buses are seen at Singapore’s first test centre for autonomous vehicles (AVs) in the Jurong Innovation District, Nov 22, 2017.
Photo: Najeer Yusof/TODAY
Picture posted by Kenneth Cheng, Today on Friday, 24 November 2017 [3]

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kDUvhKyu5IJAYn0EegdK4gr_PXDRN1cEOJxna5GY1QtEDCsTN1z6JDllZumhdwEpTj31_h9uZCPeKKUdJGid2axAD9pFJ2_XRBXpKNp6OmQYeAfHTe-ZH_LB4sT233FocmrP1NsHVgA/s1600/kcav1122web.jpg
http://www.todayonline.com/sites/default/files/styles/new_app_article_detail/public/photos/43_images/kcav1122web.jpg?itok=7CxT267u
http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/avs-be-piloted-punggol-tengah-jurong-innovation-district-2022


 
While the news is exciting and reflects Singapore's investment of millions of dollars in developing autonomous vehicles, the question of insurance looms.

INSURANCE
That is because insurance companies need to know who will take responsibility for such vehicles should they be safe enough to be insured, experts told The New Paper.

Professor Subodh Mhaisalkar, the executive director of Nanyang Technological University's (NTU) Energy Research Institute, asked: "Is it the software manufacturer or the car manufacturer at fault in the case of an accident?

"Those are the issues that are far from resolved."

A self-driving car from nuTonomy crashed into a lorry during a test at one-north district in October last year. No one was hurt and nuTonomy said it was caused by an extremely rare combination of software anomalies.

In May last year, a man was killed in Florida when his Tesla car, which was on autopilot, collided with a tractor trailer.

While safety regulators later cleared the autopilot system, Tesla said it has improved its system to incorporate more safety features, such as to disable autopilot when drivers are not paying attention.

Mr Niels de Boer, the programme director for the Centre of Excellence for Testing and Research of Autonomous Vehicles, said insurers may find it hard to insure such cars in the initial stages of deployment.

He said: "We might be technically ready but... the insurance companies need to be convinced we are ready. Insurance companies are willing to insure vehicles without safety drivers if we can show that the risk and liability are within control and they can come up with the premium for it."

When asked if he thinks driverless cars will eventually be insured here, he said: "It will happen, I can see it happening."

In September last year, the General Insurance Association (GIA) of Singapore told The Straits Times that it has been engaging the LTA on the progress of autonomous vehicle tests.

It also said that the underwriting of autonomous vehicles and handling accident claims present a different set of challenges.



Singapore will introduce driverless buses on 'quiet' public roads by 2022
PHOTO: Singapore will introduce driverless buses on 'quiet' public roads by 2022
  • Buses will initially be deployed on less crowded roads during off-peak periods
  • Government is asking for input from research institutions on what is needed
  • The buses will be deployed in Punggol, Tengah and the Jurong District
  • It is part of plans to improve mobility in the land-scarce city-state
Picture posted by AFP and Phoebe Weston For Mailonline on 22 November 2017 at 11:58 GMT [4]
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4r2YVZFpHgN1sy_dddDaulGqdZBfbPVqSNKVHWiTsPIZf86Yu-1RUJT8lMqRJj20SLkdTxx9JN92YXl8FzBLFA8C98zLGUBXLuDRYa7uAZJNWGHwQYg2aJY0BDQ5Q9XYsuy7BzW7LxiY/s1600/46A170E300000578-5107363-image-a-12_1511436456417.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/11/23/11/46A170E300000578-5107363-image-a-12_1511436456417.jpg
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5107363/Singapore-deploy-driverless-buses-2022-minister.html



Singapore's first test centre for autonomous vehicles was launched yesterday just outside Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

The 2ha space, which costs $3.6 million to build, will allow the companies developing autonomous vehicle technology here to conduct tests in a safe, controlled and configurable testing environment.

Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan said at the opening: "We aim to develop a progressive set of scenarios that (autonomous vehicle) developers need to master before they can be safely deployed in more complex real-life environments."

The space was jointly developed by the Land Transport Authority, NTU and JTC as part of the Centre of Excellence for Testing and Research of Autonomous Vehicles.

It will be managed by NTU and will replicate road and traffic conditions and is equipped with rain and pedestrian simulators to mimic scenarios such as aggressive driving, cyclists and low-visibility, rainfall conditions.

Seven 360-degree closed-circuit television cameras across the test centre will also stream footage back to a monitoring and evaluating system.

There are at least 10 companies and institutions that are testing autonomous vehicle technology in Singapore.


Around ten local and foreign companies are currently in Singapore to test their driverless vehicle technology.
By Yunita Ong, The New Paper, 23 November 2017 at 06:00 am



Reference
[1] Yunita Ong, The New Paper, Driverless buses coming to three towns soon, posted on 23 November 2017 at 06:00 am, http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/driverless-buses-coming-three-towns-soon

[2] Brandon Blackburn-Dwyer, Global Poverty Project, Global Citizen, Driverless Busses Could Be Coming to Your City Soon, posted on 20 July 2016, https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/future-bus-driverless-mercedes-road-test/

[3] Kenneth Cheng, Today, Driverless buses to ply Punggol, Tengah, Jurong Innovation District from 2022, posted on Friday, 24 November 2017, http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/avs-be-piloted-punggol-tengah-jurong-innovation-district-2022

 
[4] AFP and Phoebe Weston For Mailonline, Singapore will introduce driverless buses on 'quiet' public roads by 2022, posted on on 22 November 2017 at 11:58 GMT, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5107363/Singapore-deploy-driverless-buses-2022-minister.html