The Noose

Nov 4, 2007

Mental health awareness gets a boost, a GST hike is expected and a new type of surgery is performed with success.

Nov 11, 2007

Singapore guns to join the space race, elders hijack video game arcades and vigilance on terrorism increases.

Nov 18, 2007

Orchard Towers may be set for demolition while crime rages throughout Singapore, not helped by cartels investing in the country.

Nov 25, 2007

Apple sues local electronics giant OhSeem for copyright infringement, a bullfighting ring is set to be built and the list of suspected terrorists is on the rise.

Dec 2, 2007

2 December 2007 ERP prices are jacked up, Singapore Airlines makes a strange request and a lady trespasses into a studio to plead her case.

Dec 9, 2007

The end of the weekend is near, the retirement age is raised and a new taxi operator is set up to provide budget taxi services.

Dec 16, 2007

Orchard Road is slated for a makeover, a day in the life of a British expatriate road sweeper and a new type of breast augmentation is pioneered.

Dec 23, 2007

The Cleanest Estate Competition is planned to be restarted, clubs under fire for discrimination due to looks and an underground top-secret pre-infant education facility springs up.

Jan 13, 2008

Global warming is the word on the street, a mass tissue paper recall sends Singaporeans into hysteria and the worst food show in the world.

Sep 9, 2008

Two clashing general goods stores fight for sudsy supremacy, the HERP-S system is implemented and aggrieved employers of maids stage a protest.

Sep 16, 2008

Car owners beeline for gas stations to fill up, The Noose attempts to win an award and Adrianna Wow attempts to sell beer at a coffee shop.

Sep 23, 2008

The National Stadium remains standing despite closing over a year ago, Singaporeans complain a lot and a local hotel gets internationally recognized for an innovative theft prevention measure.

Sep 30, 2008

Maids get a rigorous training school, the rising cost of rice and how Singaporeans are coping with the effects of the recent financial crisis.

Oct 21, 2008

Protesting at Hong Lim Park just got a lot easier, university orientation games come under fire for being inappropriate and how Singapore is dealing with an exponentially growing population.

Jun 1, 2010

A man takes the Urban Redevelopment Authority to court and wins, a fishball fixing conspiracy is the word on the street and local movie directors seek to bring their works to the global stage.

Jun 8, 2010

Taxi drivers are forced to learn French, Disney is on a legal rampage and nonsensical names are deemed nonsensical.

Jun 15, 2010

A new form of cheap lodging opens in Singapore, the Singapore Government criminalizes the prediction of winning lottery numbers and pandas try to help Singapore with its pressing issues.

Jun 22, 2010

The Republic of Singapore Navy denies the existence of transforming boat-mechs, a new sprinter identification scheme is put in place and police officers are sent abroad for training.

Jun 29, 2010

The humble coffee shop: a great place to learn new things, a ban on Singlish leaves Singaporeans literally speechless and celebrities prepare to duke it out on live television.

Jul 6, 2010

Jurong braces for the landfall of Typhoon Tanter.

Jul 13, 2010

A new scheme by entrepreneurs to cash in on gamblers, hawkers come up with ingenious ways to prevent food poisoning outbreaks and a local investment firm attempts to save a country in crippling debt.

Jul 20, 2010

Rugby gets a bad rap, a new university is planned and a local group proposes solutions to narrow the rich-poor divide.

Jul 27, 2010

Geylang gets a world-class attraction, the Government attempts to lessen the divorce rate and Sentosa attempts to secede.

Aug 3, 2010

MediaCorp comes under scrutiny, villains are targeting Singapore as a training ground and the mantra of spare the rod and spoil the child still holds true.

Mar 8, 2011

A loan shark runner is wanted for an award, a debate on proper parenting and one man's thoughts on an apparently biased Happiness Index.

Mar 15, 2011

Meet our new correspondent, Rose Pok, from Hong Kong and hear when she has to say on THE NOOSE. Jacques Ooi investigates a recent case of public nudity and gets the scoop from the two culprits... in the flesh. Woman Sues Casino... Claims Her Losses Are Illegal! This story and more in the second episode of THE NOOSE.

Mar 22, 2011

Malaysia's use for a land parcel is revealed, new penalties for errant monkey feeders and North Korean leaders get wasted.

Mar 29, 2011

Traditional barbers try to make a cut in modern Singapore, the retirement age is raised again and a new scheme is enacted to help inmates sharpen their skills - literally.

Apr 5, 2011

North Korean leader Kim Chiong Hil and his entourage make a historic state visit to Singapore.

Apr 12, 2011

MediaCorp looks for a new CEO, errant book non-returners face the wrath of the National Library Board and Barbarella pleads her case.

Apr 19, 2011

A shady Nigerian company sets up offices in Singapore, a ninja auntie is on the loose and a new tax is proposed.

Apr 26, 2011

Females may soon get more equality in Singapore, a possible case of domestic dispute in Yishun and there exists Singaporeans who are always happy.

May 3, 2011

A website launched to get lottery numbers from car accidents is launched, aggrieved condominium residents believe Singaporeans are getting more shameless and a new campaign is launched to try and get Singaporeans to lose body fat.

May 10, 2011

A possible conspiracy where hawker stalls have fake queuers is unearthed, Tom Cruise is interviewed by The Noose and Singaporeans are unhappy at the lack of quality real estate agents.

May 17, 2011

The Noose sues its own production company, condominium guards under fire for their perceived shoddy standards and the Ministry Without Portfolio launches a guidebook to help spot signs of child delinquency.

May 24, 2011

MediaCorp conducts a talent search for a new soccer television show, aggrieved employees are suing their former employers for wrongful termination among other reasons and the Singapore Police Force is to build a state-of-the-art central complex in Buona Vista.

May 31, 2011

Malaysian politicians attempt to curb the flow of Malaysians to Singapore's casinos, an award-winning Hollywood director is being considered for citizenship in Singapore and a lost time capsule is potentially found in the trunk of someone's taxi.

Dec 27, 2011

It was a year in which words like repent and curry brought out some pretty strong feelings amongst Singaporeans, a year in which half naked pictures of men put Orchard Road in the headlines and a year when rain turned out to be the foulest of four letter words for some people. All this and more as we look back on 2011.

Jan 3, 2012

In this hilarious episode, Singapore is to return all Malaysians living here following the expiry of a little known loan agreement while a new bill is tabled to outlaw analogies in parliament.

Jan 10, 2012

In this episode, laugh out loud as new Citizens attend mandatory assimilation classes; panda bears get distinctively local names; and the men in blue come under fire for using the fun-pack song as a torture device.

Jan 17, 2012

In this hilarious episode, NS enlistees find out they may soon be allowed to bring their maids to camp while several top designer brands sue a funeral supplies shop.

Jan 24, 2012

The Noose team reports on the government taking measures to tackle the problem of staring amongst youth in Singapore by coming up with a “Don’t Dare To Stare” campaign. They also talk to Leticia who takes part in a Beautyrest challenge. Will Leticia be able to win the mattress for her beloved Terry?

Jan 31, 2012

It has finally happened! Terry finally said “NO” to Leticia and this has caused the celebrity couple to break up. Will they make-up or will Leticia find a new “YES” man?

Feb 7, 2012

It's Valentine Day and the nation rallies to bring the Singapore’s most celebrated couple - Leticia and Terry - back together, while the Ministry Without Portfolio launches a new guide for romancing in Singapore. Is there still hope for love in the Singapore?

Feb 14, 2012

The Noose team reports on finding a clean coffeeshop toilet in Singapore and a growing number of youths here considering queuing as a profession after they graduate from school.

Feb 21, 2012

The high cost of COEs has driven many Singaporeans to consider alternative mode of transportation. The spiraling rise in bicycles sales has given the Traffic Regulatory Authority yet another reason to introduce COEs for bicycles. The Noose gets behind the story while Lulu reports on the weather.

Feb 28, 2012

Men who carry their girlfriends’ handbags and purses, is their masculinity compromised? And The Ministry Without Portfolio comes up with a new radical programme to put emotions back to a nation without expressions. The Noose gets behind these stories while Leticia reports on the weather.

Mar 6, 2012

The Noose investigates the worldwide conspiracy theory to save only the rich and wealthy from the end of the world and the team also presents the Top 3 complaints by Singapore motorists after a nationwide survey has been conducted.

Mar 13, 2012

In this hilarious episode, a nation rallies to bring Leticia and Terry back together again as the Ministry without Portfolio launches a new guide for romancing in Singapore

Mar 20, 2012

Laugh out loud as the Noose Team finds out how telling off a litter bug almost lands one man in the ICU. Plus news of a national initiative to promote social values through sports.

Apr 2, 2013

The season kicks off with the introduction of a new face in the studio, news anchor Xin Huahua, a talent poached from CCTV in China. We also take a look at the newly re-opened Road Safety Park and lastly, Pornsak Sukhumvit meets Dwayne Johnson, the star of the new action movie G.I.Joe 3D Retaliation.

Apr 9, 2013

COE prices are on the rise and the authorities decide to introduce a creative, new initiative to help cool down demand for cars. New war correspondent Henderson Pooper is introduced as the latest addition in the Noose clan.

Apr 16, 2013

Is the PSLE good for students or not? One parent can’t make up her mind. Some public agencies are accused of making use of The Noose to further their own agendas. And the impact of dating vouchers in helping singles find their true love.

Apr 23, 2013

One academic thinks Singaporeans are actually an alien race form known as the Vulcans. Minister Esmond Wan explains why you should not believe whatever you read online. And if you still can’t find the love of your life, perhaps you should look in the matrimonial classifieds.

Apr 30, 2013

This episode sees the introduction of The Noose's new Australian correspondent, Kevin Kang Ah Roo. A tycoon is sued by his own family for modern day slavery and cabbie Nicholas Le Fong is the target of an online hate campaign.

May 7, 2013

Singapore decides to export talent for a change. Meanwhile one foreigner's talents are headed for Changi Prison. And Kevin Kang Ah Roo wants us to think he's working.

May 14, 2013

ERP gantries may soon offer you a one of a kind gaming opportunity. Smokers will soon have to go to another country to have a puff, and Henderson Pooper is moved to tears by a tale of two border guards.

May 21, 2013

A new language class is introduced to help foreigners speak like Singaporeans. A local filmmaker gets flak for his controversial film, Life of Bao. And some experts believe that television viewership for local football will rise with better commentary.

May 28, 2013

A local university is pioneering a degree course for young Singaporeans wanting to be hawkers. One young couple wants to revolutionize wedding dinners by selling tickets online. And the Are You Noose Enough finalists file a story about the free train rides that will soon be introduced to ease peak hour congestion.

Mar 25, 2014

1) Happiness… now available at a foreign worker dormitory near you. 2) It's the baby event of the year and people on both sides of the causeway are in a tizzy 3) And Singaporeans recall their school days as we look forward to SG50.

Apr 1, 2014

1) Doing good for others…you can bet on these guys to do just that 2) That's my space… KTV hostess Lulu gets into a territorial spat with her co-workers 3) And move aside Anthony Chen, make way for Milo Milo

Apr 8, 2014

1) Telemarketers take to the streets in a fight to survive 2) Getting a flat before the marriage… but are you sure you are emotionally ready for the commitment? 3) And national servicemen are reportedly more gentlemanly now that they don't have to sing that purple song.

Apr 15, 2014

1) Move over Serangoon Road, MediaCorp bites back with its own international standard drama series 2) Casino entrance levies look set to go up at both IRs imminently… 3) And a spate of violence threatens Singapore's safe image.

Apr 22, 2014

1) Want to keep a pet? Make sure you have a child first as new rules for baby shy Singaporeans kick in. 2) Singapore's reputation as an international food haven is on the rocks, and it's not just because we can't cook. 3) And senior citizens share how their lives have been transformed by the Pioneer Generation Package.

Apr 29, 2014

1) Singapore's public transport operators are adding new busses to their fleets but are they congesting the roads even more? 2) A new musical on Singapore… except this is being produced by our friends from the Philippines. 3) And there's more to this hairstylist than meets the eye.

May 6, 2014

1) Singapore is the most expensive city in the world, but what does it mean for ordinary Singaporeans? 2) Take the bus, you brat… the authorities consider new measures to control the traffic situation. 3) Problem solving champions? Well, the authorities have got just the job for you.

May 13, 2014

1) Power to the teachers… a coalition of parents want to give teachers the fear factor again. 2) Sir, may I drive your car... the authorities test a new valet system at checkpoints. 3) Where are all the beauty queens… have beauty pageants lost their relevance in Singapore?

May 20, 2014

1) A Malaysian Minister's visit to Singapore is marred by one breakdown after another. 2) Students are giving teachers a run for their money with some hilarious test answers. 3) And the authorities step up efforts to combat jaywalking.

May 27, 2014

1) Traffic offenders beware… the land transport agency now has ultra-hi-tech stealth capabilities. 2) With more women entering the workforce, some men are choosing to stay home. 3) And Singaporeans are warming up to a whole new arrange of fitness trends.

Jun 3, 2014

1) She helped to build a train station and now she will enjoy the benefits of the Pioneer generation package. 2) Violent computer games lead to violent behavior… or do they? 3) And a rare protest in Upper Thomson against a hipster invasion.

Jun 10, 2014

1) A dead crocodile raises a stink amongst foodies and conservationists. 2) Construction companies feel the heat as the authorities step up workplace health and safety measures. 3) And making healthy living the new normal…but will it work?

Jun 17, 2014

In the season finale of The Noose, Noose reporters Adrianna Wow and B.B See find out the reason why Singaporeans receive bad service.

Jun 24, 2015

The value of your flat could buy you two European cars, so don't complain. The Noose tracks down Cheryl and her friends to get to the bottom of the birthday fiasco. Local blogger Samosa Lee gets threatened by netizens for slamming Singaporean food. And the parent of a girl who is suing her school speaks up about the abuse she was subject to. And Xin Huahua seeks answers to global problems from some of the brightest minds in the country.

Jul 1, 2015

Scientists are baffled by the silence of the birds at Hong Lim Park. KTV hostess Lulu has been roped in to help the pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia get their groove on. The Noose investigates the appeal of a traditional breakfast dish given a hipster makeover. And celebrity barbar Johar Rambut goes on a walkabout to check out hairstyles.

Jul 8, 2015

The Noose talks to two civil defence officers who were filmed thrashing up their dormitory fir their side of the story. Changi Airport is set for another major expansion with plans to build a new technology-centric passenger terminal. The Noose investigates a crackdown by the authorities on Hello Kitty giveaways. And Xin Huahua seeks answers to global problems with some of the brightest minds in the country.

Jul 15, 2015

To drink or not to drink… The Noose finds out how the new alcohol consumption restrictions have affected the local party scene. Celebrity maid Leticia Bongnino decodes a supposedly inflammatory Facebook post about Singaporeans. Find out why a local footballer is suing his own club on grounds of discrimination. And Pornsak Sukhumvit files another ridiculously endearing report from Bangkok.

Jul 22, 2015

Drugs, gunshots, drama… the ghetto that is Orange Grove Road. Singapore goes on a charm offensive to woo more tourists. And if you paid peanuts, don't expect champagne dreams and caviar wishes on that budget flight.

Jul 29, 2015

They're supposed to be talent, but some foreigners are just not the brightest crayons in the box. Singapore's women are now wanted as maids in other countries. And Pornsak Sukhumvit files another ridiculous report.

Aug 5, 2015

Forget the South China Sea, this couple from China want world domination through karaoke. Youth in Singapore are running scared because of a new phobia. And the Noose runs the rule over so-called food bloggers.

Aug 12, 2015

Taxi drivers get payback on psycho passengers with their in-vehicle cameras. Sensitive Singaporeans are rushing to make police reports over their injured feelings. And environmentalists want fireworks displays to be a thing of the past.

Aug 19, 2015

The Walking Dead… now a reality in Singapore. Pick up after your pet or face the wrath of a new crack unit of dog poo enforcers. And you're never too young to live on your own.

Aug 26, 2015

You've heard of boxing as a sport, now pay attention to cardboard boxing. Made in China… but is it made safe for you? Would you like a pair of clean shoes with your meal? Introducing a new breed a hawkerpreneurs…

Sep 2, 2015

Jurong residents are in a state of shock after a failed UNESCO world heritage site bid. The price is right… across the causeway that is. And The Noose investigates an underground fight club.

Sep 9, 2015

Say what… you'll need to take classes to understand what young people are saying these days. SG50 this SG50 that… but what will happen to Singapore in SG51? And can Singaporean music hit the highs of the 60s and 70s?

Oct 7, 2015

Nice try, you clown… a teen tries to pass his crime off as a prank. Tai-tais go head to head on Instagram to claim bragging rights. And SEA Games athletes organize a new multi-sport event to ease themselves into obscurity.

Aug 9, 2015

The Noose SG50 special revisits some of the classic stories of seasons past. From the plight of taxi drivers having to learn French to how athletics coaches went to extremes to identify talent that would go on to be regional champions.

Oct 30, 2016

After a year-long hiatus, The Noose is finally back for its ninth season. Our top stories – Singaporeans are going crazy for a new game show that tests their ability to squeeze into small spaces, we take a peek behind the counter and Singapore’s brand new Michelin-starred drinks stall, and our island-nation implores the IOC to include a new sport which authorities believe our locals can excel in.

Nov 6, 2016

Minister-at-large Esmond Wan throws his hat into the ring for the role of Prime Minister, believing he has what it takes to lead our nation. The relocation of the Bird Park from Mandai to Jurong ruffles some west-side feathers. A maid gets put on the spot when she obeys condominium rules. And an exclusive interview with Philippine's man of the hour, Duertey Harry.

Dec 18, 2016

Recommendations to revise the criteria for Singapore presidential nominees have been put forth and many are keen to find out if they're eligible for the job. Full-time National Servicemen rejoice as they now can choose their NS vocations. And the service sector goes high-tech as more F&B owners are now replacing their staff with the latest technology.

Dec 25, 2016

It is Christmas week and The Noose is full of festive cheer! Our top stories include an exposé on sugar, hipsters propping up the hawker industry with their love for nostalgia, and a peek into the highly sought-after rent-free lodging of the season – 24-hour fast food restaurants.

Jan 1, 2017

As we come to the end of the year, The Noose looks back on some of the biggest stories of 2016. With the mandate that our next president will be Malay, Jojo Joget makes a big career-changing announcement. Japan asserts her cultural currency, reminding everyone that she was truly responsible for Pokemon GO. And a Noose exclusive with everyone’s favourite Olympic gold medalist – Joseph Schooling.

Jan 9, 2017

The Noose kicks off the new year with a very special episode, featuring characters from long-form drama Tanglin. We investigate a rise in the requests for paternity tests, the demise of F&B businesses (like Tanglin Coffee House), and Pornsak pitches his idea for a new drama series 'Golden Mile'.

Jan 15, 2017

After years of focus groups and tasks forces, authorities have figured out how to stop our MRT trains from breaking down. One policeman protests the trend of handsome police spokespersons. And with 2016 being the year of layoffs, The Noose finds out how Singaporeans are coping with the situation.

Jan 22, 2017

A new breed of taxi drivers are carving a niche for themselves in Singapore's transport industry. Homegrown talents just can't win as Singaporeans aren't willing to pay premium for local products. And hipsters take a shot at revamping Chinese New Year.

Jan 29, 2017

Tragedy strikes as Minister Esmond Wan passes out during a ministerial meeting. Jurong resident Shaquanda find herself caught in the middle of a family dispute. And fruit sellers come under fire as conservative consumers protest the peeling of fruit in public.

Feb 5, 2017

The Singapore-Kuala Lumpur high speed rail is finally on track so obviously the Noose has to report on the state of bilateral relations. Jurong residents rejoice at receiving recognition from the mainland and Pornsak makes a case to extend the high speed rail line to Bangkok.

Feb 12, 2017

Love is in the air. Either that or someone let out a grossly unpleasant smell from their body. The Noose finds out what it's like to be ghosted, join maids as they go on dates for their employers, and investigates the plight of SG50 babies.

Feb 19, 2017

The government rolls out a training course for maids so that kids will not love them more than their parents. Thai football fans are up in arms at the mismanagement of their club at the hands of Singaporean billionaire Valen Seah. And more Singaporeans are giving up driving in a bid to save lives.

Feb 26, 2017

We've made it to the season finale of The Noose. Honestly, we weren't quite sure that was going to happen. In this episode, mom-and-pop shops band together to stand up to big retailers. Esmond Wan tries to do a good deed but it backfires. And vice looks to the future by going social online.