Neo Xiaobin

Xiaobin started out as a photojournalist with the now-defunct My Paper in 2007 after graduating from Nanyang Technological University. A journalism major, she believes that good visual storytelling has an ability to move and connect people. She joined The Straits Times in 2010. In 2014, she was awarded the Icon de Martell Cordon Bleu, one of Singapore’s most prestigious photography accolades, which recognises individuals for an outstanding body of work in their photographic career.

Email

Latest articles

Love is in the hair: How a wig loan scheme helps restore cancer survivors’ confidence

ST20250311_202558400988/xbwig/Neo Xiaobin
/Following Dwi Rahayu (Dwi), 53, who was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in 2024 after she detected a lump in her right breast during an annual medical screening conducted by her company in August. Within one to two weeks of chemotherapy treatment, she experienced significant hair loss. Because it got patchy, and she decided to shave her head entirely. Through the Wig Loan Programme, Dwi was introduced to different wig styles, and Dwirelied on BCF’s expertise to choose one that best suited her. Dwii decided to participate in the programme so she could wear a wig for events or social gatherings without always having to think about how to cover her head.

/Launched by Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF) in 2017, the positive image and appearance scheme is an all-inclusive program designed to help breast cancer survivors be the best versions of themselves. The program offers a complimentary wig loan service to provide support for breast cancer survivors. Currently, BCF is the only organisation in Singapore offering such a programme. BCF has its own wig room, where survivors can try on different styles to choose one that suits their needs and preferences. The organisation also has ties with local salons, allowing these women to style the wigs according to their preferred length and style, helping them feel and be the best version of themselves. The Straits Times look into breast cancer survivors’ challenges with chemotherapy and hair loss, and how the wigs have played a pivotal role in empowering them with confidence and a renewed sense of beauty.

/Breast Cancer Foundation, Sin Ming Ave, #01-417 Block 441, Singapore 570441 | Geranium Skin & Hair Boutique, 26 Horne Rd, #01-01 B H Building, Singapore 209062

Wish comes true: Teen in S’pore with lupus stars in her dream music video

Singapore’s ocean gardeners: Restoring seagrass meadows, one blade at a time

Lightning strike as preparation for the collection is being done.

Anything but void: A love letter to the ‘living room’ of Singapore’s HDB blocks

i Light Singapore 2025: The art of illumination

(SUGGESTED MAIN PIC #2) Embrace by Beamhacker (Australia), presented by Defence Collective Singapore at Event Square, features life-sized silhouettes inspired by children's paper chains. When visitors hold the hands of the figures, ripples of light and sound are triggered, culminating in a full symphony when the circle is completed. The installation evokes the joy of childhood play while symbolising unity between Singapore’s military and civilians. The silhouettes, adorned with camouflage patterns representing the four SAF services, stand as a tribute to collective strength. A commissioned score by Peter McAvan accompanies the experience.

What’s The News? S’pore students face off in ST’s quiz competition

Making traditional bread in modern Singapore: How this bakery is rising to the challenge

12. (SUGGESTED MAIN PIC 1) Senior baker Goh Wah Heng (centre), 72, taking out baking tins of traditional bread loaves from the revolving oven for his fellow bakers to load onto a rack to cool in the kitchen of Sweetlands Confectionery and Bakery in Kim Keat Lane on May 15, 2025. The bakery can produce more than 1,000 loaves of traditional bread in a day.

GE2025: Vibes and victories of the S’pore election in visuals

MAIN PIX ST20250501-202599000341-Lim Yaohui-Isabelle Liew-ilrally01/ Mr Barry Ong, 57, Lifeguard, cheering for Dr Faisal Abdul Aziz, PAP candidate for Aljunied GRC, when he is speaking at the rally at Serangoon stadium on May 1, 2025. (ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI)

Rise of the Rah Rah seniors: S’pore’s elderly cheerleaders show off their moves

ST20250408_202581200612_smage_Jason Quah Madam Lydia Lee, 77, entering the hall together with the fellow cheerleaders from Singapore's first seniors cheerleading team during the opening act of the World Ageing Festival at Marina Bay Convention Centre on April 8, 2025. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH

48-hour race: How ornamental fish are shipped abroad from Singapore

(SUGGESTED MAIN PIC 1) 1. Platy fish of different colour variations peering out from within a bag at Sunrise Aquarium on April 2, 2025. A popular ornamental fish along with other species like the molly, gourami, swordtail and barb, platys are livebearers that retain their eggs inside the body and give birth to live, free-swimming young.

E-paper

Newsletters

Podcasts

RSS Feed

About Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Need help? Reach us here.

Advertise with us

MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2025 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.