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Germans in S’pore in dismay after attack

SINGAPORE — The Munich shooting on Friday was unexpected yet not a big shock to some Germans living in Singapore. But it has certainly left them in dismay.

SINGAPORE — The Munich shooting on Friday was unexpected yet not a big shock to some Germans living in Singapore. But it has certainly left them in dismay.

Madam Ute Hirsch, 45, who went to university in Munich and lived there for more than a decade, said: “It was quite unexpected and a surprise that this happened. Munich is a safe city; you can go out at night and bring the kids out.”

The stay-at-home mother, who has been in Singapore for almost seven years, added: “Nobody could tell that something like that could happen.”

However, another German from Munich, who identified himself only as Michael P, felt otherwise.

“With the happenings (previous attacks) in Europe, like in Paris and Brussels, it doesn’t surprise me or come as a big shock,” said the 37-year-old actor, who has been in Singapore since 2014. “It was only a matter of time.”

Mr Lars Voedisch, the managing director of a consulting firm, pointed out that the Munich attack was carried out by an individual with psychological problems.

“There have been other similar attacks that happened around the world previously,” said the 43-year-old, referring to the United States.

In Germany, Mrs Amy Kiesgen, the founder and administrator of the Singaporeans in Germany Club, said she was sad the victims were innocent teenagers who had a bright future ahead of them.

“I’m glad that no Singaporeans are hurt, knowing the fact that OEZ shopping centre is one of our favourite places,” said Mrs Kiesgen, a Singaporean who married a German.

“I must mention that the Singapore Embassy in Berlin was very quick in contacting Singaporeans in Munich via telephone and email, checking on whether we were safe and advising us to stay away from that area and to follow the news closely.” AMANDA LEE

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