Mindfulness in every present moment is diligence - the path to Enlightenment.

 https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSUkGrNrD/

1. Mindfulness in every present moment is diligence - the path to Enlightenment.

2. Meditation is to cultivate individual habit in developing "Concentration" and "Mindfulness" in every present moment.

3. Concentration and Mindfulness at every present moment will keep unwholesome thoughts, speech and actions from (Ignorance, Hatred, Greed, Arrogant, Sceptical minds) out.

4. Enlightenment will come one day when minds are "Empty" and "Cleanse of unwholesome thoughts, speeches and actions".

Unifying physics model how Universe is created

 LCL (Danny 心):

[03/10, 1:26 am] ☸️  Danny 心: My son told me the below model is the unifying model of how Universe is created:-

[03/10, 1:28 am] ☸️  Danny 心: My son told me the below physic is the unifying physic computation of how Universe is created:-

REACH (Telegram) 99 -  What are your views on the updates in the latest population figures?

(SK)

01 Oct 2025 (10am - 7pm)

REACH (Telegram)

REACH Singapore, [1/10/2025 9:45 am]

Dear Contributors,

Welcome Back! 😊

⏰ We will be opening the chat from 10am to 7pm today. ⏰

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The topic will be posted shortly. 

Thank you. 

Megan 😊

REACH Singapore, [1/10/2025 10:00 am]

📢 Topic 📢

Singapore's population rose 1.2% to 6.11 million according to the Population in Brief 2025 report on 29 Sept. The increase was mainly due to growth in the non-resident population such as more work permit holders in the construction sector and domestic helpers. Meanwhile, the nation's population continued to age rapidly, and a higher proportion of Singaporeans remained single.

💬 What are your views on the updates in the latest population figures?

As at June 2025, Singapore had 3.66 million citizens, a slight increase from 3.64 million citizens a year ago. The number of permanent residents (PRs) remained unchanged at 0.54 million.

The remaining 1.91 million people were non-residents, with the foreign workforce making up about two-thirds of this group. The remaining one-third comprised mainly domestic helpers, dependants and students.

📌 Population Growth

Singapore’s annualised population growth rate over the past five years was 1.5%, compared with 0.5% in the preceding five years from 2015 to 2020. This was mainly due to an increase in the number of work permit holders in the construction sector to support key infrastructure projects, such as Changi Airport Terminal 5 and the ramping up of housing supply.

The city state’s non-resident population grew by 2.7% year on year to 1.91 million in June. It added 34,000 foreign workers between June 2024 and June 2025, compared with 39,000 in the preceding year. The 34,000 figure refers to the foreign workforce across all pass types, from work permit holders to employment pass holders, but it excludes domestic helpers.

📌 Citizens Birth and Marriages

The report said that the resident total fertility rate was 0.97 in 2024, unchanged from 2023. Singaporean families are getting smaller, with fewer children per family. The report noted that the proportion of singles has been rising in recent years. Between 2019 and 2024, the proportion of singles rose across almost all male and female age groups. 

"Decisions to get married and have children are deeply personal," said the report. "As seen in many other advanced societies and observed in our surveys and engagements with Singaporeans, the trend of low fertility reflects a generational shift where younger Singaporeans value and prioritise other life goals ahead of marriage and parenthood."

Despite the trends around marriage and birth, aspirations to marry and have children remain strong in Singapore, said the report. "The government is committed to supporting Singaporeans’ parenthood aspirations, with a comprehensive suite of measures across areas such as housing, healthcare, preschool and education, financial and work-life support," it added.

📌 Ageing Population

The citizen population has continued to age, with 20.7% aged 65 and above in June 2025, compared with 13.1% a decade ago. The proportion of the citizen population aged 65 years and above is rising at a faster pace compared to the last decade.

"Immigration helps to moderate the impact of ageing and low birth rates on our citizen population, and keeps the citizen population from shrinking over the long term," said the report. "We are careful to grant citizenships and PRs to individuals who can contribute to Singapore, integrate well, and are committed to making Singapore their home," it said.

The report said the government will "continue to maintain a measured pace of immigration". The exact number of PRs and citizenships granted each year depends on several factors, including the number and quality of applications received and Singapore's changing needs.

👉 https://str.sg/jaKq

👉 https://cna.asia/42bwRIg

----

Jun Ming, [1/10/2025 10:07 am]

The population problem is a knot. 

To increase population you need to have increase birth rate. 

To increase birth rate you need a easy life style.

To have a easy lifestyle you need a lot people outside to boost economy. 

You have too many people it's too crowded and competition then lifestyle becomes uneasy 

Lifestyle becomes uneasy no one wants to give birth

Infact some decide to retire overseas

Jun Ming, [1/10/2025 10:08 am]

I think this is the Singapore approach

Jun Ming, [1/10/2025 10:11 am]

https://findingspress.org/article/27391-determining-optimum-design-density-for-20-minute-neighbourhoods

Jun Ming, [1/10/2025 10:14 am]

We should just maintain or reduce our population. As I think we are at the optimum population density. Any further increase is no good.

365, [1/10/2025 10:28 am]

I've always held the belief that we don't have a population quantity issue, but a population structural issue (i.e ratio of elderly to young is too high).

There's 2 ways to go about this, increase the number of young people, or decrease the number of older people.

We are already trying to increase the number of young people through immigration, now is left with the other side. The thing is, the young people that we import, will eventually grow old, thus if they are not giving birth, then it'll help with the issue currently but worsen the structure in future.

My solution is to tighten the requirements for citizenship. Since PR eventually will stop working and will have to move back to their home country, them not converting to citizens will help with the current young population, whilst not adding on to the future old population.

The additional requirement for citizenship is to have children converting to citizens as well. So for every PR wanting to convert to citizen, they have to apply together with their children, or at least already have a Singaporean child. This is so at least there is a 1:1 replenishment when they grow old.

The child will not be the only condition, it is an add-on to current existing requirements for citizenship conversion. More children converting together will be judged more favorably, but will not be the only factor to look at. So assuming 2 people are of the exact same quality and character, then one with more children converting will be given more priority.

Daniel, [1/10/2025 10:32 am]

I think one flaw in this logic is that a lot of PRs are actually spouses of citizens. (37% of citizen marriages are transnational) So by making it harder for those people to remain in Singapore, you might also encourage their citizen spouse and children to move away with them, thus not really helping at all with the concerns.

Daniel, [1/10/2025 10:34 am]

Although I guess your second point kind of addresses this.

365, [1/10/2025 10:37 am]

PR in Singapore is more for economic development, both for the country and the person. So unless they can already find better economic solutions elsewhere, which this policy would have little effect on, chances are they'll continue staying in Singapore and then find another place to retire in.

If this is the case, then it still helps Singapore in replenishing the working population, while not adding on to the elder retired population.

365, [1/10/2025 10:39 am]

Annectodally, a lot of Malaysian PRs hold on to the status and only decide to convert when there's something else they want that only citizenship can grant, such as better Healthcare subsidies. Else, they hold onto the PR in hopes of retiring back in Malaysia anyway.

365, [1/10/2025 10:42 am]

We keep saying we have an aged population, and have a population numbers issue, but why in the past with less population, this is never an issue? Thus I believe the issue is the structure, not the overall numbers.

365, [1/10/2025 10:43 am]

Aged population in itself does not indicate an overall numbers issue, but a structural one where the aged to young ratio is too high. That's why in statistics, they use numbers like 20% of population in Singapore is 60 and above to paint an issue.

365, [1/10/2025 10:46 am]

Someone can correct me here if I'm wrong, but the conditions for citizenship is more or less a blackbox at the moment. If they were to adopt this, it can be part of the blackbox.

REACH Singapore, [1/10/2025 11:00 am]

[ Poll : 1. I understand the need for population growth.  ]

- Strongly Agree

- Agree

- Neutral

- Disagree

- Strongly Disagree

REACH Singapore, [1/10/2025 11:00 am]

[ Poll : 2. I am comfortable with the pace of population growth in Singapore. ]

- Strongly Agree

- Agree

- Neutral

- Disagree

- Strongly Disagree

REACH Singapore, [1/10/2025 11:01 am]

Dear Contributors,

Please take a moment to participate in our polls and share your opinion. The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts on today’s topic!

💬 What are your views on the updates in the latest population figures?

Thank you.

Megan 😊

Jun Ming, [1/10/2025 11:21 am]

We have compromise our army camps for HDB how does that justify population growth

Jun Ming, [1/10/2025 11:23 am]

The common excuse or reason is economic reasons for population growth, but we shouldn't compromise so many other things while growing

Jun Ming, [1/10/2025 11:26 am]

Super high rent and housing, facilities closed down for housing. I think we have enough manual labour. 

Temporary labour is ok. The problem those that stayed long term

365, [1/10/2025 11:26 am]

Infinite growth isn't possible, our economy has exploded in the past 60 years, doesn't mean it's feasible or realistic to expect the same growth. Economies of scale can also tip the other way for population to economic output as well.

Jun Ming, [1/10/2025 11:29 am]

At this rate of growth we might need to conquer JB as our territory to accommodate so many things

365, [1/10/2025 11:36 am]

I'd like to push for a controversial topic as well in regards to this. I think we should start looking into legalizing euthanasia.

It may sound cruel and gnarly on paper because it revolves around the topic of death, but I believe it has its merits.

First off is the option for people to choose if they'd want to continue living. For some, it's not a mental condition, but they truly believe that their life is no longer worth continuing and is nothing but pain and suffering. Expecting them to live through the pain on the very unlikely hopes of a miracle is more cruel. Even if there was a miracle to cure them, what would be their quality of life afterwards. 

Secondly, which is how it relates to this topic, is that it frees up resources. One issue we have is aged population is worrying about the resources, including human resource, to support them. Instead of spending resources on 1 person who already no longer has the will to live, isn't it wiser to spend it on another one who still wants to live on and need that resource?

This is not something I've though on the fly, but has been on my mind for many years already. I do not want to continue life if I can't even settle my daily necessities by myself. I'm not pushing to recommend this for everyone, but at least have the option.

The specifics, such as how to implement and how to prevent people from pushing their parents to take this option can be further discussed, with one option being to require witnesses, and none of whom can be a direct or indirect beneficiary of the euthanized.

When I grow old, and am hooked onto a machine, it would be a waste of bed space, living space, medical resources, and medical workforce to spend on me, when I can free them up for others who still want to carry on living. My assets can also be used for society afterwards.

So overall, not only is there less resource consumption, more resource becomes available as well.

Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [1/10/2025 11:38 am]

The main concern with now generation is housing & job stability.

Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [1/10/2025 11:41 am]

I ask my kids n his friends, they want to buy house too expensive,  that too does not belong to them. With job market so bad, afraid will have job to pay for house & family

G, [1/10/2025 12:50 pm]

It feels like an elaborate ponzi scheme where there's a need to keep adding new members to keep the gig going

One day the bubble will burst, and countless hurt in the process

Daniel, [1/10/2025 1:23 pm]

What I find interesting about this data is that with all the talk about too many PRs and new citizens, there's actually not so many more of those. There's 22000 new citizenships, that's barely 0.6% of citizens. And the number of PRs seems constant. I wonder why there is such a disconnect between the actual number and what people perceive.

REACH Singapore, [1/10/2025 2:11 pm]

📢 Topic 📢

Jun Ming, [1/10/2025 2:33 pm]

Then why the demand of HDB is going so high despite dropping in core population

Jun Ming, [1/10/2025 2:35 pm]

Why my TCM class full of new china citizens and prs. There's very less student pass

Daniel, [1/10/2025 3:42 pm]

Might be smaller household size, so same amount of people require more flats?

Daniel, [1/10/2025 3:42 pm]

Yeah, interesting indeed. The data seems to say something else. Is it because TCM requires knowledge of Mandarin?

Jun Ming, [1/10/2025 3:43 pm]

Maybe.

Jun Ming, [1/10/2025 3:44 pm]

Where some of them not even proficient in English

Jun Ming, [1/10/2025 3:46 pm]

I think mainly the Crowdedness and foreign people trying to funny act such as recording the election fustrates people

Jun Ming, [1/10/2025 3:47 pm]

The new citizens are not grounded enough to be a citizen

Jun Ming, [1/10/2025 3:47 pm]

There must be a law requiring people to be pr for at least 10-15 yrs to be citizens

Jun Ming, [1/10/2025 3:49 pm]

If not how are they sincere to be in Singapore and serve us?

REACH Singapore, [1/10/2025 4:16 pm]

📢 Topic 📢

LCL (Danny 心), [1/10/2025 4:59 pm]

1. Looking at the trend of our population growth for the past decades, the TFR achieve through our local marriages and birth is not encouraging - which in fact the TFR reveals go below 1 - to replace the parents of 2.

2. We can hope and insist that our Singapore core should be solely locally bred and born and not rely on immigrants to be the new citizens or PRs that can contribute to our economy and can integrate with our community.

3. But after observing the trends for so many years, and looking at our young close circles - the trends towards marriage, and marriage with more local birth is not encouraging.

4. Youth either prefer to stay singles, or marry late (due to whatever reasons) or if marriage prefer to go without children due to many possible reasons :-

a. Fearful of more uncertain future - due to tech disruption such as AI and others, geopolitical uncertainty and more career disruption.

b. Aspire to have more time for themselves or spouse and not to have children or more children.

c. Afraid their offsprings will subject to future hardships or uncertain future.

5. Hence with locals not producing offsprings to carry our Economy, Governance Security, Manpower etc ---- we cannot be hard-headed to insist no immigrations and die-die no immigrants.

6. Because by doing so - it could be an existential threat to our existence - that is our children generations can fail to exist, taken over by big powers - when our old generations passed on, not enough young population to take over the important functions of the Economy, Security, Governance, Manpower etc.

7. Devoid of Emotions, and solely based on pure figures, rational and logical thinking.

8. Hence I support local birth as the Singaporean cores, but if the birth rate unable to do full replacement - we need to convert immigrants to become new immigrants and PRs - that will integrate seamlessly with our communities as one of us.

LCL (Danny 心), [1/10/2025 5:26 pm]

Most important is to maintain the same community mix ratio among the population.

That's Chinese, Malay, Indian and Other races mix must be maintained as per current to ensure equilibrium and preserve the peace and harmony.

Adam, [1/10/2025 5:45 pm]

Imo i dont think its about the numbers. Singapore can go to 10mil for all i care. 

However, foreigners that choose to work in singapore need to contribute. Primarily through taxes. If public services like mrt is better funded, wouldnt there wouldnt be such a strain on our system.

People stay in singapore for its safety, but the price is hidden. 20% of our tax is spent on defence. Ambulance which has nsf is free. Nsf police makes our streets safe. 

I would say that we need to hike taxes for everyone but give strong subsidies to those that served ns. But its hard to gauge how much women 'served' the country if many choose to remain childless

Jun Ming, [1/10/2025 5:48 pm]

Mainly gov not doing match making

And lack of credible match making service

Adam, [1/10/2025 5:48 pm]

This logic is flawed. Singapore is an immigrant nation. We didnt get from fishing village to metropolis by having race controls. Did the early settlers from china and india have to return back to maintain race ratio?

Currently we are importing a lot of people on something thats skin deep, but culturally its difficult to communicate with them. Especially if they cant speak much english

Adam, [1/10/2025 5:49 pm]

The 'peace and harmony' is xenophobia. Scared to see if minority becomes bigger

Jun Ming, [1/10/2025 5:50 pm]

Not that I want to stay single. It's hard to get a partner at the first place

Jun Ming, [1/10/2025 5:50 pm]

When people are introvert

LCL (Danny 心), [1/10/2025 5:51 pm]

The criteria is that for immigrants to be granted new citizens and PRs - they must be able to speak and write English.

Else they can't get a job or study in Singapore.

Adam, [1/10/2025 5:51 pm]

Same. Maybe my standard too high but idk if 99% are not my type or just dont put effort to look decent

Jun Ming, [1/10/2025 5:52 pm]

Jobs not necessary need to be in English you know

Adam, [1/10/2025 5:52 pm]

I think foreigners hired for cust facing roles need to have basic english. Need some enforcement action or it will cause social strife

Jun Ming, [1/10/2025 5:52 pm]

People who operate TCM Clinic can no need good English

Adam, [1/10/2025 5:52 pm]

Do malay an indian use tcm?

Jun Ming, [1/10/2025 5:53 pm]

Some

Adam, [1/10/2025 5:53 pm]

I know some do acupuncture

Jun Ming, [1/10/2025 5:53 pm]

But they can always hire Singaporean to do some translation

Jun Ming, [1/10/2025 5:53 pm]

Or ask a Singaporean colleague to do so

LCL (Danny 心), [1/10/2025 5:54 pm]

Most of the China nationals that I meet at work speak and write English though with accents.

Indian also speak and write English.

Malays from Indonesia and Malaysia also speak and write English.

So are other races like mynamar, Thai etc.

Adam, [1/10/2025 5:54 pm]

I dun think singaporean wanna work in such a role

Adam, [1/10/2025 5:54 pm]

Unless you mean they hire 1 singaporean in office beside the foreigner to handle en customer

Adam, [1/10/2025 5:55 pm]

Actually why not do that? Some places 100% only chinese

Jun Ming, [1/10/2025 5:55 pm]

I mean they may do other job role but can summon to help for simple translation

Jun Ming, [1/10/2025 5:55 pm]

Since their primary job scope is Chinese

Adam, [1/10/2025 5:57 pm]

Btw about pr, i think we need to tax cpf as income when they renounce.

Adam, [1/10/2025 5:57 pm]

I think cpf is used as tax loophole before going back to village

Adam, [1/10/2025 5:58 pm]

Pr can get hdb too. Get lots of singapore benefit

REACH Singapore, [1/10/2025 6:05 pm]

📢 Topic 📢

LCL (Danny 心), [1/10/2025 6:10 pm]

1. Many people think that curbing immigrants or deporting immigrants back will provide more job opportunities, housing opportunities for Singaporeans.

2. Sadly the reverse is true.

3. For example, if we keep 3.66 million Singaporeans only and deport the rest of PRs and foreigners back - what will be the consequences?

LCL (Danny 心), [1/10/2025 6:14 pm]

1. Our domestic Economy could collapse because :-

a. SME, F&Bs, stallholders will have only 3.66 million to buy their products and services - compared to 6.11 million potential customers.

Many small business will collapse - that is, many Singaporeans SMEs owners will close shops or bankrupt. Workers in SMEs will lose their jobs.

LCL (Danny 心), [1/10/2025 6:17 pm]

b. With smaller population, our talent pools, top talents - will greatly shrink - and potential leaders for Governance, Business Leaders, CEOs, Community Leaders, Top professionals like doctors, lawyers, IT professional, sustainability experts, AI professionals, Quantum Computing professionals, Nuclear experts, professors, lecturers etc --- will not be readily available.

MNCs, investors, family offices will leave Singapore - because of the lack of talents to carry their business.

LCL (Danny 心), [1/10/2025 6:21 pm]

2. Our Defense and Home security would be compromise :-

a. Eg. With smaller talent pools to helm as Defence Chief, Intelligence Chief, Home security etc.

- We may experience massive cybersecurity attacks that compromised our CII (Critical Information Infrastructure) like our energy, power, water, airports, sea ports, transport, nuclear plants, bank operations, government operations, our army and home team infrastructure, healthcare, education institutions etc.

- We could be invaded and overwhelm by big power with bigger army - because we don't have enough manpower for soldiers, police and home team security personnel.

b. Our Country sovereignty and even existence could be threatened.

LCL (Danny 心), [1/10/2025 6:24 pm]

3. Our foreign affairs relationship, business affairs through EDB, IE Enterprise and MFAs could be compromise :-

a. Imagine we lack sufficient manpower, how to deploy capable business relationship officers in EDB, IE Singapore and Foreign Affairs to so many Countries to handle our business relationship, look for opportunities and maintain our foreign affairs to secure our interest?

LCL (Danny 心), [1/10/2025 6:27 pm]

4. If we let the population aged to superaged - 60 years and above - whereby we have too little youth but overwhelmingly aged ---- how to ensure the aged are taken care off by doctors, nurses, physiotheraphy, nursing homes, hospitals, polyclinics etc?

An overwhelming humanitarian crisis could come - with many aged (including the young ones which could age one day) - left with no decent care giving will ensue.

LCL (Danny 心), [1/10/2025 6:31 pm]

Hence we may let emotions overrun us.                

But let critical thinking, logic and rational minds rules —- and think of the consequences what will happen if we paralyse our population policies.           

Just look at what happen to US now (a big Country with big local population) - but their xenophobic attitudes towards immigrants and foreigners backfire badly —- with talents leaving, workers in the farm and healthcare leaving, MNCs instead of onshoring are now doing offshoring as the political, tariff, hostility, economic moods have soured and introduce too much uncertainties that business prefer to stay out of US.                 

I hope Singapore don't have to go through an expensive lesson and discover the truth in a hard way.

LCL (Danny 心), [1/10/2025 6:36 pm]

With smaller population, our housing, properties prices will fall because there will be too many ghost houses with no one to live - just like Japan and China 2nd tier and 3rd tier city.

Our bto flats, condo, landed properties prices plummet - and our wealth will drop drastically.

Adam, [1/10/2025 6:37 pm]

Yeah, me who doesnt own a flat will have my net worth drop becaus housing price drop

Adam, [1/10/2025 6:37 pm]

Me who eat out will have col increase because rent drop

Adam, [1/10/2025 6:38 pm]

Have you considered that many singaporeans do not have skin in the property game?

Adam, [1/10/2025 6:39 pm]

If you give more singaporeans homes, they will care more for your condo resale value

LCL (Danny 心), [1/10/2025 6:39 pm]

And if we lose our jobs due to poor domestic consumption, investors not coming in as we lack talents pool, finance capital won't want to come in because our economy plummets, wealth plummets - and all our wealth and our assets worth will drop.

Suddenly, our currency values fall, our wealth plummet and the country suddenly become poorer.

This is the consequences of mismanaging our population growth.

LCL (Danny 心), [1/10/2025 6:41 pm]

Hence policies makers must have the inherent "We value" instead of our own selfish interest - but fail to see the bigger picture.

Adam, [1/10/2025 6:42 pm]

Ok you argue wealth. Jobs. Population.

Do you think the average uncle care. WOW. Economy grow 4.4 in 2024. Amazing right. Stronk economy means trickle down to us

Adam, [1/10/2025 6:42 pm]

Did our wage grow?

Adam, [1/10/2025 6:42 pm]

Is our young getting better jobs?

Adam, [1/10/2025 6:43 pm]

Really whats the point of strong economy if people in the streets are not benefitting?

Adam, [1/10/2025 6:43 pm]

Is the economy made for the billionaires who park their wealth here?

LCL (Danny 心), [1/10/2025 6:43 pm]

If the consequences of population growth is mismanaged:-

1. The whole country could cease to exist.

2. No jobs 

3. Poor business.

4. We could be invaded by big power who will just overrun and swallow us.

Adam, [1/10/2025 6:43 pm]

Do we indiscriminately immigrate to make sure we have cheap labor for tycoons?

Adam, [1/10/2025 6:44 pm]

After all economy matters

Adam, [1/10/2025 6:44 pm]

Property price matters

Adam, [1/10/2025 6:44 pm]

Really?

LCL (Danny 心), [1/10/2025 6:44 pm]

The rest become not important.

Adam, [1/10/2025 6:44 pm]

How about you and me? Do people not matter? Maybe we can sell our kidneys to boost the economy

Adam, [1/10/2025 6:45 pm]

We already selling our souls for overtime anyway

REACH Singapore, [1/10/2025 6:47 pm]

Dear Contributors,

⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰

Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

LCL (Danny 心), [1/10/2025 6:48 pm]

1. And a declassified historical document reveals that a big power is getting ready their army to invade us.

2. But when our national day reveal our tanks AMX 13 and M113 armour vehicles emerge from the parade, the plan was called off.

3. If not because of LKY and his cabinet - we could have been slaughtered - because we barely have 2 regiments to protect ourselves.

4. Now everyone see the danger of mismanaging our population?

死到临头还不知道。

Very close to demise - yet many don't know.

Adam, [1/10/2025 6:51 pm]

What do you mean by mismanaging?

Adam, [1/10/2025 6:51 pm]

Are you talking about eip?

Adam, [1/10/2025 6:51 pm]

Or not importing enough?

Adam, [1/10/2025 6:52 pm]

Idk why you brought up early days. Times are diff

LCL (Danny 心), [1/10/2025 6:52 pm]

How different?

Trump not current time?

Putin not current time?

Hamas not current time?

Adam, [1/10/2025 6:52 pm]

So should we import more malaysians so that they dun bomb their own citizens if invade?

LCL (Danny 心), [1/10/2025 6:53 pm]

ISIS Al-Qaeda not current time?

LCL (Danny 心), [1/10/2025 6:53 pm]

Far right not current time?

Adam, [1/10/2025 6:54 pm]

This. I dont see the danger. Explain what you are saying in black and white

LCL (Danny 心), [1/10/2025 6:55 pm]

Xenophobic towards new citizens and PRs is dangerous.

Adam, [1/10/2025 6:56 pm]

Of course. But singapore didnt cure xeniphobia back then in early days with whats its doing now

Adam, [1/10/2025 6:56 pm]

Military is a diff matter too

Adam, [1/10/2025 6:57 pm]

Back then the gov implemented english as common tongue. Make people share their neighbourhoods

Adam, [1/10/2025 6:57 pm]

Now we have foreigner enclaves

LCL (Danny 心), [1/10/2025 6:57 pm]

Don't understand.

My experience with current population very comfortable even though there are new citizens and PRs among us.

We benefitted tremendously.

Adam, [1/10/2025 6:57 pm]

Now some dont bother learning to speak with other races

Adam, [1/10/2025 6:58 pm]

You must be very fortunate to live such a happy life

LCL (Danny 心), [1/10/2025 6:58 pm]

My experience unlike what you say is very different 

Whether a person is open mind or close mind.

LCL (Danny 心), [1/10/2025 6:58 pm]

Yes I am, so are my close circles.

Adam, [1/10/2025 6:59 pm]

Maybe prs and foreigners also happy on their respective circles too

LCL (Danny 心), [1/10/2025 6:59 pm]

Even my Neighbourhoods are harmonious with different races and immigrants.

LCL (Danny 心), [1/10/2025 7:00 pm]

Positive minds breeds positive outcomes.

LCL (Danny 心), [1/10/2025 7:00 pm]

Negative minds breeds negative outcomes.

REACH Singapore, [1/10/2025 7:00 pm]

Dear Contributors

We will be closing the chat for today.

Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

====

"We" Concept*

 "We" Concept*

1. Let us discuss the concept of "We" in policy formulation coin by our Government for Parliament 2025.

2. "We" in layman terms can also be referred to as "Empathy" - ability to stand into others' shoes while standing in your own shoes to look at issues and coining solutions or policies taking into consideration our own interests and others' interests into account as a starting point.

Hence any solutions and policies coming from the "We mindset" will benefits everyone including ourselves.

3. This encompasses the virtue of understanding and employing the "Larger whole" (the Greater Wheel) is more important than our own "selfish interest - that benefits only me or I (the Smaller Wheel).

4. Hence, we can visualise the extrapolation of "We" thoughts:-

a. Beginning with one point (Self interest) 。(one-pointedness)

b. Extend upwards, downwards, horizontally, vertically (上度，下度。横度， 竖度。)  + (Cross)
i. top people that can make decision and higher income groups;
ii. lower hierarchy that include lower income groups;
(both form the verticals),
iii. horizontally - our peers, middle income groups

c. And then transform into extending into the well beings of ( 三百六十度，无所不度。）🛞 (Greater Wheel)
i. all rounded considerations 360 degree - a wheel - every residents, citizens, PRs  &/or foreigners.
ii. also include animals, cats, dogs, wild animals.
iii. extending into global climate, coastal protection
iv. relationship and well being with foreign Countries, leaders and their countrymen.

5. In profound form, "We" concept of a person must encompass 3 important attributes :-
a. Selfless (ability to empathise not only with self, but also others)

b. Compassion (all policies must be compassionate - to bring positive outcomes to self and others, and must not cause harm or miseries to others while benefitting self)

c. Anchor on Wisdom - hence coming out with wholesome solutions or policies that is a workable one, balanced ones, based on merits and trade off (with selfless and compassion disposition).
The Enlightened Mind.

6. And if a person is able to consistently, inherently, mindfully employing the "We" concept based on all the above considerations - then policies and solutions coined - will be a wholesome one that include the merits of :
i. Win-win outcomes
ii. Mutual benefits
iii. Ability to competently resolve issues with minimal adverse side effects.

This is the profound explanation of "We" concept in respond to PM Lawrence Wong statement in Parliament.

Addressing parliament in his first speech at the start of the term of government since becoming prime minister, Mr Wong added: “We will strive to create more fulfilling lives for you. And not just for a few among you, but for all of you."

The PM spoke about a “we first” society at his National Day Rally speech in August, Mr Wong urged Singaporeans to embrace their individuality and help everyone be the best possible versions of themselves.

“At the same time, we have to look out for one another and lift each other up. Only then can we be greater than the sum of our parts,” he added.

Source :- CNA news

----

"Revolution for kindness? MPs suggest support for Singapore’s youth on day 3 of President’s Address debate".

Compassion - & We (No Self) - the 2 Enlightenment attributes - become Parliament 2025 ethos.
----

However, I will like to propose a complete 3 Enlightenment attributes that form the Greater Wheel in policy making.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/kindess-bullying-jobs-youth-young-parents-technology-president-address-debate-5366731#:~:text=Revolution%20for%20kindness%3F%20MPs%20suggest%20support%20for%20Singapore%E2%80%99s%20youth%20on%20day%203%20of%20President%E2%80%99s%20Address%20debate

----

心法:
 -----       -----      -----               --
|    |        |     |    |     |         -         -
|    |        |     |    |     |        -            -
|    |        |     |    |     |         -          -
 -----       -----       -----              --

Wis.     No.      Compa.      Great
dom.   Self.     ssion.         Wheel


The Enlightened Mind ("We" Concept).

Visualization on Singapore coast line - the MBS 3 Towers + Skywheel as inspiration on the "We Concept".

----

To highlight 3 examples to illustrate the interplay of the 3 inherent attributes of an individual keeping in mind the Greater Wheel - the profound concept of the "We" mindset.

(No intention to offend anyone)
3 examples for illustration only.

1. Eg. Coe cars for 3 privileged categories -
got  *compassion* but misplaced.

Lack *selfless* (empathy) for the rest that are subsidizing the few privilege groups, reduce coe revenue to build more public transport infrastructure like more MRT lines, buses and AV that will benefit everyone.

Lack *wisdom* - fail to realise business and workers need cars to seal business deals and secure jobs. Without jobs, the 3 categories will not have money to pay for transport not to mention subsidies coe car.
Fail to realise the 3 categories have access to chauffered dedicated service provided by taxi, private hires and in future AV without the need to buy high price cars and subsidized by taxpayers for privilege coe.

2. Healthcare insurance abuse.
Lack *selflessness* (empathy for others) - benefits self only through buffet style service.

Lack *compassion* - drive up health cost until become unsustainable - others suffer.

Lack *wisdom* - fail to understand - self indulgence backfire until premium driven sky high, insurers refuse to honour payment - self left with nothing or get shortchange by the insurers eventually. End up insurers, private hospitals, patients that pay high premium all lose. Lose-Lose-Lose outcome.

3. VERs for 1st generation -
*Selflessness* - ensure fiscal budget sustainability.

Lack *compassion* for 2nd generation that will be homeless when VERs kick in.

*Wisdom* - lack foresight of the needs for 2nd generation that have been paid for in the parents purchase of house - but when VERs kick in got shortchange, lose shelter and need to cough out big amount of money for another shelter at advanced age losing their life savings to service their remaining life.

Hence the above illustration demonstrate the importance interplay of the 3 vital Enlightenment attributes *(Selflessness, Compassion, Wisdom)* to achieve the *Greater Wheel* (Nation & the Society's needs) - the "We mindset" - that if fulfillment of the larger whole - will achieve the sums of all the parts (including our own interests).

This is the profound concept of the "We" mindset.

----

1. Breaking the "We" concept to such a level of details - could be offensive.

2. But to effectively explain the profound concept of "We mindset" to enhance public understanding - there is a need to use real life examples of the process of policy making - dissect it, break it down to such level of details - because the "We mindset" is a mental cognitive psychological process that encompass the interplay of 3 subtle wholesome mental faculties - Selfless, Compassion and Wisdom to achieve the larger goal of the Greater Wheel.

3. However to emphasize, the discussion focus on the respective topics - the merits and pitfalls of each solutions (when the 3 attributes interplay at the background) that result in the outcomes and make no reference to any personality.

4. Thinking aloud, the "We" mindset when dissect into the 3 discrete faculties - can help policy makers perform structured decision making using various case studies for every policies formulation and then subject to peer review, robust debate, challenges and verification to ensure all coined policies can withstand the test when benchmark against the 3 attributes - Selflessness, Compassion and Wisdom - that contribute to the Greater Goal (Greater Wheel).

5. Then the final baseline policy will be able to withstand the veracity of the"We" mindset comprising the attributes of :-
a. Empathy - through Selflessness.
b. Compassion
c. Workable solution - through Wisdom (Competency)
d. That meets the larger goal of the entire population - through the Greater Wheel - whereby benefits are not confine to a small privileged group or few individuals (the Smaller Wheel).

----

REACH (Telegram) 98 -   What are your thoughts on the issues to be discussed in Parliament today? Which area interests you the most?

(SK)

24 Sep 2025 (10am - 7pm)

REACH (Telegram)

REACH Singapore, [24/9/2025 10:45 am]

Dear Contributors,

Welcome Back! 😊

⏰ We will be opening the chat from 11am to 7pm today. ⏰

House Rules (short version of our Terms of Use) to keep in mind:

1. Be kind and respectful. We all want to be in a safe space to share our views. 

2. Any and all threatening, abusive, vulgar or racially, religiously and ethnically objectionable content is prohibited. 

3. Consider the quiet ones among us and give them a chance to comment. 

4. No need to repeat your comment or in different forms (including caps) - we heard you loud and clear the first time. 

5. Let's protect each other's privacy and keep contact details in this group what it should always be - confidential. 

Full set of Terms of Use: https://www.reach.gov.sg/Participate/reach-telegram-group/REACH-Telegram-Group-Chat-Terms-of-Use/

We will strive to uphold these rules to ensure this is a safe space for all. 

Please be assured that the points made by participants during the chat are aggregated and shared with relevant agencies. 

The topic will be posted shortly. 

Thank you. 

Megan 😊

REACH Singapore, [24/9/2025 11:01 am]

📢 Topic 📢

Parliament will sit today (24 Sep) at 11.30am. Members of Parliament will be raising questions on a number of issues including healthcare costs, the current socially-conscious enterprise hawker centre model, and Autonomous Vehicles (AVs).

💬 What are your thoughts on the issues to be discussed in Parliament today? Which area interests you the most?

📌Healthcare Costs📌

Integrated Shield Plan (IP) is a private medical insurance plan, offered by private insurers, that provides additional coverage on top of what is under MediShield Life. 

In a press release by the Ministry of Health (MOH) on 15 October 2024, the Government accepted recommendations to enhance the MediShield Life scheme to better protect Singaporeans against major health episodes that result in large medical bills. The premiums to support the enhancements would also need to increase starting from April 2025.

Members of Parliament (MPs) submitted questions on whether the Government will consider reviewing the regulatory framework for Integrated Shield Plans, what the Government’s follow ups are from recent unilateral changes by Integrated Shield Plan insurers, and how the Ministry of Health intends to address issues of escalating private healthcare costs, insurance premiums, and insurers refusing pre-authorisation certificates at certain hospitals.

📌Socially-Conscious Enterprise Hawker Centres (SEHC)📌

SEHCs are hawker centres run by socially-conscious enterprises, who leverage their expertise in food & beverage and lease management, and introduce new ideas and innovative practices to achieve the social mission of hawker centres. Operators of SEHCs have committed that all stalls will provide at least one affordable meal option as part of their tender commitment. Hawkers have the flexibility to price other food items.

In Parliament on 13 November 2024, then Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Koh Poh Koon said that the context for the SEHC model was to help newer hawkers succeed, which required good visitorship, a diverse food mix that responded to evolving needs, and long-term viability. 

MPs filed questions on whether there will be a review of the practice of SEHC operators requiring hawkers to absorb the 10 percent discount offered to customers paying via the operator apps, if the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) would review the current responsibility distributed for providing affordable and nutritious meals to low-income patrons between SEHC operators, their stallholders, the National Environment Agency (NEA) and consumers, and whether NEA intends to review the current SEHC model and contractual terms with operators and stallholders.  

📌 Transport: Autonomous Vehicles (AV) Trials 📌

Self-driving vehicles will be deployed across the island in the next five years, to strengthen the public transport network. It is a key plank in Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow’s plan to make public transport more attractive by reducing journey times to work, especially for those living in Housing Board estates farther from the city centre. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) will be trialled in Punggol from the fourth quarter of this year. A 17-member steering committee chaired by Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow has been formed to guide the progressive roll-out of AVs in Singapore.

MPs submitted questions on success and safety measures of the AV trials, what benefits there are to Singapore’s public transport system from deploying AVs in the future, and how driving-related jobs and job roles are affected by the AV strategy.

👉 https://www.moh.gov.sg/managing-expenses/schemes-and-subsidies/integrated-shield-plans/about-integrated-shield-plans 

👉 https://www.moh.gov.sg/newsroom/government-accepts-medishield-life-council-s-recommendations-to-enhance-medishield-life-scheme---government-support-more-than-offsets-premium-increases

👉 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/what-social-enterprise-hawker-centre-mp-asks-parliament-920906

REACH Singapore, [24/9/2025 11:01 am]

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/government-sets-out-ways-it-helps-sustain-hawker-culture-alleviate-cost-pressures-on-sporeans 

👉 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/autonomous-vehicles-public-transport-punggol-5209136 

👉  https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/singapore-aims-to-ramp-up-autonomous-vehicle-use-to-boost-public-transport-network?ref=inline-article

👉 https://www.parliament.gov.sg/docs/default-source/order-paper/orderpaper---24sep2025.pdf

----

REACH Singapore, [24/9/2025 11:02 am]

[ Poll : Which issue(s) are you most interested in for today's Parliament sitting? Share your reasons in the chat! (You may choose more than one option.) ]

- Healthcare Costs

- Socially-Conscious Enterprise Hawker Centres

- Autonomous Vehicles Trials

- Others (please share your views in the chats below)

G, [24/9/2025 11:29 am]

Autonomous vehicles:

Hard to reach places in Punggol: wait for "driverless" with on board "safety operator" shuttles that you have to pay 

Hard to reach places in marine parade: we hear you. Here. Free shuttle. 

😂

G, [24/9/2025 11:41 am]

SEHC

It seems like the impetus for having SEHC is to be more socially conscious, keeping food more affordable.

But looking at KF seetoh's posts, it seems there are more "misc" line item costs to doing business compared to if hawkers rent from NEA.. things like mandatory rental of POS equipment, installing CCTVs at hawkers' cost etc, leading to highe cost of doing business compared to renting from NEA

How does higher business cost to hawkers translate to keeping food more affordable?

How is SEHC still relevant?

LCL (Danny 心), [24/9/2025 11:44 am]

Further illustration using examples to show HDB flats is a 2 generations flat - VERs or no VERs for clarity.

LCL (Danny 心), [24/9/2025 11:44 am]

*Without VERs*

1. Couple married at 30 years old, get BTO flat 99 years lease buy 5-room flat at $500,000.

2. Assume have 1 child 3 years later and 2nd child 1 year later.

3. Couple passed on at 95 years old, lease used  remaining 34 years.

4. Both children will be 63 years old and 62 years old respectively.

5. With 34 years lease, both children can stay at the flat up to 96 years old and 95 years old and pass on.

6. This is 2 generation inheritance serve by HDB flat without VERs.

7. Total capital outlay $500,000 for 2 generation - 4 persons shelter.

LCL (Danny 心), [24/9/2025 11:44 am]

*With VERs*

1. Couple married at 30 years old, get BTO flat 99 years lease buy 5-room flat at $500,000.

2. Assume have 1 child 3 years later and 2nd child 1 year later.

3. Assume VERs kick in with 20 years remaining lease by law.

4. Couple passed on at 95 years old, lease used remaining 34 years. 

5. Both children will be 74 years old and 73 years old respectively at 20 years remaining lease.

6. Assume VERs law say only original couple can stay on VERs flat, no inheritance to children allow.

7. This means both children at advanced age of 74 years and 73 years old will have to apply for 2 single flats at $300,000 x 2 and will kick out from the VERs flat by VERs law.

8. Total capital outlay $500,000 + $300,000 + $300,000 = $1.1 million for 2 generation - 4 persons shelter.

9. That means this 4-person household don't get any benefits from VERs but suffer double whammy loss:-

a. Losing the right to stay in VERs house if VERs.

b. Cough out additional $300,000 x 2 = $600,000 at advanced age of 70 years plus of money to live through end of life.

A couple have to spend a lifetime to accumulate enough money to pay off a flat.

How to expect 2 children of advanced age to cough out their life saving (or even have such a huge savings) to buy 2 additional single flats just to stay for another decade before passing because of Vers?

c. 99 years lease shorten to 79 years due to 20 years Vers kick in to relocate - and displacing the children's right to shelter because of no inheritance right.

10. So anyone think can government of the day survive the political fallout from VERs under such VERs law or not?

11. Does VERs benefit Singaporeans or make Singaporeans life more difficult and much worst off?

12. Then should there even be VERs at all?

As VERs shortchange household badly rather than provide equal benefits or improvement over no VERs.

1 small policy mistake - but can cause 1 big consequence.

13. Then why not let the 99 years lease decay and lapse - whereby the parents and children will have enjoy the 2 generation shelter benefits as compare to VERs.

LCL (Danny 心), [24/9/2025 11:45 am]

Confirmation by HDB that HDB flats is a 2 generations flat.

VERs or no VERs cannot compromise this principle - the original mission and intent of HDB flats.

LCL (Danny 心), [24/9/2025 11:46 am]

Source:- Google AI

AI Overview

A 99-year lease on a Housing Development Board (HDB) flat in Singapore is designed to serve at least two generations, ensuring that land can be redeveloped for the needs of future generations, and maintain affordability in the long term. When a flat is sold, a new 99-year lease typically starts for the new owner, allowing the property to be passed down or sold to the next generation before the lease expires. However, the value of the flat decreases significantly as the lease dwindles. 

How it serves two generations

Initial Purchase: 

A 30-year-old homeowner, for example, would have ample time to live in the flat with their family for their lifetime. 

Inheritance: 

The remaining lease can then be passed down to the next generation, who can also use it for their lifetime, effectively extending the property's use over two generations. 

The purpose of the 99-year lease

Land Recycling: 

The lease allows the land to be returned to the state for redevelopment after the lease expires, ensuring new housing is available for future Singaporeans. 

Affordability: 

This system helps to keep public housing affordable by preventing the land from becoming freehold and limiting access to property ownership, which would lead to social division and inequality. 

Rejuvenation: 

It allows older housing estates to be rejuvenated and redeveloped to meet evolving needs, ensuring that Singapore's housing stock remains relevant. 

Considerations for homeowners

Lease Depreciation: The value of an HDB flat diminishes as its lease runs down. 

Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (https://www.google.com/search?client=ms-android-vivo-rvo3&hl=en-SG&cs=0&sca_esv=cb6c6d70115ecea7&sxsrf=AE3TifM1BNarzSSAU-T2z9_Mb6cpDwHxYg%3A1758658846789&q=Selective+En+bloc+Redevelopment+Scheme&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiIiqje2u-PAxX_yzgGHTX0AKkQxccNegQINBAB&mstk=AUtExfD8J_8xm0wiCDPZwZOcgk6WYChMLTA_mOwTdacE93pAaWmq0mP4iCw-5FSBoL_J0EMW5xd1__mgU-oqRtKF72MbQY4RsmBJuNDWysfhOBZXRlQT6RGN-K1jY3RIsp7_DJ-Uus5wESiyo7zVY7HTOuPlzcYyXSjaPc8I3s08KDPAFtQ&csui=3) (SERS): In some cases, older estates selected for SERS are acquired by the government for redevelopment, with compensation for owners, but this is a highly selective process. 

A home for everyone: Maintaining the quality and value of your flat - gov.sg

21 Nov 2024 — HDB flats are sold on a 99-year lease to serve the needs of owners and their children, while ensuring that land can be redeveloped and new flats whic...

gov.sg

LCL (Danny 心), [24/9/2025 11:46 am]

This means VERs objective must not compromise HDB original intent and mission of using HDB flats to shelter 2 generations of our population.

And a 99 year lease flat come with the intent of inheritance from parents to children.

VERs cannot compromise this principle.

LCL (Danny 心), [24/9/2025 11:46 am]

HDB website 

A home for everyone: Maintaining the quality and value of your flat | gov.sg 

HDB flats are sold on a 99-year lease to serve the needs of owners and their children, while ensuring that land can be redeveloped and new flats which cater to the needs of future generations can be built on them.

https://share.google/yP4n1yetzFYVcn9e6

Jun Ming, [24/9/2025 1:08 pm]

For hawker centre I heard the budget meal comes out on the hawker own expense

REACH Singapore, [24/9/2025 1:12 pm]

Dear Contributors,

Please take a moment to participate in our polls and share your opinion. The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous and you can choose more than one option. 

We look forward to hearing your thoughts on today’s topic!

💬 What are your thoughts on the issues to be discussed in Parliament today? Which area interests you the most?

Thank you.

Megan 😊

REACH Singapore, [24/9/2025 2:02 pm]

📢 Topic 📢

REACH Singapore, [24/9/2025 2:40 pm]

Private healthcare insurers urged to relook overly generous products: MOH

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/private-healthcare-insurers-urged-to-relook-overly-generous-products-moh

REACH Singapore, [24/9/2025 2:49 pm]

Dear Contributors,

We want to HEAR MORE from you!

💬 What are your thoughts on the issues to be discussed in Parliament today? Which area interests you the most?

We have had good feedback from this group, and we hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active! 

Do also share your opinion by participating in our polls! The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous.

Thank you!

Megan 😊

RY, [24/9/2025 2:52 pm]

Parliament Sitting 24 September 2025

https://youtube.com/live/N797yVCogXM?si=YIQHPxlY2LnI1STV

RY, [24/9/2025 2:53 pm]

Listening to the live in YT

Adam, [24/9/2025 2:55 pm]

"However, as insurers are the one paying for almost the entire bill, there is a tendency for over-servicing and unnecessary treatments.

Ms Rahayu said that data backs this up. The likelihood of a patient with a private hospital rider making a claim is 1.4 times that of one without a rider. The size of the claim is also, on average, about 1.4 times that of a claim from somebody without a rider. 

Adam, [24/9/2025 2:55 pm]

What argument is this? Is she telling people to go doctor less even if we feel sick?

Adam, [24/9/2025 2:56 pm]

Argh got accident. But cannot go doctor because wait time too long. Too expensive

Adam, [24/9/2025 2:56 pm]

Oh no got cold. Dun go doctor otherwise got covid and cannot travel

Adam, [24/9/2025 2:57 pm]

Dun go doctor to test for aids. Govt wont support and you will be in registry

Adam, [24/9/2025 2:59 pm]

Of course people will claim if they have the coverage. Otherwise why pay extra. We need to be concerned if they are unable to claim too

Adam, [24/9/2025 3:00 pm]

If they want to continue with this, i hope they elaborate on what this over-servicing and unnecessary treatments are

Adam, [24/9/2025 3:00 pm]

I would consider tcm as unecessary

Adam, [24/9/2025 3:00 pm]

Imagine if the gov tells singapore tcm is not necessary treatment

Adam, [24/9/2025 3:02 pm]

Overservicing? Im not sure what they mean too. Maybe private patients are entitled to the service of a personal room and toilet. Wholly unnecessary. Singaporeans only need a bunk and shared toilet like in army. No overservice

Adam, [24/9/2025 3:04 pm]

I also think the gov is focusing way too much on elderly and associated hospital cost

Adam, [24/9/2025 3:05 pm]

If the gov allows medisave to be spent on stuff for well being during adult years, maybe will be good

Adam, [24/9/2025 3:05 pm]

Its hard to keep healthy. Vegetable and fruit so expensive these days

Adam, [24/9/2025 3:06 pm]

What if cdc voucher exclusive for fruit and veg and healthy stuff redemption. Vet stores so that it serves at budget like at wet market. Not those hipster soy milk chia seed places

REACH Singapore, [24/9/2025 3:10 pm]

Socially conscious hawker centre model balances stallholder needs and operator flexibility: MSE

👉 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/hawkers-sehc-socially-conscious-bukit-canberra-5365701

RY, [24/9/2025 3:23 pm]

MOH may examine the rationale of the rising medishield premiums 

Is the private hospitals/clinics/Dr over-charging to certain extend ?

It is impt that MOH step forward to build a cost framework guide, so as to reduce some private enterprise overcharging .... 

Example - when patient discharge, the Discharge Memo shd be part of the discharge documents. However based on my personal experience, this private hospital did not pass to me upon discharge, and bec it is my 1st major surgery in private hospital, I didnt cross my mind that I have to ask, bec in govt hospitals discharge docs is auto-given upon discharge and dont require to ask. And I only realise it later when I require the discharge docs for some claimts. When I went back to this private hospital after my discharge, and request for my Discharge Memo, this private hospital ask me to pay hundreds for this Discharge Memo, and reason stating that I should have request for my discharge docs upon my hospital discharge day and not after, which I think is quite ridiculous. I learnt how profit-oriented is our SG private hospital, and to me this is over-charging to the patient

LCL (Danny 心), [24/9/2025 3:49 pm]

*Socially-Conscious Enterprise Hawker Centre (SEHC)*

1. I feel the SEHC objectives are to achieve :-

a. Social outcomes - to provide affordable food to lower income groups or vulnerables.

b. Make sufficient profit to sustain the SEHC business and make a living.

2. The 2 objectives are not mutually exclusive based on my observations around my neighbourhood. In fact, the 2 objectives complement one another.

3. Let me explain my observations.

4. Though my neighborhood food stalls are not SEHC operated, 3 stalls operate in SEHC mode - that is, they provide 1 budget meal ($3.50) - one nasi lemak, one bak chor mee stall and one wan tun mee stall.

5. I observe that both the nasi lemak and bak chor mees stall - that provide both budget meal and regular meal are doing very well. Reasons being :- 

a. Budget conscious customers will buy budget meal. 

As the price is quite affordable, many customers are attracted to the budget meal.

I noticed that the budget meal ingredients are minimal but still nutritious.

i. Nasi lemak budget meal is $3.50 (before covid it price at $3.40) - that comprise of coconut rice, 1 fried chicken wing, 1 fried egg and sprinkler of peauts plus lemak chilli. Very tasty and filling.

ii. Budget meal bak chor mee price at $3.50 (before covid $3) - comprise of kuay teow, mee por or mee kia with a few fish ball and some meat with a slice of vegetable plus soup - taste ok and filling.

Both stalls still make profit (long queue - I observe) because they operate at high volume, low price but still make profit.

iii. The wan tun mee stall budget meal ($3.50) - comprise of dry mee, few wan tung, 1 slice of vegetable --- though filling, don't taste as well.

Hence business is not doing as well compare to the above 2 stalls.

6. I also noticed that other customers also join the queue to buy higher price regular meal - eg. nasi lemak with other offerings like sausage, vege long bean, otak, fish cake, etc --- that can cost $5, $6, $7 etc depending on offerings.

Bak chor mee also sell other atas offerings like premium topups that can cost $5, $6 etc.

7. So my observation is that both SEHC mode of operation make these 2 stalls very profitable - nasi lemak employ 5 staff (& 1 lady boss).

Bak Chor mee has 2 staff and 1 boss.

These 2 stalls always long queue --- and I think they make good profit even though operating at SEHC mode.

Of course their foods also taste nice.

8. For me I bought hybrid - both budget meal and regular meal.

Budget meal for myself - to support the stall SEHC social-conscious cause.

Regular meal for my family members.

9. So some food activists conclusion that SEHC work against food stall owners interest and profitablility when commiting to social cause is not true based on my observations at my neighborhood.

10. SEHC food stall owners can achieve 2 objectives :-

a. Noble objective - to help lower income group and vulnerable --- the intent of noble cause must come from the "Heart".

b. Make sufficient profit to earn a living and continue with sustainable food business and provide good regular food to other customers that can afford.

REACH Singapore, [24/9/2025 4:01 pm]

📢 Topic 📢

LCL (Danny 心), [24/9/2025 4:11 pm]

*Affordable HealthCare Cost*

1. As all how human beings behaved with inherent 5 unwholesome streak  (贪嗔痴慢疑) - as long as human don't have to pay or co-pay - human will abuse the services provided - akin to a buffet style.

(That is, have tendency to over-eat, over-service as long as we don't pay, eat until you are full, over full - as long as you don't have to pay or co-pay the excess) ---- because of human greed.

2. Likewise, for healthcare services (which are costly) - whether medical test, medication or supplies - as long as patients don't have to pay or co-pay - patients will demand all sort of tests, medication or supplies - just to be safe, just want a peace of mind, just want some medication as backup even though doctor's professional assessment deem not necessary.

1 MRI screening can cost $1,100 even in public hospital.

3. Public hospital doctors are more professional, appropriate and have a tendency not to overservice - in fact advise against overservicing even though patients demand it, and will issue discharge (not keeping patients in bed longer than necessary) or even end the treatment when patients has recovered.

4. Notice that private doctors and hospitals are doing the opposite - that have a tendency to overservice, overcharge - as profit is at the top of their mind in addition to treating patients.

5. So if private insurers provide whole bill payment (with no element of co-payment by the patients) --- it will be a recipe of runaway healhcare cost :-

a. Private hospital and doctors will over service - because patients agree (since I don't pay mah - insurers pay).

b. Private hospital and doctors laughing into the bank - the more service though some are not necessary, the longer the hospital stay - they earned more.

c. Insurers with the inital objective to gain more customer and dominate the market share --- suddenly see a sharp spike in medical claims.

6. End up, to be profitable, insurers will drastically hike their annual premium.

This time, the patients lose - because every year they pay higher and higher premium.

Insurers will come to a point not to honour their medical insurance - because it is a runaway cost and poke big holes into their profit.

7. Finally it will hit the private hospital and doctors, and the patients and the insurers - all lose as the runaway healthcare cost is unsustainable.

End up patients cannot get affordable healthcare.

8. Hence the Government stamping its foot down on overgenerous healthcare insurance is a timely to arrest the healthcare abuse trigger by overgenerous medical insurance that is not sustainable.

LCL (Danny 心), [24/9/2025 4:37 pm]

*Autonomous Driverless AV vehicles*

1. The Acting Minister focusing on AV vehicles, MRT and public hires --- are the right focus in providing affordable transport to the whole public at large.

2. In fact, if our transport system do well in a reliable MRT and bus services - that can transport high volume of commuters.

3. Easy accessible private hires like AV vehicles, taxis and private hires 24 hours - for commuters that need private dedicated services on call :- eg.

a. Household that need to transport elderly or disabled for medical cares, to dedicated places.

b. Transport children to pre-schools, schools.

c. Buying groceries

d. Whole family go outing to any part of Singapore

4. Then it will be more superior than WP opposition alternative policy proposal to want the Nation and taxpayers to subsidise these groups for cheaper COE to own cars at the expenses of the whole population and taxpayers.

5. Imagine WP proposal that :-

a. COE bidders got to reduce COE quota and set aside COE to accomodate - household for elderly, school children, household that needs to buy groceries.

Which famiilies don't have elderly, school children and household that need to buy groceries?

Also what make these 3 categories of household special that need special treatment at the expense of the rest of taxpayers that need to subsidise their COEs while they enjoy their car ownership privilege and clog the roads?

Other needs not important? Eg. business or workers that need cars to travel excessively to bid for business and contribute to the Economy and GDP not important?

b. WP logic of carving out the COE needs for 3 special categories are flaw.

c. If special subsdies are accorded to these 3 categories for cheaper COE, it means :-

i. Lesser COE revenues are collected from COE - that means less money to improve the MRT, buses, AV vehicles, more MRT lines, newer buses and more AV vehicles to benefit the majority of the population - when these 3 categories enjoy the car ownership privilege.

ii. That means taxpayers money pay more tax - as tax revenue are channel to these WP identified 3 privilege groups - for car ownership.

iii. Other COE bidders will have even more reduced COE - due to quota eaten up by these 3 categories - resulting in even higher COE prices.

iv. More congestion to the roads contributed by the 3 categories - when they can take taxi, private hire, AV for specialised services shared by the public rather than have the whole car by themselves - and most of the time not used - unlike private hires.

v. Deprive business users and workers that need the cars to contribute to our GDP and Economy and keep many workers employed with jobs.

No jobs everyone suffer.

d. If these 3 categories feel strongly that only private cars can meet their needs - and even 24 hours on call taxis, private hire, AV cannot meet their dedicated specialised needs --- then they should be like other COE bidders - bid in the open COE bid.

Else just use the 24 hours oncall taxis, private hires or AV - cheaper, services available 24 hours - don't be a spoil brat to demand special privilege treatment at others' expense - because the excuse is very weak. 

If want special privilege, pay for it like others.

Don't insist on letting others that do not have such privileges to subsidize your car ownership privileges with weak sob stories.

WP in a jest to be socially compassionate has in fact introduced social injustice for the entire Nation by breaching the sound economic principles of allocation of scarce resources through fair competition that are used to meet social needs through easy and heavily subsidies public transport services benefiting everyone.

Sigh... WP alternative policy cannot make it.

LCL (Danny 心), [24/9/2025 4:47 pm]

Another issue that I wish to address - AI replacing human jobs:-

LCL (Danny 心), [24/9/2025 4:47 pm]

[23/09, 10:26 pm] Close friend: Tech Layoffs 2025: Google, Intel, Salesforce, Oracle lead job cuts as AI reshapes tech industry - Technology News | The Financial Express https://share.google/flVNSIY836XUlbJyO

[23/09, 10:26 pm] Close friend: Sad!

[23/09, 10:31 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: I think in US, CEOs using AI as an excuse to fire staff are getting serious.

They adopt a full techno pessimistic stance - that AI can fully replace staff which in reality is not true.

Because they spend huge money - billions of $ to invest in AI, and need to show shareholders the investment in AI bring productivity and profit.

That's why they fire staff to cut cost to show profit.

But in reality, AI have not bring out the productivity and outcome that can justify cutting of so many staff.

In fact, the quality in medium and long term output may deteriorate as AI hallucinate and produce errorneous output with no staff to rectify them.

The rectification cost later on could be mammoth not to mention reputation damage.

REACH Singapore, [24/9/2025 5:12 pm]

📺 Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is speaking in parliament during the debate on the President's address. This is the first time he is addressing Parliament at the start of the government term since becoming the Prime Minister.

Watch it here:

https://www.youtube.com/live/N797yVCogXM?si=P6PDLuYv629txTOV

RY, [24/9/2025 5:48 pm]

SEHC

So far, I only see 1 SEHC stall in most markets that I went to 

And bec it is economical value meal, hence most no choice in food selection

REACH Singapore, [24/9/2025 6:15 pm]

🎙️ Prime Minister Lawrence Wong spoke at Parliament earlier

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/guard-against-temptation-to-play-race-religion-card-in-future-elections-pm-wong

👉 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-must-guard-against-temptation-play-race-religion-card-lawrence-wong-5366111

REACH Singapore, [24/9/2025 6:18 pm]

[ Poll : Which part(s) of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's speech resonate most with you? (You may choose more than one option.) ]

- Building a “We-First” society 

- Guarding against attempted racial and religious divisions 

- Engaging Singaporeans to shape the future together

- Recognising that people have different gifts in jobs and education 

- Conducting politics with seriousness, integrity and responsibility for longer-term interests 

- Others (please state in the chat)

Jun Ming, [24/9/2025 6:39 pm]

My interpretation of We first society that gov may wants to consider 

1.) build good infrastructure for good convenience ( mrt, pathway) 

2.) make Singaporean life easier so Singaporean can pursue non materialistic things like higher value etc

Jun Ming, [24/9/2025 6:40 pm]

Perhaps define what includes in the we

Jun Ming, [24/9/2025 6:40 pm]

Does we include foreigners

Jun Ming, [24/9/2025 6:41 pm]

Everybody?

Jun Ming, [24/9/2025 6:41 pm]

Then what the purpose of we first

Jun Ming, [24/9/2025 6:42 pm]

Is this more of a tagline or what do gov indent to do for we first

REACH Singapore, [24/9/2025 6:51 pm]

Dear Contributors,

⏰ We will be closing the chat in 10 minutes ⏰

Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

LCL (Danny 心), [24/9/2025 6:51 pm]

I think the "we" tell us to reflect when proposing or coining a policy:-

1. Should not think of self, me, I.

2. But should include "All of us in Singapore" - "We".

The starting point should be:-

1. Mutual benefits.

2. Win-win outcomes.

Not:-

1. I benefits only.

2. Win-lose outcome (I win, everyone lose).

If such "We" mindset is inherent in everyone, then every policy coin or propose will achieve the benefits of:-

1. Mutual benefits.

2. Win-win outcomes.

LCL (Danny 心), [24/9/2025 6:53 pm]

1. It is not a literal interpretation - confine to which group.

2. It is a wholesome mindset independent of literal groups.

LCL (Danny 心), [24/9/2025 6:56 pm]

If this topic is raised tomorrow, a more in-depth discussion can take place.

It is a profound mindset.

Not a literal interpretation based on the word.

LCL (Danny 心), [24/9/2025 6:57 pm]

上度，下度。

横度， 竖度。

LCL (Danny 心), [24/9/2025 6:58 pm]

Up, down.

Horizontal, vertical.

REACH Singapore, [24/9/2025 6:59 pm]

Dear Contributors

We will be closing the chat for today.

Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

====

 After note :-

*"We" Concept*

1. Let us discuss the concept of "We" in policy formulation coin by our Government for Parliament 2025.

2. "We" in layman terms can also be referred to as "Empathy" - ability to stand into others' shoes while standing in your own shoes to look at issues and coining solutions or policies taking into consideration our own interests and others' interests into account as a starting point.

Hence any solutions and policies coming from the "We mindset" will benefits everyone including ourselves.

3. This encompasses the virtue of understanding and employing the "Larger whole" (the Greater Wheel) is more important than our own "selfish interest - that benefits only me or I (the Smaller Wheel).

4. Hence, we can visualise the extrapolation of "We" thoughts:-

a. Beginning with one point (Self interest) 。(one-pointedness)

b. Extend upwards, downwards, horizontally, vertically (上度，下度。横度， 竖度。)  + (Cross)
i. top people that can make decision and higher income groups;
ii. lower hierarchy that include lower income groups;
(both form the verticals),
iii. horizontally - our peers, middle income groups

c. And then transform into extending into the well beings of ( 三百六十度，无所不度。）🛞 (Greater Wheel)
i. all rounded considerations 360 degree - a wheel - every residents, citizens, PRs  &/or foreigners.
ii. also include animals, cats, dogs, wild animals.
iii. extending into global climate, coastal protection
iv. relationship and well being with foreign Countries, leaders and their countrymen.

5. In profound form, "We" concept of a person must encompass 3 important attributes :-
a. Selfless (ability to empathise not only with self, but also others)

b. Compassion (all policies must be compassionate - to bring positive outcomes to self and others, and must not cause harm or miseries to others while benefitting self)

c. Anchor on Wisdom - hence coming out with wholesome solutions or policies that is a workable one, balanced ones, based on merits and trade off (with selfless and compassion disposition).
The Enlightened Mind.

6. And if a person is able to consistently, inherently, mindfully employing the "We" concept based on all the above considerations - then policies and solutions coined - will be a wholesome one that include the merits of :
i. Win-win outcomes
ii. Mutual benefits
iii. Ability to competently resolve issues with minimal adverse side effects.

This is the profound explanation of "We" concept in respond to PM Lawrence Wong statement in Parliament.

Addressing parliament in his first speech at the start of the term of government since becoming prime minister, Mr Wong added: “We will strive to create more fulfilling lives for you. And not just for a few among you, but for all of you."

The PM spoke about a “we first” society at his National Day Rally speech in August, Mr Wong urged Singaporeans to embrace their individuality and help everyone be the best possible versions of themselves.

“At the same time, we have to look out for one another and lift each other up. Only then can we be greater than the sum of our parts,” he added.

Source :- CNA news

----

"Revolution for kindness? MPs suggest support for Singapore’s youth on day 3 of President’s Address debate".

Compassion - & We (No Self) - the 2 Enlightenment attributes - become Parliament 2025 ethos.
----

However, I will like to propose a complete 3 Enlightenment attributes that form the Greater Wheel in policy making.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/kindess-bullying-jobs-youth-young-parents-technology-president-address-debate-5366731#:~:text=Revolution%20for%20kindness%3F%20MPs%20suggest%20support%20for%20Singapore%E2%80%99s%20youth%20on%20day%203%20of%20President%E2%80%99s%20Address%20debate

----

心法:
 -----       -----      -----               --
|    |        |     |    |     |         -         -
|    |        |     |    |     |        -            -
|    |        |     |    |     |         -          -
 -----       -----       -----              --

Wis.     No.      Compa.      Great
dom.   Self.     ssion.         Wheel


The Enlightened Mind ("We" Concept).

Visualization on Singapore coast line - the MBS 3 Towers + Skywheel as inspiration on the "We Concept".

----

To highlight 3 examples to illustrate the interplay of the 3 inherent attributes of an individual keeping in mind the Greater Wheel - the profound concept of the "We" mindset.

(No intention to offend anyone)
3 examples for illustration only.

1. Eg. Coe cars for 3 privileged categories -
got  *compassion* but misplaced.

Lack *selfless* (empathy) for the rest that are subsidizing the few privilege groups, reduce coe revenue to build more public transport infrastructure like more MRT lines, buses and AV that will benefit everyone.

Lack *wisdom* - fail to realise business and workers need cars to seal business deals and secure jobs. Without jobs, the 3 categories will not have money to pay for transport not to mention subsidized coe car.
Fail to realise the 3 categories have access to chauffeured dedicated service provided by taxi, private hires and in future AV without the need to buy high price cars and subsidized by taxpayers for privilege coe.

2. Healthcare insurance abuse.
Lack *selflessness* (empathy for others) - benefits self only through buffet style service.

Lack *compassion* - drive up health cost until become unsustainable - others suffer.

Lack *wisdom* - fail to understand - self indulgence backfire until premium driven sky high, insurers refuse to honour payment - self left with nothing or get shortchange by the insurers eventually. End up insurers, private hospitals, patients that pay high premium all lose. Lose-Lose-Lose outcome.

3. VERs for 1st generation -
*Selflessness* - ensure fiscal budget sustainability.

Lack *compassion* for 2nd generation that will be homeless when VERs kick in.

*Wisdom* - lack foresight of the needs for 2nd generation that have been paid for in the parents purchase of house - but when VERs kick in got shortchange, lose shelter and need to cough out big amount of money for another shelter at advanced age losing their life savings to service their remaining life.

Hence the above illustration demonstrate the importance interplay of the 3 vital Enlightenment attributes *(Selflessness, Compassion, Wisdom)* to achieve the *Greater Wheel* (Nation & the Society's needs) - the "We mindset" - that if fulfillment of the larger whole - will achieve the sums of all the parts (including our own interests).

This is the profound concept of the "We" mindset.

----

1. No politicians will make speeches and discuss by breaking the "We" concept to such level of details - as it could offend their voters.

2. But to effectively explain the profound concept of "We mindset" to enhance public understanding - there is a need to use real life examples of the process of policy making - dissect it, break it down to such level of details - because the "We mindset" is a mental cognitive psychological process that encompass the interplay of 3 subtle wholesome mental faculties - Selfless, Compassion and Wisdom to achieve the larger goal of the Greater Wheel.

3. However to emphasize, the discussion focus on the respective topics - the merits and pitfalls of each solutions (when the 3 attributes interplay at the background) that result in the outcomes and make no reference to any personality.

4. Thinking aloud, the "We" mindset when dissect into the 3 discrete faculties - can help policy makers perform structured decision making using various case studies in Civil Service College for every policies formulation and then subject to peer review, robust debate, challenges and verification to ensure all coined policies can withstand the test when benchmark against the 3 attributes - Selflessness, Compassion and Wisdom - that contribute to the Greater Goal (Greater Wheel).

5. Then the final baseline policy will be able to withstand the veracity of the"We" mindset comprising the attributes of :-
a. Empathy - through Selflessness.
b. Compassion
c. Workable solution - through Wisdom (Competency)
d. That meets the larger goal of the entire population - through the Greater Wheel - whereby benefits are not confine to a small privileged group or few individuals (the Smaller Wheel).

----

REACH (Telegram) 97 -   What are your thoughts on the issues to be discussed in Parliament today? Which area interests you the most?

(SK)

23 Sep 2025 (10am - 7pm)

REACH (Telegram)

REACH Singapore, [23/9/2025 9:53 am]

Dear Contributors,

Welcome Back! 😊

⏰ We will be opening the chat from 10am to 7pm today. ⏰

House Rules (short version of our Terms of Use) to keep in mind:

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2. Any and all threatening, abusive, vulgar or racially, religiously and ethnically objectionable content is prohibited. 

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4. No need to repeat your comment or in different forms (including caps) - we heard you loud and clear the first time. 

5. Let's protect each other's privacy and keep contact details in this group what it should always be - confidential. 

Full set of Terms of Use: https://www.reach.gov.sg/Participate/reach-telegram-group/REACH-Telegram-Group-Chat-Terms-of-Use/

We will strive to uphold these rules to ensure this is a safe space for all. 

Please be assured that the points made by participants during the chat are aggregated and shared with relevant agencies. 

The topic will be posted shortly. 

Thank you. 

Megan 😊

REACH Singapore, [23/9/2025 10:00 am]

📢 Topic 📢

Parliament will sit today (23 Sep) at 11.30am. Members of Parliament will be raising questions on a number of issues such as jobs, housing and manpower.

💬 What are your thoughts on the issues to be discussed in Parliament today? Which area interests you the most?

📌 SkillsFuture

All Singaporeans aged 40 and above received in May 2024 a $4,000 SkillsFuture Credit top-up to refresh their skills and progress in their careers. The credit, which does not expire, can be used for more than 7,000 courses. These courses include degree programmes by institutes of higher learning and SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme courses, which grew in number from 179 to 239 in 2024. These courses help mid-career workers transit into in-demand sectors. The majority of these learners took up IT-related courses, in areas such as artificial intelligence, cyber security and digital marketing.

Dr Charlene Chen and Mr Patrick Tay have submitted questions on the employment outcomes for persons who took up SkillsFuture courses in terms of employability and wages. The questions also focus on whether certain segments of workers have less success in securing jobs despite taking such courses and if MOM intends to ease this situation. 

📌 GRIT

Under the Graduate Industry Traineeships (GRIT) scheme up to 800 traineeships will be offered by private firms and the public sector from October 2025 amid concerns from fresh graduates about a tepid job market. Trainees will receive allowances that range from S$1,800 (US$1,400) to S$2,400 per month depending on the scope of each traineeship. WSG will work together with various agencies to identify companies in growth sectors such as financial services, information and communication technology, and manufacturing and wholesale trade. 

Apart from placements in these private sector companies, there will be a separate GRIT@Gov scheme, which is coordinated by PSD, to support trainees in public sector agencies.

A few MPs will be asking questions on how GRIT will help ameliorate issues of lower full-time employment of students graduating from Institutes of Higher Learning while ensuring the quality of the traineeships provided. They will also be asking how the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) intends to to setup guardrails to ensure that courses remain meaningful to students and not appear to become cost-savings for companies.

📌 HDB Rental and Affordability

Rental rates have more than doubled for privately held HDB shop units, particularly over the past year, while rents for shops directly leased out by HDB have mostly held steady. Median rentals for heartland shops held by private landlords rose from $3.51 per sq ft (psf) in the second quarter of 2024 to $7.34 psf in the second quarter of 2025. Meanwhile, shops directly rented out by HDB have seen rents rise at a more gradual rate. HDB said for nine in 10 of such shops have remained largely unchanged over the past five years. HDB shop units can either be rented from private owners or the state. In 1998, the Government stopped selling HDB shop units to private owners, and the board now rents them out directly. HDB said this gives it the “flexibility to better curate the trade mix of shops” and respond to residents’ needs.

Some MPs have submitted questions on this issue ranging from HDB’s efforts to keep the rent of HDB shops affordable, in particular those selling cooked food or providing medical services to approaches to keep rental rates in check.

📌 VERS

Under both Sers and Vers, the Government takes back flats before the end of their 99-year lease to redevelop them and meet housing needs. While Sers is a compulsory scheme, which gives the Government full discretion on which HDB precincts to redevelop, Vers will involve home owners of selected precincts that are aged about 70 and up choosing if they want their homes to be acquired by the Government for redevelopment, before their leases run out. The terms of Vers have not been finalised.

REACH Singapore, [23/9/2025 10:01 am]

“In this term of government, our aim is to develop and flesh out the Vers framework,” said National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat to local media outlets in an interview on Aug 5 2025. Mr Chee said that before Vers is launched in the 2030s, the authorities will seek Singaporeans’ views and feedback on the scheme. He noted that Vers is a “very long-term, very complex policy that will not only have to be fair to the current generation of flat owners, but must also be financially sustainable for future generations”.

Mr Foo Cexiang submitted a question on whether the Ministry’s plan to only select certain HDB precincts for Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS) will result in VERS having a lottery effect and whether the Ministry can design VERS to apply to all HDB flats. Mr Low Wu Yang Andre submitted questions on how the Ministry of National Development define and quantify the less generous compensation terms of VERS as compared to SERS, in relation to a flat’s market value. He also asked about the safeguards that will protect homeowners whose VERS compensation could be lower than their outstanding mortgage.

👉 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/traineeship-employment-fresh-graduate-economic-uncertainty-5306581?cid=internal_sharetool_iphone_23092025_cna

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/more-people-tap-skillsfuture-programmes-in-2024-amid-stronger-support-for-mid-career-workers

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/housing/first-voluntary-redevelopment-projects-for-hdb-flats-likely-to-be-launched-in-first-half-of-2030s

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/housing/rents-for-privately-held-hdb-shops-double-in-past-year-prices-hold-steady-for-those-leased-from-hdb

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/moh-hdb-to-trial-price-quality-method-tender-approach-for-bartley-beacon-gp-clinic

----

Daniel, [23/9/2025 10:20 am]

VERS scares me a bit. Let me explain: We own an HDB flat with the lease lasting us until old age (96 years). That's an arrangement that works for us, as it means we have a place to live up to an age where we will be unlikely be able to live on our own. With VERS however, it could mean that (based on the possibility of being outvoted by the neighbours) we will have to look for a new flat in our 60s or 70s with limited funds, meaning we're having to budget for that in our retirement planing. This uncertainty (as opposed to the certainty of the fixed 99 year lease) is a bit stressful.

REACH Singapore, [23/9/2025 11:00 am]

[ Poll : Which issue(s) are you most interested in for today's Parliament sitting? Share your reasons in the chat! (You may choose more than one option.) ]

- Support for Jobs: GRIT & SkillsFuture

- VERS

- Rental and affordability of HDB shops

- Others (Please share your views in the chats below)

365, [23/9/2025 11:02 am]

Uncertainty will be what impedes VERS. At an old age, people just want a home that they don't have to worry about. My suggestion for VERS compensation is to make it akin to CPF Life, whereby there will be a flat available with no additional out-of-pocket expense for the aged person as long as they continue living. 

To prevent abuse:

- This flat cannot be sold, or rented out, and can only be returned to the government. 

- It has to be the main place of residence for the one who took up VERS.

- It cannot be inherited by descendants, only by the legal spouse at the time of application, and spouse has to be aged >=60 at time of application as well. 

- If no available person to inherit, the flat will be returned to the government.

- Leeway and special considerations can be made for disabled children, this aspect can be discussed further.

REACH Singapore, [23/9/2025 11:02 am]

Dear Contributors,

Please take a moment to participate in our polls and share your opinion. The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts on today’s topic!

💬 What are your thoughts on the issues to be discussed in Parliament today? Which area interests you the most?

Thank you.

Megan

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 11:03 am]

1. GRIT is certainly a good programme that gives job opportunities for fresh graduates with difficulties in applying for jobs a chance for traineeships and employment.

2. It gives hope to fresh graduates rather than struggling in sending hundreds of resumes or attending multiple job interviews with no results.

3. Hopefully, GRIT traineeship will eventually provide a pathway for trainees to convert into meaningful permanent jobs.

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 11:10 am]

1. Next I want to comment about many local restaurants and f&b folding up - quite a many are famous.

2. I think we need to think of ways keep them - else all the local flavour foods will be gone in no time - and we lose our food cultural heritage.

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 11:12 am]

[16/09, 4:15 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: "Singapore food suppliers face late payments, falling revenues as more restaurants close.

Suppliers say customers are stretching payment terms from 30 days to as long as four months, putting their cash flow under strain."

 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/fb-food-suppliers-revenue-delayed-payments-5349901#:~:text=Singapore%20food%20suppliers,flow%20under%20strain.

[16/09, 5:35 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: Don't know why Singapore f&b come under such pressure.

[16/09, 5:41 pm] Close friend: Actually business no good on weekdays. How to survive on just 2 good days per week.

[16/09, 5:42 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: Yes.

I noticed food court, neighbourhood coffeeshops good business.

But restaurants many struggling.

[16/09, 5:45 pm] Close friend: Not just the price but how to stomach rich food everyday even if one can afford?

[16/09, 5:46 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: Hmm...

True. Can't be eating good food everyday.

I think intense competition also another factor - coming from overseas very big food chain.

[16/09, 5:46 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: Our local flavour could be ease out.

[16/09, 6:17 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: Thinking aloud, for Singapore restaurant to survive, they should also run food stalls in food court chains to offer affordable foods rather than just relying on the restaurant business.

I notice Putien, Pepper lunch do that.

Some food stalls also run chain food stalls in multiple food court like Amah mian, Bao yu mian, Chinatown duck rice etc.

I think this is the only way for Singapore f&b to survive and preserve the local flavour foods.

[16/09, 11:02 pm] Close friend: Yes, offer lower cost avenues. Same good taste but less ingredients or smaller portions in more accessible venues like food court.

[16/09, 11:03 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: Yes.

I think most such stalls in food court very profitable because many people patronize their stall.

Pepper lunch alot of students, Malays, young people and office workers like.

Always long queue.

[16/09, 11:05 pm] Close friend: For most people, premium food, premium location only for special occasion.

[16/09, 11:06 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: Yes.

Not many people can afford restaurants.

Only once in a while.

But in food court, it is like daily meal.

365, [23/9/2025 11:12 am]

I have not tried skillsfuture yet, I think I have made this same suggestion previously, if there isn't already such a system, apologies if my wording is confusing:

- companies can indicate courses which skills they want candidates from. Specific courses and course providers instead of just general skills as quality can differ from provider to provider.

- citizens can view what courses companies are interested in, along with the job vacancies they have, so they can have more assurance of landing a job after taking said courses (still not 100% as there's interview and competition with other candidates)

This also incentivise course provider to provider higher quality courses, so more companies would want them, and in turn more people would want to pick their course.

You have to give a vision to people for them to pick up the courses and start learning new skills. If they can't see that it can help them, then there's less likelihood of them bothering with skillsfuture.

E.g. Company A needs someone skilled in cloud computing, sees provider X, Y and Z providing such courses, but is only satisfied with X and Y. So they indicate the cloud courses of X and Y as preferred. Prospective candidates see there's available positions and a provider, then start picking up the cloud courses from X and Y, and can match what company A is looking for, increasing their chance of landing a job. Provider Z sees few uptakes on their course and is incentivised to improve it.

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 11:27 am]

Propose a refinement to descendants not allow to stay in vers flats except spouse.

1. What happens if there are descendants not married staying in vers flats - and are ask to vacate?

2. Descendants staying in vers flats should be allowed to continue staying until end of life or end of flat lease or marriage and applying for their own flats.

3. Else they will be left homeless.

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 11:35 am]

4. Because a 99 year lease flat is meant to house 2 generations - parents and children (unless married).

5. Those children who stay single to take care of their parents are staying in the same flat.

6. If parents passed away after vers, cannot be a situation whereby the children are chased out of the house as they cannot inherit the vers flat?

365, [23/9/2025 11:43 am]

The expectation is a normal able-bodied adult single/couple have their own flat. The compensation flat has no fixed lease life, but works like CPF Life, until the flatholder (as a couple) passes on. My thought process is to provide this assurance to them in their later years. Since there's no fixed lease life, so it should not be passed down to descendants, as it'll be another lottery situation.

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 11:45 am]

1. One important consideration that I forgotten to mention about Gaza.

2. I feel our Foreign Minister conditions for supporting 2-State solution - that PA must be ready to govern without militant Hamas are extremely important.

3. Because imagine if Hamas are left to be independent and govern Gaza fully arms and promoting terrorism ideologies like ISIS, Al-Qaeda?

4. It will not only pose danger to Israel, but also all the neighbouring Arab countries.

5. What happens if Hamas promote their terrorism ideologies on the online web and influence our youth here to commit terrorism?

6. Hence I concur with our Government views that militants through terrorism and force must not be allowed to govern Gaza - unless moderates like PA take over, else the world will become more dangerous.

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 11:48 am]

That means vers is a mean to chase out single adult who are taking care of their parents who may be in the middle age with not so much saving.

And the flats with say 10 to 20 years lease will last them through their end of life.

Then vers become a disincentive for occupants to vote in favour because it impacts the middle age lives.

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 11:51 am]

1. That is without vers, these middle age single adults can stay until end of lives after their parents passed on.

2. With vers they are left with no house and yet have to fork out a big sum of money at 50 plus or 69 years old with little savings.

3. So vers become a cruel programme that should not even be design in the 1st place because the descendants become worse off.

365, [23/9/2025 12:02 pm]

We can do a special consideration for caregiver children then, similar to disabled children. But there needs to be a set of conditions to prevent abuse. If not they can easily abuse this by suddenly becoming caregivers when their parents are in very poor health already, inherit the flat, while having another flat or even condo outside.

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 12:03 pm]

1. Or another way to see it, a 99 year lease flat suppose to house parents and children.

2. Some are married, some stay single to take care of parents.

3. That means the 99 year lease flat suppose to be an inheritance flat for the children staying with parents that can house 2 generations.

4. But come end of lease and need to regenerate the lease flats that are ending but still enough remaining lease for the 2nd generation to live before passing.

5. So to solve the lease decay, the inheritance to 2nd generation suddenly cannot inherit with the introduction of vers - to chase out the 2nd generation - who left with nothing.

6. No flat as shelter to stay in after their parents passing, no cash from converting to vers, and with little savings to buy a new flats at old age that could be in the late 50s or early 60s with little chance of finding employment, borrow loans to buy a flat?

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 12:04 pm]

So adults with not disabled but no means to buy a new flat chase out of vers and become homeless?

Without vers, they still can stay in their flat until lease decay?

365, [23/9/2025 12:04 pm]

Basically the intent is to make is provide assurance for aged people to not worry over their flats, while preventing abuse. I'm open to more ideas for this. Need to manage the lease life issue also if they are inheriting after providing the "unlimited" lease life

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 12:06 pm]

Not unlimited lease life but the 2 generations inheritance.

There are many households of such nature.

Cannot be solving a lease decay but bring untold hardships who are still staying in the flat without recourse.

365, [23/9/2025 12:06 pm]

My understanding is that VERS is provided for those flats that's very near end of life. And as with many policies, there will be some that are affected aversely compared to the majority of the public, and it's something they have to prepare for.

365, [23/9/2025 12:07 pm]

Yes, it may disincentivise such cases, but how many more will agree

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 12:08 pm]

If I am not wrong, vers start with 20 years remaining lease and the children can be at late 50 s or 60 years.

There are many households of such categories.

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 12:10 pm]

Then what is your propose solutions for such big groups of children who are aged left with no flats to stay with little savings?

Short of letting them stay in the park homeless?

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 12:13 pm]

When you mention such categories are minority, Google AI say 546,183 are singles and in such categories.

Almost half a million people potentially homeless through vers.

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 12:24 pm]

And these singles are now in their early 30s or late 20s.

365, [23/9/2025 12:26 pm]

And they have time to earn money to buy their own flats. Socially the trend and expectation is at least after 35, they'll be having their own flats. There's a normalcy expectation as well.

365, [23/9/2025 12:27 pm]

I don't think there's any wrong with expecting fully able-bodied adults to be able to get their own flats, bto 2 room flexi can be under 200k, before grants.

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 12:28 pm]

I think any government of the day will not fall into this political trap of vers.

Because no government can take such political risk by introducing such a cruel programme - to chase out people when they have sufficient lease to last them through.

Think carefully about the consequences.

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 12:28 pm]

I agree with you on many topics.

But not this one.

365, [23/9/2025 12:29 pm]

As long as the scheme can avoid abuse, I'm open to more ideas outside of this

365, [23/9/2025 12:30 pm]

I'm primarily concerned with only 2 things for VERS, assurance for elderly, and avoiding abuse.

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 12:31 pm]

This is not abuse.

Without vers, 2nd generation can stay until end of life, end of lease.

With vers, their Entitlement is rip off. That is they are being abused.

So must as well no vers.

Just let the lease lapse and then rebuild.

365, [23/9/2025 12:37 pm]

I guess that depends on the remaining lease life of existing flats eligible for VERS already. If it's not sustaining past life expectancy, then this will incentivise them, regardless of 2nd generation. If the lease life of existing flats is still long, then this scheme won't incentivise.

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 12:37 pm]

So basically, a policy if coin must be of equal benefits or better off.

It can't be worst off.

And "We Empathy" must be the values of each proposal.

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 12:39 pm]

All lease at present are 40 years left or longer.

The impact is on all the singles who are late 20s and early 30 years old.

If your proposal is push through, then no point talking about vers.

Let the lease decay and lapse then rebuild.

The vers don't incentivise lease renewal - it punish occupants.

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 12:49 pm]

Actually your idea is not without merits as long as you are willing to tweak your proposal to :-

1. Descendants staying with parents (usually around late 50s to 60s) should be allowed to stay in vers flats until their end of lives.

2. Then this policy will equal to if no vers is implemented - as the 2nd generation can stay on the decaying flats until they passed away at their 80s.

3. However if the 2nd generation live beyond 80 years old, usually government will find a rental flat for them until they passed away.

4. With vers, the 2nd generation should allow to stay beyond 80s into 90s until they passed away - about 10 years away - before government reacquired the vers flat.

5. Then this vers policy is a policy that improves on the current 99 years lease policy and deserves merit and vers should be promoted.

6. It is not an abuse but making the new policy equal or better - with consideration due to social requirements.

7. Then Government of the day will stand rock solid with no political backlash.

Jun Ming, [23/9/2025 1:16 pm]

But you see most people stays in HDB. How Vers work if only 1 occupant volunteer to do so

Jun Ming, [23/9/2025 1:17 pm]

And how if 1 occupant don't volunteer to do so

Jun Ming, [23/9/2025 1:18 pm]

Unless it can do so within a unit

Daniel, [23/9/2025 1:23 pm]

I think it's on a per block basis. Same as HUP.

Jun Ming, [23/9/2025 1:24 pm]

So if every occupant volunteer but I don't volunteer I will have the whole block to myself?

Jun Ming, [23/9/2025 1:26 pm]

You can see from china a lot of 钉子户

Jun Ming, [23/9/2025 1:27 pm]

Or gov is just playing the game of money?

Daniel, [23/9/2025 1:28 pm]

More like if 70% of your neighbours agree to it then you have to go along (like en-bloc sale).

Daniel, [23/9/2025 1:29 pm]

I think the voting threshold is not fixed yet.

Jun Ming, [23/9/2025 1:30 pm]

Then that's quite scary

Jun Ming, [23/9/2025 1:54 pm]

Because young people maybe able to afford to move but old people will have memories. Some people got their house from their passed away parents and being single. So they will need to downgrade or rent houses?

Jun Ming, [23/9/2025 1:55 pm]

Not sure how govt deal with single people in sers

Jun Ming, [23/9/2025 1:56 pm]

Oh I searched they eligible for housing

REACH Singapore, [23/9/2025 2:03 pm]

📢 Topic 📢

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 2:18 pm]

Also before announcement of vers 546,183 singles stay with their parents - but some may want to apply for flats.

But if vers is announced and the intent is to chase out singles who stay with their parents upon passing, then suddenly you will see all the 546,183 applying for flats (if they can afford it) - resulting in a spike in demand for HDB flats putting further strains on housing supply, spike in housing prices, panic for those who cannot afford to buy a HDB flat and Singapore lands quickly depleted due to sudden load of 1/2 million people demands for housing.

And worst, infringe on filial piety whereby children are taught to take care of their parents.

Imagine the consequences of vers if not carefully thought through?

Government of the day will lose power not 20 years down the road but upon the announcement of vers because not only 546,183 will vote against vers but including their parents about 1 million voters - in total 1.5 million voters.

This is the effect of not carefully thinking through a policy with far reaching consequences.

Adam, [23/9/2025 2:27 pm]

Just throwing it out there. What if we let foreigners and prs buy short lease flats? Singaporeans can cash out flat with little lease to buy new flat only for singaporeans. Foreigners who buy are effectively renting a flat which will eventually have no value.

Adam, [23/9/2025 2:39 pm]

Maybe also can loosen eip too to increase pool of buyers

Adam, [23/9/2025 2:40 pm]

Pap of old always said hdb is good investment. Let singaporeans cash out and give foreigners the hot potato

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 3:22 pm]

1,700 more unemployed graduates in 2025 cohort led to increased sense of job competition: Tan See Leng - CNA.

There were about 2,400 more fresh graduates who had entered the labour force instead of taking a break or pursuing further studies as of June, compared to the same time last year, he told parliament.

 https://share.google/jGy95F7SD3PghPzQJ

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 3:24 pm]

So the GRIT traineeship programme can only absorb 800 trainees.

900 fresh graduates still got no jobs....

Hmm...

Jun Ming, [23/9/2025 3:50 pm]

I don't understand on chase out single who stay with parents

Jun Ming, [23/9/2025 3:51 pm]

To me my understanding be it sers or vers it's one to one exchange of flats that need to top up money to buy a one

Jun Ming, [23/9/2025 3:53 pm]

So for vers it's the same as sers so the whole flat no more need to buy a new one. Then buy a new one and stay with parents lah

Jun Ming, [23/9/2025 3:54 pm]

But the demand of flats will definitely increase as single can allow to buy 5 room flats?

Jun Ming, [23/9/2025 3:58 pm]

Once again I don't see much difference in work study programme as it is not a free pass to enter the company. You still need to go through interview and selection program

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 4:01 pm]

If this is the condition, then no issue.

But another participant suggest that vers only meant for parents and no inheritance to children.

If parents passed away, vers lease lapse and surviving children not allowed to stay in the vers flat.

Children need to buy own single flat - 3 room flat.

You ok with it?

REACH Singapore, [23/9/2025 4:03 pm]

📢 Topic 📢

Jun Ming, [23/9/2025 4:04 pm]

Of course not then no one will opt for vers

Jun Ming, [23/9/2025 4:05 pm]

If not like I see some people use their 90 year old parent name to apply a hdb

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 4:05 pm]

Conversely if no vers, assume still got 20 years remaining lease, surviving children can still stay in the flat until 20 years lease expire or children passing.

Then if still surviving - children about 80 + years old, government will provide rental flats for surviving children until passing.

So if vers don't serve its purpose of solving decaying lease and providing shelter - then why vers?

Vers become a political hot potato.

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 4:07 pm]

Exactly, this is what my whole arguments is about.

The vers is not serving its purpose of solving decaying lease and providing shelter - but a tool to chase out the children generation - those in their late 20s now and 30s onwards.

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 4:11 pm]

At least the openings are available and fresh graduates still got a chance to go interview and convince potential employers.

But now hundreds of resumes can go into a black holes with no response - no chance to even get an interview.

Jun Ming, [23/9/2025 4:19 pm]

Maybe it's better for 1-1 exchange?(Allocate a recommended unit, top up if want to choose another unit) Regardless of marriage or single. As a few siblings can still stay within

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 4:20 pm]

If vers is like that, then many people will opt for vers.

Then comes the sustainability of fiscal budget to fund vers.

Jun Ming, [23/9/2025 4:22 pm]

Cause I understand the new bto usually have more units de so totally can

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 4:26 pm]

Don't know until more information on vers is out.

My intuition tells me that vers is not a honey to amortize your flat as assets and convert into a cash cow, it will come with conditions.

Until we know what are all the terms and conditions in vers, before we can analyse it and come to a good conclusion to go vers or not.

Don't expect vers to be like condo enbloc whereby the enbloc heavily favour the occupants - akin to amortizing the condo assets and convert into a cash cow through collective sales.

Jun Ming, [23/9/2025 4:27 pm]

For HDB rent unit there should have a cap or a framework to limit the price.

Jun Ming, [23/9/2025 4:27 pm]

The price I see in news is insane

Jun Ming, [23/9/2025 4:27 pm]

How can businesses sustain in such high rental over 10k

Jun Ming, [23/9/2025 4:28 pm]

How does that encourage entrepreneurship in Singapore where there's no room for failure

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 4:39 pm]

1. I am particularly interested in DPM Gan Kim Yong Parliament speech on growing our GDP by additional 1% through advanced tech, AI, Quantum Computing, advanced manufacturing, advanced biotech, green sustainability - that can even be transformed into new industries - to spur high value added growth.

2. Hope to have more information how this can be done?

3. Real life examples to highlight such development will be good.

4. For example, is this done through our startups? Or through our SMEs, or through our GLCs, or through foreign investors like MNCs or foreign start-ups or through our R&D entities?

5. Which markets or countries or business or consumers or our domestic equivalent will absorb or demand such advanced outputs?

Any supporting industries that are build alongside these advanced industries?

6. IHL producing graduates to support these advanced industries?

7. The projection of GDP numbers in billions or multi billions $ that amount to 1% GDP - about $187 to $200 billions per year.

(Assumption of my computation:-

3% contribute $560 billions to $600 billions GDP per year.

Additional 1% contribute another $187 to $200 billions more to the GDP.)

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 4:59 pm]

If I read and remember the past news correctly, government does provide an option not to vers if majority vote against it.

1. That is 20 years before lease decay, allocate funds to do HIP III that will last until the flat 99 years and then acquire, knock down and rebuild.

2. But no mention what happens to surviving occupants when 99 years expires.

Hence I propose government must set aside rental flats for surviving occupants mostly at the age of 80 years or older where they only have a decade more to live.

Asking these occupants to apply for a bto or buy a resale flats at that advanced age should be out of the equation - as good as telling them to live in the park.

LCL (Danny 心), [23/9/2025 5:21 pm]

1. If I am not wrong, there is one stretch of landed houses whereby their leases of 99 years run out.

2. There are a few surviving occupants of advanced ages.

3. If I am not wrong, their MPs manage to find rental flats for the surviving occupants through the government - and solve their shelter problem without having to chase out of their houses and live in a park.

REACH Singapore, [23/9/2025 6:02 pm]

Dear contributors, in case you missed it, here are some updates from the debate so far:

👉🏻 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/ong-ye-kung-workers-party-ge2025-racial-politics-5363956

👉🏻 https://www.straitstimes.com/live-singapore-parliament-sept-2025

REACH Singapore, [23/9/2025 6:03 pm]

📢 Topic 📢

REACH Singapore, [23/9/2025 6:45 pm]

Dear Contributors,

⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰

Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

RY, [23/9/2025 6:56 pm]

It is certainly good initiatives by the govt for the mentioned programmes, 

As that is what a good govt should be doing and helping her people, whether financially/upgrading/career/family/business and etc 

SG is heading towards a more improved/inclusive society, amidst the world chaos happening in other countries eg indonesia/thailand/camodia/middle east/europe/america and etc 

Not all maybe perfect with the initial start, but we always learn from mistakes along the way

REACH Singapore, [23/9/2025 7:03 pm]

Dear Contributors

We will be closing the chat for today.

Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

====

After note:-

心法:
*Without VERs*
1. Couple married at 30 years old, get BTO flat 99 years lease buy 5-room flat at $500,000.

2. Assume have 1 child 3 years later and 2nd child 1 year later.

3. Couple passed on at 95 years old, lease used  remaining 34 years.

4. Both children will be 63 years old and 62 years old respectively.

5. With 34 years lease, both children can stay at the flat up to 96 years old and 95 years old and pass on.

6. This is 2 generation inheritance serve by HDB flat without VERs.

7. Total capital outlay $500,000 for 2 generation - 4 persons shelter.

*With VERs*
1. Couple married at 30 years old, get BTO flat 99 years lease buy 5-room flat at $500,000.

2. Assume have 1 child 3 years later and 2nd child 1 year later.

3. Assume VERs kick in with 20 years remaining lease by law.

4. Couple passed on at 95 years old, lease used remaining 34 years.

5. Both children will be 74 years old and 73 years old respectively at 20 years remaining lease.

6. Assume VERs law say only original couple can stay on VERs flat, no inheritance to children allow.

7. This means both children at advanced age of 74 years and 73 years old will have to apply for 2 single flats at $300,000 x 2 and will kick out from the VERs flat by VERs law.

8. Total capital outlay $500,000 + $300,000 + $300,000 = $1.1 million for 2 generation - 4 persons shelter.

9. That means this 4-person household don't get any benefits from VERs but suffer double whammy loss:-

a. Losing the right to stay in VERs house if VERs.

b. Cough out additional $300,000 x 2 = $600,000 at advanced age of 70 years plus of money to live through end of life.

c. 99 years lease shorten to 79 years due to 20 years Vers kick in to relocate- and displacing the children's right to shelter because of no inheritance right.

10. So anyone think can government of the day survive the political fallout from VERs under such VERs law or not?

11. Does VERs benefit Singaporeans or make Singaporeans life more difficult and much worst off?

12. Then should there even be VERs at all?
As VERs shortchange household badly rather than provide equal benefits or improvement over no VERs.

13. Then why not let the 99 years lease decay and lapse - whereby the parents and children will have enjoy the 2 generation shelter benefits as compare to VERs.

----

心法:
Source:- Google AI

AI Overview

A 99-year lease on a Housing Development Board (HDB) flat in Singapore is designed to serve at least two generations,

ensuring

that land can be redeveloped for the needs of future generations, and maintain affordability in the long term. When a flat is sold, a new 99-year lease typically starts for the new owner, allowing the property to be passed down or sold to the next generation before the lease expires. However, the value of the flat decreases significantly as the lease dwindles. 
How it serves two generations
Initial Purchase: 
A 30-year-old homeowner, for example, would have ample time to live in the flat with their family for their lifetime. 
Inheritance: 
The remaining lease can then be passed down to the next generation, who can also use it for their lifetime, effectively extending the property's use over two generations. 
The purpose of the 99-year lease
Land Recycling: 
The lease allows the land to be returned to the state for redevelopment after the lease expires, ensuring new housing is available for future Singaporeans. 
Affordability: 
This system helps to keep public housing affordable by preventing the land from becoming freehold and limiting access to property ownership, which would lead to social division and inequality. 
Rejuvenation: 
It allows older housing estates to be rejuvenated and redeveloped to meet evolving needs, ensuring that Singapore's housing stock remains relevant. 
Considerations for homeowners
Lease Depreciation: The value of an HDB flat diminishes as its lease runs down. 
Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS): In some cases, older estates selected for SERS are acquired by the government for redevelopment, with compensation for owners, but this is a highly selective process. 
A home for everyone: Maintaining the quality and value of your flat - gov.sg
21 Nov 2024 — HDB flats are sold on a 99-year lease to serve the needs of owners and their children, while ensuring that land can be redeveloped and new flats whic...

gov.sg

----
This means VERs objective must not compromise HDB original intent and mission of using HDB flats to shelter 2 generations of our population.

----

HDB website

A home for everyone: Maintaining the quality and value of your flat | gov.sg

HDB flats are sold on a 99-year lease to serve the needs of owners and their children, while ensuring that land can be redeveloped and new flats which cater to the needs of future generations can be built on them.

https://share.google/yP4n1yetzFYVcn9e6