REACH (Telegram) 152 -  What are your thoughts on the findings shared on the mental health impact of social media use on young people? What else can we do to address these impacts?

(SK)

31 Jul 2026 (10am - 7pm)

REACH (Telegram)

[31/7/2026 9:51 am] REACH Singapore: Dear contributors,

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[31/7/2026 10:00 am] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢

An expert panel was convened by the Ministry of Health (MOH) in September 2025 to study the mental health impact of social media use. Yesterday, the panel released a report consolidating findings and recommendations for healthier and safer social media use among young people. 

💬 What are your thoughts on the findings shared on the mental health impact of social media use on young people? What else can we do to address these impacts?

📌 Several platform features were identified as problematic

The panel identified several platform features that may be particularly problematic for young people’s mental health.

These include direct messaging functions, which may expose young people to safety risks, including cyberbullying, harassment, and inappropriate contact from unknown users.

The ability to make anonymous or pseudonymous accounts may further reduce accountability and make harmful online behaviour more difficult to detect and address, the panel said.

Infinite scroll or autoplay functions that constantly serve up content to users may also contribute to problematic or addictive patterns of social media use, it said.

By removing natural stopping points, the platforms encourage users to remain engaged for prolonged periods beyond what they originally intended.

The panel also highlighted other features, like algorithmically curated feeds, which may amplify exposure to distressing or harmful content, even when a user's initial interest was benign.

Quantified social feedback mechanisms like visible "like" counts and follower metrics also encourage social comparison and validation-seeking behaviours, with potential negative effects on self-esteem and emotional wellbeing, said the panel. 

They "may accelerate the onset of internalising symptoms among vulnerable young people".

[31/7/2026 10:00 am] REACH Singapore: 📌 The wider mental health picture

The panel found that problematic social media use is more broadly linked to poorer mental health. This is backed by a growing body of local and international evidence.

In Singapore, about two in five teens aged 15 to 17 who spent more than three hours daily on social media report severe symptoms of depression. Young people who showed more addiction-like symptoms of social media use had poorer overall mental well-being.

Anxiety and depression are two of the most consistently documented mental health outcomes associated with problematic social media use, said the panel.

The panel added that heavy social media use disrupts sleep, which can in turn worsen depression and anxiety symptoms.

Problematic use is also linked to lower life satisfaction, particularly in early adolescence – around the ages of 11 to 13 for girls and 14 to 15 for boys. It can intensify social comparison, which can fuel body-image concerns and unhealthy eating habits, often driven by idealised portrayals of others’ lives online.

📌 Recommendations by the panel

Besides targeting harmful platform features, the panel recommended strengthening age assurance measures to more accurately identify users' ages.

The government should also empower young people to navigate the online environment in safe and healthy ways, and support their parents in guiding them to do so, said the panel.

The panel further recommended a whole-of-society approach involving families, schools, healthcare providers, community partners, platform operators and the government to better safeguard young people's well-being online.

MOH said the panel's findings and recommendations would help inform ongoing efforts to strengthen support for young people's mental health and promote safer digital experiences for young people.

📌 Singapore’s current measures

The panel noted that Singapore has already introduced a range of measures to promote safer use of social media, including a code of practice that requires certain social media services to minimise exposure to harmful online content for Singapore users, particularly children.

The Infocomm Media Development Authority also assesses the effectiveness of these safety measures.

The panel noted that some social media platforms have started introducing features that support safer use among young users, such as differentiated accounts with stronger parental controls for younger users.

Others have created resources alongside community partners to help parents guide their children in fostering healthy digital habits.

"These efforts provide an important foundation, and the government will continue to do more to protect users, especially children, online," said MOH.

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/social-media-likes-infinite-scrolling-direct-messaging-linked-to-poorer-youth-mental-health

👉  https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/moh-social-media-use-youth-6287801

👉  https://www.moh.gov.sg/newsroom/expert-panel-submits-key-findings-and-recommendations-to-support-healthier-and-safer-social-media-use-among-young-people/

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[31/7/2026 10:20 am] Daniel: I really think this goes in the right direction. Addressing the problematic features such as infinite scroll, autoplay and algorithms drawing people into specific filter bubbles will help all of us while not really impeding on things like free speech etc.

I notice that for myself (not a youth anymore), that sometimes I get drawn to some random posts or videos on Instagram or Facebook and then regret losing that time later. I am trying to put the settings to minimise such temptations by restricting content to accounts I follow, but this is not possible on Facebook and on Instagram has to be toggled every 30 days. It is really evident that the platforms have no interest in implementing those features as it will reduce the time people spend on their product, so I think the government putting on some guardrails is the only way this is going to happen.

[31/7/2026 11:02 am] REACH Singapore: [ Poll : Q1: I am concerned about the findings on the impact of social media use on young people’s mental health. (Share your reasons in the chat.) ]

- Strongly Agree

- Agree

- Neutral

- Disagree

- Strongly Disagree

[31/7/2026 11:02 am] REACH Singapore: [ Poll : Q2: More could be done to strengthen support for young people's mental health and promote safer digital experiences for them. (Share your reasons in the chat.) ]

- Strongly Agree

- Agree

- Neutral

- Disagree

- Strongly Disagree

[31/7/2026 11:12 am] Jun Ming in reply to Daniel:

> ‎⁨I really think this goes in the right direction....

Agree

[31/7/2026 11:14 am] Jun Ming: I think social media and reels is too much brain rot

[31/7/2026 11:14 am] LCL (Danny 心): 

1. The recent 3 youth 14 to 19 years old reflect the direct influence of the harmful content of social media platform - to what they learn on terrorism, violence and translate into how they are going to carry out their intent.

2. In fact, 2 were a near miss - if not because they were nabbed just before they carried out what they see in social media and plan out what the social media taught them.

3. Our children in school and Nsmen lives will be threatened if they are not stop just in the nick of time.

[31/7/2026 11:15 am] Jun Ming: Too much ai created content, lack of creative originality.

[31/7/2026 11:17 am] Jun Ming: You look at the trend recently it really is meaningless. For eg. The trend of 67

[31/7/2026 11:26 am] Jun Ming: https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/volunteer-sexualised-primary-2-boys-moaning-noises-bend-over

[31/7/2026 11:28 am] Adam: What if the government make their own dating app? All dating app has unhealthy habits of first impressions. Loads of bots and low effort users. Perverse inventive by app dev to keep people paying. If govt make one then maybe boost singles sanity and tfr

[31/7/2026 11:30 am] 365: I am also guilty of doom scrolling and consuming too much unhealthy content, but I believe the responsibility lies with myself to control my actions, and not the government.

[31/7/2026 11:32 am] 365: Government controls this, then there'll be a next big time sink that corporates will come up with. It'll be a forever cat and mouse game, with regulations lacking behind. Once you have practiced good self control, corporate can't take that away from you.

[31/7/2026 11:33 am] Jun Ming: Very addictive. People nowadays including me lack of self control

[31/7/2026 11:40 am] LCL (Danny 心): 

Children must do age filter - to prevent them access to harmful content.

Children are not capable to do self control.

The recent youth exposure to terrorism demonstrate this.

And our society should not be left to chance waiting for mass incident to happen.

[31/7/2026 11:42 am] Daniel in reply to 365:

> ‎⁨I am also guilty of doom scrolling and consuming too much...

Yes, but there are limits to this. If a product is actively harmful and designed to make people addictive, then it should be regulated. These products are specifically designed to make us dependant and to overcome our self control. It's the same with things like cigarettes, for long tobacco companies have used those arguments as well.

[31/7/2026 12:36 pm] Jun Ming: Another harmful online content is pornography. How do we stop kids from exposing those things and search this things on their own

[31/7/2026 12:38 pm] Khai Mun L. in reply to Jun Ming:

> ‎⁨Another harmful online content is pornography....

Cannot totally stop this.

The best we can do is give them proper alternative education and good role models

[31/7/2026 12:38 pm] Jun Ming: Cause I myself search for it in primary 5

[31/7/2026 12:38 pm] Khai Mun L.: Even china firewall and sexualization of mundane things cannot prevent

[31/7/2026 12:41 pm] 365: We shouldn't try to turn the internet sterile, but to raise the future generations to be resilient to the harms of the internet despite its environment.

[31/7/2026 12:47 pm] Daniel: I feel that the suggested measures in targeting the mechanics don't turn the Internet sterile. They don't affect content, just the way it is presented to us.

[31/7/2026 12:50 pm] 365: I think what has been done, the differentiated content for accounts of different ages is already plentiful enough. 

Yes, some kids will try to lie about their age and bypass restrictions. Just as a guardrail is there to protect people from falling over the edge, for anyone who is adamant about going past it, nothing will help.

[31/7/2026 12:55 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Many Ancient sages say :-

- see no evils 

- hear no evils 

- speak no evils 

- think no evils

Purpose is to guide people toward inner purity, emotional peace, and moral goodness by stopping harmful thoughts and actions before they grow.

[31/7/2026 12:56 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Even leaders can "m.. see, m... do".

[31/7/2026 12:56 pm] Jun Ming: I think sexual education on porn should start direct on primary school

[31/7/2026 12:57 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Eg. 

One rouge regime say "pay toll charges in Hormuz Straits".

A superpower also say, come let share, I also levy toll because I send my navy to protect.

An ASEAN minister also say, since Hormuz Straits can charge toll fees, our straits also can charge.

Then another ASEAN lawmaker say, why don't negotiate with the regime that charge toll fees and pay the passage.

And then all the hell break loose.

Precisely because, one start to:-

- think evil

- speak evil 

- do evil 

- others see evil, and then copy to think evil, speak evil, do evil.

And decline into a vicious cycle of:-

"M... See, M... Do".

[31/7/2026 12:57 pm] Jun Ming: From primary 3 we should start teaching safe use of Internet. And the consequences of doing harm

[31/7/2026 12:59 pm] Jun Ming: In this internet and ai stage we need to start these education asap

[31/7/2026 1:02 pm] LCL (Danny 心) in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨Eg.  One rouge regime say "pay toll charges in Hormuz...

Until our Leaders come out in succession to "Be a lamp upon the Globe of Darkness".

- Think good

- Speak good

- Do good

- See good.

And guide the World to:-

- Think good

- Speak good

- Do good

- See good

[31/7/2026 1:07 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

In a corporate, a CEO and the group of leadership is a good example that I experience throughout my career:-

1. Leadership that preach and practice:-

- Think good

- Speak good

- Do good

- See good.

The whole company is full of positivity and staff are highly motivated.

And the corporate results annually perform well.

Staff don't poke one another at the back, because corporate leaders will straight away stop such bad office politics behaviours and promote good mutual interaction and collaboration.

All you need come one leader or more leaders that have toxic characters - the whole corporate will turn toxic.

Bad Office politics brew. Staff start to poke one another.

2. Same for a family - all you need is one negative member.

3. Or any community or in a forum.

[31/7/2026 1:11 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Hence, I don't believe leaving toxic video contents be it in social media, mainstream media or anywhere - will do any goods for our population.

一颗老鼠屎，能破坏整锅粥。

1 rat shit, can poison the whole pot of porridge.

Or Cantonese saying:-

搞屎棍。Stir shit rod.

Stirring up trouble in a peaceful settings.

Depending on mental strength and self control - I think in this world - very rare people have such mental strength.

Unless one attain :-

应无所住，而生其心。

Hatred/anger, greed, ignorance, arrogance, distrust don't arise in a person's mind - then it is possible not to be affected or influence by negative contents.

[31/7/2026 1:56 pm] G in reply to REACH Singapore:

> ‎⁨📢 Topic 📢  An expert panel was convened by the Ministry of...

What is MOH's response to the events unfolding in the US regarding Fauci and the covid response he led?

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/fauci-fifth-amendment-senate-hearing-questions-6285711

SG's covid measures basically followed whatever Fauci recommended, including discrimating against those that MOH deemed to be not "fully vaccinated" via VDS

However, it has since been established that Fauci's recommendations were not based on science but on his whims. (https://www.audacy.com/wwl/news/national/fauci-admits-covid-social-distancing-not-based-in-science)

 Treatments that were being explored by SG and showing positive signs (including prescribing vitamin C and ivermectin) were suddenly canned, exclusively in favour for the experimental covid jabs. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/anti-malaria-drug-throat-spray-reduce-covid-19-spread-in-closed-crowded-settings-such-dorms-nuhs-study-5648731

It turns out, that in almost all countries, issuing emergency use approvals for experimental drugs are illegal if treatments exist..

[31/7/2026 2:02 pm] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢

[31/7/2026 2:04 pm] G in reply to REACH Singapore:

> ‎⁨📢 Topic 📢  An expert panel was convened by the Ministry of...

Going by the events that transpired during covid, it really does seem like MOH intentionally created the environment such that they can give emergency use approval for the experimental covid jabs

[31/7/2026 2:06 pm] Daniel in reply to G:

> ‎⁨Going by the events that transpired during covid,...

This seems to be quite off topic.

[31/7/2026 2:08 pm] G in reply to Daniel:

> ‎⁨This seems to be quite off topic.⁩

Well, going by how much off topic things have been discussed over the history of REACH telegram, this is par for the course since this topic pertains to national impact arising from govt decisions

[31/7/2026 2:41 pm] 여자친구, 첫사랑 🏆: Is okay to be off topic. Those are just questions leading the discussion anyway. This is a space to discuss all kinds of Singapore issues.

[31/7/2026 2:46 pm] Daniel: Actually you are right. I was under the impression that the rules state it should be on topic. But either I misread that or they have removed it at some point. Apologies @t_l3e

[31/7/2026 3:50 pm] REACH Singapore: Dear Contributors,

We want to HEAR MORE from you on today’s topic! 

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

💬 What are your thoughts on the findings shared on the mental health impact of social media use on young people? What else can we do to address these impacts?

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 😊

[31/7/2026 4:05 pm] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢

[31/7/2026 4:51 pm] Jun Ming: Shall we also grow the numbers of psychologist and psychiatrist in Singapore since mental health is getting poorer

[31/7/2026 4:52 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

I feel that prevention is better than cure.

[31/7/2026 4:53 pm] Jun Ming: Need to do both mah

[31/7/2026 4:53 pm] Jun Ming: Prevention and cire at the same time

[31/7/2026 4:53 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Also mindfulness training of the mind - is best at keeping mental health at bay.

[31/7/2026 4:54 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Mindfulness training is to mental note bad consciousness from arising, note it.

Let it fade and prevent bad consciousness from disturbing mental mind.

[31/7/2026 4:57 pm] Jun Ming: Any ways of getting help from a parent perspective and from the victim perspective

[31/7/2026 4:57 pm] Jun Ming: Other than mindline

[31/7/2026 4:58 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Parents mental health and resilience as well as moral ethics must be strong before can help their children.

[31/7/2026 4:58 pm] Jun Ming: Because I find people are kind of helpless don't know what to do when their child is in depression

[31/7/2026 4:59 pm] Jun Ming: Or some weird symptoms that is being see as rebellious

[31/7/2026 4:59 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

If children depression，got to seek psychiatrist help.

Plus medication.

[31/7/2026 5:00 pm] Jun Ming: Polyclinic referral takes a long time

[31/7/2026 5:00 pm] Jun Ming: You can't just go imh directly

[31/7/2026 5:00 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Children at certain age are seen as rebellious or distance from parents.

Only parents who are able to win the children trust can get the children to open up.

[31/7/2026 5:01 pm] LCL (Danny 心) in reply to Jun Ming:

> ‎⁨You can't just go imh directly⁩

I think can get into emergency department if want immediate help.

But pay more.

[31/7/2026 5:02 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

But mindfulness training is able to tackle mental condition such as depression.

[31/7/2026 5:02 pm] Jun Ming: Is there any avenue of help in between the wait. As people with mental health usually are reluctant to seek for help also

[31/7/2026 5:03 pm] LCL (Danny 心) in reply to Jun Ming:

> ‎⁨Is there any avenue of help in between the wait....

Yes.

Not easy to coax mental patients to seek help.

Most important win trust and then coax the children to follow.

[31/7/2026 5:03 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Say it will help them to get well and be happy again.

[31/7/2026 5:05 pm] Jun Ming: That's why training more psychologist and psychiatrist to let the process faster and more support on families is important

[31/7/2026 5:06 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Understand.

But resources are always limited.

Thus prevention is also very important.

[31/7/2026 5:11 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Mindfulness training can develop:-

1. Mental strength 

2. Mental resiliency 

3. Positivity 

4. Clarity 

5. Insight 

- all these mental qualities are the defence against mental health deterioration particularly depression, negative views and mental grief.

[31/7/2026 5:12 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

And once a person develop such mental strength, there is no need to seek psychiatrist help.

[31/7/2026 5:13 pm] 여자친구, 첫사랑 🏆 in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨And once a person develop such mental strength,...

I don't think this is a cause and effect thing but you know to each their own.

[31/7/2026 5:14 pm] 여자친구, 첫사랑 🏆: Expansion in mental health care is always good since Singapore is just gonna get more and more stressful and so increasingly more people will need professional help with increasing awareness on mental issues.

[31/7/2026 5:15 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Depending on the type of mental condition.

Some are genetically driven mental condition that need psychiatrist and medication.

[31/7/2026 5:18 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Others are incident or environmental driven such as addicted to social media that drive negativity, promote dooming views - life is bleak, violence and other unwholesome views.

Then mental strength, resiliency, wisdom through insight and clarity will overcome such mental trigger conditions by social media.

If youth are badly affected by social media - the best is to be protected and filter all undesirable contents.

[31/7/2026 5:19 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Stress is self driven due to weak mental strength and poor resiliency.

No one can stress you, unless your mental strength succumb.

[31/7/2026 5:26 pm] 여자친구, 첫사랑 🏆 in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨Stress is self driven due to weak mental strength and poor...

Once again, to each their own.

[31/7/2026 5:32 pm] Adam: A lot of singaporeans are weak. Not willing to work hard and work overtime.. Not willing to upskill while in full time job. Not willing to spam resumes to jobhunt.

Thats why we need to spend millions hiring psychologists to whip them into shape. It is their fault for being so weak, and we need highly paid specialist to whip singaporeans into shape. Make them work hard, or die trying

[31/7/2026 5:32 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

In the west, mainly US and Europe - many mindfulness training centres are set up to train their military, schools and community.

Surprisingly, in the east, we have less structured mindfulness training centres setup to build the population mental strength and resiliency.

[31/7/2026 5:39 pm] Adam: Perhaps there is a mismatch of expectations. Advancing technology supposed to make our lives easier. During our parents time, they can get very far with a secondary school education. 

New gen, go uni for what? Computers make us 1000x more productive yet quality of life isnt 1000x better. Hdb isnt a guarenteed when entering the job market or marry.

And we are making up excuses like social media eroding the mind while missing the big picture. Gonna be another kpi of a minister can congratulate and promote. Like beverage cans and plastic straws, its the individuals fault always.

[31/7/2026 5:39 pm] 여자친구, 첫사랑 🏆 in reply to Adam:

> ‎⁨A lot of singaporeans are weak....

Weak and being unwilling to upskill can be 2 distinct issues.

[31/7/2026 5:52 pm] Adam: Our youths are stressed . No mental strength and poor resiliency. Thats why no employers want them.

So we need to hire strong people. From china. From india. They have the strength to travel thousands of kilometers.

We also need ai to do things faster as our gen is weak. We are a meritocracy and by pure merit, AI can do much more than humans. Can do jobs our weak minded youths cant.

We can try to train our youth to control the ai, but is it worth the money? Why train weak people when can hire strong ones. Maybe overseas, maybe existing singaporeans eho got retrenced. In a competitive job market its survival of the fittest. And you know what happens by darwins law

[31/7/2026 5:53 pm] Adam: If only we strengthen our youths mind by controlling social media. It will fix the problem of them being so stressed. Fix their weak minds.

[31/7/2026 5:54 pm] Adam: They will finally leave their parents hdb, get married, find job, get car and live the singaporean dream

[31/7/2026 6:04 pm] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢

[31/7/2026 6:06 pm] G in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨I feel that prevention is better than cure.⁩

Unless the prevention creates more problems and / or is more problematic than the problem it is trying to prevent

[31/7/2026 6:07 pm] G in reply to Adam:

> ‎⁨If only we strengthen our youths mind by controlling social...

Sounds very communist

[31/7/2026 6:12 pm] G in reply to Adam:

> ‎⁨They will finally leave their parents hdb, get married,...

Actually, I think SG youth are very resilient.. but they've only been sold 1 narrative: whatever the SG dream is.. and this dream is seriously getting more and more unattainable because of the SG environment 

Many mistake this SG environment as youth not being as resilient as previous generations 

But I feel that SG youth should be more exposed to the different kinds of opportunities available to them outside of SG, and not being stifled by their immediate SG environment 

Like it or not SG environment has evolved into a condition where it's become so much more conducive and rewarding to treat SG like a stepping stone to greener pastures, than to sink deep roots in

Let SG youths explore overseas and even sink roots elsewhere where it's more conducive to sink roots in

[31/7/2026 6:46 pm] REACH Singapore: 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 😊

[31/7/2026 7:04 pm] REACH Singapore: 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 😊

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应无所住，而生其心。

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSXWPBFGx/

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS4deNvuo/

(金刚经)

应无所住，而生其心。

----

贪嗔痴慢疑不住。

而生 清净无我心，慈悲心，智慧心。

(菩提心)

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After note:-

一句:-

应无所住，而生其心。

启发慧能六祖慧根，寻佛道而证悟。

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“菩提本无树，明镜亦非台，本来无一物，何处惹尘埃。"

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https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS4d2RX8P/

慧能六祖 肉身舍利。

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https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS42K4L4Q/

The Dharma protect those that practice the Dharma.

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https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS42oLAEQ/

Mindfulness reaction to insult, ego.

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REACH (Telegram) 151 -  What are your thoughts on the Cabinet reshuffle? Do you feel that the appointments strengthen the Government’s ability to take Singapore forward through new and emerging challenges?

(SK)

23 Jul 2026 (10am - 7pm)

REACH (Telegram)

[23/7/2026 9:48 am] REACH Singapore: 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:

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 differnet 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 😊

[23/7/2026 10:01 am] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢 

Prime Minister & Finance Minister Lawrence Wong announced a Cabinet reshuffle on July 22, with several first-term politicians taking on larger roles as part of what he called a continuous leadership transition that balances experience and youth. 

GE2025 newcomers Jeffrey Siow and David Neo will be promoted to full minister, Sim Ann will become Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs, while first-term MP Jasmin Lau will helm the Ministry of Manpower as Acting Minister. Tan See Leng will relinquish the manpower portfolio to become Minister for Trade and Industry. The ministry will be renamed the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry from Oct 1. Labour chief Ng Chee Meng will return to Cabinet as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, while K. Shanmugam will be Senior Minister. The changes, which will take effect progressively from July 27, come on the back of two unexpected resignations earlier in the year.

💬 What are your thoughts on the Cabinet reshuffle? Do you feel that the appointments strengthen the Government’s ability to take Singapore forward through new and emerging challenges?

📌 Balancing experienced hands with a new generation

Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Centre, PM Wong said: “This balance matters because Singapore needs both experienced leaders to steer through immediate challenges, and a new generation ready to take us forward. Leadership renewal is therefore a continuous process.” 

He described Shanmugam and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong as "the two most experienced members of my team," who "will continue to provide valuable counsel, and will help guide and mentor our younger office holders." Ng Chee Meng's return to Cabinet adds another experienced figure to support the newer office-holders. 

📌 First-term MPs given larger responsibilities

Siow and Neo, both Acting Ministers since May 2025, will become full ministers. Siow will be appointed Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance. Neo will become Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Education. 

Lau will become Acting Minister for Manpower, while backbench MPs and former senior civil servants Foo Cexiang and Shawn Loh will also be brought into government as ministers of state. Explaining the moves, PM Wong said of the newer office-holders: "They have settled into their roles well, earned the confidence of their colleagues and of the civil servants they work with, and show that they are ready for greater responsibilities."

Over time, more of the PAP's fifth generation of leadership will emerge from this process, said PM Wong, who is also the party's secretary-general.

📌 Resignations and the need for a strong pipeline

PM Wong said that the Cabinet is reviewed every year, but unexpected changes also have to be factored in. He pointed to two resignations in 2026: Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim on July 20 and Senior Minister of State Koh Poh Koon on June 1. 

"Obviously, ideally, I would have preferred for the resignations not to have happened," he said, adding that such departures mean the Government has to keep building a strong pipeline: "It is not just the ministers; you need younger office-holders, you need good backbenchers." 

PM Wong, who has held the finance portfolio since 2021, said he is "always looking to find someone who will be ready to be finance minister," describing his search for a successor as a "work in progress."

He also addressed a question on his decision not to appoint a second deputy prime minister alongside Gan Kim Yong. He said the current structure is appropriate and provides a strong senior leadership team. However, it will be reviewed as leadership renewal continues, he added, noting that the Cabinet also has three Coordinating Ministers.

[23/7/2026 10:01 am] REACH Singapore: 📌 The Singapore way of leadership renewal

Asked how the core of the party's next generation is taking shape, PM Wong said he had asked office-holders from the latest batch to attend the press conference to show Singaporeans that renewal is happening. 

He was flanked by Siow and Neo. Lau, and another GE2025 newcomer Goh Pei Ming, who was promoted to senior minister of state, were also there, along with Zaqy Mohamad, who took over as Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs from Faishal.

PM Wong said his job is to assess office-holders, entrust them with responsibilities when they are ready, and put people in positions where they can best contribute to Singapore, which is what he has done with the latest round of changes. 

"That is the Singapore way of leadership renewal. It is a continuous process, and this announcement today reflects that continuous process."

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/pm-wong-unveils-new-cabinet-appoints-first-term-politicians-to-larger-roles 

👉 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/cabinet-reshuffle-6270631

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[23/7/2026 10:24 am] Jun Ming: Erm even if we express dissatisfaction nothing will change leh

[23/7/2026 10:25 am] Jun Ming: It's not like next day he will change appointment

[23/7/2026 10:27 am] Jun Ming: My friend say those newcomers should take a smaller role before taking over bigger roles like minister

[23/7/2026 10:27 am] Jun Ming: Step by step promotion

[23/7/2026 10:28 am] Adam: Idk whats in the texts. How did things get leaked?

[23/7/2026 10:34 am] Adam: Imo i think whatever with faisal is overblown and that there are probably more unscrupulous things kept secret by position holders. Cmon fired over private texts? Maybe im desensitized by wild stuff by politicians done overseas.

But to maintain an image of whiter than white uncorruptability, he probably had to let go otherwise it will be a vunerable point in our leadership

[23/7/2026 10:35 am] Jun Ming: But seriously David neo not suitable to be in ministry of culture leh. He lack of the softness to do it

[23/7/2026 10:36 am] Jun Ming: His speech is too military style

[23/7/2026 10:37 am] Daniel: I also have some doubts on David Neo. He didn't seem very approachable during the elections. On top of that he did have two hiccups with the comments on HK and that movie. So it's a bit surprising to see him made minister so fast.

[23/7/2026 10:41 am] Adam in reply to Jun Ming:

> ‎⁨My friend say those newcomers should take a smaller role...

I think we need more newcomers in higher levels. Our governance needs to be based on merit, not seniority.

If we have such a culture of step by step, there will be stagnation with elder generation always at the top of hierarchy. Younger gen not trying their best knowing their time will come inevitably whether they work hard or slack.

Existing ministers needs to keep their skills sharp lest they be overtaken by younger ones who can more effectively work with new ideas and tech. And young have an incentive to fight as they know there is a spot for them up top

[23/7/2026 10:41 am] Jun Ming: I would appreciate that for first time minister they have experience in similar background with the roles in their ministry

[23/7/2026 10:42 am] Jun Ming: For eg. Siow I don't mind him being transport minister because he worked in lta before and he knows the procedure

[23/7/2026 10:42 am] Adam: Yeah ministers need experience in the ground

[23/7/2026 10:43 am] Adam: Transport minister need to walk, cycle and take bus around singapore as routine

[23/7/2026 10:43 am] Adam: Culture minister need to watch movie

[23/7/2026 11:24 am] G in reply to Adam:

> ‎⁨Culture minister need to watch movie⁩

He got no time to be minister 😂

[23/7/2026 11:40 am] G in reply to Jun Ming:

> ‎⁨His speech is too military style⁩

Military culture is also a culture 😂

[23/7/2026 12:47 pm] RY in reply to REACH Singapore:

> ‎⁨📢 Topic 📢  Prime Minister & Finance Minister Lawrence Wong...

Glad to see the latest Cabinet Resuffling, in consideration of the 5G leadership renewal, as 5G ministers require the mentorship of 3G and 4G ministers also 

However, all ministers holding more than 1 portfolio, will they be able to cope, just wondering ....eventhough SG ministers are one of well-paid in the world

[23/7/2026 2:04 pm] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢 

[23/7/2026 2:48 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

1. Minister's role primary focus on :-

a. Possess strategic thinking

b. Set vision for the domain they helm

c. Able to connect all the dots - in domestic and internationl events

d. Set Policy directions with consultation and communication with civil service and public service.

e. Able to muster the talents, resources under him - to execute and implement his policy directions

f. Communicate effectively his policy directions to motivate industries, communities, business, groups and people under him to ensure buy-in.

[23/7/2026 3:08 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Is it necessary for the Ministers to be experience in the domain they helm?

- I feel that it can be yes or not necessary.

Why? Let me quote some examples :

1. Our Forefather Leader Mr LKY is a lawyer - but he excel as a Statesman - domestic and Global.

2. Dr Goh Keng Swee is an Economist - but he also excel and build up SAF from scratch.

3. Dr Ng Eng Heng is a doctor - but he is an exemplary Minister of Defence with strategic military view and diplomacy

4. Dr Vivan is a opthalimologist - but excel as Minister of Foreign Affairs

5. Minister Chan Chun Sing is an Army Chief - but he did very well in various portfolio eg. Education, Public Service Administration.

6. Minister Ong Ye Kung is civil service in Transport - but he excel in HealthCare Minister as well.

7. Mdm Ho Ching is a defence engineer - and she performed superbly as a fund investor and manager with her financial acumen to grow Temasek funds from a less than $100 billion Temasek asset into more than $400 billion fund before she retired.

8. Minister Tan See Leng is CEO in Healthcare group - but he do very well in Manpower, Energy.

There are many more examples - too long to quote.

Minister - need to have strategic thinking and visionary - set policy directions - which most of the time are very shrewd in "Critical Thinking" - and able to connect all the dots not apparent to many people.

Most important able to communicate his/her policy directions to the ground and common people at large to win buy-in.

And his/her Ministry under them - are able to execute and implement his policy directions well.

This is the hallmark of a capable Minister.

[23/7/2026 3:18 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

In my personal opinion, 2 newly appointed Ministers have very good potential :-

a. MInister Jeffrey Seow achievement is very notable.

i. He resolved the MRT reliability problems - eg. publish up-to-date reliability data, 

ii. engage the few top MRT chiefs around the world to share how to make our MRT reliable and then effectively implement the suggestions, 

iii. implement AV vehicles and train PHV, Taxi and Bus drivers in reconversion, 

iv. Global Transport Hub white paper complemented by AI, robotics and automation - that will make Singapore the eminent sea hub, air hub and land hub.

b. Ng Chee Meng as NTUC chief to Minister to PMO - has very strong organisational abilities - how he run SAF as LT General (the highest rank General ever achieve in SAF), organising the last minute Mr LKY funeral with precision, and how he run NTUC Unions in the midst of Manpower challenges and transformation - due to geopolitical tensions that impact business and jobs as well as AI disruptions

[23/7/2026 3:26 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

To support my observation, let us benchmark my observations to major global governance index in 2025 and 2026 :-

Singapore maintains top-tier status on major governance indices for 2025 and 2026, highlighted by leadership positions in the Chandler Good Government Index ) and the IMD World Competitiveness 

Good Government Index (CGGI)2025 & 2026 Rankings: Singapore ranked 1st globally for the fourth consecutive year in the annual CGGI, which evaluates public sector capabilities and governance across 133 countries.

Strengths: Scored at the absolute top for Financial Stewardship, Regulatory Governance, Strong Institutions, and Quality of Bureaucracy. 

World Competitiveness Ranking2025 Ranking: Placed 2nd globally behind Switzerland. 

Ranking: Reclaimed 1st place globally, driven by a massive surge to first place in Business Efficiency and continued high marks in Government Efficiency. 

Key Governance & Innovation StandingsElite Governance (2025): Maintained 1st place in the Elite Quality Index (EQx), reflecting strong alignment between public policy and private enterprise

Innovation Index (2025): Ranked 5th globally, topping multiple sub-factors including Government Effectiveness and regulatory quality. 

Governance: Maintained top-3 global standing in the United Nations e-Government metrics for technology deployment and infrastructure.

[23/7/2026 3:32 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

In summary, I have very good confidence in our PM Lawrence Wong newly appointed Cabinet - comprise of Senior Ministers and new Ministers with fresh perspectives.

Many indications have shown that Singapore Cabinet Ministers and our strong Civil Service and Public Service will continue to do very well and shine in the global stage as reflected by the various Global Governance Indices.

[23/7/2026 3:33 pm] LCL (Danny 心): [21/07, 11:58 pm] 

☸️  Danny 心: "The world has adapted to the supply shock during five months of war, learning how to cope without using as much oil as it had before the conflict. 

Hundreds of millions of barrels of oil finally escaped the Strait of Hormuz last month, only to find few willing buyers. 

Some Middle Eastern crude had to be heavily discounted before it found any takers."

 https://www.cnn.com/2026/07/21/business/oil-demand-iran-china#:~:text=The%20world%20has,found%20any%20takers.

[22/07, 3:17 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: 

A very strange but favourable twist to the world on the supply of oil - despite both Hormuz Straits and Red Sea got blocked.

1. The short ceasefire have allowed many crude oil to ship out of Middle East.

2. 30 refineries in Gulf States have been damaged by Iran lead to overwhelming crude oil not refined. Iran refineries also damage by US.

3. Oversupply of crude oil flow out - many to Singapore as the world largest bunkering hub.

4. Our refineries now working in max capacity.

5. Russia refineries also badly damage by Ukraine.

5. Many countries are not demanding oil as their energy sources as many have switched to solar, EV, hydro, palm oil, nuclear, coal, wind, geothermal etc - cutting down the needs for oil.

6. Also Singapore have found alternative supplies like Australia, Africa, Central Asia, Latin America etc.

This looks like a permanent position on future oil demand.

[23/7/2026 3:35 pm] LCL (Danny 心) in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨[21/07, 11:58 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: "The world has adapted to the...

See in a major crisis that block the oil from Middle East - previously Hormuz Straits.

Now both Hormuz Straits and Red Sea are blocked - yet we are still doing very well in handling our energy supply.

Kudos to our Cabinet Ministers.

[23/7/2026 3:46 pm] Gabriel in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨In my personal opinion, 2 newly appointed Ministers have very...

To say that Jeffrey Siow resolved MRT reliability problems is premature. What are the suggestions from the expert panel have been implemented and for how long? 

As for Ng Chee Meng "organising the last minute LKY funeral" is bogus. His funeral has been planned and rehearsed many years leading up to the actual date. His running of NTUC is no where as outstanding as you are making it out to be.

[23/7/2026 3:51 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Are we experiencing mrt problems recently?

Funeral plan and rehearse many years leading to actual date - isn't it strategic planning? It doesn't happen in a vacuum.

Singapore union and job scene is the most stable compare to many countries affected by AI and geopolitical disruption.

Eg. US, India, EU, China, Indonesia, Malaysia etc mass job disruption.

Singapore is now in full employment in economic term.

[23/7/2026 3:52 pm] LCL (Danny 心) in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨Are we experiencing mrt problems recently?...

Source :- Google Gemini AI 

Singapore maintains a practical state of full employment, characterized by low and stable jobless rates of around 2.0% overall and resilient job demand tracked in official reports by the Ministry of Manpower Labour Market Report.

[23/7/2026 3:54 pm] Gabriel in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨Are we experiencing mrt problems recently?...

Are we experiencing MRT problems recently? 

Yes, LTA stopped reporting on delays under 30 minutes. 30 minutes might be acceptable to you but for working adults, even 15 mins is a lot in peak hour transit. 

So is it strategic planning or organising last minute? Your framing of his competency is confusing.

[23/7/2026 3:55 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Source:- Google Gemini AI 

Former Chief of Defence Force Ng Chee Meng served as the chairman of the State Funeral Organising Committee (SFOC) 

He was tasked with overseeing the entire state funeral operations (codenamed Operation White Light) and also led the very first Vigil Guard.

Role and Responsibilities

Chairman of Organising Committee: Led the cross-agency committee that planned and executed the week-long national mourning and state funeral arrangements from March 23 to March 29, 2015.

Activation: Commenced "Operation White Light" at 6:00 AM on March 23, 2015, following the official certification of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew's passing.

First Vigil Guard: Headed the initial military guard-of-honor duty alongside other top tri-service military chiefs during the lying-in-state period. 

[23/7/2026 3:55 pm] Gabriel in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨Source:- Google Gemini AI   Former Chief of Defence Force Ng...

Well done.

You want to Gemini the whole history of LKY while you are at it?

[23/7/2026 4:00 pm] LCL (Danny 心) in reply to Gabriel:

> ‎⁨Are we experiencing MRT problems recently?...

Even all the top MRT chiefs around the world have some disruptions.

Not perfect - as long as we live in this world.

But benchmark that to the World, we are still doing relatively well.

In your life, nothing breakdown?

[23/7/2026 4:00 pm] LCL (Danny 心) in reply to Gabriel:

> ‎⁨Well done.  You want to Gemini the whole history of LKY while...

And benchmark Singapore governance as the world best - what do you have to say?

[23/7/2026 4:00 pm] Gabriel in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨Even all the top MRT chiefs around the world have some...

I said that saying that Jeffrey Siow has resolved MRT reliability issues is premature. 

You said: in your life, nothing breakdown? 

No need to engage people like you.

[23/7/2026 4:01 pm] LCL (Danny 心) in reply to Gabriel:

> ‎⁨I said that saying that Jeffrey Siow has resolved MRT...

Relatively - that are humanely possible.

[23/7/2026 4:02 pm] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢 

[23/7/2026 4:03 pm] LCL (Danny 心) in reply to Gabriel:

> ‎⁨I said that saying that Jeffrey Siow has resolved MRT...

Just feel that you nick pick rather than objectively look at things.

If a boss nickpick every single things you do instead of looking at the overall outcome - I wonder how you feel.

You want to be micromanage or look at the overall results?

[23/7/2026 4:07 pm] Gabriel: Source:- Google Gemini AI

LCL (Danny 心) is a Hype Man / Hype Agent: Someone who aggressively promotes or praises people to generate excitement, regardless of actual merit or readiness.

[23/7/2026 4:10 pm] Andy in reply to REACH Singapore:

> ‎⁨📢 Topic 📢  Prime Minister & Finance Minister Lawrence Wong...

For me I don't care who they reshuffle. Not like we can do anything about it. I want to hear from the new appointment holders what their short and long plan is for the nation. How are they better than the previous guy and what holes they are supposed to fill?

[23/7/2026 4:12 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Source DeepSeek:-

Based on the latest data from China's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released in July 2026, the youth unemployment rate for 16- to 24-year-olds (excluding students) was 14.9% in June.

[23/7/2026 4:13 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Source:- ChatGpt 

The U.S. youth unemployment rate (ages 16–24) was 9.2% in June 2026, down slightly from 9.4% in May 2026.

[23/7/2026 4:14 pm] Andy: Why suddenly talk about unemployment rate

[23/7/2026 4:15 pm] Gabriel in reply to Andy:

> ‎⁨Why suddenly talk about unemployment rate⁩

Confirm is AI bot kee siao

[23/7/2026 4:15 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Source :- Claude 

Latest data (as of March 2026): India's youth unemployment rate (ages 15–29) was about 15.2% in March 2026, up from a low of 13.8% in April 2025

[23/7/2026 4:17 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Source :- Meta Llama 

*EU & Euro area overall*

- *EU April 2026*: 15.1% youth unemployment, down from 15.6% in March

- *Euro area April 2026*: 14.7%, down from 15.1% in March

- *EU May 2026*: 15.2%

- *Euro area May 2026*: 14.7% stable

[23/7/2026 4:19 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Singapore jobless rate 2.0% - stand very well against all other countries.

Kudos to our Manpower and NTUC Unions!

Figures don't lie.

But people's opinions - can skewed.

[23/7/2026 4:22 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Source:- Google Gemini AI

Airhub

Singapore Changi Airport secured first place as the world's best airport at the Skytrax World Airport Award, alongside top rankings from Travel+Leisure World's Best Awards (and DestinAsian Readers' Choice Awards.)

PortHub

Shipping Centre Index: Retained 1st place for the 13th consecutive year on the Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index with a score of 99.32 out of 100.

Land transport hub 

Rail Network Backbone: Over 229 km of Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) operational lines connecting 166 stations.

Accessibility Goal: Targets 80% of households within a 10-minute walk of an MRT station under the LTA master plan.

[23/7/2026 4:22 pm] Andy: alamak...

[23/7/2026 4:25 pm] LCL (Danny 心) in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨Source:- Google Gemini AI  Airhub  Singapore Changi Airport...

Real facts and figures don't lies.

Rankings also don't lies.

People's opinions can be affected by his personal discretion.

[23/7/2026 4:29 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

And all these figures are 2025 and 2026 - that directly reflects the current Ministers' and NTUC chief Performance - reflecting actual merits and readiness - not personal opinions or I think, you think....

[23/7/2026 4:31 pm] Gabriel in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨And all these figures are 2025 and 2026 - that directly...

NTUC got what to do with employment rates. Are you confusing MOM with NTUC? 

Source:- Google Gemini AI

LCL (Danny 心) is a Hype Man / Hype Agent: Someone who aggressively promotes or praises people to generate excitement, regardless of actual merit or readiness.

[23/7/2026 4:35 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Source:- Google Gemini AI

Singapore’s MRT matches world-class regional standards, ranking high in cleanliness and reliability against peers in Japan, Taiwan, China, and South Korea, backed by official Land Transport Authority performance data.

 ScaleSingapore (MRT): High uptime tracked via Mean Kilometre Between Failure (MKBF), frequently exceeding millions of kilometers before a delay, comparable to top global metros.

[23/7/2026 4:37 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Singapore MRT still rank very well in the global benchmark against the world top well run MRT.

[23/7/2026 4:41 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

NTUC helps Singapore maintain low unemployment through active job placement via NTUC's e2i, proactive worker redeployment through the Job Security Council NTUC Job Security Council, and continuous skills training through NTUC LearningHub.

The percentage of PME (Professionals, Managers, and Executives) jobseekers approaching the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) increased from 45 per cent to 61 per cent between Q4 2023 and Q4 2024. 

 Placement and Support DetailsTotal Placements: NTUC’s e2i successfully placed over 29,000 jobseekers into employment in 2024.

PME Growth: Job placements for PMEs (including skilled technicians) through NTUC rose from 8,800 to 17,000 between 2023 and 2024.

Virtual Career Support: Over 3,500 jobseekers benefited from NTUC's Virtual Career Coach since its launch.

[23/7/2026 4:42 pm] LCL (Danny 心) in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨NTUC helps Singapore maintain low unemployment through active...

Facts and figures don't lie.

Human? Ignorance do.

[23/7/2026 5:19 pm] Jun Ming in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨Is it necessary for the Ministers to be experience in the...

Yes you need to be in relevant field to be in a character to strategize and adopt. You need certain experience at least such as hobby or aspire to be. 

Not saying you can't cross over to a foreign field. But you need to understand deeply on the field which you need some experience. If not is 外行指挥内行让人笑掉大牙

[23/7/2026 5:20 pm] LCL (Danny 心) in reply to Jun Ming:

> ‎⁨Yes you need to be in relevant field to be in a character to...

Quite true.

But some very capable one can make it.

[23/7/2026 5:20 pm] Jun Ming: If someone don't have any experience it would be better to take a junior role rather parachute into a big role

[23/7/2026 5:21 pm] LCL (Danny 心) in reply to Jun Ming:

> ‎⁨If someone don't have any experience it would be better to...

Hmm....

Look at the list I provided, they are not in that domain entirely.

But they excel.

Critical Thinking very important.

[23/7/2026 5:23 pm] LCL (Danny 心) in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨Hmm....  Look at the list I provided,...

Doctor to become defence minister.

Engineer to be financial fund manager.

[23/7/2026 5:23 pm] Jun Ming: Yes. As I said experience or aspire to be is important. They may not have the relevant degree or working experience but they may be a person who love the field a lot and learn the field in their free time

[23/7/2026 5:23 pm] LCL (Danny 心) in reply to Jun Ming:

> ‎⁨Yes. As I said experience or aspire to be is important....

Yes agree.

[23/7/2026 5:23 pm] Jun Ming: Not someone who say I don't have time for the field

[23/7/2026 5:23 pm] LCL (Danny 心) in reply to Jun Ming:

> ‎⁨Not someone who say I don't have time for the field⁩

No comments on this.

[23/7/2026 5:29 pm] Jun Ming: This shows right the lack of passion for his role

[23/7/2026 5:29 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

This is definitely his gaffe and needs to learn from this mistake.

[23/7/2026 5:30 pm] Jun Ming: And then why would we appoint someone who have have no passion no experience to lead the country

[23/7/2026 5:31 pm] Jun Ming: Hence I say David neo is not suitable as minister of culture. He may be appointed on other role to suit his character but not culture which need soft spot and flexibility

[23/7/2026 5:31 pm] Jun Ming: As this is more towards the arts field rather than physical and engineering field

[23/7/2026 5:32 pm] LCL (Danny 心) in reply to Jun Ming:

> ‎⁨And then why would we appoint someone who have have no passion...

I won't jump to this conclusion.

Because eg. I also got no time to go for every IT events.

Also I got no time to attend every financial talk with finance as my side hustle.

He is just honest about it - even though politically in the Parliament, he should say so diplomatically not raw admission.

[23/7/2026 5:33 pm] Jun Ming: That's why I would say he is lacking of culture. The use of language is part of culture

[23/7/2026 5:34 pm] Jun Ming: If he wants to learn maybe a second minister to begin with

[23/7/2026 5:34 pm] Jun Ming: Not straight away the top position

[23/7/2026 5:34 pm] Jun Ming: As I feel he is not qualified enough

[23/7/2026 5:35 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Only his boss, that's the PM, his cabinet colleagues, civil and public servants that work with him as well as those people he interact with will know his capabilities.

Not just looking at one gaffe,  I jump into the conclusion that he got no passion.

For example he could have see Tik Tok with dialect and already have some thinking how to approach such dialects movies or he already get feedback from his civil servants?

[23/7/2026 5:37 pm] LCL (Danny 心) in reply to Jun Ming:

> ‎⁨As I feel he is not qualified enough⁩

Time will tell, and he will have to prove himself.

But culture like you say is a soft issues, not much indicators to determine performance unlike other domains.

[23/7/2026 5:38 pm] Jun Ming: Not only this incident. Previously the way he responded to interview shows this the iron type of man. It's not the type of soft character that can make it vibrant

[23/7/2026 5:38 pm] Jun Ming: It's just way too military

[23/7/2026 5:38 pm] Jun Ming: It's the way he talk to soldiers

[23/7/2026 5:41 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Understand.

Military man from military settings will need sometimes to adjust to political settings.

Because they are so used to disciplinary settings throughout their decades of career.

Hence I am not surprised most military man have some mistake and some gaffe when they join politics.

But long term, we could see a very different person.

SM Lee, Chan Chun Sing, Ng Chee Meng etc - we can see their performance in long term.

Even LKY had some gaffe along the way when he commented honestly in some regional and global affairs - and recover in long term and become a respectable Global Elder Statesman.

[23/7/2026 5:56 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Source :- Google Gemini AI 

Singapore ranking in global culture and art indicator 

+3

Singapore ranks Number 1 globally on the TripAdvisor 2026 Travelers' Choice Cultural Destinations in the Global Innovation Index. 

Key Cultural and Art RankingsTripAdvisor Travelers' Choice (2026): Ranked 1st globally as the best cultural destination, beating traditional heritage hubs.

Global Innovation Index (WIPO): Ranked 1st globally in the specific sub-indicator for Cultural and creative services exports (% of total trade).

Creative Outputs Sub-Index (WIPO): Ranked 15th globally within the broader creative and intangible output metrics.

Local Statistics: Managed via regular tracking by the National Arts Council Singapore Cultural Statistics.

[23/7/2026 5:57 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Sorry I check got global culture indicator.

Singapore rank top globally in 2026.

Attribute to Minister David Neo achievement.

[23/7/2026 5:58 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Source:- Google Gemini AI 

2025

Singapore ranks 22nd globally and 1st in Southeast Asia for culture and tourism according to the U.S. News & World Report Cultural Ranking, and stands at 1st place globally for cultural and creative services exports under the WIPO Global Innovation Index.

[23/7/2026 5:59 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

There are drastic improvement in global culture index under Minister David Neo.

[23/7/2026 6:00 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

That's why I don't jump to conclusion and make judgement without the backing of facts.

[23/7/2026 6:02 pm] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢 

[23/7/2026 6:03 pm] G in reply to REACH Singapore:

> ‎⁨📌 The Singapore way of leadership renewal  Asked how the core...

A question: how come there's no by-election after Faishal's resignation?

I understand the law does not require a by-election. However, this flies against the spirit of having a GRC, and the impetus for having a GRC in the first place

To say minority race issues can be adequately covered by majority race incumbents is contradictory to why GRCs were created. 

Furthermore, not calling for a by-election and saying incumbent MPs can adequately cover also is contrary to wanting to have more MPs in parliament (MP to voter ratio). If 4 people can adequately do the job of 5 people, then why need 5 people? Why budget in the extra headcount? It is a waste of taxpayer money

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/no-by-election-will-be-called-after-faishals-resignation-says-desmond-lee

[23/7/2026 6:09 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Raesh khan resign in Sengkang GRC, how come no by election?

[23/7/2026 6:09 pm] G in reply to G:

> ‎⁨A question: how come there's no by-election after Faishal's...

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/ge2025-electoral-boundaries-announced-15-smcs-and-18-grcs

"Explaining its recommendations, the EBRC said in its report that voter numbers have grown significantly in (https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/new-punggol-and-pasir-ris-changi-grcs-in-north-east-following-rapid-population-growth?ref=inline-article) Pasir Ris-Punggol Sembawang and Tampines GRCs, as well as the single seats of Hong Kah North and Potong Pasir. "

[23/7/2026 6:10 pm] G in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨Raesh khan resign in Sengkang GRC, how come no by election?⁩

Yes. Why don't have?

[23/7/2026 6:11 pm] G in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨Raesh khan resign in Sengkang GRC, how come no by election?⁩

Who has the authority to call for election?

[23/7/2026 6:11 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Source:- Google Gemini AI 

Under Singapore election law, a by-election is not required if only one member (or any number short of the full team) resigns from a Group Representation Constituency (GRC). Official details are explained further on the Gov.sg GRC By-Election Guide (https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.gov.sg/explainers/when-is-a-by-election-for-a-grc-called/&ved=2ahUKEwiApr_Vx-iVAxW23jgGHcGEKFIQy_kOegoIAggACAAIBxAB&opi=89978449&cd&psig=AOvVaw04_CBayZT0tjQSCEtiRKwz&ust=1784887887999000). [1 (https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/no-election-will-be-called-after-faishals-resignation-says-desmond-lee), 2 (https://www.gov.sg/explainers/when-is-a-by-election-for-a-grc-called/)]

[23/7/2026 6:13 pm] G in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨Source:- Google Gemini AI   Under Singapore election law,...

😂 AI again

[23/7/2026 6:13 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

If not based on imagination?

[23/7/2026 6:14 pm] G in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨Source:- Google Gemini AI   Under Singapore election law,...

Yes. The law says don't need.

So is the law inadequate to address the concerns of minority representation in GRCs?

[23/7/2026 6:14 pm] G: If the law is adequate, how so?

[23/7/2026 6:14 pm] G: Since GRCs are created specifically for minority representation

[23/7/2026 6:17 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

According to the bye law passed in Parliament:-

Source :- Google Gemini AI 

Minority Requirement: The rule requiring a minority candidate applies strictly at the time of nomination and general elections, not as a continuing condition for every day of the parliamentary term. [1 (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/correct-law-incomplete-design-grc-vacancy-gap-mohamed-yakub-bljwc)]

[23/7/2026 6:17 pm] G in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨Raesh khan resign in Sengkang GRC, how come no by election?⁩

It is the prime minister who has the authority to advise the president to call for by-election 

Why didn't he do it for this case?

[23/7/2026 6:18 pm] LCL (Danny 心) in reply to G:

> ‎⁨It is the prime minister who has the authority to advise the...

Bye law say so.

[23/7/2026 6:18 pm] G in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨According to the bye law passed in Parliament:-  Source :-...

Yes. So can play cheat right? 

Find a token minority. Vote the group in. Then the person suka resign

[23/7/2026 6:18 pm] G in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨Bye law say so.⁩

So is the law adequate?

[23/7/2026 6:19 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Bye law passed in Parliament - debated by incumbent and opposition.

[23/7/2026 6:23 pm] G in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨Bye law passed in Parliament - debated by incumbent and...

That does not answer the question if the law is adequate 

This is the same logic as if the majority think robbing/stealing/raping etc is ok and they vote to legalise such activities, therefore robbing/stealing/raping etc is all and good 👍

[23/7/2026 6:24 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

By law as passed in Parliament - as voted in by Singapore voters.

[23/7/2026 6:25 pm] G in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨By law as passed in Parliament - as voted in by Singapore...

Did Singaporeans get to vote on passing laws? 

You mean you personally voted to pass that laws?

[23/7/2026 6:26 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

MPs voted, elected by Singaporeans voters as our representatives.

[23/7/2026 6:27 pm] G in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨MPs voted, elected by Singaporeans voters as our...

And so what if the law is passed?

It does not make it morally right.

So when one day, the majority of MPs vote to decriminalise rape, you will be ok with it because "MPs voted, elected by Singaporeans voters as our representatives."?

Because this is your logic

[23/7/2026 6:28 pm] LCL (Danny 心) in reply to G:

> ‎⁨And so what if the law is passed?...

Wow what an analogy...

[23/7/2026 6:28 pm] G in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨Wow what an analogy...⁩

Just using your logic

[23/7/2026 6:30 pm] G in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨MPs voted, elected by Singaporeans voters as our...

This is the kind of warped logic that helps legitimise morally abhorrent behaviour and activities because "MPs voted, elected by Singaporeanss voters as our representatives."

[23/7/2026 6:32 pm] G in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨MPs voted, elected by Singaporeans voters as our...

This is the kind of logic that continued to empower evil regimes like the Nazis. 

End of the day, the Nazis were voted in.

Going with your logic, you are ok with Nazis and their activities right? Since they were voted in by the German voters

[23/7/2026 6:33 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

I am very happy with the PAP.

Making Singapore the best in the World in many domains.

An indeed shiny tiny red dot.

[23/7/2026 6:33 pm] G in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨MPs voted, elected by Singaporeans voters as our...

The Nazis suka suka change the laws and constitution to suit their agenda. 

Going by your logic, it's ok. Because the Germans voted them in

[23/7/2026 6:34 pm] LCL (Danny 心) in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨I am very happy with the PAP.  Making Singapore the best in...

In fact our governance admired by many people in the World.

[23/7/2026 6:38 pm] G in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨MPs voted, elected by Singaporeans voters as our...

We don't have to go back far in time to see how this PAP passed discrimatory laws: VDS

I guess you are ok with discrimination because "MPs voted, elected by Singaporeans voters as our representatives."

[23/7/2026 6:40 pm] G: One can even argue that by not having a law that compels a by-election when a minority race MP quits the GRC, is discrimination against minority races

[23/7/2026 6:40 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Voters in Sengkang GRC are ok with no by election when raesh khan resign as long as the remaining MPs cover the tasks.

Likewise, many voters in bradell also express the same.

Because, GE will be 4 years down the road.

Why waste time and money for this short period - instead should focus on governing the Country well amidst the many challenges ahead of us?

The impact of by election and the time and money wasted not proportionate.

[23/7/2026 6:43 pm] G in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨Voters in Sengkang GRC are ok with no by election when raesh...

Who has authority to call for by-election?

The incumbent WP team in sengkang?

They can't even call for by-election even if they wanted to

[23/7/2026 6:44 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

WP team in media interview say no by election required.

[23/7/2026 6:44 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Because it is provision under the by law.

[23/7/2026 6:44 pm] G in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨Voters in Sengkang GRC are ok with no by election when raesh...

Each term is 5 years. Lobang in GRC for 80% of the term?

Then like that need so many MPs for what?

[23/7/2026 6:45 pm] G in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨WP team in media interview say no by election required.⁩

They don't have authority to call for by-election even if they wanted to.

Only PM and president can call for by-election

[23/7/2026 6:45 pm] G in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨Because it is provision under the by law.⁩

So then, is the law adequate?

If not adequate, then it needs to be changed

[23/7/2026 6:46 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

It is provision under the by law.

WP can overturn the decision in court if PM insist on a by election.

[23/7/2026 6:46 pm] REACH Singapore: 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 😊

[23/7/2026 6:46 pm] G in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨Voters in Sengkang GRC are ok with no by election when raesh...

80% of the MPs term is short period?

Waste time and money?

[23/7/2026 6:46 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Many people don't see the needs for a by election.

[23/7/2026 6:46 pm] G in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨Many people don't see the needs for a by election.⁩

Are you sure?

[23/7/2026 6:47 pm] G in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨It is provision under the by law....

So is the law adequate?

[23/7/2026 6:47 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

The by law is passed in Parliament.

No hue and cry

[23/7/2026 6:48 pm] G in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨The by law is passed in Parliament.  No hue and cry⁩

Why not change the law to compel a by-election whenever a minority race MP leaves a GRC during their term so as to protect minority representation and hence the impetus for GRC?

[23/7/2026 6:48 pm] G in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨The by law is passed in Parliament.  No hue and cry⁩

😂 spewing nazi logic again

[23/7/2026 6:48 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Zzzzzzzz

[23/7/2026 6:49 pm] G in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨The by law is passed in Parliament.  No hue and cry⁩

Ok la. When the day comes that parliament passes some discrimination law, decides to decriminalise rape etc, you should be ok with it 👍

No hue and cry

[23/7/2026 7:02 pm] REACH Singapore: 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:-

1. MOM is a top down approach to create jobs.

2. NTUC Unions are bottom up approach to help workers find jobs and train them to be placed in jobs.

They complement one another.

----

GRC is an initiative to ensure sufficient minority representation in Parliament of the various races to voice and ensure their various communities interest are taken into account.

In a GRC, minority candidate could be Malay or Indian or other races representing one of the racial community in Singapore.

Eg. Bradell GRC, the minority race, Faisal is a Malay - but he need to serve the needs of not only Malay, but also Chinese, Indians and others.

Minority representatives voices in Parliament to discuss national issues are more pertinent rather than a GRC municipal issues - that can be handled by MP of any races.

Hence absence of one Malay MP in the Parliament does not minimise the Malay community voices - as there are still a few Malay cabinet and MPs in the Parliament.

If Bradell GRC minority is an Indian, he will still have to serve Malay resident.

Besides, the other MPs that happens to be Chinese are stepping in to serve all residents under Faisal - be it Malays, Chinese, indians or other races.

So there is no pressing needs to have a by election to secure the Malay voice because who knows the next candidate could be an Indian or other races.

Besides 4 years later, a GE will be called and another minority race will be reinstated. Could be Malay, an Indian or others.

----

In MP meet-the-resident session, MP role is to address municipal issues like find jobs, welfare needs, apply licences, write in to government agencies to help residents etc,

 - and not to discuss or debate national or community issues that affect a particular race.

So any MPs regardless of races can do the job.

====

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSXWrHtCn/

Appointment and promotion of new Ministers 

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSXWMHHBk/

PM Lawrence Wong on why he called Ng Chee Meng back into Cabinet.

Minister David Neo 

@Babe:His 1 gaffe in Parliament don't define his capabilities and performance.

Because eg. I also got no time to go for every events related to my trade.

He is just honest about it - even though politically in the Parliament, he should say so diplomatically not raw admission.

And the positive attribute of David Neo - he don't lie in Parliament.

====

@Babe:Great Eastern performance - profitability is $1.2 billions a year.

Income insurance performance - profitability is $118.9 millions a year.

Income insurance profit is 10 times less than GE annually - because Income Insurance only operate in domestic market within Singapore and unable to penetrate overseas market unlike GE that can penetrate regional market under the wings of OCBC.

If Income insurance is to be acquired by Allianz that have global market penetration, its profit will likely be able to overtake GE.

So Ng Chee Meng decision to merge with Allianz is a correct commercial strategic decision that are unable to materialize due to people nostalgic backlash without taking into account pragmatic commercial consideration.

====

@Babe:So summarize the 3 Ministers appointment based on merits - aligned to Global Performance Indicators:-

1. Minister Jeffrey Seow - Transport

- Best Global Airport

- Best Global Seaport

- Comparable efficient and reliable MRT vis-a-vis other top Metros.

2. Minister Ng Chee Meng - Unions

- Exceptional Organisation Abilities in organizing last minute LKY funeral with precision.

- Run NTUC Unions that help MOM to achieve a low unemployment rate 2% with job placement and training as opposed to all other Countries high unemployment rate.

3. Minister David Neo - Culture

- help Singapore to achieve top rankings in many Global Culture and Art indicators in 2026 with drastic improvement from last year 2025.

====

@Babe:To support my observation, let us benchmark my observations to major global governance index in 2025 and 2026 :-

Singapore maintains top-tier status on major governance indices for 2025 and 2026, highlighted by leadership positions in the Chandler Good Government Index ) and the IMD World Competitiveness 

Good Government Index (CGGI)2025 & 2026 Rankings: Singapore ranked 1st globally for the fourth consecutive year in the annual CGGI, which evaluates public sector capabilities and governance across 133 countries.

Strengths: Scored at the absolute top for Financial Stewardship, Regulatory Governance, Strong Institutions, and Quality of Bureaucracy.

World Competitiveness Ranking 2025 Ranking: Placed 2nd globally behind Switzerland. 

Ranking: Reclaimed 1st place globally, driven by a massive surge to first place in Business Efficiency and continued high marks in Government Efficiency. 

Key Governance & Innovation Standings

Elite Governance (2025): Maintained 1st place in the Elite Quality Index (EQx), reflecting strong alignment between public policy and private enterprise

Innovation Index (2025): Ranked 5th globally, topping multiple sub-factors including Government Effectiveness and regulatory quality. 

Governance: Maintained top-3 global standing in the United Nations e-Government metrics for technology deployment and infrastructure.

@Babe:PM Lawrence Wong and his Cabinet has secured the Best Governance Global Index in 2025 and 2026.

Indeed Singapore has been ranked the best government in the World - by the Global Governance Index for 2025 and 2026!

Kudos to PM Lawrence Wong and his Cabinet!

====

@Babe:As for Acting Minister Jasmine Lau, her experience in R&D, MIT and her appointment in Digital Development will make her useful in ensuring Manpower, Business are transformed, trained and aligned to exploit AI productively.

@Babe:Her technical background as researcher in R&D lab and MIT grounding will be put to good used in transforming workers to be AI-ready and be useful to business transforming in exploiting AI.

====

@bb:i. Publishing up-to-date reliability data is not an achievement. LTA has done this for years, it's basic transparency, not a fix.

ii. Engaging a few top MRT chiefs around the world is just meetings and consultancy talk. Every Transport Minister since 2012 has done it. Disruptions continued in 2025-2026, so where is the effective implementation?

iii. Barely 14 months as Acting Minister from May 2025 to July 2026 is too short to claim he resolved a 10-year structural problem.

@bb:The claim "still rank very well in global benchmark" but cite only LTA's own MKBF data. There is no official global benchmark where LTA ranks Singapore above Japan, Korea or Taiwan. The real independent benchmarks, CoMET and Nova, rank Hong Kong MTR, Tokyo Metro and Seoul Metro higher. LTA saying LTA is good is not a global ranking.

Source:- Google Gemini AI

@Babe:Singapore's MRT system ranks second-most reliable among major global metros, trailing Taipei Metro and outperforming Hong Kong MTR and New York City Subway, according to data from the Land Transport Authority Statistics PDF. [1, 2, 3]

Reliability Benchmarks (MKBF in Car-Km)

Taipei Metro: 23,009,000 car-km (Jan 2024 – Dec 2024)

Singapore MRT: 8,070,000 car-km (Nov 2024 – Oct 2025)

Hong Kong MTR: 8,156,550 car-km (Jul 2025 – Sep 2025)

New York City Subway: 197,000 car-km (Nov 2024 – Oct 2025) [1]

Core Performance Metrics

Local Target: Singapore targets a baseline of 1 million train-km before a delay over 5 minutes occurs, a standard exceeded heavily by recent network averages of over 2.2 million train-km.

Punctuality: Over 99.4% of all operational trips run completely on-time.

Global Standing: Routinely ranked 1st in Asia and top 4 globally for overall public transport integration and commuter satisfaction. 

@Babe:Singapore's MRT network achieved a Train Service Delivery of 99.82% as of June 2026, comparing closely with top international metros like Hong Kong MTR at 99.9% and Chinese city metros at 99.99%. Review the official metrics through the LTA Rail Service Reliability Report. [1, 2]

Singapore MRT Reliability Performance (2025–2026)

Mean Kilometres Between Failure (MKBF): Exceeded 2.50 million train-km by June 2026, well above the national target of 1 million train-km. [1]

Major Disruptions: Recorded zero delays exceeding 30 minutes from November 2025 through June 2026, setting a record streak since tracking began in 2011. [1, 2]

National Target Baseline: Maintained above 1.67 million to 2.50 million train-km between delays (>5 minutes) across a 12-month moving average window. [1, 2, 3]

Global Metro Comparisons

Chinese City Metros: 99.99% Train Service Delivery (Jan 2024 – Dec 2024).

Hong Kong MTR: 99.9% Train Service Delivery (Jan 2026 – Mar 2026).

Singapore MRT: 99.82% Train Service Delivery (June 2026).

Sydney Metro: 99.77% Train Service Delivery (Jul 2024 – Jun 2025).

New York City Subway: 93.8% Train Service Delivery (Jun 2025 – May 2026).

London Underground: 91.9% Train Service Delivery (May 2026). [1]

====

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/i-shouldnt-have-told-the-joke-david-neo-on-his-quip-in-parliament-during-dear-you-exchange#:~:text=%E2%80%98I%20shouldn%E2%80%99t%20have%20told%20the%20joke%E2%80%99%3A%20David%20Neo%20on%20his%20quip%20in%20Parliament%20during%20Dear%20You%20exchange

@Babe:"‘I shouldn’t have told the joke’: David Neo on his quip in Parliament during Dear You exchange".

During the July 20 interview, Neo was also asked if there was room to support youth who want to do more to promote the learning and preservation of dialects.

Replying, he said Singapore’s approach is to promote Mandarin while expanding space for the use of dialects, noting that the National Arts Council supports young practitioners who protect intangible cultural heritage.

A good approach.

I like this answer.

====

[26/07, 1:20 am] ☸️  Danny 心: @Luxzi:Why never explain his private dinner with the money launderer? Sweep under the carpet already?

@Babe:Wow you so smart ah.

You can identify bad people with their forehead printed "I am a money lauderer".

You should work in the CID.

No need to investigate and interrogate criminals.

One look you can identify he is a thief just by looking at his forehead " I am a thief".

[26/07, 1:47 am] ☸️  Danny 心: @WPCanChangeSG:Singapore’s reputation for exceptional governance was built on meritocracy, foresight, and leaders who met challenges head-on. But today’s 4G leaders, many argue, lack that same calibre.

@Babe:Major global governance index in 2025 and 2026 :-

Singapore maintains top-tier status on major governance indices for 2025 and 2026, highlighted by leadership positions in the Chandler Good Government Index ) and the IMD World Competitiveness 

Good Government Index (CGGI)2025 & 2026 Rankings: Singapore ranked 1st globally for the fourth consecutive year in the annual CGGI, which evaluates public sector capabilities and governance across 133 countries.

Strengths: Scored at the absolute top for Financial Stewardship, Regulatory Governance, Strong Institutions, and Quality of Bureaucracy. 

World Competitiveness Ranking2025 Ranking: Placed 2nd globally behind Switzerland. 

Ranking: Reclaimed 1st place globally, driven by a massive surge to first place in Business Efficiency and continued high marks in Government Efficiency. 

Key Governance & Innovation StandingsElite Governance (2025): Maintained 1st place in the Elite Quality Index (EQx), reflecting strong alignment between public policy and private enterprise

Innovation Index (2025): Ranked 5th globally, topping multiple sub-factors including Government Effectiveness and regulatory quality. 

Governance: Maintained top-3 global standing in the United Nations e-Government metrics for technology deployment and infrastructure.

@Babe:Singapore government rank best in the World 2025 and 2026.

[26/07, 2:40 am] ☸️  Danny 心: @Babe:Eg. Which areas we did well and are world class:-

1. Best governance in the world - consistently claiming the top spot in the Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI).

2. World most competitive economy - Switzerland lose top global competitiveness ranking to Singapore.

3. Best seaport - Singapore retains Best Global Seaport title at Asian awards.

4. Best airport - Singapore Changi Airport consistently rank 1st, 2nd or 3rd in the World for 26 years.

5. Highest GDP per capita PPP in the world.

6. Top 8/10, 12 Universities among Ivy League - NUS and NTU.

7. 2nd most dense industrial robot adoption in the world after South Korea - Global Human-to-Robot Ratios (Robot Density).

8. 3rd AI adoption in the world.

9. Singapore is considered one of the most influential "middle powers" and global economic hubs, though the United States and China typically hold the top spots for raw geopolitical or military superpower status.

10. Singapore passport ranked world’s most powerful.

11. Financial and Wealth Hub: Global investors and high-net-worth families are actively relocating and parking capital—moving away from Gulf centers like Dubai—to shelter in the strength of the Singapore Dollar and the security of local banks.

12. Business and MICE Events: International organizers are increasingly routing corporate meetings, conventions, and business events to the city-state. Singapore’s political stability and safety make it the preferred destination for regional headquarters and events when traditional Middle Eastern alternatives face geopolitical friction.

13. Singapore manages about SGD 6.1 trillion (approx. USD 4.5 trillion) in total fund and asset management assets.

14. Global Commodities and Bunkering: While rising fuel price volatility has caused ship operators to buy more conservatively, Singapore's dominance has strengthened relative to the Middle Eastern bunkering hub of Fujairah, which has seen severe volume declines. Furthermore, major commodity and oil traders headquartered in the Republic have logged record earnings from the supply-chain shifts.

15. @Babe:15. Singapore is the largest investor in China, Indonesia, and one of the largest investor in Malaysia, Vietnam, plus many other countries.

1 Mainland China $228.3 billion

2 India $122.6 billion

3 United Kingdom $109.8 billion

4 Indonesia $104.3 billion

5 Netherlands $103.3 billion

6 Luxembourg $96.8 billion

7 Hong Kong SAR $91.3 billion

8 Cayman Islands $87.4 billion

9 Australia $81.6 billion

10 Malaysia $75.6 billion

====

REACH (Telegram) 150 -  What are your views on the current measures in place to protect youths online? What are your views on a tiered or age-based access system to social media for youth?

(SK)

20 Jul 2026 (10am - 7pm)

REACH (Telegram)

[20/7/2026 9:23 am] REACH Singapore: Dear Contributors,

Welcome Back! 😊

⏰ We will be opening the chat from 9.30am 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. 

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

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The topic will be posted shortly. 

Thank you. 

Megan 😊

[20/7/2026 9:30 am] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢

Social media platforms that fail to meet child safety standards could be blocked for users under 18, while those that do could continue offering access to young users, Digital Development and Information Minister Josephine Teo said on Friday (Jul 17).

Speaking at a forum on child online safety organised by the Ministry of Digital Development and Information and the Institute of Policy Studies, Mrs Teo said discussions pointed towards a "differentiated landscape" where access hinges on whether platforms can provide a safe environment for children.

💬 What are your views on the current measures in place to protect youths online? What are your views on a tiered or age-based access system to social media for youth?

📌 Government’s Priority

Restricting access is "not the starting point" and "not the preferred outcome", she stressed. The government's priority remains working with platforms to strengthen safety features so children can keep accessing digital services more safely.

Her remarks build on an earlier proposal for tiered or age-based access, under which younger children could be barred from certain platforms while older teenagers gain access gradually as they develop the maturity to navigate online spaces.

📌 Existing safeguards

Singapore already has several age-related safeguards in place. These include Codes of Practice for Online Safety, age assurance requirements for apps and annual reporting obligations for social media platforms. 

"The idea that we can kick them off (social media) completely is not a very realistic one," Minister Teo said, noting that children today grow up without a clear separation between online and offline life. Protecting children from harm is "only part of it", she added. Preparing them to navigate digital spaces responsibly matters just as much, if not more, in the long run.

📌 Tiered Access to Social Media

Summing up the discussions at the forum, Minister Teo said there was broad support for tiered access and stronger expectations that tech companies take responsibility for designing safer platforms. 

She said safety should extend beyond moderating harmful content to features that shape user behaviour, such as recommendation algorithms, design elements that encourage constant use and the ability to interact with strangers.

"If we really want to create a child-safe environment, making sure it doesn't stop at the border called content but instead goes into considerations that define the features, the design of these services, is something that has also come across very loudly and clearly.”

Beyond regulation, she said ensuring children's online safety requires a whole-of-society effort spanning government, industry, educators, parents and young people.

👉 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/social-media-ban-children-under-18s-josephine-teo-6260356

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/tech/age-based-access-safer-system-design-on-social-media-needed-in-singapore?ref=latest

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[20/7/2026 10:01 am] REACH Singapore: [ Poll : 1. I am confident in the Government’s approach to ensure a safer social media environment for youths. Share your reasons in the chat! ]

- Strongly agree

- Agree

- Neutral

- Disagree

- Strongly disagree

[20/7/2026 10:01 am] REACH Singapore: [ Poll : 2.  A tiered age-based approach to social media access for those under 18 is an effective way to protect youths online. Share your reasons in the chat! ]

- Strongly agree

- Agree

- Neutral

- Disagree

- Strongly disagree

[20/7/2026 10:03 am] REACH Singapore: 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 current measures in place to protect youths online? What are your views on a tiered or age-based access system to social media for youth?

Thank you.

Megan 😊

[20/7/2026 10:59 am] 365: Platforms will use the laziest method, and use it as an excuse to collect data. The best way is to go back to parents teaching and guidance of their own children. If parents really care for their child, then stop making excuses for why you can't do it.

[20/7/2026 11:19 am] Kai Bin in reply to REACH Singapore:

> ‎⁨Dear Contributors,  Please take a moment to participate in our...

Set age restrictions for users under 18, do not let kids or youths under 16 to access social media

[20/7/2026 11:20 am] Adam: Wonder which platform will have the first data leak

[20/7/2026 11:20 am] Adam: And if data leak, what kind of slap on the wrist

[20/7/2026 11:24 am] Adam: By this logic, we should also restrict access of elders to social media. They are vunerable and get scammed often. In fact, bad actors are more likely to target elders with their nest egg

[20/7/2026 11:25 am] Adam: Would be funny if the govt dares to do that

[20/7/2026 12:08 pm] RY in reply to REACH Singapore:

> 📢 Topic 📢  Social media platforms that fail to meet child safety...

Glad that SG Govt has also taken a similar approach like Australia, that  have some restriction for youth accessing to media platforms in consideration for their online safety

It shd be all parties efforts - govt/school/parent/child for this policy to succeed

[20/7/2026 1:00 pm] Jun Ming: How would you enforce it? I can fake my age to register account

[20/7/2026 1:00 pm] Jun Ming: We got an example in Australia. Where kids continue scrolling despite the ban

[20/7/2026 1:02 pm] Jun Ming: Back then when I am in primary school I already create Facebook account liao

[20/7/2026 1:11 pm] Daniel: I think this is an important topic. Some features of social media are proven to be harmful to everyone (including adults) and I would welcome overall regulation to reign in these specific features (such as Infinite scroll or amplifying extreme content). Because as other said above, whatever age restrictions put in place, there will be a way around.

[20/7/2026 1:12 pm] G: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/faishal-ibrahim-resigns-over-online-messages-with-a-female-member-of-the-public

[20/7/2026 1:48 pm] Berry R in reply to G:

> ‎⁨https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/faishal-...

😳😱🤯

[20/7/2026 1:48 pm] Berry R: Who is taking over his MP duties? Wonder what actually happen! But think there is a stricter approach to personal conduct for ministers, MPs…

[20/7/2026 1:50 pm] G in reply to Berry R:

> ‎⁨Who is taking over his MP duties? Wonder what actually happen!...

Perhaps this is another reason for GRCs? 😏

Then don't need to hold by-elections 😉

[20/7/2026 2:15 pm] Adam in reply to G:

> ‎⁨https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/faishal-...

This is all because of social media. Social media is unhealthy and addictive. Like porn and drugs. Must regulate and ban for adults and children. Even MP succumb to its temptations

[20/7/2026 3:13 pm] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢

[20/7/2026 3:23 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

1. My family, sbilings family, and close circle friends' families don't have children yet.

2. But for the safety of the young ones - to prevent access to online harm at young age - I support restricted access to online social media.

3. Imposing social media platforms to restrict the young ones from undesirable content - is an appropriate move - as business must have social responsibilities to ensure their content and services must not be monetize or weaponise to cause harm to the young ones.

4. This is a minimal responsibilites expected of the Business, Government and Societies - to protect our innocent young ones.

[20/7/2026 3:34 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

The list of Countries that have restricted access or ban of young children in social media platforms are :-

- China

- North Korea

- Iran

- Turkmenistran

- Russia

Minors and Child-Safety Age Limits

Ban under 16

- Australia 

- Indonesia

- Malaysia

- Turkey (ban under 15)

- UAE (ban under 15)

Propose Bans (Proposed or drafted landmark laws to ban children under 15 or 16 from major platforms)

- UK

- France

- Greece

- Denmark

- Spain

- Canada

Proposed restricted access to children under 18 (not full ban) - block for platforms that fail to meet child safety standards

- Singapore

Source :- Google Gemini AI

[20/7/2026 3:35 pm] LCL (Danny 心) in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨The list of Countries that have restricted access or ban of...

Singapore approach to child safety standards online - is the mildest among all Countries.

[20/7/2026 3:40 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Online protection of young children below 18 is similar to physical protection - to prevent our young from harm in the adult world.

So I don't see any disparity - between online and physical.

In fact it is an action to bring online safety up to the same safety standard of physical safety for young children.

[20/7/2026 3:44 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Eg. When crossing a major road full of traffic, we expect an adult to hold the hand of a young one - to cross the road safely.

We don't expect the adult to let the young one cross the road by themselves.

This is the responsibility expected of the adult on young children.

[20/7/2026 3:48 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Likewise when the young one surf the dangerous world wide web full of danger, we expect the community, business, society and the government to lead, restrict, guide or block harmful content from influencing our young ones and affect their development at their formative age.

Just like our parents, schools, work, communities to guide the young ones not to befriend bad influence but good ones so that they develop wholesomely and not subject to bad influence, turn bad and harm the society or harm themselves or family members or their social circles.

[20/7/2026 3:51 pm] 365: Yes, we expect the guardians of the child to be guiding them, not set an ID scanner at the road to determine if the person should be blocked from crossing the road.

[20/7/2026 3:52 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

If social media can radicalise adults to become terrorists.

What is more about radicalizing young children to be terrorists warriors?

[20/7/2026 3:53 pm] Daniel in reply to 365:

> ‎⁨Yes, we expect the guardians of the child to be guiding them,...

But we also expect there to be traffic lights, ovrrpasses and pedestrian crossings for them to be able to safely cross the road. Right now there are no such things on the Internet.

[20/7/2026 3:55 pm] 365: So the internet is like your road between blocks that do not have all these, the point stands that it then falls on their guardians to guide them across, not set automatic blockades that require ID verification. The current implementation always falls back to ID verification.

[20/7/2026 3:59 pm] LCL (Danny 心): Eg

 In kindergarten, porno, extreme content, killings, violence etc should be blocked and ban from children.

Schools and parents and government cannot allow schools or parents to bring porno books, violent books - and let and guide children see porno and extreme content - and then say these are bad, now we guide you.

You can see as long as we guide you.

Can we?

[20/7/2026 4:02 pm] 365: You do know that all these content are not exclusive on just social media platforms right? If the implementation is for them to block access based on self declared age, I'm fine. If one wants to overdeclare their age and expose themselves, it is on them and their parents to guide them back to not lying and understanding potential risk.

If the implementation escalates to data collection, especially something as sensitive as ID, then it's a problem.

[20/7/2026 4:03 pm] 365: Even if all the social media adhere to whatever policies are set up, what's stopping a motivated child from searching porn using the search engine? Do we regulate that also?

[20/7/2026 4:04 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

In fact, I prefer all the undesirable contents like terrorism content, violence, porno etc to be blocked regardless of age.

They don't make people good.

But harm people regardless of age.

[20/7/2026 4:05 pm] LCL (Danny 心) in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨In fact, I prefer all the undesirable contents like terrorism...

If such contents are blocked in mainstream media and TV channels, rightfully social media should also be blocked.

[20/7/2026 4:07 pm] 365: This will allow people to decide what is good or bad for you accordingly then. Is US attacking Iran terrorism? Some may argue it that way, so we block it? Should all movie screenings in Singapore remove violence also? Any genres depicting sexual or suggestive scene, similar to what has appeared in titanic, all removed from screening?

[20/7/2026 4:08 pm] 365: Going in accordance to this logic, if mainstream media and TV channels do not show, why should cinema show it?

[20/7/2026 4:10 pm] 365: This allows whoever is in power to decide what is good and bad, and then what to show and what not to. Taken to an extreme spectrum, anyone can correct if I'm wrong, investing in equity is considered gambling by Muslims, so if the one in power takes the view that gambling is bad and should block on all platforms, then all equity investment sharing should be blocked.

[20/7/2026 4:11 pm] Adam: Singapore is a node of internet traffic. We can block certain objectionable content from the whole region. To do so, we also will need to sniff traffic passing by our borders. If data is encrypted it should be blocked too just like chinas great firewall

Data companies will love setting in such a place for being a bastion of morality and ethics. Why is singapore currently letting despicable data passing through our fibers.

Even if the data isnt destined for singapore ip, it will eventually harm people overseas

[20/7/2026 4:13 pm] 365: I support, at best, requesting social media platforms to make content accessibility based on *self-declared* age, not request of additional data, especially personal. 

The remaining responsibility is on the onus of parents to teach their child not to intentionally bypass it, similar to how you teach your child traffic rules so they can cross safely when you're not with them.

[20/7/2026 4:35 pm] 여자친구, 첫사랑 🏆 in reply to Berry R:

> ‎⁨Who is taking over his MP duties? Wonder what actually happen!...

Should be talked about more here eh hahaha.

[20/7/2026 4:46 pm] LCL (Danny 心) in reply to LCL (Danny 心):

> ‎⁨Many stealth warships - St kinetic design....

Correction:-

Stealth warships - ST Marine.

[20/7/2026 4:55 pm] Jun Ming: I think google play will auto block registering account if they use sign up with google right

[20/7/2026 4:57 pm] Jun Ming: I am thinking maybe a cross verification on different platform and temporary lock down the account

[20/7/2026 5:10 pm] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢

[20/7/2026 6:45 pm] REACH Singapore: 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 😊

[20/7/2026 7:01 pm] REACH Singapore: 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 😊

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