Monday, June 2, 2025

REACH (Telegram) 78 - What are your views on the Shangri-La Dialogue and Singapore’s approach to international relations?

(SK)

02 Jun 2025 (10am - 7pm)


REACH (Telegram)

REACH Singapore, [2/6/2025 9:45 am]

Dear Contributors,

Welcome Back! 😊

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The topic will be posted shortly. 

Thank you. 

Megan 😊

REACH Singapore, [2/6/2025 10:03 am]

📢 Topic 📢

If Singapore has to choose sides, it will choose the side of principles that uphold an integrated global economic and security order, underpinned by law and sovereignty, said Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing at the Shangri-La Dialogue on 1 June.

💬 What are your views on the Shangri-La Dialogue and Singapore’s approach to international relations?

"For Singapore, we believe that taking sides, regardless of issues and context, breeds irrelevance; and if one is irrelevant, it will almost certainly require (one) to take sides," said Minister Chan.

📌 Adhering to Principles

Minister Chan said “Singapore does not base its positions on who the key players are in a given issue. Instead, we look at every situation very carefully to decide what are the principles that are at stake."

He cited the war in Ukraine as an example, saying the conflict involves different levels of interest. Some are concerned because the war disrupted global supply chains and economic security, while for others, the core issue is sovereignty.

"These are all valid concerns. But if I may suggest, the highest order of concern for all of us should be the principles of how we conduct international relationships," said Minister Chan.

Singapore adheres to a set of principles that have contributed to and underpinned the country's survival and success, and when assessing any particular issue, it looks "very carefully" from this perspective, Minister Chan said. 

📌 US Engagement in the Region

In his interactions with US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, Minister Chan said he could sense that the US "genuinely" wants to engage the region. He said his counterparts were "cheered" by the US’ commitment to the Asia-Pacific region and were looking forward to this being translated into "tangible actions".

On Secretary Hegseth’s reference to China as a “threat”, Minister Chan highlighted that in Secretary Hegseth's speech, one part of it was to his domestic audience, and another was to Asian partners.

Minister Chan quoted lines from Secretary Hegseth’s speech: "We do not seek war… we do not seek to dominate or strangle China, to encircle or provoke. We do not seek regime change, nor will we instigate or disrespect a proud and historic culture."

📌 Singapore’s Role in International Security

To a question by a Chinese media outlet that mentioned Singapore’s “balancing act” between China and the US, Minister Chan said that is not Singapore’s approach. “Singapore is not trying to balance anybody, and we are also not the interlocutor (between other countries)”, he added.

Instead, Minister Chan said it sees itself as an open and inclusive platform that allows people to come together for frank and honest conversations.

“Where it’s appreciated, we will also share with our partners our perspectives, our interpretations, and likewise, we appreciate our partners sharing with us their perspectives and their interpretations of events,” he added.

👉 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/shangri-la-dialogue-chun-chun-sing-defence-global-order-5161716

👉 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/shangri-la-dialogue-chan-chun-sing-pete-hegseth-defence-5161126

👉 https://str.sg/fjjH

----


Jun Ming, [2/6/2025 10:26 am]

Please elaborate what principles that Singapore adopt

Jun Ming, [2/6/2025 10:28 am]

Cause once Singapore choose sides even if it is by principle we need Singaporean to agree on the set of principles

REACH Singapore, [2/6/2025 11:02 am]

[ Poll : 1. I am supportive of Singapore’s approach to international security and defence issues. Please share your reasons in the chat.  ]

- Strongly Agree

- Agree

- Neutral 

- Disagree

- Strongly Disagree 

REACH Singapore, [2/6/2025 11:02 am]

[ Poll : 2. The Shangri-La dialogue is an important platform for powers to exchange perspectives on security issues. Please share your reasons in the chat.  ]

- Strongly Agree

- Agree

- Neutral 

- Disagree

- Strongly Disagree 

365, [2/6/2025 11:19 am]

Singapore's stance has always to be the neutral party. Openly siding with either side will cut off, or at least vastly reduce trade ties with the other. We want the best of both worlds, good trade all around and less hostilities. Historically it has worked for us, for as long as we show that we are neutral.

How useful is the dialogue for powers to exchange perspectives, honestly sometimes the perspective is quite obvious to outsiders. Whether it's convenient for themselves to openly declare it or not is another issue altogether. Leaders can say what they want in the dialogue, but may harbour other intentions not revealed. What they say may be heavily self-censored as well.

The only items that can really be of news, maybe might be some intelligence sharing, but again, also depends on which other countries are participating, and who they want to share the intelligence with.

That being said, regardless of whether it's inherently important or not, some things still have to continue doing for show, to meet geopolitical expectations and align ourselves with other nations, which can be part of the importance to hold or participate in the dialogue.

Khai Mun L., [2/6/2025 11:25 am]

I wouldn't say sg is a pure neutral country. We aim to put ourselves in the best, or least losses, position.

E.g. We did take a side in the ukraine/russia war

365, [2/6/2025 11:27 am]

True. I'm thinking between US-China context since they are the 2 main superpowers right now

Jun Ming, [2/6/2025 11:54 am]

Agree it's very hard to be neutral

Jun Ming, [2/6/2025 11:56 am]

By principle anyone who invade any country is in the wrong

Jun Ming, [2/6/2025 11:58 am]

I think that is what minister meant siding by principles. 

But I think there are more principles that Singapore adopt

RY, [2/6/2025 1:51 pm]

https://youtu.be/KYtNKJbkHf8?si=ikJ6F4SueZw9i4ff

RY, [2/6/2025 1:52 pm]

https://youtu.be/MkauIG5guE8?si=ah3CAvvj5nwwfY9E

RY, [2/6/2025 1:54 pm]

May watch the above YT by SG Ministers, which explain SG position/views on geo-politics issues 

Brilliant answers by SG politicians also

RY, [2/6/2025 1:55 pm]

https://youtu.be/bNC430N1fww?si=OL2Uqk80QtgIUxzy

REACH Singapore, [2/6/2025 2:02 pm]

📢 Topic 📢

RY, [2/6/2025 2:04 pm]

May watch the YT interview by SM LHL with BBC journalist

SG principles are stated clearly 

One of SG principle is Neutral 

That explains why President Xi and ex-Taiwan President Ma held their meeting in SG 

Also including the North Korea Kim meeting with USA Trump in SG

Being Neutral has its advantage and disadvantage also 

I do agree with our SG Ministers point of view of staying Neutral will be more beneficial 

Just like Switzerland being a neutral country n was not involved in both world wars


LCL (Danny 心), [2/6/2025 2:37 pm]

*Shangrila Dialogue* appeal to and is an attempt to invoke:-

1. The collective humanity conscience, sense of fairness and justice

- that all Countries (big or small) have a place in the World.

And must be able to coexist without the threat to live in fear of invasion, do business and co-prosper.


LCL (Danny 心), [2/6/2025 2:44 pm]

2. Invoking humanity conscience, fairness and justice - means not taking the sides whichever side got a stronger muscle to gain favor.


But looking at issues, listening to all sides of their stories and justification for taking actions, look at the outcomes --- and voice our opinions based on the "voice of reasons" ---- using the framework of International Laws, our very conscience --- standing by the sides of principles and morality.


"That is, we stand by the Priniciples of Karma.

Do good, do right - we reap the outcomes of Good Karma.

Do bad, do wrong - we reap the outcomes of Bad Karma."

No one, no Countries can escape the Universal Law of Karma.


RY, [2/6/2025 2:50 pm]

Hope Israel may also know the Universal Law of Karma .... Genocide


LCL (Danny 心), [2/6/2025 2:53 pm]

3. Every human has a ruler in their heart (心有一把尺)。

Everyone head 3 feet got a divine (头上三尺有神明)。

In layman, every human heart got "Conscience" and inherently know what is "Right" or " Wrong" - whether conduct individually or as a Collective Whole as a Country.


LCL (Danny 心), [2/6/2025 3:01 pm]

4. Even though Singapore is a small Country, we can project our Conscience, a Soft power in the Global Stage to influence the outcomes of Global Affairs to make it a more peaceful, prosperous World --- by projecting our "Voices of Reasons".


Whereby Countries big or small can coexist in harmony - with no discrimination to races, skin colors, religions, culture. Everyone has a place in the World to live, coexist and prosper in peace and harmony.


Hence Shangrila Dialogue - is a good military diplomacy platform - to appeal and invoke the "Conscience" of Humanity, to foster different military to communicate and talk, understand from one another's viewpoints, hear from the majority of delegates represented by the various Countries --- and hopefully able to modify behaviours into a more moderate, wholesome ones - that promote peace and prosperity - instead of aggression, confrontation, and self-centred.


Military Diplomacy is a Soft Power - sometimes can be more effective and powerful - than brute strength, muscle and kinetic force - especially when soft power is projected through the "Voice of Reasons".


Nicholas, [2/6/2025 3:08 pm]

Good that Singapore organizes this dialogue each year, please keep it up, encourages dialogue amongst the defence ministers, and it's better that they be talking than battling.


LCL (Danny 心), [2/6/2025 3:09 pm]

6. At the more conventional, strategic level - inviting PM Malaysia as ASEAN chair, also our close neighbor, to speak his mind to safeguard ASEAN's trade and security, and coming from the mouth of our close neighbor - to appeal to Humanity Conscience to coexist peacefully and collaborate through trade, investment and business --- will surely safeguard Singapore security and prosperity - as we have close historical ties with Malaysia. (Where in the past - we have a troubled past - though now our relationship is very close).

A strategic master stroke.


LCL (Danny 心), [2/6/2025 3:10 pm]

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSkYJVaLH/

PM Anwar on his invitation by PM Lawrence Wong to speak on defence in Shangrila Security Dialogue.


Jun Ming, [2/6/2025 3:42 pm]

Maybe Singapore can try to invite Russia and Ukraine to have a dialogue next year


LCL (Danny 心), [2/6/2025 3:50 pm]

I think this conflict is not something that we can mediate.

Geographically, historically - we have no leverage to bring peace into fruition.

Turkey is now arbitrating the peace talk between Russia and Ukraine.

US in a better position to do so rather than here.


LCL (Danny 心), [2/6/2025 3:52 pm]

But certainly we can put forth our "voices of reasons".

But to influence the outcome, we are an outsider.


Jun Ming, [2/6/2025 3:53 pm]

I don't think us in a better position as they more prone to support Ukraine. Singapore although we can't persuade them I think they can have negotiation here in Singapore for Putin and zenelkeske (Dk how to spell his name)


LCL (Danny 心), [2/6/2025 3:58 pm]

Russia is a very different outfit.

They are in an advantage position - they won't budge.

Also Europe war, historically, you will need to know their very intricate details, nuance, their inner thoughts.

Means 有缘才能度。

Not everything we can transform into fruition.

Turkey is a EU country - friendly to both EU, Russia and Ukraine and US.

It is a better place and right position to bring a better outcome.


REACH Singapore, [2/6/2025 4:01 pm]

📢 Topic 📢


LCL (Danny 心), [2/6/2025 4:10 pm]

In fact, Turkey, EU, Russia, Ukraine and US (NATO) - will have intense interest to stop the war - because they are a part of and at the frontline of the conflict.

Everyone lives is on the line.

Hence the impetus to stop the war and stop the killing - is all the more urgent.

Hence choosing the right place, right people, right location, right time - will bring a better outcome.

This is 因缘聚合。

有缘才能度 - 事半功倍。

That's only when mutual destiny converge - fruition will ripen.

Singapore is not part of such destiny - unable to bring about the fruition.


LCL (Danny 心), [2/6/2025 4:51 pm]
1. Why does the World enter into this era of troubled geopolitical tensions?

2. Simply, it all boils down into the manifestations of Humanity's 5 inherent unwholesome roots :-
贪嗔痴慢疑。
Greed, Hatred, Ignorance, Arrogant, Distrust.

3. Greed - for power, leadership.

Hatred - as a result of historical animosity, bullies, conflict, confrontation due to vast variety of reasons - could be territorial contestation, power struggle, religious war, economic contestation etc.

Ignorance - thought that stronger muscle economically or militarily can cowed adversaries into submission.

Arrogant - one up against others.

Distrust - trust deficit among contestation nations.

4. Countries tension - in fact are boils down to Humanity 5 unwholesome inherent roots.

5. Only 3 wholesome antidotes - can neutralise Nations' geopolitical tension :-
无我,慈悲,智慧 ----- "心“。
Selfless (altruistic heart), 

Compassion (ability to accomodate self interest and other's interest - mutual benefits) and 

Wisdom (ability to find mutually beneficial solutions) ---- then can neutralise the World Geopolitical Tension - and make the Globe a more peaceful and prosperous World.

LCL (Danny 心), [2/6/2025 5:00 pm]
1. Co-operate for mutual benefits - Humanity survive and thrive.
2. Fight for supremacy and self interest at the expense of others - Humanity demise.

RY, [2/6/2025 5:05 pm]
SG criticise Russia for the war ....
Jun Ming, [2/6/2025 5:10 pm]
Almost everybody critise Russia for war just like us impose tariff on everyone
RY, [2/6/2025 5:13 pm]
SG govt publicly criticise Russia, U think Putin will accept the invitation for dialogue btw Ukraine/Russia  ?
Jun Ming, [2/6/2025 5:16 pm]
Us also criticize what even china also criticises. I think only north Korea didn't criticise?
RY, [2/6/2025 5:17 pm]
SG chooses whoever side will sure offend the other super-power, hence wise to stay Neutral in terms of geo-political term
I think ASEAN already agreed on this .....
Jun Ming, [2/6/2025 5:19 pm]
Idk if Singapore will end up like Venice attack other countries one day.
Jun Ming, [2/6/2025 5:19 pm]
Based on my ancient knowledge of social studies
RY, [2/6/2025 5:21 pm]
I pity Aussie now, as US want to control Darwin port with China existing contract with the port
And Australia economy depends a lot on china mkt nowsaday
Just like Panama Port case - in the end Italy billionnaire buy over fm HK billionnaire ....
RY, [2/6/2025 5:24 pm]
SG military has a "scorpio" perception - my understanding
Only when being attacked by others, then will retaliate and fiercely defend SG
RY, [2/6/2025 5:28 pm]
SG politicians have far-sighted views and they are very wise people 
U may watch the YT that I forwarded earlier
And see how they brilliantly answers all the qns during the interview by western media
RY, [2/6/2025 5:34 pm]
Never under-estimate SG military 
We are one of the best trained in ASEAN 
And our military is one of top highest spending set aside in SG Budget besides Education & Healthcare
RY, [2/6/2025 5:50 pm]
The purpose of Dialogue is important, so that other parties may hear one another views
It is okay to have/may not agree on different views, but have to voice out, as we are in a democracy world
REACH Singapore, [2/6/2025 6:00 pm]
📢 Topic 📢
REACH Singapore, [2/6/2025 6:45 pm]
Dear Contributors,
⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰
Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan 😊
RY, [2/6/2025 6:56 pm]
Tks Reach Team and Gd Evening everyone !
REACH Singapore, [2/6/2025 7:00 pm]
Dear Contributors
We will be closing the chat for today.
Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan 😊

====

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

REACH (Telegram) 77 - What are your views on the retail rental rates in Singapore? What more can be done to support small businesses with rental costs while balancing the interests of property owners?

(SK)

28 May 2025 (10am - 7pm)


REACH (Telegram)

REACH Singapore, [28/5/2025 9:46 am]

Dear Contributors,

Welcome back! 😊

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

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

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 😊

REACH Singapore, [28/5/2025 10:01 am]

📢 Topic 📢

On May 22, The Straits Times reported that at least five shophouse businesses in Siglap Drive have closed or are about to close because of rental hikes since 2024. According to Knight Frank Research, as at the first quarter of 2025, prime retail rents in a basket of malls within the prime central region have increased by 11.8 per cent in the post-pandemic period, while prime suburban retail rents rose by 5.8 per cent. The retail sector is expected to remain challenging in 2025, with rents likely to ease and stabilise within a modest growth range of 1 per cent to 3 per cent over the course of the year.

💬 What are your views on the retail rental rates in Singapore? What more can be done to support small businesses with rental costs while balancing the interests of property owners?

📌 Escalating rents:

Ms Sulian Tan-Wijaya, executive director for retail and lifestyle at Savills Singapore, said many malls are owned by real estate investment trusts (Reits) where there is little room to reduce rents or incentivise desirable brands with lower rents. She added that shop units owned by private strata owners were probably acquired at high prices with mortgages to service and owners facing higher interest rates will be less likely to lower their rents.

📌 Power dynamics between landlords and tenants:

Experts ST spoke to painted a picture of a retail environment where landlords hold most of the cards. Ms Grace Huang, co-founder of Neue Fit gym at Kallang Wave Mall, said that since she started the gym in 2018, her rent has gone up by about 57 per cent. When contacted, a Kallang Wave Mall spokesperson said that the rental rate for a unit of that size was well within market range. Singapore Tenants United For Fairness (SGTUFF) brand strategist Debbie Yong also added that the Government could strengthen the Code of Conduct for Leasing of Retail Premises by turning it into enforceable legislation as a practical first step towards rebalancing the power dynamics between landlords and tenants

📌 Space for Government support:

Head of Retail at Knight Frank Research, Ethan Hsu, acknowledged that there could be scope for the Government to do more. He said that the Government could consider managing the supply of F&B spaces within specific geographic areas to help businesses survive better amid limited demand or that they could consider implementing a tax similar to the additional buyer’s stamp duty on chain F&B brands to help moderate F&B growth to a more sustainable pace. SGTUFF also argued for some form of rental regulation, including a tiered rent cap system based on attributes such as property size and location, and incentives for landlords who offer long-term and stable leases.

However, Mr Hsu also cautioned that intervening in market forces could lead to unintended consequences such as reduced investment in commercial property, or a decline in the quality of retail spaces due to decreased spending on maintenance.

👉  https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/rising-rents-put-the-squeeze-on-small-businesses-should-the-government-do-more

----


365, [28/5/2025 10:13 am]

Free market, willing buyer willing seller. If the price is too high, naturally no one will rent it and the asking rent will be lowered. 

If really landlords can arbitrarily charge whatever they want and get it, then why not escalate 10x or 100x of what it is currently? Because there's no market for it.

So it's really a case of individual tenants unable to cope with the rent, because they aren't getting enough gross profit to pay for it. Whereas other tenants are able to manage, and thus the unit is still successfully rented out.

G, [28/5/2025 10:55 am]

“While there have been calls for the Government to intervene to stabilise rents, Mr Hsu cautioned that intervening in market forces could lead to unintended consequences such as reduced investment in commercial property, or a decline in the quality of retail spaces due to decreased spending on maintenance.

At the moment, the Code of Conduct for Leasing of Retail Premises – which landlords must voluntarily adopt – sets out leasing principles when drawing up contracts and a framework for resolving lease disputes.”

this above is comic relief. 

“…reduced investment in commercial properties” or “decline in the quality of retail spaces due to decreased spending on maintenance”

mind boggling, what is Mr Hsu smoking? I also want to smoke the same. 

the better one is yet to be, the second paragraph above “_Code of Conduct for Leasing of Retail Premises – which landlords *must voluntarily* adopt_”

so is it voluntary or compulsory? … and the failure to comply? what teeth does the Code (it’s from an Act) have? 

if I’m not wrong, it simply renders the offending clause “void”. how much teeth is that?

G, [28/5/2025 10:57 am]

go and read the Act that made this creature.   

“_by mutual agreement_”, parties can deviate from the code. 

just indulge me, think about the power disparity between the landlord and tenant, who has sunk cost in the form of fixtures and equipment. 

the landlord has a legal team and 200 pages of paperwork to solicit your ‘mutual agreement’, 60 days before your lease expires and you go find somewhere else.

G, [28/5/2025 11:03 am]

Power dynamics are skewed too much on favour of the REITs

And with this, it's too convenient to attribute to "market forces".. more like pressure to service the EPS for REIT holders

G, [28/5/2025 11:07 am]

Nowadays as a tenant need to be fluent in contact laws 😂

365, [28/5/2025 11:08 am]

Doesn't matter how much power they hold, they still have to charge rent according to market demands right? If they really are charging too high, then naturally there'll be no tenants, but we are still seeing tenants around, and even new tenants occupying spaces from those who have failed.

Joomua Tng, [28/5/2025 11:11 am]

guys..

this is something beyond me.

any professional can explain why the rent cannot be lowered?

and based on what algorithm they calculate the rent?

I seen mall or building rather have their space empty than lowering the rent so that it is populated with shops or restaurants or cafe.

is it not better to have the space rented out with lower rent to tenants than to leave it empty?

or is it the rent is high enough that it is more profitable to rent to one or two businesses and leave a few space left empty?

365, [28/5/2025 11:16 am]

Prospective tenants. Their own calculation tells them that it is more beneficial to give up a few months of rent, because they can find someone willing to pay more, but just needed some time.

If market rate is 10k, now you only got someone willing to pay 7k, you estimate you need maybe 2 months to find a tenant willing to pay 10k, so you give up 2 months of rent for 14k total, and earn back 3k per month more, so after 5 months you would have brought in more income.

Similar to all other products, as the consumer, if you're unsatisfied with the price, you are allowed to walk away. Your personal circumstances is not the concern of the seller. This is a business, not a charity.

Joomua Tng, [28/5/2025 11:17 am]

ok..

no wonder i seen spaces left empty for years, almost decade.

365, [28/5/2025 11:20 am]

Could be just those places are so bad that no one is interested in them, or the landlord overestimates their capabilities to find a tenant.

365, [28/5/2025 11:22 am]

Or the ones in charge just simply don't care anymore, because it doesn't cost them much, and they just want to wait for another buyer to buy out the whole place. A lot of possible reasonings.

Joomua Tng, [28/5/2025 11:25 am]

there is a red star chicken rice restaurant near selegie road.

it has been there for decades. they move out of the building when the building went through renovation.

then the red Star did not go back to the building anymore. 

before renovation the shops were fully rented out 

but after renovation the shops are all left empty for almost a decade.

Joomua Tng, [28/5/2025 11:28 am]

wondering what sort of other business so good for the corporate owner of the building does that the renovated spaces left empty for almost a decade?

previously it was populated with bakery, restaurants (thai, mala, art friend, etc) now it is left empty

365, [28/5/2025 11:32 am]

Only the ones in charge can give you the exact reason, others can only speculate.

Possible reasons: value proposition changed, is there another competing mall nearby that has a better location and/or amenities? Maybe the amount of space they can rent out compared to overall space is too little, so the rent received cannot cover cost for utilities, maintenance and upkeep? If they can only rent out 1 unit, then they need to keep escalators, lift operational, hire cleaners and security, etc...

Nicholas, [28/5/2025 11:58 am]

While I understand the stance that free market economics prevail, it is unsettling to read about retailers facing rent hikes of 50% or more, even doubling existing rent in the case of Siglap bakery on lease renewal. Surely costs shouldn't be going up so quickly in our small island nation. Where else can these retailers go? These inevitably lead to higher costs for end consumers like you and me. It also gives the sensing that the market is out of balance in favour of the well heeled landlords.

G, [28/5/2025 12:08 pm]

Well heeled temasek related REITs 

not sure also.. but is HDB using REIT rental rates to determine their own rentals too in the name of "market forces"?

Wouldn't that be in accurate?

REITs are formed for the sole benefit of the shareholder and seeks to prioritise maximising shareholder returns.. 

and HDB mission is not maximising shareholder returns. But if HDB is using REITs rental rates as a gauge of "market rate" wouldn't be contrary to HDB's mission?

365, [28/5/2025 12:08 pm]

If organization A charges too high of a price, then consumers can opt out of buying, leading to organization A possibly dropping out of renting. If organization B picks up the rent and does the same, then the same fate will befall B. But if B can charge lower prices and maintain a profit margin to pay rent, then business as usual.

If B is unable to sustain the rent as well (and let's assume no organization can sustain it) then the rent will be lowered until an acceptable rate, and this is the market. 

The illusion is thinking Singaporeans are poor, when so many of them are spending lavishly, whilst also complaining. Time and again, I've seen people earning less than me, yet very willing to spend more than me on wants. That's how the market works then, willing buyer, willing seller. 

Of course there are exception cases as mentioned in previous discussions.

365, [28/5/2025 12:12 pm]

Lower rental rates is like providing subsidies on rental, it has to be paid out from somewhere, which is taxpayer money.

Not saying that they should follow market rate completely, but they need to balance the market price and the reasonable amount of subsidies to provide.

How much is enough assistance without drawing too much from taxpayers.

I never research into this, but likely they will have stricter rules for tenants to make up for the subsidies.

G, [28/5/2025 12:16 pm]

More like lower rental means less impetus for REITs to raise rents and thus harming the REITs bottom lines.

All things equal, if I can set up shop at a cheaper HDB mall, why would I do it in a more expensive REIT mall? Then the REIT mall will have to lower rentals to entice more people to take up retail space.. but this will negatively impact REIT bottom lines and shareholder (temasek) returns

365, [28/5/2025 12:18 pm]

Because hdb mall might not be at a better location, or maybe hdb did place stricter conditions apart from just monetary.

365, [28/5/2025 12:19 pm]

It's similar to hawkers vs private coffee shops. Hawkers have cheaper rent, and yet there are still tenants for private coffee shops.

REACH Singapore, [28/5/2025 1:00 pm]

Dear Contributors,

We want to HEAR MORE from you!

💬 What are your views on the retail rental rates in Singapore? What more can be done to support small businesses with rental costs while balancing the interests of property owners?

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

Thank you!

Megan 😊

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 1:03 pm]

Limit rental prices

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 1:03 pm]

Cap at certain value

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 1:04 pm]

Limit land prices cap at certain value

여자친구, 첫사랑 🏆, [28/5/2025 1:09 pm]

I think this issue on rent hikes is a whole chain of domino effects right, and it starts at either land prices or the price which they bought over the building at. Frankly I don't think the government will do anything about this.

여자친구, 첫사랑 🏆, [28/5/2025 1:10 pm]

They wanna protect their biggest money makers the most.

365, [28/5/2025 1:12 pm]

It's the same issue with hdb again, do you want to limit resale value? Especially for those who have already bought their hdbs, is it fair to them?

Are others entitled to your service or property at an undercut price?

Joomua Tng, [28/5/2025 1:13 pm]

how to balance?

is the government going to talk to the property owners that they place their rental too high?

then at what level it is reasonable?

........

market and businesses, including property owner has no moral value (generically, not all) when it comes to money. just like what george soros said in an interview. he is here to make money, he doesn't care for whatever consequences of his action does to the society.

retail rental is like a business..how do you determine fair price in businesses like rental?

......

365, [28/5/2025 1:15 pm]

Everyone's definition of fair and reasonable is different, that's why go back to market forces.

If someone else can pay more, why are you entitled to pay less for it? Why are you entitled to have a say in someone else's property?

Khai Mun L., [28/5/2025 1:22 pm]

And if these private properties are too expensive to rent. There's always the government option of hawker centre. Though the business would need to consider their customer's budget based on location

Joomua Tng, [28/5/2025 1:24 pm]

can share link here?

i share geore soros interview YouTube link.

basicall, the rise in rental in retail in Singapore is quite similar to george soros'.

https://youtu.be/rCjkd44p_lE?si=NC-VAsjpS-sIV9bC

....

businesses has a certain degree of social responsibility. cannot just using the statement, i am here to make money, as an excuse.

businesses, including property owners, earning their money from society, thus, they too has a certain degree of social responsibility.

ultimately, whatever is happening out there it will go one cycle to impact them either for better or for worse.

......

question is.

how much should government steps in to uphold social interest to say... enough is enough.

government cannot involve too much also, as it will restrict the businesses in how they operate.

Nicholas, [28/5/2025 1:36 pm]

Has the necessary data been collected? If so, provide guide prices for different areas. This would also allow for tracking of untoward price movements and support some intervention.

RY, [28/5/2025 1:52 pm]

Retail rental mkt maybe similar to the Resale Hdb flat 

Rent is a substantial overhead for any biz operation, and landlord always have the upper hand in the negotiation 

I think Govt may apply their residential property strategy eg Hdb Resale into Retail Rental 

If any of the pricing is hiking eg previous medical insurance premiums, govt also came in to intevene, and hence bring down our medishield premiums, 

And nowsaday the premiums are quite stabilized after changes made by govt eg no more 100% deductible, cap in cancer meds claimt and etc 

Similarly, the market stall rental also spiking at a time, and govt too came in and set rules of the bidding 

Certainly Govt may set up a framework, to help small biz to survive and be competitive in the market

365, [28/5/2025 1:59 pm]

So there was trade offs for lowering the premium.

If there are going to limit rental rates, there would have to be trade offs in favor of the landlords as well. 

I'm pretty sure there are some tenants whoay have this agreement, but it could be a much lower base rental rate, and then add on a percentage of revenue. So if tenants do badly such as during covid, they can pay less in rent. Conversely if they were to earn more, then they would have to pay more as well.

Joomua Tng, [28/5/2025 1:59 pm]

the premium rises in integrated medishield is due to the abuses of insurance claim by its client. not because insurance companies raising it for the sake of profits.

because in previous scheme, 100% of the bills is covered under integrated medishield, the clients agree too any unnecessary medical checks like mri, ct scan etc...which resulted in the premium collected by insurance companies unable to cover for the expenses in unnecessary medical checkups 

it is different from the raising of rental in retail.

REACH Singapore, [28/5/2025 2:00 pm]

📢 Topic 📢

Joomua Tng, [28/5/2025 2:01 pm]

the concept of that medishield scheme is good. but it opens abuses

Joomua Tng, [28/5/2025 2:06 pm]

Government should do more.

why?

the  hike in retail rental is not sustainable for the retail businesses.

the property owners or management,

they care only about making money, and may not consider about the consequences it cause to the social impact and economy as a whole.

thus, Government has a duty to step up and put a stop to it before it get out of hands.

....

how to do it?

it is beyond me scope😅

have to relying on you guys who is more professional to help suggest a solutions.

G, [28/5/2025 2:13 pm]

Why would govt put in place policies to lower rent?

REITs are big landlords, many of which have temasek as their shareholder.

Would the govt let temasek suffer in favour of singaporeans?

Khai Mun L., [28/5/2025 2:15 pm]

It's not only temasek or government as landlord. Even retail investors like use who hold reit stocks rarely want to see profits and dividends go down

Khai Mun L., [28/5/2025 2:15 pm]

*like us

365, [28/5/2025 2:17 pm]

Singaporeans and reit shareholders do not have to be mutually exclusive

Joomua Tng, [28/5/2025 2:17 pm]

if it affects the overall social N economy then Government has the duty to step in.

365, [28/5/2025 2:17 pm]

These same Singaporeans will also ask, why is it fair to punish them and their investments suddenly then?

G, [28/5/2025 2:19 pm]

It's the same tension as HDB affordable homes vs growth asset

Both are at odds with each other but it seems the posture that squeezes out more money for the organisation rather than ensuring affordability for the individual is prioritised

Joomua Tng, [28/5/2025 2:21 pm]

it is their way of saying they are here to earn money and do not care about social consequences. ..as mentioned by georgr soros.

.........

that's why government should step in and do something.

.....

just like the cleaners' salaries has been stagnant for decades...their salaries though determined by market forces, but it is still not right that their salaries remain stagnant for decades.

eventually, it was brought up to the government's attention and something is done

365, [28/5/2025 2:22 pm]

So now arises the issue of, whose yardstick do we judge by if something is right or wrong?

Joomua Tng, [28/5/2025 2:25 pm]

whoever has the might to do so. might is right. which is what happening now by the hikes in rental. the property owners exercising their might according to their legal right😖

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 2:30 pm]

I think there's a lemon law in Singapore right

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 2:30 pm]

Maybe not applicable

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 2:31 pm]

But there should have some limit when it is over price

365, [28/5/2025 2:31 pm]

Iirc lemon law is for defective goods, not really related to this

365, [28/5/2025 2:32 pm]

Then again the question is when is it considered overprice? Because some businesses can still pay for the rental, so how do you determine overprice?

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 2:33 pm]

Percentage increase. And how does it justify the increase

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 2:34 pm]

You say a 50% Increase of rent then why

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 2:34 pm]

If not people can anyhow set prices

Joomua Tng, [28/5/2025 2:34 pm]

so...when the property own raises the rental, a proper justification proposal must be submitted to authority for review?

Joomua Tng, [28/5/2025 2:35 pm]

if so...very busy leh.

365, [28/5/2025 2:35 pm]

Still not really anyhow set, but maximizing the amount they can get, example they can't set 1 million per month for a small unit and expect tenants to pay for it, obviously no one will accept.

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 2:36 pm]

But drastic increase people also cannot accept mah

365, [28/5/2025 2:37 pm]

There are ppl who can accept, that's why they can still successfully rent it out

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 2:37 pm]

I rent you 1 year next year increase 50%

365, [28/5/2025 2:38 pm]

Basically it's about value proposition, even though rental is increased by 50%, but this rental allows them to still maintain a business, compared to no places to set a business

365, [28/5/2025 2:38 pm]

It's up to individual businesses, different businesses are competing for the same space, if A can accept but B cannot, then why is B entitled to that space and still ask for lower rent?

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 2:39 pm]

Because B have already put in initial investment

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 2:40 pm]

I thought Singapore like to protect businesses

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 2:40 pm]

Is this how Singapore protect businesses

365, [28/5/2025 2:40 pm]

And if the contract ends then it ends already, there's no more agreement afterwards right? So since there's no more agreement then B no longer has any rights to the place. Of course if you're talking about raising rents which violates contract, then it's a different issue.

365, [28/5/2025 2:40 pm]

Tenants and landlords are both doing business

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 2:42 pm]

Maybe gan kim Yong can set up another task force for small business to tackle rent issues

365, [28/5/2025 2:42 pm]

Conversely, someone can also ask what about rights to your own private property? I'm sure you also don't like the government to tell you what you can and can't do with your own property.

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 2:43 pm]

To help to find alternative and maybe longer contracts

365, [28/5/2025 2:43 pm]

I know ppl who are upset with some stuff they can't do with hdb, so imagine if there's even more restrictions. Same thing with retail property.

365, [28/5/2025 2:43 pm]

That is for the tenants and landlords to negotiate le.

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 2:43 pm]

Maybe a mediator

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 2:43 pm]

For negotiation

365, [28/5/2025 2:45 pm]

I think to support businesses, some spaces can be reserved, especially heartland areas, for small businesses. The rent can be cheap, but subject to more restrictions also, maybe a pricing limit on the items you sell for the cheap rent, or maybe a cheap base rent but an add-on rent based on your revenue, so you can sustain in bad times and have more time to try out, while still giving back fairly when you have good revenue.

Joomua Tng, [28/5/2025 2:45 pm]

😅 mediator cannot do much also.

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 2:45 pm]

Criminal have lawyers to negotiate sentence, maybe tenants can have someone nego with landlord

365, [28/5/2025 2:47 pm]

If small businesses want social contributions to help them survive/thrive, then I think it's fair to expect them to contribute back socially also. So ensuring they are not profiteering too much as well, or maybe a charity work and contributions requirement, etc...

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 2:48 pm]

Can say not near to mrt, no customer flow, very ulu, please reduce price for long term business.

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 2:49 pm]

Then small business just pay a few k for the negotiator. Somehow it also boost the economy, more jobs will be created and all sides are happy

365, [28/5/2025 2:50 pm]

All these are market factors that will play out themselves. If ulu but got other businesses interested and can make it work then how? If ulu until no profit then market forces will drive out the tenants, they have no entitlement to the private property.

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 2:51 pm]

That's is why a negotiator job to understand the nature of the business if it is sustainable and to help clients find alternative

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 2:52 pm]

It's like the same role as diplomat

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 2:52 pm]

Just that smaller scale


LCL (Danny 心), [28/5/2025 2:54 pm]

*Intervening in the Rental Market*


1. I am a major proponent of free market economy - determine by market forces. Any intervention that interfere with free market principles will normally result in unintended consequences.

(Trump tariff war - to manipulate trade, pull manufacturing back etc - all results in adverse consequences that breach free market forces). And create a big mess in the global economy.


2. However, some recent developments sets me thinking that should our Government do something to the rental market :-

a. Rental cost is one of the major component of a business cost. I casually spoke to a few food stall owners and retailers --- and almost unanimously cited rental cost is the main killer of business when rental contract expires..

As read from the news, $5,400 to $8,500 upon renewal of rent increase is too much for retailers to absorb.

Some of my neighbourhood food stall owners also told me that when coffeeshop change hands sold to big food chain Kimly, they have no choice but to increase their food prices. Many old stall owners have to give up their food business as they cannot afford the rent.

This is similar to food court that do renovation, and all food stall operators raise their food prices after renovation.


b. Cost of living - many food stall owners and retailers cited that rental cost is their main consideration in raising food prices.

However, NEA run food stalls don't cite rental cost as their grievances and the food prices are normally lower than those run by private coffeeshop owners and food court.


c. Trump tariff war has now make external trade and external economy all the more challenging.

Hence we need to ensure our domestic economy function properly and remain healthy. More than 70% of the labour force is employed by SMEs and form a sizeable contribution to our domestic economy.

When our external economy come under stress, we cannot allow our domestic economy to falter as well. Else our Economy will enter into a recession.

That means some SMEs got to close shops, workers lose jobs.


Hence, I feel that it is necessary for the Government to intervene in the rental market to make SMEs and food stall viable, as well as to contain the Cost of Living.

In fact I have been pondering on this topic for quite some times after spoken to a few SME and food operators.


Joomua Tng, [28/5/2025 2:54 pm]

is it practical? how many of these so call negotiator should be hired? by who? government agencies?

1 negotiator to how many retail rental issues?😅

Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [28/5/2025 2:54 pm]

Too many malls. U can see many malls empty unit.

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 2:55 pm]

You know this can be a new industry. And this can create jobs

Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [28/5/2025 2:55 pm]

All this big brands come in, rent, cannot survive close down. Recently so many businesses closed down

Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [28/5/2025 2:56 pm]

Capitol malls, so empty, had to revamp

Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [28/5/2025 2:56 pm]

Same tekka mall

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 2:56 pm]

1 property agent to how many property 

1 financial advisor to how many clients

Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [28/5/2025 2:57 pm]

By changing look, unit not going in to get rented. May try for awhile. Realise no business close down

Joomua Tng, [28/5/2025 2:57 pm]

commission based or salary based.

financial advisor , usually insurance agent is running a self employed business....cannot be compare equally

Joomua Tng, [28/5/2025 2:58 pm]

so is property agent.

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 2:59 pm]

Can be commission based or salary based depends on how they want the business model be

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 2:59 pm]

Can be private business but gov needs to encourage this type of jobs lor

Joomua Tng, [28/5/2025 2:59 pm]

commission? no conflict if interest?

s

Joomua Tng, [28/5/2025 2:59 pm]

salary based...who doing the hiring?

Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [28/5/2025 3:00 pm]

Another thing, I have realised many malls have those small pop up vendor boxes. Or outside malls. What happens to those who pay high rents for shop space. Better close shop rent out those small spaces move around. Think they should stop pop up stalls

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 3:00 pm]

If I know I will be the gov liao

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 3:00 pm]

This one let gov decide since they are all elite

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 3:01 pm]

I just give an Idea to see if it can be work

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 3:02 pm]

Just like idk how property agent job started like the landlord can directly sell to the tenant

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 3:04 pm]

I also don't know how financial advisor started where insurance company can just list their black and white with a customer service with ai bot to answer queries

Joomua Tng, [28/5/2025 3:07 pm]

people don't wake up and buy insurance on their own.

the myth and misconception insurance is additional expenses. instead of protection for them during u expected circumstances...

thus, insurance is sold, through insurance agent, instead of bought by client on their own initiative

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 3:08 pm]

Just like tenants and landlords can both hire negotiator at the same time mah. Like lawyers quarrel mah.

Joomua Tng, [28/5/2025 3:09 pm]

additional cost and almost useless.

....

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 3:10 pm]

The options can be made available. For the market to decide. I think in a way it helps small business lah. If not small business very helpless

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 3:12 pm]

If not shop taken over by big brands then small business cannot survive. No startup in Singapore


LCL (Danny 心), [28/5/2025 3:12 pm]

*Adverse consequences of Rent Control for SMEs, retailers and food stalls*


But it is important to note there are adverse consequences of rent control and hence are more targeted approach will be needed to ensure unintended effects will not rear its head and impact the Economy.


Among the adverse consequences of rent control are as follows (Source:- Meta AI):-

(Note :- Economic books will also cite all these points - too lazy to memorise and regurgitate).


- Reduced Supply of Commercial Spaces: Rent control can discourage property owners from developing or maintaining commercial spaces, leading to a shortage of available spaces for retailers and food stalls.

- Inefficient Allocation of Spaces: Rent control can lead to inefficient allocation of commercial spaces, as businesses may be reluctant to move to more suitable locations due to the artificially low rents.

- Black Market Rentals: Rent control can create a black market for commercial rentals, where property owners charge higher rents under the table to make up for the controlled rents.

- Reduced Investment in Maintenance and Upgrades: Rent control can lead to reduced investment in maintenance and upgrades of commercial spaces, as property owners may not have the financial incentives to improve their properties.

- Favoritism and Discrimination: Rent control can lead to favoritism and discrimination, as property owners may choose to rent to businesses that are willing to pay higher rents under the table or have personal connections.

- Limited New Business Opportunities: Rent control can limit new business opportunities, as existing businesses may be reluctant to vacate rent-controlled spaces, making it difficult for new businesses to enter the market.

- Reduced Foot Traffic: If rent control leads to a shortage of commercial spaces, it can result in reduced foot traffic, affecting the viability of businesses in the area.

- Less Vibrant Business Environment: Rent control can lead to a less vibrant business environment, as businesses may not be able to afford to invest in their spaces or offer competitive products and services.


These adverse consequences can impact the overall health and diversity of the retail and food stall sectors.


Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 3:14 pm]

Please suggest an alternative to help small businesses. By denying one solution doesn't actually help.

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 3:16 pm]

I have suggested a negotiator that does not control rental price directly.  What else do you people suggest?


LCL (Danny 心), [28/5/2025 3:25 pm]

*Considerations of commercial property owners - in setting rents*


1. As we look at the pain from SMEs, retailers, food operators, we also need to stand in the shoes of the commercial property owners consideration why they keep raising the rents upon contract expiry.


a. Shop units own by private strata owners could have acquired at high prices with mortgages to service at higher interest rate - and hence less likely to lower their rents as cited in the above REACH context.


b. REITS listed in Stock Exchange need to report profits and spruce up their shares in the stock market - and hence has little incentives to lower their rents.


Hence landlords hold most of the cards in the rental market.


Joomua Tng, [28/5/2025 3:30 pm]

nice.


LCL (Danny 心), [28/5/2025 3:39 pm]

*How can we bring down the commercial rental market into a more manageable level - to contain business costs that translate into higher cost of living to the people*


1. It all boils down to $ and cents - that is who foot the bill of rental hike:-

a. SMEs, retailers, food operators - high rental 

b. Consumers - higher food prices, goods and services prices

c. Landlords - forgo high rent at the expenses of mortgages servicing, high interest rate or profit.

d. Government - which is the taxpayers' money.


2. If we analyse carefully, high rental cost will impact any of the group a. b. or d.

Lowering rental prices will impact c.


LCL (Danny 心), [28/5/2025 3:45 pm]

3. So surgically, if we look at all these players objectively, if c. landlords have its way - a. SMEs, retailers, food operators will pay their nose through bleeding - SMEs close shops or consumers pay inflated prices. (Which is happening now - as we experienced).


4. If Government force c. Landlords to maintain rental control - then all the negative consequences of rent control that I highlight earlier will emerge - which is undesirable - and will impact SMEs, retailers, food operators as well as consumers.


5. If d. Government - take up the whole burden of subsidizing the high rental - taxpayers money will suffer (and all our fiscal budget surplus will be gone) - all go into the c. Landlords pocket.


365, [28/5/2025 3:50 pm]

The focus here now is on small businesses. I think can be supported through taxpayer money first, then once they take off, retrieve it back from them with some interest (doesn't have to be monetary). 

Which goes back to what I have mentioned previously. Setup a system similar to hawkers, whereby it's government owned. This way the rent can be controlled at a fairly low rate, in a way subsidizing rent. However, we can then implement social requirements on the tenants for them to give back to society. Instead of suppressing others to help small businesses, we create an alternative for them.


LCL (Danny 心), [28/5/2025 3:58 pm]

6. So pragmatically, what will be the best way forwards?

As layman and a pragmatist, let me venture a solution for the Government consideration:-

- Make a. b. c. and d. (balance the high rental cost).

- That is SMEs, retailers, food operators, landlords, consumers and Government - work out an equation to ensure "Rental cost" are balanced - whereby each group will bear the equal burden of the rental cost - without breaching the market principles (in which property market are valued - according to demand and supply) - and hence not inheriting the worst consequences of rent control.


7. This will be a major exercise, need experienced accountants, property valuers, financial analysts to work out these equations.


8. Hopefully, upon reaching a desirable equilibrium:-

a. SMEs, retailers, food operators can survive and make profit.

b. Consumers cost of living is contained and bearable.

c. Landlords won't feel grievances by pressing their income.

d. Government taxpayers' money is managed prudently without over spending, need more tax, incur debt or digging into our reserves.


No countries have done this...

Hmm...... But I think should be workable..... Om...


REACH Singapore, [28/5/2025 4:04 pm]

📢 Topic 📢


LCL (Danny 心), [28/5/2025 4:48 pm]

Under this equation, if property valuers determine yearly that property values has dropped, then rental prices will go down and savings shared by all 4 groups.

Conversely if property values gone up, the increase rental hike will be shared equally by the 4 groups.

So no breaches to the market principles.


But overtime, Singapore as a whole can enjoy the benefits of:-

1. SMEs reasonable rent prices.

2. Consumers reasonable cost of living 

3. Landlords receive reasonable rent income 

4. Government coffer reasonably prudent.


So this is an innovative solution to resolve decades' economic problem of rental hike versus rental control.

If Singapore is successful in using this solution, just like our ITM (industry transformation map) to resolve tech disruptors to business and jobs - then our solution can be "sold" to the World and enter into the Economic book.


Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 4:52 pm]

Because I feel that now a lot of the burden has pass down to small business and consumer


LCL (Danny 心), [28/5/2025 4:53 pm]

The proposed solution will lighten all our burden.


LCL (Danny 心), [28/5/2025 4:54 pm]

Anyway it is a difficult problem to solve worldwide for decades.

To date no one have a good solution.


Hanny, [28/5/2025 4:57 pm]

Gov should start managing the rental of hawker center. Remove middleman.

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 4:59 pm]

Sometimes I like china products as it's cheap and useful. Products like xiaomi compared to Samsung. 

Mixue and value$(can be misleading )compared to big brands like liho 

The cost of the product really makes consumer looks for cheaper alternative and mostly from overseas. I started to buy things from taobao since COVID and online e-commerce platforms.

People have concerns that once the train to JB started to operate people may buy their products from Malaysia


LCL (Danny 心), [28/5/2025 5:00 pm]

CDC vouchers, SG 60 will ensure no leakages to foreign countries.

Because they can only be used in Singapore.


Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 5:01 pm]

But I only use them for essentials. And they only can use for essential

Joomua Tng, [28/5/2025 5:01 pm]

isn't hawker centre bid through NEA?

so the rental is determined by the hawker themselves who are doing the bidding.


LCL (Danny 心), [28/5/2025 5:03 pm]

Can buy more than essential.

Eg. Smartphone, fridge, can see doctors, pay for classes etc that accept CDC vouchers.


Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 5:03 pm]

Then kena boycott online

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 5:05 pm]

Nowadays i buy rice online

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 5:05 pm]

As it cheaper

Khai Mun L., [28/5/2025 5:20 pm]

Buying from online/foreign is a factor too, overseas companies could get sponsored by their governments or global companies to offer cheaper price.

Whereas sg business have to pay full price for rent, manpower, utilities. Hard to compete with big budgets from overseas

RY, [28/5/2025 5:46 pm]

Govt Role in biz market is to control b4 it spikes into "bubble" whether in sale/rental property mkt 

Rem the food stall sale in hawker/mkt went so high, that the govt has to intervene ?

Similar to the resale Hdb flat/residential mkt, there was a period that it went spiking (bubble), and the govt has to implement some policies to bring down the prices 

To certain point of time, when govt has to intervene the mkt, they must come in, so that the bubble wont burst ultimately 

Govt may also set up some framework in retail rental mkt also, eg the rental increase by the landlord must be reasonable/viable for the biz to survive also

Considering retail biz, there is already initial reno costs that biz has to absorb b4 starting any biz

RY, [28/5/2025 6:00 pm]

In fact, with the trend of online shopping nowsaday, retail biz really suffers in recent decade, especially during the pandemic

Nowsaday, retail shopping really focusing on "experiential shopping" whereby consumer may physically try/touch the products, and also enjoy the services provided by the biz 

Many Fashion brands/shops are going towards AI shopping experience 

In Korea/Japan, for beauty pdts, there is even a beautician to help with the make-up as a value-added svs 

For me, I may go for retail mainly for F&B, whereby I may enjoy the services and sametime savouring  the fresh/hot food being served instantly

REACH Singapore, [28/5/2025 6:03 pm]

📢 Topic 📢

RY, [28/5/2025 6:15 pm]

Online biz reduces operation costs eg shop renovation/rental and etc  

That also explain why so many retail biz closed down in malls nowsaday, as online shopping is so common and easy just by clicking the fingers 

Hence the developers/mall operators should not raise rental so high, that makes the retail operators so difficult to survive in their retail biz 

Without tenants, the mall operators also lose out in rental income, isnt it ? 

In order for any biz to survive, they must have regular/stable income to cover their biz overheads eg rental/labour and etc

Joomua Tng, [28/5/2025 6:17 pm]

it is a good considering of enforcing the code of conduct into legislation.

but..how to measure it?

i have no idea on how to measure whether the landlord is over pricing the rental.

on what basis and benchmark to measure from?

.........

there is tripartite on employer, employee and government agencies to mitigate and help increase the trus between employees and employers and government agencies.

........

maybe the same can be done for tentants and landlords and a government agencies to mitigate so that the landlord and tenant can reach a mutual middle ground.?

.....

not all things can be solved by pure legal issue.. though it is still a must to deter "trouble makers"

it is better that the parties involved to sit down and come to a common ground, a middle ground where both landlord and tenant can benefits.

............

i am just a taxi driver and learning trader.

only focus on driving and learning to become profitable traders.

such complex issue is beyond my income level😅

.....

the issue of "tripartite" between tenant and landlord and gov agency is MPs' job, and paid to come out a solution.

......

RY, [28/5/2025 6:23 pm]

Further, many people are crossing the border to msia and shop/eat/play there, because it is still cheaper to spend in msia than SG 

Similarly many Hongkongers are doing the same and crossing border to ShenZhen/GZ in china  

HK retail also badly affected in recent years, by this shift of consumer market


LCL (Danny 心), [28/5/2025 6:34 pm]

My close friend comments:-

Singapore has in the past repealed control of rent act? Maybe someone can highlight what were the key considerations at that time?

My comments:-

I think should be those points about rent control that I highlighted. Rent control bad for the whole economy property market.


My close friend comments:-

Removing controls should have a natural stabilizing force. 

Eg. Massive number of hdb flats is a stabilizing force for housing prices. 

Although we are facing escalating prices, but compared to countries like HK, majority of Singaporeans are free from prices hikes. 

Staple food for example, if gov had good stockpiling measures plus, a coop like ntuc fair price which people can turn too, rice importers can't manipulate the prices too far. Hawker stalls is another example, unfortunately at one point gov allowed the sale of stalls and hawkers instead of selling make more money thru renting out their stalls. When control of rent act was repealed, there might not be far sightedness that rental will spike. 

Why allow foreigners to buy heartland coffeeshops for example. 

Only very few benefited, most people suffered including customers.

We can learn from the past mistake on rent control and we won't go back and forth on the same policy mistake.


My close friend comments:-

REITs was disruptive model which tenants are held ransom and subsequently had to pass down their costs to consumers. When they are unable to, they have to close down.

Then, should there be a way to target at REITs?

My comments:-

Yes. This is the most important pain points highlighted by many people. 


My close friend comments:-

Jtc should continue to be landlord for small industrial areas and light industries. Otherwise smes also mati.

Gov should be landlords to hawker centres and heartland shops. Apply strict  tenant rules.

My comments:-

Hmm... Good idea.


My close friend comments:-

90s, early 2000 was the era of liberalization. Outsourcing, corporatization, privatization etc all in the name for free market and next phase of economy boom. It is good for our Economy at that time, as we are a Developing Economy and our income grow phenomenally..

And as we all know, everything has a tipping point and beyond that, it comes back to bite.

My comments:-

Yes, once we reach the tipping point, It become raw capitalism that must be managed. Else end up like Trump policies that benefits the ultra rich at the expenses of others - middle class and the poor.


My close friend comments:-

So rather than thinking in terms of rent control again, can we then ask gov to provide start up loans, lend not give. 

Start ups can get loan to start and including buying a shopspace. 

Their own business have to thrive. Don't put blame on rental. Must pay back like paying rental first and capital at some point in time. 

If business not viable pls fold up early.


Joomua Tng, [28/5/2025 6:35 pm]

take the code of conduct for example.

the covid pandemic only starting to be over and some landlords already raising rentals.

the business didn't even improve for the tenants and recover from the crisis. is it a good condct to " kill" the gooses in order to extract more goldem eggs

Joomua Tng, [28/5/2025 6:39 pm]

not control rental.

come to a common middle ground so that both the landlord and tenant can benefit.

as for buying the space?

if business cannot be sustained, the bought space still has to be rented out...then the cycle of landlord and tenant starts all over again

REACH Singapore, [28/5/2025 6:45 pm]

Dear Contributors,

⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰

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

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

Jun Ming, [28/5/2025 6:48 pm]

I think Singapore must intervene in some ways. Might not be direct control if not small business cannot flourish and it will be flooded by big brands and overseas brands

RY, [28/5/2025 6:48 pm]

There is always pros and cons in any policy/intervention/system/rules n etc

Govt shd weigh the pros & cons/tradeoffs for any of any of their policy which they plan to implement 

However, it is also the govt role not to let the "bubble burst" ultimately, as the economy maybe affected and Japan is a gd example (spiking japan rice stable food) 

Balancing demand and supply in the mkt and be a watchdog/monitor the pricing sametime 

Pdt/Svs shd not be "overpriced" to certain extend, otherwise it may lead to not so gd consequences later

RY, [28/5/2025 6:49 pm]

Tks Reach Team and Gd Evening Everyone

REACH Singapore, [28/5/2025 7:02 pm]

Dear Contributors

We will be closing the chat for today.

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

Goodnight!

Megan 😊


====


Thursday, May 22, 2025

REACH (Telegram) 76 - What do you think should be the priorities of the new Cabinet? What kind of leadership do you hope to see from the new Cabinet?

(SK)

22 May 2025 (10am - 7pm)


REACH (Telegram)

REACH Singapore, [22/5/2025 9:45 am]

Dear contributors,

Welcome back! 😊

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Thank you. 

Megan 😊

REACH Singapore, [22/5/2025 10:00 am]

📢 Topic 📢

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong unveiled his Cabinet following the 2025 General Election, featuring a major reshuffle with Gan Kim Yong confirmed as sole Deputy Prime Minister and the appointment of nine new political office holders. The Cabinet includes three coordinating ministers focused on key areas such as public services, social policy, and national security, with PM Wong emphasising continuity and leadership renewal. Notable changes include Chan Chun Sing taking over defence, Ong Ye Kung leading social policy coordination, and several first-term MPs rising to acting minister roles.

💬 What do you think should be the priorities of the new Cabinet? What kind of leadership do you hope to see from the new Cabinet?

📌  Strong and Experienced Leadership with a Focus on Succession and Renewal

PM Wong emphasised, “With your strong support, I have done my utmost to assemble the strongest team I could for Singapore.” The Cabinet now features a core group of four senior leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and three coordinating ministers, who mentor newer ministers to ensure steady governance. DPM Gan remains Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, providing continuity in economic leadership amid global uncertainties like rising trade barriers. At the same time, newer ministers like David Neo and Jeffrey Siow, who are both political newcomers, have been appointed as acting ministers, representing a fresh generation stepping up.

📌 Revamped Focus on Citizen-centric Public Service Delivery

A new “public services” coordinating minister role was created, held by Mr Chan Chun Sing, to enhance how public amenities and services are delivered, especially in new housing estates. PM Wong highlighted the government’s shift towards a “citizen-centric approach with forward-looking planning to provide a one-stop service for people.” Efforts to coordinate healthcare, community support, housing, and other public services mean residents can expect smoother access to what they need, reducing bureaucratic hurdles. 

📌 Focused Preparation for Ongoing Social Challenges, Especially an Ageing Population

PM Wong highlighted that “ageing will be the single largest social development we will see in the next decade.” The Cabinet reflects this priority by appointing Mr Ong Ye Kung as Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and retaining him as Health Minister to continue initiatives like Healthier SG and Age Well SG. On his priorities as Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, he said that "The country cannot take its 'inclusive' economic model and meritocratic system for granted." He stressed that this will be done by continuing the work of Forward Singapore and strengthening social safety nets, where policies need to keep pace with demographic changes, ensuring inclusivity for all ages.

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/pm-lawrence-wong-unveils-new-cabinet-post-ge2025-says-its-the-strongest-team-for-spore

👉 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/lawrence-wong-cabinet-reshuffle-gan-kim-yong-chan-chun-sing-ong-ye-kung-5144301

----


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 11:45 am]

Notice a few attributes of Cabinet lineup that are vital to us:-

1. Continuity and stability - majority of the Ministries see continuation of Ministers.

This ensure stability in time of phenomenon challenges from the geopolitical situations.

2. Renewal and putting in place the momentum for training up 5G Leaders.

3. Emphasis on cross Ministries coordination - to ensure seamless delivery of public services without gaps.

Helm by Senior Ministers as Coordinating Ministers across multiple Ministries.

I think this will ensure stability, renewal and seamless integration in the delivery of public services - with interlocking mechanism put in place.


RY, [22/5/2025 1:40 pm]

Gd summary 👍


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 11:48 am]

This will ensure :-

1. Efficiency - without duplication of services or resources, hence saving cost.

2. Prevent gaps - that fall through the cracks.

3. Ensure new ideas from renewal of young 5G Leaders - who see things in different angles and perspectives.

4. Continuation of policies that require more than 1 terms of government to see through its fruitions.


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 11:55 am]

1. Most important for the new Cabinet lineup is to ensure Singapore continue to survive and thrive in the new challenging geopolitical landscape that threaten our traditional ways of :-

a. Trade

b. Investment 

c. Global supply chain

d. The way we conduct our business

e. Job creation

2. Internal unity among our communities - as stress from far right champion 1 race supremacy at the expense of diversity and promote isolation rather than global cooperation.


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 12:08 pm]

1 thing that deserve mentioned.

For the 1st time, US Treasury bonds have been undersubscribed for 3 weeks in a row.

This is unprecedented as US Treasury Bills are view as the safest and give good returns as liquidity instruments.

But look like global investors are not biting even though there are no other global instruments as replacement (based on MAS assessment - which I tend to agree).

But I feel that we should look at important signals in the next few months as few US treasury bonds tranches will be maturing:-

1. Whether will US able to pay bond holders the promised capitals and interest upon maturity.

2. Will US default in payment.

This will give us an indication whether we can still continue to hold the US treasury bonds or even subscribe to new ones as the bond yields has exceeded 5% from the previous 3%.

An indication that US experience increasing stress from raising debt capital to finance their fiscal deficit.


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 12:08 pm]

US Treasury auctions off $16B of 20-year bonds at a high yield of 5.047% https://www.forexlive.com/news/us-treasury-auctions-off-16b-of-20-year-bonds-at-a-high-yield-of-5047-20250521/

US Treasury auctions off $16B of 20-year bonds at a high yield of 5.047%.

WI level at the time of auction: 5.035%.


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 12:09 pm]

"US dollar assets remain virtually irreplaceable, says MAS chief Chia Der Jiun ".

Singapore still got confident with US Treasury bonds.

 https://www.straitstimes.com/business/economy/mas-chief-chia-der-jiun-says-us-dollar-assets-remain-virtually-irreplaceable#:~:text=US%20dollar%20assets%20remain%20virtually%20irreplaceable%2C%20says%20MAS%20chief%20Chia%20Der%20Jiun%C2%A0


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 12:09 pm]

"Treasury Bill auction undersubscribed for third straight week".

The government sought to raise GHS 6.68 billion but received total bids of GHS 2.76 billion.

US Treasury Bills grossly undersubscribed.

No investors want to buy US$ Treasury Bonds. 

Cannot raise more money, as global investors shun US$ ...

https://citinewsroom.com/2025/05/treasury-bill-auction-undersubscribed-for-third-straight-week/#:~:text=Treasury%20Bill%20auction%20undersubscribed%20for%20third%20straight%20week


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 12:27 pm]

US$262.7 billion of US Treasury Bonds hold by Singapore.


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 12:28 pm]

"Bond yields jump after Moody’s downgrade of U.S. credit. Why it matters for consumers — and Congress.

Yields in the Treasury market are rising, threatening to make it more expensive for consumers and the U.S. to manage debt".

Foreign demands for US Treasury Bonds have been waning since Trump inauguration.

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/bond-yields-jump-after-moodys-downgrade-of-u-s-credit-why-it-matters-for-consumers-and-congress-e5edd0f1#:~:text=Bond%20yields%20jump,to%20manage%20debt


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 12:28 pm]

Moody downgrade US finances from Aaa to Aa1.


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 1:16 pm]

This mean if we place US$100 billion in US Treasury Bonds for 20 years, at 5%, we will earn US$5 billion interest every year.

Previously at 3%, we will only earn US$3 billion interest every year.

Very good money. US $2 billion more.

Provided US honour the bonds upon maturity and pay us the capital and interest upon maturity and don't default.


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 1:23 pm]

1. Another thing that come to mind.

2. Notice fresh graduates can secure jobs even before they graduate through internships or other means previously.

3. But realise that companies no longer eager to do so, citing business uncertainty ahead.

4. Recent graduation batch have some anxiety.

5. Will the government and union work with Universities, IHL and business to conduct career fairs, internships, campus recruitment for the graduating batches to ensure fresh graduates can secure a job upon graduation.


Jun Ming, [22/5/2025 1:24 pm]

Ong ye kang is very good. He have Chinese base and considering TCM to help in aging

Jun Ming, [22/5/2025 1:25 pm]

As Yang sheng is very important for aging population.


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 1:25 pm]

Good 👍.


Jun Ming, [22/5/2025 1:27 pm]

I hope more policies to help on such things like insurance for TCM claims.


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 1:31 pm]

1. Another issue about housing come into mind.

2. I think some of the older HDB flat lease is decaying soon.

3. Quite a while back, the Minister for housing is coining the concept of VERs to amortize the lease and provide a replacement.

4. Wonder how is this policy coming along.

5. I hope the new Minister of housing will look into this and provide us an interim update about the progress.

6. I know this will impact on the government budget.

7. Wonder how to ensure a healthy budget and yet provide assurance the people housing security is ensured.


RY, [22/5/2025 1:35 pm]

SG is a multi-racial with 70+% chinese

In my opinion, MOH should have started the TCM initiatives much earlier, and recognise TCM academics and encourage more people to take up TCM study/skills 

So far, I only see hospitals has added Acupuncture as part of pain management department

Jun Ming, [22/5/2025 1:37 pm]

Maybe lky lhl don't like tcm. As western med earn a lot more

Jun Ming, [22/5/2025 1:39 pm]

Now times are different. With aging pop gov don't want spend so much money and TCM is cheaper and no incentive. Gov can save a lot money

Jun Ming, [22/5/2025 1:39 pm]

As you can see only Chinese medicine have charity clinics


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 1:40 pm]

I think western medicine and treatment are measurable and can see immediate results. And medical procedures are institutionalise uniformly and recognise internationally.

TCM though is helpful, but outcome not so directly related and measurable.

This is why some people are hesitant to jump into TCM.


RY, [22/5/2025 1:41 pm]

Oh ya, U are right

Jun Ming, [22/5/2025 1:44 pm]

Small and long term sickness I go to TCM


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 1:46 pm]

I agree TCM are useful in some cases.

My family also take some TCMs.

But for illness, health screening that requires clarity and immediate results - I will go to Polyclinics and public hospitals.

Because MRI, CT scan, X-ray can see exactly where is the problem.

Then precise western medication can resolve the problem.

TCM pulse reading cannot achieve such clarity.


Jun Ming, [22/5/2025 1:47 pm]

So there's a need for a binary system in health.  In some case patients can try both at the same time

Jun Ming, [22/5/2025 1:47 pm]

Just like in china


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 1:48 pm]

I don't disagree.


365, [22/5/2025 1:48 pm]

TCM and western medicine can go hand in hand. With collaboration between both sides, the side effects of medication conflict can be reduced or removed

Jun Ming, [22/5/2025 1:53 pm]

So I hope oyk can coordinate these 2 system together

Jun Ming, [22/5/2025 1:53 pm]

And recognise TCM colleges in Singapore so can use both psea and skill future

REACH Singapore, [22/5/2025 2:00 pm]

📢 Topic 📢

Hanny, [22/5/2025 2:00 pm]

Tcm is getting more recognition. Insurance covers some spending for tcm. More can be done to make tcm more accepted in our healthcare system.


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 2:01 pm]

1. Another issue I notice from the Ukraine war, Middle East conflict.

2. Sometimes, inexpensive weapon system can be a game changer.

3. Eg. Inexpensive drones that can escape radar detection, fly long range without detection, long range reconnaissance, precise strike on moving target like armour column, moving troops, arty piece.

4. Inexpensive surface sea drones and submarines that can sink big navy ships undetected.

5. AI robots to do recce and surveillance behind enemy lines, clear mines and booby traps, storm enemy hideout, tunnels etc.

6. I think is time to amass an array of expensive weapon systems and platforms plus a combination of such inexpensive drones and trained our army to master them.

7. This will ensure we are ready for such transform battlefield scenarios - fighting in untraditional ways.

8. Also can help to keep our defense budget from escalating to acquire very expensive platforms.

9. The inexpensive drones, robots, AI can be R&D and developed by our local scientists and researchers - and not so easily hack or disrupted by adversaries as encryption are done via our proprietary algorithms and secret keys.

10. We can beef up our domestic arm production in drones, robots and AI - and no need to depend on imports for ammo, parts - a lesson we can learn from Ukraine war when the supplier countries can cut military supply and support for expensive platforms or even prevent its used.


Hanny, [22/5/2025 2:01 pm]

My family use tcm and I can see the real benefits. However I need to pay most of it from my own pocket.


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 2:12 pm]

11. I will certainly like to witness how our troops storm a buildup areas using a combination of drones, sniper, robots without using traditional soldiers clearing booby traps, storm into flats, throwing grenades, firing with their assault weapons - when a combination of flying drones into windows, robots mounted with machine guns and robots clearing booby traps can do a jobs that are done by platoons or companies of life soldiers for example.

12. The new method of flushing out enemies, clear booby traps and mines in build up areas can minimise casualties and only when clear by drones, robots, AI and snipers - human soldiers can then occupy the flush out buildings to secure the buildings and hold ground.

This will ensure minimal casualties - as our manpower shrink.


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 2:18 pm]

This also is applicable to commando operations to rescue hostages - as a combination of drones, robots, AI and snipers without deploying commandos in real operations can do the job.

But very skillful drones, robots and AI operators with very well trained snipers need to be in place to ensure success in such high risk and high stake operations.


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 2:29 pm]

Can try this military doctrines locally in a war game pitching the new method versus the traditional soldiers clearing of the build up areas in our new training build up areas and see the outcomes.

Then as we gain confidence, we can try out in overseas training and even introduce it as join war games with overseas troops in joint military training.


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 2:32 pm]

But of course, traditional soldiers military operations also need to be in place in case drones, robots and AI malfunction or get jam.


RY, [22/5/2025 3:32 pm]

While watching new cabinet announcements everytime, our 

SG Ministers are taking up several titles and roles in different ministries

In my opinion, our SG Ministers are really busy, as they have to take up multiple roles in the cabinet

I often have non-singaporean friends asking me, SG as Ministers must be very busy/hardworking, as they still require to have meet-people session

Jun Ming, [22/5/2025 3:37 pm]

One of 3 coordinating ministers to act as pm when pm not around

Jun Ming, [22/5/2025 3:37 pm]

I thought the priority should be given to dpm gan

RY, [22/5/2025 3:43 pm]

I hope MOH may further accredited and recognise TCM, and add more TCM svs/therapy into our hospitals also

Similar to the system in HK/Taiwan, that would be most ideal, as TCM certainly is a gd complement treatment to western meds

As we know, in terms of health, it is actually balancing yin&yang in our body 

Hope MOH may consider to give more subsidy for TCM treatments besides acupuncture

RY, [22/5/2025 3:44 pm]

Exactly

RY, [22/5/2025 3:49 pm]

It is a gd decision that Minister Ong remains as Health Minister, so that he may continue to oversee/implement the earlier initiatives/programs in MOH

REACH Singapore, [22/5/2025 4:01 pm]

📢 Topic 📢


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 4:24 pm]

Yes.

As what ex DPM Heng say, his working hours is 10x10 x7.

10am to 10pm -  7 days a week.


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 4:26 pm]

That's why try not to disturb the Ministers for minor issues.

Let them concentrate on National matters.

They practically have no time even for their family members.


G, [22/5/2025 4:32 pm]

What can they do to bring down cost of living?

Which profligate govt spending are they cutting to help achieve lowering cost of living?

How much of what they want to do are to help achieve with WEF's 2030 agenda?

How much will they coerce Singaporeans to take some experimental "vaccine" when the next planned pandemic hits (as advised by SG president)?

What is going to be done to address the mingling with known money launderers wanted by China since 2015?


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 4:43 pm]

Actually not only Ministry of Trade.

But cut across other Ministries eg:-

1. Manpower - need to create jobs for workers if supply disruption disrupt jobs.

2. Education - need to train workers for new jobs.

3. Foreign affairs - to open doors to find new supply lines.

4. Tourism - to refresh tourism attractions and boost tourists visitation and spendings if manufacturing get hit.

5. Finance - if US treasury, US assets come under stress - need to look for other new investment and income sources.

6. Geopolitical tensions - increase pressure on military confrontation. New defence minister need to reevaluate military dynamics and landscape to adjust our military spendings, acquisition, deployment and training as well as military diplomacy to reduce the outbreak of regional war.

7. Geopolitical confrontation, far right ideologies, less tolerance for diversity etc will have an impact on our home security - need to relook how such development impact our communities dynamic and security.

8. Social development and services to ensure our various communities needs are look into without affected by external development and maintain our social harmony among our various communities.

9. Spruce up Digital economy with the rest of the world to compensate for stress from trade disruption and tariff war.

Boost resiliency and protection against online scam.


Steven Ong, [22/5/2025 4:47 pm]

IMO, 1st thing to do is to derive possible measures to help companies to survive the tariffs impact so that jobs and livelihoods can be saved.

Next, to continue to assist families to manage the cost of living.

Last, to continue support Singaporeans to improve our market values with training and education so that we can meet the existing and emerging market demands for better incomes for ourselves.

Hanny, [22/5/2025 4:50 pm]

The number one issue is Singapore position in the region and the world given the current turmoil. How it should be addressed? Only gov knows.

The number 2 issue is prepare the population for AI. The impact will be significant. People need to learn to understand the situation. How gov explains the situation matters.


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 4:56 pm]

https://www.straitstimes.com/business/spore-smes-need-to-partner-chinese-firms-for-access-to-their-supply-chains-says-asme

Singapore SMEs need to partner Chinese firms for access to their supply chains, says ASME.


365, [22/5/2025 4:57 pm]

The government can explain their stance, but there will be those who always refuse to listen and understand.

The government can only do so much, people have to help themselves as well. Many always point finger at government without assuming personal responsibility and accountability.


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 5:01 pm]

I think the news reports on how China SMEs supply chain investment $95.3 billion in Singapore - will have a tremendous impact on Singapore SMEs that employ 70% of our workforce.

Our SMEs will have tremendous competition from China SME extremely efficient supply chain.

Our government will need to come out with effective strategies to keep our SMEs afloat - else it will be completely wipe out from Singapore market.

Teaming up with China SMEs vast supply chain to penetrate China big market will help our Singapore SMEs grow - and achieve win-win mutual benefits.

Singapore SMEs exploring digital selling in conjunction with China online platform is one way to present, project and sell our goods to China market.


365, [22/5/2025 5:09 pm]

Will have to target specific sectors. China has the currency advantage, and economies of scale to do many thing far cheaper than us. There will be certain sectors where we simply cannot out-compete them, because price is the most competitive factor for those sectors.

Instead we should look into other sectors where the buyers are less price-sensitive. The pharmaceuticals that our ministers are negotiating for tariff exception is a good example. These are not just your everyday consumer drugs, but include lab samples for medical research.

Domestically it's going to be a challenge to explain, there will be resentment and feelings of unfair treatment, when sometimes it simply is the most logical option to focus resources on those that matter more or can get better returns.


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 5:12 pm]

I agree that China have a lower cost and more cost efficient supply chain than Singapore which is a higher cost base and stronger currency.

But I think some value added goods and services can be sold to China because China has affluent groups of population that demand higher quality goods even at high prices, they will buy.


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 5:15 pm]

Eg. China high income class will look for branded goods like Tesla, iPhone, Maserati, Porsche, Mercedes, BMW, Rolex, Birkin bags etc - even though China can produce all of these at cheaper price local brands.

So our niche SMEs can focus on this.


365, [22/5/2025 5:18 pm]

Yes, I would classify this as the luxury sector, and target consumers are less price-sensitive. So it make sense to invest more into this for the overall economic competitiveness.


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 5:20 pm]

Agree.

I think there are some other sectors that we may not be aware of.

Eg. Industrial precision products and niche engineering stuff that China will be interested in.

I think our respective business sectors will know how to exploit the market demand and make our business viable.


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 5:26 pm]

Even banking and insurance products, our local banks have good penetration into China and HK market.

Hospital services and GP consultation provided by our private healthcare chains has penetrated many provinces in China.

Not to mention some GLCs like ST Engineering, Sembcorp, Keppel Corps, and big enterprises like Raffles Medical Group, CityDev, osim etc.

I think we got niches to penetrate and China do welcome our presence and investment.

But our Government need to bring our business in especially SMEs who have lesser resources, finances and connections to go into China market unlike our GLCs and big private enterprises.


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 5:35 pm]

I think Singapore can also make ourselves useful - by being a gateway to bridge China to the rest of the World.

So that supply chains can flow through us.

Our businesses and SMEs can play an intermediary roles.

This will ensure our local businesses can grow.


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 5:39 pm]

"IBM Fires 8,000 Employees to Replace Them With AI — Only to Rehire Just as Many Because Of…

IBM shook the tech world by laying off thousands to make way for AI automation. 

But what happened next caught everyone off guard. The company’s workforce took an unexpected turn that is changing the future of work."

 https://indiandefencereview.com/ibm-fires-8000-employees-to-replace-them-with-ai-only-to-rehire-just-as-many/#:~:text=IBM%20Fires%208%2C000,future%20of%20work.


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 5:42 pm]

AI will not completely replace jobs, but instead will produce new ones.

IBM experience as well as some other MNCs experience have proven so.

Hence we need to identify what are the likely roles that will be replaced by AI for each industrial sectors.

And what are the likely roles and jobs will be created by AI, then will train our workers into the new roles that come with higher pay.


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 5:49 pm]

AI has 3 main categories areas:-

1. AI creators.

2. AI developers.

3. AI users.


1 and 2 are in high demand.

Won't get replaced by AI.


3 - most workers will fall into this categories and need to be trained in using and exploiting AI as productivity tools to perform their traditional jobs better.

In fact, every industry sectors will need to identify these specific categories to train their workers on how to use AI to make their job better, faster - so that their productivity will go up (similar to when computers are invented).

I think government can make use of the framework of ITM (Industry Transformation Map) to focus on how to use AI in their respective industries to transform and train workers on AI.

This will give assurance and clarity - and reduce the anxiety of workers on the threat of AI as disruptors.


365, [22/5/2025 5:58 pm]

China is already implementing AI training for their students. Starting from primary school, they will learn how to use AI, and then move on to understanding and creating in secondary and high school.

Instead of being so afraid of AI, we should learn how to embrace it and integrate it into our lives and workforce.

Automatic lifts took away jobs from lift operators, mobile phones took away jobs from phone operators, electrical lights took away jobs from lamplighters. 

If we were to return back in time, are we going to push against all these innovations in the name of job protection? Technology and progression should not be restricted due to people unwilling to adapt and change.


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 6:01 pm]

For 1. AI creators - no need for government to identify or tell them what to develop - because they are top range AI scientists and researchers - who are innovative and creative - always thinking of how to come out with new AI ideas and breakthrough to develop new AI products.

Eg. Generative AI with LLM (Large Language Model) is one.

DeepSeek with Knowledge Distillation is another.

AI creators are busy trying to develop AGI (Artificial General Intelligence).


REACH Singapore, [22/5/2025 6:04 pm]

📢 Topic 📢


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 6:05 pm]

2. AI developers also no problems with high paying jobs - as they are also constantly doing AI development job based on business applications needs.

To develop AI apps to meet business requirements and needs to help users improve their productivity.

These AI developers will need to be very proficient with machine learning, python programming, neural networks, reinforcement learning, computer visions, training datasets etc.

They are always highly demanded by the market - no worries in getting jobs.


LCL (Danny 心), [22/5/2025 6:28 pm]

1. Eg. Every industries AI needs are different.

2. Banking - some banks use Microsoft co-pilot AI to tie their internal process and produce output for analysis.

3. Some industries use Chatgpt to do code generations, information search, report generations, create work schedule and workflow, create time table to schedule work tasks etc.

4. Chinese companies use DeepSeek in many of their industry development, R&D, integration of work processes etc.

Hence I feel that if industry sectors do ITM for their respective sectors to identify how AI can be used as productivity tools, then business can identify workers training needs.

Skillfuture can be directed and applied to train the respective workers and secure a higher salary jobs for every workers as productivity increases.

Then this will help every workers tackle the high cost of living - because their higher productivity can be translated into higher salaries as the business profit rises.


REACH Singapore, [22/5/2025 6:47 pm]

Dear Contributors,

⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰

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

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

RY, [22/5/2025 6:48 pm]

I wondering how the new public svs minister role may work ...

In fact, our govt is  progressing towards a "citizen-centric" approach since Mr LHL (ex PM) era 

That is certainly a positive approach, as I see the govt always hearing the public views for any new/amended policies/bills

RY, [22/5/2025 6:54 pm]

Nvidia has announced and will be setting up AI Hub in both Middle East & Taiwan

Hope south east asia 1st AI Hub will be in SG also, since AI will be the next coming Era

RY, [22/5/2025 6:55 pm]

Thanks Megan & Reach Team

REACH Singapore, [22/5/2025 7:02 pm]

Dear Contributors

We will be closing the chat for today.

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

Goodnight!

Megan 😊


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