REACH (Telegram) 160 - What are your views on Singapore officially being a super-aged society? How can we prepare to support our society for the future?
(SK)
28 Sep 2026 (10am - 7pm)
REACH (Telegram)
[28/9/2026 9:46 am] REACH Singapore: Dear Contributors,
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[28/9/2026 10:09 am] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢
Singapore has reached "super-aged society" status, according to official figures published by the National Population and Talent Division on 25 September 2026 in its annual Population In Brief Report.
💬 What are your views on Singapore officially being a super-aged society? How can we prepare to support our society for the future?
Singapore has officially become a super-aged society, with more than 21 per cent of the citizen population aged 65 and older.
In 2026, 21.4 per cent of Singaporeans are in this age group, up from 20.7 per cent in 2025 and 13.7 per cent a decade ago. This means the Republic has crossed the threshold for the United Nations’ definition of a super-aged society, where 21 per cent or more of the population is aged 65 and older.
Over the past 10 years, the number of citizens aged 80 and above also increased by 60 per cent, climbing from 95,000 in 2016 to 152,000 in 2026, said the report.
The report also said that more than one in four citizens is estimated to be aged 65 and above by 2035. However, the proportion of citizens aged 20 to 64 is expected to remain broadly stable between 2030 and 2035.
The median age for Singaporeans as of June was 44.1, up from 43.7 in June 2025.
There were also 2.8 citizens aged 20 to 64 for every citizen aged 65 and above in 2026, down from 4.7 in 2016. This old-age support ratio is projected to fall further to 2.2 by 2035.
👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-now-a-super-aged-society-with-21-4-of-citizen-population-aged-65-and-older
👉 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/super-aged-society-births-population-growth-marriages-6410521
👉 https://www.population.gov.sg/media-centre/publications/population-in-brief/
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[28/9/2026 10:11 am] Jun Ming: Focus more on tcm
[28/9/2026 10:47 am] Derek Teo: As we move into the super-aged society, we have to ensure that the supporting ecosystems move in tandem. Manpower, particularly in providing medical care and assistance, would be one. We have to be realistic that the recruitment numbers will hit a plateau. Instead of increasing the resources, we should look at how to maximise the contact rate of the staff with senior citizens. We should adopt and scale-up some of the features from Community Care Apartments to the neighbourhood using satalite-station concept, and to prioritise units or families. In the same vein, there is also opportunities to formalise as many networks and communities in the neighbourhoods. This will allow more 'eyes on the ground' and help to extend the 'coverage' of the satalite offices. Afterall, resource is finite and it is about to maximise them.
There is a need to consider the concept of communication as the demographics of the senior citizens will also shift in time. Generally, more of the senior citizens (to be) will likely be more digitally literate, and this allows the government to leverage this as an avenue to step up communications, perhaps a two-way or community-base.
Medical or physical care will be the main show in town but in today's climate, we need to be cognizant of mental health issues. Therefore, there is a need to review how we can improve mental engagement and support, through inter/intra-assistance within the communities, and inclusion of trained/specialised personnel.
[28/9/2026 11:00 am] Adam: I worry that that initiatives gov and corps put out might be made to appeal to the largest voting or spending population.
Will we have to plunder the reserves to fund medical care because majority of voters want it? Lots of people are incentivise to have buffet syndrome if the govt is footing a large chunk.
Keep property prices sky high so people who overleverage on their property wont be in the red, knowing the govt will bail them out and guarentee inflation.
Are younger people effectively subsidizing ntuc vouchers because pay 3% more without discount than elderly?
How can we think about the future of the nation in the long term? Does the govt have the iron in them to make tough decisions?
[28/9/2026 11:00 am] REACH Singapore: [ Poll : Q1: I am concerned about Singapore being a super-aged society. (Please share your reasons in the chat.) ]
- Strongly agree
- Agree
- Neutral
- Disagree
- Strongly disagree
[28/9/2026 11:00 am] REACH Singapore: [ Poll : Q2: Singapore is prepared to support a super-aged society. (Please share your reasons in the chat.) ]
- Strongly agree
- Agree
- Neutral
- Disagree
- Strongly disagree
[28/9/2026 11:00 am] REACH Singapore: Dear Contributors,
Please take a moment to participate in our polls and share your opinion. The poll questions are pinned for easy reference and your vote is anonymous.
We look forward to hearing your thoughts on today’s topic!
💬 What are your views on Singapore officially being a super-aged society? How can we prepare to support our society for the future?
Thank you.
Megan 😊
[28/9/2026 11:09 am] Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J: Encourage strength training or conduct more classes. Have classes under blocks, anyone can just join
[28/9/2026 11:11 am] Adam: Nowadays hdb no more 'under block'. Perhaps we need to bring back void decks. Or a mph and community centers nearer to neighbourhoods.
[28/9/2026 11:12 am] Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J: School buses to take elderly to community centres, to go play game, mahjong, bingo( of course no money involved) keep their mind active.
[28/9/2026 11:14 am] Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J: Should be free. Healthy elderly can volunteer. Long run they will be happy n Healthy. Less medical help needed
[28/9/2026 11:40 am] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP): Honestly, I have seen more and more elderlies and seniors nowadays - many struggling to walk, some on wheelchairs, some with walking sticks.
Super aged indeed is the appropriate words to describe what we are facing today.
[28/9/2026 11:43 am] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
Assuming we have 3.65 million Singaporeans.
21.4 % 65 years old and above is about 781,000 elderlies.
Almost coming to a million people.
[28/9/2026 11:48 am] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
However, I noticed that many facilities to support the super aged society are already in place.
Eg.
1. Nursing home
2. Community activities for aged
3. Healthcare SG
4. Ramp connectivity end to end
5. Pioneer, merdeka cards for seniors - discount at NTUC Fairprice
6. Ramp on bus, MRT reserve spaces for PMA.
7. Yearly Budget senior bonus
8. Passion cards for seniors - concession for public transport travel
9. Reserved seats for elderlies on bus and MRT.
10. Bus and MRT very near to doorstep.
11. PMA certification and subsidies for elderlies.
In other words, 设备已经很完善。
Cannot think of any more things to ask for more.
[28/9/2026 12:13 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
> However, I noticed that many facilities to support the super...
Only thing that I can think of, is to gradually replicate these facilities to newly developed estates.
So that future elderlies can enjoy the same facilities and services in future when they grow old in their areas though many are still young in their new estates currently.
[28/9/2026 12:14 pm] G in reply to REACH Singapore:
> 📢 Topic 📢 Singapore has reached "super-aged society" status,...
Well.. This is the direct result of the years of stop at 2 policy.
Ironically it's the life choices that the current elderly made back in the day that resulted in today's super-aged society
The TFR issue was put on the back burner for too many decades.. and this was in pursuit of GDP growth at all costs in the 2000s.
"Catch the wind" was the catch phrase
Ironically, to give the younger generation a better chance at life, it's better for them to leave SG where conditions are better for them to start families
[28/9/2026 12:18 pm] G: Let them get their BTO, fulfill their MOP, rent out to foreigners for passive income, move overseas with their families for lower cost of living but comparable standards of living to SG
The passive income derived from rental can offset mortgage and taxes and easily provide healthy levels of disposable cash
[28/9/2026 12:21 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
> Only thing that I can think of,...
Bring back the following may help for the new estates:-
1. Rubbish chute per BTO flat unit rather than central rubbish chute.
Cannot expect the current young but future elderlies to lug big bag of rubbish everyday to the central chute to dispose their rubbish.
With rubbish chute per unit, they just need to throw away their household waste at their kitchen - so convenient for the elderlies.
If possible, design compartment to recycle bottle, cans etc in their home rubbish chute - dispense with the needs for elderlies to lug big bag of recycling cans few km away to NTUC Fairprice to recycle their brcs.
A little thought go a long way to make the elderlies more comfortable lives and not behave like kanang kuni.
2. Bring back the void deck per block - so that elderlies can socialize at the void deck and no need to walk further to communities center to socialize
This is what I notice at my block.
3. Ensure in HIP, wooden entrance doors must be fire rated to save lives.
These 3 designs are so useful in the past HDB planning.
Wonder why take them away for all the new BTO flats.
[28/9/2026 12:26 pm] Adam: Becoming a super aged population needs to also be tackled by policies at the root. There are many males who become new citizens after the age of 30. This makes the not liable for ns. Those that want to become new citizens needs to massively contribute to the nation beforehand, otherwise they would strain our resources when they get old.
The govt needs to restrict new citizenship handed out. And if new citizenship is granted, money needs to be added to help support our social system, from the pay of nsfs to the funding of elderly care.
[28/9/2026 12:29 pm] Adam: More new citizen at an old age means they have less time being citizen at working age and more elderly to support. If maintain as pr or foreigners, the taxes can contribute to the welfare of elderly.
[28/9/2026 12:37 pm] Adam: Need to think long term, 30 years down the line for singapore. Every little bit helps. We can build more senior friendly infra now but we then have to build more and more.
Like building roads for cars doesnt lessen traffic jam, but encourages more car users. I see lots of elders have full trust in govt to take care of them, not saving up in cpf expecting gov to bail them out with tax money. Condo owners being ignorant of senior accessibility issues waiting for government to give money to renovate.
Look at long term measures for reducing the burden of working aged people in taking care of elderlies. The incentives the govt is promoting.
Increase fertility. Work life balance. Promote healthy living over healthcare.
[28/9/2026 12:40 pm] G in reply to Adam:
> Becoming a super aged population needs to also be tackled by...
💯
[28/9/2026 12:41 pm] G: How come now cannot give emoticon reaction to each others' messages?
[28/9/2026 12:42 pm] G in reply to Adam:
> More new citizen at an old age means they have less time being...
Yes 👍
[28/9/2026 12:47 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
My close friend comments:-
Age is a number, it should not be a goal nor a target we pride ourselves with.
My personal goal is to be able to live with dignity till the end.
I have no number such as years to live as my target.
Rather, I'd like to measure my ability to function such as mobility, self care or even able to take care of others as my goal.
My late mother was still performing household chores such as cooking, cleaning without help, up to the last months of her life.
Her sisters, my aunts, are doing the same, able to take care of themselves and their families without helpers.
So is our population longevity a result of high quality medical care?
Or a result of healthy living. I hope is the latter.
[28/9/2026 12:48 pm] Jun Ming: longer living with 10 years bed ridden
[28/9/2026 12:48 pm] Jun Ming: Are we really having healthy living where most people are unhappy
[28/9/2026 12:49 pm] Jun Ming: Yet successful
[28/9/2026 12:49 pm] Jun Ming: Being happy and successful we need to give and take
[28/9/2026 12:50 pm] Jun Ming: Now we are more towards successful and not being happy
[28/9/2026 12:51 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
We need to be successful, healthy and happy.
[28/9/2026 12:54 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
Helping ourselves and help others - make ourselves successful, healthy and happy.
[28/9/2026 12:58 pm] Jun Ming: Thing is compare 20 year ago people are generally stressful and unhappy
[28/9/2026 12:59 pm] Jun Ming: Research found in ancient time they only need 2 days out of. A week in attaining food.
[28/9/2026 1:00 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to Jun Ming:
> Thing is compare 20 year ago people are generally stressful...
Stressful and unhappy is at people's minds.
As long as a person is a master of their mind, people can be successful and happy.
应无所住，而生其心。
贪嗔痴慢疑 不住。
而生菩提心 - 清净无我心，慈悲心，智慧心。
“身是菩提树，心如明镜台，时时勤拂拭，莫使惹尘埃”。
Google translate:-
Let the mind arise without dwelling on anything.
Do not dwell in greed, hatred, ignorance, arrogance, or doubt.
Instead, give rise to the Bodhi mind—a mind of purity and selflessness, compassion, and wisdom.
"The body is the Bodhi tree; the mind is like a bright mirror stand. Constantly and diligently wipe it clean; let no dust settle upon it."
[28/9/2026 1:00 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
My close friend comments:-
A few years ago, during covid lock down, I found myself unable to sit comfortably on the floor.
That shocked me. Subsequently, more discoveries like unable to squat properly. Something we do every day before there were toilet seats.
After reopening, I started looking up active sg, healthier sg programmes sceptical I could regain lost bodily functions, just hoping to maintain.
And to my surprise, after following through, I now regained those innate functions like squatting, and can even do forward bend and touched the floor. In my classes, many younger singaporeans have trouble doing such poses.
So function is very important and should be prioritised.
[28/9/2026 1:02 pm] Jun Ming: Ya you need time for such peaceful gain
[28/9/2026 1:27 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
> Stressful and unhappy is at people's minds....
People who are successful and happy - comprise of such healthy minds.
[28/9/2026 1:38 pm] Jun Ming: Most people the mind unhealthy.
[28/9/2026 1:38 pm] Jun Ming: Need time to heal
[28/9/2026 1:39 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to Jun Ming:
> Most people the mind unhealthy.
Must train to be mindful.
Mind is the Master of our Mental Health and Physical health.
The following methods will help.
[28/9/2026 1:39 pm] Jun Ming: They do not have the time to explore inate living. They keep chasing for materialistic richness
[28/9/2026 1:40 pm] Jun Ming: They keep worrying for kpi despite working from home, worrying about can I pay the bills for tmr
[28/9/2026 1:40 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to Jun Ming:
> They do not have the time to explore inate living....
Good mental health, material success will come naturally.
[28/9/2026 1:40 pm] Jun Ming in reply to Jun Ming:
> They keep worrying for kpi despite working from home,...
There's no stability and hence unhappy
[28/9/2026 1:41 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
When our mind is calm and serene - our emotion will be stable, and our solutions will be sound and logical.
Then come material success.
[28/9/2026 1:42 pm] Jun Ming: Without material stability there's is no calmness
[28/9/2026 1:42 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to Jun Ming:
> Without material stability there's is no calmness
Without calmness, material success won't come.
[28/9/2026 1:42 pm] Jun Ming: We are living in a fight or flight mode
[28/9/2026 1:43 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to Jun Ming:
> We are living in a fight or flight mode
Hahaha....
When in fright, come fight or flight.
[28/9/2026 1:43 pm] Jun Ming in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
> Hahaha.... When in fright, come fight or flight.
Which happens daily in today world
[28/9/2026 1:44 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
When in calmness, come solutions and success.
[28/9/2026 1:45 pm] Jun Ming: Student fighting for grades, worker fighting for kpi
[28/9/2026 1:45 pm] Jun Ming: Boss fighting to earn so can feed worker
[28/9/2026 1:45 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
Let me give you an example, Frontier AI go out of control, many people become fright and want flight.
But in calmness, come solutions.
And convey to UN - will become a worldwide solutions.
[28/9/2026 1:46 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
434. I post in REACH (Telegram) [23/9/2026 2:50 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
1. I think I have articulated before. To pilot and test dangerous Frontier AI - air gap, physical separation and not physically connecting to the live Internet will be the best safeguard when testing and piloting dangerous Frontier AI.
2. Only when exhaustive and 100% qualtiy assurance that the sandbox Frontier AI have proven safe overtime - then can Frontier AI be integrated into live environment.
This safeguard should be incorporated into AI safety guidelines and regulations.
3. Also important for Frontier AI not to be incorporated with Humanoid robots, assess to weapons, ammo. bombs, chemical, biological, nuclear materials - that are capable of causing physical harms to humanity.
4. Of course, even IT connections to the Internet - can also disrupt digital economy, finance, electionic connected infrastructure etc - if a rouge Frontier AI run out of control and allow to defeat human control like the OpenAI Frontier AI breakout + other Frontier AI breakout - hence strong and reliable quality assurance to ensure that Frontier AI to be put into live digital environment should be thoroughly tested overtime - and a "foolproof killswitch" put in place to disable the Frontier AI when it run rouge - and let it contain within its sanfbox - with instant notice that it is running rouge - with advanced sensors and alert systems put in place managed by National Authority.
----
CNA news 27 Sep 2026 10:08AM (Updated: 27 Sep 2026 12:26PM)
Singapore's approach would involve rigorous testing and evaluation before AI systems are deployed, limits on what autonomous systems are allowed to do and mechanisms for human intervention when systems behave unexpectedly.
Dr Balakrishnan identified three broad categories of risk: Humans losing control of autonomous systems; rogue actors using AI to create biological weapons or other weapons capable of mass destruction or disruption; and emerging economic, social and political upheaval.
“The genie is already out of the bottle. It is too late to call for a halt, especially given the superpower rivalry and the huge financial incentives for companies who already have frontier models,” he said.
"Singapore proposes UN framework for global AI safeguards.
Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan says countries need common rules, testing standards and potentially a new international institution to manage AI risks."
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/un-ai-safeguards-singapore-national-statement-6413236#:~:text=Singapore%20proposes%20UN,manage%20AI%20risks.
[28/9/2026 1:46 pm] Jun Ming: The mentality in Singapore you cannot stop
[28/9/2026 1:47 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
That's why must train our minds to be calm.
[28/9/2026 1:47 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
Our Ministers are holding up very well even in world affairs facing humanity existential threat.
[28/9/2026 1:49 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
> Must train to be mindful. Mind is the Master of our Mental...
How to train our Minds to be healthy.
https://babe118.blogspot.com/2026/09/compassion-karma-interperse.html?m=0
[28/9/2026 1:50 pm] Jun Ming: So I hope mental wellness is part of the medical picture and hpb effort
[28/9/2026 1:50 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to Jun Ming:
> So I hope mental wellness is part of the medical picture and...
Agree
[28/9/2026 1:51 pm] Jun Ming: Because we are too focus of less salt less sugar but I does not heard a lot of mental wellness
[28/9/2026 1:51 pm] Jun Ming: From school to death mental wellness should be part of the package
[28/9/2026 1:51 pm] Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
> However, I noticed that many facilities to support the super...
Need more benches in malls for elderly to shop. Big mall. They walk get tired no place to sit.
[28/9/2026 1:53 pm] Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J: Theatre steps so steep. No handles to go up n down.
[28/9/2026 1:53 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
> 434. I post in REACH (Telegram) [23/9/2026 2:50 pm] LCL...
"How would AI kill all humans? Here are the top 5 scenarios.
Most scenarios involve the concept of “superintelligent” AI, says a professor."
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/ai-anthropic-kill-humans-superintelligent-6404801#:~:text=How%20would%20AI,says%20a%20professor.
[28/9/2026 1:54 pm] Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J: Walk around see for their daily lifestyle many basic enjoyment are not convenient
[28/9/2026 1:57 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
> "How would AI kill all humans? Here are the top 5 scenarios....
If we have a calm and healthy mind, we will not fright, fight or flight and get fried.
But instead we can come out with sound, logical solutions to tackle the humanity existential threat and turn it into abundance opportunities for us.
遇事先沉心。静中自得悟 。
淡定于心。从容于行。 没欲则刚。
Google translate:-
Calm your mind before facing any situation; true insight arises from stillness.
Maintain inner composure and act with serenity. Freedom from desire brings strength of character
处变不惊。
Remain calm in the face of adversity.
[28/9/2026 2:06 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
When LKY face with a bleak future during the 1965 - marshland, did he fright, fight, flight and get fried?
No, he stay calm and serene - facing the sea, thinking through calmly and serenity for 1 whole night - he declared:-
"Today Singapore is a marshland.
10 years down the road, we will transform it into a Modern Metropolitan City".
Such is his calm and serene Healthy Mind.
Transforming adversity into vast opportunities and success into our modern Singapore today.
[28/9/2026 2:13 pm] Adam: True. We need to cut down more forest to make room for young families hdb and elderly active ageing centers. Dont let the NIMBYs fool us
[28/9/2026 2:14 pm] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢
[28/9/2026 3:58 pm] Andy: For me, especially worrying because at a very broad societal level, an aging society means more load on the younger generation to support the aged. It's an inverted triangle, the base will need to support a heavy load at the top. However, our GDP per capita still remains strong, so perhaps the issues will really manifest in ~20 years if managed poorly.
At a personal level, by the time I may already be the super aged... but spouse and I are financially prepared when the days come. But I know some others will have it tougher.
I believe our gov will be able to formulate policies to support a super-aged for sure. My main gripe is that policies are just patchwork for a leaky bucket.
The root issue still lies in birth rate. I always talk about birth rate before it's paramount to Singapore's survival WITH a Singaporean identity. The gov must deal with birth rate first, an incredibly complex issue, and many other problems will be solved (or made easier to solve). They cannot take it slow anymore and wait for tomorrow. Behavioural change takes a long time and we must start right now. Instill family-centric mindsets, earlier headstarts, medical support, all without significant career compromise.
[28/9/2026 4:01 pm] Jun Ming in reply to Adam:
> True. We need to cut down more forest to make room for young...
For the sick of healthy living and good mental health I proposed make all the remaining forest a nature reserve
[28/9/2026 4:01 pm] Jun Ming: So our elderly can go into the forest and see birds so won't get dimential
[28/9/2026 4:03 pm] Jun Ming: Unless gov is planning to let em die early so no need to waste resources
[28/9/2026 4:03 pm] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢
[28/9/2026 4:15 pm] Andy: To effectively support our senior citizens, we have to centralize homecare. I feel homecare is now quite fragmented with disabled seniors living alone, may have been abandoned by children, scattered across estates. Bring them together into an eldercare haven so they can interact, pursue hobbies, elderly friendly furniture like handrails/slopes/robotics, quality food and entertainment. This is a win-win, reducing costs and increasing quality of life.
I know many old folks don't want to move out where they lived for 50+ years, or don't want to feel 'abandoned' in an old folks home. First, good marketing to change perceptions. Call it something else, I termed it eldercare haven but whatever floats their boat 😂. Door to door volunteers can encourage the move.
A good fringe benefit is we can clear out HDBs in old estates and make room for new development. We won't have to clear so many forests as a result.
[28/9/2026 4:16 pm] Adam in reply to Jun Ming:
> For the sick of healthy living and good mental health I...
Id say build more housing, community spaces. But integrate nature into it.
People rarely go into a park to see the birds. When people think of nature they dont really comprehend the depths of the forest, being muddy and full of spiders. Seniors arent gonna hike on dirt like national parks overseas.
[28/9/2026 4:16 pm] Andy in reply to Jun Ming:
> So our elderly can go into the forest and see birds so won't...
I laughed.. i don't know if you are joking or serious. Maybe play mahjong also a good idea to prevent dementia 😂
[28/9/2026 4:19 pm] Adam: Our houses are too small. Small enough for trying for baby bonus but cannot fit elderly on a stretcher for emergencies. We need more room to breathe. 99% of time spend in cramp space with little nature, having a reserve that is largely inaccessible wont help
[28/9/2026 4:21 pm] Jun Ming in reply to Andy:
> I laughed.. i don't know if you are joking or serious....
There's research that say it prevents dimential by looking the birds
[28/9/2026 4:22 pm] Adam: Elderly needs more mental stimulation than tiktok. Make them gamers
[28/9/2026 4:22 pm] Andy: Instead of increasing size of houses (which will benefit the rich more), I did propose large institutions/facilities for seniors in need of care. Highly targeted to a specific demographic. 24/7 assistance, open spaces, safe structures with integrated greenery.
[28/9/2026 4:22 pm] Jun Ming in reply to Jun Ming:
> There's research that say it prevents dimential by looking the...
I once intern in n park and I see many elderly enthusiastic walk in nature park and can identify the species of tree and the health of the tree
[28/9/2026 4:23 pm] Jun Ming: So yes we shall let them chase chicken
[28/9/2026 4:23 pm] Adam in reply to Andy:
> Instead of increasing size of houses (which will benefit the...
Making more and bigger houses devalues the current housing by increasing supply. Unless you are talking about people who game the subsidies which is another thing for the govt to tackle.
[28/9/2026 4:24 pm] Andy: Competitive gaming and chicken chasing... I like that already 😂
[28/9/2026 4:24 pm] Adam in reply to Jun Ming:
> So yes we shall let them chase chicken
The increase in chickens in my neighborhood is good for elderlies😂
[28/9/2026 4:24 pm] Adam: But not allowed to feed if im not wrong
[28/9/2026 4:24 pm] Jun Ming: Ya not allow
[28/9/2026 4:26 pm] Hanny: We need to have a Smurf-like community where help is not that far away.
[28/9/2026 5:25 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to Andy:
> For me, especially worrying because at a very broad societal...
Government and Singaporeans need to be mindful that 781,000 super aged people will need replacement by the youth.
1. Our own Singaporeans birth, preferably.
2. However if our own birth cannot make up to the 781,000 replacement, then we need to look at new citizens + PRs that can live up to our culture and ways of lives to make up for the number.
We cannot be emotion about it if our own birth don't make up the numbers.
In so doing, we will ensure that:-
1. Our Nation fiscal budget can achieve healthy equilibrium - with adequate youthful workforce and revenue income.
2. Sufficient young hands to take care of the aged in a virtuous circular cycle.
That is when our current generation youth get old next time, next generation of youth will take over in taking care of this current generation and the cycle repeat itself.
3. If the Nation and Singaporeans can understand this philosophy, our heart and mind are willing - then our Minds will be at ease, calm and serene - because the continuous circular flow of virtuous keep repeating itself in a wholesome way that mutual help is lock in.
[28/9/2026 5:39 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
My close friend comments:-
Have to be mindful that elderly care primary responsibility should lie with the family not gov.
We don't want families to ditch their elderly to gov and continue to demand for high standards of care.
[28/9/2026 12:14 pm] G in reply to REACH Singapore:
> 📢 Topic 📢 Singapore has reached "super-aged society" status,...
Well.. This is the direct result of the years of stop at 2 policy.
Ironically it's the life choices that the current elderly made back in the day that resulted in today's super-aged society
The TFR issue was put on the back burner for too many decades.. and this was in pursuit of GDP growth at all costs in the 2000s.
"Catch the wind" was the catch phrase
Ironically, to give the younger generation a better chance at life, it's better for them to leave SG where conditions are better for them to start families
[28/9/2026 12:18 pm] G: Let them get their BTO, fulfill their MOP, rent out to foreigners for passive income, move overseas with their families for lower cost of living but comparable standards of living to SG
The passive income derived from rental can offset mortgage and taxes and easily provide healthy levels of disposable cash
[28/9/2026 12:21 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
> Only thing that I can think of,...
Bring back the following may help for the new estates:-
1. Rubbish chute per BTO flat unit rather than central rubbish chute.
Cannot expect the current young but future elderlies to lug big bag of rubbish everyday to the central chute to dispose their rubbish.
With rubbish chute per unit, they just need to throw away their household waste at their kitchen - so convenient for the elderlies.
If possible, design compartment to recycle bottle, cans etc in their home rubbish chute - dispense with the needs for elderlies to lug big bag of recycling cans few km away to NTUC Fairprice to recycle their brcs.
A little thought go a long way to make the elderlies more comfortable lives and not behave like kanang kuni.
2. Bring back the void deck per block - so that elderlies can socialize at the void deck and no need to walk further to communities center to socialize
This is what I notice at my block.
3. Ensure in HIP, wooden entrance doors must be fire rated to save lives.
These 3 designs are so useful in the past HDB planning.
Wonder why take them away for all the new BTO flats.
[28/9/2026 12:26 pm] Adam: Becoming a super aged population needs to also be tackled by policies at the root. There are many males who become new citizens after the age of 30. This makes the not liable for ns. Those that want to become new citizens needs to massively contribute to the nation beforehand, otherwise they would strain our resources when they get old.
The govt needs to restrict new citizenship handed out. And if new citizenship is granted, money needs to be added to help support our social system, from the pay of nsfs to the funding of elderly care.
[28/9/2026 12:29 pm] Adam: More new citizen at an old age means they have less time being citizen at working age and more elderly to support. If maintain as pr or foreigners, the taxes can contribute to the welfare of elderly.
[28/9/2026 12:37 pm] Adam: Need to think long term, 30 years down the line for singapore. Every little bit helps. We can build more senior friendly infra now but we then have to build more and more.
Like building roads for cars doesnt lessen traffic jam, but encourages more car users. I see lots of elders have full trust in govt to take care of them, not saving up in cpf expecting gov to bail them out with tax money. Condo owners being ignorant of senior accessibility issues waiting for government to give money to renovate.
Look at long term measures for reducing the burden of working aged people in taking care of elderlies. The incentives the govt is promoting.
Increase fertility. Work life balance. Promote healthy living over healthcare.
[28/9/2026 12:40 pm] G in reply to Adam:
> Becoming a super aged population needs to also be tackled by...
💯
[28/9/2026 12:41 pm] G: How come now cannot give emoticon reaction to each others' messages?
[28/9/2026 12:42 pm] G in reply to Adam:
> More new citizen at an old age means they have less time being...
Yes 👍
[28/9/2026 12:47 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
My close friend comments:-
Age is a number, it should not be a goal nor a target we pride ourselves with.
My personal goal is to be able to live with dignity till the end.
I have no number such as years to live as my target.
Rather, I'd like to measure my ability to function such as mobility, self care or even able to take care of others as my goal.
My late mother was still performing household chores such as cooking, cleaning without help, up to the last months of her life.
Her sisters, my aunts, are doing the same, able to take care of themselves and their families without helpers.
So is our population longevity a result of high quality medical care?
Or a result of healthy living. I hope is the latter.
[28/9/2026 12:48 pm] Jun Ming: longer living with 10 years bed ridden
[28/9/2026 12:48 pm] Jun Ming: Are we really having healthy living where most people are unhappy
[28/9/2026 12:49 pm] Jun Ming: Yet successful
[28/9/2026 12:49 pm] Jun Ming: Being happy and successful we need to give and take
[28/9/2026 12:50 pm] Jun Ming: Now we are more towards successful and not being happy
[28/9/2026 12:51 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
We need to be successful, healthy and happy.
[28/9/2026 12:54 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
Helping ourselves and help others - make ourselves successful, healthy and happy.
[28/9/2026 12:58 pm] Jun Ming: Thing is compare 20 year ago people are generally stressful and unhappy
[28/9/2026 12:59 pm] Jun Ming: Research found in ancient time they only need 2 days out of. A week in attaining food.
[28/9/2026 1:00 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to Jun Ming:
> Thing is compare 20 year ago people are generally stressful...
Stressful and unhappy is at people's minds.
As long as a person is a master of their mind, people can be successful and happy.
应无所住，而生其心。
贪嗔痴慢疑 不住。
而生菩提心 - 清净无我心，慈悲心，智慧心。
“身是菩提树，心如明镜台，时时勤拂拭，莫使惹尘埃”。
Google translate:-
Let the mind arise without dwelling on anything.
Do not dwell in greed, hatred, ignorance, arrogance, or doubt.
Instead, give rise to the Bodhi mind—a mind of purity and selflessness, compassion, and wisdom.
"The body is the Bodhi tree; the mind is like a bright mirror stand. Constantly and diligently wipe it clean; let no dust settle upon it."
[28/9/2026 1:00 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
My close friend comments:-
A few years ago, during covid lock down, I found myself unable to sit comfortably on the floor.
That shocked me. Subsequently, more discoveries like unable to squat properly. Something we do every day before there were toilet seats.
After reopening, I started looking up active sg, healthier sg programmes sceptical I could regain lost bodily functions, just hoping to maintain.
And to my surprise, after following through, I now regained those innate functions like squatting, and can even do forward bend and touched the floor. In my classes, many younger singaporeans have trouble doing such poses.
So function is very important and should be prioritised.
[28/9/2026 1:02 pm] Jun Ming: Ya you need time for such peaceful gain
[28/9/2026 1:27 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
> Stressful and unhappy is at people's minds....
People who are successful and happy - comprise of such healthy minds.
[28/9/2026 1:38 pm] Jun Ming: Most people the mind unhealthy.
[28/9/2026 1:38 pm] Jun Ming: Need time to heal
[28/9/2026 1:39 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to Jun Ming:
> Most people the mind unhealthy.
Must train to be mindful.
Mind is the Master of our Mental Health and Physical health.
The following methods will help.
[28/9/2026 1:39 pm] Jun Ming: They do not have the time to explore inate living. They keep chasing for materialistic richness
[28/9/2026 1:40 pm] Jun Ming: They keep worrying for kpi despite working from home, worrying about can I pay the bills for tmr
[28/9/2026 1:40 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to Jun Ming:
> They do not have the time to explore inate living....
Good mental health, material success will come naturally.
[28/9/2026 1:40 pm] Jun Ming in reply to Jun Ming:
> They keep worrying for kpi despite working from home,...
There's no stability and hence unhappy
[28/9/2026 1:41 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
When our mind is calm and serene - our emotion will be stable, and our solutions will be sound and logical.
Then come material success.
[28/9/2026 1:42 pm] Jun Ming: Without material stability there's is no calmness
[28/9/2026 1:42 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to Jun Ming:
> Without material stability there's is no calmness
Without calmness, material success won't come.
[28/9/2026 1:42 pm] Jun Ming: We are living in a fight or flight mode
[28/9/2026 1:43 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to Jun Ming:
> We are living in a fight or flight mode
Hahaha....
When in fright, come fight or flight.
[28/9/2026 1:43 pm] Jun Ming in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
> Hahaha.... When in fright, come fight or flight.
Which happens daily in today world
[28/9/2026 1:44 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
When in calmness, come solutions and success.
[28/9/2026 1:45 pm] Jun Ming: Student fighting for grades, worker fighting for kpi
[28/9/2026 1:45 pm] Jun Ming: Boss fighting to earn so can feed worker
[28/9/2026 1:45 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
Let me give you an example, Frontier AI go out of control, many people become fright and want flight.
But in calmness, come solutions.
And convey to UN - will become a worldwide solutions.
[28/9/2026 1:46 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
434. I post in REACH (Telegram)
[23/9/2026 2:50 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
1. I think I have articulated before. To pilot and test dangerous Frontier AI - air gap, physical separation and not physically connecting to the live Internet will be the best safeguard when testing and piloting dangerous Frontier AI.
2. Only when exhaustive and 100% qualtiy assurance that the sandbox Frontier AI have proven safe overtime - then can Frontier AI be integrated into live environment.
This safeguard should be incorporated into AI safety guidelines and regulations.
3. Also important for Frontier AI not to be incorporated with Humanoid robots, assess to weapons, ammo. bombs, chemical, biological, nuclear materials - that are capable of causing physical harms to humanity.
4. Of course, even IT connections to the Internet - can also disrupt digital economy, finance, electionic connected infrastructure etc - if a rouge Frontier AI run out of control and allow to defeat human control like the OpenAI Frontier AI breakout + other Frontier AI breakout - hence strong and reliable quality assurance to ensure that Frontier AI to be put into live digital environment should be thoroughly tested overtime - and a "foolproof killswitch" put in place to disable the Frontier AI when it run rouge - and let it contain within its sanfbox - with instant notice that it is running rouge - with advanced sensors and alert systems put in place managed by National Authority.
----
CNA news 27 Sep 2026 10:08AM (Updated: 27 Sep 2026 12:26PM)
Singapore's approach would involve rigorous testing and evaluation before AI systems are deployed, limits on what autonomous systems are allowed to do and mechanisms for human intervention when systems behave unexpectedly.
Dr Balakrishnan identified three broad categories of risk: Humans losing control of autonomous systems; rogue actors using AI to create biological weapons or other weapons capable of mass destruction or disruption; and emerging economic, social and political upheaval.
“The genie is already out of the bottle. It is too late to call for a halt, especially given the superpower rivalry and the huge financial incentives for companies who already have frontier models,” he said.
"Singapore proposes UN framework for global AI safeguards.
Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan says countries need common rules, testing standards and potentially a new international institution to manage AI risks."
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/un-ai-safeguards-singapore-national-statement-6413236#:~:text=Singapore%20proposes%20UN,manage%20AI%20risks.
[28/9/2026 1:46 pm] Jun Ming: The mentality in Singapore you cannot stop
[28/9/2026 1:47 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
That's why must train our minds to be calm.
[28/9/2026 1:47 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
Our Ministers are holding up very well even in world affairs facing humanity existential threat.
[28/9/2026 1:49 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
> Must train to be mindful. Mind is the Master of our Mental...
How to train our Minds to be healthy.
https://babe118.blogspot.com/2026/09/compassion-karma-interperse.html?m=0
[28/9/2026 1:50 pm] Jun Ming: So I hope mental wellness is part of the medical picture and hpb effort
[28/9/2026 1:50 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to Jun Ming:
> So I hope mental wellness is part of the medical picture and...
Agree
[28/9/2026 1:51 pm] Jun Ming: Because we are too focus of less salt less sugar but I does not heard a lot of mental wellness
[28/9/2026 1:51 pm] Jun Ming: From school to death mental wellness should be part of the package
[28/9/2026 1:51 pm] Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
> However, I noticed that many facilities to support the super...
Need more benches in malls for elderly to shop. Big mall. They walk get tired no place to sit.
[28/9/2026 1:53 pm] Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J: Theatre steps so steep. No handles to go up n down.
[28/9/2026 1:53 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
> 434. I post in REACH (Telegram) [23/9/2026 2:50 pm] LCL...
"How would AI kill all humans? Here are the top 5 scenarios.
Most scenarios involve the concept of “superintelligent” AI, says a professor."
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/ai-anthropic-kill-humans-superintelligent-6404801#:~:text=How%20would%20AI,says%20a%20professor.
[28/9/2026 1:54 pm] Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J: Walk around see for their daily lifestyle many basic enjoyment are not convenient
[28/9/2026 1:57 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
> "How would AI kill all humans? Here are the top 5 scenarios....
If we have a calm and healthy mind, we will not fright, fight or flight and get fried.
But instead we can come out with sound, logical solutions to tackle the humanity existential threat and turn it into abundance opportunities for us.
遇事先沉心。静中自得悟 。
淡定于心。从容于行。 没欲则刚。
Google translate:-
Calm your mind before facing any situation; true insight arises from stillness.
Maintain inner composure and act with serenity. Freedom from desire brings strength of character
处变不惊。
Remain calm in the face of adversity.
[28/9/2026 2:06 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
When LKY face with a bleak future during the 1965 - marshland, did he fright, fight, flight and get fried?
No, he stay calm and serene - facing the sea, thinking through calmly and serenity for 1 whole night - he declared:-
"Today Singapore is a marshland.
10 years down the road, we will transform it into a Modern Metropolitan City".
Such is his calm and serene Healthy Mind.
Transforming adversity into vast opportunities and success into our modern Singapore today.
[28/9/2026 2:13 pm] Adam: True. We need to cut down more forest to make room for young families hdb and elderly active ageing centers. Dont let the NIMBYs fool us
[28/9/2026 2:14 pm] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢
[28/9/2026 3:58 pm] Andy: For me, especially worrying because at a very broad societal level, an aging society means more load on the younger generation to support the aged. It's an inverted triangle, the base will need to support a heavy load at the top. However, our GDP per capita still remains strong, so perhaps the issues will really manifest in ~20 years if managed poorly.
At a personal level, by the time I may already be the super aged... but spouse and I are financially prepared when the days come. But I know some others will have it tougher.
I believe our gov will be able to formulate policies to support a super-aged for sure. My main gripe is that policies are just patchwork for a leaky bucket.
The root issue still lies in birth rate. I always talk about birth rate before it's paramount to Singapore's survival WITH a Singaporean identity. The gov must deal with birth rate first, an incredibly complex issue, and many other problems will be solved (or made easier to solve). They cannot take it slow anymore and wait for tomorrow. Behavioural change takes a long time and we must start right now. Instill family-centric mindsets, earlier headstarts, medical support, all without significant career compromise.
[28/9/2026 4:01 pm] Jun Ming in reply to Adam:
> True. We need to cut down more forest to make room for young...
For the sick of healthy living and good mental health I proposed make all the remaining forest a nature reserve
[28/9/2026 4:01 pm] Jun Ming: So our elderly can go into the forest and see birds so won't get dimential
[28/9/2026 4:03 pm] Jun Ming: Unless gov is planning to let em die early so no need to waste resources
[28/9/2026 4:03 pm] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢
[28/9/2026 4:15 pm] Andy: To effectively support our senior citizens, we have to centralize homecare. I feel homecare is now quite fragmented with disabled seniors living alone, may have been abandoned by children, scattered across estates. Bring them together into an eldercare haven so they can interact, pursue hobbies, elderly friendly furniture like handrails/slopes/robotics, quality food and entertainment. This is a win-win, reducing costs and increasing quality of life.
I know many old folks don't want to move out where they lived for 50+ years, or don't want to feel 'abandoned' in an old folks home. First, good marketing to change perceptions. Call it something else, I termed it eldercare haven but whatever floats their boat 😂. Door to door volunteers can encourage the move.
A good fringe benefit is we can clear out HDBs in old estates and make room for new development. We won't have to clear so many forests as a result.
[28/9/2026 4:16 pm] Adam in reply to Jun Ming:
> For the sick of healthy living and good mental health I...
Id say build more housing, community spaces. But integrate nature into it.
People rarely go into a park to see the birds. When people think of nature they dont really comprehend the depths of the forest, being muddy and full of spiders. Seniors arent gonna hike on dirt like national parks overseas.
[28/9/2026 4:16 pm] Andy in reply to Jun Ming:
> So our elderly can go into the forest and see birds so won't...
I laughed.. i don't know if you are joking or serious. Maybe play mahjong also a good idea to prevent dementia 😂
[28/9/2026 4:19 pm] Adam: Our houses are too small. Small enough for trying for baby bonus but cannot fit elderly on a stretcher for emergencies. We need more room to breathe. 99% of time spend in cramp space with little nature, having a reserve that is largely inaccessible wont help
[28/9/2026 4:21 pm] Jun Ming in reply to Andy:
> I laughed.. i don't know if you are joking or serious....
There's research that say it prevents dimential by looking the birds
[28/9/2026 4:22 pm] Adam: Elderly needs more mental stimulation than tiktok. Make them gamers
[28/9/2026 4:22 pm] Andy: Instead of increasing size of houses (which will benefit the rich more), I did propose large institutions/facilities for seniors in need of care. Highly targeted to a specific demographic. 24/7 assistance, open spaces, safe structures with integrated greenery.
[28/9/2026 4:22 pm] Jun Ming in reply to Jun Ming:
> There's research that say it prevents dimential by looking the...
I once intern in n park and I see many elderly enthusiastic walk in nature park and can identify the species of tree and the health of the tree
[28/9/2026 4:23 pm] Jun Ming: So yes we shall let them chase chicken
[28/9/2026 4:23 pm] Adam in reply to Andy:
> Instead of increasing size of houses (which will benefit the...
Making more and bigger houses devalues the current housing by increasing supply. Unless you are talking about people who game the subsidies which is another thing for the govt to tackle.
[28/9/2026 4:24 pm] Andy: Competitive gaming and chicken chasing... I like that already 😂
[28/9/2026 4:24 pm] Adam in reply to Jun Ming:
> So yes we shall let them chase chicken
The increase in chickens in my neighborhood is good for elderlies😂
[28/9/2026 4:24 pm] Adam: But not allowed to feed if im not wrong
[28/9/2026 4:24 pm] Jun Ming: Ya not allow
[28/9/2026 4:26 pm] Hanny: We need to have a Smurf-like community where help is not that far away.
[28/9/2026 5:25 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to Andy:
> For me, especially worrying because at a very broad societal...
Government and Singaporeans need to be mindful that 781,000 super aged people will need replacement by the youth.
1. Our own Singaporeans birth, preferably.
2. However if our own birth cannot make up to the 781,000 replacement, then we need to look at new citizens + PRs that can live up to our culture and ways of lives to make up for the number.
We cannot be emotion about it if our own birth don't make up the numbers.
In so doing, we will ensure that:-
1. Our Nation fiscal budget can achieve healthy equilibrium - with adequate youthful workforce and revenue income.
2. Sufficient young hands to take care of the aged in a virtuous circular cycle.
That is when our current generation youth get old next time, next generation of youth will take over in taking care of this current generation and the cycle repeat itself.
3. If the Nation and Singaporeans can understand this philosophy, our heart and mind are willing - then our Minds will be at ease, calm and serene - because the continuous circular flow of virtuous keep repeating itself in a wholesome way that mutual help is lock in.
[28/9/2026 5:39 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
My close friend comments:-
Have to be mindful that elderly care primary responsibility should lie with the family not gov.
We don't want families to ditch their elderly to gov and continue to demand for high standards of care.
[28/9/2026 5:40 pm] Adam: Many old people dont have family. And at the rate singles and dinks are growing, it will be even more in the future
[28/9/2026 5:42 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
No choice, if family cannot make up the numbers, then at macro level, the country have to make up the numbers.
[28/9/2026 5:44 pm] Adam: Short term thinking is build more support infra. Import more maids. Hire more social workers
[28/9/2026 5:45 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
That means more nursing home, professional retirement villages need to come in to be run by next generation of youth, social workers, nurses, doctors etc.
[28/9/2026 5:45 pm] Adam: Long term will gov do? Help singles to find partner. Have work life balance so people wont stress of work. Give people faith that children will be born in a better place in future
[28/9/2026 5:46 pm] Adam: We can build all the senior support facilities. But long term is it sustainable?
[28/9/2026 5:46 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to Adam:
> Long term will gov do? Help singles to find partner....
Yes.
This is what I advocate.
I think the Govtech FirstDate is a good platform.
Wonder when will it be coming along.
Baby bonus, work family friendly scheme are designed to achieve more baby - but business and boss should buy in.
[28/9/2026 5:48 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to Adam:
> We can build all the senior support facilities....
Super aged society, it will be sustainable because there are demand and can be finance by the aged.
This is the silver programme.
[28/9/2026 5:48 pm] Adam: AI and robotics is memed to death but perhaps lots of caretaking tasks can be taken over. In china hotels, food can be delivered to doorstep. Maybe can have robot deliver meds. Do wellness checks
[28/9/2026 5:50 pm] Adam: With such low fertility rate, wonder if gov will even consider bring women to ns.
[28/9/2026 5:54 pm] Andy in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
> Government and Singaporeans need to be mindful that 781,000...
Definitely agree, my preferred option is own birth. I believe this should be national interest as well, encouraged by government. This needs to start from up top in gov.
[28/9/2026 6:00 pm] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢
[28/9/2026 6:06 pm] Andy: These are all great ideas and I think we are on the same page. Let me throw in 1 more ingredient into the pot.
Reduce years of education. In total, including university, children today spend at ~16 years in education compared to <13 years in previous generations. As graduate degrees become more common, this number may stretch to 18 years.
A later headstart in life building means setting down later, affecting decisions in childbirth. We can't beat the female biological clock. If we can reduce education by a few years, in my mind it must help birth rates to a reasonable extent. I don't have facts to back it up- but it makes sense to me. Bring the clock forward.
[28/9/2026 6:08 pm] Adam in reply to Andy:
> These are all great ideas and I think we are on the same page....
Issue with lowering years is that employers has a perception that a lower amount of years means the standard is less rigourous
[28/9/2026 6:09 pm] Adam: SUTD increased the undergrad program from 3.5 yrs to 4 because of this feedback
[28/9/2026 6:11 pm] Adam: In reality even with 4 yrs, its more packed than ever with some doing part time internships. club activities and more to buff resume
[28/9/2026 6:11 pm] Andy: I kind of agree in general, but I see many malaysians or other angmoh nationalities coming to SG uni, starting work much younger than singaporeans. Professional jobs ah, not blue collar. Not to mention we have 2 years army... if they can get hired with lesser years in education here, our children are losing out...
But I get your point. SGP as a whole need to reduce, then we even the playing field.
[28/9/2026 6:13 pm] Adam: Imo, what sg needs to do is to make it such that our local grads 'appear' more competitive globally. If a foreign employer sees a singapore grad with B average while some random foreign uni grad with perfect A in all subjects, would they know better?
[28/9/2026 6:13 pm] Andy: So I do wonder if we can cut irrelevant syllabus and focus on important areas- so we don't reduce rigor.
[28/9/2026 6:14 pm] RY in reply to REACH Singapore:
> 📢 Topic 📢 Singapore has reached "super-aged society" status,...
With a super-aged society, many developed countries are also experiencing esp western countries ~
1) SG Govt may study other countries their policies and how they resolve the ageing issues
2) With ageing population, govt may have to set aside more budget for Healthcare also
3) Encourage couples to have babies, as per Natl Day Rally PM announcement, with attractive incentives/benefits for family and children
4) Give more financial support for family with children
5) Increase younger population via immigration policies eg more PR and etc
6) Improve SG Education policy, easier for children to enter formal school
7) More activities for ageing seniors and keep them active
[28/9/2026 6:15 pm] Adam: Apart from uni certs, schools need to get students internatiknally recognised certificates. Like comptia. Not some local skillfuture participation trophy noone cares about
[28/9/2026 6:16 pm] Adam: Maybe gov can nego intl cert bodies for bulk discount for sgeans
[28/9/2026 6:18 pm] Adam: Wah i walk outside very bad haze. Very worried how seniors will cope. My grandma have difficulty breathing idk how to help when its everywhere. How to even get her to walk in forest to see bird if it looks like silent hill
[28/9/2026 6:18 pm] Andy in reply to Adam:
> Imo, what sg needs to do is to make it such that our local...
I'd like to say that their hiring process should already encompass other criteria to different the best from the good. So yes. As a hiring manager myself I would take into account where their degree is from.
But yeah my point is to fast track existing timelines while not/marginally reducing quality of education- as a birth rate driver. I know where you're coming from- don't compromise and keep our children well equipped to land jobs. That is equally important
[28/9/2026 6:20 pm] Ahin in reply to Adam:
> Wah i walk outside very bad haze....
Well... the haze came from the forest burning at neighbour country done by company... unfortunately, some says the shareholders are also singaporean....
[28/9/2026 6:26 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
By Indonesian law, all small plantations are allow to slash and burn but not big plantation owners.
The report that say Singaporean companies doing the burning has not been proven.
[28/9/2026 6:27 pm] Ahin: Big or small plantations if done by burning, it will contribute to polution... agree?
[28/9/2026 6:28 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
Indonesia's laws historically allowed smallholder farmers cultivating 2 hectares or less to use controlled slash-and-burn techniques under a "local wisdom" exemption.
Source:- Google Gemini
[28/9/2026 6:29 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to Ahin:
> Big or small plantations if done by burning,...
Definitely.
This is the cause of haze year in and year out.
[28/9/2026 6:29 pm] Ahin: Yes. Several companies operating fire-affected concessions or supply networks in Indonesia have direct shareholders, headquarters, or primary stock exchange listings in Singapore.
Because Singapore is a regional hub for agribusiness investments, multiple plantation conglomerates involved in fires—or parent entities holding their concessions—are tied to Singapore:
1. Sampoerna Agri Resources Pte Ltd
Connection: PT Hutan Ketapang Industri (HKI), a rubber and pulpwood firm in West Kalimantan whose land has been sealed by the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLH) due to fires, is majority-owned by Sampoerna Agro.
Singapore Link: Sampoerna Agri Resources Pte Ltd, a Singapore-registered holding firm, owns a two-thirds controlling stake in Sampoerna Agro.
2. First Resources Limited
Connection: Subsidiaries (such as PT Limpah Sejahtera) and third-party suppliers connected to First Resources have faced land seals and administrative fines in Indonesia related to forest fires and land clearing.
Singapore Link: First Resources is headquartered in Singapore and primary-listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX), controlled primarily by the Singapore-based Fangiono family.
3. Sinar Mas Group / Asia Pulp & Paper (APP)
Connection: Concession holders like PT Buana Megatama Jaya, PT Bumi Andalas Permai, and PT Arara Abadi—key pulpwood suppliers to APP—have recorded massive burned areas and faced legal action or seals by Indonesian authorities.
Singapore Link: Golden Agri-Resources (GAR) (the palm oil arm of Sinar Mas) is listed on the SGX and headquartered in Singapore. APP also maintains major global trading and operational headquarters offices in Singapore.
4. RGE Group (Royal Golden Eagle) / APRIL
Connection: Concession holders like PT Sumatera Riang Lestari (SRL), a major timber supplier to Asia Pacific Resources International Limited (APRIL), have had fire hotspots sealed by Indonesian law enforcement.
Singapore Link: RGE Group operates its main international headquarters out of Singapore, managing investments across paper, pulp, and palm oil.
Legal Context: The Transboundary Haze Pollution Act
In response to these corporate linkages, Singapore passed the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA). This law allows Singapore courts to impose criminal and civil liability on any entity—local or foreign—that causes or contributes to haze pollution in Singapore.
However, enforcement has historically faced jurisdictional challenges because investigating physical origins, corporate structures, and land deeds relies on data sharing and cooperation from Indonesian local authorities.
[28/9/2026 6:29 pm] Ahin: Too bad.... Even AI can check that Singaporeans had shares in forest burning...
[28/9/2026 6:30 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
Then all that burn should be prosecuted.
[28/9/2026 6:31 pm] Ahin: Well... Is our government doing their best?... so part of elderly healthcare is also done by singaporean and gov not taking step enough due to jurisdiction?
[28/9/2026 6:32 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to Ahin:
> Well... Is our government doing their best?......
Which government?
Indonesia or Singapore?
[28/9/2026 6:32 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
It happens in Indonesia.
[28/9/2026 6:32 pm] Ahin: If Singapore wants to complain about haze, then they should do their best too... not just complain...
[28/9/2026 6:33 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
If a criminal act happen in that country, only the government in that country can prosecute.
[28/9/2026 6:33 pm] Ahin: Sometimes, I had nothing to say when complaining to my indonesian Friends.... when they say that some companies also belong to singaporean...
[28/9/2026 6:33 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
The Straits Times reports that transboundary haze in Southeast Asia is primarily a man-made disaster caused by using fire to clear land for agriculture.
The Core Problem
Slash-and-Burn: Both smallholders and large plantation companies use fire as a cheap and fast way to clear land for palm oil, pulp, and paper crops.
Peatland Vulnerability: Many fires burn on drained tropical peatlands. Peat acts like underground coal and can smolder for months, creating thick, toxic smoke that is very hard to put out. BBC +2
Corporate Concessions: Environmental groups like WALHI note that a large portion of fire hotspots appear inside commercial corporate concessions. CNA
Government Action
Crackdowns: Indonesian authorities regularly investigate, suspend, or seal off plantations linked to illegal burning.Permit Revocations: Leaders have ordered strict law enforcement and the revocation of business licenses for any corporation found responsible for ordering land clearance by fire. Would you like to know more about how neighboring countries like Singapore monitor and respond to the haze, or the impact of weather systems like El Niño on these fires?
While the Indonesian government aggressively targets illegal burning, enforcement fails to completely stop the haze due to systemic legal loopholes, high economic incentives, and weak cross-border authority.
1. Corruption and "Patronage Politics"
The palm oil and pulpwood sectors are massive economic drivers. Large plantation companies often cultivate strong relationships with local and regional politicians. South China Morning Post
Regulatory Capture: Investigations by environmental watchdogs like WALHI have frequently exposed cases where public officials take kickbacks or modify zoning plans to protect corporate clients or retroactively legalize unauthorized forest clearing.
Decentralised Confusion: Power over land distribution is fragmented between central and local governments.
Local authorities sometimes turn a blind eye to violations because plantations provide local jobs and revenue.
2. High Financial Incentives vs. Low Fines
The Cost-Benefit Math: Mechanical land clearing (using excavators and heavy machinery to safely remove and transport debris) is expensive and slow. Using fire costs next to nothing. For many companies, the risk of a fine is simply viewed as a "cost of doing business."
Protracted Appeals: Even when the government successfully wins multi-million-dollar environmental lawsuits against corporations, companies drag out the process via appeals. In some instances, legal changes and deregulation bills have actively diluted corporate "strict liability" rules.
3. Proof of Liability is Hard to Establish
Unclear Land Maps: Indonesia struggles with a lack of a single, unified land registry map. Concession boundaries frequently overlap with community lands or smallholder farms.
The "Blame Game": When a fire breaks out, large companies often argue the fire started outside their boundaries (e.g., from an independent local farmer's land) and blew into their concession, making it incredibly difficult for prosecutors to legally prove intentional arson by the corporation.
4. Weak Cross-Border Enforcement
The haze is a regional issue, but environmental laws end at national borders. YouTube·CNA
The ASEAN Limitation:
The ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution prioritises national sovereignty and non-intervention. It has no teeth—there are no bloc-wide fines, and it cannot prosecute companies directly.
Foreign-Owned Entities: Many plantations operating in Indonesia are actually funded by or parented by companies based in Malaysia or Singapore.
While Singapore passed the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act to punish foreign polluters, obtaining the necessary ground evidence and cooperation across borders to secure a conviction is notoriously difficult.
[28/9/2026 6:33 pm] Ahin: So this is the loophole where Singaporean can do so called "unethical" thing outside of Singapore
[28/9/2026 6:35 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
I think you got to analyze the root cause of the problem - which is well define in the Google text above.
Which is well beyond our control.
[28/9/2026 6:36 pm] Ahin: Maybe government needs to strike balance between profit and elderly health system cost.
[28/9/2026 6:37 pm] Ahin in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
> I think you got to analyze the root cause of the problem -...
To the extreme... probably could came out the regulation to "punish" singaporean that had share in "unethical" wrongdoing....
[28/9/2026 6:37 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
Many a time, our people are too fast to attribute fault to our government without understanding the root cause.
[28/9/2026 6:37 pm] Ahin: Something like.... If Singaporean doing drugs outside Singapore, There is law that the offenders still can be charged.
[28/9/2026 6:38 pm] Ahin: Else... don't complain about haze... if we close our eyes on the other part.
[28/9/2026 6:39 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
Where to find the evidence to prosecute if it happens in a foreign country?
Cannot be just hear say right?
[28/9/2026 6:39 pm] Adam: If like that, what if extend to spr and foreigner?
[28/9/2026 6:40 pm] Ahin: You can't expect Indonesia to prosecute... We very well knew that their enforcement is very lack due to corruption... However, it is quite different with Singapore... We are very Law obidient... since there is no law yet on this... so this is loophole.
[28/9/2026 6:40 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
That's why it is a persistent problem.
[28/9/2026 6:41 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
But don't pin the problem to our government too quickly if we don't get the big picture right.
[28/9/2026 6:41 pm] Ahin: Nope... it is just we close one eye... due to the profit we got.... so... don't complain haze.... for this... I have no choice but to agree with my Indonesian friend... you cannot take the whole pie
[28/9/2026 6:42 pm] Adam in reply to Ahin:
> Something like.... If Singaporean doing drugs outside...
Why must we singaporeans be subject to such high standards alone. If foreigners do drugs and post online. They can still enter.
[28/9/2026 6:42 pm] Ahin in reply to LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
> But don't pin the problem to our government too quickly if we...
So can you find the solution? selling more air filtered?.... wkwkwk
[28/9/2026 6:42 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP) in reply to Ahin:
> Nope... it is just we close one eye......
I think you still don't understand the big picture.
[28/9/2026 6:43 pm] Ahin: I just told you... if you can't find solution to your own problem.... dont complain for the problem that is created by the problem you have yet to solve...
[28/9/2026 6:44 pm] Ahin: The government needs to ask themselves... are they ready to forgo profit for better environment?
[28/9/2026 6:52 pm] REACH Singapore: Dear Contributors,
⏰ We will be closing the chat in 10 minutes ⏰
Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan 😊
[28/9/2026 6:59 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
Very difficult to discuss with someone who cannot see the big picture, cross border international law, prosecution, evidence gathering etc.
[28/9/2026 6:59 pm] Ahin: Bro.. don't attack me .. discuss the issue...
[28/9/2026 7:00 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
Not attacking you.
Just stating the fact.
[28/9/2026 7:01 pm] Ahin: I know you are very frustrating because you don't have the answer... Just take it easy...
[28/9/2026 7:01 pm] Ahin: As long as Singapore still in good position... Just bear with it
[28/9/2026 7:01 pm] LCL Danny 心 (1st HP):
Hahaha.
I know the answer.
But you just don't get it
[28/9/2026 7:01 pm] REACH Singapore: Dear Contributors
We will be closing the chat for today.
Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan 😊
====
The Law Exists
Singapore passed the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA) to punish any company—local or foreign—that causes or contributes to unhealthy haze in Singapore, with daily fines up to $100,000.
Singapore authorities have served notices and sought company data or directors for questioning under this law.
The Straits Times
Why Prosecution is Difficult
Sovereignty and Political Friction: Indonesia has pushed back against Singapore enforcing laws over acts done on Indonesian soil, arguing that it infringes on national sovereignty and that matters should be handled via Indonesian courts or regional pacts.
Lack of Local Data and Cooperation:
Singapore needs concrete evidence like land ownership maps and concession data, which Indonesian authorities have sometimes been slow or reluctant to share.
The Business Times
Jurisdiction and Enforcement: For Singapore courts to prosecute, the target company or its representatives must have a legal presence in Singapore or comply with court summons. Many overseas managers or directors simply do not show up, making arrests or court orders hard to execute outside Singapore.
Google Gemini AI response:-
No, Singapore has not successfully prosecuted or convicted any foreign companies under its anti-haze law.
Enforcement Actions Under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA)
Passed in 2014: Singapore enacted the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act to penalize entities inside or outside Singapore whose conduct causes or contributes to unhealthy haze pollution in the country.
2015/2016 Investigations: Following severe regional fires in 2015, Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) served preventive notices and information requests to several Indonesian pulp and paper suppliers, including units of Asia Pulp and Paper (APP).
Stalls and Warrants: Singapore issued a detention/court warrant for an uncooperative Indonesian company director in 2016, but met strong pushback from the Indonesian government, which argued that Singapore's extraterritorial enforcement infringed on Indonesian legal sovereignty.
Cases Closed or Unresolved: NEA eventually cleared two of the firms after accepting explanations regarding their lack of association with the land, while remaining investigations stalled due to lack of cooperation from overseas corporate respondents and jurisdictional friction.
While traditional void decks were wide, open, and linear, modern blocks feature structural trade-offs:
Better Privacy and Ventilation: Newer blocks are designed with non-linear stacks so that bedroom and living room windows face outward instead of directly onto common corridors, eliminating corridor-facing windows that compromise privacy. Reddit +2
Structural Pillar Alignment: The load-bearing walls and pillars required to support these complex, privacy-optimized upper-floor layouts extend straight down to the ground floor, creating segmented, maze-like ground layouts. Reddit·r/singapore +1
Shift to Decentralized Spaces: HDB now distributes community areas across alternative spaces like roof gardens, sky terraces, precinct pavilions, and fitness corners rather than concentrating all social activity at the ground floor. Mothership +1
Managing Social and Noise Issues: More partitioned layouts and perimeter barriers help prevent large-scale rowdy activities, loitering, or unauthorized ball games that historically caused noise complaints in older, wide-open void decks.
Pest and Odour Control: In-unit chutes in the kitchen let cockroaches, rats, and foul smells enter the flat if the rubber seals wore out or weren't closed tightly.
Hygiene and Cleanliness: Dropping trash straight from the kitchen into a shared shaft often led to waste sticking to the sides of the pipes, causing sanitary issues inside private living spaces.
Easier Maintenance: Centralised or common landing chutes keep waste disposal outside the apartment, making it easier for town council cleaners to collect trash and maintain the estate.
Space for Recycling: Centralised areas on each floor now feature side-by-side dual systems, including designated recycling chutes to support national green goals. CNA
Yes, new HDB Build-To-Order (BTO) flats use fire-rated doors for their main entrance if the unit is located along a designated fire escape route.
When BTO Entrance Doors Must Be Fire-Rated
Near escape routes: Flats with main entrances positioned within 3 meters of an exit staircase, lift lobby, or designated fire escape path are fitted with a 30-minute (half-hour) fire-rated door and frame by HDB.
Open external corridors: If a BTO unit's entrance faces an open external corridor and sits further than 3 meters away from an exit staircase or lift lobby, HDB may install a standard non-fire-rated wooden main door. Ministry of National Development (MND)
Key Features of BTO Fire-Rated Doors
Self-closing mechanism: Fire-rated entrance doors come equipped with an approved door closer to ensure the door automatically shuts tight during an emergency to block fire and smoke.
Compliance labels: They feature an official accredited labeller's tag or sticker. HDB
Replacement rules: If you decide to replace your BTO main entrance door later on, you must use a certified half-hour fire-rated door and keep the self-closing device functional if your unit originally required one. The Straits Times
Not all entrance doors in new HDB BTO flats are fire-rated because the Fire Code only requires them when a unit is located near a critical escape route. Ministry of National Development (MND)
Where Fire-Rated Doors Are Required
Within 3 metres of an exit: Units located within 3.0 metres of a lift lobby, fire lift, or staircase exit must have a certified fire-rated door (typically half-hour or FD30-rated).
Containing high-risk areas: This prevents fire and smoke from quickly compromising primary escape paths during an emergency. HDB
Why Units on External Corridors Differ
Open-air ventilation: Units that face an external, open-air corridor and sit further than 3 metres from a staircase do not need a fire-rated entrance door.
Natural heat dispersion: External corridors naturally disperse heat and smoke efficiently, reducing the risk of fire jumping across units. Ministry of National Development (MND)
Overall compartment design: Every HDB flat is already built as an independent fire compartment using thick concrete walls and floors to contain internal fires. Ministry of National Development (MND) +1
Financial prudence: Omitting unnecessary fire-rated doors where external ventilation provides sufficient safety balances regulatory compliance with building costs. Ministry of National Development (MND)
