REACH (Telegram) 121 -   What are your views on Budget 2026?

(SK)

13 Feb 2026 (10am - 7pm)

REACH (Telegram)

REACH Singapore, [13/2/2026 9:58 am]

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REACH Singapore, [13/2/2026 10:03 am]

📢 Topic 📢

BUDGET 2026 - Securing Our Future Together In a Changed World

Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong outlined the Government’s expenditure plan for the year on 12 Feb. In his Budget 2026 speech, he laid out plans to tackle a range of issues, from cost-of-living concerns to helping Singapore businesses expand overseas. Budget 2026 lays the groundwork for how Singapore will navigate its next phase of development.

💬 What are your views on Budget 2026?

📌 Advance Our Refreshed Economic Strategy

•⁠  ⁠40% Corporate Income Tax Rebate for Year of Assessment 2026

  - Capped at $30,000 per company

  - Minimum benefit of $1,500 for active companies with at least one local employee in 2025

•⁠  ⁠Enhance support for local companies to expand overseas

  - Higher grant support level of up to 70% for SMEs and up to 50% for non-SMEs

  - Enhance Market Readiness Assistance grant for enterprises to deepen presence overseas

  - Enhance Enterprise Financing Scheme to increase maximum loan quantum for Trade and SME Fixed Assets Loan

• $1.5 billion for Anchor Fund to support public listings of high-growth companies in Singapore

• $1.5 billion to expand Equity Market Development Programme

• Expand Startup SG Equity scheme to catalyse investments in early- and growth-stage deep tech startups

📌 Harness AI As A Strategic Advantage

•⁠  ⁠Establish National AI Council, chaired by the Prime Minister, to drive national AI efforts

•⁠  ⁠Transform key sectors with national AI Missions

•⁠  ⁠Launch Champions of AI programme to drive AI-enabled business transformation

•⁠  ⁠Expand Enterprise Innovation Scheme to include qualifying AI expenditures

•⁠  ⁠Expand Productivity Solutions Grant to include more AI-enabled solutions

•⁠  ⁠Expand TechSkills Accelerator to help workers build practical AI capabilities

•⁠  ⁠Help Singaporeans to find relevant AI courses through redesigned SkillsFuture website

•⁠  ⁠Provide six months of free access to premium versions of AI tools when taking selected AI courses

📌 Build A Resilient And Skilled Workforce

•⁠  ⁠Raise Local Qualifying Salary to $1,800 from Jul 2026

•⁠  Extending and Enhancing Progressive Wage Credit Scheme

•⁠  ⁠Enhance basic tier of Workfare Skills Support

•⁠  ⁠Merge SkillsFuture Singapore and Workforce Singapore into a new statutory board

•⁠  ⁠Expand coverage of SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme to more industry-relevant courses

•⁠  Extending Senior Employment Credit to 2027

•⁠  ⁠Raise minimum qualifying salary to $6,000 for Employment Pass and $3,600 for S Pass from 2027

•⁠  ⁠Adjust Work Permit levies from 2028

📌 Supporting Singaporeans & Families with Children

•⁠  ⁠$200 to $400 Cost-of-Living Special Payment for eligible Singaporean adults

•⁠  ⁠$500 CDC Vouchers for all Singaporean households

•⁠  ⁠Up to $570 U-Save for eligible Singaporean HDB households

•⁠  ⁠$500 Child LifeSG Credits for all Singaporean children aged 12 and below

•⁠  ⁠Raise monthly household income eligibility thresholds to $15,000 for preschool subsidies and $6,500 for student care subsidies

📌 Supporting Seniors & Families with Greater Needs

• Up to $1,500 CPF Top-Up for eligible seniors

• Higher CPF contribution rates for senior workers aged above 55 to 65 in 2027 with CPF Transition Offset for employers

• Offer low-cost, life-cycle investment products under new investment scheme for CPF members

• Enhanced ComLink+ Progress Packages

  - $500 every quarter for ComLink+ families progressing with Family Coaches

  - Higher payouts for eligible ComLink+ families with regular preschool attendance and stable employment

📌 Renew And Strengthen Our Singapore Spirit

•⁠  ⁠Strengthen Singapore’s cultural and heritage institutions

  - Open revamped Malay Heritage Centre

  - Expand reach and engagement of Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre

  - Enhance outreach and programming of Indian Heritage Centre

•⁠  ⁠Enhance access to sports facilities through Sports Facilities Master Plan

•⁠  ⁠Extend 250% tax deductions for qualifying local donations to 2029

REACH Singapore, [13/2/2026 10:03 am]

•⁠  ⁠Extend Corporate Volunteer Scheme to 2029

•⁠  ⁠Launch $50 million SG Partnerships Fund to catalyse ground-up initiatives

For more information on Budget 2026, please visit:

https://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/budget-speech/budget-statement

🔗 [CNA] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-budget-2026-lawrence-wong-live-blog-5919576

🔗 [ST] https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/budget-2026-all-the-highlights-you-need-to-know

----

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 10:44 am]

At least still got $400

Daniel, [13/2/2026 10:50 am]

I appreciate the Child LifeSG credits. I think it's a good step in supporting parents long term. I feel that past policies (baby bonus, cda matching) only focus on the first two-three years. Seems a bit like, we'll encourage them to have more children and then once they have them, they are on their own. So really appreciate that there's some support for older kids as well.

Nicholas, [13/2/2026 10:57 am]

Agree, will be good to extend it till pre-u though e.g. up to 16 or 17 years old instead of 12 years old.

REACH Singapore, [13/2/2026 11:01 am]

[ Poll : I am confident Budget 2026 will address today's challenges while securing Singapore's future.  ]

- Strongly Agree

- Agree

- Neutral

- Disagree

- Strongly Disagree

REACH Singapore, [13/2/2026 11:01 am]

[ Poll : Budget 2026 addressed issues of concern to me.  ]

- Strongly Agree

- Agree

- Neutral

- Disagree

- Strongly Disagree

REACH Singapore, [13/2/2026 11:21 am]

Dear Contributors,

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

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

💬 What are your views on Budget 2026?

Thank you.

Megan 😊

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 11:41 am]

Compare to last year, the individual and household relief are much lesser.

Reasons could be:-

1. Inflation more contain.

2. Economy turn better than expected.

3. Focus more on businesses that need to transform and level up to catch the AI train.

4. Job market turn stable.

5. Leaving more dry powder for future in case geopolitical situation turn for the worst.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 11:45 am]

However 2 areas I feel that can be strength on.

1. Cyber security - perimeter defense (without the need to pump in more budget - through good cyber practices).

2. National Defense - drone warfare (can learn alot from Ukraine and look into 3D printing to counter drone threat).

RY, [13/2/2026 11:53 am]

Personally feel that 2026 budget are quite comprehensive and covers most aspects eg family/work/biz/tax/donation/AI/adult learning/individuals eg caregiver & senior & child & low-income n etc 

Hope in future budget, govt may include more support for family with disability, not only to those school-going, but also to growing adults with disability. Bec this grp of vulnerable disability-adults most unlikely to have earning capability when they grow up, and family are still required to look after them when they aged eg intellectual disability

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 11:57 am]

Cyber security 

1. With defense in depth - through multiple layers of security defence, APT hackers to go deep into the network to extract vital data are usually very difficult.

2. Hence the most vulnerable parts are the internet facing perimeter network devices, security devices and servers at the frontier DMZ zone - that face the internet - where APT hackers interface.

Hence hardening and lockdown perimeter defense become extremely important.

3. Few good cyber hygiene, hardening and lockdown process - can turn perimeter defense into a fortress - and make APT hackers very difficult to penetrate even though they discover zero day exploit to compromise perimeter devices like:-

a. Perimeter routers - the 1st device that APT hackers hit.

b. Perimeter IPS 

c. Perimeter firewall 

d. Perimeter LAN switches

e. Perimeter Internet Web Servers.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 12:08 pm]

Hardening and lockdown process:-

1. Disable all remote management.

2. Divide all perimeter device management into internet facing inband management and OOB (Out-Of-Band) management.

All administrator management devices can only be managed through OOB management (no inband management of perimeter devices allowed) that can be managed by onsite administrator (as remote management are disabled).

The management console lockdown with OOB private IP address (not internet public address) and unique MAC address. Any APT hackers with a public IP address and Mac address not registered with SIEM will be deem hostile, flag and block even though APT hackers compromise the zero exploit in the perimeter devices.

The LAN port that connect to the management console must also be lockdown with the Mac address registered in an protected strongroom that can only be entered by authorized network administrator authenticated through staff pass or biometric.

3. APT hackers coming from inband path in an attempt to try to control perimeter devices are detected and flag by SIEM (Security Incident and Events Management) - and deem as APT hackers - as it breaches 4 important suspicious sources:-

a. comes from the internet (inband) not OOB and is deem hostile 

b. Remote management disallow 

c. Public IP address and Mac address not registered for device management.

d. Violated the LAN port that connect the management console.

4. All perimeter devices must undergo strict hardening process to remove all unused process and utilities and keep configuration to the bare minimum to prevent exploits.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 12:35 pm]

So by adopting such stringent cyber hygiene - even though the APT hackers have access to the zero exploit firewall - there is no way it can take control of the zero exploit firewall or even plant malware or make unauthorized access to the Telco networks.

Because SIEM will straight away raise alarm that APT attack has taken place and proceed to lockdown the compromise firewall.

It will need a James Bond 007 to physically break into the strongroom, get past all the lockdown security to hack our Telecom networks.

APT hackers remotely with their whole arsenal of cyber army cannot hack our Telecom networks.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 12:39 pm]

And such cyber hygiene will reduce the needs to spend more budget, personnel and resources on cyber defence overall by strengthening the perimeter defense.

Because the perimeter defense has become a fortress that is almost impenetrable even by the most resourceful and skilful State sponsored APT hackers.

I feel that all CII (Critical Information Infrastructure) organisations, Telecoms, Government organizations, Security Organizations etc should ramp up to implement such cyber hygiene for their perimeter infrastructure that are internet facing.

By doing so, we can dramatically cut down alot of attempt by APT hackers to breach our CII infrastructure and reduce alot of heartache in cyber defence.

I am quite sure some did not achieve this high standards of cyber hygiene based on my knowledge.

Then government should organise IT audits to identify and flag out CII infrastructure and organisations that did not meet such standards to ramp up their perimeter defense within a certain period so that we can sleep more peacefully knowing that our critical infrastructure is not under threat by APT hackers.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 12:45 pm]

More of our budget can be saved from cyber defence investment and used elsewhere.

RY, [13/2/2026 12:50 pm]

I also hope Govt may set aside more budget eg  more subsidy for healthcare, since premiums are expected to increase due to some changes in MOH medishield policies as per recent announcement and also due to SG ageing 

Many prophecies also stated there maybe another pandemic more deadly than covid in the coming recent years, as 2026/7 will be chaotic world with major happenings (赤马红羊年)

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 12:54 pm]

Drone warfare 

1. Monitoring what transpired in the Ukraine war, noticed that the most formidable and fearsome armour and tank attack and defences mounted have been neutralize and render ineffective by a relatively low cost drones and drone swarm.

2. And the most reliable, fearsome and formidable Leopard tanks that we also used + Abrams tanks are render ineffective.

Of course the Ukraine army are not trained in combined arms - air force, arty, armour and infantry troops - to make the tanks and armour column more effective in the battleground.

3. But inexpensive drone threat that makes armour and infantry vulnerable is a real threat that need to be address headon.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 1:03 pm]

4. Inexpensive drone make through 3D printing can ramp up production significantly.

5. Our defense contractors and SAF needs to scale up in this aspects. Our army also need to be trained in simulators to utilize such inexpensive drones effectively if we lack land spaces.

6. Like hackathon, whereby our cyber professionals are trained and spar with world-class cyber defenders, our SAF troopers must also undergo sparring sessions through simulators, among army units, foreign troops, organise or participate in world class drone swarm sparring to hone our SAF nsmen skills in drone defense and attacks.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 1:07 pm]

7. Our traditional combined arms doctrine must be pitched against new drone threat and see how to evolve to fight against such new threat.

8. Realize Ukraine has gain tremendous experience in such drone swarm warfare, if our SAF professionals have 1st hands access to how to defend and attack through drones (including unjammable drones such as fibre optics drones) - our doctrines can evolved and train on the restructure doctrines).

9. British, EU and US troops are learning from Ukraine experience to fight drone warfare - be it land drone, air drones and sea drones.

I think we should think of ways to access this vital information and fighting methods and adapt it into our SAF.

10. Hence some budgets will need to be invested in drone defence.

Vijay, [13/2/2026 1:10 pm]

Kinda feel the car value reduced ?

Vijay, [13/2/2026 1:10 pm]

Meaning is it so the car owners to plan to sell of their cars or is it too late now.

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 1:23 pm]

I think he say next bidding

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 1:23 pm]

So It will only apply on new car

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 1:23 pm]

Which means lesser people want to buy car

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 1:26 pm]

I afraid it might stress more on public transport

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 1:27 pm]

Can gov back up the bus service as 10-15 min bus timing on peak hour is too long

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 1:28 pm]

And it's very pack especially for long service ride

Adam, [13/2/2026 1:30 pm]

More subsidy for healthcare is an indirect tax for the young. Our aged has their whole lifetime to save up with cpf medisave, and if that is insufficient, can also 'right size' their hdb. With a growing aging population, we cannot expect the burden to fall on our young

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 1:30 pm]

I feel that this year budget does not help a lot on individuals. It help mostly on corporate and people who want to learn ai

Adam, [13/2/2026 1:31 pm]

Young adults are getting squuezed everywhere from housing to parrnt support to children

Adam, [13/2/2026 1:31 pm]

Yeah this budget doesnt resonate with me

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 1:33 pm]

As an individual I only see bad news. Car is harder to afford

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 1:37 pm]

The rich get richer and the poor get poorer as the 250% rebate in donation means all the wealthy people will donate half of their tax rebate and they will save money

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 1:38 pm]

Maybe a strategy to make Singapore look good on paper

Andy, [13/2/2026 1:39 pm]

At least they donate them to the needy instead of buying luxury goods. it's a reasonable incentive.

Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [13/2/2026 1:40 pm]

👍

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 1:42 pm]

I also feel that government should run an IT security audit to grade all the CII organization infrastructure security readiness.

Eg. The above CII organization with such perimeter defense can be graded as Grade A.

Those without are Grade B, C or D.

And each CII organizations must be given timeline to upgrade their IT security posture.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 1:49 pm]

Government focusing more on individual CII organization security readiness will help to strengthen each CII organization cyber defence by ramping up good cyber hygiene and implementing good security practices.

While saving alot on cyber defence investment, remediation and recovery.

REACH Singapore, [13/2/2026 2:02 pm]

📢 Topic 📢

REACH Singapore, [13/2/2026 3:51 pm]

Dear Contributors,

We want to HEAR MORE from you!

💬 What are your views on Budget 2026?

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

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

Thank you!

Megan 😊

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 3:59 pm]

Total Budget spend on individual & household reliefs:-

1. GST vouchers 2.4 million adults x $400 (assume everyone get the topline) = $960 million.

2. 1.46 million household x $500 CDC vouchers = $730 million 

3. 1.46 million household (assume include all private residents) x $570 utilities rebate = $832.2 million 

Total individuals + household relief = $2.5222 billions.

Not including preschool children, BRS CPF retirement Top-up and medisave topup.

Daniel, [13/2/2026 4:00 pm]

Number 1 and 3 contain some big assumptions there. Likely a lot less considering utility rebates are tiered by flat size even for hdb.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 4:00 pm]

Yes.

Just assume top of line.

REACH Singapore, [13/2/2026 4:01 pm]

📢 Topic 📢

여자친구, 첫사랑 🏆, [13/2/2026 4:07 pm]

I don't know if this is unpopular but I'd rather the money used for GSTV and CDC vouchers go toward things like reducing our public transport fares, and finding solutions to issues like income inequality. We can't keep on giving CDC vouchers as a way to redistribute money is not sustainable.

여자친구, 첫사랑 🏆, [13/2/2026 4:07 pm]

Also goes against the PAP idea of self-reliance so wonder if there's any in the party against it.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 4:16 pm]

Retirees cannot be self reliant.

Only working people can be self reliant.

365, [13/2/2026 4:19 pm]

Retirees can be self reliant, it's a matter of how they have planned for it

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 4:19 pm]

When people retire, not working, if inflation keep going up, retirees still need to pay taxes such as GST, property taxes, medical fees increases - but no GST vouchers rebate - without working Income - then it will keep drawing on their retirement savings.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 4:22 pm]

If that happens, retirees will oppose GST consumption taxes and will instead insist on government taxing more on income taxes and corporate taxes since working people are drawing higher salary using retirees GST finance tax to increase working people salary.

365, [13/2/2026 4:23 pm]

Regardless of the government's financing and budget, assuming retirees want to push for their full benefit, then it's always better to push for more income tax. I don't think this has any bearing on their stace.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 4:23 pm]

Cannot be retiree retirement income keep depleted by higher and higher consumption tax to subsidise working people higher and higher salary at the expense of retirees stagnant not expanding retirement funds.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 4:26 pm]

Inflation are also attributed to higher and higher salary pay to working people - finance by retirees higher GST consumption taxes, property taxes and medical fees increases etc.

365, [13/2/2026 4:28 pm]

I don't high consumption tax is subsidizing the working class, they will feel the effect as well.

Retiring requires proper long term planning, accounting for inflation and buffer for emergency. It can definitely be done, but whether people have the patience and discipline to do so is another matter. 

While gst remains at the same % rate for all, the rich will contribute disproportionately to it as their spending tend to be higher.

365, [13/2/2026 4:31 pm]

I agree with this, but what common expenses should be reduced has to be discussed further. Public transport seems to be a good one, which majority benefiting from it, and those who can drive are rich enough in singapore's context.

Other expenses will have to be looked at. Groceries can benefit everyone, including the rich, personal annectode is a good majority of them still patronize ntuc / sheng shiong, so there won't be much equalising if this is being subsidized.

여자친구, 첫사랑 🏆, [13/2/2026 4:32 pm]

Yeap. Instead of giving lower income households money which is good in itself, another good way would be to cut their costs across the necessary things in their life. Like a one-off public transport voucher ain't enough when travelling in adult fare can be quite pricey.

365, [13/2/2026 4:33 pm]

Think there can be a balance struck between subsidizing certain expenses, and CDC. Not proposing to completely dispose of one idea, but maybe some of it can be real located.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 4:35 pm]

So the government need to do a proper accounting of individuals whether retirees or working people - to ensure that one segment of the population are not disproportionately penalize to subsidise other segment of the population.

If CDC or GST vouchers if not use as a tools for income redistribution, then GST, other cost of living or other taxes should not be impose on the retirees stagnant income vis-a-vis the growing disproportionate increase salary of the working people.

Ensure equilibrium in sustainable incomes for all segment of the population be it the working people and the retirees and the lower and middle income groups must be the virtue of the government.

Working people may think that they are subsidizing retirees or lower income groups as they are working and paying taxes.

But little did they realize retirees could be financing their ever demand for higher salaries.

Adam, [13/2/2026 4:37 pm]

Why are we always talking about income?

Adam, [13/2/2026 4:37 pm]

Do you think landlords talk about rental as income

Adam, [13/2/2026 4:37 pm]

We need to talk about wealth

Adam, [13/2/2026 4:37 pm]

Retirees have no income, but hdb big nest egg

Adam, [13/2/2026 4:37 pm]

Hdb which young working adults with income cannot afford

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 4:38 pm]

Also look at the food prices, groceries prices and other cost of living expenses. It has gone through the roof.

Preciously retirees during their working life starting pay $1,600 for uni graduates.

Now working people starting salary for graduates $4,600.

Expect retirees to finance working graduates of $3,000?

Adam, [13/2/2026 4:38 pm]

If retirees let go of high value flats to live more humbly, they can afford thier retirement plus medical and more

365, [13/2/2026 4:39 pm]

Can you explain how is this a case of retirees financing working class

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 4:42 pm]

Working people asking for retirees to buy their funds.

Working people want higher salaries. Finance from where, higher GST - pay by who, retirees contribute.

Higher medical fees, pay by retirees medisave.

Children education expenses, everything come from parents.

Subsidies their houses, wedding expenses etc.

Now retire, working people not willing to finance CDC vouchers, GST vouchers even though they earn much higher salaries than their parents.

Adam, [13/2/2026 4:42 pm]

See hdb prices these days, i think retirees can even rent out one room. Maybe after their children start their families and leave. One room rental already enough for retirement. Probably pays more than nsf too

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 4:43 pm]

All the hard work of the retirees.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 4:44 pm]

Now children unwilling to do their share after they reap higher salaries.

Adam, [13/2/2026 4:44 pm]

I dont really see this happening apart from people who live as a 3 gen family. Prices through the roof for dual income household and need a bit of generational wealth to start a new family

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 4:44 pm]

I would prefer gst voucher even better cash payout thou

Adam, [13/2/2026 4:45 pm]

Im pretty sure children give allowances and buy other household stuff for their parents once working. At least i do

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 4:45 pm]

As a student studying full time need the relief

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 4:45 pm]

Children want to benefit everything when young. Everything parents finance them.

Now they get higher salaries, refuse to do their filial piety for income redistribution by financing GST vouchers, cdc vouchers.

Especially when parents become retirees, depend on retirement stagnant income.

Higher medical costs, higher food prices, higher GST, previous low salary, sacrifice so much for the children and younger ones.

Now young people talk about self reliant, forget how the parents sacrifice and bring them up and finance them.

不孝。

Joomua Tng, [13/2/2026 4:45 pm]

strengthen Singapore spirit?

1. be secular. something the religious organization cannot do. It is a constant reminder. Keep religions out of Singapore policies...is a good status to maintain and an important gate keeper for Singapore harmony, peace and strength in unity.

2.) ISA retention order and statistics.

can reveal it so that all will know what is the problem and so we can look to solve it logical , pragmatically? sensitivity is no longer a reason to hide it. with today's global internet and connectivities, and the dangerous new world order where might is right, we should be open towards it and provide solutions head on.. if not the population will be in a false belief of Harmon and peace i  Singapore

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 4:46 pm]

For people who have retired gst voucher also can relieve from their limited salary

365, [13/2/2026 4:47 pm]

1) I don't think it's fair to raise the issue on familial subsidizing, this is private to their own values and decisions, not everyone follows this same model.

2) Buying funds (I'm assuming you are talking about insurance sales and similar) is a transaction, not subsidizing. They are exchanging money for a product.

3) Higher pay is all from supply and demand. Higher demand for lower availability of labour, is not subsidizing. This is just market forces.

Yes, it sucks that there is inflation, but I cannot agree that the above is considered as subsidizing, more than just the natural behavior of the economy.

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 4:48 pm]

What I think is more subsidize in healthcare benefits more. Not in the form of insurance but upfront cost

365, [13/2/2026 4:48 pm]

I do not agree on conflicting private familial affairs with policy decision making. Not everyone has that parental subsidies.

Joomua Tng, [13/2/2026 4:49 pm]

retirement.

below average income group is out of this category....unless maybe they have children to support them.

otherwise it is topics for above average, above middle income group.

....

Adam, [13/2/2026 4:49 pm]

Tbh one reason housing prices are so high is because young families are getting funded by their elders.

Adam, [13/2/2026 4:50 pm]

I think some use parent money to buy flat for invest while still living with mommy and daddy

365, [13/2/2026 4:51 pm]

It's the smart use of money, there isn't a good way to prevent this outside of a very stringent and resource intensive case by case investigation

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 4:51 pm]

Singapore everything high. School fees high, getting a car also high, smokers now have more expensive smoke to smoke, housing even higher

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 4:52 pm]

You cannot expect everyone to have the discipline

Adam, [13/2/2026 4:52 pm]

Yeah i dont fault them. They are playing the game. I am blaming the gov who made the game and let these exploits happen. People who have generational wealth can get flat easy while those who have limited finances cant make gains

Adam, [13/2/2026 4:52 pm]

Rich get richer

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 4:53 pm]

Well I hope when the young generation turn comes and grow old, their children talk about self reliant.

No need to finance this current young group of people.

Self reliant - remember you say that, now you reap what you sow.

365, [13/2/2026 4:53 pm]

I mean, it's hard to cool property prices because people are using this loophole. That's attributing to the higher cost of homes, because of high demand from investors as well.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 4:54 pm]

Luckily, all my children and siblings children and my close circle children - have filial piety and don't behave this way 

They respect their parents and grandparents and always remember filial piety.

How they have benefitted from their elders and know how to repay their respects.

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 4:56 pm]

At the age of 23 not many people can afford to have a bto so many people use parents money

365, [13/2/2026 4:56 pm]

I don't think it's fair to criticize the gov for this also. There's so many ways to circumvent common rules. 

MOP? The whole family can just move to the new home and rent out the old one. 

Absd? They buy under different name, child vs parent.

Currently they have increased property taxes if you own a property that is not your primary residence, and I don't forsee any significant raises without backlash.

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 4:57 pm]

So when they grow older and create a new family they tend to forget their original family as they don't live together

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 4:59 pm]

But from an individual perspective whatever that actually goes into my pocket is the thing benefiting me

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 5:00 pm]

So as a short sighted people I will like more CDC voucher and cash payout 😂

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 5:01 pm]

As  household benefits you need to ask permission from family to use the fund Damm mafan

Adam, [13/2/2026 5:02 pm]

How high do we pay our gov? Isnt it to solve these problems? Or perpetually monitor the situation?

Adam, [13/2/2026 5:03 pm]

Yeah i hate that the benefits is per household instead of for individuals

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 5:04 pm]

I use the CDC voucher to buy bicycle then my mother was like why suddenly no more voucher...

RY, [13/2/2026 5:08 pm]

Sametime, I also feel that the CPF match top up schemes namely the Matched Retirement Saving Scheme (including those with Disability) MRSS + the new MMSS (Matched Medisave Saving Scheme) are very gd initiatives by govt by encouraging people to save more retirement and healthcare expenses in future

Hope the MMSS may extend to those 75 and above 

I always glad to see the year end interests in my CPF

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 5:18 pm]

Make all the young people pay back to their parent's finance of their all these years school education, universities fees, transport, living expenses, finance their houses etc after they get a job.

Then can dispense away with CDC vouchers GST vouchers and all other income redistribution.

And then can sing the tune of self reliant and rely on your retirement fund to finance your retirement.

How does that sound?

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 5:19 pm]

Then by the time they grad parents pass away liao

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 5:21 pm]

These is what this working people want mah...

Self reliant mah.

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 5:23 pm]

Self reliant means independent not relying on parents at all. Not really borrow and return. So let's say all the school fees are free then automatic become self-reliant. Or a scheme that will pay off school fee like working for school after lesson will also work

여자친구, 첫사랑 🏆, [13/2/2026 5:23 pm]

That's not what people want that's the core value of the governing party ah.

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 5:23 pm]

Like apply to all

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 5:23 pm]

Not only selected people

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 5:24 pm]

Governing party never say self reliant with no regard to income redistribution. The We Concept.

You say it. Me only.

365, [13/2/2026 5:24 pm]

There has to be a reasonable expectation also. Can't be we pay them this much then also ask to resolve immigration issue, we demand full Singaporeans only, not reasonable to expect unless you willing to accept a lot of inflation.

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 5:24 pm]

That means automatic got a job when you enter university. People will not complain too much

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 5:25 pm]

So self reliant liao mah

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 5:25 pm]

The job of government is to feed every Singaporean mouth

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 5:26 pm]

Rather than we first society I prefer the leave no one behind ideology

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 5:27 pm]

If someone is left behind we wait and help him to keep up

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 5:28 pm]

Yes.

This should be the right virtue of the government.

The me only concept really rile me.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 5:43 pm]

I just pay medical fees just now for regular medical attention.

And then an increase in price compare to last year.

I ask the cashier, medical fees increase again annually.

He say yes, higher expenses (ie higher salaries to working people).

Finance by who, retirees who need regular medical check-up.

Stagnant retirement fund, but keep financing yearly working people salary.

And working people say, self reliant, no need CDC vouchers, no need GST vouchers, but cost every year increase. Working people keep getting higher salaries, retirees pay - but insists self reliant - dispense with CDC vouchers GST vouchers some more.

It really rile me.

Working people keep benefitting can, every year higher salaries can, retirees you die your business - self reliant mah.

It really make me angry.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 5:48 pm]

Then young people pester me to take up insurance - they need to earn a living mah.

If working people so garang why keep chasing retirees for business?

Self reliant some more.

没大没小。

Angry!

REACH Singapore, [13/2/2026 6:00 pm]

📢 Topic 📢

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 6:02 pm]

Cause they want sales. Retired people got a lot of money park in their bank

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 6:03 pm]

Sg got work till death culture

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 6:05 pm]

Then why young people say self reliant?

They earn big salary, sales commission can.

Self reliant mah.

But CDC vouchers GST vouchers cannot - because they need to pay more tax to finance the retirees mah.

Left benefit, right benefit.

But do some favours for retirees that benefits them cannot in the name of self reliant.

Total me only, total selfishness.

This really make me angry.

Daniel, [13/2/2026 6:08 pm]

Yeah, insurance agents are an annoying bunch and preying on retirees is ethically wrong to say the least. But you are also under no obligation to entertain them or buy from them.

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 6:09 pm]

They target green grad and old retire people

Jun Ming, [13/2/2026 6:09 pm]

That's why I hate sales man

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 6:11 pm]

No I have no animosity with the insurance person.

In fact she is responsive and serve me well.

I am just angry with the issue that people talk about self reliant - retirees take care of themselves that make me angry.

Working people have forgotten that all their education, their upbringing are finance by their parents - but now conveniently try to forget them - in the name of self reliant.

This is the issue that really annoy me.

Daniel, [13/2/2026 6:13 pm]

But not sure how that relies to people selling insurance? A bit confused

Daniel, [13/2/2026 6:14 pm]

I'm all for supporting retirees though, I think that's part of the social contract (up to a certain  point)

LCL (Danny 心), [13/2/2026 6:16 pm]

No lah, I am saying young people including the current working people benefitted alot from the older generation.

Don't forget about them.

受人因果， 千年记。

Cannot be ungrateful.

REACH Singapore, [13/2/2026 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 😊

REACH Singapore, [13/2/2026 7:01 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 😊

====

REACH (Telegram) 120 - SHARE YOUR VIEWS HERE ON THE BUDGET 2026 SPEECH

(SK)

12 Feb 2026 (10am - 7pm)

REACH (Telegram)

REACH Singapore, [12/2/2026 10:00 am]

📢 BUDGET SPEECH TODAY @ 3.30PM

PM & Finance Minister Lawrence Wong will be delivering the Budget 2026 speech in Parliament today at 3.30pm. 

This Telegram chat group will be opened at 3.30 pm for contributors to discuss and share their views about Budget 2026 measures.

Late last year, Singaporeans were invited to provide their suggestions for Budget 2026 through several channels from 2 December 2025 to 12 January 2026, on themes such as advancing our economy📈, securing good jobs🤝, and uplifting Singaporeans to progress together💪.

📌 Watch the Budget speech live at 3.30pm: https://go.gov.sg/budget2026live.

👉🏻 For more info on Budget 2026, please visit MOF's Singapore Budget website at https://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg. (https://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/)

REACH Singapore, [12/2/2026 3:31 pm]

📢 SHARE YOUR VIEWS HERE ON THE BUDGET 2026 SPEECH 📢

Prime Minister & Minister for Finance, Mr Lawrence Wong, is delivering the Budget 2026 speech now in Parliament. Watch the speech live (https://go.gov.sg/budget2026live) and share your views on Budget 2026 measures here!

----

Dom HU, [12/2/2026 3:41 pm]

40% Corporate Income Tax Rebate min $1,500

LCL (Danny 心), [12/2/2026 3:45 pm]

"Singapore Budget 2026: Live updates, key announcements by PM Wong

Stay updated on Singapore Budget 2026 as we follow Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's key announcements on our live blog, or watch it live on CNA from 3.30pm."

 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-budget-2026-lawrence-wong-live-blog-5919576#:~:text=Singapore%20Budget%202026,CNA%20from%203.30pm.

LCL (Danny 心), [12/2/2026 4:09 pm]

National AI efforts to drive AI adoption make more sense - rather than relying on individual companies trial and errors and adhoc efforts in AI adoption.

Tangible benefits and productivity can be reap - if AI are implemented across work process and workers trained in AI to operate it.

REACH Singapore, [12/2/2026 4:19 pm]

📢 [SHARE YOUR VIEWS #1] BUDGET 2026 - Advancing our refreshed economic strategy

PM & Finance Minister Lawrence Wong had just announced a slate of measures to refresh our economic strategy to continue generating inclusive growth that creates good jobs and raises incomes for all Singaporeans.

💬 What are your views on these measures to advance our refreshed economic strategy?

The measures include:

📌 40% corporate income tax rebate

📌 Singapore is building new forms of international cooperation to strengthen its economic resilience.

📌 Supporting local enterprises that venture abroad. Support levels for grant schemes that help companies to internationalise will be enhanced - up to 70 per cent for SMEs, and up to 50 per cent for non-SMEs. The Market Readiness Assistance grant will also be improved.

📌 Invest in the Research, Innovation and Enterprise plan 

The government will invest $37 million under the Research, Innovation and Enterprise plan as a sustained commitment to research and innovation.

📌 S$1 billion boost for growth-stage startups 

The government will inject S$1 billion into Startup SG Equity to support not just early-stage startups, but also growth-stage companies.

📌 Second S$1.5 billion tranche for Anchor Fund 

The government will also launch a second S$1.5 billion tranche of the Anchor Fund to attract and anchor high-quality public listings in Singapore.

📌 S$1.5 billion top-up to strengthen financial sector

The move follows encouraging results from the Equity Market Development Programme, which was launched last year by MAS to grow the fund management industry and boost investor participation.

👉 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-budget-2026-lawrence-wong-live-blog-5919576

Jun Ming, [12/2/2026 4:24 pm]

I most concerned is there cash given out

LCL (Danny 心), [12/2/2026 4:25 pm]

Now the focus is on companies and its competitiveness.

Individuals come later.

Adam, [12/2/2026 4:31 pm]

Households....

REACH Singapore, [12/2/2026 4:36 pm]

📢 [SHARE YOUR VIEWS #2] BUDGET 2026 - Harness AI as a strategic advantage

PM & Finance Minister Lawrence Wong had just announced a slate of measures to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a strategic advantage by deploying AI effectively, responsibly, and at speed.

💬 What are your views on these measures to harness AI as a strategic advantage?

The measures include:

📌 A new set of national AI missions to drive AI-led transformation in key sectors of the economy. It will focus on four sectors: advanced manufacturing, connectivity, finance and healthcare.

📌 The formation of a new National AI Council. This will be chaired by PM Lawrence Wong to provide strategic direction and drive Singapore’s national AI agenda.

📌 New “Champions of AI” programme to support companies to “comprehensively transform” using AI.

📌 More support for enterprises to adopt AI. The Enterprise Innovation Scheme will be expanded to add AI expenditures as a qualifying activity for the Years of Assessment (YA) 2027 and 2028, capped at S$50,000 per year of assessment. The Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) will also be expanded to support a wider range of digital and AI-enabled solutions, so companies have tools to work smarter and compete more effectively. Singapore will also develop a larger AI park in the One-North area.

📌 Singapore will roll out wide-ranging support to help workers navigate the transition to an AI-enabled economy with training, tools and new opportunities. Institutes of Higher Learning will also strengthen AI literacy for students and working adults.

📌 6 months’ free access to premium AI tools. The government will thus redesign the SkillsFuture website to make AI learning pathways clearer and easier to access so Singaporeans can find the right courses for their work needs and proficiency levels. Those who sign up for selected AI training courses will also get six months of free access to premium AI tools to apply what they learn.

👉 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-budget-2026-lawrence-wong-live-blog-5919576

REACH Singapore, [12/2/2026 4:41 pm]

[SHARE YOUR VIEWS #3] BUDGET 2026 - Build a resilient and skilled workforce

PM & Finance Minister Lawrence Wong had just announced measures to continue to strengthen support for workers.

💬 What are your views on these measures to build a resilient and skilled workforce?

These measures include: 

📌 Local Qualifying Salary to be raised to strengthen support for lower-wage workers.

📌 More support for firms paying Progressive Wages. The government will raise co-funding under the Progressive Wage Credit (PWCs) from 20 per cent to 30 per cent, and extend the scheme by two years to 2028. 

📌 Workforce Singapore (WSG) and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) will be merged into a new statutory board. The new agency will be jointly overseen by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Ministry of Education (MOE), in a move aimed at strengthening the integration of Singapore’s jobs and skills ecosystem.

📌 Senior Employment Credit extended to 2027. Older workers will also receive continued support to stay active in the workforce, with the Senior Employment Credit now extended to end-2027.

📌 EP minimum salary to rise to S$6,000. To maintain the quality of Employment Pass (EP) holders, as local wages rise, the minimum qualifying salary for new EP applicants will go up from S$5,600 to S$6,000 in January 2027.

📌 S Pass minimum salary to rise to S$3,600. The minimum qualifying salary for new S Pass applicants will be raised from S$3,300 to S$3,600. For those in the financial services sector, the threshold will go up from S$3,800 to S$4,000. 

📌 Work Permit levies to rise for some sectors from 2028. Levies for basic-skilled workers in the marine and process sectors will be raised by S$100 and S$150, respectively.

LCL (Danny 心), [12/2/2026 4:43 pm]

This effectively make companies more likely to recruit locals than foreigners as higher salary need to be paid to recruit foreigners.

Locals salary become lower and more competitive as compared to foreigners $6,000.

LCL (Danny 心), [12/2/2026 4:49 pm]

The success story of AI adoption that are translated to big economic benefits are reported by DBS.

No similar big success story of AI adoption are reported by other companies.

Hence a more structured and systematic approach through national led effort in AI adoption - will lead to a more tangible productivity that can be reaped by AI.

LCL (Danny 心), [12/2/2026 4:50 pm]

"DBS says AI push is paying off as it shifts from efficiency tool to growth engine.

The time savings from the technology can be redeployed towards business expansion, says chief Tan Su Shan".

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/dbs-says-ai-push-paying-it-shifts-efficiency-tool-growth-engine#:~:text=DBS%20says%20AI,Tan%20Su%20Shan

LCL (Danny 心), [12/2/2026 4:52 pm]

In January, DBS told The Business Times that it recorded a one-third increase in economic value (https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/dbs-unlocks-s1-billion-ai-value-2025) from its AI initiatives to S$1 billion in 2025, compared with S$750 million in 2024. 

The S$1 billion figure was derived by comparing outcomes between customers who were offered AI-driven solutions and those in a control group.

This should be the massive tangible benefits reap through AI.

Then our economy will grow by leap and bound fuel by AI.

LCL (Danny 心), [12/2/2026 4:58 pm]

"Budget 2026: Cost-of-Living special payments of up to S$400, S$500 CDC vouchers for Singaporeans

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong also announced additional rebates to help households with utility expenses."

 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/budget-2026-cost-living-payout-cdc-vouchers-5925606#:~:text=Budget%202026%3A%20Cost,with%20utility%20expenses.

Hanny, [12/2/2026 5:02 pm]

AI is transforming workplace. I use AI everyday at work. The improvement in quality and efficiency cannot be ignored.

Companies need to adapt. If they don’t, they will lose their competitiveness.

LCL (Danny 心), [12/2/2026 5:04 pm]

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/less-than-a-year-after-ceo-satya-nadella-said-30-of-microsofts-code-is-ai-written-company-appoints-an-engineering-quality-head/articleshow/128116076.cms

Microsoft engaging engineering qualify head as 30% of Microsoft code are written by AI.

More codes are written by AI, but bugs are surging.

US Big Tech CEOs make the biggest mistake of not recruiting software developers and firing software engineers relying fully on AI generated codes - that produced bugs making damage control all the more expensive.

LCL (Danny 心), [12/2/2026 5:04 pm]

But do watch out for negative misuse of AI that lead to more rework.

LCL (Danny 心), [12/2/2026 5:05 pm]

Hence a national led effort in AI adoption that brings tangible benefits and productivity is required.

Else we fail to harness the potential of AI that will give us the quantum leap.

REACH Singapore, [12/2/2026 5:07 pm]

[SHARE YOUR VIEWS #4] BUDGET 2026 - Give families more support and greater assurance

Measures to continue to give families more support and greater assurance have just been announced by PM and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong.

💬 What are your views on these measures to give families more support and greater assurance?

The measures include: 

📌 S$500 in Child LifeSG credits* as part of continued support for families.*

📌 More families to qualify for preschool, student care subsidies. From 2027, the monthly household income ceiling for means-tested preschool subsidies will be raised to S$15,000 – benefitting more than 60,000 families. Parents can also expect higher subsidies for infant care and childcare. The monthly household income threshold for Student Care Fee Assistance will also be raised to S$6,500 so that more families can qualify.

📌 Enhanced ComLink+ support for lower-income families. There will be greater support such as more cash payouts and CPF top-ups.

📌 Strengthening support for persons with disabilities. A task force led by Minister of State for Home Affairs and Social and Family Development Goh Pei Ming is looking into how the government can provide more meaningful support at different life stages for persons with disabilities as well as their families and caregivers.

📌 Helping seniors age well. The Long-Term Care Support Fund – which provides premium support for CareShield Life – will receive a S$400 million top-up to fund additional subsidies for the scheme.

📌 Strengthening retirement support. To help Singaporeans meet their basic retirement needs with confidence, those aged 50 and above with CPF retirement savings below the Basic Retirement Sum will receive a CPF top-up of up to S$1,500.

📌 New CPF investment scheme. CPF members will have the option of putting funds in a new, voluntary life-cycle investment scheme when it launches in 2028. 

📌 Payouts, rebates, vouchers. Eligible Singaporeans earning up to S$100,000 in assessable income and who do not own more than one property will receive S$200 to S$400 in cash. Eligible HDB households will receive up to S$570 in utilities rebates this financial year – 1.5 times the regular number of U-Save rebates. S$500 in CDC vouchers will also be handed out to all Singaporean households in January 2027

Jun Ming, [12/2/2026 5:07 pm]

I think for ai need to pass a law that state the content is created by ai or interference to ai

Jun Ming, [12/2/2026 5:07 pm]

Aiya too much things liao will wait for the tldr tmr

REACH Singapore, [12/2/2026 5:15 pm]

[SHARE YOUR VIEWS #5] BUDGET 2026 - Protect our security and sustainability

PM & Finance Minister Lawrence Wong had just announced measures to strengthen defence and cybersecurity capabilities that are essential to Singapore’s defence. Overall security-related expenditures are expected to rise in the coming years to keep Singapore safe and secure in a far more complex threat environment. Singapore will also continue to contribute responsibly to global climate action.

💬 What are your views on the measures to protect our security and sustainability?

The measures include:

📌 Enhance Singapore’s cyber defences. Singapore will further strengthen its cybersecurity posture by deepening capabilities, improving cross-agency coordination and safeguarding critical systems.

📌 Help businesses invest in energy-efficient and sustainable solutions. The government will extend the Energy Efficiency Grant and support for green loans under the Enterprise Financing Scheme launched in 2019. It aims to support businesses in their sustainability journey by co-funding investment in energy-efficient equipment.

📌 Calibration of climate action and importing low-carbon electricity to strengthen its energy resilience. Singapore is pursuing possibilities to further diversify its energy mix and is already in cooperation with the US and France and is also discussing similar arrangements with other partners like South Korea. 

📌 Further push for sustainability in aviation and maritime sectors. From 2026, 1 per cent of all fuel used for flights departing Singapore must be sustainable aviation fuel. The government will also partner with industry players to develop a low-carbon ammonia bunkering solution on Jurong Island. If successful, Singapore could become one of the first countries to supply ammonia commercially as a fuel for international shipping.

LCL (Danny 心), [12/2/2026 5:48 pm]

By developing a low-carbon ammonia bunkering solution in Jurong island - does it means that it will provide a means to perform electrolysis to convert seawater H20 into hydrogen gas as another energy source and oxygen for industrial and medical sectors.

LCL (Danny 心), [12/2/2026 5:56 pm]

Only can choose one option - cannot choose more than one.

REACH Singapore, [12/2/2026 6:05 pm]

[ Poll : Which theme(s) in Budget 2026 resonated with you the most? (You may choose more than one option)  Please share your reasons in the chat! ]

- Advance our refreshed economic strategy 

- Harness AI as a strategic advantage 

- Give families more support and greater assurance

- Build a resilient and skilled workforce 

- Protect our security and sustainability

- Renew and strengthen our Singapore spirit

REACH Singapore, [12/2/2026 6:06 pm]

Dear Contributors,

Apologies for the issues with the poll sent earlier. 

Please take a moment to participate in the newly sent poll and share your opinion. The poll questions are pinned for easy reference and your vote is anonymous. 

Thank you.

Megan 😊

REACH Singapore, [12/2/2026 6:09 pm]

[SHARE YOUR VIEWS #6] BUDGET 2026 - Renew and strengthen our Singapore spirit 

PM & Finance Minister Lawrence Wong had just announced measures that will continue to unite us against rising global tensions and polarisation.

💬 What are your views on the measures to renew and strengthen the Singapore spirit?

The measures include:

📌 Strengthen cultural and sports infrastructure to deepen social bonds and celebrate Singapore’s diversity. The revamped Malay Heritage Centre will open later this year, while help will also be provided to the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre and the Indian Heritage Centre to expand outreach and engagement. Under the Sports Facilities Master Plan, new or upgraded venues have been planned across the island, including in Punggol, Toa Payoh, Farrer Park, Tengah, Hougang and Queenstown. The Dual-Use Scheme will also be expanded so that more residents are able to access school sports facilities.

📌 Extend tax support to encourage giving and volunteering. Qualifying donations to Institutions of a Public Character (IPCs) and other eligible institutions will continue to receive 250 per cent tax deductions, with the scheme extended for another three years until end-2029. The Corporate Volunteer Scheme will also be extended to end-2029.

📌 Launch new S$50 million fund to grow community ground-up efforts. A new S$50 million SG Partnerships Fund will be launched to support and scale up citizen-led initiatives that meet community needs. To build sustained impact, the new SG Partnerships Fund will offer differentiated tiers of support, including grants of up to S$1 million for larger, multi-year initiatives. 

📌 More avenues for youth to shape Singapore’s future. The Government will continue to partner young people and open up avenues for them to shape the country’s future. The next round of Youth Panels will be launched later in 2026.

📌 Invest more across four major fronts – external relations and security, economy, social needs and future needs. The government will make further top-ups in this year’s Budget to the relevant funds to support the development of Changi Airport, as well as the country’s longer-term economic strategies.

📌 Revision of Preferential Additional Registration Fee (PARF) rebate and caps for EV. The Preferential Additional Registration Fee (PARF) rebate for cars and taxis will be cut by 45 percentage points. The rebate cap will also be lowered from $60,000 to $30,000, and this will apply to all cars registered with COEs from the next bidding exercise. 

📌 20% tobacco tax hike takes effect today.

REACH Singapore, [12/2/2026 7:47 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 😊

REACH Singapore, [12/2/2026 7:59 pm]

Dear Contributors

We will be closing the chat for today.

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

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

====

REACH (Telegram) 119 - What are your thoughts on the measures taken by the Government in light of the rise in measles cases?

(SK)

09 Feb 2026 (10am - 7pm)

REACH (Telegram)

REACH Singapore, [9/2/2026 9:26 am]

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, [9/2/2026 10:01 am]

📢 Topic 📢

On Friday (6 Feb), the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced that Singapore would be introducing measures such as mandatory isolation for measles cases, contact tracing and quarantine of some close contacts, after detecting a rise in infections. These measures come after eleven measles cases were recorded in January, compared with two cases in January 2025 and 27 cases for the whole of 2025.

💬 What are your thoughts on the measures taken by the Government in light of the rise in measles cases?

📌 About measles

Measles, caused by the measles virus, is one of the most highly infectious diseases. The virus is spread through air droplets and direct contact with nasal and throat secretions. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat and rashes.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said 99 per cent of adults in Singapore have immunity against measles, largely due to the national vaccination programme. 

"Hence the virus will find it hard to spread. But if our immunity coverage falls below 95 per cent, we may start losing our herd immunity," he said in a Facebook post. 

📌 11 cases of measles reported in Jan 2026

All 11 cases were not fully vaccinated against measles, including three infants under 12 months old who were not yet eligible for the MMR vaccine. Among the 11 cases, one was a tourist, while the remaining 10 live in Singapore. Seven of the cases had travelled overseas recently.

Laboratory testing also confirmed that three cases were genetically linked, even though they had no known contact with each other. "This suggests the possibility of undetected local transmission in the community," the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said in a media release.

📌 Measures against measles

Given the rise in measles cases, Singapore authorities are stepping up precautionary public health measures. These include mandatory isolation of confirmed cases until they are no longer infectious. Cases who are not admitted to hospitals will be placed on home isolation, and random video calls will be conducted to ensure they comply with the rules, CDA said.

Contact tracing will also be conducted for all infected cases. High-risk close contacts such as infants, non-immune pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals will be offered post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to mitigate the risk of severe symptoms in case of an infection.

Medical practitioners are also advised to be vigilant for measles cases, particularly in patients who have recently travelled overseas or who have not been fully vaccinated. Suspected cases should be reported to CDA promptly, the CDA said. 

The CDA also mentioned that vaccination was the best way to prevent measles infection.

“The MMR vaccine is highly effective and safe, and confers long-term immunity after completion of the recommended doses," CDA said.

The CDA added: "High vaccination coverage not only protects individuals but creates herd immunity within the Singapore population that protects those who are unable to receive vaccinations, such as infants under 12 months old and severely immunocompromised individuals."

👉🏻  https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/spore-heightens-precautions-against-measles-amid-global-local-surge-possible-local-transmission

👉🏻 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/measles-cases-singapore-isolation-contact-tracing-quarantine-5912111?

👉🏻 https://www.cda.gov.sg/news-and-events/public-health-measures-stepped-up-as-measles-cases-rise-globally-and-in-singapore/

----

Daniel, [9/2/2026 10:07 am]

Seems reasonable. I would appreciate (in general) clearer guidelines on vaccination recommendations for adults. It can be challenging to know what vaccinations are needed and which one one has gotten as a kid (the old vaccination records can be a bit tricky and the national immunization registry website is rather clunky and outdated and does not reflect older vaccinations).

Daniel, [9/2/2026 10:08 am]

Just noticed this in the context of these news as my wife and I wanted to check whether we had a complete set of measles vaccinations and it proved harder to find out than we thought.

Adam, [9/2/2026 10:45 am]

Yeah i dont know whether i got some vaccine in childhood or not

Adam, [9/2/2026 10:46 am]

And vaccines are expensive

Adam, [9/2/2026 10:46 am]

They reccomend take vaccine, but the incentives are not much

Adam, [9/2/2026 10:47 am]

I dont think insurance premiums decrease for vaccinated

Adam, [9/2/2026 10:47 am]

What if they make it such that medishield premiums goes down if you take it

Adam, [9/2/2026 10:47 am]

Surely people who are vaccinated put less strain on the medical system right?

REACH Singapore, [9/2/2026 11:00 am]

[ Poll : I am concerned about the rise in measles cases in Singapore. ]

- Strongly Agree

- Agree

- Neutral

- Disagree

- Strongly Disagree

REACH Singapore, [9/2/2026 11:00 am]

[ Poll : I am confident in the Government’s ability to manage the rise in measles cases. ]

- Strongly Agree

- Agree

- Neutral

- Disagree

- Strongly Disagree

REACH Singapore, [9/2/2026 11:18 am]

Dear Contributors,

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

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

💬 What are your thoughts on the measures taken by the Government in light of the rise in measles cases?

Thank you.

Megan 😊

G, [9/2/2026 11:53 am]

Seems like unnecessary fearmongering

It's been the law to vaccinate against measles since 1985. 

 "If our immunity falls coverage falls below 95%.."

This can only happen when people are imported in without immunisation

G, [9/2/2026 11:59 am]

Since it is the law in SG to be immunised against measles, then there needs to be a breakdown on all 11 cases. 

1 tourist 

3 infants (not eligible for jab yet)

Then what about the other 7? What's their background? How come they became infected with measles? 

Such info is necessary to give Singaporeans assurances that they are indeed already protected because of the immunisation that they already received

By withholding critical information, it just gives rise to unnecessary fearmongering

UNLESS, what CDA are trying to say between the lines is that the measles jabs didn't work.. And if that's the case, then what next? Have another national drive to jab more people with jabs that don't work?

G, [9/2/2026 12:53 pm]

Why don't want to say which countries the infected people arrived from?

REACH Singapore, [9/2/2026 1:36 pm]

🚨This just in: Singapore telcos were the targets of UNC3886 cyber attack last year, but no customer data was stolen and attack was contained

👉 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/unc3886-cyberattack-targets-singapore-telcos-threat-contained-5916906?cid=FBcna&fbclid=IwY2xjawP2QrlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA80MDk5NjI2MjMwODU2MDkAAR4yYIyn5hBdFK3cZDprkNbGwmFnVAJnqdz_BIrCpj3BHCLVrSnPrq_uWrUK3g_aem_nyU1XdfUlKtkzSY8KM48ZQ

Khai Mun L., [9/2/2026 1:49 pm]

Could be medical reasons why some singaporeans not vaccinated, or they bypass the scheduled medical checks or schooling.

E.g. stateless people or very poor families in the past when monitoring was not comphrensive

Khai Mun L., [9/2/2026 1:51 pm]

Fear mongering could go both ways. 

If reported the unvaccinated come from single country, are we stoking fears that everyone from that race/country is a medical risk?

REACH Singapore, [9/2/2026 2:03 pm]

📢 Topic 📢

G, [9/2/2026 2:24 pm]

If report the country / countries, then concrete actions can be put in place for proper risk mitigation.

If want to be "polite" then it will appear that people's feelings are prioritised over public health

Or you would rather put public health / singaporeans' healths at higher risk over the feelings of a small group of foreigners?

Khai Mun L., [9/2/2026 2:51 pm]

I'm thinking back to covid days, when there were voices to close our borders to certain countries. Are we going to consider this again? And possibly deporting people that already enter singapore?

Wouldn't this also generate fear and chaos? When it's a small portion of people who are unvaccinated

Berry R, [9/2/2026 3:04 pm]

So unsettling given we rely on our phones for so many things like banking to medical appt. Quite relieved that data was not compromised but really cannot take this kind of things for granted cause total network blackout is nightmare! 😨😨😨

Jun Ming, [9/2/2026 3:28 pm]

Fair treat it like covid

Jun Ming, [9/2/2026 3:28 pm]

If not what y'all want to do sia other than this measure

G, [9/2/2026 3:36 pm]

So what is it..? is measles even a disease of concern? Why or why not?

If it is a disease of concern, then promptly put proper risk mitigating measures in place 

If it's not a disease of concern, then why worry and put out this kind of articles that fearmonger?

G, [9/2/2026 3:37 pm]

Article already speculate that there's underlying undetected community transmission. If people don't know who/where/what to avoid, doesn't it further increase transmission risks?

LCL (Danny 心), [9/2/2026 3:56 pm]

1. I feel that our MMR vaccination against measles for the whole population should be a good protection against measles outbreak if we are able to achieve 95% herd immunity.

2. Nevertheless, we should still take precaution by adopting isolation for those that have contracted measles, do contact tracing and adopt the measures similar to Covid to prevent an outbreak as measles is contagious.

REACH Singapore, [9/2/2026 4:03 pm]

📢 Topic 📢

LCL (Danny 心), [9/2/2026 4:16 pm]

1. As for the UNC3886 cyberattack, firewall is the security device to block unauthorised access. But the APT hacker is able to exploit the zero day vulnerabilities in the firewall software and break through, then the firewall will be render ineffective.

2. The only effective way to stop such skilful APT attack is "Defense in Depth" - and use different brand, type and firewall software - so that when the frontier firewall is breakthrough, the 2nd layer firewall of different brand without similar vulnerability could stop it.

3. Wonder if SIEM is deployed to detect APT cyberattack. Because SIEM - Security Incidents and Events Management is an effective tools to correlate all device logs - security devices, network devices, system devices, apps log to detect anomalies, likely cyberattack and alert administrators and cyber defenders that a likely cyberattack has taken place.

Nicholas, [9/2/2026 4:24 pm]

Observe heavy coughing throughout the public transport system and even in the workplace, believe MOH should look into this. It's quite unusual to see so many people coughing and the cough lasts for weeks. Seems very widespread and infectious. More concerned about this than measles.

Berry R, [9/2/2026 4:32 pm]

I feel like we aren’t talking about this enough… UNC3886 isn’t just any group but cyber espionage. I am relieved that our agencies are taking measures but cannot help wonder what kind of information that group was after and what could have happened if they had managed to carry out their attack successfully??

LCL (Danny 心), [9/2/2026 4:57 pm]

1. APT hackers are usually State sponsor.

2. Usually they hope to achieve more than 1 objective.

3. They could hope to achieve :

a. Mass surveillance of targeted organisations and vital personnel

b. Intelligence gatherings - the activities carried out by the targeted organisations and personnel

c. Spying, data theft - sensitive corporate data, trade secrets, IPR - eg. technology, government defense, economic political etc

d. Establish persistent foothold - to enable persistent breach into the telecom network to gain continuous access to all the critical information infrastructure.

e. Support their geopolitical advantage - to understand our foreign policies, state objectives - so that they can formulate strategies, social media narratives to sway target audiences to support their geopolitical objectives.

4. Note APT hackers - are not necessary carried out by adversaries, it can also be carried out by friendly states or even allies.

G, [9/2/2026 4:58 pm]

Ground softening article to increase political office holders salaries? 😏

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/median-household-income-crosses-12000-mark-for-first-time-in-2025

LCL (Danny 心), [9/2/2026 5:02 pm]

And in the event of wars and confrontation, APT attackers can cripple critical information infrastructure (CII) - by bringing down banking, power, water supply, telecommunications and deny essential services to the population.

LCL (Danny 心), [9/2/2026 5:14 pm]

1. But looking at the news reports, the APT hackers only managed to penetrate the 1st layer of frontier firewall and was detected.

2. This means that the APT hacker only manage to penetrate the DMZ zone and get trapped there before being detected.

3 So harms are limited as DMZ usually don't hold any vital data - in a "Defense in Depth" - as the 2nd layer of security defence has stopped the APT hackers in their track - before our cyber defenders move in to clear their malware and tracks and block them up.

4. Nevertheless, we still need to be vigilant because APT hackers are very persistent, and they will try again.

Berry R, [9/2/2026 5:21 pm]

Yup, your pt 4 is very correct. They will keep trying and look for another zero day. So is just strengthening and building defenses enough? There should be a solid back up plan. Just hope this unc incident stands our cyber agencies in good stead.

LCL (Danny 心), [9/2/2026 5:46 pm]

1. Individual telcos usually have more than 1 set of network infrastructure running in active-active or active-passive mode.

2. It is possible that if a primary set of network infrastructure is brought down, it is possible to switch to the 2nd set.

3. Also different Telcos eg. Singtel and Starhub have their own backbone network infrastructure. 

Eg. Singtel network backbone could be running DWDM.

Starhub network backbone could run SDH or SONET.

4. Critical Organisation CII like power, bank, government, security could run dual infrastructure one leg to Singtel and one leg to Starhub.

5. So if APT hacker compromise Singtel network, CII orgranization could shut off their leg in Singtel while waiting for the cyber defenders to cleanse the APT hackers while running on Starhub leg.

This ensure our CII organisation continuous service without disruption.

6. Effectively, there are 4 backup plans to APT attacks.

2 each per Telcos.

Khai Mun L., [9/2/2026 6:39 pm]

Could be multiple reasons, hard to pin down..

Recently have haze, people returning from winter places and catch a cold there, tourist influx for upcoming cny holidays etc

REACH Singapore, [9/2/2026 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 😊

G, [9/2/2026 7:01 pm]

How come banks announce this instead of PM 

https://sbr.com.sg/economy/in-focus/singapore-slash-cdc-vouchers-in-budget-2026-analysts

REACH Singapore, [9/2/2026 7:01 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 😊

====

REACH (Telegram) 118 -   What are your thoughts on the issues to be discussed in Parliament today? Which issue interests you the most?

(SK)

03 Feb 2026 (10am - 7pm)

REACH (Telegram)

REACH Singapore, [3/2/2026 10:03 am]

Dear Contributors,

Welcome Back! 😊

⏰ We will be opening the chat from 10.15am 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, [3/2/2026 10:17 am]

📢 Topic 📢

Parliament will sit today (3 Feb) at 12:00pm. Parliamentary questions will discuss rising rents in historic districts, food safety in school central kitchens, and a new scheme to refund reusable drink containers.

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

📌 Rising Rent in Heritage Areas

Jalan Besar GRC MP Denise Phua has asked what measures the Government is taking to moderate rent increases in heritage areas such as Chinatown and Kampong Gelam to support heritage businesses and prevent their displacement.

Questions were also filed on rising rents, asking whether the Government is aware of the “trend of bidding wars and subletting” in the historic district, and what it intends to do about it.

📌 Beverage Container Return Scheme

Five MPs from both sides of the House have also filed questions about a new scheme which will from April 1 allow people to get a 10-cent refund to their ez-link 

cards for returning reusable beverage containers. Under the programme, customers will pay an additional 10 cents in refundable deposit for bottled and canned drinks ranging from 150ml to 3 litres. 

Sembawang West MP Poh Li San has asked how the National Environment Agency will ensure that consumers know where the vending machines under this scheme are placed. She has also asked how it will also make sure that shops do not sell beverages in non-returnable containers at the same price as those in returnable containers. 

MP Kenneth Tiong, who represents Aljunied GRC, has asked what assessment was made of the affordability impact of the scheme on lower-income households before confirming the April 2026 launch, given that it is projected to add 25 cents to 60 cents to the prices of bottled and canned drinks, of which only 10 cents is refundable. 

📌 Central Kitchen Model and Food Safety in Schools

Questions have also been filed about the Education Ministry’s implementation of a central kitchen model for school canteens and its relation to recent cases of gastroenteritis.

Tanjong Pagar GRC MP Rachel Ong has asked if the Government will proactively engage displaced food and beverage operators to mitigate the ongoing shortage of canteen stall operators in schools.

A question was also raised on the 60 cases of gastroenteritis at River Valley Primary School and its link to the food provided under the new central kitchen meal model.

📌 Bill on Coastal Protection

A new Bill on coastal protection Parliament will also be introduced. 

It is introducing new laws on coastal protection that are meant to define the roles and responsibilities of the relevant stakeholders, safeguard land needed for coastal protection measures, and ensure that coastal protection requirements are met and sustained over time.

 📌 Land Transport and Related Matters Bill

Introduced by Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow on Jan 12, the Bill will make it illegal from mid-2026 to keep e-scooters that do not meet fire safety standards, even if they are not used. It will also introduce other measures like a Certificate of Medical Need, which will be required for a person to drive or ride a mobility scooter on public paths; mandatory registration of mobility scooters; and the lowering of the speed limit of personal mobility aids from 10kmh to 6kmh.

All Singapore-registered motor vehicles have to be fitted with an on-board unit to use public roads; there will be heavier penalties for illegally modified vehicles; and missed Electronic Road Pricing charges will be decriminalised.

📌 Other Issues

Other parliamentary questions include inaccurate bus arrival information, the Home Improvement Programme, property tax, the Government’s stance about the US’ claims over Greenland and AI in the workforce.

👉 https://www.parliament.gov.sg/docs/default-source/order-paper/order-paper---3feb2026.pdf

👉  https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/parliament-to-discuss-rising-rents-in-heritage-areas-food-safety-in-school-central-kitchens

REACH Singapore, [3/2/2026 10:17 am]

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/an-incredibly-difficult-decision-warong-nasi-pariaman-apologises-for-sudden-notice-of-closure

👉  https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/public-can-use-ez-link-card-to-get-10-cent-refund-when-recycling-drink-bottles-cans-from-april

👉  https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/parliament-to-discuss-rising-rents-in-heritage-areas-food-safety-in-school-central-kitchens 

👉  https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/parliament-to-discuss-rising-rents-in-heritage-areas-food-safety-in-school-central-kitchens

👉  https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/new-bill-proposes-stricter-rules-for-mobility-devices-tougher-penalties-for-illegally-altering

----

REACH Singapore, [3/2/2026 11:00 am]

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

 ]

- Rising Rent in Heritage Areas

- Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS)

- Central Kitchen Model and Food Safety in Schools

- Bill on Coastal Protection

- Land Transport and Related Matters Bill

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

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 11:04 am]

E-scooter regulation is fine and all, but how going to enforce?

Especially if keep in house? Can bring charges afterwards when houses burn down, but does not prevent them from keeping inside in the meantime and being a danger to everyone living around them

REACH Singapore, [3/2/2026 11:06 am]

Dear Contributors,

We want to HEAR MORE from you! 😊

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

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

Do also share your opinion by participating in our polls! The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous. You can choose more than one option. 

Thank you!

Megan 😊

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 11:18 am]

1. For those owning eScooter or eBike, is there a registry to register their eBike, licence number, owner, address, etc like car ownership kept by LTA?

2. If such eBike registry is mandated, then enforcement of illegal eBike can be effective.

3. Yearly inspection like car inspection will also discourage eBike owners from buying illegal eBike or modify their eBike.

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 11:24 am]

4. eBike without licence number will be illegal and cannot go on the road.

Hence no incentive for people to buy illegal non-registered PMD.

Nicholas, [3/2/2026 11:24 am]

E-scooters catching fire, causing residential unit fires and injuries or deaths is of major concern.  I hope the law can be enacted immediately rather than wait till mid-2026. Why is there even a need to delay implementation?

Daniel, [3/2/2026 11:26 am]

Isn't this already the case? I think got number plate.

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 11:27 am]

Oh is it?

I didn't notice.

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 11:28 am]

Then illegal eBike cannot go on the road - so should be safe for everyone.

Daniel, [3/2/2026 11:29 am]

Only for ebike though, not sure what's the rule for PMA/PMD

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 11:30 am]

Then should also apply to PMD and PMA.

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 11:31 am]

Because PMD and PMA illegal ones trigger alot of home fire.

REACH Singapore, [3/2/2026 12:00 pm]

Dear contributors,

Parliament sitting is now live.

Catch the livestream of today's Parliament sitting here: 

https://www.youtube.com/live/iQ-aeLP8AXo?si=jZ-BVXcK45ATfvcm

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 12:09 pm]

Just saw a PMA, notice that it doesn't come with a licence plate and licence number.

So if PMD and PMA are registered, and only registered one are allowed on the road, then no incentive for people to buy illegal PMD and PMA.

Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [3/2/2026 12:14 pm]

Can only buy mobility devices or even scooter from proper shops , with all licences,  maintaining.  Same like we buy car or motorbike.  

Old devices need to go for service check like cars, register. Those caught without confiscated

Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [3/2/2026 12:21 pm]

Overcharging drink bottles, then to return is crazy idea. Why must increase to return. 

Now without increasing prices, u ask S'porean return empty bottles GET MONEY,  all sure do that. 

Only is convenience.  Should make those return bins at all supermarkets n hawkercentre.

And not only drink bottles, all kind of  bottles.  So many soap, oil, bottles n tupperware are there.

I collect all n normally give to those who come mthly to collect stuff. Imagine if I could collect 10ct for each of those bottles😁😃

G, [3/2/2026 12:41 pm]

BCRS is a scam

Pay up to 60¢ more for a drink just to get back 10¢..

And it's not as if it's easy to get back the 10¢.

Need to spend your own resources (time + water( to clean the containers

Need to consolidate the containers

Need to find the return machine 

Need to queue up to use the machine

Need to hope and pray the machine is working..

Need to hope and pray the machine is not full and ready to accept the containers

G, [3/2/2026 12:45 pm]

And why need to spend more tax money to start some space agency under MTI??

G, [3/2/2026 12:53 pm]

BCRS stinks of useless virtue signalling..

Unnecessarily increasing cost of living for everyone so that the political leaders can thump their chests and pat each others' backs and congratulate themselves because they did "something for the environment"??

How much carbon is SG even contributing to the environment?

The whole of UK contributes just 1% of global carbon emissions.. for that comparison, SG is estimated to be just a tiny fraction of that 1%

And here, the political leaders are throwing one green washing policy after another, each one costing us higher and higher costs of living.

And for what? A tiny fraction of carbon output. And countries like china spew more and more carbon each year.

Stop killing Singaporeans and unnecessarily increasing the cost of living for miniscule impact on the environment

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 12:55 pm]

I don't agree that with the argument that since bigger polluters not doing anything, we should not do also

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 12:56 pm]

If we don't start doing our small part, how you want to convince others to do theirs.

E.g. everyone else litter, so i should litter too

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 12:57 pm]

The BCRS follows the same logic for plastic bag charges and tray return. 'I already pay taxes so why have to do this' logic is getting old

G, [3/2/2026 1:00 pm]

This narrative is fine as long as cost of living does not unnecessarily increase 

But this narrative is what is currently unnecessarily driving up costs of living

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 1:00 pm]

Space industry is something new, could lead to more innovation, products or services to sell to others.

Logically, this space not too crowded and quite diverse in a sense. Better than AI where every country is jumping onboard, but hard for sg to make something new.

Physically make sense because equator is shortest distance to outer space for satellite launches

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 1:01 pm]

But it only impacts when we choose to buy bottled drinks. Just bring your own bottle, top up at tap or water cooler. Then price increase not affect

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 1:02 pm]

Where you see is every single type of plastic container affected?

G, [3/2/2026 1:02 pm]

Paying for plasti bags is another scam narrative.

It's meant to discourage single use plastics

But the culture in SG is to reuse those plastic bags to bag their trash before throwing down the chute, as all responsible citizens do.. so already in our culture and daily practice, those bags are already not single use

Instead, what we see is people buying plastic trash bags (single use plastics) to bag their trash.

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 1:04 pm]

Source:- Google AI

The satellite business is a highly profitable, high-revenue industry that generated roughly $293 billion in global revenue in 2024, accounting for 71% of the entire global space economy.

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 1:05 pm]

How many bags we used to take for free vs how much used for bagging rubbish? It's not 1 to 1..

Even now, my household still using off the bags we accumulated from before

G, [3/2/2026 1:05 pm]

That's too narrow a view. 

Drink price increases impact everybody, whether you choose to bring your own bottle or not

Companies have to spend more to get the same items. So they will have less money to increase your annual pay, if at all

G, [3/2/2026 1:06 pm]

SG is already in the satellite business. There's no need for extra overhead costs

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 1:06 pm]

Satellite business is one economic sector that is highly profitable.

My previous company own a satellite business unit.

Win tenders overseas installing hundreds of satellite transmitter and receiver in many islands.

Who say starting a space agency is wasting money?

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 1:06 pm]

Not complete argument though. Then can i say that COE price rise then everyone affected because need transport food， hence should keep price low

G, [3/2/2026 1:07 pm]

Exactly. COE is a tax on everybody. Not just private car owners because everyone needs transportation, whether directly or not.

Your food, your water, all need to be transported by vehicles.. all these costs add up to the price tag you see on the shelf

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 1:08 pm]

I believe their aim for BCRS is also target those heavy buyers of such drinks. E.g. 'tax' them more

Plus, reduce consumption of unhealthy drinks

G, [3/2/2026 1:08 pm]

You don't have to say it.. Ngiam Tong Dow already said it back in the day

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 1:09 pm]

Ha, the. I can apply this logic to everywhere.. e.g. need to pay me more so i can spend more and support businesses

G, [3/2/2026 1:09 pm]

There's already a sugar tax to reduce consumption of unhealthy drinks

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 1:09 pm]

To regulate cars on the road you need transport authority, LTA.

To regulate ships, you need MPA.

To regulate airlines, you need CAAS.

To regulate space satellite, you need a space agency.

Else anyhow shoot satellites in the spaces - create havoc?

365, [3/2/2026 1:09 pm]

Bcrs has its equivalent in multiple EU countries including Germany and Netherlands. No idea when and how they started it, but it has cultivated the culture of returning bottles there. Perhaps can look into what they have done initially regarding cost, and whether it can be applied to us as well. Might have differences as they could possibly have local manufacturing capabilities.

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 1:10 pm]

What sugar tax? Singapore has no such tax

G, [3/2/2026 1:11 pm]

Ok sure

G, [3/2/2026 1:12 pm]

That assumption only works if SG is the ONLY space agency in the world and other countries need to listen to SG

G, [3/2/2026 1:14 pm]

To regulate roads, yes got LTA. Because the roads they are allowed regulate is only in SG

To regulate ships, yes, because SG has territorial waters

To regulate airspace, yes, because SG has territorial airspace

To regulate satellite space?

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 1:16 pm]

Satellite got quite a number of usage.

1. Redundant comm & internet links if submarine cables are cut.

2. Cannot rely on US GPS or Baidu - because in war time, they could stop feed us with GPS or satellite image.

3. Previously, US switch off the satellite to China when China fire missiles around Taiwan - the missiles all miss their targets.

4. Also we can sell satellite services to our neighbours to earn income - eg. Earth Observation satellite can capture typhoon, rain, cloud, haze cause by forest fires.

5. Singapore is both a global maritime hub and aviation hub, so we need our satellite to track and feed data to global shippers and airlines.

6. Satellite can also capture oil spills - so that our government can quickly send emergency team to stop the spread of oil spills.

7. Satellite can also monitor any troop concentration that is hostile to us.

8. Can also use for search and rescue operations.

9. Also all our foreign missions and embassy can use our satellite for internet and intranet connectivity.

10. Confidential data won't be leaked as it becomes our private network.

11. Else foreign missions got to use foreign telecom infrastructure - data can be pilfer, man-in-the-middle attack, and rely solely on encryption to protect transmitted data.

12. Encryption can be broken using quantum computing.

G, [3/2/2026 1:17 pm]

Yes, explains why satellites are important but doesn't explain why need a regulatory body paid for by taxpayers

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 1:18 pm]

So allow all tom, dick and Harry to shoot their satellite and collide with one another?

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 1:18 pm]

I believe that sg space agency not only cater for satellite, but other aspects of space industry

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 1:19 pm]

Also satellite are national security assets - that need to be coordinated and govern.

Not 5 cents 10 cents thing.

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 1:19 pm]

Yes.

More than satellite - it also cover security.

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 1:19 pm]

Could be anything related to space, nuclear reactor, oil for rockets, spacesuits etc

G, [3/2/2026 1:19 pm]

😂 into SG's ultra tiny space in outer space? (Assuming we even have territorial space in outer space)

SG doesn't even have facilities to launch satellites

Why should country X launching their satellite from country Y need to listen to what SG space agency had to say?

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 1:20 pm]

That's why, it only mention commercial usage - but the rest in mum...

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 1:20 pm]

We could build one in the future?

Already considering to have nuclear reactor which was impossible decades ago

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 1:21 pm]

Haiyah - you leave national security to the government lah..

And forget about 5 cents and 10 cents stuff.

G, [3/2/2026 1:22 pm]

Security then under mindef lor. Why under MTI?

365, [3/2/2026 1:22 pm]

E-bike and pmd/pma really need stricter enforcement. Invest more effort and manpower upfront, reduce the incentives to break the laws, and then can gradually relax the manpower once it's in a more stable state.

For now, actively look for those unregistered e-bikes and pma/pmd. Any unregistered ones impound + fine. Repeat offenders increase fines + potentially jail time.

Even for registered ones, can stop to check for speed limiters. Same punishment as above if you don't have speed limiter or have a non-compliant one, but maybe the fine amount can be lesser or just have warning for 1st time. Required to report to an LTA certified workshop to check if the limiter is installed within X amount of days, or can install the limiter directly with said certified workshops.

Actively look for workshops performing illegal modifications, either incentivise those caught with a lesser punishment to spill the beans, or go undercover and ask for illegal modifications from suspected workshops. 

Any workshop providing illegal modification, impound their workshop and strip them of their business license.

G, [3/2/2026 1:22 pm]

Then have a nuclear agency, why need space agency?

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 1:22 pm]

Very sad.

You can't read in between the lines.

Very obvious you are not suitable to be involved in security stuff.

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 1:32 pm]

I'm curious on a scenario.

If fire break out next door due to unlicensed pma, can i claim damages from the owner of the pma?

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 1:34 pm]

I recall read news on fire breakout, then claim life of the uncle's financee, the young chap just apologied and claim it was a young rash mistake

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 1:43 pm]

In future, when everything is sensors and network:-

1. F35 sensor, digital, network 

2. Drone swarm - GPS, camera, sensor guided

3. Armour vehicles - network, sensor, digital 

4. Combat manned system - sensors, network 

5. Robots - sensors, network

6. Marine, drones and combat ships - sensor and network.

Owning and controlling our own satellites will be vital to network up all the assets - to give us the vital edge to win war.

No space agency to co-ordinate - must be crazy.

Adam, [3/2/2026 1:45 pm]

So you saying we need to weaponise space?

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 1:46 pm]

Network, connectivity, communication not weaponized.

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 1:52 pm]

"Can GDP grow while jobs disappear?

Economists weigh in on what Singapore's AI push must get right.

Good jobs in an AI-rich economy will come not from asking how much labour can be removed, but from identifying which tasks still benefit from human judgment, says one economist."

 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/economic-strategy-review-gdp-growth-jobs-ai-5901231#:~:text=Can%20GDP%20grow,says%20one%20economist.

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 1:53 pm]

This is the topic that is worth discussing.

Agentic AI - that can independently set goals, plan, and execute multi-step tasks to achieve objectives with minimal human oversight.

This will be a threat to human jobs.

REACH Singapore, [3/2/2026 2:00 pm]

📢 Topic 📢

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 2:00 pm]

Because Agentic AI is more autonomous than Generative AI LLM.

Humans need to find our niches in which Agentic AI cannot do.

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 2:05 pm]

Blue collar jobs then?

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 2:05 pm]

Plumbers, electrician, car repair

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 2:06 pm]

Actually quite sad.

Need to brainstorm how to protect the white collar jobs.

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 2:07 pm]

Prof Loh said that AI and automation can now perform tasks at levels comparable to humans, which is a negating factor for job growth.

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 2:09 pm]

HUMAN-AI COLLABORATION

Despite its impact on job creation, economists agreed that AI cannot fully replace humans.

Prof Powdthavee noted that while AI excels at some tasks, it still makes mistakes and can be biased in ways that are not always obvious.

“The more sensible use of AI is not to replace people, but to work with them. The biggest gains come from human-AI augmentation,” he said.

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 2:11 pm]

Good jobs in an AI-rich economy will come not from asking how much labour can be removed from a process, but from asking which tasks still benefit from human judgment, accountability and interaction, he said.

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 2:12 pm]

Roles should then be designed around those tasks, he added.

“That requires deliberate choices. It also requires resisting the short-term temptation to use AI purely as a cost-cutting tool.”

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 2:14 pm]

So now the issue is, what are those tasks.

Need to brainstorm on this.

So that IHLs, training institute, business can train white collar workers in these tasks - and ensure people are gainfully employed.

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 2:26 pm]

[01/02, 8:26 am] Close friend comments: Zuckerberg Says AI Is Letting One Employee Do the Work of Entire Teams - Business Insider

https://share.google/cJvT3pE3i5Yg4NiN9

[01/02, 8:27 am] Close friend comments: It's this type of belief.

[01/02, 2:06 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: Look like if all CEOs go by this belief, then large unemployment will follow.

I don't know what government of the day can do to ensure everyone got a job.

Coming to the crunch, even if companies are highly productive, large consumer base with income to buy their goods also vanished.

CEOs will stuck with high volume of goods but not enough buyers.

It will backfire on them.

Worst the whole society without jobs and income could turn riot and burn down the CEO business.

In the end, all lose.

[01/02, 2:25 pm] Close friend comments: No creativity anymore. It'll just harness old and existing wisdom. AI not real intelligence

[01/02, 2:27 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: Hmm...

That's why government, business and our workers must try to find a way to do work that cannot be done by AI.

Critical thinking, vision, creativity, communication, collaboration, creative problem solving, counselling, mentoring, consultants etc.

Need to find our niches when letting AI settle down.

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 2:31 pm]

[01/02, 8:12 pm] Close friend comments: Early 2000, .com burst because it didn't deliver the $ as hyped. AI will also go thru that cycle.

[01/02, 8:13 pm] Close friend comments: There are real possibilities ,yet unrealistic ones

[01/02, 8:13 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: I think AI increasingly likely to become computer and internet - that is pervasively adopted by all industrial sectors.

[01/02, 8:14 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: That's why this AI disruptor trigger alot of anxiety among our workers and global workforce.

[01/02, 8:14 pm] Close friend comments: It will become pervasive but not way CEOs are currently slashing workforce

[01/02, 8:17 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: Hmm...

I think all these CEOs - especially US ones put Greed as their main motivation - and willing to overlook social consequences that will backfire on them.

They make themselves rich first and don't care less - let government to solve the social problems.

Thus government need to be wise to arrest such spiral downward early before a full blown unrest sets in.

[01/02, 8:18 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: Though I agree that AI investment has gone into a crazy proposition - in which revenue are unlikely to recover the investment and cost sunk in.

[01/02, 8:21 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: Either scenario:-

1. Pervasively adopted like internet 

2. Unable to recover AI investment 

- will be bad for the world as a whole - as the economic consequences and social consequences will be humongous if there are no soft landings in sight.

G, [3/2/2026 2:38 pm]

Aren't these already being taken care of by mindef?

Or are you saying mindef don't know what they are doing?

G, [3/2/2026 2:41 pm]

Then the political office holders compensation framework needs to be tweaked. Much mess emphasis on GDP, more emphasis on jobs and job quality

G, [3/2/2026 2:43 pm]

You should visit some army/air force / SAF / Mindef in the heartlands road shows etc

Lagi now got DIS, the new fourth service...

Mindef already taking care of such things

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 2:59 pm]

U.S., EU, and China all possess major, distinct space agencies: NASA (USA), ESA (Europe), and CNSA (China). These organizations drive global exploration, with 2026 seeing continued rivalry and cooperation, including joint European-Chinese missions (SMILE) and, in the case of ESA, collaboration with the US on returning Mars samples. 

USA (NASA): The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the primary U.S. civil space agency.

EU (ESA): The European Space Agency is an intergovernmental organization with over 20 member states, focusing on scientific and, with EUSPA, operational/industrial, space goals.

China (CNSA): The China National Space Administration handles civil space programs and international cooperation. 

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 3:01 pm]

It is precisely more commercial satellites are being shoot into spaces and compete with military satellite that you need a space agency to co-ordinate.

All developed countries that have satellite set up space agency.

Mindef is military, not a space agency.

G, [3/2/2026 3:02 pm]

How many satellites are there currently in space? What does your AI say?

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 3:03 pm]

Don't know.

Ask the space agency.

G, [3/2/2026 3:04 pm]

Ask your AI?

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 3:04 pm]

You don't know how to use AI?

G, [3/2/2026 3:05 pm]

I don't know if you will agree / accept what AI I use. So let's use your AI

Nicholas, [3/2/2026 3:08 pm]

AI will increase productivity of workers, means more valuable to bosses, means more business growth with same number of workers. Hopefully the bosses can view it this way.

G, [3/2/2026 3:08 pm]

There are approximately 15,000 satellites in space now. And over 28,000 catalogued space debris. 

Out of this, only 15 satellites are from Singapore

So are you saying with 15 out of 15,000 + 28,000 things in orbit now, we need to spend even more taxpayer money, to start a new stat board / govt agency with all the expensive CEO etc overheads to kacau kacau the US, EU, China etc to regulate their space debris also?

G, [3/2/2026 3:09 pm]

And 60% of the 15,000 satellites now belong to Elon Musk's starlink.. Spend tax payers money to regulate him ah?

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 3:13 pm]

If not you tell LTA to regulate lor.

If not tell Mindef to regulate lor instead of doing defence. Run commercial business lor.

G, [3/2/2026 3:23 pm]

Why is there even a need for SG to regulate?

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 3:27 pm]

Currently, 70 space companies and 2,000 professionals operate in the sector here, engaging in a range of activities from designing and making space parts to providing satellite-based services.

Singapore began its foray into space technology more than 50 years ago.

It established its first ground station in 1971, and launched its first communications satellite in 1998 and its first locally built satellite in 2011.

The Government, industry and academia have launched more than 30 satellites over the past 20 years.

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 3:30 pm]

Singapore will form a National Space Agency on April 1 to grow its space economy capabilities, with Ngiam Le Na as chief executive.

NSAS will use satellite imagery and geospatial data for needs like urban planning and environmental monitoring, developing space situational understanding.

The Government has invested over $200 million in space R&D and aims to expand international partnerships and legislation for space safety.

G, [3/2/2026 3:30 pm]

Is that your AI's comments?

Still does not answer the question of why is there even a need for SG to regulate. 

They were doing fine without a regulatory body for 50 years.

G, [3/2/2026 3:30 pm]

This is already being carried out BEFORE NSAS. Why need NSAS?

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 3:30 pm]

For information only.

Not responding to you.

You can go ask Minister directly.

He will answer you.

G, [3/2/2026 3:31 pm]

Aren't you the de facto govt rep here 😉?

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 3:32 pm]

Huh?  Since when I am the government rep?

G, [3/2/2026 3:33 pm]

😂

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:39 pm]

You can try asking government what's the threshold for creating a new ministry.

There's also a balance between general addon to existing agency or want to branch out to specialise in another sector.

G, [3/2/2026 3:39 pm]

The AI I use tell me typical stat board CEO salary in SG is around $22,700 / month or $272,400 / year. And that's just the CEO, haven't count all the deputy CEOs, directors, assistant director etc etc etc.. 

Still need to rent office space for this lot,

equip them with IT stuff like laptops, tablets, 

need to have IT dept to support that 

need HR to make sure this lot get paid correctly on time

need to pay utilities like electricity and water and internet (starlink 😏?)

That's a lot of recurring overheads. 

To regulate space? To regulate satellites? 

Of which SG only has 15 right now in orbit, out of 15,000 satellites + 28,000 space debris

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:40 pm]

Why keep focusing on the satellites, as we mentioned there are more aspects to space industry...

G, [3/2/2026 3:41 pm]

The de facto govt rep was explaining the need for space agency using the need to regulate satellites ma

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:41 pm]

Then it's to create standards and regulations for future usage

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:42 pm]

Then can i quote someone with another view as de facto opposition rep?

G, [3/2/2026 3:43 pm]

No need to reinvent the wheel. When existing standards are good and available and already sent literally tens of thousand of satellites into space, just use existing standards

Like the oil industry.. SG manly use API / ISO standards

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:43 pm]

Look and think widely for long term

G, [3/2/2026 3:44 pm]

Yes, the long term concern is primarily cost of living, which impacts TFR

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:44 pm]

Did you know that SG does create new standards for air space ,shipping, even regional power lines.

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:45 pm]

Not all existing 'global' standard can be applied wholesale. Even cyber security or normal tech development workflows got different standards

G, [3/2/2026 3:45 pm]

Yes, that's when we know for sure that existing standards are not good enough.. Then yes, I support.

But when we only launched (according to the govt rep, 30 satellites in 20 years), who are we to say our standards are better than existing ones and we need to further develop our standards?

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:46 pm]

Then on flip side, who are we to say that our new standards won6be better than existing ones?

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:47 pm]

Maybe is global would follow our standards in future?

G, [3/2/2026 3:47 pm]

Even so if we really need to develop our own SG standards, do we need a whole new stat board / agency for it? With all that overhead costs?

Why not just a new dept in existing set ups? Like active mobility unit in LTA?

G, [3/2/2026 3:48 pm]

That's a really arrogant comment, but a good kind of arrogance that strives for greatness

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:48 pm]

Likely not enough resources, or specialized skillset in existing agency. Hence need new one

G, [3/2/2026 3:48 pm]

This kind I can say, we are top notch for airspace control. 

SG airspace so tight. Yet so much air traffic. Still need to balance with military air craft

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:48 pm]

How many ppl got study space engineering or the legal issues for space

Adam, [3/2/2026 3:49 pm]

https://xkcd.com/927/

G, [3/2/2026 3:49 pm]

Oxymoron leh, not enough resource, yet can splash the cash on a new stat board / agency

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:50 pm]

'resources' i meant in generic terms of space, people etc. not specifically only money

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:51 pm]

If want to purely save cost, then dissolve parliament. Why need so much minister and opposition, pay one emperor can already

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:52 pm]

Our population size so small compared to russia and china, no need government la

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:52 pm]

Am speaking rhetorical if no one understood

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 3:55 pm]

👏

G, [3/2/2026 3:56 pm]

Exactly. Why need more and more and more MPs with each election?

G, [3/2/2026 3:58 pm]

Still no compelling reason to start a new stat board / agency with expensive recurring overheads

G, [3/2/2026 3:59 pm]

We have been in an inflationary period for so many years. People tightening belts to get by everyday. 

SPEND WITHIN YOUR MEANS is the common mantra, some of which echoed by some here, some of which echoed at govt level..

Then we see this govt spending like no problem leh, on pet projects that don't improve the lives of everyday folk.. 

Cannot fund the spending? No problem, just increase tax

REACH Singapore, [3/2/2026 4:00 pm]

📢 Topic 📢

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 4:01 pm]

Then let's cut all the benefits given out. Recall all cdc vouchers etc. cut cost then.

Heck, let's kick out all the senior citizens, don't have to give them cpf

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 4:03 pm]

Give up ourselves to china or malaysia, don't need create government. Just follow their rule of law and currency, make ringgit 1 to 1.

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 4:04 pm]

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSagENvkr/

Singapore is an exceptional Country - very well govern.

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 4:04 pm]

No need go university, primary school can liao. Still school and education ma..

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 4:05 pm]

This American economist and analyst has high praise for Singapore governance - arguably the best in the World.

Same comments by many China's economists and analysts.

It is precisely what our government vision, foresight and well planning that put all of us ahead and in a good stead.

Not looking at short term 5 cents 10 cents stuff.

Majority of our population trust what the government is doing will be good for us now and in future.

And many countries are learning from us.

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 4:21 pm]

Moderator should have posted the space agency link:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/national-space-agency-singapore-technology-legislation-5899941

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 4:21 pm]

Government needs to work closely with business boss and union workers - to ensure that with the proliferation of AI corresponding high value jobs are created hand in hand.

I think Singapore being a small country is able to do so - something that we do for Progressive Work Model - industry by industry.

This time is for AI.

By doing so, we will not have a situation like US, whereby CEOs mass fire workers, and then discover the AI hallucinate and run wild - got to desperately recruit back to patch up the AI work.

I think all the more important - revisiting ITM (Industry Transformation Map) - industry by industry - this time focusing on AI as disruptor vis-a-vis transformed jobs become very critical.

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 4:23 pm]

Finally managed to read the actual article. 

The space agency is not a brand new team, already exist under economic development board (why of all places, dunno). Now just consolidate and rebrand itself on its own agency

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 4:24 pm]

Space agency got to accommodate commercial + military.

That's why is put under economic.

If put under military - no foreigners want to work with us.

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 4:24 pm]

Likely separate out because the industry has growth big enough to justify the additonal budget needed

REACH Singapore, [3/2/2026 4:25 pm]

In case you missed it, here are some updates from the parliamentary proceedings so far:

- S’pore to fully switch to new ERP system from Jan 2027: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/spore-to-fully-switch-to-new-erp-system-on-jan-1-2027-new-bill-to-make-on-board-unit-compulsory?ref=top-stories

- On use of partial NRIC numbers: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/public-sector-to-use-full-nric-numbers-or-nothing-partial-nric-numbers-not-reliable-for?ref=top-stories

- On the Coastal Protection Bill: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/rising-sea-levels-coastal-protection-bill-parliament-5900336?cid=internal_sharetool_iphone_03022026_cna

- On the Beverage Container Return Scheme: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/beverage-container-return-scheme-costs-consumers-10-cents-5902836?cid=internal_sharetool_iphone_03022026_cna

- On Central Kitchen Model for schools:

www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/school-canteen-central-kitchen-model-moe-parliament-5903076?cid=internal_sharetool_iphone_03022026_cna

G, [3/2/2026 4:28 pm]

Exactly. If don't tax people more, than there will be lower cost of living then don't even need CDC

But then, what can the govt do to show that they care? By giving out CDC vouchers, can boast and say, "we care for you, here's some vouchers"

But if they work very hard to keep costs of living low, how to boast during election time?

G, [3/2/2026 4:29 pm]

You can say that about 1G PAP, difficult to say the same for the current lot

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 4:29 pm]

Singapore current GDP per capita PPP is the highest in the world.

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 4:30 pm]

Source :- Google AI

Singapore is ranked as having one of the highest GDP per capita (PPP) in the world, with 2025 estimates placing it at the top globally at approximately US$156,000–US$156,760. This high ranking reflects strong economic productivity, a strategic role as a financial hub, and high living standards, often surpassing nations like Luxembourg, Qatar, and Macau. 

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 4:31 pm]

This are hardcore facts.

Not I think you think.

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 4:33 pm]

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSamhTjnU/

Singapore global rankings in the world 2025 (not 1965).

G, [3/2/2026 4:37 pm]

A rebrand that adds on unnecessary recurring expensive overheads.. 

This trend of rebranding using merely consolidation (e.g. recently the CDA) without offering new game changing capabilities is a waste of taxpayer money by introducing expensive recurring overheads

Now a good example of new game changing capability is this: SAF's DIS. They offer new capabilities that SG did not yet possess. This kind we need to support and should support.

Regrouping existing capabilities / functions, then putting a new head honcho with his supporting crew there.. nothing new leh, just add on expensive recurring overheads. Straining the budget. Not spending within the means

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 4:39 pm]

I don't object on returning bottles but with condition.

1.) it should not be amplify and transfer cost to consumers. Either gov or manufacturer should bear the cost so more innovative idea from their side will come out. 

2.) convenient. 

3.) package policy such as allowing people to bring their bottle to collect coke and other drinks and to reuse the bottle

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 4:39 pm]

If these 3 conditions cannot be met it should not be putting the policy in the first place

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 4:40 pm]

If not it will just burden the cost of living

G, [3/2/2026 4:41 pm]

"“Building on this foundation, the agency will engage our space ecosystem on plans for national space legislation,” he said."

Why is there a need for national space legislation???

Want to make into law, means need to come up with new capabilities to enforce the law, means need to spend more taxpayer money😒

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/national-space-agency-singapore-technology-legislation-5899941

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 4:42 pm]

Logic of using plastic bag . We got the option to bring our own plastic bag. But is there option to bring our own bottle?

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 4:47 pm]

Don't understand, isn't your comparison the same reasoning to be applied to the new agency too?

G, [3/2/2026 4:48 pm]

I don't understand your don't understand

G, [3/2/2026 4:50 pm]

DIS is not a mere consolidation. It's introduction of new capabilities that the army navy rsaf didn't possess

CDA, NSAS aren't offering any new capabilities. They are just regrouped existing capabilities, but now add on expensive recurring overheads where previously there was none

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 4:51 pm]

Hmm, even if charge manufacturers high cost for using bottle, consumers would still continue to buy and anyhow throw away the bottles without recycling.

Forcing it via government would allow collection points to be built islandwide and consolidate across different drink brands

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 4:52 pm]

I would argue that DIS could have already existed beforehand. We had CSA and mindef IT department to handle such cyber security things

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 4:54 pm]

I mean the 10cent return is ok but not to amplify the cost to consumers. So after the rule is enforce I should only see a maximum price increase of 10cent not any other value increase

G, [3/2/2026 4:54 pm]

CSA and mindef IT dept are still existing. Means DIS is offering way more than what CSA and mindef IT can

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 4:54 pm]

Most times is because these teams' workload get too much or need cross-department work that better to consolidate and come on it's own.

There can be views for both consolidate and spiltting up

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 4:55 pm]

Then would you say should close these past agencies down? Since DIS already doing their job?

G, [3/2/2026 4:55 pm]

Is DIS doing CSA's job?

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 4:56 pm]

Companies will eventually even out their profit in the packaging as repackaging should be just a one time investment

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 4:57 pm]

That's why I find it ridiculous to increase to 0.60 as I can buy a Dasani water with that price currently

G, [3/2/2026 4:58 pm]

Same experience as people preaching "gst increase from 8% to 9% only what". 

But ignore that kopi o kosong price went up from $1 to $1.20.. a 20% increase

G, [3/2/2026 4:59 pm]

Then the typical response to that would be "then you drink coffee at home lor! Or you drink less coffee la!"

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:00 pm]

Anyway I don't drink a lot of bottle drink unless I forget to bring water bottle

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:01 pm]

To add on maybe can put water cooler in front of supermarket

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:01 pm]

So people can reduce the bottle usage

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:02 pm]

Remember reduce reuse recycle. Recycle should always to be the last step

G, [3/2/2026 5:03 pm]

I mean.. This is the typical "tighten your belt" response when people give negative feedback on price increases, and the reason for these prices increases

But then we see this govt, instead of tightening their belts and spending within their means, they are spending frivolously on expensive recurring overheads..

And increase tax on us to fund such frivolous spending, driving up cost of living for all of us

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:04 pm]

For central kitchen maybe we can make it onsite kitchen in school where big vendor cook in school and sell

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:06 pm]

So they will cook for breakfast and lunch for students to buy in their school

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:07 pm]

Or buffet style central kitchen instead of pack food

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:08 pm]

In camps right it's not really central kitchen but onsite kitchen for our army guys

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:11 pm]

Maybe like ah meng restaurant type where one stall sell all the food

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 5:12 pm]

Kind of true. But have spilt into 2-halal and non-halal section?

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 5:13 pm]

Oh, like those American school canteen type.. hmm, good idea

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 5:14 pm]

But would it be lack of choice?

I dunno how the current school central kitchen works. Do students get a choice of menu?

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:18 pm]

I think they can make it like cai fan and zi char for the whole school

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:20 pm]

If primary and secondary school are close together they can merge canteen

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 5:22 pm]

Distance would be too far for children regardless. Plus building walkway shelters would be tedious

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:23 pm]

Hmm maybe one onsite kitchen serve 2 schools

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:24 pm]

Like cai fan the chef can split into 2 sets

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:33 pm]

For space agency can they come up a better name sound like nasa

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:36 pm]

Rename to Singapore space agency (SSA) also not that bad

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:40 pm]

Can gov when introduce new things try to avoid common acro name or look like name. Like simi is saf. Singapore armed forces or Singapore aviation fuel

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 5:48 pm]

SSA got many similar acronyms.

Singapore Shipping Association.

Singapore Standard on Auditing.

SSA Academy

SSA culinary institute.

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:49 pm]

Hmm but just don't make it look like nasa lah

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:50 pm]

Singapore space research agency (ssra)

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 5:51 pm]

But these satellite not for research.

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:54 pm]

It can be use in research what

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:55 pm]

NSAS will use satellite imagery and geospatial data for needs like urban planning and environmental monitoring, developing space situational understanding.

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 5:55 pm]

More than that.

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:55 pm]

These data are collected for research and development

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:58 pm]

So it's just collect data and send data to other agency and institute. Where other agency and institute will do research and policy crafting

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:59 pm]

I guess it's just a data collection point

REACH Singapore, [3/2/2026 6:00 pm]

📢 Topic 📢

여자친구, 첫사랑 🏆, [3/2/2026 6:01 pm]

Regarding the bottle machine: main thing is can they clear fast enough or not, how many machines across the island can they work fast enough to clear them all or not. Because of yall know the FairPrice trial the last round it was perhaps, too well received.

여자친구, 첫사랑 🏆, [3/2/2026 6:02 pm]

People queue and queue with mountains of bottles to get the vouchers. I'm worried the same thing will happen this time also.

G, [3/2/2026 6:03 pm]

For satellite imagery, how is that a game changer vs existing GIS systems that URA already use for urban planning for decades? GIS already incorporates satellite data

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 6:04 pm]

And the collection and clearing of the recycle machines.

see the clothes recycle bins, super quick to be full when close to spring cleaning

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 6:14 pm]

NSAS will develop national legislation and regulations for the space sector. It aims to be pro-innovation and pro-business, while meeting high standards for space safety and sustainability, Dr Tan said.

He said the new agency will expand on the existing functions of the Economic Development Board’s Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn), to build “world-class space R&D capabilities, develop a thriving space industry and advance international partnerships”.

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 6:15 pm]

Money mining in space sector

G, [3/2/2026 6:17 pm]

Yes, but now come these can't be achieved in the current office set up?

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 6:19 pm]

Don't think so .how to build world class space r&d capabilities without this new agency

G, [3/2/2026 6:20 pm]

The main difference in offering I can see from the CNA article is NSAS want to introduce legislation.. and typically, offices within stat boards don't do that

So that begs the question: why need to introduce legislation?

G, [3/2/2026 6:21 pm]

Then start some GLC lor. Or subsumed the R&D under A star

G, [3/2/2026 6:22 pm]

Most of the space R&D are being done at our universities already anyway

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 6:23 pm]

You're not reading the full text.

The stated aim is to r&d, sell, then business it out. Plus share data with other agencies.

None of the other organizations can do all of this within their team.

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 6:24 pm]

1.) legislation (idk about it)

2.) innovation and business 

( My understanding is to attract Elon mask to Singapore)

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 6:24 pm]

Mindef, do defense and confidental data. EDB do business and legal, not technically enough. University, pure r&d, not good selling and they are education purpose

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 6:26 pm]

You want cut cost but have red tape and inefficiency in process, sure, all go prime minister office.

Traffic fine, travel visa, go apply there. Wait for your turn a few years down the road for approval

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 6:27 pm]

I already find our polyclinic and legal courts too slow and cumbersome already..

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 6:28 pm]

So actually this is a more cost saving deal as if you want to do everything in different agency you need multiple building office and facility. And sending data and people moving around cost time and money

Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 6:28 pm]

Now it's just one building

G, [3/2/2026 6:32 pm]

Still doesn't answer the question of how come need an agency set up and the current office set up does not suffice

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 6:35 pm]

The current office is EDB.. you know what the agency does?

Vs what they want this new agency to do?

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 6:36 pm]

It's like asking Traffic Police to go sell cars, since they deal with vehicles all the time anyway

G, [3/2/2026 6:36 pm]

This is what the current office is already doing. Not much different from what the minister say NSAS wants to do

https://www.space.gov.sg/about-us/visionandmission/

Nicholas, [3/2/2026 6:38 pm]

On the central kitchen model for schools, the vendors need to take effort to do it well. It should be better and safer, not worse and riskier. The price also seems higher than what secondary students usually pay for recess food. If it's not done well in the few schools piloting it, please don't roll it out to more schools. The current food vendors at each store are serving nutritious food with a smile and at better prices.

G, [3/2/2026 6:40 pm]

Want to innovate and business it out, then work closer with EnterpriseSG since that's their mandate

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 6:41 pm]

I think you might be confusing the 'agency' in the name as a new ministry.. it's not.

From what i see from that website you found,

The Government will set up the National Space Agency of Singapore (NSAS) from 1 April 2026. NSAS will be established under the aegis of the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI)

G, [3/2/2026 6:41 pm]

Or even better.. why not just transfer the office from EDB to EnterpriseSG since both under MTI anyway

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 6:42 pm]

Before the National Computer Board (NCB) was established in 1981, Singapore’s computerisation efforts were decentralized and largely driven by individual government ministries, with a notable lack of central coordination. 

Key aspects of this pre-NCB period (primarily the 1960s and 1970s) included:

Ministry of Finance (MOF): The first government computer was installed at the Ministry of Finance, which served as a central hub for early computational needs.

Central Provident Fund Board (CPFB): In 1963, the CPFB installed the first mainframe computer to automate manual ledger accounting.

Fragmented Approach: Government ministries operated independently, using separate computer systems, often leading to a "huge backlog" of work and fragmented data, as noted by Dr. Tony Tan, who later chaired the Committee on National Computerisation (CNC) to address this.

Individual Statutory Boards: Organizations like the Nanyang University's computer center were early adopters, but there was no overarching national strategy until the 1980s. 

Formation of the NCB

Following a 1980 study, the Committee on National Computerisation (CNC) was formed to address these deficiencies. This led to the creation of the National Computer Board (NCB) on September 1, 1981, to spearhead the computerisation of the Civil Service, develop IT manpower, and promote the computer services industry. 

Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 6:42 pm]

It's basically just a re-organization.. it might not lead to more costs

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 6:42 pm]

Similar to space agency.

Satellite is found everywhere.

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 6:43 pm]

In 2024, Singapore's digital economy (DE) reached S$128.1 billion, contributing 18.6% to the nation's GDP, up from 18.0% in 2023.

G, [3/2/2026 6:44 pm]

It does. An office doesn't have its own finance, HR, IT dept etc. 

Agencies have. Agencies have a lot more governance rules to follow compared to offices within stat boards. Agencies are comparable to stat boards

Agencies also need to submit their annual budgets

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 6:44 pm]

The formation of NCB - iDA - Govtech lead to $128.1 billion economy.

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 6:45 pm]

The projected space technology business will have similar trajectory.

REACH Singapore, [3/2/2026 6:46 pm]

Dear Contributors,

⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰

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

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

LCL (Danny 心), [3/2/2026 6:46 pm]

Singapore government has very far vision.

Not 10 cents 5 cents cheap skate stuff.

G, [3/2/2026 6:51 pm]

Yes, but still doesn't explain why need to have a full fledged agency compared to current office set up

REACH Singapore, [3/2/2026 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 😊

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