REACH 213 - How life have changed since covid (SK)
07 Apr 2021 (11am - 7pm)
REACH
[10:55 am, 07/04/2021] +REACH: Dear contributors,
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Megan ��
[11:13 am, 07/04/2021] +REACH: �� Topic ��
Last year on 7 April, Singapore went into Circuit Breaker mode, marking the start of safe distancing measures across all our common spaces. Today, 75% of the workforce can return to workplaces.
�� How has life changed for you in the past year? Have your perspectives about Singapore and being Singaporean changed? How?
Please feel free to share with us your stories and personal experiences!����
On April 7 2020, Singapore went indoors. Amid a spike in Covid-19 cases, schools and workplaces were ordered closed. For the next two months, the country stayed home except for getting food and exercise. The country emerged again, on June 1, with restrictions in place and work-from-home being the default.
A lot has changed since then, with Singapore cautiously moving into Phase 3 and recently allowing 75% of workers to return back to office, increasing capacities for solemnisations and other events, and accelerating the vaccination roll-out programme to allow those aged 45 to 59 years old to get vaccinated.
�� Then and now multimedia by ST: https://www.straitstimes.com/multimedia/then-and-now-the-difference-a-year-makes-as-spore-cautiously-reopens-post-circuit-breaker
�� Stories by fellow Singaporeans : https://www.straitstimes.com/multimedia/graphics/2021/04/circuit-breaker-1-year-on/index.html?shell
�� https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/covid-19-jabs-to-be-extended-to-those-below-45-from-june
------
[11:14 am, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Excuse me going off topic and this isn't intended to be political, but I think it's wrong someone can commit a crime and then when fined they can raise money from 2,000 people to pay it off. This makes a mockery of our justice system.
[11:15 am, 07/04/2021] +Ben: It also suggests you are above the law if a small number of people can circumvent the punishment. So can people now defame others if they have wealthy backers behind them?
[11:17 am, 07/04/2021] +KS Foong: Fully agree
[11:21 am, 07/04/2021] ☸️ Danny 心:
Better to get ourselves vaccinated ASAP.
A bad news about covid.
[11:21 am, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
1 in 3 COVID-19 survivors suffer mental, neurological
problems: Study
[11:27 am, 07/04/2021] +YT: He could do that because the
"punishment" was too little, too lenient. If the amount was higher,
then crowd funding would be more difficult. With this kind of leniency and the
ease that the damages was paid, more will be emboldened to slander and tell
untruths because they know they can get away with just a slap in the wrist.
What's the world coming to?
[11:30 am, 07/04/2021] +YT: Looking back, I wondered how
those few weeks went by. The fact of the matter was, and still is, the decision
was a tough one but it saved lives and saved Singapore from a second wave.
Frankly, for me, life is pretty much the same before, during and after circuit
breaker. The difference is in the added precautions and enhanced awareness of
personal hygiene. Many feel restricted. But I don't. In fact, I quite enjoy the
quiet months although I know that's not sustainable as many people have lost
their livelihoods and the country took a big hit in terms of revenue from
visitors, trade etc.,
[11:33 am, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Well, $100,000 is a lot of
money in normal circumstances, but if 2,000 people who want to buck the system
for $50 each then it's not just meaningless but almost contempt of court. I'm
not in favour of stamping down on honest challenge and debate but this was
clearly an attempt to undermine the credibility of Singapore's PM and there was
no apology given after. That's bad for every Singaporean and should be treated
as such.
[11:36 am, 07/04/2021] +KS Foong: Agree. This is a loophole!
How to control this type of cloud fund raising?
[11:40 am, 07/04/2021] +Ben: I have a lot of respect for how
Singapore and Singaporeans responded to the situation. The big picture and
sense of community were taken seriously and we didn't see the problems of other
countries such as mask resistance and protests. Our response showed we can work
together and have the discipline needed. There are strange anomalies of course,
which don't seem fair, but no system is perfect and compromises have to be
made. I actually like the social distancing, with people not pushing into me at
a queues and generally more space. Maybe some of the social awareness can teach
us some good lessons and it would be good to take stock of what we have learnt
as a nation and carry forward the good thinking.
[11:51 am, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
CNA reported that below 45 years old can register for
vaccination.
But what are the age limit?
That's can children up to 16 years old vaccinate?
[11:57 am, 07/04/2021] +En: Think still age 16 and above
[11:59 am, 07/04/2021] +Alvin Lim: Status quo only 16 and up
can take
[0:05 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
I also thought so.
But CNA news did not explicitly say so.
Children trial below 16 ongoing. Some countries deciding to
roll out to children.
[0:12 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
I don't think we can stop anyone to source fund to pay their
fines.
Be it from their savings, business, income, friends or
strangers.
The only consolation is, he is charged in court, found
guilty and he got a "black record".
[0:18 pm, 07/04/2021] +Alvin Lim: Kids are stronger than we
think actually but we prefer to err on the side of caution
[0:18 pm, 07/04/2021] +Alvin Lim: Let them do studies and
finalize then we follow bah
[0:19 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
MOH got to decide and make assessment.
[0:20 pm, 07/04/2021] +Alvin Lim: I agree with this
[0:21 pm, 07/04/2021] +Alvin Lim: If the majority thinks he’s sprouting
nonsense and he still doesn’t learn just ignore
[0:21 pm, 07/04/2021] +Alvin Lim: There will always be a
small base for or against anything one
[0:21 pm, 07/04/2021] +REACH: Unemployment rates in
Singapore decline for fourth straight month in February
Singapore's employment situation has continued to improve,
with declines seen across the overall, resident and citizen unemployment rates,
said Manpower Minister Josephine Teo.
More:
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/jobs/unemployment-rates-in-singapore-decline-for-fourth-straight-month-in-february
[0:40 pm, 07/04/2021] +En: What’s today’s topic
again?
[0:44 pm, 07/04/2021] +Bobby Tan: �� Topic ��
Last
year on 7 April, Singapore went into Circuit Breaker mode, marking the start of
safe distancing measures across all our common spaces. Today, 75% of the
workforce can return to workplaces.
�� How has life changed for you in the past year? Have your perspectives
about Singapore and being Singaporean changed? How?
Please
feel free to share with us your stories and personal experiences!����
On April
7 2020, Singapore went indoors. Amid a spike in Covid-19 cases, schools and
workplaces were ordered closed. For the next two months, the country stayed
home except for getting food and exercise. The country emerged again, on June
1, with restrictions in place and work-from-home being the default.
A lot
has changed since then, with Singapore cautiously moving into Phase 3 and
recently allowing 75% of workers to return back to office, increasing
capacities for solemnisations and other events, and accelerating the
vaccination roll-out programme to allow those aged 45 to 59 years old to get
vaccinated.
�� Then and now multimedia by ST: https://www.straitstimes.com/multimedia/then-and-now-the-difference-a-year-makes-as-spore-cautiously-reopens-post-circuit-breaker
�� Stories by fellow Singaporeans : https://www.straitstimes.com/multimedia/graphics/2021/04/circuit-breaker-1-year-on/index.html?shell
�� https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/covid-19-jabs-to-be-extended-to-those-below-45-from-june
��
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/one-year-after-circuit-breaker-people-in-spore-socialising-less-working-more-mental
[0:51
pm, 07/04/2021] +En: Thank you ����
[0:55
pm, 07/04/2021] +En: Heartwarming to see people helping each other and all
during difficult times ��
[1:02
pm, 07/04/2021] +En: Wfh has become a norm for me over the past year, find it a
bit challenging to adjust back now �� but I think the wfh and other measures really helped SG get to our
current stage where we can reopen further.
Wondering
what you guys think about how SG handled COVID in the past year? ��
[1:05
pm, 07/04/2021] +Ana: I love wfh. Gives me a couple hours of extra sleep and
family time on the go. I'm much more willing to put in extra hours since I
don't have to factor in travel time and spending dedicated family time
[1:07
pm, 07/04/2021] +CQ: I'm happy with the increased space overall as people
stayed home, but that space is eroding again.
[1:07
pm, 07/04/2021] +Ana: Yes, especially on public transport and on the roads :(
[1:08
pm, 07/04/2021] +Caleb: +1
[1:09
pm, 07/04/2021] +Dan:
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/one-year-after-circuit-breaker-people-in-spore-socialising-less-working-more-mental
[1:11
pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Yes, me too. The option to go in is also good, but pressing people to do now isn't, especially when vaccines for under 59 have
only just started.
[1:11
pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: This is a relevant point as well. We are losing social interaction, and some
people are feeling isolated.
[1:19
pm, 07/04/2021] +CQ: And in lifts...
[1:34
pm, 07/04/2021] +Bobby Tan: I still prefer WFH as I need to avoid crowded
places and not too many ppl. I do accounts so I can really WFH as the accounting
software is in cloud.
[1:36
pm, 07/04/2021] +Ana: Exactly! Just because COVID is handled well doesn't mean
it isn't a threat that I'm not vaccinated against
[1:43
pm, 07/04/2021] +Thomas: The problem is that we are too comfortable with WFH,
and when require the staff to come in for a period of time in the office for a
week faces a huge pushback. This is for social interaction in office with
colleagues and some work cannot be done from home. The expected volume increase
as more company coming back on to office. There is so much of push back
[1:45
pm, 07/04/2021] +CQ: but then the question is whether the benefit of social
interaction in the office outweighs the risk of picking up a bug from dunno
where and bringing it back home to our loved ones lah
[1:45
pm, 07/04/2021] +Thomas: for some WFH is an excuse for extended holiday. During
the WFH period, we caught some staffs went shopping or doing some recreation
.... so ???
[1:46
pm, 07/04/2021] +Thomas: This type of behaviour make bosses doubt WFH concept
[1:47
pm, 07/04/2021] +Thomas: Our productivity drops and I feel it in the Civil
service responses
[1:51
pm, 07/04/2021] +CQ: it depends on the nature of work involved, but my question
is "when you're employed, does the company buy your time or does the
company buy your work product?" because if it's the latter, it shouldn't
make a difference when and where i do the work done within reasonable
turnaround time. the difference comes when you say the company is paying for my
time, and between 9 to 6, my time belongs to the company and no one else.
[1:52
pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
1. This covid pandemic is a global threat that has threaten
human lives worldwide, in a mammoth proportion - and greatly impacted the
Global Economy resulted in business loss and job loss. The GDP worldwide fall
in negative territory and cause many Government to either dig into reserves or
borrow in big amount to keep business and jobs afloat.
2. This covid pandemic has also changed how global humanity
live, work, doing business, socialise, play and travel. For humanity are in a
"psuedo-slavery" to the covid - as humans have to wear masks,
maintain social distancing, unable to fly or travel overseas with ease etc.
This is an unnatural consequence as a result of the pandemic.
3. There are some positive outcome though among all the
negative impact :-
a. Singapore business are forced to transform instantly to
survive - by going digital (in which ITM has encouraged) - but catalyse by the
pandemic - as people interaction is reduced to the minimum. This will make our
Economy, Business and our Workers more competitive in the long run.
b. More business and people adopt hybrid work and study
arrangement - where people can work from home remotely, travel to work when
required to --- and thus facilitate more balance family-and-work life.
4. But the negative impact are abundant :-
a. Social interaction among people drastically drop.
b. WFH has also resulted in more domestic violence.
c. Few industry sectors negatively impacted like air travel,
sea cruise, tourism, f&b, hotel hospitality etc.
d. Government need to dig into reserves to support business
and jobs --- a big financial impact.
e. Many essential activities have to scale back - eg.
military training, public transport commuting (affecting transport industries),
MICE activities, social activities like elderly karaoke session, construction
(foreign workers cannot travel here to work) projects delayed, foreign
diplomacy face-to-face have to cut back etc.
f. Humans have to go out with face masks on, sick people
have to serve SHN, maintain social distancing etc ---- which is unnatural to
human social interaction in a Society.
5. The urge to return to pre-covid state is desirable ----
as humans cannot be slave to the covid forever or in a prolong manner.
6. Vaccination looks like our only hope to get humanity back
to pre-covid state - to re-commence a normal life - to live, work, educate,
socialise, travel, do business etc.
7. And humanity have to make preparation to prevent the
onslaught of future Disease X.
8. Knowing how covid started become important. For eg. if
medical scientists are able to discover how covid start --- humanity can in
future tackle Disease X at the source eg. if jump host from animals to human
---- humanity must attempt to cut down food source from animals and instead do
more R&D in cell-culture food, plant-based meat etc --- and drastically cut
down the probability of Disease X from infecting human again.
[1:53 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Maybe it's worth looking at
clear productivity targets, so people feel their salary is based on
contribution rather than time at a desk?
[1:53 pm, 07/04/2021] +Alvin Lim: How has life changed for
you in the past year? Have your perspectives about Singapore and being
Singaporean changed? How?
Many things have changed. Things we took for granted, like
buffets, large family gatherings, movie outings, travel, etc are now almost
non-existent. Me and my family have learned to be more resilient and really
help out one another in tough times (eg. my newborn falls ill, mother and
mother-in-law will come over to help out). We now use WhatsApp chat group to
keep each other updated, photos, videos etc.
This year NDP, we should celebrate overcoming this massive
global pandemic disaster and forging ahead as a stronger nation. What doesn't
kill you makes you stronger. Stay safe everyone. My 2.14 cents.
[1:53 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Also a productivity target keeps
things clear and honest between staff and manager. Both parties know the
expectations.
[1:55 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Yes
[1:56 pm, 07/04/2021] +Thomas: Both. As a professional, it’s your time
and also the output to meet the target. It’s not mutually exclusive
[1:56 pm, 07/04/2021] +Stella Yip: Be careful though, this
might drive short term targets but not long term sustainability. Look at what
happened to Credit Suisse, Archegos, and others.
[1:58 pm, 07/04/2021] +Thomas: using accounting as example.
Source document in office but you need to documents to completely close or do
your accounts. Provided all documents are digitalised and in cloud but not all
company able to do that as of last year
[2:00 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
According to many neutral reports --- worldwide productivity
has fallen as a result of working at home due to covid. https://voxeu.org/article/covid-crisis-and-productivity-growth
[2:00 pm, 07/04/2021] +CQ: not that it's mutually exclusive,
cos it's pointless if you've paid for my time but not my output, then i'm still
getting paid twiddling thumbs, also not right. but if the value is the output,
if i can get the work out and i remain contactable, does it really matter where
i'm doing the work? a company/boss will never complain if the staff works until
1am from home, but will complain for coming in at 9.30? again it depends on the
job and what's required, but certain roles really don't require that strict
adherence to timing
[2:00 pm, 07/04/2021] +Thomas: Putting documents in cloud
pose another issue for MNC as the servers in cloud is in China may pose some
legalistic issues with American law
[2:01 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心: https://www.techrepublic.com/article/long-term-remote-work-is-leading-to-a-global-drop-in-productivity/ Productivity
drop as a result of remote working at home due to covid.
[2:01 pm, 07/04/2021] +Thomas: If you are in service line.
This is not possible.
[2:01 pm, 07/04/2021] +CQ: but if MNC and everything is in a
server somewhere, doesn't matter whether you're working from home or from
office. unless it's the company's super secure internal-only server.
[2:02 pm, 07/04/2021] +CQ: thus i keep saying it depends on
the nature of the work...
[2:02 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: My guess is that these countries
had schools closed and then yes I can understand a productivity drop.
[2:03 pm, 07/04/2021] +Thomas: As a analogy, I was once question
by a company , can you teach swimming on line ? They won't want to qualified
you as a swimmer
[2:03 pm, 07/04/2021] +Alvin Lim: I think backend or back
office roles as much as possible WFH where applicable.
[2:04 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
I am an advocate of hybrid working arrangement - work in
office and at home.
Not entirely at home or entirely in office.
If work remotely entirely at home, boss have othe options
like employing cheaper foreign workers.
[2:04 pm, 07/04/2021] +CQ: yes, and they measure across
sectors. so manufacturing and all will be as good as zero productivity, but
office-type work may not change much
[2:04 pm, 07/04/2021] +Thomas: basically, even in training.
Practical is important. Won't want my pilot to be online qualified and fly my
around
[2:04 pm, 07/04/2021] +james: At the heart of this
discussion abt WFH, this is abt engagement and job-fit.
You only need to police people and worry abt whether they
are doing their work if they are not engaged in the work that they are doing.
Many people don’t really know why they’re in the
jobs they’re
doing. It’s
just work to them. As opposed to smthg they truly want to be doing and getting
better at.
[2:04 pm, 07/04/2021] +Alvin Lim: For services and frontliners,
no choice need to work in onsite.
[2:05 pm, 07/04/2021] +Thomas: The other aspect is that ,
WFH shows that your job can be Global ... meaning can be outsourced to cheaper
countries and the person doing the job don't need to reside in Singapore and
all the quota issue
[2:06 pm, 07/04/2021] +Alvin Lim: If that's the case, most
of us would have been jobless by now since most companies can just outsource
overseas.
[2:06 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8766175/One-four-businesses-report-loss-productivity-employees-work-home-COVID.html Too many
reports - reporting loss in productivity when employees work from home during
Covid. My experience also feel the
same. The outcomes produce is not as good as hybrid arrangement of WFH and in office.
[2:07 pm, 07/04/2021] +Alvin Lim: Instead, MNCs are actually
coming in SG to set up as HQ in the region.
[2:07 pm, 07/04/2021] +CQ: yep, there's a chinese saying
that you employ the people you trust and you trust the people you employ. if
have to micromanage and it's that calculative, then the employee also sian. you
insist i log on zhun zhun at 9, i will zhun zhun log on at 6. not my words, but
relaying the sentiment from some friends
[2:07 pm, 07/04/2021] +Boon: Well, i would guess so if not
for MOM policies
[2:07 pm, 07/04/2021] +Alvin Lim: We therefore welcome them
and cannot close our doors. If no enough of talents here we need to import
those in for the new roles.
[2:08 pm, 07/04/2021] +Alvin Lim: Sorry what policies you
referring to?
[2:08 pm, 07/04/2021] +Alvin Lim: I don't think MOM have any
policy that restricts outsourcing
[2:08 pm, 07/04/2021] +Thomas: This is an option for bosses
to take if our singapore advantage no longer exists
[2:08 pm, 07/04/2021] +CQ: i would believe that there is a
certain value add that we bring as singapore employees because of our culture
and work ethics that you don't get in some other outsource locations...
[2:09 pm, 07/04/2021] +Alvin Lim: Can you tell me what
Singapore advantages are?
[2:09 pm, 07/04/2021] +Thomas: This is especially true for
IT line of work
[2:10 pm, 07/04/2021] +Alvin Lim: Yes definitely. Good
governance, rule of law, least corruption, educated populace, etc
[2:11 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/us-productivity-posts-biggest-drop-since-1981-in-fourth-quarter-14113390
See actual statistics don't lie. Cannot imagine productivity can improve
while entirely working at home.
[2:12 pm, 07/04/2021] +Thomas: The WFH has shown the
Company, that we do not need large office. The shenton way offices will be in
glut. This is happening in HK. A potential cost saving for company but the
stationery costs, we bear for those WFH.
[2:13 pm, 07/04/2021] +Boon: ��
[2:17
pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
And the negative GDP is the biggest indicator how production
has fallen worldwide since covid start.
Thus it is difficult to convince me that working entirely at
home improve productivity.
[2:20 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
Because with no economic activities through human
interaction, multiplier effects will not happen - transport, f&b, shopping
activities, sales activities, property rental etc...
Demultipier effect kick in - how will economy productivity
improve?
Cannot imagine.
[2:34 pm, 07/04/2021] +james: Yes that’s a good
saying!
If u choose to employ someone, you shld trust them to get
the work done. If u can’t trust them, u shldnt employ them.
[2:36 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
1. Some industries can totally go bankrupt eg. Airlines,
taxi, private hire, tourism, office space etc.
2. Many businesses fail, many people lose jobs.
3. With lower or no income, less spending power to purchase
other goods and services - overall economy and other business sectors impacted.
4. Overall Economy production fall, more business fail, more
jobs loss in other industry sectors.
5. Demultipier effect kicks in, production fall and
productivity fall
6. This is an overall negative impact if everyone work at
home.
[2:46 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
1. How is productivity calculated? It is output divided by
man hour.
2. If some industries have near zero production, divided by
so many man hours - then productivity go into deep negative.
3. With zero income - spending power drop, demand for other
goods and services drop.
4. So production in other sectors also drop due to lower
demand.
With man hours no change, how can productivity in other
sectors and the whole Economy improve?
5. Economic fundamental prove that productivity cannot
improve if everyone work at home.
[2:54 pm, 07/04/2021] +Alvin Lim: Let’s face it,
normalcy days are gone. I don’t think we will ever hit back to 100%
capacity back to normal again. Nat said before the normalcy train have left the
station. We should use this “new normal” to
kickstart new sectors and services.
[2:58 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: True to some degree, but also
means we can bid for work anywhere in the world. The advantage is with
Singapore being an English speaking nation, well educated and global cultures.
We are very adaptable, hard working and tolerant.
[2:59 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: I think we are saying there
should be a balance of office and home time depending on your role, people
interaction and reporting/strategy
[2:59 pm, 07/04/2021] +CQ: i agree!! some companies may want
to have a hub location set up in APAC for reporting into the HQ. Singapore is a
great option because of our connectivity, education and english competency
[3:00 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: And most friendly business
environment in the world
[3:01 pm, 07/04/2021] +CQ: yeah, and stable from a policy
perspective too.
[3:02 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Yep, important to have stable
government
[3:02 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Also well managed media and
privacy laws
[3:03 pm, 07/04/2021] +CQ: and good dispute resolution and
court system.
[3:03 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Welcome to Singapore! ���� ��
[3:04
pm, 07/04/2021] +CQ: so all things considered, i do think we're very global and
if we want to, we can venture out
[3:09
pm, 07/04/2021] +Alvin Lim: I few things I can see is we could:
1)
Venture out as expat and gain experience. Wait for local MNC to expand there
and spearhead the business.
2) Get
our local MNC to start up overseas and transfer our people over there.
3)
Create new industry and services here and let it take off and expand overseas.
I think
end game should be out businesses going overseas to capture bigger market
share.
My
2.14cents
[4:16
pm, 07/04/2021] +REACH: [Sent by Gov.sg – 7 Apr]
As of
12pm, MOH has preliminarily confirmed 1 new case of locally transmitted
COVID-19 infection.
Based on
investigations so far, the case is in the community, and there are no new cases
in the dormitories.
There
are 34 imported cases, who had already been placed on Stay-Home Notice or
isolated upon arrival in Singapore. In total, there are 35 new cases of
COVID-19 infection in Singapore today.
MOH will
share further updates in its press release that will be issued later tonight.
go.gov.sg/moh070421update
[4:17
pm, 07/04/2021] +Caleb: oh dear
[4:17
pm, 07/04/2021] +Caleb: I hope we will not need to go into another CB
[4:17
pm, 07/04/2021] +Caleb: or some trip
[4:18
pm, 07/04/2021] +Alvin Lim: as long as imported cases are ring fenced should be
ok
[4:18
pm, 07/04/2021] +Suma Pamu: Just read this.. Didn't know if Already here
Discussion happened about this or not..
[4:18
pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
1. When boss see the production fall, revenue fall, profit
fall, productivity fall - but labor cost constant and still so high - what will
the boss think and do?
Reduce labor cost.
2. Especially when government subsidies job inventive ends
in Jun or September this year.
3. By :-
a. Cutting labor
b. Reduce wages
c. Employ cheaper foreign workers that can work remotely at
home to replace local staff that work at home.
4. That's why when government ask workers to go back to work
and some still insist on work from home - soon some can permanently stay at
home (shake legs) - status change from WFH to SAH (stay at home).
[4:26 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
Because bosses are working out and looking at their
financial health quarterly.
What tilt them to act is the figures that appear to them.
Jun is just 2 months away. When the job incentive is gone,
the figure go south, and some may act.
Let me relate what the boss will do.
[4:37 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
As expected, tourism vouchers take up rate quite low.
3/4 still not used.
[4:39 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
No decision to extend the tourism vouchers deadline yet.
[4:39 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
When it ends in Jun 2021.
[4:40 pm, 07/04/2021] +Caleb: hope can give 2nd round
[4:40 pm, 07/04/2021] +Caleb: boost the local tourism
[4:42 pm, 07/04/2021] +CQ: some of the "offers"
actually very boh hua. like 100+ for an "influencer" to take you on a
walking tour down a couple of streets??
[4:43 pm, 07/04/2021] +Rama: agree
[4:43 pm, 07/04/2021] +Alvin Lim: most ppl hoot for staycay
only
[4:44 pm, 07/04/2021] +Alvin Lim: but those with many kids
or newborns likely hard to do that
[4:44 pm, 07/04/2021] +CQ: i also hoot staycay cos
everything else really quite meh
[4:44 pm, 07/04/2021] +Alvin Lim: attraction operating hours
should be extended as well, maybe with 75% back to office their operating hours
longer now
[4:45 pm, 07/04/2021] +Eunice Chia: there are some that
includes a meal....like this labrador park....
https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/53510-labrador-park-walking-walking-tour-seafood-buffet-dinner-singapore/
[4:49 pm, 07/04/2021] +CQ: even if you take into account the
cost of the buffet, you're still paying to do a walk which could otherwise be
free if you had gone yourself...
[4:51 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Shame they cant take advantage
of the declining birth rate to reduce class sizes. My kid's school is being
closed and he will start his final year P6 at a new location twice as far
away. Is this really the right
approach, or is it a cost saving exercise? The school was just renovated 4
years ago!
[4:55 pm, 07/04/2021] +Suma Pamu: This way If demographics
keep continue, it will be nore tough in future, depiste Keep merging or closing
school.
Before its too late
More to be done.
HDB should look Into Incorporate All Types of housing in all
estates.
Also Redevelopment of Old estates by SERS...that way at
least in future
All age Groups will be spread across Singapore.
[4:57 pm, 07/04/2021] +CQ: yes, my friends who are teachers
are also saying that the class sizes could be reduced..
[5:02 pm, 07/04/2021] +Rama: Worth considering
[5:11 pm, 07/04/2021] +YT: Hope SingapoRediscovers vouchers
expiry date can be extended.
[5:13 pm, 07/04/2021] +Caleb: hope can give a 2nd time, for
those who have used up the 1st round.
[5:18 pm, 07/04/2021] +Eunice Chia: I believe the walking
tour will include introduction to history, heritage etc.... Which may be
interesting -- really for locals to rediscover Singapore.
[5:19 pm, 07/04/2021] +CQ: but... wikipedia............ ��
[5:26
pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
1. I think Moe has made a study that academic outcomes don't
differ from our class size compare to country with smaller class size.
2. In fact Singapore overall results do better than many
countries.
3. More schools means more government funding needed.
Means taxpayers will have to pay more taxes eg. Gst, income
tax, corporate taxes etc.
4. Manpower shortage means less teachers can be recruited,
unless employing more foreign teachers.
Again more teachers needed means more funds needed and
translate to more taxes on taxpayers.
[5:29 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/moe-cautious-issue-smaller-class-sizes-ong-ye-kung
MOE 'cautious' on issue of smaller class sizes: Ong Ye Kung
[5:32 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
When unused schools are released as State lands - our land
reserves increase.
Next time when sold for commercial used, our sovereign
wealth increase - and can be invested to earn more income and NIRC to fund government
spending.
[5:36 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心: https://whichschooladvisor.com/singapore/school-news/2019-ib-results-singapore-students-celebrate-above-global-average-points
Singapore schools score above average globally.
[5:37 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-s-15-year-olds-rank-second-globally-in-reading-maths-12147856
Singapore's 15-year-olds rank second globally in reading,
maths and science: Study
[5:38 pm, 07/04/2021] +CQ: don't just look at results.. look
at how hard the teachers are working to maintain that "KPI"...
[5:39 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
https://www.msn.com/en-sg/news/singapore/nus-ntu-amongst-top-15-in-qs-world-ranking/ar-BB1egDbB NUS
and NTU rank among top 15 in the World. And both top Asia University ranking -
beating China, Japan and HongKong.
[5:40 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
Well if taxpayers are willing to pay more tax and willing to
employ foreign teachers.
[5:46 pm, 07/04/2021] +CQ: i can't quite see how this is
relevant? the schools are merging, class sizes remain the same, therefore there
are less teachers needed right? from what i know, MOE's intake has unofficially
reduced but not for lack of interest/applicants
[5:47 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
So that is good, less teachers needed, then they can join
other sectors that need manpower like ICT, healthcare, etc.
[5:48 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Yes and those kids will all be
doing additional enrichment classes that cramp their childhood and burden their
parents wallets.
[5:49 pm, 07/04/2021] +CQ: i'm sorry, i'm blinking very hard
right now. so less teachers good, but if want to reduce class size, have to
bring in foreign teachers. huh????
[5:49 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: MOE studying their own results
doesn't sound very independent to me
[5:50 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: If we measure our kids on maths
science and English then sure they no doubt do very well. Is that what is
needed in our years ahead? What happened to creative thinking, social problem
solving, risk taking and people management?
[5:51 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Technology means we don't need
to memorise facts and information. Our kids are taken down a narrow path, and
those that are different (not academic) are shut off from opportunity.
[5:54 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
As far as I know, those in the Universities very creative.
Some do all sort of research papers that are quite cutting
edge.
And some end up in R&D in high tech companies doing
cutting edge research.
[5:54 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: I'm not saying it's all about
class sizes at all. Education is a complex subject and relying on 'results'
alone is not a good metric to follow
[5:54 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Correct, these are the star
pupils who are good at everything
[5:55 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
Compare to the world, we are proud to be on the right track.
Even US and UK are curious how we did it.
[5:55 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: We are in a meritocracy, which
leans towards those who do well in Maths, Science and English
[5:56 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Yes, but this is largely due to
other circumstances and is only measured on exam results
[5:56 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Why are we so reliant on foreign
'talent' for key jobs?
[5:58 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Enrichment classes and a
compliant attitude in the class room.
[6:00 pm, 07/04/2021] +Alex: Because education is too
focused towards teaching kids to pass exams rather than to think for
themselves.
[6:00 pm, 07/04/2021] +CQ: the kids aren't learning to
understand the subject, they're learning how to crack exams
[6:01 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
We merge many JCs together - because of low birth rate.
1. We maintain the same class size.
2. We don't deliberately maintain so many JCs - when we can
reduce the number of JCs by half.
3. So we save the state lands 6 or more plots of lands.
4. We cut the number of teachers by half (more than
hundred?) - and can redeploy for other jobs.
Else we need to maintain the redundant additional hundred of
teachers just to make the class size small.
5. Imagine the amount of salary save and the revenue state
lands earn by taxpayers?
[6:01 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Exactly
[6:01 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Yes, that's how it seems
[6:02 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Very short term thinking. Not
good for SG future
[6:02 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Investing in our kids should be
number 1.
[6:04 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
Well I am proud of our school system - because all my family
members and extended families members are producing scholar, researchers,
engineers, lawyer, living science, IT professionals etc.
All should be considered creative and innovative.
[6:04 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Otherwise only those who can
afford enrichment will benefit and others left behind. Lots of missed
opportunity comes from that.
[6:05 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
My kid don't take tuition or enrichment classes.
[6:05 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: You are very fortunate and in a
great position. It's not a criticism of you or your family. The world is
changing and our education system isn't.
[6:05 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Clearly you have good academic genes!
[6:07 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
Sorry I mean when he was in JC and above.
He took some tuition in secondary school.
[6:07 pm, 07/04/2021] +CQ: i agree. if our school system is
so great, why are the top hats all brought in from overseas and why is there a
worry of being "replaced" by foreign talent? so perhaps our school
system is great at producing followers but not good at producing thinkers?
[6:07 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: That's right
[6:08 pm, 07/04/2021] +Rama: good point
[6:09 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
Oh those jobs are thinking jobs not followers job.
Can't be just enter workforce - straight away become CEOs.
[6:48
pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
Oh and a doctor.
[6:11 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: No one is saying CEO straight
away. We are I think saying the system is outdated.
[6:11 pm, 07/04/2021] +Anne: You are spot on. Many
Singaporeans want to be told what to do. Some authority or “credible” sources
tell them something, instead of asking questions, they believe and follow
unconditionally.
[6:11 pm, 07/04/2021] +Rama: right on
[6:11 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
Also my previous neighbor and friend produce 3 government
scholars - in our school system. 2 PSC scholars, 1 SAF scholars.
So I don't think our school system are on the wrong track.
[6:24 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
Now one of them is a CEO.
[6:12 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Yes this is very common. I come
across this with all industries from legal to sales to healthcare
[6:12 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: You can't pick isolated
incidents and claim the whole system is working fine
[6:12 pm, 07/04/2021] +CQ: yep. scholar scholar and yet just
want to follow SOP. can't deal with deviation and judgment calls
[6:12 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Of course there are successes
[6:12 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Spot on
[6:14 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
Singapore civil service is top rated in the world - in case
people have doubts.
[6:14 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Yes and this make sense. Civil
Sevice is mostly about maintaining order and procedure, as defined by
government
[6:15 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
And is the best in the world.
[6:16 pm, 07/04/2021] +Stella Yip: Some teachers don't like
to be questioned, if they don't know the answers bcos they also follow blindly.
Then they get defensive. Say students not respectful, deviate, waste time, have
difficulty to understand simple concepts etc
[6:16 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Which is excellent, are we all
to become civil servants?
[6:16 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Yes my kids teacher told the
students not to ask questions but just do as they are told.
[6:17 pm, 07/04/2021] +Stella Yip: Haha u know the pain
[6:17 pm, 07/04/2021] +CQ: Our civil service is great
because they just follow SOP. any deviation means no go, no go means not added
to stats for efficiency
[6:18 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Correct, which is the role of
the civil service and fine. We are in need to entrepreneurs, risk takers,
creative thinkers and social managers as well.
[6:18 pm, 07/04/2021] +CQ: Yah lor. That's why even DBS
chief is parachuted what
[6:19 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
Well US top entrepreneurs like Facebook,etc are migrants.
In fact many of their top researchers are migrants.
[6:20 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/st-engineering-selected-as-partner-to-produce-prototype-vehicle-for-us-army
[6:20 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Yes they hired people rapidly
from all over the world to fuel their growth
[6:21 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Yes, our engineering is
excellent. The school system was devised for engineering as SG needed to build
and grow.
[6:22 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Maths science and English
[6:22 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
Same as Singapore.
Even China with 1.4 billion cannot depends on their own
nationals.
They need researchers from other countries.
Eg. Semiconductor, fighter planes engine, commercial planes
etc.
[6:22 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Ok, that is not what the
education debate is about though, unless the intention is to provide engineers
for the world?
[6:32 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
Well many civil servants, MPs, ex-Ministers from overseas
also studying in our school, Universities or trained in our civil service
college.
[6:34 pm, 07/04/2021] +Rama: great
[6:34 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/malaysia-syed-saddiq-singapore-nus-lkyspp-muar-muda-14535692
Malaysia ex-Minister take course in NUS - and interact with
Singapore civil service and our Ministers.
[6:36 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心:
Even superpower China send their senior civil servants to be
trained in our civil service college.
[6:36 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️
Danny 心: http://www.china.org.cn/english/2002/Jul/36977.htm
China, Singapore to Cooperate in Training Senior Civil
Servants
[6:46 pm, 07/04/2021] +REACH: Dear Contributors,
⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰
Thank
you very much for being part of our WhatsApp chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan
[6:46
pm, 07/04/2021] +Bobby Tan: Good night Megan
[6:48 pm, 07/04/2021] ☸️ Danny 心:
Oh and a doctor.
[6:50 pm, 07/04/2021] +Alvin Lim: Gdnite Megan
[6:57 pm, 07/04/2021] +Dan: Rush curriculum. Bo pian~ I
empathise.
[6:58 pm, 07/04/2021] +Dan: Many teachers play facilitation
role now. Gone are the days teacher teach students learn.
[6:59 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: ��
[6:59
pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Yes, a study on enrichment use would be interesting
[6:59
pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: How many students and how their grades compare
[7:00
pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Teachers say its hard to teach because because range is
wide. Kids doing enrichment are ahead of the curriculum.
[7:00
pm, 07/04/2021] +REACH: Dear Contributors,
We will
be closing the chat for today.
Thank
you very much for being part of our WhatsApp chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan
[7:00 pm, 07/04/2021] +Ben: Night
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