REACH 392 - What are your views on Singapore's efforts to fight scams? How do you think we can better protect Singaporeans from falling prey to scams?

(SK)

31 Aug 2022 (10am - 7pm)

REACH

[9:57 am, 31/08/2022] +REACH: Dear Contributors,

Welcome back! 😊

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

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

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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 😊

[10:00 am, 31/08/2022] +REACH: 📢 Topic 📢 

According to statistics released by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) on 29 Aug (Mon), scams continue to be the main driver of crime in the first half of 2022. 

A total of 14,139 scam cases were reported from Jan-Jun 2022, up from 7,746 cases in the same period last year. This amounted to $227.8 million that has been lost to the top 10 scams in the first half of 2022. 

Job scams, the fifth scam of concern during the same period last year, has risen to become the most prevalent scam type. Phishing scams, e-commerce scams and investment scams also remain of particular concern. 

💬 What are your views on Singapore's efforts to fight scams? How do you think we can better protect Singaporeans from falling prey to scams?

Scams are typically difficult to investigate and prosecute, especially since that 90 per cent of scams originate from overseas, SPF added that scammers are also usually part of organised criminal groups, and run sophisticated transnational operations, which are not easy to detect or dismantle. These scammers are also well-resourced, and adept at using technology to cover their trackers. 

Nonetheless, the Government has taken steps to protect Singaporeans from scams. For example, more than 24,500 phone numbers, believed to be used in scams, have been blocked by the Scamshield app. The app helps to filter scam messages and block calls from phone numbers that are verified as scam-related.

The Anti Scam Command, set up in March 2022, also continues to disrupt scammers' operations. It has frozen more than 7,800 bank accounts and recovered close to $80 million, around 31.4% of total amount scammed.  

"A discerning and well-informed public is the best defence against scams, especially given the increase in scam variants," said SPF, adding that it will continue to work with the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) to conduct public education on scams, especially online where most scams are taking place.

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/2278m-lost-to-top-10-scams-in-first-half-of-2022-as-overall-crime-rises-by-36

👉https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/at-least-781000-lost-in-job-scams-since-april-where-victims-were-told-to-rate-apps

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/anti-scam-app-scamshield-blocks-24500-phone-numbers-51m-smses-reported-on-app

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[10:03 am, 31/08/2022] +SL: Anti Scam Command 👍👏👏, recovered 80mil.

[10:20 am, 31/08/2022] +Uncle Law: First we are too complacent, hence easy fall into scams.

No doubt there is ongoing advisory at lift lobbies or on crimewatch, but usually we ignored.

[11:47 am, 31/08/2022] +REACH: Dear Contributors, 

We’d love to hear MORE FROM YOU on today’s topic! 

💬 What are your views on Singapore's efforts to fight scams? How do you think we can better protect Singaporeans from falling prey to scams?

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

Megan 😊

[1:25 pm, 31/08/2022] +Smiley face: 31 August 2022

To: Our Distinguished Ministers, Our Stakeholders and All Honorable Members

"The Challengers of the Law and the Order (不怕天高地厚)"

"What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others?"

- - Confucius, Analects

When?

The origin meaning of today's 'Conman', in the history of Mankind, is an known acronym the 'Confidence Man'.

These Conmen have proven beyond the benefit of all doubts so much so it have evolved into today's vices, that is more daring to scam or to cheat innocent people off their monies boundaryless!

How?

One way in dealing with these confidence men (or women), besides public educations, stricter laws to clamp down these socially disgusting habits.

Our current laws on cheat or scam are lenient in terms of short jail term and fines. One additional deterrent to these crimes is to legislate caning (single stroke to 6 strokes) as one compulsory punitive and corrective actions across all scammers and cheaters. 

Two, during investigations process, these suspected criminals assets would be frozen from bank accounts (including joint account), up to five years cannot remit (include paylah or paynow or credit card) money within or to foreign nation, properties (including private & public) to CPF account to be put aside for auction to repay victims their hard earned monies.

Three, the counter arguments to enact more punishments may infringe on "human rights" and an advanced society that embraces "second chance" for criminals of all severities? What are the recourse and fairness to the hundreds thousands of victims? They have their basic human rights to consider too? Perhaps, an old Confucius saying, "What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others?". With this simple logic, our current laws need to be stricter and these culprits need to be "painfully" punished!

Where?

Outside of our jurisdiction, it is less hopeful in apprehending and recovering lost monies out of these highly intelligent and sophisticated crime syndicates.

Within our legal territory, our policymakers and stakeholders should discuss and implement  tougher punishments. If stricter laws were to be enacted, confidently, our local scammers or cheaters would think harder before collaborate with international crime groups or in solo attempts to commit these "fast and easy daylight robberies", aka scamming or cheating activities. 

Any leniency towards these unlawful and highly organised activities is a direct challenge of our existing Law and our valuable Order (不怕天高地厚)"!

     - - in progress - -

[1:31 pm, 31/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Why Scams in Singapore are rampant today and has become the main driver of crime in Singapore

1. IT Enabler 

- with our drive to foster Digital Economy as our next development of growth 

- it has given rise to proliferation to IT tech 

- which in turn make international hackers and scammers the mean to cross international boundaries 

- and prey on gullible Singaporeans and residents 

- which will not be possible previously without IT - as scammers have to physically done face-to-face.

- Enablers are IT communication media such as Whatsapp, SMS, phone calls, email, web sites with baiting URL links etc.

2. Financial Hub 

- Singapore is a financial hub that has successfully attract rich individuals to put their money in Singapore for wealth accumulation, live and work in Singapore

- Hence, Singapore become a magnet of financial crime - as this is where the money is

3. Human weakness 

- Human inherently has 3 roots of weakness - Ignorance, Greed and Hatred

- Scammers - prey on 2 roots of weakness - specifically Ignorance and Greed.

- Ignorance - stem from lack of knowledge, fear, insecurity, social interaction desires

- Greed - stem from greed of easy money, promise of high returns

- And hence, love scams, phishing scams, authority threat of prosecution scam, investment scams, friend or relative scams etc --- can be pull off successfully.

- Even companies fall into scams - by paying scammers money on invoices falsely created on legitimate business partners.

[1:36 pm, 31/08/2022] +Uncle Law: In a blunt way, once beaten twice shy. Then we learnt and be more careful

[1:38 pm, 31/08/2022] +Uncle Law: The banks need to continue to educate and remind their customers on safeguarding their assets

[1:45 pm, 31/08/2022] +Poh S. Lim: Agreed

[1:48 pm, 31/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Efforts to tackle scammers

1. As reported, 90% of scams come from overseas - and they are organised, sophisticated scam gangs with indepth knowledge of IT tech, prey on psychological weakness of victims --- to pull off scams crossing international boundaries.

2. As bank transfer can be done electronically and instantaneously across international boundaries - effort to recover the loss and arresting scammers - are very difficult.

3. Hence, scam crimes must be stopped at the "Source".

4. Stopping scam crime at the Source - must be done at 2 fronts :-

a. State front

b. Individual front

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[2:05 pm, 31/08/2022] +RH: Imo, if 90% of such scams originate fr overseas, ther is not much we can do , 

except to work hand-in-hand w international and foreign anti-crime agencies to fight agst such scams and try to recover the monies lost.

However, prosecution and re- transfer of monies bk to another country may also be difficult to enforce / pursue due to different laws in diff countries.

We cannot tell another country wat or how to do their jobs.

Perhaps our local SPF can send their officers overseas for training & also station in tt country (wher the scams r known to perpetuate from)  as a member of their task force. At the same time, to learn how they work scams ther and how to counter it, etc). 

This can be done also on an "exchange" program basis to promote int'l co-operation.

At the same time, we need more Tech-savvy ppl in the back end of our SPF.  Ppl who understand coding and can think how to block or counter potential scammers by breaking their codes.

👆🏻this wud be a pre-emptive move, if it can be done.

Rather than always being three steps behind ...

[2:07 pm, 31/08/2022] +REACH: 📢 Topic 📢 

According to statistics released by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) on 29 Aug (Mon), scams continue to be the main driver of crime in the first half of 2022. 

A total of 14,139 scam cases were reported from Jan-Jun 2022, up from 7,746 cases in the same period last year. This amounted to $227.8 million that has been lost to the top 10 scams in the first half of 2022. 

Job scams, the fifth scam of concern during the same period last year, has risen to become the most prevalent scam type. Phishing scams, e-commerce scams and investment scams also remain of particular concern. 

💬 What are your views on Singapore's efforts to fight scams? How do you think we can better protect Singaporeans from falling prey to scams?

Scams are typically diffic…

[2:09 pm, 31/08/2022] +RH: As for us in the general popn, wat can I say ... ?

🤦🏼‍♀️ther r those who gv in to Greed ...

🤦🏼‍♀️ther r those who r curious ...

🤦🏼‍♀️ther r those who r illiterate ...

🤦🏼‍♀️ther r those who r just plain ignorant ... 

... and the list goes on ... 

So, such scams wl nvr end as long as ther r such ppl ard us.

[2:10 pm, 31/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

State Front to stop Scam Crime

1. State play a very important role of stopping scam crime - as scam crime are done from 2 fronts :-

a. IT tech front

b. Financial front

IT Tech Front

1. IT tech is beyond the means of many commoners - which explain why State need to play an important role to prevent, detect and stop scammers exploiting IT.

Eg.

a. Scammers send SMS and Whatsapp with URL links to the phishing websites 

- State need telcos help to block URL links from SMS

- State need to provide anti-scam mechanism - eg. ScamShield for iOS smartphone, and the coming launch of ScamShield for Android smartphone to be announced in next month.

- + sign to international calls by Telcos - to warn public not to pick up such calls as they are likely to be scammers

b. Actively blocking of suspected scamming websites - by Telcos firewall, proxies, content filtering.

c. Awareness programme, Education to the public on scamming technique, Crimewatch, posters etc.

d. Setting up of Anti-Scam unit and command centre - staff by IT experts, banks personnel and commercial police - to detect, prevent, protect and stop suspected scam at the source .

2. In this aspect, the State has done pretty well to educate, prevent, detect and stop the scam crime.

-----

[2:54 pm, 31/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Financial Front

1. At the financial front, Bank staff will need to be particularly alert to detect and block suspicious financial activities - that could be scam.

2. If banks and the State can work together using AI, data analytics - to pick up suspicious financial activities that are related to scam - whether through true-positive, true-negative, false-positive or false-negative ---- then it will be very helpful to sieve our scams activities in bank transfer and bank transaction - so that any such financial transaction can be stopped before transfer happens.

3. Process, procedure such as kill switch, delay transfer, delay changing of transfer limit, new transferee etc ---- will help to delay, spot, detect, prevent or stop scam.

4. State by working on the IT tech front and Financial front ---- will be able to sieve out most "Contact points" reaching the public ---- and less public will be subjected to scam efforts by the scammers.

5. But State cannot ensure zero scam crime by its own efforts ---- as Individuals need to be able to detect and prevent themselves from falling into scam.

If individuals can spot and prevent themselves from falling into scams - in the event some scam efforts manage to penetrate State draconian efforts from the IT tech front and financial front - to block and sieve out scam coming from abroad.

-----

[3:17 pm, 31/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Individual Efforts needed to stop scam crime

1. Individuals need to be very "street smart".

a. Any attempts by people that are strangers to us ---- is a "red alert" that ring in our mind ---- whenever we received a call or sms or whatsapp or telegrams or email - from unknown sources.

In fact, I will assigned 99% rating to such calls or message --- as "Untrusted and Dangerous" ---- which I will reject such call with + sign, messages from whatsapp, telegrams, sms or email ----- to block as spam.

b. Any calls from local (without + sign), or messages from Whatsapp, or SMS or email - that look like legitimate sources such as Government or Business organisations eg. MOH, CPF, SPF etc or commercial organisations or individuals --- I will assigned 80% as untrusted --- and I will check, verify, double confirm from official sources ---- to determine whether they are legitimate.

c. Any calls or messages - that touches on individual credentials, bank credentials --- anything to do with money ----- will ring "a BIG RED RED Alert bell" --- and I will usually cut short my conversation ---- check, verify, double confirm from official sources.

d. I will as far as possible refrain from doing any monetary transaction, giving away of login, access, and security credentials such as passwords, otp etc on the web --- when dealing with any strangers --- no matter how legitimate they sound ---- without doing check, verify, double confirm from official sources.

e. I will never be bait by investment ads - that advertised good return from investment and online investment web pages --- even though the web sites look like legitimate banks, financial institutions.

Better to visit the physical banks, offical websites, legitimate agents and never make payment online from the web page. 

Make payment separately by visiting the banks, financial institutions or go separately to the official websites to make payment.

2. Individuals should never be attracted and bait by web advertised site that promise good returns, easy money, calls or messages from unsolicited sources, play games that give away user credentials, bank credentials, or answer or respond to any unsolicited calls or messages.

Any calls to ask for money or bank info. ---- is a "Big Alarm Bell" --- highly likely to be scam.

3. Never click on unsolicited URL links, fill up online forms with users credentials or bank credentials, scan QR code, take part in lucky draws or prizes that give away user and bank credentials etc.

4. This will go a long way to prevent individuals from being scam - by reining in on Individual greed, Ignorance, fear, insecurity, love, sexual gratification, easy money, high return.

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[3:22 pm, 31/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Lastly, once Android ScamShield is ready, State should broadcast and encourage the public to download and install the apps in the smartphone.

Hopefully cc can organise roadshow to help elderly to install the ScamShield - like vaccination efforts - as many gullible elderly are the target of scammers.

[3:37 pm, 31/08/2022] +Smiley face: 5 years' jail for man behind 'largest e-commerce fraud by an individual' in Singapore

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/5-years-jail-for-man-behind-largest-e-commerce-fraud-by-an-individual-in-singapore

[3:38 pm, 31/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Another thing, why CPF insist CPF members to do online bank transfer to do CPF contribution?

Why CPF don't accept cheques - which are more proof from online scam.

[3:41 pm, 31/08/2022] +Rama: Minister OYK I believe is heading a task force to di away with physical cheques by end 2025 since more than five years ago . This is in line with certain Scandinavian/Norwich countries.

[4:00 pm, 31/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Many transaction are still carry out using cheques.

Online bank transfer is the largest source of scam fraud today.

[4:02 pm, 31/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Banks also are using cashier order - which are scam proof.

[4:05 pm, 31/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

In fact, if all payments to overseas are make on cashier order, cheques - instead of online bank transfer - then most scams can be stopped on time - and can be recovered.

Convenience of bank transfer - means it facilitates scammers to easily scam big sum of money easily.

[4:05 pm, 31/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Especially overseas transaction.

[4:07 pm, 31/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Payment should not make it so easy.

E-commerce transaction can make it easy to facilitate business.

Payment should have additional mechanism to prevent online scamming.

[4:12 pm, 31/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

In fact, State should consider digital cashier order or digital cheques to make payment oversea that requires clearing house to clear.

With this additional checking mechanism - overseas scamming can be greatly stopped or reduced.

Online bank transfer for overseas payment should then be discouraged - and will stop most overseas scamming.

Why make online payment to overseas scammers so easy?

[4:14 pm, 31/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Especially for overseas payment it is almost impossible to recover?

[4:22 pm, 31/08/2022] +Mohamed Fawzi Ali: On my way.

[4:26 pm, 31/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

I believe the overhead cost of clearing cheques dwarf the money scam from overseas.

[4:32 pm, 31/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

I believe legitimate business, overseas business partners and individuals - won't mind the additional cheque clearing house cost and a few days wait to receive their payment - rather than being scam.

I certainly don't mind the wait for a few days to receive my payment - because of the additional safeguard that my monetary transaction is safe and not being scam by scammers.

[4:35 pm, 31/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Previously when there are no internet online bank transfer - hardly heard of people being scam with big money as people used cheques and cashier orders.

Now scam through online bank transfer become big time - running up to few hundred million of dollars.

[4:39 pm, 31/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

1. Suggest government in ASEAN financial meeting, G20, etc propose all overseas payment through online bank transfer will be automatically converted into digital cheques or digital cashier orders - that international clearing house need to clear before payment - to stem international scam.

[4:41 pm, 31/08/2022] +Rama: Agree

[4:41 pm, 31/08/2022] +Rama: Good point

[5:39 pm, 31/08/2022] +REACH: 📢 Topic 📢 

According to statistics released by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) on 29 Aug (Mon), scams continue to be the main driver of crime in the first half of 2022. 

A total of 14,139 scam cases were reported from Jan-Jun 2022, up from 7,746 cases in the same period last year. This amounted to $227.8 million that has been lost to the top 10 scams in the first half of 2022. 

Job scams, the fifth scam of concern during the same period last year, has risen to become the most prevalent scam type. Phishing scams, e-commerce scams and investment scams also remain of particular concern. 

💬 What are your views on Singapore's efforts to fight scams? How do you think we can better protect Singaporeans from falling prey to scams?

Scams are typically diffic…

[5:41 pm, 31/08/2022] +Smiley face: Regarding a joint effort by ASEAN in addressing these transitional crimes, one statistics to consider that is, there are still an estimated 290 million unbanked adults in the ASEAN.

[6:44 pm, 31/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Digital cheques - user must sign.

Scammers cannot sign - how to transfer and successfully scam?

So digital cheques are scam-proof.

Online bank transfer is not scam-proof.

[6:45 pm, 31/08/2022] +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 😊

[6:59 pm, 31/08/2022] +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 😊

=====

REACH 391 - What are your views on the progressive wage model (PWM)? How can we ensure wage structures remain fair and competitive, in the midst of the global economic challenges?

(SK)

29 Aug 2022 (10am - 7pm)

REACH

[9:45 am, 29/08/2022] +REACH: Dear Contributors,

Welcome back! 😊

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Full set of Terms of Use: https://go.gov.sg/reach-whatsapp-terms

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 😊

[10:05 am, 29/08/2022] +REACH: 📢 Topic 📢 

The National Wages Council (NWC) will convene on Sept 1 to come up with its annual guidelines on wage and employment issues, taking into account the economic recovery over the past year as well as the uncertain global economic outlook. It will cover details for the Progressive Wage Model's (PWM) range of wage growth for lower-income workers. Last year, the council included recommendations from the Tripartite Workgroup on Lower-Wage Workers in its guidelines, such as the range of progressive wage growth for lower-income employees in sectors like cleaning and security.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong also announced last year that PWM would be extended to more sectors, such as retail, food services and waste management, and would cover specific occupations like administrative assistants and drivers across all sectors simultaneously.

💬 What are your views on the progressive wage model (PWM)? How can we ensure wage structures remain fair and competitive, in the midst of the global economic challenges?

FairPrice will be implementing the progressive wage model (PWM) across all its businesses from Thursday (Sept 1), the supermarket chain announced on Sunday.

The move is expected to benefit more than 10,000 non-executive staff - comprising both full-timers and part-timers - across FairPrice Group's businesses, which include FairPrice supermarkets as well as the Foodfare and Kopitiam foodcourts.

The PWM framework will provide its staff with a clearer career pathway to upgrade themselves and become more productive, leading to potentially higher wages, it said in a media statement.

The move will enable them to earn higher wages given the higher cost of living.

👉🏻https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/national-wages-council-to-convene-on-sept-1-to-set-out-details-on-progressive-wage-model-wage-range

👉🏻https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/jobs/fairprice-to-introduce-progressive-wage-model-across-all-its-businesses

-----

[10:46 am, 29/08/2022] +REACH: Dear Contributors, 

We’d love to hear MORE FROM YOU on today’s topic! 

💬 What are your views on the progressive wage model (PWM)? How can we ensure wage structures remain fair and competitive, in the midst of the global economic challenges?

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

Megan 😊

[10:52 am, 29/08/2022] +jimmy chew: It worked for some but not for others because I heard that the company indicated there is no position for the higher wage, if you want to work then take the lower one if not we cannot accept you. I think the company mentality has to change.

[10:54 am, 29/08/2022] +Smiley face: 29 August, 2022

To: Our Distinguished Leaders, Our Experts and All Honorable Members

"Rainy Days and Mondays"

Quarterly Reviews:

The projection of our current trajectory of inflation may tapers off by Q4.

This projection, hopefully, will be a reality by end of the year. Going into Q1 to Q2 -2023, there is a greater needs to review each quarter starting Q1 onwards for the entire 2023.

The rational as at today is that the global 'pandemic' of  inflation will continue and escalate if not accelerate towards doubling today's analytics across the developed countries especially for Europe and the US follow by Asia and the countries in the South America continent.

Seasonal changes from winter to summer (summer to winter) occurs at both half of the earth at sppriximate equal timin. It is such a natural phenomena that the economic of productions will be severely affected given the many lapses of raw materials, labor cruches, hotter and impending wars, and dip in fundings or slow down in investments These are real analytics and it will accelerate to a crunching point whereby supply and demand will crash at each other. 

The ultimate consequences beside inflation will be a bigger shortage of end products whether is edibles, usables or services; that's perhaps why inflation will be around us and persists into several quarters of uncertainties and fluctuation of prices and supplies.

There is no immediate remedy nor there is any 'quick fixing' of these globalisation of dependency! It takes time and time is the ultimate decider in our global village!

     - - in progress - -

[10:54 am, 29/08/2022] +jimmy chew: I heard my friends study for a higher grade but unable to get higher pay. Its like banking previously..mr customer if you want this investment policy your risk level should indicate such.

[10:56 am, 29/08/2022] +jimmy chew: I heard many take courses to upgrade themselves but not able to exercise the own. They have to resign and go to another place. New company won't accept them because they don't have the needful experience eg. Moving from officer grade to supervisor position

[10:56 am, 29/08/2022] +jimmy chew: After saying all the above. It's a good start to change

[10:58 am, 29/08/2022] +jimmy chew: Only issue is that now taking courses is not funded at 90 percent but at 70 percent. Low wage earners have to pay more with no guarantee of moving to the Next pay scale

[10:58 am, 29/08/2022] +SL: Omg

[10:59 am, 29/08/2022] +jimmy chew: I have a friend who has a diploma but is not moved to the pwm scale because no vacancies. Been 5 years

[11:03 am, 29/08/2022] +SL: Just to confirm the “Tapers off” conclusion is based on the projections, of the comments from bankers meeting @ Jackson hole?

[11:05 am, 29/08/2022] +jimmy chew: I also understand that a company has to make money unless their culture changes like those of good HR policies, I feel the PWM is a show . The impact on the work Force would be a farce. It's like investing in a uniform but not able to wear it. On the other hand it's better than talking

[11:05 am, 29/08/2022] +jimmy chew: *Good HR practices of good MNC

[11:08 am, 29/08/2022] +jimmy chew: I am happy that the politicians apply their intelligence to solve the critical covid pandemic and opening up which my overseas friends are praising us. Hope they can apply the same energy on improving income vs profit.

[11:20 am, 29/08/2022] +SL: In capitalism, it is up to the business to decide the payscale against the productivity. Not many actions can be done by politicians for salary other than providing a fair environment, such as the PWM framework.

[11:45 am, 29/08/2022] +RH: *  apologies : I hv qn on prev topic, which I cud not join in due to my work timing clashing w chat *

Can Reach pls clarify , if poss, on the following ...

1. We r opening up to accept Non-Vax workers, due to employee crunch, etc.

2. Our local popn is >90% vax.

3. Those of our remaining 10% Not Vax - are they still not allowed to eat out in public places?

Are some places still practising VDS (vax differentiated safety) measures?

4. Qn : Then how do u differentiate the Non-Vax foreign workers ? 

Like, for example, how wl he be living in the dorm? Wud he not be vulnerable and at great risk to both himself and others?

Who is gg to chk, to enforce rules, if any?

Isn't tt extra and unnecessary work tt we r creating for ourselves?

5. Qn : If our local Unvax 10% is Not Allowed to dine out in public, then how are these Unvax foreign workers any different?  

Wud they be allowed to mingle w the general popn / society ?

Again, how do we chk / enforce?

Isn't tt increasing the risk of spreading Covid , if he gets it? 

Wat if ther are new & more potent variants?

Wud we not be back to Square One?

6. For those hiring FDW to help look after their children / old folks (the so-called vulnerable grps) , isn't employing a Non-Vax FDW increasing the risk even more?

I feel tt ther is a Double Standard here and we are cutting off our nose to spite our face! 

Just when we hv got everything under control, and start to relax some measures like not needing to wear masks, on the the other hand, we should not relax on the Vax rule.

Wat is the point of insisting tt 90% of the popn get vax, then u say it's ok to allow Non-Vax foreign workers in ?

And now u r pushing  us to take the 2nd booster ...

These foreign hires r Not Transient visitors / tourists. They wl work , eat, sleep here, for several years as long as their legal contracts allow them to.

As such, they shd be treated w the same rules as our local popn.

Our island is very small.

We can only accommodate so many people without things getting out of hand again.

Look at China - they r so many times larger than us - yet they r sticking fast to their Zero-C+ policy and not letting up.

Why r we then, tho smaller by comparison, and yet hv managed well so far, allowing ourselves to backtrack on our policy on Non-Vax and open a new can of worms for the future? 

I know we hv a labour crunch. But as a country, we shd continue to be resilient. We shd stick to our guns if a certain policy is seen to be the right thing to do - in this case, Do Not allow Unvax foreign workers - to protect ourselves as a nation.

We hv put our foot down on other matters of greater importance.

So, if we hv to wait a little longer for more workers to help complete tt roadwork / housing project, or look after tt vulnerable elderly or send tt child to kinder, so be it.

As with everything else, ppl adapt , ppl wl comply , and tt will be the new norm.

Because tt is now how things shd work. We can't go back to the way it used to be. Get with it! 

😳😳

That's all I hv to get off my chest.

Tq, all .

[11:47 am, 29/08/2022] +RH: Pls clarify as I m puzzled and confused over this policy of allowing Non-Vax foreign workers in.

If u do , then it is no different from allowing our local Non-Vax popn to dine in public etc & biz places shd also not differentiate any more.

Double standards shd not apply.

[0:36 pm, 29/08/2022] +Smiley face: 29 August, 2022

"Where are the Voices?"

PWM model:

The assumption that this PWM  model should covers all low paying jobs, especially in the case of a SOLE breadwinner. What many people classified this group as our vulnerable 'working class' citizens ( excluding PRs and others)

How to qualify and quantify jobs that need immediate attentions, interventions and hopefully sooner in adjusting upwards to 10% pay rise, these LOWER paying jobs?

Today Singapore, if one earns $100 daily ($3,000/ per month) and needs to feed a family of 3 to 4 person's,  is a low paying job.

How to afford, be able and budget in spending from daily to  mouth-to-mouth?

Perhaps, both policymakers and employers will have to discuss heart to heart what are their expectations when pa…

[1:43 pm, 29/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Macro perspective - why the need for PWM framework

To understand why the need for PWM framework - we will first have to understand the macro perspective that drive this initiative.

1. Globalisation has benefited many Countries as it has bring about economic growth that contribute to the wealth of entrepreneurs, business, managers and professionals as well as the Government from tax collecton and Sovereign investment. 

2. But the wealth are unevenly distributed - as those who are directly involved in the Globalisation - such as business, investors, managers, professionals that handle or dealt with the projects or business will be rewarded including the Government.

3. Hence many lower-middle or lower income groups - could be left out of the globalisation.

4. As a result, income inequaltiy will arise - where the rich get richer and the poor remain poor --- as the poor are left out from the benefits of the globalisation --- that have cause many people of these groups get disenchanted - and tear at the social fabric of the Society as can be seen in many Advanced Countries such as US, EU etc - and lead to political instability and the rapid changing of government.

5. Hence, there will be a need to redistribute wealth in an Economy that have benefied from the Globalisation to ensure :-

a. Uplifiting the income of lower and lower-middle income group - to ensure these groups also benefited from the Globalisation and are not left out --- to address big income inequaltiy.

b. With high imported inflation - due to food supply chain disruption and global supply chain disruption triggered by pandemic, climate conditions, protectionism, geopolitical tussling that lead to financial, economic, technology decoupling - the demand for wage growth become imperative.

c. Need to ensure social cohesion, internal unity, inclusiveness social and economic well-being of each family household - that are translated to mutual prosperity, wealth redistribution and happiness.

d. Need to cement stable Governance - to win votes -  and ensure continuous and stable Government.

6. Hence recent policies that focus on ensuring inclusiveness such as :-

a. Amenities and Job Employment of physical disabilites

b. Measures to address mental disabilites

c. Addressing section 377A.

d. PWM for lower income workers.

--- are meant to address point (5).

[2:01 pm, 29/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Business Perspective - how PWM will affect Business

1. PWM is not just "Minimum Wages" a hardline policy that dictate minimum wages for all industrial sectors ---- and all business are force to comply to pay the dictated wages - even though no increase in economic output.

Hence Minimum Wages will drive up business cost without productivity gain (ie. no additional output gain that correspond to the higher minimum wage) - and make our business uncompetitive, drive up business cost due to wage-induced cost and will thus translated into wage-induced inflation - as business will charge higher products or services price to consumers like us.

2. PWM - as the name suggest "Progressive Wage Model" - is a framework that make up of progressive steps - for low income workers to upgrade their skillsets, handle automation or mechanisation and productivity tools to produce more output per worker and thus pay higher wages for each incremental steps - and  ensure no or minimal increase in business cost - even though salary has been increase for a particular worker to every progressive step the worker achieve in productivity growth.

That is, one worker can produce 2 or more workers' output with slight increase in salary under the PWM progressive step --- and thus will not increase the business cost (as business will not have to employ more workers - hence pay more salaries to produce the same output).

Hence product or service price - will not need to increase - to cover the business cost due to higher productivity - which will benefit the consumers like us ---- in a perfect situation.

[2:01 pm, 29/08/2022] +REACH: 📢 Topic 📢 

The National Wages Council (NWC) will convene on Sept 1 to come up with its annual guidelines on wage and employment issues, taking into account the economic recovery over the past year as well as the uncertain global economic outlook. It will cover details for the Progressive Wage Model's (PWM) range of wage growth for lower-income workers. Last year, the council included recommendations from the Tripartite Workgroup on Lower-Wage Workers in its guidelines, such as the range of progressive wage growth for lower-income employees in sectors like cleaning and security.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong also announced last year that PWM would be extended to more sectors, such as retail, food services and waste management, and would cover specific occupations like administrative assistants and drivers across all sectors simultaneously.

💬 What are your views on the progressive wage model (PWM)? How can we ensure wage structures remain fair and competitive, in the midst of the global economic challenges?

FairPrice will be implementing the progressive wage model (PWM) across all its businesses from Thursday (Sept 1), the supermarket chain announced on Sunday.

The move is expected to benefit more than 10,000 non-executive staff - comprising both full-timers and part-timers - across FairPrice Group's businesses, which include FairPrice supermarkets as well as the Foodfare and Kopitiam foodcourts.

The PWM framework will provide its staff with a clearer career pathway to upgrade themselves and become more productive, leading to potentially higher wages, it said in a media statement.

The move will enable them to earn higher wages given the higher cost of living.

👉🏻https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/national-wages-council-to-convene-on-sept-1-to-set-out-details-on-progressive-wage-model-wage-range

👉🏻https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/jobs/fairprice-to-introduce-progressive-wage-model-across-all-its-businesses

[2:31 pm, 29/08/2022] +Smiley face: The upgrading of related or new skills can occur concurrently or defer when the training course or schedule fits both the worker and the company. Who pays for absence at workplace during these upgrade courses and how much a company needs to pay for the course fees?

Examples:

Grocery store helps or cashier be paid $11-$12 hourly on a five days workweek or 44 work hours?

Public cleaners salary to increase by 10% effective by Q4?

Low grade office helps or admin worker or dispatch rider too?

Are we able to implement an increase of wages across the identified low paying jobs sooner while waiting for upgrading of skills to happen?

These workers understand their limitations in terms of education levels and their future prospects. It is timely now to increase theirs wages to encourage them to think positively and we the public are behind everyone of them, that's to elevate their income and esteem too.

     - - in progress - -

[2:49 pm, 29/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

3. From the business point of views, business with greater resources such as large enterprise like Government linked organisations, MNCs, Large Enterprises that have more manpower, financial strength - will be able to send lower income workers to skill upgrade, embark on automation, mechanisation and productivity tools.

Hence, implementing PWM framework in such Enterprises will not be too much an obstacle - and will likely to succeed - and will be able to achieve the productivity growth from the PWM framework and hence able to pay higher wages to low income workers with each progressive step achieved.

4. Small and Medium Enterprises - that are tighter in manpower and financial resources will have more difficulties in embracing PWM framework - to give timeoff to lower income staff for training, pay for the training course and finance automation, mechanisation and productivity tools - as SMEs struggle to survive in the challenging business environment.

Hence Government and the corresponding SME business association will need to work closely to understand SMEs pain points, provide targeted assistances - in terms of financial help, technical assistance, manpower assistance, policy adjustment such as Government procurement tender that not just focus on the lowest cost - but also other tender evaluation criteria that include meeting PWM framework and not just the lowest cost.

5. It is also of vital important to ensure PWM will indeed lead to tangible, measurable economic output and productivity growth -- and not be reduced into "a  disguised Minimum Wage - without Productivity Growth".

Else it will make our Economy uncompetitive - as compare to Global competition - whereby business discover the wage growth are not commensurate with output and productive growth - and hence business may move out of our Economy to a lower cost Countries or more productive Economies - then we will start to lose jobs as business flow out.

In addition, consumers like us will be force to pay even higher price products and services - on top of the current runaway global inflation exceeding 4% - as a result of the "disguised minimum wages" instead of real "progressive wage model" that correspond to productivity growth.

6. Only then our PWM will succeed - not only for larger enterprises, but also for SMEs - as well as for low income workers that can earn higher salaries and consumers like us - that will not have to pay higher prices for goods and services ---- as there are genuine measurable, tangible productivity growth.

-----

[2:50 pm, 29/08/2022] +Ah Heng: in short take 2 hands to clap (1) wants to earn profit (2) wants to earn living, common factor both want to get the greatest possible rewards human greed and not needs nowadays

[2:50 pm, 29/08/2022] +Ah Heng: so it will be the world we live in now

[2:50 pm, 29/08/2022] +Ah Heng: where 2 parties will up a piece of meat

[2:51 pm, 29/08/2022] +Ah Heng: human already cannot co live with each other, many are out to kill each other for the benefit of one self

[3:09 pm, 29/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Remaining groups to be addressed - in line of Inclusivity

1. After addressing all the inclusivity of the Society - which include low income workers through PWM, physical disable, mental disable and Section 377A - the remaining groups that are left out - are the retirees and the unemployed.

2. Unemployed - can find jobs for them or train-and-place - not too much of an issue.

3. Retirees - who left the workforce - live on their savings - but sustaining inflation pressure from all sides ----- will need to be addressed.

Ideas and policies need to be generated --- to either monetised retiree savings to cope with the higher inflation or targeted assistance will be required.

[3:26 pm, 29/08/2022] +Valli: Basic Caregivers in hospitals are also underpaid. These workers pay are in the low range.

[3:44 pm, 29/08/2022] +Smiley face: 29 August, 2022

"The rich are discontented no less than the poor. The poor man would become millionaire and the millionaire, a multi-millionaire."

- - Gandhi

"Competitive, Profitable and Costings"

Competitive:

For upgrading of skills to a higher level of proficiency is another paradigm to attain and attainable. Example of a grocery helps improve to become a group leader will yield higher wage. Same for a group leader in a public cleaning environment. Any other chances to up the ladder of improvement to increase one's earning power and greater use of his or her abilities? Will job enlargement and more responsibilities qualified for such improvement courses and company more willing to pay higher salary to these improved efficiencies?

Profitable & Costings:

Together with other costings from rental to materials will addon to the balance sheet of businesses. It is not about Cost (and scales), it is more than costing itself. Will businesses generate greater outputs to meet their streams of revenue and hopefully a profit, this is a must: Profitable and competitive.

Going into the future, the idea of a 4 days work week will have significant impacts on productivity and competency, that's if the world transit into such shorter workweek? Will salary and benefits be compromised or status quo?

Will a nation's competitive advantage over other nations erodes, from short to mid-term?

     - - in progress - -

[4:10 pm, 29/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: Rich pay to the poor whom work for boss. Poor service to the boss.

Poor can become rich when they were young start investing at risky

[4:12 pm, 29/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: It’s rather than being show off luxury.

Stay humble life and spent own happiness family.

[4:13 pm, 29/08/2022] +REACH: Singapore to launch new work pass to attract global top talent; $30k monthly pay among criteria

A new work pass - the Overseas Networks and Expertise (One) Pass - will be introduced from Jan 1 next year, to attract top talent across all sectors.

Applicants will need to earn a fixed monthly salary of $30,000 and above, which is comparable to the top 5 per cent of Employment Pass (EP) holders.

More https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/jobs/singapore-to-launch-new-work-pass-to-attract-global-top-talent-30k-monthly-pay-among-criteria

[4:22 pm, 29/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Wah

[4:23 pm, 29/08/2022] +Ken Loh: 30k is C level 😅

[4:23 pm, 29/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: Easy money $30k income per annual $360k so rich

[4:23 pm, 29/08/2022] +Lock or BL: If people are bringing that kind of money in, that's great for Singapore economy, frankly. They aren't taking jobs away, they are bringing money in.

[4:24 pm, 29/08/2022] +Lock or BL: With that comes all the associated needs - nice office, support staff, transport, food etc etc

[4:24 pm, 29/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: 5 years total $1.8m

[4:24 pm, 29/08/2022] +Lock or BL: and they pay quite a bit of tax too, plus GST!

[4:24 pm, 29/08/2022] +Lock or BL: I suspect there won't be many that come in, but it makes a good headline.

[4:24 pm, 29/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: Foreigner is called skill level

[4:31 pm, 29/08/2022] +Ah Heng: 30k to skill level is nothing

[4:31 pm, 29/08/2022] +Ah Heng: a manager in finan industry from uk including housing is already drawing close to 25k about 6 years ago

[4:31 pm, 29/08/2022] +Ah Heng: what is 30k now

[4:37 pm, 29/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: Well here this question

[4:37 pm, 29/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: To apply for the new pass, applicants will need to earn $30,000 and above. Overseas candidates with no recent employment history in Singapore also need to show that they have worked, or will be working for an established company, with a market cap of at least US$500 million or annual revenue of US$200 million.

[4:40 pm, 29/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: Must higher position CEO, CFO or tech support

[4:40 pm, 29/08/2022] +Ken Loh: If I can work direct under them… lol would be the best training I ever had

[4:41 pm, 29/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: 😂 it would be

[4:41 pm, 29/08/2022] +Ken Loh: 20% will be 6k Liao… just have to learn a bit lol 😆

[4:42 pm, 29/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Maybe that should I understand be part of the criteria, giving something back to the community (not just cash)

[4:43 pm, 29/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Maybe need a local intern or assistant

[4:43 pm, 29/08/2022] +Ken Loh: 3 to 5 years under such people would be more than training any university can give you

[4:44 pm, 29/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: They must be completed PhD education level and experience

[4:45 pm, 29/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Err phd not really…

[4:45 pm, 29/08/2022] +Ken Loh: PhD don’t equal to high pay 😅

[4:46 pm, 29/08/2022] +SL: The position under them would probably be regional or area responsibility, head or specialist in an area such as international trade, marketing, and customer support.

[4:47 pm, 29/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: Must have a good direct leader

[4:48 pm, 29/08/2022] +SL: Researchers with intellectual properties registered maybe

[4:48 pm, 29/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Intern leh… different

[4:49 pm, 29/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Limited roles available and you need law related diploma on top of your phd

[4:49 pm, 29/08/2022] +SL: Per year salary I think the intern..

[4:50 pm, 29/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: After complete intern they must be good pay

[4:50 pm, 29/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Not always…

[4:51 pm, 29/08/2022] +SL: Not a lot, Chief Technology Officer etc

[4:51 pm, 29/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Phd really hard to find jobs… but depends on your phd and your specialties

[4:52 pm, 29/08/2022] +SL: In normal circumstances, if pay 60k immediate after turn permanent already consider good pay

[4:52 pm, 29/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Phd, Life sci Nus is 4 plus to 5.5k last time I know.. 3 years back

[4:52 pm, 29/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Eg. Of real productivity growth that are measurable in tangible output.

1. Previously NTUC fairprice checkout counter is serviceable by cashier.

If a queue of 10 person - the cashier will need to scan every person item by item.

The check out time is 10 time.

2. But after implantation of self checkout counters, 1 staff manage 10 self checkout counters done by 10 customers - doing parallel checkout.

3. Now the throughout is 10 time faster then a cashier check out counter then can only do it sequentially.

4. Hence productivity of 1 staff has increase by 10 fold.

5. This is what I mean by tangible, measurable productivity growth in terms of output.

6. Hence paying higher salary to 1 staff that can do the job of 10 staff - business cost did not increase - but productivity increases and output increases.

[4:53 pm, 29/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Phd only Singapore and a few countries pays well…

Most countries phd and degree not much difference 😅

[4:53 pm, 29/08/2022] +SL: PhD with research in advance material, green energy, nuclear physics, AI, Robotic maybe

[4:53 pm, 29/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Degree in computer science easily more than 5 to 6k 

No need phd

[4:54 pm, 29/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Average 4.5 and above

[4:55 pm, 29/08/2022] +SL: Phq more changes given by hr, same pay with phd vs bachelor degree. Value for money from company perspective.

[4:56 pm, 29/08/2022] +SL: I m.refeting to the same working experience in this example.

[4:57 pm, 29/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Not all phd are created equal… trust me… I seen rubbish phd around even for NUS and NTU

[5:27 pm, 29/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

1. Hence a minimum wage policy without the corresponding productivity growth - will be more serious than GST increase of 2% - because the wage-induced inflation will be far higher - and will adversely impact the consumer prices.

2. Hence it is important to factor in measurable tangible productivity growth and output into the PWM framework - to ensure it will not trigger a wage-induced inflation (which essentially become a disguised minimum wage policy - that meet the social needs of high wages - but misfire on the economic front - making our business less competitive and making consumer pay for higher prices on top of the runaway inflation).

[5:29 pm, 29/08/2022] +Boon: It is needed. There’s little other choices. Sg cost of living needs to be addressed. Wage and salary increases cannot be the only tool - and are not long term fixes - to allow people more affordable daily lives and society.

[5:29 pm, 29/08/2022] +Boon: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/workers-work-employment-pass-foreign-manpower-tan-see-leng-2906656

[6:04 pm, 29/08/2022] +Smiley face: Higher Value Chain:

Potential unicorn or becoming an unicorn or HNWFB, FDI or MNC, these are high salary jobs. Relocation of talents to Singapore is another chance to tape into this hot contest of talents, especially in technologies sector of tomorrows.

What other benefits to attract these needed talents? A preferential tax breaks for the first 2 years and incremental tax there after - employer?  employee?

[6:07 pm, 29/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: Can I have standard level with those whom are high pay job. Even I am not a skill would mindful that can I join company are unnecessarily required?

[6:07 pm, 29/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: But contributions are much support economy and willing to take level skill

[6:28 pm, 29/08/2022] +Smiley face: https://youtu.be/dsQPD9L1f-I

[6:45 pm, 29/08/2022] +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 😊

[6:52 pm, 29/08/2022] +Joseph Yap: I support PWM.

Periodic review every 3 years to ensure wage structures remain fair amidst the high inflation environment. 

Mandatory training budget (minimum dollar per worker) to be set aside for service sector workers to promote reskilling and upgrading.

[6:56 pm, 29/08/2022] +SL: Other than providing a fair ground for salaried staff for an industry, NTUC maybe can provide training and legal advice if required. Wage is primarily affected by the demand and supply of labor, the industry, and its supporting industry perspective.

[6:57 pm, 29/08/2022] +SL: A company might not provide Continue training if profit drops.

[6:58 pm, 29/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Majority of the students in school still wear masks.

Except some students who choose not to wear masks in school.

Good that students are given the choice to wear or not.

[7:00 pm, 29/08/2022] +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 😊

=====

REACH 390 - What are your views on our efforts to be a more disability-inclusive society? How can we encourage Singaporeans to be more empathetic in the workplace, as well as companies to leverage on people with disabilities as a vital talent pool?

(SK)

26 Aug 2022 (10am - 7pm)

REACH

[9:47 am, 26/08/2022] +REACH: 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://go.gov.sg/reach-whatsapp-terms

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 😊

[10:00 am, 26/08/2022] +REACH: 📢 Topic📢

At the Inclusive Business Forum 2022, DPM Lawrence Wong, in his opening speech, called on companies to do more to be disability-inclusive while tapping on the Government's assistance. He noted that the Government is also looking at other ways to build a more inclusive society for people with disabilities, such as helping with the costs, better assurance for caregivers, and making it easier to provide for long-term needs.

 💬 What are your views on our efforts to be a more disability-inclusive society? How can we encourage Singaporeans to be more empathetic in the workplace, as well as companies to leverage on people with disabilities as a vital talent pool?

DPM Wong noted the Enabling Masterplan 2030 released last week, where the Government set a target of achieving an employment rate of 40 per cent for PWDs, an increase from the 30 per cent currently. 

To support the employability of PWDs, the Government already offsets up to 20 per cent of their wages through the Enabling Employment Credit and defrays up to 90 per cent of the cost of workplace modifications and equipment to help companies accommodate PWDs' unique needs.

SG Enable is an agency dedicated to enabling persons with disabilities. They provided accreditation to companies with the Enabling mark, to recognize their efforts towards a disability-inclusive environment. Companies can also tap on SG Enable for a variety of services, from job-matching and training to job redesign and grant support.

👉https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/lawrence-wong-forward-singapore-better-support-people-disabilities-2899521

👉https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/companies-play-the-most-important-role-in-hiring-people-with-disabilities-says-lawrence-wong

👉https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/lawrence-wong-launches-forward-spore-to-set-out-roadmap-for-a-society-that-benefits-many-not-a-few

----

[10:37 am, 26/08/2022] +Poh S. Lim: I work in the field of international standards. In the course of best practices for BCM (Business Continuity Management) one of the areas is safe emergency evacuations. And one of the areas I have seen is that emergency evacuations of premises has to take into account egress for disabled people. Are there any standards applied here for businesses and public areas which address this?

[10:39 am, 26/08/2022] +Smiley face: 26 August, 2022

Good morning everyone!

"Inclusiveness includes all walks of life"

- - unknown

Roadmap:

To include someone in a group or an activity needs time and die hard efforts in doing so.

Inclusiveness covers all spectrum of a Society from school, community to coworkers. It needs a broader base of acceptances and beliefs in order to succeed any initiative whether is a micro project or a mega drive!

It is not about when it will happens, it is about timing and chances (时机和机会) to slip these two deciders and achieve any intend and results.

Meantime, it is an exceptional (特殊的) idea in a developmental stage.

     - - in progress - -

[10:41 am, 26/08/2022] +65 9739 7222: Scdf fire code 2018 - Clause 2.4 Special Requirements For Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)

[10:42 am, 26/08/2022] +SL: I think the rest of the agencies have the guideline for PWD too

[10:42 am, 26/08/2022] +Poh S. Lim: Thank you SL. That would address the infrastructure part, but I hope companies/ organization would address them in their evacuation procedures as well.

[10:44 am, 26/08/2022] +SL: HR or the fire safety manager + assistant fire safety manager and their cert management group usually draft the evacuation route according to the fire code and do the drill annually.

[10:45 am, 26/08/2022] +SL: You are welcome

[10:53 am, 26/08/2022] +SL: BCA had published guidelines/codes for Accessibility & Universal Design.

[10:54 am, 26/08/2022] +Smiley face: Like Poh and SL inputs...

How about targeting our disabled workers to WFM as a start and move on to the physical offices when timings are rite?

Secondly, it would be a faster match and fit for the ENABLE TEAM SG to identify and introduce jobs to our targeted group s- employer & potential employees.

[10:55 am, 26/08/2022] +Smiley face: Idea of micro and transit into an macro physical environment.

[11:39 am, 26/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

1. Important to get a pool of organisations who are willing to join the disabilities employment program.

2. Education and training to be provided to disable persons to educate and train in skills needed by the organisation.

3. Do placement upon graduation.

4. Companies in the program can use government grants to modify infrastructure to be disable friendly.

5. The key is, there must a job employment program for the disabled - and promote to organisation to enrol.

6. Government agencies, GLCs can also take the lead to enroll in such program - to act as catalysts.

[0:46 pm, 26/08/2022] +REACH: Dear Contributors, 

We’d love to hear MORE FROM YOU on today’s topic! 

💬 What are your views on our efforts to be a more disability-inclusive society? How can we encourage Singaporeans to be more empathetic in the workplace, as well as companies to leverage on people with disabilities as a vital talent pool?

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

Megan 😊

[0:56 pm, 26/08/2022] +Smiley face: Start showcasing real examples of implemented situations whereby employer and our disabled workers working well, let Straits Times lead/report these successful stories during SUNDAY TIMES!

[0:58 pm, 26/08/2022] +SL: Maybe a movement is required to kickstart the momentum for an awareness campaign or education project.

[1:00 pm, 26/08/2022] +Smiley face: Weekly "lunch with me"

Employee and employer, together  in these Sunday featured successful stories.... that's inclusive, insightful and real world settings too!

[1:00 pm, 26/08/2022] +Eunice Chia: Everyone takes time to train for a job, so for PWDs who are studying the course for their dream jobs, the schools can tie up with potential employers to prepare the workplace (accessibility etc) for the PWD even before they graduate....it takes time and commitment for employers to lean forward, but necessary as we celebrate diversity in our workplaces and create opportunities for more Singaporeans to achieve their dreams.

[1:02 pm, 26/08/2022] +Eunice Chia: PWD = person with disability.

Actually, I would also call it diff'ability as we all have different abilities.

[1:06 pm, 26/08/2022] +Smiley face: Overtime, it Will be acceptable (自然和然)

[1:16 pm, 26/08/2022] +Austin Ting: 有人在家吗

[1:19 pm, 26/08/2022] +Timothy Low: You meant 自然而然？

[1:19 pm, 26/08/2022] +SL: encourage Singaporeans to be more empathetic in the workplace 

-> continue awareness is required, but the campaign might not be sustainable, and fatigue will kick in. Maybe we need to consider a method thru awareness in school. 

, as well as companies to leverage on people with disabilities as a vital talent pool?*

-> not sure whether a talent database of PWD would help; incorporate their profile into the existing labor market's HR database.

mrsd-infographic-Employment-Outcomes-of-Persons-with-Disabilities-2020-2021

[1:22 pm, 26/08/2022] +Timothy Low: Government and public sector should take the lead in this. First of all make all workplaces obstacles-free. After that, start to employ more staff with disability. Thirdly, publicise that the workplace is disability inclusive. Fourthly, give private companies incentives for hiring disability

[1:22 pm, 26/08/2022] +SL: There are 66.2% outside labour force and 3.8% unemployment

[1:26 pm, 26/08/2022] +SL:WD talent was in digital, writing, and design, it might be suitable for companies and agencies to consider hiring them for work from home base. It might not necessarily require them to be on office premises. The working process needs to be robust and adaptive to the environment and circumstances. It was proof working from home has been doable in the last 2 years.

[1:30 pm, 26/08/2022] +SL: If PWD has talent in art, crafting, and other similar aspects, a smart working process can be established to focus on output, I guess. Office location is no longer an important aspect.

[1:33 pm, 26/08/2022] +SL: The conventional KPI (for staff, for the department, cross-function, etc.) maybe need reengineering to provide a holistic view of productivity.

[1:50 pm, 26/08/2022] +Smiley face: Access and accessible...

[1:53 pm, 26/08/2022] +Smiley face: WFM for our disabled perhaps a quick and sound starts to implement.

From theses micro successes, we escalate into physical placement of this work force. The key in this stage is the workers have to be functionally ready and the workplace wise accessible and handicapped friendly. These physically items cost money and time to execute and to procure.

[2:00 pm, 26/08/2022] +Smiley face: As for the early message,  Poh's good inputs, 

Let BCA, MOM, MND, NTUC and SCDF come in as one force to calibrate and plan forward this phase two issues.

For the phase three, it will be a mega driver towards the end line, that is before 2030 and hopefully a placement rate of 50%!

It is more than earning a LIVING.

It is more important to achieve higher self esteem, social integration and meaningful livings -our disadvantaged brothers and sisters!

Afterwords:

To begin with, Disability itself spells many disadvantages to those who born with it or due to past injuries.

The current programs are good and comprehensive but more can be done to fine tune to meet many means and new objectives.

With the persisting heat of inflation, even if it does cool off i…

[2:01 pm, 26/08/2022] +REACH: 📢 Topic📢

At the Inclusive Business Forum 2022, DPM Lawrence Wong, in his opening speech, called on companies to do more to be disability-inclusive while tapping on the Government's assistance. He noted that the Government is also looking at other ways to build a more inclusive society for people with disabilities, such as helping with the costs, better assurance for caregivers, and making it easier to provide for long-term needs.

 💬 What are your views on our efforts to be a more disability-inclusive society? How can we encourage Singaporeans to be more empathetic in the workplace, as well as companies to leverage on people with disabilities as a vital talent pool?

DPM Wong noted the Enabling Masterplan 2030 released last week, where the Government s…

[3:01 pm, 26/08/2022] +Smiley face: Linear & Lenient Approach:

How to set the parameters to fit in the degree of abilities, disabilities and employers need? There will be jobs that fits almost everyone, its a matter of will.

In this case, how "lenient" will HRs and SMEs rethink their needs and expectations on a given job scope dedicated for disabled applicants?

How stakeholders going to agree on a "workable" framework so that businesses and applicants will benefit from the linear process of job matchings and job huntings?

[3:15 pm, 26/08/2022] +jimmy chew: Do a drama to show them working together to solve crimes and meet customers needs

[3:36 pm, 26/08/2022] +Smiley face: Assumption- Businesses are not experience and familiar working with  disabilities staffs?

Perhaps policymakers need to draft out possibilities to businesses to consider, to redesign and move towards such unique adoption, that's employing disabled people into their business models.

[3:38 pm, 26/08/2022] +Smiley face: How coworkers going to adjust or coordinate the daily, their new colleagues?

[3:43 pm, 26/08/2022] +Smiley face: E commerce back office job or a slower pace working environment?

[3:46 pm, 26/08/2022] +Smiley face: Receptionist?

[5:53 pm, 26/08/2022] +REACH: 📢 Topic📢

At the Inclusive Business Forum 2022, DPM Lawrence Wong, in his opening speech, called on companies to do more to be disability-inclusive while tapping on the Government's assistance. He noted that the Government is also looking at other ways to build a more inclusive society for people with disabilities, such as helping with the costs, better assurance for caregivers, and making it easier to provide for long-term needs.

 💬 What are your views on our efforts to be a more disability-inclusive society? How can we encourage Singaporeans to be more empathetic in the workplace, as well as companies to leverage on people with disabilities as a vital talent pool?

DPM Wong noted the Enabling Masterplan 2030 released last week, where the Government s…

[6:17 pm, 26/08/2022] +REACH: Dear Contributors, 

We’d love to hear MORE FROM YOU on today’s topic! 

💬 What are your views on our efforts to be a more disability-inclusive society? How can we encourage Singaporeans to be more empathetic in the workplace, as well as companies to leverage on people with disabilities as a vital talent pool?

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

Megan 😊

[6:23 pm, 26/08/2022] +Rama: Look at disabled people as having different abilities that can complement able bodied people.  Physical disabilities is only a mental setback. Harness the skills they have fir the common good.

[6:31 pm, 26/08/2022] +Poh S. Lim: Job task redesign to physical disability should be encouraged. For mental disability, already there are organisations addressing these through simplified repetitive tasks which does not require high level cognitive capabilities.

[6:45 pm, 26/08/2022] +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 😊

[6:59 pm, 26/08/2022] +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 😊

[8:12 pm, 26/08/2022] +REACH: Dear Contributors, 

All Singaporean households will receive $100 in utilities credit, as part of the $1.5 billion support package announced in June. The credit will be disbursed directly to SP Services utilities accounts by September 2022. Read on for more info!

Megan

=====

REACH 389 - What are your views on the relaxation of mask requirement? How do we encourage Singaporeans to exercise personal and social responsibility as we continue to live with COVID-19 and potential new variants?

(SK)

24 Aug 2022 (10am - 7pm)

REACH

[9:47 am, 24/08/2022] +REACH: Dear Contributors,

Welcome back! 😊

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Full set of Terms of Use: https://go.gov.sg/reach-whatsapp-terms

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 😊

[10:00 am, 24/08/2022] +REACH: 📢 Topic 📢

Masks will soon be required only on public transport and in healthcare settings such as Hospitals, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on 21 Aug (Sun).

In his National Day Rally speech, PM Lee said the Covid-19 situation in Singapore has stabilised, and that relaxing mask requirements would help prevent fatigue from setting in.

💬 What are your views on the relaxation of mask requirement? How do we encourage Singaporeans to exercise personal and social responsibility as we continue to live with COVID-19 and potential new variants?

While indoor mask-wearing currently remains in force, more details will be announced soon by the multi-ministry task force. With the reduced requirements, masks will be optional in most indoor settings apart from public transport, where people are in prolonged close contact in a crowded space; and in healthcare settings such as clinics, hospitals, and residential and nursing homes, where there are vulnerable persons, PM Lee said.

For schools in particular, masks should not be needed in class as seeing faces and expressions is essential to a child's development, said PM Lee. Acknowledging that parents may be worried, he assured that the Government has assessed that relaxing mask requirements in schools would be safe. 

The announcement comes amidst lower COVID-19 numbers, with 3,406 new local Covid-19 cases reported on 23 Aug (Tues) as compared to 4,909 a week before. This is "yet another encouraging sign of our society's growing resilience with each passing wave", said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung in a Facebook post, noting that Singapore usually records a post-weekend spike in Covid-19 cases, but that was not the case this time.

👉 https://str.sg/wDq7

👉 https://str.sg/wDfG

👉 https://str.sg/wDAJ

----

[10:06 am, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: Good morning everyone

"Slow and Steady wins the race..."

- - unknown

[10:10 am, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: How do we encourage Singaporeans to exercise personal and social responsibility as we continue to live with COVID-19 and potential new variants -> is not only covid it must be general social and social hygiene look around ourself, do we see people young and old being considerate ? This had been generations of teaching but residents here are totally being self fish, dun say local fault, migrants wokers too both camps monkey see monkey do

[10:11 am, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: there should be a stronger emphasis of social hygiene which is win win for the social a healthier society = happier people = more avenue for resources for the really sick

[10:11 am, 24/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Need to slowly unmask… if not there will be sudden surge in all disease as we are been in mask for so long

[10:11 am, 24/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Hospital and clinic is gonna be way too busy 😅

[10:15 am, 24/08/2022] +Caleb: +1

[10:15 am, 24/08/2022] +Caleb: GPs may overwhelmed

[10:16 am, 24/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Think the norm to mask up when sick will be here to stay..

[10:16 am, 24/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Or you will get deathstare 🤣🤣

[10:17 am, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: will never -> majority can't wait to get it off their face. Look at the companies espically those West base -> u put on mask in there is like u are curse ...

[10:18 am, 24/08/2022] +Ken Loh: 😅 haiz…

[10:18 am, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: now already many are without mask despite a bit of cough or running nose

[10:19 am, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: thus mentioned early there should be greater emphasis on general social hygiene culture for the bigger picture not micro view to cater for covid and etc ....

[10:20 am, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: problem we have to admit is also many residents here are very much west followers and the new elements here for work just dun believe in our local culture and prefer to believe their own home country culture

[10:21 am, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: so is not just a govt say and wish -> the society will do ...

[10:25 am, 24/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: What about swimming pool complex? Is there a bath will case Covid-19?

[10:42 am, 24/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: So safe 

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-pools-safe-during-covid/

[10:43 am, 24/08/2022] +RH: Wat abt school buses / coaches, planes (esp long haul flights) / ships (cruises) ?

[10:44 am, 24/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: Should wear masking during time indoor

[10:48 am, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: the public should not be afraid t stand up to those to break the regulation espically on public transport -> one inconsiderate action can lead to further damage might not be to the extend of a country shut down but it affects one's health and is a chian linked reaction

[10:50 am, 24/08/2022] +Rama: Beware of Physical altercation.

[10:53 am, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: that's where public cohesiveness shoudl be strong (for the right reason) dun just stand or sit there and take out your mbile for tik tok / you tube / face book

[10:55 am, 24/08/2022] +Rama: 😂😅🤣

[10:56 am, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: 1 toothpick can break easy, try a bunch of tooth pick! it will poke u instead with blood

[11:08 am, 24/08/2022] +REACH: From Aug 29, masks not needed in Singapore except on public transport and in hospitals, clinics

👉 https://str.sg/wDW2

SHN requirements removed for non-fully vaccinated travellers entering Singapore from Aug 29

👉 https://str.sg/wDW6

Covid-19 booster shots to be offered to children aged five to 11

👉 https://str.sg/wDWL

Masks optional, but vaccinated differentiated measures to remain for F&B, large events, nightlife

👉 https://str.sg/wDWE

Covid-19 taskforce to remain in place, says Lawrence Wong

👉 https://str.sg/wDWa

[11:36 am, 24/08/2022] +SL: Just thought, what is the best method we ensure the vulnerable group in our family (i.e., seniors) spend time with family members in shopping malls (prolonged closed contact), cinemas, and f&b venue? Is this means we don't bring them together?

[11:44 am, 24/08/2022] +SL: Can someone please share how a family protects the vulnerability group (seniors and young kids that are yet to vaccinate) from getting covid via silent transmission from a person that is in the presymptomatic phase or asymptomatic phase in a prolonged close environment?  🙏 thanks

[11:51 am, 24/08/2022] +KSFoong: Mask up! Observe personal hygiene practice. 🤔

[11:52 am, 24/08/2022] +KL: Actually if you realise most ppl that don’t mask up are non local or do not have senior family members in sg .

[11:55 am, 24/08/2022] +SL: Thanks, KS; with this new arrangement, it might be a reasonable choice for a family with vulnerable group of members to opt not to dine in @ f&b venue.

[11:58 am, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: "For schools in particular, masks should not be needed in class as seeing faces and expressions is essential to a child's development, said PM Lee. " - 100% correct, very relieved about this. Will mask wearing be optional for kids if parents are worried?

[11:59 am, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: "From Aug 29, masks not needed in Singapore except on public transport and in hospitals, clinics" would also like PT to be optional, during off peak times, but accept this is a requirement to satisfy worried passengers.

[0:01 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: ""For now we are retaining this approach [not needing to check vax status]... there's no change to this because vaccinations are still the best way to protect ourselves against severe disease from Covid-19," said Mr Wong."

[0:01 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: Parents will be upset to see their kids infected by covid. It will affect the children's progress if they continue sick.

[0:02 pm, 24/08/2022] +Guillermo Cabeza: It also affects childrens development not to see faces of teachers or of fellow students.

[0:10 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Probably best that vulnerable people avoid crowds, wear masks and keep hands clean when touching surfaces. Same as always. No change.

[0:12 pm, 24/08/2022] +Guillermo Cabeza: Pre Covid many people used to come to work with a sniffle or worse. Now that has hopefully changed and employees and employers understand it’s best to WFH (if possible) or take MC.

[0:13 pm, 24/08/2022] +Guillermo Cabeza: I think that is more important than debating whether or not masks are effective.

[0:14 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Many countries now are not mandating masks at all, and their cases are still going down. Seems like vaccinations and recovery means that masks are not so essential now. Gov is making the right choice.

[0:26 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: Hong Kong and Japan covid new cases trending are remaining upwards.

[0:28 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: where masks are still being worn everywhere

[0:34 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: Japan's ministry of health, labor, and welfare stated in general it was not required to wear masks. Travel News reported Japan stopped wearing the mark months ago.

[0:34 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: https://www.news-medical.net/amp/news/20220802/Study-shows-probability-of-getting-COVID-for-mask-wearers-vs-non-mask-wearers.aspx

Study shows probability of getting COVID for mask wearers vs. non-mask wearers.

Those who wear mask got less chance of getting covid comparing those who don't.

[0:36 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Else healthcare, doctors and nurses no need to wear masks - if mask is not effective in preventing covid and other respiratory illness.

This is a scientific facts.

Mask is effective in preventing covid and other respiratory illness.

[0:37 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: Japan seem to have a 2 m distance rule.

[0:38 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

The current position of whether to wear masks is a political decision - not a scientific decision.

[0:46 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: I saw the jp mhlw sharing that in a restaurant, encourage to practice the voice down while talking, ensure hard sanitized, monitoring own health, ensure personal hygiene, cleaning, ensure ventilating. I think this may be a considerable practice that can adopt if applicable.

[0:48 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

1. Also even if a person is fully vaccinated with 2 boosters - the person will still get infected.

President Biden got 2 boosters and still get infected though his symptoms is mild.

So important to establish scientific facts and not state wrong information.

2. People who get infected will still get reinfection.

This is scientific facts.

3. So today topic about relaxing mask is a political discussion about how far mask should be relax - and should not be distorted that we are immune from infection.

[0:54 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

1. Also bearing in mind that, our daily infection figure is 3000 - to 4000 plus a day.

Not few hundred.

2. There are still a few death per day - not zero death.

3. It is in this context we should be discussing how comfortable and how far individuals will want to go in relaxing their mask for themselves and their families members who have vulnerable people at home.

[0:55 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

4. The current position has become an individual responsibility and family decision - as the State political decision is to leave it to individuals and their families.

[0:59 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: It is required to wear masks in Japan.... they are not able to enforce it, however: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/06/27/national/no-masks/

[0:59 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: it is not  I meant.

[1:00 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Yes that's true. I'm not anti-mask, but I feel now it is ok to make it an individuals choice. 60+% of SG has been infected and our hospitals are not overrun.

[1:16 pm, 24/08/2022] +Guillermo Cabeza: People who wear masks also get infected.

[1:19 pm, 24/08/2022] +Guillermo Cabeza: As has been said above - the more people who get covid, who recover, and of the virus gets weaker, then whether or not to wear a mask is less important. There are other impacts on society which no doubt we will be hearing about from sociologists for years to come of wearing masks and the subsequent change in how people interact with each other especially children.

[1:22 pm, 24/08/2022] +Guillermo Cabeza: There are also people who don’t want to be vaccinated on a regular basis and we should respect that. Personally I would like to see an annual combined flu+covid vaccine which changes based on the prevailing variants. Some of my friends see no point in either vaccination - they’ve had both the flu and covid and don’t mind catching them again. I think the govt should be a little more explicit about what it plans to do around vaccinations. Today’s announcement by MOH around recommendations for the young and elderly to have an additional booster are a little weak in detail: will we all have to get another vaccination in a few month’s time when a new variant emerges and there is a specific vaccine for it? My parents for example would rather wait for that than to have a booster now.

[1:26 pm, 24/08/2022] +KSFoong: Students in pre-university classes did not see each other, no bonding!

[1:29 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

So are you suggesting that doctors and nurses in hospital setting no need to wear masks - since mask is not effective?

[1:32 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

And how do you explain scientific study shows the probability of those wearing mask has less chance of getting covid infection?

Is your statement supported by medical ground?

[1:34 pm, 24/08/2022] +Guillermo Cabeza: Danny, I didn’t say that masks were ineffective and clearly they are needed in hospitals. After all surgeons and nurses were wearing them before covid. Someone wearing a mask has less chance of catching the common cold than someone who doesn’t - this i part is why in Japan people have been wearing masks for years.

[1:36 pm, 24/08/2022] +Guillermo Cabeza: Many of us though do not want to wear masks for various reasons. Those who do want to wear masks can do so. Should be an individual choice for low risk environments given the relatively low risk now of covid, with the government doing what it is doing and mandating only in high risk situations.

[1:38 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Ok.

Stating the right facts is important for constructive discussion - so that right outcome can be arrived.

Not wearing an effective mask or not wearing a mask properly that result in infection - is different from saying wearing a mask is ineffective - which in fact we rely strongly on mask to slow infection in the early days.

[1:39 pm, 24/08/2022] +Guillermo Cabeza: Sure and many of us who wore masks still got covid! (and colds). Anyhow i suggest we let others share their views.

[1:39 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Hence this is a political decision and not to be confused to be a scientific medical decision.

[1:41 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Yes,I'm more worried about our social and mental health now

 Especially for the kids. 2+years of masks and social distancing during the most formative years.

[2:09 pm, 24/08/2022] +RH: With regard to taking the 2nd booster ...

I m very hesitant to do so.

At present, I see tt as a gov move to help clear existing stocks of the vaccine (?) since >80% of those who need to, hv alredi taken the 1st booster.

Current balance stocks were created w the prev variants in mind.

Is ther any scientific data to show tt curr vaccine stocks r as effective against the new variants tt keep coming out?

Until tt is avail, I m ok as status quo right now. 

😉

[2:13 pm, 24/08/2022] +RH: Yes.

I wud rather wait for a hybrid vaccine (anti-flu + anti-Covid) , if tt is available soon.

Right now, I hv taken shots in both, separately, up to my 1st booster.

[2:15 pm, 24/08/2022] +RH: 👏🏻👏🏻

Applaud the decision on mask removal during lessons.

My students cannot pronounce words properly these days or they get words mixed up & joke abt their sounds ...

Which messes up their vocabulary & understanding of the English language. 

🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️

[2:18 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: I'm OK with taking booster,  but equally happy to wait for an improved version lol. Wo t compalon if I'm 'forced' to, in order to keep vax status. Already recovered from covid but of course don't want it again!

[2:36 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

1. As the covid has drag on for 3 years, mask fatigue (whereby mask has been effective to block or slow covid infection) - will bound to set in one day.

And the current Government announcement of further relaxation of mask wearing - surely indicate mask fatigue has sets in - hence announcing further relaxation of mask from the State perspective.

2. I respect the State position, as this will come sooner or later.

3. However, I hope that State will reframe the relaxation of mask - from "State Mandate and Responsibilite"s into "Individual and Families decisions and responsibilities" - because every familiies are different from one another.

4. Some families have no vulnerable people in their houses - whereas some may have elderlys, person with sickness or young children that have not yet vaccinated. 

Hence a broad sweep mandate for all to remove masks versus families who still need protection by wearing mask --- will become a contentious issue - if some families feel that there is still a need to protect the vulnerable from being infected.

The current infection number of 3000 to 4000 plus and a few death per day - does not give a comfort feeling that covid threat is over.

In fact, WHO has still not declare covid pandemic is over.

5. Hence I will like to propose the Government reframe the covid fight - from State Mandate to Individual and Family Decision and Responsibilites - in this latest mask mandate shift.

6. The Government should encourage individuals and families who feel the needs to wear masks - whether in outdoor or indoor to continue to do so --- as each individuals and families circumstances are different.

7. This means that even for students - whether pre-schooler, primary, secondary, JCs, Polytechnics, ITEs, Universities --- should be given the option whether to wear masks in schools or not --- based on the students or their parents or families decisions ----- because they may have unique circumstances such as vulnerable people eg. elderlies, sick person, or unvaccinated people at home.

Once a student is infected, he may infect the rest of the families.

Hence I will suggest MOE not take a sweeping mandate - to disallow students from wearing masks - when some students or their parents or families decide they should wear one.

8. I understand students need to see facial expression or hear unmuffled voice to learn properly.

I also understand there are the mental and psychological aspect of constantly putting mask on in public.

But many students or individuals have stronger mental and psychological resilient and many students or individuals have stronger learning abilities.

Hence a choice should be left to the students or parents or families to decide whether to wear a mask in schools or not.

I have no problem if other students decide not to put on mask in the schools --- as long as students who feel the needs to put on mask - are not prevented from doing so.

[2:49 pm, 24/08/2022] +RH: ---> Individual responsibility & considerstion of others in a public setting.

This is basic social courtesy which quite a lot of ppl seem to forget.

---> Family decision / responsibility 

(very subjective - each family is different).

Some basic guidelines r nec - at least to guide the 'clueless' & 'inconsiderate' ones.

For example : mask up when in crowded places, enclosed spaces, or in a confined space for long periods.

[2:57 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

1. As from the medical front, I still feel that there is no major medical breakthrough - in terms of :-

a. Blocking covid infection

b. Theurapatics treatment of covid

c. Covid pandemics is not officially over - as WHO did not stand down the pandemic status of covid.

d. Our current covid infection, 3,000 to 4,000 infection per day and a few death per day ---- is still not a comfortable number.

2. Current covid vaccination - whether 1 booster or 2 booster - will not block covid infection.

People vaccinated even up to 2 boosters will still get infected. President Biden with 2 boosters - a notable figure still get infected though with minor symptoms.

3. In fact Biden theurapatic treatment of covid - Paxlovid medicine - give him a reinfection of covid symptoms after he finished his full course --- and throw confusion whether the covid treatment helps or cause more confusion to Biden covid recovery.

4. No annoucement of effective blocking of covid infection such as nasal spray to block infection at the source or vaccination that can prevent covid infection -- near the horizon.

5. Given such less than optimistic medical progess to covid prevention and treatment - "Mask is still the only means of blocking covid infection".

6. Hence I will like to propose the Government reframe and shift "State Mandate of Mask" to "Individuals and Families Decision and Responsiblities" - of mask wearing.

Let the individual students decide - whether they can learn effectively with the mask on - whether they can differentiate pronounciation of "the, fur, blur".

I realise when putting the mask on, people are more focus - as they talk less - and can frame their thoughts more comprehensively by taking consideration into many factors --- as they think more and talk less.

So not necessary wearing mask will make learning a disadvantage - except for the fact that it may hinder voice and communication. But it depends on individuals.

7. Until I am very sure from medical angle has make tremendous progress - in blocking covid infection that make covid less infectious and dangerous - and WHO step up to declare and stand down covid pandemic ----- I feel that the State should reframe the covid fight - as Individual decision and responsibilites while the State no longer mandate mask wearing in the announced settings.

[3:00 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

And just to state the fact about learning difficulties  when wearing masks - I have come across students scoring straight As in many subjects in university and JCs - while wearing mask.

[3:02 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

8. Not to mention that those who get infected can still be reinfected.

[3:03 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Social Development, which is there is no exam for, is highly likely to be impaired.

[3:03 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Hi vulnerable people also include chronic respiratory sufferers like those suffering from chronic bronchitis and perennial allergic rhinitis and not just patients in hospitals, polyclinics, nursing homes etc. When  respiratory sufferers have to go out for essentials and other necessities, and also if they cannot afford to buy online due to financial trouble, I wonder how they will be protected against those who do not wear masks.

[3:04 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: It's really the younger kids, say 10, who will have been wearing a mask since 7 1/2 and will have had their social development significantly interrupted.

[3:04 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: These include school children

[3:04 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Leave it to the individuals.

Some individuals can do better than others.

[3:04 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: These severe respiratory sufferers include school children

[3:04 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Yes, the new rules mean we can leave it to the individuals.

[3:05 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Yes, I am sure they will continue to wear masks.

[3:06 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Yes, respiratory sufferers will wear, but children without masks could still pose a threat as respiratory droplets can still be transferred through the masks in a crowded setting

[3:07 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: That's possible sure, any kid with such a serious illness not just for covid will need special provisions. Not reasonable to make every kid wear a mask just in case.

[3:08 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Even with the use of masks, there has been covid transmission

[3:09 pm, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: the choice is open, if one feel not safe put on mask (there should be no discrimination or bad vibes for people who put on mask)

[3:09 pm, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: i do know some companies have very bad culture like boss no mask why shoudl the workers put on mask

[3:10 pm, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: is like saying boss go die, workers are expected to go die

[3:10 pm, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: so each resident of singapore make your own decision BUT NOT SELFISH INCONSIDERATE ones aka if you are sick please mask up, try not to eat out,

[3:11 pm, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: will hope to see more support from the govt on educating the residents of singapore MORE on social health consideration

[3:12 pm, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: it can now be covid / monkey pox , whats next to come ? no one knows but with good social health manners and culture this will sure help take off pressure from many aspect in the society

[3:13 pm, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: frankly ask one self, besides those case where masking up gets covid, do not one feel the number of times getting sick these 2 years is lower with masking up (many had admitted this point) thus it shouws masking NOT 100% SICKNESS Proof, but it does help more than 50%.

[3:37 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Covid is still present and there is no complete cure through tablets etc and there is also the issue of long covid which can cause serious multi inflammatory syndrome which can lead to organ failure even in healthy individuals, so allowing adults, teenagers and children to unmask indoors especially when there have been 2 child deaths and several adult deaths, I think, is not a safe idea

[4:04 pm, 24/08/2022] +REACH: 📢 Topic 📢

Masks will soon be required only on public transport and in healthcare settings such as Hospitals, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on 21 Aug (Sun).

In his National Day Rally speech, PM Lee said the Covid-19 situation in Singapore has stabilised, and that relaxing mask requirements would help prevent fatigue from setting in.

💬 What are your views on the relaxation of mask requirement? How do we encourage Singaporeans to exercise personal and social responsibility as we continue to live with COVID-19 and potential new variants?

While indoor mask-wearing currently remains in force, more details will be announced soon by the multi-ministry task force. With the reduced requirements, masks will be optional in most indoor settings apart from pu…

[4:07 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: Students still score 💯  in school exams or full A in the exam for these 2 years. The learning deficiency of students might not be contributed by the mask itself, I think.

[4:08 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: Hi Bhavani, Good afternoon. A concern.

"Risky versus taking risks concepts"

Perhaps, any risk can be classified and stratified by age groups and heath status, this case is C-19.

Two, what is the death rate ( %) across all age groups, that's taking the average. To further stratify into age groups, what's the death and medical challenges?

Three, what's our current medical knowledge, therapeutics and capacity?

Death, this word, always a fearful word in all human minds, that's natural and understandable too.

[4:08 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: Omg

[4:12 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: Today I saw a piece of online news reporting a unique case of connection 3 viruses (covid + monkeypox and HIV) for an Italian

[4:19 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: It depends on how we want to manage the risk; humans will accept the chance for a matter or treat the risk of an issue with risk transfer or risk avoidance. It's depended on how we value the matter/issue.

[4:23 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: Implosions, this unique 3 in 1 ?

Separately, an example, a gene known as foxP2, if damaged could cause language impairment to children or human.

[4:24 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20220823/Case-report-describes-clinical-manifestation-of-monkeypox-SARS-CoV-2-and-HIV-coinfection.aspx

[4:25 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: https://www.journalofinfection.com/article/S0163-4453(22)00479-0/fulltext

[4:27 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: Thanks for the medical information.

[4:27 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: Another area of what media mentions is the long covid impact on children. I m still researching on it

[4:29 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: Especially on the memory of the kids in memorized formulas, concepts and subsequently apply it, many other areas as well that worth researching, etc

[4:30 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: Welcome 🙏

[5:08 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Maybe lack of social interaction improved exam results, but worsened social skills....

[5:13 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Pse show statistics to back up this statement.

[5:17 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

1. I didn't see any lack of social interaction even for now when we put on masks.

2. Youngsters still get together with their colleagues, university friends, school friends, girl friend and boy friend with their mask on.

3. We still interact with our neighbors despite wearing mask 

4. There are no less social interaction or impairment - after we wear masks.

5. It is all in the mind.

[5:19 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

6. We still visit our parents and siblings even with mask on.

7. It is all in the heart and the mind - not the piece of mask on our face.

8. It serves to protect our health and our lives.

[5:20 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

9. If you take public transport or visit the malls - there are plenty of people interacting - no less social interaction even with mask on.

[5:28 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

In fact I will cut short my conversation with anyone who don't put on the mask and want to talk to me.

Or I will turn my face away if someone walk past me without wearing mask.

How do we know whether that chap are infected or not?

Yes it will sure hinder social interaction.

[5:33 pm, 24/08/2022] +jimmy chew: Excellent move. I am happy because we need relaxed until the next big super pandemic. We're having mask fatigue. Allow us to go on with life. A excellent move by the committee balancing risks

[5:42 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Taking off the masks indoors is a very dangerous move as people could get infected with covid needlessly

[5:43 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: How do we know who has good immunity and who does not?

[5:44 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: especially when even healthy individuals can become very sick

[5:46 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Just because half the population has already been infected does not mean we should relax the indoor mask rule as they could get reinfected with severe covid

[5:47 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Isn't life more important than social skills?

[5:48 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: I Believe most of us are responsible individual.

We just need to continue to practice good hygiene, correct smm and etc.

Those who choose to do otherwise, we can't mandate them, but we can stay away from them.

[5:48 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: Just like gov can continue to remind, but there will be still some who choose to test the system

[5:49 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: We can't be always going after them, after all, is also waste of resources.

[5:49 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: We should channel our efforts and energies to help the less fortunate instead

[5:50 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Singapore has a high population density. There are many people everywhere.

[5:50 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: The less fortunate and most vulnerable

[5:50 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: Although currently we need not wear while outdoor, but most of us still put on

[5:50 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: This shows that we are being responsible to ourselves and love ones.

[5:50 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: Hi hi,

Basic health markers, BP, HB, age and any known illness plus unknowns. Age plays a big part.

It all voiced to gene and aging of genes, simplicity sense. (telomeres etc)

[5:51 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: My sense, most will still continue to wear at appropriate situation

[5:51 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: Hi Uncle Law, hope this message finds you well?

Love your advice!

[5:52 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: Doing great

[5:52 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: Now got time to reply

[5:52 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: Cos my car broke down

[5:52 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: Hahaah

[5:52 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: Great to know...

[5:52 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: Now inside tow truck

[5:52 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: Can be fixed!

[5:52 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: No worries

[5:52 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: All under control

[5:53 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: David Sinclair, trying to breakthrough lifespan....nothing happening so far!

[5:53 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: When we go to indoor places,, just by looking at the individuals we cannot know how healthy they are. We cannot test their genes, immunity

[5:54 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: Perhaps cinema should continue to wear?

[5:54 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: Is prolonged period

[5:54 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: Good observations, visual scanning.

That's life, one nerds to take care of oneself....

[5:54 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: It's impossible to take care of ourself when people go maskless indoors

[5:55 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: No doubt, but you can choose to keep a safe distance

[5:55 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: The high population density will make it impossible

[5:56 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: Paranoid, a psych in formation...

[5:56 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: Is true. One breaking point.

[5:56 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: Yes

[5:57 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: But we need to continue to move fwd

[5:57 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: I will personally continue to wear mask while indoor

[5:57 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: Even more meaningful... that's life.

Thank you, Uncle Law

[5:58 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: Personal choice and taking calculated risks?

[5:58 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Continuing to move fwd does not mean  letting go of masks when covid is still around. It will create a lot of societal problems if people get infected again and again and again

[5:58 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: I need to play safe, cos I have kids and old folks back home

[5:59 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Western nations continue to pay the price for relaxation of masks

[5:59 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: Smart thinking, ahead too!

[5:59 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: True

[6:00 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Until a complete cure is found, we should not relax the mask rule

[6:01 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: The concept of unable to achieve herd immunity.

Perhaps, check Denmark's situation. They seems to be ahead of the curve that is infection waves.

[6:01 pm, 24/08/2022] +REACH: 📢 Topic 📢

Masks will soon be required only on public transport and in healthcare settings such as Hospitals, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on 21 Aug (Sun).

In his National Day Rally speech, PM Lee said the Covid-19 situation in Singapore has stabilised, and that relaxing mask requirements would help prevent fatigue from setting in.

💬 What are your views on the relaxation of mask requirement? How do we encourage Singaporeans to exercise personal and social responsibility as we continue to live with COVID-19 and potential new variants?

While indoor mask-wearing currently remains in force, more details will be announced soon by the multi-ministry task force. With the reduced requirements, masks will be optional in most indoor settings apart from pu…

[6:01 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: No cure, its a respiratory bug...sorry to disappoint anyone

[6:03 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Recently, I read in some media articles that scientists are almost on the verge of discovering weaknesses in covid which could be applied to finding a cure for all covid variants.

[6:05 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Already there is mask relaxation outdoors. Why take a terrible risk and impose this rule indoors? This will really affect the vulnerable who also visit indoor areas.

[6:08 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Some of this vulnerable have no relatives to help them and they have to do essential travel for the sake of their children even if they have severe respiratory conditions.

[6:09 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: I guess the family with vulnerability group just self-practice to avoid going indoors prolonged for interim and upgrade the mask to a higher grade (reusable medical/laboratory mask) if needed may help.

[6:10 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

1. I am ok for government to relax the current mask restrictions - as mask fatigue do sets in.

2. However, I will like to reinforce the statement that mask should remain as optional - whether indoor or outdoor.

That means, if people want to put on mask whether indoors or outdoors - people should not be prevented from doing so.

3. This should apply to schools or learning institutions.

That's if students want to wear masks to schools, they should not be prevented or discriminated from doing so.

For those who don't want to put on mask in schools should be allowed to do so.

4. This is the gist of my posts for today's topic.

[6:10 pm, 24/08/2022] +65 9739 7222: N95-n100 might not be suitable for seniors with weak lungs.

[6:14 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: If adults, teenagers and children with severe respiratory conditions are putting on their masks to protect themselves and others even if these respiratory sufferers can't breathe properly as their noses and throat are blocked with heavy phlegm and cough, I don't understand why others are not able to put on masks to protect themselves and others.

[6:14 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

5. In other words, I propose to reframe the current covid fight from "State Mandate" to "Individual or Parents or Families Decision or Responsibilities".

6. My message is to adopt the "Middle Ground" - not at the 2 extremes.

[6:17 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: As I reiterated earlier, even healthy individuals can get very sick  and infect others if they do not wear masks

[6:17 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: especially indoors

[6:18 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Thus if we wear masks we get a good chance that we will not get infected.

[6:19 pm, 24/08/2022] +65 Bhavani: Yes all should continue to wear masks in all indoor settings for their own safety and others

[6:20 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: This is how we should continue to care about each other

[6:20 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

That means wearing mask is no longer a State Mandate - it is our individual responsibility and our own protection.

[6:22 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: State Mandate is still necessary as many individuals might not wear masks indoors if there is no state mandate.

[6:22 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Clearly some people want to wear male and they would be allowed to, others do not want to wear masks and shouldn't have to. The risk is now very small.

[6:22 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Correct, the gov has determined it is no longer necessary.

[6:23 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Just because the current covid wave has subsided does not mean we should let down our guard

[6:23 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Masks have not been mandated for a long time in some countries and there is no major problem

[6:23 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

State Mandate is now optional - which I feel is ok.

Because it is up to individual to protect themselves now - as big majority are vaccinated.

[6:23 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: That's exactly why we can let down our guard,  others when do you ever?

[6:24 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Covid has a vaccination, and will be with us for a long time.

[6:24 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: If we let down our guard now, then covid cases might go up immediately

[6:24 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: We can't be expected to wear masks the rest of our lives just in case.

[6:25 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Who knows

[6:26 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Our humanity and social responsibility towards ourselves and others should be more important  than relaxing the mask requirement

[6:26 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Must the vulnerable just keep locking themselves up in their homes

[6:27 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: They are humans too!

[6:33 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: I understand it can feel like we should everything and anything possible to prevent even 1 infection.

[6:34 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: However, there is a limit, right? How many are so vulnerable that they cannot he vaccinated and will get seriously ill from the slightest infection?

[6:34 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Presumably even a cold or fli would be damaging

[6:34 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: How did they cope pre covid?

[6:35 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Even without the risk of covid they would avoid people, I assume.

[6:36 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: How about the daily cost and rubbish generated by 5 million wearing a mask everyday? That's a consideration too.

[6:37 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: After 2.5 years, 60+% infected, relatively few serious illnesses and deaths, it's time to open up and start to transition back to normality. Government is taking cautious and correct steps.

[6:41 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Even 1 death is 1 death too many. How will we feel when our own relatives and friends are infected and get serious? We must treat other humans like our relatives and friends. 1 death is still 1 death too many

[6:41 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Relaxing the mask requirement is too drastic a measure

[6:42 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Especially indoors

[6:43 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Transitioning to normality when there is no cure is not the right step forward

[6:44 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Work from home should become the norm instead

[6:45 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Work from home is also environmentally friendly

[6:47 pm, 24/08/2022] +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 😊

[6:50 pm, 24/08/2022] +Rama: Unfortunately, cure is not on the horizon yet!😞😔🤷‍♂️

[6:56 pm, 24/08/2022] +Caleb: +1

[6:59 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: 24 August, 2022

To: Our Distinguished Leaders and All Honorable Members

"The Shangrila or The Vacuum? (世代兴旺)"

What?

First of all, what is Shangrila?

Metaphorically means "an imaginary (reimagine) paradise on earth, an exceptional space and an exotic utopia..."

In laymen words, it is a safe haven? Is Singapore a safe haven or a Shangrila in making (the futures)? The answer is yes for BOTH!

What is a vacuum, our case, is it a lost place or a place away from civilisations and contacts? The answer is NO! We need to contact and connect with the world.

What is?

What is risky and taking risks?

The risky days of C-19 are largely behind us. Going forward, we can take risks to fully open our borders for all goodness and success.

Why so?

Singapore, are we ready to step up and erase this mental stigma (C-19) as what historians say, it's history?

Two powerful and exceptional attributes that is safe and stable. Just as Fibonacci would said, "addup this two" and it will be a stream of winnings for this Sweet Singapore (aka Home)! For bad times leave and good times arrive, it's that simple! 

Afterwords:

Science or Sign ?

Science?

A vacuum packed meat will stale and goes bad in an enclosed fridge. 

Sign?

A masked human hoping to keep all infections away in an enclosed place*.  

*(Medical locale and public tpt need masking, this last two attributes?).

    - - in progress - -

[7:00 pm, 24/08/2022] +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 😊

====