REACH 418 - What are your views on PM Lee's New Year Message? Do you think the measures introduced by the Government are sufficient to help you cope with the GST hike?
(SK)
04 Jan 2023 (10am - 7pm)
REACH
[9:44 am, 04/01/2023] +REACH: Dear Contributors,
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[9:59 am, 04/01/2023] +REACH: ๐ข Topic ๐ข
In his New Year Message 2023, PM Lee Hsien Loong said that the Government is implementing a package of measures to help households cushion the impact of the GST hike and cope with the cost of living. These include utilities rebates and Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers.
Every Singaporean household can now claim $300 worth of CDC vouchers, of which half, or $150, is for use at participating supermarkets. Residents can claim their vouchers in a similar way to previous tranches.
๐ฌ What are your views on PM Lee's New Year Message? Do you think the measures introduced by the Government are sufficient to help you cope with the GST hike?
PM lee also encouraged everyone to keep their vaccinations current, and protect ourselves with the latest bivalent vaccines. He added that the Government is watching the COVID-19 situation closely and will enhance its preparedness for future pandemics, as well as strengthen its healthcare system and community networks.
๐๐ผ Singapore may lift remaining COVID-19 curbs if situation is stable amid China cases, year-end travel: PM Lee
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/pm-lee-hsien-loong-new-year-message-2023-covid-19-economy-housing-3176451
๐๐ผ All can walk in for Covid-19 jabs at vaccination centres from Jan 4 - https://str.sg/wyHC
๐๐ผ S’porean households to get $300 in CDC vouchers from today, half for use at supermarkets - https://str.sg/wyrv
๐๐ผ Five supermarket chains to accept CDC vouchers as new tranche launched - https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/five-supermarkets-cdc-vouchers-hao-mart-ntuc-fairprice-sheng-siong-prime-3179756
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[10:02 am, 04/01/2023] +L or BL: No one wants to pay more tax of course, but we have to accept the realities of securing Singapore's financial stability and future. The measures taken to protect those on lower incomes are commendable and encouraged (I think).
[10:03 am, 04/01/2023] +Ken: How much is enough, without over reliance on handout by government.
Need to interview the poor to confirm.
Average income earner then can answer that. If we use the voucher for non essential spending. Likely we are not the ones to answer it.
[10:05 am, 04/01/2023] +RH: And those who nd to answer these qns may / do not / cannot afford handphones, and highly likely dun take part in such chat groups.
So, Reach wl hv to find another way to do their surveys.
[10:06 am, 04/01/2023] +Ken: I am afraid so as well.. that have time to answer or participate in such forum
[10:06 am, 04/01/2023] +Ken: ๐
[10:09 am, 04/01/2023] +Uncle Law: Retailers maybe taking this opportunity to raise price beyond the extra 1%
[10:13 am, 04/01/2023] +Ken: Being a junior white collar I can feel the pinch from the rising cost. Example electric gone up from $100month to $170/month
Food recently all increase by 50 cent. It adds up.
[10:13 am, 04/01/2023] +Sh Koh: And probably increase another time next year.
[10:14 am, 04/01/2023] +Ken: Good excuse for all the stores.. but some are real.. but in general they just increase to quote rising cost
[10:14 am, 04/01/2023] +Rama: Don't forget sugar tax! Can of 7up at coffee shop now sgd1.70!
[10:15 am, 04/01/2023] +Uncle Law: While the increase is needed for nation building, the salary is not rising in level
[10:15 am, 04/01/2023] +Ken: Started?
[10:15 am, 04/01/2023] +Ken: ๐
[10:16 am, 04/01/2023] +Sh Koh: CDC voucher is given a fixed amt regardless of household situation. Some household is small and stay condo or landed.
[10:16 am, 04/01/2023] +Uncle Law: Shd be given based on income
[10:16 am, 04/01/2023] +Uncle Law: Or household per capita
[10:17 am, 04/01/2023] +Uncle Law: Those in landed don't need so much
[10:18 am, 04/01/2023] +Rama: Yes
[10:19 am, 04/01/2023] +Ken: Hard to implement and unfair.. lol cause the ones that really pay tax. Anyway give them also not much use. ๐คฃ
[10:19 am, 04/01/2023] +Rama: Wonder why giant and cold storage is not included in the list of supermarkets when this was planned much earlier!?
[10:24 am, 04/01/2023] +Ken: Lol interesting didn’t notice that..
[10:25 am, 04/01/2023] +Sh Koh: Well.. govt is very strict in giving subsidy for medical needs.. I dun think is bery difficult. There are aids that not given to certain housing type or household income.
[10:26 am, 04/01/2023] +Ken: I have talk to a few, to be frank, they find it unfair. They paid more tax, don’t means earning more they don’t deserve it. They have a choice to donate it. But given to them is just fair.
[10:26 am, 04/01/2023] +Ken: I do see a point there.. if you are in their shoes..
[10:32 am, 04/01/2023] +Sh Koh: Back to our singapore tax system intend.. the govt been telling us is a progressive system.
[10:33 am, 04/01/2023] +Rama: Means testing needs to be adjusted!
[10:45 am, 04/01/2023] +Smiley face: 4 January, 2023
Happy New Year to Everyone!
"In some extraordinary situations, if you are unable to reason or find an answer. Perhaps the beneficiary is the person who planned it."
- - anonymous
"ๅจไธไบ้ๅๅฏปๅธธ็ๆ ๅตไธ，ๅฆๆไฝ ๆ ๆณๆจ็，ๆ ๆณๆพๅฐ็ญๆก。ไน่ฎธๅ็่ ๅฐฑๆฏ็ญๅๅฎ็ไบบ."
- - ๆ ๅ
- - in progress - -
[10:45 am, 04/01/2023] +Ken: Oh yah happy new year!!!
[10:46 am, 04/01/2023] +Smiley face: Cheers Ken!
[11:12 am, 04/01/2023] +Smiley face: 2 November, 2022 (Written & Unposted)
What exactly is this Circles of Zero Covid about?
"When the outlook is bright, bring it before their eyes; but tell them nothing when the situation is gloomy.”
- - Sun Tzu
What is Zero?
Zero is an extreme number to begin with! Likewise, in words, exception may equals to extreme!
What if the real image of a ZERO covid Public health policy is one early signal of a second 'Cultural Revolution' (ๆฅ้ฉ)? What are the future implications that shape and form the renewed China? Perhaps only time will unveil this full mirage?
If history, is like a man lifestory full of uncertainties and many ambiguities, letting individuals be historians and record each happening as he or she lives on whether is right or wrong. Isn't it now, the world is full of uncertainties and ambiguities?
Empire Strikes Back?
Foremost, on the US-China matters, it will surely be a prolonged fights and endless disagreements between the US and China, there is (will be) no more room for negotiation nor give and take gestures between the two and point of no return to normalcy! Will China able to find a breakthrough out of all these economic shackles or will its allies help to unlock it?
Applying that accelerator of controls and disruptions?
Should the US slammed more draconian economics measures and further escalating zero sum trades measured all to aim at destroying China's global status? How then will China response to the US and react towards it's internal policies? Is this model a reset of the World Order for Asia yet again filled with many unknowns?
"Capital Flows, Intellects Move and Innovation Evolves, are these the Super drivers...?"
- - anonymous
One would argued that is ok the ways China's exerting control across the strata of its society. Another favourable means is that "it is the only way to herd one billion people to unite and share common weath or suffers together!"
Is this the new mission statement of China? What will be the future temperament and tolerance of the younger generation living in China?
What if the future new world order is split into three villages and one village who embraces democracy and tolerates freedom and human rights and the other villages not so. Then it would become 'crystal clear' that no foreign capitalist, nor Intellect, or Innovator will thrive in an enclosed and controlled society than a more 'free to move around' society. It's not about freedom of Choice, perhaps more importantly it is the Will of the global villagers that will decides their life stations and each individual envision, reimagine and hopes for a livable place in a society! Isn't it realistic to say so or it is just mere idealogy tickling many minds? What's the future for Taiwan and it's people will? Will the people of Taiwan accepts China integration plans from social and political reforms to a controlled economy, and hopefully a softer approach by the Chinese?
Reality bites, the younger generation of Taiwan will never accept such infiltrations and they may either choose to migrate or to flee, unhappiness will happen and many Taiwanese of all ages will have mixed reactions, just relooked at Hong Kong in 2019 and now. Is it that simple to walk-in and enforced new idealogies and alternate ways of living onto a democratic society? Frankly, it will just be an impossible mission, a painful and massive exercise?
Inescapable and unavoidable that this D-Day will arrive sooner than later because China is running on a tightened timeline solely for the many reasons after the 20th CCP meetings and China has no more tolerance to spare for the status quo.
Almost certain, this China's Zero covid is the start of 'reconditionings' it's billion folks to get used to the coming years of slow economic growth due to the inevitable decoupling with the US. This will also means that a poorer standard of living for the billion of people in China to move from big cities back to their original towns or villages of birth to live a simpler life? These days in China , the younger workers either burnout or quitting quietly or lying flat out or migrate to elsewhere! Is this another new Chinese village in the making inside out! Are these social mobility issues a progressive society or is it just a version 2.0 of the communism idealogy in the making?
How would the future of this version 2.0 China becoming, that is unless there are many major breakthroughs into higher technologies, it will not yield a higher GDP of $13,000 or more (World Bank middle-class incomes index)?
How a country transform itself?
Past Civilisations have proven that technology is the decider of a nation, it's growth and it's prosperity depend on continuous innovations to achieve many technological breakthroughs.
Technology is one vital economic transformer and an engine of growth, how about literacy and competency, innovations, aviation and space technologies, quantum computing, metaverse/metaphysics, micro chips, decarbonize, and the will to restructure it's internal economic engines to rise above all externalities? It's about seizing moments and riding the momentum. Will it be an easy arrangement? Only if all these exceptional transformers are in sync and any mismatch or miss will result in attrition of resources, no benefit and it will be worse off for China!
Is China moving towards a RESET of its people expectations, aspirations, social mobilities, and a widening gap of inequalities?
By the way things are unfolding, a cashless society is in placed where digital money has replaced the paper money. All transactions have be encrypted and data too are collected. Is this one method of controlling money flow, forcing all past corrupted monies to surface and the endgame perhaps a definite zero?
Of Zero Covid idea?
Controlling that zero covid means the authority imposed locks, checks over and over across cities and towns because of a small numbers of infected people. Are these necessary and extreme public health measures to deploy or are these part of the larger political manoeuvres, hidden agendas and the purpose is to detect movements, gathering of opinions, and zooming on social media of individuals via AI technologies, facial recognition and importantly digitized money even the rich will not escape paying taxes!
Why it matters to lives and livelihoods?
We are talking about more than a billion people that rely on the China's domestic circulating economies (ๅ ๅพช็ฏ). Many economists would bet that this internally force is sufficient to sustain and feed the one billion mouths!
To what extend ASEAN will be affected in terms of trades and technologies? One surest way is the global business communities will find their ways and means to reach into China for growth. And instinct is saying they will survival, when push comes to shove, "politicians will say this and businesses would do that...!"
Ultimately, it will derive to the sum of zero!
Afterwords:
The Race of this Century?
"It doesn't matter if you are not winning today or the next race, preeminently, you must (have the stamina to) continue this race...?"
- - anonymous
Draw that line:
Crossing over two generational of the Asian lineages, Asia again is at its crossroads of profound distinction or eminently risks of description?
Cutting a slice of the Asian's history, set the starting line of economics (socials & politics) developments from 1975 to 2025. Who were the 'decisive players' then and who will be the 'surprised winners' in this fast finishing first 100m dash into 2025 and onto 2050?
And what about a slice of the Americana's race too, these two big continents ( 2 'A' teams) in sync or thus, many challenges or competitions? Considering convergence of resources, three powerful trading houses are the Ethnic Chinese, the Indians and the mighty Anglo Saxony? Who will lead and who follows?
Who are the known mighty long leggers of the two, their tactics and the race strategies?
What's the social mobilities, economics policies & pitfalls and insights of this finishing line?
Which social/economics/political system(s) is working better than the others?
What are the implications if new contenders emerged, a new 'cream le crop' team? Will this new team a part of BRICS and / or China-India- ASEAN (CIA)?
It will be the race of this Century!
- - in progress - -
Next Topic:
"Systems Dynamic"
[11:13 am, 04/01/2023] +Uncle Law: Wah
[11:13 am, 04/01/2023] +Uncle Law: Simple discussion will do
[11:16 am, 04/01/2023] +Rama: Likewise ๐บ๐ธ๐ฅ๐ป๐น๐ฅ๐ค๐๐๐๐
[11:20 am, 04/01/2023] +Singapore Maid Agency: We all know NTUC belongs to the “Govt” Giant, Cold Storage, 7-11, Guardian and etc falls under Dairy Farm
[11:28 am, 04/01/2023] +Ken: Lol but got Hao mart and others…
[11:28 am, 04/01/2023] +Singapore Maid Agency: Have highlighted this concern to my constituency Dr Faishal.
22yrs ago, I earn $1,400.00 buy a 4RM HDB $119K now my children also earn $1,400.00 but a 4RM HDB cost like 300K
[11:29 am, 04/01/2023] +Singapore Maid Agency: These are all not under “GOVT”
[11:32 am, 04/01/2023] +Uncle Law: Inflation
[11:33 am, 04/01/2023] +Ken: Depends on what job as well.. the job that earn $1.4K 22 years ago… is consider decent paying job ๐
[11:34 am, 04/01/2023] +Ken: Pay is not a good comparison… the role is key. That $1.4K job likely is paid way more now as well.
[11:37 am, 04/01/2023] +Ken: https://eservices.mas.gov.sg/statistics/calculator/wages.aspx
[11:46 am, 04/01/2023] +Singapore Maid Agency: Thereafter I think he did highlight our concern and hence HDB pricing will based on the “income” of the applicant dun know how they calculate they will have a formula
[11:50 am, 04/01/2023] +Singapore Maid Agency: I was only an accounts “clerk” and now same salary also well a Better name admin staff ๐
[11:51 am, 04/01/2023] +Ken: Admin staff earn $2k to $2.5k… provided with the correct skill set..
[11:51 am, 04/01/2023] +Ken: My side admin staff earn $3k ๐
[11:52 am, 04/01/2023] +Singapore Maid Agency: Felt so “racist” when I as a Singaporean was asked by ICA to fill in the travel declaration by land reason I did not take the jab
[11:52 am, 04/01/2023] +Singapore Maid Agency: ๐ I’m available ๐คฃ
[11:53 am, 04/01/2023] +Ken: Lol… you ask my side admin aunty to leave first lor
[11:53 am, 04/01/2023] +Ken: Get to travel on business trip sometimes someMore ๐คฃ
[11:57 am, 04/01/2023] +Rama: So, no level playing field!?
[11:58 am, 04/01/2023] +Rama: Nothing racist as there's a valid reason for this.
[0:00 pm, 04/01/2023] +Rama: What will 3K value be come 2030 with rising costs of living !?
[0:02 pm, 04/01/2023] +Sam: Sorry to say that your children earn too little. $1400 22 years ago was decent. But $1400 today is not decent. If they have diploma and above, it is very easy to earn higher than 1400
[0:02 pm, 04/01/2023] +Ken: ๐not too blunt Lar
[0:03 pm, 04/01/2023] +Rama: PM statement on minimum wage of sgd1.4K at a past national day rally speech is grossly incorrect!
[0:03 pm, 04/01/2023] +Sam: I think government also got many schemes to unskill reskill and place you to industry with job in demand
[0:04 pm, 04/01/2023] +Sam: Actually there are very few job that's below $1400 if it is full time basis
[0:05 pm, 04/01/2023] +Sam: I do know many Singaporean without skill and education refuse to work hard
[0:05 pm, 04/01/2023] +Rama: Next rally speech to adjust for current inflation!?
[0:06 pm, 04/01/2023] +Ken: If with hands and willing to work… not hard… $2000 for dishwasher.. at some places.
[0:06 pm, 04/01/2023] +Ken: Of course hours also need to consider
[0:06 pm, 04/01/2023] +Sam: I know many elderly are earning above $2k being dishwasher . But it is hard work
[0:07 pm, 04/01/2023] +Sam: They don't have choice
[0:07 pm, 04/01/2023] +Smiley face: 4 January, 2023
"Higher interest rates supposed to slow economic growth?"
What if unintentionally, the rising interest rates could not hammer the inflation into shape and order? This rising borrowing cost may transform into dearer business costs coupled with shortage in supplies and the ultimate rise in cost of goods and services?
So where is the real problem? Is it a money supply (m1, m2), or currency exchanges or balance of payments of trading nations ( G7, G20)?
So how would inflation be this year? Does the world need a prolonged stagflation or worse case of a global depression in order to tame all kinds of inflation? That's what many policymakers, economists and bankers are worrying and called it "recession"!
- - in progress - -
[0:07 pm, 04/01/2023] +Ken: Yup… but depends I know aunty that wash cause don’t want to care for grandson ๐คฃ๐คฃ
Husband owner of business ๐คฃ
[0:09 pm, 04/01/2023] +Sam: The current working population is generally more educated with language and computer skill. So they may not end up with what the elderly is doing now.
[0:10 pm, 04/01/2023] +Rama: Still, a small pool of lowly and non English educated seniors.
[0:12 pm, 04/01/2023] +Sam: Yes. Actually they too need to reskill and up skill. I have seen many elderly security guard just sit at the post. They have to learn how technology can help.
[0:13 pm, 04/01/2023] +Rama: Will not work no matter what the detailed efforts. Way past their desire. Sad though.
[0:16 pm, 04/01/2023] +Sam: Yup. Possible attitude. They need to learn to do more with less
[0:16 pm, 04/01/2023] +Rama: ๐๐คฆ♂️๐คท♂️
[0:19 pm, 04/01/2023] +Tan Kay Eng: Please get the fact right.
[0:19 pm, 04/01/2023] +Rama: Agree
[0:20 pm, 04/01/2023] +Tan Kay Eng: 1. I taken 5 jabs, i also need to fill in ICA form.
[0:21 pm, 04/01/2023] +Rama: Understand why first before commenting. If necessary, seek clarification.
[0:22 pm, 04/01/2023] +Ken: Educated don’t means can perform ๐
[0:22 pm, 04/01/2023] +Rama: True
[0:23 pm, 04/01/2023] +Tan Kay Eng: 25 yrs ago, i earn 4k, but was was not able to even get a flat due to many policies changes from HDB. Also 25 yrs ago there was no grant to buy HDB, today your children have upto 100k grant
[0:24 pm, 04/01/2023] +Rama: Tendency of current millennium generation - job must be eight hours with high pay/ bonus/profit share, near public transport, eateries. No overtime whatsoever! This country was not built on the likes of such!
[0:25 pm, 04/01/2023] +Tan Kay Eng: ya, was told they need to keep track not only Covid, but monkey pot, other dieses etc, I got no issue on this, is for our own good
[0:27 pm, 04/01/2023] +Tan Kay Eng: yup, Different generation different thinking : our time given7~14 days annual leave also dare not to take, must "look -see Look-see" boss face. ๐คญ๐คญ๐คญ
[0:27 pm, 04/01/2023] +Smiley face: 4 January, 2023
"Higher interest rates supposed to slow economic growth?"
What if unintentionally, the rising interest rates could not hammer the inflation into shape and order? This rising borrowing cost may transform into dearer business costs coupled with shortage in supplies and the ultimate rise in cost of goods and services?
So where is the real problem? Is it a money supply (m1, m2), or currency exchanges or balance of payments of trading nations ( G7, G20)?
China economies will be open by middle of the year or sooner. This mega world factory will add price pressure from raw materials to finished goods and services. How would the Fed, BOE, ECB and BOJ react to their interest rates game?
So how would inflation be this year? Does the world need …
[0:27 pm, 04/01/2023] +Uncle Law: Up to 150k
[0:28 pm, 04/01/2023] +Tan Kay Eng: To the admin: May I know what should we do if we want to suggest different topic for discussion?
[0:30 pm, 04/01/2023] +Ken: Good life for quite long already
[0:30 pm, 04/01/2023] +Tan Kay Eng: Sorry i short change you 50k๐คญ reason is there are so many incentive these day, hard for me to follow because๐ I "bo chance liao"๐๐๐คช๐คช
[0:31 pm, 04/01/2023] +Ken: If you work harder people will ask why work so hard pay so little
[0:31 pm, 04/01/2023] +Ken: ๐
[0:31 pm, 04/01/2023] +Uncle Law: It's ok
[0:33 pm, 04/01/2023] +Rama: There is a ongoing study to see if no calls regarding work from employer can work here after leaving the office.
[0:36 pm, 04/01/2023] +Ken: I don’t think we should lift the remaining measure for covid… now is just nice I feel.. train with so many people… lesser chance for mass infection isn’t it good?
[0:37 pm, 04/01/2023] +Rama: Tread carefully
[0:38 pm, 04/01/2023] +Ken: What are the current covid measures left? ๐ I don’t really feel much..
Just came back from Taiwan, lifted outdoor but all still wear mask..
[0:39 pm, 04/01/2023] +Ken: Maybe 10% or less don’t wear
[0:39 pm, 04/01/2023] +Rama: Medical institutions and public transport still need masks.
[0:40 pm, 04/01/2023] +Ken: That’s is good enough to keep as it is no?
[0:41 pm, 04/01/2023] +Poh S. Lim: I think even if the remaining Covid restrictions are lifted, many Singaporeans have become used to wearing masks. It might have become a cultural social norm by now.
Also, Singaporean ‘kiasu’ attitude would work in our favour
[0:41 pm, 04/01/2023] +Rama: Hint from PM recently is that these remaining measures might stop all together later this year.
[0:45 pm, 04/01/2023] +Sam: Government can't be too paternalistic. Time for Singaporean to be socially responsible. And for the risk adverse, do self precautions because the measure is imposing on someone's freedom.
[0:46 pm, 04/01/2023] +Rama: Agree
[0:49 pm, 04/01/2023] +Smiley face: January 4, 2022
China Covid situations:
With the high number of infections and/or positive covid cases in China. There are chances that the variants from Omicron will mutate to be the least lethal breeds but highly contagious and achieving herd immunity (1.3 billion people) by April, and eventually becomes a flu-like contagion. The next deeper waves will erupt at the villages level! Are there sufficient medical resources?
The key is the number of hospitalized patients, the number of severe Covid patients and most tragically the number of deaths. These are key indicators to measure and further calibrate any emergency interventions if needed.
Comes January 8th, perhaps, nations can take calculated risks (not so risky) when China citizens visit them. Aftera…
[0:55 pm, 04/01/2023] +L or BL: As much as I don't like wearing a mask, it feels good when on a busy train. Maybe can be personal choice later this year, when outside commuter rush hour. Also helps prevent spread of flu too.
[1:00 pm, 04/01/2023] +Singapore Maid Agency: ITE graduates
[1:02 pm, 04/01/2023] +Singapore Maid Agency: Do agree with you however there are plenty who dun know where to seek help/assistance “Surprisingly”
[1:02 pm, 04/01/2023] +Rama: Poly about sgd2.5k
[1:04 pm, 04/01/2023] +Sam: Go to e2i or WSG. They have career counselling and job bank
[1:04 pm, 04/01/2023] +Rama: All the phamlet in your letter box, advert on various free to air channels means nothing! Nor is road show all over the country!
[1:05 pm, 04/01/2023] +Singapore Maid Agency: Too long of a story….dun want to say so many bad stuff here. To me it should be all the same be it travel declaration like MOE had done for all students as well as giving out $300/household be it HDB or landed we are in “EQUALITY”
[1:06 pm, 04/01/2023] +Singapore Maid Agency: Yes but TBH not everyone are so resourceful
[1:07 pm, 04/01/2023] +Ken: Errr depends, if they go MPS or help group… can easily find ways to get help and support.
It is very easy for those with little to get help from governing
[1:07 pm, 04/01/2023] +Ken: Government”
[1:07 pm, 04/01/2023] +Ken: The access now is so much better and easier
[1:07 pm, 04/01/2023] +Ken: They just have to find time to get it
[1:08 pm, 04/01/2023] +Ken: Not all can read ๐ … specially those that need help
[1:09 pm, 04/01/2023] +Singapore Maid Agency: Such a blessing
[1:09 pm, 04/01/2023] +Sam: Yup. That's the best way to get referral to the correct agency for help. Those people are resourceful
[1:12 pm, 04/01/2023] +Singapore Maid Agency: That’s why I am surprised myself was very resourceful. Thank you for all the above kind sharing. I had been asking those grab delivery young ppl where they graduate etc
[1:13 pm, 04/01/2023] +Ken: MPS some abuse it, but not all know they can really help within reasonable reason and circumstances.
Do go to your MP for help, as volunteer that used to help there. I truly believe most that help up at MPS long term. Are there to help you live a better life. Of course MP cannot give you everything but they can help to reduce some burden in ways that they can help.
[1:13 pm, 04/01/2023] +Singapore Maid Agency: Yes I am a volunteer ๐
[1:17 pm, 04/01/2023] +Sam: Don't go MP to ask waive traffic offence you clearly beat red light or speeding. That's abuse. Anyway, most appeal this nature will fail.
[1:17 pm, 04/01/2023] +Ken: No long can be done… lol used to be able…
[1:18 pm, 04/01/2023] +Ken: But some is wanted to request for appeal as they might affect their livelihood … example truck driver, taxi etc… not sure how is it been done.. long time since I help out
[1:19 pm, 04/01/2023] +Ken: Mainly is speeding, or illegal parking etc
[1:31 pm, 04/01/2023] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
1. Personally, I think GST increase of 1% or 2% next year is a small increase - but go a long way to build a strong fiscal budget that will help to benefit many Singaporeans.
eg. $4 for a bowl of noodle, GST increase of 1% is only 4 cents.
2. It is the imported inflation arising from pandemic, supply chain disruption and war that disrupt food and logistic supply - that trigger a more than 5% inflation that are causing difficulties to Singaporeans.
Hopefully, with covid pandemic at its final lap, whereby China is experiencing a big wave but plateauing - the global pandemic will tide over soon - as our population are protected by full vaccination as well as past infection - that develop immunity.
3. But food prices when go up in many of our neighbor food stalls, hawker centre and food court - will not come down - as they are inelastic.
Hopefully, the Government can campaign on roping these food stall owners to set aside 2 dishes that are around $3 to $3.50 per stall - to help lower income people to buy affordable food.
This will go a long way to help to curb food inflation - and yet allow lower income people to get their affordable food.
4. I will like to commend the Government for offering GST voucher up to $700 per qualified citizen and $300 CDC vouchers per household - to help citizens to cushion against the GST hike and inflation.
It certainly helps.
5. Another thing I wish to raise is the BTO flat price - for 1st time applicants especially young people.
More attention is needed to ensure the flat price are affordable and accessible to the 1st time applicants.
The current flat price is indeed on the high side - which make young applicants worry - as they need to finance them for 20 years - hopefully with no hiccups on their career and income.
[1:33 pm, 04/01/2023] +Rama: That's why face to face at road show helps
[1:35 pm, 04/01/2023] +Sam: Regarding the fifth point, the BTO prices at non mature estate is still affordable. The problem is too many want to live at mature estate. And there is only so much you can build at mature estate. So price is the regulating factor to suppress demand.
[1:36 pm, 04/01/2023] +Sam: In fact Japan is offering incentives up to 10k for people to relocate out of Tokyo. So this is not a unique problem here
[2:00 pm, 04/01/2023] +REACH: ๐ข Topic ๐ข
In his New Year Message 2023, PM Lee Hsien Loong said that the Government is implementing a package of measures to help households cushion the impact of the GST hike and cope with the cost of living. These include utilities rebates and Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers.
Every Singaporean household can now claim $300 worth of CDC vouchers, of which half, or $150, is for use at participating supermarkets. Residents can claim their vouchers in a similar way to previous tranches.
๐ฌ What are your views on PM Lee's New Year Message? Do you think the measures introduced by the Government are sufficient to help you cope with the GST hike?
PM lee also encouraged everyone to keep their vaccinations current, and protect ourselves with the …
[2:00 pm, 04/01/2023] +Rama: Very generous assurance package considering the circumstances.
[2:21 pm, 04/01/2023] +Tan Kay Eng: According to Uncle Law, our Govt give upto 150k, 15 time more๐๐๐
[2:21 pm, 04/01/2023] +Rama: ๐ณ
[2:48 pm, 04/01/2023] +Tan Kay Eng: Hdb grant๐คญ
[2:58 pm, 04/01/2023] +L or BL: Ha - true!
[2:59 pm, 04/01/2023] +Smiley face: Proposed Resilience packages:
Individuals annual income not exceeding $40,000 including retirees and seniors will receive $500 cash in June.
Two/three more tranches of $300 cash for 2023.
Budget not exceeding $3.8 billion.
[3:03 pm, 04/01/2023] +Tan Kay Eng: ๐
[3:23 pm, 04/01/2023] +Sam: There is always a criteria in the support package for those earning less than $34k. $34k is actually the median income. So , your proposal will benefit more than 50% of the working population.
[3:24 pm, 04/01/2023] +Smiley face: Hi Sam,
If so, so much so better. Thank you!
Regards.
[3:32 pm, 04/01/2023] +Jeffrey: I think that for vaccinations, we should make it clear to everyone that Pfizer's clinical trial data against the very first covid virus do not show a reduction in mortality. There should be some discussion about why the vaccines were not just recommended, but mandatory for many things, in the first place.
[3:32 pm, 04/01/2023] +Rama: Agree
[3:34 pm, 04/01/2023] +Jeffrey: (First clinical trial over adults)
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2110345
[3:34 pm, 04/01/2023] +Jeffrey: In the first trial on about 44000 adults, the deaths of the vaccinated group is higher than the unvaccinated group
[3:34 pm, 04/01/2023] +Jeffrey: (go to the supplementary appendix of the first paper to find this table)
[3:43 pm, 04/01/2023] +L or BL: These stats show why it was essential to get vaccinated.
[3:44 pm, 04/01/2023] +L or BL: 91%-97% efficacy
[3:45 pm, 04/01/2023] +Jeffrey: The efficacy is relative efficacy. One should be looking at absolute efficacy instead.
[3:45 pm, 04/01/2023] +Jeffrey: From the all cause mortality data, the vaccine doesn't look safe.
[3:48 pm, 04/01/2023] +Jeffrey: The efficacy is obtained based on 162 people in the unvaccinated group and 8 people in the vaccinated group testing positive for covid. While this number gives the 95% we have heard frequently, this relative risk reduction is based on too few positive cases out of the 44000 trial participants to be meaningful.
[3:51 pm, 04/01/2023] +Rama: The Valentines Day Budget - Can the government tweak the means testing criteria to allow for per head assistance instead of per household?
[3:52 pm, 04/01/2023] +L or BL: After several billion doses, it doesn't look safe?
[3:53 pm, 04/01/2023] +L or BL: Possibly, although it was an emergency vaccination rolled out in a few months because people around the world were dying in high numbers.
[3:54 pm, 04/01/2023] +Jeffrey: Do you know that the Pfizer bivalent vaccine is now tested on just 8 mice before being being approved by the FDA?
[3:56 pm, 04/01/2023] +Jeffrey: Besides all cause mortality, vaccine injuries are rather unique.
[3:57 pm, 04/01/2023] +L or BL: I haven't seen any evidence to support that.
[3:58 pm, 04/01/2023] +Smiley face: 4 January, 2023
" Right or Wrong, so long it is not the extremes; extreme yield not exit...?"
- - anonymous
How to risk?
Into the midpoint of discussions, looking back the last three years. The world faced a novel pathogen that not only was not reactive to treatment and the death rate is unknown too. Humanity was left with a few alternatives to fight the unknown; first is isolation(distancing), second is to buy time and third is vaccines to mitigate deaths. How about jobs and schools? All haywired!
Now, perhaps science through actual observations and experiences, the world has regained it's footings that's lives and livelihoods.
Many experts also pointed to the aggressive closure of borders and economies as perhaps too much and over reacting too.
Now…
[3:59 pm, 04/01/2023] +Jeffrey: https://rumble.com/v1j5p5l-fda-approve-ba.5-vaccine-no-human-trials.html
[4:00 pm, 04/01/2023] +REACH: ๐ข Topic ๐ข
In his New Year Message 2023, PM Lee Hsien Loong said that the Government is implementing a package of measures to help households cushion the impact of the GST hike and cope with the cost of living. These include utilities rebates and Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers.
Every Singaporean household can now claim $300 worth of CDC vouchers, of which half, or $150, is for use at participating supermarkets. Residents can claim their vouchers in a similar way to previous tranches.
๐ฌ What are your views on PM Lee's New Year Message? Do you think the measures introduced by the Government are sufficient to help you cope with the GST hike?
PM lee also encouraged everyone to keep their vaccinations current, and protect ourselves with the …
[4:06 pm, 04/01/2023] +L or BL: Where is the mention about the mice in the FDA Press Release? https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-moderna-pfizer-biontech-bivalent-covid-19-vaccines-use
[4:09 pm, 04/01/2023] +Jeffrey: Now that you know that the Pfizer bivalent booster is tested on 8 mice (and no humans), you can Google and find that fact checkers are confirming this to be true.
[4:09 pm, 04/01/2023] +L or BL: Thanks for the reminder about the topic. I think we got sidetracked debunking spurious claims about the vaccine being dangerous.
[4:10 pm, 04/01/2023] +L or BL: Sorry, I don't know that and haven't seen any evidence of it.
[4:10 pm, 04/01/2023] +Smiley face: Good idea, Andrew. Thank you
[4:11 pm, 04/01/2023] +L or BL: Thanks for the suggestion of Google-ing it. You should try doing that too: https://factcheck.afp.com/doc.afp.com.32K34TY
[4:13 pm, 04/01/2023] +L or BL: The point is that its easy to misrepresent which can cause distress and upset for no reason.
[4:18 pm, 04/01/2023] +Jeffrey: While Google is kind enough to be able to confirm that the booster is tested on only 8 mice and no humans, I don't agree with their subsequent analysis. The state of Florida is looking hard at covid side effects now.
https://rumble.com/v20bgby-governor-ron-desantis-hosts-roundtable-with-surgeon-general-dr.-ladapo.html
[4:21 pm, 04/01/2023] +Khuan Yew: Whether the measures are sufficient to cope with the GST hike depends on the income group. For the lower income, the measures will feel that they are insufficient because the cost of food and services have gone up significantly while for the upper income, salary increases might help to cushion the impact of GST increase.
I think PM Lee could have made a better case of why the GST had to increase by 1%. Instead of saying that it was to finance a growing healthcare budget, he could have reminded Singaporeans that they enjoy a higher quality of life here compared to many other countries. HDB estates are safe and clean. Our kids can play safely at playground without us fearing for their safety. In other countries, low cost housing are slums and there is a lack of public amenities like playgrounds and parks.
Public transportation infrastructure is good and relatively cheap in Singapore such that one doesn’t need a car to get around. In other countries it’s the other way around.
Public healthcare is of high quality in Singapore. In other countries like US, it is good but also costly and if one doesn’t have expensive healthcare insurance, they are in trouble. In other countries, healthcare is cheap but low quality such that the wealthy people in those countries come to Singapore’s public hospitals instead.
Bottom line is that things work in Singapore and the quality is high. So PM Lee could have reminded the people that good things come at a higher price and that has to be funded through all forms of taxes.
[4:27 pm, 04/01/2023] +L or BL: I can't imagine Florida has any agenda behind it.... lol Their purpose is to undermine the Biden Presidency in the hope of getting De Santos elected President.
[4:29 pm, 04/01/2023] +Smiley face: Hi Khuang Yew,
Good pointers. Thank you.
Add on:
Lower income individuals or families are vulnerable during inflationary time.
Reality is, perhaps the latest $300 to this group of people is an immediate relief and this amount will be spent on foods, transports and other things than offsetting the increased GST.
More tranches of help should be geared to this group of people.
[4:29 pm, 04/01/2023] +L or BL: I agree with this and was reminded when having visitors from Canada over the holidays. They were in awe of Singapore and how it's possible to have a country that is clean, safe, conscious, bonded and provides for all. It's a hard message to sell though, whereas maintaining health care is clear and affects us all.
[4:30 pm, 04/01/2023] +Jeffrey: A UK mp speaks about halting the covid vaccination program.
https://rumble.com/v20id3s-halt-the-covid-vaccinatin-programme.html
[4:32 pm, 04/01/2023] +Rama: Our government is amazing
[4:32 pm, 04/01/2023] +L or BL: Yes, it's a good gesture. If inflation is 10%, and GST goes from 7-8% then what did cost $1, now cost, $1.11 - that's a noticeable rise over the course of a month, when a family might be spending $2,000 - the extra $300 is gone in under 6 weeks.
[4:33 pm, 04/01/2023] +L or BL: Thanks, but I'm not going to respond about more posts from Rumble.com :)
[4:36 pm, 04/01/2023] +Jeffrey: The UK MP's speech is also available on YouTube.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-MSKzoI72eU
YouTube actively censors anything critical to the vaccine, so you can't find some videos there. Without being critical, there is no way to get to the science of the covid vaccines.
[4:41 pm, 04/01/2023] +REACH: Dear Contributors,
Please be reminded to keep to the topic that is being discussed, we have had good feedback from this group, and we hope that we can keep the discussion related to the topic robust and active!
Megan ๐
[4:43 pm, 04/01/2023] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
Fortunately, vaccines sceptics are very rare, especially in Singapore.
Fortunately, majority of the people got vaccination and emerge very well from the pandemic into endemic.
Kudos to our medical experts and the government for the foresight to run a successful vaccination programme and lead the country out of covid pandemic!
[4:43 pm, 04/01/2023] +Rama: Yes
[5:40 pm, 04/01/2023] +SL: I will continue wearing a mask till the appropriate time to protect my own family after consider the risk from time to time
[5:40 pm, 04/01/2023] +Rama: Likewise
[6:00 pm, 04/01/2023] +REACH: ๐ข Topic ๐ข
In his New Year Message 2023, PM Lee Hsien Loong said that the Government is implementing a package of measures to help households cushion the impact of the GST hike and cope with the cost of living. These include utilities rebates and Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers.
Every Singaporean household can now claim $300 worth of CDC vouchers, of which half, or $150, is for use at participating supermarkets. Residents can claim their vouchers in a similar way to previous tranches.
๐ฌ What are your views on PM Lee's New Year Message? Do you think the measures introduced by the Government are sufficient to help you cope with the GST hike?
PM lee also encouraged everyone to keep their vaccinations current, and protect ourselves with the …
[6:44 pm, 04/01/2023] +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 ๐
[6:52 pm, 04/01/2023] +Smiley face: 4 January, 2023
Our Distinguished Leaders, CDC and All Honorable Members
CDC Vouchers letter and printed materials. In the envelope, it contained 4 instructional sheets and 1 cover letter.
Perhaps in the future mass mailing exercise, may this letter minimize into 2 pieces of A4 sheets, all in English. One is the cover letter and the other is the instructions to claim for vouchers or etc.
In the instruction sheet, 4 QR codes for each respective language and simple instructions to go to CC for further assistance.
We are trying to save costs and the same Green too.
[6:54 pm, 04/01/2023] +XaniceAfcai: Cold storage is more atas loh. Giant price also low...
In fact, we shd support heartland merchants. Vouchers shd not separate into two type...shd have let ppls options.
[7:00 pm, 04/01/2023] +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 ๐
=====
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