REACH 427 -  Which of the Budget 2023 measures resonate with you?

(SK)

 15 Feb 2023 (10am - 7pm)

REACH

[9:46 am, 15/02/2023] +REACH: Dear Contributors,

Welcome back! 😊

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The topic will be posted shortly.

Thank you

Megan 😊

[9:59 am, 15/02/2023] +REACH: 📢 Topic 📢

BUDGET 2023 - MOVING FORWARD IN A NEW ERA 

The Budget for the 2023 financial year is expected to run Singapore’s second consecutive deficit as the government shifts from dealing with the pandemic to addressing concerns about the cost of living and global uncertainties.

To reposition Singapore for a “new era” of global development, the Government will spend around S$104.2 billion to grow the economy, equip workers and build up the country’s collective resilience, while making immediate moves to help families and vulnerable Singaporeans cope with high inflation.

💬 Which of the Budget 2023 measures resonate with you?

📌 Support Measures for Singaporeans

- Increased cash payouts to eligible Singaporeans under the enhanced GST Voucher Scheme

- Increased total cash payouts and CDC Vouchers for eligible individuals and households under the enhanced Assurance Package (AP)

- New Cost-of-Living Special Payment to eligible Adult Singaporeans and additional Cost-of-Living Seniors’ Bonus for those aged 55 and above under the enhanced AP

📌 Growing our Economy and Equipping our workers

- Support businesses by building capabilities and anchoring quality investments, nurturing and supporting innovation, and dealing with cost pressures

- Integrate training and job placement for workers 

- Enhanced employment support for lower-wage workers, seniors, persons with disabilities and ex-offenders

📌 Strengthening our Social Compact

- Support housing aspirations with more housing support measures for selected first-timer families applying for BTO and buying resale flats

- Encourage marriage & parenthood by extending Baby Support Grant and increasing Baby Bonus Cash Gift, and increasing leave provisions for eligible parents

- Support lower-income families by integrating delivery of social services, ComCare Endowment Fund top-up and KidSTART scale-up

- Support seniors with $500 million ElderCare Fund top-up and $1.5 billion MediFund top-up 

- Support platform-workers by aligning CPF contribution rates of platform workers and companies with those of employees and employers over five years

For more information on Budget 2023, please visit https://www.mof.gov.sg/singaporebudget/budget-2023/budget-speech 

👉🏻 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/budget-2023-highlights-more-payouts-higher-taxes-for-luxury-cars-cpf-monthly-salary-ceiling-to-rise

👉🏻 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/top-stories-from-finance-minister-lawrence-wongs-budget-2023-statement

-----

[10:58 am, 15/02/2023] +REACH: Dear Contributors

We’d love to hear more from you on today’s topic 😊

💬 Which of the Budget 2023 measures resonate with you?

Megan 😊

[11:08 am, 15/02/2023] +TD: This seems like a step backwards.

[11:12 am, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Technically means they will take people with higher income more

[11:13 am, 15/02/2023] +eunicechialim: the old tax relief rates benefit the high income mothers disproportionately.  and gives high income working mothers some form of "recognition" for having children.  And whatever they don't spend on tax, it's probably spent on their children.  

the new tax relief rates benefits those whose income is up to about $53k pa.  at this rate of income, moms would also likely practice family planning to provide better for their children.  

so i'm not sure how the new tax relief rates helps our young high income earners to have more children.

[11:13 am, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Which is fair I thought… 

By calculation is about 54k annual.. relatively decent income to get the same relief percentage..

[11:14 am, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Meaning low income mother would technically no need to pay tax below 54k income

[11:15 am, 15/02/2023] +TD: I'm thinking this could be easily done as an either or.

You want those who are able to have more to have more, at the same time you want to help those with budget constraints

[11:15 am, 15/02/2023] +eunicechialim: their taxable income will be reduced by the amount of relief.

earn $55,000, with one child, the taxable income will be $47,000 (then there are other relieve as well)....

[11:15 am, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Higher income pay a bit more tax.. I thought it is fair..

[11:16 am, 15/02/2023] +Ken: By percentage is a lot of relief 😂

[11:17 am, 15/02/2023] +TD: This is true as well. Hence the - I "think". Just felt this policy was a little "off"?

[11:17 am, 15/02/2023] +Wai Xin: 100k earner will be enjoying 15,000 relief.. woah...

[11:17 am, 15/02/2023] +Wai Xin: even annual reservist don't get so much hahaha

[11:17 am, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Lol… for higher income is pain Lar… 

My wife kena.. but I think for Singapore as a whole. Is better for country

[11:18 am, 15/02/2023] +TD: my whatsapp groups are filled with complaining mummies this morning =)

[11:18 am, 15/02/2023] +eunicechialim: in the current and children born before Jan 2024.....

[11:18 am, 15/02/2023] +Wai Xin: high roller groups!

[11:18 am, 15/02/2023] +Ken: When we get money from government no complaints? 🤣

[11:19 am, 15/02/2023] +TD: always =)

[11:19 am, 15/02/2023] +Ken: How much money given to newborn in Jan 2024

[11:19 am, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Take from somewhere to cover other places lor

[11:21 am, 15/02/2023] +Ken: To be frank if you earning 100k annual.. you are likely doing ok… 

And smart enough to find other forms of tax relief. Like top up CPF, donation etc.. depreciation.

[11:22 am, 15/02/2023] +SL: Government do a lot for Singaporean, from seniors, families, workers, lighten GST impact, improving business environment for this new era with the assurance package. However, I am a bit worried as we are in 2nd consecutive deficit and the beps 2.0 to the industry landscape and competitive advantages.

[11:22 am, 15/02/2023] +Ken: If home have any elderly parents or sick.. there are special tax relief for them as well..

[11:23 am, 15/02/2023] +Grace: As an under 35 years old Singaporean with a young toddler, I would really appreciate flexible working arrangements. I am unable to get it even after repeated discussions with management. Maybe money may help a bit but mothers also want to be there for their children. We also have elderly to care for. Time, not just money, will be a gift.

[11:23 am, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Just keep giving money.. is it good for the country as a whole to overly dependent on handouts

[11:24 am, 15/02/2023] +TD: Mid career oldie folks.. Not hard to cross 100k in mid career.

[11:24 am, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Flexi work arrangements are a pain, for management to consider. As those that cannot do flexi work arrangements will complaint. 

For office worker is extra benefit. 😂

[11:25 am, 15/02/2023] +Wai Xin: still child bearing? :P

[11:25 am, 15/02/2023] +Ken: I do really think flexi work is really a benefit.. I don’t even take leave to clear some stuff and ran errands

[11:25 am, 15/02/2023] +TD: oh yes. 40-43-45 all gave birth =P

[11:26 am, 15/02/2023] +Rama: Agree

[11:26 am, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Still long way 🥲

[11:34 am, 15/02/2023] +Andrew Ang: When people's salaries are raised and common groceries are kept at a stale pricing, it will help the people in some way.

[11:35 am, 15/02/2023] +Wai Xin: totally support this. Flexible work arrangement will be a means to retain talent in the future.

[11:43 am, 15/02/2023] +Boon: Thoughtful budget that seems to stretch and try to have something for everyone, while seeking a more balanced society. Understand the need for financial support but once people are used to it, can handouts and subsidies really stop or be reduced? They risk “never be enough”. So while helping Sg, citizens and our residents here is important, our govt and ourselves may also be facing a quiet question - is the nation heading towards a future of welfare govt and welfare state?

[11:47 am, 15/02/2023] +Sh Koh: Just curious, is there a figures how much do we use for eldercare and medifund each Yr ?

[11:47 am, 15/02/2023] +Rama: Agree

[11:47 am, 15/02/2023] +Rama: I have my doubts although I  don't practice encroaching my personal time with work.

[11:53 am, 15/02/2023] +Boon: There is a tension between the social compact that the govt seeks to fulfill, and the seemingly unbridled commercial profit seeking practices allowed in core drivers of everyday costs. Its great the more affordable BTO will be available but store rentals are spinning higher  (anecdotally, look at the number of empty shops in malls and the turnover of shops) and they add to costs and quality of living. Privatizing coffee shops in the heartlands for millions to say it allows innovation doesn’t mean a thing for lower income and retirees seeking to stretch their $. Energy and insurance are similarly only going up, that will hit the growing Gen X retirees. 

So, in addition to the generosity of the budget, should our MPs help our govt to visibly work on getting rents, energy and other basic costs of living under better control for the ordinary people?

[11:55 am, 15/02/2023] +Sh Koh: I read that there is an increased of 7.4% application. Has our situation get worst or medical cost has risen that our medisave and shield cannot handle

[0:05 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Of course not always but when required it helps a lot

[0:05 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: But if you don’t have a room for WFH then it becomes a problem 😂

[0:12 pm, 15/02/2023] +Kenneth Lee WM: I wish some of that budget would be fund a government agency to publish why:

- 1kg of chicken costs RM$12 in Malaysia but costs S$12 in Singapore when it arrives here.

- Why chicken rice sellers can buy 1Kg of chicken for $6.50 but NTUC which buys much more sell us at $9?

Make the costs of gov regulation transparent so that we can determine what we are paying for.

[0:18 pm, 15/02/2023] +Wai Xin: i have a friend who lives in Minnesota, he teaches MBA online during covid and the baby needed his attention. he ended up hiding in the bathroom to teach 🤣🤣🤣

[0:18 pm, 15/02/2023] +Grace: Oh my!

[0:19 pm, 15/02/2023] +Wai Xin: he showed the students his location, they all offered him their sympathy.. hahaha

[0:19 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Supplier and retail 😂

[0:20 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: You can buy direct from supplier… but can you buy at bulk?

[0:20 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: If can it will be that price

[0:21 pm, 15/02/2023] +Kenneth Lee WM: NTUC exist to pass savings to consumers.

[0:21 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Storage cost, retail space, manpower cost… you factor those in… plus bonus

[0:21 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: 🤣🤣🤣 you ask why they earn so much lesser than Sheng Siong… even thought they sell here

[0:21 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: In terms of margin

[0:23 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Sell Higher”

[0:24 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Talk to the procurement, the cost of using NTUC space to sell.. you will understand why they selling more expensive from the vendor 🤣🤣

Talk to more people you understand

[0:24 pm, 15/02/2023] +Kenneth Lee WM: If gov allow us to buy chicken etc from Malaysian supermarket and bring back to Singapore, NTUC etc will then be forced to be more efficient.  I eat chicken from Malaysia, didn't get sick.  I don't see why I can't buy it from Malaysia and eat in Singapore.

[0:24 pm, 15/02/2023] +Kenneth Lee WM: Right now, there's "protectionism" (in my opinion).

[0:26 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Why food can not bring in… not to protect NTUC. But to control the source that it comes from. 

So we have lesser chance of sick, as there is regulations. Of course you think that is unnecessary. But if we don’t, johor will no longer be so cheap 😂

[0:37 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ch Poh Clinic: Have more help for special need children especially those with single parent. Talk only. in the end all in their pocket. Cook story to remove children from parent and raise them at homes . Waste tax money on these. Why not put in more money for these group .

[0:38 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ch Poh Clinic: CPF go up, We die, eat grass. until retirement then can see money but do we really see that long to take all our money from CPF. In the end all these go back to them and from all our hard work we get zero . Slave for others.

[0:41 pm, 15/02/2023] +Sh Koh: It helps to save more for retirement or even to.buy House.

[0:42 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ch Poh Clinic: Promote Family bonding, rubbish talk . They encourage young officers break families by their story . Every parent has the best judgement on the children not those officer. Who are they to judge. In the end they cook story to remove away from home and put them in worst place , wasting tax payer money to raise them at home when the children parent are not dead and with the capability to feed and raise the children. Hence Singapore is not a place for families.

[0:43 pm, 15/02/2023] +Sh Koh: But it also benefit non -SC as they can take out of they leave.. when needed.

[0:44 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ch Poh Clinic: Do we need house for retirement when we already have ? Save more for retirement ? We will not able to all but bit by bit when retire until we gone. so in the end who benefit.

[0:44 pm, 15/02/2023] +Sh Koh: I think the process is quite robust..

[0:45 pm, 15/02/2023] +Sh Koh: Think the majority still use CPF to fund housing loan

[1:30 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Thought this year budget very generous.

[1:30 pm, 15/02/2023] +Smiley face: Hi Grace, good point!

Will a 4 day work week for working mums?

Thank you

[1:32 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Must as well ask for zero day work week.

[1:32 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Be housewife.

[1:33 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Singapore's total employment grows for 5th straight quarter, but MOM notes recent rise in retrenchments.                                                                                                                                  https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-labour-market-report-q4-2022-total-employment-retrenchments-3243246

[1:34 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Flexible work arrangements is the best way forward for working mums.

But 4 days work week is sure a target for retrenchment.

[1:36 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

"HSBC starts to lay off AXA Singapore staff; over 20 given notice on Thursday".

Not only Big Tech companies are laying off staff, bank also start retrenchment.

 https://www.straitstimes.com/business/banking/hsbc-starts-to-lay-off-axa-singapore-staff-over-20-given-notice-on-thursday#:~:text=HSBC%20starts%20to%20lay%20off%20AXA%20Singapore%20staff%3B%20over%2020%20given%20notice%20on%20Thursday

[1:37 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Chinese engineer flies to Singapore for job but offer is pulled on his arrival.

Not only shoppe cut staff - Tencent, Xiaomi also cut staff.

https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3190793/chinese-engineer-cut-shopee-after-landing-singapore-goes-viral-wechat?utm_source=TodayOnline&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=contentexchange&utm_content=3190793

[1:37 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

https://theindependent.sg/goldman-sachs-begins-its-massive-round-of-layoffs/

Goldman Sachs begins its massive round of layoffs.

[1:38 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/explainer-tech-sector-layoffs-pmet-better-protected-retrenchments-2078991

News analysis: In view of tech sector’s layoffs, should PMETs be better protected from retrenchment?

[1:38 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2022/12/15/93-7-of-3rd-quarter-employment-growth-in-singapore-went-to-non-residents-as-retrenchment-increased/

93.7% of 3rd quarter employment growth in Singapore went to non-residents as retrenchment increased

[1:40 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/tech-sector-believes-recent-layoffs-could-stem-frothy-asking-salaries-may-not-be-bad-thing-tan-see-leng-2061206

Tech sector believes recent layoffs could stem ‘frothy’ asking salaries, 'may not be a bad thing': Tan See Leng.

[1:43 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

"After a rocky year with mass layoffs, how will US tech giants fare in 2023?

Many tech giants, including Meta and Amazon, laid off thousands in the second half of 2022."

 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/uncertain-outlook-tech-giants-3172566#:~:text=After%20a%20rocky,half%20of%202022.

[1:47 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

"Tesla's Elon Musk says China rivals 'work hardest, smartest'"

 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/business/elon-musk-tesla-china-rivals-work-hardest-smartest-cars-automotive-3232706#:~:text=Tesla%27s%20Elon%20Musk%20says%20China%20rivals%20%27work%20hardest%2C%20smartest%27

[1:48 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Other countries work hardest, smartest.

But yet our workers are scrambling for 4 days weeks.

[1:50 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: It’s possible if we are very productive… 

If you going on coffee breaks, using WhatsApp on REACH 🤣 likely we are not working hard enough

[1:50 pm, 15/02/2023] +Grace: Maybe! A good start

[1:51 pm, 15/02/2023] +Grace: I beg to differ that 4 days = on the list for retrenchment

[1:51 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Might be a problem, if company don’t want to hire them. As you drop 1/5 of working days.. still pay the same?

[1:52 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Well let see how the employers decide who to retrench when come to the crutch.

[1:52 pm, 15/02/2023] +Grace: Bosses who think like this are probably measuring productivity as "hours SEEN doing work" not "actual work and impact"

[1:52 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Preference to hire only man will come if only working mum get 4 workday only 😅

[1:52 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Yes 

You nail it.

[1:53 pm, 15/02/2023] +Grace: The reality is, if this continues, you will have less children..  shrinking workforce down the road.. more foreign talents/AI..

[1:53 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: To be frank, most are still traditional and face time is important 😂

[1:53 pm, 15/02/2023] +Grace: So, it is myopic for bosses to think like this

[1:53 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: When you are boss you will think it is not.. why country problem becomes my problem? 😂

[1:53 pm, 15/02/2023] +Grace: That's how you get a shrinking population and low birth rates

[1:54 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

If Singaporeans women ask for 4 days work week.

Employers will employ more males or foreigners.

[1:54 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Unless mandatory… but you sure company will want it?

[1:54 pm, 15/02/2023] +Grace: Not just females, males can ask too

[1:54 pm, 15/02/2023] +Grace: Anw

[1:54 pm, 15/02/2023] +Grace: It is just a wishful hope. You and I know it will never happen.

[1:54 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心:

Then business will leave Singapore and go to places with no such demand.

[1:55 pm, 15/02/2023] +Grace: Where?

[1:55 pm, 15/02/2023] +Grace: That's why modern feminism is arguably worse off for females than having traditional roles

[1:55 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

China, Vietnam, or SE Asia who not not adopting 4 days work week.

[1:55 pm, 15/02/2023] +Grace: Now, mothers must work too

[1:55 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Fair and equality.. pick one

[1:55 pm, 15/02/2023] +Grace: Or, women choose not to get married/have kids

[1:56 pm, 15/02/2023] +Grace: I am a female but definitely not a modern feminist for these reasons

[1:57 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

1. One of my relative ask for 3 days work week to work as part time with reduction in salary to look after her children.

2. But her work load is the same and yet need to produce asap.

3. Her boss say her productivity drop, and she is force to quit.

[1:58 pm, 15/02/2023] +Grace: That is the reality

[1:58 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: If government then ok../ 🤣

[1:58 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Or education sector..

[1:58 pm, 15/02/2023] +Grace: Sadly

[1:59 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

1. Another female relative arrange Flexi work at home and office - work 5 days work week - so still can take care of children.

2. She has work for many years with subordinates under her.

3. Pay well some more.

[1:59 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Move to the sector.. if you want such flexibility

[1:59 pm, 15/02/2023] +Grace: Wah this lobang from where, I also want lol

[1:59 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

So see who survive until the last.

The business world is not going to wait for you.

P&L, customer satisfaction is all what business care for.

[2:01 pm, 15/02/2023] +Grace: Which sector?

[2:02 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Keep finding lor… also luck.

[2:03 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: I know people that work from home and earn decent.

[2:03 pm, 15/02/2023] +REACH: 📢 Topic 📢

BUDGET 2023 - MOVING FORWARD IN A NEW ERA 

The Budget for the 2023 financial year is expected to run Singapore’s second consecutive deficit as the government shifts from dealing with the pandemic to addressing concerns about the cost of living and global uncertainties.

To reposition Singapore for a “new era” of global development, the Government will spend around S$104.2 billion to grow the economy, equip workers and build up the country’s collective resilience, while making immediate moves to help families and vulnerable Singaporeans cope with high inflation.

💬 Which of the Budget 2023 measures resonate with you?

📌 Support Measures for Singaporeans

- Increased cash payouts to eligible Singaporeans under the enhanced GST Voucher Scheme

- I…

[2:03 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: The car part really a surprise that we can raise it so much higher 😂

[2:05 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

She is an accountant.

Now a financial controller.

[2:07 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Her job is a backend job.

Not customer fronting.

Hence can have such Flexi arrangements.

[2:07 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: CPF part of gig employee is a good move.. at least they can have some form of CPF. But also means higher fee for the platform to make it profitable and still attractive for the riders

[2:07 pm, 15/02/2023] +Uncle Law: Shd extend for those above 30yo to be compulsory

[2:19 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Why not start like normal anything above $800 CPF 😆

[2:19 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: I kena when I was young.. 16

[2:20 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: But overtime CPF not bad… By the time I start work officially already have some money inside

[2:39 pm, 15/02/2023] +Smiley face: 15 February, 2023

To: Our Distinguished Leaders and All Honorable Members 

Women (Men) and Economic Growth and Budget?

Women of today are independent, competent and multitasking. Are women economically speaking important to a family and a country? Based on OECD data, a family spent up to 25% of the disposable income on early childhood and care. In a single breadwinner family, it could be well over double, these cases are expenses for caring of a child. The key is double income versus single income (exclusion for a family with a high income sole breadwinner).

When we are describing a country workforce, just for simplicity, two considerations are socioeconomics status (SS) and skillsets regardless of gender and age. The latter tends to be disadvantaged es…

[2:44 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Where the 25% from?

[2:44 pm, 15/02/2023] +Smiley face: OECD

[2:46 pm, 15/02/2023] +Smiley face: The next question will be..

What are the OECD figures for Singapore?

Anyone would like to dig into it?

[2:49 pm, 15/02/2023] +Tan Kay Eng: As the saying go "Human heart can never be fulfill, like snake eating elephant" the more you give, the more they ask. Me, now 64, born in Singapore, going thr all these years budget, think i not getting any of these at all, No baby bonus, no housing grant, no education grant, no extra leave etc etc.😟😟😟🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️ sigh

[2:55 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

人生不足，蛇吞象。

做了神仙，未必满足。

只怕天梯依然未搭起。

牛头马面，来将我们抓。

[2:55 pm, 15/02/2023] +Grace: Icic

[3:06 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Desires can never be fulfilled, even snake want to swallow elephant - eyes shining on its big meat - thinking its stomach can accommodate the giant.

Being a diety, is not necessarily satisfying and not enough to satisfy our runaway desires and expectations.

I'm afraid before the heavenly ladder is still not set up.

Bull head and horse face, will rise from the earth and come to catch us

[3:19 pm, 15/02/2023] +Smiley face: Advisory:

Three critical months for 2023, world economics and geo conflicts.

Previously mentioned, Feb/Mar, May and October. These 3 timelines will have significant impacts on bigger nations. Things will change for no good and no peace? Facts!

     - - in progress - -

[3:21 pm, 15/02/2023] +RH: Er ...

U still get the benefits for Seniors & if house owner ... 

😉

[3:25 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: You benefited from the super growth period. Where if willing to work you will do decent. 

Secondary school also can be director in some companies. 

Current a bit harder then the super growth times. But different generation different problems.

[3:26 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: SIA stock was $1 😂

[3:27 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Singtel stock was given free to all singaporean when they privatised

[3:29 pm, 15/02/2023] +RH: Personally, I think LW has outdone himself this time around ... 

It wud be hard to match this next year.

Overall, I m quite pleased w the budget ... A little something for almost everyone ...

However, on the issue of New Housing for 1st timers ... Besides looking into the $$$ (of course, this is abt Budget after all), I wud like to hear more fr DL abt how he is resolving the Ss vs Dd problem.

👍🏻Giving an extra ballot is a good move but wat abt location choice tt applicant wants??!!

I do recognise tt SG is short of land. However, ther shd be some room for compromise & grants if one is not able to get the loc near one's parents since ther r no BTO's in the preferred area?

And wat abt other factors tt applicant wants --- like floor level, facing, etc. 

👆🏻Wud like to hv more clarification on the "specific needs" mentioned by LW.

[3:31 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Singtel stock class a and b - got to buy at $2.65 not free.

I still have them.

[3:32 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: I am pretty sure was free my mum didn’t know she has it. And she don’t know how to buy stock 😂

[3:32 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Huh???

Anyway I pay for the class a and b.

[3:32 pm, 15/02/2023] +RH: I still hv them.

[3:32 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: She Merdeka generation leh

[3:33 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: You got so old mah 🤣

[3:33 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Then I don't know.

I recall buy at discount not free.

[3:33 pm, 15/02/2023] +RH: Me too.

I dun think it was free.

Had to apply to buy.

[3:33 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Oh is it? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[3:36 pm, 15/02/2023] +RH: Just hold on to them.

They're making $$$ anyway.

A few years ago, Singtel bought some of the shares bk ... So we made some money ther.

I can't remember how many shares, tho ... 🤣🤣  ... Me aging ... Haha...

[3:37 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Buy and hold forever good dividend 🤣 monopoly business 🤣

[3:37 pm, 15/02/2023] +RH: Yup! Yup! 🤪

[3:38 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Still not enough for phone bill.. need to accumulate to pay for itself 🤣🤣

[3:39 pm, 15/02/2023] +Tan Kay Eng: We struggled to buy HDB at that time, You can easily checked those years from 1988~1993 after the first National Development Minister committed suicide due to corruption. That resulted to kmany policies changes on hdb purchases new rules ( Keep changing)). Also, not all ppl are Mr. Sim that can create Creative technology. Most are just ordinary workers with only Sec 4 to Poly🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️😟😟.  Likewise, ifnewer generation willing to work, they will do decent too.

[3:41 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Without degree now a bit hard… 

Not many jobs pay as well.. but of course some blue collar jobs do quite well with enough OT

[3:41 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Now kid till 25 maybe still need parents give money 😂

[3:41 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Last time 18 you are on your own 😂

[5:28 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Marriage and Parenting

The following are the few options in Parenting :-

1. One work and one spouse look after the child/children (especially for baby/babies).

The One that work got to bring in more income - as one spouse not working.

2. Both spouses work - when child/children grow older.

a. Grandparents look after grandchildren.

b. Employ maid

c. Put in pre-schools or study in schools (primary, secondary, ITE, Poly, Uni).

3. Both spouses adopt flexi work - Monday to Wed, Wed to Friday WFH/WFO - spread out to take care of children.

----

I adopt 1, 2b, 2c --- and my child win scholarship, now graduated, working for the Government.

[3:43 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ch Poh Clinic: Yalo , as gov say cannot punish the kids. And this make the kids worst and more depend on parent. Things will go worst , kids will go lazy and unproductive

[3:43 pm, 15/02/2023] +Tan Kay Eng: where got? i wish......  😀😀.  Even if house owner, you need a shelter to live. No grant even if you not working.

[3:44 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ch Poh Clinic: 18 was kena punish form parent and they force us to learn . Nowadays cannot lo. any parent tried will get charge by these Gov

[3:44 pm, 15/02/2023] +RH: Healthy 365 app.

Accumulate points from staying healthy .

Can offset points to pay Singtel bill, get NTUC vouchers plus more ... 🤪

Also, downgrade phone plans.

I've just done tt w my 2 hp + 1 tablet ... $10 plan each (b4 GST) : 

100gb data +  

1gb roaming +

300 min local calls +

30 local sms 🤪

[3:45 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: No income or low income without money… government have support scheme… just have to share house with people 😆

[3:45 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ch Poh Clinic: What benefits ? Blood sucking have. As after seniors pass off the house will still be their if the senior has no children. In the end they are the one thta benefits most

[3:45 pm, 15/02/2023] +Tan Kay Eng: 👏👏👍👍

[3:46 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: The place not too bad.. but your housemate might not be good… 

And not much privacy. But for $30 a month not too bad

[3:46 pm, 15/02/2023] +RH: RH (formerly TPG)

[3:46 pm, 15/02/2023] +Ken: Worst come to worst situation…

[4:03 pm, 15/02/2023] +Elena Woo: I think the part on increasing CPF monthly ceiling needs to take it slower and in more phases. It is good, but with inflation rate rising so fast, those with children and parents to support will be in trouble.

Working mothers tax changing to fixed amount will deter those with more than annual salary 60K to have more children, especially those who also have living elderly parents.

[4:04 pm, 15/02/2023] +Elena Woo: And working mothers with higher salaries are usually the ones who are very concerned about their children's education quality and willing to spend for their children education. In the long run they have more children, they will spend more which in turns boost economy.

[4:04 pm, 15/02/2023] +Elena Woo: Just my thoughts

[4:16 pm, 15/02/2023] +Tan Kay Eng: i have an stupid idea. Since education is so important, may be the government should make all primary/secondary school as full day. School start at 8~9am, end at 5~6pm. students spend all times in school including cca, tuition, take afternoon nap. 2 shift of teachers, no homework (so they can have bonding at home) no need to go extra tuition, recruit those tuitors from the tuition centres (if not enough teachers) as supervisors/tutorial/CCA etc etc. In this case, parents/children have more time bonding, weekend outing. early sleep. etc etc. Win win for all.  I can take up the task to hel gocernement to plan this😃😃😃

[4:21 pm, 15/02/2023] +L: Yes, makes sense. Seems daft that the kids just come home to continue doing their school work. One request though, allow the kids a bit more socialising time. Mine says there is no talking at all during class and they only get 20 mins recess. Since they all leave at lunchtime (to come home and study more) they get very little playtime.

[4:22 pm, 15/02/2023] +Tan Kay Eng: certain afteroon time in school will be for outdoor with all sorts of activities depending on their interest.  No computer/phone

[4:25 pm, 15/02/2023] +Tan Kay Eng: everything will be done in school, these way teachers also will not be too stress.  , this ensure their children have quality time at home, (All extra tuition in school, details to be ironed out). If kiasu parents still want to stess their children at night, there is nothing one can do🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[4:26 pm, 15/02/2023] +Rama: Arrangements for parents /care givers/helpers will have an impact.  Both parents children finishing off at the same time!

[4:27 pm, 15/02/2023] +Tan Kay Eng: Ministry of education should hire me as consultant for this job😚🤭. Government have enough resources for these including plenty of empty schools premises

[4:28 pm, 15/02/2023] +Tan Kay Eng: details need to be discussed and adjust, these will be taken into consideration too

[4:40 pm, 15/02/2023] +Dan: Place pupils in an institution and follow the rules and routines from morning till evening. I don't think my kids will like that alot. Thanks.

[4:43 pm, 15/02/2023] +L: Was hoping they could adjust the rules and routines to take a more relaxed and creative approach.

[4:59 pm, 15/02/2023] +Grace: Pls don't farm out parenting to teachers or others

[4:59 pm, 15/02/2023] +Grace: Two wrongs don't make a right

[4:59 pm, 15/02/2023] +Grace: Parents don't have time to teach? Then fix that root issue.

[5:00 pm, 15/02/2023] +Suma pamu: I would love if schl starts bit late and end bit late

Like 9 to 5

8 hours School

1 hour ..2 breaks

2 hours play 4-5 hrs all classes

Happy Childhood

Can only hope

I know it won't happen

[5:01 pm, 15/02/2023] +Tan Kay Eng: Ya that's my idea too

[5:02 pm, 15/02/2023] +Suma pamu: Now In Secondary some CCA days

Children Go out from home as early as 7 am only reach home at 7 pm plus

Even A worker won't do this much of work

[5:02 pm, 15/02/2023] +Suma pamu: Some more they come back at 7pm Still got H.W to do

As if they are like Robots

[5:04 pm, 15/02/2023] +Grace: Poor thing

[5:04 pm, 15/02/2023] +Suma pamu: CCA suposed be Fun

But no no

Everything focus on competition LOL😀

the selctions 

Bla bla bla

The academics the sports 

Anything and everything

Frankly Compare to workers , children suffering the most

[5:05 pm, 15/02/2023] +Grace: Good idea

[5:06 pm, 15/02/2023] +Joseph Yap: 💬 Which of the Budget 2023 measures resonate with you?

- New Cost-of-Living Special Payment to eligible Adult Singaporeans and additional Cost-of-Living Seniors’ Bonus for those aged 55 and above under the enhanced AP

- Encourage marriage & parenthood by extending Baby Support Grant and increasing Baby Bonus Cash Gift, and increasing leave provisions for eligible parents

- Support lower-income families by integrating delivery of social services, ComCare Endowment Fund top-up and KidSTART scale-up

- Support seniors with $500 million ElderCare Fund top-up and $1.5 billion MediFund top-up 

And support the new ARF on luxury cars, new ABSD on luxury properties and standardised child relief for working mothers

[5:09 pm, 15/02/2023] +Suma pamu: We made the system and treating Children as if they are robots

But complain when they are losing human interaction, the care love etc

I always mentioned

The whole issue is with Education system

As long as its not adjusted 

Nothing going to help

[5:25 pm, 15/02/2023] +Dan: This year's Budget pledge to deal with Climate is left much to be desired. There are so much more to do rather than raising carbon taxes and building polder. Culture of reducing carbon footprint has to be introduced. I can only sigh by juz looking at the number of flyers left in my letterbox from property agents. 

1) Explore digital solutions to cut down on paperwork. 

2) Beef up the infrastructure in Singapore using clean and sustainable energy. Eg. Solar, hydrogen fuels. 

3) electric cars are still sold at premium prices in Singapore. Rechargeable pods are not readily available. 

4) I dont see a reduction of carbon footprint especially during festive seasons. I see most of the gifts were packaged nicely during xmas. I look at the number of containers m…

[5:28 pm, 15/02/2023] +Grace: Digital displays at hdb void decks take up lots of electricity and are very glaring

[5:29 pm, 15/02/2023] +Grace: I think there is value in using printed posters that can be upcycled / recycled

[5:29 pm, 15/02/2023] +Grace: Congratulations 🎊

[5:32 pm, 15/02/2023] +Elena Woo: Unfortunately elder parents cannot look after children. Like my case I have to support my parents coz they aged and 1 cannot walk well and the other has heart issues

[5:32 pm, 15/02/2023] +Elena Woo: So the income comes in and gone poof every month

[5:32 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

So option 3.

[5:33 pm, 15/02/2023] +Elena Woo: Not all employers can give wfh or flexi arrangements. Now employers calling all employees go bk as much as possible too

[5:33 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

There.

I already say this will happen to business.

[5:33 pm, 15/02/2023] +Elena Woo: My spouse has to report in office everyday

[5:34 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

That's why I adopt 1, 2b, 2c.

[5:35 pm, 15/02/2023] +Elena Woo: I also adopt 2b and 2c. But my kid falls sick in 2c, 2b has to take care... now where will the money come with increase cpf ceiling salary and reduced working mothers tax rebate? Lol

[5:35 pm, 15/02/2023] +Elena Woo: And helpers always ask to increase salary too haha

[5:36 pm, 15/02/2023] +Elena Woo: And now fwdl tax rebate also removed. More money to pay

[5:36 pm, 15/02/2023] +Elena Woo: Employers don't really increase salary much from yr to yr basis too

[5:36 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Well in my early career, I also have to slog hard.

My starting salary is only $1,600.

But I still make it.

[5:36 pm, 15/02/2023] +Elena Woo: Then those who support parents and have children, they won't want to have more children. Then birth rate decline

[5:37 pm, 15/02/2023] +Elena Woo: That was donkey years ago

[5:37 pm, 15/02/2023] +Elena Woo: With the cost of living nowadays 1 plate of chicken rice is $5 as compared to donkey years ago is $2

[5:39 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

I always believe in one thing :-

"sedekit sedekit.

lama lama banyak bukit".

渐悟，渐悟。

慢慢顿悟。

[5:45 pm, 15/02/2023] +Dan: According to the MIS data research in 2021, Apparently, a family of four, for instance, needs $6,426 a month for a basic standard of living. 

The help given to low income earners will barely keep them alive. In your archetypes, household income of only $2300 with 4 persons to feed. The total support of 5500 a year is definitely insufficient. I strongly suggest the minimum wage model or progressive wage model to allow families like that to remain self-sustainable, rather than depends on govt handouts.

[5:46 pm, 15/02/2023] +Dan: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/reasonable-starting-point-living-wage-singapore-lkyspp-study-2230071

[5:55 pm, 15/02/2023] ☸️  Danny 心: 

天将降大任于是人，必先苦其心志，劳其筋骨，饿其体肤，空乏其身，行拂乱其所为，所以动心忍性，曾益其所不能。

[6:05 pm, 15/02/2023] +REACH: 📢 Topic 📢

BUDGET 2023 - MOVING FORWARD IN A NEW ERA 

The Budget for the 2023 financial year is expected to run Singapore’s second consecutive deficit as the government shifts from dealing with the pandemic to addressing concerns about the cost of living and global uncertainties.

To reposition Singapore for a “new era” of global development, the Government will spend around S$104.2 billion to grow the economy, equip workers and build up the country’s collective resilience, while making immediate moves to help families and vulnerable Singaporeans cope with high inflation.

💬 Which of the Budget 2023 measures resonate with you?

📌 Support Measures for Singaporeans

- Increased cash payouts to eligible Singaporeans under the enhanced GST Voucher Scheme

- I…

[6:10 pm, 15/02/2023] +Elena Woo: 6426 + 2 parents (1421 × 2)= 6426 + 2842 = more than 9k per month of living expenses.

[6:11 pm, 15/02/2023] +Elena Woo: The old high income now become middle income le

[6:11 pm, 15/02/2023] +Elena Woo: And that is basic living costs

[6:13 pm, 15/02/2023] +Elena Woo: They say they factored in buying additional expenses. But groceries and toiletries and utilities bills are additional expenses? Don't think so

[6:45 pm, 15/02/2023] +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 😊

[7:00 pm, 15/02/2023] +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 😊

=====