REACH (Telegram) 55 - Over the course of the sitting, we will be sharing articles on the key issues discussed. Please share with us what areas you might be interested in and share your views on them.
(SK)
04 Feb 2025 (10am - 7pm)
REACH (Telegram)
REACH Singapore, [4/2/2025 9:45 AM]
Dear contributors,
Welcome back! 😊
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Megan 😊
REACH Singapore, [4/2/2025 10:00 AM]
📢 Topic 📢
Parliament will sit today (4 Feb) at 12.30pm. Parliamentary questions that will be discussed include the unauthorised attempts to change residential addresses via an online service provided by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), monsoon surges, and a decline in literacy proficiency among older adults in Singapore.
💬 Over the course of the sitting, we will be sharing articles on the key issues discussed. Please share with us what areas you might be interested in and share your views on them.
📌 Unauthorised Address Changes on ICA Online Service
- The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on Saturday (Jan 11) said it had suspended an electronic service that allows the change of residential addresses online. This comes after the authority identified about 80 cases of unauthorised attempts to change registered residential addresses via a proxy available on the online service.
- The police said on Jan 17 that 13 people had been arrested so far in connection to the unauthorised address changes.
- MPs asked whether a review will be conducted on other government systems to check for similar vulnerabilities.
📌 Monsoon Surges
- The Jan 10 to 13 monsoon surge was "one of the longer and more intense" in recent years, according to the Meteorological Service Singapore. Pulau Tekong recorded the highest daily rainfall of 241.8mm on Jan 10, breaking the previous record, while during that period, the daily minimum temperatures generally ranged from about 22 to 24 degrees Celsius.
- MPs asked about the adequacy of Singapore’s drainage systems in handling monsoon surges, whether current government investments in drainage infrastructure are sufficient, and the measures to mitigate flood risks. They also inquired about steps to enhance the resilience of water and underground infrastructure against extreme weather events.
📌 Literacy Rate by OECD
- A recent study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) revealed that Singapore’s adult literacy proficiency is below the OECD average.
- In Singapore, literacy in adults declines sharply after 35 years old, the study found, and the downward trend continues as adults age. Singaporean adults aged 55 to 65 are in 27th place - out of 31 countries - when it comes to literacy skills.
- MPs asked about measures to enhance English proficiency and lifelong learning, including a standardized national English test for university admissions, literacy modules in continuing education, programmes to help older Singaporeans improve essential skills, and the metrics used to track their progress.
📌 Other Issues
- A Parliamentary Question was also filed on how Singapore plans to continue building ties with the US under President Trump.
- Two Bills – the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Bill and the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Bill – are set for a second reading.
👉🏻 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/unauthorised-address-changes-ica-monsoon-surge-crocodiles-data-cloning-bullying-parliament-4912676
👉🏻 https://str.sg/7E6v
👉🏻 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/police-arrest-suspects-ica-change-addresses-unauthorised-attempts-4869916
👉🏻 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/monsoon-surge-flooding-heavy-rain-longer-more-intense-met-service-4856676
👉🏻 https://str.sg/MnBs
👉🏻 https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/survey-of-adults-skills-2023-country-notes_ab4f6b8c-en/singapore_382e963a-en.html
👉🏻 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/trump-tariffs-china-us-singapore-impact-4913021
----
LCL (Danny 心), [4/2/2025 10:38 AM]
1. Trump has started the trade war by levying tariffs on Canada, Mexico 25% and China 10%.
2. Wonder how will it impact us as we are a major trading Nation.
3. Both Canada & Mexico are CPTPP members.
4. China is our largest trading partner.
5. Trade war that will limit trade is detrimental to our GDP.
LCL (Danny 心), [4/2/2025 10:39 AM]
Under other issue.
LCL (Danny 心), [4/2/2025 10:43 AM]
1. Trade is 3 times our size of GDP - close to $1.5 trillion.
2. Wonder how to build relationships with Trump - when Trump policy is isolationist and not a proponent of trade.
LCL (Danny 心), [4/2/2025 10:46 AM]
3. Though we have a trade deficit with US unlike other trading Nations which are running trade surplus.
4. But Trump is unpredictable. The moment anyone enter into a negotiation with him, he will want an upper hand. We could end up worst off.
LCL (Danny 心), [4/2/2025 10:59 AM]
*Adult literacy skills*
1. I am surprised why Singapore rank so low - 27 out of 31 nations in English proficiency when our 1st working language is English language.
2. My experience tell me that our working adults are able to converse fluently with visiting business partners.
3. In addition, we are able to communicate, make presentation and produce written reports in English language to our overseas partners.
4. The OECD study outcome certainly come as a surprise.
LCL (Danny 心), [4/2/2025 11:11 AM]
1. Unauthorized address changes to hijack Singpass login credentials is certainly alarming.
2. But nabbing the hackers will be relatively easy - because any online changes will need a valid Singapore address to receive the pin number to effect the change.
3. Digital forensics trace to ip address of the hackers plus the physical address will be able to nab the hackers.
4. Because every IP address will link to a telephone number registered with the owner - whether for handphone or broadband user that will link to a fixed telephone number.
Jun Ming, [4/2/2025 11:24 AM]
I think our English is lean towards exams rather than daily usage. A Chinese family that don't speak English and blue workers will only use English when necessary.
LCL (Danny 心), [4/2/2025 11:25 AM]
Hmm ..
But it seems like OECD measure English literacy using standard English proficiency test.
Jun Ming, [4/2/2025 11:27 AM]
Singlish is something very functional on the ground. On every day usage it serve the function where everybody knows what you talking about and not much effort is needed. It somehow simplify the language
Jun Ming, [4/2/2025 11:28 AM]
And once you don't use exam English you will forget how to use it
LCL (Danny 心), [4/2/2025 11:28 AM]
Singlish if spoken I agree.
But written reports need to be functional English proficiency. I think singlish won't be featured.
Jun Ming, [4/2/2025 11:29 AM]
But only white collar people write report
Jun Ming, [4/2/2025 11:29 AM]
Blue collar does not need to do so
LCL (Danny 心), [4/2/2025 11:29 AM]
I have never taken an English test after secondary school.
So grammar, etc - is a long lost skills.
LCL (Danny 心), [4/2/2025 11:30 AM]
Hmm...
I wonder if blue collar workers is included in the test.
Because even English speaking countries blue collar workers also don't speak or write proper English.
Jun Ming, [4/2/2025 11:31 AM]
Use grammarly
LCL (Danny 心), [4/2/2025 11:31 AM]
My grammar also may not be accurate.
LCL (Danny 心), [4/2/2025 12:03 PM]
Wonder what is the long list of countries (31) are included in the OECD study?
Does it include ASEAN and Asian countries?
If it does, I will be certainly surprised with the results because many ASEAN and Asian countries are not proficient in English language.
LCL (Danny 心), [4/2/2025 12:06 PM]
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) consists of 38 member countries that work together to promote economic growth, prosperity, and sustainable development. Here are the OECD member countries:
Countries by Region
*Europe (23)*
1. Austria
2. Belgium
3. Czech Republic
4. Denmark
5. Estonia
6. Finland
7. France
8. Germany
9. Greece
10. Hungary
11. Iceland
12. Ireland
13. Italy
14. Latvia
15. Lithuania
16. Luxembourg
17. Netherlands
18. Norway
19. Poland
20. Portugal
21. Slovakia
22. Slovenia
23. Sweden
*Americas (8)*
1. Canada
2. Chile
3. Colombia
4. Costa Rica
5. Mexico
6. United States
7. Peru (accession process completed, membership pending)
8. Argentina (accession process completed, membership pending)
*Asia-Pacific (7)*
1. Australia
2. Japan
3. South Korea
4. New Zealand
5. Israel
6. Turkey
7. Thailand (not a full member, but a "key partner")
Source:- Meta AI llama
LCL (Danny 心), [4/2/2025 12:08 PM]
Ironically, we are not a member of OECD.
LCL (Danny 心), [4/2/2025 12:13 PM]
Singapore has a special relationship with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). While Singapore is not a full member of the OECD, it has been an OECD Enhanced Engagement partner since 2007.
As an Enhanced Engagement partner, Singapore participates actively in various OECD committees and working groups, and has committed to implementing OECD standards and best practices in several areas.
In addition, Singapore has also adhered to several OECD instruments, such as the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention and the OECD Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises.
So, while Singapore is not a full member of the OECD, its Enhanced Engagement partnership status allows it to collaborate closely with the OECD and its member countries on various issues.
Source :- Meta AI llama
LCL (Danny 心), [4/2/2025 12:22 PM]
Although Singapore is not a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), it maintains a close relationship with the organization through various forms of engagement. Here are some key ways Singapore is related to the OECD:
1. Participation in OECD Activities:
- Singapore is an active participant in OECD committees, working groups, and initiatives. It often collaborates on issues such as trade, taxation, digital economy, and environmental policies.
- For example, Singapore has participated in the OECD's Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) project, which aims to combat tax avoidance by multinational corporations.
2. Adoption of OECD Standards:
- Singapore has adopted many OECD standards and best practices in areas like corporate governance, anti-corruption, and financial regulation. This alignment helps Singapore maintain its reputation as a global business hub.
3. OECD Southeast Asia Regional Programme:
- Singapore is part of the OECD's Southeast Asia Regional Programme, which aims to strengthen ties between the OECD and Southeast Asian countries. The program focuses on regional integration, economic growth, and sustainable development.
4. Trade and Investment:
- Singapore is a key trading partner for many OECD countries and adheres to international trade rules promoted by the OECD. It is also a signatory to the OECD-led Multilateral Instrument (MLI), which modifies tax treaties to implement BEPS measures.
5. Global Influence:
- As a global financial and trade hub, Singapore often works with the OECD on global economic issues, such as climate change, digital transformation, and international tax cooperation.
While Singapore is not an OECD member, its active engagement with the organization reflects its commitment to global economic governance and alignment with international standards.
Source:- DeepSeek AI
LCL (Danny 心), [4/2/2025 12:28 PM]
Despite the fact that Singapore is not an OECD member - our interaction with OECD is very pervasive and critical to our national development.
LCL (Danny 心), [4/2/2025 12:29 PM]
Hence we need to find out in which areas our English language proficiency fall short.
And we need to improve.
REACH Singapore, [4/2/2025 1:00 PM]
[ Poll : Which issues are you interested in for today’s Parliament sitting? (You may choose more than one option) ]
- Unauthorised address changes using ICA online service
- Monsoon Surges
- Literacy Rate by OECD
- Singapore-US ties
- Maintenance of Racial Harmony Bill
LCL (Danny 心), [4/2/2025 1:46 PM]
1. Wonder what will be the addition or amendment to the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Bill.
2. As it currently stand, observe that interaction among the races in social settings, work settings, business settings and school settings are cordial and harmonious.
3. What other improvement are needed in the Bill?
Ethan, [4/2/2025 1:53 PM]
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/let-schools-handle-cases-of-bullying-or-fighting-without-speculating-and-jumping-in-chan-chun-sing
Strongly disagree with CCS.
Ethan, [4/2/2025 1:59 PM]
school leaders are not incentivise for bad matters to blow up as it'll impact the school grading, thus their performance. not just about bullying but any other complains be it with regards to students, teachers wellbeing/working environment, etc etc.
if those bullying cases had not gone viral, would such thorough investigation and accountability measures been taken?
What about those bullying cases that had not gone viral, were they dealt with the same level of thoroughness in terms of investigation and respective personnel be held accountable?
LCL (Danny 心), [4/2/2025 2:09 PM]
1. Parents anxiety when their child is being bullied and the need to get updated information what recourse and what remedies are done to prevent the kid from future bullying - is reasonable.
2. But if parents take actions into own hands - by doxxing (which is against the law), take private illegal actions such as punishing the bullies physically (altercation) or other means in a fit of anger or confronting teachers handling the case in an aggressive manner - will be counter productive and in fact have a brush against the law
REACH Singapore, [4/2/2025 2:18 PM]
📢 Topic 📢
Ethan, [4/2/2025 2:18 PM]
depends on what actions, you do not need to do anything thats blatantly illegal to bring awareness about the case, to ensure accountability is appropriately given.
This is not just with regards to bullying but the fundamental culture of mgmt not wanting things to blow up and just give you a standard reply expecting that the matter will go away.
by nature if things are handled well, nobody would want to get involved.
Just like if a building is burning down, cops catching criminals, chef cooking your food or bus driver driving the bus that gets you to ur destination. nobody wants to get involved by default but if they perceive that its not being handled well, they will WANT to get involved
LCL (Danny 心), [4/2/2025 2:26 PM]
1. Well my child got bullied when he was in primary school.
2. My child quite withdrawn and until I found out what happens, before he confide into me.
3. At that time it is close to his PSLE exam.
4. He told me a few classmates always make fun of him, say he stink, his uniform look ugly and play pranks on him.
5. My response is I feel angry initially, but I keep my cool instead of jumping into actions demanding the bullies get punished and stop harassing my son.
6. I check with him will it impact his concentration on his PSLE exam?
He say no.
He is not bothered by it.
7. I say good.
Then no need to get angry and make a big fuss to his teacher.
After the PSLE exam, he will be out of the school.
8. Indeed he did well in his PSLE and progress into secondary school and no longer facing issue with bullying as the students are more focus on studying and making friends.
Ethan, [4/2/2025 2:28 PM]
genuinely happy for you and your kid, he definitely handled it well ❤️🙏
Ethan, [4/2/2025 2:28 PM]
genuinely meant it
LCL (Danny 心), [4/2/2025 2:30 PM]
So sometimes, it is always important to keep cool to assess the situation.
A boiling water cannot see what is inside the water and when taking actions will scald ourselves and others.
An angry mind, cannot see the clarity of the water.
Only a cool calm mind can see the clarity of the water (situation) at the right temperature - and adopt a wholesome solution without resorting to extreme actions that can impact our kids, ourselves and worsen the situation.
We may even get ourselves into trouble with the law.
REACH Singapore, [4/2/2025 2:36 PM]
Parents should let schools handle fighting or bullying cases, and avoid jumping in: Chan Chun Sing
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/let-schools-handle-cases-of-bullying-or-fighting-without-speculating-and-jumping-in-chan-chun-sing
W Goo, [4/2/2025 2:42 PM]
I can't agree with his view. CCS did not address on the issue and no solution is given, instead focusing on his area and asking parents to trust them.
W Goo, [4/2/2025 2:57 PM]
Something like ECDA to preschool might help. We need an external agency to monitor this type of matters. People will only move when rating is involved.
W Goo, [4/2/2025 2:59 PM]
I had an incident and it was easily brush off due to regulations etc. Until I wanted to escalate to ECDA and will they start looking at it. In the end, it is what I expected. Imagine I let it off due to regulations and trusted them?
REACH Singapore, [4/2/2025 3:12 PM]
ICA detects 99 unauthorised address change attempts on e-service, 71 of them successful:
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/ica-detects-99-unauthorised-address-change-e-service-including-71-successful-4914951
Jun Ming, [4/2/2025 3:32 PM]
I do not agree. The thing is when after telling the incident to school, not particularly this incident, and action might have already taken but yet the students continue to do bad things and harassment, I think there's a need for parents to take further action to pressure the school.
Jun Ming, [4/2/2025 3:34 PM]
I not sure if physical punishment is allowed these days but I think it needs to be there as a deterrent. A warning to them.
Jun Ming, [4/2/2025 3:36 PM]
No need to physically Cane but a stick to warn them before things go harewire
Jun Ming, [4/2/2025 3:37 PM]
So the school can handle it more properly and work with parents on discipline manner of the child
Jun Ming, [4/2/2025 3:40 PM]
Cause altercation can start from having verbal fights which needs to be intervane.
Jun Ming, [4/2/2025 3:41 PM]
Would Moe provide allied educator to be small group of student mentor ie 10 people so student have a channel to feedback the problems they have. Instead throwing 40 students to form teachers
REACH Singapore, [4/2/2025 4:07 PM]
📢 Topic 📢
REACH Singapore, [4/2/2025 5:15 PM]
Singapore unlikely to be hit by direct US tariffs but may still be impacted: Vivian
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/parliament-singapore-unlikely-to-be-hit-by-direct-us-tariffs-but-may-still-be-impacted
G, [4/2/2025 5:59 PM]
What's the difference if the bullying occurs in school or outside school?
Should the police be involved early on even if bullying occurs in school compounds? Do the police have authority on MOE premises?
REACH Singapore, [4/2/2025 6:01 PM]
📢 Topic 📢
LCL (Danny 心), [4/2/2025 6:13 PM]
1. US GDP is currently at $27.8 trillion.
2. Whereas the Global GDP is at $110 trillion.
3. So which means there are $82.2 trillion global market that we can tap.
4. As Trump is busy tariffing other countries, we should stay focus to look for market opportunities with the rest of the world to make up for the lost through recalibration of our trade and global supply chain.
5. I think it will pay to restructure our trade chain for this 4 years - to ensure we are more resilient and back up on alternative supply chain to avoid relying on 1 traditional global supply chain that can be disrupted when geopolitical tensions deepen.
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