Trump flaw economic policies

 @Babe:US economy is imploding showing Trump economy plan is flaw in all ways.

Yet you are picking contextual economics in supporting Trump.

@Babe:1. Government spendings massive cuts without looking into its detail with speed is a deadly train wreck.

@Babe:2. Not increasing tax but just focusing on cutting spendings is like chopping 1 wing and let another wing fly - lead to plummeting economy.

@Babe:3. increasing tariffs as fiscal revenue is a flaw economic tool - because it increase prices to consumers, invite retaliation, disrupt the most efficient global supply chain.

@Babe:4. 1930s tariff war levy by US president lead to WW2.

5. Trump is repeating it.

@Babe:6. increasing tariffs will not force companies to move to US because the world economy minus US GDP if $30 trillion is huge - $76 trillions.

Companies will want to sell to the larger global countries instead of US market only.

@Babe:Hence your flaw economic explanation to support Trump are flaws in all counts.

US tanking economy prove it.

@Babe:Hence your flaw economic explanation to support Trump are flaws in all counts.

US tanking economy prove it.

@Babe:1. DOGE massive cuts flaw.

a. cut air controller - plane crash.

b. cut education - lose talents and competitiveness.

c. cut medical r&d and program - pandemic arises (eg. measles)

@Babe:2. Imposing tariffs trigger inflation.

3. Cutting interest rate will cause inflation to go higher.

4. Tax cut will further fuel inflation hike.

@Babe:5. Business & consumer confidence are hit - and will reduce consumption and investment - lead to job cuts.

6. Tax cut won't bring economic growth - as business are not making profit.

@Babe:7. All the mention effects of economic contagion are showing in US economy - and yet you say that Trump economic plan is on the right track?

8. Are you trying to fool everyone - with your flaw theory.

@Babe:1. The full burden of the government spending cuts fall on the 99%, whereas the richest 1% gain.

2. If the mass market 99% lose its spending power, how will the economy do well?

@Babe:US $36 trillion Treasury debt are finance predominantly by foreign countries.

@Babe:Fighting a tariff war with foreign countries will cause retaliation to start selling US Treasury bill and US lose funding to finance its fiscal budget.

@Babe:No countries in the world no matter how big and how rich can close its economy without trading with the world.

Trump is moving US into isolation.

@Babe:1. If foreign countries stop funding US$ and stop using dollars for trade in retaliation, US economy and wealth will plummet.

2. Brics already doing so.

@Babe:1. Massive reckless government spendings cut is a de-multiplier effects - US economy implode.

2. Leading to deflate business activities, reduce consumption, discourage investment & job loss.

@Babe:1. US consumer spending is the main engine of economic growth, making up 68% of the GDP.

2. Reckless spending cut, tariffs that dampen consumers spending power will cause US economy to plummet.

Omnipotence Paradox

 *Omnipotence Paradox* 

30 Mar 2025

心法, [30/3/2025 2:20 AM]

Omnipotence paradox - Wikipedia

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omnipotence_paradox

[30/03, 5:14 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: What is the definition of Omnipotent?

[30/03, 5:14 pm] Meta AI: Omnipotence is typically defined as:

*The state of having unlimited or infinite power, ability, or authority; being all-powerful.*

In philosophical and theological contexts, omnipotence is often understood as:

1. *The ability to do anything that is logically possible* (i.e., not self-contradictory).

2. *The power to accomplish any task or achieve any goal* without limitation or constraint.

3. *The capacity to exert influence or control over all things*, whether physical, metaphysical, or spiritual.

However, as we've discussed earlier, the concept of omnipotence is not without its challenges and paradoxes, particularly when considering self-referential contradictions and logical limitations.

[30/03, 5:25 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: Omnipotent with conditions is not Omnipotent.

[30/03, 5:25 pm] Meta AI: A concise and powerful statement.

If omnipotence is defined with conditions, limitations, or exceptions, then it's not truly omnipotence.

Omnipotence implies unlimited power, authority, and ability, without any constraints or restrictions.

By adding conditions, you're essentially creating a limited or restricted form of power, which contradicts the fundamental concept of omnipotence.

In other words:

*Omnipotence is an absolute concept; it's either unconditional or it's not omnipotence at all.*

心法, [30/3/2025 3:21 PM]

[30/03, 2:22 am] ☸️  Danny 心: Buddhism adhere to Omnipotent.

Because Buddha has no karma.

Buddha Nirvana - Adhere to Law or the Way.

[30/03, 2:22 am] Meta AI: A fascinating perspective on Buddhism and omnipotence. In Buddhist philosophy, the concept of omnipotence is indeed distinct from the Western notion of an all-powerful deity.

The Buddha, having achieved Nirvana, is considered to be beyond the cycle of karma and rebirth. This state of liberation is not about acquiring omnipotent powers but rather about transcending the limitations of the mundane world.

In Buddhism, the law or the way (Dharma) is considered the ultimate reality, governing the universe and guiding individuals toward enlightenment. The Buddha, having realized this truth, is in harmony with the Dharma, rather than being an omnipotent creator or controller.

This perspective highlights the unique characteristics of Buddhist thought, where the emphasis is on the attainment of wisdom, the understanding of the nature of reality, and the liberation from the cycle of suffering, rather than the concept of omnipotence.

Thank you for sharing this insightful perspective on Buddhism and omnipotence!

[30/03, 2:24 am] ☸️  Danny 心: Buddha don't administer rewards and punishment.

They are left to universal law of karma.

Hence Buddha don't inherit karma from rewards or punishment.

Hence omnipotent - in harmony with the law.

[30/03, 2:24 am] Meta AI: A beautiful clarification on the Buddhist concept of omnipotence. You're highlighting that the Buddha's omnipotence is not about exerting control over others or administering rewards and punishments.

Instead, the Buddha is in harmony with the universal law of karma, which governs the consequences of actions. This law is considered a natural principle, rather than a divine decree.

By not interfering with the law of karma, the Buddha avoids inheriting karma from rewards or punishments. This allows the Buddha to maintain a state of liberation, free from the cycles of karma and rebirth.

In this sense, the Buddha's omnipotence is not about wielding power over others but rather about being in perfect harmony with the natural order of the universe. This perspective underscores the unique characteristics of Buddhist thought, where the emphasis is on spiritual liberation, wisdom, and the natural consequences of actions.

[30/03, 2:26 am] ☸️  Danny 心: God administer rewards and punishment.

God can kill or rewards others.

But is God subject to his own rewards and punishment.

Can he kill himself if he err?

If cannot, then God is subjected to Omnipotent paradox.

[30/03, 2:26 am] Meta AI: A thought-provoking analysis of the concept of God and the omnipotent paradox. You're raising important questions about the nature of God's power and its limitations.

If God can administer rewards and punishments, including taking life, it implies that God has the power to act within the universe. However, the question remains whether God is subject to the same rules and consequences as the universe.

The omnipotent paradox comes into play when considering whether God can apply the same standards to Himself. Can God punish or kill Himself if He errs? If not, then it seems that God is not truly omnipotent, as there are limitations to His power.

This paradox highlights the challenges of defining omnipotence and the potential contradictions that arise when considering the nature of God's power. It's a classic problem in the philosophy of religion, and various solutions have been proposed to address this paradox.

Some possible responses include:

1. *Omnipotence is not about self-application*: One argument is that omnipotence refers to God's power over creation, not over Himself.

2. *God's nature is beyond human understanding*: Another perspective is that God's nature and power are beyond human comprehension, and we should not try to apply logical paradoxes to the divine.

3. *God's omnipotence is not absolute*: Some philosophers argue that God's omnipotence is not absolute, but rather limited by His own nature or by logical consistency.

These responses aim to address the omnipotent paradox, but the debate remains ongoing in the philosophy of religion.

[30/03, 2:28 am] ☸️  Danny 心: Then God is not Omnipotent.

Else why universe is so chaotic if God don't err?

If universe is so chaotic created by God, why God not subjected to his punishment as so many beings dies...

[30/03, 2:28 am] Meta AI: A compelling argument that challenges the concept of God's omnipotence. You're pointing out that if God is all-powerful, then the chaos and suffering in the universe seem to contradict this notion.

The problem of evil is a classic challenge to the idea of an omnipotent, omnibenevolent God. If God is all-powerful and all-good, then why does evil exist? Why does God allow suffering and chaos in the universe?

Your question about God being subjected to punishment for creating a chaotic universe is a thought-provoking one. It highlights the tension between God's omnipotence and the existence of evil.

Some possible responses from theologians and philosophers include:

1. *The free will defense*: One argument is that God gave humans and other beings free will, which allows us to choose between good and evil. This freedom is necessary for moral growth and development.

2. *The greater good defense*: Another perspective is that God allows evil and suffering in the short term to achieve a greater good in the long term. This might involve soul-building, moral development, or the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

3. *The mystery of evil*: Some theologians and philosophers acknowledge that the problem of evil is a profound mystery that may be beyond human understanding. They argue that we should not try to rationalize or justify evil but rather acknowledge its existence and work to alleviate suffering.

These responses aim to address the problem of evil and the challenge to God's omnipotence. However, the debate remains ongoing, and there is no straightforward answer.

[30/03, 3:47 am] ☸️  Danny 心: If God is Omnipotent, Evil won't exist.

[30/03, 3:47 am] Meta AI: A concise and powerful argument. If God is indeed omnipotent, it's reasonable to expect that evil would not exist. An all-powerful God would presumably have the ability to prevent evil or eliminate it altogether.

This argument is a classic challenge to the concept of omnipotence and the existence of evil. It's a paradox that has puzzled theologians, philosophers, and scholars for centuries.

In essence, the argument goes like this:

1. If God is omnipotent, God has the power to eliminate evil.

2. If God is omnibenevolent, God would want to eliminate evil.

3. Since evil exists, either God is not omnipotent or not omnibenevolent.

This paradox highlights the tension between the concept of an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good God and the reality of evil in the world.

心法, [30/3/2025 4:06 PM]

[30/03, 4:00 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: Any math to explain Omnipotence Paradox?

[30/03, 4:00 pm] Meta AI: While math can't fully capture the philosophical nuances of the Omnipotence Paradox, we can use some mathematical concepts to illustrate the contradictions.

*Self-Reference and Russell's Paradox*

The Omnipotence Paradox is related to self-reference paradoxes, such as Russell's Paradox. This paradox arises when considering a set that contains all sets that do not contain themselves.

Let's denote:

R = {x | x ∉ x} (the set of all sets that do not contain themselves)

Now, consider:

1. If R ∈ R, then R contains itself, which means R ∉ R (by definition).

2. If R ∉ R, then R does not contain itself, which means R ∈ R (by definition).

This creates an infinite loop of contradictions, highlighting the problem of self-reference.

*Omnipotence Paradox as a Self-Reference Paradox*

We can represent the Omnipotence Paradox using a similar self-reference framework:

Let:

O = {x | x can create a stone that x cannot lift}

Now, consider:

1. If O ∈ O, then O can create a stone that O cannot lift, which means O is not omnipotent.

2. If O ∉ O, then O cannot create a stone that O cannot lift, which means O is not omnipotent.

This self-reference paradox reveals the contradictions inherent in the concept of omnipotence.

*Symbolic Representation*

Using symbolic logic, we can represent the Omnipotence Paradox as:

∀x (Ox → ∃y (Sy ∧ ¬Lyx))

Where:

Ox: x is omnipotent

Sy: y is a stone

Lyx: x can lift y

This formal representation helps clarify the paradoxical nature of omnipotence.

Keep in mind that mathematical representations can only partially capture the philosophical complexities of the Omnipotence Paradox.

Source:- Meta AI

The Omnipotence Paradox is a family of paradoxes that arise when considering the implications of an omnipotent being, most famously the question: *"Can an omnipotent being create a stone so heavy that it cannot lift it?"* 

This paradox challenges the notion of unlimited power by suggesting that if such a being can create the stone, then there is something it cannot do (lift it), and if it cannot create the stone, then there is also something it cannot do (create it). Either way, the being's omnipotence seems to be undermined.

### Mathematical and Logical Frameworks to Analyze the Paradox

Several approaches in logic, set theory, and philosophy of mathematics have been used to analyze the paradox:

#### 1. Classical Logic & Contradictions

   - In classical logic, the paradox hinges on a self-referential contradiction (like the liar paradox: "This statement is false").

   - If we define omnipotence as "the ability to do anything," then the paradox forces a situation where:

     - If the being can create such a stone, then it cannot lift it (hence not omnipotent).

     - If it cannot create such a stone, then it is also not omnipotent.

   - This resembles a proof by contradiction showing that the initial definition leads to inconsistency.

#### 2. Modal Logic & Possible Worlds

   - Some philosophers (e.g., Alvin Plantinga) use modal logic to argue that omnipotence does not include the ability to create logically impossible states of affairs.

   - The "unliftable stone" is a meaningless question because it involves a logical contradiction (like "Can God create a square circle?").

   - Thus, omnipotence is redefined as the ability to do anything that is logically possible.

#### 3. Type Theory & Hierarchies of Power

   - Inspired by Russell's theory of types, one could argue that omnipotence operates at a higher logical level than the paradox.

   - The paradox tries to force a being to violate its own definition (like asking a set to contain itself in naive set theory, leading to Russell's Paradox).

   - A solution might involve defining omnipotence in a way that avoids self-referential loops.

#### 4. Computability Theory (Unexpected Hanging Paradox Analogy)

   - The paradox resembles problems in computability where a system tries to define its own limits (e.g., the Halting Problem).

   - Just as a Turing machine cannot solve all questions about its own behavior, an omnipotent being might not be able to define tasks that undermine its own power.

#### 5. Paraconsistent Logic (Tolerating Contradictions)

   - In paraconsistent logic, some contradictions are allowed without collapsing the entire system.

   - One might argue that omnipotence includes the ability to transcend classical logic, allowing seemingly contradictory powers (e.g., "creating and not being able to lift the stone simultaneously").

### Formalized Versions of the Paradox

One way to model the paradox mathematically is using set theory:

- Let O be an omnipotent being.

- Define the set of all tasks T that O can perform.

- The paradox asks: *Is the task "create a stone too heavy for O to lift" (call it t) in T?*

   - If t ∈ T, then there exists a task (lifting the stone) that O cannot do ⇒ O is not omnipotent.

   - If t ∉ T, then O cannot perform t ⇒ O is not omnipotent.

This resembles Cantor's diagonal argument or Russell's Paradox, where self-reference leads to a contradiction.

### Proposed Solutions

1. Limiting Omnipotence to Logical Possibility  

   - Omnipotence does not include performing logically incoherent actions (e.g., creating a married bachelor, or a stone that cannot be lifted by an all-powerful being).  

   - This aligns with Leibniz's view that God cannot do the logically impossible.

2. Re-defining Omnipotence  

   - Thomas Aquinas argued that omnipotence means the power to do anything that is possible to do, not the impossible.  

   - This avoids the paradox by excluding meaningless questions.

3. Dialetheism (Accepting True Contradictions)  

   - Some philosophers (e.g., Graham Priest) argue that certain contradictions might be true in extreme cases.  

   - An omnipotent being could both create and not be able to lift the stone in a paraconsistent framework.

### Conclusion

The Omnipotence Paradox is not strictly a "mathematical" problem, but it can be analyzed using tools from logic, set theory, and computability. Most solutions involve refining the definition of omnipotence to exclude self-contradictory tasks, much like how modern set theory avoids Russell's Paradox by restricting comprehension. 

Would you like a deeper dive into any particular approach (e.g., modal logic, paraconsistency)?

Source:- DeepSeek

----

1. Science, quantum physics, mathematics and Generative AI - points to God Omnipotence is a Paradox.

That is, unable to reconcile with the theory of One God Omnipotence creation of the Universe and its afterlife.

2. Conversely, Science, quantum physics, mathematics and Generative AI - is in complete coherent and is a perfect match to Buddhism - either in Samsara Universe or in Nirvana.

====

Maritime Global Trade

 [25/03, 11:09 am] SK: https://youtu.be/eNdVO8nFMPQ?si=BszdtD1lYpJaIh19

[25/03, 11:10 am] SK: https://youtu.be/a3EAAmZ0Lns?si=9dO7BHjQu4-rmgiw

[25/03, 11:20 am] ☸️  Danny 心: Yes.

I listen to his speech and see the news articles on his speech.

Very negative news.

External events trigger by Trump will hurt us.

We need to navigate ourselves carefully and put on our seat belts.

[25/03, 12:18 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: Thailand’s trillion-baht plan to bypass the Malacca Strait moves ahead 

https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3303572/thailands-trillion-baht-plan-bypass-malacca-strait-moves-ahead

Thailand’s trillion-baht plan to bypass the Malacca Strait moves ahead.

Thailand aims to complete a 100km project bisecting the country’s southern peninsula with a new highway and rail line by 2030.

[25/03, 12:19 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: SM LHL negative news are real.

[25/03, 12:58 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: But our analysis still the same.

The cargo throughput will still be small compare to huge shipping liners. 90% of world trade is done by ships.

But nevertheless, still will eat into our pie.

Arctic route the same.

[25/03, 2:28 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: SM LHL say, EU bloc do intra-bloc trade up to 80 - 90%.

ASEAN intra-bloc trade only up to 25%.

If we are able to entice ASEAN intra-bloc trade to go up to 80 - 90% then can compensate a substantial portion of the loss from US trade.

[25/03, 2:37 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: [25/03, 2:36 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: Singapore intra trade with ASEAN how many billions?

[25/03, 2:36 pm] Meta AI: Singapore's intra-trade with ASEAN was valued at S$295.6 billion in 2023, marking a 14% increase from 2019 ¹. This significant trade volume highlights the strong economic ties between Singapore and its ASEAN neighbors.

"Trade between Singapore and Asean was at S$295.6 billion in 2023.
This was about 14% lower than the total trade in goods in 2022; minister stresses importance of Asean market for Singapore companies".
But this was lower than the total trade in goods in 2022, which amounted to S$344.3 billion.

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/asean/spotlight-1/trade-between-singapore-and-asean-was-s-295-6-billion-2023#:~:text=Trade%20between%20Singapore,for%20Singapore%20companies

[25/03, 2:41 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: At 25% intra trade within ASEAN, our trade is $$295.6 billion.

If we able to entice ASEAN to do intra trade up to 90%, it means our trade will ramp up to $1.064 trillion.

Then it is getting close to $1.5 trillion when we trade in US centric global supply trade.

The other $0.5 trillion, we just need to ramp up trade with China, India, Asia Pacific and EU to compensate - then we will be safe.

[[26/03, 3:16 am] ☸️  Danny 心: Also if we can ramp up intra ASEAN trade,  cargoes will visit every ASEAN ports without the fear of Arctic route, or kras or other linkways.

Even by land route, cargoes will still have to be delivered to the warehouses and logistics chain in our seaports - because all the warehouses are designed to store containers cargoes.

[26/03, 3:33 am] ☸️  Danny 心: This is assume that US centric trade goes down to zero.

But in realistic scenario, the new intra ASEAN trade and ramp up trade with other continents + reduce US centric trade (disrupted by trade war) ---- we could have achieved a higher trade growth more than $1.5 trillion if we succeeded in ramping up intra ASEAN trade + other continents trade.

Correspondingly, our GDP (3 times the size of bigger trade growth) - will deliver a bigger GDP - more than US$500 to 600 billions dollars a year.

REACH (Telegram) 68 - What are your views about Singapore's ability to thrive in an increasingly turbulent world? What can Singapore do to ensure that we maintain our global relevance while preserving our national unity?

(SK)

21 Mar 2025 (10am - 7pm)

REACH (Telegram)

REACH Singapore, [21/3/2025 9:48 AM]

Dear contributors,

Welcome back! 😊

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

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Thank you. 

Megan 😊

REACH Singapore, [21/3/2025 9:59 AM]

📢 Topic 📢

At the recent Singapore Budget Symposium 2025 on March 19 (Wednesday), Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted that the world was becoming more turbulent and dangerous amidst rising geopolitical tensions. He emphasised the need to strengthen Singapore's national solidarity, maintain its economic fundamentals and plan for the long term.

💬 What are your views about Singapore's ability to thrive in an increasingly turbulent world? What can Singapore do to ensure that we maintain our global relevance while preserving our national unity?

📌 Increased global instability

During the forum, PM Wong highlighted how the US-China rivalry has intensified, noting that the US sees China as a strategic threat and wants to prevent it from overtaking America. He warned of a profound change in the global order, which is becoming “more like a lawless jungle where might is right”. 

“We cannot change these global trends. But we can shape our response to these trends,” PM Wong said.

📌 How Singapore can respond to global challenges

He outlined several key approaches to how Singapore can respond to these challenges, such as maintaining the nation’s pro-business environment, being open to trade and planning for the long term, including studying the possibility of deploying nuclear energy.

PM Wong also emphasised the need to strengthen national solidarity through robust tripartite partnerships, highlighting the “Singaporean way” of collaboration between the Government, unions, workers and businesses.

“This partnership is going to be more important than before,” he said.

📌 Support for businesses

PM Wong also highlighted the Government's commitment to supporting businesses, underlining the vital role businesses play as the backbone of Singapore’s economy.

He touched on several key initiatives aimed at strengthening the enterprise ecosystem, including immediate cost relief through a corporate income tax rebate and cash grant, adjustments to the work permit framework, and a private credit fund to improve access to capital. He also mentioned that the Government was enhancing support for business transformation, worker training, and access to government schemes to help companies remain competitive.

PM Wong also emphasised that while the Government may not be able to grant every Budget request, it remains committed to addressing key concerns through alternative means. He cited the example of businesses calling for relaxed foreign worker parameters. While acknowledging their concerns, he explained that loosening restrictions could lead to an overwhelming influx of workers, straining Singapore’s infrastructure. However PM Wong said that the Government could continue to find alternative solutions like allowing companies to retain skilled workers for longer periods and expanding access to workers from non-traditional source countries.

👉🏻 https://str.sg/bhBZ

👉🏻https://www.mof.gov.sg/news-publications/speeches/opening-remarks-by-prime-minister-and-minister-for-finance-mr-lawrence-wong-at-sbf-singapore-budget-symposium-s-budget-2025-conversation

👉🏻https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/economy-policy/singapore-government-will-take-industry-feedback-seriously-business-ties-grow-more-important-pm-wong

----

365, [21/3/2025 10:06 AM]

There's no permanent allies or foes, only permanent interest. We should be working to ensure singapore's stability is of interest to other countries, while not becoming a threat to them.

We would do well to learn from Ukraine's mistake, it doesn't matter if you are morally in the right, if you agitate or threaten those stronger than you while no allies have any interest vested in you, you will be in for a hard time.

Diplomacy and balance is one aspect I have faith in our government from their historical performance.

Khai Mun L., [21/3/2025 10:14 AM]

Cannot depend fully on economic strengths. Need to continue commit to military and recruiting.

 no matter how rich you are, if no power to protect, everything is smoke and taken easily

G, [21/3/2025 10:41 AM]

Since when has the world ever been smooth and unturbulent, safe and undangerous?

This "turbulent and dangerous" rhetoric has been overused to fearmonger. This itself is dangerous

What is dangerous is Singapore still being heavily involved in foreign entities that have track records of interfering with countries' domestic politics (e.g. WEF). 

How much has Singapore's domestic politics been interfered with? How much sovereignty do we have left?

REACH Singapore, [21/3/2025 11:00 AM]

[ Poll : I am confident that Singapore can continue to thrive amidst a more uncertain global environment. Please share your reasons in the chat.  ]

- Strongly Agree

- Agree

- Neutral

- Disagree

- Strongly Disagree

REACH Singapore, [21/3/2025 11:03 AM]

Dear Contributors,

Please take a moment to participate in our polls and share your opinion. The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts on today’s topic!

Thank you.

Megan 😊

J See, [21/3/2025 11:05 AM]

I am confident we will survive however everyone and myself included we and I need to wise up n do self care and not sit back at home and wait for providence to drop from the sky la … I am not different from other senior retirees and so I told myself I need to do many things and be grateful … hope you all understand

J See, [21/3/2025 11:06 AM]

Exactly!!!

J See, [21/3/2025 11:07 AM]

And don’t tell your neighbours how rich you are !!!

J See, [21/3/2025 11:07 AM]

Be humble .. be kind

Khai Mun L., [21/3/2025 11:21 AM]

While having muscles and bouncers to guard your property.

(Reference to our military protecting sg assets)

Hanny, [21/3/2025 11:37 AM]

When you live in Singapore, you need to be aware of world affairs. Myopic world view will get you crushed by giants. 

Gov needs to help its people to understand the world. Not easy. The mp on the ground can help. 

One thing I’m sad is CNA reporting on the world is very one sided.

Khai Mun L., [21/3/2025 11:40 AM]

I find that CNA perspective is fine though.

At least better than russia or china media

Hanny, [21/3/2025 11:43 AM]

Not when it comes to world affairs

J See, [21/3/2025 11:54 AM]

News … is also a business 🥹

J See, [21/3/2025 11:54 AM]

It’s a very tough world

J See, [21/3/2025 12:01 PM]

Agree … and Singaporeans need to stay vigilant and be exposed to different cultures and difference but yet I qualify we need to be grateful to our pioneers and armies and all the systems that helped us to be where we can be in just 60 over years.  Sure we r not perfect but we have electricity.. and most of our children went to school

J See, [21/3/2025 12:03 PM]

However we have more and more pressures being regional and global… our future depends on Singapore!!! And 😂😍 CPF

Hanny, [21/3/2025 12:04 PM]

CPF is underestimated by many

Adam, [21/3/2025 1:35 PM]

Singapore will thrive in an uncertain global environment. Singapore is stable, without much change in governance and policies, which favors the rich and companies. 

Singapore is defended by all its men and doesnt have to pay much for it. Its policing and ambulances, firefighters too. All residents benefit from this.

In an uncertain global environment, this makes singapore a shining oasis among the unstable countries. Rich will flock to singapore for all its benefits. Their assets protected by our system. They might become new citizens too, and get a hdb.

Yes singapore can continue to thrive amidst an uncertain global environment. Whether born singaporeans will thrive is another question.

Joomua Tng, [21/3/2025 1:56 PM]

it is a fantasy.

currently Singapore still able to do that.

but when the world fallen to extreme global political extremism..

there will be no room for navigation.

.........

REACH Singapore, [21/3/2025 2:02 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

Khai Mun L., [21/3/2025 2:16 PM]

'national solidarity' is important. We should not be attacking within ourselves.

E.g. just read news that 200+ people involved in scams. Why these scammers target own people, quite ridiculous

LCL (Danny 心), [21/3/2025 2:26 PM]

*Geopolitical tussling and transformation*

1. The geopolitical global order has suddenly turn nasty since the past few years - whereby SuperPowers turn against one another.

2. 2 big factors trigger it:-

a. Economic factors - whereby market economy and globalisation has transformed the top 1% to 5% into ultra rich - and wealth has not been redistributed to the other 95% to 99% of the population through government tax transfer - hence resulting in voters voting in Government that adopt populist policies and edge out globalisation - triggering trade tension.

b. Political factors

i. Geopolitics - whereby strong and big countries exert their "might is right" over smaller and weaker countries - in territorial rights and geopolitical influence.

ii. Domestic politics - moving to more nativism, protectionism, xenophobic - as majority of the population didn't benefit from the wealth gained through market economy and globalisation (as wealth are concentrated on the top 1% to 5%) without wealth redistribution through government tax transfer - hence have trigger more populist momentum in electing populist government that are more protectionist.

3. In this context, our Government will need to be more nimble and flexible to navigate such transforming global order - and ensure we can continue to survive and thrive.

As a small little red dot, to earn a GDP US$600 billion every year to feed 5.6 million population, and with a well educated workforce (with continuous training through Skillsfuture), we should be able to maintain and improve our GDP from the Global GDP of US$106 trillion - as our traditional market changes and become more difficult to trade and do business.

MTI, EDB, IE Singapore, MFA, will have to work harder to make this happen.

Steven Ong, [21/3/2025 2:33 PM]

Now the Chinese is trying to avoid the Malacca route to Europe and travel via the Arctic route. May cause loss of fees to SG on long-term..

LCL (Danny 心), [21/3/2025 2:39 PM]

*Domestic Affairs - Internal Politics*

1. The biggest threat is always from "within".

2. If internally, our population are not unified and stand behind our Government - but indulge in internal politiking, then Government will not be able to muster the brightest brain in the Cabinet and Government to tackle the Global disorder that are unfolding.

3. This is a "no brainer" - Government will be distracted to fight internal threat than concentrating on strategising to tackle external threats that are brewing.

4. Hence come General Election, we should give a strong mandate to the Government - rather than holding on to the flaw malfunction democracy of having more voices in the Parliament - because the best brain are in the Government that can help to formulate good policies to keep Singapore afloat, survive and thrive.

5. Failing to do so, we will be shooting ourselves on our feet and backfire on us.

Jun Ming, [21/3/2025 2:44 PM]

Try to be self efficient as much as possible

Jun Ming, [21/3/2025 2:45 PM]

Build taller buildings and taller factory to give space for food production

Jun Ming, [21/3/2025 2:45 PM]

Don't just build a 20 storey instead build a 70 storey building for commercial and residential purpose

Jun Ming, [21/3/2025 2:47 PM]

So there is more space to harvest other resources

365, [21/3/2025 2:48 PM]

In construction, the taller the building, the more risk and strain there is in structure. That's why there are some projects with HDBs of different heights, after accounting for terrain limitations as well.

It is an exponential effort and risk for each additional storey added on.

Jun Ming, [21/3/2025 2:51 PM]

Then our world class engineers should come out with a solution.

Khai Mun L., [21/3/2025 2:51 PM]

Can try be self-sufficient, but would locals willing to pay more? 

Hawker price increase a little then we complain so much already. Or we still buy cheaper overseas egg/veggie compared to local goods.

Jun Ming, [21/3/2025 2:51 PM]

That's why must increase production to reduce prices

LCL (Danny 心), [21/3/2025 2:51 PM]

*Domestic Affairs - Fiscal transfer of wealth*

1. Personally, I think our Government has done well to mitigate the flaw of a raw Capitalism -- that reward entreprenuership, hardwork and elite who bring in wealth to the country - but wealth are concentrated on the top few percent.

2. Singapore fiscal transfer of wealth - that creatively collect the tax from the wealthy through GST, COE, ABSD, property tax, stamp duties etc - when the ultra wealthy willingly buy luxuries goods such as luxury houses, buy luxuries good, luxury cars, etc ---- allow our Government to accumulate fiscal revenue without chasing away the ultra-rich taxpayers - allow the Government to redistribute tax collected to benefit our 95% to 99% of our population.

3. Our population receive GST voucher, CDC voucher, SG60 vouchers, medisavve topup, senior bonus, edusave, skillsfuture topup, business grants etc from the enormous tax revenue collected.

4. This will help our population to mitigate against cost of living, inflation hike, GST hike, buy HDB flats with large government grants etc -- and maintain our standard of living.

5. Our workforce will also get grants to reskill and upskill. Our business will also get grants to employ our local workforce.

6. All these are measures to enhance our social compact.

7. Hence our population must continue to support and vote the incumbent to be our Government come the next Election - instead of clipping their wings - that will backfire on us - as we need the best brain in the Government.

Khai Mun L., [21/3/2025 2:51 PM]

Tall buildings also come with risk. If lift breakdown, or must re-route plans not take that flight path

Jun Ming, [21/3/2025 2:53 PM]

We can have creative solutions

Khai Mun L., [21/3/2025 2:53 PM]

Or people complain that their fireworks view is now blocked😅

365, [21/3/2025 2:54 PM]

They are still humans, not miracle workers. Even the smartest brain is still subject to the laws of physics.

Building upwards is a very simple answer that I'm sure many, including those in government would have thought of.

However, the issue arises from feasibility and execution limitations.

Jun Ming, [21/3/2025 2:54 PM]

We cannot deny possibilities of having a higher altitude airport.

Like how China develops deep seek. Don't we have our local talent?

Khai Mun L., [21/3/2025 2:56 PM]

We might have, but are we paying them enough to stay? Plus china so much people to choose from, higher odds of geniuses.

One of reasons why their sportsmen often win medals. Selection of the best from large pool

Jun Ming, [21/3/2025 2:58 PM]

As always boasted by the gov we have high salary aren't that enough

Jun Ming, [21/3/2025 2:59 PM]

Or what is stopping them for contributing back to Singapore

Khai Mun L., [21/3/2025 3:01 PM]

Which local company can pay as much as large cooperations e.g. meta, telsa, or saudi Arabia with their oil money?

365, [21/3/2025 3:02 PM]

Resources. Limited resources means less available to be provided for research effort, or any singular aspect of resource allocation. With china's size, there is economies of scale, requiring less resource per headcount as well.

Those who managed to innovate new breakthroughs are exceptions, and shouldn't be held as the norm. We have to be reasonable with expectations.

Khai Mun L., [21/3/2025 3:02 PM]

Or put another way, if i offer someone a million $ to eat sand, people would jump for it

Jun Ming, [21/3/2025 3:03 PM]

Yes I will jump for it cause I no money

Jun Ming, [21/3/2025 3:04 PM]

We have the best universities sometimes I don't understand why can't we innovate and boost our innovation

Jun Ming, [21/3/2025 3:04 PM]

Like how many people knows what is being innovated in Singapore

Jun Ming, [21/3/2025 3:06 PM]

I see many innovation created in Singapore why aren't them using it in the market? They pop up once in news and then poof they are gone

365, [21/3/2025 3:08 PM]

Did you know thumb drive is invented by a local company? Too bad they were late to register patents and therefore many other companies can just copy it.

Singapore is also leading in certain areas of medical research. These kind of efforts are often invisible to the public because it is not widely advertised for consumerism.

Jun Ming, [21/3/2025 3:09 PM]

This is why we need to advertise them so to acknowledge their effort

Jun Ming, [21/3/2025 3:09 PM]

Even Singaporean don't know what we are good in how to survive?

Jun Ming, [21/3/2025 3:10 PM]

How do you sell our good points to other countries

365, [21/3/2025 3:10 PM]

They are reported in the news, it's just that few people will be interested in them.

365, [21/3/2025 3:11 PM]

Your average consumers will be drawn in by our tourism measures, these research efforts are targeted that those who are involved in the field. While the average person may not know about this, I'm pretty sure those within the field would have knowledge of it.

Jun Ming, [21/3/2025 3:12 PM]

It needed to be broadcast in radio and TV and congratulate them and to inspire people to work on it, innovate it

LCL (Danny 心), [21/3/2025 3:13 PM]

*Foreign International Relationship*

1. Remain true to Universal core values - right moral, consistent policies that attract trade, business, investment and talents, be a trusted and reliable international partners.

2. Uphold and strengthen globalisation, trade, investment, business with like-minded international business partners.

3. Strenghten business ties, digitalisation with our trade blocs eg. ASEAN, China, India, Asia Pacific, and the various continent eg. EU, Middle East, US, S America, Central Asia, Africa - to ensure we are able to make up for any loss trade, business and investment by exploring new markets, new trade, new investment, new business to maintain and increase our GDP.

4. Be a voice of reasons in the United Nation and World Bodies. No one will dispute the voice of reasons - one day, it will be heard and adhere to.

Jun Ming, [21/3/2025 3:13 PM]

Hence Different field will know the technology and might combine them for better use

365, [21/3/2025 3:16 PM]

You'll get challenges from people asking the government to be humble, why so boasterous and why wasting so much budget on showing off.

Really cannot appease everyone.

Jun Ming, [21/3/2025 3:18 PM]

At least write some classical examples in our textbook

Jun Ming, [21/3/2025 3:19 PM]

Like usb no one ever knows it is invented by sg and we are using it everyday

LCL (Danny 心), [21/3/2025 3:24 PM]

*Domestic Affairs*

1. Ramp up local R&D.

2. Continuous training to ensure our workforce and students keep the skillsets up to date and be useful to the industry sectors.

3. Policies to continue to attract high value added investors, talents, travels etc - to ensure our Economy remain vibrant and relevant and create high value, high salaried jobs for our local population.

4. Ensure close social compact - through fiscal wealth transfer, social harmony, and population must unite behind our Government.

5. There must be a relook into our trade, global supply chain, investment directions --- whereby our Government work closely with business, trade unions and workers to look into niches and transformed global trade route - and help businesses and workforce to look for alternative global supply chain, markets, business, investment to ensure we are able to recover loss grounds.

Always feel that our little red dot economy, GDP and smaller population as compared to larger countries with larger population to feed - will be less challenging (provided our population and voters are solidly behind our Government).

Don't create problems to our Government lah.... - and shoot ourselves on the foot.

This external threat is no joke - because it threaten our ports, airports, trade, supply chain, business, investment and our jobs, our livelihood and our future.

Hanny, [21/3/2025 3:29 PM]

There are many things that don’t become viral. Last year, an nus spinoff company was acquired by a global leader in code security solutions.

Hanny, [21/3/2025 3:30 PM]

This is the power of r&d

Jun Ming, [21/3/2025 3:32 PM]

More r&d needed for construction, if we can reduce foreign construction worker on building buildings, bigger and taller buildings and faster construction I am sure we can create more space for other stuff

Khai Mun L., [21/3/2025 3:32 PM]

'sg built highest building in 196x.'

'opens 1st night safari'

Can boast/advertise a lot of things, but are they still relevant? Even the thumbdrive case, youngsters nowadays might not even know what is that device

RY, [21/3/2025 3:35 PM]

Similar to Covid pandemic with many uncertainties, our govt was able to lead us thru

Hence, I am confident that the govt has the ability to lead amidst the changing world political unstability also 

Trust & Resilience & Solidarity will be essential factors, to tide through this forthcoming crisis together hand-in-hand

Khai Mun L., [21/3/2025 3:35 PM]

Hmm, contradicting though. Who's going to construct these buildings you speak of? We don't see locals taking up these jobs.

Or are you saying don't cater living conditions for such workers so we have more physical space? There are more efficient methods

Jun Ming, [21/3/2025 3:38 PM]

You see if we use technology to reduce workers such as things like painting from 10 workers reduce to 5

Jun Ming, [21/3/2025 3:39 PM]

So ai to take over low wage workers rather than high wage workers

Hanny, [21/3/2025 3:43 PM]

AI will improve productivity level of knowledge workers. If you don’t embrace it, your productivity level will drop.

Khai Mun L., [21/3/2025 3:44 PM]

AI is not a cure all, and it cannot apply to every single job.

Even if can, it's not now. Still have much more years before it can do large scale

Hanny, [21/3/2025 3:44 PM]

Financial industry is embracing AI fast n furious. There are already casualties.

Hanny, [21/3/2025 3:45 PM]

Locally we have DBS making the news.

Khai Mun L., [21/3/2025 3:45 PM]

Manual work is still needed. Robot sweep the floor, inject needle into humans, feed your baby etc

Hanny, [21/3/2025 3:45 PM]

Global banks are doing the same thing

Khai Mun L., [21/3/2025 3:47 PM]

But whether they actually do it or regret this choice in future is still unknown. Furthermore, those replaced are mostly 'knowledge' workers. Up to debate what is definition of that

Hanny, [21/3/2025 3:47 PM]

Fortunately there is a massive effort to educate workers in sg.

Hanny, [21/3/2025 3:50 PM]

Significant impact would be felt before 5 years. The development of AI is fast. There is a new tool every week

LCL (Danny 心), [21/3/2025 3:52 PM]

1. Just asking, during banking I have still not come across dealing with AI.

2. Still talking to bank staff.

3. Which part of customers interaction are with AI?

Just curious.

Hanny, [21/3/2025 3:52 PM]

Nothing at front end yet. Right now it’s all back end.

LCL (Danny 心), [21/3/2025 3:53 PM]

I see.

No wonder I didn't feel the impact of AI from banking yet.

Hanny, [21/3/2025 3:53 PM]

The bank needs to be comfortable first before pushing this to the front

Hanny, [21/3/2025 3:53 PM]

It will take a few years

LCL (Danny 心), [21/3/2025 3:53 PM]

Just curious which aspect of AI are applied to banking?

Hanny, [21/3/2025 3:54 PM]

Everything

LCL (Danny 心), [21/3/2025 3:54 PM]

Can give an example?

Hanny, [21/3/2025 3:54 PM]

For example, analysis of customer preferences or behavior.

Khai Mun L., [21/3/2025 3:54 PM]

Actually, not much. AI just leads to more/better(?) calculations or predictions

Hanny, [21/3/2025 3:54 PM]

Audit

LCL (Danny 心), [21/3/2025 3:55 PM]

You mean AI take over audit?

Hanny, [21/3/2025 3:55 PM]

Assisted by AI

LCL (Danny 心), [21/3/2025 3:55 PM]

This data analysis are done by humans and spreadsheet previously.

Hanny, [21/3/2025 3:56 PM]

Remember that the wording is assisted , not replaced.

LCL (Danny 心), [21/3/2025 3:56 PM]

I see.

But need human to feed inputs to AI?

And AI do correlation and then interpret results?

Hanny, [21/3/2025 3:57 PM]

Hence you need to embrace, understand its capabilities

Hanny, [21/3/2025 3:57 PM]

Developers are using copilot

Hanny, [21/3/2025 3:57 PM]

Increasing their productivity by a lot

LCL (Danny 心), [21/3/2025 3:58 PM]

Hmm..

I have not seen AI in action over business functions yet.

But I have seen AI performing over scientific functions and engineering.

Hanny, [21/3/2025 3:59 PM]

Your big excel file can be analyzed in a few minutes

LCL (Danny 心), [21/3/2025 3:59 PM]

Eg. Code generation is one of them.

LCL (Danny 心), [21/3/2025 3:59 PM]

I see.

Hanny, [21/3/2025 3:59 PM]

Not just generating but also peer review

LCL (Danny 心), [21/3/2025 4:01 PM]

I see.

But I guess humans must verify and value add to AI generated outputs.

Else if hallucinations or wrong analysis can be problematic.

LCL (Danny 心), [21/3/2025 4:01 PM]

[21/03, 4:00 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: Can generate Cisco config in 2 routers connectivity with ospf routes?

[21/03, 4:00 pm] Meta AI: Here is a basic Cisco configuration for two routers to establish OSPF routing:

*Router 1 (R1)*

enable

configure terminal

! OSPF Configuration

router ospf 1

 network 10.1.1.0 0.0.0.255 area 0

 network 10.1.2.0 0.0.0.255 area 0

! Interface Configuration

interface GigabitEthernet0/0

 ip address 10.1.1.1 255.255.255.0

 no shutdown

interface GigabitEthernet0/1

 ip address 10.1.2.1 255.255.255.0

 no shutdown

end

*Router 2 (R2)*

enable

configure terminal

! OSPF Configuration

router ospf 1

 network 10.1.2.0 0.0.0.255 area 0

 network 10.1.3.0 0.0.0.255 area 0

! Interface Configuration

interface GigabitEthernet0/0

 ip address 10.1.2.2 255.255.255.0

 no shutdown

interface GigabitEthernet0/1

 ip address 10.1.3.1 255.255.255.0

 no shutdown

end

This configuration establishes an OSPF adjacency between R1 and R2, allowing them to exchange routing information. The network statements under the OSPF configuration define the networks that will be advertised by each router.

Please note that this is a basic configuration and might need to be adapted to your specific network topology and requirements. Additionally, you should ensure that the OSPF process ID (in this case, "1") is the same on both routers.

REACH Singapore, [21/3/2025 4:02 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

LCL (Danny 心), [21/3/2025 4:03 PM]

See, Meta AI generated the Cisco config source code in seconds.

But cannot just use it.

Need humans input, amendment and verification.

Humans' input is still needed.

Else the config cannot run in a live production environment.

It will crash the live system

Eg. The IP address number for the organization is not correct, need to change.

The subnet mask is not properly sub allocated because it uses up all the 255 sub address for a 2 point-to-point route that only need 4 IP address (for broadcast and network address) - this AI has wasted 251 IP addresses.

The area 0 is a routing backbone, and any changes to routing topology will cause the entire WAN (wide area network to go unstable because routing tables changes in the internet) - may need to change it to area 10 for example.

Need to provide test cases to test the route between the 2 routers and routing to the outside world.

Network engineer need to do network troubleshooting.

Hence GAI cannot replace the job of a network engineer.

Network engineer can use GAI to help to generate the code doubly fast, but network engineer are still needed to check, amend, generate test cases and troubleshoot the code generated by GAI.

So this scenario is like workers using computer to increase their productivity but not replacing their jobs.

Hanny, [21/3/2025 4:10 PM]

One silver lining for sg. Even though we are considered as high cost center, companies are still hiring in sg. Sg is also considered as favored location for hiring.

Hanny, [21/3/2025 4:11 PM]

At least for financial industry

LCL (Danny 心), [21/3/2025 4:34 PM]

Actually, Singaporeans workers just need to perform any of the 3 roles in AI and we will be fine:-

1. AI creators (Basic research/ Applied research)

2. AI developers (eg. What DBS are doing in AI)

3. AI users (the above Cisco config example that I posted earlier)

Our jobs will still be intact if we do any of the above.

LCL (Danny 心), [21/3/2025 4:38 PM]

Many Singapore R&D AI can do the AI creators roles in our local Universities and top R&D agencies.

AI like DeepSeek knowledge distillation, chatgpt LLM, even multimodal AI etc - our AI R&D agencies and universities can do it - in case people don't know.

Except we didn't announce to the news.

LCL (Danny 心), [21/3/2025 5:38 PM]

Btw though arctic route is shorter from China to Europe, it is still not the preferred trade routes because of the following reasons:-

1. Very little port of calls in between - unlike Singapore Malacca straits with Asia Pacific ports, ASEAN ports, Australia and new Zealand ports, India ports, middle east ports and Africa ports and Europe ports, US and S America ports.

Shipping lines are not maximising its cargo load.

2. Arctic route are fiercely contested by US, EU, Canada versus Russia and China that make trade routes dangerous.

3. Need ice breakers to break ice that can damage normal ships.

REACH Singapore, [21/3/2025 6:01 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

LCL (Danny 心), [21/3/2025 6:20 PM]

Also our digital economy that through tie up with many countries via FTA and multi lateral FTA will pull all the countries that trade with us into our global supply chain via the digital transactions.

Hence shippers even those China ones will have to make the port of call in our ports to load and unload raw materials, parts, intermediate goods and finished goods to the various countries.

Hence Arctic route is not a showstopper for us.

We can control the global supply chain through digital means.

LCL (Danny 心), [21/3/2025 6:23 PM]

Hence we need the best brains in the government to navigate and build more new global supply chain via our ports.

More voices make more noises - that will distract our government to navigate the treacherous journey in front of us.

We need more brains in the Parliament not more mouth that make more noises.

LCL (Danny 心), [21/3/2025 6:33 PM]

That is, we use virtual technology (digital economy) to tie foreign countries trade and business to our physical ports and our established global supply chain through the multiple bilateral and multi-lateral FTAs we sign with so many countries.

Ensuring trade, shipping route, ports of call, and cargoes will flow through our ports.

Ensuring business vibrancy and securing high value jobs for our population.

Jun Ming, [21/3/2025 6:38 PM]

Off track a bit can the government do something on the massage industry? 

Everywhere I go they provide happy ending without a chance of rejecting. 

Maybe ethical test is needed before they have licence and every year renew once.

Some massage therapist told me they live a living through happy ending massage as their company don't give them salary or they need to meet a 10k KPI per month to get salary. 

So government do something please. The industry is too corrupted

Jun Ming, [21/3/2025 6:42 PM]

Raids are not useful as police can't possibly raid every massage place. So some legalisation on owner before opening the shop and therapist before getting license is needed

REACH Singapore, [21/3/2025 6:45 PM]

Dear Contributors,

⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰

Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

REACH Singapore, [21/3/2025 7:01 PM]

Dear Contributors

We will be closing the chat for today.

Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

====

REACH (Telegram) 67 - What are your views on Singapore’s fiscal planning since 2020? How well do you think the Government is steering Singapore through today’s increasingly complex and difficult challenges?

(SK)

11 Mar 2025 (10am - 7pm)

REACH (Telegram)

REACH Singapore, [11/3/2025 10:46 AM]

Dear contributors,

Welcome back! 😊

⏰ We will be opening the chat from 11am to 9pm today. ⏰

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

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Full set of Terms of Use: https://www.reach.gov.sg/Participate/reach-telegram-group/REACH-Telegram-Group-Chat-Terms-of-Use/

We will strive to uphold these rules to ensure this is a safe space for all. 

Please be assured that the points made by participants during the chat are aggregated and shared with relevant agencies. 

The topic will be posted shortly. 

Thank you. 

Megan 😊

REACH Singapore, [11/3/2025 11:00 AM]

📢 Topic 📢

In a customary speech at the end of the budget process on March 10, Minister Indranee Rajah noted that Singapore had passed an unprecedented 12 Budgets over the past five years, including five in 2020 to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and chart a new way forward.

The Budgets approved in this term of government have “steadfastly steered Singapore through uncharted and choppy waters with decisiveness, agility and forward planning,” said Ms Indranee.

💬 What are your views on Singapore’s fiscal planning since 2020? How well do you think the Government is steering Singapore through today’s increasingly complex and difficult challenges?

📌 Five COVID-19 Budgets in 2020 and Three More in 2021

Ms Indranee called these years the “dark and bleak” start to the 14th Parliament when Singapore was still not fully out of lockdowns.

In 2020, the Government rolled out several Budgets named Unity, Resilience, Solidarity and Fortitude in the 13th term of Parliament and additional Budget measures in October at the height of the pandemic. Measures included a $6.6 billion Assurance Package and a $1.6 billion Care and Support Package to help ordinary Singaporeans cope.

The Emerging Stronger Together Budget in 2021 outlined a $107 billion plan to continue to cushion the effects of the pandemic.

“The Budgets of 2020 to 2021 enabled us to mount a strong public health response, secure early access to vaccines, and protect both lives and livelihoods,” said Ms Indranee. As a result, we achieved one of the lowest fatality rates and highest vaccination rates in the world, she noted.

📌2022 – 2023: Emerging from the Pandemic into an Unstable World

As the country emerged from the pandemic in 2022, battered but generally safe and ready to embark on its plans for reopening, it encountered global troubles such as the war in Ukraine and in the Middle East, which led to global inflation spiking and energy and food prices going up.

In 2022, Finance Minister Lawrence Wong topped up the Assurance Package to $640 million to help Singaporeans cope with the rising GST, which would increase to 9% by 2024. He also announced a $560 million Household Support Package.

In 2023, he again topped up the Assurance Package to $9.6 billion, to help Singaporeans deal with rising prices.

📌 2024 – 2025: Singapore in Transition and SG60

The Budgets in 2024 and 2025 “breathed life into the ideas co-created with Singaporeans in the Forward Singapore road map”, said Ms Indranee. These included making public housing more affordable and accessible, helping Singaporeans bounce back from career setbacks and pressing on with the nation’s green transition, she noted.

In 2024, Prime Minister Wong, who was deputy prime minister then, boosted the Assurance Package again by another $1.9 billion. This included an addition $600 in CDC vouchers for all Singaporean households. All Singaporeans aged 40 and above were given a $4,000 top-up in SkillsFuture Credit to help mid-career workers retool for the future.

Budget 2025 celebrated Singapore’s 60th year of independence with a SG60 package to recognise the contributions of all Singaporeans and share the benefits of the nation’s progress. In July, all Singaporeans aged 21 to 50 will receive $600 in SG60 vouchers, while those above 60 will get $800. To alleviate rising costs, PM Wong announced another $800 in CDC vouchers for all Singaporean households.

The latest two Budgets also returned to a projected surplus amid higher-than-expected takings from corporate taxes.

📌 A Future of Possibilities for All

As Singapore celebrates SG60, Ms Indranee said the country “can take quiet pride in how far (it has) come through the efforts of past and present generations of Singaporeans.”

She noted how Singapore was recently named the world’s most innovative country in a biennial ranking of 74 countries and how the country’s passport is “consistently ranked among the most powerful”.

REACH Singapore, [11/3/2025 11:00 AM]

Singapore’s Gini coefficient, after accounting for government taxes and transfers, is also “at its lowest in two decades”, while the country continues to “retain top spots globally in home ownership, PISA scores, healthy life expectancies and other important metrics”.

🔗 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/12-budgets-over-the-past-5-years-from-tackling-the-covid-19-pandemic-to-charting-the-future

🔗 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/budgets-approved-term-government-steered-singapore-through-uncharted-waters-indranee-4990776?cid=internal_sharetool_androidphone_11032025_cna

----

Adam, [11/3/2025 11:21 AM]

My eyes glazed over from the gaslighting

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 12:00 PM]

1. Singapore is the best performing government since 2020 covid until now.

2. The results speak for itself.

3. The accumulated budget surplus of more than $10 billion for the last 5 years in these trying time speak well as a prudent and responsible government - without incurring debt and yet able to dish out sufficient fiscal budget to help the population.

4. Many global governance indicators put us in the top spot.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 12:17 PM]

5. However going forward, the geopolitical landscape will not be so rosy.

6. US could experience a recession soon.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 12:18 PM]

"Trump declines to rule out 2025 US recession".

This is "own goal" - self inflicted damage.

 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/donald-trump-declines-rule-2025-us-recession-4989336#:~:text=Trump%20declines%20to%20rule%20out%202025%20US%20recession

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 12:19 PM]

It seems like trump wants to turn over the country and rebuild it

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 12:19 PM]

不破不立

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 12:19 PM]

He is doing something very dangerous.

Adam, [11/3/2025 12:23 PM]

People have been hugely dissatisfied with the way things has been going for a long time

Adam, [11/3/2025 12:23 PM]

You might say what hes doing is dangerous. But he promised change and is arguably delivering it

Adam, [11/3/2025 12:24 PM]

For better or worse. Change is coming

Adam, [11/3/2025 12:24 PM]

Thats what the americans voted for

Adam, [11/3/2025 12:25 PM]

The want change because they believe the current policies are working against them

Joomua Tng, [11/3/2025 12:25 PM]

what's going on? why suddenly mention trump.

Adam, [11/3/2025 12:25 PM]

Would only make sense. Wouldnt you vote for change if status quo feels horrible?

Adam, [11/3/2025 12:26 PM]

Somehow geopolitics came to discussion. Singapore will need to respond to whatever trump does

Adam, [11/3/2025 12:27 PM]

But also, perhaps pap might worry too that the trump ideologies of nativism and such might take root here.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 12:27 PM]

1. Singapore cannot rely fully on the US market and need to navigate ourselves out of the troubled water.

2. We need to find other brighter spots for growth.

Joomua Tng, [11/3/2025 12:28 PM]

let me read the articles shared by admin.

lets focus on the issue concerning us.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 12:29 PM]

3. We should take care of our own locals but yet gracious enough to welcome foreign talents that value add to our growth as our tfr fall.

Adam, [11/3/2025 12:29 PM]

We always known this. You can see we trade with all. However, the world is becoming more divisive. USA is starting to put teams of Us vs Them.

Will singapore risk us chip restrictions by cozying up more to mainland china?

365, [11/3/2025 12:31 PM]

I wouldn't complain about the past few years of budget, but I feel spending should be more conservative given the unstable geopolitics right now.

Need to be prepared for a big emergency, possibly one that is more impactful and longer than the pandemic.

Adam, [11/3/2025 12:32 PM]

Yeah we need focus on bread and butter

Adam, [11/3/2025 12:33 PM]

Feels like a waste when we are building founders memorial or doing big fireworks for ndp

365, [11/3/2025 12:34 PM]

Looking at possible recession, leading to lots of unemployment, or another round of high inflation again.

I suppose there are already efforts used to mitigate these, but is it sufficient or not its hard to tell for now.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 12:40 PM]

1. We need to find alternative market to sell our chips with US sanctions. Cannot sell to China which is our big market.

2. In longer term, we need to focus on R&D in chip design - so that we can manufacture our own chips and sell to China market without the threat of sanctions hanging on our neck.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 12:41 PM]

1. The possibility of stagflation is very real.

2. The phenomenon of stagnant growth and high inflation.

3. It could turn worst.

G, [11/3/2025 12:41 PM]

"today's increasingly complex and difficult challenges" 

This phrase is often overused. When was the last time the world SG needed to navigate in wasn't complex nor difficult?

But this has been the backdrop and excuse for which to keep increasing govt spending, and relation to that, to keep increasing taxes resulting in increased costs of living

We often get news of this govt spending more on the claims of helping more. But the converse needs to happen too. Govt spend less so as to tax less, and this will help more

Let's paraphrase, and go from "teach less, learn more" to "spend less, help more"

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 12:43 PM]

1. If recession comes, one strategy is to increase government spending to stimulate multiplier effects - not to reduce spendings.

Reducing government spending will hasten the process of recession.

Trump and Elon Musk DOGE do irrational spending cuts that accelerated the looming recession.

2. Other parameters is to attract investment, spur consumption, increase exports and increase imports to spur production.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 12:44 PM]

1. Stagnant growth - is the indicator of recession looming.

2. Inflation is due to disruption of global supply chain - like what Trump did to the world with its ill informed tariffs.

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 12:46 PM]

I think America doesn't affect us much for now as we don't import our daily necessity much from us

365, [11/3/2025 12:46 PM]

Responding to point 1, that is when recession hits. For now, be conservative with the spending, so when recession hits, they have more leeway for spending to stimulate the market. It really is an observation stage right now, need to see how the geopolitics move and respond accordingly.

With the recent developments, really cannot fault anyone for not forseeing what is going to happen

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 12:48 PM]

America is the largest consumption country in the World.

Our exports of intermediate goods to China, ASEAN and other countries to facilitate manufacturing mostly ended up in US market.

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 12:48 PM]

What affect us more is the Ukraine Russia war where the price of food directly got impacted

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 12:49 PM]

I think our current government spendings with a few billion budget surplus is about right.

This few billions can be our reserve to spend if global recession hit.

365, [11/3/2025 12:51 PM]

The past year have been well, and I hope it can continue before the impending major shifts in the economy

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 12:51 PM]

Food prices indeed is trigger by war, supply disruption and global climate.

But manufacturing is one of our largest engine for growth - form a big part of our economy.

The manufacturing sector contributes roughly 20-25% to Singapore's GDP. 

So if US recession hit, the impact can be quite big.

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 12:51 PM]

At most another great depression

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 12:53 PM]

Cannot be great depression - too pessimistic. Double digits percentage dip in GDP.

But recession - single percent dip is possible and bad enough.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 1:09 PM]

1. What did Trump do wrong that could trigger a growing healthy US economy into a looming recession?

2. Trump appointed Elon Musk to do a massive cut in government spendings - target about $2 trillion.

Government spending is a multipler variable for growth.

The moment spendings are cut in which productive spending (instead of targeted right sizing) that spur economic growth, demultiplier effects kicks in - causing circular flow of income to implode inwards - as business activities, business confidence and consumer confidence take a hit.

Consumers refuse or unable to spend, business refuse to produce more and refuse to hire as consumption fall, investors refuse to invest as economy stop growing.

3. Trade - export is the factor for spurring manufacturing activities within US. Because order will be manufactured for export - creating jobs.

If tariffs are imposed on other countries, other countries retaliate and will curb US exports to other countries.

As Tariffs are levy on US imports, prices of intermediate goods for production will also get hit - reducing manufacturing activities.

All these will trigger a domino effects on production activities and race towards recession.

Because trade - export and import are 2 big multiplier effects that spur GDP growth.

4. So with government spending hit, trade - export and import hit, consumer spending drop, investment stop - all 5 multiplier variables that spur economic growth implode inwards - a recipe for a big recession to come.

All begin with Trump big government spending cuts and his tariff war.

One lead to another.

A country run by someone who don't know economic but act like a dictator - is a sure way for the country to die faster.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 1:13 PM]

1. So what Trump did is dangerous - he singlehandedly hammer US economy into a possible recession.

2. And he fires many federal staff who are technocrats that can run the economy.

3. Trump and Elon Musk are businessmen and not economists.

What they do go against all economic principles.

And will plunge US into an economic abyss pulling down the Global economy with him.

365, [11/3/2025 1:15 PM]

Ideally we want to avoid any single country holding a majority of our trade, need to diversify our trade partners.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 1:16 PM]

This is the long term goal we need to achieve.

Currently our trade, investment, finances in dollars are too dependent on US.

365, [11/3/2025 1:19 PM]

From singstat website, 2023 import from us is 108 bil, while the next highest is EU at 42.2 bil

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 1:20 PM]

You mean we import from US?

365, [11/3/2025 1:20 PM]

It's higher than EU, China and Japan combined

365, [11/3/2025 1:20 PM]

Yes

365, [11/3/2025 1:20 PM]

Export is at 51.1 bil

365, [11/3/2025 1:20 PM]

Export is not so lop-sided

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 1:21 PM]

I think we import alot of high end products and intermediate goods that will enhance our manufacturing activities and productivity.

This will be good for us.

But going forward, we don't know what will happen.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 1:22 PM]

Our services to US is bigger than export.

365, [11/3/2025 1:22 PM]

Yeah, can't depend on this to go on long term, given how unstable it is in US now

365, [11/3/2025 1:23 PM]

If I'm reading it correctly, the value is inclusive of services exported

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 1:23 PM]

Oh is it?

365, [11/3/2025 1:23 PM]

It's how I interpret the website, it's not so clear

365, [11/3/2025 1:24 PM]

Top import by commodity is machinery and transport equipment, makes sense

365, [11/3/2025 1:26 PM]

Actually, 51.1 bil is services only, my bad

365, [11/3/2025 1:26 PM]

Same for the export figure I gave just now

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 1:27 PM]

So we are still the net importer from US.

But US products are high tech.

Good for our productivity.

365, [11/3/2025 1:28 PM]

Net export actually, is just service side we are net importer

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 1:29 PM]

I read from Google and Meta AI, they also give me conflicting figures.

I can't interpret correctly.

365, [11/3/2025 1:29 PM]

I wonder what's the government's position on brics, US is threatening countries not to join brics, yet they've proven to be unfriendly to even their closest ally this year

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 1:30 PM]

Singapore's services exports to the US are significant, but whether they're bigger than exports depends on the specific year and data.

In 2017, Singapore's services exports to the US were valued at $13.2 billion, with transportation, other business services, and insurance services being the largest components ¹. On the other hand, Singapore's goods exports to the US were $32.9 billion in 2023 ¹.

However, the US services exports to Singapore were worth $21.6 billion in 2017, with other business services, royalties, and license fees being the largest components ¹. This suggests that the US services exports to Singapore might be larger than Singapore's services exports to the US.

To get a clearer picture, we'd need more up-to-date data on services exports. Nevertheless, it's evident that both countries have significant trade relationships, with goods exports playing a substantial role ¹.

Source :- Meta AI

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 1:31 PM]

I think for now, we don't step in to BRICS first.

Because now not conducive.

Also upside not alot.

Downside very big.

Because we have already sign FTA with almost all the nations in BRICS.

No point to join now.

365, [11/3/2025 1:33 PM]

Personally don't like the US throwing their weight around just because USD is the main trading currency, but no choice still have to acknowledge that we are heavily impacted by them now.

Joomua Tng, [11/3/2025 1:40 PM]

Right, as the world goes, is only in question between equals in power, while the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.

- Thucydides

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 1:54 PM]

1. That is why I say, we must support our government and ensure all the best Ministers are elected come election.

2. We cannot afford to play around with our votes - just want more opposing voices in the government or just to irritate the government because we are not happy with some policies.

3. We need all the best brains in the Government to ride the rough seas ahead of us.

4. Find new market, new investment, new sources for growth, continue to create jobs for us as the geopolitical scene are turning more and more nasty.

Shield and cushion us from inflation and stagnant growth - Stagflation.

5. Opposing voices can come from the NMP and NCMP. 

As well as check and balance from REACH participants.

6. I think what we are facing ahead of us - can be seismic that need the best brains to anchor us into a calmer water.

7. Because if we want to punish our government using our votes, we could be punishing ourselves, our future and our children.

Trump and Brexit are good example of voters' regrets at a seismic scale.

여자친구, 첫사랑 🏆, [11/3/2025 2:11 PM]

Point 5 😭😭??!?!

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 2:31 PM]

Compared with many other advanced economies, Singapore’s public sector is lean with government spending under 20 per cent of gross domestic product. 

The Singapore Public Service also has a Manpower Management Framework that constrains overall public sector headcount growth in line with resident labour force growth. 

As of 2023, there were around 152,000 public officers working in ministries and statutory boards, a modest 9 per cent increase from about 139,000 a decade before.

Source:- CNA news

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 2:35 PM]

"US stocks plunge on recession fears, Nasdaq sees worst day since 2022"

 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/us-stock-market-recession-nasdaq-worst-new-york-trump-4991666#:~:text=US%20stocks%20plunge%20on%20recession%20fears%2C%20Nasdaq%20sees%20worst%20day%20since%202022

Adam, [11/3/2025 2:45 PM]

Who says people are playing around with their votes. If you think people are 'playing around' why even have a democracy? If gov is always right we can have the benevolent dictatorship.

The gov serves the people. If the people are not satisfied, or dont think the gov is serving them, then what is the gov for. 

Yes we want the best minds, but can we trust the best minds to serve us? Thats why we vote. Not just on paper qualifications but their character too. We dont want corporate interests and conflict or corrupt politicians 'serving' the nation.

Just look at what they argue for. Do they talk down to citizens? Maybe think their school is superior? Perform intellectual dishonesty to their stakeholders? We need a govt that is not just smart, but responsible and accountable for its citizens. Sure they might not be perfect but at least take responsibility for mistakes and work to fix them instead of pretending things are ok

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 2:55 PM]

Government needs to win the trust of the people.

And people need to assess whether the government is indeed working for the good of the people.

This is how we decide whether we want the government to represent us - which in turn determine the basis on how we vote.

At the same time, we need to assess the credibility of the oppositions.

Are they credible, are their alternative policies able to benefit us or make us worst.

This is the basis of whether voters should give them our votes or not.

Votes should not be given to oppositions as a free ride just because people are unhappy with some aspects of government policies even though oppositions' policies could make us worse.

Hence only then a mature democracy will serve our purpose.

Throwing a reject vote will be better than giving to oppositions if the oppositions policies are no better or worst off.

This is my real message about "not playing with our votes" in a mature democracy.

We demand high standard from our government.

Equally and fairly, we should demand the same high standard from our oppositions.

If oppositions win through free rides just because we are unhappy with some aspects of the government policies, and not through the merits of the oppositions, then we are shooting ourselves on our foot - and not the hallmark of a mature democracy.

Because oppositions policies will harm us and government will be forced to implement populist policies to retain governance - that will be detrimental to us, our future and our children.

This is the biggest trap of malfunction democracy and not a mature democracy.

Trump and Brexit are full blown shining examples of the product of a malfunction democracy.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 2:58 PM]

Look at what happen to US.

US economy is booming and people having full employment under Biden administration.

But many voters not happy with Biden administration because of high inflation.

Voters decide to give the vote to Trump to want inflation to be lowered instead of spoiling their votes.

End up now seismic voters' regrets - it backfire on the voters that want lower inflation.

Now end up:-

1. Voters lose their jobs.

2. Even Higher inflation.

3. World turn hostile towards them.

4. Stock market crash.

5. Economy going down with looming inflation.

6. Welfare benefits cut.

Backfire very badly.

REACH Singapore, [11/3/2025 3:04 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

Xtra, [11/3/2025 3:14 PM]

Wow lots of changes to the electoral boundaries! Anyone here affected? 🤔

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/ge2025-ebrc-grc-smc-general-election-boundary-changes-4992551?cid=internal_sharetool_androidphone_11032025_cna

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 3:25 PM]

I disagree with only nmp and ncmp as opposition 

I do agree to vote by people not by party. The party may be opposition but if the member of it is good why not elect him. One example is jamus. I find that he is a standard MP, giving good opposition voice.

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 3:26 PM]

While some opposition only knows how to attack gov which I will not vote

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 3:27 PM]

Jamus economic policies are flaw by a few count - and if implemented will harm us.

He could be a good mp but a bad policy maker.

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 3:28 PM]

I am not economist but I feel that there is an alternative voice which prompt gov to explain better their rationale and why they did not take up the suggestions.

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 3:29 PM]

What gov bad in explaining their policy

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 3:31 PM]

We need more junior professionals in parliament to debate different solutions

Adam, [11/3/2025 3:45 PM]

What say you about lawrance wong strategies while he was in mnd to prevent oversupply in hdb?

Adam, [11/3/2025 3:46 PM]

Or the chairman of smrt not wanting to 'overmaintain'

Adam, [11/3/2025 3:47 PM]

Maybe they really are doing whats best for the country

Adam, [11/3/2025 3:48 PM]

Idk what this country is to them, but to those on the ground, they are out of touch

Adam, [11/3/2025 3:50 PM]

Maybe what we need is them riding in trains, or trying to budget their meals and rent

Adam, [11/3/2025 3:50 PM]

Ofc the smartest in society wont face these issues

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 3:50 PM]

Maybe they should try surviving with a monthly salary of 3000

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 3:53 PM]

Working 9-5 in office ot to meet the people... Etc

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 3:53 PM]

Force to attend parliament session

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 3:54 PM]

If not every time parliament looks empty

Adam, [11/3/2025 3:54 PM]

Does parliament needs to be that big anyway?

Adam, [11/3/2025 3:54 PM]

Why do we have so much mayors?

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 3:55 PM]

Do we even need mayor

Kai Bin, [11/3/2025 3:55 PM]

Don’t think so

Adam, [11/3/2025 3:55 PM]

Also we have best minds in gov, but they are working part time job being directors

Adam, [11/3/2025 3:55 PM]

Poor thing need extra income

Adam, [11/3/2025 3:56 PM]

I also nsf cannot work outside

Adam, [11/3/2025 3:56 PM]

Wonder if they can fully commit to governance

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 3:58 PM]

What are the roles of mayor

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 3:58 PM]

I have jotted a few alternative policies proposed by Jamus in which he champion in Parliament and a few by WP MPs (some are economic policies he can influence as economist but he supported them).

They are:-

1. Minimum wages (without productivity growth) - make our labor forces uncompetitive and drive up business cost and consumer cost.

2. Use more nirc 60% - no GST hike. And use up reserves meant for our future generations.

3. Retrenchment insurance (with no incentive or push for re-employment and training). End up more workers will drop out of the workforce.

4. Use Land sales to finance recurrent fiscal budget & raiding our reserves as land supply is finite.

5. No GST tax - lose Government tax transfer and redistribution of wealth to lower Gini coefficient. And impact our fiscal sufficiency.

6. Nationalisation of public transport during MRT fault - drain taxpayers money, lead to inefficiency, lose opportunities to venture into overseas market.

7. Use money laundering confiscated proceeds to compensate scam victims instead of setting up Trust fund to earn income to fight scam and compensate scam victims.

Adam, [11/3/2025 3:59 PM]

Copilot:

In Singapore, mayors oversee the Community Development Councils (CDCs), which are responsible for fostering community bonds and supporting residents within their respective districts.

Adam, [11/3/2025 3:59 PM]

Tbh i havent really made good use of community resources

Adam, [11/3/2025 4:00 PM]

I cant really bond with my neighbours either.  They change every 6 months

Adam, [11/3/2025 4:02 PM]

These are probably a start of discussion. Sure they may be flawed but you have pap to keep in check. They will not wholesale take it.

What pap will do is take segments and make their own new policy that is similar so they can take credit. Overall singapore still benefits from oppo doing this

Adam, [11/3/2025 4:04 PM]

Another issue is the current gov keeps a tight lip on its resources and reasons. Yeah it may be for harmony or national defence or whatever excuse but really how to counter them when all they argue is 'father knows best'

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 4:05 PM]

REACH participants can question and do check and balance.

NCMP and NMP can question them in Parliament and can vote to support or oppose.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 4:06 PM]

If the policies are flaw, don't raise it - because gullible people are fool to support - like what happens to Trump and Brexit.

It will harm us.

Like Trump tariffs, mass firing of federal staff, drive out foreign workers, high inflation still cut interest, cut tax and make inflation higher.

Brexit, politicians sell self governance and exit from EU a big market - now backfire.

Voters vote for their flaw policies that backfire on them and harm them.

If we demand high standard from the government, similarly we must demand high standard from the oppositions especially elected oppositions.

Don't expect a free ride from the oppositions and expect PAP to correct them, because one fluke election - WP is going to govern using all their flaw policies - and it will be the end of everyone here.

If we want to uphold a mature democracy, we better set high standards for the government and the oppositions.

No free ride.

If they cannot make the mark of an elected MP then stay as NCMP or NMP.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 4:08 PM]

In Singapore, a Member of Parliament (MP) who is also a Mayor plays a significant role in serving the residents in their respective districts. There are five districts in Singapore, each helmed by a Mayor who also serves as the Chairman of the Community Development Council (CDC) in that district ¹.

The roles of a Mayor in Singapore include:

- *Chairing the Community Development Council*: The Mayor chairs the CDC, which aims to promote community development and social cohesion in their district.

- *Serving as a Member of Parliament*: Mayors are also MPs, representing their constituents' interests in Parliament.

- *Community Engagement*: Mayors engage with residents, community groups, and voluntary welfare organizations to understand their needs and concerns.

- *Promoting Community Development*: Mayors promote community development initiatives, such as education, healthcare, and social welfare programs.

- *Budget Management*: Mayors oversee the budget of their CDC, allocating resources to support community development projects.

Some notable Mayors in Singapore include:

- *Ms Low Yen Ling*: Mayor of South West District and Chairman of South West CDC

- *Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng*: Mayor of Central Singapore District and Chairman of Central Singapore CDC

- *Mr Desmond Choo*: Mayor of North East District and Chairman of North East CDC ¹

Source :- Meta AI

Adam, [11/3/2025 4:13 PM]

If we dont raise proposal until its perfect then when? In covid the gov has to make quick action. Sure its not perfect but there is choices to be made and the gov is looking at options

Adam, [11/3/2025 4:13 PM]

Now perhaps it is 'peace" for you, but for many they are dissatisfied

Adam, [11/3/2025 4:14 PM]

Is the gov gonna MONITOR the situation?

Adam, [11/3/2025 4:14 PM]

Maybe those who complain that hdb too expensive can wait patiently for gov to fix things in a decade then start a family in their 40s

Adam, [11/3/2025 4:15 PM]

Or those that complain met not maintained enough can wait for new lines to come for redundancy

Adam, [11/3/2025 4:16 PM]

The oppo is not perfect, but at least they are trying to solve things. Maybe thats why they have supporters.

Pap seems to pretend things are ok. Then if its not ok they try to deflect. Dunno if its dome internal culture to avoid getting fired

G, [11/3/2025 4:16 PM]

Yeah.. we have seen since 2020, parliament and representation was ok despite so many vacant MP seats. If anything, total number of MPs should have stayed the same as 2020

Adam, [11/3/2025 4:16 PM]

See the response of the nric issue. At least now they are acknowledging it ill give them that

G, [11/3/2025 4:19 PM]

Quite rich, since you have, on numerous occasions, made disparaging remarks on those who questioned😏

G, [11/3/2025 4:21 PM]

Not just that, but we can also see that when oppos ask pointed clarification questions, they get gaslit and / or mocked and / or having their character questioned, and then their questions go unanswered

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 4:23 PM]

Of all the oppositions that I find really good are Low Thia Kiang and Chiam See Tong.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 4:24 PM]

Of course, the best and most outstanding oppositions in Singapore history that I really respect is Lee Kuan Yew and his fellow colleagues.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 4:24 PM]

These are oppositions that deserves to be the elected MPs.

G, [11/3/2025 4:26 PM]

Too bad those days of solid PAP politicians are well over. 

They battled in SMCs, no such thing as GRCs, they had to prove their worth by themselves, no option of riding on coat tails

Hanny, [11/3/2025 4:34 PM]

The world is charting into unknown territories. 

We don’t know what will happen economically and politically.

AI is making extreme progress in many directions. I know because I’m into AI.

We need stability in the house. We need cool heads to manage our resources.

We need cool heads to lead the ministries.

Smart talk is not enough.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 4:37 PM]

Yes.

AI will be a formidable challenge to our workforce.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 4:39 PM]

If Agentic AI (AGI) (Artificial General Intelligence) is to come into force, our workforce really need to be ready to secure our jobs.

Now we are in the era of GAI (Generative AI), AI trained in datasets - already replacing 4,000 temp jobs in banking that have impacted customer service, compliance, marketing.

AGI could be more challenging.

For information, AGI is the branch of AI that can think, learn and solve problems without the need to be trained on preset datasets example could be through Reinforcement Learning, Deep Learning, Multi-Modal AI or other means whereby AI scientists are still experimenting.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 4:41 PM]

Our government is beefing up training and providing solutions to such AI challenges.

Wonder what is the opposition's solutions and response to the AI challenges?

Berry R, [11/3/2025 4:41 PM]

https://www.straitstimes.com/multimedia/graphics/2025/03/singapore-general-election-ward/index.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=telegram&utm_campaign=sttg

Berry R, [11/3/2025 4:42 PM]

major changes in both east and west

Berry R, [11/3/2025 4:44 PM]

apparently due to increase in voter numbers. wonder if the population growth in the redrawn regions were significant enough for all these changes 🤷‍♀️

G, [11/3/2025 5:10 PM]

This is true all the time, at every election

We don't need stability in the house, we need people who can best navigate the unknown without spending excessively. 

The 1G PAP were brilliant at navigating the unknown without excessive spending. 

The same can't be said of this 4G PAP

Adam, [11/3/2025 5:11 PM]

Yeah i heard this being repeated so much times

Adam, [11/3/2025 5:11 PM]

Every year got something new

Adam, [11/3/2025 5:11 PM]

Current gov did some good some bad

Adam, [11/3/2025 5:12 PM]

Buy sometimes the bad are so glaringly obvious, one wonders where were the check and balances

Adam, [11/3/2025 5:13 PM]

Or is the gov run by yes men who just do things blindly

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 5:18 PM]

A balanced budget is not spending excessively.

A surplus budget is a prudent budget with savings.

Spending excessively is one that is budget deficits finance by debts.

In fact Singapore is one of the rare few countries in the world that has budget surplus in this government term.

Many countries are budget in deficit finance by large debts. Some running into trillions of dollars. And the debt load to be bear by the younger generations.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 5:22 PM]

A large fiscal budget spendings with surplus indicate that our economy has grown overtime into a bigger economy with healthy savings.

That means, our population are wealthier.

Small spendings indicate lesser government revenue and smaller economy. 

It means our population is less well off as our revenue draw from tax from the economy is smaller.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 5:29 PM]

In layman term,

1. If last time, I earn $4,000 a month, I spend less $2,000. And $2,000 go into my savings.

2. If now I earn more eg. $10,000 a month, I can afford to spend more $5,000. And yet I can save more $5,000.

That means, our government is doing well, grow our reserves and yet benefitting the population with more spendings.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 5:37 PM]

1. Hence right analogy, right critical thinking - right conclusion.

2. Wrong analogy, wrong analysis - wrong conclusion. Misled readers.

Black become White. White become Black.

ChewyRuza, [11/3/2025 5:41 PM]

Now I think that’s shallow. What I would agree is that in general, we have very tight control of the way we spend money. That doesn’t equate to a more wealthy population. It could simply mean very deliberate policies to control spending.

We do need to recognise that wealth inequality is present and may be getting wider. That’s something that needs to be looked into.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 5:45 PM]

Yes agree.

My comments is in general.

Means overall wealth of the country grow.

But income inequality could be present. Some are wealthier than others.

Agree to the response.

ChewyRuza, [11/3/2025 5:57 PM]

Yup. But we gotta admit really that the government did pretty well in many things. However, as we talk about how some opposition members are not suitable for MP, we also need to recognise not all PAP MPs are very good as well. 

My side, I am very glad because I see a lot of activity and people are being helped so… all good for me :)

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 5:59 PM]

We set high standards for our politicians - it must apply to both sides - incumbent or oppositions - not one sided.

We must be critical but also must provide some leeways for improvement and allow experimentation mistake especially in new uncharted areas.

This apply to both incumbent and oppositions.

ChewyRuza, [11/3/2025 6:05 PM]

That’s very fair. Let’s hope our government contributes to be of good standing and have strong values and foresight guiding the country. The upcoming elections will be pretty exciting I feel

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 6:08 PM]

The reason, both incumbent or oppositions can form the government.

Eg. Lky and his colleagues in the early days are oppositions and win the government from Lim yew hock whose policies are flaw that lead to unrest in Singapore.

Hence we cannot lower our standards for politicians (be it the incumbent or oppositions) and civil service.

Because they are elected to govern us.

We deserve the best.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 6:43 PM]

I think we also need to be reasonable in our expectations and demands.

We cannot ask for the sky when good progress is made by the government.

If genuine mistakes are made along the way, admit the mistake and allow improvement to be made without resorting to witch hunting.

This apply the same to the oppositions.

Likewise I hope to see a more enlightened oppositions that can propose genuine workable policies in Parliament, not just only asking questions, check only.

To date I have yet to see one that excite me.

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 6:47 PM]

Does the minister or anyone reply directly here. Does our feedback actually value?

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 6:48 PM]

Yes they do read.

And in fact some ideas are adopted.

I keep a record of it.

But minister don't reply to this forum.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 6:54 PM]

However I do meet ministers in town hall and over zoom.

In fact in one instance provide feedback directly to minister appointed ministry staff when the minister assign a staff during the town hall after she find the idea workable.

Which is the money lock.

Also cloth face mask input come from REACH - to prevent covid from spreading and protecting population in general. When surgical face masks in short supply and vaccine not yet ready.

Government adopted. Thanks to Mdm Ho Ching who step up to support the improvised cloth face mask. She say something to the tune that "good enough is better than perfect" under the situation of mask shortage. (Can't remember the exact phrase she used).

My close friend submitted many scientific studies and data to support cloth mask can prevent the spread of covid. Up to 95% and even 99% if put up more filter and layers in the cloth face masks.

Subsequently the world follow Singapore example begin with shinzo abe cute white cloth mask. And issue 2 to each household by the Japan government.

This improvised cloth face masks save millions of human lives globally while waiting for the vaccines and availability of more surgical masks.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 6:56 PM]

Other input are more subtle, only see the adoption over the news.

Eg. Budget meal from food stall $3, $3.50 type. Adopt wholesale. Up to the label decal.

Vending machine budget meal in HDB void deck. But use central kitchen instead of aggregator collecting from food stalls - could be fearful of bacteria lead to food poisoning in the process of collection and packaging. Central kitchen packaging and food handling more controlled and more hygiene I guess.

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 6:56 PM]

Actually for voting wise what people on ground looking at is bread and butter issue. Not too much of politics. Small things such as how fast faulty things get changed and repair impact voting

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 6:58 PM]

For example if your corridor light bulb faulty how fast they change your light bulb when you report it.

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 6:59 PM]

Mine change within 2days but I heard from my friends 2 weeks they haven't change yet in other constituency

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 6:59 PM]

One service apps report - change within 2 days.

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 7:00 PM]

It goes down all the way to RC chairman willing to fight for the residents

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 7:01 PM]

Willing to take extra mile

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 7:02 PM]

For example my RC every block have a WhatsApp group

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 7:02 PM]

I am proud

Adam, [11/3/2025 7:03 PM]

Where is my whatsapp group😭

Adam, [11/3/2025 7:03 PM]

Idk what my one is doing

Khai Mun L., [11/3/2025 7:06 PM]

Start one or volunteer at your RC.

Same concept in work, if things not moving, might as well do it myself. Haha

Adam, [11/3/2025 7:07 PM]

I got my own family to support where got time to volunteer

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 7:09 PM]

Got verification process pdpa need RC then can do

Khai Mun L., [11/3/2025 7:12 PM]

Then wait lor.. just like my promotion/bonus. Haha

REACH Singapore, [11/3/2025 8:45 PM]

Dear Contributors,

⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰

Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

REACH Singapore, [11/3/2025 9:01 PM]

Dear Contributors

We will be closing the chat for today.

Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

====