REACH (Telegram) 89 - What are your views on our nation’s future? What are the most important values and principles that should guide Singapore’s development in the next 60 years?
(SK)
11 Aug 2025 (10am - 7pm)
REACH (Telegram)
REACH Singapore, [11/8/2025 9:45 am]
Dear Contributors,
Welcome Back! π
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Megan π
REACH Singapore, [11/8/2025 10:02 am]
π’ Topic π’
In Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s National Day message on Aug 8 (Friday), he called on Singaporeans to band together to overcome new challenges in a rapidly changing and more uncertain world.
Faith in the promise of Singapore gave its people the strength to build a nation from scratch 60 years ago, and this shared purpose will be even more vital in the years ahead, PM Wong said. He also said that Singapore must remain exceptional in its cohesion, resolve and performance to stay ahead.
π¬ What are your views on our nation’s future? What are the most important values and principles that should guide Singapore’s development in the next 60 years?
π SG60 and the Singapore Spirit
Recalling Singapore’s independence in 1965 – one that was forced by circumstances and required the country to summon its resolve and will to survive, PM Wong said: “At many points, history could have easily taken a darker turn. Yet against all odds, we made it.
“This is what makes SG60 so significant – not just that we endured, but that we prevailed and prospered when few believed we would even survive.”
At the heart lies the “Singapore spirit”, which represents a deep sense of solidarity and shared purpose, he said.
“As a small nation, we cannot afford to be divided. Our unity has always been our source of strength. When we stand together, there is nothing we cannot overcome,” said PM Wong.
π Navigating a Changed World
PM Wong, who had spoken of a changed world ahead of and throughout the hustings before the May general election, said in his message that the situation has since grown graver.
“New conflicts have broken out. Geopolitical tensions have deepened. Barriers to trade are hardening. And protectionist sentiments are worsening,” he said.
“To put it bluntly: The global order that enabled Singapore to thrive for decades is unravelling before our eyes.”
Singapore must now navigate this more contested and volatile world in its own way, said PM Wong.
In the general election, Singaporeans “chose the team you believe can best steer Singapore through this turbulence”, he said.
“Your wisdom and trust give my government the political assurance to act boldly, and the confidence to lead with conviction.”
π Refreshing Singapore’s Economic Strategy
With the global economy expected to remain troubled for some time, PM Wong set out how the Government is responding – the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce is rolling out targeted measures to support businesses and workers, and identifying new opportunities.
While Singapore’s economy has been resilient so far, the outlook remains highly uncertain, he noted.
To stay ahead, the country must remain "exceptional" in its cohesion, resolve and performance, as well as “move faster, adapt quicker and innovate smarter”, he said.
This means embracing new technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics, while applying them meaningfully across its economy.
“We must enable our people, workers and businesses to make full use of these tools, and sharpen our competitive edge,” said PM Wong, who is also Finance Minister.
Amid disruption and the rapid pace of change, not everyone will find the transition easy, he added.
To this, PM Wong pledged that the government “will walk this journey” with Singaporeans as it has done for the past six decades.
“We will expand opportunities for learning and skills upgrading, strengthen social safety nets, and help every Singaporean who faces setbacks to bounce back and press on,” he said.
“That is why I launched Forward Singapore – to refresh our social compact and give every Singaporean the support and confidence to travel the road ahead.”
The Government has also introduced new policies, like the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme, to help those who lose their jobs get back on their feet.
“We will do more to uplift lower-income workers and families, and create more pathways for every Singaporean to succeed, regardless of their starting point in life,” said PM Wong.
REACH Singapore, [11/8/2025 10:03 am]
π https://www.pmo.gov.sg/Newsroom/National-Day-Message-2025#
π https://str.sg/go85
π https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-refreshing-economic-strategy-lawrence-wong-national-day-message-5284841
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Adam, [11/8/2025 10:17 am]
Our forefathers built this country 60 years back, maybe even earlier. Hoping for a better future, planting seeds of trees which only bear fruits past their demise.
Till this day we are told that that we need to work hard in building this country for an uncertain future.
There is some truth to that, however i think the gov is witholding the fruits of past nationbuilding from its own citizens. Only now they are thinking about singles place in bto. But all talk. No action.
Sorry for being pessimistic but when we singaporeans are told to work hard, i think, what am i working hard for? I dont even own a land to defend. Am i building singapore like how a foreign construction worker builds hdb?
Adam, [11/8/2025 10:19 am]
I hope the gov learns from padt policies but i have doubts. We need to make skills upgrading meaningful. If employers dont care about your ai skill whats the point
Adam, [11/8/2025 10:23 am]
I feel the singapore spirit is dead these days. I see people with their own clique. Half the office doesnt speak english. Even some stores have chinese only staff.
Why are you telling singaporeans to remain united when half the population might not be singaporean.
Idk what they do in the old days but how did they get migrants from china to india to europe during the 1960s to have the kampung spirit? Would it be possible to have efforts to integrate the migrants of today?
365, [11/8/2025 10:29 am]
Nothing unites people more than a common enemy, in the past, that was economic hardship and toeing the poverty line. Now, not anymore. While some still face economic hardship, it is no longer a common enemy.
Just comparing now to the past, far more people are going overseas vacationing, and taking in different influences. Really need to have a big common denominator to overcome all the differences, and I have no idea what that will be.
Adam, [11/8/2025 10:29 am]
I hope we can implement these new tech quickly, even if it means the people it replace will lost jobs. But the gov will have to navigate this quickly. It it inevitable anyway. But there are currently weird protectionist measures that makes me wonder if new tech will be adopted. See how we cant have point to point taxi to malaysia. If we cant overcome regulatory hurdle, tech cant help
Adam, [11/8/2025 10:31 am]
I also hope gov wont waste money on tech bullshit. We have to scrutinize people looking for our funding carefully. Funding can sometimes be better spent elsewhere
Jun Ming, [11/8/2025 10:56 am]
I don't like sg60 don't have extra holidays for uni
Jun Ming, [11/8/2025 10:57 am]
Be it election or national day all on Saturday
REACH Singapore, [11/8/2025 12:24 pm]
Dear Contributors,
We want to HEAR MORE from you!
π¬ What are your views on our nation’s future? What are the most important values and principles that should guide Singapore’s development in the next 60 years?
We have had good feedback from this group, and we hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active!
Thank you!
Megan π
Jun Ming, [11/8/2025 12:52 pm]
We can improve if Saturday is a holiday Monday should also be a off in lieu
Jun Ming, [11/8/2025 12:52 pm]
This is to improve welfare to Singaporean
Jun Ming, [11/8/2025 12:53 pm]
We are not and should not be workholics in order to attract businesses
Jun Ming, [11/8/2025 12:59 pm]
For cohesion wise something is missing between people
Jun Ming, [11/8/2025 1:04 pm]
The compassion and empathy of one decreasing
Culture has been heavily blended by foreign culture.
People just stick to themselves
Sharifah Mari, [11/8/2025 1:30 pm]
As a nation I believe Singapore will have a good future. Yes our forefathers have got a Singapore it's I independence. But alas we have not '"gain" independence from government servants. Especially government agencies that have to deal with the public... There has just been no Improvement at all. How they will make you wait for ages for a reply. And there are also departments which will attend to you as and when they like it. Let's just take one main particular agency which is HDB. Almost all of us lives in HDB flat.. Why do the whole of Singapore have to call to call one hdb service line number n for them to forward your problems to your branch area. when they have hdb branches office in whole of Singapore and they made citizens call their Hot line number. When we can always call the branch office to grievance out the flat problem that we are facing. It will be shorter time... This is what I'm going through personally. It's been almost a month and I have not gotten any reply to my issues. And I've been calling every week but still no one from the branch office is doing attending to the problem... So just imagine fellow citizens in this group π€
Sharifah Mari, [11/8/2025 1:33 pm]
Is this the condition that we have to live in the next 60 years???
Andrew Goh, [11/8/2025 1:36 pm]
Some sectors are 24/7 or essential services, and cannot afford to have everyone off on the immediate Monday.
It might be better for the companies to decide whether a Monday OIL or employees have the flexibility to choose another day for their OIL.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [11/8/2025 1:39 pm]
If you submit your issue through OneService Apps, you will be attended to within the next 1 to 3 days.
You can also attach documents, photos for references and attention.
Because there will be audit trail and KPI to adhere through in OneService Apps.
Until the issue is solved, it cannot be close and the government will track through it because you need to rate it and comment if the issue is resolve or not.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [11/8/2025 1:41 pm]
Phone calls - too many a day and difficult to track who calls.
Also HDB received alot of prank calls - hence officers will just ignore the calls.
Khai Mun L., [11/8/2025 1:44 pm]
Agree, one benefit of paperwork is that everything can be tracked.
For the hdb issue, why not contact your town council? Might have faster response
LCL (Danny εΏ), [11/8/2025 1:44 pm]
Go to Google Play store to install the OneService Apps.
Khai Mun L., [11/8/2025 1:47 pm]
Though, it would depend on the issue itself. If it involves multiple parties, affected residents or other agencies, would take time if they don't reply quickly.
E.g. if ceiling leak, hdb have to involve upstairs resident. But if upstairs don't want to allow hdb staff to enter, the status is stuck. Then have to go through legal route, which means lawyers, collecting evidence, approval by management etc
LCL (Danny εΏ), [11/8/2025 1:49 pm]
Yes.
I was just about to raise this.
Some issues may not be related to HDB but other departments.
Eg. The HDB void deck lighting are town council purview not under HDB.
Also when tree branches fall, it is under NPark not HDB, HDB will not respond.
OneService Apps will direct to the right agency(ies) to respond.
REACH Singapore, [11/8/2025 2:02 pm]
π’ Topic π’
Jun Ming, [11/8/2025 2:03 pm]
But I don't understand why schools needs to operate
Jun Ming, [11/8/2025 2:04 pm]
Essential service I understand they will operate despite holidays
Jun Ming, [11/8/2025 2:06 pm]
It's the same thing if a holiday falls on Sunday we got a official off in lieu for Monday but why not Saturday where most of us don't work as we have 5 days work week
Andrew Goh, [11/8/2025 2:21 pm]
Hmmm.. I thought today is a school holiday.
Jun Ming, [11/8/2025 2:27 pm]
No leh for tertiary education and above
Khai Mun L., [11/8/2025 2:36 pm]
Once reach tertiary, the definition is different. We should not expect to be the same as primary/secondary. Even the school term holidays don't follow the rest, why should it be expected?
Khai Mun L., [11/8/2025 2:37 pm]
Even call up for national service typically don't consider tertiary education. If it does, then considered bonus already
Jun Ming, [11/8/2025 2:46 pm]
Basically stress and continuous working and studying without a break for relief. Just like people from reach needs to work today.
Jun Ming, [11/8/2025 2:47 pm]
This is why asking for more welfare in Singapore. If sg 60 is so significant why not give a additional holiday?
Jun Ming, [11/8/2025 2:50 pm]
And it does not affect much for given a off in lieu for holidays that fall on Saturdays
Jun Ming, [11/8/2025 2:50 pm]
It's just one or 2 days per year
Jun Ming, [11/8/2025 2:53 pm]
How to remain in cohesion if everyone is stressed and no time to bond with each other
Jun Ming, [11/8/2025 2:54 pm]
Okay back to studying bye
LCL (Danny εΏ), [11/8/2025 3:05 pm]
1. Actually today's topic in layman terms are :-
a. We in Singapore are facing a very serious challenges, specifically Geopolitical challenges that threaten our trade (our pillars for success), AI proliferation and protectionism.
b. To overcome these serious challenges, we need to unite.
c. As the Government work out the solutions with business partners, community as well as us as citizens - we need to help one another to overcome the challenges, emerge from it, succeed and chart a successful path for ourselves.
2. This is the gist of the message on today's topic.
3. Do we acknowledge and recognise the challenges, unite and ride over the challenges "hand-in-hand" with the Government?
LCL (Danny εΏ), [11/8/2025 3:27 pm]
1. Despite the trade challenges that we face, 3 times the size of our GDP, about $1.2 trillion are threatened by Trump's tariff war, as I analyse it - I may have a simple layman path to overcome it.
2. The world GDP is about US$111.3 trillion.
US GDP is about US$29.18 trillion.
Source :- Google AI 2024
3. World Trade is about $33 trillion.
US trade is about US$7.1 trillion.
Source :- Google AI 2024
4. Singapore GDP is about US$547.39 billion.
Singapore trade is about US$1.2057 trillion.
Source :- Google AI 2024
5. My layman analysis is:- to secure annually GDP US$547.39 billion or more from (Global GDP US$111.3 trillion - US$29.18 trillion = $82.12 trillion) - is it not possible?
6. Likewise, my layman analysis is:- to secure annually trade US$1.2057 trillion or more from (World trade $33 trillion - US$7.1 trillion = $25.9 trillion) - is it not possible?
7. My hindsight tell me, it is not totally mission impossible, but Government, our business partners, community and we ourselves as individual workers - will have to work harder to recover from lose ground and find replacement.
I think is not totally mission impossible.
8. The ingredient for success are :-
a. We need to be ingenuious, creative, innovative, work smart, work hard - to recover and find replacement.
b. As a whole we need to be united among our community and workforce.
c. Work together with our Companies, our Government, our Union and our Education Institutes - to chart a new path.
d. Be friendly with foreigners, our friends and business partners to look for new market, new investors, new business partners.
9. If we are able to do all of these, I think we will succeed - despite the serious challenges ahead of us.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [11/8/2025 4:01 pm]
1. As trade with US are threatened - $7.1 trillion - a very big consumption export market --- in which Singapore trade with US is $146 billion - we need to find replacement market - notably semiconductor and pharmaceutial form a very big part of our trade with US.
2. Of course, our trade with the rest of the World as intermediary goods to US market will also come under pressure - we need to similarly reconfigure our global supply chain to make up for the loss.
3. But there are many opportunities coming our way:-
a. Already many investors channel their cash flow into Singapore financial hubs - as we present a reliable, stable and predictable hubs - whether in governance, regulations, policies, infrastructure, workforce - creating more finance jobs.
b. High heel tourists are coming into our shores - earning toursim receipts and create hospitality jobs.
c. International students are coming into our Universities - earning study revenue and University jobs.
d. We are looking into new energy sectors, and possibily setup new energy sectors, business opportunities and high value added energy jobs.
e. ASEAN are working more closely together to cut tariffs, remove obstacles to trade and look for more opportunities to grow trade, investment, travel and business.
f. More regional and global trade agreement to boost trade, commit investment, reconfigure supply chain, bilateral or multi-lateral currency swap (outside US).
g. Train in AI to boost our productivity, make us more relevant and productive - to secure our jobs and make valuable contribution.
4. So Singaporeans just need to do one simple thing, unite, support and work with our Government hand-in-hand - to overcome the challenges as we reconfigure the Global Supply chain, work with new business partners, penetrate new market, make more diverse foreign friends, and rechart our new destiny.
5. I think the challenges also present us with new opportunities. It is whether we are sharp enough, smart enough and heart big enough to seize.
ζ―δΈͺε±ζΊ - ε°±ζ―εζΊ。
ε ³ε ³ιΎθΏ，ε ³ε ³θΏ。
(Every threat, come with opportunity.
Every hurdle that come along, we cross every hurdle).
6. Having a positive attitude and attribute - facing every challenge - our eyes brighten up - determine to overcome (is LKY's grit and determination - to emerge a Victor).
7. Hold our head high, bite our teeth, grip our fist - we can overcome with grit and gumption - never lose our livelihood to a clown.
8. Lower our head, fill with negativitiy, despair and losing our hope - we will become self defeated.
7. Singapore won't get defeated - because we create miracle after miracle for ourselves.
REACH Singapore, [11/8/2025 4:03 pm]
π’ Topic π’
LCL (Danny εΏ), [11/8/2025 4:06 pm]
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSSGRSf47/
11 countries quietly replacing US with Canada as trade partners - no headlines, no news but stealthily.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [11/8/2025 4:07 pm]
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSSpDPohq/
One visa fee hammer US tourism industry of $12.5 billion.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [11/8/2025 4:09 pm]
154 Walmart stores close shops due to many empty stores as tariffs bite.
Thousands of workers lose their jobs.
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSSg3s86c/
LCL (Danny εΏ), [11/8/2025 4:10 pm]
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSSbDeh6D/
Stablecoin is forcing the world to transfer their wealth into US and bankrupt the World finances with fake money (Stablecoin) to pay for trade in exchange for your real hard cash.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [11/8/2025 4:11 pm]
Economic war has started.
Supremacy war has started
Will this evolve into military war.
Trump tariff war.
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSSbDcc43/
LCL (Danny εΏ), [11/8/2025 4:38 pm]
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSSbAd2Kj/
Trump crush Africa and other developing countries with tariffs
China upend US and turn all these countries into China as saviour as China buy all their products, repackage it and re-export to other world market.
China takeover US influence as US lose its leadership.
RY, [11/8/2025 4:43 pm]
Check out this video from this search, world without usa lee hsien loong https://share.google/c5toUx92zYzcLA65Y
RY, [11/8/2025 4:45 pm]
https://youtu.be/rI5dLT-qwjM?si=TsEOXUBADELPhrBv
Khai Mun L., [11/8/2025 4:45 pm]
To encourage residents to upskill, leaders might want to show examples of the courses/knowledge which helped them in their work. Even other political parties should do the same as being stuck in same financial situation is not helpful to anyone
RY, [11/8/2025 4:46 pm]
World minus USA - SM LHL Dialogue with ESS
RY, [11/8/2025 5:06 pm]
I believe "National Identity" is essential in bringing people together in cohesion to tide over this uncertainty world .. eg Natl Day celebration/NDP
Maybe Govt may do more to enhance Unity/Cohesivenes and work towards a more inclusive/harmonious society
SG govt already expanding financial assistance to people eg SG60/GST/CDC vouchers and utility/town council rebates and etc - whereby all these are daily expenses that we have to pay
As we heading towards AI era, Skills Upgrading is vital for workers, and Govt already extending SkilsFuture credit and subsidy for courses to working adults
Everybody has a part to play, so that SG has more prosperous years to come in the next 50 years
Khai Mun L., [11/8/2025 5:54 pm]
But how to have a more 'inclusive and harmonious society'? That is the main gist.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [11/8/2025 5:55 pm]
Big heart.
Big mind.
Khai Mun L., [11/8/2025 5:55 pm]
I recall seeing a youtube comment during the ndp parade, asking why got indian song. Hope that it was a troll comment instead of real
LCL (Danny εΏ), [11/8/2025 5:56 pm]
Small heart.
Petty mind
We will be dead.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [11/8/2025 6:00 pm]
Like that clown, world economy will be smaller.
Only he to himself.
Full of himself and no others.
Then he will be dead.
LCL (Danny εΏ), [11/8/2025 6:01 pm]
Big heart.
Big mind.
Open to the whole world.
Then the big wide World will be our market.
Then we will survive and thrive.
REACH Singapore, [11/8/2025 6:03 pm]
π’ Topic π’
REACH Singapore, [11/8/2025 6:48 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 π
REACH Singapore, [11/8/2025 6:59 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 π
====
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