REACH (Telegram) 118 - What are your thoughts on the issues to be discussed in Parliament today? Which issue interests you the most?
(SK)
03 Feb 2026 (10am - 7pm)
REACH (Telegram)
REACH Singapore, [3/2/2026 10:03 am]
Dear Contributors,
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Megan ๐
REACH Singapore, [3/2/2026 10:17 am]
๐ข Topic ๐ข
Parliament will sit today (3 Feb) at 12:00pm. Parliamentary questions will discuss rising rents in historic districts, food safety in school central kitchens, and a new scheme to refund reusable drink containers.
๐ฌ What are your thoughts on the issues to be discussed in Parliament today? Which issue interests you the most?
๐ Rising Rent in Heritage Areas
Jalan Besar GRC MP Denise Phua has asked what measures the Government is taking to moderate rent increases in heritage areas such as Chinatown and Kampong Gelam to support heritage businesses and prevent their displacement.
Questions were also filed on rising rents, asking whether the Government is aware of the “trend of bidding wars and subletting” in the historic district, and what it intends to do about it.
๐ Beverage Container Return Scheme
Five MPs from both sides of the House have also filed questions about a new scheme which will from April 1 allow people to get a 10-cent refund to their ez-link
cards for returning reusable beverage containers. Under the programme, customers will pay an additional 10 cents in refundable deposit for bottled and canned drinks ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
Sembawang West MP Poh Li San has asked how the National Environment Agency will ensure that consumers know where the vending machines under this scheme are placed. She has also asked how it will also make sure that shops do not sell beverages in non-returnable containers at the same price as those in returnable containers.
MP Kenneth Tiong, who represents Aljunied GRC, has asked what assessment was made of the affordability impact of the scheme on lower-income households before confirming the April 2026 launch, given that it is projected to add 25 cents to 60 cents to the prices of bottled and canned drinks, of which only 10 cents is refundable.
๐ Central Kitchen Model and Food Safety in Schools
Questions have also been filed about the Education Ministry’s implementation of a central kitchen model for school canteens and its relation to recent cases of gastroenteritis.
Tanjong Pagar GRC MP Rachel Ong has asked if the Government will proactively engage displaced food and beverage operators to mitigate the ongoing shortage of canteen stall operators in schools.
A question was also raised on the 60 cases of gastroenteritis at River Valley Primary School and its link to the food provided under the new central kitchen meal model.
๐ Bill on Coastal Protection
A new Bill on coastal protection Parliament will also be introduced.
It is introducing new laws on coastal protection that are meant to define the roles and responsibilities of the relevant stakeholders, safeguard land needed for coastal protection measures, and ensure that coastal protection requirements are met and sustained over time.
๐ Land Transport and Related Matters Bill
Introduced by Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow on Jan 12, the Bill will make it illegal from mid-2026 to keep e-scooters that do not meet fire safety standards, even if they are not used. It will also introduce other measures like a Certificate of Medical Need, which will be required for a person to drive or ride a mobility scooter on public paths; mandatory registration of mobility scooters; and the lowering of the speed limit of personal mobility aids from 10kmh to 6kmh.
All Singapore-registered motor vehicles have to be fitted with an on-board unit to use public roads; there will be heavier penalties for illegally modified vehicles; and missed Electronic Road Pricing charges will be decriminalised.
๐ Other Issues
Other parliamentary questions include inaccurate bus arrival information, the Home Improvement Programme, property tax, the Government’s stance about the US’ claims over Greenland and AI in the workforce.
๐ https://www.parliament.gov.sg/docs/default-source/order-paper/order-paper---3feb2026.pdf
๐ https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/parliament-to-discuss-rising-rents-in-heritage-areas-food-safety-in-school-central-kitchens
REACH Singapore, [3/2/2026 10:17 am]
๐ https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/an-incredibly-difficult-decision-warong-nasi-pariaman-apologises-for-sudden-notice-of-closure
๐ https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/public-can-use-ez-link-card-to-get-10-cent-refund-when-recycling-drink-bottles-cans-from-april
๐ https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/parliament-to-discuss-rising-rents-in-heritage-areas-food-safety-in-school-central-kitchens
๐ https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/parliament-to-discuss-rising-rents-in-heritage-areas-food-safety-in-school-central-kitchens
๐ https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/new-bill-proposes-stricter-rules-for-mobility-devices-tougher-penalties-for-illegally-altering
----
REACH Singapore, [3/2/2026 11:00 am]
[ Poll : Which issue(s) are you most interested in for today's Parliament sitting? Share your reasons in the chat! (You may choose more than one option.)
]
- Rising Rent in Heritage Areas
- Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS)
- Central Kitchen Model and Food Safety in Schools
- Bill on Coastal Protection
- Land Transport and Related Matters Bill
- Others (Please share your views in the chats below)
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 11:04 am]
E-scooter regulation is fine and all, but how going to enforce?
Especially if keep in house? Can bring charges afterwards when houses burn down, but does not prevent them from keeping inside in the meantime and being a danger to everyone living around them
REACH Singapore, [3/2/2026 11:06 am]
Dear Contributors,
We want to HEAR MORE from you! ๐
๐ฌ What are your thoughts on the issues to be discussed in Parliament today? Which issue interests you the most?
We have had good feedback from this group, and we hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active!
Do also share your opinion by participating in our polls! The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous. You can choose more than one option.
Thank you!
Megan ๐
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 11:18 am]
1. For those owning eScooter or eBike, is there a registry to register their eBike, licence number, owner, address, etc like car ownership kept by LTA?
2. If such eBike registry is mandated, then enforcement of illegal eBike can be effective.
3. Yearly inspection like car inspection will also discourage eBike owners from buying illegal eBike or modify their eBike.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 11:24 am]
4. eBike without licence number will be illegal and cannot go on the road.
Hence no incentive for people to buy illegal non-registered PMD.
Nicholas, [3/2/2026 11:24 am]
E-scooters catching fire, causing residential unit fires and injuries or deaths is of major concern. I hope the law can be enacted immediately rather than wait till mid-2026. Why is there even a need to delay implementation?
Daniel, [3/2/2026 11:26 am]
Isn't this already the case? I think got number plate.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 11:27 am]
Oh is it?
I didn't notice.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 11:28 am]
Then illegal eBike cannot go on the road - so should be safe for everyone.
Daniel, [3/2/2026 11:29 am]
Only for ebike though, not sure what's the rule for PMA/PMD
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 11:30 am]
Then should also apply to PMD and PMA.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 11:31 am]
Because PMD and PMA illegal ones trigger alot of home fire.
REACH Singapore, [3/2/2026 12:00 pm]
Dear contributors,
Parliament sitting is now live.
Catch the livestream of today's Parliament sitting here:
https://www.youtube.com/live/iQ-aeLP8AXo?si=jZ-BVXcK45ATfvcm
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 12:09 pm]
Just saw a PMA, notice that it doesn't come with a licence plate and licence number.
So if PMD and PMA are registered, and only registered one are allowed on the road, then no incentive for people to buy illegal PMD and PMA.
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [3/2/2026 12:14 pm]
Can only buy mobility devices or even scooter from proper shops , with all licences, maintaining. Same like we buy car or motorbike.
Old devices need to go for service check like cars, register. Those caught without confiscated
Ginie/Komal ZENDORA J, [3/2/2026 12:21 pm]
Overcharging drink bottles, then to return is crazy idea. Why must increase to return.
Now without increasing prices, u ask S'porean return empty bottles GET MONEY, all sure do that.
Only is convenience. Should make those return bins at all supermarkets n hawkercentre.
And not only drink bottles, all kind of bottles. So many soap, oil, bottles n tupperware are there.
I collect all n normally give to those who come mthly to collect stuff. Imagine if I could collect 10ct for each of those bottles๐๐
G, [3/2/2026 12:41 pm]
BCRS is a scam
Pay up to 60¢ more for a drink just to get back 10¢..
And it's not as if it's easy to get back the 10¢.
Need to spend your own resources (time + water( to clean the containers
Need to consolidate the containers
Need to find the return machine
Need to queue up to use the machine
Need to hope and pray the machine is working..
Need to hope and pray the machine is not full and ready to accept the containers
G, [3/2/2026 12:45 pm]
And why need to spend more tax money to start some space agency under MTI??
G, [3/2/2026 12:53 pm]
BCRS stinks of useless virtue signalling..
Unnecessarily increasing cost of living for everyone so that the political leaders can thump their chests and pat each others' backs and congratulate themselves because they did "something for the environment"??
How much carbon is SG even contributing to the environment?
The whole of UK contributes just 1% of global carbon emissions.. for that comparison, SG is estimated to be just a tiny fraction of that 1%
And here, the political leaders are throwing one green washing policy after another, each one costing us higher and higher costs of living.
And for what? A tiny fraction of carbon output. And countries like china spew more and more carbon each year.
Stop killing Singaporeans and unnecessarily increasing the cost of living for miniscule impact on the environment
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 12:55 pm]
I don't agree that with the argument that since bigger polluters not doing anything, we should not do also
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 12:56 pm]
If we don't start doing our small part, how you want to convince others to do theirs.
E.g. everyone else litter, so i should litter too
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 12:57 pm]
The BCRS follows the same logic for plastic bag charges and tray return. 'I already pay taxes so why have to do this' logic is getting old
G, [3/2/2026 1:00 pm]
This narrative is fine as long as cost of living does not unnecessarily increase
But this narrative is what is currently unnecessarily driving up costs of living
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 1:00 pm]
Space industry is something new, could lead to more innovation, products or services to sell to others.
Logically, this space not too crowded and quite diverse in a sense. Better than AI where every country is jumping onboard, but hard for sg to make something new.
Physically make sense because equator is shortest distance to outer space for satellite launches
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 1:01 pm]
But it only impacts when we choose to buy bottled drinks. Just bring your own bottle, top up at tap or water cooler. Then price increase not affect
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 1:02 pm]
Where you see is every single type of plastic container affected?
G, [3/2/2026 1:02 pm]
Paying for plasti bags is another scam narrative.
It's meant to discourage single use plastics
But the culture in SG is to reuse those plastic bags to bag their trash before throwing down the chute, as all responsible citizens do.. so already in our culture and daily practice, those bags are already not single use
Instead, what we see is people buying plastic trash bags (single use plastics) to bag their trash.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 1:04 pm]
Source:- Google AI
The satellite business is a highly profitable, high-revenue industry that generated roughly $293 billion in global revenue in 2024, accounting for 71% of the entire global space economy.
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 1:05 pm]
How many bags we used to take for free vs how much used for bagging rubbish? It's not 1 to 1..
Even now, my household still using off the bags we accumulated from before
G, [3/2/2026 1:05 pm]
That's too narrow a view.
Drink price increases impact everybody, whether you choose to bring your own bottle or not
Companies have to spend more to get the same items. So they will have less money to increase your annual pay, if at all
G, [3/2/2026 1:06 pm]
SG is already in the satellite business. There's no need for extra overhead costs
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 1:06 pm]
Satellite business is one economic sector that is highly profitable.
My previous company own a satellite business unit.
Win tenders overseas installing hundreds of satellite transmitter and receiver in many islands.
Who say starting a space agency is wasting money?
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 1:06 pm]
Not complete argument though. Then can i say that COE price rise then everyone affected because need transport food， hence should keep price low
G, [3/2/2026 1:07 pm]
Exactly. COE is a tax on everybody. Not just private car owners because everyone needs transportation, whether directly or not.
Your food, your water, all need to be transported by vehicles.. all these costs add up to the price tag you see on the shelf
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 1:08 pm]
I believe their aim for BCRS is also target those heavy buyers of such drinks. E.g. 'tax' them more
Plus, reduce consumption of unhealthy drinks
G, [3/2/2026 1:08 pm]
You don't have to say it.. Ngiam Tong Dow already said it back in the day
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 1:09 pm]
Ha, the. I can apply this logic to everywhere.. e.g. need to pay me more so i can spend more and support businesses
G, [3/2/2026 1:09 pm]
There's already a sugar tax to reduce consumption of unhealthy drinks
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 1:09 pm]
To regulate cars on the road you need transport authority, LTA.
To regulate ships, you need MPA.
To regulate airlines, you need CAAS.
To regulate space satellite, you need a space agency.
Else anyhow shoot satellites in the spaces - create havoc?
365, [3/2/2026 1:09 pm]
Bcrs has its equivalent in multiple EU countries including Germany and Netherlands. No idea when and how they started it, but it has cultivated the culture of returning bottles there. Perhaps can look into what they have done initially regarding cost, and whether it can be applied to us as well. Might have differences as they could possibly have local manufacturing capabilities.
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 1:10 pm]
What sugar tax? Singapore has no such tax
G, [3/2/2026 1:11 pm]
Ok sure
G, [3/2/2026 1:12 pm]
That assumption only works if SG is the ONLY space agency in the world and other countries need to listen to SG
G, [3/2/2026 1:14 pm]
To regulate roads, yes got LTA. Because the roads they are allowed regulate is only in SG
To regulate ships, yes, because SG has territorial waters
To regulate airspace, yes, because SG has territorial airspace
To regulate satellite space?
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 1:16 pm]
Satellite got quite a number of usage.
1. Redundant comm & internet links if submarine cables are cut.
2. Cannot rely on US GPS or Baidu - because in war time, they could stop feed us with GPS or satellite image.
3. Previously, US switch off the satellite to China when China fire missiles around Taiwan - the missiles all miss their targets.
4. Also we can sell satellite services to our neighbours to earn income - eg. Earth Observation satellite can capture typhoon, rain, cloud, haze cause by forest fires.
5. Singapore is both a global maritime hub and aviation hub, so we need our satellite to track and feed data to global shippers and airlines.
6. Satellite can also capture oil spills - so that our government can quickly send emergency team to stop the spread of oil spills.
7. Satellite can also monitor any troop concentration that is hostile to us.
8. Can also use for search and rescue operations.
9. Also all our foreign missions and embassy can use our satellite for internet and intranet connectivity.
10. Confidential data won't be leaked as it becomes our private network.
11. Else foreign missions got to use foreign telecom infrastructure - data can be pilfer, man-in-the-middle attack, and rely solely on encryption to protect transmitted data.
12. Encryption can be broken using quantum computing.
G, [3/2/2026 1:17 pm]
Yes, explains why satellites are important but doesn't explain why need a regulatory body paid for by taxpayers
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 1:18 pm]
So allow all tom, dick and Harry to shoot their satellite and collide with one another?
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 1:18 pm]
I believe that sg space agency not only cater for satellite, but other aspects of space industry
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 1:19 pm]
Also satellite are national security assets - that need to be coordinated and govern.
Not 5 cents 10 cents thing.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 1:19 pm]
Yes.
More than satellite - it also cover security.
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 1:19 pm]
Could be anything related to space, nuclear reactor, oil for rockets, spacesuits etc
G, [3/2/2026 1:19 pm]
๐ into SG's ultra tiny space in outer space? (Assuming we even have territorial space in outer space)
SG doesn't even have facilities to launch satellites
Why should country X launching their satellite from country Y need to listen to what SG space agency had to say?
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 1:20 pm]
That's why, it only mention commercial usage - but the rest in mum...
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 1:20 pm]
We could build one in the future?
Already considering to have nuclear reactor which was impossible decades ago
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 1:21 pm]
Haiyah - you leave national security to the government lah..
And forget about 5 cents and 10 cents stuff.
G, [3/2/2026 1:22 pm]
Security then under mindef lor. Why under MTI?
365, [3/2/2026 1:22 pm]
E-bike and pmd/pma really need stricter enforcement. Invest more effort and manpower upfront, reduce the incentives to break the laws, and then can gradually relax the manpower once it's in a more stable state.
For now, actively look for those unregistered e-bikes and pma/pmd. Any unregistered ones impound + fine. Repeat offenders increase fines + potentially jail time.
Even for registered ones, can stop to check for speed limiters. Same punishment as above if you don't have speed limiter or have a non-compliant one, but maybe the fine amount can be lesser or just have warning for 1st time. Required to report to an LTA certified workshop to check if the limiter is installed within X amount of days, or can install the limiter directly with said certified workshops.
Actively look for workshops performing illegal modifications, either incentivise those caught with a lesser punishment to spill the beans, or go undercover and ask for illegal modifications from suspected workshops.
Any workshop providing illegal modification, impound their workshop and strip them of their business license.
G, [3/2/2026 1:22 pm]
Then have a nuclear agency, why need space agency?
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 1:22 pm]
Very sad.
You can't read in between the lines.
Very obvious you are not suitable to be involved in security stuff.
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 1:32 pm]
I'm curious on a scenario.
If fire break out next door due to unlicensed pma, can i claim damages from the owner of the pma?
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 1:34 pm]
I recall read news on fire breakout, then claim life of the uncle's financee, the young chap just apologied and claim it was a young rash mistake
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 1:43 pm]
In future, when everything is sensors and network:-
1. F35 sensor, digital, network
2. Drone swarm - GPS, camera, sensor guided
3. Armour vehicles - network, sensor, digital
4. Combat manned system - sensors, network
5. Robots - sensors, network
6. Marine, drones and combat ships - sensor and network.
Owning and controlling our own satellites will be vital to network up all the assets - to give us the vital edge to win war.
No space agency to co-ordinate - must be crazy.
Adam, [3/2/2026 1:45 pm]
So you saying we need to weaponise space?
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 1:46 pm]
Network, connectivity, communication not weaponized.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 1:52 pm]
"Can GDP grow while jobs disappear?
Economists weigh in on what Singapore's AI push must get right.
Good jobs in an AI-rich economy will come not from asking how much labour can be removed, but from identifying which tasks still benefit from human judgment, says one economist."
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/economic-strategy-review-gdp-growth-jobs-ai-5901231#:~:text=Can%20GDP%20grow,says%20one%20economist.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 1:53 pm]
This is the topic that is worth discussing.
Agentic AI - that can independently set goals, plan, and execute multi-step tasks to achieve objectives with minimal human oversight.
This will be a threat to human jobs.
REACH Singapore, [3/2/2026 2:00 pm]
๐ข Topic ๐ข
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 2:00 pm]
Because Agentic AI is more autonomous than Generative AI LLM.
Humans need to find our niches in which Agentic AI cannot do.
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 2:05 pm]
Blue collar jobs then?
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 2:05 pm]
Plumbers, electrician, car repair
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 2:06 pm]
Actually quite sad.
Need to brainstorm how to protect the white collar jobs.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 2:07 pm]
Prof Loh said that AI and automation can now perform tasks at levels comparable to humans, which is a negating factor for job growth.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 2:09 pm]
HUMAN-AI COLLABORATION
Despite its impact on job creation, economists agreed that AI cannot fully replace humans.
Prof Powdthavee noted that while AI excels at some tasks, it still makes mistakes and can be biased in ways that are not always obvious.
“The more sensible use of AI is not to replace people, but to work with them. The biggest gains come from human-AI augmentation,” he said.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 2:11 pm]
Good jobs in an AI-rich economy will come not from asking how much labour can be removed from a process, but from asking which tasks still benefit from human judgment, accountability and interaction, he said.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 2:12 pm]
Roles should then be designed around those tasks, he added.
“That requires deliberate choices. It also requires resisting the short-term temptation to use AI purely as a cost-cutting tool.”
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 2:14 pm]
So now the issue is, what are those tasks.
Need to brainstorm on this.
So that IHLs, training institute, business can train white collar workers in these tasks - and ensure people are gainfully employed.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 2:26 pm]
[01/02, 8:26 am] Close friend comments: Zuckerberg Says AI Is Letting One Employee Do the Work of Entire Teams - Business Insider
https://share.google/cJvT3pE3i5Yg4NiN9
[01/02, 8:27 am] Close friend comments: It's this type of belief.
[01/02, 2:06 pm] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ: Look like if all CEOs go by this belief, then large unemployment will follow.
I don't know what government of the day can do to ensure everyone got a job.
Coming to the crunch, even if companies are highly productive, large consumer base with income to buy their goods also vanished.
CEOs will stuck with high volume of goods but not enough buyers.
It will backfire on them.
Worst the whole society without jobs and income could turn riot and burn down the CEO business.
In the end, all lose.
[01/02, 2:25 pm] Close friend comments: No creativity anymore. It'll just harness old and existing wisdom. AI not real intelligence
[01/02, 2:27 pm] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ: Hmm...
That's why government, business and our workers must try to find a way to do work that cannot be done by AI.
Critical thinking, vision, creativity, communication, collaboration, creative problem solving, counselling, mentoring, consultants etc.
Need to find our niches when letting AI settle down.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 2:31 pm]
[01/02, 8:12 pm] Close friend comments: Early 2000, .com burst because it didn't deliver the $ as hyped. AI will also go thru that cycle.
[01/02, 8:13 pm] Close friend comments: There are real possibilities ,yet unrealistic ones
[01/02, 8:13 pm] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ: I think AI increasingly likely to become computer and internet - that is pervasively adopted by all industrial sectors.
[01/02, 8:14 pm] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ: That's why this AI disruptor trigger alot of anxiety among our workers and global workforce.
[01/02, 8:14 pm] Close friend comments: It will become pervasive but not way CEOs are currently slashing workforce
[01/02, 8:17 pm] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ: Hmm...
I think all these CEOs - especially US ones put Greed as their main motivation - and willing to overlook social consequences that will backfire on them.
They make themselves rich first and don't care less - let government to solve the social problems.
Thus government need to be wise to arrest such spiral downward early before a full blown unrest sets in.
[01/02, 8:18 pm] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ: Though I agree that AI investment has gone into a crazy proposition - in which revenue are unlikely to recover the investment and cost sunk in.
[01/02, 8:21 pm] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ: Either scenario:-
1. Pervasively adopted like internet
2. Unable to recover AI investment
- will be bad for the world as a whole - as the economic consequences and social consequences will be humongous if there are no soft landings in sight.
G, [3/2/2026 2:38 pm]
Aren't these already being taken care of by mindef?
Or are you saying mindef don't know what they are doing?
G, [3/2/2026 2:41 pm]
Then the political office holders compensation framework needs to be tweaked. Much mess emphasis on GDP, more emphasis on jobs and job quality
G, [3/2/2026 2:43 pm]
You should visit some army/air force / SAF / Mindef in the heartlands road shows etc
Lagi now got DIS, the new fourth service...
Mindef already taking care of such things
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 2:59 pm]
U.S., EU, and China all possess major, distinct space agencies: NASA (USA), ESA (Europe), and CNSA (China). These organizations drive global exploration, with 2026 seeing continued rivalry and cooperation, including joint European-Chinese missions (SMILE) and, in the case of ESA, collaboration with the US on returning Mars samples.
USA (NASA): The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the primary U.S. civil space agency.
EU (ESA): The European Space Agency is an intergovernmental organization with over 20 member states, focusing on scientific and, with EUSPA, operational/industrial, space goals.
China (CNSA): The China National Space Administration handles civil space programs and international cooperation.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 3:01 pm]
It is precisely more commercial satellites are being shoot into spaces and compete with military satellite that you need a space agency to co-ordinate.
All developed countries that have satellite set up space agency.
Mindef is military, not a space agency.
G, [3/2/2026 3:02 pm]
How many satellites are there currently in space? What does your AI say?
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 3:03 pm]
Don't know.
Ask the space agency.
G, [3/2/2026 3:04 pm]
Ask your AI?
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 3:04 pm]
You don't know how to use AI?
G, [3/2/2026 3:05 pm]
I don't know if you will agree / accept what AI I use. So let's use your AI
Nicholas, [3/2/2026 3:08 pm]
AI will increase productivity of workers, means more valuable to bosses, means more business growth with same number of workers. Hopefully the bosses can view it this way.
G, [3/2/2026 3:08 pm]
There are approximately 15,000 satellites in space now. And over 28,000 catalogued space debris.
Out of this, only 15 satellites are from Singapore
So are you saying with 15 out of 15,000 + 28,000 things in orbit now, we need to spend even more taxpayer money, to start a new stat board / govt agency with all the expensive CEO etc overheads to kacau kacau the US, EU, China etc to regulate their space debris also?
G, [3/2/2026 3:09 pm]
And 60% of the 15,000 satellites now belong to Elon Musk's starlink.. Spend tax payers money to regulate him ah?
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 3:13 pm]
If not you tell LTA to regulate lor.
If not tell Mindef to regulate lor instead of doing defence. Run commercial business lor.
G, [3/2/2026 3:23 pm]
Why is there even a need for SG to regulate?
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 3:27 pm]
Currently, 70 space companies and 2,000 professionals operate in the sector here, engaging in a range of activities from designing and making space parts to providing satellite-based services.
Singapore began its foray into space technology more than 50 years ago.
It established its first ground station in 1971, and launched its first communications satellite in 1998 and its first locally built satellite in 2011.
The Government, industry and academia have launched more than 30 satellites over the past 20 years.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 3:30 pm]
Singapore will form a National Space Agency on April 1 to grow its space economy capabilities, with Ngiam Le Na as chief executive.
NSAS will use satellite imagery and geospatial data for needs like urban planning and environmental monitoring, developing space situational understanding.
The Government has invested over $200 million in space R&D and aims to expand international partnerships and legislation for space safety.
G, [3/2/2026 3:30 pm]
Is that your AI's comments?
Still does not answer the question of why is there even a need for SG to regulate.
They were doing fine without a regulatory body for 50 years.
G, [3/2/2026 3:30 pm]
This is already being carried out BEFORE NSAS. Why need NSAS?
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 3:30 pm]
For information only.
Not responding to you.
You can go ask Minister directly.
He will answer you.
G, [3/2/2026 3:31 pm]
Aren't you the de facto govt rep here ๐?
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 3:32 pm]
Huh? Since when I am the government rep?
G, [3/2/2026 3:33 pm]
๐
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:39 pm]
You can try asking government what's the threshold for creating a new ministry.
There's also a balance between general addon to existing agency or want to branch out to specialise in another sector.
G, [3/2/2026 3:39 pm]
The AI I use tell me typical stat board CEO salary in SG is around $22,700 / month or $272,400 / year. And that's just the CEO, haven't count all the deputy CEOs, directors, assistant director etc etc etc..
Still need to rent office space for this lot,
equip them with IT stuff like laptops, tablets,
need to have IT dept to support that
need HR to make sure this lot get paid correctly on time
need to pay utilities like electricity and water and internet (starlink ๐?)
That's a lot of recurring overheads.
To regulate space? To regulate satellites?
Of which SG only has 15 right now in orbit, out of 15,000 satellites + 28,000 space debris
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:40 pm]
Why keep focusing on the satellites, as we mentioned there are more aspects to space industry...
G, [3/2/2026 3:41 pm]
The de facto govt rep was explaining the need for space agency using the need to regulate satellites ma
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:41 pm]
Then it's to create standards and regulations for future usage
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:42 pm]
Then can i quote someone with another view as de facto opposition rep?
G, [3/2/2026 3:43 pm]
No need to reinvent the wheel. When existing standards are good and available and already sent literally tens of thousand of satellites into space, just use existing standards
Like the oil industry.. SG manly use API / ISO standards
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:43 pm]
Look and think widely for long term
G, [3/2/2026 3:44 pm]
Yes, the long term concern is primarily cost of living, which impacts TFR
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:44 pm]
Did you know that SG does create new standards for air space ,shipping, even regional power lines.
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:45 pm]
Not all existing 'global' standard can be applied wholesale. Even cyber security or normal tech development workflows got different standards
G, [3/2/2026 3:45 pm]
Yes, that's when we know for sure that existing standards are not good enough.. Then yes, I support.
But when we only launched (according to the govt rep, 30 satellites in 20 years), who are we to say our standards are better than existing ones and we need to further develop our standards?
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:46 pm]
Then on flip side, who are we to say that our new standards won6be better than existing ones?
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:47 pm]
Maybe is global would follow our standards in future?
G, [3/2/2026 3:47 pm]
Even so if we really need to develop our own SG standards, do we need a whole new stat board / agency for it? With all that overhead costs?
Why not just a new dept in existing set ups? Like active mobility unit in LTA?
G, [3/2/2026 3:48 pm]
That's a really arrogant comment, but a good kind of arrogance that strives for greatness
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:48 pm]
Likely not enough resources, or specialized skillset in existing agency. Hence need new one
G, [3/2/2026 3:48 pm]
This kind I can say, we are top notch for airspace control.
SG airspace so tight. Yet so much air traffic. Still need to balance with military air craft
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:48 pm]
How many ppl got study space engineering or the legal issues for space
Adam, [3/2/2026 3:49 pm]
https://xkcd.com/927/
G, [3/2/2026 3:49 pm]
Oxymoron leh, not enough resource, yet can splash the cash on a new stat board / agency
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:50 pm]
'resources' i meant in generic terms of space, people etc. not specifically only money
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:51 pm]
If want to purely save cost, then dissolve parliament. Why need so much minister and opposition, pay one emperor can already
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:52 pm]
Our population size so small compared to russia and china, no need government la
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 3:52 pm]
Am speaking rhetorical if no one understood
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 3:55 pm]
๐
G, [3/2/2026 3:56 pm]
Exactly. Why need more and more and more MPs with each election?
G, [3/2/2026 3:58 pm]
Still no compelling reason to start a new stat board / agency with expensive recurring overheads
G, [3/2/2026 3:59 pm]
We have been in an inflationary period for so many years. People tightening belts to get by everyday.
SPEND WITHIN YOUR MEANS is the common mantra, some of which echoed by some here, some of which echoed at govt level..
Then we see this govt spending like no problem leh, on pet projects that don't improve the lives of everyday folk..
Cannot fund the spending? No problem, just increase tax
REACH Singapore, [3/2/2026 4:00 pm]
๐ข Topic ๐ข
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 4:01 pm]
Then let's cut all the benefits given out. Recall all cdc vouchers etc. cut cost then.
Heck, let's kick out all the senior citizens, don't have to give them cpf
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 4:03 pm]
Give up ourselves to china or malaysia, don't need create government. Just follow their rule of law and currency, make ringgit 1 to 1.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 4:04 pm]
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSagENvkr/
Singapore is an exceptional Country - very well govern.
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 4:04 pm]
No need go university, primary school can liao. Still school and education ma..
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 4:05 pm]
This American economist and analyst has high praise for Singapore governance - arguably the best in the World.
Same comments by many China's economists and analysts.
It is precisely what our government vision, foresight and well planning that put all of us ahead and in a good stead.
Not looking at short term 5 cents 10 cents stuff.
Majority of our population trust what the government is doing will be good for us now and in future.
And many countries are learning from us.
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 4:21 pm]
Moderator should have posted the space agency link:
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/national-space-agency-singapore-technology-legislation-5899941
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 4:21 pm]
Government needs to work closely with business boss and union workers - to ensure that with the proliferation of AI corresponding high value jobs are created hand in hand.
I think Singapore being a small country is able to do so - something that we do for Progressive Work Model - industry by industry.
This time is for AI.
By doing so, we will not have a situation like US, whereby CEOs mass fire workers, and then discover the AI hallucinate and run wild - got to desperately recruit back to patch up the AI work.
I think all the more important - revisiting ITM (Industry Transformation Map) - industry by industry - this time focusing on AI as disruptor vis-a-vis transformed jobs become very critical.
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 4:23 pm]
Finally managed to read the actual article.
The space agency is not a brand new team, already exist under economic development board (why of all places, dunno). Now just consolidate and rebrand itself on its own agency
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 4:24 pm]
Space agency got to accommodate commercial + military.
That's why is put under economic.
If put under military - no foreigners want to work with us.
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 4:24 pm]
Likely separate out because the industry has growth big enough to justify the additonal budget needed
REACH Singapore, [3/2/2026 4:25 pm]
In case you missed it, here are some updates from the parliamentary proceedings so far:
- S’pore to fully switch to new ERP system from Jan 2027: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/spore-to-fully-switch-to-new-erp-system-on-jan-1-2027-new-bill-to-make-on-board-unit-compulsory?ref=top-stories
- On use of partial NRIC numbers: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/public-sector-to-use-full-nric-numbers-or-nothing-partial-nric-numbers-not-reliable-for?ref=top-stories
- On the Coastal Protection Bill: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/rising-sea-levels-coastal-protection-bill-parliament-5900336?cid=internal_sharetool_iphone_03022026_cna
- On the Beverage Container Return Scheme: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/beverage-container-return-scheme-costs-consumers-10-cents-5902836?cid=internal_sharetool_iphone_03022026_cna
- On Central Kitchen Model for schools:
www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/school-canteen-central-kitchen-model-moe-parliament-5903076?cid=internal_sharetool_iphone_03022026_cna
G, [3/2/2026 4:28 pm]
Exactly. If don't tax people more, than there will be lower cost of living then don't even need CDC
But then, what can the govt do to show that they care? By giving out CDC vouchers, can boast and say, "we care for you, here's some vouchers"
But if they work very hard to keep costs of living low, how to boast during election time?
G, [3/2/2026 4:29 pm]
You can say that about 1G PAP, difficult to say the same for the current lot
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 4:29 pm]
Singapore current GDP per capita PPP is the highest in the world.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 4:30 pm]
Source :- Google AI
Singapore is ranked as having one of the highest GDP per capita (PPP) in the world, with 2025 estimates placing it at the top globally at approximately US$156,000–US$156,760. This high ranking reflects strong economic productivity, a strategic role as a financial hub, and high living standards, often surpassing nations like Luxembourg, Qatar, and Macau.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 4:31 pm]
This are hardcore facts.
Not I think you think.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 4:33 pm]
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSamhTjnU/
Singapore global rankings in the world 2025 (not 1965).
G, [3/2/2026 4:37 pm]
A rebrand that adds on unnecessary recurring expensive overheads..
This trend of rebranding using merely consolidation (e.g. recently the CDA) without offering new game changing capabilities is a waste of taxpayer money by introducing expensive recurring overheads
Now a good example of new game changing capability is this: SAF's DIS. They offer new capabilities that SG did not yet possess. This kind we need to support and should support.
Regrouping existing capabilities / functions, then putting a new head honcho with his supporting crew there.. nothing new leh, just add on expensive recurring overheads. Straining the budget. Not spending within the means
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 4:39 pm]
I don't object on returning bottles but with condition.
1.) it should not be amplify and transfer cost to consumers. Either gov or manufacturer should bear the cost so more innovative idea from their side will come out.
2.) convenient.
3.) package policy such as allowing people to bring their bottle to collect coke and other drinks and to reuse the bottle
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 4:39 pm]
If these 3 conditions cannot be met it should not be putting the policy in the first place
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 4:40 pm]
If not it will just burden the cost of living
G, [3/2/2026 4:41 pm]
"“Building on this foundation, the agency will engage our space ecosystem on plans for national space legislation,” he said."
Why is there a need for national space legislation???
Want to make into law, means need to come up with new capabilities to enforce the law, means need to spend more taxpayer money๐
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/national-space-agency-singapore-technology-legislation-5899941
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 4:42 pm]
Logic of using plastic bag . We got the option to bring our own plastic bag. But is there option to bring our own bottle?
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 4:47 pm]
Don't understand, isn't your comparison the same reasoning to be applied to the new agency too?
G, [3/2/2026 4:48 pm]
I don't understand your don't understand
G, [3/2/2026 4:50 pm]
DIS is not a mere consolidation. It's introduction of new capabilities that the army navy rsaf didn't possess
CDA, NSAS aren't offering any new capabilities. They are just regrouped existing capabilities, but now add on expensive recurring overheads where previously there was none
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 4:51 pm]
Hmm, even if charge manufacturers high cost for using bottle, consumers would still continue to buy and anyhow throw away the bottles without recycling.
Forcing it via government would allow collection points to be built islandwide and consolidate across different drink brands
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 4:52 pm]
I would argue that DIS could have already existed beforehand. We had CSA and mindef IT department to handle such cyber security things
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 4:54 pm]
I mean the 10cent return is ok but not to amplify the cost to consumers. So after the rule is enforce I should only see a maximum price increase of 10cent not any other value increase
G, [3/2/2026 4:54 pm]
CSA and mindef IT dept are still existing. Means DIS is offering way more than what CSA and mindef IT can
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 4:54 pm]
Most times is because these teams' workload get too much or need cross-department work that better to consolidate and come on it's own.
There can be views for both consolidate and spiltting up
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 4:55 pm]
Then would you say should close these past agencies down? Since DIS already doing their job?
G, [3/2/2026 4:55 pm]
Is DIS doing CSA's job?
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 4:56 pm]
Companies will eventually even out their profit in the packaging as repackaging should be just a one time investment
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 4:57 pm]
That's why I find it ridiculous to increase to 0.60 as I can buy a Dasani water with that price currently
G, [3/2/2026 4:58 pm]
Same experience as people preaching "gst increase from 8% to 9% only what".
But ignore that kopi o kosong price went up from $1 to $1.20.. a 20% increase
G, [3/2/2026 4:59 pm]
Then the typical response to that would be "then you drink coffee at home lor! Or you drink less coffee la!"
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:00 pm]
Anyway I don't drink a lot of bottle drink unless I forget to bring water bottle
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:01 pm]
To add on maybe can put water cooler in front of supermarket
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:01 pm]
So people can reduce the bottle usage
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:02 pm]
Remember reduce reuse recycle. Recycle should always to be the last step
G, [3/2/2026 5:03 pm]
I mean.. This is the typical "tighten your belt" response when people give negative feedback on price increases, and the reason for these prices increases
But then we see this govt, instead of tightening their belts and spending within their means, they are spending frivolously on expensive recurring overheads..
And increase tax on us to fund such frivolous spending, driving up cost of living for all of us
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:04 pm]
For central kitchen maybe we can make it onsite kitchen in school where big vendor cook in school and sell
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:06 pm]
So they will cook for breakfast and lunch for students to buy in their school
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:07 pm]
Or buffet style central kitchen instead of pack food
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:08 pm]
In camps right it's not really central kitchen but onsite kitchen for our army guys
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:11 pm]
Maybe like ah meng restaurant type where one stall sell all the food
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 5:12 pm]
Kind of true. But have spilt into 2-halal and non-halal section?
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 5:13 pm]
Oh, like those American school canteen type.. hmm, good idea
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 5:14 pm]
But would it be lack of choice?
I dunno how the current school central kitchen works. Do students get a choice of menu?
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:18 pm]
I think they can make it like cai fan and zi char for the whole school
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:20 pm]
If primary and secondary school are close together they can merge canteen
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 5:22 pm]
Distance would be too far for children regardless. Plus building walkway shelters would be tedious
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:23 pm]
Hmm maybe one onsite kitchen serve 2 schools
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:24 pm]
Like cai fan the chef can split into 2 sets
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:33 pm]
For space agency can they come up a better name sound like nasa
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:36 pm]
Rename to Singapore space agency (SSA) also not that bad
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:40 pm]
Can gov when introduce new things try to avoid common acro name or look like name. Like simi is saf. Singapore armed forces or Singapore aviation fuel
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 5:48 pm]
SSA got many similar acronyms.
Singapore Shipping Association.
Singapore Standard on Auditing.
SSA Academy
SSA culinary institute.
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:49 pm]
Hmm but just don't make it look like nasa lah
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:50 pm]
Singapore space research agency (ssra)
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 5:51 pm]
But these satellite not for research.
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:54 pm]
It can be use in research what
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:55 pm]
NSAS will use satellite imagery and geospatial data for needs like urban planning and environmental monitoring, developing space situational understanding.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 5:55 pm]
More than that.
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:55 pm]
These data are collected for research and development
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:58 pm]
So it's just collect data and send data to other agency and institute. Where other agency and institute will do research and policy crafting
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 5:59 pm]
I guess it's just a data collection point
REACH Singapore, [3/2/2026 6:00 pm]
๐ข Topic ๐ข
์ฌ์์น๊ตฌ, ์ฒซ์ฌ๋ ๐, [3/2/2026 6:01 pm]
Regarding the bottle machine: main thing is can they clear fast enough or not, how many machines across the island can they work fast enough to clear them all or not. Because of yall know the FairPrice trial the last round it was perhaps, too well received.
์ฌ์์น๊ตฌ, ์ฒซ์ฌ๋ ๐, [3/2/2026 6:02 pm]
People queue and queue with mountains of bottles to get the vouchers. I'm worried the same thing will happen this time also.
G, [3/2/2026 6:03 pm]
For satellite imagery, how is that a game changer vs existing GIS systems that URA already use for urban planning for decades? GIS already incorporates satellite data
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 6:04 pm]
And the collection and clearing of the recycle machines.
see the clothes recycle bins, super quick to be full when close to spring cleaning
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 6:14 pm]
NSAS will develop national legislation and regulations for the space sector. It aims to be pro-innovation and pro-business, while meeting high standards for space safety and sustainability, Dr Tan said.
He said the new agency will expand on the existing functions of the Economic Development Board’s Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn), to build “world-class space R&D capabilities, develop a thriving space industry and advance international partnerships”.
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 6:15 pm]
Money mining in space sector
G, [3/2/2026 6:17 pm]
Yes, but now come these can't be achieved in the current office set up?
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 6:19 pm]
Don't think so .how to build world class space r&d capabilities without this new agency
G, [3/2/2026 6:20 pm]
The main difference in offering I can see from the CNA article is NSAS want to introduce legislation.. and typically, offices within stat boards don't do that
So that begs the question: why need to introduce legislation?
G, [3/2/2026 6:21 pm]
Then start some GLC lor. Or subsumed the R&D under A star
G, [3/2/2026 6:22 pm]
Most of the space R&D are being done at our universities already anyway
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 6:23 pm]
You're not reading the full text.
The stated aim is to r&d, sell, then business it out. Plus share data with other agencies.
None of the other organizations can do all of this within their team.
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 6:24 pm]
1.) legislation (idk about it)
2.) innovation and business
( My understanding is to attract Elon mask to Singapore)
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 6:24 pm]
Mindef, do defense and confidental data. EDB do business and legal, not technically enough. University, pure r&d, not good selling and they are education purpose
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 6:26 pm]
You want cut cost but have red tape and inefficiency in process, sure, all go prime minister office.
Traffic fine, travel visa, go apply there. Wait for your turn a few years down the road for approval
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 6:27 pm]
I already find our polyclinic and legal courts too slow and cumbersome already..
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 6:28 pm]
So actually this is a more cost saving deal as if you want to do everything in different agency you need multiple building office and facility. And sending data and people moving around cost time and money
Jun Ming, [3/2/2026 6:28 pm]
Now it's just one building
G, [3/2/2026 6:32 pm]
Still doesn't answer the question of how come need an agency set up and the current office set up does not suffice
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 6:35 pm]
The current office is EDB.. you know what the agency does?
Vs what they want this new agency to do?
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 6:36 pm]
It's like asking Traffic Police to go sell cars, since they deal with vehicles all the time anyway
G, [3/2/2026 6:36 pm]
This is what the current office is already doing. Not much different from what the minister say NSAS wants to do
https://www.space.gov.sg/about-us/visionandmission/
Nicholas, [3/2/2026 6:38 pm]
On the central kitchen model for schools, the vendors need to take effort to do it well. It should be better and safer, not worse and riskier. The price also seems higher than what secondary students usually pay for recess food. If it's not done well in the few schools piloting it, please don't roll it out to more schools. The current food vendors at each store are serving nutritious food with a smile and at better prices.
G, [3/2/2026 6:40 pm]
Want to innovate and business it out, then work closer with EnterpriseSG since that's their mandate
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 6:41 pm]
I think you might be confusing the 'agency' in the name as a new ministry.. it's not.
From what i see from that website you found,
The Government will set up the National Space Agency of Singapore (NSAS) from 1 April 2026. NSAS will be established under the aegis of the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI)
G, [3/2/2026 6:41 pm]
Or even better.. why not just transfer the office from EDB to EnterpriseSG since both under MTI anyway
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 6:42 pm]
Before the National Computer Board (NCB) was established in 1981, Singapore’s computerisation efforts were decentralized and largely driven by individual government ministries, with a notable lack of central coordination.
Key aspects of this pre-NCB period (primarily the 1960s and 1970s) included:
Ministry of Finance (MOF): The first government computer was installed at the Ministry of Finance, which served as a central hub for early computational needs.
Central Provident Fund Board (CPFB): In 1963, the CPFB installed the first mainframe computer to automate manual ledger accounting.
Fragmented Approach: Government ministries operated independently, using separate computer systems, often leading to a "huge backlog" of work and fragmented data, as noted by Dr. Tony Tan, who later chaired the Committee on National Computerisation (CNC) to address this.
Individual Statutory Boards: Organizations like the Nanyang University's computer center were early adopters, but there was no overarching national strategy until the 1980s.
Formation of the NCB
Following a 1980 study, the Committee on National Computerisation (CNC) was formed to address these deficiencies. This led to the creation of the National Computer Board (NCB) on September 1, 1981, to spearhead the computerisation of the Civil Service, develop IT manpower, and promote the computer services industry.
Khai Mun L., [3/2/2026 6:42 pm]
It's basically just a re-organization.. it might not lead to more costs
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 6:42 pm]
Similar to space agency.
Satellite is found everywhere.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 6:43 pm]
In 2024, Singapore's digital economy (DE) reached S$128.1 billion, contributing 18.6% to the nation's GDP, up from 18.0% in 2023.
G, [3/2/2026 6:44 pm]
It does. An office doesn't have its own finance, HR, IT dept etc.
Agencies have. Agencies have a lot more governance rules to follow compared to offices within stat boards. Agencies are comparable to stat boards
Agencies also need to submit their annual budgets
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 6:44 pm]
The formation of NCB - iDA - Govtech lead to $128.1 billion economy.
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 6:45 pm]
The projected space technology business will have similar trajectory.
REACH Singapore, [3/2/2026 6:46 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 ๐
LCL (Danny ๅฟ), [3/2/2026 6:46 pm]
Singapore government has very far vision.
Not 10 cents 5 cents cheap skate stuff.
G, [3/2/2026 6:51 pm]
Yes, but still doesn't explain why need to have a full fledged agency compared to current office set up
REACH Singapore, [3/2/2026 7:00 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 ๐
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