REACH (Telegram) 142 - What are your views on Singapore’s efforts to strengthen the economy and prepare workers and businesses for the future? (SK)
14 May 2026 (10am - 7pm)
REACH (Telegram)
[14/5/2026 9:39 am] REACH Singapore: Dear Contributors,
Welcome Back! 😊
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Thank you.
Megan 😊
[14/5/2026 10:02 am] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢
Singapore has unveiled a refreshed economic strategy to help the country stay competitive, create good jobs and navigate growing global uncertainties, including technological disruption and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI).
Speaking at the Future Economy Conference organised by the Singapore Business Federation, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said Singapore must continue to transform its economy and workforce to remain resilient amid a more fragmented and uncertain global environment.
The review highlighted the need for businesses and workers to adapt quickly to emerging technologies, strengthen innovation capabilities and seize new opportunities in growth sectors.
💬 What are your views on Singapore’s efforts to strengthen the economy and prepare workers and businesses for the future?
📌 Adapting to AI and technological disruption
AI is expected to significantly reshape industries and jobs. The Government noted that businesses that embrace AI and digital transformation early will be better positioned to remain competitive.
At the same time, workers will need to continuously upskill and adapt to changing job demands. Efforts such as workforce training, lifelong learning and support for businesses adopting AI technologies are part of Singapore’s broader strategy to remain economically resilient.
The review also emphasised that AI should complement workers and improve productivity, while creating new opportunities for innovation and higher-value jobs.
📌 Navigating global economic uncertainty
Singapore’s economy faces increasing external pressures, including geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and a more fragmented global trading environment.
As a small and open economy, Singapore must remain agile and strengthen its economic resilience. The Government stressed the importance of diversifying trade links, attracting investments and helping local enterprises expand internationally.
The strategy review outlined the need for Singapore to remain trusted, connected and competitive in order to continue creating quality jobs and opportunities for Singaporeans.
📌 Supporting businesses and workers
The Government highlighted the importance of partnerships between businesses, workers and unions to support economic transformation.
Companies are encouraged to innovate, adopt technology and invest in workforce development, while workers are encouraged to embrace lifelong learning and skills upgrading.
The review also noted that transformation efforts should ensure that growth remains inclusive and benefits workers across different sectors and age groups.
👉https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/economy-businesses-ai-recommendations-review-6116291
👉https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/spore-sets-out-economic-strategy-road-map-to-stay-competitive-create-good-jobs-after-review
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[14/5/2026 10:36 am] G: In the so-called tripartite relationship that the govt like to use, what about the govt doing their part to lower business costs to help this along?
Can we strongly encourage the govt to reduces taxes, reduce profligate spending and unsustainable plans, so as to help businesses stay in business?
[14/5/2026 10:40 am] G: Govt thru Temasek in their role as REITS shareholder can also pressure REITS not to increase rents
[14/5/2026 10:47 am] G: Tripartite means all 3 parties need to do their part..
We only see businesses and workers being urged by the govt to do their part.. What about the govt?
[14/5/2026 11:02 am] REACH Singapore: [ Poll : 1. The Government is taking the right steps to prepare Singapore’s economy for future challenges. Share your reasons in the chat! ]
- Strongly Agree
- Agree
- Neutral
- Disagree
- Strongly Disagree
[14/5/2026 11:06 am] REACH Singapore: [ Poll : 2. I am confident that the recommendations and measures will continue to grow Singapore's economy. Share your reasons in the chat! ]
- Strongly Agree
- Agree
- Neutral
- Disagree
- Strongly Disagree
[14/5/2026 11:07 am] REACH Singapore: [ Poll : 3. I am confident that the recommendations and measures will support workers and create good jobs. Share your reasons in the chat! ]
- Strongly Agree
- Agree
- Neutral
- Disagree
- Strongly Disagree
[14/5/2026 12:18 pm] REACH Singapore: Dear Contributors,
We want to HEAR MORE from you on today’s topic!
We have had good feedback from this group, and we hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active!
💬 What are your views on Singapore’s efforts to strengthen the economy and prepare workers and businesses for the future?
Do also share your opinion by participating in our polls! The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous.
Thank you.
Megan 😊
[14/5/2026 1:14 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
A few initiatives coming out from the economic resiliency strategic review resonates with me:-
1. Ensure a resilient and efficient global supply chain.
In addition to efficiency to ensure cost effectiveness thus result in a lower price of good and services - we also need to ensure our global supply chain is resilient - sk that if certain region are block, or sanctions or tariffs, we can go by another resilient routes.
Though this mean higher cost than before - as the need to cater for resiliency.
2. Leverage and take opportunities in which the geopolitical landscape has presented to us - by expanding and extending our hub status in many areas.
Eg. Port & maritime hub, air hub, energy hub, AI hub, data centre hub, financial hub, legal and mitigation hub, semiconductor hub, digital hub, logistics hub, bunkering hub, technologies R&D pilot & sandbox hub etc
[14/5/2026 1:17 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
3. Make Singapore an AI solution hub and an AI driven economy hub (a step up from digital and IT Economy hub).
This means we need to demonstrate every of our economic sectors will have to be driven by AI such as banking, manufacturing, Government services, defence, home security, transport, logistics, air and maritime transport, education, legal, medical, engineering, IT security etc.
This means providing Internet, web, mobile apps are not good enough, it must be driven by AI to enable higher productivity, higher value, more efficient services, and translated into higher revenue and profit for business as well as higher salaries to workers.
[14/5/2026 1:35 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
4. Build energy resiliency.
This particularly resonates with me as energy efficiency is as vital as water resiliency and food security.
Because without energy, human physiological needs will be greatly impacted - and we can't have treated water, cook food, business cannot function without energy and our human lives cannot function without electricity - as we have no light, no internet, no TV, no mobile services etc.
Though there are no details provided what are the approaches to ensure energy resiliency, I feel that the following strategies should be valid:-
a. Tie up with long term energy contracts with regional energy suppliers and other global energy suppliers (existing or new) - as Middle East energy supply is choke. Signing with Australia and New Zealand on LNG supplies are critical to us.
b. Secure power grid with ASEAN countries to ensure we have access to hydroelectricity, solar energy, geothermal energy, LNG etc.
c. Develop our domestic energy production - such as:-
i. hydrogen gas through electrolysis as we have plenty of seawater around us - and the technology of lowering electrolysis cost seems to have come down.
Eg. The material that hold salt water to prevent oxidation. The energy input cost to perform electrolysis etc.
ii. Seriously look into nuclear energy such as thorium based molten salt nuclear reactors when they are ready and deem safe.
iii. Scale up our solar panels, waste incineration that produce electricity etc.
iv. Let see whether our geothermal energy at Sembawang is feasible to produce electricity.
And subsidising or removing fuel tax is a no-no - as countries that are doing that are running out of fuel and draw down from fuel reserves are happening - that could quickly result in their countries going dark - as Hormuz straits continue to be blocked.
[14/5/2026 1:39 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
"“Cannot be explained” – New ultra stainless steel stuns researchers".
Now can use it for electrolysis of seawater into hydrogen gas which is abundant and won't corrode through oxidation.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260510030950.htm#:~:text=from%20research%20organizations-,%E2%80%9CCannot%20be%20explained%E2%80%9D%20%E2%80%93%20New%20ultra%20stainless%20steel%20stuns%20researchers,-Date%3A
[14/5/2026 1:40 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
I think by using seawater for electrolysis - should look into this material for electrolysis - as it can prevent oxidation by the sea water.
[14/5/2026 1:42 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
"Fuel shortages in Indonesia spread from Riau to several cities in Kalimantan".
Subsidise fuel exacerbated the shortage.
In the circular, Mr Fairid also instructed fuel station operators to refuse service to vehicles with modified or enlarged fuel tanks, as well as those attempting repeated refuelling.
He further imposed a blanket ban on fuel purchases using jerrycans or drums intended for resale.
To address the ongoing shortages, Palangkaraya Mayor Fairid Naparin issued a circular on May 5 introducing daily purchase limits on fuel at all petrol stations across the city.
In Balikpapan, hundreds of truck drivers and students staged a protest outside the city’s Legislative Council (DPRD) on May 4, expressing frustration over recent shortages of subsidised diesel fuel.
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/fuel-shortages-in-indonesia-spread-from-riau-to-several-cities-in-kalimantan#:~:text=Fuel%20shortages%20in%20Indonesia%20spread%20from%20Riau%20to%20several%20cities%20in%20Kalimantan
[14/5/2026 1:42 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
"Malaysia weighs targeted fuel subsidy cuts for higher-income groups as costs surge.
The country is now looking at spending up to RM6 billion monthly to keep subsidies in place and avoid passing costs directly to households."
The sharp increase has put pressure on public finances and raised questions over how long the government can continue shielding consumers from higher fuel prices.
The subsidies does not look sustainable.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-fuel-subsidy-higher-income-rising-energy-prices-oil-biodiesel-middle-east-6103596#:~:text=Malaysia%20weighs%20targeted,directly%20to%20households.
[14/5/2026 1:43 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Source:- Google AI
In April 2026, the Singapore government rejected calls to cut fuel taxes across the board, deemed a "blunt" measure, despite rising costs. Instead, targeted support was announced, such as $200 cash relief for taxi/private-hire drivers and $500 in CDC vouchers.
The discussion arose amidst high fuel costs from geopolitical tensions.
Key Details on Fuel Tax Discussions:Opposition and Public Sentiment: While the government maintained its stance, debates surfaced online and among some, including viewpoints citing the Workers' Party, that criticized high fuel taxes and introduced carbon taxation during economic hardships.
Government Stance: Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow stated that reducing fuel duties is a "too blunt" and regressive approach. The government prefers to let fuel prices reflect market realities to prevent inefficient energy use.
Alternative Support: The government focuses on targeted relief, including $200 in cash for platform workers (covering taxi/PHV drivers) and additional $200 special payments, rather than broad tax cuts.
Context: These discussions come as global fuel prices remain elevated, leading to concerns about the overall cost of living.
[14/5/2026 1:43 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
[07/05, 6:47 pm] Close friend comments: How to subsidize diesel as per their suggestion. Throwing money into fire.
[07/05, 6:48 pm] ☸️ Danny 心:
Exactly.
That's why I keep rebutting them. Including an economist TikTok video who support our government stand. I also help to explain why cannot subsidies fuel and diesel in the comments section - targeted by oppies attacking the economist to justify removing fuel tax.
They will sink Singapore finances.
[07/05, 6:54 pm] ☸️ Danny 心:
These people don't have economic grounding, no strategic depth, no common sense - but yet insisting on making such dangerous suggestions.
Fuel tax though fixed including GST in total are percentage of fuel prices - and removing it will create a big lobang in our fiscal budget.
The rest of the taxpayers are financing this small group of people which will be a black hole as fuel & diesel prices keep escalating.
Subsidise tax or fuel tax removal will lead people to use more, rent out their vehicles after office hours for leisure or other frivolous purpose, keep refueling and then store it in containers etc - while the rest of taxpayers keep using tax money to compensate them.
This is what happens to Malaysia and Indonesia as well as other countries that subsidise fuel/diesel or remove fuel/diesel tax.
End up the countries financial coffer go into red, need to ration fuel/diesel and finally their fuel/diesel reserves run dry.
Diesel is also used to complement LNG as fuel to generate electricity.
The whole economy and transport stop functioning if diesel and fuel run dry or depleted the reserves.
Hence, these people suggestions are not only reckless and irresponsible, but also dangerous.
----
Important to let the majority of the public understand the consequences and implications.
Once the messages sink in, those minority voices that advocate populist but dangerous ideas - will stand up like sore thumb.
Majority of the public - will just ignore this vocal minorities and won't cause harm to our Country economy and finances.
So does the public trust the Government or these vocal minority that backfire on everyone when fuel reserves run dry and the whole country go dark?
[14/5/2026 1:44 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
"Singapore's oil product stocks including diesel hit over nine-month lows as US-Iran war cuts supply".
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/singapores-oil-product-stocks-hit-over-nine-month-lows-us-iran-war-cuts-supply-2026-05-07/#:~:text=Singapore%27s%20oil%20product%20stocks%20hit%20over%20nine%2Dmonth%20lows%20as%20US%2DIran%20war%20cuts%20supply
[14/5/2026 1:44 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
"How rising diesel prices from Iran conflict have slowed down a once-booming sector in Malaysia".
The cost impact has been muted because the government subsidises petrol and diesel.
Households don’t feel it, but *businesses are already experiencing supply shortages*,” said Dr Nungsari, who is also the chairman of think-tank Khazanah Research Institute.
“These constraints, along with the inevitable rise in subsidised prices, will push inflation higher as part of the adjustment,” he added.
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/how-rising-diesel-prices-from-the-iran-conflict-has-slowed-down-a-once-booming-sector-in-malaysia#:~:text=How%20rising%20diesel%20prices%20from%20Iran%20conflict%20have%20slowed%20down%20a%20once%2Dbooming%20sector%20in%20Malaysia
[14/5/2026 1:44 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
"Nations drawing down oil stocks at record pace: IEA".
This is common sense, when supply is block, soon drawing down of oil reserves become imperative.
When the oil reserves dry up - the countries will go dark.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/nations-drawing-down-oil-stocks-record-pace-iea-6118256#:~:text=Nations%20drawing%20down%20oil%20stocks%20at%20record%20pace%3A%20IEA
[14/5/2026 1:59 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
1. Next AI is rapidly transforming jobs.
2. I think every student, every worker and every boss - need to dabble in AI and actively employ AI into their study, business and job.
3. AI is a game changer - similar to what computers, internet, mobile apps do to the workforce.
4. Notice in the poll that people are confident that the Government is doing a good job - in helping Singaporeans ride through the challenging geopolitical landscape.
5. However, quite sizable of people poll that they are not sure how to get themselves train in AI, use AI in their jobs or boss how to exploit AI to grow their business.
6. This is a common worry as we are starting to engage a new evolving technology like AI - similar to the anxiety when we start to dabble with computers, internet and mobile apps - except AI move faster, with more intelligent and competing with the brain space of human workers in which bosses paid us for.
Naturally people's anxiety and stress is higher.
[14/5/2026 2:01 pm] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢
[14/5/2026 2:09 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
1. I feel that students and IHL undergraduates and post graduates got a good grasp on how to use AI - in fact many with high competency levels based on the individual and group projects they produced on AI.
[14/5/2026 2:12 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
2. Current workers, even those who are IT trained, if with little exposure to Agentic AI,.AI agents, AI apps except Generative AI (eg. ChatGpt, Google AI Gemini or DeepSeek) - will be apprehensive - as there will be uncertainty how they could use AI in their jobs, will AI replace their jobs etc.
[14/5/2026 2:14 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
3. Bosses who have not started with AI will be at a loss how to start with AI, and how to use AI to boost their business efficiency, revenue and profit as well as how to train and deploy their workers.
[14/5/2026 2:17 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
4. Hence Government, Unions and Business Leaders will need to come together to address:-
a. How to transform their business with AI
b. How to systematically and structurally train existing workers to deploy, exploit AI like exploiting computer, internet and mobile apps.
c. Most important, reassure workers future will be secured - and AI is not there to remove their jobs.
[14/5/2026 2:24 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
[09/05, 7:48 pm] ☸️ Danny 心: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9Wb7pDr/
Btw for those who have accessed to the frontier AI - Anthropic Claude Mythos confirm the potency of the AI capabilities in exploiting IT security vulnerabilities.
[09/05, 7:51 pm] ☸️ Danny 心:
Those who are endowed with responsibility to assess and acquire the knowledge of this frontier AI - need to design defences against cyber security threat pose by the use of Anthropic Claude Mythos.
I was told me that when the frontier AI attack, defender will design to defend.
When the AI take a defensive posture, the defender design to attack.
There are to-and-fro movement in this whole new cyber security landscape.
And it is always a cat and mouse game.
越打越高。
AI creator and AI R&D researchers play a very critical roles in this aspect - because it involves deciphering the complex math and its algorithms - and then design counter attack and counter defence.
Certainly a very busy time for them.
[14/5/2026 2:50 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
One important message that come out from the Economic Resiliency Strategic Review is :-
*The first imperative is for Singapore to sharpen its value proposition and focus on where it can create the most “hard-to-replicate” advantages*.
Singapore must be able to achieve this goal - so that no matter how the geopolitical landscape, tensions, conflicts and jostling unravel - Singapore remains an important hubs (for many of our economic sectors).
Global countries will still come to us and will not be able to bypass us.
Then our economic values and prosperity and peace will be assured.
[14/5/2026 3:03 pm] REACH Singapore: 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!
💬 What are your views on Singapore’s efforts to strengthen the economy and prepare workers and businesses for the future?
Thank you.
Megan
[14/5/2026 3:07 pm] Jun Ming: Would gov provide Free courses for people to upgrade?
[14/5/2026 3:08 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Thought got skillsfuture.
[14/5/2026 3:09 pm] Jun Ming: Skill future where got enough.
[14/5/2026 3:10 pm] Jun Ming: Since we are on ai and desperately wanting people to adapt ai why not give it free
[14/5/2026 3:10 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Companies subsidies the rest.
[14/5/2026 3:11 pm] Jun Ming: I don't care how they make it free as long to individual it is free can liao
[14/5/2026 3:12 pm] Jun Ming: I think for a basic to introduce to people how to use different ai. I think for now most people is only know chat gpt, deep seek only
[14/5/2026 3:13 pm] Jun Ming: And which ai for which purpose.
[14/5/2026 3:16 pm] Jun Ming: I think this giva a good starting point in ai. If not people do not know how to choose course suited at their level.
Youngsters may think oh this is common to me and waste if money while some may think I work in a more traditional field of work why waste money and time
[14/5/2026 3:20 pm] Jun Ming: Don't limit the scope to employee and employer. People who are self employed how? People who are unemployed how?
[14/5/2026 3:49 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
1. I think for those who are IT professionals, maybe taking AI course on machine learning using python programming will be useful.
Because IT professionals may be asked to produce AI agents or AI apps customise for business needs.
[14/5/2026 3:53 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
2. For those who are not IT professionals, I think they may have to take courses or in-house training on how to use those AI agents or AI apps customise for their business needs.
Next training on how to use Generative AI eg. ChatGpt, Google AI Gemini or DeepSeek - more than the search function like producing codes, scheduling functions, generate design options, generate ideas, alternatives on the specialise topics relevant to business, report structure, schedule plan, etc.
[14/5/2026 4:05 pm] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢
[14/5/2026 4:23 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
https://youtube.com/shorts/upwZkfxF4w8?si=N2fzpp0ucYr60wiB
Jetpacks interoperating with drones in police coast guard operation - like iron man.
[14/5/2026 4:27 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
"Negotiating safe passage through Hormuz Strait a 'slippery slope', says Zhulkarnain.
The moment you put a price on safe passage, your principles can be bought, says the minister of state for foreign affairs."
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/strait-hormuz-malacca-singapore-negotiate-safe-passage-6118361#:~:text=Negotiating%20safe%20passage,for%20foreign%20affairs.
[14/5/2026 4:29 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Even if the conflict drags on, the world would not be drained of supplies, said Mr Zhulkarnain. "The supply will come, whether it is from the West, whether it's from another route – it's just the price point."
The government wants more affordable resources for Singaporeans, he added, noting that the country has diversified energy resilience agreements with other countries.
"We are not just getting energy from the Middle East. We're getting it from Mozambique, from Australia and all that. So we are getting there."
[14/5/2026 4:30 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Hence subsidizing or removing fuel tax is out of question because it is suicidal.
[14/5/2026 4:36 pm] Jun Ming: Yes use the money to increase nsf welfare
[14/5/2026 4:37 pm] Jun Ming: Don't be so niao
[14/5/2026 4:38 pm] Jun Ming: I feel like this government is not as generous as previous gov. When asking for more reasonable welfare it's automatic reject
[14/5/2026 4:39 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Money credit given to NSF to buy barang barang in the club stores.
Free 4 meals.
[14/5/2026 4:40 pm] Jun Ming: Some barang barang in the emart is more expensive than outside
[14/5/2026 4:40 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
But still free
[14/5/2026 4:41 pm] Jun Ming: My time a pen cost $1 while outside is 0.2
[14/5/2026 4:41 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Free lodging.
Free charging of smartphone.
Free water for bathing.
[14/5/2026 4:42 pm] Jun Ming: More than 5% of life sacrifice
[14/5/2026 4:43 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
To defend our Homeland, our loved ones.
This is a deserving sacrifice.
I serve my ns and reservist 13 cycles.
It is our sacred duty.
[14/5/2026 4:44 pm] Jun Ming: It's a scare duty so the owner of the land shall thank us more
[14/5/2026 4:44 pm] G: No such thing. Free courses also take from and funded by taxpayer
[14/5/2026 4:44 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Rather than become a war slavery eg under Japanese occupation - whereby we don't even have chance to take up weapons to fight our aggressor.
As they kill our ancestors, rape our women, burn our houses and our ancestors live like a slaves.
[14/5/2026 4:45 pm] G: That's why the sentiment "Jobs for foreigners, NS for Singaporeans" still hold so strongly
[14/5/2026 4:46 pm] G: It's a long held sentiment
[14/5/2026 4:47 pm] Jun Ming: The way they respond feel like 压榨 every Singaporean men
[14/5/2026 4:47 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
1. NS men unlike other jobs - are given full time accomodation to live in barracks (Mon - Fri) except weekends when they book out - they don't need to pay rent, house loans etc.
2. NS men are given 4 meals everyday (commercial caterers) - breakfast, lunch, dinner, night snacks.
3. NS men are given full clothings, footwear, bags etc - no need to buy clothes, running shoes, T-shirts, short pants, full packs, ali-baba bags etc
4. NS men don't need to pay electricity, water for bathing, charging handphone to surf internet etc.
5. NS men only pay public transport during book out time and book in time.
6. If sick, see doctors (MO - Medical Officers) are free.
7. Half of the expenses are taken care off by the SAF - hence cannot justify the needs for a minimum wages of $1,800 a month.
Workers outside don't have such special privileges, perks and services - that will have easily cover more than half of the $1,800 if a worker with minimum is on their own.
[14/5/2026 4:49 pm] G: This is a very transactional view of NS. Something that the minister strongly discourage
[14/5/2026 4:49 pm] Jun Ming: This are ns men uniform required by the job nature
[14/5/2026 4:50 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
This my response to WP MP Kenneth Tiong comments in $1,800 salary for NS men.
[14/5/2026 4:50 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
08/05, 12:52 pm] ☸️ Danny 心:
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9G5mWno/
WP Kenneth Tiong suggest paying NSF $1,800 a month as minimum wages like regular pay.
@Babe:
1. WP Kenneth Tiong want Government to pay the minimum salary to NS man $1,800 - which is essentially transforming our conscription into regular army with regular pay.
2. No small countries can afford a regular army of strength 300,000 servicemen = 300,000 x $1,800 x 12 months = a whopping $6.48 billion every year just to pay the NS.
3. This will take out a big chunk of the SAF budget to buy weapons, maintain weapons, do R&D, keep all the 4 services function effectively, training, overseas exercise, maintain overseas bases etc - to ensure Singapore has an effective SAF fighting forces.
4. In other words, this opposition MP suggestion - will have make our SAF less effective in ensuring a effective fighting force with less effective weapons, less budget for training, reduce training hours, maintain weapons to become operational, less flying hours etc to defend our Countries.
It pose an existential threat to Singapore.
5. As MP, does he have strategic depth when making suggestion in Parliament - without resorting to populist policy just to woo votes - but pose a great threat to the Country?
@Babe:---
1. NS men unlike other jobs - are given full time accomodation to live in barracks (Mon - Fri) except weekends when they book out - they don't need to pay rent, house loans etc.
2. NS men are given 4 meals everyday (commercial caterers) - breakfast, lunch, dinner, night snacks.
3. NS men are given full clothings, footwear, bags etc - no need to buy clothes, running shoes, T-shirts, short pants, full packs, ali-baba bags etc
4. NS men don't need to pay electricity, water for bathing, charging handphone to surf internet etc.
5. NS men only pay public transport during book out time and book in time.
6. If sick, see doctors (MO - Medical Officers) are free.
7. Half of the expenses are taken care off by the SAF - hence cannot justify the needs for a minimum wages of $1,800 a month.
Workers outside don't have such special privileges, perks and services - that will have easily cover more than half of the $1,800 if a worker with minimum is on their own.
8. DId this WP MP take into account of this - and include in his calculation when making comments in Parliament?
9. Besides, performing National Service is a sacred duty that is a responsibilities of all male Singaporeans - without the Country, we have no home, no peace, no prosperity, and we cannot protect our loved ones.
Does WP MP reflect on this?
@Babe:
Do you know why many countries cannot afford a regular standing Army to defend their countries?
Because it is too expensive and will burn a big hole in their defense budget, albeit their fiscal budget - and leave with very little to finance their social and economic needs.
That's why countries have to turn to conscription by paying allowance.
Else our soldiers will have to use their salaries to fight advanced weapons thrown by enemies without effective weapons to counter them.
This is simple math.
Why doesn't this WP MP cannot see this and instead focus in winning votes while putting our NS boys at risk?
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[14/5/2026 4:50 pm] Jun Ming: You go outside factory they also issue you uniform, safety's boots
[14/5/2026 4:52 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Even rich countries like Germany, Switzerland, Taiwan, Israel, South Korea etc cannot afford a regular army pay - but have to depend on conscription army that pay NS allowance not regular pay.
[14/5/2026 4:52 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Even Cambodia have to go for conscription army when Thailand fight the border war with them.
[14/5/2026 4:53 pm] Jun Ming: But after calculation it is still within the defence buget
[14/5/2026 4:54 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
"Cambodia extends conscription term after Thailand clashes.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet earlier said that conscription would begin this year because it was "necessary to build up troops to protect the nation"."
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/cambodia-conscription-term-extend-thailand-tensions-clashes-6115831#:~:text=Cambodia%20extends%20conscription,protect%20the%20nation%22.
[14/5/2026 4:56 pm] Jun Ming: And to comply with increase salary I would also recommend police go to saf to talk about scam and sexual education once in a while
[14/5/2026 4:56 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Then our army boy got to go out to fight the army that shoot ballistic missiles on us - and we only got money to buy bullets to shoot the ballistic missiles down instead of air defence missiles - because a big chunk of money is in your pocket.
Or our soldiers catch the ballistic missiles with their bare hands.
[14/5/2026 4:56 pm] G: Don't conflate and try to reframe. No one say convert all conscripts to regulars. Just say pay the conscripts their worth (closer to regular pay)
[14/5/2026 4:59 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Source:- Google AI
Many countries rely on conscription (mandatory military service) with allowances rather than professional armies with fullv salaries due to a combination of economic constraints, security necessities, and societal, financial, factors. [1 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conscription), 2 (https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2026/5/9/financial-struggles-haunt-yemens-army-as-wage-payments-stall), 3 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_service), 4 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_service), 5 (https://www.quora.com/Why-do-some-countries-such-as-Korea-and-Singapore-have-mandatory-military-service)]
Here is a breakdown of why this system is adopted:
1. Economic Constraints (The "Affordability" Factor)
Lower Wage Bills: A professional army requires competitive salaries, pensions, and healthcare to attract volunteers. Conscription allows governments to pay a nominal "allowance" rather than a market-rate wage, shifting the cost burden onto the draftees.
Avoiding Tax Distortions: In developing countries with large informal sectors, collecting enough tax revenue to fund a professional army is difficult. Conscription acts as an indirect, non-budgetary tax on the young.
Hidden Costs: Conscripts often have their food, lodging, and basic needs provided, which lowers the necessary cash outlay for the government. [1 (https://docs.iza.org/dp2022.pdf), 2 (https://ideas.repec.org/a/spr/ijoeps/v13y2019i1d10.1007_s42495-018-0004-5.html), 3 (https://www.econlib.org/archives/2012/11/eliminating_con.html), 4 (https://blog.seedly.sg/national-service-allowance-vs-other-countries/), 5 (https://www.reddit.com/r/AskEurope/comments/dw5q17/how_do_you_think_about_forced_conscription_why_or/)]
2. Security and Defense Strategy
Need for Large Reserve Forces: Small countries surrounded by potential threats, such as Singapore or Israel, cannot maintain a massive professional army due to population size and cost, but they need to be able to mobilize quickly.
Quality over Quantity vs. Mass Mobilization: While modern warfare relies on high-tech equipment, some nations still prioritize having a large, trained population ready to fight to prevent invasion, a strategy that requires mass training.
Short War Doctrine: Countries like Singapore, which may lack "strategic depth" (territory), rely on conscripts to fight a fast, decisive war, rather than a long, expensive, professional war. [1 (https://www.reddit.com/r/AskEurope/comments/dw5q17/how_do_you_think_about_forced_conscription_why_or/), 2 (https://www.quora.com/Why-have-most-countries-stopped-using-conscription-Is-a-standing-army-more-expensive-than-a-volunteer-one), 3 (https://www.quora.com/Why-is-it-that-some-countries-have-compulsory-military-service-e-g-Singapore-while-others-like-India-have-no-such-law), 4 (https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-definition-of-conscription-Why-do-some-countries-use-it), 5 (https://www.reddit.com/r/WarCollege/comments/16837el/why_does_singapore_have_such_an_absurdly_large/)]
3. Societal and Political Reasons
Bridge to Adulthood: Mandatory service is often framed as a way to build character, discipline, and maturity in young people, acting as a national rite of passage.
National Unity: Conscription forces people from different social and economic backgrounds to serve together, potentially fostering social cohesion.
Army Reflects Society: Mandatory service keeps the military rooted in civil society, which can prevent it from acting against its own population and ensures that the citizenry takes ownership of its defense. [1 (https://www.britannica.com/procon/mandatory-national-service-debate), 2 (https://www.quora.com/Why-do-some-countries-have-mandatory-military-service-Isnt-it-against-free-market-economy-since-it-breaks-supply-demand-and-reward-mechanism-of-free-market-when-military-service-is-mandatory), 3 (https://www.quora.com/Why-do-some-countries-such-as-Korea-and-Singapore-have-mandatory-military-service), 4 (https://www.quora.com/Why-have-most-countries-stopped-using-conscription-Is-a-standing-army-more-expensive-than-a-volunteer-one)]
4. Recent Trends (2025-
[14/5/2026 4:59 pm] G: Other country cannot afford, that's their problem
SG can afford, but chooses not to
[14/5/2026 5:01 pm] Jun Ming: Maybe teach ai in army also
[14/5/2026 5:01 pm] Jun Ming: And ns men also
[14/5/2026 5:01 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Approximately 64 countries currently use conscription (mandatory military service), with another 8 employing selective conscription and 13 having it authorized for emergencies, totaling over 80 nations with mandatory or standby enrollment. Active systems are prevalent in parts of Asia, Africa, and a growing number of European nations, including Russia, South Korea, Israel, and recently, returning to nations like Lithuania and Sweden. [1 (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-44646267), 2 (http://chartsbin.com/view/1887?mobile-app=true&theme=false), 3 (https://en.tempo.co/read/1801069/10-countries-with-compulsory-military-services)]
[14/5/2026 5:02 pm] Jun Ming: Because we suffer before so we don't want next generation suffer
[14/5/2026 5:03 pm] G: So yes.. This PAP govt like to say tripartite this, partnership that. Urge businesses and workers to do more..
What can businesses do more (ie what are they willing to sacrifice more)
What can Singaporean workers do more (ie what are they willing to sacrifice more)
But when it comes to Singaporean workers.. Eh, NSmen also Singaporean workers
In this tripartite arrangement, what can this PAP govt be willing to sacrifice more of? Less tax collection? (won't happen)
Lower their own salaries? (won't happen)
[14/5/2026 5:03 pm] G: So what.. No one say don't do conscription or to stop conscription altogether
[14/5/2026 5:03 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
So many countries in the world cannot afford a regular army but using conscription army.
Simple reason - regular army are too costly.
Besides, national service is a sacred duty.
[14/5/2026 5:04 pm] G: They cannot afford.. But SG can.
And PAP CHOOSES not to
[14/5/2026 5:04 pm] Jun Ming: No one say it is not a scared duty. We just want to make everyone lives easier
[14/5/2026 5:04 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Hence the reason for NS men and NS pay is a common sense.
[14/5/2026 5:04 pm] G: No it's not
[14/5/2026 5:05 pm] G: It's actually nonsensical to make this comparison
[14/5/2026 5:05 pm] G: This kind of reasoning and logic ah..
They all want to jump off the cliff what, why shouldn't we?
[14/5/2026 5:06 pm] Jun Ming: I would want to see nsf allowance at least a 1k allowance
[14/5/2026 5:06 pm] Jun Ming: Or allowance increase with inflation
[14/5/2026 5:07 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Can, maybe SAF charge soldiers for food, lodging, see MO, electricity used, water used, clothing, running shoes, t-shirt, shorts etc like workers outside.
[14/5/2026 5:07 pm] Jun Ming: Allowance does not increase with the same rate of inflation. Not fair isn't it
[14/5/2026 5:08 pm] Jun Ming: Then all will stay out lor
[14/5/2026 5:09 pm] Jun Ming: Outfield give ot pay lor
[14/5/2026 5:09 pm] G: Why? When it's the SAF that imposes staying in etc
And using such arguments do a great disservice to SPF and SCDF NSFs
[14/5/2026 5:11 pm] Jun Ming: Work more than 44h/ week give 1.5x pay
[14/5/2026 5:11 pm] Jun Ming: Cause technically if we are in camp we are working
[14/5/2026 5:13 pm] Jun Ming: Why impose stay in? Because it's the nature of the work. You need to be ready 24/7. Wake up before dawn to eat and sleep before 9.00
[14/5/2026 5:13 pm] G: So how does this compare against MOM guidelines for workers that need to stay at work site?
[14/5/2026 5:14 pm] G: NS for Singaporeans, jobs for foreigners indeed
[14/5/2026 5:14 pm] Jun Ming: So we serve the country, we sacrifice. But if the gov can help by building our savings prepare for university as a token of appreciation why not
[14/5/2026 5:14 pm] G: Use this kind of logic... Even foreign workers are better protected by the govt than NS boys
[14/5/2026 5:15 pm] Jun Ming: And help in supporting family. If not why do nsf secretly work in weekend
[14/5/2026 5:15 pm] Jun Ming: Going banquet to serve food for the money
[14/5/2026 5:16 pm] G: Even better: not every NS boy needs or qualifies for a uni education, but almost every NS boy needs a roof over their heads
Why not big big HDB grants? And can even give tiered HDB grants according to achievements in during NSF days?
Best NSF of the year? By rank? By awards?
[14/5/2026 5:17 pm] Jun Ming: They turn to illegal gambling platform hoping to earn money
[14/5/2026 5:18 pm] Jun Ming: They hoping scammer to scam them so they earn few dollars the scammer give
[14/5/2026 5:20 pm] Jun Ming: If ai is really that important why not start in nsf?
[14/5/2026 5:21 pm] Jun Ming: Why not start it free
[14/5/2026 5:21 pm] Jun Ming: Why everything must have a barrier
[14/5/2026 5:22 pm] Jun Ming: If everyone gets stronger, knowledgeable Singapore will be stronger
[14/5/2026 5:22 pm] Jun Ming: Our empire will expand with business all over the world
[14/5/2026 5:23 pm] Jun Ming: Or you put the allowance half money in lifesg credit, half in cash also will help nsf a lot better
[14/5/2026 5:24 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/trump-xi-summit-beijing-live-6117546
Trump and Xi agree Strait of Hormuz 'must remain open': White House
The US president was welcomed with pomp and ceremony in Beijing as he and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping kicked off a crucial series of meetings.
[14/5/2026 5:24 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Now 2 superpowers say Hormuz straits must remain open and no toll charges.
[14/5/2026 5:24 pm] Jun Ming: Very good
[14/5/2026 5:25 pm] Jun Ming: Hope price drop
[14/5/2026 5:27 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
But if Iran don't comply, nothing can be done.
All it takes is one rouge nation that do it.
[14/5/2026 6:00 pm] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢
[14/5/2026 7:00 pm] REACH Singapore: 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 😊
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