Babe Blog - Insights on News Events

Monday, August 22, 2022

REACH 388 - What are your views on PM Lee’s NDR speech? How can we play our part to move Singapore forward together?

(SK)

22 Aug 2022 (10am - 7pm)

REACH

[9:45 am, 22/08/2022] +REACH: Dear Contributors,

Welcome back! 😊

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

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

1. Be kind and respectful. We all want to be in a safe space to share our views.

2. Any and all threatening, abusive, vulgar or racially, religiously and ethnically objectionable content is prohibited.

3. Consider the quiet ones among us and give them a chance to comment.

4. No need to repeat your comment or in different forms (including caps) - we heard you loud and clear the first time.

5. Let’s protect each other’s privacy and keep contact details in this group what it should always be - confidential.

Full set of Terms of Use: https://go.gov.sg/reach-whatsapp-terms

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

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

The topic will be posted shortly.

Thank you

Megan 😊

[10:00 am, 22/08/2022] +REACH: 📢 Topic 📢

PM Lee highlighted three "enduring imperatives" in his National Day Rally speech on Sunday (Aug 21), namely:

1. Taking pride in being Singaporeans and having a stronger sense of national identity;

2. Building a world-class talent pool in Singapore; and

3. Remaining open and connected to the world despite waning globalisation and countries turning inwards and protectionist in their policies.

Among the key announcements made during the speech were the easing of indoor mask-wearing restrictions and a repeal of a long-contested law criminalising gay sex.

💬 What are your views on PM Lee’s NDR speech? How can we play our part to move Singapore forward together?

Below are the highlights of PM Lee’s speech:

📌 Masks wearing requirements removed for most indoor settings, including schools

📌 Ministry of Manpower, Ministry of Trade and Industry and economic agencies will soon announce new measures to attract and retain top talent

📌 Singapore is pushing on with key infrastructure projects, namely, construction of Changi Airport's mega terminal T5, consolidation of all container operations to Tuas Port, and prepation for a new town to be built in Paya Lebar after relocation of the airbase

Global economic and security challenges

📌 International economic conditions have fundamentally changed and this has meant rising costs and inflation globally

📌 It is within Singapore's power to become more productive and competitive - through economic upgrading and restructuring, redoubling our transformation efforts, and encouraging workers to upgrade their skills

📌 The relationship between the US and China is worsening and Singaporeans should expect more geopolitical contestation in the Asia-Pacific

📌 There is also a need to take national service seriously, and keep the Singapore Armed Forces and Home Team strong and credible

📌 PM Lee urged Singaporeans to stay together as one united people and never allow themselves to be divided, whether by race, religion, income, social differences or place of birth

Repeal of 377A and enshrining of definition of marriage in the constitution

📌PM Lee noted that Section 377A was originally introduced in the 1930s by the British colonial government, and reflects moral attitudes and social norms that prevailed back then

📌 He also said societal attitudes towards gay people have "shifted appreciably" since, and it is timely to consider again whether sex between men in private should be a criminal offence

📌 PM Lee said the Government has no intention of changing the definition of marriage or national policies which rely upon this definition, including public housing, education, adoption rules, advertising standards and film classification

📌 Therefore, the Government will move to amend the Constitution to protect the definition of marriage from being challenged constitutionally in the courts

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/ndr-2022-stronger-national-identity-staying-open-and-connected-among-spores-enduring-imperatives-says-pm-lee

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/8-highlights-from-ndr-2022-masks-optional-in-most-indoor-settings-section-377a-to-be-repealed

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/masks-will-soon-be-optional-except-on-public-transport-and-in-clinics-hospitals

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/ndr-2022-singapore-to-attract-and-retain-top-talent-with-new-initiatives

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/ndr-2022-singapore-pushing-ahead-with-changi-airports-t5-tuas-port-and-new-town-in-paya-lebar

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/multimedia/graphics/2022/08/singapore-key-projects-changi-airport-t5/index.html?shell

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/ndr-2022-changes-in-global-economic-conditions-have-led-to-new-era-of-rising-costs-says-pm-lee

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/ndr-2022-better-get-real-and-be-prepared-should-things-go-wrong-in-the-region-says-pm-lee

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/ndr-2022-govt-will-repeal-section-377a-decriminalise-sex-between-men

----

[10:10 am, 22/08/2022] +Caleb: Amend the constitution to protect marriage before 377A repeal.

[10:19 am, 22/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Based on PM responds guess many have similar voices.

But whether to amend, is it necessary?

[10:20 am, 22/08/2022] +Caleb: In case it is being challenged in court

[10:23 am, 22/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Hmmm quite a waste of resource 😅 what I feel.

[10:24 am, 22/08/2022] +SL: Section 377A repeal is not limited to gay people but the whole lgbt+ community. I think it is good that agencies can clarify this in future.

[10:24 am, 22/08/2022] +Caleb: Ya. So to amend it before other people go and challenge

[10:24 am, 22/08/2022] +Ken Loh: I am surprise they repeal it actually…

[10:25 am, 22/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: Need to be set constitution

[10:25 am, 22/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Cause the direction on his speak saying many to consider then suddenly when he say repeal I was like huh?

[10:25 am, 22/08/2022] +Uncle Law: HDB housing rules shd still gear towards natural family nucleus.

I'm not against same sex relationship, but it should not be encouraged

[10:27 am, 22/08/2022] +SL: Sorry, not sure whether to use lgbt+ or lgbtqia2s+ community

[10:27 am, 22/08/2022] +65 9753 5838: Agree.

[10:30 am, 22/08/2022] +SL: I heard on audio that Singapore Constitution is to be amended to include the definition of the family while the repealing of 377A

[10:31 am, 22/08/2022] +Ken Loh: 377A only target gay man 🤣🤣

[10:32 am, 22/08/2022] +Ken Loh: I wonder if now they can legally change sex in their registration?

And do they have the same rights with the woman charter and stuff

[10:32 am, 22/08/2022] +Ken Loh: So many things to consider

[10:32 am, 22/08/2022] +Ken Loh: 😅

[10:34 am, 22/08/2022] +SL: Oops.. My bad. The latest news I heard is a movement in Australia promoting relationships + with animals.

[10:34 am, 22/08/2022] +Uncle Law: Really?

[10:35 am, 22/08/2022] +SL: The few para after repealing the 377A.

[10:35 am, 22/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Many things have to consider once this is repeal

[10:36 am, 22/08/2022] +SL: Can replay the video/audio on yesterday night speech to recheck I guess

[10:37 am, 22/08/2022] +SL: The impact is significant to all walk of lives

[10:39 am, 22/08/2022] +SL: The 4th bullet point under the topic of 377A was published by reach in this chat group.

[10:39 am, 22/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: For gay with 377A 🤢🤮

[10:40 am, 22/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-62545577

[10:41 am, 22/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: It is still on banned when repeal won’t amended le I think some question about repeal

[10:41 am, 22/08/2022] +Timothy Low: With regards to the repeal, It’s a little small step towards equality for all Singaporeans, regardless of their sexual orientation. Singapore will be seen as a more progressive society from now on.

Only concern is how will the neighbouring country will judge us.

[10:44 am, 22/08/2022] +SL: The justification was based on part 4 of Singapore constitution on fundamental liberties I think.

[10:44 am, 22/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: Man to man

In ass to ass 🤢🤮

[10:46 am, 22/08/2022] +SL: I think that would be the topics ministries and agencies to consider.

[10:50 am, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: 22 August, 2022

Everyone, Good Morning!

"Nobody will be left behind (爱民如子)"

This NDR is yet another affirmation and confirmation of our nation's conviction to plan forward and reimagine Our Singapore for generations to come.

Reassure:

The latest assistance packages extended to more than 80% of our households is a good and comprehensive coverage of many daily necessities. Fact, not many nations could match such social interventions like what we have done in the entire COVID-19 pandemics. It was a big test. Today, it a testimony to our nation's, our competencies to act decisively in a medical crisis and the uncertain economics. One lesson is the power of unity, that everyone of us should be proud of and continue to do so in small ways, it matters!

Going into 2023, may the pouches of assistance package be increased by 10%-15%% from the present values and disbursed every other month meaning to say 6 or if need to be, more than 6 attempts.

Repeal:

Many occasions in life, you gain some and others forgo theirs. The repealing of the Penal Code 377A is such an example of one group succeeding in theirs while the essence of the family unit remains status quo. Isn't this repeal a healthy social-political moves, a carefully calibrated and well measured to moderate all into acceptance? For all reasons (left or right), going into the future, let all of us living in Singapore to accept and move on with it. Hopefully, there will not be another episode of challenge to institutionalise same gender marriage, it will be more than handful to handle!

Reimagine:

The coming remaking of the Paya Lebar will be another big effort undertakes by URA and the developers both local and or foreign. Let this coming redevelopment be a connector to not only limit to the commercial aspects but more importantly the reimagining of our new common living and leisure spaces. How to create space based on our changing demographics and future economics activities, if successfully done, it will be a game changer and the next corridor of opportunities will arrive sooner than later- one success will lead to another one!

Resource:

Talent and able, these are mutually exclusive when human intelligence is concern. An able person can be viewed as productive and useful to society. A talented individual is able to produce results at a shorter timeline or be able to see/solve many things many could not. By surrounding one with a multitude of talented and able people, the chances of success will multiple in folds, is that productivity or competency? To continue searching for relevant pool of talents is one smart strategy (immediate and mid term), by searching and developing our own young talents (is a long term play) will be the next clever move too. Never overly rely/depend/prospect outside of our controls, especially our core strategic strengths or pillars.

Reality:

Yes is affirmed, there are many hopes and aspirations awaiting for each and everyone of us! From now and into the next twenty years, many hopes and dreams featured this evening will be fulfilled one by one - Simply exciting! What would one rates the NDR? 9/10 and why not 10/10? Leaving the last 1 point will be a chance, a hope, a continuation into the next NDR what folks calling it a reporting time and a nation's report card?

- - in progress - -

[10:56 am, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Later on, a short essay on the externality of politics will be presented to all....thank you.

[11:05 am, 22/08/2022] +SL: Geopolitical in Asia is following progressing thru a “script” I think most of us can feel what is coming based on our interpretation from various sources. It started last year.

I guess the risk may be something that just replicated from another part of this planet and based on the play by grandmasters

[11:08 am, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Hi SL, Good Morning.... good observations!

"History rhymes..."

- - Mark Twain

[11:10 am, 22/08/2022] +Uncle Law: Perhaps MOE shd look into studies to see if same sex sch has any impact on future development of student

[11:10 am, 22/08/2022] +Uncle Law: Friends ard me who are gays or lesbians are usually from same sex sch

[11:11 am, 22/08/2022] +Uncle Law: Not saying it lead one towards it

[11:12 am, 22/08/2022] +SL: Good morning Sir, something to share is the opponent in the game may be different, and 100 yrs old history may not repeat itself, giving the anticipated result a player is looking for in Asia I think.

[11:17 am, 22/08/2022] +SL: In district schools in California, USA, there are movements organized by NGOs explaining to kids and young adults this topic. Online News reported parents objected to such sharing sessions in school, which resulted in their kids having conflicting views with their parents.

[11:25 am, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Girls puberty at 11 while boys starts at 13? These data are proven+/- one year.

So the disruptions of the innate chemistry in a young Human starts at these timeline.

The further differentiation of skewing towards the same gender behaviors perhaps begin at 16 years old for boys and 14 years old for girls.

If we apply early sex education and social studies in our secondary schools, there is a need to rewrite these existing teaching materials to align what's is current and going into the future... simply, the present protocols in sex and social educations need careful thoughts when amending it!

[11:28 am, 22/08/2022] +Rama: Marriage must be strengthened before repeal of section 377A. Education must not change to suit lgbtq. Housing, adoption and legal guardian must remain status quo without allowing lgbtq.

[11:29 am, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: The concepts:

Individual responsibilities procreation

family

marriage

remains single

plus the alternate life choices...

How to present these Dynamics to our teenagers, meaningfully and not confusing?

[11:31 am, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Let's construct and linked these SOCIAL BRIDGES, next comes the policies of economic choices ...

[11:32 am, 22/08/2022] +lesli: To answer your question.. .

[11:32 am, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: The first happiness for some and the next is the Road map to reach the intended destinations?

[11:36 am, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Metaphor:

There bound to be accidents, breakdowns and road blocks ahead!

How to control traffic flowing in orderly matter or dealing with road rage?

[11:38 am, 22/08/2022] +SL: The BTQI2S definition maybe need to be clear by agencies as they are unique

[11:43 am, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Blind spots, there will be or let it be?

Affections:

Will showing of intimacy in public acceptable or will it turns to be uncomfortable and at times indecent behaviors?

What if the majority (50%) would feel out of place especially such showing of intimacy in front of family with young children?

How to balanced the above?

By closing eyes, move on or move away?

[11:44 am, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: "...one success leading to more successes...?"

[11:45 am, 22/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: Blind sport they can heard sound

[11:45 am, 22/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: Blind and deafness

Very deeper mostly like harder and need environment safety

[11:47 am, 22/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: https://capt.nus.edu.sg/events-highlights/learning-more-about-the-deafblind-community

[11:48 am, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Inclusively all sex orientation....not just that group

[11:52 am, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Is the US a melting pot or is a melted pot?

Let's keep OURS warm....

[11:53 am, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Liberalism...(. )... Conservatism

What's in between?

[11:55 am, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Liberalism is cool (chill)

Conservatism is cold (cool)

[11:57 am, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: A liberal fellow will tell his or her superior off...or vote his or her government to ground zero!

That's chilling!

[0:14 pm, 22/08/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:

Short for words for words.

Meaning for meaning - in sync.

[0:16 pm, 22/08/2022] +REACH: Govt policies on media content will not change following repeal of Section 377A: MCI

More: https://str.sg/wDNF

[0:16 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: 6 billions are educated, digitally accessable to latest information whether is fake, moderate or true...

The youngest and the young generations are the vulnerable people in making!

Innocence and ignorance may harm or may shape their views and opinions from shopping to politics!

We have to address these unstoppable externality of influences especially not truly presented to mass social media...

Starts from home to School and onto the traction of society!

[0:20 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Remembering that Pavlov (skinner, Jung, Maslow) theory?

Interestingly, the truth, all Pavlov experimented dogs were slaughtered!

[0:23 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: "Conditionins & Conditions"

Using that intermediary (dogs) in meaningful and positive manners will yield greatness to many...

Using it to otherwise goodness will result in negativity or worse a stack full of bad outcomes to the advantage of a few fellows!

Use it responsibly!

[0:24 pm, 22/08/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:

Short for words for words.

Meaning for meaning - in sync.

[0:24 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: A huge WOW and thumbs up for this speech. Really forward looking, inclusive and ambitious.

[0:26 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: I think that is why they are emphasising marriage only men and women

[0:27 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: Yes, agreed. I suspect they are more isolated now though.

[0:29 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: Because?

[0:30 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: Teenagers are smart. They also watch YouTube and Tiktok. 🤣

[0:30 pm, 22/08/2022] +Poh S. Lim: Repeal is not the same as encouragement, it is intended to prevent an obsolete law to be used as a cudgel to discriminate against private acts of consent.

I am satisfied that PM did give assurances that the constitution will be amended to protect the institution of heterogeneous marriage, which should be the case for Singapore as so many of our laws are based on that premise, at this time of our historical development.

[0:31 pm, 22/08/2022] +Uncle Law: If not managed properly, it will be seen as encourage

[0:31 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: I dnt think the children really care about gender. They would just see affection, which is what they could do with more of.

[0:32 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: So that really only applies to cable TV, which is dying rapidly.

[0:33 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Hi Lock, good afternoon...

Perhaps, an old staying"monkey saw and monkeys may try to do...!"

That's natural conditionings under a given condition...?

[0:33 pm, 22/08/2022] +Poh S. Lim: I agree. It has to be managed sensitively

[0:33 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: Yes indeed

[0:33 pm, 22/08/2022] +Caleb: +1

[0:34 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: Best not to mix liberty with encouragement. You can encourage someone to experiment, but ultimately people will find for own path.

[0:36 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: Sure, and what's wrong with exploring to discover ones true self? If someone tries and doesn't like they won't do it again.

[0:36 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: Yes, to all parties.

[0:40 pm, 22/08/2022] +Poh S. Lim: I am just curious about the mechanism of amending the Constitution. Will it need a national referendum vote with 66% majority to vote in the marriage protection, or can a 66% majority in parliament simply pass the Constitutional amendment? I’ve not gone into studying Constitutional amendment mechanism in a long time.

[0:44 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Hi Poh,

One way is to conduct a referendum, the other method may be dealt within a parliamentary process. Is it 2/3 majority or super majority is needed to move such constitutional motion?

That's will be a judiciary advice and comments, soon...

[0:47 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Hi Lock, a Good point, that is self explores and experimentings...

Perhaps, it voiced to comfortable and or acceptable acts in front of the public... example hot kissing?

As for right to left, correct or not...it is a personal judgement... this case, nothing wrong to explore, that's true too!

[0:52 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Scenario:

How parents would explain to their child, same gender receiving hot kisses playing into their innocent eyes?

Will it be , it's alright, it's a choice or find it hard to come up with a sensible response to his or her child's curiosity?

How? Can we explore or experiment with an answer?

[0:53 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: To addon, this child will cross reference his or her parents.... wondering and continue to explore for self answers...

[0:54 pm, 22/08/2022] +~N: Having top talent, and talents that Singapore does not yet have, is reasonable.

1. Can we have an objective account of what are the tangible costs and benefits? So that we can better decide what we are willing to pay for?

2. Please help Singaporeans to understand though, why on a day-to-day experience there are so many non-locals that are not anymore nor any less talented than themselves?

[0:56 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: A lawyer expert in constitution laws will know best...one expert is Prof Walter Woon and a few more others senior lawyers, they know how!

[0:57 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: There is a law against indecent behaviour same for both mixed and same gender couples.

[0:57 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: PDA is not illegal however, so it's a fine line and subjective. If someone is offended they can report and let the police decide.

[0:57 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Excellent!

What if such situation arises, to apprehend or to let it rolls?

[0:58 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: There it goes, accidents!

[1:00 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: 'Talent' is just a word for certain skilled personnel. It's misused really, since talent implies 'born with'. Singapore is a small country we can't expect to have all the skills needed. Those people have been doing 'it' for 10+ years, when those industries may not been mature enough to be here.

[1:00 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: Decision for the police, whether it's 2 men, 2 women and a mixed gender couple.

[1:01 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: Yes, but the point is that it's the same for everyone - not targeted at one group or another.

[1:02 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Hi N,

Perhaps, our MOM and ICA need to comb thoroughly all future applicants of capable talents.

Whether is fake credentials or previous experiences, it will need to escalate these compliances to the best available knowledge.

The department that issues such permits to work must also recalibrate the last straw before stamping that ENTER chop!

Hope it will works... thank you

[1:03 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Yes, regardless of gender orientations.

You are Correct!

[1:05 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: The real issue is to not bring in 'talent' for where a Singaporean is already here and able to do the job, and has applied. I believe that already exists, but I don't know how well it is enforced.

[1:06 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: Otherwise there should be no problem bringing someone in, if we have a gap that cannot be filled internally.

[1:08 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: One Sweet spot in spotting talents are the global top ten universities. Starts with MIT for technologies and ends with Oxford for the Arts and Humanities.

There are many other Great universities in Europe and China too.

So what talents to procure?

[1:09 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: Yes indeed! I guess it's driven by industry needs?

[1:12 pm, 22/08/2022] +~N: I hope our leadership can see that when you import talents, you are not just welcoming a ready workforce or a new generation of babies, you are also potentially having to import the aged families of these talents as well, because at some, people may want their aged family to move close to them for proximity of care.

[1:13 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: In the 1980s, many Asians students studied in the US.

Today, we see Big breakthroughs in technologies, half of theses talented people happened to come from China, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea, these 3 ancient tigers!

Today, these experts are in their 50s if not into their 60s.

Who are they?

LuckyGold Star, Samsung, TSMC, Huawei, Mitsubishi and so on

[1:16 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: China-Japan-Korea are the original TIGAS (TIGERS)

From1960s to 1980s, came the new 4 tigers that is Hong Kong, south Korea, Singapore and Taiwan....

[1:19 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: The origin of these three TIGAS will once again be a game changer, sooner!

Can a mountain contains THREE tigers?

HOPE WE SEE SOMETHING WILL BOUND TO HAPPEN!

[1:19 pm, 22/08/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:

1. Taking pride in being Singaporeans and having a stronger sense of national identity

1. Singapore has come a long way since Independence to build the Country from a marsh land into a 1st World Country today.

2. The journey is not easy - full of challenges - but we make it to what it is today - a good home, peace and prosperity - to start families and bringing up our offsprings in a safe, peaceful and prosperous environment.

3. Hence being a Singaporean, we take pride in, we identify ourselves as Singaporeans regardless of race, language or religion - and we will stay to build a better life in Singapore.

4. Looking forward, the geopolitical jostling, global climate challenges, food supply, global supply chain, protectionism, and challenges to globalisation - will pose new types of challenges upon us.

All the more, a stronger sense of national identity, unity and working together to tackle future challenges --- become all the more important.

[1:21 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: Myths about Singapore which I hope will be broken by the repeal: https://wanderswillnevercease.com/9-laws-singapore/

[1:22 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: a very positive message!

[1:23 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: Yes, but they have to cover the costs of that, so good for SG economy right?

[1:24 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: If a company wants to pay 10 people $100,000 a year and has to bring them in from overseas (specialist skills we don't have) that's $1m boost to our economy. Otherwise the company will send that money to another country where those people are.

[1:31 pm, 22/08/2022] +Timothy Low: Just like how you will explain to your child when it’s a heterosexual couple kissing Lor

[1:38 pm, 22/08/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:

2. Building a world-class talent pool in Singapore

1. With unprecedented challenges facing us, we cannot lay back and be comfortable with standard mode of learning, learn and apply in jobs and stand mode of business.

2. We need to constantly adapt and breakthrough - to new thinkings, develop new ideas, new products, new services - to provide solutions to meet the new global challenges and produce products and services in which the world wants, needs and desires --- so that we can continue to maintain, upgrade our trade, business and investment - and produce good jobs for Singaporeans.

3. Hence building world class talent pool - is one way to do so.

4. Notice that many Singaporeans have already embarked in R&D in many fields, among them are a good mix of local Singaporeans, foreign talents producing world class products and services in many fields notably, biomedical science, IT/AI/Software development/robotics etc, military defense (eg. Hunter armor, terrex, bionix, self-propelled artillery, submarine drone, naval stealth warship etc), fintech, food science (eg. alternative meat, plant-based meat, hi-tech farming etc), sustainability solutions etc.

5. All such R&D with commercial values are not possible - without the massing of global, foreign and local talent pools.

6. Singapore post-pandemic has been very successful in attracting high value, high end Home Office, entrepreneur into our shores.

We can do more to attract top global talents in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) talents -- so that we can produce world class products and services --- in which we can export our products and services to the World --- in an increasingly challenging global environment that are fraught with protectionism, disrupted global supply chain, decoupling --- that are challenging our traditional prosperity generator - to open new global demand for our goods and services - and create high value, high income jobs for Singaporeans.

[1:39 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Hi adding to your good comments...

Fact, there are beneficiaries to these FDIs and OHQs located into ours... Our top tier executives are very well paid in the ball park figures of 6 to 7 digits, in total compensation packages.

Though it is a small numbers whom benefitted alot compared to the larger workforce.

[1:42 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Some economists may qualified Singapore with almost zero unemployment?

Why such a bold definition?

If we exclude structural unemployment or inability to work or other reasons, Singapore employs almost all...

[1:47 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: Yes agreed - although for a 1st world country some of the wages can be terribly low and not give people much of a chance to build a life out. We do need to think about a minimum standard of living through wages, subsidies or grants. A 1st world country should be a country that puts all its citizens 1st!

[1:47 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: One crucial decider going into the unknown digitised world...

Jobs (services) and functions (productions) that are COUNTABLES will easily be replaced/replicated by AI or Algorithm Intelligence....

[1:47 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: Yes - it'll take a decade or two, but we need people now with authority to make the changes needed so we are prepared for it.

[1:51 pm, 22/08/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:

3. Remaining open and connected to the world despite waning globalisation and countries turning inwards and protectionist in their policies

1. Hence, Singapore will need to be open to top global talents.

2. Stay connected with the World - by adopting this philosophy :-

"Be Friends with All.

Be Enemies with None.

Forge mutual benefits with Win-Win outcome".

3. Extend and deepen our multi-lateral FTA and bilateral FTA with like minded Countries - to promote trade, business, investment and travel.

4. Adopt "Principled stand" on any global issues, friction and confrontation that arises and never take sides.

5. Working through ASEAN as one united block - to safeguard our National Interest while working with competing SuperPowers - and always put forward and promote Economic interest, Security and Peace - while tackling global challenges that will threaten Humanity existence - such as regional war or global war, global climate, food supply disruption, nuclear war, pandemic, terrorism and other global threat.

[1:51 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Hi Lock, a pleasure chatting with you...

1) Standards of living

2) Costs of living

3) QUALITY OF LIVING STANDARDS

Foremost, thank you for rekindling my past memories.

There were many research and studies done on Japan for the period 1970s to 1990s.... Experts zoomed into (3)!

[1:53 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: Pleased to hear it! Happy to learn about the research from Japan.

[1:56 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Go dig these completed scholastic and peers reviewed materials.

Confidently to say, our leaders and policymakers are very well awared of these variables.

It is always wise to dig into history for free lessons, after all it's free !

[1:58 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Recalling memories....here it goes!

There is a river that divides between standard and quality!

Cost is the decider of things....can we see that?

[2:01 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Hi Danni, good afternoon, like what you have written...

Add on to your pointers...

The Dynamics of Indo-Pacific:

"US-Russia, US-China, China-Russia"

"China-Japan, China-South Korea, Japan-South Korea"

[2:01 pm, 22/08/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:

Masks wearing requirements removed for most indoor settings, including schools

1. Look like mask fatigue has started to set in - especially for workers and students - that needs to work or study long hours - and need to put on masks all the times.

2. As majorities of our workforce are fully vaccinated and large majority with booster(s), including students (not so sure about pre-schoolers) ---- will like to wait for more announcement from the MTF - on how relaxation of not wearing mask even for indoors (except public transport and healthcare settings) --- can be made - without triggering a spike in covid infection or re-infection.

3. As for myself and my family members - we will still put on masks in public - as so far we have not been infected - as we are still very disciplined in keeping our mask on when we go public - whether outdoors and indoors.

Because any infection - will impact the whole family - and need to be quarantine for up to a week - which will cause inconvenience and suffering.

4. We will probably dispense with masks in public- if there are any breakthrough in covid prevention such as nasal spray or vaccination that can block covid infection.

----

[2:05 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: "Businesses in Singapore can no longer compete on cost alone....,"

- - Min-MOM Tan See Leng

[2:08 pm, 22/08/2022] +REACH: 📢 Topic 📢

PM Lee highlighted three "enduring imperatives" in his National Day Rally speech on Sunday (Aug 21), namely:

1. Taking pride in being Singaporeans and having a stronger sense of national identity;

2. Building a world-class talent pool in Singapore; and

3. Remaining open and connected to the world despite waning globalisation and countries turning inwards and protectionist in their policies.

Among the key announcements made during the speech were the easing of indoor mask-wearing restrictions and a repeal of a long-contested law criminalising gay sex.

💬 What are your views on PM Lee’s NDR speech? How can we play our part to move Singapore forward together?

Below are the highlights of PM Lee’s speech:

📌 Masks wearing requirements removed for…

[2:11 pm, 22/08/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:

Singapore is pushing on with key infrastructure projects, namely, construction of Changi Airport's mega terminal T5, consolidation of all container operations to Tuas Port, and prepation for a new town to be built in Paya Lebar after relocation of the airbase

1. The consolidation of various seaports into one Mega Port in Tuas - supported by automation, AI, driverless transport, digitalisation of workflow etc ---- make us more effective and efficient in handling global sea freight and container operations - and make us an irreplaceable sea hubs.

2. Building mega terminal T5 - to incorporate other amenities for travellers to conduct business, meetings, convention etc, pandemic-proof disembarkation and embarkation -- will put us in good stead to become an irreplaceable air hub.

3. Moving Paya Lebar airbase to Tengah airbase and some to Changi Airport - will free up premium land space for redevelopment into residential and commercial estates - to ensure we can monteised and make better used of every inch of useable spaces.

----

[2:12 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Just In time (ジャスト・イン・タイム) is about quality and standards...

Today, with choked supplies, JUST IN CASE (念のため), please?

Where is that decider, aka costs (コスト)?

[2:15 pm, 22/08/2022] +Caleb: Can stop reposting. Just like u don't want us to keep reposting.

[2:16 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: In the Meiji era, one moto was

“Enrich the country, strengthen the army” (Fukoku kyōhei)"

Will this motto be revived once again? Perhaps, yes!

[2:16 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: I hope T5 can be an example of greener transport. And a hub for taxi drones !

[2:18 pm, 22/08/2022] +SL: Info Pacific included India as well.

[2:20 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Hi Lock,

More than 120 millions footfall into T1 to T5.

More than 60 million containers stacking in Our Tuas Mega Port.

Both are big game changers and perhaps becoming number 1 in both projects - globally!

[2:20 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Aka to many would say..."boom town charlie!"

[2:22 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: CK Assets manages over 90 global seaports, HK1113, that's the counter call sign

[2:24 pm, 22/08/2022] +SL: From a layman's perspective, there will be two standards for electronics products in the future. USA + Japan + S.Korea + Europe + Taiwan, mainly the chip 4 block and the other (rest of the world). Consumers are expected to pay more for the product bought as the standard is variable or because they choose to buy 2 types of standards of the same product in 1 household.

[2:25 pm, 22/08/2022] +RH: 👍🏻

A very well-crafted speech.

Carefully thought-out & well-calibrated to answer all the questions tt hv bn brewing in everyone's minds.

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

On the repeal of 377A & upholding of traditional values - regardless of time, such age-old rules of living , btn man & woman shd never change.

Well-balanced & well-timed. 👍🏻

[2:27 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Hi SL,

Korea is one big outlier. Simply, its electronic sector is heavily dependent on China.

THIS chip 4 may have to minus 1?

Who then going forward fills this 1?

[2:29 pm, 22/08/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:

International economic conditions have fundamentally changed and this has meant rising costs and inflation globally

1. The geopolitical changing landscape has make inflation spike - as decoupling, global supply chain that provide the cheapest cost, protectionism that keep food and goods within their shores - instead of exporting their cheaper goods ---- will have a profound impact to Singapore as we import a large percentage of foods and goods from overseas.

2. To tackle such inflation, we got no choice but to maintain our currency strong and our interest high - to keep imported inflation in check.

3. As a result, it will affect Singaporeans in a couple of ways :-

a. High food, and imported goods prices (imported inflation) will become normalise - and we need to pay higher prices for the food we eat, pay higher prices for the products and services we buy.

b. Interest rate will remain high as global Central Bank will have to raise their interest rate - to tackle the high global inflation - by reducing excessive demands.

c. This means Singaporeans with debt leverage (eg. borrow housing loan, car loan, business loans etc) - will be impacted by the needs to servcie high debt interest rate.

d. It will also means Singaporeans will have to foot more money to buy their daily necessities for food, groceries, and retail products.

e. Hence, Singaporeans will need to upgrade their skillsets to ensure they can secure high value, high income jobs - to be able to earn higher salaries in order to be able to live comfortably in a high inflation environment - and yet able to have a reasonable among of savings after minusing living expenses.

f. Lower income workers - can progressively earn higher income through PWM (Progressive Wage Model) - in the respective industrial sectors.

g. The only problem - is the retirees or unemployed ---- that will be greatly impacted by high inflation.

Government will need to focus in helping these group of people - unless retirees can monetised something that they can offer - to earn some income to tackle the high inflation.

[2:29 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Samsung, before and after China's winter Olympics, they have overly produced well over 50 millions sets of devices from mobile phones to pads...

[2:31 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: With the present and persisting heat of inflation, even if it does cool off itself, prices will not cool down!

[2:48 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Water:

“We forget that the water cycle and the life cycle are one.” -Jacques Yves Cousteau

Lately, those climate changing days have wracked havoc to many nations from Europe and into Euro-Asia.

For China, water, may become the decider for future FDIs. Without adequate and stable sources of water, any nation will be crippled. It is not about drinkable, it is about the entire functionality of lives follow by livelihoods!

No enough water supplies equals not enough manufacturing activities and so on, such a consequential equation.

Are we ready to handle this valuable natural resource- water?

Yes, we have planned and our Newater is one, desalination of sea water is the other alternative and water from Malaysia.

https://mothership.sg/2019/03/singapore-indonesia-water-agreement-why/

[3:34 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: 22 August, 2022

"when low tide comes, you will see the naked truth...?"

- - annoymous

Teatime - What if?

For all we (including anthropologists, archeologists, and historians) have known so far about the world and this South China Sea issues. What if there are hidden truths other than the existing narratives of EEZ, the freedom to navigate, the indo pacific pains plus all known potentials from oil, gas and to fishing.

It goes back further than Cheng He explorations and expeditions. Let's set a timeframe of say the first two thousands years onwards into Cheng's discovery, diplomacy and barterings.

There is perhaps, million tons of pure gold (ancient gold versus new gold) sleeping along the silk routes that includes the SCS?

Two profound things in trades, one is routes and the other is currency of exchange. Currency in those ancient times include golds, diamonds and other commodities.

Why gold and why diamonds? These are rare stuffs and it is valuable today for many uses or it can become a form of exchange of goods and services - reversing to the old standard of monies? If it is true and this reversal of exchange happens, Nixon will spin out from grave and awakes all ?

Who knew?

The Chinese, the Europeans, the Japanese, the Russians and the US. Will anyone reveal the truth or all of the above are fiction, fantasy and Teatime talks?

Afterwords:

Useful strategy for many -

The Fibonacci system involves waging by adding the last two bets together.... sequencing. By doing so, you can leave with a profit even if you lose more games than you win.

[3:37 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: In Fibonacci's world, applied it into today's affairs that is US+China!

[3:40 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: One gifted Mathematician is our PM Lee! He knows best... that's a fact!

[4:00 pm, 22/08/2022] +REACH: 📢 Topic 📢

PM Lee highlighted three "enduring imperatives" in his National Day Rally speech on Sunday (Aug 21), namely:

1. Taking pride in being Singaporeans and having a stronger sense of national identity;

2. Building a world-class talent pool in Singapore; and

3. Remaining open and connected to the world despite waning globalisation and countries turning inwards and protectionist in their policies.

Among the key announcements made during the speech were the easing of indoor mask-wearing restrictions and a repeal of a long-contested law criminalising gay sex.

💬 What are your views on PM Lee’s NDR speech? How can we play our part to move Singapore forward together?

Below are the highlights of PM Lee’s speech:

📌 Masks wearing requirements removed for…

[4:06 pm, 22/08/2022] +Caleb: Pls Amend the constitution to protect marriage before 377A repeal.

[4:26 pm, 22/08/2022] +REACH: Rising cost of living, health-related issues among top concerns for Singaporeans following NDR 2022

More: https://str.sg/wDxf

S377A repeal: Education policies will remain anchored on prevailing family values, social norms, says MOE

More: https://str.sg/wDxd

[4:39 pm, 22/08/2022] +REACH: Dear Contributors,

Thank you for your active participation.

This is a reminder of the House Rules (short version of our Terms of Use) to keep in mind:

1. Be kind and respectful. We all want to be in a safe space to share our views.

2. Any and all threatening, abusive, vulgar or racially, religiously and ethnically objectionable content is prohibited.

3. Consider the quiet ones among us and give them a chance to comment.

4. No need to repeat your comment or in different forms (including caps) - we heard you loud and clear the first time.

5. Let’s protect each other’s privacy and keep contact details in this group what it should always be - confidential.

Full set of Terms of Use: https://go.gov.sg/reach-whatsapp-terms

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

Thank you.

Megan

[4:41 pm, 22/08/2022] +SL: In regards to point #2, it may be good to consider the modular concept of infrastructure building due to future areas of rising star @ transport industry (space or hypersonic)

[4:45 pm, 22/08/2022] +SL: Korea will be part of it; for the interim, they might be using various legal points to slow it down till Nov congress and senate elevation. Afterward, see what will happen then on a different class of product maybe. Withdrawal from China market will cost Taiwan chip industry heavily. Nevertheless, the chip industry landscape will change as new competitors emerge.

[4:50 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: Great to see masks no longer needed in the classroom. This can't come too soon!

[4:50 pm, 22/08/2022] +SL: For #b, interest rate hike might not be the only tools used by Fed; Bond yield and quantum, statistics, rules, and sentiments are observed in use for managing the supply and demand of the inflation equation and meeting the financial target I guess.

[4:51 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: Although I don't think we need them any longer I accept people feel more comfortable on the train so won't complain. Does that include taxis?

[4:53 pm, 22/08/2022] +SL: Public transport I guess included taxi

[4:54 pm, 22/08/2022] +Lock: Yes I assume too

[5:06 pm, 22/08/2022] +Rama: Both father and son!?

[5:13 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Hi Andrew, welcome back...

There are known and existing people with "photographic" memories...

[5:19 pm, 22/08/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:

Concern are closer to heart.

[5:20 pm, 22/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Cost of living can be felt really high 😓

[5:20 pm, 22/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: Our own country is important

[5:20 pm, 22/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: Affect us cost of living

[5:22 pm, 22/08/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:

https://goodyfeed.com/bedok-south-tff-chicken-rice/

Chicken Rice Stall Reportedly Sells $5.50 Chicken Rice When Customers Ask for $4.50 Portion.

[5:22 pm, 22/08/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:

Jalan Besar freehold coffeeshop being sold for S$28 million, offer open to foreigners and companies.

Another one.

https://theindependent.sg/jalan-besar-freehold-coffeeshop-being-sold-for-s28-million-offer-open-to-foreigners-and-companies/

[5:25 pm, 22/08/2022] +Rama: 😲🤦‍♂️We need God of Fortune!

[5:26 pm, 22/08/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:

That's our MOF.

[5:28 pm, 22/08/2022] +Rama: DPM LW recently said I am not that

[5:28 pm, 22/08/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:

Hahaha.....

Money not enough....

[5:31 pm, 22/08/2022] +Rama: Ye

[5:31 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: All these extraordinary transactions meant to say... Singapore is relevant, vibrant and a contingent of successes to come.

No man would wager on wasted land!

Hope all of us see it is really green green grass of fortune!

[5:32 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Even the FED doesn't have enough....

[5:33 pm, 22/08/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:

Meanwhile we have to tighten our belts a bit.

[5:34 pm, 22/08/2022] +SL: Wow, is the seller heard wrongly about the order?

[5:35 pm, 22/08/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:

This tactic is now a defacto tactics adopted by many chicken stall sellers.

My neighbourhood chicken rice seller adopt the same tactics.

Many regular customers now boycott eating chicken rice.

[5:35 pm, 22/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: Singapore will become world class because of cost of living.

-Coffee shop sold a million dollars

-chicken import cost

-fuel and gas rate high

-bank loan rate high

-HDB larger room sold million dollars

[5:35 pm, 22/08/2022] +SL: I think this is pragmatic and able to help ourselves.

[5:36 pm, 22/08/2022] +SL: I encountered this as well, though it happened to me only. I discontinue going to the stall.

[5:38 pm, 22/08/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:

My son also encounter the same experience near his workplace.

It happens in many places selling chicken rice.

I told him to stop eating chicken rice for now until Malaysia or Indonesia start to export us live chicken.

[5:39 pm, 22/08/2022] +SL: Good suggestion for me. Searching for an alternative. Thanks

[5:39 pm, 22/08/2022] +Ken Loh: The price now is ridiculous

[5:41 pm, 22/08/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:

A plate of chicken rice, cannot make stomach full - but now selling at $4.50 - but trick us to pay $5.50 - price like food court.

Simply ridiculous.

[5:41 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Hi Frankie, how are you?

Value over costs.

This concept simply works because value precede over costing.

One undervalued place very another highly valued place. Where would one invest into?

Two, our policymakers know the existential costs element. Put it in simple words, create values and same time helping our vulnerability.

Hope it clears abit...

[5:41 pm, 22/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: My home also sell $5 breast chicken

[5:41 pm, 22/08/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:

Crazy.

[5:42 pm, 22/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: No choice. We have to live on foods

[5:42 pm, 22/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Even normal meals.. 🥵 can feel the pinch… really will we be going back to home cooking 😓

Like most developed nations eating out becomes much less affordable

[5:42 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: In economics means in searching of Price equilibrium.

Meantime, the pain of inflated meats will persist!

[5:43 pm, 22/08/2022] +SL: I remember I used the laser ruler to measure the thickness of the chicken meat one day. It surprises me. The portion size is not the same as last time

[5:44 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Hi SL, just weigh the Kampong chicken from groceries store...

Less than 1kg, to be more exact, it's 900gm!

[5:44 pm, 22/08/2022] ☸️ Danny 心:

Shrinkflation.

Stagflation.

Shrink in size but high in price.

Stagnant growth but high in price.

[5:44 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: 900gm for $9.90

[5:45 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Seklah fish is $6.90 per kg

[5:45 pm, 22/08/2022] +SL: Sometime, I cook white rice and bring to office. Only buy the dishes to cut down the expenses. The cooking was dine automatically via smart home system early in the morning.

[5:46 pm, 22/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: Economic rice cost me $3.50 usually previously is $2.80

1 vegetables

1 chicken cutter(meat)

1 egg

[5:47 pm, 22/08/2022] +SL: Kampong chicken is expensive chicken meat, it tastes nice.

[5:47 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: $10.90 now

[5:47 pm, 22/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Mine canteen was $2.3 for 1 veg 1 meat.

Now $3.3 😓 partly company no long subsides 🫠

[5:47 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Nett meat weight minus the Bones

[5:48 pm, 22/08/2022] +Ken Loh: 10% subsides no more plus

10% price increase 😔

[5:48 pm, 22/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Pay don’t go up 20% lor

[5:48 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Variety rice, 1 veg +1 meat is $2.70...

Previous months $2.50

[5:48 pm, 22/08/2022] +Ken Loh: In Jurong island no other options other than bring in food haiz

[5:48 pm, 22/08/2022] +Rama: Yes

[5:49 pm, 22/08/2022] +SL: I don't remember my working place can find this price for the same item listed. 4.50 to 5 may depend on the person who served during tapao.

[5:50 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Hi Ken,

Overly intervention of subsides like assistance and or upping salary will have adverse results too....

MOF is having a tough time balancing our international exchange rates and internally our economies ....

[5:50 pm, 22/08/2022] +SL: Canteen food, nice, got subsides

[5:50 pm, 22/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Now no more

[5:50 pm, 22/08/2022] +Ken Loh: 🥹

[5:52 pm, 22/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: GST go up next year would cost more

[5:53 pm, 22/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Stagflation is real now

[5:53 pm, 22/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Haven’t unemployment yet

[5:53 pm, 22/08/2022] +Rama: Tell us about it!😞😔😟🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[5:53 pm, 22/08/2022] +Rama: Yes

[5:54 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: That's an outlier to WATCH!

[5:54 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Equalization...

[5:55 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Can we see the calibration to SOFT LAND any unforseeables....

[5:56 pm, 22/08/2022] +SL: Is there any indicator for a hard landing?

[5:56 pm, 22/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: I am saying Singapore is world class

[5:56 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Watch the UTILITIES INTO Q4

[5:58 pm, 22/08/2022] +Rama: Conservancy to go up before next GE!?

[5:59 pm, 22/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: How about new born baby bonus?

[6:01 pm, 22/08/2022] +REACH: 📢 Topic 📢

PM Lee highlighted three "enduring imperatives" in his National Day Rally speech on Sunday (Aug 21), namely:

1. Taking pride in being Singaporeans and having a stronger sense of national identity;

2. Building a world-class talent pool in Singapore; and

3. Remaining open and connected to the world despite waning globalisation and countries turning inwards and protectionist in their policies.

Among the key announcements made during the speech were the easing of indoor mask-wearing restrictions and a repeal of a long-contested law criminalising gay sex.

💬 What are your views on PM Lee’s NDR speech? How can we play our part to move Singapore forward together?

Below are the highlights of PM Lee’s speech:

📌 Masks wearing requirements removed for…

[6:04 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: No choice, is not our control...

Twenty four months ago, one paid 18/,unit used

Coming Q4, one should not be shock to pay up to 39/unit of usage.

What's the percentage increase 2YTY?

What's the impact for F&B owners?

One industrial indicator is Japan.

This energy (LNG) is a big topic to discuss....in short, more pain ahead and a brutal winter for Europe.

[6:05 pm, 22/08/2022] +SL: The export, service, and manufacturing statistics @ Q2 end or mom June and July yet to indicate, maybe need more data for analysis

[6:06 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: One vision is to connect three millions of us, not only through vouchers and announcements.

Perhaps, physical visits block by block, walk and talk to meet Singaporeans face to face.

That's a powerful connector!

[6:09 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Today's front page of ST, it showed our three selfless heros and role models...a good start to feature as many life situations as print space is available.

That's another connector to pull all into ONE!

[6:10 pm, 22/08/2022] +Caleb: can stop reposting the same msg multiple times?

or at least put a heading called "repost"

[6:10 pm, 22/08/2022] +SL: I personally think Japan should not be used as a benchmark as the country itself is not in a dilemma with its neighbor about the Sakhalin-2. There are misjudgment in their process that lead to Japan loss the direct access to product from Sakhalin-2 project.

[6:10 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Life in HDB block doesn't begins from opening the gate and closing it.

Let's open up...

[6:12 pm, 22/08/2022] +SL: Europe is providing a good case study In energy management that we all can learn from.

[6:12 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Sakhalin, a past hotwar zone.

Sino-Russia so on ...

[6:13 pm, 22/08/2022] +Rama: I am currently paying sgd47.50 for a 3 room flat

[6:14 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: When the global LNG supply is short of 20%, where and how to fill it up say 10% more?

What strategies to mitigate into 2023 Q2?

[6:15 pm, 22/08/2022] +SL: https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Energy/Japan-s-Mitsui-to-keep-Sakhalin-2-stake-under-new-Russian-operator

[6:15 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Q4...let us know the difference. Thanks

[6:17 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Dr M once said and smiled, "wait lah...!"

[6:18 pm, 22/08/2022] +Rama: Sure

[6:19 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Futures contract showing 39/unit, fyi

[6:21 pm, 22/08/2022] +SL: Europe can pay the premium, 2-3 times higher for the market to fill their tank; there is a lot of LNG supply available without a buyer.

Europe is putting 14 GW of coal power plants on standby, an estimated 60Twh input from coal-fired electricity.

[6:23 pm, 22/08/2022] +SL: Sorry, what does that means?

[6:23 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Coal from Indonesia.

2x the price, so there goes Germany's SMEs...

[6:26 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Euro$ vs US$ on parity.

Euro$ may beak...

[6:28 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: 1/3 of Germans will face difficulties, utilities bills and KEEPING warm this winter...

What's the hard figure this 1/3?

[6:29 pm, 22/08/2022] +Rama: Blindly follow America now Europe suffer

[6:29 pm, 22/08/2022] +SL: I think Europe countries themselves have more than 70 BMT; the largest coal reserve is in Germany

[6:32 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: They will fight among themselves ... for energy and water too!

[6:33 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Interesting idea...hmm.

Thanks Andrew!

[6:33 pm, 22/08/2022] +Rama: Water war in the 21st century has replace oil war in the 20th century

[6:34 pm, 22/08/2022] +SL: Why water?

[6:40 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Try switching off your tap Tonite for the next 3 days....

You may buy drinks but no showering or washing up...

Next switch off all electricity supplies for 1 day....how to charge your phones etc and importantly how to REACH us and chat comes this Wednesday?

[6:41 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Singapore, a safer haven...

Want water have it, want air-conditioning anytime...

Hope we can see this green green land of hopes and Lucky Lucky too?

[6:41 pm, 22/08/2022] +SL: I do not dare to try. Water is vital to me. I just yet to understand why European need to fight for water.

[6:44 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Dr M used to LOL at our Newater....

Today Newater better than rationing water...will UK ration use of water? Or will Germany ration both electricity and water? Fact, river Rhine is drying faster than it could replenish itself...

So how?

Safe Haven or Cost Haven?

[6:45 pm, 22/08/2022] +REACH: Dear Contributors,

⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰

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

Goodnight!

Megan

[6:45 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: First small step of the power of water.

Our MM Lee once said...."no water means no life!"

Pls remember for life!

[6:50 pm, 22/08/2022] +Rama: The essence of all civilisation!

[6:52 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Perfect statement, Andrew!

What's the volume needed to produce microchips?

More than 1500 gallons of super clean water....

[6:52 pm, 22/08/2022] +Rama: 😲😯🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[6:53 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: One more short essay before we call it a day..... tickle some brains?

[6:54 pm, 22/08/2022] +Rama: Tap may not flow freely much longer is conservation is ignored!

[6:54 pm, 22/08/2022] +Rama: If*

[6:56 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: Yup! Save save save....

[6:58 pm, 22/08/2022] +Smiley face: 22 August, 2022

To: Our Leaders and All Honorable Members

"Creations and Consumptions (创造和消费)"

"BRIC" - Jim O'Neill, circa 2001

"BRICKS" - Annoymous, circa?

So what?

The word RESET or NEW world order are common vocabulary in the minds of many global opinion leaders and thinkers. Perhaps, in another way we can say is history, itself, repeating (same soup but different cooks)!

What?

Create and Consume, these two are mutually exclusive in an economics setting.

To create, simply means to invent and or to produce purposeful (in)tangible of economic values.

To consume, it means to buy produced (in progress) goods and services that utilises an intermediary of exchange, it can be in hard cash or at times on barter.

Three scenario of these mutually exclusive deals, that is (1) to create more than one consumes, (2) to consume more than you can create and (3) in between these two paradigms of economics.

How would each scenario plays out and affecting a nation economics, trades and balance of payments coupled with the externality of changes and a bunch of mutually exclusive interests (one nation vs nations)? How would these variables significantly addup over a longer-term for any nation to stomach these impactful eventualities? Make or break?

What is?

BRIC - Today, more than 40% of 8 billions human, consume over 20% of the world creations.

Jim O'Neill, in 2001, named BRIC as an acronym for the four countries comprising Brazil, Russia, India and China. If we expand, extend and reimagine the future to include Indonesia, South Korea and Singapore, we can renamed it as "BRICKS"?

These BRICKS have the abundance of ingredients from labor, land, capital to technologies (extending Adam Smith's theory).

Existentially, these are real and big numbers to digest: many opportunities and or mount of changes and challenges. For all we know, the remaining nations will need to think harder to ally or to sit on the fencing or to distance, going forward these upstoppable trends and leading indicators of tangibles (tradeables) and intangibles (relationships) will eventually happen!

What if (the 50-50 dynamites)?

Who knows if these sizable consumptions coupled with a potential of increasing the creation of more goods, services or many breakthroughs from acquisition of others, strategic alliances and a new currency of trades (previously discussions of a QUAD money system), how would the decades long status quo of currency be like going into 2030, 2040 or into the first half of this century?

For now the calculus of the geopolitical is complexed to solve, it may not be so over the longer horizon, sooner or later many unsolved variables will reformulate into an extended calculus of consequential and simultaneous equation!

So how?

The mutually exclusive concept can also be applied to the US-China relationships. First step towards coexisting is to be friendly to one another. The second happening will be tougher and ambiguous that is to compete for creations and consumptions! In an ideal world, rules based concept would solve all these existing and impending entanglements. However when competition concerns, no rule will ensure a fair playing field for all nations (not even the WTO could)! It is the HARDEST truth yet for humanity to comprehend that we, the human of the world will work together in achieving peace and an equitable prosperity, perhaps in doing so to the progress of all nations! That's an expressed aspiration for the realistic world we living now and tomorrows!

So what?

Perhaps, should the above narrative materialised, the US and its tradeable currency that is the Dollars will be in the reversal ratio of exchanges to the peg of today's Yuan! It will be the end of a new beginning for China and it will be the beginning of the ending for the US and its faithful allies! Be forewarned, for nothing in this world lasted, so long this world continues to revolve and human evolves along it, that's in simple tone, we called it civilisations in continuity!

"Bad is never good until worse happens"

- - Danish proverb

"You can derive goodness out of adversaries...?"

- - annoymous

The Dynamics of Indo-Pacific:

"US-Russia, US-China, China-Russia"

"China-Japan, China-South Korea, Japan-South Korea"

- - in progress - -

[7:00 pm, 22/08/2022] +REACH: Dear Contributors,

We will be closing the chat for today.

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

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

======

Friday, August 19, 2022

REACH 387 - What are your thoughts on the Enabling Masterplan 2030? What more can be done to support persons and disabilities in Singapore for a more inclusive society?

(SK)

19 Aug 2022 (10am - 7pm)

REACH

[9:45 am, 19/08/2022] +REACH: Dear Contributors,