REACH 553 -  What are your views on the expanded Women’s Integration Network (WIN) Caregivers Network? How else can we better support our caregivers?

(SK)

19 Mar 2024 (10am - 7pm)

REACH

19/3/24, 10:05 am - +REACH: *Dear Contributors,*

Welcome back! 😊

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Megan 😊

19/3/24, 10:07 am - +REACH: *📢 Topic 📢*

On 16 March, Senior Minister of State for National Development Sim Ann announced the expansion of the  Women’s Integration Network (WIN) Caregivers Network, which was set up by the People’s Association WIN Council and piloted from April 2022 to July 2023 with about 300 caregivers.

The support network gives caregivers an eight-week course on identifying and understanding dementia and various mental health conditions, and will allow caregivers to go for health screening and talks under new tie-ups between the council and healthcare providers. 

 *💬 What are your views on the expanded Women’s Integration Network (WIN) Caregivers Network? How else can we better support our caregivers?*

_*📌 About the Better Me Better Us (BMBU) Plus care package*_

BMBU Plus is an enhancement of the original BMBU programme that equips women on how to care for themselves and their families. Focusing on health, it includes screenings for breast and cervical cancer, workshops on nutrition and weight management, as well as talks on bone health and mental wellness.

Announcing the care package, SMS Sim Ann said: “Caregivers often allow themselves to be so consumed by caregiving duties that they neglect their own health.” She added that the pilot of the BMBU programme found that caregivers are often reluctant to ask for help because they are too overwhelmed or uncomfortable to share about their family situation, and tend to be slow to trust and open themselves up to others.

_*📌On making support accessible for caregivers*_

In a survey of 300 caregivers who attended non-profit organisation Caregivers Alliance’s Caregiver-to-Caregiver (C2C) programmes during the pilot, all of them said the programmes helped them understand and manage their loved ones, SMS Sim Ann said, adding that the caregivers made new friends and found comfort in one another by joining the support group.

She also said:  “I think caregivers play a very important but underrated role in our society... But they cannot remain underrated because we are an ageing society.

She also stated the importance of engaging caregivers with empathy and sincerity, and asked those who want to help to remain accessible to them so that they can reach out to them when they need to.

Caregivers interested to join the network can look out for registration on www.facebook.com/PAWIN.sg 

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/caregiver-support-network-expands-to-5-areas-including-eunos-and-chong-pang

19/3/24, 10:08 am - ~ REACH Singapore changed this group's settings to allow all members to send messages to this group

19/3/24, 10:13 am - ~ REACH Singapore changed the group description

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19/3/24, 10:13 am - +Rama: Hope this will lessen the burden of care givers stress and burn out.

19/3/24, 10:24 am - +Sunny: While this is a nice initiative, a bigger concern should be looking at how we mobilise the male population to also contribute to caregiving. Traditional gender roles assigning breadwinning to men and caregiving to women are completely useless in a context where both parents / couple have to work to earn enough money. Women tended to take on more unpaid labour of carrgiving after coming back from work. Everyone needs to be on-board for caregiving, especially in an ageing population. 

Some people have suggested expanding the role of NS to include caregiving/other national necessities (which would also require including women in NS to deal with the bigger labour power needed). I think this is a good idea but would drastically shift the economic planning of the country. So probably it should be a last step if after exploring other options.

Fundamentally, men need to also take up more caregiving responsibilities to balance out the burden that women taken on. There are some men who do this, but the situation require more men to really solve the overall burden-sharing issue.

19/3/24, 10:26 am - +Sunny: I really couldn't help but notice that it was only 50 men in a pilot study of 300 people. Naturally, there were more women given the gender divide in caregiving (or, equally possible, it was easier to find women who would reach out because there is a stigma associated with male caregiving). Either way, it is highly indicative of the impact of our cultural attitudes

19/3/24, 10:28 am - +Sunny: Another thing is that flexible work options might better reduce the burden for caregiving, in addition to the programme. Allowing for different or fluctuating work hours, WFH days and other policies help caregivers reduce some of their burdens. Again, this is specifically for caregivers who have to also work and look after their loved ones.

19/3/24, 10:29 am - +Sunny: Cheers to all the caregivers. They deserve the world.

19/3/24, 10:39 am - +Rama: Agree

19/3/24, 10:40 am - +Rama: Local employers must walk the talk being proposed!

19/3/24, 11:37 am - ~ REACH Singapore added +~X-tra

19/3/24, 12:11 pm - +~X-tra: Don’t mean to digress but wah…whats going on here 😶

WP chief Pritam Singh charged with lying to Parliament over ex-MP Raeesah Khan’s case, pleads not guilty

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/wp-chief-pritam-singh-under-police-probe-over-ex-mp-raeesah-khan-s-lying-case-arrives-at-court

19/3/24, 12:11 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

1. This network setup by PA for women means that an organised program is being developed ground up to support women who are doing caregiving.

2. Conversely, organised program is not setup for men who are doing caregiving.

3. Men are performing multiple roles in their lifetimes - as breadwinner, national servicemen, housekeepers (helping wives to clean the house, take care of children) as well as caregivers to elderly parents or others who need caregiving.

4. Except men don't have an organised program to support them.

19/3/24, 12:23 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

5. As far as I know, men nowadays sharing the work at home and doing caregiving - is no lesser than women if not more.

19/3/24, 12:46 pm - +Landon: Are you saying a child with special needs does not have any future in their adult phase?

19/3/24, 12:47 pm - +Landon: Send who?

19/3/24, 12:48 pm - +Rama: It's currently not clear.

19/3/24, 1:09 pm - +Sunny: https://mothership.sg/2024/03/57-of-sporean-men-think-womens-equality-has-gone-too-far-discriminates-against-men-ipsos-survey/

I definitely agree that there are some men, more than before, who have started taking on equal responsibilities. But this is far from the norm. Those few men definitely do not represent the entire population, and we should not be complacent in accepting the status quo

19/3/24, 1:11 pm - +Sunny: But I think a more important point is the network for male caregivers. It is an excellant idea that would better encourage men to take on caregiving and support those who already have such responsibilities.

19/3/24, 1:11 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

1. I must say I may not know much about autism - a child with special needs - as I only know of one as point of reference.

2. But based on my observation and my interaction with him, I feel that he can outlive his conditions.

3. When I talk to him, he is very clear, concise and display high intelligent.

4. He is also filial to his parents and grandparents and respectful to his uncles and aunties.

5. In addition, he do well in all his studies as well as in University.

6. He also do well in his internships with big organisations such as GLC and MNC.

7. And surprisingly, he don't look awkward in social settings with many people or in weddings with many strangers.

8. Except that he look quiet and won't initiate a conversation.

9. But when people talk to him, he is able to carry out a good conversation.

10. I am not sure whether he will be able to start a courtship - as he may not initiate a conversation with a girl he likes.

11. But I think he will be a caring husband - as he help his parents in housework.

12. And also he successfully completed his national service.

So I think as austitic, he should not have any problem living his adult life even up to old age.

19/3/24, 1:14 pm - +Rama: I hope for the best

19/3/24, 1:15 pm - +Sunny: it depends on the spectrum. Some would need assistance for life because they are unable to look after themselves completely (although this is usually on the severe side). Some unfortunately cannot outlive their condition because their physical disabilities are too severe for the body to sustain for an ordinary human lifespan. Some can learn to become independent and function well in society. Some still need a little support here and there. It all depends on how much we as a society are able to accommodate for them and also how severe their condition is.

If a person with autism needs a silent room, then noise cancelling headphones and a quieter tone of voice would be quite helpful to accommodate the person in an office space. Same with a wheelchair user who needs specific mobility placements to move around an office, etc. How we can add to our environment can drastically change the way people can communicate with us

Neurodiverse people definitely have a future. <This message was edited>

19/3/24, 1:17 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Well as far as I know, my extended families, men carry out an outsize role in caregiving.

It is a norm for us to help the ladies and share equal responsibilities at home.

I cook, mop the floors, go buy groceries, so is my son.

The same for my younger brother - who despite doing all these also take care of my parents and his In-laws.

It doesn't occurs to us this is only the women roles.

It just come naturally to the men.

19/3/24, 1:17 pm - +Rama: Case studies needs to be made public for better understanding

19/3/24, 1:20 pm - +Terrie Wong: Autism covers many levels: from low-functioning to savant so it's impossible to generalize though it's safe to say most would need care & supervision for most of their lives.

19/3/24, 1:34 pm - +JC: Elections is coming! 🎉

19/3/24, 1:38 pm - +Rama: Bookies will be taking odds once hand over is confirmed

19/3/24, 1:40 pm - +JC: Very good - balanced response and provide practical help (rather than just political posturing).

19/3/24, 1:55 pm - +Bhavani: This message was deleted

19/3/24, 1:57 pm - +Bhavani: We need a women's caregiver network for minorities as well

19/3/24, 1:58 pm - +Bhavani: so that minority needs are better addressed

19/3/24, 1:59 pm - +Bhavani: Minority issues also need cultural understanding

19/3/24, 2:01 pm - +Rama: My late father in Law was given home care by a Muslim lady from a Buddhist (mental home) so sensitive issues covered.

19/3/24, 2:01 pm - +Bhavani: also their grievances need to be addressed <This message was edited>

19/3/24, 2:06 pm - +REACH: *📢 Topic 📢*

19/3/24, 2:15 pm - +Rama: Is it not being looked into currently?

19/3/24, 2:17 pm - +Bhavani: No

19/3/24, 2:17 pm - +Rama: As long as someone raises the issues, it will.

19/3/24, 2:18 pm - +Bhavani: 👍

19/3/24, 2:27 pm - +Smiley face: 19 March, 2024

"Caregivers Dilemma"

"There is no doubt that the social program to make caregiving a norm and recognition in the coming ageing society. It's a positive step forward in reaching out to the Community and people facing the challenge of taking care of their loved ones. It will be a spectrum of new experiences as we age and the differences in caring and providing the daily basic needs of the less abled seniors or even disabled mid-age adults; all of these home bound carings will no doubt be a burden not only to the caregivers but also their families too. It takes lots of patience, big heartedness, and selflessness to weather through the days and years till an individual passed on or the caregiver suffered the same fate of ageing diseases or illnesses and is no longer able to provide care to the other person. We are at the beginning of the crossroad of understanding and accepting the future duties and responsibilities as human to help our fellow humans. It starts from the will to help and the larger perspective of many moments of goodness one brings to others and importantly, it's a new learning experience which will be valuable and a role model to your children and close relatives that love and care doesn't stop at door steps or phone calls; the top of all of it is to truly care and really love your closed one everyday and treasures every moment till the last day. That's the hero in you!

-- anonymity

19/3/24, 2:33 pm - +Smiley face: Male Caregiver? Female Caregiver? Match or Mismatch? Mission Statement?

Male caregivers match Female patients? Is it Mismatched ? 

Female caregivers match Male or Female patients? Perhaps Matchable?  

Will there be moments of embarrasement and dignity when performing change of clothes or change of diaper or toilet chores?

19/3/24, 2:35 pm - +Rama: Sensitive issues for even male to male and female to female not leaving out religion, relationship, relatives.

19/3/24, 2:36 pm - +Smiley face: Family Caregivers

Domestic helps Caregivers 

Volunteer/Charity Caregivers

Professional Caregivers

19/3/24, 2:36 pm - +Smiley face: Let's begin with WILLINGNESS!

19/3/24, 2:36 pm - +Rama: Yes

19/3/24, 2:36 pm - +Rama: Yes

19/3/24, 2:36 pm - +Smiley face: The FIRST 2 being affordable

19/3/24, 2:38 pm - +Smiley face: This message was deleted

19/3/24, 2:38 pm - +Smiley face: The third case is one SAD case !

The fourth is one happiness for the Family who can afford Nursing homes at the FULL price range from $5k to $12k per month (excluding medication and diapers)

19/3/24, 2:39 pm - +Rama: So, are we all human after all or just lip service and otherwise to suit the individual!?

19/3/24, 2:40 pm - +m6dm6n: madmn!430

19/3/24, 2:41 pm - +Smiley face: Our present generation of seniors are conservative and have many sensitive areas of privacy. This conservative mindset may prohibit many seniors from coming forward and seeking help when they are facing the impossible tasks to handle and to take care of their spouses!

19/3/24, 2:41 pm - +Rama: Meaning?

19/3/24, 2:42 pm - +Rama: Agree. Barrier need to be broken

19/3/24, 2:45 pm - +Smiley face: So how can we encourage a change of mindset and open up to seek assistance from others? Will the simple idea of seeing others getting help and yourself will begin to accept such helping hands to come into your home? Will social media play an important role in shaping the old mindset of our seniors and how to begin the mission statement of care and help?

19/3/24, 2:46 pm - +Smiley face: Dilemma and Hopes?...

19/3/24, 3:00 pm - +Loong Hin: Caregivers definitely need more support. There are several caregivers needs beside mental healths conditions. Some other caregiving needs like chronic illness such as diabetic, cancer, stroke need to be addressed too.

19/3/24, 3:02 pm - +Rama: Emeritus GCT mentioned this during his tenure as PM

19/3/24, 3:04 pm - +Rama: Start with those who are at least 21 years of age with support from seniors mentors to gain exposure.

19/3/24, 3:05 pm - +Terrie Wong: So sad to see a frail elderly with hair completely white leading another younger & bigger but elderly autistic daughter into hospital lift.

19/3/24, 3:06 pm - +Smiley face: A good prescription for caregiving! Thanks!

19/3/24, 3:11 pm - +Smiley face: It's a must for our younger generations to see the reality of ageing which in turns, they will be next too!

A critical strategy especially for our younger audience and those at large to START SAVING and spend your money wisely, right size your home, right size you car and EXTRA sized for your savings account!

Don't wait for others to come or the attitude of "it wouldn't happen to me!"

Life is a long journey especially for the younger folks! 

You see and You better Learned!

19/3/24, 3:21 pm - +Rama: Definitely. Possibly Start with college final year students, Polytechnic final year students and university final year students as a ECA project.

19/3/24, 3:21 pm - +Smiley face: There are techniques in lifting elderly from a chair or wheel chair to the bed or toilet.

One domestic help may not be sufficient especially with totally disabled or dementia seniors! 

The levy for one help is $60/mth and the second help totaled is $390/mth.

Salary of helps range from $600 onwards and it's really difficult to find Domestic Helps who are experienced in taking care of elderly whether they are immobile, dementia or end stage Cancer! Only a pool of domestic help is willing and comfortable to do the care job, well and sincerely!

19/3/24, 3:21 pm - +Rama: 😢😔

19/3/24, 4:00 pm - +REACH: *📢 Topic 📢*

19/3/24, 4:22 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

For example my son cook all these.

He is a better cook than my wife and me.

19/3/24, 4:23 pm - +Rama: Wonderful

19/3/24, 4:23 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: <Media omitted>

19/3/24, 4:24 pm - +Rama: Can make reservation?

19/3/24, 4:24 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Hahaha....

But he spend 4 hours doing it.

19/3/24, 4:25 pm - +Rama: Open to private dining?

19/3/24, 4:25 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Hahaha ..

Not qualify yet to do private dining....

Hahaha...

19/3/24, 4:25 pm - +Rama: 🍽️🥢🍷🍸🧉

19/3/24, 4:26 pm - +Frankie Wee: So romantic diner

19/3/24, 4:27 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Oh he cooks for his housemates as well when he is overseas.

So housekeepers roles - men also do.

19/3/24, 4:28 pm - +Rama: Love to be his house mates

19/3/24, 4:28 pm - +Frankie Wee: “dementia” can forgetful and remember those who are family.

How did end like that? She has narrow minded and everyday at home without outing?

19/3/24, 4:28 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Hahaha...

19/3/24, 4:29 pm - +Frankie Wee: <Media omitted>

19/3/24, 4:31 pm - +Sunny: that's not how dementia works....

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352013

19/3/24, 4:34 pm - +Frankie Wee: Who look after their CPF C2C when single person become dementia’s disease? 

Hopeful there is lasting power attorney.

19/3/24, 5:25 pm - +REACH: *Dear Contributors*

We want to *HEAR MORE* from you! 

💬 *What are your views on the expanded Women’s Integration Network (WIN) Caregivers Network? How else can we better support our caregivers?*

We have had good feedback from this group, and we hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active!

Megan 😊

19/3/24, 6:00 pm - +REACH: *📢 Topic 📢*

19/3/24, 6:45 pm - +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 😊

19/3/24, 6:50 pm - +Thank You Woman: Create awareness through Estate notice board, letterbox on TV.

19/3/24, 6:51 pm - +Rama: Have grassroots level interactions with various residents committee outreach.

19/3/24, 6:52 pm - +Thank You Woman: Brushing through how I had struggled 12yrs ago…….i used to tears every now and then till lately last year….its indescribable

19/3/24, 6:53 pm - +Rama: You are a survivor

19/3/24, 6:58 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Bank of Japan scraps radical policy, makes first rate hike in 17 years.   

Japan negative interest rate policy - is an unorthodox policy - not prescribe as a financial measure in Economics.                                                                                                                                                                     It harm Japan financial system and economy - more than it helps.     

https://www.straitstimes.com/business/economy/japan-poised-to-end-negative-rates-closing-era-of-radical-policy <This message was edited>

19/3/24, 6:59 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Take 17 years to remedy.

19/3/24, 6:59 pm - +Thank You Woman: No time to eat and sleep whenever I had step back I’ll email the related minister and so long as it’s reasonable they listen.

My boy was only 15months and to place him in a childcare cost $1,600, my whole family income only $2K+ and did not pass the PCI per capital income according to ECDA Early Childhood Developement Agency.

Hence I wrote to Mr Lee HL, to ask if we dun have to feed my parents, mother totally dependent staying with my sister only earns $1,3K/mth and was a cancer patient.  I do not have to feed my father Inlaw a dialysis patient and also mother Inlaw a breast cancer relapse.  My husband is the only son and the other daughter was married and working part time.  Then the ECDA subsidy income level increased 🙏 also seek FSC family service are help

19/3/24, 7:00 pm - +Smiley face: This message was deleted

19/3/24, 7:00 pm - +Smiley face: 19 March, 2024

"Caregivers Dilemma"

"There is no doubt that the social program to make caregiving a norm and recognition in the coming ageing society. It's a positive step forward in reaching out to the Community and people facing the challenge of taking care of their loved ones. It will be a spectrum of new experiences as we age and the differences in caring and providing the daily basic needs of the less abled seniors or even disabled mid-age adults; all of these home bound carings will no doubt be a burden not only to the caregivers but also their families too. It takes lots of patience, big heartedness, and selflessness to weather through the days and years till an individual passed on or the caregiver suffered the same fate of ageing diseases or illnesses and is no longer able to provide care to the other person. We are at the beginning of the crossroad of understanding and accepting the future duties and responsibilities as human to help our fellow humans. It starts from the will to help and the larger perspective of many moments of goodness one brings to others and importantly, it's a new learning experience which will be valuable and a role model to your children and close relatives that love and care doesn't stop at door steps or phone calls; the top of all of it is to truly care and really love your closed one everyday and treasures every moment till the last day. That's the hero in you!

-- anonymity

Begining?

It is good that we are embarking sooner to learn the Pitfall and adopt the success of caring of people who are either physically immobile or mentally disabled or terminal illness. Each of these challenges require different care procedures and the know-how in dealing with the daily lives of caring for them. It's more than changing diapers and showering or something else which will always be unique to each caregiver that faces this daily routine of care. And now the number one trend of caring is taking care of your spouse or engaging community or neighborhood volunteers to help.

Future?

It's through all of these enabling initiatives and community projects that we learned as many precious mistakes, common mismatches and reducing the margin of errors in order to arrive at an even more well prepared in handling many challenges of ageing society 2030 and there on. The future of care may include both spouses that need to be taken care of by either professional caregivers and or volunteers from charity organisations.

Male Caregiver? Female Caregiver? Match or Mismatch? Mission Statement?

Male caregivers match Female patients? Is it Mismatched ? 

Female caregivers match Male or Female patients? Perhaps Matchable?  

Will there be moments of embarrasement and dignity when performing change of clothes or change of diaper or toilet chores? 

Our present generation of seniors are conservative and have many sensitive areas of privacy. This conservative mindset may prohibit many seniors from coming forward and seeking help when they are facing the impossible tasks to handle and to take care of their spouses! 

So how can we encourage a change of mindset and open up to seek assistance from others? Will the simple idea of seeing others getting help and yourself will begin to accept such helping hands to come into your home? Will social media play an important role in shaping the old mindset of our seniors and how to begin the mission statement of care and help?

Dilemma and Hopes?

Caregivers  (excluding professional caregivers) will weigh the pro and con before he or she takes on the responsibilities of caring for their parents or closed relatives. It will be a choice to the caregiver to offer the service to embark on the journey of caring which often enough does not bring them any compliment and it can be a thankless thing to do too.

The society itself, fundamentally is based on the belief that helping others is one good virtue and religion also exemplifies followers to do so. However, the reality and circumstances perhaps are the decider of decision to not care for your loved ones. Instead, some people chose to hire domestic helpers or nursing homes to care on the behalf of their parents or closed relatives who are singles or living alone.

That's the reality and the truth in many people's  minds when the choice and decision to care or to offload to others to care on the back of own home care!

Options? Right? Wrong? Filial?

There is nothing right or no wrong because each family has its unique starting point and its ways of deciding on such sensitive family issues covering financial abilities to afford the types of care and the longer commitment to see it through the last day and making sure that it's always affordable to all of the supporting parties. And nobody will escape the path of getting old !

https://youtu.be/7aCfjuFyl9k?si=fqxTEvZv4wOUmERP

https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/has-the-push-for-female-equality-gone-too-far path of getting old!

                - - in progress - -

19/3/24, 7:00 pm - +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 😊

19/3/24, 7:00 pm - +Smiley face: https://youtu.be/7aCfjuFyl9k?si=ymBQN5GnM5kynNVr

19/3/24, 7:00 pm - ~ REACH Singapore changed this group's settings to allow only admins to send messages to this group

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REACH 552 -  What are your views on existing programmes for children with developmental needs? How can we ensure that these children can be better supported?

(SK)

18 Mar 2024 (10am - 7pm)

REACH

18/3/24, 10:14 am - +REACH: *Dear Contributors,*

Welcome back! 😊

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

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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 😊

18/3/24, 10:16 am - +REACH: 📢 *Topic* 📢

According to the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) the annual number of referrals to subsidized programmes for children with developmental needs, such as the Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC), has increased significantly over the past four years partly due to enhanced early screening and detection. This has contributed to longer wait times as referrals consistently exceed enrolments. 

MSF added that in 2023, the average wait time for EIPIC was 7.5 months. On March 6, Minister of State for Social and Family Development Sun Xueling announced that another 1,500 places will be added to EIPIC and EIPIC-P in 2024, with the addition of four new early intervention centres to help ensure that more children with developmental needs can receive timely support.

💬 *What are your views on existing programmes for children with developmental needs? How can we ensure that these children can be better supported?*

📌 *_Long wait times_*

According to Jalan Besar GRC MP Denise Phua, the longer wait times are due to several factors. While the special needs sector is facing an increase in demand due to higher public awareness of autism, it is also dealing with a general shortage in trained and skilled professionals in addition to relatively high staff turnover.  

📌 *_Enrolling as Private Clients_*

According to Ms Beatrice Teo, a speech therapist and director of EIPIC-P centre Headstart for Life, children are referred to EIPIC centres through public hospitals or pediatric clinics, a process that involves several steps. No referral letter is needed for those enrolling as private clients but this would come at increased cost. 

📌 *_Other challenges_*

Some parents noted that after securing a spot in an EIPIC centre, they eventually decided against enrolling their children there because it did not suit their working schedule as it would involve travelling to inconvenient locations. Other parents also shared that the subsidised programmes were not long enough and did not lead to much improvement in their children’s condition.

👉https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/long-wait-times-for-early-intervention-push-parents-of-kids-with-developmental-needs-to-private-sector

18/3/24, 10:21 am - ~ REACH Singapore changed the group description

18/3/24, 10:21 am - ~ REACH Singapore changed this group's settings to allow all members to send messages to this group

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18/3/24, 10:32 am - +Rama: Manpower and costs along with qualified help need to be addressed .

18/3/24, 11:35 am - +REACH: *Dear Contributors*

We want to *HEAR MORE* from you! 

💬   *What are your views on existing programmes for children with developmental needs? How can we ensure that these children can be better supported?* 

We have had good feedback from this group, and we hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active!

Megan 😊

18/3/24, 2:01 pm - +REACH: 📢 *Topic* 📢

18/3/24, 2:42 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

1.  This topic is very niche and difficult to provide constructive feedback unless :

a. Parents have child that is autism and require early intervention.

b. Parents and child going through the enrolment and course.

2. The devil is always in the detail and only going through it - will problem surface before we can provide constructive feedback.

3. But on the surface as read:-

a. Child with autism requires early intervention by trained specialists - to help them learn and engage in appropriate social behavior - so that children with autism can integrate well with the society.

b. Due to good early screening and detection, more cases are single out and hence more places are needed - result in demand exceeding supply - hence long waiting time up to several months to a year - for heavily subsidised programme.

c. This result in parents putting their child into private centres but cost more than 100%.

4. Wonder if the Govenment can consider to help Parents of such need for their austic children to :-

a. Put up in private centre by the Parents - & allow Parents to pay Government subsidise fees and pay private centre the rest of the fees (by an agreed lower price with participating private centre - in economies of scale) - and not the current private charge price.

This arrangement is "stop-gap" measure - while waiting to build Government subsidise intervention centre (and such arrangement will only last for 1 year per child).

b. Build intervention centres at convenient places such as near MRT - so that it is easy for parents to travel and put their child in the centre.

c. The placement time should be the same as pre-school - so that it make it easier for parents to work and at the same time, sufficient time to fetch their children home after work.

18/3/24, 2:50 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

As only about 1,500 to 2,000 children require such needs, about $1,600 a month - government subsidies will come to $38.4 million for 1 year.

Unlike private hospitals fees whereby 80% of public health comes from private sector - which is a whooping $21.6 billion - for 100% medical coverage.

18/3/24, 3:13 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/cultivated-meat-producer-eat-just-pauses-operations-in-singapore1

Cultivated meat producer Eat Just pauses operations in Singapore.

18/3/24, 3:13 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

1. On another topic, food security seems to have encounter some problem.

2. Private funds, start-ups have dried up as cell culture meat challenges cannot be fully overcome in the short term, namely:-

a. Texture close to real meat is still a big gap.

b. Cost of production and ingredient cost still very high - hence cell culture meat price is not attractive and much higher than real meat.

c. Only nutrition and nutrients can be assured for consumers.

3. This means we will have difficulty meeting our 30-30 Food Security target.

4. An analogy of our water security - whereby newater and desalination water will meet our water security target - similar to plant based meat and cell culture meat will be our food security. As they can be locally produced - and not at the mercy of import. <This message was edited>

18/3/24, 3:13 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Notice that Government, R&D bodies and Universities are still in the thick of seeking breakthrough in the:-

1. Texture that are close to real meat.

2. Costs that are comparable or below the real meats.

3. Nutrients that are equivalent or better than the real meats.

Many articles reveal that public sectors have not given up on cell culture meat.

Though private sector funds have dried up - as the breakthrough unlikely to be short term.

Breakthrough likely to be in the long term.

Scientists have now turn their attention in using AI, Machine Learning - to seek a breakthrough.

18/3/24, 3:13 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

That is, multi-modal discipline in the field of biotechnology, physics, medical science, computer science AI, and probably other disciplines need to rope in to achieve a breakthrough.

It no longer can rely on 1 discipline or 1 faculty - to achieve the breakthrough.

For example, AI could use LLM, ChatGpt to pull unrelated disciplines eg. Magnetic field, medical science etc to biotechnology domain to achieve a breakthrough in terms of cost, efficiency and reliability in cell culture and tissue re-engineering - that traditional scientists have not thought off - as they are unfamiliar with other disciplines.

But AI can bridge such barriers.

18/3/24, 3:31 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Scientists develop novel technique to grow meat in the lab using magnetic field.

by National University of Singapore

https://phys.org/news/2022-09-scientists-technique-meat-lab-magnetic.html

18/3/24, 3:31 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

"Soy scaffolds: Breakthrough in cultivated meat production

by American Technion Society".

Tissue engineering technology initially use for medical science - relevant to cell culture tissue re-engineering meat.

https://phys.org/news/2020-03-soy-scaffolds-breakthrough-cultivated-meat.html#:~:text=Soy%20scaffolds%3A%20Breakthrough,American%20Technion%20Society

18/3/24, 3:31 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

"Singapore: Using an AI/ML Approach to Meat and Seafood Production".

Singapore using AI and Machine Learning to achieve breakthrough in cell culture meat production.

https://opengovasia.com/2022/06/24/singapore-using-an-ai-ml-approach-to-meat-and-seafood-production/#:~:text=Singapore%3A%20Using%20an%20AI/ML%20Approach%20to%20Meat%20and%20Seafood%20Production

18/3/24, 4:01 pm - +REACH: 📢 *Topic* 📢

18/3/24, 5:23 pm - +REACH: *Dear Contributors*

We want to *HEAR MORE* from you! 

💬  *What are your views on existing programmes for children with developmental needs? How can we ensure that these children can be better supported?* 

We have had good feedback from this group, and we hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active!

Thank you! 

Megan 😊

18/3/24, 5:42 pm - +Smiley face: 18 March, 2024

"Hope My Child Will Be Alright?"

"Let's start examining a toddler's E-N-T. 

The importance of earliest identifying of child at the medical front of autism to other related disorder from psycho motor skills, learning milestones and speech difficulties are challenges that need longer time-line and parents support and patience in curing simpler cases from two years and even longer for complex cases; all of these interventions will be costly and may not be effective.

Thus the policies on medical and education will have to be catered to these special needs children to minimise further learning disabilities and the subsequent abilities of children to integrate into society for whatsoever means to live on and perhaps it's timely for parents to save up for their children future. 

A profound realm of the reality that these children will face as the years passed on and their parents too passed on.  Pitiful! "

-- anonymity

18/3/24, 5:47 pm - +Sunny: My points are more for policy, big-picture discussions rather than anything about specific logistics. I am not a parent with a kid with development needs, so that is something I can’t speak to. I do, however, have experience being friends and family to people with special needs. Here’s what I could contribute:

1) There tends to be an impression that Early Intervention can ‘prevent’ kids from developing issues or ‘fix’ kids with development needs. Both of these are dangerous misconceptions, especially with regards to what parents expect their kids to be like after the early intervention program. It’s a small thing I gleaned from the end (regarding why some parents pulled out), but I think there should be greater public education regarding neurodiversity and what that means for different children. Some can learn to handle themselves better - but they aren’t “getting better”. They will still have autism, but the difference is they understand themselves better and therefore can better handle themselves.

2) Staff turnover rate is no surprise. From what I heard from a friend working in SPED, the quality of teachers, low salaries and shortage of staff make the field difficult to enter. People are less likely to be able to sustain a proper living working in SPED. Funding therefore is pertinent.

3) There is something to be said about our cultural attitudes towards individuals (and children) with special needs and people associated with said individuals (including family, teachers, classmates). There is a heavy tendency to stigmatise this group, and I think this isolates parents from being able to find social group help. I also think that this stigma deters people interested in teaching from going into SPED. The respectability of a job also impacts people’s tendency to be drawn into such an area. 

4) Subject to capacity and resources, I do think hospitals and community centres should try to start social groups for parents with kids with development. Although this is informal, it helps these parents feel less isolated and have avenues to get community support and guidance. I am cognizant of the fact that there are facebook groups to this effect, but in-person groups may also be more accessible to certain people. 

5) I do think that ECIPs cannot be the only means for parents to help their children. I am aware of ACS’ plans to build a SPED school (what the fees would be, I’m not sure), but long-term support and training is definitely an important part in helping the child grow into an independent adult, whatever extent that may be (see point 1).

18/3/24, 5:51 pm - +Smiley face: The earliest observation, identification of learning and speaking and listening abilities of toddlers and immediate therapeutic interventions should begin at two years old and follow up treatments for the next critical two to four years of a child's development milestones and further onto Primary school or Special school, for children that facing more complex mental challenges. 

The sourcing of talents from speech therapist to child psychologist are not easily achieved from the simple idea of ramping and intensive hiring process. If experience is one important attribute in selecting talents in all of these early childhood education and expertise. Perhaps, right from the day a fresh graduate to an experienced speech therapist or physio therapist, it takes up to ten years of practice and experience to achieve a thorough understanding and know-how in dealing with each unique child's special needs to better treatments, minimising damage and hopefully to cure as many children as possible against the background of multiple failures. New laws must be built-in to strengthen and to prevent abuse and or bullying of these small group in our community.

18/3/24, 5:57 pm - +Frankie Wee: Special education have a lot of faced social problems and difficulty understanding self discipline and low intelligence levels.

Normally they will growth a lot of challenges themselves even plan for worse mental or emotional.

What is the best for them accepted to stay on learn and working balance life destress

18/3/24, 6:00 pm - +Smiley face: And how about early pregnancy tests to eliminate all defects before a child is born, is it that simple or there are some couples who treasure life over a choice of abortion?...

18/3/24, 6:00 pm - +REACH: 📢 *Topic* 📢

18/3/24, 6:01 pm - +Frankie Wee: Depends on woman willing to live and love child support instead abortion

18/3/24, 6:02 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Autism is not equivalent to low intelligence.

In fact some autism children excel academically.

I know of one that is doing his degree in a local university and he did very well in many of his exam.

18/3/24, 6:03 pm - +Frankie Wee: Parent’s love a child special but it’s not easy bring up the future child’s need special attention.

18/3/24, 6:04 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Also autism children can lead a normal life and start a marriage family.

Autism children can outlive their condition.

18/3/24, 6:04 pm - +Frankie Wee: Yes I have seemed before

18/3/24, 6:04 pm - +Frankie Wee: There are many type of psychological issues during born nature

18/3/24, 6:05 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Elon Musk is an autism.

He is the 2nd richest man in the world.

He also got a marriage family.

18/3/24, 6:06 pm - +Frankie Wee: He is use his brain chip inside

18/3/24, 6:07 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

He did not install a chip in his brain

He started the neuralink

18/3/24, 6:07 pm - +Frankie Wee: Yes correct

18/3/24, 6:08 pm - +Frankie Wee: Special person is discriminated against law

18/3/24, 6:08 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Einstein and Newton are autism.

They are the brightest scientists in the world. <This message was edited>

18/3/24, 6:16 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: <Media omitted>

18/3/24, 6:18 pm - +Rama: Abortion is legal here plus sometimes decisions to keep or abort is not the decisions of the women but those around her.

18/3/24, 6:18 pm - +Rama: Agree

18/3/24, 6:19 pm - +Rama: What's the future for a child with special needs in the adult phase!?

18/3/24, 6:20 pm - +Frankie Wee: It’s likely age 35 phase is 16 behaviour

18/3/24, 6:21 pm - +Rama: Education without adequate employment opportunities is nothing.

18/3/24, 6:22 pm - +Frankie Wee: SG enable will help them have a opportunity employment

18/3/24, 6:22 pm - +65 9740 5395: Einstein and Newton are mentioned repeatedly, yet no mention on how the society have perceived them. Newton since young has been labelled as dumb and stupid by his teachers. Einstein has been known for his social awkwardness. 

Autism is a disability which needs to be understood. The support structure has to be there and cannot be seen as a 2nd tier to our mainstream educators.

Why did i mention 2nd tier? I didnt know abt the remuneration difference between sped trs and mainstream trs until the recent announcement on sped trs increment. Even after increment, their pay range is from $3000-$7000, which is appalling in the high cost of living stds that Singapore has.

18/3/24, 6:24 pm - +Rama: For some women, their body is not a production factory so abortion is nothing.  For others, only if one life is threatened, will consider abortion.  Others, no on religious grounds.

18/3/24, 6:24 pm - +Rama: To lead a independent life is equally important

18/3/24, 6:25 pm - +Rama: Parents greatest worry is children life when they are gone.

18/3/24, 6:26 pm - +Frankie Wee: I fact this we all being humans like us and don’t treat badly or look down on them. But I know not easy on future bring up. I am award of this they will learned grown up themselves and independent

18/3/24, 6:26 pm - +Smiley face: Jobs for these small communities had to be

Specific, Relevant and achievable.

18/3/24, 6:26 pm - +Smiley face: Yes

18/3/24, 6:30 pm - +Frankie Wee: Maybe sent them age folk care centre <This message was edited>

18/3/24, 6:34 pm - +Rama: Community and neighbourhood support is better once parents are gone from this world.

18/3/24, 6:36 pm - +Rama: This will show we are a truly inclusive society.

18/3/24, 6:36 pm - +Frankie Wee: I believe

18/3/24, 6:37 pm - +Rama: There should be no reference to social or financial status, religion or atheist , skin colour or sexual orientation or income/house hold type.

18/3/24, 6:39 pm - +Frankie Wee: Need to make them understanding the difference things between relationships.

18/3/24, 6:44 pm - +Rama: Expect a clash between upbringing at home and what is taught in schools.

18/3/24, 6:45 pm - +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 😊

18/3/24, 6:49 pm - +Rama: Peer pressure and religious authorities add to the confusion.

18/3/24, 6:56 pm - +Shobith: Caring for children with special needs is extremely important and government should engage all its facilities to support the kids and their parents..

There are limited facilities available now and if these itself are bound by long lead times, where will the parents go to with their kids and how can they manage?

There are several tragic cases whereby the anxiety and constant worries about the kids turning parents to depression..

Also the recent tragic case of parent fatally harming the kids, as their mental condition destabilise..

Please do all you can to support the parents and kids ..

18/3/24, 6:57 pm - +Rama: Every citizen matters!

18/3/24, 6:59 pm - +Smiley face: 18 March, 2024

"Hope My Child Will Be Alright?"

"Let's start examining a toddler's E-N-T. 

The importance of earliest identifying of child at the medical front of autism to other related disorder from psycho motor skills, learning milestones and speech difficulties are challenges that need longer time-line and parents support and patience in curing simpler cases from two years and even longer for complex cases; all of these interventions will be costly and may not be effective.

Thus the policies on medical and education will have to be catered to these special needs children to minimise further learning disabilities and the subsequent abilities of children to integrate into society for whatsoever means to live on and perhaps it's timely for parents to save up for their children future. 

A profound realm of the reality that these children will face as the years passed on and their parents too passed on.  Pitiful! "

-- anonymity 

Have you experience tip of the tongue moments when you are unable to express words at that very moment? Instantaneously, you are stuck wordless or speechless. Young toddlers and school going Kids with cognitive disabilities are finding such TOT moments frustrating in every moment of their childhood, playtime and maturing into adults. Will simple method such as listening to classical music help a little bit to soothe the distorted and highly wired and complicated neurons in the brain? And how about early pregnancy tests to eliminate all defects before a child is born, is it that simple or there are some couples who treasure life over a choice of abortion?

The earliest observation, identification of learning and speaking and listening abilities of toddlers and immediate therapeutic interventions should begin at two years old and follow up treatments for the next critical two to four years of a child's development milestones and further onto Primary school or Special school, for children that facing more complex mental challenges. 

The sourcing of talents from speech therapist to child psychologist are not easily achieved from the simple idea of ramping and intensive hiring process. If experience is one important attribute in selecting talents in all of these early childhood education and expertise. Perhaps, right from the day a fresh graduate to an experienced speech therapist or physio therapist, it takes up to ten years of practice and experience to achieve a thorough understanding and know-how in dealing with each unique child's special needs to better treatments, minimising damage and hopefully to cure as many children as possible against the background of multiple failures. New laws must be built-in to strengthen and to prevent abuse and or bullying of these small group in our community.

Parents with children who are suffering from another of the above medical challenges often themselves constantly combating with stress, anxieties and disappointments. Financial ability to sustain a prolonged therapy is one big challenge especially to middle income and lower income families. In some cases, parents would give up hope in their children's conditions and thus leading to family breaking up is one consequence to happen.

From the past to now. These existing complexity of the early childhood medical issues that lead to later on in life are all life's tough choices and decisions to make and often enough many mistakes along the way that amounting to not just dollars and cents but a profound realm of the reality that these children will face as the years passed on and their parents too passed on. So where can Society affirms together tomorrow to cushion the Pitfall of stigmatisation, economics support and livelihoods of these pitiful children, we acknowledge them as one of us!

 Afterwords:  

"If the basic instincts of humankind is to act, react or to counteract. Into the further future, perhaps, there will be good chances of many scientific breakthrough and a profound knowledge of changing the mind within the structure of the brain using artificial means and real-time synthesis of cells and understand a new DNA sequence and defects...."

- - anonymity

Chances for Changes?

Into the further future, the technology and science of embryonic may shine many hopes in discovering of abnormal cells in the early stage of pregnancy in this case, the FIRST trimester of pregnancy. The egg cell and the sperm cell fertilized (synthesized) into a new DNA sequencing and defects.

Another profound  breakthrough will be in the field of Neuroscience using AI as the tool to teach, to observe and to train the newly planted nanochips (three chips). The overall after effects of this neuro intervention will allow the human brain to rediscover what was not possible and to retrain and relearn what will be the possible tasks. It's like the effect of a blind person having gained full visual of a normal person. The key elements of the AI tool is to guide the training process together with neuronogists, therapists and coding engineers onboard to familiarize the patient and to normalize the new neurocodes to perform like any normal people. The embedded nanochips are recodable over time to higher abilities with set limit of functions and not overloading the brain. The spectrum of succees will be across age groups and depends on the underlying mental conditions and or physical abilities of individuals.

If the above scientific breakthrough comes true, can we also use it to rehabilitate the mind of criminals, drug addicts, potential terrorists and behavior such as radicalization into a brand-new socially acceptable behaviors and a new mental realm?

                 - - in progress - -

18/3/24, 7:00 pm - +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 😊

18/3/24, 7:00 pm - ~ REACH Singapore changed this group's settings to allow only admins to send messages to this group

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REACH 551 -  What are your thoughts on Singapore’s continued delivery of aid to help the civilians in Gaza?

(SK)

15 Mar 2024 (10am - 7pm)

REACH

15/3/24, 10:40 am - +REACH: *Dear Contributors,*

Welcome back! 😊

⏰ We will be opening the chat from *10.40am 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 😊

15/3/24, 10:42 am - +REACH: 📢 *Topic* 📢

On Tuesday (15 Mar), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Singapore will deliver its third tranche of humanitarian assistance for Gaza via Jordan. Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan will make a working visit to Amman, Jordan from Saturday to Sunday (16 – 17 March) to hand over the aid in cooperation with the Jordanian government. The RSAF will also deploy a C-130 to stay on in Jordan to conduct humanitarian airdrop operations with support from the Jordanian Armed Forces.

💬 *What are your thoughts on Singapore’s continued delivery of aid to help the civilians in Gaza?*

Minister Vivian's visit "reaffirms Singapore’s strong ties with partners in the Middle East, which have allowed us to deliver effective and timely humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza", said MFA.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong also wrote to Jordan's King Abdullah II to convey the Singapore government’s appreciation to the Jordanian government for facilitating the delivery of the country's aid to Gaza.

"Given the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, the international community should work together to alleviate the suffering and save as many innocent lives as possible." "Singapore will do what it can to help the civilians in Gaza," said PM Lee.

PM Lee also said that Singapore continues to appreciate King Abdullah's active leadership in seeking a resolution to the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 

"We believe that a negotiated two-state solution, consistent with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, is the only viable option to achieve a comprehensive, just and durable peace between Israelis and the Palestinians." "The way forward will be more challenging than ever, but we cannot lose hope," said PM Lee.

👉🏻 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-delivers-third-tranche-of-aid-to-gaza-rsaf-to-conduct-airdrops

👉🏻 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-gaza-humanitarian-assistance-rsaf-airdrop-jordan-4196956

15/3/24, 10:42 am - ~ REACH Singapore changed this group's settings to allow all members to send messages to this group

15/3/24, 10:44 am - ~ REACH Singapore changed the group description

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15/3/24, 10:45 am - +Rama: Don't agree with a two state solution! Palestine is actually Jordan!

15/3/24, 10:50 am - +Rama: Aid is being dictated by terrorist all along the distribution line!

15/3/24, 10:51 am - +Landon: So you support the invasion operation "Al-Aqsa Flood" that occurred on the 7th of October by both militants associated with Hamas and the Palestinians that were involved in the attacks of Israeli settlements? <This message was edited>

15/3/24, 10:51 am - +Sunny: 100% in support of Singapore sending aid going towards the horrific situation in Gaza. However, there can still be a few improvements.

> There have been reports from US media about american airdrops of humanitarian aid actually killing Palestinians because it's literally dropping on them.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/08/gaza-aid-airdrop-kills-civilians-when-parachute-fails-to-open-witness-says

I think this was because of a faulty parachute, but it is something that the army should be mindful of when conducting the same method of humanitarian aid. It may not be a good public look (if that's a consideration), but as long as proper care is given, all and any help is appreciated.

> The language around the "Israel-Hamas" conflict really has to change. As much as Singapore prioritises its diplomacy, there is a line that our government and/or politicians should have with regards to standing up to some basic humanitarian principles. It doesn't change anything but it is a matter of character.

Just my two cents

15/3/24, 10:51 am - +Rama: I whole heartedly support Israel right to self defence.

15/3/24, 10:52 am - +Sunny: But is there no line of when self-defence goes too far that it is no longer self-defence?

15/3/24, 10:52 am - +Thank You Woman: So it will be using the tax payer 💰?

15/3/24, 10:53 am - +Jimmy Chew: Red ants attack us and we are to feed them. No one complains about Ukraine 🤣

15/3/24, 10:53 am - +Landon: We don't know those parachutes and manifests belong to Singapore. 

It could very well belong to other countries. 

We need clarity from the Singapore government on how our aid is being delivered and deployed? 

Are we sending our soldiers directly to the front lines to provide humanitarian aids or are we randomly dropping cargo hopping the right people picked them up.

15/3/24, 10:53 am - +Thank You Woman: Hope not otherwise I do not understand why can save peanuts on medical insurance for citizen yet spend on other citizen

15/3/24, 10:54 am - +Thank You Woman: Taylor swift 16M😱 vs the medical 🤔

15/3/24, 10:54 am - +Landon: Yes, do you support Israeli response towards execution and torture of civilians, especially women and children? <This message was edited>

15/3/24, 10:56 am - +Thank You Woman: 阿弥陀佛

15/3/24, 10:56 am - +Landon: This is an English platform, please communicate in English.

15/3/24, 10:56 am - +Rama: There is for Israel!

15/3/24, 10:57 am - +Rama: Say the same for hamas and hizbollah on behalf of Iran!?

15/3/24, 10:57 am - +Thank You Woman: Amitabha 🙏

15/3/24, 10:58 am - +Rama: No absolute control at receiving end!

15/3/24, 10:58 am - +Landon: Iran isn't part of this debate.

15/3/24, 10:58 am - +Landon: This is purely about receiving aid from Singapore.

15/3/24, 10:58 am - +Rama: It is financing terrorism in the occupied territories, Lebanon, west bank and gaza strip!

15/3/24, 10:59 am - +Rama: No

15/3/24, 10:59 am - +Sunny: So how does that affect the aid that Singapore gives to Gaza?

15/3/24, 11:00 am - +Rama: Like I said, aid off every truck is always intercepted by hamas at the receiving end!

15/3/24, 11:01 am - +Landon: Always? 

Please cite your evidence.

15/3/24, 11:02 am - +Sunny: How do you know it's always? Especially if we are working with and through Jordan, a 'local' on the scene where the people probably know the more secure channels to deliver aid to.  In any case, even if one child receives help, I'm 100% for this. The only alternative based on your comment is that Singapore does _nothing_.

I should clarify that I 100% do not support funding terrorism by any metric. It is a discussion of the risk vs aid given to people. <This message was edited>

15/3/24, 11:03 am - +Rama: Quality of the aid is equally important and not just the aid itself.

15/3/24, 11:04 am - +Sunny: that's an interesting thought actually. I would assume the quality is solely based on what Singapore gives

15/3/24, 11:04 am - +Rama: Follow social media post from Palestinian people themselves.

15/3/24, 11:05 am - +Thank You Woman: How true?

15/3/24, 11:06 am - +Rama: Search and find

15/3/24, 11:07 am - +Rama: That's how propaganda works well for sympathetic blind aid donors.

15/3/24, 11:10 am - +Thank You Woman: 人在做天在看（whatever we do God/Buddha sees and know) our True heart was purely out to help the people.  Same thing to help people able to seek private medical assistance well.

So long as what we did is out of 善（empathy/good) good things will come.  Law of attraction, do good and good will come to you.

Prison and Hell is for criminal (people who do bad)

15/3/24, 11:13 am - +Jimmy Chew: Yes. God/Buddha don't want us to be blind and foolish too. But to act with wisdom. 😔

15/3/24, 11:14 am - +Jimmy Chew: Sometimes I wonder if these people really believe in God? Kill, rape and torture?

15/3/24, 11:14 am - +Jimmy Chew: Hope our government is wise and do the right thing

15/3/24, 11:31 am - +Thank You Woman: Those who do bad will have their KARMA just wait and see Japan is a very good living  example 🙏. The karma receive by their next generation 🥲🙏

15/3/24, 11:35 am - +Rama: Believe is one thing.  Living it out, us another

15/3/24, 11:36 am - +Rama: What goes around, comes around! You reap what you sow!

15/3/24, 12:00 pm - +Thank You Woman: Nothing but the truth 👍🙏

15/3/24, 12:17 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Budget 2022: Healthcare spending to form bulk of increase in social expenditures by 2030 - $27 billion.                                                                                                                                                https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/budget-2022-healthcare-spending-to-form-bulk-of-govt-expenditure-by-2030

15/3/24, 12:18 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: <Media omitted>

15/3/24, 12:25 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

1. Healthcare costs form one of the largest component in Singapore fiscal budget a whooping $27 billions projected in 2030.

2. It is not peanut.

3. If our government don't manage our healthcare costs carefully and let it run like a buffet syndrome, soon Singapore will have no budget for GST voucher, no budget for defense, no budget to support Singaporeans job, no budget to build coast line defense that will flood the Singapore etc.

So Singaporeans look at the whole budget and decides for yourself.

Allow healthcare costs to be abused by a privilege few, or use it wisely - so that all Singaporeans can live and survive well taken care of in every aspects of our lives.

Managing the healthcare costs well is as important as managing our reserves well - so that it will not be abused by some ignorant people - and bankrupt our nation.

When I literally say, don't bankrupt our nation, I literally mean it - by just looking objectively at the cost of healthcare!

15/3/24, 12:26 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: <Media omitted>

15/3/24, 12:26 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: <Media omitted>

15/3/24, 12:29 pm - +Liang Wei: https://www.todayonline.com/explainer-why-singapore-medical-association-and-private-insurers-locked-battle-over-integrated-shield-plans

15/3/24, 12:31 pm - +Liang Wei: May be good to take a look at every piece of the "cost supply chain"

15/3/24, 12:31 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Another thing, Minister of Youth had clarify government don't spend $16 million as grant for Taylor Swift concert.

It is about $2 million to $4 million - but bring a multiplier effect of $300 million or more to the economy through circular flow of income.

It is not mindless spending, but in effect a shrew government spending , an injection into the economy that bring massive economic growth.

15/3/24, 12:32 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

"Taylor Swift’s concerts expected to boost Singapore’s GDP as economists upgrade growth forecast: Report.

One economist expects Taylor Swift's concerts to add around S$300 million to S$400 million to Singapore's economy in the first quarter."

 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/taylor-swift-concerts-boost-singapore-economy-gdp-growth-forecast-4186226#:~:text=Taylor%20Swift%E2%80%99s%20concerts,the%20first%20quarter.

15/3/24, 12:32 pm - +Liang Wei: Solution may be managing every piece of the "cost supply chain"  a bit better.

15/3/24, 12:34 pm - +Rama: Same for upcoming deep purple rock concert!?

15/3/24, 12:36 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

100% medical coverage feed buffet syndrome and people being greedy and reckless - will abuse it.

This is the ugly side of human nature.

Government making policy must first address this headon - by inducing co-payment so that people feel the pinch and will only use it when necessary, and use it responsibly.

This is human nature.

Government must tackle it from a psychological angle first. <This message was edited>

15/3/24, 12:42 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Even if the medical cost come out to $10,000 treatment, co-payment of 10% is $1,000.

If people is so rich to go private hospitals, cannot even afford $1,000 co-payment - rather than abusing it and bankrupt the nation and the people?

15/3/24, 12:42 pm - +Liang Wei: There is also a need to think through carefully certain commonly accepted costly assumptions. Eg digitalisation of healthcare notes. While that is useful in many instances eg in acute hospitals, it may not be needed to the same degree in other settings. Eg hospice and end of life care. The system can be far simpler as there will not be the usual ins and outs in acute hospitals. A good summary and itemisation of key issues may be sufficient. We may not need expensive medical  IT systems to be deployed there.

15/3/24, 12:43 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Co-payment force people to use privilege services carefully - and use it when necessary.

Not abusing it.

15/3/24, 12:44 pm - +Rama: Just like making civil servants pay 10% of health care costs started when LHL was I believe DPM which pissed them off!

15/3/24, 12:46 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Hence I don't buy 100% medical coverage for private hospitals.

Because even restructured public hospitals - people are already co-pay 90% : 10%.

Why rich individual using private services insist 100% - at the expense of the public at large?

It is a very flaw thinking - and purely selfish.

15/3/24, 12:48 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Yes.

I was in the thick of it.

And praise PM Lee for the foresight to make it right.

Else Singapore budget will constantly in deficit - and we will always be in huge debt like many developed countries.

15/3/24, 12:48 pm - +Shanesu: This message was deleted

15/3/24, 12:48 pm - +Kenneth Lee WM: It’s great that we are doing our part to alleviate the suffering.

I just hope that the aid doesn’t go to Hamas but to the actual civilians. There’s no mention of who the recipients are. It just says air drop with help of Jordanians. <This message was edited>

15/3/24, 12:49 pm - +Rama: Agree

15/3/24, 12:50 pm - +Rama: This is good for surgeon who depend on medical tourism

15/3/24, 1:08 pm - +Thank You Woman: Question. Number 1 

$4 million is it from tax payer $$$

$300 million is only estimated not confirm and the $$$ goes to? Citizens or “company”

15/3/24, 1:09 pm - +Thank You Woman: How much does all these cost ?

15/3/24, 1:10 pm - +Sam: If 50% of the amount attracts GST, that's already $13.5million. Government revenue likely goes into social spending

15/3/24, 1:14 pm - +Thank You Woman: My sis single and  only earn $1,500 below per month w/o this 100% coverage cannot imagine she cannot do anything when her oncologist attending to her was the most senior and refused to give her chemo so she either wait and die or follow instruction to get her kidney remove by the surgeon huh…..I accompany her through from her first diagnosis of stomach pain hence I know.  It was the group of cancer support group who recommended her the TCM and oncologist!!!  Well, this is NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH at least.

15/3/24, 1:17 pm - +Thank You Woman: 🤔 tourist can claim back GST right

15/3/24, 1:20 pm - +Thank You Woman: Wisdom from our ancestors:

人为财死 鸟为食亡（Human die of $$$$, birds die for food) 

Once you have food you can CAGE the wild be it bird/monkey/rat/tiger.

谈钱伤感情（$$$$ money 💴 hurt feelings Be it family/govt) nothing but the truth!

15/3/24, 1:26 pm - +Rama: Blood suckers!

15/3/24, 1:26 pm - +Thank You Woman: Wisdom tells us to do good and not greed.  Be it Buddha or sharing from a pastor spouse offer time/help even money and more will come to you.  I learn to experience it and the universal law is so amazingly TRUE!

Now 47yrs old do not know nor understand even many ppl around me.  I only study till sec 2 and not been working for 20 over years but volunteering and being a care giver I am living a tai tai Iive 🙏. Not to brag but the law of universal

15/3/24, 1:29 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

If you so rich, I assume you won't mind to help your sister co-pay 10% of her hospital fees.

I presume.

15/3/24, 1:30 pm - +Thank You Woman: I at 20yrs old also used to think who can get sick mostly I pay 10% like $2K for hospital bill BUT 10yrs later after seeing my sister sick and accompany her everywhere to seek treatment and before seeing her recovery I called my prudential agent out PLEASE COVER MY WHOLE FAMILY!!!! thank god I did 🙏

15/3/24, 1:31 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: Good.

15/3/24, 1:35 pm - +Thank You Woman: At that time my sis got cancer I was 7months pregnant and after her operation and I on maternity my dearest mother collapse and was totally dependent and so much more at that time dun say financial just mental itself is devastating as well as physical……I still have my father Inlaw a kidney dialysis patient and mil a cancer relapse patient what Else thinking of all these is NOW I really thank god/Buddha that they help me stay strong and overcome all these🙏

15/3/24, 1:36 pm - +Rama: Wise move!

15/3/24, 1:37 pm - +Rama: I feel your predicament. 😔😳

15/3/24, 1:37 pm - +Rama: Not necessarily even amongst immediate family!

15/3/24, 1:39 pm - +Rama: Treasure your health, eat wisely and moderately, exercise, get enough sleep and do regular annual medical check.

15/3/24, 1:39 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

1. Singapore injection of grant $2 to $4 million grant that multiply into $300 million to $400 million economic growth - is a typical illustration of Multiplier Effect through Circular Flow of Income.

2. Government spendings, plus Consumer consumption, Export, etc. --- are economic techniques to boost Economic Growth and increase our GDP.

3. So when overseas travellers come into Singapore to watch Taylor Swift concert, our domestic Economy will directly benefits, because foreigners have to spend when they come into Singapore :-

Eg.

a. Pay airfares.

b. Pay hotel stay.

c. Pay transport.

d. Pay food and drinks.

e. Pay concert tickets.

f. Buy souvenirs and gifts.

etc.

So our business, will directly benefit - contributing to revenues, profits - and pay taxes to the Government.

At the same time, it creates jobs for our people in all these sectors.

4. The multiplier effect is 150% growth.

15/3/24, 1:39 pm - +Rama: Great foresight

15/3/24, 1:43 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

5. At the same time, it is free marketing and branding for Singapore - as the world get to know Singapore - and trigger a secondary effect of attracting more 1st time or repeat tourists into Singapore.

15/3/24, 1:45 pm - +Rama: Yes. Taylor Swift beau amazed by our country!

15/3/24, 2:04 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

1. Coming back to today's topic, I will approach Gaza conflict from a Humanity angle.

2. 1stly, we must always ensure fairness, justice, objectiveness without biasness.

3. We must be able to ascertain what is right, what is wrong - and not be bias based on our faith, culture - and support wrongdoings even though we know is wrong. Everything we do must be based on conscience 良心。

Only then,our viewpoints will be taken seriously with respect.

4. 

a. Hamas has conducted an atrocity on 7 Oct, massacre many civilians, and foreigners.

UN did not objectively issue condemnation in a timely manner - and in fact the resolution was shot down when it was raise by a Western Country. This is obviously wrong and UN has lose its conscience.

UN team says rape, gang rape likely occurred during Hamas’ attack on Israel.                                                                                               Only now, UN single out Hamas atrocities --- after hammering Israel in many condemnation in UN while failing to condemn Hamas earlier.                                                                                                                     This trigger Israel ferocity in their counterattack to demand justice.                                                                Hence if karma is not properly address - complication will arise.                                                     https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/un-team-says-rape-gang-rape-likely-occurred-during-hamas-attack-on-israel 

"UN envoy says 'reasonable grounds' to believe Hamas committed sexual violence on Oct. 7".

https://www.yahoo.com/news/un-envoy-says-reasonable-grounds-192026159.html#:~:text=UN%20envoy%20says%20%27reasonable%20grounds%27%20to%20believe%20Hamas%20committed%20sexual%20violence%20on%20Oct.%207 

"Hamas attackers raped women’s corpses, UN finds".

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/hamas-attackers-raped-women-corpses-001423058.html#:~:text=at%20any%20time-,Hamas%20attackers%20raped%20women%E2%80%99s%20corpses%2C%20UN%20finds,-Rozina%20Sabur 

b. Israel right to defence - to protect their civilians from further attack and massacre is justifiable - as no Countries in the right mind do nothing when they are slaughter by militants in cold war.

Terrorists must be apprehended and punished. But UN seems to be blind to this.

c. But when Israel counter-attack - bombing Gaza civilians, starving Gaza civilians, killing 30,000 over civilians - the response has gone overboard.

Indiscriminate killings of civilians who are not part of the militants - are massacre as well.

It is wrong for IDF to kill innocent civilians.

d. Having say so, civilians must be protected and fed - and not be collectively punished - who are not part of the militant's crime.

15/3/24, 2:10 pm - +REACH: 📢 *Topic* 📢

15/3/24, 2:14 pm - +Jimmy Chew: The sad part is that the majority of citizens voted for Hamas

15/3/24, 2:15 pm - +Jimmy Chew: Cf the German chose Hitler's party. There will be repercussions

15/3/24, 2:17 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Israel and Palestine history is a very complex and complicated historical and religious settings.

The root cause is - both are unable to accommodate and mutually coexist and indulge in mutual respect.

This is the root cause of centuries, decades and years of problem and bloodshed.

15/3/24, 2:22 pm - +Rama: Disagree on point c. When you hide amongst the civil population to engage the enemy, aren't you guilty of the same atrocities you are accusing the enemy of!?

15/3/24, 2:23 pm - +Rama: Palestinian have to accept living under Jewish authority. No such thing as a Palestinian state!

15/3/24, 2:33 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

1. If people are able to be truly compassionate, able to work on mutual respect, mutual coexistence, - then historical hatred and revenge will stop.

2. I come across Buddhists help and donate to Hindus to build their temple - side by side with a Buddhist temple.

Devotees pray to the Hindu deities after praying to the Bodhisattva in the Buddhist temples.

And Hindus devotees did the same thing.

Because both practice Samadhi meditation.

Both believe in attaining Samdahi and Enlightenment.

Except there are some differences in faith whereby Hindus pray to the God while Buddhist aspire to attain Emptiness Nirvana.

But both accord one another in mutual respect.

3. Buddhists won't fight to take control over the Holy places of Buddha - eg. in places like India and Nepal (who now practise Hinduism) and not Buddhism - the place of birth, 1st expound of Dharma Teaching, Bodhi Tree that gain Enlightenment and place of Parinirvana - passing of the Buddha.

Buddhists are taught and practice - "Buddha is in our Heart" - will not insist taking control of Buddha Holy place and pilgrimage. 

One of the largest Buddhist temple complex is managed by Indonesia Muslim in Borobodur.

Buddhists are grateful to India, Nepal and Indonesia for taking care of Buddha Holy sites and welcome Buddhists to visit in pilgrimage.

Hence Peace, No killings, no violence is the main tenet and core teachings of Buddhist teaching.

4. I am waiting for the day, Abrahamic religions - specifically, Judaism, Catholics, Christianity, Protestants and Islam - one day can visit their Holy Places --- mutually respect one another, mutually co-exist --- as they come from the "Same Root" praying to the "Same God".

Then centuries of religious violence will one day stop.

Because "God is in the Heart".

15/3/24, 2:33 pm - +Jimmy Chew: I thought Israel gave concessions eg food, water, allow workers to enter. Hahaha the workers spied on the kibbutz <This message was edited>

15/3/24, 2:34 pm - +Rama: Concessions being repeatedly abused!

15/3/24, 2:35 pm - +Jimmy Chew: Palestinian wants war . All money on war development and annihilation

15/3/24, 2:38 pm - +Rama: They want what is not frightfully theirs!

15/3/24, 2:39 pm - +Rama: This is happening in Singapore but not across the causeway where their IRO does not include Muslims!

15/3/24, 2:50 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

e. Watching innocent civilians suffer, children, women and men baked in hot sun, dashing from place to place, deprive of food and water, eating grass, sea water, cactus -- is difficult and painful to watch.

f. Buddhist temples like the Phor Kark See Temple, Buddhist Lodge etc raise funds from Buddhist devotees to help innocent people in Gaza and Israel - truly from Humanitarian ground - just cannot afford to watch the immense sufferings like Human Hell - starving without food, water, medicine, tent to shield from the hot sun easily 40 degree celcisus.

But such donations and aids are shortlived - and unsustainable.

g. A permanent solution - that ensure Israel and Palestine co-exist peacefully must be looked into.

h. I can't think of better solution - other than the 2 State solution - whereby both live side-by-side with mutual respect and mutual co-existence and mutual economic dealings to promote prosperity.

There must also be peaceful, mutually respectful way for people of different Abrahamic sects and lineage - to pray and worship the "Same God" from "Different Prophets" under the "Same Root".

Cannot imagine "Different Siblings fight and go at each other throat" - while worshipping the "Same Father?" How will the "Father" feel when their sons - fight one another to death and bleed - while worshipping the "Father"? Will the "Father" want to see this happen?

This is the only way to ensure permanent peace and mutual respect.

15/3/24, 2:57 pm - +Landon: That's not true. My friends cousin is a Palestinian, he doesn't want war, nor his friends or neighbours. 

It's Hamas that is looking to solve issues through war.

15/3/24, 2:58 pm - +Bhavani: We must look at the environmental consequences!! I have been seeing a focuse on profits ever since I was born!! <This message was edited>

15/3/24, 2:59 pm - +Bhavani: We must stop talking about profits, money, capitalism, economy, finance if we want Singaporeans to become more environmentally conscious!

15/3/24, 3:00 pm - +Landon: You can be environmentally conscious and be profitable as well

15/3/24, 3:00 pm - +Bhavani: Many Singaporeans keep travelling overseas because there are limited nature places in Singapore!

15/3/24, 3:00 pm - +Landon: That's natural. Tourism is good.

15/3/24, 3:01 pm - +Landon: We have lots of foreigners coming to Singapore because there are limited business opportunities overseas

15/3/24, 3:01 pm - +Bhavani: Tourism is not good if it leads to conspicuous consumption of artificial goods!

15/3/24, 3:02 pm - +Bhavani: Foreigners cause overcrowding and congestion in Singapore!

15/3/24, 3:02 pm - +Landon: So we should ban tourism?

15/3/24, 3:03 pm - +Bhavani: Why must Singaporeans tolerate overcrowding and congestion? This impacts human rights!

15/3/24, 3:04 pm - +Bhavani: Singapore should be an exemplar of supporting human rights if it wants other countries to follow suit!

15/3/24, 3:04 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

1. Once, I visited a Middle East County - Dubai in a working trip.

2. A group of us lost our way to go back to our hotel and we drifted under more than 40 degree outside without water - and we are quite desperate.

3. Trying to flag a taxi outside (other than our hotel) - is extremely tough.

4. We have to skirt through a very long way to reach our hotel.

5. Then I notice there is a shortcut - that is we will have to cut through a mosque before we reach our hotel.

6. All my colleagues disagree to do so, (because at that time, it is a very sensitive time - not too long after 911).

7. However, a Muslim in white robe happen to step out from the mosque (he look like a staff working in the mosque).

8. I politely bow to him (as he look pleasant) - and told him about our plight.

h. He immediately offer to help - and say "Come with me, I bring you into the mosque and come out through the back door".

i. I appreciatively say thank you and begin to remove my shoes out of respect as we need to walk through the hall (I believe is the praying ground) of the mosque - a very big place. My colleagues also start to remove their shoes.

j. The Muslim staff when see ask do that say "No need, no need to take out your shoes. Just follow me".

k. As we walk past the mosque praying area, we walk with respect - and lo and behold, we are at the back door and we see our hotel across the street.

l. I asy "Thank You respectfully" and the Muslim staff smile broadly.

m. This is the 1st time I step into a mosque - and it is a Middle East Country - not too long after 911 - a very sensitive time.

n. Having say so, if we treat people with different faiths with respect, people will reciprocate.

15/3/24, 3:06 pm - +Bhavani: This message was deleted

15/3/24, 3:06 pm - +Bhavani: You mean limited business opportunities for foreigners?

15/3/24, 3:08 pm - +Bhavani: This message was deleted

15/3/24, 3:21 pm - +Rama: Point g and h out of the question!

15/3/24, 3:22 pm - +Rama: Nonsense

15/3/24, 3:22 pm - +Rama: Based on whose interpretation!?

15/3/24, 3:53 pm - +Rama: Can any country survive without tourism!?

15/3/24, 3:54 pm - +~N: Just wanted to share this too in support of what you said about how there’s a lot of tit for tat actions on both sides. It’s a long complex history very much a construct of colonial times and unfortunately the tensions remain till today. To be fair, this is also the only country in the world where apartheid is still practised actively today. 

https://amp.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/22/claims-of-israeli-sexual-assault-of-palestinian-women-are-credible-un-panel-says

https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/02/israelopt-un-experts-appalled-reported-human-rights-violations-against

15/3/24, 3:54 pm - +Rama: Bhutan is one example of limited tourism to protect the environment

15/3/24, 3:55 pm - +Rama: Disagree on it being the only country in the world that practices apartheid!

15/3/24, 3:56 pm - +~N: Thanks Rama. Grateful if you could give other examples of current practices?

15/3/24, 4:00 pm - +REACH: 📢 *Topic* 📢

15/3/24, 4:03 pm - +Rama: Nadia,  Malaysia, North Korea, Iran, China, India, Myanmar, Nigeria,USA. Andrew

15/3/24, 4:14 pm - +Landon: Why do they have to accept?

15/3/24, 4:15 pm - +Landon: Yes, but would you be okay with Singapore increasing income taxes. We are a tax haven by definition.

15/3/24, 4:16 pm - +Rama: They have no ancestors going back over three thousand years of history to justify.

15/3/24, 4:16 pm - +Landon: They have different national interests

15/3/24, 4:16 pm - +Landon: And Bhutan isn't a cosmopolitan country.

15/3/24, 4:16 pm - +Rama: No they can't. Everyone country does a balancing act.

15/3/24, 4:16 pm - +Rama: Must it be?

15/3/24, 4:17 pm - +Rama: So does every nation.

15/3/24, 4:19 pm - +Landon: So you can't use Bhutan as an example because they aren't like Singapore. It's not comparable.

15/3/24, 4:19 pm - +Landon: It's like comparing a Horse and Apple

15/3/24, 4:19 pm - +Landon: Not even the same species

15/3/24, 4:21 pm - +Rama: Irregardless, tourism is how countries show people their lifestyle, way of life, culture, customs and traditions amongst many others.

15/3/24, 4:21 pm - +Rama: Species do adapt and cross breed.

15/3/24, 4:22 pm - +Rama: Let's see the future of cloning.

15/3/24, 4:23 pm - +Landon: So you're saying an apple and horse can cross breed?

15/3/24, 4:26 pm - +Rama: That remains to be seen in the very distant future

15/3/24, 4:40 pm - +Khuan Yew: I think it is a good approach by the government to provide the humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Instead of having to pick sides, it is good that the government recognises the need to help the civilians in Gaza instead of ignoring their situation. At the same time, I believe that the Singapore government like the US government is working through diplomatic channels with Israel to resolve the situation. 

Rather than pick sides, it would be better that Singaporeans also recall our history where the Israelis came as “Mexicans”  to help build up the Singapore Armed Forces in 1965/1966.

15/3/24, 4:41 pm - +Rama: Either way, you are indirectly dealing with terrorist whether you like it or not.

15/3/24, 4:49 pm - +Landon: So you're saying we should just not provide aid and let innocent people die?

15/3/24, 4:54 pm - +Rama: There are innocent people on both sides of the fence. One is trustworthy and the other!?

15/3/24, 5:00 pm - +Sunny: One has aid, the other doesn't

15/3/24, 5:00 pm - +Sunny: it's not about deciding people's innocence from our position or their political future <This message was edited>

15/3/24, 5:01 pm - +Sunny: it's about deciding whether we will send them food when they are hungry from war. That is all the policy is about

15/3/24, 5:02 pm - +Rama: What we send is comforting to the central distribution point only.  Beyond that, theft starts.

15/3/24, 5:15 pm - +Khuan Yew: The SG government is helping the Gaza civilians with the airdrop humanitarian assistance. If Hamas decides to take the airdrop supplies for their fighters, that’s beyond everyone’s control. But Singapore has already done its part instead of turning a blind eye.

15/3/24, 5:15 pm - +Rama: We do agree that there is pilferage.

15/3/24, 5:16 pm - +Landon: Both actually have aid.

15/3/24, 5:17 pm - +Rama: One is sure to reach the particular recipient for sure!

15/3/24, 5:24 pm - +Thank You Woman: Both side also have true

15/3/24, 5:25 pm - +Rama: One side is very subjective to receiving the actual intended aid

15/3/24, 5:25 pm - +Thank You Woman: So it’s actually who is the leader(decision maker) for each individual Govt bodies different “attitude”

15/3/24, 5:33 pm - +~N: Just want to highlight that people who are 25 now were 8 the last time there were elections in Gaza. Hamas was “elected” in 2006, which was also the last time elections were held. Even then, Hamas didn’t win a majority of votes, just more than anyone else. Gazans at the time were primarily focused on getting rid of Fatah, which was notoriously corrupt. This is without factoring in the fact that the Hamas of 2006 was approaching things from a primarily political rather than military perspective at the time. Unfortunately, you will also find that Hamas was all along backed and supported by Netanyahu and the various Israeli governments who propped them up for years at the expense of the PA. So, complicated situation there <This message was edited>

15/3/24, 5:35 pm - +Rama: Just like the Americans propped up Osama bin laden when the Russians were in Afghanistan only for him to turn on them subsequently.

15/3/24, 5:43 pm - +~N: That took another turn real fast. But the point is that for most of the folks in the strip, they’ve not been part of an election for as long as they can remember or lived. So kinda hard to say a group that is being funded by a third party that is now at war with you because of that same group, that it represents you when you didn’t vote for it or ask them to do that. <This message was edited>

15/3/24, 5:45 pm - +Rama: People here have been suppressed for far too long under extreme living circumstances.

15/3/24, 5:52 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

1. After we return to the hotel, my colleagues turn from apprehension - apprehensive looks turn to amazement - say to me, "You very brave. Only you can do such feat."

2. I look at them and smile.

3. I think to myself, if you can see people's heart, speak to their hearts, nothing is impossible. <This message was edited>

15/3/24, 6:00 pm - +Thank You Woman: North Korea 😂

15/3/24, 6:00 pm - +REACH: 📢 *Topic* 📢

15/3/24, 6:02 pm - +Thank You Woman: Never try never know 人之初性本善（everyone is kind by nature)

Seek help whenever requires

15/3/24, 6:05 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

But if cannot see people's heart, don't do it.

A person can be lynch for blasphemy.

15/3/24, 6:07 pm - +Rama: Yes

15/3/24, 6:07 pm - +Rama: In most predominantly Muslim countries

15/3/24, 6:08 pm - +Rama: Be tactful nonetheless

15/3/24, 6:08 pm - +Bhavani: Of course I'm not nonsense

15/3/24, 6:08 pm - +Bhavani: Not talking nonsense

15/3/24, 6:10 pm - +Rama: No such thing as a ideal population size to prevent over crowding and imply human rights abuse.  Singapore has never gone down that road.

15/3/24, 6:10 pm - +Rama: 😳

15/3/24, 6:12 pm - +Bhavani: As usual you must always put my views down without sense

15/3/24, 6:15 pm - +Bhavani: Of course to have an optimal quality of life we must look at population size

15/3/24, 6:15 pm - +Rama: Which the government is constantly doing

15/3/24, 6:15 pm - +Bhavani: Stop making strange emoticons

15/3/24, 6:16 pm - +Bhavani: Without reason

15/3/24, 6:16 pm - +Thank You Woman: Channel 8

Hongkong drama

Big white Duel 2

Doctors vow one injury is too many and even if it’s not following the MOH regulations to a DOCTOR saving a life is PRIORITY!!!

戏如人生人生如戏（Life is like drama, drama is like life)

15/3/24, 6:17 pm - +Thank You Woman: What goes around comes around 🙏

15/3/24, 6:17 pm - +Rama: Land acquisition means many things in this tiny dot and housing for population size is a factor. So, overcrowding infringement on human rights does not factor.

15/3/24, 6:19 pm - +Rama: Honour killing still being practised even in UK and some predominantly Muslim countries!

15/3/24, 6:22 pm - +SL: Don't understand what the issue is of providing Humanitarian aid, many western countries doing so 🤷‍♂️

15/3/24, 6:25 pm - +SL: https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights#:~:text=Article%201,in%20a%20spirit%20of%20brotherhood.

15/3/24, 6:29 pm - +Rama: Being a predominantly Muslim population, local aid agencies were paranoid about faith conversion to Christianity like during the Indonesia tsunami way back.

15/3/24, 6:33 pm - +Rama: Signing a UN charter is different from implementation by individual governments.

15/3/24, 6:35 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Save even one life must be able to do it with wisdom and use better means.

Not kill others just to save one life. <This message was edited>

15/3/24, 6:35 pm - +Rama: Agree

15/3/24, 6:39 pm - +Thank You Woman: As I watch news now abt preventive elderly fall.  Remind me that my father Inlaw was admitted to SGH and he fell hence to go toilet he need help from nurse to bring him however they choose to put him on diaper and when I visit him I question reason being not enough nurse !!!

I called nurse manager to come and day time there are nurse student more manpower hence putting the patient on diaper less movement eventually muscle die off and cause the elderly mobility handicapped I learn all these being a caregiver for my mother.

Met an aunty with her mother on wheel chair and they told me the same story they just put the ah ma on diaper and eventually the ah ma leg muscle was too weak to stand and walk.  This is what happened in GOVT hospital there are so much more I’ve seen

15/3/24, 6:40 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Like what you say, all go public hospitals - sure cannot make it.

So all must go private hospitals lor?

15/3/24, 6:42 pm - +Rama: Pampers solve one thing but creates another.

15/3/24, 6:42 pm - +Rama: Cost factor

15/3/24, 6:42 pm - +Thank You Woman: Precisely “LAW” is dead and to be review every year!  Recently various board started to review the PCI (per capital income) till someone highlight.

Even vice activities the law was just review and renewed the last one was a decade ago hence the prostitution able to rent private condo and even pay for the fine hence the activities carries on

15/3/24, 6:43 pm - +Rama: 😳🤷‍♂️😆🤨🤦‍♂️

15/3/24, 6:43 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

So what are you suggesting, to ensure healthcare costs are kept and unsustainable?

And provide good healthcare services?

15/3/24, 6:44 pm - +Thank You Woman: Not all will go private at least you don’t it’s your decision and I respect however to restrict others by constraints then it is not nice

15/3/24, 6:45 pm - +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 😊

15/3/24, 6:45 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Only special for you and families, must go private hospitals.

Let others who go public hospitals sponsor and subsidies your costs isn't it?

15/3/24, 6:45 pm - +Thank You Woman: If Taylor swift give business then vice versus it give business to the private doctors and hospital

15/3/24, 6:46 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Huh ???

Don't understand your analogy.

15/3/24, 6:46 pm - +Thank You Woman: Local insurance does not cover dental BUT They are overseas insurance that does

15/3/24, 6:46 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Sorry, how come divert to dental?

15/3/24, 6:48 pm - +Thank You Woman: It’s falls under insurance

15/3/24, 6:48 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

As far as I know, Ministers, public officers, and many public go to public restructured hospitals - and got very good treatment and recover very well.

They are not so pampered like must go privilege private hospitals - and expect others to subsidize them.

15/3/24, 6:49 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

If you want such privilege, co-pay - Don't expect others to subsidize your privilege.

What so difficult to understand?

15/3/24, 6:49 pm - +Thank You Woman: lol they are ministers so obviously they are being well treated

15/3/24, 6:50 pm - +Rama: Class A ward in a public restructured hospital.

15/3/24, 6:50 pm - +Thank You Woman: My mum was in Yishun KTP she 1st went in as private then subsidies it’s totally different treatment the medication also different in 2016

15/3/24, 6:50 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

My family members not ministers, we also get very good treatment.

Both my parents now more than 90 years old, still very healthy thanks to our public hospitals.

15/3/24, 6:50 pm - +Rama: God bless your parents.

15/3/24, 6:50 pm - +Thank You Woman: So lucky

15/3/24, 6:51 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

Aiyah, all your family members is make of royal flesh and need special treatment lah.

Then you pay for it.

No one will make noise.

Don't exploit public funds. <This message was edited>

15/3/24, 6:58 pm - +Thank You Woman: Your parents in C ward?

15/3/24, 7:00 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

I don't know whether they go c wards or b2 wards because not me send them there.

My brother will know.

But they co-pay 10%.

15/3/24, 7:00 pm - +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 😊

15/3/24, 7:00 pm - +Thank You Woman: lol just that we so lucky to met the doctors that refuse treatment and thank god to have guided us to buy the IP plan 100% coverage

15/3/24, 7:00 pm - ☸️  Danny 心: 

I if warded choose C wards.

I also co-pay 10%

15/3/24, 7:01 pm - ~ REACH Singapore changed this group's settings to allow only admins to send messages to this group

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