REACH (Telegram) 41 - What are your thoughts on the amendments to the Community Disputes Resolution Act? How else should community disputes be resolved amongst neighbours?

(SK)

13 Nov 2024 (10am - 7pm)

REACH (Telegram)

REACH Singapore, [13/11/2024 9:46 AM]

Dear contributors,

Welcome back! 😊

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Megan 😊

REACH Singapore, [13/11/2024 10:05 AM]

📢 Topic 📢

In Parliament on 12 November, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong explained why the Government was amending the Community Disputes Resolution Act to allow authorised officers to order neighbours to go for mediation.

He said that it would encourage disputes to be amicably resolved, and address cases of neighbours who refuse to consider mediation, or do not show up for the mediation session despite agreeing to do so. 

This amendment was among the other changes to the Act meant to curb spats between neighbours.

💬 What are your thoughts on the amendments to the Community Disputes Resolution Act? How else should community disputes be resolved amongst neighbours?

📌 Establishing a new Community Relations Unit (CRU)

Under the changes, a new Community Relations Unit (CRU) will be established, where officers will be given investigatory and enforcement powers to intervene in neighbour disputes.

Minister Tong said that the Community Relations Unit (CRU) will focus resources only on severe neighbour noise and hoarding cases that are causing “disamenity” to the community. It will have the discretion to judge the severity of cases with the specific facts and circumstances of each case, he added.

“I would also like to caution that we must strike a balance between the CRU stepping in to manage a dispute, and also at the same time leaving enough room for neighbours to settle the private disputes between themselves,” added Minister Tong.

Senior Minister of State for National Development Sim Ann also said that the CRU is aiming to begin pilot operations in Tampines from the second quarter of 2025.

📌 Enhancing the powers of the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals (CDRT)

The CDRT, which remains an avenue of last resort for severe disputes, will have its powers enhanced so that it can deliver "quicker and more effective relief", Minister Tong said. 

These include having a general requirement that residents must attempt mediation before filing a CDRT claim. 

The CDRT will also be able to issue mandatory treatment orders or interim orders. The mandatory treatment order which requires an offender to undergo psychiatric treatment can be issued if the CDRT has reason to believe that the respondent’s acts of unreasonable interference stem from an underlying psychiatric condition. 

An interim order could be issued if acts of unreasonable interference appear as if they are likely to continue, and are likely to have a substantial negative impact on the claimant. The order will allow claimants with serious cases to obtain relief more quickly.  

📌 Reconciliation should be the first priority

While the government is introducing these changes, the aim remains to build a “strong, resilient, cohesive community”, said Minister Tong.

Although there have been steps taken to foster a shared understanding of community norms among residents when it comes to noise, disputes will still arise, and the “guiding principle” is that neighbours should “proactively and constructively” engage with one another, and try to reach a workable compromise, he said.

Even with the new framework, this is the best way to resolve a dispute between neighbours, he added, and pointed out that around 90 per cent of neighbour noise feedback is resolved after grassroots and other community leaders, or HDB officers, help both sides reach an amicable compromise. 

“Ultimately, I call on all members to help us through our interactions with our residents. To build a gracious society, where neighbours are conscious of their role in the community, to exercise mutual consideration for one another, and where differences are best bridged through discussion and compromise, and not necessarily direction or order,” Minister Tong said.

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/mandatory-mediation-a-first-step-in-settling-disputes-between-neighbours-edwin-tong 

👉 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/community-relations-unit-dispute-management-mediation-bill-4742921

----

Khai Mun L., [13/11/2024 11:04 AM]

Seems to be limited to houses itself. What about noise from outside houses?

Such as coffeeshops, parks, void decks etc. Managed by the respective agencies such as nparks, town council etc?

Would face similar issue of collecting 'weak' evidence from phones of sound levels and enforcement actions.

REACH Singapore, [13/11/2024 11:14 AM]

[ Poll : 1) I support the amendments to the Community Disputes Resolution Act. (Please share your thoughts in the chats!) ]

- Yes

- No

- Unsure

REACH Singapore, [13/11/2024 11:14 AM]

[ Poll : 2) What other issues raised in Parliament on 12 Nov are you concerned about? (Choose as many as you wish. Please share your concerns in the chats!) ]

- Boosting COE supply before projected peak in 2026

- Proposal of new workplace fairness legislation

- New canteen models for schools

- Others

Steven Ong, [13/11/2024 11:14 AM]

A good step forward to manage undesirable neighbours' behaviours. But at the same time, it'll be good to continue to have regular/permanent notices in lifts and lift landings to remind everyone to observe good habits and be considerate. Door-to-door regular education should be done to reduce any conflicts. Last resort is to let courts decide. By then, relationships are broken.. 远亲不如近邻.

Steven Ong, [13/11/2024 11:17 AM]

The effective policing and enforcement of the proposed workplace fairness may not easy. Thus whisperblowing has to be encouraged as well. Not easy for SMEs..

Khai Mun L., [13/11/2024 11:21 AM]

I don't agree with increasing COE supply. They would take up more space, cars still need to be parked. Cannot force drivers not to be out at certain hours, only encouraged.

There's too much pandering to potential car owners this year.

REACH Singapore, [13/11/2024 12:27 PM]

Dear Contributors,

We want to HEAR MORE from you!

💬 What are your thoughts on the amendments to the Community Disputes Resolution Act? How else should community disputes be resolved amongst neighbours?

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

Do also share your opinion by participating in our polls! The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous.

Thank you!

Megan 😊

G, [13/11/2024 1:12 PM]

How to reconcile the transport minister comments?

In Sep, he said public transport fares should not be linked to service levels and disruptions:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/east-west-line-train-disruption-chee-hong-tat-4678956

Then now in Nov he said raise reliability means taxpayer and commuters could bear cost:

https://mothership.sg/2024/11/rail-reliability-targets-mrt-raise/

Is he taking us for a ride?

Muhamed Shadiq, [13/11/2024 1:22 PM]

It would make sense to link quality of service/ service level to certain key indicators to justify any adjustments to the public transport fare. Should performance be one of the key indicators? Inflation? Economic conditions? Profit levels over a period of years?

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 1:45 PM]

Correction note:-

HSRP and VRRP are for "Active-Passive" mode.

GLBP (Gateway Load Balancing Protocol) are for "Active-Active" mode.

Jun Ming, [13/11/2024 1:58 PM]

I don't like some minister who just want to suck our money

Jun Ming, [13/11/2024 2:01 PM]

Anyway would just ask gov for more alternative lines and methods that is on the West and north south and the north east side

REACH Singapore, [13/11/2024 2:01 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

Jun Ming, [13/11/2024 2:05 PM]

Hope it's not police officer style where it escalate the problem

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 2:06 PM]

1. Government has raise issuance of govt securities to $1.5 trillion to grow CPF, local debt market.

2. Wonder will the government raise the limit of Singapore Saving Bond of $200,000 to $300,000 per account holder or not since government will abolish the CPF SA account for 55 years old that attract 4% interest.

3. These will offer more choice for CPF account holders to want to move their SA savings to OA of 2.5% or to a similar safe financial security instrument like the long term 10 years higher interest SSB government bond.

4. T-bill duration too short, only few months.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 2:13 PM]

Also notice too many important topics in Parliament to discuss.

Wonder will REACH be open tomorrow again so that more topics can be discussed.

G, [13/11/2024 2:17 PM]

Don't forget about the 5 expensive mayors too

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 2:18 PM]

1. Minister Shagmugam mention in Parliament that foreign driving instructors will be engaged for class 4 licences for driving lessons for conversion of migrants workers.

2. But no mention of Class 3 licences that face similar predicament - many learners cannot book driving lessons slots in the 3 driving lessons for 6 months and the PDL licence expired already through no fault of them.

a. Can extend the PDL licence of such learners?

b. Can more foreign driving instructors be engaged and extend to class 3 licence driving learners as well?

Muhamed Shadiq, [13/11/2024 2:46 PM]

That could be one of the ways to hold public transport accountable to the commuters and keep them on their toes to consistently maintain optimal standard.

Khai Mun L., [13/11/2024 2:47 PM]

But any KPI stated would be arbitrary, and how would it be calculated against money?

1km=10cents?

Why choose 250km vs 100km

Khai Mun L., [13/11/2024 2:48 PM]

Select any figure, people would also question

Khai Mun L., [13/11/2024 2:49 PM]

After pick figure, then need to adjust yearly/monthly for inflation?😂

Would be never ending cycle

Muhamed Shadiq, [13/11/2024 3:14 PM]

The mandatory mediation: 

The Gov took a step in the right direction. It's long overdue. Would provide the much needed support from the legal empowerment perspective to the officers attending to such cases.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 3:24 PM]

1. As our power and water capacity are under strain, multi billion $ investment new Data Centre investors have move to Johor.

2. This DC investment create many high value high income IT jobs for Singaporeans.

3. Will our government consider more effective and cost effective power sources such as safe nuclear SMB reactors or nuclear fusion to power the DCs and continue to attract high value added DC investment into Singapore?

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 3:28 PM]

Special praise for :-

1. Anti-scam responsibility framework co-bear by banks, Telco, customers.

2. Pre-emptive freezing of fund transfers by stubborn victims to scammers.

This will prevent more money lost suffer by scam victims.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 3:30 PM]

Also special kudos to bringing more housing into fruition and keeping price affordable for new BTO flats as well as extending to single who needs a flat of their own.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 3:33 PM]

1. Finance need to watch out for holding of US Treasury as Elon Musk is proposing using Bitcoin to repay US public debt of US$35 trillions dollars with Bitcoins.

2. How will this impact us?

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 3:35 PM]

"Bitcoin surges above record $81,000 as Elon Musk warns of ‘financial emergency’".

Toying using Bitcoins to repay the mammoth US$35 trillion public debt. https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/bitcoin-record-musk-cryptocurrency-financial-emergency-b2645391.html#:~:text=at%20any%20time-,Bitcoin%20surges%20above%20record%20%2481%2C000%20as%20Elon%20Musk%20warns%20of%20%E2%80%98financial%20emergency%E2%80%99,-Vishwam%20Sankaran

xXx.SCAR.xXx, [13/11/2024 3:38 PM]

We have Project Ubin+, won't be taken by surprise.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 3:42 PM]

But Bitcoin is cryptocurrency in the wild.

Many dark sides in Bitcoin investment - money lauderers, terrorist, drug trafficking money, arm smugglers, kidnappers, tax evaders, money crocodile swindlers, gamblers etc are using Bitcoin as digital heaven.

If Bitcoin are use for mainstream money supply to resolve Treasury debts - I think the whole world could move into an unchartered water.

Sleazy dark money - that can wildly swing global financial system and disrupt the world money supply.

I think is no joke.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 3:45 PM]

It may trigger the similar currency speculation in Asia financial crisis - by money speculators bringing down Thai baht, Malaysia ringgit, Indonesia rupiah - causing hot money outflow and bringing down Asia economies in one big swap.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 3:46 PM]

In Bitcoin - it will be global financial crisis.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 3:47 PM]

That's why, there are too many important topics to discuss in this Parliament sitting.

But time too short.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 3:49 PM]

Limited Bitcoin, US $35 trillions too big amount.

1 Bitcoin value $100 million?

Mind boggling.

And values can swing up and down very wildly.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 3:51 PM]

For the next 4 years - I think the whole world will witness a very turbulent world - whether in economy, finance, diplomacy, geopolitical or military clashes.

Sit tight.

Meanwhile, our government need to carefully safeguard our national interest all rounded.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 3:53 PM]

As voters, we need to keep our best, bright mind Cabinet safe.

No joke.

REACH Singapore, [13/11/2024 4:01 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 4:01 PM]

1. The new workplace fairness legislation protect all our workers whether senior, gender, disabilities, nationality.

It cover the ground comprehensively.

2. But on the ground, I am not sure how it will play out? Because business very smart in exploiting loopholes and even legislation can't hold them.

3. It apply not only to SME, but also MNCs, big enterprise and even GLCs.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 4:18 PM]

Also project ubin is issue by Central Bank under its management and control.

Our money supply are properly regulated.

So as other countries cryptocurrency.

But Bitcoin is a wild wild west.

No one control, in fact exploited by many sleazy players.

It will be akin to sleeping with the devil the moment our mainstram money supply go into Bitcoin.

Jun Ming, [13/11/2024 4:18 PM]

I think crypto will be very common in the future world

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 4:19 PM]

Ok if run by Central Banks of the respective countries.

But not the cryptocurrency in the wild.

Jun Ming, [13/11/2024 4:19 PM]

Using crypto to pay for service will be the norm

Jun Ming, [13/11/2024 4:19 PM]

Of course there will be token that is regulated by central banks

Jun Ming, [13/11/2024 4:20 PM]

But not many will use it

Jun Ming, [13/11/2024 4:21 PM]

Or maybe Singapore dollar can replace by something similar like usdt

xXx.SCAR.xXx, [13/11/2024 4:21 PM]

The world will eventually settle down to a digital currency standard that is legal tender & backed by sovereign authority.

Jun Ming, [13/11/2024 4:22 PM]

But people will still use things that is not regulated. This is the trend

Jun Ming, [13/11/2024 4:24 PM]

Maybe the world may unify into one currency eventually

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 4:27 PM]

Also converting US$35 trillion into Bitcoin is like printing US$35 trillion.

How will this impact US currency - a free fall in US $ value? Become banana money.

Bitcoin must be back by something - else it has no value.

If Bitcoin is back by US$, then US$100 become US$1 - because suddenly printing US$35 trillion is no joke.

The world will experience  unprecedented inflation.

And the world will experience the Monster - hyperinflation - more than 100% increase in prices.

That's too much money chasing too few goods.

Muhamed Shadiq, [13/11/2024 4:33 PM]

I agree that the world will slowly creep towards digital currency where it will the next medium of international exchange / the world's reserve currency which will be controlled by the superpower of the day just like the current greenback.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 4:52 PM]

1. Errant neighbors causing unnecessary noises and nuisances as well as hoarding things that block the passage is quite a challenge to the victims.

2. Examples noise deliberately or unintentionally created in wee hours that disturb the sleep and peace of neighbors causing sufferings.

3. Normally mediation and peaceful communication to stop such disturbance will be the best approach.

But unfortunately, for some rare cases, the personalities of some or some with mental disorders can be a big challenge to achieve amicable solution.

4. Hence I support Government policy with more teeth to permanently resolved such neighbor nuisance and disputes.

It is warranted.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 4:59 PM]

We need to maintain our Singapore dollars.

Cannot be replaced by common currency.

Because the moment we lose our control of our own currency, we lose our arm to manage our economy.

We cannot just depend on fiscal policy to manage our economy.

We also need our $S to regulate our economy.

Else we cannot control our inflation today - and will be at the mercy of other countries.

We will lose our trade advantage, financial hub, fail to attract investment, lose our jobs and many financial and economic fallout.

No countries in the world want to lose their own currency.

It will lose their sovereignty and their means to manage their economy. It is suicidal.

This Bitcoin saga is moving towards losing our control of our own currency and our sovereignty.

That's why we need to ensure our best brains Cabinet intact come the coming election.

We can go from boom to bust if we make a wrong decision or wrong policy.

Not a joke!

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 5:14 PM]

Even our sovereignty over our CPF, sovereign wealth and our own wealth will be gone if we lose our Singapore dollars.

I think is madness.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 5:15 PM]

Imagine all our Singapore currency suddenly convert to Bitcoin - run behind by sneaky figures.

All our money safe or not?

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 5:20 PM]

If one day the world decide to devalue the common currency due to mismanagement, all our wealth, sovereign reserves, CPF gone in one day.

Our elected government cannot do anything.

Madness, suicidal.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 5:32 PM]

Eg. Assuming our US treasury multi billion $ suddenly become useless - don't know what coin - we lose all our treasury money.

If we convert all $S into a common currency - and in future another rouge person do similar thing.

All our CPF, sovereign funds and our wealth become useless banana money.

We lose all our wealth overnight.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 5:32 PM]

Crazy right?

Local, [13/11/2024 5:46 PM]

I don’t believe in fair mediation. There are conflicts of interest when the mediator and other side of the neighbor are not Singaporean.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 5:48 PM]

​​As of April 2024, Singapore held approximately $200 billion in U.S. Treasury securities.​​ ​​ ​​This positions Singapore among the top foreign holders of U.S. Treasury debt, reflecting its strategy to invest in stable, liquid assets.​​​​

Source:- Chatgpt

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 6:01 PM]

Even all EU countries that use euro common currency keep their own country currency eg. Pound, Deutsch, etc.

While the Euro is the official currency of the European Union, not all EU countries use it. In fact, seven EU countries have chosen to keep their own currencies, and they are:

- *Denmark*: Uses the Danish krone (DKK), and is legally exempt from adopting the Euro despite meeting all requirements ¹.

- *Sweden*: Uses the Swedish krona (SEK), and has chosen not to adopt the Euro ¹.

- *Bulgaria*: Uses the Bulgarian lev (BGN), but is expected to adopt the Euro in the future ¹ ².

- *Czech Republic*: Uses the Czech koruna (CZK), and has no immediate plans to adopt the Euro ¹.

- *Hungary*: Uses the Hungarian forint (HUF), and has no immediate plans to adopt the Euro ¹.

- *Poland*: Uses the Polish zloty (PLN), and has no immediate plans to adopt the Euro ¹.

- *Romania*: Uses the Romanian leu (RON), but is expected to adopt the Euro in the future ¹ ².

Source :- Meta AI

REACH Singapore, [13/11/2024 6:02 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

Jun Ming, [13/11/2024 6:33 PM]

Imagine if us Change their currency to bit coin.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 6:33 PM]

I think crazy.

They better don't do silly things.

Jun Ming, [13/11/2024 6:34 PM]

Or maybe a crypto currency. Since Elon musk have pair up with Donald trump

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 6:34 PM]

See China so big, they control their yuan very well.

Because they don't want outsiders to mess up their financial system and their economy.

Jun Ming, [13/11/2024 6:35 PM]

Since they are in debt they want to play cheat

Jun Ming, [13/11/2024 6:35 PM]

So anything can happen

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 6:36 PM]

We better be on our toes and navigate from storm to calm sea.

We need all the best brains in Cabinet to do it.

Else we all die.

Jun Ming, [13/11/2024 6:36 PM]

Stable country won't do anything but those instable countries see crypto as a saver

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 6:36 PM]

We better stay clear.

Jun Ming, [13/11/2024 6:38 PM]

Think about it as corrupted agencies won't know how much you have 

There's privacy to avoid abusive people from taking hard earn money and chances of increase their wealth

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 6:39 PM]

That's why we need to be smart to escape from damages from rouge people.

Jun Ming, [13/11/2024 6:41 PM]

If one country take foots in using crypto as a common currency, more countries will follow. Singapore need to follow as well strategically

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 6:41 PM]

They are trying to write off their mammoth debt from creditors.

And we are one of their big creditor US$200 billion 债主。

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 6:42 PM]

Then it become suicidal.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 6:44 PM]

Project ubin our cryptocurrency is back by S$ not common currency.

REACH Singapore, [13/11/2024 6:45 PM]

Dear Contributors,

⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰

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

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 6:51 PM]

Singapore manage our $S through exchange rate against a basket of currency - make our economy grow very well.

Whereby trade is 3 times our size of our GDP.

About $1.5 trillion.

The moment we go common currency - we lose all our advantage.

And many people',s jobs that deal with trade will be gone.

Jun Ming, [13/11/2024 6:51 PM]

Yup as a government, you would need a centralised system

Jun Ming, [13/11/2024 6:52 PM]

But many people would prefer using decentralised system for crypto. For example axs and grab accepting bit coin

Jun Ming, [13/11/2024 6:53 PM]

So in future there might have 2 currency systems in Singapore

Jun Ming, [13/11/2024 6:55 PM]

I wonder in Singapore if it is illegal to not accept Singapore currency?

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 6:55 PM]

Business consideration is totally different from governance.

And business people usually don't understand how economic monetary policy works.

That's why there are so much friction between the new president and Fed.

Now Elon and new president try to meddle with fed, its monetary policy and the wild idea of repaying Treasury debt by Bitcoin --- is madness.

I don't know how the world will become after 4 years.

Jun Ming, [13/11/2024 6:56 PM]

Some business may just sell items and only accept a certain coin as payment

Jun Ming, [13/11/2024 6:57 PM]

This is how businesses may override gov in the future

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 6:57 PM]

Well project ubin in future is the right direction.

Now Bitcoin, and other non mainstream will still be relevant.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 6:58 PM]

Then government all over the world will lose sovereignty and cannot run their own country because they lose financial management sovereignty.

LCL (Danny 心), [13/11/2024 7:00 PM]

Cannot even proposed Budget to run the country.

REACH Singapore, [13/11/2024 7:00 PM]

Dear Contributors

We will be closing the chat for today.

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

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

====

REACH (Telegram) 40 - Over the course of the sitting, we will be sharing articles on key issues discussed. Please share with us what areas you might be interested in and let us have your views on them.

(SK)

11 Nov 2024 (10am - 7pm)

REACH (Telegram)

REACH Singapore, [11/11/2024 10:07 AM]

Dear contributors,

Welcome back! 😊

⏰ We will be opening the chat from 10:15am to 7pm today. ⏰

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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. 

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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://www.reach.gov.sg/Participate/reach-telegram-group/REACH-Telegram-Group-Chat-Terms-of-Use/

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 😊

REACH Singapore, [11/11/2024 10:15 AM]

📢 Topic📢

Parliament will sit today (11 Nov) at 12pm. Parliamentary questions regarding the recent oil spill incidents, the disruption of Singtel landline services, telemedicine standards in Singapore in the wake of a probe into MaNaDr Clinic and the recent Bukit Panjang LRT disruption will be raised. 

💬 Over the course of the sitting, we will be sharing articles on key issues discussed. Please share with us what areas you might be interested in and let us have your views on them.

📌 Oil Spills in October

• On 20 Oct, oil spill containment measures were activated after a leak from a pipeline belonging to major energy company Shell occurred. On 29 Oct, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was alerted to an oil spill off Changi during bunkering operations between a Bahamas-flagged bulk carrier and a licensed bunker tanker. 

• MPs have asked whether a review is required for oil sighting and alert mechanisms given Singapore's status as a global bunkering hub, the impact of the spills on Singapore’s seawater quality and marine ecosystem, whether the government will be checking the structural integrity of all oil pipelines in Singapore’s waters, and whether any penalties will be imposed on companies that cause such issues.  

📌 Disruption of Singtel landline services

• An hours-long Singtel landline outage on Oct 8 disrupted calls to emergency services, healthcare institutions, banks and businesses in what the telco said was an "isolated incident".

• MPs asked about what could have caused the landline disruption, whether existing business continuity requirements are adequate for instances where a telco supports essential services, how such an incident could be prevented in future, and whether any action will be taken against Singtel.

📌Telemedicine Standards in Singapore

• MPs asked about the measures in place to ensure telehealth providers consistently meet patient care standards, whether additional regulatory frameworks will be developed, whether teleconsultation services meet the appropriate standards, and whether MOH has received feedback on potentially errant medical clinics

📌 Bukit Panjang LRT

• MPs asked when the Bukit Panjang LRT services would be resumed, the current progress of its upgrade project and the status of the replacement of its first-generation trains.

👉🏻 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/parliament-order-paper-singtel-landline-outage-oil-spill-telemedicine-oxley-road-4735506  

👉🏻 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singtel-phone-line-users-report-service-outage

👉🏻 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/oil-spill-in-singapore-waters-after-leakage-in-shell-s-land-based-pipeline

 👉🏻 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/oil-spill-bunkering-operations-changi-bahamas-flagged-bulk-carrier-bunker-tanker-4708711 

👉🏻 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/manadr-clinic-lapses-flag-importance-of-good-clinical-governance-telehealth-players  

👉🏻 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/lrt-bukit-panjang-disruption-train-fault-stall-4695971

REACH Singapore, [11/11/2024 10:15 AM]

Other Salient issues

• PM Wong’s 8 Nov Press Conference

• Pritam Singh’s trial

• Priest stabbed during Mass on 10 Nov

• Expansion of National Electronic Health Record

----

REACH Singapore, [11/11/2024 11:04 AM]

[ Poll : Which issue are you most interested in for today’s Parliament sitting? ]

- Oil Spills in October 

- Disruption of Singtel landline services

- Telemedicine Standards in Singapore 

- Bukit Panjang LRT disruption

Dr. Goh, [11/11/2024 11:10 AM]

None. Plenty of backlog regarding job data and employment of local born.

May Ong, [11/11/2024 11:45 AM]

What about DACs for post-18 students?  There's a great lack of supply for many years.

Jun Ming, [11/11/2024 12:53 PM]

Telemedicine is just too much limitations

Jun Ming, [11/11/2024 12:57 PM]

You expect to diagnose people with just online meetings without doctors looking at your throat and pressing your body hearing your lungs?

Jun Ming, [11/11/2024 1:01 PM]

I think to ensure standard 5 minutes at least for consultation

REACH Singapore, [11/11/2024 2:01 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

REACH Singapore, [11/11/2024 2:14 PM]

Dear Contributors,

We want to HEAR MORE from you!

💬 Over the course of the sitting, we will be sharing articles on key issues discussed. Please share with us what areas you might be interested in and let us have your views on them.

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

Do also share your opinion by participating in our polls! The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous.

Thank you!

Megan 😊

REACH Singapore, [11/11/2024 2:33 PM]

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/telemedicine-standards-valid-enforcement-ong-ye-kung-manadr-clinic-moh-4740151

LCL (Danny 心), [11/11/2024 2:39 PM]

*Disruption of Singtel ISDN landline services*

1. ISDN landline - which are usually PRI (Primary Rate Interface) are used for hotline voice 23 concurrent call 64Kbps.

It also can be used for video conferencing, data transmission etc.

ISDN PRI is usually used by enterprise.

2. ISDN BRI (Basic Rate Interface) with 2 channels is used for SME voice and data transmission.

3. Looking at so many enterprise voice hotlines down, likely Singtel ISDN PRI is affected that trigger downtime.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/11/2024 2:44 PM]

1. With the advent of advanced data technology like SONET, DWDM backbone and GE (Gigabit Ethernet), MPLS VPN, router, LAN switches, Optical technologies - it has replaced ISDN PRI and BRI - to transmit data, voice, image, video, video conferencing etc.

2. But ISDN PRI are still used by voice hotlines in many enterprises such as the 999, 995 and other public services or private enterprises as dedicated voice hotlines.

3. Redundancy, resilient system in any IT systems are usually very important - because if the primary system is down, rightfully the backup system should be able to take over - to ensure there are no downtime.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/11/2024 2:50 PM]

1. In the case of police, civil defense, hospital and other voice hotlines, usually it is a good practice to connect 50% of the voice hotline to a primary Singtel ISDN PRI and 50% to a secondary Singtel ISDN PRI (if Singtel has 2 ISDN PRI system).

2. Else, it is more prudent for police, civil defense, hospital and other voice hotlines, to subscribe to 50% of the voice hotline to a primary Singtel ISDN PRI and 50% to a secondary Starhub ISDN PRI.

I believe Starhub does have a ISDN PRI system.

3. In this way, if Singtel primary ISDN PRI is down, only 50% of the voice hotline is affected, while the other 50% secondary ISDN PRI is still up and can service the voice hotline -- with no downtime to the public.

Singtel can then take its time to bring up its down ISDN PRI line - and is transparent to the public.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/11/2024 2:52 PM]

1. But of course for the public sectors and private enterprise to subscribe to 2 ISDN PRI systems - likely it will involve higher costs - as it lack Economies of Scale.

2. But balancing the consequences of downtime to critical voice hotlines to public services that can be life threatening, the higher cost maybe warranted.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/11/2024 2:59 PM]

*Telemedicine Standards in Singapore*

1. It is shocking to read so many doctors involved in this telemedicine malpractice (whereas some doctors are even employed in public hospitals or clinics).

2. More than 6 years of study and medical practice go down the drain for these doctors - and their licences could be suspended.

Very sad that these doctors unable to observe the Medical Hippocratic Oath that they swear upon - to benefits patients with medical ethics and hurt themselves and their livelihood.

REACH Singapore, [11/11/2024 3:02 PM]

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore-proposes-laws-to-stop-stubborn-scam-victims-from-sending-money-to-syndicates

LCL (Danny 心), [11/11/2024 3:07 PM]

3. An errant boss in the medical service providers can set poor examples to the medical doctors he employed.

4. But as a trained professional doctors, they must stay strong and abide by their professional medical ethics and human moral ethics - what they do are right or wrong, and whether they have break the laws.

If what they are told to do is wrong, they must resist from wrong moral ethics and whistle-blow --- so that they will not hurt the patients they serve and eventually bad medical practices will be discovered - and their licences will be imperil.

5. Don't take chances and always be mindful to human inherent conscience that if a malpractice are force upon them, the doctors must stand up and not succumb to wrong practices - that will eventually hurt them and others.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/11/2024 3:15 PM]

1. During the covid, we have 1st experience on telemedicine with a polyclinc.

2. The telemedicine session is conducted in a professional manner (as it is a repeat consultation).

3. During the telemedicine via a Zoom video conferencing, the doctor go through the history, ask about symptoms, refer to previous medication given, visually eyeballs the patient (short of physical examination) and then prescribe the medicine (that are deliver to my house).

4. Patient recover after taking the medication and the telemedicine save travelling time and cost and is effective for repeat consultation (though I have some reservation about illness that are not follow-up consultation).

LCL (Danny 心), [11/11/2024 3:16 PM]

1. After covid, I will still prefer physical consultation at the clinics or hospitals - rather than telemedicine - as the doctors can do physical examination and checks - that cannot be done by telemedicine.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/11/2024 3:21 PM]

1. Just saw the CNA news flash - that the backup system kick in did not work when the primary ISDN PRI system go down.

2. If the ISDN PRI system (Primary and Secondary) are configured as "Active/Backup" - then chances is that the failover may fail - if contingency exercise are not conducted or the failover protocol may sometimes fail.

3. Good practice is to configure the ISDN PRI to be "Active-Active" - that is 50% on primary system, and 50% on secondary system.

If primary system is down, 50% of call is down. But 50% of the secondary system configure in "Active" mode still serve the public - no downtime - and transparent to the public.

Jun Ming, [11/11/2024 3:28 PM]

Removing mandatory minimum sentences for first time traffic offender. 

Which smart fellar come out with this idea

Jun Ming, [11/11/2024 3:30 PM]

Proposed changes to traffic rules to prevent some offenders from being overly punished

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/proposed-changes-to-traffic-rules-to-prevent-some-offenders-from-being-overly-punished

LCL (Danny 心), [11/11/2024 3:34 PM]

1. Using a network analogy to illustrate the "Active-Backup" concept versus the "Active-Active" concept.

2. Eg. 2 network systems are configured as HSRP "Hot Standby Routing Protocol" - as the name suggest:- Primary network system is configured as active to serve the public, and Secondary network system is configure as passive on standby mode.

Only when primary network system go down, then HSRP protocol will be activated and kick in to start up the passive Secondary network system.

But if HSRP protocol fails, then the backup network system will not start up.

Public will encounter the following downtime :-

a. Primary network system downtime

b. HSRP failover downtime

c. If failover fails, backup system unable to start up ---- then long downtime.

3. However if the 2 network system are configured as "Active-Active" - then VRRP (Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol) will be needed to ensure both Primary network system and Secondary network system are active.

If primary system is down, secondary system still serving the public - no downtime - primary system downtime is transparent to the public.

4. So ISDN PRI should similarly configure on an "Active-Active" mode - and should not rely on an "Active-Backup" mode.

xXx.SCAR.xXx, [11/11/2024 3:35 PM]

Learnt something new today

LCL (Danny 心), [11/11/2024 3:35 PM]

Hahaha

LCL (Danny 心), [11/11/2024 3:43 PM]

*Oil spills*

1. Singapore is a regional hub for oil bunkering - and due to previous covid pandemic follow by Mediterranean war and Middle East war - Singapore port and oil bunkering service grow phenomenally as many ships berth around our ports.

2. Hence as our ports get more and more congested, ships accidents and oil spills will become more likely.

3. Not sure if AI, maritime systems and technologies can make berthing and bunkering of ships more efficient to prevent accidents and oil spills.

Steven Ong, [11/11/2024 3:52 PM]

IMO, the landline disruption is unacceptable as we should have some kind of backup system to maintain seamless operations, especially for essential services. At the same time, it's a learning opportunity to prevent major issues in communication when unforeseen national level circumstances happen.

REACH Singapore, [11/11/2024 4:04 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

LCL (Danny 心), [11/11/2024 4:05 PM]

*PM Wong's 8 Nov Press Conference*

1. PM Lawrence Wong bring up a very worrying issue - geopolitical tensions - that will have a longterm profound effect on Singapore.

2. I feel the same, and in fact, if we analyse and look deep the challenges ahead of us ---- it is quite worrying.

3. The new US President in his election campaign has bring up a few policies that he intend to roll out if he wins - which are basically massive inflationary economic policies to booster the US Economy in an explosive manner :-

a. 60% tariff for China imported goods, 10 - 20% tariff to all other Countries import, 100% tariff to Canada and Mexico.

b. Tax cut

c. Deport illegal immigrants enmass that form the backbone of low cost blue collars work

d. Conjure American MNCs to come back to US.

e. Easing financial regulations.

f. Interest rate cut.

4. Let us examine the outcome and impact of such massive inflationary economic policies measures - and how it will impact us.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/11/2024 4:20 PM]

*Tariff war against all other Countries*

1. US has just recovered from the high inflation during covid 9.06% to the current 2.44% (Source:- Meta AI) - due to FED prudent intervention in regulating interest rate, quantitative tightening --- through Monetary Policy.

2. The reasons why US inflation shoot up to almost double digit (in which the Worlds also face such high inflation) are due to :-

a. Covid pandemic - disrupt production of goods, services, food and logistic supply chain.

b. War in Ukraine, Middle East war - disrupt shipping and production.

c. Global climate conditions that disrupt crops production.

d. US quantitative easing (printing money), very low interest rate, tax cuts, ramping up tariff war with China, EU and other countries (pre Biden times) --- whereby too much money chasing too little goods and services.

--- that cause inflation worldwide to spike during Biden's time.

3. Now, the factors that trigger the last inflation again surface - and will be double down or triple down.

4. 60% tariff, 10-20% tariff and 100% tariff are no joke.

$1 become $1.60, $1.20, $2.

5. American consumers will have to pay for the high tariff.

6. American consumers will reduce consumption, World export greatly impacted.

Singapore trade with US - about $120 billion will be impacted. And our export to US will likely to go down.

7. Other countries may retaliate with tariff on US, and the imported goods from US will also rise - leading to imported inflation.

8. Hence our inflation that we have controlled to about 2.5% will again spike.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/11/2024 4:22 PM]

*Tax Cut*

1. Tax cut will means more American companies and individuals to have more disposable income to invest and spend - boosting Economic Activities.

2. This means, more money will flow into the market to buy goods and services - to chase up limited supply - again trigger inflation to spike.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/11/2024 4:26 PM]

*Deport illegal immigrants working in blue collar*

1. Many American companies and SMEs are relying on low wage illegal immigrants (millions of them) to work and sustain their business.

2. Mass deportation will means labour shortage for US business, jack up high wages to employ locals (but many locals don't want to work eg. in construction, oil drilling, manufacturing etc).

3. Triggering wage-induced inflation - and inflation spike.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/11/2024 4:32 PM]

*Conjuring MNCs to on-shore*

1. Policies such as high tariff to make MNCs more expensive to export goods to US, BEPS (Global Minimum tax rate), sanctions etc --- are meant to conjure MNCs that wish to sell to US Economy from cheap production outside US to come onshore.

2. US is a very big consumption economy with $27.36 trillion (Source :- Google).

Hence some MNCs which predominantly sell to US Economy may force to uproot.

3. But the Global Economy GDP is $100 trillion minus $27.36 million - about $62 trillion.

4. Many MNCs may decide to stay and continue production to outside US Economy to the rest of the World - while pulling back some manufacturing capacities to US.

And US labour costs are very high as many skilled manufacturing workers are lost - and may lack skilled workers.

5. This lead to higher manufacturing overhead and costs --- and lead to higher prices goods and services --- again trigger inflation

LCL (Danny 心), [11/11/2024 4:40 PM]

*Easing financial regulations*

1. The Democrats and Biden administration have tighten financial regulations - to ensure sufficient financial reserves set aside in banks, prevent risky investment products, protect banking consumers - but this will limit banks and financial institutions in earning, higher compliance costs and lost opportunities.

2. By easing financial regulations in banks and financial institutions - that means banks and financial institutions will undertake more risky investment, less financial reserves to prevent run-on banks ---- and again subject banking customers to financial risks - as well as global lenders to US treasury.

3. Easing financial regulations is in effect a quantitative easing policy - and again will flush hot money into US economy as well as to Global financial market ---- again triggering runaway inflation -- as there will be too much money floating to the Global Financial System.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/11/2024 4:48 PM]

*Pressuring FED to reduce interest rate*

1. FED is a central bank - and is instrumental in using Monetary Policy to regulate the Economy (another arm to Government Fiscal Policy) - to keep US economy on even keel --- and should work independently to prevent on board Government from influencing the Monetary Policy - a check and balance measure to prevent US economy from going the wrong path - and cause catastrophic economic failure.

2. But the new President insist to intervene, want to sit as chairman and even insist on putting a pliant FED chief if the term ends for the current chief in 2026.

3. Basically the new President want the FED chief to keep interest rate low - so that business and individuals can borrow more loans and money --- to boost consumption -- causing more money supply to flow into the Economy ---- and trigger a phenomenal spike in inflation.

4. In so doing, the President business that depends on high leverage, debt and borrowing to run his business - will have more money to run his business.

5. But the consequences of all the above inflationary meausres will be the phenomenon call "Hyperinflation" --- a monster that result in Deep Depression in 1930s and trigger the WW2.

REACH Singapore, [11/11/2024 5:36 PM]

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/rail-reliability-target-mrt-lrt-cost-taxpayer-commuters-chee-hong-tat-4740341

REACH Singapore, [11/11/2024 5:38 PM]

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/recent-bukit-panjang-lrt-disruption-due-to-gear-failure-in-faulty-trains-wheel-assembly

Jun Ming, [11/11/2024 5:49 PM]

Have you ever wondered why failure rate of smrt is so high

Jun Ming, [11/11/2024 5:51 PM]

I think we don't mind mrt break down what we cannot accept is the lack of efficient alternative

Jun Ming, [11/11/2024 5:52 PM]

Especially the west side there is no Tel downtown line that run parallel to east west line

Jun Ming, [11/11/2024 5:53 PM]

And north south line there's no other alternatives so far that are parallel

Jun Ming, [11/11/2024 5:56 PM]

And north east line from punggol to little india I can't imagine if this section breaks down

Jun Ming, [11/11/2024 6:02 PM]

For free bus service during disruption it is not enough 

 notice not all mrt stations are connected directly with a car route. They often need to go a big round.

REACH Singapore, [11/11/2024 6:04 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

Jun Ming, [11/11/2024 6:06 PM]

So my suggestion is 

1.)build more roads that are parallel to mrt 

2.)More intersection in mrt tracks so mrt can terminate at more station 

3.) allocate more resources on stations with limited alternative in terms of maintenance

REACH Singapore, [11/11/2024 6:46 PM]

Dear Contributors,

⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰

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

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

LCL (Danny 心), [11/11/2024 6:48 PM]

Channel 8 news Minister Sun Xueling say, government also exploring Telco diversity.

Means looking at Starhub ISDN PRI as secondary network system for example as part of resiliency strategy.

REACH Singapore, [11/11/2024 6:59 PM]

Dear Contributors

We will be closing the chat for today.

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

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

====

佛，神， 魔。

08 Nov 2024

* 无我，自我(善), 自我(恶)。

* 涅槃，天堂，地狱。

* 空，起心动念(善), 起心动念(恶)。

* 因果(不赏罚), 赏罚(善) - 招因果，赏罚(恶) - 招因果。

* 不起心动念(没因果), 赏罚不圆满 - 误判，赏罚不圆满 - 恶判。

* 毗卢遮那佛 - 法身佛, 宇宙 - 沙婆世界 - 天堂 - 六道众生，宇宙 - 沙婆世界 - 地狱 - 六道众生。

*无我/慈悲/智慧，贪嗔痴(善),

贪嗔痴(恶)。

*不生不灭，六道轮回(善), 六道轮回(恶)。

Buddha, God, Mara (Devil)

* No-Self, Self/Ego(Wholesome), Self/Ego(Unwholesome).

* Nirvana, Heaven, Hell.

* Emptiness, Stray thoughts (Wholesome), Stray thoughts (Unwholesome).

* Rely on Universal Law of Karma (Don't administer reward/punishment), Administer reward/punishment (Wholesome) based on perceived what is wrong or right - but possibility of mis-judgement, ), Administer reward/punishment (Unwholesome) for self-interest and mostly evil.

* No stray thoughts (No Karma - hence no Samsara), Stray thoughts - evolution of Universe/Samsara (Wholesome) - possible misjudgement, Stray thoughts - evolution of Universe/Samsara (Unwholesome).

* Vairocana Buddha - Dharmakaya Buddha. (Origin of All Buddhas, All Enlightened Ones - that emerge from this Body), Universe/Samsara/Heaven - Evolution of 3 Wholesome realms sentinent beings (Heavenly Beings, Humans, Asura), Universe/Samsara/Hell - Evolution of 3 Evil realms (Animals, Hungry Ghosts, Hell beings).

* No-Self/Compassion/Panna Wisdom, Greed/Anger/Ignorance(Wholesome), Greed/Anger/Ignorance(Unwholesome).

* No birth/No death, Happy States in Samsara (Adam/Eve lead to evolution of Lifes in Samsara/Universe), Woeful States in Samsara (Hell beings). 

* Eternal, Celestial Lifespan, Hell Lifespan.

====

Note:- Quantum Physics prove - 1 stray thought of consciousess trigger a rippling effect throughout the Universe.

(Imply, Emptiness or no stray thought, no ripple effects through the Universe).

====

REACH (Telegram) 39 - What are your thoughts on the upcoming SG60 celebrations and efforts to engage the public? What do you look forward to for SG60?

(SK)

06 Nov 2024 (10am - 7pm)

REACH (Telegram)

REACH Singapore, [6/11/2024 10:23 AM]

Dear contributors,

Welcome back! 😊

⏰ We will be opening the chat from 10:30am 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 differnet 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://www.reach.gov.sg/Participate/reach-telegram-group/REACH-Telegram-Group-Chat-Terms-of-Use/

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 😊

REACH Singapore, [6/11/2024 10:30 AM]

📢 Topic 📢

Singapore will mark 60 years of independence in 2025 with a series of celebratory events.

The milestone is also an opportunity for Singaporeans to connect with one another, reflect on shared values and renew their commitment to the country, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Nov 4.

PM Wong, who is also Finance Minister, soft-launched the SG60 celebrations at an event to mark the 60th anniversary of Community Club Management Committees (CCMCs).  

💬 What are your thoughts on the upcoming SG60 celebrations and efforts to engage the public? What do you look forward to for SG60?

📌 SG60’s theme and goals

The theme of SG60 is Building Our Singapore Together, according to the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY).

It is meant to build on the Forward Singapore exercise, while celebrating the nation-building journey and allowing citizens to reflect on shared values such as multiculturalism, boldness, resilience and openness.

Programmes throughout the year will encourage Singaporeans to reflect, uphold and live out these values, said MCCY.

Examples include Chingay, Exercise SG Ready, Singapore World Water Day, Racial and Religious Harmony Month, the Singapore Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, and Project Citizens – The First Million, a Founders’ Memorial tribute to the founding generation.

There are also platforms to engage the public, such as the SG60 Youth Engagements organised by the National Youth Council and PA, and consultations under the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Draft Master Plan Exhibition.

📌 Everyone’s participation is welcomed

Referring to the SG60 programme, PM Wong said: “All this is core and central to the work of PA, the CCs [Community Clubs], and the CCMCs, so naturally all of you will be among our key partners for SG60.

“Beyond PA, there will be other organisations… who would like to do something for SG60. We welcome your participation too.”

He announced two PA initiatives that will launch in 2025 to foster community-led innovation, and support more ground-up initiatives.

First, 10 CCs will be part of a pilot to develop community innovation spaces. These can be used for activities like brainstorming sessions and capacity-building workshops, to develop creative solutions to local issues, said PM Wong.

In addition, PA and the CCMCs will organise a Community Innovation Hackathon in the first quarter of 2025.

Residents, volunteers, tech experts and others will work together to identify and analyse local issues, and develop innovative and practical solutions.

“I hope that SG60 will be a time for all of us to renew our commitment to Singapore and to take our nation forward towards a better and brighter shared future,” PM Wong said.

📌 Special gift for SG60 babies

In a Facebook post on Nov 5, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Indranee Rajah, who is also Second Minister for Finance and National Development, said that couples who have babies in 2025 can look forward to receiving a special gift for their little ones, as the nation marks 60 years of independence in 2025.

The milestone year will be a celebration of shared Singaporean values, including “that indefinable sense of family” despite the different races, religions and backgrounds here, she added.

“For Singapore to remain strong and thrive in the years to come, we will need more Singaporean families and, of course, more Singaporean babies to write the next chapter of our Singapore story,” she said.

“As a signal of the importance of marriage and parenthood to our future as we cross into our 60th year of nationhood, we are planning a special gift for our SG60 babies next year.”

More details will be revealed later, she said.

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/sg60-an-opportunity-for-sporeans-to-reflect-on-shared-values-renew-commitment-to-country-pm-wong  

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/babies-born-in-2025-can-expect-a-special-gift-as-singapore-marks-sg60-indranee

----

G, [6/11/2024 10:50 AM]

😂 all the freebies coming in to entice people to vote PAP?

Jun Ming, [6/11/2024 10:57 AM]

Is there gift for people who born in the year of independence

REACH Singapore, [6/11/2024 11:00 AM]

[ Poll : 1) I look forward to the SG60 celebrations. (Share your suggestions in the chats!) ]

- Strongly agree

- Agree

- Neutral

- Disagree

- Strongly Disagree

REACH Singapore, [6/11/2024 11:00 AM]

[ Poll : 2) What would you like to see for SG60? (Choose as many options as you like!) ]

- Festive performances and exhibitions

- Community-led initiatives

- SG60-related gifts 

- Others (Please specify in the chats below!)

Jun Ming, [6/11/2024 11:04 AM]

How do organisations participate and is there other gifts for non sg 60 babies

Jun Ming, [6/11/2024 11:04 AM]

As we are all babies

Hanny, [6/11/2024 11:12 AM]

We are living in a troubled world. People need to realize what we have and our challenges. We should use this 60 year anniversary as an opportunity to galvanize the society. Give community more opportunities n flexibility to organize.

G, [6/11/2024 11:17 AM]

Would very much like to see a reduction in cost of living through

1. Reverting GST to 3% or removed

2. Cutting lots of unnecessary recurring govt spending (e.g. mayors)

3. Cutting unnecessary govt vanity projects (e.g. white elephant founders memorial) that require future unnecessary recurring spending

Khai Mun L., [6/11/2024 11:24 AM]

Celebration of nature improvements, continued protection of wildlife and coastal environment.

Everything high tech means nothing if it is electric intensive and climate changes make survival difficult

G, [6/11/2024 11:34 AM]

Would also like to see an amicable resolution to 38 Oxley road saga without resorting to vendetta, name calling, character assassinations against private citizens

G, [6/11/2024 11:51 AM]

Celebratory spending should come from existing govt surpluses and should not be extravagantly budgeted for, and hence taxed for

Steven Ong, [6/11/2024 12:44 PM]

1) Important to practice Sustainability in events planning and organisation so that we can practice what we had been encouraging. Too much wastage after events and celebrations.

2) Initiate some community level activities for family bonding.

3) Recognise efforts done by various local communities, self help groups, nonprofits in advancing various causes.

REACH Singapore, [6/11/2024 2:01 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

REACH Singapore, [6/11/2024 2:44 PM]

Dear Contributors,

We want to HEAR MORE from you!

💬 What are your thoughts on the upcoming SG60 celebrations and efforts to engage the public? What do you look forward to for SG60?

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

Do also share your opinion by participating in our polls! The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous.

Thank you!

Megan 😊

LCL (Danny 心), [6/11/2024 2:57 PM]

1. Our internal unity and internal cohesion are becoming more important - as it look like we are going into an uncharted water and external geopolitical environment will be turning more and more challenging.

2. Trade tension, decoupling, tariifs and other unpredictable external factors that will affect our Economy will be intensified.

3. Hence our SG60 celebration will have to highlight increasingly more and more difficult and challenging external environment - while focusing on internal harmony, unity and cohesion to ride the challenges, navigate unchartered water, while planning for unexpected contingencies - that can cause mammoth turmoil be it economically, politically or even regional military clashes.

LCL (Danny 心), [6/11/2024 3:04 PM]

4. We have to find niches and look into untraditional uncharted path to sustain our Economic Growth and ensure our trading Economy will not be adversely impacted - while sustaining our GDP, our business and creating/maintain good jobs for our people.

5. The global GDP is about US$100 trillion.

6. Hence, we have to navigate our path of about $67 trillion to find our oasis of economic growth through trade with these Economies and ensure our trade-fuel economy will not be too much impacted.

This means our trade ministry, EDB, IE, foreign affairs will have to work harder - to navigate and find this niches.

Steven Ong, [6/11/2024 3:19 PM]

Celebrate the unsung heros last 60 yrs that make SG proud and our many successes on world stages. Recognise SG companies and organisations which had also went thru the challenges and growth of SG last 60 yrs and earlier..

Jun Ming, [6/11/2024 3:31 PM]

I suggest a one time gift for people who are older than 60 year old that grow with Singapore

Jun Ming, [6/11/2024 3:31 PM]

It doesn't make sense to have sg 60 gift for babies and not for people who actually build the country

Jun Ming, [6/11/2024 3:32 PM]

New citizen forget it

REACH Singapore, [6/11/2024 4:00 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

LCL (Danny 心), [6/11/2024 4:45 PM]

1. A good celebration should preferably be hybrid :-

a. Event(s) to commemorate the SG60 independence - to bring people together.

b. SG60 related gifts to keep for remembrance.

Adam, [6/11/2024 5:20 PM]

One time gift for 60 and above when sg 60. Then one time gift for 61 and above when sg 61. So on and so forth. People born before 1965 very huat.

Adam, [6/11/2024 5:22 PM]

I dont care about one time token gifts. And please dont waste money on celebrations. Give small chicken wing of ns voucher or gst but take the whole chicken back with gst rising

Adam, [6/11/2024 5:24 PM]

Instead of giving one off things, how about make 2025 a year to remember.

X policy enacted on 2025.

X target acheived 2025.

sure to remain on the history books better than some firework plus voucher.

Noor Naffissah, [6/11/2024 5:24 PM]

Yup I agreed as once they gave everything increases

Jun Ming, [6/11/2024 5:35 PM]

25% increase of salary of every Singaporean

Jun Ming, [6/11/2024 5:35 PM]

25% of decrease of all prices

REACH Singapore, [6/11/2024 6:00 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

G, [6/11/2024 6:28 PM]

Don't waste more tax money on frivolous vote buying things please

REACH Singapore, [6/11/2024 6:45 PM]

Dear Contributors,

⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰

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

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

REACH Singapore, [6/11/2024 7:00 PM]

Dear Contributors

We will be closing the chat for today.

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

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

====

REACH (Telegram) 38 - What are your views on the Singapore Public Sector Outcomes Review? How can we ensure Singapore continues to progress?

(SK)

04 Nov 2024 (10am - 7pm)

REACH (Telegram)

REACH Singapore, [4/11/2024 9:45 AM]

Dear contributors,

Welcome back! 😊

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

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

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

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

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

4. No need to repeat your comment or in differnet 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://www.reach.gov.sg/Participate/reach-telegram-group/REACH-Telegram-Group-Chat-Terms-of-Use/

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 😊

REACH Singapore, [4/11/2024 10:00 AM]

📢 Topic 📢

The Singapore Public Sector Outcomes Review 2024, cited progress in key areas of national interest from early education to employment and retirement.

💬 What are your views on the Singapore Public Sector Outcomes Review? How can we ensure Singapore continues to progress?

📌 Opportunities for all, at every stage of life

The employment rate of residents aged 25 to 64 was 82.6 per cent in 2023 compared with the pre-Covid-19 pandemic level of 80.8 per cent in 2019. There was also a steady supply of jobs in growth sectors, with 56.3 per cent of newly created positions in 2023 for PMET workers.

About 7 in 10 active CPF members turning 55 were able to meet their Basic Retirement Sum in 2023. A total of 388,000 lower-income workers and 260,000 seniors were supported in their retirement under the Workfare Income Supplement scheme and Silver Support Scheme, respectively, in 2023.

Singaporeans continued to have one of the longest life expectancies in the world, with life expectancy at birth at 87.7 for females and 83.6 for males. Progress has also been made in reducing the prevalence of high cholesterol and diabetes between 2017 and 2022, though the prevalence of obesity and high blood pressure went up during the same period.

Full-day pre-school places were increased to over 200,000 spots in 2023 to meet increased demand, while fees have become more affordable due to lowered fee caps for anchor operator and partner operator pre-schools in 2023.

📌 Quality and sustainable living

The median wait time for BTO flats improved from about five years in 2022, to three years and 10 months in 2023. There were 2,800 flats with shorter wait times launched in 2024, a year ahead of the Government’s targeted timeline.

More than 9 in 10 residents could walk, cycle or ride to their neighbourhood centres within 20 minutes, and two-thirds could commute to work within 45 minutes during peak periods using these transport options.

📌 The shared future and Singapore’s place in the world

This year’s review also highlighted some areas in which Singaporeans have partnered one another and the Government to “own, shape and act on our shared future together”, following from the Forward SG exercise to renew Singapore’s social compact. Through the Mentoring SG movement, individuals, businesses and other organisations have also come together to make mentoring more accessible to young people.

Crime rates in Singapore remained low, with reported physical crimes falling by 1.1 per cent between 2022 and 2023. Singapore’s recidivism rate is also among the lowest in the world, at 22 per cent for the 2021 release cohort.

📌 A strong and resilient economy

Singapore’s real GDP grew at an annualised rate of 2.6 per cent between 2019 and 2023. Real GDP growth for 2024 is expected to be at the upper end of the 2 per cent to 3 per cent forecast range, improving on the 1.1 per cent achieved in 2023.

Inflation slowed significantly in 2024, after having stayed high in the preceding two years. This is partly due to the appreciation of the Singapore dollar, a fall in food commodity prices and less labour market tightness, said MOF.

👉 https://str.sg/fGBc

👉 https://str.sg/sNPA

The Singapore Public Sector Outcome Review can be found at go.gov.sg/SPOR

====

REACH Singapore, [4/11/2024 11:00 AM]

[ Poll : 1. I agree with the Review that Singapore has made progress in key areas of national interest. Please share the reason for your answer in the chats!

 ]

- Yes

- No

- To some extent

REACH Singapore, [4/11/2024 11:00 AM]

[ Poll : 2. Which of the following themes do you feel are most important to you as Singapore progresses? Please share the reason for your answer in the chats! ]

- Opportunities for all

- Quality and sustainable living

- The shared future and Singapore’s place in the world

- A strong and resilient economy

LCL (Danny 心), [4/11/2024 11:26 AM]

*Opportunities for All*

1. Especially like the concept of Government Policies that shape the population lives "From cradle to grave".

2. Specifically, from pre-school, all the way to University education, jobs, housing, healthcare until retirement.

LCL (Danny 心), [4/11/2024 11:33 AM]

*The shared future and Singapore's place in the World*

1. Particularly like the Forward SG exercise - that allow participants to provide timely feedback to Government policies, help to smoothen rough edges and shape the policies more in line with the population needs renewing our social compact.

2. Agree that crime rates are low and rehabilitation rates are good.

LCL (Danny 心), [4/11/2024 11:36 AM]

*A strong and resilient Economy*

1. A strong economy is important for Singapore - as it will make businesses vibrant, create jobs, provide high income jobs, and create plenty of opportunities for the population as well as provide high tax revenue to the government that can benefit the population through government spendings.

2. This is achieved despite the challenging geopolitical landscape mark by geopolitical tensions, tariffs, sanctions, decoupling, friend shoring, near shoring, on-shoring etc.

REACH Singapore, [4/11/2024 12:39 PM]

Dear Contributors,

We want to HEAR MORE from you!

💬 What are your views on the Singapore Public Sector Outcomes Review? How can we ensure Singapore continues to progress?

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

Do also share your opinion by participating in our polls! The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous.

Thank you!

Megan 😊

Adam, [4/11/2024 12:55 PM]

Most of the stuff the are ok. However the gov should keep a very close eye on whether the performance metrics is correct.

Like bto wait time. It might decrease, but could it be that we just have fewer people applying due to decreasing marraige rates. Or what is the start point of calculating wait time? If we already prep the foundation and gonna confirm build but only let people apply much later on, we could reduce wait time even more.

For the walking and cycling, im sure you have seen the developments of cycling and pedestrian infrastucture. Imo its kinda underwhelming but better than nothing. Wish there was a more better solution like those cycling centric cities. But hey, at least some minister hit the kpi i guess.

What gets measured gets done. We might hit all the metrics but if people on the ground are dissatisfied, we need to look into more than numbers

LCL (Danny 心), [4/11/2024 12:56 PM]

Wonder why some people are still unhappy?

What issues make them unhappy?

Jun Ming, [4/11/2024 1:18 PM]

Erm I don't think the crime rates are low though

Jun Ming, [4/11/2024 1:19 PM]

Although compared to others it may seems low but based on news reporting rate it doesn't look low

LCL (Danny 心), [4/11/2024 1:20 PM]

Online scam rate is relatively high.

I think physical crime is respectable.

Jun Ming, [4/11/2024 1:22 PM]

I see a rise of reporting in murder quite recently

Jun Ming, [4/11/2024 1:22 PM]

Physical bullying and fighting

Adam, [4/11/2024 1:23 PM]

About crimes, it seems that many small things these days dont get police attention. People morelikely to post on social media and then maybe someone report. Idk if police will even do anything if they come

Jun Ming, [4/11/2024 1:24 PM]

I doubt police care about happy ending massage haha

Jun Ming, [4/11/2024 1:26 PM]

If police cares 70% of massage establishment will kena

Adam, [4/11/2024 1:26 PM]

Personally, i care more about white collar crime. Going after corrupt and rich is good

Adam, [4/11/2024 1:27 PM]

Hmm, but will it impact the 'strong and resilient economy' we care about

Jun Ming, [4/11/2024 1:28 PM]

I think those lose end police can clear de just don't cut the artery

Jun Ming, [4/11/2024 1:28 PM]

First...

Jun Ming, [4/11/2024 1:29 PM]

We can clear those parasites that sucks our money

Jun Ming, [4/11/2024 1:31 PM]

Took the train or bus to the office today? 💼

Fewer commuters are taking public transport on Monday and Friday. Experts say this reflects the rise of hybrid work arrangements among many companies in Singapore. https://str.sg/LJtB

Adam, [4/11/2024 1:31 PM]

Speaking of... we need to audit our gov spending. From construction cost of various project. Or the cookhouse food in saf. Are we getting our moneys worth, or is some cronies sucking up the finances.

Jun Ming, [4/11/2024 1:31 PM]

Another misleading article as 2019 COVID have not started in Singapore

REACH Singapore, [4/11/2024 2:00 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

Jun Ming, [4/11/2024 2:29 PM]

I think the definition of success to Singaporean is living less stressful instead of materialistic success. 

Now the challenge is how to live with lesser stress

Adam, [4/11/2024 2:32 PM]

Saying living less stress is cope

Adam, [4/11/2024 2:32 PM]

Less pie for singaporeans to go around so gov telling us to appreciate what crumbs we have

LCL (Danny 心), [4/11/2024 2:33 PM]

In our lifetime, there are few stressors along the way:-

1. Raising a child 

2. Study stress

3. Looking for job

4. Job stress

5. Adequate income

6. Cost of living 

7. Enough savings 

8. Marriage & raising a family

9. Occasion illness

10. Buying a house

11. Adequate retirement 

There will be occasional stress along our lifetime at different points in time.

It is how we see stress and manage them as it comes.

Successful management of life stressors will make us less unhappy as we live and grow out of it.

LCL (Danny 心), [4/11/2024 2:35 PM]

Managing expectations is one important aspect of managing stressors.

REACH Singapore, [4/11/2024 4:02 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

REACH Singapore, [4/11/2024 5:25 PM]

Dear Contributors,

We want to HEAR MORE from you!

💬 What are your views on the Singapore Public Sector Outcomes Review? How can we ensure Singapore continues to progress?

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

Do also share your opinion by participating in our polls! The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous.

Thank you!

Megan 😊

Steven Ong, [4/11/2024 5:46 PM]

IMO, it'll be good for agencies to continue to create opportunities and environment to support more SMEs to grow so that more jobs can be created and allow more Singaporeans to venture into entrepreneurship and venture overseas, especially ASEAN where many opportunities exist for local businesses to take advantage.

LCL (Danny 心), [4/11/2024 5:52 PM]

1. Food security is an area that may have problem meeting 30 X 30.

2. Cell culture meat, fish farm, plant based meat, vertical high tech agriculture - seems to have been hitting some snags.

3. In view of challenging geopolitical landscape, disruption of food supplies maybe possible not too far down the road.

Wonder if there any counter measures to ensure our 30 X 30 food security is intact.

REACH Singapore, [4/11/2024 6:00 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

LCL (Danny 心), [4/11/2024 6:04 PM]

1. On the diplomatic front, another financial bloc is forming specifically the BRICS that is touted to be an alternative to Swift.

2. The economic bloc GDP is fairly huge and is not an obstacle to trade unlike US which is not very trade friendly.

But nevertheless, diplomatic front, we are still not conducive to join for the obvious reasons of our stand in Ukraine war.

3. But in the long run if Ukraine war is resolved, whether should we put a leg in.

Just to understand how it operates, whether we can benefit from it.

Or are there initiatives that may be detrimental to us if we fully rely on Swift system.

LCL (Danny 心), [4/11/2024 6:35 PM]

1. In stock exchange front, our number of listings pale in comparison to the regional markets.

2. Our share prices and trading activities across the board are quite stagnant for a number of years.

3. Wonder any initiatives to drive up vibrancy in the stock market - without relying on sovereign funds dumping money to prop up the stock exchange.

REACH Singapore, [4/11/2024 6:45 PM]

Dear Contributors,

⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰

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

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

LCL (Danny 心), [4/11/2024 6:55 PM]

1. Come 5 Nov 2024 (tomorrow), will be a critical date to watch.

2. Whether will we see a candidate that propose 60% tariff on China's goods and across the board 10% tariff on all other countries including our export.

3. It may or may not happen.

But trade will be a challenge whether to a bigger extent or a smaller extent.

4. Will need to prepare how to overcome trade challenges if it becomes more and more difficult for us to trade and ensure we still can enjoy progressive economic growth as trade is 3 times the size of our GDP (close to $1.5 trillion).

REACH Singapore, [4/11/2024 7:00 PM]

Dear Contributors

We will be closing the chat for today.

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

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

====

REACH (Telegram) 37 - What are your thoughts on Singapore's transport affordability? What more can be done to ensure sufficient and affordable transport options for Singaporeans?

(SK)

30 Oct 2024 (10am - 7pm)

REACH (Telegram)

REACH Singapore, [30/10/2024 9:47 AM]

Dear contributors,

Welcome back! 😊

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

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

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

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

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

4. No need to repeat your comment or in differnet 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://www.reach.gov.sg/Participate/reach-telegram-group/REACH-Telegram-Group-Chat-Terms-of-Use/

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 😊

REACH Singapore, [30/10/2024 10:01 AM]

📢 Topic 📢

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced that up to 20,000 additional certificates of entitlement (COE) will be injected across the five vehicle categories over the next few years from February 2025. 

LTA said it is able to increase the vehicle population here by about 2 per cent of current levels as travel patterns have evolved, with the total mileage clocked by vehicles coming down by around 6 per cent from 2019 to 2023.

The new satellite Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system, or ERP 2.0, will also allow the authorities to better manage traffic congestion and vehicle usage by introducing new “virtual gantries”.

💬 What are your thoughts on Singapore's transport affordability? What more can be done to ensure sufficient and affordable transport options for Singaporeans?

LTA said it would allocate the additional 20,000 COEs after reviewing relevant information, including traffic data and the deregistration rate across various vehicle categories.

LTA also said it will consider further injections of COEs in future as more data and tools under ERP 2.0 are made available, including the possible option of introducing distance-based charging.

LTA said the Government’s long-term vision remains centred on being “car-lite”, with walking, cycling and public transport as the predominant travel modes.

It noted that the rail network has expanded by 18 per cent from 228km in 2019 to around 270km today, with more MRT lines and extensions slated to open over the next few years.

In line with this “car-lite” vision, there will be no change to Singapore’s zero vehicle growth rate for cars and motorcycles until Jan 31, 2028.

👉🏻 [ST] https://str.sg/LrRm

👉🏻 [CNA] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/coe-additional-quota-lta-erp-2-vehicle-growth-4709586

----

G, [30/10/2024 10:58 AM]

Election coming is it?

G, [30/10/2024 10:59 AM]

Or is it a way to apologise for the multiple train breakdowns so far and to preemptively apologise for future train breakdowns? 😂

G, [30/10/2024 11:00 AM]

2019 to 2023 are anomaly covid years, so use anomalous data to drive up COEs?

REACH Singapore, [30/10/2024 11:03 AM]

[ Poll : Do you support the move on the injection of COEs? Please share your views in the chat. ]

- Yes

- No 

- Unsure

REACH Singapore, [30/10/2024 11:03 AM]

[ Poll : Does Singapore have sufficient and affordable transport options? ]

- Yes

- No

G, [30/10/2024 11:30 AM]

I think households with 3-5 children under 16 should have 50% rebate off the prevailing COE for a purchase of a car with no less than 6 seats.  the 50% rebate shall be amortised over 10 years for the period of which the household owns the car, and the residual sum shall be repaid to the government upon the sale of the car at prevailing market rates.

Households with 6 or more children shall have 100% of their COE rebated, but the amortised repayment to the government shall remain.

Households with less than 6 persons purchasing a second car shall pay an additional 25% premium on the second car's new COE purchased, and that 25% cannot be carried into the sale of the car.

This additional premium shall be 50% of the COE for the third and subsequent car.

If the household purchases a second-hand car that is already in the market, the premiums shall be applied on the prevailing road tax of these cars.

Only live businesses (not shell companies) with an annual turnover of $25,000 shall be allowed to purchase any vehicles

---

You will see some numbers in your birth rate increase while managing the number of cars on the road..

Adam, [30/10/2024 12:04 PM]

My household big big

Adam, [30/10/2024 12:04 PM]

I single

Adam, [30/10/2024 12:04 PM]

My bro single

Adam, [30/10/2024 12:04 PM]

Granny single

Adam, [30/10/2024 12:04 PM]

All live with mom and dad

Adam, [30/10/2024 12:05 PM]

Big household

Adam, [30/10/2024 12:05 PM]

Wonder why household size so big yet pop not growing

Adam, [30/10/2024 12:06 PM]

I think if i start a new family, singapore average household size and household income will drop

REACH Singapore, [30/10/2024 2:00 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

REACH Singapore, [30/10/2024 2:16 PM]

💬 Dear Contributors,

We want to HEAR MORE from you!

💬 What are your thoughts on Singapore's transport affordability? What more can be done to ensure sufficient and affordable transport options for Singaporeans?

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

Do also share your opinion by participating in our polls! The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous.

Thank you!

Megan 😊

REACH Singapore, [30/10/2024 2:24 PM]

Greetings from REACH 

A warm welcome to those who have just been added to this chat group.

You have been added as you had previously indicated your interest at one of our events or through our online platforms. 

Some background information on how our chat groups work. We open this chat for discussion on specific issues to obtain your feedback, which we do share with the relevant authorities.

When there are no discussion topics, the chat is closed. We do this to ensure that our discussions remain focused on the issues discussed and the feedback is constructive.

For more info on REACH, you may visit https://www.reach.gov.sg/

If you have any feedback or suggestions on a particular government policy or issue, you may share your feedback through REACH’s Feedback Form: https://www.reach.gov.sg/feedback

We will help to bring your feedback to the attention of the relevant government agencies, which will reply directly to you.

Please be reminded to be respectful and considerate to others in this Telegram chat group.

Full set of Terms of Use: https://www.reach.gov.sg/Participate/reach-telegram-group/REACH-Telegram-Group-Chat-Terms-of-Use/

Megan 😊

LCL (Danny 心), [30/10/2024 2:27 PM]

1. ERP2.0 is awarded to the consortium NCS and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 2016, about 8 years ago.

2. The intent of ERP2.0 is to replace the manual ERP gantry with "virtual gantries in the air" - using GNSS - a constellation network of satellite from US, Europe, China, Japan and Russia.

3. As the purpose of ERP is to regulate traffic to prevent congestion, hence charges will be based on charging more on roads that are congested as well as the distance used (the longer distance, the higher charges)..

4. By doing so, more COE can be issued (but parking spaces must be able to accomodate the increase number of vehicles).

5. This will make more people happy, as some families will need to own a car for whatever reasons eg. need to ferry children, spouse, elderlies, buy goods, do business, sales, travel from places to places etc for work, study or leisure --- without the need to bid for exorbitant prices for a COE - as higher COE supply will lead to lower prices vis-a-vis demand.

6. 20,000 additional COEs to be allocated within a few years - to regulate squeeze COE supply in certain period - will help to prevent spike and dip - hence more predictable COE bidding prices in every bid - and hopefully, the COE price can fall below $100,000 ($50,000 more respectable .....)

7. 20,000 if spread out to 5 years is about 4,000 per year - not so much that put pressure on car park spaces, but do have some impact on COE prices ($50,000 COE is a wishful dream...) - but still able to keep car congestion in check - in view of ERP 2.0 that charge based on usage, distance based and congestion based.

8. Hence I support the injection of the 20,000 additional COE.

LCL (Danny 心), [30/10/2024 2:33 PM]

1. Having say so, owning cars are supplementary to the main public transport system - which should be the primary mode of transportation for the majority of the 6 million population.

Notably, MRT and connecting buses - should be the primary mode of affordable, convenient transport system for the huge mass of population to facilitate travel.

2. In addition to car ownership, taxi and private hire cars should also complement the transport system.

3. The up and coming new MRT lines should be good news..... at least there is a new line right in front of my doorstep to be ready by 2030 ---- no need to take a connecting bus to the nearest MRT.

LCL (Danny 心), [30/10/2024 2:36 PM]

1. However, I do have one complaint.

2. The booking of car lesson with the 3 private driving centres -- is completely inadequate for new learners..

3. Booking success rate is 1% and close to 0% ---- yet for 1/2 a year ---- no solution, cannot be solved - despite being reported in CNA news and other news.

4. Wonder when this can be solved?

LCL (Danny 心), [30/10/2024 2:39 PM]

"Singapore driving schools battle bots used by students forced to wait months to book for lessons"

 https://malaysia.news.yahoo.com/singapore-driving-schools-battle-bots-021856806.html#:~:text=Singapore%20driving%20schools%20battle%20bots%20used%20by%20students%20forced%20to%20wait%20months%20to%20book%20for%20lessons

Jun Ming, [30/10/2024 3:00 PM]

I think the ease of coe is good as some people heavily use their car for various transportation

Ethan, [30/10/2024 3:01 PM]

yes if  you dont have kids.

Jun Ming, [30/10/2024 3:01 PM]

For bus and train you need to ensure speed connectivity and safety in order to be compatible to car

LCL (Danny 心), [30/10/2024 3:09 PM]

1. Having say so, car ownership is still a heavy investment - and its lifespan is 10 yeas. 

The depreciation per years is 10% of car purchase price.

2. Hence car ownership is not for common man in the street, that need to fork out close to 6 figures to own the car, pay monthly car park, pay road tax, pay petrol or EV charges, pay car insurance, pay car maintenance, pay ERP etc.

3. Hence having a convenient, reliable and affordable public transport system - such as MRT and connecting buses - is still the best transportation option.

LCL (Danny 心), [30/10/2024 3:28 PM]

1. So assuming, a person start work at 30 years old after University, and work for 30 years up to 60 years old.

2. Then a person must prepare to set aside $150,000 x 3 generations of cars = $450,000 (almost 1/2 a million) to own and use a car.

3. After retirement, and want to continue to own car, say live up to 80 years old (assuming 80 years old still fit to drive), then a person must fork out additional $150,000 x 2 generations of cars = $300,000.

4. So in a person's lifetime, a person must set aside $750,000 just to own and use cars.

5. If anyone find the sum mind boggling, then take MRT and buses - cheap cheap and convenient.

REACH Singapore, [30/10/2024 4:32 PM]

💬 Dear Contributors,

We want to HEAR MORE from you!

💬 What are your thoughts on Singapore's transport affordability? What more can be done to ensure sufficient and affordable transport options for Singaporeans?

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

Do also share your opinion by participating in our polls! The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous.

Thank you!

Megan 😊

REACH Singapore, [30/10/2024 4:32 PM]

Adam, [30/10/2024 4:47 PM]

I think we need to rethink the coe pricing. Having a lump cost upfront causes a "use it or lose it" mentality, encouraging road usage.

 On top of that it creates a a sense of entitlement among carowners making them less empathetic to others on the road and behave more aggresively.

If the gov goes forward with this, they should also increase the cost of using the road through tax or erp, weighted based on how it wears the road and the space it takes. I still see jams at peak hours. I wonder if they should do dynamic pricing.

They should also increase the penalties roaduser face when they get into accidents. If can afford coe, do current measures deter?

I see a lot of accidents caused by lack of signalling so maybe we need to evaluate if we need to improve how our drivers are taught.

Also if we need to see if the revalidation of older drivers is sufficient for safe roads too.

Jun Ming, [30/10/2024 4:48 PM]

Unpopular opinion a van is better than a car

Adam, [30/10/2024 4:50 PM]

Thats why you dont see sedans much anymore. People here all getting big cars with more space at back

Adam, [30/10/2024 4:52 PM]

If singapore design roads like japan you will start seeing quaint trucks and people treating roads as shared spaces

Jun Ming, [30/10/2024 4:52 PM]

Van Coe is cheaper

Jun Ming, [30/10/2024 4:53 PM]

And can easily transform into a mini house

Adam, [30/10/2024 4:54 PM]

🤔i cant buy a house, wonder if getting a van is cheaper. How do i set my address to a po box.

Jun Ming, [30/10/2024 4:58 PM]

https://www.singpost.com/send-receive/receive-mail-parcel/rent-po-box

Jun Ming, [30/10/2024 4:59 PM]

Only thing is need to tell police residential address

Adam, [30/10/2024 5:01 PM]

I wonder how rough sleepers on the streets tell police where they live

Adam, [30/10/2024 5:01 PM]

What is their ic like?

REACH Singapore, [30/10/2024 6:03 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

Joomua Tng, [30/10/2024 6:07 PM]

increasing 20,000 more COE and car lite objective does not seems to go hand in hand.

Stella Yip, [30/10/2024 6:24 PM]

Many people own cars but take public transport when commuting alone. They  drive with the family members.

LCL (Danny 心), [30/10/2024 6:26 PM]

This is the more likely scenario when a household can afford a car.

Jun Ming, [30/10/2024 6:34 PM]

Maybe build a mrt along express way and lrt on every exit to make it car lite

Jun Ming, [30/10/2024 6:37 PM]

The reasons that so many car users on road is other means of transport is still not as good in terms of cost benefits analysis to people

Jun Ming, [30/10/2024 6:38 PM]

As there is just too many limitations on other transport

Jun Ming, [30/10/2024 6:39 PM]

Furthermore people can use the car to earn as private hire car

Jun Ming, [30/10/2024 6:41 PM]

But that's being said there's blue sg and get go. You can rent a car if you're not a frequent user

Jun Ming, [30/10/2024 6:45 PM]

I think a bicycle lane on major road will encourage car lite also

Jun Ming, [30/10/2024 6:46 PM]

Instead of more regulations on bicycle why not increase the facility for bicycle so that they would not interfere with others road users

Ethan, [30/10/2024 6:46 PM]

Can we push for autonomous vehicle adoption more aggressively. This reduces your per trip cost, and encourage more folks to use it. 

The main motivation people get car is due to convienence. If that convienence can be achieved at a fraction of the cost now, demand for cars drop.

REACH Singapore, [30/10/2024 6:49 PM]

Dear Contributors,

⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰

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

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

REACH Singapore, [30/10/2024 7:04 PM]

Dear Contributors

We will be closing the chat for today.

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

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

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