REACH (Telegram) 67 - What are your views on Singapore’s fiscal planning since 2020? How well do you think the Government is steering Singapore through today’s increasingly complex and difficult challenges?

(SK)

11 Mar 2025 (10am - 7pm)

REACH (Telegram)

REACH Singapore, [11/3/2025 10:46 AM]

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REACH Singapore, [11/3/2025 11:00 AM]

📢 Topic 📢

In a customary speech at the end of the budget process on March 10, Minister Indranee Rajah noted that Singapore had passed an unprecedented 12 Budgets over the past five years, including five in 2020 to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and chart a new way forward.

The Budgets approved in this term of government have “steadfastly steered Singapore through uncharted and choppy waters with decisiveness, agility and forward planning,” said Ms Indranee.

💬 What are your views on Singapore’s fiscal planning since 2020? How well do you think the Government is steering Singapore through today’s increasingly complex and difficult challenges?

📌 Five COVID-19 Budgets in 2020 and Three More in 2021

Ms Indranee called these years the “dark and bleak” start to the 14th Parliament when Singapore was still not fully out of lockdowns.

In 2020, the Government rolled out several Budgets named Unity, Resilience, Solidarity and Fortitude in the 13th term of Parliament and additional Budget measures in October at the height of the pandemic. Measures included a $6.6 billion Assurance Package and a $1.6 billion Care and Support Package to help ordinary Singaporeans cope.

The Emerging Stronger Together Budget in 2021 outlined a $107 billion plan to continue to cushion the effects of the pandemic.

“The Budgets of 2020 to 2021 enabled us to mount a strong public health response, secure early access to vaccines, and protect both lives and livelihoods,” said Ms Indranee. As a result, we achieved one of the lowest fatality rates and highest vaccination rates in the world, she noted.

📌2022 – 2023: Emerging from the Pandemic into an Unstable World

As the country emerged from the pandemic in 2022, battered but generally safe and ready to embark on its plans for reopening, it encountered global troubles such as the war in Ukraine and in the Middle East, which led to global inflation spiking and energy and food prices going up.

In 2022, Finance Minister Lawrence Wong topped up the Assurance Package to $640 million to help Singaporeans cope with the rising GST, which would increase to 9% by 2024. He also announced a $560 million Household Support Package.

In 2023, he again topped up the Assurance Package to $9.6 billion, to help Singaporeans deal with rising prices.

📌 2024 – 2025: Singapore in Transition and SG60

The Budgets in 2024 and 2025 “breathed life into the ideas co-created with Singaporeans in the Forward Singapore road map”, said Ms Indranee. These included making public housing more affordable and accessible, helping Singaporeans bounce back from career setbacks and pressing on with the nation’s green transition, she noted.

In 2024, Prime Minister Wong, who was deputy prime minister then, boosted the Assurance Package again by another $1.9 billion. This included an addition $600 in CDC vouchers for all Singaporean households. All Singaporeans aged 40 and above were given a $4,000 top-up in SkillsFuture Credit to help mid-career workers retool for the future.

Budget 2025 celebrated Singapore’s 60th year of independence with a SG60 package to recognise the contributions of all Singaporeans and share the benefits of the nation’s progress. In July, all Singaporeans aged 21 to 50 will receive $600 in SG60 vouchers, while those above 60 will get $800. To alleviate rising costs, PM Wong announced another $800 in CDC vouchers for all Singaporean households.

The latest two Budgets also returned to a projected surplus amid higher-than-expected takings from corporate taxes.

📌 A Future of Possibilities for All

As Singapore celebrates SG60, Ms Indranee said the country “can take quiet pride in how far (it has) come through the efforts of past and present generations of Singaporeans.”

She noted how Singapore was recently named the world’s most innovative country in a biennial ranking of 74 countries and how the country’s passport is “consistently ranked among the most powerful”.

REACH Singapore, [11/3/2025 11:00 AM]

Singapore’s Gini coefficient, after accounting for government taxes and transfers, is also “at its lowest in two decades”, while the country continues to “retain top spots globally in home ownership, PISA scores, healthy life expectancies and other important metrics”.

🔗 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/12-budgets-over-the-past-5-years-from-tackling-the-covid-19-pandemic-to-charting-the-future

🔗 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/budgets-approved-term-government-steered-singapore-through-uncharted-waters-indranee-4990776?cid=internal_sharetool_androidphone_11032025_cna

----

Adam, [11/3/2025 11:21 AM]

My eyes glazed over from the gaslighting

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 12:00 PM]

1. Singapore is the best performing government since 2020 covid until now.

2. The results speak for itself.

3. The accumulated budget surplus of more than $10 billion for the last 5 years in these trying time speak well as a prudent and responsible government - without incurring debt and yet able to dish out sufficient fiscal budget to help the population.

4. Many global governance indicators put us in the top spot.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 12:17 PM]

5. However going forward, the geopolitical landscape will not be so rosy.

6. US could experience a recession soon.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 12:18 PM]

"Trump declines to rule out 2025 US recession".

This is "own goal" - self inflicted damage.

 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/donald-trump-declines-rule-2025-us-recession-4989336#:~:text=Trump%20declines%20to%20rule%20out%202025%20US%20recession

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 12:19 PM]

It seems like trump wants to turn over the country and rebuild it

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 12:19 PM]

不破不立

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 12:19 PM]

He is doing something very dangerous.

Adam, [11/3/2025 12:23 PM]

People have been hugely dissatisfied with the way things has been going for a long time

Adam, [11/3/2025 12:23 PM]

You might say what hes doing is dangerous. But he promised change and is arguably delivering it

Adam, [11/3/2025 12:24 PM]

For better or worse. Change is coming

Adam, [11/3/2025 12:24 PM]

Thats what the americans voted for

Adam, [11/3/2025 12:25 PM]

The want change because they believe the current policies are working against them

Joomua Tng, [11/3/2025 12:25 PM]

what's going on? why suddenly mention trump.

Adam, [11/3/2025 12:25 PM]

Would only make sense. Wouldnt you vote for change if status quo feels horrible?

Adam, [11/3/2025 12:26 PM]

Somehow geopolitics came to discussion. Singapore will need to respond to whatever trump does

Adam, [11/3/2025 12:27 PM]

But also, perhaps pap might worry too that the trump ideologies of nativism and such might take root here.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 12:27 PM]

1. Singapore cannot rely fully on the US market and need to navigate ourselves out of the troubled water.

2. We need to find other brighter spots for growth.

Joomua Tng, [11/3/2025 12:28 PM]

let me read the articles shared by admin.

lets focus on the issue concerning us.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 12:29 PM]

3. We should take care of our own locals but yet gracious enough to welcome foreign talents that value add to our growth as our tfr fall.

Adam, [11/3/2025 12:29 PM]

We always known this. You can see we trade with all. However, the world is becoming more divisive. USA is starting to put teams of Us vs Them.

Will singapore risk us chip restrictions by cozying up more to mainland china?

365, [11/3/2025 12:31 PM]

I wouldn't complain about the past few years of budget, but I feel spending should be more conservative given the unstable geopolitics right now.

Need to be prepared for a big emergency, possibly one that is more impactful and longer than the pandemic.

Adam, [11/3/2025 12:32 PM]

Yeah we need focus on bread and butter

Adam, [11/3/2025 12:33 PM]

Feels like a waste when we are building founders memorial or doing big fireworks for ndp

365, [11/3/2025 12:34 PM]

Looking at possible recession, leading to lots of unemployment, or another round of high inflation again.

I suppose there are already efforts used to mitigate these, but is it sufficient or not its hard to tell for now.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 12:40 PM]

1. We need to find alternative market to sell our chips with US sanctions. Cannot sell to China which is our big market.

2. In longer term, we need to focus on R&D in chip design - so that we can manufacture our own chips and sell to China market without the threat of sanctions hanging on our neck.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 12:41 PM]

1. The possibility of stagflation is very real.

2. The phenomenon of stagnant growth and high inflation.

3. It could turn worst.

G, [11/3/2025 12:41 PM]

"today's increasingly complex and difficult challenges" 

This phrase is often overused. When was the last time the world SG needed to navigate in wasn't complex nor difficult?

But this has been the backdrop and excuse for which to keep increasing govt spending, and relation to that, to keep increasing taxes resulting in increased costs of living

We often get news of this govt spending more on the claims of helping more. But the converse needs to happen too. Govt spend less so as to tax less, and this will help more

Let's paraphrase, and go from "teach less, learn more" to "spend less, help more"

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 12:43 PM]

1. If recession comes, one strategy is to increase government spending to stimulate multiplier effects - not to reduce spendings.

Reducing government spending will hasten the process of recession.

Trump and Elon Musk DOGE do irrational spending cuts that accelerated the looming recession.

2. Other parameters is to attract investment, spur consumption, increase exports and increase imports to spur production.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 12:44 PM]

1. Stagnant growth - is the indicator of recession looming.

2. Inflation is due to disruption of global supply chain - like what Trump did to the world with its ill informed tariffs.

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 12:46 PM]

I think America doesn't affect us much for now as we don't import our daily necessity much from us

365, [11/3/2025 12:46 PM]

Responding to point 1, that is when recession hits. For now, be conservative with the spending, so when recession hits, they have more leeway for spending to stimulate the market. It really is an observation stage right now, need to see how the geopolitics move and respond accordingly.

With the recent developments, really cannot fault anyone for not forseeing what is going to happen

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 12:48 PM]

America is the largest consumption country in the World.

Our exports of intermediate goods to China, ASEAN and other countries to facilitate manufacturing mostly ended up in US market.

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 12:48 PM]

What affect us more is the Ukraine Russia war where the price of food directly got impacted

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 12:49 PM]

I think our current government spendings with a few billion budget surplus is about right.

This few billions can be our reserve to spend if global recession hit.

365, [11/3/2025 12:51 PM]

The past year have been well, and I hope it can continue before the impending major shifts in the economy

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 12:51 PM]

Food prices indeed is trigger by war, supply disruption and global climate.

But manufacturing is one of our largest engine for growth - form a big part of our economy.

The manufacturing sector contributes roughly 20-25% to Singapore's GDP. 

So if US recession hit, the impact can be quite big.

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 12:51 PM]

At most another great depression

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 12:53 PM]

Cannot be great depression - too pessimistic. Double digits percentage dip in GDP.

But recession - single percent dip is possible and bad enough.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 1:09 PM]

1. What did Trump do wrong that could trigger a growing healthy US economy into a looming recession?

2. Trump appointed Elon Musk to do a massive cut in government spendings - target about $2 trillion.

Government spending is a multipler variable for growth.

The moment spendings are cut in which productive spending (instead of targeted right sizing) that spur economic growth, demultiplier effects kicks in - causing circular flow of income to implode inwards - as business activities, business confidence and consumer confidence take a hit.

Consumers refuse or unable to spend, business refuse to produce more and refuse to hire as consumption fall, investors refuse to invest as economy stop growing.

3. Trade - export is the factor for spurring manufacturing activities within US. Because order will be manufactured for export - creating jobs.

If tariffs are imposed on other countries, other countries retaliate and will curb US exports to other countries.

As Tariffs are levy on US imports, prices of intermediate goods for production will also get hit - reducing manufacturing activities.

All these will trigger a domino effects on production activities and race towards recession.

Because trade - export and import are 2 big multiplier effects that spur GDP growth.

4. So with government spending hit, trade - export and import hit, consumer spending drop, investment stop - all 5 multiplier variables that spur economic growth implode inwards - a recipe for a big recession to come.

All begin with Trump big government spending cuts and his tariff war.

One lead to another.

A country run by someone who don't know economic but act like a dictator - is a sure way for the country to die faster.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 1:13 PM]

1. So what Trump did is dangerous - he singlehandedly hammer US economy into a possible recession.

2. And he fires many federal staff who are technocrats that can run the economy.

3. Trump and Elon Musk are businessmen and not economists.

What they do go against all economic principles.

And will plunge US into an economic abyss pulling down the Global economy with him.

365, [11/3/2025 1:15 PM]

Ideally we want to avoid any single country holding a majority of our trade, need to diversify our trade partners.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 1:16 PM]

This is the long term goal we need to achieve.

Currently our trade, investment, finances in dollars are too dependent on US.

365, [11/3/2025 1:19 PM]

From singstat website, 2023 import from us is 108 bil, while the next highest is EU at 42.2 bil

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 1:20 PM]

You mean we import from US?

365, [11/3/2025 1:20 PM]

It's higher than EU, China and Japan combined

365, [11/3/2025 1:20 PM]

Yes

365, [11/3/2025 1:20 PM]

Export is at 51.1 bil

365, [11/3/2025 1:20 PM]

Export is not so lop-sided

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 1:21 PM]

I think we import alot of high end products and intermediate goods that will enhance our manufacturing activities and productivity.

This will be good for us.

But going forward, we don't know what will happen.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 1:22 PM]

Our services to US is bigger than export.

365, [11/3/2025 1:22 PM]

Yeah, can't depend on this to go on long term, given how unstable it is in US now

365, [11/3/2025 1:23 PM]

If I'm reading it correctly, the value is inclusive of services exported

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 1:23 PM]

Oh is it?

365, [11/3/2025 1:23 PM]

It's how I interpret the website, it's not so clear

365, [11/3/2025 1:24 PM]

Top import by commodity is machinery and transport equipment, makes sense

365, [11/3/2025 1:26 PM]

Actually, 51.1 bil is services only, my bad

365, [11/3/2025 1:26 PM]

Same for the export figure I gave just now

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 1:27 PM]

So we are still the net importer from US.

But US products are high tech.

Good for our productivity.

365, [11/3/2025 1:28 PM]

Net export actually, is just service side we are net importer

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 1:29 PM]

I read from Google and Meta AI, they also give me conflicting figures.

I can't interpret correctly.

365, [11/3/2025 1:29 PM]

I wonder what's the government's position on brics, US is threatening countries not to join brics, yet they've proven to be unfriendly to even their closest ally this year

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 1:30 PM]

Singapore's services exports to the US are significant, but whether they're bigger than exports depends on the specific year and data.

In 2017, Singapore's services exports to the US were valued at $13.2 billion, with transportation, other business services, and insurance services being the largest components ¹. On the other hand, Singapore's goods exports to the US were $32.9 billion in 2023 ¹.

However, the US services exports to Singapore were worth $21.6 billion in 2017, with other business services, royalties, and license fees being the largest components ¹. This suggests that the US services exports to Singapore might be larger than Singapore's services exports to the US.

To get a clearer picture, we'd need more up-to-date data on services exports. Nevertheless, it's evident that both countries have significant trade relationships, with goods exports playing a substantial role ¹.

Source :- Meta AI

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 1:31 PM]

I think for now, we don't step in to BRICS first.

Because now not conducive.

Also upside not alot.

Downside very big.

Because we have already sign FTA with almost all the nations in BRICS.

No point to join now.

365, [11/3/2025 1:33 PM]

Personally don't like the US throwing their weight around just because USD is the main trading currency, but no choice still have to acknowledge that we are heavily impacted by them now.

Joomua Tng, [11/3/2025 1:40 PM]

Right, as the world goes, is only in question between equals in power, while the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.

- Thucydides

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 1:54 PM]

1. That is why I say, we must support our government and ensure all the best Ministers are elected come election.

2. We cannot afford to play around with our votes - just want more opposing voices in the government or just to irritate the government because we are not happy with some policies.

3. We need all the best brains in the Government to ride the rough seas ahead of us.

4. Find new market, new investment, new sources for growth, continue to create jobs for us as the geopolitical scene are turning more and more nasty.

Shield and cushion us from inflation and stagnant growth - Stagflation.

5. Opposing voices can come from the NMP and NCMP. 

As well as check and balance from REACH participants.

6. I think what we are facing ahead of us - can be seismic that need the best brains to anchor us into a calmer water.

7. Because if we want to punish our government using our votes, we could be punishing ourselves, our future and our children.

Trump and Brexit are good example of voters' regrets at a seismic scale.

여자친구, 첫사랑 🏆, [11/3/2025 2:11 PM]

Point 5 😭😭??!?!

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 2:31 PM]

Compared with many other advanced economies, Singapore’s public sector is lean with government spending under 20 per cent of gross domestic product. 

The Singapore Public Service also has a Manpower Management Framework that constrains overall public sector headcount growth in line with resident labour force growth. 

As of 2023, there were around 152,000 public officers working in ministries and statutory boards, a modest 9 per cent increase from about 139,000 a decade before.

Source:- CNA news

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 2:35 PM]

"US stocks plunge on recession fears, Nasdaq sees worst day since 2022"

 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/us-stock-market-recession-nasdaq-worst-new-york-trump-4991666#:~:text=US%20stocks%20plunge%20on%20recession%20fears%2C%20Nasdaq%20sees%20worst%20day%20since%202022

Adam, [11/3/2025 2:45 PM]

Who says people are playing around with their votes. If you think people are 'playing around' why even have a democracy? If gov is always right we can have the benevolent dictatorship.

The gov serves the people. If the people are not satisfied, or dont think the gov is serving them, then what is the gov for. 

Yes we want the best minds, but can we trust the best minds to serve us? Thats why we vote. Not just on paper qualifications but their character too. We dont want corporate interests and conflict or corrupt politicians 'serving' the nation.

Just look at what they argue for. Do they talk down to citizens? Maybe think their school is superior? Perform intellectual dishonesty to their stakeholders? We need a govt that is not just smart, but responsible and accountable for its citizens. Sure they might not be perfect but at least take responsibility for mistakes and work to fix them instead of pretending things are ok

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 2:55 PM]

Government needs to win the trust of the people.

And people need to assess whether the government is indeed working for the good of the people.

This is how we decide whether we want the government to represent us - which in turn determine the basis on how we vote.

At the same time, we need to assess the credibility of the oppositions.

Are they credible, are their alternative policies able to benefit us or make us worst.

This is the basis of whether voters should give them our votes or not.

Votes should not be given to oppositions as a free ride just because people are unhappy with some aspects of government policies even though oppositions' policies could make us worse.

Hence only then a mature democracy will serve our purpose.

Throwing a reject vote will be better than giving to oppositions if the oppositions policies are no better or worst off.

This is my real message about "not playing with our votes" in a mature democracy.

We demand high standard from our government.

Equally and fairly, we should demand the same high standard from our oppositions.

If oppositions win through free rides just because we are unhappy with some aspects of the government policies, and not through the merits of the oppositions, then we are shooting ourselves on our foot - and not the hallmark of a mature democracy.

Because oppositions policies will harm us and government will be forced to implement populist policies to retain governance - that will be detrimental to us, our future and our children.

This is the biggest trap of malfunction democracy and not a mature democracy.

Trump and Brexit are full blown shining examples of the product of a malfunction democracy.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 2:58 PM]

Look at what happen to US.

US economy is booming and people having full employment under Biden administration.

But many voters not happy with Biden administration because of high inflation.

Voters decide to give the vote to Trump to want inflation to be lowered instead of spoiling their votes.

End up now seismic voters' regrets - it backfire on the voters that want lower inflation.

Now end up:-

1. Voters lose their jobs.

2. Even Higher inflation.

3. World turn hostile towards them.

4. Stock market crash.

5. Economy going down with looming inflation.

6. Welfare benefits cut.

Backfire very badly.

REACH Singapore, [11/3/2025 3:04 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

Xtra, [11/3/2025 3:14 PM]

Wow lots of changes to the electoral boundaries! Anyone here affected? 🤔

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/ge2025-ebrc-grc-smc-general-election-boundary-changes-4992551?cid=internal_sharetool_androidphone_11032025_cna

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 3:25 PM]

I disagree with only nmp and ncmp as opposition 

I do agree to vote by people not by party. The party may be opposition but if the member of it is good why not elect him. One example is jamus. I find that he is a standard MP, giving good opposition voice.

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 3:26 PM]

While some opposition only knows how to attack gov which I will not vote

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 3:27 PM]

Jamus economic policies are flaw by a few count - and if implemented will harm us.

He could be a good mp but a bad policy maker.

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 3:28 PM]

I am not economist but I feel that there is an alternative voice which prompt gov to explain better their rationale and why they did not take up the suggestions.

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 3:29 PM]

What gov bad in explaining their policy

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 3:31 PM]

We need more junior professionals in parliament to debate different solutions

Adam, [11/3/2025 3:45 PM]

What say you about lawrance wong strategies while he was in mnd to prevent oversupply in hdb?

Adam, [11/3/2025 3:46 PM]

Or the chairman of smrt not wanting to 'overmaintain'

Adam, [11/3/2025 3:47 PM]

Maybe they really are doing whats best for the country

Adam, [11/3/2025 3:48 PM]

Idk what this country is to them, but to those on the ground, they are out of touch

Adam, [11/3/2025 3:50 PM]

Maybe what we need is them riding in trains, or trying to budget their meals and rent

Adam, [11/3/2025 3:50 PM]

Ofc the smartest in society wont face these issues

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 3:50 PM]

Maybe they should try surviving with a monthly salary of 3000

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 3:53 PM]

Working 9-5 in office ot to meet the people... Etc

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 3:53 PM]

Force to attend parliament session

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 3:54 PM]

If not every time parliament looks empty

Adam, [11/3/2025 3:54 PM]

Does parliament needs to be that big anyway?

Adam, [11/3/2025 3:54 PM]

Why do we have so much mayors?

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 3:55 PM]

Do we even need mayor

Kai Bin, [11/3/2025 3:55 PM]

Don’t think so

Adam, [11/3/2025 3:55 PM]

Also we have best minds in gov, but they are working part time job being directors

Adam, [11/3/2025 3:55 PM]

Poor thing need extra income

Adam, [11/3/2025 3:56 PM]

I also nsf cannot work outside

Adam, [11/3/2025 3:56 PM]

Wonder if they can fully commit to governance

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 3:58 PM]

What are the roles of mayor

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 3:58 PM]

I have jotted a few alternative policies proposed by Jamus in which he champion in Parliament and a few by WP MPs (some are economic policies he can influence as economist but he supported them).

They are:-

1. Minimum wages (without productivity growth) - make our labor forces uncompetitive and drive up business cost and consumer cost.

2. Use more nirc 60% - no GST hike. And use up reserves meant for our future generations.

3. Retrenchment insurance (with no incentive or push for re-employment and training). End up more workers will drop out of the workforce.

4. Use Land sales to finance recurrent fiscal budget & raiding our reserves as land supply is finite.

5. No GST tax - lose Government tax transfer and redistribution of wealth to lower Gini coefficient. And impact our fiscal sufficiency.

6. Nationalisation of public transport during MRT fault - drain taxpayers money, lead to inefficiency, lose opportunities to venture into overseas market.

7. Use money laundering confiscated proceeds to compensate scam victims instead of setting up Trust fund to earn income to fight scam and compensate scam victims.

Adam, [11/3/2025 3:59 PM]

Copilot:

In Singapore, mayors oversee the Community Development Councils (CDCs), which are responsible for fostering community bonds and supporting residents within their respective districts.

Adam, [11/3/2025 3:59 PM]

Tbh i havent really made good use of community resources

Adam, [11/3/2025 4:00 PM]

I cant really bond with my neighbours either.  They change every 6 months

Adam, [11/3/2025 4:02 PM]

These are probably a start of discussion. Sure they may be flawed but you have pap to keep in check. They will not wholesale take it.

What pap will do is take segments and make their own new policy that is similar so they can take credit. Overall singapore still benefits from oppo doing this

Adam, [11/3/2025 4:04 PM]

Another issue is the current gov keeps a tight lip on its resources and reasons. Yeah it may be for harmony or national defence or whatever excuse but really how to counter them when all they argue is 'father knows best'

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 4:05 PM]

REACH participants can question and do check and balance.

NCMP and NMP can question them in Parliament and can vote to support or oppose.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 4:06 PM]

If the policies are flaw, don't raise it - because gullible people are fool to support - like what happens to Trump and Brexit.

It will harm us.

Like Trump tariffs, mass firing of federal staff, drive out foreign workers, high inflation still cut interest, cut tax and make inflation higher.

Brexit, politicians sell self governance and exit from EU a big market - now backfire.

Voters vote for their flaw policies that backfire on them and harm them.

If we demand high standard from the government, similarly we must demand high standard from the oppositions especially elected oppositions.

Don't expect a free ride from the oppositions and expect PAP to correct them, because one fluke election - WP is going to govern using all their flaw policies - and it will be the end of everyone here.

If we want to uphold a mature democracy, we better set high standards for the government and the oppositions.

No free ride.

If they cannot make the mark of an elected MP then stay as NCMP or NMP.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 4:08 PM]

In Singapore, a Member of Parliament (MP) who is also a Mayor plays a significant role in serving the residents in their respective districts. There are five districts in Singapore, each helmed by a Mayor who also serves as the Chairman of the Community Development Council (CDC) in that district ¹.

The roles of a Mayor in Singapore include:

- *Chairing the Community Development Council*: The Mayor chairs the CDC, which aims to promote community development and social cohesion in their district.

- *Serving as a Member of Parliament*: Mayors are also MPs, representing their constituents' interests in Parliament.

- *Community Engagement*: Mayors engage with residents, community groups, and voluntary welfare organizations to understand their needs and concerns.

- *Promoting Community Development*: Mayors promote community development initiatives, such as education, healthcare, and social welfare programs.

- *Budget Management*: Mayors oversee the budget of their CDC, allocating resources to support community development projects.

Some notable Mayors in Singapore include:

- *Ms Low Yen Ling*: Mayor of South West District and Chairman of South West CDC

- *Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng*: Mayor of Central Singapore District and Chairman of Central Singapore CDC

- *Mr Desmond Choo*: Mayor of North East District and Chairman of North East CDC ¹

Source :- Meta AI

Adam, [11/3/2025 4:13 PM]

If we dont raise proposal until its perfect then when? In covid the gov has to make quick action. Sure its not perfect but there is choices to be made and the gov is looking at options

Adam, [11/3/2025 4:13 PM]

Now perhaps it is 'peace" for you, but for many they are dissatisfied

Adam, [11/3/2025 4:14 PM]

Is the gov gonna MONITOR the situation?

Adam, [11/3/2025 4:14 PM]

Maybe those who complain that hdb too expensive can wait patiently for gov to fix things in a decade then start a family in their 40s

Adam, [11/3/2025 4:15 PM]

Or those that complain met not maintained enough can wait for new lines to come for redundancy

Adam, [11/3/2025 4:16 PM]

The oppo is not perfect, but at least they are trying to solve things. Maybe thats why they have supporters.

Pap seems to pretend things are ok. Then if its not ok they try to deflect. Dunno if its dome internal culture to avoid getting fired

G, [11/3/2025 4:16 PM]

Yeah.. we have seen since 2020, parliament and representation was ok despite so many vacant MP seats. If anything, total number of MPs should have stayed the same as 2020

Adam, [11/3/2025 4:16 PM]

See the response of the nric issue. At least now they are acknowledging it ill give them that

G, [11/3/2025 4:19 PM]

Quite rich, since you have, on numerous occasions, made disparaging remarks on those who questioned😏

G, [11/3/2025 4:21 PM]

Not just that, but we can also see that when oppos ask pointed clarification questions, they get gaslit and / or mocked and / or having their character questioned, and then their questions go unanswered

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 4:23 PM]

Of all the oppositions that I find really good are Low Thia Kiang and Chiam See Tong.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 4:24 PM]

Of course, the best and most outstanding oppositions in Singapore history that I really respect is Lee Kuan Yew and his fellow colleagues.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 4:24 PM]

These are oppositions that deserves to be the elected MPs.

G, [11/3/2025 4:26 PM]

Too bad those days of solid PAP politicians are well over. 

They battled in SMCs, no such thing as GRCs, they had to prove their worth by themselves, no option of riding on coat tails

Hanny, [11/3/2025 4:34 PM]

The world is charting into unknown territories. 

We don’t know what will happen economically and politically.

AI is making extreme progress in many directions. I know because I’m into AI.

We need stability in the house. We need cool heads to manage our resources.

We need cool heads to lead the ministries.

Smart talk is not enough.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 4:37 PM]

Yes.

AI will be a formidable challenge to our workforce.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 4:39 PM]

If Agentic AI (AGI) (Artificial General Intelligence) is to come into force, our workforce really need to be ready to secure our jobs.

Now we are in the era of GAI (Generative AI), AI trained in datasets - already replacing 4,000 temp jobs in banking that have impacted customer service, compliance, marketing.

AGI could be more challenging.

For information, AGI is the branch of AI that can think, learn and solve problems without the need to be trained on preset datasets example could be through Reinforcement Learning, Deep Learning, Multi-Modal AI or other means whereby AI scientists are still experimenting.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 4:41 PM]

Our government is beefing up training and providing solutions to such AI challenges.

Wonder what is the opposition's solutions and response to the AI challenges?

Berry R, [11/3/2025 4:41 PM]

https://www.straitstimes.com/multimedia/graphics/2025/03/singapore-general-election-ward/index.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=telegram&utm_campaign=sttg

Berry R, [11/3/2025 4:42 PM]

major changes in both east and west

Berry R, [11/3/2025 4:44 PM]

apparently due to increase in voter numbers. wonder if the population growth in the redrawn regions were significant enough for all these changes 🤷‍♀️

G, [11/3/2025 5:10 PM]

This is true all the time, at every election

We don't need stability in the house, we need people who can best navigate the unknown without spending excessively. 

The 1G PAP were brilliant at navigating the unknown without excessive spending. 

The same can't be said of this 4G PAP

Adam, [11/3/2025 5:11 PM]

Yeah i heard this being repeated so much times

Adam, [11/3/2025 5:11 PM]

Every year got something new

Adam, [11/3/2025 5:11 PM]

Current gov did some good some bad

Adam, [11/3/2025 5:12 PM]

Buy sometimes the bad are so glaringly obvious, one wonders where were the check and balances

Adam, [11/3/2025 5:13 PM]

Or is the gov run by yes men who just do things blindly

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 5:18 PM]

A balanced budget is not spending excessively.

A surplus budget is a prudent budget with savings.

Spending excessively is one that is budget deficits finance by debts.

In fact Singapore is one of the rare few countries in the world that has budget surplus in this government term.

Many countries are budget in deficit finance by large debts. Some running into trillions of dollars. And the debt load to be bear by the younger generations.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 5:22 PM]

A large fiscal budget spendings with surplus indicate that our economy has grown overtime into a bigger economy with healthy savings.

That means, our population are wealthier.

Small spendings indicate lesser government revenue and smaller economy. 

It means our population is less well off as our revenue draw from tax from the economy is smaller.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 5:29 PM]

In layman term,

1. If last time, I earn $4,000 a month, I spend less $2,000. And $2,000 go into my savings.

2. If now I earn more eg. $10,000 a month, I can afford to spend more $5,000. And yet I can save more $5,000.

That means, our government is doing well, grow our reserves and yet benefitting the population with more spendings.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 5:37 PM]

1. Hence right analogy, right critical thinking - right conclusion.

2. Wrong analogy, wrong analysis - wrong conclusion. Misled readers.

Black become White. White become Black.

ChewyRuza, [11/3/2025 5:41 PM]

Now I think that’s shallow. What I would agree is that in general, we have very tight control of the way we spend money. That doesn’t equate to a more wealthy population. It could simply mean very deliberate policies to control spending.

We do need to recognise that wealth inequality is present and may be getting wider. That’s something that needs to be looked into.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 5:45 PM]

Yes agree.

My comments is in general.

Means overall wealth of the country grow.

But income inequality could be present. Some are wealthier than others.

Agree to the response.

ChewyRuza, [11/3/2025 5:57 PM]

Yup. But we gotta admit really that the government did pretty well in many things. However, as we talk about how some opposition members are not suitable for MP, we also need to recognise not all PAP MPs are very good as well. 

My side, I am very glad because I see a lot of activity and people are being helped so… all good for me :)

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 5:59 PM]

We set high standards for our politicians - it must apply to both sides - incumbent or oppositions - not one sided.

We must be critical but also must provide some leeways for improvement and allow experimentation mistake especially in new uncharted areas.

This apply to both incumbent and oppositions.

ChewyRuza, [11/3/2025 6:05 PM]

That’s very fair. Let’s hope our government contributes to be of good standing and have strong values and foresight guiding the country. The upcoming elections will be pretty exciting I feel

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 6:08 PM]

The reason, both incumbent or oppositions can form the government.

Eg. Lky and his colleagues in the early days are oppositions and win the government from Lim yew hock whose policies are flaw that lead to unrest in Singapore.

Hence we cannot lower our standards for politicians (be it the incumbent or oppositions) and civil service.

Because they are elected to govern us.

We deserve the best.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 6:43 PM]

I think we also need to be reasonable in our expectations and demands.

We cannot ask for the sky when good progress is made by the government.

If genuine mistakes are made along the way, admit the mistake and allow improvement to be made without resorting to witch hunting.

This apply the same to the oppositions.

Likewise I hope to see a more enlightened oppositions that can propose genuine workable policies in Parliament, not just only asking questions, check only.

To date I have yet to see one that excite me.

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 6:47 PM]

Does the minister or anyone reply directly here. Does our feedback actually value?

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 6:48 PM]

Yes they do read.

And in fact some ideas are adopted.

I keep a record of it.

But minister don't reply to this forum.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 6:54 PM]

However I do meet ministers in town hall and over zoom.

In fact in one instance provide feedback directly to minister appointed ministry staff when the minister assign a staff during the town hall after she find the idea workable.

Which is the money lock.

Also cloth face mask input come from REACH - to prevent covid from spreading and protecting population in general. When surgical face masks in short supply and vaccine not yet ready.

Government adopted. Thanks to Mdm Ho Ching who step up to support the improvised cloth face mask. She say something to the tune that "good enough is better than perfect" under the situation of mask shortage. (Can't remember the exact phrase she used).

My close friend submitted many scientific studies and data to support cloth mask can prevent the spread of covid. Up to 95% and even 99% if put up more filter and layers in the cloth face masks.

Subsequently the world follow Singapore example begin with shinzo abe cute white cloth mask. And issue 2 to each household by the Japan government.

This improvised cloth face masks save millions of human lives globally while waiting for the vaccines and availability of more surgical masks.

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 6:56 PM]

Other input are more subtle, only see the adoption over the news.

Eg. Budget meal from food stall $3, $3.50 type. Adopt wholesale. Up to the label decal.

Vending machine budget meal in HDB void deck. But use central kitchen instead of aggregator collecting from food stalls - could be fearful of bacteria lead to food poisoning in the process of collection and packaging. Central kitchen packaging and food handling more controlled and more hygiene I guess.

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 6:56 PM]

Actually for voting wise what people on ground looking at is bread and butter issue. Not too much of politics. Small things such as how fast faulty things get changed and repair impact voting

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 6:58 PM]

For example if your corridor light bulb faulty how fast they change your light bulb when you report it.

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 6:59 PM]

Mine change within 2days but I heard from my friends 2 weeks they haven't change yet in other constituency

LCL (Danny 心), [11/3/2025 6:59 PM]

One service apps report - change within 2 days.

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 7:00 PM]

It goes down all the way to RC chairman willing to fight for the residents

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 7:01 PM]

Willing to take extra mile

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 7:02 PM]

For example my RC every block have a WhatsApp group

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 7:02 PM]

I am proud

Adam, [11/3/2025 7:03 PM]

Where is my whatsapp group😭

Adam, [11/3/2025 7:03 PM]

Idk what my one is doing

Khai Mun L., [11/3/2025 7:06 PM]

Start one or volunteer at your RC.

Same concept in work, if things not moving, might as well do it myself. Haha

Adam, [11/3/2025 7:07 PM]

I got my own family to support where got time to volunteer

Jun Ming, [11/3/2025 7:09 PM]

Got verification process pdpa need RC then can do

Khai Mun L., [11/3/2025 7:12 PM]

Then wait lor.. just like my promotion/bonus. Haha

REACH Singapore, [11/3/2025 8:45 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, [11/3/2025 9:01 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) 66 -  What are your views on the plans to strengthen Singapore’s workforce and enhance healthcare services as outlined by Dr Tan and Mr Ong respectively? Which aspects of their speeches resonated the most with you?

(SK)

10 Mar 2025 (10am - 7pm)

REACH (Telegram)

REACH Singapore, [10/3/2025 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, [10/3/2025 10:03 AM]

📢 Topic 📢

Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng and Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung delivered their Committee of Supply (COS) speeches last week on March 6 and March 7 respectively. 

Dr Tan outlined plans to build an adaptable workforce, support businesses, manage needs for foreign labour, and foster fair and inclusive workplaces. Mr Ong announced enhancements to healthcare subsidies, capacity expansion plans, and quality improvements, while balancing the objectives of affordability, availability, and quality. 

💬 What are your views on the plans to strengthen Singapore’s workforce and enhance healthcare services as outlined by Dr Tan and Mr Ong respectively? Which aspects of their speeches resonated the most with you?

MOM COS Speech

Dr Tan shared that Singapore has introduced initiatives like the SkillsFuture Workforce Development Grant, enhanced NTUC Company Training Committee (CTC) Grants, and redesigned the SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit to support workforce transformation.

These efforts contributed to Singapore’s post-pandemic recovery. From 2020 to 2024, resident unemployment dropped from 4.8% to 2.8%, with real wages outpacing inflation. Dr Tan added that efforts to drive business productivity and innovation, alongside support for workers and vulnerable groups, helped the economy recover, though challenges like an ageing population and global competition remain. 

📌 Strengthening Workforce Resilience

Dr Tan mentioned that the Government is empowering Singaporeans to build resilient careers through the Career Health SG programme, which supports workers through skills upgrading, job matching, and transition support, such as with the Career Conversion Programmes in emerging sectors like green technology. In addition, the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme offers financial help to those involuntarily unemployed.

To groom corporate leaders, the Government is expanding overseas development opportunities through programs by Enterprise Singapore, MAS, and IMDA. The Singapore Leaders Network (SGLN) will also enhance networking and mentorship for senior professionals.

For senior workers, the Government is raising CPF contribution rates in 2026, extending the Senior Employment Credit, and offering the CPF Transition Offset to support employers. The Majulah Package and Earn and Save Bonus provide ongoing support to working seniors, strengthening their retirement savings and productive longevity.

📌 Supporting Business Transformation

Dr Tan shared that the Government will inject a total of $600 million into business transformation, combining a $400 million Enterprise Workforce Transformation Package with a $200 million NTUC CTC Grant. Companies will benefit from enhanced job redesign funding through the SkillsFuture Workforce Development Grant, simplified access to SkillsFuture grants, and $10,000 in credits through the newly redesigned SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit scheme. These initiatives will help businesses tackle AI disruption and upgrade their workforce capabilities with more streamlined, accessible support.

📌 Managing Foreign Labour

Dr Tan highlighted that Singapore faces two key workforce trends: a projected halt in resident workforce growth next decade and an increasing elderly population. The declining old-age support ratio requires foreign workers to help sustain Singapore's economy. Global cities now compete intensely for talent, particularly in AI and biotechnology sectors. Singapore addresses these challenges through a dual approach: protecting local employment through raising EP qualifying salaries and the COMPASS framework, while maintaining access to foreign talent where needed through frameworks such as the ONE Pass and S Pass This approach keeps unemployment low and strengthens Singapore's position as a global hub while ensuring locals remain core to the workforce.

📌 Fostering Inclusive and Safe Workspaces

REACH Singapore, [10/3/2025 10:03 AM]

Dr Tan emphasised that the Government is committed to fostering fair and inclusive workspaces through the Workfare Skills Support and Progressive Wage Credit Scheme which help uplift lower-wage workers. Support for persons with disabilities includes the expansion of the Matched Retirement Savings Scheme. There are also continued initiatives to promote the employment of ex-offenders.

🔗https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/speeches/2025/0306-minister-speech-for-cos-2025

🔗https://www.mom.gov.sg/about-us/cos2025

🔗https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-foreign-workers-safeguards-local-jobs-tan-see-leng-4888481

REACH Singapore, [10/3/2025 10:03 AM]

MOH COS Speech

Mr Ong highlighted the sharp rise in Singapore’s healthcare budget from $9 billion in 2015 to an estimated $30 billion by 2030. He emphasized the need for additional GST revenue to sustain universal and affordable healthcare. While acknowledging the challenge of timing tax increases, he warned that delaying revenue growth could lead to severe fiscal deficits. He also stressed the importance of controlling escalating healthcare costs, as they ultimately impact taxpayers, patients, and insurance policyholders.

Mr Ong also shared that Singapore faces a healthcare "trilemma" between making care affordable, available, and high-quality. Rather than maximising any one aspect, Singapore adopts a balanced approach to achieve reasonable levels of all three objectives. This is a contrast to countries like the UK (which prioritises affordability but struggles with availability) or Switzerland (which excels in quality but faces affordability challenges).

📌 Enhancement to Financial Subsidies

Mr Ong shared that no one will be denied appropriate medical care because they cannot afford it. The Government has implemented various measures to ensure healthcare affordability, including the "S+3Ms" framework. People will be able to use more of their MediSave for medical scans and treatments. Dental care will become more affordable with new subsidies. A major support package will help seniors with their long-term care needs over the next five years. Nursing homes and community care services will also receive more funding support. The changes will take effect from mid-2025 to 2026, with interim rebates to ease costs until then. 

📌 Expansion of Healthcare Capacity

Mr Ong highlighted that healthcare infrastructure are being expanded across Singapore to address availability concerns. More hospital beds will be added at several hospitals, and redeveloped and new hospitals. New initiatives like Mobile Inpatient Care@Home and the opening of Woodlands Health have helped ease capacity constraints. Many new nursing home spaces will also be created. These changes will happen gradually from now until 2030. 

Singapore is growing its healthcare workforce alongside its facilities. This includes recruiting more healthcare workers, enhancing salaries, and increasing medical school places. These initiatives aim to address the increasing healthcare demands of an aging population while maintaining service quality.

📌 Prevention as the Long-term Solution

The Healthier SG initiative leads Singapore’s shift towards preventive healthcare, with 1.2 million Singaporeans already enrolled. New technologies, include AI, enhance healthcare delivery and support this transformation. This programme aims to extend Singaporeans’ healthy years, closing the gap between Singapore's average lifespan (84 years) and healthspan (74 years). Mr Ong emphasised that prevention reduces healthcare system strain and balances the healthcare "trilemma” of affordability, availability, and quality.

🔗 https://www.moh.gov.sg/newsroom/speech-by-mr-ong-ye-kung--minister-for-health--at-the-ministry-of-health-committee-of-supply-debate-2025--on-friday-7-march-2025

🔗 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DG5XYgVqRUQ/?igsh=aTVxd3B6bGlyMnAx

🔗 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/more-subsidies-for-singaporeans-amid-rising-medical-costs-ong-ye-kung

----

REACH Singapore, [10/3/2025 11:00 AM]

[ Poll : 1. I agree with the Government’s approach to grow local employment opportunities while balancing our need for foreign workers. ]

- Strongly Agree

- Agree

- Neutral

- Disagree

- Strongly Disagree

REACH Singapore, [10/3/2025 11:00 AM]

[ Poll : 2.⁠ ⁠I agree that the Government’s healthcare initiatives will allow healthcare to be affordable, available and of high quality.  ]

- Strongly Agree

- Agree

- Neutral 

- Disagree

- Strongly Disagree

REACH Singapore, [10/3/2025 11:03 AM]

Dear Contributors,

We want to HEAR from you!

💬 What are your views on the plans to strengthen Singapore’s workforce and enhance healthcare services as outlined by Dr Tan and Mr Ong respectively? Which aspects of their speeches resonated the most with you?

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, [10/3/2025 11:47 AM]

A request for more GST revenue again 😡

How many more stat boards / govt agencies does he want to create and fill with expensive overheads?

REACH Singapore, [10/3/2025 1:25 PM]

Dear Contributors,

We want to HEAR from you!

💬 What are your views on the plans to strengthen Singapore’s workforce and enhance healthcare services as outlined by Dr Tan and Mr Ong respectively? Which aspects of their speeches resonated the most with you?

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 😊

Jun Ming, [10/3/2025 1:30 PM]

Any plans for improving elder care home

Jun Ming, [10/3/2025 1:34 PM]

As one reach elder age with no family members is there a plan for a more hybrid elder care where there is more flexibility for the elders. Such as taking a walk with the nurse, doing intelligent activities to exercise mentally, instead of lying down there for whole day with minimum movement

Jun Ming, [10/3/2025 1:34 PM]

Like staying in jail

365, [10/3/2025 1:44 PM]

Need more details on the funding support for financial subsidies, ideally would want to look more into chronic and other long-term diseases where there's a constant need for costly healthcare. 

Sometimes, even though patients can afford the cost of healthcare, but it may cause a major shift in their standard of living and sense of financial security, so would appreciate if more assurance can be given on this end.

Joomua Tng, [10/3/2025 1:54 PM]

there is a thin line of balance for funding and subsidizing health care and others.

Singaporean in general will take it for granted. It may have a long term negative effect for Singapore and Singaporean as a whole.

升米恩，斗米仇

别人在危难的时候你给他很小的帮助，他会感激你。 可如果给人的帮助太多，让其形成了依赖，一旦停止帮助，反而会让人忌恨。

A little help will turn into a grudge

If you give someone a little help in times of trouble, he will be grateful to you. But if you give too much help to someone and make him dependent, he will be resentful once you stop helping him.

REACH Singapore, [10/3/2025 2:02 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 2:52 PM]

*Manpower*

1. 2 aspect of Manpower policies resonate with me.

a. COMPASS - the policy that ensure Employers prioritise local employment and only bring in foreign talents that value add to our Economy and boost local employment.

b, Various manpower support policies such as systematically improving wage increases (for lower income PWM - Progressive Wage Model, and wage increases for other income groups), ensuring senior continue employment, career conversion and upskilling to help workers in skill restructuring and find new jobs, close to full employment.

Jun Ming, [10/3/2025 3:11 PM]

Will gov plan to build an elder city that include all inclusive care for single no direct family elder?

Joomua Tng, [10/3/2025 3:12 PM]

how practical is it? will it be abused by Singaporean? abandoning their elderly parents, and maybe migrate to other countries?

Jun Ming, [10/3/2025 3:15 PM]

Criteria single elderly with no direct family. So for people who have no family because they have no child or their children died before them. Their spouse are also more or less half dead or dead. I mean we need to find an alternative to nursing home

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 3:15 PM]

*Healthcare*

1. Singapore healthcare overall are of high standard - and population benefitted from the medical care provided by the public polyclinic and public hospital healthcare.

2. Healthcare cost are generally affordable - as it is heavily subsidise by the Government.

Jun Ming, [10/3/2025 3:17 PM]

A place where the elderly form a community where they roam freely

Jun Ming, [10/3/2025 3:18 PM]

Instead just lying on bed doing nothing waiting for death

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 3:18 PM]

*Summary*

When benchmark our Government performance to other Countries, we are doing relatively well :-

1. Our workforce are close to full employment.

2. Wages are improving every year.

3. Inflation rate are going lower, and despite elevated groceries and food prices - Government has provided inflation cushioning measures such as CDC voucher, SG60 and other inflation counter measure Government grants.

Budget meal $3, $3.50 initiatives are going around everywhere. South West community are benefitting from the vending machine $3 budget meal.

4. Healthcare services are of high standard - and we geniunely benefitted from the high medical care that treat our illness.

5. And the best thing is, government achieve a budget surplus for this year and it's 5 year terms of governance.

A feat not achieved by foreign countries in the world as most government fiscal budget are in deficit almost every year since COVID.

365, [10/3/2025 3:18 PM]

Honestly I feel those who are in this category, the availability of facilities don't really affect or push them towards it. 

Who's to say that without such facility, they will be providing quality care for their elderly parents?

Much rather there's an alternative so at least the elderly parent can receive quality care.

365, [10/3/2025 3:20 PM]

I'm wondering how their initiative on preventive healthcare works, and what is available for those who are already past the stage of preventive healthcare.

Joomua Tng, [10/3/2025 3:20 PM]

....people will abuses the policies with evey means available...

the practicalities of it is one issue. cost. sustainability. abusement of the policies, however creative and innovative it can be.

365, [10/3/2025 3:23 PM]

I forsee logistics and sustainability to be the main issue. As for abuse, I don't think putting someone in a healthcare facility constitutes as abuse. 

We should be past the era of 养二防老, which is having children for the sake of retirement or aged living.

My viewpoint is being able to receive the best care, regardless of who is the provider. Someone who will "abandon their parents" in a facility is not going to be providing quality care in the first place.

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 3:26 PM]

1. I think there are elderly nursing homes around, many run by private social enterprise.

2. They charge a monthly fees and subsidies by the government.

3. There are also palliative care centre for the elderly that are bed bound operating on the same model.

365, [10/3/2025 3:28 PM]

The ones that I know of are pretty pricey right now, honestly the current situation, elder care facilities don't seem sustainable on the average non-active income

Joomua Tng, [10/3/2025 3:28 PM]

people will abuse it. it is almost a certainty. 

so long there is loop holes.... people will abuse it.

.......

the core issue is still

practicality, cost and sustainability

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 3:28 PM]

I think 1 month $1,200 are available.

Jun Ming, [10/3/2025 3:28 PM]

But I feel that the model can change. Cause from what I see it's mainly like hospital settings

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 3:29 PM]

Yes it is a hospital setting because most elderly need medical attention.

Jun Ming, [10/3/2025 3:29 PM]

Imagine staying in such settings for 10-20 years

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 3:29 PM]

They're staying there long term.

365, [10/3/2025 3:31 PM]

Elder care facility doesn't have to be hospital setting, maybe there are medical apparatus or equipment, but the room doesn't have to be modeled to be hospital-like.

I've seen a few in Malaysia, I think importantly there's activities for them to do, be it a walk in the garden or events for them to participate in.

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 3:32 PM]

I know of one elderly that initially is taken care by her daughter.

But daughter taking part time job has problem taking care of her and she fell at home.

Then putting her in elderly nursing home solve the problem.

Jun Ming, [10/3/2025 3:32 PM]

Same to my uncle. He does not have kids and stays alone.

Jun Ming, [10/3/2025 3:33 PM]

No one sees him and fall down

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 3:33 PM]

I think such setting is possible.

The elderly stay in place something like that.

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 3:33 PM]

Elderly at home will have such a problem.

Caregiver very tough.

Jun Ming, [10/3/2025 3:34 PM]

I mean changing the facilities to be like a home with nurse rather like hospital type of management will be better

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 3:34 PM]

Nurse very scarce in high demand.

365, [10/3/2025 3:34 PM]

It actually seems nice, and because of the currency exchange, it becomes affordable. It's even to the extent that me and my mum are looking at it together and considering choices.

Due to manpower cost and land cost, I don't forsee the same affordability any time soon, but just holding on to the tiny hope that maybe it's achievable in Singapore.

365, [10/3/2025 3:35 PM]

The stigma against elder care facilities or home should have been reduced comparatively to the past

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 3:36 PM]

I think our government is setting up a HDB blocks for senior in community settings double up with healthcare.

All facilities are senior enabled plus daily activities.

I think is on trial in one of the block, I read in news.

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 3:37 PM]

Elderly can sell their flat and apply for such a flat there.

Joomua Tng, [10/3/2025 3:39 PM]

ratio of health caretaker to how many elderly?

do we have the manpower to fill in the position and do the job?

salaries? how many Singaporean and how many foreign caretakers?

back too salaries....too low Singaporean may not take up the job.

Jun Ming, [10/3/2025 3:40 PM]

More activities can be outsource to activities vendors such as musical performance, sensory activities, healing garden activities which I seldom see this happening in eldercare home. 

Eldercare home can incorporate with organisation(schools) to do story telling competition making it the venue hype.

Jun Ming, [10/3/2025 3:40 PM]

With the help of technology to help and supervision between the elderly

365, [10/3/2025 3:40 PM]

I think that's a nice foundation to work on, and model after foreign private elder care facilities.

What I like about the elder care facilities is the provision of regular health checks, with food and nutrition provided together in a package. 

To alleviate space cost, it can be built like hdb, but with more built-in mobility assistance.

To alleviate manpower cost, there can be a central space for regular checkups or place to dine in with meals provided.

Economies of scale should help bring down the cost per elder.

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 3:41 PM]

I think the elderly senior community HDB blocks are organised something like that if I read the news correctly.

Jun Ming, [10/3/2025 3:41 PM]

Should expand to elder homes

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 3:42 PM]

Yes I think the senior community flats are build in tune to such settings.

Let see whether I can find this news article or not.

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 3:43 PM]

Elderly home is one building run by private social enterprise.

The community senior flats is one community.

Different settings.

365, [10/3/2025 3:43 PM]

Many newer hdbs now come with a rooftop garden, and sometimes even multiple. It may not be large, but it's something for elders to go out to be at instead of lying in bed the whole day.

For those with better mobility, most places have a nearby park connector already

Jun Ming, [10/3/2025 3:43 PM]

I have no issue with community as I know a lot of activities by the pa cater to them

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 3:44 PM]

Singapore is indeed building senior community HDB flats, specifically designed to meet the housing needs of seniors. These flats are part of the Community Care Apartments initiative, a joint effort by the Ministry of National Development (MND), Ministry of Health (MOH), and Housing & Development Board (HDB) ¹.

*Key Features:*

- *Senior-friendly design*: Each unit has an open layout with a floor area of 32 square meters, featuring senior-friendly design elements.

- *Care services*: Residents can access care services, including a community manager, basic health checks, and 24-hour emergency response.

- *Optional services*: Residents can opt for additional services like shared caregiving, social day care, housekeeping, meal delivery, and laundry services.

*Eligibility and Priority:*

- *Age*: Applicants must be at least 65 years old.

- *Priority*: Seniors who require permanent assistance with daily living activities will receive priority allocation.

- *Income ceiling*: The monthly household income ceiling is $14,000.

These Community Care Apartments aim to provide a supportive community for seniors, allowing them to age independently while having access to necessary care services ¹.

Source :- Meta AI

Jun Ming, [10/3/2025 3:45 PM]

I am only worried for people staying in elder homes

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 3:46 PM]

HDB | Community Care Apartments

https://www.hdb.gov.sg/residential/buying-a-flat/finding-a-flat/types-of-flats/community-care-apartments

365, [10/3/2025 3:46 PM]

I think the activities should not be mandatory for private run elder homes. 

Instead, government alternatives should show that it can do it and can be better than private run ones, so private ones have to improve.

Personally not a fan of hard-handed solutions if there are alternatives to explore.

365, [10/3/2025 3:54 PM]

Actually it seems like most of the suggestions are implemented, but I can't find the exact cost for the optional services.

Would like to see a breakdown on the expected cost for the services, and is the price controlled for inflation.

A lot of elder living concerns need the assurance that the plans won't be disrupted.

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 3:55 PM]

Don't know about the breakdown cost.

Probably HDB can provide a breakdown.

But I think this is a good project for elderly in retirement.

Joomua Tng, [10/3/2025 3:56 PM]

technology is not the solution in healthcare.

manpower is still the core of healthcare, including elderly healthcare.

..........

technology helps in other area.

when it comes to healthcare...there are certain things technology cannot replace human manpower.

.........

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 3:57 PM]

Most important all these projects are self sustainable.

Not imposing too high a burden on taxpayer money.

365, [10/3/2025 3:57 PM]

I agree, just thinking would want the additional assurance for elders. Continuity is an important aspect, don't want half way through then need increase price due to inflation and suddenly you can no longer afford it.

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 4:01 PM]

I think elderly got to buy the senior flat.

And then subscribe to the services to join the activities or meals.

If don't want can don't pay.

Just stay in the flat.

But caregiver will always look out for such elderly staying in their flat.

365, [10/3/2025 4:02 PM]

There's a basic service component which all must subscribe to. And if it's me, I would like to know I can continue paying for the optional service instead of having to give them up halfway and re-adapt to a new lifestyle.

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 4:03 PM]

Yes I think something like that.

I think HDB can give more details.

Joomua Tng, [10/3/2025 4:04 PM]

sorry... didn't read on it...have to read through and watch the parliamentary video..to understand more.

.............

off hand...i understand government is doing its best on workplace fairness

and a portion of employers are never fair in their policies...

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 4:19 PM]

335. I post in REACH Portal Saturday, February 22, 2025 :-

2. I am thinking of under the void deck of "no-frill HDB flat", vending machines that dispense "Budget Meal" such as those $3, $3.50 type of neighborhood coffeeshops and hawker centres be sold. Eg. Fancai, Bee Hoon, nasi lemak etc.

3. Coffee and tea sold at 80 cents can also be dispense by the vending machines.

4. This will help residents in "no-frill HDB flat" to enjoy low cost budget meal to tackle high inflation.

5. In addition, this will help neighborhood coffeeshops and hawker centres to sell more of their budget meal through another avenue and boost their business.

6. A vending machine aggregator can be tender to collect such Budget Meal from the food stall. But food safety must be ensured.

7. This will be a good political response to tackle the hot potato issues of high food prices in addition to high housing prices.

This is to take the bull by the horns and tackle the biting price vexation head-on - to prevent any political fallout by these 2 housing prices and food prices pain points.

----

CNA news 09 Mar 2025 04:06PM

To help with living costs, the South West Community Development Council (CDC) on Sunday (Mar 9) launched a Value Meals programme that will let residents redeem meals from vending machines located in their neighbourhoods.

Food and beverage (F&B) group Select is providing the vending machines and sponsoring vulnerable residents with S$600,000 in credits to purchase the meals from 80 vending machines, most of which will be located under Housing and Development Board flats.

The meals, ranging from sandwiches to reheatable dishes like fried bee hoon and curry chicken with rice, each cost S$3 or less.

Ms Low also said that food safety is a "top priority", in response to queries from reporters about food hygiene, given recent gastroenteritis cases arising from ready-to-eat meals distributed as part of Singapore's Food Resilience Preparedness Programme.

"That's why we work with Select group that has more than 30 years of experience, and they have a very robust workflow, SOP (standard operating procedures) at their central kitchen," she said.

Khai Mun L., [10/3/2025 5:13 PM]

The vending machine concept would not lower prices too much.

The quoted news article mention the food is sponsored by a company. 'Sponsor' does not mean long term. The high prices now is mainly due to cooking and raw material costs.

There are already vending machines that offer premade food, along with prepackaged food sold in supermarkets, which sell comparable or slight cheaper compared to outside . But the public response/business not super fantastic.

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 5:15 PM]

I think $3 or $3.50.

Better than $4, $5, $6 or more in coffeeshop or food court.

It is a pre covid food prices.

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 5:15 PM]

Actually good idea in REACH, government will adopt.

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 5:18 PM]

Some budget meal also $3 or $3.50.

My neighbourhood coffeeshop some stall already offering such budget meal.

Back to pre-covid prices.

Khai Mun L., [10/3/2025 5:22 PM]

Vending machines could snatch business from existing food stall owners, who could be low income themselves. Esp when the machine vendors are big group companies.

I would think giving food vouchers or budget meal option as currently might be better

Khai Mun L., [10/3/2025 5:23 PM]

Prepackaged meals might be deemed as less healthy.

I recall past discussion here about  school canteens and put vending machines there.

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 5:23 PM]

I think vending machine are place far away from coffeeshop or eateries.

Cater mainly to low income families.

Will not snatch away business from the food stalls.

Khai Mun L., [10/3/2025 5:24 PM]

Hmm, your assumption is low income stay far from coffeeeshop. Might not be universal though

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 5:25 PM]

Hmm...

I know of a low income families only go for such pre package low price food.

I was told that nutritionists say these pre package food nutrition are ok and healthy.

Taste like air flight meal.

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 5:25 PM]

True agree.

But definitely some low income families will benefit.

365, [10/3/2025 5:25 PM]

I don't think this is a concern, given the impression of quality on prepackaged/vending machine meals, most would still go for hawker.

As much as you hear a lot of noise complaining about food prices, many people still order delivery at marked up prices rather than walk 2 blocks for their meals. Most consumers are not as price-conscious as what might be portrayed on social media.

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 5:31 PM]

In fact every weekend, I will patronize and buy the budget meal $3.50 nasi lemak.

Very tasty and cheap.

Good value for money.

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 5:36 PM]

But not everytime people will go for pre package vending machine meal because variety selection are limited.

Occasionally, people will also go for coffeeshop or food stalls.

So not too worry about vending machine cannabalising coffeeshop business.

365, [10/3/2025 5:39 PM]

There'll always be demand for meals freshly cooked by a human, most Singaporeans can be quite picky about the food they eat, so the budget ones won't heavily affect hawker side.

LCL (Danny 心), [10/3/2025 5:39 PM]

Yes.

True.

REACH Singapore, [10/3/2025 6:01 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

REACH Singapore, [10/3/2025 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, [10/3/2025 7:01 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) 65 -  What are your views on the plans to improve housing and transport as outlined by Mr Lee and Mr Chee respectively? Which aspects of their speeches resonated the most with you? 

(SK)

06 Mar 2025 (10am - 7pm)

REACH (Telegram)

REACH Singapore, [6/3/2025 9:59 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, [6/3/2025 10:05 AM]

📢 Topic 📢

Minister for National Development Desmond Lee and Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat delivered their Committee of Supply (COS) speeches on March 5.

Mr Lee outlined plans to keep public housing affordable, accessible, and inclusive and Mr Chee shared plans to strengthen transport connectivity.

💬 What are your views on the plans to improve housing and transport as outlined by Mr Lee and Mr Chee respectively? Which aspects of their speeches resonated the most with you?

MND COS speech

📌 Ramping Up Supply of New Housing

Mr Lee shared that HDB has exceeded its commitment to launch 100,000 BTO flats from 2021 to 2025, equivalent to building two Ang Mo Kio towns in less than five years. In 2025 HDB will launch another 25,000 flats including about 1,500 BTO flats in the new Mount Pleasant project that will be launched this October, he said.

📌 Shorter Waiting Times

Mr Lee also shared that the median waiting time for BTO flats is now less than four years, comparable to the pre-COVID norm of three to four years. By 2025 HDB will build 2,000 to 3,000 Shorter Waiting Time (SWT) flats with a waiting time of two plus years, he said.

📌 Keeping Housing Affordable

Mr Lee outlined how the new Standard, Plus and Prime framework keeps housing affordable and inclusive even in attractive locations like Mount Pleasant. The Enhanced CPF Housing Grant was also raised last year so first-timer families can receive up to $120,000, with lower-middle income families receiving more, he said.

📌 Supporting Diverse Housing Needs

For seniors: Mr Lee said that the Silver Housing Bonus (SHB) will be extended to right-sizing seniors, including eligible private property owners, if they commit to increasing their CPF Retirement Account by $60,000. Those moving to 2-room or Community Care Apartments will receive an additional $10,000 cash bonus. The new EASE (Private) scheme to support the installation of senior-friendly fittings will be extended to private homes.

For the lower income: The Fresh Start Housing Scheme will offer shorter-lease BTO flats to first-timer ComLink+ families, while the grant for second-timers will increase from $50,000 to $75,000 from July 2025.

MOT COS speech

📌 Stronger Connectivity

Mr Chee announced plans to improve transport connectivity by expanding the rail network. Two new MRT lines—one to serve Singapore’s west and north-west, and another running from Woodlands to the future Greater Southern Waterfront—are being studied, he said. Mr Chee also shared that the Jurong Region Line will be extended to join with Circle Line. Mr Chee also shared plans to invest up to $1 billion over the next five years to strengthen rail reliability.

Mr Chee also unveiled a multi-year plan to revitalise existing stations on the North-South and East-West Lines which have been in operation for over 30 years to improve the passenger experience and accommodate growing ridership.

In terms of bus connectivity,  since Jul 2024, 10 new bus services and improvements to 36 existing bus services were launched under the Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme (BCEP), Mr Chee said. Another 15 more bus services across different towns will be launched in 2025, he added.

📌 Strengthening our Air Hub

Mr Chee shared plans to strengthen our Air Hub, giving an update that the groundbreaking for Changi Terminal 5 will take place in a few months’ time. Mr Chee also announced that in addition to the $5 billion top-up to the Changi Airport Development Fund outlined in Budget 2025, CAAS will invest $1 billion over the next five years to boost connectivity, infrastructure, innovation, and manpower for air transport. Air cargo capacity will also be enhanced through SATS's $1 billion terminal expansion and Changi Airport Group's Truck Dock Slot Pre-Booking digital solution.

🔗 https://www.mnd.gov.sg/newsroom/parliament-matters/speeches/view/speech-by-minister-desmond-lee-at-the-committee-of-supply-debate

REACH Singapore, [6/3/2025 10:05 AM]

🔗 https://www.mot.gov.sg/news/in-parliament/Details/speech-by-minister-for-transport--mr-chee-hong-tat-at-mot-committee-of-supply-debate-2025

----

365, [6/3/2025 10:26 AM]

I'm a bit conflicted on this one. On one hand there is indeed a high demand for flats right now, following the supply shortage due to covid. On the other hand, I felt that other policies in regards to poor population management have also contributed to this high demand, and this policy shouldn't be looked in a vacuum, and we should focus on alleviating the some factors contributing to high demand as well.

It seems ironic how we feel there's not enough space for us already (high population density), yet also not enough childbirth. Fundamentally, I feel population number is about right or can still be slightly lower, but population structure is the issue.

You also have 2 sides of the population now, one wants higher ROI on their existing hdb, and the other wants cheaper and affordable hdb. Promising higher ROI from the start is riding on a tiger that's hard to get off, I don't really blame the current gen government for being left with this situation of being stuck between 2 sides. On a personal belief basis, I think hdb shouldn't be used as an investment vehicle, but as a genuine home for the people.

365, [6/3/2025 10:30 AM]

Greater connectivity is great, one improvement aspect could be studying possible new traffic law implementation to allow bused a smoother traffic despite jams. Also could be a factor of the initiative to encourage public over private transport.

Khai Mun L., [6/3/2025 10:40 AM]

For me, more housing and transport hubs are great, but where is the land coming from?

Clearing more forests or claiming from the sea etc. there is still a limit. we need to start considering reclaiming from older buildings and land

365, [6/3/2025 10:45 AM]

It's a lot of treating the symptom and not the root cause. 

Why build more housing? Because there's more demand. 

Why more demand? More population coming in. 

Why more population? Importing in due to aging society imbalance.

All these issues are interconnected and shouldn't be looked at in a vacuum. All these measures should be stop gaps for now while we should continue to think and develop solutions for long term issues to tackle the root cause.

REACH Singapore, [6/3/2025 11:00 AM]

[ Poll : 1. Do you agree that the housing measures announced will help to keep public housing affordable, accessible and inclusive? ]

- Strongly Agree

- Agree

- Neutral

- Disagree 

- Strongly Disagree

REACH Singapore, [6/3/2025 11:00 AM]

[ Poll : 2. Do you agree that the transport measures announced will enhance your transport experience? ]

- Strongly Agree

- Agree

- Neutral 

- Disagree

- Strongly Disagree

REACH Singapore, [6/3/2025 11:01 AM]

Dear Contributors,

Please take a moment to participate in our polls and share your opinion. The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts on today’s topic!

Thank you.

Megan 😊

TreasureHunter, [6/3/2025 11:16 AM]

I feel that housing policies today encourages people to buy and sell. (good or bad I dunno) . For example my dad wants to "downgrade" from 4rm to 3rm at the age to 70. I asked is the house to big to maintain he said not really. I asked him if he don't like his neighbour or the environment he also said no. Later realised, he just want to use up his 2nd timer buy new from HDB. Then MOP up he sold and got a resale flat to stay. All in all he took a handsome profit, No doubt, yes he is smart for his age and guts to move house twice after 70+. I am pretty sure many retirees have to go such length to monetize like my dad. But the pain of moving is real, leaving your familar neighbourhood is a risk to take. I have a question for Govt, is there a way to exercise and monetize 2nd timer rights WITHOUT moving, maybe have a platform to sell your 2nd timer rights to people who used up theirs? Just thinking...

REACH Singapore, [6/3/2025 12:46 PM]

Dear Contributors,

We want to HEAR MORE from you!

💬 What are your views on the plans to improve housing and transport as outlined by Mr Lee and Mr Chee respectively? Which aspects of their speeches resonated the most with you?

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

Thank you!

Megan 😊

Adam, [6/3/2025 12:59 PM]

>for seniors

>for low income

I wonder if there is a certain segment of the pop they are leaving out in this diversity

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:00 PM]

Housing = bto

For some reason more and more sgeans are unable to apply even if they want to

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:02 PM]

Saying housing is affordable to all with massive caveats. If its affordable, why do so many people live with their parents?

Kai Bin, [6/3/2025 1:03 PM]

Regarding MOT’s speech, I am fully supportive for the announcement of two new MRT lines as it will benefit many residents who are living in areas without any access to the rail network.

I also strongly support the rejuvenation works of older MRT stations on the NSEWL as this will enhance their capacity and improve passenger experience.

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:04 PM]

I wonder how the funding works out. Will our fares increase?

Khai Mun L., [6/3/2025 1:29 PM]

It is affordable. Just that people are picky with location and resell values. Living with parents is not equal to non-afforable.

Could be many reasons why live with parents. E.g. me, as single have to wait until 35. not urgent to move out due to no suitable flats. Don't want to have heavy debt at young age

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:30 PM]

Ok give me a location where i can buy as a 24yo fresh grad single that is affordable?

Khai Mun L., [6/3/2025 1:30 PM]

If cannot afford to downpayment of like $10k for 1/2 room bto, means their lifestyle needs to relook.

Either upskill and get better pay, or is their spending too high to have any savings

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:30 PM]

It is impossible. You cannot have ten asterisks in affordability

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:31 PM]

If like that can say housing is affordable for singaporeans as can buy in malaysia

Khai Mun L., [6/3/2025 1:31 PM]

Fine, you want free? Land is free at ubin. Just build your tent there. No need pay rent or buy land

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:31 PM]

Food also affordable as can go to malaysia

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:32 PM]

Except this conditional IFs are not stated by the gov and they just ignore the problem

Khai Mun L., [6/3/2025 1:32 PM]

Now, who wants to stay there long term? That's another story

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:34 PM]

Lol would be funny if there is a community of digital nomads tenting in ubin

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:35 PM]

Wonder if gov will allow FTs to set up squatters since they cant buy affordable bto

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:41 PM]

Ok i upskill. I got 10k in my bank rn to pay deposit. Got alot of cpf too. Remember cpf is made for housing.

Where as a single can i get affodable?

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:42 PM]

You are single too right? I dont get why you think its ok. You cpf is locked away at 2.5% and will never beat the price appreciation of hdb even accounting for lease expiry

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:43 PM]

Maybe you can do some calculations. If you were to have maxed out your debt at 18 and got a house, how much are you in debt if you resell?

365, [6/3/2025 1:45 PM]

According to hdb website, 2024 bto in cck, 2-room flexi before grant starts from 102k (22k after grant).

2024 fresh grad median salary is 4500, including employer and employee cpf contribution, the OA (account you can use for flat payment) amount is calculated to be around 769. Per year the OA is around 9230.

Minimum down-payment is 20%.

If not for the 35 year old requirement, I'd say it's pretty affordable.

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:45 PM]

Exactly. What im saying is that very big condition

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:45 PM]

35

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:45 PM]

Years

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:45 PM]

Old

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:45 PM]

If you ignore it, sure housing is cheap

365, [6/3/2025 1:46 PM]

You have to differentiate affordability and eligibility. While I may not agree with their eligibility criteria, this is 2 separate matters.

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:47 PM]

Is housing affordable to foreigners?

365, [6/3/2025 1:47 PM]

When talking about affordability of hdb, it is implied to be IF you are eligible.

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:47 PM]

I mean, they can afford singapore housing if they are eligible

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:47 PM]

Just have to marry in. Get pr

365, [6/3/2025 1:47 PM]

Of course it's affordable, they can afford to pay it, we just don't allow them to buy because they are not eligible.

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:47 PM]

Very affordable for foreigners

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:48 PM]

But they can be eligible

365, [6/3/2025 1:48 PM]

Sure, if you want to run the risk of breaking the law for marriage of convenience. People have been arrested for that before.

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:48 PM]

Instead of waiting for tears they can marry in an instant

365, [6/3/2025 1:48 PM]

They can, just like how singles can also get married to buy a bto.

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:48 PM]

Yeah affordable housing for all

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:49 PM]

Just ignore eligibility condition

365, [6/3/2025 1:49 PM]

Affordability is purely financial aspects, eligibility is another matter all together.

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:49 PM]

Do you not understand that eligibility plays a part in affordability?

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:50 PM]

If a malay household wants to sell a flat but no chinese can buy, can they sell at the best possible price?

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:51 PM]

All houses in the same block should be equal right? Just occupant race is different

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:51 PM]

Yet because of eligibility conditions, the malay cannot reach the massive chinese buyers martket

Khai Mun L., [6/3/2025 1:52 PM]

But on the other hand, means they can buy more cheaply. Isn't that also good?

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:52 PM]

If you buy from hdb, can you ask for malay discount?

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:52 PM]

All hdb flat is sold by hdb at the start

Khai Mun L., [6/3/2025 1:52 PM]

HDB not for investment purposes

Khai Mun L., [6/3/2025 1:53 PM]

Want to resell after buy from hdb, not part of bto package and control already

365, [6/3/2025 1:53 PM]

Not being able to sell at a certain price doesn't seem to be under the purview of affordability anymore

Khai Mun L., [6/3/2025 1:53 PM]

You're bringing separate matters in

Jun Ming, [6/3/2025 1:54 PM]

Something alternative for the north south east west line. So commuters have more options

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:54 PM]

No. You said eligibity is a separate matter from financial. 

I am saying eligibility and financial is linked

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:54 PM]

If i am not eligible for bto, i wont be able to afford housing

Jun Ming, [6/3/2025 1:55 PM]

Rich

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:55 PM]

If i have housing limitation when owning, i cannot make as much from the investment too

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:55 PM]

Eligibility is an important factor in finances

Adam, [6/3/2025 1:56 PM]

We cannot wave it away

Khai Mun L., [6/3/2025 2:00 PM]

Repeat again-HDB not intended for investment purposes

365, [6/3/2025 2:02 PM]

Yes, if you are not eligible, you can't buy.

When there is a statement saying they have made public housing more affordable, I think most people would draw implication that it is affordable for those eligible.

When everything in his follow up statement is talking about hdb, which was built with making it available for families, I think one can draw conclusion that this affordability statement is targeted towards those who are eligible already.

Khai Mun L., [6/3/2025 2:02 PM]

Whatever you do after getting HDB, by right is not gov control. Getting 'best resale' price etc

Jun Ming, [6/3/2025 2:03 PM]

I hope gov looking into technology to build skyscraper HDB instead of just 20 storey. Build more of 50 storey HDB or higher so you don't use up so much land

Adam, [6/3/2025 2:04 PM]

As much as people say this, hdbs actions and policies show otherwise

Jun Ming, [6/3/2025 2:05 PM]

You don't deforest and land reclamation to just build a bunch of 20 storey building. To me waste of resources

365, [6/3/2025 2:05 PM]

Google definition of afford is "having enough money to pay for" it is purely financial. A billionaire can afford a hdb, he can't buy it because he's not eligible.

365, [6/3/2025 2:05 PM]

Unable to buy=/=unable to afford

83Suma Propnex, [6/3/2025 2:05 PM]

A 3rm resale in Punggol now 500k plus

Yes there are places where can get for 4xxk also.

3bedroom Pungl now some even 700k Plus

Yes there are 600k units as well.

And A subsidised new EC tomorrow will be selling abt 17xxk psf, 

All this one can argue whatever they want. As an agent myself i could find this is super high prices. 

And by saying 1mil plus is fraction of Resale, we are forgetting how rapidly resale prices went up last three yrs.

How many PRs buying. Hdb despite having homes in foreign countries? 

How many HDB got caught, 

Is HDB sure that none of the PR or new citizen did false declaration?

To think a PR earning 10k plus per month, doesn't own any property elsewhere and just waiting to buy HDB, is it logical?

Anyway I need to change my mind, minister saying Prices will stabilise, meaning a resale 3room For 400k, 500k will be a norm in Non mature estate.

EC will cross 1800psf also Norm.

Will change my mind.

Thank you

REACH Singapore, [6/3/2025 2:06 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

Khai Mun L., [6/3/2025 2:10 PM]

The housing topic today is mostly BTO. Not flats in general.

Khai Mun L., [6/3/2025 2:11 PM]

Sure, we can go other way, set price ceiling on resale and housing flats. Existing house owners would complain they are not getting best resale price. There's no perfect solution

Khai Mun L., [6/3/2025 2:12 PM]

2 sides of houses and everything else. Buyer and seller.

Adam, [6/3/2025 2:13 PM]

Like you said, housing is not an investment.

Action always speaks louder than words

Adam, [6/3/2025 2:13 PM]

Hdb let this happen

Adam, [6/3/2025 2:14 PM]

But there is indirectly a price cap because of the effect of valuation cap on loans

Adam, [6/3/2025 2:18 PM]

They have so much levers to pull. If they cut on loans it will massively cool down the market.

But of course it unpopular

Adam, [6/3/2025 2:19 PM]

Can anyone "afford" a hdb if they cannot get a loan? Ineligible you might say

LCL (Danny 心), [6/3/2025 3:18 PM]

*Housing*

1. 2 aspects of Housing that particularly resonate with me are:-

a. Minister is considering raising the income ceiling eligibility for HDB BTO flats.

b. Increasing supplies of HDB BTO flat

2. As median income and graduate salary income are increasingly quite steadily, the income ceiling eligibility of $14,000 is a bit low.

Very quickly, the income ceiling will be breached after few years of working - and young couples will no longer qualified to apply for HDB BTO flats - but have to go for EC that is very expensive or resale HDB BTO flats that will not be cheap and yet 2nd hands.

3. Increasing supplies of HDB BTO flats will make more flats available and driving down prices - as supply increase and surpass demand - prices fall - making HDB BTO flat prices more affordable and accessible.

LCL (Danny 心), [6/3/2025 3:41 PM]

*Transport*

1. Our MRT system is a very extensive and comprehensive network that cover almost every part of Singapore - that make it very convenient and accessible in travelling to any part of Singapore.

2. As 2 more new MRT lines are announced, that means more redundant lines are being built to ensure resiliency in the entire Island MRT network system.

So if one line is down, commuters will be able to take other lines - without the needs to scramble into quickly assembled buses or transports - as the volume of commuters especially in peak hours can be very big.

3. The transport portfolio is very big as it covers the MRT, road, air, and marine.

As the MRT network increases, it will surely come with some pain - as occasionally, there will be fault. 

Because anything electrical and mechanical, wear and tear will happens - even with the most stringent maintenance programs in place (just like our electrical appliances at home or our cars we drive - occasional faults and breakdown do occur).

Hence whoever helming this portfolio will face the criticism of commuters.

But if redundant lines are built-in, then any fault, commuters can hop into another lines - only to live with some inconveniences.

Transport - in particular MRT indeed is a painful and thankless job - but mitigating the fault through redundant lines will make the pain more bearable.

Kai Bin, [6/3/2025 3:57 PM]

I agree with your statement

Andy, [6/3/2025 3:58 PM]

Income ceiling has always been raised gradually by 2k every few years. To me this is expected as long as wages are growing too, generally.

Andy, [6/3/2025 3:58 PM]

Usually tied back to median income

Andy, [6/3/2025 3:58 PM]

This Includes EC ceiling too

Andy, [6/3/2025 4:01 PM]

For me increasing supply does drive down prices, but to me it's about creating newer, clean estates for Singaporeans to move into. BTO are already very affordable compared to resale market.

REACH Singapore, [6/3/2025 4:04 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

Andy, [6/3/2025 4:04 PM]

💯  super in favour of public transport upgrade! Agree.

LCL (Danny 心), [6/3/2025 4:08 PM]

*Concept of Redundancy and Resiliency in MRT system*

1. The concept of redundancy and resiliency do apply in many fields - and especially if resiliency failover is seamless - users of the systems will not feel the pain or in the case of MRT, some pain that will be bearable.

2. I think citing some analogies will help people to understand redundancy and resiliency better - and can understand why Minister and Ministry Transport jobs are very tough and painful - but yet must bite it with grit to make fault and pain bearable to commuters.

3. Taking an analogy of IT systems, imagine the resiliency and redundancy that we need to build in - to ensure any failure in any parts of the IT infrastructure in the network, servers, OS, apps, database, Data Centres - the IT systems or Apps users will not be affected online - if any parts of the IT systems breaks (which is possible and frequent in a year).

a. Redundant at least 2 separate failover network infrastructure is build. If one network fail, it will automatically failover into another network through network failover protocol such as link aggregation, VRRP, HSRP, GLBP etc - in case a network components eg. router, LAN switches, cable failure etc.

b. 2 Data Centres with 2 replica sets of IT infrastructure, network, servers, apps, database, security are built, and failover by GLB (Global Load Balancers) in case there is a power failure in one DC, hackers attack in one DC, fire etc.

c. In a data centre, minimally 2 set of servers, Virtual Machines, OS, apps, Databases are built - supported by redundant SLB (Server Load Balancers) for failover in the event apps fail due to the fault of any of these components due to patches, upgrade, memory failure, disk space full, etc.

Imagine the amount of redundancy and resiliency that we need to build in an IT system - to ensure good online user experience without experiencing online IT failure.

4. Taking another analogy, our power grid are build with redundancy and resiliency that come from 2 different power grid and power station.

In the event if one power grid fails due to power outage, surge etc, another power grid and power station can failover and takeover - without causing power outage to the power users which can be industry users (manufacturing plants, hospitals, office users) or household users like us.

5. Similarly, MRT can also build using the above 2 analogies in IT systems and power grids - to build redundant and resilient systems --- because electrical parts and mechanical parts do fail (whether due to wear and tear, signaling failure, electrical fault etc).

Hence Singapore with more and more wealth and higher budget, we can afford to build redundanct and resilient MRT lines - to mitigate and cushion against nature of the 4 Great Elements (风，火，水，土) of mechanical and electrical failure.

But failover will not be seamless or automatic like the IT systems or power grid.

If one MRT line fails, commuters will need walkover to take opposite line to a functional MRT system that is working - a slight pain, and slight inconvenience but bearable.

365, [6/3/2025 4:09 PM]

Not only redundancy, but parallel run to offload some passengers from the current network, using IT terms as well, there's more load balancing.

LCL (Danny 心), [6/3/2025 4:10 PM]

Yes.

IT system can do load balancing.

But MRT if do load balancing will be too expensive unless complemented by bus.

365, [6/3/2025 4:12 PM]

The additional lines will help with load balancing as well, and I would want more convenient bus routes as well.

Can't rmb which bus route was it that got removed after TEL was done, I think that was a mistake.

Not only could that bus have helped to balance the load, iirc it also served some areas where the mrt line has not reached yet.

365, [6/3/2025 4:15 PM]

I'm honestly skeptical about the new PMA laws. Not that they are not good to implement, but a law is pointless if it isn't enforced. 

We already have speed limits for PMDs, but doesn't feel like it's enforced much.

E-bikes and similar items were originally banned, but were still imported into Singapore in such large quantities that it became common sight despite being technically illegal.

365, [6/3/2025 4:17 PM]

If manpower in enforcement is an issue, it can be balanced with harsher punishment to act as deterrence. Hit the wallets, impound the rides.

Please correct if I'm wrong, but they are supposed to be equipped with a speed limiter, so if anyone is caught without it, trace back to who sold or modified the ride and punish them as well.

Khai Mun L., [6/3/2025 4:22 PM]

Might be hard to trace back because no record keeping or paid via cash. Kind of like how vapes or drugs still found in sg.

Buyer would lie about where they got it from

365, [6/3/2025 4:22 PM]

Can give harsher sentence for refusal to cooperate or lying to a police official

Khai Mun L., [6/3/2025 4:23 PM]

Harsh penalty still have to balance with regular enforcement. E.g. people still eat,drink, or do drugs even though high cost

Andy, [6/3/2025 4:24 PM]

I agree with harsher sentence, the punks who ride dangerously and endanger people both on roads and pavements

Andy, [6/3/2025 4:24 PM]

Its something worth balancing.

365, [6/3/2025 4:25 PM]

My thought process is everyone has their own risk matrix. Usually it would be calculated with probability of consequences and severity of consequences.

If we are unable to increase the probability due to lack of manpower, the least we can do is to balance it with severity of consequences.

Ideally I would want more enforcement as well, but we don't live in a perfect world.

Jun Ming, [6/3/2025 4:28 PM]

Make the approve one with speed limiter cheaper than illegal one

Jun Ming, [6/3/2025 4:28 PM]

Cannot solely rely on law

REACH Singapore, [6/3/2025 4:29 PM]

➡️ Deal fairly with public officers in NRIC unmasking saga; accountability of political office holders important, says SM Teo

More: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/nric-unmasking-saga-deal-fairly-public-officers-dont-big-bazooka-teo-chee-hean-4980801

Jun Ming, [6/3/2025 4:29 PM]

We need to design the system that people prefer the safer option rather than because of the law people don't do it

Jun Ming, [6/3/2025 4:34 PM]

For pmd people are always in the rush because time is money. And they mainly use for delivery.  

So to reduce this platforms should give more time allowance and more compensation for food delivery. So less people would speed

365, [6/3/2025 4:36 PM]

To my understanding, some of them will take on multiple orders at the same time, which also increases their risk of failing the time requirement, can anyone confirm?

If the above is true, then increasing the time allowance will not solve the issue as they'll just take on even more orders and run the same risk again.

365, [6/3/2025 4:37 PM]

I agree cannot solely rely on law, but there are those that do it for the thrill instead of whichever works and is legal

Jun Ming, [6/3/2025 4:51 PM]

If that is the case the platform must design in the way to not getting multiple orders that is too far of the location

Ethan, [6/3/2025 5:00 PM]

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/students-applying-to-jc-from-2028-to-use-l1r4-score-requiring-five-o-level-subjects-instead-of-six

Academic rigor on a decline?

Ethan, [6/3/2025 5:01 PM]

For students exploring the pre-university pathway, we want to create more time and space to build on their strengths and develop them holistically,” said Education Minister Chan Chun Sing on March 6 during the debate on MOE’s budget. 

The revised criteria “means that students will be able to take fewer subjects, or take some subjects at a less demanding level”, he said. 

“They will thus be able to devote more time and effort to pursue their interests, deepen their communication and collaboration skills through CCAs, and uncover new strengths through school programmes.

Ethan, [6/3/2025 5:01 PM]

Realistically how many students will use the added free time for what’s mentioned and intended for. 🤷‍♂️

Ethan, [6/3/2025 5:04 PM]

Also for the minority cases where students are competing on national levels in sports, don’t think there’s any value in them focusing more on being “better at the sports” just so that they meet global standards. 

What’s after your competitive sports retirement will still be back at your regular day job. And then, your learnings from the pool / field adds no value to your day job then, instead academic rigor do atleast at some value to it..

whosAlex, [6/3/2025 5:04 PM]

More like how many parents would use that time to send their children to tuition instead

Ethan, [6/3/2025 5:07 PM]

More will just spend it away freely and not doing anything meaningful. 

I’d rather have more subjects, more responsibilities and therefore students will hold themselves accountable for it and have the self discipline to mgmt their time. 

Rather than to have abundance of free time and not knowing what to do.

Ethan, [6/3/2025 5:12 PM]

Don’t think there’s anything wrong with academic rigor and academic stress. 

Infact I’d argue it’s the main equalizing factor in society now.

Irregardless if you’re rich or poor you know that you hit certain academic marks you can get a good degree and that will change your trajectory in life. With free/ low costs resources  readily available for you to achieve those grades.

If you’re focusing on other talents, CCA achievements. Don’t really think the poor have resources or capacity to bring their kids for those trainings or courses. Getting professional coaches, attending trainings at specialized clubs with the necessary equipments, etc all requires additional resources. And it’s definitely not as widely accessible to folks from all walks of life.

Jun Ming, [6/3/2025 5:47 PM]

I didn't go to JC so couldn't really see the demand. But... The school may not offer what the students are truly good in. And school banding in sec 3 may limit the number of subject if they didn't do well in sec 2

Jun Ming, [6/3/2025 5:49 PM]

This gave more flexibility for students who are bad at the start and catch up later better options if they want to go JC

Jun Ming, [6/3/2025 5:49 PM]

As JC is always the direct route to university

Jun Ming, [6/3/2025 5:50 PM]

Unless uni starts to expand intake of poly students greater than 50%

Jun Ming, [6/3/2025 5:53 PM]

Some school may provide more subjects than another and have certain criteria, so I welcome this move. This also give options for student from NT to na to olevels to go to jc

REACH Singapore, [6/3/2025 6:05 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

REACH Singapore, [6/3/2025 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, [6/3/2025 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 😊

====