Personal responsibility remains a cornerstone even with the Jobseeker Support Scheme: Tan See Leng
Why the Jobseeker Support Scheme (JSS)? “We wanted to create a better alternative to unemployment insurance,” says Manpower Minister Dr Tan See Leng in Parliament. In other countries, unemployment insurance has brought about unintended and indesirable outcomes including being more attractive to stay unemployed. The Singapore Government is also mindful of rising costs for businesses […]
Alkaff Lake: a recreational space in dry weather, a stormwater retention pool in a flood
Climate change is expected to bring more frequent and intense rainfall, increasing the risk of flash floods. Singapore is dealing with stormwater management in a creative way. The Alkaff Lake at the new Bidadari Park is a first-of-its-kind multi-functional drainage infrastructure for stormwater management. First-of-its kind stormwater retention pond integrated with Bidadari Park (PUB photo) […]
Meta a less receptive partner. I urge Meta to do right by your users: Sun Xueling
Speaking in Parliament during the Committee of Supply Debate 2024 on “Advancing the Fight against Scams”, MOS (Home Affairs and MSF) Sun Xueling said that Meta products, in particular Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, were among the top online platforms exploited by scammers. They accounted for close to half of the scam cases in 2023, and […]
If Singaporeans will not or cannot defend Singapore, there is no backstop: Ng Eng Hen
Defence is a long term business, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said in Parliament (28 Feb 2024) during the Committee of Supply debate. You cannot decide that you are going to have your defences up. “Steady long-term defence spending enables platforms and capabilities to mature over the necessary timelines to enhance synergy and reap efficiencies,” […]
Number of adults using SimplyGo continue to increase even after LTA’s announcement to extend use of ezlink cards
Since LTA’s announcement on 22 January 2024 that LTA would extend the CBT (card-based ticketing) system for adult commuters till at least 2030, the proportion of adult commuters using SimplyGo has continued to increase, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat revealed in Parliament (5 Feb 2024) In December 2023, 41% of adult commuters were using bank […]
Iswaran charged, will return salary and allowance, focus on clearing his name
Former Minister for Transport, S Iswaran appeared in court yesterday (18 Jan 2024). 27 charges were filed against him. On 16 January 2024, Mr Iswaran wrote to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to resign as a Cabinet Minister and as a member of the People’s Action Party (PAP). He also resigned as Member of Parliament […]
Jamus says scam victims should not bear more than $500 in losses; banks and telcos to bear the rest
In Parliament, WP Jamus Lim suggests that scams victim should not have to bear more than S$100 to S$500 in losses, with banks and telcos bearing the rest of the costs instead. Jamus Lim describes the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s (MAS) loss-sharing framework for phishing scams as “fundamentally unfair”. Under this framework, financial institutions and […]
WP Jamus Lim incredibly equates temporary supermarket discounts with exemption from GST
One thing is certain: supermarkets giving 1% discounts on essential items for a limited period of time is not equal to a policy to exempt ‘essential’ items from GST. First, the discount is only for a limited period of time while an exemption policy is ‘forever’. Secondly, a discount of 9% for all time – […]
Singapore to join Operation Prosperity Guardian to ensure maritime security in the Red Sea: Ng Eng Hen
In Parliament (9 Jan 2024), Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen announced that Singapore would participate in a multinational operation to ensure maritime security in the Red Sea. The Red Sea, which connects the Suez Canal and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, is the shortest sea route linking Asia and Europe. It is a major Sea Line […]
Singapore is the only non-oil producing country to benefit from our reserves for our annual budget
The most unique thing about Singapore’s finances is that we get a significant amount of money each year from our reserves, that can be spent for the good of Singaporeans, President Tharman said in a Facebook post (8 Jan 2024) This is an outstanding fact, he said. It is outstanding because we are the only country […]