A Q U A R T E R LY P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E P E O P L E ' S A C T I O N P A R T Y
September 2016
CREATE RED DOT MIRACLE TOGETHER Women power to the fore
Keeping jobs in the new economy
pg26
pg25
Janil Puthucheary: Eye on the future pg22
INSIDE: S R Nathan: The selfless Singaporean with abiding sense of duty to country
SEPTEMBER 2016
CONTENTS PUBLICITY AND PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE Lawrence Wong (Chairman) Desmond Lee Chee Hong Tat Seah Kian Peng Lim Wee Kiak Baey Yam Keng Zaqy Mohamad Janil Puthucheary Chiang Heng Liang Diana Pang Hamidah Aidillah Benjamin Tay Teo Lin Lee Adrian Liew Editor Chee Li Foong Editorial and Design Focus Publishing Limited (Tel: 6319-2392) Printer KHL Printing Co. Pte Ltd Photos Singapore Press Holdings, istockphoto.com
MCI (P) 192/03/2016 Petir is published by the People’s Action Party Central Executive Committee. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior consent of the publisher. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the PAP or the Government. All rights reserved. PAP Headquarters Block 57B, New Upper Changi Road, #01-1402, PCF Building, Singapore 463057 Telephone: 6244-4600 Telefax: 6243-0114 Internet: www.pap.org.sg
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COVER STORY
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Pressing on with succession planning Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong mapped out the main challenges facing Singapore during his National Day Rally on August 21. Act now for better future By looking ahead but acting now, Singapore will continue to be special for future generations, says PM Lee at National Day Rally.
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FEATURE
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Staying united in the face of terror Terrorist attacks are getting closer to home. How we prepare will determine our response to such an attack. Extending the Silver Safety net An easy-to-read Q&A guide on the new Silver Support Scheme.
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SPECIAL
Farewell, Mr Nathan ơ ơ Ǥ ǡ sixth President of Singapore a fond farewell.
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CONVERSATION
His eyes on the future Dr Janil Puthucheary eyeballs the future closely to seize opportunities in the new economy for Singapore.
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GROUNDWORK YOUNG PAP / PPF
Keeping our jobs amid disruptive technologies How to hold on to our jobs amid disruptive technologies was the topic of a dialogue jointly organised by YP and PPF.
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GROUNDWORK WOMEN’S WING
Empowering women to co-shape Singapore’s future Interesting ideas were tossed up at the 4th PAP Women Wing’s Conference to encourage more women to partner other society segments to build a better Singapore.
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BACKBENCHER’S BITE
Daily priorities Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP Chong Kee Hiong shares how his background in real estate and hospitality are especially helpful in his ward’s upgrading plans. Please send feedback, suggestions and comments to paphq@pap.org.sg.
COVER STORY
“We must have a strong team and a deep bench, to have the best chance to succeed. Minister or not, all of us are mortal.” - PM Lee on the importance of leadership succession.
PRESSING ON WITH SUCCESSION PLANNING PM ALSO CALLS FOR UNITY IN TACKLING CHALLENGES
S In a departure from years past, this year’s National Day Rally did not contain major policy announcements. Instead, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong dwelled at length on economic issues, terrorism, international affairs and leadership succession.
ingapore must do its best to ensure that the country’s political system continues to work properly for all Singaporeans, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the National Day Rally on August 21. Addressing the nation in the most important political speech of the year, Mr Lee once again stressed the need to always have good politics that can take Singapore forward. Central to this goal is to have the best people in charge. They must be capable, committed, have integrity and be cohesive, not just among themselves but with the rest of the population. “That is why one of my most urgent tasks is succession, putting in place the next team to take over from me and my senior colleagues,” said Mr Lee, who is SecretaryGeneral of the People’s Action Party. The core of the next leadership team is already in the current Cabinet, after he succeeded in reinforcing the ranks at GE2015, the PM said. He has assigned them “heavy
responsibilities” in areas such as education, economic restructuring and social policies, all of which are key to shape Singapore’s future direction. Mr Lee said: “We must have a strong team and a deep bench to have the best chance to succeed. Minister or not, all of us are mortal.” Those words were a stark reminder to all, coming just three months after Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat’s sudden stroke during a Cabinet meeting in May. Mr Heng returned to work on August 22, a day after the rally, but with a new Second Finance Minister alongside him, Lawrence Wong, who is the Minister for National Development. With Mr Heng initially only able to re ƥ ǡ he will focus on two main tasks – preparing Budget 2017, and his role as co-chairman of the Committee on the Future Economy. With the team not getting any younger, the PM stressed that nothing has changed his timetable or resolve to press on with his
September 2016
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COVER STORY
“If we wish for material things, we will regret it, because after we have got them, we will want more, BOE OPU CF TBUJTĆ‹FE BOZNPSF What I would like is that we be blessed with a divine discontent - always EJTTBUJTĆ‹FE XJUI XIFSF XF BSF BMXBZT ESJWFO UP EP better, BOE ZFU UIBU XF IBWF UIF XJTEPN UP DPVOU our blessings to know how precious Singapore is, BOE IPX UP FOKPZ XIBU XF IBWF Ţ 1. -FF PO IBWJOH UIFTF UXP XJTIFT GVMƇMMFE GPS 4JOHBQPSF
succession plans. He will strengthen the team further at the next GE, and his successor must be ready to take over soon after.
Ensuring minority candidates become President Another pressing issue on the agenda are the major changes in store for the Elected Presidency system. Mr Lee devoted a large part of his address to explain the reasons for the review, which will see the qualifying criteria updated, the advice of the Council of Presidential Advisors carry more weight, and to have a safeguard in place to ensure minority candidates can be elected from time to time. It was this last point that Mr Lee dwelled on at length. Singapore is a multi-racial society and the President is someone who symbolises the nation. “Every Singaporean has to be able to identify with him. Every citizen has to know that someone of his community can become President, and in fact from time to time, does become President, whether he is Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian or some other race,� said the PM. The Constitutional Commission set up to review the Elected Presidency has already submitted its report to the Government. A White Paper will be published on how the changes will be implemented before a Constitutional amendment bill is tabled in Parliament. The House will have a full debate on the changes before the bill is put to a vote. Despite Singapore’s progress over the years, we are not a homogenous society be-
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cause, as Mr Lee put it, “race still mattersâ€? in many aspects of life, including at elections. “If we ask Singaporeans what race would you like your President to be, each race prefers their own to be President. Most Singaporeans will accept a President of a different race, but not all,â€? he said, adding that race will matter in a presidential election for a long time to come. The move to introduce a mechanism to guarantee a minority President in the future presents a series of challenges: It is a delicate problem that is politically sensitive to explain, and psychologically takes time to accept. “It is a real problem, and we have to solve it. We can and will make sure that all candidates for President, including minority candidates, fully meet the qualifying criteria with no compromise. Then it will be clear that when we do have a minority President, Š‡ ™‹ŽŽ „‡ ĥ ˆ—ŽŽ› Â“Â—ÂƒÂŽÂ‹Ć¤Â‡Â† ĥ ƒÂ?› ‘–Š‡” ”‡•‹dent,â€? said Mr Lee.
Staying together He also emphasised the need to stay united in tackling the challenges facing Singapore. “A lot is at stake. Whether we can come together, how we tackle our challenges will determine if we prosper and succeed. I am sharing my concerns and my plans with you because all of us have a role to play, building a Singapore together.� Every generation must do better than the one before, he pointed out. In doing so, we must look ahead but act now to give the best possible chance to future generations.
Taken ill, but PM returns to standing ovation A temporary drop in blood pressure caused by prolonged standing, heat and dehydration forced Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to take an extended break midway through his National Day Rally. After his medical team on site assessed that his condition was not serious, he returned to the auditorium with a wide smile and a big wave as the 1,400 people in attendance gave him a rousing ovation. Mr Lee experienced a brief fainting spell at about 9.20 pm, some 80 minutes into his $MFKHRG RODDBG RS@SDLDMS EQNL GHR NƧBD said that while he felt unsteady, his heart V@R ĆĽMD @MC GD CHC MNS G@UD @ RSQNJD 'D had been on his feet for more than two hours before the incident, delivering his Malay and Mandarin speeches. “Thank you for waiting for me. I gave everybody a scare. The last time I did this, I was on the parade square in Safti. I fainted. I think that’s what happened,â€? he quipped. Mr Lee later underwent a series of check-ups at the Singapore General 'NROHS@K #NBSNQR BNMĆĽQLDC GD G@C MN GD@QS abnormalities or stroke, and put him on a week’s medical leave.
“We do not know how we will be tested. We do not wish for tribulations to befall us, just to test our mettle. But some troubles will surely come, and I’m sure we will not be short of challenges. We will be tested as one people, and we must not be found wanting.� 1. -FF PO IPX 4JOHBQPSF IBT UIF SJHIU TQJSJU UP BEWBODF JO JUT OBUJPO CVJMEJOH KPVSOFZ
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ᕨ⤳䄡喑Ѓч̸ౕ̭ᅷ๔䔶ᬣ喑䔈̭ₒป๔䶳ᄩఏ 䭌喑Ѓ⮱ᣒ⤚ϧݝᬣΌᓲ䶨ևສ۳ิ喑ᣒ䓴䶳ᄩ᷿ၽȡ 䉏ᩬ䘕䪬⢸⦋ᲝౕపᎳ㓑ф๔ч䯁๖ఋݝጒ҉ᇄ Ѻ喑పუࣾᆂ䘕䪬叱ᓗ䉏ᄳکШ䉏ᩬ䘕すι䘕䪬喑ࡼߖ ⢸⦋Ოȡ Ԋᄾ㓑ᰶᱧчͧᕨ㐌 ℾ䔶ᕨ㐌ݣᏓ⮱ᩦ䲖᭜ओ̭䶦䛺㺮䄫䷅ȡౕ⑁䄡
Ѓ䄡喟ĄຯЙ䬛ߍಎϧጹ᱈ᕨ㐌Გ㜗ਗ͗ 喑͗䘪ч℁䒰ጹ᱈㜗ጞ⮱㓑ͧᕨ㐌ȡ๔็ ⮱ߍಎϧчᣒऄڣЃ⮱ᕨ㐌喑ѳ̺᭜ϧϧຯ ₑȡą ᕨ⤳䄡喑㺮ᣕ㵹̭͗Ԋᄾ㓑ᄳᲒΌᰶᱧч ͧᕨ㐌⮱ᱧݣ喑Й䰭㺮ٸ̭㈨݄⮱ᠾᝅȡ䔆͗䄫 ䷅ౕᩬ⇨̷᭜ᒵ᩼ᙌ⮱喑పϧౕᓰ⤳̷Ό䰭㺮ᬣ䬡ᣒऄ 䄰᪡ȡ September 2016
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COVER STORY
PERALIHAN PUCUK PIMPINAN TETAP DILAKSANAKAN Tidak seperti tahun-tahun sebelumnya, tiada dasar utama pemerintah diumumkan semasa Rapat Hari Kebangsaan tahun ini. Sebaliknya, Perdana Menteri Lee Hsien Loong, bercakap secara panjang lebar tentang isu ekonomi, pengganasan, ehwal antarabangsa dan peralihan pucuk pimpinan.
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ingapura mesti melakukan yang terbaik demi memastikan sistem politik negara terus bergerak dengan betul untuk seluruh rakyat Singapura, kata Perdana Menteri Lee Hsien ‘‘Â?‰ †‹ ƒ’ƒ– ƒ”‹ ‡„ƒÂ?‰•ƒƒÂ? ’ƒ†ƒ ÍžÍ? ‰‘• ŽƒŽ—Ǥ Menghadapi rakyat dan menyampaikan ucapan politik terpenting tahun ini, Encik Lee sekali lagi menekankan perlunya untuk sentiasa mempunyai politik yang baik yang boleh memacu Singapura. Matlamat utamanya adalah untuk mempunyai orang terbaik memimpin. Mereka harus berkeupayaan, berdedikasi, berwibawa dan menyatu, bukan hanya dikalangan mereka sendiri tetapi juga dengan rakyat jelata. “Itu sebabnya mengapa peralihan pucuk pimpinan menjadi tugas terpenting buat saya, mempersiapkan satu pasukan untuk mengambil alih dari saya dan rakan-rakan mapan,â€? kata Encik Lee, yang juga Setiausaha Agung Parti Tindakan Rakyat. Anggota utama pasukan kepimpinan yang baru kini telahpun berada dalam Kabinet yang ada sekarang, selepas beliau memperkukuh kedudukan menyusuli PRU2015, katanya. Kata Encik Lee: “Kita mesti mempunyai sebuah pasukan yang kuat dan barisan pendukung yang mantap demi mempunyai peluang terbaik untuk mengecapi kejayaan seterusnya. Menteri atau bukan, kita semua fana.â€? Ucapan beliau itu adalah satu peringatan jelas kepada semua, yang diluahkan tiga bulan selepas Menteri Kewangan Heng Swee Keat mengalami serangan angin ahmar secara mengejut sewaktu menghadiri mesyuarat Kabinet pada Mei lalu. Encik Heng kembali „‡”–—‰ƒ• ’ƒ†ƒ ͞͞ ‰‘• ÂŽÂƒÂŽÂ—ÇĄ •‡Šƒ”‹ •‡Ž‡’ƒ• ”ƒ’ƒ– Šƒ”‹ Â?‡„ƒÂ?‰•ƒƒÂ?ÇĄ tetapi dengan Menteri Kedua Kewangan yang baru, Encik Lawrence Wong, yang juga merupakan Menteri Pembangunan Negara. PM menekankan bahawa tiada perubahan pada jadualnya atau iltizamnya untuk meneruskan langkah peralihan pucuk pimpinan. Beliau akan memperkukuhkan lagi pasukan yang ada sewaktu pilihan raya umum akan datang, dan penggantinya harus bersedia untuk mengambil alih sejurusnya.
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Memastikan calon minority menjadi Presiden Satu lagi isu genting adalah mengenai perubahan besar pada sistem Presiden Dipilih. Encik Lee meluangkan sebahagian besar masanya menerangkan sebab semakan dilakukan, di mana kriteria kelayakan akan dikemaskini, nasihat Majlis Penasihat Presiden diberikan pertimbangan lebih mendalam, dan mengadakan pelindung demi memastikan calon minoriti boleh dipilih dari masa ke semasa. “Setiap warga Singapura harus berupaya mendampingi Presiden. Setiap rakyat harus tahu bahawa seseorang dari kalangan kaum mereka boleh menjadi Presiden, malah, dari masa ke semasa boleh menjadi Presiden, sama ada beliau seorang Cina, Melayu, India, Serani atau bangsa lain,� kata PM. Pesuruhjaya Perlembagaan yang dibentuk bagi menyemak sistem dan kriteria Presiden Dipilih telah menyampaikan laporan mereka kepada Pemerintah. Satu Kertas Putih akan dibentangkan yang memperincikan bagaimana perubahan ini akan dilaksanakan sebelum semakan Perlembagaan diusulkan di Parlimen. Dewan akan mengadakan perbahasan penuh sebelum rang undang-undang itu diketengahkan untuk pengundian. Di sebalik kemajuan Singapura, kita bukan sebuah masyarakat yang satu kerana, seperti dinyatakan Encik Lee, "soal bangsa masih utama", termasuk semasa pilihan raya. “Jika kita bertanya kepada rakyat Singapura, apakah bangsa seorang Presiden yang mereka inginkan? Kebanyakan warga Singapura akan menerima seorang Presiden dari bangsa lain, tetapi bukan semua,� katanya. Langkah untuk memperkenalkan mekanisme untuk memastikan seseorang dari kaum minoriti menjadi Presiden pada masa depan, mengemukakan satu siri cabaran. Ia satu masalah yang rumit lagi sensitif secara politiknya, dan secara psikologi mengambil masa untuk diterima, kata beliau.
September 2016
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COVER STORY
ACT NOW FOR BETTER FUTURE Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong posed a few questions to his audience at this year’s National Day Rally on August 21. Among them: How do we progress together and how do we secure our place in the world as we aspire to be one of shining spots in the world. Petir brings you a summary of his remarks. We also have activists’ reactions to his Rally speech.
FOREIGN RELATIONS: HOW DO WE SECURE OUR PLACE IN THE WORLD?
ECONOMY: HOW DO WE PROGRESS?
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“Will we be stronger as one people? Will the Singapore spirit grow? Will we feel more pride and togetherness as Singaporeans? That depends on how we respond to the challenges and crises that will come our way.� – PM Lee on our future
Mar s i l i ngYewT eeGRC
FEATURE
STAYING UNITED IN THE FACE OF TERROR
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eligious and community leaders in Singapore came in for special praise by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, when he hailed them for taking “courageous stands” in helping to unite the country in the face of a growing terrorism threat. In his National Day Rally speech on August 21, Mr Lee spoke of how they condemn terrorist attacks, refute extremist views, and make clear that terrorists do not represent Islam or Singapore Muslims. “They lead by example, and guide their communities to stand together. They also understand that ours is a multi-racial society; there has to be give and take. Each community has to engage and understand each other, and not segregate itself from other communities. We have to respect one another’s religions. We cannot treat other Ƥ ǡdz Ǥ Mr Lee warned that Singapore’s fault lines would deepen if religious groups take an exclusivist approach and discourage interaction with others. It is fundamental in Singapore, that all religions practice their faith in a
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multi-racial and multi-religious context. The Prime Minister pointed out the challenging security landscape of today as the regional strategic balance continues to shift. There are new dynamics between the powers and within Asean, and this means a “more complicated and less tranquil” Southeast Asia.
Everyone must play a part to safeguard Singapore Should an attack happen in Singapore, how the nation emerges from it will depend on three factors: The collective resolve to stand with each other, the level of preparedness before the attack, and whether there is trust among the community so that citizens feel instinctively as one people. In a grim reminder of the seriousness of the situation, Mr Lee disclosed the authorities have been acting quietly on various terrorist plots against Singapore, including a plot by a Batam terror cell to launch a rocket attack on Marina Bay. “We know there have been others, we've
quietly acted on the information, we've taken precautions,” he said, citing measures including more patrols and greater protection for major events and landmarks. Some events have also been shifted or rescheduled as a result of threats. “We take it seriously: It's not certain enough to warn everybody publicly, but serious enough for us to act quietly. So the next time you see a patrol in the city, or some extra security in some areas, it may be we are just taking precautions, or doing a show of force as deterrence. But it could also be in response to a real threat that we’ve heard about,” he said. Even as Mr Lee recognised the excellent work of the nation’s diplomats and security forces, the Home Team and the Singapore Armed Forces, he called on all segments of society to chip in too. He said: “They alone cannot guarantee our security and safety, or hold us together. All of us must do our part – to understand our national interest, support Singapore in our relations with other countries, prepare ourselves to deal with terrorism, and stand together after a terrorist attack.” Ahead of the launch of SG Secure in September, Mr Lee said this new national movement would be a call to action to all Singaporeans, to be sensitised, trained and mobilised to protect our society from an attack. “Ultimately, what matters most is our Ƥ our place in the world,” said the PM.
FRANCE
GERMANY TURKEY
MALAYSIA
COUNTRIES FAR AND NEAR AFFECTED BY TERRORISM
SINGAPORE
INDONESIA
&+.! + 2/1$ # .% TERRORISM The ring of terror has spread to more countries, with France and Germany high-profile victims in the last few years. ISIS attacks, though, are drawing ever nearer to our country.
2015
January 7-9: Two heavily-armed terrorists Ƥ ƥ news magazine Charlie Hebdo, killing 12 people and injuring 10 others. Follow-up attacks over the next two days claimed four more lives. August 21ǣ Ƥ ƪ Ǧ dam and Paris. Three people were injured.
November 13: A series of coordinated attacks over a brief span of 35 minutes saw ISIS operatives storm six locations in central Paris, including a theatre during a rock concert where over 100 people were taken hostage. ͤͥ Ǥ ơ outside the Stade de France stadium during an international soccer match. In total, 130
people were killed and over 360 injured. December 2: A married couple who pledged allegiance to ISIS stormed a holiday banquet in California. 14 people were killed and 22 injured.
2016
January 14: Seven ISIS operatives attacked a Starbucks cafe and a police station in Jakarta, killing four people and injuring 14 others. June 28ǣ Ƥ took place at a Puchong nightclub. ISIS operatives threw grenades into the club during the screening of a UEFA Champions League match and injured eight people. June 28: Three suicide attackers blew themselves up at Ataturk Airport in Istan-
Arrests in Singapore 2015 August 3VN 2HMF@ONQD@MR VDQD CDS@HMDC ENQ ƥFGSHMF HM 8DLDMŗR @QLDC RDBS@QH@M BNMƦHBS (M SGD R@LD LNMSG @MNSGDQ SVN 2HMF@ONQD@MR NMD NE whom was only 18, were arrested for attempting to join ISIS. November/December: Authorities detained and later deported 27 Bangladeshi workers who had been sharing militant books and videos. They had met weekly and were recruiting other workers. 2016 March: A Singaporean who performed sentry duties in Yemen was put under Restriction Order. Another Singaporean who wanted to join a *TQCHRG LHKHSH@ FQNTO SN ƥFGS @F@HMRS (2(2 V@R CDS@HMDC March/April: A second group of eight Bangladeshi workers was detained for being members of a clandestine group that called itself the Islamic State in Bangladesh. They were plotting to use violence back home to topple the government and set up a caliphate under ISIS. Five others
bul. 44 people were killed and almost 240 injured. July 5: A suicide bomber linked to ISIS blew himself up outside a police station in Solo,
ǡ ƥ Ǥ July 15: A Tunisian man who lives in France drove a truck through a crowd of people in Nice, France, who were celebrating French National Day. He was shot dead by police but not before killing 85 people and injuring more than 300. July 24: A Syrian refugee who had pledged allegiance to ISIS detonated a bomb at a wine bar in Ansbach, Germany, injuring 15 people. August 11: A series of bomb explosions in Thai resort towns of Hua Hin and Phuket killed four and injured over 30. Continue on Pg 16>>>
who had shared radical material were deported. July 1: A 44-year-old Singaporean based in Australia was arrested upon returning to Singapore. He had made many Facebook posts glorifying ISIS and its violence and exhorted Muslims to take up arms in the Middle East and the Philippines. His posts led at least two other Singaporeans to become radicalised. August 5: Six members of a terrorist cell, which was in contact VHSG @M (2(2 LHKHS@MS @MC G@C OK@MR SN ƥQD @ QNBJDS @S ,@QHM@ !@X HM Singapore from Batam, were arrested in the Indonesian island. August 19 3GD ,HMHRSQX NE 'NLD Ƥ@HQR QDUD@KDC HS G@R CDS@HMDC SVN 2HMF@ONQD@MR VGN VDQD OK@MMHMF SN ƥFGS ENQ (2(2 HM 2XQH@ @ESDQ becoming radicalised online and via a Batam-based religious radio station. Two other Singaporeans ÿ one of them being the wife of one of the men detained ÿ were placed on Restriction Orders.
September 2016
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Keeping Singapore safe
By Desmond Lee
'DKO D@BG NSGDQ QDL@HM UHFHK@MS @MC TMHSDC @F@HMRS SGQD@SR
J
ust days before our 51st National Day, news broke about a terrorist Ƥ Ǥ ǡ ƥ Ǥ Ƥ ǡ Ǥ ƪ ǡ Ǥ Ƥ to attack Singapore, nor will it be the last. It is therefore crucial that all Singaporeans pull together under the SG Secure national movement. Together with the Home Team, we all have a part to play to try to prevent an attack, deal with one when it does happen on our soil, and to recover from its immediate aftermath. When Jurong Spring constituency held its Emergency Preparedness Day in May this year, many community volunteers worked ƥ ǡ ǡ with residents. This teaches us what we should do if caught in the middle of a terrorist attack. Many residents also participated actively Ƥ ǡ ǡ ǡ learn how to use common items to help ourselves or others who may be wounded in an attack. ƪ nocent lives. Another victim could be Singapore’s racial and religious harmony. Will fellow Singaporeans pull together in the aftermath of an attack, and continue to trust each other and work together as ǡ ǫ
Ƥ because of fear or suspicion?
Critical to have robust ties with each other If the outcome is the latter, the entire fabric of Singapore society will be undone. Strengthening our resilience and social cohesion cannot be achieved by national programmes alone. Instead, it comes down to every individual – by understanding and respecting the culture and practices of other races and faiths in Singapore, by actively inviting and including neighbours and friends from other races and ǡ Ƥ diversity of our neighbourhoods and communities that is uniquely Singapore. We can all play a part in helping fellow Singaporeans remain vigilant and prepared against terrorism, and to rally and unite the community when an attack hits us. Let us remain united and strong as one people against these Ǥ Ǧ ǡ ǡ peers - must remain robust and prevail, especially in the aftermath of an attack. The writer is Senior Minister of State, 0LQLVWU\ RI +RPH $ƨDLUV DQG 0LQLVWU\ RI National Development
Prepare now to handle terrorist threats
By Amrin Amin
.TQ OQDO@QDCMDRR HM CD@KHMF VHSG SDQQNQHRS SGQD@SR VHKK RG@OD NTQ QDRONMRD
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ơ away from us. Today, terrorism is at our doorstep – as recent examples show in Selangor, Malaysia and in Jakarta, Indonesia. We know that Singapore is a target. We must prepare ourselves and know what we can do to prevent attacks, what we should do when caught in an attack and what to do Ǥ Ƥ ǡ ple. We must be well-prepared to respond across all levels. Each of us must do our part by being vigilant and report suspicious activity to prevent and deter terror attacks here. We must equip ourselves with skills and knowledge on how to respond in the event of an attack, so that we can help not just ourselves, but also fellow Singaporeans. We should get to know our neighbours and build bridges across racial and religious groups to strengthen our solidarity. The Police and SCDF are on the ground, going house-to-house to share on what to do in an attack. Grassroots leaders and resident volunteers are working tirelessly to spread SG Secure messages. Everyone
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September 2016
must come together to do this important work. It is our country and our shared responsibility to defeat extremism and terrorism. From attending SG Secure events and programmes such as Emergency Preparedness Day, and inviting neighbours and friends to do the same, to downloading and using SPF’s i-Witness function on the Police@SG app or SCDF’s MyResponder app on where we can seek help and provide crucial information during an attack, all of us can do something, right now. a terror attack. How well we respond will depend on how much we have prepared ourselves and how well we know and understand one another. Let us do our part to strengthen our solidarity as one people and keep Singapore safe and secure! The writer is Parliamentary Secretary, 0LQLVWU\ RI +RPH $ƨDLUV
September 2016
17
FEATURE
EXTENDING THE SILVER SAFETY NET INDRANEE RAJAH
The writer is Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Finance and Law
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hen they were young, our seniors gave of their best to care for us. In their older years, it's our turn to care for them. As a society with strong family values, Ƥ our seniors. However, the Government will step in to help those with no family or whose families are unable to support them. The Government has created a broad safety net for seniors. In recent years, it has introduced many new schemes and enhanced existing ones, all aimed at meeting Ƥ Ǥ These include: • Healthcare: Pioneer Generation Package, MediShield Life, CHAS; • Work and Retirement: Special Employment Credit, Lease Buyback, Silver Housing Bonus; • Eldercare: EASE, Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund; and • Support for Daily Expenses: GST vouchers, U-Save and public transport concessions.
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September 2016
Silver Support is the latest addition to this array of support schemes. Paid quarterly, with totals ranging from $1,200 to $3,000 a year, it provides an income supplement to Singaporean seniors aged 65 and above who have had low incomes through life (and hence less ability to save) and who have little
or no family support. This is an automatic ǡ Ƥ Ƥ from available government data. Eligibility is reviewed yearly. Those in need of assistance but not eligi Ƥ other schemes such as ComCare.
Senior Minister of State for Finance Indranee Rajah meets grassroots leaders to update them about Silver Support Scheme and other help schemes for the elderly, and how they can explain them better WR WKH EHQHƩFLDULHV
AT A GLANCE:
SILVER SUPPORT SCHEME
The Silver Support Scheme, which began in July 2016, provides cash supplements every three months to elderly lowerincome Singaporeans
Who is it for? The scheme is for the bottom 20-30 percent of elderly Singaporeans, aged 65 and older. They have to meet all of the following criteria to be eligible: • Their total CPF contributions during their ȋ count and Special Account) should not be more than $70,000 by the time they hit 55. • For the self-employed who may not contribute to CPF, their average annual net trade income should not be more than $22,800 between the ages of 45-54. Ȉ ͡Ǧ ƪ Ǥ • They or their spouse must not own a ͡Ǧ ƪ ǡ erty or multiple properties. • They must live in a household where the monthly income per person is not more than $1,100. Are permanent residents eligible? No. Just like the Workfare Income Supplement and GST Voucher schemes, Silver Support payouts are only given to Singapore citizens. Are there people who automatically qualify for Silver Support? Yes. If the elderly is on the ComCare Long Term Assistance Scheme, he or she will automatically get a Silver Support payout of $300 every quarter on top of other types of Ƥ ing, regardless of housing type. However, Pioneer Generation members do not automatically qualify. They will be means-tested like the rest of the non-Pioneer Generation cohorts aged 65 and above, and those who meet the eligibility criteria will receive Silver Support.
In addition to Silver Support…
Singapore has many schemes to support the elderly when they retire.
• Pioneer Generation Scheme, which gives those born on NQ ADENQD #DBDLADQ RODBH@K ADMDƥSR HMBKTCHMF subsidies at selected GP and dental clinics • Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) VGHBG NƤDQR subsidies for medical and dental care for lower and middleincome households • Government subsidies at public hospitals, polyclinics and specialist outpatient clinics • GST vouchers and senior citizen concession cards for public transport are among the schemes available to lighten the burden of living expenses • Enhanced CPF Savings and Silver Housing Bonus are schemes which increase additional income during retirement Why are the elderly who own a 5-room +'% ƪDW LQHOLJLEOH IRU 6LOYHU 6XSSRUW SD\ments? ͡Ǧ ƪ Ƥ ƪ own any property. They have more options to monetise their homes to supplement their retirement incomes. Those who live in a 5-room ƪ Support. Also, many in the bottom 30 per cent ͝Ǧ ͠Ǧ ƪ Ǥ Can the scheme be extended to more elderly Singaporeans? And can the money be increased? No. The money for the scheme is funded out of the Government’s annual budget and the scheme must be carefully sized to ensure it is sustainable in the long run. It should remain a supplement and not be a substitute for other sources of retirement income. There are also many other schemes to help the elderly, such as Workfare and healthcare subsidies. How much money is given out, when and how? The money is disbursed every three months and the amount will depend on the type of household. Those living in 1 and 2-room ƪ ͊ͣ͜͡ǡ ͟Ǧ ƪ ȋ͊͢͜͜Ȍǡ ͠Ǧ
ƪ ȋ͊͜͠͡Ȍ ͡Ǧ ƪ $300. Ƥ ͜͢͞͝ money disbursed was for two quarters – April to June 2016 and July to Sept 2016. The next two payouts will be end September and end December. From 2017, the elderly will receive their payouts in end March, end June, end September and end December. The money is banked directly into the bank accounts that the eligible elderly have registered for the crediting of cash payouts, or it can also be sent via cheque. Do the elderly need to apply? No. Those who qualify will automatically receive their payouts. There is no need to do anything. The Central Provident Fund Board will automatically assess elderly Singaporeans based on data that various government agencies have on record. Those who Ƥ from the CPB Board to expect the payouts. Ƥ ͜͝͠ǡ͜͜͜ elderly in 2016. Is this temporary? No. It is a permanent scheme. The elderly will continue receiving payouts as long as they are eligible.
September 2016
19
SPECIAL Ministers, civil servants and people from all walks of life and religions have come forth to define the legacy of S R Nathan after Singapore’s beloved sixth President passed away on August 22 2016.
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r S R Nathan had written books about his life. But in the wake of his death, another untold story has emerged Ăż that which lies in the reams of handwritten letters which Š‡ Šƒ† Â?ƒ‹Ž‡† ‘ƥ –‘ ‡˜‡”›‘Â?‡ ™Š‘ •’‘Â?‡ ƒ– Š‹• •–ƒ–‡ ˆ—Â?Â‡Â”ÂƒÂŽÇĄ ƒÂ?† countless others. They speak of a man who never forgot his friends, and who was •‡Žƪ‡•• ‹Â? †‘‹Â?‰ Š‹• „‡•– ˆ‘” ‹Â?Â‰ÂƒÂ’Â‘Â”Â‡ÇĄ ‘ˆ–‡Â? ƒ– ’‡”•‘Â?ƒŽ ”‹•Â? ƒÂ?† Â•ÂƒÂ…Â”Â‹Ć¤Â…Â‡Ç¤ Â?‡ ‘ˆ –Š‘•‡ ™Š‘ ”‡…‡‹˜‡† Ž‡––‡”• ˆ”‘Â? ” ƒ–ŠƒÂ? ™ƒ• ”‹Â?‡ ‹Â?ister Lee Hsien Loong, who has known and worked with Mr Nathan for over 40 years. While delivering his eulogy on August 26. Mr Lee shared that he would send interesting articles to Mr Nathan, who would respond by writing back in a “beautiful hand which remained steady all his life.â€? “In fact, he wrote to me recently, when an old friend of his asked him to pass me a message,â€? said Mr Lee. “It was a four-page note, •‡––‹Â?‰ ‘—– –Š‡ Â?ÂƒÂ–Â–Â‡Â”ÇĄ ‡š’Žƒ‹Â?‹Â?‰ –Š‡ …‘Â?–‡š–ǥ ƒÂ?† ‘ƥ‡”‹Â?‰ –‘ …‘Â?˜‡› my response back to the friend. I thought how lucky he was, to be so active and focused at 92 years old.â€? Active ageing is just one lesson which can be learnt from Mr Na–ŠƒÂ? ™Š‘ǥ ƒ……‘”†‹Â?‰ –‘ ” ‡‡ǥ Ç˛Â•Â‡Â‹ÂœÂ‡Â† ƒŽŽ –Šƒ– Ž‹ˆ‡ Šƒ† –‘ ‘ƥ‡”dzǤ But what Mr Lee most remembers of the career civil servant and elder statesman was his deep and abiding sense of duty to the nation, which drove him to meet challenges head on. The one incident which best epitomised Mr Nathan’s qualities took place during the Laju incident in 1974. Mr Nathan, the-then Director of the Security and Intelligence Division, risked his life to lead
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September 2016
ƒ –‡ƒÂ? ‘ˆ Í?Í&#x; Â‘ĆĽÂ…Â‹ÂƒÂŽÂ• –‘ ‡•…‘”– –Š‡ –‡””‘”‹•–• –‘ —™ƒ‹–Ǥ – ™ƒ• ƒ †‡ƒŽ which the Government had hammered out, in exchange for hostages who were captured when the terrorists hijacked the Laju ferry boat. “It took great moral and physical courage,â€? said Mr Lee, of Mr Nathan’s action. When Mr Nathan was appointed Executive Chairman of The Straits Times in 1982, the former government man was initially eyed suspiciously by the journalists but he later won them over with his sincerity. Another notable instance of Mr Nathan’s courage was when the then-ambassador to the United States defended Singapore’s stance on punishment to an American audience in 1994. American Michael Fay had been sentenced to be caned for vandalism and Mr Nathan appeared on the popular Larry King talk show to defend Singapore. “The US media mounted an intense campaign against the caning. Singapore needed to get our point of view across. Mr Nathan was grilled (on Larry King) but defended our position with conviction, and persuaded quite a few Americans that what Singapore was doing was not wrong,â€? said Mr Lee. That conviction distinguished Mr Nathan in his diverse career, which included social work, trade unions, intelligence, diplomacy, Œ‘—”Â?ƒŽ‹•Â?ÇĄ ƒ…ƒ†‡Â?‹ƒ ƒÂ?† ƤÂ?ƒŽŽ› ĥ ”‡•‹†‡Â?–Ǥ ƒ‹† ” ‡‡ǣ Dz ‹• approachable and caring manner put everyone at ease. He won the ”‡•’‡…– ƒÂ?† ÂƒĆĄÂ‡Â…Â–Â‹Â‘Â? ‘ˆ ‹Â?‰ƒ’‘”‡ƒÂ?• ‘ˆ ƒŽŽ ”ƒ…‡• ƒÂ?† ™ƒŽÂ?• ‘ˆ Ž‹ˆ‡Ǥ Dz ‡ ’Žƒ›‡† ƒ •‹‰Â?Â‹Ć¤Â…ÂƒÂ?– ƒÂ?† ‹Â?ƪ—‡Â?–‹ƒŽ ”‘Ž‡ ‹Â? ‘—” Â?ƒ–‹‘Â?nj„—‹Ž†‹Â?‰Ǥ Few have answered the nation’s calls so faithfully and so often, and served Singapore so well.â€?
7KH 'LƨHUHQFH +H 0DGH Ş
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'DKODC SN RDS TO SGD ,HMHRSQX NE %NQDHFM Ƥ@HQR HM @MC K@SDQ SQ@MRENQLDC HS HMSN @ ƼQRS BK@RR NQF@MHR@SHNM !DB@TRD NE SGD RSQNMF ENTMC@SHNM GD G@C K@HC SGD 2HMF@ONQD ,HMHRSQX NE %NQDHFM Ƥ@HQR and the Singapore Foreign Service are considered among the best in the world. Established the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies - now called the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies - in 1996. The school has established a name for itself internationally in strategic studies, research into extremist terrorism, and the study of multi-racial societies. In his 12 years as President, Mr Nathan visited more countries SG@M @KK GHR OQDCDBDRRNQR OTS SNFDSGDQ 'D G@C @ ƌ@HQ ENQ CD@KHMF with foreign leaders and foreign countries and through these state visits, he strengthened Singapore’s links with other countries, expanded our political and economic space and opened doors to new economic opportunities for our business and industry. As President, he unlocked $5 billion from Singapore’s protected reserves to fund a Resilience Package of emergency economic measures when Singapore encountered the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. This enabled the Government to deal with the crisis decisively, and to emerge from it largely unscathed. It proved he was capable of making tough decisions when the need arose. Championed the President’s Challenge during his presidential tenure, which raised more than $100 million for needy children, families, the elderly, the disabled and others, over 12 years. He was an active and dedicated Patron in Chief of the National Council of Social Service and Community Chest, participating in L@MX BG@QHSX ETMBSHNMR SN ODQRNM@KKX DMF@FD ADMDƼBH@QHDR CNMNQR and organisers. As Chairman of the Hindu Endowments Board and founding member of Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA), he spearheaded many initiatives which have led to the betterment of many lives in the Indian community. As Patron of the Inter-Religious Organisation, Mr Nathan epitomised the spirit of inter-faith harmony as he interacted freely with members of every race and faith.
“Quite apart from Mr Nathan’s remarkable career, the central and brightest thread in his life was his MPWF GPS 6NJ )F Ć‹STU TFU FZFT PO her in 1942‌ Their relationship TQBOOFE BO BTUPOJTIJOH ZFBST BO inspiration to us all.â€? 1SJNF .JOJTUFS -FF )TJFO -PPOH
ĹĄ.S /BUIBO OFWFS USFBUFE VT BT TUBĆŠ PĆ?DFST * XPVME TBZ UIBU IF USFBUFE BMM PG VT BT GBNJMZ Ţ - Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister in the Prime .JOJTUFSĹ&#x;T 0ƉDF PO UIF UJNF IF TQFOU BTTJTUJOH .S /BUIBO JO TFUUJOH VQ UIF *OTUJUVUF PG %FGFODF BOE 4USBUFHJD 4UVEJFT
ť* XPVME WFOUVSF UP TBZ UIBU BMNPTU half the households in Singapore have a photograph of Mr Nathan XJUI B NFNCFS PG UIFJS GBNJMZ Ţ .S (PQJOBUI 1JMMBJ "NCBTTBEPS BU -BSHF BOE DMPTF GSJFOE
“We are all so blessed to have been BDRVBJOUFE JO POF XBZ PS BOPUIFS with the life of this excellent, great man.’’ .S 3BNBTXBNZ "UIBQQBO DMPTF GSJFOE September 2016
21
CONVERSATION
HIS EYES ON THE FUTURE Dr Janil Puthucheary shares with Petir his enthusiasm about exciting changes brought on by technology. Although there are relentless changes from technology, he points out we can harness them to create future pathways
I
t’s the future that interests him most — and rightly so. As Minister of State of the Communications and Information Ministry, Dr Janil Puthucheary is working on the Smart Nation initiative, exploring ways how technology can solve social and economic problems. In a similar capacity in the Ministry of Education, he is committed to improving the education of the early childhood and special needs groups, as well as looking at IT issues related to education in a Smart Nation.
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His team explores areas where they can fund research, bring people together and ƥ process. Data and technology can improve housing, transport, pollution management and security, he said. And while the country has traditionally fared well at planning for the ǡ ƥ pushing ahead to think of the next steps.
A Smart Nation is an Integrated Nation Dr Janil is committed to promoting inter-
BY KHUSHWANT SINGH
agency integration to achieve a Smart Nation and harnessing current and future technology to accomplish it. He said: “Technology is changing so rapidly. You don’t want to lock yourself in and neither do you want to lose out. We have to evaluate what is feasible and possible.” Eyes sparkling with delight, he observed: “These are very exciting times. There is a lot of excitement about our ability to deliver this vision under the guidance of Dr Vivian Balakrishnan who is in charge of the Smart
ť.VMUJ SBDJBMJTN JT B EFƋOJUJWF DIBSBDUFSJTUJD PG PVS nation and it continues to be important. We have NBEF SFNBSLBCMF QSPHSFTT JO UIF QBTU ZFBST 8F should aspire for it to be deeper, more resilient, more UPMFSBOU &WFSZPOF NVTU QMBZ B QBSU Ţ JANIL PUTHUCHEARY Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information & Ministry of Education Age: 44 Family: Wife and three sons aged 8, 11 and 12 Hobby: Photography, jogging
Nation initiative. “There are a number of opportunities to integrate some of the technological innova–‹‘Â?• ƒÂ?† ™‡ ™ƒÂ?– –‘ „”‹Â?‰ –Š‡‹” „‡Â?‡Ƥ–• –‘ schools, especially into early childhood and special needs schools.â€? As chairman of the People’s Association youth movement, he is also involved in the development of young citizens. He pointed out: “Working with youths is something I really enjoy. They are so full of energy, enthusiasm and are full of innovative and creative ideas. Dz ‘ˆ–‡Â? ‡Â?‰ƒ‰‡ –Š‡Â? –‘ ƤÂ?† ‘—– ™Šƒ– makes people volunteer to do community service so that I can energise and motivate them to get more involved and to attract new volunteers.â€? ‡ ƒŽ•‘ …Šƒ‹”• Â?‡ ‡‘’Ž‡Ǥ•‰ǥ ™Š‹…Š ‹• ƒ national body focused on promoting racial and religious harmony through dialogues, conferences, debates and research. Dr Janil noted: “Multi-racialism is a †‡ƤÂ?‹–‹˜‡ …Šƒ”ƒ…–‡”‹•–‹… ‘ˆ ‘—” Â?ƒ–‹‘Â? ƒÂ?† ‹– continues to be important. We have made remarkable progress in the past 50 years. We should aspire for it to be deeper, more
resilient, more tolerant. Everyone must play a part.�
Make room for changes While he relishes the excitement of his present job, he misses practising medicine. He said: “That was something I spent many years training for and I did enjoy it. I worked with a great team and I miss my colleagues. But there’s room for lots of things to happen in one’s life.â€? Even his photography hobby has not been unscathed by technology. An avid shutterbug, his fascination with photography started in his early teens and he bought his Ƥ”•– …ƒÂ?‡”ƒ ™‹–Š Â?‘Â?‡› •ƒ˜‡† ˆ”‘Â? his allowance and the hongbaos he received on his birthdays and Christmas. He would develop the pictures himself in his school’s dark room. But with the onslaught of digital technology, he has had to discard his beloved SLR. These days, he uses a digital camera and if he does not have it with him, he snaps what catches his eye with his cellphone. In addition to family snapshots, Dr Janil likes to shoot urban landscapes.
Dz ƒÂ? •–‹ŽŽ Ž‡ƒ”Â?‹Â?‰ ƒÂ?† –”›‹Â?‰ †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?– techniques. When I see a good photograph, I wonder how it had been done and try it myself but I don’t do enough shooting these days. Now, I spend more time talking about photography than taking pictures,â€? he added with a hearty laugh. Turning serious, he said: “Digital technology is changing and at the same time driving change at an astounding pace. We cannot pretend that as a small, open country, we can shield ourselves from these forces. The only way ahead is to prepare for the threats and opportunities. “This is what being a Smart Nation is about; we have a national plan. We will develop, deploy and exploit digital technology. We will secure the future of our jobs, and drive the transformation of our quality of life. We will maintain the cohesiveness of our society, and our relevance to the rest of the world. “To succeed, everyone needs to come together: citizens, companies, government.â€? That’s the future that Dr Puthucheary sees.
September 2016
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CONVERSATION
Having overcome setbacks in the past and emerged stronger, S’pore will adapt well to new economy Singapore’s economy is evolving fast, with emerging technology disrupting everything from taxis to tax collection, and we should prepare for more of such upheavals, said Dr Janil Puthucheary. He added: “We have a group looking at disruptive technologies and how they may impact the nature of work in Singapore in terms of the economy, and what opportunities are presented to us so that Singapore can position itself to take full advantage of these changes. “There are a number of key things here. One is our ability to educate and re-educate ourselves, and train ourselves and have a deep pool of talent, drive and enthusiasm.” While a lot of reinvention is needed, he also noted that “Singapore has gone through a number of waves of disruptions before, whether it was the pullout of British troops in the 1970s, whether it was changing technology in terms of oil, water and gas, whether it was the MNCs and high-end manufacturing. “Singapore had survived these waves of disruption by working together, acquiring new skills and being resilient. ř(M SG@S RDMRD SGDQD HR MN CHƤDQDMBD 6G@SŗR CHƤDQDMS HR SGD RB@KD @R HS HR @BST@KKX MNV @ƤDBSHMF SGD DMSHQD VNQKC @S SGD R@LD SHLD @MC SGD O@BD NE SGD BG@MFDR Ś #Q )@MHK @KRN HCDMSHƥDC SGQDD V@XR HM VGHBG SGD &NUDQMLDMS B@M GDKO HM CD@KHMF VHSG CHRQTOSHUD SDBGMNKNFHDR 3GD ƥQRS HMUNKUDR HMUDRSHMF HM DCTB@SHNM @MC SQ@HMHMF 3GD RDBNMC is to ensure that legislation and regulation keep pace with new business processes. Thirdly, the Government can lead the way and be an early adopter of technology, especially technology from local businesses, to give these companies an opportunity to establish a track record. 'D R@HC ř6D JMNV SG@S @ KNS NE RSTƤ HR BNLHMF VGDSGDQ HSŗR @TSNMNLNTR UDGHBKDR AHF C@S@ NQ @QSHƥBH@K HMSDKKHFDMBD 6D V@MS SN BQD@SD SGD ETSTQD Ś
“We have a group looking at disruptive techOPMPHJFT BOE IPX UIFZ NBZ JNQBDU UIF OBUVSF PG XPSL JO 4JOHBQPSF JO UFSNT PG UIF FDPOPNZ and what opportunities are presented to us so that Singapore can position itself to take full advantage of these changes.” 24
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Managing parental expectations Dr Janil Puthucheary admits that like most parents, he too has high expectations for his children, three boys aged 8, 11 and 12. He said: “But I try not overdo it. We must give them RO@BD @MC NOONQSTMHSX SN ƥMC SGDHQ NVM V@X 6D B@M FTHCD BGHKCQDM SN L@JD SGDHQ ƥQRS BGNHBD ENQ @ B@QDDQ ENQ instance, but it’s okay to make a second choice later, like me,” referring to his career switch from medicine to politics. He had left Malaysia at the age of 12 to attend boarding school in the United Kingdom, and went on to study medicine because he liked science, especially biological science. He said: “I enjoyed it in school and was quite good @S HS ,DCHBHMD NƤDQDC LD @M NOONQSTMHSX SN CN RNLDthing with science and to do some good for society. “Looking back, it was a very simplistic reason. There were many other ways to work with science. I could have been a researcher or an engineer, and make a CHƤDQDMBD HM ODNOKDŗR KHUDR Ś His mother and younger brother are also doctors and his wife is a senior doctor at Tan Tock Seng Hospital. He had met her in medical school. He said that with three sons, it can be rather boisterous at home. During family time, he plays chess and the board game Risk with them. When outdoors, they are into football and a little Frisbee at the Botanic Gardens or East Coast Park. “My eldest now joins me when I go for my jogs,” he said. True to his belief of not pushing children too hard, he runs only 2 km when his son accompanies him. When he jogs by himself, he does 5 km and sometimes all the way to 10 km.
GROU NDWO R K
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YO UN G PA P / PA P P O LI CY F O R U M
*$$/(-& OUR JOBS AMID DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES Singapore will stand in good stead if all workers could constantly ask themselves the question – when will I be obsolete?
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obs, and whether people can hold on to them in a slowing economy, has emerged as a national concern amongst Singaporeans. They gave their feedback to the Government during the pre-Budget feedback exercise. The Ministry of Trade and Industry has also warned the outlook for 2016 has Ƥ ǡ and growth will come in at the 1 to 2 per cent range. In response to the gathering economic gloom, the Young PAP and the PAP’s Policy Forum organised a dialogue for about 80 of its members on July 23 at the PAP HQ to ƥ ǡ with suggested solutions. Young PAP Chairman, Chan Chun Sing said that preserving jobs in a slowing economy is the biggest challenge Singaporeans will face this year, as they were facing both cyclical and structural unemployment. “A cyclical downturn refers to when the markets go up and come down,” he said. Structural shifts occur when the nature of the job changes. Some industries, like the physical retail industry, are facing much greater structural challenges as people are Ǥ ƥ is in shifting a shop assistant who was displaced from his job, to a new job created in e-commerce – which is not easy. “It’s a two-job problem which requires many steps to solve,” said Mr Chan. Splitting up into break-out groups which
spent about 40 minutes in discussion before ƪ ǡ groups concerned themselves with students who are on the cusp of graduation and about to join the job market, young working adults, the middle-aged group, and mature workers. Some of the ideas which resonated with the audience included: How student ƥ ǡ and be more engaging so that youths make informed decisions about their career choices, and how middle-aged adults who are displaced from their jobs can be helped to export their services as consultants in other countries.
Fostering self-help mindset It was also suggested that the Government could start a silver industry liaison agency Ƥ up businesses which cater to, or employ, the elderly. Many of them also drew from their own
Must have self-help attitude: Chan Chun Sing
personal experiences. For instance, a lady in her 60s talked about how, when she moved back to Singapore from the UK where she had been working, she worked hard to build up her connections and re-establish herself in the market. “I don’t expect the Government to help me,” she said, on how it is important to foster a self-help culture. Mr Chan feels that everyone should constantly ask themselves the question – when will I be obsolete? “The question is not if I will be obsolete, but when,” said Mr Chan, who is also the Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress. He has been advising the labour unions to get their workers thinking about this question. “Will my job still be Ƥ ǫ and I, what skill sets will I need to allow me to stand out? If people have this mindset, they will prepare themselves for the future,” he pointed out.
Participants brainstorm ideas to preserve jobs in a slowing economy.
September 2016
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WO M E N ' S WI N G
EMPOWERING WOMEN 3. ".ȃ2' /$ 2(-& /.1$ŗ2 %4341$ Novel ideas were explored to fulfil women’s aspirations at the 4th PAP Women’s Wing Conference 2016 BY KHUSHWANT SINGH
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ocusing on women’s perspectives and aspirations, the 4th PAP Women’s ͜͢͞͝ ơ of recommendations to enhance the ability of Singapore women to partner other segments of society to build a better nation. These included novel suggestions such as incentivising women who stay at home to care for children or the elderly by encouraging family members to contribute to their CPF accounts; tapping the pool of retired nurses to create an on-line support network for working mothers, and providing training so that stay-at-home women could start ebusinesses. As part of the SGfuture conversations, the ǯ ȋ Ȍ Ƥ focus group discussions from March to May involving some 120 female participants from all age groups and backgrounds. Inputs were also received from several organisations, including the Association of Women Doctors (Singapore), Singapore Association of Women Lawyers and the Financial Women’s Association Singapore. After studying the feedback, the team, comprising MPs Foo Mee Har (West Coast GRC), Sun Xue Ling (Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC), Cheng Li Hui (Tampines GRC), Cheryl Chan (Fengshan SMC), Tin Pei Ling (MacPherson SMC), Joan Pereira (Tanjong Pagar GRC), Rahayu Mahzam (Jurong GRC), and former Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC MP Penny Low, in consultation with the WW’s Exco, drew up the recommendations. These were presented in an advocacy paper at the conference held on July 16.
Women are the heart of Branch MPS By drawing lessons from GE2015, Bukit Batok by-election and Brexit, WW chairman Ms Grace Fu stressed that Singapore needs good policies and politics, and for the PAP to ensure that no segments of our society are left behind.
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Ms Sun Xue Ling
Ms Tin Pei Ling
,/ ENQ /@RHQ 1HR /TMFFNK &1" “When women strive in the corporate workplace, they want to know there is no glass ceiling. Yet, only 9.5 per cent of SGX-listed companies had women directors in 2015. The PAP Women’s Wing aspires to have at least 20 per cent of directorships in SGX-listed BNLO@MHDR SN AD GDKC AX PT@KHƥDC women by 2020. One way to achieve this is to encourage already successful women leaders to share their experiences with other aspiring women leaders.”
,/ ENQ ,@B/GDQRNM 2," “There should be an on-line network of caregivers; this has been raised in Parliament. This network can comprise mothers, grandmothers and people experienced in providing care so that working mothers can tap on them in times of need for homebased care, or when centre-based care is not available. We could also organise retired nurses as a resource to help families with children and elderly folk.”
Ms Cheryl Chan
Ms Penny Low
,/ ENQ %DMFRG@M 2," “While women are prepared to play the traditional roles of a wife and mother, but with more of them in the workforce, more should be done for them to be a good mother, a good daughter and a good wife. We are suggesting special tax concessions to women returning to the workforce and to the companies hiring them.”
1DSHQDC ,/ “We are proposing incentivising family members to top up the CPF account of a family member who is an unpaid caregiver by matching CPF contributions to the individual’s account, up to a certain ceiling.”
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WO M E N ' S WI N G • • • •
Leadership and Social Impact Employment and Entrepreneurship Family and Caregiving Financial Well-Being
Members of the WW team presented recommendations on each of these areas.
Prudent spending
Women in white who want to co-shape Singapore’s future.
Addressing the more than 300 women activists, Ms Fu pointed out that in this aspect, women activists are in a good position to contribute with our unique networks. “When we go to the wet markets, we get to know the stallholders and the aunties there very well. Many of us work in the pre-school sector and have linkages with young working parents. We are also familiar with people we meet at the void decks. In schools, we are active in parent support groups. This is our unique advantage,� she said. Ms Fu, who is also the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, noted that women have empathy and she noticed that when the male volunteers at meet-the-
people sessions (MPS) come across a case too emotional to handle, they often pass it to women activists. Urging the activists to continue their good work, Ms Fu said: “We are the ears and eyes, hands and legs, and most importantly, we are the heart of the MPS of the branch,� she added.
—ŽƤŽŽ‹Â?‰ ™‘Â?‡Â?ǯ• ƒ•’‹”ƒ–‹‘Â?• The focus group discussions revealed that women wanted to pursue their individual aspirations while contributing to the family and community. Insights were gained on their aspirations in four areas:
Retired MP Ms Low cited real-life cases where retired women who were so concerned about not being a burden to their families, they become so frugal that they refused to see a doctor when ill. Š‡ …ƒŽŽ‡† ˆ‘” ƤÂ?ƒÂ?…‹ƒŽ ƒ†˜‹…‡ –‘ „‡ ’”‘vided to retired women, pointing out: “It’s not about saving money, but spending wisely.â€? Ms Indranee Rajah, the conference’s organising chairman and WW vice chairÂ?ƒÂ? ƒÂ?† —–”‡ƒ…Š Â‡ÂƒÂ†ÇĄ Â•ÂƒÂ‹Â†ÇŁ Dz ‡ ĥ –Š‡ Women’s Wing of the PAP, we have a voice, we have a contribution to make. In this advocacy paper, we are advocating certain positions we would like to put forward to the government. “These have been drawn from feedback and discussions with women from all walks of life. And it is really to make sure that all segments of society are reached and represented. That’s the purpose of this conference and this paper,â€? added Ms Rajah who is also Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Law.
Other recommendations in the advocacy paper included: LEADERSHIP 6NLDMŗ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ƼB ƌDWH VNQJ @QQ@MFDLDMSR ENQ VNLDM RN SG@S SGDX B@M VNQJ DƤDBSHUDKX VGHKD @KRN B@QHMF ENQ SGD E@LHKX /QNLNSD BQD@SHUD TRD NE RNBH@K RO@BDR @R UDMTDR SN DRS@AKHRG LHBQN
ATRHMDRRDR NQ RNBH@K DMSDQOQHRDR (CDMSHEX @QD@R NE UNKTMSDDQHRL SG@S VNLDM @QD O@QSHBTK@QKX HMSDQDRSDC HM @MC OQNUHCD SQ@HMHMF SN DMBNTQ@FD SGD OQNEDRRHNM@KHR@SHNM NE RJHKKR '@QMDRR SDBGMNKNFX RN SG@S VNLDM B@M L@M@FD E@LHKX BNLLHSLDMSR VGHKD OTQRTHMF @ROHQ@SHNMR RTBG @R BNMCTBSHMF D BNLLDQBD NQ OQNUHCHMF UNKTMS@QX RDQUHBDR EMPLOYMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP "NMSHMTNTR HLOQNUDLDMS HM BNLO@MX ONKHBHDR @MC '1 OQ@BSHBDR SN
RTOONQS VNLDM QDSTQMHMF SN NQ SN QDL@HM HM SGD VNQJENQBD $MBNTQ@FD BNQONQ@SHNMR @MC OTAKHB RDBSNQ SN G@UD LDMSNQHMF OQNFQ@LLDR ENQ OQNLHRHMF VNLDM DLOKNXDDR /QNUHCD DMG@MBDC RTOONQS MDSVNQJR ENQ DLOKNXDDR VGN @QD RHMFKD O@QDMSR RN SG@S SGDX B@M ADSSDQ L@M@FD SGDHQ SHLD @MC ƼM@MBH@K QDRNTQBDR "G@MFD DWHRSHMF LHMCRDSR RTBG @R SGD HMRHRSDMBD NM OGXRHB@K OQDRDMBD NE DLOKNXDDR FAMILY AND CAREGIVING +NB@SD B@QD BDMSQDR ENQ BGHKCQDM @MC SGD DKCDQKX MD@Q VNQJOK@BDR RN SG@S VNQJHMF VNLDM B@M QDRONMC SN DLDQFDMBHDR PTHBJKX (LOKDLDMS HMHSH@SHUDR SN GDKO A@BJ SN VNQJ VNLDM AX JDDOHMF DWHRSHMF OQNEDRRHNM@K RJHKKR TO SN C@SD @MC NƤDQHMF SGDL HMSDQMRGHOR HM MDV VNQJOK@BDR $MBNTQ@FD @BSHUD @MC ƼS DKCDQKX ODQRNMR SN ENQL MDSVNQJR SN @RRHRS EDKKNV DKCDQKX VGN L@X AD CHR@AKDC NQ G@UD GD@KSG OQNAKDLR FINANCIAL WELL-BEING /QNLNSD ƼM@MBH@K KHSDQ@BX RN SG@S VNLDM RS@QS R@UHMF D@QKX HM SGDHQ KHUDR @MC SN OQNUHCD ƼM@MBH@K FTHC@MBD @R SGDX L@STQD /QNLNSD QDSHQDLDMS @CDPT@BX AX OQNUHCHMF S@W QDKHDE @MC ADSSDQ HMSDQDRS Q@SDR ENQ "/% SNO TOR ENQ RONTRDR VHSG KHSSKD "/% R@UHMFR
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o juggle the many hats he wears, Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP Chong Kee Hiong, who is Chief Executive Ƽ…‡” ‘ˆ ‘•’‹–ƒŽ‹–› ‡‹– ƒÂ?ƒ‰‡ment, makes it a point to prioritise what he needs to do daily. Mr Chong, who is also chairman of the NTUC Foodfare cooperative and president ‘ˆ ”…Š‹† ‘—Â?–”› Ž—„ǥ •Ž‘–• Š‹• †ƒ‹Ž› –‘nj†‘ list according to degrees of urgency and importance, taking care of matters that are Â?‘•– —”‰‡Â?– ƒÂ?† ‹Â?’‘”–ƒÂ?– Ƥ”•–Ǥ Š‹• Ž‹•– is dynamic as he reviews it throughout the day and re-prioritises the items according to circumstances. This form of time management means he has no time to procrastinate, gets to the most —”‰‡Â?– –ƒ•Â? ƒÂ?† ƤÂ?‹•Š‡• ‹– Ƥ”•–ǥ „‡ˆ‘”‡ Š‡ moves on to other tasks. He applies the same principle in the management of the 30-year-old mature estates in his Bishan East-Thomson constituency which also has a large ageing population.
TOPICS DISCUSSED Ňž ’‰”ƒ†‡• Â?—•– „‡Â?‡Ƥ– ĥ Â?ƒÂ?› residents as possible We have been improving and upgrading the infrastructure to better cater to our residents’ needs. These include barrier-free ÂƒÂ…Â…Â‡Â•Â•ÇĄ •Š‡Ž–‡”‡† †”‘’nj‘ƥ ’‘”…Š‡• ƒÂ?† …‘˜‡”‡† Ž‹Â?Â?™ƒ›• ƒÂ?† Ƥ–Â?॥ •–ƒ–‹‘Â?•Ǥ When undertaking improvement works, we have to work within a budget and aim –‘ „‡Â?‡Ƥ– ĥ Â?ƒÂ?› ”‡•‹†‡Â?–• ĥ ’‘••‹„Ž‡Ǥ Considering that the resources to build one …‘˜‡”‡† Ž‹Â?Â?™ƒ› ™Š‹…Š „‡Â?‡Ƥ–• ƒ •Â?ƒŽŽ‡” group of people are the same as that needed to build two to three barrier-free paths that are not covered, I would prioritise providing Â?‘”‡ Â„ÂƒÂ”Â”Â‹Â‡Â”ÇŚÂˆÂ”Â‡Â‡ ƒ……‡•• –‘ „‡Â?‡Ƥ– ƒ Žƒ”‰‡” group of people. When residents come to see me, they have myriad feedback and issues. Explaining policies and connecting them to the right agencies for assistance is a large and an important part of my role. For example, when young couples feed„ƒ…Â? –Šƒ– –Š‡› ƒ”‡ —Â?ƒ„Ž‡ –‘ ‘„–ƒ‹Â? ƒ ĆŞÂƒÂ– Â?‡ƒ” –Š‡‹” ’ƒ”‡Â?–• –Š”‘—‰Š –Š‡ —‹Ž†nj ‘nj ”†‡” ‘” Sale of Balance Flat schemes, I advise them to set a time limit for trying a mature estate. Beyond this time limit, they have to try the next best option — either use the government grants available to help with the cost of 28
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WHO: Chong Kee Hiong ,/ ENQ !HRG@M 3N@ /@XNG &1" 'D DMSDQDC ONKHSHBR HM 2DOSDLADQ @MC HR SGD "GHDE $WDBTSHUD .ƧBDQ NE .4$ 'NROHS@KHSX 1DHS ,@M@FDLDMS /SD +SC WHERE: *HL 2@M +DMF "NƤDDRGNO @S !KNBJ !HRG@M 2S ON THE MENU: #TBJ QHBD VHSG BG@Q RHDV ʙ EQNL 8NT )H 'NTRD NE !Q@HRDC #TBJ @MC *NOH . &@N ʙ
DAILY PRIORITIES ƒ ”‡•ƒŽ‡ ĆŞÂƒÂ– ‹Â? ‹•ŠƒÂ?ÇŚ ‘ƒ ƒ›‘Š ‘” …‘Â?•‹†‡” homes in non-mature estates.
Ň&#x; ‡ƒŽ ‡•–ƒ–‡ „ƒ…Â?‰”‘—Â?† Š‡Ž’ˆ—Ž My background and training in real estate and hospitality means that I’m able to digest and analyse quickly numbers and plans and programmes presented by various agencies like the Town Council and HDB. I can then provide feedback that is practical, relevant ƒÂ?† …‘•– ‡Ƽ…‹‡Â?–Ǥ When it comes to the neighbourhood renewal plan, my eye for detail and aesthetics means I’m able to balance what is pleasant with what is workable and practical. So I’m able to select something aesthetically pleasing and yet stay within budget. Ň Â‘Â™ Š‹Â?‡•‡ wu xia novels shaped my values Growing up, I read Chinese wu xia novels and I’ve learnt many values from there. For instance, how the good will always triumph over evil; or to be successful, you always have to have humility and be able to endure hardship. I also learnt about friendship, loyalty
BY JANE NG
and kinship. These have guided the way I do things and live my life. My boys are 10, 12, 14 and 18 now. I believe in both quality and “quantityâ€? time with the children. The quantity of time spent with them has decreased since I became an MP, so I try my best to make time for them when I can. It means I sometimes rush home for dinner with them before going out for an event. I’m lucky to look after the division I stay in so I save on travelling time. If time permits, we also play soccer and board games together. My 18-year-old son also volunteers at my meet-the-people sessions. Every weekend, my wife Monica and I will go to our boys’ room to sleep. This is something we started doing several years ago. We talk and share freely about issues and hear –Š‡‹” ˜‹‡™•Ǥ ‘—Â?‰ ’‡‘’Ž‡ Šƒ˜‡ †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?– ™ƒ›• ‘ˆ ‹Â?–‡”’”‡–‹Â?‰ ‹••—‡•Ǥ ˆ–‡Â?ÇĄ –Š‡› …ƒÂ? …‘Â?‡ up with blunt but insightful analyses of issues and straightforward solutions. Â? ƒ–—”†ƒ›• ™Š‡Â? †‘Â?ǯ– Šƒ˜‡ ‡˜‡Â?–• –‘ attend, my extended family will gather at my place for dinner after we play futsal.