Tag: Ministers

New Cabinet Formed
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong unveiled Singapore’s new Cabinet on Monday (Sep 28),

Mr Lee shuffled his team two weeks after the People’s Action Party took almost 70 per cent of the votes in a General Election in which the Prime Minister campaigned upon the need for strong candidates in Parliament to ensure leadership renewal.

“It’s an urgent task. We don’t have the luxury of time,” noted Mr Lee in a press conference on Monday where he announced the changes.

“I have given heavy responsibilities to the next generation of leaders. They will be stretched and tested, and must gel together as a team. By the end of this term, we must have a new team ready to take over from me.”

THREE COORDINATING MINISTERS

In total, there will be 20 Cabinet members, up from 19. Of the 20, half were elected in the last three General Elections, and half are below 55 years old, Mr Lee noted.

The key change to the structure of the Cabinet is the introduction of three Coordinating Ministers, each of whom will oversee a handful of related Ministries.

“We need tighter coordination across ministries to have a tighter, whole-of-Government approach to issues,” said Mr Lee in explaining the change.

The three are:
- Mr Teo Chee Hean (Coordinating Minister for National Security)
- Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam (Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies)
- Mr Khaw Boon Wan (Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure
Mr Teo and Mr Tharman will each remain Deputy Prime Minister, but relinquish their previous ministry portfolios. Mr Khaw Boon Wan will also be Minister for Transport, replacing Mr Lui Tuck Yew, who announced his retirement from politics ahead of the General Election.

Mr Khaw – who said he did not volunteer for the Transport post, but willingly agreed when approached by the Prime Minister – said his vision of the future Singapore was that of a “car-light” society.

“As Transport Minister, my major objective is to further raise the quality of life for Singaporeans – make it easier for them to move about on feet, bicycle, bus, train and driverless cars. One critical piece is an extensive and reliable rail infrastructure. We have launched huge numbers of rail lines – some 60 billion dollars’ worth – so when fully implemented it’ll be a big plus for Singaporeans,” said Mr Khaw.

“But in terms of reliability, we are not quite there yet. Let’s be realistic about such a complex system – it’s not rocket science but also not straightforward. There will be fires big and small but I hope for Singaporeans’ patience and we will do our best.”

NEW ACTING MINISTERS, NEW OFFICE-HOLDERS

In another change from the previous Cabinet, two ministries – Education, and Trade and Industry – will each have two full ministers, overseeing separate aspects within the ministry.

Those new to the Cabinet are Acting Ministers Ng Chee Meng (MOE, Schools) and Ong Ye Kung (MOE, Higher Education and Skills).

Said Mr Ong: “It’s a great honour to be given a complex and important role for Singapore’s future. The previous ministers have built exceptional system and I’ll strive to build upon it. My top priory it is to know how the ministry works and understand the entire system. I look forward to taking guidance from ministers and working with Ng and being part of the MOE family.”

Added Mr Ng: “Singapore recognises education is one of best gifts we can give to children. We have consistently invested here as part of our national strategy. I take on this heavy responsibility with enthusiasm and hopefully to value-add.”

Among the existing Ministers, those with a change of portfolio include Dr Vivian Balakrishnan (Foreign Affairs), Mr K Shanmugam (Home Affairs), Mr Heng Swee Keat (Finance), Mr Lawrence Wong (National Development) and Mr Masagos Zulkifli (Environment and Water Resources).

Ms Grace Fu will head a ministry, helming the Culture, Community and Youth Ministry.

“I’m humbled by the confidence PM has in me. I think MCCY has started off a good phase of development under Lawrence Wong. My priority is to engage stakeholders to build a committed community in Singapore,” said Ms Fu.

Mr Chan Chun Sing, who remains a Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, will take over Mr Gan Kim Yong as Party Whip.

Three Ministers of State – Maliki Osman, Sim Ann and Desmond Lee – will be promoted to Senior Ministers of State, while the new office holders at Minister of State and Parliamentary Secretary level are Mr Chee Hong Tat, Koh Poh Koon, Dr Janil Puthucheary, Mr Baey Yam Keng and Mr Amrin Amin.

Apart from former Transport Minister Lui and former Senior Parliamentary Secretary Hawazi Daipi, both of whom asked to step down prior to GE2015, Mr Lee Yi-Shyan also asked to step down and return to the backbenches.

The full Cabinet is as follows:

PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
Mr Lee Hsien Loong – Prime Minister
Mr Teo Chee Hean – Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security
Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam – Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies
Mr Chan Chun Sing – Minister, PMO
Mr Heng Chee How, Mrs Josephine Teo – Senior Minister of State
Mr Sam Tan – Minister of State

DEFENCE
Dr Ng Eng Hen – Minister
Dr Maliki Osman, Mr Ong Ye Kung – Senior Minister of State

FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan – Minister
Mrs Josephine Teo, Dr Maliki Osman – Senior Minister of State

HOME AFFAIRS
Mr K Shanmugam – Minister
Mr Desmond Lee – Senior Minister of State
Mr Amrin Amin – Parliamentary Secretary

TRADE AND INDUSTRY
Mr Lim Hng Kiang – Minister (Trade)
Mr S Iswaran – Minister (Industry)
Dr Koh Poh Koon – Minister of State from Jan 1, 2016
Ms Low Yen Ling – Parliamentary Secretary

FINANCE
Mr Heng Swee Keat – Minister
Ms Indranee Rajah, Ms Sim Ann – Senior Minister of State

MANPOWER
Mr Lim Swee Say – Minister
Mr Teo Ser Luck, Mr Sam Tan – Minister of State

TRANSPORT
Mr Khaw Boon Wan – Minister
Mrs Josephine Teo, Mr Ng Chee Meng – Senior Minister of State

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Mr Lawrence Wong – Minister
Mr Desmond Lee – Senior Minister of State
Dr Koh Poh Koon – Minister of State from Jan 1, 2016

COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION
Dr Yaacob Ibrahim – Minister
Mr Chee Hong Tat – Minister of State
Dr Janil Puthucheary – Minister of State from Jan 1, 2016

ENVIRONMENT AND WATER RESOURCES
Mr Masagos Zulkifil – Minister
Dr Amy Khor – Senior Minister of State

LAW
Mr K Shanmugam – Minister
Ms Indranee Rajah – Senior Minister of State

HEALTH
Mr Gan Kim Yong – Minister
Dr Amy Khor – Senior Minister of State
Dr Lam Pin Min, Mr Chee Hong Tat – Minister of State

EDUCATION
Mr Ng Chee Meng – Acting Minister (Schools)
Mr Ong Ye Kung – Acting Minister (Higher Education and Skills)
Dr Janil Puthucheary – Minister of State from Jan 1, 2016
Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Ms Low Yen Ling – Parliamentary Secretary

SOCIAL AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT
Mr Tan Chuan-Jin – Minister
Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim – Parliamentary Secretary

CULTURE, COMMUNITY AND YOUTH
Ms Grace Fu – Minister
Ms Sim Ann – Senior Minister of State
Mr Baey Yam Keng – Parliamentary Secretary

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
September 28, 2015
Good Ministers Can Advanced Singapore’s Interest Abroad

Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan and Manpower Minister Lim Swee Say were singled out by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong as examples of how good ministers can advance Singapore’s interests abroad.

At the United Nations Climate Change Conference in December last year, Dr Balakrishnan not only represented Singapore, but took on the role of an “honest broker” to bridge gaps among different countries to put together a deal agreeable to all, said Mr Lee.

On top of Dr Balakrishnan’s competence, his effectiveness in excelling at the role was aided by the support from a strong and cohesive team of officials from different ministries. And Team Singapore helped the conference reach a successful outcome and advanced the Republic’s interests in the process, Mr Lee said.

He also recounted how Mr Lim turned around the “miserable mood” during a dinner discussion among labour ministers at the International Labour Organisation Conference (ILO) in Geneva this year. In a manner that “only Swee Say knew how”, Mr Lee said — in reference to Mr Lim’s inimitable style — the Manpower Minister first acknowledged the common challenges faced by various countries, then talked about the kinds of opportunities that all countries wanted. Mr Lim then seized on the opportunity to share about the importance of strong tripartite relationships in achieving the desired solutions, based on Singapore’s unique approach.

“When Swee Say had finished, the mood in the room had lifted. Everyone was discussing solutions and not moping. The (ILO) director general … proposed ‘Three cheers for Singapore’.”

Both ministers, he said, demonstrate the quality of leadership the Republic must maintain as it strengthens the economy and defence so Singapore can hold its own on the global stage.

Source: www.todayonline.com

August 24, 2015
It’s The Singapore Way: Very Wealthy And Still Living With Mum

Everyone knows Singapore is an expensive country that’s transforming itself into a smart city. Here are five less-known facts about the island nation as it marks its 50th year of independence.

Costly cars

Car buyers in Singapore must bid for a limited number of permits — called Certificates of Entitlement — that are auctioned by the government. It’s tool used to control pollution and congestion and can more than double the vehicle’s market value. Consequently, an average family sedan can cost almost as much as a home in the U.S.

Economic miracle

The country went from third world to first in two generations. Singapore took 22 years to double its GDP per capita, about half the time of other developed economies including Australia. Its GDP per capita was S$71,318 ($52,000) in 2014, among the highest in the world. The island also has among the highest proportions of millionaire households, according to Boston Consulting Group.

Living at home

The majority of housing in Singapore is built by the government. More than 80 percent of the resident population lives in such accommodation, which is typically cheaper than privately developed properties. Because of these dynamics and a rule that prohibits most single Singaporeans from buying a public housing apartment while single — unless they are at least 35 years old — an overwhelming majority of unmarried adults live with their parents. And are big fans of Airbnb.

Mandatory military service

Singapore is among a handful of developed nations with compulsory military service for its male residents and citizens. The National Service is for a period of about two years, and typically begins at age 18, unless there are exceptional circumstances — like training for the Olympics, for example.

Highly paid ministers

Singapore’s prime minister is among the world’s highest paid heads of state. The government has justified his and other ministers’ salaries on the grounds that it helps attract top talent that might otherwise be lost to the private sector, and that it discourages corruption. It cut ministers’ salaries in 2012 after voter unhappiness over a widening income gap in the country. But they’re still very comfortably off.

Source: http://english.astroawani.com

August 5, 2015
Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs In Singapore
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” — some guy on the internet who may or may not be Confucius.

Well, thanks maybe-Confucius, but not all of us have the luxury of being paid to do what we enjoy.

For some people (okay, most people), money is what they look for in our job. Because money is more important that any form of job satisfaction.

Which is why we need lists like these. We’ve checked out the Ministry of Manpower’soccupational wage table last updated in June 2014. Source for your next career move here:

10. Commodities Derivatives Broker (Median Monthly Wage: $10,000)

Source

A commodity broker traditionally buys and sells goods such as oil, grains, or even coffee. A commodities derivatives broker, on the other hand, trades a variety of assets, such as shares and bonds. Potential employers include investment banks, financial clearing houses, and even international stock exchanges.

With great power comes great responsibility. Accordingly, this job comes with Spider-Man levels of stress and responsibility. Commodity brokers also often have to work long hours, but it’s all good, because opportunities for promotion are aplenty, along with good salaries, and high bonuses. Just be prepared to slog it out for a least a while.

9. Company Director ($11,800)

Source

This is probably one of the harder jobs to just pick up. A company director refers to individuals who have been either voted or appointed to a board of directors, and is responsible for the design and execution of the company’s corporate policy.

Directors do not have to originally be employees of the company, and can sit on more than one board at any time. Which means these people pick up their salary from two or three different places. Pretty cool right.

8. General Practitioner / Physician ($12,547)

Source

Turns out that guy you always go to for MCs is doing very well for himself, thank you very much. No such thing as Monday Blues for GPs, as they welcome lines of people queuing up for that precious slip of work-prevention paper.

Being a doctor isn’t really that difficult. All you need are top notch grades to enter medical school (at least all As), minimum of five years of undergraduate study (along with enough money to fund said education), and be accredited with the relevant bodies before actually being able to whip out that trusty stethoscope and pump-action blood pressure monitor.

7. Chief Operating Officer (COO) / General Manager ($13,135)

Source

A COO is typically the second-in-command to the Chief Executive Officer, and is in charge of day-to-day operations. A General Manager is responsible for managing profits and costs of the company. We’re not quite sure why these two rather different job scopes are bundled together.

But we expect individuals who have the opportunity to rise to either position to have the ability, experience, and gumption to fulfill their roles with aplomb. Experience pays.

6. University Lecturer ($13,684)

Source

We have to admit, this one caught us a little by surprise. Who would have thought university lecturing is such a viable form of income? Turns out relentless research and occasionally ticking off the resident smart mouth is worth the trouble. Of course, lecturers come in many forms. The lucky students get the ones who actually want to teach over doing research.

Potential university lecturers are typically required to have a Masters in their chosen field, but a Bachelor’s Degree may sometimes suffice.

5. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) / Managing Director ($17,962)

Source

That’s right, the head honcho in most conglomerates comes in at only fifth in the list. Of course, the pay structure for CEOs can range wildly depending on company size, but being a CEO seems like a pretty safe bet to earn some serious moolah. Holders of an MBA generally have an advantage, but possessing a Master’s in the related industry is also useful.

A CEO’s responsibilities are defined by the board, but should possess some level of leadership qualities, foresight, and be an effective communicator. Interested individuals may want to check out WikiHow’s guide to be a CEO, but we’re pretty sure this tutorial is hardly exhaustive.

4. Advocate / Solicitor ($18,333)

Source

Unlike in other countries, lawyers in Singapore are part of what is known as a fused profession, where they are able to perform the duties of both an advocate or solicitor. An advocate speaks on behalf (“advocates”) of a client, and presents arguments and cases in the place of the client. A solicitor, on the other hand, are trained in all areas of the law.

We’re pretty sure TV’s favourite occupation is also one of the coolest, if only because you get to cut off somebody in the middle of their sentence with a loud “OBJECTION” and getting to use words like “subpoena” and “impermissible”. Also, hot paralegals are a thing. Probably.

Lawyers who are neither advocates nor solicitors are unfortunately not included in this entry, and can expect to bring home less than their colleagues.

3. Specialist Medical Practitioner ($23,085)

Source

There’s a reason why those specialists charge so much just to look at. They have spent ridiculous amounts of time to get to that tiny white office and large lab coat. After medical school — which takes a minimum of five years — hopefuls have to further their education and undergo a multi-year residency in their chosen field before being able to register in Singapore as a specialist. The entire process can take anything from seven to nine years.

If you’re lucky, you might become known as the ‘son of Punggol’!

2. Minister ($91,666)

Source

The gap between the top two paying positions and the rest is HUGE – a whopping $70,000.

One sure-fire way to be a minister is to sign on with either the Army, Navy, or Air Force. Don’t believe us? Let’s take a look at current ministers who were once served in the military.
- Brigadier General Tan Chuan-Jin : Minister for Manpower
- Rear-Admiral Lui Tuck Yew (Former Chief of Navy): Minister for Transport
- Rear-Admiral Teo Chee Hean (Former Chief of Navy): Deputy Prime Minister, Co-ordinating Minister for National Security, Minister of Home Affairs
- Major General Chan Chun Sing (Former Chief of Army): Minister for Social and Family Development
4 ministers of a 17-member Cabinet is actually a pretty decent ratio. Of course, just because they previously held high positions in fatigues doesn’t mean they’re actually competent ministers. We’ll just let you decide.

Getting into higher positions can in the military can also lead to better job prospects in Government-linked organizations as well. Just ask SMRT CEO Desmond Kuek (Former Chief of Defence Force) and S-League CEO Lim Chin (Former Chief of Artillery).

1. Prime Minister ($183,333)

Source

With an annual salary of $2.2 million, Singapore’s Prime Minister (PM) comfortably eclipses the combined salaries of the next 5 highest paid world leaders, including US President Barack Obama. This works out to a monthly salary of about $183,333, which means the PM can buy a BTO flat every two months.

Also, current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong happens to be a former Brigadier General in the Singapore Army, and is yet another soldier who made the jump to politics.

Haters of the PM’s high salary should note that he actually accepted a 36% pay cut in 2012, so he’s actually working hard on it ok.

At the end of the day, we’d all probably prefer doing something we enjoy. Unfortunately, not all of us have the opportunity to do so. Maybe the one thing that we actually enjoy is popping bubble wrap. How can that possibly be monetised? And so, banking is the natural option instead. Monetary or family constraints can force some to opt for that soul-sucking, higher-paying gig. Perfectly understandable. All we ask for is that this year, think less about the money, and more about the ones you’re earning the money for.

Source: http://mustsharenews.com
January 19, 2015
Gilbert Goh: 10 Ministers To Ship Out Of The Cebiner After The Next Elections

Ten ministers we want to see out of the cabinet after the next election:-

1. Lim Swee Say – a minister without portfolio, Mr Lim is in charge of the labour department here but is seldom seen advocating for our workers.

In fact, he earns his million-dollar salary by discouraging the implementation of minimum wage as he says that wage increase should be accompanied by higher productivity.

Termed the tooth-pick minister because he is only concerned about the lack of tooth pick when he visited a Dai Tai Fong restaurant two years ago, Singapore will not miss him at all if he is out of the cabinet after the next election as he is seldom saying anything useful for the people.

Certainly not deserving of his million-dollar salary.

2. Admiral Lui Tuck Yew – in his first term as transport minister, Admiral Lui mishandled the many train mishaps that occurred the past few years by simply brushing them off as ordinary occurrences and seldom spoke out convincingly against any annual PTC fare hike even though SMRT made millions in profits for many years.

When he tried to travel in public transport to get a real personal feel of the daily grind of average Singporeans, he was jeered at by many as trying to score cheap political points.

He was also the first minister in Singapore to almost have a effigy burnt in his name at Hong Lim park early this year during the transport fare hike protest.

A minister that is best left to manage ships than trains and buses.

Deserve a pay-cut if he continues to perform this manner.

3. Gan Kim Yong – Mr Gan was transferred to take care of the health ministry after the 2011 election when he couldn’t manage the problematic manpower ministry during his first term.

An average minister at best, Mr Gan could not inspire in his parliamentary speeches and lack the charisma and leadership to helm a ministry.

Singaporeans will not miss him if he is taken out as a minister after the next election.

He probably only has the capacity to be a state minister.

Singapore can get someone to replace him as minister after the next election.

4. MG Chan Chun Sing – he led the social work ministry of the country even though he is an army officer for the best part of his career.

Parachuted in by the prime minister when the party lost its first-ever GRC after the 2011 GE, MG Chan quickly established himself and became the kee-chu minister.

In many of his speeches to the constituents, he asked people to raise their hands in hokkein “kee-chu” if they agreed with his points.

Since taking over the social work ministry, MG Chan has not really introduced any policies that deserve mention so far.

Touted as the next prime minister material, MG Chan is labelled a hardliner and prefer to use the rod than spoil the child type.

If he does eventually take over as prime minister, Singaporeans will have many sleepless nights and human rights activists will be busy trying to escape lawsuits.

5. BG Tan Chuan Jin – helming the massive heavyweight manpower ministry, BG Tan quickly established himself as a good communicator and used his fast oratory wit alot to side-step important issues.

Seldom wanting to take side on any matter, he generalises alot in his speeches and sometimes one could not really tell what he is trying to communicate to the people.

He has charming baby-face look and could be a poster boy for the government.

Many people speculated that he didn’t do a good job as manpower minister when they didn’t confirm him as a full-fledged minister like they have done for MG Chan – he was acting minister for another 6 months before turning permanent.

Also seen as best left to serve in the army than helming a complicated ministry that requires alot of private sector and industrial experience, BG Tan is seen lacking as the manpower minister. He seldom speaks as if he truly understand what is happening on the ground.

He has really done nothing much during his term as manpower minister to remedy the serious flaw in our manpower dilemma right now. People get terminated easily without proper redress and foreigners on social tourist visas could look for work without repercussion.

So far, besides Mr Gan, none of the minister could boast of any solid private sector experience that is vital in many portfolio ministry and this is seriously exposed through BG Tan.

This lack of private sector experience is a serious flaw in our current cabinet make-up right now and Singaporeans are paying the price.

6. Dr Vivian Balaikrishnan – taken out from the heavyweight MCYS social work ministry after the 2011 GE after his massive controversial remark on our poor – three hot meals and hotel stay, Mr Balaikrishnan now helms the public works department.

He also says that there is no homeless people staying in Singapore and thus ridiculed the intelligence of Singaporeans.

Often seen as speaking arrogantly and completely out of line with the ground, he will remain minister for the minor ministry for the rest of his political career and public works suits him best.

Singaporeans won’t miss him if he is taken out of the cabinet altogether.

7. Admiral DPM Teo Chee Hean – DPM Teo is also seen as a hardliner and often took on duties that our prime minister shrink from.

He was the man who handled the two top civil servant corruption cases and also got embroiled in the Michael Palmer disgraced exit as Speaker of Parliament.

Lacking charisma and hardnosed, DPM Teo lacks empathy and seldom inspires with his speeches.

He is also dull looking and has sleepy eyes that hardly could wake up.

A deputy prime minister that Singapore could do without.

8. Khaw Boon Wan – Mr Khaw shone in his ministerial term as health minister but is seen lacking as national development minister after taking over in 2011. He could not pacify a population that is crying for transparency in the actual costing of our HDB flats.

Cost of new HDB flats have rose considerably but the build-in size has shrank much.

However, to his credit, he manages to speed up the building of new HDB flats and the waiting time has being slashed by almost one-third from the tenure under previous minister Mah Bow Tan.

Mr Khaw has performed ordinarily as housing minister and we expect more from him as he is capable of doing much more like when he helmed the health ministry.

9.Dr Yaacob Ibrahim – deemed the minister for Malay affairs, he seldom however speaks up for the plight of Malays and is the much-hated mouthpiece for the government.

He also helms the ministry for communication and information.

Caught in the unenviable position of having to speak up for the Malays and yet not trampling on the tail-coat of our government, Dr Yacob could not function well in his role except to collect his million-dollar paycheck every year.

Singaporeans, especially the Malay community, will not miss him if he is out of the cabinet either by the loss of his GRC or a downgrade in portfolio duties.

10. Ng Eng Hen – the surgeon minister is now handling defence after trying out education in his first term.

Not many people know of his ministerial effort as he is often soft-spoken and stay in the shadow.

The best thing he has done is to reduce national service to 24 months from 30 months and he seldom inspires with his speeches.

Its also strange a surgeon led the defence portfolio when we have more than seven generals in the cabinet team.

A minister that will not be missed if he is gone after the next election as so far his contribution is really very minimal.

He can then get back his 5-million dollar job as a top private surgeon.

Gilbert Goh

*Article first appeared on https://www.facebook.com/goh.gilbert/posts/10153402207138975

Source: www.therealsingapore.com

November 25, 2014