Tag: SG50

Vote Ravi Philemon For Hong Kah North SMC

We first met back in 30th December 2009 when my family and i was homeless. We were spending nights camping on Sembawang beach. On that very night, he and Andrew Loh was distributing biscuits to every one and i never knew who the heck they were back then. But with their help, my family and i now have a proper brick roof over our head.

And he did not stop there.

Over the years, he has contributed significantly to my social entrepreneurial endeavors. Without even asking for it, he introduced me to those in business whom i had garner knowledge, gain so much wisdom from, motivates and inspires me on my journey now. Just imagine someone who were once homeless, just a GCE ‘O’ level holder, feeling all useless and hopeless is now embarking on a journey that could provide employment and hope to others. Ravi Philemon is one of that big contributing factor to this positive change in me.

My mother ever once said in Malay, “Ravi tu bagus ar. Dia tak pernah lupakan kau dan apape, dia akan tolong.” Which translate “Ravi is good. He never forgets you and in anything, he will help.”

It’s been a few years now, acting on the various opportunities to contribute side by side with him in voluntary works. I am grateful.

Though it’s pretty new to me as it has been just sheer few days of supporting him in his walkabouts and campaigns, yesterday particularly was different. It was a wholesome new experience and i strongly believe that it was just the beginning.

Yesterday (Saturday – 22nd August 2015), Ravi Philemon was unveiled as the candidate for Hong Kah North SMC.

I am supporting him not because he is a close friend. I am supporting him not because he have once helped me. I am supporting him not because he is in an opposition party.

I am giving him my fullest support for i have witnessed how he relentlessly help in person, on the ground (using his own pocket money everytime), raise issues which other normal Singaporeans dare not raise and go all out for the benefit of others. I believe he can be an astounding leader and be a great representative for us Singaporeans.

Someone who came from such humble beginnings, gave back to the community in so many ways and are now fighting for a seat in parliament so that he may come forward to be Singaporean’s voice. Doesn’t he deserve your vote?

‪#‎RaviForHongKahNorthSMC‬

Source: Liyana Dhamirah

August 24, 2015
More Support For New Parents A Welcome Move Says Observers

The enhanced support for having a child in the form of a bigger Baby Bonus, additional paternity leave and a bigger Medisave Grant for babies was welcomed by parents and parents-to-be, while sociologists said the measures could help nudge society into becoming more supportive of families with children.

Mr Marcus Lai, whose wife will give birth to their first child next year, said the added support would ease some of his worries. “My wife and I have been discussing how much we should put aside for our child, and how to manage our finances … These (initiatives) would definitely make things easier for us,” said the 31-year-old manager of Winefield’s Auctioneers Asia.

Housewife Josephine Low, 36, welcomed the doubling of paternity leave to two weeks, but was sceptical on whether companies would offer it voluntarily. “If the company doesn’t allow us, then we might have to use our annual leave, which means that we are at the losing end,” said the mother of four, who felt it should be mandated by the Government.

SHIFTING ATTITUDES

A study released by the Institute of Policy Studies early last month showed the enhanced Marriage and Parenthood Package announced in 2013 was less conducive in nudging Singaporeans to marry and have more children, compared with the previous package.

Dr Kang Soon-Hock, head of the Social Science Core at SIM University, felt the enhancements, while appearing “purely financial” on the surface, play the bigger role of shifting attitudes. Referring to the extended paternity leave, he said: “Parenthood isn’t about mothers, but about fatherhood, too. It’s a gentle nudge for fathers to rethink their role, and see it in a different light.”

Asked if he felt the enhancement would boost birth rates in the long run, National University of Singapore sociologist Tan Ern Ser said raising children is a long-term commitment. “My view is that they are helpful, and may raise TFR to 1.3, slightly above the current 1.2 or 1.25, but not much more, unless more is done. Whatever the case maybe, such policies also serve a symbolic value. They reflect the priority the Government assigns to fertility and children,” he said.

NUS sociologist Paulin Straughan said the policies also ride on the Golden Jubilee wave. “I think birth rates are on the rise … and (these policies) are geared towards catching this feeling of optimism of Singaporeans towards their country.”

Commenting on the additional Government-funded paternity leave, Singapore National Employers Federation executive director Koh Juan Kiat said companies would likely need to restructure leave benefits to provide the additional days for fathers. “Hopefully, the incentive can be applied to flexible paternity leave, taken over say one year … this will encourage SMEs to consider the initiative,” he said.

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com

August 24, 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
Housing Moves To Benefit HDB Sector, Hit Private Market

The increases in income ceilings for households buying new Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats and Executive Condominiums (ECs), and the Proximity Housing Grant will drive more buyers to the public-housing market and hit the private residential sector, said analysts on Sunday (Aug 23).

In his National Day Rally speech, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced the raising of the income ceilings for new HDB flats and ECs by S$2,000 each, to S$12,000 and S$14,000 respectively — the first increase since August 2011.

“This ceiling change probably enlarges the choices for homeowners. Some demand from the private market may be drawn away to the public housing market. The impact seen would most likely be on mass-market condominiums,” said Mr Eugene Lim, key executive officer at property agency ERA.

Associate Professor Sing Tien Foo from the Department of Real Estate at the National University of Singapore said: “It is a good move as it would allow more people to buy an HDB flat. The scheme would now cover up to 90 per cent of the population. There is a lot of pent-up demand and the sandwiched class in between the pricing tier is the group that will benefit the most from the price revisions.

“Mass-market condominium developers may need to evaluate their pricing strategies as their properties are closest in comparison to ECs,” he added.

PROXIMITY HOUSING SCHEME

To help couples live closer to their parents, the Government will introduce a Proximity Housing Grant for all Singaporeans, Mr Lee announced on Sunday. The grant will be given to those who buy a resale flat with or near their parents, or to parents who buy a resale flat near their married children.

“Due to the grant, we may actually see an increase in demand for resale flats in the coming weeks,” said Mr Nicholas Mak, executive director of research and consultancy at property firm SLP International.

“This is beneficial for families as a lot of children want to live near their parents. It solves a practical issue as parents are usually in the older estates, while their children live in newer estates,” said Mr Lim.

“With this proximity housing scheme giving (couples) more grants so they can buy resale flats nearer their parents, I think it will be helpful in solving practical problems residents face,” said Nee Soon GRC MP Lee Bee Wah, who chairs the Government Parliamentary Committee for National Development and Environment.

Mr Lee also said the Special CPF Housing Grant (SHG) would be extended to cover more households, by raising the income ceiling to S$8,500 from S$6,500. The maximum grant amount of S$20,000 will also be doubled to S$40,000.

“The SHG is largely meant to help people own a flat. The grant will most likely benefit first-time owners buying Build-to-Order flats the most,” said Mr Lim.

HELPING LOW-INCOME FAMILIES

The Fresh Start Housing Scheme announced by Mr Lee is aimed at helping former homeowners, who are currently living in rental flats, own a two-room unit. These flats will come with shorter leases and stricter resale conditions so they will be more affordable.

Moulmein-Kallang GRC Member of Parliament, Ms Denise Phua, who chairs the Government Parliamentary Committee for Social and Family Development, said the scheme is part of a broad approach to help these low-income households.

“For those at risk of being left behind, housing is not one of the key issues. Housing is one of the outcomes of several things. They could be born disadvantaged. They could be disadvantaged due to circumstances,” said Ms Phua.

“If you really want to help people out of the poverty spiral, then I think it’s important to look at things holistically, not just in terms of material, physical or economic items,” she said.

The education and social-services sectors have to play their part, while the community needs to come in to provide all-rounded support, she added.

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com

August 24, 2015
Lee Hsien Loong: Price To Pay For Every Decision Made On Foreign Worker Issue

The issue of immigration and foreigners was cited by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday (Aug 23) as one of the “tough” issues that will come up from time to time, and for which the Government would need Singaporeans’ support to deal with.

Singaporeans understandably have strong views on the issue and the Government has adjusted its policies, but there are no easy choices. Every option chosen by the Government has a cost and a downside, said Mr Lee, as he laid out the different scenarios. If Singapore closes its doors to foreign workers, firms will not have enough workers. Some will close down and Singaporeans working in these companies will lose their jobs. Foreign workers are also needed to build homes and schools here and, in the case of domestic workers, to meet Singaporeans’ daily needs.

However, if the country lets in too many foreign workers, society will “come undone”, Mr Lee said.

Singaporeans will be crowded out, workplaces will feel foreign, the Singapore identity will be diluted. Singapore has to find something in between but even then, there is a trade-off, he said.

Companies will still find costs going up, and they have to pass on some of this to consumers. They will also have to pass up opportunities. Yet, because there will be some foreign workers coming in, Singaporeans will still feel that the country is changing too fast, and resent having to compete with non-Singaporeans.

“It is my responsibility … to make this judgment. And then to act on your behalf … Having acted on your behalf, to account to you for the results and for the reasons I decided the way I did.”

Source: www.todayonline.com

August 24, 2015