East Coast Plan unveiled

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HSK thanks our frontliners, healthcare workers, social service agencies, volunteers and many more.

Heng Swee Keat​

1 d ·
We released the White Paper on Singapore’s Response to COVID-19 this afternoon. It synthesises the perspectives of government agencies as well as the private and people sectors involved in our battle against COVID-19.
I remember vividly how we collectively worked round the clock and rallied across sectors, to save lives and livelihoods. We had to respond swiftly, decisively, and as one. Five Budgets were rolled out in 2020 to support Singaporeans and businesses, with novel measures like the Jobs Support Scheme helping to preserve jobs and capabilities.
With the benefit of hindsight, and relieved of the pressure of fighting the pandemic, it is good discipline for us to review our response. By identifying what we did well, where we could have done better, and what lessons to draw, we can be better prepared for the next pandemic.
One lesson is to deepen our science and technology capabilities to support pandemic crisis management and response. Another is to deepen engagements and partnerships with the people and private sectors. The Emerging Stronger Taskforce is one example of mobilising cross-sector collaboration, and we must continue to nurture this trust and such partnerships.
COVID-19 was a crisis of a generation, and we mounted a whole-of-nation response with resilience and fortitude, reflecting the deep trust that we share as a society. My thanks to our frontliners, healthcare workers, social service agencies, volunteers and many more, who went beyond the call of duty to support those in need.
Parliament will debate the White Paper in the coming weeks. You can read the White Paper here: go.gov.sg/covid-19-white-paper
(SPH Photo © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission)

 

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HSK wants you to support local and try some homegrown produce.

Heng Swee Keat​

12 h ·
Meet Mr Tan, who has been selling vegetables at Blk 16 Market since the 1970s.
Like the other stalls, Mr Tan prides himself for offering fresh and delicious produce to Bedok residents. In fact, some of his produce is locally grown at Lim Chu Kang, so he is contributing to our 30 by 30 food resilience goal!
The next time you’re at the market, don’t forget to support local and try some homegrown produce!

 

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HSK thanks healthcare professionals, social workers, community partners, and volunteers.

Heng Swee Keat​

2 h ·
远亲不如近邻 – our neighbours are more effective than distant relatives in supporting us during times of need. Changi General Hospital (CGH)’s Neighbours for Active Living programme was designed with this principle in mind – to enable residents to age gracefully and receive care within the community, with the support of their neighbours.
I was delighted to join Mayor Fahmi Aliman in appreciating our volunteers and community partners of the Neighbours programme today. 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the programme, and the joyful energy at our celebration is testament to the strong neighbourly relations that we have built up over the years.
To all the healthcare professionals, social workers, community partners, and volunteers — thank you for being wonderful “neighbours” within our community. Through your dedication and contributions, we can build a healthier and more caring Singapore!

 

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Heng Swee Keat​

1 d ·

Very moved by the passion and enthusiasm of our community partners and volunteers! A big thank you to everyone involved in making the Neighbours programme a success over the past 10 years!

(Photo courtesy of CGH)

 

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Heng Swee Keat​

2 d ·

Mayor Fahmi Aliman and I presented tokens of appreciation to the various community partners. Thank you for your contributions!

(Photo courtesy of CGH)

 

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Heng Swee Keat​

3 d ·

Kudos to the Changi General Hospital (CGH) team, who put up a wonderful performance. Heard that they practised for months!

(Photo courtesy of CGH)

 

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Heng Swee Keat​

4 d ·

Enjoyed the energetic hip-hop dance performance by ITE College East tudents!

(Photo courtesy of CGH)

 

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Heng Swee Keat​

5 d ·

With our lively emcee, Happy Fei Fei who had everyone in stitches throughout the celebrations!

(Photo courtesy of CGH)

 

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HSK was delighted.

Heng Swee Keat​

1 d ·
Gotta catch ‘em all!
Had a wonderful time catching the various sights and activities at the launch of the popular annual Sakura display at Gardens by the Bay, with a special Pokémon Forest area in the Flower Dome!

Apart from the beautiful flowers, I also hope visitors will enjoy the vibrant showcase of Japanese culture as much as I did, from the performances to the tea ceremony. I was delighted to see visitors of all ages having a wonderful time with their loved ones.
Congratulations on the launch!

 

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Heng Swee Keat​

2 d ·

Meeting the special Sakura Afro Pikachu! This is its first appearance outside Japan!

(MCI Photo by Liu Ying)

 

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Heng Swee Keat​

3 d ·

Marked the launch of Sakura 2023 at Gardens by the Bay by smashing the sake barrel with a mallet!

Coincidentally, Japan announced the official start of Tokyo's cherry blossom season yesterday, 14 March 2023. It is a record early start and thought to be linked to climate change.

(MCI Photo by Liu Ying)

 

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Heng Swee Keat​

4 d ·

A rousing Taiko drum performance by the Hibikiya group!

(MCI Photo by Liu Ying)

 

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Heng Swee Keat​

5 d ·

Enjoyed the beautiful and delicate cherry and peach blossoms. The display will run until 9 April! There are also other cultural programmes and activities for you to try out. You can find out more here: https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/.../sakura-2023.html

(MCI Photo by Liu Ying)

 

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Heng Swee Keat​

6 d ·

Observed a live Chado (tea ceremony) demonstration, and had a cup of matcha.

(MCI Photo by Liu Ying)

 

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Heng Swee Keat​

16 March at 10:13 ·

Also met our little ones from Eager Beaver Schoolhouse who were out on an excursion!

(MCI Photo by Liu Ying)

 

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Heng Swee Keat​

16 March at 10:13 ·

Good to see many families enjoying themselves at the Sakura display.

(MCI Photo by Liu Ying)

 

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Heng Swee Keat​

16 March at 10:13 ·

A big thank you to the Gardens by the Bay team, as well as the Japanese Embassy and partners for hosting us!

(MCI Photo by Liu Ying)

 

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HSK thanks grassroots leaders.

Heng Swee Keat​

19 March at 17:24 ·
Our grassroots leaders are volunteers who devote their time and effort to serve our community. They organise social gatherings as well as activities like sports fiestas and community gardening, to encourage bonding amongst neighbours of all ages, cultures and backgrounds. They also help residents to access support schemes where needed. Their passion and dedication to serve the community, despite their personal commitments, is commendable.
At our East Coast Workplan discussion yesterday, our grassroots leaders shared feedback and exchanged ideas on how we could continue to build a more caring, vibrant and green East Coast. By bringing together best practices and facilitating synergies, we can grow our impact and serve our residents better.
A big thank you to all our grassroots leaders for always being there for our residents! If you're keen to join us as a volunteer and contribute to our East Coast family, you can sign up here: http://go.gov.sg/contactec
#EastCoastCares

 

[jw5]

HSK thanks frontline workers.

Heng Swee Keat is with Tan See Leng and
7 others
.​

20 March at 18:30 ·
Had the opportunity to meet with and personally thank some of our COVID-19 frontline workers at the lunch reception hosted by PM Lee Hsien Loong at Parliament House today. They were invited to attend the debate on the White Paper on Singapore’s Response to COVID-19, and received a standing ovation from MPs for their contributions and sacrifices in our battle against the pandemic!
As DPM Lawrence Wong said, our COVID fight was a whole-of-nation effort; from frontline officers like healthcare professionals, teachers and uniformed officers, to workers in our companies, our unions and volunteers in community groups. We worked shoulder-to-shoulder, rallying together to protect lives and livelihoods. Never had we rolled out eight Budgets within two years, but these proved crucial in enabling us to mount a robust public health response, and support workers, businesses and individuals.
Our response was not perfect, and we will draw lessons to prepare for the next crisis. Nevertheless, we should be very proud of the fact that Singapore emerged from the pandemic more united, with deepened trust in one another. We are one of the few countries in the world who have managed to do so. This reflects the resilience of our people, and the reservoir of trust that we have built up across the public, private and people sectors, which enabled us to stand united and care for one another through the pandemic. It is also a reminder of how our reserves is an integral part of our national resilience, and our duty to safeguard its prudent use.
My deepest appreciation to everyone who contributed to our fight against COVID. With trust and unity, we can overcome whatever challenges may come ahead!

 

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HSK reminds us to conserve water.

Heng Swee Keat is with Grace Fu.​

6 d ·
Tomorrow is World Water Day.
Water is a strategic priority for Singapore. Over the years, PUB, Singapore's National Water Agency has invested in R&D and developed innovative solutions to water management, to ensure a sustainable supply of water to meet our current and future needs.
The solutions that we develop for Singapore can be shared with the world. Through our vibrant ecosystem of water companies and research centres, we are fostering collaborations to develop and commercialise new solutions. I met some of these startups and SMEs during my recent visit to @Singapore Water Exchange (SgWX) with Grace Fu.
Besides the good work that our companies and agencies do, let us remember to do our part to conserve water and make every drop count!

Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment