East Coast Plan unveiled

[jw5]

HSK happy to meet Hong Kong Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Professor SUN Dong 孫東教授.

Heng Swee Keat​

1 d ·
Happy to meet Hong Kong Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Professor SUN Dong 孫東教授 again yesterday. We last met when I visited Hong Kong in August.
Singapore and Hong Kong enjoy close relations and strong cooperation in many areas of mutual interest. Secretary Sun and I discussed the similar challenges faced by both cities such as climate change and health, and how science and technology are crucial to developing solutions to address these issues. As key nodes in Southeast Asia and the Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, there are synergies in our innovation ecosystems, and much that we can learn from each other.
I wish Secretary Sun a fruitful visit in Singapore, and look forward to further strengthening collaborations between Singapore and Hong Kong!
(MCI Photo by Lim Sin Thai)

 

[jw5]

HSK explains what keeps him going.

Heng Swee Keat​

23 h ·
“What keeps you going?”
I was asked this question at the Singapore Business Leaders Programme dialogue organised by the Human Capital Leadership Institute.
What kept me going is finding meaning and purpose in what I do, and working with people who share the aspiration to do meaningful work.
Throughout my career, I have learnt much from many colleagues and leaders, and am particularly inspired by their dedication and generosity.
We had a good discussion on the importance of leadership in a more uncertain world. A key role that leaders must play is to foster a culture of collaboration and growth – by bringing teams together, building trust, and empowering every individual to develop and contribute to their fullest potential.
I am glad to see many business leaders gearing up to tackle the opportunities and challenges ahead, while also deepening their commitment to nurture their workers and build strong organisations. I look forward to more companies strengthening connections and collaborations at different levels, leading with purpose, and contributing to a stronger and more vibrant Singapore economy.

 

[jw5]

HSK was happy to see so many people.

Heng Swee Keat is with Desmond Lee.​

2 h ·
Some East Coast residents at Block 428 Bedok North Road were paid a surprise visit by a monitor lizard earlier this week! (https://cna.asia/3Wyf0Ht) Such incidents remind us that our City in Nature is also home to thousands of animal and plant species despite our small size.
I was happy to see so many people at the NParks Festival of Biodiversity at HeartbeatBedok this morning. There were several interesting displays and activities explaining how we promote and celebrate our rich biodiversity. I also met volunteers, students and various community groups who are passionate about biodiversity conservation. Thank you all for constantly thinking up ways for us to better appreciate the amazing flora and fauna around us.
The Festival will be on this weekend and is a fun way to start the school holidays. I encourage all to visit with your friends and families!

 

[jw5]

HSK had a quick lunch.

Heng Swee Keat​

1 d ·
Having a quick lunch before a full afternoon of constituency events!

 

[jw5]

HSK would like to put on record his deepest gratitude to the President.

Heng Swee Keat​

6 h ·
President Halimah Yacob has just announced her decision to not contest in the next Presidential Election.
Throughout her term as Singapore's Head of State, President Halimah served with dedication, dignity and compassion. She championed a more caring and compassionate society, paying special attention to the vulnerable and the disadvantaged in society. She also continued the good work of the President’s Challenge in rallying people from all walks of life to do more to empower the less fortunate.
On the international stage, President Halimah represented Singapore with poise and dignity. As our first female Head of State, she was a role model and inspiration to girls and women in Singapore, regardless of race or religion. She was also a strong supporter of the Girl Guides.
President Halimah's stewardship role was particularly instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the Singapore Constitution, past reserves are protected and cannot be spent by the current government, unless our Elected President, acting on the advice of the Council of Presidential Advisers, approves its use for temporary and extraordinary measures.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world in 2020, we had to urgently support our healthcare and frontline workers and Singaporeans. As the then-Minister for Finance, my team and I briefed President and the Council of Presidential Advisers and sought approval to use past reserves to fight the unprecedented crisis. President asked many tough questions before she was satisfied with our plans and proposed measures and gave her consent to draw on our reserves. This enabled us to launch five budgets within a year to protect lives and livelihoods. We eventually used around $40 billion from past reserves on measures such as the Jobs Support Scheme, without borrowing or incurring debt that would burden future generations.
I would like to put on record my deepest gratitude to the President for her many contributions to our nation. Today, Singapore stands in a good position and has emerged stronger from the pandemic, thanks to President Halimah's decisive support and leadership. Thank you President Halimah, for your dedicated and unwavering service to Singapore and Singaporeans!
(President Halimah at the National Day Parade 2022. / MCI Photo by Lim Sin Thai)

 

[jw5]

HSK had a wonderful time at RI.

Heng Swee Keat​

1 d ·
Had a wonderful time at Raffles Institution’s 200th Founder’s Day celebrations yesterday! Chatting with students and teachers, and catching up with fellow old boys, brought back many happy memories of my days in RI. In particular, the warm friendships and sense of camaraderie formed among schoolmates from all walks of life.
Heartened to see that the RI Spirit is as strong as ever at its bicentennial. The school’s ethos continues to inspire new cohorts of Rafflesians to pursue excellence and service both in Singapore and beyond. RI must continue to uphold its egalitarian tradition of gathering promising and talented students from diverse backgrounds and giving them opportunities to excel. This will help Singapore nurture future generations of leaders, to fly our flag high and contribute to our nation’s continued progress and development.
Happy Founder’s Day to all Rafflesians. Auspicium Melioris Aevi!

 

[jw5]

HSK took a look at some exciting and cutting-edge Generative AI tools at the Google Cloud Summit Singapore.

Heng Swee Keat​

1 d ·
Took a look at some exciting and cutting-edge Generative AI tools at the Google Cloud Summit Singapore this morning!
AI today allows us to accomplish complex and time-consuming tasks with just a few clicks. Google Workspace, for example, now enables anyone to create applications through its Generative AI App Builder by simply typing in a few prompts. Technology is evolving at an exponential rate, and platforms like these will have a deep and transformative impact on our lives. At the same time, we should also ensure that AI is used in ways that emphasise responsibility, explainability, ethics, removing bias and security.
When I met Google Cloud leaders in the Bay Area earlier this month, we discussed how Google Cloud and Singapore could work together to enhance our public sector and transform our economy. Glad that we are now taking our partnership further through collaborations between Google Cloud and Smart Nation and Digital Government Office (SNDGO), Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). More details can be found at the links below.
Through these new linkages, our agencies and Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) ecosystem can explore new opportunities to implement innovative AI solutions. Wishing them fruitful collaborations in the years ahead!
SNDGO: https://go.gov.sg/sndgo3105
MAS: https://go.gov.sg/mas3105
MCI: https://go.gov.sg/mci3105

 

[jw5]

HSK wishes everyone a happy and peaceful long weekend ahead.

Heng Swee Keat​

14 h ·
Wishing all Buddhists a blessed Vesak Day!
Vesak Day is a time of peace and reflection to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and nirvana of Buddha, and for devotees to dedicate themselves to prayers and performing good deeds. In Singapore, we are fortunate to be able to share this spirit of goodwill across our different communities.
Also wishing everyone a happy and peaceful long weekend ahead with your families and loved ones!
(MCI Photo by Lim Sin Thai)

 

[jw5]

HSK wishes Happy Police Day to all our men and women in blue, both past and present!

Heng Swee Keat​

12 h ·
Happy Police Day to all our men and women in blue, both past and present!

I was at HeartbeatBedok last weekend for an event and met a team of officers from the Singapore Police Force (SPF) Volunteer Special Constabulary (VSC) on a recruitment drive. VSC officers perform duties alongside our regular and National Service police officers to keep us safe and secure. You can find out more about the VSC at the following link (https://go.gov.sg/spfvsc).
This is an example of community policing, one of the key pillars of our policing strategy. I remember visiting Tokyo when I was in the SPF to study the Japanese Koban system, which inspired the Neighbourhood Police Post system that we later introduced. Over the years, mobilising and partnering the community to fight crime has deepened the trust between our police and the public. Today, Singapore is widely regarded as one of the world’s safest countries and the SPF enjoys high public confidence.
A big thank you to all our police officers for your hard work and dedication in safeguarding our nation every day!
(MCI Photo by Chwee)

 

[jw5]

HSK cheers for Team Singapore.

Heng Swee Keat​

13 h ·
The 2023 SEA Games have wrapped up but there’s more sporting excitement ahead!
Our Team Singapore contingent is now in Cambodia for the 12th ASEAN Para Games. We have 25 athletes participating across 6 para sports this year, with 3 athletes making their debut.
Join me to cheer on our athletes as they do their best and fly our flag high. Go Team Singapore!

Cambodia 2023
#OneTeamOneDream
#OneTeamSG
(Singapore National Paralympic Council (SNPC) / Goh Si Wei)

 

[jw5]

HSK spoke at a forum.

Heng Swee Keat​

11 h ·
All over the world, questions of how we can live and work in a more sustainable manner are at the top of everyone’s minds. During my recent visits to Japan and the Bay Area, I met many leaders who are working to tackle this issue.
At the SUTD Singapore University of Technology & Design Design Innovation Forum recently, I was asked what a sustainable economy meant. I shared that there are at least 4 dimensions to developing a sustainable, well-functioning and resilient economy in Singapore.
The first is environmental — how do we develop our economy and simultaneously take better care of our planet? Second, how can we build an inclusive economy to make lives better for all our people? Third, how can we have the right economic policies — monetary, fiscal and structural, to grow the economy steadily, and not through artificial stimulus that could result in high inflation or rising debt levels? And finally, how can we stay resilient and sustain long-term growth, even if we face crises from time-to-time, as we did during COVID-19?
Happy to learn from my fellow panellists, including Prof Nathalie de Vries from the Netherlands, Ms Roxanne Ong of Shiseido and SUTD President Prof Chong Tow Chong. I am glad that SUTD is focusing on human-centred design and putting sustainability into practice with its Sustainability Plan. I look forward to institutions like SUTD pioneering innovations in sustainable design, and empowering future generations to seize new and exciting opportunities to build a more sustainable Singapore!

 

[jw5]

HSK congratulates young Bedok residents.

Heng Swee Keat​

6 d ·
Congratulations to all 325 young Bedok residents who received the Education Merit Awards this year!
At the Bedok Education Awards ceremony last Saturday, I encouraged our students to continue pursuing a holistic education to discover and grow their talents. Besides academic achievements, building skills like leadership, creative thinking and collaboration are equally important in preparing to navigate a fast-changing world. Heartened to hear that many students are enrolled in various CCAs and are broadening their horizons while enjoying themselves and making new friends.
Wishing all students and teachers a restful school holidays, to recharge for the semester ahead!

 

[jw5]

HSK congratulated the IRO.

Heng Swee Keat​

23 May at 18:55 ·
The religious harmony we enjoy in Singapore today did not come about by chance. Each of our communities — we are the most religiously diverse country in the world — has committed to building ties with one another over the years. Since its founding in 1949, the Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore has played a critical role in fostering this inter-religious dialogue and interactions.
At the IRO’s 74th anniversary celebrations yesterday, I thanked its generations of leaders for their contributions to strengthening Singapore’s collective social fabric. We must continue to nurture and promote such trust and inter-faith understanding. Our religious harmony will always be a work-in-progress and should never be taken for granted.
When I had a stroke seven years ago, religious leaders from the IRO came together to pray for my recovery. I will always be deeply grateful for their collective gesture of faith and concern.
Congratulations once again to the IRO on your anniversary, and thank you for your invaluable work all these years!

 

[jw5]

HSK visited the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum at the National University of Singapore with Museum Chairman Tan Chuan-Jin.

Heng Swee Keat is with Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum and Tan Chuan-Jin.​

22 May at 12:45 ·
Our museums are an amazing repository of knowledge that help us better understand our past and the fascinating world we live in.
Visited the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum at the National University of Singapore with Museum Chairman Tan Chuan-Jin last week.
The highlight of the Museum’s collection is three majestic sauropod fossils, believed to be part of a herd. Sauropods are among the largest land animals in history, and these fossils are more than 80% complete, which is very rare. Also found some ‘East Coast residents’

, including a Leatherback Sea Turtle found on Siglap beach, and a Black Marlin that was spotted at East Coast Park.
Many thanks to the knowledgeable museum team for hosting us, and in particular to Professors Leo Tan and Peter Ng for your leadership in advancing the study of biodiversity in Singapore and the region.
With the June holidays just round the corner, I encourage families and students to make a visit, and be enthralled by the 2,000 specimens and the stories behind them!

 

[jw5]

HSK congratulates Team Singapore.

Heng Swee Keat​

12 h ·
Congratulations and a big thank you to our Team Singapore athletes for flying our flag high at the 12th ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia 2023!

Our athletes brought home a total of 44 medals. More importantly, your courage, resilience, and great sportsmanship is commendable and an inspiration to all. My thanks too to the supporting network of coaches, families and friends for your dedication. Well done!

 

[jw5]

HSK had lunch with his colleagues.

Heng Swee Keat is with Jessica Tan Soon Neo and
3 others
.​

1 d ·
Lunch with my fellow East Coast Advisers before attending the East Coast Digital Festival this afternoon!

 

[jw5]

HSK thanks hawkers.

Heng Swee Keat is with Jessica Tan Soon Neo and Cheryl Chan 陈慧玲.​

8 h ·
Thank you to our wonderful hawkers!
Spent Saturday morning with my fellow East Coast advisers at the popular Blk 85 Market in Fengshan. Some of the pioneer stalls and businesses have been here since the market opened in 1977! Enjoyed catching up with residents who were having breakfast with friends and loved ones. See you around and wishing all a good week ahead!

 

[jw5]

HSK loves the people of East Coast.

Heng Swee Keat​

11 h · Instagram ·
What do I love about East Coast? It must be the people of course!
- Our volunteers who look out for fellow residents
- Our hawkers who fill us with delicious local fare
- Our gardeners who tend to our community gardens with care
- Our residents who participate in and co-create community initiatives with us.
Tell us what you love about East Coast by participating in the “I

East Coast” contest! Your submission can be an original 2D artwork or a video that represents any of our three pillars: caring, vibrant or green. The contest runs till 7 July and there are many attractive prizes to be won. Looking forward to receiving your entries! (https://ectc.org.sg/contest/)
#EastCoastCares
@eastcoasttc

 

[jw5]

HSK thanks Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore, People's Association, other government agencies, and our corporate and community partners.

Heng Swee Keat is with Jessica Tan Soon Neo and
3 others
.​

2 d ·
Did you know that more than 1,100 merchants in East Coast have been onboarded onto the CDC Vouchers Scheme to facilitate digital payments and faster transactions? This is part of our East Coast Digital Blueprint to empower every East Coast resident to make the most of embracing digitalisation.
At the third East Coast Digital Festival at HeartbeatBedok yesterday, I spoke about prioritising inclusivity in East Coast’s digital transformation. This means ensuring that no resident is left behind as we build a caring community and a vibrant environment. In particular, we are strengthening digital literacy among seniors so that they can use digital technologies with confidence. Happy to see many of them actively learning new digital skills to make their lives better. To further support this, I announced the expansion of the Digital for Life Clubs to four more East Coast divisions – Bedok, Changi Simei, Fengshan and Kampong Chai Chee!
My thanks to Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore, People's Association, other government agencies, and our corporate and community partners for making this year’s Festival even more vibrant and dynamic than before!

 

[k1976]

Must also have this.....

CECA Brotherly Love or 377 道友