East Coast Plan unveiled

[jw5]

HSK had a fascinating day in Boston.

Heng Swee Keat is in Boston, MA, United States.​

1 d ·
A fascinating first day in Boston, witnessing cutting edge projects and capabilities at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS).
MIT is one of the world’s leading institutions in innovation, research, and education. Fusion company CFS was spun out of MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center, and is doing groundbreaking work that could crack the carbon transition. Similarly, Broad is at the forefront of genomic science and medical research, driven by their model of multidisciplinary and collaborative research. Also visited The Engine, which focuses on funding and commercialising breakthrough inventions, or what they call “Tough Tech”, that solve the world’s key challenges.
The underlying themes – a robust ecosystem, strong collaboration across stakeholders, and a patient yet bold approach to funding – carry important lessons as we seek to strengthen Singapore’s research, innovation and enterprise (RIE) landscape. I look forward to deepening collaborations with our partners to build a vibrant economy and create good opportunities for our people.

 

[jw5]

HSK was fascinated again.

Heng Swee Keat is in Boston, MA, United States.​

1 d ·
Science is truly a global language – one that we should harness across borders and regions for positive impact and to tackle common challenges. Universities and research institutes around the world play an important part in this, by advancing scientific knowledge, pursuing innovation, and translating insights into real-world solutions.
Fascinated by the work done at some of Boston’s leading scientific institutions in this space. MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab (CSAIL - MIT) taps on AI and high-performance computing to address wide-ranging issues from cybersecurity to healthcare. At MIT.nano, researchers seek to unlock the full potential of nanotechnology with interesting and topical use cases like enhancing solar power efficiency and adoption, and precision manufacturing. Also visited the Max Planck - Harvard Research Centre for Quantum Optics, where I learnt more about their research on advancing understanding of the quantum world and its potential applications in many areas such as secure communications.
Singapore’s universities and Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) research institutes, with the support of the National Research Foundation Singapore, have active and fruitful collaborations with counterparts from around the world to pursue cutting-edge scientific research. Such partnerships are critical to ensuring that we remain at the forefront of innovation and breakthroughs. There is much that we can learn from others in building up our Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) ecosystem and we must remain open to collaborating with the best minds from around the world to address challenges such as climate change and an ageing population.
I thank the many leaders and researchers in the universities and research institutes that I visited for their warmth and sharing, to advance our knowledge together!
I look forward to our researchers and institutions forging many more beneficial linkages and exchanges in the years ahead!

 

[k1976]

HSK had a fascinating day in Boston.

Heng Swee Keat is in Boston, MA, United States.​

1 d ·
A fascinating first day in Boston, witnessing cutting edge projects and capabilities at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS).
MIT is one of the world’s leading institutions in innovation, research, and education. Fusion company CFS was spun out of MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center, and is doing groundbreaking work that could crack the carbon transition. Similarly, Broad is at the forefront of genomic science and medical research, driven by their model of multidisciplinary and collaborative research. Also visited The Engine, which focuses on funding and commercialising breakthrough inventions, or what they call “Tough Tech”, that solve the world’s key challenges.
The underlying themes – a robust ecosystem, strong collaboration across stakeholders, and a patient yet bold approach to funding – carry important lessons as we seek to strengthen Singapore’s research, innovation and enterprise (RIE) landscape. I look forward to deepening collaborations with our partners to build a vibrant economy and create good opportunities for our people.

Does Duke Heng know what is the huat big big impact on these projects to sinki?

It can really fundamentally change sinki future generations..cheers

 

[k1976]

Tiongkok will not offer this chance to oursaier de woh

 

[jw5]

HSK enjoyed meeting up with Singaporeans based in New York and Boston.

Heng Swee Keat​

1 d ·
Enjoyed meeting up with Singaporeans based in New York and Boston earlier this week. Most were students doing degrees in a range of disciplines, but there were a few who were there to run their startups. Very heartening to see our young Singaporeans’ passion for their respective pursuits, and desire to make meaningful contributions!
Even as we venture out to explore and learn around the world, it is important to stay connected with Singapore and fellow Singaporeans. My thanks to the Singapore Global Network for organising this meet up, and nurturing vibrant communities of overseas Singaporeans across the world.
Hope everyone enjoyed the food and company! All the best in your pursuits, and may you always fly the Singapore flag high!

 

[jw5]

HSK looks forward to upcoming developments.

Heng Swee Keat​

2 d ·
Yesterday, Housing & Development Board unveiled the detailed development plans for the new Bayshore estate, following PM Lee Hsien Loong's announcement at the NDR in August. Planned as an extension of Bedok, the area will see approximately 10,000 new homes and welcome new amenities for residents, such as new MRT stations, supermarkets, sports and recreational facilities.
The video gives a comprehensive overview of the Bayshore development plans.
You may also wish to visit the exhibition at the HDB Hub in Toa Payoh from 20 Oct onwards or the Siglap CC from 6 Nov onwards to learn more about the Bayshore plans.
I look forward to these upcoming developments at Bayshore that will enhance the vibrancy to East Coast, and particularly to Bedok!

 

[jw5]

HSK shared three ways.

Heng Swee Keat​

2 d ·
Digitalisation has improved lives and livelihoods across the world over the past few decades, and has become a powerful engine of economic growth for many countries, contributing more than 15% of global GDP. At the same time, digitalisation brings new risks and vulnerabilities that we need to guard against, so that it can serve as a force for good, for all.
At the opening of the Singapore International Cyber Week, I shared three ways in which we can go about shaping and harnessing the emerging digital order to build a more prosperous and inclusive world:

Fostering partnerships across borders and sectors

Developing shared rules and norms of behaviour to scaffold the digital domain

Building capacity across the board to guard against harms and threats
Happy to meet many like-minded foreign counterparts, and also visited companies and partners at the GovWare Exhibition, which showcased their latest innovations and products in cybersecurity.
As we navigate the digital revolution, let us continue to learn from and collaborate with one another, and shape the emerging digital order to be trusted, secure and inclusive.

 

[jw5]

HSK was heartened.

Heng Swee Keat​

2 d ·
Have you ever wondered how mobile phones are getting lighter, thinner and yet more powerful? How vehicles are increasingly built to consume less energy? How wearables are becoming ‘smarter’ to help us stay healthier?
The manufacturing sector has long been a catalyst for game-changing innovations and technological advancements that have shaped global economic growth. So I was delighted to open the 6th Industrial Transformation ASIA-PACIFIC (ITAP) trade show yesterday, which showcases how global manufacturers and suppliers are pushing new industrial frontiers.
To fully realise the potential of Industry 4.0, the manufacturing sector must invest in greater efficiency and connectivity to strengthen supply chain resilience, pivot towards increased sustainability to tackle climate change, and attract and retain the best talent. Equally as important, the global manufacturing ecosystem must remain open and interconnected to facilitate cross-border collaborations that can result in innovative and impactful solutions.
I was heartened to see a strong and diverse turnout this year – Deutsche Messe from Germany and Constellar Holdings from Singapore partnered to bring together manufacturers from different domains, friends and delegations from overseas, as well as our own students from Institutes of Higher Learning! Was also happy to visit a number of interesting booths including by Singapore companies and learn how they are transforming to adapt and stay competitive in a rapidly changing world. I hope that the exchanges at ITAP 2023 spark ideas and collective momentum to take Industry 4.0 into its next bound of growth!

 

[jw5]

HSK unveiled a new floral sculpture display at the “Colombia: Biodiversity Exhibition” at Gardens by the Bay’s Floral Fantasy.

Heng Swee Keat​

3 d ·
Unveiled a new floral sculpture display at the “Colombia: Biodiversity Exhibition” at Gardens by the Bay’s Floral Fantasy yesterday!
The display features three of the 75,000 animal species found within Colombia’s borders — the golden poison dart frog, the gorgona blue anole (a lizard), and the Chiribiquete hummingbird. The floral sculptures were aptly made from 6,000 preserved roses from Colombia, put together with the help of volunteers!
Singapore and Colombia may be on different sides of the world, but we are joined by our strong people-to-people and trade links, as well as rich biodiversity. Do take this opportunity to learn more about Colombia’s unique flora and fauna! More details at: https://go.gov.sg/gbtb-colombia!

 

[jw5]

HSK wishes Team Singapore all the best.

Heng Swee Keat​

2 d ·
All the best to our Team Singapore athletes who will be competing in the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou! I hope that your competition journey will be enriching and filled with new friendships and breakthroughs. We join your coaches, friends and families in cheering you on!

#OneTeamSG
#OneTeamOneDream

 

[jw5]

HSK congratulates Professor William Chin.

Heng Swee Keat​

11 h ·
Congratulations to Professor William Chin on being conferred the Honorary Citizen Award by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam! The honorary citizenship is the highest form of recognition given out to non-Singaporeans for outstanding contributions to Singapore’s growth and development.
Prof Chin has played a pivotal role in nurturing Singapore’s health and biomedical research ecosystem. His extensive contributions include advising Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) on Singapore’s research strategy, the development of Singapore’s first two publicly funded cancer drugs, and facilitating successful collaborations with biotech and pharma companies. Today, Prof Chin is co-chair of the Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC)governing board at A*STAR, and a Bertarelli Professor of Translational Medical Science and Medicine Emeritus at Harvard Medical School.
Thanks to leading voices like Prof Chin, Singapore is able to deepen our expertise and attract the best talents to grow promising sectors like biomedical sciences. We must continue to remain open and foster collaborations across the world, so as to secure Singapore’s relevance and create even better opportunities for our people.

 

[jw5]

HSK was glad to learn of many heartwarming stories.

Heng Swee Keat​

1 d ·
Joined the National Cancer Centre Singapore’s (NCCS) Charity Dinner last weekend to celebrate and thank donors whose generosity have enabled NCCS to better care for their patients. Through their generosity, including Mrs Margaret Lien’s donation of $20mil to establish the Lien Ying Chow Endowment Fund, NCCS is better able to support their patients’ recovery and improve their quality of life.
Glad to learn of many heartwarming stories of the beneficiaries, which underscores the importance of a strong partnership with the community.
Cancer affects one in four people in Singapore, with close to 16,000 cases diagnosed annually. As our population rapidly ages, the demand for cancer care will also grow. Thus, we need to tackle this in three ways: prevention and early detection; investment in research to enable better care and outcomes; and rallying community support for cancer patients.
Thank you to all for supporting NCCS’ mission of advancing cancer care and offering patients and caregivers hope of a better tomorrow!

 

[jw5]

HSK thanks agencies and volunteers.

Heng Swee Keat is with Jessica Tan Soon Neo.​

1 d ·
Happy to see residents young and old at the Healthier SG Roadshow at HeartbeatBedok this morning!
Do drop by the roadshow this weekend from 10am to 6pm to learn more about Ministry of Health, Singapore’s latest initiative to empower Singaporeans to take charge of their health! You can attend health talks and visit the fitness activities booths to get practical tips on how to lead a healthier lifestyle and prevent the onset of chronic diseases.
There will also be Healthier SG ambassadors on site to guide you on your journey towards a healthier future. If you are 40 and above, you can request to enrol with a Healthier SG clinic or polyclinic here: https://go.gov.sg/healthiersg-sms-invite.
A big thank you to the many agencies and volunteers for organising this roadshow, and helping us make East Coast a healthier and more caring home!

 

[jw5]

HSK feels grateful and fortunate.

Heng Swee Keat​

1 d ·
I’ve often shared about how grateful and fortunate I am to have fully recovered from my stroke in 2016. I owe this to the team of dedicated doctors, nurses and therapists at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), National Neuroscience Institute and my family, who were with me throughout my rehabilitation journey.
Today is World Stroke Day. I am sharing this video by Stroke Support Station - S3 which shows how stroke survivors have benefitted from S3’s therapy programmes in their rehabilitation journey. Watching the video brought back memories of my own rehab journey and the support that I received — including the many well wishes and encouraging cards from community leaders and Singaporeans.
Community support is so crucial, not just for stroke patients but also their caregivers. I am glad that we have groups like S3 who are dedicated not just to uplifting stroke survivors, but also caring for their caregivers. Walking the journey as a community makes it less daunting — thank you to our community of healthcare workers, volunteers and caregivers for your unwavering support and dedication!

 

[jw5]

HSK was deeply saddened by the passing of former PRC Premier Li Keqiang.

Heng Swee Keat​

6 h ·
Deeply saddened by the passing of former PRC Premier Li Keqiang.
Mr Li was a distinguished statesman who served China with dedication and consistently worked to better the lives of the Chinese people. This earned him deep respect and appreciation within China. Mr Li was a strong supporter of closer cooperation between Singapore and China, as well as between ASEAN and China. During his tenure as Premier, we achieved several milestones on both fronts, laying a firm foundation for our cooperation going forward.
I was honoured to have been the Minister-in-Attendance during Mr Li’s official visit to Singapore in November 2018. During that visit, we took a detour and drove through Little India’s Deepavali Light-Up. I shared with Mr Li, Singapore’s experience in building a multi-racial, multicultural society. When we met again in May 2019 when I visited Beijing, Mr Li recounted our Little India detour, and we had a warm discussion how China and Singapore could deepen cooperation and understanding.
My deepest condolences to Mr Li’s family and the people of China during this difficult time.
中国前总理李克强先生逝世，令我感到难过。
李先生是一位杰出的政治家，全心全意为中国服务，为改善中国人民的生活而努力。他坚定支持新中两国，以及亚细安与中国加强合作。在他担任总理期间，我们在双方面都取得了里程碑式的成就，为今后的合作奠定了扎实的基础。
我很荣幸能在2018年11月，李先生正式访问新加坡期间，担任侍从部长。我还记得，我们特意驱车穿过小印度，欣赏庆祝屠妖节的灯饰。我与李先生分享了新加坡建设多元种族、多元文化社会的经验。次年5月，当我访问北京，再次与李先生见面时，他忆述了我们的小印度之旅，并和我讨论新中两国能如何深化合作与了解。
李先生对中国的贡献显著，深受中国人民敬仰。在缅怀李先生之际，我谨向李先生的家人和中国人民致以最深切的慰问。

 

[jw5]

HSK was delighted to join Bedok residents.

Heng Swee Keat​

10 h ·
Delighted to join our Bedok residents and other attendees at the Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre 新加坡华族舞蹈剧场 (SCDT)’s wonderful outdoor dance carnival, “Under the BIG Tree”《大树脚 2023》, over the weekend. The iconic BIG tree is located within the 新加坡福建会馆 Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan (SHHK) Cultural Academy — a majestic backdrop to an evening of dazzling dance performances!
The event brought together performers of all ages, including SCDT’s Children, Junior and Youth Performance Troupes. SCDT also invited performers from neighbouring schools such as Bedok South Secondary School’s Chinese Dance and ITE College East- East 舞.
Watching the dance performances unfold beneath a grand, vintage tree was an enchanting ode to the union of art and nature. What a great way to immerse in culture and nature, while spending quality time with family and friends!

 

[jw5]

HSK looks forward to working with many global partners.

Heng Swee Keat​

4 h ·
Deep technology, or deep tech, holds great potential for game-changing breakthroughs that will propel us towards a better, healthier and more sustainable future. It represents the next great wave of innovation that will transform our lives and the global economy.
But deep tech can also be challenging. It takes patient capital, intensive R&D and a strong bench of talent with both depth and breadth. At the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH), Asia’s leading startup festival, earlier this week, I shared how Singapore is further strengthening our research and technology ecosystem to better support such deep tech innovation, including through:

Public-private partnerships to build capabilities: Enterprise Singapore and the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore, together with partners, are establishing sandboxes for startups to experience Generative AI enterprise solutions and develop a better understanding of AI safety and risk mitigation

Platforms to channel innovative energies to meet pressing regional needs: Enterprise Singapore’s 5th Sustainability Innovation Challenge will work with Temasek Foundation’s The Liveability Challenge to jointly source for solutions in carbon capture, storage and utilisation and renewable energy to help Asia tackle climate change.

Expanding our global connectivity: We will open 3 new Global Innovation Alliance nodes in Mumbai, Sydney and Melbourne to facilitate closer linkages with vibrant and dynamic innovation systems abroad.
Singapore is accelerating our efforts to contribute as a Global-Asia node of technology, enterprise and innovation, and deep tech promises to be the next frontier. I was happy to hear that this year’s SWITCH would welcome an all-time record of around 15,000 attendees, including delegates from over 100 countries. I look forward to us working with as many global partners as possible to catalyse new and exciting breakthroughs and create lasting impact.

 

[jw5]

HSK was delighted to launch this year’s Clean & Green Singapore.

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

4 h ·
Delighted to launch this year’s Clean & Green Singapore, packed with lots of fun, informative and useful activities to encourage us to adopt more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyles. Happy to see so many families and especially youths gathering this morning to learn more about how they can do their part for the environment!
A Clean and Green Singapore is an enduring legacy that we have inherited from the founding generation, and it is our responsibility to pass it forward. I joined Mayor Fahmi Aliman, Minister Grace Fu, SMS Tan Kiat How and other colleagues to plant trees this morning, continuing a tradition started by Mr Lee Kuan Yew in 1963! 60 years on, tree planting is now more than just an annual tradition — it represents how we act on our collective values as a caring, connected and considerate society, to keep Singapore clean and green.
To keep our little red dot clean and green for many years to come, I encourage everyone to:

Take action to show you care for the environment – recycle more, use reusable bags, return your trays at hawker centres and more

Work as a community to amplify catalysts for change

Better appreciate those who work behind the scenes to keep Singapore clean and green
Our experience with the COVID-19 pandemic reminded us of the value of public hygiene and our common green spaces. Today, we recognised exemplary employees from the cleaning, waste management, and pest management sectors. These individuals work tirelessly to help keep our neighbourhoods and common spaces clean and green. We also gave out Community in Bloom Ambassador Awards to exceptional garden volunteers who actively promote the love for gardening amongst their communities!
This year’s Clean and Green Singapore was also held in conjunction with the East Coast Green Festival, and I was proud to see many ground-up eco initiatives by our East Coast residents and community groups being showcased. The upcoming Greenspace+ at East Coast will be a green hub that empowers our residents to get even more involved in developing new green and eco solutions for the community!
Clean and Green Singapore is more than a slogan, but a journey we’ve embarked on. By committing to put our values into action, we can continue to build a cleaner and greener Singapore for future generations!
South East CDC - Your Social Broker
NParks
National Environment Agency (NEA)
East Coast Buzz
We Love Bedok

 

[jw5]

HSK was delighted to join the National Youth Achievement Award Council in thanking Madam Halimah Yacob for her support and contributions to NYAA during her term as Patron!

Heng Swee Keat​

3 d ·
Delighted to join the National Youth Achievement Award Council in thanking Madam Halimah Yacob for her support and contributions to NYAA during her term as Patron!
As our first female Head of State who is also a minority, Mdm Halimah is a powerful symbol of Singapore’s multiracial society, and carries the hopes and aspirations of our citizens, especially our girls and women. Madam Halimah’s personal story is an inspiring one that resonates with the NYAA’s mission of nurturing confident youth who are committed to serving the community.
Over the past six years, the NYAA has greatly benefitted from Madam Halimah’s wisdom and support in nurturing young leaders. As President, she provided opportunities for our participants to contribute at events such as the annual Istana Open House, and launched the NYAA Junior Programme, The Butterfly Award, for students aged 9 to 12.
My heartfelt gratitude to Madam Halimah for her unwavering and invaluable support as Patron. Just as she has touched the hearts of many Singaporeans during your term as President, her generosity and leadership will be remembered by the NYAA youth, staff, and alumni.

 

[jw5]

HSK has a quick lunch.

Heng Swee Keat is with Tan Kiat How.​

5 h ·
Refuelling with a quick lunch at Blk 216 in Bedok with Tan Kiat How, after this morning's People's Action Party Awards and Convention. Plenty of delicious options here!
See you at the Digital for Life - Singapore festival at HeartbeatBedok after this!