East Coast Plan unveiled

[jw5]

HSK took a covid 19 breathalyser test.

Heng Swee Keat​

2 hrs·

Took a COVID-19 breathalyser test when I arrived at Parliament today. Waited a couple of minutes for the negative test results, before entering the chambers. The entire experience was fast, efficient, and painless.
Testing will become a more regular feature of our lives as we learn to live with the virus, and one of the key strategies in the roadmap towards normalcy. In Parliament today, Ministers Ong Ye Kung, Gan Kim Yong, and Lawrence Wong delivered important updates on the COVID-19 situation — on the recent clusters, continued support for those affected, and the road ahead.
We are now at a particularly critical stage of our fight against COVID-19. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Our fatality rates are amongst the lowest in the world. Our vaccination rates will be amongst the highest if we can sustain our momentum. But it is also at this point when we are “almost there” — that the fatigue of vigilance sets in, and there is a temptation to rush things. We have seen how countries with high vaccination rates had re-opened too quickly, only to experience a huge surge. They are tightening again.

Our road to living with COVID-19 will also not be a straight path, especially at this stage when we are still ramping up vaccination rates. When the Jurong Fishery Port cluster began to permeate the community, we had to make the difficult decision to tighten measures. This is because 200,000 seniors have not been fully vaccinated, and they are most at risk. This is a big disappointment. But we will walk the journey with those affected and provide additional support.

What do we need to do to get to the new normal? Encourage each other to stay vigilant as the Delta variant is very transmissible, and there may yet be other new variants. Get vaccinated if you have yet to do so, and get others to do likewise. Most importantly, continue to stand in solidarity with one another, for our unity is what will see us through this.

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

Understanding economics, finance useful for youth, can help tackle real-world problems: DPM Heng​

SINGAPORE - An understanding of economics and finance provides a valuable foundation for lifelong learning and can be applied to real-world problems, said Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat on Sunday (July 25) as he encouraged young people here to develop and deepen their interest in the topic.

Speaking at the final round of the virtual National Economics and Financial Management Challenge, Mr Heng said the basics of economics and finance can be applied to public policy, for example to address climate change or changing demographics in Singapore and globally.

"The discourse is not just theoretical, but it can lead to better outcomes that can improve the lives of billions of people on earth," he said.

The challenge was organised by the National University of Singapore's Economics Society to make pre-tertiary education students become interested and appreciate economics and finance.

Now in its 14th year, the challenge began this month with two earlier rounds that tested the participants' knowledge of tertiary-level economics and their ability to create a video applying economic and financial theories to an everyday life topic.

Sunday's round included a case study and presentation segment, where teams were given 1½ hours to work on a case question, and a buzzer round that tests participants' general knowledge.

Mr Heng also addressed concerns young people here might have about their future, given the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said: "I believe that while Covid-19 has closed some doors, it has also opened many new ones. The post-Covid-19 world will be quite different from the one before, but it will be no less exciting."

He noted that Covid-19 has accelerated structural changes that were already in motion, including the digital revolution and the renewed emphasis on environmental sustainability.

"Our youth are well-placed to seek out these new opportunities," he said.

Mr Heng added that the value of understanding economics goes beyond being prepared for the job market.

He said: "I believe economics can help each of us to make better choices - for ourselves and for our society. I hope that you will continue to deepen your interest in economics and finance, and use this knowledge to become active citizens and make a difference.

"This is the spirit of Singapore Together, where we can all play a part in building a better shared future."

 

[jw5]

Heng Swee Keat

Like This Page · 24 July · Edited ·


On Friday, the Ministry of Health, Singapore Vaccination Operations Task Group went around Bedok Bougainvillea estate to hand out flyers with information on the various mobile vaccination centres in East Coast.

(Photo from MOH Vaccination Operations Task Group (VOTG))

 

[jw5]

Heng Swee Keat

Like This Page · 22 July · Edited ·


Let us continue to support our local hawker stalls and businesses during these difficult times!

 

[jw5]

HSK is deeply saddened to hear about the tragic loss of life at the basketball court next to Block 18 Bedok South Road.

Heng Swee Keat​

4 hrs·

Deeply saddened to hear about the tragic loss of life at the basketball court next to Block 18 Bedok South Road last night.
I visited the young man’s family and offered my condolences this morning. I heard from them about their love for their son and their pride in his achievements. Words cannot fully describe what they are going through. The sudden loss has been extremely difficult for his family and friends. We are giving them our fullest support, and I urge everyone not to circulate videos or pictures of the incident.
Investigations are currently underway to understand how this incident happened. The basketball court has been cordoned off in the meantime. The Town Council general manager also briefed me on how they are inspecting sports and recreational structures in East Coast. The East Coast Town Council will be providing further updates on this.
All our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time of grief.

 

[jw5]

Heng Swee Keat

Like This Page · 5 hrs · Edited ·

Visited the basketball court where the incident occurred, next to Blk 18. Spoke to the East Coast Town Council on the incident — they are cooperating with police investigations.

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

No pressure to enter new growth sectors, DPM Heng tells young jobseekers​

SINGAPORE - While the Covid-19 pandemic has helped to kick off a wave of opportunities in new and emerging industries, young jobseekers should not feel pressured to join a new sector solely for fear of missing out, said Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat on Tuesday (July 27).

Dishing out some advice at a career symposium organised by the youth wing of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), Mr Heng said that with a mindset of lifelong learning, there is sometimes the "joy of missing out" as one can develop true mastery over the skills in a chosen field.

"Whether it is in new sectors or existing sectors, there are always exciting opportunities. It is how you create it," he told a mix of physical and virtual attendees.

"You should explore areas where you have the interest and inclination. This way, you are more likely to continue learning throughout your career, and more likely to succeed as you build deeper expertise and experience.

"I believe you will blossom or, as some of you like to say, 'glow up'. I'm not a millennial or a zoomer, but I learn something each time," he quipped.

In its third edition, this year's symposium is a hybrid event held over four days.

It is expected to draw more than 2,000 youths, who will be able to access more than 300 job opportunities in growth sectors such as fintech and green technology.

Said NTUC assistant secretary-general Desmond Choo: "(It) is all about helping our young workers look far and look ahead in their careers. It might seem scary to be starting out in the workforce in such times, but I encourage our young workers to grab opportunities that come their way and keep their options open."

In his opening address at the event, Mr Heng, who is also Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies, said Covid-19 will eventually fade, but the pandemic has accelerated structural shifts that will stay for a long time.

The digital economy, for example, is projected to grow three times by 2025, while green growth in the South-east Asian region could provide up to $1.3 trillion in annual economic benefits by 2030.

Singapore is well-placed to tap these opportunities, he said.

"Ultimately, the future is in the hands of our youths to shape... If you remain nimble, and are willing to learn new things along the way, you will be able to shape your own future. We are here to fully support you - NTUC, the government, working together with your employers."

In a panel discussion on the post-pandemic future, NTUC secretary-general Ng Chee Meng said the opportunities created by Covid-19 are "quite stupendous".

Mr Sopnendu Mohanty, chief fintech officer at the Monetary Authority of Singapore, noted how Singapore payments firm Nium became a unicorn - a start-up with a $1 billion valuation - on Tuesday, and said there are four more start-ups slated to become unicorns early next year.

"The pandemic has not affected the (fintech) sector. In fact, it has grown faster," he said, added that joining the sector is not just about having technology skills.

Mr Ng agreed: "Even a historian or an anthropologist actually has many relevant skill sets that would add to a fintech company."

Surbana Jurong's group chief executive Wong Heang Fine said even traditional brick-and-mortar businesses like his are undergoing rapid transformation.

He gave examples of how the infrastructure consulting firm has been designing and constructing buildings virtually, using drones to monitor the progress of a reclamation site here, and how it is working with a blockchain company to certify carbon emission reduction efforts.

Asked what youths today need to do to take advantage of these future opportunities, Mr Ng urged them to stay curious.

"Stay curious, ask questions, be humble, learn from other people... You are not limited by what you have learnt today, you are limited by what you are able to learn and apply going forward."

 

[jw5]

HSK has a key message for youths.

Heng Swee Keat​

11 hrs·

I had one key message for our youths last evening — explore areas where they have the interest and inclination. Do not feel pressured to go into areas simply because they are trendy or popular. This way, they are more likely to learn throughout life, and are more likely to succeed as they develop mastery in their chosen field.
I was at the launch of the “LIT DISCOvery 2021”, organised by Young NTUC and its partners. “LIT” refers to “Learning is Triggered”. Lifelong learning is more important than ever, given the shifts that COVID-19 has accelerated. The symposium has a rich programme, with sharing sessions on the opportunities in both existing and new sectors, such as FinTech and sustainability. There is also a “virtual marketplace” on job openings.
The Symposium runs till this Friday, and I encourage you to sign up if you have time! Find out more here: https://www.lit.sg/lit-discovery-2021

#LITDISCOvery
#LearningIsTriggered
#EveryWorkerMatters

 

[laksaboy]

HSK has a key message for youths.

Heng Swee Keat​

11 hrs·

I had one key message for our youths last evening — explore areas where they have the interest and inclination. Do not feel pressured to go into areas simply because they are trendy or popular. This way, they are more likely to learn throughout life, and are more likely to succeed as they develop mastery in their chosen field.

How about basketball?

 

[jw5]

How about basketball?

Basketball is a good sporting activity, just be careful of falling backboards and don't exert too much after vaccination.

 

[jw5]

2 free people having a chat.

Ng Chee Meng 黄志明, NTUC Singapore Secretary-General, shared that NTUC will continue to support and create opportunities for our workers and youth to progress, and pivot into positions that are closer to their aspirations with its tripartite partners.

 

[laksaboy]

2 free people having a chat.

Ng Chee Meng 黄志明, NTUC Singapore Secretary-General, shared that NTUC will continue to support and create opportunities for our workers and youth to progress, and pivot into positions that are closer to their aspirations with its tripartite partners.

View attachment 117692

Tripartite = business as usual = bullshit.

 

[jw5]

HSK salutes urban farms.

Heng Swee Keat​

6 hrs·

Ever wondered where the enjoyable seafood on your dinner table comes from? Increasingly, more of the seafood we consume is farmed locally, not just in kelongs but in urban vertical farms.
Today, I learnt just how much our urban farmers and data scientists have in common, when I was introduced to AquaEasy at Bosch Singapore. Using artificial intelligence and IoT, AquaEasy significantly increases the yield and predictability of high-intensity shrimp farming in a way that is environmentally sustainable. In the future, urban farming will be more of a science rather than an art. Innovations such as these contribute to our food resilience goal of producing 30% of our nutritional needs by 2030.
AquaEasy is the first spin-off from Bosch’s Southeast Asia innovation hub based in Singapore, which is aptly named ‘grow’. I was happy to officially launch ‘grow’ today. In a post-pandemic world, innovation will be an even more important spearhead for the global economy. This new addition from Bosch will further catalyse corporate venturing activities in Singapore and add to our thriving innovation ecosystem. Over time, through more spin-offs, I am confident that ‘grow’ will add to the vibrancy and dynamism of our economy, and grow new jobs here and in the region.

I encourage all large companies based here to innovate through corporate venturing, and welcome more companies such as Bosch to grow here.

 

[jw5]

HSK addresses the latest batch of Singapore Industry Scholarship recipients.

Heng Swee Keat​

12 hrs·

Ten years passed, in a blink of an eye. Such is the case for the Singapore-Industry Scholarship (SgIS).
I still remember launching the SgIS in 2012, the first scholarship I started after becoming Education Minister, to create more opportunities for young Singaporeans to pursue and grow their areas of interest.
I recall giving out the first batch of scholarships, shaking each of the recipients’ hands and how proud their parents were. A decade later, I caught up with some of those in the pioneer batch virtually. I am glad many are doing well.
I also addressed the latest batch of 162 recipients and their families. I urged them not to stop learning even when they enter the workplace. My advice to them — be humble, learn from everyone; be hungry, learn in every way you can; be helpful and help others learn, and you will be surprised by how much you learn by teaching.
Our continued commitment to invest in our people is the surest way to improve their lives.
#SgIS

 

[jw5]

Heng Swee Keat

Like This Page · 13 hrs · Edited ·


Spoke to some of our Singapore Industry Scholarship (SgIS) alumni and scholars during the virtual award ceremony. Happy to know that Alvin Chan and Jeremiah Chen, 2012 SgIS recipients are doing great and venturing into new developments in their career.

(MCI Photo by Lim Sin Thai)

 

[jw5]

Heng Swee Keat

Like This Page · 14 hrs · Edited ·


Although we are unable to meet physically, my heartiest congratulations to all our Singapore Industry Scholarship 2021 recipients! The world out there will be more uncertain and complex. But it will also be filled with new and exciting opportunities.

 

[jw5]

HSK dropped by Blk 16 Bedok South hawker centre.

Heng Swee Keat​

6 hrs·

This is the second weekend that mandatory SafeEntry check-ins have been implemented at all markets and hawkers centres. Marketgoers must use their TraceTogether app or token to enter.
Earlier this week, I dropped by Blk 16 Bedok South hawker centre to observe how residents were adjusting to this additional precaution. As it was off-peak, the market was not too crowded. Hawkers had been impacted by tightened measures, but I hope the new round of targeted support will help them tide over.
This morning, many residents have gone about their usual weekend marketing. The crowd was orderly, residents were cooperative. I thank everyone for their patience and understanding.
For those — especially our seniors — who have yet to be vaccinated, I encourage you to do so as soon as possible. The higher the rate of vaccination, the faster we can live more normally with COVID-19.
Have a good weekend!

 

[jw5]

Heng Swee Keat

Like This Page · 7 hrs · Edited ·

I spoke to some stallholders. I understand that our hawkers are going through difficult times. We have provided some extra support to help them tide through. I hope that all these measures will help cushion the financial impact on our hawkers.

 

[jw5]

Heng Swee Keat​

7 hrs ·

Encouraged by how stallholders understand the need to continue to remain vigilant against COVID-19. I thank everyone for your cooperation!

 

[jw5]

HSK honours nurses on Nurses' Day.

Heng Swee Keat​

13 hrs·

Two days ago, Joan Poh rowed her fourth and final race at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. No matter the results, Joan is a champion in our eyes. Her journey to compete at the Olympics, even when fighting COVID-19 as a frontline nurse, has been an inspiration to us in Singapore and to many around the world. We have all witnessed her fighting spirit, whether she puts it all out on the water in competition, or when she channels it towards nursing her patients back to health.
Indeed, the nurses are our champions, all the more so in these two years, when they have an epic fight on their hands. The care and dedication they show us come in different forms. For example, Changi General Hospital (CGH) Senior Staff Nurse Felicia Chan, a member of the community nursing team provides care and health support to the elderly and infirm at their homes, including our seniors in Bedok.
Today, on Nurses’ Day, we honour nurses and their invaluable contributions. A big thank you to all our wonderful nurses!