Online users express anger towards Chan Chun Sing over his remarks of calling people “idiots” and “disgraceful”

[sweetiepie]

KNN even if nobody turns up they still have to set this up as a sign of "support" KNN

That's why my uncle think will the counsellor leelee present there or just a sign board with a clerk and the clerk will say don't scare first let me call the counsellor to come down pls take a seat and calm down KNN

 

[jw5]

That's why my uncle think will the counsellor leelee present there or just a sign board with a clerk and the clerk will say don't scare first let me call the counsellor to come down pls take a seat and calm down KNN

KNN perhaps the clerk and the counsellor are the same person KNN

 

[jw5]

Keechiu wishes Selamat Hari Raya Haji to our Muslim Singaporeans.

Chan Chun Sing​

15 hrs·

Selamat Hari Raya Haji to our Muslim Singaporeans. On this holy day, let’s pray for good health and continue to take care of the well-being of our family members and the people around us.
Saya mengucapkan selamat menyambut Hari Raya Haji kepada semua warga Singapura yang beragama Islam. Pada hari yang mulia ini, marilah kita berdoa semoga kita sentiasa sihat dan terus menjaga kesejahteraan diri, keluarga kita dan orang-orang di sekeliling kita.
[Photo credit: Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis)]

 

[jw5]

Keechiu commemorates Racial Harmony Day today.

Chan Chun Sing​

3 hrs·

Several religious groups have come forward to pray with the bereaved and for the well-being of our students, in the wake of the incident at River Valley High School. These heartfelt gestures of solidarity, transcending race and religion, has brought light in our nation’s hour of darkness. They embody the inherent understanding that before all else -- we are fellow Singaporeans.
The multi-racial Singaporean identity that we have today, did not naturally come to be. It is a hard-won state of being, borne from deliberate policies and tremendous efforts from our communities. This shared identity is not about the cultures of minorities being subsumed by the culture of the majority. Neither is it about all of us giving up our own identities. Instead it is about building a shared and forward-looking identity based on a common set of values, with the foundation steeped in our rich and diverse identities. And it is a legacy, that each and everyone of us must safeguard in our daily words and deeds, and through mutual respect and care for one another.
As we commemorate Racial Harmony Day today, let us remember that our country was founded on the belief of forging unity from diversity. Let us celebrate the richness of our multi-racial society, and how it has nurtured our sensibilities in getting along with people from different backgrounds, and more importantly, forging a higher common purpose.

Let us stay rooted to Singapore and our founding values of pledging ourselves as one united people, regardless of race, language or religion.

#SGInHarmony

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

Solidarity in River Valley High School incident shows we are fellow S'poreans: Chan Chun Sing in Racial Harmony Day post​

SINGAPORE - In the wake of the alleged murder of a 13-year-old at River Valley High School, several religious groups have come forward to pray with the bereaved and for the well-being of students, said Education Minister Chan Chun Sing on Wednesday (July 21).

"These heartfelt gestures of solidarity, transcending race and religion, have brought light in our nation's hour of darkness. They embody the inherent understanding that before all else - we are fellow Singaporeans," he wrote in a Facebook post to mark Racial Harmony Day in the country.

Schools, community groups and other politicians also took to the social media platform to commemorate July 21, a date set by the Ministry of Education since 1998 to remind students of the 1964 race riots and importance of racial harmony.

The riots resulted in 36 deaths and injuries to 556 people.

Mr Chan said the shared, multiracial Singaporean identity was not about the cultures of minorities being subsumed by the culture of the majority.

"Neither is it about all of us giving up our own identities," he said. "Instead, it is about building a shared and forward-looking identity based on a common set of values, with the foundation steeped in our rich and diverse identities."

Second Minister for Education Maliki Osman cited a prayer from St Joseph's Institution principal, Reverend Father Dr Adrian Danker, as an example of schools and communities standing together in solidarity, to bring solace to one another.

"This Racial Harmony Day will be a more muted and sombre affair for our students and schools. But these gestures of grace and support are testament that we have so much more in common than our differences, and that there are always more things that unite than divide us," said Dr Maliki.

Minister of State for Education Gan Siow Huang said Racial Harmony Day this year carries added significance, with different racial and religious groups having come together since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic to assist those affected.

Recent incidents of racism have also served as reminders, she noted, of how Singapore's multiracial, multicultural social fabric was painstakingly woven over the years by pioneers and seniors.

"(They) had witnessed the destructive nature of racism in the past and decided that racial harmony was the way to go to build a peaceful, happy and prosperous place for the future generations," said Ms Gan. "Our duty is to guard our racial harmony jealously and not allow anyone to weaken it."

Holy Innocents' Primary School said, in line with this year's Racial Harmony Day theme of "Common Spaces, Connected Communities", activities were focused on the roles students can play in building a cohesive Singapore.

"We continue to encourage our children to cultivate strong relationships with diverse individuals and groups," the school wrote on Facebook.

Marymount Convent School marked the event with activities emphasising the values of respect and harmony, with students wearing traditional costumes.

These experiences - designed by schools to deepen engagement and make celebrations more meaningful - matter, said president of the Young Sikh Association Sarabjeet Singh. "They are significant as part of a lifelong process of understanding others in our community and the diversity that exists in Singapore," he added.

Mr Chan urged Singaporeans to remember, on this day, that the country was founded on the belief of forging unity from diversity.

"Let us celebrate the richness of our multiracial society, and how it has nurtured our sensibilities in getting along with people from different backgrounds, and more importantly, forging a higher common purpose."

Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, also writing on Facebook, described Singapore as one of the most diverse societies in the world today, without many of the conflicts that others struggle with.

“This is something that is both precious and fragile. Bigotry and intolerance can irreparably damage our society if we are not careful. Each of us can play our part in being sensitive in our words and deeds,” he said.

“So as we celebrate Racial Harmony Day today, let us rededicate ourselves to building a Singapore that has a place for all Singaporeans, regardless of race, language and religion.”

 

[jw5]

from mothership.sg:

'Remember that we are never alone': Chan Chun Sing's letter to educators​

He reminded educators that they are not alone and have the support of the ministry.

Staff and students of River Valley High School returned to school yesterday (July 21), two days after an alleged murder took place on campus.

The Ministry of Education's Director-General of Education Wong Siew Hoong said yesterday that the school is now focused on supporting affected staff and students as "the immediate aftermath of a tragedy like this is critical and sensitive".

Teachers also took time to check in with their students and helped them process the tragic event.

According to a Instagram post by a River Valley High student, teachers were on gate duty at 6:30am and were patrolling the corridors or ushering students around to ensure everyone was well and protected.

"All the teachers I have spoken to today look like they haven't had any rest at all, yet they have all opened their hearts for me to talk to without any hesitation. For that, I will always, always be so grateful," the student wrote.

In an internal letter that was addressed to educators, Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing assured the staff members of River Valley High School that the ministry will "spare no effort" in supporting staff and students through this difficult period.

He also urged teachers to not hesitate to reach out for help if they need to, or know someone who needs help.

"We will mobilise all our counselling capacities to support all who need help. We are in this together and we will support one another through this," Chan said.

Chan added that he was "touched and inspired" by the resilience that the River Valley High community had shown when he visited the school on Tuesday.

"Even in the midst of their heartbreak, they were unwavering in their care for their students, and in their assurance to parents. Hearing from the staff and students gave me confidence in the character of our people and the values that we hold dear to our hearts."

He reminded educators that they are not alone and have the support of the ministry.
Here's the letter in full:

 

[jw5]

Keechiu contemplates on a difficult week.

Chan Chun Sing​

9 hrs·

This has been a difficult week.
But through the grief, reflections and maelstrom of emotions, I am heartened that our Singaporean spirit has remained undiminished.
Our community has rallied together – from the members of the public who left flowers and notes of condolences and encouragement at the school, to the counselling professionals who stepped forward to offer their services, there have been numerous gestures of care, kindness and compassion.
The greatest act of selflessness has undoubtedly been the display of courage and care by the teachers and school staff at River Valley High School. They took prompt and decisive action to protect the students during the incident and even as their hearts ache, they mustered the strength to care for our students in the aftermath.
There are understandably concerns from parents and our community, on what is being done to support our schools and look out for students in need. I will be delivering a Ministerial Statement in Parliament next week to address these.
Our thoughts continue to be with the affected families and the students and staff at River Valley High School.
It will take time to heal, and the road to recovery is long.
But know that each and every one of us stand with you.

 

[Confuseous]

Seriously, what can a ministerial statement in parliament do, beyond the usual
we-share-your-grief, we-are-behind-you, etc.
Unless there are specific outlines of what will be done specifically.

 

[jw5]

Seriously, what can a ministerial statement in parliament do, beyond the usual
we-share-your-grief, we-are-behind-you, etc.
Unless there are specific outlines of what will be done specifically.

The thing that PAP needs to do specifically is to make the killer's parents responsible for his actions.
Anything else that they do or say is just bullshit.

 

[Confuseous]

Cotton Chan is pissed that the other 4Gs are getting the publicity. And he got
nothing. So, talk in parliament, appear on front page to tell the world what
a great job he has done. This guy is a lightning rod for disasters?

 

[jw5]

Keechiu takes photo of Buona Vista at dawn.

Chan Chun Sing​

9 hrs·

Dawn @ Buona Vista.
Just like the new dawn and the upcoming new bridge to My Buona Vista, may we start the week with renewed energies, fresh perspectives, and determination to complete what we have always set out to accomplish.
Despite the challenges of the times, we can always look forward to a better tomorrow in solidarity. CCS

 

[jw5]

Keechiu speaks at Rajah & Tann Asia’s Global Marquee Event.

Chan Chun Sing​

57 mins·

Challenged by the pandemic and forced to rethink our future, what lies ahead in the global landscape for businesses and investments? Despite the disruptions, what are the longer-term driving forces that have been at play?
At Rajah & Tann Asia’s Global Marquee Event today, I shared two propositions on the driving forces shaping our future and a third proposition on what they mean for Singapore.
- US-China relations define the geopolitical landscape of our time. However, the greatest challenge for both is not the other but themselves. Victory is not defined by the defeat of the other party, but by who can win over the rest of the world.
- Businesses and investments have to increasingly consider a new geography of trade defined by connectivity, rather than distance or demography.
- The circumstances above present a unique historical opportunity for city-states like Singapore to defy the odds – to not only survive but thrive. This includes creating relevance through increasing our connectivity to the world e.g. developing digital economy agreements.
Dr. Parag Khanna and I also discussed Singapore’s unique proposition as a safe harbour for investments and an operating hub for global businesses. This in turn creates good jobs for our people. CCS

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

S'pore is developing digital economy deals to boost connectivity resilience: Chan Chun Sing​

SINGAPORE - Singapore has a unique historical opportunity to thrive in a more connected global economy by overcoming geopolitical and supply chain challenges, said Education Minister Chan Chun Sing.

He said the Republic cannot rely on its geographical location, natural resources or population size for relevance in the world.

"Instead, we create our relevance through a strategy of connectivity with the world - across physical dimensions of air, land and sea connectivity, and non-physical dimensions of data, finance, regulations, technology and talent," Mr Chan said on Monday (July 26).

Delivering the keynote speech at the Beyond Pandemic & Politics: Behold South-east Asia And The World event organised by law firm Rajah & Tann Asia, he said frictions in United States-China relations and increasing reliance on digital connectivity are changing the shape of global trade and supply chains.

"A new geography of trade is emerging. It is defined by connectivity, rather than distance or demography."

He noted that historically, economic ties and value chain integration have historically been shaped by distance.

However, the reduction of transport costs, the rise of the digital economy and the considerations for supply chain resilience are reshaping the global connectivity map, he said.

Mr Chan said multinational companies, in deciding their investment and global production layout, will look for destinations that provide connectivity of data and financial flows, have harmonised rules and standards for intellectual property protection, can help mobilise capital and aggregate talent, and have the ability to remain connected to global markets in times of crisis.

This is why beyond conventional free-trade agreements, Singapore is developing a new generation of digital economy agreements to harmonise rules and boost connectivity, he noted.

In the midst of these changes, the strategic rivalry between the US and China will remain a feature of the international system, Mr Chan said.

While many have framed the US-China relationship as a zero-sum contest for global leadership, neither will collapse in the foreseeable future, and certainly not from the pressures from the other party, he said.

"The rest of the world will closely study their development models and exercise of power. Countries will then gravitate towards the partner that aligns with their own long-term developmental needs and security interests," Mr Chan said.

For Singapore, however, choosing sides is not an option, he added.

"We stand for an inclusive and connected world and do not adopt a zero-sum mentality. We work with like-minded partners, as part of the other two-thirds of the world, to build a rules-based global order for trade and security."

Singapore's deep understanding of the priorities of other parties - be they superpowers or regional neighbours - can add value to its relationships constructively, he said.

"In a world of uncertainties, we provide a safe harbour with policy consistency and coherence for investors to plant their long-term investments here and for global businesses to operate out of Singapore as a key node in global network and value chains. This in turn creates good jobs for our people."

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

We shouldn't turn Singapore schools into 'fortresses': Chan Chun Sing​

SINGAPORE — The key to keeping Singapore's students safe lies more in prevention and enhanced community vigilance rather than intrusive security measures, said Education Minister Chan Chun Sing in Parliament on Tuesday (27 July).

"We all have a collective role to play in looking out for potentially deviant or worrying behaviours and report possible threats in our midst," he said while delivering a Ministerial Statement on last week's death of a River Valley High School (RVHS) student.


On 19 July, a 16-year-old male RVHS student was arrested on suspicion of having killed a fellow 13-year-old male student on campus. The suspect was charged with murder the following day and has since been remanded for psychiatric evaluation.

In his speech, Chan noted that efforts to enhance security at schools should not "compromise the quality of school experience for our students and staff".

"We do not want to turn our schools into fortresses, which will create unease and stress among our staff and students. We also do not wish to paradoxically engender a siege mentality amongst students and staff, causing them to take extreme measures to protect themselves, at the expense of a shared sense of security," he said.

Existing measures​

Among the current security features at schools are physical barriers – such as fences, CCTVs and alarm systems to detect intruders – as well as security officers who conduct checks on and register any campus visitors.

All Singapore schools have a School Emergency Structure to deal with emergencies, which cover areas such as first aid, search, trauma management, evacuation, handling of casualties and management of an operations centre, Chan said.

"Teachers are trained to respond to different emergency scenarios. School leaders, staff and students take part in regular emergency training exercises to practise how to handle emergency situations in the school, including security incidents," said Chan, adding that the police and Singapore Civil Defence Force are involved in such training.

The Ministry of Education would continue to update school security measures in a "targeted manner" and "apply them sensitively to balance the security needs without losing the sense of safety, trust and homeliness of the school environment".

Chan also praised RVHS' students and staff for their response to last week's incident. He noted that RVHS students had carried out the "Run-Hide-Tell" steps from their emergency response exercise exactly as they were trained to do.

RVHS teachers had also responded swiftly and courageously by engaging the suspect and keeping the students' safety as their utmost priority, said Chan, who also praised the RVHS principal who had returned from medical leave to deal with the incident.

"To the teachers, despite your own grief and shock, you attended to your students and are still helping them cope with their difficult emotions. Thank you."

 

[jw5]

Keechiu explains his statement in Parliament today.

Chan Chun Sing​

34 mins·

As we reflect on the incident at River Valley High School, the question on the minds of many is: how do we prevent similar tragedies from happening again?
Ministry of Education, Singapore has received many constructive suggestions, questions and feedback on supporting the mental health of our school community.
In my Ministerial Statement in Parliament today, I spoke on the the various levels of support that are currently accessible to our students:
- All teachers are trained in basic counselling
- Teacher counsellors help students deal with more challenging social-emotional problems
- School-counsellors provide dedicated counselling support to students who have higher needs
- When students require further intervention, school counsellors refer them to professionals or social service agencies.
Much is being done, but there is always more we can, must and want to do. These are the new measures that we are undertaking:

- All teachers will receive enhanced professional development on mental health literacy
- Increase deployment of teacher counsellors from 700 to 1,000 in schools
- Augment the counselling support network
- Strengthen our partnership with parents through the parent support groups in all our schools
- Bring back CCAs for secondary schools and pre-universities, as more students complete their vaccinations
- Devote time to check in on students, and guide them to know where and when to get help
- Remove the Common Last Topics from the 2021 GCE exams, and reduce scope for end-of-year exams to relieve exam load and stress for our students, given COVID-19 disruptions

Beyond the efforts in schools, we need a communal safety net, underpinned by a caring and nurturing culture for all our people, especially our youths.

Let us not stigmatise those who come forward to seek help -- this is a sign of strength, and not weakness. CCS

 

[jw5]

from yahoo.com:

MOE to deploy more counsellors, 2021 exam scope reduced: Chan Chun Sing​

SINGAPORE — The Ministry of Education (MOE) aims to deploy more than 1000 teacher-counsellors across Singapore in the next few years, said Education Minister Chan Chun Sing in Parliament on Tuesday (27 July).

This is an increase from the over 700 teacher counsellors that MOE has deployed in schools.

Chan announced the measure while delivering his Ministerial Statement on the River Valley High School (RVHS) incident where a 13-year-old student was found dead on RVHS' premises. A 16-year-old student of RVHS has been charged with murder.

“First, we will strengthen the support network in our schools. All teachers will receive enhanced professional development on mental health literacy as a baseline. This will further strengthen our ability to identify and support students in need,” Chan said.

All schools currently have at least one school-counsellor, while some have two, Chan said. MOE will recruit more school counsellors or assign suitable educators to augment the counselling support network where feasible, he added.

The authorities will also dedicate more time and attention to checking in on the well-being of students regularly.

“Schools currently have orientation programmes for new students at the start of every school year. Henceforth, teachers will devote time at the start of every school term to check in on the well-being of their students, and guide them to know how, where and when to get help,” Chan said.

Due to the disruptions to learning caused by COVID, MOE will remove the Common Last Topics (CLT) from the 2021 GCE examinations. Last month, MOE had announced the removal of the CLT for the 2021 Primary School Leaving Examination.

The Delta variant of the COVID virus has created much greater disruptions than envisaged and has affected the social and emotional well-being of students, Chan said.

“We are especially concerned for the graduating cohorts, and so we will also remove the CLT from the 2021 GCE O-, N- and A-level examinations. While these topics would have already been taught in schools, removing them from the national examinations would help to relieve the revision load and exam stress for our students.”

For the non-graduating students, all schools will also reduce the scope for their 2021 end-of-year examinations to alleviate their revision load, Chan added.

Whole-of-Government/Whole-of-Society approach​

The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social and Family Development have set up a new interagency Taskforce, chaired by Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information & Ministry of Health, Chan said.

The Taskforce will develop an overarching national strategy on mental health and well-being. As a member of this Taskforce, MOE will work with MOH and MSF to give focus to the youth segment, Chan said.

Students are influenced by factors in and beyond school and the tragic incident could have happened outside of school as well, according to Chan.

"We will therefore need a whole-of-society effort to keep our children, families and community safe to avoid such a tragic incident from happening again."

 

[jw5]

from yahoo.com:

'He was holding an axe': Chan Chun Sing recaps River Valley High School incident​

SINGAPORE — The students who encountered the murder suspect involved in last week's killing at River Valley High School (RVHS) responded immediately by applying the emergency lockdown drills they had been taught.

"The students’ immediate response was to apply the emergency ‘Run-Hide-Tell’ lockdown drill – they went into their classroom, locked the doors from within and quickly called their form teachers for help," said Education Minister Chan Chun Sing in a Ministerial Statement delivered in Parliament on Tuesday (27 July).

On 19 July, police arrested a 16-year-old male RVHS student for his suspected involvement in the death of a fellow 13-year-old male student on campus. Police said an axe was seized as a case exhibit.

The suspect was charged at the State Courts with murder the following day and has since been remanded for psychiatric assessment.

What happened​

In his Ministerial Statement, Chan said that at around 11.35am, towards the end of lunch break, a group of RVHS students encountered the 16-year-old suspect outside a toilet.

"He was holding an axe. He asked them to call the police. The students returned to their classroom and immediately informed their teacher," said the minister.

The suspect later made the same request to another group of students who were in the classroom next to the toilet. These students responded by applying the "Run-Hide-Tell" drill, a form of training meant to prepare students for incidents of terrorism and school intrusions.

Chan said that a teacher who was first to arrive at the scene instructed the suspect to put down the axe. The suspect complied and was then escorted away to a meeting room.

Other teachers then called the police and checked the said toilet. Police officers arrived at the scene within 10 minutes and took the suspect into custody.

Singapore Civil Defence Force paramedics found the 13-year-old victim lying motionless in the toilet with multiple wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Once the situation was under control, the principal broke the news to the rest of her staff, before speaking with the students. She shared that a serious incident had happened and asked all students to contact their parents to assure them that they were safe," said Chan.

He added that the principal then spoke to the students most affected by the incident, while other teachers came forward to lend their support and assistance.

For students who were interviewed by the police, parental consent was sought and every student was accompanied by a teacher throughout the process, noted Chan.

Other parents were informed about the incident via the Parents Gateway and advised to look out for their children once they were dismissed by their school for the day.

From 3.15pm students were progressively dismissed, while teachers were stationed at the school's gates to assist students and give parents assurance.

Parents were informed of the student's death by evening and those concerned for their child's wellbeing were encouraged to contact the form teachers to "work out ways to support their children both at home and in school", said Chan.

Praise for RVHS students, staff​

In his speech, Chan also praised RVHS students and staff for how they responded to the incident.

"The students executed the “Run-Hide-Tell” steps exactly as they were trained to do in times of emergencies. To the students, thank you for showing care and compassion to one another," he said.

Chan noted that RVHS teachers had also demonstrated courage and acted swiftly when they engaged the suspect while also keeping their students' safety as their first priority.

He added that the school's principal had also returned from medical leave to personally handle the incident. "Your presence helped to calm the school community," said Chan.

 

[jw5]

Keechiu congratulates PSC scholars.

Chan Chun Sing​

27 mins·

Congratulations to all the scholarship recipients who were at today’s PSC Scholarships Award Ceremony! While I am unable to meet them in person, I am glad to chat with the recipients virtually and understand their aspirations. I’m encouraged that all of them have Singapore’s interests at heart and are firmly committed to serving our nation.
What has the Public Service learned from Covid-19 thus far? I shared three aspects. The Public Service must remain Agile, Connect with the wider ecosystem, and carry on building up the Trust of people in Singapore and beyond.
Though there will be many challenges that continue to come our way, let us never lose sight of why we chose to join the Public Service: to build a better future alongside our fellow Singaporeans, with integrity, service and excellence as our fundamental principles. CCS

 

[jw5]

Keechiu thanks public officers.

Chan Chun Sing​

7 hrs·

Earlier this afternoon, we celebrated and recognised the dedicated effort of public agencies and officers for excellence in their work and organisational practices at the Public Sector Transformation Awards Ceremony. Congrats to our winners!
A big thank you to all our public officers who have been working relentlessly to improve the lives of fellow Singaporeans. Serving Singaporeans as our calling, we carry on and continue to come up with new ideas to take Singapore forward and emerge stronger as One Public Service.
Catch my chat with Wafa below, where I shared with her on what the Public Sector Transformation Awards is about. Happy Public Service Week! CCS
PSD Singapore

 

[batman1]

Did CCS cry on parliament ?