Singapore appointed 2 idiots to lead the task force.

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Lawrence watches a performance.

 

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Lawrence congratulates Wui Chiu Fui Kun.

Lawrence Wong​

1 d ·
Happy 200th anniversary to 新加坡惠州会馆Wui Chiu Fui Kun!
The Wui Chiu Fui Kun is one of our many clan associations that help to strengthen our multiracial identity. And like the Wui Chiu Fyi Kun, our associations play an important role in anchoring our rich Singaporean heritage.
Congratulations to the Wui Chiu Fui Kun for achieving this milestone. I wish the association all the best in its future endeavours!
(

: MCI Photo by Lim Sin Thai)

 

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Lawrence shares his book list,

Lawrence Wong​

1 d · Instagram ·
Dec is a good time to look back and take stock of what I’ve read throughout the year. These are some of my favourites for 2022. Do share your book list too!

 

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Lawrence had mentors who guided him.

Lawrence Wong​

23 h ·
Growing up, I did not yet have a clear idea of what career I wanted to pursue.
Fortunately on my journey, I found mentors who guided me. And eventually, from years of work and experience, I found my calling.
I am sure there are many who have similar experiences, or are searching for their mentors.
So I am glad to announce that we will set up a Mentoring SG office - to scale up mentoring opportunities on a national level. My hope is that more people can be trained to be mentors, and more of our youths can have the benefit of mentoring.
Everyone has something to contribute, and we can all better support and empower each other

#MentoringSG #ForwardSG

 

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Lawrence brought cheer to residents.

Lawrence Wong​

39 m ·
It is the season of giving!
With North West CDC and partners, we brought cheer to Our Limbang residents by providing festive care packs of food and essential items. More than 100 children also received their Christmas presents in advance.
Thank you to all partners, volunteers, Our Limbang and Limbang YN for organising this heartwarming event.

 

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Lawrence will be turning 50 later this year.

Lawrence Wong​

8 h ·
Singapore Cancer Society’s new #eNew50 movement encourages those who are 50 years and older to start going for regular cancer screenings.
I will be turning 50 later this year, and I will be going for my own health screening soon. Let’s all do our part to take charge of our own health, and encourage our friends and loved ones to do the same!

 

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from straitstimes.com:

Mentoring office launched to connect youth with mentors​

DPM Lawrence Wong taking a wefie during the launch of Mentoring SG at the National Mentoring Summit 2022. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN

Amelia Teng
Education Correspondent
UPDATED

10 DEC 2022, 10:05 AM SGT

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SINGAPORE - A new office called Mentoring SG will connect youth with mentors through an online platform and reach out to corporate organisations for mentoring opportunities.
Launching the independent office on Friday, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the set-up will pool expertise and resources and scale up mentoring opportunities at the national level.
It will take over the work of Mentoring Alliance for Action (AFA), which was set up in March 2021 to develop common resources and share best practices to raise the standards of mentoring in the youth sector.

The alliance, which will conclude its term at the end of December, has developed close to 4,000 mentorship opportunities and trained 300 new mentors, who are mostly working professionals.
The new office’s immediate priorities include expanding structured mentoring programmes by forging more partnerships with schools, companies and mentoring organisations.
Encouraging employers to make mentoring a part of their work culture, Mr Wong, who is also Minister for Finance, said: “You can start by just encouraging your senior staff to take on informal mentoring roles, to go the extra mile to look out for your younger colleagues.


“We all know that the transition from adolescence to full adulthood is important, but it is also a very challenging formative period for young persons. It is a time for them to work out their values and principles, and it is a journey of self-discovery and self-mastery.


“And as young people embark on these journeys, they need mentors, coaches and role models who can help to expand their horizons and walk this journey with them.”
He said: “Most of us do not start off with a long-term plan for our careers... Instead, we mostly take it one step at a time. And hopefully, along the way, we get to choose a career that is aligned with our purpose, our values and our passion, and one that stretches us, pushes us a little bit out of our comfort zones.
“There will be moments when we stumble... mentors play a pivotal role in guiding us through the setbacks and enabling us to develop and grow.”


He said mentoring programmes have traditionally been targeted at youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“But every young person, regardless of their background, can benefit from mentoring, especially those who are navigating more stressful life transitions like the jump from being a student to a working adult,” added Mr Wong, who was speaking at the National Mentoring Summit 2022 held at *Scape in Orchard.
The Mentoring SG office will be headed by Mr Kelvin Kong, co-chair of the Mentoring AFA, and have a board of directors who will act as advisers. The National Youth Council will support the office in its initial set-up and operations.
The office will take over the running of a website – mentoring.sg – which will house a common platform for mentoring opportunities, resources and toolkits.
More than 1,000 mentors have joined the platform under the AFA, and over 1,000 matches between mentors and youth have been made.
Mr Wilbyn Tan, 19, who is going to study history at the National University of Singapore in 2023, met his mentor, Mr Tan Wei Xiong, while he was in national service (NS) four to five months ago.

Mr Wilbyn Tan (left) met his mentor, Mr Tan Wei Xiong, in national service. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN
“Wei Xiong was my commanding officer, and he was doing his reservist... He is a former teacher and doing policy work at the Education Ministry,” said Mr Wilbyn Tan. “He found out that I have an interest in becoming a teacher and took me under his wing to explore this pathway.”
The youth said he was not sure what to do after NS, and his mentor, whom he meets several times a week for meals and runs, gave him direction.
Mr Tan Wei Xiong said he hopes the new Mentoring SG office will promote the culture of mentoring and encourage more youth to step forward to be mentors themselves.
“As I talk to young people and understand their aspirations, I want to help them... It is very meaningful,” said the 37-year-old, who also mentors about 30 young people as a volunteer with The Astronauts Collective, a non-profit organisation that helps young people to discover meaningful careers.

 

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from straitstimes.com:

Hakka clan Wui Chiu Fui Kun, one of S’pore’s oldest, marks 200th anniversary​

Wui Chiu Fui Kun Singapore president Terene Seow (in red) and DPM Lawrence Wong at the 200th anniversary celebrations of the clan association, on Dec 8, 2022. ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN

Chin Soo Fang
Senior Correspondent
UPDATED

9 DEC 2022, 12:26 AM SGT

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SINGAPORE - Chinese clan associations like Wui Chiu Fui Kun should promote Singapore’s unique Chinese culture, help new immigrants integrate into the country’s multiracial society, and actively attract youth as part of succession planning.
Speaking at the Hakka clan’s 200th anniversary dinner at Orchard Hotel on Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said Chinese community organisations, including clan associations, play an important role in preserving Singapore’s unique culture.
They also help to strengthen Chinese Singaporeans’ sense of identity, and ensure cohesion among different races.

Mr Wong cited examples like lohei (tossing of raw fish salad during Chinese New Year), Nonya dumplings, as well as getai (live stage shows) and auctions during the Hungry Ghost Festival as part of Singapore’s distinctive Chinese culture.
“I hope clan associations will also exercise their creativity in organising activities with strong local flavour, to help new immigrants blend faster and deeper into our multiracial society, and find their sense of belonging,” he said in Mandarin.
Mr Wong added that to ensure succession planning and the clans’ long-term survival, they should have activities that attract the younger generation.


Wui Chiu Fui Kun, which has about 300 members, is one of the oldest clan associations in Singapore.


It is active in giving back to the community with its charity concerts, including one in May to raise funds for Singapore Red Cross.
It is also quick to adopt technology, such as using online conferencing tool Zoom for meetings and WhatsApp for its annual general meeting during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ms Terene Seow, its president, said the clan’s forefathers had built the Fuk Tak Chi temple in Telok Ayer, Kwong Wai Siew Peck San Theng columbarium, Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital, Nanyang Hakka Federation and schools to benefit society.
She added in Mandarin: “We will continue to contribute to the community and organise charity, cultural and youth activities to deepen awareness of Chinese culture, and promote cultural exchanges with other races.”
The clan, which bagged the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations’ (SFCCA) Outstanding Association Award in September 2021, is planning to move to its freehold building in Joo Chiat Road.
It will have a heritage corner for the preservation of its artefacts for future generations.
The dinner was attended by more than 800 guests, including Senior Minister of State for Finance and Transport Chee Hong Tat, MP Yip Hon Weng, SFCCA president Thomas Chua, and Hong Kong artistes Eric Tsang, Kenneth Ma and Elaine Yiu.

 

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from straitstimes.com:

New post-graduate scholarship for all women launched by two Malay/Muslim organisations​

DPM Lawrence Wong touring an exhibition at the Singapore Muslim Women’s Association's (PPIS) 70th anniversary gala dinner with PPIS president Hazlina Abdul Halim. ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN

Goh Yan Han
Political Correspondent
UPDATED

7 DEC 2022, 2:25 PM SGT

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SINGAPORE - A new $15,000 post-graduate scholarship for women was launched on Tuesday as part of efforts to further support women here to achieve their aspirations.
The scholarship, with a total sum of $150,000 co-funded by social service agency Singapore Muslim Women’s Association (PPIS) and bursary distribution organisation Lembaga Biasiswa Kenangan Maulud, will be given to one recipient a year for 10 years from 2023.
Applicants should be pursuing a full-time postgraduate programme either at the master or PhD level, though if done locally, a part-time programme would be allowed. They can pursue the following fields of study, among other relevant options: science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem); women’s studies; gerontology; geriatrics; and community work. Applications will open from June 2023.

Scholarship recipients will also be required to do a volunteering stint with PPIS.
Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who announced the scholarship at the PPIS 70th anniversary gala dinner at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, noted that the scholarship covers traditionally male-dominated areas such as Stem. He said: “I hope that through these efforts, we can continue to grow the number of female role models for the Malay/Muslim community and we can truly show that there are no limits to what women can achieve here in Singapore.”
PPIS president Hazlina Abdul Halim said that a study published by the organisation earlier this year had found that among the top five personal aspirations of Muslim women here was the wish to further their education or upgrade their skills. “This post-graduate scholarship is for today’s women to realise their aspirations, so Singapore will be a better home for the women of tomorrow,” she said.


Mr Wong said the scholarship is an example of community efforts to advance the cause of women in Singapore. He noted that despite the significant advancement of women in Singapore, society is very much a work-in-progress as gender gaps still exist. For example, women still bear a disproportionate share of caregiving at home and also continue to face disadvantages at work, where they may be perceived as less capable, especially in more male-dominated industries. “All these can dissuade women from pursuing their passion or their career aspirations. So we can and must certainly do more,” said Mr Wong.


However, government efforts alone will not be enough as a key challenge is the persistence of deep-seated and entrenched gender stereotypes. Mr Wong called for men to do more to embrace their caregiving responsibilities, and not assume that women are somehow better suited to such roles. He also urged employers to develop family-friendly workplaces; and parents and teachers to encourage boys and girls to respect one another.
He said PPIS has played an integral role in empowering women and strengthening families in Singapore for the past 70 years. PPIS was started by 22 like-minded women volunteers in 1952, and has since grown to more than 110 active volunteers, 17 centres and 300 employees.
Mr Wong noted PPIS’ efforts in helping Muslim women cultivate financial and personal independence, and its advocacy for more legal protection for women in marriage and divorce, as well as the centres it operates to help families and children. He said: “Ultimately, to create a fairer and a more equal society, all of us - as individuals, community organisations, employers and the Government – will have to do our part. This is a collective and shared responsibility.”

 

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from straitstimes.com:

Preserve and pass on distinctive identity of S’pore Chinese: DPM Lawrence Wong​

Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan's cultural committee vice-chairman Koh Chin Yee (centre left) takes Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on a tour of the Thian Hock Keng Temple. ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN

Chin Soo Fang
Senior Correspondent

PUBLISHED

2 DEC 2022, 4:02 PM SGT

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SINGAPORE - Local Chinese have developed a distinctive culture and identity in Singapore’s multiracial and multicultural society, and they must be preserved and passed on to future generations, said Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
A new app that allows users to virtually tour the historic Thian Hock Keng temple – a symbol of Hokkien culture and history – is a good way to get more people, especially the young, to learn about their heritage, said Mr Wong, who launched the app at the opening of the Singapore Hokkien Festival on Friday.
The temple in Telok Ayer Street is a centuries-old national monument and sits opposite the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan (SHHK) Building Plaza, where the festival is being held.

“I would like to praise the Thian Hock Keng temple for using technology to allow more people, especially the younger generation, to learn more about the temple’s history and architecture,” he said in Mandarin.
Thian Hock Keng, one of the oldest and most important Hokkien temples in Singapore, was visited by Chinese immigrants who gave thanks to Mazu (Goddess of the Seas) for their safe voyage. Led by early pioneers like philanthropists Tan Tock Seng and Si Hoo Keh, the Hokkien clan built the temple in 1839. Managed by SHHK, the temple was gazetted as a national monument in 1973.
Mr Wong, who is a Hainanese but speaks Hokkien as his mother is a Hokkien, said the Hokkien pioneers have made many contributions to Singapore’s economy, education and social welfare.


“While there may be challenges ahead, we will be able to overcome them if we continue to stay united, work hard and adopt the early pioneers’ fighting spirit and sense of social responsibility,” he said.


In its seventh edition, the biennial festival from Dec 2 to 4 is organised by SHHK and supported by Fujian-related clan associations, affiliated schools and subsidiaries.
Themed Being Hokkien: Heritage · Culture · Food, it features local Chinese and Hokkien cultural performances and Hokkien food like oyster mee sua, yam porridge and shrimp rolls. There is also an exhibition showcasing artefacts from the Heng San Teng Temple in Silat Road which was destroyed in a fire in 1992.
The Hokkien community – the largest Chinese dialect group here – traces its ancestry to Fujian province. There are an estimated 1.2 million to 1.4 million Hokkiens in Singapore, said SHHK.
SHHK president Thomas Chua said the festival is a platform to preserve and promote Hokkien culture, and to let the younger generation better understand their heritage. He added that it is heartening to see younger members joining SHHK and its activities.
SHHK, which has more than 5,000 members, told The Straits Times that over 94 per cent of its new members are aged between 31 and 50. More than 2 per cent are even younger.


The opening ceremony featured wushu and song performances by SHHK pre-schoolers, including six-year-old Addah Wu.
Her mother, Mrs Audrey Wu, who works in the banking sector, said it was important to expose Addah and her four-year-old brother Darrius to Hokkien culture from a young age.
The 36-year-old, who is Hokkien, said: “It’s something that many from the younger generation have lost touch with, so I made it a point to develop their interest in it.”

 

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from straitstimes.com:

S’pore DPMs Wong and Heng send congratulatory letters to Malaysian counterparts Zahid and Fadillah​

Malaysia's Deputy Prime Ministers Fadillah Yusof (left) and Ahmad Zahid Hamidi take the oath during the swearing-in ceremony. PHOTO: AFP
Anjali Raguraman
UPDATED

21 MINS AGO

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SINGAPORE - Deputy Prime Ministers Lawrence Wong and Heng Swee Keat have sent congratulatory letters to their Malaysian counterparts Zahid Hamidi and Fadillah Yusof.
The two DPMs said in the letters sent on Wednesday that they hoped to meet the Malaysian leaders soon.
In their letters to Datuk Seri Zahid, Mr Wong and Mr Heng congratulated him on his dual appointments as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development.

Mr Wong, who is also Finance Minister, said: “Congratulations on your electoral victory in Bagan Datuk for the seventh consecutive time. It is a testament to your committed service to the constituency, even as you handle national responsibilities.”
Mr Heng said in his letter: “The people of Bagan Datuk have reaffirmed their faith in you by re-electing you as their representative in the Dewan Rakyat for the seventh consecutive time.”
The two DPMs also noted Singapore and Malaysia’s deep bilateral ties and interdependent relationship, as well as their cooperation while weathering the Covid-19 pandemic.


Mr Heng said: “Our close cooperation during the Covid-19 pandemic to protect our supply chains and to safely reopen our borders is emblematic of our interdependent relationship.


“I am confident that our two countries will continue to work closely together to overcome common challenges as we have always done.”
Both Mr Wong and Mr Heng also noted the resumption of high-level visits and recent collaborations following the reopening of borders, such as the conclusion of framework agreements in emerging sectors such as digital and green economies.
Mr Heng, who is also Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies, said both countries’ central banks have announced plans to commence the linkage of Singapore’s PayNow - which lets individuals transfer money using just a mobile number - with Malaysia’s DuitNow.

Mr Wong said: “Looking ahead, I am confident that we can explore new opportunities for collaboration.”
In their letters to Datuk Seri Fadillah, Mr Wong and Mr Heng congratulated him on his dual appointments as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Plantation and Commodities.


They also congratulated him on being the first deputy prime minister from East Malaysia, and on his strong electoral victory in Petra Jaya during the Malaysia general election.
Both noted the close links Singapore shares with East Malaysia.
Mr Heng wrote that Singapore shares cultural, familial and economic links with Sabah and Sarawak, adding that Singapore and East Malaysia have been able to collaborate in various areas, such as the green economy, agriculture, and tourism.
“The increased air connectivity between Singapore and East Malaysian cities has also supported the growth of interpersonal and economic ties,” he added.
Mr Wong noted how following the pandemic, Singapore and Malaysia - including Sabah and Sarawak - are exploring ways to expand their wide-ranging areas of collaboration, referencing the framework agreements on digital and green economies.
“I am confident that under your leadership, our two countries will bring our bilateral relationship to even greater heights,” he said.

 

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Lawrence congratulates award recipients.

Lawrence Wong​

21 h ·
Glad to have our National Day Awards Ceremony Investiture Ceremony held in person this year, where we recognised public officers from the Ministry of Finance (Singapore) family for their service to Singapore.
My heartiest congratulations to all the award recipients today. You have gone above and beyond in your duties in serving Singaporeans and our country over the years.
Continue to keep up the good work and inspire the next generation of public officers!

 

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Lawrence presents an award.

 

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Lawrence presents another award.

 

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Lawrence has a friendly reminder.

Lawrence Wong​

7 h ·
Rem to use your CDC vouchers by 31 Dec 2022 and support our #hawkerculture

 

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Lawrence was saddened to hear about the landslide near Genting Highlands and the tragic loss of lives.

Lawrence Wong​

20 h ·
Saddened to hear about the landslide near Genting Highlands and the tragic loss of lives. My deepest condolences and sympathies to those affected, and the families of the victims.
There are three Singaporeans amongst those rescued by the Malaysian authorities, and we look forward to their safe return.
The search and rescue operations are continuing amidst the bad weather, and we hope they will be able to find those who are still missing soon.
(

: Photo by CNA)

 

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Lawrence wants to take Singapore forward.

Lawrence Wong​

7 h ·
I have been asked many times this year about my personal hopes for Singapore.
I always come back to a Singapore where everyone has something to contribute to the common good; where each person uplifts their fellow citizens; and together, we build the best home not just for ourselves, but for generations to come.
This film captures that hope, and reflects the social compact I hope People's Action Party, together with every Singaporean, can forge and cement as we take Singapore forward. May it remind you of the ties that matter and inspire you to keep choosing action for your loved ones, in your own way.
#PAP4SG #TakeActionWithUs

People's Action Party​

9 h ·
What a year it has been. While it had been entwined with challenges and uncertainties that had worn us down, we have found ways to move forward together.
The road ahead will not be easy, but we can always choose how to respond. Do we stand alone, or reach out? Lie low, or show up? Build up, or tear down?
Friends, family, colleagues, neighbours... we all have the ability to take action for them. It is the thread that binds us together as a community.
We join every Singaporean in the pursuit for a better home for each other. The challenges we face tomorrow may be different from the ones before, but let’s hold on to the hope that we will overcome them when we come together for Singapore.
#PAP4SG #TakeActionWithUs

 

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Lawrence will also be following the World Cup while he is on overseas leave.

Lawrence Wong​

2 h ·
World Cup 2022 has been an exciting tournament with many surprises and inspiring moments. Now we have reached the end -

vs

. Who will you be cheering on for tonight?
I’ll also be following the World Cup while I am on overseas leave.
May the best team win! #worldcup2022

 

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from straitstimes.com:

PM Lee on leave till Dec 31; Teo Chee Hean to be Acting Prime Minister​

PM Lee Hsien Loong is on leave till Dec 31. During this time, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean will be Acting Prime Minister. PHOTOS: AFP, LIM YAOHUI

Osmond Chia
UPDATED

3 HOURS AGO

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SINGAPORE – Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is on leave from Dec 19 to Dec 31.
During this time, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean will be Acting Prime Minister, said the Prime Minister’s Office in a statement on Sunday.
PM Lee said in a Facebook post on Sunday: “I’ll be on leave till the end of the year. Will update should I come across anything interesting. Meanwhile, enjoy the festive season with your friends and family, and please stay safe and healthy while celebrating.”

The post was accompanied by a picture of a Christmas tree at The Grand-Place in Brussels, which PM Lee said he visited 50 years ago as a student.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong also posted on Facebook on Sunday that he is taking a break.
Referencing Monday morning’s World Cup final between Argentina and France, which Argentina won 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out, Mr Wong said: “I’ll also be following the World Cup while I am on overseas leave. May the best team win!”

 

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Lawrence poses with many unmasked people.