Singapore appointed 2 idiots to lead the task force.

[jw5]

Lawrence is hard at work.

Lawrence Wong​

6 d ·
PM Lee Hsien Loong spoke at the National Day Rally, and gave a preview of the Forward SG initiatives - on housing, retirement and care for our seniors. There are many more items on our Forward SG agenda. My colleagues and I are hard at work and stepping up the pace of our engagements and policy reviews. With your support, we will chart our way toward and shape a brighter future together!
#ForwardSG #NDR2023

 

[jw5]

Lawrence glad to have discussions.

Lawrence Wong​

3 d ·
We need a stronger, more integrated and competitive ASEAN to navigate our way through an increasingly divided and turbulent world.
One key to unlock ASEAN’s full potential is infrastructure. We need more infrastructure, not just in traditional areas like transport and utilities, but also in new digital and green arenas. That’s why Singapore will do our part to connect partners and catalyse more financing solutions for infrastructure across the region.
Glad to have discussions on this and more, with my ASEAN counterparts today.
Looking forward to further strengthening our cooperation and linkages tomorrow.
Sri Mulyani Indrawati
Asian Development Bank
(

: MOF Photos by Fathin Jasmal [1-3 & 5], Kementerian Kesehatan RI [4])

 

[jw5]

Lawrence Wong​

4 d ·

Photo #3: Singapore is committed to support Asia's net-zero ambitions through blended finance & more. During our meeting, ADB President Asakawa Masatsugu and I spoke on how Singapore can partner @AsianDevelopmentBank mobilise resources for the region's green and transition needs.

 

[jw5]

Lawrence Wong​

5 d ·

Photo #4: We need to strengthen global and regional health systems to prepare for future pandemics. Had good discussions with Indonesian Health Minister Budi Sadikin on this following the ASEAN Finance and Health Ministers Meeting.

 

[jw5]

Lawrence Wong​

6 d ·

Photo #5: Glad to catch up with Malaysian Deputy Finance Minister II Steven Sim since we last met at the ASEAN Finance Ministers' Meeting in March.

 

[jw5]

Lawrence Wong​

24 August at 22:47 ·

Photo #6: Thanked Thai Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith for his efforts in nurturing the deep people-to-people and economic ties between both countries.

 

[jw5]

Lawrence congratulates Tharman.

Lawrence Wong​

8 h ·
Congratulations Tharman Shanmugaratnam on your election as the next President of Singapore! As Mr Tharman has said, the election outcome is a vote of confidence in Singapore's future, and augurs well for the stability and unity we all want for our little red dot. I look forward to your service and leadership as our Head of State - strengthening our solidarity as a country, bringing out the best in our people and representing our interests abroad!
(

: Photo by The Straits Times)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence wishes teachers Happy Teachers' Day.

Lawrence Wong​

3 d ·
Happy Teachers' Day to all the amazing teachers out there! Your dedication, passion, and perseverance shape the minds of tomorrow. Thank you for all your hard work and sacrifices

#Singapore #TeachersDay #Teacher #MeeTohSchool #OasisPrimarySchool #TanjongKatongPrimarySchool #Taylorswift #Guitar #Study #Learn
Telok Kurau Primary School

 

[jw5]

Lawrence wants to be more witty.

Lawrence Wong​

2 d ·
As a small open city-state with no natural resources, we've always been susceptible to global shocks and disruptions. But history has proven that we can overcome challenges and limitations through collective effort, wit, and ingenuity.

No water? We create NEWater.

No natural resources? We've become a hub for energy and critical supplies.

Not enough land? We reclaim from the sea and innovate to make the most of our space.
Now we will need to tackle food security. So let’s join hands to secure a food-resilient future and keep the Singapore story going for many more generations to come.

Grace Fu
Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment
Singapore Food Agency (SFA)
#feedingourfuture #foodsecurity #SingaporeSpirit
(

: MCI Photos by Fyrol)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence chatted with Shanti.

Lawrence Wong​

2 d ·
Failure is an essential part of success. We learn more from our failures than our successes.
Chatted with our Singapore sprint Queen, Shanti Pereira on the highs and lows of success and failures in her journey.
Want to know how Shanti gets better, faster, stronger? Watch the YouTube video here (https://youtu.be/RLTX1IpLgJ4) to find out more.
Our SG – Home of Forward SG Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth - MCCY Singapore Athletics
#ForwardSG #OurSG #ShantiPereira #singapore #athletics #sprinter #inspiration

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

Cultivate readers’ interest and help promote Chinese culture, language: DPM Wong to Lianhe Zaobao​

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (centre) launched the daily’s commemorative projects at the Afro-Asia Building, on Sept 6. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO

Chin Soo Fang
Senior Correspondent
UPDATED

6 SEPT 2023, 9:50 PM SGT

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SINGAPORE – Changes in the media landscape in recent years have impacted traditional mainstream media and stiffened competition.
The younger generation prefers instant news bites over long analyses and articles, and many choose to get information through social media or other websites.
In the face of these challenges, Lianhe Zaobao must make adjustments, but at the same time stick to the core principles that have made it successful over the years, said Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the centennial celebrations of the flagship Chinese-language newspaper of SPH Media Trust on Wednesday.

“While making news interesting and exciting, you must maintain high standards of journalism to provide readers with quality and credible news,” he said in Mandarin.
“At the same time, through objective analyses and reliable reporting, Zaobao should cultivate readers’ interest in in-depth reporting, and encourage them to understand news events in a more comprehensive way.”
He said he is heartened to see Zaobao move with the times and maintain its competitiveness in various ways, such as producing videos and adopting other digital elements to woo young readers.

Another important role that Zaobao plays is the promotion of Chinese culture and language in Singapore’s multiracial society, said DPM Wong, who said he reads at least an article in Zaobao daily or watches its videos to learn Chinese.

“I believe many people learn Chinese from reading newspapers or watching videos,” he said.
“The Government will continue to support and work closely with partners like Zaobao to promote the use of Chinese and Mandarin. We can make learning Chinese easier and more fun through various ways.”
At Wednesday’s event, Mr Wong launched the daily’s commemorative projects at the Afro-Asia Building, the former site of Nanyang Siang Pau’s office.

DPM Lawrence Wong says Zaobao plays an important role in the promotion of Chinese culture and language in Singapore’s multiracial society. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO

Zaobao was formed in 1983 through the merger of Nanyang Siang Pau and Sin Chew Jit Poh, which were founded in 1923 and 1929 respectively.
The commemorative projects are Zaobao’s centennial oral history website, Chinese-language book Our Story, An Oral History Of Lianhe Zaobao, an online interactive graphic titled A Scroll Through A Century, and an online documentary series,The News Catcher.
The oral history research materials were donated to the National Archives of Singapore at the event.
To mark its 100th anniversary, Zaobao unveiled on Wednesday a refreshed look and new logo across its print, Web and mobile editions on Wednesday.

Lianhe Zaobao unveiled a refreshed look and new logo across the print, Web and mobile editions on Wednesday.

Content will be presented in more relatable and informative ways, such as the introduction of explainers “LHZB Knows” to explain current issues.
More video and audio content will accompany news articles to facilitate better understanding of complex issues. There will also be more insights and analyses for its domestic and global audiences.

Content will be presented in more relatable and informative ways.
Zaobao editor Goh Sin Teck said: “Zaobao stands as a testament to the power of transformation, offering not just text, but a fusion of visuals, sounds, and interactive experiences that caters to different audiences.
“Our new brand promise and content strategy signify our commitment to continue to adapt and innovate with our audiences, as we embark on our next centennial.”
Mr Wong said Zaobao has produced extraordinary achievements and is today a household name in and beyond Singapore, and a trusted brand.

Lianhe Zaobao unveiled refreshed layout and design on Wednesday to attract readers. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO

“Zaobao will continue to exert its influence in our society in future”, he said.
“This is one of the goals behind the Government’s funding to support SPH Media Trust.
“We hope to help Zaobao cultivate more talent, upgrade its skills, and produce more quality content to benefit more readers.”

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

S’pore to keep investing in arts education to meet needs of creative professionals: Lawrence Wong​

DPM Lawrence Wong receiving a memento from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts chairman Low Sin Leng (left) and Dr Lucy Ooi during the institution's 85th anniversary. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
Lynda Hong
Senior Environment Correspondent
UPDATED

4 SEPT 2023, 6:46 AM SGT

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SINGAPORE - Investments in arts education will continue, in order to meet the growing needs of creative professionals in the economy and provide diverse pathways for people to excel based on their aspirations and abilities.
Speaking at a fund-raising dinner on Saturday to mark the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts’ (Nafa) 85th anniversary, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong noted that the Government has been investing more in the arts over the years.
For instance, the University of the Arts Singapore, a government-supported private university formed by an alliance between Lasalle College of the Arts and Nafa, will open its doors in August 2024.

Candidates can start applying from the third quarter of 2023.
Mr Wong said he was involved in the deliberations over Singapore’s first university that focuses on the arts when he was minister for education.
He added that the leadership in both institutions saw the merits of coming together, and believed in the shared vision – to develop a distinctively Singaporean arts education.

“We will continue to study more ways to strengthen the arts in Singapore, including enhancing access to the arts and providing better support for Singaporean artists,” Mr Wong said, adding that the arts and cultural scene now has a distinctive Singaporean culture and identity.

“Our artists help give expression to this Singaporean culture.
“For example, when the Singapore Chinese Orchestra performs, people can immediately tell that it’s not the same as an orchestra from China.
“There is something distinctive about its style and musical arrangement,” he said.
At the event held at Capella Singapore attended by 300 guests, Mr Wong said Nafa has played a key role in showcasing Singapore and South-east Asian art to the world through its many international partnerships and collaborations.
It had also launched the Living Archive of Contemporary Asian Art, a platform for research, academia and practice.
In 2024, it will offer sponsored artist residencies for Singaporean and South-east Asian artists at its studios in Paris, allowing them to network and exchange ideas with the global arts community.
“Without Nafa, the arts and culture scene in Singapore would not be the same today,” said Mr Wong.

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

Asean remains ‘bright spot’ amid global economic uncertainty, says region’s finance ministers​

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong met Laos' Finance Minister Santiphab Phomvihane on the sidelines of the event in Jakarta. PHOTO: MOF

Wong Shiying
UPDATED

26 AUG 2023, 12:30 AM SGT

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SINGAPORE – Amid inflation and global economic uncertainty, Asean remains a bright spot with its robust economic growth, the region’s finance ministers said in a joint statement on Friday.
Ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong, met on Friday for the 10th Asean Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia.
They had discussions on four major themes – finance and health cooperation, food security, local currency transactions and regional payment connectivity.

The ministers noted that Asean’s robust economic growth is supported by resilient domestic demand and the continued recovery of tourism. But the region needs to stay vigilant as the global economic outlook remains uncertain.
The statement said: “Inflation is expected to remain high in several Asean member states due to elevated input prices, increased demand for services and continued currency pressures.
“The situation underscores the importance of strengthening Asean’s macroeconomic policy mix to enable member states to use all available tools to ensure the stability of our economies.”

The meeting also touched on global challenges, such as rising geopolitical tensions and slower-than-expected responses to climate change, that could affect Asean states.

The statement said: “(These issues) could exacerbate global fragmentation, which could hamper global trade and investment. Food and energy security issues remain critical and require well-coordinated policy actions.”
The ministers said they were pleased with the expansion of cross-border digital financial services, such as the Singapore-Malaysia QR payment linkage that was launched in March. This initiative lets customers of participating financial institutions make retail payments in both nations by scanning Nets and DuitNow QR codes.
The ministers added that they look forward to having such payment linkages between other Asean member states in future.
In a Facebook post on Friday, DPM Wong said Asean will need to do more to integrate its economies, and make trade and investments in the region less restrictive.
He said: “I had good discussions with fellow Asean finance ministers and central bank governors today on how we can advance our ideas for a more resilient and sustainable future for the region.”

Mr Wong also highlighted his interactions with ministers including Brunei’s Minister of Finance and Economy II Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah, Vietnam’s Vice-Minister of Finance Vo Thanh Hung, Philippine Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno and Laos’ Finance Minister Santiphab Phomvihane.
Laos will take over the Asean chairmanship in 2024 from Indonesia.

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

DPM Wong names wish list for sustainable infrastructure at Asean meeting​

Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong speaking at a side event of the Asean Finance Ministers' and Central Bank Governors' Meeting in Jakarta on Aug 24. Also in attendance were Philippine Deputy Finance Minister Benjamin E. Diokno (left) and Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani (centre). PHOTO: EPA-EFE

Arlina Arshad
Indonesia Bureau Chief
UPDATED

24 AUG 2023, 10:26 PM SGT

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JAKARTA – Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong named the top three items on his wish list for sustainable infrastructure projects – identify who pays for them, how to reduce their risks, and how to have more innovative financing.
In his opening remarks at a high-level dialogue on promoting sustainable infrastructure development in Jakarta on Thursday, Mr Wong underlined the need to identify more projects, as well as understand who pays for them as they are not free.
“It (the project) is not going to be free of charge, somebody must pay, and usually, there are only two parties that pay – user pays or government pays. And when the government pays, it does not mean people do not pay because government money also comes from taxpayers. So, in fact, it is either the user of the infrastructure that pays or taxpayers that pay,” he told the forum, which is part of the 10th Asean Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting.

“If we can identify projects, design the payments for these projects, then we have a healthier pipeline of infrastructure projects,” he said, adding that the projects can be both within Asean countries and cross-country projects across the region, such as an Asean power grid or a high-speed rail across two countries.
During the session, the panel of Asean finance ministers was asked to list three items it considered urgent in producing more sustainable infrastructure projects and allowing more financing to flow to infrastructure projects in all Asean countries to significantly reduce the gap between financing needs and investment in the infrastructure sector.
Mr Wong noted that bankers may not want to finance the projects and investors may not want to plough money in due to a gap in terms of returns. Hence, reducing the risks of the projects is important to make them bankable.

Some of the ways that governments can reduce the risk premium, he said, is by having greater contractual or regulatory certainty, or even by providing some basic guarantees in order to reduce risks.

​

Mr Wong also raised the need to explore ways for more innovative financing to make the projects more bankable. One way is through blended financing, which can be done by combining concessionary financing that may be available from multilateral development banks with that of private banks, so that the interest rate that is required from the financer will be lower.​

“I think if we can unlock more of these blended financing solutions, we can make many more infrastructure in Asean bankable as well,” he said.
Over the two-day event, which ends on Friday, Asean finance ministers will discuss the state of the global and regional economies, the progress of the Asean Economic Community Blueprint 2025, as well as key initiatives to deepen Asean finance cooperation and regional financial integration, according to a press statement from Singapore’s Ministry of Finance (MOF).
Mr Wong was accompanied by officials from MOF and the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
On Thursday, he met regional ministers including Malaysian Deputy Finance Minister Steven Sim, and they affirmed the deep and multi-faceted ties between the close neighbours.
In his meeting with Thai Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, Mr Wong thanked Mr Arkhom for his efforts in nurturing deep people-to-people and economic ties between both countries. He also noted that Singapore and Thailand are longstanding close friends with robust cooperation in cross-border payments, and infra and sustainable finance.
Mr Wong also met Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin and underlined the need to strengthen global and regional health systems to prepare for future pandemics.

 

[jw5]

LW congratulates GF.

Lawrence Wong​

49 m ·
Amidst the competitive pressures worldwide, we are able to sustain a strong and vibrant semiconductor industry in Singapore. Glad to see companies like GlobalFoundries APAC (GF) making significant new investments here.
The latest GF fab is the first one in Singapore that is capable of 28nm specialty chip production. This means that the chips powering many new smartphones and electric vehicles in the future will be made in Singapore!
Congratulations to GF on the opening of their new plant!
(

: MCI Photos by Betty Chua)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence thanks Mdm Halimah Yacob.

Lawrence Wong​

4 h ·
Thank you, Mdm Halimah Yacob, for your service to our nation as President!
My team and I in Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC, as well as our residents were sad to see you go in 2017. But we were also very proud to have you serve in the highest office of our land, and as our first female President!
During your tenure, you have shown the way with your authentic leadership and inspired us to be a more caring and inclusive society.
I am particularly grateful for your leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic. We interacted many times in the course of the crisis. As you said, the President’s office is not meant to operate as a parallel Ministry of Finance (Singapore). We had a clear understanding of each other’s roles and responsibilities — you carried out your duties thoroughly, asking rigorous questions to understand the rapidly evolving situation, and ensuring that the requested draws on reserves were necessary and justified. In the end, you approved the emergency funding, enabling us to mount a successful pandemic response.
You have served as our President with distinction, and your legacy is one of service, compassion, and strength. You have helped us to be a more united, compassionate and inclusive society.
Thank you Mdm President for all that you have done for Singapore and Singaporeans. Wishing you and Mr Mohamed all the best for your next chapter in life!
(

: [2] MCI Photo by Liu Ying)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence gives a big thank you.

Lawrence Wong​

19 m ·
Tomorrow marks the 100th year of Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s birth. It’s a good opportunity to reflect on the values upon which he and our founding fathers built Singapore.
Mr Lee had always made investing in our people a priority - including our youth. So I’m glad to see that the funds raised by the Joint Initiative to support the LKY Centennial Fund, will go towards our students' education and development.
A big thank you to our business chambers across the Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian communities. You came together to contribute - and even mobilised support from many stakeholders in society. Kudos for embodying the multiracial and charitable spirit of Singapore!
(

: MCI Photos by Chwee)
新加坡宗乡会馆联合总会 Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations

 

[jw5]

Lawrence congratulates Mr President.

Lawrence Wong​

21 h ·
Congratulations and best wishes Mr President!
Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam is a leader with vast experience, and a deep understanding of Singapore's challenges and opportunities. I have every confidence in his ability to strengthen our multiculturalism, unite our people, and make us a more inclusive society. As our President, he will be a symbol of all that is good in Singapore and Singaporeans, and serve with dedication and distinction.
I look forward to working with President Tharman as we chart our way forward in an uncertain world, and write many more exciting chapters of the Singapore Story!
(

: Photo by CNA)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence gives a big thank you.

Lawrence Wong is with Tan See Leng and Chan Chun Sing.​

23 h ·
Tomorrow marks the 100th year of Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s birth. It’s a good opportunity to reflect on the values upon which he and our founding fathers built Singapore.
Mr Lee had always made investing in our people a priority - including our youth. So I’m glad to see that the funds raised by the Joint Initiative to support the LKY Centennial Fund, will go towards our students' education and development.
A big thank you to our business chambers across the Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian communities. You came together to contribute - and even mobilised support from many stakeholders in society. Kudos for embodying the multiracial and charitable spirit of Singapore!
(

: MCI Photos by Chwee)
Chan Chun Sing, Tan See Leng, 新加坡宗乡会馆联合总会 Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations

 

[jw5]

Lawrence is happy to share.

Lawrence Wong​

12 h ·
Happy to share that the North West Community Development Council is launching a new $9.5 million Support Grant to help North West residents in need cope with the cost of living.
The North West CDC and our dedicated team of district councillors have been doing a lot on the ground - from reaching out to vulnerable seniors, to providing financial assistance to those in need. Congrats to the 39 district councillors who are re-appointed, and a warm welcome to the 24 newly appointed!

All of you come from a wide range of backgrounds, from the social services sector, to healthcare, education and business. May your diverse perspectives and experiences continue to help the North West CDC as it provides support to residents

#CommunitySupport #OurNorthWest
#GetEmpowered
Alex Yam