Singapore appointed 2 idiots to lead the task force.

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

PM Wong to attend inauguration of Indonesia’s new president Prabowo​

Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto with PM Lawrence Wong at the Istana on June 1. PM Wong will be attending Mr Prabowo's inauguration on Oct 20. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO FILE

Hariz Baharudin
Indonesia Correspondent
UPDATED

OCT 19, 2024, 07:38 PM

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JAKARTA – Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will visit Jakarta on Oct 20-21 to attend the inauguration of Indonesia’s new president Prabowo Subianto.
Mr Prabowo, 73, will be sworn in during a ceremony to be held on the morning of Oct 20 at the People’s Consultative Assembly Hall in the Parliament Complex in central Jakarta.
PM Wong will join other invited leaders to personally offer his congratulations to Mr Prabowo, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said on Oct 19.

“As close neighbours, the visit reaffirms the importance of the Singapore-Indonesia relationship and Singapore’s commitment to further strengthen substantive bilateral ties, including in key priority areas discussed at the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders’ Retreat on April 29, 2024,” the PMO statement said.
PM Wong will be accompanied by his wife and officials from the PMO and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Besides Singapore, representatives from other nations look set to attend, including Australia, China, the United States as well as Asean nations. Among the guests will be Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng, and Laos Vice-President Pany Yathotou.

After the ceremony, Mr Prabowo will deliver his inaugural speech. There will also be a state dinner reception at the Presidential Palace in the evening.

Jakarta has been gearing up for the presidential handover in the past week.
Posters and banners have been installed across the city, reading: “Thank you, Jokowi. All the best, Prabowo, Gibran.”
Jokowi is the nickname of outgoing President Joko Widodo, while Gibran refers to his 37-year-old son Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the former mayor of Solo, who will be sworn in as vice-president.
Mr Prabowo, who was previously defence minister, won more than 58 per cent of the votes cast on Feb 14. It was his third bid for the presidency, after running against Mr Widodo in 2014 and 2019.
About 100,000 security personnel have started to be deployed across Jakarta to ensure that the inauguration goes smoothly. They include snipers and members of anti-riot units, said military chief Agus Subiyanto.
State leaders and foreign dignitaries will also have security escorts. “We need to be alert about possible threats before, during and after the inauguration,” said General Agus.
The Indonesian Air Force will also deploy four F-16 jets to guard aircraft carrying foreign dignitaries attending the inauguration, state news agency Antara reported.
Crowds are expected to gather in Jakarta’s streets to welcome Mr Prabowo as the new president and bid farewell to Mr Widodo.
A street event called “The People’s Party” will take place on Oct 20, where some 10 stages will be set up along main roads in Jakarta to host concerts, dances and other performances.

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

PSA breaks ground on new $647.5m supply chain hub, in efforts to keep Tuas Port competitive​

The new hub will strengthen Singapore port operator PSA’s network to facilitate seamless exchange of cargo between transportation and logistics partners. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO

Kok Yufeng
Transport Correspondent
UPDATED

OCT 18, 2024, 08:31 PM

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SINGAPORE - Port operator PSA broke ground on a new $647.5 million Tuas warehousing facility equipped with advanced robotics and automation systems on Oct 18, as part of its efforts to sharpen Tuas Port’s competitive edge.
Construction of the new facility comes as Singapore looks set to handle a record-breaking container volume of 40 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2024.
Spanning more than 185,000 sq m and located within the limits of Singapore’s new mega port, the new PSA supply chain hub is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2027.

Speaking at an event to officially mark the start of construction work, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the hub will improve the Republic’s ability to handle cargo shipments.
PM Wong, who is also Finance Minister, said the new hub will have facilities to handle dangerous goods, as well as goods that require cold storage. This will allow it to process higher-value cargo, such as pharmaceuticals and chemicals that require special handling.
“Currently, businesses that want such services have to truck their cargo out of the port, incurring duties, and then truck it back to the port for shipping again. This takes time, and it adds up to additional costs,” he said.

With the new supply chain hub, companies will be able to tap these specialised cargo handling services under one roof within the same free trade zone as Tuas Port, he noted. Custom duties are not charged on goods that are stored in such free trade zones.

“We want businesses to use Tuas Port as a convenient and efficient one-stop shop, not only for their physical goods but also as a control tower to manage their inventory and global supply chain flows,” PM Wong added.
Construction of the facility comes as competition gets increasingly sharp in the shipping industry.
PM Wong said other major ports like Shanghai and Rotterdam were upgrading their infrastructure to serve larger vessels and attract “mega” shipping alliances.

He added that many ports around the world are also offering services beyond just moving containers. These include cold storage facilities and regional distribution centres.
Furthermore, unlike ports in countries with large production and consumption bases, Singapore has no hinterland of its own, he added.

An artist’s impression of PSA’s new supply chain hub in Tuas, which will be ready in 2027. PHOTO: PSA

In this environment, Singapore cannot afford to be complacent and has to sharpen its competitive edge to remain the “preferred port of call”, PM Wong said.
“We must continually invest not just in the Port of Singapore but also in value-added capabilities so that we can keep on adapting and staying abreast of changing trends.”
These trends include the growing scale of shipping, with ships today built to carry up to 25,000 containers, compared with 500 to 800 containers in the 1950s, he said.

Shipping alliances, which allow major container shipping lines to share vessels, port calls and trade routes, are also growing bigger, he said.
What this means is that ports will need to have the infrastructure to handle large ships and large numbers of containers efficiently. Ports will also need to add value to shipping alliances to attract the large fleets they operate.
“The major alliances today hold over 80 per cent of the world’s container shipping capacity. Changes in their service networks could significantly affect traffic to hubs like Singapore,” PM Wong added.
Singapore’s port terminals handled a record 39 million TEUs in 2023 and hope to cross 40 million TEUs in 2024, he said. Vessel arrivals and bunker volumes have also risen in the first nine months of the year.
The completion of PSA’s new supply chain hub in Tuas in 2027 will coincide with the closure of Keppel Distripark, which specialises in the consolidation and distribution of cargo.
PM Wong said the new hub will expand the capacity currently available at Keppel Distripark, allowing Singapore to attract more trade.

PM Lawrence Wong addressing the audience during the launch of the PSA Supply Chain Hub @ Tuas ground-breaking ceremony on Oct 18. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO

He added that there will also be “many more developments” in the coming years to ensure Tuas Port can continue to serve the largest container vessels.
On its part, the Government will also help to ensure cargo and vessels move on time and on schedule.
For instance, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is developing new systems to improve navigational safety and operational efficiency in the Singapore Strait and the Republic’s port waters, Mr Wong said.
“We will have improved abilities to anticipate potential disruptions and hazards, and to manage incidents,” he added.
In a statement on Oct 18, PSA said the construction of the new supply chain hub is a central part of its strategy to expand within Tuas Port.
PSA International group chief executive officer Ong Kim Pong said rapidly evolving global trade patterns require the port operator to rethink its business strategy.
The new supply chain hub in Tuas will allow the company to harness the full potential of its port and logistics network, which PSA will continue to expand in a “sustainable way”, he added.
Tuas Port, which is being developed in four phases, will be able to handle 65 million 20-foot containers when fully operational in the 2040s, making it the world’s largest automated port.
As at October, 10 of its 66 container berths are in operation, with one more berth expected to begin operations by end-2024.
By 2027, operations at Tanjong Pagar, Keppel, and Brani terminals will be shifted to the $20 billion mega port. Meanwhile, Pasir Panjang terminal will remain open until its operations are also consolidated in Tuas by the 2040s.

 

[jw5]

Lawrence was happy to attend Pak Prabowo’s inauguration ceremony.

Lawrence Wong​

20 October at 08:01 ·
Singapore values our close ties with Indonesia. I was happy to attend Pak Prabowo’s inauguration ceremony today, and to congratulate him personally as he takes on his new appointment. Our bilateral ties are in excellent shape, and there are opportunities for further collaboration in many areas. I look forward to working with him to bring our bilateral relationship to new heights!
Prabowo Subianto

: Photo [1] by MDDI Lim Sin Thai, [2] by Bureau of Public Relations and Information Systems, Indonesian People’s Consultative Assembly

 

[jw5]

Lawrence will be heading to Samoa.

Lawrence Wong​

·
I will be heading to Samoa to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Samoa CHOGM 2024) this week.
Samoa is the first Pacific Island State to host CHOGM. But #didyouknow that island states and the Commonwealth go a long way back?
In fact, the very first CHOGM took place on our shores in 1971! Here’s a throwback photo of the inaugural CHOGM in Singapore. #CHOGM2024
(Group photo of heads of delegation attending CHOGM in 1971, seated 8th from the right is then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. /

: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence concluded three days of meaningful discussions in beautiful Samoa.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Concluded three days of meaningful discussions in beautiful Samoa. With fellow Leaders from around the Commonwealth, we reaffirmed the importance of multilateralism for small States, and the role that the Commonwealth can play as a platform for seeking collaborative solutions.
We all face challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss, which demand collective action. I emphasised the importance of upholding rules-based multilateralism, especially for small states like Samoa and Singapore. It was encouraging to hear many leaders echo these concerns and aspirations for the Commonwealth. It is also apt that under Samoa’s Chairmanship, we are adopting the Commonwealth Ocean Declaration to protect the ocean and marine environment, and foster cooperation in areas like the blue economy.
The Commonwealth aiga (family) is a shining example of the value that rules-based multilateralism can bring, especially to small island States like ours. Singapore looks forward to collaborating closely with the Commonwealth to build a secure, inclusive, and resilient future for all.
#CHOGM2024
(

: [1 & 3] MDDI Photos by Fyrol, [2] PMO)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence wants to build a society where every person is respected and valued.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Happy 60th, SPD!
For decades, SPD has been transforming lives and fostering inclusion in Singapore. From empowering young individuals to providing skills training and job opportunities, SPD has made a lasting impact.
The government will continue to work with organisations like SPD to strengthen support for persons with disabilities. We will do more in areas like early intervention, support for caregivers, as well as for students after they graduate from SPED schools. Together, we can build a society where every person is respected and valued, and where we can all realise our dreams and be the best possible versions of ourselves

 

[ChinaCommunistSG]

LTA to add up to 20,000 COEs across vehicle categories over next few years from Feb 2025​

 

[jw5]

Lawrence enjoyed his lunch discussion.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Enjoyed the lunch discussion yesterday with the Singapore Economic Development Board - EDB’s International Advisory Council. The IAC members are CEOs of global companies. We discussed the changing geopolitical environment, climate change and sustainability, and the opportunities for Singapore in the digital economy and AI.
I thank the business leaders for their candid sharing and valuable insights. Their suggestions and inputs help EDB to keep Singapore competitive as a hub for business and talent.
(

: Photo by EDB)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence thanks servicemen.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Starting today, past and present servicemen would be given $200 LifeSG credits. It’s a small gesture to recognise our servicemen’s contribution.
Thank you for all that you have done and are doing for our country!

 

[jw5]

Lawrence thanks all past and present People's Association and Community Club Management Committees (CCMC) members.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Since 1959, CCs have grown from humble gathering spots to essential community hubs. Through challenges like the haze and the pandemic, CCs have provided support and connection when it mattered most.
Thank you to all past and present People's Association and Community Club Management Committees (CCMC) members for making a difference in countless lives. Let’s continue bringing our community together and supporting ground-up initiatives.

 

[jw5]

Lawrence concluded his meetings in Jakarta.

Lawrence Wong

is with Prabowo Subianto.​

·
Concluded my meetings in Jakarta today. Besides President Prabowo, I had the chance to meet Vice President Gibran Rakabuming, MPR Speaker Ahmad Muzani and DPD Speaker Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin.
Singapore is deeply invested in Indonesia's success. There are many areas that we can work on for mutual benefit.
Sampai jumpa lagi, Indonesia

 

[jw5]

Lawrence was happy to welcome Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands at the Istana.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Happy to welcome Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands at the Istana today. Her Majesty is speaking at the Singapore FinTech festival, in her role as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health.
We had a good exchange of ideas on how governments can work with the private sector to improve citizens' financial health, and financial literacy. Wishing Queen Máxima a fruitful visit!
(

: MDDI Photo by Ngau Kai Yan)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence was delighted to welcome PRC Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang to Singapore.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Delighted to welcome PRC Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang to Singapore. He had hosted me when I visited China last year, and I am glad to have the chance to touch base with him again in Singapore.
DPM Gan Kim Yong has taken over from me at the Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation (the apex forum for bilateral cooperation). He and Vice Premier Ding will co-chair the JCBC later today, and help to coordinate and oversee our key cooperation projects.
Our bilateral ties are in excellent shape. We are exploring new possibilities for cooperation in areas like digital technologies and the green economy. We look forward to a closer and stronger partnership with China, as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year.
(

: MDDI Photo by Lim Sin Thai)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence is off to Peru and Brazil for APEC and G20!

Lawrence Wong​

Yesterday at 02:18 ·
Off to Peru and Brazil for APEC and G20! Keep an eye out — I’ll be sharing updates along the way!

APEC - Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation G20 Brasil

 

[jw5]

Lawrence finally arrived in Lima.

Lawrence Wong​

7h ·
After a long journey spanning more than 24 hours, I’ve finally arrived in Lima, the historic and vibrant capital of Peru!

Look forward to upcoming bilateral meetings and discussions at APEC, as we work towards advancing regional cooperation.
APEC Perú 2024 #APEC2024

 

[k1976]

Leemember?

 

[jw5]

Lawrence had a good first meeting with PRC President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of APEC.

Lawrence Wong​

19h ·
Good first meeting with PRC President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of APEC. Singapore and China share a close and multifaceted relationship, which was upgraded to an “All-Round High-Quality Future-Oriented Partnership” last year.
Economic ties are robust. China is Singapore’s largest trading partner in goods; Singapore is China’s largest foreign investor.
As we mark the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year, I look forward to working with President Xi to further strengthen cooperation and take our relations to greater heights.
(

: MDDI Photo by Terence Tan)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence gets together with ASEAN counterparts.

Lawrence Wong​

15h ·
Getting together with ASEAN counterparts at the G20 Brasil summit. The ASEAN spirit shines no matter where we are!
(From left): Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minster of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim and President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto

 

[jw5]

Lawrence congratulates all students.

Lawrence Wong​

19 November at 21:03 ·
On the way back home, but sending out this message as PSLE results have just been released. Congratulations to all students for working hard and doing your best! There’s much to look forward to as you embark on the next phase of your education journey. Remember there is no need to compare or to feel pressured by what others do. Choose your own path and excel in all that you do!

(

: Photo taken in 2023 at Zhangde Primary School. / MDDI Photo by Liu Ying)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence got back from G20 just in time.

Lawrence Wong​

1h ·
Got back from G20 just in time to call on His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden on the last day of his State Visit to Singapore.
Singapore and Sweden share a close and growing partnership that spans many areas, from defence to innovation and academic exchanges. We both have common interests in upholding multilateralism and free trade, and work together on many international forums.
During the State Visit, both sides signed several MOUs and agreements in the areas of aviation, energy, sustainable transportation, defence technology, and healthcare innovation.
Singaporeans are familiar with Swedish brands like Ericsson, Volvo and Ikea. Many other Swedish firms were here as part of a business delegation— they are keen to collaborate and do more out of Singapore. All these testify to the expanding cooperation between our two countries.
We will build on the momentum from His Majesty’s visit to forge closer links with Sweden.

(

: MDDI Photo by Lim Sin Thai)