Singapore appointed 2 idiots to lead the task force.

[ginfreely]

I just realised I can’t find my posts last night. which bastard owner or moderator deleted my spam of Jeremy Quek @glockman posts last night while keeping all these spamming scamming posts by your fellow bastards slandering me a real virgin a fake virgin dirty whore? @nayr69sg? @zhihau? @Leongsam? My guess is @nayr69sg because he is the most free and sneaky manipulative bastard. Shame on you bastards.

 

[jw5]

from channelnewsasia.com:

Digitalisation 'a very important enabler' of recovery in pandemic-hit retail sector, says Gan Kim Yong​

SINGAPORE: Digitalisation is “a very important enabler” of recovery for the pandemic-battered retail sector, said Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong on Tuesday (Aug 24).

Having an e-commerce platform, for instance, will allow brick and mortar retailers to expand their reach beyond the physical boundaries of their shops and also the Singapore market.

“Digitalisation also helps the retail sector to be more visible, to be more efficient in their operations, as well as provide a lot of flexibility,” Mr Gan told reporters after visiting local fashion retailer Charles & Keith.

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated transformation of the industry, but digitalisation is more than just “simply putting (one’s) current physical business online”.

Mr Gan said: “As we encourage and support the retail sector to (go digital), we must also at the same time help them to transform their business model, think about it from a digital business point of view.”

Citing Charles & Keith as an example, the minister noted how the retailer now has software that uploads feedback from customers directly to its design team, allowing the company to respond quickly to changes in consumer demands.

The retailer’s marketing team also taps on a digital tool to monitor worldwide sales in real time, as well as trends among their products based on what customers are searching for online.

“So I think digitalisation is a very important enabler for the retail sector to be able to emerge from COVID-19 stronger. I'm quite confident that the retail sector will be able to recover and do well when we reach a COVID-19 resilient state,” Mr Gan said.

But the journey “will be quite challenging” and the Government will continue to provide the necessary support to facilitate transformation in the industry. Businesses must also continue to invest in their own capabilities, particularly in helping their employees to develop digital skill sets, he added.

Asked if it is reasonable for battered retailers to expect more financial support from the Government, Mr Gan replied that the sector has been “quite realistic” and are aware that such support “will always be limited and it is much more important for them to (be allowed) to get back to business”.

“This is what we are doing – keeping Singapore safe and yet at the same time, open up safely to the rest of the world so that visitors, businessmen (and) tourists will come back to Singapore. That is the key engine for the growth of our retail sector,” he said.

Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling, who was also at the visit, noted that an industry digital plan had been launched previously for the retail sector, which offered industry players digital solutions throughout the whole value chain, from design to retail.

“For example, procurement. By going digital, it allows them to source for more suppliers and because of the transparency, it will also allow them to do price optimisation,” she said.

Authorities are also working with trade associations and chambers, such as the Singapore Retailers Association, to reach out to businesses to understand their digital-readiness scale and their future plans.

“The industry digital plan has a repertoire of digital solutions to support each of the enterprises in enhancing their digital capabilities,” Ms Low told reporters.

“Some of them may want to focus on staff, and some may want to focus on the shop front or back of the house. There's something for everyone in terms of the digital solutions.”

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

S'pore can be US' natural partner to strengthen supply chain resilience, regional engagement: Gan Kim Yong​

SINGAPORE - Singapore can be a natural partner for the United States and its companies to strengthen supply chain resilience and deepen regional engagement, said Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong on Tuesday (Aug 24).

He highlighted that trust, diversity and connectivity are strong reasons why the two countries can continue to work together to address common supply chain challenges.

Mr Gan was speaking at a round-table discussion with US Vice-President Kamala Harris and business leaders here on the importance of supply chain resilience.

Ms Harris, who was in Singapore on a high-level visit, also stressed that supply chain disruptions require all nations, in particular those in partnership and allied, to work together to address.

Both acknowledged how the Covid-19 pandemic has spotlighted the importance and complexity of global supply chains, with severe disruptions to supply arising from production halts and logistics stoppages.

Ms Harris noted how the demand for goods is outstripping supply as a result of factors, including the Covid-19 pandemic and the climate crisis.

"Families are feeling the impact of this, be it the rising cost of shipping or congestion at ports, or just the reduced production and what that means in terms of the stories that we are now hearing about the caution that if you want to have Christmas toys for your children, now might be the time to start buying them, because the delay may be many, many months," she said.

"There must be some collaboration and at least some coordination around what we do to meet the demand," she added.

Collaborative efforts such as the new US-Singapore partnership for growth and innovation will help both countries address the immediate and long-term challenges that they face in terms of the need to enhance the supply chain resilience, Ms Harris said.

On Monday, Singapore and the US agreed to convene a high-level dialogue on supply chains, which will bring government and industry leaders together to discuss ways to strengthen supply chain resiliency in the region.

Countries and companies are rightfully paying more attention to the resilience of their global supply chains in the face of disruptions and temporary shocks experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic, said Mr Gan.

While some are considering insourcing entire supply chains to mitigate risks, there are limits to what one country can do on its own, he said, reiterating the importance of countries working together to effectively overcome supply chain challenges.

Mr Gan noted that Singapore is already a gateway to South-east Asia for the US and its companies today, with America being the Republic's largest foreign investor.

The two countries can do more together by enhancing existing collaborations through new partnerships and venturing into new areas such as addressing climate concerns, he added.

"The potential of our G2G (government-to-government) agreements will be realised through the hard work of our business communities, enabled by our excellent trade associations such as AmCham (the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore) and the US-Asean Business Council," Mr Gan said.

Ms Harris added that while the pandemic has highlighted the weaknesses in systems, it has also presented an opportunity to find solutions to the long-term issues that have challenged global society.

In particular for the US, it also has the opportunity to build on its partnership as a member of the Indo-Pacific region and a partner who has a long-term and ongoing relationship with South-east Asia, she said.

Business leaders who participated in Tuesday's session included Temasek International chief executive Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara, BlackRock country head for Singapore Deborah Ho, 3M South-east Asia vice-president and managing director Kevin McGuigan and UPS International president Scott Price.

Ms Harris is in Singapore and Vietnam this week to deepen US engagement with South-east Asia. This is her second foreign trip since taking office in January.

 

[jw5]

Lawrence Wong​

2 hrs ·
I don't always get the chance, but when I have some downtime, I enjoy being out in nature. It helps clear my mind to reflect on the key issues and decisions to be made.
In fact, there’s something about planting trees that reflects a mindset which we uphold in our work in the Ministry of Finance (Singapore).

 

[jw5]

Lawrence pays tribute to Singapore Silent Heroes.

Lawrence Wong​

6 hrs ·
When we talk about our heroes in this pandemic, our frontline and essential workers immediately come to mind.
But there are also many Singaporeans who contribute and serve selflessly in our community. They are our silent heroes whose work may not always be visible to the public eye.
At the 8th Singapore Silent Heroes Awards Ceremony yesterday, we paid tribute to our silent heroes and heroines.
There is Gareth Chua, a youth with autism who virtually summited Mt Fuji to raise funds for those with special needs, and 70-year old Cyril Ong, who provides free cycling lessons to help keep cyclists and pedestrians safe.
A disability in her hand did not stop Priscilla Ong from starting 'Project Love Lunch’ in 2016, to give meals to residents in Marsiling, and now Yishun.
The many stories of the award winners, finalists and nominees are examples of how we can give back to society in different ways – big or small.
As we continue on our journey towards being a Covid-resilient nation, let's strive to be silent heroes in our own ways, and look out for those around us.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

SG, US to forge stronger supply chain partnership​

Singapore and the US can be natural partners in supply chain resilience, Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong said in a roundtable meeting with US Vice President Kamala Harris held on 24 August.

“Singapore can be a natural partner for the US and its companies to strengthen supply chain resilience and deepen regional engagement. Trust, diversity, and connectivity are strong reasons why the US and Singapore can continue to work on joint approaches to address common supply chain challenges,” Gan said.

The US is amongst the Lion City’s largest foreign investors, facilitated by the US-Singapore free trade agreement. Gan said that the two nations can strengthen their existing collaborations such as the Partnership for Growth and Innovation with the US Department of Commerce, and the US-Singapore Climate Partnership.

“The potential of our G2G agreements will be realised through the hard work of our business communities, enabled by our excellent trade associations such as AmCham and the US-ASEAN Business Council,” he added.

For her part, Harris said COVID-19 and climate change has led to demand greatly outpacing the supply of goods.

“Families are feeling the impact of this, be it the rising cost of shipping or congestion at ports, or just the reduced production... if you want to have Christmas toys for your children, now might be the time to start buying them, because the delay may be many, many months,” Harris said.

She added that collaboration and coordination is needed to meet supply chain demands.

 

[jw5]

Lawrence is confident in the Singapore spirit.

Lawrence Wong​

21 hrs ·
To go far, we must go together. Our Covid-19 experience has underscored this.
That's why #NationalDayRally2021 has highlighted several key moves to tackle our social challenges so we can emerge stronger from this pandemic. This includes lifting the incomes of our lower wage workers and ensuring fair treatment for Singaporeans at the workplace.
To survive and thrive, Singapore must always be an open cosmopolitan society. But we also have to moderate the excesses of the free market. We must always strive to be a fairer and more equal society, and a more harmonious multi-racial nation with a strong Singaporean core.
The pandemic has been a roller coaster ride for all of us. But through these challenges, and the many ups and downs, I am confident that our Singapore spirit will continue to grow stronger day by day!
#ndrsg
(

: MCI - Terence Tan)

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

S'pore can seize opportunities in increasingly digital, green and borderless world: Gan Kim Yong​

SINGAPORE - The Republic stands to gain from the new opportunities offered by the worldwide shifts caused or accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic, said Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong on Friday (Aug 27).

The opportunities lie in global trends such as the increased focus on digitalisation, connectivity and innovation; the fast-growing green economy; and the race to transform local companies into global champions, he said.

At the same time, Mr Gan said, the global economic landscape is becoming more challenging amid increasing fragmentation on multiple fronts. These include technology and trade, accelerating industry consolidation and churn, and increasing consumer preference for e-commerce and virtual experiences.

"These shifts will cause a great impact on the trajectory of the global economy. Singapore can leverage opportunities that come our way, and emerge stronger from the pandemic," Mr Gan said at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) Economic Dialogue 2021 held virtually on Friday.

He said that to take advantage of these global trends, Singapore needs to turn itself into a "virtually unlimited" marketplace of goods and services that allows businesses to participate in new markets and reach customers from all over the world.

This can also encourage and support more virtual training, career development, and collaboration tools for the local workforce.

"We need to create new virtual frontiers to transcend the constraints of our physical size and physical boundaries," the minister said.

To seize new growth opportunities in sustainability and the green economy, Singapore can grab first-mover advantage in areas such as carbon trading and services, low-carbon technologies, green financing and sustainable infrastructure.

"We will help our existing industries transition to a low-carbon economy, and enable our companies to create new sustainable products and solutions."

Mr Gan said large enterprises make disproportionate contributions to Singapore's economy, whether it is in terms of gross domestic product, employment or productivity.

Many promising home-grown unicorns - privately-held start-ups valued at more than US$1 billion ($1.35 billion) - have emerged over the years, including Grab Holdings, PatSnap, SEA Group and Razer. They have the potential to expand further and compete successfully in the global market.

"The challenge ahead of us is to groom the next generation of future champions and soon-to-be unicorns, or 'soonicorns' for short. This is important in order to provide our people with new and exciting opportunities for many years to come."

Mr Gan said Singapore must adapt to the ongoing shifts in global supply chains that challenge its position as a global financial and trading hub.

"Many companies around the world have started to localise their business operations in favour of national and regional supply chains. This can be problematic for a small and open economy like ours, as we rely on global trade to survive.

"Our challenges are exacerbated by nationalistic sentiments and growing geopolitical and economic tensions, which have turned countries inwards and created an increasingly fragmented world."

He said as the world transitions from pandemic to endemic, it is even more important to strengthen global trade and investment linkages to support economic recovery.

The issue of supply chain resilience was also discussed with US Vice-President Kamala Harris during her visit to Singapore this week, he added.

Singapore has adopted a multi-pronged strategy that builds resilience at the national, industry and firm levels, and will continue to work with partners in the region to keep trade flowing and safeguard the open, rules-based multilateral trading system, he said.

Despite the disruptions to lives, jobs and the economy due to the pandemic, there are also bright spots and new opportunities to look forward to. "As long as we maintain our can-do spirit, remain nimble and adaptable, and embrace new ideas and innovation, I am confident that Singapore will continue to thrive."

After Mr Gan's speech, this year's recipients of the Economist Service scholarship, MTI Best Thesis and MTI Book Prize were announced.

 

[jw5]

Lawrence gives some encouragement.

Lawrence Wong​

10 hrs ·
As we rebuild after Covid and tackle our national challenges, we know that the path ahead will not be completely smooth.
But we have already taken our first few steps, and we can see the light of dawn. Let's continue to walk this journey together.
I would like to take a moment to check in with everyone. Be kind to yourself and those around you - your family, neighbours and friends. Ask them how they are doing; what did they have for lunch? What are their plans for the weekend?
Let's continue to support each other and stay united. Let's keep looking ahead…Reminds me of that familiar song:

“You just call on me brother, when you need a hand / We all need somebody to lean on". (Turn on audio!)

from TikTok

 

[jw5]

Lawrence wishes teachers Happy Teachers' Day.

Lawrence Wong​

6 mins ·
It has been a challenging year for our teachers, and they have gone above and beyond the call of duty amidst Covid-19.
We asked three young teachers what gifts they would like to receive from their students, and they shared their thoughts in haikus.
Even on their special day, their well wishes are still for their students - to pursue learning with joy, scale every mountain, and be there for each other.
Thanks, teachers, for your efforts and love for your students. Happy Teachers’ Day!
Credit to Alex Chan, Won Jia Min, and Kenneth Peh

 

[jw5]

Lawrence cheers on Team Singapore.

Lawrence Wong​

22 hrs ·
Another gold for Yip Pin Xiu in #Tokyo2020; she’s now a five-time Paralympic gold medallist! Like all Singaporeans, I am very proud of Pin Xiu and her achievements. She and all our para-athletes have shown tremendous grit, determination and passion throughout the Games. They represent the best of Singapore when they fly our flag high on the international stage.
The Paralympic Games will be ending this Sunday. Let’s continue to cheer on Team Singapore!
#OneTeamSG

: Team Singapore

 

[jw5]

Lawrence announces top ups

Lawrence Wong​

27 August at 10:09 ·

As part of the Household Support Package announced at Budget 2021, Singaporean children under 6 years old in 2021 will receive a top-up of $200 to their Child Development Accounts (CDA) next month.

One family who will be benefiting from the CDA top-up is Mdm Anna Lee and her husband, Mr Kenneth Chen.

Their three younger children, who are currently homeschooled, will each be receiving $200 top-up to their CDA accounts. Her two older children, who are in primary school, had received a similar $200 top-up to their Edusave accounts in May this year.

The top-up will come in handy for the children’s expenses, such as medical fees and spectacles, as well as saving up for future education costs.

Glad to know that these top-ups are helpful for families with young children!

 

[jw5]

Lawrence had a discussion with Straits Times reporter.

Lawrence Wong​

6 hrs ·
Yesterday, I had a good discussion with The Straits Times’ Hairianto Yan on the #nationaldayrally measures.
Our policies are not cast in stone, and we are not constrained by legacy thinking or existing ways of doing things. We are constantly reviewing and seeing how we can do better.
With every challenge, we deliberate carefully, and work hard to find the best way forward.
Let’s continue to work together for a fairer, greener and more inclusive Singapore

 

[jw5]

Lawrence is proud of Team Singapore.

Lawrence Wong​

1 hr ·
The #Tokyo2020 Paralympic Games are officially coming to an end.
Our #TeamSingapore athletes have trained hard, and overcome personal limits to fly the Singapore flag high on the world stage - be it through swimming, cycling, equestrian or more.
I cannot be prouder of them! They are a shining example of how our Singapore spirit continues to shine amidst times of challenge and adversity.

As we continue on our journey towards a Covid-resilient nation, let's take a leaf out of their book, and keep our spirit strong.
#OneTeamSG
Pic credit: Team Singapore, SportSG, ST FILE

 

[jw5]

Team Singapore athletes

 

[jw5]

Team Singapore athletes

 

[jw5]

Team Singapore athletes

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

S'pore to maintain current Covid-19 measures, will rely on vaccination and testing to move ahead​

SINGAPORE - Singapore will stay in the current preparatory stage of its reopening, and will continue to rely on vaccination and testing to keep the Covid-19 situation under control, amid a recent spike in infections.

In an update on the Covid-19 situation on Friday (Sept 3), Finance Minister Lawrence Wong said there are no plans to loosen or tighten curbs at this stage as the country transitions to living with the disease.

The multi-ministry task force tackling Covid-19, which Mr Wong co-chairs, will tighten measures only as a "last resort", to keep the healthcare system from being overwhelmed.

It will also not loosen measures at this juncture, taking into account the time lag between the onset of infections and serious illness, said Mr Wong at a virtual press conference alongside his co-chairmen, Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong and Health Minister Ong Ye Kung.

Singapore reported 216 new cases of community infections on Friday, with 109 unlinked ones.

Mr Wong said the recent increase in the number of cases is not unexpected, since more people have been going out following the loosening of restrictions earlier.

But Singapore is also in a new phase, with a high level of vaccine coverage, he added.

As the Government continues to monitor the situation, it will also expand the nation's vaccination and testing regime.

In view of the more transmissible Delta variant, the Ministry of Health (MOH) will start administering booster Covid-19 vaccination shots to two groups of people - those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, as well as those aged 60 and above, and residents of aged care facilities.

As the first batch of seniors aged 60 and above completed their second doses around March, they will be eligible for the third dose within this month (September). More details on the implementation of the booster shot will be announced later, MOH said.

Mr Ong said about 85 per cent of the population would have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 by this month.

Added Mr Wong: "We have already reached very high levels of vaccination - we are one of the foremost countries in terms of vaccination - we should now aspire to be a nation of testing, where testing becomes a way of life."

On the testing front, the 20 quick test centres already set up for workers to meet testing requirements will open up to the public from Oct 1, so that they can make an appointment for a self-paid test.

This will supplement regular self-testing, and will enable people to use such tests to fulfil employment requirements, or for an unvaccinated person to attend a mass event.

Mr Wong said the Government is looking into setting up more of such testing sites across the island, so that it will be easier for people to get themselves tested regularly.

He added that the Government has already mandated rostered routine testing for people in high-risk settings.

"But regular testing should not be confined to those working in such settings," he said. "We want to strongly encourage everyone, whether you're vaccinated or not, to self-test regularly as a matter of social responsibility."

That is why the Government decided to distribute antigen test kits to every household, Mr Wong added.

Mr Ong said personal responsibility and community resilience are "alternate lines of defence" to keeping the situation under control, now that the Government is refraining from tightening measures.

"I think most of us, all of us, don't want to turn back," said Mr Ong. "Then we must be able to fall back on alternate lines of defence."

This includes getting vaccinated, observing safe management measures, wearing masks properly, and not spreading misinformation, among others.

Mr Ong added: "This next phase of the journey depends critically on everyone's civic consciousness and social responsibility. So let's take care of ourselves and the people around us."

 

[jw5]

Lawrence is concerned at the rate the virus is spreading.

Lawrence Wong​

23 hrs ·
I know many are concerned about the recent rise in cases. Our main concern is not the absolute number of cases, but the rate at which the virus is spreading. This is also called the reproduction rate or R. It is now above 1. Cases are doubling every week. If the current trajectory of infection continues, we may have 1000 new daily cases in two weeks’ time, or 2000 new daily cases within a month. Such a sharp spike can easily cause things to tip over and overwhelm the hospital system.
We have seen this from the experience of other countries: when cases rise so sharply, the number of ICU cases will go up, as will the number of people who succumb to the virus. This has happened even in places where the vaccination rates are high.
So we have to slow down the transmission and bring down the R. We will attempt to do so without going back to the Heightened Alert. Instead we will go for aggressive contact tracing and ring-fencing of cases, and widespread testing. This will help to slow down the spread and buy us time to get more seniors vaccinated and to roll out the booster programme for those aged 60 and above.
As I said last Friday, the Heightened Alert and the Circuit Breaker are last resort measures. We will do our best to refrain from using them. But we also can’t rule them out entirely. If, despite our best efforts, we see a sharp rise in the number of serious cases needing oxygen or ICU cases, then we may have no choice but to adopt a tightened posture.
Ultimately we need everyone’s cooperation to reduce R. Please get tested regularly, and comply with all the safe management measures. Minimise your non-essential social activities during this period and exercise social responsibility. We can get through this together.

 

[jw5]

Lawrence spoke at the Singapore Institute of Directors' Conference.

Lawrence Wong​

1 hr ·
Spoke at the Singapore Institute of Directors' Conference today about the likely shifts in a post-pandemic world. To our businesses - use this time to restructure, transform and take full advantage of the changing trends. These include digitalisation, and the growing emphasis on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues.
The Government will partner you on this journey - make full use of our programmes to digitalise and train your workers, and explore our Alliances for Action.
The pandemic may have closed some doors, but it is opening many others. Let's take the opportunity to shape a fairer, greener and more inclusive future together.