Singapore appointed 2 idiots to lead the task force.

[jw5]

Lawrence Wong​

Yesterday at 15:13 ·

Answering some of your questions.

 

[jw5]

Lawrence Wong​

Yesterday at 15:13 ·

Glad to hear your thoughts and questions.

 

[jw5]

Lawrence Wong​

Yesterday at 15:13 ·

It was a robust dialogue!

 

[jw5]

Lawrence Wong​

Yesterday at 15:13 ·

Happy to meet everyone

 

[jw5]

Lawrence glad to attend the TRC - Voice of Singapore Tamils’ 70th anniversary and National Day dinner.

Lawrence Wong​

Yesterday at 20:04 ·
All our community organisations play a key role working together to advance the wellbeing of our different groups and segments, while strengthening our sense of solidarity in Singapore.
Glad to attend the TRC - Voice of Singapore Tamils’ 70th anniversary and National Day dinner last night. Kudos to your hard work in preserving and promoting our Tamil culture, and fostering unity within the community.
I hope our communities will participate actively in the #ForwardSG exercise. Looking forward to your views on how we can better move forward together, as one united people - a place where there are ample opportunities for every Singaporean regardless of background, language or religion.
(

: MCI Photos by Terence Tan)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence tries to impress the ladies.

 

[jw5]

Lawrence is presented with a work of art.

 

[jw5]

Lawrence poses unmasked with many unmasked people.

 

[jw5]

Lawrence was happy to meet Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto again.

Lawrence Wong​

4 hrs ·
Happy to meet Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto again, following our last meeting in Jakarta in May this year. He is in Singapore to co-chair the 12th Ministerial Meeting for the Singapore-Indonesia Six Bilateral Economic Working Groups (6WG).
We took stock of Singapore and Indonesia’s close ties and cooperation, including in the economic and financial sectors. Amidst an uncertain global environment, it is even more important for our countries to work together in new and mutually beneficial areas of collaboration.
I also expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s G20 Presidency throughout the year. Here’s wishing Indonesia a successful G20 Summit in Bali this November!
(

: MCI Photo by Lim Sin Thai)

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

Draw confidence from the past in charting S'pore's future: DPM Wong to students​

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (left) answering questions from students at an NUS forum, on Aug 26, 2022. With him is moderator Adeline Seow. ST PHOTO: DESMOND FOO

Lim Min Zhang
Assistant News Editor

PUBLISHED

AUG 27, 2022, 12:05 AM SGT

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SINGAPORE - The world is at a major turning point in history, with the wide-ranging effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war still being felt globally.
But while these external challenges sound daunting, Singapore is in a much stronger position today than in the past, said Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at a National University of Singapore (NUS) forum on Friday (Aug 26).
"We should… be clear-eyed about the challenges ahead, but we should not be overwhelmed, intimidated or daunted by the fact that these things are happening," he said at the Kent Ridge Ministerial Forum.

Singapore always had to deal with many external challenges since independence, he said, addressing about 350 people who attended the two-hour event at NUS University Town, mostly students from tertiary institutes.
The Republic has always had to recognise that it has to rely on its own wits, ingenuity and people to survive and make a good living.
DPM Wong, who is also Finance Minister, said: "That is our fundamental mindset and that's how far Singapore has come these 57 years.


"We should therefore draw confidence and strength from the journey that we have been through together these past 57 years, to look ahead and have confidence that we can continue to make a good living in an uncertain, dangerous and troubled world."


He urged young people to seize the opportunities presented by the digital and green economy, as well as to know more about the region - including China, India and Asean countries - and not just the United States and Europe.
Organised by the NUS Students' Political Association, the annual event aims to promote greater awareness among youth on pertinent issues in Singapore.
In elaborating on the geopolitical headwinds faced by the country, Mr Wong echoed a key theme from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's National Day Rally speech on Sunday.

But there are also opportunities. The growth of digitalisation and the green economy are two powerful trends that will continue to transform the region, he said.
Singapore will redouble on its efforts to become a more attractive and innovative hub to serve the region and the world, with projects such as the upcoming Changi Airport Terminal 5 and the Tuas mega port, he added.
But this also means young people must be prepared to venture out and know more about neighbouring countries.


"If Singapore is to be a relevant hub for South-east Asia, our people must know what South-east Asia is," he said, adding that this means an understanding of culture and how to do business there.
He added: "Very often, I think students would like to do exchange programmes... (and) the immediate thought is the US and Europe.
"That's fine, by all means, spend time in America and Europe, but do not neglect our own backyard, do not neglect our region."
While opportunities abound, it is also critical to ensure Singapore's progress is not just shared by a few who happen to do well or those with good luck, he said.
Singapore must maintain a cohesive society where everyone shares in the fruits of the country's success. He cited statistics to show how income inequality - as measured by the Gini coefficient - has fallen in the past decade.
To ensure that the less fortunate are not left behind, the Government's efforts need to be complemented with those of the whole of society, such as volunteers, he said.


This is why the Forward Singapore exercise - which Mr Wong announced in June - is needed to refresh and strengthen the country's social compact, to chart the way forward for the next 10 years and beyond.
He posed three questions to the audience, asking how more opportunities can be provided for every Singaporean; how the country can remain cohesive and inclusive while moving forward; and the changes they would like to see and the role that they can play.
The bottom line, he said, is that a stable, prosperous and united Singapore should not be taken for granted.
"I think it's our collective responsibility to see how we can improve it and make it better. So let's be fearless and brave in shaping a better tomorrow."

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

Tamil group lauded for efforts in aid of community members in need as it marks 70th anniversary​

DPM Lawrence Wong mingling with performers and guests at the Tamils Representative Council’s National Day dinner yesterday. TM PHOTO: TIMOTHY DAVID

Wong Shiying

PUBLISHED

AUG 27, 2022, 11:00 PM SGT

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SINGAPORE - She has been volunteering in the community for more than 30 years, including mentoring wayward teenagers and guiding single mothers.
Madam Sarojini Padmanathan, 60, also frequently speaks to parents of special needs children and youth seeking career advice on how to better manage their lives.
She was on Saturday (Aug 27) conferred the Tamils Representative Council Distinguished Community Award to recognise her commitment to serving those in need.

Madam Sarojini, a director at the Health Sciences Authority, is the first woman to receive this award.
"I didn't expect anything, but it is nice to be recognised and I am very happy to receive it," she said in a phone interview with The Straits Times.
Her two daughters, Ms Uma Padmanathan, 32, and Ms Hema Padmanathan, 34, received the award on her behalf at TRC's National Day dinner as Madam Sarojini is overseas.


The council, which celebrates its 70th anniversary on Saturday, is a non-profit organisation that works towards uplifting the educational and economic status of Tamils in Singapore.


Speaking at the dinner, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong commended the council, and its youth wing for working tirelessly to support vulnerable Tamil families.
"Despite not being able to hold any fund-raising dinners, you doubled the number of bursary awards and collaborated with family service centres to distribute much-needed care packs," he said.
DPM Wong added that it is because of community efforts like this that Singapore is able to weather the pandemic and emerge more united.

He touched on the recently launched Forward Singapore consultation exercise, saying that "we aim to build a Singapore where there are ample opportunities for everyone, regardless of their background, language, or religion".
This is also a Singapore where everyone knows they will not be left to fend for themselves, "where every citizen can share in the nation's progress", he said.
Community organisations like the Tamils Representative Council and their partners will have a key role to play in this effort, DPM Wong added.
He noted that the council has played an important role in Singapore's nation building. "You helped preserve and promote the Tamil language and culture in Singapore, through language and debate competitions."

DPM Lawrence Wong presenting the Tamils Representative Council Distinguished Community Award to Ms Hema Padmanathan, who is receiving the award on behalf of her mother, Madam Sarojini TM PHOTO: TIMOTHY DAVID

He added: "(The council) also worked to uplift the educational, economic and social statuses of the Tamil community, through education awards and bursaries."
This year, the council raised $100,000 for its education fund that will go towards helping around 250 students from vulnerable families - this is around twice as much money raised and two times as many beneficiaries as last year.
On top of getting a bursary, these students will also be attached to mentors who will teach them skills such as time management and goal setting.
Mr Senthil Andiappan, vice-president of the the council's youth wing, said the funds will help students with their schooling needs.
"We hope it will motivate the students to do well in their studies and develop their leadership qualities," he said.
"Tonight's dinner is a way for us to show appreciation towards the donors and also a show of unity as this is the first time we are able to gather like this since the pandemic," Mr Senthil added.

 

[jw5]

Lawrence glad to speak to Glenda Chong.

Lawrence Wong​

7 hrs ·
Glad to speak with Channel 5’s Glenda Chong on updates to the #ForwardSG exercise. Since its launch two months ago, we have received a good range of views from everyone, through various engagements carried out by the 4G team.
We will be ramping up the engagement sessions from Sept onwards. So you can register your interest online and participate in these sessions - they are meant not only for us to hear from you, but also for you to hear from fellow Singaporeans. Later we will also have more innovative modes of engagement, like citizens’ panels, where participants can propose and recommend policy ideas, as well as platforms where people take action and co-create solutions.
At the end of the day, we hope to create more Opportunities; provide more Assurance; and strengthen our sense of Solidarity. Underpinning all this is the shared responsibility we all have to shape our future and build a better Singapore together!
Register here: https://www.sg/forwardsg

 

[jw5]

Lawrence poses unmasked with many unmasked people.

 

[jw5]

Lawrence thanks all teachers.

Lawrence Wong​

2 hrs ·
This Teacher’s Day, I would like to extend my appreciation towards all teachers, including my teachers from my schooling days.
Thank you for all you have done, and your care for our students. Though it has been challenging during the pandemic, you ensured that our students never stopped learning and growing.
As we go into the school holidays, I hope that everyone has a good break and can spend some quality time with your family.
(Many of the teachers who taught me have retired but here’s a picture taken earlier this year with teachers from my alma mater Tanjong Katong Secondary School!)

 

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Lawrence glad to welcome the new Trust Bank.

Lawrence Wong​

11 hrs ·
Glad to welcome the new Trust Bank this week - the result of a partnership between Standard Chartered Bank and FairPrice Group.
Existing banks already have digital platforms, and there will be other new digital banks coming up soon.
We look forward to healthy competition to motivate companies to keep on innovating and improving their services - and ultimately, bring more benefits to consumers!
(

: MCI Photo by Chwee)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence poses unmasked with a few unmasked people.

 

[jw5]

Lawrence goes shopping.

 

[jw5]

Lawrence had a great time meeting secondary school students.

Lawrence Wong​

Yesterday at 17:08 ·
Last Sunday, I had a great time meeting our secondary school youths at Our Limbang’s Voices of Youth dialogue.
Thanks everyone for sharing your views on Singapore's challenges and opportunities, and on how you can play a part in the #ForwardSG exercise. We value your ideas.
Looking forward to more engagements like this as we work towards a better Singapore for all

 

[jw5]

Lawrence Wong​

Yesterday at 17:08 ·

Group shot with Assumption English School students

 

[jw5]

Lawrence Wong​

Yesterday at 17:08 ·

At Our Limbang’s Voices of Youth dialogue