Singaporeans’ behaviour not aligned with country’s world-class standards

On July 17, I landed at Changi Airport Terminal 2 after a short getaway. Like others, I was expecting the renowned efficiency of our immigration process, especially after a red-eye flight.

However, what greeted us was a single, long queue stretching across the arrival hall, with immigration officers informing incoming passengers that the automated systems were down.

While system failures are inevitable, the ensuing chaos made me question whether Singaporeans truly embody the class and character we often pride ourselves on, especially when our well-oiled machineries fail.

First, when additional counters opened, people bypassed the already-formed single line, running to be at the front of the new queues.

Those who had been queueing patiently in the single line were shocked as people behind them sprinted forward.

The lack of queue organisation by the officers on duty only exacerbated the situation.

Second, when the automated lanes were being tested to see if they could resume operating, many passengers took it as a sign they were back online and again ran to the counters.

Third, people were noticeably envious of the elderly, disabled, pregnant and the young who were invited to the front of the queue along with their travel companions.

Instead of understanding and empathy, there were mutterings and glares.

There were incessant mutterings about how the Government had “failed”. While it is natural to feel frustrated in such situations, the immediate blame game seemed unproductive and ungracious.

I could identify these complaining individuals as fellow Singaporeans by their signature red passports.

This experience made me wonder if we have taken our efficient systems for granted. When these systems falter, do we still uphold the values of patience, kindness, and respect for others?

In contrast, visitors from countries like Japan and Thailand, where the arriving flights were from and which are countries known for their people’s kindness, patience and graciousness, must have been taken aback by the behaviour they witnessed.

As Singaporeans, we pride ourselves on our first-class infrastructure and efficiency. However, true first-class citizenship is reflected in our behaviour, which should match our country’s world-class standards, regardless of the circumstances.

Sim Cheng Yu

The Straits Times Forum, 23 Jul 2024

S. Rajaratnam: The Lion’s Roar, The Authorised Biography Volume Two

S. Rajaratnam: Recounting the life and work of one of Singapore’s core founding fathers

The Straits Times, 13 Jul 2024

Old Guard member S. Rajaratnam played a pivotal role in Singapore’s history, and his contributions are covered in the second volume of a biography by former journalist and ex-MP Irene Ng out in July 2024.

These edited extracts from S. Rajaratnam, The Authorised Biography, Volume Two: The Lion’s Roar, published by ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, touch on the 1964 racial riots, the Separation in 1965, and the crafting of the national pledge, as well as his visit to China in 1975, the first by a Singapore leader since independence.

How S. Rajaratnam handled Singapore’s 1964 race riots in the face of ‘arsonists playing firemen’

As he listened to the frantic voice on the phone, S. Rajaratnam realised that his greatest fear had come to pass. As one of the chief architects of Singapore’s independence, he had experienced some tough situations – but this was the worst tragedy to befall his country in his five years in politics.

It was July 21, 1964, barely a year after Singapore merged with Malaya and two Borneo states, Sabah and Sarawak, to form Malaysia in September 1963.

The voice on the phone that late afternoon was that of his close colleague Othman Wok, the social affairs minister. Othman had looked up to Raja, as the culture minister was usually known, since their journalism days in the 1950s. Raja had led the Singapore Union of Journalists as its president with Othman as his deputy.

After Raja, together with Lee Kuan Yew and others, formed the People’s Action Party (PAP) in 1954, Othman had joined the new left-wing party. What bound them was a common vision: to build a non-communal society based on justice and equality.

Now, on this hot, horrible day in July 1964, Othman bore news of a racial clash that threatened to tear apart the very fabric of society. “Some Malays are causing problems,” he reported. “Beating up Chinese bystanders. Things are getting out of control.”

Othman, the only Malay minister in the Singapore Cabinet, was leading a PAP contingent as part of a 20,000-strong procession to mark Prophet Muhammad’s birthday that day.

Over the phone, he told Raja the scenes he had just witnessed: Malay youths punching a Chinese policeman struggling to control the rowdy procession as it headed towards the Malay settlement of Geylang, then breaking off from the march to attack Chinese passers-by at random. Sensing danger, he and several others had slipped into the People’s Association headquarters in Kallang. This was where he had rung Raja.

The day being a public holiday, Raja was catching up on his reading in his book-lined home, a bungalow in Chancery Lane. At 49, he was the oldest among the nine-man Cabinet, and often appeared unflappable in any crisis. “He was very cool,” Othman recalled, “one who never got excited about anything.”

Raja might project an air of equanimity, but internally his thoughts were racing. He knew only too well how quickly racial and religious passions could boil over and lead to mass riots.

In a series of phone calls, he quickly conferred with prime minister Lee Kuan Yew and others on the dangerous situation. This was the first serious racial clash they had to deal with since taking charge of self-governing Singapore in 1959.

Gripped by urgency, he jumped into his sun-baked second-hand black Hillman and drove to his office at City Hall. As soon as he arrived and sat behind his desk, he began working the phone.

As story after story came in of Malay groups attacking Chinese people, overturning their cars, scooters and hawker carts, and setting their homes and businesses on fire, his alarm ratcheted up another notch.

The topmost priority of the PAP leaders was to contain the violence. To their frustration, however, they found their hands tied. Under the merger agreement between Singapore and Malaya, internal security did not come under Singapore’s control but under the federal government in Kuala Lumpur.

As reports of casualties poured in, the Singapore leaders urged KL to impose a curfew. Malaysian prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman was away in America, leaving his deputy, Tun Abdul Razak, in charge. The curfew was finally called at 9.30pm. But still the streets seethed with savagery.

Disturbingly, reports began filtering in that the KL-controlled security forces, who were mainly Malay, were siding with Malays against Chinese. In turn, Chinese secret society gangs, having lost confidence in the police, led revenge attacks against Malays. The spiral of violence seemed unstoppable.

As the government’s communications czar, Raja knew that the public needed assurance. The government must be seen to be in control, even if it might not be. The former newspaperman had long understood the power of words. In such a tinderbox atmosphere, just one wrong word, one insensitive phrase, could set off another cycle of violence.

Dialogue with Youths: PM Lawrence Wong at the Institute of Policy Studies-Varsity Voices Dialogue on 2 July 2024

Singaporeans will be supported to pursue diverse aspirations, define their own success: PM Wong

By Ng Wei Kai, The Straits Times, 3 Jul 2024

More opportunities will be provided for Singaporeans to chart their own paths and pursue their own definitions of success, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

More ways for people to shape the character and tone of society will also be created, PM Wong told about 900 students from the universities, polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) during a dialogue on July 2, where he urged Singaporeans to contribute to the common good.

PM Wong outlined these plans as part of three strategies by which Singapore and its young can adapt and adjust to a more fragmented world on the cusp of another technological revolution.

Besides providing more opportunities and having Singaporeans play their part in shaping a better society, the Government is taking active steps to refresh Singapore’s social compact, he said.

At his first dialogue with young people since becoming prime minister in May, PM Wong said today’s students have access to far more opportunities than previous generations, with many more options and career paths.

Attitudes and mindsets are shifting, and more types of jobs are now respected. More people are opting to start their own business or take on less conventional careers, he said.

“The bottom line is that there are many more opportunities and possibilities for you to explore... We all have our own abilities and strengths. There is no need to compare with others, to squeeze into boxes we are not meant to fit,” PM Wong said at the event at Singapore Management University (SMU).

Even then, one may face rejections and setbacks, and must be prepared for dry spells. By staying focused on working hard and striving for excellence, one’s skills improve and, eventually, other doors will open, he told students at the event organised by SMU, the Institute of Policy Studies and student organisation Varsity Voices.

“I encourage all of you to embrace this attitude of learning and excelling at whatever you do. Not just when you are in school now, not just after you graduate, but throughout your lives,” he said.

To this end, the Government will do more to support Singaporeans, he added.

“That is why we are investing significantly in SkillsFuture... As you get older, and even when you are in your 40s or when you are around my age in your 50s, you will be able to get a fresh injection of skills.”

In February, PM Wong – who is also Finance Minister – announced at Budget 2024 that all Singaporeans aged 40 and above would get a $4,000 top-up of SkillsFuture credits to encourage mid-career workers to refresh their skills and progress in their careers.

PM Wong cited some ways in which Singapore has changed since he was a student 30 years ago.

Then, about 55 per cent of each cohort went on to post-secondary education. Today, almost everyone progresses to university, polytechnic or ITE, while starting salaries have grown from $3,000 to about $5,000, he noted.

He acknowledged that powerful forces which Singapore does not have much control over, such as competition between major powers, are shaping the country’s operating environment. The dawn of artificial intelligence is also likely to have a bigger impact than the advent of the internet.

But Singapore has adapted and found a way to thrive across its 60 years of nation building, and must continue to do so, said PM Wong.

He reiterated the Government’s commitment as part of Singapore’s refreshed social compact to give greater assurance to Singaporeans at every stage of life, such as through stronger safety nets that will help them bounce back from setbacks.

Singaporeans must also do their part, such as to embrace skills upgrading and be prepared to pay more for services delivered by fellow citizens, said PM Wong.

He noted that many Singaporeans had said during the Forward Singapore exercise that they do not want a society where everyone is out for themselves, but one where benefits are shared by all.

That is why the authorities started the Singapore Government Partnerships Office, to make it easier for those who want to step forward to work with other citizens, community groups and businesses to tackle issues of the day.

Four youth panels have also been set up so far to deliberate over issues of concern to young people, such as financial security and sustainability. PM Wong said the young people involved in them are putting in their time and effort, and will present their recommendations at an inaugural Youth Policy Forum in August.

“You may not have had the chance to participate in this round of youth panels, but there will be subsequent editions, and we welcome more of you to join in,” he said.

Official Opening of Woodlands Health Campus by SM Lee Hsien Loong on 13 July 2024

Providing only what is needed will keep healthcare costs sustainable: Senior Minister Lee

Don't over-treat, over-prescribe and be careful in adopting new treatments, he says

By Salma Khalik, Senior Health Correspondent, The Straits Times, 14 Jul 2024

Healthcare needs in Singapore will have to be managed not just by building new hospitals, but also through discipline in providing only what is necessary.

Speaking on July 13 at the official opening of the Woodlands Health (WH) campus, the third new general hospital opened in a decade, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the Republic cannot keep building new hospitals to meet the growing needs of a rapidly ageing population.

“We must also maintain discipline in not over-treating or over-prescribing, and be discriminating in adopting new medical treatments, procedures, drugs and technology, in order to keep our overall healthcare costs sustainable for the long term,” said SM Lee in outlining the path ahead for the healthcare system.

“At the same time, we must maintain the right mix of government subsidies, medical insurance and individual co-payment, to minimise wrong incentives, perverse incentives, which would lead to unsatisfactory outcomes.”

SM Lee said Singapore will continue to train more competent doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, and improve its healthcare facilities and infrastructure.

But he added that tough decisions and trade-offs are needed for the country to continue delivering high-quality, affordable healthcare to Singaporeans.

“There are too many examples elsewhere of healthcare services practically at breaking point. Populations suffer from poor healthcare delivery and long wait times, or exorbitant medical bills and high insurance premiums.

“And it shows in the outcomes – population health deteriorates, and so does the quality of life, even life expectancy,” said SM Lee.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, who was at the opening of WH, had also urged caution recently over the risks of escalating healthcare costs.

In comments made on July 12, he said the Ministry of Health (MOH) needs to rein in the unhealthy “buffet syndrome”, which sees patients picking expensive treatments and diagnostic tests because they have insurance to pay for them.

Mr Ong said over-generous insurance coverage is a key driver of spiralling healthcare costs.

Over the last 10 years, Singapore has built three new hospitals – the 700-bed Ng Teng Fong General Hospital in 2015, the 1,000-bed Sengkang General Hospital in 2018, and now the 1,400-bed WH.

On the cards are another two public general hospitals – in Bedok and Tengah – and possibly also a non-profit private hospital.

In less than five years, the ageing population here has pushed up the average length of hospital stay from six to seven days, which raises demand for hospital beds by 15 per cent.

SM Lee said the healthcare system remains in good shape, with people having access to high-quality and affordable treatments, with reasonable wait times.

But he added: “Do not underestimate the difficulty of keeping the healthcare system working well.”

Former health minister Khaw Boon Wan, who made the decision to build WH, was at the event on July 13.

He had instructed the team in charge of building the hospital to take their time and to study what other countries with older populations are doing.

Dr Jason Cheah, the hospital’s chief executive officer, said it took 10 years to build WH. Public hospitals here generally take seven years to complete.

A major reason for the delay was disruption to work and a shortage of labour as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The hospital is designed to transform the way Singapore delivers healthcare services.

By integrating an acute hospital, community hospital and nursing home at a single campus, it makes it easier for WH to provide patients with the correct level of care.

SM Lee said that aside from the full range of hospital services, the hospital will also provide long-term care services including daycare, home care, and nursing home and palliative care.

“This makes it much easier to right-site patients, and also a lot more convenient for patients to transition seamlessly from treatment to convalescence, and receive the appropriate care in one place,” he added.

The hospital also uses technology to raise operational efficiency. It has an automated pharmacy and an automated laboratory for blood specimens, both of which reduce manpower needs and human error.

Patients are also provided with bedside terminals (PBTs) that allow them to engage more fully with their care plan.

Quipped SM Lee: “The PBT also functions like an inflight entertainment system where patients can order their preferred meals or even watch YouTube videos! Presumably, not too exciting ones.”

Thanking Ms Jennie Chua, chairman of the WH campus, Mr Lee noted that some of the touches that make it “a very woke hospital” must have come from her. Meals at the hospital include mutton vindaloo, plant-based mapo tofu and even Irish stew.

Ms Chua previously oversaw the establishment of the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in Yishun.

Singaporeans identify items deemed essential for a normal life in Singapore: Household Needs Study by SMU

Singapore residents say Air-Con, Smartphones, Short Holidays are essential: Study by Singapore Management University

Most Singapore residents prioritise self-reliance for essential needs: Institute of Policy Studies poll

By Shermaine Ang, The Straits Times, 12 Jul 2024

More than nine in 10 Singapore residents polled in a new study said a smartphone with a data plan is essential, while 64 per cent think air-conditioning is a must.

A trip each year to a South-east Asian destination is also essential, said 56 per cent of those polled. And social connections are important too, with 90 per cent saying family bonding is essential.

These were among 40 items and activities that respondents deemed essential in the study on household needs conducted by Singapore Management University (SMU) and funded by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF).

It polled a nationally representative sample of around 4,000 Singapore residents and comes amid growing public interest in the resources needed to achieve basic living standards.

Respondents were asked how essential they considered a total of 51 items and activities across categories such as household appliances, digital connectivity and social participation.

Essential items were those perceived to be so by at least half the respondents.

The study – which also included respondents taking part in focus group discussions between May 2022 and February 2023 – focused on affordability of essential items and attitudes on poverty.

For example, two-thirds of respondents said they were able to afford all the items deemed essential.

For the remaining one-third, the top essential items they cited being unable to access or afford included emergency savings of at least three months of expenses and an annual overseas vacation in a South-east Asian country.

A separate study done by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) that garnered 2,000 responses collected in June 2024 looked at public perceptions of who should provide for essential needs, be it the Government, the community, the individuals themselves or other parties.

Key findings from both studies were presented on July 12 at the SMU-DBS Foundation Symposium on Essential Household Needs in Singapore.

Director of SMU Centre for Research on Successful Ageing Paulin Straughan, who led the first study, said the hope is to reveal the gaps that may aid efforts to help disadvantaged Singaporeans break out of deprivation, which is defined in the study as being unable to afford items considered essential.

Sharing other insights, she noted that perceptions towards higher expenditure activities and items like holidays and the need for adequate savings differed across income groups.

Households in the lowest income group earned up to $2,499 a month while the top band earned over $17,000 a month.

One in two among the lowest income band see dining at restaurants once a month as essential, compared with over 60 per cent in higher income bands.

And only 49 per cent in the lowest income band see air-con as essential, compared with 70 per cent in the highest income band.

Items deemed unnecessary by respondents included private tuition – considered essential by 49 per cent of respondents – private enrichment classes (30 per cent) and annual staycations (27 per cent).

Respondents thought students can get help from free tuition classes offered by self-help groups rather than more costly private options – such tuition classes were seen by nearly 60 per cent of respondents as essential.

On poverty, the study showed that most believed it is attributable to personal actions and circumstances. Some 80 per cent think people are poor because they face major problems in their lives, while less than a quarter agreed that poverty is due to external factors like bad luck or divine will.

Prof Straughan said: “There’s a lot more consensus on what we can do to help ourselves... it tells us that from an approach perspective, Singaporeans can be helped and they are willing to be helped.”

She said the next run of the study may be done in five years’ time, to see if new interventions introduced can plug the gaps found, such as the lack of emergency savings.

Speaking at the symposium on July 12, Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli said the studies by SMU and IPS will inform MSF’s ongoing review of its ComCare scheme for low-income families. He cited how ComCare assistance now covers mobile data plans as digital connectivity has become an essential need.

“We will continue to adjust our policies and programmes, recognising that needs evolve over time,” he said.

Mr Masagos said the research shows there are differing views on what needs are deemed essential, particularly for items that go beyond subsistence needs.

Implicit in these views is the public’s understanding that social assistance provided by taxpayers must be reasonable and sustainable, he added.

“The studies also show that there is much room for others besides the Government to provide support for low-income and vulnerable families.”