National Broadcast: DPM Heng Swee Keat on Emerging Stronger Together from COVID-19

DPM Heng spells out plans for Singapore to emerge stronger after COVID-19 crisis
Robust response to crisis with past reserves tapped; present generation must 'build back better' for future
By Tham Yuen-C, Senior Political Correspondent, The Sunday Times, 21 Jun 2020

Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat yesterday made a rallying call to Singaporeans, saying that this generation will respond to the COVID-19 crisis, emerge from it stronger, and "build back better" for the future.

Underpinning this is the partnership between the Government and the people, which has become more critical than ever in the face of the twin threats of a pandemic and recession, he said in a televised address from The Treasury building.

Capping the series of six national broadcasts by ministers on the country's post-coronavirus future, he unveiled plans for Singaporeans and the Government to shape the future together.

A sum of $20 billion will be set aside to support basic and applied research, along with a series of innovation challenges to rally people to pioneer solutions for some of the world's major challenges.

Industry-led alliances have been formed to prototype ideas that can become new avenues of growth, while ideas from Singaporeans will be turned into solutions through new networks that bring together partners from different sectors.

Already, the Government has marshalled almost $100 billion in support measures to mount a robust response to what Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has described as "the crisis of a generation".

Mr Heng, who is also Finance Minister, said: "I never expected to put up four Budgets, one after another, within just 100 days. Never before in our history have we done so... Had we not done so, we would have lost years of progress and an entire generation."



More than half of the war chest had come from the country's past reserves, painstakingly built up by the previous generations.

"So let us remember - once we have recovered from this crisis, our generation must build back better," he added.

Amid the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, Singapore will face its worst economic contraction to date and Mr Heng acknowledged people's anxiety over their livelihoods.

He said saving jobs is the Government's top priority, and it will do so by helping viable companies survive so they can keep their workers, and also by transforming the economy so more and better jobs can be created.



In the earlier broadcasts, PM Lee and the other ministers had laid out the Government's plans, explaining how it would deal with the virus, help Singapore navigate a more fractious world, transform its economy and create opportunities, as well as deepen the social compact and care for the vulnerable.

In his address to the nation, Mr Heng sketched out how all this would be jointly realised as "Singapore Together", inviting all Singaporeans to join in these efforts.

The Deputy Prime Minister, who had overseen several national engagement sessions and launched the citizens engagement movement named Singapore Together last year, said the Government has started a new series of Emerging Stronger Conversations to hear from people about how the pandemic has affected them and how to overcome the challenges.



Mr Heng also set out the work that the fourth generation ministers have been focusing on, and promised that the Government is committed to safeguarding everything that Singaporeans hold dear.

He said the Government has the will and the way to lead the country out of the crisis and added that the actions in the next five to 10 years will chart Singapore's course for decades to come.

"We will fight COVID-19 as Singapore Together. Everyone counts, and can be counted on... We will overcome this crisis of our generation. We will be a generation that emerges stronger. Together, we will be the generation that sets our children and their children onto a path to an even brighter future."

National Broadcast: SM Tharman Shanmugaratnam on A Stronger and More Cohesive Society

Singapore to strengthen social compact to keep society united
Tharman spells out steps to stave off social polarisation and despair in the face of crisis
By Grace Ho, Senior Political Correspondent, The Straits Times, 18 Jun 2020

Singapore cannot defy the global economic downturn. But it must "absolutely defy" the loss of social cohesion, the polarisation and the despair that are taking hold in many other countries, said Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

Even as the COVID-19 pandemic ravages economies, he said Singapore must strengthen its social compact by helping those who have lost jobs to find work, by keeping social mobility alive and by assuring Singaporeans that help is at hand when they meet difficulties.

Mr Tharman, who is Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, also said mature workers would get special help in finding jobs so that no employer rejects them on account of their age.

Speaking yesterday from the Devan Nair Institute of Employment and Employability, in the fifth of six national broadcasts by ministers on Singapore's post coronavirus future, he said job losses and disrupted schooling have widened social divisions around the world.

He cautioned against thinking that Singapore is immune to these trends: "No society remains cohesive simply because it used to be."

The Government's first priority is to save jobs and help those laid off to return to work. This, he said, cannot be left to market forces.



Mr Tharman, who helms the new National Jobs Council that oversees efforts to help Singaporeans stay employable, said this is why the Government is working with companies, sector by sector, to take on Singaporeans through temporary assignments, attachments and traineeships.

"No amount of unemployment allowances can compensate for the demoralisation of being out of work for long," he said.

Special attention will be paid to workers in their 50s and 60s, and the Mid-Career Pathways programme will be scaled up so that they can prepare for more permanent jobs, he added. But this is a national effort that requires employers to change their thinking.

Mr Tharman said: "No Singaporean who is willing to learn should be 'too old' to hire. And no one who is willing to adapt should be viewed as 'overqualified'.

"Our workers will be able to build on their skills and experience, and we will have a more capable and motivated workforce, with a strong Singaporean core, that every employer can rely on."

He added that good schools are critical to social mobility, and Singapore must never become a society where social pedigree and connections count for more than ability and effort. "There is nothing natural or preordained about social mobility," he said, noting that successful countries have found this harder to sustain with time. "It therefore requires relentless government effort, quality interventions in schools and dedicated networks of community support to keep social mobility alive."

Hence, the Government is equalising opportunities when children are young, such as by expanding the Kidstart programme to help lower-income families. Plans are also afoot to equip all secondary school students with a personal laptop or tablet by next year, seven years ahead of the original target.



A strong spirit of solidarity is also important. Key to this, he said, is strengthening support for lower income Singaporeans at work.

He pointed out that cleaners, security officers and landscape workers have seen their wages increase by 30 per cent in real terms over the last five years under the Progressive Wage Model. The eventual goal is for every sector to have progressive wages, with a clear ladder of skills, better jobs and better wages for those with lower pay.

Those in short-term contract work should also have more stable jobs, better protection and the chance to progress in their careers, he said. "It may lead to a small rise in the cost of services that we all pay for. But it is a small price for us to pay for better jobs and income security for those who need it most, and a fair society."



He noted that the social compact is also about the "self-effort and selflessness" that must be strengthened in the country's culture.

"It is about the networks and initiatives that we saw spring up in this COVID-19 crisis... And it is about how we draw closer to each other, regardless of race, religion or social background. It is how we journey together. A forward-looking, spirited and more cohesive society."

National Broadcast: Chan Chun Sing on Making a living in a COVID-19 world

Singapore businesses and workers still have opportunities even in a less connected world: Chan Chun Sing
Nation will seek to stay connected, but will find opportunities even if world fragments
By Poon Chian Hui, Deputy Business Editor, The Straits Times, 15 Jun 2020

Countries are retreating from globalisation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Singapore's workers and businesses can tap opportunities even in a less connected world, said Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing yesterday.

This is because the Republic has its own intangible strengths which are not easily replicated elsewhere, including its connectivity as a trade hub and the trust that it has earned.

And while the pandemic has led to more protectionist barriers being erected between countries, Singapore must resist these pressures, said Mr Chan.

"A less connected world means a poorer world and fewer opportunities for all. A less connected Singapore means fewer and poorer quality jobs for us," he said in the fourth of six national broadcasts by ministers on Singapore's post-COVID-19 future.

Nevertheless, Singapore has developed resilience, such as by building networks, and diversifying supply sources and markets.

"Even in a more protectionist, less connected world, we can still make a living and more," he added.

Speaking at PSA Singapore's Pasir Panjang Terminal Building 3, Mr Chan also said that Singapore will press on to build connectivity infrastructure to reinforce the country's position as a hub for business, finance, trade and data flows.

"We will work to stay connected with the world, even as the world threatens to fragment and regress towards protectionism. Despite our size, we can show the way, if we have good ideas," he said.

The immediate focus is on jobs, given that the pandemic-induced downturn has led to falling incomes and job losses among workers, with layoffs expected to rise in the coming months.



A key initiative is the creation of 100,000 jobs and training opportunities in the coming year across various sectors, including healthcare and early childhood education. "We may well need to create more jobs, if the situation worsens," he added.

Mr Chan noted that even after Singapore reopens its economy, some companies will need to change their business models. Support will be given to help them, he said, such as in hiring and training graduates and mid-career workers.

But Singapore must look beyond the immediate challenges and invest in its intangible strengths.

Mr Chan noted that investors have chosen to site and expand their businesses here over the years because Singapore is open and connected to the world, is a trusted brand, is a united and stable society, and has a skilled workforce.

During the COVID-19 crisis, Singapore has built trust by choosing not to impose export restrictions or nationalise foreign investments. Production lines were kept open for global supply chains, including critical materials for surgical masks.

"In uncertain times, our trusted brand counts for even more. Businesses have noticed," said Mr Chan. "When they make their next investments to diversify their global production bases, we will be in the running."

Partnerships with other countries in the form of trade agreements will also open up opportunities for businesses and "signal to the world our confidence and determination to press on with regional economic integration", he added.



Infrastructure projects, including Changi Airport Terminal 5 and the Tuas Mega Port, will also offer opportunities for the future.

Meanwhile, digitalisation and internationalisation will help transform a generation of businesses and people to thrive in the digital world. Businesses can access new markets and form industry partnerships beyond local shores.

People can learn new skills and even gain the confidence to launch a business, such as in the case of Carousell's co-founders, who spent a year in Silicon Valley in the United States before they launched the e-commerce platform.



More will be done to boost industry partnerships and intensify the overseas exposure of Singaporeans, said Mr Chan.

He also noted that the Economic Development Board has captured $13 billion of investment commitments in the first four months of this year. This is despite the uncertain outlook in the next few years.

"As you can see, there are still many opportunities for us, but we must be on our toes," said Mr Chan.

"Survival favours not the strong, but the agile."

National Broadcast: SM Teo Chee Hean on Resilience in a changing external environment

COVID-19 shows importance of building up reserves and resilience, says Teo Chee Hean
Senior Minister stresses need to plan, act decisively and respond flexibly in face of crisis
By Danson Cheong, The Straits Times, 12 Jun 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of having deep reserves of finances, people and capabilities to respond to crises, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean said yesterday as he stressed the need for Singapore to emerge out of the pandemic as a more resilient nation.

Calling the coronavirus "the largest and most complex" challenge the Republic has faced in his more than 40 years of public service, Mr Teo said the work must be done even before it is needed.

"The clear lesson for me is that in 'peace time', we need to plan on facing the unknown, and build deep reserves of people and capabilities, so that when we face a crisis, we can act decisively, and respond flexibly and rapidly," he said in the third of six national broadcasts by ministers on Singapore's post-coronavirus future.

The Senior Minister also stressed the high stakes involved for Singapore in how it responds to crises.

"Singapore can hold its own in the world, only if we are strong, successful and united at home," he said. "We can face the world outside with confidence, only if we are strong inside."

Mr Teo's address, filmed at the Marina Bay floating platform against the backdrop of the city skyline, focused on how Singapore intends to uphold its standing in a world in flux, and also how the Government would help Singaporeans prepare for the uncertainty ahead.

He said Singapore could no longer assume globalisation and open markets would continue to be the natural order of things, as the pandemic accelerates geopolitical trends.



Mr Teo, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security, outlined three aspects of Singapore's resilience in dealing with COVID-19 - in its crisis response, economic resilience and social resilience.

First, in terms of its crisis response, Mr Teo said Singapore had to scale up its capacity to deal with infected patients rapidly.

Speaking for the first time about the outbreak in foreign worker dormitories since being asked in April to advise the task force handling the issue, he said that while the Government had tapped its experience dealing with the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), ramped up contact tracing, and increased surveillance and precautions in dormitories early on, this was not enough.

"Unfortunately, these turned out to be insufficient because the virus was far more infectious than SARS," he added.

Cases in the dormitories increased exponentially in a matter of weeks, which called for a "tremendous effort" to accelerate and scale up plans for community care facilities, with resources from the private and public sector being mobilised.

Second, in terms of economic resilience, the virus has impacted livelihoods and disrupted supply chains, he said.

But essential supplies have been maintained, thanks to stockpiling, diversification and local production. The Government has also marshalled four Budgets to deal with the economic fallout, in the process drawing up to $52 billion from past reserves.



Pointing to a crisis early in the nation's post-independence years, when the British withdrew its troops from the country in 1967, Mr Teo said Singapore had lost 20 per cent of its gross domestic product and 70,000 jobs overnight.

But Singaporeans "gritted our teeth, rolled up our sleeves and moved ahead", he said.

"We are far more resilient today than in 1967, and better positioned to create new markets, businesses and jobs to replace the ones that will be lost," he added.

Finally, in terms of social resilience, the virus has strained Singapore's social fabric, but Mr Teo was heartened to see Singaporeans showing kindness, care and compassion to the more vulnerable, regardless of their race and religion.

Noting that he had worked closely with the new generation of ministers over the past few months, he praised their handling of the crisis, saying they have stepped up to the task and worked as a team.



He similarly lauded how Singapore has responded as a nation, avoiding the fissures that have divided some other countries and hindered their ability to respond to the pandemic. With support from Singaporeans, infection numbers have come down in the community and the outbreak among migrant workers has been stabilised, he added.

"What we have built as a nation - our solidarity, our resolve and our resilience - gives me confidence that we will overcome the current crisis and any future challenges, to build a stronger and better Singapore together," he said.

National Broadcast: Lawrence Wong on living with COVID-19

Virus may be here for the long haul so Singapore must adapt: National Development Minister Lawrence Wong
Business models and building designs may have to be rethought
By Linette Lai, Political Correspondent, The Straits Times, 10 Jun 2020

Singapore needs to be prepared for more challenging times ahead and steel itself to live with the coronavirus for the long term, National Development Minister Lawrence Wong said yesterday.

"It is not likely that the virus will go away," said Mr Wong, who spelt out how Singapore was trying to keep a lid on new infections in the days ahead. He also flagged some changes that may be needed further down the road.

Urban planners, businesses and workers may all have to adapt to a new normal, he said.

"We have to be realistic and gird ourselves for more challenging times," said Mr Wong, who co-chairs the multi-ministry task force tackling COVID-19. "Our population will be vulnerable for a long time, in a world where COVID-19 is all around us. We must therefore adapt to COVID-19, and learn to live with it over the long term."

Mr Wong was delivering the second of six national broadcasts by Cabinet ministers on Singapore's post-coronavirus future. He highlighted how the virus has changed daily life here, and how Singaporeans are staying safe.

The pandemic has precipitated a shift towards flexible work arrangements, he said. These include working from home, staggered work hours and split-team arrangements.



Urban planning must cater to these demands and building designs will have to change, given what is now known about the risk of transmission in enclosed spaces.

"We will need to improve ventilation and air filtering inside buildings," he said. "Other features like contactless fittings, automatic doors, as well as hand sanitiser and temperature monitoring stations should also become part of the norm."

Businesses will also need to find new and safer ways to deliver their products and services, Mr Wong said. Hawkers and wet market stallholders are among many who have embraced digital solutions, such as using online platforms to reach new customers.

Also, significant changes will have to be made in the construction industry, where major outbreaks occurred, he said. Workers will be tested regularly, work sites will implement new safeguards, and new dormitories will be built.

All this will mean extra costs, Mr Wong said. "I have no doubt that this will be a very difficult transition. But I assure everyone in the industry that we will work closely with you to get through this difficult patch, and to emerge stronger from this experience."

In the longer term, an important part of the solution is a vaccine, Mr Wong said, adding that Singapore is part of the "massive global effort" to develop an effective vaccine.

If and when a vaccine becomes available, we will make sure that every Singaporean who needs it gets it, and at an affordable price," he said.



Singapore is one week into the first phase of reopening after the circuit breaker. It reported 218 new cases yesterday, 9 June, the lowest daily number since April 11.

"We will continue to monitor the situation over the coming week," said Mr Wong. If the virus situation remains stable, the country will move into the second phase before the end of this month. More social activities will then be allowed, with most businesses resuming regular operations.

Mr Wong called for people to continue being socially responsible by wearing their masks, observing safe distancing measures and upholding good personal hygiene.

These were steps that anyone could take to protect themselves and their loved ones, he said.

On their part, he said, the authorities had increased the capacity and speed of contact tracing. They had also expanded testing capacity hugely. These would help control the spread of the virus.

He added: "It has been a tough fight against a formidable and invisible enemy."



The country has shown its grit and adaptability during the circuit breaker period, Mr Wong said. "We must continue to demonstrate the same ingenuity and resourcefulness in this new phase."

He lauded the efforts of the many individuals and businesses that have gone the extra mile for others, such as by volunteering at dormitories or donating supplies to those in need. "We have found strength and confidence in one another. We have shown that we are capable of rising above ourselves and caring for others," he said.

National Broadcast: PM Lee Hsien Loong on Securing Singapore's Future in a post-COVID-19 World

PM Lee tells Singaporeans 'do not fear', despite huge challenges ahead
Stronger Singapore can emerge from humanity's 'most dangerous crisis', says PM Lee on COVID-19 pandemic
By Grace Ho, The Straits Times, 8 Jun 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is the most dangerous crisis that humanity has faced in a very long time, and it will throw up immense challenges for Singapore.

But Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday told Singaporeans to take heart and spelt out his Government's plans to help the country emerge stronger from the crisis.

Addressing the nation in a televised broadcast last night, he did not downplay the magnitude of the task at hand.

International trade will be hit. Many industries may never recover fully from the pandemic. Jobs will be lost. "The next few years will be a disruptive and difficult time for all of us," he said.

This is especially true of Singapore, which has made a living by connecting itself to the rest of the world, said PM Lee.

"But despite these immense challenges, I say to you: Do not fear. Do not lose heart."

Singapore is still well-positioned to play its part in international trade of the future, said PM Lee. It had also started to prepare for uncertainties and transform its economy, even before the pandemic hit, and this could now pay dividends.

PM Lee's broadcast on the topic, "Overcoming the crisis of a generation", is the first of six national broadcasts over the next two weeks by Singapore's leaders, on how the country might grapple with a post-COVID-19 future.

The last time there was such a series of broadcasts was in 1968, when then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and several of his ministers spoke shortly after the British announced their withdrawal from Singapore. The leaders spoke on how the country might deal with the challenge.



Yesterday, PM Lee said that while the Government has intervened decisively, its support measures cannot shield Singapore from "tectonic shifts" taking place in the global economy.

"Unlike other countries, we can draw on our reserves, and don't have to pay for our support measures by borrowing," he said. "But even for us, this level of spending is hard to sustain."

The Government has rolled out four Budgets totalling close to $100 billion - an unprecedented amount - in COVID-19 support, or almost 20 per cent of Singapore's gross domestic product. To fund this, it is looking at drawing up to $52 billion from past reserves.

Describing the major global shifts taking place, PM Lee said that US-China relations are worsening. The movement of people will be more restricted, and countries will strive to become less dependent on others, especially for essential goods and services.

This will have strategic implications, he said. "Countries will have less stake in each other's well-being. They will fight more over how the pie is shared, rather than work together to enlarge the pie for all.

"It will be a less prosperous world, and also a more troubled one."

All these developments will affect Singapore, which has made a living by connecting itself with the world, he said.

But in a rallying call to Singaporeans, PM Lee asked them not to lose heart and not to fear, despite the immense challenges they faced. "Singapore will not falter in its onward march," he said.



He cited three advantages that would enable Singapore to emerge even stronger and better from the crisis.

First, the country is highly connected to global trade and investment flows, and has built up an international reputation over many decades.

Investors value the assurance of a government that plays by the rules, he said. "The way Singapore has responded to COVID-19 - openly and transparently, neither avoiding reality nor acting arbitrarily at the first sign of trouble - has only strengthened this advantage."

Second, Singapore has had a head start by transforming and deepening its capabilities through skills upgrading and innovation. The country is also rebuilding its transport and trade links, and making its supply chains more resilient by diversifying its sources of food.

Third, there are programmes and plans in place to cope with the challenges. PM Lee said the Government's biggest priority now is helping Singaporeans to keep their jobs or find new ones.



Steps must also be taken to strengthen the social compact and ensure every Singaporean has equal opportunities, he said. Beyond that, the country must consider how to strengthen its social security nets.

"If you fall down, we will help you to get up, stronger. You can be sure you will be taken care of."

He said that the many acts of solidarity and kindness during the pandemic have shown that Singaporeans can emerge stronger from the crisis, with a sharper consciousness of being Singaporean.

"This is why I believe we can continue to be exceptional - a fair and just society, where everyone can chase their dreams," he said.