Wheelchair-bound swimmer Theresa Goh, 24, on what the Paralympics Games mean to her. While the upcoming London edition in September 2012 will mark her third appearance at the Paralympic Games, she added that the experience will be no less meaningful to her.
Policy Buzz
I want to dress in bright colours while I’m young. I’ll save the duller colours for when I’m an ‘uncle’.
Shi Jiayi, 28, a China-born footballer who plays for the Singapore Lions.
Policy Buzz
It’s two-and- a-half hours of tightrope walking in front of a live audience.
Singapore actor Adrian Pang, 45, on his preference for theatre over television acting.
Policy Buzz
My wish is to take my last breath with a drawn line.
Veteran artist S Namasivayam, 85, a founding member of Singapore art group Group 90, who works primarily in life drawing and figure study.
Policy Buzz
I’ve thought about heaven and hell; I’m prepared to face either, if either of them exists.
Former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, 88, answering a question about religion at a Nanyang Technological University forum.
Policy Buzz
The sun will rise, the sun will set.
Former Singapore President S R Nathan, 87, when asked if he was emotional about attending his last National Day Parade as head of state on 9 August 2011.
Policy Buzz
It was just one of those silly things that carries a lot of meaning.
Dr. Robert Kamei, 53, who caught the attention of ESPN, Yahoo and YouTube viewers when he put a basketball through a hoop on the ground floor from the ninth storey of the Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School. He did it to provide publicity for the school, where he is vice dean of Education.
Policy Buzz
You get better when you read. And when you get better, you’ll want to read more and more.
Lim Yok Zuan, 25, who received a scholarship from government agency A*Star to pursue a PhD in Immunology.
Policy Buzz
July 1, 2011
Going to the studio for me is like going to the temple for meditation. The product that comes out from that is sort of equal to enlightenment, when I'm happy with something.
Performance artist and ceramics sculptor Jason Lim, 44, describing the mindset behind his creative process.
Policy Buzz
Please take good care of Singapore. It is a precious jewel.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, 57, to the many young voters who headed to the polls for General Elections on 7 May.
Policy Buzz
If someone dies in their ripe old age, we should celebrate that person's life with... music, laughter. More of us should adopt this joie de vivre attitude to death.
Noted Singaporean plastic surgeon, Dr Woffles Wu.
Policy Buzz
I told her if she manages to stand on the winners' pedestal at the [London] Olympics, I might just get a heart attack.
Mdm Li Yan, mother of national swimmer Tao Li, 21, the first Singaporean to enter an Olympic final when she made her debut at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
Policy Buzz
I want to send a signal that if artists have certain political views, they are not necessarily minority views
Playwright-poet Alfian Sa’at, 34, on his new play Cooling Off Day, written in response to Singapore’s recent watershed General Elections. The play is based on interviews conducted with people in mainstream professions.
Policy Buzz
You need to struggle. The only time you don't struggle is when you are in the box.
Teo Eng Seng, 72, artist and Cultural Medallion recipient on why he continues to create new work.
Policy Buzz
It's not enough that the product is green. It also has to be value for money or people won't buy it.
NUS student Cai Li, remembering the advice of the owner of an organic clothing company. He has plans to set up his own green business selling recycled t-shirts.
Policy Buzz
People are... realising that what makes Singapore special is what Singaporeans make and create.
Jo Soh, founder and creative director of local design label hansel, on the importance of expanding the cultural realm in Singapore.
Policy Buzz
April 1, 2011
[it’s] designed to make you want to squeeze the hand of your partner or, if not, someone else’s partner.
Laservision CEO Paul McCloskey on how the company’s 13-minute nightly light and water show at the ArtScience Museum is designed to stir the emotions.
Policy Buzz
In the coming 10 years, it will be a very exciting place for students to study and play. We’re going to make NTU a tourist attraction — almost.
President-designate Prof Bertil Andersson on the Nanyang Technological University campus —Singapore’s largest—that will be remade into a lifestyle hub in 15 years.
Policy Buzz
Let us keep Singapore competitive, viable and comfortable. But more important than these, keep Singapore affordable. Then the average Singaporean will have time to make babies and improve his quality of life.
Reader Peter Loon in a letter to The Straits Times about the rising cost of living.
Policy Buzz
I’m someone who can shine under pressure, and remaining here in Singapore keeps me pushing to the edge, which will be better for my career.
Singaporean singer-songwriter Charles J. Tan, on making Singapore the base for his debut album tour around Southeast Asia.
Policy Buzz
Ask questions. Don’t be shy, but don’t be rude by focusing your questions on whether an artwork will make money.
Art consultant Lindy Poh on how one can find more about art.
Policy Buzz
A bigger car and home are really not necessary.
Seah’s Spices founder Seah Seow Khiang on his modest lifestyle, despite a successful spice mix business which sells 18 million packets a year worldwide.
Policy Buzz
If you have an open mind, you can come and enjoy yourself. If not, please don’t come.
Cross-dressing comedian Kumar about his recent show in which he tackled racial stereotypes that Indians face.
Policy Buzz
I am excited… because I may get a chance to step into a voting booth at such a young age.
28-year-old bank analyst Bernard Tay, on the upcoming Singapore General Elections.
Policy Buzz
January 1, 2011
I like buying Toto (lottery) because it is like using a small knife to chop a big tree. When I buy, there is hope.
Mr Liang Xin Lu, who became a millionaire overnight after winning S$1.7 million in a Toto draw in August. He was earning $1,600 as an excavator operator.
Policy Buzz
If I exercise 10 hours a day, I don’t care if I eat Hokkien mee twice a day! I had to write it down to order it the first time ’cos I couldn’t pronounce it.
World-renowned juggler Viktor Kee, currently starring in Resorts World Sentosa’s circus-musical show, Voyage de la Vie. It runs till 20 January 2011.
Policy Buzz
There is the Esplanade, also the casinos ... You have Formula One here. It is a turnaround of the image of Singapore as being a very well-run but slightly boring city, into a still very well-run, safe place to live, but where there is excitement... Singapore has grown up as a city.
Professor Arnoud De Meyer, 56. The Belgian is Singapore Management University’s new president.
Policy Buzz
I’ve a feeling that Singapore could easily develop into a sustainable city model… a demonstration of what a city of 5- or 6-million populated city [looks] like at the cuttingedge… in terms of sustainability, liveability, future-proofing.
Prof Steffen Lehmann, quoted in Discovery Channel’s ongoing series Living Cities – Singapore. Prof Lehmann is from University of Newcastle’s School of Architecture and Built Environment (Australia)
Policy Buzz
I certainly used to be.
Newly-minted Singapore citizen Ray Ferguson, Standard Chartered’s chief executive for Southeast Asia, when asked if he is a Scot.
Policy Buzz
In the past, nightlife was not taken as a serious business. There were lots of fly-by-night operators. Today it’s... endorsed as a tourism product and it brings fun and vibrancy to Singapore.
Mr Dennis Foo, veteran nightclub owner and CEO of St James Holdings.
Policy Buzz
I live in a country with a lot of crime and so when I come here and see a young girl taking a taxi late at night — she’s safe. Isn’t that what God wants us to do?
South African legendary golfer Gary Player
Policy Buzz
I am 58, and Singapore should not have a Prime Minister who is 70 years old or more than 70 years old. I mean the physical demands of the job, you can still be there but you will not be doing it full justice.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
Policy Buzz
October 1, 2010
Anyone can be a food blogger these days, all it takes is a camera and a blog … does that mean restaurants have to sponsor everyone for their meals?
Food blogger Kaelyn Ong in the wake of an incident in which a fellow blogger had mistakenly assumed a meal was on the house, calling it a “tasteless solicitation”.
Policy Buzz
We may have an extended Hungry Ghost Festival this year.
Mr Tan Tiong Cheng, chairman of real estate advisory firm Knight Frank, on recent sweeping measures to curb property speculation. He was referring to the usual lull in property transactions as a result of the yearly local festival.
Policy Buzz
It’s like refurbishing old houses, if you don’t give the trishaw community a new lease of life, this once traditional mode of transport will disappear.
Mr Png Yiow Beng, a retired boatman, whose new company, Trishaw Uncle, offers 30–45 minute trishaw tours in some of Singapore’s heritage areas.
Policy Buzz
The idea is not just to teach people how to cook these iconic dishes. There needs to be a holistic approach – you need to know the heritage and character of the food, before looking at the recipe.
K. F. Seetoh, founder of the Makansutra food guide on the idea of teaching and preserving Singaporean hawker and culture.
Policy Buzz
Singapore film-maker Boo Junfeng whose feature debut Sandcastle – shot over 18 days – has been picked up by international distributor Fortissimo Films.
Policy Buzz
I don’t think there should be a retirement age.
Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew, 87, at a recent dialogue on the leadership challenge in productivity and sustainable growth.
Policy Buzz
Nothing is impossible for Singapore. You confirmed that several times ... Qualifying for the [Winter] Games is a feasible goal. Why not go for a miracle and have an Olympic medallist in 2014?
Dmitry Chernyshenko, president and chief executive of the Sochi Winter Games 2014 Organising Committee, who has invited an aspiring Singapore winter Olympian to train in Sochi.
Policy Buzz
She sailed fast when she wished, and she is slow when she likes. But she was keen to reach Singapore, carrying noble meaning and values, and beautiful memories of her hometown Oman.
Saleh Said Al Jbri, captain of the Jewel of Muscat — a replica of a 9th Century Arabian dhow — that made a 4,800km journey along the old Maritime Silk Route from Oman to Singapore. The vessel was made without nails, and was ‘sewn’ together with 70,000 stitches of handwoven rope.
Policy Buzz
August 3, 2010
“I don’t agree with all of it, but that is to be expected – the Western journalist’s exaggeration of eccentricity … But on the whole, he got my point of view across.”
Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew at the launch of the book Conversations With Lee Kuan Yew written by American journalist Tom Plate, which gives a personal insight to Mr Lee and his ‘authoritarian’ ways.
Policy Buzz
CONCEPT PLAN 2011- CRIB SHEET
July 1, 2010
Previous Concept Plans gave Singapore its MRT system and the world renowned Changi Airport. What will the Urban Redevelopment Authority Concept Plan 2011 bring? A public consultation sought across four areas generated the following ideas to create a more vibrant Singapore.
DISTINCTIVENESS: Creating an Inspiring, Global and Asian City
- Ditch the car and travel the CBD with ease with comprehensive intra-city shuttle buses or hire-and-ride bicycle schemes
- Encourage city living with a wider range of city accommodation – lofts, studios, hostels and more
PROUD HOME: Deepening the Sense of Community and Ownership
- Let the old and young interact – co-locate childcare centres and elder day care centres
- Deepen the kampung (village) spirit with more communal spaces where neighbours can interact
PEOPLE-CENTRICITY: Catering for Diversity While Being ‘Age-Friendly’
- How about a Singapore Greenwich village? Allow distinct neighbourhoods to develop ‘organically’
- Build infrastructure (pathways, ramps) to boost accessibility for all
AT THE CUTTING-EDGE: Breaking New Ground as a City of Tomorrow
- Connect communities by using and increasing accessibility to technologies, in particular for the elderly and the less-abled.
For more information, visit: spring.ura.gov.sg/conceptplan2011
Policy Buzz
“With early intervention, 90 per cent of children with special needs can cope with their intellectual and developmental challenges and remain within the mainstream education system.”
Temasek Cares chairman Richard Magnus on the $70m donation to the healthcare and special needs sectors. The money will fund the training of physiotherapists, occupational therapists and earlyintervention teachers
Policy Buzz
“Rather than teach it as a substantive law subject I would rather teach it as a skills subject because in practice, a pupil or junior associate cannot come to the supervising partner and say, ‘Sorry I didn’t learn this in law school. Can you give me another case?’ He just has to deal with it.”
Former Attorney-General Walter Woon on his plans to revamp the way criminal law is taught – adding more realism and interest to the curriculum.
Policy Buzz
“Our children are young only once and if we miss this formative period in their lives, we can never rewind time, we can never go back, so this is a journey of life we should never miss out on.”
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, who launched the Dads for Life movement aimed at getting fathers more involved in nurturing their children.
Policy Buzz
“The eco-passage is long overdue. For animals it is like bridging the North and South Korea divide.”
Botanist Veera Sekaran, who welcomed the proposal to build a bridge over the Bukit Timah Expressway to link Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and the Central Catchment area. The move will allow animals such as pangolins, banded leaf monkeys and long-tailed macaques to cross in safety.
Policy Buzz
“Concept Plan 2011 should focus on lifestyle changes rather than infrastructural change. Our city area needs a total revival [of its] night scene ... Work-hours must not be 9 to 5 but round-theclock, supported by transport and recreation dimensions ... This is important as we evolve into a global city where inter-connectivity keeps us working round the clock to serve all parts of the world.”
TODAY Online Talkback respondent Frederick on the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Concept Plan 2011.
Policy Buzz
“Rather than teach it as a substantive law subject I would rather teach it as a skills subject because in practice, a pupil or junior associate cannot come to the supervising partner and say, ‘Sorry I didn’t learn this in law school. Can you give me another case?’ He just has to deal with it.”
Former Attorney-General Walter Woon on his plans to revamp the way criminal law is taught – adding more realism and interest to the curriculum.
Policy Buzz
“As plans for ScreenSingapore move forward ... it has the potential to become a beacon for openness – or a symbol of containment. Dancing between the lines of controversy and renown could take some fancy footwork.”
Consultant Richard Hartung, on a film festival launched by the Media Development Authority that is intended to be “the marketing and launch platform for international and Asian content”. Hartung noted that if a wide range of films including controversial ones were allowed, the festival could signal media deregulation in Singapore.
Policy Buzz
April 1, 2010
“If the proceedings were chaired by an experienced, legally trained chairman, or if there were present such a person as a member…the proceedings could and indeed would have progressed more expeditiously.”
- The concerns of an unnamed lawyer cited by Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan to illustrate the need for a senior lawyer to chair or be a member of Singapore Medical Council disciplinary tribunals. This will prevent hearings from veering into “frivolous” matters without objection from the doctors on the tribunal. (more…)
Policy Buzz
January 1, 2010
“We have kept the HDB residents in place, so we are sharing the growth of the city with the people who are of that class who built the city. We could have maximised the value by selling it off, and then a condo would have been built. But we didn’t do that.”
- Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew on the launch of the Pinnacle@Duxton, a 50-storey high public housing project in the city. (more…)
Policy Buzz
October 1, 2009
“We cannot make it so onerous that they will not come – for example, by requiring PRs or new citizens to be fluent in English, when even some existing citizens are not.”
– Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew on the issue of English and integration in Singapore.
“You see it sailing across the water beautifully, gracefully, but underneath paddling furiously. That’s what MPs [Members of Parliament] are doing when you don’t know what MPs are doing.”
– Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on the behind-the-scenes work that goes into building social harmony in Singapore.
“[The] inability to understand and speak Singapore’s common language, English, makes integration difficult. Our founding fathers understood this and made bilingualism the glue of our nation of different races. It has worked well. So we should require new citizens and permanent residents to understand and speak basic English.”
– Henry Tan, writing in to The Straits Times Forum, adding to the debate on improving the integration of new citizens.
“I asked one of my old English teachers about this problem [of Singapore’s standard of spoken English], and he said, ‘The British left’. I understood what he meant. When the British were around, people who spoke to them were more careful.”
– Book publisher Goh Eck Kheng, chairman of the Speak Good English Movement
“The six-year programme will match sports training and development programmes more closely, and offer student athletes another option in academic pacing and assessment. The longer development runway also allows greater flexibility for them to pursue sporting and academic excellence concurrently.”
– Deborah Tan, principal of the Singapore Sports School, announcing the launch of a six-year programme leading to the International Baccalaureate Diploma for top student athletes.
“Bosses need to decide whether they should insist on short-term returns to productivity at the cost of the long-term stability of Singapore.”
– Associate Professor Pauline Straughan, Nominated Member of Parliament, on the need for family-friendly workplaces to support national measures to boost fertility here, in response to the small impact made by the Baby Bonus scheme launched last year.
“A lot of youth have interesting ideas, but no platform to put them into action. The National Youth Assembly not only provides a platform, but puts youths into the shoes of the government as they do research, take responsibility and defend their own stance.”
– Hozefa Aziz Singapore Wala, Chairman of the National Youth Assembly, which holds mock parliament sessions to pass Bills on sustainability that will eventually be taken to Government ministries to assess their feasibility.
“It is no answer really to say that the law firms may not be in a position to train the pupils. It is not fair to the pupils – which is why we now say we will provide the framework.”
– Law Minister K Shanmugam, passing a law to replace law pupillage with a new Training Contract that will ensure that law trainees have a structured learning programme for six months.
“Institutionally, I don’t think we are very good at organising karaoke sessions. A charity would be able to do that with much more passion and meet the patient’s psychological needs.”
– Ms Yong Ying-I, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health on the plans to ‘twin’ major hospitals with community hospitals to achieve high standards of medical treatment from the former and pastoral care and social activities from the latter.
The ELECTION Crib Sheet
The next Singapore elections are due to be held before 2 February 2012. Need to brush up on some background? Hit these sites to build your election know-how before the big date.
BACKGROUND READING
For the official site, visit www.elections.gov.sg
Know your numbers at www.singapore-elections.com, an archive of national election results
Get the details of government workings at www.parliament.gov.sg
PARTY KNOWLEDGE
National Solidarity Party: www.nsp.sg
People’s Action Party: www.pap.org.sg
Singapore Democratic Party: www.yoursdp.org
Singapore People’s Party: www.spp.org.sg
The Worker’s Party: www.wp.sg
BLOGS AND ALTERNATIVE MEDIA
www.mrbrown.com
mrwangsaysso.blogspot.com
www.p65.sg
www.singaporeangle.com
singaporedaily.net
singaporerebel.blogspot.com
www.sgpolitics.net
theonlinecitizen.com
www.yawningbread.org
Policy Buzz
In Parliament
July 1, 2009
- Non-Constituency MPs (NCMPs) – opposition politicians who did not win a seat during an election but have the next highest percentage of votes – will be increased from six to nine. This means at least a-tenth of the 84 directly-elected Members of Parliament with constituencies, may be made of the opposition.
- Singapore got its first full woman minister when Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, 50, was promoted to Minister in the Prime Minster’s Office in April. Mrs Lim was also designated as second Minister for Finance and second Minister for Transport.
- State-owned investment company, Temasek Holdings, came under scrutiny after it sold its 3 per cent holding in the Bank of America. It explained its decision a week later after calls for transparency were made. Members of Parliament have asked for a comprehensive review of the management of Singapore’s reserves.
