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Podcasts didn't decide GE2025Podcasts didn't decide GE2025 I refer to the CNA’s Commentary: Podcasts didn't decide GE2025, but they changed how Singaporeans engage with politics (May 9). The 2025 General Election has several features/characteristics that deserve our attention, discussion and reflection: In today era, technological revolution, innovation and advancement...

GE2025: Stunning victory for PAPGE2025: Stunning victory for PAP I refer to the CNA’s report, “GE2025: Stunning victory for PAP, winning 87 of 97 seats with higher national vote share in PM Wong's first electoral test” (May 4). GE2025 has clearly delivered the following key messages/notes from the vast majority of voters: The Workers’ Party (WP) has done a fantastic good...

This is not a game of cardsThis is not a game of cards I can appreciate parties wanting to hold their cards close to their chest, but the smoke and mirrors games on nominations day, the shuffling of the DPM from a seat he had openly been declared to be defending, and other ministers shuffling constituencies leaves one feeling the PAP thinks it is playing a game of cards. Constituency...

Is a Parliament full of PAP MPs really better for Singaporeans?Is a Parliament full of PAP MPs really better for Singaporeans? I refer to The Online Citizen GE2025 news report, “Lee Hsien Yang: Is a Parliament full of PAP MPs really better for Singaporeans?” - (April 14), and “The Straits Times’ report, “GE2025: Singaporeans will go to the polls on May 3, Nomination Day on April 23” (April 15), and The Online Citizen GE2025 report,...

𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝... Is the PAP of today exceptional, with unmatched competence and delivery? Afterall, that is their justification for the highest salaries in the world. Let’s look at its more recent track record. Large numbers of NRIC numbers were recently unmasked, leaving Singaporeans exposed to identity theft, fraud, abuse and scams....

GE2025: Red Dot United to contest in Holland-Bukit TimahGE2025: Red Dot United to contest in Holland-Bukit Timah I refer to the CNA news, “GE2025: Red Dot United to contest in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC but may make way for Singapore Democratic Party” (April 10), “More opposition 'star catches' are emerging. Is Singapore's political scene maturing?” (April 10) and “PSP says government response to Trump tariffs 'overblown',...

GE2025: Why Singapore's high-flying bureaucrats are recruited into politicsGE2025: Why Singapore's high-flying bureaucrats are recruited... I refer to CNA’s news, “GE2025: Why Singapore's high-flying bureaucrats are recruited into politics” (Mar 28). It is not surprised to notice that in recent weeks, two NMPs and top ministry officials have resigned, fuelling speculation they could be fielded as potential candidates for the ruling People's Action...

More than 2.75 million Singaporeans eligible to vote in GE2025More than 2.75 million Singaporeans eligible to vote in GE2025 I refer to The CNA’s News, “GE2025: More than 2.75 million Singaporeans eligible to vote” (Mar 25). As Singapore’s General Election is due to be held within this year, the following factors will more or less influence the election situation this year: A)The general mentality of voters Voters are generally...

How the end of Ukraine war could be secured, even with waning US supportHow the end of Ukraine war could be secured, even with waning... I refer to the CNA’s commentaries, “How the end of Ukraine war could be secured, even with waning US support” (Mar 4), “Lessons from the Trump-Zelenskyy meltdown- for friends and foes” (Mar 1) and “Will Trump tariffs push China to change economic tack?” (Mar 3). Foremost, we need to recognise the reality...

Singapore Army Recruits Deserve a Minimum WageSingapore Army Recruits Deserve a Minimum Wage Singapore Army Recruits Deserve a Minimum Wage: National Service Should Not Come at the Expense of Opportunity Costs Singapore’s National Service (NS) has long been a cornerstone of the nation’s defense, requiring young men to dedicate two years of their lives to military, civil defense, or police service. While...

Trump-Putin deal on Ukraine will be Europe’s moment of reckoningTrump-Putin deal on Ukraine will be Europe’s moment of... I refer to the CNA’s Commentaries, “Trump-Putin deal on Ukraine will be Europe’s moment of reckoning” (Feb 20) and “Ukraine can survive with the ‘least worst’ peace” (Feb 22). Now, In the eyes of European Union, they have lost trust and confidence in the United States, it is solely due to the flip flop...

From Deepseek to Huawei, US tech restrictions on China are backfiringFrom Deepseek to Huawei, US tech restrictions on China are... I refer to the CNA’s Commentary, “From Deepseek to Huawei, US tech restrictions on China are backfiring” (Jan 31). Would it be practical, useful and effective for the United States to continually pursue an aggressive containment strategy to hobble China’s tech push? Undoubtedly, the answer is obviously not. There...

Don't get distracted by Trump's outlandish Cabinet picksDon't get distracted by Trump's outlandish Cabinet picks I refer to the CNA’s Commentary: “Don't get distracted by Trump's outlandish Cabinet picks” (Nov 25), and “'No one will win a trade war’, China says after Trump tariff threat” (Nov 26). As everyone knows, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will return to power on January 20, 2025. Trump has dismissed...

Putin escalates Ukraine warPutin escalates Ukraine war I refer to The CNA’s Commentary: “Putin escalates Ukraine war by a step, not a leap, with missile experiment” (Nov 23). Foremost, Zelenskyi’s intention to join Nato has greatly threatened the security and survival of Russia. Hence, Zelenskyy has offended Putin and Putin has no choice but to launch a war with...

Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries?Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries? I refer to The TR-Emeritus opinion article, “Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries” (June 14) by Mr Yoong Siew Wah. It has always been a controversial topic which concerns about our top political leaders who receive their salaries that are many times higher than those foreign political leaders. Our...

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Editorials
Strong hailstorm strikes China's Xi'an causing airport...

Strong hailstorm strikes China's Xi'an causing airport...

On the evening of May 8, Xi’an, the capital city of China’s Shaanxi Province, was struck by a powerful...
Four parties lost their election deposits in GE2025

Four parties lost their election deposits in GE2025

A total of four opposition parties, the Singapore United Party (SUP), People's Power Party (PPP), People’s...
Level 16 super typhoon devastates multiple cities in...

Level 16 super typhoon devastates multiple cities in...

Northern China was hit by an extreme weather event on Thursday as a massive cold front swept south, colliding...
Level 15 winds destroy buildings rooftops and cause...

Level 15 winds destroy buildings rooftops and cause...

On April 30, northern China was struck by an extreme weather event as a massive cold vortex surged southward,...
TR Emeritus to 'shut-up' on 2nd May 2025

TR Emeritus to 'shut-up' on 2nd May 2025

Please be informed that TR Emeritus (TRE) will shut down its comment function site-wide at 0000 hours...
Chaos in China as extreme storm destroys homes and...

Chaos in China as extreme storm destroys homes and...

Beijing’s 22 million residents were asked to stay indoors on Saturday, as powerful winds swept across...
China, Thailand, and Myanmar in ruins after devastating...

China, Thailand, and Myanmar in ruins after devastating...

On March 28, 2025, a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar near Mandalay, causing...
Myanmar 7.7 earthquake collapses buildings in Thailand,...

Myanmar 7.7 earthquake collapses buildings in Thailand,...

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025, causing widespread panic...
Beijing shocked by earthquake and mega sandstorm

Beijing shocked by earthquake and mega sandstorm

Since March 24, 2025, northern China has been battling extreme weather as a massive sandstorm swept through...
Mega hail causes mass destruction in Fujian and Guangdong

Mega hail causes mass destruction in Fujian and Guangdong

An unexpected and severe hailstorm struck multiple cities in Guangdong and Fujian between March 3 and...
Extreme weather struck multiple regions in China

Extreme weather struck multiple regions in China

On March 2, 2025, extreme weather struck multiple regions in China, with parts of Henan province experiencing...
Happy Chinese New Year 2025

Happy Chinese New Year 2025

Wishing all our Chinese readers:     Team@TR Emeritus  
Huge snow caused numerous disruptions on China's major...

Huge snow caused numerous disruptions on China's major...

As the Chinese New Year approaches, millions of people across the country are making their annual journey...
The rapidly spreading HMPV virus you haven’t heard...

The rapidly spreading HMPV virus you haven’t heard...

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is making headlines as cases surge, especially among children and vulnerable...
4.1 magnitude earthquake shakes Shanxi's Linfeng city

4.1 magnitude earthquake shakes Shanxi's Linfeng city

On the evening of January 10, 2025, Linfen City in Shanxi Province was struck by an earthquake. The tremor,...
7.8 magnitude earthquake devastates Tibet

7.8 magnitude earthquake devastates Tibet

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake has hit Tibet, in the region of Shigatse, which is near the border with Nepal. According...
Outbreak of mystery virus in China

Outbreak of mystery virus in China

China is r eportedly facing a new health crisis as the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak rapidly...
Unknown Virus Rampages in China; Hospitals Utterly...

Unknown Virus Rampages in China; Hospitals Utterly...

A blogger in China has shared a video, claiming that this isn’t China’s Spring Festival travel rush;...
Opinions
The three of threes about DPM Heng Swee Kiat

The three of threes about DPM Heng Swee Kiat

The first part of the threes is about the when, the how and the why? And it is about his retirement...
我们是否该重新思考国防开支的优先顺序?

我们是否该重新思考国防开支的优先顺序?

新加坡政府近日宣布将采购两艘额外的“无畏级”潜艇,引发了一个重要问题:我们的国防力量,到底需要多强? 毫无疑问,一个强大且可信的军队对于保障国家主权与威慑潜在威胁是不可或缺的。新加坡地处战略要冲,国土面积有限,因此需要一支现代化的武装部队。然而,当我们对比邻国——马来西亚拥有两艘潜艇、印尼正逐步扩展至十二艘——新加坡在水下战力上已处于领先地位。这不禁让人质疑,我们是否正引领着一场无声的区域军备竞赛? 问题在于:当威慑的需求被满足后,继续扩军是否已经超出必要? 一艘“无畏级”潜艇的估价超过十亿新元,还不包括长期的运营与维护成本。这两艘新潜艇的资金,若能转用于迫切的民生需求,例如医疗保健、老龄化支援、教育及弱势群体扶助,或许对社会的整体韧性更具意义。 政府一再强调国防开支是经过审慎规划的,但当生活成本日益上升,政府却仍需将消费税(Gst)提高至9%甚至更多,这种矛盾不禁令人困惑。如果某些战略性国防项目能够延后或循序推进,节省下来的资源是否可以用于社会发展呢? “全面防卫”不仅仅是硬件实力,更是要赢得人民的心与信任。让人民感到安心、有保障、受到重视,这种安全感无法靠潜艇来衡量,而是通过每一位国人的生活实感体现出来。 这并非是在呼吁削弱我们的国防,而是呼吁我们重新思考国家的优先事项。当我们继续推进军事现代化的同时,也不要忽视同样重要的任务——巩固社会契约、增强国民凝聚力。   Cwc-Ai  
Cutting down reliance on US military equipment

Cutting down reliance on US military equipment

There is a rampant rumor going around that claims Egypt has ordered 48 J10C with a price tag of USD$25B...
2025大选—明确授权,变化中的政治格局

2025大选—明确授权,变化中的政治格局

2025年大选结果无可争议,政府再次赢得了强有力的授权,稳固了其在新加坡政治格局中的主导地位。尽管选举结果并不令人意外,但胜利的过程却并非没有争议和复杂性。 值得注意的是,选区划分的变化在本次选战中发挥了重要作用。陈清木医生与徐顺全医生等资深反对派人物,因选区重划而受到显著影响——传统支持基础被分割或并入他区,无疑左右了某些关键选区的最终结果。虽然选区调整在新加坡选举历史上并不罕见,但其公平性与透明度仍持续引发讨论。 工人党虽稳守东北区的传统堡垒,但未能在本届大选中攻下新的选区。不过,该党仍获得两个非选区议员(Ncmp)席位,虽属安慰性质,却在象征意义上维持了国会内多元声音的存在。 更值得关注的是,本届大选所处的人口背景正经历剧烈变化。新加坡人口从2000年的约300万增长至2025年的超过500万。考虑到多年来出生率持续偏低,这一增长几乎可以肯定主要归因于移民流入,尤其可能在华人群体中增长显著。这一趋势对国家的社会结构和政治生态产生了深远影响。 展望2030年大选,各政党不仅要面对一如既往的选区调整与突发的全球事件,更需正视一个不断演变的社会结构。随着越来越多新移民成为国民,选民构成日益多元,政党在政策制定与信息传递上必须更具包容性与前瞻性。他们必须同时争取老一代公民与新加坡新公民的认同,回应共同关切,并跨越代际与文化差异的鸿沟。 在新加坡持续向前迈进的过程中,其政治也必须与时俱进——反映日益多元的人口现实,同时坚守国家的核心价值观:团结、韧性与务实。 Cwc-Ai
A jaw-dropping election

A jaw-dropping election

This is a jaw-dropping election. For the opposition. SDP’s Dr Chee and PSP’s Leong were deeply disappointed....
The Nation has rejected multi-party Parliamentary representation

The Nation has rejected multi-party Parliamentary representation

Our party suffered great losses and I personally have suffered the greatest hit. But these personal losses...
A False Analogy That Insults the Intelligence of Singaporeans

A False Analogy That Insults the Intelligence of Singaporeans

Minister Ong Ye Kung’s recent assertion that a “co-driver” bears no responsibility if a car crashes...
There is a cost to losing

There is a cost to losing

There is a cost to losing. At least in PAP’s books. And one of the costs is a policy of priority. That...
Hougang Belongs to the People

Hougang Belongs to the People

Thank You for the Reminder, Mr Marshall Lim. It is with no small measure of amusement that one reads...
Its all about trust

Its all about trust

Dr Ng Eng Hen from PAP has pointed out the most important key point about this General Elections, it...
Misunderstanding What Singaporeans Truly Expect from...

Misunderstanding What Singaporeans Truly Expect from...

The government's repeated assertion that it is "easy for the opposition to ask the government to give...
Punggol GRC

Punggol GRC

Punggol GRC is without question one of the most hotly watched, followed and contested constituency in...
Should Singapore Be Concerned About David Neo’s “Action-Takers,...

Should Singapore Be Concerned About David Neo’s “Action-Takers,...

Singaporeans should pause and reflect on the recent remark by PAP candidate David Neo, who said that...
Why Singaporeans Must Reconsider the Dismissal of SDP’s...

Why Singaporeans Must Reconsider the Dismissal of SDP’s...

The Singapore government’s blunt assertion that the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP)’s proposals...
Expect the exchange of barbs in politics

Expect the exchange of barbs in politics

In a political contest, expect the exchange of barbs. And we do not lack any of it in the rallies held...
Don't Be Swayed by the Noise—Think Critically Before...

Don't Be Swayed by the Noise—Think Critically Before...

In recent weeks, the political buzz in Singapore has reached a new high. Massive crowds at opposition...
We vote whoever is deserving of our vote

We vote whoever is deserving of our vote

I am surprised that Lee Hsien Loong chose to remind us of the 1997 shameful episode when he, his father...
The Case for a Diverse and Balanced Parliament

The Case for a Diverse and Balanced Parliament

The Singapore government has recently stated that "Good government needs good people" and cautioned against...
Letters
Podcasts didn't decide GE2025

Podcasts didn't decide GE2025

I refer to the CNA’s Commentary: Podcasts didn't decide GE2025, but they changed how Singaporeans engage...
GE2025: Stunning victory for PAP

GE2025: Stunning victory for PAP

I refer to the CNA’s report, “GE2025: Stunning victory for PAP, winning 87 of 97 seats with higher...
Is a Parliament full of PAP MPs really better for Singaporeans?

Is a Parliament full of PAP MPs really better for Singaporeans?

I refer to The Online Citizen GE2025 news report, “Lee Hsien Yang: Is a Parliament full of PAP MPs...
GE2025: Red Dot United to contest in Holland-Bukit...

GE2025: Red Dot United to contest in Holland-Bukit...

I refer to the CNA news, “GE2025: Red Dot United to contest in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC but may make...
GE2025: Why Singapore's high-flying bureaucrats are...

GE2025: Why Singapore's high-flying bureaucrats are...

I refer to CNA’s news, “GE2025: Why Singapore's high-flying bureaucrats are recruited into politics”...
More than 2.75 million Singaporeans eligible to vote...

More than 2.75 million Singaporeans eligible to vote...

I refer to The CNA’s News, “GE2025: More than 2.75 million Singaporeans eligible to vote” (Mar...
How the end of Ukraine war could be secured, even with...

How the end of Ukraine war could be secured, even with...

I refer to the CNA’s commentaries, “How the end of Ukraine war could be secured, even with waning...
Singapore Army Recruits Deserve a Minimum Wage

Singapore Army Recruits Deserve a Minimum Wage

Singapore Army Recruits Deserve a Minimum Wage: National Service Should Not Come at the Expense of Opportunity...
Snippets
Singapore’s Sports Industry: A Rising Powerhouse...

Singapore’s Sports Industry: A Rising Powerhouse...

Singapore’s sports industry is on the cusp of greatness, leveraging cutting-edge infrastructure and...
What are the most popular hobbies in Singapore in 2025?

What are the most popular hobbies in Singapore in 2025?

As work-life balance remains a constant talking point in the fast-paced city-state of Singapore, residents...
10 Most Popular Mobile Games in Singapore

10 Most Popular Mobile Games in Singapore

Singaporeans can't get enough of their phones these days, spending tons of time battling opponents, building...
Langkawi to Koh Lipe Ferry: Complete Travel Guide

Langkawi to Koh Lipe Ferry: Complete Travel Guide

Planning a tropical escape from Malaysia to Thailand? The journey from Langkawi to Koh Lipe offers a...
This is not a game of cards

This is not a game of cards

I can appreciate parties wanting to hold their cards close to their chest, but the smoke and mirrors...
𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝...

𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝...

Is the PAP of today exceptional, with unmatched competence and delivery? Afterall, that is their justification...
The sleep science revolution in elite sports

The sleep science revolution in elite sports

Professional sports have entered a new era where recovery science directly impacts performance outcomes....
Sports Betting in Online Casinos as a Way to Improve...

Sports Betting in Online Casinos as a Way to Improve...

In today's world, online sports betting has become not only a popular form of entertainment but also...
Sticky & Recent Articles

Attorney-General’s Chambers filed appeal against SDP 5 acquittal

Attorney-General’s Chambers filed appeal against SDP 5 acquittal

From our Correspondent The Attorney-General's Chambers has filed an appeal against the acquittal of five opposition leaders and supporters for allegedly taking part in an illegal procession in September 2007. Among the five, who were acquitted last week, are Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) leaders Ghandi Ambalam, John Tan and Chee Siok Chin. The other two are SDP supporters Yap Keng Ho and Chong Kai Xiong. District Judge John Ng, in a written judgment last Tuesday, cleared the five of charges of taking part in a procession without a valid permit on Sept16, 2007. The walk by the SDP five was held to mark the first anniversary of a similar protest planned for September 2006, when the International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings were held in Singapore. The five who were wearing T-shirts with the words ‘Democracy Now’ and ‘Freedom Now’ with a picture of a lighted candle, had walked from the Speakers’ Corner along North Bridge Road to Parliament House and then along Bras Basah Road to the Istana and then along Orchard Road to the Queenstown Remand Prison on 16 Sep 07. Judge Ng concluded: “I am fortified in my views when I consider that the principal [Miscellaneous Offences] Act and the Rules were meant to relate to offences against public order, nuisance and property. The walk which had taken place did not impede or cause any disruption to the flow of vehicular traffic or the movement of pedestrians.” The Attorney-General Chambers did not state its reasons for appealing against the acquittal. Singaporeans must ask if it is in public interest to continue spending precious state resources to pursue the case against five Singapore citizens walking in the streets without causing any disturbance to others or disruption to traffic. The Law Society should have spoken up on the case and give its expert legal opinion on this latest move by the AGC. Though the Law Society is barred from commenting on legislation unless its opinion is sought after specifically by the government, surely it can afford to use this case to educate Singaporeans on their basic civil and legal rights. The law must be perceived as fair and equal to all by the public. In this instance, the onus is on the AGC to put up a strong case to defend its actions against the SDP 5 to convince Singaporeans that they deserve to be punished under the law.  Read More →

Government in denial mode over reach of “reinvented” portal

Government in denial mode over reach of “reinvented” portal

From our Correspondent With much of the online debate about national issues taking place in non-government blogs and forums, it is expected that the government desperately needs a spin to promote its own official portal - REACH. As usual, the ever faithful state media was called in to do the propaganda work by proclaiming unshamedly that the popularity of REACH among Singapore netizens has increased to such an extent that "blogs were buzzing, opinions were flying, citizens were sounding off." ‘We have moved far beyond being just a government postbox,’ said Reach chairman Amy Khor. ‘Our focus now is to gauge ground sentiments, engage citizens and allow them to suggest ways to improve public policies or promote alternative policies.’ Straits Times boasted that the number of unique visitors to the portal has increased threefold over the past year. More than 205,000 individuals logged on in the first nine months of this year compared with only 49,000 in the same period last year. The figures appear "impressive" until one investigates the reality behind REACH and SPH's self-congratulatory claims. According to web traffic company, alexa.com, the online traffic of REACH has increased by a mere 10 per cent in the last 3 months in spite of the massive publicity given to it via the state media. The results are even more glaring when you compare REACH with non-official socio-political blogs and forums. Blog/forum                               Traffic ranking Sammyboy Forum                      199 Temasek Review                           512 The Online Citizen                        734 Singapore Democrats                 2655 REACH                                              3349 [Source: Alexa.com, 13 October 2009] Alexa's traffic ranking is computed based on the number of unique visitors and pageviews of each site. The lower the ranking, the higher the traffic. As we can see from the above data, REACH has not quite reached out to the majority of the netizens in Singapore. Despite efforts of the government to promote REACH as an official and accepted channel for feedback, it is still a backwater for online discussion and debate. The real aim of REACH is not to solicit feedback from Singaporeans, but to provide an avenue for the government to moderate and control political discourse and debate in cyberspace. Under such an artificial setting, forumers will be allowed a lot of leeway and freedom to criticize selected government policies while keeping discussion on sensitive and fundamental issues strictly under wraps. Over at non-official sites like ours, readers not only can express their opinions freely, they also become politically aware of the real problems afflicting the nation. The number of visitors to our site has increased by a hundred-fold in less than a year which puts REACH's "performance" to shame. Being backed by the resources of the state, one should expect REACH's ranking to be higher up instead of this current pathetic position. Given the general skepticism pervading the online community about REACH, it is not inconceivable that some of REACH's forumers are appointed "sock puppets" pretending to engage in an active debate to give some remblance of activity on an otherwise dour site. Netizens should bear in mind that REACH is after all a government site. Your IP addresses will be recorded and end up in the hands of the authorities. Let us not forget that a fellow Singaporean was jailed for threatening to beat an unknown MP over a REACH Hotline. REACH may just be another ploy for the paranoid regime to extend its reach to cyberspace.  Read More →

Why “No.1” Singapore fails to get No.1 in highest global human achievements

Why “No.1” Singapore fails to get No.1 in highest global human achievements

By Abdul Gafoor, Social Correspondent The recent award of Nobel prize to a Hong Kong physics professor has invited some kiasu Singaporeans (who always have displayed an idiosyncratic attitude in not wanting to lose out to Hong Kong) to sit back and ask why has not Singapore created any Nobel Laureates so far.   Lack of No.1 global human achievements Singapore also has not produced any Booker prize winners which is the highest literary award in the world. Despite engineering being a core area of Singapore, we have not produced any engineering marvel at the world level. We also have not produced any poet, artist, filmmaker, dancer, song writer or singer that the world craves for. Singapore has yet to produce philosophers or intellectuals that the world recognises and cherishes. Our  14% Muslim population has not won any global awards from Organization of Islamic Countries, which gives out some of the highest awards to the highest achieving Muslims in the world.  What Singaporeans need to ask is why “No.1” Singapore has not made any No.1 global human achievements in the last 50 years?   Infinite opportunities and choices What allows a human to achieve phenomenally at the global level are the availability of infinite opportunities and choices. The term infinite here is qualitative and not quantitative and basically means the multitude of opportunities and choices that he/she can even imagine. In some systems such as Hong Kong which has produced human achievers at global stage, the level of opportunities and choices may not be infinite but still sufficient enough. What limits the infinite opportunities and choices in Singapore are a set of problematic political, economic and social conditions. Political conditions Singapore being a nanny state selects opportunities for its people which means it limits from the infinite opportunities that its people can potentially have. Singapore also makes choices on the behalf of its people which again means the state limits the infinite possible choices the people can make. In all, with the limited opportunities and choices, one cannot expect Singaporeans to achieve phenomenally at the global level. Every Nobel laureate or exceptionally high global human achiever has a human spirit that is free, bold and is determined to push beyond boundaries. However in Singapore that has been curtailed by PAP so as to preserve absolute control. Humans have only one spirit. They do not have two spirits- one for political affairs and another for non-political affairs. Therefore when one tie up the free human spirit for political affairs, which other spirit is the human going to use to push boundaries in non-political affairs.   Economic conditions Singapore is a country that has one of the highest per capita income in the world, higher than even Hong Kong. There are many more Singaporeans who claim that our education system is “the best in the world that even U.S.  high schools copies us”. We have at least a few generations of graduates from NUS since 1960 which form the highly educated class. Our National Education program has been around for at least a few decades and huge investment has gone into it. In recent times our biomedical life-science initiatives have been using unthinkable amounts of our money. Basically huge efforts have been taken in education and R&D, yet why has that not produced any Nobel laureate or globally human achievers? Using pragmatism as a chief mantra or guiding philosophy the state has limited opportunities and choices in the economy . Because of the odd way Singapore understands pragmatism and applies it, areas such as physics, chemistry, economics, literature and many other areas have never been given any due value. Society itself also hence discourages its children from pursuing in these areas as there is little reward.  Rather Singapore, because of its adamant insistence to follow pragmatism, till today largely values only a few areas such as accountancy, business administration and finance, some areas of engineering, some areas of medicine, law, some areas of IT and marketing (and maybe a few more). In fact Singaporean recruiters, employers etc tend to recognise someone as a professional only if they are in these few areas. This pragmatic approach to only focus on a few areas has resulted in under-investment in human capital in the other areas. The government may be right in this approach during 1960s and 1970s but by 1980s it should have started to diversify and it is really sad that till today the diversification is cosmetic and/or little. Only if diversification into the wider areas continued will the economy itself diversify over time. When a government focuses only on some areas, employment creation in those other areas naturally will then grow at snail’s pace over decades that you can hardly find a labour market for those area. Skills accumulation therefore never happens. In fact if someone is in those areas due to their acquired skills abroad, firstly he/she will find it really tough to find a good job, and secondly he/she will not see career prospects in a job should he/she land in one. R&D also suffers in those areas due to underinvestment and is often virtually little or none. Even within biomedical lifescience, there are so many areas where we are not funding adequately. Even within the focused few areas, R&D is not a big phenomenon. Without sufficient R&D throughout the economy, one can totally forget about highest level of human achievements which if it should happen will be pure lottery. The way Singapore applies meritocracy also curtails the maximisation of human potential. This is because in Singapore, one’s merit is assessed based on past results not future potential results or one’s true potential. If one aces at his early stage in life, he/she can go far in the subsequent  period even though during that period he/she fails miserably. That is the typical scholar story we all hear where they ace in school but fail miserably in real world. If the system did not omit those who can ace in the real world but only achieve less than with distinction in school or who can only ace much later in school, there will be much more chances of seeing human achievers for many human achievers were not exceptionally great in early part of school or exams.   Social conditions A champion is not born as much as some Singaporeans like to imagine. He/she is groomed by society. A system must also be safe for potential human achievers. Singapore is not one. I have often seen the territorial and kiasu nature of Singaporeans which results in warding or killing off talent and human potential. You just need one kiasu Singaporean who wants to climb to the top. He/she will do everything possible to sabotage anyone in his/her path especially those better than him/her. Each human achiever is created by the support of many ordinary people. When Singaporeans are so territorial and kiasu, what support do you see them lending to their peers at schools and workplaces? You hardly come across a Singaporean who wants to see the other, who has huge potential, go far and high. Often it is the opposite. Many Singaporean bosses and teachers basically want puppets following their orders blindly. Global human achievers are never puppets in their lives. They are not anarchists or devils or troublemakers either. They are led by their curiosity, ingenuity and drive which will be curbed within the typical Singapore environment. Singaporeans also have excessive ego and pride. You need a much more humble and harmonious environment to produce global achievers. For a potentially global human achiever to reach a highest outcome, what is required is many smaller outcomes and for each new outcome, one has to use the previous outcome/s which often was achieved by others. He needs the collaborative support of others. Due to ego and pride, I have seen Singaporeans refusing to collaborate or use the successes of fellow Singaporeans. Instead they will destroy the successes of others and replicate it as theirs and continue from there. They destroy what is required for them to rise up and they destroy those who rise up. When the territorial and kiasu nature combines with ego and pride, you get the “my way or the highway attitude” and the “you are with us or against us divide”. A Singaporean who has the potential to be the next Nobel Laureate  will need to wage a huge political battle with those in position and office in the environments where he has to work, form coalitions, wrestle opposing factions off their seats and then only be able to independently work on his stuff. Most high human achievers do not have such skills and hence naturally will get “killed” by such a system. In a system where the state nannies and the society is so combative, the average Singaporean is going to be hardly motivated to aspire to go beyond horizons. Rather he will simply want to preserve status quo. Singaporeans truly lack inspiration though they have huge egos.   Are global human achievers really necessary? The cynical Singaporeans will dismiss the need for global human achievers and claim they are a luxury that Singapore do not need for its survival. On the contrary, it is precisely global human achievers that we need in the country. For every Nobel Laureates, there are thousands of human achievers on the secondary level and we desperately need at least those in the hundreds. It is those achievers that will bring about economic, social and political sustainability in the country.   After thoughts Let’s not go too far to think about this. Let’s just take Temasek Review as an example which is a micro example. This website has a potential to become an asset for Singapore by being a highly sophisticated news and analysis medium for all politicians, government policy makers, lobby groups, external investors and Singapore citizens. In any other country this will have been achieved. However it will never ever happen in Singapore for the same precise reasons stated earlier.   Other articles by Abdul Gafoor: >> Why Singapore's "meritocracy" isn't meritocracy >> The paradox of Singapore's economic growth: housing component >> The paradox of Singapore's economic growth: time and income   About the Author: Abdul Gafoor is a researcher based in the United Kingdom. He hopes to return to Singapore he once knew as a child.  Read More →

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