TR EMERITUS

PM Lee The government yesterday (May 19) expanded on the concept of a "Nation of Opportunity" outlined by President Tony Tan Keng Yam in his address in Parliament last Friday (16 May). In a statement, the government said that Singapore must remain a place where “every Singaporean can succeed whatever his starting point; where pathways upwards are open to all, at all stages of life”. It said that in a globalised world with keener competition, there is a need to work harder together to create opportunities for all Singaporeans. It added that Singapore is well-positioned to capitalise on the rise of Asia. "We have an open and business-friendly environment, a high reputation, good governance and strong institutions, well-developed infrastructure and a skilled workforce," the government said. "These will help us to transform the economy, raise productivity, invest in R&D, and sharpen our competitive edge." As an example, the government has set aside more than $300 million for the next 3 years to support SMEs to seize new growth opportunities, as well as $1 billion from the National Productivity Fund for mainly SME programmes. "We will keep upgrading our port and airport, and enhancing our connectivity – be it in physical, economic or relationship links – to reinforce our position as a Global-Asia Hub. We will maintain our lead as a centre for international financial, legal, and intellectual property services. Our network of trade and economic agreements will link Singapore businesses to opportunities in other growing economies. Singapore businesses that do well locally and abroad will in turn generate better prospects for our people," the statement said. A strong economy will create more professional, managerial, executive and technical (PMET) jobs for Singaporeans, the government said. We will equip Singaporeans with the skills to take on a wide range of specialist, managerial and leadership roles. We will strengthen our Continuing Education and Training (CET) system. We will develop career pathways, and improve applied learning tracks and specialist programmes. We will provide more structured career guidance and counselling. To ensure that Singaporeans enjoy fair treatment in hiring decisions, and full information about opportunities available, we will implement the Fair Consideration Framework, and roll out the Jobs Bank in 2014. All young Singaporeans will have opportunities to maximise their potential, regardless of their family circumstances or background. "We will give every child a strong start through quality and affordable pre-school education. In schools, pupils will be exposed to physical, art and music education from young. Education will be holistic, emphasising not just academics but also values and character, to prepare them for the real test of life. We want to give every child the compass and skills to navigate tomorrow’s challenges, and progress along different paths to succeed in many different ways," the statement concluded. With regard to continuing education and training, and giving more structured career guidance and counselling, some PMETs have expressed little confidence in the ability of government agencies to do much. One TRE reader said ('How I wasted 1.5 hrs & $10 visiting WDA last week'): Anyway, I have an appointment with CDC this week, and will make the journey there even though I am convinced they are useless, just so that nobody can accuse me of not looking for a job, and also to register myself as an unemployed. Will tell them to get me a job (any job) that will pay me anything above a fresh grad’s starting pay. Another TRE reader wrote [Link]: I lost my job and went to seek my PAP MP for job assistance. 3 days later, I received a call from E2i asking for my particulars. A week later, North East CDC called to set up a appointment. I went down, expecting a job offer but was only brief by a “career coach”. I was told of a technician job, which he admitted that it was pull out from the classified ads! Sensing that I was annoyed, he told me about a call agent job, which I am interested. I was encouraged to sign up for a resume writing course, free of charge. 3 days later, I was told that they have sent my resume for the call agent job. The next day e2i called and I went down to E2i’s Devan Nair institue center. A 20 seater coach, driven by a PRC awaits just me, alone! 15 Miniutes later, I met up with the another “career coach” with another resume letter again. The fishy part is, he seems too helpful with his insistence to sent me to 2 days of resume writing course. I declined and that’s the last I heard of him! I went for a few job fairs by NECDC and SWCDC and apply for jobs which I have some previous experience. I receive no reply and I feel that I might have just been conned in assisting them with their “Jobs applicants statistic” claims from taxpayer money. The most telling part was, after the “interviewer” has taken name and contact from a job applicant, the job fair organizer makes sure you do not take your job form home! Maybe I am 52, so not even a courtesy call from them, an organisation under PAP. Ironically, there were over 100 local job applicants for the call agent vacancy at NTUC center, which the pinoys would have easily get it even on a tourist pass. PM lee, stop deceiving Singaporeans with another one of PAP’s lies. Are you sure you have created 21,400 jobs? The party, under your leadership, is not for the good of common Singaporeans.You have let us Singaporeans down, for you rather help a stray from elsewhere than your own kind holding the pink IC. Your party do not deserve any more sympathy from us. What do you think?  Read More →

Dear Roy, Lose the Battle, but Win the War. We still need you Roy. As with challenges against the powers that be in the past, we have lost in court. And this time, chances are slim that the tables will turn, even with a the maverick M Ravi by your side. I'm honestly not an economist, nor am I good with numbers, so I don't know if you were right or wrong. But I do know one thing.. I do know that you're genuine. I've seen you speak before on numerous occasions, and you're driven by passion, anger, and a inquenchable thirst for the truth. You don't earn a single cent organizing forums, talking at Hong Lim Park, researching and blogging, but you still do it for the greater good. To be honest, your oratory skills remind me of the late Lim Chin Siong. You see, we are all human. And we will make mistakes, and it takes true courage to admit what went wrong and how you're gonna move on from it. And we know that. They may call you a coward, but we know the truth. Do not fall prey to the PAP supporter's cry for you to go to Court to prove yourself. I believe they know they outcome all too well, and they would try to frame you as a coward if you don't go. And they would frame you as a liar and deceiver of the people if you lose your case, despite the many truths, thought-provoking facts, time and effort that you have shared with us. For a 60 year old man with a 2 million dollar paycheck to sue a young blogger who is half his age for defamation is something Uniquely Singapore. JBJ, Chee Soon Juan, Alex Au, and now you. Despite their promise to change after last GE, looks like in terms of repression of Political Threats, not much has change. If GE 2011 was the watershed GE, GE 2016 would be the waterfall. The Winds of Change are strong. More people are rising from their Political Slumber, and it is partly because of the bloggers like you Roy. As we head closer to GE 2016, we need more like you to step forth and open people's eyes. Winning them in the Court might be mission impossible, but voting them out is pretty much possible. That's what we need you for, Roy. I hope you would make a wise decision. And remember this, whatever happens people are looking. This incident is just one of many that brought the attention of more people towards politics. We will remember this incident and how it unfolds, the punishment meted out for the Vandalism, the Kaki Bukit Saga, etc. We will remember all these when we vote for the next GE. I hope you will remain stable and strong whatever happens. I'm sure this isn't the last we've seen of you Roy. This fight ain't over until we win!" Anonymous Supporter  Read More →

Lee Hsien Loong Huh? What was this I heard? About some prime minister somewhere suing a blogger? Wow! Is he some academic, or professor, or politician perhaps? No? A small potato? An unknown? A nobody then? So just how much of that much touted "credibility" does this blogger have that there is cause to believe people will take his words over that of a prime minister's? Or rather, a prime minister who is so lacking in confidence in himself and believe that people will actually trust some nobody's words more than his? Seriously? Even to the point of needing to commence legal action rather than just issue some facts and proof to quell any myths or misunderstandings in the making, if any? OMG!!! What is this sudden image that flashes across my mind? A sissy man running a country?!! Eek! Banish that thought quick! Just horrid, horrid, horrid if that is true! The future certainly wouldn't look right for any country with such a small person in charge. Like what Ravi Philemon said: If you think something is #‎false and baseless, then put forth what you consider to be truth and defend your position robustly. The Prime Minister shouldn't be threatening to sue ordinary citizens. In solidarity with Roy Ngerng Yi Ling. Leslie Chew  Read More →