Employer wants to appeal to MOM to extend her 60-year-old helper’s Work Permit

Domestic Helpers

Obbana Rajah

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October 31, 2023

Employer wants to appeal to MOM to extend her 60-year-old helper’s Work Permit

SINGAPORE: An employer who was very pleased with her helper took to social media asking if she could extend her helper’s Work Permit (WP) even though her maid was about to turn 60.

According to the Manpower Ministry (MOM), one can apply for a new Work Permit for a migrant domestic worker (MDW) who is

at least 23 years old and below the age of 50 if not a Malaysian
at least 23 years old and below the age of 58 if a Malaysian.

The MOM website also states that employers can renew their migrant domestic worker’s Work Permit only until she is aged 60.

In a post to a support group on social media for domestic helpers and employers alike, the woman wrote: “In December our lovely helper will turn 60 and will loose her work pass. Because of her excellent performance we are working on an appeal letter to MOM. Anyone has successful experience with renewing a WP as a 60+ MDW?”

Other helpers who experienced the same issue commented on the post. One said: “Yes! I am 60 yrs. Old as well, we recieved a letter from MOM, they told my employers that get ready to send me back home, cause I already reach the age limit as a Domestic helper here in Singapore, my employers wrote an appeal letter, that they still need me, and work with them for 12 yrs. And thanks God my.work permit renewed for another 2 yrs. but need to go for medical check up, like ECG, Xray, blood test, as long as your physically fit to work without any health issues”.

Another helper also commented: “I have a Filipino friend who’s still working here with same employer at the age of 67 employed to a local chinese family for about 35 yrs or longer… she’s indeed an inspiration to many… despite having struggles and hardships.. i salute her endurance, patience, love and dedication to her job!”

Earlier this year, a foreign domestic helper took to social media asking for advice after her employer wanted her to work for an additional two months after the expiry of her Work Permit (WP) and contract. In an anonymous post to a support group on social media for domestic helpers and employers alike, the maid explained that she signed a contract with her employer on Nov 14, 2021. Her Work Permit (WP) was approved on Nov 27, 2021. However, because her employer went on holiday for the entirety of December 2021, she only officially started work in January 2022. Because of this, “now my boss wants me to work with them until January 2024 without renewing my work permit”, the helper wrote.

New minimally invasive bunion removal surgery can lead to faster recovery and smaller scars

Singapore News

Jewel Stolarchuk

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October 31, 2023

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New minimally invasive bunion removal surgery can lead to faster recovery and smaller scars

SINGAPORE: In the past, bunion sufferers often faced traditional, open surgery as the primary means of correcting the painful foot deformity. However, recent advancements in medical technology have brought forth a less invasive alternative that offers shorter operation times, faster recovery, and significantly smaller scars.

A handful of hospitals have said that they had performed more than 60 similar surgeries in the past six months. However, doctors can only introduce the system through a special process, as the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is still evaluating the components used in the surgery.

One of the patients who have undergone the new surgery is a 44-year-old former flight attendant who developed bunions due to the long hours she had to stand while on the job. She had the traditional surgery on her left foot last year and ended up with a 5cm scar.

This year, she chose to undergo a new procedure for her right foot and only sustained a minor scar spanning just a few millimetres. The recovery time after the surgery on her left foot took one to two months, while she recovered after the second surgery on her right foot in just a few days.

The ex-flight attendant told Channel 8 news that although minimally invasive surgery is more expensive, the short recovery time and smaller scars make it worth it.

She said: “Open surgery required a lot of assistance, and I had to have help showering and going to the toilet and eating. After the minimally invasive surgery, I was able to walk again on the third day of hospitalization.”

Apart from the obvious cosmetic benefits, this innovative procedure offers advantages in terms of recovery and the risk of infection. The smaller incision leads to quicker drying of the wound and reduces the likelihood of bacterial infections.

However, the availability of this surgery in Singapore is currently limited as the HSA continues its evaluation.

The procedure consists of two primary components: the implant and the instrument, with HSA confirming that it is currently reviewing the implant. Meanwhile, the company responsible for the procedure is expected to submit an application for device registration.

While awaiting this process, doctors can introduce the system through a special procedure, provided they exercise their professional judgment and obtain informed consent from patients before using unregistered medical devices.

Currently, minimally invasive bunion surgery is only offered at two public hospitals in Singapore: the Singapore General Hospital and the National University Hospital.

Physiotherapists suggest that one to two patients suffering from painful bunions visit them each month, with middle-aged women being the majority of cases. Typically, it takes around two months and regular weekly follow-up visits for patients’ conditions to improve. However, in cases of severe joint damage or displacement, surgery may be necessary.

Physical therapists also recommend non-surgical interventions, such as wearing appropriate shoes and using insoles to alleviate foot discomfort and improve the condition. These less invasive options are particularly important in addressing bunions before they reach a stage requiring surgery.

Is having kids out of wedlock okay in Singapore?

Mary Alavanza

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October 31, 2023

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Is having kids out of wedlock okay in Singapore?

SINGAPORE: A woman posted her concerns about having kids without marriage on social media. She asked, “Would it be unwise to have kids without getting married?” She explained that her partner firmly believed that marriage only benefited women, especially in Singapore, and was against tying the knot. Despite this, both of them wanted children. She admitted that she hadn’t given marriage much thought until considering the prospect of having kids.

This sparked several questions for her: Besides the father not being able to take paternity leave and family care leave, what other downsides were there to being an unmarried mom? Did Singaporean men generally share her partner’s sentiments of avoiding marriage, even when children were in the picture? She shared that the risks of parenthood were beginning to dawn on her, especially considering how tiring it could be. She wondered if being unmarried would limit her partner’s ability to care for the kids.

She also mentioned that her partner had unusual and somewhat cynical views on relationships and marriage. Her family situation was complicated, as she had been disowned for her interracial relationship, which was also why she was living with her partner.

One Reditor, lesspylons, pointed out that having kids out of wedlock could put your family at a financial disadvantage due to the loss of housing benefits, subsidies, and inheritance rights. They compared the situation in Singapore to Nordic states, where people tend to get married eventually, even if they initially have kids before marriage.

Another user, Duepomegranate, mentioned that in many other countries, couples don’t need to get married immediately. After living together or having a kid together for some time, they’re treated as common-law married, which gives them almost all the rights and responsibilities of marriage. However, Singapore doesn’t have common-law marriage provisions.

On the other hand, Redditor Ramikade shared a story of a friend who opted for marriage but eventually got the downside. She shared that her friend dated a guy for a decade, married him, and separated in just eight months because he cheated almost immediately.

According to Gloria James-Civetta & Co, in Singapore, the Ministry of Social and Family Development encourages families to have children within marriages by offering benefits like the Baby Bonus cash gift, housing support, and tax breaks.

But what if you’re not married?

Law about having kids without marriage

Under the common law rule of legitimate status, a child’s relationship with their parents is considered legitimate only if they are born within a valid marriage. However, Singaporean law has evolved to address the rights of illegitimate children, though some differences still exist.

Unmarried parents can seek financial help from each other, and the law doesn’t distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate children when it comes to guardianship and custody. Children of unmarried parents born after September 2016 are also eligible for government support through the Child Development Account (CDA).

However, some legal distinctions remain. For example, intestate succession laws exclude illegitimate children from inheriting their parents’ estate unless specified in a valid will. The Registration of Births and Deaths Act specifies that the child’s surname shall be that of the mother if the father is not an informant of the birth. The child’s citizenship can also be affected if their relationship with one parent is not considered legitimate.

Housing benefits can be challenging for unmarried parents, and tax reliefs may not be as generous as those provided to married mothers.

To legitimize the relationship with their child, unmarried parents in Singapore have two options. They can either get married, which involves specific legal requirements, or they can adopt their own biological child, removing the label of illegitimacy.

So, would it be unwise to have kids without getting married? Having kids without marriage remains a subjective question with varying opinions, legal considerations, and personal circumstances. /TISG

Financial Support to Parents in SG: A Tradition or Obligation?

Lifestyle

Mary Alavanza

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October 31, 2023

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SINGAPORE: A man took to social media to share a common predicament about giving money to parents in SG. This raises questions about the dynamics of financial responsibility within families, igniting a discussion that has prompted a wave of responses, revealing diverse opinions.

The man promised to give 5% of his income to each of his parents. He asked for a one-month delay before starting these payments and explained that he wanted to enjoy his first month’s income and promised to create a fixed schedule for future contributions. However, this request led to an emotional reaction from his mother, who felt disappointed by the delay, telling him she was disappointed while crying.

He also shared his mother earns three times more than him, while his father’s income surpasses his own by a staggering twelve-fold. He said: “I know this is a form of gratitude for them to raise me up, that’s why I won’t say I won’t give any money, I still will, but honestly I feel that they should also consider my feelings too,” and asked, “And am I really in the wrong to just ask for an extra month delay?”

Redditor Nickie12345678 expressed a firm stance, saying, “I give 10%. If my mum behaves this way, i give nothing.”

Logical_Research5630, on the other hand, described the man’s situation as “typical gaslighting from parents” and said it is “very common among adults in SG.” He added having a job and an income shows progress in life and should be appreciated.

“Conversely, commanche_00 expressed relief that her parents do not exhibit the same behaviour. She also empathised with the Redditor, reminding him to be thankful that his parents are still well off.

According to Zula, financial responsibility within families has been discussed in Singapore. A poll by Answers.sg revealed that 32% of the respondents do not provide their parents with a monthly allowance. In contrast, 6% offer less than $250, while 13% allocate less than $500 to support their parents. Additionally, 14% contribute below $750, and 9% provide less than $1,000. Only 4% of respondents allocate less than $2,000 to their parents.

The reasons for not providing a monthly allowance vary. Some parents decline the financial support, believing that younger couples may need the money more. Some are willing to accept assistance only when facing financial challenges. On the other hand, other parents expect to receive a monthly allowance, considering it a way for their children to show respect and contribute to family expenses.

In Singapore and many other parts of the world, these conversations are common. As the cost of living rises, younger generations may find it challenging to balance personal financial goals with the desire to support their parents financially. The amount allocated as a monthly allowance may vary depending on each person’s circumstances and agreement with their parents.

Whether seen as an act of filial piety or contributing to household expenses, financial support for parents remains a common practice in Singapore.

/TISG

Couple struggles to pay S$12K loan after lavish wedding forced by parents

Singapore Content Creator Shares OKAY Method to Boost Mental Well-Being

Lifestyle

Beatrice Del Rosario

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October 31, 2023

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Singapore Content Creator Shares OKAY Method to Boost Mental Well-Being

SINGAPORE: In the wake of a recent survey that showed how big a problem mental health is in the opinion of Singaporeans, one Singaporean content creator shared a practice that can help them improve their mental wellness.

The content creator, who goes by the name Uncle Chan, has shared a method to help Singaporeans improve their mental well-being. “Improve your mental well-being by using the OKAY technique,” he says in a video, before breaking down what each letter stands for.

“O: Observe your emotions,” he starts. “Pause and reflect upon how you’re feeling and what causes you to feel the way you do.” Second, is “K: Keep a healthy lifestyle. Get adequate sleep, have a balanced diet, and exercise regularly.” Third, “A: Adopt coping skills. Engage in activities to clear your mind and learn how to reframe your thoughts. Last but not least is “Y: You can reach out. Create a support system and stay connected. You can be the one receiving the support or providing it.”

@the_uncle_chan

4 steps to improve your mental well-being #learnontiktok #mentalhealthawareness

♬ original sound – uncle chan – uncle chan

According to the global market research and public opinion specialist firm Ipsos, Singaporeans now see mental health as the “biggest health problem”.

Ipsos found in a survey almost half the Singaporeans identified mental health as the number one health issue in the country. Cancer took the number two spot, while stress took third place. While 46% of Singaporeans put mental health at the top, 38% assigned cancer the second spot, and 35% voted stress at third.

Quite interestingly, mental health took the top spot from the COVID-19 virus, which reigned supreme in the 2021 survey. Covid-19 is now in fifth place.

The survey also showed that though 78% of Singaporeans believe that mental health is as important as physical health, only 54% believe that within the Singaporean healthcare system, both are given equal treatment. However, that’s an 11 per cent increase from the number of people who believed both were given equal treatment in 2021.

Fifty-five per cent of Singaporeans also said that at least once this year, they had experienced stress to the point where it affected how they went about their daily lives.

In a statement, Ipsos Director of Public Affairs in Singapore Melanie Ng, said, “Quite a considerable population of Singaporeans admit to seldom or never focusing on their mental wellbeing, a tendency that may be attributed to the high-stress, relentless rhythm or life in Singapore. Nonetheless, it is indisputable that employers, governmental bodies, and communities must heighten their commitment towards enhancing preventative mental health care.”

/TISG

Rediscover Joy: Why It’s Crucial to Enjoy Yourself and Top 5 Ways to Take a Mental Pause

Smart Spending Tips for Singaporeans Battling Inflation

Personal Finance

Mary Alavanza

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October 31, 2023

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Smart Spending Tips for Singaporeans Battling Inflation

SINGAPORE: Although official data says that Singapore’s core inflation dropped to 3.0%, Singaporeans are still looking for spending hacks to cope with inflation. One man shared on social media how he prefers the Value Dollar Store for snacks, drinks, and house cleaning stuff. He also emphasised that he buys from Toa Payoh because the one at Orchard is more expensive. Furthermore, he shared that he goes to Venus Beauty for his toiletries and turns to FairPrice for discounted fruits, primarily apples and oranges.

Other Singaporeans chimed in and shared their “spending hacks” too. xKeenShibe shared she brings her own water bottle, so she doesn’t need to buy drinks outside. Another agreed and said, “I’ve stopped ordering drinks in restaurants!” Juanskinfreak shared that he waits for Cold Storage chicken to be 50% at 9 p.m. when she feels like eating roast chicken. Others found the tip helpful and said they would try to do the same. Adding one more tip, he shared: “Don’t go on Friday-Sunday. It’s always more “leftover” for sale on weekdays!” Another added that Donki provides 25% off their food after 8 p.m. While saoupla added, “Not having kids will help a lot.”

According to DBS, in June 2022, Singapore had the highest figures since the Global Financial Crisis, with the consumer price index (CPI) and core inflation rate reaching 6.7% and 4.4%, respectively.

Although it was reported on Oct 23 that there’s a drop in Singapore’s core inflation, making it the lowest in 16 months, many Singaporeans are still looking for ways to curb their spending.

Spending hacks to cope with inflation

To counteract the impact of inflation, DBS recommend the following strategies:

Reduce unnecessary expenses:

With expenses, especially discretionary spending, on the rise, it’s essential to review and adjust your budget periodically. This entails identifying non-essential expenses and finding ways to reduce them without compromising your quality of life. Examples include cancelling unused subscriptions and optimizing transportation costs.
Shop smart:

Shoppers can adopt various strategies to cut costs, such as buying house brand products, purchasing items in bulk during significant discounts, and shopping near closing time to take advantage of end-of-day discounts. Consider exploring pre-loved items through platforms like Carousell and use credit/debit cards that offer cashback benefits.
Inflation-proof your savings:

Savings in a traditional account may lose value due to inflation. Consider moving surplus savings into higher-interest accounts or low-risk investment options, such as Singapore Savings Bonds or money market funds.
Start investing:

Investment options, like regular savings plans (RSPs) or robo-advisory platforms, can help your money grow over time, potentially outpacing inflation. RSPs use dollar-cost averaging (DCA) to invest steadily over time, and robo-advisors combine human expertise with algorithms for optimal portfolio management.
Increase your income:

Exploring additional income sources, such as tutoring, ridesharing, selling unused items, or monetizing hobbies, can help ease financial pressures caused by inflation.

While inflation in Singapore still poses challenges to consumers, adopting a combination of prudent financial habits and seeking new sources of income can help Singaporeans mitigate its impact on their financial well-being. These strategies offer practical steps for Singaporeans to navigate the current economic landscape effectively.

/TISG

20 Practical Tips for Saving Money in Singapore Amidst Rising Living Costs

Man’s GF says she’d chase after his friend if he were single because he earns 5X more

Relationships

Obbana Rajah

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October 31, 2023

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Man’s GF says she’d chase after his friend if he were single because he earns 5X more

SINGAPORE: A man with low self-esteem took to social media, talking about his friend who earned five times more than he did.

In an anonymous post to popular confessions page SGWhispers, the man wrote that his friend “has a house, a car, a job that pays 5x of my income”. “He’s not that kind that buys everything on loan, asset rich cash poor. Ive seen his bank account and he is rich rich. We hang out quite often and doesn’t show off his wealth in a snobbish manner”, the man wrote. However, the man added that he could not help but feel useless and inferior to his friend. “Everyone tell me to be content, aka to be satisfied with being mediocre, rather than encouraging me to be exceptional. Even my gf and some of her friends told me that they’ll chase my friend if he was single. He’s the ‘prime’ candidate and I’m what’s left. Recently my friend bought a 6 figure watch to treat himself. He was so excited about it. I can’t help but feel like a lesser human again”. The man added that he could barely afford his Built-To-Order flat downpayment while his friend was “wearing half my house on his wrist”.

Netizens told him that the first step he should take is to reconsider his girlfriend. One said: “I personally have group of close friends who very much earn way more than I do. I am probably be the lowest earner among the group of it. But instead of being jealous of them I choose to be happy for them. Because everyone is fighting against different demons in their life. No one can ever be the same. Some just choose to keep to themselve. You would not know the effort they might have to put in to reach where they are. I’m just feeling blessed to have such people around me. As for your gf… You might wanna re-evaluate if she’s the right one for you. There are still girls out there who can eat porridge with you when times are bad. But we cannot tahan 1 who sulks but not making an effort to be better”.

Another person commented: “Rather than feeling inferior, ask yourself whether you would put in as much effort as your friend in making that much money. If you are only chasing dreams without the effort, then just be contented with what you have now. Also, your gf is being very insensitive and disrespectful in saying she would chase your friend if he was single. If she was joking, ok, fine. If she was being serious, ask yourself whether you want to be with a materialistic woman for the rest of your life”.

How do you decide when to end a relationship?

PM Lee calls on S’poreans to uphold the spirit of Lee Kuan Yew and our founding fathers

Jewel Stolarchuk

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October 31, 2023

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PM Lee calls on S’poreans to uphold the spirit of Lee Kuan Yew and our founding fathers

SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong called on Singaporeans to continue to uphold the spirit, values and enthusiasm embodied by his father, the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, and Singapore’s founding fathers so that Singapore can continue to move forward and build a better future for future generations.

He made this appeal at the premiere of the Greening of Singapore mini-documentary – one of the events organized to commemorate Lee Kuan Yew’s 100th birthday. The ten-minute short film showcases Mr Lee’s vision and foresight in transforming Singapore into a Garden City.

In his speech after the film was screened, the Prime Minister thanked his father for his vision and the founding fathers for their efforts to ensure that Singaporeans can enjoy urban life surrounded by nature.

He added that it was the ambition of Singapore’s founding fathers, their courage to make difficult choices, their foresight to plan ahead, and their determination to realize these plans that enabled Singapore to develop from a Third World country to a First World nation.

Wearing a white shirt featuring his People’s Action Party (PAP) logo, the PM also cited the tree-planting campaign launched by his father in 1963 as an example of this forward-thinking approach, saying that the campaign not only greened the environment and made Singapore beautiful, but also instilled green awareness among the people of Singapore.

He added that the environment in towns like his ward Ang Mo Kio, and neighbouring constituencies Kebun Bahru and Yio Chu Kang has been continuously improved, with a more accessible transportation network, new parks and leisure facilities allowing residents to maintain an active and healthy life.

The PM also attended a tree-planting event held by the Ang Mo Kio Town Council following the short film showcase. A total of 1,000 saplings were planted during the event.

PM Lee says overwhelming majority of votes for Tharman showed that “race is a smaller factor now”

Man says that despite him earning 3 times more, his wife is ashamed because he’s not a degree holder

Relationships

Obbana Rajah

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October 31, 2023

0

Man says that despite him earning 3 times more, his wife is ashamed because he’s not a degree holder

SINGAPORE: A man took to social media asking netizens for advice on the state of his marriage after his wife said that she was ashamed of him.

In an anonymous post to popular confessions page NUSWhispers, the man wrote that he was married to a woman with a Master’s degree. They had been married for four years and had a child, but his wife told him she was ashamed of him. The woman complained that her husband was not a degree holder and could not play musical instruments.

“The fact that I make close to 3 times more than her didn’t help. We haven’t had any forms of intimacy for months and I have noticed that she is very particular about her appearance and also she has been coming home late at times. At these signs of her having an affair now?” he asked in his post.

Netizens who commented on the man’s post said that it seemed rather obvious that his wife was having an affair.

One said: “I suggest you start playing your cards right. Protect yourself, your assets, most importantly, your child. Find a lawyer asap and maybe a P.I. Don’t sign any big money contracts for the time being especially properties. Once you have your defense up, then you try to save your marriage. If you approach the situation properly, you’ll save a lot of time, money and pain”.

Another netizen commented: “Calculate your losses, prepare for exit plan if needed. Gather enough evidences to safe guard yourself if things goes south. At the same time try to work things out. Best to save the marriage but if you cant save the sinking ship, save yourself first”.

Earlier this year, one wife who found out that her husband was cheating on her still pretended to be completely fine with it on social media. In an anonymous post to popular confessions page SGWhispers, a friend of the wife took to social media to post about how they were confused by the wife’s “half-actions”.

“Throughout the years, my friend (the wife) has periodically found bits and pieces of his external rs – always the same girl over the years. Typically, she would scream, throw things, slap him etc, only to calm down, Cold War for a few days and settle into nothing”, the netizen wrote.

They added that the wife’s Instagram page would still be filled with adoring posts about her husband and how happy their family is.

The netizen added that they were very curious about the wife’s denial and that if they were in that position, they would have found out more information and confronted the husband. “I don’t understand why the actions are so “halfway” – she checks his devices, but doesn’t implore further when she finds it suspicious; she kicks up a huge fuss, only to just simmer down into nothing”, the netizen wrote. They added that the wife was financially independent and not ugly looking either, and wanted to know what she was thinking.

/TISG

How do you decide when to end a relationship?

Singapore and Malaysia Resume Leaders’ Retreat After Three-Year Break

Singapore News

Jewel Stolarchuk

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October 31, 2023

0

Singapore and Malaysia Resume Leaders’ Retreat After Three-Year Break

SINGAPORE: The Malaysian Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, made an official visit to Singapore from Oct 29 to 30 at the invitation of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The visit marked the resumption of the Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat, a significant platform for bilateral discussions and cooperation, following a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 10th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat took place between Oct 29 and 30. It provided both leaders with an opportunity to not only address existing bilateral issues but also explore new avenues for cooperation between the two neighbouring nations. It was the first Leaders’ Retreat held since 2019, with the 9th Leaders’ Retreat taking place in Putrajaya, Malaysia, in April 2019.

In a statement issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the retreat was described as an important occasion for both countries to evaluate and strengthen their growing cooperation.

On the second day of the retreat, Prime Minister Anwar had a series of significant meetings. He first called on newly elected President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and met with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Subsequently, the Prime Ministers and their respective delegations engaged in bilateral discussions, culminating in the signing of key bilateral agreements in various areas of cooperation.

Prime Minister Anwar was accompanied by a high-level delegation from Malaysia, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Minister of Transport Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Minister of Home Affairs Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Ewon Benedick, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Chief Minister of Johor Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, and Attorney General Datuk Terrirudin Mohd Salleh.

The Singaporean delegation, led by Prime Minister Lee, included Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister & Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Home Affairs and Law K Shanmugam, Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for National Development Desmond Lee, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Education and Foreign Affairs Dr Maliki Osman, Acting Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and Environment and, for Manpower Dr Koh Poh Koon, and Attorney-General Lucien Wong.

PM Lee said on Facebook: “It was a fruitful meeting. Our ministers agreed to update the Malaysia-Singapore Business Development Fund and signed an MOU to deepen collaboration between SMEs of both countries. We also took the opportunity to discuss various bilateral issues.

“With our shared history, similar cultures, as well as being each other’s second largest trading partners, Singapore and Malaysia have a unique relationship – a partnership that I hope will endure for many years to come.”

Expressing similar sentiments, PM Anwar said: “This retreat succeeded in achieving important progress in the effort to unravel some outstanding issues between the two countries, including an understanding for the two countries to examine the issue of airspace control in southern Malaysia. This is an extraordinary achievement in Malaysia-Singapore bilateral relations.

“Regarding the issue of the water supply agreement with Singapore, I emphasize that the negotiations between the two countries need to be seen more broadly and not focused on the sale price of water alone, but also Singapore’s role in increasing the water production capacity of the Johor River together with the state government.

“I also expressed Malaysia’s commitment to supply renewable energy through exports from Sarawak, which helps Singapore and benefits Malaysia.”

He added, “Overall, this retreat proves that Malaysia and Singapore are capable of resolving any dispute in the spirit of friendship, reaching a win-win solution.”

PM Lee says overwhelming majority of votes for Tharman showed that “race is a smaller factor now”

Employer wants to appeal to MOM to extend her 60-year-old helper’s Work Permit

New minimally invasive bunion removal surgery can lead to faster recovery and smaller scars

Is having kids out of wedlock okay in Singapore?

Law about having kids without marriage

Financial Support to Parents in SG: A Tradition or Obligation?

Singapore Content Creator Shares OKAY Method to Boost Mental Well-Being

Smart Spending Tips for Singaporeans Battling Inflation

Spending hacks to cope with inflation

Reduce unnecessary expenses:

Shop smart:

Inflation-proof your savings:

Start investing:

Increase your income:

Man’s GF says she’d chase after his friend if he were single because he earns 5X more

PM Lee calls on S’poreans to uphold the spirit of Lee Kuan Yew and our founding fathers

Man says that despite him earning 3 times more, his wife is ashamed because he’s not a degree holder

Singapore and Malaysia Resume Leaders’ Retreat After Three-Year Break

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