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“I’m starting to draw the line now” – Man grows tired of financially supporting his single parent

Yoko Nicole
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“I’m starting to draw the line now” – Man grows tired of financially supporting his single parent

SINGAPORE: A man recently confessed on social media that he has grown tired of financially supporting his single parent.

Posting anonymously on the NUSWhispers Facebook page, he revealed that, that apart from providing a generous allowance, he also covers all household expenses, such as groceries, meals, and outings. Additionally, he takes care of about 70% of the household chores.

“For context, I’m an only child in my late 20s, have been very financially independent since I was 18; pretty much settled my college fees myself and have been financially providing for my single parent since I graduated,” he wrote.

“At the risk of sounding unfilial, I’m starting to recognise I’ve grown resentful of our situation.”

He also expressed that his parent never considered him or gifted him a birthday present, nor did they ever cover expenses during their outings. Each outing typically cost around $150, and shopping expenses ranged from $200-$300, all of which he solely paid for.

“I usually give $1000+ for CNY & extra money for house decorations and this year, they got extremely upset when I ended up cutting back.”

Although he acknowledged that his parent raised him in his younger years, he couldn’t help but feel quite upset about the state of his finances right now. He said:

“Even though I’m still giving them an allowance, I’m starting to draw the line now and asking for them to go dutch / pay for their own purchases and they’ve expressed a lot of anger and frustration at this.

“I don’t know what are healthy boundaries to set, neither do I know how to explain to them that I feel resentment. It would be great to get some advice from everyone.”

“You are not wrong at all. You are a good child.”

In the comments section, some netizens supported the man’s decision to cut back on his financial contributions, saying that they understood how tough it is to support a parent financially while also trying to keep your own finances in check.

They also advised him to prioritize his own financial stability and set clear boundaries with his parent.

One netizen offered practical advice, proposing that he discuss household expenses with his parent to find a mutually agreeable solution that would allow him to save more effectively. He added, “I’m sure any parents will be willing to compromise for their child.”

Another added, “You are not wrong at all. You are a good child. Some parents here do understand how you feel. Living costs are high, if your parents are still strong and working, give less and don’t feel guilty. It is ok.”

On the other hand, others criticized him for expecting repayment and for not showing enough appreciation towards his parent.

One netizen commented, “Once kids are independent, they will start blaming their parents for being a burden….The fact that you are waiting for them to pay you back shows that you treat them more like a friend than your own parent.”

Another chimed in and said, “Do not let money guide your life, let your genuine love and concern be the center of you as they are the only ones left in your life.

Remember your children will also learn how you treat your parents. If you want to calculate like most Singaporeans, then get ready to sour and end.”

Read also: Parents who expect financial support from children earn criticism online

Featured image by Depositphotos

Expert warns that Singapore’s growing digital device reliance raises “living room” cybersecurity risks

Mary Alavanza
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Expert warns that Singapore’s growing digital device reliance raises “living room” cybersecurity risks

SINGAPORE: As Singaporeans increasingly rely on digital devices, cybersecurity has evolved from a technical concern to a “living room” issue affecting everyday life. In an interview with The Independent Singapore, Vishak Raman, Fortinet’s Vice President for Southeast Asia, ANZ, and SAARC, with over 20 years in the cybersecurity industry, explains this shift and offers practical advice on avoiding common scams.

The rise of digital device usage and scams targeting online shoppers has brought cybersecurity concerns into the homes of Singaporeans. Incidents like the recent Taylor Swift concert ticket scams illustrate how cybercriminals exploit popular events. According to Mr Raman, this only means that “cybersecurity is no longer confined to IT departments and tech-savvy individuals; it has become a concern for everyone.”

Smart devices, increasingly used globally to enhance people’s daily lives, also collect and transmit personal data, which can be intercepted or misused by hackers. This data ranges from health information on wearables to personal habits recorded by smart home assistants. Weak authentication mechanisms, outdated software, unchanged default passwords, and insufficient security controls can lead to unauthorised access, breaches of privacy, and even spying on households.

To mitigate these risks, Mr Raman advises Singaporean households to adopt several key practices:

  • Use strong, unique passwords for all devices.
  • Enable two-factor authentication.
  • Regularly update device firmware.
  • Implement a separate network for smart devices.
  • Educate household members about potential cyber threats and cybersecurity best practices.

Mr Raman also pointed out common scams that can be encountered at home and shared tips on how to avoid falling victim to them:

Five common “living room” scams and how to avoid them

1. Phishing Scams

Cybercriminals send emails or messages that appear to be from reputable sources, tricking recipients into providing personal information or clicking on malicious links. To avoid this kind of scam, always verify the authenticity of emails and messages before clicking on any links or providing personal information.

2. Tech Support Scams

Scammers sometimes pose as tech support from well-known companies, claiming issues like viruses or blocked accounts. With this, they gain remote access to steal information or install malware. Mr Raman advised never granting remote access to unsolicited callers and verifying the company’s legitimacy through official contact channels.

3. Grandparent Scams

Using AI and deepfake techniques, some scammers pretend to be a grandchild or loved one in distress, needing money for an emergency. To avoid falling victim to this scam, make sure to verify the caller’s identity by asking questions only the real grandchild would know or call them back on a known number.

4. Romance Scams

These involve scammers creating fake profiles to establish romantic relationships, then request money for emergencies or travel. Mr Raman emphasised never sending money to someone you haven’t met in person and being cautious of fast-moving online relationships.

5. Charity Scams

Scammers solicit donations to fake charities, especially after disasters or during holidays. To avoid this scam, verify the charity’s legitimacy through official websites or trusted charity evaluation services before donating.

According to Mr Raman, cybercriminal motivations have shifted towards financial gain through tactics like ransomware and data theft. They target personal and corporate information, selling it for identity theft or financial fraud. Some hackers also pursue political goals, disrupting operations or spreading misinformation.

“Corporate espionage is also a growing motivation, with hackers seeking to steal trade secrets or proprietary information to gain a competitive edge,” he added.

Mr Raman reminded that cybersecurity awareness and safe practices are no longer optional. He noted, “Being cyber-aware is as crucial as any other basic life skill.” /TISG

Read also: Rental scams involving fake property agents; S$1.8M losses in 2023

Featured image by Depositphotos

Man laments his loss after 8 carp worth S$5K jumped out of his pond due to pollution from his neighbour’s renovations

Anna Maria Romero
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Man laments his loss after 8 carp worth S$5K jumped out of his pond due to pollution from his neighbour’s renovations

SINGAPORE: A man lost several of his valuable carp after they jumped out of a pond on his Eunos property. The pond had reportedly been polluted by the gravel and cement from renovations nearby.

The man, a 60-year-old Lim Ah Boy, lives along Jalan Kechot in Eunos. In total, he has lost eight of his carp. The first carp died in February, followed by four more in March. The others died as well in the following months.

He had paid between S$5,000 and S$6,000 for the fish, according to a report in Shin Min Daily News.

“I’ll stop rearing carp for now, until my neighbour has completed his renovation. It breaks my heart to see my fishes die,” Mr Lim is quoted as saying in AsiaOne.

One of his neighbours is currently renovating his home, and the work has been ongoing for over a year.

But the renovations have left his property unprotected, which has meant gravel chips, some of which are two inches long, have landed in his premises, including the pond.

He added that this could be dangerous as they might cause injuries—or worse—if they hit anyone, saying that his wife and helper regularly clear away the debris.

However, the dead carp are only part of the problems he has had to face due to his neighbour’s renovations. Because of the sharp objects that have fallen into his yard, his cars have had four flat tyres from February until last month.

Mr Lim told Shin Min Daily News that whenever he changes tyres, they get damaged quickly due to getting punctured, and he has to take his car to the workshop again. “Every time the construction started, a lot of debris would fly over,” he said.

Even worse, Mr Lim said that the construction has also affected his home since tremors from laying the foundation have allegedly caused cracks in his ceiling.

And when he told the contractor from the construction about it, “they denied it, so I had to pay for the repairs myself,” said Mr Lim.

The contractor has also spoken out.

Mr Su Rixing has been quoted in news reports as saying that they usually place dust-proof sheets but did not do so since they needed to remove the stone columns and dismantle the iron frame of the home under renovation.

Last month, they did install a fence around the pond where the carp were. He also had Mr Lim’s balcony cleaned for free. Mr Su said, “During construction, it is inevitable that some gravel or dust will fly over.” /TISG

Featured image: Depositphotos

Read also: Hougang man loses 50 prized goldfish worth $5000 after otters feast on them

Filipino remote worker asks Singaporeans for help after his Singapore employer ghosted him without paying his last salary

Yoko Nicole
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0
Filipino remote worker asks Singaporeans for help after his Singapore employer ghosted him without paying his last salary

SINGAPORE: A Filipino remote worker sought help online after his Singaporean employer ghosted him without paying his final salary.

“I’ve been working remotely in the Philippines for a Singapore company for 7 years. When I resigned, they did not pay my final salary. They are not replying to me anymore,” he wrote on r/askSingapore on Friday (Jul 5).

“I did work for 2 years in Singapore holding an Spass with the same employer.. then after 2 years, I transitioned to work from home,” he added.

He then asked the online community, “Can the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) help me with this problem? If not, is there any government agency in Singapore that can help me? Thanks!”

Replying promptly to his post, one netizen said that he cannot seek help from MOM because he is not covered under Singapore’s employment laws.  

Since he’s not classified as “manpower” in Singapore, his best bet would be to take legal action by suing his employer to sort out the unpaid final salary issue.

On the contrary, another netizen suggested that he could still reach out to MOM and email them about his situation. 

He mentioned that even if MOM isn’t the right place to handle his case, they might still give him helpful advice or direct him to the appropriate government agency specialising in resolving such employment disputes.

A third netizen commented, “You can try the Employment Claims Tribunal.”

When should you receive your final salary?

According to the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) guidelines, every employer or company must pay an employee’s final salary on their last day of work once the notice period has ended.

In cases where an employee does not serve their notice period and leaves immediately, the employer must pay the final salary within seven days of the employee’s last working day.

However, if an employer terminates the contract or dismisses an employee for misconduct, the rules differ slightly. In such cases, the employer must pay the final salary within three working days from the termination date. 

Those who haven’t received their salaries on time can file a complaint with the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) using their Singpass. 

The employee can take further action if the dispute remains unresolved after TADM’s mediation process. They can escalate the case to the Employment Claims Tribunals if they receive a claim referral certificate from an approved TADM mediator.

For domestic workers, seafarers, and public officers, there are specific channels.

Domestic workers can take their issues to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), seafarers can reach out to the Maritime Port Authority (MPA), and public officers should contact their government agency’s HR department for help.

Read also: “If I could, I would throw you out of my house because you are an embarrassment,” father berates daughter for poor A-level results

Featured image by Depositphotos

SG worker says his “elitist boss doesn’t give career progression and recognition if someone isn’t from NTU or NUS”

Yoko Nicole
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0
SG worker says his “elitist boss doesn’t give career progression and recognition if someone isn’t from NTU or NUS”

SINGAPORE: A Singaporean worker shared on social media that his boss is biased against employees who didn’t graduate from top universities, specifically Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and the National University of Singapore (NUS).

“I had a conversation with my boss on some work matters and it turns out, he is an elitist. Through the conversation we had, it is evident that he is an elitist,” he wrote on r/askSingapore.

He elaborated that his boss places a “strong emphasis on hiring graduates exclusively from NTU and NUS”, even though their organization reviews applicants from other universities as well.

For those who do manage to join without coming from these top schools, it’s still challenging because his boss doesn’t give them much of a chance to move up the ladder.

“To him, if you are not from NTU and NUS, you are a low value creation employee. My boss does not give career progression and recognition if you are not from NTU or NUS,” he added.

He then asked others online, “What if your boss is an elitist? I am curious about any redditors of your encounters and how do you deal with it?”

“Leave an organization like this.”

In the discussion thread, one user suggested that if it bothers him that much, he should consider quitting. He added, “For me as long as my pay comes on time and work is quite stress free I wouldn’t care about anything else.”

Another user advised him, “Leave an organization like this. Put a review on glassdoor stating his view. If the gov stat board, call him out to MOM. NUS or NTU doesn’t mean you are elitist.

A third user commented, “This also means if he hires staff from other uni have no intentions to promote them. Seems like a cheap excuse to cut cost, time to find a new job.”

Meanwhile, some users speculated that the employee might not have graduated from NTU or NUS himself, which is why he has brought it to light.

If such is the case, one user recommended, “Set clear kpi and goals with him. Use black and white to justify it.”

Read also: NUS Prof weighs in on whether married man should unwind with platonic female friend instead of wife

Featured image by Depositphotos

4 Singapore stocks that serve “delicious” returns

Mary Alavanza
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4 Singapore stocks that serve “delicious” returns

SINGAPORE: Singaporeans love food, and the food and beverage sector offers tasty investment opportunities.

According to The Smart Investor, these four food-related Singapore stocks will add flavour to your portfolio and serve delicious returns.

1. Jumbo Group

Jumbo Group is a familiar name in the local food scene, known for its brands like Jumbo Seafood and Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh, operating 46 outlets across 14 Asian cities.

For the first half of fiscal 2024 (1H FY2024) ending Mar 31, 2024, the group’s revenue rose 13% year-on-year (YoY) to S$97.1 million.

This boost was mainly due to higher business volumes in Singapore, spurred by a rebound in tourism and a S$0.3 million franchise fee from new outlets.

Gross profit climbed 13.3% to S$64.4 million, while net profit increased 11.9% to S$8.9 million. Although free cash flow was S$10.5 million, it was lower than the S$14.6 million from the previous year.

Notably, the group declared an interim dividend of S$0.005 compared to none declared the year before.

Despite challenges in China, the group continues to expand in Singapore, reopening Jumbo Seafood at The Riverwalk and launching a new Ng Ah Sio outlet at The Central.

2. Old Chang Kee

Old Chang Kee (OCK) is another beloved local brand known for its curry puffs and spring rolls sold through kiosks and retail outlets.

For fiscal 2024 (FY2024) ending March 31, 2024, OCK’s revenue grew 12.4% YoY to S$100.9 million, with gross profit up 17.1% to S$68.2 million. OCK’s net profit also surged 57.2% to S$9.7 million.

The company also has a strong balance sheet with S$44.1 million in cash and S$2.9 million in debt. The business generated S$25 million in free cash flow, up from S$21 million in FY2023.

The company’s total dividend for FY2024 was S$0.02 per share, giving a trailing yield of 2.7%.

Management aims to counter inflation by reducing costs and expanding outlets in strategic high-traffic locations.

3. Food Empire Holdings

Food Empire is known for its instant beverages and snack foods, with products sold in over 60 countries. The group reported a revenue of US$425.7 million for 2023, up 6.9% YoY.

Operating profit rose 34.6% to US$70.9 million, and core net profit increased 25.3% to US$56.5 million.

Food Empire declared a dividend of S$0.10, more than double the S$0.044 in 2022.

For the first quarter of 2024 (1Q 2024), revenue grew 14.5% YoY to US$117.5 million.

The company made strategic changes in Vietnam and launched new marketing strategies expected to sustain growth. The group also expanded its non-dairy creamer facility in Malaysia and is building a new snack factory.

In addition, Food Empire plans to invest US$30 million in a production facility in Kazakhstan, set to be operational by the end of 2025.

4. Fraser & Neave

Fraser & Neave (F&N) is a giant in the F&B industry, known for beverages like 100Plus and F&N sparkling drinks. For 1H FY2024, F&N’s revenue increased 2.5% YoY to S$1.1 billion, with net profit soaring 52.5% to S$83.8 million.

F&N declared an interim dividend of S$0.015.

The group secured a land lease for a new dairy manufacturing facility in Cambodia, set to be ready by early 2026. New product launches in 1H FY2024 included Fruit Tree Muscat Grape Juice and F&N Magnolia Cookies and Cream. /TISG

Read also: 4 SG stocks to keep your eyes on this July

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It should not be considered Financial or Legal Advice. Investors should conduct their due diligence before making major financial decisions

Featured image by Depositphotos

Letter to the Editor | When should politicians and even cabbies realise it’s time to call it quits

Letters to the Editor
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Letter to the Editor | When should politicians and even cabbies realise it’s time to call it quits

Dear Editor,

I read the irrelevant comparisons and comments regarding The Independent Singapore’s Opinion piece: Whether you’re Joe Biden, 81, or a cabby, 73, know when to call it a day (July 7).

The article highlighted a common issue — when should individuals choose to retire regardless of their profession? Of course, everyone hopes to retire as early as possible and live happily with their family.

As all know, for an individual to retire reasonably well in this society with the high cost of living, he/she must have enough savings to ensure his/her retirement life will not encounter any financial difficulties/hardship.

This clearly explains the importance of saving in life. However, someone’s ability to save is tied to his/her ability to earn. Any politician’s monthly income is way higher than any cabby. A politician’s savings is many times more than a cabby.

As for the influence or impact of a political figure, such as the president of a hegemonic country, any political decision he makes will affect his country and the world in many ways.

Anyway, if a top politician’s physical and mental health is deteriorating conditions, it will affect his ability to govern his country in the future. Hence, the best choice is for him to step down.

For example, in the latest television debate of the US election, Biden’s hoarse voice and confusing answers made some Democratic supporters increasingly worried about Biden’s physical condition because his performance in this debate was unstable.

As a result, some Democrats “panicked” and called for a candidate change.

Conversely, if an elderly cabby’s medical and mental health is declining, he will not pass his annual medical examination, and his vocational licence will not be allowed for renewal.

For those physically and mentally healthy elderly cabbies, the worst possible scenarios are slow but safe and orderly driving. In regard to cabbies’ sudden death scenarios/situations, such as heart attacks or neurological issues, are rare in Singapore.

Despite all this, they are keeping themselves physically and mentally occupied and making a decent living by supporting themselves in this high-cost-of-living cosmopolitan city.

Teo Kueh Liang

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of The Independent Singapore

Got a juicy story to share? Came across a gross injustice that needs to be heard? Want to have your opinion on current events made known? Email us your story with details and proof! Make your voice known! [email protected]

A third of Singaporeans say they lack enough savings to cover six months of living expenses: Study

Jewel Stolarchuk
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A third of Singaporeans say they lack enough savings to cover six months of living expenses: Study

SINGAPORE: A recent survey conducted by the Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA) at the Singapore Management University (SMU) has revealed a concerning financial trend among Singaporeans.

According to the study, one-third of the respondents believe they lack sufficient savings to cover at least six months’ worth of living expenses.

The survey, which engaged around 4,000 Singaporeans, was carried out over a period from May 2023 to February 2024.

The findings underscore the financial vulnerability faced by a significant portion of the population. The survey also highlighted differing perspectives on what constitutes essential household needs.

For instance, while all respondents unanimously agreed that refrigerators are a necessity, views on air conditioning varied significantly.

Among high-income respondents, 70% deemed air conditioning essential, compared to less than half of low-income respondents who cited high electricity costs as a deterrent.

Entertainment preferences also showed a clear divide. Over 80% of participants still regard television as a household necessity, especially in homes with elderly members, favouring it over paid streaming services.

Meanwhile, 56% of respondents emphasized the importance of annual vacations to Southeast Asian countries, citing benefits to their physical and mental health and the need to escape the confines of the small island nation.

Speaking at a seminar on family needs in Singapore, Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring citizens meet their daily needs.

He noted that people have different views on what needs are essential, especially options beyond just making ends meet and that it is not easy to come up with a clear list of necessities that everyone accepts.

Pointing to a recent Institute for Policy Studies (IPS) study that also explored public opinions on basic needs, the Minister pointed out that the survey indicated that over half of the respondents felt that costs related to social and leisure activities should be self-funded, while medical care and childcare expenses should be covered by the government.

However, when questioned about potential solutions such as raising taxes or reallocating existing resources, only 20% supported tax increases. There was, however, no consensus on how to reallocate government spending, Mr Zulkifli said.

/TISG

Samsui Woman: Leave the mural AND wall alone

Tan Bah Bah
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Samsui Woman: Leave the mural AND wall alone

The Urban Redevelopment Authority seemed eager to please as many people as it could in the so-called controversy over the Samsui Woman mural on 297 South Bridge Road.

In the end, I think it just wanted to ensure that its fellow agency, the Ministry of Health, was given some face.

All I can say is: The MOH’s laudable national anti-smoking campaign or policy cannot be so fragile that it can be affected by an innocuous piece of art.

If so, the MOH should rethink its strategy and perhaps even consider totally banning smoking; then, the whole issue of undermining becomes irrelevant.

CNA reported: “According to Sean Dunston (the artist), URA ordered the removal of the cigarette following feedback from a member of the public who found the mural ‘offensive’ and ‘disrespectful’ to samsui women.

URA later clarified that it had asked for the mural to be modified in view of Singapore’s anti-smoking stance, and not because of public feedback.

Dunston wrote in Instagram on Jun 19 that the complainant described the woman in his mural as looking ‘more like a prostitute than a hardworking samsui woman’.”

There were layers of issues and some convoluted and objectionable objections in the immediate and early reactions. She’s young and good-looking, so she’s a call girl.

First, the contempt for the poor women in the world’s oldest profession was undisguised and palpable. Such vehemence for the unfortunate women who had to sell their bodies for survival or perhaps to take care of their families!

Next, young and good-looking girls tend to be prostitutes. Where did that come from?

Then there was the assumption that most, if not all, hardworking samsui women must be ugly. Thus, can women not be both hardworking AND attractive?

Away from all this mala hotpot of clear and unclear biases and misguided attempts to fly the flag for something or the other, what is the big picture here?

The real issue arising from the Samsui Woman mural is the role of URA in ensuring that Singapore does not end up being an over-sanitised city with neither colour nor life, where everything is “guidelined” and micromanaged to death.

We are beginning to show some life, but not enough. I count at least 10 places in Singapore that host street murals of a certain standard.

They include those found in places like Bali Lane, Joo Chiat, Chinatown and Little India. Only the one in Little India, which depicts a smiling old man drinking tea, provokes reactions because there is life in that mural.

And I had to go all the way to one of the walls of the Australian International School in Lorong Chuan to find another spectacular mural – the ponderous face of an Australian of Aboriginal ancestry.

It is obvious the URA may want to do more. It was careful to explain, in a joint statement with MOH, “that the mural is not an advertisement for tobacco, which is against the law, and is largely perceived as an art piece…

We will therefore work with the building owner to find appropriate ways to mitigate any impact that the mural may have in promoting smoking, without modifying the mural itself.”

Take one more important step. Do nothing.

Singapore as a society needs to grow up, accept that life and people are not perfect and should push back very strongly on the idea that everything has to be controlled and regulated.

Let’s leave the Samsui Woman mural on 297 South Bridge Road well alone. Do not do anything, least of all, insert any kind of ugly and incongruous anti-smoking message anywhere on the wall, inside or outside the mural.

Tan Bah Bah is a former senior leader writer with The Straits Times. He was also managing editor of a magazine publishing company

Veteran diplomat Tommy Koh says NCMP scheme has been “helpful to the opposition parties”

Jewel Stolarchuk
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0
Veteran diplomat Tommy Koh says NCMP scheme has been “helpful to the opposition parties”

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s ambassador-at-large and eminent international law professor, Tommy Koh, has sparked discussion with his recent comments on the Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) scheme, stating it has been beneficial for opposition parties in the country.

The 86-year-old diplomat and international law professor made this observation as he spoke about writing the foreword to a book on the scheme, co-written by ex-NCMP Yee Jenn Jong and historian Loke Hoe Yeong.

Speaking about how he met Mr Loke, Prof Koh noted that the NCMP scheme was invented by Mauritius, not Singapore, and that 12 individuals have served as NCMPs so far in Singapore.

The NCMP scheme in Singapore was introduced in 1984 to ensure a minimum representation of opposition voices in Parliament. It allows up to 12 top-performing opposition candidates who did not win seats in general elections to be appointed as NCMPs.

As ten opposition politicians from the Workers’ Party were elected in the 2020 general election, Parliament now has two NCMPs in the House – both from the Progress Singapore Party.

Prof Koh wrote on Friday (12 July): “I thank the two editors for inviting me to contribute the foreword of the book. I observed that the scheme has been helpful to the opposition parties.”

He added that ex-Attorney General Walter Woon “makes the interesting argument” that NCMPs “represent the 40 percent of the electorate who did not vote for the PAP.”

Prof Koh, who describes himself as a “founding servant” of Singapore, continues to engage in public discourse on various aspects of governance and international relations.

His perspective on the NCMP scheme adds to ongoing debates about electoral reform and political representation in Singapore.

One of Singapore’s most prominent diplomats, he has played pivotal roles in international negotiations, including chairing the ASEAN drafting committee and leading Singapore’s diplomatic normalization with China in 1990.

His contributions extend to landmark international agreements such as the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. /TISG

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