How to locate mysingaporenews in Asian Correspondent

Hi guys, You will need to click onto the correspondents list in Asian Correspondents Homepage, on the top right hand corner. All the correspondents are listed there. There is a scrollbar below and I am at number 17. That's the start. See you.

First major step in inclusiveness

The youngest son of JBJ, the embittered politician who had lost practically every material thing that he owned for being in the opposition party, for taking on LKY and the PAP practically single handed, has been appointed to one of the most important govt organisation, the Public Service Commission. Such an appointment was unthinkable a few years back. And it takes a very open minded man like Eddie Teo, Chairman of PSC, to welcome him into the fold. The PSC is the main body that charts and plans the recruitment and career development of top civil servants. Philip Jeyaretnam is in a way now involved the govt machinery and working with the govt for the country. It is better to have him on the right side than to see him joining his brother, Kenneth, in opposition politics. The appointment does not guarantee that he would not go into opposition politics, but is a big declaration that the govt is willing to embrace talents from the other side. It is also a clear message that the history of the fathers will not affect adversely the fortunes of their children. This is modern Singapore, there is rule of law, there is inclusiveness and a place for all who is willing to contribute to the country. In dynastic China, once a member of a family fell from grace, the whole family would be banished together to the frontier. This is not the case in 21st Century Singapore. Our frontiers are only as far as Tuas or one of the islands a few minutes of boat rides away. We are an inclusive country.

The most coveted position in corporate Singapore

No, not the Presidency! No, not the SM or MM. The most coveted and prized possession in the market is Directorship to the Board of Directors of public companies. Many are known to grab as many as they could or available. The number is never enough. Some may have work and other commitments up to their noses, have no time for family and mistresses, but will still find time to accept the appointments of directorship. The benefits of being a director are obvious, money, status and rubbing shoulders with corporate Singapore. Is there any downside to such a lucrative appointment? So far don’t seem to have any, though legally there are responsibilities, heavy responsibilities. For any neglect or negligent in exercising the power of directorship against frauds and wrongdoings would mean the company losing money, and shareholders too. But have no fear. When things are not looking good, quickly submit a resignation letter and go for a holiday. Then start to scout for more new directorships. And if one is highly talented, there is no shortage of offers. The more talented one is the better the offers. And yes, please do not apply. Appointments are by invitations only.

From proactive to reactive

This seems to be the picture of HDB’s housing policy today. In the past we pride ourselves in being proactive, plan ahead, anticipate problems before they happen. Now it is reacting and reacting, and look and see and then react again. And HDB is proud to say that it reacted swiftly to the changes in demand for public housing and raised its supply from 6,000 flats to 13,500 flats this year. This is a whooping 125% off the mark. And, ‘If the take up of BTO flats remains strong, we will continue to push out more flats under the BTO next year – at least one (project) every month if necessary,’ said Mah. It also said this, “‘What actually happens a few years down the road is unknown. Also, demand is not constant – it varies from year to year, depending on economic and other factors, ‘he told Parliament.” True, true, anything that is more than two days is unknown. Even the next hour is unknown. No need to forecast, no need to plan ahead, no data of population growth to work with, don’t know how many foreigners coming in etc etc. It is so difficult to plan ahead. Let’s take the realistic and practical approach. When there is a demand, then build. Ya Koon can make half boiled eggs in 5 minutes or even 4 minutes on demand.

Q and A in Parliament

The Parlaiment sat yesterday and questions were raised on public housing and answers were given. The PSLE has just concluded and the results will be out this Thursday. Comparing the two, the students got to spot questions and try to prepare answers that will match the questions if they were asked. Sometimes the questions were guessed correctly, sometimes not. And the prepared answers may be good but only the examiner will have the final say. It is quite tough for the students really. In Parliament, things are much easier. The questions are known in advance and the answers prepared accordingly by the best brains. The answers will be perfect. No need any examiner to mark. Even if there is any marking, the scores will be a perfect 100. Questioners completely satisfied and the people providing the answers perfectly happy for a job well done. Next question please.