Andy Gan Lai Chiang
Singapore
“Given that Singapore is building more sporting facilities and moving the country towards being a sports hub, physiotherapists are needed here. They are healthcare professionals and ought to be treated as such in order to attract them here.”
“The difference in hospital fees will come in only from the choice of class of beds. So all taxpayers and non-taxpayers are given the same medical attention at the subsidised rate applicable according to the different medical conditions that the patient is in.”
“Tied to the insurance service providers for the maritime industry, a question remains as to what measures have been implemented to make Singapore a more attractive base for specialist insurers to take root in Singapore, for example, regulatory changes and specific GST and tax incentives, to make it conducive for specialist classes of unde…”
“The way for us to move then is summed up by the Prime Minister in the Budget Statement, ie, for there to be "Singaporeans' support for a social compact that looks after the vulnerable in society that will make us a caring and inclusive community". Sir, I support the motion.”
“It is noted that underlying the changes to the TCA, protection of the beneficiaries and social conscience is apparent. Given the foregoing, it is suggested that unless the aims of the TCB are to benefit all persons, a change to the TCA with the implementation of the TCB may not be useful to the wealth management sector of our economy.”
“We are blessed with a good and strong Prime Minister, together with his capable Ministers, who will require our utmost support and loyalty to lead us towards a country that is family-centric, successful and prosperous. Let us all be reminded that no one knows what the future holds for tomorrow, but we can be prepared for it.”
The complete record
Every one of 177 lines we hold for Andy Gan Lai Chiang, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 4 of 4.
“Mr Speaker, Sir, thank you for allowing me to speak on the changes to the CPF scheme. It is nearly half-a-century-long legacy, the CPF has created Singaporeans to be one of the world's highest home owning population. I congratulate the move now by the Government to take stock of the CPF and to re-evaluate it. Sir, I would like to focus on five points. My first concern is the alarming trend that over the years, CPF has been heavily relied upon for home ownership. I feel that too much of our savings in the CPF has been devoted for our housing needs. I wish to highlight statistics to support my concern. As of 31st March 2002, $92 billion has been withdrawn from the CPF Board for the purchase of properties, out of which about two-thirds are used for public housing. From January to March this year alone, $3 billion was used for the purchase of properties, with 70% of it tied up in public housing schemes. In comparison, only $510 million is for retirement, and $114 million for healthcare. My second concern is the depletion of the value of homes in deflationary times. As rightly put forth by the Economic Review Committee, the property market has an impact on many things. To the many Singaporeans outside this House, they are most concerned with the impact on individual household, financial condition and asset value. Let me elaborate. When property prices rise, we see a parallel increase in withdrawal in our CPF savings, which is allowed based on the formula of withdrawal at 150% of the value of the property. I agree with the recommendation that this be gradually lowered to 120%, the reason being when property values drop in a deflationary period and negative asset value is experienced as too much money has been spent on buying that asset.”
“I believe the media has an undeniable responsibility in helping Singapore realise that.”
“I am sure that I have the support of the National Arts Council that the media bears a moral responsibility and obligation to promote arts in Singapore. We should encourage the media to increase the broadcast time made available for arts programme and telecast such productions live to households, if not at least a delayed telecast. If we were to look at the programmes on local television channels, arts programmes are almost non-existent. In a week's television programme schedule, only about 5.5 hours of programmes broadcast on Central Channel are arts related programmes. This constitutes about 4.7% of the channel's total broadcast time in a week. If we look at all the local channels, including Channel NewsAsia, Suria, Channels 5 and 8, and Channels I and U, arts programmes make up less than 1%. We should cultivate our local media to broadcast selected arts programmes, especially local productions, bringing them to the heartlanders. The recent exchange of letters in the media between MediaCorp Singapore and Singapore Press Holdings (MediaWorks) on the amount of subsidy each receives has drawn widespread concern on public service broadcasting. Public service broadcasting is television meant to meet diverse needs and interests, including that of our minorities. The society gains as one. Increased broadcast time of arts programmes will act as a catalyst to boost the arts scene and enhance appreciation level. The arts is a sector justifiable as a public service broadcasting. I would like to see revenue derived by the Singapore Broadcasting Authority be put to good use, as subsidies given to broadcasting companies are to encourage them in their efforts to boost our local arts scene. We need to re-position the arts and make it accessible to the heartlanders.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I agree with the amendments to limit foreign ownership in the broadcasting industry and the powers empowered to the Minister. This will ensure that the local media, and in particular the broadcasting media, will not be used by foreign influences and provide necessary checks to avoid undesirable outcomes. However, as in the Newspaper and Printing Presses (Amendment) Bill, I would like to ask the Minister to urge the broadcasting companies to place more emphasis on the promotion of the arts. The recent Arts Festival has drawn to a close. It has been touted as the best festival in its history. But may I ask how many of these programmes, including both local and overseas productions, will reach the households in the heartlands? Some of these productions are extremely rare, and considered gems in the arts community. They are performed by leading and outstanding masters, directors, artistes, musicians, conductors and choreographers. We are indeed privileged to have them perform right here in Singapore, yet it is regrettable that not enough is being done to maximise their presence. On a more regular basis, local professional arts companies, like Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Singapore Chinese Orchestra and Singapore Dance Theatre, have regular performances. These are considered national arts companies. It is unfortunate that their performances and hard work are not telecast in its entirety on television, the reason being broadcasting companies fear they will compromise profitability and viewership. We should ride on well-known personalities and excellent productions to enhance arts appreciation and arts viewership.”
“Sir, the print media constitutes an integral part of our daily lives. I need not dwell on the importance and the critical role the print media plays in helping to shape Singapore. We hold in respect the power of the pen held in the hands of our editors, journalists and columnists. Therefore, our control over ownership is important in providing the direction as required by society. The print media has a role to play in the promotion of community values and the arts. We have always spoken of a gracious living society. Enhancement in arts appreciation and community outreach efforts require constant nurturing. The print media is able to fulfil this role well. The print media can be a strong link in a chain of efforts to nurture the arts and promote community outreach programmes. They can provide more coverage on the arts and community. They can give insights, invoke passions, enhance appreciation, and thus push the arts and the community to greater heights. An arts and community supplement, like the Computer Times supplement distributed with the Straits Times, will be a welcome gesture of the print media. Let us pay tribute to the talents and fashion of our arts community and the tens of thousands of volunteers in community service. Let us give them a pat on their backs. Let us help them spread their passion and volunteerism to the thousands who have been moved by the power of the pen to follow in their footsteps. Sir, I support the amendments.”
“Only these should be allowed to practise.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the proposed amendment to remove the need to register plumbers. May I add that this is long overdue. Sanitary plumbers have been defined just now. I am glad that the definition was clarified. They are neither involved in the design of plumbing systems, including gas, water or sanitary systems, nor in certifying work done. In most cases, architects and engineers are responsible for the design of these systems and, ultimately, responsible for the completed jobs. Sir, doing away with having to pay for a licensed plumber would save cost for property owners, especially private property owners. However, the concern would be the flooding of the market by untrained persons claiming to be qualified plumbers. This will disadvantage the genuine tradesmen and put the public at risk. To further safeguard the interests of the public, the trade should be encouraged to implement self-checks from within itself, to ensure quality work provided. This can be done through the setting up of trade associations. For example, the Singapore Plumbing Society, established since 1959, with members in the plumbing trade, can be encouraged to provide training opportunities to continuously upgrade members of the plumbing trade. Such a set-up would also serve as a forum to keep existing tradesmen abreast of new products and new skills. The training programmes can be conducted jointly with the Construction Industry Development Board or the Institute of Technical Education, and I am glad the Minister has also mentioned that there will be courses to train new plumbers. The Society can also be tasked to register plumbers who abide by their codes of ethics. More emphasis should be placed on plumbers who are qualified members of such an association.”
“However, China's emergence has also altered the dynamics of the business environment. We cannot ignore these changes. We need to bring on a new corporate mindset as we compete with some of the best in the world to carve out a niche of our own. I read with interest the success story of Singapore media group SNP Panpac in Liaoning province in China published in the Straits Times on 6th July 2002. In less than two years, it has opened up a market for its bilingual teaching books. With the new defined role of the IE Singapore Board, I am confident that there will be many more such success stories. Perhaps, IE Singapore can look at how the networks built up by Panpac in Liaoning educationists could further be capitalised and introduce related services linked to those existing partnerships. One of the major functions of IE Singapore is to promote, facilitate and regulate forward and futures trading in rubber and other commodities. It may be timely now to rethink Singapore's role in rubber and commodity trading. As most local rubber dealers are not large enough to be market makers, and as producers of latex and rubber sheets are bypassing them and going direct to buy, say, for example, the tyre makers, would it then be necessary now for Singapore to invest in rubber plantations abroad? It is indeed necessary, as I can see it, so as to ensure a steady supply of good quality rubber for our rubber traders to quote competitive prices, and for Singapore to expand its investment abroad in plantations, instead of just investing the money in the Singapore rubber fund on securities. To distinguish Singapore from our competitors, it is necessary for us to re-focus, and perhaps accept more risks in our ventures abroad. Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the Bill.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the change of name to International Enterprise Singapore Board from Trade Development Board reflects the true nature of the Board - that of enhancing Singapore's competitive edge over other countries, assisting Singapore companies moving abroad, and building up of an extensive network linking Singapore businesses to their foreign counterparts. International trade normally takes place when there are competitive advantages in doing so. For example, if country A can produce electrical products cheaper than country B, it would be logical for trade to take place between the two countries. However, if country B has entrepreneurs who can invest in country A to produce those electrical goods and export them back to country B and other parts of the world, then country B will benefit more. Thus, IE Singapore Board should expand its role and do this beyond just assisting Singapore-based enterprises find new markets abroad and compete internationally. However, I am glad to hear the Minister has just mentioned that we are also assisting in capital provision, which is of great advantage to companies moving abroad. IE Singapore should also assist Singapore companies identify potential areas of development in different countries, taking advantage of that country's strength and exporting these goods back to Singapore and other places in the world. It could perhaps play the role of a match-maker and marry related Singapore enterprises so as to make strategic investments in a second country with the purpose of securing a line of supply for a series of products that Singapore needs. As we are all well aware, China is an emerging market. Its vastness means that there are sufficient opportunities for everyone.”
“Unfortunately, the culprits had gone unnoticed and undetected for a while prior to September 11. There must be hundreds of innocent people who are now, on hindsight, regretting not paying more attention to the hijackers who had led lives along theirs. During the years that terrorists planned their acts of terrorism, many innocent people may have concluded business dealings with them or may even have rented their properties or have contributed to their acts unknowingly. These innocent people should not be unreasonably classified as terrorist sympathisers, and have their properties confiscated under this Bill. They should not be penalised if they were ignorant of the on-going. In enforcing this law, Mr Speaker, Sir, I ask that we have to be firm and professional, so as not to unduly put stress on the business community. Sir, I support the Bill. 4.15 pm”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Bill. It is timely for Singapore to act on suppressing the financing of terrorists' activities. Without access to funds or financial support, it would be more difficult for terrorists to conduct or sustain their acts of terror. We will be tightening the noose around their activities, which are most likely to involve mass destruction and hurt innocent lives. This Bill should pose as a deterrence to potential would-be terrorists who intend to use Singapore to transfer funds or finance terrorists here or elsewhere in the world. Through this Bill, we will send a strong signal to those terrorists not to mistake Singapore as a safe haven for their funds. The Bill also reminds all Singaporeans to remain vigilant and not contribute innocently to any terrorist acts indirectly. I do not want to go into the definition of "terrorism", which my learned colleague has so eloquently covered already. However, I agree with his definition. May I highlight that terrorist activities usually involve long-term planning and patience. Their activities may go unnoticed for years, and they are masters of substitutes, and might have assimilated into our society as tenants, neighbours, colleagues or friends. Singaporeans must realise that that is the playing field today, and be more vigilant. We need not change our lifestyle, but it is important that we bring home the message that Singaporeans must not be complacent. Terrorism does strike at close range, in the region, and right here in Singapore. For example, it took years to plan the September 11 disaster that saw the collapse of the twin towers of the World Trade Center, and the loss of thousands of lives in the United States.”
“I am sorry, Sir. I just want to explain my question. We have more and more electricity being consumed by households. Are there any educational programmes to educate Singaporeans on the cost of electricity and the rate of usage, so that we can take more responsibilities on ourselves?”
“Sir, if we say that liberalisation does not necessarily mean lower prices for consumers, it means competitive prices, as what the Minister of State has just mentioned. So electricity need not be cheaper. Presently, we have installed capacity of about 11,000 megawatts of power and total consumption is only 8,000 megawatts. Senoko Power, Power Seraya and Tuas Power all account for 79% of capacity. On the demand side, we are planning ---”
“Another function given to the Environment Agency, under clause 11(1) (n), is to promote energy efficiency, the use of clean energy, the use of clean technologies, the use of efficient pollution technologies and waste recycling. I agree with these functions fully. However, the Bill is silent as to whether any researches need to be done in the area of clean energy. We have heard much about this, but what is clean solar energy, clean wind energy or some others, and how do we know that it is beneficial to the country? Perhaps a clear definition is needed to help Singaporeans identify the new age energy. When it comes to the point relating to offences committed under this Bill, I would urge the Minister to be firm as well as being compassionate when deciding on the quantum of fines, when the Bill is finally enacted. Under clause 46(1), compositions of offences can be imposed on offenders for up to $1,000, and clause 48(2) allows fines of up to $10,000, or with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or with both. As this Bill covers acts ranging from littering on the streets up to pollution of our coastal waters, I hope that the severity of the offences will vary with lighter fines bearing on acts such as littering. Singapore has no natural resources that we can boast of, but it has abundant natural habitats that nature provides. These natural landscapes, once carefully crafted out, will show the world that we care for the environment. Finally, I wish to compliment the Hon. Minister for his wisdom in setting up this Agency, which will not only allow a greater flexibility and interest in managing our environment, but also greater professionalism in the management of its daily functions. On that note, Sir, I support the Bill.”
“Even all our recent reclaimed land, such as Jurong Island, can very quickly turn into natural habitats for birds when suitable trees and vegetation grow on them, and in the tropics these thrive very quickly. Such areas could come under the attention of the proposed Environment Agency for conservation matters. Mr Speaker, Sir, permit me to add another suggestion. The Environment Agency should be given the power under this Bill to set up mini-meteorological stations in our parks. This would not only serve to provide localised weather information but would also attract residents to make use of the parks for information and educational purposes. I can see parents bringing their children there to teach them or even teach themselves how our daily rainfall and weather temperatures are being collected and measured, and the importance of knowing these figures, and how to predict them under changing wind directions as well as seasonal changes in weather patterns. Such interest, when generated, may spur the growth of a weather industry as well as its related economic benefits to the nation. In fact, I came across an advertisement showing a perfect Father's Day gift - a Galileo thermometer to measure the weather temperature, not very accurate, but it promotes awareness of our exposure to the elements, at a special reduced price of US$18.95, inclusive of delivery. Outdoor sportsmen and women may also want to carry with them a pocket weather tracker, lest they find themselves baking under the hot sun or drenched by the rain. Such interest would involve more people to connect themselves to nature and learn to respect its awesome powers and gentleness.”
“There, we can learn the inter-relationship of living things with the environment and the associated flora and fauna, something which future generations of Singaporeans may miss learning from, if all these indigenous ecosystems were to be wiped out from our landscape. I am aware that we already have the National Parks Act to look into nature conservation matters. But the Act is too restrictive in that it controls and administers only our national parks and nature reserves, such as the Sungei Buloh Nature Reserves and Labrador Park. I feel that the Environment Agency should be given the power to look at the bigger picture as compared to the National Parks Board, which looks after built-up parks and gazetted nature reserves. Every bit of our natural habitat, including the water mass that comes with it, once transformed, may never be regained. We need an environmental agency to look into projects such as the proposed new golf course at the Kranji marshlands that will destroy precious feeding grounds for herons and a long time habitat for more than 90 species of birds. If it were not for the intervention of the Nature Society of Singapore, the meeting between the developer of the golf course, the URA and the National Parks Board may not have taken place, and Singaporeans would have lost another natural habitat for birds. A master plan should be drawn up by this Agency to preserve areas of Singapore, not from the standpoint of the Urban Redevelopment Authority and the National Parks Board, which may focus too much on redevelopment, but from the conservationists' view under the Environment Agency. Through that course, we will not make decisions to transform our natural habitat into concrete jungles too quickly.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Bill. It is timely that we have such an Agency set up to provide a focused attention to matters pertaining to our environment. As Singapore becomes more and more congested, with increasing number of people living in the country and more vehicles congesting our roads, a focused attention is necessary to make sure that our environment is free from unnecessary pollution, be it in the air, water or from food contamination. I am also pleased to note that the services of the meteorological stations are now under the purview of this Agency. Apart from providing meteorological services to Government agencies, it has the important role of making sure that our shipping and aviation communities are supplied with accurate data on the weather. An environmental agency with these powers to provide such services would be in line with a more focused view on environmental control. Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to suggest to the Minister that the functions already listed out in the Bill be further expanded to include environmental issues relating to nature conservation. It should have the power to monitor areas of Singapore, such as our natural forest or mangrove swamps that are in danger of being lost in the name of progress. Such an example is in the recent issue of the wasteland at Tanjung Chek Jawa at Pulau Ubin, which was saved by the timely intervention of concerned members of the public. These areas are, in a sense, natural parks and serve as a reminder of the wonders of nature.”
“Can I ask the Minister how do the doctors accept this scheme? Do they find it very convenient to use or very cumbersome for them to administer?”
“Sir, with increased competition coming in, how are we to maintain our cost structure, especially when we are giving value-added services and adding new infrastructure to our airport?”
“Indeed, the Government's ability in reaching out compassionately to those affected economically by the current downturn directly affects the nation's ability to maintain high performance in difficult times. It fosters a nation's capacity to heal, to learn, to adapt and to excel. Those in leadership positions cannot eliminate suffering. Nor can you ask people to check their emotions at the door. But the Government can use its leadership to begin the healing process and, through our action, we can empower people to find their own ways to support one another during uncertain times. This is the kind of leadership we wish we would never have to use. Yet, it is vital, if we are to nourish the very humanity that can make people and a country great. Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the motion.”
“Some healthy adults among families staying at Sennett Estate were born there. And the doctor who treated the sick was well liked by the people. With a name such as Dr Coffin, many could not have forgotten him. Compared to today's hospital and medical facilities, that hospital was outclassed. But the medical care and love offered by Dr Coffin and other learned doctors there would not have been any less than those shown by today's medical practitioners. Today, the Northeast MRT line has caused that hospital to be pulled down for redevelopment. With many happy memories built on compassion linked to good knowledge of medicine, had that hospital been given a chance to continue in another location in that constituency, with upgraded facilities and assistance from the community groups, I am sure that people in that part of Singapore would have benefited much. Medical care, in the eyes of the people there, I am sure, was excellent and reasonably priced as well. In our mission to provide the best medical care to Singaporeans, let us not forget the medical assistants, the support staff and nurses, who collectively, with the doctors, make up the human touch which all too often also helps in the healing process. As such, their training should include, if not already, behavioral sciences, among other medical subjects. In conclusion, Sir, the best laid-out plans can even break down in times of tragic circumstances when we are suddenly faced with a drastic challenge. Such events can cause unspeakable pain not only for the people directly involved but also for those who see misfortune befall others, even total strangers. That pain spills into the workplace and the country.”
“I am glad to learn that the Government Ministries have a contingency plan called NESTS, short for the National Emergency System, formed under the auspices of the Ministry of Home Affairs, and that the Government is working closely with the private sector to ensure that the nation's infrastructure will still function, should a disaster strike. Sir, allow me next to turn to medical care. It is heartening to note that in the Ministry of Health's Addendum to the President's Address that healthcare facilities will be made closer to Singaporeans with the development of two new regional hospitals: Jurong General Hospital and the Northern General Hospital. While this move may be good for the nation in its overall contingency plans, it is causing some concerns to the private sector, as it increases greater competition among healthcare providers in an already crowded market. I would suggest that a deeper study on the complementary role of the Government and the private sector in the provision of quality healthcare, which is ever increasing in demand among Singaporeans, needs to be looked into so that duplication of services leading to wastages can be minimised. Furthermore, does it mean that by adding more hospitals, the quality of healthcare will increase? Modern technology may aid in the diagnosis of sicknesses and, in some cases, prolong the life of patients. But can we say that the quality of healthcare has improved? Sir, there was a reasonably-sized hospital sitting on top of a hill along Upper Serangoon Road known as Youngberg Memorial Hospital. It was situated opposite the well-known Bidadari Cemetery next to Sennett Estate at Potong Pasir. Unfortunately, our hon. Member for Potong Pasir is not here to listen to this. It was then a modern hospital run by missionaries.”
“The importance of a continuity plan for the country can be learnt from the examples of two business organisations caught in circumstances beyond their imagination. The accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche, already knew the value of a plan when it was forced to evacuate its office at the World Trade Centre in 1993 after a car bomb blew up the bottom of the building. It took immediate steps to move into a smaller target after that. Unfortunately, it was not far away enough, just across the street at Two World Financial Centre. The plan did not specifically direct 3,500 employees to drop their briefcases and dash through a shower of debris, smoke and dust as two huge buildings thundered down behind them. But, as the managing partners regrouped at a safe distance, they knew the plan called for them to head across the Hudson River to a branch office in New Jersey. There, they took out a big, nice red book, the firm's business continuity plan. With that, they proceeded through an excruciating 3-stage process of contacting all employees, reconnecting them to the firm and its clientele, and recovering the firm's position in the marketplace. Like Deloitte & Touche, the securities firm, Morgan Stanley, was in the WTC in 1993. Morgan Stanley, however, stayed in the building. Some 2,700 worked between the 43rd and 74th floor of the South Tower. All but six survived the attack. The company survived too. Under its business continuity plan, it has already determined its fundamental activities and how to support them. On the Monday after the attack, when the stock markets opened, Morgan Stanley was offering business as usual.”
“Nissan managed them by mobilising its own executives in teams and, through a set of cross-functional teams, identified and spearheaded the radical changes that had to be made. These changes that were implemented went against the grain of not only Nissan's long-standing operating practices but also of some of the behavioral norms of Japanese society. Next, its major shareholder, Renault, which is a major French motor maker, remained sensitive to Nissan's culture at all times, allowing the company room to develop a new corporate that built on the best elements of Japan's national culture. Less than three years later, Nissan, at the turn of the century, is profitable again. The robust turnaround at Nissan shows that we have to respect the dignity of the people, even as you challenge them to overturn deep-seated traditions. The Economic Review Committee, set up early this year to review our country's performance, is somewhat like the cross-functional teams set up in Nissan, and will be Singapore's attempt in the right direction in reviving its economy. And we were told that no stones would be left unturned in the process. But when deciding on the course of action to take, the Government must remain sensitive to the varied cultures of Singaporeans and their dignity. Secondly, before Singapore could recover from the slowing-down effects of the Asian crisis that drastically reduced the economic activities of regional countries, the United States of America, Singapore's main business partner in terms of trade, suffered an overnight economic breakdown after the September 11th terrorist attack. In addition, we have discovered that disaster has now been redefined after 11th September 2001, and Singapore has to take another look at its economic and social continuity plans.”
“How we reinvent ourselves will determine our destiny as a strong and compassionate nation. Do it right and we will emerge stronger. As my hon. colleague Assoc. Prof. Koo Tsai Kee said yesterday, we must have confidence in overcoming our difficulties. Mr Speaker, Sir, at this point, please allow me to use some lessons from the business world to demonstrate the resourcefulness of people in adapting to changes and without losing their dignity and pride in the process. Firstly, in transforming Singapore from the present economy to one that will be economically stronger, we must be careful in not destroying its identity, such as its cultural diversity. We can look at the case of a business entity, such as Nissan, which was a struggling Japanese motor giant, and learn from its blueprint for survival. Nissan became a huge conglomerate when the economic climate was conducive to Japan. But as high costs and the inability to recognise its force, faults seeped in. It struggled to turn a profit for eight years in the 1990s. Its operation generated notoriously low margins and it was estimated that Nissan gave away US$1,000 for every car it sold in the United States due to competition from better-known brands. At the same time, Japanese factories alone could produce almost a million more cars a year than the company sold. If nothing was done to turn the company around, Nissan would cease to exist. Nissan had to make changes and, while doing so, they have to protect the company's identity and the self-esteem of its people. These two goals, making changes and safeguarding identity, can easily come into conflict. Pursuing them both entails a difficult and sometimes precarious balancing act.”
“There have been major mergers and acquisitions and the demise of well-known companies, such as the energy company, Enron, in the United States, Ansett Airlines in Australia and the falling-out of favour of telcos and almost anything to do with e-business. Interest rates have never been so low among major economies. Yet, many businesses are so uncertain about the future that they do not really want to borrow more or take any more chances. Businesses in Singapore however are going about their usual way of meeting the challenges to maximise the chance of survival and prosperity in times of uncertainty. They will formulate and implement risk management and strategy plans that focus on economic fundamentals, competitiveness, cash flow, profitability and the factors that drive these forward. But it is not as easy as it sounds. As it requires robust planning and execution of integrated plans, we borrowed lessons learned from past events. There are no short cuts, no magic wands. It must surely require the support and will of the power and the resourcefulness of our Government to work together in close consultation to improve our economy so that businesses can thrive. When developing our country's economic blueprint for survival, I would support the Government's stand in building strongly on our cultural diversity and self-esteem of the people and promote an awareness to organisations, both Government and private, to prepare plans for contingencies. The Government must continue to adopt a humane management of its citizens and put its primary concern on the well-being of those people. Their physical safety must be protected from the expectable and their recovery from the unexpected should be facilitated.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the motion moved by Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, Member for Marine Parade GRC, in expressing our thanks to the President for his Address at the Opening of this Parliament. After hearing speeches after speeches for the last three days on how we can tinker with our economy and how costs can be reduced in the remaking of Singapore, let me try and attempt to look at these areas from a different angle by referring to some examples and to learn from them important values that can be found in these events. The general tone of the President's Address is that we must be ready to face hard times and be vigilant in the face of tougher competition and to protect our people from the unexpected. All of us must strive to achieve this and few could dispute the underlying tone of the Government in its continuing goal of creating jobs and a safer life for the people of Singapore. This is going to be a great challenge for the Government and the people as the present uncertain economic environment has led many industries to experience varying fortunes. Only 1,600 new jobs were created in the year 2001, compared to 108,500 in the year 2000. The Government has been encouraging businesses to expand beyond our shores and has seen new technology, especially e-business and the dot.com bubble and trading partner economies, such as Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and even the US, going from high to low in unpredictable ways. We have seen some spectacular local bankruptcies and with the likelihood of more to come.”