New Govt's top priority: To secure S'pore an assured place in a changed world, says PM Wong
New Govt's top priority: To secure S'pore an assured place in a changed world, says PM Wong
SINGAPORE – The new Government's first priority is to secure for Singapore an assured place in a changed world, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
With major world powers reassessing strategies and shifting positions to gain the upper hand, competition is intensifying and smaller nations risk being caught in the crossfire, or being cut out of the conversation altogether, he warned.
'Singapore will not stand still. We cannot afford to be passive. We must be clear-eyed, proactive and adapt nimbly to the shifting dynamics,' he said on May 23, at the swearing-in ceremony of his new Cabinet at the Istana.
In a world that is more uncertain and unpredictable than before, the conditions that once underpinned success are shifting, he said.
'The rules-based international order, which formed the foundation for peace, security and free trade, is fraying.
'Multilateral cooperation is giving way to a tangle of bilateral and transactional deals, where might often makes right.'
He added: 'Our goal is not just to navigate this uncertain world, but to help shape it for the better – by working with like-minded partners, upholding shared principles and values, so that small nations too have a place under the sun.'
This will be done on several fronts.
The Government will deepen Singapore's relations with the major powers, especially the United States and China, he said.
'We will stay friends with both, without being caught in their rivalry. We will engage openly and honestly with each, in a consistent and principled manner.
'Where our interests align, we will work with them. Where they do not, we will stand firm and protect Singapore's security and sovereignty.'
The Republic will also strengthen its ties with friends near and far, while seeking new ones in parts of the world such as Africa and South America where it does not yet have much presence, PM Wong added.
'In a world of shifting alliances, we will be a steady and constructive partner – one willing and able to contribute to peace and stability, to advance dialogue and fraternity, and support a rules-based global order.'
The Government will also have to steer the economy through the challenges ahead, and update its economic strategies for the new landscape.
This will include creating good jobs and remaining competitive, as well as helping businesses and households.
The Government will work with tripartite partners to development a new economic blueprint for the next phase, said PM Wong.
'We will work closely with NTUC to support our workers and jobseekers, so that every Singaporean who is prepared to work is able to secure a job and progress in their careers,' he added.
In addition, the Government will press on with the Forward Singapore agenda, to refresh and strengthen the social compact.
Beyond immediate concerns, the Government will also prepare Singapore for the future.
It will accelerate the nation's transition to cleaner energy and create smarter, more connected and greener homes for all Singaporeans, he said.
'Above all, we will work shoulder to shoulder with all Singaporeans to write this next chapter of our nation's story,' said PM Wong.
The new Government will continue to engage Singaporeans from all walks of life, and actively involve them in creating and implementing solutions.
'This is how my team and I will govern – in partnership with Singaporeans. Everyone will have a say in shaping our way forward and building our shared future,' he said.
The team is not afraid of differing views – it welcomes constructive debates that will push it to think harder, plan better and serve Singaporeans more effectively, he added.
'But at the same time, we must always respect one another, and remember that even with our differences, we share more in common with each other.'
The election outcome reflects the collective desire of Singaporeans, said PM Wong.
'In these uncertain times, you understood what was at stake – our vulnerability and our future,' he said.
'You chose leaders you could trust, a Government you could rely on, and a steady course for our nation's next phase of development.'
PM Wong had on May 21 announced a slew of changes to the Government's top leadership, bringing in fresh faces who will have fresh perspectives and ideas, as well as having experienced ministers with steady hands.
It was his first big overhaul of the Cabinet since assuming the role of head of Government in May 2024, and after he had led the ruling People's Action Party to a convincing majority at the May 3 polls, with 65.57 per cent of the vote.
The international community and investors would have taken note of the election outcomes, he said.
'They would see a nation that is united – standing firmly behind its leaders, and placing confidence in a Government with the strength and security to secure Singapore's place in an unpredictable world.'
'The outcome leaves no room for doubt – no one in the world can question the resolve of Singaporeans and the Government they have chosen,' he said.
'This is a clear advantage for Singapore, especially in the conduct of our foreign policy.'
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who presided over the ceremony, also spoke about the global challenges ahead.
Small states like Singapore will feel the weight of the geopolitical cross-currents more than most countries, he said.
'Our well-being has always depended on a stable, rules-based international order. That order is unravelling, forcing us to adapt and find new ways to remain in control of our destiny, and hold together as a people with our values intact,' he said.
'There is no telling whether this global disorder will eventually subside. But there is no returning to the world we knew over our first 60 years of nationhood.'
PM Wong noted that history has not been kind to small nations like Singapore.
'We have always been vulnerable, caught between the interests of greater powers. Yet for 60 years, Singapore has defied the odds,' he said.
This was not due to good luck, but Singaporeans' courage, conviction and collective will, he stressed.
'As long as we continue to believe in ourselves, have faith in one another, and work together, we will endure.
'Singapore will endure. So be it SG100, or even beyond, there will still be Singaporeans – standing strong and free,' said PM Wong.
'And not only will we survive – we will prevail.'
Goh Yan Han is political correspondent at The Straits Times. She writes Unpacked, a weekly newsletter on Singapore politics and policy.
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AsiaOne
4 hours ago
- AsiaOne
The surprising reasons some Singaporean buyers are choosing smaller condo units (even when they can afford more), Money News
Whether it's an HDB flat or a condo, the Singaporean mentality is to grab the biggest possible unit in budgetary range. Chalk it up to the lingering paranoia that - if we don't seize every square foot we can get now - it will just cost us more tomorrow. So it's always a surprise when some homebuyers, despite being able to afford a larger unit, decide to keep it modest. In the following, we talk to some realtors about these rare cases, and why it could make sense for the buyer: 1. Sometimes it's about layout and location, over square footage One agent shared that in a recent transaction, the clients were torn between a three-bedder (around 1,200 sq ft) and a two-bedder (around 700 sq ft). It was clear, from the earlier budget, that the client had the means to purchase the three-bedder. Instead however, the client eventually opted for the smaller unit. 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So instead they went for a smaller unit, within walking distance to one of their children." From the couple's financial planning, opting for a two-bedder also helped to build a bigger retirement account. This made them confident enough to buy a condo, instead of right-sizing to a flat. 3. Getting a new launch instead of a resale unit One agent shared a case of a couple who opted for a new launch two-bedder at ELTA, instead of a three-bedder at the resale Clement Canopy. In this instance, both projects were quite close in the Clementi area, so location was not a key differentiating factor. The key difference was that the two-bedder ELTA unit was around $1.94 million, whereas the three-bedder Clement Canopy unit was around $2.18 million; a difference of around $240,000. 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The sale proceeds, coupled with their savings, were enough to let them purchase a three-bedder (approx. 1,050+ sq ft) at DUO Residences. Upon further viewings nearby however, they changed their minds and opted for a smaller two-bedder (approx. 678+ sq ft) at The M. The reasoning was that the DUO Residences three-bedder cost about $2.1 million; and with projected rental income of $6,000 to $6,500 a month, it was a gross rental yield of 3.4 to 3.7 per cent. Conversely, the two-bedder at The M would only have come up to about $1.4 million. With projected rental rates of $5,200 to $5,800 per month, this is a higher yield of 4.4 to 4.9 per cent. Furthermore, the loss of living space was not a real issue to these buyers. They had already decided that the second unit was to be rented out for income; so it made no difference to their personal comfort. On top of the higher yields, the lower capital commitment also meant lower risk. This was a significant benefit, as the couple were nervous about each party taking on a separate mortgage. In these cases, foresight and clear intent - rather than an impulsive grab at the biggest unit - served the buyers' benefits. This is why it's important to talk through your intentions for the property. If the goal is long-term rental income, flexibility, or simply a lower-risk entry point, a smaller unit may serve you better even if it means giving up some space. Rather than just ask "What can I afford?" We suggest you ask: "What am I trying to achieve by buying this property?" Don't maximise square footage over maximising comfort or returns. [[nid:718516]] This article was first published in Stackedhomes .
Straits Times
4 hours ago
- Straits Times
Oversharing, AI posts and other faux pas: Why you're using LinkedIn wrong
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In May, Singaporean LinkedIn user Janney Hujic, who runs tour agency Elysian Expeditions, posted about a life lesson learnt from meeting former DBS Group chief executive Piyush Gupta – only for Mr Gupta to later comment: 'Sorry to disillusion you. That isn't me!' I f not for the mistaken identity, Ms Hujic's post would probably have gone unnoticed on the platform. LinkedIn has over one billion users worldwide – more than four million of whom are based in Singapore – all plugging their own professional and personal pursuits. Many of the initial comments lauded her for writing about this fortuitous 'chance encounter'. Even after Mr Gupta weighed in to dispute the account , some commenters suggested that the post , left up for a week, could draw attention to Ms Hujic's tour company. But at the end of May, her LinkedIn account was gone. What is the line between authenticity and misreading the room? Between clout-chasing and networking? Being vulnerable and oversharing? 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Online, these contexts are flattened into a single feed that all of these potential audiences – and your mum and mother-in-law – can access. This partly explains why many LinkedIn posts feel 'cringe'. Users often post to impress future hiring managers or build a specific follower base, which is perhaps an expectation that current colleagues or general audiences might not share. It also explains why certain posts land their creators in hot water. Posts on LinkedIn are visible not only to one's target audience, but also to the public. PHOTO: LINKEDINLUNATICS Ms Bethany Bloch, managing editor at public relations firm Mutant Communications, says leaders need to be mindful of the opinions they share, as well as prevailing public sentiment. 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Nearly all experts speaking to ST identified 'authenticity' as an important trait to project on LinkedIn , but it is an amorphous concept that defies definition. 'Beyond qualifications, cultural and personality fit are critical factors in the hiring process,' says Ms Jaya Dass, Asia-Pacific managing director at human resources firm Randstad Enterprise, who notes that she sees inappropriate jokes and personal rants as red flags. On the other hand, insightful content about personal takeaways – instead of merely posting often – and posts showing appreciation for colleagues are her green flags. Content that drives the most engagement on LinkedIn includes business news – earnings, mergers and organisational changes – as well as career advice and industry trend perspectives, says Ms Serla Rusli, a LinkedIn career expert and senior editor at LinkedIn News. Who is posting matters. She notes that more business leaders are using LinkedIn to explain the how and why behind major professional decisions, citing a 52 per cent increase in posts from chief executives over the past two years. These average eight times more impressions and four times more engagement than posts from others. There has been a 52 per cent increase in posts from chief executives in recent years, though engagement may not always be positive. PHOTO: LINKEDINLUNATICS Sharing videos is another approach to consider. Ms Rusli notes that video is a fast-growing format on LinkedIn, with time spent watching videos up by 36 per cent as at April. Ms Christel Goh, chief executive of local public relations agency Grow Public Relations, warns against overusing personal stories , a common trope on LinkedIn. 'There's a fine line between meaningful sharing and oversharing. When every moment becomes a 'teachable lesson', it can feel forced, cringey or overly dramatic,' she adds. An overemphasis on achievements, using the platform to shame and blame others, and an excessive dependence on artificial intelligence (AI) to generate content are other common mistakes on the platform . LinkedIn users' frequent overemphasis on achievements and 'teachable' moments is often satirised. PHOTO: LINKEDINLUNATICS 'LinkedIn is a professional networking space, and because of its nature, many users feel compelled to present a highly polished, positive image of themselves,' Ms Goh says. 'While this might seem appropriate for a professional platform, the overly curated and idealised tone can come across as unrealistic. People don't typically communicate in such a polished manner in everyday life. ' The key is setting editorial guidelines for yourself, says Dr Juliana Chan, a LinkedIn Top Voice with more than 100,000 followers, and former Massachusetts Institute of Technology scientist-turned-branding-coach who prides herself on speaking 'fluent LinkedInese' . ''Does this story serve my professional audience? Does it add value or context to my expertise and job as a branding coach?' If yes, I'll share it authentically. If it's just unnecessary personal drama or random life updates, it stays private,' she says. She points to a post she made in November about her father's death in 2024 because she had written about him on LinkedIn in the past. She sees this as professionally relevant context because it 'helped people see that I am only human and not some digital avatar'. The challenge lies in where to draw these lines. What constitutes oversharing versus insight? Bluntness versus offence? The inherent risk of using LinkedIn as a platform is that not everyone agrees on boundaries. Unfortunately, any misjudgments are linked to your employer and a detailed resume. For another LinkedIn Top Voice and founder of career development organisation The Mindgem, Ms Ratna Juita, the answer lies in understanding that you cannot please everyone. 'In today's attention economy, appealing to everybody means appealing to nobody,' she says. ' Embrace strategic polarisation. Take clear stands on industry issues, share your unique perspectives and don't be afraid to repel the wrong audience while attracting the right one.' 3. How are you using your connections? One of LinkedIn's most important functions is the ability to connect with others. But this, too, can be a potential source of networking faux pas. Ms Yeo Sha-En, a professional speaker and LinkedIn Top Voice, considers immediately asking for something upon reaching out to be a networking red flag. 'In the case of networking or mentorship, this is equivalent to meeting someone for the first time and expecting him or her to give you something,' she says. 'People need time to get to know you before they can mentor you.' Similarly, Dr Chan thinks it is a common networking mistake to send connection requests without adding a custom note. 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'When that happens, your LinkedIn network isn't just helpful, but it can also be your lifeline.' 4. Is sharing your layoff a good idea? Posting about being #opentowork or a recent layoff has become a common LinkedIn trope, but is sharing such news online a good idea? Nearly all recruitment experts who spoke to ST say being open about a layoff is a useful way to put yourself on the radar of recruiters – and get some much-needed support from others . 'From a recruiter's perspective, layoffs are rarely seen as a negative mark, especially given today's economic climate,' says Ms Kris Tan, an associate partner at recruitment firm Page Executive. 'Authenticity is a valued quality in candidates, and many employers appreciate when individuals are transparent about their job search efforts.' Recruiters say it often comes down to discoverability. 'Recruiters monitor these posts, and such announcements can increase visibility and encourage referrals,' says Ms Ilse Clement, senior consultant for human resources and business support at recruitment agency Robert Walters Singapore. ' Be tactful and forward-looking. Frame it as a transition rather than a setback,' she adds. Ms Clement also notes that active LinkedIn users who post regularly and engage with others are more likely to appear in search results due to the platform's algorithm. As recruiters use keywords to find candidates, it is important that your profile includes relevant industry terms, skills and certifications. Candidates can also use LinkedIn's built-in 'Open to Work' feature to discreetly signal to recruiters that they are open to opportunities. Not everyone agrees with this approach. 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The desire for 'thought leadership' has created a lucrative industry around it , where it has become common practice for public relations agencies to sell thought leadership as a service – meaning the creation of op-eds and, at times, LinkedIn posts for a tidy sum . Ms Charu Srivastava, co-founder of communications consultancy firm TriOn & Co, says her firm works with clients on LinkedIn strategy and thought leadership content development. 'The main reason they come to us is to ensure quality, authenticity and a consistency of LinkedIn engagement,' she says. 'The clients have full oversight of the content, and we incorporate their personal voice and nuances in the content development process. This provides our clients with the balance of strategy and guidance with full ownership of their profiles.' But AI also adds a new dimension to this , with many users turning to generative AI tools like ChatGPT to create posts and insights. Nearly all experts ST spoke to highlighted mindlessly using AI without supervision to create a flood of generic content as a flaming red flag. 'One of the biggest mistakes is posting content just for the sake of it,' says Ms Srivastava. 'There is more of this happening on LinkedIn these days, due to the increasing use of GenAI to create content.' 'There is a running joke about how people post about the most mundane professional developments with a 'LinkedIn flair',' she adds, noting that many users inflate achievements, and conflate their personal and professional lives. Recognising the reality that many posts are not written by users themselves – the platform has even introduced a feature to use AI-generated responses as comments – is key to understanding that not all engagement on the platform is meaningful. As such, the quest for engagement on the platform can sometimes be a performative trap, reinforcing that virality is far from the equivalent of becoming a thought leader. 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AsiaOne
4 hours ago
- AsiaOne
A taste of home: Burmese friends open cafe in Bras Basah selling authentic Myanmar cuisine, Lifestyle News
PUBLISHED ON June 07, 2025 2:00 AM By Melissa Teo If you've recently walked past the lane of F&B options at the School of the Arts (SOTA), you may have noticed a new eatery called Avenue'J Cafe. The cafe opened in January this year and specialises in authentic Burmese fare. Owner Andrew Aung, a 33-year-old Burmese-Singaporean, co-founded the business with his family friend Kaung Minn Khant, 25, who too hails from Myanmar and moved to Singapore in 2024. While the restaurant is new to Singapore's food scene, it isn't to Myanmar's. From Myanmar to Singapore Andrew, who became a Singapore citizen in 2013, flew back to Myanmar in 2018 to open Avenue'J's first outlet in Yangon with his family. He explained that when he was living here, he'd spent plenty of time studying in cafes, something that was not as common back in his home country. "I realised the Burmese don't have a cafe culture and I wanted to share that with them," he told us. He added that during that period, Myanmar had liberalised its economy further and the influx of overseas coffee franchise further spurred him to start something of his own. The first outlet opened in 2020 and despite being hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, the business survived and flourished. "We hit the market pretty well and helped change trends in Myanmar," said Andrew. After its success, Andrew decided to launch a second outlet in 2022 specialising in entremets, which are layered desserts, and pastries. For a long time, he dreamt of opening a branch in Singapore but hesitated as he would have to do so alone. Till he met Kaung. Andrew's aunt and Kaung's mother were high school best friends and would often meet up. It was during one of these get-togethers a year ago that Andrew and Kaung met. As they got to know each other, they realised that they both shared a passion for F&B and decided to become business partners in Singapore as Kaung is pursuing his undergraduate studies here. After four months of hunting for a place to set up shop —which included locations like Duxton, City Hall and Clake Quay — the duo found their current space at the School Of The Arts. Apart from its high footfall and proximity to Dhoby Ghaut and Bencoolen MRT stations, it was also convenient for Kaung, who is a part-time student at the nearby Singapore Management University. He attends a full day of classes on Saturdays and during the rest of the week, he juggles his time with Avenue'J Cafe as well as his family's rice export business, which has an office in Singapore. Nostalgic flavours from home If you visit both Avenue'J's outlets in Myanmar and Singapore, you'd notice that there is a stark difference in their menus. The Myanmar branches sell European-style dishes catered to the locals' interest in foreign cuisine. On the other hand, the Singapore outlet sells Burmese food so that Singaporeans can experience authentic Myanmar fare. The establishment is a cosy one and upon stepping in, you'll be welcomed by the warm lighting, rattan furniture, and walls lined with paintings of landmarks in Myanmar. "Burmese people love rattan," Andrew told AsiaOne with a smile when we visited the cafe on a weekday afternoon. While Myanmar is home to a plethora of dishes, there are some overlaps with other cultures such as Thai, Indian and Chinese cuisines. So when curating the menu for Avenue'J's Singapore branch, Andrew and Kaung wanted to focus on dishes that were more unique to their home country. "We tried to replicate the signature dishes of the country's different regions," said Kaung. "In northern Myanmar, the scenery is beautiful with many mountains, and the weather is cold. In the middle of the country, the weather is hotter with a desert-like climate. The south has more rivers as well as the sea, so there are plenty of beaches, similar to Thailand's climate." There is Shan Kout Swal ($12) which comes from the Shan state of Myanmar in the north where the weather is colder. The dish features soft rice noodles tossed in a savoury sauce that is topped with chicken. A vegetarian option is also available. Mohinga ($15), an aromatic fish noodle soup that's Myanmar's national dish, is found mostly in the southern part of the country thanks to the area's proximity to rivers and the sea. A popular dish in the middle region of Myanmar is Nan Gyi Thoke ($12), a thick rice noodle salad that's paired with chicken curry, boiled egg and fresh herbs. Kaung shared that one of the more important components of this dish is bean powder. "Most of the beans and pulses are grown in the middle region of Myanmar due to the hotter weather," he explained. Kaung added that this also happens to be his favourite dish because while he was born in Yangon which is located in the south, many of his relatives are from the middle region of the country and he grew up eating plenty of Nan Gyi Thoke. While curating the menu, the duo also considered the diverse taste preferences of both their Singaporean and Burmese customers. Prior to opening the cafe, they hosted tasting sessions for friends and family from various cultural backgrounds to gather feedback. With that, they tweaked the flavours of their dishes. "Burmese people love strong spicy flavours but not all Singaporeans can take such spicy food," said Kaung. So, they created spicy and non-spicy options to suit their customers' varying taste palates. If you're new to Burmese food, the pair recommend that you try Mohinga, which also happens to be Andrew's favourite dish. We got to have a taste of it and loved how the soft noodles, crispy fritters and chewy fishcake provided varying textures to the light but aromatic dish. Another dish we sampled is called Lahpet Thoke ($10), a tea leaf salad that can be found throughout Myanmar. The dish consists of a medley of ingredients such as fermented tea leaves, crispy garlic, roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, dried shrimp, shredded cabbage, cherry tomatoes and a dash of lime juice. It was unlike anything we'd ever tasted before — a unique blend of crunch, zest, and heat. The duo explained that the traditional salad is often served to guests at home. As a side nibble, we had Burmese Stuffed Fish Cake ($8) — little handmade balls stuffed with cabbage, crispy garlic and shallots. We washed everything down with a cup of fragrant Ceylon tea and were intrigued to find shreds of milk skin inside the drink, which provided an interesting texture. Avenue'J Cafe will soon be introducing a weekly menu as well as some new dishes. We were invited to sample a plate which featured dried lamb meat paired with rice, egg and crackers. The savoury, chewy strips of lamb were extremely addictive, and we couldn't stop reaching for more. The ups and down of F&B While business was slow at the start, it has picked up in recent months, said the owners, and Avenue'J Cafe see a good mix of Singaporean and Burmese customers every day. Despite this, Andrew and Kaung admit that running a business not just in Singapore, but also Myanmar, comes with its own set of challenges. In Singapore, cost is one key factor, especially when it comes to rental, operational expenses and product imports. As their aim is to serve authentic Burmese fare in Singapore, the duo had to meticulously source for fresh, authentic ingredients that would do justice to their food and drinks. "It's been hard for us to find the right suppliers for some ingredients, for instance, the noodles," Andrew explained. Importing Burmese coffee beans for their in-house brews is also expensive, added Kaung. As hiring employees in Singapore is costly, they have fewer staff here than they do at Avenue'J Cafe's Myanmar branches. With a lean team, Kaung shared that the cafe struggles with the workload during busier times of the day. However, Andrew revealed that back in Myanmar, they too face challenges when it comes to manpower and sourcing for ingredients. As the menu there is European-themed, they have to import various ingredients that are not readily found in Myanmar, such as cheese and syrups. However, "supply chain issues" make this difficult and at times, expensive. There are different kinds of manpower problems there too. "After training our staff in Myanmar, a lot of them resign shortly after because they move overseas or have to serve in the army," Andrew explained. This leaves the team scrambling to find a replacement. Something else that's also hard to do in Myanmar is increase menu prices, which affects profits when imports get expensive. "The imported products increase in prices due to the exchange rate but within the country, we cannot increase the prices in the menu too much because it'll be too costly for our customers," Kaung elaborated. Despite the challenges, Andrew and Kaung feel that the past few months of being new cafe owners here have been mostly plain sailing. "When opening an F&B establishment in Singapore, there is a set of criteria you have to follow. Just do that and things will be smooth," Andrew said. [[nid:699477]] melissateo@ F&BFood and Drinksnew openingsMYANMAR This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.
