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Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SM Teo Chee Hean's contributions left indelible mark on Singapore, says PM Wong
SINGAPORE – Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean's contributions to defence, climate action, diplomacy and security have left an indelible mark and helped Singapore to stand tall in the world, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. In a valedictory letter to SM Teo on May 6, PM Wong thanked him for his lifetime of service to Singapore and expressed his appreciation for his unwavering service and dedication to the nation and its people. SM Teo, 70, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security, is stepping down from the Cabinet and politics. Both he and Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat confirmed their retirement from politics on April 23, which was Nomination Day. 'You dedicated your entire 53-year career to safeguarding and advancing the interests of Singapore and Singaporeans,' PM Wong said in the letter. Thanking the Prime Minister for his kind thoughts and words, SM Teo said in a social media post on the same day that all he tried to do was to serve Singapore and Singaporeans as well as he could. 'I thank each and every one of the many colleagues, partners and volunteers who were on this journey together; without you, we would not have travelled so far on this fruitful and fulfilling journey,' he said. 'Many thanks for the honour and privilege to have served.' In his letter, PM Wong said SM Teo led work on important and difficult issues with rigour and thoughtfulness. This included implementing the recommendations of the Constitutional Commission to review specific aspects of the elected presidency in 2016 and taking the related constitutional amendments through in Parliament. Most recently, he conducted the review of the use of NRIC numbers in the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority's Bizfile service, delivering a 'thorough and definitive account in Parliament on what went wrong and how we could do better'. 'You approached each of these demanding assignments with thoroughness and clarity, never hesitating to hold individuals accountable when necessary, and making sure that the Government will always have the moral courage and conviction to do the right thing, and to do right by Singapore,' PM Wong wrote. SM Teo's leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic was invaluable and exemplary, PM Wong added. At the national level, SM Teo led efforts to manage the outbreak in migrant worker dormitories – responding swiftly and steadily to an urgent and potentially dangerous crisis. 'You were calm and composed under pressure, and you inspired the civil servants and SAF officers who worked with you during those difficult days,' PM Wong said. 'In the community, you ensured residents remained connected through online town halls and community forums, despite the restrictions on physical gatherings.' SM Teo's efforts to preserve a sense of community during those challenging times were deeply felt and appreciated by residents, he said. SM Teo started out as a navy officer in 1972 and rose through the ranks, eventually leaving the armed forces as chief of navy in 1992 to enter politics. His dedication to the nation continued throughout his political career, 16 years of which were spent at the Ministry of Defence in various capacities. As defence minister from 2003 to 2011, SM Teo's visionary leadership was pivotal to the third-generation transformation of the Singapore Armed Forces, PM Wong said. The acquisition of advanced equipment for land, sea and air combat, and his foresight in creating an integrated and networked force enabled servicemen and servicewomen to fight more effectively. Because of these efforts, the SAF is now equipped with the cutting-edge capabilities it needs to meet evolving security challenges, PM Wong added. SM Teo also led the SAF to make operational deployments for Singapore's security. In the aftermath of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, the SAF mounted Operation Flying Eagle to provide Indonesia and Thailand with aid. This remains the largest humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operation undertaken by the SAF, said PM Wong. Under SM Teo's watch, the SAF also contributed to peace operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Gulf of Aden to support peace and security in regions of the world that have an impact on Singapore. Beyond strengthening military capabilities, SM Teo has fostered strong ties with the Republic's defence partners, PM Wong noted. He worked with his counterparts to establish the Asean Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus in 2010, which has become a major platform for security cooperation and dialogue between Asean member states and eight partner countries. He also played a key role in developing the Shangri-La Dialogue into the premier defence forum for the Asia-Pacific. When SM Teo went to the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2011, he began transforming the Home Team, accelerating the integration of technology to speed up and strengthen police and civil defence responses. He also enhanced the capacity of the Home Team through community partnerships, tapping Singaporeans as ears and eyes on the ground to help fight crime, counter radicalisation and terrorism, and be first responders in fire and medical emergencies. He kept abreast of the scourge of cyber attacks and cybercrimes by setting up the Singapore Police Force's Cybercrime Command. In 2011, he was appointed coordinating minister for national security, taking on the critical task of ensuring that Singapore's external and domestic security strategies are well-integrated and forward-looking, PM Wong said. He led the work to establish the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore to deal with cyber threats. He also set the direction for the Home Affairs and Defence ministries to work in closer collaboration. 'Beyond defence and security, you made a lasting impact on generations of young Singaporeans,' PM Wong said. As minister for education, SM Teo drove bold and necessary reforms to prepare Singapore for a knowledge-based economy. One major shift was to update the primary, secondary and junior college curriculums to better develop thinking, communication and process skills. He steered reviews of the mother tongue language curriculum, leading to the introduction of new syllabuses to better suit the needs of students. He also initiated single-session primary schools and freed up space and time for students to participate in a wider range of co-curricular and enrichment activities – enhancing not just academic outcomes, but also students' affective, social and physical development. As deputy prime minister and later as senior minister, SM Teo brought his wealth of experience and sharp strategic mind to bear on critical national issues, PM Wong said. 'You never hesitated to speak your mind and voice different views in Cabinet, making our discussions more robust,' he noted. SM Teo chaired many committees on complex and cross-cutting matters, including the existential issue of climate change. In this role, he coordinated Singapore's climate action efforts, balancing tough trade-offs to formulate practical net-zero goals. 'You represented Singapore with distinction on the global stage, furthering Singapore's relations with key partners,' said PM Wong. As Singapore's co-chair of the Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation with China, he oversaw the establishment of its third government-to-government project, the Chongqing Connectivity Initiative. He was also instrumental in establishing the Singapore-China Forum on Leadership and the Singapore-China Social Governance Forum, which have broadened bilateral cooperation and provided platforms for the younger generation of leaders on both sides to build strong ties. With Indonesia, SM Teo guided sensitive negotiations that successfully concluded three landmark agreements – the Flight Information Region Agreement, the Extradition Treaty and the Defence Cooperation Agreement – resolving three complex, longstanding bilateral issues. 'You helped Singapore to stand tall in the world, and created space and opportunities for our country internationally,' PM Wong said. On the ground, SM Teo has served his residents for more than three decades. He was first elected in the 1992 Marine Parade GRC by-election as a member of then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong's team, before moving to contest in Pasir Ris GRC during the 1997 General Election. He has been re-elected there five times since, a clear testament to his residents' trust in him, said PM Wong. 'As the steadfast anchor for the Pasir Ris-Punggol team, you provided unwavering stability and leadership,' he said. 'Your residents appreciate your proactive, practical and thoughtful approach to ground issues – addressing their concerns, improving their lives, and creating a strong sense of community.' They saw the benefits of impactful developments, such as the opening of facilities including Pasir Ris Mall and Pasir Ris Polyclinic, as well as social schemes such as the Pasir Ris-Punggol Career Marketplace done in partnership with the NTUC, he added. SM Teo was also a trusted mentor to new PAP MPs, instilling in them his deep sense of duty and service, PM Wong said. 'Your dedication to nurturing future leaders, both within your GRC team and the wider party, speaks to your belief in long-term leadership renewal,' said PM Wong. 'As first assistant secretary-general of the PAP in 2015, you played a key role in the party's leadership transition and charting its future direction.' PM Wong said that when he entered politics in 2011, SM Teo was already a seasoned leader. 'I have benefited greatly from your generous guidance and wise counsel. If I can take Singapore forward from here, it is only because earlier generations of leaders like you have worked hard to safeguard our future.' He added: 'My team and I will do our utmost to continue your ethos – protecting what we have built, and bringing Singapore onward and upward.' Chin Soo Fang is senior correspondent at The Straits Times covering topics such as community, politics, social issues, consumer, culture and heritage. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. 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Straits Times
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
SM Teo Chee Hean's contributions left indelible mark on S'pore, says PM Wong
Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, 70, is stepping down from Cabinet and politics. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO SINGAPORE - Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean's contributions in defence, climate action, diplomacy and security have left an indelible mark and helped Singapore to stand tall in the world, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. In a valedictory letter to SM Teo on May 6, PM Wong thanked SM Teo for his lifetime of service for Singapore, and expressed his appreciation for his unwavering service and dedication to the nation and its people. SM Teo, 70, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security, is stepping down from Cabinet and politics. PM Wong had paid tribute to him and Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, who is also retiring, on Nomination Day on April 23. 'You dedicated your entire 53-year career to safeguarding and advancing the interests of Singapore and Singaporeans,' PM Wong said in the letter . Thanking PM Wong for his kind thoughts and words, SM Teo said in a social media post on the same day that all he tried to do was to serve Singapore and Singaporeans as well as he could. 'I thank each and every one of the many colleagues, partners and volunteers who were on this journey together; without you we would not have travelled so far on this fruitful and fulfilling journey,' he said. 'Many thanks for the honour and privilege to have served.' In his letter, PM Wong said SM Teo led work on important and difficult issues with rigour and thoughtfulness. This included implementing the recommendations of the Constitutional Commission to review specific aspects of the Elected Presidency in 2016 , and taking the related Constitutional amendments through in Parliament. Most recently, he conducted the review of the use of NRIC numbers in the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority's Bizfile service, delivering a 'thorough and definitive account in Parliament on what went wrong and how we could do better'. 'You approached each of these demanding assignments with thoroughness and clarity, never hesitating to hold individuals accountable when necessary, and making sure that the Government will always have the moral courage and conviction to do the right thing, and to do right by Singapore,' he wrote. SM Teo's leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic was invaluable and exemplary, PM Wong added. At the national level, SM Teo led efforts to manage the outbreak in migrant worker dormitories – responding swiftly and steadily to an urgent and potentially dangerous crisis. 'You were calm and composed under pressure, and you inspired the civil servants and SAF officers who worked with you during those difficult days,' he said. 'In the community, you ensured residents remained connected through online town halls and community forums, despite the restrictions on physical gatherings.' SM Teo's efforts to preserve a sense of community during those challenging times were deeply felt and appreciated by residents, he said. SM Teo started out as a navy officer in 1972 and rose through the ranks, eventually leaving the armed forces as Chief of Navy in 1992 to enter politics. His dedication to the nation continued throughout his political career, 16 years of which were spent at the Ministry of Defence in various capacities. As Defence Minister from 2003 to 2011, his visionary leadership was pivotal to the Third Generation transformation of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), PM Wong said. The acquisition of advanced equipment for land, sea and air combat, and his foresight in creating an integrated and networked force, enabled servicemen and servicewomen to fight more effectively. Because of these efforts, the SAF is now equipped with the cutting-edge capabilities it needs to meet evolving security challenges, PM Wong added. SM Teo also led the SAF to make operational deployments for Singapore's security. In the aftermath of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, the SAF mounted Operation Flying Eagle to provide aid to Indonesia and Thailand. This remains the largest humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operation undertaken by SAF, said PM Wong. Under SM Teo's watch, the SAF also contributed to peace operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Gulf of Aden to support peace and security in regions of the world which have an impact on Singapore. Beyond strengthening military capabilities, SM Teo has fostered strong ties with the Republic's defence partners. He worked with his counterparts to establish the Asean Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM)-Plus in 2010, which has become a major platform for security cooperation and dialogue between Asean member states and the eight partner countries. He also played a key role in developing the Shangri-La Dialogue into the premier defence forum for the Asia-Pacific. When SM Teo went to the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2011, he began transforming the Home Team, accelerating the integration of technology to speed up and strengthen police and civil defence responses. He also enhanced the capacity of Singapore's Home Team through community partnerships, tapping on Singaporeans as ears and eyes on the ground to help fight crime, counter radicalisation and terrorism, and be first responders in fire and medical emergencies. He kept abreast of the scourge of cyberattacks and cybercrimes by setting up the Singapore Police Force's Cybercrime Command. In 2011, he was appointed Coordinating Minister for National Security, taking on the critical task of ensuring that Singapore's external and domestic security strategies are well-integrated and forward-looking. He led the work to establish the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) to deal with cyber threats. He also set the direction for the Home Affairs and Defence ministries to work in closer collaboration. 'Beyond defence and security, you made a lasting impact on generations of young Singaporeans,' PM Wong said. As Minister for Education, SM Teo drove bold and necessary reforms to prepare Singapore for a knowledge-based economy. One major shift was to update the primary, secondary and junior college curricula to better develop thinking, communication and process skills. He steered reviews of the Mother Tongue Languages curriculum, leading to the introduction of new syllabuses to better suit the needs of students. He also initiated single-session primary schools and freed up space and time for students to participate in a wider range of co-curricular and enrichment activities – enhancing not just academic outcomes, but also students' affective, social and physical development. As Deputy Prime Minister and later as Senior Minister, SM Teo brought his wealth of experience and sharp strategic mind to bear on critical national issues. 'You never hesitated to speak your mind and voice different views in Cabinet, making our discussions more robust,' said PM Wong He chaired multiple committees on complex and cross-cutting matters, including on the existential issue of climate change. In this role, he coordinated Singapore's climate action efforts, balancing tough trade-offs to formulate practical net-zero goals. 'You represented Singapore with distinction on the global stage, furthering Singapore's relations with key partners,' said PM Wong. As Singapore's Co-Chair of the Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation with China, he oversaw the establishment of its third Government-to-Government project, the Chongqing Connectivity Initiative. He was also instrumental in establishing the Singapore-China Forum on Leadership and the Singapore-China Social Governance Forum, which have broadened bilateral cooperation and provided platforms for the younger generation of leaders on both sides to build strong ties. With Indonesia, SM Teo guided sensitive negotiations that successfully concluded three landmark agreements – the Flight Information Region Agreement, the Extradition Treaty, and the Defence Cooperation Agreement – resolving three complex, long-standing bilateral issues. 'You helped Singapore to stand tall in the world, and created space and opportunities for our country internationally,' he said. On the ground, SM Teo has served his residents for over three decades. He was first elected in the 1992 Marine Parade GRC by-election as a member of then-Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong's team, before moving to contest in Pasir Ris GRC during the 1997 general election. He has been re-elected there five times since, a clear testament to his residents' trust in him, said PM Wong. 'As the steadfast anchor for the Pasir Ris-Punggol team, you provided unwavering stability and leadership,' he said. 'Your residents appreciate your proactive, practical and thoughtful approach to ground issues – addressing their concerns, improving their lives, and creating a strong sense of community.' They saw the benefits of impactful developments, such as the opening of facilities like Pasir Ris Mall and Pasir Ris Polyclinic, as well as social schemes such as the Pasir Ris-Punggol Career Marketplace done in partnership with the NTUC, he added. SM Teo was also a trusted mentor to new PAP MPs, instilling in them his deep sense of duty and service, PM Wong said. 'Your dedication to nurturing future leaders, both within your GRC team and the wider Party, speaks to your belief in long-term leadership renewal,' said PM Wong. 'As First Assistant Secretary General of the PAP in 2015, you played a key role in the Party's leadership transition and charting its future direction.' PM Wong said that when he entered politics in 2011, SM Teo was already a seasoned leader. 'I have benefitted greatly from your generous guidance and wise counsel. If I can take Singapore forward from here, it is only because earlier generations of leaders like you have worked hard to safeguard our future.' He added: 'My team and I will do our utmost to continue your ethos – protecting what we have built, and bringing Singapore onward and upward.' Chin Soo Fang is senior correspondent at The Straits Times covering topics such as community, politics, social issues, consumer, culture and heritage. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
AsiaOne
24-04-2025
- Politics
- AsiaOne
PAP has 'lost its way', say Tan Cheng Bock and Leong Mun Wai in PSP's first GE2025 rally, Singapore News
Progress Singapore Party (PSP) chairman Dr Tan Cheng Bock and secretary-general Leong Mun Wai criticised the People's Action Party (PAP), saying that it has "lost its way". They were speaking at a PSP rally held at Catholic High School on Thursday (April 24). Addressing the crowd, which consisted of residents of Marymount and Kebun Baru SMCs as well as party supporters, Leong said: "I'd like to tell you what I've learned from five years in Parliament. "My time in Parliament has convinced me that the 4G PAP has really lost its way. The more I debate the more I realise that it is not the 'Grade A' government that we used to know." "On the governance front, we can see a general decline in the standards in accountability, competence and ethics," he added, naming events such as the 2021 TraceTogether incident as well as the recent unmasking of NRIC numbers on the Bizfile platform and Income-Allianz saga, among others. [[nid:705422]] He also spoke about the breakdown of the East-West Line in which resulted in a six-day disruption between Jurong East and Buona Vista stations. "It (the breakdown) exposed the fact that the East-West Line is the only MRT access from the west to the other parts of Singapore," said Leong. He added that his request that a Committee of Inquiry be convened to investigate the matter was declined by Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat this year as there were "no systemic failures within SMRT or SBS Transit". He asked the attendees: "Do you believe him?", to which many responded with a resounding "no". In his speech, Leong also expressed his gratitude to those who have supported him and the party over the years. "I am overwhelmed with emotion to be able to stand here today to speak to all of you. It hasn't been an easy journey for me and PSP, but I (had)...many of you cheer me on over the last five years. "You are the ones who have kept me going and have given me the courage to hang in there when the going was tough." "If I have made a difference, you are the ones who have enabled it," he added. Vote opposition to 'correct the system': Tan Cheng Bock Dr Tan then took the stand, and was greeted by thunderous applause and chanting from party supporters. Speaking about his experience while in the PAP and his subsequent departure, the veteran politician said: " I set up this party because I honestly feel the PAP has lost its way. "Now, the PAP is not the same as the time when I was a member of parliament. In 1980 we had a group of PAP 'assemblymen', as we called them, and they were very articulate, they really spoke for the people." Stating that MPs used to come from all walks of life in the past, he added: "But now, look at the people that PAP has selected to be representative of come from the civil come service organisations. This is dangerous, there will be group thinking. "To me, it is inbreeding. And when there is inbreeding, there is no way you can change policies within that system." "For this reason, you must vote opposition. For this reason, you must get us into the House — to correct the system," Dr Tan said. Addressing those who might wonder why he was contesting in the upcoming election despite his age, he said: "I think we have a responsibility. Because we know something is not correct, I cannot just walk away. So I told my men: if you see something is wrong, you got to fix it. "I cannot leave this world without doing (these) things. I think it is wrong, and I worry for our grandchildren and our children." This was the party's first rally since it was founded by Dr Tan in 2019. All candidates fielded by the party delivered speeches during the nearly three-hour-long event, addressing various topics such as cost of living issues, employment and mental health. Jeffrey Khoo, who is contesting in Marymount SMC, and Kebun Baru candidate Tony Tan, husband of party vice-chair Hazel Poa, addressed residents of the respective wards while speaking at the rally. Cheers for Tony Tan were especially loud when he spoke about job stability for older workers. PSP is also contesting in Chua Chu Kang and West Coast-Jurong West GRCs as well as Pioneer SMC. The party's West Coast-Jurong West GRC team consists of Dr Tan, Leong and Poa alongside newcomers Sumarleki Amjah, 53, and Sani Ismail, 49. In 2020, PSP contested in West Coast GRC where the PAP won by a whisker — getting 51.59 per cent of votes — while PSP finished a close second with 48.31 per cent. [[nid:717165]]
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Government acknowledges accountability failures in NRIC unmasking saga; MOM announces major changes to foreign worker rules: Singapore live news
Hello to all our readers, Yahoo Singapore will be bringing you live news updates today. The editorial team will be curating the latest must-know local and international news. Top of the news, the Singapore government has acknowledged accountability failures in the NRIC unmasking saga, promising corrective actions and fair consequences for those involved. Minister Josephine Teo and ACRA's Chief Executive issued apologies for the distress caused by the incident, which exposed sensitive personal data on the Bizfile portal. The government pledged to improve communication and data protection, with a public consultation planned for 2025. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has announced significant changes to work permit regulations that will take effect in July 2025. These include the removal of the 14-26-year cap on foreign worker employment, allowing skilled migrant workers to stay longer in the country. Additionally, the qualifying salary for S Pass holders will increase, reaching up to $4,800 for candidates in their mid-40s, ensuring competitive wages aligned with local industry standards. The new policy also expands the list of non-traditional worker sources to include Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos. These updates aim to diversify Singapore's labour pool and enhance its economic competitiveness. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has announced pivotal changes to work permit regulations, extending employment durations and enhancing the S Pass salary thresholds. These adjustments, effective from July 2025, aim to strengthen the nation's labour market, support business growth, and retain skilled foreign workers amid a dynamic economic landscape. Starting 1 July, Singapore will no longer impose a hard cap on the duration that foreign work permit holders can stay in the country. Previously, foreign workers could remain for 14 to 26 years, depending on their industry or nationality. By lifting this limit, Singapore hopes to retain experienced workers, especially those in their prime working years, offering companies a more stable workforce. Additionally, the maximum employment age for work permit holders will rise from 60 to 63 years, aligning with local retirement norms. In an effort to diversify its labour force, Singapore is expanding the list of eligible countries for non-traditional foreign workers. From June 2025, workers from Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos will be able to apply for work permits. The government is also increasing the scope of eligible occupations, such as heavy vehicle drivers and cooks, allowing a more diverse group of workers to fill these roles from September 2025. Meanwhile, MOM is raising the qualifying salary for S Pass holders. From September 2025, the minimum salary will increase from $3,150 to $3,300 across most sectors, with financial services setting a higher benchmark of $3,800. This hike aims to ensure that the salaries of foreign workers are aligned with local wage standards, promoting a fair and competitive labour market. Furthermore, the salary will increase progressively based on the worker's age, with workers in their mid-40s potentially earning up to $4,800. In addition to these changes, Singapore is bolstering the M-SEP scheme, which supports businesses in hiring foreign workers aligned with the nation's economic priorities. Starting May 2025, businesses can retain foreign workers for up to three years under the M-SEP scheme, up from the previous two-year limit. This initiative will help businesses tap into foreign expertise while fostering local talent. The Singapore government has acknowledged significant accountability failures surrounding the NRIC unmasking saga, which triggered public concern over the exposure of sensitive personal data. Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean emphasised the importance of holding public servants accountable but cautioned against excessive punishment, which could undermine public sector innovation. He stressed that while accountability is crucial, the government must strike a balance between holding individuals responsible and protecting the integrity of the public service. In response to mounting scrutiny in Parliament, government officials have promised corrective actions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. While MPs expressed concern over the potential repercussions for civil servants, fearing a chilling effect on future decision-making, the government has assured that consequences will be measured. This includes retraining and counselling for those involved, ensuring that staff members learn from their mistakes while maintaining public trust in the system. The incident, which came to light in December 2024, was caused by lapses in communication and coordination between the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI). The Bizfile platform, intended to facilitate business registrations, inadvertently exposed full National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) numbers of business affiliates, sparking concerns about privacy breaches and the potential for identity theft. Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo and ACRA's Chief Executive Chia-Tern Huey Min offered apologies for the distress caused to the public. They acknowledged that the error stemmed from a misunderstanding regarding the government's plan to unmask NRIC numbers. Despite the apology, the government continues to monitor the situation closely and will consult the public in 2025 on new measures to better protect personal data. Read on SM Teo's statement on the NRIC unmasking saga here. Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has announced pivotal changes to work permit regulations, extending employment durations and enhancing the S Pass salary thresholds. These adjustments, effective from July 2025, aim to strengthen the nation's labour market, support business growth, and retain skilled foreign workers amid a dynamic economic landscape. Starting 1 July, Singapore will no longer impose a hard cap on the duration that foreign work permit holders can stay in the country. Previously, foreign workers could remain for 14 to 26 years, depending on their industry or nationality. By lifting this limit, Singapore hopes to retain experienced workers, especially those in their prime working years, offering companies a more stable workforce. Additionally, the maximum employment age for work permit holders will rise from 60 to 63 years, aligning with local retirement norms. In an effort to diversify its labour force, Singapore is expanding the list of eligible countries for non-traditional foreign workers. From June 2025, workers from Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos will be able to apply for work permits. The government is also increasing the scope of eligible occupations, such as heavy vehicle drivers and cooks, allowing a more diverse group of workers to fill these roles from September 2025. Meanwhile, MOM is raising the qualifying salary for S Pass holders. From September 2025, the minimum salary will increase from $3,150 to $3,300 across most sectors, with financial services setting a higher benchmark of $3,800. This hike aims to ensure that the salaries of foreign workers are aligned with local wage standards, promoting a fair and competitive labour market. Furthermore, the salary will increase progressively based on the worker's age, with workers in their mid-40s potentially earning up to $4,800. In addition to these changes, Singapore is bolstering the M-SEP scheme, which supports businesses in hiring foreign workers aligned with the nation's economic priorities. Starting May 2025, businesses can retain foreign workers for up to three years under the M-SEP scheme, up from the previous two-year limit. This initiative will help businesses tap into foreign expertise while fostering local talent. The Singapore government has acknowledged significant accountability failures surrounding the NRIC unmasking saga, which triggered public concern over the exposure of sensitive personal data. Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean emphasised the importance of holding public servants accountable but cautioned against excessive punishment, which could undermine public sector innovation. He stressed that while accountability is crucial, the government must strike a balance between holding individuals responsible and protecting the integrity of the public service. In response to mounting scrutiny in Parliament, government officials have promised corrective actions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. While MPs expressed concern over the potential repercussions for civil servants, fearing a chilling effect on future decision-making, the government has assured that consequences will be measured. This includes retraining and counselling for those involved, ensuring that staff members learn from their mistakes while maintaining public trust in the system. The incident, which came to light in December 2024, was caused by lapses in communication and coordination between the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI). The Bizfile platform, intended to facilitate business registrations, inadvertently exposed full National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) numbers of business affiliates, sparking concerns about privacy breaches and the potential for identity theft. Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo and ACRA's Chief Executive Chia-Tern Huey Min offered apologies for the distress caused to the public. They acknowledged that the error stemmed from a misunderstanding regarding the government's plan to unmask NRIC numbers. Despite the apology, the government continues to monitor the situation closely and will consult the public in 2025 on new measures to better protect personal data. Read on SM Teo's statement on the NRIC unmasking saga here.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Government acknowledges accountability failures in NRIC unmasking saga: Singapore live news
Hello to all our readers, Yahoo Singapore will be bringing you live news updates today. The editorial team will be curating the latest must-know local and international news. Top of the news, the Singapore government has acknowledged accountability failures in the NRIC unmasking saga, promising corrective actions and fair consequences for those involved. Minister Josephine Teo and ACRA's Chief Executive issued apologies for the distress caused by the incident, which exposed sensitive personal data on the Bizfile portal. The government pledged to improve communication and data protection, with a public consultation planned for 2025. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. The Singapore government has acknowledged significant accountability failures surrounding the NRIC unmasking saga, which triggered public concern over the exposure of sensitive personal data. Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean emphasised the importance of holding public servants accountable but cautioned against excessive punishment, which could undermine public sector innovation. He stressed that while accountability is crucial, the government must strike a balance between holding individuals responsible and protecting the integrity of the public service. In response to mounting scrutiny in Parliament, government officials have promised corrective actions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. While MPs expressed concern over the potential repercussions for civil servants, fearing a chilling effect on future decision-making, the government has assured that consequences will be measured. This includes retraining and counselling for those involved, ensuring that staff members learn from their mistakes while maintaining public trust in the system. The incident, which came to light in December 2024, was caused by lapses in communication and coordination between the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI). The Bizfile platform, intended to facilitate business registrations, inadvertently exposed full National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) numbers of business affiliates, sparking concerns about privacy breaches and the potential for identity theft. Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo and ACRA's Chief Executive Chia-Tern Huey Min offered apologies for the distress caused to the public. They acknowledged that the error stemmed from a misunderstanding regarding the government's plan to unmask NRIC numbers. Despite the apology, the government continues to monitor the situation closely and will consult the public in 2025 on new measures to better protect personal data. Read on SM Teo's statement on the NRIC unmasking saga here. The Singapore government has acknowledged significant accountability failures surrounding the NRIC unmasking saga, which triggered public concern over the exposure of sensitive personal data. Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean emphasised the importance of holding public servants accountable but cautioned against excessive punishment, which could undermine public sector innovation. He stressed that while accountability is crucial, the government must strike a balance between holding individuals responsible and protecting the integrity of the public service. In response to mounting scrutiny in Parliament, government officials have promised corrective actions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. While MPs expressed concern over the potential repercussions for civil servants, fearing a chilling effect on future decision-making, the government has assured that consequences will be measured. This includes retraining and counselling for those involved, ensuring that staff members learn from their mistakes while maintaining public trust in the system. The incident, which came to light in December 2024, was caused by lapses in communication and coordination between the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI). The Bizfile platform, intended to facilitate business registrations, inadvertently exposed full National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) numbers of business affiliates, sparking concerns about privacy breaches and the potential for identity theft. Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo and ACRA's Chief Executive Chia-Tern Huey Min offered apologies for the distress caused to the public. They acknowledged that the error stemmed from a misunderstanding regarding the government's plan to unmask NRIC numbers. Despite the apology, the government continues to monitor the situation closely and will consult the public in 2025 on new measures to better protect personal data. Read on SM Teo's statement on the NRIC unmasking saga here.
