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Independent Singapore
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
Presidential candidate Tan Kin Lian backs students using Gen-AI, calls it a tool for smarter learning
SINGAPORE: Former presidential candidate Tan Kin Lian has come out in support of allowing students to use generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools in schools, describing them as valuable aids that can improve learning outcomes when used responsibly. In a Facebook post published on May 22, Tan responded to reports that China's Ministry of Education had issued new directives restricting the use of generative AI in classrooms. While China's policy focuses on tightening oversight, particularly at the primary level, Tan offered a more open approach. 'Instead of spending a lot of time getting information from the internet, they let the AI do the work,' he wrote. 'The student will still have to read and understand the content and edit it. This requires skill in comprehension and judgment.' Tan, who previously served as CEO of NTUC Income and ran in the 2023 presidential election, shared that his views are informed by his own experience using AI tools. He explained that reviewing and refining AI-generated outputs demands discernment—a process he believes students can learn from. 'I have to exercise judgment to select the output that suits the purpose,' he added, noting that generative AI systems can sometimes produce inaccurate or incomplete information. His comments come shortly after China rolled out two key documents: the Guidelines for AI General Education in Primary and Secondary Schools (2025) and the Guidelines for the Use of Generative AI in Primary and Secondary Schools (2025) . Together, these aim to build a comprehensive AI education framework while imposing guardrails around how AI can be used in the classroom. Under the new Chinese guidelines, primary school students are prohibited from independently using open-ended generative AI tools, such as chatbots or content generators. Teachers, too, are barred from relying on AI to perform core duties like answering student questions or grading assignments. They are also instructed to avoid inputting sensitive data into AI systems, a move aimed at safeguarding privacy and reducing dependency. At the same time, China's approach does promote AI literacy, using a tiered curriculum that evolves from basic exposure in primary school to systems-level thinking in senior high school. The Ministry of Education has described the move as a step toward cultivating talent equipped with both technical skills and social responsibility in an age of intelligent technologies. Tan's position offers a counterpoint to this cautious model. Rather than limiting access, he argues for empowering students to use AI as part of their learning journey, underlining that tools like these can support understanding, not replace it. His remarks add to a growing global conversation about AI's place in education. While some governments restrict its use over concerns about misinformation and academic integrity, others—including educators and technologists—continue to explore how the technology might be responsibly integrated into classrooms. 'In my opinion, it is useful to let the students use generative AI software for their work assignments,' Tan said.
Independent Singapore
08-05-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Not everyone agrees with Tan Kin Lian's suggestion that Singaporeans face higher living costs than Malaysians
SINGAPORE: Former presidential candidate Tan Kin Lian apparently wanted to debunk the popular notion that Singaporeans are better off than Malaysians. He argued that the cost of living is higher in Singapore. In a social media post earlier this week, Mr Tan, who had served as chief executive officer of National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Income between 1977 and 2007, wrote that 'many Singaporeans think that they are better off than Malaysians' due to the big disparity in monthly salaries. Singaporeans earn 'say S$3,000 while the Malaysians earn RM3,000, and the SGD is more than three times higher than RM,' he added. This view, Mr Tan wrote, overlooks the important factor of the cost of living, including housing and car ownership, which is substantially higher in Singapore, one of the most expensive cities in the world. He added that Singaporeans' disposable income for food could only be 20% of their salaries, or S$600. In Malaysia, meanwhile, housing and car ownership are considerably less expensive, leaving them with a higher disposable income to pay for food, which Mr Tan believes is 40%. The former NTUC Income chief also pointed out that food is less expensive in Malaysia than in Singapore, saying that a meal that costs RM12 in Malaysia will cost more than its equivalent in Singapore dollars. Instead of costing Singaporeans S$3.50, it could cost as much as S$8. 'After allowing for the lower disposable income, the Singaporean is likely to struggle with the cost of food, in the same way that the Malaysians have to struggle with higher costs,' wrote Mr Tan. He added a caveat, however, that this was his observation and he could be wrong. His post has since been widely shared and commented on, although not everyone agreed with his observations. 'Dollar to dollar comparison, the cost of living is higher in Malaysia, isn't it?' asked one Facebook user. 'If we compare KL median housing prices, it is higher than the median HDB, in term of median income, the median income in KL is MYR4.2k , SG is S$5.5k. The only thing they can compete is car prices, but that's the best part of SG, you don't even need a car in SG for many in Singapore. Our public transport is world-class,' pointed out another. A Malaysian working and living in Singapore wrote, 'SG is a lot cheaper, even with housing. I bought a BTO (build to order), which is cheap, but I do not own a car here. Chicken rice costs S$5 here, RM12 in Malaysia, not S$8. My disposable income is a lot higher, but my quality of life is definitely lower, with a small house without condo facilities and no car… waste a lot of time travelling.' Another Malaysian wrote that, on average, Singaporeans and Malaysians spend the same on housing, and transportation can cost more in Malaysia, depending on location. In places such as Kuala Lumpur, it can be even more expensive than in Singapore. In addition, while Malaysian food may be cheaper, at around 60% to 80% of the cost in Singapore, the cost of groceries may be the same. Morever, they pointed out that Malaysians also face the risk of their vehicles getting destroyed in floods, which have become more common, 'and insurance will not cover it.' The commenter added that the purchasing power of the Singapore dollar 'allows more Singaporeans to be less impacted by price hikes compared to neighbouring citizens'. /TISG Read also: Post-PE2023: There is public space for Ng Kok Song, George Goh and, of course, Tan Kin Lian
Online Citizen
06-05-2025
- Business
- Online Citizen
PAP member pens open letter urging Ng Chee Meng to address Income-Allianz deal, reaffirm mission
On 26 April 2025, David Leong, a former branch secretary of the People's Action Party (PAP) Thomson division, published an open letter addressed to Ng Chee Meng, the PAP candidate for Jalan Kayu Single Member Constituency (SMC). In a Facebook post, Leong urged Ng to publicly address concerns regarding two major controversies: the failed sale of NTUC Income to Allianz, and the use of 1 Marina Boulevard, a prime asset intended to benefit workers. Leong's open letter closely followed a similar call by Tan Suee Chieh, former CEO of NTUC Income. Tan had earlier urged Jalan Kayu voters to question Ng's leadership, emphasising the importance of accountability, governance, and citizen responsibility. Both letters reflect increasing pressure on Ng to clarify his role in decisions affecting workers' welfare and public trust. Concerns over failed NTUC Income-Allianz deal In his letter, Leong questioned why Ng had held back from clarifying his position regarding the controversial sale of NTUC Income to Allianz. He criticised Ng's silence during the critical period, stating that constituents were left craving strong, decisive leadership. Leong stressed that Ng's leadership clarity was vital to restoring public trust ahead of the upcoming election. Ng earlier defends actions amid mounting scrutiny Earlier on 26 April, responding to media queries, Ng defended his involvement in the Income-Allianz deal. He stated that the proposed sale had been conducted in good faith. Ng explained that a review had been initiated following the government's decision to halt the sale, aimed at learning lessons from the episode. 'We will learn the proper lesson out of this episode and see how we can do better,' Ng told reporters during a media interview. He emphasised that the review would help guide future improvements, better meeting business needs and responding to public feedback. Reflection on Ng's electoral deployment Leong suggested that Ng's candidacy in Jalan Kayu SMC, rather than in a Group Representation Constituency (GRC), reflected both his resilience and the significant challenge ahead. He noted Ng's loss in Sengkang GRC in 2020 and speculated that carrying him again in a GRC team could strain party dynamics. Jalan Kayu, carved from volatile blocs near Sengkang and Punggol, now represents Ng's new political battleground. Drawing comparisons to historical battles, Leong highlighted Ng's military background as a former lieutenant-general in the Singapore Armed Forces. He argued that while Ng understood the principles of battlefield strategy, he had yet to fully apply them in the political arena. Using examples such as the Battle of Stalingrad and Wellington at Waterloo, Leong urged Ng to better anticipate alternative parties' narratives and to actively engage Jalan Kayu residents with a compelling vision. Leong described Ng's opponent, Andre Low of the Workers' Party, as relatively untested and less formidable compared to more seasoned alternative party candidates. However, he cautioned that silence could allow Low's narrative to dominate. He advised Ng to leverage his NTUC leadership experience, warning that these advantages would be meaningless without vocal engagement and public reassurance. Risks posed by NTUC Income's social mission shift Leong further criticised the proposed sale of NTUC Income to Allianz, suggesting it risked undermining Income's mission as a social enterprise supporting vulnerable communities. He urged Ng to acknowledge any misjudgement, reaffirm NTUC Income's social commitment, and transparently outline how future actions would better serve policyholders and workers. 1 Marina Boulevard asset use under spotlight Leong also raised concerns about 1 Marina Boulevard, a prestigious Grade A office property intended to serve worker welfare initiatives. Instead, it now houses NTUC leadership offices, sparking criticism that it is detached from workers' needs. 'This prime asset, granted to the Singapore Labour Foundation to advance workers' welfare, has become a symbol of disconnect, ' Leong said. Leong questioned why such a valuable asset was not leased out to fund worker retraining and support programmes. 'Why reside in such an exclusive enclave when those funds could uplift the needy? Why not lease it and channel the proceeds to retraining initiatives or financial aid?' Leong warned that Ng's silence could have wider political consequences. With Sengkang led by Lam Pin Min and Punggol GRC closely contested, he cautioned that any further erosion of public trust could consolidate alternative parties' hold in these key areas. He described Jalan Kayu as a critical extension of the battleground, where strong leadership and transparency were urgently needed. Concluding his letter, Leong offered Ng a series of strategic recommendations: Issue a public statement addressing the NTUC Income-Allianz controversy, acknowledging concerns and reaffirming commitment to Income's social mission. Recommit publicly to NTUC's founding purpose and consider revising policies to prioritise social objectives. Review the use of 1 Marina Boulevard, exploring leasing options to fund welfare programmes. Engage directly with Jalan Kayu residents through town halls and door-to-door outreach. Support allied efforts in Sengkang and Punggol to bolster the broader electoral front.
South China Morning Post
01-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Singapore election: competing narratives of weakened cabinet if PAP loses seats vs balanced parliament
A charged election campaign ended in Singapore late on Thursday after nine days of the ruling party and the opposition trading accusations about negative politics, forging an uneasy truce to denounce race politics and arguing the need for a strong cabinet versus a plural parliament. Advertisement Then there were memes about how one was not gay, how the sun always rose whatever one felt about it and foul-mouthed rants of a hot-headed candidate, along with the serious topic of an aborted sale of home-grown insurance giant NTUC Income to German insurer Allianz. Concerns over how the 9 per cent goods and services tax (GST) – increased last year from 8 per cent – had also added to the rising cost of living among residents, despite the flood of support vouchers. Against this wide gamut of issues, the ruling People's Action Party (PAP), led for the first time at the polls by Lawrence Wong as prime minister, sought to keep the focus on the dangers of a 'changing world' amid an escalating tariff war threatening the country's open economy. But the opposition kept hammering home the message of the need for a balanced parliament with opposition members able to check the government and help it do better. Advertisement Friday is Cooling-Off Day, a time when all campaigning is prohibited. On May 3, around 2.75 million voters will go to the polls, including a notable group of first-time voters – over 224,000 Singaporeans aged 20 to 24. 'It boils down to where the political system should be headed,' said Eugene Tan, law don from the Singapore Management University (SMU), who added that 'one-party dominance is under the microscope', with the opposition using bread-and-butter concerns to highlight the limits of the ruling party's dominance.
Independent Singapore
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
Ex-Income CEO Tan Suee Chieh endorses Harpreet Singh, says he'll serve Singapore's future
SINGAPORE: Tan Suee Chieh, the former chief executive officer of NTUC Income, posted on social media what is tantamount to an endorsement of the Workers' Party (WP) candidate for Punggol GRC, Harpreet Singh Nehal. Mr Tan, who explained that he is a longtime supporter of the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) and thinks well of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, underlined that his political allegiance has not shifted, but added that 'like many, I recognise that Singapore's political culture must change'. He explained that he personally knows Mr Singh, who was his lawyer in 2022, and believes that 'strengthening diverse, capable voices in Parliament — like Harpreet Singh Nehal's — will serve our nation's future'. Interestingly, Mr Tan tagged a number of political leaders in his April 30 Facebook post, namely PM Wong, Ministers K Shanmugam, Tan See Leng , Josephine Teo, Edwin Tong, and Vivian Balakrishnan; Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh, Progress Singapore Party (PSP) chair and former PAP MP Tan Cheng Bock , and Mr Harpreet Singh himself. In the past few days, Mr Tan wrote two open letters that have received a lot of attention. In the first one, published on April 27, he appealed to voters in Jalan Kayu SMC , urging them to hold NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng accountable for the aborted Income Insurance-Allianz deal. Mr Ng is hoping to return to Parliament through a win at Jalan Kayu. In a second open letter on April 28 , Mr Tan publicly called on Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong to address unresolved concerns surrounding the blocked deal. He said that the issue is a matter of leadership, governance, and public trust. In a rally that night, Mr Singh asked if the Deputy Prime Minister would answer Mr Tan's questions. Mr Tan wrote on April 29 that 'Singapore stands at an important crossroads' and added that he has been 'offering reflections on how we can renew our resilience.' He attached a two-page document to his post, explaining his political views and relationship to the WP candidate. FB screengrab/Tan Suee Chieh FB screengrab/Tan Suee Chieh While he wishes PM Wong success 'in leading a transformational national reset', he recognises that there may be fewer PAP MPs — but he believes that 'if handled well', this will be to Singapore's advantage. Regarding Mr Singh, he wrote that the latter had been his lawyer when he raised private objections regarding the corporatisation of NTUC Income, because he wanted to make sure his r epresentations were 'legally sound and appropriately framed'. Last July, Mr Tan engaged Mr Singh again at the beginning of the Allianz-Income deal, though he was unaware at that point of Mr Singh's political interests. 'The Allianz-Income issue was about integrity and public trust, not politics. 'From my professional dealings with Mr. Harpreet Singh Nehal, I can say: '1. His professional standards are high, and his strategic thinking is excellent. '2. He has maintained strict confidentiality and professionalism at all times. '3. He had no prior knowledge of my recent public postings about Jalan Kayu or Punggol, nor this current one. '4. He has never sought my endorsement for his political activities in any way. 'I believe that someone of Harpreet's calibre, Parliament would strengthen, not weaken, professionalism and ethical standards serving Singapore's governance, resilience, and adaptability,' wrote Mr Tan. /TISG Read also: Harpreet Singh asks DPM Gan, 'Will you answer Tan Suee Chieh's questions about the Income-Allianz deal?'
