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Straits Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Appointments in new Cabinet show climate change remains a priority for Singapore
In announcing his new Cabinet line-up, PM Lawerence Wong said that energy – especially clean energy – will be an important part of his Government's agenda ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI SINGAPORE – Climate change first shot to the top of the national agenda in 2019 under then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, when he said in his National Day Rally speech then that Singapore's climate change defences were of as much existential importance for the country as its armed forces. Following that speech, the Government rolled out numerous initiatives for Singapore to do its part in tackling the planetary crisis, including higher carbon taxes and plans to import clean-generated electricity from abroad. Now, based on the latest Cabinet appointments by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, it appears that mitigating climate change is likely to remain a priority for the new Government. A notable development is the creation of an Energy, and Science and Technology portfolio within the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), which will be helmed by Dr Tan See Leng. Singapore's energy sector is dependent on natural gas, a fossil fuel which currently accounts for about 40 per cent of the country's total emissions. Given the country's electrification push , such as for land transport, this sector's contribution to total emissions is likely to increase, and Singapore urgently needs to find cleaner, alternative fuel sources if it is to achieve its target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. In announcing his new Cabinet line-up on May 21, PM Wong said that energy – especially clean energy – will be an important part of his Government's agenda, and that with Dr Tan's new role , the Government will consider how it can better organise itself to accelerate its transition to clean energy. Dr Tan, who is also Manpower Minister, had already been overseeing energy issues when he was Second Minister at MTI. The Energy Market Authority is an agency under the ministry. But the new portfolio takes on added significance given that PM Wong had said in his Budget speech in February that the Government will be re-organising itself to place greater emphasis on the study of the potential deployment of nuclear energy in Singapore. The process of generating nuclear energy does not involve the release of planet-warming gases such as carbon dioxide. Nuclear energy can also provide a stable supply of electricity, compared with, say, solar energy, which can be intermittent during cloudy days or at night. No decision has been made yet on this front, but the Republic is actively studying the latest technologies and evaluating options to assess if Singapore can deploy nuclear power in a safe, cost-effective way. Whether Dr Tan's new portfolio is part of the governmental re-organisation to look into nuclear still remains to be seen. But having a minister-in-charge of energy issues draws focus to this traditionally emissions-intensive sector. On the international front, PM Wong has retained Ms Grace Fu as Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, a position she has held since 2020. Ms Fu has been representing the Republic at multilateral environmental platforms such as at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change negotiations, from the time when the green agenda was at its peak after the Covid-19 pandemic, to the current geopolitical situation which is comparatively more unfavourable towards climate action. Tackling climate change is a tragedy of the commons, and despite Singapore signalling its commitment to do more in recent months, the country will need to find like-minded partners to ma ke any progress . This requires an understanding of the various countries' positions on climate change – something that Ms Fu has a good grasp of. Finally, in the latest Cabinet reshuffle, PM Wong has asked Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong to oversee the National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS). The NCCS, part of the Prime Minister's Office's Strategy Group, develops and implements Singapore's domestic and international policies and strategies to tackle climate change. It seems likely that Mr Gan will also take over as the chair of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Climate Change (IMCCC), from former Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, who has retired from politics. But whether or not he does assume that role, having the deputy prime minister oversee the NCCS sends a clear signal of the importance of the secretariat's work. Despite the global headwinds confronting climate action, Singapore has indicated in recent months that it considers climate change an existential threat, and that it will continue to work towards reducing its emissions. It is one of only about 21 countries that have submitted a climate target for 2035. The UN had called the almost 200 nations party to the Paris Agreemen t countries to do so by February. Singapore has committed to reducing its emissions to between 45 million and 50 million tonnes (Mt) by 2035, down from around 60Mt in 2030. This new climate target for 2035 puts Singapore on track to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 , with the planned decline in emissions on a linear trajectory. Singapore's total greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 were 58.59Mt of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 eq) and projected to peak as the economy grows before moving towards its long-term emission targets. Members of the international community have acknowledged Singapore's progress on climate action, but also called on the Republic to do more. On May 23, the UN Special Rapporteur welcomed Singapore's efforts to address climate change, and the country's contribution in advancing environmental treaties. But Ms Astrid Puentes Riano n oted: 'While Singapore contributes 0.1 per cent of global climate emissions, it ranks high in terms of climate emission per capita and consumption-related emissions , therefore there is significant space for improvement.' Singapore ranks 20th in carbon emissions per capita, based on a review of 156 countries or territories. How the new Government intends to navigate the complexities of climate action in the current climate, while balancing the trade-offs on Singapore's economy, will be one to watch. Audrey Tan is an assistant news editor overseeing sustainability coverage. She has reported on the environment for more than a decade and hosts the Green Pulse podcast series. Find out more about climate change and how it could affect you on the ST microsite here.
New Paper
22-04-2025
- Politics
- New Paper
Puan Noor Aishah, S'pore's first first lady, remembered for grace and service
Tributes and condolences have poured in following the death of Puan Noor Aishah, Singapore's former first lady and the widow of the country's first president, Yusof Ishak. Puan Noor Aishah died in the early morning of April 22 at the Singapore General Hospital. She was 91. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam said that Puan Noor Aishah played a role in Singapore's history in her own way, and will always be remembered for her grace, compassion and service to others. In a letter addressed to her three children, President Tharman noted how their mother grew up in a village in Penang where her adoptive parents had settled, and had her primary education disrupted by war. Yet, at 26, when President Yusof Ishak became Singapore's Yang di-Pertuan Negara, Puan Noor Aishah "more than rose to the challenge" as First Lady. She took English lessons, organised receptions for visiting dignitaries and helped transform the Istana's colonial style into one that reflected Singapore's local identity. President Tharman noted how she often wore the sarong kebaya at state events, sewing them herself with fabric from Arab Street. She also taught Istana chefs how to prepare local dishes like beef rendang, epok epok and various kuih, which have remained part of Istana cuisine. "Puan Noor Aishah was in many ways an inspiration in her own right besides being the spouse of our first President Yusof Ishak," said President Tharman. When her husband's health began to decline, Puan Noor Aishah took on some of his social responsibilities. But, President Tharman said, she was more than a pillar of support, championing social causes and being a dedicated patron to many organisations supporting the disadvantaged. "Puan Noor Aishah was in many ways an inspiration in her own right," he added. "She will be dearly missed by Singaporeans from all walks of life." In a separate letter, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he and his wife Ho Ching were deeply saddened by Puan Noor Aishah's passing, calling her a "remarkable woman of her time". SM Lee noted how the former first lady had to adapt quickly to public life, managing a large household while taking on ceremonial and official responsibilities. "She did all this with grace and dignity," he said. During Singapore's tumultuous formative years, when its people lived through racial riots, separation from Malaysia and the initial difficult years that followed, Puan Noor Aishah and President Yusof Ishak helped keep the people united and positive, said SM Lee. He added how when her husband fell ill, Puan Noor Aishah took on a greater share of his duties because "she too was committed to build a Singapore that was fair and just", regardless of race, language or religion. "Her gentle spirit, sense of duty and grit left a deep impression on Singaporeans," said SM Lee. He also recalled Puan Noor Aishah's continued connection with the nation's leaders and institutions. He recounted how she attended the National Day Rally in 2013 when Masjid Yusof Ishak was announced, and later invited him to launch her biography in 2017. In 2019, she made the effort to join a light show commemorating the Istana's 150th anniversary, even though she was unwell, SM Lee said. "We reminisced about the old times when I was a kid, about the same age as the three of you, and we would all play happily together on the Istana grounds," said SM Lee, referring to Puan Noor Aishah's three children. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim took to Facebook on April 22 to pay tribute to Puan Noor Aishah, noting how she was a pillar of strength for Singapore in its early years of nationhood. More than the spouse of a national leader, she embodied loyalty and became a role model for women across the region, said PM Anwar. He added how her humility brought leaders closer to the people and left a lasting impression on all who met her.
The Star
22-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Tributes pour in for Puan Noor Aishah, wife of Singapore's first president Yusof Ishak
SINGAPORE: Tributes and condolences have poured in following the death of Puan Noor Aishah, Singapore's former first lady and the widow of the country's first president, Yusof Ishak. Puan Noor Aishah died early Tuesday (April 22) morning at the Singapore General Hospital. She was 91. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam said that Puan Noor Aishah played a role in Singapore's history in her own way, and will always be remembered for her grace, compassion and service to others. In a letter addressed to her three children, President Tharman noted how their mother grew up in a village in Penang where her adoptive parents had settled, and had her primary education disrupted by war. Yet, at 26, when President Yusof Ishak became Singapore's Yang di-Pertuan Negara, Puan Noor Aishah 'more than rose to the challenge' as First Lady. She took English lessons, organised receptions for visiting dignitaries and helped transform the Istana's colonial style into one that reflected Singapore's local identity. President Tharman noted how she often wore the sarong kebaya at state events, sewing them herself with fabric from Arab Street. She also taught Istana chefs how to prepare local dishes like beef rendang, epok epok and various kuih, which have remained part of Istana cuisine. 'Puan Noor Aishah was in many ways an inspiration in her own right besides being the spouse of our first President Yusof Ishak,' said President Tharman. When her husband's health began to decline, Puan Noor Aishah took on some of his social responsibilities. But, President Tharman said, she was more than a pillar of support, championing social causes and being a dedicated patron to many organisations supporting the disadvantaged. 'Puan Noor Aishah was in many ways an inspiration in her own right,' he added. 'She will be dearly missed by Singaporeans from all walks of life.' In a separate letter, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he and his wife Ho Ching were deeply saddened by Puan Noor Aishah's passing, calling her a 'remarkable woman of her time'. SM Lee noted how the former first lady had to adapt quickly to public life, managing a large household while taking on ceremonial and official responsibilities. 'She did all this with grace and dignity,' he said. During Singapore's tumultuous formative years, when its people lived through racial riots, separation from Malaysia and the initial difficult years that followed, Puan Noor Aishah and President Yusof Ishak helped keep the people united and positive, said SM Lee. He added how when her husband fell ill, Puan Noor Aishah took on a greater share of his duties because 'she too was committed to build a Singapore that was fair and just', regardless of race, language or religion. 'Her gentle spirit, sense of duty and grit left a deep impression on Singaporeans,' said SM Lee. He also recalled Puan Noor Aishah's continued connection with the nation's leaders and institutions. He recounted how she attended the National Day Rally in 2013 when Masjid Yusof Ishak was announced, and later invited him to launch her biography in 2017. In 2019, she made the effort to join a light show commemorating the Istana's 150th anniversary, even though she was unwell, SM Lee said. 'We reminisced about the old times when I was a kid, about the same age as the three of you, and we would all play happily together on the Istana grounds,' said SM Lee, referring to Puan Noor Aishah's three children. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim took to Facebook on April 22 to pay tribute to Puan Noor Aishah, noting how she was a pillar of strength for Singapore in its early years of nationhood. More than the spouse of a national leader, she embodied loyalty and became a role model for women across the region, said PM Anwar. He added how her humility brought leaders closer to the people and left a lasting impression on all who met her. - The Straits Times/ANN
CNA
22-04-2025
- Politics
- CNA
SM Lee pays tribute to the late Puan Noor Aishah, wife of Singapore's first president
SINGAPORE: Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday (Apr 22) paid tribute to Puan Noor Aishah, the wife of Singapore's first President Yusof Ishak, after she died aged 91. In a condolence letter to her three children, Mr Lee said he and his wife Ho Ching were deeply saddened by the death, praising Puan Noor Aishah as a "remarkable woman of her time". "Puan Noor Aishah was the spouse of the head of state during the nation's tumultuous formative period," said Mr Lee. "Singaporeans lived through racial riots, separation from Malaysia and the initial difficult years that followed. "Together with Encik Yusof Ishak, she helped keep the people united and positive even when the odds were long and the outlook was sobering, making a lasting contribution to Singapore." Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his wife Ho Ching attends the funeral of Puan Noor Aishah, wife of Singapore's first President Yusof Ishak, at Ba'alwie mosque on Apr 22, 2025. (Photo: CNA/ Ili Mansor) Born in Selangor in 1933, Puan Noor Aishah was 16 when she married Mr Yusof in 1949. They went on to have three children. She was just 26 years old when her husband was sworn in as head of state in 1959. Puan Noor Aishah "had to quickly adapt to the new responsibilities, and manage a large household while carrying out ceremonial and official duties", said Mr Lee. "She even made the effort to brush up her English so that she could converse directly with visiting dignitaries. "She did all this with grace and dignity," he added. Mr Yusof served three terms before dying of heart failure in 1970. However, his poor health in the last few years of his presidency led to his wife taking on more of his social responsibilities, such as presenting the National Day Awards. Mr Lee said Puan Noor Aishah performed those roles "with poise and a quiet determination, because she too was committed to build a Singapore that was fair and just, regardless of race, language or religion". "Her gentle spirit, sense of duty and grit left a deep impression on Singaporeans," he added. Then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong takes a wefie with Puan Noor Aishah and her children (from left Imran, Orchid Kamariah and Zuriana on Apr 14, 2017. (Photo: Facebook/Lee Hsien Loong) Mr Lee said he was happy to have kept in touch with Puan Noor Aishah over the years, with one special memory taking place in 2013 when she attended Mr Lee's - who was then Singapore prime minister - National Day Rally in which he announced the naming of a new mosque after her husband. In 2017, Mr Lee launched a book about Puan Noor Aishah's life and in 2019, she visited the Istana for the building's 150th anniversary despite feeling unwell. "We reminisced about the old times when I was a kid, about the same age as the three of you, and we would all play happily together on the Istana grounds," Mr Lee wrote to her three children. "Puan Noor Aishah will be deeply missed. Ho Ching and I wish you and your family comfort in this time of grief," he said. Lee Hsien Loong
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Singapore to spend S$7b on marriage and parenthood initiatives in FY2026
SINGAPORE, Feb 6 — The Singapore government will allocate S$7 billion (RM22.93 billion) towards marriage and parenthood initiatives in the 2026 financial year, the Straits Times (ST) reported today. This represents a significant increase from the S$4 billion spent in 2020. Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Indranee Rajah, shared the projection during a parliamentary session yesterday. She explained that the funding boost stems from recent policy reforms aimed at strengthening the early childhood sector and expanding parental leave entitlements. Despite global trends of declining family formation and fertility rates, Rajah emphasised that Singapore continues to prioritise its families. The S$7 billion is in addition to other government subsidies for sectors like education and housing, further cementing the government's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for family life. Indranee pointed out that while the decision to marry and have children is deeply personal, surveys show that most Singaporeans aspire to start families, which offers a hopeful outlook for the future. Over the past five years, the Singapore government has implemented a series of bold policy shifts aimed at improving the marriage and parenthood landscape. These include a new shared parental leave scheme, announced at the 2024 National Day Rally, which will grant parents an additional 10 weeks of paid leave, costing S$400 million annually by 2026. Housing has also been a key focus. Indranee noted that, despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, construction delays have been overcome. The government has exceeded its target of launching 100,000 Build-to-Order (BTO) flats between 2021 and 2025. Looking ahead, the government is committed to meeting ongoing housing demand with the release of over 50,000 flats between 2025 and 2027. According to ST, the parliamentary debate saw over 20 MPs call for continued updates to policies that support marriage and parenthood, with many proposing additional housing subsidies and financial support for families. Indranee acknowledged these concerns, highlighting enhanced subsidies such as the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant, which offers up to S$120,000 for first-time BTO buyers and up to S$230,000 for resale flats. On the financial support front, the Singapore government will increase the MediSave Grant for Newborns from S$4,000 to S$5,000 in April. Additionally, parents will continue to benefit from the Baby Bonus Scheme, receiving up to S$25,000 for their first child and up to S$38,000 for subsequent children. A new scheme to assist large families will also be unveiled in the upcoming Budget.
