MINDEF, MHA, MFA, NSCS, MOE, MOM, MTI, PMO-MAS, PMO-NRF, MOH, MSF
Security agencies outline plans to tackle threats
The Straits Times, 19 Jan 2016
Security agencies outline plans to tackle threats
The Straits Times, 19 Jan 2016
Singapore is boosting the capabilities of its security agencies to deal with a range of threats, from terrorism to cyber crime.
The Singapore Armed Forces is developing know-how such as unmanned systems and robotics, and the police are installing cameras at HDB estates and public areas to deter criminal and terror activity.
These broad plans to keep Singapore safe and secure were outlined by the Defence, Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs ministries yesterday, in addenda to President Tony Tan Keng Yam's address to Parliament.
Speaking at the opening of Parliament last Friday, Dr Tan said Singapore can remain sovereign only if its people are able to determine their own fate.
Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean, who oversees the National Security Coordination Secretariat, said yesterday that strengthening social resilience is also crucial.
"In the event of a crisis, it is not just the security agencies that will be called to respond. Our society as a whole will also be tested," he said. "We must ensure that we can bounce back from any incident, and emerge stronger and more united."
Several other ministries will release their plans this week. MPs will then debate these policies when Parliament sits for a week from next Monday.
The Singapore Armed Forces is developing know-how such as unmanned systems and robotics, and the police are installing cameras at HDB estates and public areas to deter criminal and terror activity.
These broad plans to keep Singapore safe and secure were outlined by the Defence, Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs ministries yesterday, in addenda to President Tony Tan Keng Yam's address to Parliament.
Speaking at the opening of Parliament last Friday, Dr Tan said Singapore can remain sovereign only if its people are able to determine their own fate.
Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean, who oversees the National Security Coordination Secretariat, said yesterday that strengthening social resilience is also crucial.
"In the event of a crisis, it is not just the security agencies that will be called to respond. Our society as a whole will also be tested," he said. "We must ensure that we can bounce back from any incident, and emerge stronger and more united."
Several other ministries will release their plans this week. MPs will then debate these policies when Parliament sits for a week from next Monday.
Plans to boost security in Singapore, preparedness in crises
Govt agencies to make better use of technology to fight criminal, terror threats
By Lim Yan Liang, The Straits Times, 19 Jan 2016
The Singapore Police Force will explore whether to install more surveillance cameras in HDB estates and other public areas to boost its ability to deter and detect criminal and terrorist threats, Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said.
The ongoing installation of such police cameras at all 10,000 Housing Board blocks and multi-storey carparks is on track for completion this year.
Govt agencies to make better use of technology to fight criminal, terror threats
By Lim Yan Liang, The Straits Times, 19 Jan 2016
The Singapore Police Force will explore whether to install more surveillance cameras in HDB estates and other public areas to boost its ability to deter and detect criminal and terrorist threats, Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said.
The ongoing installation of such police cameras at all 10,000 Housing Board blocks and multi-storey carparks is on track for completion this year.
Measures like these, which make better use of technology, as well as strengthen people's preparedness and ability to respond to a crisis or terror attack, are at the core of the plans by three ministries and the government agency overseeing national security matters, outlined yesterday in addenda to the President's Address.
These moves to step up Singapore's security come at a time when terror is a growing threat to the region.
In his ministry's addendum, Mr Shanmugam identified terrorism and transnational and cybercrime as key challenges for his ministry, with traveller and cargo volumes rising even as Singapore's population continues to age.
"While our work will grow in load and complexity, there is a limit to how much we can grow the size of the Home Team, given Singapore's manpower constraints," he said.
"We will have to develop new operating models and concepts, and make better use of technology."
Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said his ministry will also invest more in areas such as unmanned systems and robotics, while ensuring that the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) develops capabilities against a wider range of threats to national security, such as attacks to Singapore's online space.
"The operating environment for MINDEF and the SAF is changing rapidly: Technologies that used to be the domain of professional militaries are becoming cheaper and easier to obtain and used by less advanced militaries and non-state actors," said Dr Ng.
"As our economy and society rely more on technology that allows us to function with ease and efficiency, cyber criminals and attackers have more avenues to disrupt and destabilise Singapore."
Beyond its investments in hardware and capabilities, the Government will also look at ways to strengthen society's resilience - a "key ingredient" in national security, said Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean.
Mr Teo said the National Security Coordination Secretariat (NSCS) will continue to work with government agencies and community groups to develop a stronger understanding of the factors that determine how quickly the island can bounce back from a crisis, such as attitudes towards emergencies, social trust and family resilience.
The NSCS will also look at ways in which social media can be better used in an emergency to quickly manage a situation and restore confidence and order, at a time when rumours and disinformation spread through social media may complicate matters.
"In the event of a crisis, it is not just the security agencies that will be called to respond," he said.
"Our society as a whole will also be tested."
The NSCS will also work with agencies such as the Ministry of Home Affairs, Defence Ministry, Infocomm Development Authority, Media Development Authority and the Economic Development Board to develop practical solutions to cyber-security challenges facing Singapore.
Both the SAF and Home Team will also look at ways to improve the national service experience, to strengthen a cornerstone of Singapore's defence and security.
The SAF will expand its Volunteer Corps initiative that gives women, first-generation permanent residents and new citizens a way to contribute to the island's defence, while the Home Team intends to give its NSmen more leadership and specialist roles.
On the diplomatic front, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said Singapore will continue to work actively to enhance Asean integration, strengthen relationships with its immediate neighbours like Malaysia and Indonesia, and expand Singapore's international space through constructive participation in forums like the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) will expand Singapore's political relations and economic space in new emerging markets in Africa, Central Asia and Latin America, while also expanding its consular outreach as more Singaporeans travel and live abroad.
"With increasing occurrences of natural disasters and other emergencies, MFA will work closely with other government agencies and foreign governments to render consular assistance and ensure the safety of our Singaporeans abroad," said Dr Balakrishnan.
In the pipeline
The Straits Times, 19 Jan 2016
These are the plans key agencies have to strengthen Singapore's security, diplomacy and economy.
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
• The Singapore Armed Forces will develop new capabilities in areas such as unmanned systems and robotics, as well as capabilities to defend against cyber threats.
• National service will be strengthened through measures such as gifts for active NSmen who are newly married or have babies, basic life and accident insurance coverage, and vouchers for doing well during training. There will also be an NS Mark accreditation scheme for companies that support NSmen staff.
• There will be a series of NS50 activities to mark the 50th anniversary of NS in 2017.
• Efforts for the SAF Volunteer Corps will be expanded.
• Singapore will work to strengthen the regional security architecture through platforms like the Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus Maritime Security and Counter Terrorism Exercise, which it is co-hosting in May.
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
• Singapore will continue to deepen bilateral relations with Malaysia, Indonesia, other Asean member states and key partners, and expand Singapore's international space through diplomacy.
• Singapore will use its chairmanship of Asean in 2018 to strengthen the grouping's centrality in the evolving regional architecture.
• New economic opportunities for Singapore firms and Singaporeans will be created through the Asean Economic Community, Trans-Pacific Partnership and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
• Access to new emerging markets in Africa, Central Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Russia and Turkey will be expanded through active diplomacy in collaboration with the Republic's economic agencies.
• MFA will expand its engagement of Singaporeans living and working overseas.
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
• The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority will strengthen border security capabilities.
The Straits Times, 19 Jan 2016
These are the plans key agencies have to strengthen Singapore's security, diplomacy and economy.
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
• The Singapore Armed Forces will develop new capabilities in areas such as unmanned systems and robotics, as well as capabilities to defend against cyber threats.
• National service will be strengthened through measures such as gifts for active NSmen who are newly married or have babies, basic life and accident insurance coverage, and vouchers for doing well during training. There will also be an NS Mark accreditation scheme for companies that support NSmen staff.
• There will be a series of NS50 activities to mark the 50th anniversary of NS in 2017.
• Efforts for the SAF Volunteer Corps will be expanded.
• Singapore will work to strengthen the regional security architecture through platforms like the Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus Maritime Security and Counter Terrorism Exercise, which it is co-hosting in May.
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
• Singapore will continue to deepen bilateral relations with Malaysia, Indonesia, other Asean member states and key partners, and expand Singapore's international space through diplomacy.
• Singapore will use its chairmanship of Asean in 2018 to strengthen the grouping's centrality in the evolving regional architecture.
• New economic opportunities for Singapore firms and Singaporeans will be created through the Asean Economic Community, Trans-Pacific Partnership and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
• Access to new emerging markets in Africa, Central Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Russia and Turkey will be expanded through active diplomacy in collaboration with the Republic's economic agencies.
• MFA will expand its engagement of Singaporeans living and working overseas.
The 13th Parliament opened last Friday. MFA’s strategic priorities for the next five years include securing Singapore’s...
Posted by Vivian Balakrishnan on Monday, January 18, 2016
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
• The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority will strengthen border security capabilities.
• Police will complete installation of police cameras at all HDB blocks and multi-storey carparks, and consider having more cameras in housing estates and public areas to deter and detect threats.
• The Home Team will reviewoperations to cope with increasing demands and manpower constraints, using data and technology to deploy officers and equipment.
• Laws will be reviewed to keep them relevant and effective against emerging threats, and public education will be scaled up.
• Cooperation with international organisations will be deepened to counter terrorism, drugs and cybercrime, among other threats.
• Intelligence efforts, operationsand investigations will be better integrated across different Home Team departments.
NATIONAL SECURITY COORDINATION SECRETARIAT
• The "Let's Stand Together"campaign to raise awareness of security issues and prepare people for potential risks will be improved.
• Efforts will be taken to strengthen community vigilance, social cohesion and resilience so that in the event of a crisis such as a terror attack, Singaporeans can bounce back stronger and more united.
In his delivery of the MHA Addendum to the President’s Address yesterday, Minister Shanmugam outlined the key aims that...
Posted by Home Team News (Singapore) on Monday, January 18, 2016
NATIONAL SECURITY COORDINATION SECRETARIAT
• The "Let's Stand Together"campaign to raise awareness of security issues and prepare people for potential risks will be improved.
• Efforts will be taken to strengthen community vigilance, social cohesion and resilience so that in the event of a crisis such as a terror attack, Singaporeans can bounce back stronger and more united.
These are the plans by several agencies to renew the economy and provide opportunities for all.
The Straits Times, 20 Jan 2016
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
• Reduce excessive focus on academic results.
• Primary schools to get boost for arts, music, sports programmes.
• Greater emphasis on non-academic scores for admission to post-secondary institutions.
• More support for workers to upgrade know-how through SkillsFuture.
The Straits Times, 20 Jan 2016
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
• Reduce excessive focus on academic results.
• Primary schools to get boost for arts, music, sports programmes.
• Greater emphasis on non-academic scores for admission to post-secondary institutions.
• More support for workers to upgrade know-how through SkillsFuture.
★ MOE's Addendum to President's Address 2016 ★The key initiatives highlighted in MOE’s addendum are:• Reduce...
Posted by Ministry of Education, Singapore on Tuesday, January 19, 2016
• Help for companies to strengthen Singaporean core.
• More support for workers to match skills to jobs.
• Re-employment age to go up from 65 to 67 by next year.
• Improvements to Central Provident Fund to be put in place.
• Silver Support Scheme to be rolled out for the elderly poor.
At the Opening of the 13th Parliament on 15 January 2016, President Tony Tan spoke about the Government’s efforts to...
Posted by Singapore Ministry of Manpower on Tuesday, January 19, 2016
• Build on strengths in these sectors to support better jobs for Singaporeans:
- advanced manufacturing
- logistics and aerospace
- applied health sciences
- smart and sustainable urban solutions
• Nurture start-ups.
• Help small and medium-sized enterprises restructure and venture abroad.
Today, we unveiled our long-term plans aimed at positioning our economy for the future and creating good jobs for...
Posted by Ministry of Trade & Industry on Tuesday, January 19, 2016
• Use technology to boost efficiency, lower costs.
• Develop swift, secure digital and mobile payments.
NATIONAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION
• $19 billion to be set aside for Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2020 plan.
• $19 billion to be set aside for Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2020 plan.
The following are plans of three agencies for strengthening social safety nets and giving people peace of mind about being able to pay for their basic needs and healthcare costs.
The Straits Times, 21 Jan 2016
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
• Help patients transition more smoothly as they move from acute hospitals to long-term care facilities and their homes during the recovery process.
• Ensure each Singaporean hasa regular family doctor who knows his health needs best.
• Add more than 10,000 beds in acute hospitals, community hospitals and nursing homes.
• Add more than 7,000 places to community care and home-care services, such as senior daycare centres.
• Develop standardised private Integrated Shield health insurance plan, which will build on MediShield Life.
• Implement the Action Plan for Successful Ageing for seniors to live more fulfilling lives.
MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT
• Encourage marriage; provide early support to vulnerable marriages and families.
• Review laws and policies to better protect the elderly suffering abuse or neglect.
• Streamline standards in welfare homes for the destitute.
• Better coordination by Social Service Offices in planning and delivering help to needy residents.
• More childcare places that are affordable and of good quality.
• Support for children from low-income families in their early years.
The Straits Times, 21 Jan 2016
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
• Help patients transition more smoothly as they move from acute hospitals to long-term care facilities and their homes during the recovery process.
• Ensure each Singaporean hasa regular family doctor who knows his health needs best.
• Add more than 10,000 beds in acute hospitals, community hospitals and nursing homes.
• Add more than 7,000 places to community care and home-care services, such as senior daycare centres.
• Develop standardised private Integrated Shield health insurance plan, which will build on MediShield Life.
• Implement the Action Plan for Successful Ageing for seniors to live more fulfilling lives.
MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT
• Encourage marriage; provide early support to vulnerable marriages and families.
• Review laws and policies to better protect the elderly suffering abuse or neglect.
• Streamline standards in welfare homes for the destitute.
• Better coordination by Social Service Offices in planning and delivering help to needy residents.
• More childcare places that are affordable and of good quality.
• Support for children from low-income families in their early years.
https://msfconversations.wordpress.com/2016/01/20/msf-addendum-to-the-presidents-address/At the opening of the 13th...
Posted by Tan Chuan-Jin on Wednesday, January 20, 2016
NATIONAL POPULATION AND TALENT DIVISION IN PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE
• Encourage family-friendly workplaces.
• Support fathers so that they can play a more active role in bringing up children.
• Balance economic vitality and the needs of the ageing citizen population and workforce.
MOE: More time and space for students' interests
Schools to also emphasise outdoor activities; tertiary institutions to go beyond academic scores in assessment
By Pearl Lee, The Straits Times, 20 Jan 2016
In the next five years, students can expect less emphasis on academic results, and more time and space to pursue their interests in schools as well as take part in outdoor activities.
As they move to tertiary level, the polytechnics, Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and universities will assess them on attributes beyond their academic scores.
These Ministry of Education (MOE) plans were outlined yesterday by Acting Education Ministers Ng Chee Meng (Schools) and Ong Ye Kung (Higher Education and Skills).
They set out the MOE's focus for the next five years in an Addendum to President Tony Tan Keng Yam's Address in Parliament last Friday, when he mapped out the Government's goals and policies for its new five-year term.
MOE's move to reduce the over-emphasis on academic results continues an effort that began about five years ago to make learning more enjoyable and examinations not be "overly perceived" as "high-stake endeavours".
It will give primary school pupils more opportunities to pursue their interest in the arts, music and sports, the ministers said.
The policy comes amid expectations from educators, parents and students of a revamp of the way Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) pupils are graded down to the last decimal point, a system called the T-score.
It will be replaced by grade bands similar to the A1 to F9 grades used for the O levels, a change Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had said in 2013 was to take place in a few years' time.
Ms Denise Phua, who chairs the Government Parliamentary Committee for Education, said it will take time for mindsets to change.
"Not announcing the top PSLE scores or tweaking the PSLEsystem will not change the underlying perception about high-stakes exams. Tuition even for the stronger students will still be a feature and a security blanket," she said.
"A lot more attention has to be made to address this mindset."
Last year, then Education Minister Heng Swee Keat, who is now the Finance Minister, said the PSLE changes may take place this year at the earliest.
Parents and children had been assured they will be given enough time to respond and adjust.
The ministry also said in its addendum that strong emphasis will be placed on outdoor education.
The two ministers are in favour of outdoor activities, saying they "build... ruggedness and resilience in our students".
At the tertiary level, the Singapore Institute of Technology and SIM University will offer more applied degree programmes with a strong nexus with industry.
The institutions of higher learning will also expand the way they select students, by assessing them on a range of attributes and not just their academic scores.
Various initiatives are also in place to let individuals build hands-on, industry-relevant skills while in school, and take charge of their personal upgrading after that.
These include the Earn and Learn Programme that lets ITE and polytechnic students study while working for a salary, and the $500 SkillsFuture Credit for all Singaporeans aged 25 and older to pay for courses to stay relevant in the workplace.
"The objective is not to chase more and higher qualifications, but to achieve mastery in everything we do," MOE said.
"As a society, economy and nation, we need to recognise and celebrate different forms of successes, and embrace a culture of lifelong learning."
Keeping Singaporeans healthy and boosting standards
Health Ministry's priorities in next five years also include keeping healthcare affordable
By Linette Lai, The Straits Times, 21 Jan 2016
The Health Ministry's priorities in the next five years are to intensify efforts to keep Singaporeans healthy and to further boost healthcare standards.
These initiatives include raising the capacity both in hospitals and at other healthcare facilities, stepping up efforts to reduce obesity and smoking rates, and working out the details of the standard private Integrated Shield Plan that will build on MediShield Life.
The six regional health systems - each anchored by a public hospital - will also work on making the transition smoother from acute hospitals to long-term care facilities and patients' homes.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong outlined these plans in an Addendum to the President's Address made in Parliament last week, mapping out the goals and policies of the Government's new five-year term.
"We will continue to improve capacity of healthcare services and keep them affordable for Singaporeans," Mr Gan said in a separate statement yesterday.
Health Ministry's priorities in next five years also include keeping healthcare affordable
By Linette Lai, The Straits Times, 21 Jan 2016
The Health Ministry's priorities in the next five years are to intensify efforts to keep Singaporeans healthy and to further boost healthcare standards.
These initiatives include raising the capacity both in hospitals and at other healthcare facilities, stepping up efforts to reduce obesity and smoking rates, and working out the details of the standard private Integrated Shield Plan that will build on MediShield Life.
The six regional health systems - each anchored by a public hospital - will also work on making the transition smoother from acute hospitals to long-term care facilities and patients' homes.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong outlined these plans in an Addendum to the President's Address made in Parliament last week, mapping out the goals and policies of the Government's new five-year term.
"We will continue to improve capacity of healthcare services and keep them affordable for Singaporeans," Mr Gan said in a separate statement yesterday.
He became Health Minister in 2011 and, in his first term, oversaw the launch of MediShield Life, abasic lifelong health insurance scheme for all Singaporeans and permanent residents.
In that time, the Community Health Assist Scheme, which subsidises visits to participating general practitioners and dentists, was also expanded.
Around 1.4 million Singaporeans, including members of the pioneer generation, have benefited from the scheme.
Last year saw the opening of new hospitals, nursing homes and senior care centres - notably, the Yishun Community Hospital, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and the neighbouring Jurong Community Hospital.
Still, the ministry plans to add more than 10,000 beds in acute and community hospitals as well as nursing homes. It will also add more than 7,000 places to community and home care services, like senior care centres.
Other initiatives include stepping up efforts to help Singaporeans live healthily - including plans to reduce obesity and smoking - and making sure each person has a regular family doctor familiar with his needs.
Also, the ministry will continue to recruit healthcare staff and find ways to improve productivity. It will also leverage the new SkillsFuture scheme to strengthen healthcare career paths.
In a separate addendum, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, who is the Minister-in-charge of the National Population and Talent Division, said the number of seniors in Singapore is estimated to double to 900,000 by 2030.
Hence, one of the division's tasks will be to balance population growth so that the needs of the ageing population and workforce can be met, he said.
Other efforts targeted at seniors include the new Action Plan for Successful Ageing. It will give seniors opportunities to learn, volunteer and live well even after retirement, and the Health Ministry will implement it.
In his statement, Mr Gan pledged to continue developing new ways to offer healthcare services and prepare for future healthcare needs.
"We will also step up efforts to promote healthy living among our people, and help our seniors enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life," he added.
More help for elderly poor, low-income families
By Priscilla Goy, The Straits Times, 21 Jan 2016
In the next five years, the destitute elderly will get more help to overcome their difficulties.
Policies and laws, such as the Mental Capacity Act, will be reviewed to better protect elderly folk who suffer abuse or neglect.
Destitute adults in welfare homes will also receive greater support, as the authorities streamline care standards in these homes.
Low-income and disadvantaged families will be given help to improve their home environment for their children's learning and development, so that the children's needs are met earlier.
Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin yesterday outlined these plans of his ministry for the next five years, in an addendum to the President's address.
By Priscilla Goy, The Straits Times, 21 Jan 2016
In the next five years, the destitute elderly will get more help to overcome their difficulties.
Policies and laws, such as the Mental Capacity Act, will be reviewed to better protect elderly folk who suffer abuse or neglect.
Destitute adults in welfare homes will also receive greater support, as the authorities streamline care standards in these homes.
Low-income and disadvantaged families will be given help to improve their home environment for their children's learning and development, so that the children's needs are met earlier.
Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin yesterday outlined these plans of his ministry for the next five years, in an addendum to the President's address.
These efforts come amid a rising number of senior citizens who live alone, and shrinking family sizes.
Said Mr Tan: "The social needs of our citizens and families are becoming more complex as the demographics, economics and family structures in Singapore change.
"Our social policies and services must evolve so that we can continue to nurture resilient individuals and strong families."
For parents with children in pre-school, the Early Childhood Development Agency will continue to offer more childcare options that are affordable and of good quality, and increase the number of places.
The network of 24 social service offices was completed last month. Mr Tan said these offices will improve the coordination in planning and delivery of their services to needy residents in each town.
Mr Tan said everyone plays a part in caring for one another. "Through what we do and how we do it, the ministry hopes to nurture a culture and spirit of giving in Singapore."