GE2025: Shaping of policies does not have to be adversarial, says PAP's Henry Kwek
GE2025: Shaping of policies does not have to be adversarial, says PAP's Henry Kwek
Follow our live coverage here.
SINGAPORE – Shaping of policies for Singapore does not need to be adversarial as this can be done by communities working together to help one another, Mr Henry Kwek, the PAP candidate for Kebun Baru SMC, said on April 25.
Mr Kwek was responding to a question about comments made by his opponent, PSP candidate Tony Tan, at a rally on April 24 that more opposition voices are needed in Parliament.
Speaking to the media at the launch of PAP's Kebun Baru manifesto, 'Always On Your Side', at the party's branch office in Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4, he said: 'I don't think that shaping policies should be adversarial. I feel that there is tremendous value in getting our community to come together to help one another.
'We will use many means of advocating for our people, be it parliamentary questions, speeches in Parliament, participating actively in debates, having motions, doing focus groups, putting up papers, using our direct line to persuade the front bench to see and respond to the change that we see needed on the ground.'
Noting that he has been 'doing this for 10 years', Mr Kwek also pointed out how policies in Kebun Baru have evolved to better support seniors, young families and the wider community, with more expected in the next few years.
Since 2015, social support in Kebun Baru has been strengthened by initiatives such as the Hope Collective, which helps needy and vulnerable residents, he added. The programmes include befriending socially isolated seniors, mentoring needy young families, and talent development for children from lower-income families.
On infrastructure upgrades in the community, Mr Kwek said Kebun Baru has seen a makeover under the Remaking Our Heartland initiative.
The Mayflower hawker centre and nearby parks have been upgraded, and new wayfinding features are being integrated with MRT exits to provide a clearer route for the elderly.
Residents can also expect more enhancements in the public and private estates, he said.
The Ang Mo Kio swimming complex is being rebuilt into a new ActiveSG hub, while Lentor Hills will welcome Lentor Modern, a mixed-use development with 96,000 sq ft of commercial space that includes a supermarket and about 50 shops.
Private estates such as Teachers' Estate will be the first to benefit from the Estate Upgrading Programme, a new upgrading scheme tailored for seniors in older neighbourhoods.
The upgrades include more senior-friendly amenities, as well as more footpaths, improved drainage and green spaces.
A new ServiceSG office will open in AMK Hub by end-2026 to offer seniors in-person help to access government services, Mr Kwek added.
Residents cheering for SM Lee Hsien Loong (centre) and Mr Henry Kwek (right), the PAP candidate for Kebun Baru SMC, during a walkabout at Mayflower Market and Food Centre on April 25.
ST PHOTO: GIN TAY
Transport connectivity is also set to improve with upcoming projects like the MRT's Cross Island Line, and the North-South Corridor, freeing up the roads for buses, cycling paths and landscaped public spaces.
Mr Kwek said more attention must also be given to the 'sandwich generation', who juggle work, caregiving and financial responsibilities.
'Some of them have health issues, some of them may have business challenges, and they need a bit of extra help. That is why we should do more for our sandwich class,' he said.
'That is a clear need that is evolving, and we will respond to that need like we always have been.'
Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNA
a day ago
- CNA
Ex-Malaysian minister Khairy Jamaluddin calls PAP 'juvenile' for response to WP chief Pritam Singh's podcast appearance
SINGAPORE: Former Malaysian health minister Khairy Jamaluddin called Singapore's ruling People's Action Party (PAP) "immature" and "juvenile" for its response to Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh's appearance on his podcast earlier this year, and said that the party "needs to grow up". He also said in an episode of popular Malaysian political podcast Keluar Sekejap, released on YouTube on Jul 29, that he and co-host Shahril Hamdan, previously UMNO's information chief, have both been interviewed by Singaporean media on Malaysia's internal politics too. Workers' Party leader Singh had spoken to the duo in a video released on Jun 24. It was his most in-depth interview since the General Election, in which the PAP retained power with 65.57 per cent of the vote. During the interview, which lasted more than one-and-a-half hours, Mr Singh addressed a wide range of topics, including the WP's electoral strategy, and the intersection of race, religion and politics. It drew a response from the PAP, which questioned Mr Singh's intent on going on the Malaysian podcast, and that "politics should stop at the water's edge". In the latest episode, Mr Khairy and Mr Shahril were discussing whether to include Singapore among the stops for their overseas live shows. While it is a popular option based on their "engagement data", the "not-so-pleasant experience recently" surrounding Mr Singh's appearance on their show has turned them off. "When Pritam Singh appeared on KS (Keluar Sekejap), at first, there wasn't much of an issue. But I think, about a week after that, there was an article written, if I'm not mistaken, on PAP's own portal. This PAP portal belongs to Singapore's ruling party. It stated, and I suppose, accused Pritam Singh's appearance of being akin to interference in Singapore's internal politics," said Mr Khairy. "Its main target was Pritam Singh. Why did Pritam Singh go on a Malaysian podcast to talk about Singapore? And after that, it said this was like an interference in Singapore's internal politics and that politics should stop at 'the Water's Edge'. Meaning, don't you talk about our politics." Mr Khairy said he thought it was "such an immature take". APPEARANCE ON SINGAPORE MEDIA He noted that he and Mr Shahril have been interviewed by Singapore news outlets CNA and The Straits Times on Malaysia's internal politics, including when he was invited two weeks back to be a commentator virtually for a study conducted on UMNO by the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies think-tank, where he was a visiting fellow. "So I don't understand, when they want to talk about other people's politics, it's fine … But when it happens to you, when Pritam comes here to talk about the Singaporean election, suddenly it's, 'Oh, foreign interference'," said Mr Khairy. "I think I have a lot of friends there, but PAP needs to grow up." His co-host, Mr Shahril, said that he has also spoken about Malaysian politics in Singapore on academic platforms, and noted that having an extensive analysis of its neighbouring countries is one of Singapore's strengths. "Perhaps in a moment that was less self-aware, maybe a part of the establishment, a small part perhaps, felt they could use that argument to voice their dissatisfaction that an opposition party leader could perform and shine so well on our podcast," he said of Mr Singh's appearance. "I think that was just hopefully one small moment. When I asked friends in Singapore, including those who are strong supporters of the establishment, most of them didn't see it the way that article did. To be fair, I don't think that's the majority view. It's just a particular kind of view." Mr Khairy noted that "it's the view of the ruling party", and said that until the "PAP stops being juvenile on this issue", the duo would not come to Singapore as part of their overseas tour for their podcast live shows. Mr Shahril added that the duo typically banter and crack jokes on their podcast when discussing heavy topics, and that in Singapore, "if there are restrictions, or the perception of them, it won't be natural". CNA has reached out to the PAP for comment. POLITICS STOP AT THE WATER'S EDGE The PAP had said on Jul 3 that Mr Singh's decision to speak about Singapore's politics on a Malaysian podcast "raises serious questions" as to why he chose to address the topic "on foreign soil to a foreign audience". "Strikingly, he chose not a local media outlet, but a podcast hosted by Malaysians and recorded in Malaysia to share his views on our domestic political landscape," the party said in a statement. The PAP also challenged Mr Singh's claim that his party does not "score political points based on race or religion". The party added that while Singapore and Malaysia share close ties, they have long refrained from commenting on each other's politics and from using each other's media to influence public opinion, especially after the racial unrest of the 1960s. "As a sovereign nation, we must be clear: Politics should stop at the water's edge," it said. "Singapore's affairs are for Singaporeans to decide, based on what is best for our national interests." In response, the WP said that Mr Singh's podcast appearance "had no detrimental impact whatsoever on Singapore's national interests", adding that public reception in Singapore to the podcast has been positive. "It exemplified how a non-government Singaporean politician can speak fairly and frankly about Singapore and the Singapore government, without denouncing either. This particular point continues to be well-received by many Singaporeans," it said. PAP leaders routinely give interviews and share their views on domestic matters to foreign media outlets, it noted. In response to the WP's statement, the PAP said that while ministers do engage with foreign media, they discuss a wide range of topics, "be it on international and regional affairs or domestic matters", compared to Mr Singh's interview, which "focused almost entirely on Singapore's internal politics". Mr Singh has also declined invitations from Singaporean podcasters, it added. Noting that the WP has continued to brush aside serious concerns about its engagement with Noor Deros, a self-styled religious teacher in Malaysia known for "views that are at odds with Singapore's commitment to multiracialism and religious harmony", as well as public endorsements made by Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) politicians in support of its candidates, the PAP said that "many important questions raised remain unanswered".
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Straits Times
Japan to ease overseas student enrolment caps at universities in bid to attract talent
As part of the review, the ministry will consider whether international students can adequately cover their enrolment costs. TOKYO – To attract highly talented international students, the education ministry has decided to ease the cap on university enrolment through implementing a special measure to start from the 2026 academic year. In the case of large departments or faculties with an admission quota of 300 or more, international student enrolment will be allowed to exceed the fixed capacity up to an amount less than 110 per cent, according to the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry. Under the current system, large departments are subject to a strict overall enrolment cap of less than 105 per cent capacity to ensure educational quality. If universities exceed this limit, they face penalties such as cuts to government subsidies. The special measure will apply to universities that have met specific criteria over the past three years, including having no legal violations, an overall enrolment capacity rate of 90 per cent or higher, and sound financial conditions. Universities are required to submit their plans on increasing the number of international students. The ministry will review the plans and examine how they manage enrolment, particularly focusing on the dropout rate of such students, to grant certification on a per-faculty basis. As part of the review, the ministry will consider whether international students can adequately cover their enrolment costs. To promote diversity, emphasis will be placed on plans to increase student enrolment from the Group of Seven nations, India and South-east Asia – regions that have been designated as government priority areas. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Car that fell into Tanjong Katong Road South sinkhole removed; road remains closed for repairs Singapore Workers used nylon rope to rescue driver of car that fell into Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole Life Vet Talk: Pet owners and vets need to work together to prevent infectious zoonotic diseases Singapore Benchmark barrier: Six of her homeschooled kids had to retake the PSLE Singapore For Singapore to do well, PAP govt has to continue to hold its own: SM Lee Asia S'porean trainee doctor in Melbourne arrested for allegedly filming colleagues in toilets since 2021 Singapore Mum at 15: More teens in Singapore gave birth in 2024 Business Already owning 5 properties, woman wanted elderly dad's 4 homes A survey by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development found that undergraduate international students made up 16 per cent of the student population in the Britain and 14 per cent in Canada, while in Japan it remained at only 3 per cent in 2021. In April 2023, the government's Council for the Creation of Future Education recommended raising the cap on international students to 400,000 by 2033. The council also called for more flexible university enrolment management. On July 25, the ministry began soliciting public comments regarding the introduction of this special measure. THE JAPAN NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Straits Times
Thailand, Cambodia weigh peace talks after Trump's tariff threat
Both sides have blamed the other for further renewed aggression. WASHINGTON – Thailand and Cambodia may hold talks as soon as July 27 to bring an end to their deadly border clashes after US President Donald Trump warned Washington would not make a trade deal with either country while the conflict continued. Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said foreign ministers on both sides could soon talk, but any ceasefire agreement would be subject to conditions such as resolving the dispute bilaterally, and withdrawing troops and the use of lethal weapons. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, who has welcomed Mr Trump's bid to end the conflict, has already assigned his foreign minister to talk with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to coordinate peace talks with Bangkok. After separate calls with the Thai and Cambodian leaders on July 26, Mr Trump said they agreed to 'quickly work out a ceasefire,' according to posts on Truth Social. Mr Phumtham said he told Mr Trump that Thailand wanted assurances the terms of any ceasefire agreement will not be reversed. Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and Mr Rubio are also scheduled to hold talks, he said. 'Bilateral negotiations, a genuine desire for a ceasefire, and the withdrawal of troops and heavy weapons from where they are now, will help assure us of their sincerity in pursuing a ceasefire agreement,' Mr Phumtham told reporters. Heavy artillery shelling was reported on July 27 from multiple locations across the 800-km shared border. Both sides blamed the other for further renewed aggression. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Car that fell into Tanjong Katong Road South sinkhole removed; road remains closed for repairs Singapore Workers used nylon rope to rescue driver of car that fell into Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole Life Vet Talk: Pet owners and vets need to work together to prevent infectious zoonotic diseases Singapore Benchmark barrier: Six of her homeschooled kids had to retake the PSLE Singapore For Singapore to do well, PAP govt has to continue to hold its own: SM Lee Asia S'porean trainee doctor in Melbourne arrested for allegedly filming colleagues in toilets since 2021 Singapore Mum at 15: More teens in Singapore gave birth in 2024 Business Already owning 5 properties, woman wanted elderly dad's 4 homes The Thai army said Cambodian forces launched rockets and artillery into civilian areas including homes and hospitals in the early hours of July 27. It also warned Phnom Penh could potentially deploy long-range missiles. Cambodia in turn said that Thai troops were the first to launch attacks early on July 27. Cambodia remained committed to an immediate ceasefire and to resolving all disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, said Ms Maly Socheata, a spokeswoman at Cambodia's Ministry of National Defense. Clashes between Thailand and Cambodia , which erupted on July 24 after monthslong tension along the border, has killed more than 30 people and displaced over 150,000 civilians on both sides. It remains to be seen if Mr Trump's threat of trade as a tool to end hostilities – a tactic he claims to have successfully used in halting India-Pakistan clashes in May – could lead to a lasting agreement. The Trump administration has threatened 36 per cent tariffs on both Thailand and Cambodia. We 'do not want to make any Deal, with either Country, if they are fighting – And I have told them so,' Mr Trump said on Truth Social. Both parties 'are also looking to get back to the 'Trading Table' with the United States, which we think is inappropriate to do until such time as the fighting STOPS,' he said. Thai officials have previously said they are nearing a deal with the US to lower the tariff with offers of greater market access to American products to narrow the US$46 billion (S$58.9 billion) trade surplus with Washington. The Thai government is under pressure to strike a deal before the Aug 1 deadline, especially as neighboring Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam have secured trade agreements with the Trump administration. The US is Thailand's largest export market with shipments valued at US$63 billion in 2024. Thailand has put the death toll on its side at 21 including eight soldiers, with at least 36 civilians injured. Cambodia has so far reported 13 deaths including five soldiers, and injuries to 70 others. Thailand and Cambodia have a long history of border tensions, though ties have remained mostly stable since a deadly clash in 2011 that killed dozens. The last major escalation focused on the Preah Vihear temple, a historic flashpoint rooted in disputes dating back to the French colonial period. Much of the current dispute stems from maps drawn on differing interpretations of early 20th-century Franco-Siamese treaties, which defined the border between Thailand and Cambodia, then part of French Indochina. Fighting erupted last week after Thailand expelled Cambodia's ambassador and recalled its own envoy from Phnom Penh in response to landmine explosions that maimed at least two Thai soldiers and injured several others. The clashes have involved fighter jets, rocket launchers and heavy artillery with Thailand using its navy to repel Cambodian attacks near the Gulf of Thailand. BLOOMBERG
