Singapore in 2 Minutes for the Week of May 8

Govt defers recommendations on political salaries until the Middle East conflict’s impact clears

An eight-person committee was formed in January to review the salaries of political appointment holders and has submitted its recommendation. Because of the Middle East conflict, these considerations will only be looked into once the crisis clears.

Minister of Defence and Coordinating Minister for Public Services Chan Chun Sing said, “The Government recognises that the Middle East conflict is still ongoing, causing major economic uncertainties and clouding the outlook for Singapore.”

Govt to study a proposal to raise the income threshold of a scheme supporting retrenched workers

Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng announced on May 6 in Parliament that the government will study a proposal to raise the income threshold of the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme.

This scheme provides temporary financial assistance of up to $6,000 over six months to retrenched residents who were earning $5,000 or less per month, as well as providing them with job search support.

Dr Tan said, “The Government cannot protect every job, but will certainly do our best to support and protect every worker.”

Former PAP “Kopitiam MP” Ong Ah Heng dies at 84

Former People’s Action Party MP Ong Ah Heng, who was known as the “Kopitiam MP” for his close rapport with workers, died on May 5 at the age of 84.

He was already a grassroots leader in Nee Soon Central when he stood for election there as a PAP candidate in 1997 and won the single seat against the Singapore Democratic Party.

Mr Ong served the constituency for three terms before retiring from politics in 2011.

In his social media post on May 6, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said Mr Ong devoted his life to serving Singapore and Singaporeans and leaves behind a legacy of service and dedication.

Students from all Polys, ITE and Unis to receive free credits for AI app developing

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is giving out 1,000 free credits for developing apps with AI to students from all Polys, Unis, and the Institute of Technical Education.

These credits can be used on Kiro, a platform built by AWS that allows users to build apps with prompts using natural language. Any student above the age of 18 with a valid tertiary school email address can avail of the credits.

SIA extends S’pore-Dubai flight cancellations till Aug 2 amid Middle East conflict

Singapore Airlines (SIA) said flights SQ494 (Singapore to Dubai) and SQ495 (Dubai to Singapore) will be cancelled until Aug 2, in a Facebook post on May 6. These flights were previously cancelled till May 31 because of the Middle East conflict.

Other SIA flights may be affected as the situation remains fluid, the airline added.

Those affected by the flight cancellations will be reaccommodated on alternative flights or can seek a full refund of the unused portion of their ticket, said SIA.

New Bahru has completed restoration of its Factory Block and expanded its tenant lineup to over 60 brands

New Bahru, a creative lifestyle destination by The Lo & Behold Group, marks its final phase as doors to the highly anticipated Factory Block officially open. Located within the former Tai Wah Garments & Knitting Factory at 58 Kim Yam Road, the first and second floors of the restored 1960s building bring together 12 homegrown and select international brands.

The opening follows the recent refurbishment of the School Hall, New Bahru’s central venue for programming and public events. The development now houses a full roster of 62 budding and established brands.

S-E Asia should brace itself for haze later this year as “Godzilla El Nino” is forecast: Grace Fu

Southeast Asia is projected to face hotter and drier conditions, fuelled by a potential “Godzilla El Nino cycle”, which could then trigger more intense forest fires and haze, said Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu on May 7.

“Southeast Asia faces a perfect storm caused by a double whammy of geopolitical developments and climate change, which have severe implications for the region’s agri-commodity sector,” said Ms Fu.

Grab receives the first Cross-Border Ride-hail Service Operator Licence from LTA

Taxi service provider Grab received the first Cross-Border Ride-hail Service Operator Licence (CRSOL) from the Land and Transport Authority (LTA), for trips between Singapore and areas in Malaysia such as Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri, Forest City, Kulai and Senai.

Passengers can book taxis from anywhere in Singapore, but will have to adhere to specific pick-up points in the Malaysian regions. Some of these so far include Larkin Terminal, Toppen Shopping Centre, Mid Valley Southkey Mall, and Angsana Mall.

Parliament passes IMDA Bill to make amendments to ensure fair market conduct in the media sector

On May 7, Parliament unanimously passed a bill that would provide more control to the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s oversight of ownership and control changes in the media sector.

The changes state that any regulated persons (RP), which are newspaper publishers with newspaper permits or holders of a broadcasting licence, acquiring ownership interests of 30 per cent or more, must seek IMDA’s approval.

Previously, only acquisitions, mergers or consolidations between RPs, or between RPs and ancillary media services, required IMDA’s prior approval.

Bedok, Bukit Panjang, Tiong Bahru-Redhill designated as Age Well Neighbourhoods.

Bedok, Bukit Panjang, and Tiong Bahru-Redhill have been designated as Age Well Neighbourhoods (AWNs), with facilities like enhanced care services and senior-friendly infrastructure to help them age independently and comfortably with a sense of purpose.

These locations join the first AWN in Toa Payoh that was announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at last year’s National Day Rally.

The four AWNs will benefit over 110,000 seniors, a joint statement by the ministries of health, national development and transport said on May 7.