By Leong Sze Hian I refer to the article “Manpower Minister explains how to build a SG core in workforce” (TR Emeritus, Mar 5). It states that “Mr Tan (Chuan Jin) added that the second part to build a Singaporean core lies in how the work pass framework and foreign manpower framework are restructured. He said, “As we are all familiar, …

By Terry Xu The Online Citizen interviews Bryan Choo, the founder of TheSmartLocal – a fast growing independent Singapore review site started just last year which covers practically everything one could ask about Singapore lifestyle. Bryan shares with us through an in-depth interview what the site is about and how Singaporean visitors can benefit from it.   Q: How long have you …

By Ravi Philemon The PAP Government has acknowledged some of its shortfalls in this year’s Budget. For one, the Finance Minister acceded that in the previous decade, our productivity growth rates were well below the norms of developed economies, even as our labour force grew significantly. The Minister also accepted that there is an urgent need to ameliorate inequality because the …

By Philip Ang   Mr Lee Hsien Loong Chairman, People’s Association   Dear Mr Lee More than a decade ago, I was a Residents’ Committee (RC) ‘Observer’ for a few months.  It was a very disappointing experience because real concerns were hardly highlighted during meetings. The fact remains till today – our politicised RCs are more like event organising committees for the government.  …