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Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s May Day Rally Speech: An Election Campaign Prelude?

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong’s May Day Rally speech highlighted Singapore’s economic challenges amid global uncertainties, stressing the need for economic transformation, lifelong learning, and the importance of the PAP-NTUC partnership. Amid growing election speculation, his speech resembled an election campaign address, focusing on key issues such as housing affordability and the well-being of Singaporean workers.

May Day Message: PSP advocates for fair compensation, flexible work arrangements, and inclusivity

In a May Day message, Progress Singapore Party Secretary-General Leong Mun Wai emphasizes the importance of fair compensation, decent working conditions, and fighting discrimination in the workplace. The party expresses its commitment to advocate for lower-income workers and championing flexible work arrangements. They seek to build a more inclusive society and ensure Singaporeans have the support and opportunities they need to thrive.

Labour Day 2023: RDU calls for a compassionate society that values workers

On Labour Day, Red Dot United (RDU) reaffirms its commitment to building a compassionate and inclusive society that prioritizes the well-being and dignity of all individuals, including workers. RDU emphasizes the importance of promoting policies and initiatives that support social justice and reduce inequality, such as implementing a Universal Basic Income (UBI), ensuring access to affordable housing and healthcare, and empowering workers to organize and bargain collectively. RDU also stresses the need to raise awareness and educate the public about the challenges faced by different groups of workers, including migrant and low-wage workers. By striving for a compassionate society, the party envisions a just and equitable future where all workers’ contributions are valued and respected.

Peoples Voice May Day message: Standing Up For The Singaporean Worker!

In his May Day message, Mr Lim Tean, leader of the Peoples Voice (PV) party, highlights the concerning job imbalance in Singapore, with 88.5% of jobs created in 2022 going to foreigners. PV emphasizes the need to prioritize Singaporean workers, address job insecurity, and reject policies that disadvantage locals in the labor market.

One family, five candidates: dynasties rule rural Thailand

The Thienthong clan, a prominent Thai political dynasty, prepares for the general election with five family members running for different parties. While not as renowned as the Shinawatras, their wealth and influence stem from a successful logistics business. They have provided stability and assistance to their community, but the upcoming election, influenced by youth-led protests, may mark a turning point for political families. Nonetheless, the Thienthongs have demonstrated resilience in navigating the tumultuous realm of Thai politics.

In countering Russia, the EU should not forget South East Asia

The European Union’s (EU) new strategic action plan to counter the consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine focuses on building stronger relationships with Brazil, Chile, Nigeria, and Kazakhstan. However, Simone Galimberti highlights the surprising exclusion of South East Asia, a crucial region for Europe’s geopolitical ambitions. Galimberti argues that the EU should prioritize engaging with key countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, considering their strategic relationships with China and the regional tensions in the South China Sea. A dedicated high-level figure and visits from EU leaders would demonstrate the EU’s commitment to South East Asia’s importance.

Chee Soon Juan urged Singaporeans to deal with the AI advancements, find courage to reform the society

Dr Chee Soon Juan, Secretary General of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), issued a warning about the rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and their impact on Singaporean society. He expressed concern that the current education system fails to prepare children for a fundamentally changed and unrecognizable world. Dr Chee highlighted the possibility of entire professions being altered or disappearing due to AI. He criticized the lack of changes in the education system and accused the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) of “dumbing down” Singaporeans. Despite the bleak future, he remained hopeful that Singaporeans would find the courage to initiate change and reform. Dr Chee also invited the public to his restaurant, Orange and Teal, to foster intelligent discussions and intense debates.

Minister K Shanmugam’s contradictory stance on public statements made outside parliament raises questions

In this piece, Terry Xu discusses Minister K Shanmugam’s contradictory stance on public statements made outside Parliament, raising concerns about possible double standards. While Mr Shanmugam criticized Leong Mun Wai for a Facebook post, he later shared Chee Hong Tat’s commentary, which criticised Workers’ Party’s exchange with MPs from People’s Action Party, creating speculation about the Minister’s consistency in applying standards to different individuals.

Why are the US and China fighting over chips?

The US has blocked China’s access to advanced semiconductors, citing national security. Semiconductors are crucial to the development of advanced technology and weapons, making them a key target. Chinese chip companies stockpiled components ahead of the US export controls, but the sanctions have started to hurt, drying up China’s talent pool and forcing companies to slash jobs and freeze expansion plans. China has reacted with defiance and vowed to accelerate its efforts to become self-reliant on semiconductors, but experts say it may take much longer to achieve its goal in the face of such curbs.

Workers’ Party responds to commentary by Senior Minister of State over allegations on party’s position on GST

The Workers’ Party (WP) has responded to Senior Minister of State for Finance and Transport Chee Hong Tat’s commentary on their change in stance on Goods & Services Tax (GST). The WP expressed surprise that Mr Chee did not raise his concerns in Parliament if he was unsatisfied with the replies from its Members of Parliament. The party also pointed out that they had never called for a reduction of GST from 7% to 0%. The WP called on Mr Chee to debate their positions in Parliament, stating that it is not an unreasonable expectation for any serious government around the world.