Dear Reach Administrator,

 Economic Development Board (EDB) had conducted a search on Singapore's position on 'Most Cost Competitive Place for Business' and 'Best Labour Force' In both 2 categories, Singapore came in first in global rankings.

Dear Bloggers,

                             In The Straits Times's Nov.1 issue, an article on "Blessings by the Bag for needy Kids" was published.

Dear Reach Executive,

                                       I say woe betide to China.

                                       With China's products such as toys, tooth pastes, pet food, eggs, fresh/dry vegetables, preserved pickles, herbs, fish/meats, tires et certera and now the worst of all,  milk and milk products being contaminated, tainted, adulterated, and even the voice of the charming little girl be impersonated during the Olypmics Games, can we ever trust PRC at all?

Dear Reach Executive,

 In a  National Environment Agency (NEA) news release on Feb 2005, Professor Simon Tay, former chairman of NEA said that  hawker centres play an important part in the lives of Singaporeans and have indeed become icons for both locals and visitors alike.

Dear Reach Executive,

                                  Much has been said about housing and treatment of foreign workers lately.

                                   My personal belief is that both our guest workers and our local communities have valid reasons of concerns namely, proper housing for the former and safety and security for the latter. Also given the choice both parties do not like to live close to one another.

                                    Our Government and employers of foreign workers are duty bound to address both concerns to the satisfaction of both parties.

                                    Only then, can our nation forge ahead to greater height both economically and as a gracious society.

                                     Given the capability of our Government, it is not too difficult to resolve this issue.

                                      But of this I am certain - we must not mistreat our foreigners, menial workers or otherwise. Treat them just as we treat our own citizens because our parents or grandparents were foreigners once. Without them our country will never be able to develop so fast as to be in the league of a 1st world country.

WARMEST REGARDS

Dear All,

             Just this month alone, there are 3 cases of maid abuse being charged in Court namely, "Maid molested on 1st day," " Hungry maid beaten for eating milk powder" and " Employer raped maid who cut her own waist to release her anguish"

             To say that these employers are inhuman is an understatement.

             I am very concerned.

             However, the reply from MOM is a source of comfort and any netizens who know that their neighbouring maids need help, or have heard from their own maids that their contemporaries are being abused can seek help as outlined by MOM in her reply to me.

Quote - "Dear Mr Lo,

        We refer to your email of 15 Jul and 28 Jul 2008 to REACH.

2        We applaud your concern over the well-being of the foreign domestic workers (FDWs) in Singapore.  We would like to assure you that the Ministry is commited to ensuring the well-being of FDWs in employment here.  In 1998, the Penal Code was amended to increase by one-and-a-half times the penalties for acts of abuse against FDW by the employers or household members.  In addition, under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, all employers must provide their FDWs adequate rest and meals.  The penalty for employers who breach such work permit conditions is a fine of up to $5,000  and jail up to 6 months.  Employers who are convicted of abuse are also permanently barred from employing another FDW.  

3        Currently, employers who hire FDWs for the first time must attend the Employers' Orientation Programe (EOP) before submitting the FDW's Work Permit (WP) application.  Failure to comply with this requirement will render the WP application unsuccessful.  The EOP provides employers with information on employing a FDW, including basic understanding of their role and responsibilities  as employers.  

4        Notwithstanding the above, the Ministry currently operates a toll-free FDW helpline (tel : 1800-3395505) where FDWs or members of public may call us if the need advice or help.  Calls received include complaints on FDWs not paid their salaries on time, being deployed illegally or other well -being issues. As such, if you have information on FDWs who may have been abused by their employers, you may forward such information to us via email at mom_fmmd@mom.gov.sg or telephone number at 6438 5122.

5        We thank you for your feedback.

Yours Sincerely,

Wong Wei Phing (Mdm)
Head, Customer Relations Branch
Foreign Manpower Management Division. Ministry of Manpower . Tel (65) 6419 2629 . Fax (65) 6835 0730. http://www.mom.gov.sg

Dear Reach Executive,

                                  Dr Ong Chit Chung's death is without a doubt a great loss to society.

                                  If there is anything we can learn something from the goodness of his life, it is not a lost cause.

                                  Nevertheless, we should be mindful of “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the hearts of others" - Anonymous writer.

                                  We all know that life is short and can be sudden.

                                   As such, I believe that we should live our lives with love, humility and kindness. Anything that is good that we can do, or any kindness that we can show to any human being, we should do it without hesitation. This is the surest way of finding happiness in this stressful and turbulence world.

                                   In conclusion, I would like to quote from another anonymous writer:-

.                                    "Dream what you want to dream;
                                      Go where you want to go;
                                      Be what you want to be,
                                      Because you have only one life
                                      And one chance to do all the things
                                      You want to do.

                                      May you have enough happiness to make you sweet,
                                      Enough trials to make you strong,
                                      Enough sorrow to keep you human and
                                      Enough hope to make you happy.

                                     The happiest of people don't necessarily
                                      Have the best of everything;
                                     They just make the most of
                                      Everything that comes along their way.

                                     The brightest future will always
                                     Be based on a forgotten past;
                                     You can't go forward in life until
                                     You let go of your past failures and heartaches.

                                     When you were born, you were crying
                                     And everyone around you was smiling
                                     Live your life so at the end
                                     You're the one who is smiling and everyone
                                     Around you is crying" 

WARMEST REGARDS & BEST OF HEALTH                                  

Dear Reach Executive,

                                                   For many years, our local press had been publishing news of Singapore employers of violence and abuse against foreign maids.

Dear Reach Administrator,

                                         I believe that  under the present situation of relentless rising of fuel and food prices, high inflation and living in uncertain future, many car owners are ever ready and eager to scrap their cars and switch to  public transport.

Dear Reach Executive,

                                   On July 2, Minister for MCYS had a dialogue with about 2,000 RI students on new media and its impact on politics.

                                   Of interest to the students is freedom of expression and the press as Singaporeans are paranoia about this.

                                   The Minister has given his words that no one will be persecuted for saying what he believes in and standing up for it.

                                   I for one believe what the Minister said.

                             Over the years I had written many letters, comment and views about the unfair, unreasonable and unsatisfactory state of affairs on social, educational, environmental, transport, health and criminal issue like homosexuality  against our government. On the latter, I wrote directly to The Honourable MM Lee Kuan Yee suggesting that if he intends to decriminalise Section 377A, I wanted my MP Lee Bee Wah whom I had casted my vote for her and the rest of the MPs to vote according to their conscience.

                                    I was also extremely critical against the government on Mr Richard Young leaving Singapore without permission and I wanted a complete review of co-oridination between Ministries and Government Agencies.

                                    I was never persecuted. On the contrary some of my views and suggestions were taken positively.

 WARMEST REGARDS & BEST OF HEALTH