SINGAPORE: A total of 22 Members of Parliament (MPs) spoke on Wednesday (Oct 14) in response to Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat’s ministerial statement last week when he laid out a roadmap for Singapore’s post-COVID-19 economy.

READ: Singapore in ‘stable position’ in COVID-19 fight but must remain vigilant, says DPM Heng

READ: Singapore’s revenue position to be ‘weak’ in coming years, spending strategy one of ‘prudence, not austerity’: DPM Heng

They touched on a range of issues, from improving job security to supporting vulnerable groups and the challenges faced by residents working from home.

Here is what some members of the House said about how the country can better respond to the COVID-19 crisis: 

How to improve job security: 

“It is heartening that amidst depressing news of mass retrenchments and job losses, there are still many job openings to be filled … but perhaps MOM (Ministry of Manpower) could share more about … what are the targets set for successful job matches and how will the various agencies measure the effectiveness of outreach efforts.” 

– Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP Saktiandi Supaat, who talked about how a resident told him that a career consultant said some employers are putting up job listings as a way to “test waters” but not actually hiring. This practice distorts job vacancy numbers, Mr Saktiandi said.

“Why are Singaporeans losing out in the job market in our own country? Employers repeatedly cite the lack of creativity and risk-taking, not to mention poor communication skills as reasons for this. Our grade-centric education system was also cited as a contributory factor. In addition to facing competition for jobs from foreigners, we are increasingly facing competition from machines as well … with digitalisation accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is even greater urgency to hasten the pace of education reform as old methods of teaching and learning become obsolete.” 

– Non-Constituency MP Hazel Poa

Make mental health a priority: 

“An effort to improve mental health is not only good for the self but good for our country. Psychological defence is an underlying key pillar of our total defence and it will serve Singapore well when any Singaporean – even at their most mentally vulnerable – can trust that society at large will also have their back.” 

– Sengkang GRC MP Raeesah Khan on how Singapore can build on the new mental wellness task force created to address mental health needs amid COVID-19 

READ: COVID-19 impact on mental health must be managed, as more people face stress and disruption: PM Lee

“In recent parliamentary sittings, I have repeatedly highlighted the challenges faced by our workers who telecommute. They must juggle multiple responsibilities, such as looking after children, taking care of elderly parents, and trying to remain productive at work. To make matters worse, because they work from home, their bosses think that it is easier for them to answer work-related calls and emails, at any time of the day, even after office hours. Workplace burnout has become an issue, as many employees are not well-rested.” 

– Radin Mas SMC MP Melvin Yong on why the authorities should look into a law on the “right to disconnect”

Don’t leave the vulnerable behind: 

“The S$500 to S$1000 top-up in SkillsFuture credit is useful to enable Singaporeans to take up new courses and for them to pick up new skills. However, there always remains groups of individuals like the low-wage workers and special needs communities who, even before COVID-19, have been unable to take up courses for personal upgrade. Their reasons for not doing so are varied. Some because they have to balance multiple jobs, others – caregiving duties, lack of funds, or lack of suitable courses catered to them in language or academic qualifications. They are left out from being able to upgrade not due to lack of will, but more a lack of time and the need to first survive.” 

– East Coast GRC MP Cheryl Chan on the people who lack the opportunity to upgrade their skills 

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“I appeal to the Government and its agencies to make an additional effort to provide a better living and learning environment for the underprivileged children. In a knowledge-intensive future, these children will not stand a chance if they live in overcrowded flats with access to borrowed equipment, limited or slow connectivity, and minimal adult supervision and guidance. We may need to tighten our collaboration with the volunteer groups and private companies which are willing to sponsor and mentor these children as well.” 

– Chua Chu Kang GRC MP Don Wee on the need to help children from disadvantaged households during COVID-19 

Help those who fall through the cracks:

“They are often left on their own to deal with their unemployment and its many associated adverse effects. This is unlike those in lower-paying jobs who have benefited from the many government schemes. Specifically, many in this age group have high mortgages to pay, schooling children and elderly to look after. The challenge for them is not just to get any job, but one that gives them a minimal sustenance income.

“It is well and good to say: ‘Go for training, upgrade your skills.’ But realistically when you are in your 50s, 60s, with mounting bills and financial commitments, you don’t have the luxury of time and resources to pursue a new career. To them, such exhortations are meaningless slogans.” 

– Yio Chu Kang SMC MP Yip Hon Weng on how the pandemic has created new vulnerable groups, such as middle-income retrenched workers with heavy financial commitments 

“We want to make sure that Singaporeans and businesses who need help would not need to jump through hoops or wade through red tape to qualify for funding. For example, many staying in property with an annual value of more than S$21,000 but do not own the property and yet need some help, could not qualify for many of the COVID-19 support grants. Could MOF consider relaxing the criteria?” 

– West Coast GRC MP Ang Wei Neng also suggested that the Self-Employed Person Income Relief Scheme (SIRS) could be extended for another six months – the last S$3,000 quarterly payout is in October – but be calibrated so that those who are currently ineligible for the scheme could get a smaller amount of money. 

Keep living cost affordable: 

“Here I would like to be very clear that I am not for their own during of resources built up by the blood, sweat and tears of the generations who came before us. In fact just as DPM has mentioned, I believe in the need to exercise prudence when planning for the future. However, we need to acknowledge that the current weak economic environment requires sufficiently accommodative fiscal policy instead of contractionary fiscal policies such as raising taxes on consumption, which might in turn lower consumer spending. We should be focusing on policies that aim to stimulate and boost domestic demand and keep our economy growing.” 

– Sengkang GRC MP Louis Chua on why Singapore should hold off on a planned Goods and Services Tax hike 

Let’s not forget about the environment: 

“Sustainability at the forefront of economic recovery should not be underestimated. The World Economic Forum has in fact called on all countries to pursue, and I quote, ‘a great reset. A great commitment to build a fairer, more sustainable and more resilient future following the COVID crisis.’ I can’t agree more – may I take the opportunity to ask the Government for an update on our efforts in the past seven to eight months since unity budget and for an assurance that Singapore is on track to meet our goals and timelines for the Paris Agreement (to cut emissions intensity by 36 per cent by 2030 from 2005 levels).” 

– Hougang SMC MP Dennis Tan

SINGAPORE: Scientists from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have found that single-use plastic bags have “a lower environmental footprint” compared to single-use paper bags and multi-use cotton bags. 

But the study came with the caveat that the findings applied only to Singapore, and possibly similar cities, where incineration was part of the city’s waste management structure.

In the study, the scientists conducted a life cycle analysis of five types of bags to evaluate the environmental impact associated with their production, distribution, transportation, waste collection, treatment and end-of-life disposal. 

READ: IN FOCUS: ‘It is not easy, but it can be done’ – The challenges of raising Singapore’s recycling rate

The study found that reusable plastic bags made from polypropylene non-woven plastic were “the most eco-friendly option”, followed by single-use plastic bags, said NTU in a media release. 

Using plastic bags “may be the best option that is currently available” in cities like Singapore, said Assistant Professor Grzegorz Lisak, director of the Residues & Resource Reclamation Centre at the Nanyang Environment and Water Institute (NEWRI), who led the research.

“Our main message is that reusable plastic bags are the best option, provided that they are re-used many times – over 50 times to be precise,” he added. 

“However, one surprising conclusion is that, in our model, in a single-use case, plastic bags, if treated properly afterwards, are less environmentally detrimental than the other types of bags in this study.”

READ: Businesses using paper instead of plastic? Not necessarily better for the environment, experts say

READ: Commentary: A case for making plastic bags in Singapore ugly – or even embarrassing

The scientists found that the global warming potential of a single-use kraft paper bag was more than 80 times that of reusable plastic bags. Single-use plastic and reusable cotton bags that have been reused 50 times were found to have more than 10 times the global warming potential of reusable plastic bags that were reused 50 times.  

According to the study, a reusable plastic bag would need to be reused four times to offset the emissions equivalent to that of the creation of one single-use plastic bag. 

Cotton and kraft paper bags have relatively bigger environmental footprints because of their “greater contribution to global warming” and “eco-toxicity potential in their production”, the study showed. 

The production processes of cotton and kraft paper bags that consume “immense amounts of water and natural resources” are to blame for the relative negative environmental impacts, the study found. 

“Hence, improving the production methods, optimising resource usage, and following sustainable practices could in future favour the usage of bags made from cotton and paper.” 

Adding that it is essential to evaluate the implications “case by case” for dealing with plastic waste, Asst Prof Lisak said: “In a well-structured closed metropolitan waste management system with incineration treatment, using plastic bags may be the best option that is currently available, provided that there is no significant leakage of waste into the environment.”

MODEL’S APPLICABILITY

The NTU team stressed that its model applied specifically to Singapore and may be applicable in cities like Tokyo, Hong Kong and Dubai. This is due to the model’s focus on densely populated metropolitan areas that have waste management structures with similar end-of-life incineration facilities.

READ: The monstrous scale of plastic bag wastage in Singapore

For Singapore, the scientists recommended that reusable plastic bags be used “to the greatest extent possible” to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic bags. Reprocessing single-use plastic bags would be “a good policy goal” to cut down on their environmental impact, they said in the release. 

Based on 2018 Singapore statistics, reducing the single-use plastic grocery bag consumption by half could prevent more than 10 million kg-CO2 equivalent emissions in one year, said Asst Prof Lisak. 

Moving forward, the team will be conducting further studies on plastic waste management, waste plastic upgrading and the development of new products, said NTU in the media release. 

SINGAPORE: A 37-year-old woman has been arrested after Budget 2020 grocery vouchers were stolen from letterboxes at a residential block in Toa Payoh, said the Singapore Police Force (SPF).

Police have urged people to collect their vouchers “as soon as possible” following similar incidents at other locations.

The police said they were informed last Sunday that someone had tampered with the letterboxes at a block along Lorong 7 Toa Payoh.  

Through investigations and the aid of images from police cameras, the authorities nabbed the woman on the same day, also at Lorong 7 Toa Payoh.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the woman is believed to have stolen Budget 2020 grocery vouchers from letterboxes that do not belong to her,” SPF said in a news release on Tuesday (Oct 13), adding that investigations were ongoing.

A day later, in a Facebook post, the police added they had also received reports of similar incidents in other residential areas and were investigating these cases as well.

Separately, according a statement by SingPost, it had been made aware on Tuesday morning that several letterboxes at Redhill had been “forcibly pried open”.

The affected blocks are:

– Blocks 55, 56, 57, 58 and 59, Lengkok Bahru

– Blocks 71 and 72, Redhill Road

– Blocks 89 and 90, Redhill Close

“An emergency response crew was immediately dispatched, and found that the doors of some letterboxes were left ajar,” SingPost’s group chief brand and communications officer Mr Robin Goh said.

“The masterdoors of all nine letterbox nests were locked and secure. Upon closer inspection, scratches, dents and other signs of tampering were found on the open letterboxes.

“We have confirmed through internal checks that the likely acts of vandalism and theft might have taken place after our postman left the area at 1300hrs on 12 October 2020,” Mr Goh said.

He added that SingPost staff had since secured all mail within the tampered letterboxes and would be personally delivering them to the doorstep of affected residents.

“We are also in contact with the police and will render full assistance to their investigations.”

SPF advised those who are eligible for the grocery vouchers to collect them from the letterbox “as soon as possible” and to ensure the letterbox is secured at all times.

“If you suspect that your vouchers have been stolen, please make a police report immediately and contact the Grocery Voucher hotline at 1800-2222-888 to request for your vouchers to be voided and replaced. Voided vouchers cannot be redeemed,” SPF said.

It added that people should call the police immediately if they spot someone suspicious loitering near the letterboxes.

Theft carries a jail term of up to three years or a fine or both.

SINGAPORE: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take its toll on the aviation industry, many airlines are attempting to redirect operations and manpower to stay afloat.

Carriers such as Singapore Airlines, Qantas and EVA Air have started offering services such as tours, dining experiences, and flights that take off and land in the same place.

Here are some of the ways airlines are generating revenue amid the pandemic:

AIRPLANE FOOD, BUT GROUNDED

Missing the experience of dining on a plane?

SIA is offering a chance to relive the experience onboard its A380 superjumbo aircraft without having to leave the ground.

Prices start at S$50 for a three-course meal in economy class and S$90 for premium economy at SIA’s Restaurant A380@Changi.

Those who feel like splurging can spring for the S$300 business class meal or S$600 in suites.

READ: Business class lunch in SIA’s A380 to cost S$300 as airline unveils pricing of new initiatives

Options for the economy and premium economy classes include Western, Peranakan and Japanese cuisine. For business class and suites diners, the four-course meal includes options such as lobster thermidor and beef fillet.

Bookings for the restaurant sold out in just half an hour after bookings opened on Oct 12, but the airline subsequently opened additional seatings to cater to high demand.

READ: SIA adds 2 more days, additional seatings for A380 restaurant experience

SIA is also offering a home dining service, with prices starting at S$288 for a business class meal for two.

The menus are designed by renowned chefs from France, Japan, Australia and India, and include options such as Hanakoireki, Kyo-kaiseki, poached lobster and roasted lamb loin. 

Diners can also opt to book a private chef to prepare the meal for them at home.

In Bangkok, the headquarters of national carrier Thai Airways was transformed into an airline-themed restaurant, where customers can enjoy in-flight meals without stepping into a plane.

Diners are greeted by cabin crew in full uniform upon entering the restaurant, which has been decorated with airplane parts and seats.

Thai Airways has said there are plans to turn their other offices into similar dining experiences.

READ: Thai Airways opens diner in Bangkok office for customers craving in-flight meals

FLIGHTS TO NOWHERE

With borders closed due to the pandemic, many people have been unable to hop on a plane.

Airlines such as Qantas, Royal Brunei, All Nippon Airways and EVA Air have started offering “flights to nowhere”, which allow passengers to board and fly in a plane, but land in the same place it took off from. 

Royal Brunei has had at least five such flights since mid-August, in which passengers are served local cuisine while flying over the country.

READ: It’s a flight that goes nowhere, and it’s completely sold out

Taiwan’s EVA Air filled 309 seats on a Hello Kitty-themed A330 Dream jet for Father’s Day, while Japan’s All Nippon Airways had a 90 minute Hawaiian resort-themed flight with 300 people on board.

TigerAir Taiwan took passengers on a sightseeing flight to South Korea’s Jeju, circling low to give them a chance to view the island before heading back to Taiwan.

READ: Taiwan travellers take sightseeing ‘flight to nowhere’

Meanwhile, a flight to nowhere offered by Australian carrier Qantas sold out in 10 minutes. The seven-hour flight will depart and land in Sydney, flying over the Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales.

Despite their popularity, such flights have received criticism including from environmental groups, who accuse them of being harmful to the environment. 

FLYING LESSONS

Those who have harboured dreams of flying a plane now have a chance to do so – using airline flight simulators.

Thai Airways is selling time on its flight simulators, allowing guests to control an A380 simulator for half an hour, for 20,000 baht (US$640).

The cockpit used in the simulator is an exact copy of the real thing, even down to the feel of the buttons, pilots said.

Participants can choose to take off and land at an airport of their choosing, including those in Paris and Tokyo.

A four-day “pilot experience” package, which includes the simulator, is also being offered.

READ: Thai Airways ensures grounded flying fans can still take off

SIA is also selling a similar experience, as part of tours of its training facilities scheduled in November. The experience will cost an additional S$500, on top of the tour admission ticket.

REDEPLOYING CREW TO HOSPITALS AND NURSING HOMES

Hundreds of SIA cabin crew have been deployed to hospitals as “care ambassadors”, keeping them employed while contributing to the fight against coronavirus. 

Care ambassadors will provide administrative support and attend to patients who require routine medical care in a non-clinical role, the airline said in April.

This includes attending to call bells, helping patients sit up in bed, accompanying them to washrooms, serving meals and assisting during therapy sessions.

READ: COVID-19: Singapore Airlines to provide 300 ‘care ambassadors’ to fill manpower gap at hospitals

The programme was opened to cabin crew who are Singaporeans or permanent residents, who were required to undergo mandatory training conducted by the hospital.

Crew members have also been deployed to nursing homes including the Ren Ci Hospital branches in Ang Mo Kio and Bukit Batok. 

In March, British airlines such as Virgin Atlantic and easyJet have also asked workers to consider signing up to help at special coronavirus hospitals.

Crew members with crucial skills such as first aid and CPR were asked to help doctors and nurses at the Nightingale field hospitals in London, Manchester and Birmingham, the New York Post reported. Their duties included changing beds and other non-clinical tasks under the supervision of clinicians.

Staff and volunteers at the field hospitals were also offered free accommodation.

PIVOTING TO CARGO

With passenger numbers down, some airlines have taken to accepting more cargo on flights.

Among them is low-cost carrier Scoot, which modified one of its A320 planes earlier this year by removing all passenger seats to carry cargo in the cabin. This has doubled its cargo capacity to nearly 20 tonnes, it said.

READ: Scoot modifies A320 aircraft, removing passenger seats to double cargo capacity

The airline, which started operating cargo charters in May, previously secured cargo on passenger seats.

CEO Campbell Wilson said this is Scoot’s way of getting an “alternate revenue stream”.

Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific said in August that it has also increased cargo-only flights as freight yields went up.

Cargo revenue accounted for 46 per cent of Cathay’s total sales in the first half of the year, topping passenger revenue.

READ: Cathay Pacific forecasts weak passenger demand but stronger cargo after record loss

Chief customer and commercial officer Ronald Lam said the cargo business peaked in May but yields remained high and the outlook heading into the peak Christmas season was positive.

OTHER INITIATIVES

Not all initiatives to raise revenue is connected flying.

Singapore Airlines on Tuesday rolled out a new app, which brings payment, lifestyle and rewards services into one platform for customers.

Kris+ offers food, shopping and entertainment discounts, and provides the option for customers to earn miles from everyday spending and make payments for these using their miles.  

Starting next year, Singapore residents who have installed the app may enjoy special offers and rewards overseas, when the app incorporates overseas partners and merchants in select destinations.

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