In recent developments, the Singapore dollar has seen a continuous increase in value compared to the Malaysian ringgit, reaching a new record high of S$1 to RM3.44 on Thursday, June 8, 2023.

Reliable data from Bloomberg reveals that the previous record-breaking exchange rate occurred on May 24, slightly over two weeks ago, when the Singapore dollar reached 3.4102 against the Malaysian ringgit.

Over the past year, the Singapore dollar has appreciated by approximately 7.6 percent, rising from around 3.19.

Earlier predictions regarding the weakening of the ringgit are proving to be accurate. Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), the central bank of Malaysia, had previously suggested that the weakening of the ringgit could be attributed to various factors such as the debt ceiling deadlock in the United States, as well as banking uncertainties in both the U.S. and Europe. Furthermore, the aggressive interest rate hikes implemented by the U.S. Federal Reserve have also contributed to the ringgit’s decline.

Experts who were consulted by CNA at that time explained that the stronger economic fundamentals of Singapore have resulted in the depreciation of the ringgit against the Singapore dollar. Notably, a report by credit rating agency Fitch, prior to the analysis on May 29, stated that Singapore holds a AAA rating while Malaysia has a BBB+ rating.

One significant factor negatively affecting the ringgit is the inconsistent economic recovery of China. Given that China is one of Malaysia’s key trading partners, the weaker-than-anticipated recovery in China’s economy has had adverse effects on Malaysia.

Reports indicate that Malaysia experienced a 1.8 percent decline in exports year on year during the first quarter of 2023, largely attributed to the decrease in exports to China. Furthermore, the ringgit’s value has been hindered by Malaysia’s relatively limited investment opportunities and forthcoming domestic structural reforms.

However, it should be noted that Malaysia’s economic fundamentals remain strong, as highlighted by at least one analyst.

Another point of distinction between the monetary policies of Singapore and Malaysia is that the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) follows an exchange rate-based framework, whereas Malaysia’s policy revolves around interest rates.

Two weeks ago, analysts predicted that the ringgit may eventually weaken to 3.45 against the Singapore dollar in the near future. Presently, the current exchange rate levels suggest that this prediction may be materializing.

Singaporean citizens belonging to the Pioneer and Merdeka generations will receive MediSave top-ups in July, ranging from $200 to $1,100. In a joint statement released on Friday, the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Health announced that the government’s expenditure on these top-ups will amount to $254 million, which is lower than the $270 million allocated in 2022.

The MediSave top-ups can be utilized for various purposes, including the payment of premiums for MediShield Life and CareShield Life, as well as other approved insurance plans, hospitalization, day surgery, and outpatient treatments.

The specific amount of MediSave top-up for each Pioneer individual varies, ranging from $250 to $900 annually. Singaporeans born between 1945 and 1949 will receive $250, those born between 1940 and 1944 will receive $500, individuals born between 1935 and 1939 will be granted $700, and those born in 1934 or earlier will receive $900.

To alleviate the financial burden caused by higher MediShield Life premiums, Singaporeans aged 84 and above in 2023, who also have serious pre-existing conditions, will receive an additional annual sum of $50 (for individuals aged 84 to 88) or $200 (for those aged 88 and above) until 2025.

The Pioneer Generation Package, introduced in 2014, serves as a gesture of gratitude towards Singaporeans who made significant contributions during the nation’s early years. This year, the top-ups for the Pioneer Generation will total approximately $160 million. The amount allocated will completely cover the MediShield premiums for individuals aged 89 and above in 2023, while younger pioneers will have around two-thirds of their premiums covered.

The Merdeka Generation Package, launched in 2019, aims to encourage active and healthy lifestyles among seniors born between 1950 and 1959, offering them greater assurance regarding healthcare costs. Eligible recipients of this package will receive $200 in annual MediSave top-ups for five years, from 2019 to 2023. The top-ups for the Merdeka generation this year will exceed $94 million.

Seniors who qualify for these benefits and have downloaded and set up their Singpass (a digital identity app for Singaporeans) will receive notifications regarding their top-up amounts by June 20. Individuals without the app, but who have registered their mobile numbers with Singpass before Sunday, will receive an SMS by June 20 informing them of their eligibility. The remaining seniors will receive letters by the end of June.

To prevent scams, the SMS notifications will solely provide information about the benefits and will not request a response or any personal details. The ministries have emphasized that messages regarding the Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation packages will not be sent via WhatsApp or other messaging platforms. They further stated that approximately 950,000 seniors have already benefited from MediSave top-ups since the launch of the Pioneer and Merdeka generation packages.

In addition to the Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation MediSave top-ups, Singaporeans aged 65 and above also receive annual MediSave top-ups under the GST Voucher Scheme.

For more detailed information on the Pioneer Generation Package, individuals can visit the following website: [website link]. Similarly, information on the Merdeka Generation Package can be found at this website: [website link].

For any inquiries, individuals can contact 1800-222-2888 or 1800-650-6060. Alternatively, they can send an email to [email protected]

In the past 48 hours, there has been considerable uproar among Malaysians due to the controversial performance by Singaporean stand-up comedian Jocelyn Chia in New York.

Chia’s jokes not only touched on the sensitive and unresolved MH370 tragedy but also included a highly personal and targeted insult towards a Malaysian audience member, who presumably paid to attend the event. Additionally, she ridiculed Malaysia’s status as a developing nation.

The offensive nature of Chia’s jokes was widely condemned, as they were deemed to be disrespectful and derogatory towards others. Consequently, Singapore’s High Commissioner, Vanu Gopala Menon, took the initiative to extend an apology on behalf of the country and clarify that Chia is no longer recognized as a Singaporean citizen.

In response to Chia’s performance, a Malaysian individual known as Dafrosty, who is a passionate fan of freestyle rap and stand-up comedy, decided to unleash 22 scathing insults aimed at Singapore. This was seen as a direct retort to Chia’s controversial act, showcasing how it should be done with wit and skill.

Some of his insults

1. Living in Singapore is so expensive, not everyone can afford to be funny
2. If Peninsular Malaysia is the p-s of Asia, Singapore is just the tip
3. Singapore jokes can land but you’ll have to queue in Malaysian airspace
4. Singaporeans think they have big D energy but they only dare to show it off when they come to Malaysia
5. If you’ve ever tried cendol or ais kacang in Singapore, you’ll understand why Singaporeans have no taste
6. If you’re a singer in Singapore, you can only make it big if you migrate to Malaysia. If you want to go beyond that, then you’ll need to marry a pastor
7. Singapore is basically what happens if North Korea didn’t spend all their money on nukes. Police state? Check. Democratic by name? Check. Ruled by one family? Check.
8. The best acting performances in one the best selling Singapore movies were by Michelle Yeoh, Henry Golding, and Ronny Chieng
9. Half of the GST collection in Singapore goes to pay the water bill for the Merlion. The other half is to prevent corruption by paying their ministers the highest salaries in the world
10. I’m sorry if my Singaporean friends are butthurt from these jokes. I did not intend to attack Punggol
11. Singapore is super clean because they sweep all their trash under the rug so much, it’s the only way they can afford to build more land
12. If Fast & Furious was set in Singapore, it will be a very short film.
13. The only time you can exercise your freedom of public assembly in Singapore is during funerals and weddings. Basically just to celebrate the end of your life
14. The Malaysian flag has more lanes than Singapore has roads
15. What’s the best way to describe freedom of speech in Singapore? When they first opened their Speakers Corner, loudspeakers were prohibited
16. Perlis is the smallest state in Malaysia and it’s still bigger than Singapore. There are only 8 people in Perlis, but there’s only 1 smoking corner for every 8000 Singaporeans. During peak hours, the queue for smoke breaks reaches Muar
17. I’m sorry I’m reaching too far on that last joke. I promise I’ll stop myself because if I reach any further I’ll be in Seremban
18. After infrared cameras were installed to catch smokers inside their homes, the national anthem of Singapore was officially changed to The Police – Every Breath You Take
19. The only place you can find a huge crowd for a local artist performance in Singapore is at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre (coz it’s free)
20. If PAS existed in Singapore, it would be bankrupt after one hour due to defamation lawsuits.
21. It’s impossible to stop making fun of Singapore. It’s not like driving in Singapore, with a red plate.
22. This is all fun but please
    1. stop attacking her personally
    2. stop making this a racial/political thing
    3. stop telling comedians how to do their job, especially the Malaysian ones because they’re busy in parliament today

If you’ve ever tried cendol or ais kacang in Singapore, you’ll understand why Singaporeans have no taste

— Dafrosty🏳️‍🌈🇵🇸🇲🇾 (@Dafrosty) June 7, 2023

In the most recent episode of the popular web series Celebrity Pet Talk, actor Romeo Tan made an appearance with his beloved Mini Schnauzer named Tigger, who is 10 years old. During the show, Romeo asked the pet communicator, Pearlyn Siew, if Tigger had anything to communicate to him.

Siew amusingly responded that it seemed as though Tigger had actually chosen Romeo as her owner, rather than the other way around. This remark sparked curiosity in Romeo, leading him to inquire about a possible connection between Tigger and his maternal grandmother.

Siew explained that she sensed a strong bond between Tigger and Romeo’s maternal grandmother’s soul. It seemed as though the soul of Romeo’s grandmother wanted to remain close and provide support for his mother.

Romeo, aged 36, contemplated discussing this revelation with his mother, wondering if she had experienced any unique encounters or connections with Tigger. Siew acknowledged the close relationship between Tigger and Romeo but mentioned that Tigger appeared to feel even closer to Romeo’s mother.

Siew suggested that one reason for Tigger’s special bond with Romeo’s mother might stem from the fact that she initially cared for Tigger when Romeo first brought her home. Romeo shared that Tigger was his first dog and he had surprised his mother by bringing her home from a pet shop without prior notice.

Recalling the incident, Romeo admitted that his mother wasn’t initially pleased with the sudden addition of a new family pet. To avoid his mother’s nagging, he swiftly placed Tigger in a box at the front door and requested his mother to take care of her while he rushed off to rehearsals for the Star Awards.

Romeo humorously mentioned that it was his tactic to escape his mother’s complaints. However, over time, his mother grew accustomed to Tigger’s presence and gradually developed a fondness for dogs.

During the conversation with Siew, Tigger sat attentively in front of Romeo, gazing at him. Romeo expressed his admiration for the affectionate way Tigger looked at him, describing her eyes as filled with love. He also mentioned how Tigger would often sit by his feet while he read his scripts or worked on his homework, a gesture he found endearing.

Playfully, Romeo asked Tigger if she enjoyed physical contact, to which she responded by giving him an affectionate lick on the face.

Following his declaration on Thursday about his intention to run for the upcoming presidential election in Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam posted a statement on his Facebook profile looking back on his time in the government, as well as made promises to the people about how he would be like if he is “fortunate enough” to be elected as president.

Tharman’s Facebook statement

I have today written to PM Lee to inform him that I intend to retire from politics and all my positions in Government, and to stand in the coming Presidential Election. PM Lee has replied to my letter, and our exchange is linked below.

I have been humbled by the requests I have received in recent months, from Singaporeans from different walks of life, to stand in the Presidential Election if President Halimah chose not to stand again.

It has been a difficult decision. I have consulted my family, and given careful thought to how I can best serve the country in the years ahead.

We are at a time of transition, both in Singapore and internationally.

The ‘4G’ team under DPM Lawrence Wong has been shaping up very well, consulting actively with the public, and rethinking our strategies for the future. However, the challenges they have to take on will keep evolving, well beyond the handover of leadership. They will have to tackle new global crises that will surely emerge, work closely with Singaporeans to retain trust in a changing domestic environment, and ensure Singapore’s appeal and relevance in a more divided world.

I believe that I can now best serve Singapore not in politics, but in a different role that has to be above politics.

If I am fortunate enough to be elected as President, I will represent the unity of Singaporeans, of all races and religions, social backgrounds, and political persuasions at a time when views in the population are becoming more diverse. I will be thorough and impartial in fulfilling the constitutional duties of the President with regard to the prudent use of the nation’s reserves and the key appointments which safeguard the integrity of the Singapore system. And importantly too, I will work to the best of my abilities to project Singapore’s interests and voice of reason in an increasingly fractured and turbulent world, building on my leadership of various international panels to date.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I have been given to serve Singapore over 40 years. I am particularly thankful to PM Lee for his leadership, advice and openness to collegial debate through the years, for the exceptional contributions and teamwork of all my colleagues in Government, and for the guidance provided by then-PM Mr Goh Chok Tong and his team when I came into Cabinet.

My life was never predictable or assured, from the time of my youth, as a sportsman and a consummate non-scholar in school, and through the ups and downs I have had since then. But I could not have had a more meaningful path than to spend my entire working life dedicated to serving Singaporeans and advancing our country’s interests.

I plan to resign from the PAP and step down as Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, as Chairman of MAS and Deputy Chairman of GIC, and from all my other government responsibilities, a month from now (on 7 July 2023). This will enable me to first fulfil immediate official commitments in Singapore and internationally, and ensure that arrangements are fully in place for constituents of Jurong GRC to be well-served for the rest of the electoral term.

My greatest sadness is in retiring as an MP on the ground, in Taman Jurong and Jurong GRC. It has been a true privilege for me to help residents day and night, helping them to overcome difficulties and fulfil their aspirations. And to build deep-rooted relationships with them and our many volunteers. I hope these friendships continue, many of which going back decades.

To all folks in Jurong GRC: don’t worry, you will be fully supported. I am assured that my four dedicated fellow MPs in Jurong will work doubly hard to serve all our residents including in Taman Jurong, with full effort and full heart,

during the current electoral term.

By the way, I shed a tear when I looked at this photo again. Little did I know when we took it a year ago that my solo wave would now be seen as a sad goodbye.

My role vis-à-vis the Government will change fundamentally if I am elected President. What will never change is my conviction in the continuing Singapore story: a society where everyone has the support to uplift themselves regardless of their starting point in life, and a multiracial nation whose citizens take pride in its unique identity and feel a deepening sense of togetherness. Majulah Singapura!