include("cmp.php");
Featured Articles

Supporting Chee Soon Juan's caféSupporting Chee Soon Juan's café I refer to The Independent Singapore’s news, “Singaporeans urged to support Chee Soon Juan's café despite their political preferences” (July 16). The underlying objective of doing any business is to ensure it is viable and profitable. Otherwise, there is no point of undertaking risk for it. It is natural for...

Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries?Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries? I refer to The TR-Emeritus opinion article, “Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries” (June 14) by Mr Yoong Siew Wah. It has always been a controversial topic which concerns about our top political leaders who receive their salaries that are many times higher than those foreign political leaders. Our...

Steering with stability in transition timesSteering with stability in transition times I refer to The Straits Times’ Editorial, “Steering with stability in transition times” (May 16). Let us analyze and interpret this specific subject from a broad perspective, how Singapore should respond and adapt to the evolution of the entire international situation and formulate its foreign policy that is extremely...

We will lead in our own wayWe will lead in our own way I read with interest The Today’s report, “'We will lead in our own way': : Lawrence Wong takes office as 4th prime minister of Singapore” (May 15). We can get some inspiration or enlightenment from the story of the 108 heroes in Water Margin: they originally had their own abilities, aspirations and ambitions. They...

Chinese villagers living on cliffsChinese villagers living on cliffs In the Liangshan Mountains of Sichuan Province in China, there is a small isolated village on a cliff 1,400 meters above sea level. This is the village of Atuler, known as the Cliff Village with 72 families who has been living there for almost 200 years. All travel is by a ladder that leads to the sky at almost right...

Ukraine will cease to exist thanks to the westUkraine will cease to exist thanks to the west Scott Ritter is a former Marine intelligence officer who served in the former Soviet Union, implementing arms control agreements, and on the staff of General Norman Schwartzkopf during the Gulf War, where he played a critical role in the hunt for Iraqi SCUD missiles. From 1991 until 1998, Mr. Ritter served as a Chief Inspector...

Bride's family asked for RMB 500,000 in bride priceBride's family asked for RMB 500,000 in bride price Contrary to popular beliefs, many couples in China are unable to afford to get married. With the exception of rural villages, those in the cities mostly asked for hundreds of thousands in bride price (聘礼/彩礼). According to our techie who has been in China for over a decade, the bride price may include monies intended...

Higher salaries lead Singapore to become top pick for Asian workers looking to moveHigher salaries lead Singapore to become top pick for Asian... I refer to the Independent Singapore’s Featured News SG Economy, “Higher salaries lead Singapore to become top pick for Asian workers looking to move” (Feb 22). In this era of rapid technological advancement, all countries are faced with the dilemma of being hungry for talent. Therefore, top talents in respective...

Where Romance Meets FinanceWhere Romance Meets Finance Sugarbook was launched by Darren Chan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is a luxury dating website designed to resolve financial issues through emotional support. It provides a platform to grow your relationships through mutual benefits that are not restricted to mentorship, companionship, wealth and emotional support. It...

Marriage, children and practical concernsMarriage, children and practical concerns A couple bows before their parents and offers them tea, as is traditional in Chinese weddings. I refer to The Straits Times’ Editorial “Marriage, children and practical concerns” (Feb 5). Since the history of human civilisation, the formation of individual family and the issue of procreation have become two...

Not in my backyardNot in my backyard I refer to the TODAY’s Commentary, “'Not in my backyard' — when some groups can protest more loudly, the most vulnerable ones suffer” (Jan 25, 2024). A few good points from the article are worth to be probed further and discussed. In December 2023, the announcement of plans by The National Environment Agency...

Opposition parties seek to strengthen parliamentary presenceOpposition parties seek to strengthen parliamentary presence I refer to The Independent Singapore’s SG Politics column, “Opposition parties seek to strengthen parliamentary presence” (Nov 29, 2023). As we know, Singapore political scene has been firmly dominated by the PAP since 1959. Thus, the opposition parties in Singapore have to face and withstand many challenges ahead...

Educating the next generationEducating the next generation I read with interest the Straits Times’ Editorial, “Educating the next generation” (Jan 5, 2024). Any form of spontaneous learning should provide you with a happy, positive, and memorable experience. However, only a small number of children are in exception. Therefore, based on this, parents should realize the...

GST increase in 2024GST increase in 2024 On 1 Jan 2024 GST rises 1% from 8% to 9%; this is a 12.5% increase in GST. I am not convinced that this is necessary. It will contribute to inflation, and cause economic hardship. The handouts to mitigate this are temporary and the increase is permanent. In 2015, when the possibility of GST rising was an election issue...

Race relations in SingaporeRace relations in Singapore I refer to the Today’s “Commentary: In 1954, David Marshall spoke about race relations in Singapore. Have we made real progress since then?” (Dec 15). For any country to be prosperous and powerful, it must first achieve political and social stability, and its people must live in harmony and be united. Only in this...

Due to the nature of the news and contents appearing on TR Emeritus, we are rating the website for 'above 18' only.
Editorial
Rare typhoon-like storm hits Singapore

Rare typhoon-like storm hits Singapore

Strong winds that people called a mini typhoon hit Singapore on Tuesday evening, September 17, toppling...
Super typhoon Bebinca hit the city of Suzhou in Jiangsu...

Super typhoon Bebinca hit the city of Suzhou in Jiangsu...

After hitting Shanghai on Monday (17th Sept), Typhoon Bebinca hit the city of Suzhou in Jiangsu province....
Why storms and typhoons are wrecking havoc in Asia...

Why storms and typhoons are wrecking havoc in Asia...

Typhoon Bebinca has made landfall in China on Monday (16th Sept). Shanghai has been slammed by the city's...
Super typhoon Bebinca wreaks havoc In Shanghai

Super typhoon Bebinca wreaks havoc In Shanghai

The mega city of Shanghai was brought to a standstill on Monday (16th Sept) as residents at home had...
Severe flooding wrecks havoc in Europe

Severe flooding wrecks havoc in Europe

Severe flooding continues to wreak havoc across central and eastern Europe, following days of torrential...
Iran poised to launch mega-retaliation against Israel

Iran poised to launch mega-retaliation against Israel

Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, a high-ranking IRGC commander, has announced that Iran will soon...
Super typhoon Yagi batters Hainan island in China

Super typhoon Yagi batters Hainan island in China

Heavy rains and strong winds swept through Hainan province Friday as a powerful typhoon, dubbed Yagi,...
Putin visits Mongolia despite ICC arrest warrant

Putin visits Mongolia despite ICC arrest warrant

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Mongolia for a visit, despite the risk of arrest under...
Axis of Resistance vows to escalate attacks on Israel...

Axis of Resistance vows to escalate attacks on Israel...

The Axis of Resistance groups in Iraq have escalated their threats against Israel and the US. They have...
Russia pounds Ukraine for the second consecutive day

Russia pounds Ukraine for the second consecutive day

In one of the biggest air attacks launched by Russia, hundreds of missiles and drones were launched targeting...
Russia pounds Ukraine in retaliation for invasion of...

Russia pounds Ukraine in retaliation for invasion of...

Russia unleashed a massive missile and drone assault on NATO-backed Ukraine amid rising tensions over...
Houthis ready to strike Israel

Houthis ready to strike Israel

Houthi-installed defence minister in Yemen has warned that his forces are ready to strike Israel. Major...
Israel imposes restriction on media to hide damages...

Israel imposes restriction on media to hide damages...

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is set to present proof or videos of attacks near Tel Aviv. Israeli...
Hezbollah hints at 'full response' after major rocket...

Hezbollah hints at 'full response' after major rocket...

The Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones towards Israel on...
How strong is Singapore's fighter jets?

How strong is Singapore's fighter jets?

Singapore's fighter jets are supposedly the most advanced force in the entire Southeast Asian region. What...
Major escalation fears as Hezbollah pounds Israel with...

Major escalation fears as Hezbollah pounds Israel with...

Hezbollah and Israel both have announced large-scale military operations against each other. Israel is...
WHO Declares Global Health Emergency

WHO Declares Global Health Emergency

Covid Done, New Virus Emerges: 100s Killed, WHO Declares Global Health Emergency. The World Health...
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to step down

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to step down

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was seen as a safe pair of hands when his party installed him three...
Opinions
A random thought on the comedy of error

A random thought on the comedy of error

The comedy of error that is circling around in Singapore although mind-boggling but amuses Singaporeans...
The Great America, No More

The Great America, No More

America was propagated as the Great Nation in the last century when I was born, even though the world...
A glimpse of the obscurantism of Singapore society

A glimpse of the obscurantism of Singapore society

This is not an attempt at self-exaltation but to give a glimpse of the obscurantism of the Singapore...
Excess Deaths in Singapore

Excess Deaths in Singapore

I applaud ST journalist's effort in pursuing this issue of Excess Deaths in Singapore (which is one of...
Throwing out the baby with the bath water

Throwing out the baby with the bath water

Mr Shanmugam says Singapore has laws and policies to prevent riots like those seen in the UK recently...
Let dead dogs lie

Let dead dogs lie

Alas, Pritam should have let dead dogs lie. I am surprised that he is making a bid to have his case...
Total Policy Reset

Total Policy Reset

Lawrence Wong talked about "reset" but up till now, I am still not quite sure what is installed in his...
The divination of a self-exaltation myth

The divination of a self-exaltation myth

The euphoria that accompanied the appointment of Lawrence Wong as prime minister is understandable.because...
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's (LW) National Day Rally

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's (LW) National Day Rally

I have more praises than criticisms for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's (LW) National Day Rally. He...
Build Our Core

Build Our Core

On this very day of celebrating our 59th National Day, we as a people, a country and the Singaporean...
More Singaporeans eligible to vote in next General...

More Singaporeans eligible to vote in next General...

More Singaporeans eligible to vote in next General Election (GE)- CNA online 22 July 2024. There are...
Excess Deaths Comparison Chart

Excess Deaths Comparison Chart

This is the Excess Deaths Comparison Chart that MOH has neither disputed nor commented on. It...
Focusing on frail, senior patients

Focusing on frail, senior patients

Tan Tock Seng (TTS) focuses on frail, senior patients as it celebrates 180th anniversary- ST online,...
Who is replacing us?

Who is replacing us?

My fellow Singaporeans,we face an existential threat,that is exacerbated by PAP policies. The number...
Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump

Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump

We first thought the attempted assassination of Trump was a "Lone Wolf" incident. However, there are...
Allianz offers to buy a stake in Income Insurance

Allianz offers to buy a stake in Income Insurance

Allianz offers to buy a stake in Income Insurance- 18 July 24, Straits Times. Allianz has done its...
I am not a 'woke'

I am not a 'woke'

I am known to be a Democratic Socialist. Democracy comes before Socialism. Traditionally, people regard...
Assassination attempt on Donald Trump

Assassination attempt on Donald Trump

I strongly condemn the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, the United States Republican presidential...
Letters
Supporting Chee Soon Juan's café

Supporting Chee Soon Juan's café

I refer to The Independent Singapore’s news, “Singaporeans urged to support Chee Soon Juan's café...
Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries?

Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries?

I refer to The TR-Emeritus opinion article, “Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries”...
Steering with stability in transition times

Steering with stability in transition times

I refer to The Straits Times’ Editorial, “Steering with stability in transition times” (May 16). Let...
We will lead in our own way

We will lead in our own way

I read with interest The Today’s report, “'We will lead in our own way': : Lawrence Wong takes office...
Higher salaries lead Singapore to become top pick for...

Higher salaries lead Singapore to become top pick for...

I refer to the Independent Singapore’s Featured News SG Economy, “Higher salaries lead Singapore...
Marriage, children and practical concerns

Marriage, children and practical concerns

A couple bows before their parents and offers them tea, as is traditional in Chinese weddings. I...
Not in my backyard

Not in my backyard

I refer to the TODAY’s Commentary, “'Not in my backyard' — when some groups can protest more loudly,...
Opposition parties seek to strengthen parliamentary...

Opposition parties seek to strengthen parliamentary...

I refer to The Independent Singapore’s SG Politics column, “Opposition parties seek to strengthen...
Snippets
Singapore Tightens Casino Regulations to Combat Money...

Singapore Tightens Casino Regulations to Combat Money...

In a move to strengthen its position as a well-regulated financial hub, Singapore is set to implement...
The All-Time Top Singaporean Poker Players

The All-Time Top Singaporean Poker Players

Poker is one of the world's most popular games with games being played recreationally and professionally....
How to Increase Image Size without Compromising Quality

How to Increase Image Size without Compromising Quality

In our digital world, crisp, top-notch images make your content pop, whether on a website, social media,...
Chinese villagers living on cliffs

Chinese villagers living on cliffs

In the Liangshan Mountains of Sichuan Province in China, there is a small isolated village on a cliff...
Ukraine will cease to exist thanks to the west

Ukraine will cease to exist thanks to the west

Scott Ritter is a former Marine intelligence officer who served in the former Soviet Union, implementing...
Bride's family asked for RMB 500,000 in bride price

Bride's family asked for RMB 500,000 in bride price

Contrary to popular beliefs, many couples in China are unable to afford to get married. With the exception...
The fall of Alibaba's Jack Ma

The fall of Alibaba's Jack Ma

The story of how Jack Ma betrayed everyone that helped and gave him what he has today. The video also...
中國唯一的一妻多夫制的地方

中國唯一的一妻多夫制的地方

A land enshrouded in spirituality, Tibet is home to distinct cultural traditions and astounding natural...
Sticky & Recent Articles

The Irreparable Damage of VDS

The Irreparable Damage of VDS

These two days we are overwhelmed by friends and supporters who continued to come down to our Tea Booth@ Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar. Over the past few weeks, we have listened to many stories about how the VDS and Vax program have hurt family ties, stressed or even broken up long time friendship and the worst was how heart broken people were when suspected injuries or even death occurred. We have young people who were threatened by parents to be disallowed from stepping into the house if they aren't jabbed. Sad to say, these tensions were only reduced when someone in the family got hurt from the jabs. But there were long term irreparable damage to both health and close family relationship when VDS and all those propagandus scare tactics were put up. Two sisters visited me yesterday and we had a long chat. It is apparent that these sisters come from a relatively big family which used to be closely knitted. Both of them are Unvax but other siblings were "Pro Vax". Naturally arguments and quarrels erupted with their differences in this VDS and coercion of Vaccination. The worse thing to happen is to have intense argument over whether their parents should get the jab or not. The cracks in their relationship widen to a point of no return. Even though the Unvax sisters are willing to patch up, the other siblings would just ignore them. When they suffered suspected V induced health problems, they will still keep to themselves. I just told them it's natural for people to live in self denial, especially when it comes to decisions which affect their own health. No one would believe the Gov will ask them to take something which turns out to be harmful to themselves. No one would believe that they could get hurt by trusting the Gov! I don't believe PAP Gov would do such thing as well, even though politically they are my opponents. However, when the world narratives have changed drastically, with more countries dropping the mRna vaccination altogether, PAP Gov is still sticking to their guns! It's really unbelievable to me. The Vaccines are neither safe nor effective and even German Health Minister has admitted publicly that the Vaccines could result in permanent damage to health! There is a great correlation between high vaccination to high excess deaths but everyone is turning blind to such glaring statistical significance. Nobody is interested to find out whether there is a real causal relationship or not! Every Gov in the world is in self denial while many doctors are in great disquiet when they keep seeing worrying trends of increasing heart issues, stroke, aggressive cancer incidents and other health issues popping up among their populations. These are incidentally PREDICTED by the Real Experts, who were labelled as "Conspiracy Theorists"! More and more doctors all over the world are raising concerns over such phenomenon and the increase in sudden deaths as well as Excess Deaths. But not in docile Singapore. The sisters said that they used to trust the PAP GOV and regarded them as "Good Gov" but now, trust no more. Most probably they won't trust PAP anymore and they would see the importance of having a real voice of courage to put legitimate questions and checks on them. The Irreparable Damage caused by VDS and the foolishness of the mediocre leadership will have a long lasting impact on families as well as PAP's credibility.   Goh Meng Seng      Read More →

Cooperation with France

Cooperation with France

During Macron's visit to China, China placed an order to buy Airbus planes worth CNY 137 billion. Payment was made in CNY and not USD. When France received the payment, they will keep CNY and use it to buy products from China. They can also invest the CNY in a Chinese bank to earn interest. There is no need for China to pay in USD and for France to keep the USD in America. The American banks lost the chance to earn a fee on this transaction in USD. This transaction is also free from volatility in exchange rate caused by the USD. As Airbus does not have the capacity to build the new planes, as their existing factories are busy, Airbus agreed to open a new manufacturing facility in Tianjin, China. This creates high paying jobs for engineers and factory workers in China. It is a win-win arrangement for France and China. This type of arrangement can also be made for other large purchases from China with overseas suppliers. China can pay in CNY and their exporting country can keep the proceeds in CNY to buy products from China. The de-dollarization movement will accelerate rapidly. America will face a major threat in that its currency will be replaced by other currencies in international trade and as a reserve currency. America cannot continue to print USD to fund its trade and fiscal deficits. The value of the USD and its stock and property markets will fall over time. America will face several lost decades, like Japan had went through.     Tan Kin Lian      Read More →

If Jesus could do it – Why can’t you

If Jesus could do it – Why can’t you

One of the things about coming from a country that has national service is that you have a sure-fire way of knowing that you’re turning into an old git. That is sign is when you meet up with your best mates and you grumble about how easy the kids have it in national service. The common refrain is “It wasn’t like that back then.” In the artillery it’s especially noticeable. In my time, the old gunners would talk about how they really had to dig and get the round into the chamber (the lightest round is 19kg) unlike the whipper snappers like us who had a “flick rammer” which the job for us. Now, my contemporaries talk about how “gun drill” was actually a physical drill and not the “push button” stuff that today’s gunners get involved in. I bring this topic up because I met with one of my best mates over the Easter weekend and somehow, we ended up talking about how our respective kid just don’t get the hardships that we went through. Then in the midst of this session, I realised that my parents probably did the same thing, talking about how I had it easy when compared to them. A former client of mine, who has become a venture capitalist made the point that when technology has reached a stage where people today don’t need to do things that we did in the past. Old people will tell you that they work out eight multiplied by eight in their heads unlike the kids who need calculators. However, the question is, why do people need to memorise things and do complicated sums in their head when they have everything in super computer at fits into their palms? In a way, we, the aging folks need to understand that today’s issues are not yesterday’s issues. Sure, our kids may not have been through the things we did but that’s not to say that they don’t have their issues which are unique to their generation. Having said that, where I do question the younger generation is on their expectations. Talk to enough young graduates about their expectations and you will get the impression that they’re expecting to be in the vice-president’s desk once they graduate. This is most visible in the religious sphere. You get our youth being drawn to churches who sell what I call “McGod” where joining the church becomes a sure way to get into a glorious place called heaven. My ex-wife’s pastor had a way of seeing miracles in the shape of the car his congregation gave him. To be fair, this isn’t exactly limited to Christians. Talk to enough Buddhist and they’ll be sure to tell you about the master who accumulated so much merit that he could float in the air and do all sorts of magical things. I’m not knocking wanting to find peace and spirituality. What I am knocking is the idea that peace and salvation can be found by joining a club with its membership fees. Spirituality and salvation come from pretty miserable places. Let’s look at the basic fact that we commemorate “Good Friday,” before we have “Easter Sunday.” Thanks to Mel Gibson, we got to see the Bible made live in the Passion of Christ. Crucifixion is not a word but a brutal form of death. The man we know as “Jesus Christ” was turned into nothing more than a lump of flesh before he was even nailed to the cross (the idea of crucifixion being you suffocate to death). He had to go through this (Photo: National Catholic Report). It’s only after he was treated like a piece of meat and then killed that he was able to resurrect and get the glory of the divine: Too many people get caught up with the idea of the “glory” bit. Too few people understand that he could only get the “Divine Glory” by going through the suffering. This isn’t restricted to Jesus Christ. The person that we know as the Buddha wasn’t born as the Buddha. He had to go through that process of discovery before he found enlightenment. Mohammed wasn’t born a prophet. He only started taking dictation from the angels after his 40th birthday. So, the fact is that the great religious teachers of humanity had to go through some form of challenge before they got the glory of the divine. Unfortunately, too many religious organisations teach this basic fact. Nobody grows in a comfort zone. Why should I up my game when I automatically win? However, when you face someone who has a good chance of turning you into mincemeat, things suddenly change. You become forced to up your game. If you study organisations, you’ll realise that those who never face challenge end up killing themselves. It’s as simple as this – if Jesus could through the misery and suffering of the crucifixion before obtaining the glory of the resurrection, why can’t we go through the discomfort of change in order to emerge stronger?   Tang Li *Although I’ve been based mainly in Singapore for nearly two decades, I’ve had the privilege of being able meet people who have crossed borders and cultures. I’ve befriended ministers and ambassadors and worked on projects involving a former head of state. Yet, at the same time, I’ve had the privilege of befriending migrant labourers and former convicts. All of them have a story to tell. All of them add to the fabric of life. I hope to express the stories that inspire us to create life as it should be.      Read More →

Sponsored Content
Official Quick Links
Members LoginContact UsSupport Us
Sponsored Advertisement
Search On TR Emeritus
Sponsored Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Announcement

UA-67043412-1