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President Halimah Yacob delivers her last National Day message, urging unity and resilience

In her final National Day message, President Halimah Yacob highlighted the importance of unity, economic resilience, and future planning, reminding Singaporeans of their ability to overcome adversity. Her poignant farewell included gratitude for her six-year presidential tenure.

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1 year ago

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SINGAPORE: In her final National Day Message, Singapore President Madam Halimah Yacob emphasized the importance of unity, growth, and future planning as the nation prepares to celebrate National Day on 9 August.

“Our economic success depends on our ability to stay relevant and add value to the world,” she stated during the opening of her speech. Addressing the unprecedented challenges brought about by rapid technological changes, global political rivalry, increasing protectionism, and high inflation and interest rates, she emphasized Singapore’s commitment to remaining competitive. “We must be exceptional and never lose our edge, even as we innovate and push new frontiers.”

Highlighting the importance of equipping Singaporean workers with necessary skills to prosper in growing sectors, she further underscored that “harmony is at the core of our existence.” Singapore’s vision of a prosperous, multi-racial, and multi-religious society remains a firm foundation for its independence, she reminded her listeners.

As she addressed the nation, Madam Halimah underscored the need to maintain unity and mutual respect amid rising global trends of racism and intolerance. She emphasized the importance of rejecting prejudices and stereotypes while recognizing Singapore’s progress since the racial riots of its early years.

“We have come quite far… but can still do a lot more, both collectively and individually,” she said. To reinforce these values, the president urged Singaporeans to engage in “honest and respectful conversations” about their progress compared to other countries.

Addressing social mobility, Madam Halimah voiced her concerns over its deceleration, linking this trend to greater income and wealth inequality. She suggested education and employment reforms to help bridge these gaps, stating, “Education and work are two key pillars in addressing inequality.”

She also spoke on the Forward Singapore initiative, led by Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, as a collaborative effort involving all Singaporeans in shaping the nation’s future.

“This is an open invitation and your agency is therefore important,” she affirmed, emphasizing the importance of citizen engagement. “You have a chance to have your voices heard and to make a difference.”

Reflecting on Singapore’s 58-year journey as a nation, the president urged the public to draw inspiration from their forefathers’ tenacity, conviction, and unity. She spoke of how these values would be crucial in overcoming external challenges in an increasingly complex global environment.

In a poignant conclusion to her address, Madam Halimah said, “This is my last National Day message to you. It’s been a great privilege to have served as your president for six years.” She expressed her gratitude to Singaporeans for their support in championing various causes, aimed at building a compassionate and caring society.

Concluding her message with a heartfelt wish for the nation, she said, “Happy National Day.”

Mdm Halimah, in a momentous announcement on 29 May, revealed her decision not to stand for re-election in the upcoming Presidential Election after careful deliberation.

The upcoming presidential election, which is open to candidates of all races, must be called by 13 September, with incumbent Mdm Halimah’s six-year term expiring on that day.

The last presidential election – a reserved election for Malays – was a walkover election for Mdm Halimah after the raised qualification criteria for candidates from the private sector disqualified two interested candidates.

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Crime

Singaporean fugitive deported from Thailand, to be charged with drug trafficking

A Singaporean fugitive arrested in Thailand, was deported to Singapore on 19 September 2024 and faces drug trafficking charges. Authorities expect him to face the death penalty under Singapore’s tough drug laws for running a smuggling operation between Thailand, Australia, and Singapore.

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11 hours ago

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19 September 2024

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A 31-year-old Singaporean man, wanted for drug trafficking offences, was arrested in Thailand and deported to Singapore on 19 September 2024.

The fugitive, identified as Benny Kee Soon Chuan, was apprehended by Thai police at his residence near Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and will face charges in court on 20 September.

Kee, described as a high-level trafficker, ran a smuggling operation that trafficked crystal methamphetamine, ketamine, and Ecstasy to Australia and Singapore using Thailand as a transit hub, according to Pol Lt Gen Panurat Lakboon, secretary-general of Thailand’s Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB).

Cross-Border Investigation and Arrest

The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) of Singapore had issued an arrest warrant for Kee following investigations into two drug trafficking cases in December 2020 and November 2022.

He had been on the run since 11 April 2016, prompting CNB to collaborate with its international counterparts, including the ONCB. Thai authorities were tipped off by CNB on 12 August 2024, and after weeks of investigation, Kee was apprehended on 17 September.

Thai immigration officials revealed that Kee had entered Thailand earlier in 2024 using a Vanuatu passport.

Following his arrest, Kee’s Thai visa was cancelled, and assets worth 15 million baht (S$585,000), including luxury watches, gold pieces, and a luxury car, were seized during a raid on his residence in Samut Prakan.

Lt Gen Panurat confirmed that the fugitive had been living an affluent lifestyle in Thailand despite lacking legitimate employment.

Links to Broader Drug Network

Kee is believed to be linked to other Singaporean traffickers involved in the smuggling of drugs from Thailand.

In March 2021, Thailand’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons Task Force (AITF) intercepted packages containing Ecstasy and ketamine destined for Singapore, as well as crystal methamphetamine bound for Australia.

Two other Singaporean men, aged 21 and 29 at the time of their arrests, were later sentenced to imprisonment and caning in Singapore for their involvement in these operations, which were connected to Kee’s trafficking network.

Death Penalty Under Singaporean Law

Kee’s deportation to Singapore brings him under the jurisdiction of Singapore’s severe drug laws, which prescribe the death penalty for those convicted of trafficking substantial amounts of controlled substances.

Singaporean authorities have indicated that he could face the death penalty under the country’s strict drug trafficking laws. Pol Lt Gen Panurat indicated that Singaporean authorities are expected to seek the maximum penalty for Kee’s alleged offences.

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Arts & Culture

Epigram Books to close SAM bookshop amid low sales and footfall

Epigram Books will shut down its bookshop at the Singapore Art Museum on 26 January 2025, citing low sales and foot traffic. The independent bookstore, known for supporting local authors, will continue to operate its online store, but its future in brick-and-mortar retail is uncertain.

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12 hours ago

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19 September 2024

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Epigram Books, a major supporter of Singaporean literature, will close its Epigram Coffee Bookshop at the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) on 26 January 2025.

The decision comes after years of struggling with low sales and foot traffic at the Tanjong Pagar Distripark location, marking the end of the bookstore’s three-year lease.

The announcement on 19 September follows Times Bookstores’ closure of its final outlet in Holland Road, highlighting the growing challenges faced by brick-and-mortar bookstores in Singapore.

Edmund Wee, publisher at Epigram Books, expressed disappointment, stating: “We tried everything to make this work. Over the past three years, we’ve often asked ourselves, how many people even knew our bookstore existed here, let alone visited?”

Despite efforts to boost traffic, including operating shuttles to increase accessibility, the bookstore struggled to attract visitors consistently.

Epigram Coffee Bookshop, previously located at the Urban Redevelopment Authority Centre on Maxwell Road and later in a pop-up at Beach Road, relocated to SAM in May 2022 in partnership with Balestier Market Collective.

The 20-seater store featured towering shelves showcasing local and Southeast Asian titles, including books from other independent publishers like Ethos Books and Math Paper Press.

However, the location’s industrial setting, which only saw spikes in visitors during major exhibitions like Olafur Eliasson’s, limited consistent footfall.

The closure coincides with the end of Eliasson’s exhibit on 22 September 2024. Although the exhibition provided a temporary boost to the bookshop’s sales, Epigram noted that the increased traffic was short-lived.

Epigram’s future in physical retail remains uncertain. Mr Wee indicated that high rental costs make reopening a physical store unlikely: “Unless rent prices relent, it’s unlikely we’ll move into another space.”

Epigram Books has been a significant presence in Singapore’s independent book scene, promoting local authors and holding literary events.

The bookshop was also a community hub for the literary arts, hosting numerous book launches and events supporting local writers. “These spaces are special to our literary arts community. They’re where book lovers gather, where literary events and book launches happen in support of our writers,” said Mr Wee.

Despite the closure of the SAM store, Epigram will continue to operate its online store. The publisher emphasized the need for continued support from readers: “We’ve come this far with everyone’s support, and we look forward to continued support from our readers as we transition to focus on online sales.”

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