RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI. The key highlights for this month are: • Debate on the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Bill (“Fake News Bill”). Concerns were raised over the implementation of the law, especially on what it meant for academic and information freedom. The Government assured the public that the implementation would be fair, and that channels for redress would be made available. ‘ • Cabinet Reshuffle. The cabinet reshuffle saw Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat being appointed as Deputy Prime Minister, and the stepping down of Tharman and Teo Chee Hean from their DPM roles. This is a significant step in the leadership transition process. The new appointments will take effect on 1 May. • Improvement in Singapore-Malaysia Relations. Progress was made in our relationship with Malaysia following the leaders’ retreat that took place early this month. PMs Lee and Mahathir agreed on the need for improved bilateral relations and greater cooperation between the two countries. The airspace issue over Johor was sorted out and concrete steps were taken in the Johor-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) project. . If you find this information useful and would like to share with your friends, click to forward. Your feedback is important for us to continuously improve our resources and publications for our readers.

1. APRIL 2019

2. What is RPD Bites?
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local
mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is
produced by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
RPD Bites begins with an article count across different media sources which are
categorised into these main areas: education, economy, employment and employability, social
and community, and Malay/Muslim affairs. Other salient areas for the month are also
highlighted. It then delves into emerging themes and trends observed.
We hope you find this month’s RPD Bites insightful and useful for your needs. We
look forward to your continued partnership and support, and welcome any suggestions you
might have. You can reach us at RPD@mendaki.org.sg to feedback.
RESEARCH &
PLANNING
DEPARTMENT

3. Overall Coverage
 With a total number of 215 articles collated, Governance (61 articles), Community (46
articles) and Economy (31 articles) were the top categories in April.
 The increase in chatter for Governance could be attributed to the discussions over the “fake
news” bill and developments with Malaysia following the leaders’ retreat. Malay Muslim affairs
made up a good portion of Community news arising from pre-Ramadhan activities being done.
For Economy, the news came from the announcement in the expansion of the integrated
resorts, overseas visits being attended by Singapore’s ministers and forums happening.
42
10
19
1
19
36
12
32
61
46
31 33
Governance Community Economy Malay Muslim Affairs
No. of Articles
ST BH/BM Total

4. Overall Coverage
Economy,
31, 46%
Employment &
Employability,
19, 28%
Education,
18, 26%
EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT,
EMPLOYABILITY & ECONOMY
Community, 46,
61%
Elderly, 3,
4%
Health, 17,
22%
General
Social
Issues, 10,
13%
SOCIAL-RELATED ISSUES
 In the Education, Employment &
Employability Economy category, the
breakdown is as follows: Economy (31 articles),
Employment & Employability (19 articles) and
Education (18 articles).
 In the Social-related category, the breakdown is
as follows: Community (46 articles), Health (17
articles), General Social Issues (10 articles) and
Elderly (3 articles).

5. Emerging Themes & Trends

6. Governance
Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Bill (“Fake News Bill”)
 The debate on the fake news bill dominated discussions in early April.
The bill, intended to “protect society from damage by online falsehoods
created by malicious actors” (ST, 1 Apr) came under scrutiny by
members of the public.
 Information and academic freedom advocates raised concerns over
what this could mean for the freedom of information, including over
how falsehoods would be defined and who got to define them. The
concern stemmed from the potential manipulation of information that
could be caused by the those accorded powers to under the new law.
 The Government has come out to reassure the public, that this was not
the intent of the law, and that it would implement check and balances
would be made available for redress.
Expansion of Integrated Resorts
 The Government also announced that the two integrated resorts – RWS
and MBS – would be expanded (ST, 4 Apr) to enhance employment and
economic opportunities for Singapore.
 The news was met with much concern from community and social
groups, as this also entailed an expansion of the casinos in both places
and may exacerbate gambling addiction. The Government intends to
mitigate this through an increase in the levies for locals, though
scepticism on this strategy was noted.
Credits: ST
Credits: ST

7. Governance
Cabinet Reshuffle
 PM Lee reshuffled the cabinet on 23 Apr (ST, 24 Apr) that saw Finance
Minister Heng Swee Keat being appointed as Deputy Prime Minister. In
light of this, DPMs Tharman and Teo stepped down from their posts
and have been re-designated as Senior Ministers.
Singapore-Malaysia Relations
 Progress was made on the foreign relations front, as PM Lee and PM
Mahathir and their cabinets met during the annual leaders’ retreat on
9 April. Both leaders called for greater cooperation and cordial bilateral
relations in moving forward (ST, 9 Apr).
 A six months suspension of the Singapore-Johor Rapid Transit System
(RTS) project to allow Malaysia to review it was also agreed upon. The
issue of the airspace over Johor was finally sorted out, and Firefly was
allows to resume flights at Seletar Airport on 22 Apr (ST, 22 Apr).
Citizen Centric Government
 In his visit to China for the 7th Singapore-China Leadership Forum, DPM
Teo mentioned that it was vital for Governments to continually review
policies to keep it relevant to the people being served (ST, 15 Apr).
 ECDA chief echoed this when he said that public service agencies are
indeed adjusting policies to keep themselves relevant to the public (ST,
17 Apr).
Credits: ST
Credits: ST

8. Economy
Global Economic Outlook
 The international monetary fund (IMF) had cut outlook for global
growth to its lowest level since 2009 due to slowing economic activity
in major economies (ST, 11 Apr). The world economy will grow 3.3%
this year, down from the 3.5% forecasted for 2019 in January. That
said, analysts “believe the downgrade is unlikely to affect Singapore’s
growth forecast”
Jewel Changi Airport & New Integrated Attraction
 Jewel Changi Airport opened this month in phases (ST, 12 Apr). The
landmark structure, nearly 5 years in the making, is being hailed as a
critical component to keep Singapore attractive as an aviation and
transit hub amidst the global competition it is facing from other major
airports.
 The Government also announced that it would be developing a new
integrated tourist attraction in the Jurong Lake District to boost its
attractiveness in the coming years (BH, 17 Apr)
Nimble and Innovative Local Firms
 Several calls for several local business sectors to remain nimble and
innovative were made this month (ST, 8 Apr; 19 Apr). The Singapore
Maritime Week saw a focus on innovation, and transport minister
Khaw called out for innovative practices to ensure its competitiveness.
Finance minister Heng made a similar at-large call at a forum in San
Francisco, for firms to innovate but not leave workers behind.
Credits: ST
Credits: ST

9. Employment & Employability
New Jobs through Integrated Resorts Expansion
 Resulting from the IRs expansion, it was announced that 5000 new
jobs are expected to be created, with most of it going to locals.
Workplace Safety
 Singapore is targeting to have among the safest and healthiest
workplaces in the world (ST, 6 Apr). A portal publishing the “rates of
workplace deaths and major injuries for every company” will be set up
to “hit errant companies where it hurts”. Aside from this, steps will be
taken to “enhance the focus on workplace health, grow the use of
technology and change the mindset of companies and workers.”
Improving Welfare of Low Wage Workers
 There was a spotlight on the lack of proper rest areas for low wage
workers such as cleaners in shopping malls and landscape
maintenance workers this month (ST, 13 Apr). The issue was first
raised by MP Zainal Sapari in the Committee of Supply debates in
March that saw a push for such provisions to be structurally made via
legislation.
 MOM has indicated that it is acting on this, having started developing
guidelines for such workers’ rest areas earlier this month (CNA, 16
Apr).
Credits: ST

10. Education
PhD exchange programme at NTU and NUS
 NTU and NUS announced a PHD exchange programme that would
allow PHD students attend classes at the other institution from
June (ST, 3 Apr). This move was made to allow students to benefit
through expanding opportunities and network more.
Easier secondary school entry for returning locals
 MOE announced that it would be streamlining procedures and
shortening the time taken for returning locals to enrol into
secondary school (ST, 3 Apr). This move would see such students
securing a place as early as 3 months before their return,
compared to the process starting only upon their return previously
More childcare places available to meet demand
 ECDA reported that the waiting list for pre-school places has
shrunk almost by half from 13,800 in 2017 to 8000 now (ST, 8 Apr).
This it said was a result of the Government’s efforts to ramp up
the number of places, with the aim of reaching 200,000 by 2023
from 170,000 now. PCF also announced that it would have 38 early
years centre by 2021 (ST, 21 Apr).
Credits: ST
Credits: ST

11. Education
Making pre-schools more inclusive
 MSF announced that it would be setting up a workgroup to look
into studying ways to integrate children with learning needs
better into mainstream pre schools (ST, 11 Apr). The intent of this
is to ”study ways to strengthen support for children with
moderate to severe developmental needs within pre-schools, and
extend good practices to more centres”.
Youth feel school doesn't equip them for work
 Youth.SG found in an online poll of about 5000 participants it
conducted that 7 in 10 young people feel that they do not feel
that tertiary education does not equip them sufficiently for work
(ST, 5 Apr). This poll was part of a larger “Youth Conversations”
the NYC is conducting to find out the aspirations of youths in
Singapore. Its finding highlights gaps that Singapore’s educational
institutions and agencies may need to address.
Credits: ST
Credits: NYC

12. Social and Community
Children from Needy Families and Poorer Outcomes
 A Singapore Children’s Society study found that kids from needy
families face greater risk of poorer outcomes (ST, 1 Apr). It was found
that children from such families who suffer a high degree of adversity,
with 9 out of 10 having gone through a negative experience such as
separation or abuse, could set them up for poorer outcomes well into
adulthood.
Trauma Network Support
 2300 children who have gone through trauma, have been supported
over the past 3 years by the Stay Prepared Trauma Network (ST, 5
Apr). Significant improvements in symptoms were noted in a majority
of the affected children. The network is now working with the relevant
foundations, organisations and authorities to scale up awareness and
efforts in providing the necessary care.
Calls for Unity and Harmony
 President Halimah urged the public to reject xenophobia, non-
tolerance and cooperation by uniting as Singaporeans (BH, 4 Apr)
Credits: ST

13. Malay Muslim Affairs
Malay Muslim Organisations Update
 4PM reported that it has helped more than 150 people in its pre-
Ramadhan drive (BH, 2 Apr)
 AMP had a change of leadership in April, with Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul
Rahim stepping down just after two months at the helm. He is
succeeded by Dr Md Badrun Nafis Saion (BH, 2 Apr).
 Ain Society opened its second cancer centre in Haig Road this
month. The news was met with much welcome by patients and
caregivers (BH, 17 Apr).
MUIS and Mosques
 April saw some major developments in the MUIS and Mosque
sector. Minister Masagos reiterated the need to strengthen MUIS at
its annual work plan seminar on 6 Apr for the benefit of the
community (BM, 7 Apr).
 Darul Ghufran Mosque in Tampines was reopened after its
renovations were complete. The mosque now aims to be more
community oriented, reaching out to youths and young couples to
offer community and religious related assistance that may benefit
them (BH, 19 Apr).
 In other mosque developments, it was announced that the
upgrading works for Khalid Mosque would commence after Raya
and that the works for Anggulia Mosque are expected to complete
by year end.
Credits: BH
Credits: BH

14. MENDAKI x M3
Benefitting from Mentorship
 At the M3@Jurong work plan session, MP Rahayu Mahzam urged the
community to unleash the power of mentorship and encouraged such
exchanges to occur between the community’s talents and the young
(BH, 7 Apr).
 MP Rahayu and Mr Faizal Othman from the Taman Jurong CCC also
encouraged residents who could benefit from the M3 programmes such
as the KMM to step forward and take part.
Wisma Geylang Serai One Stop Centres
 MP Maliki Othman stated that the WGS service centres, Kurnia@WGS
and MENDAKI-MUIS M3 centre had been set up for the benefit of the
community. They aimed to be a centre where there are no wrong
doors, meaning that those who seek help should be able to receive
them there.
 MP Maliki encouraged those who needed help to step forward to these
centres.
Community Leaders Forum
 At the CLF Forum in April, Minister Masagos and MENDAKI CEO Mdm
Rahayu Buang reiterated MENDAKI’s commitment to serve the
community. In discussing MENDAKI’s role in relation to the M3
platform, the leaders mentioned that MENDAKI would leverage on the
platform to enhance its outreach and service deliver, with MUIS and
other Malay Muslim Organisations.
Credits: BH
Credits: BH

15. MENDAKI x M3
Collaboration with Government Agencies and Focus Areas
 It was announced that M3 now is working in partnership with
Government agencies including the Ministry of Social and Family
Development (ST, 27 Apr). It is hoped that these collaborations will
bring about greater outreach and impact to the beneficiaries.
 Three M3 focus areas were also defined: (i) marriage, parenthood and
early childhood development, (ii) vulnerable individuals and families
and (iii) empowering and mentoring youths.
M3@Bedok Launch
 At the Health Fiesta in Heartbeat Bedok on 27 Apr, it was announced
that M3@Bedok had been launched with 200 house visits being
conducted. This to find out the needs of Malay/Muslim residents in the
area. This would provide the data needed for better intervention
design as needed by the locality (BH, 28 Apr)
Call Out for Partners for Raikan Ilmu Month
 MENDAKI would like to also highlight that it is calling out to partners to
be a part of the Raikan Ilmu month, first made at the CLF Sharing on 23
April.
Credits: BH
Credits: BH