I hope more companies will be as enlightened in retaining experienced and loyal workers.

Singapore can expect more rainy days ahead during the coming Northeast Monsoon season between mid November this year and end January next year, according to the National Environment Agency’s (NEA) Meteorological Service Singapore.

The Northeast Monsoon season is characterised by short-duration thundery showers mainly in the afternoon and evening, and about two to four episodes of monsoon surges. Monsoon surges refer to the steady strengthening of northeasterly winds blowing from the South China Sea. These monsoon surges usually bring periods of prolonged widespread moderate to heavy rain lasting between two to five days, occasionally windy conditions, and cooler temperatures. 

I can still remember unwrapping my first computer, an Apple II Plus in 1982. That was the start of a fascinating journey of discovery into how innovative new technology, coupled with beautiful design and a deep understanding of human needs could transform our lives. Thank you so much, Steve.

Last week, I attended an informal ministerial meeting on climate change in Pretoria, South Africa, and experienced first hand the enormous difficulties the negotiators are facing.

The crux of the negotiations is to achieve the stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentration in the atmosphere. The current goal is to limit the rise of global temperatures to less than 2 degrees centigrade. This is the level that the scientists have told us is necessary to avoid catastrophic climatic instability. However, there is currently a big gap between this goal and the current pledges by the international community. The United Nations Environment Programme Report published last year indicated a clear gap of at least 5 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide per year even in the best case scenario.

Last week, Al-Iman Mosque invited Dr Teo Ho Pin, Mr Liang Eng Hwa, grassroots leaders and me to the Community Iftar. We learnt that Ramadan is a time to count our blessings, share our blessings and to respect all human beings regardless of differences. I wish our Muslim brothers and sisters Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri.