From TikTok to gaming platforms, security concerns abound

Hello.

Do you use TikTok? Even those who don’t use it would have read about the social media platform’s CEO testifying before the US Congress. How Singaporean Chew Shou Zi fared is still being debated, with the line of questioning spanning national security risks, user privacy to mental health.

Gaming platforms have also come under scrutiny as a potential avenue for negative influence, even radicalisation. Adults need to take a genuine interest in what youths are doing to have productive discussions about gaming, says NUS’ Jonathan Sim.

And with the tech sector in the spotlight after recent mass layoffs, employment lawyer Clarence Ding considers if Singapore should do away with non-compete clauses as has been proposed in the US.

The other major news this week, of course, has been Xi Jinping’s Russia visit to meet Vladimir Putin. Amid concerns that China might support Russia’s war in Ukraine militarily, it is positioning itself as a global peacemaker. Political observer Bo Zhiyue considers if Xi got what he wanted from the visit.

We hope you enjoy the selection of commentaries this week. 

Charlene Tan

Editor, CNA Commentary

Anti-corruption sweep exposes a disturbing truth in Malaysia

With former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin and others caught in the widening anti-corruption net, Anwar Ibrahim might have the momentum to push through political funding law reform, says CNA’s Leslie Lopez.

US considers ban on non-compete clauses – should Singapore follow suit?

The US Federal Trade Commission has proposed banning non-compete clauses. Amid the recent mass layoffs within the tech industry, employment law specialist Clarence Ding looks at how enforceable such agreements are in Singapore and if they should be similarly outlawed.

Snap Insight: Did Xi Jinping get what he wanted from Vladimir Putin in Russia visit?

Chinese President Xi Jinping can position himself as a peacemaker after state visit to Russia. It fits into Xi’s ambitions for his legacy, says political observer Bo Zhiyue.

Singapore will finally charge for plastic bags. What’s next?

While the 5-cent charge is an encouraging step, plastic bags are only one of the many products that contribute to waste. Consumer behaviour must also be changed more systematically, says Sumit Agarwal of NUS Business School.

Can a bank go bust in Singapore?

It started with the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank in the US and was followed swiftly by the emergency rescue of beleagued Credit Suisse by UBS. How does a bank go bust? What drives panic and fear that leads to a bank run and can it happen in Singapore? Steven Chia gets answers from Sumit Agarwal, Low Tuck Kwong Professor at the School of Business at the National University of Singapore and Thilan Wickramasinghe, Head of Research Singapore & Regional Head of Financials at Maybank Investment Banking Group.

Retiring isn’t a viable option for some – but for those fortunate enough, retiring enables them to spend time with family, serve the community and even embark on an “encore” career, says Cesar Balota.

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