Hello.
As we head into the second week of 2023, have you kept up with your New Year resolutions?
If you haven’t, don’t sweat it. Plans don’t have to come to fruition to serve their purpose, says CNA’s Grace Yeoh about the false promises of success and happiness of the 5-year career plan.
Our priorities have also changed in these waning days of the pandemic. Some may want to ask for more time off, instead of a pay raise, says employment law specialist Clarence Ding. Amid buzz phrases like quiet quitting and the Great Resignation, HR expert Paul Thomas says companies need to create meaningful connections with workers to retain them.
In China, Shanghai-based Singaporean Ye Jiayi gives us an inside look at the situation on the ground after the country made a swift change to its COVID-19 policy, while Alywin Chew writes about his experience catching the virus after evading it for three years.
In a further development, Hong Kong will gradually reopen its border with China from Jan 8, allowing a maximum of 60,000 residents to travel into the mainland every day. The Hong Kong government is counting on much-needed Chinese tourists and capital, but locals are also worried about being left with limited drugs and vaccines to combat potential outbreaks, says writer Jacky Leung.
We hope you enjoy the selection of commentaries this week.
Alison Jenner
Senior Editor, Commentary
.jpg?itok=GHGWX5cb "Chaos and optimism ahead of China's planned reopening 35")
