Maskless coughs and sneezes show we haven’t learnt anything from the pandemic

Hello.

Who’s looking forward to the weekend? I know I am.

I might check out one of the new coffee joints that’s just set up shop in Singapore, or maybe take the family out for a movie. Will it be Super Mario Bros and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves? Even such small decisions can be tough.

Before you head out though, please put on a mask if you have the sniffles. As I wrote in this commentary, it seems like social responsibility has taken a backseat in the endemic phase; maskless coughs and sneezes show we haven’t learnt anything from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Another area where social responsibility plays a big part is public toilets. After years of campaigns, maybe it’s time to bring out the “stick” of legislation to keep public toilets clean, says Dr William Wan of the Singapore Kindness Movement.

And as Institute of Policy Studies’ Gillian Koh Social wrote, solidarity and collective responsibility will be crucial for Singapore to find the right balance in three areas as leadership transition looms.

With storm clouds rumbling on the economic horizon, the world’s economy needs more even if China’s economy saw a pick-up in growth in the first quarter. What is a central bank to do about a problem like inflation? Barclays’ Brian Tan says the Monetary Authority of Singapore did the best thing by doing nothing.

We hope you enjoy our selection of commentaries this week.

Alison Jenner

Senior Editor, Commentary

Maskless coughs and sneezes show we haven’t learnt anything from the COVID-19 pandemic

“Stay home and wear a mask if unwell”. This message has been drilled into us countless times since the COVID-19 pandemic, but yet there are countless anecdotes of people not doing so. CNA’s Alison Jenner looks at whether social responsibility has taken a backseat in the endemic phase.

Three balancing acts for Singapore society as leadership transition looms

Social solidarity and collective responsibility, both highlighted in President Halimah Yacob’s address in parliament, will be crucial for Singapore to find the right balance in three areas, says the Institute of Policy Studies’ Gillian Koh.

Should first-time buyers in Singapore time their property purchases?

The Singapore property market appears to be turning the corner, so should first-time buyers continue with their planned purchases, or wait longer to see if prices fall further? IREUS professor Qian Wenlan lays out the considerations.

I don’t need a free Bloobox to get me recycling at home

A recent lapse by partners of a Singapore shoe recycling programme is a reminder that maintaining the recycling habit requires reassurances that our efforts aren’t in vain, says Repair Kopitiam’s Danny Lim.

Should passing an English test be a basic requirement for Singapore citizenship?

To kick off Season 4, Heart of the Matter host Steven Chia gets to the heart of what it takes to be a Singapore citizen. Does being proficient in English matter? If not, what other markers should matter? His guests are Yorlin Ng, chief operating officer of Momentum Works who is applying for citizenship and Dr Gwee Li Sui, poet, graphic artist and literary critic.

Every mid-April when polytechnic students begin the new academic year, CNA’s Grace Yeoh is reminded of the decision that altered her education path – and how going against the grain at a young age set her up for life.

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