Thankful that the first repatriation flight from Muscat, Oman has landed safely. Heartfelt thanks to our officers for making this happen. It was a whole-of-government effort. Ministry of Foreign Affairs officers in Singapore and our overseas missions including those deployed as Crisis Response Teams, as well as our consular and embassy teams, the flight crew and everyone who has been working round the clock to help Singaporeans return home safely. go.gov.sg/x2eg4m

Today is International Women’s Day. We celebrate and appreciate the strength, resilience and achievements of women in Singapore and around the world. When individuals, organisations, and communities step forward to uplift and empower women, we all benefit and our society becomes stronger, fairer, and more compassionate. go.gov.sg/cq2jsz

Had a good catch-up with grassroots leaders from the Ang Mo Kio family at the belated Chap Goh Mei dinner at the Istana yesterday. In a troubled and uncertain world, with conflicts and unrest across many regions, such gatherings help to keep our GRLs abreast of developments, and how we see events. They help us to stay united and to face the challenges ahead. Thank you to all our AMK GRLs for taking good care of our residents. Keep up the good work! go.gov.sg/lu06un

Happy to meet many friends of Singapore at the President’s Annual Diplomatic Reception yesterday. The reception at the National Gallery brought together heads of diplomatic and consular missions, as well as representatives of international organisations. We thanked them for their efforts to strengthen ties and good relations with Singapore. May our friendships continue to grow and thrive for many years to come! go.gov.sg/fo8vc4

It’s the start of the March school holidays! The school term is always busy, and this short break is a good opportunity for parents and children to pause and recharge. Whether you are travelling, visiting grandparents, or simply enjoying the outdoors, I hope everyone makes the most of this time. These shared moments are often the ones our children remember most. go.gov.sg/1n8mgx

Joined Darryl David and his team at the AMK-Hougang Meet-the-People Session last evening. Had the chance to catch up with our dedicated young volunteers. They come from diverse backgrounds and stepped forward for different reasons, but they share the conviction to help others to solve problems and improve their lives. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kFWUsJ4LRRU

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1301874305154176

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri! As Ramadan ends, our Muslim friends welcome the month of Syawal by celebrating Hari Raya. It is a time to gather with loved ones, seek forgiveness from each other, and strengthen the bonds that bring families and communities closer together. May this festive season bring peace, joy, and blessings to you and your loved ones. go.gov.sg/b7zxos

Today is World Water Day. Water is more than a basic necessity — it is an essential element of the spaces we live, work and play in. From our neighbourhoods and parks, to nature reserves, coastlines and the heart of our city, water is woven into Singapore’s landscape. Each of us can act as stewards by keeping our environment clean and supporting water conservation efforts, for the next generation. go.gov.sg/4hfvn7

Spotted the Aranda Lee Kuan Yew orchid in full bloom at the VIP Orchid Garden in Singapore Botanic Gardens yesterday.

Mr Lee died eleven years ago today. The world has changed vastly since then. Conflict and uncertainty abound.

But the unity, resourcefulness, and resolve of our forefathers – and the foundations which they laid, and we have since built upon – remain our strength. They will carry us through the challenges ahead, just as they have done before. go.gov.sg/j1ap3l

Back at the National Orchid Garden for another #jalanjalan. The Garden continues to wow, displaying more than 1,500 orchid species and 3,000 hybrids. Orchids are an important part of Singapore’s heritage and identity, and the Garden showcases the beauty and diversity of these remarkable plants. Kudos to the NParks team for their care and dedication maintaining the Garden so beautifully. Do visit if you can. :) go.gov.sg/ihq8bt

Tonight will be the 20th Earth Hour. Let’s switch off all non-essential lights at 8.30pm. A simple gesture to show that small actions, taken together, can make a difference.

The current turbulence in world energy markets reminds us not to take energy security for granted. Energy is precious, especially in Singapore.

The choices we make at home and at work matter. From the lights we switch off to how we use energy day to day, every action adds to and strengthens our resilience.

As we mark this anniversary, let us continue to care for our environment and build a greener, more sustainable future together.

https://youtube.com/shorts/O3MKOxgsWiI

go.gov.sg/b5hkar

I recently published an essay in the Singapore Economic Review journal titled “Microeconomics in Public Policy: A Practitioner's View”.

My essay discusses how and why the Singapore Government has applied economic principles and market incentives systematically across many public policies, e.g. our HDB programme and CDC Voucher scheme.

You can read my full article here: go.gov.sg/lhl-ser-essay-2026

go.gov.sg/17ktgh

Had a great visit to Singapore University of Social Sciences — a campus that comes alive at night!

Many SUSS students are working professionals, each with their own admirable story. They put in time and effort to study, on top of their career, family responsibilities, and self-care needs. They make many sacrifices along the way.

They see SUSS as a place filled with opportunities, where they can build on their industry experience and reinvent themselves mastering fields they are passionate about. go.gov.sg/eo9mcg

“However busy, you should read.” A short essay I wrote for Warren Fernandez’s, “What We Read, and Why”.

No matter how busy we are, I hope we can all find the time, energy, and bandwidth to make reading a habit, as I have tried to do.

Reading teaches us how to think clearly in the middle of chaos. It is not just about gaining facts – it helps us to consider different perspectives, question assumptions and biases, and more importantly, form our own views rather than relying on others to interpret the world for us. go.gov.sg/w7k9c0

Today, Christians observed Good Friday. It is a solemn time of reflection and remembrance of the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. Wishing all Christians a blessed Good Friday and Easter weekend, and a restful long weekend to all! go.gov.sg/24p3ez

I recently visited the new Singapore General Hospital (SGH) Emergency / National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) building to see firsthand how the new facilities support patients and staff. The expanded building will meet future healthcare needs. Kudos to the management and staff for managing the complicated relocation so well! go.gov.sg/5rr3z5

Visited the Sakura floral display at Gardens by the Bay recently. 🌸 Each year brings a new display. This edition features over 30 varieties of cherry, peach and plum blossoms, set against a landscape inspired by Japan’s Ishikawa Prefecture. It runs until 15 April. Do visit if you can. :) go.gov.sg/f3p1fn

Spent yesterday evening with Ng Chee Meng and his team at their Jalan Kayu Meet-the-People Session. Heartening to see the volunteers out in full strength, spending their Friday night listening to residents’ concerns and offering support. Thank you to the team for your dedication and service. Keep up the good work and continue making a difference in our community. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1L5YN5B5mx/

Today, our Tamil friends celebrate Puthandu, the first day of the Tamil New Year, while the Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi. Other Indian groups like the Malayalees, Telugus, and Bengalis also observe their respective New Years around this time. I wish all who are celebrating a blessed and joyous year ahead with your loved ones! go.gov.sg/6rhe5w

Glad to see Singapore Police Force officers fully using technology in their day-to-day operations during my visit to the Central Police Division. In an era when the modus operandi of criminals is rapidly evolving, the SPF must quickly move into advanced tech to stay a few steps ahead. It is the only way to prevent, deter and detect crime, and keep the public safe and secure. Thank you to all our police officers for embracing technology and innovation to keep Singapore crime free! go.gov.sg/j07nxn

Congratulations to all recipients of the Teck Ghee CCC-CDC Education Merit Awards! Good to see so many students, parents and teachers gathered this morning. The students have done well not just through their own hard work, but also the strong support from their families and the community. There is a lot happening in the world around us. Let us stay steady and focus on doing our own parts well. Make the most of your time in school, building good habits, and growing step by step. go.gov.sg/lvnyik