Lunch with former Minister Khaw Boon Wan

Lunch today was with former Minister Khaw Boon Wan and the usual suspects, i.e. Dr Teo, Allen Ang and Peng Hong.

We last met on 7 January 2025 at Kings Copthorne Hotel to have penang food. On that occasion I was late as I had lunch with my mom to celebrate her birthday. Then the bulk of our conversation was on the upcoming GE and what were the likely scenarios. Of course my worst case scenarios then for the outcome were all well off the mark.

Today’s lunch was once again at the same venue. Penang food again and we managed to get a private room where we could eat and talk comfortably. I raised my concerns about about AI and its implications on the job market. I pointed out that quite a number of people I personally know have been retrenched and were having difficulties finding a job. These are people in their mid 30s. We then talked about young people’s aspirations and how they view a working life and their likely future in this new era. We all agreed that we must prepare our people for what may like ahead ie a high GDP but low employment scenario in Singapore. The high medical costs in Singapore and property prices were our other discussion topics.

We had interesting discussions. I like talking to him because he listens and is keenly aware of what might turn out to be future areas of concern if matters are left unchecked.

As an aside, he told us about the comic book he has created with ChatGPT. This is based on his recollections of his childhood and his younger days in Penang.

Glad to see that everyone had a good appetite and are doing well and healthy.