[LIVE] Presidential Forum with candidates Ng Kok Song, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Tan Kin Lian 

NKS really did well in answering those questions! I am impressed by the level of intellect he has despite his age!

Timestamps for #pe2023 Forums 3:41- Begin 4:26- Presidential Role 101 📖 For the sake of convenience, the names are short formed for convenience. NKS stands for Ng Kok Song, TS stands for Tharman, and TKL stands for Tan Kin Lian, respectively. Question 1 - experience and expertise to deserve presidency 🗄 6:19- NKS ✋ 8:31- TS🍍 10:42- TKL 🌐 Question 2- second key factors 🔑 12:44- TS 🍍 14:43- TKL 🌐 16:10- NKS ✋ Question 3- Convincing without political influence 🙊 18:01- TKL 🌐 19:34- NKS ✋ 20:49- TS 🍍 Question 4- Unique Traits representation 💎 22:38- NKS ✋ 24:10- TS 🍍 25:44- TKL 🌐 Question 5- Role of Inclusion and Compassion ❣ 30:07- TS 🍍 31:38- TKL 🌐 33:08- NKS ✋ Question 6- Future Connection 📥 (not the #Pokemon song by ЯeaL) 34:54- TKL 🌐 36:08- NKS ✋ 37:43- TS 🍍 Question 7- Unification figure ⛓ 39:13- NKS ✋ 40:45- TS 🍍 42:18- TKL 🌐 Question 8- Challenges Ahead ⛰ 44:06- TS 🍍 45:42- TKL 🌐 47:03- NKS ✋ Question 9- Closing Remarks 🔚 48:53- TKL 🌐 (50:55- some corrections) 51:27- NKS ✋ 53:17- TS 🍍

Mr Ng it goes to show how serious and sincere your true desires are in this election. The last lines from you moved me. You also showed the most effort and capability and gave most sacrifices in this election. Initially I judged you and your background, even your fiancée. But I forgot if Tharman was an “independent” too, he would receive criticism. Truth is nobody is independent here, but you are the least attached to affiliations politically. You have my vote, Chief Volunteer

Clear and concise, politically neutral - Ng Kok Song for the win 🦾 Why is Tharman even running for presidency? He should continue serving as a minister instead.

Before that, I know nothing about Mr. Ng K. S.. After hearing him, I'm impressed. He is very intelligent. He has very clear mind and objectives on what he would do, and I'm convinced he's capable to deliver them. I'm deciding between Mr Ng and Mr Tharman. Everybody knows Tharman, his personality, his intelligence and his pass records. I think his strengths will help lift Singapore higher in international ground. Helping Singapore to build relationships with other countries is very important and I think Tharman can do better in this compare to the others.

Tharman is overqualified while Ng Kok Song fits the bill as President. Voting in Mr Ng leaves Tharman with still the opportunity to serve in the international arena and thereby still fly Singapore's flag. While I respect and wish Tharman all the best, Ng Kok Song has won my vote. This way Singapore will have a win-win outcome.

Mr Ng, u have my vote. Fighting!!

I'm persuaded by the argument that it's important we truly pay attention to truly building in our institutional & constitutional safeguards in the office of the President. Simply because our past Presidents have been in one way or another affiliated with political parties does not mean that was necessarily the best course of action. Mr Tharman has been a great minister and would be a great pick for President, but I think longer term and institutional considerations in terms of building in the independence that befits the Presidential Office are my priority -- and Mr Ng Kok Song, I think, has convinced me sufficiently he is someone who can set the precedent for being a non-partisan President.

I like how CNA right at the start, listed out the 3 job descriptions of our President. I think that while each candidate do engage us emotionally, at the end of the day, we need to objectively measure and weigh each candidate's experience and training and traits against that list and vote wisely. This is to protect Singapore and also the voted in President because I believe all three gentlemen want to do their best for Singapore. Majulah Singapura.

I like the smile from Mr Ng Kok Song

Mr ng kok song really impressive tbh..

Dont forget how much training Tharman has as a politician and speaker in big international forums and all his advisory positions, he is always politically correct from years of experience. He doesn't need a script. He has not only natural flair and eloquence with that brilliant mind, his giftedness is his profound intelligence and natural public speaking skills, his track record as a politician helped a lot along the way. I do think it's a natural script, but no less with heart. That said, the stars always align for him his whole life he is born and bred with a silver spoon and grown up through life with good opportunities as a blue eyed boy, from ACS right to the PAP and IMF on the world stage. His talents really should be better placed on this world stage to do better for humanity. He had his chance within the PAP to effect better policies and be that advisor and advocate for good change, but did he manage to, really? If no, then the President role is just going to be another cushy and stifling job for such a brilliant man. That's why he is best placed as our PM (economically) and not head of state (custodial or ceremonially). I think we really need more of an independent father figure as President.

Just my own feels NKS speaks from his heart. Tharman gives me too many "Standard Answers", he will make a good PM. :(

Mr. Ng Kok Song fit perfectly the characters of The President of Singapore 🇸🇬. 🇸🇬 ❤️ 🇸🇬.

Mr Tharman should be the PM. He is far more capable than the rest of the PAP ministers. Him, being the President is no different than what Mdm Halimah can do.

Dear Kok Song, you've earned one more vote from me ❤

TS - some fluff, but answers the qs NKS - straight to the point TKL - hehe :)

NKS really impressive and I can actually see him as the president just by the way he speak!

NKS’ got my vote as a young Singaporean.

I truly admire Mr. Ng Kok Song's exemplary qualities, which encompass integrity, intelligence, emotional intelligence, and his graceful demeanor when responding to comments and sarcasm directed at other candidates in various interviews as well. He has such poise and composure when he speaks. Out of the three candidates, he has the most charisma. He's the only presidential candidate whose taken great efforts to connect with the youths and understand our uncertainties in his campaign. Not only does he take the time to understand the challenges of the youth, he is also a strong champion for inter-racial support and inclusivity, and for marginalized communities such as our hardworking migrant workers. ❤❤❤ He serves as a shining example of racial harmony, embodying the values we cherish. He started out from a humble background and worked hard to get where he is in life. As a potential president, he would undoubtedly represent our nation with grace and a deeply compassionate heart. His work on the international stage is remarkable and illustrious as well. The French government conferred on him the awards Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur in 2003 and Officier de l’Ordre national du Mérite in 2011, for his contributions as a member of the Agence France Trésor's strategic committee from 2001-2014. Our nation deserves a President who authentically prioritize the well-being of the people and set a compelling example for others to follow. In his speech in the presidential forum, Mr Ng shares his strong altruistic desire to serve the people of Singapore. Not for fame, power, or financial gains. We should support leaders driven by genuine compassion rather than those primarily motivated by financial gain or a thirst for power. He is a strong contender and is definitely as competent and qualified as the other candidates. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Singapore, the Singapore Government also awarded him the Public Administration Medal (Gold) in 1996, and the prestigious Meritorious Service Medal in 2012.

Mr Ng Kok Song has my vote. Gravitas, clear and sincere.

Nks is so stable and composed. One word: Wisdom

Mr. NKS expressed his desire to serve Singapore after observing that the younger generation is losing trust in the government. Mr. T attempted to avoid this issue during the forum. Mr. TKL is aware of the challenges that young and low-income Singaporeans are facing, and he believes that the solution is to change existing government policies as an elected president.

NKS gets my vote, well spoken, clear, confident and very impartial can tell he will hear both the pap and opposition views in the future

Listening intently , Mr Ng kok Song a person of substance.

KOK SONG FOR PRESIDENT.

TS was a PAP member not so long ago . I think we have more than enough of PAP influences in Singapore ! No comments forcTKL. So I will vote for NKS !

I actually thought this forum was a candid one, until TKL pulled his script out. Then I found myself on edge at his every word, almost nervous he might misread what was written. His pronunciation most definitely didn’t help. Frankly, I would be immensely embarrassed for the next 6 years as a Singaporean if TKL won. My lord!

nks 🎉🎉

Whoever it ends up being, I hope the new Head of State has an immense knowledge not only about our country, but also the rest of the world, so that he can carry on meaningful and intelligent conversations with other Heads of State. Not forgetting the First Lady as well.

Wah... was kind of undecided at first, but Ng Kok Song really won me over. I have no doubt that Mr. Tharman would be an excellent choice for president too, but Mr. Ng's words really resonated with me, and his closing statement felt sincere.

TS - trained statesman, smooth and eloquent but expected NKS - held his own very well, articulate, clear, concise TKL - still don’t understand he’s not running for MP. Still don’t understand scope of presidency

NKS seems to be the perfect balance for what this role needs. Wealth of experience, well spoken, and independent. Unfortunately Mr Tharman's affiliation to his previous party might be his biggest disadvantage for someone who is very well recieved. TKL sounds more suitable to be fighting for GE as most things he wants to address might be a bit more achievable through that route.

From the initial start, Mr Ng Kok Song had marked the first change by initiated go green Presidential Campaign through social media. Mr Tharman and Mr Tan KL, both had wasted resources on raw materials, manpower, $$$ from donations or ....... (taxpayer $ ???) for their campaign with big posters and flyers. In this Presidential Forum, Mr Ng Kok Song has earned my vote. I 'm truly impressed by his competency and exemplary qualities. Mr Tharman went around the bush with no clear objective, he spoke about past events but nothing much about what he can deliver for the people in our near future. Mr Tan KL is going for "Presidency Power" but he seems lost and not clear of the boundary.

Yes our President must have spine against all odds ⚖️✊✅🙏 ! GOD BLESS Singapore 🇸🇬& Singaporeans ❤⭐️! AMEN 🙌🙏🌈😇

Ng speaks more toward connecting with the people like individuals to care about their personality and improve themselves. This is very important to live in a society full of challenges. And he is also fluent like tharman. But I got the feeling he speaks more passionately like he meant it but not tharman. He knows what he is speaking, poised, calm demeanour and with consistent good composure. And he looked into various angles before speaking. Yes, I know they already trained this but his is very natural, with good points listed clearly. And he made me want to listen to what he is saying. He can represent our ctry. For Tharman..hmmm he is alrdy in PAP for years so he is highly trained to be a politician. So, I can feel there is a mask. Not for the people kind of candidate. Yes...he is fluent but the points he shared are typical politics, and the typical talk only but will not be practical for the people. And again the tone he uses is a NOPE for me. The arrogance. There is a difference between acting confidence and being arrogant. Also his association as a board of trustee with that one organisation really made me don't have trust on whatever he said.The way he speaks, that tone is the same as those ppl in that same org. And this organisation has quite a bad reputation recently in relation to not being humane, depopulation, using climate change as an excuse for their agendas (I had hiccuped right when he mentioned climate change in his answer. I was like hah!there you are), creating viruses and etc. As for Tan, hmmm this shows that those who get to be Chairman/CEOs of companies doesn't mean they are a smart thinker and knows what they are saying or doing, and/or have good communication skills. Reminds me of an ex-colleague who likes to boast "I have more than 20yrs experiences" but when work wise, cannot do. To be fair, I would like to say he might be a nice person but also those social media posts revealed on his status, I don't think he is suitable to represent or be the face of our ctry.

Part of me wishes Tharman would run as PM Mentor. With Ng Kok Song being President.

Ms. Otelli Edwards did well on hosting this event

Wow. NKS spoke with great conviction and confidence. Very well articulated!

well, if only USA presidential candidates could behave and speak so respectfully. Majulah Singapura, your little country is on the right track.

Ng kok song's performance was really outstanding. Ill be voting for you.

Lee Kuan Yew found in NKS a meditation buddy. For LKY to choose NKS for such a personal and intimate activity in his last years prove the trust LKY had in NKS. Therefore, we can give NKS our vote. TS is still younger. He can take over after NKS

I ❤ Republic !

Tharman is obviously most strategic and most eloquent of the 3. Only worry is that common folks may not be able to relate to him because some may find him too scripted but I personally think he is at a level way beyond most people can relate to. Kok Song can probably relate best to the common folks amongst Singaporeans. I must applaud the earnest efforts made by Mr Tan trying to keep pace with Tharman & Kok Song.

Whatever is the outcome, I am grateful that this PE is not a walkover. This is obviously a hard fought battle among the candidates, and the winner can hold his head up high if elected as President.

Tidak ada seorang pun yang berbicara tentang penyelesaian masalah roti dan mentega kecuali TKL, yang menyebutkan kenaikan biaya hidup dan persaingan untuk mendapatkan pekerjaan sebagai kekhawatiran utama dan sangat nyata bagi sebagian besar masyarakat Singapura yang berpendapatan rendah dan menengah. Bagaimana pula dengan rakyat Singapura yang bahagia dan sihat selepas bersara dalam persekitaran yang terbaik tanpa mereka mempunyai alternatif iaitu mampan kepada umur panjang dan menjadi teladan yang dihormati oleh yang lebih muda atau dengan kata lain tidak pernah tua dan seperti dimanjakan oleh alkoholik kelas atas, dadah (tiruan,) muzik dll. negatif peribadi.

so did cna share the questions with any of the candidates beforehand?

Can we have another forum with people online asking questions?

All senior Singaporean are well educated. Many are inventors and achievers. The middle-age Singaporean - need to be given challenges and not just followers.

yes. i vote for independent

I'm more sure of my decision after this. Thanks.

TKL is the most trustworthy to be the president

Ng Kok Song has a very smooth delivery. His voice is like butter. He could become a radio DJ if he doesn’t get elected. I like his choice of words and his composure. Tharman seems a little nervous. His speech also sounds overly PR. 😐😐 Tan Kin Lian’s voice is like nail to chalkboard. He also can’t speak off the cuff. His pronunciation is subpar.

Halimah: heng ah! I siam all this sh*t before i was "selected" for this position.

All veryvery goods wonderful excellent👍👍👍👍👍👍

Ng kok song! Tharman is good but seems like every words are prepared. Ng is genuine and wise.

Both Mr Ng and Mr Tharman answered the questions that were asked of them. Mr Tan KL didn’t answer the address the questions asked of him on so many occasions. He kept talking about issues that is outside the jurisdiction of the Presidency. It tells me that if Mr Tan were to be asked important questions if elected Singapore’s President, he may be confused and act or say things wrongly. That’s scary!! Especially on the world stage. Tharman gets my vote. I want a qualified candidate with experience both domestically and internationally. Tharman understands that as Singapore’s President, his independence of mind is very crucial His past relationships with his ex-colleagues in the ruling party must have no bearing on his decisions an Sg’s President.

As a president ,u don't need to be a fast speaking chasing the time .Be clear ,independent mind and unite the people.

As impressive of a campaign NKS delivered, I still think he fall short compared to TS. Objectively, the strongest argument for NKS is his non-partisan status, which arguably can be matched closely with TS’s track record in parliament, always bringing independent thoughts and ideas. I think where TS edged this competition is his track record on community building which I haven’t seen any from NKS. TS gets my vote.

Brilliant and excellent hosting!

NKS is the clear winner of this forum outshining other 2

Wat time start?

Respectfully ranking the candidates’ performance based on their answers: 1st place: NKS Clear and deliberate pauses to not only think through his answers, but also allows viewers and listeners to understand his speech. Answers every single question succinctly and on point and offers summary of his answers. Great grasp on the time limit of each questions. 2nd place: TS Clearly the most experienced candidate for public speaking but fell short on answering some questions like how are you reaching out to youths. Has the most sound answers to questions regarding reserves, own experiences etc. Giving quite a bit of filler examples to the last and most important question that deviates viewers from his most impactful first line. Asking voters to vote for him! Had to be stopped for one of his answers as time limit was up. 3rd place: TKL Too many filler words throughout his entire presentation. Bringing up processes or ideas he would like to implement that are beyond the jurisdiction of SG president. Overall, his performance puts his credibility in question.

I think Mr Tan has joined the wrong election. He should join the general elections as he is so passionate in resolving issues regarding about cost of living, housing etc. Instead of answering to the question in how he can be the unifying figure, he talked about his main thrust to solve key issues before creating a unifying society. He kept forgetting the role of president hence the host had to remind him what president cannot do after his ending statement. 😅

Mr NG is the right person.

tbh, with his experience and ability TS would be a better fit for deputy PM ( since lawrence is next) / PM, NKS for president which has comparably lesser power

What a waste for tharman for president role...he is much more capable..

30:18 NKS as Chief Volunteer (◕‿◕)❤

Tharman will shine as a Prime Minister. It’s a waste of a talent to run for President. I hope he rejoins politics and run for Prime Minister since Singaporeans are welcoming of a non Chinese PM

Haiz...i prefer Mr Tharman to be our PM instead of President.

NKS CAPTURED MY ❤️ !. MEDITATING PRESIDENT Ng Kok Song 🎵 💖 ❤️ 😍 💓 💕 🎵 💖 ❤️ 😍 💓 💕 🎵 💖 ❤️ 😍 💓 💕 🎵 💖 ❤️ 😍 💓 💕 🎵 💖 ❤️ 😍 💓 💕 🎵 💖 ❤️ 😍 💓 💕 🎵 💖 ❤️ 😍 💓 💕 🎵

It would be good if there is more than 1 forum with each participants posing questions rather than a host asking questions.

Tharman’s eyelids blinks at supersonic speed when he was answering the question of partisanship. He’s either embarrassed or has something to hide. Blinking is a type of body language.

Since when do we have 5 races in singapore??? Can someone enlighten me

Government: We can we World Cup Champion. Tan Kin Lian: let’s get the basics right first…

Tharman can better serve singapore by being a post minister advisor. Being president he cannot say or do many things. He is over qualify and not suitable. TKL doesn't answer well and needs paper as reference when these qns r very simple. NKS is the most suitable.

Vote for an Optimistic Future!

The best can be chosen as people are literate & educated to follow the print to progress as 1st world countries.

Mr Tharman’s breadth and depth of experience in diverse fields put him way ahead of the other two hopefuls who offer at best the best of technical expertise. It is time we have a President of real substance.

NKS, my president-elect.

When will there be a Presidential debate?

why isn't TS not ever considered for PM, esp in 2010s? why isn't both DPM ever considered? why is the 2 DPM there? I'd like to have Tharman to be PM for GE2016, GE2020, and next GE. He has such a good runway for 12years as PM. he's a policy guy from head to toe - economics, finance are his forte - yet he went for president?

If ever Tharman could never be PM, even if in the next GE202x, he should and must be a MM. 20Years + 20 Years. From head to toe, he's a ECONOMICS+FINANCE specialist. Just look at his CV/resume, to be selected by academics (university/studies time) and international people, it says a lot.

Singapore is fortunate to have these 3 good Presidential Candidates this time....All the best.

Tharman has been sacrificed, talent wasted for him to take up the presidency position, he should be retained in the government office. NKS is clear and concise in his speech and his wisdom and experience came through. TKL is very grassroots level… 😅

verdict - TS NEXT PM. .... NKS elected 2023 President of Singapore .... TKL .... deposit ........

I wanted Tan or NKS. It’s definitely one of the 2 at the end of the day. This gives me a clearer picture now. I feel bad for the other one of the 2 genuinely. Sorry..

Mr.NKS… u got my vote.

NKS is an old school gentleman with good business acumen. He wants to be known as the meditation president. Tharman is in-tuned n knowledgeable abt world affairs and served time working the grounds. 1 appeals to the sentiments, especially female voters, the other is a connected worldly politician. In these churning and turbulent times, SG needs precious value-added representative in the presidency for home and internationally. I am smwat conflicted by NKS old school values n religious beliefs with his co-habitation with sybil n for high office. Age is not on his side with the busy local n overseas schedule of the 6 yr term of presidency. I am for TS.

I am supporting Mr Tharman 's vision of President

All has good demerit points but a few things which is still scepticals..n hope it has a good balances...vote is a secret but hope those pointers will come in handy to the elected president as most if the pointers is actually good n need put to good use too..all the best to all..

Do not dilute the votes with TKL, give NKS a chance. Respectfully though, I think Tharman fits the role as our PM.

My concern is whether more and more people eligible to vote in the future will let their dissatisfaction with the status quo dominate their choice of candidates. At least those three candidates are still safe, but what about the future election after this time if the dissatisfaction remains unresolved. Emotionality will build up with dissatisfaction for reality life so this trend could be very dangerous for society. Even it may lead to more slits that are difficult to fit in a short period of time. I don't want to witness the future becoming more unpredictable.

Singapore needs the best of the best president who had done public service and knows in and out how the country is run. And there is no other better person Tharman. Singaporean will never ever waste their taxpayers money on somebody without any of these experiences

I hope, after the break, the questions should be rotated anticlockwise.

Mr.T did not provide relevant/straight forward answer to most questions. 🧐. As compare to TKL and NKS their objective to stand for this election is well deliver in this forum.

the idea of only government officials could qualify for president election is ridiculous

Is there 1 with mandarin subtitles? Really hope there's different subtitles to reach out different communities.

NKS and TS shines during this debate. So likely i will vote one of them in.

Truly , Mr Ng kok Song a charismatic person.