Kf Seetoh on ministerial pay raise: It’s hard work, BUT what’s your KPI?

Food expert Kf Seetoh commented on the ministerial salary raises announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, which came into effect from October 15. The increase, up to 9%, will raise ministers' annually remunerations, with the lowest tier earning around S$1.2 million. Seetoh posted a table detailing the various roles, their present and increased salaries.

Seetoh acknowledged the raises as "nice increments" but expressed concern that the political field may be more enticing due to the financial benefits. He emphasized that being a political leader is hard work, urging that key performance indicators for these leaders should not be centered around social media likes and votes. Instead, KPIs should revolve around making Singapore's life "successful, likeable, and liveable."

He stressed that leaders must spend time on the ground to understand the issues faced by citizens, highlighting challenges in job searches and the impact of AI on jobs. Seetoh also discussed Singapore's potential to produce entrepreneurs like Tony Fernandes, who transformed AirAsia, but expressed doubts about Singapore's young innovators, who are mostly risk-averse and struggle with housing costs.

He lamented Singapore's lack of a national cultural festival, suggesting that the government should invest in creating one. Seetoh called for transparency in setting KPIs for leaders, proposing the revival of Swing Singapore, a festival once held on Orchard Road, drawing inspiration from other cities' celebrations.