The Government has given the assurance that there is adequate supply of rice in Singapore despite some countries in the region restricting exports. Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry S Iswaran also had this advise for Singaporeans - don't panic buy and stay calm because the Government is monitoring the situation. He was speaking to reporters after visiting a government warehouse in Pasir Panjang.

Mr Iswaran explains why the supply of rice in Singapore is more than adequate for now. He added what's needed is to ensure they're specific measures in place to help low income Singaporeans cope with the rising food costs.

The rice supply here is hardly affected by export restrictions imposed by countries like Thailand because Singapore requirements 'as a percentage of the Thai export is very small'. Mr Iswaran also explains why the Government will not impose a price control on rice.

Singapore's rice stockpile can last an average of 2 to 3 months. Mr Iswaran explains why 'it's not wise to overstock'.

In his keynote address at the annual Singapore Tripartism Forum, former Manpower Minister Ng Eng Hen - now Education Minister - reflects on the importance of not 'protecting' workers here through a clampdown on the foreign worker quota and a high wage policy. He also elaborates on the way forward for Singapore's workforce.