SMU Associate Professor of English Literature and Director of the Wee Kim Wee Centre Kirpal Singh commented on the role of Coordinating Ministers. Associate Prof Singh noted that the Coordinating Minister role is “very important” in order to deal with a fast-changing world with “overlaps of thinking and action everywhere”. He said, “Thus, we can’t think about making any decision regarding, say, old age, without consulting/discussing with ministries such as finance, education, trade and industry, manpower, social affairs, family, information, community, etc.”