Increased parental leave
The PAP government goes full steam ahead to build a Singapore “made for families”. A new Shared Parental Leave scheme will provide parents with ten additional weeks of shared leave paid for by the government. That is in addition to the 16 weeks leave for mothers and four weeks for fathers.
With 30 weeks or about 7.5 months of paid leave for parents to spend with their children, Singapore is taking a great leap forward, rivalling the Scandinavian system while keeping tax burdens low for Singaporeans.
PAP MPs Louis Ng (Nee Soon GRC) and Yeo Wan Ling (Pasir Ris–Punggol GRC) are among those who have long campaigned for more support for parents and have expressed their delight on their social media pages.
Helping retrenched workers and those who have lost their jobs
A new SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme will provide temporary financial support (up to $6,000 over six months) for workers who have been retrenched or who have lost their jobs.
Mr Wong added that the government has been studying such schemes for a long time. The government is aware that other countries have not had positive experiences with schemes like unemployment insurance, where generous benefits have led to people remaining unemployed rather than going back into work.
This will come as a welcomed move to PAP MPs like Patrick Tay (Pioneer SMC), who has long been championing help for retrenched workers from lower- and middle-income groups.
At its core, the new SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support will not disincentivise people from working. During this period, workers are expected to go for training, career coaching and job matching services to find another job.
“So, this is the essence of our renewed social compact. We will have your back. We will stand by you, but you too must take responsibility for your actions and make an effort to pull yourself up,” said Mr Wong.
Making lifelong learning more accessible with ITE Progression Awards
PM Wong called for a major reset, not just in our policies but also in our attitudes. Part of that reset must be in our thinking about lifelong learning.
Following the SkillsFuture Level-Up programme announced during Budget 2024, all Singaporeans aged 40 and above will receive a training allowance of up to $3,000 per month (or $72,000 over two years) when they attend selected full-time courses.
To make lifelong learning even more accessible, Mr Wong shared that there are plans to extend some training allowances to those attending part-time courses to help with fees and books.
In addition, the PAP government will support ITE graduates to progress in their careers and earn higher wages. The Progression Award will provide ITE graduates with a $5,000 top-up in their Post-Secondary Education Account and a top-up of $10,000 in their CPF account when they finish a Diploma programme.
Building a business-friendly environment
How can Singapore compete with developing countries moving up the value chain? Or the developed ones rebuilding their industries? According to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, pushing the frontiers of innovation and productivity to attract new investments and encourage the spirit of enterprise are the answers.
One of the ways Singapore can do so is to ensure it has a business-friendly environment and keep regulatory burden to a minimum. For the latter, DPM Gan Kim Yong is doing a thorough and proactive review of our rules and processes and pruning them back where possible, added Mr Wong.
Doing business in Singapore has never been easier. And the economic growth that comes with it will help create more opportunities and a better quality of life for all Singaporeans.
Increasing public housing supply
The government has been ramping up the supply of flats to keep them affordable. According to Mr Wong, all BTO projects delayed by COVID-19 will be completed by early next year. HDB is also on track to deliver 10,000 units by 2025, as promised.
Mr Wong also highlighted new precincts for future housing projects. In Marina South and Marina East, there are huge plots of land for more than 10,000 new homes, said Mr Wong.
There are also plans to introduce HDB flats to Tanjong Rhu, an area dominated by private housing. This will allow more Singaporeans to have access to affordable homes near the city centre, said Mr Wong.
Ensuring HDB flats remain affordable and inclusive
To help lower-income couples own their first homes, the Government will increase the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (currently up to $80,000) for eligible families.
Addressing the housing needs of seniors, Mr Wong said that HDB will continue to launch Community Care Apartments to help seniors live independently without compromising on safety.
Finally, singles, like married couples, will get priority access if they buy BTO flats close to their aged parents. Not only will this make it easier for families to look after one another, but it is another step towards recognising the needs and aspirations of our singles.
Enhancing the learning environments in all schools
Mr Wong also discussed the dangers of heaping too much pressure, anxiety and stress on our children. He is determined to refocus the objectives of education. To spark a joy for learning, and to help each child realise their full potential.
“We will enhance the learning environment and infrastructure across all schools,” said Mr Wong. In the years ahead, this will mean upgraded libraries, science laboratories, learning spaces and better technology for learning.
In addition, schools with more students from disadvantaged backgrounds and special learning needs will receive more resources and funding to help them build the social capital to thrive and succeed.
“Whatever the starting points, we will help everyone to learn, develop and grow, and realise their full potential,” added Mr Wong.
A Singapore that endures
As Mr Wong concluded his first National Day Rally, he brought our attention to another Singapore in faraway Michigan – a lumber and ship-building town which faded into obscurity after 50 years.
Of course, we want our Singapore to be around for a very long time, said Mr Wong. Because I believe Singapore’s best days lie ahead of us, he added.
“We have new ambitions to pursue. We are taking bold steps to turn our hopes into reality. We can be a society where every citizen is respected, every voice is heard, and every dream is nurtured. We can be a nation where everyone can flourish, thrive, and be the best possible version of ourselves,” said Mr Wong with conviction.
The crowds cheered, followed by a standing ovation. A rousing end to an unforgettable night.
For deeper insights into why the policies at NDR 2024 matter and how they can affect you, look out for our coverage at Petir.sg.
Picture Source: Lawrence Wong via Facebook
