In the near future, AI is expected to transform the way we learn and work. An ageing population will also put more pressure on our healthcare system.
However, Singaporeans can rest assured. The PAP government will provide stronger support at every stage of life to help us cope with the challenges ahead.
Preparing our youths for the future
One way is by tailoring our education system to fit different requirements. To help our youths reach their full potential, the government will enhance support for students of different needs, talents and aspirations.
MOE is currently refreshing its approach to support higher-ability learners across all schools. It is also enabling more students to take Mother Tongue at a higher level, regardless of their PSLE score.
Additionally, the government recognises that good lifestyle habits can have a profound impact on our children’s health when they get older. To address this, it has since launched Grow Well SG, a national scheme to encourage healthy habits and mental wellness among children and youths.
Beginning this year, primary school students will receive a personalised health plan, which includes a “lifestyle prescription” on ways to eat, sleep, and learn better.
Over time, we aim to build a society where our children grow up less anxious and with multiple pathways to success. By reducing an emphasis on grades and recognising passions in areas beyond academics, we can equip our youth with future-ready skills that enable them to thrive.
Empowering workers in the age of AI
AI will create many new areas of growth. As such, the government is committed to helping Singaporeans unlock their potential and grasp these new opportunities.
Over the past decade, the SkillsFuture movement has expanded its offerings to support lifelong learning. Moving forward, the government will explore ways to enhance AI literacy in our workforce.
It will also create more pathways for workers to learn industry-relevant skills and transition into new careers through the Career Health SG initiative. The goal is to grow a more vibrant ecosystem of career guidance, training and employment facilitation to support a diverse workforce.
Transforming our healthcare system
With an ageing population, demand for healthcare is expected to rise. To ensure sufficient capacity, the government will build a new Easten General hospital in Bedok North, six new polyclinics, and add 10,000 more nursing home beds by 2030.
To improve the well-being of Singaporeans, precision medicine and AI will be used to improve the early detection and treatment of illnesses.
GPs will play a larger role in helping seniors manage their chronic diseases. This shift will make it less stressful and more convenient for patients.
MOH will also expand HealthierSG to cover mental health conditions, while targeted schemes such as Age Well SG will support seniors with more active ageing centres and caregiving options.
Sustaining social mobility
The government wants to ensure that every Singaporean, regardless of their background, have a fair chance to succeed.
As such, it will continue to intervene upstream to ensure that every child has the best start in life. One of which is by ensuring that all children have access to affordable and high-quality early childhood education.
MSF will provide all-around support to lower-income families. Through programs such as ComLink+ and KidSTART, family coaches will guide these families to gain stability, self-reliance, and social mobility.
There are also plans to review ComCare payouts and deliver more holistic services to help families with complex issues.
By enhancing support for Singaporeans at every stage of life, we can build a caring and inclusive society where no one is left behind.
