https://sg.news.yahoo.com/govt-pledges-to-increase-social-safety-nets-and-more--president-tony-tan-143717231.html
Government will pursue new strategies to build a better future
for Singapore and its people, President Tony Tan Keng Yam said
during his speech at the opening of the Twelfth Parliament’s second
session on Friday.
He said the government would work with all Singaporeans to achieve
the following six broad goals: strengthening social safety nets,
enhancing retirement adequacy, supporting strong families and
communities, creating a better quality of life, creating more job
opportunities and enabling young Singaporeans to fulfil their
potential.
“Our environment has changed, and so must our approach to nation
building. We will chart this together with all Singaporeans,” he
said.
He said the government will ensure opportunities for social
mobility through continued investment in education and training.
Specifically, it will invest more in pre-school education, create
more opportunities for Institute of Technology and Polytechnic
students and expand university places.
Government is also strengthening the system of Continuing Education
and Training (CET), including the two new CET institutes: the Devan
Nair Institute in Jurong and the Lifelong Learning Institute in
Paya Lebar, he noted.
Strengthening social safety nets
In the area of social safety nets, the government will continue to
make housing affordable and will develop new housing options to
encourage extended families to live closer together.
It will also ensure affordability and quality of healthcare to
Singaporeans, he said.
He pointed out that the MediShield Life Review Committee is
finalising the details of the scheme to ensure premiums would be
affordable.
The government will also “improve existing Central Provident Fund
(CPF) savings and CPF Life annuity schemes”, he added.
Government spending, particularly on social programmes, will
increase over the next decade, but, he noted, “We have to ensure
that our social spending can be sustained, and that we have enough
revenues to balance our budget.”
The government will also work on making Singapore a good home for
people to thrive. Housing Development Board (HDB) heartlands and
neighbourhoods will continue to be upgraded. They will also be
integrated with green corridors and waterways, as well as sports
and leisure facilities, he said.
“We will make Singapore a Smart Nation: enabling safer, cleaner and
greener urban living, more transport options, better care for the
elderly at home, more responsive public services and more
opportunities for citizen engagement,” he said.
In it together
Tan also urged Singaporeans to treat immigrants and foreigners who
contribute to the country’s society and economy with “graciousness,
kindness and fellowship”. He added that “this spirit will enable us
to progress and prosper together.”
On the topic of upholding constructive politics, the president
encourages Singaporeans to join debates, understand issues, share
views and argue positions. While some may have differing views,
such differences should not “pull us apart”, he said.
Singapore will continue to adapt to the changing environment, said
the president, highlighting the government’s efforts such as
introducing ComCare and Workfare to take care of the needy and
low-wage workers, as well as speeding housing and public transport
programmes to address urgent needs.
He also said that Singapore should continue to safeguard interests
abroad by cooperating with other countries and “earn respect around
the world”. He added that Singapore needs to maintain a strong
Singapore Armed Force and Home Team to protect Singaporeans.
Stressing the importance of showing support for NSmen, he said the
Committee to Strengthen National Service will propose ways to do
this.
In concluding his speech, Tan said that the “best years lie ahead”
for Singapore.
“As we approach our 50th anniversary of independence, let us pledge
ourselves anew to build a better, brighter Singapore,” he said.
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