Singapore can
come out stronger if there is a slowdown: Ng Eng Hen
SINGAPORE: Help will be given to needy Singaporeans even as 2016
is expected to be a tough year for the economy, said Defence
Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen on Saturday (Feb 20) at a Chinese New Year
celebration dinner at Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC.
"I am also confident that if there is a slowdown that we can
come out through it stronger. Why am I so confident? Because we
have seen it before – after 9/11; the recession in 2002 and 2003;
the global financial crisis. And as before, I promise you, that if
there is a hardship for families – (our) first priority (is that)
children's education won't be affected," said Dr Ng, who is also a
Member of Parliament for the GRC.
A total of 1,200 residents from Toa Payoh Central attended the
dinner at the Toa Payoh Amphitheatre. It was organised by the Toa
Payoh Central Citizens’ Consultative Committee.
Dr Ng also updated residents on what has been done in the
constituency. He said S$1.37 million has been given out to needy
students under the Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC Community Scholarship
scheme since its launch in 2010, and this includes S$202,600 which
was given out last year. 154 needy residents living in Toa Payoh
Central also received S$59,284.80 via the ComCare Fund last
year.
Dr Ng added that upgrading projects will continue to provide
better facilities for residents. For example, elderly fitness
stations have been installed at every estate in the constituency to
help seniors age healthily.
- CNA/ll