ICYMI: How agencies are being tasked to build Singapore beyond 60

Following the fireworks and festivities that illuminated Singapore’s historic Civic District last week for the nation’s landmark 60th  year of independence, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong shed light on Singapore’s next chapter. 

“We have been working hard – to engage and listen to you, review and improve our policies, and advance Singapore’s interests abroad. 

“Tonight, I want to speak plainly about how we can chart our course through this complex new era,” said the minister. 

He was speaking at the annual National Day Rally on August 17 that reviewed the country’s status as well as major policy changes and challenges set in the country's direction. 

Over five key issues - economy, youth, seniors, future plans, and the Singapore Spirit -Minister Wong charted the course of Singapore’s economic and social development. 

Moreover, he highlighted the government’s constant need for improvement to meet the growing and changing needs of citizens. 
 
“No one wants the government to do less. No one wants the government to become ineffective. Instead, we strive to be more efficient and responsive.  

“And there are areas where we believe the government can and should do more – especially to provide stronger social support for those in need,” he said. 

These are some of the ways that public agencies in Singapore will be tasked with enacting the key initiatives spelt out from the rally. 

1. Economic resilience 

Under economy, Minister Wong announced several initiatives aimed at helping Singaporeans seize new job opportunities. 
 
A new town-level job-matching initiative will be led by the Community Development Council (CDC)s.  

The strong networks of CDCs with local merchants, SMEs and community partners meant that the five council districts were “well placed to match jobseekers with vacancies” according to Minister Wong. 

Mayors of the CDCs are expected to release more information shortly. 

The SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme that was introduced last year will also be enhanced with two initiatives. 

A portion of the training allowance, that is worth up to S$3,000 per month for full-time studies, can now be claimed for part-time courses as well. 

The scope of course offerings will also be expanded to include more quality courses offered by industry leaders and private training providers, on top of the courses that are already offered by the Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL). 

2.  Building a future for young Singaporeans 

Vaping is now to be treated as a drug issue, with stiffer penalties imposed for infringements. 

This will include jail sentences and more sentences and more severe punishments for those who sell vapes with harmful substances, said Minister Wong. 

This is part of Singapore’s tougher stand on vaping following the recent crackdown on vaping devices. 

The ministries of Health and Home Affairs will lead a whole-of-government (WOG) exercise that includes enhanced enforcement efforts as well as a major public education drive. 

Work has already begun by the agencies and more details will be shared. 

Another concern amongst young Singaporeans highlighted was job opportunities. 

Touching on the proliferation of traineeships during the Covid-19 pandemic, Minister Wong spoke to the role of such pathways in helping workers secure longer-term employment. 

Hence, a new government-funded traineeship programme for ITE, Polytechnic and University graduates will be introduced. 

The Minister noted that the programmee will begin will a more “focussed rollout”, and that the programme will be scaled up should the economy worsen. 

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3. A super-aged society 

Singapore is expected to meet the United Nation’s definition of a “super-aged” country by 2026, said Minister Wong. 

To meet the needs of such a society, more Community Care Apartments (CCAs) will be built across HDB (Housing Development Board) towns over the coming years. 

The joint initiative by the ministries of health and national development integrates HDB housing with senior-friendly care services and infrastructure. 

However, the Minister noted that CCAs could not be the main solution for ageing needs as they were limited in their supply. 

To this end, Singapore will expand its network of Active Ageing Centres (AACs) by identifying new AAC sites. Home-based services similar to those offered at CCAs will also be expanded alongside community health posts operated by public hospitals. 

These are part of supporting measures of an “Age Well Neighbourhood” that is currently being tested in the Toa Payoh township, that will be tested and scaled progressively. 

4. Estates, new and redeveloped 

On future plans, Minister Wong highlighted Woodlands, Kranji, and Sembawang, as three geographical areas that will undergo respective transformations. 

Also known as the “northern gateway” the Woodlands area was identified concerning its proximity to the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) formalised at the start of the year. 

Cross-border connectivity must be improved to maximise the potential of the project, said the Minister. 

Additional land will be reclaimed around the Woodlands Checkpoint for an expansion that will see it sized bigger fivefold. This is to facilitate more efficient and secure border clearances as well as less traffic congestion. 

New homes and industrial spaces will also be built in the regions surrounding the Johor Bahru – Singapore RTS Link that is slated to be open by end 2026. 

Furthermore, the government’s acquisition of the former Kranji Racecourse and Sembawang Shipyard sites presented new public housing estates and community spaces similar to that of the Punggol estate.