Budget 2015 to address needs of all Singaporeans: Tharman

SINGAPORE — Singapore's upcoming budget will likely address issues on retirement adequacy and ensuring good careers for the young and middle-aged.

This is according to Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, as he provided a rare glimpse of Budget 2015. Mr Tharman said the budget will provide greater assurance particularly for the lower-income seniors as well as build the future for the young and middle-aged.

He was speaking on the sidelines of NUS' anniversary celebrations in Taman Jurong today (Feb 1). The finance minister, however, emphasised that the budget initiatives will not stand on its own. He said it is a continuation of what the Government has been doing in the past, especially the last five years.

Mr Tharman said steps have been taken that are significantly transforming Singapore's social and economic landscape, such as strengthening affordability in healthcare and housing for the lower and middle-income groups.

He said that this year's budget, which comes along with Singapore's 50th anniversary, will address both the needs of today and tomorrow. Mr Tharman will deliver Singapore's Budget for 2015 in Parliament on Feb 23. CHANNEL NEWSASIA