Budget 2023 debate: Heng Chee How on concrete support to cope with challenges

The measures in Budget 2023, from CDC vouchers and Assurance Package payouts to enhanced GST(V) vouchers and conservancy rebates, show the Government’s sincerity and responsiveness to help citizens cope better, said Senior Minister of State and Deputy Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Heng Chee How. "It is appreciated," he said, citing feedback from people he had spoken with. Speaking in Parliament on Thursday (Feb 23), he also said feedback from senior workers validates the strong emphasis that the Government, NTUC and Singapore National Employers Federation have put on improving senior worker employment and employability. Turning to flexible work arrangements (FWAs), he said the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated many more possibilities that can be leveraged for win-win outcomes, when used wisely and not mechanically. He urged the Government to strengthen its support for companies to acquire practical know-how on the smart use of FWAs to strengthen their manpower models and resources. Mr Heng stressed that unity, rationality, the ability to build and mobilise trust, as well as wanting to build a better future Singapore, are priceless traits that set Singapore apart.