Committee of Supply 2022 debate, Day 7: Masagos Zulkifli on uplifting Singaporeans and building strong families to chart the way forward
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a test, not only for healthcare systems, but also for social structures and support systems. As Singaporeans from all walks of life join hands against the crisis, the Government will continue to provide that "extra hand", said Social and Family Development Minister Masagos Zulkifli. Speaking in Parliament on Thursday (Mar 10), he outlined the plans of his ministry to uplift Singaporeans. One of them is for low-income families to access Government support as a "bundle". The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) will streamline its schemes to enable online applications and provide more families with consistent contact points. These include ComCare and fee assistance. Mr Masagos said this is a “fundamental" shift. "Instead of waiting for clients to turn up at our offices, we want to turn up at their doors so we can address issues upstream," he said. MSF is also scaling up the number of ComLink befrienders as a single touchpoint "nudging" families towards longer-term goals and helping them to "bounce back" stronger. Turning to families, Mr Masagos said the Government will fortify the foundations of all families and strengthen support for families with additional needs. That is why it is piloting the Journey with You initiative to mentor newly-wed couples in their first year of marriage. It will also enhance the quality, accessibility and affordability of preschools, and expand national initiatives like KidSTART. For families showing early signs of stress, the Strengthening Families Programme @ Family Service Centre will be scaled up. There will be 10 such centres by the end of the year. The Government will press on with its efforts to tackle family violence. The recommendations of the Taskforce on Family Violence will be implemented over the next few years. Singapore will dedicate 2022 as the Year of Celebrating SG Families to rally Singaporeans to celebrate the important role that families play, encourage families to spend time together and galvanise whole-of-society support for families. Mr Masagos said MSF will continue to support and uplift families at every stage of their lives. "When families are strong, our nation too will be able to chart our way forward on a firm foundation for generations to come," he said.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a test, not only for healthcare systems, but also for social structures and support systems. As Singaporeans from all walks of life join hands against the crisis, the Government will continue to provide that "extra hand", said Social and Family Development Minister Masagos Zulkifli. Speaking in Parliament on Thursday (Mar 10), he outlined the plans of his ministry to uplift Singaporeans. One of them is for low-income families to access Government support as a "bundle". The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) will streamline its schemes to enable online applications and provide more families with consistent contact points. These include ComCare and fee assistance. Mr Masagos said this is a “fundamental" shift. "Instead of waiting for clients to turn up at our offices, we want to turn up at their doors so we can address issues upstream," he said. MSF is also scaling up the number of ComLink befrienders as a single touchpoint "nudging" families towards longer-term goals and helping them to "bounce back" stronger. Turning to families, Mr Masagos said the Government will fortify the foundations of all families and strengthen support for families with additional needs. That is why it is piloting the Journey with You initiative to mentor newly-wed couples in their first year of marriage. It will also enhance the quality, accessibility and affordability of preschools, and expand national initiatives like KidSTART. For families showing early signs of stress, the Strengthening Families Programme @ Family Service Centre will be scaled up. There will be 10 such centres by the end of the year. The Government will press on with its efforts to tackle family violence. The recommendations of the Taskforce on Family Violence will be implemented over the next few years. Singapore will dedicate 2022 as the Year of Celebrating SG Families to rally Singaporeans to celebrate the important role that families play, encourage families to spend time together and galvanise whole-of-society support for families. Mr Masagos said MSF will continue to support and uplift families at every stage of their lives. "When families are strong, our nation too will be able to chart our way forward on a firm foundation for generations to come," he said.
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