Committee of Supply 2024 debate, Day 6: Masagos Zulkifli on social support system
Singapore will face more demographic challenges in the coming decade. It will become a super-aged society and household structures may change. However, this also presents opportunities to adapt to meet emerging needs in an even more coordinated manner. Social and Family Development Minister Masagos Zulkifli said this in Parliament on Wednesday (Mar 6). He announced that his ministry will establish a review committee on the family services landscape. It aims for families to get support through “a single primary touchpoint” so their needs can be addressed holistically to achieve better outcomes. Mr Masagos said Singapore has weathered storms by having strong families and a strong social compact. The Forward SG conversations have also revealed a strong consensus to be a society where all families have the chance to succeed. He said his ministry has three key approaches to achieve this - supporting families through every stage of life, moving beyond assistance to empowering families in need, and working with partners including the social service sector, corporates and the public to ensure a sustained impact. One aspect of empowerment is the introduction of ComLink+. Under this scheme, 97 per cent of about 10,000 low-income families are receiving support from a dedicated family coach to work towards achieving long-term goals. Lower-income households will also get more assurance that they can afford to send their children to preschool. Maximum childcare subsidies will be extended to more families and proactive efforts will be made to encourage parents to enrol their kids in preschool and keep them there. The Minister also announced that the Families for Life movement will be expanded from nine towns to 18 this year. It brings together various partners to offer marriage and parenting programmes in the community. He also elaborated on measures to build up the social service sector to be a career of choice, as well as on the important role played by volunteers.
Singapore will face more demographic challenges in the coming decade. It will become a super-aged society and household structures may change. However, this also presents opportunities to adapt to meet emerging needs in an even more coordinated manner. Social and Family Development Minister Masagos Zulkifli said this in Parliament on Wednesday (Mar 6). He announced that his ministry will establish a review committee on the family services landscape. It aims for families to get support through “a single primary touchpoint” so their needs can be addressed holistically to achieve better outcomes. Mr Masagos said Singapore has weathered storms by having strong families and a strong social compact. The Forward SG conversations have also revealed a strong consensus to be a society where all families have the chance to succeed. He said his ministry has three key approaches to achieve this - supporting families through every stage of life, moving beyond assistance to empowering families in need, and working with partners including the social service sector, corporates and the public to ensure a sustained impact. One aspect of empowerment is the introduction of ComLink+. Under this scheme, 97 per cent of about 10,000 low-income families are receiving support from a dedicated family coach to work towards achieving long-term goals. Lower-income households will also get more assurance that they can afford to send their children to preschool. Maximum childcare subsidies will be extended to more families and proactive efforts will be made to encourage parents to enrol their kids in preschool and keep them there. The Minister also announced that the Families for Life movement will be expanded from nine towns to 18 this year. It brings together various partners to offer marriage and parenting programmes in the community. He also elaborated on measures to build up the social service sector to be a career of choice, as well as on the important role played by volunteers.
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