Committee of Supply 2024 debate, Day 6: Melvin Yong on strengthening Singapore's social compact and strengthening families
In Parliament on Wednesday (Mar 6), Speaker Seah Kian Peng dealt with the expenditure estimates for the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). MP Melvin Yong proceeded to highlight that in the past, Singaporeans could progress up the social economic ladder by working hard, but economic growth today is modest and climbing the social mobility ladder has become more challenging. He wanted to know how MSF intends to tackle social mobility challenges so that Singapore can continue to foster a society where no one is left behind. He also asked how MSF will improve its suite of assistance schemes beyond adjusting for inflation so that they remain adequate in helping lower-income families. Pointing out the need to address service gaps brought about by siloed programmes, and to move from being programme-centric to becoming more client-centric, he asked MSF to share how the new ComLink+ scheme can better support lower-income families in their efforts towards improving their life outcomes and building a better future for themselves. He also wanted to know how the Government can incentivise lower-income families to take on careers that have a long-term wage growth trajectory rather than defaulting to gig work. Stating that families are the bedrock of Singapore’s society, he asked how MSF intends to expand the Families for Life movement and galvanise a whole-of-society effort towards strengthening families in Singapore. Mr Yong also wanted to know the take-up rate for free marital counselling offered by Family Service Centres (FSCs) and whether access to such counselling can be improved. He also asked about MSF’s plans to enhance the FSCs so they can better support vulnerable families in the community.
In Parliament on Wednesday (Mar 6), Speaker Seah Kian Peng dealt with the expenditure estimates for the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). MP Melvin Yong proceeded to highlight that in the past, Singaporeans could progress up the social economic ladder by working hard, but economic growth today is modest and climbing the social mobility ladder has become more challenging. He wanted to know how MSF intends to tackle social mobility challenges so that Singapore can continue to foster a society where no one is left behind. He also asked how MSF will improve its suite of assistance schemes beyond adjusting for inflation so that they remain adequate in helping lower-income families. Pointing out the need to address service gaps brought about by siloed programmes, and to move from being programme-centric to becoming more client-centric, he asked MSF to share how the new ComLink+ scheme can better support lower-income families in their efforts towards improving their life outcomes and building a better future for themselves. He also wanted to know how the Government can incentivise lower-income families to take on careers that have a long-term wage growth trajectory rather than defaulting to gig work. Stating that families are the bedrock of Singapore’s society, he asked how MSF intends to expand the Families for Life movement and galvanise a whole-of-society effort towards strengthening families in Singapore. Mr Yong also wanted to know the take-up rate for free marital counselling offered by Family Service Centres (FSCs) and whether access to such counselling can be improved. He also asked about MSF’s plans to enhance the FSCs so they can better support vulnerable families in the community.
Popular Shows
