BUDGET FOR A BETTER FUTURE
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EXTRA: Budget
2018’s key
A Q U A R T E R LY P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E P E O P L E ' S A C T I O N P A R T Y initiatives
March 2018
BUDGET
FOR A
BETTER
FUTURE
Punggol “At home” Tan Chuan-Jin:
Coast’s with our Stronger connection
engaging Nanyang MP between Parliament
activists Yee Chia Hsing and people
pg18 pg24 pg14
INSIDE: HOW PROFESSIONAL CONVERSION PROGRAMME HAS HELPED THREE PMETS
04 COVER STORY Together, a better future for Singapore
Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat urges Singaporeans to work
together to achieve their shared aspirations.
PUBLICITY AND
PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE 07 Technology to help tackle healthcare challenges
Lawrence Wong (Chairman)
Singapore is using technology and focusing on personal
Desmond Lee
Chee Hong Tat
health to cope with rising healthcare costs and an ageing
Seah Kian Peng population, says Senior Minister of State for Health,
Lim Wee Kiak Chee Hong Tat.
Baey Yam Keng
Zaqy Mohamad 08 MPs’ views on budget
Janil Puthucheary A cross-section of views from our MPs.
Chiang Heng Liang
Diana Pang 10 When government healthcare policies provide cover
Dexter Chan PPF member Chay Yiowmin is grateful for the various
Benjamin Tay
healthcare subsidies when his father received treatment for
Teo Lin Lee
cancer.
Adrian Liew
Editor 11 Budget 2018 and You
Chee Li Foong The key government initiatives to support a three-generation,
Editorial and Design six-member family.
Focus Publishing Limited
(Tel: 6319-2392) 12 Adapt and thrive in growth sectors
Printer Three mid-career PMETs tell Petir how the Professional
KHL Printing Co. Pte Ltd Conversion Programme has helped them transit to new
Photos careers.
Singapore Press Holdings,
istockphoto.com
14 CONVERSATION Building a bridge to Parliament
Singapore’s 10th Speaker of Parliament, Tan Chuan-Jin, wants
MCI (P) 169/03/2018 to engage the public and de-mystify parliamentary processes
Petir is published by the in interesting ways.
People’s Action Party Central
Executive Committee. Material 17 Getting to know Parliament
in this publication may not be An explainer on the workings of Parliament.
reproduced in whole or in part
without the prior consent of the GROUNDWORK
publisher. Views expressed in 18 Branching Out All systems go at Punggol Coast
this magazine are not neces-
Punggol Coast buzzes with energy as its team of activists and
sarily those of the PAP or the
volunteers tackle the needs of a young population.
Government. All rights reserved.
PAP Headquarters 22 Young PAP Planning ahead
Block 57B, New Upper Changi Senior Minister of State for Finance Indranee Rajah, and YP
Road, #01-1402, PCF Building, Chairman Janil Puthucheary explain the Government’s
Singapore 463057 ǯǦƤ Ǥ
Telephone: 6244-4600
Telefax: 6243-0114 24 Backbencher’s Bite Down-to-earth
Internet: www.pap.org.sg Nanyang ward MP Yee Chia Hsing walks the ground to better
Please send feedback, suggestions and
understand the needs of his constituents.
comments to paphq@pap.org.sg.
2 March 2018
MARCH 2018
Contents
04 18
TOGETHER, A
BETTER FUTURE FOR
SINGAPORE
14
12
22 24
March 2018 3
COVER STORY
B U D G E T 2 0 1 8
Together,
a better future
for Singapore
As Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat wrapped up
the two-and-a-half day debate on Budget 2018, he
said growing the economy will ensure strong and
sustainable revenues for the future, and help all
Singaporeans realise their aspirations
4 March 2018
he annual Budget is not an accounting
T exercise but a strategic and integrated plan
to secure Singapore’s future, said Minister
for Finance Heng Swee Keat, in Parliament in his
We are now in a much
stronger position than
we have been in the past.
round-up speech on March 1.
:HKDYHDGLYHUVLƩHG
“It’s about how we can come together to achieve
and well-connected
our shared aspirations, and how the government
economy, a highly
allocates the resources to achieve these aspirations,”
motivated and educated
he said. Financial Year 2018 begins on April 1, 2018.
This will be done in four ways – ensuring the
workforce, a cohesive
economy remains vibrant and innovative with
and resilient society.
diverse opportunities for all, living in a smart
and green city, having a society that is both
caring and cohesive, and maintaining a sound
Ƥ ǯ
needs in a fair and sustainable way.
Ƥ
numerous times during the debate that saw more
than 50 Members of Parliament weigh in with their
views on this and other topics.
Mr Heng noted that while Singapore must always
be prudent in managing its resources, the reality is raise the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from 7 per
that the country needs to spend billions of dollars cent to 9 per cent was taken, said Mr Heng, adding
Finance Minister Heng more each year in key areas such as healthcare, that he expects the increase will take place sometime
Swee Keat striding into education, infrastructure and security. As such, between 2021 and 2025. The GST increase will not
Parliament to deliver
Budget 2018. it is not possible to pay for these major structural fully cover expenditure needs but will only make the
expenditure drivers simply by squeezing more out of Ƥ ǡ
every dollar. other measures to manage expenditure, he pointed
out.
Rationale behind GST increase in 2021 By announcing the GST increase several years
to 2025 period before it is actually implemented, the Finance
Singapore has to be prepared that expenditures Minister said the Government was being “honest and
could rise further than projected and it is the upfront” about the national needs, and setting out
responsibility of the government of the day to ensure early what needs to be done.
the country has enough revenue to meet future The option to raise taxes was not taken lightly,
needs, amid an uncertain future. said Mr Heng, stressing that the Government should
ƥ avoid taking people’s “hard-earned money” unless it
“Our future is tremendously exciting. When we, as
Singaporeans, take the step forward to care for others, we
begin to build bonds that bind, and these bonds enable us
to go the extra mile for one another. Whatever the future
throws at us, we know we will fight for our survival and
figure a way out. Because there is something larger than us
that we are fighting for.”
— Speaker Mr Tan Chuan-Jin to the House at the end of the Committee of
Supply debate on March 8
March 2018 5
COVER STORY
was for critical national needs. “It’s not about how much we spend, but how 6LQJDSRUHśVƩVFDOSUXGHQFH
ensures that generation
He assured that the Government would take well we spend.” He noted that Singapore’s after generation of
utmost care in deciding the exact timing for the overall expenditures of about 19 per cent of gross Singaporeans will continue
to thrive and prosper.
GST increase, and carefully assess the economic domestic product in FY2018 is less than half of
conditions as well as the needs of Singapore at that what Organisation for Economic Cooperation and
point. Development countries typically spend. This, he
The permanent GST Voucher scheme will be pointed out, illustrates how the government has
enhanced when the GST eventually is raised, said achieved credible outcomes on expenditure.
the Finance Minister. The Government will also Turning to the economy, Mr Heng pointed out
ơ Ǧ that the most critical challenge facing Singapore is in
and middle-income households cope with the tax transforming it.
increase. “Growing our economy is not only the best way
ǯƤ ǡǣ of ensuring strong and sustainable revenues, it is
also the most important way for our people to realise
their aspirations,” he said. “This task is growing more
urgent by the day, as structural changes in the global
economy and technological advances disrupt the
Together, we will
status quo. Our strategy is to position Singapore as
marshal our resources
a Global-Asia node of technology, innovation, and
and chart our course
enterprise.”
– to come together, to
As he wrapped up the debate, Mr Heng noted the
work together, to make strong backing from the House for the Government’s
our aspirations today, various measures to prepare the economy for the
the reality tomorrow. challenges ahead.
This way, we can build This included support for a more cohesive and
a better Singapore for ǡƤ
everyone. Together, we provide for the longer-term needs.
can make a better future “Such a future will not be ours unless we do the
for all of us. hard work for it and make preparations,” Mr Heng
said. “Our success will depend on our unity of
purpose and our collective spirit of enterprise and
caring. We can only make it through this journey, if
we work together,” he emphasised.
6 March 2018
Technology
to help tackle
healthcare
challenges
o tackle the challenges of an ageing “Big data” to predict, for instance, whether
With an ageing
population and an increasing
chronic disease burden, the
demands on families and the
T population, Singapore is adopting
a multi-pronged approach, said Mr
Chee Hong Tat.
certain types of people are more prone to
diseases or ailments and take pre-emptive
measures.
Government will rise. Mr Chee, who is Senior Minister of State, Mr Chee said the Government’s
Finance Minister Mr Heng Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of healthcare manpower plans through 2020
Swee Keat, in his Budget Communications and Information, said in call for another 30,000 healthcare workers,
2018 announcement, said an interview with wire service Bloomberg Ƥ
Singapore’s average annual in Dec 2017 that Singapore is embracing and foreign talent.
healthcare spending is technology and focusing more on personal The Government will also focus on
expected to rise from 2.2 health, as life expectancy improves. the training of healthcare workers for
per cent of today’s Gross He also noted that the number of a dynamic healthcare industry that is
Domestic Product to almost 3 patients with chronic diseases such as high adapting to data analytics and automation,
per cent of GDP over the next blood pressure, diabetes and cancer is set to he said.
decade. “This is an increase rise. It is a double-whammy because while He emphasised an across-the-board
of nearly 0.8 percentage the demand for healthcare workers is going approach, pointing out that Singapore
point of GDP, or about $3.6 up, their supply is shrinking. To mitigate was uniquely positioned to mitigate the
billion in today’s dollars,” he this, Singapore will harness technological ơ
said. and business innovations to help our addressing long-term problems now.
As it is, the Government healthcare workers and patients. The biggest challenge, he said, is how
has more than doubled
For example, Singapore will use tele- to provide appropriate quality care for
healthcare spending from
health to care for patients. Take the case of patients and how we can help people to
$3.9 billion in FY2011 to an
a patient discharged from hospital. He can focus on leading healthy lives so that the
estimated $10.2 billion in
do rehabilitation exercises at home under focus is not just on healthcare, but on
FY2018. The increase went
the guidance of a remote therapist, with health.
into building and operating
more hospitals and other the aid of Internet broadband and a simple “Our belief is that if we do that and you
healthcare facilities, and device. Nurses could also use technology are able to help people to stay healthy, that
enhancing healthcare to monitor the entire ward of patients is the best way to help them to have a good
subsidies. under their care – from one desk, while life, good health and eventually for the
Ƥ country as a whole, we also have a healthier
rather than manually. and happier population,” pointed out Mr
He said Singapore could leverage on Chee.
March 2018 7
COVER STORY
Just as we have Total
Defence, we must
endeavour to have
Total Workplace Safety
and Health.
- Melvin Yong
MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC, who
called for stronger workplace
safety and health.
It is important that,
The youth of today in our drive for
will helm the nation economy, we do
in the future, and it's not automatically go for the
crucial to engage them and lowest bid in public tender,
let them have a say in the key DWWKHVDFULƩFHRITXDOLW\DQG
LVVXHVDƨHFWLQJRXUSHRSOH long-term cost control.
- Rahayu Mahzam - Henry Kwek
MP for Jurong GRC, on giving youth MP for Nee Soon GRC, on
more opportunities to shape policies. balancing cost with quality.
MPs’ views on budget
This year’s Budget debate was the longest in five years.
Including the debate on the Finance Minister’s announcement,
it spanned a total of eight days as MPs spoke on a range of
issues. Petir brings a snapshot of what they said
Those who Spending is Our market For families
are older or easier than may be who have
less educated saving. We very small, to sell
PD\KDYHGLƫFXOW\ have to continue our but we can still their homes
accessing these public education contribute to the GXHWRƩQDQFLDO
online services, as HƨRUWWRWHDFK movement of zero- setbacks, this can be
many do not have Singaporeans the waste manufacturing HVSHFLDOO\GLƫFXOW
internet access or value of preserving through a system of and emotional
mobile phones. and growing our incentives and at times.
national piggy bank taxes.
– our reserves. - Saktiandi Supaat
MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh
- Vikram Nair GRC, who asked for more
MP for Sembawang GRC, - Gan Thiam Poh - Chia Shi-Lu help for low-income
on the need for everyone MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, on MP Tanjong Pagar GRC, families undergoing
to get on board the Smart the use of Net Investment ZKRDVNHGIRUPRUHHƨRUW ƩQDQFLDOKDUGVKLSDQGQHHG
Nation drive. Returns Contribution. to cut e-waste. DQDƨRUGDEOHUHQWDOƪDW
8 March 2018COVER STORY
Two PPF members share with Petir how the Budget impacts them CHAY YIOWMIN
Council Member, 7th PPF Council
Treasurer, Young PAP Exco
Treasurer, Kebun Baru Branch
“This will give Singaporeans
greater peace of mind,
no matter which strata of
society that we may fall
under. No Singaporean will
be left out.”
four Singaporeans will be aged 65 or older
by 2030. The Government’s policies to
When government reinforce social safety nets to support the
family and the individual in recent budgets,
as part of its emphasis on the family
healthcare policies nucleus and to acknowledge the silver
generation, have indeed been encouraging.
provide cover For sure, I can say my family has
Ƥ
subsidies and healthcare coverage during
dad’s cancer treatment. From this episode,
s I waited for the results of dad’s
A
ƥ Ǥ Ƥ
colonoscopy carried out at the hospitalised throughout the Chinese New Ƥ
Singapore General Hospital Year period in 2013 for surgery. Five years healthcare, especially the various medical
in January 2013, my worst fears were on, as our family celebrated Chinese New subsidies and schemes such as ElderShield,
Ƥ Year this year, we will always remember that a severe disability insurance scheme which
who conducted the procedure informed fateful period when dad had to undergo Ƥ
me the diagnosis: there was a growth in surgery and his subsequent treatment, and to Singaporeans who need long-term care,
dad’s colon which he suspected may be cherish every moment of our family’s close- especially in old age.
cancerous. knit ties. Dad is now a hale 75-year-old This will give Singaporeans greater peace
Although the family was devastated enjoying time with the family. of mind, no matter which strata of society
by the news, we stayed strong to provide As Singapore’s population continues that we may fall under. No Singaporean will
mental and moral support to encourage to age, it has been projected that one in be left out.
The Chay family rallied around dad when he underwent Celebrating Chinese New Year in 2018. PPF member Chay Yiowmin (in
cancer treatment during Chinese New Year in 2013. blue T-shirt) with his hale 75-year-old dad and family members. Both
pictures were taken on the 1st day of Chinese New Year.
10 March 2018Thankful for a smart, green and liveable Singapore
rowing up in the 70s was an where we can recharge ourselves, to ensure
JUDE TAN KIM CHOOI
Council Member, 7th PPF Council
Chua Chu Kang Branch G ơ
from today. While we had more
open spaces to play and explore, there were
that we live, rather than just exist.
The Government’s focus on providing
open, green common spaces will help
also a lot more inconveniences that we our children and in turn, their children,
had to deal with, such as poorer sanitary experience some of the joys of growing
conditions, a lack of public infrastructure, up as we did in our time. They will have
etc. more options for learning, lifestyle, work
We have come a long way, perhaps at the and leisure than we had in our days. They
Ƥ will continue living and building upon
of old as a result of necessary urbanisation. the Singapore dream. We can also expect
Ƥ ƥ
modern thriving city-state. So, what will we sector services through the Smart Nation
in turn leave for our children? initiative, and a much healthier living
I’m heartened that the Government environment in the years ahead. All of
continues to plan for our and our children’s which will serve us well.
future, to make Singapore a smart, green Overall, I am thankful for the thought
and liveable city. Living in an urban setting processes behind the planning of Singapore
Jude Tan Kim Chooi and his family drains the soul; it is essential to have as a Smart, Sustainable City in a Garden.
is glad to be able to live in a smart
and sustainable Garden in the City. common spaces, gracious green spaces Majulah Singapura!
Budget 2018 and You Petir highlights some of the Budget’s support measures
for a typical six-member, three-generation family
All
All Singaporeans aged 21 and above Children Grandparents
in 2018 will get a “hongbao” of • More students from low and middle-income • Review ElderShield
$300, $200 or $100, depending IDPLOLHVZLOOEHQHƩWIURP(GXVDYH0HULWDQG premiums to help more
on their income Independent School bursaries low and middle-income
• Increased annual bursary quantum for pre- families
university students under Ministry of Education • Expand the Community
Financial Assistance Scheme from $750 to $900 Networks for Seniors
Parents • More meals for secondary school students will be island-wide by 2020
• Service and conservancy charges covered under the School Meals Programme
rebates for eligible HDB households. • $300 million top-up to
Rebates range from 1.5 to 3.5 Community Silver Trust
PRQWKVGHSHQGLQJRQƪDWW\SH
• &RXSOHVZKREX\DUHVDOH+'%ƪDW • $100 million top-up to
to live with their parents will get a Seniors’ Mobility and
higher grant of $30,000 under the Enabling Fund
Proximity Housing Grant. Singles
who live with their parents will
receive a $15,000-grant while those
singles who live near their parents
will now receive a $10,000 grant
• Foreign domestic worker
levy remains $60 a month for
households eligible for concession.
Refer to insert
The levy will be raised for those for more
who do not qualify for concession or Budget 2018
employ multiple workers details
March 2018 11COVER STORY
Adapt and thrive in growth sectors
The Singapore economy is transforming. To learn new skills and switch to growth sectors.
help Singaporeans adapt and apply their There are more than 30 PCPs, ranging from
skills and experience to growth sectors, the aerospace to creative industries. More than
Government has rolled out several initiatives LHC B@QDDQ2HMF@ONQD@MRADMDƥSSDC
to help Professionals, Managers, Executives from PCPs in 2017.
and Technicians (PMETs). Petir talks to three mid-career PMETs to
One of them, the Professional Conversion ƥMCNTSGNVSGDX@QDOQNFQDRRHMFHMSGDHQ
Programmes (PCP), aims to help the PMETs new jobs.
“I have always liked to
challenge myself. The
Professional Conversion
Programme opened
another door for me
and has broadened
my horizon.”
Eric Chai
Go-getting granny
New horizons in logistics industry embraces e-commerce
perations executive Eric Chai has had always wanted. Seeing the potential t the age of 63, when most
O been in the logistics industry for
two years, thanks to the Logistics
Professional Conversion Programme (PCP)
in Eric and his good work attitude and
ǡơ
permanent position with YCH Group. Eric
A people are thinking about
retirement but not the bubbly
Ms Jennifer Pong, a grandmother of
which helped him to transit quickly and ơǤ six. If anything, she has embraced
adapt to a new industry. To equip him with the necessary skills e-commerce, working for a Singapore
Although he is relatively young in the to take on the new job and help him transit start-up which provides a supply chain
Ƥǡͣ͞ǦǦ Ƥ software platform to optimise last mile
graduate was entrusted by his company, logistics sector, YCH Group hired him ƤǤ
YCH Group, to lead a team to set up through the PCP as a logistics executive. Coincidentally named Fresh Turf, her
warehouses in Shanghai, Tianjin and As a mid-careerist under the PCP, current employer took the plunge by
ǯͣ͜͞͝Ǥ ƪ he underwent a structured modular ơ
in handy when he spent almost half of his programme with 20 per cent classroom in July 2017 and signed her up for PCP on
time last year in the three thriving Chinese training and 80 per cent on-the-job training Ǧ ȆǦ
cities. YCH Group is Singapore’s leading covering the full spectrum of operational which consists of classroom learning and
supply chain solutions company and has activities so that he will have the relevant on-the-job training. She is in the process
Ǧ Ƥ Ǥ skills to excel in his new role. of moving from the typical admin
Before he joined the logistics industry, Eric learned warehouse operations, data functions to a more technology-based
Eric was taking a break from his three-year analytics and other necessary tools and role of channel manager. In her PCP,
Ƥ skills to streamline logistics operations to she learned new aspects of e-commerce,
Ȇ ƥ ơ Ǥ data analytics and supply chain, among
degree and gain more overseas experience. He completed the rigorous programme other things, which she described as an
While planning to further his studies, he last year and was one of 12 pioneer PCP “eye-opening experience”.
took up temporary employment with YCH trainees. “I want to keep learning and be
ơ͜͢͞͝Ǥ Eric has much to look forward to as he active so that I can stay young,” she
During this stint, Eric realised the logistics picks up new skills and experience in a quipped. Her grown-up son, who lives
ơ growth sector. with her, is a sole proprietor specialising
career with regional exposure which he
12 March 2018in programming. He is supportive of her “At this age,
ơǤ
I have no
Jennifer had worked in various types of
ǡ Ƥǡ
more worries
a car workshop and a printing company about family
before she joined Fresh Turf. Having commitment,
completed her PCP classroom training so I decided
recently, she said the challenge now is to follow
to apply what she has learned to the my heart
job. However, she is not worried as her
supervisors and colleagues, most of whom
and pursue
are young enough to be her children, will
something new
provide her with the necessary guidance Jennifer Pong
to keep my
and support. spirit anew.”
A new “hospitable” career
hen Ira Ng’s potential, the hotel gave her an opportunity
W life took an
unexpected
turn, she had to
and eased her into the job by signing her up
for the PCP (Hotel Industry) in March 2017.
Through the PCP, Ira has a better
re-assess her career understanding of the entire sales
options and future. system and processes about events and
She began work as a conventions. Her colleagues at Amara have
dancer, something been very helpful in coaching her to use
she was passionate the hotel’s IT system as well as to better
about. Unfortunately, manage time, understand customers and
her dream was cut ơ Ǥ
short by an injury; her progresses, her initial worries have eased.
subsequent role as a She completed the on-the-job training
dance coach also did portion of the PCP last year and is now
not quite work out. taking a part-time WSQ advanced
However, with Ƥ
Ira Ng the help and open- Tourism Education Centre (SHATEC),
mindedness of her specialising in sales and marketing in the
current employer, Amara Singapore hotel, hospitality industry.
she has since embarked on a career to ƤƤ
“When the door welcome guests from all over the world and in her new role as a hotel sales manager.
closed on Ira’s show them Singapore’s hospitality. She can also look forward to career
Ira had previously worked in the advancement. Leveraging on her previous
dancing career,
hospitality industry. Believing she has a work experience and transferable skills, she
PCP opened knack for knowing what people want and is doing well, having exceeded sales targets
another door, so helping them to get it, Ira took an initiative as well as received positive feedback from
that she can take and approached Amara for a job. the hotel’s guests.
on a different role Seeing Ira’s enthusiasm, warmth and
and still shine.”
Petir thanks WSG for its assistance with the interviews.
March 2018 13CHALLENGES
EN
N RICKY CH
ILLUSTRATIO PATRIC HONG
N
PAGE DESIG
TO SE CU RE
AB UD G ET UR E
O RE’S F UT
GLOBAL ECONOMIC WEIGHT EMERGENCE OF AGEING SING AP
SHIFTING TOWARDS ASIA NEW TECHNOLOGIES POPULATION eng Swee Keat said
ister H
Finance Min ill tackle three over-
• More advanced economies turning inward due to • Major increase in healthcare and social spending in
8w ivot
Budget 201 nges – the economic p g
• Robotics and digital technologies fuelling rapid rise
domestic pressures of e-commerce and sharing economy coming years
lle in
arching cha chnologies and an age
• Brexit causing uncertainty over the UK and its trade • New technologies reshaping economy and jobs • ,TRSƥMCV@XRSNQDCTBDL@MONVDQCDL@MC VGHKD
with the European Union and elsewhere • Businesses must compete on intangible assets such enabling older workers to continue contributing
te nd
• US tax changes and review of trade pacts causing as intellectual property and data to stay ahead • Resident workforce will shrink, causing labour to Asia, new outlined a strategic a
He
population. n to bring together all e
global anxiety market to tighten and economic growth to slow
• Asia will play greater role in world trade and further
la or
HMUDRSLDMSƦNVR • Remain dynamic in outlook, be more productive at integrated p o build a better Singap
st
stakeholder
• Singapore must ride on these developments which work. Government will supplement workforce with
QDOQDRDMSRHFMHƥB@MSNOONQSTMHSHDR@MCBNMSQHATSDSN B@KHAQ@SDCHMƦNVNEENQDHFMVNQJDQR
Asia’s growth • Government will keep close watch on income
• Regional geopolitical tensions can dampen investor inequality and social mobility
BNMƥCDMBDSDQQNQHRLSGQD@SHMSGDQDFHNMHRUDQXQD@K
STRATEGIES
VIBRANT AND SMAR
SMART,
RT GREEN AND
D CARING AND FISCALLY SUSTAINABLE
INNOVATIVE ECONOMY LIVEABLE CITY COHESIVE SOCIETY AND SECURE FUTURE
• Extend Wage Credit Scheme for three more years until 2020, • First payment of carbon tax will be in 2020, based on emissions in • Increased annual Edusave contributions to students • Growth of ministries’ budgets capped at 0.3 times of GDP growth
costing $1.8 billion 2019. At $5 per tonne of emissions from 2019 and 2023 • Enhanced Proximity Housing Grant for both families and singles. from FY2019, down from 0.4 times
• Open Innovation Platform, a virtual crowd-sourcing platform, to be • Extra $20 per year in U-Save rebates for eligible HDB households #DƥMHSHNMNEVG@SHRřMD@QŚMNVVHSGHMJL HMRSD@CNEJL • New $5 billion Rail Infrastructure Fund to save for major rail lines, to
piloted in 2018 EQNLSNSNNƤRDSHLO@BSNEB@QANMS@W • Rebates for service and conservancy charges extended for another be set up in FY2018
• National Research Foundation and Temasek will co-fund new $100 • Embark on Energy Grid 2.0 to develop next-generation grid XD@Q ADMDƥSSMF GNTRDGNKCR • Statutory boards, government-owned companies to consider
million investment venture to invest and groom start-ups that draw architectures to respond to rapid changes in energy demand and • FDMBXENQ(MSDFQ@SDC"@QD@MC/HNMDDQ&DMDQ@SHNM.ƧBDSNLDQFD borrowing to fund infrastructure projects
on intellectual property from publicly-funded research supply @MCADBNLD2HKUDQ&DMDQ@SHNM.ƧBD SNQD@BGNTSSN@KKRDMHNQR@FDC • Raise GST by two percentage points from 7 per cent to 9 per cent,
• Integrated Enterprise Development Grant to provide up to 70 per 65 and above sometime from 2021-2025
BDMSBN ETMCHMFENQƥQLRSNCDUDKNO@Q@MFDNEB@O@AHKHSHDR • $300 million top-up to Community Silver Trust; $100 million top-up • Introduce GST on digital services imported from overseas from
• Extra $145 million for Tech Skills Accelerator to train people in to Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund which provides subsidies for 2020
digital skills over next three years. TeSA will cover new sectors like assistive devices and consumables for seniors • Buyer’s Stamp Duty rate for homes worth over $1 million raised to
manufacturing and professional services • Extension of 250 per cent tax deduction for donations to Institutions ODQBDMS DƤDBSHUDEQNL%DA
• -DV(MEQ@RSQTBSTQD.ƧBDSNADRDSTOSGHRXD@QSNAQHMFSNFDSGDQ of a Public Character until Dec 31, 2021 • $100, $200 or $300 SG Bonus for all Singaporeans aged 21 and
KNB@K@MCHMSDQM@SHNM@KƥQLRSNCDUDKNO ƥM@MBD@MCDWDBTSD • Dollar-for-dollar matching on donations to Empowering for Life above, depending on income
infrastructure projects %TMCTMCDQSGD/QDRHCDMSŗR"G@KKDMFDENQMDWSƥUDXD@QRBudget 2018’s MINISTRY OF HEALTH MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
Key Initiatives • Integrated Shield Plans will no longer
come with riders that cover a patient's
• The Singapore Corporation of
Rehabilitative Enterprises (SCORE)
• By 2023, all primary schools will have the
Applied Learning Programme which helps
entire hospital bill. Instead, those buying will extend the length of its job children learn through hands-on experience
Petir highlights various @MDVQHCDQVHKKG@UDSNO@X@SKD@RSƥUD QDSDMSHNMRTOONQSENQDW NƤDMCDQR
from six to 12 months, to help them • Universities and other institutes of higher
Ministries’ efforts to deliver a per cent of their hospital bill but this is
ƥMCINAR@MCQD HMSDFQ@SDHMSNSGD learning will draw up plans for a student's
capped at $3,000 a year. Insurers have
better future for all of us until April 1, 2019 to come up with new workforce career and learning path to support their
riders that include the co-payment and alumni’s adult education and skills upgrading
cap. Thereafter, no full riders for such MINISTRY OF DEFENCE • New Home Team Community
integrated plans can be sold. Anyone who Assistance and Referral Scheme, or • The Common Entry Programme will be
MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT buys a rider from March 8, 2018 will have • All recruits from army combat units, except HT Cares, will look at identifying and expanded to more polytechnic students to
to switch to the new scheme by April 1, those in elite and support roles, will now do dealing with the underlying issues allow them to sample foundation courses
2021 their Basic Military Training (BMT) together on that cause people to commit crimes before deciding what they want to specialise in
• The Government will provide subsidies of
about $5 billion for public bus services and Pulau Tekong
$4 billion to renew rail operating assets. It will • At least 30 polyclinics by 2030 in more
invest another $20 billion in public transport neighbourhoods, an increase from the • New technologies such as unmanned watch
infrastructure current 20 towers; unmanned surface vessels for
maritime security and mine detection and MINISTRY OF NATIONAL
disposal and smart airbases which use drones DEVELOPMENT
• Commuters using the Bukit Panjang LRT can
muterss u • Use of Medisave for outpatient treatments
expect mor
more
re reliable rides come 2022 when will have fewer restrictions. The annual will be introduced
• Young couples, including undergraduates
a $344-million
llio project to overhaul the line is withdrawal limit for chronic medical and national servicemen aged at least 21, can
completed conditions, vaccinations and health • The SAF will conduct more training and
operations to counter the terror threat @OOKXENQFQ@MSRSNATX@M'#!Ʀ@SD@QKHDQ
screenings will be raised from $400 to shortening by about a year their ability to
• Another 450 0 buses
b will be deployed on $500. Age limit for Flexi-Medisave will OTQBG@RD@Ʀ@S
existing rou
routes
utes along stretches of the MRT be lowered from 65 to 60. About 260,000
network which
whhich are being upgraded Singaporeans aged between 60 and 64 • Young couples’ income assessment for housing
VHKKADMDƥSEQNLSGHR !NSGBG@MFDRS@JD loans and grants will be deferred to just before
• Governmen
Government nt to review the point-to-point DƤDBSEQNL)TMD
SEQNL)TMD MINISTRY OF MANPOWER they collect their keys, instead of at the time
transportat
transportation
tion sector. Private-hire car services MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS of application. This means their home-buying
Uber
such as Ube and Grab could be regulated and
er a
• Rules on hiring of foreigners are being
& INFORMATION plans does not have to be postponed due to
censse in the future
even licensed lack of income history
tightened to give Singaporeans more chances
• Senior citizens will be able to attend new
at higher paying jobs
• E-scooter users will have to register their courses to better prepare for a digital lifestyle • ANTS Ʀ@SRVHKKADNƤDQDCMDWSXD@Q
devices from the second half of 2018 reducing the waiting time to between two and
• The Employment Act will be expanded to
• The National Library Board will introduce three years, instead of the typical three to four
cover more professionals, managers and
SkillsFuture@Libraries to help people make years
executives (PMEs) who earn $4,500 and
well-informed choices on training and careers
more a month, compared to the current cap
NEʙ 1DLNU@KNESGDB@OVHKKADMDƥS • Divorcees will no longer have to wait three
• Businesses will be able to use a nation-wide years before they can apply for a second
MINISTRY OF SOCIAL & 430,000 more PMEs and help them seek
electronic invoicing framework to process
FAMILY DEVELOPMENT better employment terms RTARHCHRDCƦ@S
O@XLDMSRLNQDDƧBHDMSKX@MCHMBQD@RD
productivity
• #HƤDQDMS@FDMBHDRVHKKRG@QDHMENQL@SHNM • Career Trial, with enhanced features, including
and better coordinate their services to a doubling in training allowances to $2,400 a
ensure people receive the help they need in month, will replace Work Trial
a more holistic way
• Institute of Technical Education students MINISTRY OF TRADE & INDUSTRY
who are already receiving ComCare
assistance will be automatically assessed if MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT
& WATER RESOURCES • $110 million allocation for new Productivity
they qualify for bursaries. This service, from
Solutions Grant which supports selected
the second half of 2018, will be extended
• Climate Action SG Grant will productivity solutions over the next three
progressively to students in mainstream
be set up to help NGOs and years
schools, polytechnics and universities
MINISTRY OF CULTURE, grassroots organisations
COMMUNITY & YOUTH defray the cost of organising • Small and medium enterprises that tie up
• ,NQDOQD RBGNNKRVHKKNƤDQ3@LHK@MC,@K@X
programmes in support of with start-ups will qualify for the integrated
language classes, to help children build a
• 8NTSG"NMUDQR@SHNMR @M@SHNM VHCDDƤNQSSN the Year of Climate Action Pact programme which will be backed by
strong foundation for their mother tongue
engage the young, will be introduced in April in 2018. The grant is up to government funds of $100 million over the
languages
2018 $5,000 next three years
• Our SG Heritage Plan, a long-term national • Shops will have to provide
drive to preserve and promote Singapore's in-store recycling bins or
heritage, will be launched this year one-for-one take-back
services by 2021 for old
• Four more Active Health Labs will be electrical and electronic
opened across the island this year to help equipment such as mobile
2HMF@ONQD@MR@RRDRRSGDHQƥSMDRRKDUDKR@MC phones and washing
maintain active lifestyles machines
INFOGRAPHICS PATRIC HONGCONVERSATION
TAN
CHUAN-JIN
Speaker of Parliament;
MP for Marine Parade GRC
Age: 49
Family: Wife, and two
children aged 16 and 19.
Hobbies: Photography,
jogging, piecing together
miniature scale military
models.
Building a
bridge to Q
ǡƤ
Parliament was launched on January 16 this year. With
Parliament
about 2,000 “likes” and more than 2,000 "followers", it is full
Ƥ
ǣ
What is an Order Paper and what does it look like?
Singapore’s 10th Speaker of Parliament, When is the next Parliament sitting and who is going to talk
Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, wants to strengthen about what?
the connection between Parliament and Did you know Parliament has a mascot – a lion with wings –
the people. called Parley?
Ƥ ơ ͜͝
Parliament, Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, after he was elected to the post in
14 March 2018September 2017. His predecessor, Mdm Always reaching out “People need to trust
Halimah Yaacob, resigned to contest the ơ
presidential election. social media carries a greater risk of mis- and respect the system.
And outreach is high up on his agenda. information and fake news, which has to be If it is flawed, we need
He wants to de-mystify parliamentary countered.
processes in interesting ways, engage the In one instance, when Workers’ Party to improve it. If not, we
public and combat mis-information head- MP Sylvia Lim's bid to speak on the need to understand it
on. reserved Presidential Election upon an
ƪ Adjournment Motion was not successful
for what it is.”
trust. after two rounds of submission, sentiments
“People need to trust and respect the that the parliamentary process was unfair
Ǥ ƪǡ were widely spread. However, it was simply
it. If not, we need to understand it for what because her bid was not picked through
it is,” he said. balloting. Balloting is carried out when
ơ requests to speak upon an Adjournment
progress, and he only expects it to be Motion are submitted by two or more Even in 2009 when social media was
completed in a year or two. MPs. Ms Lim got the chance to speak at a not as prevalent as it is now, Mr Tan,
While the Parliament Facebook page has subsequent sitting when her re-submitted then-chairman of the National Day Parade
been launched, he also hopes to start a new bid was successful through the usual Executive Committee, set up a Facebook
ƪ balloting process for that subsequent page dedicated to the parade.
on issues related to Parliament. sitting. “It not only helps the public to
Fun content which people can look “I put out my explanation on my understand what goes on behind-the-
forward to include virtual “tours” around Facebook page to explain the process scenes; humanising the organisational
Parliament and “Did You Know” section but as with most things, the explanation process helps readers to realise how much
Ƥ didn’t go viral as much as the allegations of blood and sweat goes into the NDP and
Speaker’s wig. unfairness. But at least we have to explain how passionate the volunteers and workers
He will also continue existing outreach clearly how things work. are,” recalled Mr Tan.
ơ “Social media shapes perceptions which Dz ơ
government feedback agency REACH can translate into real-life consequences. them to be even more proud of what they
which runs the Singapore Model This can create confusion and mistrust,” he do.”
Parliament event. It gives students and said.
young adults a chance to participate in a It is also in his nature to share, de- Building an inclusive society
mock Parliament. “The role-playing really mystify and tell behind-the-scenes stories In the lead-up to the same parade,
helps to sharpen understanding a lot more,” Ƥ instead of the usual practice of getting
pointed out Mr Tan. not covered by the mainstream media. the soldiers to pack the fun packs, he
involved “others who are perhaps forgotten”.
Their packs were then tagged with an
acknowledgement that it had been packed
by someone from the prisons, or who was
disabled, or less privileged.
He continued his engagement and
ơ
Manpower, and then Social and Family
Development. At the Manpower Ministry,
for instance, he would accompany and
ƥ
inspecting foreign workers’ dormitories.
“Our guys were out every week, but they
were unseen and unheard and it’s not easy
work,” he said. “We put out the stories so
that people have a better understanding of
the work involved. Now at Parliament, I’m
The 10th Speaker, Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, keeps order in the House. continuing what I was doing previously.”
March 2018 15CONVERSATION
Heart and soul of society
He might have spent 24 years in the Army and helmed “hard” ministries
like Manpower, but Mr Tan’s calling lies in the softer aspects of society – in
helping, caring and giving to fellow Singaporeans.
“Economy, security, all this is important, but these are like the tactics,
training, weapons, structures. The heart and soul of a nation relates to
how we all want to be part of something bigger and better. The giving and
volunteering space has direct co-relation to that,” he said.
Even as a Brigadier-General tasked with national defence, his thoughts
centered on how people would only defend a country if they thought it was
worth defending, and that boiled down to winning hearts and minds.
When he entered politics in 2011, he made it clear that one of his
priorities was community service. At the time, he said: “We have to help our
younger generation understand what it means to look out for each other,
develop their character by helping and in turn, deepen the stakes in our
society and our identity as a nation.”
He has stayed true to that belief. Even after leaving the Ministry of Social
and Family Development, he continues with his work in enlarging the giving
space. Family Man
On his own, he has raised several million “It is really in
dollars for various causes through sales giving, in learning
of a book collection of personal travel to count our Why is family so important to you?
photographs, The World We Live In, as well blessings that we It is the foundation and building block of society.
as photo prints. really begin to I am the patron of the Centre for Fathering and we
While much has been done in schools to change. I want to are trying to create a climate so that more parents
encourage students to volunteer, via Values create opportunities and fathers can be more conscious and be as
in Action programmes, he hopes they can for people to present as much as we can. Children are not looking
continue doing so when they start work. demonstrate that.” for big things, but just time with their parents. Take
To that end, he keeps up with meeting holidays for example. It’s not about where you
BNLO@MHDRŗANRRDRSNDMBNTQ@FDSGDHQRS@ƤSNUNKTMSDDQ go, but the fact that you are spending 24 hours
“I share with them my vision and idea, to persuade them to do more,” he together.
said. “While people may be initially ‘arrowed’ by their bosses to do more
UNKTMSDDQVNQJ SGDXL@XƥMCHSLD@MHMFETKK@SDQNM
What are the “little moments” you treasure with
“I don’t know of any other way to change society. It is really in giving,
your children?
in learning to count our blessings that we really begin to change. I want to
I sometimes iron my son’s clothes at home and I
create opportunities for people to demonstrate that.”
send him to school. While he can take the bus, I
treasure the opportunity to chat with him on my way
to work. My daughter’s university is near my son’s
school, so sometimes I drop by after sending my son
NƤ@MCFNENQ@QTMVHSGGDQ
How do you protect your family time?
It needs to be programmed in with everything else.
I ensure family time is included in my schedule.
$UDM@R@ANRR (ŗLUDQXO@QSHBTK@Q@ANTSLXRS@ƤŗR
family time. If I send out an e-mail on Friday, I don’t
want anyone to reply on Saturday or Sunday. Unless
it is urgent. And why do events have to start late?
If it starts at 6 pm and ends by 8 pm, we can wrap
up and the kids might still be awake when we get
home.
Mr Tan believes the spirit of sharing and volunteering begins with the young.
16 March 2018Getting to know A Special Select Committee is provided for under the
Constitution to nominate candidates to the President for
appointment as Nominated Members of Parliament.
Parliament Select Committees on Bills and some Standing Select
Committees are empowered to call for witnesses and send for
Petir explains some common
documents and records. The Committee may hold closed-door
parliamentary terms and processes
Ǥ Ƥ
and recommendations, it presents a report to Parliament. Any
Motion for Adjournment Member may move a motion to adopt or reject the report. All
A Motion for the Adjournment of Parliament is moved at questions in Select Committees are decided by a majority of
the end of a sitting day. At this point, a Member of Parliament votes.
may claim the right to raise any matter which the Government
is responsible for.
INFOGRAPHICS: PATRIC HONG
The Member must give at least three clear days’ notice of the From Bill to Law
subject to be raised. This right is allotted to one Member only at The Law-Making Process
each sitting. If necessary, there will be a ballot.
Once granted the right, the Member can speak for up to 20
minutes on his subject. The Minister responsible may reply for
FIRST READING
The Bill is introduced by
up to 10 minutes. reading its title
At the end of the allotted time, the Speaker will adjourn
Parliament without any question put.
SECOND READING
Green Paper Debate session
Green Paper is a consultative document which contains
proposals for public discussion. It is usually issued ahead of
Committee of MPs will
the formulation of government policy. A recent Green Paper review the Bill and make
was issued in Jan 2018 by the Ministry of Law and Ministry of amendments to it
Communications and Information, on how to prepare for the
“real and serious challenges” posed by online falsehoods.
Committee of the
White Paper Whole House
Select Committee i.e consists of all MPs
White Paper is a policy document issued by the Government i.e. consists of selected MPs
to explain or discuss matters. White Papers are often presented
for debate in Parliament. An example is the White Paper on
the "Report of the Junior College/Upper Secondary Education THIRD READING
Review Committee" presented on Oct 22, 2002. Only minor amenedments
can be made to the Bill
Select Committees
There are seven Standing Select Committees which are
appointed for the duration of the term of Parliament for various Presidential Council for Minority Rights
(PCMR): PCMR ensures that the Bill does not
Ǥǣǡ discriminate against any race or religion
Selection, Estimates Committee, House Committee, Public
Accounts Committee, Public Petitions Committee and
Standing Orders Committee. President's Assent: Upon approval by
Besides the Standing Select Committees, Parliament the President, the Bill becomes an
occasionally forms ad hoc Select Committees set up by a Motion Act of Parliament
approved by the House to deal with Bills or other matters
referred to it. A Select Committee is formed when a group of
Members is selected by Parliament to inquire into and report on
GAZETTING
a particular subject. An ongoing example is the Select Committee The Act is published in the
on Deliberate Online Falsehoods – Causes, Consequences and *D]HWWHZKLFKLVDQRƫFLDO
publication of the Government
Counter-measures which was set up in Jan 2018.
March 2018 17GROUNDWORK > BRANCHING OUT
BY KHUSHWANT SINGH
All systems go at W ƥ
visited Punggol Coast’s Meet-the-People
session (MPS) in February 2018, the
visitors were impressed by the activists’ high level of
Punggol Coast commitment in attending to residents who needed
assistance. The visitors were even more astounded
when they learnt the volunteers were unpaid ȅ and
Its pool of unpaid activists and volunteers, brimming with that they did much of the work.
zest, has earned the admiration of foreign visitors “These guests were also surprised that the MPS
was generally a weekly event, allowing residents easy
accessibility to their Member of Parliament,” said
Punggol Coast PAP branch secretary Koh Lin Wei.
ƥ
years ago had expressed similar sentiments. Indeed,
it was from that visit that Mr Koh developed a system
of standard operating procedure to guide volunteers
in their work.
“Perhaps, MPS is a unique Singapore innovation,”
he suggested.
Mr Koh, 47, pointed out that like all young estates,
there is a cyclical trend to issues dealt with at the
Ǥƪǡ
Ƥ
issues. These would be followed by the need for pre-
school places and school registration issues for their
children. When the residents are settled in, they
would suggest improvements to the infrastructure.
For the activists, no issue is left unattended. For
instance, when a resident is keen to operate a food
stall in a nearby school or hawker centre, the activists
will advise them to get in touch with the school
or the National Environment Agency. “If we can’t
Ƥǡ
residents should walk away with the help that they
need,” Mr Koh said.
Recruiting volunteers is always a work
in progress
The Punggol Coast ward has expanded
Ƥ Ǥ ͜͞͝͡ǡ
͜͡ ƪ
112 blocks with some 40,000 to 45,000 residents.
This has made activist recruitment a key challenge
ǣ
Punggol Coast branch is always on the look out for increase its pool of volunteers and activists.
volunteers and activists to serve its residents, says branch Their numbers have grown from 15 in 2015 to 25
secretary Koh Lin Wei, left, back row. Next to him is Mr
Calvin Aw, assistant branch secretary. Husband-and-wife regular volunteers today, in addition to about 10 ad
team Mr Adnan Mohamad Taip and Ms Quek Sze Cheah hoc volunteers whom the branch can tap on when
(both, front row) joined the PAP after they had a positive
experience at an Meet-the-People session (MPS). there are large scale activities.
18 March 2018ŝ,IZHFDQśWƩQGD
solution, we will
provide a direction
because residents
should walk away
with the help that
they need.”
- Mr Koh Lin Wei, Punggol Coast
PAP branch secretary
Among the regular volunteers are 3XQJJRO&RDVW03'U-DQLO3XWKXFKHDU\ƪDJJLQJRƨDFKDULW\IXQZDONDW3XQJJRO:DWHUZD\LQ
account manager, Quek Sze Cheah, 34, and
her husband, Mr Adnan Mohamad Taip, a
35-year-old project manager. They started
volunteering in May 2017 and joined the PAP
about six months ago. It all began when Ms
Quek sought help at an MPS about a housing
issue. The experience made her realise
that helping residents is a very rewarding
experience, especially when she sees
immediate positive outcomes.
Taking ownership
Mr Koh said that Punggol Coast branch
chairman, Dr Janil Puthucheary, who
is Senior Minister of State, Ministry of
Communications and Information & Ministry
of Education and also an MP for the Pasir Ris-
Punggol Group Representation Constituency,
is very keen on trying new things and has
ABOVE Residents,
together with Dr Janil,
(in red T-shirt, centre) at
the ward’s National Day
Observance Ceremony.
0U.RKEULHƩQJ(8
delegates on how the
MPS works and its role in
Singapore politics.
March 2018 19GROUNDWORK > BRANCHING OUT
Punggol set
to transform
From a sleepy fishing village decades ago, to today’s
Waterfront Town of about 200,000 residents,
Punggol is ready to embark on a new phase
T
he Government is set to is envisioned to be car-lite, with
transform Punggol into a infrastructure such as parking
thriving and vibrant digital spaces located underground so
SNVMHMSGDMDWSƥUDXD@QR BQD@SHMF that the streets are friendlier to
28,000 new economy jobs. pedestrians, cyclists and users of
Deputy Prime Minister Teo personal mobility devices.
Volunteers George Chew and Fred Lee are among the pool
of unpaid volunteers who give unstintingly of their time to Chee Hean, who announced the Punggol residents will
help residents. masterplan, said the 50-ha Punggol have access to new transport
Digital District (PDD) will be a infrastructure, including the new
centre for digital and cyber-security Punggol Coast MRT station, which
jobs. will link the town with the rest of
empowered activists and volunteers so that they take Punggol will be "a hub for Singapore.
ownership of the branch’s activities. key growth sectors of the digital The Singapore Institute of
DzƤ economy", DPM Teo said at the Technology (SIT) will have a new
their aspirations of helping people in need,” he masterplan’s launch in late January campus in Punggol, adding more
2018. He said it could even involve buzz to the district’s innovative and
added.
relocating government agencies entrepreneurial spirit. Students and
The branch is also planning to re-introduce
such as the Cyber Security Agency faculty will have more opportunities
a tuition scheme. Mr Koh recalled how it had
of Singapore, currently in Maxwell to exchange ideas with industry
previously helped the daughter of a Hokkien- Road, to the PDD. practitioners working there.
speaking father and a Thai mother. "This will help create a new SIT’s research labs and learning
ǣDz cluster of cyber-security and facilities could reside within JTC’s
Hokkien so the little girl did not know English or SDBGMNKNFXƥQLRHM/TMFFNK .TQ business park buildings, while JTC
Mandarin and the tuition classes were a blessing for residents can look forward to many could host industry research and
her when she began formal schooling.” exciting jobs in the future close to even create startup spaces within
“With the addition of two rental blocks in the home," he said. SIT’s campus. This "exchange of
neighbourhood, I expect that there will now be The PDD will also serve as a RO@BDRʗ @ƥQRSHM2HMF@ONQD VNTKC
test bed for a slew of new features E@BHKHS@SDFNNCHCD@RSNƦNTQHRG@MC
children again who need help with their studies so
and planning practices. Punggol take root.
we are looking into reviving the tuition programme
Ƥ
residents.”
From the looks of it, it is full steam ahead for the
Punggol Coast branch.
Their numbers have grown
from 15 in 2015 to 25
regular volunteers today, in
addition to about 10 ad hoc
volunteers which the branch
can tap on when there are
large scale activities. Artist's impression of future Punggol Digital Hub. (Photo by JTC)
20 March 2018You can also read
