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Lawrence Wong

8 h ·

Peeking at the alligators hiding from the sun.

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from straitstimes.com:

New scheme to provide needy children in North West District with $500 each yearly​

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DPM Lawrence Wong and North West District Mayor Alex Yam at the launch of the new scheme, dubbed Little Steps @ North West, at the Singapore Zoo on Saturday. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY
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Zhaki Abdullah
UPDATED

14 JAN 2023, 9:40 PM SGT

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SINGAPORE – Vulnerable families with young children in places such as Sembawang and Marsiling will receive more support to cope with daily expenses under a new North West Community Development Council (CDC) initiative.
Dubbed Little Steps @ North West, it will provide more than 650 children in the district with $500 each annually.
Beneficiaries will comprise children aged six and below who are supported by early childhood programme KidStart. Led by the Early Childhood Development Agency, KidStart assists in the development of children from lower-income families up to age six.

The money will be disbursed into the bank accounts of their parents or caregivers.
Little Steps @ North West is expected to run for at least five years and will tap the $2 million – comprising $1 million from donors and another $1 million from the CDC – raised during a campaign in 2021.
Speaking at an event marking the launch of the scheme at the Singapore Zoo on Saturday, North West District Mayor Alex Yam said those eligible can expect to get the grant by end-March.


Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong, who attended the event, said the scheme will help families defray daily expenses and allow them to focus on the development of their children.


“We hope this gesture will provide some immediate relief for our families, especially during this period of heightened inflation,” added DPM Wong, who is also an MP for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC.
Among the beneficiaries is Ms Shalini Devi Manisagram, 37, whose two youngest children, aged three and six, will each get $500.
The housewife, a former infant care teacher who also took on part-time work as a nanny, stopped working to take care of her young children.
Her husband, 38, recently left his operations officer job of nine years to take a crawler crane operation course in the hope of getting better pay in a new line of work.
The couple have two other children, aged nine and 10.
The additional $1,000 will go towards monthly payments for their flat while her husband looks for a new job, said Ms Shalini.
“It really means a lot to us,” she added.

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Ms Shalini Devi Manisagram with her husband and their children at the Singapore Zoo on Saturday. Their two youngest children, aged three and six, will each get $500 from the Little Steps @ North West initiative. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY

Mr Yam said that while an additional $500 will not solve all the problems faced by the beneficiaries, it is quite a significant amount, given the high costs associated with raising young children.
“This is a small way to address some of the rising cost-of-living issues that they are facing and give them greater peace of mind,” he told reporters, adding that the CDC will consider expanding the programme and raising funds to support it beyond the five-year mark.
 

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from straitstimes.com:

Govt working on ensuring basic retirement needs met, boosting skills: DPM Wong​

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Investing in skills and human capital is another area the Government will look into, to ensure that work remains a central way for Singaporeans to thrive. PHOTO: ST FILE
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Goh Yan Han
Political Correspondent
UPDATED

21 MINS AGO

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SINGAPORE - Singaporeans should be able to meet their basic retirement needs as long as they work and make regular Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions, even as it becomes more difficult to consistently build up their retirement savings amid disruptions and volatility in the economy and their lives, said Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Monday.
For those unable to work, or who do not have the runway to work and save through the CPF system, the Government will find ways to take care of them, added Mr Wong, who is also Finance Minister.
He was speaking on the last day of the Singapore Perspectives conference organised by the Institute of Policy Studies on the theme of work, held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre.

Mr Wong noted the challenges that Singapore’s workforce and labour market are facing, such as technological advancements that are disrupting industries everywhere, leading to a change in the nature of jobs, as well as new jobs.
Not everyone will benefit equally from these changes. Those with the right skills will be able to seize emerging opportunities while others may be unable to adapt, he said, and this will naturally create anxieties, especially among older, mid-career workers who have a very real fear of being made obsolete.
Mr Wong noted that the CPF system, premised on self-reliance and work, has evolved over the years, with the Government playing an increasingly larger role in recent years to help Singaporeans earn and save more for retirement.


For example, it provides more interest for those with lower CPF balances, while lower-wage workers have had increased incomes through Workfare and the Progressive Wage Model.


Yet, some still struggle, such as those in their 50s and early 60s who have had limited runway to work, save and benefit from the CPF system.
Mr Wong said the Government will study how best to help them meet their basic retirement needs.
The authorities will also continue to look after more vulnerable segments, such as platform workers, people with disabilities and caregivers.

For new entrants to the labour force and younger workers, he said that with a longer runway before retirement, they should aim to consistently work and upskill.
Investing in skills and human capital is another area the Government will look into, to ensure that work remains a central way for Singaporeans to thrive.
Noting that most workers today will have multiple careers, or see their work evolve even in the same company, Mr Wong said workers must be able to access substantive skills training to update themselves and stay relevant.
Unfortunately, it is not easy for many workers to do so, as some employers may not support the training programmes, or may not pay salaries during the period of training, while mid-career workers with caregiving responsibilities may find it difficult to commit.


Mr Wong said: “We will therefore need to consider how we strengthen our skills and training ecosystem – to provide more support for workers, give them a fresh injection of skills, and help them be better prepared for the transition to jobs in new growth areas.
“We have to be careful that whatever we do does not erode the incentive to work.”
Employers must also step up their investment in training that leads to recognised, verifiable credentials, as well as more innovative training programmes, including work-based learning options that lead to better employment and earnings outcomes.
There is also a need to improve labour market information and strengthen labour market intermediaries, so that there can be better matching of jobs and workers.
Mr Wong added: “We also want to provide workers with access to their own data on their skills and competencies, as well as the areas of future industry demand and growth, so that workers can be empowered and take greater responsibility to plan their own careers.”
 

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from straitstimes.com:

Do more to address starting salary gap between graduates of different institutions: DPM Wong​

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The median starting salary for university grads is about twice that of ITE grads, and about 1½ times that of poly grads. PHOTO: ST FILE
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Goh Yan Han
Political Correspondent
UPDATED

11 HOURS AGO

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SINGAPORE - Singapore can do better to address the gap between the starting salaries of university graduates and those of Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and polytechnic graduates, said Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Monday.
Today, the median starting salary for university graduates is about twice that of ITE graduates and about 1½ times that of polytechnic graduates, he said.
He was addressing the need for Singapore to reward work more fairly and equitably, even as income inequality, measured by the Gini coefficient, has steadily come down over the last decade.

“While some difference is understandable, too wide a gap can lead to problematic outcomes,” he said, citing examples such as graduates who choose not to enter vocations they have been trained for, or some who feel pressured to pursue a degree not aligned with their strengths or interests.
“It also becomes harder to match the right persons with the right skills to the right jobs. And all this compounds the sense of a continuous rat race and paper chase, adding to the worries and anxieties of Singaporeans.”
Left unaddressed, these can result in people feeling resentment or that the system is unfair, leading to frayed social cohesion as seen in other countries, he added.


Speaking at an Institute of Policy Studies conference focused on the topic of work, Mr Wong said Singapore has to invest in quality jobs and make every profession viable and every pathway rewarding, including a focus on jobs for ITE and polytechnic graduates. This involves working with business partners to provide them with more industry exposure and work-study opportunities in their industry of choice, and addressing the issue of their starting salaries and career progression.


He noted that some years back, it was found that many ITE students who were trained as lift technicians were not entering the industry, and were doing other jobs after graduating. Their starting salaries were too low – $1,300 in 2016 – but were 40 per cent higher at $1,850 in 2022, thanks to the Progressive Wage Model, and are set to increase further over the next few years, he said.
To improve job prospects across all fields, the Government will continue to expand the Progressive Wage Model to cover more areas with lower-wage jobs and will also look into helping other sectors, said Mr Wong.
“This is not just about reshaping the labour market; it’s also about shifting our perceptions towards work, and embracing a broader definition of what counts as ‘good jobs’; for us to recognise skills and competencies rather than be overly focused on paper qualifications,” he said.
To do so, employers have to do more to hire, train and recognise all workers without pigeonholing or holding them back unfairly based on starting qualifications.


Consumers must also be willing to pay more for certain goods and services to uplift the wages of those who provide them, said Mr Wong, acknowledging that this is not an easy conversation to have at a time when people are concerned about rising prices and cost-of-living issues. “The Government will do whatever we can to provide support during this transition.”
He noted that there is always a temptation for people to compare themselves with others, and some of this can help drive healthy competition and a desire to improve, but sometimes they are motivated by the wrong reasons, such as to acquire status and social prestige.
For example, there was a recent online social media debate about luxury bags and what is deemed “branded”, while some continue to prefer “branded” jobs that supposedly confer higher status in life.
He said: “I wish things were different. But I am a realist, I know it’s not going to be easy to change these mindsets. But we should all try to appreciate and recognise one another for who we are.”
 

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Lawrence discusses the definition of a good job. :wink:

Lawrence Wong

1 h ·
Work is not just a source of income; it is also about dignity and purpose in life, and a key part of our social compact.
The future of work is going to look very different from now. And those who are unable to adapt and adjust will face more challenges.
So we must help Singaporeans by redoubling our investments in skills and human capital, bolstering retirement security, and investing in quality jobs. We also need to embrace a broader definition of what counts as a 'good job' - to recognise skills and competencies, and not be overly focused on paper qualifications.
Thanks for having me at the Singapore Perspectives Conference, Institute of Policy Studies - IPS.

 

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Lawrence is visiting Brunei. :wink:

Lawrence Wong

9 h ·
First work trip of the year — I will be heading to Brunei.
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Singapore and Brunei have an excellent bilateral relationship. And I look forward to reaffirming this special and long-standing partnership. See you soon, Brunei!

 

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from straitstimes.com:

Steps will be taken against workplace discrimination and to support seniors: DPM Wong​

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DPM Lawrence Wong said the Government will encourage more employers to promote inclusive workplaces and fairer employment practices. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE
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Jean Iau
UPDATED

17 JAN 2023, 6:34 AM SGT

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SINGAPORE - Apart from codifying provisions against workplace discrimination into law, the Government will encourage more employers to promote inclusive workplaces and fairer employment practices, including in the public service, said Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Monday.
He was speaking during a dialogue at the Singapore Perspectives 2023 conference organised by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), and held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre.
When asked if sexual orientation and gender identity will be included in one of the categories protected by anti-discrimination law, Mr Wong said that “sex is different from gender”.

“It will cover sex, it will cover race, religion, age. We’ve stated very clearly what the areas of coverage are for the anti-discrimination act,” he said, adding that this would be debated in Parliament when the Bill is tabled.
Mr Wong was responding to a question from Association of Women for Action and Research executive director Corinna Lim, who was a participant at the conference.
The issue of discriminatory policies was raised earlier during the dialogue by a participant from the National Institute of Education.


He referred to comments made by Singapore Human Resources Institute president Low Peck Kem last Thursday about workforce policies that discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) individuals.


Ms Low, who is also chief human resources officer for the Public Service Division, had questioned business leaders who implement such “stupid” policies, during a symposium on workplace diversity and inclusion.
The participant asked Mr Wong what the Government is doing to implement more inclusive policies. Mr Wong responded: “We are taking actions with regard to legislation.
“And we will continue to see how we can encourage more employers to uphold not just the letter of the law but the spirit of it, to really promote more inclusive workplace practices and fairer employment practices across the board – and the public service will do its part too.”
On the issue of retirement adequacy, National University Hospital senior infectious diseases consultant Paul Tambyah asked if the Silver Support Scheme, which provides a quarterly cash supplement to seniors who had lower incomes during their working years, could be made more universal to avoid a substantial drop in incomes and quality of life when people stop working.
Mr Wong said surveys have shown that the majority of people want to work so long as they are healthy, as work is more than just a source of income and provides dignity and purpose.
But schemes such as Central Provident Fund top-ups and Silver Support can help seniors, and the Government will work out how much and what more it could do to care for the Pioneer and Merdeka generations, as well as those who are in their 50s and 60s.
“So that’s how we are thinking about strengthening our retirement system and giving everyone peace of mind,” he said.
 

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Lawrence looks forward to further exchanges with Brunei. :wink:

Lawrence Wong

1 d ·
Brunei and Singapore enjoy a special and long-standing relationship, which predates the independence of our two nations. As the two smallest members of ASEAN, we work closely together to support one another, and strengthen our resilience in an uncertain world. That mutual support enabled us to weather through the challenges of Covid-19 over the past three years.
This is why I made Brunei my first overseas work trip of 2023 - to reaffirm the importance of this relationship and to strengthen cooperation in new areas like education, civil service work attachments, supply chain resilience, and the green economy.
I was honoured to have an audience with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, and also meetings with close friends and colleagues.
I look forward to further exchanges with Brunei, and to strengthening our partnership for many more generations to come.
(
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: MCI Photos by Fyrol)

 

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Lawrence wishes everyone good health, happiness and prosperity. :wink:

Lawrence Wong

11 h ·
Hopping into the Year of the Rabbit!
May the new year bring us good health, happiness and prosperity. Happy Lunar New Year!
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Enjoy the long weekend everyone!

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