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‘We will do everything we can to help you’: PM Wong to young parents during Sengkang visit​

PM Lawrence Wong (centre, in white) posing for photos with residents at the Sengkang West Sports and Family Fiesta on March 16.ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH

Kok Yufeng
Mar 16, 2025

SINGAPORE – The Government wants to do everything it can to ensure that Singapore is a society “made for families”, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

“For all the young parents out there, please have the assurance that we are here with you to support you,” he said on March 16 during a visit to Sengkang – his first since taking over the country’s top job.

After being sworn in in May 2024, the Prime Minister has embarked on a series of visits to different constituencies across the island, to meet as many Singaporeans as he can.

He was joined by advisers to the Sengkang GRC grassroots organisations – Dr Lam Pin Min, Associate Professor Elmie Nekmat and Ms Theodora Lai – at a community event in Anchorvale targeted at young families.

PM Wong pointed to the support measures for parents with young children that were announced as part of Budget 2025.

“We know that cost pressures are a concern. That’s why we have given out more CDC vouchers. And even for the SG60 package, we have provided some vouchers for every adult Singaporean to help,” he said in a short speech at the community plaza in Anchorvale Village shopping centre.

Families with young children will get greater support via a one-off disbursement of $500 in LifeSG credits for Singaporean children aged 12 and below.

Larger families with three or more children will get even more aid, added PM Wong, who is also Finance Minister.

Measures introduced under a new Large Families Scheme include a higher $10,000 grant to cover pre-school and healthcare expenses for baby number three, four or more, as well as $1,000 in LifeSG credits each year for the third and subsequent child during the years that the child turns one to six.

“I know it’s not easy to be young parents. I know it’s not easy to have kids in Singapore. You have so many things to worry about. But we want to make this journey as convenient, seamless (and) fuss-free as possible,” PM Wong said.

“So whether it’s pre-school, whether it’s cost pressures, whether it’s education, whether it’s housing, we will do everything we can to help you along the way.”

The Prime Minister’s visit to Sengkang began at about 10am at Anchorvale Community Club, where Sengkang West residents participated in a variety of sporting activities and games. PM Wong tried his hand at pickleball and a brief game of futsal, before interacting with event attendees there.

At Anchorvale Village, PM Wong visited various booths with activities aimed at bringing families closer together. He also spent an hour greeting and taking photos with diners and stallholders at Anchorvale Village Hawker Centre.

PM Lawrence Wong joining residents for a game of pickleball at the Sengkang West Sports and Family Fiesta at Anchorvale Community Club.ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
In his remarks on March 16, PM Wong said 2025 is a special year as it is the 60th anniversary of Singapore’s independence, and it marks a new phase of nation-building.

But he warned of the profound changes that are happening around the globe.

While the world has always been a dangerous place, PM Wong noted, it is only going to get more troubled and turbulent.

“Every day, we see something more and more worrying.”

“All the things we see around us simply remind us of one simple fact – no one is going to come to our rescue,” he stressed.

“If something goes wrong, we can only count on ourselves, Singaporeans, to defend Singapore, to advance our interests and make sure this little red dot continues to survive and thrive.

“So I hope we can all proceed forward in our next phase in the same spirit of solidarity and unity, come together as team Singapore to chart our new way forward in a very uncertain environment, and make sure we continue to have a better future for ourselves and for the next generation of Singaporeans.”

Sengkang resident Vincent Zye, 35, was among those who interacted with PM Wong at the hawker centre on March 16. He said he is happy with the measures in the 2025 Budget, especially those aimed at young families like his.

The engineer, who has two children, aged five and two, highlighted the reduction in pre-school fees as one initiative that will be of real benefit.

Long-time Compassvale resident Alvin Khong was surprised to see PM Wong in his constituency.

“I think it is important he has a closer relationship with residents,” said the 63-year-old, who works in the semiconductor industry.

Sengkang GRC, formed in 2020, was won by the opposition Workers’ Party at the last election.

It is one of nine constituencies that will not have their boundaries redrawn for the 2025 polls, which is widely expected by mid-year.

Sengkang GRC MP Jamus Lim, who looks after the Anchorvale ward, was seen at Anchorvale Village speaking to residents on March 16 as PM Wong was taking his leave.

Associate Professor Lim stayed to observe the official opening of the mall, officiated by Senior Minister of State for National Development Sim Ann. However, he declined to comment when approached.

Also seen at the March 16 events in Anchorvale was Mrs Bernadette Giam, 38, a director at local food and beverage enterprise Creative Eateries, who was appointed chairwoman of the People’s Action Party’s Sengkang East branch in January.

 

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Safra offers members 12 months of free insurance for SG60​

Underwritten by Singlife, the 12-month personal accident insurance plan will provide $50,000 in coverage for Safra members, their spouses and children. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO

Shermaine Ang
Mar 16, 2025, 05:45 PM

SINGAPORE - Free insurance for a year is among the slew of SG60 goodies for national servicemen and their families, as the nation celebrates its 60th year.

Underwritten by Singlife, the 12-month personal accident insurance plan will provide $50,000 in coverage for Safra members, their spouses and children.

This was announced by Senior Minister of State for Defence and Safra president Zaqy Mohamad on March 16 at the Safra Family Day Out held at Rainforest Wild Asia. The event drew more than 1,500 Safra members and their families, who visited the newly opened attraction at a discounted rate.

“For over 60 years… NSmen have been a very important pillar of Singapore’s Total Defence,” Mr Zaqy said.

“This is one way Safra looks to enhance their offerings to recognise our NSmen for their efforts, and certainly to their families, for supporting their efforts on the ground as they serve the country.”

Named Safra Family Care, the free 12-month insurance plan is a collaboration between Safra and Professional Investment Advisory Services, a subsidiary of Singlife.

Under the plan, Safra members, their spouses and children are entitled to a lump sum payout of $50,000 each upon accidental death or accidental total and permanent disability.

They will also have coverage of up to $200 for medical reimbursement due to accidents, and up to $1,000 coverage for a simple fracture, ambulance fee and other medical expenses.

Safra members can register their interest for the plan at https://www.safra.sg/our-services/safra-insurance/safra-family-care by the end of 2026.

The Safra Family Day Out event kicked off Safra’s series of SG60 celebratory activities.

Safra‘s SG60 Food Galore from June to August will feature food tasting and cooking, while the Safra Fitness Festival from July to October will feature a team relay competition, where groups of five will compete in swimming, running, climbing, laser shooting and strength challenges.

As part of Safra’s renewed partnership with Mandai Wildlife Group, Safra members can enjoy quarterly special promotions, as well as 30 per cent off admission tickets when they visit Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise, River Wonders and Night Safari, from Mondays to Thursdays, throughout the year.

Safra members can also look forward to special discounts on admission tickets to Rainforest Wild Asia later in the year.

Among the promotions are also $60 discounts for some Royal Caribbean cruise trips and National Service Resort and Country Club stays, as well as special deals at food and beverage joints such as Sushiro and KFC.

Safra members, who comprise more than 420,000 Singapore Armed Forces servicemen and their families, will benefit from the SG60 perks.

This was announced by Senior Minister of State for Defence and president of Safra Zaqy Mohamad (left) on March 16 at the Safra Family Day Out held at Rainforest Wild Asia.PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
One of them is project manager Avier Ling, who attended Safra Family Day Out with his wife Joreen Koh and their three-year-old daughter Annette Ling.

“We saw the promotion on the website, and decided to come because my daughter always wants to see animals. She’s very excited and looking forward to taking more pictures – she brought her camera along.”

The family paid a promotional rate of $60 to enter Rainforest Wild Asia, which has a usual entry fee of $117.

Mr Ling has made use of Safra membership discounts to buy his prescription glasses, and to take Annette to the water playground at Safra Punggol near their home.

Mr Zaqy – an MP for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC, along with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, North West District Mayor Alex Yam and Ms Hany Soh – was asked by media about the next general election, which must take place by Nov 23.

(From left) Ms Jean Choi, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Sales and Experience Development, Mandai Wildlife Reserves; Senior Minister of State for Defence and president of Safra Zaqy Mohamad, and Ms Kris Ho, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, SAFRA, at the Safra Family Day Out held at Rainforest Wild Asia.PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
Asked if he will continue running in Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC in the election, Mr Zaqy said: “That’s something for the Prime Minister to decide. We will wait for Nomination Day and find out more. But our work plans are coming up, something that we look forward to upgrading with our residents for the next five-year town masterplan, so look out for that.”

On whether he feels pressure running alongside PM Wong, he said: “As always, with anyone with such a stellar track record and credentials, I think there’s certainly a lot to learn from. The benefit of being on the sidelines with PM is that we can see how to manage the ground better.

“We look forward to collaborating and working and supporting him as we make Marsiling-Yew Tee a great place to stay, and one that we can always just look forward to.”

 

[True Believer]

PM Wong said: "We (the PAP) will do everything we can to make sure that you (Sengkang residents) pay your dues (taxes) for the next 5 years."

 

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New task force to help S’poreans, businesses seize opportunities from JB-Singapore RTS Link​

Residents can claim vouchers that allow them to buy daily staples for $1.PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO

Zaihan Mohamed Yusof
Mar 16, 2025

SINGAPORE – A task force has been set up to help Singaporeans and local businesses seize opportunities and reap benefits from the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link.

The announcement was made by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung on March 16 at the launch of an initiative at Woodlands North Plaza, where residents can claim vouchers that allow them to buy daily staples for $1.

Mr Ong said he had approached Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong for help in forming a task force to “look into how we can seize the opportunities of RTS... (and) at the same time find ways to cushion the impact for those who are affected”.

Mr Ong said he takes a “very special interest” in watching the developments because Woodlands North station, the terminus of the rail link, is in Sembawang GRC.

While the RTS Link may nudge Singaporeans across the Causeway for shopping, there is an opportunity for Singapore to rejuvenate many of its retail areas and heartland centres to “offer something different that Malaysian shoppers will find coming to Singapore also quite interesting”, said Mr Ong, who is an MP for Sembawang GRC.

He said, however, that there are also those who will be affected.

“If you run shops or you sell things or sell food that directly compete with Johor Bahru’s vendors, I think you can be affected.”

The task force aims to study how Singapore can tap the potential and benefits from the RTS Link to rejuvenate the country’s heartland. It will also consider opportunities for Singapore businesses with the increased connectivity and ease of travel offered by the rail link, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said on March 16.

It will consult heartland enterprises and local businesses, and aim to put out its findings and recommendations in 2026, the ministry added.

When ready by the end of 2026, the RTS Link can carry up to 10,000 people an hour in each direction between Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru and Woodlands North in Singapore.

Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry and chairman of the task force, said preliminary work such as meetings with MTI staff, grassroots leaders, the Housing Board, trade agency Enterprise Singapore and merchants’ associations were done in November 2024.

“We are going to take our time to make sure that we listen to all of you, listen to the merchant association... so that we can put together a plan to make sure all of us can reap the benefits of this RTS Link,” said Mr Tan in a speech at the same event in Woodlands.

The task force is made up of members from MTI, the National Development, Manpower and Health ministries, the Urban Redevelopment Authority, Enterprise Singapore, HDB and Woodlands Health.

Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung (second from left), MP for Sembawang GRC Mariam Jaafar (left), and Minister of State for Trade and Industry Alvin Tan launching the Merchant Dollar Deal at Woodlands North Plaza on March 16.PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
Sembawang GRC MP Mariam Jaafar and Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC MP Hany Soh will work with the task force to engage Singapore businesses, heartland shops and merchants’ associations on ideas to rejuvenate Singapore’s heartland and make them more vibrant, said MTI.

On March 16, about 1,000 residents from Sembawang GRC attended the launch of the MerchantDollarDeal$@Woodlands (MDD@Woodlands) initiative, which allows Woodlands residents in Sembawang GRC to collect vouchers from various points in the town between March 16 and 22.

More than 5,000 $1 deals will be made available monthly, including those for essentials such as cooking oil, canned drinks, bread and eggs. These can be redeemed at participating merchants, such as supermarkets and stalls in Woodlands North Plaza.

Ms Mariam said the initiative not only helps residents manage concerns over the cost of living, but it is also about the community.

“I hope that MDD@Woodlands will encourage more footfall to heartland shops, and build a strong connection between local businesses and the community.”

Others also came to claim their $50 SG60 BAM (Belanja-A-Meal)@Woodlands card, which can be used to buy meals at participating hawker stalls and coffee shops in Woodlands.

Both initiatives are among programmes to mark Singapore’s 60th birthday.

Customer service manager Francis Quek from Mr Bean said his company will offer 200 to 300 cups of soya milk a month to registered residents, from March to August, for $1 under MDD@Woodlands.

Another participating shop, New Odense(s) Confectionery & Bakery, will be offering 500 buns and drinks a month in the same period.

Said Mr Danny Koh, 49, who runs the family business that has been in Woodlands North Plaza for the last 28 years: “We’re an SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) and we try to give back a bit. Although the business is not great, we have to help the residents.”

Addressing the media during a speech at the event on March 16, Mr Ong told reporters who were hoping to spot new candidates at Sembawang GRC that he has “no new candidates to introduce”.

“I promise you, the moment I have, I will introduce (them) to you.”

Nevertheless, Mr Ong had said in February that he expects at least one new member to be added to the People’s Action Party team in the GRC at the upcoming election. This is part of the party’s renewal process every election cycle, he said.

The election must be held by November, but is widely expected to take place by mid-2025.

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