TAKING SINGAPORE FORWARD
Mr. Lee added that, like it has done for the past 60 years, the state has formulated plans to take Singapore ahead despite the risks.
” We continue to support you on immediate cost-of-living concerns, especially families who need help most”, he said, citing measures such as the S$ 300 ( US$ 221 ) in CDC vouchers distributed in January, on top of the S$ 800 disbursed last year.
Singapore have also received GST tickets, U-Save reimbursements, and public transportation vouchers, with additional support to become announced in the future Budget, he added.
Cover remains a crucial goal, he said, noting that the Housing and Development Board ( HDB) have cleared the delay caused by the COVID-19 crisis. In the five years since 2021, the state is still on track to release more than 100 000 apartments by this year. The new Standard, Plus, and Prime framework will help ensure Build-To-Order ( BTO ) flats remain affordable and available to all, he said.
Beyond quick issues, Mr Lee also outlined additional opportunities to safe Singapore’s potential.
” Investing in individuals – in your education, training, and coaching. Even as the market is transformed with new technology involving robots and AI, our children and employees have the skills to stay competitive and safe good jobs, he said.
He continued, adding that the government is also funding infrastructure projects like the late opened Woodlands Health Campus and fresh hospitals and community attention features, such as the late opened Woodlands Health Campus. These include the newly opened Changi Airport Terminal 5 and Tuas Megaport, new coach lines like the Thomson-East Coast Line and Cross Island Line.
A decades-long reclamation project, Long Island, will also be developed along the East Coast to safeguard Singapore from rising sea levels.
” Most importantly, we are also investing in our social fabric, through Forward SG”, Mr Lee said, adding that “programmes like ComLink and the Fresh Start Housing Scheme will uplift our vulnerable and enhance social mobility”.
He also highlighted SGSHARE, a national regular giving programme linked to SG60 and Community Chest, which aims to spur volunteerism and , strengthen bonds among fellow Singaporeans.
” We are building a Singapore: Where every citizen belongs, where everyone will have every opportunity to succeed, no matter what their starting point in life, and where all share a sense of participation and purpose, and where we take ownership of our nation’s future together”, Mr Lee said.
” None of these good things will happen by themselves”, he said. ” They require a capable, caring government with the foresight to look ahead, and the courage to do the right things”.
And a group of people who remain unwavering and are committed to working with the government for the long term.