CHALLENGES Back
While the goal of supporting lower- and middle-income folks is commendable, the issues lie in the successful application of the program.
What is the actual definition of “involuntarily poor”? Do we also include those whose conditions led to poor job habits or efficiency? How will these staff be distinguished by the state?
There are also functional problems. What training programs may be offered to meet the demands of the latest job market? You people who have had extended periods of non-traditional education learn new skills in just six months?
In order to determine whether the plan efficiently encourages employment, these issues will be crucial.
If the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support initiative succeeds, it was open the door for the government to offer the same kind of assistance to a wider group of poor people.
Different methods are now available to individuals who choose to have mentoring, such as the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme. If they enroll in full-time coaching programs, it will pay a monthly income of up to S$ 3, 000 for up to 24 months to Singaporeans over the age of 40.
Support could also be extended to workers who deliberately take career breaks for caregiving or private illness, aside from senior citizens. Financial aid may help people rely on their needs without having to deal with the stress of these transitions, reducing their emotional and financial strain. These actions can also lower the percentage of skilled people leaving the workplace.
Singapore’s introduction of the poverty support program indicates its willingness to adapt to the needs of its workforce, keeping it economical while safeguarding its most vulnerable employees.
Xu Le lectures in the Department of Strategy and Policy at the National University of Singapore ( NUS) Business School, while Sriram Iyer is an adjunct senior lecturer in the Department of Management and Organization. The authors ‘ ideas are those of themselves, and they do not necessarily endorse NUS’s policies.