S$100m hongbao for NSmen

SINGAPORE: More than 900,000 national servicemen (NSmen) will benefit from a S$100m "hongbao" from the Singapore government to commemorate the 45th anniversary of National Service in the country.

Speaking at the celebrations at The Float @ the Marina Bay, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said all NSmen will receive vouchers to enjoy a movie or meal with their family and friends.

In addition, Operationally Ready NSmen who are currently serving out their cycles, as well as those who have completed their cycles, will also receive a year's free membership to SAFRA or HomeTeam NS.

Mr Lee said the "hongbao" will cost the government S$100 million. But he said the gestures will never fully compensate for their personal sacrifices.

The vouchers, with value of between S$50 and S$100 each, can be used for groceries, dining, recreation and at petrol stations, among other things. These will be handed out next year.

Servicemen will receive a letter by post between January and April 2013 informing them of their eligibility for the benefits.

Prime Minister Lee said that the commitment of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Home Team in protecting Singapore has won the country 45 years of peace and stability.

He said fortunately, Singapore has not had to fight a war but added this was not a matter of luck.

He said the SAF, by its very existence and capabilities, has contributed to the stable and peaceful security environment in the region, and helped Singapore maintain friendly relations with its neighbours.

He added the Home Team has protected the country against unconventional threats like extremist terrorism and put would-be perpetrators away before they could do the nation harm.

Mr Lee said looking ahead, he is cautiously optimistic that the region will remain peaceful.

"One key factor is relations between the US and China. We must expect problems, frictions and tensions to arise from time to time between the two countries," he said.

"But both Chinese and American leaders recognise how inter-dependent they have become, and I believe they will strive hard to manage relations and avoid jeopardising their major shared interests."

Mr Lee went on to say: "In Asia, countries are trading, investing, and interacting more and more with one another. But there are also tensions in the region.

"Some ASEAN members have exchanged fire over territorial disputes. Tensions are brewing in the South China Sea and the East China Sea, also because of territorial disputes.

"North Korea remains a potential security flashpoint. In addition, we must always be prepared for emerging and unconventional threats, especially extremist terrorism, which remains a real danger.

"We therefore cannot take our present peace and stability for granted. We must continue to build and maintain a committed, competent and vigilant SAF and Home Team.

"We must upgrade our capabilities steadily year by year, in a sustainable and affordable way. We must help younger generations of Singaporeans who have grown up in a more stable and affluent environment understand these strategic realities, and prepare them for their part in defending Singapore.

"We must also strengthen Total Defence. Every Singaporean must be committed to the defence of Singapore, whether in the military, civil, economic, social or psychological domains."

Prime Minister Lee added that National Service is ultimately about safeguarding Singapore's homes, their loved ones and the country's freedom to determine its own way of life.

And it is a personal duty which generations of NSmen have fulfilled and which every new generation must take up.

So, as Singapore celebrates the first 45 years of National Service, Mr Lee urged Singaporeans to reaffirm their commitment to National Service and a strong SAF and Home Team.

The Defence and Home Affairs ministries say the benefits announced on Monday add to the various measures over the years to recognise servicemen for their vital contributions.

Operationally-ready NSman Captain Indrashah Muhammad Isa described the benefits as a "bonus", adding that "I'm grateful that we have this as part of them recognizing our contributions."

Full-time NSman, Corporal Wong Zeng An, said: "National Service itself, we shouldn't just go running on the logic that there must be carrots or incentives given to us all the time. But rather, we need to see beyond that and understand that National Service is present because of the importance of contributing to the defence and the security of the nation."

To mark 45 years of National Service, a book containing stories and pictures of servicemen over the generations was also launched.

Prime Minister Lee said: "Every Singaporean son is precious. It is our duty to provide our servicemen with all the equipment, training and support they need to fulfil their mission. But newer weapons, better welfare or comfier amenities are only part of the solution. What is most important is our Singapore spirit."

Awards were also given out to 15 people who attained high standards in training and contributed positively to their units as military servicemen.

Singapore could accommodate six million people in future

SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Singapore could accommodate six million people in time to come.

The country's total population stood at 5.26 million as of December last year.

Mr Lee was speaking to Singaporeans at a Mandarin forum hosted by MediaCorp on Singapore's future.

30 Singaporeans took part in the forum. Among them are educators, young parents, seniors and new citizens.

They raised issues ranging from pre-school education to Singapore's low birth rate and population.

The host, veteran presenter Chun Guek Lay, asked what Singapore's ideal population target is if it is to continue its economic progress.

"It's very hard to give a concrete figure, because the situation is evolving. We're gradually increasing our land area, and if we rebuild our older towns, then we can accommodate more people. Today our population is over 5 million. In the future, 6 million or so should not be a problem. Beyond that, we'll have to think more carefully," said Mr Lee.

Participants were polled on whether they think Singaporeans are accepting of foreigners. 77 per cent said 'yes'.

Amongst those who said 'no' was financial consultant Vincent Chua, who said immigrants are in Singapore because there are benefits and they may leave if this changes one day.

"Immigrants are not the only ones who can leave Singapore, because they are not rooted here. Many overseas Singaporeans, they may come home, or they may stay overseas for many years and take up foreign citizenship. We all know this happens. If new immigrants are willing to take root here and be loyal to Singapore, we should treat them graciously," said PM Lee.

Singapore granted some 16,000 citizenships to foreigners in 2011.

You can catch the programme "A Conversation with PM Lee" on Sunday, 23 September at 9pm on Channel 8.

PM Lee's speech lauded as wake-up call for Singaporeans

SINGAPORE - Singaporeans, by and large, hailed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's National Day Rally speech, calling it a timely and compassionate wake-up call on what it means to call the country home.

They praised his bold vision in tackling Singapore's declining birth rate by creating a conducive workplace environment; and highlighted his candour in pointing out the double standards faced by foreigners here.

Lawyer Terence Yeo, 37, is all for the idea of paternity leave - part of a slew of measures which Mr Lee said the Government is considering.

It may help spur him and his wife, Ms Michele Lee, 38, who is head of operations in a human- resource consultancy, to have more kids, he said. The couple have a six-year-old son.

"It would encourage my wife because I would be able to help around more, without work concerns," he added.

In his speech, Mr Lee cited a recent New York Times article as damaging to Singapore's reputation, as it causes others to view the country as xenophobic.

When a foreigner says or does something wrong, the response is vitriolic, but bad Singaporean behaviour often goes uncriticised, and a good deed by a foreigner often goes unnoticed, he said.

National badminton player Fu Mingtian, who is the reigning Singapore Sportswoman of the Year, told my paper it "wasn't easy understanding and speaking English" at first. But she felt she was fortunate to have multiracial teammates to interact with.

"I'm lucky I didn't get teased too much when I spoke English. Many of my teammates even helped me to improve my English," said the 22-year-old, who was born in Hubei, China.

Regional supply-chain manager Anna Chua, 43, who works with foreigners, noted that while differences between Singaporeans and foreigners exist, "it's about how we embrace all those differences and come to a mutual understanding".

Whether a foreigner comes across as different boils down to his individual personality, she said.

In a Facebook post yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam called on Singaporeans to "keep our gracious and open spirit".

The vitriol towards foreigners, especially in online discussions, is quite out of the Singaporean character, he observed.

"Bad behaviour by a small number of foreigners does not justify spiteful comment about foreigners in general, or all foreigners of a particular race. It does no one good," he wrote.

Others commended the Government's pledge to invest in pre-school education.

Ms Adeline Sim, 32, a legal counsel, applauded the move, as it will ensure that children will be adequately prepared for Primary 1. The mother of two young children said: "Kids at that age are like sponges and their ability to learn even surpasses (that of) adults."

Mr Chan Tee Seng, chief executive of NTUC First Campus, which runs childcare centres, said the new statutory board set up to oversee the sector will mean "a single, harmonised regulatory regime" for childcare centres and kindergartens.

Speaking at NTUC's National Day Observance Ceremony yesterday, Mr Lim Swee Say, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and labour chief, stressed the need for better social integration of foreign workers.

Employers must commit to attracting more Singaporeans but, at the same time, Singaporeans should regard foreign workers as friends and not enemies, he said, adding: "It's better for them to compete for Singapore than for them to compete against us."

On concerns of insufficient suitable jobs in the wake of plans to increase university places, Mr Lim said it is important to "turn the manpower of Singapore into a core competitive advantage".

This will attract overseas investment and create more demand for quality employees, he noted.

Singapore to grow 1.5-2.5% this year: PM Lee

SINGAPORE: Singapore's economy grew 1.7% in the first half of this year and is on track for 1.5% to 2.5% growth for 2012, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his National Day Message.

Prime Minister Lee said the country is doing well against the backdrop of an unsettled world.

But, while the country is a success story today, Mr Lee said the next 20 years will be very different.

And what Singapore becomes depends on what Singaporeans make of it.

He called on Singaporeans to work together so that their children can always find hope of a better future, an inclusive society with a heart, and the best home for themselves.

Which is why a younger group of ministers has been tasked to take a fresh look at policies and engage Singaporeans in the process.

The reality is that the world is not standing still. Emerging economies in Asia are advancing rapidly. And with it, come challenges and opportunities.

Hence, the need to review policies broadly, particularly social and education policies, said Mr Lee.

"To still be a shining red dot twenty years from now, we must rethink our approaches, and reinvent ourselves. We must anticipate changes and prepare for what lies ahead," he said.

"Singaporeans will remain at the heart of all that we do, as we update our policies to best serve our people. Core values such as meritocracy, multi-racialism and financial prudence cannot change. But within these broad principles, we should review what needs to change and where we should act more boldly."

Education Minister Heng Swee Keat will lead this charge with a team of younger ministers.

Mr Lee said they will engage Singaporeans in this review and build a broad consensus on the way forward.

And as Singapore tackles future challenges, Mr Lee said citizens need to ask some fundamental questions: What sort of future do they want? What are their aspirations?

One key strategy is to offer hope for a better future for every new generation of Singaporeans. Hence the focus on meritocracy and education, and the building of an inclusive society where the well off take care of the less fortunate.

"We will equip them with skills and knowledge to thrive in an uncertain world. We must work with parents to bring their children to more equal starting points for primary school, through good and affordable childcare and kindergartens," said PM Lee.

"We will open up more pathways in our education system, to fulfil the diverse aspirations of our young. Let us prepare every child for the test of life, not just a life of tests."

On its part, the government has started to enhance the country's social safety nets, said Mr Lee.

"As new needs have emerged over time, we have enhanced our social safety nets. We introduced ComCare to help the needy, and Workfare for low-income workers," he said.

"Low- and middle-income couples now get Additional Housing Grants to buy HDB flats. In schools, Opportunity Funds enable less well-off students to participate fully in enrichment programmes and study trips."

"This year's Budget was a further major step. We introduced new programmes. The Silver Housing Bonus is benefiting our ageing population. Increased subsidies for home-based care are helping more families with elderly parents. These are not one-off gestures, but a carefully designed package which lays the basis for stronger safety nets for the future," said Mr Lee.

The prime minister said the government will build on these initiatives in a sustainable way.

Also important is the sense of belonging and identity especially in an open globalised world.

Mr Lee acknowledged that this will be harder to nurture with the presence of new immigrants and foreign workers.

"We are managing the inflow to minimise the strains on our infrastructure and society. But Singaporeans must remain confident and open, and welcome those who will strengthen our team and help us and our children do better," he said.

"For their part, new immigrants must make the effort to integrate into our community. They must acquire our social values, our cultural values, adopt our social norms and commit their loyalty and love to Singapore."

Even as the country is open to immigrants, Mr Lee pledged that Singaporeans will be the focus of policies. "Even as we keep our society open to immigrants, we will bring up our own next generation," he said.

"Singaporeans do want to grow their own families. Many couples do wish to have children, and we will do more to support their family life and parenthood," said Mr Lee.

"I am happy that we expect more Dragon babies this year, but our fertility trend is still declining. We must go beyond the Chinese zodiac and tackle the underlying causes of our low birth rates.

"If we can create more supportive social attitudes and work environments, and lighten the burdens of parenthood, we will help couples to have more kids," he said.

For the full text and video of the Prime Minister's message, log on to www.channelnewsasia.com/nd2012

PM Lee warns Singaporeans of rising food prices up ahead

SINGAPORE - Singaporeans are concerned by the higher cost of living, stemming from higher housing, certificate of entitlements (COEs), and crude oil prices.

However, we may also see an increase in raw food prices, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at a Cheng San-Seletar division National Day dinner celebrations on Saturday.

"One thing which I would like to alert you to if we look ahead is food prices. So far, it is actually not so much of a problem. But if you look forward over the next year or so, I think we may have to be concerned because in America, they are having a big drought now," he said.

He said the drought, the most severe one in nearly a hundred years, is affecting their crops.

"So when you buy tao huay zhui, I think you have to be prepared maybe it'll cost you five cents more. When you have ice kachang, maybe there will be less jagung (Malay for sweet corn) in the ice kachang," he said, referring to the reports of soya bean and corn supply crunch.

"But I think as long as the Singapore economy is doing well and as long as we have resources, we will deal with this," he added.

PM Lee also urged Singaporeans to tap on possible areas for success that will allow the country to stay ahead of the race in an ever-changing globalised world.

"Take advantage of these new opportunities to keep on moving forward," he urged, noting the importance of working together as one people and having the determination to advance.

'This is Singapore, we are special, let's show the world what Singapore can do," he said.

His message was echoed by Member of Parliament for the Cheng San-Seletar division within the Ang Mo Kio GRC Ang Hin Kee, who reminded residents to work with one another for the progress of Singapore.

"Everyone has a stake in this country of ours, so even as we pursue to build a better future for one and all, let's do it the Singapore way - which is the friendly way," he said.

Close to a thousand residents who attended the dinner had the opportunity to meet PM Lee face to face as he went round the community club toasting and mingling with them.

Residents also sang the national anthem and recited the pledge to commemorate Singapore's 47th birthday, which falls on August 9.

PM Lee addresses concerns on cost of living at May Day Rally

SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong spoke on some of the concerns of workers and how the government intends to work with them to tackle these issues.

Addressing more than 1,500 unionists, workers and employers at the May Day Rally, Mr Lee said he had lunch with union leaders last week to find out what concerned them.

One of the issues is the cost of living particularly healthcare costs.

Unions are also worried that CPF savings may not be enough especially with inflation.

Mr Lee assured those who attended the rally that the government will continue to monitor inflation very closely to see if more needs to be done.

Another area of concern is of low wage workers whose wages are not keeping up with the rest.

Mr Lee said the feeling among unionists is that those earning low-wages are stuck no matter how hard they try to upgrade.

Another concern is the ageing workforce.

PM Lee said these are all real issues that the tripartite partners must address together.

He said on its part the government will implement several strategies.

The first is to keep Singapore open, embrace the world, welcome new ideas and explore new opportunities.

Mr Lee said that's how Singapore has become successful and has competed against bigger countries and held its own and more.

The government has also improved the lives of the people and secured a bright future here for their children.

'Wage shock therapy' will not work: PM Lee

In the latest reaction to a proposal voiced by former Chairman of National Wages Council Professor Lim Chong Yah, the Prime Minister said today that the idea will not work.

Refuting Prof Lim's idea on drastically pushing up the wages of low-wage workers by up to 50 per cent in the next three years, Mr Lee said that although he appreciates "his good intentions", he does not agree with this drastic approach.

"The only realistic way to move is a step-by-step with wages and productivity going up in tandem together as fast as we can but as fast as is possible.

"In the early 1980s, we did have one period when we zoomed up and pushed wages up rapidly. But even then, we ran into problems. Wages shot up but productivity didn't improve and we lost competitiveness.

"So in 1985, when the winds changed and when conditions turned difficult, we plunged into a very deep recession. It was scary," said Mr Lee, who was speaking to nearly 1,500 unionists, employers and government leaders gathered at the annual May Day Rally.

Mr Lee acknowledged that small-and-medium enterprises may end up passing the cost to consumers should they increase the wages of low-wage workers, which make up a bulk of their workforce.

He also said low-wage workers will be greatly affected if wages go up sharply and are not matched by improvements in productivity.

"(It is) better to aim for what is sustainable and don't take a big risk with short term jumps in wages. I promise you we will always do our best to uplift low wage workers and we have many programmes doing that."

The plight of low-wage workers have been on the minds of unionists who recently also voiced concerns over issues such as the cost of living and healthcare.

In order to upgrade low-wage workers, Mr Lee promised the labour movement that the government will help workers in this category by implementing the Inclusive Growth Programme.

This programme has now been increased to $100 million and aims to upgrade 100,000 low-wage workers in Singapore.

Speaking at the May Day Rally on Tuesday, Mr Lee said over a lifetime low-income households will get more than $500,000 in government subsidies.

On the topic of foreign workers, Mr Lee noted the different point of views of employers and workers.

Employers are not able to find enough Singaporean workers, especially those who will stay on the job, and therefore turn to foreigners, who add to competition, reduces wages and takes away jobs.

He said both arguments are valid but the inflow of foreigner workers has to slow down significantly in the coming years, as Singapore cannot keep bringing in 80,000 foreign workers a year.

There is no "magic number" when it comes to how many foreign workers are needed in Singapore and it depends on economic opportunities, explained Mr Lee.

"In a good year, you want to allow a few more to come in. In a slow year, we can tighten and let some of them go off but it also depends on our own needs."

Mr Lee emphasised that while Singapore must always be open to the world, Singaporeans will be the government's priority.

"This is the purpose of all our policies, including on foreign workers and talent. We are trying to seek the maximum advantage for Singapore and Singaporeans."

S'poreans will always be top priority: PM Lee

There is no "magic number" to suitably represent the number of foreign workers needed in Singapore to help the economy prosper, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his May Day Rally speech yesterday.

Addressing about 1,600 unionists, workers and employers at Downtown East, he said this in response to a recent question from a unionist, adding that the number would depend on several factors.

Pursuing economic opportunities and the country's needs across different sectors - such as construction and health care - would bring about a need for more workers, he said.

"In a good year, we want to allow a few more to come in, (while) in a slow year, we can tighten and let some of them go off," he explained.

For instance, the construction of more Housing Board flats, the building of infrastructure such as MRT lines, and the manpower needs of hospitals and nursing homes will also raise foreign-labour demand.

Mr Lee said: "If you want to have more hospitals and nursing homes, then I think it's unavoidable as you will need some extra nurses, allied professionals and even extra doctors from wherever you can find and who can serve us well."

Even as he laid out the circumstances behind the need for foreign labour here, Mr Lee said it would be essential to significantly reduce the number of foreigners who come here in search of jobs.

"We can't just keep on bringing in 80,000 more foreign workers a year. There's just not (enough) space and it's not sustainable to keep on going up and up," he explained.

Against a backdrop of economic instability in developed countries such as the United States and Spain, Mr Lee identified three strategies that would stand Singapore in good stead to tackle any problems.

These are: to keep Singapore open; to grow the economy on a sustainable basis; and to translate growth into higher wages and better lives.

Singapore must remain open and "embrace the world" to attract a wide range of foreign professionals and skilled workers.

"The reality is we need a mix, companies need a mix and we must strike the right balance," he said.

Mr Lee reiterated that "Singaporeans will always be our priority", and that this is the purpose of all government policies.

"We are trying to seek the maximum advantage for Singapore and Singaporeans," he said.

Wages can be raised through productivity: PM Lee

Higher wages can push up business costs, affecting competitiveness and may cause higher inflation, warned Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

In order to sustain better wages and higher living standards, productivity among workers must be raised.

Mr Lee said that raising productivity is "more important than ever in our mature economy, because it is the only way to upgrade ourselves and our lives."

In his May Day message, the prime minister also urged every worker, whether rank-and-file or Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians (PMETs), to continue to upgrade and master new skills.

"Raising our productivity will benefit workers, firms, and our economy as a whole. Workers can earn more in higher-quality jobs.

"Firms can prosper and expand their businesses here. Our economy can continue to thrive despite more intense global competition," said Mr Lee.

Looking ahead, Mr Lee said that Singaporeans must prepare for a more challenging economic environment, as globalisation has shortened economic cycles, and ups and downs happen much faster, with less warning.

The prime minister's message is the latest to come from employers and politicians over a highly debated suggestion on raising wages substantially.

PM donates further $350,000 from salary to three new awards

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said today that he would be donating $350,000 to establish three new awards to promote community bonding, encourage Singaporeans to pursue careers in social service, and recognise young arts talent.

This is on top of the donations he has made in the past five years since 2007, following the announcement in ministerial salary adjustments.

He had then announced that he would donate to charity the increase in his salary for a period of five years.

The beneficiaries have included an education endowment fund for students who have persevered and done well, academically and non-academically, community hospitals and nursing homes, voluntary welfare organisations, and sports and cultural bodies.

Of the $350,000, $200,000 will be used to establish a Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) under the People’s Association (PA).

This will sponsor community projects initiated by the PA grassroots organisations to strengthen bonds among residents.

He said: "I hope the CIF will spur more Singaporeans to come forward to help other Singaporeans, in big ways or small, so as a build a more inclusive and united community."

The PA said the CIF will provide funding for ground-up projects that support it's mission of widening outreach and deepening engagement with residents across all backgrounds to build greater social capital.

A panel of grassroots leaders will be formed to consider and award funding to promising and worthwhile community projects put up by respective constituencies.

Another $100,000 will go towards a new Prime Minister's Social Service Award.

This is to encourage more Singaporeans to choose careers in social service. The award will complement the current scholarships awarded by the National Council of Social Service, signalling the importance of social service professionals in Singapore.

The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports said that two awards, each worth $10,000, will be given each year to top scholars who have been selected to receive the Social Service Scholarship for a start.

They will go towards defraying the expenses incurred for research and project work that scholars undertake during the course of study, so that recipients can come up with more extensive and robust pieces of research and project work.

This, in turn, would boost the capability of these scholars, putting them in a good position to contribute to the sector when they ultimately join the workforce.

MCYS said recipients should display exemplary passion and drive to tackle social problems and improve the lives of the disadvantaged besides having outstanding academic achievements.

Interested parties can visit http://www.ncss.gov.sg/VWOcorner/scholarship.asp for more details.

Applications open in February every year.

Finally, a further $50,000 will be used to establish a Prime Minister's Valedictorian Award for the top student in each graduating cohort from the School of The Arts (SOTA).

The award will be given to the most outstanding student in each graduating cohort who has achieved all-round excellence in their 6 years at SOTA.

To be handed out from 2013, each awardee will receive a $1,500 cash award, a certificate and a plaque.

SOTA said awardees should demonstrate excellent academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities and contributions to community service.

PM Lee said: "We like to think of ourselves as maturing society. To be such a society, we must strike a good balance between our material and non-material goals. Our citizens must be ready to step forward to help others and serve the community, whether through voluntarism, philanthropy or social enterprises."

Subsidised medical transport on MediWheels for needy

SINGAPORE: A new programme has been launched to offer needy residents in the Ang Mo Kio-Hougang constituency more options to move around.

Called MediWheels, the programme aims to provide a highly-subsidised and affordable community medical transport service to frail, needy elderly and residents with special needs.

They will pay S$5 to S$30 for a two-way trip.

MediWheels also includes a mobility scooter rental scheme to enhance community interaction for needy residents with mobility limitations, and a medical concierge service where volunteers will befriend and also accompany elderly on their medical appointments.

The programme is funded by Central Singapore CDC and sponsors.

It will undergo a six-month trial in Ang Mo Kio-Hougang constituency before rolling out to Ang Mo Kio GRC and Sengkang West SMC .

MediWheels was launched on Sunday by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong , who is also the Adviser to Ang Mo Kio GROs, Sam Tan, Mayor of Central Singapore District and Yeo Guat Kwang, Adviser to Ang Mo Kio-Hougang GROs at the AAC Intergeneration Carnival.

"Many residents with elderly parents tell me that they find it difficult to transport their wheelchair-bound elderly parents for their medical check-ups. Apart from the financial cost of taking a taxi, they also have to take leave from work. This prompted me to think about how we can help - not just in providing transport and medical escort services - but also in ensuring the safety and well-being of the elderly," said Mr Yeo, in explaining the conception of the MediWheels programme.

Going forward, to provide additional social support and care, grassroots leaders and volunteers from Ang Mo Kio-Hougang constituency will help accompany seniors for their medical appointments and relay doctor's instructions to family members under a medical concierge service.

This way, family members need not apply for leave and can rest assured their elderly parents or loved ones are well taken care of.

Needy residents will also benefit from the MediWheels mobility scooter rental scheme.

For just S$10 a month, needy residents with mobility limitations can rent motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters to go out of their house and move around in the neighbourhood.

"This enhances their interaction with the community, and increases their independence and confidence", said Mr Yeo.

Each scooter costs between S$1,500 to S$3,000.

One such beneficiary of MediWheels is 56-year-old Tan Kim Seng, an amputee.

After his leg was amputated, he fell into depression as he could no longer move around freely and felt trapped in the house.

With the mobility scooter component of MediWheels, he can now rent a mobility scooter and look forward to zipping around in the neighbourhood, catching up with his friends and regaining his independence.

The Central Singapore CDC is funding the MediWheels programme for S$100,000.

PM: 20% wage rise in 10 years within reach

A WAGE increase of 20 per cent is possible in the next 10 years, even in unfortunate circumstances, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in a dialogue recently.

"That is a very ambitious target for us to do because we are already at a very high level of development," he added.

His comments were made last Thursday in a pre-Budget dialogue with labour and union leaders, and will be published in tomorrow's edition of NTUC This Week, a publication by the National Trades Union Congress.


In 2010, the Government began efforts to raise real median wages by 30 per cent by 2020, to improve the living standard of the average Singaporean.

To achieve this, productivity growth has to rise from 1 per cent a year to between 2 and 3 per cent. Mr Lee noted last Thursday that, over the last 10 years, Singapore's productivity improved by 20 per cent and wages rose by 11 per cent.

But he said Singapore actually did better than that, as much of the improvements were made in the last five years, following a difficult period during the Sars crisis.

He said Singapore has to improve its productivity in the next 10 years by over 20 per cent.

If Singapore was "lucky" enough to achieve a 30 per cent productivity increase, real wages for the median worker may be pushed up by about 30 per cent as well, he said.

"But if we are not lucky, we can get the wages up 20 per cent over the next 10 years, and that is something which is possible."

The dialogue session was organised by the Ong Teng Cheong Labour Leadership Institute and held at the NTUC Auditorium. It was attended by about 450 people, including union leaders and Manpower Ministry representatives.

Mr Lee added that Singapore has to rely less on foreign workers. In the last five years, about 150,000 foreign workers came into Singapore annually, he said.

If this continues every 10 years, there would be one million more people here, he said. With a population of about five million now, the population could grow to six million 10 years later and seven million 20 years from today, he said.

"I think we can squeeze a bit closer together but there is a limit to how much you can squeeze," said Mr Lee.

This means Singapore has to manage its inflow of foreign workers and be less dependent on them, and the country has to work harder to upgrade its productivity, skills and capabilities.

"That's what we must do if we are to grow over the next 10 years and beyond," said Mr Lee. "It's the only way we can grow in Singapore and improve the lives of our people."

S'pore's economy to grow 1-3% in 2012

SINGAPORE - Singapore's economy is expected to grow by one to three per cent in 2012, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his New Year message yesterday.

Mr Lee explained that as a small, open country, Singapore will inevitably be affected by the debt problems in Europe as the external environment is uncertain and 2012 looks to be a difficult year for the global economy.

In 2011, Singapore achieved a 4.8 per cent economic growth.

The prime minister also highlighted that the tightening inflow of foreign workers will also slow economic growth.


"Admitting fewer foreign workers also means forgoing business opportunities and accepting slower growth," said Mr Lee. Adding that, Singaporeans must raise productivity, "to make up in quality what we will miss in quantity".

However, Mr Lee said: "Overall, we have every reason to be confident and optimistic."

"Amidst this flux, we need to be confident of our position, and clear about our priorities and plans to build a better Singapore," he emphasised.

The government is working hard to tackle the immediate challenges and the long-term issues to improve Singaporeans' lives.

Among pressing issues, the government is committed to keeping homes affordable to all Singaporeans. In 2012, PM said that there will be another 25,000 new launches of BTO flats.

The government will also redouble efforts to improve the public transport system and expand the train and bus network. He said that more MRT lines are on the way and bus services will be enhanced to improve the daily commuting experience.

In the long run, the prime minister pledged to keep healthcare affordable and accessible, enhance the education system and uphold inclusive growth and social mobility.

Mr Lee noted that population is a "particularly complex and critical challenge," which will be discussed over the year, so that Singaporeans can better understand what is at stake and what choices we must make as a nation.

"I am confident that in a changing world, we will continue to bond as one people and walk shoulder to shoulder into a brighter tomorrow," said Mr Lee, as he wished Singaporeans a happy new year.

S'pore pledges S$50m to narrow ASEAN gap

BALI, Indonesia: Singapore announced an extension of its contributions to the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) for another four years from 2012 to 2015, totalling S$50 million.

Revealing this during the plenary session of the ASEAN Summit in Bali, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said this will be the country's fourth pledge to the IAI.

The IAI aims to help member states such as Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam narrow the development gap to achieve the vision of an ASEAN Community by 2015.

Giving an overview, Mr Lee noted the global economy remained vulnerable with problems in the European Union and the US economy still weak with low growth and low unemployment.

He said ASEAN must cooperate to weather the storm.

He said this can be done in three ways - achieving the vision of an ASEAN Community by 2015, enhancing ASEAN connectivity and strengthening links with the rest of the world.

Mr Lee stressed that ASEAN is at a critical juncture in its community-building efforts, with slightly over three years left to achieve the 2015 vision.

He said ASEAN's credibility and success are at stake and he called on the group to focus on achieving existing targets.

ASEAN Chair and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who opened the summit, spoke of the need for solidarity among ASEAN countries to settle problems using peaceful negotiations.

Mr Lee also said connectivity is key to the group's integration and community-building efforts as it is important for ASEAN to draw the region closer, narrow development gaps and explore opportunities to involve the private sector in its programmes.

As ASEAN expands external links, Mr Lee said there is a need for ASEAN to "entrench its centrality in the regional architecture".

One way is to move towards the concept of an ASEAN++ Free Trade Agreement (FTA) framework.

Mr Lee said he believes this will synergise the benefits from the web of ASEAN+1 FTAs it has with partners.

He urged economic officials to quickly finalise the template for an ASEAN++ FTA.

Mr Lee also said he is confident that Cambodia as the next Chair of ASEAN will sustain the momentum of strengthening and integrating the grouping.

Meanwhile, Mr Lee said Singapore is ready to play its part and work with Myanmar to ensure successful outcomes if Myanmar becomes ASEAN Chair in 2014.

Mr Lee confirmed Singapore's support for Myanmar's bid to the ASEAN Chair in 2014.

He said he believes with the support of member countries, Myanmar will be able to make further progress in its domestic politics, and assume leadership of the bloc.

Mr Lee added that having guidelines to implement a code of conduct over South China Sea disputes is an important step forward. It also showed that ASEAN can work constructively with external partners on sensitive issues.

Mr Lee said Singapore's fundamental interest in the South China Sea disputes is to ensure freedom of navigation and a peaceful resolution in accordance with international laws.

Mr Lee stressed Singapore takes no sides in the territorial disputes.