At her President’s Address on 24 August 2020, President Halimah Yacob spoke about how Singapore needs to work together to confront major changes in the world, and that we had to tackle them together as a nation.

On 25 August 2020, the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social and Family Development laid out their priorities in the new term. Here’s a look at how the Government plans to support Singaporeans through COVID-19, and build a more inclusive, fair and cohesive society.  

i. Sustaining our public health fight against COVID-19 to keep the public safe

Ministry of Health (MOH):

• Ensuring adequate healthcare resources for any sudden surge in cases
• Using data and technology to respond quickly and contain outbreaks
• Deepening international cooperation on the development of treatment/vaccines
• Working with businesses, workers, civil society and individuals to find safe ways to operate

ii. Sustaining support for Singaporeans affected by COVID-19

Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF):

• Providing financial and social support to lower-income and vulnerable Singaporeans through ComCare, the Temporary Relief Fund, the COVID-19 Support Grant and The Courage Fund
• Expanding networks and programmes like the SG Cares Community Networks; deepening links with social service agencies, community partners and volunteers

Ministry of Education (MOE):

• Opening up heavily subsidised training pathways, along with financial support during training, for the unemployed to return to meaningful employment

iii. Providing opportunities for every Singaporean to achieve their full potential

Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)

• Working with Anchor and Partner Operators to ensure that 80% of preschoolers have places in quality and affordable government-supported preschools by 2025, and to further lower fee caps
• Strengthening support for more children from low-income families with the expansion of KidSTART

Ministry of Education (MOE)

• Implementing reforms to cater to the diverse strengths and aptitudes of students, including wider scoring bands for PSLE from 2021, full subject-based banding in secondary schools by 2024 and more opportunities for ITE graduates
• Blended learning to be an integral feature of the curriculum from 2021
• Accelerating the roll-out of personal digitral learning devices to all secondary students by end-2021
• Strengthening the team of teachers, allied educators, and education and career guidance counsellors in schools

iv. Building a caring, inclusive and resilient society

Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF):

• Strengthening support for persons with disabilities by working with SG Enable and other partners
• Providing better support for children with moderate to severe developmental needs within preschools
• Working with the community and partners to encourage and sustain the spirit of philanthropy and volunteerism to support social causes

Ministry of Education (MOE):

• Deepening support for students with special needs by strengthening educators’ professional competencies in both mainstream and Special Education (SPED) schools; opening new SPED schools and upgrading current ones
• Refreshing Character and Citizenship Education curriculum in schools, to inculcate social responsibility and resilience, and strengthen mental well-being and cyber wellness

Ministry of Health (MOH):

• Keeping the population healthy (especially vulnerable groups) by enhancing subsidies for vaccinations, reviewing the Action Plan for Successful Ageing, supporting targeted programmes, eg. Integrated Youth Service
• Keeping healthcare affordable and sustainable for Singaporeans as our population ages (eg. through ElderFund, CareShield Life, MediSave Care)
• Reviewing MediShield Life’s benefits and premiums to ensure the scheme continues to provide adequate protection and remains sustainable