Committee of Supply – Head I (Ministry of Social and Family Development)

The Chairman: Head I, Ministry of Social and Family Development. Mr Melvin Yong.

6.39 pm

Strengthening Our Social Compact

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye (Radin Mas): Mr Chairman, I beg to move, "That the total sum to be allocated for Head I of the Estimates be reduced by $100".

Sir, Singapore’s social compact is multifaceted. Economic stability, social welfare, educational opportunities, social mobility, community engagement and expectations around healthcare and housing all come together to form the social compact that binds us together as one united nation. Over the past 60 years, our strong social compact has been instrumental in fostering a sense of national identity, unity and collective responsibility among Singaporeans.

As Singapore commemorates 60 years of Independence, we must continue to ensure that our economic policies benefit all segments of society. This includes investing in skills training, supporting local small and medium enterprises, and creating jobs that cater to different skill levels. But there remain barriers to upward mobility for low-income families, with entrenched inequalities affecting education and job opportunities. How can we better support low-income families in education, skills training and job placement to break the cycles of poverty? It is crucial that we continue to provide equitable access to opportunities, to reduce income inequality and ensure opportunities for all segments of Singaporeans.

We must continue to review and to update our social support schemes for our vulnerable populations. Some segments may still fall through the gaps, such as gig workers or freelancers who may not qualify for the traditional safety nets. With an ageing population, there are also concerns about the sustainability of our existing social support schemes and the adequacy of retirement savings.

Social service agencies, such as the Family Service Centres, play a critical role in supporting vulnerable families in Singapore. I am concerned about attracting quality professionals into the social service sector. The National Council of Social Service (NCSS) regularly releases salary guidelines for job roles in the social service sector. I would like to ask the Ministry, what is the percentage of social service agencies that comply with the recommended starting salary and reference point salaries released by the NCSS?

How can we better support the financial sustainability of our social service ecosystem, so that they are not overly dependent on Government grants? How can we encourage more Singaporeans to donate regularly to our social service agencies and also encourage more volunteerism?

Beyond uplifting the social service sector, I would like to encourage the Ministry to place greater emphasis on supporting families with complex issues, as part of our refreshed Forward Singapore social compact. What is the Ministry’s plan to enhance the ways in which the social service sector delivers its services and programmes so that vulnerable families, in particular families with multiple and complex needs, can be better supported?

We should also do more to encourage active citizenship and promote volunteerism to instill a sense of responsibility towards the collective well-being. In addition to the $600 million that will be set aside by the Government and the Tote Board to match donations made to charities and social causes in an effort to encourage philanthropy, how can we do more to encourage philanthropy in all forms, beyond just monetary donations? What is the Ministry’s plan to further encourage individual Singaporeans and the community to step up their efforts in contributing to society?

Sir, barely two years ago, Singapore emerged stronger together from the COVID-19 pandemic – the crisis of our generation. We have barely turned the page on the pandemic and we are now suddenly faced with a confluence of geopolitical, economic and technological forces, which threatens to create a very uncertain future.

As Singapore commemorates 60 years of Independence, it is crucial that we continue to build a more resilient and supportive society, a future where the social compact is continually reinforced and one in which no Singaporean will be left behind as Singapore progresses.

Question proposed.

6.45 pm

Quality of Preschools

Mr Chairman, Singapore's preschool education is generally regarded as high quality, due to substantial Government investment and a strong regulatory framework.

Research has shown that children receiving quality early childhood education tend to have better cognitive and socio-economic outcomes. We must therefore strive to continually enhance the quality of early childhood education in Singapore, both in terms of curriculum standards and teacher standards.

On curriculum standards, the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) has the Early Years Development Framework, which guides early childhood educators working with children from birth to three years old. This is complemented by the Nurturing Early Learners Framework, which guides the teaching and learning in preschools for children aged four to six. Both frameworks have also been recently revised, in 2023 and 2022 respectively.

Can the Ministry share the adoption rate of both frameworks among preschools in Singapore? What are the reasons provided by those preschools that have declined to adopt these frameworks? Can we establish a quality assurance framework that regularly assesses all preschools in Singapore and publish these standards? Doing so will encourage all preschools in Singapore to raise their standards.

On teacher standards, Singapore has invested heavily to enhance the quality of our preschool teachers through structured training and regulatory frameworks for early childhood educators. However, the sector still faces challenges in becoming an industry of choice. There remains a shortage of qualified educators willing to enter the field and retention is a persistent issue, with many educators leaving within the first few years of service. Can ECDA conduct a local study to understand the push factors behind why these teachers leave the industry? Are there any plans to further increase our investments in the professional development of our early childhood educators?

Sir, my hope is that Every Preschool is a Good Preschool so that all our children can receive a quality start to their educational journeys, enabling them to thrive in future learning environments.

The Chairman: Ms Yeo Wan Ling, you can take your two cuts together.

Supporting Families with Young Children

Ms Yeo Wan Ling (Pasir Ris-Punggol): Preschool education in Singapore is recognised as a crucial stage in a child's development, preparing them for formal schooling and lifelong learning. The Government has been actively working to enhance the preschool sector through ECDA, which oversees the quality and accessibility of preschool services. Initiatives like the Anchor Operator Scheme and Partner Operator Scheme have been introduced to increase the number of quality preschool places and make them more affordable.

Despite these efforts, the challenge remains to balance affordability with maintaining high standards of care and education across all preschools to support child development and assist working parents. How will the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) further improve the affordability and quality of preschool for all families in Singapore?

Partnerships – Singapore Made for Families

In Singapore, the Government recognises the fundamental role of families and aims to create a supportive environment for them. This involves implementing policies and initiatives that encourage strong family bonds, such as work-life harmony, flexible work arrangements requests and inclusivity within the community. MSF has come a long way in enhancing family services, promoting family-friendly workplaces and ensuring that all members of society, including the less privileged and those with special needs, feel included and supported.

These efforts are part of a broader strategy to maintain a cohesive and resilient society. How will the MSF further build and foster a family-friendly and inclusive Singapore? Will the MSF be further engaging with whole-of-society stakeholders, such as employers and the trade unions to provide more marriage and parenting resources for families?

Compensating Family Caregivers

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song (Aljunied): Sir, family caregivers provide unpaid care, often at great personal costs. Many sacrifice their careers, drain their savings and push through exhaustion, and sometimes even abuse, to care for their loved ones, often at the expense of their own well-being. Without them, the healthcare burden on the state will be far greater.

The total value of informal care for seniors aged 75 and above is estimated at $1.28 billion annually, equivalent to 11% of Government healthcare expenditure, according to a study by researchers from Duke-NUS Medical School. I appreciate that the Home Caregiving Grant is being increased to up to $600 per month. However, the current system still assumes that caregiving is a private responsibility, with the Government only coming in to provide relief.

We need a fundamental shift in recognising family caregiving as essential work that deserves proper compensation, not just relief. Caregiving should be a shared responsibility between individuals, family and society, with its costs partially socialised, rather than falling mainly on caregivers.

To put this into action, I propose a tiered caregiver payment for those who reduce their work hours or leave employment to care for a family member, provided they meet the minimum caregiving threshold. They should also receive Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions to safeguard their long-term financial security.

Caregiving should be recognised as skilled work. A national certification framework should be introduced to provide formal training and better employment opportunities for caregivers, especially after they return to the workforce. Caregivers are the backbone of our long-term care system.

If we truly value their contributions, we must compensate them fairly. This is not just about doing more, but doing things differently to prepare Singapore for an ageing society.

Equalise Baby Bonus for Single Unweds

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang (Nee Soon): In my Adjournment Motion six years ago, I shared the story of Emma, a single unwed parent who came to see me at my Meet-the-People Sessions, together with her two-month-old daughter. They were both living in a shelter. As I shared previously, when I asked why Emma did not shed a tear, she told me that she no longer had any tears left. She was not asking for sympathy. She was simply looking for a roof over her head and her baby's head. I am glad that single unwed parents can finally rent and buy a flat from HDB.

Emma finally got her rental flat, and I am glad to share she finally purchased her very own Build-To-Order (BTO), but the playing field is still not level. I am not asking for single unweds to be given more, but for it to be fair. I am asking for them to be given the cash component of the Baby Bonus, the Parenthood Tax Rebate and the Working Mother's Child Relief. The cash is a lifeline for them, and all these will help reduce the stigma and discrimination that single unwed parents face.

The Chairman: Assoc Prof Razwana Begum. You have two cuts, take them together.

Singapore Made for Families

Assoc Prof Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim (Nominated Member): Thank you, Sir. Building a family-friendly Singapore requires a multifaceted approach that places a strong emphasis on education, inclusivity and support for diverse family structures.

Recognising that families comes in many forms, it is essential to create an environment where every family feels valued and supported. In this context, how is the Ministry addressing the evolving definition of families to ensure policies and programmes are inclusive of diverse family structure in Singapore?

How does the Ministry plan to engage with parents, educators and community leaders to reinforce the value of family bonds and relationships among children and teenagers?

What resources and support systems are available for children from non-traditional family backgrounds, to ensure they feel included and valued within the broader community?

And what measures are being taken to support fathers in playing their role effectively within the family and how is the Ministry encouraging paternal involvement in child-rearing and family activities?

Vulnerable Clients and Family Services

Effective support for vulnerable and disadvantaged families and individuals living with multiple and complex needs requires a targeted, coordinated, holistic and multi-agency and personalised response.

At the same time, it is also important to address the root causes of vulnerability and disadvantage, such as poverty, mental health issues, underemployment, violence and access to housing and education.

In this context, what are the Ministry's plans for improving the delivery of services and programmes in the social service sector, to better support vulnerable and disadvantaged families and individuals living with multiple and complex needs? What initiatives are in place to assist women who have experienced violence, including those with children, access safe accommodation and other resources, and to return to the workforce?

What initiatives are in place to provide culturally appropriate and sensitive support and assistance, to vulnerable and disadvantaged families and individuals living with multiple and complex needs? How is the Ministry working to improve the short-, medium- and long-term outcomes for children in care and those with child protection system, and what strategies are in place to ensure that these children have access to timely, stable, long-term and fully supported out of home placements.

The Chairman: Mr Louis Ng, you can take your two cuts together.

Support Social Workers

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang: In my Budget speech three years ago, I shared about how social workers were overworked and many were burnt out. I said: "Being a social worker is not easy. It is like riding a bike, except the bike is on fire. You're on fire. Everything is on fire."

Three years on, and social workers continue to share with me about their crazy workloads and how not much has changed. I tried to have lunch with a social worker and for the entire hour, he was outside the restaurant trying to help a client's family over the phone. In the end, he packed his lunch, and I doubt he had time to eat it later on.

The reality is that social workers are passionate about helping others, but they, too, need help. They need MSF to help them do a deep review of the funding model of the family service centres, provide more funding for headcount and introduce a cap on the number of cases a social worker can handle.

Increase Child Protective Services Manpower

Over the past 10 years in Nee Soon East, I have seen so many children's lives get destroyed. For me, that has been the most painful part of being a Member of Parliament – to see children get neglected, abused, raped; children whom I have seen grow up over the years.

In these cases, the Child Protective Services step in and I am grateful for the work of our Child Protection officers (CPOs).

Our CPOs handle about 40 cases at any point in time. As Senior Parliamentary Secretary Eric Chua shared: "I also think that 40 is a little bit too high. We are trying to bring the number for the caseload down." CPOs are superheroes but they have a limit, and I know many are way past that limit.

I hope MSF will help our CPOs and ensure that there is a cap on the number of cases each CPO can handle. I hope MSF can also share their plans on how they will increase the manpower and resources at the Child Protective Services.

ComCare and Health of Lower-income Group

Ms Ng Ling Ling (Ang Mo Kio): Sir, cost of living pressures have been a concern for Singaporeans for the past year. With Budget 2025, I hope that the measures will bring needed relief to most Singaporeans.

I have been more concerned about the impact of higher cost on our lower-income Singaporeans in the past year. During my visits to residents living in rental blocks in Jalan Kayu, who are receiving MSF ComCare assistance, I sometimes see them having mostly instant noodles and highly processed, preserved canned food.

They tell me that they are trying to stretch the ComCare dollar. While I try my best with donors to augment the Government's ComCare with local welfare projects at the Jalan Kayu Heartstrings, which provides groceries and food items that are as healthy as possible, such ground-up support is subject to donation and in-kind sponsorship that we can garner each time.

Can I ask MSF if: one, will MSF consider adding a layer of ComCare in-kind assistance to provide a monthly supply of healthy food items curated with MOH's Health Promotion Board (HPB)? HPB has been active in their "My Healthy Plate" outreach, with a collection of easy-to-cook healthy recipes for residents of all races. Can MSF and MOH collaborate to enable healthier food for our lower-income Singaporeans on ComCare?

Two, does MSF track, with MOH, the chronic diseases prevalence and severity of this group? Again, can MSF and MOH collaborate on upstream preventive measures to avoid this group of vulnerable Singaporeans from developing serious chronic diseases that will not only plague their already difficult lives to further downward spiral, but also cause heavy downstream burdens to our healthcare system.

ComLink+

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye: Mr Chairman, the ComLink+ scheme, introduced in 2023, pairs vulnerable families with dedicated family coaches and volunteer befrienders who will journey with the families in achieving stability, self-reliance and social mobility. Can MSF provide an update on the progress and effectiveness of the ComLink+ scheme?

While ComLink+ provides financial assistance, there remains a lack of comprehensive services covering mental health, career counselling and social integration. Are there plans by MSF to introduce partnerships with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the private sector to provide skill development workshops, mental health resources and counselling services tailored to the needs of the ComLink+ families?

Sir, short-term assistance may not lead to long-term financial stability, and families may struggle with financial management. Can MSF work with relevant service providers to develop tailored financial literacy programmes to help the families make informed decisions about budgeting, saving and investing?

I also invite MSF to collaborate with the National Trades Union Congress' (NTUC's) Employment and Employability Institute to implement programmes that include pathways to employment, skills enhancement and career advancement to provide these families with a sustainable means of income over time.

According to the Supporting Lower-Income Households trends report released by MSF in November 2024, only 26% of families on the ComLink+ scheme send their children to preschool regularly. What is MSF's plan to improve the preschool participation rate for these families?

7.00 pm

For children in primary and secondary schools, can MSF collaborate with the schools to provide academic support such as tutoring, mentorship programmes and enrichment classes to ensure that children from ComLink+ families have equal opportunities for success?

Some families may also lack access to technology resources that can facilitate learning and application processes. I would like to ask if ComLink+ families, in particular, the children, are provided access to digital literacy training and resources as well as subsidised devices and Internet access?

ComLink+ is a whole-of-society effort led by the Government but implemented in partnership with the community. I hope that we can continue to expand the ComLink+ ecosystem to better support lower-income families in their efforts towards building a better future for themselves.

Mr Xie Yao Quan (Jurong): Chairman, for any advanced economy, keeping social mobility alive is a key challenge. Fighting what we call sticky floors and sticky ceilings, and breaking not just the chain of transmission of disadvantages for those at the bottom, but also the transmission of advantages for those at the top, from generation to generation, is tough and is an uphill battle.

I am glad that in Singapore, we have a government that is determined to keep social mobility alive and keep social mobility an integral part of the Singapore Story going forward.

We will need to mitigate unequal opportunities at birth, indeed, before birth, and through life. It will take dealing with the hand that folks are dealt by life. It is complex work.

This is why ComLink+ is so important – focusing on families in rental housing, getting them to send their children to preschool, stay in good jobs and build savings, and rewarding them with financial support for such positive behaviours, ultimately, helping to equalise opportunities for their children, and getting coaches and volunteers to journey with them. It is important work.

If ComCare is assistance to meet today's needs, ComLink+ is empowerment to build tomorrow. If ComCare is a safety net provided by the state, ComLink+ is a new trampoline, formed not just by the state but by all of us. It involves all of us.

To keep social mobility alive, we need ComLink+ to work. On that note, can the Ministry provide an update on the progress and achievements of ComLink+, including the rollout of ComLink+ Progress packages?

Update of ComLink+ Progress

Mr Gan Thiam Poh (Ang Mo Kio): Chairman, the ComLink+ Progress packages aim to support the efforts of eligible lower-income families with young children to help them achieve stability, self-reliance and social mobility. The packages focus on the four areas of preschool education, stable employment, improving financial stability through debt clearance and saving for home ownership.

The package on preschool education was launched in August last year. Would the Ministry share an update on the response to date?

MSF announced that it was working towards launching the other three packages for employment, financial stability and saving for home ownership from this year, 2025. Can the Ministry provide more details and the timelines for each package?

Overall, how many families have actually benefited from the ComLink+ Progress packages? What is the average number of families that a family coach handles? Has the Ministry been able to recruit its target number of family coaches so far?

Empowering Families to Achieve Stability

Mr Mohd Fahmi Aliman (Marine Parade): Chairman, while Singapore has established strong social safety nets to support vulnerable individuals and families, some low-income households continue to face complex and interlocking challenges in achieving stability, self-reliance and social mobility. Beyond financial assistance, there is a need for a more personalised, empowering approach that helps families take proactive steps towards a better future.

Could MSF share insights on how the ComLink+ ecosystem will better support lower-income families in their journey towards improved life outcomes? Additionally, what measures are being considered to further empower low-income households in pursuing long-term aspirations for themselves and their children?

The Chairman: Ms Denise Phua. You can take your two cuts together.

Disability - Living, Working and Learning

Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng (Jalan Besar): Chairman, I thank our Prime Minister for signalling his support to look into the needs of persons with disabilities (PwDs), especially after formal schooling.

Why does the community especially families, feel such despair, especially post-age 18? The answer lies in the lack of continuity in support systems – what is often termed as the "cliff effect" in the disability sector. Families are left to navigate a fragmented landscape. So, how can we shift families from a place of helplessness to a place of hope?

The solution lies in creating a continuum of support models across living, learning and working – three key pillars of life.

I am pleased that the Ministry has introduced three key initiatives: the Enabling Services Hub, the Enabling Business Hub and the Enabled Living Programme. These programmes aim to make community, employment and living support more accessible to PwDs.

Both the Enabling Services Hub and the Enabling Business Hub have been operational for some time. I urge the MSF to provide some updates on their current status, achievements, challenges and future plans. I also seek MSF to share the progress of the Enabled Living Programme.

Next, the truth is that the needs of adults with disabilities are diverse. Some require intensive round-the-clock care while others need much less support to build independent living skills. This diversity therefore calls for a continuum of support models tailored to individual needs.

On living, one of the most pressing gaps is the lack of long-term residential options for adults with disabilities.

While I applaud MSF's openness to exploring an Enabled Living Programme for those with mild to moderate needs, we must move beyond programme-centric approaches. Instead, we need a spectrum of residential models to suit different archetypes.

On learning, on the learning front, the situation is also equally urgent. When asked about continuing education for PwDs yesterday, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has indicated that MSF and SG Enable will take the lead, citing the diverse and complex needs of this population. While this is understandable, the reality is that many Government-funded Special Education (SPED) students stop learning altogether after leaving school, largely due to that proverbial "cliff effect".

This abrupt decline in structured training opportunities leads to skill loss, reduced independence and increased burdens on families and society. The problem is compounded in a world where technology is rapidly disrupting all our lives. Lifelong learning, therefore, is not a luxury, but a necessity.

I urge the Government to commission a comprehensive study to address this "cliff effect" and consider adopting a top-up funding model for adult learners with special educational needs, closer to the support that they receive pre-age 18. Additionally, I propose the establishment of lifelong learning colleges for major disability groups, partnering with social service agencies that have a proven track record in this space.

Disability – Inclusive Employment

On work, why work matters. Work provides dignity, identity, financial independence and purpose. With proper training and support, PwDs can contribute meaningfully to workplaces and society.

Sir, I wish to propose five actions for the Ministry to promote inclusive employment.

One, prioritise reasonable accommodations at work. During the recent Workplace Fairness Bill discussion, I proposed the creation of a job accommodation network – a resource to guide employers in implementing reasonable accommodations and to empower PwDs themselves with self-advocacy skills. This would help them balance their needs with employers' business constraints.

While MOM may have other priorities, I really urge the Ministry to work with its partners to take the lead on this initiative.

Two, extend job placement and job support for PwDs. The current Job Placement and Job Support Programme provides support for only one year. This is not sufficient as PwDs often require long-term assistance to navigate workplace challenges. Stopping support after one year is akin to removing eyeglasses from someone with myopia, leaving them unable to see clearly. Some of these groups really need longer support.

Three, develop a SkillsFuture masterplan for PwDs. In a rapidly changing job market, relevance is key. Jobs that exist today may disappear tomorrow and PwDs must be equipped with the skills to adapt.

Sir, I urge the Government, its Job Placement and Job Support Programme partners and industry leaders to develop a SkillsFuture masterplan for PwDs – a robust framework to help them upskill, reskill and remain competitive.

Four, include sheltered workshops as part of a continuum of employment models. Sheltered workshops hold strong potential as a viable employment model. It is actually less costly than the Day Activity Centres and it offers a more focused and purposeful alternative to Day Activity Centres, which can be costly and lack an emphasis on work. So, more sheltered workshops should be established.

The Ministry should also clarify and communicate the continuum of employment models available to PwDs, their families and other stakeholders so as to enable them to make informed decisions about the most suitable employment model.

Lastly, expand beyond the School-To-Work scheme. While the School-To-Work scheme by MOE for recent SPED school graduates is a good initiative, the earliest SPED graduates and mainstream graduates with special educational needs are often overlooked. I urge the Government to allocate resources to address that gap and ensure that no one is excluded.

Finally, I just want to thank MSF, all its agencies and all its partners as well for their good work. The "cliff effect" is not inevitable. I look forward to serving with you to support the disability community.

Strategy for Inclusive Employment

Miss Rachel Ong (West Coast): An inclusive society ensures that every individual, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully.

Employment is more than just an earning. It is about dignity, independence and social integration. Yet many persons with disabilities in Singapore continue to face significant barriers to securing jobs.

The Enabling Masterplan sets an ambitious and necessary target – a 40% employment rate for PwDs by 2030, for which I am very, very grateful. Achieving this requires more than goodwill. It demands concrete action to remove barriers, equip individuals and foster inclusive workplace cultures. This is more than a social issue. It is also an economic imperative. Unlocking our workforce's full potential drives growth for businesses, strengthens communities and fuels national progress.

With just five years remaining, what is MSF's strategy to accelerate inclusive employment and ensure that opportunities for PwDs are not just available, but actively created to meet this goal?

The Chairman: Mr Ong Hua Han. You can take your three cuts together.

Advancing Inclusive Hiring Efforts

Mr Ong Hua Han (Nominated Member): Thank you, Chairman. Sir, we have made much progress over the years in raising disability awareness and increasing the workplace participation of persons with disabilities. Coming from the private sector, I have witnessed first-hand the collective will and efforts of the Government, MSF, SG Enable, social service agencies and enterprises, commercial or otherwise, all working together to advance inclusive hiring.

For this, I am thankful – to see our shared commitment to the cause translating bit by bit into meaningful opportunities for persons with disabilities.

With five years left to meet the Enabling Masterplan 2030 target of 40% employment, can MSF share its plans to bring to life strategies that encourage and accelerate inclusive hiring?

Empower PwDs for Work and Independence

Persons with disabilities and their caregivers have long-term aspirations, just like anyone else. They want to actively participate in shared spaces, secure meaningful employment and live independently within the community. We have come a long way in providing more pathways for persons with disabilities to thrive. Yet, there is always more that can be done.

I had previously called for more support in the post-18 space and I am delighted to hear it specifically highlighted in the Budget by the Prime Minister. Now that we are debating in the Committee of Supply (COS), can MSF share more about how it plans to strengthen support structures for persons with disabilities as they transition from school to work?

In doing so, we also need to recognise the crucial role that caregivers play. They are the unseen pillar of strength, often putting their needs and dreams on hold to care for their loved ones. I am very glad that the update to the Home Caregiving Grant, as announced in the Budget Statement, will extend financial support to more caregivers and affirm their contributions. While this is highly appreciated, caregivers also face emotional strain, physical exhaustion and the challenge of looking after their own well-being. Building on this, can MSF also share its plans to further support caregivers beyond financial assistance?

Last year, I spoke about recalibrating our means-testing criteria for disability schemes, at the MSF COS. Reading this year's Budget annexes, I understand that the means-testing criteria will be revised for the better.

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In particular, the monthly per capita household income (PCHI) threshold for long-term care subsidies and grants are set to be increased to a standardised level of $4,800 from 2026. Examples include the Assistive Technology Fund, the Enabling Transport Subsidy and Taxi Subsidy Scheme, just to name a few.

According to Singapore Departmant of Statistics, median monthly PCHI has increased from $3,500 in 2023 to around $3,600 in 2024. I have previously suggested that the threshold should at least align with the current median PCHI figures. Assuming that median PCHI grows steadily, the harmonised threshold of $4,800 should exceed that level. I am pleased to see this update go beyond my initial suggestion to broaden access to support schemes. I urge MSF to continually review the PCHI threshold at timely intervals to ensure that it keeps pace with median PCHI levels as they rise.

Following this progress, I would like to reiterate my call from last year that we also take into account actual costs borne by families with PwDs. Financial support schemes should reflect the real and often higher costs that these families face. By doing so, we empower more persons with disabilities to live with dignity and achieve their dreams.

Neurodiversity in Working Adults

Chair, we need to better support working adults who are neurodivergent. Over the years we have made progress in increasing support for neurodivergent students through special educational needs officers and school counsellors. Neurodivergent conditions such as autism, ADHD and dyslexia last a lifetime. Yet, beyond school, existing policies and programmes cater only to autistic individuals, mainly those with high support needs.

A large proportion of neurodivergent adults are left to navigate life's challenges without institutional support when they enter the workforce. This is especially true for those with conditions such as ADHD and dyslexia, which are invisible and not formally recognised as disabilities in Singapore. Neurodivergent working adults face unique challenges. They may struggle with organisation, executive function, or navigating workplace expectations. Many are also hesitant to ask for accommodations or help, fearing stigma or uncertainty about how employers will respond. I urge the Ministry to take action in two key areas.

First, in order to design effective policies, we need data. Can the Ministry conduct periodic national surveys to gauge the prevalence of neurodivergence in our adult population and the challenges faced by neurodivergent adults? A national survey can help us to understand how best to support neurodivergent adults in daily life and in the workplace. The Ministry can then craft targeted support measures that are evidence based and impactful.

Second, we need to raise more awareness around neurodiversity, especially in the workplace. This can be done through awareness training for both employers and employees. Such training helps address common misconceptions around neurodivergent conditions. It also offers a platform to facilitate open discussion on potential workplace adjustments that can both accommodate neurodivergent employees and play to their strengths. On top of raising sufficient awareness, we must also ensure safe and fair disclosure practises and combat stigma. Similar to mental health conditions, perhaps the Government could introduce an advisory on providing support for employees with neurodivergent conditions.

At the end of the day, this is about creating an inclusive society, one that recognises and values the contributions of all individuals. Let us ensure that support for neurodivergent individuals does not stop at the school gates but extends into the later stages of life.

Debate resumed.

The Chairman: Ms Carrie Tan.

7.19 pm

Integrating Persons with Special Needs

Ms Carrie Tan (Nee Soon): Chairman, I rise today to speak on an issue we all intuitively agree on – a more inclusive society where persons with disabilities and special needs (PWSNs), whom I prefer to call differently-abled, are recognised not for their limitations, but for their strengths and contributions. We must deliberate steps to ensure that inclusivity is not just a concept but a lived reality.

First, representation matters. Misconceptions and stereotypes about disabilities persist largely due to a lack of understanding. We must launch public awareness campaigns that highlight the strengths, talents and capabilities of PWSNs, showcasing their success stories in business, sports, the arts and technology. These campaigns should feature real-life stories of perseverance and excellence, demonstrating that ability transcends disability. By shifting public perception, we empower PWSNs with dignity and opportunities while fostering a society where every individual feels valued.

The media plays a profound role in shaping societal attitudes. In October last year, The Inclusive Code was launched in New Zealand. It is a tool for advertising industry professionals to reflect on normalised but exclusionary practices, designed by disabled experts to help people design marketing campaigns that better include disabled people. I urge MSF to partner MDDI to establish a national framework, taking reference from New Zealand's Inclusive Code, to propel advertisers and content creators to incorporate intentional disability representation.

Media is a mirror of society, and when PwDs and PWSNs see themselves represented positively – whether in advertisements, films or news, they are affirmed. More importantly, it normalises disability in everyday life, helping to dismantle unconscious biases that hinder inclusion.

Second, expanding outreach and facilitation for workplace integration. While I am heartened by the Open Door Programme which encourages employers to hire, train and integrate PWSNs through grants for job design, training subsidies and wage offsets, we need to expand its reach. I would like to ask: what is the current manpower strength helming this effort at SG Enable? Can there be staff to walk the ground in neighbourhood town centres to share about these programmes at the local level with merchants and small retail shops?

It is easy to overlook the single trees when an imperative to be efficient prompts us to focus on bigger-scale wins of entire forests. I ask that we do not skip over the small retailers who may turn out to be great allies in this effort, in favour of larger companies who may have bigger hiring capacity, but also require a bigger change-making effort to get the entire staff community aligned. There is a Malay saying: sikit-sikit, lama-lama jadi bukit. Small results over time can create a big impact.

If everyday Singaporeans see PWSNs gainfully employed, actively contributing in the shops they frequent, in every neighbourhood, societal perception is sure to improve. Even the families and caregivers' perception of their own children can improve.

We can work towards the vision of Every Neighbourhood an Inclusive Neighbourhood and set a minimum target to enable X number of shops to be enabling employers in each locality for a start.

To do this, I recommend that the job-redesign funding for micro-enterprises running mom and pop shops be increased to 95% with a higher cap, provide rent subsidies and a dedicated facilitator team to help shop owners in this particular effort.

Facilitators play a crucial role in being a bridge to ensure that accessibility goes beyond infrastructure – it is also about attitudes, engagement and participation of both the employer and the employed. I urge SG Enable to look into setting up satellite teams of facilitators within each Community Development Council that will help work with local merchants and propagate the success stories island-wide.

Mr Chairman, a truly inclusive society does not merely accommodate persons with disabilities – it values, respects and celebrates them. We must not stop at rhetoric but commit to real, structural change through investment, awareness, representation and support systems. I urge this House to take decisive action to champion these expansion efforts for a fairer future for all who are differently abled.

More Support for Caregiving and Retirement

Ms Ng Ling Ling: Sir, from 1 January 2026, the Government will expand the Matched Retirement Savings Scheme (MRSS) to include eligible PwDs of all ages to allow them to start building up their retirement savings earlier. Eligible PwDs below the age of 55 will receive the MRSS matching grant on cash top-ups to their Central Provident Fund (CPF) Special Account and benefit from higher CPF savings and monthly payouts in retirement. Anyone, including their families, employers and the community, can make the top-ups to these eligible members' Special Accounts or Retirement Accounts. I think this is a very good scheme and can I ask MSF to elaborate on the following.

One, does the definition of disabilities include those with mental illnesses?

Two, why does it take almost one year for this new scheme to be implemented? Can families and employers keen to start the top-up for persons with disabilities do so earlier this year instead?

And lastly, what is the difference in policy rationale and impact of this new scheme compared to the services provided by the Special Needs Trust Company which is also supported by MSF?

The Chairman: Mr Baey Yam Keng, you can take your three cuts together.

Enabling Master Plan 2030

Mr Baey Yam Keng (Tampines): Sir, PwDs face challenges throughout their life. In particular, when they turn 18 years old, there is a significant shift in the institutional system as it is more fragmented and less supportive.

One of the primary concerns for PwDs is employment. Employers may lack awareness or resources to make necessary accommodations. There could be misconceptions about the capabilities of PwDs, which could act both ways, either unrealistic expectations or underemployment. Furthermore, PwDs may not have had equal access to education and vocational training, and this limits their employment opportunities.

Employment is not just about financial independence; it also contributes to a sense of purpose, social identity and community participation. Therefore, the lack of employment opportunities can have profound implications on the self-esteem and social integration of PwDs. MSF and SG Enable have been working hard to address these issues through policies that encourage inclusive employment, vocational training programmes and support for businesses to make accommodations.

Caregiving is another significant concern. As PwDs age, their parents or primary caregivers are also ageing themselves. Hence, they face increased physical and emotional strain. There may be a lack of suitable and affordable caregiving options, which can lead to stress and burnout for caregivers. Many caregivers also have to balance their caregiving responsibilities with their own employment, leading to financial and emotional pressures.

We have already come a long way through the various Enabling Masterplans and efforts from the Government, businesses, and our partners and the community. Can MSF provide an update on the progress of our Enabling Masterplan 2030? With regard to the post-18 cliff, living options, employment and caregiving arrangements are prime concerns. What are our plans to further alleviate concerns that adult PwDs and their caregivers have?

The Vulnerable in Residential Homes

Singapore has a robust framework of support and services for vulnerable individuals and their families, including those in residential homes. Support for the vulnerable is multifaceted, comprising financial aid, social services, healthcare and community involvement.

Many in residential homes are there for the long term, especially those who are aged or with disabilities and have little family support. There is a growing demand for these services and volunteers to help them, given that Singapore's ageing population is a fact. For those who in residential homes, they may not have family to visit them. They rely on the warmth and support of the home caregivers and volunteers. There is a risk of the lack of social connections and cognitive engagements as a result of social isolation or not being able to participate in societal activities.

We need to not only enhance support for those residing in homes but help uplift them. There are many opportunities for the community and the Government to do more, to ensure a holistic approach towards care for those in residential homes, such as better service integration, improved coordination of services across agencies, expanded housing options and affordability, improved caregiving support and more accessible mental health services.

There needs to be continual review and enhancement of policies to address emerging needs of the vulnerable in Singapore, to ensure our support remains relevant and effective. Can MSF share its plans on how can we better uplift those who are most vulnerable, especially those within residential homes?

7.30 pm

Social Service as a Career

MSF has designated 2025 as the Year of Celebrating Social Service Professionals. This acknowledges and appreciates the significant contributions made by social service professionals. These individuals are at the forefront of supporting and empowering the more vulnerable groups in society, including children, the elderly, persons with disabilities and families in need. The celebration aims to raise awareness of the critical role these professionals play in fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society.

It is important to attract and retain a strong workforce in the social service sector to meet the growing needs of the community. To this end, we need to continuously review existing initiatives and strategies to enhance the appeal of a career in social service and to ensure that professionals in the field are well-supported. These include investment in professional development and training, career prospects and progression, as well as well-being of social service professionals.

Additionally, we need public campaigns and outreach efforts to highlight and emphasise the appeal associated with social service work. By showcasing the impact and fulfilment derived from a career in social service, passionate individuals can then be attracted to join the sector and make a difference in the lives of others. So, what more will MSF do to ensure the social service sector remains a career of choice?

Supporting Social Workers

Assoc Prof Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim: Social workers and child protection officers play an important role in protecting and supporting vulnerable individuals and families. I would like to thank all in this field for the great work that they do. Their work often involves navigating complex situations, advocating for the rights and needs of those they support, and providing a lifeline to those in crisis. It is important that they are equipped with the necessary resources, training and support to effectively manage both the practical and emotional demands of their job.

In this context, what measures are being taken to ensure social workers and child protection officers have the resources and training necessary to effectively carry out their duties and manage the emotional demands of their work? What plans does the Ministry have to better attract, retain and support social service professionals in order to meet the growing demands and adapt to the changing needs of our society? How does the Ministry plan to address the mental health and well-being of social workers, ensuring they receive adequate support to cope with the emotional demands of their roles? What initiatives are being introduced to provide ongoing professional development and career advancement opportunities for social workers? And finally, in what ways is the Ministry collaborating with educational institutions to prepare future social workers for the challenges they will face in the field?

Social Services Research Progress

Ms Ng Ling Ling: Sir, in my 2023 COS cut to MSF, I raised the concern that with challenging economic times, social fabric can be weakened and social mobility may slow if students from less-financially-able and stable families have less opportunities than their peers to optimise their potential.

These are social trends that we are familiar with and there is much to learn from interventions carried out by other developed countries with longer history and development. However, I felt that with our unique history, our nation building philosophy that has seen us leapfrog from third world to the first world in one generation and our multiracial and multi-cultural society, it will be beneficial to delve deeper and consider social interventions and approaches that will work better for Singaporeans in our context and in the changing times ahead.

I would like to ask for an update on: one, whether MSF has done more longitudinal and local research to understand what social interventions work and what do not for our different groups of underprivileged Singaporeans in the past two years; and two, what are some findings and how are they incorporated into major initiatives under MSF, like the ComLink+ programme?

Ensuring Workplace Well-being for Social Service Agencies

Ms Carrie Tan: Mr Chairman, I would like to first declare that I am self-employed as a transformation coach providing well-being related coaching services.

I rise today to highlight a matter of utmost importance, what my colleague, Mr Louis Ng, said as the burning bicycles. Basically, ensuring a thriving and sustainable organisational culture within our social service agencies (SSAs). These agencies are the backbone of our society's care system, providing critical support to our most vulnerable. Yet, those who dedicate their lives to service often work under immense stress, leading to burnout, attrition and a decline in service quality.

In a recent survey my team and I conducted, which 88 SSA employees responded to, half were dissatisfied with work-life balance, 24% reported high stress and anxiety and almost 20% experienced emotional exhaustion and even depression and mental health challenges since joining the sector. A staggering 68.2% indicated they experienced symptoms of anxiety and depression specifically.

About 57% of respondents did not feel comfortable discussing their mental health challenges with their HR. This indicates that many SSA employees worry about being judged for not being resilient enough at work. This fear prevents them from seeking the support they need, worsening workplace stress and attrition that creates a vicious cycle of overwork for the remaining staff and burn-out. If we are to build a compassionate and resilient social sector, we must invest in the well-being of the very individuals who provide care. I propose three key measures to strengthen the organisational culture within SSAs.

One, I urge the National Council of Social Service to implement organisational culture pulse checks every three years for all SSAs. These assessments will provide crucial insights into workplace morale, leadership effectiveness and employee well-being. By systematically evaluating organisational health, we can proactively address emerging issues before they escalate, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

Second, I call for mandatory mental wellness training for broad leadership under the Centre for Non-Profit Leadership's training programmes or by the many local training enterprises that have sprouted in recent years to enable our collective well-being, such as Growthbeans and Calm Collective. Leadership sets the tone for workplace culture. Board members must be equipped to recognise and prevent unhelpful management practices and advocate for policies to create psychologically safe environments that prioritise staff well-being. A leader who understands the toll of social work is better positioned to enact meaningful change that supports the management, employees and beneficiaries.

Finally, we must provide dedicated funding for a shared pool of well-being facilitators who will conduct regular check-ins with SSA personnel. These professionals will serve as an independent support system, offering a listening ear, suggest healthy coping strategies and provide guidance toward necessary resources. Many frontline workers struggle in silence, so having an accessible, trained facilitator can make the difference between retention and resignation.

This is not just a moral imperative, it is a strategic investment. A healthy organisational culture ensures SSAs can deliver consistent, high-quality care to those who need it the most. So, let us stand in solidarity with our social service workers and affirm our commitment to their well-being. Let us have less burning bicycles.

Social Service Evolution

Mr Keith Chua (Nominated Member): Mr Chairman, the social service sector has come a long way in the past few decades, maturing in professional standing and practices. Many more dedicated individuals have joined the social services as demand has grown in all areas. New initiatives continue to be launched to meet the evolving needs as we work toward ensuring that no one is left behind.

I would like to declare my role on the boards of SSAs.

Our sector continues to be heavily reliant on the constant inflow of professional staff and allied health workers. Many SSAs require a percentage of foreign staff to fill a variety of roles. We are training more social workers in our institutes of higher learning in anticipation of current and future needs. With our new social compact, I hope many more Singaporeans will see the social service sector as one that will present opportunity for a fulfilling career.

In the past, salaries in the sector trailed behind jobs in most other industry groups. Steps have been in place for many years to uplift pay scales with Government support as many service providers are charities. In labour-tight Singapore, how might the social service sector continue to attract, nurture and retain talent beyond just better wages?

At the sectoral level, how might we keep pace with societal changes and evolve to continue to serve Singapore society well? Will the Minister consider actively building a pool of trained volunteers in key areas of need to complement the full-time professional teams? As we see jobs in some commercial sectors reduce, can we actively retrain displaced workers to take up jobs in the social service sector?

Future-directed Social Service Sector

Mr Mohd Fahmi Aliman: Chairman, SSAs, particularly, Family Service Centres, play a critical role in supporting vulnerable families and ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to achieve stability. Strengthening the delivery of family services is essential in addressing complex and evolving needs within the community. As challenges become more multifaceted, ensuring that services and programmes are well-coordinated, accessible and impactful is key to improving social outcomes.

Could MSF elaborate on how it plans to enhance service delivery within the social service sector? Specifically, how will the Ministry ensure that vulnerable families, especially those with multiple and complex needs, receive more holistic, integrated and effective support?

The Chairman: Senior Minister of State Zaqy.