Update on Suggestion for President to Issue Congratulatory Notes to Singapore Centenarians on Their Birthdays

10 Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth whether he can provide an update on the Ministry's study of the suggestion made in the House that the President of Singapore issue congratulatory notes to Singapore centenarians on the occasion of their birthdays.

Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai: We would like to honour the achievements and contributions of centenarians in Singapore, and celebrate their longevity and contributions to Singapore. At present, there are various organic and ground-up initiatives which celebrate our centenarians, such as where grassroots volunteers visit the centenarians or their families and present them with a gift. We are heartened by these local community initiatives and encourage them to continue to do so.

The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and the People's Association are studying the most appropriate ways in which Singaporean centenarians can be recognised at a national level and will announce further details when ready.