MPs call for greater support for people at the margins

Nobody should be left behind as the Republic writes its next chapter, they say

- Chin Soo Fang Senior Correspondent

Vulnerable groups, such as underprivileged youth and caregivers, came under the spotlight on Sept 25 as MPs called for the Republic to better support those at the fringe as Singapore moves forward.

The fourth day of the debate on the President’s Address saw 21 MPs speak, with a majority touching on the theme of ensuring no one is left behind as the city-state writes its next chapter.

Ms Valerie Lee (Pasir Ris-Changi GRC) urged lawmakers to remember that a “we first” society means those at the margins, who may be struggling quietly in ways not captured by statistics, matter just as much as those in the centre.

“As parliamentarians, our duty extends beyond representing the majority,’ she said. “It is to ensure that those on the margins are seen, heard and supported.”

On this note, Mr David Hoe (Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC) called on the Government to give children from lower-income backgrounds means-tested Curiosity Credits to help them discover their aspirations in life.

Like a SkillsFuture scheme for the young, these credits would close the starting gap by letting these children access courses that would otherwise be out of reach, such as on robotics or speech and drama, said the former teacher.

In a similar vein, Mr Gerald Giam (Aljunied GRC) proposed a Junior SkillsFuture Credit scheme for Singaporean children below 18 from households in the lower 40th percentile income bracket.

These credits, which can be used for approved enrichment courses, such as in coding and public speaking, would democratise access to skills that are often the privilege of the affluent, said the Workers’ Party MP.

Mr Giam also suggested establishing a fund to provide financial support so that less-advantaged students can go on student exchange programmes, overseas internships and volunteering trips.