Latest news with #AssurancePackage
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Singapore's CDC vouchers scheme: How to claim and spend your May 2025 CDC vouchers?
Singaporean households can now claim and use their $500 Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers, announced Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Tuesday (13 May) at the Nee Soon South Community Club. The CDC vouchers scheme started in June 2020 to help Singaporean lower-income households defray their cost of living, and at the same time, to support hawkers and heartland merchants affected by COVID-19 pandemic. During Budget 2021, former Minister for Finance Heng Swee Keat announced the $130 million CDC Vouchers Scheme that saw each Singaporean household receiving $100 CDC vouchers. The scheme was continued after the pandemic to help alleviate the impact of rising prices on Singaporeans. The May 2025 tranche of CDC vouchers was announced in Budget 2025 as part of the enhancements to the Assurance Package and is meant to help Singaporeans with daily expenses. Each Singaporean household will receive a total of $800 in CDC vouchers for FY2025 and it will be paid out in two tranches — $500 in May and $300 in January 2026. This is in addition to the $300 CDC vouchers Singaporean households received in January 2025 as part of the enhancements to the Assurance Package announced during Budget 2024. As per previous tranches, the May CDC vouchers will be allocated equally — $250 for spending at participating heartland merchants/hawkers and $250 for spending at participating supermarkets. Do note that the CDC vouchers from January 2025 and May 2025 expire on 31 Dec 2025. Claiming your May CDC vouchers is the same if you've claimed your previous tranches of CDC vouchers before. Simply visit and tap on "CDC Vouchers 2025 (May)", then log in with your Singpass account. Only one household member needs to redeem the vouchers on behalf of the entire household. The person will receive an SMS with the voucher link from " and forward the link to the other members of the household. When you want to use your CDC voucher(s), select which type of voucher and the amount you want to use. Then, show the QR code to the participating merchant for them to scan. To identify which are the participating hawker and heartland merchants, look for the teal decal pictured below. To identify participating supermarkets, look for the yellow decal pictured below. You can also check out to search for the nearest participating hawkers and heartland merchants, and participating supermarkets. If you do not have a smartphone or Singpass, or for further enquiries or assistance, visit your nearest Community Centre/Club (CC) or call the PA Contact Centre at 6225 5322. While you could previously donate all unspent CDC vouchers in 2024, donation details for the 2025 CDC Vouchers Scheme have yet to be announced. According to details will be announced at a later date. All Singaporean households are also encouraged to claim and spend their 2025 CDC vouchers.
Malay Mail
02-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Can Lawrence Wong win over a wary electorate? Singapore PM faces first poll test
KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 — Singapore's general election on May 3 will serve as the first major test of public support for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, as he leads the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) into a new era of leadership and political renewal. With the PAP introducing fresh faces and stepping up efforts to connect with younger voters, Wong's leadership is seen as a signal of generational transition and a move towards modernising party image and governance style. 'This will be the first test of popularity and acceptance for Wong and his portrayal as a different leader and perspective from the Lee family,' said Universiti Malaya (UM) foreign affairs, security and strategy analyst Collins Chong Yew Keat. He added that the PAP also hopes to build on the positive momentum of Wong's leadership to chart a refreshed course for the nation. 'Wong's moves to rejuvenate the Party with younger leadership and fresher visions and ideas might be a key point that can galvanise new hope, but core fundamental concerns will need to be strategically addressed.' As part of these efforts, Wong has introduced 32 new candidates and overseen the retirement of several long-serving figures. While this signals an openness to renewal, Chong noted that voters, particularly the youth, may still prioritise long-standing socio-economic concerns. 'The move to introduce new faces and to retire some veterans is meant to attract the younger demographics, but socio-economic issues and bread-and-butter factors still affect them the most — especially housing, employment opportunities and cost of living — and this artificial move alone will not budge much on the sentiments of the younger groups if the key concerns on socio-economic issues are not addressed,' he said. Wong, who took over as Prime Minister from Lee Hsien Loong last year, is leading the PAP into the 2025 General Election with the slogan 'Changed world, fresh team, new resolve', reflecting his intent to guide Singapore through a period of both domestic transition and global uncertainty. While the PAP remains the dominant political force, Chong noted that observers expect the Workers' Party (WP) and other opposition groups to make inroads in selected constituencies, in line with Singapore's evolving political landscape. The 2020 General Election saw the PAP's vote share decline to 61.2 per cent — its lowest since 2011 — as more voters expressed interest in alternative voices and perspectives. 'The bread-and-butter issues haven't gone away. In fact, they've become more pronounced. Wong's leadership brings fresh optics, but voters will want to see real policy shifts, not just a change in faces. 'Fiscal policy, especially the GST hike from 7.0 to 9.0 per cent, continues to be a hot-button issue. Despite mitigation efforts like the S$8 billion Assurance Package, many Singaporeans feel the economic pinch,' Chong said. Key constituencies to watch include Punggol GRC, East Coast GRC, and West Coast-Jurong West GRC, where both WP and the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) are fielding strong candidates. 'This is not just a popularity contest. It's about whether he can steer the party and the country out of old systemic constraints. The people are asking if Wong will have the audacity to push for deeper reforms.' 'Younger demographics care deeply about jobs, housing, and the cost of living. Cosmetic changes won't shift their sentiment unless backed by policy impact,' he said. Chong opined that any gains by the opposition are unlikely to signal political upheaval, but rather reflect a maturing democratic process, where voters are increasingly seeking greater policy accountability and a broader range of voices. 'Punggol and East Coast are worth watching. The WP has fielded capable teams there, and the ground sentiment is more volatile this time. 'There's an intent to give Wong space to lead. But there's also a rising awareness that the old playbook won't work in a 'changed world' - one where global uncertainties and trade tensions are testing the country's resilience. 'The 2025 election is not just about maintaining stability — it's about whether the PAP can evolve fast enough to meet rising expectations,' added Chong. Meanwhile, campaigning in GE2025 is marked by the return of physical rallies, a development seen as an opportunity for parties to reconnect directly with voters on the ground. 'Rallies provide that personal touch many voters still value, especially the older demographics. This could work to the PAP's advantage. 'At the same time, social media, including podcasts and livestreams, remain key in reaching younger and digital-native voters,' he said. With a hybrid campaign approach now firmly in place, observers say that both traditional and digital channels will shape how Singaporeans engage with the issues that matter most to them. 'Podcasts played a big role in GE2020 and will likely continue to do so, especially among those who are unable or unwilling to attend rallies,' said Chong. — Bernama
Independent Singapore
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
‘Rain or shine, PAP will have Singaporeans' back,' says Chee Hong Tat, but netizens disagree, want the minister to take the MRT to know what GST has done
Screengrab from SINGAPORE: In a post on Instagram, Chee Hong Tat, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance, has assured Singaporeans that they have nothing to be afraid of since the People's Action Party (PAP) has their backs, whatever the circumstances, at all times. This statement comes after many criticisms and negative feedback about the increased goods and services tax (GST). Expectedly, he has to defend the government's side. However, despite the well-thought-out statements, many netizens don't agree with him, and many don't even believe he knew what he was talking about. Firstly, he made clear that the increase wasn't too burdensome since it was done on a staggered basis, 1%-1%, not a direct 2% increase, to mitigate the impact that it would have on Singaporeans. He believes that the Assurance Package, along with the perpetual GST voucher system, could soften the effect of the GST increase, reflecting the PAP's intention to look after all Singaporeans, most specifically the more defenceless and marginalised groups in society. Netizens are enraged One netizen asserted that the GST increase is a bad move in an already hyperinflationary environment. This commenter believed that the PAP ministers will never feel the adverse effects because they have very high salaries; it's the middle-class Singaporeans who will feel the pinch because they are ineligible for the government schemes/programmes for the poor. Further, this netizen suggested that before PAP begins claiming that opposition parties are trying to eat away at the country's reserves to get popularity votes, perhaps they should get a pay cut so that they can feel the impacts of GST increases. Another commenter howled that PAP should 'Stop dangling vouchers. These vouchers come from people's tax; therefore, it belongs to the people and country, not the party.' He then requested the minister that as an elected minister, he must deliver real value to help people with their daily lives. He then added, 'Don't give us sweeteners; we need a platform to earn a living.' One was very blunt and said that the minister should 'take the MRT and buses every day' during rush hour, then 'he will understand how stressful and tired people are by taking public transport. The minister's statements were a 'B***s*** explanation of the economy,' one netizen angrily said. He wondered why there are so many MPs when the nation is so tiny and why there are so many ministrIes, which is ridiculous since taxpayers have a lot to pay salaries to. The real question now is—does the PAP really have every Singaporean's back?
Business Times
28-04-2025
- Business
- Business Times
GE2025: PAP will provide support for Singaporeans for as long as necessary, says Indranee
[SINGAPORE] Goods and services tax (GST) vouchers, cash payouts and utilities rebates may not seem much, but these support measures and others are substantial when they are added up, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Indranee Rajah on Monday (Apr 28). The government has buffered Singaporeans against the GST increase with the Assurance Package, and this has effectively delayed its impact for 10 years for those in the lower-income group and five years for the middle-income group, she said at the People's Action Party's (PAP) lunchtime rally in Raffles Place. 'We know that Singaporeans worry that this help may be just temporary but for the PAP, our assurance is that we will provide support for as long as necessary,' said Indranee, who is also Second Minister for Finance and National Development. 'But we also understand your desire for assurance that you can afford things on your own without support. And that is why our other big focus is the economy, generating jobs and finding ways to allow you to earn higher incomes.' Indranee, who's leading the PAP's team in the new Pasir Ris-Changi GRC, was the first of nine candidates from the ruling party who spoke during the two-hour event, also known as the Fullerton Rally. Seven of them are first-time candidates, with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivering the final speech. Bernadette Giam, who's contesting in the Workers' Party-held Sengkang GRC, also challenged the view put forth by opposition parties that targeted support measures were Band-Aids. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up 'I like to call them what they are – healing efforts from within that (are) part of the PAP's plan to build a more equitable society where help is given to those who need it the most,' she said. Aljunied GRC candidate and trade unionist Jagathishwaran Rajo shared how he has heard voters' concerns about keeping their jobs, learning new skills and securing their futures. He said: 'We must continue to protect every worker. We must help every worker learn new skills and find good jobs. We must make sure no one feels left out or forgotten. 'The world is changing quickly. Technology, global competition and new ways of doing business make it harder for many workers.' PM Wong said new jobs will be different from the ones today, and the government will invest significantly in Singaporeans to help them reskill, upskill and prepare themselves well for these new opportunities. 'For new graduates, I say 'Do not fear'. We will be there all the way for you… We will help you secure apprenticeships and traineeships. We will help you find jobs,' he said. 'For those who are already in the workforce, we will give you a fresh and substantial injection of skills. This will help you stay competitive and relevant.' The government has invested significantly in Skillsfuture, and will continue to promote lifelong learning, PM Wong said. The SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme, which was launched a few weeks ago, provides temporary assistance for up to six months, but it is not just about the payouts, he added. 'We are going to walk alongside you, support you, provide you with career counselling, coaching and job training,' he said. 'As we encounter more storms, more uncertainty, if there are more retrenchments, there will be a safety net to help you and support you.' For more election coverage, visit our GE2025 microsite
Business Times
28-04-2025
- Business
- Business Times
GE 2025: PAP will provide support for Singaporeans for as long as necessary, says Indranee
[SINGAPORE] Goods and services tax (GST) vouchers, cash payouts and utilities rebates may not seem much, but these support measures and others are substantial when they are added up, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Indranee Rajah on Monday (Apr 28). The government has buffered Singaporeans against the GST increase with the Assurance Package, and this has effectively delayed its impact for 10 years for those in the lower-income group and five years for the middle-income group, she said at the People's Action Party's (PAP) lunchtime rally in Raffles Place. 'We know that Singaporeans worry that this help may be just temporary but for the PAP, our assurance is that we will provide support for as long as necessary,' said Indranee, who is also Second Minister for Finance and National Development. 'But we also understand your desire for assurance that you can afford things on your own without support. And that is why our other big focus is the economy, generating jobs and finding ways to allow you to earn higher incomes.' Indranee, who's leading the PAP's team in the new Pasir Ris-Changi GRC, was the first of nine candidates from the ruling party who spoke during the two-hour event, also known as the Fullerton Rally. Seven of them are first-time candidates, with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivering the final speech. Bernadette Giam, who's contesting in the Workers' Party-held Sengkang GRC, also challenged the view put forth by opposition parties that targeted support measures were Band-Aids. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up 'I like to call them what they are – healing efforts from within that (are) part of the PAP's plan to build a more equitable society where help is given to those who need it the most,' she said. Aljunied GRC candidate and trade unionist Jagathishwaran Rajo shared how he has heard voters' concerns about keeping their jobs, learning new skills and securing their futures. He said: 'We must continue to protect every worker. We must help every worker learn new skills and find good jobs. We must make sure no one feels left out or forgotten.' 'The world is changing quickly. Technology, global competition and new ways of doing business makes it harder for many workers.' New jobs will be different from the ones today and the government will invest significantly in Singaporeans to help them reskill, upskill and prepare themselves well for these new opportunities, said PM Wong. 'For new graduates, I say do not fear. We will be there all the way for you…We will help you secure apprenticeships and traineeships. We will help you find jobs,' he said. 'For those who are already in the workforce, we will give you a fresh and substantial injection of skills. This will help you stay competitive and relevant.' The government has invested significantly in Skillsfuture and it will continue to improve the system of lifelong learning, PM Wong said. The SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme, which was launched a few weeks ago provides temporary assistance for up to six months, but it is not just about the payouts, he added. 'We are going to walk alongside you, support you, provide you with career counselling, coaching and job training,' he said. 'As we encounter more storms, more uncertainty, if there are more retrenchments, there will be a safety net to help you and support you.' For more election coverage, visit our GE2025 microsite
