Providing healthcare and social services for a rapidly ageing population will require considerable resources. To help finance our growing healthcare budget, from 1 Jan 2023 the GST rate will go up by one percentage point. We are also implementing a comprehensive package to help households cope with cost of living pressures and cushion the effects of the GST hike, including utilities rebates and Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers. Over the last month, nearly three million Singaporeans received up to $700 in cash. More assistance is on the way in the new year. I thank everyone for contributing our fair shares to public revenues. This will help us greatly to take proper care of fellow Singaporeans, especially our more vulnerable seniors, both for today and for our children’s generation.
We are planning and building for Singapore’s future in many ways. Major projects are progressing. I spoke about Tuas Port and Changi Airport Terminal 5 at the National Day Rally. Recently, another 11 MRT stations on the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) opened. When fully completed in 2025, the TEL will serve one million commuters daily, connecting residents in the East with the North-South corridor.
On housing, we have been working hard to catch up on construction delays caused by COVID-19. We are sparing no efforts to build more HDB flats, and keep public housing affordable and accessible for Singaporeans, especially couples starting families. Last month HDB launched close to 10,000 new flats, its largest ever single BTO offering. Next year HDB will launch another 23,000 new flats. We will maintain this high tempo to meet the strong demand for housing, and expect to build up to 100,000 new BTO flats from 2021 to 2025.
We have also made strides towards a more inclusive society. We announced policies to ensure that both sexes are protected and treated equally, whether at home or at work. We are working with unions and employers to secure CPF contributions and work injury compensation for platform workers. The Enabling Masterplan 2030 will help persons with disabilities find jobs and live with dignity.
We repealed Section 377A of the Penal Code. This is a longstanding and difficult issue, with views strongly held on both sides. But I am heartened that Singaporeans have responded with restraint and supported our balanced approach – to decriminalise male homosexual acts, while protecting the definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman from being challenged in the courts.
Look Ahead
The international outlook remains troubled. The Russia-Ukraine conflict continues, with no good outcome in sight. US-China tensions are likely to persist. How quickly China recovers from COVID-19 remains to be seen, while the US and EU may well enter recession. Our economy will be affected. MTI expects slower growth in 2023 – between 0.5 to 2.5 percent. We must brace ourselves for the uncertainties ahead.
In such testing times, we must above all stay united as one people. DPM Lawrence Wong and the 4G team have been busy with the Forward Singapore discussions, partnering Singaporeans to refresh our social compact and chart new directions forward. Many Singaporeans have gone beyond actively sharing their feedback and views, and stepped forward to volunteer in areas where they can contribute and partner with the Government. This collective sense of ownership and responsibility is crucial to renewing and strengthening our social compact. We look forward to the outcomes of the discussions, and to completing the exercise in the second half of next year.
Even the darkest of clouds have silver linings, but only for those bold enough to seize opportunities. We have weathered the pandemic safely and emerged stronger. Our COVID-19 response has enhanced our international standing. There is great interest in Singapore – many businesses and individuals want to set up shop here and in the region. We must seize the moment. Welcome promising investments and talents of all nationalities to Singapore, while building up our own skills and capabilities, venturing forth to chase our dreams in the region and the world. Together, we will build a brighter future for Singapore and all Singaporeans.
I wish everyone a Happy New Year!
信息及图片来源：新加坡总理公署官网
