Many companies and volunteers have stepped forward to help those in need of assistance over the past year, and Minister for Social and Family Development Desmond Lee hopes more Singaporeans will do so.
“Our society is stronger and more resilient when all Singaporeans come together, when we look out not only for ourselves, but our families, neighbours and fellow Singaporeans in need,” Mr Lee told Parliament on 5 March.
Speaking during the debate on his ministry’s budget, Mr Lee outlined several initiatives that individuals and organisations could come together to partner the Government on.
One is the Youth Mental Well-being Network, which will bring together people who are keen to help those with mental health issues. Over 700 individuals and organisations have expressed their interest.
Another initiative is the Community Capability Trust – a new fund for social service agencies to improve their capability and capacity – that Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat had announced in his Budget speech in February.
Contributions from the Government, the Tote Board and the community could add up to $480 million, with the Government and the Tote Board initially contributing $200 million. The Community Chest will give $30 million, said Mr Lee.
The minister cited the example of Angsana Home, a welfare home managed by Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society in Pelangi Village.
The home has implemented an artificial intelligence-enabled sound recognition and motion detection monitoring system so that its staff can be quickly alerted when residents need attention. This new system is an example of what the fund can support, said Mr Lee.
“Let us work together to make Singapore a place where those in need are better supported, and where Singaporeans have the chance to pursue their dreams, regardless of their starting points and what they may have encountered as they progress in life,” he added.
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Source: The Straits Times, 6 March 2020