In the final of six ministerial speeches, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Heng Swee Keat talked about the challenges facing Singapore as well as what the government is doing in the face of these challenges.

The theme of his broadcast is "Emerging Stronger Together".

Thanked frontliners for their work

Heng firstly wished everyone a Happy Father's Day.

He mentioned that many Singaporeans are happy to be able to hold small gatherings for Father's Day on June 21.

The finance minister noted that the last few months have been difficult, as Singaporeans were not able to celebrate several holidays (Easter, Vesak Day, Hari Raya Puasa and Mother’s Day) as usual.

He also expressed his "heartfelt appreciation" to healthcare and frontline workers, and essential service workers as well, while reminding Singaporeans to remain vigilant.

Heng recognised that there is a "profound uncertainty" that Singaporeans are facing, and promised that Singapore will emerge from the crisis stronger as an economy, society and as a people.

Future-ready workforce

Heng said that jobs are a "top priority" and the government is doing their best to keep businesses afloat and hold on to their workers, preserving the livelihoods of their employees.

He noted that the government is providing more support for those who have been hardest-hit by the pandemic, including the Covid-19 Support Grant which helps those who have lost their jobs or most of their income with their immediate needs.

Heng said that this is the first time that direct cash support has been extended to self-employed workers on a large scale.

He mentioned that the government is also paying special attention to lower-wage workers, and Workfare recipients will receive an additional special payment soon as well.

Due to the likelihood of increased job loss, the government is making a big push to create as many new jobs as possible, via the National Jobs Council, which will oversee the creation of 100,000 jobs and training opportunities.

Heng said that the government is providing immediate support for workers through the period and also providing them with "springboard" to prepare workers for the future.

"We are determined not to lose a generation of workers and youths. We will need a stronger economy – dynamic and inclusive, resilient and innovative, connected to new global nodes in Asia and the world – so that we can create more jobs offering better prospects for workers, and our workers can climb higher up the skills ladder."

Besides jobs, Heng said that Singapore is preparing its economy, businesses and workers for a post Covid-19 future in three ways:

• Keeping Singapore an open, trading nation, committed to free flow of goods, services, capital, data, ideas and talent
• Investing continuously in infrastructure even if there is a need to delay projects. This includes the "30 by 30" food production plan and making a cleaner and greener Singapore.
• Investing continuously in research and innovation, with S$20 billion dollars being set aside for areas in health and biomedical sciences, climate change and artificial intelligence.

The government set up the Emerging Strong Taskforce in May.

The Taskforce will set up "Singapore Together Alliances for Action", led by different industries such as robotics, e-commerce, and environmental stability to actualise new projects, which will be able to generate jobs and growth if successful.

Supporting each other within the community

Heng also mentioned that the government must reach out to those who cannot quite cope with new stresses, pointing towards the National Care Hotline which was launched to provide Singaporeans emotional and psychological support.

Echoing the other ministers, he assured that "no one will be left to walk alone" and that Singaporeans will be "part of our society's progress, no matter your starting point or circumstances."

He spoke on the Emerging Stronger Conversations, an initiative for the government to hear how the crisis has impacted Singaporeans and how the government can work together on the people's ideas to bring Singapore forward.

Heng said that the government has already begun forming these networks, such as the Youth Mental Well-being Network, UPLIFT and the SG Cares Community Care Network, and assured that the government will form be partnerships in the areas that people care about, and "make a difference through action".

Heng took pride in the fact that Singaporeans are caring for one another, noting that Singaporeans are finding ways to support and help each other, be it helping the vulnerable or businesses doing well enough to return their funding for the Jobs Support Scheme.

Conclusion

Heng concluded his speech urging Singaporeans to "adapt and learn fast" and turn challenges into opportunities.

He said that the government "has the will and way to lead us out of this crisis", and will face the challenges ahead together with Singaporeans, doing whatever it takes to protect the lives and livelihoods of Singaporeans to secure the future.

"We will overcome this crisis of our generation. We will be a generation that emerges stronger", Heng said.

Top photo via MCI