Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong delivered his National Day message yesterday (8 August), where he touched on a number of topics that have been on Singaporeans’ minds.
Snippet of PM Lee’s National Day message
Housing
One major aspiration of Singaporeans is housing – in particular, good and affordable public housing. HDB flats are far more than roofs over our heads. They are homes we are proud to own, neighbourhoods we raise our families in, and communities we build together.
Today, I am speaking to you from SkyOasis@Dawson, here in Queenstown, one of Singapore’s oldest towns. Some of the first SIT flats were built here, back in the 1950s. About 15 years ago, we started rejuvenating this estate: we built new HDB flats and revitalised the public spaces. Dawson is now one of our most attractive HDB estates, a shining example of the Singapore housing story.
Decade after decade, the Government has invested heavily to build affordable, accessible, and high-quality HDB flats for millions of Singaporeans.
So far, HDB has been building flats in both Mature Estates and Non-Mature Estates. Flats in Mature Estates, like Queenstown, have better amenities and locations. They are in higher demand and so generally cost more. Flats in Non-Mature Estates, on the other hand, have less comprehensive amenities, or less central locations. Therefore, they generally cost less.
But as we continue to develop more public housing, fewer and fewer undeveloped sites are left for us to build new estates. Furthermore, existing Non-Mature Estates are steadily maturing, as their transport links and amenities improve.
So in time to come, more and more new HDB flats will be built in existing estates, like here in Dawson. Such flats will naturally be in greater demand. Their launch prices and resale prices will reflect that.
But even amidst this changing landscape, we must still ensure public housing is accessible and affordable for Singaporeans of all income groups. We must also keep our housing schemes fair and inclusive for all. This is how we keep our national housing story going strong for current and future generations. This is my Government’s commitment to you, and we will deliver on it.
We will have to adjust HDB’s housing schemes to achieve these goals. We have some ideas on how to do so, which I will share at the National Day Rally.
Ageing well
While we refresh our approach to public housing, we are also making special efforts to adapt our HDB estates and flats to serve a rapidly ageing population.
Today, nearly 1 in 5 Singaporeans is a senior, aged 65 or older. By 2030, 1 in 4 will be a senior. This is one quarter of us.
And this is why we are making our estates and homes more liveable for seniors. For example, to help seniors find their way around more easily, we will install more visible signages and designs. To make their commuting safer and more comfortable, we will build more pedestrian-friendly zones and rest points. And in your homes, HDB will install more senior-friendly fixtures.
Beyond physical infrastructure, we will improve community spaces, build more Active Ageing Centres, and enhance programmes that keep seniors well and in touch with friends and neighbours in their golden years.
Another aspect of preparing for old age is CPF savings. We have progressively enhanced the CPF system, to make sure people can save enough in their working years. We are also providing targeted assistance to lower-income workers, for example through Workfare and Progressive Wages. But some older workers now in their 50s and early 60s still have not built up enough CPF savings for retirement, and can do with some extra help. I will talk about this at the Rally too.
The Government, though, can only be part of the solution. Each of us also has to do our part to stay healthy and well. Better health is better wealth. So do enrol in Healthier SG, watch our diets, stay active, and continue working as long as we can. Family members can also help: take good care of your loved ones, encourage them to get out and about, and keep an eye on their wellbeing. Together, we can help our seniors age well.
Our seniors have built up the Singapore we call home today. It is now for us to make Singapore a place where every senior can age with dignity and grace, connected to friends and family, and with their peace of mind assured. Together, we will make Singapore an endearing home for all ages. This is our vision. This is our Home.
Forward Singapore
I have spoken about housing and ageing – two topics close to our hearts. They are among the issues that DPM Wong and the 4G team are working on.
But the Forward Singapore agenda covers much more: How to equip our people with the skills to learn and succeed throughout life; how to better care for the vulnerable amongst us; and how to deepen our solidarity and Singapore spirit.
The 4G team will wrap up the Forward Singapore exercise later this year. I have every confidence DPM Wong and his team will work closely with you to take the country forward, together.