During recent parliamentary discussions surrounding Singapore’s national budget, Members of Parliament (MPs) raised key issues about SkillsFuture and the maintenance of aging public housing. With rising concerns about the needs of workers and older Housing and Development Board (HDB) estates, proposals were made for more targeted support and improvements.
SkillsFuture Needs Personalisation
MP Melvin Yong (PAP-Radin Mas) initiated important conversations about the SkillsFuture initiative, acknowledging its success in fostering a culture of continuous learning. However, he pointed out a significant challenge—“choice paralysis” due to overwhelming course options without adequate guidance.
- Yong proposed using artificial intelligence to offer personalised training suggestions tailored to a worker’s career path and aspirations.
- He also suggested linking SkillsFuture with the National Trades Union Congress’s (NTUC) AI-powered Career Coach portal for improved job matching and career support.
Poh Li San (PAP-Sembawang West) echoed these sentiments, advocating for strategic funding for courses that align with market needs rather than general interests. “We cannot just fund courses willy-nilly,” she stated, highlighting the need for training to be anchored in recognised institutions.
Addressing Housing Concerns
Transitioning to housing issues, MPs Joan Pereira (PAP-Tanjong Pagar) and Liang Eng Hwa (PAP-Bukit Panjang) emphasised the deterioration of older HDB blocks, urging for expanded maintenance support. Pereira noted residents in areas like Henderson Crescent frequently face persistent home issues.
- Calls for HDB to review its Home Improvement Programme (HIP) were made, suggesting a more flexible round of improvements for affected estates.
- Liang mentioned potential uses for budget surpluses, proposing enhanced grants for aging estates to cover necessary repairs.
Moreover, Pereira highlighted the financial pressure on elderly residents amidst rising property taxes, advocating for adjustments to better support this demographic, especially those no longer earning an income.
Balancing Budgetary Concerns
Xie Yao Quan (PAP-Jurong Central) brought up the financial implications these proposals may bring, stating that government spending is projected to increase significantly in the coming years. He stressed the importance of considering asset-related taxes as a viable option to meet long-term spending needs.
As Parliament navigates these pressing issues, the ongoing discussions reflect the government’s commitment to supporting both workers and residents in Singapore through targeted initiatives and necessary budgetary reforms.