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SINGAPORE: Acting Minister for Social and Family Development (MSF), Chan Chun Sing, said early childhood development is about the holistic development of a child, and it goes beyond academics. He said this is why the new Early Childhood Development Agency will come under two ministries. The new pre-school regulatory body, announced as part of this year's Budget, will be overseen by the both the Education Ministry, and the MSF. The government's injection of S$3 billion into the pre-school sector is the largest ever, in a bid to provide Singaporeans with a level playing field from an early age. Amidst a slew of measures to ensure quality and affordability, the government will bring in more anchor operators (AOPs) into the sector, up from the current two. It will also increase salary grants to these operators to attract teachers. Some are concerned it would only result in teachers gravitating towards the better-paying schools, as the sector is facing a shortage of … [Read more...] about Early Childhood Development Agency to pool resources, support

SINGAPORE: Observers say the move by the Singapore government to subsidise the pay increase of low-wage workers will only go some way to help companies struggling with restructuring. But it is seen as a significant move in which the government recognises that meritocracy alone cannot be relied upon as a social leveller. Under the scheme, the government will co-fund 40 per cent of wage increases for Singaporean workers earning up to a gross monthly wage of S$4,000. Companies welcome the initiative but some say it will still be a struggle, especially when wages in certain industries have been depressed for so long due to cheap foreign labour. Andrew Khoo, honorary treasurer at Restaurant Association of Singapore, said: "Increasing wages is definitely a step in the right direction but is it enough to attract local Singaporeans into this industry? I think that's something we're not entirely sure about. "At this point in time, it's not an industry that a lot of Singaporeans … [Read more...] about Wage Credit Scheme draws mixed reactions

SINGAPORE: The government will more than double its spending on the pre-school sector over the next five years to more than $3 billion. This will enhance the industry's capacity, quality of teaching and best practices while keeping costs affordable. This year's Budget sees the government taking further initiatives to strengthen opportunities for children in low and middle-income families through the education system. It is all part of efforts to promote social mobility, and level the playing field for those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam announced this in his Budget Statement on Monday. Mr Tharman said: "Meritocracy alone will not assure us of this. We therefore want to do more, starting from early in our children's lives, to give the best leg-up to those who start with a disadvantage. We cannot change the fact that children have different family backgrounds that bring very different advantages … [Read more...] about Budget 2013: Govt to spend S$3b on pre-school sector over next 5 years

JAMES ARTHUR has spent the last eight years dominating the charts – but in 2021 he’s planning to take over the box office too. The British singer-songwriter has revealed he has landed his first acting role in an upcoming film after taking secret acting lessons and auditioning in lockdown. In an exclusive interview, he said: “There’s actually a couple of really exciting projects that I’m involved in and we’re trying to get up and running in terms of my acting. There’s going to be some acting stuff coming up. “I’ve done a few lessons and shot a few casting videos and I’m choosing between a couple of agents at the moment.” James stayed tight-lipped on details of the production, but when asked if shooting would begin this year, he teased: “I think there’s a really good chance that it will, yeah. It’s a film. Actually, film and TV, because there are two things going on. “There’s a really interesting idea we’ve got for a TV show. I’m sure you’re going to hear some stuff in … [Read more...] about James Arthur lands his first acting role in upcoming film after taking secret lessons during lockdown

SINGAPORE: A comprehensive review, or a complete do-away with the Medisave, Medishield and MediFund schemes? These were some of the questions raised at a forum on Singapore's healthcare policies. The forum, held at the National University of Singapore's Tembusu College, saw a panel of health experts speak on the challenges and gaps in the Singapore healthcare system. Medisave, Medishield and MediFund, or the 3Ms, cover between 10 and 15 per cent of Singaporeans' total healthcare expenditure, said Dr Phua Kai Hong, who is from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. Some at the forum asked if coverage should be increased to lower citizens' out-of-pocket spending. Singapore currently spends about 4 per cent of its GDP on healthcare every year. This is compared to an average of 9.6 per cent for other advanced economies. Several panellists called for a thorough review of the healthcare system. "There's far too much emphasis on the financial sustainability of the … [Read more...] about Healthcare forum debates sustainability of 3M system