Vouchers, Rebates, and the Singaporean Way of Solving Problems

Creative Policy Incentives for Everyday Struggles

If you’ve checked the news recently, it’s all about vouchers. Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers worth $800 for all. Experts debating how vouchers impact elections. Guides on how best to spend them. No matter your background, belief, or budget—there’s a voucher for you.

At this rate, they could announce a nuclear power plant in Yishun and nobody would bat an eye—just throw in a voucher, and someone will deliver enriched uranium via e-scooter.

So, we asked ourselves: what other pressing issues in Singapore could be tackled with a well-placed voucher or rebate? Here are a few suggestions from our policy research team.

The ‘National Wardrobe Overhaul’ Grant
💰 $700 Clothing & Accessories Voucher for Singaporean men aged 21+
A national upgrade initiative to improve local fashion choices. Valid at all retailers—except Uniqlo.

The ‘NS Late Book-Out’ Transport Subsidy
🚗 $200 in ride-hailing credits (Grab, Gojek, Tada, Zig)
Compensation for the nights when your RSM insists, “The stores are not settled,” and you’re stuck three hours past book-out time.

The ‘Pre-Drinks Stimulus’ Rebate
🍺 $100 in 7-Eleven vouchers
A boost for nightlife and late-night eateries. Intended for Tiger Beer—but let’s be honest, it’s all going towards canned shōchū highballs.

The ‘MRT Delay Compensation’ Credit
🎓 $500–$15,000 in SkillsFuture Credits
Lost productivity due to train breakdowns? Fear not—your inconvenience is now a government-funded upskilling opportunity.

The ‘Baby Incentive’ CPF Deduction
👶 -$1,000 deducted annually from CPF for childless married couples
Automatically refunded upon submission of a birth certificate.

The ‘ERP Mercy Pass’ E-Card
🚦 $150 in CashCard top-ups
For those moments when you’ve paid the ERP charge but still find yourself late to work.

The National Curry Sauce Relief Fund
🍛 $10 per household in McDonald’s vouchers
Offsetting the additional 50-cent charge for extra curry sauce packets.

The General Election Compensation Fund
🗳️ $600 payout to MOE staff and their families
A gesture of goodwill towards teachers, who will inevitably serve as election-day logistics warriors.

The ‘PSLE Survival’ Medisave Mental Health Credit
🧠 $400 Medisave top-up
For therapy costs linked to the national education system. Not available for students from RI, Hwa Chong, or ACS.

The Millennial Sports Crisis Relief Package
🏃 Free Strava Premium subscription for eligible households
Because financial strain from rock climbing, half-marathons, and Hyrox training is a real issue.

At the current pace, one thing is clear: in Singapore, if there’s a problem, there’s probably a voucher waiting to solve it.

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