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.
