Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlights the link between work and well-being in response to discussions on the Silver Support package.
SINGAPORE: Most workers in Singapore express a desire to work longer, provided they remain healthy, according to Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during a discussion on January 16.
He was addressing infectious diseases expert Paul Tambyah’s query about the Silver Support package, which offers quarterly cash payouts to lower-income senior citizens, and whether it could be more universally applied to mitigate income drops when individuals cease working.
Professor Tambyah posed the question, “Would anyone actually want to be operated on by a 70-year-old neurosurgeon? Or ride in a bus driven by a 70-year-old bus driver?” during a dialogue at the National University of Singapore’s Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) Singapore Perspectives Conference.
He suggested that the prevailing narrative seems to advocate for continued work, emphasizing the need for retraining if individuals are unable to perform specific jobs.
In response, Mr. Wong acknowledged, “While there’s a limit to how long we can work, we must also recognize that with rising longevity and longer lifespans, surveys show that most people do wish to continue working as long as they are healthy. Many understand that stopping work can lead to rapid health decline.”
He added that work provides not only income but also dignity and purpose, stating, “Work holds fundamental importance.”
Mr. Wong, who is also the finance minister, stressed the need for consistent employment, encouraging new entrants to the workforce to secure stable jobs. “If you’re a young adult entering the workforce, working consistently, regardless of the job, should ensure you can achieve a basic retirement sum.”
Former diplomat Kishore Mahbubani asked if there was a need to “rebalance” contributions from the government and society in addressing key issues over the next two decades.
Mr. Wong responded by emphasizing the collective responsibility to shift mindsets and prepare to invest more in services provided by fellow citizens, particularly to uplift the wages of lower-income Singaporeans.
He acknowledged the government’s role in this process, stating, “Certainly, the ‘we’ encompasses more than just government efforts, and we recognize that the government has the capacity to do more.”
The minister confirmed that policies must be regularly reviewed and updated, suggesting, “There is room for increased government spending,” noting that Singapore currently allocates around 18 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) to public spending, which is relatively low compared to many developed countries.
With an aging population and rising healthcare and social spending needs, he anticipated that by 2030, government spending could rise to over 20 percent of GDP.
Mr. Wong emphasized the necessity for additional revenue sources, urging Singaporeans to contribute to meet the increased expenditures and provide essential support for the population.
Fathers at Work
During the dialogue, Ms. Corinna Lim, executive director of the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE), inquired whether paternity leave could be extended.
“It’s vital to equalize caregiving at home to achieve workplace equality,” she asserted.
Mr. Wong concurred, noting that modern fathers are increasingly interested in taking care of their children and becoming more involved, yet there is still room for encouraging fathers to play a larger role.
He pointed out, however, that the uptake of paternity leave among men in Singapore remains lower than desired.
Inclusive Policies
A representative from the National Institute of Education (NIE) raised concerns regarding recent comments from the president of the Singapore Human Resources Institute, highlighting workforce policies that discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals.
On January 12, Ms. Low Peck Kem, who also serves as the chief human resources officer for the Government’s Public Service Division, questioned business leaders implementing such “stupid” policies.
Mr. Wong responded by confirming that discrimination in the workplace would be addressed by law, requiring employers to ensure fair employment practices that do not discriminate based on sex, race, religion, or age.
“Discrimination can take many forms, and we want every employer to make hiring, promotion, and appraisal decisions solely based on merit and work performance,” he emphasized.
In response to Ms. Lim’s query about the forthcoming legislation, he clarified, “The law will cover sex, race, religion, and age. We have clearly defined the areas of protection under the anti-discrimination act, which will be debated in Parliament once the Bill is introduced.”
