In your opinion, what can the Singapore government do to address the needs of those in the lower-income group in Singapore? Explain your answer using two strategies.
One strategy the Singapore government can take to address the needs of those in the lower-income group is to provide greater funding for the lower-income group to pursue job upskilling and reskilling courses. [Description]
For example, the Singapore government has introduced the SkillsFuture programme where Singaporeans can utilise SkillsFuture Credits to attend courses at a partially-subsidised rate to develop their skillset. However, recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic have affected the lower-income group severely. [Example]
Thus, the Singapore government should consider increasing the SkillsFuture Credits provided to those from the lower-income group such that those from the lower-income groups can attend courses at a fully subsidised rate. In this way, through training they can get better-paying jobs and thus will be able to have more money for their daily needs. [Explanation]
The government can help low-income households cope with the rising cost of living by providing grocery vouchers. With the rising cost of everyday essentials, families from low-income households may find that they are able to purchase less groceries with the same amount of money. If the government provides assistance in the form of grocery vouchers, it will help offset the grocery bills for the families. [Description]
An example was in 202 the Singapore government distributed grocery vouchers to families living in 1- and 2-room households. The vouchers could easily be redeemed in local supermarkets. [Example]
With the distribution of these vouchers, low-income households can be reassured that they will still be able to purchase food for their families and will not go hungry thus address the needs of the lower-income group in Singapore. [Explanantion]