Chinese New Year is a time of family reunion and bonding. It is a season for families to cherish the bonds that unite us, and to appreciate the strength and support our loved ones provide.
Families are the bedrock of our society. They nurture our values, provide emotional support, and inspire us to dream big. In today’s fast paced and competitive world, balancing work and family life has become harder. Yet families remain at the heart of what matters most to us. I am encouraged that many Singaporeans continue to prioritise marriage, parenthood and family.
The Government is committed to supporting families at every stage of life. For young couples, we are ramping up the supply of BTO flats, and making public housing more affordable. We are enhancing leave arrangements, including through a new Shared Parental Leave scheme. We are also investing significantly in schools, especially pre-schools, so that every child, regardless of background, gets a good start in life.
For our seniors, we are providing more support so that they can enjoy their golden years with peace of mind, and age with dignity and purpose. Programmes like Healthier SG and Age Well SG will help our seniors to stay active and healthy, while remaining connected to their loved ones and community.
Caregivers are the unsung heroes in many families. Many Singaporeans juggle multiple caregiving responsibilities, looking after ageing parents, young children, or family members with special needs. We deeply appreciate their contributions. The Government will find ways to better support caregivers, recognising their vital role in strengthening family bonds.
As we celebrate Chinese New Year, let us also remember our fellow Singaporeans going through difficult times. The Government will do more to help vulnerable families, uplift them, and provide better opportunities for their children.
But building an inclusive society requires all of us to do our part. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, brings us closer together. Each one of us can make a difference – by donating to charitable causes, volunteering to help those in need, or leading social initiatives.
This festive season is also an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of our Singapore family. We may have different views on issues that mater deeply to us. But we cannot let our differences pull us apart. We should make an extra effort to engage and reach out to fellow Singaporeans of different races and religions. Our diversity is a source of strength, and we must continually seek ways to deepen our mutual understanding and expand our common space. In a world that is increasingly divided and polarised, our unity is a precious asset that we must continue to protect and nurture.