2023年李显龙总理新年献词（中英文）

Our experience with COVID-19 has taught us valuable lessons for future crises. We will enhance our preparedness for future pandemics, as well as strengthen our healthcare system and community networks more broadly. We will push ahead with Healthier SG to mobilise GPs, who were invaluable during the pandemic, to partner Singaporeans to live longer and healthier. Healthier SG will emphasise preventive health, and improve the provision of care to Singaporeans, especially our elderly.

Providing healthcare and social services for a rapidly ageing population will require considerable resources. To help finance our growing healthcare budget, from 1 Jan 2023 the GST rate will go up by one percentage point. We are also implementing a comprehensive package to help households cope with cost of living pressures and cushion the effects of the GST hike, including utilities rebates and Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers. Over the last month, nearly three million Singaporeans received up to $700 in cash. More assistance is on the way in the new year. I thank everyone for contributing our fair shares to public revenues. This will help us greatly to take proper care of fellow Singaporeans, especially our more vulnerable seniors, both for today and for our children’s generation.

We are planning and building for Singapore’s future in many ways. Major projects are progressing. I spoke about Tuas Port and Changi Airport Terminal 5 at the National Day Rally. Recently, another 11 MRT stations on the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) opened. When fully completed in 2025, the TEL will serve one million commuters daily, connecting residents in the East with the North-South corridor.

On housing, we have been working hard to catch up on construction delays caused by COVID-19. We are sparing no efforts to build more HDB flats, and keep public housing affordable and accessible for Singaporeans, especially couples starting families. Last month HDB launched close to 10,000 new flats, its largest ever single BTO offering. Next year HDB will launch another 23,000 new flats. We will maintain this high tempo to meet the strong demand for housing, and expect to build up to 100,000 new BTO flats from 2021 to 2025.

We have also made strides towards a more inclusive society. We announced policies to ensure that both sexes are protected and treated equally, whether at home or at work. We are working with unions and employers to secure CPF contributions and work injury compensation for platform workers. The Enabling Masterplan 2030 will help persons with disabilities find jobs and live with dignity.

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