Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song (Aljunied): Efficient and convenient public transport is vital to achieving many of our national priorities. It allows HDB to build more flats away from the city. It enables workers to travel to further out workplaces and it helps us to reach our climate change goals. I sold my car five yearsContinue reading “COS 2021: Commuter-centric Public Transport”
Category Archives: COS 2021: Gerald Giam
COS 2021: MediShield Life Premiums
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song: Between 2016 and 2019, $7.5 billion in premiums for MediShield Life were collected and $3.5 billion in claims were paid out, while a further $3 billion was set aside for future premium rebates. Many Singaporeans are concerned about the impending premium hikes of up to 35% to MediShield Life. MoreContinue reading “COS 2021: MediShield Life Premiums”
COS 2021: MediSave Use for Outpatient Treatment
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song (Aljunied): Many seniors suffer from chronic conditions which require extended care and that can be very expensive. Most outpatient treatment is not covered by MediShield Life and access to MediFund is only available to the very low income. The use of MediSave is subject to annual withdrawal caps. This canContinue reading “COS 2021: MediSave Use for Outpatient Treatment”
COS 2021: Temporary Development Levy
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song (Aljunied): The temporary development levy or TDL, is a tax payable when permission is granted for a temporary enhancement of the land value. The TDL can amount to tens of thousands of dollars payable by a small business every year and can form a significant portion of their business costs.Continue reading “COS 2021: Temporary Development Levy”
COS 2021: University Cohort Participation Rate
University Cohort Participation Rate Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song: Every year, around 9,000 students graduate from private education institutions offering degree courses in Singapore, while thousands more study in universities overseas. Apart from the few who obtain scholarships, most of these students will have to pay full tuition fees for their studies. This can cost themContinue reading “COS 2021: University Cohort Participation Rate”
COS 2021: Foundation Subjects in Primary School
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song (Aljunied): In Primary school, students may take a combination of Standard and Foundation level subjects based on their strengths and choices. However, many students and parents may not be aware that for the purpose of Secondary 1 posting, even a perfect score at a Foundation level maps to a StandardContinue reading “COS 2021: Foundation Subjects in Primary School”
COS 2021: Progressive Wage Model
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song (Aljunied): The Progressive Wage Model currently covers three industry sectors – cleaning, security and landscaping. It will cover the lift and escalator maintenance sector by 2022, and there are now discussions to implement PWM in six more sectors. Based on MOM labour force data, apart from the aforementioned sectors, thereContinue reading “COS 2021: Progressive Wage Model”
COS 2021: Helping SMEs Attract Local Talent
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song (Aljunied): Mr Chairman, I declare that I am a director of a local SME providing technology consulting services. SMEs face many challenges in attracting and retaining local talent. There is sometimes a bias against working for SMEs in favour of MNCs, GLCs or the Civil Service. Many SMEs try theirContinue reading “COS 2021: Helping SMEs Attract Local Talent”
COS 2021: Resolving Neighbour Disputes
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song (Aljunied): Neighbour disputes are some of the most thorny issues in public housing estates. Residents often contact the police, HDB, town councils or the Ministers of Parliament to seek assistance. Avenues like the Community Mediation Centre (CMC), or Community Dispute Resolution Tribunal (CDRT), are available, but many residents seem lessContinue reading “COS 2021: Resolving Neighbour Disputes”
COS 2021: Care for Soldiers
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song (Aljunied): Mr Chairman, Singapore’s defence strategy is dependent largely on the contributions of our National Servicemen. It is important that should our soldiers suffer injuries in the course of their service to the nation, they will be fairly compensated. This will give them the assurance to give their best duringContinue reading “COS 2021: Care for Soldiers”
Office of the Leader of the Opposition 