Singapore fares in four areas of national interest: report

It ranges from lifelong learning, health, housing and sustainability, and the economy to security and diplomacy.

Singapore has fared in areas of national interest, ranging from lifelong learning, health, housing and sustainability, and the economy to security and diplomacy, according to the eighth edition of the Ministry of Finance’s Singapore Public Sector Outcomes Review (SPOR).

The report noted that Singapore’s real gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annualised rate of 2.6%, with progress made towards manufacturing, services and trade 2030 goals.

Physical and digital connectivity are also strengthened by investing in maritime and aviation hubs and building digital infrastructure.

Progress has been made to create opportunities for Singaporeans at every stage of their lives, from early education to retirement.

According to the report, the number of full-day preschool places has increased to over 200,000 to meet increased demand.

In 2023, the employment rate of residents aged 25 to 64 remained high at 82.6%, and residents generally saw an increase in wages over the past few years.

It was also noted that income inequality, measured by the Gini coefficient, declined to 0.371 in 2023 after accounting for taxes and transfers, reflecting the redistributive effect of government support measures and taxes and efforts to uplift wages of lower-wage workers.

Singapore saw a decline in the resident total fertility rate, which reached 0.97 in 2023 due to fewer and later marriages as well as births. With this, Singapore included enhancements to the Baby Bonus Scheme and leave measures, and raising full-day infant care places by around 50% in the last five years.

In terms of healthy and active leaving, the prevalence of high blood pressure and obesity rose in the country, whilst self-reported poor mental health decreased from 2022 to 2023.

Herewith, the report noted that the government stepped up efforts to support mental health by launching the National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy in 2023.

Meanwhile, measures such as the raised retirement and re-employment ages have given more opportunities for seniors who wish to continue working, in turn raising the employment rate of seniors.

Schemes such as the Matched Retirement Savings Scheme and Majulah Package have helped provide greater assurance of meeting basic retirement needs.

Meanwhile, Singapore has maintained a quality living environment that is well connected and committed to building a home for current and future generations by providing affordable and accessible public housing with shortened wait times.

Housing estates were rejuvenated through initiatives like the Home Improvement Programme and Neighbourhood Renewal Programme.

Public transport connectivity was expanded, shortening travel time, and 92% of residents could walk, cycle or ride to their neighbourhood centres within 20 minutes.

For a clean, green, and resilient Singapore, the country has ensured water resilience and strengthened resilience in energy and food, taking steps to address climate resilience and protect the natural environment.

Singapore also contributed to various international security and humanitarian assistance efforts with swift responses to contingencies and maintained high operational readiness to meet their security needs.

Singaporeans maintained high confidence in the Home Team’s and Singapore Armed Forces’ ability to keep Singapore safe and secure, and the country has deepened relations with partners and contributed to the global commons like international maritime law and cybersecurity.

Singapore remained one of the safest countries in the world, with low physical crime and recidivism rates. Whilst scams remained a key concern, the government continued to work closely with the private sector, such as banks, and the community to fight against scams.

Aside from this, over 35 alliances for action with citizens, community groups, and businesses were formed to co-create and prototype ideas in areas of opportunity or to address common challenges.

The Singapore Government Partnerships Office was also launched to strengthen partnerships and engagements with citizens.