Latest news with #Masagos
Straits Times
02-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
New $7.5m fund to encourage social service agencies to track impact of their programmes
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli speaking at the Social Service Summit on July 2. SINGAPORE - Social service agencies can now tap a new $7.5 million fund by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) to assess their programmes, refine services and better support clients. The SG60 Towards Sustainability Fund will provide a special one-off grant of $30,000 to eligible agencies. This move to strengthen the capabilities of agencies wil l help them attract sustained funding from donors, ensuring that their programmes can continue to thrive, said Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli on July 2. He was speaking at the Social Service Summit held at Sands Expo and Convention Centre. About 2,000 industry professionals and foreign delegates attended the two-day event. Social service agencies which are NCSS members can apply for the new fund. Mr Masagos laid out three moves to bring the social service sector forward: tapping technology for greater impact, developing social service agencies' capabilities and uplifting professionals in the sector. He said the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) is implementing various digital tools to support the social services sector. It will roll out a new system for the sector, CaseCentral, which uses artificial intelligence to streamline case management processes, automate workflows and provide insights on clients and their families. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 3 out of 4 in Singapore cannot identify deepfake content: Cyber Security Agency survey Singapore GrabCab, Singapore's newest taxi operator, hits the roads with over 40 cabs to be rolled out in July Life Star Awards 2025: Xiang Yun and Chen Hanwei are the most decorated actors in show's 30-year history World Paramount settles with Trump over '60 Minutes' Harris interview for $20 million Asia Dalai Lama says he will have successor after his death Business Cathay Cineplexes gets demand for $3.4 million in arrears from Jem landlord Singapore Man charged over allegedly receiving scam proceeds of more than $1.5m in his firm's bank accounts Sport FAS introduces 'enhancements' to SPL, with increase in prize money and foreign player quota Another tool MSF has introduced is Scribe, an AI-powered tool that transcribes and summarises conversations in multiple languages, including English, Mandarin, Malay, Cantonese and even Singlish, into case notes. Developed by Open Government Products, the tool was made available to eligible social service agencies in January. In his speech, Mr Masagos also touched on the benefits and risks of technology advancements. This includes its potential to connect people, but also lead to increased social isolation, as well as the impact of social media on mental health, especially among the young. And while technology greatly facilitates the sharing of information, poor cybersecurity can lead to data leaks and misuse, he said. 'These are just some of the very real issues that face our society and our clients. As part of the social service sector, we must become familiar with them,' he said. He said social service agencies can reach more people with their services with the prevalence of AI chatbots, virtual assistants, and remote services such as online counselling. 'Ultimately though, we are a sector built on heart and soul,' he said. 'Our use of data, technology and AI can allow us to provide more personalised and targeted care. But the human touch and empathy with which we deliver our services can and must be evident even as we leverage technology for service delivery.' Ms Petrina Tan, head of corporate communications and partnership at Care Corner Singapore, said the new fund would help the agency to measure 'meaningful progress' for initiatives where impact can only be seen over a long time, to know a programme is on track. 'It's important for us to understand early on whether the programme design needs any adjustments, so we can stay responsive and ensure it delivers the best outcomes,' she said. At Care Corner Singapore, over 100 of its social workers have used Scribe, in counselling and casework sessions with clients - which include low-income parents, seniors and couples going through divorce - since January. This has cut down the time taken for them to prepare case notes from one hour to 30 minutes, said Ms Gina Lin, design lead in Care Corner's Innovation Squad. Previously, social workers took notes on paper during the sessions or relied on their memory to put reports together. 'Now that the worker doesn't have to write notes to remember or just try to recall what the client has said, it has allowed them to be a lot more present and just to focus on the client during the session,' she said. To support their digitalisation efforts, agencies can also tap NCSS' Transformation Sustainability Scheme, which provides funding for human resource functions and talent attraction, among other aspects . Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli touring the exhibition at the Social Service Summit 2025 on July 2. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI To recognise the more than 20,000 professionals in the social service sector, MSF has also designated this SG60 year as the Year of Celebrating Social Service Professionals, said Mr Masagos. 'This year, we have publicised the meaningful work of social service professionals on various channels, to raise awareness of the different roles in the sector and inspire greater appreciation for their many contributions.' The inaugural Social Service Professional Awards will also be presented on July 2 to honour the work of professionals from social work to therapy and corporate services, he said. Salary ranges for the sector are also constantly reviewed to ensure it continues to draw talent, he said, adding that about 80 per cent of employees in the social service sector are paid according to the guidelines.
Straits Times
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
GE2025: PAP's Tampines team plans to ‘go back to the ground', gather feedback after narrow win
SINGAPORE – The PAP team who retained Tampines GRC intends to go back to the ground to better understand issues facing residents, including those that run 'really deep', said Social and Family Development Minister Masagos Zulkifli. 'We just finished the general election, so give us time. We want to go back to the ground, understand what these are, where there are really deep (issues), and where we need to bring people together,' he said on May 4, the day after the polls. 'Let's heal, let's work together as one united Tampines, and also as one united Singapore.' He was speaking to reporters during a walkabout in Tampines to thank residents after his team won 52.02 per cent of the vote in one of the most hotly contested group representation constituencies in this election. This was the PAP's narrowest winning margin in a group representation constituency for the 2025 General Election. In the four-cornered contest for Tampines GRC, WP came in second with 47.37 per cent of the vote. The other two opposition parties polled less than 1 per cent each – the People's Power Party received 0.43 per cent of the vote, and the National Solidarity Party, 0.18 per cent. Asked for his thoughts on the close winning margin, he said his team was humbled to have been voted in. 'Over the horizon, we are all worried about what may affect every one of us in every aspect of our lives, and we will bring everyone together to make sure that we come out of this always better than before.' Mr Masagos, who is also Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, did not respond to questions about whether the team had expected such a close margin, or what could have led to it. The winning PAP team included incumbents Senior Minister of State Koh Poh Koon and Senior Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng, and new political entrants, former army chief David Neo and academic Charlene Chen. On May 4, the team did walkabouts in Tampines Avenues 2, 3 and 9, and Tampines North Drive 2. The Sunday morning crowd in the neighbourhoods surrounded the team, with many queueing for photos with them under the blazing sun. Dr Chen said the team was ready to serve all Tampines residents, including those who did not vote for them. 'Our team is ready to hear whatever feedback, and we are ready to do the real work,' she said. 'We will need to hit the ground and start listening. That is what we need to do, but also to start acting on some of these things.' Mr Neo added that he wants to champion greater support for young families. 'We work for all the residents, so that we can make every day great,' he said. Tampines Changkat SMC In the neighbouring Tampines Changkat single seat, the PAP's Desmond Choo made his way around Tampines Mart, coffee shops and a market to thank residents for electing him, despite getting only three hours of sleep after the result was announced. Speaking to the media on the sidelines of his walkabout, Mr Choo said it was not an easy campaign, adding that his WP opponent Kenneth Foo had campaigned with conviction. 'I am happy because it is the whole team's win, not just mine, but also for Tampines GRC,' he said. Mr Choo said he has plans to address the issues brought up by residents months before the campaign. He received an e-mail just 10 minutes after he was elected asking for help on these issues, he noted. For instance, he said, he plans to raise funds to help chronically ill elderly residents with their medical expenses, and deal with the needs of younger residents of new Housing Board Build-To-Order flats in the area. On the nationwide swing towards the PAP in the general election, Mr Choo said: 'That is a testimony of not only the efforts over the last term of office, but also faith that there is a good team of people that can navigate Singapore through potentially very choppy waters.' East Coast GRC The elected MPs for East Coast GRC spent the morning on an open-top bus tour to thank residents for supporting them. Waving PAP East Coast flags, Culture, Community and Youth Minister Edwin Tong, Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How, Ms Jessica Tan, Madam Hazlina Abdul Halim and Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash made stops across the five divisions of the constituency, where they greeted residents and gave out magnets bearing the team's slogan, 'east side, best side'. Mr Tong, the anchor minister for the team, said the five MPs' priority is to divide the constituency among themselves. They won 58.76 per cent of the vote, beating WP. 'There will have to be some alignment and some adjustments to make, given that we need to amalgamate different divisions among the five of us,' said Mr Tong, who was an MP for Marine Parade GRC in his previous term in Parliament. The Joo Chiat ward he oversaw was carved out of that constituency to become part of East Coast. Mr Tong said he will look into integrating 'the new kid on the block', Joo Chiat, with the rest of the constituency in terms of infrastructure and social programmes. He had previously said that when planning for Joo Chiat's integration, the emphasis will be on minimising disruption to residents, while ensuring that programmes that have been promised or have started will continue. Meanwhile, Mr Tan is the incumbent MP for the Kampong Chai Chee ward, while Ms Tan is the incumbent for the Changi Simei ward. Madam Hazlina is expected to oversee the Siglap area, while Mr Dinesh takes over Bedok from outgoing Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat. The MPs have yet to announce who will oversee retiring East Coast MP Cheryl Chan's Fengshan ward. Since their team's win was confirmed in the early hours of May 4, Mr Tong has repeatedly mentioned the need to reach out to those who did not vote for the PAP. At one of the stops on the bus tour, he told residents at a Siglap community event: 'We are looking forward to serving our East Coast residents even more, even better, and especially for those who did not support us. 'We will do our best to turn them around. We will do our best to improve their lives, and we will do our best to make sure that next time they will be on our side.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
GE2025: Vision for Tampines includes model town, more support for seniors and low-income families
Social and Family Development Minister Masagos Zulkifli speaking at the rally in Temasek Junior College on May 1. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE - A model town featuring a regional town centre, more active ageing centres for seniors and greater support for low-income families are among the plans the PAP has in store for Tampines residents. The estate will be an example of a caring community prepared for the future, said Social and Family Development Minister Masagos Zulkifli. Speaking at a rally in Temasek Junior College on May 1, Mr Masagos said there are nine active ageing centres now, with more to come, and a new nursing home is also being built in the north of the town. Mr Masagos, who is also Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, also highlighted several projects in Tampines that have been completed. For instance, Tampines can take pride in being Singapore's first cycling town, the test site of Wolbachia mosquitoes to reduce dengue cases, as well as the town that has the country's first district cooling network. 'Anyone can build a town. But a model town? That takes more than bricks. It takes heart and people,' said Mr Masagos. In his rally speech, he also asked what the opposition will do for residents if any of the three other parties contesting Tampines GRC is voted into Parliament. At least one party, he added, has said it will move forward with plans he has drawn up for the town. Mr Masagos said: 'I said to them, excuse me, that's my plan. Just because you've read the in-flight magazine, doesn't mean you know how to fly the plane.' The PAP Tampines team on the other hand, has 'always moved forward... side-by-side' with residents, he added. In his Malay speech, Mr Masagos said things are not perfect, but the ruling party will continue to listen and engage residents and work on solving outstanding issues. He said: 'We realise that there are still many things that are not perfect. Not all requests can be granted immediately, I apologise if there are things that have not been fulfilled. 'However, the Government will continue to strive, continue to listen and engage in dialogue, so that the problems faced by the community can be resolved as best as they could.' Earlier, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking at the rally, called on Singaporeans to vote for the PAP so that it can secure Singapore's interests and keep the country exceptional. Dr Koh Poh Koon, who is Senior Minister of State for Manpower, as well as Sustainability and the Environment, said he has had many discussions with residents, listening to them and trying to understand the challenges they face and also to explain the thinking behind some of the policies that are in place. 'We don't do it like the opposition, telling you all the good things, trying to shove all the medications down your throat without telling you the consequences,' he added. He also said that unlike the opposition, 'the PAP doesn't just talk about policy, we implement it'. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong concluding his speech at the PAP rally for Tampines GRC and Tampines Changkat SMC in Temasek Junior College on May 1. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM PAP fresh face and former army chief David Neo, said some senior citizens he spoke to were concerned that younger voters 'might be swayed by promises that sound sweet'. Addressing younger voters, Mr Neo said: 'You are not just the leaders of tomorrow. You are the decision-makers of today. We believe in you, and we know that you will see clearly and choose wisely.' In his speech, Tampines Changkat SMC candidate Desmond Choo said the election is not about 'tearing others down without a plan of your own'. He said when Singaporeans go to the polls on May 3, it is about choosing hope over hostility. 'It is about building up, not breaking down. It is about who you trust to stand by you, today, tomorrow and for the next five years,' he added. The second newbie in the PAP Tampines team, university don Charlene Chen, said the PAP is not focused on making grand speeches and empty promises. Its focus is real work, she added. Dr Chen said Tampines residents can easily speak to PAP leaders, and recounted how one resident told her: 'Where else in the world can you see your MP, your minister, and even your prime minister walking the ground?' On April 30, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong joined the PAP team contesting Tampines GRC and Tampines Changkat for a walkabout in the area, and urged voters to think about Singapore's future and choose the right candidates. In his rally speech, Mr Baey Yam Keng, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport, and Sustainability and the Environment urged residents to let the PAP team in Tampines continue its work. He said he will take over as chairman of Tampines Town Council if elected to Parliament, and with his team, work on improving cleanliness in the estate, introducing more solar panels, and add more rest points and ramps for seniors. Said Mr Baey: 'It has been a joy and honour to serve you and to build Tampines together with you. We humbly ask you to let us serve you again, not just as your voices in Parliament, but as your kakis on the ground. 'On Saturday, please let us return home with you.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
30-04-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Upward social mobility more challenging, new ways to help S'poreans progress may be needed: Masagos
The Republic's meritocratic system has allowed Singaporeans with the ability and who work hard to have a fair shot at success, said Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli on April 30. PHOTO: ST FILE Upward social mobility more challenging, new ways to help S'poreans progress may be needed: Masagos SINGAPORE - Upward social mobility is becoming more challenging and new approaches may be needed to keep Singaporeans progressing in a world beset by global trade tensions and other disruptions, said Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli on April 30. Mr Masagos said in his closing speech at the 2025 International Conference on Societies of Opportunity: 'Indeed, what served us well in the past, and which may even serve us well today, may not be what we need for the future. 'We need to boldly make changes, even revisiting fundamental principles if need be. This ensures that our approach towards social mobility will be up-to-date, suitable for present and future challenges.' The inaugural two-day conference saw academics and policymakers share their research, reflections and programmes relating to social mobility. The conference, which ends on April 30, was organised by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and the Institute of Policy Studies. It was held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre. Mr Masagos, who delivered his speech via a video recording, said Singapore's enduring beliefs have allowed the country to prosper over the last 60 years. The Republic's meritocratic system has allowed Singaporeans with the ability and who work hard to have a fair shot at success, he noted. 'We also believe in promoting self-reliance,' he said, adding: 'This sense of personal responsibility spurs us to take control of what we can and strive for success.' He pointed out that as Singapore progressed, it has 'evolved towards a more balanced approach on meritocracy and self-reliance'. While meritocracy can inspire healthy competition, excessive competition can be problematic, intensifying stress levels and straining social ties, said Mr Masagos. 'Instead of working hard to uplift ourselves and the people around us, we may end up focusing narrowly on our own pursuits and goals.' He added: 'Excessive self-reliance can also lead to the mistaken notion that 'I am who I am solely because of my own efforts'. 'We know that this cannot be true. Our success is also dependent on the people and circumstances around us.' Enduring principles The conference, attended by about 700 participants across both days, is being held at a time marked by sharp changes to the global order and economy, along with technological developments leading to displaced jobs. An ageing population and smaller families are also placing increasing strain on the home front, especially for lower-income families, said Mr Masagos. 'As our world continues to change, so too must we. We must fundamentally rethink how we can continue to achieve social mobility despite these trends,' he said. 'With this mindset, trends need not become threats, but instead, opportunities to grow.' Singapore has operated from several principles that have – and will – endure through the test of time, he added. The first is that strong families make strong societies, he said, adding that policies here emphasise building strong and resilient families. 'Second, we recognise, harness and maximise the diverse strengths of each individual and family,' he said. There is also targeted support for those who need it most. Mr Masagos cited the MSF's ComLink+ scheme, a key plank of the national push to boost social mobility where low-income families get financial incentives and other support if they take steps to improve their lives. These steps include sending their children to pre-school by the age of three, getting a stable job that pays Central Provident Fund (CPF), and saving up to buy their own homes. One unique feature of the ComLink+ scheme is that a family coach will work closely with each family to leverage their collective strengths to build their confidence and resilience to achieve their goals, Mr Masagos said. 'While social assistance provides a strong safety net to ensure that basic needs are met, we need to further enhance individual and family resilience,' he added. 'Third, we believe the earlier we start, the better,' said Mr Masagos. Taking a proactive approach to address issues early prevents them from escalating and becoming more complex to resolve later on, he said. One example is the KidStart programme where lower-income parents with children up to the age of six are supported in the areas of early childhood development to give their children a stronger start in life. Singapore also provides affordable and quality pre-school education to prevent the widening of the gaps between children from lower socio-economic backgrounds and those from more affluent families, he added. While the Government can create the conditions to enable social mobility, self-reliance is a muscle that must be exercised, he said. 'It cannot be allowed to atrophy even as we support those in greater need.' Community groups and companies can also do their part to boost social mobility and help those in need, he said, stressing the need for a collective effort in this endeavour. Theresa Tan is senior social affairs correspondent at The Straits Times. She covers issues that affect families, youth and vulnerable groups. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
CNA
29-04-2025
- Politics
- CNA
GE2025: 'Vicious' conversations sparked by online posts mixing religion and politics have not disappeared, says SM Lee
SINGAPORE: The 'very vicious' set of conversations sparked by recent foreign posts calling Singaporeans to vote along religious lines 'has not disappeared away', said Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday (Apr 29). Cautioning Singaporeans to 'understand the games being played online', Mr Lee reiterated that Singapore does not conduct its politics along racial or religious lines. Mr Lee said this to the media on the sidelines of his visit to Tampines GRC, where a PAP slate led by Mr Masagos Zulkilfi is facing a four-cornered fight with teams from the Workers' Party (WP), National Solidarity Party (NSP) and People's Power Party (PPP). Mr Masagos is the Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for Health, and also Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs. Asked by the media on Tuesday about his visit to the constituency, Mr Lee said that he came to Tampines because 'the issue of race and religion getting mixed up with politics' came up last week. On Friday, the authorities directed Meta to block Singapore users' access to several instances of online election advertising posted on Facebook by two Malaysian politicians and a former Internal Security Act (ISA) detainee who is now an Australian citizen. Among other things, they criticised the Singapore government's handling of sensitive religious issues, and urged Singaporeans to vote along religious lines. 'There have been very extreme posts which have been propounding such a view and propounding that people should vote for candidates which will most champion their religious interests,' said Mr Lee on Tuesday. 'And particularly the Malay MPs, please, the Malay candidates, please assess them to see who is the most zealous in advancing this Malay or Muslim interest, and vote for them and judge them on that basis.' That is not how politics is conducted in Singapore, Mr Lee said. While Malay candidates will 'naturally have an affinity and an interest in the well-being of' their own community, they also look after all residents regardless of race, language and religion. Political parties in Singapore are also not organised along racial or religious lines, Mr Lee added. 'And I think it was very important for me to come and show support from Mr Masagos and explain that he looks after the Malay community – of course, he is also minister for Muslim affairs – but at the same time, he's representing residents of all races and religions in Tampines and in Cabinet, he is looking after the interests of all Singaporeans as a member of the Cabinet.' Mr Lee stressed the importance of Singaporeans to understand this and 'understand the games being played online', adding that the foreign posts have sparked off a 'very vicious' set of conversations. "And it has not just disappeared away." POISON ONCE STARTED, WILL JUST SPREAD: MASAGOS Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Saturday that foreigners urging Singaporeans to vote along religious lines have " crossed the line", stressing that external actors must not be allowed to exploit divisions within the country. He also welcomed statements made separately by leaders of opposition parties rejecting such interferences. On Tuesday, Mr Masagos echoed the message by Mr Lee. 'I know that right now, even after it has stopped in the rallies, it has continued in the internet, in cyberspace, and this is concerning,' said Mr Masagos. 'It just shows that when you start a poison going, it just spreads, and that's why we should never even start in the first place.' Mr Masagos said that after the online posts were put up, some residents he visited 'actually cried and said they couldn't sleep'. This was especially so among older residents who experienced the racial riots in Singapore's early years, adding that residents across all races expressed similar concerns. Mr Masagos reiterated the importance of protecting Singapore's multi-racial and multi-religious way of life. 'Even as we advance the interests or listen to the concerns of our own community, we articulate it in a way that does not hurt others, does not divide the society, and move forward together,' he said. 'And this is something very unique in Singapore, and that's why we have had peace and harmony all these years, so let's preserve that.'
