SINGAPORE - From questions on the recent goods and services tax (GST) increase to the impact of artificial intelligence transforming the job landscape, about 80 Malay-Muslim young people raised their concerns at a dialogue held at Siglap Community Club on March 2.
Others asked if the 2024 Budget is able to address underlying social issues surrounding some families and youth at risk.
The event by M3@Bedok – a collaborative effort between Muis, Mendaki and Mesra – sought to gather feedback and address concerns related to Budget 2024.
One of the participants, Adam Hariz, from Temasek Junior College, said he knew many Singaporeans were not happy with the increase in GST to 9 per cent.
But Adam said he learnt something from the explanation given by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Maliki Osman, who is also Second Minister for Education and Foreign Affairs.
Said Adam, 17: “I was happy about (Dr Maliki’s) explanation where he spoke about the Government’s considerations for taxes as well as ‘striking a balance’. We seldom get to see and understand what happens behind the scenes.”
On Feb 28, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong said there would be no need for further GST hikes up to 2030.
At the March 2 event, Dr Maliki and Aljunied grassroots adviser Shamsul Kamar answered questions raised after the participants were broken up into groups that discussed topics such as “Support for Singaporeans”, “Investing in our people” and “Supporting businesses and driving growth”.
Among the participants were students from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), secondary schools, madrasahs and junior colleges, as well as residents and grassroots leaders.
Dr Maliki said: “While the Budget addresses near-, medium- and long-term challenges and our responses to them, it is important to engage our youth who will inherit the future Singapore, and allow them to articulate their views and concerns as we move forward together.”
Budget 2024 allocates billions of dollars to families, businesses, retirees and lower-wage workers, including giving ITE graduates a chance to obtain competitive salaries similar to diploma holders’.
Nevertheless, global tensions and uncertainties can affect Singapore’s economy and prosperity, said Dr Maliki, citing the Ukraine-Russia war and the abrasive relationship between the United States and China.
The gist of the Budget is that every Singaporean must understand that he must be relevant to Singapore’s economy, which involves keeping his skills current.
“That’s why we are giving a lot of incentives for people to upgrade themselves, including young people,” said Dr Maliki. “Young people, you would also need to upgrade yourself very quickly and that’s the nature of Singapore society, because we are just very small and we have to change very fast.”
Mr Shamsul added that while there are organisations that can help young people access the benefits of the Budget, this help must be properly utilised.
“I think what is very important is we have the Budget here and this is the amount of money,” he said. “But it’s no point if the Malay society does not access or apply, or we do not fully utilise the Budget.”
Some lower-income residents, including youth at risk, may not be aware about whom to approach for help, Mr Shamsul said.
He added that there are several networks that can assist, such as the People’s Association, job centres within community clubs and the new ComLink+ scheme.
