Coffee session helps Marsiling seniors learn more about Pioneer Generation Package

SINGAPORE — One man had heard of the Pioneer Generation Package, meant to give recognition to the contributions of those of his generation, but had no idea how it would benefit him. Another appeared not to have heard of it at all.

They were among more than 50 seniors who attended a coffee session organised by the Marsiling Citizens’ Consultative Committee yesterday, during which about 20 volunteers explained the benefits of the package and how it could help them with their healthcare needs.

Held for the first time in Marsiling, the coffee session was among a slew of activities that have been planned at the grassroots level since the details of the Pioneer Generation Package were unveiled in February.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Senior Parliamentary Secretary (Education and Manpower) Hawazi Daipi, who is also Member of Parliament for Sembawang GRC and the adviser to Marsiling grassroots organisations, said there was a lack of awareness about the programme and that public education was needed to reach out to the senior citizens and their families.

“This is one approach, where we go to a coffee shop to meet them, but we will also be organising other things like discussion sessions, briefing sessions at the Community Centre and the Residents’ Committee,” he said.

Chairman of Marsiling Citizens’ Consultative Committee Bob Shaw said it would also engage senior citizens through house visits and events such as brisk walks.

Earlier this month, the Government announced it was forming a 22-member task force focusing on communication and outreach for the S$9 billion Pioneer Generation Package, in light of the “special challenge” of communicating the package’s details.

Led by Senior Minister of State (Transport and Finance) Josephine Teo and Senior Minister of State (Health and Manpower) Amy Khor, the task force will include members from the people and social sectors, media-related fields and representatives from various ministries and government agencies.

The Pioneer Generation Package is expected to benefit about 450,000 Singaporeans aged 65 or older who became citizens before 1987. It includes annual Medisave top-ups of S$200 to S$800 for life, as well as subsidies for MediShield Life premiums and treatment at specialist outpatient clinics and polyclinics.

To publicise yesterday’s coffee session, organisers had placed notices at void decks in the area to inform residents of the event. Mr Hawazi said his constituency would like to reach out to 800 residents in the next three months. “On top of that, we also have plans to meet younger residents whose parents may not be in our network,” he added.

Mr Hawazi said the questions and concerns raised by the seniors were mainly of a factual nature, such as how much annual Medisave top-ups they would receive based on their age. They also asked about the MediShield Life subsidy.

“The concept of insurance is new to some of them, they probably understand the hard cash in their Medisave, so it’s useful for us to explain to them,” he said.

Seniors who attended the session yesterday said it helped them understand the package better. Madam Ang Yak Buky, a tailor, said she had been visiting the polyclinic and taking heart medicine, which cost her about S$100. “The Pioneer Generation Package will help me a bit here and there in the medical fees. At least, it won’t be such a heavy burden any more,” said Mdm Ang, 67, in Mandarin.