Singapore can come out stronger if there is a slowdown: Ng Eng Hen

SINGAPORE — Help will be given to needy Singaporeans even as 2016 is expected to be a tough year for the economy, said Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen on Saturday (Feb 20) at a Chinese New Year celebration dinner at Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC.

“I am also confident that if there is a slowdown that we can come out through it stronger. Why am I so confident? Because we have seen it before — after 9/11; the recession in 2002 and 2003; the global financial crisis. And as before, I promise you, that if there is a hardship for families — (our) first priority (is that) children’s education won’t be affected,” said Dr Ng, who is also a Member of Parliament for the GRC.

A total of 1,200 residents from Toa Payoh Central attended the dinner at the Toa Payoh Amphitheatre. It was organised by the Toa Payoh Central Citizens’ Consultative Committee.

Dr Ng also updated residents on what has been done in the constituency. He said S$1.37 million has been given out to needy students under the Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC Community Scholarship scheme since its launch in 2010, and this includes S$202,600 which was given out last year. 154 needy residents living in Toa Payoh Central also received S$59,284.80 via the ComCare Fund last year.

Dr Ng added that upgrading projects will continue to provide better facilities for residents. For example, elderly fitness stations have been installed at every estate in the constituency to help seniors age healthily. CHANNEL NEWSASIA