Special SG50 gift for S’porean couples getting married in 2015

SINGAPORE – Singaporeans solemnising their marriage next year will receive a special SG50 marriage certificate holder. The Ministry of Social and Family Development said it is in the process of creating it to mark the nation’s 50th anniversary.

Ms Low Yen Ling, Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development, elaborated: “To mark SG50 next year, we have also received suggestions on how we can commemorate the jubilee year with special mementoes to celebrate family life. To this end, the Ministry of Social and Family Development will provide a gift to every Singaporean couple who are getting married in 2015. And the simple gift will be a very memorable one. It is in the form of a specially-designed marriage certificate holder.

“We think this represents their wedded bliss as well as the nation’s joy of turning 50. So in a way, 2015 is a wonderful year, not just for the nation, but for Singaporean couples who are starting their married life together.”

The initiative was inspired by members of the public, who suggested commemorating significant family milestones as part of SG50. As marriage is a momentous occasion, the ministry has centred part of its commemorative efforts around this day.

As for other plans by the ministry to celebrate SG50, Ms Low said the details will be shared in time to come. She added that the ministry is always very open-minded about working with the community to bring on board suggestions on how to better celebrate family life.

Ms Low was speaking to reporters today (Oct 25) on the sidelines of a picnic at Choa Chu Kang Park. The event was organised by “Families for Life”, a council that champions and promotes resilient families. The picnic is part of the “Families for Life Celebrations”, which provides platforms for families to spend time together and take part in activities. As part of the celebrations, monthly family picnics will be held in various parks from this month to August next year.

Participants at Saturday’s picnic were given a new resource kit, which offers recommendations to families to strengthen relationships with one another. They also enjoyed various activities such as flying kites and making terrariums.

Health Minister Gan Kim Yong and Ms Low helped out at the Families for Life Mobile Cafe. The colourful truck was launched in September and this was the first time families could enjoy its full offerings. These include complimentary light refreshment items, and board and card games. CHANNEL NEWSASIA