RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
Budget 2021 provides a suite of measures to create a vibrant economy with good jobs and opportunities for Singaporeans and business; cohesive society with a strong social compact and community spirit; welcoming and sustainable home for generations to come; and fiscal and social reserves to enable continued stability and progress.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
• Singapore's economy is expected to rise by 6% or more this year, according to the government's most recent prediction.
• Following the cabinet reshuffle on May 15, seven of the 15 ministries will be led by new ministers.
• Restrictions should be eased if the Covid-19 situation improves and the number of community cases lowers further.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is compiled by the Research and Design Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
- Record number of 96,000 in Singapore get financial aid from ComCare amid Covid-19. This is a 22% increase from the 78,580 people in the year before.
- More than 2,900 participated in MENDAKI’s ‘Raikan Ilmu’ Month
- A $640 million package of support measures will be extended to individuals and businesses affected by the one-month extension of tighter measures under the stabilisation phase.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The three key highlights are:
1. Singapore’s unemployment situation has continued to improve, with declines seen across the overall, resident and citizen unemployment rates.
2. COVID-19 breathalysers could be used on large scale in Singapore soon, facilitating safe travel arrangements and screenings at large scale events.
3. Based on the new PSLE scoring system, schools will now be less differentiated by cut-off points, and pupils will have a wider range of secondary schools to choose from.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community.
It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
1. The fight against COVID-19 has entered a new phase as the Singapore government unveiled the comprehensive vaccination programme for the people.
2. Despite a challenging year, Singapore’s economy has received $17.2 billion in fixed asset investments in 2020.
3. The ninth M3 town in Geylang Serai was launched on 23rd January. Wisma Geylang Serai seeks to be a pillar of support for the community as it plans new initiative such as promoting lifelong learning and healthy lifestyle
Your feedback is important for us to continuously improve our resources and publications for our readers.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
- Health (71)
- Community (61)
- Economy (37)
This reflects Singapore’s growing concerns over community and economic trends due to the loosening of Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) restrictions and developments in Singapore’s COVID-19 vaccination plan.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
1. Singapore’s GDP is forecasted to gradually grow to 4 to 6 per cent in 2021. The bulk of economic growth will come from trade and manufacturing sectors.
2. DPM Heng unveiled a $107 billion plan in his Singapore Budget 2021 speech, which includes a $11 billion COVID 19 Resilience Package.
3. M3@Jalan Besar was launched and its initiative aim to help residents cope with mental health issues and empower elderly residents to adopt digital tools.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
Budget 2021 provides a suite of measures to create a vibrant economy with good jobs and opportunities for Singaporeans and business; cohesive society with a strong social compact and community spirit; welcoming and sustainable home for generations to come; and fiscal and social reserves to enable continued stability and progress.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
• Singapore's economy is expected to rise by 6% or more this year, according to the government's most recent prediction.
• Following the cabinet reshuffle on May 15, seven of the 15 ministries will be led by new ministers.
• Restrictions should be eased if the Covid-19 situation improves and the number of community cases lowers further.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is compiled by the Research and Design Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
- Record number of 96,000 in Singapore get financial aid from ComCare amid Covid-19. This is a 22% increase from the 78,580 people in the year before.
- More than 2,900 participated in MENDAKI’s ‘Raikan Ilmu’ Month
- A $640 million package of support measures will be extended to individuals and businesses affected by the one-month extension of tighter measures under the stabilisation phase.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The three key highlights are:
1. Singapore’s unemployment situation has continued to improve, with declines seen across the overall, resident and citizen unemployment rates.
2. COVID-19 breathalysers could be used on large scale in Singapore soon, facilitating safe travel arrangements and screenings at large scale events.
3. Based on the new PSLE scoring system, schools will now be less differentiated by cut-off points, and pupils will have a wider range of secondary schools to choose from.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community.
It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
1. The fight against COVID-19 has entered a new phase as the Singapore government unveiled the comprehensive vaccination programme for the people.
2. Despite a challenging year, Singapore’s economy has received $17.2 billion in fixed asset investments in 2020.
3. The ninth M3 town in Geylang Serai was launched on 23rd January. Wisma Geylang Serai seeks to be a pillar of support for the community as it plans new initiative such as promoting lifelong learning and healthy lifestyle
Your feedback is important for us to continuously improve our resources and publications for our readers.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
- Health (71)
- Community (61)
- Economy (37)
This reflects Singapore’s growing concerns over community and economic trends due to the loosening of Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) restrictions and developments in Singapore’s COVID-19 vaccination plan.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
1. Singapore’s GDP is forecasted to gradually grow to 4 to 6 per cent in 2021. The bulk of economic growth will come from trade and manufacturing sectors.
2. DPM Heng unveiled a $107 billion plan in his Singapore Budget 2021 speech, which includes a $11 billion COVID 19 Resilience Package.
3. M3@Jalan Besar was launched and its initiative aim to help residents cope with mental health issues and empower elderly residents to adopt digital tools.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community.
It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
1. Singapore's economy will grow by 5.5 per cent in 2021, putting an end to the nation's worst recession ever.
2. The first shipment of Covid-19 vaccine has arrived in Singapore on 21 Dec 2020.
3. The new COVID-19 Recovery Grant, which will be launched on 18 Jan 2021, focuses on lower- to middle-income workers and self-employed people.
4. Three new M³@Towns has been announced to be established in 2021. They are M³ @ Geylang Serai, M³ @ Bishan-Toa Payoh and M³ @ Jalan Besar.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
- Education Minister Chan Chun Sing announced that MOE will raise spending to $457 million over next five years to boost social science and humanities research
- Singapore Counselling Centre (SCC) study: More than 80% of S'pore teachers say Covid-19 pandemic has hurt their mental health
- Progressive Wage Model (PWM) boosts workers' income and strengthens family economy
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
The new PSLE scoring system sees more pupils qualifying to take secondary school subjects at higher level as more pupils qualify for Express course and 98.4% progress to secondary school.
13,000 disadvantaged students to get more help to stay in school through after-school support and customised holiday programmes.
More organisations have beefed up mental health support such as organizing self-care activities, training ‘mental health first aiders’, creating portals to provide online mental health resources, and partnering with counselling organisations to provide employee assistance.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
• With a total of 262 articles, Social and Community (85), Budget 2021 (56) and Economy and employability (42) news were widely reported in March 2021. This reflects Singapore’s on-going concerns over economic and employability issues arising from COVID-19.
• This reflects Singapore’s growing concerns over social and community issues arising from COVID-19 and the highlights of the Singapore Budget 2021 initiatives.
• This version of Bites will cover aspects of the Budget that was engaged by the Straits Times, Berita Harian and Berita Minggu.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is produced by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
• Unvaccinated people may not be allowed back to workplace despite negative test result
• Vaccination for kids aged 5 to 11 began on 27 Dec
• S'pore suspends ticket sales for VTL flights and buses for inbound travel between Dec 23 and Jan 20
News Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is produced by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
• The Singapore Budget will continue to provide support for sectors that face difficulties amid the Covid-19 pandemic and help Singaporeans manage concerns over the cost of living.
• Lower-income groups will benefit the most from the comprehensive set of measures laid out in the Budget to help everyone cope with the cost of living.
• National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and MENDAKI sign Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to help Malay-Muslim workers boost skills and employability.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is produced by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
1. Singapore will have to put in place more stringent measures to bolster the security of digital banking
2. The upcoming increase in the goods and services (GST) tax will be tackled in Budget 2022, which will be unveiled on Feb 18.
3. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and President Joko Widodo witnessed the signing and exchange of three agreements as well as an exchange of letters undertaking to bring them into force at the same time.
News Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is produced by the Research and Design Department (R&D) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
• Higher grant among initiatives to give more support and respite to caregivers, many of whom are women.
• More going abroad to study from second half of last year; Rise in number of Singaporeans keen on studying in Japan and South Korea.
• Employers to receive over $145m in final JSS payouts to support wages of more than 289,500 local staff.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community.
It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
1. Singapore's economy rebounded in the third quarter, but the outlook next year remains uncertain.
2. The Tripartite Workgroup on Lower Wage Workers was set up to study how to raise the wages of low-income workers and push productivity growth.
3. M3 Focus Area 4 (FA 4) was launched on 11 Oct 2020. It aims to prepare the Malay/Muslim workforce amid changing economic landscape through provision of job opportunities,
skills enhancements and career advisories.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community.
It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
• Singapore IB students make up half of world's perfect scorers globally, while students who sat for last year’s O level examinations set a new record, with 85.2 per cent of the cohort attaining five or more passes.
• The Singapore Institute of Technology has launched two new degree programmes in speech and language therapy, and digital communications and integrated media, while SUTD has launched a new undergraduate degree in design and AI.
• Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Heng Swee Keat will unveil the annual Budget in Parliament on 18 Feb 2020.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community.
It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
• The recently rolled out Fortitude Budget aims to help Singaporeans be resilient during Covid-19. The $33 billion budget focuses on creating job opportunities and leveraging on technology to help businesses and individuals.
• The government has planned to end the Circuit Breaker measures on 1st June 2020. By ending the Circuit Breaker measures, the government has aimed to reopen three-quarter of the economy. The reopening of the economy is being done in phases to ensure it does not lead to a spike in new cases.
• The SGTeguhBersatu initiative has continued to help the Malay/Muslim community during the pandemic. As part of the initiative, a new committee headed by Minister of State, Mr Zaqy Mohamad, was introduced to look into more ways to help the Malay/Muslim jobseekers. The committee will work together with organisations such as Mendaki Sense and NTUC to help individuals with their career issues.
Your feedback is important for us to continuously improve our resources and publications for our readers.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community.
It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
1. Singapore has entered a technical recession as GDP dives 12.6 per cent, due to circuit breaker measures and weak external demand (ST, 15 Jul).
2. A Beyond COVID-19 Taskforce, formed by National Council of Social Services (NCSS), is planning to help social service agencies digitalise and be more innovative in delivering their services during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond (ST, 4 Jul).
3. The Singapore Cabinet has been sworn in at the Istana on 27 Jul, as PM Lee aims to aims to hand over Singapore “intact and in working order into good hands who will take the country further forward” after steering it through COVID-19 crisis (ST, 27 Jul). The new Cabinet line-up will include 6 office-holders from the Malay community (ST, 25 Jul).
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community.
It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
1) President Halimah has given her presidential address at the opening of the 14th Parliament. She highlighted that Singapore needs to constantly review its COVID-19 strategies as the situation continues to develop. To continue to prosper and succeed, she urged Singaporeans to be more resilient and nimble when adapting to a new domestic and international environment.
2) As the economy continues to contract, employment and employability issues among Singaporeans have become increasingly pertinent. Hence, various ministries, agencies and organisations have stepped up their efforts to the mitigate the impacts on workers in Singapore.
3) Malay/Muslim organisations in Singapore have increased their initiatives to help the community during the pandemic. For instance, Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry(SMCCI) has partnered with Singapore Muslim Women’s Association(PPIS) to develop a programme that equips women with skills and knowledge to start a micro business. On the education front, Yayasan MENDAKI has allocated S$1.9 million from its reserves for the first half of the year to support educational needs of students.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community.
It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
All secondary school students will receive a personal laptop or tablet for learning by next year - seven years ahead of the original target.
Graduates from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), polytechnics and universities will soon be able to apply for new courses that offer additional professional certificates.
To help both fresh entrants to the job market and those who might find themselves seeking employment as a fallout of the COVID-19 slowdown, the Government will set up satellite career centres islandwide.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community.
It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
• Families across all income groups are earning more than they did five years ago and in general, their incomes are rising faster than their spending, as published in the latest Household Expenditure Survey. The average monthly household income rose to $11,780 from $10,470 in the survey conducted between 2012 and 2013. This works out to an average hike of 2.4 per cent a year in dollar terms.
• Needy students will get more help for tertiary education as increase in bursaries next year will lower tuition fees for students from lower-income households. The additional support is to ensure that tuition costs do not hinder students from furthering their education or constrain their choice of courses, says the Education Minister Mr. Ong Ye Kung.
• PM Lee Hsien Loong shared in his NDR speech that the retirement age will be raised gradually from 62 to 65, and the re-employment age will go up from 67 to 70. The process will start in 2022, and be completed by 2030. CPF contribution rates will also go up for workers aged 55 to 70, so that the full rate of 37 per cent is extended to those aged up to 60 before it tapers off. This process will start in 2021 and take place gradually over 10 years or so, depending on economic conditions.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community.
It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community.
It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
• The Education Ministry has announced measures to facilitate the rollout of new Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) Scoring system that takes effect in 2021. To familiarise parents and pupils with the new PSLE scoring system, Primary 5 pupils will be graded using the new scoring system from 2020.
• By October 2019, more Singaporeans will benefit from healthcare subsidies under the revised income criteria. The Health Ministry will raise the income ceilings for various schemes like MediShield Life premiums and drug subsidies.
• In line with Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat's vision for the Government to partner Singaporeans to design and implement policies together, Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli announced the launch of the Co-creation@M³ / CiptaSama@M³ series of engagements. This is a platform for Malay/Muslims to share their views on national issues in a forward-looking way.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community.
It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
1. Global economic recovery is now heading into a critical period, and national fiscal policy will have to gradually unwind.
2. The Tripartite Advisory on Mental Well-being at Workplaces advises the extension of employee’s benefits to cover mental health-related treatments, or provide access to counselling services.
3. Wakaf Masyarakat Singapura (WMS) is a new funding programme that aims to meet the needs of the community in the future, including covering mosque operating funds and supporting local asatizahs.
News Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is produced by the Research and Design Department (R&D) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
• A task force to better understand the work-life aspirations of youth and support them in their careers has been launched by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC).
• People can now sign up for free workshops run by the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), with 30 courses for people to choose from, as part of celebrations to mark ITE’s 30th anniversary.
• The number of mid-career Singaporeans who joined programmes to switch fields last year plunged to 5,080 - from a record high of 13,580 in 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
News Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is produced by the Research and Design Department (R&D) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
• MOE will broaden Edusave Award to recognise students beyond academic performance. (ST, 12 Jun)
• Pioneer, Merdeka Generations eligible for up to $1,100 in MediSave top-ups in July (ST, 9 Jun)
• Mendaki better at meeting Malay/Muslim community’s needs thanks to 5-year plan: Zaqy (ST, 17 Jun)
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community.
It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
1. Singapore's economy will grow by 5.5 per cent in 2021, putting an end to the nation's worst recession ever.
2. The first shipment of Covid-19 vaccine has arrived in Singapore on 21 Dec 2020.
3. The new COVID-19 Recovery Grant, which will be launched on 18 Jan 2021, focuses on lower- to middle-income workers and self-employed people.
4. Three new M³@Towns has been announced to be established in 2021. They are M³ @ Geylang Serai, M³ @ Bishan-Toa Payoh and M³ @ Jalan Besar.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
- Education Minister Chan Chun Sing announced that MOE will raise spending to $457 million over next five years to boost social science and humanities research
- Singapore Counselling Centre (SCC) study: More than 80% of S'pore teachers say Covid-19 pandemic has hurt their mental health
- Progressive Wage Model (PWM) boosts workers' income and strengthens family economy
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
The new PSLE scoring system sees more pupils qualifying to take secondary school subjects at higher level as more pupils qualify for Express course and 98.4% progress to secondary school.
13,000 disadvantaged students to get more help to stay in school through after-school support and customised holiday programmes.
More organisations have beefed up mental health support such as organizing self-care activities, training ‘mental health first aiders’, creating portals to provide online mental health resources, and partnering with counselling organisations to provide employee assistance.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
• With a total of 262 articles, Social and Community (85), Budget 2021 (56) and Economy and employability (42) news were widely reported in March 2021. This reflects Singapore’s on-going concerns over economic and employability issues arising from COVID-19.
• This reflects Singapore’s growing concerns over social and community issues arising from COVID-19 and the highlights of the Singapore Budget 2021 initiatives.
• This version of Bites will cover aspects of the Budget that was engaged by the Straits Times, Berita Harian and Berita Minggu.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is produced by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
• Unvaccinated people may not be allowed back to workplace despite negative test result
• Vaccination for kids aged 5 to 11 began on 27 Dec
• S'pore suspends ticket sales for VTL flights and buses for inbound travel between Dec 23 and Jan 20
News Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is produced by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
• The Singapore Budget will continue to provide support for sectors that face difficulties amid the Covid-19 pandemic and help Singaporeans manage concerns over the cost of living.
• Lower-income groups will benefit the most from the comprehensive set of measures laid out in the Budget to help everyone cope with the cost of living.
• National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and MENDAKI sign Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to help Malay-Muslim workers boost skills and employability.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is produced by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
1. Singapore will have to put in place more stringent measures to bolster the security of digital banking
2. The upcoming increase in the goods and services (GST) tax will be tackled in Budget 2022, which will be unveiled on Feb 18.
3. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and President Joko Widodo witnessed the signing and exchange of three agreements as well as an exchange of letters undertaking to bring them into force at the same time.
News Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is produced by the Research and Design Department (R&D) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
• Higher grant among initiatives to give more support and respite to caregivers, many of whom are women.
• More going abroad to study from second half of last year; Rise in number of Singaporeans keen on studying in Japan and South Korea.
• Employers to receive over $145m in final JSS payouts to support wages of more than 289,500 local staff.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community.
It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
1. Singapore's economy rebounded in the third quarter, but the outlook next year remains uncertain.
2. The Tripartite Workgroup on Lower Wage Workers was set up to study how to raise the wages of low-income workers and push productivity growth.
3. M3 Focus Area 4 (FA 4) was launched on 11 Oct 2020. It aims to prepare the Malay/Muslim workforce amid changing economic landscape through provision of job opportunities,
skills enhancements and career advisories.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community.
It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
• Singapore IB students make up half of world's perfect scorers globally, while students who sat for last year’s O level examinations set a new record, with 85.2 per cent of the cohort attaining five or more passes.
• The Singapore Institute of Technology has launched two new degree programmes in speech and language therapy, and digital communications and integrated media, while SUTD has launched a new undergraduate degree in design and AI.
• Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Heng Swee Keat will unveil the annual Budget in Parliament on 18 Feb 2020.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community.
It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
• The recently rolled out Fortitude Budget aims to help Singaporeans be resilient during Covid-19. The $33 billion budget focuses on creating job opportunities and leveraging on technology to help businesses and individuals.
• The government has planned to end the Circuit Breaker measures on 1st June 2020. By ending the Circuit Breaker measures, the government has aimed to reopen three-quarter of the economy. The reopening of the economy is being done in phases to ensure it does not lead to a spike in new cases.
• The SGTeguhBersatu initiative has continued to help the Malay/Muslim community during the pandemic. As part of the initiative, a new committee headed by Minister of State, Mr Zaqy Mohamad, was introduced to look into more ways to help the Malay/Muslim jobseekers. The committee will work together with organisations such as Mendaki Sense and NTUC to help individuals with their career issues.
Your feedback is important for us to continuously improve our resources and publications for our readers.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community.
It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
1. Singapore has entered a technical recession as GDP dives 12.6 per cent, due to circuit breaker measures and weak external demand (ST, 15 Jul).
2. A Beyond COVID-19 Taskforce, formed by National Council of Social Services (NCSS), is planning to help social service agencies digitalise and be more innovative in delivering their services during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond (ST, 4 Jul).
3. The Singapore Cabinet has been sworn in at the Istana on 27 Jul, as PM Lee aims to aims to hand over Singapore “intact and in working order into good hands who will take the country further forward” after steering it through COVID-19 crisis (ST, 27 Jul). The new Cabinet line-up will include 6 office-holders from the Malay community (ST, 25 Jul).
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community.
It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
1) President Halimah has given her presidential address at the opening of the 14th Parliament. She highlighted that Singapore needs to constantly review its COVID-19 strategies as the situation continues to develop. To continue to prosper and succeed, she urged Singaporeans to be more resilient and nimble when adapting to a new domestic and international environment.
2) As the economy continues to contract, employment and employability issues among Singaporeans have become increasingly pertinent. Hence, various ministries, agencies and organisations have stepped up their efforts to the mitigate the impacts on workers in Singapore.
3) Malay/Muslim organisations in Singapore have increased their initiatives to help the community during the pandemic. For instance, Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry(SMCCI) has partnered with Singapore Muslim Women’s Association(PPIS) to develop a programme that equips women with skills and knowledge to start a micro business. On the education front, Yayasan MENDAKI has allocated S$1.9 million from its reserves for the first half of the year to support educational needs of students.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community.
It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
All secondary school students will receive a personal laptop or tablet for learning by next year - seven years ahead of the original target.
Graduates from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), polytechnics and universities will soon be able to apply for new courses that offer additional professional certificates.
To help both fresh entrants to the job market and those who might find themselves seeking employment as a fallout of the COVID-19 slowdown, the Government will set up satellite career centres islandwide.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community.
It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
• Families across all income groups are earning more than they did five years ago and in general, their incomes are rising faster than their spending, as published in the latest Household Expenditure Survey. The average monthly household income rose to $11,780 from $10,470 in the survey conducted between 2012 and 2013. This works out to an average hike of 2.4 per cent a year in dollar terms.
• Needy students will get more help for tertiary education as increase in bursaries next year will lower tuition fees for students from lower-income households. The additional support is to ensure that tuition costs do not hinder students from furthering their education or constrain their choice of courses, says the Education Minister Mr. Ong Ye Kung.
• PM Lee Hsien Loong shared in his NDR speech that the retirement age will be raised gradually from 62 to 65, and the re-employment age will go up from 67 to 70. The process will start in 2022, and be completed by 2030. CPF contribution rates will also go up for workers aged 55 to 70, so that the full rate of 37 per cent is extended to those aged up to 60 before it tapers off. This process will start in 2021 and take place gradually over 10 years or so, depending on economic conditions.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community.
It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community.
It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
• The Education Ministry has announced measures to facilitate the rollout of new Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) Scoring system that takes effect in 2021. To familiarise parents and pupils with the new PSLE scoring system, Primary 5 pupils will be graded using the new scoring system from 2020.
• By October 2019, more Singaporeans will benefit from healthcare subsidies under the revised income criteria. The Health Ministry will raise the income ceilings for various schemes like MediShield Life premiums and drug subsidies.
• In line with Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat's vision for the Government to partner Singaporeans to design and implement policies together, Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli announced the launch of the Co-creation@M³ / CiptaSama@M³ series of engagements. This is a platform for Malay/Muslims to share their views on national issues in a forward-looking way.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community.
It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
1. Global economic recovery is now heading into a critical period, and national fiscal policy will have to gradually unwind.
2. The Tripartite Advisory on Mental Well-being at Workplaces advises the extension of employee’s benefits to cover mental health-related treatments, or provide access to counselling services.
3. Wakaf Masyarakat Singapura (WMS) is a new funding programme that aims to meet the needs of the community in the future, including covering mosque operating funds and supporting local asatizahs.
News Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is produced by the Research and Design Department (R&D) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
• A task force to better understand the work-life aspirations of youth and support them in their careers has been launched by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC).
• People can now sign up for free workshops run by the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), with 30 courses for people to choose from, as part of celebrations to mark ITE’s 30th anniversary.
• The number of mid-career Singaporeans who joined programmes to switch fields last year plunged to 5,080 - from a record high of 13,580 in 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
News Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is produced by the Research and Design Department (R&D) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
• MOE will broaden Edusave Award to recognise students beyond academic performance. (ST, 12 Jun)
• Pioneer, Merdeka Generations eligible for up to $1,100 in MediSave top-ups in July (ST, 9 Jun)
• Mendaki better at meeting Malay/Muslim community’s needs thanks to 5-year plan: Zaqy (ST, 17 Jun)
MENDAKI Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is produced by the Research and Design Department (R&D) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
• $1.5b package to help S'poreans cope with inflation; $100 utilities credit for every household
• More retrenched S'pore residents able to land jobs within six months: MOM Q1 report; Job vacancies hit new high for Q1 as firms backfill roles, hire to meet demand
• Early academic gaps between students too significant for comfort and must be closed: Tharman
News Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is produced by the Research and Design Department (R&D) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
o Singaporeans may soon get a new avenue to voice their concerns through a platform where petitions that garner 10,000 supporters will be submitted to the relevant ministries for review.
o Over 110 learning courses were launched by SG Enable at a new learning hub for the disabled at Enabling Village, Lengkok Bahru.
o Some analysts believe the time frame for the next recession is getting even shorter with no quick solutions in sight to the problems the world economy is facing.
News Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is produced by the Research and Design Department (R&D) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for May 2023 are:
• The commercial property market will not have a significant impact from the latest round of additional buyer’s stamp duty (ABSD) hike because the drivers of the residential and commercial property markets are very different. (ST, 11 May)
• Capitation funding aims to incentivise healthcare providers to place a greater emphasis on preventive care, as this funding model pays them a predetermined amount for each resident in the are under their charge, regardless of whether the person is healthy or not. (ST, 10 May)
• The Singapore Muslim Women’s Association (PPIS) and PMBM Scholarship Fund Board (LBKM) collaborate to offer postgraduate scholarships for women majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), gerontology, women studies and community work. (BH, 03 May)
News Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is produced by the Research and Design Department (R&D) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
• Ageism and health are major barriers to seniors staying longer in the workforce (ST, 26 Aug)
• Inflation in Singapore expected to peak in Q4 and stabilize, says DPM Wong (ST, 17 Aug)
• Businesses must be more cost-efficient as salaries rise under Progressive Wage Model: Zaqy (ST, 17 Aug)
• PM Lee recognizes MENDAKI’s efforts in the education of Malay children (PM Lee iktiraf usaha MENDAKI bantu pendidikan anak Melayu) (BH, 21 Aug)
News Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is produced by the Research and Design Department (R&D) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for last month are:
• Govt looking into further prioritising BTO flats for those with more urgent housing needs: Desmond Lee (ST, 21 Nov)
• Health tech start-ups sprout up to aid S’pore’s ageing population (ST, 21 Nov)
• New national centre in Singapore designated to drive adult education sector further forward (ST, 3 Nov)
• Surge in demand for green, digital, care skills in Singapore in last 4 years: SkillsFuture report (ST, 22 Nov)
• Allowances for tutors under the MENDAKI Tuition Scheme (MTS) will be increased by 20 percent from $50 an hour to $60 an hour from January 1 next year. Yayasan MENDAKI will also give financial incentives between $300 and $1,200 annually to tutors who are able to encourage their students to attend MTS classes consistently and achieve good results in their studies. Title: Elaun tutor Mendaki akan dinaikkan (BH, 28 Nov)
News Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is produced by the Research and Design Department (R&D) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for Sep 2023 are:
• $1.1b Cost-of-Living Package consisting of payment up to $200 for 2.5m Singaporeans, extra $200 CDC vouchers, U-Save, S&CC rebates will be handed out to Singaporean household to help with the rising cost of living. (ST, 28 Sep)
• Excluding motor vehicles, retail sales rose just 0.4 per cent year on year, cooling from the 2.3 per cent growth recorded in June. (ST, 05 Sep)
• Government, unions, employer groups start work on guidelines on flexible work arrangements. (ST, 08 Sep)
News Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is produced by the Research and Design Department (R&D) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
• The Malay/Muslim community in Singapore has made great progress but must now aim higher and go further, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at at MENDAKI’s 40th anniversary celebration on 1 Oct. (ST, 1 Oct)
• More than 190,000 seniors have been trained in basic digital skills, such as using a smartphone to access government services, under the Seniors Go Digital programme by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). (ST, 4 Oct)
• Singaporeans who sign up to the Healthier SG programme will gain advantages through benefits such as free health screening and the use of MediSave funds to pay for chronic diseases, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung. (ST, 6 Oct)
• Students with different abilities forged more friendships across academic streams when brought together in a form class, a study by National Institute of Education (NIE) has found. (ST, 3 Oct)
News Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is produced by the Research and Design Department (R&D) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
• More will be done to support the marriage and parenthood aspirations of Singaporeans, said Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. The government will continue to review and update policies, including ways to extend more help to parents who are caring for their infants, and to those seeking to better manage their work and family commitments. (ST, 14 Apr)
• Broadening the definition of meritocracy, introducing targeted re-employment support and reducing the cost of SkillsFuture courses are among the moves the Government will make to shape Singapore’s future amid an uncertain and dangerous external environment. (ST, 17 Apr)
• The Muslim community has learnt from its experience during the Covid-19 pandemic and continued to implement good practices throughout the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, said Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli. (ST, 21 Apr)
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights are:
1) Education Minister Mr Ong Ye Kung announced that the present system of streaming secondary students into the Express, Normal (Academic) and Normal (Technical) streams will be phased out, and replaced by full subject-based banding.
2) Professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) made up about three in four or 76% of the locals - Singaporeans and permanent residents - who were retrenched last year, the highest figure in at least a decade.
3) Lower-income families will receive a lot more help in their home ownership journey, from getting grants to a team of officers dedicated to monitoring their progress.
We hope that you find the information useful in assisting you in your efforts.
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community.
It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
1. Singapore remains extremely concerned over the economic and employment outlook in September.
2. The Government loosened more Safe Reopening measures to allow more sectors to resume operations in light of the improving COVID-19 situation.
3. Changes to Malay/Muslim community leadership were announced by Minister Masagos where responsibilities are now split amongst several political office-holders
News Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is produced by the Research and Design Department (R&D) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
• Singapore private home price growth slows sharply in Q1 on cooling measures
• Singapore inflation jumps to 10-year high in March on higher food, services and transport prices
• NTU launches centre to study how dementia develops in Asians
News Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is produced by the Research and Design Department (R&D) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The key highlights for this month are:
• Active Ageing Centres (AACs) will work with community partners and healthcare clusters, and sets aside $800 million to help seniors age well at home and in their communities. (ST, 16 Nov)
• 97 primary school students received bursaries of $500 each, distributed under the Education Trust Fund (ETF) at the Merchant Elementary School Bursary Award organised by Yayasan MENDAKI. (BH, 20 Nov)
• Pre-school enrolment for children from lower-income families remain lower than national average. (ST, 17 Nov)
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is compiled by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
The highlights for this issue are:
1) A new multi-agency taskforce has been set up to reduce diabetes risk and promote healthy living.
2) A drop in forecasted growth for Singapore’s 2019 economy due to trade tensions
3) Changes to the admissions criteria for Secondary schools and Universities
We hope that you will find the information useful in assisting you in your efforts.
This session provides a comprehensive overview of the latest updates to the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (commonly known as the Uniform Guidance) outlined in the 2 CFR 200.
With a focus on the 2024 revisions issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), participants will gain insight into the key changes affecting federal grant recipients. The session will delve into critical regulatory updates, providing attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate and comply with the evolving landscape of federal grant management.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the rationale behind the 2024 updates to the Uniform Guidance outlined in 2 CFR 200, and their implications for federal grant recipients.
- Identify the key changes and revisions introduced by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the 2024 edition of 2 CFR 200.
- Gain proficiency in applying the updated regulations to ensure compliance with federal grant requirements and avoid potential audit findings.
- Develop strategies for effectively implementing the new guidelines within the grant management processes of their respective organizations, fostering efficiency and accountability in federal grant administration.
Presentation by Jared Jageler, David Adler, Noelia Duchovny, and Evan Herrnstadt, analysts in CBO’s Microeconomic Studies and Health Analysis Divisions, at the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists Summer Conference.
Understanding the Challenges of Street ChildrenSERUDS INDIA
By raising awareness, providing support, advocating for change, and offering assistance to children in need, individuals can play a crucial role in improving the lives of street children and helping them realize their full potential
Donate Us
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Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
ZGB - The Role of Generative AI in Government transformation.pdfSaeed Al Dhaheri
This keynote was presented during the the 7th edition of the UAE Hackathon 2024. It highlights the role of AI and Generative AI in addressing government transformation to achieve zero government bureaucracy
Many ways to support street children.pptxSERUDS INDIA
By raising awareness, providing support, advocating for change, and offering assistance to children in need, individuals can play a crucial role in improving the lives of street children and helping them realize their full potential
Donate Us
https://serudsindia.org/how-individuals-can-support-street-children-in-india/
#donatefororphan, #donateforhomelesschildren, #childeducation, #ngochildeducation, #donateforeducation, #donationforchildeducation, #sponsorforpoorchild, #sponsororphanage #sponsororphanchild, #donation, #education, #charity, #educationforchild, #seruds, #kurnool, #joyhome
2. What is RPD Bites?
RPD Bites is a monthly scan covering issues and trends surfaced in various local
mainstream media sources that would be of relevance to the Malay/Muslim community. It is
produced by the Research and Planning Department (RPD) of Yayasan MENDAKI.
RPD Bites begins with an article count across different media sources which are
categorised into these main areas: education, economy, employment and employability, social
and community, and Malay/Muslim affairs. Other salient areas for the month are also
highlighted. It then delves into emerging themes and trends observed.
We hope you find this month’s RPD Bites insightful and useful for your needs. We
look forward to your continued partnership and support, and welcome any suggestions you
might have. You can reach us at RPD@mendaki.org.sg to feedback.
RESEARCH &
PLANNING
DEPARTMENT
2
3. Overall Coverage
• With a total of 200 articles, Community (29), Employment (22) and Economy (20) news were
widely reported in June 2021. This reflects Singapore’s growing concerns over trending issues
such as gender equality and support for workers who have been affected by Phase 2
(Heightened Alert) restrictions which was imposed in May.
29
22 20 20
8
25
13 14
7 7
54
35 34
27
15
Community Employment Health Economy MMA
No. of Articles
ST BH/BM Total
3
5. Community
Census 2020 (ST, 18 June)
• Over the past 10 years, Singapore's total population grew by
1.1 per cent each year - the lowest decade of growth since
independence in 1965.
• Among those aged 25 years and above, 58.3 per cent attained
post-secondary or higher qualifications, up from 46.5 per
cent in 2010.
• Malay households registered the highest growth in median
household income from work per household member. The
figure rose 4.3 per cent per annum from $1,043 in 2010 to
$1,594 in 2020.
• The proportion of married couples with a working wife
increased from 52.9 per cent in 2010 to 60 per cent in 2020.
• Average household size decreased from 3.5 to 3.2 persons
over the last decade, with households with fewer members
becoming more commonplace.
• The proportion of households with at least one member aged
65 and above, and the number of seniors living alone, both
increased over the last decade.
Source: ST
Source: ST
5
6. Community
Youths
• Increasingly liberal youth attitudes on drugs a key challenge
for CNB: Minister of State for Home Affairs Faishal Ibrahim (ST,
1 June)
• Youth need to remain open to differing views, maintain
common space for discussion: Second Minister for Education
Maliki Osman (ST, 1 June)
• New digital campaign to help youth with thoughts of suicide
(ST, 7 June)
Family
• Couples planning their wedding will be given support
throughout the pandemic (BH, 3 June)
• More Singapore couples chose to foster last year amid
pandemic (ST, 7 June)
• More support needed for low birth weight babies, pregnant
mums with diabetes, maternal mental health: Minister for
Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli (ST, 7 June)
Source: ST
Source: ST
6
7. Community
Social Assistances
• SMRT has partnered with the Movement for the Intellectually
Disabled of Singapore (Minds) and SPD, a charity which serves
people with disabilities, to conduct training for its staff (ST, 4
June)
• $4.2m raised for Palestinians in Gaza, Singapore charity's
highest in a single campaign (ST, 4 June)
Support for Lower income
• Keppel donates laptops for home-based learning to students
from lower-income families (ST, 9 June)
• CDAC spent record $33.5m in 2020 to help 18,600 households
in need (ST, 18 June)
• SP Group donates $1 million to support children from low-
income families (ST, 23 June)
Source: ST
Source: ST
7
8. Community
Arts, Culture & Heritage
• Preparations under way for NDP 2021 to be staged at Marina
Bay floating platform (ST, 1 June)
• Despite differences, Singaporeans can come together to
create a better nation: Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing
(ST, 1 June)
Housing
• Energy-saving standards for certain home appliances to be
raised from January 2022. The new minimum standards for
casement and window air-conditioners, clothes dryers and
refrigerators will be two ticks on the Mandatory Energy
Labelling Scheme (Mels) (ST, 8 June)
Source: ST
Source: ST
8
9. Community
Gender Equality
• Whole-of-society effort needed to change norms and
practices on women's roles, says President Halimah Yacob (ST,
3 June)
• Men wanted: All need to play a part in pushing for gender
equality says Minister for Law and Home Affairs, Shanmugam
(ST, 3 June)
• 'Digital safety gap' for women in S'pore must be addressed:
Senior Minister of State Sim Ann. This was in response to an
offensive online poll involving female religious leaders that
came to light in May. A Singapore Together Alliance for Action
will also be launched later this year to deal with online harm,
especially the kind targeted at women. (ST, 5 June)
• Gender roles, expectations need to change to better support
mothers: Senior Minister of State, Sim Ann (ST, 12 June)
Source: ST
Source: ST
9
10. Community
Covid-19
• Singapore to ease Covid-19 rules in 2 phases: Group sizes
upped to 5 from June 14; dining in to resume from June 21
(ST, 10 June)
• Indoor mask-off activities to resume in gyms, fitness studios
from June 21 (ST, 10 June)
• Taxis, private-hire cars can take more than two passengers
from Monday: LTA (ST, 11 June)
• Jewel to reopen on June 14; Changi Airport piloting
breathalyser tests for workers (ST, 11 June)
• Covid-19 restrictions, visitor capacity in public libraries,
National Archives to be relaxed (ST, 11 June)
• Live shows, weddings, worship services to be capped at 250
people with pre-event Covid-19 testing (ST, 11 June)
Source: ST
Source: BH
10
11. Employment
Source: ST
Source: ST
11
Support for Workers
• New Professional Conversion Programme to nurture local
specialists for interior fitting services (ST, 2 June)
• Hawkers to get more help to tap online delivery platforms:
Minister for Communications and Information Josephine Teo
(ST, 5 June)
• Cleaners in Singapore to see wages increase over 6 years from
2023 under progressive wage model (ST, 5 June)
• 7,000 market stallholders to get rental waivers to cope with
decline in business during Covid-19 curbs (ST, 5 June)
• Enhanced Jobs Support Scheme to continue for sectors
allowed to reopen only from June 21 (ST, 10 June)
• $15m fund to help Changi Airport workers adjust to stricter
Covid-19 safety measures (ST, 11 June)
• Subsidies to help Singapore F&B businesses offset delivery
costs extended by another month (ST, 13 June)
• Up to 13,000 drivers and riders to get $200-$650 cash payout
from NTUC amid Covid-19 (ST, 21 June)
• $2.2b in JSS payouts to support wages of more than 2 million
workers from June 30 (ST, 22 June)
• Lower-skilled and older workers in aviation sector set to
benefit from $3 million training grant (ST, 22 June)
12. Employment
Source: ST
Source: ST
12
Employment Trends
• Singapore aiming for better jobs and safer workplaces in post-
pandemic recovery: Minister of Manpower, Tan See Leng (ST,
16 June)
• Singapore's labour market continues recovery into 1st
quarter; total employment grows by 12,200 (ST, 17 June)
• Rise in workplace injuries from slips, trips and falls a concern
and needs to be addressed: Senior Minister of State, Zaqy
Mohamad (ST, 17 June)
• Youth unemployment rate climbed higher last year amid
Covid-19; annual average resident youth unemployment rate
hit 10.6 per cent: MOM report (ST, 17 June)
Gig Economy Workers
• New GrabFood delivery riders have to complete two-day
training programme (ST, 4 June)
• Private-hire car drivers and cabbies to get cash support for
three more months from July (ST, 10 June)
• Gojek cuts its commission by half till at least end-2022 to
improve drivers' earnings (ST, 14 June)
13. Education
Technology
• Nanyang Polytechnic to co-develop AI and data engineering
course with industry partners (ST, 2 June)
• Students devise tech solutions to help people with
disabilities (ST, 3 June)
Institutes of Higher Learning
• NUS and NTU named best universities in Asia; NTU moves up
to 12th place globally behind NUS’ 11th (ST, 9 June)
• NTU serving up new undergrad course on meat alternatives
(ST, 21 June)
• Singapore's NTU tops global ranking of Times Higher
Education Young University Rankings (ST, 23 June)
Home-Based Learning
• Primary 1 to 3 pupils will continue with a week of home-
based learning (HBL) from June 28 when Term 3 begins. (ST,
14 June)
• Secondary 1 and 2 students will be on HBL for three days till
June 30, and return to school on Thursday, July 1. (ST, 14 June)
Source: ST
Source: ST
13
14. Economy
Source: ST
Source: ST
14
Economic Trends & Developments
• Covid-19 has not slowed down space industry, many
opportunities in the sector: Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean (ST,
7 June)
• Vegetable prices in Singapore jump due to wet weather,
Covid-19 curbs in Malaysia (ST, 12 June)
• Port of Singapore regains momentum despite disruptions
caused by Covid-19 pandemic. Container throughput has since
grown by 4.6 per cent from January to May 2021 compared
with the same period in 2020. (ST, 18 June)
• New $18m lab in Singapore to boost digital manufacturing,
aiming to make factories more efficient and productive (ST, 17
June)
Support for Singaporeans
• 1.4m lower-income Singaporeans to receive GST Voucher cash
payouts from June 23 (ST, 1 June)
• Civil servants to get 0.3-month mid-year bonus as economic
outlook improves (ST, 18 June)
• $278 million in MediSave top-ups for Pioneer, Merdeka
Generation seniors in July (ST, 18 June)
15. Health
COVID-19 Updates
• DIY Covid-19 test kits to be sold at some retail pharmacies
from June 16 (ST, 10 June)
• F&B staff, workers in higher-risk settings with unmasked
customers to undergo regular Covid-19 testing (ST, 10 June)
• As Covid-19 becomes endemic, Singapore will shift focus from
daily case numbers to their clinical condition (ST, 10 June)
• Second Covid-19 breathalyser system approved in Singapore
(ST, 10 June)
• DIY Covid-19 test kits go on sale in S'pore, prices range from
$10 to $13 (ST, 16 June)
Research
• Singapore researchers create blood test to identify
effectiveness of cancer treatment within 24 hours (BH,7 June)
• New workgroup set by MOH to craft a holistic programme to
improve the health of minority groups. The workgroup will
first focus its efforts on the Malay community (BH, 7 June)
Source: BH
Source: ST
15
16. Health
Vaccination
• Walk-in Covid-19 vaccinations start for seniors aged 60 and
above (ST, 1 June; BH, 1 June)
• MOH allows special access to Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine
through private healthcare sector (ST, 2 June)
• Covid-19 vaccination drive for 400,000 students aged 12 and
above kicks off (ST, 3 June; BH, 3 June)
• Over 80% sign-up rate for Covid-19 vaccine among S'pore
students in graduating cohorts (ST, 5 June)
• Pregnant women start getting Covid-19 jabs at KK Women's
and Children's Hospital (ST, 8 June)
• Singaporeans aged 12 to 39 can book vaccination
appointments from Friday (ST, 10 June; BH, 10 June)
• Vaccination begins for ITE students as 3 out of 4 MOE centres
open (ST, 14 June)
• More than half of 52,000 students invited for Covid-19
vaccination have booked their slots: MOE (ST, 1 June; BH, 1
June)
Source: ST
Source: ST
16
17. Health
Mental Health
• Care groups see spike in mental health crises in Singapore
amid heightened alert curbs (ST, 15 June; BH, 16 June)
• President Halimah Yacob: Support should be given for those
with mental health issues (BH, 6 June)
• Minister for Social and Family Development, Masagos Zulkifli:
More support needed for the mental health of mothers (BH, 7
June)
• Covid-19 pandemic brought women's mental health needs to
the forefront: Muslim women's association. Following the
circuit breaker period from April to June 2020, the Singapore
Muslim Women's Association (PPIS) saw an increase in clients
seeking mental health support at their social service
centres (ST, 5 June)
• New programme launched to improve mental wellness of
migrant workers in Singapore (ST, 27 June; BH, 28 June)
Source: ST
Source: ST
17
18. Environment
Green Economy
• Aetos, DBS to convert fleet of 42 vehicles to electric vehicles by
2026 (ST, 4 June)
• New e-waste recycling bins in some supermarkets and Harvey
Norman outlets (ST, 4 June)
• GIC joins other investors in new programme to green Asia's
electricity sector; the aim of the new engagement programme is
to work with utilities in Asia to cut their carbon footprint (ST, 7
June)
• SMRT subsidiary ties up with China's biggest electric vehicle
digital platform (ST, 8 June)
• CapitaLand sets up $50m fund to spur sustainable innovations,
help green its buildings (ST, 11 June)
• Singapore exploring hydrogen, carbon capture technologies in
decarbonisation goal (ST, 23 June)
• Help workers and companies transition to a green economy:
President Halimah Yacob (ST, 18 June; BH, 5 June)
• The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) commits $2.4 billion
to green investments (ST, 10 June; BH, 10 June)
18
Source: ST
Source: ST
19. Malay/Muslim Community
• Religious leaders cannot be ambivalent on jokes harming
women: Singapore Mufti (ST, 2 June; BH. 2 June)
• Registration for modified korban ritual opens at 51 Singapore
mosques (ST, 8 June; BH, 8 June)
• Four Singapore mosques to offer more Friday prayer spaces
from June 25 under pilot (ST, 12 June)
• Muslims worldwide have been steadfast and adapted to
challenges amid Covid-19: Minister for Social and Family
Development, Masagos Zulkifli (ST, 15 June)
• Dependable leadership by Asatizah is important when facing
crisis (BH, 12 June)
• Office of the Mufti: Transfer of asset ownership is the
contemporaneous way of handling wakaf (BH, 23 June)
• Census 2020: Malays chart improvement in education. The
amount of Malay university graduates doubles in the last
decade; from 5.5% in 2010, to 10.8% in 2020. (BH, 17 June)
Source: BH
Source: BH
19
20. MENDAKI/M³
MENDAKI
• Mendaki gave out $45m in tertiary fee subsidies in 2020 (ST,
12 June; BH, 13 June)
• Mendaki will help graduates enter emerging sectors (BH, 13
June)
• 482 families “graduate” Mendaki’s KelasMateMatika (BH, 28
June)
• New research workgroup set up by Mendaki and NIE to help
underperforming Malay/Muslim students (ST, 30 June; BH 30
June)
Source: BH
Source: ST
20
21. MENDAKI/M³
M³
• “Tunas Bersama M³ ” aims to nurture the next generation of
Malay/Muslim leaders (BH, 14 June)
• New scheme to help Malay families in rental flats own their
own homes. Called Project DIAN@ M³, the scheme will be
rolled out in Geylang Serai, Bedok and Jalan Besar. (ST, 19
June)
• M³ aims to continue developing programs to equip
Malay/Muslim students with the skills needed to get through
the education system in Singapore. (BH, 19 June)
• Lawyers@M³ offer free advice for victims of sexual assault.
Called Defence Guild SG, the initiative was launched on June
5th in collaboration with the Government's M3 programme (ST,
6 June; BH, 7 June)
Source: ST
Source: BH
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