Singapore is known to be one of the richest countries in the world. It boasts of tall skylines and modernization of its own kind, of undisputed success by which even foreign nationals can attest to. From what used to be a swampland, it now became a leading city-state in Asia and across the globe.
The Legatum Prosperity Index, which gives rankings on affluent countries based on income and wellbeing, placed Singapore in the 17th spot. Numerous factors suggest why the city-state is successful; it has a strong economy, workers’ wages are stable, and probably one of the most defining factors is that the government truly cares about the people.
The government has formulated various ways to help the citizens. Though other countries generally do so, Singapore seems to have taken the game on a different, much more serious level. In their efforts, they have committed to establish programs that encourage people’s stability and improvement.
Education
Citizens in Singapore has significantly lower tuition fees compared to foreign students and special permanent residents, whether at a private or government-funded institution. A government initiative known as Edusave Scheme maximizes the citizen’s opportunities that includes the following such as: a pupils fund for primary or secondary level students and various scholarships for students who excel in academics and non-academics endeavors.
Health Care
The city-state is known to put their people first. Health care is one of the top priorities of the government and gives out assistance in many forms. One is the Medifund, which is an endowment fund available to Singapore citizens who are having difficulties paying for their medical expenses. Another is the Medisave, a form of account savings, which can be used to pay the hospital bills of the holder and immediate members of the family in case of need.
Leave Benefits
Filing leave of absences at work is eligible for different situations in Singapore. Citizens are entitled to qualify for taking a maternity leave; for pregnant mothers, paternity leave; which is usually a week-long per year, and childcare and infant care leave; for tending after newborn and little children.
Parenthood Incentives
Singapore citizens who are parents of newborns receive 6,000 SGD for the first two children, and it only gets higher for the succeeding births. Each newborn also immediately gets a Medisave account with grant upon birth. Married citizens, as well as working mothers, enjoy tax relief off their incomes. This is because of a government initiative which encourages couples to bear more children.
Housing
Singapore citizens who are over and above 21 years old are already qualified to purchase flats from the Housing and Development Board. They can also avail the government’s housing loans and grants with a concessionary interest rate.
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