New policies in 2014

Several new policies kick in today or tomorrow, from a new curriculum for character education to tougher rules on skilled foreigners. Janice Heng gives a rundown.
The Straits Times, 1 Jan 2014

EDUCATION

EXPRESS-LEVEL SUBJECTS FOR NORMAL STREAM STUDENTS

IN A pilot plan in 12 selected schools, Normal stream students who scored at least an A in a subject in the Primary School Leaving Examination will have the option of taking it at the Express level from Secondary 1.

Previously, only upper secondary students in the Normal stream were allowed to take subjects at a higher level.

Why? The move is to better cater to a student's strengths, said the Education Ministry, which hopes to give this option to students in all secondary schools by 2018.

NATIONAL CURRICULUM FOR CHARACTER EDUCATION

THE Character and Citizenship Education curriculum will be rolled out tomorrow as primary and secondary schools open for the new year.

It brings together previous programmes such as civics and moral education, national education and community involvement.

Why? This is part of the fresh emphasis on character and values which Education Minister Heng Swee Keat introduced in 2011.

At that time, he said that a values-driven education would keep young Singaporeans grounded in moral resolve, confidence and self-awareness.

NEW MOE KINDERGARTENS

SCHOOL begins at five new kindergartens run by the Education Ministry tomorrow.

These are the first of 15 kindergartens which the MOE will set up in Housing Board estates over three years.

Why? The centres will use the latest research in early childhood education to develop best practices, which can be shared with other pre-schools, in a bid to raise standards.

SOCIAL

NEW PRE-SCHOOL ANCHOR OPERATORS

COMMERCIAL pre-school operators may join the anchor operator scheme, which will give them government help such as rental subsidies and priority in securing premises. In exchange, they have to keep fees low.

Why? To provide more pre-school places that are good and affordable.

RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING PROGRAMMES

CASINO operators are expected to put in place their approved responsible gambling programmes by today.

These include measures such as responsible gambling ambassadors to provide patrons with information and help those in distress.

Why? The programmes are a requirement of tighter regulations which came into effect last May.

TRANSPORT

HIGHER TAXI AVAILABILITY STANDARDS

TAXI availability standards kick in for the second year today. During peak periods, at least 80 per cent of taxis in each company's fleet should be on the road, up from 70 per cent. The same minimum percentage of taxis must also clock at least 250km a day.

Why? To further improve taxi availability. Taxi firms must meet the higher standards if they want to grow their fleets next year.

TIGHTER EMISSIONS RULES FOR DIESEL VEHICLES

DIESEL vehicles have to achieve a smoke opacity test result of 40 Hartridge Smoke Units (HSU) or lower, a stricter standard than the previous requirement of 50 HSU or lower. The Euro IV emissions standards also give way now to the stricter Euro V standards for all new diesel vehicles registered.

Why? This is part of Singapore's overall plan for higher air-quality standards.

HEALTH

COMMUNITY HEALTH AID FOR WHOLE FAMILY

THE Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), which subsidises treatment for chronic ailments at private neighbourhood clinics, is now open to every family member in a household with a monthly per capita income of $1,800 or less. Previously, it was only for those aged at least 40 in such households.

Why? To make outpatient care more affordable for such Singaporeans.

MORE TREATMENTS ELIGIBLE FOR MEDISAVE

MEDISAVE can now be used for more surgical procedures, more outpatient treatments of chronic diseases and more outpatient vaccinations.

Why? To help reduce cash outlay for such patients. The update to the list of surgical procedures, for instance, includes those that are relatively new and have become more common.

HOUSING

MORE PROGRESSIVE PROPERTY TAX

OWNERS of high-end homes and some investment properties will have to pay more tax, while about 95 per cent of owner-occupied homes will attract less property tax instead.

Why? To make property tax more progressive and fairer.

TIGHTER RENOVATION RULES

REGISTERED renovation contractors must now engage only certified workers to carry out demolition or hacking works when renovating Housing Board flats.

Why? To raise the professionalism of the renovation industry. Trained workers will also recognise the danger of hacking structural walls, lowering the risk of such incidents happening.

MANPOWER

HIGHER EMPLOYMENT PASS QUALIFYING SALARIES

FIRMS that want to hire foreign professionals must pay them at least $3,300 a month, up from $3,000 previously. This applies to young graduates. Older and more experienced applicants must earn even more.

Why? To keep the playing field level as Singaporean workers' salaries rise. The median starting salary for university graduates was $3,050 in 2012.

HIGHER CPF CONTRIBUTION FOR LOW-WAGE WORKERS

WORKERS earning more than $50 and less than $1,500 a month now have higher employer and employee Central Provident Fund contribution rates.

Why? For employees, more cash from the Workfare Income Supplement scheme means less need for lower CPF rates to raise their take-home pay. For employers, a simpler CPF contribution schedule makes it easier for them to comply.

ENVIRONMENT

STIFFER RULES ON PET SALES

FROM today, pet dogs, cats and rabbits can be sold to anyone under the age of 16 only if they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Pet shops must also assess how suitable their customers are as owners before selling such pets.

Why? These new licensing conditions for pet shops aim to reduce impulse buying of pets by children, and eventually reduce the problem of abandoned pets.