Commemorative birth certificates for babies born in 2015

By Olivia Siong, Channel NewsAsia, 11 May 2014

All Singaporean babies born in 2015 will receive a commemorative birth certificate along with other presents to mark the country's Golden Jubilee.

This was what Grace Fu, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, told reporters on the sidelines of a ministerial community visit to Yio Chu Kang on Sunday morning.

The commemorative birth certificate was an idea raised by many Singaporeans.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore has also been supportive of the idea, added Ms Fu.

Over the past few weeks, the public has been asked to vote for five out of 15 shortlisted items that they would like to see included in a Jubilee Baby Gift package.

The package will be given to all Singapore babies as part of next year's Singapore 50 (SG50) celebrations.

The community initiative is led by the National Population and Talent Division (NPTD), which comes under the Prime Minister's Office.

So far, 15,000 votes have been received.

Ms Fu, who is also Second Minister for the Environment and Water Resources and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, said popular items include a special commemorative medallion and a baby sling. 

Other items on the shortlist include a family photo frame, scrapbook and diaper bag.

The month-long poll will close on 15 May.

Ms Fu noted that while the gift will be special and commemorative, it may not necessarily be expensive.

She said a final selection will take place and the budget will be discussed once voting is closed, before a tender is called.

Ms Fu said: "We also want to be fair to other babies who are not born in this year. So items such as subsidies for school fees, pre-school support, I think, should form part of the overall review of (the) social system.

"It's not something we do only for those born in the special year. While we appreciate many of the suggestions, about giving more pre-school subsidies or even NS exemption, I don't think that's something that's do-able, because that's not the objective of the Jubilee Baby Gift."

She added while the intention of having the Jubilee Baby Gift was not to encourage couples to have babies next year, she would be happy if it manages to get parents to consider it.

Ms Fu also had a dialogue with residents, some of whom raised concerns and challenges they faced as parents. These include cost of living issues and trying to achieve work-life balance.

She said: "Many stakeholders have to play a part to make this society a more conducive one for young parents, (including the employers.) 

"We need employers to perhaps play a more important role in having flexible work arrangements, flexible time. Really, to allow our young parents the ability to balance both the needs of the career and the family."

Earlier in the morning, Ms Fu also paid a visit to a private estate in Yio Chu Kang.

Post by Grace Fu.

Babies born next year will get commemorative certificate with SG50 marking
The Straits Times, 13 Oct 2014

Babies born next year will receive a commemorative birth certificate and folder, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Grace Fu said.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Ms Fu revealed that the commemorative certificate will come with a special SG50 marking and a message from the Prime Minister.

"My staff showed me a prototype of the commemorative birth certificate and folder that all SG50 babies will receive. It'll come with a special SG50 marking (see red mark at bottom right corner) and a message from our PM. What do you think?" Ms Fu said in her post. 

As part of the celebrations to mark Singapore's 50th birthday, babies born next year will receive the Jubilee gift set of eight presents: a special medallion; a multi-functional shawl; a baby sling; a set of baby clothes including a T-shirt and bottoms, rompers, mittens and socks; a diaper bag; a scrapbook for memories; a family photo frame; and a baby book.

These came out top during a month-long poll that ended in May, during which people picked the ideas they most wanted to be included in the gift set.

Special SG50 gift for Singaporean couples getting married in 2015
By Alice Chia, Channel NewsAsia, 25 Oct 2014

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.

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 on Saturday (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.