At the launch of the Retired Senior and Volunteer Programme (RSVP) on 31 Oct 98, Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong announced the formation of an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to "set national directions and strategies" to meet the challenges of the ageing population. The IMC would be chaired by Minister Mah Bow Tan, with Ministers Yeo Cheow Tong and Abdullah Tarmugi as Deputy Chairmen.

2. The formation of a standing committee reflects the government’s concern that a rapidly ageing population is one of the key challenges Singapore will face in the 21^st century. PM Goh said that the issue is beyond the purview of any single ministry, hence the need for an inter-ministerial committee. The IMC will set broad policy directions and oversee the implementation of policies and programmes to prepare Singapore for the impact of ageing. The terms of reference of the IMC are at Annex 1.

3. Given the complexity of the issue, members of the IMC were selected to provide a broad range of views and expertise, with representatives from both the public and private sectors, including voluntary groups like the Tsao Foundation, Singapore Action Group of Elders and the Gerontological Society. A full list of members of the IMC are at Annex 2.

1. Identify the challenges of an ageing society in the next millenium.

 

2. Determine the policy directions for Government and non-Government agencies in addressing the needs of an ageing society.

 

3. Steer and guide the comprehensive, holistic and co-ordinated development of policies and programmes for the elderly.

 

4. Review periodically the effectiveness and adequacy of such policies and programmes.

 

5. Make recommendations to prepare Singapore society for the effects of an ageing population.

Chairman : Mr Mah Bow Tan

Minister for Communications

Dy Chairmen : Mr Yeo Cheow Tong

Minister for Health

Mr Abdullah Tarmugi

Minister for Community Development

Members : Dr Yaacob Ibrahim

Parliamentary Secretary for Communications

Chairman, GPC (Community Development)

Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon

MP (Bukit Timah GRC)

Mr P Ravindran

MP (Bukit Timah GRC)

Mr Seng Han Thong

MP (Ang Mo Kio GRC)

MP (Marine Parade GRC)

PS (Community Development)/2PS (Health)

Dr Tan Chin Nam

PS (Manpower)

Mr Tan Guong Ching

CEO, Housing and Development Board

Dr Chen Ai Ju

Director of Medical Services, MOH

Dr Paul Cheung

Chief Statistician, Department of Statistics

CED, People’s Association

Dr Robert Loh

President, National Council of Social Service

Mr Gerard Ee

Mr Stephen Lee

President, Singapore National Employers’ Federation

Dr Mary Ann Tsao

President, Tsao Foundation

Dr Lim Chan Yong

President, Singapore Action Group of Elders

Mr Henry Lim

Immediate Past President, Gerontological Society