Speech by Minister Richard Hu, at Kreta Ayer Zone “E” Residents’ Committee 21st Anniversary Celebration, 22 Sep 2001, 8.00pm

Singapore Government Press Release
Media Division, Ministry of Information and The Arts,
MITA Building, 140 Hill Street, 2^nd Storey, Singapore 179369
Tel: 837-9666

SPEECH BY DR RICHARD HU, MINISTER FOR FINANCE & MP FOR KRETA AYER - TANGLIN GRC AT KRETA AYER ZONE "E" RESIDENTS’ COMMITTEE 21^ST ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION ON 22 SEP 2001 AT 8.00PM AT BLK 96 HAVELOCK ROAD MULTI-STOREY CARPARK

Dr Lily Neo, MP for Kreta Ayer-Tanglin GRC

Mr William Teo, PBM, Chairman, Kreta Ayer Zone E Residents’ Committee

Distinguished guests and residents

Good Evening

I am very happy to join you this evening in celebrating your RC’s 21^st anniversary. Although the Singapore economy is going through a difficult period, we are still enjoying relative prosperity. The tragic events in the United States last week show how fragile world peace is and how important it is that we all join together to preserve harmony in our multi-racial and multi-religious society. The impact of the terrorist attacks on the US economy is uncertain and could slow down the recovery of Singapore’s economy. I would therefore like to urge all Singaporeans to work hand in hand with the government to minimise the negative impact of the present recession and to prepare Singaporeans for the challenges of a new world economy.

The government has introduced many programmes to help Singaporeans. In particular, I would like to urge all our residents to participate fully in the I.T., CPF Top-Up and Medishield programmes.

The National I.T. literacy is a training programme which will equip you with basic computer and internet skills. You will learn how to us online services such as e-mail, e-shopping, e-banking and e-entertainment, etc. You will only need to pay $7 for the basic course. You are also welcome to use the computers available at the RC Centre at no cost.

For those who missed out on the first CPF Top-Up exercise last year, government is extending a 2^nd chance for you to top-up your CPF account with $100 before 31 October 2001, following which your CPF ordinary account will be topped-up with amounts ranging from $500 to $1,700, based on your income and type of housing you stay in. For those who have not done so, RC members will be visiting you and help to arrange for the top-up. The RC will also consider helping genuine residents who are unable to afford the top-up amount. They will also assist in arranging for the withdrawal, if you are eligible.

Medishield is for those who are 61 to 69 years old as at 31 December 2000. You are encouraged to apply for it if you have not already done so. The scheme will help you to pay for your medical costs if you are hospitalised. The government will pay for your basic Medishield premium for the first two years. RC members will explain to you in detail when they visit you in the near future. They will also help you in the application procedures.

Alternatively, residents can also apply for the I.T. Literacy course and Medishield programmes, and arrange to make CPF To-Ups at Kim Seng Community Club, Kreta Ayer Community Club and Telok Ayer-Hong Lim Green Community Centre.

All of you have played an important role in making Singapore what it is today. Let us work together for a better Singapore tomorrow.

I wish everyone a pleasant evening.

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