20-02-2025, 02:38 PM
Why were there no cash handouts in this year's Singapore Budget?
An NUS research fellow offers her take: https://cna.asia/4hJUNYX
An NUS research fellow offers her take: https://cna.asia/4hJUNYX
![](https://i.imgur.com/CLvY2jA.png")
Why were there no cash handouts in this year's Singapore Budget?
20-02-2025, 02:39 PM
Commentary: Budget 2025 and the appeal of CDC vouchers over cash handouts
Source: CNA, published February 19, 2025, authored by Clara Lee, Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies Social Lab, National University of Singapore.
Theme: This commentary explores the Singapore government's preference for CDC vouchers over cash handouts in Budget 2025, arguing that it aligns with Singapore's political culture and provides tangible benefits.
Core Points:
- The commentary highlights the government's preference for targeted aid through CDC vouchers and SG60 vouchers over broad-based cash handouts, particularly in light of rising prices.
- CDC vouchers provide tangible assistance to Singaporean households grappling with higher prices for essential goods.
- The directed approach ensures that funds are channeled specifically to heartland merchants, stimulating local spending and supporting job creation.
- CDC vouchers also fit in with Singapore's political culture, which emphasizes self-reliance and responsible spending.
- The scheme is seen as a visible and tangible benefit, providing Singaporeans something concrete they can use and see the direct impact on local businesses.
- The commentary acknowledges the potential limitations of reactive measures like CDC vouchers and suggests that proactive policies to prevent excessive price increases are also necessary.
- Despite potential limitations, the CDC voucher scheme is likely to remain a key feature in future budgets due to its digital efficiency, familiarity to Singaporeans, and proven effectiveness.
Phenomenon: This commentary discusses the rationale behind the Singapore government's decision to favor CDC vouchers over cash handouts in Budget 2025, highlighting its alignment with political culture, economic considerations, and the aim to foster a sense of community. It provides a nuanced analysis of the benefits and potential limitations of this approach.
Source: CNA, published February 19, 2025, authored by Clara Lee, Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies Social Lab, National University of Singapore.
Theme: This commentary explores the Singapore government's preference for CDC vouchers over cash handouts in Budget 2025, arguing that it aligns with Singapore's political culture and provides tangible benefits.
Core Points:
- The commentary highlights the government's preference for targeted aid through CDC vouchers and SG60 vouchers over broad-based cash handouts, particularly in light of rising prices.
- CDC vouchers provide tangible assistance to Singaporean households grappling with higher prices for essential goods.
- The directed approach ensures that funds are channeled specifically to heartland merchants, stimulating local spending and supporting job creation.
- CDC vouchers also fit in with Singapore's political culture, which emphasizes self-reliance and responsible spending.
- The scheme is seen as a visible and tangible benefit, providing Singaporeans something concrete they can use and see the direct impact on local businesses.
- The commentary acknowledges the potential limitations of reactive measures like CDC vouchers and suggests that proactive policies to prevent excessive price increases are also necessary.
- Despite potential limitations, the CDC voucher scheme is likely to remain a key feature in future budgets due to its digital efficiency, familiarity to Singaporeans, and proven effectiveness.
Phenomenon: This commentary discusses the rationale behind the Singapore government's decision to favor CDC vouchers over cash handouts in Budget 2025, highlighting its alignment with political culture, economic considerations, and the aim to foster a sense of community. It provides a nuanced analysis of the benefits and potential limitations of this approach.
20-02-2025, 04:28 PM
“I was expecting $2k” – Budget 2025 sparks debate over vouchers vs cash payouts
SINGAPORE: All eyes were on Prime Minister Lawrence Wong as he delivered his first Budget statement since becoming head of government on Tuesday afternoon (Feb 18). The budget included enhanced support for worker upskilling and training programmes, more financial benefits for families who have more children, as well as heavy investments in research and development, infrastructure and incentivizing the stock market.
However, with a general election looming this year, much of the pre-Budget speculation online revolved around whether the Budget would include “election goodies” in the form of direct cash payouts.
Those looking for a larger cash sum were perhaps left disappointed as the majority of the measures aimed at alleviating the cost of living squeeze took the form of credits and vouchers this year.
Mr Wong announced a slew of credits under the ActiveSG, LifeSG, SG Culture Pass and Climate Voucher schemes, alongside Edusave and Medisave top-ups, utilities rebates, and personal income tax rebates.
He also revealed that Singaporeans would receive $600 in SG60 Vouchers, with seniors getting an additional $200. These vouchers can be used wherever Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers are welcome. On top of the SG60 vouchers, all households will receive $800 in CDC vouchers.
The only cash payout component of the budget comes under the GST Voucher scheme. Eligible Singaporeans will receive S$450 or S$850 in cash in August 2025 as part of this year’s budget.
While the range of vouchers aims to address various needs, some Singaporeans online have expressed disappointment online, asserting that they would prefer more direct cash assistance to cope with rising living costs. A number of netizens argued that cash would be more flexible and practical for coping with rising living costs compared to vouchers, which are limited to specific uses and merchants.
One Facebook user, Sky Tan, asked, “Just give cash can anot, why so much pattern…” while Facebook user Kamen Augustine Tan said, “Give money better than more vouchers.”
Another Facebook user added, “For CDC vouchers have to look for the businesses that accept CDC. Why not just give cash? Can use it everywhere.” Yet another netizen, Terrence Mark Pereira, complained, “Why all monies in form of vouchers? No more cash outlay!”
Some also said that they expected a larger sum since this is an election year. Facebook user Ismail Ismael lamented, “I’m expecting 2k…like this amount is peanut n butter… sigh.”
Another netizen, Edward Sim, wrote in a comment: “Election year 就是 election year. No worries, we get the chicken drumsticks this year compared to last time chicken wings, but they will take back the whole chicken farm from us after election.”
The phrase “give chicken drumsticks and take back the whole chicken” is a Singaporean colloquialism that describes situations where a small concession is offered, only for something more valuable to be taken away later. The netizen’s comment reflects his belief that generous pre-election benefits may be followed by post-election increases in taxes or other costs of living.
A number of Facebook commenters agreed that cash is king while some cautioned that vouchers have a higher risk of being wasted than cash. Facebook user Yx Dai said, “All CDC vouchers… Very hard to use. The one for the supermarket, can only be used for general items, which you probably already have. You can’t even use it to buy a new pair of glasses, which old people probably need to have one with updated eye sight correction.”
More at https://urlr.me/8nHdgX
SINGAPORE: All eyes were on Prime Minister Lawrence Wong as he delivered his first Budget statement since becoming head of government on Tuesday afternoon (Feb 18). The budget included enhanced support for worker upskilling and training programmes, more financial benefits for families who have more children, as well as heavy investments in research and development, infrastructure and incentivizing the stock market.
However, with a general election looming this year, much of the pre-Budget speculation online revolved around whether the Budget would include “election goodies” in the form of direct cash payouts.
Those looking for a larger cash sum were perhaps left disappointed as the majority of the measures aimed at alleviating the cost of living squeeze took the form of credits and vouchers this year.
Mr Wong announced a slew of credits under the ActiveSG, LifeSG, SG Culture Pass and Climate Voucher schemes, alongside Edusave and Medisave top-ups, utilities rebates, and personal income tax rebates.
He also revealed that Singaporeans would receive $600 in SG60 Vouchers, with seniors getting an additional $200. These vouchers can be used wherever Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers are welcome. On top of the SG60 vouchers, all households will receive $800 in CDC vouchers.
The only cash payout component of the budget comes under the GST Voucher scheme. Eligible Singaporeans will receive S$450 or S$850 in cash in August 2025 as part of this year’s budget.
While the range of vouchers aims to address various needs, some Singaporeans online have expressed disappointment online, asserting that they would prefer more direct cash assistance to cope with rising living costs. A number of netizens argued that cash would be more flexible and practical for coping with rising living costs compared to vouchers, which are limited to specific uses and merchants.
One Facebook user, Sky Tan, asked, “Just give cash can anot, why so much pattern…” while Facebook user Kamen Augustine Tan said, “Give money better than more vouchers.”
Another Facebook user added, “For CDC vouchers have to look for the businesses that accept CDC. Why not just give cash? Can use it everywhere.” Yet another netizen, Terrence Mark Pereira, complained, “Why all monies in form of vouchers? No more cash outlay!”
Some also said that they expected a larger sum since this is an election year. Facebook user Ismail Ismael lamented, “I’m expecting 2k…like this amount is peanut n butter… sigh.”
Another netizen, Edward Sim, wrote in a comment: “Election year 就是 election year. No worries, we get the chicken drumsticks this year compared to last time chicken wings, but they will take back the whole chicken farm from us after election.”
The phrase “give chicken drumsticks and take back the whole chicken” is a Singaporean colloquialism that describes situations where a small concession is offered, only for something more valuable to be taken away later. The netizen’s comment reflects his belief that generous pre-election benefits may be followed by post-election increases in taxes or other costs of living.
A number of Facebook commenters agreed that cash is king while some cautioned that vouchers have a higher risk of being wasted than cash. Facebook user Yx Dai said, “All CDC vouchers… Very hard to use. The one for the supermarket, can only be used for general items, which you probably already have. You can’t even use it to buy a new pair of glasses, which old people probably need to have one with updated eye sight correction.”
More at https://urlr.me/8nHdgX
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20-02-2025, 04:52 PM
Because Govn don't want you to buy 4D and toto.
20-02-2025, 05:03 PM
actually got the usual Aug and Dec. But again I feel this budget is pro to business owners.
20-02-2025, 05:10 PM
Give cash and many will go JB for sex, massages and shopping. Wont benefit local biz.
Sharexchange will fly to JB or China for sex and karaoke with wild gals.
Sharexchange will fly to JB or China for sex and karaoke with wild gals.
20-02-2025, 05:22 PM
give as if they so generous but already plan to take back
"THE Singapore government will increase CPF contribution rates for those aged above 55 to 65 by 1.5 percentage points in 2026, said Finance Minister Lawrence Wong in his Budget speech on Tuesday (Feb 18). This is in line with the recommendations of the Tripartite Workgroup on Older Workers."
"THE Singapore government will increase CPF contribution rates for those aged above 55 to 65 by 1.5 percentage points in 2026, said Finance Minister Lawrence Wong in his Budget speech on Tuesday (Feb 18). This is in line with the recommendations of the Tripartite Workgroup on Older Workers."
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