1. Multiple GST vouchers from the G
Last year, everyone was complaining about the rising cost of living – with the price of eggs even hitting headlines. You can imagine everyone’s relief when DPM Lawrence Wong announced a 1.1 billion package to help Singaporeans tide through this period. From CDC vouchers, to GST vouchers, there was something for everyone.
In 2023, G also announced that every Singaporean household will receive $300 in CDC vouchers to help with daily essentials. Details about the payouts in 2023 can be found here.
2. Masks on? Masks off!
After 2 long years of COVID-related nonsense, in 29 August 2022, the Government announced that wearing masks indoors, unless absolutely necessary will no longer be needed.
Other Covid-related safe management measures were also removed, such as scanning Trace Together Tokens before entering malls, hawker centres, etc.
Talk about a HALLELUJAH!
3. The NTUC #EveryWorkerMatters Conversations
The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) launched the #EveryWorkerMatters Conversations in August, a year-long series of engagements. In 2022, NTUC has engaged 10,900 workers across all walks of life – female workers, older workers, lower-wage workers, youth and more. Coupled with the #EveryWorkerMatters Conversations is the Youth Taskforce, set to look at the needs of the next generation of workers.
There is more to look forward to in 2023. If you have anything you want to share to co-create the future of work, you can check out their website here.
Looks like a roving hub in the CBD is next in the line-up!
4. Singapore’s very own Single’s Inferno – One Week Love
Single’s Inferno took the world by storm when it launched its first season in 2022. Singapore’s The Smart Local tried to re-create a Singaporean version with One Week Love, a web-series featuring 9 local singles. There are rumours of second season in the works.
From petty drama to blatant product placements – was this show a hit or a miss? Watch here and decide.
5. Repeal of 377A
During the National Day Rally 2022, history was being made as PM Lee announced the repeal of Section 377A. Following the announcement, MPs debate in parliament and voted. S377A was officially repealed after President Halimah Yacob assented on Dec 27 to the Bill that proposed the repeal.
What’s important to note is that, apart from the repeal, changes to the Constitution were also made to protect the current definition of marriage – as a union between a man and a woman.
Following the repeal, questions like – How would sex-ed look like in schools? Will there be a total rehaul of the MOE syllabus on this matter seeing how our kids are exposed to such material?
Stay tuned for more in 2023.
6. Pritam Singh walking out of parliament (following the S377A debates)
During the 10-hour parliamentary debate on S377A (which happened over the course of 2 days) Leader of the Opposition went viral when a video circulating online showed him abruptly leaving the House after fellow Workers’ Party members had presented their speeches. Netizens speculated and thought about various scenarios as to what warranted such a dramatic exit.
The real reason was anti-climatic – turns out he just had to go to the toilet.
Parliament can be interesting at times – and no, no screaming or profanities like what happens in other countries – but with sassy replies and (petty) drama.
