Speech by PM Lee Hsien Loong at the Teck Ghee Chinese New Year Dinner on 17 February 2024.
At the Teck Ghee Chinese New Year Dinner on 17 February 2024, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong extended festive greetings to all attendees, highlighting the significance of the Year of the Dragon. In a multi-lingual address that included Mandarin and English, PM Lee welcomed the diverse community and expressed optimism for the year ahead.
The speech covered a wide range of topics, notably the recent budget announcement by Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. PM Lee detailed the government’s efforts to alleviate the cost of living pressures faced by Singaporeans, including increased subsidies and the distribution of neighborhood shopping vouchers totaling SGD 600 per household. These measures are part of a broader strategy to assist Singaporeans with immediate financial concerns and longer-term economic security.
PM Lee also outlined the Majulah Package, designed to support “Merdeka Generation” Singaporeans, those born in 1973 or earlier, with benefits aimed at encouraging continued employment, bolstering retirement savings, and enhancing healthcare savings through the Central Provident Fund (CPF).
Emphasizing the government’s commitment to economic development and social mobility, PM Lee reassured citizens that despite past challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Singapore stands in a strong position with a recovering economy and a budget that not only addresses current needs but also invests in the nation’s future. He underscored the importance of collective effort and trust between the government and the people in securing a prosperous future for Singapore.
The speech concluded on a note of unity and optimism, with PM Lee encouraging Singaporeans to work together towards continued prosperity and well-being in the Year of the Dragon and beyond.
Source – PMO
