Singapore Introduces Unemployment Support Scheme in Major Policy Shift

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announces financial aid for involuntarily unemployed workers during his first National Day Rally speech.

The new SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme offers up to S$6,000 for six months to laid-off workers.
Recipients must engage in training, career coaching, and job-matching services to qualify for the aid.
This marks a departure from Singapore's long-standing resistance to unemployment benefits.
The policy aims to help lower- and middle-income workers affected by technological changes and economic disruptions.
Additional initiatives include increased parental leave and training allowances for older workers.