Year: 2024

25 April 2024: Sexual Assault First Responder Training (online)

Please note this workshop will take place online via Zoom.

Understand trauma reactions and learn tangible skills to support sexual violence survivors at this workshop by AWARE.

“Are you sure that happened? Why didn’t you fight back? You should have known better.” These are some common responses survivors of sexual assault have heard, which may further their feelings of doubt, guilt and shame.

It is not always easy for survivors to tell someone about what happened; in fact, for some survivors, it can be especially daunting. So the way their loved ones respond becomes pivotal in their journey of recovery. First response that is sensitive to a survivor’s needs and choices is necessary in preventing re-victimisation.

This Sexual Assault First Responder Training helps familiarise participants with trauma reactions and symptoms to better contribute to a survivor’s well-being. In this workshop, we will share more on the following:

  • Definition of sexual assault and harassment
  • Recognising Singapore’s legal framework
  • Understanding consent
  • Understanding the impact of sexual assault and trauma on survivors
  • Role of a first responder
  • Providing support to survivors of sexual assault
  • Resources available for help
  • Key skills such as ensuring safety, active listening and empathy

We want this workshop to be accessible to everyone, and require your generous contribution to keep it running. While you are welcome to give any amount you wish, we suggest a minimum of $30 per person. No tax deduction will be provided. Note that Eventbrite requires a minimum contribution of $1. If for financial reasons you require a waiver of this minimum contribution, please email volunteer.manager@aware.org.sg.

Register for the event here: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/25-april-2024-sexual-assault-first-responder-training-online-session-tickets-760276887637?aff=oddtdtcreator

Note as well that we are unable to accommodate transfers and cancellations if participants are unable to attend after payment has been made.

Persons of all genders and nationalities are more than welcome to attend.

We strongly request that all participants commit to the full duration of the 3-hour workshop (there are breaks!) to ensure that everyone will get the opportunity to engage in interactive discussions and learn useful skills.


Event details:
Date: Thu, 25 April 2024
Time: 14:00 – 17:00 GMT+8
Location: 5 Dover Crescent #01-22 Singapore, 130005

Review immigration policy, Singapore’s Plan B for a plunging fertility rate

This was first published as an op-ed on The Straits Times on 6 Mar 2024. Corinna Lim is executive director of AWARE.

It is prudent to acknowledge that increasing immigration may be necessary to counterbalance the ageing population.

Singapore’s fertility rate has been declining over the past four decades, despite significant efforts like the marriage and parenthood measures since 2001.

Singapore’s resident total fertility rate (TFR) – which refers to the average number of babies each woman would have during her reproductive years – has steadily decreased from 1.41 in 2001 to 1.1 in 2020, with minor upticks occurring in Dragon years.

The recent announcement of a record low TFR, dropping below 1 for the first time to 0.97, aligns with historical demographic trends.

From pro-natal to pro-family

State support has transitioned from a narrow pro-natal approach, mainly offering financial incentives like the Baby Bonus, paid parental leave, childcare subsidies or tax benefits, to a broader pro-family strategy aimed at addressing the challenges of work-family balance.

Recognising that financial and professional sacrifices, especially for women, remain significant barriers to parenthood, the Government started investing in childcare in 2012.

Fathers are entitled to four weeks of paternity leave from January 2024, marking progress towards more equitable parental responsibilities, although still not as generous as the four months provided to mothers. Efforts are also under way to introduce Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangements to promote work-life balance.

These are all necessary and excellent moves in the right direction.

The Government has signalled its clear commitment in Forward Singapore to support families through every life stage, ensure every child receives a good start, equalise parental responsibilities, provide adequate housing, and promote mental well-being and work-life harmony.

Embracing immigration as Plan B

Despite the broader pro-family approach, Singapore’s TFR will likely continue to decline.

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s cautionary remarks in his 2024 Budget speech about the global landscape remind us of the uncertainties ahead. Climate change, in particular, poses significant challenges, impacting food security, migration patterns and global stability. Amid these challenges, the reluctance to have children in an uncertain world may intensify.

In the light of this, it is prudent to prepare a Plan B, acknowledging that increasing immigration may be necessary to counterbalance the ageing population.

A well-planned and comprehensive immigration strategy is a more sustainable solution than promoting population growth, especially since the global population continues to grow.

Points-based system for migrants

An effective approach adopted by many developed countries is the implementation of a points-based immigration system. Under such a system, various factors, such as skills, language proficiency, family situation, duration of residency in Singapore, connections to the local community, and contributions to the society and economy can be taken into account.

For Singapore, implementing a points-based immigration system offers several advantages. Chiefly, it enables the selection of applicants based on their potential to positively contribute to the country’s development, addressing demographic challenges while attracting talent.

As an example, take the case of the healthcare sector. Singapore faces a growing demand for skilled professionals in this sector to meet the needs of the ageing population. But doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals are in high demand around the world, and many countries are offering competitive salaries and pathways to citizenship to attract and retain such essential workers.

The recent pandemic further intensified demand for experienced healthcare professionals. Canada and New Zealand responded by easing their permanent residency (PR) requirements to attract doctors and nurses.

There is precedence for this. Over the past five years, around 1,200 health professionals were granted Singapore PR status on average each year. More than six in 10 were nurses, and the remainder included doctors, allied health professionals and other healthcare workers. More nurses were granted PR status following the Covid-19 pandemic.

A streamlined approach towards immigration by Singapore will not only fill critical skill gaps, but also position the Republic as an attractive destination for skilled professionals, ensuring a steady influx of talent to support our social development and economic growth.

Furthermore, a points-based system enhances transparency, communication, and feedback avenues in immigration policy. By providing clear criteria and a structured process for immigration, it offers clarity to both citizens and prospective immigrants.

This transparency fosters confidence in the immigration system and ensures that individuals selected align with Singapore’s specific needs and values. Additionally, by allowing the Government and citizens to engage in a conversation on immigration, it fosters trust and mutual understanding, moving away from an opaque system that relies solely on government discretion.

The recent reaction to the Government’s move to introduce a new scoring framework for assessing Employment Pass (EP) applications is worth noting. Called Compass, businesses and trade associations welcomed the move, saying that the process had become more transparent and was a positive shift in Singapore’s approach to hiring foreign professionals.

Overall, adopting a points-based immigration system can streamline the immigration process, prioritise individuals who can contribute meaningfully to Singapore, and enhance the country’s competitiveness on the global stage.

In line with the principles of inclusivity and fairness promoted by Forward Singapore, there is a compelling case for the points-based immigration system to be inclusive of all individuals who have contributed to Singapore, regardless of their occupation or income level.

The notion that every job is a good job, as advocated by Forward Singapore, should extend to everyone working in Singapore. Therefore, the eligibility criteria for residency should not be primarily based on financial status or high-skilled professions.

Domestic workers, construction workers and others who have made meaningful contributions to Singapore’s society and economy should have the opportunity to apply for residency if they meet the stipulated criteria. This approach not only aligns with the values of fairness and equality but also enriches Singapore’s social fabric by recognising and valuing the contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds and occupations.

Embracing diversity

Singapore should also de-emphasise the need to maintain its current racial composition in immigration policy. Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development Faishal Ibrahim had highlighted in Parliament in October 2020 that the Government calibrates immigration intake to preserve Singapore’s racial balance.

However, the focus for immigration policy should be on attracting individuals who can positively contribute to Singapore’s growth and development, regardless of ethnic background.

This could involve policies that provide opportunities for permanent residency and citizenship to a broader range of immigrants, including those who may not fit the traditional criteria for high-level positions but still have valuable skills and experiences to offer.

By embracing diversity in our immigration policy, we can enrich Singapore’s social fabric, promote cross-cultural understanding, and create a more inclusive society for all residents, regardless of their background.

As Singapore navigates the challenges posed by a declining fertility rate, it is essential to remain realistic about the need for adaptable solutions. While demographic trends present challenges, they also offer opportunities for growth and innovation.

By embracing a proactive and inclusive approach to family and immigration policies, Singapore can position itself to thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Through strategic planning and a commitment to diversity, Singapore can build a resilient and vibrant society that thrives well into the future.

27 April 2024: AWARE’s 39th Annual General Meeting 2024

Join us at AWARE’s 39th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, 27 April 2024, 2pm!  

Please refer to the Notice and Agenda for the 39th Annual General Meeting.

As this is an election year, in addition to providing updates on AWARE’s activities, members will have the opportunity to participate in the election of a new Board. The Board plays a pivotal role in guiding AWARE’s direction and ensuring effective governance. We rely on our members to select the most suitable candidates for these responsibilities.

If you’re an interested candidate, the Nomination Form and Procedure for the AWARE Board 2024 – 2026 will be emailed to members on 15 March 2024.

As always, there will be some light refreshments at the AGM. This presents a wonderful opportunity to mingle with fellow members, reconnect with old acquaintances, and forge new connections. For those new to AWARE, it’s an excellent chance to learn more about our community and for us to learn more about you.

If you are a current member*, kindly RSVP your attendance for the AGM through Eventbrite. Please note that if your membership has expired or is close to expiry, you will need to renew it to attend the AGM. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Aqilah at membership@aware.org.sg.

AGM Details:
Date: Saturday, 27 April 2024
Time: 2pm to 6pm
Venue: AWARE Centre (5 Dover Crescent, #01-22, Singapore 130005)

RSVP here!

*This event is open to current members, renewed members whose past membership lapsed not earlier than 27 April 2022, and new members who joined us as a member on 16 March 2024 and before. We look forward to seeing you there!

AWARE welcomes efforts in the National Budget to support more families, though some still left behind

This post was originally published as a press release on 17 February 2024.

Gender-equality organisation AWARE welcomes a host of measures announced by Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on 16 February, as he envisioned “Building Our Shared Future Together” through this year’s National Budget.

A concerted attempt was made towards uplifting lower-income families and increasing the security of seniors, the organisation notes. 

Better support to uplift lower-income families

Low-income households will benefit from a series of measures, such as the increase in the qualifying income ceiling for the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) from $2,500 to $3,000, a move previously recommended by AWARE, and the increase in the cap on the payout, which has been raised from $4,200 to $4,900.

ComLink+ will be enhanced with increased financial support and the provision of coaching and mentoring help for families, which has the potential to make a more lasting beneficial impact.

“We also applaud the reduction of fees for government-supported pre-schools and schools for children with special needs and the extension of childcare subsidies to children of non-working mothers,” said Corinna Lim, AWARE’s Executive Director. “These changes will allow these families to access critical educational opportunities for their children—a key step in breaking the cycle of poverty.” 

However, AWARE reiterates the importance of making financial aid easily accessible, as it has encountered cases where people have found it very challenging to navigate the financial aid schemes. 

The WIS support could also be strengthened by being made available to self-employed persons and increasing the cash component to better respond to the needs of its recipients. 

More being done to improve retirement security

Seniors will welcome the measures to increase their retirement security. This includes the increase of the Enhanced Retirement Sum to four times the Basic Retirement Sum (BRS) and the expansion of the Matched Retirement Savings Scheme (MRSS) to seniors over 70, with an increased cap of $2,000. 

While these are important measures to enhance retirement adequacy for a rapidly greying Singapore population, we need better support for women, who are more likely to not meet the BRS because of gender pay gaps and caregiving responsibilities. 

AWARE recommends that caregivers who have had to take a step back from their careers before 55 years of age to fulfil caregiving duties should also qualify for the MRSS. In addition, low-income families who struggle to make the MRSS top-ups would benefit from receiving government top-ups as grants rather than as matched top-ups.

The reality of one-off benefits

The influx of one-off tranches like cash payments, rebates for HDB households, and CDC vouchers is a welcome relief for many facing rising living costs. 

However, it is important to ensure that households that need it the most, for example, those in non-conventional living arrangements like multi-tenanted dwellings, shelters, and other temporary residences, can also claim their CDC vouchers. 

These one-off measures, while providing immediate relief, are merely a bandaid and not a sustainable solution to build stable futures. 

“Given the current ecologically unsustainable state of the planet, rising cost of living will be the norm going forward,” said Ms. Lim. “What will we do in 2025 and 2026?”

Supporting caregivers who may be left out

Ms. Lim also noted that “certain groups seem to be missing from the shared future pitched, such as vulnerable caregivers.”

Many caregivers have sacrificed their career to undertake caregiving responsibilities for their families and, with that, have also sacrificed their income and retirement adequacy. AWARE therefore renews its call for a caregiver grant with a cash and CPF component to address this gap.

While the newly proposed retrenchment benefits will be helpful for workers who involuntarily lose their jobs, there are no measures targeted at caregivers who have had to take a break from their careers to care for their families and who wish to rejoin the workforce. 

The SkillsFuture Credit top-ups and subsidies for older Singaporeans to retrain and upskill will go some way to help them, but caregivers require a lot more support to reintegrate into the workforce, and the budget has overlooked this group. 

“Substantial steps have been taken in this Budget towards weaving a stronger social security net,” said Ms. Lim. 

“We’re encouraged by the increased social spending over the past few years, which demonstrates the government’s desire not to leave any Singaporeans behind. We hope to see this net widened to provide much-needed support for caregivers too.”


AWARE is Singapore’s leading women’s rights and gender-equality advocacy group. It works to identify and eliminate gender-based barriers through research, advocacy, education, training and support services. AWARE embraces diversity, respects the individual and the choices she makes in life, and supports her when needed.

For media inquiries, please reach out to media@aware.org.sg

24 February 2024: Sexual Assault First Responder Training (in person)

Please note this workshop will take place in person at the AWARE Centre.

Understand trauma reactions and learn tangible skills to support sexual violence survivors at this workshop by AWARE.

“Are you sure that happened? Why didn’t you fight back? You should have known better.” These are some common responses survivors of sexual assault have heard, which may further their feelings of doubt, guilt and shame.

It is not always easy for survivors to tell someone about what happened; in fact, for some survivors, it can be especially daunting. So the way their loved ones respond becomes pivotal in their journey of recovery. First response that is sensitive to a survivor’s needs and choices is necessary in preventing re-victimisation.

This Sexual Assault First Responder Training helps familiarise participants with trauma reactions and symptoms to better contribute to a survivor’s well-being. In this workshop, we will share more on the following:

  • Definition of sexual assault and harassment
  • Recognising Singapore’s legal framework
  • Understanding consent
  • Understanding the impact of sexual assault and trauma on survivors
  • Role of a first responder
  • Providing support to survivors of sexual assault
  • Resources available for help
  • Key skills such as ensuring safety, active listening and empathy

We want this workshop to be accessible to everyone, and require your generous contribution to keep it running. While you are welcome to give any amount you wish, we suggest a minimum of $30 per person. No tax deduction will be provided. Note that Eventbrite requires a minimum contribution of $1. If for financial reasons you require a waiver of this minimum contribution, please email volunteer.manager@aware.org.sg.

Register for the event here: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/24-february-2024-sexual-assault-first-responder-training-tickets-760273066207?aff=oddtdtcreator 

Note as well that we are unable to accommodate transfers and cancellations if participants are unable to attend after payment has been made.

Persons of all genders and nationalities are more than welcome to attend.

We strongly request that all participants commit to the full duration of the 3-hour workshop (there are breaks!) to ensure that everyone will get the opportunity to engage in interactive discussions and learn useful skills.


Event details:
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2024
Time: 14:00 – 17:00 GMT+8
Location: 5 Dover Crescent #01-22 Singapore, 130005

Register for the event here: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/24-february-2024-sexual-assault-first-responder-training-tickets-760273066207?aff=oddtdtcreator