Supporting Families Remains a Focus for MSF, as Outlined by Masagos: Collaboration is Key

Supporting Families Remains a Focus for MSF, as Outlined by Masagos: Collaboration is Key

Feature Article: Couple's Journey After Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis Highlights Government's Family Support Initiatives

In Singapore, social worker Eleanore James and her husband Timothy faced an unexpected challenge shortly after their marriage in 2021 – a battle against Eleanore's ovarian cancer. This diagnosis ended their dream of starting a family together, but the couple's story was a poignant highlight at the launch of this year's National Family Festival.

Mr. James, a 43-year-old halfway house operations assistant, and his wife, now 36, chose to share their story as part of the "Real Families, Real Stories" campaign run by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). The exhibition showcased the ups and downs of family life submitted by over 500 families.

Ms. James explained the agonizing decision she had to make: "My oncologist delivered the devastating news that it is not possible for us to have children. I felt like our world crashed. I had to make a difficult decision to propose an annulment to Timothy since we were still newly married."

However, Mr. James refused the annulment, reaffirming his commitment to his wife: "I did not even want to reconsider. I remembered my wedding vows towards her – in sickness and in health."

Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli addressed the festival's launch, his first speech since the general election and his swearing-in on May 23. He emphasized the government's upcoming initiatives to support families, including an increase in shared parental leave from 26 to 30 weeks starting in April 2026 and more benefits for couples with two or more children, announced at the 2025 Budget.

He stated, "Family is critical to our journey in our life, and also as a nation... As our society evolves, so do the needs of our families. They change, and therefore we must ensure that familial support systems remain relevant and robust."

This push to support families forms part of the "A Singapore Made for Families 2025" plan launched three years ago, the minister explained. Additionally, low-income elderly Singaporeans can expect enhanced Silver Support Bonuses, with payouts increasing from $1,200 to $1,800 annually starting in June 2025.

MSF is committed to building on the progress of the previous three years. The minister noted, "Through the plan, we established a collaborative approach, where we integrate government support across every stage of family life, to ensure that families have a comprehensive ecosystem of support."

The festival, held at the Singapore Expo, marks the start of a series of events across the island in June. The event included a family, retired contractor Toh Chee Keong, 57, and housewife Vu Thi Sam, 42, with six children aged between four and 18. Mr. Toh expressed the importance of good finances for maintaining a large family.

Other policies aimed at supporting families can be found in the "Forward Singapore" initiative. While specific details for families with multiple children were not mentioned, these policies include concerns about the cost of living, housing accessibility, and affordability, as well as fostering more family-friendly practices.

The Singaporean government is working toward a vision of a nation that values and supports all families. As Minister Masagos stated, "We cannot realize this vision on our own. Throughout the decades, we have seen community participation and partnership playing a significant role in the success of our nation, and therefore in fulfilling this vision."

[1] Enhancement of Silver Support Bonus for low-income elderly Singaporeans: https://www.msf.gov.sg/news/press-releases/silver-support-bonus-enhanced-to-alleviate-cost-of-living-pressures

[2] Potential increase in Silver Support payments: https://www.msf.gov.sg/news/press-releases/enhanced-silver-support-bonus-for-october-2023

[3] Forward Singapore: Enhancing Support for Individuals and Families: https://www.msf.gov.sg/programmes/forward-singapore

[4] Home Caregiving Grant: https://www.msf.gov.sg/individuals/schemes-and-financial-assistance/home-caregiving-grant

1. The "Real Families, Real Stories" campaign by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) highlights the importance of mental-health discussions within relationships, as demonstrated by Eleanore and Timothy James' story.
2. The National Family Festival, which showcased narratives of over 500 families, underscores the significance of health-and-wellness and lifestyle choices in shaping family-dynamics, especially in light of unexpected challenges such as cancer diagnoses.
3. The government's push to increase shared parental leave and benefits for couples with multiple children aligns with policy-and-legislation efforts aimed at promoting work-life balance and familial support systems within politics and general-news contexts.
4. Minister Masagos Zulkifli's speech emphasized the government's commitment to building an ecosystem of support for families as part of the "A Singapore Made for Families 2025" plan, reflecting broader policy-and-legislation initiatives aimed at providing comprehensive resources for science, health-and-wellness, mental-health, and lifestyle aspects of family life.

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