, which is why he is enhancing subsidies to help these families.
As such, their operating costs per student can be lower and MOE will be lowering the annual fees for full-time general programmes at the two varsities from around S$8,000 to S$7,500, the Prime Minister said.For university courses, these bursaries will rise from 50 per cent of general degree fees today to up to 75 per cent. Similarly, bursaries for polytechnic diploma programmes will cover 95 per cent, up from today’s 80 per cent, he said.
"Don't worry about the money, it will be taken care of. Go for it," Mr Lee urged these prospective medical students. “We want to stay active and engaged, to feel a sense of worth and purpose … many of us want to build up a bigger nest egg for when we eventually retire.” Mr Lee said it will raise the rates for workers above 55 and take the first step in 2021, with subsequent steps thereafter. The whole process will take “10 years or so, depending on economic conditions” and once done, those 60 and below will enjoy the full CPF rates.Mr Lee also reiterated the point that there are no changes to CPF withdrawal policies or withdrawal age.
READ: Climate change one of the 'gravest challenges facing mankind', impact on S'pore to worsen, says PM LeeGiven that Singapore is a low-lying island, it is especially vulnerable to one grave threat that is rising sea levels, he added. “But local measures will not be enough,” Mr Lee said, adding there are many older buildings here that cannot be lifted up or transported to higher ground.
As for protecting Singapore's eastern coastline, poldering is a “serious option” - a method it had picked up from the Netherlands, he said.Mr Lee said a small polder is being built at Pulau Tekong so as to gain experience in operating one, and the new land will be used for Singapore Armed Forces training.
“We should treat climate change defences like we treat the SAF – with utmost seriousness,” Mr Lee said.