Pioneer Generation Package recognises first batch of NSmen: DPM Teo

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean said extending the pioneer age criterion from 70 and above to include Singaporeans aged 65 to 69, means that the first batch of National Servicemen are recognised.

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File photo: Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, Teo Chee Hean.

SINGAPORE: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean said extending the pioneer age criterion from 70 and above to include Singaporeans aged 65 to 69, means that the first batch of National Servicemen are recognised.

There are currently 190,000 Singaporeans in the 65-69 age range.

It was initially suggested that the pioneer generation would refer to those aged 70 and above this year.

The pioneer generation, who is eligible for the Pioneer Generation Package, is now defined as Singaporeans born on or before 1949, and who became citizens before 1987.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, Mr Teo who is also the Coordinating Minister for National Security, added that careful budgeting means the government can now set “aside a fund to fully pay for this level of pioneer benefits without burdening younger generations”.

On Friday, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam said in his annual Budget speech that the government will set aside S$8 billion under a new Pioneer Generation Fund.

The fund aims to recognise the contributions of first generation Singaporeans under the Pioneer Generation Package. 

- CNA/nd

Pioneer Generation Package recognises first batch of NSmen: DPM Teo