Diverse taskforce set up to look into the communications and outreach for the Pioneer Generation Package

        A 22-member Taskforce co-led by Senior Minister of State (Finance and Transport) Mrs Josephine Teo and Senior Minister of State (Health and Manpower) Dr Amy Khor has been formed to focus on communications and outreach out to Singaporeans on the Pioneer Generation Package (PGP).   

2.    The taskforce includes members from the people and social sectors, and media-related fields. 

3.    Other members include Minister of State (Ministry of Communications and Information & Ministry of Education) Ms Sim Ann and Minister of State (Ministry of National Development & Ministry of Defence and Mayor, South East District) Dr Maliki, as well as representatives from ministries and agencies involved in the policy design, communications and implementation of the PGP.  Please see Annex A for the list of committee members.

4.    Mrs Teo said, “Our starting point is to honour a very special group of Singaporeans.  However, in terms of policy communications, the Pioneer Generation package also presents a special challenge for the Government.  Traditional channels such as print-advertisements and websites are still needed.   But they are unlikely to be enough.”

5.    Therefore, in carrying its work, the taskforce will tap on the expertise of the private sector, and involve groups that are natural touch-points for Pioneers such as healthcare institutions and voluntary welfare organisations. The frontline staff in these organisations is often the key touch points for Pioneers, and could be among the first that they turn to for answers.

6.    A key objective of the taskforce is to raise awareness of the healthcare benefits under the package in order to provide greater assurance to the Pioneers. It will also support community efforts to reach out and pay tribute to the Pioneer Generation.

7.    Senior Minister of State (Health and Manpower) Dr Amy Khor added, “We are keenly aware that healthcare is the number one concern for many of our pioneers today. Hence, it is important that we spare no effort in helping our pioneers understand the key initiatives and benefits of the Pioneer Generation Package to allay this concern. We want to assure them that healthcare will be affordable to them, and that they can get the care they need when they need it. The Taskforce will find ways to effectively reach out and convey this message to our pioneers and their family caregivers. We look forward to tapping on the expertise and insights of Taskforce members, who are either natural touch-points for pioneers – such as those from healthcare institutions, VWOs and grassroots – or those who are experts in the field of public communications.”

8.    Commenting on the first meeting of the taskforce held yesterday, Mrs Teo said “There was a very good discussion on the multi-faced aspects of the communications challenge we face, not just the channels but even the language medium.  We have our work cut out for us but I also sense the enthusiasm and optimism among taskforce members.  We share the belief that we can find new ways to be effective in the outreach, to let Pioneers have the peace of mind and recognition they so deserve.”

###

Jointly issued by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health

Singapore 8 April 2014