Family as a Building Block of Our Nation — Speech on Committee of Supply 2022 for Head I — Ministry of Social and Family Development

In 1993, this House adopted 5 shared values that have been identified as what holds us together as Singaporeans. “Family as the Basic Unit of Society” is one of them.

The late Dr Ong Chit Chung, then MP for Bukit Batok argued in this House that the family should be called “the pillar of society” rather than a “basic unit.” For — “if the pillar is eroded or weakened, society will not stand”.

He was right. Our society’s response to COVID-19 demonstrated it. As we pitched battle against COVID-19, the Singaporean family was a pillar of strength, holding us together.

This was no easy task. To date, we have had more than 850,000 infections. More than 1000 have died. Our families, as the first line of support, lovingly cared for the sick. When any succumbed, we cried as a family and rallied around each other. When our children were not able to attend school, our families encouraged them in their remote learning from home and took care of their mental health.

When in doubt, or in fear, we found strength in talking to each other — to get vaccinated, boosted, wear masks and commiserate about the need for SMMs.

Families helped those who have lost jobs or suffered pay cuts.

The time-honoured qualities of our Singaporean families which includes resilience, self-reliance and filial piety must be preserved. I believe, ultimately, it is the strength of our families that will determine whether our nation, will emerge from this pandemic stronger.

A lot can be done at the community level, to celebrate family milestones and to share ideas on how to keep families strong.

In Bukit Batok, we regularly hold birthday celebrations for our centenarians. There is no better celebration than to see up to 5 generations of family members coming together.

One centenarian whom I met was Mdm Ng Ah Lua, who lived till 105. I asked her for advice on how to keep a family harmonious.

She told me she would organise frequent family gatherings to bond over food. She also said family members should not bicker over little things.

Simple lessons, but difficult to put in practice. Families go through good times and bad. Different families have different challenges. We must provide more support for families that face challenges in keeping together. Again, easier said than done.

May I ask the hon. Minister for his plans to strengthen our families? Today more than ever, it is needed as a pillar for a society facing so many challenges, for if it is eroded or weakened, society will not stand.