More shared parental leave, financial aid for unemployed: 6 takeaways from NDR 2024

SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivered his maiden National Day Rally speech on Sunday (Aug 18), announcing measures as part of what he described as a “reset” of policies to realise a “refreshed Singapore Dream”.

In Singapore’s most important political speech of the year, Mr Wong, who became Prime Minister on May 15, outlined plans that would affect companies, workers, families, students and singles. 

Here are six key takeaways: 

1. New 10 weeks’ shared parental leave 

The government will introduce 10 extra weeks of shared leave, with either mothers or fathers able to apply for them. 

This will be implemented progressively, starting with six weeks’ leave for babies born from Apr 1, 2025. The full 10 weeks will apply a year later. 

The 10 weeks will be paid for by the government and comes on top of current paternity and maternity leave arrangements.