This week, everyone has a reason to celebrate. Singaporeans are getting SG60 discounts at over 20 attractions islandwide, Singaporean women are among Asia’s most financially independent, and MediSave withdrawal limits are increasing.
On the job front, there’s a new SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme for retrenched workers, lower-wage workers can look forward to monetary upskilling support, and work permit holders can soon say goodbye to employment duration limits.
All that and more on this edition of What’s Happening This Week?, your trusty weekly round-up of the biggest finance news updates in Singapore.
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Singaporean women among Asia’s most financially independent
A recent YouGov survey has revealed that 62% of women in Singapore manage their finances independently, placing them among the most financially self-reliant in Asia. This figure is slightly lower than Indonesia (76%) and Hong Kong (66%), and also falls below the global average of 67%. However, it’s significantly higher than India (45%) and the UAE (47%), where financial dependency on family or partners is more common.
| Country | How do you manage your personal finances? % of women who chose “I manage my own finances independently” |
| Denmark | 87% |
| Sweden | 78% |
| Germany | 77% |
| France | 77% |
| Poland | 76% |
| Indonesia | 76% |
| United Kingdom (GB) | 75% |
| Australia | 69% |
| Global average | 67% |
| United States (US) | 66% |
| Hong Kong | 66% |
| Mexico | 64% |
| Singapore | 62% |
| Canada | 57% |
| Spain | 54% |
| Italy | 53% |
| United Arab Emirates (UAE) | 47% |
| India | 45% |
Despite the overall encouraging numbers, the survey also found that many women globally lack confidence in financial decision-making. Only 30% feel fully confident, while 45% seek advice before making decisions. Check out the full survey results for more details.
ALSO READ: Do Women Need To Save More For Retirement Than Men?
SG60 deals: Enjoy discounts at over 20 attractions in Singapore
Singapore is turning 60, and to celebrate, over 20 attractions are offering special SG60 deals for Singaporeans and PRs.
Whether you’re up for a thrilling luge ride, a wildlife adventure, or a relaxing river cruise, there’s a discount for everyone. Enjoy perks like free entry for kids at Bird Paradise, over 60% off unlimited floral displays at Gardens by the Bay, and $60 bundles for family-friendly spots like Snow City and Madame Tussauds.
Most deals are already live, while others will roll out in the coming months. Here’s a summary:
| Attraction | SG60 Deal | Validity period |
| Bird Paradise | Free entry for one child with every paying adult | Till 20 Apr 2025 |
| Gardens by the Bay | Over 60% off unlimited visits to six floral displays | Till 31 Mar 2025 |
| Kiztopia | $60 pack (admission ticket + toys) | Till 30 Apr 2025 |
| Pororo Park Singapore | $60 bundle for two adults and two children | Till 31 Dec 2025 |
| Royal Albatross | $60 off Special SG60 Sailings and dinner cruises | Till 31 Dec 2025 |
| Sentosa 4D Adventureland | Four-in-one combo for two at $60 | Till 30 Sep 2025 |
| Singapore River Cruise | Discounted tickets for Singapore citizens | Till 31 Dec 2025 |
| Skyline Luge Singapore | $60 bundle (two tickets, four off-peak rides, digital photo) | Till 31 Aug 2025 |
| Snow City | $60 family bundle (two adults, two kids) for one-hour play | Till 31 Aug 2025 (excluding June) |
| Southern Albatross Speedboat | $60 bundle for two adult tickets | Till 31 Dec 2025 |
| SSO Organ Series | 20% off admission | Till 7 Jun 2025 |
| SuperPark Singapore | Buy two tickets, get 60% off third ticket; 60% off senior tickets | Till 31 Dec 2025 |
| Tayo Station | $60 bundle for two adults, two kids + Tayo toy bus | Till 31 Dec 2025 |
| Trickeye Singapore | $60 online bundle for two adults, one child | Till 31 Aug 2025 |
| Changi Experience Studio | $60 bundle for six people; $6 tickets for seniors (60+) | 14 Mar – 31 Sep 2025 |
| Madame Tussauds Singapore | $60 bundle for two admission tickets + Marvel 4D access | 15 Mar – 31 Aug 2025 |
| Science Centre Singapore | $60 bundle for two kids to KidsStop + Little Footprints kit | 15 Mar – 14 Apr 2025 |
| Forest Adventure | 20% off weekday admission tickets | 1 – 30 Apr 2025 |
| Wings of Time Fireworks Symphony | 60% off Sentosa Line (round trip) + standard show tickets | 1 Apr – 30 Jun 2025 |
| Mandai Wildlife Reserve | Various deals across all wildlife parks | May – Aug 2025 |
| Singapore Cable Car | $60 round trip Cable Car Sky Pass + three-course meal at Arbora | 1 Jun – 31 Dec 2025 |
| SkyHelix Sentosa | $6 off tickets | 1 Jun – 30 Sep 2025 |
| SkyHelix Sentosa | $16 bundle for SkyHelix + Sentosa Line | 13 Oct – 31 Dec 2025 |
| Bounce Singapore | $60 bundle of two-hour passes for two | 1 Jul – 8 Aug 2025 |
ALSO READ: Budget 2025 Summary: 12 Highlights You Need to Know
MediSave withdrawal limits set to increase for outpatient bills
Good news for Singaporeans and PRs—MediSave withdrawal limits are increasing, helping to ease out-of-pocket medical expenses. From 1 Oct 2025, seniors aged 60 and above can tap into up to $400 annually under the Flexi-MediSave scheme, up from the current $300, for outpatient treatments at polyclinics, public specialist outpatient clinics, and CHAS clinics.
Additionally, from 2026, the MediSave limit for outpatient scans—such as MRIs and CT scans—will double from $300 to $600 for all Singaporeans and PRs. This move is expected to benefit over 500,000 patients annually.
More changes are coming for dental care, with expanded subsidies for CHAS Orange cardholders and Flexi-MediSave coverage for root canals and crowns from mid-2026.
Lastly, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy will soon receive up to 80% subsidies for fertility preservation, with MediShield Life covering certain procedures from Jun 2025.
More subsidies and support for long-term care from 2026
Singapore’s ageing population is driving increased government support for long-term care services, with new subsidy enhancements set to take effect from Jul 2026.
Seniors in residential care will see maximum subsidies rise from 75% to 80%, while those in home and community care will get up to 95% support. More households will qualify too, as the income ceiling increases from $3,600 to $4,800 per capita. To bridge the gap before these changes kick in, one-off rebates will be given between Jul 2025 and Jun 2026.
The Home Caregiving Grant will increase to between $200 and $600 per month, while the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund will expand to cover permanent residents and more assistive devices.
Additionally, the CareShield Life scheme is undergoing its first review to ensure payouts keep up with rising long-term care costs, with recommendations expected in the second half of 2025.
New SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme for retrenched workers
Retrenched workers in Singapore will soon receive financial support while looking for a new job, but only if they actively participate in job search activities. The SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme will provide up to $6,000 over 6 months, with payouts contingent on completing specific job-related tasks.
To qualify, jobseekers must engage in activities such as updating their CV, attending career fairs, submitting job applications, or taking training courses. The requirements increase over time to encourage consistent effort in securing employment.
The scheme will launch in Apr 2025 for Singapore citizens, with permanent residents eligible from early 2026. It targets lower- and middle-income workers who previously earned $5,000 or less per month and meet property value criteria.
This initiative complements existing financial aid programmes, such as SkillsFuture Level-Up, which allows those undergoing training to receive up to $21,000 in total assistance over six months. Additional aid is available through ComCare for those in financial distress.
Up to $1,500 monthly support for lower-wage workers upskilling
Lower-wage workers looking to upgrade their skills can soon receive up to $1,500 a month in training allowances under the expanded Workfare Skills Support (Level-Up) scheme, launching in early 2026.
The scheme will provide $300 monthly for part-time trainees, while those in full-time training can get half of their average monthly income, up to $18,000 a year. To qualify, workers must be Singaporeans aged 30 and above, earning $3,000 or less per month.
This initiative aims to support long-form training, such as diplomas and degree programmes, helping workers transition into higher-skilled roles. It complements the Progressive Wage Model, which has helped lower-wage workers’ salaries grow faster than the national median.
To further support businesses, the government will increase wage co-funding under the Progressive Wage Credit Scheme, ensuring a smoother transition for companies while improving wage growth for lower-income workers.
Singapore to lift work permit limits and expand hiring options
Singapore is removing the maximum employment period for work permit holders from 1 Jul 2025, allowing companies to retain experienced foreign workers for longer. Previously, limits ranged from 14 to 26 years, depending on sector and country of origin. The maximum employment age will also increase from 60 to 63, aligning with the local retirement age.
Additionally, the list of non-traditional source countries for work permits will expand on 1 June to include Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos. From 1 Sep 2025, roles such as cooks, heavy vehicle drivers, and manufacturing operators will be added to the list of occupations eligible for foreign hiring.
For skilled workers, the S Pass qualifying salary will rise to $3,300 from 1 Sep 2025, with higher thresholds for financial services. To support businesses, the M-SEP scheme will be extended to three years, allowing qualifying firms to temporarily hire beyond industry quotas while committing to training local talent.
That’s it for this week! Stay tuned for next week’s What’s Happening This Week to keep up with the latest in finance, business, and beyond.
About the author
Vanessa Nah pens articles on the ins and outs of buying your first home, the T&Cs of credit cards, and the ups and downs of alternative investments. A researcher at heart, she gets a kick out of breaking down complex finance concepts for the everyday Singaporean. When Vanessa’s not debunking finance myths, you’ll find her attending dance classes, fingerpicking a guitar, or (most impawtently) fulfilling her life mission to make her one-eyed cat the most spoiled and loved kitty in the world.
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