The Public Service Division will raise the retirement and re-employment ages in 2025, following the union's recommendation

The public service will take the lead in implementing the higher retirement and re-employment ages of 64 and 69, respectively, from 1 July 2025, a year ahead of the national timeline.

Minister-in-charge of the Public Service Chan Chun Sing announced this on 10 July 2024 at the opening of Public Service Week 2024.

The Amalgamated Union of Public Employees (AUPE) welcomed the move on Facebook following Mr Chan’s announcement. The union said it had advocated bringing the timeline forward by one year.

In his speech, Mr Chan explained the rationale behind the move: “We recognise that with higher life expectancy, many of our older officers may want to stay active, including being meaningfully engaged at work for longer.

“We will support all officers who still wish to contribute and continue shaping the future of our country, regardless of age.”

The Manpower Ministry announced in March this year that Singapore’s retirement and re-employment ages will be increased to 64 and 69 by 1 July 2026.

New initiatives to strengthen well-being

Mr Chan said that the Public Service Division has also implemented new initiatives to support the well-being of public service officers.

For example, the new Well-being@Gov programme was rolled out this year to provide officers with support services such as self-care resources, coaching sessions, and counselling.

He added that more health and wellness-boosting initiatives are in the pipeline.

From October this year, eligible public service officers can expect to receive a $500 annual allowance under the new FlexiGrow initiative for health, growth, and well-being support.

From January 2025, officers will receive higher medical subsidies of $50 per visit at private clinics, up from the current $20. They will also be entitled to higher dental subsidies of up to $250 annually, an increase from the current $120.

AUPE welcomed the new FlexiGrow allowance and said the union had also pushed for higher dental claims.