Why SkillsFuture, ActiveSG credits can't be made transferable

We thank Dr Jake Goh Jit Khong for his suggestion on the donation of unused ActiveSG and SkillsFuture credits and tax benefits for these donations (Let ActiveSG and SkillsFuture credits be donated for greater social impact, Oct 3). We appreciate his support for the Forward SG effort to strengthen our social compact and encourage an active citizenry.

Various government schemes have different objectives and are designed to achieve certain outcomes.

ActiveSG credits aim to encourage Singaporeans to lead a healthier and active lifestyle through sport. The SkillsFuture credits seek to empower Singaporeans to take personal ownership of their skills development and lifelong learning.

The ActiveSG and SkillsFuture credits were designed to be non-transferable to encourage each Singaporean to participate. Making them transferable would defeat this purpose. We urge Singaporeans to use their credits to enjoy an active lifestyle as well as to upskill themselves for career resilience.

There are initiatives and programmes that provide additional support to encourage Singaporeans from diverse backgrounds to take part in sports and physical activities. These include SportCares initiatives and programmes available for children and youth from vulnerable backgrounds, persons with disabilities, and seniors.

The Government also provides additional reskilling support where needed. The SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme supports mid-career Singaporeans aged 40 years and above to pursue a substantive skills reboot, including a $4,000 SkillsFuture Credit (Mid-Career) top-up.

We agree with Dr Goh on the need to encourage giving and the Government has over the years created more avenues to do so. These include providing tax deductions of 2.5 times the qualifying donation amount to Community Chest or any approved Institution of a Public Character.

As Dr Goh noted, Singaporean households already have the option to help the needy by donating their unused Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers.

Building a culture of giving is a whole-of-society effort. We encourage more to step forward - individuals, corporates and organisations - to give where they can and build a caring Singapore together.

Farah Abdul Rahim
Director, Communications and Engagement
Ministry of Finance

Yvonne Chung
Director, Corporate Communications Division
Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth