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SINGAPORE, Aug. 18-- Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong unveiled here Sunday evening a slew of initiatives to enhance people's welfare and better protect the environment amid global economic uncertainties. Speaking at the country's National Day Rally which is regarded as the most important political speech of the year, he noted that while Singapore's current economic slowdown has also been affected by a weakening global demand and international trade, there is no need for immediate economic stimulus measures yet. During the rally held at the Institute of Technical Education College Central, Lee added that the Singapore government is ready to step in promptly if the situation worsens. In his speech, Lee also outlined measures to make Singapore's education more affordable, support Singaporeans to work longer and suggested ways to guard against the "existential" threat of climate change. In order to help families with preschool fees, the Singapore government will raise the income ceiling for those seeking extra subsidies to 12,000 Singapore dollars, up from the current 7,500 Singapore dollars. This move will allow 30,000 more families to qualify and benefit from extra subsidies. The government will raise the share of government-supported preschool places from the current figure of just over 50 percent to 80 percent over time. Separately, tertiary education students will get to enjoy enhanced government bursaries. University students will be able to receive government bursaries of up to 75 percent of their degree fees, up from 50 percent. Meanwhile, the bursary coverage for polytechnic diploma students will also be raised to up to 95 percent, from 80 percent. | 
