By P Marilyn
There is a need for higher contribution rates from employers and employees to supplement the current Employees Trust Fund (TAP) in the country, as its current contribution rates are too low by regional standards.
This was one of the points made during the Social Security Roundtable 2008, themed "Towards A More Sustainable Post-Retirement Income, Policy Options For Brunei Darussalam", organised by the Centre for Strategy and Policy Studies (CSPS) on Saturday at the Empire Hotel and Country Club, Jerudong.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Ismail bin Haji Mohamed in his capacity as CSPS Chairman, in his opening address, said the locals have been blessed with a decent quality of life and standard of living, but the sustainability of these components require the analysis of a number of key variables.
He noted one of which is TAP's contribution rate of five per cent, by both employers and employees, is too low to fund accumulated savings upon retirement.
"Currently, the normal pension age is 55, and it is estimated that there are more than 20,000 people in the age group of 55 and above," said the permanent secretary. "With current demographic data, the aging population in 20 years time will increase considerably, coupled with longer life expectancy."
Therefore, he said, "the increased number of 'warga emas' need to have certain level of income in order to support their way of life".
Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Ismail, in his welcoming remarks, also emphasised on CSPS's commitment to advanced research and analysis on topics that are of strategic importance to the country's interest.
A report, finalised by CSPS, shows clear indication that the current pension schemes, particularly during post-TAP era, are far from adequate if there are no other provisions of savings, he said.
As such, Saturday's dialogue was aimed at discussing alternatives and required improvements to existing social security options in the country, particularly with the view of improving the Post Retirement 'Safety Net' and Financial Security for post-TAP participants.
In conclusion, there is a need for higher TAP contribution rates, and such schemes should not allow for withdrawals, in order to provide an income stream in retirement.
It was also noted that given the sluggish business conditions, the capacity for private sector to participate in increased contributions may be limited.
Among the other issues discussed during the roundtable was the importance of education in instilling a culture of savings and self-reliance.
Meanwhile, the dialogue, moderated by CSPS board member Stephen Ong, brought together over 100 stakeholders, policymakers, members of both public and private sectors, together with panellists from the World Bank, American International Group (AIG), Singapore Ministry of Manpower, and TAP.
The findings and recommendations from two independent research teams, represented by World Bank's Mark Dorfman and AIG Global Investment Group Vice President Michael Hudnall, were shared and discussed during the roundtable.
The event also saw a presentation by Deputy Permanent Secretary at Singapore Ministry of Manpower Aubeck Kam, who shared Singapore's workforce concept and touched on some social security schemes in Singapore.
Following the roundtable, CSPS will make available a report, with observations from the roundtable, to relevant authorities for policy considerations.
There is a need for higher contribution rates from employers and employees to supplement the current Employees Trust Fund (TAP) in the country, as its current contribution rates are too low by regional standards.
This was one of the points made during the Social Security Roundtable 2008, themed "Towards A More Sustainable Post-Retirement Income, Policy Options For Brunei Darussalam", organised by the Centre for Strategy and Policy Studies (CSPS) on Saturday at the Empire Hotel and Country Club, Jerudong.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Ismail bin Haji Mohamed in his capacity as CSPS Chairman, in his opening address, said the locals have been blessed with a decent quality of life and standard of living, but the sustainability of these components require the analysis of a number of key variables.
He noted one of which is TAP's contribution rate of five per cent, by both employers and employees, is too low to fund accumulated savings upon retirement.
"Currently, the normal pension age is 55, and it is estimated that there are more than 20,000 people in the age group of 55 and above," said the permanent secretary. "With current demographic data, the aging population in 20 years time will increase considerably, coupled with longer life expectancy."
Therefore, he said, "the increased number of 'warga emas' need to have certain level of income in order to support their way of life".
Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Ismail, in his welcoming remarks, also emphasised on CSPS's commitment to advanced research and analysis on topics that are of strategic importance to the country's interest.
A report, finalised by CSPS, shows clear indication that the current pension schemes, particularly during post-TAP era, are far from adequate if there are no other provisions of savings, he said.
As such, Saturday's dialogue was aimed at discussing alternatives and required improvements to existing social security options in the country, particularly with the view of improving the Post Retirement 'Safety Net' and Financial Security for post-TAP participants.
In conclusion, there is a need for higher TAP contribution rates, and such schemes should not allow for withdrawals, in order to provide an income stream in retirement.
It was also noted that given the sluggish business conditions, the capacity for private sector to participate in increased contributions may be limited.
Among the other issues discussed during the roundtable was the importance of education in instilling a culture of savings and self-reliance.
Meanwhile, the dialogue, moderated by CSPS board member Stephen Ong, brought together over 100 stakeholders, policymakers, members of both public and private sectors, together with panellists from the World Bank, American International Group (AIG), Singapore Ministry of Manpower, and TAP.
The findings and recommendations from two independent research teams, represented by World Bank's Mark Dorfman and AIG Global Investment Group Vice President Michael Hudnall, were shared and discussed during the roundtable.
The event also saw a presentation by Deputy Permanent Secretary at Singapore Ministry of Manpower Aubeck Kam, who shared Singapore's workforce concept and touched on some social security schemes in Singapore.
Following the roundtable, CSPS will make available a report, with observations from the roundtable, to relevant authorities for policy considerations.
Do you find that there never seems to be a convenient time to put money aside for savings, investment, or insurance?
Most people spend first... and try to save and invest what little is left
Most people spend first... and try to save and invest what little is left
Few people set aside a definite amount first... and spend the balance
They are the ones who have money when they really need it
Why can't we save money?
The answer is within yourself. Identify your weakness. Some of the reasons could be:
Why can't we save money?
The answer is within yourself. Identify your weakness. Some of the reasons could be:
- Poor earning capabilities
- Too many debts - credit card, loan installments: personal, car, computer, furniture etc
- Excessive spending
- Luxury items, over-budget (no budget at all) e.g. must have latest mobile phones, laptops etc
- Frequent holiday trips
How do we make sure we save first then spend? In other words, how to be financially successful?
BUT the LONGER we WAIT...
THE STEEPER THE CLIMB
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