Singapore's Social Security Savings System: A Review and Some Lessons for the United States
Published in Mitchell, O. and R. Shea (Eds.) (2016). Reimagining Pensions: The Next 40 Years. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
Posted: 14 Nov 2014 Last revised: 3 Apr 2020
Date Written: September 1, 2014
Abstract
Unlike the defined benefit system adopted by the United States, Singapore operates a defined contribution system administered by the Central Provident Fund (CPF). When originally conceived, CPF's main goal was to help citizens save for retirement. However, over the years, it has evolved into a comprehensive system with multifaceted objectives: saving for retirement, home ownership, healthcare, financial protection, and asset enhancement. While regarded as generally successful, the CPF has been criticized recently for not achieving retirement adequacy. This chapter reviews the key features of Singapore's social security savings system and suggests some reforms to enhance retirement security for its members.
Keywords: Central Provident Fund, social security savings, defined contribution, defined benefit, retirement adequacy, home ownership, healthcare financing, financial protection, asset enhancement
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Benedict S. Koh (Contact Author)
Singapore Management University - Lee Kong Chian School of Business ( email )
469 Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 912409
Singapore