This combination is one that a growing number of better-off Singaporeans seem to find discomfiting.

They want to know if the Government can afford to do more for the needy, and if so, why is it not doing so?

The issue came up for debate at a seminar organised by the National University of Singapore's (NUS) Asia Research Institute last Tuesday, during which a civil servant, social work scholar and political scientist gave their takes on welfare provisions here.

Second Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry Ravi Menon argued that the 'binding constraint' on expanding welfare spending is what it means for society's values rather than the immediate financial consequences.

To him, the most interesting aspect of the ongoing welfare debate is 'to understand why we are where we are'.

'That is the thing we should continually re-examine and question,' he said.

NUS social work senior fellow Ann Wee said the Singapore system relies on the family as the main source of support for those who lack sufficient income in old age. But the strains on this arrangement are starting to show, she warned.

'As families grow smaller, and as longevity increases the number of four-generation families, the stresses on this source of assistance are at risk of becoming unbearable,' she said.

Insight reports on the evolving social security landscape.

lydia@sph.com.sg

WELFARE SPENDING: IS IT JUST ABOUT MONEY? INSIGHT