- Halimah Yacob urges seniors in Singapore to start legacy planning.
- Legacy planning includes wills, funeral arrangements, digital assets, and family values.
- Seniors can apply for a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)—the S$75 fee is waived for citizens until end-March 2026.
Legacy planning goes beyond assets—it covers treasured recipes, digital accounts, and loved ones’ peace of mind when the time comes.
Call for Legacy Planning
According to The Straits Times, former president Halimah Yacob has called on Singapore’s seniors to take legacy planning seriously.
The ageing population in Singapore means more families may soon face these difficult decisions.
Many older people have done little to organise their estates or wishes before death.
Halimah Yacob was quoted by The Straits Times as saying, “I’m 71 years old now, so I think I should do something about it.”
This shows even public figures put off planning sometimes.
She urged seniors to start talking with their families about what comes after death.
- Discussing end-of-life wishes is often seen as difficult.
- It can make things clearer for grieving children and loved ones.
- Planning for funeral and religious rites avoids confusion later.
Addressing this topic early gives everyone a sense of peace.
Importance of Legacy Planning
The Straits Times reported that legacy planning is not just about dividing up estates.
It also means writing down wishes for medical care and funeral arrangements.
When wishes are clear, loved ones will not have to guess what is wanted.
It saves families from arguments and guilt.
Children get peace of mind when they know “this is what Mother wants.”
- Advance care plans let people set their treatment choices before they get very sick.
- These plans help decide who can make choices for them if they cannot speak for themselves.
- This can include details about life support, comfort care, and final days.
A recent survey found that most Singaporeans are open to talking about end-of-life matters but start too late.
| Legacy Planning Steps | Details |
|---|---|
| Will Writing | Identifies who gets assets and property. |
| LPA | Names a trusted person to decide if you lose mental capacity. |
| Advance Care Plan | States medical wishes in advance. |
| Discuss Traditions | Pass down recipes, stories, and values. |
Scope of Legacy Planning
At a symposium organised by the Silver Caregivers Cooperative at the Lifelong Learning Institute in Paya Lebar, experts shared what legacy planning means.
About 120 people attended to learn from former president Halimah Yacob and other speakers.
Speakers stressed that legacy planning is more than just assets.
It covers values, wishes, and things that matter to families.
Associate Professor Thang Leng Leng from the National University of Singapore was quoted by The Straits Times as saying, “I am no longer able to taste that special food from my grandfather.”
She spoke about missing family recipes that were never written down.
Legacy can include stories, food, and special ways of being together—things that do not show up on a balance sheet.
Digital Assets in Legacy Planning
Today, end-of-life planning also means handling digital assets.
These can include bank accounts, emails, social media, and cryptocurrency.
Law firms in Singapore say more people now want to list online holdings in their wills.
- These assets include NFTs, tech devices, and even online businesses.
- Adding digital items helps ensure loved ones have access after someone is gone.
- It also protects accounts from being misused or locked forever.
Discussing digital assets is an advanced but increasingly common part of estate planning.
Advance Care Planning and LPA
Speakers at the event said advance care planning should not be ignored.
Dr Adeline Lam, senior consultant at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, shared about making advance medical plans.
When families agree on a plan, they avoid fighting over treatment choices.
The burden is lighter for everyone.
According to The Straits Times, lawyer Norhakim Md Shah explained, “Doing an LPA cuts short a problem you can foresee.”
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) lets you choose a trusted person to handle your affairs if you lose mental abilities.
Without an LPA, families may face court delays under the Mental Capacity Act.
- The usual fee to register an LPA is S$75.
- The fee is waived for Singapore citizens until end-March 2026.
These steps help make sure your wishes are followed without unexpected legal delays.
How to Start Your Legacy or End-of-Life Planning?
- Start conversations early, even if people in your family find the topic hard.
- Write or record wishes clearly—use simple language.
- Include instructions for funeral, assets, and online accounts.
- Think about traditions or recipes to pass down, as these matter too.
- Apply for your LPA before end-March 2026 to avoid the fee.
Those who settle their plans early give their families comfort, no matter the size of their estate.
Do you think more seniors in Singapore should start legacy or end-of-life planning sooner so families know exactly what to do when the time comes?
