Daily briefing: Entry-level social workers’ monthly median salary up to $3,600; SG extends more support for COVID-hit low-income households

And Singtel rejects offer to buy its shares in Thailand’s biggest phone company.

From CNA

The monthly median salary of entry-level social workers went up to $3,600 in 2019 from $3,400 between 2015 and 2017.

The Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli said this is comparable to the level of salaries of fresh graduates in Singapore.

Moreover, the monthly mean salary of said workers rose to $3,600 in 2019 from $3,500 in 2015 and 2017.

Read more here.

From CNA

The Singapore government announced lower-income households, affected by COVID-19, will be receiving more financial support under The Courage Fund.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development and the National Council of Social Services said the fund will provide two tranches of assistance to households under quarantine order, stay-home notice, or leave of absence.

The Courage Fund grants eligible lower-income households to a one-time lump sum of $1,000, if a member of the household contracts COVID-19.

Read more here.

From Forbes

Singtel declined offer by Sarath Ratanavadi's Gulf Energy to buy its stakes in InTouch Holdings and unit Advanced Infor Service (AIS).

Singtel said the offer “undervalues” the fair value of AIS. This also comes after AIS said Gulf Energy’s offer is too low.

Singtel owns 21.2% of Intouch and 23.3% of AIS.

Read more here.