CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND CPF

A mandatory benefit account set up to provide Singaporeans with a healthy retirement plan. The Central Provident Fund (CPF) was first introduced in 1948 by the Progressive Party to help ensure that Singaporeans would save up for retirement. Many people disagreed with the idea but it was believed that making this fund compulsory would give security and assurance to retirees.

Rates of contribution vary depending on the employee's age. For example, members that are 35 years old or younger must contribute approximately 33% of total wages to the fund. This breaks down to the employees contributing 20% of their wages and their employers contribute the remaining 13%.

The purpose of the fund was to ensure that those entering retirement had the healthcare and support that they needed. The funds are then managed and invested to obtain an adequate return.