Three things you need to know about Parliament today

1. Mr Lee Kuan Yew received a standing ovation from MPs on his 90th birthday, after Leader of the House Ng Eng Hen gave a speech to mark the occasion at the close of parliamentary proceedings. On behalf of MPs, Dr Ng expressed "profound admiration and gratitude" to Singapore's founding prime minister for transforming Singapore from a poor nation into a thriving metropolis.

2. Singapore will be able to engage multiple aerial threats simultaneously and from a longer distance, through the purchase of an Aster-30 surface-to-air missile system. Already being used by advanced militaries in France and Italy, it is many times more potent that the I-Hawk system that Singapore currently uses, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said.

3. Got a parent above 40 who's benefitting from subsidised care at private neighbourhood clinics through the Community Health Assist Scheme? You will automatically be included from Jan 1, after the scheme's age floor is removed. And don't worry about being swamped by paperwork. Families need to submit only one form to qualify, said Health Minister Gan Kim Yong. These are available at public hospitals, polyclinics, community centres and clubs, Community Development Councils, and online at www.chas.sg.

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