Denise Phua Lay Peng
Singapore
“Sir, as Singapore ages, disability and ageing will increasingly overlap. The line between disability services and elder care services will blur. Many adults with disabilities face similar challenges as seniors in varying degrees, but at a younger age.”
“But the SPED schools are run by a lot of the other professionals as well such as occupational therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists, coaches and so forth. And I ask for MOE, as it always looks at SPED educators, to also focus on this other very important group; because retention is capacity.”
“Are there other strategies that the Prime Minister will consider, like easier adoption procedures to have more people adopt, more of us Singaporeans adopting? The second is, in terms of immigration as well, to bring in people who are of the right profile and suitable profile to grow our Singaporean population?”
“Enterprise grants should include accessibility compliance requirements. Inclusion cannot rely on goodwill alone. It must be systemically built-in. And finally, move five: on strengthening intermediaries and social service agencies (SSAs). Sir, if AI is to be whole-of-society, then SSAs cannot be left behind.”
“When SSAs become AI-enabled, the most vulnerable of us benefit. In conclusion Sir, Budget 2026 sets an ambitious direction: AI ecosystems, SkillsFuture strengthening, innovation hubs such as Lorong AI and the future AI Park at one-north. Ambition is necessary, but it is execution that determines whether progress is shared.”
“I thank the Minister of State for her assurance, assuring the House that there are indeed alternative identification methods available for those who are unable to use facial recognition. Just a couple of supplementary questions. Number one, are these measures systemic and applicable for all fully digital or not fully digital banks?”
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“So, I propose a more formal and on-going alliance of sorts where co-visioning, key decisions, future planning are made; so that decisions are not made in silos, depending on which Government agency or Ministry gets the most budget, so that we can avoid the damaging "cliff effects" when one Ministry's work passes on to the next, so that resources can be allocated from a "life-cycle" perspective, knowing that each move made will impact the rest of the whole eco-system. The truth of the matter is that such visioning amongst such different partners, this kind of alliance, will not be an easy alliance at the start. PwDs, families, political leaders, Government leaders, civil servants, social service agencies, they are all at different levels of awareness, maturity, motivation and competence. But alliance it has to be for this sector especially, for positive change and long-term impact. Clarification of roles and responsibilities of the "Many-Helping-Hands" has to be made, updated, based on a common desired end in mind and the strengths and attributes of each helping hand. Each one has to take our place, doing our part with both courage and consideration. A structure has to be put right. And finally, the voice of people disabilities need to be included. People with disabilities are not all the same. They come in a spectrum. They fall on a continuum. Some will have higher support needs, more severe and their family care-givers sometimes become their proxies. Others like the vice-chairmen and members of this year's Purple Parade Committee – it is an inclusive movement: Yip Pin Xiu , Alistair Ong and Eric Chen – they have their own views and they do not need another to represent them.”
“People must know what is going on before they know where to get help. Volunteers and help agencies too, they need to know what is going on before they start their pet projects which if they do not know, will lead to an overlaps in services, so that gaps which are critical will not be overlooked. Four, structure for policy-making and services, the need to drive collaboration and the spirit of SG Together which Deputy Prime Minister Heng spoke so much about. Structure drives behaviours; structure drives outcomes. The "Many-Helping-Hands" approach has long been adopted for disability services in Singapore. It, of course, has its proponents and detractors. There are some who believe that Government does everything best, must take over everything. Others feel that the users of services, the PwDs themselves or the disability service providers, know what is best. They are on the ground and they believe they should be the ones who lead and implement changes. I believe the answer is neither here nor there. The answer lies in a blend. Government alone cannot drive and deliver all the changes we need to reach the vision of full participation of PwDs in our society. Mind you, I have worked with very amazing, very visionary civil servants before. But the role and natural DNA of Government tends to be to "govern" and dare I say, "control", depending on who is in charge at the moment, at that time. And that is how sometimes terms like "bureaucrats" are used, either by civil servants themselves or by their detractors. In a vision that needs the support of the whole of society, Government's engagement and collaboration with PwDs, their families, disability organisations must be central.”
“In living, let us strengthen public communications through a total strategic plan to ensure that PwDs will receive the same level of information on matters that impact them. We should ensure that there are provisions to make sure that they have security, safety and access to criminal justice. Develop a plan to bring a continuum of sustainable, integrated residential living options with all levels of needed support. Empower them and their care-givers with a more comprehensive support plan. Someone taught me, what we call, "life after death" – planning, developing a "playbook" of planning for life after death of the care-givers to ensure that the PwDs have continuity in life. In learning, co-develop a bolder lifelong learning solution with PwDs, disability organisations, key industry captains, complete with vision, strategies, outcomes, tracking and reporting mechanism. Set up partnerships so that there is a fully array of accessible SkillsFuture offerings. Resource SG Enable and their service providers, or partners better, to include a newer definition of work in the new economy, continuum of employment models and upskilling PwDs, employers, training providers and job coaches. Number three, performance and progress need to be reported and readily available. Many people are not aware of the progress of the Enabling Masterplan even if good work is being driven, being done. There ought to be a commitment to public reporting of key agreed deliverables, progress, outcomes, challenges and even calls for participation and for help. There ought to be a study of the most effective ways to ensure that this information reaches out, on an on-going basis, to the people who are affected by this news, progress or updates.”
“I watched with marvel the way a home nursing staff apologised and explained to my mother – she is no more around. I marvelled at the steps that this nurse would take, even when my mother, who had full-blown Alzheimer's, could not respond to her at all. Mom was treated with such respect and gentleness. So, the perspective that even if one were old and ailing, one should still be treated respectfully and not lose the opportunity to make choices, to be developed or to contribute. This new attitude towards ageing Singaporeans is progressive, it is liberating and reflected in corresponding responses in Singapore's community, policy, services and Budget planning – a very good learning example for the younger disabled community. Sir, when we recognise that PwDs too are equal members in Singapore, then removing barriers so that they can fully participate in society becomes second nature, and not an act of charity or magnanimity. It becomes natural that we adopt universal design or design for all, in policies and practices at the start, whether in designing physical facilities or services. Meaning, independence and dignity for all, abled or disabled. Two, gaps in provisions for PwDs need to be addressed. Stemming from a perspective that PwDs are part and parcel of our Singapore society, then we need to get down to work and scan through carefully areas where the basics fall short – in healthcare, accessibility, education and especially lifelong learning, public communications, security and safety, housing, transport, jobs and economic security. The gap analysis ought to be undertaken, hopefully before the next Enabling Masterplan. I will list just a few newer suggestions for consideration to improve living, learning and working outcomes for the PwDs.”
“Zi Lin used to share how in her overseas study stint, she was often struck by the expectation that it is the duty of the university to provide for the removal of any barriers to participation to learning for undergrads who are disabled. No questions asked. Just do it – expected; even if things were not always perfect. Zi Lin also shared with me in our work in enabling PwDs how she notices PwDs, her peers, have far fewer choices and pathways in life compared to their typical peers. I reflected on why this is so. And I believe a lot of it has to do with how society views PwDs. For many years, the most common views of society towards PwDs are based on two traditional models – the medical model and the charity model. The medical model sees disabled persons primarily as persons who need to be "cured", who need to be made "normal". And the charity model sees disabled people as victims of life, deserving of pity and need charity so that they can survive. But there is another thinking model that many progressive countries adopt in viewing PwDs – that disability is the consequence of attitudinal, environmental and social barriers and hence, the removal of these barriers would enable PwDs to participate fully in the life of the community. Sir, how we view PwDs will determine the place and future of PwDs in Singapore society. The good news is that something is already happening for yet another population – the elderly people of Singapore. We see fantastic work by MOH and partners in many policies and programmes related to the seniors – active ageing and eldercare. For instance, a growing school of thought that seniors with dementia should be treated respectfully as equal members of society and supported by a surrounding dementia-friendly community.”
“The cliff effect phenomenon for SPED students is well known and describes the fall to little or no services for these students after they complete their formal years of school at usually age 18. This could be a syndrome that is due to the way services and budgets are planned and resourced in silos, based on Government Ministries. Lifelong learning, the holy grail of Singapore's SkillsFuture movement, is a pipe dream for many adults with disabilities, primarily because most SkillsFuture offerings are inaccessible without the needed disability support. In the world of work, unemployment and under-employment are two big concerns. The employment rate of PwDs is not only substantially lower than their typical peers, they face a limited range of work options. Under-employment continues to be an issue for those who are cognitively able on the spectrum. Many PwDs are still not ready for work when they leave school and there are still not enough employers who are confident enough to employ and to develop them. Five recommended changes. Now, the gaps and challenges I highlighted just now are not limited to Singapore and arise basically due to a combination of factors which include perspectives, structures and provisions. I would like to propose five changes to ensure that our PwDs can more fully participate in our society and not be left at its fringe. One, society's view of persons with disabilities needs to change. One of the young people I serve with in my volunteer work is 31-year-old Dr Sim Zi Lin, a millennial. Zi Lin completed her PhD in a renowned American university before returning to Singapore to work in a special school.”
“Many people still not heard about the Enabling Village or the many awareness programmes and campaigns, that are being conducted over these years. On care-giver worries, families continue to fret over what will happen to their children upon the demise of the parents – a classic concern. The feelings of helplessness are even more prevalent in families where children have multiple or more severe disabilities. The needs of family care-givers change over the life cycle, same as for those with disabilities. There appears to be lacking a robust care-giver support model that is more empowering, more family-based and more community-based. In living, there are challenges in daily living matters. I will name just a few. Many PwDs are not prepared for independent living as adults. Not many are trained from young to adopt a healthy lifestyle, leading quite a bit to premature chronic illnesses that add to their disabilities. In health insurance coverage, accounting graduate Wesley Loh recently highlighted the challenges of getting himself covered for life insurance. Wesley was either turned down or offered coverage with a whole load of exclusions because he had declared his diagnosis of autism. He is not alone in being turned down by insurers for insurance applications. In residential living, adults with disabilities have very few options. The choices that other Singaporeans enjoy are not theirs to have and supported living options are not always available. In learning, for many special school or SPED students, graduation is not an occasion for joy. Most SPED students stop learning, whether in daily living or at work.”
“What were most significant to me personally were the following milestones: the commissioning of three five-year Enabling Masterplans for the disabled – a blueprint to chart the sector's vision and plans; substantial increase in Government funding of Early Intervention Centres and special schools; the setting up of SG Enable, an agency for the disability community and an Enabling Village, a physical hub to assemble services; the introduction of universal coverage for MediShield Life, a basic health insurance plan which now includes persons with pre-existing conditions; and schemes to incentivise employers to hire PwDs; and, to me, very importantly, the waiver for headcount quota to encourage the hiring of PwDs in the public service. I am optimistic that positive changes will continue and 4G advocates like Rahayu Mahzam, Cheryl Chan, Ang Wei Neng, Sun Xueling, Darryl David and many others will rise to the occasion and continue to seek the inclusion of PwDs in our society. Even as we have good reasons to pat ourselves on our backs, we know something is still amiss. One has only to listen to the feedback of one focus group after another of PwDs and their family care-givers and also observe the outcomes in living, learning and working of the PwDs to know that we are not quite there yet. In community awareness and support, both the Lien Foundation and the NCSS have reported the state of social inclusion and stigma. Sixty-four percent of the public polled were willing to share but not interact with PwDs in public spaces. Many social service offices, family service centres or FSCs, grassroots organisations and community centres are not yet part of the support network of PwDs. This seems to be a general disconnect.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the advancement and full participation of persons with disabilities or PwDs is a matter close to my heart. I am the parent of an adult with moderate autism. I actively volunteer at and head a couple of disability organisations. I am also a Member of Parliament and Mayor involved in disability support initiatives as one of my duties. I therefore view past, current and future developments in this sector from many perspectives. My feelings are mixed – a mix of joy, a mix of concern and a mix of cautious optimism. Today, I want to propose five changes that need to happen before persons with disabilities can fully participate in the life of Singapore society. But first, let me touch on the positive developments, thanks to the Singapore Government, in the last 15 years. The National Council of Social Service or NCSS estimated in 2018 about 11,000 PwDs aged seven to 18 years, another 61,000 PwDs aged 19 to 49 years, and almost 200,000 PwDs aged 50 years and above. This is about a quarter million people with disabilities in Singapore in 2018. Add an average of three immediate family members to each PWD, and there are more than a million persons and families directly impacted by disability in Singapore. The calls for the inclusion of PwDs in Singapore society are as old as time, especially in 2004, after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's inauguration, that the disability sector became a lot more visible at the national level. In the last 15 years, much has been achieved. There is much to celebrate. Singapore became a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which it ratified in 2013. These are big steps toward ensuring the rights for PwDs.”
“— because of the GE and the changes, the results and the progress updates are still not there. Hence, I request the Ministry to speed up the work of this work group and get those things that can get going, get going first, so that those things that need discussion do not have to wait till the expiry of the Enabling Masterplan. I seek Minister's indulgence and support of that.”
“Speaker, I would like to thank MSF and the Ministers. They have been some of the strongest partners for the PWD community. I have some comments and to seek Minister's comments as well. First of all, issues like employment, healthcare, education, mobility, transport and so forth, these are the basic essential rights that every citizen should have. So, when we grant these rights, it is not meant to inspire other people so that they become better persons although that is one of the desired outcomes. Basic rights are actually where we should start from, that persons with disabilities are equal members of our society and therefore, things like work, the right to be schooled, to be educated, to have healthcare and to work whenever possible, these are the basic rights. So, this is the starting point when we look at issues such as these. The second thing is this. While the COVID-19 pandemic has really raised challenges, especially in the areas of technology and the fast pace of change that affect Singaporeans and especially the PWDs, there are other root issues like the unemployment and the under employment of PWDs that need to be looked at. There is already a work group, thanks to MSF – Minister Desmond and Mr Masagos and team. There is already a Workgroup looking at this. But because of the question —”
“" And if I might add, with fortitude and not just the hindsight vision of 20-20. Sir, we can only be #strongertogether. I support the Fortitude Budget wholeheartedly.”
“The COVID-19 outbreak, however, adds urgency to the challenges faced by the disability community especially in the areas of digitalisation and jobs. I therefore urge Deputy Prime Minister and Minster for Finance Heng and Senior Minister Tharman to set up a chapter in the National Jobs Council for the employability training and employment for the disabled so that they will not fall further behind. In conclusion, Sir, on the lost, least and last in society. Sir, this battle against our common enemy, COVID-19, can only be truly won if we include whom some in our society perceive as the lost, least and the last amongst us. Let us not give up easily on those who are willing to change but not able to change for some reasons, whether they are SMEs, social service agencies, our elderly, our disabled or others who are vulnerable in our Singapore family. They say it takes a globe to fight this pandemic. And indeed, the globe includes us and it starts with each one of us. Once again, I quote Winston Churchill who said, "These are not dark days these are great days... we must all thank God that we have been allowed, each of us according to our stations to play a part in making these days memorable in the history of our race." And I want to end off with a quote by our founding father of Singapore, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, of whom I know Deputy Prime Minister Heng is a great fan. Mr Lee Kuan Yew said this during the post SARS period, in his experience "in any battle, the morale and the spirit of the people will decide the outcome. I never believed we would fail". Mr Lee Kuan Yew knew at that time it was going to be tough, like climbing up the face of a cliff. But we, like he said, "must have the guts and determination to climb the face of the cliff and we will climb up the face of the cliff!”
“Transformation of a nation is needed – not just in the business sector but also in the not-for-profit sector. Many of the push for digitalisation, innovation and entrepreneurship in business are relevant to the people sector. The willing amongst them, like the SMEs, require not only just Digital Ambassadors but also digital coaches and partners. Charities with high potential and good track records, should be facilitated and governed with a lighter touch. Let them thrive, let them push the boundaries to greater heights and support them in their transformation. Suggestion four: include vulnerable groups such as the disabled right at the start of planning in all of the good things: the digitalistion, jobs and skills upgrading movement, including and not limited to the exciting plans for the new National Jobs Council, SG-United Jobs and Traineeship and SkillsFuture efforts. In fact, adopt the principle of what is commonly known now as universal design and design for all, right at the start. BCA and MND have already done so in the design of buildings and the physical built environment. The same should be applied in other areas as well in the protection and creation of jobs an skills upgrading. So, that is four – include the people sector including the vulnerable, the disabled; right at the start in the planning. And suggestion five: the last one for this group, is to start a disability chapter in the National Jobs Council. It is no secret that jobs are already hard to come by for persons with disabilities during normal times. Commissioned by MSF Minister, Mr Desmond Lee, a workgroup that is led by Minister of State Sam Tan and myself is working on the underlying factors for this issue and a report will be published by the end of the year.”
“Deputy Prime Minister shared that in the years ahead, a "stronger social service sector will be even more critical". I want to also thank Deputy Prime Minister for including the charities and SSAs in the Fortitude Budget in many schemes, such as Job Support Scheme and the Enhanced Fundraising Programme to match donations up to $250,000 per charity. These are all appreciated. I have several suggestions for consideration by Government for this sector and for the people served by the sector. Suggestion one: raise the cap of $250,000 in the Enhanced Fundraising Programme for larger charities. Sir, the larger charities run into tens and hundreds of millions of dollars in budget. They run community hospitals and disability centres. And fundraising provides a substantial top up to Government grants and subsidies for them. For such a time as this, fundraising is expectedly very challenging. It is hence useful for Government to consider raising the matching amount in order to incentivise more donors to invest now, rather than later or never. Suggestion two: for this sector is to target high needs areas. There are groups with high support needs which call for more attention and resourcing so that they are not left behind. Some are the more severely disabled groups, such as beneficiaries in the autism day activity centres where we serve the more severe ones, residential homes, such as that run by St Andrew's, families with rare disorders are kids with rare disorders and multiple disabilities and lower income households sandwiched by elderly and younger disabled. Target high needs areas. Suggestion three: can we include more blatantly, more explicitly and visibly charities and the social service sector in the transformation masterplan of Singapore?”
“This is the largest group for which the strategy has to be training and coaching. Sir, it is not enough just to convert them. There is a need, a real need to make them not just "apprentices" and also "disciples" so that more of them can sustain digitalisation efforts and continue to be successful as we emerge from the crisis. Is there some way by which we can invest and handhold them longer and deeper? Pair them perhaps with not just simply Digitalisation Ambassadors, but Digitalisation Coaches who can equip them with more and deeper operational and systemic skills and knowledge in such areas like backend stock inventory management, customer fulfilment, digital marketing skills and so forth. And finally, for those who eventually have to cease operations but nonetheless have the acumen and energy to continue, can there be, for the SMEs, an equivalent of a "professional-conversion" scheme, just like what we have for individuals, a placement scheme, to help them seize business or job opportunities in sectors that are more in the sunrise spaces like urban farming, logistics, warehousing, healthcare, estate maintenance and so forth? Next, I want to move from business to the charities, social service sector and the disabled. Sir, like the SMEs in Singapore's economic landscape, many charities and social service agencies or SSAs form an integral part of Singapore's social service landscape. The services range from serving the elderly to the young, families, they operate in nursing homes, day activity centres, family service centres, early intervention to special education schools. I thank Deputy Prime Minister Heng for acknowledging the importance of SSAs and charities as, "key partners", especially in this period.”
“SMEs with a headstart and stronger technological capabilities are likely to recover faster from the pandemic. The prognosis of the rest of the economy will be uncertain. A survey of 48 merchant associations representing almost 500 merchants was conducted in May 2020 by the Federation of Merchant Association Singapore's heartland enterprises unit. When the merchants were asked what challenges they face in joining the e-commerce wagon, as they put it, about half of the respondents quoted these two top challenges: one, the lack of their own internal capabilities to sustain the digitalisation efforts; and two, the cost of implementation and the recurring costs of digitalisation. Capabilities and cost, not only during adoption, but also in sustaining the efforts, remain their top concerns. So, using a simple segmentation based on one's willingness to change and two, the ability to change, there appears to be four groups of SMEs. The first group: those who are willing and able to change. I think they will benefit most from Government schemes and they include the early adopters and the high-potential start-ups that are targeted in the Budget. How will we facilitate this group more to help them scale further and to open more doors for and with them? Group two: those who are able to change and not willing to change. How do we convince and incentivise them so more of them will come on board? Group three: those who are not able to change and not willing to change. I think we have no choice but to let them exit. But how will we, considering that they are also Singapore SMEs, how will we help them exit with a softer landing? The last group, which is likely the largest, those who are willing to change but not able to change for various reasons.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, four Budgets in less than four months. Kudos to the Government and especially the MOF team who stitched the Budgets together. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused more disruption than one can imagine – changing lives and livelihoods as we knew them to be. Economic activities have plummeted, the depth and speed of which rival that of the Great Depression. Experts worldwide cannot agree on how long the downturn will be. There is no telling what the recovery is going to look like – V-curve, U-curve, Z-curve, a smooth bounce-back, a slow-burn recovery or worse still, a relapse. One of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's favourite quotes during this season is by former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill who said this, "Now, this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is perhaps, the end of the beginning". Indeed, change has only begun even as Singapore exits from the circuit breaker. Many people, businesses and individuals, understandably are very concerned about how this recovery will look like. I therefore seek Deputy Prime Minister and MOF's reading of the pace of recovery and what the overall strategy would look like in the best case scenario and in the worst case scenario. I want to move next to touch on two things. One, on the small and medium enterprises or SMEs; and two, on charities, the social service sector and the disabled. First, on the SMEs. We all know that the SMEs form an integral part of Singapore's economic landscape, embodying the spirit of entrepreneurship of our nation and employing more than two-thirds of our local workforce. I applaud the Singapore Government's and especially MTI's relentless efforts in supporting them, even before the pandemic.”
“I thank the Minister for his comprehensive response regarding the CSG. Clearly, the Government has covered many grounds to assist citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) affected by the pandemic. Just one supplementary question. The different schemes are administered by different organisations – for example, ComCare applicantions will be administered by MSF, help for the self-employed persons will be by NTUC and I think the drivers who are affected are supported by MOT. Is there a way by which there is a one-stop clearing house so that a person who is affected will not need to know where to go but they can be directed by the respective personnel who are supporting them, so they know where to go to. I also want to know if MSF then would exercise flexibility. For example, if a self-employed person technically does not meet the eligibility criteria for the Self-employed Person Income Relief Scheme (SIRS) programme, will MSF be flexible enough to at least advise or support them so that they can get help, anyhow.”
“I thank the Minister for the comprehensive sharing. I do agree that HBL has given us all a very big learning curve during this period. I would like to ask if MOE would consider – because of the learning and the processes and challenges we have been going through in the education sector during this HBL period – an initiative to take stock of what is happening, what we have learnt, what are some of the best practices build a body of knowledge so we can learn more about who might be suitable to take home-based learning, what type of configurations some of these students will be more suited for and how we can ensure also that the teachers will be able to move from, say, a very instructor-dependent kind of e-learning, e-teaching to something that is better blended so that content, for example, which is repeatable, can be consolidated, put into packages that everybody can use. In short, I would like to ask MOE to consider an initiative to take stock of all these learnings, so that indeed we will be able to progress to the next level of e-learning, blended learning and so forth.”
“Can more "mainstream" services be tapped upon to increase the presence and inclusion of PWDs? For instance, can the community clubs and the grassroots movement identify PWDs and include they and their families in their midst of their activities and their plans? Can a continuum of housing options for PWDs be designed into all new and existing public housing estates so that PWDs can live with the appropriate support there, seeing and be heard and felt? Can every Government ministry appoint Disability Champions or teams to look out for and include PWDs in both their work and other parts of life? Enhance Special Needs Education”
“PWDs are expected to live with their families, with whoever relatives are left or in costly residential homes for those with higher support needs and less family support. The existing models do not cater sufficiently to a continuum of adult PWDs with varying support needs and abilities. Some interesting models like the TOUCH Ubi Hostel for PWDs are some of the best kept secrets in the community. Singapore is unique in itself in the social eco-system. Public housing is the pride of the nation and every Singaporean is encouraged to own a home. Yet, at the same time, taxation on personal income and corporate taxes are low, contributing to lower public spendings on social services, especially for PWDs compared to other countries. I urge MSF to develop our uniquely Singapore continuum of housing and support choices for PWDs depending on: the level of family support and financial ability; the level of ability of the PWD himself in independent daily living and work; and the level of support services needed by them in care supervision, healthcare, daily living and work. This will empower PWDs and families to make their choices and become part of the solution. Lastly, on community access and inclusion. Research has shown that although most people in Singapore welcome the idea of an inclusive society, not everyone is willing to or feel comfortable interacting with PWDs. Both the disability community and the rest of Singapore need to organise ourselves better for better outcomes in community access and inclusion. Can Government streamline Government-linked agencies so that there is less overlap and greater clarity to the public on the "who", the "what" and the "how" in disability support and inclusion?”
“Sir, the latest Enabling Masterplan for persons with disabilities (PWDs) will be expiring in 2021. Several pieces in the Masterplan have progressed. Two workgroups, for instance, were commissioned – one to look at employment and the other on independent living. SPD President Ms Chia Yong Yong, a PWD herself and me in my volunteering capacity as ARC President and a parent of a PWD co-chair the workgroup with Minister of State Mr Sam Tan. Many Singaporeans, especially PWDs and their families are not aware of the progress of the latest Enabling Masterplan. Can the Ministry provide an update on the progress of the Masterplan and what has so far been done by the two workgroups? I would also like to focus on three other issues which are not covered by the two workgroups. First on life of PWDs after their parents' death. One common grievance by families with children with disabilities is the question of, “What would happen to my child when I am no longer around?” I have heard this at many focus groups for the last 20 years. Their worries range from financial, legal, housing, healthcare and other issues. In recent years, there are books, portals and even agencies to help families plan for the future. However, if these families are still living with worry and fear, then there is more to be done in this space. The question ought to be shifted to, “What is going to happen in the future when I am gone, and how can I shape it?” I urge MSF to assemble a team to improve the current state of future planning for families with disabled children. Next, on residential options of adults with disabilities. The current options of where adult PWDs can live and be supported appropriately, are too limiting.”
“Chairman, with your permission, may I display a slide on the LCD screen.”
“Ending Food Insecurity and Malnutrition Assoc Prof Walter Theseira (Nominated Member): Chairman, Singapore was ranked by the Economist Intelligence Unit as the fourth most food-secure nation in the world. Yet nearly half of a sample of 236 families in Singapore reported moderate to severe food insecurity. These were the findings of the 2018 report "Hunger in a Food Lover's Paradise" by the Lien Centre for Social Innovation at SMU. The report finds no lack of help. There were some 125 food support groups operating in Singapore, in addition to food support from ethnic self-help groups and community organisations. A basic question is how much food is enough. But the question is, enough for what? The 2019 Minimum Income Standards study led by Dr Ng Kok Hoe of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy found that a single elderly household requires about $400 a month for food, about 29% of their budget. More importantly, that study reveals that Singaporeans consider food to be more than calories for the body; it is nourishment for the soul. It includes having meaningful choice and variety, the opportunity to eat healthily but also enjoy the occasional indulgence and the chance to meet friends at the hawker centre or to invite others to a home-cooked meal. It is not three restaurant meals a day. It is three meals with dignity. Despite good intentions, charity struggles to meet these varied needs. Esther, a retiree, told CNA Insider in a report on food insecurity published this month, and I quote: "We can’t give feedback because the food is free… It feels like we are beggars, what they give, we must eat." But Esther has diabetes and high blood pressure. She needs a healthier diet for her health conditions. She does not always have a meaningful choice.”
“Mr Chairman, Singapore's social challenges are turning complicated and complex. The new normal is the recognition that Government can no longer do it alone. Even the supposedly simple issue of "feeding the hungry" is, in truth, not as simple as it appears. The recent CNA documentary on "Food Insecurities" showed up problems such as overlapping of help efforts; reluctance of donors to work with each other; and wastage of donated items. I myself have been involved in issues such as coordinating senior services and helping cardboard collectors in my constituency and district – not easy. MSF Minister Desmond Lee himself has personally led in bringing together groups to solve social concerns such as rough sleepers and also food distribution to the poor. We have to find a formula that goes beyond the interest, passion and intervention of a heroic Minister. Tackling social challenges together, especially more challenging wicked ones, calls for several critical success factors: a strong sponsor who can back with the right links; a systems thinking approach; clarity in problem statement; an understanding of the overall landscape, driving and restraining forces; a strong facilitator; and implementation discipline for results. MSF should be given resources to start an establishment that is nimble and competent enough to facilitate and pull in the right internal and external resources to address identified prioritised social challenges – a SWAT team of sorts. I seek the Ministry's inputs on how it intends to lead and facilitate the imperative of tackling social challenges together with others in the community. What are the outcomes and obstacles to date?”
“I thank the Ministers, Senior Minister of State, Senior Parliament Secretaries and the team behind you, somewhere in the room in Parliament, for providing such a comprehensive and well considered response to the speeches and requests from my fellow parliamentarians and I. As I said, I really want to deeply thank those who have chosen to serve in this sector, whether in mainstream, special education or in the IHLs. And as I said too, your influence is deeply felt even after the students are long gone. So, thank you so much for doing this. With that, Mr Chairman, I now beg leave to withdraw my amendment. [(proc text) Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. (proc text)] [(proc text) The sum of $12,861,226,400 for Head K ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. (proc text)] [(proc text) The sum of $644,000,000 for Head K ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. (proc text)]”
“Yes. My last question is an appeal to extend the special school years for all of the SPED students – not just those who are currently allowed to study until 21, but for all of them to be able to stay until the age 21. Because they just need that longer runway to enable them to be more independent in daily living and to allow them to perhaps have a better chance to do some supported employment work.”
“Would Minister consider all of that, and also maybe add an element of innovation in the graphic so that we could consider for example, schools that may not have to go through the PSLE or a Parent Academy. Chairman, on Special Education Needs. A couple of questions. I think it is great news that the SEN Fund for IHLs has been extended to those who not just have physical disabilities, but also to those with Dyslexia, ADHD and ASD. But the amount given is $5,000, if I heard correctly. In the actual original fund, there is $25,000 for those with hearing and visual impairment. I was wondering why the extension is for $5,000, and not $25,000, why not in between? There are physical devices but we need therapists, coach services too.”
“Those could be the foundational principles that occupy the ground from which this tree grows. The third is in terms of the branches in the Tree for Life. I thought that many of the things that Ministers, Senior Minister of State and Senior Parliamentary Secretaries have mentioned are to do with enablers. The branches are really the enablers. How we look at the future roles of staff, be they education leaders or educators, the curriculum, the content to teach, the pedagogy by which we teach. These are great enablers that can be considered as the branches. And then, there is also the weather condition. Beyond the Tree per se – but the conditions on how we are all conditioned to think of as, like a certain way, when we look at education in our country; and some of the driving forces to support what MOE is trying to do —”
“I thank the Minister and Second Minister as well. Just a few questions on Tree for Life. First, on my suggestion to rename or consider the idea of Ministry of Education being the Ministry of Lifelong Learning. Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat just mentioned that MOE is now providing a continuum of learning opportunities for Singaporeans for the entire life. I thought that a new name might reflect better MOE's new vision and mission. Also, education somehow, smacks of a one-way flow: of I educate you, I teach you; versus the idea of self-driven learning whereby the ownership is put on the people who are learning. That is one question. My second question is on the transformation map. I do appreciate the Tree for Life. I would like to seek indulgence to help to prune the Tree a little bit and to suggest some modifications. One is the fruit. It will be great, if in this so-called transformation map in the form of a tree, the types of fruit could be articulated better in terms of what kind of students you want to see; what kind of learners; and what kind of desired outcomes, including how we will benchmark – my point which Minister maybe forgot to respond to – benchmark what would be the success of our education system versus the usual ones that we are quite used to – PISA rankings and so forth. The next is the ground in the graphic of Tree for Life. For the ground, we could specify the foundational principles by which our uniquely Singapore education system should aspire towards. Principles like equal access, and a lot of the things that are already being done in our country, like being inclusive, like being collaborative, like always looking at future-proofing and looking ahead.”
“For instance, the SEN funds in IHLs are currently only limited to those with sensory disabilities – those who are visually impaired or deaf – and they are not extended currently to those with ADHD, dyslexia or autism. For everyone with SENs, learning with the appropriate support should not stop after the formal school years. There are insufficient efforts to include the special needs workforce in the SkillsFuture movement. Neither is there enough envisioning of a lifelong learning pathway for this special group of learners. I therefore call for a deeper dive by MOE and other key stakeholders such as the major disability SSAs to address this important need. Failing to do so will incur not only further expenditure in future budgets, but, we as a society would also be for the weaker when we leave them behind. In conclusion, Sir, in summary, I seek MOE's favourable consideration of my suggestions to one, develop and articulate an Education Transformation Map for the future. Two, to re-envision and re-name the MOE to as a top-notch Ministry of Lifelong Learning. Three, review the benchmarks against which to measure the success of our education system. Four, to future-proof our educators through updating and innovating the ways by which they are recruited and developed. Five, ensure digital accessibility and literacy for all especially those from lower income households and/or with SEN. And lastly, to provide stronger support to the lifelong learning of students with SEN in all settings. Finally, I want to thank everyone who chose to serve in the education sector, your influence stays even after you are long gone. [(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)] Joy of Learning”
“What are MOE's plans to strengthen digital accessibility and literacy for all and to ensure every student has equal access to the hardware devices, the software applications and supervision, especially students in financially or socially challenged households; and especially students who are not in mainstream school setting such as those in special schools or home-schooling settings? Special Educational Needs in Schools/IHLs On student with Special Education Needs (SEN), thanks to the political leaders and several key Ministries such as MSF and MOE, the education of students with SEN specially for the young has grown from strength to strength. However, the outcomes of their schooling will need a deeper dive for further improvement. To this end, I seek MOE's favourable consideration for three groups of students with SEN. One, for Special Education (SPED) school students who are unlikely to proceed to open employment or further studies, MOE should consider extending the current school years of SPED schools to age 21. This is to enhance the chances that more of them will be more prepared for life after school, the foremost school years and for more of them to work in at least supported employment. Many of them are not ready to exit to the adult world at the age of 18. The alternative is to put them in costly day activity centres for adults or for parents to give up their own livelihoods in order to care for them. Next, for students with SEN who are able to undertake mainstream subjects whether in Primary schools, Secondary schools or IHLs, MOE should articulate and implement a more effective plan so that they are better supported.”
“The days of old when teachers are the key dispensers of knowledge and principals are leaders who know all about education, are over. In fact, the term "teacher" may need to be dropped soon as educators take on the roles of creators and/or curators of content; designers of learning experiences; facilitators and coaches of their students. They need to be exposed not only to things of the school; but also to the world that their students are going to live and work in. They themselves, the educators, too need to be mentally healthy and coached. What are the ways by which MOE educators including school leaders are recruited and developed to fulfill the roles of future educators? How can we future-proof them through updating and innovating the ways by which they are recruited and developed? Next on inclusiveness of education, any map of education is incomplete without including those who are at risk of being left out either due to their socio-economic background; or their learning styles and abilities. Digital Literacy for All On digital literacy for all, many future of education studies reflect everywhere that digital literacy is the new literacy. As mobile devices become commonly used for learning, students without the financial means may be left out. In situations such as the COVID-19 outbreak, when students are expected to stay home with e-learning, with blended homework packages, those without access to ready IT devices may be deprived. Besides devices, there are also students who may be left behind in the chase of acquisition for digital literacy due to little access or exposure to digital content or sufficient learning exposure either at home or in school.”
“Let us re-envision MOE as a Ministry of Lifelong Learning and to seriously study what that vision truly means and entails. Next, on benchmark of education. For years, Singapore has prided ourselves in our outstanding performance in global education rankings such as the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) study. PISA ranks our 15-year-olds globally in subjects such as reading, math, science and problem solving – factors viewed as important for boosting economic competitiveness. Although a good reference point, I believe Singapore can lead and establish a more comprehensive suite of education benchmarks. For one, we know we have to now learn for life beyond the age of 15. Two, surely, we too agree that the purpose of education is more than just to prepare economic beings. What about physical and mental health? What about citizenship, compassion, learning agility, curiosity, regional and world languages and culture and the courage to take risks? What about the sense of duty to look after one's family, to respect other people who are different, protect our environment including cleaning up after ourselves? What should be included and measure? I ask MOE, as we expand our old definition of education and success, I wish to seek resources for the Ministry to conduct a uniquely Singapore study of the benchmarks against which to measure the success of our education system Next, on engine of education, our educators. Amongst all, one key engine of education must be our Educators. I have and still serve with some of the most dedicated, competent and compassionate educators; and I feel for them. We need to nurture and maximize the potential of our staff too.”
“We need to see a map that consolidates the overall vision, the future of education, the developments, the current state of the union, risk assessment, the key pieces it needs to eyeball and move, the challenges and how it can better engage other stakeholders in its work. We cannot ignore the larger elephants in the room such as the still growing and increasingly market-responsive tuition industry and the continuing excessive focus on the academic rat race. We cannot keep tweaking the system and hope that age-old mindsets and habits will disappear. Many of them cannot be solved by MOE's think tank alone. We need to be bold enough to honestly ask what our education system should look like and decide where we should re-design, re-skill and better resource. We need to bring on board more Singaporeans to help understand the aspirations, the demands and challenges we face and will face. Therefore, I urge Government to put together a team to develop and articulate an Education Transformation Map for the future. On vision of education. The fast pace of technology has led to an increasingly shorter shelf life of our knowledge and skills. Staying relevant through lifelong learning is an essential part of life and no longer a luxury. Hence, the SkillsFuture movement is a brilliant strategy but it is now focused primarily on adults and at most, students in the Institute of Higher Learning (IHLs). However, the cultivation of curiosity in learning, self-driving one's learning, digital literacy and learning agility must start young. There is therefore a need to integrate and align SkillsFuture in the adult years with SkillsFuture in the junior years. Let us be the first in the world to build the first "Lifelong Learning Schools".”
“Chairman, I beg to move, "That the total sum to be allocated for Head K of the Estimates be reduced by $100". More than 600,000 students are enrolled in MOE-run or supported schools, Junior Colleges and Institutes of Higher Learning. The FY2020 budgeted expenditure for Education is $13.3 billion – the third highest after defence and health; no less. Education is a unique budget item. Education, when done well, is an avenue of social mobility; a social multiplier; a maximiser of human potential; a character builder; a wealth creator and a passport to countless life’s opportunities. 6.00 pm On transformation of education, 23 industries in Singapore have developed their Industry Transformation Maps (ITMs) under the Future Economy Council. Although these ITMs differ in scope, depth and quality, they share a common value-add. The mapping exercise "forces" industry captains to study the current and future landscape, review their vision and in the process help the rest of the industry and Singapore to understand, support and partake in their future directions, priorities, jobs and skills. Out of the 23 ITMs, the ones related to education are two – the Early Childhood Education Sector and the Adult Training and Education. The missing piece for the years between early childhood and adult education. There is merit for MOE to put together an overall Education Transformation Map. Granted, there are news on developments and priorities when MOE chooses to announce either through Ministerial Statements or its annual workplans, but the overall Education Map needs to be developed and articulated.”
“Sir, in conclusion, I fully support the Budget and I seek the Deputy Prime Minister's consideration of the inputs that I have made. I also thank again the Deputy Prime Minister and the team behind Budget 2020 for their great work. [Applause.]”
“The Ministry of Transport is no longer dealing with just transportation but connectivity. On deployment, can we get rid of the possible thinking that only the best executives are the thinkers and remain as the head honchos in the Ministries? Can we deploy more of the best brains to the ground and develop their execution muscles? I remember the days when I was starting a leadership training firm in China many years ago and I failed miserably at the start. The business only took off after I sent my best top staff to China and when I regularly worked with my PRC team on the frontlines. There ought to be a strategy to change the way the Government views and deploys its best. Station them on the ground to learn, facilitate, forge alliances through personally experiencing the challenges on the frontlines. Similarly, the Government should be bold enough to appoint good mid-career practitioners to leadership positions in the Public Service. Offer them a bridging learning stint if need be. That may make a big difference in the complexion and the DNA of SG Together. Third, in terms of culture: the culture that will drive SG Together to success will have to be one that learns to be less Ministry-centric and less controlling. The people of Singapore has trusted the Government for so long, it is time for the Government to also learn to trust the people, too – not blindly, not indiscriminately, but in a less controlling and more facilitative manner. Sir, I believe that SG Together is a very important direction for the Government. It can end up as a lofty aspiration, but if done right, it will be a powerful driver to a stronger Singapore that can weather many storms heavier than COVID-19 or more tragic crises.”
“Besides the concerns I mentioned earlier regarding strengthening SMEs, uplifting our vulnerable and reducing income inequality, I can think of so many other areas in which the Government and Singaporeans can work together: self-sufficiency in food production, impact of the rise of the robot workforce, more inclusive public housing estates, mobile or pop-up healthcare teams and clinics, living within our means in future Budget allocations, lifelong learning schools, grants for not just public housing but for private housing options, feeding the poor in a dignified way and many others. Some of us, as enthusiastic advocates, will need to acquire a broader understanding of not just our area of passion and needs, but also an understanding of the ecosystem and how different pieces affect other parts of society. If citizens want to harness resources, there must be a way by which the giver of resources, whether it is the Government or private donors, can count on the track record and reliability of us citizens and partners. Hence, our need to not only demand but to build our competencies and credibility. But on the part of the Government, I feel there are forces within the Public Service and political system that, if we are not careful, could lead to the SG Together movement becoming tokenistic and not very impactful. Some of the changes I would ask the Government to consider to take SG Together to newer heights are these. One is on vision. Can the Government and Statutory Boards cast a wider vision of their role beyond their traditional scopes? The Ministry of Education (MOE) should be envisioned as the Ministry of Lifelong Learning. The Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources should be our Ministry of Sustainability.”
“To avert this scenario of a "winner-takes-all", how can we develop as many winners as possible amongst our people and businesses? The Government has moved several important chess pieces for our workforce to stay relevant and, indeed, of course, it is up to us Singaporeans to respond. But this is such an important topic. It still calls for a deeper dive, I believe, to remove the income inequality that will surely arise from the advent of technology. So, that is concern four on income inequality. My last concern in this speech is: SG Together. I wish to cover the important Singapore Together, or the SG Together, movement – a brainchild of Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, and very typical of his style – at least to me – of listening and engaging others, including those not in the Cabinet or the Government. The Deputy Prime Minister, in January 2020, called SG Together the "new cornerstone of nation-building", a new model of partnership between the Government and Singaporeans in owning, shaping and acting on our future to expand what is called the "democracy of deeds". SG Together, indeed, I feel, is a significant and necessary direction. Issues of the day are so many and so complicated and complex that the Government no longer has the monopoly of ideas and action, and sometimes even resources. Many citizens, myself included, want to be part of the solution to make our society not just successful economically, but also significant in the world.”
“Can more resources be invested to deep-dive and study their needs, create a spectrum of more suitable jobs and have more effective job placements? Can there be a more impactful and lasting way of signposting to guide them or even to create a jobs clearing house of sorts? For the disabled, which, thankfully, due to the Government’s eyeballing and ground advocacy, things are improving, but I feel it is still not enough. Is there a way by which the SkillsFuture movement can include them in a more substantive and systemic way? Concern four: income inequality. Income inequality is a hot topic for many societies, including Singapore. It is, indeed, good news that our Department of Statistics reported that household income inequality as in 2019 was at its lowest in almost two decades, with a lower Gini coefficient of 0.452 versus 0.458 the year before, and even lower at 0.398 after adjusting for Government transfers, such as Workfare and GST rebates. Experts are telling us that the difference between the Third Industrial Revolution and the Fourth is the impact of depth and breadth of technological change on everyday life and business. From food to retail to banking, you name it, industries are going digital. Singapore's SkillsFuture movement is a brilliant one, but the speed of change globally and in technology is formidable. The 500,000 or so citizens who tapped on their SkillsFuture Credit in the first tranche works out to be only about 20% of the resident labour force. Sir, while the issue of wealth inequality is as old as time, Industry 4.0 will make income inequality an even bigger issue. Research shows that innovators, investors and high-skilled IT workers benefit the most in the future economy, and the rest of the population may be at risk of being left out.”
“There is a general anxiety amongst the SMEs that they may not be able to survive the short term. Some are asking for administration of Budget measures to be more expedient and some ask for the extension of measures, such as job support, to be extended to six months. Mindsets of many SMEs are still on the "here and now" survival issues. Training and work system redesigns, work process redesigns are hitherto not corporate habits. This has been the perennial struggle of SMEs. What is the prognosis that our local SMEs will be strengthened by Budget 2020’s suite of Enterprise Grow and Enterprise Transform Packages? Will Singapore's economic transformation ever be supported by a very strong base of local innovative SMEs? Under current circumstances, what more can be done by the Government and the rest of us to ensure that SMEs do come out of this crisis stronger? That is concern two on SMEs. Concern three: uplifting our vulnerable. Budget 2020 presents a galore of measures to help Singaporeans with cost of living in daily living, such as housing, healthcare, schooling and retirement. I am concerned about three particular groups who are still at risk: one, our low-skilled seniors who still take on jobs, such as cleaners, that challenge them physically; two, our younger Singaporeans who take on low-skilled jobs, such as food delivery and even private hire driving, jobs that offer them short-term gains and some autonomy but sometimes, little long-term prospects; and three, our disabled citizens who are still unemployed or are holding jobs that may disappear as a result of the disruption of technology. How can the Government and the rest of Singapore better support and uplift the vulnerable amongst us?”
“How will it be funded if the impact is even more broad-based than the tourism, retail and transport sectors directly hit by the outbreak when the supply chain continues to be disrupted, when consumer sentiments and demands continue to decline and companies start to shed their local manpower? The anxiety is real and I seek the Deputy Prime Minister's insights on this concern. Concern two: strengthening our SMEs. SMEs play an important role in all countries. In Singapore, they make up 99% of total enterprises and employ more than 70% of the workforce. The success of Singapore's economic restructuring and industrial transformations hinges plenty on the ability of Singapore's SMEs to reinvent themselves for the long term. Since 2010, a slew of Government initiatives was launched to help move SMEs up the value chain, streamline and digitalise operations and to venture overseas. However, actions and results, too, lag aspirations and SMEs continue to be challenged, as observed by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) in December 2019. Mindsets, talents or the lack of talents, especially in digitalisation and understanding of technology were cited to be key obstacles to business transformation. SMEs now face a more immediate challenge with the negative impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on businesses, except for perhaps the mask, disinfectant, sanitiser or even toilet roll manufacturers and the like. Besides tourism, the transport sectors and businesses that rely on the People's Republic of China (PRC) supply chain, many businesses that have little to do with China directly are also affected, like smaller businesses in food catering and even event management which are hit by cancellation or postponement of local events.”
“I am only 14 years in the Chamber, so I am still a junior to the Member. Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the Budget. Accolades abound for Budget 2020. Budget 2020, as they say, has "something for everyone" from businesses to Singaporeans, young and old. Commendable are the agility and speed by which the Stabilisation and Support Package was put together to help sectors hit by COVID-19; the empathy to delay the GST increase this year, and the ability to keep an eye on both the short- and longer-term concerns of Singaporeans and businesses. Budget 2020 is responsive, prudent and balanced. The original draft must have been in the making for many months before the onset of the unexpected COVID-19 outbreak. I doubt if any other government can pull a focused Budget together like this with such agility and speed. So, kudos to Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat and the team for rising to the occasion! I would like to touch on five concerns arising from inputs of many Singaporeans I met. Concern one: an extended COVID-19 outbreak scenario. Not unexpectedly, the top-of-mind concern of Singaporeans is the "what-if" scenario of a longer-drawn COVID-19 outbreak leading to an extended global and local economic downturn. Many people are relieved and thankful that the Government acted swiftly to delay the expected GST increase and boldly decided on a larger than expected Budget deficit. But even with the Deputy Prime Minister's recent public assurance that the Government is prepared to do more if warranted, many people are nonetheless still worried about how long the Government will be able to sustain deficits of such a large quantum. What will an extended Stabilisation and Support package look like?”
“Mr Speaker, I am glad to hear the Minister saying we should try to live life as normally as possible. I want to ask about the more vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, whom I understand, of course, the state is trying to protect. The Senior Activity Centres (SACs) which actually serve many of the elderly, especially in rental estates, are instructed to wind down many of their activities in order to protect the elderly. Some of us on the ground find that many of these elderly residents are loitering around and they are no more exercising. Maybe they will queue up to get food packages, but they do not get to sit down to have meals together anymore. So, I am wondering if there is an alternative to this while protecting them, for example, splitting them so that there are not more than a hundred in a group and maybe have some part-time activities so that they can actually continue to have a platform where they can be educated and updated on the latest news and be encouraged to exercise or maybe co-clean some shared facilities and so forth. I wonder if the Minister's message to live life as normally as possible could be extended to the beneficiaries of SACs.”
“Sir, I thank the Ministers and the Taskforce for their comprehensive responses. Indeed, fear is a greater threat to us in such a time as this. There are residents currently living near the Government quarantine facilities. And they have expressed concerns about being near the folks who are asked to stay in these centres. If things should get worse, there could be more quarantine facilities. Can I seek the Minister's views and assurance that the residents need not be fearful of any spread from these centres, even as we all believe that we are all in this together? That is my first question. My second question is for the Minister for Education. We know the mask is not effective for everything and hygiene is most effective. Currently, most of the masks found in the marketplace and distributed are adult-sized. There are parents and staff in schools who are concerned that should there be a need, is there a supply of masks of smaller sizes? Because some of the masks are so big, they cover the whole face of the children. I would like to seek the Minister's views on that.”
“I, therefore, seek clarification from the Ministry on how the voice of these young persons can be sought and strengthened in this Bill. Third, on strengthening the foster parents scheme. I am pleased that foster parents are officially added in this Bill as key partners to support children and young persons in need of protection and rehabilitation. Foster parents, if properly selected and trained, provide a more natural and desirable setting than a group home for these young people. I have studied the Ministry’s Fostering Scheme and found it to be useful and structured. I have a few suggestions for the Ministry to consider to strengthen this important scheme. One, to cast the net wider to attract more suitable and interested foster parent candidates; two, to involve them more in the case management process so as to better integrate the care across schools, foster home and other areas; and three, to put in more resources to train, skill and support the foster parents so that they can more effectively care for their charges, more so if the children have special needs that require specialised knowledge. In conclusion, Sir, CYPA is an important Bill and is overdue. In its implementation, there is a need to especially strengthen the coordination and integration of care to ensure the children and young persons receive the better outcomes they deserve. The mission of ensuring a better life for them, however, cannot be left only to the Government and the social service agencies. Those of us in the rest of society, whether as neighbours, relatives or volunteers, must join in the efforts to support this effort. Sir, I strongly support the Bill.”
“One student with special needs I know very well is facing transition challenges and he is preparing to leave school after special school. As his foster mother ages and is having cancer, there is not enough confidence amongst all the parties working with him that there is a good transition and handshake. Hence, I feel there is a strong need to invest more resources to MSF to strengthen the coordination and integration of care. The second need is this: to strengthen the voice of the CYPs. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I have mixed feelings as I go through the Bill. On one hand, it is a comprehensive one covering many needed gaps. On the other hand, I cannot help but feel that in our efforts to protect the child, we are seeing things a lot through the lenses of the adult and not enough through the eyes of the CYPs we are trying to help. How do we incorporate the voice of these young people whose lives we attempt to shape for the better? In matters that impact them, such as the change of school; admission into children’s homes or foster homes; in identifying their adult supervisors, are there measures installed to take into account the feelings and preferences of these young persons? How can the long and onerous process of gathering evidence, determination and implementation of Court orders for children caught in parental disputes, the process be improved so that their feelings are considered? In the new section 68(A), for instance, that authorises the use of "mechanical restraint", such as handcuffs or leg braces on a child or young person, how do we ensure that the least damage is done on them? Are affected children and young persons involved in the numerous decisions made for them incorporated in this Bill?”
“The second need is the need for a constant and familiar adult supervision which can come in the form of teachers, youth workers, social workers or foster parents. One of the key challenges to track and address, for instance, is the turnover of such adult supervisors in the lives of these children and young persons causing further disruptions in their lives. The third is the need for better and constant access to needed community and healthcare, including mental healthcare, services. Fourthly, and most important of all, the need for an integrated "turnkey" solution properly coordinated by an appointed lead case manager, a solution integrator of sorts that all relevant parties helping the children and these young persons, the relevant parties, can turn to. In many instances, the different help agencies and staff hardly have time to meet physically nor update regularly and communicate with one another until something happens in the life of these young persons. Each of them working within their own scope of duty and doing their very best – the youth worker taking care of the youth services for the young; the drug counsellor taking care of a parent; the social service officers delivering financial assistance. Without an appointed solution integrator to deliver more effective case management, I fear that the lives of the children and young persons will experience a spiral downwards. One young boy I know has already turned to smoking and dating at Primary 6 after losing both parents. Another young girl I know whose mother is in remand for drug offences became worse off when there was no effective handshake between her counsellors as she transited from primary to secondary school.”