Desmond Choo
Singapore
“Through these expanded volunteer networks, we are building something more than a collection of programmes. We are strengthening a culture, a culture where service is valued, where sacrifice is understood and where defence is embraced as a shared mission. We are strengthening the very foundation of our national defence.”
“Mr Speaker, I would like to thank Prime Minister for his Ministerial Statement. The Labour Movement has surveyed our unionists. They are rightly worried about growth issues, loss of jobs and cost of living, but they have also expressed confidence that the People's Action Party Government will stay us through these difficult times.”
“Chairman, I would like to thank Minister Tan See Leng, Senior Minister of State Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State Zaqy and Minister of State Gan Siow Huang for their comprehensive responses and driving policy changes; and also Permanent Secretaries Ng Chee Khern, Jeffrey Siow, and their team of MOM officers, for their dedication in b…”
“Mr Chairman, just two clarifications. One, why is the Ministry raising the S Pass qualifying salary despite the labour market being already quite tight and the potential economic headwinds? What is the expected impact on the local workforce's wages?”
“Chairman, we have seen a surge in overseas travel as Singaporeans continue to embrace travelling in the new post-pandemic norm. Singaporeans are no longer sticking to the usual destinations but, increasingly, also to less-travelled destinations.”
“Since our Independence, Singapore has maintained the importance of capacity-building as a pillar of regional cooperation. In 1992, the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP) was established in our effort to pay forward the help we received in our formative years. It serves as a platform to provide technical assistance to the world.”
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“There have been significant advancements in emerging technologies, both in terms of conventional high-end capabilities, as well as low cost and dual-use technologies. The world is now a far more dangerous and uncertain place. To some, these conflicts may seem distant and far from our shores. However, it has had profound implications on both the international order, and can cause trickle-down effects on small nations like Singapore. It is important that we must continue to be vigilant, adaptable, integrating emerging technologies to build an SAF that can defend our sovereignty in times of need, and that is prepared for all contingencies on the modern battlefield. Considering these recent developments in external security environment, can MINDEF share an update on its plans and priorities to strengthen the SAF, in line with SAF2040. SAF Acquisitions”
“Mr Chairman, in recent years, the global geopolitical environment has been plagued with uncertainty, heightened tensions and a clear weakening of international order. It has now been three years since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in what was a clear and flagrant violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity. The war continues to escalate with ongoing clashes in the physical and cyber domain. On the physical battlefield, Russia has occupied large swathes of Ukraine's eastern regions and is continuing its advance, with no end in sight. The cyber battlefield has also seen its shares of issues, with multiple attacks on critically important Ukrainian infrastructure since the start of the conflict. Nothing has been spared from this cyber warfare, from disinformation campaigns powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfakes, to cyberattacks on Ukrainian governmental websites to missile strikes on Ukrainian data centres. And yet, amidst the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war, is also the devastating Israel-Hamas conflict. While temporary ceasefire has been agreed in January this year, allowing both sides to exchange hostages, the final outcome is still shrouded in uncertainty. This brief reprieve does not undo the months of conflict that have taken a catastrophic humanitarian toll, deepened global divisions and polarise countries along political, religious and ideological lines, to the detriment of social cohesion and harmony between the global citizenries. The conflict has also caused wider impact throughout the Middle East, drawing countries such as Iran, Lebanon and Yemen into the disarray. Both conflicts have demonstrated how the nature of warfare continues to evolve.”
“We should expand the use of these credits beyond courses to include career coaching and skills profiling. We will need to help those who are otherwise be on the wrong side of the growth curve, no matter how young or old they are. Our young Singaporeans are the architects of our future. As we celebrate 60 years of Independence, let us recognise that their contributions will define Singapore's next chapter. Young NTUC, marking its 20th anniversary this year, is committed to deeper engagement with our youth. Let us provide our younger Singaporeans with policies, resources and mentorship. The success of our youth is the success of Singapore. Mr Speaker, I support the Budget.”
“NTUC is committed to equipping young workers with the skills they need to thrive in this rapidly changing employment environment landscape. Next month, Young NTUC and Mentoring SG will launch a sustainability mentorship programme to help youths to enter this growing field. However, we will still need broader system systematic support for young professionals facing job disruptions. Early career professionals must be given the opportunity to explore new career interests and take calculated risks such as switching industries before it becomes too late. For example, Luke, a 37-year-old career mentor embodies what is possible when they embrace change rather than fear it. After university, Luke did not stop learning. He used his SkillsFuture credits to earn a graduate diploma in anti-money laundering that helped him secure a promotion. Then, seeing the changing landscape, he took courses in data analytics to transition to a new role. Now, he is planning to master AI and machine learning. Luke did not just adapt to change. He got ahead of it and in doing so, he wrote his own future. But here is the thing: Luke should not be the exception. He should be the rule. I had previously called for Government subsidies for a second degree or diploma. I am encouraged that the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme now subsidises diplomas and training allowances for mid-career workers. But more can be done for young professionals. That is why I am proposing we expand the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Training Allowance to workers under 40. We should broaden course offerings for Career Conversion Programmes to match growth sectors, like AI and sustainability. We should lower the SkillsFuture credit eligibility age from the current 25.”
“Next, we need to establish clear standards for these internships. Standards that protect our young people from exploitation or meaningless work and ensure that they are building real skills for real careers. Currently, various IHLs prescribe their own guidelines for students who undertake internships or industry attachments. This include issuing interns a contract of service which lays out key employment terms beyond current workplace protections, establishing standards for internship quality will raise quality across the board and provide interns with a structured learning environment. A national internship standard can define clear internship scopes to ensure structured learning, establish measurable learning outcomes for both hard and soft skills, promote best practices and supervision, mentorship and performance appraisals. We can take inspiration from France, Belgium and Luxembourg's Convention de Stage, which requires internships to have a tripartite agreement between the intern employer and school. NTUC is here for youths, and we are ready to work with tripartite partners to establish these standards. My second proposal addresses an urgent reality. The days of a single career for life are probably over. Our young workers will navigate multiple transitions throughout their working lives. Even young professionals are not spared from retrenchment, as seen in the tech sector in 2023 and 2024. Surveys by NTUC and the Institute of Policy Studies found that younger workers expect to switch careers multiple times, but feel only moderately prepared for it. That means our young people need to be prepared to adapt to learn new skills and to reinvent themselves throughout their careers.”
“Youths' internship experiences vary widely, depending on the company’s resources and day-to-day experience with their internship supervisors. These trends illustrate two key issues in the internship space: the availability of internships in the market and the quality of internships that our youths undertake. So today, I am proposing two pathways towards a more hopeful future for our young people. We need not just have more internships but also better ones. Over the years, our system has somehow evolved into one whereby students feel compelled to stack internship upon internship, often delaying their graduation, sometimes working without pay, all in the hope of securing that first job. Internships matter and are important. They open doors. They build skills. They create connections. They allow young Singaporeans to be ready for the workforce. But the measure of an internship cannot just be about that it happened. The measure must be what our young people learnt, how they grew, what doors it actually opened. We will need our industry partners to help even more. Create meaning opportunities for young people. It must also support companies that do right by our students. The Government could boost funding support for Singapore companies to expose young Singaporeans to quality internships, either locally or abroad. These initiatives can build on existing programmes like Enterprise Singapore’s Global Ready Talent Programme. The Government could perhaps also relax its 30% local shareholding requirement to include more MNCs as host companies to increase the number of internships. We can also look towards successful models like Europe's Erasmus Plus programme, which does not just place young people in jobs and internships. It financially supports them while they learn.”
“The Joint Autonomous Universities Graduate Employment Survey revealed that 79.5% of university graduates found employment within six months last year. This is down from nearly 84% one year ago and 94% just two years ago. For our polytechnic graduates, full-time employment has fallen from 60% to 54.6%. But by no means, these numbers are bad. Compared to anywhere internationally, we are still in a good position. But these are not just statistics. Their anxieties are real, these are real lives, real dreams, real futures colored by worries. Indeed, our youths already know and must embrace adaptability and resourcefulness in an increasingly competitive job market. Trends like AI and sustainability will continue to displace existing jobs while creating new ones. Our younger Singaporeans must continuously improve their existing skillsets, even beyond formal education and learn new ones to keep pace with market trends. To ensure our younger Singaporeans thrive in this dynamic environment, we must help them to build a mindset that prioritises lifelong learning and adaptability. As the saying goes, "The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways." That is why I want to focus on some specific steps we can take to support our young Singaporeans. Take Wen Qi as an example – a young woman who studied business analytics. She shared how she had completed her required internship, but watched as her friends took on two, three, sometimes four internships just to compete for that first job. The anxiety she felt was real – wondering if doing what was expected would still be enough in a world that constantly demands more. Fortunately, Wen Qi found an employer who valued quality over quantity. She is doing well now. But not everyone is so lucky.”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to join in the Budget debate. This year's Budget is one that truly uplifts all Singaporeans. It particularly places workers' interests at its core, with particular emphasis on supporting households and families. In this 14th Term of Parliament, our Government has also consistently kept young workers at the centre of our national policies. We have seen the Youth Panels supported by the National Youth Council give our young people a voice in national discourse. We have witnessed the ITE Progression Award providing graduates under 30 with both career opportunities and financial stability. And we have made significant strides towards becoming a more equitable society, with enhancements to the Workfare Skills Support Scheme enabling lower-wage workers to advance their skills earlier. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] Today, I want to focus specifically on how we can better support our youths and young workers. Our young Singaporeans are entering the workforce with promising futures ahead. By many measures, Singapore's economy stands strong. We grew by 4% last year. The forecasts for this year is 2% to 3% growth. And a recent IPSOS global study ranked our youth development as the highest in the world. Our young people are capable, dynamic and engaged. That is something to be proud of. It speaks to the hard work and dedication of the Singaporean people and the investments this nation has made in its future. But behind these statistics, there is another reality we must confront. We have listened to young Singaporeans. More than 10,000 of them shared their hopes and fears with NTUC's Youth Taskforce. Careers are a top concern. And there is good reason for this concern, especially in 2024 and 2025.”
“They can also explore structured career breaks – where a mother can take a leave of absence for say, a couple of years and be assured that she still has a job when she returns. When mothers are ready to come back, companies can offer "returnship" programmes. These combine upskilling, on-the-job training and mentorship that help mothers reintegrate into the workplace. Globally, major companies like Goldman Sachs, Amazon and Chevron already offer such programmes. In Singapore, employers like DBS and Jacobs have started offering "returnship" programmes too. I hope to see more employers follow their example, so that we can play our part in helping mothers resume their careers. In conclusion, we should celebrate marriage and parenthood, and support Singaporeans in this journey, especially young families and women. We should support young couples with aspirations for larger families. We should enable more options for women to conceive later in life and we should give more recognition to women who make career sacrifices to care for family. Let us help our young Singaporeans to be the parents they aspire to be. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I support the Motion.”
“Many of them make sacrifices in their careers to care for their families. Research over the last 20 years shows that there remains a wage gap between men and women, and this is due mainly to the impact on their wages when women interrupt their careers to have children. In Singapore, the median gross monthly salary for a woman with at least one child in their 40s is $1,000 less than woman without children and $1,000 lower than a man's median income. Interestingly, according to a 2023 Pew Research Centre study, while having children often leads to less pay for mothers, fatherhood leads to an increase. Men with children typically earn more than both women with or without kids and men without children. Men tend to increase their work hours and receive the bonus when they have children, a phenomenon also known as fatherhood wage premium. Women, meanwhile, experience the motherhood penalty. I must admit that this is an overseas study, but perhaps, worthwhile for us to study this further too. Therefore, I encourage companies that can and should step up and do more to close the gender pay gap. Last year, I encourage HR practitioners to reconsider some of the common performance evaluation criteria in practice today. For example, should the performance of women on maternity leave be assessed based on the full year, or just based on the eight months, during which they were at work? Companies can also take a longer-term view to create more options for women. With FWAs becoming more common, companies could re-design higher-level jobs, so that they allow flexible or reduced hours and workloads, but still offer the possibility of promotion.”
“They aspire to have children and want the flexibility to have children later in life when they are also more established in their careers. Studies suggest that egg freezing and thawing at a younger age provides a higher pregnancy success rate than using fresh eggs or embryos for women starting families later during assisted reproductive technology. In Singapore, the Government took a significant step forward in 2023 by legalising elective egg freezing for women aged 21 to 37, regardless of marital status. However, the high cost, estimated at $10,000 per cycle, remains a substantial barrier for many women. To support women in their reproductive choices, 11% of companies with more than 500 employees and 19% of companies with more than 20,000 employees in the US included egg freezing in the coverage of their fertility benefits in 2020. As the benefits of egg freezing become more widely recognised, I hope Singapore employers can lean forward to offer fertility benefits, including egg freezing, to support their female staff who would like the flexibility of having children later in life. In addition, subsidies are available for ART treatments like IVF, but these are accessible to women below the age of 40 and are limited to procedures conducted in public hospitals. Given the rising age of first-time mothers and the advances in medical technology, I would like to reiterate my call from 2017 to adopt a more nuanced approach, rather than removing subsidies entirely for women above 40, subsidies could be progressively reduced or adjusted according to a health assessment. And such subsidies can be offered in the private sector too. Finally, more support for mothers. We need to give more support to our mothers.”
“I would like to call on the Government to study additional support for families with, or with aspirations, for larger families. For those who wish to have three or more children, I note that the Government already provides additional support to help manage costs, such as a larger Baby Bonus Cash Gift, higher co-matching for the CDA and higher parenthood tax rebates. However, these families still need help to manage daily costs and it applies to those with more than one child. Money is also not the only constraint. Time is too, and perhaps even more so. During my house visit over the weekend, a young mother of two children lamented that childcare leave is her greatest need. She is a social worker, which is a highly intensive vocation. To her, the current childcare leave allocation works well for parents with only one child. As all parents know, we all know full well that children do not fall ill at the same time. They conspire sometimes to always fall sick consecutively. The cycles of flu then require multiple trips to the doctor’s and home rest, and the cycles then repeat themselves. I encourage efforts to see how we can further support these families, for example, through increased childcare leave for families with more than one child. We would also need to regularly review the costs faced by young couples in child-raising, especially on childcare necessities and provide more childcare support. Next, on more options for couples to start a family later. Some women do prefer to start a family later, when they are more established in their careers. For women, sometimes their best years for bearing children would also be the years when they are advancing their careers.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, today's Motion holds a special place in my heart. It is a topic I have spoken on many times in Parliament since I first became a father 10 years ago and I experienced many of the joys as well as challenges that young couples in Singapore face. Over this time, I have also witnessed the significant strides that the Government has made to support families at every stage of life. For example, our new parents enjoy 16 weeks of Government-Paid Maternity Leave, four weeks of Government-Paid Paternity Leave and up to six weeks of shared paternal parental leave. Tripartite partners have also drawn up the guidelines on FWA requests to support employers in offering FWAs more tailored to individual needs, including those of young parents, as shared by fellow labour Member, Ms Yeo Wan Ling. To support young parents in returning to work, the Government has increased and will double the availability of infant care places in the next five years. The Government has also improved access to affordable homes for families, through the First-Timer (Parents and Married Couples) priority category and the one-year Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (Open Market) Voucher. These are substantial support appreciated by our unionists and young parents. Our collective efforts are building a stronger foundation for families to grow and thrive in Singapore. However, some young couples still struggle to juggle their parenthood aspirations with other career aspirations and caregiving priorities. I want to highlight three key areas where we can better support them in managing these trade-offs in their marriage and parenthood journey. Many young couples today are supporting their parents at the same time as caring for children.”
“I thank the Minister for the reassurance that there are future plans to protect our coastal low-lying areas. I have two supplementary questions. The first one is, because it will take some time for us to build "Long Island" or longer infrastructure improvements, so, what are the interim measures, including more pumps that can be deployed quickly, especially when we are going to expect more of such monsoon-type of weather events? The second one is, we have committed to certain investments in the longer run. Now that we start to see more frequent occurrences, do we expect to invest even more? And if so, are we in a process of determining how much this would be?”
“I thank the Minister of State for her reply. It is comforting to know that plans are afoot to support our early childhood educators. When we want to bring in a lot more manpower to support the expansion, one of the key issues will be wages and wages will naturally have to go up, because there will be competition from other sectors to attract them into this space. How would the Ministry ensure that the fees continue to be affordable to young parents, even as they are better supported with more places? How do we ensure that for the providers, their margins are still viable for them to be sustainable, so that services will not be interrupted, even as fees via the increase in wages go up?”
“I thank the Senior Minister of State for her reply. I have two supplementary questions. The first is, how does the Ministry balance the earnings of drivers or potential entrants and pre-existing ones, and the availability of public transport to the public? In determining the entry of new private hire operators, or ride-hail operators, is there an optimal number? The second supplementary question, did the previous entrance of other operators over the last years cause any salient increase in COE prices?”
“For society, Singapore at large, it is a reminder that gender equality is not just an issue women should care about, but instead, a social imperative for our society to flourish. Let us work together as a nation to champion supportive workplaces, encourage families for life and pave a way for a future where Singapore's sons and daughters live in a society that values their contributions equally. Mr Speaker, I support the Bill.”
“The Bill before us today goes beyond addressing shared caregiving responsibilities alone. It can be a meaningful step towards narrowing the gender pay gap and improving the labour participation rates of women. I have spoken on various occasions on the importance of closing the gender pay gap in Singapore. The gender pay gap has been attributed to the fact that women shoulder a disproportionate burden of caregiving responsibilities which, in turn, causes them, or might cause them, to fall behind in the workplace. The time away from work can cause our women to lose out on work and wage progression. While we have made significant progress in the past decade to narrow our gender pay gap, more must be done. With the renewed GPPL aimed at redistributing caregiving responsibilities more equitably at the start of a child's life, I hope that this shared commitment between couples would endure during the child's formative years. In turn, we can change the outdated notions of the roles of men and women within family and level the playing field between genders in the long run. It is worth noting that this Bill will likely provide a positive, long-term effect on the next generation of Singaporeans. I am hopeful that children who grow up seeing both parents share caregiving responsibilities will thereafter carry these norms into their own lives when they start their own families in the future. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Bill before us today is not just a routine Bill. It is a call to action for us all. For fathers, it is an invitation to play larger roles in parenting. For workplaces, it is a call for stakeholders to cultivate a supportive environment that is understanding of the dual responsibilities of both mothers and fathers.”
“I also note and support that the same protections are also now extended to parents on adoption leave. Could the Ministry consider increasing the quantum of such a fine to not exceeding $10,000 for first-time offenders across GPML, GPPL and, in fact, adoption leave? I believe that by doing so, we will send a stronger signal towards the Government's stance on such dismissals. Over time, together with the upcoming Workplace Fairness Legislation, which will strengthen protections for employees with caregiving responsibilities against discrimination for all employment decisions, this will help to normalise the role of fathers in shouldering caregiving responsibilities. However, whilst such protection does provide some comfort to employees, some workers, especially fathers, may still hesitate to fully utilise their entitlement due to workplace cultures that might frown upon long absences. This is where inclusive workplace cultures become paramount. I would like to encourage employers to embrace family-friendly policies and consider a broader and deeper adoption of the flexible workplace arrangement for employees to allow them to shoulder both their work and family responsibilities. From a business standpoint, the concerns of employers are real. Yet, studies have also demonstrated that supportive and family-oriented workplace policies enhance job satisfaction and may even enhance profitability. I do acknowledge that our small and medium enterprises (SMEs) may face operational constraints in complying with the new legislation, and I would like to urge the Ministry to consider the constraints faced by these SMEs and help them to adopt inclusive workplaces. The Labour Movement stands ready to assist the Ministry on this front. Next, on closing the gender pay gap.”
“Research has shown that fathers who actively participate in caregiving for their children build stronger bonds with their children. Downstream effects of undertaking such an active role include positive cognitive and social developmental outcomes in children and can include positive labour-market outcomes. Even while our young couples play their role in stepping up to their family commitments, supportive workplaces are key to making this aspiration a reality. Some single or older workers might be asked to cover duties for their child-bearing colleagues. Some employers have lamented where would the additional manpower come from. These are valid concerns, but the low birth rate is a national collective issue. I encourage companies to support our workers who would need to cover duties either with incentives or to hire additional manpower from the Government payment. Workplaces play a crucial role in creating a positive environment that supports the Government's family-friendly policies. There will, indeed, be sacrifices from all quarters, but we had also made it work back then in the earlier years, where there were significantly more births. Besides, without a supportive environment, some women, or in fact men, might decide to leave the company. Therefore, it is a good human capital practice to retain talent in the company by providing support to our young parents. Legislatively, the Bill does much to ensure that fathers enjoy the benefits and protection arising from GPPL. For example, the proposed amendments to section 12H of the Bill introduces protection for an employee against dismissals during the period that such an employee is taking the GPPL. Errant employers are liable to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or up to a six-month term of imprisonment.”
“With smaller family sizes, young couples are increasingly finding it difficult to manage both their aspirations with their family commitments. Most of us will have heard of young couples shelving their plans to start families because of the lack of caregiving support. I believe that the enhanced leave structure will go a long way in helping couples who wish to start or expand their families better manage their responsibilities. We will also continue to keep up pace in evolving social-cultural norms by promoting the new norm of shared parenting. But providing the legislative support is futile if the utilisation of the GPPL does not continue to improve from the 53% in 2022. The legislative signal can promote an important signal to employers and peers. But there are also larger societal shifts that will be imperative to the success of this policy shift and, in fact, the SPL. I shall address them in turn. Firstly, fathers must actively step up to their responsibilities to be more involved. The Bill places a renewed emphasis on the roles that fathers can have on parenting. It is a cultural norm, perhaps more so in Asian societies, that caregiving is still seen as that falling within the domain of mothers, while fathers are the traditional breadwinner. I believe that such cultural norms are already changing, especially amongst our younger Singaporeans. But such outdated notions remain in Singapore society. The enhanced GPPL, whilst a shift in policy, cannot, by itself, drive this cultural change. For that shift to happen, we need both fathers and mothers to contribute within the home and in the workplace. This is why I would like to call on fathers to utilise the GPPL to take on an active, meaningful role in raising their children.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Bill. This Bill, if passed, is a significant signal to our young Singaporeans that the Government will make significant policy moves to support their family journeys. Many young couples desire to be highly involved parents. Besides resources and housing, many of them worry if they would have the time and space to care for their children. They want to give the best to their children. There are many needs, and there are already many policy interventions that are necessary and some of them are already in place. The first year of birth is often the most challenging. As with all parents, we all struggle with caring for our babies. It is nearly always all hands on deck or crib in that first year. I remember speaking about this issue in 2016, a few months after the birth of my first child. The weariness and eye bags were very evident then. Further supporting young Singaporeans in the first year of birth is indeed the right move. But this Bill also sends a strong message that there needs to be a greater and faster evolution in gender-based family stereotypes. Our women and mothers bear a greater responsibility at home. While we have made progress over the years, it is true that our women and mothers bear the lion's share of the burden. The differences between the male and female labour force participation rates are evident, so our mothers will need greater caregiving support. But we also need a strong societal signal that everyone can play a role to narrow the gender gap, especially those born out of cultural norms. When fully implemented on 1 April 2026, it will bring total paid parental leave to 30 weeks, up from the current 20 weeks. It also encourages fathers to play a greater role in parenting.”
“Mr Speaker, I have two supplementary questions for the Minister of State. First, I think we do want thank MAS and the Ministry of Finance (MOF) teams. It is not easy to put up all the defences against scams. Perhaps, the Minister of State and MOF could give an update on the progress of the different measures and what we can look forward to. The second one is on the threshold of $50,000. To some of the lower-income residents or the depositors, $50,000 is a fairly high threshold and many of them will not have that kind of savings. You quickly deplete it, you will run out of all savings. Many of us would have seen it during our Meet-the-People Sessions. Banks do have the data across different bank accounts about how much per person will have in totality. Is there a possibility that the threshold can be set lower automatically for those lower-income residents, so that we can safeguard whatever savings that they have? Or MAS or MOF can allow an opt-in option for these residents, or the children of these lower-income residents, to help them to get onto this, so that they can get these notifications or the 24-hour delay much easier?”
“This is a question for Minister Chee Hong Tat. The strategic intent for this deal is to help policy-makers in the longer run. So, in MAS' review of this deal and that now that this deal will be halted, what does it mean for policy-holders in the short to the long run? Will the terms of their policy to their board be safeguarded and should policy-holders be concerned?”
“I thank the Minister for her reply. Just one supplementary question. Across the Labour Movement, both the younger workers appreciate the move and the older workers similarly understand the reason why this has to be done. For a workforce that is ageing and could shrink over time, the worry among the older workers or those who already have children and do not intend to have more, their worry is, "I have to cover more duties and I might need to do this for many more years to come if the Government policies work as well as they are supposed to". So, would the Ministry provide guidance on how employers can better support these workers, the existing ones, in carrying the additional load? How can some of the support from the Government be better shared with the workers and can we expect further support for these workers?”
“Mr Speaker, I thank the Senior Minister of State for her very comprehensive reply. I have two supplementary questions. The first is on the feedback from taxi and PHC drivers. They have told the Labour Movement that over the last six months especially, their earnings and bookings have dropped by more than 30%. They certainly understand that market forces are at work, but they also hope to have the Ministry's view on how it can support the P2P drivers during times of protracted low fares. How do we balance between adequate supply and the livelihoods of these drivers? And secondly, in establishing the optimal capacity for P2P vis-a-vis other public transportation modes, what are the key considerations by the Ministry?”
“It also demonstrates that the People's Action Party (PAP) Government is prepared to make bold changes to its policies to improve the lives of Singaporeans. The gig economy offers workers a flexible way to achieve financial independence or sustenance, and we must ensure they are protected from the imbalances of power that exist in this sector. But our work does not end here. We must continue to listen to the voices of our platform workers and make necessary adjustments to ensure that this Bill achieves its intended outcome. Every worker matters and the Labour Movement stands ready to assist the Government in engaging our platform workers to ensure that this Bill achieves its intent. I look forward to a stronger social compact, ensuring that our society works towards leaving no worker behind. Mr Deputy Speaker, I support the Bill.”
“All of us, platform workers, companies and consumers, must share the responsibility of ensuring that the gig economy remains fair and sustainable for all stakeholders. By working together, we can ensure that these changes benefit not just platform workers, but all of Singapore. There are a few points I would like to raise for the Ministry's considerations. The gig economy often involves workers engaging with multiple platforms simultaneously. For instance, a delivery rider might work for different food delivery platforms or even ride-hailing services, as discussed earlier. This can create unique challenges when it comes to applying to WICA. We have talked about having a look-back period, but invariably, this may lead to disputes among insurance or even companies delaying compensation for workers. To address this, how does the Ministry ensure guidelines are sufficiently clear and robust and there will be a robust arbitration system in place so that the payouts are not unduly delayed? The Bill primarily focuses on workers engaged in transportation and delivery services. But the gig economy clearly extends beyond these sectors. Platforms offering cleaning services, digital work and nursing services are also significant parts of the gig economy. Could the Ministry clarify its rationale for focusing on transportation and delivery services now? And will there be a periodic review mechanism to update the definition of "platform workers" as the gig economy evolves? Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, this Bill is a positive step forward for Singapore. Providing platform workers with the protection they deserve is essential as we build an inclusive society.”
“This is welcome news for the labour union-affiliated associations, like the National Private Hire Vehicles Association, the National Delivery Champions Association and the National Taxi Association. With the formal legal backing, these associations can now, more effectively, engage with platform companies to represent and protect their members, ensuring a more balanced playing field for platform workers. And members will also be supported by NTUC's full ecosystem of support and privileges. Without such representation, platform workers often find themselves voiceless and powerless. In the UK, Uber drivers had to fight a lengthy legal battle to be recognised as workers, rather than independent contractors. The absence of formal representation delayed their access to basic protection for years. This Bill seeks to prevent such struggles by empowering associations to protect platform workers' rights from the outset. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, while this Bill represents a significant step forward, it is important to acknowledge the challenges and trade-offs that come with it. These protections will likely come at a cost, at least in the short term. Platform companies will need to adjust their business models to comply with these new obligations and some of these costs may, indeed, be passed on to consumers. The Government has come in via the PCTS to help with the transition. This means that short-term price volatility is likely to be mitigated, giving time for the system to adjust. However, we must remember the broader social compact that we are trying to build in Singapore requires contributions from all parties.”
“If we care for the workers, we must plan for the longer run. Currently, mandatory work and injury compensation for platform workers is non-existent. Some platform companies offer insurance but it is not mandated. This leaves workers vulnerable when accidents occur, facing both medical bills and loss of income. Cases of riders suffering injuries resulting in inability to work are not uncommon. Without mandatory workplace injury coverage, they will have to rely on their savings or the goodwill of friends and family to cover their medical expenses and support their households. Such is the precarious situation many delivery riders face. The struggles underscore the urgent need for a standardised, mandated workplace injury compensation scheme that protects all platform workers. A 2022 survey by the Institute of Policy Studies, further underscores the urgency of this issue, finding that more than a third of delivery riders in Singapore had been in some forms of accident requiring medical attention. Yet without legislative protection, they are left with the financial brunt of such incidents. This Bill will introduce mandatory work injury compensation for platform workers, providing them with the same level of protection as traditional employees under WICA. Whether it is a delivery rider injured at a job or a private hire driver involved in an accident, platform workers will now have the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are now covered. The Bill also allows for platform workers to be formally represented by associations, giving these associations legal standing to advocate on behalf of workers.”
“It is this spirit of cooperation and dialogue that has enabled us to achieve what many other countries have struggled with: a harmonious and effective approach to regulating and improving the gig economy. In many countries, efforts to regulate the gig or platform economy have faced significant resistance. In California, for example, platform companies have invested millions in legal battles to overturn legislation protecting platform workers. The situation has similarly been challenging in Europe, where attempts to classify gig workers as employees have been met with stiff opposition from platform companies. However, in Singapore, we have taken a different approach. By leveraging on our strong tradition of tripartism, we have brought together the Government, unions and platform companies to craft a framework that balances the needs of all parties. This collaborative approach has allowed us to move forward with this bold legislative and policy change, ensuring we protect our workers while maintaining the flexibility and sustainability of the gig economy. A key feature of the Bill is ensuring that platform workers have access to CPF contributions. This is crucial for helping them build a secure financial future, especially for younger workers who aspire to own their homes and save for retirement. By mandating CPF contributions from both platform companies and workers, we are not just protecting these individuals. We are investing in their future. While it may be challenging for workers to adapt to a lower take-home pay initially, the PCTS will help alleviate this burden. This phased approach gives workers time to adjust to the new scheme. Workers will also get employers' contributions to the CPF, lending further support for longer-term retirement and housing support.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, today we are debating a Bill that marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to uplift and care for the workers of Singapore. Protecting our platform workers is a cause the Labour Movement has championed for many years. This Bill addresses the unique challenges faced by workers in Singapore's growing gig economy, now widely known as platform workers. These workers have quietly become indispensable to our daily lives – delivering our food, driving us to our destinations and bringing parcels to our doorsteps. At its core, this Bill seeks to strike a delicate balance. On one hand, it provides our platform workers with the basic protections they deserve. This is a significant win for the more than 75,000 platform workers, who rely on this work for their livelihoods. For too long, these workers have operated in the grey area, unable to benefit from the protections of the Employment Act and relying on the goodwill of platform companies for insurance coverage. This Bill proposes to provide them with a safety net through mandatory CPF contributions, insurance coverage and the right to formal representation. On the other hand, this Bill is sensitive to the flexibility that characterises platform work. The objective is not just to protect current workers but to ensure that the gig economy remains a sustainable part of our economy in the long term. Mr Deputy Speaker, if it is passed, this legislation will be a landmark legislation globally. The cornerstone of this legislative change is Singapore's tripartism. Tripartism is our unique collaboration among the Government, employers and unions. It has long been the bedrock of Singapore's labour relations.”
“Under the new provisions, operators must conduct CDD checks for cash transactions or deposits of $4,000 or more, considering the risks of proliferation financing. These changes align our regulations with international standards, ensuring that our casino sector remains resilient against money laundering and terrorism financing threats. However, it is also important to balance these new requirements with operational feasibility. I suggest that the Ministry also consider a phased approach to introducing these requirements, accompanied by industry feedback sessions and consultations. The Labour Movement is ready to assist with any education or awareness sessions required. This phased implementation will help a smooth transition while upholding robust AML/CFT standards. Mr Speaker, in conclusion, the Anti-Money Laundering and Other Matters (Amendment) Bill represents a significant step towards strengthening our financial system and aligning with international standards in the fight against financial crimes. I support this Bill.”
“Offenses, like illegal mining, logging and waste trafficking, will now be recognised as serious offenses under our laws, aligning Singapore with international efforts to protect the environment. To ensure effective enforcement, I ask the Ministry to clarify the measures it will implement to foster international cooperation in investigating these offenses. Establishing partnerships with global environmental agencies and enhancing information-sharing protocols will be essential. The Bill also emphasises the importance of enhanced cross-agency data sharing to improve the detection of money laundering activities. Amendments to various Acts will enable agencies, such as IRAS and Customs to share data with STRO. Given the increasing complexity of financial crimes, real-time data sharing is vital for timely intervention and regulatory action. Considering the recent data breaches, the Ministry must ensure that robust data privacy and security measures are in place within this framework. Strengthening data security protocols and conducting regular audits will be crucial to protecting sensitive information. A key aspect of the Bill is the focus on leveraging technology to combat money laundering and other financial crimes. Technologies, like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and advanced data analytics, offer significant potential to enhance transaction monitoring and regulatory oversight. Can the Minister also share, how does the Ministry intend to use these technologies and to outline plans for further integration? The Bill also amends the Casino Control Act to tighten requirements for casino operators regarding CDD checks.”
“Mr Speaker, I rise in support of the Anti-Money Laundering and Other Matters (Amendment) Bill. This legislation aims to fortify our financial system against the threats of money laundering, terrorism financing and the financing of weapons of mass destruction. Singapore, known for its clean and transparent financial hub, remains a target for malicious actors. Against backdrop of the recent $3 billion money laundering case, it is crucial that we take decisive action to further strengthen our financial system. The Bill proposes crucial amendments to the CDSA to simplify the prosecution of money laundering cases, particularly those with international ties. Currently, prosecutors must establish a direct link between criminal conduct and laundered money in Singapore. This is extremely challenging when funds move across multiple jurisdictions. The proposed amendments remove this requirement to prove this physical link, allowing prosecution based on the intent of the accused. Prosecutors must, of course, still demonstrate beyond reasonable doubt, that the accused knew or had reason to believe that they were handling criminal proceeds. This amendment strikes a necessary balance between facilitating prosecution and protecting individual rights. However, the subjective nature of the "reasonableness" standard requires careful monitoring. How would the Ministry be guided in determining what constitutes "reasonableness"? What are the precedent cases and judgments that would guide the Ministry? The Bill also introduces a Third Schedule to the CDSA, categorising serious foreign environmental crimes as predicate offenses. This move is timely, reflecting the global urgency to combat environmental degradation.”
“Section 17 introduces stringent measures to combat money laundering, proliferation financing and terrorism financing. Registered CSPs must perform comprehensive CDD in various crucial circumstances: before providing any corporate service, upon suspicion of illicit activities and when there is reason to doubt previous CDD findings. Non-compliance carries significant penalties, with fines up to $100,000 for the CSP and its senior management. A critical requirement is conducting CDD based on previous findings, necessitating CSPs to reassess and update their CDD measures periodically. Can I seek clarification on whether there will be a prescribed look-back period or if CSPs must undertake a full review of their current CDD for all existing customers? It is essential to strike a balance that ensures AML compliance while considering the operational feasibility for CSPs. Mdm Deputy Speaker, the Bill marks a decisive step in fortifying Singapore's financial integrity. By tightening the regulatory oversight of CSPs, we reaffirm our commitment to global leadership in combating financial crime. As we move forward, let us remember: "The price of freedom from financial crime is eternal vigilance." Let us ensure Singapore retains its position as a trusted financial hub in the international space. With this, I support the Bill.”
“Notably, section 9(2)(f) stipulates that the Registrar must decline re-registration applications for CSPs whose previous registration was cancelled within two years due to non-compliance, serving as a "cooling-off" period. To enhance the Bill's effectiveness against money laundering, we should consider extending this mandatory "cooling-off" period beyond two years. The duration of this period should also differ, based on the severity of the non-compliance. This will underscore the seriousness of regulatory compliance and act as a stringent deterrent against non-compliance. The Bill also mandates CSPs and qualified individuals to complete prescribed courses or training related to Customer Due Diligence (CDD) requirements and AML best practices. Sufficient time should be provided for CSPs to meet such requirements. The Labour Movement, through NTUC Learning Hub, is ready to partner ACRA and the Ministry to deliver these courses. The Ministry should also consider providing training subsidies to facilitate broader access and affordability. Section 8(3) grants the Registrar discretion to impose different conditions on registered CSPs based on various classes or circumstances. I agree that tailored conditions would ensure robust AML safeguards while not causing unnecessary compliance costs. Clarification is needed, however, on what are these circumstances that would justify differing conditions. This would better guide companies in deciding whether they are required to register as a CSP and, as for the existing CSPs, how could they prepare to meet escalated conditions. Certainly, for CSPs with international operations and, thus, facing heightened risks in managing international transactions, enhanced requirements must be imposed.”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, I rise in support of the Bill. Over the past decades, Singapore has emerged as a global financial centre. We have a good reputation for our robust regulatory framework and our commitment to uphold high standards of integrity in the financial sector. However, recent data from Moody's show that money laundering events in Singapore surged by 79% year-on-year. This is not surprising, considering that Singapore faced and tackled decisively the largest money laundering incident last year involving S$3 billion of illicit funds. This episode occurred despite our regular reviews of our AML strategy, such as the 2022 requirement for companies to maintain registers of nominee shareholders and directors. Bad actors will continue to find their ways to mask their activities. As Singapore strives to maintain its reputation as an open and transparent financial hub, stringent legislation at all levels is necessary. We must protect our financial sector from illicit activities and strengthen global investor confidence. This Bill is timely. It aims to strengthen the regulatory regime governing CSPs. It ensures they rigorously adhere to AML protocols and align with international standards set by bodies, such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). CSPs can act as key gatekeepers against money laundering, serving as part of our first line of defence. Under the proposed Bill, CSPs can only conduct business if they are registered for the type of corporate service they provide. Section 9 outlines the Registrar's responsibilities, including the mandate to refuse applications or renewals under specific circumstances.”
“Balancing cybersecurity objectives with the legitimate commercial interests of entities is crucial, particularly for data centers and cloud service providers. Mdm Deputy Speaker, in Mandarin, please. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.]: We have witnessed rapid technological developments in Singapore. Technology has become an integral part of our lives, crucial for the smooth operation of various activities, whether in the Government or private sector. Unfortunately, malicious actors have caused several data breach incidents in recent years. These incidents have increased by 319% in just the past two years. The Government would take action to strengthen our cybersecurity policies. Under the proposed Bill, the CSA will have a broader regulatory scope to ensure our cybersecurity strategies. Regulated entities will be required to comply with directives issued by the CSA or else face severe financial penalties. I believe that by amending policies targeting new cyber threats, the security of Singapore's cyberspace will be better safeguarded. (In English): In conclusion, Mdm Deputy Speaker, I firmly support the Bill. Deputy Speaker: Ms Hany Soh. 3.43 pm”
“It provides a clear understanding of how cyber threats can infiltrate our networks, promoting transparency and accountability. However, stakeholders have raised concerns about the compliance costs associated with these new obligations. What is the Ministry's current estimation on the increase in compliance costs as a result of the new requirements? The CIIs also have the option of moving to commercial cloud solutions. How would CSA provide upstream vetting of such cloud services so that the CIIs can have a greater assurance on which are the reliable commercial cloud services. Would CIIs be restricted to cloud services that are hosted in Singapore only? Are there concerns on data security of critical infrastructure if these services are hosted overseas? Moving on to ESCIs, the Bill empowers the CSA to designate and regulate entities handling sensitive data or fulfilling roles of national importance. Maintaining the confidentiality of the list of the designated ESCIs is crucial to prevent targeted attacks by malicious actors. Stricter penalties beyond those provided under the Official Secrets Act for any wrongful communication of this list should be considered to deter potential breaches effectively. In addition, how often would this list be updated? Under the proposed amendments, the CSA retains the power to issue written directions to designated entities to ensure cybersecurity. While entities have the option to object to such directions, it is essential to provide avenues for appeal, especially considering the potential financial implications for non-compliance. That said, I strongly support that the fine for non-compliance is set at 10% of the total revenue of the company. This sends a strong signal to companies of their responsibility in ensuring cybersecurity.”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, I rise in support of the Bill. It has been almost six years since this House debated and passed the Act; and in that time, technology has advanced rapidly. We have witnessed a surge in the use of technology across various sectors, from Government services to healthcare in the private sector. Unfortunately, this progress has also attracted malicious actors who pose a threat to our security. In Singapore, we have seen a significant increase in data breaches, up by around 319% in the past two years alone, totalling 65,702 incidents. Cybersecurity has rightfully taken center stage globally and especially here in Singapore. It is crucial to act swiftly against such threats. A robust and regularly updated cybersecurity framework is equally important as our first line of defence. The proposed Bill expands the responsibilities of CII owners and the oversight of CSA to cover STCCs. Additionally, it introduces two new classes of regulated entities: ESCI and FDI, which includes data centers. For example, DBS and Citibank services saw a complete outage last year due to a technical issue at the Equinix data centre. While the services were not disrupted due to cyber-attacks or committed by malicious actors, the disruption was palpable and widely felt across the economy. We can only imagine if malicious actors were the cause of this damage, it would be wider and more damaging. Regarding CIIs, owners are currently required to report cybersecurity events involving their systems. The Bill extends this obligation to include peripheral systems connected to the CIIs. This change is crucial as it ensures a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, focusing not only on main systems but also on peripheral ones, which are equally vulnerable.”
“She and her grassroots' leaders noticed that the traffic situation in the Watten Estate and Hillcrest area would require some localised touch in regards to road safety. So, what they have done is, they have worked with the agencies to install reminders to motorists to say, "You will take one minute to arrive at the junction of Dunearn Road", for example. So, this gives that opportunity for the riders to internalise the time, so they do not have to rush, especially in areas where there are many other stakeholders who are vulnerable, like school children. Yesterday, I saw many young children there. I am happy that such local initiatives would help us. TP continues to work with the ground. For example, we have published a book for preschool students and we have been going around to preschools to engage the students, their parents and the teachers. We also recently launched the "Reward the Sensible Motorists" campaign. Yesterday, Senior Minister of State Sim Ann and I rewarded a motorist, who was pleasantly surprised that he was stopped by TP to give commendation to him. So, these are things that I hope we can work together on, to really make the term "Road Safety is Necessarily a Shared Responsibility" alive for our people, so that we can help to save lives and bring goodness to people around us.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his reply. This is with reference to the most tragic accident in Tampines. Many of our colleagues in Tampines and Pasir Ris have received many comments from our residents, seeking answers on how we can prevent this similar incident from happening. Without prejudicing the investigation, can the Minister of State share further with regard to this particular case, what are the steps taken to mitigate against such potential accidents and prevent such tragic cases from happening again? And secondly, can the Minister of State also share, compared to 10 to 15 years ago, especially in those particular areas, are our roads safer today? Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: Madam, I thank the Member for the supplementary questions. I will answer the second question first. If you look back and you look at the trend of the accidents, in fact, today, our roads are safer compared to 10 or 15 years ago. The number of fatalities last year was lower, compared to 10 years ago, in 2013, for example, and the number of injury accidents last year was also lower than pre-pandemic years. With regard to the first question, I have also answered some parts of it in my main answer. As I also shared, we are looking further at the demerit points and the composition framework, to further enhance the road safety ecosystem. That is one part. The other part is, I think, as I have shared earlier, road safety is necessarily a shared responsibility. I am very happy to see that over the years, more and more Community Partners have come on board to join in this effort. Just yesterday morning, I was with Senior Minister of State Sim Ann to launch a very meaningful programme undertaken by her grassroots organisations, as well as with the stakeholders.”
“In conclusion, co-ops play a crucial role in promoting the public good and these amendments will empower them to better serve their members and their community and ultimately, Singapore. Mr Speaker, I support the Bill.”
“Increasing this limit, especially for co-ops with robust governance structures, will enable them to hedge against inflation and the higher cost of funds and running businesses more effectively. This is especially needed when there are newer asset classes and instruments that may require more capital outlay. Second, I hope that the Ministry can explore how co-ops can modernise and access productivity grants available currently to SMEs. Utilising Government's support for capacity building and technical assistance would enhance governance, management and operational efficiency, optimising resources and activities for membership self-help. Next, on the Central Co-operative Fund or CCF grants. The CCF grants serve as an important tool in promoting the progress of co-ops. For example, the recently unveiled Sustainability Grant provides funding support to enable co-ops to kick-start their sustainability journey in line with Singapore's Green Plan 2030. Can the Ministry share on the uptake of the Sustainability Grant to date? The Progressive Workplace Grant, which provided a one-off grant for adopting the Tripartite Standards in 2023, has been given out to 25 co-operatives. This translates into 25 more co-operatives with more progressive workplace standards. In considering the changing needs of the workforce, progressive workplace standards must now be the norm, as opposed to the exception. This is especially so whereby co-ops are established for the purpose of doing good for members. Can the Ministry consider extending or enhancing the Progressive Workplace Grant to encourage greater adoption of tripartite standards? Promoting progressive workplace standards aligns with the ethos of co-ops, aiming to benefit their members.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill. It offers greater operational and corporate flexibility to co-operatives in Singapore. Co-operatives play an important role in promoting mutual assistance and self-help, aligning with principles of economic and social benefit to members. The first co-operative was set up close to a century ago. Co-operatives are also important institutions for nation-building, such as the FairPrice Group, which seeks to moderate the cost of living for Singaporeans, amongst other objectives. They have become an important institution in Singapore, contributing to nation-building. They also represent an important ethos of mutual help. And for larger co-operatives, such as the FairPrice Group, they serve important national imperatives. The proposed amendments, allowing co-operatives to pay dividends and honoraria from the reserves with the Registrar's approval, and issue bonds and debentures, will facilitate their growth and enhance benefits for their members. While welcoming these changes, I suggest some measures for further consideration by the Ministry. First, there is a diverse range of co-operatives with different levels of resources and governance capabilities. We can consider enabling the well-governed and better-performing co-operatives to take slightly more investment risk or distribute more surpluses to members that will level the playing field and enhance their effectiveness. This is compared to the options offered by other corporate governance structures, which might offer more flexibility in investing accumulated resources. Regarding investment risk, I propose revisiting the default 10% limit on credit co-ops' total assets for investing in restricted investments approved by the Registrar.”
“Our officers' deep training allows them to execute their roles decisively even while they put themselves harm's way. These very actions make the difference between minimising harm and allowing a situation to go very wrong. Thus, we must provide our officers with every available tool to protect life and property. Thus, I support the enhancements in the Bill. At the same time, I note that it is crucial to ensure sensitive and safe apprehension procedures that are updated regularly. Partnership with the mental healthcare sector to develop standardised procedures and providing additional training and resources for law enforcement officers is essential. Lastly, regarding apprehension in attempted suicide cases, individuals are obligated to aid Police officers. Can the Ministry clarify that refusal to aid the officer, while regrettable is not an offence? In conclusion, I support the Bill as a crucial step in fortifying Singapore's security and resilience. The amendments targeting scams offer promising solutions which can reduce the number of scam-related incidents. Additionally, sensitive treatment and effective handling of mentally disordered individuals by law enforcement agencies with clear parameters informed and supported by the mental health community will be paramount. Mr Speaker, I support the Bill.”
“It seeks to set clear thresholds for apprehension, ensuring effectiveness and clarity. Mental health experts, rightfully, are concerned that the changes could lead to wrongful apprehensions and deepen stigma of mental health patients. Currently, Police can only apprehend mentally disordered individuals if they pose "imminent" danger. The proposed amendments would allow apprehension based on a "reasonable belief" of potential harm. What are the measures put in place to minimise hasty assessment by untrained officers that increase the chances wrongful apprehension? In addition, can the Ministry also clarify what are the scenarios constituting what is "reasonably" in determining when a Police officer may make such arrest or apprehension. I propose that the Ministry also partner the mental health community to train and prepare our officers for this new change in the law. At the same time, we must appreciate the difficulties in making the right operational decisions. It is not uncommon for Police officers to encounter situations on the ground where the threat of violence can escalate very quickly. There are many variables that can cause such escalation. Such situations can happen during patrols. They can also happen when Police officers are called down to a scene. There can be very little time from the escalation to harm actually being caused. Our officers must be trusted and empowered to protect not only the subject but also innocent bystanders. They must also have the weight of the law behind them to discharge their duties and not have to second-guess themselves. In fact, second-guessing in such situations can be highly dangerous. In the years that I served in the Singapore Police Force, I have witnessed a few of such situations that warrant decisive actions.”
“Mr Speaker, this Bill is aimed at bolstering law enforcement efforts in Singapore. It addresses two critical areas: combating scams and enhancing Home Team operations. I will speak on them in turn. First, on combating scams. Scams have surged globally with technological advancements and Singapore is no exception. From 2022 to 2023, there was a 46.8% increase in scam cases. Victims lost more than S$600 million. This is despite having measures, such as SMS Sender ID Registry and blocking overseas scam calls, amongst other measures. The Bill targets three key groups involved in facilitating scams: those irresponsibly registering local SIM cards or Group A; those possessing or supplying SIM cards or Group B; and retailers facilitating fraudulent SIM card registration or Group C. For Group A, can the Ministry clarify why 10 SIM cards is used as a threshold? For Group C, authorisation is an essential condition. How can the Ministry simplify and standardise the authorisation processes for companies to implement this effectively? The proposed penalties for offenders include fines of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment, with harsher penalties for repeat offenders. Because the potential losses caused to victims are high, we should consider minimum fines and jail terms for individual offenders and fines tied to a percentage of annual revenue for retailers. Effective strategies are crucial to detect and prosecute such sales of SIM cards. Many of them operate on platforms like Telegram or Carousell. How would the Ministry work with the platform owners to stem out such activities? Next, on the enhancements to support our Home Team operations. The proposed amendments empower law enforcement agencies, particularly the Police Force, in handling mental health-related incidents.”
“Mr Speaker, I thank Minister of State Alvin Tan for his response. I have two supplementary questions. The first one is on the consultation. Clearly, MAS has done a very wide consultation. I would like to ask what has been the approaches taken by other jurisdictions with regard to this issue? What has worked and what will be incorporated for Singapore? The second one would be on Money Lock. When I spoke to many of my residents, they heard about this from me and they said it is a great thing. But this is the first time they are hearing it. So, how can we expand the awareness amongst the people who need it most which are likely to be the seniors, who might not be very Internet or digitally savvy?”