Edward Chia Bing Hui
Singapore
“So, I therefore call on the Government to develop a transport jobs and skills roadmap, aligned with our future transport strategy, to identify emerging jobs, the skills required and the training pathways to help Singaporeans seize these opportunities.”
“Thank you, Speaker. The Senior Minister of State also pointed out that at some point Singapore will have a land constraint and looking at the constraints, we, therefore, need to look at maximising the available EV charging infrastructures and, therefore, utilisation rate.”
“Sir, this Bill is a strong step forward. Its success will depend on building credible, liquid instruments that are fully integrated into Singapore's capital markets ecosystem. With continued focus on adaptability, ecosystem strength and investor clarity, Singapore can realise the full potential of this framework.”
“Sir, I have three supplementary questions. First of all, frontier models require a significant amount of compute and are likely to be concentrated among well-resourced organisations, leading to concerns about accessibility and uneven capabilities.”
“Question No 5, Sir. The Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information (Mr Tan Kiat How) (for the Minister for Digital Development and Information): Mr Speaker, Sir, my response will cover the questions raised by Mr Saktiandi Supaat and Mr Edward Chia in today's Order Paper.”
“Could the Minister clarify the criteria and safeguards for granting such waivers, and how consistency will be ensured? It would be important to avoid unintended circumvention or uneven application across businesses. Finally, on transition and unintended behaviours. I note that there will be a transition period before full implementation.”
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“So, I therefore call on the Government to develop a transport jobs and skills roadmap, aligned with our future transport strategy, to identify emerging jobs, the skills required and the training pathways to help Singaporeans seize these opportunities. Mr Speaker, Sir, Singapore's success has always depended on our ability to adapt to a changing world. Transport will be central to Singapore's future competitiveness and relevance. When we execute this well, transport will remain a key pillar of Singapore's competitiveness because we are trusted, innovative, resilient and able to create good jobs for Singaporeans. I support the Motion.”
“Startups are agile innovators that can accelerate transport transformation by developing and testing emerging technologies. They can drive innovation in AI, robotics, autonomous systems, maritime digitalisation, aviation software, digital twins, predictive maintenance, cybersecurity and supply chain resilience. But startups often struggle to access real operating environments, procurement channels, testbeds and first reference customers. This is where the Government can help chart a clearer pathway for startups to scale. This may include pilot procurement, anonymised operational data access, reference customers and partnerships with SMEs, local enterprises and MNCs. Startups provide innovation, SMEs provide operational expertise and larger enterprises provide scale and market access. This three-way partnership can help Singapore build a stronger innovation ecosystem around transport. So, I call on the Government to develop a stronger transport-tech startup strategy, with clearer pathways for startups to partner with SMEs, local enterprises and MNCs. Mr Speaker, Sir, this transformation must create good jobs for Singaporeans. I suggest three priority training tracks. First, AI-enabled transport operations, covering demand forecasting, route optimisation, digital dashboards and predictive maintenance. Second, green fuel and safety capabilities, covering ammonia safety, battery systems, sustainable aviation fuel, biofuels, methanol, emergency response and compliance. Third, advanced MRO and systems integration, covering digital maintenance records, sensors, robotics, cybersecurity and automation. These pathways should be developed across ITE, polytechnics, universities, SkillsFuture and industry, with strong mid-career conversion routes.”
“In this way, Singapore can become a regional green vessel transformation hub, connecting fuel supply, bunkering, vessel upgrading, safety standards and skilled jobs for Singaporeans. I call on the Government to bring together our maritime, aviation and clean energy initiatives into a coherent regional green transport strategy, covering sustainable aviation fuel, biofuels, electric harbour craft, methanol and ammonia bunkering and working with our neighbours on common standards, trusted supply chains and regional offtake arrangements. This future transport ecosystem must ultimately be about enterprises and people. For SMEs, the key challenge is implementation. This is especially important in transport, logistics, aviation and maritime, where SMEs support MRO, fleet operations, safety systems, supplies, inspection, compliance and training and maintenance. The Government should help transport SMEs identify practical AI use cases, adopt sector-relevant tools and measure productivity gains. Logistics firms can use AI to reduce empty runs and improve routing, MRO and marine service SMEs can use digital tools for predictive diagnostics, safety compliance and alternative-fuel readiness. As large players invest in green fuel and vessel conversion, SMEs can provide the specialised capabilities that make the ecosystem work – components, sensors, gas detection, emergency response diagnostics, safety equipment and modular training. I therefore call on the Government to support transport SMEs in building capabilities in AI-enabled diagnostics, green fuel safety, alternative-fuel MRO, electrification and maritime compliance. This future transport ecosystem must also include technology startups.”
“Clean fuels, including biofuels, e-fuels and hydrogen derivatives, should be seen as an ecosystem opportunity. For Singapore, this means becoming a trusted regional hub for clean fuels, aggregating sustainable feedstock, certifying provenance and emissions and supporting refining and blending, storage, trading and financing and supplying aviation and maritime users. This would strengthen our aviation and maritime hub status, while creating opportunities for regional partners, fuel traders, refiners, certification providers, engineers, service providers and SMEs. Green ammonia is one example. Renewable energy generated in the region can be used to produce green hydrogen, which can then be converted into green ammonia. Singapore can play the role of a trusted regional hub – certifying, storing, trading and bunkering green ammonia as a future marine fuel. This could also accelerate regional renewable energy development. Instead of relying only on undersea transmission cables, which can be costly and require complex approvals, renewable energy can be converted closer to source, into hydrogen or ammonia, and then transported and traded as fuel. This gives regional renewable projects another route to market, while helping Singapore and our neighbours reduce exposure to distant fuel disruptions and use Southeast Asia's own renewable resources to support our region's transport and maritime needs. There is also an opportunity for marine MRO. When Singapore becomes a future green bunkering hub, vessels must be ready to use new fuels safely. Our marine MRO sector can support vessel retrofitting, fuel system upgrades, ammonia and methanol readiness, safety certification and lifecycle maintenance.”
“They are about making every piece of infrastructure work harder, smarter and more reliably. But technology alone will not keep Singapore competitive. We must also address cost and operational bottlenecks. We should take seriously feedback from ship owners and ship suppliers that the cost of calling at Singapore has been rising, and that some services may be cheaper in ports such as China. Singapore cannot compete on price alone. But if we are to charge a premium, we must be faster, more reliable, more trusted and more integrated. We must also take onboard feedback on the lack of availability of heavy vehicle parking lots. As we better integrate our port, airport, logistics parks and warehouses, heavy vehicles remain essential to the transfer of goods across these nodes. If drivers struggle to find suitable parking or staging areas, this adds waiting time, congestion, operating cost and uncertainty to the logistics chain. Our port and logistics ecosystem must therefore reduce the total cost of call and movement through shorter turnaround times, better coordination of bunkering and supplies, digital pre-clearance, AI-enabled scheduling, sufficient heavy vehicle staging and parking capacity and stronger support for marine service and logistics SMEs. This will allow Singapore to remain the preferred port of call and a trusted, efficient logistics hub. My third point is that Singapore should anchor a regional green fuels ecosystem. For maritime and aviation, sustainable fuels will become increasingly important. Singapore has already taken important steps in these areas. The next step is to bring them together into a broader regional green transport strategy. We need to partner with regional neighbours who have stronger potential in renewable resources.”
“At the same time, we are not without locally anchored maritime players. Companies, such as PIL, give Singapore an important base for shipping capability, but our broader strategy should remain ecosystem based to be the platform where global shipping lines, ship owners, bunker suppliers, financiers, insurers, ship managers and MRO players and maritime technology companies choose to operate. This means deepening our strength in port efficiency, green fuels, digitalisation, finance, insurance and trusted regulation, so that Singapore remains indispensable as a maritime hub. To further anchor Singapore as a maritime hub, AI should be applied to specific operational problems, harmonising air and sea connectivity. First, Singapore can develop a sea-air logistics control tower that gives operators and agencies a clearer real-time picture of cargo flows across Changi, Tuas and key logistics nodes. A shared operational view, supported by AI, can forecast cargo demand, optimise routing, recommend lower-congestion time windows, improve warehouse allocation and reduce avoidable delays. Second, we should use digital twins to stress-test our logistics system. A digital twin of key sea-air cargo flows can simulate disruptions before they happen – whether port delays, aviation disruptions, extreme weather, cyber incidents or supply chain shocks. This allows agencies and operators to test contingency plans, identify weak links and improve resilience before a crisis occurs. And third, AI can strengthen predictive maintenance across critical transport assets. Sensors and operational data can detect early signs of equipment failure in port cranes, baggage systems, automated warehouses, harbour craft and aircraft support equipment. These are practical applications.”
“I therefore call on the Government to build on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone by exploring a wider Singapore-Johor-Batam-Bintan-Karimun connectivity framework, supported by interoperable digital systems, trusted data-sharing arrangements and AI-enabled logistics. Mr Speaker, Sir, my second point is that Singapore should build the world's smartest sea and air logistics hub. Major investments such as Tuas Mega Port and Changi Airport T5 will underpin Singapore's competitiveness for decades to come. But our advantage will not be determined by capacity alone. It will depend on how intelligently these assets work together. We should aim to become the world's most efficient and trusted sea-air-digital logistics hub by strengthening connectivity between Changi, Tuas, free trade zones, logistics parks and regional distribution centres. In maritime, the strategic question is not whether Singapore owns a national shipping line. It is whether Singapore can continue to anchor the full maritime ecosystem – shipping lines, shipowners, charterers, insurers, financers, bunker suppliers, ship managers, classification societies, legal services, MRO players and maritime technology companies. Singapore has continued to strengthen its maritime hub position through PSA, MPA, bunkering, maritime services, finance, arbitration, logistics, ship management, MRO, digitalisation and green shipping initiative and Singapore is now the world's largest transshipment and bunkering hub. So, for a hub, neutrality is a strength. Singapore succeeds because we are a trusted channel through which global trade flows, not because we favour one shipping line over another, but because all major players see Singapore as an open, efficient and reliable hub.”
“Together, this wider regional corridor can become a more integrated growth area if we invest in the right transport, customs, logistics, maritime, aviation and digital infrastructure. This is how we turn proximity into productivity. But physical infrastructure alone is not enough. Customs processes, digital documentation, data exchanges, payment systems and trusted operator frameworks increasingly determine how efficiently goods and people move across borders. This is where frontier technologies can make a practical difference. For cargo, AI can predict congestion before it forms, assess clearance risks earlier, optimise truck, ferry and vessel flows, and flag documentation gaps before goods arrive at the harbour. For businesses, this means fewer delays, lower compliance costs and more predictable delivery times. For agencies and operators, it means better manpower deployment, more targeted inspections and faster response when bottlenecks emerge. The opportunity is to build a more seamless regional operating layer – not by creating new institutions, but by piloting interoperable data-sharing arrangements, trusted operator frameworks and common digital standards with our neighbours. This is also timely as Singapore prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027. Our Chairmanship should be an opportunity to champion practical regional cooperation in areas where Singapore can contribute meaningfully: connectivity, digital trade facilitation, sustainable transport, logistics cooperation, green fuels and skills development. Transport connectivity can reduce friction, strengthen supply chains, support regional production networks, create jobs and deepen trust among neighbours.”
“And third, Singapore should anchor a regional green fuels ecosystem that creates new opportunities for enterprises, startups and workers. Mr Speaker, my first point is that transport should be seen not only as infrastructure, but as a platform for regional cooperation. Singapore's success has always depended on an open, rules-based international order. As global trust weakens, we must continue to defend the principles that have served us well: respect for international law, freedom of navigation and the peaceful resolution of disputes. This includes upholding the UNCLOS, which is fundamental to maritime order and the free flow of trade. But defending rules alone is insufficient. In a more contested world, Singapore must also build practical regional win-win partnerships, with transport as a key enabler. When our neighbours prosper, Singapore benefits. When regional supply chains become more resilient, Singapore benefits. When businesses, workers and travellers can move more efficiently across borders, Singapore benefits. We are already making progress through the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and continuing investments in cross-border connectivity. The next step is to consider how the wider Singapore-Johor-Batam-Bintan-Karimun corridor can be better integrated as an economic, logistics and green energy spine. This wider regional corridor brings together complementary strengths. Singapore brings global connectivity, capital, services, technology and innovation. Johor brings land, labour, manufacturing capacity and a growing industrial base. Batam, Bintan and Karimun bring industrial space, logistics capacity, renewable energy potential and deepening economic links with Singapore.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Motion recognises that Singapore's long-term competitiveness depends on three mutually reinforcing pillars: international cooperation, frontier technologies and world-class infrastructure. Transport is where these pillars come together. It connects Singapore to the world, anchors enterprise, creates good jobs and secures our future as an open economy. For Singaporeans, this means in a very practical ways: efficient port, airport, logistics networks help keep food, medicine, household goods and business inputs flowing reliably and affordably. They also strengthen national resilience in a crisis: strong aviation, maritime and logistics links give Singapore more options to secure essential supplies and keep trade routes open. Sir, the benefit of Singapore goes beyond experiencing Jewel or Changi Airport. They are reflected in the goods we received and the resilience we have when the world becomes more uncertain. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] The global environment is changing. Supply chains are becoming more fragmented. Geopolitical tensions are reshaping trade flows. Businesses are placing greater emphasis on resilience, security and diversification. Critical infrastructure – ports, airports, energy networks and digital systems – are increasingly becoming instruments of national resilience and strategic influence. So, I would like to make three points. First, Singapore should strengthen regional connectivity by developing the Singapore-Johor-Batam-Bintan-Karimun corridor as an integrated economic, logistics and green energy spine. Second, Singapore should build the world's smartest sea-air logistics hub by applying AI to real operational bottlenecks.”
“Sir, this Bill is a strong step forward. Its success will depend on building credible, liquid instruments that are fully integrated into Singapore's capital markets ecosystem. With continued focus on adaptability, ecosystem strength and investor clarity, Singapore can realise the full potential of this framework.”
“But listings alone are insufficient to anchor capital. Trading activity gravitates toward deeper, more liquid markets, even where secondary listings exist. Singapore must build liquidity deliberately. I would like to ask the Minister what concrete steps MAS will take to build liquidity in these instruments, specifically, how MAS intends to support market-making to ensure continuous pricing and tighter spreads, and to facilitate their inclusion in institutional and longer-term capital pools, including through index inclusion and schemes, such as the proposed CPF Life-cycle Investment scheme and the Supplementary Retirement Scheme. There is a need to strengthen regional investor connectivity. Singapore can anchor ASEAN capital markets by attracting large-cap companies with significant regional operations. We must attract both issuers and investors from across Southeast Asia. This will deepen liquidity, improve price discovery and strengthen market vibrancy. It also reinforces Singapore's role as a wealth management hub, positioning us as a gateway for capital and investment flows across ASEAN. In the long run, liquidity will depend on how effectively we connect regional capital to regional opportunities through Singapore. Investor familiarity is equally important. SDRs are less intuitive for retail investors. Clear disclosures and investor education are essential. Liquidity also depends on research coverage, brokers and market intermediaries. MAS should track success through clear indicators: trading volume, liquidity, investor participation and capital raised through Singapore, not just the number of listings. So, I would like to ask the Minister: how will the MAS define success for this framework and what benchmarks will guide its implementation?”
“Second, on the strength and structure of the supporting ecosystem. The effectiveness of this regime depends on the depth and diversity of intermediaries. There is a strong capacity among global and local financial institutions. The next step is to ensure diversity and competition. A broader base of intermediaries will drive better pricing, innovation and access – core conditions for a well-functioning market. What steps will MAS take to expand participation among qualified intermediaries and service providers and ensure the ecosystem supports efficient and competitive market activity over the long run? Third, on dispute resolution and investor's recourse. The GLB simplifies access by allowing Singapore investors to invest in Singapore-listed instruments under our regulatory framework and legal system. This is a clear improvement over the current model, where investors must navigate foreign jurisdictions directly. To realise this benefit fully, investors need clarity on how recourse works in practice, especially where issuers maintain primary listings overseas. What guidance will MAS provide to ensure investors have a clear understanding of their rights, governing law and dispute resolution pathways? Clarity reduces uncertainty, and in capital markets, uncertainty is often the greater deterrent. Clear frameworks will also strengthen Singapore's position as a leading hub for cross-border dispute resolution, supported by institutions, such as the Singapore International Commercial Court, the Singapore International Arbitration Centre and the Singapore International Mediation Centre. Legal clarity is not just protection. It is a competitive advantage. Finally, Sir, on a broader strategic point. This Bill expands access and facilitates listings.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, I rise in support of the Bill, which strengthens Singapore's position as a global capital markets hub. The amendments to the Securities and Futures Act, particularly, the introduction of the sponsored depositary receipt framework and the GLB – are forward-looking. They facilitate cross-border listings, expand investor access and align our regulatory framework with international practices. Enabling access is an important first step. The real test is whether we can convert that access into liquidity, confidence and sustained market participation. Allow me to raise three areas. First, on future-proofing the framework. Section 239AA provides a clear definition of sponsored depositary receipts based on established custodial structures. But capital markets are evolving rapidly. Tokenised securities are emerging, and major market infrastructures, such as Nasdaq, and the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC), are already developing new settlement architectures. The key question is whether this framework can adapt to structural change. If tokenisation reshapes custody, ownership and settlement, will the SDR framework remain relevant? Or will we need to rework it to keep pace with market evolution? Tokenisation also presents clear advantages. It can enable faster settlement, reduce intermediation costs and lower barriers to entry for both issuers and investors. It can support fractional ownership and broaden participation, strengthening liquidity and price discovery. What steps will MAS take to ensure that this framework is forward-compatible with tokenised representations of securities, and how will we leverage these developments to strengthen liquidity, reduce transaction costs and expand investor access over time?”
“Thank you, Speaker. The Senior Minister of State also pointed out that at some point Singapore will have a land constraint and looking at the constraints, we, therefore, need to look at maximising the available EV charging infrastructures and, therefore, utilisation rate. So, my first supplementary question is whether the Ministry is actually monitoring the utilisation at every individual EV charging stations and using this as key performance indicators in evaluating operators for future tenders and contract renewals? Second, whether the Ministry will consider mandating differentiated charging fees to encourage more efficient utilisation of EV chargers across peak and off-peak periods? And really, my questions are because I have received feedback from residents that, most of the time, these chargers are actually not utilised. But when they come home at night, when it is during peak hours, it is, therefore, over-utilised. So, can we smoothen out demand across the day so we can encourage better utilisation rates?”
“Thank you, Speaker. I received feedback from private property owners and Management Corporations Strata Title (MCSTs) on concerns and uncertainties with regard to procurement, financing structures and even things like warrantees on waterproofing, reliability and maintenance, something which the Minister of State alluded to earlier; and in the case of MCST, the high threshold for approvals to adopt solar energy. So, hence, I would like to ask the Minister of State, will the Ministry first assist to streamline the MCST approval process so that we can drive and accelerate solar adoption on private property, such as condominiums? Second, for all private property owners, to develop a simple starter kit with standard templates on procurement; financing option, such as power purchase agreements; also matters on maintenance, roles and responsibilities of vendors and warrantees; and also, importantly, provide a white list of vendors so that private property owners will have the confidence to engage vendors. This will all drive a wider adoption and accelerate solar adoption in private properties.”
“Sir, I have three supplementary questions. First of all, frontier models require a significant amount of compute and are likely to be concentrated among well-resourced organisations, leading to concerns about accessibility and uneven capabilities. In this context, my first supplementary question is whether Singapore is actually working with international partners to establish norms, safeguards and coordinated responses to the risk posed by frontier AI models in cybersecurity? The second supplementary question is whether the cybersecurity framework today, including those under the Cybersecurity Act and the CSA guidelines, are sufficient to address these emerging threats? Are they still fit for purpose? And third, most importantly, how will the Government ensure that SMEs are not left behind and have access to these emerging new frontier capabilities to defend against such threats?”
“Question No 5, Sir. The Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information (Mr Tan Kiat How) (for the Minister for Digital Development and Information): Mr Speaker, Sir, my response will cover the questions raised by Mr Saktiandi Supaat and Mr Edward Chia in today's Order Paper. Can I get permission to take Question Nos 5 and 6 together, please?”
“Could the Minister clarify the criteria and safeguards for granting such waivers, and how consistency will be ensured? It would be important to avoid unintended circumvention or uneven application across businesses. Finally, on transition and unintended behaviours. I note that there will be a transition period before full implementation. Could the Senior Minister of State share how the Government intends to mitigate any potential surge in imports of non-compliant equipment ahead of the enforcement date? Without appropriate safeguards, there may be a risk of front-loading less efficient equipment into the system. Mr Deputy Speaker, this amendment is a necessary step to strengthen the integrity of our energy efficiency framework. It closes an emerging gap, reinforces fairness and supports our broader energy transition. With the right attention to implementation, enforcement and business impact, I believe it will achieve its intended outcomes.”
“Related to this, there may be scope to integrate enforcement across agencies. For example, in sectors, such as F&B, where businesses import equipment directly, could existing inspection regimes, such as Singapore Food Agency's inspections for licensing, also incorporate checks on energy efficiency compliance and registration? This would reduce duplication of enforcement resources and strengthen on-the-ground compliance. Second, on regulatory burden and impact on businesses. Under the proposed framework, each importer is required to register regulated goods, even if the same product has already been registered by another importer. Could this create unnecessary duplication and administrative burden, particularly for SMEs importing small quantities? Would the Ministry consider a shared product registry that allows for product-level registration, while still maintaining accountability at the importer level? More broadly, many SMEs import specialised equipment for their own operations. Will there be a simplified compliance pathway for low-volume importers or SMEs, so that compliance costs remain proportionate and do not become a barrier to business operations? Third, on consumer awareness and the digital marketplace. As more consumers purchase appliances online, they may unknowingly buy non-compliant products. Will the Government consider strengthening consumer education and requiring clear visibility of energy efficiency labelling on online marketplaces, for example, by mandating the display of Singapore energy labels in listings? Fourth, on waivers and safeguards. The Bill allows for waivers where compliance with requirements may not be possible in specific cases.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, I rise in support of the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill. This amendment is both timely and necessary. Around 40% of Singapore's greenhouse gas emissions are linked to electricity consumption. With the ongoing Middle East conflict driving volatility in global energy supply and prices, energy efficiency is not just about sustainability. It is a critical pillar of Singapore's energy resilience. If we are serious about our net-zero ambitions and resilience, then energy efficiency must remain a foundational pillar of our strategy. This Bill strengthens the Energy Conservation Act by closing an important gap. Today, MEPS and labelling requirements apply mainly to goods supplied locally. The amendment now extends these requirements to goods imported for a person's own use. I support the intent of the Bill but would like to raise several implementation considerations. First, on enforcement. A key question is how enforcement will work in practice, particularly for small-scale imports. Increasingly, individuals and small businesses procure equipment through e-commerce platforms and parcel shipments. While each import may be small, the cumulative impact could be significant. Given the scale and speed of online commerce, could the Minister clarify whether NEA has sufficient enforcement capacity, and how it intends to prioritise and operationalise these expanded responsibilities? Could the Senior Minister of State clarify how enforcement will be carried out for imports intended for a person's own use, particularly through online marketplaces or small parcel deliveries? Will there be thresholds below which enforcement becomes impractical and, if so, how do we ensure that this does not create loopholes?”
“Thank you, Speaker. Given that the current energy crunch is disproportionately impacting Asia, does the Minister see this as opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation in energy resilience, including exploring ASEAN collaboration in nuclear energy, such as joint investments and joint operations in the nuclear power plant?”
“Thank you, Chairman. My first clarification is to the Minister. I thank him for being receptive to my suggestions on COE reform. Just want to confirm that he mentioned that it could also be based on the OMV system, but there will also be considerations on combining into a single pool, doing away with Cat A and Cat B? Can I confirm if that it is also under consideration? Second, also, in terms of the consultation exercise, could you share who are the usual stakeholders that will be involved in the consultation exercise? My second clarification is to Senior Minister of State Sun. I think she mentioned about fast charging points, one per HDB town, and I think she mentioned that there will be six charging points per town. But typically, a HDB town has about 10,000 to 12,000 vehicles. Just want to check what is the projection in terms of adequacy, I think she mentioned about working with JTC and EMA to improve, what are the current limitations and what are the plans to actually resolve this limitation, so we can scale up more fast charging points per HDB town? And my third clarification is to Senior Minister of State Murali, very pleased to hear that the maritime sector offers great job opportunities for Singaporeans and congratulations to the young scholars in Chamber today. Just want to ask what are the further plans to create more awareness among young Singaporeans about the job opportunities within the maritime sectors and in particular, what is current take-up rate for the GRaduate Industry Traineeships (GRIT) programme? And are there scopes to scale up the GRIT programme, so that more young Singaporeans can be exposed to the maritime sector and seize these opportunities for themselves?”
“A tiered adjustment to the final COE price, with discounts for lower-OMV vehicles and premiums for higher-OMV vehicles, could improve accessibility for lower- and middle-income families, while preserving market discipline. Such an approach offers a clearer and more transparent way to achieve accessibility objectives compared to introducing additional special categories, which can become complex to define and administer. Mr Chairman, ERP 2.0 allows us to better optimise our limited land resource and may enable calibrated increases in vehicle supply, giving more families access to mobility. Refreshing the COE framework by anchoring differentiation on OMV provides clearer distinctions between mass-market and luxury vehicles; while tiered adjustments can enhance accessibility for families with caregiving needs. In doing so, we preserve market discipline while strengthening fairness and accessibility in car ownership. COEs”
“For instance, the Toyota Noah Hybrid, with an open market value (OMV) of around $28,000 falls under Cat B. Meanwhile, a luxury model like the BMW 216 Gran Coupe, with an OMV of around $35,000 falls under Cat A. This shows that higher-end cars can fall into Cat A, while practical models fall under Cat B, undermining the original intent to distinguish mass-market from luxury. Technical thresholds no longer reliably reflect affordability or market positioning. The price delta between Cat A and Cat B is also narrowing, signalling reduced meaningful differentiation between the categories. In fact, in the recent COE bidding exercise, Cat A premiums exceeded Cat B. This raises questions about whether the current framework still achieves its intended segmentation. If equity remains the policy objective, we should ask whether engine capacity and power output remain the right measures. Mr Chairman, OMV provides a stronger basis for differentiation. It reflects the true purchase cost of a vehicle rather than technical specifications alone. We already use OMV to calculate Additional Registration Fee (ARF) through a tiered structure. Building on this, the COE framework could evolve from separate Cat A and Cat B categories towards an OMV-based model with a single bidding pool. Pooling supply into one category will smooth out price fluctuations caused by mismatches in supply and demand between categories. Third, accessibility and caregiving needs. As our society ages and more families support members with disabilities or special needs, mobility becomes a necessity and not just a convenience. While the COE framework focuses on congestion management, we should consider calibrated mechanisms that support genuine caregiving needs without undermining system integrity.”
“Mr Chairman, I will speak on three areas: one, ERP 2.0 resulting in increasing of vehicular supply; two, refreshing the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system for greater equity; and three, accessibility in car ownership in our next phase of land transport policy. Let me begin with ERP 2.0. During the Land Transport Bill debate, I highlighted that ERP 2.0 presents an opportunity to move beyond congestion pricing and towards smarter traffic optimisation. By harnessing more granular real-time data, we can integrate ERP insights with adaptive traffic systems such as intelligent traffic signals, and guide infrastructure planning and network adjustments. In his round-up speech, the Minister affirmed that better traffic management through ERP 2.0 could create potential for increasing the vehicle population. This is an important shift. If supply increases, more families who need a car for caregiving needs can gain access to one. COE prices may also moderate. COE prices move on expectations. If signals are unclear, markets react. The key issue is not whether vehicle numbers should increase, but whether any adjustments are tied to measurable congestion outcomes and communicated clearly. Optimisation must strengthen traffic flows and policy confidence. Second, refreshing the COE system for greater equity. The original intent of the COE classification was equity, differentiating between mass-market and higher-end vehicles. Today, that distinction is increasingly blurred. Manufacturers are adjusting specifications, whether engine power or motor design, so that premium models qualify under Category A (Cat A), while practical vehicles end up in Category B (Cat B) due to technical criteria, even though they are not luxury vehicles.”
“Sir, I will try to go straight to it. The Deputy Prime Minister mentioned about how growth comes from depth and not just skill anymore. And in a particular part, he said about shortening innovation cycles, and I presume it is about research translation. And I think that is something Singapore is already doing. So, I want to ask the Deputy Prime Minister, how are we doing it differently and are there specific targets in terms of the speed of research translation to shorten innovation cycle? Also about the Business Refresh scheme that Senior Minister of State Low mentioned, I just wanted to check: are we expanding the scheme to also support business families with generational succession and pivot? And if so, how so? And then second, what is the role of trade associations in helping to diffuse the benefits of the Business Refresh scheme? And in my experience working with trade associations, quite a distinct part of the success factor is also the secretariat. So, is MTI also supporting trade associations to beef up the capacity and capability of the secretariats?”
“A time-differentiated grid emissions factor could incentivise load shifting, reduce strain and support decarbonisation. Regulatory frameworks should also continue enabling private investment in renewable generation and energy storage. Mr Chairman, energy resilience, affordability and decarbonisation are the foundations of national competitiveness. As Singapore advances as an AI and advanced manufacturing hub, our electricity system must remain stable, forward-looking and climate aligned, because energy security is the foundation of economic security.”
“Mr Chairman, I rise to speak on electricity, because in today’s AI-driven economy, energy is a strategic capability. Quite simply, no power, no go. Earlier this month, I asked about Singapore's energy resilience and grid stability as renewable deployment grows and electrification accelerates. We are pursuing decarbonisation and digitalisation simultaneously and our electricity system must support both without compromising reliability or affordability. First, on decarbonisation. Global energy prices are volatile. How do we keep Singapore's transition to low-carbon electricity credible despite price volatility? Investors need certainty, yet committed off-take arrangements may raise costs relative to market prices. How do we balance investment certainty with affordability? Clear policy signals will be critical to sustain private capital. Second, on grid stability. Electricity demand is rising structurally. AI data centres, quantum computing, semiconductor fabrication, advanced manufacturing and transport electrification will significantly increase consumption, while imports and intermittent sources like solar diversify supply. Intermittency now exists on both supply and demand. Electrified transport and fast-charging infrastructure will create concentrated demand peaks. What investments are we making in grid reinforcement, storage and system balancing to ensure reliability remains uncompromised? For sectors such as data centres and semiconductors, energy reliability is non-negotiable. Third, on pricing and incentives. Electricity pricing does not always reflect supply variability. Could more dynamic pricing better align demand with peak renewable generation?”
“Institutions such as Singapore Management University’s Business Families Institute can partner with chambers to develop tailored succession playbooks. As more heritage SMEs reach generational handover points, a smooth ownership transition is critical to preserving long-established enterprises. By integrating succession support into SME transformation policies, we can strengthen long-term enterprise resilience while retaining the cultural and social value that these businesses contribute to Singapore. Support SMEs”
“Mr Chairman, I would like to speak on SME transformation. SMEs employ seven out of 10 workers in Singapore and form the backbone of our economy. In supporting transformation, we must recognise that many SMEs are family-run businesses facing generational succession and ownership transitions. This is not only a governance issue. It is an economic and cultural one. Business transformation often cannot progress meaningfully until ownership structures are stabilised. Where succession is unclear or governance frameworks remain informal, it becomes difficult to invest in digitalisation, expansion or strategic pivots. Transformation requires clarity of leadership and ownership. I therefore suggest that our SME transformation framework integrate succession planning and family ownership transition as core components of enterprise upgrading. Cultural nuances also shape how ethnic family businesses approach governance and decision-making. This was evident during a Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) of Finance, Trade and Industry engagement with the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SMCCI), where heritage businesses shared how cultural norms influence succession and continuity. Different communities may view succession and professionalisation differently, and a one-size-fits-all model may not be effective. Enterprise Singapore could deepen engagement with ethnic chambers such as the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI), the SMCCI, and the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) to support more tailored approaches. Enterprise Singapore could also expand support to cover family ownership transition, including grants for succession planning, governance restructuring and ownership transfers.”
“May I therefore ask the Minister how Singapore intends to manage our relations with both the US and China, while engaging existing institutions and emerging alliances, so as to preserve stability, uphold international law and secure long-term prosperity for Singapore? 11.45 am ASEAN at 60 - Strengthening Unity”
“Mr Chairman, I will speak on Singapore's relations with the US and China, and our engagement with international organisations amid an evolving global order. Singapore's foreign policy has long been grounded in a rules-based approach anchored in international law and multilateral cooperation. For a small, trade-dependent nation, respect for international law is not optional. It safeguards our security, stability and prosperity. However, the global environment is changing. We are seeing signs of major powers recalibrating their roles within the traditional rules-based system. The US has, at times, reduced engagement in certain international institutions and pursued new strategic groupings. China, meanwhile, has expanded its regional influence through initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) platforms. As new frameworks emerge, middle powers are reassessing their positions. Singapore must be clear-eyed about this shift and consider how best to deploy our limited diplomatic resources across established institutions and emerging platforms. Our approach should remain steady: engage with US and China constructively, uphold international law and safeguard our national interests. As an open economy reliant on trade and connectivity, a stable and predictable international order remains vital to our long-term resilience. In a more fragmented environment, it is not about choosing sides. It is about navigating competing frameworks with consistency, credibility and strategic discipline.”
“I would like to urge the Ministry to consider moving towards milestone or progressive payments, as a default for larger Government projects. These will help ease cash flow pressures and support industry sustainability. A related issue concerns compensation for material scope changes, where revision substantially expand deliverables, recognising these as legitimate grounds for additional payment would set clearer standards and reduce disputes. Mr Chairman, fiscal prudence is also about timing and structure. Strengthening reserve stewardship, improve disbursement timing and promoting fair procurement can enhance both stability and fairness on the ground.”
“Mr Chairman, I rise to speak on two areas under MOF's purview. First, several Statutory Boards, including JTC, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and our polytechnics host substantial financial resources to support their long-term missions. While each operate within its own governance structure, differences in scale and investment capabilities may lead to uneven outcomes over time. Is there scope for a stronger shared support, for example, pool investment platforms or enhanced central advisory capabilities could help smaller boards achieve better risk-adjusted returns, while preserving their autonomy and mandates? Second, I wish to address grant disbursement timelines that directly impacts businesses' cash flow. The Progressive Wage Credit Scheme is an important measure supporting lower wage workers. However, annual disbursements may create interim cash flow pressures for SMEs. Businesses have shared that more frequent payouts, such as quarterly disbursements aligned with GST cycles, would ease cash flow without increasing overall fiscal requirements. I hope the Ministry can consider this. Mr Chairman, I declare that I serve as advisor to both the Visual, Audio, Creative Content Professional Association, and the National Instructors and Coaches Association. In that capacity, I wish to convey feedback on Government procurement practices. In the creative and media sectors, payment upon project completion remains common. While administratively straightforward, this places significant cash flow strains on smaller firms and freelancers. In Government projects, the impact is amplified. Subcontractors and freelance professionals often bear financial risk despite delivering interim milestones.”
“May I therefore ask whether we are reviewing the overall PR framework to accommodate both transnational families and the manpower needed to drive industries and create good jobs for Singaporeans? Mr Chairman, this is a long-term challenge requiring clarity and consistency. I look forward to the Minister's response. Families at Heart of Our Future”
“Mr Chairman, I rise to speak on population sustainability and the Singapore core. Our TFR remains low. If this trend persists, it will pose long-term structural challenges. At the same time, we are ageing rapidly. Longevity is a blessing, but it also means a shrinking ratio of working-age residents supporting rising healthcare and social needs. Caregiving demands will increase for seniors, children and students. We will need more preschool teachers, nurses and counsellors. This reinforces the need to strengthen our workforce so families have the confidence and support to raise children while caring for their elderly. Recent Budgets have introduced enhanced childcare subsidies, housing grants and expanded parental leave. May I ask whether they have led to meaningful improvements in our TFR? If not, what constraints are limiting their impact? Beyond fertility, there is another dimension to our population trends. Singapore is a global city. Many Singaporeans are internationally exposed and increasingly form transnational marriages. In Zhenghua where I serve, I have received a growing number of appeals from residents seeking clearer citizenship or permanent residency pathways for their spouses. National data reflects this shift. The proportion of transnational marriages has risen from 30% to 37% in the last five years. Today, more than one in three marriages involves a Singaporean and a non-Singaporean. There are approximately 270,000 Long-Term Visit Pass holders, many part of Singaporean family units. Meanwhile, the Permanent Resident (PR) population has remained relatively stable at 520,000 to 540,000. Many of these spouses contribute economically and socially. They are raising Singaporean children who will form a part of our future Singapore core.”
“By combining our strengths in biomedical science, AI and diagnostics, local enterprises can create globally deployable preventive health platforms, personalised analytics tools and healthspan solutions. This approach creates new business opportunities, generates good jobs for Singaporeans and positions Singapore as a global hub for healthspan optimisation. Mr Speaker, at its heart, this Budget is about assurance in a time of change. For seniors, we must ensure support schemes reflect individual realities and preserve family unity. For young families, we must ease caregiving pressures. For workers and employers, we must provide practical pathways that enable confident transformation. By investing in preventive and precision healthcare powered by AI and strengthened through blended capital, we can build an economy that improves lives while creating new job opportunities for Singaporeans. Budget 2026 lays strong foundations. With thoughtful refinements and bold execution, we can ensure that the next phase of our development benefits every Singaporean. Mr Speaker, Sir, I support this Budget.”
“In tandem, a national certification framework for preventive AI algorithms could strengthen international credibility, enabling solutions validated here to be deployed across the region. Singapore is already taking important steps through research, innovation and enterprise investments and initiatives such as subsidised Familial Hypercholesterolaemia genetic screening with MediSave support. These efforts demonstrate how precision medicine can shift healthcare toward earlier intervention. Preventive approaches can also address demographic challenges. For example, earlier fertility screening and intervention could help individuals make informed decisions sooner, potentially improving fertility outcomes and contributing positively to our total fertility rate. Population-level data and AI analytics will be foundational to this shift. With advances in AI, we can analyse complex health data more quickly and affordably, significantly expanding diagnostic capability. To fully harness this potential, we must also strengthen diagnostic infrastructure, increasing access to testing facilities, genomic screening and AI-assisted diagnostics. Beyond healthcare delivery, preventive and precision medicine present a new economic frontier. Singapore is well-positioned to mobilise blended capital, as foundations, philanthropies and family offices increasingly prioritise investments in wellness, longevity and population health. By aligning public investment, private capital with scientific innovation, we can scale new enterprises while improving societal outcomes. The global wellness and preventive health economy is expanding rapidly. Rather than viewing wellness as a lifestyle sector, Singapore can develop exportable intellectual property and scalable health optimisation solutions.”
“There needs to be faster diffusion of relevant AI tools, clear use cases that SMEs can realistically implement. SME Centres play a pivotal role in building awareness and guiding adoption. So, may I ask the Prime Minister what expanded role SME Centres will play in accelerating AI adoption? How are advisors being upskilled to guide businesses effectively? Mr Speaker, I now turn to preventive and precision healthcare as a strategic growth pillar. Healthcare represents both a social imperative and an economic opportunity. Historically, healthcare systems have focused on treating illness after it occurs. Today, advances in AI, genomics and precision diagnostics allow us to shift upstream, toward prevention, early detection and health optimisation. Singapore is uniquely positioned to lead this transition. We already possess a strategic advantage in high-quality longitudinal population health data, supported by trusted governance frameworks and secure platforms such as TRUST. Importantly, our multi-ethnic population provides nuanced genomic and health insights across diverse Asian ancestries, creating datasets that are both scientifically rich and regionally relevant. This differentiates Singapore from Western-centric datasets and positions us to develop preventive health innovations tailored for Asia. Building on these strengths, we could consider establishing a dedicated Preventive Health Data Sandbox, a secure environment where approved enterprises and research institutions validate AI-driven diagnostic and risk prediction models using structured national datasets. Such a platform would move beyond research into regulatory-grade validation, positioning Singapore as a trusted global hub for testing, certification and scaling preventive health technologies.”
“Many SME employers recognise the need to transform, leverage AI to improve productivity and seize new opportunities. However, some feel that they are currently treading water, needing to keep their heads above water before they are in a position to fully pursue transformation. SMEs employ seven out of 10 workers in Singapore. When SMEs transform, the entire economy transforms. Supporting SMEs is therefore not only about helping individual firms. It is about accelerating nationwide productivity growth. I welcome the merger of SSG and WSG. Integrated workforce transformation is essential. The Career Conversion Programme (CCP) has been an effective bridge. For the man on the street, this means a worker can switch into a new role while still receiving a fair wage to pay bills and support their family. Employers are supported through wage subsidies while the worker undergoes training and is still building productivity. Today, wage support can reach up to 70%, and up to 90% for eligible workers aged 40 and above. Given that the MOM's budget has increased this year, there is an opportunity to further strengthen such schemes. As technological disruption accelerates, the duration and flexibility of CCP support may warrant review. Digital and AI-related roles often require longer adaptation periods. I suggest reviewing overall budget allocation, support duration flexibility and awareness among employers, particularly SMEs, many of whom may not fully understand the available support. Mr Speaker, AI is a key theme of this Budget. I am heartened that the Government has introduced the Champions of AI programmme and tax deductions on AI expenditures. However, many SMEs need support not just in funding but in literacy and practical adoption.”
“I respectfully suggest reviewing whether HPCI remains the most appropriate metric and whether greater emphasis could be placed on assessing seniors' individual retirement adequacy. Supporting seniors ultimately strengthens young families by easing intergenerational pressures. Mr Speaker, beyond household concerns, I would like to address worker and employer anxieties amid rapid economic transformation. AI and digitalisation are reshaping industries. Workers want to stay relevant but must also maintain income stability for their families. At the same time, businesses want to transform but struggle to find skilled manpower. This is a gap we must bridge. Employers, especially SMEs, continue to face significant cost pressures, particularly manpower costs and, for businesses located in dense areas, rising rents. Recent announcements, such as increases in S Pass qualifying salary and Local Qualifying Salary, while aligned with broader workforce objectives, have direct cost implications for SMEs that rely on foreign workers to complement their local workforce. Importantly, such cost increases do not remain isolated at the firm level. They flow through the wider enterprise ecosystem. Many manpower-intensive services, such as cleaning, stewarding, security and facilities management, operate as outsourced functions supporting larger enterprises. As labour costs rise, these service providers inevitably pass through higher costs, leading to increased operating expenses across the value chain. Larger enterprises may therefore face higher facilities management or operational costs even when they are not directly affected by manpower policy adjustments. The impact is systemic and felt across the broader business environment.”
“Mr Speaker, in my speech today, I will focus on three areas: first, strengthening support for our seniors and young families; second, addressing workers' and employers' anxieties amid economic transformation; and third, positioning preventive and precision healthcare as a strategic pillar for our next phase of growth. As an MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC in Zhenghua division, I speak on behalf of my residents. Over recent months, many have approached me during my Meet-the-People Sessions and community engagements to share their concerns. I would like to bring their voices into this debate. Young families in Zhenghua are not only raising children. They are also caring for ageing parents. The so-called "sandwiched generation" is feeling pressure from both ends. While this Budget provides important support measures, I would like to highlight one area where residents have experienced unintended consequences – the Silver Support Scheme. The scheme is well-intentioned and has benefited many seniors. However, I have received appeals from residents whose Silver Support payments were reduced or ceased due to changes in per capita household income. Two scenarios arise frequently. First, when adult children begin working, even in modest-paying jobs, their parents' Silver Support may be reduced despite no improvement in the seniors' own retirement adequacy. Second, when elderly parents move in with their children, the household per capita income (HPCI) rises, potentially reducing eligibility. In effect, families sometimes feel unintentionally discouraged from living together. Seniors worry about becoming a burden, while younger families struggle to balance caregiving responsibilities.”
“Mr Speaker, these are calls to make it work for people it most directly affects. The GPC supports the intent of the Bill. We offer these views to ensure that implementation is firm yet fair, strong yet compassionate, so that safety is enhanced without losing sight of inclusivity and lived realities.”
“Safer paths, safer roads and safer homes are not optional – they are essential. Residents want assurance that injuries, misuse, fires and unsafe modifications linked to increasingly powerful devices will be decisively addressed. At the same time, they expect safety measures, such as speed limiters, tougher penalties for dangerous alterations and smarter traffic management systems to deliver real, visible improvements on the ground, not just rules on paper. Second, while Members support the introduction of a Certificate of Medical Need to curb abuse, we must be clear-eyed about who we may have left behind. For many genuine users, those with temporary injuries, functional mobility challenges, caregiving duties or delivery riders relying on mobility aids for their livelihood, the Bill is not theoretical. It affects whether they can move, work or live with dignity. The GPC therefore urges that implementation be flexible, affordable and clearly communicated, so that administrative complexities, cost or narrow definitions do not unintentionally exclude or penalise those who depend on these devices the most. Third, Members emphasise the success of this Bill will ultimately be judged on enforcement. Residents are asking for enforcement that is consistent, credible and fair – not sporadic crackdowns or uneven treatment. This means sustained enforcement on the ground, better use of technology and clear accountability for platforms and marketplaces that profit from the usage and sales of these devices. At the same time, the GPC calls for a sensible transition period, one that prioritises education and understanding, and exercises discretion where users are acting in good faith and adjusting to new rules.”
“Some PMA users come from lower-income households and even small administrative costs can become a barrier. To ensure this does not unintentionally exclude those who need mobility support the most, can the Ministry regularly publish a clear list of clinics offering certification and update together with indicative fees, to enhance transparency and keep the process affordable and fair? Mr Speaker, this Bill offers us an opportunity to move beyond a narrow conception of ERP as simply a pricing mechanism, towards a smarter, integrated mobility system. One that uses data to optimise traffic flow, guide infrastructure planning, improve public transport reliability and enhance user experience. Cities around the world show that pricing works best when paired with real-time traffic management, adaptive control and thoughtful use of data. I hope Singapore will continue to lead in this space, not just by pricing roads efficiently, but by managing them intelligently. Mr Speaker, as I conclude, I wish to stress that the concerns raised today in this debate are not abstract policy observations. They are the lived realities and anxieties of residents, workers, caregivers and persons with mobility challenges whom we meet on the ground every day. These views reflect a consolidated position of the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) for Transport and fellow People's Action Party Members, shaped through extensive discussions within the Committee, engagements with Members and most importantly, direct feedback from residents across our constituencies who will feel the full impact of this Bill. Taken together, the GPC's views rest on three clear and urgent concerns. First, Members strongly support safety as the central objective of this Bill.”
“And beyond familiarity over time, what new features are planned to ensure ERP 2.0 becomes genuinely more intuitive and useful for motorists? Turning to active mobility, the Bill strengthens penalties and enforcement powers, particularly for PMAs. This is important for safety, but enforcement capacity must be sustainable. Cities, such as Paris and Amsterdam, increasingly rely on camera-based and automated enforcement to ensure consistent compliance without excessive manpower demands. Camera-based enforcement enables round-the-clock monitoring, unlike manpower-based enforcement, which relies on occasional checks and predictable hotspots due to inherent resource constraints. Leveraging technology in this way allows enforcement to scale with usage while maintaining fairness and predictability. Mr Speaker, may I ask the Minister what cameras are currently used for active mobility enforcement, how much manpower is presently deployed for this purpose and the associated man-hour labour costs of such enforcements? Further, with the expansion of rules and enforcements introduced by this Bill, what are the projected manpower requirements and costs going forward and what immediate plans are in place to scale up automated enforcement to manage these constraints? On the requirement for medical certification for PMA users, this is welcomed. From time to time, my residents in Zhenghua have been asking me whether certain types of PMA users should, in fact, be using PMAs, as some appear young and healthy. A certifiable medical requirement helps remove such suspicions and ambiguity. This is essential to foster trust and social acceptance within our community. At the same time, I wish to raise an issue of equity and access.”
“0 offers flexibility and reduces physical clutter. However, international experience suggests that flexibility must be accompanied by clear principles and guardrails. Mr Speaker, as we move towards virtual gantries, some of my Zhenghua residents are concerned that it may become easier to introduce more pricing points across the island. It is, therefore, important to consider the overall impact of more granular road pricing and to ensure that flexibility does not create uncertainty for motorists or lead to higher costs without real congestion benefits. So, may I ask the Minister whether there will be clear limits and transparent criteria for adjusting ERP 2.0 pricing zones, and regular public updates on congestion and travel times to ensure that flexibility delivers real improvements on the ground? Turning to user experience of OBUs. Early feedback on OBUs has raised concerns around aesthetics, usability and power consumption. Specific vehicle types or older car models face technical difficulties powering the OBU, given that it requires more energy than the previous In-vehicle Unit (IU). Mr Speaker, may I ask the Minister whether there will be carve-outs for vehicle types that face technical installation challenges, and if so, how would such users be made to pay ERP 2.0? With regard to user experience issues, other cities have addressed similar challenges through iterative design improvements and structured feedback loops. In Seoul, for instance, smart mobility systems were rolled out alongside continuous refinements, with user satisfaction explicitly tracked as a performance indicator. To that end, may I ask the Minister how is LTA is incorporating user feedback to refine the OBU experience?”
“Instead of expanding roads broadly, planners and engineers can use longitudinal flow data to identify where capacity is genuinely constrained and where it is under-utilised. Such data can show which junctions, rather than entire corridors, are the true bottlenecks; and which lanes are consistently under-used and could be reallocated to other users, such as pedestrians and cyclists. This enables a shift from broad-based expansion to targeted, data-driven interventions, where minor redesigns, signal adjustments or directional changes could outperform the construction of new roads. Mr Speaker, it is also important to emphasise that ERP 2.0 should not be perceived as a system that only impacts private motorists. The same flow data can also be used to improve outcomes for public transport users, particularly bus commuters. ERP 2.0 data can support bus lane prioritisation, by identifying corridors where buses experience the most delays; better route design, based on actual congestion and demand patterns; transfer optimisation, improving coordination between bus services and MRT nodes; last mile connectivity planning, by highlighting short but congested links that disproportionately affect bus reliability. By embedding these insights into planning and operations, ERP 2.0 can directly enhance bus punctuality, reliability and journey times – strengthening public transport as an attractive and dependable choice. Mr Speaker, may I ask the Minister what ERP 2.0 data is already integrated today, and how it will be used in the medium and longer term to support smarter traffic management, such as adaptive signals, incident response and bus operations, beyond pricing alone? Turning to virtual gantries and network effects. The shift to virtual gantries under ERP 2.”
“Mr Speaker, I rise in support of the Land Transport and Related Matters Bill. I focus my remarks on one central issue: how technology can allow us to manage traffic more intelligently, beyond relying primarily on pricing. Singapore is land scarce. Our road network cannot expand indefinitely and there are many competing demands on land – we need more housing, more parks, more cycling paths and so forth. For decades, ERP has been one of our levers for managing congestion. ERP has been effective. But as technology advances, the question is no longer how much we price road usage, but how intelligently we manage traffic as an integrated system. ERP 2.0 is often framed as a pricing upgrade, but this framing understates its broader potential. At its core, ERP 2.0 is also a data and sensing platform. The new OBUs generate richer, more granular and real-time data – both for motorists and the LTA. This creates an opportunity to move beyond passive congestion pricing towards active traffic management. Internationally, cities are already using real-time flow data to dynamically manage their road networks. In London, for example, the Split Cycle Offset Optimisation Technique (SCOOT) system uses live data from sensors and cameras to adjust traffic light timings. This increases green time in congested corridors and eases bottlenecks without expanding road usage. Drawing on such precedents, ERP 2.0 data can be integrated with adaptive traffic signal systems, incident responses and corridor-level optimisation. Real-time congestion data can enable more responsive traffic light timings, improve directional flow during peak periods and allow faster interventions at known choke points. Beyond day-to-day operations, ERP 2.0 data also offers a powerful planning tool.”