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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“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Workplace Fairness Bill, which establishes clear rules against workplace discrimination while safeguarding core values of trust, fairness and open dialogue. It strikes a necessary balance between an employee's right to redress and an employer's need to manage operations effectively. In my speech, I will raise the following three points: one, concerns about a litigious work environment are addressed through a mediation-first approach to foster trust and reduce disputes; two, resource limitation challenges that smaller enterprises may face in implementing the Bill, the unintended consequences of exemption and initiatives, such as HR-as-a-service to support SMEs; and three, the need to equip HR professionals, managers, employees and jobseekers with training and resources for consistent understanding and fair application of the law while proactively aligning employee expectations with employer capabilities to foster a harmonious and inclusive workplace. Regarding my first point, there are concerns that additional legislation might lead to increased litigations. International examples highlight this risk. In some cases, while addressing unfair treatment, this has led to overcorrection by employers, resulting in rigid procedures rather than fostering trust. There is also the fear of lawsuits, which sometimes stifled open communication. Singapore must learn from these experiences. The proposed Bill targets familiar and common forms of discrimination. By maintaining clear definitions and focusing on prevalent issues, we reduce the likelihood of disputes requiring legal interventions while ensuring broad coverage. Additionally, the Bill mandates mediation before adjudication. Overseas, early conciliation services have proven effective.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, our hawker centres are integral to Singaporeans' way of life. They are places where we connect, share and celebrate our diverse heritage. Let us work together – the Government, businesses and citizens alike – to ensure that our hawkerpreneurs can make a fair livelihood and that everyone can enjoy affordable food. This will ensure that our hawker culture thrives for generations to come. Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move. [Applause.]”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the following amendments: First, "In line 1, to delete 'review' and insert 'continue its support for hawkers by regularly reviewing'". Second, "In line 2, to delete the words ‘to provide better support for hawkers’ and insert ‘which will help’". And third, "At the end of line 3, to add ‘while enabling hawkers to earn a fair livelihood’".”
“Yes, Sir. [A copy of the amendments was handed to Mr Speaker.]”
“As such, Mr Speaker, Sir, with your permission, may I propose amendments to the Motion?”
“He has witnessed seniors holding stacks of CDC Vouchers as well-wishers donate CDC Vouchers to them and seniors can now gather to enjoy a nice tze char meal instead of being restricted to just budget items. There are also many notable examples of Pay It Forward initiatives in hawker centres around Singapore. This example shows that Singaporeans can align local initiatives to show their support for those with less. I hope that we can provide more CDC Vouchers to resource low-income families and our seniors who are mostly retired. Providing additional vouchers to them ensures they continue access to affordable meals and it supports hawkers by increasing patronage. In Zhenghua, we have also introduced $1 deals as part of our local initiatives. Every month, Zhenghua residents can purchase $1 deals and in December alone, nearly 1,000 hawker meals were sold at just $1 each. Hawkers receive the full value of the meal as our community funds tops up the difference. These deals were fully sold out in three days. My grassroots team and I are now exploring ways to expand this initiative so that even more hawkers and residents can benefit. Corporations can also play a significant role in supporting our hawker culture. Notable initiatives like DBS' "5 Million Hawker Meals" programme offer $3 cashback for PayLah! users at participating hawker stalls. The scheme encourages users to dine at hawker centres. These programmes underscore that much has been done to support our hawkerprenuers and ensure that food remains affordable. It takes a whole-of-society approach to support our hawkerpreneurs. From Government policies to corporate initiatives and consumer's attitudes, everyone has a role to play in sustaining this vital part of our culture.”
“As we reflect on Singapore's social compact, let us also take a moment to consider how each of us can contribute to helping our hawkerpreneurs earn a fair and sustainable livelihood. Hawkers have expressed that while customers are willing to pay $15 for a bowl of ramen, they hesitate to pay $5 for a handmade bowl of fishball noodles. I believe that as a deeper appreciation of our hawkerpreneurs grows, the consumer will respond to pricing favourably because they know and understand what it takes to deliver good hawker food. We must support them to ensure they can continue this vital service without compromising their livelihoods. On the Government's side, one particular initiative that has balanced affordability with accessibility well is the Government's CDC Vouchers. Hawkerpreneurs at Senja Hawker Centre shared that these vouchers contributed to approximately 10% of their revenue, which is significant. The CDC Vouchers have directly provided Singaporean households with more to spend at the hawker centres. Hawkerpreneurs at Senja Hawker Centre shared that the vouchers not only increased their sales but also introduced new customers to their stalls. In a recent catch-up with Mr Melvin Chew, who is the founder of Hawker United Dabao 2020 Facebook group that has more than 330,000 members and also the owner of Jin Ji Teochew Braised Duck and Kway Chap – and I understand he is here today and I want to acknowledge his presence – which is located at Chinatown Complex Market and Food Centre, he shared candidly that the CDC Vouchers have been extremely helpful for the patrons in Chinatown as many are seniors who have retired.”
“Even in Western cities like New York City, where the median monthly wage is about $6,626, the cost of a basic meal represents a larger proportion of the median income compared to Singapore. In New York, a street meal costs around $13.00 and takes up about 0.2% of the median income. Earlier, Mr Leong Mun Wai referred to the hawker stalls at Urban Hawker in New York, curated by Mr KF Seetoh. It is laudable that our hawker food has been brought overseas. However, I read in a report by local news site Mothership and also CNA, that chicken rice and prawn mee sold by Urban Hawker in New York cost about $25 and $26, much more than the same dishes cost in Singapore. The Mothership article also reported that hawkerpreneurs in New York cited high rental, ingredients and manpower costs and other challenges. Sadly, at least one hawkerpreneur has closed since. I was told that more have closed in recent months. Mr Speaker, Sir, what this shows is that the cost of food and business operating costs are common to all cities, Singapore included. But yet our local hawker centres are still able to provide us with affordable meals. I am aware and empathise with residents who think of affordability based on what they used to pay, rather than what others in other countries have to pay. However, such economic data points across cities provide a clear reality of our comparative situation. Notwithstanding this, our hawkers provide high-quality, diverse and delicious meals at prices that are a fraction of what people pay in other global cities. This affordability is Singapore's unique social compact forged out of a vocation to feed the nation, but it also underscores the financial pressures hawkers face.”
“Taking a leaf from PAP's tripartism, we can extend hawkerpreneurs' representation under the SCHC model to a similar model to that of existing hawkers' and merchants' associations. This provides an opportunity for collective feedback from hawkerpreneurs to SCHC operators and NEA to co-create industry standards around contractual matters and ground issues that align hawkerpreneurs with local needs. The SCHC model definitely has value and it is the hawkerpreneurs informing us about how things are better for them. But this does not make us complacent. Let us work together with the operators and hawkerpreneurs to make continuous improvements. Mr Speaker, Sir, to ensure our hawker culture thrive, it is crucial that our hawkerpreneurs can earn a sustainable income. Rising costs of ingredients and manpower costs continue to erode their already slim profit margins, leaving little for their own livelihood. Our hawkerpreneurs provide incredible societal value by offering affordable food to Singaporeans. To truly appreciate the affordability of our hawker food, let us compare it to street food prices in other major cities around the world, relative to the median incomes in those cities. In Singapore, the median monthly wage in 2023 is about $5,197 and a typical hawker meal costs around $5. This means that a hawker meal represents roughly 0.1% of the median monthly income. Consider Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, where the median monthly wage in the same year is approximately $1,901 and a street food meal costs about $2.90. Here, a meal accounts for around 0.26% of the median income. More than twice that of Singapore. Moving to Hong Kong, the median monthly wage is about $3,378 and a simple street meal can cost around $8.50, making up about 0.25% of the median income.”
“With the guidance of dedicated centre managers, new hawkerprenuers like Angeline are better positioned to navigate these challenges and build successful businesses. SCHC operators also assist in procuring shared services, such as centralised dishwashing. This has significantly alleviated manpower challenges as they are not required to wash dishes themselves. The dishes are cleaned by a third-party vendor. Hawkers at Senja Hawker Centre expressed satisfaction with these services. Mr Yeo, a senior hawker who owns Yong Feng Ji Chicken Rice, shared that centralised dishwashing saves them time and allows them to focus on cooking and serving their customers. While SCHC has brought clear value to most hawkers, some have also provided feedback on areas of concern with the SCHC model. For instance, the operational hours minimum requirements can be rigid, making it challenging for a single-operator stall to comply. It gets harder to comply when hawkers face manpower challenges and need time for personal exigencies. On the other hand, the minimum operating hours requirement is to ensure that there are sufficient choices for patrons and minimum vibrancy. It is challenging for the management to attract footfall to a centre if there are insufficient stalls open for business. Hawkerpreneurs benefit from increased footfall. I believe that a genuine solution is to find a realistic fit somewhere between these two expectations and every single hawker centre will be different due to local community needs. Instead of perceiving the SCHC model as the boogeyman, we need to solve the real challenge: how do we fine-tune the model to meet the needs of our hawkerpreneurs and the communities they serve?”
“" It is important to acknowledge these concerns and strive for a balance between addressing manpower needs and preserving the authenticity of our hawker culture. The recent policy to enable hawkers to hire LTVP+ holders demonstrates that reviews are conducted continuously, taking the manpower situation and cultural attitudes into careful consideration. Next, I would like to speak about the management model of hawker centres. The SCHC model has been subject to much discussion in the past and in today's debate. It is essential to share some sentiments of hawkerpreneurs presently. One that I know very well is the Senja Hawker Centre in Zhenghua. This is a new hawker centre managed under the SCHC model. The FairPrice Group is the appointed management company by NEA. I would like to share with the House the experience of Ms Angeline, a first-time hawkerpreneur at Senja Hawker Centre who sells local delights, such as Hokkien mee and carrot cake. At the start, Angeline faced several challenges. She needed guidance to navigate various licensing matters, such as understanding which licenses were necessary and figuring out how to set up a utility account. Employment laws and finding reliable supplier contacts were also obstacles along the way. But she was not alone. The centre manager from the SCHC operator became a vital source of support, helping her through each requirement. In her own words, she shared, "Without the support of the centre manager, I would have felt lost and it would have taken me much longer to start my business." Such support is invaluable, especially for the next generation of hawkerpreneurs, who may not have the industry knowledge and networks that veteran hawkerprenurs have built over the years.”
“As a follow-up, I submitted a Parliamentary Question in August, urging the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) to allow hawkers to hire LTVP+ holders. I am pleased that following this, Senior Minister of State Dr Koh Poh Koon announced in the last Sitting, that hawkers can now employ LTVP+ holders as stall assistants. [Applause.] As shared earlier, this policy change not only provides hawkers with an additional pool of manpower, but also increases job opportunities for LTVP+ holders, who are often family members of Singaporeans. I note that some hawkerpreneurs have asked to be allowed to hire foreigners on Work Permits. We are mindful of community concerns about allowing more foreigners to work in hawker centres. Hansard records from 2010 and 2011 reflect concerns over the influx of foreign workers in hawker centres, with residents noting issues, such as language barriers, cultural differences and variations in service standards. In the Parliamentary Sitting on 1 March 2010, then-Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, acknowledged these concerns, "Some Members have raised concerns about the increasing presence of foreign workers in hawker centres, which may affect the ambience and character of these places. To strike a balance, NEA allows hawkers to employ a limited number of foreign workers as assistants, subject to certain conditions to ensure that the character of hawker centres is maintained." Member Lim Biow Chuan expressed during the 5 March 2010 Sitting, "Many residents have given feedback that the presence of foreign workers affects the traditional feel of our hawker centres. There are also concerns about communication difficulties and differences in hygiene practices.”
“With regard to Member Ms Hazel Poa's suggestion on centralised procurement at hawker centres, I would like to share that operators have explored these ideas, but certain challenges make it difficult to implement. First, hawkerpreneurs' ingredients are highly varied, with many different stock keeping units. For example, even something as simple and common as rice, comes in various types and grades, complicating central procurement and bulk purchasing efforts. Second, many hawkerpreneurs have longstanding relationships with their suppliers and prefer to maintain these trusted connections. Another key challenge that hawkerpreneurs face is the cost and lack of manpower. As part of our national commitment to uplift lower-wage workers, manpower costs have increased. Hawkers are now offering salaries ranging from $2,600 to $3,200 for stall assistants, but there are very few local jobseekers interested in these positions, due to the demanding nature of the work and long hours. Local jobseekers are also needed in other sectors, such as childcare and healthcare. Recognising these challenges, during one of my catchups with hawkerpreneur friends – one of whom is Mr Noorman Mubarak, founder of Nasi Lemak Taliwang – they suggested allowing them to hire Long-Term Visit Pass Plus (LTVP+) holders to alleviate the manpower shortage. I felt that this was a good suggestion, as LTVP+ holders are part of the Singaporean family. Allowing hawkers to hire LTVP+ holders will balance both the need for an additional pool of workers to hire, mitigate concerns that our hawker centres should be distinctively Singaporean and provide additional job options for Singaporean families.”
“To illustrate the challenges with ingredient costs on the ground, allow me to share about Mr Zuhairi, who runs Project Penyek at Senja Hawker Centre. Mr Zuhairi shared that customer preferences for certain parts, such as thighs over breast meat, lead to imbalances and wastage. Unsold breast meat at the end of the day has to be discarded, increasing the cost of goods sold significantly. He mentioned, "When customers ask for more thighs, I worry about the breast meat that may go unsold. Any wastages directly affects my earnings." These days when I order Ayam Penyet at his stall, Mr Zuhairi will jokingly ask me "Breast or thigh?" I will obviously reply "Chicken breast". Mr Zuhairi also shared that in recent years since COVID-19, the cost of fresh chicken has risen from $3.50 to $4.50 per kilogrammes and the price of chilli has nearly tripled, from $2.50 to $6 per kilogrammes. Mr Zuhairi orders chilli to make tasty sambal that goes perfectly well with his Ayam Penyet. But Mr Zuhairi expressed anxiety over customers requesting extra sambal chilli sauce, which they expect at no additional charge. With margins already slim, such additional requests further strain finances. He shared, "I want to satisfy my customers, but giving more chilli without charging increases my ingredients cost." Mr Speaker, these anecdotes may seem trivial to some, but I felt that it is important to share the ground concerns and anxieties of our hawkerpreneurs. These are issues we may not think of as consumers when we buy our food. Thankfully, Mr Zuhairi shared that ingredients prices have stabilised. This signals that the monetary measures, such as strengthening the Singapore dollar put in place by the Government, have helped.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I speak on this Motion from the perspective of someone who has spent years working alongside hawkerpreneurs in my various roles, first as an entrepreneur and now as a Member of Parliament and grassroots advisor. Defending Singapore's hawker culture and hawkerpreneurs's livelihood is a deeply personal matter to me as I have experienced first-hand the grit, determination and passion of our hawkerpreneurs and have close friends in the ecosystem. As such, I have personally experienced several reviews that led to tangible improvements. Our hawkerpreneurs are everyday heroes who toil over their hot stoves to provide all of us with affordable and tasty meals. I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all hawkerpreneurs, past and present and, especially, those who are with us in the gallery today. From my direct engagement with hawkerpreneurs, it is clear that the two largest cost drivers are the cost of raw ingredients and manpower, not rent, as is commonly perceived and acknowledged by Member Mr Leong Mun Wai as well. Based on data shared by hawkerpreneurs whom I met recently at Senja Hawker Centre, ingredients make up 50% to 60% of their total costs, manpower accounts for 15% to 25% and rental constitutes around 10%. This means for every serving of hawker meal we order for $4, $2 to $2.40 is paid to ingredients suppliers, 60 cents to $1 for manpower and 40 cents is paid for rental. There are other miscellaneous expenses, such as transport and utilities. The actual net profit margin that our hawkers earn is as low as 20 cents to 40 cents per serving. This breakdown highlights the thin profit margins and underscores the importance of addressing the need of our hawkerpreneurs to earn a decent livelihood.”
“Mr Speaker, as I have received feedback from Zhenghua residents regarding morning peak hour wait times and also crowd issues, I would like to ask the Minister, with all the upgrades, especially with the signalling system upgrade, how will these actually impact or improve waiting times and overall system capacity as well, especially at downstream stations, such as Senja LRT station?”
“Speaker, I would just like to ask the Senior Minister of State, I note the point about fairness. But I think that LTA also provides incentives, such as Additional Registration Fee rebates to encourage early adoption of EVs. Can I just suggest that the Government take a whole-of-Government perspective and allow this temporary provision of two-season parking option as an overall suite to encourage EV adoption?”
“This could lead to complications in determining the appropriate amount of subsidy to recover. Hence, I seek the Minister to provide clarifications on the calculations concerning these two points. A transparent and fair approach to subsidy recovery, especially in fluctuating markets, will benefit both flat owners and the Government in maintaining clarity and fairness in the system. Mr Speaker Sir, in conclusion, the CPF scheme has always served the interest of Singaporeans to meet their needs, and this move to amend our CPF scheme is a timely response to evolving times. This is especially true in areas, such as the expansion of HPS. This is also an opportunity to make the scheme even more dynamic, inclusive and equitable, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions. I urge the Minister to consider the suggestions. Notwithstanding this, I reiterate my support for this Bill.”
“In other countries, such as the United States and New Zealand, tiered insurance options allow individuals to choose lower coverage levels at reduced premiums. This flexibility is especially beneficial for high-risk individuals who may struggle to afford full coverage. I would like to ask the Minister if the Ministry would introduce tiered coverage options within HPS. This will provide individuals with serious pre-existing conditions the opportunity to opt for a lower coverage level at a more manageable premium, thus ensuring they are still protected within their financial means. Mr Speaker, Sir, I would also like to raise clarifications on other aspects of this Bill. This is with regard to Prime and Plus flat owners who purchase their flats from HDB. Under the sale of these flats, owners must return to HDB a percentage of the resale price or the flat’s valuation, whichever is higher. This subsidy recovery is proportionate to the extent of additional subsidies initially provided. The repayment will take priority after any outstanding property tax and before HDB or bank loans, resale levies and CPF housing refunds. However, clarification is necessary on two fronts. One, the recovery of subsidies is premised on the flat being sold at a higher price than its purchase price. We should clarify the formulation of this refund in relation to the valuation at the time of sale, accounting for factors, such as lease depreciation, inflation and current market conditions. Two, in the event of a property market downturn, how will the recoverable subsidies be calculated? The real-term valuation which takes into account inflation at the point of sale may be lower than the original purchase price or the grant’s initial value.”
“In countries, such as Australia and the United Kingdom (UK), patients in remission often see a reduction in their premiums after a period without recurrence, two years in Australia and three years in the UK. With this in mind, I would like to ask the Minister what is the current review period and if the Ministry is considering shortening the review period for HPS premium adjustments for members in remission. Offering such relief would acknowledge the efforts of those who have overcome serious health conditions and now maintain stable health. My fourth point is about broader risk pooling in national schemes. Countries like Sweden and Norway adopt an inclusive approach to risk pooling, spreading risks across the entire population. This significantly reduces the financial burden on high-risk individuals, making coverage more affordable for all. In Norway, for instance, the National Insurance Scheme provides automatic health coverage to all residents, including those with pre-existing conditions. There is precedence in Singapore. MediShield Life provides an excellent example of how risk pooling can work effectively within a national scheme. It does so by spreading risks across a large pool, ensuring inclusivity for those with pre-existing conditions. While MediShield Life already covers individuals with pre-existing conditions, HPS has historically excluded those with more serious conditions. Can we adopt a similar model for HPS, broadening the risk pool to alleviate the premium burden on high-risk individuals? Doing so, we protect the potentially more vulnerable members of our society. My fifth point is about tiered coverage options for greater flexibility.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise today to express my support for the CPF (Amendment) Bill 2024, particularly the expansion of the HPS. This amendment marks a significant step towards ensuring greater financial security for Singaporeans, especially those with serious pre-existing health conditions. Currently, the HPS covers individuals in good health or with mild pre-existing conditions. Yet around 1.3% of applications are rejected annually due to more severe health issues. With this amendment, we will extend coverage to those previously excluded, specifically individuals with serious but well-managed health conditions. This is a commendable and forward-thinking initiative. However, as we continue to be more inclusive, it is crucial to explore how advances in medical technology can further enhance the scheme's scope. This brings me to my first point of incorporating medical advancements into HPS premiums. We can look to countries like Germany and Canada for reference, where insurers frequently revise premiums for chronic illnesses, such as cancer, factoring in breakthroughs like immunotherapy and targeted treatments. This ensures that premiums reflect the progress of medical treatments. Singapore could benefit from such a similar approach of adopting a more dynamic review process. By integrating the latest medical advancements, we ensure that individuals receiving such treatments pay HPS premiums that are reflective of their improved health outlook. May I ask the Minister what mechanisms does the Ministry have in place to regularly review HPS? Are there plans to incorporate advancements in medical treatments when revising premiums in such reviews? My third point is about premium adjustments for patients in remission.”
“The revenue generated can support FCOs in their recovery of logistical costs. This initiative presents a dual benefit – reducing food waste and contributing to our nation's carbon reduction goals. To fully harness this potential, I recommend supporting FCOs in adopting digital solutions to effectively track the amount of food waste redistributed. Such technologies will enhance transparency and accuracy in measuring their impact, enabling these organisations to capitalise on carbon credits. This potential further amplifies the impact of the Good Samaritan Food Donation Bill, fostering a more sustainable and responsible approach to food management in our society. Mr Speaker, to conclude, the Good Samaritan Food Donation Bill offers transformative opportunities for addressing food waste and enhancing support for food-insecure communities. To fully leverage these benefits, we should: one, support food caring organisations with grants for quality mark accreditation and Enterprise Singapore's Quality and Standards division should consider developing a standard specifically tailored to our local context; two, focus on hyperlocal partnerships and community-based redistribution networks, utilising the CDCs to enable hub and spoke operations; and three, support FCOs to adopt digital solutions to effectively track the amount of food waste redistributed. Such technologies will enhance transparency and accuracy in measuring their impact, enabling these organisations to capitalise on carbon credits. These steps will maximise the Bill's impact, ensuring a more effective and sustainable approach to food waste and community support.”
“The CDCs could serve as the key node to enable FCOs to operate a hyperlocal hub and spokes redistribution. Within these hubs, several cold storage facilities can be added to extend the shelf life of perishable items. By collaborating with FCOs within the CDC districts, the CDCs can enhance existing support to resource low-income families. This suggestion is built upon our existing weekly food rescue initiative that we have started in Zhenghua. Launched in September 2022, we have rescued approximately 7,600 kilogrammes of food and redistributed it to the residents of Zhenghua. We collaborated with local supermarkets and wholesalers to gather all unsold food items, which are transported to Zhenghua, where it is distributed among residents. It is important to note that we have framed this as a Zhenghua green initiative, where all are welcome to collect the rescued food. In this way, we mobilise all in our community to do our part to reduce food waste. Our on-ground experience shows how hyperlocal initiatives can successfully mobilise volunteers and consistently provided food to the community. This approach reduces logistical cost by keeping food redistribution hyperlocal, ensuring food reaches those in need quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, it enhances community resilience and promotes sustainability by fostering a strong network of support within the neighbourhood. Thirdly, Mr Speaker, an exciting opportunity arises for food caring organisations in Singapore to issue carbon credits by redistributing food. By aligning with international methodologies that quantify greenhouse gas emission reductions, these organisations can not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also generate revenue through carbon credits.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in creating a quality mark for the redistribution of food, food caring organisations benefit in several ways: one, ensure consistency in food safety and quality; two, build trust and credibility with donees; three, improve efficiency as processes are streamlined and staff and volunteers are provided stipulated training; four, facilitate partnerships and funding as partnership organisations and funding organisations look for evidence of quality and reliability when partnering or awarding funds; and five, support continuous improvements and monitoring as quality marks offer valuable feedback for ongoing improvements and adjustments. For food caring organisations to harness the opportunities presented in this Bill, we need to enable them to take strategic and impactful steps. There are three ways we can do so. Firstly, we must enable food caring organisations to pursue quality mark accreditation. To facilitate this, I propose that the Government provide grants to cover costs associated with adopting these standards and conducting necessary training. Furthermore, Enterprise Singapore's Quality and Standards division should consider developing a standard specifically tailored to our local context, ensuring it meets the unique needs of our community. Secondly, FCOs need to address the challenge of logistics. While investing in additional refrigerated vehicles is one option, it may not always be the most efficient and can also contribute to traffic congestion. Instead, I recommend we focus on creating hyperlocal partnerships and community-based redistribution networks. The Community Development Councils (CDCs), organised by districts, are ideally positioned to enable this.”
“The increase in food sources will also optimise the matching of donors' and donees' preferences. When businesses, restaurants and individuals donate more surplus food, it increases the potential diversity of food available for redistribution. This helps organisations have a more consistent and diverse supply to redistribute to those in need. Combined with digital solutions, the increase in scale can also spark innovations in redistribution methods, such as using technology to track and manage food donations more effectively. In the US, Olio is a food-sharing app that connects neighbours and local businesses with excess food to those nearby who can use it. Such hyperlocal innovations have the potential to enhance community bonds too. Another area of opportunity is the issuance of a quality mark that ensures food is safely and effectively redistributed to those in need. Such certifications and standards typically focus on food safety, operational standards and efficiency. There are a few notable examples. First, ISO 22000, an international standard that specifies requirements for a food safety management system to ensure that food is safe for consumption. Organisations involved in food rescue and redistribution can obtain this certification to demonstrate their commitment to food safety. Second, Feeding America's "Certified Member Food Banks". Feeding America has its own set of standards and guidelines for member food banks. Certified members must meet rigorous criteria for food safety, handling and distribution practices.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, firstly, I would like to declare that I own and operate a food waste recycling company. Through my professional experience, I have witnessed first-hand the shocking amount of perfectly edible food that is discarded into recycling bins. This has reinforced my firm belief that edible food should be redistributed, not recycled. Therefore, I fully support this Bill put forth by the hon Member Louis Ng as it will enable more effective redistribution of edible food. It has been a real privilege to be part of this discussion along with Parliamentary colleagues, Ms Poh Li San and Ms Hany Soh at the onset. I would like to thank all the workgroup members for assisting in drafting this Bill. In this speech, I will share the various opportunities that this Bill gives rise to. These opportunities support our nation's efforts to combat food waste and enhance the support for our food-insecure communities. Firstly, by protecting food donors from liability for any harm that may arise from the consumption of donated food, under specific conditions, the amount of food that would be donated is expected to rise. This bodes well for any type of operation as economies of scale are key. The increase in food sources enables non-profit organisations and social enterprises to achieve the required scale to optimise operations and logistics. With more food available, food caring organisaions (FCOs) can optimise their processes. They can better match the food with appropriate recipients and plan logistics more effectively. Also, with greater food volume, organisations can recover their investments in better infrastructure, such as transportation and storage, improving their overall efficiency.”
“This cautious approach can sometimes seem excessive and it has led to perception that Singapore is becoming an onerous place for investment and that Singapore is no longer open for business. Given the measures in this Bill and the four AML-related amendments enacted since May 2023, there is a concern that this could unduly increase the compliance burden on our industries, particularly in finance and real estate. Could the Minister ensure that these amendments do not lead to an excessive compliance burden? It is important to note that compliance officers in different industries have varied timelines to adjust to new regulations. For example, the finance industry has had a longer period to develop KYC policies, compared to the real estate industry. There is also a concern about uneven standards of personal data protection. Therefore, we need to support these industries in levelling up their compliance practices for consistent application. Additionally, could we provide clear guidance to compliance officers to ensure they do not adopt overly conservative approaches that could deter investment and hinder our economic growth? Mr Speaker, Sir, these regulations intend to safeguard our financial systems. However, they must not, inadvertently, create a heavier compliance load or foster negative perceptions. While we aim to strengthen our defences against illicit activities, our approach should also foster a dynamic economic environment.”
“This introduces friction for individuals trying to establish entitlement to properties linked to absconded persons. There are concerns that these new laws might deter legitimate investments and businesses, particularly, by increasing the risk of property seizure, impacting investments. While we understand the necessity of these amendments, there is a perception that they may confer excessive power on the Police to seize properties without due Court process. This raises questions about the impact on the perception on foreign investors. It is important to consider the psychological aspect. In Singapore, we enjoy a high trust in our society and law enforcement agencies. This may make these measures seem fair to our citizens. However, foreign investors may come from societies with lower trust in similar institutions. Their concerns about potential overreach should be addressed. Therefore, I would like to ask the Minister, what specific powers do the Police have under clause 16. What are guardrails are in place to prevent a potential overreach? Furthermore, how can we assuage concerns from our international investors regarding these powers? Next, I would like to address a significant issue related to compliance, particularly within the financial and real estate sectors. There is feedback from the ground, including private bankers, that compliance officers are interpreting regulations with an overly-conservative approach. For example, a client who has purchased a property and received the Temporary Occupation Permit is now being retroactively asked to prove the source of funds. Also, investors are questioning whether real estate developers can depend on the Know Your Client (KYC) and due diligence conducted by banks.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the proposed amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering and Others Matters Bill. Singapore plays a pivotal role as a global financial hub. As such, our financial regulations should align with international standards to preserve our reputation. Singapore's reputation has an immense impact on job creation and securing good jobs for Singaporeans. These amendments, along with four other Bills passed since May 2023, collectively enhances our defences against money laundering. This is a critical aspect of our commitment to global financial integrity. I also recognise that these amendments' roles in fortifying our defences against illicit activities. These enhancements, along with previous amendments, bolster our enforcement capabilities. They also provide us with the tools needed to effectively combat bad actors. However, the successes of these measures depends on their implementation and the perceptions of those responsible for their enforcement, especially our compliance officers. We need to ensure these regulations are communicated. Compliance officers must have an accurate understanding of the intents and specifications of the various AML amendments and avoid taking an overly-conservative approach that places excessive compliance burdens. Striking a balance is essential, as being too strict or too lenient can be detrimental. Excessive conservatism can stifle legitimate financial activities, deter investment inflows and negatively impact job creation. Therefore, compliance officers must find a middle ground that ensures regulatory compliance without imposing unnecessary constraints. Mr Speaker, Sir, I seek clarification on a specific point, namely clause 16.”
“Thank you, Speaker. I would like to ask the Senior Parliamentary Secretary two supplementary questions. He mentioned that NEA is conducting a review of formaldehyde treatments on wooden furniture. I just want to ask what is the timeline and what are the considerations, considering the fact that there is legitimate public safety concerns regarding formaldehyde in wooden furniture. So, timeline and the considerations of the review. Second, in terms of public awareness, the Senior Parliamentary Secretary mentioned that there is accreditation by the Singapore Environment Council. How is NEA going to create more public awareness among residents who appoint small renovation contractors, how would they be able to know what are the products being used by renovation contractors?”
“Mr Speaker, in considering FWA requests, I think HR professionals play a pivotal role in aligning management's perspective and, importantly, achieve a harmonious outcome. So, I would like to ask the Minister of State, how will the Ministry facilitate and ensure HR professionals are equipped with the right framework and tools in implementing FWAs effectively in the workplace?”
“Can the Ministry confirm whether the amendment grants powers to the Police to intervene when someone attempts to self-harm, with the assurance that the individual is unlikely to face charges but will instead receive mental health support? In conclusion, Sir, as we discuss these amendments, let us ensure that our approach is rooted in empathy, care and collaboration to effectively support both individuals in crisis and those who serve in our front lines. Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the Bill.”
“Some Australian states employ unified teams of police and mental health professionals for specialised crisis responses. I am sure that the Ministry has considered some of the models for adaptation in our context and considered the challenges. In addressing these challenges, enhancing upstream structural interactions between community mental health teams and Neighbourhood Police Centres (NPCs) is crucial for better coordination of responses and support. Currently, Singapore boasts over 70 Community Resource, Engagement and Support Teams (CREST) spread across various regions. I would like to ask the Minister for a status update on any current collaborative efforts between CREST teams and NPC teams. Furthermore, is the Ministry exploring models for fostering deeper collaboration in this regard? Third, our front-line police officers, including younger National Servicemen, are often the first responders to incidents involving individuals in mental health crises. Witnessing such situations can take a significant emotional toll on them. The Police Psychological Services Department (PPSD) offers a multi-faceted approach for officers. Dedicated para counsellors are present in all Police units and departments, while PPSD psychologists and Home Team psychiatrists offer professional in-house counselling. This is a good start. In line with these amendments, what more can we do to ensure our front-line officers’ mental health is taken care of? Lastly, the decriminalisation of suicide was a significant legislative reform aimed at recognising mental health issues as medical concerns rather than criminal acts. I have received feedback expressing concerns about how this amendment aligns with the decriminalisation of suicide.”
“On the other hand, any ambiguity could force officers to hastily assess individuals' mental health, placing an unfair burden on them. Our officers must be adequately trained and supported to help them navigate these complex scenarios with compassion and discernment. Secondly, we should also extend our care to individuals with mental health conditions who come into police custody. Training our officers in active listening and de-escalation techniques can enable them to interact with individuals experiencing mental health crises with greater empathy. For instance, an officer equipped with these skills can more effectively assist someone having a panic attack in public, using non-threatening body language and a gentle tone to offer support and guide the individual to appropriate help. In other jurisdictions, there is a growing understanding of the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and mental health professionals. These collaborative approaches between the two entities seek to integrate mental health expertise into police responses, prioritise the well-being of individuals in crisis, and reduce reliance on punitive measures. Advancing community mental health support will also mean increased support for Police Officers and downstream care for individuals. A more collaborative approach between law enforcement and mental health professionals is essential to prioritise the well-being of individuals in crisis. Specialised Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) programmes, like those in some jurisdictions, train officers to de-escalate mental health crises and connect individuals with services than resorting to arrest or apprehension. Research shows CIT improves officer attitudes and reduces injuries during crisis calls.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I will speak on the proposed amendments to the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act and the Police Force Act. They have been a topic of passionate discussion and I wish to convey some concerns and seek clarifications on behalf of those we serve. As we debate these amendments, we need to ensure that these changes enable our police officers to effectively discharge their duties while providing care and support for individuals struggling with mental health issues, as well as their loved ones and caregivers. Firstly, with the proposed changes granting additional authority to our officers, I would like to ask the Minister if the existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be updated to align with the proposed amendments. I am concerned about the treatment of individuals who have been apprehended. These individuals are often in a vulnerable state, and it is imperative that we treat them with kindness and empathy. Can the Minister provide clarity on the procedures in place for their rehabilitation and treatment? How do we further improve these processes to ensure better outcomes for these individuals, providing them with the support and care that they need during these difficult times? Moreover, I would like to inquire about the follow-up mechanisms with psychiatric institutions and social services. Ensuring continuity of care is essential for the holistic well-being of such individuals and their caregivers. The amendment clarifies that the Police do not have to wait for an "imminent" danger before taking action. However, it is also essential to understand the limits of what constitutes "reasonable" to prevent overreach. The term "reasonable" is subjective and can vary from one situation to another.”
“Understanding the criteria that will guide these significant decisions will be crucial for maintaining industry confidence. Finally, Sir, the Bill introduces a nuanced stance on reasonable care on accuracy, which could lead to reprimands for insufficient disclosure or lack of duty of care. I would like to seek concrete definitions to prevent ambiguity in enforcement. How will MAS assess and enforce these standards to ensure fair treatment across the board? Furthermore, what avenues will be available for individuals to demonstrate compliance? In conclusion, this Bill represents a step towards reinforcing the robustness of our financial system. However, the measures within it must be implemented with precision and in consultation with the stakeholders they affect. Certainly, financial institutions will compare the new measures with those implemented in other global financial hubs. Hence, to ensure our competitiveness as a financial centre remains robust, it is critical that we thoroughly explain the rationale behind this amendment Bill and work to convince the industry that these changes will ultimately prove advantageous for legitimate institutions operating within Singapore's jurisdiction. Mr Speaker, Sir, notwithstanding my questions and clarifications, I support the amendment Bill.”
“Additionally, what safeguards will be put in place to prevent misuse? Moreover, it is important to note that a Court warrant is still necessary for seizing evidence. In light of this, how can we ensure that entering premises and conducting interviews without a warrant will indeed enhance effectiveness in combating illicit activities? Secondly, the Bill also enables MAS to approve the appointment of agents by foreign regulators to conduct an inspection of specified financial institutions under the SFA. Will this mean that agents appointed by foreign regulars can conduct inspections without a warrant as well? Is there a reciprocal arrangement with these foreign regulators? How would this impact our jurisdiction's autonomy and would MAS be obliged to approve all such appointments? Thirdly, the Bill allows MAS to issue directions on risk mitigation for unregulated business activities for CMSL holders. Given the varied nature and scope of activities these institutions undertake, a one-size-fits-all approach could potentially overlook individual complexities. How will this approach ensure that unique risk profiles of these institutions are adequately managed? Is there a plan to engage with the industry for transparent and fair standards implementation? Moving on to my fourth point. The extension of MAS' authority over the appointment and removal of key personnel, such as CEOs and directors, needs to be carefully managed. The industry seeks clarity on the criteria and processes that will guide these decisions. What are the policies in place to prevent potential overreach? Furthermore, what is the usual timeframe for approval and how does the timeframe compare to other jurisdictions?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Financial Institutions (Miscellaneous Amendments), or FIMA, Bill extends MAS' capabilities to safeguard our financial system's integrity. While it is far-reaching, it aligns with our commitment to uphold the highest standards of financial supervision. However, I would like to highlight five key areas that require clarification based on feedback received by the industry. This includes: first, clarifying the scope of MAS' powers; second, the appointment of agents by foreign regulators; third, managing risk profiles of CMSL holders; fourth, the extension of MAS' authority over the appointment and removal of key personnel; and fifth, the definition of "reasonable care on accuracy". Firstly, Sir, the Bill impacts a wide range of existing financial regulations – from the FAA to the SFA and the TCA – essentially impacting the entire spectrum of our financial regulations. Specifically, the Bill grants the MAS powers including the power to enter without a warrant. The feedback has been a palpable sense of concern. We must acknowledge and address these concerns proactively and explain the need for these powers and explain why MAS cannot simply apply for a warrant to enter. It is essential to emphasise how these measures will protect legitimate institutions from undue anxiety, while simultaneously guaranteeing stricter and more expeditious enforcement actions that ultimately serve the interests of bona fide institutions. Such a measure is not commonplace in other financial hubs, such as Hong Kong, which has not enacted similar legislation even in its recent tightening of financial regulations. How do we justify these measures and are they similar in other jurisdictions, such as Australia and the United Kingdom (UK)?”
“Specifically, a study focusing on younger hawkerpreneurs who face higher living expenses, such as housing mortgages and children's education, would be beneficial. What plans does the Ministry have to ensure that our hawkerpreneurs can maintain a decent livelihood? Additionally, while the Government has emphasised the necessity for consumers to pay more to support the uplifting of lower-wage workers and strengthen social inclusivity, hawkerpreneurs often face criticism when revising meal prices upward. How does the Government intend to assist hawkerpreneurs in implementing price increases that are fair to both them and consumers? Environmental Cleanliness”
“Mr Chairman, we proudly commemorate Singapore's hawker culture as the nation's inclusion on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO's) Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020. The dedication of our hawkerpreneurs, who tirelessly work over hot stoves and woks, ensures the preservation of this invaluable cultural heritage. Moreover, our hawkerpreneurs fulfill a crucial social need by providing affordable and delicious meals to all Singaporeans, particularly those from resource-low families. They also offer convenience to dual-income households, who often lack the time to prepare meals. Despite their invaluable contributions, our hawkerpreneurs face escalating challenges, including: one, higher manpower costs, driven by the need to uplift lower-wage workers and the tightness of the labour market. It is worth noting that hawkerpreneurs are restricted from hiring foreign workers, limiting their pool of available stall assistants; two, increased ingredient costs due to global inflation; and three, hawkerpreneurs plying their trade in some coffee shops have also experienced escalating rental prices. In light of the Government's comprehensive efforts to enhance the livelihoods of lower-wage workers through initiatives like the PWM and increasing local qualifying salaries, it is imperative to consider the well-being and livelihoods of our hawkerpreneurs too. Therefore, I would like to inquire whether the Ministry has conducted a study on the average earnings of our hawkers, comparing them with the latest salary benchmarks, including overall pay and hourly earning rates?”
“Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) without an HR business partner (HRBP) role may face difficulties in corporate alignment. Chief HR Officer (CHRO)-as-a-service can be a solution to mimic the HRBP role and maximise the translation value of SkillsFuture credits. The increased disruption in job scopes highlights the need for improved job redesign capabilities, especially with the support for acquiring new skills in Budget 2024. Developing measurement tools and benchmarks for equitable assessment of salary ranges for newly acquired skillsets is crucial. We need to support employers to drive transformation by redesigning jobs for new and emerging opportunities. Job redesign can also help to assimilate older workers as they reach retirement and extend their working duration. Coupled with FWAs, it will create the nexus for a future-ready labour market. Hence, I would like to ask MOM how we are empowering employers to re-design jobs. How are we empowering workers to improve their career health? Retrenchments, and "Hand" and "Heart" Work”
“How can we ensure that these policies contribute to Singaporeans' real wage growth? Is it timely to establish clearer distinctions between various work passes based on the specific job appeal to Singaporeans? Alongside these distinctions, should we adjust the dependency ratio ceiling to ensure that enterprises have the necessary manpower to thrive while ensuring equitable access and higher wages for Singaporeans? It is important to note that existing foreign worker levies, LQS and the PWM are effective levers to support higher wages for Singaporeans. The persistent challenge of not being able to send workers for training due to manpower shortages necessitates a nuanced approach. As part of the strategy to ensure that foreign workforce policies foster business growth while enhancing collaboration with local talent, I propose implementing temporary quota increases contingent upon commitments to human capital development and local worker training. Furthermore, I suggest that the temporary quota be linked to a commitment to participate in the Institute of Human Resources Professionals' (IHRP's) human capital diagnostic tool (HCDT) professional programme and to implement its recommendations. This approach allows time for local workers to engage in training, leading to overall improvements in human capital development within firms and maximising Singaporean workers' growth potential. Programmes, such as SkillsFuture Level-Up, and various improvements to SkillsFuture, are a key pillar to empowering Singaporeans to take up good jobs. With enhanced SkillsFuture funding, the challenge is to ensure that employees, while in their jobs, can identify and acquire new skillsets aligned with corporate objectives.”
“Mr Chairman, firstly, I commend the expansion of the Government's Progressive Wage Credit Scheme (PWCS), which significantly aids businesses in supporting higher wages. In the medium term, wage increases can only be supported along with productivity increases. Hence, we need to continue assisting employers in creating an environment conducive to workers' training to increase workers’ productivity and support employers to realise enhanced firm productivity. What are MOM's plans to support our employers to do so? The rise in Local Qualifying Salary (LQS), as announced in Budget 2024, from $1,400 to $1,600 indicates broader cross-sector backing to uplift lower-wage workers. Nevertheless, as the PWM expands across additional sectors and wage ladders commence from an average of $2,650 for an entry-grade security officer and $1,915 in the food and beverage (F&B) sector, how will LQS support a greater number of lower-wage workers? I seek MOM to share the number of lower-wage workers expected to experience wage increases due to the elevated LQS. Yet there are many challenges faced by employers, such as escalating utility costs and increasing manpower expenses. I wish to highlight the shared responsibility of consumers and employers in supporting lower-wage workers here. What are the strategies to enhance consumer awareness of the PWM Mark to bring the consumer's role to the forefront in supporting businesses committed to fair wages? Mr Chairman, Singapore must maintain its openness to talent and uphold global connections, particularly amid declining local labour force growth stemming from our ageing population and low birth rates. As we remain open, it is crucial to continuously review and calibrate foreign workforce policies.”
“Earlier this month, I asked a Parliamentary Question on the status of the EEG and the Minister shared that Enterprise Singapore has approved nearly 5,000 applications for the EEG. What is the total projected energy savings from equipment purchases supported by the grant thus far? Also, what is MTI's target for the total energy savings with the expanded EEG? Furthermore, considering the potential for significant systemic impact, I would like to ask whether there is room for additional upstream energy efficiency grants targeting plants, buildings and districts. Such upstream savings could have substantial benefits to the overall energy conservation efforts. The $5 billion FEF is a positive step towards cleaner energy. However, it may not suffice for our clean energy transition. Will there be future top-ups or will the fund collaborate with borrowings, such as through the SINGA bonds? How will it catalyse private-sector investments? As we aim to reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainable growth, our limited access to clean energy stands as a key limiting factor to economic growth. This could impact the real income growth and living standards of Singaporeans. Hence, we must address our clean energy constraints. Strengthening Consumer Protection”
“Mr Chairman, I would speak on addressing our energy constraints while meeting our climate commitments. This is crucial for our economy and environment. Firstly, it is crucial for our national grid to efficiently integrate diverse energy sources without significant loss during transfer. In addition, it is essential to improve the efficiency of electricity generation, storage and transmission. Hence, what are MTI's plans to modernise our energy grid to efficiently integrate diverse sources of energy and improve overall efficiency? In addition, how will the modernisation of the energy grid be financed and what are the cost implications to consumers and businesses? Secondly, as we secure our position as a data and AI centre, there will undoubtedly be a need for more energy to run the data centres and chip manufacturing facilities. So, what is MTI's projection of future energy needs to support the growth of our digital economy, especially in the domain of AI? As the cooling demands in data centres and chip manufacturing facilities contribute significantly to the overall electrical consumption, what measures are being taken to optimise cooling in Singapore? Furthermore, with the escalating temperatures induced by climate change, Singapore faces heightened electricity usage for cooling purposes. I have highlighted in this Chamber – Singapore's strides in developing District Cooling Systems and their advantages. Are there plans to intensify efforts in this domain and cultivate local enterprises to bolster their capabilities in this sector and export this expertise to other global regions? In Budget 2024, the Government announced an expansion of the Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG). However, we need to evaluate the effectiveness of such programmes.”
“And four, strengthening of the Singapore dollar against key tourism markets. What are MTIs strategies to mitigate these challenges? Despite efforts, tourism arrival figures and projections have yet to rebound to pre-pandemic levels of 19 million per year. While the sector witnessed a robust resurgence in the past two years – largely attributable to schemes like the Jobs Support Scheme (JSS) that retains capabilities and capacities – other global tourism hubs have regained momentum and competitiveness. Competing markets have also unveiled substantial new initiatives and attractions, vying for a share of the tourism market. In light of these circumstances, what are MTI's specific strategies to restore our tourism sector to pre-pandemic levels? Furthermore, within these strategies, what specific initiatives are in place to enhance local content; empowering local enterprises to cultivate robust Intellectual Properties (IPs) instead of solely relying on imported IPs? Support SMEs – Digital, AI and Green Economy”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, before the onset of the pandemic, considerable efforts were dedicated to assisting our local enterprises in seizing opportunities abroad and expanding their global footprint. As we transition from the pandemic, the external landscape and supply chains have undergone significant shifts due to the heightened emphasis on resilience and geopolitical tensions, leading to increased polarisation and "friend-shoring". In light of these changes, how is MTI adapting its programmes – such as Scale-up – to align with this evolving external environment, ensuring that support for regionalisation remains effective? Moreover, considering MTI's success in securing Foreign Direct Investments in recent years and the presence of MNEs, how will these factors empower local businesses to capitalise on emerging opportunities? Will this integration be part of the enhanced PACT programme and if so, what is the synergy between Scale-up and PACT? Furthermore, MTI's proactive approach to signing FTAs with various jurisdictions presents additional opportunities for local enterprises to expand its overseas revenues. How does MTI facilitate local businesses in seizing these opportunities? What contributions do trade associations and chambers (TACs) make in this regard and how is MTI enhancing its support to TACs to bolster secretariat manpower and capabilities further? Another area that has changed post-pandemic is the tourism landscape. Businesses operating within the tourism and related sectors are encountering notable challenges stemming from several factors. One, escalating manpower costs due to tight labour markets. Two, increased energy expenses. Three, sluggish recovery of tourism arrivals from key traditional markets.”
“This raises important questions for Singapore: How does MFA ensure that Singaporeans continue to foster a strong national identity in the face of these external influences? How do we ensure that Singapore remains steadfast and consistent in our relations with China and India? Concurrently, how do we continue to deepen people-to-people exchanges and how do we build cultural knowledge of our people, especially our young, so that Singaporeans can build long-lasting relationships anchored by mutual trust and respect? Economic Resilience and Integration”
“Singapore's relationships with two global powerhouses, China and India, are pivotal to ensuring continued economic growth and the provision of good jobs for Singaporeans. China stands as one of Singapore's largest trading partners and our robust economic relations continue to thrive. However, China is undergoing major economic changes and growth has declined. There are also greater demographic changes due to an ageing population. Geopolitical tensions are also disrupting trade and supply chains. Amidst these major changes, I would like to ask the Ministry about our plans to maintain our relations with China and deepen a strategic partnership which extends beyond traditional economic realms. An area in which China has excelled is sustainable development. China today is the largest producer of solar panels and electric vehicles. How can Singapore businesses enhance cooperation with China in the area of environmental sustainability? Similarly, Singapore's relationship with India is anchored in historical, cultural, and economic connections. India represents a vibrant democracy, a fast-growing economy and a rich cultural heritage. However, we recognise that challenges exist in our relationships with both China and India. Geopolitical tensions and evolving strategic interests that at times conflict will require us to navigate carefully and adapt dynamically to changing circumstances. In recent years, China and India have also exhibited newfound confidence and assertiveness in their foreign policies. As major global players, there are concerns about their efforts to project a "charm offensive" targeting ethnic Chinese and Indians living overseas.”
“Additionally, how does MOF support companies in leveraging growth opportunities and fostering sustainability capabilities? Ease Business Procurement and Payments”