Gerald Giam Yean Song
Singapore
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. The focus of my supplementary question will be on the film classification guidelines, which currently state that, quote, "Chinese films meant for theatrical release should generally be in Mandarin, in line with the Speak Mandarin Campaign.”
“Mr Speaker, we cannot allow physical infrastructure expansion to blind us to the shifting digital geography of global trade nor should we allow frontier technology to reduce the economic agency of our transport workers.”
“Sir, I thank the Minister for his replies. I understand the difficulty in getting the exact numbers. But is there an order of magnitude that the Government can provide as to how many such fees were collected and what is the total quantum? Just an order of magnitude, does not have to be an exact number.”
“Sir, I thank Mr Ng Chee Meng for acknowledging my OJT proposal. I am aware of the work of CTCs, but my proposal goes beyond what the CTCs currently provide. First is the depth of the wage support, and second is the structural design of OJT.”
“I thank the Minister for responding to my question just now. I am glad to hear that there will be more precise matching with the help of SWDA's the integrated intelligence function. But can I ask if this function will be provided to all jobseekers who approach SWDA or its agencies, like e2i, to seek for job assistance?”
“Sir, can the Minister elaborate a bit more about how SWDA will enhance the job search assistance programme? Specifically, will career counsellors move beyond basic resume editing and portal referrals to leverage real time vacancy data for proactive matching and advocate for candidates?”
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“Mr Speaker, I wish to thank the voters of Aljunied group representation constituency (GRC), including those in Bedok Reservoir-Punggol division, for giving my teammates and I in the Workers' Party (WP) an opportunity to serve them again. We know that each vote was a carefully considered decision and we do not hold that lightly. We are committed to honouring your trust by working tirelessly to earn your votes again in the coming years. Mr Speaker, in his speech at the Opening of Parliament, the President spoke of the need to resist self-perpetuating inequality. This message was echoed by the Prime Minister yesterday, who pointed out how other societies have become increasingly stratified, with privilege becoming more entrenched. I share this deep concern. While it is reassuring that income inequality, as measured by the Gini coefficient, is declining, the Gini coefficient does not measure wealth inequality. This refers to the unequal distribution of assets like property, stocks, bonds and savings. If left unchecked, widening inequality can fracture our social compact and undermine the meritocratic system that has been the key to our nation's prosperity. Meritocracy, in turn, relies on the public's confidence that it can deliver upward social mobility. A waning of that confidence could lead to distrust, both between different segments of society and with the Government, making it harder to forge the consensus required to navigate systemic challenges. Inequality is, therefore, a fundamental faultline in our in our society. Narrowing this divide demands the same level of attention, resources and effort that we have dedicated to maintaining racial and religious harmony.”
“Sir, the Senior Parliamentary Secretary said that NEA officers are present at the contract signings. Does NEA have the power to veto specific clauses, specifically those regarding the turnover-based rent, mandatory supplier use or punitive fees? And secondly, I want to come back to the point that the Senior Parliamentary Secretary has addressed just now about the value meals. The Senior Parliamentary Secretary said that the hawkers are not expected to make a loss selling the value meals, and the Senior Parliamentary Secretary went on to say that the provision of the value meals is a shared responsibility and pointed out the Government already heavily subsidises the construction and running of the hawker centres. However, given that hawkers are often low-income earners, why should individual hawkers have to bear any of the cost of a social programme, like the provision of a value meal? Should the cost of this not be socialised?”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. Sir, I would imagine the demand for the GRIT scheme would far exceed the 800 places available. Will academic performance or prior job experience influence candidate selection for GRIT? If so, how will MOM ensure that the scheme does not disproportionately favour high-achieving candidates who are likely to secure jobs on their own, while leaving those with weaker academic results or limited practical experience still struggling to find employment? My concern is less about the cannibalisation of entry level positions that the Minister mentioned earlier, but more about ensuring that jobseekers with weaker credentials are not inadvertently excluded from this scheme.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. Sir, one of the most effective ways to stop bullying is through peer disapproval. How do schools encourage and empower students who are bystanders to intervene and tell the bully that what they are doing is not okay? The Minister mentioned that students are taught to be upstanders and to respond appropriately to bullying. Can this be made part of the core CCE curriculum and be introduced at a lower primary level? This will be a very important skill that they will carry into adulthood, because bullying can happen at all ages and in all environments.”
“I thank the Minister for his answers. The Minister stated that Singapore will reconsider its position on recognising the Palestinian state if the situation continues to deteriorate or if Israel takes any further steps to extinguish the two-state solution. Given the continued expansion of Israeli settlements, the Israeli government's stated policy that "there will be no Palestinian state" and even their alleged targeting of peace negotiators in Qatar, does the Minister not consider these to be severe enough to trigger a re-evaluation of Singapore's position now? Second, the Minister said that Singapore will recognise Palestine when it has an effective government that accepts Israel's right to exist and categorically renounces terrorism. But the Palestinian Authority has already made a commitment to renounce terrorism and carry out reforms. What additional steps does the Palestinian Authority need to take in order for Singapore to recognise the state of Palestine?”
“Sir, since the 10% tariffs imposed on Singapore are lower than regional competitors like Taiwan, South Korea and Malaysia, which face tariffs ranging from 24% to 32%, this could present a near-term cost advantage for Singapore firms exporting semi-conductors, telecommunications equipment and electronics to the US, relative to exports from these higher-tariff countries. The Prime Minister just now acknowledged that this was a silver lining. But are our economic agencies stepping up efforts to help Singapore firms secure US demand in these areas before global buyers reorganise their supply chains and lock in new sourcing arrangements?”
“Secondly, as I shared in my reply, they learn and demonstrate the necessary skills to perform the role before being deployed, so that is something that we do. And third, all firefighters have the necessary equipment to carry out their role safely and effectively. What is important is that they work together as a team. When we look at their training, we also make sure that their training and operational safety protocols are being continuously assessed and we make sure that they follow such protocols. So, we continue to do our best, Sir, to make sure that they are ready, they are fit and they can be a lifesaving force that will keep Singapore safe and secure.”
“I thank the Minister of State for the replies. Sir, given the physically demanding nature of firefighting, how does the Ministry assess the long-term physical fitness of NS reservists who may be called back for operational duties years after completing their initial training? What measures are in place to ensure that NSFs deployed as firefighters are given adequate support to cope with the psychological and physical stresses of their roles during and after their service? Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: Sir, I thank the Member for the supplementary questions. I am very fortunate to have a chance and the opportunity to work very closely with our SCDF colleagues. I have engagement sessions with the NSF, the regulars, and in my role as President of HomeTeamNS, I work very closely with the NSmen and many of them are also from SCDF. And like what I said in my answer, even today, as we speak, the SCDF officers who are in Myanmar, they are made up of NSFs, our regulars and our NSmen. And if you look at them, not only are they very well equipped in terms of skill but in terms of fitness, that is where the training that they do during each shift ensures that they are physically equipped with skills and know-how to use the devices and at the same time, they are able to keep themselves fit. So, this is an operational matter that we take seriously, because we know when emergencies happen, every single second counts; and that is made up of the fitness level of our officers and also the skills they have. Maybe I will share further details about what we do to ensure their safety during training and operation. First, like what I shared earlier, they must be medically fit. We make sure that whoever is there, they are medically fit.”
“I have two supplementary questions for the Senior Minister of State. Given that TCs rely primarily on waterproofing contractors to identify and resolve water seepage issues, what is the Ministry doing to uplift the baseline industry capabilities so that more contractors possess the diagnostic expertise needed to accurately detect seepage sources, without repeated trial and error? And secondly, can HDB look into providing more funding to TCs to engage contractors to conduct re-roofing programmes more frequently than is currently prescribed, so that water seepage problems can be pre-empted or resolved more comprehensively?”
“Sir, I thank the Minister for responding to my cut. Just two clarifications. First is, even with top coaching and facilities, our athletes may still lack a strong local training and competitive environment. This is because Singapore's small population and even smaller pool of young athletes aiming for world-class success limits their chances to train with equally driven peers. One solution obviously is to train overseas. But this is not feasible for most families, especially those from lower- and middle-income groups. So, how is SportSG tackling this challenge beyond just financial support by building a stronger local training and competition environment across all sports? Second, there are currently only 10 academy programme sports at the Singapore Sports School. With the school's move to the Kallang campus, are there plans to increase the number of academy programme sports?”
“Even modest sponsorship of equipment, clothing or travel, can help to develop potential talent. Young athletes and their parents need clearer guidance and structured pathways, so they do not navigate the system alone. More support should be provided to help parents make informed decisions about their child's sporting and academic future. Smaller NSAs may lack the expertise and resources for world-class coaching and athlete development. In such cases, SportSG should provide more guidance and oversight to support athletes and help them to achieve their full potential. World-class athletes are developed through years of rigorous training, not talent alone. If we are serious about competing on a world stage, we must put in the right structures, pathways and financing in place for our athletes to train, develop and win. Sport Facility Bookings”
“Madam, I declare my interest as a parent of a child in a high performance sports programme run by SportSG. I congratulate Yeo Jia Min and Loh Kean Yew on their stellar performance in the recent German Open Badminton tournament. They and other team Singapore athletes have blazed a trail for many more athletes to follow. The level of competition in world-class sport is fierce, with elite athletes dedicating their youth to training and competing. Winning at the highest level requires early talent identification, top-tier coaching and strong athlete support. These student athletes take a different path from their peers in mainstream schools. Training 20 hours to 30 hours a week and travelling frequently for competitions while studying, is extremely demanding. Not all can enrol in a Singapore Sports School, because its 10 academy programmes may not match the athlete's sport. SportSG and National Sports Associations (NSAs) must work more closely with mainstream schools, therefore, to give student athletes greater flexibility in their schedules, while ensuring they keep up academically. Finances are a major hurdle to developing world-class athletes. Most costs, especially in the early years, fall on parents. Joseph Schooling's parents reportedly spend some $1 million on his training, education, accommodation and travel on his road to winning an Olympic Gold medal. How many families can afford that? Without external funding, we risk limiting our talent pool to the wealthiest households. Funding need not come solely from the Government. Corporate and private sponsors can help. SportSG and NSA should play a bigger role in securing and connecting athletes with sponsorship opportunities.”
“I thank the Senior Minister of State for his reply. Sir, given that security officers earning above $2,600 now a month are no longer covered under Part 4 of the Employment Act, has the Ministry assessed whether security agencies are increasing reliance on overtime instead of hiring additional officers following the PWM implementation and what measures will be taken if excessive overtime becomes the norm? And related to that, how is MOM ensuring that security officers are not subjected to arbitrarily low overtime pay, now that they rely on employer-determined overtime rates? Lastly, will the Ministry consider increasing the salary threshold for Part 4 protections so that security officers can retain essential protections under the Act, even as wages rise?”
“This is not just about doing more, but doing things differently to prepare Singapore for an ageing society. Equalise Baby Bonus for Single Unweds”
“Sir, family caregivers provide unpaid care, often at great personal costs. Many sacrifice their careers, drain their savings and push through exhaustion, and sometimes even abuse, to care for their loved ones, often at the expense of their own well-being. Without them, the healthcare burden on the state will be far greater. The total value of informal care for seniors aged 75 and above is estimated at $1.28 billion annually, equivalent to 11% of Government healthcare expenditure, according to a study by researchers from Duke-NUS Medical School. I appreciate that the Home Caregiving Grant is being increased to up to $600 per month. However, the current system still assumes that caregiving is a private responsibility, with the Government only coming in to provide relief. We need a fundamental shift in recognising family caregiving as essential work that deserves proper compensation, not just relief. Caregiving should be a shared responsibility between individuals, family and society, with its costs partially socialised, rather than falling mainly on caregivers. To put this into action, I propose a tiered caregiver payment for those who reduce their work hours or leave employment to care for a family member, provided they meet the minimum caregiving threshold. They should also receive Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions to safeguard their long-term financial security. Caregiving should be recognised as skilled work. A national certification framework should be introduced to provide formal training and better employment opportunities for caregivers, especially after they return to the workforce. Caregivers are the backbone of our long-term care system. If we truly value their contributions, we must compensate them fairly.”
“Sir, I appreciate the steps that MOH is taking to enhance preventive oral care and allow for more MediSave use. Does the Minister recognise that Singaporeans are not visiting their dentist frequently enough for regular checkups? As I mentioned in my cut, while over 50% visit a dentist at least once a year, 40% of these visits are for reactive treatment rather than for preventive care. Are there plans to encourage more frequent visits to the dentist of at least 12 to 18 months? And does MOH have plans to expand the capacity of public dental services to meet this increased demand?”
“MediSave generally does not cover dental treatments unless they involve surgery and are medically necessary. Non-surgical procedures like extractions, crowns, dentures and braces are not MediSave claimable. Singaporeans are not seeing their dentist regularly enough. Over 50% of Singaporeans visit a dentist at least once a year. However, 40% of these visits are for reactive treatment rather than preventive care. This means many seek dental care only when they experience pain, often leading to more complex and costly procedures. I am also concerned about tooth loss among seniors. About 13% of over 60-year-olds are completely toothless. Edentulism impacts the nutrition, social confidence and overall well-being of our seniors. MOH launched Project Silver Screen in 2018 to provide functional screening, including oral health checks, for seniors aged 60 and above. How effective has this programme been in addressing dental health issues among older Singaporeans? Are there plans to expand or improve on it? Oral health is an essential part of overall well-being. Yet, it is not included in the Healthier SG programme. Studies have shown that poor dental health is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes complications. Preventive dental care should be encouraged to reduce these long-term health risks. I urge the Ministry to review how dental subsidies are structured, expand MediSave coverage for essential treatments and integrate dental care into Healthier SG. More public awareness efforts are also needed to ensure that all Singaporeans seek regular checkups instead of waiting for problems to arise. Making dental care more affordable and accessible will improve the well-being of all Singaporeans.”
“Sir, I note that Minister of State Rahayu said that citizens who are less digitally-savvy can get in-person assistance. Can I confirm that all Government agencies are expected to provide in-person assistance for their e-services? Second, can the Minister of State also confirm that all pollsters engaged by the Government are expected to disclose that they were commissioned by the Government and name the agency without being requested by the respondent? Lastly, can the Ministry also look into publishing at least summaries of these public opinion surveys?”
“Sir, digitalisation must bring greater inclusion, not create new barriers, so that all Singaporeans, regardless of age, ability or financial means, can fully benefit from digitalisation. Public Opinion Surveys Sir, last year, I took a survey conducted at the doorstep of my flat which covered various political and social topics. I was asked about my satisfaction with life, the economy and my neighbourhood. I was also asked to rate whether I believe the Government makes decisions in the best interest of Singapore, whether it takes my opinion seriously and if there are enough channels to voice my views. I was also asked to rate the quality of the Armed Forces, Civil Service, mainstream media and online media, as well as my confidence in the Police and the Courts. There were questions on affordability, whether I find housing, healthcare, public transport and education affordable. I was asked about competition from foreigners at work, the pace of immigration and the quality of migrants. Lastly, I was asked how strongly I identify as a Singaporean and whether I would migrate to another country for a better quality of life. When I asked who commissioned the survey, the pollster could not tell me. More recently, I saw another pollster conducting a similar survey in my neighbourhood. I also received similar surveys via phone in the past. Are these surveys being commissioned by the Government? And if so, which Ministry is responsible? Are they used only to shape public policy or are they also used to gauge public sentiment for electoral purposes? If public funds are being used, the results should be made public. Otherwise, there is a risk that such surveys will be seen as serving partisan interests rather than benefiting Singapore and Singaporeans as a whole.”
“Sir, digitalising services improves efficiency and convenience for both individuals and organisations. However, some Singaporeans struggle to keep up, whether due to physical limitations, lack of digital literacy or difficulties adapting. These individuals risk being left behind as more Government and business services move online. Providing parallel paper applications is not always a solution to digital marginalisation. Instead, all agencies should have walk-in computer stations staffed by officers who are trained in that agency's processes. These officers should guide users through digital applications, helping them to use the systems independently over time. ServiceSG centres play an important role in guiding citizens through Government e-services, but their officers cannot be expected to know every agency's processes in detail. While they assist with common digital functions, they are not equipped to handle complex applications like for a Long-Term Visit Pass or public defender. Government agencies must take responsibility for guiding users through their own systems. The ServiceSG network should also be expanded, including to Serangoon. The Seniors Go Digital programme was introduced to help older Singaporeans navigate digital services. How effective has it been so far? How many seniors have been trained and to what extent has their digital literacy improved? Are there plans to expand the programme to reach more citizens? Beyond basic training, digital inclusion efforts should also ensure that seniors and other digitally marginalised groups can more confidently use essential platforms, including communication apps that connect them with the family, businesses and Government agencies.”
“How is MOM going to work with WSG, its partners and the CDCs to ensure jobseekers receive effective support that helps them secure employment?”
“Mr Chairman, Workforce Singapore (WSG) oversees job support and works with partners such as e2i, private career matching providers, SG Enable and Yellow Ribbon Singapore to help jobseekers. These service providers offer a range of assistance, including career coaching, job matching services and self-help tools like resume building platforms and MyCareersFuture job alerts. Career coaching is meant to bridge gaps. Are career coaches actively connecting jobseekers with employers or do they mainly review resumes and point job seekers to existing digital resources? While digital tools are useful, many jobseekers, especially those who are not tech savvy or fluent in English may struggle to use them effectively. How does WSG tailor its help to these jobseekers? Career coaches need industry knowledge and hiring experience to effectively guide jobseekers toward the right opportunities. Does WSG require career coaches to meet these criteria? Singaporeans are willing to upskill and adapt but they need clear pathways to jobs. What key performance indicators (KPIs) are in place to ensure that career coaching and job matching services lead to actual hires, and what are the results? Budget 2025 Statement announced that localised job matching will now be done by Community Development Councils (CDCs). Will it result in more personalised assistance, or will jobseekers still rely on the same digital platforms and career coaching models? I hope jobseekers who have faced challenges with the existing services will experience meaningful improvements, not just an administrative change in responsibilities or structure. This transition must lead to better outcomes.”
“Mdm Chair, getting into a school's sports team can be very competitive these days. Schools usually hold trials to select only the best athletes to represent them at the national school games. Many students want to take up sports like badminton, basketball or football as their co-curricular activity (CCA) in school, only to be disappointed that they cannot get a place in the CCA. Some are left with no choice but to join a CAA they have little interest in. To cater to students who want to play sports for leisure but lack formal training, schools should open up more recreational sports CCAs for popular sports. Many schools already do this, but some still do not. To manage limited resources, schools could adjust the number of CCA places to match demand. This way, schools can ensure that every student who wants to participate in sports at their skill level has the opportunity to do so. On the other end of the spectrum, top performing student athletes who have the potential to represent Singapore at international competitions are often still required to train with their school's sports teams. High performance sports training usually takes place outside of school, at training programmes run by National Sports Associations or private academies. These student athletes should have the option to be excused from school training and competition so as to be able to better focus on becoming world-class athletes who can compete on the world stage and win medals for Singapore. They should still be allowed to earn LEAPS 2.0 points while doing so. I will discuss the sports aspect of this further in my cut at the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) COS debate. Enhancing Procurement for Coaches”
“Sir, moving forward, will the Public Service move towards less collection and use of NRIC numbers when they are not necessary? For example, will Members who submit appeals to the Government on behalf of their constituents still be expected to submit their full NRIC numbers even when there is clearly no need for it, for instance, an appeal to the Land Transport Authority to construct lifts on a pedestrian overhead bridge? Second, over 500,000 queries were made on the Bizfile portals' People Search between 9 and 13 December 2024, and this is far exceeding the usual daily traffic of 2,000 to 3,000. Has MDDI been monitoring, including on the dark web, for the sale of NRIC numbers, potentially exfiltrated during this period? And if leaked NRIC numbers are found, will MDDI notify affected individuals and help them to mitigate risks, such as identity theft or fraud, for example, by offering affected individuals identity monitoring services, credit monitoring or fraud alerts to prevent misuse?”
“I thank Senior Minister of State Amy Khor for responding to my cut. Would the Ministry consider encouraging or requiring all F&B outlets to provide plain drinking water at free or low cost to customers, instead of charging $2 or more for bottled water, which often comes in a plastic single-use bottle? This will promote healthier beverage choices by making plain water more accessible and reduce consumption of sugary drinks.”
“More restaurants now charge for plain water and some price bottled water, the same as sugary drinks. This nudges consumers towards sugar laden beverages, increasing the risk of obesity and diabetes. Free or low cost drinking water should be made more widely available across food and beverage (F&B) outlets, shopping malls, hotline, coffee shops and public spaces. This supports healthier choices and reduces unnecessary costs for consumers. I urge MSE to encourage and work with F&B outlets, coffee shops and malls to provide free, or low cost drinking water as a best practice. MSE should also promote the culture of carrying reusable water bottles as part of Singapore's sustainability efforts. Refilling reusable bottles cuts down our reliance on single use plastics. By nudging businesses, building owners and the public towards these norms, we can help Singaporeans stay hydrated while making choices that benefit their health, their wallets and the environment. Coastal and Flood Management”
“Can the Senior Minister of State clarify then that will LTA educate the public to help them to understand that actually the bollards are not going to prevent a vehicle from colliding into them if the vehicle veers off the road? Because I think most members of the public or most pedestrians would reasonably expect that the bollards are actually going to protect them completely. But what the Minister is saying is that actually the bollards may fall over, and they might still be impacted by the vehicle.”
“Sir, can I just clarify with the Senior Minister of State then whether she means that the bollards at pedestrian crossings are primarily meant as a visual guide to delineate traffic, or is it actually meant to stop, to protect the pedestrians? I understand she said that the bollards are meant to not cause serious injury to the drivers. But how about the pedestrians?”
“Sir, can I just ask the Minister of State some supplementary questions? What key performance indicators (KPIs) and conditions were attached to support in terms of local talent development, leadership roles for Singaporeans and knowledge transfer? And what are the mechanisms that he mentioned that the Government has to be able to claw back government funding if companies do not fulfil these obligations? And has the Economic Development Board (EDB) ever clawed back public funding given to foreign companies who do not fulfil their obligations?”
“Sir, Minister Maliki talked about stepping up on our engagement with Africa. I believe we currently only have one resident mission in Sub-Saharan Africa. Are there plans to open up more Embassies, High Commissions or Trade Offices in growing and influential African countries, like Nigeria and Kenya, as well as in South America? Beyond consular assistance, this could be another step towards diversifying our economic and diplomatic interests beyond the major powers, which is what I raised in my cut as well.”
“Sir, the Minister has highlighted the profound implications of the shifting global order on Singapore and I share his concerns. However, beyond the risks and the threats, what opportunities can Singapore seize in this new environment? How is the Government positioning us to be able to benefit from these changes? For instance, as the global power dynamic shifts, smaller and medium-size countries may be open to seeking closer economic and security ties with Singapore. Is the Government stepping up its outreach to these nations by expanding its network of overseas missions and trade offices? Secondly, the Minister highlighted our deep reliance on both the US and China economically for both, and on security for the US. However, he did not address how we plan to reduce the risk of over dependence on them. Does the Government have a plan for that? Lastly, I think the Minister did not respond to my cut about the public diplomacy front. How is MFA stepping up the public diplomacy front and using that to be able to explain to Singaporeans about our strategic interest?”
“Could the Minister outline what MFA is doing in these areas and how it plans to strengthen its such efforts? Erosion of Multilateralism”
“Sir, Singapore's most pressing foreign policy challenge today is managing escalating rivalry between the US and China. As a small state with an open economy, Singapore is highly vulnerable to disruptions from this great power competition. Balancing strong military and economic ties with the US with deep economic links with China requires careful diplomacy, strategic autonomy and economic adaptability. To mitigate these risks, Singapore should diversify its economy by strengthening trade investment ties with ASEAN and the EU, as well as with India, Japan, South Korea and other growing economies, ensuring that these relationships are based on stable and predictable legal and institutional frameworks. Changes in US engagement in Asia and rising military tensions with China create new security challenges for Singapore. To strengthen its defence resilience, Singapore should strengthen its defence partnership with the US while expanding security cooperation with more countries, including some of our neighbours in Southeast Asia. At the same time, Singapore must continue building up the capability and competence of the Singapore Armed Forces to ensure it remains a credible deterrent against emerging threats. Building diplomatic goodwill through bilateral engagement and assistance will also be important in winning international support for Singapore in times of crisis. MFA should expand efforts to educate businesses, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the public about our strategic interest through town halls and closed hall closed door briefings. It can also make better use of social media, podcasts and short videos to ensure foreign policy messaging reaches wider domestic and international audiences.”
“Sir, the Minister stated that defence spending has fallen from 5% of GDP two decades ago to 3% today, despite nominal increases due to GDP growth. I agree with the need for steady defence spending to maintain operational readiness, but can the Minister clarify whether the budget requests from MOF each year is actually pegged to Singapore's GDP? And has this peg shifted from 5% to 3% of GDP over the years and, if so, how has this been justified? 2.45 pm Secondly, given that GDP fluctuates from year to year, while the need for operational readiness does not, would it be more prudent to base defence spending on a fixed annual percentage increase from the previous year and on actual and projected operational and development needs? This would avoid a situation where defence spending spikes just because we have strong economic growth in a certain year or drops if the converse happens. Lastly, I appreciate Senior Minister of State Heng's announcement that NS allowances will increase in July. Has MINDEF considered making CPF contributions to NSFs to support their retirement adequacy?”
“Mr Chairman, national defence is the primary goal of NS, but NS should also be an investment in human capital. MINDEF should transform NS into a value of creative experience for our NSmen by ensuring appropriate remuneration, relevant training and stronger education and career integration. First, full time NSmen's pay should reflect their contributions to national defence. The median NS allowance should be raised to at least $1,600 per month. NSFs in their second year are fully trained, performing operational roles essential to Singapore security, yet they continue to receive an allowance rather than a salary with Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions. The argument that duty and employment are mutually exclusive is flawed. SAF regulars are paid market salaries while serving the same national defence mission. NSFs make personal sacrifices, delaying their education and career, and consequently, sometimes even marriage and children, because of NS. Pay that acknowledges these realities will strengthen their commitment to national defence. MINDEF should also help NSFs transition smoothly to further education by coordinating with universities to reduce delays between their Operationally Ready Date and the start of their studies. And finally, NS should where possible, incorporate training that can benefits NSFs future careers, including skills training that can be applied in both military and civilian settings. This way, NS can serve as a launchpad for future opportunities rather than an educational and career detour. Supporting NSFs Transition Post-NS”
“Sir, I thank the Senior Minister of State for his reply. I note that he did not address my question regarding DeepSeek. I would appreciate if he could address that more directly. Secondly, I some supplementary questions for him. I understand that the Government has developed Pair, which is a suite of AI tools that utilise large language models for internal use within the Public Service. Could the Senior Minister of State clarify if Pair is primarily using locally deployed open source models or does it connect to commercial AI platforms, like ChatGPT and DeepSeek that process data on foreign servers?”
“Sir, can I ask the Minister if Singapore has sought the United States' (US') clarifications on what it intends to do to follow through with President Trump's proposal regarding Gaza? And would it seek to reflect the concerns of Singaporeans with the US as well, in this engagement with the US?”
“I thank the Minister of State for her reply. In the case of the $3 billion money laundering case that was reported recently, has the Government Gazette been published to invite potential victims to submit their claims, and if not, when would that be? Secondly, has the Government considered establishing a scam victim restitution fund which is financed by the proceeds of these confiscated money laundering proceeds so that local scam victims can also be able to make claims and get some restitution for, in many cases, the thousands of dollars that they have lost in scams?”
“The CCP requires employers to hire the workers before they can receive training, presenting the same barriers for jobseekers who are already struggling to get past the initial job screening process. We need a more structured and targeted job placement programme, where mid-career jobseekers can have their applications and CVs reviewed and refined by specialists in their field. These specialists can then actively match and recommend them to employers, including those enrolled in the CCP, increasing their chances of securing a placement. Once hired, these workers can then benefit from the CCP to receive the necessary training and salary support for a smoother transition into their new roles. Additionally, WSG can introduce structured returnship programmes to help professionals re-enter the workforce after a career break, whether due to retrenchment or caregiving responsibilities. Unlike the CCP, which requires career conversion, these returnship programmes would provide a pathway to employment and mentorship, allowing mid-career professionals to rebuild industry-relevant experience without starting over at entry level positions. Mdm Deputy speaker, mid-career and older PMETs need more structured redeployment pathways and stronger financial support for career transitions. They have spent years contributing to the Singapore economy. Many have built businesses, trained younger colleagues and helped shape their industries. Our nation and our economy cannot afford to overlook the experience and skills of these workers. Let us give every Singaporean who wants to work, retrain and contribute, the best possible chance to do so. Madam, I support the Motion.”
“The Skills Future Jobseeker Support scheme, which bears similarities with the Unemployment Insurance schemes proposed by the Workers' Party since 2006, will also offer financial support of up to $6,000 over six months for involuntarily unemployed workers taking part in job search or related activities. On top of that, career matching services run by Workforce Singapore and its partners help jobseekers refine their resumes and prepare for interviews and, in the future, as announced in this Budget, there will be an expanded network of job placement centres at all CDCs. These are important steps, but more needs to be done to ensure mid-career workers secure meaningful employment. Training and reskilling alone do not ensure job placement. For mid-career workers facing immediate job displacement, waiting years for the benefits of these programmes to materialise is not a viable option. Many are unable to afford the temporary drop in income that often comes with switching sectors, often making it difficult for them to commit to full-time training programmes. While some industries are shrinking, others, including healthcare, sustainability and advanced manufacturing, are expanding. Mid-career PMETs should have clearer pathways to transition to these high-demand sectors through structured job placement and industry partnerships. The Career Conversion Programme (CCP) is designed to help mid-career individuals transition into new jobs or sectors with better long-term prospects through training and salary support. This is a well-intentioned programme. However, there still remain deeper structural barriers that make it difficult for these workers to secure new jobs at comparable skill levels and salaries.”
“When these PMETS get retrenched or step away from the workforce for a period due to caregiving responsibilities, re-entering the job market becomes a daunting challenge. Even those who are currently employed may be preoccupied with day-to-day operational work and get blindsided by technological changes that make their skills obsolete. A worker who has spent years in corporate operations, for instance, may find it difficult to transition to a technology-driven role without a structured pathway to bridge the gap. Even if they secure interviews, they are often offered roles at significantly reduced salaries, making it difficult to maintain their financial obligations. Some are forced into contract or gig work, with little stability or opportunities for development. The longer they remain unemployed or underemployed, the harder it becomes to re-enter the workforce, as employers perceive them as outdated or overqualified, rather than seeing the value of their accumulated skills or experience. Some may drop out of the workforce completely after years of discouragement. The Government has introduced several schemes to help workers upgrade their skills and transition to new jobs. The SkillsFuture Level Up programme provides Singaporeans aged 40 and above with $4,000 in SkillsFuture credit, along with a training allowance of 50% of their average income over the latest available 12-month period, capped at $3,000 a month for selected full-time courses and $300 a month for selected part-time courses.”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, many mid-career professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) are under pressure. Some are in industries that are shrinking or being disrupted, where jobs are disappearing faster than new ones are created. Others see their roles changing because of automation or AI. Some even face the anxiety of being told to reapply for their own jobs as part of restructuring exercises, effectively forcing them to compete with their colleagues or external candidates for roles they have already been performing. Such practices not only create stress and uncertainty but also serve as a way for companies to bypass retrenchment obligations while reshuffling their workforce. While overall employment levels have continued to rise in tandem with the growing population, some displaced workers face difficulties transitioning into a new job at the same skill level and salary. Many struggle to break into growth sectors despite efforts to reskill, as employers often favour candidates with industry-specific experience or are younger. While most employers prioritise merit, some hiring processes may still be influenced by informal networks, creating additional challenges for mid-career jobseekers trying to break into new industries. The Labour Force 2024 Report showed that some 41,200 PMET residents are unemployed and, of these, 10,700 have been unemployed for more than six months. The data also shows that long-term unemployment affects PMETS more than non-PMETS. These PMETS are workers who have spent decades in their industries, built up expertise and contributed to the economy. Many have significant financial responsibilities, including housing loans, children's education and elderly parents to care for.”
“Sir, I thank the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for his response. Can I confirm that the temporary venue for this WCH event will remain up after the event, or will it be torn down? I am mainly concerned about ensuring that the public resources put into constructing the temporary sporting venue are put to good use. My second question is, is the temporary sporting venue model expected to be a standard approach for hosting future large-scale sporting events in Singapore? How does the Ministry ensure that the resources spent on such temporary infrastructure deliver long-term benefits, beyond a single event, to contribute to Singapore's sporting ecosystem, rather than simply fulfilling international bodies' hosting needs?”
“Sir, just to follow up on my earlier question, the Minister said earlier that the Ministry encourages ONE Pass holders to participate in local professional activities. Beyond just encouraging them, does the Ministry formally require ONE Pass holders to keep track of and report their professional activities that directly involve mentoring and training Singaporean PMETs?”
“Sir, can I ask the Minister, how specifically has MOM been measuring the skills transfer from ONE Pass holders to Singaporeans and the hiring of more Singaporean professionals, managers and executives (PMEs) for every ONE Pass that is issued and what have the outcomes of this been since January 2024? Secondly, has the Ministry conducted any audits or independent assessments on the economic impact of the ONE Pass since its launch and what have the key findings been since it has been launched?”
“It must also ensure meaningful avenues for policy-making input, robust public consultations and rigorous legislative scrutiny. The Government should uphold these principles by ensuring that future legislation of similar significance is subject to the full scrutiny of a Select Committee. Mr Speaker, the Workers' Party supports the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Bill, particularly measures to counter foreign interference, but we urge the Government to ensure that safeguards are in place to protect civil liberties and encourage open conversations about race.”
“It is important, however, that these powers are exercised judiciously, with transparency and accountability to maintain public trust. Ensuring that decisions are seen as fair and impartial will be crucial to the effectiveness and legitimacy of these measures. I support the introduction of the Community Remedial programme, which offers an alternative to prosecution by encouraging participants to reflect on their actions and fostering rehabilitation. To be effective, the programme should engage participants in meaningful dialogue with members of other racial groups, allowing for deeper understanding and reflection on the impact of their actions. Could the Minister share more details on the structure and content of the Community Remedial programme? How will its effectiveness be measured to ensure it leads to genuine rehabilitation and behavioural change? Sir, unlike the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act in 1990, this Bill did not undergo the same level of Parliamentary scrutiny through a Select Committee. Instead, the Government feedback unit, Reaching Everyone for Active Citizenry (REACH), conducted a public consultation last year, but the feedback collected remains largely opaque, with only summarised data shared publicly. A Select Committee provides a more transparent and rigorous process, allowing for in-depth scrutiny, public engagement and expert input, particularly from minority communities most affected by such legislation. The Government's Forward Singapore report underscores the need to strengthen our social compact through deeper citizen engagement. Yet, for an issue as fundamental as race relations, bypassing the Select Committee process weakens participatory democracy. A strong democratic system requires more than just electoral participation.”
“While the Bill includes defences for private communication and calling out racism in good faith, individuals may still be uncertain about their practical application. The need to prove good faith intent or the private nature of a conversation could create hesitation to engage in discussions on race. This uncertainty may discourage open dialogue and cause such conversations to go underground or in echo chambers within the Internet. Since the legislative intent as expressed during this debate may be referenced by the Courts, could the Minister clarify, with specific examples, the types of speech, including the ones I raised, that will or will not fall within the scope of this legislation? I note that unlike the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act, which explicitly prohibits the mixing of religion and politics, this Bill does not contain a similar prohibition on the mixing of race and politics. Can the Minister confirm then that members of the public can engage in public discussions on racial issues without an outright legal restriction? Foreign influence operations can exploit racial and communal fault lines, destabilising our society and undermining social cohesion. Countering foreign interference is a necessary component of maintaining racial harmony. The ability to monitor and regulate race-based entities, and to take action against harmful external influences, is an important step in protecting Singapore's racial harmony and national security, and I acknowledge the Government's efforts in addressing this issue. The Bill introduces measures such as designating entities and issuing Restraining Orders. The Workers' Party supports the inclusion of these provisions.”
“Mr Speaker, the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Bill seeks to address the complexities of race relations in Singapore. It introduces measures to regulate racial discourse, counter foreign interference and strengthen community cohesion. However, it is important this Bill fosters racial harmony without unintentionally stifling essential public discourse and silencing marginalised voices. Racial harmony is a cornerstone of our society and I think we all agree that it cannot be achieved through legislation alone. Enduring racial harmony requires genuine understanding and open dialogue among all communities. However, the broad Ministerial powers under this Bill risk deterring legitimate public discourse that is essential for fostering intercommunal dialogue and strengthen social cohesion. For instance, public critiques of systemic discrimination or policies affecting certain racial groups could be misconstrued as vilifying or denigrating others, even when the intent is to raise awareness or advocate for positive change. Forums discussing global events, like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, or domestic policies such as the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) could risk being labelled as racially inflammatory, despite their role in constructive discourse. It is important to distinguish between speech that on one hand, incites hatred and violence, which should be prevented, and speech that fosters understanding and calls out racial inequalities, which we should encourage. Constructive conversations, including in public forums, are necessary for addressing racial issues and strengthening intercommunal trust.”
“How about the user acceptance testing? Was it done for the new Bizfile portal?”