Grace Fu Hai Yien
Singapore
“The Government takes a multi-pronged approach to address the disamenities from second-hand tobacco smoke. The National Environment Agency (NEA) works with Government agencies, Town Councils and community leaders to promote considerate behaviour and strengthen social norms.”
“The Government recently announced land-use changes in Lim Chu Kang to optimise our scarce land to meet our growing and evolving needs. We are at the initial planning stage and agencies are still working out the detailed development proposals.”
“Public Waste Collectors and Town Councils have trialled the collection and treatment of segregated food waste from households. However, participation rates are poor despite regular engagement and reminders.”
“The quality of incense offerings and the practice of burning incense are not regulated by law. Instead, the National Environment Agency (NEA) works with stakeholders, such as Town Councils, agencies and religious organisations, to encourage responsible burning of joss paper and incense.”
“The National Environment Agency (NEA) monitors public cleaning contractors through regular physical audits and remote monitoring, complemented by video analytics. NEA also regularly assesses the cleaning quality and outcomes of public cleaning contractors.”
“This question has been addressed in the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment’s combined answer to Question Nos 15 to 18 on the Order Paper for 7 July 2026. [Please refer to "National Recycling Rates, Plans and Targets", Official Report, 7 July 2026, Vol 96, Issue 32, Oral Answers to Questions section.]”
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“Mdm Speaker, I beg to move, "That this Parliament resolves that the amendments set out in Appendix I to the Report of the Standing Orders Committee (Paper Parl 6 of 2017) be hereby made to the Standing Orders of Parliament". Mdm Speaker, in March this year, Parliament directed the Standing Orders Committee to consider and make recommendations on amendments to the Standing Orders. The Committee was asked to look at (a) amendments arising from the constitutional amendments that we passed last year; and (b) updates to the Standing Orders more generally. In the process, the Committee considered submissions made by Mr Louis Ng and Mr Kok Heng Leun and accepted them where appropriate. The Committee, comprising both Government and Opposition Members of Parliament, has completed its deliberations and unanimously agreed on a report. The report has been presented to Parliament. I thank the Members of the Committee for their work. I would also like to thank you, Mdm Speaker, for presiding over the Committee's deliberations with your usual fairness and efficiency. The Government agrees with the recommendations of the Committee and commends them to the House. In my speech today, I will first take the House through the key recommendations made by the Committee; and, second, respond to some of the issues that were raised to the Committee. First, recommendations related to the Elected Presidency. The Committee made two key recommendations arising from the constitutional amendments that we passed last year. The first recommendation is for Parliament to be kept informed if the President fails to exercise his custodial powers on a measure passed by Parliament within the time limits prescribed by the Constitution.”
“Mdm Speaker, I beg to move, "That under Standing Order 10(2), the Motion on Amendment of Standing Orders be taken before item No 1 of the Orders of the Day at this day's Sitting". The Motion standing in my name concerns the rules and procedures of the House and I think it is appropriate that we should take it before the other items of business today. [(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)] [(proc text) Resolved, "That under Standing Order 10(2), the Motion on Amendment of Standing Orders be taken before item No 1 of the Orders of the Day at this day's Sitting". (proc text)]”
“The full redevelopment of the Katong Swimming Complex will be considered under later phases of Sport Singapore’s (SportSG’s) Sports Facilities Master Plan. However, SportSG plans to carry out rejuvenation works to enhance the user experience at the swimming complex within the next few years.”
“In 2016, 24 events were hosted at the National Stadium and 27 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, while 2015 saw 18 and 31 events hosted at the two venues respectively. As discussions on the use of the venues are ongoing, we are unable to provide the numbers for 2017 now. More can and should be done by SportsHub Pte Ltd (SHPL) to enhance the vibrancy of the Sports Hub and improve the quality of its calendar of events and programming. To this end, SportSG is closely monitoring SHPL's performance and is in regular communication with SHPL's top management to ensure that they remain accountable for the goals of the project and seek to maximise the value of the Sports Hub for Singaporeans.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, I beg to move, "That the debate be now adjourned". [(proc text) Resolved, "That the debate be now adjourned." – [Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien.] (proc text)]”
“Mdm Speaker, may I seek your consent and the general assent of Members present to move, "That the proceedings on the item under discussion be exempted from the provisions of Standing Order No 48(8) to remove the time limit in respect of the Senior Minister of State's speech?”
“The Budget will put us in a good position for the future if we can implement it well with the support of the people. There is no magic formula to follow. We will need to constantly recalibrate our strategies as we prepare our economy, our people, our environment and our society for the future. Let us now get down to work. With a solid foundation, an enterprising spirit or, should I say, an entrepreneurial dare, and a heart for Singapore and our fellow Singaporeans, let us move forward confidently together as a nation. Finally, Mdm Speaker, we would not have had such a smooth COS if not for your stewardship of the debate proceedings. Your endurance and ability to stay alert for many hours at a stretch never fail to impress us. On behalf of the House, we thank you and your Deputies for chairing the sessions and maintaining the high standards of this House. We are grateful for your accommodation of multiple requests, such as changes to the Order of Business, exemption of notice period, extension of Sitting time, all done in the name of productivity. Our appreciation also goes to the entire Parliament Secretariat for the assistance rendered and the translators who persevered along with us. Let us also acknowledge the officers from the Ministries and agencies who have supported us in the front bench, as well as members of the media, including those behind the cameras, for bringing the debate to all Singaporeans. Thank you very much.”
“Members on both sides of the House like Mr Patrick Tay, Mr Desmond Choo, Assoc Prof Daniel Goh, Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar, Mr Lim Biow Chuan, Mr Chen Show Mao, Mr Ang Hin Kee, Ms Foo Mee Har spoke up for our workers − the rank and file, professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs), older workers, freelancers and unemployed alike. Members on both sides of the House united behind our foreign policy goals. Several Members − Dr Lim Wee Kiak, Ms Cheng Li Hui and Mr Zainal Sapari − highlighted the concerns and challenges faced by our youths, while others − Ms Chia Yong Yong, Ms Denise Phua, Dr Lily Neo and Ms Sylvia Lim − spoke passionately of how we can be more inclusive as a society and made heartfelt appeals on behalf of single parents, divorcees and vulnerable families as Ms Tin Pei Ling, Ms Kuik Shiao-Yin, Mr Louis Ng, Ms Rahayu Mahzam and Ms Jessica Tan have done. The debate has been spirited and vigorous. Some took to the floor with moving anecdotes. Nominated Members like Mr Ganesh Rajaram, Mr Kok Heng Leun and Assoc Prof Randolph Tan offered fresh perspectives by drawing on their expertise and experience. Tears were shed, not once but three times. All in all, Members stayed true to reflecting the views of their constituents and were not afraid to press the front bench for answers to difficult questions. I thank Members for undertaking their roles with dedication and for upholding the high standards of decorum in this House. Whatever their cause or conviction, there is no doubt that the hearts of all Members beat for Singapore. This Budget comes at a particularly difficult time, no less because of the turbulent global environment that we are in. Our domestic imperatives added urgency and challenges.”
“In tough times, will we stand united as one or will we fracture into polarised communities? Do we have the courage to dream big and scale new heights or do we just settle for getting by? Will Singaporeans pause to lend a helping hand when we can, or will we leave others behind in pursuit of our own goals? How well we respond to the challenges and opportunities of the future is not just a matter of policies and incentives, but also a matter of "heart". Some Members worried that the Public Service might have lost its heart. I certainly do not think so. From the Committee of Supply (COS) debate, it is evident that our Public Service is bound closely to the people it serves. Across the sectors, public servants are working hard to transform our economy, safeguard our security, protect our environment and build an inclusive society. But the Government does not have all the answers, and we cannot steer this ship alone. We need businesses, unions, community organisations and individuals to work in partnership with one another and the Government. If we all have that "heart", that desire to forge a better future for all Singaporeans, we can build a stronger, big-hearted Singapore. Mdm Speaker, it has been an intensive eight days for this House, with Sittings lasting up to 9.00 pm on many occasions. We started the debate on three Bills, followed by Budget 2017, the Supply Bills and are doing several Bills later. It was, indeed, a full agenda. In total, Members filed 545 cuts this year. That is an increase of 9% from last year, and the highest in the past five years. This speaks to the scale of the challenges we face and the dedication of the Members.”
“Mdm Speaker, we have come to the end of this year's Budget and Committee of Supply (COS) debates. Please allow me to round up. The Minister for Finance said in his Budget Statement that "Budget 2017 outlines how we can thrive in an uncertain and rapidly changing world." Over the past eight days, Members in this House debated how we could do this, and many asked pertinent questions about how we can pull together and move forward in challenging times. Budget 2017 comes at a time when we must be prepared to deal with change and adapt. Businesses are bracing themselves for difficult economic headwinds. Our workers are concerned not just about the job situation in the immediate future, but also about longer-term prospects. With the Committee on the Future Economy's (CFE's) report still fresh on all our minds, it is no surprise that the Ministry of Manpower topped the list on total speech time for the cuts filed, followed closely by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of National Development and the Ministry of Education. Members devoted significant amounts of time scrutinising the CFE initiatives. Some asked how we can help our workers "Adapt and Grow" better, others asked how we can support our small and medium enterprises to digitalise, innovate and scale up globally to seize new opportunities. The attention on education and national development was also not unexpected. Members in this House rightly pointed out that preparing for the future economy does not only involve our businesses and workforce, but it also requires our young and our city to be resilient and future-ready. Some Members reminded us that Singapore's future hinges not just on our jobs, the economy and our infrastructure. It is also about our people.”
“Mdm Speaker, I beg to move, "That, notwithstanding Standing Order No 70(1), the Second Reading of the Supply Bill and Supplementary Supply [Financial Year (FY) 2016] Bill be taken now." Madam, the Committee of Supply has concluded the consideration of the Estimates of Expenditure for FY2017/2018 and the Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for FY2016/2017. The necessary resolutions of the Committee of Supply have been reported to the House without any amendments. It will make sense for the House to now proceed to the Second Reading of these Supply Bills to complete the proceedings on this year's Supply business. The agreement of the House is therefore, sought to suspend Standing Order No 70(1) to allow the Supply Bills to be read for the second time now. [(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)] [(proc text) Resolved, "That, notwithstanding Standing Order No 70(1), the Second Reading of the Supply Bill and Supplementary Supply (FY2016) Bill be taken now." − [Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien] (proc text)]”
“Mdm Speaker, may I seek your consent and the general assent of Members present to move a Motion to allow the Second Reading of the Supply Bill and the Supplementary Supply [financial year (FY) 2016] Bill to be taken now?”
“Mdm Chairman, I appreciate Mr Kok's concern. Indeed, to be heading NAC and also as a Deputy Secretary in a Ministry is a heavy task. Please be assured that we have identified a successor. It is just that, at this point in time, we are not ready for the announcement. So, actually, it is a temporary situation.”
“I will respond to Mr Kok. I think his suggestions about building creative responses through an interface among students and enabling the creativity that emerges as a response to the artwork is a valid one. That is the reason why we are progressing slowly and steadily with discussions with MOE so that the programme that we design will take in considerations, such as what the Member has suggested and also the capabilities we have to carry them out. It is not easy to bring 40,000 students through the galleries. We need to pitch it correctly. We need to find the materials that will have the learning outcomes that meet the needs of MOE. I think we are in the process of having that dialogue and having that pilot project basically to address the issues that the Member has raised. On the golden foil staircase, if I may give a response. I think the first rule of any artist who wants to do community art is to ask for permission from the property owner. I think that is basic courtesy that the owner should have a right to say yes or no. When you have raised an issue and raised a proposal, then both parties can sit down and see how to best meet the needs of both parties.”
“We cheer for our sporting heroes and, like them, we pursue our dreams and reach for the stars. Through OBS, our children feel that heartbeat as they support one another and develop the qualities they need to overcome tomorrow's challenges together. With a strong heart that beats as one, we will build a caring and cohesive society, a confident and resilient nation, and a better home together. [Applause.]”
“We are also partnering NurtureSG and the Ministry of Health (MOH) on youth mental well-being and self-care, as it is important for our youths to maintain a sense of perspective and stay balanced in the face of challenges. Mr Leon Perera asked about what MCCY is doing to attract overseas Singaporeans to return. While the issue of emigration comes under the purview of National Population and Talent Division (NPTD), MCCY's Overseas Singaporean Unit (OSU) keeps in contact with Singaporeans living overseas to maintain their ties back to Singapore. We engage them through social media, update them on the latest policy announcements and developments in Singapore, conduct talks with business and Government leaders, and support events which bring Overseas Singaporeans together, such as Singapore Day. OSU coordinates the various Government channels to facilitate the return of Overseas Singaporeans and ease in the transition. For example, the Overseas Singaporean Portal offers information to support the relocation journey of overseas Singaporeans customised to their profiles and needs. In addition, MOE has a one-stop interface for returning Singaporean students to support their school placement. For Singaporeans who choose to remain overseas, we hope they continue to fly our flag high, believe in Singapore and find ways to create our nation's future together. Mdm Chairman, MCCY's work goes to the heart of the nation. The pulse of the nation beats through our arts, heritage, community, sports and youth sectors. At our museums and galleries, we feel that heartbeat. Through the arts and heritage, we celebrate the energy of Singapore's cultural diversity. At our stadiums and sports centres, we feel that heartbeat.”
“The Commissioner of Charities can and does, on a case-by-case basis, waive this rule to support, for example, appeals in aid of providing immediate disaster relief. Mr Henry Kwek highlighted the challenges that youths face as they enter the workforce and the need for resilience and confidence. We agree that these are important values which cannot be acquired overnight, unfortunately. They are cultivated over time by family, parents and in our schools. Later experiences at OBS, Youth Corps Singapore and NS reinforce these qualities. Our role at MCCY is to grow these strengths in our youths and empower them to chart their own paths as they transit from school to the workplace. 6.30 pm *SCAPE, for instance, offers personal development workshops to help youths gain awareness of their aptitude and interests and work towards their future aspirations. *SCAPE also exposes youths early to possibilities in the working world by bringing practitioners from different industries to share about their experiences. In addition, we are partnering IHLs, agencies, such as SkillsFuture Singapore and the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), to enhance career guidance through roadshows, industry talks, mentorship as well as the upcoming MySkillsFuture portal. Employment aside, youths face other issues when transiting from school to the working world. To help them plan, save and realise their aspirations, we have been working with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and other agencies to equip them with basic financial literacy and planning skills.”
“They are doing a very good job in introducing para-sports to persons with disabilities. They are generating awareness, getting people involved; they are doing a wonderful job for NTU undergraduates. Our cultural institutions are also making their spaces more accessible. The National Gallery has monthly "Gallery Signs" tours, which are led by a docent and a sign language interpreter. At the Singapore Art Museum, many of the works in the annual Imaginarium exhibition can be explored using touch or hearing. This enables visitors with hearing or visual impairment to appreciate the works. This year, we will strengthen special needs training for museum staff, docents and volunteers. We will also be adopting the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to allow persons with disabilities to use picture cards to communicate their needs. With regard to Ms Joan Pereira's suggestion to have museums conduct tours in vernacular languages, these are currently available at many of our national museums and heritage institutions. With these developments, everyone can participate more fully in sports and the arts. Mr Louis Ng spoke about IPCs that extend overseas to help our neighbours. IPCs enjoy Government support. They are allowed to issue tax deduction receipts on qualifying donations. Hence, there is an expectation that IPCs exclusively help the local community. Where there is an exceptional basis to allow otherwise, the Minister may grant a waiver so that they can conduct overseas activities. With regard to fundraising for foreign charitable purposes, at least 80% of funds collected by both IPCs and non-IPCs must go towards charitable purposes in Singapore. This ensures that resources are not collected from the public for overseas causes at the expense of local needs.”
“I agree with Dr Lim Wee Kiak and Ms Joan Pereira that sports and culture must be accessible to all. Last year, we announced the Disability Sports Master Plan. Under this plan, we are expanding access for persons with disabilities to take part in sports and developing the organisational and professional capabilities to do so. SportSG has launched a Centre of Expertise for Disability Sport in Sengkang, with plans to set up at least five such centres in the next few years. It has also offered programmes in swimming, wheelchair rugby, which is held in Toa Payoh, goalball, wheelchair tennis and badminton, and will introduce new ones in football and boccia. We have an Inclusive Gym at the Enabling Village, and there are plans to introduce this at ActiveSG Sports Centres in Bedok, Jurong West, Tampines and Toa Payoh. We will ride on the momentum from the ASEAN Para Games and the Paralympics, and work with partners to raise public awareness for disability sports. One recent collaboration is with four undergraduates from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) through their final year project, aptly named "Project This Ability". To promote para-sports as a social activity, they translated the International Symbol of Access into signs that depict wheelchair users playing sports. These new signs will be placed at educational institutions, sports centres and Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations. I attended their Para Sports Day last Saturday at the Enabling Village, where over 230 persons with disabilities, family and friends gathered to try different para-sports. By raising the profile of para-sports and inviting everyone regardless of ability to try, the students are helping to foster an inclusive sporting community.”
“Mr Henry Kwek has asked about corporate giving. The corporate sector is stepping up, and Deloitte Singapore is a good example. When we hosted the 2015 SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games, Deloitte provided sponsorship and their staff volunteered in creative and marketing support for the Games. As an active member of the spexBusiness Network under SportSG, Deloitte has provided career development opportunities to Team Singapore athletes, such as netballers Charmaine Soh and Kimberly Lim, and recently retired shuttler Derek Wong. The athletes enjoy a work environment that supports their success in the sporting arena and the workplace. Deloitte has also partnered NorthLight School to help the students develop their skills and talents through sports. And as part of their annual day of service, Deloitte organised a dragon-boat session at the Sports Hub for the students. We would like more companies to follow Deloitte's lead and give back to society. Last year, the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) launched the Company of Good Programme. The programme helps Singapore-registered companies build capability in giving and connects them with other businesses to champion corporate giving. Today, there are more than 470 members in the network. To strengthen the culture of corporate giving, NVPC is launching two new programmes this year. The Champion of Good programme recognises companies that demonstrate best practices and are committed to advocating corporate giving in Singapore. The second programme, Company of Good Fellowship, aims to grow a community of corporate leaders and develop their capabilities in leadership and corporate giving, through targeted training, mentoring and networking opportunities.”
“Mdm Chairman, with your permission, I will display some slides.”
“We will be Singaporeans who care for one another, Singaporeans who overcome challenges together, and Singaporeans who dare to dream and are not afraid to pursue our aspirations and our passions for a better Singapore. 6.00 pm”
“These are values and ideals exemplified by Mr Lee Kuan Yew and his team who founded independent Singapore. We have been actively engaging Singaporeans to co-create a Founders' Memorial that commemorates these values and ideals upon which our nation was built. Singaporeans young and old, expressed strong support for such an effort. Many expressed the hope that the memorial will help current and future generations to cherish and live by such values and ideals. In February, the Founders' Memorial Committee led by Mr Lee Tzu Yang announced that a majority of Singaporeans engaged thus far support Bay East Gardens as the preferred site of the memorial. We thank the Committee for leading this community effort. The work does not stop here. We want Singaporeans to be involved at all stages of conceptualising the Memorial. A public showcase will be launched next week to gather more views on the desired attributes of the Memorial. This will guide the next steps of the design and development. Ultimately, the Memorial will be one for the people, by the people. Mdm Chairman, to borrow the words of the Committee, we are an unexpected nation that succeeded against all odds. Through courage and diligence, our forefathers forged a nation. Through determination and adaptability, they turned challenges into opportunities. With integrity and a commitment to nation-building, they united a people. This tells the extraordinary story of the Singapore Spirit. When it is ready, the Founders' Memorial will serve that purpose − to continue telling the story. And the story does not end there. We will write the next chapters together.”
“We have made considerable effort to preserve our heritage assets with the help of the people sector. One example is "My Community", which has been documenting social memories and championing community heritage in Queenstown, Singapore's first satellite town. Working with NHB, they have taken the initiative to research and put together heritage trails that bring visitors to landmarks, such as the first Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats at Stirling Road. To celebrate the civic life of the neighbourhood, "My Community" has been putting up exhibitions to showcase the social history of the area. They are not just preserving heritage, they are adding to the richness of cultural life in the community through their own efforts and initiatives. Complementing these ground-up efforts, NHB has launched nationwide surveys on our tangible and intangible heritage in 2015 and 2016 respectively. Both surveys are guided by NHB's Heritage Advisory Panel comprising experts from various fields. Next, we plan to put in place a strategy to document, promote and safeguard our heritage. NHB will be embarking on a Heritage Plan for Singapore, which will be a comprehensive national blueprint for our heritage sector. Our goal is to preserve and celebrate our shared heritage as Singaporeans. We will also make legislative changes so as to implement the plan in the coming years. It will be drawn up in consultation with heritage stakeholders, the public and other Government agencies. Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng will share more later. Our sporting and cultural heroes are an inspiration because they epitomise the Singapore Spirit. They show us the importance of having a bold vision, to commit to excellence, determination, a sense of resilience and sacrifice.”
“For example, performance analysts help swimmers improve their performance by providing underwater video feedback on how the swimmers can improve their stroke mechanics. We must focus on applying science and know-how to help our athletes raise their game. Another learning point is that success at the elite level requires long-term commitment. We did not produce champions overnight. Schooling is a two-time Olympian, Pin Xiu and Theresa are three- and four-time Paralympians respectively. Growing our pipeline of talent and grooming them for podium success require long-term athlete development plans and the resources and technical expertise to create a high-performance training and competition environment. The day-to-day training and competition environment is critical. SportSG and NSAs will have to work closely so that efforts are aligned and optimised. Finally, we need our corporates, parents and the wider public to rally behind our athletes. That is why we are setting up a "One Team Singapore matching grant" which will match sports donations up to $50 million into the Vision 2030 Fund, dollar-for-dollar, over the next five years. We will review our HPS system with these principles in mind. Being a small country without a large population base, we must ensure that resources are used effectively for sustained performance. This will require a long-term focus, technically sound training plans and continuity of effort. Our heritage forms an integral part of our national identity. Historical buildings, our urban landscape, our food and festive celebrations, all tell stories of where we come from, who we are today and our legacy for the future. Mr Darryl David and Mr Kok Heng Leun asked how we are strengthening our identity and resilience through heritage.”
“Brandvan Yang, the boy who is wearing a cape in the photo, because it was "Superhero Me", so he puts on his superhero cape. He told me that he loves the violin because it helps him feel relaxed and calm. He even asked me if I was in a music CCA in school. It was a moving moment to listen to the children play. Kah Chun and his friends, all highly talented musicians, are using their gift to inspire Singaporeans who might not otherwise have the opportunity to be exposed to music. These are children from a block of rental flats across the premises, and this little boy who played violin for me actually told me quite proudly that it was "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star", in minor key. Similarly, Team Singapore athletes have been great role models to us. Their achievements over the years show we can make our dreams a reality. We want to sustain a strong showing at the SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games and continue to nurture champions at the Asian and world levels. Mr Darryl David called for greater efforts to promote sporting excellence. We will enhance our High Performance Sports (HPS) system. I wish to highlight some lessons from our own and other countries' experience at recent major Games. Podium success at world championships and the Olympics requires a focused and sustained effort at all levels. A talented and dedicated athlete is a necessary starting point. To groom that athlete into a world champion, we need great coaches supported by deep sports science and sports medicine capabilities. The Singapore Sports Institute (SSI) and the National Youth Sports Institute (NYSI) are critical enablers in this process.”
“Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked how we are helping our artists and athletes realise their aspirations and how Singapore is projecting soft power. The growth of a vibrant arts ecosystem has seen our young artists develop a good international reputation. One example is Wong Kah Chun. At 30 years old, he has conducted orchestras in more than 20 cities. Last year, Kah Chun won the prestigious Gustav Mahler Conducting Competition in Germany. It is actually the Olympic equivalent for music. Kah Chun's parents bought him his first trumpet when he was a band member at River Valley High School. During NS, Kah Chun played the trumpet so often in the SAF Band that he suffered damage to his lips, so he switched to composition and conducting. Scholarships came from Yong Siew Toh Conservatory, the National Arts Council and the Public Service Commission and allowed Kah Chun to pursue his music education and career, while the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) gave him opportunities to hone his musical craft. Despite his achievements, what I really like about Kah Chun is that he has a heart for the community. Last year, he partnered "Superhero Me", a ground-up community arts movement, and set up Project Infinitude to bring music to underprivileged and special needs children. He roped in fellow musicians from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory and Asian Contemporary Ensemble to teach the children to play musical instruments through a 10-week programme. For the first few weeks, they got to try a variety of instruments and then they will select their own and then, for the last few weeks, they will practise a piece and have a little concert to perform; and the concert is coming soon. I met one of them at last weekend's session.”
“There will be new features, such as advanced rope courses, that require participants to work in teams. They will also undertake water expeditions around mainland Singapore and learn to respond to challenging scenarios with limited resources. The new campus will triple our capacity for youth development to about 45,000 youths annually. We hope that this experience will toughen our youths, create shared memories and forge a more cohesive society for Singapore. Madam, a caring and cohesive society lays the foundation for a confident and resilient nation. Seventy five years ago, our Pioneers went through one of the darkest periods of our history. The fall of Singapore taught us a painful lesson about the importance of national defence. So, we built up the SAF to safeguard our sovereignty and, this year, we commemorate 50 years of National Service. New threats have emerged. Today, we face down the threat of terrorism, tomorrow it might be economic restructuring. But whatever future challenges might arise, we can overcome them if we have the inner confidence that comes from a strong Singapore Spirit, one that is built on values, such as unity and resilience. During the Budget Debate, Mr Kok Heng Leun described how the arts and culture can build resilience. I agree. Art and music are important parts of what it means to be a well-rounded person and help articulate the voices of a multifaceted society. That is why we want Singaporeans to be active participants of the arts and to be proud of our arts and heritage institutions and achievements. There is much to be proud of. Our cultural scene has come a long way. More Singaporeans recognise the value of arts and culture, and participation in arts and cultural activities has increased across the board.”
“Last year, Primary 4 students from 15 schools visited institutions like the National Gallery Singapore as part of this pilot. Students from one such school, North Spring Primary, got to understand the history of Singapore through Chua Mia Tee's piece titled "National Language Class". Through this, students learn to appreciate art, the work of Singapore artists and how their art chronicles our shared history. This year, NAC will be piloting a Performing Arts-based Learning Programme for lower secondary students, to complement the General Music Programme. Students can look forward to attending a concert by, say, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Through this programme, students will learn about concert etiquette and develop a greater appreciation of musical concepts in an orchestral setting. 5.45 pm Our aim is for students who have gone through our public school system to have an appreciation for Singaporean artworks. The experiential learning in arts and heritage can become a common reference point for our young, regardless of their background. We hope it will be a shared experience that all our students enjoy, and that it will cultivate the audience of the future. OBS is another experience that we hope all Singaporeans will come to share. Last year, we announced the construction of a new OBS campus on Coney Island as part of our National Outdoor Adventure Education Masterplan. In January this year, we launched the MOE-OBS Secondary 3 Programme. By 2020, students from all secondary schools will have the opportunity to attend a five-day OBS expedition. The new OBS@Coney will stretch the ability of our youths to work together and build resilience. We will combine several schools in one camp to encourage youths to work with peers from different backgrounds.”
“The programmes will cater to different competency levels and provide young adults with both recreational and competitive opportunities to remain active in sports even after leaving the school system. To encourage more seniors to be physically active, an Active Masters Programme will also be launched to offer modified sports and fitness activities suitable for their physical conditions. Under the Sports Facilities Master Plan, we will expand the rollout of the Sports-in-Precinct (SIP) programme to additional precincts, to ensure a good geographical spread and create more sporting spaces near homes. Fifty million dollars has been set aside for this. Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng will elaborate on this. Mr Kok Heng Leun asked how we can introduce our students to local artworks. And Ms Sun Xueling asked about co-curating our arts and heritage with students. Ms Rahayu Mahzam and Ms Joan Pereira asked about the need to ensure access to arts and heritage. One way is to expose students to our local arts and heritage scene at an early stage. MCCY is working with MOE to develop more structured student visits to our arts and heritage institutions. At present, some schools already organise visits to our institutions. Some 50% of Primary 5 students have visited the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM), tapping on exhibits in the museum to complement their Social Studies syllabus. By discovering the stories behind the artefacts, students learn about what we inherit from past civilisations. They get to appreciate how history impacts our lives today and develop a habit of learning outside the classroom, beyond textbooks. MOE and NAC are piloting museum-based learning as part of the arts curriculum.”
“MCCY will collaborate with religious and community leaders to create more platforms for the public to learn and appreciate the various religious beliefs and practices in Singapore. For instance, through the Harmony Fund, we supported the Nanyang Confucian Association's "Confucianism and Islam" seminars, which discussed common values across Confucianism and Islamic theologies and practices. Such seminars provide valuable platforms for the Chinese community to understand the principle of peace advocated in Islam ideology, and a safe space for discussion to address queries and dispel misconceptions about Islam. (In English): Mr Melvin Yong asked how sports can break down social barriers, promote inclusion and bring communities together. Since last year, ActiveSG launched three sports academies in basketball, football and tennis and two sports clubs for athletics and outdoor adventure. They offer quality programmes at very low cost for young children. They also bring families and neighbours from all backgrounds together. When we launched the Athletics Club, a group of mothers who called themselves "Bedok Mums" requested for such a programme at the Bedok Sports Centre for their children. ActiveSG Athletics Club started the programme there and the group of mums and dads meet regularly, twice a week in fact, while accompanying their children. They share parenting tips on the track side. From the photo, we see multiracial, three-generation groupings forming friendship along with their children. In 2017, ActiveSG will be launching more academies to provide additional pathways for members to engage in and through sports. They include traditional sports like badminton and hockey, and non-traditional sports that are gaining popularity, such as frisbee and floorball.”
“It brought together diverse participants to have frank and respectful discussions on issues of national identity, terrorism and racism over a full day conference. So, we have brought the religious leaders together and we have also brought youths of different faiths together. While Singaporeans support racial and religious diversity, there are still knowledge gaps around religious practices. Left unaddressed, the knowledge vacuum could be filled by irresponsible voices that seed prejudice. We will deepen religious understanding through in-depth engagements. MCCY will work with community partners to clarify the practice of religion in a multiracial, multi-religious society, and address sensitive questions in a mutually respectful setting. We will also work with community partners to produce content, such as short videos and brochures, which address common, but often unasked, questions on the practices of different faiths. Mdm Chairman, allow me to speak in Mandarin for the next section. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] In Singapore, people of different beliefs and races coexist peacefully and look out for one another. To preserve our multiculturalism, we must bring religious and racial groups closer together and use the strength of the community to counter terrorism threats. In line with the SGSecure movement, MCCY is establishing an SGSecure Community Network, to complement IRCC's work on the ground. The SGSecure Community Network will connect all religious groups, incorporating groups that have yet to join the IRCC. After a terrorist attack, these senior leaders of religious and community organisations will be our core mobilisers to convey messages of calm, assuage fear and restore solidarity in the days after.”
“In line with SGSecure, MCCY is establishing a SGSecure Community Network (SGCN) to complement the work of IRCCs on the ground and strengthen the Government's partnership with religious organisations. This network will connect with all religious organisations, going beyond the local IRCCs to include those that are not members. All religious organisations should be plugged into the SGSecure movement, so that they are well-informed and can count on one another for help when the need arises. In the hours and days after a terrorist attack, we need respected community and religious leaders to convey messages of calm and solidarity to their congregations and to the wider community. The SGSecure Community Network will prepare our places of worship to be crisis-ready in case of a terrorist attack. Earlier this year, together with the Home Team, we conducted two Counter-Terrorism Seminars for religious and community organisations. Over 500 leaders from nearly 180 organisations were briefed on how to develop crisis management plans and ways to keep their followers safe. Here is one session where the Roman Catholic Archdiocese shared its crisis plan with the leaders of other faiths. It reflected the cooperation and trust among the religious organisations. More Counter-Terrorism Seminars are being planned. There is also a need to broker honest conversations in a safe space on sensitive issues like race and religion, especially among our youths as Ms Rahayu Mahzam noted. We have been supporting ground-up projects that do this through the Harmony Fund. "Youth Unconvention" is one such project by the Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP).”
“By topping-up the fund, we hope to sustain the momentum of giving to the arts and heritage sector. MCCY will take the opportunity to review CMF as part of our regular review of how we fund and support the arts and culture. MCCY's second focus is enhancing a cohesive society. Our future depends on our ability to maintain social cohesion. Our multiracial and multicultural identity must be a source of strength and not a cause of fracture. We may come from different lands and speak different languages. We are proud of our own cultural heritage. Yet, we identify ourselves as Singaporean. Our museums, galleries, sports centres and community centres are spaces that bring people of diverse backgrounds together. Our religious organisations, youth networks and civil society groups enhance intercultural understanding. They enlarge our social commons and provide opportunities for Singaporeans to connect and bond. At a time when tensions are tearing at the fabric of other countries, the bonds and bridges we build in times of peace will enable us to stand together in a crisis. Mr Alex Yam and Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked how we can preserve our social fabric. We need to partner community leaders and members, and strengthen community vigilance at all levels to absorb shocks and bounce back quickly from any crisis. We meet apex leaders from major religious and ethnic groups regularly to discuss racial and religious issues on a national platform. At the local level, every constituency has an Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circle (IRCC) that promotes racial and religious harmony. We need to take our efforts one step further.”
“I met the team recently when they visited MCCY. Their application for funding under OSF was successful and, this year, they plan to include not just wheelchair users but also the visually impaired. We are happy to see that they are continuing with this meaningful project and are glad to support them again. Projects like Wheels@Ubin exemplify the Singapore spirit and show how Singaporeans from all walks of life can come together to help one another. Through OSF, MCCY hopes to encourage more Singaporeans to step forward. Singaporeans also care about how they can play a part in enriching our culture. Our support and funding for the arts and culture will continue to raise arts excellence, grow audiences and ensure that our offerings are accessible to all. We will cater to the emerging needs of the culture sector, whether it is in arts practice, audience development, capability development, or internationalisation. Our approach has been to partner the private and people sectors to grow our culture scene together. The Minister for Finance announced a top-up of $150 million to the Cultural Matching Fund (CMF). Since CMF was implemented in 2014, we have committed about $150 million out of $200 million allocated. As of December 2016, over 80 organisations under the cultural sector have benefited from CMF. We hope that this top-up will encourage more philanthropy to the sector and provide Singaporeans another avenue to support a cause they care about. CMF has contributed to developing artistic excellence. Singapore Dance Theatre (SDT) is one example. The additional resources enabled SDT to perform in the region, nurture more local choreographers through annual workshops, and reach out to more schools and communities through their arts education programme.”
“The youths of today will be the pioneer generation of tomorrow. Youth Corps Singapore provides volunteering opportunities for youths from all walks of life to contribute to a more caring Singapore. Project Cent$ible is one such effort. In partnership with Lakeside Family Services, a group of Youth Corps members developed a financial literacy programme for families living in a transitional shelter. The young volunteers conducted a series of workshops that taught basic financial knowledge and helped cultivate a habit of saving. Last year, Youth Corps launched its signature programme, "Common Space for Common Good", to bring young volunteers together to serve the community. This year, we will launch the inaugural Youth Corps Service Week to encourage youths to contribute to social and community causes. 5.30 pm Young or old, we can all contribute to issues that concern us and exercise shared responsibility to shape the future. We have been providing the space and resources for citizens to develop their own ideas. To encourage more citizens to take the lead in ground-up action, we launched Our Singapore Fund (OSF) to support projects that build national identity or meet social and community needs. Mr Henry Kwek and Ms Joan Pereira asked about the status of OSF. To date, close to 40 projects have been supported. They range across the arts, heritage, community and volunteerism sectors. Collectively, they supported projects reaching out to over 37,000 people. Wheels@Ubin was a project we supported through the SG50 Celebration Fund. Members may be familiar with this project. In 2015, they brought about 100 wheelchair users to enjoy the sights of Pulau Ubin. It involved volunteers from Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT), Changi Sailing Club, the Navy and many VWOs.”
“This is the spirit we hope to cultivate through SG Cares − communities self-organising to care for its members and inspiring others to do good. For giving to truly make a difference to the lives of people, you need to know well the person you are helping. It is the members of each community who truly understand the needs of their neighbours and friends who are best placed to help make Singapore a truly caring society. SG Cares is a call to all of us to step up to help a neighbour or a cause. It will create conditions for volunteerism. SG Cares will organise the efforts of relevant public agencies, activate networks of volunteers to collaborate, and encourage corporates and non-profits to join in partnership. By linking needs on the ground with the time and talent of volunteers and the resources and capabilities of corporates, we will grow opportunities for volunteerism. Over time, SG Cares will build capability in organisations to better engage volunteers, equip them with the necessary skills and training, and strengthen volunteer management capacity in our SSOs. That way, we can grow and sustain a vibrant giving landscape. Ms Joan Pereira reminded us that seniors can be a part of this movement, too. The Silver Volunteer Fund supports volunteer programmes involving seniors, including the training, management and recognition of senior volunteers. There are many ways for seniors to volunteer near home. Many of the Pioneer Generation Ambassadors (PGAs), for example, are seniors. One of them, Mr Wong Phui Sian from my constituency of Yuhua, is one of the most senior PGAs at 75 years young. Mr Wong has been doing house visits twice a week since he signed up as a PGA in 2015. He also volunteers at the community garden actively.”
“We want to grow a civic culture of consideration, care and contribution. These are virtues that Singaporeans can show by caring for one another, their community and their country. During the Budget Debate, Members like Ms Rahayu Mahzam and Ms Tin Pei Ling spoke about the need to grow a spirit of volunteerism. Mr Henry Kwek hoped to see more citizens volunteering. The Minister for Social and Family Development talked about building a community of volunteers. Together with MSF and our partners, we are growing SG Cares, a nationwide movement to harness the goodwill of Singaporeans, inspire them to step forward and support them to help others in need. Through SG Cares, we can realise a more caring and compassionate society. We may be a small nation, but we can have a big heart. Ms Fion Phua is one example. She started Keeping Hope Alive, a ground-up initiative of about 60 volunteers that include doctors, plumbers, carpenters, students and families. Every Sunday, they deliver porridge to residents from over 150 rental flats. They help the seniors trim their toenails, cut their hair, check for expired food or medication, replace faulty appliances and so on. These volunteers develop a deep understanding of the needs of the families over time and are able to support them well. The sense of community grows and the circle of caring and giving expands over time. One volunteer, Ms Siti Nurani Salim, felt so inspired that she started Project Goodwill Aid, reaching out to other needy families in other estates. From distributing groceries to helping underprivileged children acquire items for school, Project Goodwill Aid has visited more than 1,000 households.”
“During the Budget and COS debates, Members like Dr Tan Wu Meng, Mr Kok Heng Leun, Ms Kuik Shiao-Yin, Mr Amrin Amin and Mr Lee Yi Shyan rightly noted that we are witnessing the rise of post-truth politics, where many inhabit echo chambers unwilling to distinguish fact from fiction. Within our region, the threat of terrorism is on the rise. Issues of race and religion loom large, with the potential to stoke tensions. Beyond these traditional fault lines, there is a growing risk of rifts along the lines of class, ideology and nationality. As Dr Lim Wee Kiak pointed out, in these uncertain times, the question facing us is whether we have the social ballast to remain united and resilient in adversity. The strength of our national identity and solidarity will be central to how we fare in a more volatile future. We have been described as a small "sampan" in a big ocean. In turbulent times, when many countries seem to be listing and about to tip, we need steady hands to right the ship and guide it to safety. Yet, survival and success depend not only on the captain, but on all aboard. Likewise, the Government does its work best when it does it together with the Singaporeans we serve. So, in this coming year, MCCY will partner Singaporeans in nation-building at three levels. We will nurture a caring people, because we need to look out for one another. We are as strong as the most vulnerable among us. We will grow a cohesive society, because a society that stands as one will be able to do difficult things together and overcome the toughest challenges. And we will build a confident nation, because the courage to dream brought us to where we are today, and the same courage will propel us towards an even brighter future. Firstly, nurturing a caring people.”
“MCCY's work goes to the heart of our nation. What we do in building "heartware" is often intangible, non-quantifiable. But there are moments when it becomes clearly evident when everyone feels the same strong emotion deep in our hearts, when we all feel the pulse of our nation's heartbeat. In 2016, one defining moment took place at 9.12 am on the morning of 13 August. Across the island, Singaporeans held their breath as they witnessed history being made in a swimming pool halfway across the world. From runners at a Charity Run, to football "kakis" meeting up for their regular weekend game, Singaporeans watched the most significant 50.39 seconds in our sporting history. For the first time, we heard Majulah Singapura being played at the Olympics. Singaporeans celebrated wildly. We hugged one another. We proudly "Whatsapp-ed" the photo of our hero to everyone we knew. Thousands lined the street to welcome Joseph Schooling home and congratulate him, regardless of race, language or religion. These moments will be part of our common memory for years to come. They reflect our national pride and celebrate our common journey. We saw this at the height of our SG50 celebrations, too, when our Jubilee Weekend peaked at 2015 hours on 9 August with 200,000 gathered around the Marina Bay dressed spontaneously in red and white, or during the SEA Games when Singaporeans sang our National Anthem loudly even when the public address system malfunctioned. Moments like these affirm the work of MCCY. The work of MCCY matters more than ever at a time when the world around us is becoming increasingly uncertain. In developed countries, growing discontent with globalisation has fueled a mood of nativism.”
“Madam, with your permission, I will display some slides.”
“Once constraints, such as inter-organisational boundaries and limitations in resources were alleviated with our help, the staff quickly adjusted their work process on the ground and took up their new responsibilities willingly and with urgency. I have received many compliments from different people on the prompt and thorough follow-ups by agency officers. Hence, I would like to record my gratitude to all the staff of our agencies for their positive attitude and service to the public. We in MSO can do what we do only because of their cooperation and dedication.”
“We also developed the Municipal Services Dashboard with GovTech, which allows Government and Town Councils to access visual representations of a whole range of cases by location, time, block and so on. This allows them to view patterns and trends which, in turn, give them useful information for operations planning. With better planning in terms of timing and frequency, our agencies can provide comprehensive, responsive and effective municipal services. Going forward, apart from feedback data and in line with what Mr Baey said, MSO will also be working with agencies to facilitate other kinds of data sharing, such as camera footages, to improve the resolution of municipal issues. Sir, ultimately, MSO's work is not merely about improving agency coordination. What we hope to achieve is, in fact, a deeper, cultural transformation to change how agencies work and how they collaborate with one another. We want to create a work environment where agencies feel supported to explore new ways of doing things and try out new technologies, a culture where openness and empathy is the norm, a system where different parts of the Government work well together and collaborate with the private sector and the community. And at the heart of our work is our many officers who believe in providing good efficient services to the public, officers who take pride in their work, go the extra mile in serving the public, and serving with honour. I would like to end off by giving credit to their efforts. Since my involvement with MSO, I have been consistently impressed by the enthusiasm and positive attitudes taken by the officers of our partner agencies who needed little persuasion to work towards the goals of MSO.”
“A better outcome for grass-cutting is achieved with fewer man-hours required. Following the successful trial, MSO will work with the Standards, Productivity and Innovation Board (SPRING) to find a commercial solution to the prototype. We look forward to working with the private sector, including SMEs, in commercialising the sensor. We hope to help our partner agencies to develop an innovative idea into a workable solution and enable the private sector to participate in the innovation. Good municipal services should go beyond merely responding quickly to feedback. Managing municipal issues upstream and anticipating operational requirements can better address public concerns. We agree with Mr Baey Yam Keng that integrated data has great potential in this aspect. As a start, we have leveraged our integrated feedback management system to study data received across agencies to better identify the location, timing and the cause of key issues. We can deep dive into these hotspots to identify the root causes and devise holistic measures to address them. An example that I would like to quote through our data analytics is a strong correlation that we have identified between incidents of stray dogs reported with the start of construction sites. Our analysis has shown that the clearance of forested land, which precedes construction, would drive dogs out of their habitat, and food waste from construction sites might be a source of food for the dogs. Based on these findings, AVA worked with HDB to establish an arrangement to trap stray dogs before and after infrastructure works, as well as to check the canteen areas in HDB construction sites to ensure proper food waste disposal. AVA also worked with their Animal Welfare Group (AWG) partners to rehome suitable trapped dogs.”
“This is particularly critical in view of the tightening labour market and technological disruptions. Municipal service delivery will need to adapt and take advantage of new technologies to be better and more efficient. Many of MSO's partner agencies have already started to leverage technology for service delivery. For example, SLA and the Government Technology Agency (GovTech) have successfully completed a Proof of Concept on the use of drones and video analytics to automatically detect defects on state properties and land. To enable our partner agencies to pursue more of such innovations, MSO has worked with MOF to set aside a fund of up to $5 million a year to support interagency projects. This fund will be channeled towards the development of technological initiatives by our partner agencies to enhance productivity in municipal services. From May this year, agencies will be able to tap on this fund to develop their ideas fully. In this regard, MSO plays the role of a coordinator and facilitator. We facilitate the participation of the relevant agencies, coordinate efforts and remove roadblocks to projects that cut across different agencies. We also aim to promote the application of one agency's technology in other areas so that we can achieve greater benefit from technology use. For instance, MSO facilitated the development of a height sensor prototype for grass-cutting by GovTech, which measures the height of cut grass and uploads the data real-time as the contractor trims the grass. This allows the contractor to check his work against prescribed standards and perform rectification works if necessary before leaving the site. NParks officers can monitor the contractors' work remotely, thus reducing the need for physical inspection.”
“MSO also strengthened our partnership with the Town Councils, which play a key role in municipal service delivery in HDB estates. We have embarked on a number of initiatives together. First, we standardised feedback management processes. Then, we moved on to streamlining operations on the ground and establishing Standard Operating Protocols, such as the one for water issues between PUB and Town Councils. Recently, we connected the feedback management systems of MSO, those of our partner agencies and all 16 Town Councils. This means that public feedback can now be transferred seamlessly between agencies and Town Councils via the systems, thus ensuring proper follow-up. MSO has also conducted a series of Learning Journeys, where representatives from Town Councils and Government agencies were brought together for learning. This fostered a better understanding of each other's work and resulted in better alignment of the work processes and information-sharing for issues like high-rise littering which Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal and Mr Baey Yam Keng mentioned. Indeed, in one of the sessions we had with NEA, the Town Council participants found it useful to learn how NEA deploys its cameras to capture high-rise littering offences, as well as some of NEA's operational challenges. The coordination between the Town Council and NEA in addressing high-rise littering has improved as a result. Given the positive response, MSO is planning to expand the Learning Journeys to involve more agencies and Town Council officers. As we continue to facilitate more collaborations between our partner agencies and Town Councils, we want to expand our role to an enabler, one which equips our agencies and Town Councils with tools to be more productive.”
“For instance, LTA was appointed as the First Responder for feedback on maintenance of connectivity-related infrastructure. Our efforts have paid off and agencies are increasingly taking on a collaborative approach in handling interagency issues. For example, LTA received feedback last year from a concerned Mdm Ngeo on some uneven metal steps and a sunken manhole near a road junction. LTA approached PUB as the steps were on top of a drain. In view of public safety, PUB carried out repair works promptly. Concurrently, LTA reached out to Singtel which helped trace the sunken manhole to NetLink Trust, thereby facilitating rectification works. Mdm Ngeo, who witnessed the contractors hard at work, expressed appreciation to the agencies for their efforts. LTA and PUB staff had taken upon themselves to go beyond their job scope − LTA in proactively reaching out to relevant parties for follow-up, PUB in moving in to rectify the issue in a timely manner. If they had not done so, MSO would not know better as an additional day or two taken would not affect their KPIs. This is just one of many cases that they handle on a daily basis. But it is because of what they did and collectively with other officers in our partner agencies, handling frontline customer services, carrying out operations on the ground, carrying out maintenance and rectification works, that we see a steady improvement in service delivery since MSO's formation. The time taken to close cases involving multiple agencies has decreased continuously from 21 days when MSO first started in October 2014, to 12 days by the end of last year. Routing accuracy of feedback has also improved from around 85% in late 2014 to 88% by the end of last year.”
“Thank you, Sir. MSO takes a people-centric focus in bringing about better municipal services. We work with agencies to streamline processes for complex or cross-cutting municipal issues. In the short two years, we have undertaken many initiatives towards this goal. Mr Ong Teng Koon and Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal have asked for an update. One of our first initiatives was the OneService app, which made it easier for residents to provide feedback on municipal matters without the need to search for the right agency. The app has been well-received, with over 83,000 registered users reporting some 85,000 cases. This is an increase of over 70% in users and 190% in cases received since the start of last year. We have received many compliments from residents, who complimented agencies on their prompt responses and for taking residents' feedback seriously. Going forward, in line with the direction of the Smart Nation initiative, we want to expand the app from a feedback tool to a multi-channel network that connects the Government, the people and the private sector with one another. The first crowdsourcing feature in the app is called "Spot Abandoned Trolleys", and was introduced in April last year, which attracted over 4,600 reported cases. Last September, MSO launched the OneService Portal to complement the app, where residents can access information on services and updates in their neighbourhood. Recently, MSO also released a municipal case map on both platforms which show all feedback received by Government agencies over the past seven days. Users can see all the cases reported on their neighbourhood. Besides improving the interface with the public, MSO paid attention to streamlining processes that involve multiple agencies.”
“Mdm Speaker, may I seek your consent and the general assent of Members present to move, "That the proceedings on the item under discussion be exempted from the provisions of Standing Order No 48(8) to remove the time limit in respect of Minister Chan Chun Sing's speech."”
“In 2011, under the Housing and Development Board's "Remaking our Heartlands" initiative for the East Coast area, the Bedok Sports Complex was identified for redevelopment as part of the upcoming "Heartbeat@Bedok" integrated complex, which will also house the Kampong Chai Chee Community Club, Bedok Public Library, Bedok Polyclinic, as well as other facilities. When ready, the sports facilities at Heartbeat@Bedok will comprise a sports hall, sheltered tennis courts, gymnasium, as well as aquatic facilities, such as a sheltered swimming pool and interactive play pools. The development will be opening in phases at the end of this year. Bedok Stadium was last refurbished in 2002. Sport Singapore plans to replace the stadium's running track by September 2017.”