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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“Our students know their Shakespeare, but they also read playwrights like Haresh Sharma and Jean Tay who have been part of our GCE "O" level English literature texts, along with collections like "Here and Beyond: 12 Stories" that is commissioned by the Ministry of Education (MOE), supported by NAC. This includes stories by Singapore writers, like Claire Tham, Simon Tay and Suchen Christine Lim. The NAC Arts Education programme exposes our students to our leading artists, like award-winning film maker Royston Tan and Cultural Medallion recipients Mdm Som Said for Malay Dance and Jeremy Monteiro, a jazz musician. Students also attend performances by groups like the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) and SCO. When we read these stories, listen to the music, watch the dances, we know they are our own. We relate to them. They are expressions of our Singaporean identity. Chingay is another good example of how culture reflects and enriches our sense of identity. Every country has its own festival processions, but Chingay is one that is uniquely Singaporean. Here, you can see that the religious leaders on the top of the float, singing "一人一半", which translates loosely into "sharing is a virtue". I was there and was totally impressed by the fact that religious leaders could get together and sing in their respective vernacular languages. So, from the first street parade in 1973, Chingay has evolved from a festivity of the Chinese community to a truly multiracial celebration with performers from diverse backgrounds. I think the important thing here is that the performers themselves are diverse. In some other contexts, we could see multicultural items, but performed by a single group.”
“Last year, we returned to the Venice Biennale even as the SingFrance Festival brought a major showcase of Singapore artists to France. We also opened the National Gallery, which is a long-term effort to build a new cultural institution which tells the Singapore Story through the best of Singapore arts. Page: 24 Later, Parliamentary Secretary Baey will also speak specifically about how we are developing the traditional arts. Our funding has enlarged the space for our artists and arts groups to create more original Singapore works across music, visual, performing and literary arts. These works reflect our Southeast Asian context, our multicultural diversity and our Singaporean identity. For example, in December last year, the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) staged "Titian Budaya Night: Crossing Cultures in Malaysia", which commemorated 50 years of bilateral relations between Singapore and Malaysia. Playing to a full house, the multicultural event saw SCO artfully weaving traditional Chinese, Malay and Indian music with Singaporean jazz and even wayang kulit. In the field of literature, NAC commissioned "Singathology: 50 New Works" from Singapore's award-winning writers. In the performing arts, the Singapore International Festival of the Arts commissioned several new Singapore works, including the dance production "Returning", which drew from Chinese, Malay and Indian dance traditions and involved different generations of dance-makers. Young Singaporeans growing up learning about our rich local cultural scene.”
“Pin Xiu is a role model for all of us, not just for overcoming formidable odds to break the world record in the 50-metre backstroke S2 event, but also for taking the time to reach out and inspire others. During the Budget debate, Mr Kok Heng Leun said that our literature, music, painting and theatre remind us we are living in one place. I could not have put it better. I also agree with him on "the importance of having arts around us and be part of us", and thank him for acknowledging the Government's effort in developing the arts. Local arts and culture are important touchstones for what it means to be Singaporean. In a very visceral way, through what we see, touch and hear, the arts hold up a mirror that shows us who we are. Mr Kok Heng Leun also talked about how sustaining artistic and cultural excellence requires long-term investment and effort. I thank him for sharing with us his three-pronged strategy for arts development. We have an increasingly vibrant arts and culture scene, with direct assistance by the National Arts Council (NAC) to our local artists and arts groups doubling from $26 million in 2011 to almost $50 million last year, on top of the $200 million Cultural Matching Fund that arts groups can apply to. Total attendances for ticketed and non-ticketed events came close to five million last year, which is very high for a small country such as ours. The numbers do not tell the whole story. An increasing number of seed grant recipients have graduated into the major grant programmes, potentially providing them a longer runway for development. We have also committed more funding to enable our artists to perform on the international stage and further cultural diplomacy.”
“In terms of national identity and pride, we enjoy a vibrant sports and cultural landscape that reflects our increasing confidence as a nation: (a) 76% are satisfied with the Page: 23 Government's efforts in creating a vibrant sports scene; (b) 64% agree that the arts scene in Singapore has become more vibrant in the past five years; (c) 65% feel proud of Singapore's heritage and culture; and (d) 90% feel a strong sense of identity as Singaporeans. In terms of building a caring and cohesive community, we have done well so far in preserving racial and religious harmony, and also in uniting Singaporeans to contribute for the greater good: (a) 95% are satisfied with race relations; (b) 92% of youths consider helping the less fortunate to be an important life goal; and (c) 94% hope to play a part in developing Singapore so that future generations of Singaporeans can enjoy the benefits of their efforts. Let me share how my Ministry intends to build on these positive outcomes through its programmes and resources in the sports, cultural, community and youth sectors. First, Shared Endeavour – National Identity. Arts, Heritage and Sports play an important role in nourishing national identity and pride. Sports is a great way to rally the nation and has the potential to build national pride. Many Members have spoken about how Singaporeans rallied behind our athletes every step of the way at the SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games. Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng will elaborate further on sports excellence. But I would like to emphasise that sports excellence means far more when Team Singapore athletes give back to the community. Take para swimmer Yip Pin Xiu, for example.”
“With your permission, Madam, may I ask the Clerks to distribute the handout, please?”
“It causes people to think that others gain at their expense. I think the best way to overcome this is by cultivating a sense of empathy and care. This means recognising the worth and dignity of our fellowmen, that we are part of one another's lives. When we care, it might be helping only one person or improving just a corner of our neighbourhood. But these efforts matter. They make a difference, not just for the beneficiary, but for the giver. That is how we discover our strengths and weaknesses and the depths of our compassion. That is how we grow as individuals and grow closer to the ones we serve. That is how we grow community. We start to measure success not by how far we are ahead of the next person, but by how many of our fellow Singaporeans we bring along. We are not just bystanders, but invest ourselves, our energy and our purpose to make Singapore a better place. In this way, when we feel responsible for one another, we also erase the lines that divide us. Service binds us to our fellow citizens, to our communities and to our country. It is the social glue that makes us a cohesive society. Madam, our role in MCCY is to strengthen the bonds of mutual responsibility and common purpose that unite our nation and keep us rooted. They ensure that Singapore will always be home, not just for those of us who live here, but also for Singaporeans who live and work abroad. These bonds transcend time and space. We will strengthen national identity and pride by fostering a sense of shared endeavour. We will promote national cohesion by expanding shared experiences. And we will foster a caring society by encouraging shared responsibility. 12.30 pm We will be building on firm foundations. Let me share some findings from our various surveys to illustrate.”
“We cheered on our sporting heroes when they represented Team Singapore at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Para Games and will continue to do so at the Olympics and Paralympics later this year. Many of us follow closely the artistic achievements of our artists, musicians and film directors and appreciate what they tell us about Singapore society and character. We feel a sense of pride when we look up to our sporting and cultural heroes, not just because of the awards and accolades Page: 22 they win, but also because they represent the best of the human spirit and exemplify the values that we aspire to as Singaporeans – hard work, determination, passion, teamwork. They make us proud of who we are as a people. Madam, when we identify with one another as Singaporeans, we start to care about and feel connected to one another. We feel that no one should be left to struggle on their own because we are all in this together. We want to look out for one another because we know we are only as strong as the most vulnerable among us. This came out strongly during Our Singapore Conversation. Singaporeans wanted to see a society that takes care of the disadvantaged, a society with a greater sense of togetherness and a society where the Government and the people have a more collaborative relationship. Singaporeans aspire to be a kinder, more gracious people. This is important because being a caring and cohesive society is the second thing that will determine whether Singapore continues to thrive in the next 50 years. During the Budget debate, Ms Kuik Shiao-Yin spoke about how we need to overcome a mindset based on scarcity. Such a mindset reduces everything to a zero-sum game.”
“In all the important spheres of life, such as access to good education, medical care, housing and justice, every citizen stands on equal footing, irrespective of wealth, race or religion. Every Singaporean can build a better future for their children through hard work and discipline. Being Singaporean is also about knowing our history and heritage. The story of Singapore is the story of us, where we came from and how we got here. As a country with no natural resources, Singapore had to be built on the back of human endeavour. Singapore is a triumph of will and the sacrifices of our parents and grandparents. Finally, what makes us Singaporean is that we know our country's future is our future. Singapore is our home and our children's home. We all have a part in building the future, by working together, by doing our best and by making the most of the opportunities before us. We can all lay claim to Singapore's future because it is for us to shape. If we understand what defines us as Singaporeans, then national pride will grow over time. And there is much to be proud of. As a country, we made a virtue out of having no resources. Through tenacity and sacrifice, we became a modern, vibrant and dynamic city state. We are also a country that nurtures its own, helps its citizens to realise their potential and gives them the opportunity to do well and excel. In the sporting and cultural fields, Singaporeans are making their mark in the regional and international arena. We are proud of them because they wear our flag on their sleeves and over their hearts.”
“Each of us is special and unique. But we are also members of a community or communities. Our ethnicity, religion, politics, interests, schools that we attended, companies that we worked for, give us Page: 21 common identities despite our unique individuality. They enrich our sense of self and help define our place in society. The challenge of every nation and particularly, for a young multiracial country like Singapore, is how to foster solidarity when society is made up of diverse groups; how to avoid polarisation and exclusivity when groups project their position. For Singaporeans to stand united, we must share a strong sense of national identity that will bind us across income, social and racial divides. We have to embrace a common purpose that is bigger than our differences. It starts with shared experiences and shared memories. Every Primary 5 kid participates in the National Day Parade National Education show. The men would all have gone through National Service. We know our char kway teow, roti prata and nasi lemak and we can all speak some Singlish. These things might not seem like much, but they add up to a common way of seeing the world. When Singaporeans talk to one another, we share a common reference and vocabulary that need no explanation. Being Singaporean is also about sharing the values that our country stands for. Meritocracy, incorruptibility, multiracialism and personal responsibility are values that determine how Singapore society is ordered. They have been imperative to our success and security. Justice, equality and progress are not just words, but active ingredients in how our country works.”
“SG50 was a very special year, with many defining moments. We celebrated and rallied together as one nation. Across the island, we witnessed spontaneous expressions of pride in being Singaporean. From a migrant society 50 years ago with no national roots or history, we have become a people capable of cohesive action. We have come far as a people. But we cannot take our progress for granted. As we plan for Singapore's next 50 years, there will be new challenges to overcome and fresh opportunities to seize. We are a small and vulnerable country in a more turbulent world. In a globalised world, the aftershocks of economic crises, disease and terrorism ripple out to affect all of us. Internally, new fault lines have emerged that cut across the traditional ones of race and religion. There are divides between foreigners and locals, between the haves and have-nots, and between different values and ideologies. Advances in technology are altering the socioeconomic landscape. Information is disseminated instantaneously at an unprecedented scale, yet giving recipients little time for deep reflection. Technology-enabled social networks have created a new kind of citizen activism. All these developments have the potential to either bring us together or pull us apart. Dr Lim Wee Kiak spoke about the need to rally Singaporeans to co-create our future together. In the face of these challenges, our ability to forge a brighter future for all Singaporeans will depend on two things. The first is national identity and pride. If we are confident and proud of who we are as Singaporeans, we will be able to stand fast and resolute in the face of adversity. Our sense of who we are is shaped at three levels. On an individual level, we have our own personal beliefs, experiences and interests.”
“Mdm Chair, I thank Members for their keen interest in the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth's (MCCY's) work. With your permission, I would like to display some slides on the screens.”
“Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of Supply has made further progress on the Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 2016/2017 and ask leave to sit again tomorrow.”
“Sir, may I seek your consent to move that progress be reported now and leave be asked to sit again tomorrow?”
“Residents have an important role to play by alerting us to issues in your neighbourhood, by being an active and engaged resident and by participating in community building. Together, we can create a better living environment for one another and for the ones we love.”
“Instead of conducting time-consuming and manpower-intensive physical checks on the location of their wardens, HDB has enhanced the Electronic Handheld Terminals used by the wardens to capture their locations. HDB officers can now focus on car park management, such as addressing public feedback on illegal parking and obstruction of vehicles in car parks. SLA has been harnessing technology to improve the efficiency of their land surveys. They have now started using a software application called Oblivision, which allows officers to inspect and even measure structures on a particular plot of land, without physically going to the site. MSO has also commenced work with SLA to see how we can extend Oblivision to other agencies to reduce labour-intensive site visits. MSO is on a constant lookout for technologies that can help our agencies deliver better and more efficient services. In conclusion, as MSO moves into improving operations and productivity, many of our initiatives will be "invisible to the eye". There will not be major infrastructure built or goodies given out. But through what we do, we constantly improve the essential services which define the quality of our living environment. To do this, we will need to expand our network of partners, including private companies providing public services, like what Mr Baey asked for. While the Government does not regulate the operations and feedback management processes of private businesses, we are prepared to work closely with them and all relevant partners, to improve our common spaces. But most of all, we want to engage residents as our key stakeholders. In line with the call for Partnering for the Future, MSO will enable greater community partnership in municipal services.”
“Several municipal issues require the Government and Town Councils to work closely together. One example is water leakage from pipe fittings in HDB blocks. When residents call PUB to report on a pipe leakage, often without a clear description of the location of the leak, PUB has to visit the site. If the leakage occurs within the segment of the pipe under the Town Council's care, PUB will temporarily stop the leak and refer the case to the Town Council for proper repair. Two sets of technicians are often involved before the repair is done. It leads to a delay in repair and wastage of labour. To facilitate faster resolution, PUB and the pilot Town Councils tried a first responder protocol last year. Under the protocol, they are assigned first responder roles for specified types of water supply issues. So, when a case on pipe leakage in Jurong East was reported to PUB in October last year, Jurong-Clementi Town Council attended to the feedback as the first responder for leaks in HDB estates and resolved it straightaway. Similarly, MSO will look into improving the coordination between agencies and Town Councils for other issues like high-rise littering and pigeon feeding. However, our collaboration with Town Councils, as with other MSO initiatives, is not meant to and will not replace the functions of the Town Councils nor weaken their autonomy in service delivery. MSO and its partners are also leveraging technology and learning from each other to improve processes and productivity, which was what Mr Gan Thiam Poh, Mr Chong Kee Hiong and Mr Ong Teng Koon have asked about. A good example is HDB, which used technology to manage their car park enforcement.”
“As for other cross-cutting issues, including the issue of pest control mentioned by Mr Baey Yam Keng, given their complexity as well as the local context involved, we will accumulate experience and knowledge as we go through the cases, helping the agencies to solve local cases one by one. We will explore how to improve on the process and look at systemic improvement over time. It is not enough for MSO to work with just the Government agencies, as more than 80% of Singaporeans live in HDB estates which are managed by Town Councils. We started a pilot with Jurong-Clementi and Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Councils last year to align the feedback management process between Town Councils and agencies. To answer Mr Ong Teng Koon and Mr Baey Yam Keng, the pilot was a success. For instance, MSO co-created a manual with the pilot Town Councils and our agencies to clarify responsibilities for common municipal issues and facilitate prompt referrals. This is to ensure that residents' feedback will be promptly attended to, regardless of who they first approach. A number of Members asked about our plans, following the pilot. I am glad to update that we have invited all 16 Town Councils to participate, and they have all agreed to come onboard. Each Town Council has its unique processes and systems, and we will need time to work with each of them to ease the transition. We will progressively bring the Town Councils onboard from now to the fourth quarter of this year. This means that by the end of the year, residents across the island will be able to benefit from the closer coordination between Town Councils and Government agencies. Similar to our approach with the agencies, we have also moved beyond feedback management to collaborate on operations.”
“During the Budget debate, Dr Tan Wu Meng similarly called for better coordination on the ground. Indeed, MSO will focus on improving the coordination between agencies in operations this year. Having a lead agency as your point-of-contact helps us to ensure timely response to your feedback. AVA has been the first responder for animal-related issues since 2012. As Mr Baey Yam Keng mentioned, MSO facilitated the centralisation of public greenery maintenance under NParks last year. NParks has been taking over the greenery maintenance functions in phases, starting with grass cutting. From June this year, NParks will be taking over other forms of greenery maintenance from HDB, SLA and PUB. Mr Baey also asked that MSO look into other functions that cut across agencies to better streamline processes. I am happy to announce that from June this year, LTA will be the first responder for feedback on the maintenance of connectivity-related infrastructure. What are they? It means that if you see a damaged footpath or sheltered linkway and are unsure of whom to contact, you can use the OneService app, which will route such cases to LTA to assess and lead in the response. As first responder, LTA will promptly attend to cases of public safety concerns to mitigate the risks. For instance, LTA was recently alerted to a footpath damaged by tree roots in front of Hong Kah Secondary School. LTA immediately inspected the site and placed safety cones to warn pedestrians of the hazard. And together with NParks, both agencies worked together on the repair works. For non-emergencies, LTA will also be a first point of contact and coordinate the issue, although the repair might be done by another agency.”
“I am sure many of us have encountered the odd supermarket trolley at void decks or walkways, which caused obstruction or was being used as a litter dump. To address such problems, MSO is working with five supermarket chains on an initiative called "Spot Abandoned Trolleys". This feature will be available on the OneService App by the end of this month and it marks a milestone in extending our partnership beyond Government agencies to the private sector. When you next see an abandoned trolley, simply use the OneService App to submit its location. We will pump the data to the supermarkets which will go around to collect them periodically. This is a win-win arrangement. For residents, there will be fewer abandoned trolleys in the community; for supermarkets, they will be able to retrieve their trolleys more efficiently. If the "Spot Abandoned Trolleys" initiative works well, we will look at expanding crowdsourcing arrangements to other municipal issues. Besides the OneService App, MSO will be introducing the OneService Web Portal in the latter half of this year. This will be a one-stop platform that aggregates relevant information from our partner agencies that affects your neighbourhood, such as dengue clusters in your neighbourhood, HDB block-cleaning schedules in your precincts and traffic incidents in the surrounding areas. You can also report and track your feedback on either the app or Web Portal through the same account. We hope our efforts will make it even easier for you to interact with Government agencies on issues relating to you and your neighbourhood. Of course, residents can still submit feedback to agencies via existing channels. Mr Chong Kee Hiong asked if MSO would look into improving processes and workflows.”
“Improving response time to feedback is not our only goal. We have also been working to make it more convenient for the public to get to us on municipal issues. MSO launched the OneService app in January last year. Several Members asked about the public response to the app. More than 55,000 users have registered. More than 31,000 cases were submitted. Many users have found the app useful. In February this year, Mr Darren Siow used the OneService app to report on a pothole along Thomson Road, without having to identify the owner of the problem, and this is what he said, "The efficient OneService ecosystem of receiving reports, assigning cases to the relevant agency and the resolution of issues is indeed praiseworthy." 5.15 pm Indeed, digital channels, such as mobile apps and web portals, make it easier for the public to provide feedback and speed up our response process. There has been a four-fold increase in the proportion of municipal feedback received via digital channels over the past year, from about 3% – a low base – to 12%. Specifically, 5% of feedback was received via the OneService app. MSO and our partner agencies will continue to improve our digital channels. We have received suggestions on the app and introduced several enhancements. These include adding new reporting categories and push notifications on the status of your cases. Many Members wanted to know our upcoming plans. This year, we will introduce a new crowdsourcing feature to collect information that helps our agencies to address municipal issues which users do not expect a reply. We will pilot crowdsourcing in the retrieval of abandoned supermarket trolleys.”
“Mdm Chair, thank you for allowing me to speak. A famous writer once wrote: "What is essential is invisible to the eye". Municipal services are a bit like that. They are often overlooked, like having a clean pavement to walk on or a damaged railing repaired promptly. But these are essential things in our living environment. It has been slightly over a year since MSO was formed to work with various agencies to improve these essential services. Let me share an update on our progress in response to Mr Chong Kee Hiong and Mr Ong Teng Koon. In our recent survey, 77% of residents indicated that they are satisfied with municipal services in their neighbourhoods. This is a good base to build on. For feedback that involves multiple agencies, MSO is actively improving the work process. You may have read about the case concerning the cleanliness of waters around Marina Country Club earlier this year. Litter accumulated on the waters and an adjoining temporary drain, making the area look unsightly. MSO brought together the relevant agencies – the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA), NEA, PUB, SLA – and facilitated a coordinated response. With SLA fronting the operations, the agencies cleaned the area and embarked on constructing a permanent drain. The agencies also agreed on procedures to address future cases. Mr Alex Yam and Mr Chong Kee Hiong asked about our challenges. Complex cases like this are inevitable and invariably take longer to resolve. But through systematic culling of issues, one by one, ascertaining responsibility, facilitating coordination, we have reduced the average time taken to close such complex cases that require multiple agencies to work together by about eight days over the past year, from 21 to 13 days.”
“I thank the Member for the supplementary question. The Member's question originally was to ask if more support could be given to non-NSA sports to encourage a sporting and healthy lifestyle in the community. The answer is one that is very inclusive and we are quite prepared to work with many sports, even though they have not formed NSAs. But when it comes to representing Singapore in specific competitions, that is where I think there should be a more considered reply. First of all, do you represent the fraternity? Are you the only one who has expertise or has interest in this sport? Is this a recognised competition at the international level? All these considerations will determine the level of support because working with a limited budget, we want to see that our financial support go towards promoting a level of expertise and a pipeline of talent development, so that resources are not too spread out such that they become episodic and do not promote a continuous pursuit of excellence. This is where a non-NSA sport will probably get a more considered reply from Sport Singapore, but I am sure Members can imagine that with very limited resources to work with and with many, many sports that have strong support from NSAs, we would have to apply our resources carefully. Page: 10”
“Catering to members of all ages and fitness levels, ActiveSG offers a comprehensive range of exercise programmes at its sports centres, including aqua aerobics, piloxing and Zumba. We also partner the Health Promotion Board to offer the Sundays @ the Park programme, where anyone can join in for an hour of fun and energetic group workout. As new sports emerge and develop, MCCY and Sport Singapore will continue to consider how best to support these sports, so that more Singaporeans can live better through sport.”
“Mdm Speaker, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and Sport Singapore recognise the health and social benefits of sport and encourage individual and community participation in many different types of sports. Many sports in Singapore are already supported by one of the 63 National Sports Associations (NSAs) recognised by Sport Singapore. However, there are other developing sports which have not fulfilled the criteria to be accorded NSA status. In cases where such sports help to promote an active lifestyle and build a more cohesive society, Sport Singapore will work with the respective groups to grow and develop the sport to provide more sporting opportunities and options for all. For example, Sport Singapore has been organising introductory programmes and competitions for Ultimate Frisbee through ActiveSG. More than 100 students from about 10 Page: 9 schools took part in the ActiveSG Ultimate Frisbee Competition in November last year. Other programmes offered by ActiveSG include urban trekking and stand up paddling, which are also becoming more popular in Singapore. ActiveSG also champions innovative programmes to lower the barriers of entry to sports participation. For instance, ActiveSG offers flippa ball, which is modified water polo played in shallow pools, as I was told, so that participants can pick up and enjoy the sport more easily. Those who are keen may then pursue water polo as a competitive sport subsequently. ActiveSG has also organised family-friendly tchoukball programmes – which is a very popular sport these days – during the school holidays to promote parent-child bonding and interaction.”
“On the other hand, members of the public should remain vigilant and be discerning in responding to such public appeals so as to avoid falling victim to improper fund-raising activities.”
“Anyone, including businesses and individuals, conducting fund-raising appeals in Singapore for charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes is regulated under the Charities (Fund-Raising Appeals for Local and Foreign Charitable Purposes) Regulations 2012. The Regulations spell out the duties and obligations of fund-raisers, which include disclosure of clear and accurate information; proper management and usage of donations; as well as keeping accounting records of donations received and disbursed. Additionally, anyone intending to raise funds for foreign charitable causes is required to apply for a Fund-Raising for Foreign Charitable Purposes (FRFCP) permit from the Commissioner of Charities (COC) prior to the commencement of the appeal. While a permit from the COC is waived for fund-raising appeals for local charitable purposes, a licence from the Police will be required when the fund-raising is conducted in publicly accessible places or from house-to-house. If in doubt, members of the public can check if a fund-raising appeal is for a registered charity and has a valid permit or licence through the Charity Portal or by using the SMS verification service. If there is reason to believe that a fund-raiser has violated any of the Fund-Raising Regulations, the Office of the Commissioner of Charities will look into the matter. The Commissioner may also invoke his powers to restrict or prohibit the conduct of any fund-raising appeal if there is reason to believe that the appeals have been improperly administered. Fund-raisers should be mindful of their obligations under the Fund-Raising Regulations. They should also ensure that the causes for which they are fund-raising are legitimate, as part of their duty to donors.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That Parliament do now adjourn." [(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)] Ensuring People-centric Desing in Pedestrian Linkway Planning 6.47 pm”
“Mdm Speaker, I beg to move, "That Parliament do now adjourn." [(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)] Growing New Industries that Promise Economic and Non-economic Benefits 6.25 pm”
“Mdm Speaker, I beg to move, "That the Ministerial Statements by the Minister for Home Affairs and Acting Minister for Education (Schools) standing on the Order Paper for today be taken after Item 2 of the Orders of the Day." [(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)] [(proc text) Resolved, "That the Ministerial Statements by the Minister for Home Affairs and Acting Minister for Education (Schools) standing on the Order Paper for today be taken after Item 2 of the Orders of the Day." – [Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien]. (proc text)]”
“Sports Hub Pte Ltd (SHPL) was contracted to design, build, finance and operate the Sports Hub for 25 years under the public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement. Under the PPP arrangement, Sport Singapore is contracted to pay SHPL an annual availability payment of $193.7 million, subject to inflation, from the commencement of operations. The Government began making the full annual availability payments to SHPL in July 2014. At the end of the concession period, SHPL is required to hand back the facilities to the Government. The availability payments under the PPP arrangement help to spread the total project cost evenly over the duration of the contract. It also requires the private partner to bear the construction and operational risks of the project. For instance, SHPL had to manage, at its own cost, the challenges of poor soil conditions during the construction phase, as well as rectify early issues with the National Stadium pitch and roof. Sport Singapore closely monitors the performance of SHPL to ensure that they remain accountable for the goals of the project and seek to maximise the value of the Sports Hub for Singaporeans.”
“Administered by the National Arts Council (NAC), the Arts Fund was set up by the Tote Board to bring the arts to the wider community. Following a review in 2011, the Arts Fund sharpened its funding guidelines to encourage arts groups to reach out to new audiences with quality performances that resonate with Singaporeans. Artistic excellence has remained an important criterion. This is in line with the twin goals of the Arts and Culture Strategic Review to support arts excellence as well as make the arts an integral part of the lives of our people. There was an increase in funding provided by Tote Board from $750,000 to $1.5 million per year from financial year (FY)2012 onwards. The take-up rate from FY2011 to FY2015 has been healthy at about 100% in FY2011, 80% in FY2012, 95% in FY2013, 100% in FY2014 and 75% for FY2015 thus far. After the implementation of these funding guidelines, we have seen a growth in the audiences reached under the Arts Fund, from around 220,000 in FY2012 to a projected 340,000 by end of FY2015. This indicator and the measures of audience satisfaction continue to be relevant indicators, given the objectives of the Arts Fund.”
“ActiveSG, the national movement for sport, was launched in April 2014. We are encouraged to see a growing membership that stands at more than 980,000 today. Thus far, almost two-thirds have started to utilise their $100 ActiveSG credits to book a sports facility or sign up for a sports programme. The ActiveSG credits were intended to encourage members to kick-start an active lifestyle and for them to experience the various sports facilities and programmes. Originally meant for a limited period, we announced in November last year that the credits will not expire so long as members continue to use them at least once a year. The $100 ActiveSG credits will be provided to new members who joined after 2015. We do not have any plans to top up the accounts of existing members. Sport Singapore is committed to ensuring that ActiveSG sports facilities and programmes are kept affordable to encourage Singaporeans to lead active lifestyles. For example, admission to swimming pools does not cost more than $1.50 on weekdays and $2 on weekends, whilst walk-in gymnasium admissions cost $2.50. Several of the programmes organised by ActiveSG, such as Sundays @ the Park, are free. Page: 122 As part of the SG50 Seniors Package, we gave an additional top-up of $25 ActiveSG credits to ActiveSG members aged 55 and above in 2015. This is on top of the $100 ActiveSG credits received by all new members. All senior citizens aged 55 and above who are ActiveSG members also enjoy special discounted rates for admission to our gymnasiums and swimming pools.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That Parliament do now adjourn." [(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)] Building a Ready, Resilient and Relevant Workforce in the Financial Sector 6.55 pm”
“Mdm Speaker, I beg to move, "That the Ministerial Statements by the Minister for Home Affairs and Acting Minister for Education (Schools) standing on the Order Paper for today be taken after Item 8 of the Orders of the Day". [(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)] [(proc text) Resolved, "That the Ministerial Statements by the Minister for Home Affairs and Acting Minister for Education (Schools) standing on the Order Paper for today be taken after item 8 of the Orders of the Day". − [Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien.] (proc text)] Page: 33”
“As to rental cost, I think the concern is well noted and without the privilege of having information on private negotiations between SHPL and the event organisers, we are not in a position to make specific comments about the cost faced by the event organisers. I would like to again remind Members of my answer earlier on, that I would like to take, in a way, a calendar approach. We would like to look at the entire offering, what they have managed to secure, what they are bringing to us across all segments of the public that we are trying to cater to. I can assure Members that discussions between SportSG and SHPL are taking place very regularly. I would say that it is something that the Ministry is also watching very closely. So, I can assure Members that we are very, very well engaged with SHPL.”
“Mdm Speaker, I would like to thank the Member for his supplementary questions. It is an early time, early stage of operations. As Members will recall, 2015 saw several major sporting events, like the SEA Games and the ASEAN Para Games (APG). These took place for the first time ever in this new national stadium and also it was the first time for us to hold such large-scale events. So, will these be repeated in the following years? Probably not. So, does it mean that SHPL has to work harder to get more major events? Probably yes. We are still in the process of firming up the line-up for 2016. I think we should really give them time. We are looking at the programme. It seems to be shaping up well, although there is still a lot to be done and that is the reason why we are keeping a very close dialogue with the Sports Hub management. As to whether the pricing is a result of expected returns or not, this is not something that matters to MCCY. As far as we are concerned, there is an obligation to us under the contract. We will see to it that their obligation to the contract is discharged properly and the expectation of the Government and the public is being met. Page: 22”
“Furthermore, there will be more programmed sporting activities, such as free Learn-to-Play programmes, regular fitness classes and events like the 100 Plus Promenade Run and the Sports Hub Stepper Challenge. The Sports Hub will also be welcoming many Singaporeans for the National Day Parade which will be held at the new National Stadium for the first time. As a national icon, the success of the Sports Hub is a key priority for us in MCCY. To this end, SportSG is working closely with SHPL and keeping a close watch on the Sports Hub events calendar.”
“Madam, Sports Hub Pte Ltd (SHPL) was contracted to design, build, finance and operate the Sports Hub for 25 years under the public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement. The key intent of the PPP arrangement, besides managing the risks associated with the construction, was to allow the Government to leverage on the expertise and international marketing networks of the private sector to create a vibrant mix of sports, lifestyle and community activities at the Sports Hub. We share the high expectations that Singaporeans have for the Sports Hub. We want to see the Sports Hub succeed as the integrated sports and lifestyle destination that we envisioned. We pay Page: 21 close attention to all the issues and to the concerns raised by the public and stakeholders regarding the running of the Sports Hub and its events line-up. Nonetheless, we also recognise that Sports Hub is still in its start-up phase, being in operation for less than two years. The operators are finding their feet, sorting out the operational problems and understanding the costs of operations. SHPL has acknowledged the challenges faced and, with our regular feedback, is continuously looking to improve its operations. We will give SHPL some time and room to respond to the feedback of stakeholders and the public. For this year, we understand that the Sports Hub will play host to sporting events like the World Rugby Sevens Series, Super Rugby, Singapore Badminton Open, Women's Tennis Association Finals and OCBC Cycle, amongst others. The Sports Hub will also be hosting the National School Games. In addition to major sporting events, the Sports Hub is lining up entertainment and lifestyle events that cater to everyone, like "Disney on Ice" for the family.”
“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 Prime Minister's speech?”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, may I seek your consent to move, "That the debate be now adjourned"?”
“Mdm Speaker, I beg to move, "That this Parliament, in accordance with paragraph (1) of Standing Order 100, appoints the following as members of the Committee of Selection: [(proc text) Mr Chan Chun Sing (proc text)] [(proc text) Mr Cedric Foo (proc text)] [(proc text) Ms Grace Fu (proc text)] [(proc text) Ms Indranee Rajah (proc text)] [(proc text) Mr Low Thia Khiang (proc text)] [(proc text) Mr Masagos Zulkifli (proc text)] [(proc text) Mr Ong Ye Kung" (proc text)] Madam, the appointment of the Committee of Selection will enable the Committee to begin its work of nominating Members to the six Standing Select Committees of this House and the Special Select Committee on Nominations for Appointments as Nominated Members of Parliament. [(proc text) Resolved, "That this Parliament, in accordance with paragraph (1) of Standing Order 100, appoints the following as members of the Committee of Selection: [(proc text) Mr Chan Chun Sing (proc text)] [(proc text) Mr Cedric Foo (proc text)] [(proc text) Ms Grace Fu (proc text)] [(proc text) Ms Indranee Rajah (proc text)] [(proc text) Mr Low Thia Khiang (proc text)] [(proc text) Mr Masagos Zulkifli (proc text)] [(proc text) Mr Ong Ye Kung" (proc text)] Page: 66”
“Mdm Speaker, may I seek your consent to move that the debate be now adjourned?”
“We invite all Singaporeans to write the next chapters of the Singapore Story together, to make Singapore a better home for all of us. Page: 25”
“We will create more opportunities for Singaporeans of all walks of life to live, learn and play together. We will focus on building stronger community bonds amongst youths, by expanding NYC's Outward Bound Singapore adventure learning programmes and *SCAPE's music, media, dance and personal development programmes for youths. We will continue to work with partners to promote good neighbourliness and everyday norms of graciousness. We will strengthen mutual appreciation and cooperation through the Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles, as well as increase community capacity in handling neighbour disputes. To encourage deeper community bonding through the arts and heritage, we will reach out to new audiences, especially in the heartlands, through PAssionArts programmes, community Heritage Institutions, Heritage Trails and Community Arts and Culture Nodes. We will also seek to strengthen cultural understanding within and between communities. Through sports, we will expand opportunities for Singaporeans to live better and bond as a community. We will enhance access to sports for all Singaporeans through improvements to sports infrastructure. We will also promote an active lifestyle and community bonding through ActiveSG programming. As a legacy of the 8th ASEAN Para Games, we will promote greater sports participation among persons with disabilities, so that everyone can play a sport regardless of ability. In the last 50 years, we made the leap from Third World to First World and built a cohesive society that we are proud to call home. Going forward, it is this solidarity and a shared sense of responsibility for the future of Singapore that will see us through to SG100.”
“We will continue to research, profile and preserve facets of our heritage that we treasure. The revamped National Museum and Asian Civilisations Museum and the new National Gallery Singapore will play a significant role in telling the Singapore Story for future generations and strengthening our national identity through their programmes and outreach initiatives. We will continue to extend pathways for arts and sporting excellence, to inspire greater national pride in the achievements of Singapore artists and athletes. We will continue to invest in strengthening Singapore's arts and sports ecosystem, to support our athletes' and artists' pursuit of excellence and professional development. For example, we are setting up the new National Youth Sports Institute as a platform to identify sporting talent amongst our youths and to support them in their pursuit of sporting excellence, both within the Singapore Sports School and in mainstream schools. We want to make giving a part of our national DNA. We will work with partners in the people, private and public sectors to inspire a culture of giving. We want to encourage volunteerism and philanthropy at every life stage, starting with our youths. The National Youth Council (NYC) will reach out to more youths through the Youth Corps Singapore and its partners and will rally youths to contribute to society. We want to inspire more working adults to volunteer and will engage employers and corporate partners to promote best practices for employee volunteerism. The Public Service will take the lead by adopting more charities. We are also increasing support and recognition for senior volunteers, Page: 24 through the Silver Volunteer Fund and President's Volunteerism and Philanthropy Award.”
“MCCY's mission is to build social capital and inspire the Singapore Spirit. In this new term of Government, MCCY will focus on strengthening our national identity and building a cohesive and caring community. To do this, we will step up our community and youth engagement efforts, whilst continuing to develop a vibrant arts, heritage and sports landscape. We have come a long way as a nation in a short span of 50 years. We will build on the momentum from our SG50 Jubilee celebrations so that we embark on the next phase of nation-building with an even stronger sense of national identity and unity. We will deepen engagement efforts through various platforms, including digital means. We will bring Singaporeans together in charting our shared future, through the SGfuture engagements. Focused discussions will be organised by various Government agencies as we partner with citizens to make Singapore a better home. Through these engagements, we hope that Singaporeans will have a stake in our nation's future and will partner with us in shaping that future. We will engage youths on issues that matter to them. We will better support youths as they transit between life stages and rally youths to contribute to the community, so as to deepen their connection with the nation. Our confidence in the future is anchored on the firm foundation laid by our founding fathers and the contributions of the Pioneer Generation. We will do more to help Singaporeans appreciate and celebrate our history. The ongoing engagement process for the Founders' Memorial, overseen by a citizen-led Steering Committee, is an avenue for participants from all walks of life to share ideas on how the memorial should reflect our founding values and inspire future generations.”
“We must do all these amidst an uncertain global environment and certain internal challenges, including those of a changing demographic with a fast-ageing population. These concerns are complex and there is no straightforward way to address them all. Facing up to them will involve making trade-offs and there will be energetic debate in this House on the course of action we must take. We welcome sincere, serious debate from Members as we discuss these vital issues affecting all Singaporeans, decide on the future that we want to create and launch the next chapter of our country's story together. Mdm Speaker, as we consider these matters, your leadership and guidance will ensure fair debate in this House and your even-handedness will honour and maintain the trust that Singaporeans have in this Government. 3.59 pm”
“Mdm Speaker, on behalf of all Members of this House, I congratulate you on your re-election as Speaker of the Thirteenth Parliament. Madam, your election as Speaker in 2013 endowed the office with 11 years on both the Front and Back Benches. You championed passionately for the disadvantaged in Singapore. You pushed for fair treatment of workers and fought on behalf of those in need. You sought to ensure that Singapore is a country where all Singaporeans have fair access to opportunities and can enjoy the fruits of our progress. As the Minister of State for the then Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports and, subsequently, Ministry of Social and Family Development, you worked tirelessly to extend needed help to women, families and children. In the last three years as Speaker, your impartiality and decisiveness have gained the respect of all Members of the House. In discharging your duties, your fairness upheld the decorum of this House and your firmness has ensured that the proceedings are expeditious, smooth and orderly. Under your guidance, the good standing of this House will continue to be maintained. The coming session of Parliament will present us with many difficult but necessary decisions. To provide Singaporeans with quality living, our infrastructure and landscape must be refreshed, our economy must continue to be dynamic and our social safety nets must be strengthened. We must build good homes for people to live in, provide an efficient transport system for commuters, continue economic restructuring to create good jobs for our workers and educate our students to be ready to take on those good jobs. We must also continue to maintain quality and affordable healthcare and give Singaporeans the care that they deserve.”
“Clerk, I propose, "That Mdm Halimah Yacob do take the Chair of this Parliament as Speaker". [(proc text) Member Mr Cedric Foo Chee Keng stood up and addressed himself to the Clerk of Parliament. (proc text)]”
“NEA is also considering other measures to ensure upstream measures to tackle rat Page: 129 infestation are put in place by the respective stakeholders. The health and safety of the public remains our top priority. We will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to keep the rat situation under control.”