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.]”
The complete record
Every one of 2,293 lines we hold for Grace Fu Hai Yien, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 42 of 46.
“The counsellor was not medically trained and was not able to verify the pregnancy either. Consequently, we should not speculate on conclusions on this case. It is really as it stands – a hearsay. Nevertheless, we agree with the Member's point that this is an issue that we should focus our attention on, and that our children must develop a sense of right and wrong. This is something that parents and families need to take a lead on as values and morals are sensitive issues that are best decided by parents. MOE's sexuality education programme aims to complement parents' role in helping students make informed, responsible and values-based decisions regarding sexuality. Our framework for sexuality education reflects the mainstream views and values of the Singapore society. We promote abstinence but, at the same time, teach forms of contraception to protect youths against diseases and unwanted pregnancy. We have put up more information on the MOE and schools' websites to inform parents about the programmes conducted in schools. Ms Irene Ng raised the issue of developing political awareness in our students. This is currently done through the Social Studies curriculum, where students learn about governance, the Singapore election process, the concept of nationhood and national identity, including the significance of national symbols such as the Pledge. Case studies of other societies are included so that students learn about the principles of governance in different contexts. On the teaching of History and Literature, our current syllabi do present opportunities for students to explore moral dilemmas that shape the outcome of events, issues and actions. Students learn to exercise moral judgment, think critically and draw conclusions about national issues.”
“The COMPASS Parent Ambassadors Taskforce formed last year would help to encourage parents to play an active role in the education of their children. Mrs Tan suggested a tripartite mechanism to address issues such as teenage sexuality and gambling. We can consider this suggestion using COMPASS as the platform. As Mr Viswa Sadasivan suggested, schools can tap on community resources to support students' social and emotional development. And I totally agree that alumni can be a helpful resource for schools, and we in MOE appreciate the contribution of the alumni. In fact, I would like to inform Members that in 2008, COMPASS led by Mrs Mildred Tan, had actually compiled a very lovely book on alumni. It celebrates the many bonds that alumni have with their schools. The book has, on its cover, the tagline – "it starts with the passion, it ends with the ties that bind" – describing vividly how many of us felt about our alma mater. Therefore, we encourage alumni to step forward and we will do whatever we can to encourage the formation of alumni associations with the schools. And COMPASS will continue to harness the involvement of the community and parents in support of our schools. Mrs Mildred Tan brought up the issue of sexuality education and, specifically, she mentioned a case about a 9-year old girl who became pregnant. I believe she was referring to a newspaper article published in 2007. I would like to inform Members of the House that in response to that article at that time, in March 2007, MCYS had a discussion with the counsellor and journalist who published this story. And it turned out that the counsellor was neither able to verify the identity nor the age of the girl who was supposedly pregnant.”
“School programmes, such as CCAs and Community Involvement Programmes, provide opportunities outside curriculum time as well. And to cater to different student interest, schools have, on average, about 30 to 35 CCAs with at least eight to 10 sports and games. And as my Minister said yesterday, more opportunities will be created for students as more emphasis is being placed on PAM. I would like assure Members that there are opportunities for the development of soft skills embedded throughout the total curriculum. MOE has also developed a Character Development Award framework to encourage schools to integrate character development into the school culture and processes. In other words, we want school management, school leaders, to pay attention and institutionalise the processes. Mdm Cynthia Phua asked about secondary school hours. Schools already have the flexibility to decide on the start and end times of their school day, taking into account local conditions as well as stakeholders' considerations. As she has pointed out, she has two children, each having different school start times, which shows that there are already flexibilities allowed in the system. Schools can plan their CCA schedule around the school hours. But while schools play an important role – MOE acknowledges that – the inculcation of sound values and good character in our students must be the primary responsibility of parents, as Mrs Mildred Tan correctly pointed out yesterday. Schools will continue to engage parents through Parent Support Groups and Parent-Teacher Associations, and MOE will continue to engage stakeholders through the COMPASS initiative.”
“First, is a Fitness Playground, which provides a safe environment for students to learn basic movements, develop their physical skills and play together. Second, is a Teaching Laboratory, which facilitates lesson observations and professional sharing among teachers. The classroom is also being redesigned with more effective layouts and fittings to support pedagogical needs. These "hardware" and "software" enhancements will put us in good stead to deliver holistic outcomes in primary education. Mr Lim Biow Chuan's suggestion of extending the Edusave Scholarships, which reward academic achievements, to lower primary students, hence, may not be optimal as this would work against PERI's recommendation to rebalance the curriculum towards skills and character development. Lower primary students who have shown good improvements, or those from lower-income households who have performed well, can continue to benefit from the Good Progress Award and Edusave Merit Bursary. To have the scholarship for the top 10% of Primary 1 and Primary 2 students means that we have to rank them, we have to subject them to examinations, and so on. So, really, that goes against what we are trying to do at the lower primary. On values, character building, role of parents and community, sexuality education and secondary school start time that Members have brought up. Mr Lim Biow Chuan, Mdm Cynthia Phua, Mrs Mildred Tan and Ms Irene Ng asked about the teaching of values and character building. We fully agree that these are fundamental to holistic education, which was a key theme of my Minister's speech yesterday. Civics and Moral Education (CME) is one of the key platforms for delivery within curriculum time.”
“The additional one period per week gives them time to interact with the students and pay attention to the child's holistic development. MOE intends to introduce the Form Teacher Guidance Period to all primary schools by 2012. In addition, MOE is working with 16 primary schools to prototype the use of assessment practices that focuses more on developmental objectives. For Primary 1, all 16 prototype schools have done away with high-stakes examinations and replaced them with bite-sized forms of assessments which place greater emphasis on learning rather than grades alone. At Primary 2, the schools have retained the end-of-year examinations while having a range of topical tests and other assessment tasks across Terms 1 to 3. MOE will share these best practices with all primary schools starting from the middle of this year and regularly provide schools with more assessment exemplars as they are developed. We will also create a dedicated "holistic assessment" website to enable all teachers to access these resources easily. Over the next three years, we expect all primary schools to embark on the holistic assessment journey. We have also made progress on infrastructural enhancements. This year, seven more schools moved to single session, bringing the total number of single-session primary schools to 83 out of 178 schools. Twenty-eight existing primary schools will proceed with their upgrading plans this year, while five new schools will be ready in 2012. We are currently refining the new-generation primary school building norms, which will be rolled out in phases to all primary schools. Here are two examples of the new facilities.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, Dr Maliki Osman asked for an update on PERI's recommendations. The Programme for Active Learning (PAL) was introduced to strengthen the emphasis on non-academic programmes within the curriculum. Under PAL, Primary 1 and 2 students would be exposed early to activities that further school efforts in developing character and life-skills. MOE has begun prototyping PAL modules in 12 schools this year, and we have developed some very good ideas on PAL. New Town Primary School, for example, has implemented a Music and Movement module comprising games, creative movement and singing to allow students to develop body and spatial awareness and improve body coordination. Teamwork and discipline are also strengthened. Jurong West Primary School has introduced the Gymkidz PAL Programme to enable their students to acquire basic movements and skills in a fun and creative way. A mobile playground has been set up in the school, allowing students to learn a range of movements and skills by manoeuvring around various obstacles, such as ladders, slides and trampolines. The teaching of social emotional competencies is also woven into the programme by incorporating reflection time for the children. Members would like to note that PAL is now built into the curriculum so that it will be institutionalised – the happy and fun way of learning will be institutionalised for our lower primary students. 12.15 pm MOE has also introduced the Form Teacher Guidance Period within the primary school curriculum time in the 12 PAL prototype schools. We recognise that form teachers play a central role in shaping the development of their young charges and it is, therefore, important to devote sufficient attention to their development.”
“So, these are the changes that we are making to basically steer the construction industry towards one that has greater skills content and of a higher productivity level.”
“Mr Chairman, we are keen to build up a local core group of experienced as well as skilled workers in the industry. We have done so, not just through a training framework but also through the CoreTrade Scheme. We have made it mandatory for projects of certain size to have licensed tradesmen to do the job. By doing so, as I mentioned earlier, it is really our intention to make it more attractive to view construction as a career. And that is not just for locals alone, but also for foreign workers, because we must admit that this industry is not one that we can depend entirely on locals to fill the jobs that are available. So we need to now look at the group of foreign workers that are working in the industry. I think Mr Heng also earlier asked about the areas in the C21 that we have not adopted. I think one key area is the training of foreign workers. In the past, we had always viewed foreign workers in the construction industry as transient in nature and we had not put emphasis on training foreign workers. I think this will change with what we are doing now. We will look at improving the experience and skills of foreign workers as well. We are not saying that we are going to have all of them staying in Singapore for the long run, but we are looking at building a core group that perhaps will provide guidance as well as necessary supervision in the industry. And the changes that we are making in the foreign worker levy framework will help us reach this goal. We are, for example, having another tier of foreign worker levy that is a lower amount, targeting at foreign workers with experience and certification. So, if you have been here for four years and you have accumulated certain certifiable skills, you will qualify for a lower foreign worker levy.”
“Thank you, Mr Chairman. I totally agree with the Member's views about image. When we look at improving the image of the construction industry, it is not just about glossy pamphlets and exciting portals. I think what we want to do, first and foremost, is to make sure that in the work environment, sufficient attention is paid to safety as well as to have proper equipment and training, so that potential employees know that when they work in the construction industry, it is not hazardous, they are not putting their lives at risk. Secondly, I think it is also about raising the career prospects and this is where we have to put in a lot of attention to look at how we can build a career path for our Singaporean workers that if you enter the industry, there is a training roadmap for you and that with the better training and certification; at the end of it, there is a licensing scheme which you can be licensed as a tradesman, as well as a supervisor, and that ultimately will put you in a very good position for better paying jobs. In addition to that, I think the industry is reaching a very exciting phase, because of concerns over environment as well as a new focus on green building technology. I think this is a very attractive area for young Singaporeans. They find that there is a mission, there is a calling, to improve the environment for Singaporeans as well as for the world as a whole. The ability to add value in making our buildings more efficient, in terms of energy and resources, or making our buildings more appealing, for example, in this whole area of urban design, has now attracted a lot of attention from our younger prospective employees. So, thank you for the question. We are going to continue with our effort to increase the profile of the industry.”
“I urge the Ministry to extend barrier-free access to the private estates in Singapore, just like what we have done for all HDB residents. 1.15 pm”
“While foreign workers will still form the bulk of the industry’s workforce, we will work towards building a pool of skilled and experienced local and foreign workers, and a group of competent builders who can lead the industry and support Singapore’s growth and development in the future. Barrier-free access for private estates Er Lee Bee Wah: Sir, we have done well in transforming our country into a handicap-friendly nation. Facilities that encourage barrier-free accessibility in public infrastructure and housing are becoming more commonplace, but I feel that we can do more for those living in the private estates, eg, Yio Chu Kang Gardens which is in my ward. This private estate was built on elevated ground. Hence, the need for residents to climb 28 steps to get down to the bus stop along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4 and the wet market at Block 628. It is a challenge for the senior citizens and residents on wheelchairs as well as parents with babies in prams and residents who use trolleys for their daily marketing at the wet market. As a result, some even turn to driving their cars even for what would have been walking distance errands. This is not only wasteful and an environmentally unfriendly act, but it has become a necessity by default under the circumstances. To further underscore the need for barrier-free access (BFA) in one of the most severe accidents, an elderly pedestrian lost her balance and fell while climbing the steps and suffered a few broken bones. I hope BFA facilities can be implemented sooner than later before worse accidents happen. The CIPC funding given to private estates is not sufficient to construct this BFA, even if I use the funding for all my private estates just for this BFA.”
“With the plan to position Punggol as an Eco-Town for the tropics, such technologies will be explored for testing on a larger scale in Punggol. Our sustainable development efforts must extend beyond our public housing estates. In April 2009, the Government released Sustainable Singapore Blueprint which outlined our efforts to improve our overall energy efficiency by 35% from the reference point of 2005 levels by 2030. All sectors, including the building sector, will need to play their part towards meeting this target. By the end of this year, we will raise the mandatory minimum energy efficiency standard for Green Mark certified level for new buildings by 10% from today’s standard. Correspondingly, the energy efficiency standards for other Green Mark levels, ie, Gold, GoldPlus, and Platinum, will similarly be raised. Building owners can enjoy cost savings in the long run by being more energy efficient. To better understand energy consumption patterns, and to monitor the effectiveness of our energy efficiency measures, BCA will require building owners and utilities companies to submit energy and other building related data, such as Gross Floor Area (GFA) and specifications of building systems, on an annual basis starting from 2011. Building owners can also use the information to proactively improve their buildings’ energy efficiency. Going forward, BCA will consult the industry on the possibility of mandating a minimum energy efficiency standard for existing buildings. Mr Chairman, the Government will work closely with the industry stakeholders to support the growth of a capable and productive construction industry.”
“In general, we estimate that the higher levies could result in 1%-2% rise in construction cost for the industry, although the actual cost impact will vary from firm to firm. The $250 million fund will support the construction firms, be they large or small, to adopt a wide spectrum of productivity improvement measures that I have just alluded to. In 2008, we saw a peak construction demand of $36 billion, which dropped to $21 billion in 2009 as a result of the economic recession. With a projected construction demand of between $18 billion and $27 billion for the next three years, there is an urgent need to improve productivity so that our construction capacity can raise its output without having to increase its workforce significantly. Mr Cedric Foo has asked how HDB estates can be more sustainable as well as our sustainable building plan. Our existing HDB estates have designs which facilitate cross ventilation and natural lighting. For new estates, we will continue to incorporate environmentally friendly features and green technologies. For example, HDB is pushing forward the installation of solar photovoltaic panels at four precincts at Tampines, Bukit Panjang, Tanjong Pagar and Marine Parade. HDB, together with Town Councils, also aims to reduce the energy consumption of common areas in new and existing HDB estates by 20% and 30% respectively. This is done by introducing features such as energy efficient light fittings and lift systems. In addition, HDB has piloted centralised recycling chute systems in our existing estates. This is in Blocks 297C and 297D Chua Chu Kang. The results of the pilot study were encouraging, with about three times more recyclables collected as compared to conventional door-to-door collection method.”
“The industry can seek Government funding to build capability in areas such as prefabrication, precast technology and other construction technology to meet the new buildability requirements. For example, builders can utilise integrated system formwork which has proven to be labour efficient and is widely used in countries like Germany. Mr Heng Chee How asked how we would be partnering with the industry in this productivity drive. BCA will set up the construction productivity centre to champion innovative solutions and technologies in the construction sector. We recognise thatthe challenges faced by small firms can be quite different from the larger ones. I have asked BCA to set up dedicated teams to look into the specific needs of firms of different sizes. Er Lee Bee Wah has enquired about the measures to improve the capability of the industry. BCA will work with progressive builders to build new capabilities in complex civil engineering and building works. With the strong pipeline of projects in underground expressways and rail projects, firms can tap on the fund to build up their in-house technical competency for such complex projects. Funds can be used to defray the procurement costs of performance bonds to facilitate cash flow as well as to engage external specialists. We will also introduce a new post-graduate scholarship programme and an immersion programme to develop engineering expertise to undertake these complex projects. Mr Liang Eng Hwa has asked how the levy increases will impact the industry and whether we would see further construction bottlenecks as a result of the economic recovery and market buoyancy.”
“Such works on-site and the use of scaffoldings can be eliminated. There is scope for the main builder, the precast suppliers and installers to collaborate, and to seek Government's support to improve their workflow. In addition to financing part of their equipment cost, firms can also use the funds to cover the training cost of workers to operate the equipment, as well as the engagement of specialist consultants to enhance productivity level. Next, for the industry. For the industry as a whole, we will provide financing to help build capabilities through the use of new construction methods, and improve productivity among different firms across the value chain. For instance, firms can adopt the 3D Building Information Modelling (BIM), which is an IT solution that enhances collaboration and streamline the sharing of information across the construction value chain – from the architects to the engineers and the builders. BCA will collaborate with industry partners to test-bed and adapt new construction technology to our local context for industry-wide adoption. Further upstream, developers and architects will have to design for greater buildability. Since 2001, BCA's Buildability Score Framework has improved the efficiency in designs, requiring the wider use of prefabrication and precast technology. As Er Lee Bee Wah has pointed out, the use of buildable structural systems has doubled from 31% before 2001 to 65% today, and the use of prefabricated wall components has increased from 22% to 45%. We have done a lot but I think we can do more, and we will do more. Mr Cedric Foo asked about our efforts to raise buildability. BCA will require more buildable designs, including the regulation of more labour efficient construction technologies.”
“We will also explore new classes of CoreTrade personnel, such as construction supervisors, which can cater more for locals. BCA is enhancing its outreach to students who form the potential pipeline of new local construction personnel in higher value trades or in supervisory positions. Next, at the firm level, we will help finance firms' efforts to adopt the technology, to innovate and to re-engineer their construction processes. For smaller firms which specialise in more labour intensive trades, we will provide support for the purchase and leasing of equipment. We recognise that the cost of technology adoption can be an impediment to firms which want to switch to a greater use of machines and technology. For example, a trained worker using spray machines for painting can reduce the time needed to complete a paint job by at least 20% compared to the use of rollers and brushes. The Straits Times wrote a very interesting article about how a company can, through the use of equipment such as a spray machine, reduce the number of workers and manage to get much better and higher value added jobs for the company. These are the examples that we hope to encourage. But we recognise that the spray machines can cost about $6,000-$10,000. So, with the Government helping to co-fund such equipment, we hope to help small builders switch to a greater use of machinery to improve their productivity. For firms that are seeking to upgrade their productivity levels, we will provide funding support for the adoption of technology and re-engineering of workflow. For example, the use of precast facade with coloured finishes done in a factory is more productive than the conventional way of constructing walls, followed by plastering and painting works.”
“00 pm Mr Cedric Foo, Mr Heng Chee How, Er Lee Bee Wah, Mr Zainudin Nordin and Mr Liang Eng Hwa have all asked about the measures to help the industry move towards technology adoption and manpower development to improve productivity. I will now elaborate on them. In line with the Economic Strategies Committee's (ESC) recommendations to shift towards productivity-driven economic growth, we will increase the quality of both the local and foreign workforce through a new levy framework that recognises skills and experience. As announced by the Minister for Finance in his Budget speech, up to $250 million from the National Productivity Fund will be used to support productivity enhancement and capability building in the construction sector over the next five years. First, at the workers' level, we will set aside funds to defray the upgrading costs for workers to be trained and certified in CoreTrade. We will expand the CoreTrade scheme to include additional trades, such as drywall installation, fire protection system, lift installation and others, which will be eligible for this training incentive. We will also co-fund the cost of specialised skills training and certification for workers taking on greater responsibilities and expanded work scope. The aim is to build up a larger pool of skilled and experienced workers to help boost productivity. Mr Zainudin Nordin asked how we can attract more Singaporeans into this industry. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA), together with the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), has actively worked with firms to recruit locals through the Job Recreation Programme (JRP) into selected higher value trades. BCA will step up its JRP to publicise subsidised training opportunities at the BCA Academy.”
“Mr Chairman, the construction sector is a key economic growth sector and is of strategic importance in supporting the future development of Singapore. As Members have rightly said, it is thus important that we sustain and grow the construction sector by enhancing its productivity and capabilities. Mr Heng Chee How has asked for an update on the Construction 21 (C21) report and our plans moving forward. The industry has made progress since the release of the C21 report in 1999. Between 1995 and 1999, that is the few years before the report, the industry saw negative productivity growth ranging from -2.1% to -4.1%. For the last 10 years, which is the next 10 years after the report was released, the industry has experienced an annual productivity growth of 0.7%, a positive although low productivity growth. We have increased the proportion of skilled workers as recommended by C21 and also implemented the Construction Registration of Tradesmen (CoreTrade) scheme last year to nurture a pool of localised workers in the high-value adding trades. Today, there are about 7,000 registered CoreTrade personnel earning monthly wages ranging from $1,200 to $2,400. For some higher value added trades, such as crane operators, wages are even higher – up to $3,000 per month. Mr Chairman, over the last 10 years, we have plucked the low hanging fruits in growing our construction industry and for the next 10 years, as many Members have rightly said, we need to do more to achieve a sustainable long-term growth. First, we need to increase the productivity of our workers and, second, we need to build up key competencies and capabilities in complex civil engineering and building projects locally. 1.”
“This is a very specific case. Without knowing the full details of the case, I would not go too much into the details. Let me say that, in general, for CIPC and NRP, there are certain cost guidelines that the Government imposes, and that is to avoid a situation where certain installation of facilities costs too much to build. For example, if the Member is talking about a linkway that crosses two roads leading to a petrol kiosk and a religious organisation like a Sikh temple, I would imagine that the covered linkway would be fairly high in order to allow trucks to gain access to the petrol kiosk. I also would imagine that it would not be very effective because if it is a high covered linkway and if it rains, it is not going to shelter residents very much. It probably needs to be quite broad in order to allow cars to go through without any obstruction, and therefore piling and a heavy structure will have to be built. What I am saying here is that there is a certain limit or cost norms in order to apply for CIPC. This is to ensure that installations and facilities are basically provided on a cost effective manner across the entire nation, including Nee Soon South.”
“But, most importantly, by having a single tenant to manage, we can assure that there is a good standard of cleanliness, because there is one person that we can hold responsible. We can also be assured that there is a good standard of service, because they are able to have 24 hours' operation. That master tenant is able to manage the tenants such that enough stalls are open for 24 hours, and providing much better service to the residents in the neighbourhood. If we go there in the early hours, we will find it to be quite crowded. So there are advantages in having a master tenant who is able to adjust the tenant mix, so that it remains relevant. As for the hawker centre in Hougang, before we demolished it, we were looking at tenancy with 34% vacancy. That is not a very vibrant mode of community gathering. Thirty-four percent of the stalls were vacant. Why? Because NEA, as the regulator, is very hard pressed. It does not have the role to micro manage the tenants' businesses. Whereas the commercial operator will be able to do that and has the incentive to do that.”
“Sir, I think this argument has been quite attractive to some quarters of society – the fact that it is a commercial tender, therefore, it must drive up the price of rental because of the tender process. As a result, it will definitely lead to higher prices. I would just like to remind Members that we are talking about different factors at play. First of all, it is the cost of operating a hawker centre. While it is a tender process, we have also stipulated that the building specifications have to be minimal that is required for the kind of facilities. So, in the case of Sengkang, we have actually stipulated that it is not going to be air-conditioned and so forth. That is one part of it. Also, we have seen that in some cases, even in the traditional hawker centres, some tenants, who are able to sublet at a higher rental, have done so, and I think we should not fault the tenants. Because, if they have medical problems or they are getting on in age, and if they can find someone else to take over their stalls, or if they can rent it out and get a higher rental, that is something that we should allow them to do. So, it does not mean that going by the traditional mode of having stalls at a low rental, we can assure that the cost will be always low. Second, it is about the price of the food. Here again, we cannot assume that the consumers have no choice but to accept high prices. The food has to be good and has to be competitive with what is being offered in the vicinity. We have looked at the prices at Sengkang. I have been there personally. I have looked at the prices and they are comparable to any hawker centre in the neighbourhood – $3 for a plate of chicken rice and 90 cents for a cup of coffee. I do not think we can consider that exorbitant.”
“HDB also constructs covered linkways as part of the design of new public housing developments. Linkways beyond HDB boundaries can be provided by agencies such as LTA and TCs. For the specific proposed linkway at Nee Soon South, it can be nominated for evaluation under existing channels. I understand that a significant portion of the linkway would have to be elevated as it traverses two vehicular driveways to the blocks and two access roads to the petrol kiosk. Its cost-effectiveness would therefore have to be carefully studied.”
“I assure the House that neighbourhood centres and shops will remain important community nodes for HDB residents. As our population ages, neighourhood shops will remain relevant due to their proximity to residents. However, as Dr Faishal rightly pointed out, shopping habits have also changed over time. The number and business mix of our neighbourhood shops have to change to remain relevant. Currently, we have the Revitalisation of Shops (ROS) Scheme to help shops upgrade and enhance their competitiveness to better serve residents. Under the scheme, shops receive co-funding for the upgrading of common areas and promotional activities. HDB retailers must do their part and constantly adapt their businesses to meet changing needs. The issues are similar for wet markets and cooked food centres. With the changing lifestyle of Singaporeans and changes in demographics, demand for traditional wet markets and hawker centres may change over time. Singaporeans are increasingly turning to modern amenities like supermarkets for their groceries. The Government will have to review the needs from time to time, help businesses to exit where the demand is dwindling, inject new opportunities where there is new demand, or change the mix of tenants to inject vibrancy. Generally, the Government sets aside land in the new towns for commercial development by the private sector. This gives private operators the flexibility to decide on the type of eating and marketing facilities to meet the changing needs of residents. Er Lee Bee Wah asked for more covered linkways to improve the quality of HDB living for residents. She mentioned the specific case in Nee Soon South. This is already covered under programmes such as CIPC and NRP.”
“It can pose a significant burden for some TCs, especially those with a high concentration of flats built in the 1980s. When the LUP was introduced, TCs had asked to help make lift upgrading more affordable for residents by sharing in the co-payment. The principle of co-payment by TCs is well-intended for the benefit of residents and should be upheld. However, we must ensure that the LUP co-payment does not overstrain the TCs' ability to meet other cyclical works, which are also for the benefit of residents. We are therefore considering a one-off LUP Assistance for the TCs. The amount of LUP subsidy given to each TC will take into account the complexity and scale of works to be undertaken by the TC for the entire LUP. In addition, we will consider the extent each TC would have saved on lift upgrading, arising from earlier upgrading programmes such as MUP. We estimate that the LUP Assistance will cost Government about $130 million. We will notify all TCs later this year. On neighbourhood renewal, Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim and Mr Low Thia Khiang asked about the development of neighbourhood facilities such as shops, wet markets and cooked food centres. Today, we have a variety of upgrading programmes to support the renewal of estates. These include the Neigbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) and the Community Improvement Projects Committee (CIPC) scheme. The Prime Minister also unveiled HDB's first batch of town-wide rejuvenation plans under the Remaking Our Heartland (ROH) programme in 2007. We are considering the next batch of towns for the ROH programme and will announce the list later this year. Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim had asked about the future of neighbourhood shops and centres, particularly in older estates.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, Singapore's good public housing is not only about delivering an adequate supply of affordable flats but also about making sure that existing flats and housing estates are regularly upgraded and rejuvenated to sustain their value, and to ensure their accessibility and relevance to our changing population. Dr Ahmad Magad and Mr Masagos Zulkifli spoke about the importance of the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) for our ageing population and asked about its burden on town councils (TCs). I am glad to update the House that we have selected more than 90% of the eligible blocks for lift upgrading so far, with works in 50% completed or ongoing. The programme is on track and HDB will select the remaining 400 plus blocks over the next two years or so for completion by 2014, as earlier announced. As the lift upgrading solutions for different blocks are firmed up, we have gained a better understanding of the financial burden of the LUP on town councils. Many of the middle-aged blocks require more complex and costly lift solutions as these were designed in the 1980s to allow greater privacy amongst residents. Lift upgrading in middle-aged blocks tend to be more costly per benefiting unit. Newer blocks built after 1990 would not require LUP as they would have been built with direct lift access from the start. The older blocks prior to 1980 may have benefited from lift upgrading under earlier programmes such as Main Upgrading Programme (MUP). So you can say that the burden on the middle-aged blocks is probably largest if you compare the three types of flats. Even though Government bears the bulk of the cost of the programme at $5.5 billion, the LUP co-payment by TCs totalling about $360 million is not a small sum.”
“Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the Member for her two supplementary questions. The answer to both questions is "yes", these are the two areas that MOE is focusing its attention on – teachers' quality as well as having the right coaches for our students. The Member will hear a lot more about our plans in the next few days. DATA ON PRODUCTIVITY OF PRO-FAMILY ORGANISATIONS 3. Assoc. Prof. Paulin Tay Straughan asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether he will provide data on the productivity of organisations which have won family-friendly accolades; (b) how does the productivity of firms which embrace pro-family business practices compare with others in the same industry; (c) what is the proportion of employers who embrace pro-family practices like flexi-work options; and (d) whether his Ministry has plans to further encourage employers to grant flexi-work and flexi-schedule options to employees with childcare and eldercare responsibilities.”
“It will be part and parcel of every Singaporean resident staying in HDB estates, to see various income segment, age group as well as family background or career background, staying together. That, in a way, is the value of HDB estates that we see this real integration of different segments of Singaporeans, regardless of age or income. And I think that Singaporeans have come to accept that as a part of HDB estate living. ENHANCING SAFETY AT WORKPLACES 7. Mdm Halimah Yacob asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what more can be done to enhance safety at workplaces in view of the recent spate of workplace accidents; (b) whether the system of contracting and subcontracting which is widely practised in some industries has aggravated the problem; and (c) how effective is the whistle blowing mechanism in helping workers to raise the alarm on dangerous situations.”
“Thank you for the supplementary questions. We are preparing for an ageing population and we are preparing it in various ways. We have, for example, built Studio Apartments that are stand-alone, one or two blocks in the middle-aged towns or the mature estates. We are beginning to build some Studio Apartments close by or adjacent to 4- or 5-room or the regular flats. This is to allow options, to give choices to Singaporeans. Through our understanding and our survey, there are elderly who prefer to live on their own and there is a big proportion who prefer to stay with their children. There are some who prefer to stay in a town that they are familiar with. So even though the children may have grown up and moved away, they are not prepared to move to a new flat or be it a Studio Apartment that is near to their children because they are familiar with the place that they have spent most of their lives in. There are different behaviour and preferences, and I think it is our objective to have options given to Singaporeans. So we have built stand alone studio apartments and studio apartments next to the flats. But I think there is one common theme that cuts across these options and it is that we do not want to see isolation of the elderly. In the various forms of housing that we have provided, we make sure that there are integration, social and recreational facilities for inter-generational use – the elderly, the young and the adults. In response to your third question, about whether there is any perception that young Singaporeans may not wish to stay near the elderly. My response would be that we would not want to see an enclave of elderly and elderly only.”
“My second question has to do with living arrangements for older Singaporeans. We have come up with the Studio Apartments. Has the Ministry done a survey to solicit feedback from older Singaporeans? Is this the preferred living arrangement for them? My final supplementary question is related to perceptions. I have heard from the ground that there is a public perception from the younger Singaporeans that they may not want to have homes that are situated within estates where Studio Apartments predominate because of whatever reasons. I would like the Ministry to elaborate on this – if you have data and if it is true, then, what can be done to alleviate these barriers?”
“Under the Multi-Generation Living Scheme (MGLS), in SkyTerrace@Dawson, HDB pairs Studio Apartments with 4- and 5-room flats so that extended families can live together in separate but adjacent units. Applications under the MGLS closed on 28th December 2009 with a total of 408 applications for the 65 paired units. We will study the response to the scheme, taking into consideration feedback from the public, to decide if the scheme should be extended to future projects. The MGLS complements existing HDB policy to encourage young couples to live near their parents for mutual support. Currently, those who intend to stay with or near their parents enjoy double the chances when balloting for a new flat. Those buying a resale flat can apply for the higher CPF Housing Grant of $40,000. HDB is building Studio Apartments to cater to the housing needs of the elderly and to facilitate their integration within the community. HDB estates are designed to be barrier-free and with a variety of social spaces to encourage inter-generational interaction. These enable the elderly to pursue an active and independent lifestyle. Similarly, SkyTerrace@Dawson will have community and recreational facilities such as precinct pavilions, children's playground, elderly fitness corner and tai-chi courts, catering to both the young and elderly. Assoc. Prof. Paulin Tay Straughan (Nominated Member): Thank you, Sir. I have three supplementary questions. The first, sociologically, this seems to be the ideal living arrangement as we move towards a greying population to have inter-generational living in separate but households that are adjacent to each other. May I ask if the Ministry has any initiatives to promote this option for Singaporeans in the application of HDB flats?”
“Paulin Tay Straughan asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether he will provide an update on the sales of paired units at SkyTerrace@Dawson that facilitate multi-generation living; (b) how many applicants did the HDB receive for the 65 paired units that were launched; (c) what are some of the amenities and planned social spaces in this new estate that will cater to the specific needs of the elderly as well as facilitate inter-generation social interaction; and (d) will the HDB be planning for more of such paired units.”
“Thank you for raising this issue on killer litter. This issue was debated comprehensively yesterday, so it is all right that we can discuss this again. We go back to the purpose of having Town Councils. It is really for local decision making process. Some Town Councils may decide to have certain rules and regulations that perhaps apply specifically to this town which may not be applicable to other towns. For that reason, how we want to manage killer litter in the specific location must be subjected to the local rules and regulations. It is only when is necessary that we will apply at national legislature. For example, someone who places objects precariously and causing hurt to the public, the public agencies would come in to regulate and to punish the culprit if necessary. But in other instances, some Town Councils may decide to allow certain plantings to be displayed at common corridors, void decks or in some areas in front of the blocks. So when that is the case, there must be some leeway for Town Councils to respond to the needs of the residents and, therefore, Town Councils will have the responsibility to also do its own enforcements and to issue the necessary penalties or summons according to the rules that they have set up themselves. SALE OF UNITS AT SKYTERRACE AT DAWSON 6. Assoc. Prof.”
“Thank you for the supplementary question. Before I answer the question raised by the Member, I would like to reiterate the purpose of having Town Councils. Town Councils were set up 20 years ago, principally to devolve decision making to the local level. This is to allow participation by the community in setting up rules and regulations that serve the need of local residents. For that purpose, we have allowed Town Councils some leeway in the rules and regulations as well as delegated the priorities and responsibilities of maintenance, cleanliness and so on to the Town Councils. How do we want to clarify the roles? I think communication with the residents is very important. We have stressed the need to develop that communication channel better. Recently, we have announced the Town Council reporting framework, primarily again, is to encourage that two-way dialogue and communication between Town Council and their residents. As to the roles of the other agencies, I think this is where other agencies and departments have played their respective roles. For example, when it comes to fighting mosquito breeding, NEA has taken a very active public position for public education on the Do's and Don'ts and it has also taken active actions to raise penalties, issue penalties as well as summons in the estates as well. So, as much as possible, understanding the purpose of Town Councils – Town Councils rightly will be the main party responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of public housing estates but agencies recognise that there are areas where we need consistency across the estate where the consequences are important, whether is for law and order issue or otherwise and many other examples on that, where it has supported the Town Councils.”
“Ms Ellen Lee asked the Minister for Health in view of the consumer advisory guide issued by the Health Sciences Advisory and besides partnering with the other worldwide national medicines regulators, police and/or customs, what is the intended strategy and action plan of his Ministry and other related agencies/bodies to mitigate against the onslaught of counterfeit and illegal drugs marketed and sold via the Internet.”
“It is not possible to predict demand accurately, because we can never foresee conditions that may affect Singapore, such as the dip of demand in the last 18 months. In our planning horizon, we plan for a certain population. Our land sales system will allow us to respond to market quickly. We have two systems, whether it is a confirmed land sale or reserved land sale, that will actually allow property players to call for supply of land as they think the market will require. On the second question about bringing forward the revitalisation or remaking of heartland, that is something that we have been doing all the time. For example, lift upgrading programme is one that we talked a lot about. That is our current focus, because we know that many Singaporeans are looking forward to that, with an ageing population, especially many elderly residents have been asking for lift access. So that is really our main focus at the moment. But we have been undertaking home improvement programme as well as neighbourhood renewal programme. That is to continuously remake and rejuvenate our housing estates to make them more suitable for our current population. ONLINE SALE OF ILLICIT DRUGS 9. Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Health (a) whether he will provide an update on the Ministry's efforts to clamp down on the online sales of illicit drugs; (b) whether there will be new measures introduced to reduce such transactions; and (c) whether buying of such drugs online is illegal. 10.”
“Mr Speaker, I thank the Member for two very substantive supplementary questions, which probably warrant two separate Questions by themselves. But just to take the first question, I think in our planning for an increased population, we do as much as possible look into the needs as well. There is a reason for us planning very aggressively to expand our parks, for example, as well as park connectors, which have proven to be very popular with Singaporeans. In our plan up to 2020, we will be increasing our park connectors three folds from what we have today. Not many Singaporeans know that we actually have a 100 km of park connectors, which means you can already do two marathons over different routes in Singapore. And we intend to increase that three times to 300 km. Out of that, 150 will be a round-island route, which means that it will be connected. I think this is an example of how creative use of land has served us very well. It started off by us looking at land reserve, such as reserve for canals that is not well utilised, how we can make good use of such land to create very beautiful environment for Singaporeans. Our plans to work with PUB's Active Beautiful and Clean Water, for example, will again create many beautiful recreational options for Singaporeans. When it comes to other infrastructures like shopping centres, residential buildings, that is already in the plan. We do have cases where short-term demands may not be easily matched. It is very hard to predict demand accurately, especially when you look at supply of commercial as well as residential buildings, there is always a lead time involved. We will do our best to try to reduce the volatility involved in the market.”
“Firstly, I would like to know if there is evidence to show that due to the increase in the population, there are stress points with regard to the demand and the usage of our infrastructure and amenities, such as parks, shopping centres, carparks and other transportation modes, as well as in the housing market. Secondly, in view of the increase in the population, I am just wondering whether the Ministry would consider bringing forward its plan to remake our heartland, particularly the HDB mature estates, with regard to the infrastructure as well as amenities, which I feel could be outdated at this point in time, to meet the current needs of the population.”
“With regard to the first question, what we have done is to make sure that additional infrastructure is set aside when we release parcels. In our planning system, we have taken into consideration the planned residential area. When new parcels of land are being released, sufficient infrastructure, including roads as well as recreational needs, have already been provided for in the area. That goes for new estates as well as mature estates. On the second question, I think that is something for LTA to be concerned with to look at how traffic conditions are being affected by development. But our working relationship is such that this norm would be reviewed regularly, as what we are doing now in Concept Plan 2011. It is to review the planning norms with various Government agencies, so that new pattern, whether it is social pattern or vehicular pattern, can be taken into consideration in our planning horizons as well as planning parameters. So, in the case of mature towns, like Tampines, we have considered such additional requirements. And when we do release new plots of lands for development, we will again liaise with the relevant Government agencies to review the needs that will come along with such parcels. Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim (Marine Parade): Sir, I have two supplementary questions. I have met quite a number of residents who have shared with me their surprise on the increase in population and their concern about the adequacy of the infrastructure and amenities to meet the current needs. I have two questions for the Senior Minister of State.”
“Singapore has a forward-looking and comprehensive land use planning system. Every 10 years, we review and formulate a Concept Plan to plan for and safeguard sufficient land to meet the future needs of our growing population and economy over a horizon of 40 to 50 years. This translates into the more detailed Master Plan that guides our land use over a horizon of 10 to 15 years. One of our key objectives in land use planning is to ensure that we can set aside sufficient land to meet housing needs as well as to offer a range of housing options to cater to Singaporeans with different income levels. As part of planning for a larger population, we will also provide land for sufficient supporting facilities and infrastructure such as healthcare facilities, schools, parks and transport infrastructure. For instance, we will create an additional 900 ha of parkland and triple our park connectors by 2020. Major improvements will also be made to our transportation network. LTA will build new lines and extensions such as the Circle Line, Downtown Line and Tuas Extension, amongst others, which will increase our rail network from 148 km to 278 km by 2020. We will also plan for higher density housing and commercial uses around these transport nodes to provide greater connectivity to our population. We have embarked on the Concept Plan 2011 Review in July 2009, and as part of the review, we will consult the public and seek their feedback on how we can optimise the use of our limited land and make Singapore our best home. When completed, the 2011 Concept Plan will contain plans and strategies for Singapore's future development, and ensure that our future growth is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.”
“Mr Calvin Cheng asked the Acting Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts what is being done to address the concern that the exclusive sale of football broadcasting rights has driven up prices and reduced choices, to the detriment of consumers in Singapore. The Acting Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts (RAdm [NS] Lui Tuck Yew): Mr Speaker, Sir, with your permission, I would like to take the next three questions together.”
“We look at $30,000 as a general cost guideline and that we have at the very marginal cases exercised some flexibility, especially when cost of construction has gone up significantly, you know, when we had problem with sand supply and so on. We have exercised discretion but, on the whole, it has been a very good and prudent principle to follow because, as we have seen, when construction costs have recovered and come down over the last few months, we have been able to provide LUP to more blocks with the same budget. So we believe that the budget indeed has helped us to allocate precious resources to benefit more HDB residents. BIDS FOR FOOTBALL BROADCASTING RIGHTS (Impact on consumers) 7. Mr Zainudin Nordin asked the Acting Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts given the recent successful bid by SingTel to telecast the English Premier League football matches (a) how do the consumers in general benefit from the competition among the pay-TV retailers; (b) whether the media market is large enough to sustain such competition; and (c) how does this competition compare to the ill-fated experiment of SPH's MediaWorks and MediaCorp. 8. Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Acting Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts with the competitive bidding for popular overseas sports channels by SingTel and StarHub (a) what is the Ministry doing to ensure that subscriptions to the sports channels remain affordable to the majority of Singaporeans; and (b) whether the Government will consider providing free viewing of selected games on MediaCorp TV during key sporting events, especially World Cup soccer matches. 9.”
“I just need to re-emphasise that at this moment we do not have any plans to extend LUP at any cost. So it has to be limited to a certain cost consideration but we are looking for solutions. We hope that we are able to bring solutions to some of these blocks and if they are eligible, obviously if they have a very high number of senior citizens, if the Advisers so suggest and so nominate, HDB will definitely take that into consideration.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, when the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP)was introduced in 2001, there were more than 5,300 blocks that did not have full lift access. Almost 1,000 blocks exceeded the LUP cost cap then and were not eligible for LUP. In other words, that is about one in five not eligible because of cost cap. The cost of lift upgrading could range from $40,000 to more than $120,000 per benefiting unit, depending on the configuration of the blocks or due to site constraints. This cost may be as high as 40% of the value of a typical 3- or 4-room HDB flat. It does not make sense to implement the LUP in such blocks. Over the years, HDB has introduced innovative and cost effective lift solutions so that more blocks can be eligible for LUP. Some examples are the shaftless lifts, smaller lifts suitable for low-rise blocks, and reconfigured lift access for half landing blocks. Today, we have reduced the number of ineligible blocks to just 200 – from the 1,000 to 200. HDB will continue to actively explore alternative cost-effective solutions so that more blocks can become eligible for LUP. Mr Christopher de Souza also asked whether the MND would consider prioritising the upgrading of blocks that have a high number of senior citizens. This can be one of the considerations by the Adviser in his nomination of his precincts for LUP. HDB will take this into consideration when selecting blocks for LUP.”
“Mr Speaker, if you will allow me just to clarify again. HDB has, in fact, reduced its market rental rate by 5% in January 2009. We do take into consideration market conditions. PROPERTY DEVELOPERS (Extension of loan periods) 4. Er Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether his Ministry is aware that banks are not willing to extend existing loan periods for property developers to tide them over the current difficult economic times; and (b) whether his Ministry will consider assisting the property developers through any guarantee schemes to help them extend their loan periods.”
“Mr Speaker, as I have said earlier, the rentals are fixed at different times and they are renewed at different periods of time. So, in order to ensure equity between two tenants, we have to adjust their rental rates to a market rate, such that two tenants who are side by side and have their tenancies renewed at different points in time, will pay the same rent. Take, for example, if one tenant has renewed his rental rate three years ago – 2007 – his rental may be 7% to 10% below his neighbour's, who had his rental rate renewed a year or two years later. If we do not review the rental rate to adjust it to market rate, there will be inequity between two tenants. So, it is only fair for HDB to review the tenants' market rentals and at the same time, provide an across-the-board 15% rebate. So tenants who may have renewed their leases at different points in time, will be charged the same rentals. That is a fairer system. To answer the Member's question, specifically, a tenant who is renewing his tenancy now, will probably mean his tenancy was fixed three years ago before the run-up in the property prices and rental rates. If we do not review his rental rate, he would be enjoying a significant cost advantage over his fellow tenants next to him.”
“So, I do not think it has this universal application that Ms Denise Phua has talked about. On the education village that Ms Phua has mentioned, Darlington Village is familiar to us. I believe that some of our officers have been there. We will take that example as a reference for us, just as the same way we have looked at examples from other countries as well. We have to find a model, as she has rightly put, that works for us in Singapore, that fits our educational requirement as well as our stakeholders' expectations. We are piloting a few forms of partnership of satellite campuses. We would like to basically go through the process and look at what works and what does not work during the pilot phase; and I will make a decision later on, at an appropriate time. Mrs Josephine Teo: Sir, I would like to thank the Senior Parliamentary Secretary (SPS) for sharing with us MOE's plan to introduce voluntary accreditation for Early Childhood Education centres. On the matter of attracting the right people into the profession, I am glad to hear that MOE intends to facilitate recruitment. However, may I urge MOE to also look into raising the professional standing and the public perception of early childhood educators? In order for more of such educators to join the profession, they have to be seen as making a professional contribution.”
“I think on the issue of repository of lecture notes on an electronic platform, MOE does have that practice although this is limited to the subject. For example, I know that our Chinese teachers share their teaching materials on an electronic platform. So, it is not done in the universal form that Ms Phua has asked, but on a subject basis, it is happening. And also online assessment, while I sympathise with Ms Phua's point about parents probably spending a lot of money in buying assessment books, but I am actually not sure if putting online electronic assessments, would actually eliminate these books, because I think we are a society where parents naturally place a lot of emphasis on education and they want to provide the best. And I think there is no lack of creativity and ingenuity in our education sector to always provide what is best and what is better than the last version of assessment or enrichment or books that will help our children. So, while I agree and think that there should be some sharing of such materials, I am not sure that it will eliminate the symptoms that Ms Phua has talked about. Having said that, I think we have to be careful how we want to make assessments readily available on a universal basis because I think as we have expounded on our principle on assessment yesterday, we would like assessment to be really relevant to what we have taught. In other words it has to be contextualised, it is not just putting any assessment on the website and make that available for everybody to have a go at it. We want our assessments to be effective in that they actually help teachers and students assess their progress. It has to be contextualised with what the teachers are teaching in class.”
“In fact, I think, the point that we have been trying to make in the last few hours in our speeches about how we want to balance the teaching of academic subjects with the non-academic parts - the values, the character building - is really a reflection of the thinking of MOE. That we want all teachers including those who are teaching PE, Music, Arts, Science, Mathematics, to find teachable moments. When you are bringing the children out for Learning Journey, you see behaviour that is not befitting of students, the teachers will have a responsibility to point it out to the children. We believe that those teachable moments are very important in correcting behaviour and teaching the children the right behaviour. And I think all teachers know that. In fact, this is one important part of the NIE training. I spoke to the Director in NIE. He assured me that teachers, when they go into NIE for training, have been told time and again that it is not just content knowledge that they are teaching but they are bringing up the next generation. And I think, all teachers understand the heavy responsibility that has been placed on them.”
“Sir, I thank the Member for raising this issue of moral education. I think that she is definitely on the right track where she talked about the importance of developing students with the right values and character. They are so necessary to guide us in this world where there are lots of changes that are impacting us socially. MOE takes a very serious view of moral education. In fact, if you look at MOE's website, the outcome of education that we look for - the number one item on that outcome - is actually on moral education, that we want to bring up our children to be morally upright. That is number one on our list. And I cannot emphasise more about the importance we place on it. But I must accept and I concede the point that it is not easy to measure the outcome of moral education. Having said that, we would have in the schools ranking system, a framework to assess the process the schools are teaching. In other words, what are the schools doing to ensure that such values are being conveyed; what are the processes they take; what is the training that they will provide teachers; what are the programmes that were carried out to ensure that these values are conveyed to the children. So although we do not have a ranking of the results of the schools or the teachers in terms of moral education, in our school assessment system, this is an important part. The process in which schools undertake their education task is an important part in the schools assessment system. In terms of civic education, I think that all teachers would know that it is not limited to the teacher who teaches civic and moral education.”
“Ms Denise Phua mentioned the Education Village in Darlington as a good example of integration between pupils with special learning needs and their mainstream peers. MOE is working with selected mainstream and SPED schools - special education schools - to pilot and evaluate satellite partnerships, which incorporate the same principle of purposeful and appropriate integration between mainstream and SPED schools. Two SPED schools, namely Pathlight School and Canossian School, are involved in satellite partnerships with schools such as Chong Boon Secondary and MacPherson Primary, where students learn in the same classroom, or take part in joint CCAs or social activities. Through these planned and purposeful interactions, greater mutual understanding between the two groups of students is fostered. This year, Townsville Primary will also form a satellite partnership with Pathlight School. Findings from the pilot, expected to be available at the end of this year, will be used to guide refinements of the satellite model. Currently, nine SPED schools are co-located with mainstream schools. Where possible, we will continue to co-locate SPED schools with mainstream schools to optimise opportunities for more interaction. On her point about use of IT, we would like to share that MOE has an online repository, edu.Mall 2.0, that provides teachers with MOE and commercially produced digital resources, as well as for schools to share their good ICT classroom practices. In addition, school clusters have their own resource repository, iSHARE, for school-created teaching and learning resources. This is for teachers to upload and share their resources within and across school clusters. Since December 2008, more than 80,000 resources have been uploaded in iSHARE.”