Joan Pereira
Singapore
“We need to constantly monitor technological developments, assess their military potential and anticipate how adversaries might use them against us.”
“Third, scenario‑based exercises on sensitive issues, such as foreign conflicts involving race or religion, so that leaders can facilitate difficult conversations without letting emotions tear our social fabric.”
“How are we strengthening sustained capacity-building platforms – talent exchanges, not just in education and work but in the sports and arts as well; institutional partnerships and governance collaboration – so that we build enduring networks of trust, not one-off engagements?”
“Thank you, Speaker, and the Senior Minister of State. I seek two clarifications from the Senior Minister of State on border health measures that have been stepped up in view of the disease outbreaks overseas.”
“Thank you, Speaker and I thank the Minister. I have two clarifications for the Minister. I understand that there is a lot of support in kind in collaborating with our cross border counterparts to tackle fire hotspots, as the Minister mentioned. But how about some financial assistance for countries, if they require it?”
“Thank you, Speaker and Senior Minister of State. I have two clarifications for the Senior Minister of State. First, could the Ministry provide additional grants and support, including on a longer-term basis, for smaller drinks producers to help defray the costs of complying with the scheme?”
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“I was wondering whether there could be some support, like rental or utility rebates for them.”
“Speaker, one clarification. Will there be any plans to provide targeted support like rental or utility rebates for our hawkers and our stallholders as they strive to continue providing affordable meals for Singaporeans?”
“Residents have expressed hope that the gazetting will bring upgrades to the surrounding estate, including improvements to walkways and infrastructure. There is also the question of whether planning controls and height restrictions in the area may be adjusted, which will affect residents' property rights and interests. The Ministry of Trade and Industry must work to minimise disamenities caused by tourism. If the site were to be developed into a heritage park, there must be careful management of visitor flows, operating hours and commercial activity to ensure that the residential character of the neighbourhood is preserved. Property consultants have noted that planners will need to facilitate adequate car and coach parking and drop-off zones. The most important point I wish to make is this – residents must not be informed of decisions only after they are made. They must be involved in shaping those decisions from the very beginning. The Government should establish structured, regular consultation channels with the residents of the immediate vicinity. These should not be just one-off feedback sessions, but an ongoing dialogue throughout the planning, design, construction and operational phases of the development. The preservation of 38 Oxley Road as a national monument is a significant step in safeguarding Singapore's founding history for future generations. But a monument that is developed in a neighbourhood, without mitigation measures, risks becoming a source of division rather than unity. Let us build this heritage space the Singapore way – through careful planning, inter-agency coordination and, most importantly, through genuine partnership with the residents whose lives will be most directly affected. Revitalisation of Our Heritage”
“Multiple residents have expressed worry that the conversion of the site into a public space could bring significantly more vehicles, tour buses and pedestrians into an area that, as one resident put it, "isn't built for that purpose". Second, illegal parking. Residents have highlighted the longstanding problem of non-residents using their private car parks, given the absence of gantries or security at their entrances. If the site attracts large numbers of visitors, where will they park? Third, the impact of human traffic – noise, crowds and the disruption to the tranquil character of the estate. Residents recalled the surge of visitors in 2017 during the public dispute over the site's future and fear a repeat on a far larger and more permanent scale. They understand and can agree that it is important for visitors, including our future generations, to visit and understand the significance of this site, but they also worry that the place will lose its sense of dignity. These are not abstract concerns. They are practical everyday realities and they deserve to be treated with the seriousness they merit. Addressing these concerns requires a whole-of-Government approach. MCCY, as the lead Ministry responsible for the preservation and development of the site, will need to plan and coordinate with the relevant Ministries and agencies very carefully. The Ministry of Transport must be engaged on traffic management, parking solutions and public transport access. Proposals such as designating alternative access points, creating drop-off zones for tour coaches and improving pedestrian infrastructure along Oxley Road should be seriously studied. The Ministry of National Development must address building and estate maintenance issues. The surrounding properties are ageing.”
“Last December, the former home of our founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew at 38 Oxley Road was gazetted as a National Monument. This January, the Government commenced the process to acquire the site. As the Government now moves forward to develop the site into a public space, it is important that the process takes into account national heritage needs, exercises sensitivity and respect for the dignity of the site, and also to take into account the concerns and needs of neighbouring residents at every stage of the planning process. After all, for neighbours, they will be the most greatly impacted by this development. The historic significance of 38 Oxley Road is beyond dispute. The Preservation of Sites and Monuments Advisory Board assessed the site to be of strong national significance, having borne witness to pivotal events in the 1950s that marked our country's transition from colonial rule to independence. It was here that our founding leaders held the consequential discussions that led to our governance. On the other hand, let us be mindful that 38 Oxley Road does not exist in isolation. It sits within a quiet, established residential enclave. The daily lives of residents in the vicinity will be directly affected by the transformation of 38 Oxley Road from a private residence into a public heritage space. Since the Government announced its intention to gazette the site, residents have come forward to share their concerns with me. First, traffic congestion. Oxley Road is a narrow two-lane road that already carries heavy vehicular traffic as a thoroughfare between Orchard Road and River Valley Road.”
“We need to constantly monitor technological developments, assess their military potential and anticipate how adversaries might use them against us. I would like to ask if MINDEF would consider providing greater support for the research into technologies in frontier capabilities that can be developed for defence purposes even if these solutions come from the private sector or to deepen the collaboration with our universities. Given these rapidly evolving threats and opportunities, I would like to ask the Minister for an update on our strategies to guard against such emerging and disruptive technologies that can be used on the battlefield and how we will ensure that Singapore remains secure in this era of warfare. Unmanned Technology in Training and Operations”
“Ukraine has even used low-cost naval drones to break Russia's Black Sea blockade and force the withdrawal of the Russian fleet from Crimea, a remarkable feat achieved without conventional warships. The digital domain has become a full-fledged theatre of conflict. Cyber threats are already at our doorstep. What is most worrying is that these technologies are no longer exclusive to states. Even non-state groups can now access capabilities that were once the preserve of major military powers. For Singapore, this presents unique challenges. As a highly connected, technology-dependent city-state, the very systems that drive our economic success also create vulnerabilities. Our concentrated urban environment means that attacks using these technologies could have devastating effects. However, we also have opportunities. Singapore can leverage these same technologies to enhance our capabilities. Our strong technology sector and culture of innovation position us well to develop and deploy emerging technologies for defence purposes, potentially strengthening our defence partnerships in the process. Indeed, the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) has already pivoted decisively toward robotics, drones, autonomy and AI, recognising that the proliferation of drones and autonomous systems is reshaping the physical domain while cyberattacks and disinformation are transforming the digital space. The SAF has established a Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Development and Operations group and the Air Force has set up a new UAS Warfare and Tactics Centre to drive the development and integration of unmanned platforms across all services. But staying ahead will require not only technological innovation but also a willingness to continually adapt.”
“Chairman, the world has entered a new era of conflict, one that is more complex, more contested and more technologically driven than anything we have witnessed in generations. In 2024, there were 61 state-based armed conflicts worldwide – the highest number recorded since the Second World War. What makes this moment particularly consequential is not just the number of conflicts, but how they are being fought. Today, emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing, advanced robotics and cyber warfare capabilities are reshaping the character of conflict – how wars are fought, who fights them and where the battlefield lies. These technologies blur the traditional boundaries between military and civilian domains. Civilian infrastructure, businesses and everyday technology become legitimate targets. In our context, ordinary Singaporeans, especially the vulnerable, could be put directly in harm's way. We have already seen how these new capabilities have made their way into recent conflicts and changed the way they are fought and won. Commercial drones – the kind any of us might be able to buy online – can be fitted with AI and turned into precision weapons. They can be coordinated in swarms that may overwhelm even sophisticated air defence systems. Meanwhile, cyberattacks are achieving what once required bombs and missiles. They can shut down power grids, cripple communications and spread false information to damage public morale. Modern sensors can now see through clouds, track movements in real-time and provide commanders with battlefield awareness that was unimaginable a decade ago. In the Russia-Ukraine war, both sides deploy drones.”
“How are we strengthening sustained capacity-building platforms – talent exchanges, not just in education and work but in the sports and arts as well; institutional partnerships and governance collaboration – so that we build enduring networks of trust, not one-off engagements? In a fragmented world, influence is built not by size, but through sharing our capabilities together. Strengthening Consular Services”
“This is the reality of how the world works that we cannot change and it is also something that AI is not able to easily replace. We can expand scholarships, internships and mid‑career attachments in emerging regions, especially in sectors where our capabilities align with their needs, including sustainability and digital services. When young Singaporeans live, study and work in these places, they build language skills, networks and a feel for the ground that no brochure or academic course can replicate. I hope to see more plans and initiatives that help to position Singapore as the indispensable hub for Latin American countries looking to enter the ASEAN market and with greater participation opportunities available to Singapore. Finally, I would like to propose for MFA to work with business chambers, unions, universities and media to highlight success stories of Singaporeans in these emerging regions. Growing Singapore's Development Partners Assoc Prof Kenneth Goh (Nominated Member): Chairman, in a more contested and volatile world, small states cannot afford to stand alone. We must build coalitions not only through trade and security, but through development partnerships. Singapore's credibility comes from experience: building trusted institutions, strengthening governance, managing public finance with discipline and developing talent and urban systems under constraint. In this changed world, success cannot mean Singapore simply running far ahead. We have both an obligation and a strategic interest in mutual knowledge sharing with fellow small states, middle powers and our regional neighbours.”
“Chairman, with the shifting supply chains and new growth poles, emerging regions, such as Africa, Latin America and the Middle East, will be critical to Singapore's long‑term resilience. Our Government can and must play a bigger role in helping Singaporeans venture confidently into these frontiers, gaining a deep understanding of these countries and establishing friendships with their peoples. MFA has already started to move in this direction. We are opening new embassies in Mexico City and Addis Ababa, to serve as gateways to Latin America and East Africa and to deepen our understanding of these fast‑growing regions. Our new and existing Missions in emerging regions should be resourced not just for diplomatic presence or administrative protocol, but as active economic enablers, working in tandem with the Ministry of Trade and Industry in mapping sectoral opportunities, curating pipelines of projects and matching them with Singapore companies, workers and researchers. We must give Singaporeans the assurance that when they go farther, they are not going alone. MFA has been strengthening crisis response, including deploying crisis response teams, contacting eRegistered Singaporeans in affected areas and working with local authorities to bring our people home when needed. We should build on this by investing further in consular readiness in emerging regions, widening public awareness of eRegistration and the 24-hour MFA Duty Office hotline and travel advisories. We should nurture a new generation of "frontier‑ready" Singaporeans. In many countries, strong relationships are the most important ingredients for successful outcomes. Singaporeans must be empowered to form these relationships between peoples at the business and at the political level.”
“Third, scenario‑based exercises on sensitive issues, such as foreign conflicts involving race or religion, so that leaders can facilitate difficult conversations without letting emotions tear our social fabric. MFA should also develop simple, shareable explainer materials and rapid‑response lines to clarify our positions quickly when major international crises break, so that grassroots leaders, schools, unions, businesses, religious and community organisations can anchor discussions on facts rather than rumours. Regular closed‑door briefings for key local opinion shapers can help ensure their public comments reflect an understanding of Singapore's interests and are not exploited by foreign actors. A Geopolitically Literate Singapore”
“Chairman, Singaporeans are more interested and engaged in international affairs. Thanks to social media. Greater awareness and interest in regional and global news is a strength we should support and nurture. But it also makes us more vulnerable to fake news, misinterpretations of events and developments. False narratives about Singapore or other countries can inflame sentiments and erode trust in our multiracial and religious community. Foreign policy today has real domestic salients. What happens abroad can quickly reach our homes and our hearts, affecting our security, jobs and social cohesion. As a small, open and highly connected city‑state, we cannot afford for our foreign policy to be misunderstood or for our society to be divided by events far from our shores. MFA has already been stepping up engagements with students, youths, businesses and community groups through dialogues and workshops to explain our operating context and foreign policy in accessible terms. We should build on this by working more closely with the People's Association (PA) to train grassroots leaders as well as other community leaders as a front line of resilience. Such training can equip grassroots leaders with three things. First, a clear grasp of our foreign policy fundamentals, that we are guided by Singapore's long‑term national interests, international law and the need to maintain our autonomy and cohesion. Second, practical skills to spot and counter disinformation: how to verify sources, recognise manipulation and respond calmly when residents share misleading or inflammatory content.”
“I urge the Government to deploy them to ensure a conducive living environment for all Singaporeans and to transform Singapore into the most AI-enabled nation in the world. I support the Budget.”
“Our seniors also do not wish to be left behind. Can the Infocomm Media Development Authority's (IMDA’s) SG Digital Community Hubs be expanded to help seniors and more Singaporeans gain AI skills and pick up safety tips? In addition, AI training and tools have already been made widely available, but the real fear of disruption from AI tells us that what our people need most, is the support and career guidance to journey together with them as they navigate these changes. I would like to call upon the Government to consider dedicating even more resources in order to expand the scope of the AI Missions to develop detailed sectoral playbooks for more sectors beyond the four chosen. We should also support the redesign of workflows and job scopes to enable greater productivity, while helping to alleviate the labour shortage in some of these industries. Sir, in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Singaporeans worry about jobs and AI's impact. I am reassured by the Prime Minister's commitment that no one will be left behind in our push for AI. I commend NTUC's AI-Ready SG Initiative. However, I am concerned about the potential low take-up as with SkillsFuture. I urge the Government to make AI resources more easily accessible, expand SG Digital Community Hubs to help seniors and providing stronger career guidance. More resources to extend AI Missions to additional sectors and to redesign workflows and job scopes will raise productivity and ease labour shortages. (In English): Sir, for all our hard work to achieve success, as individuals, as a nation, we need the support and assurance of safe and comfortable homes and estates for our families and secure the future of our economy and jobs in the AI age.”
“In the lead-up to the Budget Statement, some of my residents have shared their concerns that property taxes may rise again, even though they are relieved by the one-off property tax rebate for 2026 for owner-occupied homes. As Singapore has enjoyed a healthy Budget surplus with property taxes as one of the contributors, perhaps more can be done to calibrate this carefully or to consider longer-term support for owner-occupied properties. This is especially needed by private estate residents who are elderly and no longer working but are living in their own homes. The anxiety is real, especially as they are no longer earning an income and yet face increasingly higher property taxes that they are paying for out of their own savings. I hope that the Government can consider granting a longer-term rebate for such cases. This will also help our seniors age well and age in-place. Other than homes, Singaporeans are very much concerned about jobs and the impact of AI on them. I am very heartened by the Prime Minister's commitment that no Singaporean would be left behind in our push for AI and in this spirit, I salute our NTUC stepping up to this call in rolling out the AI-Ready SG initiative. There are also sectoral AI playbooks for workers and businesses in the sectors that face the most disruption from AI. My concern, however, is that the take-up rate for such initiatives will not be as high as desired, given what we have seen with the SkillsFuture credits where many people left it to the final months, and even then, it was not fully taken up. What the NTUC is offering is very much needed, but we need to ensure that it reaches the workers who need it. Are there ways we can ensure that access to these AI resources is as easy and seamless as possible?”
“Many years have passed and I hope that time has allowed the Ministry of National Development (MND) to observe thoroughly the problems and possibly have a fresh perspective on possible solutions. Residents of Skyville at Dawson continue to suffer disturbances and nuisance caused by inconsiderate visitors to the roof and sky gardens at their HDB blocks, especially during the weekends, eve of festive seasons and public holidays. Excessive noise disturbances, smoking and drinking, urinating at staircase landings, litter and rubbish, obscene activities. These problems have not abated, even with the concerted efforts of our grassroots volunteers, the HDB, Town Council, the National Environment Agency (NEA) and the police, disamenities still persist. Hence, I appeal to MND once again, to reconsider my previous suggestions: install gantries for registration, install more closed circuit televisions (CCTVs) to monitor visitors and their activities, limit the number of visitors and require payment of a small fee to support the operations and cleaning of the sky gardens. Again, this is because every resident deserves to go home to a pleasant living environment. I understand that requests, if taken onboard, do take time. For example, the Government has confirmed that the EASE programme will be offered to seniors living in private estates from this April. I myself first raised this in Parliament back in 2016, nearly 10 years ago, and my fellow PAP MPs had also continued to raise this request over the years. You can imagine our great relief and joy that it has been taken up by the Government and is finally coming to fruition. Still on the topic of housing, I would like to talk a little about property taxes.”
“As the HDB Home Improvement Programme (HIP) takes place only twice during the span of the 99 years, residents are left waiting and are appealing for a more lasting and sustained solution to the myriad of problems affecting their blocks. To deal with the systemic deterioration of such HDB blocks, could the HDB review its HIP policy and consider an additional round of HIP which is more flexible in scope to take into account the specific issues faced by a particular HDB estate? It is important to rejuvenate problematic HDB blocks so that they remain good homes for our people and remain attractive enough for prospective buyers. If that cannot be done, I would like to call upon the Government, on behalf of my residents, such as our residents from Henderson Crescent, to grant their request for Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS). If there are no plans for SERS, can the Ministry review the criteria for Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS) on a case-by-case basis, depending on the particular condition of the blocks? This is not a request to help residents enjoy a windfall, but a request for every Singaporean to go home to a pleasant and liveable environment. Sometimes, homes become a source of distress because of disamenities. Most Singaporeans live in a compact environment, in close proximity with our neighbours. Hence, being part of a “we first” society, it is important to be considerate and be aware of our actions and behaviours on our neighbours and fellow Singaporeans. This next issue that I would like to raise is almost ad nauseam – the disamenities suffered by my residents of Skyville at Dawson. Unfortunately, some of the problems continue to persist and it is a reality that my residents continue to face, day in and day out.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, home is where our heart is and therefore, I am starting my speech on the Budget speech talking about our homes. It is so important to come home to a space where one can feel safe and rested. Our Housing and Development Board (HDB) projects are the pride of our nation. But more and more of our HDB blocks are also crossing the 50-year mark. It is good news indeed that we had managed to achieve a Budget surplus of over $15 billion for 2025. The surplus will be added to our reserves, where we can generate investment income streams that will contribute to our future Budgets. This money gives us the ability to plan for and secure our future with greater certainty. I will like to start with an appeal to the Government to invest more expeditiously in the rejuvenation of our older HDB estates. We have to ensure that our maintenance and replacement works can continue to uphold the standard and quality of our HDB housing. Buildings do not age uniformly. Some may suffer from more issues than others. When one has to deal with unexpected and recurring problems, such as water ingress, mould and spalling concrete, our homes can become sources of stress and anxiety instead. Take for example my residents at Henderson Crescent estate. Life at home can be stressful because they constantly have to watch out for leakages and check their ceilings and walls. They worry about the effect the persistent mould have on their health, especially the children and the elderly. The repairs also put a strain on their finances, especially for the elderly and families with lower incomes.”
“Thank you, Speaker and I thank the Minister. I have two clarifications for the Minister. I understand that there is a lot of support in kind in collaborating with our cross border counterparts to tackle fire hotspots, as the Minister mentioned. But how about some financial assistance for countries, if they require it? Second, whether these have been activated recently, in view of the very dry weather and windy conditions?”
“Whether information will be shared with the health authorities.”
“Thank you, Speaker, and the Senior Minister of State. I seek two clarifications from the Senior Minister of State on border health measures that have been stepped up in view of the disease outbreaks overseas. First, will these include updating the SG Arrival Card declarations required of arriving passengers in terms of prior travel destinations? I ask this because I checked the SG Arrival Card, and only Africa and Latin America are listed. My second clarification is whether this information will be shared with the health authorities for further monitoring.”
“With appropriate legislative amendments and officer training, could these existing touchpoints be utilised to identify non-compliant e-scooters during routine visits? This would expand enforcement capacity without creating a separate inspection regime. What safeguards will be implemented to protect residents' privacy while ensuring fire safety compliance? Will there be disposal programmes to encourage voluntary surrender? Fourth, speed limiters for heavy vehicles. I am gratified that the Government has decided to introduce a series of firm measures for speed limiters for heavy vehicles. These include increasing penalties for violations, including tampering. Since 2017, I had asked for speed limiters for motor vehicles in this House a few times. I hope we will be able to progress to higher-risk passenger cars to improve safety on our roads too. Finally, may I ask about speed limiters for foreign heavy vehicles on our roads? What are the regulations and enforcement measures for them? In conclusion, I seek the Minister's assurance that all these measures will be implemented with adequate support, clear timelines and proportionate enforcement. I support the Bill.”
“These measures harmonise public path and public transport regulations while addressing safety concerns, particularly for seniors and young children. However, enforcement effectiveness remains a question. Residents have shared that despite numerous feedback, uncertified and modified PMAs continue to be out and about. Could the Minister of State define what "good enforcement" will look like? Will LTA expand mobile closed-circuit television (CCTV) deployment beyond the current hotspot rotation? Will plainclothes operations increase in frequency and coverage? Public feedback suggests enforcement officers may be too conspicuous. Will LTA adopt more covert tactics to deter violations effectively? Sir, in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Residents have shared that despite feedback, uncertified and modified PMAs continue to be out and about. Could the Minister of State explain what "good enforcement" will look like? Will LTA expand CCTV deployment beyond the current hotspot rotation? Will plainclothes officers’ operations increase in frequency and coverage? Public feedback suggests enforcement officers may be too conspicuous. Will LTA adopt more covert tactics to deter violations effectively? (In English): Third, ban on keeping non-UL2272 e-scooters. Prohibiting the possession of non-compliant e-scooters will greatly enhance fire safety in our residential estates. However, enforcement of this "keeping" offence raises practical questions. How will authorities detect possession within private homes without infringing on privacy? Could the Government consider leveraging existing home visit programs? Officers are currently already doing inspections.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, I rise in support of the Bill's objectives to enhance safety for all path users and road users. However, I would like to seek clarifications from the Minister of State on several implementation matters that will affect our residents and businesses. First, medical certification for PMAs. The new regulation requiring valid medical certification for mobility scooters is necessary. It addresses legitimate public concerns about misuse by able-bodied individuals and preserves these devices for those with genuine mobility challenges. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] However, I ask the Minister of State to consider a special category of users who may fall into a grey area. They are delivery riders who may not meet strict medical certification criteria but have genuine mobility problems that make cycling or walking long distances very difficult. In 2019, when e-scooters were banned from footpaths, approximately 7,000 delivery riders were affected. Recognising the impact on livelihoods, the Government provided a $7 million transition assistance package. Today, delivery platforms acknowledge that a portion of their riders rely on PMAs. The Government had expressed its commitment to inclusivity for riders with mobility challenges. Would the Minister of State clarify if there will be transition support for affected riders? What constitutes mobility issues sufficient for certification? Must it be a diagnosed medical condition, or can occupational factors be considered? For riders performing physically demanding work who experience joint pain or fatigue but lack formal diagnoses, is there recourse? Second, dimension limits, speed limits and enforcement. I fully support the new dimension limits and speed limits for PMAs.”
“Thank you, Speaker and Senior Minister of State. I have two clarifications for the Senior Minister of State. First, could the Ministry provide additional grants and support, including on a longer-term basis, for smaller drinks producers to help defray the costs of complying with the scheme? Second, would the Ministry consider waiving the requirement to have the deposit mark after the transition period, given that there should be sufficient public awareness by then and retailers no longer need to distinguish products with and without the 10-cent deposit?”
“Besides closing the courts and switching lights off earlier, signs remind players to be considerate and keep noise down, and town councils encourage the use of quieter sports equipment. While these ground-up responses are commendable, as we expand facilities under the Sports Facilities Master Plan, we must proactively design for noise mitigation and considerate use. This means incorporating acoustic buffers and scheduling guidelines into design and fostering a culture of mutual respect between players and residents. SportSG's new mandate to establish codes of practice for equipment and facilities must ensure that embedded noise management standards into facility design and operation are included from the outset. I would also like to use this opportunity to call out the urgency for other important sports facilities, like an Olympic-sized ice rink, which Singapore has not had for a number of years. Our ice hockey and ice-skating athletes have had to go for their trainings in neighbouring countries. Not only that, such a facility will encourage more young people to explore their talents in ice sports and provide a fun place for families to enjoy and stay active. I would like to call upon our Government to prioritise the provision of such a facility. In conclusion, this Bill embodies a balanced, inclusive vision for sport in Singapore. It recognises that sport serves multiple purposes: first, keeping seniors cognitively engaged; second, connecting with youth through formats they find meaningful; third, creating viable career pathways for athletes and coaches; and fourth, providing accessible, flexible facilities in every neighbourhood. This will encourage all residents, young and old, to participate meaningfully in our sporting culture. I support the Bill.”
“Second, the consolidation of Singapore Sports School and the High Performance Sport Institute into a single entity enhances end-to-end service delivery across the youth and senior athlete spectrum. The new model signals holistic support through education, career transitions and life after sport. Would the Minister share in greater detail the measures to support athletes in their lives after their sports career end? Third, recognition of e-sports and mind sports creates entirely new career paths. The e-sports sector generates jobs for software developers, graphic designers, event managers, marketing specialists, casters and production crews. Would the Government be able to consider introducing training schemes to develop talents in this sector? Fourth, expanding flexible sports facilities while managing disamenities. Last, infrastructure. Under the Sports Facilities Master Plan, SportSG aims to provide most Singaporeans with affordable sport facilities within a 10-minute walk of their homes by around 2030. This is not merely about convenience, it is about removing barriers to participation and embedding sports into the daily community life. However, expanding access must be balanced with residents' quality of life. For example, the rise of pickleball illustrates the tension vividly. There were many complaints about pickleball noise in Housing and Development Board (HDB) estates. Residents, especially night shift workers, have reported being disturbed by the distinctive sound of pickleball. There have also been complaints by residents living in the proximity of other sports facilities, such as basketball courts. Our town councils have responded pragmatically.”
“E-sports represents a particularly significant opportunity. It is a growing sector that commands massive audiences. Formal recognition matters deeply to young Singaporeans, including those who excel in e-sports. It signals that their passions are valued, that pathways exist for excellence and that representing Singapore at the SEA Games and Asian Games, where e-sports has been a medal event since 2019 and 2023 respectively, is a legitimate national aspiration and not simply a hobby. The much-needed formal acknowledgment will pave the way for funding their training and participation at regional and international competitions, enabling them to hone their skills. The attractive prize rewards will make their pursuits a viable sporting career, like other more traditional sports. Third, uplifting professionalism by making sport a viable career. One of the most important component of this Bill is to uplift the professionalism of sport and make it a viable, long-term career option for Singaporeans. Official recognition provides athletes with support and development pathways. For Singapore to build a vibrant sports ecosystem, we must signal clearly that sports, in all its forms, can be a credible, sustainable career. Our talented athletes need more financial and institutional support to attain excellence in order to pursue sports professionally. I am heartened that this Bill aims to addresses that gap through three key mechanisms. However, I seek some clarifications, too. First, the Bill empowers SportSG to establish and maintain quality standards and codes of practice for coaching, equipment and facilities, supported by accreditation systems. I would like to ask, what is the Ministry's strategy to attract talented coaches to Singapore?”
“They are activities that all can enjoy and have fun playing, regardless of age or physical abilities. This accessibility is transformative as it allows for greater inclusivity. Unlike many physical sports that require certain fitness levels or mobility, mind sports can engage seniors competitively while delivering measurable cognitive, mental and social benefits. For seniors, the benefits of mind sports extend beyond recreation. Research consistently shows that cognitively engaging activities, like chess, reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline. Mind sports foster social connection, reduce isolation and provide structured competitive outlets that build community. Could the Ministry consider making it a goal to tap on mind sports to support active ageing objectives, by providing more avenues and opportunities for our seniors to remain mentally active as well? How will SportSG leverage mind sports to engage seniors and foster inter-generational bonding? Sir, in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] For seniors, the benefits of mind sports extend beyond recreation. Research shows that cognitively engaging activities like chess reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Mind sports foster social connection, reduce isolation, and provide competitive outlets that build community. Could the Ministry consider making it a goal to tap on mind sports to support active ageing objectives, by providing more opportunities for our seniors to remain mentally active as well? How will SportSG leverage mind sports to engage seniors and foster inter-generational bonding? (In English): Second, engaging our youths through an evolving sports scene. Our youths are active in an ever-evolving sports scene.”
“Mr Speaker, the proposed amendments in this Bill will help Singaporeans from all walks of life lead a more active lifestyle for better mental and physical health. The Bill will also enhance our current system and framework to support and boost the performance standards for our athletes. I will focus on four aspects: first, supporting active ageing through mind sports; second, engaging youths through e-sports; third, professionalising sport as a career; and last, expanding flexible sports spaces while managing residents' needs. First, engaging our seniors through active ageing and mind sports. Singapore's rapidly ageing population requires innovative approaches to keep our seniors active, engaged and cognitively healthy. As SportSG continues to expand physical fitness activities under ActiveSG programming, how will the Ministry ensure that the needs and aspirations of our increasing number of seniors are sufficiently catered for? I commend the great work on offering free workout classes in the community, including many senior-friendly classes, such as "Gold" Zumba or the "Lite" version of KpopX, which are very well-received by my residents. I hope that the funding for this will continue in the long term as it has gotten many seniors to remain active and form social bonds. I would like to ask if there would be specific funding allocations, training and recruitment of coaches with better understanding of the physical needs and constraints of older men and women to continually deliver on fitness programmes suitable for our seniors? This Bill recognises mind sports, such as chess, bridge, weiqi and xiangqi, which are very much enjoyed by both our young and our seniors. Mind sports provide participants with intellectual stimulation and social interaction.”
“The Bill currently limits data sharing to public sector entities – AIC, healthcare clusters and public agencies. Over time, private community healthcare partners, nursing homes and home care providers should be included, subject to governance and data protection safeguards. Sir, to meet the objectives of this Bill – "One Patient, One Health Summary, One Care Journey" and "A Community of Health” – small practices need support to participate meaningfully. Equally, community partners need active Ministry support to fulfil their role in continuity of care. I look forward to the Minister's response. I support the Bill.”
“The second aspect for a successful implementation calls for strengthened support for community partners to ensure seamless continuity of care across our healthcare ecosystem. We must ensure that data sharing between healthcare providers and community partners supports smooth continuity of care, particularly as patients transition from acute hospital settings to community care options. Implementation requires operational readiness and active Ministry support for community partners. Would MOH share what technical and operational support will be provided to community partners? Community care organisations – Active Ageing Centres, voluntary welfare organisations, befriending services – often lack the IT infrastructure and data governance expertise to receive, safely store and use health information securely. Would MOH extend support packages beyond healthcare providers to include community partners, funding secure data systems, staff training and compliance with data security requirements? Sir, in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Would MOH share what technical and operational support will be provided to community partners? Community care organisations – Active Ageing Centres, volunteer welfare organisations, befriending services – often lack the IT infrastructure and data governance expertise to receive, safely store and use health information securely. Would MOH extend support packages beyond healthcare providers to include community partners, funding secure data systems, staff training and compliance with data security requirements? (In English): Next, I would like to ask if MOH has a timeline for the sharing of non-NEHR health information with the private and community healthcare partners. This is necessary for seamless care continuity.”
“Will funding be provided upfront or reimbursed retrospectively? Small practices operate on tight cash flow and cannot afford to frontload substantial IT investments without certainty of reimbursement. Would MOH publish clear funding guidelines, eligibility criteria and the application timeline before the Bill takes effect from early 2027? Second, would MOH extend implementation support beyond technology to operational capacity? While NEHR-compatible systems address the technical dimension, the administrative burden of data entry, staff training and compliance monitoring remains substantial. Small GP clinics often lack administrative staff dedicated solely to data management. I propose that MOH explore small clinics jointly hiring and sharing data entry staff through collaborative arrangements or tapping on some form of shared resources. For example, MOH could facilitate or fund shared service models where three to five GP clinics in the same geographical cluster jointly employ a trained data coordinator who rotates between clinics, ensuring accurate and timely NEHR contribution, conducting staff training and maintaining compliance with cybersecurity protocols. Third, would MOH consider a calibrated enforcement framework that accounts for clinic size and capacity? The Bill appropriately provides that MOH work with healthcare providers to resolve non-compliance, such as technical challenges leading to non-contribution, before issuing formal directions or penalties. However, enforcement must be differentiated. I hope that there could be special considerations given, for example, cases where it is a single-doctor clinic with two nurses should not be held to the same compliance timeline as a multi-site group practice with dedicated IT infrastructure.”
“Mr Speaker, the HIB is necessary for Singapore to transition to an integrated, community-based healthcare ecosystem. There are two aspects which I find essential for successful implementation that I wish to spotlight. First, there is to be comprehensive onboarding support for GPs, including innovative shared staffing arrangements for small clinics; and second, I would like to call for strengthened support for community partners to ensure seamless continuity of care across our healthcare ecosystem. To achieve "One Patient, One Health Summary, One Care Journey", our GPs, particularly those operating small, independent practices, need adequate support to participate sustainably. While most primary care clinics are already contributing to the NEHR, this figure masks significant challenges faced by small practitioners. Stakeholder feedback had indicated that GP clinics and smaller healthcare organisations are worried about meeting cybersecurity and data security requirements as they have limited resources and administrative capacity. This is a valid concern as the burden falls on them to maintain cyber and data security. This is an ongoing challenge, even for well-resourced organisations globally. Unlike large hospital groups with dedicated IT departments and compliance teams, small GP clinics often operate with minimal administrative staff, tight margins and practitioners who are clinicians first, not IT specialists. The clinics' concerns are understandable. Hence, I would like to seek three clarifications from the Minister. First, would the Ministry elaborate on the scope and quantum of funding support? It would be helpful for the GPs to have more details. What is the maximum funding quantum per clinic? Does it cover hardware, software, training and ongoing maintenance?”
“Thank you, Speaker. I have two questions for the Minister. First, this matter has been very long running. I am glad that the Government is making efforts to bring this chapter to a close. The Minister said that the Government intends to conclude its plan for the site, "well within this term of Government." Can the Minister provide more clarity on the timeline moving forward? In terms of: the possible acquisition, further study needed to be done and the Government's final decision. My second question, I understand that one of the possible outcomes for 38 Oxley Road is to turn it into a heritage park. While we understand that further study and planning have yet to be conducted, would the Minister be able to share the following and I have got the following points. First, how this may look like? The second point is, if residents in the immediate vicinity be one of the parties who will be consulted, but I think just now Minister did mention that they will be consulted, so I thank Minister for that. My third point, Oxley is a very narrow road and there is a lot of illegal parking in the surrounding condominiums too. So, I would like to know if any potential impact to the traffic parking and congestion of the surrounding areas be seriously studied and considered as well.”
“(In English): Second, tripartite partners, unions, employer associations, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), TAFEP should continue their education and outreach to ensure that the transition is smooth and that smaller firms are supported. Third, employers should proactively review and strengthen their internal grievance handling procedures, provide training for managers and staff, and encourage a culture of openness and fairness. I know that this does not happen overnight, but it is in the interests of the company to do so. Fourth, I hope that the Government devotes some resources to monitor how the entire regime works in practice: examining the average time to resolution, cost to parties, outcomes and whether the mediation-first approach is achieving the harmony and fairness objectives intended. In addition, while the Bill aims to prevent abuse of the system, the safeguards for employers against unmerited claims could be a barrier to employees seeking redress. Some employees may be worried that they will have to go through a longer and more onerous process than simply sending a complaint to the authorities. What is the Ministry's assessment of this issue? I urge businesses to view this legislation as an opportunity, not simply as a compliance burden, but as a catalyst for better workplaces, where employees feel respected and empowered, where both sides can focus on what matters most and that is doing good work together.”
“With the certainty offered by this piece of legislation, employers now have a clearer framework for setting up grievance mechanisms, conducting fair employment practices, understanding what constitutes adverse employment decisions. As the Bill prioritises internal resolution and mediation, employers have the opportunity to resolve disputes internally or at early stages rather than getting right into expensive, possibly protracted litigation. This helps preserve employer-employee relationships, maintain morale and reduce the risk of reputational damage. I wanted to just highlight some potential practicalities that may be faced by employees and employers as this is being rolled out. To realise the full potential of this Bill, we need to address the following issues. First, employees and jobseekers should be aware of their rights and the processes available to them and feel empowered to raise concerns without fear of retaliation. Employees may not be aware of their rights or may be unfamiliar with the process. Will the Ministry be planning to raise their awareness and educate them on the steps they need to take, such as keeping records and evidence of discriminatory practices? Sir, in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Employees and jobseekers should be aware of their rights and the processes available to them, and feel empowered to raise concerns without fear of retaliation. Employees may not be aware of their rights or may be unfamiliar with the process. Will the Ministry be planning to raise their awareness and educate them on the steps they need to take, such as keeping records and evidence of discriminatory practices?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, this Bill is an important development in our workplace management framework. In today's context, whereby labour is globally mobile and the workplace has essentially become borderless, the competition between economies for jobs is now much more intense. It is now far harder to strike a balance between the needs and interests of employers and employees, especially for a small country with a globally-connected economy like Singapore. I am standing in support of this Bill because it is an important Bill that aligns Singapore's labour legislation with that of global peers and provides much-needed clarity for companies that choose to operate here. As a business-friendly environment, we have to understand that employers need clarity, flexibility and certainty so that they can continue to innovate and compete without undue fear of litigation or disruption. The Bill sends an important message: that discrimination has never been and will never be tolerated in our workplaces. Employees will have more certainty and confidence that decisions around hiring, promotion, training and termination will be based on merit. Those who believe they have been unfairly treated now have clearer and more accessible recourse avenues. The internal grievance process helps ensure that matters can be raised within the firm. The mediation-first approach means that disputes can be resolved in a less adversarial manner and allows for the possibility that some semblance of relationship can be preserved. This is also in line with what is commonly known as "not burning bridges". I hope that employers will view this new development positively and understand that the legislation is helping them to build stronger teams and healthier, more engaged workplaces.”
“Deterrence must be robust and past experience with loan shark harassment shows – caning is effective in reducing recalcitrant crime. While the punishment is severe, the harm caused to victims – whose lives are often ruined – justifies the tough response. However, cross-border cooperation is still very important in the enforcement of these laws, in order to bring the criminals to justice. (In English): Mr Speaker, the amendments before us today make our laws more relevant, responsive and robust in the face of new threats. I support the Bill, even as I urge for continued vigilance, including in victim support, clarity for bullying cases and stronger protection for public servants, in the age of ease of doxxing.”
“A new offence targets the disclosure of a public servant's identity accompanied by a falsehood, when intended to prevent or deter the discharge of their duties. This recognises that false narratives can rapidly undermine confidence in public institutions and make it difficult for public servants to perform their jobs. Finally, I support the revision of caning penalties, especially the landmark move to introduce caning for scams and scam-related offences. In the past five years, scams have shattered lives and torn families apart, with Singaporeans losing billions of dollars. This pain extends far beyond financial loss. Some victims feel so desperate that they resort to tragic ends. Families are broken by trust betrayed, and savings painstakingly built over lifetimes are wiped out in a moment. Mandatory caning for scammers and syndicate members, and discretionary caning for so-called "mules" will send an unequivocal signal: Singapore will not tolerate those who prey on our people, be it from behind a keyboard or through sophisticated networks. Deterrence must be robust and, as past experience with loan shark harassment shows, caning is effective in reducing recalcitrant crime. While the punishment is severe, the harm caused to victims, whose lives are often ruined, justifies the tough response. However, cross-border cooperation is still very important in the enforcement of these laws, in order to bring the criminals to justice. Sir, in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Mandatory caning for scammers and syndicate members, and discretionary caning for so-called "mules" will send an unequivocal signal: Singapore will not tolerate those who prey on our people, be it from behind a keyboard or through sophisticated networks.”
“The amendments also seek to deal with the risks of synthetic, AI-generated intimate images, including "deepfakes" and computer-generated child abuse materials under our criminal laws. These images, though not constructed from real photographs, are equally harmful and can devastate reputations and cause emotional damage. The law must remain ahead of technology and this amendment sends a strong deterrent message to would-be offenders that "virtual" crimes are, in fact, very real, with equally real and painful penalties. It would also reinforce what our society considers to be obscene. While these are laudable steps, I would urge the Government to pay closer attention to bullying cases, in situations where it could entail the distribution of intimate images of minors, which can be weaponised as a form of sexualised bullying. While legal deterrence is very important, the penalties imposed on the perpetrators are by themselves not able to help support the recovery of the victims or to cope with the aftermath of the bullying attacks. Therefore, I hope that there will be clear guidelines and robust victim support systems to protect the vulnerable young victims. The Bill introduces stronger measures to deter harassment, doxxing and the making of false allegations against public servants, recognising the negative impact these acts have on public officers and, by extension, public confidence in our institutions. No longer must the victim prove harassment, alarm or distress. Intent to harass is enough and this is a much needed strengthening of deterrence without placing undue burden on the doxxing victim to prove that they had suffered.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Bill which seeks to future-proof and strengthen our criminal justice framework, particularly in response to emerging threats involving technology, public safety and organised crime. I would like to speak on three areas today: sexual offences, protection of public servants and the revision of caning penalties, including for scams. First, I applaud the Ministry's move to update sexual offences to protect our people, especially the young and the vulnerable, in an ever-evolving digital landscape. The amendments proposed have been designed to be able to factor in future developments and trends in technology and social media. The Bill proposes enhanced penalties for the sale, distribution or large-scale electronic circulation of obscene objects, particularly those depicting minors, with the age threshold also being raised from 16 to 18. These amendments bring us in line with international standards and are crucial to allow us to respond to cases like the SG Nasi Lemak Telegram group, which saw thousands exposed to such harmful material. Importantly, the amendments make it clear that consensual and private sharing of intimate images between adults will not be criminalised, reaffirming the law's focus on protecting, but not policing citizens' private lives. While this is the case, I hope that people continue to be careful about who they share their intimate content with, especially in the face of potential love scams or even blackmail, amongst other possibilities for abuse or misuse. I would also like to suggest that such potential harms are addressed in sex education classes in schools.”
“] While CareShield Life helps to defray the costs of long-term care, Singaporeans will have to continue to ensure that they have enough savings or funding sources to afford the type of long-term care that they need and not assume that the insurance scheme will take care of everything. I hope that the Government can consider raising public awareness about the types of costs that are associated with long term care, and the kinds of support that are available. (In English): In conclusion, Mr Speaker, CareShield Life's long-term sustainability faces challenges from our ageing population, rising care costs and the limited coverage relative to actual expenses. Continued Government oversight and actuarial reviews will be essential to maintaining a balance between the adequacy of benefits and the affordability of premiums over the coming decades.”
“I understand that this enhancement will be reviewed after 2030, but it will be difficult to imagine that premiums will not continue to rise. I am assured by the Government's commitment of over $570 million in additional premium support to offset more than 30% of the premium increase over the next five years. These Government subsidies for the premiums, especially for the lower-income groups, enhance affordability and ensure majority participation in the scheme. I am also glad to note that the Government has reiterated that no one will lose coverage due to their inability to pay their premiums. I would like to ask the Minister, beyond the next five years of insurance premium support, what are the Government's plans to continue to ensure that CareShield Life remains affordable for our people in the face of rising premiums? CareShield Life is designed to provide basic financial support and reduce out-of-pocket expenses should an insured develop severe disability and need long-term care. For people that have to make a claim under CareShield Life, there could be other costs that cannot be fully covered by CareShield Life payouts, especially if they did not purchase a CareShield Life supplementary plan. In effect, while CareShield Life helps to defray the costs of long-term care, Singaporeans will have to continue to ensure that they have enough savings or funding sources to afford the type of long-term care that they need and not assume that the insurance scheme will take care of everything. I hope that the Government can consider raising public awareness about the types of costs that are associated with long-term care and the kinds of support that are available to them. Mr Speaker, in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.”
“Mr Speaker, I would like to begin with stating my support for the amendments proposed in this Bill, which are aimed at enhancing the sustainability and equitability of the CareShield Life scheme. As our national insurance scheme for severe disabilities above the age of 30, CareShield Life plays an important role in helping to defray the costs of long-term care, having evolved from the ElderShield scheme from earlier days. As part of the enhancements, the planned underwriting criteria for Optional Cohorts born before 1980 will be reinstated. This will mean that persons with existing disabilities born before 1980 will not be able to join the scheme. But when we look at the bigger picture, this will help with reducing the uncertainty when the actuaries are calculating the premiums and thereby reducing the extent of premium increases for everyone in the Optional Cohorts. I am heartened to know that there will be other long-term care subsidies and grants available to them, such as the Home Caregiving Grant. I would like to call upon the Government to continue to monitor the situation for persons in the Optional Cohorts to ensure that they are able to afford the long-term care that they need. I would also like to ask if the Government has data on the percentage of this group who has made other plans to pay for the provision of long-term care, such as private insurance, and whether these plans are deemed sufficient. It is crucial that CareShield Life remains financially viable and sustainable. I can understand that the proposed annual increase in both payout growth rate and premiums from 2026 to 2030 can help to ensure that the scheme keeps pace with inflation and rising care costs.”
“However, for buses, this is not available except at the bus interchanges and bus drivers have to focus on driving the bus safely, navigating traffic conditions and looking after the safety of all passengers on board. We have also had cases where the bus driver's own personal safety was threatened by violence. Therefore, while bus drivers are often in the first line when it comes to delinquent behaviours on buses, we must remember not to add on to the stresses of their jobs. With enforcement powers now available, I hope that the Ministry will continue to prioritise the safety of our bus drivers as well, as this is being rolled out. Would we also be expecting more enforcement officers being deployed along bus routes as a result, or if bus drivers will be able to call for assistance from quick response teams if required? Sir, in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] With enforcement powers are now available, I hope that the Ministry will continue to prioritise the safety of our bus drivers as this policy is being rolled out. We hope more enforcement officers will be deployed along bus routes so that our bus drivers will be able to call for assistance from quick response teams if required. (In English): In addition to enforcement powers and penalties, I also believe that continued public education will help to serve as a reminder to all to exercise considerate and gracious behaviours on public transport. I hope that the Ministry will consider putting up such reminders on social media, radio stations, television, on buses and at interchanges to reinforce such messaging. I would like to conclude with my support for the Bill.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I welcome the proposed amendments to the Bill. In particular, I would like to express my support for the alignment of enforcement powers against delinquent passenger behaviour for buses and trains, which I will focus my speech on. Buses are an integral part of our public transport system, complementing our MRT. To encourage more people to use our buses and help reduce the demand for private vehicles, the conduct of fellow passengers play a very important role. Mutual respect and considerate behaviour improve the travelling experience on our buses and help ensure safe, reliable and enjoyable journeys. Most passengers are mindful and cooperative, but we need to guard against potentially dangerous and disruptive behaviours on our public transport systems. Empowering our transportation teams, security and police officers through legislation is a fundamental step and will provide the necessary support for enforcement. In addition to legislative backing, transport officers should also be offered robust training on how to enforce the law fairly and sensitively. I would like to call for special attention to be given to how our officers will be trained to handle vulnerable commuters, such as the elderly, persons with disabilities or those with mental health challenges. There are also some important differences that may make addressing delinquent passengers a greater challenge on buses than on MRT trains. For example, all MRT trains will stop at MRT stations that are staffed by transport officers on duty, and have CCTVs and other safety features in place.”
“To build a united and resilient Singapore, we have to be inclusive and caring, respectful of differences in diversity and united in core values. Every child who falls through the cracks, every elderly person who dies alone, every caregiver who burns out is a reminder of work yet to be done. Similarly, every neighbour who helps another, every volunteer who steps forward, every employer who provides a second chance, is a sign of the better Singapore that we are building together. Sir, in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Mr Speaker, securing Singapore's future lies not in grand slogans, but as our President puts it, in everyday deeds and actions, like little acts of kindness: helping an elderly neighbour with groceries; guiding a child in need; and lending a hand in crisis. These are encounters that strengthen our social compact and build a "we first" society. In closing, allow me to reiterate our first principles. To build a united and resilient Singapore, we have to be inclusive and caring, respectful of differences in diversity and be united in core values. Every child who falls through the cracks, every elderly person who dies alone, every caregiver who burns out, is a reminder of work that is yet to be done. Similarly, every neighbour who helps another, every volunteer who steps forward, every employer who provides a second chance, is a sign of the better Singapore that we are building together.”
“Our Community Development Councils (CDCs), Social Service Offices (SSOs) and grassroots organisations must continue to be strongly supported to work closely with ground-up groups and volunteers. Policies must enable not only professional help, but also "kampung"-style initiatives and mutual aid. One example where multiple stakeholders came together to try to solve a long-running problem is the Skyville@Dawson sky gardens. For years, residents have been putting up with the disamenities of noisy and inconsiderate visitors who litter, smoke, urinate and cause disturbances even in the wee hours. Volunteers, despite feeling burnout, continue with patrols, even as we continue to engage with HDB, the Town Council, Residents' Committees, NEA, the Police and other Government agencies. Unfortunately, the disamenities continued and we sought to present alternative solutions which have been proven effective in other sky gardens, such as the Pinnacle @ Duxton. When problems remain unsolved and proposals are not accepted, it is not surprising for my residents to feel disappointed. You may recall that in 2022, I moved an Adjournment Motion in this very House to explore solutions on how we can better manage our common spaces in housing estates. I will not hesitate to speak up for my residents if I feel that more can be done. Securing Singapore's future lies not in grand slogans, but as our President put it, in everyday deeds and action, like little acts of kindness; helping an elderly neighbour with groceries; guiding a child in need; and lending a hand in crisis. These are the encounters that strengthen our social compact and build a "we first" society. In closing, allow me to reiterate our first principles.”