Kwek Hian Chuan Henry
Singapore
“Deputy Speaker, Sir, I thank the Minister of State for this comprehensive response. I would like to check whether MND is open to providing more funding to AVS. Ten years ago, I made a speech on NParks, and I noted then that NParks' annual budget is less than half of that of an acute care hospital.”
“Chairman, I have three short clarifications. Given that condominium prices and wages have risen over time, can MND share a timeframe or timeline when the income ceiling review will be concluded? Is it in a matter of months, or is it when some threshold conditions are met?”
“Chairman, I thank MND for responding to our cuts and I seek leave to withdraw my amendments. [(proc text) Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. (proc text)] [(proc text) The sum of $8,640,058,800 for Head T ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates.”
“Our Public Service Media companies are our national assets. I hope MDDI can share how it plans to secure our future. I notice I have 18 more seconds, so I want to add in a final point. I noted we are asking MDDI to do a lot of cybersecurity, national Public Service Media on IT services and AI development.”
“As the Bill empowers OSC to identify users and disclose that information to purported victims, what safeguards are there to prevent misuse of that disclosed data for reverse doxxing? In closing, Speaker, Sir, this Bill makes our online space safer, especially for our youths.”
“Mr Speaker, I support this Bill and the suite of changes it makes. Given its breadth, I will focus my remarks on three areas: one, tackling global scams and online crimes while protecting innovation; two, a calibrated approach to accountability for 14-to-17-year-olds; and three, improving proportionality by resolving the inflexibility of…”
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“Chairman, in previous Budgets, COS debates and Parliamentary Questions (PQs), I have spoken about whether the Government can do more regarding the high prices of motorcycle COEs. High demand, like what my Parliamentary colleagues have just mentioned, is one of the reasons. Another possible reason is that over the years, there was a reduction of the percentage of total COEs used by motorcycles. And this is because a portion of motorcycle COEs were converted previously into Open Category COEs, even though motorists rarely used the Open Category COEs for motorcycles. I previously asked for MOT to consider stopping this transfer to Open Category and for a greater proportion of COEs to be allocated to motorcycles over time, with an eye of restoring the original ratio of motorcycle versus non-motorcycle COEs. MOT has responded then by stopping the transfer to Open Category, which was helpful to moderate motorcycle COE prices then. In view of the current prices of motorcycle COEs, is there more that MOT can do and possibly increase the number of COEs for motorcycles? Active Mobility and Cycling Network”
“COVID-19 has exacerbated the challenges in municipal service delivery, with manpower constraints even more binding, especially over the past two years. Because more Singaporeans are working from home, we see a significant increase in the use of common area within our estates as well as increased disputes among neighbours. We also see heightened expectations from our residents with regard to cleanliness standards. With our Government's digitalisation effort, Singaporeans also expect timely and comprehensive responses from MSO's app. All these conditions create considerable challenges for MSO despite all the hard work and resources that MSO has already committed to keeping our estates clean. As we enter the endemic phase of living with the virus, what are MSO's plans to ensure that municipal services are efficient and resident-centric? Neighbour Disputes”
“Chairman, COVID-19 has posed significant challenges to the construction industry over the last two years. The industry appreciates the tremendous support that MND has provided since the start of the pandemic. With the Omicron variant, the construction industry continues to face challenges. Can MND provide an update on the help provided to the construction industry thus far, especially on the progress of replenishing the sector's foreign manpower, the availability of bank financing, especially for subcontractors, as well as MND's current assessment of where the sector is heading? Can MND also share on how the Government can, together with the various built sector trade associations and chambers, continue to help our industry overcome the challenges from COVID-19? Built Sector Manpower Adjustments COVID-19 has highlighted the pressing need to reduce our reliance on low-skilled foreign manpower. At the same time, digitisation and automation can significantly help us transform our industry. For example, digitisation allows players to better coordinate and, therefore, increasing efficiency. The automation of construction techniques also promotes the use of technology on site, as well as the pre-fabrication and modularisation of construction methodologies. More importantly, digitisation and automation may create jobs that appeal to Singaporeans. Can MND share on the measures that the Government will take to build a more resilient and manpower-lean built sector, as well as to encourage further localisation of jobs in the sector? Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction”
“Chairman, many Singaporean seniors prefer to age-in-place. Our high housing density, in both the HDB and private estates, affords Singapore the chance to create excellent age-in-place conditions. We can create a strong eco-system of well-integrated, affordable and high-quality private assisted-living and home-based healthcare services. This is an issue that many of my colleagues and I from PAP care deeply about. We do so because we believe that doing so will help our seniors and their caregivers. Doing so will minimise the cost associated with ageing. To create this ecosystem, we must create a strong vision, build common physical infrastructure, provide a digitalised services platform and create a suitable financing framework, as well as to put in place effective regulations and standards. Does MND have plans to guide or promote the development of private assisted living options for residents staying in both the HDB and private estates?”
“Chairman, during last year's debate, I spoke about the importance of Singapore building a world-class carbon trading ecosystem so that we can use high-quality carbon offsets to help us exceed our NDC. I also recently spoke about the importance of promoting carbon accounting/auditing services, as well as the importance of influencing the direction of global regulations. As such, I commend Singapore's new net-zero ambitions and our efforts to shape Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Can MSE explain on the specifics on how these globally traded carbon credits can help us reach net-zero? I also hope that we can, if we use globally traded carbon credits, source for credits from many, rather than a few countries, because sourcing diversity also builds resilience for Singapore. Also, I hope carbon credits will supplement, rather than replace our local efforts to improve energy efficiency, import and generate green energy, and adopt mitigation technology, such as Carbon Capture and Sequestration. So, in sum, can MSE share more about our thoughts on how to best balance Singapore-based efforts versus the purchase of overseas carbon credits? Revised Carbon Tax”
“Chairman, the unending civil war in Myanmar is nothing short of a humanitarian disaster. Singaporeans are rightfully concerned because of our relationships with the people of Myanmar and our business ties with Myanmar. At the same time, how ASEAN responds to the civil war in Myanmar is also a major test for ASEAN. ASEAN countries will need to balance our deeply-held belief of non-interference in the affairs of member states, with our natural instincts of encouraging conditions of peace and stability not just among ASEAN nations, but also within ASEAN nations. As such, can MFA provide an update on the ASEAN response to Myanmar?”
“Chairman, our bilateral relations with our Southeast Asian (SEA) neighbours, as well as their relations with one another, are of paramount importance to us. Firstly, Southeast Asia, through ASEAN, has maintained peace among the nations, creating conditions for peaceful development for all. Secondly, the collective heft of SEA under ASEAN, allows us to come together to negotiate with the major powers. Thirdly, SEA remains a key engine of growth for Singapore because (a) SEA, collectively, has a large and relatively young population, as well as a large and growing middle class; (b) SEA remains committed to free trade and regional integration; and (c) the ASEAN Economic Community, which all SEA nations are part of, could rise from being the seventh-largest economy today to becoming the fourth largest by 2030. Given the importance of our immediate region, can MFA provide an update on our relations with our Southeast Asian neighbours? Relations with Malaysia”
“Mr Chairman, for the past 55 years, NSmen have been a pillar of Singapore's defence – in fact, a key pillar. It is important for us not to take our NSmen's contributions to our nation's security for granted. Instead, we should seek to recognise their contributions, and work continually to improve the NS system so that every National Serviceman has a fulfilling and meaningful NS experience. Members before me have welcomed the formation of the NS Review Committee (NSRC) in 2020 which seeks to examine ways to enrich the NS experience and maximise the potential of every National Serviceman. I echo these words of support and look forward to hearing MINDEF's updates on what changes are being made. Beyond this, could MINDEF please provide an update on the Committee's recommendations on future areas for review within the NS system? Training Safety in NS”
“Mr Chairman, I would like to ask MINDEF about the implications of the Defence Cooperation Agreement with Indonesia for Singapore and for SAF. The Prime Minister recently visited Indonesia for the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders’ Retreat hosted by Indonesian President Jokowi. Not only was the Retreat significant because it was the first Retreat since the COVID-19 pandemic, it was also successful in that it saw the signing of three sets of agreements that addressed longstanding bilateral issues under the ambit of the Expanded Framework. I am heartened by the good progress that we have made in advancing our bilateral interests in issues, such as the Flight Information Region, extradition and military training, especially following the long-drawn discussions and negotiations on these issues, which started back in 1995. One of the three agreements signed was a Joint Statement on the 2007 Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) and its Implementation Arrangement between SAF and the Indonesian National Defence Forces for the Military Training Area in Indonesia. What does the DCA with Indonesia mean for Singapore, MINDEF and SAF? Regional Security Cooperation”
“I welcome the efforts to build the Next-Generation SAF, as MINDEF and SAF first announced in 2019. It is timely and necessary that SAF harnesses technology to respond better to security threats. Could the Minister for Defence update the House on the progress of the transformation efforts towards the Next-Generation SAF? Unmanned Technology”
“Mr Chairman, Russia's invasion of Ukraine and, with it, a new world order, is unfolding before our very eyes. There are many lessons that we can draw from the new reality. A strong SAF is vital in deterring potential aggressors and in protecting Singapore's peace and stability. We cannot expect others to shed blood for us. Therefore, we must work hard to build the Next-Generation SAF and stay ahead of rapidly changing defence and warfare. For example, with the rapid evolution of technology, interstate conflict may no longer manifest in conventional physical or kinetic modes. Conflict could instead be conducted through grey zone tactics below the threshold of war, or through attacks in the cyber and digital domains, where most of us now live and work following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. And even as the domains and modalities for conflict continue to expand and grow, existing threats to our peace and security, such as terrorism, remain salient. I also recognise the importance of SAF ensuring that its platforms and capabilities serve as a credible deterrent to conventional military threats. Indeed, any perceived weak point in our military capabilities is a vulnerability that could be exploited and the SAF must remain ready and prepared to respond to the ever-growing range of challenges to defend Singapore. As a small country with a shrinking total fertility rate, we can expect subsequent National Service cohorts to similarly decrease in size in future. At the very same time, new technologies arising from the fourth Industrial Revolution, such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital analytics and the Internet of Things, offer new opportunities for SAF to leverage as a force multiplier to overcome manpower limitations.”
“Mr Chairman, the onset of COVID-19 shows the benefits of digital service delivery, which allows citizens to be served despite the need to avoid physical interactions. However, there is a significant group of citizens who may find it challenging to transact with the Government using digital platforms. For these citizens, who can also include those in low-income households, they may have added difficulties in navigating Government services. Can PSD share what are the key efforts made by the Public Service to better integrate services, with citizens and businesses at the centre? How does the Public Service ensure that those who are digitally less-savvy are not left behind as the Public Service digitalises to its core? Leveraging Technology in Public Service”
“Many people I spoke to were relieved to hear that the GST increase will be staggered and only starting in 2023, especially given where inflation is today. Tax increases are never popular. But many Singaporeans acknowledge our pressing and fast-growing needs. Just to name a few – it is not just increasing healthcare costs, it is not just paying for ageing infrastructure, it is not just investing for future capabilities. But, let us not also forget that there will be less Singaporeans working in the future to support more people. Less Singaporean taxpayers supporting more people. By now, many Singaporeans are aware that our uniquely Singaporean GST model is progressive. It is, in fact, a tiered GST system where the well-to-do pays more. Some careful observers are also heartened to see that the Government took a number of other steps first before implementing the GST which affects many Singaporeans. These steps include: one, financing long-term lumpy infrastructure projects through bonds; two, transferring a sizeable amount of MAS foreign reserves to GIC, so that we can generate more future income through our reserves; three, implementing wealth tax in a measured and practical way; and four, getting the very successful to contribute their fair share of income tax. All these show that our Government has listened carefully to people from all walks of life, balanced our country's needs with the complex global situation and come up with practical ways to make Singapore better. With that, I offer my strong support for this Budget.”
“I am in full agreement. Let us go decisive on this. I hope our MTF can come up with a carefully considered list of "no-go" activities and settings, but allow everything else to proceed. Such clarity will help our civil servants achieve a quick, decisive but effective relaxation of SMMs when the time is right. My final point is about our SG Green Plan and our participations in climate change negotiations. Over the past few months, I have met a number of Singaporeans and international climate change groups and organisations, and recently many of them told me they were absolutely delighted to hear about our new net-zero pledge. Given that I have spoken on a number of occasions about the importance of carbon offsets and carbon trading, I am also heartened to hear that our Government was involved in the negotiation of Article 6 of COP26, because it unlocks the possibility for Singapore to fight climate change internationally, while having this contribution potentially recognised under our National Determined Contributions (NDCs). Article 6, as it stands today, mentions bilateral negotiation, but based on my understanding, without mentioning a large number of details, if bilateral negotiations determine how two countries, the one that contributes to projects and the other where the project is based, splits contributions to their respective NDCs, then I hope our Government can start bilateral negotiation with a sizeable number of countries, some from our immediate region and some from beyond. Doing so will ensure that our overseas climate contributions are not all in one single basket, so to speak and will not be disadvantaged in negotiations with any one country in the future. Mr Speaker, let me now conclude with a few general remarks on our Budget.”
“Also, MOF's spending has done an exceptional job in preventing economic scarring in the lives of our people. I believe it is also equally important that these Singaporeans I mention do not stay away from their respective industries for too long, which diminishes their skills in the long run. And this is all the more important, because I believe our local labour supply will stop growing within a few years, even after the planned increase in retirement and re-employment ages. To be clear, I am not suggesting transiting everybody transiting back to their private sector from this group of people involved in COVID-19 management. A core team can remain. The rest can transit back in phases, based on whether their previous industries are ready for them and whether they need to be reskilled before going to a different one. We can also supplement this core team with non-Singaporeans from neighbouring countries, much like how non-Singaporeans serve as Auxiliary Police Officers (APOs) in some situations to supplement our Singapore Police Force (SPF) officers. And the non-Singaporeans involved in COVID-19 management can be brought in using additional work pass or S Pass, but with clear sunset clauses that their permits are tied to whether or not there is a continued need for COVID-19 management. That brings me to my next point about reducing the cost and complexity for businesses through a decisive streamlining of safe management measures (SMMs), so as to fight rising inflation. Our Multi-Ministry Task Force (MTF) chairs have done an excellent job simplifying our SMMs and healthcare protocols as the virus evolves. Recently, our Minister for Finance and other MTF Ministers have indicated that they will do a thorough review of SMMs after the Omicron wave subsides.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, we currently are at the height of the Omicron wave. I know many residents who contracted Omicron or know someone who has. But Omicron too, will pass. If the experience of US and Europe is applicable, Singapore will be in better shape within weeks or months. And once we get pass Omicron, experts globally have forecast a period of relative stability for this year, compared to the challenging last two years. Therefore, it is time for us to start considering how to best encourage Singaporeans involved in COVID-19 management to go back to their industries. When COVID-19 first struck around Budget 2020's period of time, I asked the Government to hire many displaced Singaporeans, especially mid-careers Singaporeans. There are others who made the same suggestion. Our Government wisely hired many Singaporeans to implement SMMs, to supplement our healthcare and social services, and to help our migrant workers cope. With Omicron, the situation is now quite different. A large part of our SMMs may no longer be as preventing the hyper-contagious Omicron and we have to learn to coexist with COVID-19. And today, most of our industries are in a much better shape compared to 2020 and 2021. In fact, some industries are experiencing a shortage of staff. This contributes to rising business cost. This leads to higher domestic inflation. Of course, a large part of this inflation we see is largely due to global supply bottlenecks, as well as surging energy costs. But getting a number of Singaporeans currently involved in COVID-19 management back to the industries will certainly help our companies better manage manpower cost, thereby mitigating the rising cost of living.”
“If they receive the appropriate skills training on sustainable standards, their experience in governance, accounting, finance and cross-border business will be immensely beneficial to the green economy. And because this is an emerging area, and one that Singapore can play a role in shaping, I am optimistic that Singapore can shape the industry norm so that ageism does not take root. To conclude, in my previous speech on climate change, I mentioned that it is difficult for Singapore to achieve net zero emission in the coming decade or two, given the constraints of current technology, given the fact that Singapore serves the world by exporting goods and services, and given that we are resource-poor in terms of renewable energy. But our same status as a manufacturing and services hub of Asia also gives us opportunity to shape the region beyond our shores. We do so by helping them go green. We do so by helping channel resources to the less developed parts of our region in an accountable manner, so that all of us, whether we live in a developed or developing country, can fight climate change together. And at the same time, we must recognise that the greening of the economy is an irreversible tide. Sustainability is now enshrined into the core of what corporate governance is. If we help our economies and our companies embrace sustainability, we can strengthen our global standing for yet another generation and make Singapore the global-Asia hub of trust, knowledge and connectivity. I will like to end by thanking PAP's youth wing, as well as the many climate change activists and passionate business professionals whom I met, for shaping my views in this rapidly changing field. With that, I stand in support of the Motion.”
“Climate Impact X enables the purchases of high-quality carbon credits directly from specific projects, including re-forestation efforts in the region. When consumers see companies buy high quality carbon credits, their trust in the companies’ action are strengthened, and this sparks a virtuous cycle in spurring companies to do more for the environment. Six, we can put together a national utility for business sustainability, like how our TradeNet serves the import and export business. By national utility, I mean that getting our sustainable ecosystem players and our Government agencies to provide cloud-based services, to enable Singapore-based companies to report emissions, purchase green products, and buy carbon credits. Seven, create a Singapore industry association or alliance specific for sustainable finance, business and carbon trading. These areas are very regulatory-driven and are distinct from businesses focused on environment technology or clean energy. This alliance can then help the Government to develop the industry. And finally, eight, create a solid SkillsFuture roadmap and position many Singaporeans for these green collar jobs. At the start of my speech, I specifically mentioned creating green collar jobs for mature PMETs. This should not be a surprise to Members in this House given my involvement with the PAP Senior Group. We all know that ageism exists in certain globally competitive industries, such as international finance. It is very hard for mature PMETs to stay in these same industries over the years. They usually then switch over to work for local companies in our domestic sectors, or work in our growing social work or healthcare sectors. But we have a new, emergent area where opportunities are plentiful for our mature PMETs.”
“Doing this first task will ensure that the global sustainability framework and standards make sense for Asia and Singapore and that the global standards are of sufficiently high standards. Two, get our sovereign wealth funds, especially Temasek, to spur Singapore companies to embrace and pilot these new green finance and accounting standards. While standards for businesses have begun to emerge in London and EU, there is insufficient in-depth corporate adoption. The adoption efforts of our Temasek-linked companies who are in Asia will go far to ensure that our standards are meaningful and relevant beyond the west. Three, through MAS and SGX, push for financial institutes and asset management companies to adhere to these new regulations for both the debt market as well as the equity market. I also hope that in the process of the Government issuing Government bonds, we can also shape our Government’s approaches in evaluating green investments, so as to shape the Asian norms in green infrastructure financing. Four, build a comprehensive green economy eco-system. We must actively anchor emerging ESG fintech, ESG data vendors and depository, and ESG procurement platforms such as G-17 and Matcha Initiative in Singapore. We must also encourage existing companies in Singapore in the credit-rating, asset management space to create ESG solutions. We can also get our largest accounting, auditing, management consulting and legal firms to partner with international standards bodies, as well as to establish centres of excellence in Singapore. Five, we can encourage Singapore-based companies to use the new Climate Impact X, the new global carbon exchange launched by Singapore.”
“Another hurdle is that, in this age of stiffening geopolitical competition, there is a risk that sustainability may get weaponised by selected countries or trading blocs to create non-tariff barriers. Here lies the opportunity of Singapore to play a decisive role in the region, and even in the world, to shape the rules, to connect different trading blocks and competing powers. And by doing so, we can transform Singapore into the Sustainable Finance, Business and Trusted Carbon Trading Hub of Asia. How can we do this, to capture the possibilities? One, actively contribute to the adaption of frameworks and standards for Asia. Currently, there are many standards and frameworks by key organisations. Just to name a few organizations, they include the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board, Climate Disclosure Standards Board, Global Reporting Initiative, Task Force for Climate Related Climate Disclosure. UN, EU, UK have their own standards. Indeed, there is a lot of work to ensure that what we do here in Asia is compatible and interoperable with the rest of the world, and to ensure that standards are compatible between industries. Specifically, this means that Singapore must anchor the Asian chapters of these key international frameworks and standard setting bodies in Singapore to encourage them to work together. We should also actively steer Singapore professional leaders who are in our accounting, auditing and management consulting firms to get involved in these bodies, so that they can build up expertise not just for themselves, but also for younger Singapore-based professionals entering the workforce.”
“But at the same time, the global financial asset management sector, with $100 trillion of assets, under the leadership of BlackRock, have starting making substantial progress towards ESG investments. And major businesses are beginning to commit. More than 5,000 corporations have joined the Race to Zero; 1,000 have pledged to Science Based Targets, and I see major private-public partnerships formed to tackle heavy emitting industries, spur new green technologies and drive green procurement. There is an emerging consensus that being green is not just the cost of doing business, but also the basic moral standard that consumers expect from businesses. Two, there is at least a global consensus that climate justice is important, and the well-off must transfer resources to the less well-off. In fact, the concept of the “loss and damage fund” is now clearly in the agenda for COP27 in Egypt this year. Driven by changing consumer expectations and guided by green finance and accounting standards, the private sector can shift towards sustainable production and compensate the affected communities. This can be a huge shift, given that private enterprises, and not governments, are responsible for most production in the world. And when there is so much money, so much resources, being directed towards sustainability, towards climate justice, you can imagine that accountability and trust will become absolutely paramount. But while there are some reasons for being optimistic, there are also hurdles that must be overcome. For example, because there are many emerging sustainable finance, accounting and carbon trading standards that are western-centric, there is also an urgent need for them to factor in international, especially Asian perspectives.”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, I stand in support of today’s Motion. "Trade-offs" and "sacrifices". These are terms that are frequently associated with efforts to fight climate change. But for the Singapore, beyond sacrifices, there are also opportunities. [Deputy Speaker (Mr Christopher de Souza) in the Chair] I see great opportunity for Singapore to create numerous green collared jobs, not just for future graduates, but also matured PMETs, which is a rare opportunity that we can and must seize now. I see opportunities for Singapore, as the finance, governance and connectivity hub of the region, to transform and influence industries way beyond our shores, thereby cementing our regional hub status for one more generation. I see opportunities for Singapore to strengthen climate justice by becoming the trusted carbon trading hub of Asia, by facilitating resource transfers from rich countries and consumers, to help those with less become more sustainable, thereby empowering all of us to save the world together. Before I share the reasons for optimism, let us do a quick stock-take of where the world is, after COP26 and after two years of pandemic. We all read the disappointing recent headlines on coal power plants that were not categorially phased out, or how there was a lack of new ambitious commitments and how a lone US senator torpedoed America’s ambitions to go even greener. But beneath these headlines is a tsunami of real change driven by at least two forces. One, the financial and business sector has finally woken up to their responsibility to Earth. Yes, I fully expect the governments, to fall short in make the necessary $2.4 trillion annual zero-carbon investments.”
“It is critical to empower our seniors to age with purpose and dignity. The Bill discussed today is an important step to strengthen senior employability. MOM has done a lot, but there is a lot more to do. And even as we manage to safeguard the health of our vast majority of seniors through this pandemic, a number of seniors today feel a sense of despair, more than in recent years. Because our seniors are more impacted by social distancing measures compared to the rest, because our seniors have reduced opportunities to interact with others and to stay relevant, and because our seniors feel a deep sense of isolation amidst the pandemic. Once we get past this stabilisation phase, which we will, we must step up more to increase our seniors' employability. I hope the Government can consider the ideas raised and start preparing for that day. With that, I stand in support of both Bills put forth in this debate.”
“However, even if we get our upcoming anti-discrimination legislation right, even if we continue to raise our retirement age and re-employment age, our senior workers above 60 will still be very vulnerable to being displaced. And if they are displaced, it will be very hard for them to find the next full-time job. As such, we would need to explore and accelerate new employment models such as micro-jobs and job-sharing for seniors above 60. And we may need the Government to spearhead this effort, to demonstrate its full potential to the private sector. I have spoken about micro-jobs on several occasions in Parliament and I think it is time for us to seriously look into that. And to extend our seniors employability as long as possible, it will be helpful if MOM can convene a panel of medical experts to advise our industries to determine how long our senior professionals and skilled workers can work for in specific industries. For example, the panel can advise companies on how to maximise work opportunities for surgeons, without compromising on patient safety. The panel can advise companies on how long pilots can continue flying a plane and whether that length depends on the number of passengers sitting on the same plane? Why must the Government get involved? Because without an evidence-based decision-making process, the employment outcome in many industries will be driven by supply and demand for workers and a number of industries will adopt an unnecessary conservative approach. This means that a number of our senior workers, especially those above 60, could prematurely lose the chance to work, even with the Retirement and Re-employment Act in place. Let me now conclude. For many of our seniors, work creates a sense of mission.”
“One way that the Government can consider doing, to balance both the interest of both our senior workers and our struggling sectors, is to: push for the contribution rate for all seniors to increase, as long as the broad majority of our economy has made a recovery, and encourage the National Wage Council to adopt even more overall wage flexibility depending on the performance of the sector and the firm. My second point is that I hope the Government can put in anti-ageism clauses in the upcoming anti-discrimination legislations. This is something that many of our colleagues from PAP Senior Group would like to see. Over the next few months, my fellow colleague from the senior group, Deputy Speaker Jessica Tan, will spearhead an intense effort to engage our senior workers and to solicitate their feedback. We hope to identify win-win solutions for both senior workers and employers. We hope to help seniors to not just improve their employability, but also the equality of their employability. Even before the start of our consultation, I have already heard a number of useful suggestions, including disallowing companies from asking the last drawn salaries or the age of applicants. We will share what we have heard from our senior workers in good time. Last, I hope our Government continue to find new ways to help our seniors workers, especially those in their 60s. I note that NTUC and SNEF have recently submitted some excellent ideas to the Government to help matured Professionals, Managers and Executives (PMEs). These ideas will go far to support workers in their 40s and 50s.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of both Bills put forth today. As a member of the People's Action Party (PAP) Seniors Group, I am delighted to participate in this debate. Amidst the pandemic, I am heartened that our Government has chosen to stay the course and continue with the planned increase of retirement age from 62 to 63, and re-employment age from 67 to 68. I also hope we can increase the retirement age to 65 and re-employment age to 70, sooner than later, ahead of our target in 2030. Beyond adjusting the re-employment and retirement age, I also like to make three suggestions for MOM to improve our senior’s livelihood and retirement adequacy, namely: increasing our seniors’ CPF contribution rate, fighting ageism through the upcoming anti-discrimination legislations and exploring new ways of helping seniors above 60 to find and hold on to jobs. In January 2019, the PAP Senior Group put forth a position paper to empower our seniors to live with purpose and dignity. One of the key recommendations called for a gradual increase in our seniors CPF contribution rate, given that their rate is currently less than that of younger workers. That same year, the Government agreed to this proposal. However, when the pandemic struck, our Government froze this specific commitment for seniors, so as to help as many companies as possible stay afloat. While I understand and support this necessary action, I hope the Government can resume the planned increase at the earliest possible time. We are seeing an uneven recovery. Some sectors are doing well, some are staying afloat and some are frankly struggling.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, I thank the Minister for Manpower for his comprehensive answer and for pushing ahead in helping our seniors secure their livelihood. I would like to ask MOM again: if we cannot encourage all Government-related organisations to move ahead like the rest of the Civil Service, can we at least proactively move some of them who are more ready, for three reasons? One, the Government has already decided to lead the way, ahead of the private sector. Therefore, the signal we are sending to the private sector will be stronger and more consistent if we include the Government-related organisations as well. Two, the Government- and Ministry-related organisations are largely funded by the Government. An example is the Singapore Youth Flying Club, SAFRA. This means that the public sees little difference between them and the Government. Three, given the COVID-19 challenges to the private sector, I think it is important that the Government and Government-related organisations are seen leading the way so that the rest of the private sector can be inspired to follow through.”
“In my interactions with MND and BCA staff, I note that many of them are trying their best to help the industry. But there is just so much more coordination work ahead. As such, I hope we can beef up the staffing level at the MND family level, just as we have done so decisively at MOM. Mdm Deputy Speaker, let me now conclude. COVID-19 has brought upon an existential threat to the built sector. Decisive and effective Government action has put off the worst outcome for the industry and the additional measures announced are very much needed. Should the situation confronting the built sector continue to worsen, I hope the Government can actively consider some of the proposals that are mentioned today. With that, I stand in full support of the Bill.”
“As such, the industry hopes that the Government can allow as much work to continue, even during a circuit breaker, by ensuring that the construction sites remain as air-tight as possible. A new contingency plan for circuit breaker could include measures, such as: (a) Main contractors, builders to have teams permanently onsite with workers who are also lodging in the dormitories onsite; (b) Main contractor workers to have no in-person contact with sub-contractor workers; (c) Subcontractor workers may enter a site for a maximum of three days a week only; (d) Subcontractor workers should not be allowed to lodge onsite; (e) All non-essential roles to be fully working from home; and (f) Permitting TLQ (Temporary Living Quarters) again for larger projects. A lot of hard work will be required to come up with a revised circuit breaker plan that is tailor-fitted to the present circumstances. I hope that we can start preparing for it. Six, monitoring the credit flow to the built sector very carefully. The Government has done more than its fair share for the built sector. Nevertheless, Government support will not be sufficient unless the banks and financial institutions do their part to provide sufficient credit. Seven, consider a further extension to developers on ABSD. Currently, developers have up to five years from the start of the project to the handover to the buyers. Beyond that, they have to pay ABSD. The Government has already provided a six-month extension, but MOF can consider further extensions, if necessary. Relieving pressure on the developers will allow them to do more to share the financial pain of the building contractors. Lastly, I would like to suggest that MND and BCA bring on additional staff, or to outsource some of the coordination work.”
“Beyond the new sources, we must also ensure that migrant workers are free of COVID-19 when they come to Singapore. Therefore, is it possible for the Government to work with the built sector to set up and operate processing and quarantine centres in these countries? This will ensure that testing is done by trusted vendors, perhaps even using our own test kits. The facilities and cleanliness operations are managed by our stringent standards. Workers can use dedicated transport, operated by us, to come to Singapore. And upon arrival, we can test again and vaccinate the workers immediately, while they undergo further quarantine. It will take us a while to get this going and some of these sources, even after we invest time and effort, may not work out. Therefore, I hope that our Government can actively pursue various options as quickly as possible. Three, should the labour shortage continue, we can consider postponing new infrastructure projects, at least the big ones, or at least the construction phase of these new projects. Of course, the planning part of the project can go through, but we must reduce construction demand when we have a vastly reduced manpower supply, or the excess demand will lead to unnecessary cost surge. Four, if the industry condition worsens, the industry hopes that the Government can provide added support with larger levy rebates. Five, we can prepare for a different implementation of circuit breakers for the built sector. The conditions are different this time. COVID-19 in the dormitories is still largely contained, there is a successful segregation between the construction sector from the rest of Singapore, and we are able to do more frequent and extensive testing in the construction sector.”
“Over the past few weeks, I have been working with the built sector to come up with some proposals that can form our contingency plan, should the situation deteriorate significantly. Let me elaborate. One, we can introduce more short-term measures to better utilise our existing workers in the sector. For example, we can temporarily increase the allowable age for migrant workers to stay in Singapore from 50 to 55 years old, and to potentially up to 60 years old with regular medical reviews. There are many different kinds of jobs, some are not as strenuous as others. Let us trust that our companies can strike the right balance, as we increase the age in the short run. Another possibility is to get the construction companies and safety community to explore urgent and temporary measures to increase the allowable man-hours. Based on industry feedback, the work intensity in many sites have reduced due to increased delays in material arrival and decreased subcontractor productivity. For selected work sites, can workers be given the option of working during their off-days, if it is clear that they have more rest during the normal days, due to decreased work intensity? Of course, these proposals must be carefully considered and implemented, but we are in a crisis and we need to explore all options. Two, we must urgently explore new sources of manpower. Many of us agree that the situation in India is extremely dire and it could take a while to sort out. But we must diversify and explore other countries, knowing fully well that we cannot predict which sources will eventually come through for us. As such, could the Government consider new sources of migrant construction workers, such as Cambodia, Laos, even the Riau Islands in Indonesia?”
“In view of these three sets of challenges, MND’s recent announcements are very much welcomed by the industry. First, the sharing of the extra manpower costs from project delays as well as the manpower levy rebate of $250 are extremely helpful to the financial sustainability of the industry. Second, increasing the length of time for projects will help because, for some projects, they can wait out the current spike in material cost, as well as the sizeable manpower shortage. Three, easing of restrictions on Chinese workers is helpful. However, I do want to caution that beyond the large Chinese construction companies, many local construction companies may not have the links to recruit sufficient Chinese manpower given the current shortage of construction workers in China. And the salaries of Chinese workers in the construction sector are two to three times more expensive than those from the Indian subcontinent. And it is not easy to persuade Chinese workers to do the full range of jobs, even if we can persuade them to come to Singapore. Beyond the measures announced today, I hope that MND can continue to pre-empt this unfolding industry crisis. We have to plan for the worst. For example, it may not be possible for us to bring in migrant workers from the Indian subcontinent for many months, or even beyond a year's time. And even if we want to diversify the source of migrant workers from the rest of developing Asia, it is also very difficult to predict whether those countries will see a surge in infection that we see in India. We must also plan the possibility of another circuit breaker, should community spread become more prevalent in Singapore.”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, I am in full support of the measures announced today, given the dire situation facing the built sector. Our built sector is facing intense pressure on three fronts. One, the number of construction workers in the built sector continues to shrink. Even before the recent halt to new incoming migrant workers from the Indian subcontinent, many construction companies saw their workforce reduced by 15% to 30% due to higher than usual attrition. Among projects, there are uneven manpower availability among different layers of contractors. Post-COVID-19 projects, given higher margin, are able to marshal more manpower resources. Pre-COVID-19 projects are languishing as everybody is worried about the viability of these projects. And because of the labour shortage, we are seeing some workers asking for daily wages of more than $250. The majority in the construction industry, I must say, understand the need for the recent curbs on new inflow of migrant workers. Nevertheless, the reality is that the manpower shortage will only get worse in the coming months. Two, the industry is experiencing a surge in construction materials pricing. For example, the price of iron ore has shot up more than 27% since the end of last year. Three, construction companies are facing financing difficulties. As of now, the strongest companies – those with a good number of post-COVID-19 projects, high margins and sizeable reserves – are able to get adequate financing. However, most companies are struggling to get financing from banks. Based on industry feedback, a number of them, I was told, are resorting to tapping on financing companies and are paying financing costs of around 10%.”
“For example, can we run commercial processing centres in those cities that will give us full operational control to ensure that testing is done by vetted vendors? The workers who have passed the test or who have already acquired immunity can be immediately transported to Singapore safely. And once they arrive in Singapore, they can be immediately get tested and vaccinated during quarantine. Mr Speaker, Sir, let me conclude. COVID-19 has brought upon an existentialist threat to the Built Environment sector. Decisive and effective Government action has put off the worst outcome for the industry. An extension of the temporary measures today is very much needed to give the Built Environment sector more time to achieve a soft landing. Moving forward, the Built Environment sector is grappling with surging costs, which means higher construction costs for Singapore, diminishing margins for most part of the industry and increased risk of project delays and chain bankruptcy. Even as we push for the Built Environment sector to achieve higher manpower productivity in the long run, it is necessary for us to do more to bring an adequate replacement migrant workers in the immediate future. And this will ensure that as much of the recent construction cost surge is transient rather than permanent. With that, I stand in support of the Bill.”
“And some industry players also worried that after vaccination, some of our workers may leave Singapore and seek what they believe is greener pastures, given the widespread migrant worker shortage in other advanced economies. Due to this higher natural attrition, a number of migrant workers, especially those in smaller firms, have asked for hefty pay increases in return for staying on. MOM has recently limited the number of workers that companies can poach from one another and this has reduced the pressure. But the real solution is to ensure the safe replacement of sufficient number of migrant workers. And so that brings me to my third point, the challenge of bringing in replacement workers. The industry faces high quarantine cost of $2,400 per migrant worker, which has not decreased even as we move quarantine from hotels to dedicated non-hotel facilities. Despite the COVID-19 insurance, many firms fear the potential extra medical costs in a range of tens of thousands of dollars should any of the incoming workers suffer from severe COVID-19 symptoms. As such, while large companies working on projects of healthy margins and has the financial muscle and the cash flow to absorb this cost in the short run, we need to urgently resolve the safe replacement to help the rest of the industry along. After discussing with some industry players, I would like to propose this. Given that a large number of general construction migrant workers come from countries such as India and Bangladesh, is it possible for the Government to work with the Built Environment sector to forward deploy resources in key cities in these countries, given that COVID-19 vaccination is proceeding very slowly in Asia.”
“Mr Speaker, I fully support this Bill as it will go far to help our Built Environment sector, in its moment of greatest need. I spoke to a number of players in the industry and they voice appreciation for the Government's COVID-19 related support. These include controlling the pandemic despite all odds, reducing foreign workers levy during the height of COVID-19, pushing forward additional Government support projects, getting banks to provide much-needed support, proceeding to pay for some Government projects, even as constructions were delayed, and to this Bill today pushing for moratorium in legal actions arising from the delay. The recent announcement to remove foreign workers levy during quarantine is also very welcomed. Nevertheless, COVID-19 represents a big and complex crises for the industry. Beyond this Bill, it is necessary to arrest the manpower cost surge which has led to a dramatic increase in construction costs. This can be seen in the escalating costs of successful BTO construction tender bids from pre-COVID-19 days to today. The surging of manpower cost is, in turn, largely due to three factors: the cost of Safe Management Measures (SMMs), high attrition of assisting migrant workers and difficulty to safely bring in adequate replacement of migrant workers. Let me go into the details. First, the cost of SMMs is unavoidable because it is the price of keeping COVID-19 under control. Second, we are seeing higher worker attrition because many workers want to return home to be there for the family during COVID-19, while some workers went back, but could not return.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, I have a supplementary question for Minister of State Tan Kiat How regarding R&D and its role within the context of the Industry Transformation Map. Now, I am very heartened to hear that tremendous resources have been put into the adoption of DfMA, IDD and the Green Plan. But R&D is also a key part for us to achieve industry transformation beyond adoption. Both the research as well as the development, which is more like localisation of international technology within the Singapore context, within our Singapore realities. So, can the Minister of State share on how are we promoting R&D and technology pilots within the context of industry transformation?”
“One common feedback is that we need to ensure that the Green Mark Standard is able to capture the big picture of sustainability. For example, how do you build a building to maximise external air flow which will fundamentally drive down the cooling of the entire building. This is in comparison, making sure that the Green Mark Standard become more than just a checkboard place off, achieving high quality green standards. As such, can MND share on what more can be done to improve energy and resource efficiency in the built environment sector? Singapore Green Building Masterplan The Government announced or at COS 2020 that various stakeholders will be invited to co-create the next edition of the Singapore Green Building Masterplan. While necessary it is also adding in a new layer of complexity at the time when the built sector was at the crossroads, as per what I mentioned earlier. The built sector has to juggle foreign and local manpower shortages, industry transformation, changing demand and industry downturn. So, while the many in the built sector whom I spoke to welcome the challenge, it is also important that we strike the right balance by consulting as many stakeholders in the built sector. As such, can I get MND to share on the progress made on the Green Masterplan? I also want to voice a word of caution as a Member of Parliament, passionate about sustainability, having green standards out is very good. But we must live sufficient room for added inputs to factor in the rapidly changing Singapore built industry landscape, as well as the post-COVID-19 need, so the new Green Building Masterplan can remain as relevant as possible.”
“There is an urgent need to reorganise the entire built sector which is facing a large number of simultaneous challenges, namely: the changing nature of demand of the built sector in the post-COVID-19 world; uncertainty in future source availability and cost of both skilled and unskilled foreign workers in the sector; the challenge of encouraging Singaporeans to come into the sector even as more jobs in the construction sector are more skill-based and working conditions have improved; the need to drive productivity through prefab, digitisation and capital intensive technology; the need to rebuild and remake our buildings not just new, but also current buildings to factor in new green standards; and last of all coping of the current industry cyclical downturn. The sector's direction is spelled out under the Construction Industry Transformation Map. Previously the Government has driven industry transmission in three key areas. One, design for manufacturability and assembly; two, integrated digital delivery; and three, green buildings. Moving forward, what are the Government plans to encourage industry transmission in these three areas and are there any other areas of transmission that MND is looking for? Built Environment Sector Carbon Emissions Buildings account for over 20% of Singapore's carbon emission. As such, there is a need to remake our city to prepare for climate change. On this note, I would like to share some feedback on the Green Mark scheme. On the good side, the influence of a Green Mark goes beyond our shores and increasingly it is the go-to standards that the private sector in nearby countries adopt. However, there could also be an improvement.”
“Chairman Sir, can I take my cuts together?”
“An interesting international example is the Reinventor Paris competition in 2014 where Paris opens up sites to ideas from all over the world to respond to as existing challenges. As such, can MND share on how the Government can adapt our land use plans to respond to this changing trend? And can MND also share how we can consult and partner with our built sector or public to identify changing needs and new planning ideas? HDB's Assisted Living for Seniors Mr Chairman, vice-chair of the PAP Senior Group, senior housing is an issue that is very close to my heart and I spoke about this during the Private Member's Motion on senior policy in both 2019 and 2020. In particular, assisted living services for seniors are critical for seniors living in HDB estates to age in place with dignity and purpose. I am heartened by the rapid progress made in this space. I noted that MND, HDB and MOH launched an assisted living topology pilot, which is the Community Care Apartment in February. Within my constituency, we have explored the benefits of assisted living services. As such, I am certainly familiar not just of the complexity of such operations, but also the strong potential of such services to light up our seniors' lives. So, on behalf of our seniors, I would like to MND and MOH for pushing forth with the Community Care Apartment. At this juncture, can MND provide an update on the project? Can MND also share on the public response and the take-up rate and will there be a future launches? Temporary Development Levy”
“Greenfield and brownfield development projects are both necessary as we continue to build up Singapore. Yet, in selected situations, we have a choice on which way to go. Will MND consider developing internal guidelines to estimate lifecycle carbon emission for both greenfield and brownfield developments so that the Government can make the right carbon emission trade-offs on this decision which may shape the eventual decision on whether to go greenfield versus brownfield? The recent discussions on greenfield development and the clearance of forest is a sign that Singaporeans are paying more attention to this issue. Therefore, having a clear framework to think through this will do much to help our Government maintain public support in the necessity of large scale developments and persuade Singaporeans that our Government leaves no stones unturned in trying to achieve the right balance between sustainability and progress. Adapting Land Use Plan The changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic accelerates an increasing uncertain future in urban planning. Even with mass vaccination, there is a range of possibilities on what will be the future needs of our people and our industry. It will be helpful for our Government to tap on diverse views from the public and from the built sector on how we can finetune our land use policy. In fact, I personally feel that there is ample room for the Government to partner and co-create with our built sector. URA's CBD incentive scheme and the strategy development incentive schemes are excellent ways to encourage the built sector to inject mixed-use development in the CBD. Could we consider expanding this effort to areas beyond the CBD?”
“Mr Chairman, can I take my three cuts together?”
“Mdm Chairman, in a recent interview with The Straits Times, I was asked about my thoughts as a Member of Parliament who advocates for climate change on the future of the petrochemical sector in Singapore. My response was this: "If for any reasons, our petrochemical companies exit Singapore, it is quite likely that they move to a different location with even less robust carbon emission standards to minimise costs. A balanced approach will, therefore, be to acknowledge that Singapore provides essential manufacturing services, including petrochemicals to the rest of the world, and the way we discharge our duty to the world is to ensure that our companies achieve world-class efficiencies in energy and carbon." On this note, can I get MSE to provide an update on the progress of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2020 by Chevron, Pan-United, Keppel Data Centres and Surbana Jurong, with the support of Singapore's National Research Foundation regarding the aspiration and development of mature carbon capture, utilisation and storage technologies.”
“Mr Chairman, the pandemic has accelerated the digital revolution and its role in driving economic growth. Therefore, there is a pressing need for new regulations to ensure the safety and security of digital data flows, such as consumers' personal information. Can MFA share how we are working bilaterally with other countries as well as with platforms like the UN and ASEAN, to develop and strengthen international norms, not only to take digital cooperation forward, but also to ensure that cyberspace remains safe, secure and open for our citizens. I would also like to take this chance to thank our MFA officers, especially those based overseas, who put in their lives on the line for the past one year, to defend Singapore's diplomatic interests and to assist Singaporeans overseas who are in need. US-China Relations”
“Mr Chairman, I would like to take both cuts together. Much has been said in this House regarding the Singapore Green Plan 2030, which has been described as a whole-of-nation effort to tackle climate change decisively. What are MINDEF and SAF doing to advance the sustainability agenda and to support the Singapore Green Plan 2030? My second cut. Climate Change Mitigation At the COS debate last year, the Minister for Defence spoke about the various measures taken by MINDEF to improve environmental sustainability and reduce carbon footprint. I recognise that this is not an easy balance for MINDEF to strike because our military is organised to function in wartime conditions. In war, one of the first things that any capable adversaries will target are supply lines and fuel. So, while we get our armed forces to go green, we must bear in mind that operational resilience under the toughest conditions must be achieved. And that is no trivial matter. It will potentially entail a revamp of our military’s supply chain planning process. Can MINDEF provide an update on how MINDEF and SAF have continued to contribute to our national effort to address environmental sustainability? And can MINDEF share its broad planning principles on how to balance contributing to sustainability while maintaining our critical defence edge?”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, as part of the MINDEF Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC), I had the chance to visit MINDEF’s impressive cyber-range, which seeks to train our cyberwarriors on how to deal with simulated cyberattacks. At the COS debate last year, the Minster for Defence spoke about our plans to build an integrated cyber command and cyber force to protect Singapore’s interests in the digital domain. I believe MINDEF has invested considerable resources in the area of cybersecurity. Nevertheless, this is an area that the threats are increasing exponentially. The recent breach experienced by the cybersecurity company FireEye via the company supplier, Solarwinds, that supplied the network monitoring software, demonstrates the heightened risks. Software supply-chain attacks are some of the hardest type of attacks to prevent because they take advantage of the trusted relationships between vendors and customers and machine-to-machine communication channels, such as software update mechanisms that are inherently trusted by users. And Solarwinds is not an ordinary software vendor. Its customers include 425 of Fortune 500 companies, all top ten US telecommunications companies, all top five US accounting firms, all branches of the US Military, the Pentagon and the State Department. This goes to show that no country, industry, organisation or even type of information technology is immune to cybersecurity threat. In view of this, I would like to ask the Minister for Defence for an update on our effort to enhance our military’s cybersecurity. NS Review Committee”
“Through this gig economy app that the Government creates, perhaps by working with existing gig-economy companies. How do we prepare our seniors for these micro-jobs? Through SkillsFuture, of course. Let us imagine the vast possibilities. Can we certify some of our able grandmothers to provide infant care services for a few infants in their homes, or retired teachers to provide after school care for a few students at their own home? Can we equip our seniors to provide simple care-giving or respite care services to their neighbours? If we do all that, how many purpose-built infant care, after school care centres, or respite care centres can we not build? When I talk to civil service officers or social service agency leaders about these ideas, they get it. But they also confide with me that they cannot do it alone and that is why we need the Government to spearhead this, using social services as a start. Perhaps we can tap on the Open Innovation Platform and customise existing platforms from the private sector. Mr Speaker, Sir, let me conclude. While preparing for this Budget debate speech, I took the chance to look through all my past Budget speeches in the last term of Government. I am pleasantly surprised that so many suggestions have been translated into actual plans. Now, of course, in making these policy improvements, the Government hears from people from all walks of life, including Members of Parliament. But this realisation convinced me that our present Government listens, consults and engages. And as we continue to recover from the pandemic, I am confident that this openness to ideas will serve Singapore well, in our journey ahead. With that, I stand in full support of the Budget.”
“So rather than helping seniors polish their resumes for the next full-time job, we might want to consider identifying the portfolios of skills they have accumulated in their whole life, and these skills can be applied to part-time or micro-jobs within a variety of industries and not just the industries they serve the bulk of their careers in. In particular, creating micro-jobs for our seniors makes a lot of sense to me. On the one hand, a company may have reservations on the health and healthcare cost of the full-time worker. But on the other hand, consumers who rely on seniors for micro-jobs do not face much risk because what is at stake is only that one single service experience. And customers can rely on customer feedback or reviews. As such, customers using gig economy are less likely to discriminate against seniors compared to companies who are looking at seniors as full-time employees. Our Government can take the lead to create a gig economy for our seniors by doing three things. One, creating micro-jobs for our seniors starting with those in social services sectors; two, creating a national digital platform and app; and, three, equipping our seniors to do micro-jobs through SkillsFuture. Let us use the example of the delivery of home-based healthcare. Today, we sometimes send two nurses to visit patients, many of whom are bedridden or have mobility challenges. Why do we not cut it down to one nurse instead and hire a trained senior living, perhaps, in a nearby block or street, to provide the necessary support, such as carrying the patients and assisting in wound dressing? There are many seniors living in our midst who can qualify to do such micro-jobs. How can we page for these seniors?”
“And if for some reasons, these sub-industry TACs are not forthcoming to change, I sincerely hope the Government can proactively work with the established players to create a parallel TAC, one that can move the sub-industry forward. We already pour in so much resources to help individual companies transform and to build broad-base efforts such as SkillsFuture. Therefore, the relatively minor investments to beef up the sub-industry TAC leadership is a logical and wise next step. Next, let me talk about improving seniors' employability through micro-jobs. Over the next quarter, I hope the majority of our seniors will be vaccinated and this will allow us to shift more focus on improving their livelihoods. When I speak to senior workers about their livelihoods, a number of them do not know how they fit into our future economy, or how they can overcome ageism. This is not due to a lack of effort by the Government. Today, we already have forward-looking policies for our senior workers, such as the Special Employment Credit or the Retirement and Re-employment Act. Yet despite regulations, it is hard for us to fully remove ageism, especially towards seniors above the age of 67. Many companies, especially in the midst of COVID-19, are unwilling to take on the risk of hiring or even retaining senior workers. This issue will get more serious as we continue to restructure, and as our workforce continues to age. I strongly believe the gig economy can help us combat ageism. In fact, two years ago, while doing PAP Senior Group’s engagement, I had the chance to be in the same dialogue as Nominated Member of Parliament Ms Janet Ang. I believe she shared that as seniors age, no matter how wonderful their resumes are, at some point many companies will have reservations.”