Lee Hui Ying
Singapore
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the Senior Minister of State for his reply. Our waste generation per capita has fallen from 1.06 kilogrammes in 2015 to 0.83 kilogrammes today. This suggests that Singaporeans are ready to try and reduce waste and also, then the real progress lies upstream in waste prevention.”
“They share with me they help pet owners who cannot afford veterinary healthcare bills and end up surrendering their pets – the vets continue to treat the animals and even rehome them to another family. The Vet Council has the potential to help grow this booming industry.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. In Budget 2016, there was a one-year freeze in foreign worker levies for the marine and process sectors due to the oil price's downturn. Ten years on, we now face a global oil price surge.”
“Finally, we must strike a difficult balance between preparing for the future and immediate needs. Building and maintaining coastal protection facilities is an expensive responsibility. Once built, these facilities will still need maintenance to cope with erosive damages from sea water.”
“Young Singaporeans shy away from the sector due to perceptions of harsh working hours and site conditions, and our local core is ageing. We cannot rely solely on a transient workforce. How will MND redesign construction careers to attract and anchor a sizable local talent pool? Fourth, liability framework for contractors.”
“Thank you, Mr Chair. I just have two quick clarifications for Senior Minister of State Janil. First, regarding the pilot that NEA is going through with the Town Councils on the surveillance camera deployments. Can I get further granular details in terms of the length of this pilot that is ongoing? How long would it be taking?”
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“(In English): Mr Speaker Sir, social service is built on emotional labour. It carries heavy emotional drain and demands emotional resilience to continue caring for others. With the NCSS' expanded role in developing the social service sector, I hope this enables more social organisations to be able to reach and support all Singaporeans. Mr Speaker Sir, I support the Bill.”
“Social services are like a pair of large hands that support our community, even in places we cannot see. This Bill formally recognises the National Council of Social Services' (NCSS') role as a sector developer. Through interactions with residents, I know that helping vulnerable groups in our community to become self-reliant and strong is our common vision. The proposed amendments in this Bill demonstrates NCSS' commitment to its developing role and strengthening the sector to better help Singaporeans. I hope to have further clarifications on how we support social workers. Social workers are the foundation of social services. Their care drives many people forward and we also need to care for and look after social workers, in order to enable them to continue this important mission. We all know that social workers face enormous challenges. Burnout, poor working conditions and manpower shortages are very real problems. Some social workers may handle 20, or even 50 cases simultaneously and often need to deal with emergency situations outside office hours. A survey by the Singapore University of Social Sciences found that during COVID-19, more than half of the social workers surveyed faced anxiety issues, which is concerning. I am heartened that the authorities have recognised this situation and included the sustainability of the social service sector as one of the Council's statutory objectives in this Bill. Can the Minister further explain what actions will be taken to achieve this objective? Secondly, what specific plans will the Council establish to strengthen the sustainability of social service sectors, for example, reducing caseloads, increasing manpower or implementing new strategies to reduce social workers' workloads?”
“These are some potential gaps which should be addressed early so that we start with the right principles to build trust. What criteria will guide the Minister to ensure that sector members’ nominations provide a diverse representation of the social service sector? How will the Chairman receive nominations? Could the Minister also choose to reject a nomination by the Chairman? Will there be public disclosure of the nominations and the reasons for accepting or rejecting any nomination? Lastly, can the Minister clarify exactly who will be eligible for NCSS Membership? Section 15 states that NCSS would appoint or re-appoint social service agencies who apply to be sector members, defined as “[having] the primary function of providing or supporting the provision of social services in Singapore.” Since memberships are no longer applicable, we can take a wide definition so that more groups can benefit from the support and network the Council provides. How will NCSS define this “primary function”? Would social enterprises, for example, Dignity Kitchen, informal ground-up groups or religiously affiliated social organisations be eligible to be appointed as members? Are there any members now who would no longer be eligible for re-appointment under the new definition? Mr Speaker Sir, in Mandarin, please. (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, I support this Bill. Social services means being quietly present with those in need during their most difficult times. This work has no specific locations. It takes place in people's homes, at social service centres and in conversations during the most vulnerable moments. Listening to, comforting and supporting families when they are lost and helpless inevitably involves deep emotions.”
“Social workers have been known to handle 20 to 50 cases at one time and often handle crisis outside usual working hours. During the pandemic, when their help was most needed, it is concerning to learn that in a Singapore University for Social Sciences (SUSS) survey, over half of social workers surveyed suffered from anxiety. I am glad that the Ministry recognises this and included in section 11 that the sustainability of the social service sector is one of the Council's statutory objectives. First, can the Minister share on the active steps that will be taken to meet this objective? What specific goals will the Council set to improve the sustainability for social workers and social service officers? For example, set targets to reduce caseloads, increase manpower and implement new strategies to help reduce workload for our social service officers. Second, the Bill makes a major change in how the NCSS Board is appointed. Under the section 5 amendment, all Board members would be appointed by the Minister for Social and Family Development instead of having some elected members. Having elected members, especially SSA employees on the Board is important as these elected members have a strong mandate from their peers in the social service sector to speak out on critical issues. It would also allow more diverse representation across different issues and groups from people who regularly interact with volunteers and beneficiaries. So therefore, it is extra important to uphold transparency in appointing Board members, or risk losing confidence and ownership by our social service sector in the Council. Can the Minister clarify the rationale for removing elected members and what will be done to ensure continuity of transparency?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I stand in support of the NCSS (Amendment) Bill. I would like to first declare that I work in a non-profit philanthropic organisation that supports impact programmes in the region including Singapore. Social service is the quiet work of standing with people on their hardest days. It takes place inside homes, family service centres and conversations where people are at their most vulnerable. This work carries emotional weight: listening, comforting and standing with families through moments of uncertainty. These are the steady hands that help keep our community strong even when the challenges are not always visible. The Bill formalises NCSS’ role as sector developer of Singapore’s social service sector. Empowering the vulnerable members of our communities is a mission close to my heart and the hearts of my residents. The Bill’s proposed amendments demonstrate NCSS’ commitment to evolve its role, strengthen our social services sector and give Singaporeans the help they truly need. I have three points of clarification, regarding first, NCSS’ mission to support sustainability of our social workers and social service officers. Two, nomination of the board members and third, the criteria for appointing sector members. My first clarification relates to the sustainability of our social workers and social service officers. They are the foundation of our social service sector. If our transport workers move people, our social workers move hearts. We must give our social workers and social service officers the same care which they bring to the people and families they support. Sadly, it is well known that social work has always been a very challenging career. Burnout is real. Difficult work conditions are real. Manpower shortages are real.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker, and thank you, Minister of State for the comprehensive reply. I have two supplementary questions. First, what is the nature of such discussions with the different Animal Welfare Groups (AWGs) prior to, perhaps, trapping operations? Behind every animal held is a human and an AWG where they celebrate every rescue, recovery and adoption and feeling the grief when an animal suffers. The work is built on care, and it has not been easy. At the same time, I have also personally interacted with so many dedicated AVS and National Parks Board (NParks) officers, so I wanted to do a special thanks for their commitment for this constant work with the AWGs to rehome animals and balance the competing needs with care and professionalism. The second question really is then: can the Minister of State provide an assessment on the effectiveness of the TNRM programme so far? I am heartened to know that a review is due. So, what will this review entail and how will it be done? I hope and I urge AVS and NParks to continue working closely with the AWGs to further improve the TNRM methods.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in Mandarin, please. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Mr Lee Kuan Yew was our founding Prime Minister and played an important role in Singapore's nation-building journey. Many residents I have spoken to describe Mr Lee Kuan Yew as the nation's "Founding Father". I would like to know how the cultural and historical significance of 38 Oxley Road will be integrated into educational and outreach activities to ensure that its significance can be passed on to our young people and future generations? Will the Government actively take measures to continuously remind the public of the importance of this place to Singapore's history and culture?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I thank the Senior Minister of State for her reply. I just have two supplementary questions. First is, there was an 80% drop in traffic accidents involving senior pedestrians in Silver Zone areas. Can I ask about the Friendly Streets pilot, whether it has also been effective in ensuring and improving safety of the neighbourhoods? Second, in Nee Soon South, about one in three residents is a senior above 50 years old, but also at the same time, like Punggol, we have a growing young family population. So, I am happy to hear that Family Streets is the way forward to improve safety of the different neighbourhoods, catering to the different needs. May I ask, what are the parameters and considerations in determining the selected Friendly Streets? And also, maybe, can I ask the friendly Senior Minister of State to consider Nee Soon South, to be included in the friendly list of the next batch of Friendly Streets?”
“Together, these efforts will foster a culture of responsibility, empathy and care in our digital spaces. This Bill represents a crucial step forward in safeguarding our digital spaces and ensuring that our laws keep pace with the realities of the online world. I hope this brings safer spaces online, with protection and recourse for all. Mr Speaker, notwithstanding these clarifications, I support the Bill.”
“Given that Parts 5 and 6 of the Bill will require the cooperation of entities and individuals beyond our borders, I would like to ask the Minister how will the Government currently intend to work with these transnational stakeholders? And if work has already started, what are the current stakeholder sentiments and negotiations done to ensure that such online platforms, in particular, adopts and abides by the Online Safety Bill? Finally, Mr Speaker, Sir, this Bill matters deeply to Singaporeans because the harms it addresses are personal and oftentimes, deeply traumatic and can be financially burdensome to some. Under the current framework, victims must first report harmful content to the relevant service provider and in more serious cases, escalate it to the newly established Online Harms Commission. The Bill also provides for victims to bring civil actions against offenders or platforms in cases of online harm. As the hon Member Mr David Hoe has also mentioned, many Singaporeans may lack the financial resources to pursue such claims. May I ask if we could consider allowing online harm torts to be heard before the Small Claims Tribunals or alternatively, provide legal or financial assistance for victims seeking redress through civil action? The technology and social landscape will continue to evolve, and while this Bill marks an important step forward, the work should not stop here. Ensuring a safe and trusted online space requires a holistic approach, one that looks beyond legislation to how we build a supportive and resilient ecosystem. This includes strengthening community networks and drawing on the support of stakeholders, such as social and religious organisations, as well as deepening public education efforts.”
“In the UK, for example, their Online Safety framework has included protections for what is called "epileptic trolling", content that is designed to trigger seizures and other materials that may trigger individuals with mental health conditions. To ensure that such Singaporeans do not fall through the gaps, may I ask the Minister whether the Government would consider requiring online service providers to implement warning systems for potentially harmful content? My second question concerns an issue close to the hearts of many Singaporeans, especially our senior youths and that is cyberbullying. This has become an issue of serious public concern in recent years and there is growing anxiety that our youths and senior youths' young children are being exposed to obscene and harassing behaviours online. It is critical that we create a safe online environment for our young. So, I would like to ask the Minister whether we are considering to introducing strict liability for certain classes of offences under the Bill, to strengthen deterrence and provide stronger protection for the public, especially our young children? A further concern relates to enforcement, especially in cases where harmful content is disseminated through transnational online platforms. A lot of these harmful materials are transnational in nature, or if not, the online platforms themselves that host these materials are transnational themselves. Some global companies have proactively aligned their internal policies with global legislation on online harms, while others have not been as forthcoming.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Bill is one that I, as well as many Singaporeans and my residents, support fully. With the growing prevalence of cyberbullying and the rise of illegal black markets and harmful online chatrooms that benefit profit from disseminating obscene and dangerous materials, this Bill could not have come at a more timely moment. It is even more important that Singapore will be among the first countries to introduce comprehensive legislation on this issue, a significant milestone that did not happen overnight. It took years to get here; years of heart, hope and hard work by the many stakeholders and public officers. In supporting this Bill, I have four clarifications: two concerning the contents of the Bill and two concerning its enforcement. Part 12 of the Bill imposes obligations on online service providers to respond to reports against certain harmful content in a timely and adequate manner, with the potential for tortious liability if they fail to do so. Currently, many major social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, have internal reporting mechanisms and community guidelines, which will need to be aligned with the new legislation. Some of these platforms already provide warning labels for potentially distressing images, for example, content that may contain self-harm, violence or sensitive materials. However, I note that there may still be grey areas. Certain artistic or educational materials, which are excluded from the definition of obscene materials under clause 9(2), may still be distressing for some users.”
“These amendments are timely, not just in offering tangible protection to Singaporeans, but also in inspiring public confidence that our criminal justice system is sensitive to emerging needs, especially in the realm of scams, it sends a clear signal that new ways to commit old crimes will be met with new penalties.”
“Revising the caning age limit upwards would align with the trend towards an ageing society whereby, assuming status quo in crime rates, the average age of offenders is expected to increase year on year. This ensures that deterrence stays relevant and effective even as the age profile of our population changes. This also avoids situations that may seem unjust where offenders may be spared simply because they are caught and sentenced after they pass the age of 50. Mr Speaker, in Mandarin, please. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Mr Speaker, I support this Bill. It strengthens the deterrent effect of penalties whilst simultaneously ensuring that offenders have opportunities for rehabilitation, achieving both objectives. Scam cases are emerging constantly. The new penalties target scam perpetrators, gang members and recruiters, as well as those who provide SIM cards or Singpass credentials to criminals. These individuals may not hold high positions within scam syndicates. As the saying goes, "to catch bandits, first catch their leader." I hope the Minister can clarify whether, from a more comprehensive perspective, the new penalties are also targeting the masterminds behind criminal syndicates. The Bill also covers caning. Currently, the age limit for caning is at 50 years old. However, with longer healthy lifespan and society ageing, should we consider reviewing and raising this limit to 60 years old? I believe this would better reflect the current situation in our society and would be more effective as a deterrent. (In English): Mr Speaker, notwithstanding these points for clarification and consideration, I express my full support for this Bill.”
“Why were these links not discovered by us earlier? What action is our Government taking and are there checks being done to ensure no other Singaporeans are implicated? There may also be a need to implement sufficient safeguards for persons based in Singapore vis-à-vis foreign law risks. Beyond the legal aspect, the importance of public education cannot be understated as each individual is his/her own first line of defence against scams. How can we detect and respond more quickly to new modalities of scams? How do we then shorten the time and respond quicker between detection and public education efforts? What plans are in place to monitor the impact of current outreach and education efforts and to increase their effectiveness amid the evolving nature of scams? On the flipside, it is critical that these measures avoid a chilling effect, whereby people cross the threshold from reasonable caution to pervasive distrust of all online activity, even the legitimate ones. In this ever-evolving digital world, we must empower our people to be prudent without pulling back unnecessarily. Similarly, security measures should be carefully assessed before implementation to ensure that they do not make legitimate online processes unjustifiably onerous for users. Second, our approach to exclude caning penalties based on age. Currently, Singapore's maximum age for caning is 50 years old. If age was intended to be a proxy of physical suitability, we should review if it is appropriate to increase the maximum age to 60, in view of our lengthening health-spans. Our average health-span, defined as years of good health, is now at 75, as shared by the Prime Minister, at the National Day Rally.”
“The key to sustaining such operations are the key decision makers, in other words, the kingpin, to put the supply chain together. May I ask if the new penalties are intended to also target the kingpins for a more comprehensive approach or if the Organised Crime Act may be invoked here for investigative powers? For a solution to be sustainable, it must lower the incentive for scammers by cancelling out the profitability. Scams have grown increasingly sophisticated and transnational, exploiting digital platforms and encrypted communication channels that make enforcement challenging. May I ask what plans does the Government have in terms of implementing more robust industry safeguards, disrupting communication channels for syndicates, especially intractable ones, like Telegram and the Dark Web, and strengthening cross-border collaborations to tackle the globalisation of scams? How are we handling the transnational nature of scam offences? While local laws have their place, many cyber-enabled scams cross international boundaries such that the lines in jurisdictions are blurred. Scam centres are based in other countries, such as Cambodia and Myanmar, but their victims are our Singaporeans. Does the Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill apply or are we using our diplomatic channels to motivate enforcement? Are we able to send the SPF to those countries to provide support or technical assistance? While we fight to support Singaporeans from scams, it is worrying to hear that there are Singaporeans being involved in leading scam networks. For example, three Singaporeans and 17 Singapore-registered entities were recently sanctioned by the US for alleged involvement in transnational crypto scam activities linked to a Cambodian conglomerate.”
“Mr Speaker, I stand in support of the Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill. The nature of crime is rapidly changing and I am glad the Government is taking steps to update our laws to keep pace. The legislative amendments protect our people both by enhancing deterrence and ensuring that, where deterrence is met with recalcitrance, the offenders receive rehabilitation and a chance to mend their ways. In supporting this Bill, I would like to expand upon two areas for the Government's consideration. First, the reach of penalties for scam-related offences. Second, the revision of caning penalties. In chess, the king is the most important piece, it can determine victory or defeat and is the most strategic centre of the game. Like the chess king, the kingpin is crucial to the overall strategy. The kingpin is the one that defines the game. First, can I ask the Minister, what steps are we taking to target the leaders of scam syndicates, in other words, the kingpin? The new penalties currently apply to three categories of offenders. First, those who perpetrate scams or other forms of cheating; those who are members of or recruit members for scam syndicates; and those who facilitate the scams, such as through mule activities, by supplying the scammers with bank accounts, Singpass accounts and SIM cards. These persons who should be charged with these penalties are likely to be low-level operatives. While this would improve deterrence and disrupt scam networks, we would not be rid of scams until we apprehend the principals and the financiers, and demolish scam networks entirely. Scams today, are intricate supply chains, which include clearly defined functions of data acquisition, scripting, operations and even technology.”
“(In English): Mr Speaker, Sir, this Bill moves us in this direction and I hope to see the Government continuing on this momentum. Notwithstanding my clarifications, I stand in support of the Bill.”
“For example, this Bill allows deeds, which have specific legal requirements, to be executed electronically. But why not abolish the concept of a deed entirely? The difference between a deed and an agreement is a technical one that only lawyers are concerned with. There is some uncertainty whether a deed can be enforceable if it is not in wet ink or missing a red sticker. These are old practices that carry little meaning to those signing them, but also increases business costs. So, as we become a Smart Nation, Sir, we can boldly abolish dated technical legal instruments and replace them with more intuitive processes that are more consistent with what we do in our modern world. Mr Speaker, in Mandarin, please. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Mr Speaker, I am concerned about the impact on our elderly after the amendments. The DCP is a new platform. Are these public-facing user interfaces designed with our seniors in mind? Support for multiple languages, visual impairment, or simply good design thinking, would go a long way to helping our seniors. Furthermore, whilst digitalisation brings convenience, it also brings risks. We all know the threat that scams pose to the public, especially to the elderly. I would like to understand whether this new platform will increase the risk of scams or abuse. Finally, I welcome the increased convenience on standards to allow more people to complete LPA procedures online. However, one of the conditions is that the donor must be under 75 years old. I understand this may be an additional safeguard for older individuals, but I would like to know how the age of 75 was determined. Will it be adjusted in future based on changing social circumstances?”
“Second, digitalisation brings convenience and efficiency but also risks. In the last few years, we have all experienced how the rise of digital banking services has led to an increase in scams, cheating some seniors out of their retirement savings. In a recent survey by PEXA, Australia's version of a digital conveyancing system, 97% of respondents missed signs of fraudulent activity in their property transactions. Has the Ministry assessed whether an electronic portal like this might increase the risks of scams, especially for our seniors? Is it possible for a scammer or even a family member exerting undue influence over a senior to abuse the system? Could the use of digital systems make it harder for stakeholders to detect when some improper conduct is taking place? Third, the Bill creates a new process for the remote witnessing of donors executing LPAs. I welcome the increased convenience for executing LPAs and hope this will encourage more Singaporeans to get their LPA done early to prepare for life's events or old age. I note that one condition for remote witnessing is that the donor must be under 75 years of age. I agree, in principle, that for older Singaporeans, more safeguards may be appropriate before allowing remote witnessing, but the choice of 75 years appears a little arbitrary. Can the Senior Minister of State explain how the age of 75 was chosen? Could this be interpreted as a general rule that those above 75 have a higher risk of reduced mental capacity? Will this number be constantly and regularly reviewed as ageing trends in our society change? Lastly, this Bill is a missed opportunity to go further and clarify other formalities and technical terms around executing legal documents in Singapore.”
“Mr Speaker, I stand in support of the Electronic Conveyancing and Other Matters Bill. This Bill facilitates the implementation of a new DCP, allowing property transactions to be handled electronically. I welcome this step in our continued journey to become a Smart Nation. The new conveyancing portal makes our property transactions more efficient and further strengthens our place as a future-ready financial hub. Notwithstanding my support, I have four points of clarifications. First, for our seniors. As more of our Government interactions enter the digital space, it comes at a cost to our seniors. Our seniors have gone through most of their lives without digital tools and now they find themselves in the midst of a rapid roll-out of new digital platforms in each part of their life. I have strong faith in the ability of our seniors to adapt and learn. But, I also worry that as the world becomes increasingly foreign, it can leave some feeling disempowered and disorganised. This is especially so for isolated seniors who do not have younger family members to help them. In a 2023 study on Digital Literacy by the Centre for Research on Successful Ageing, only 54% of respondents were confident of using a new digital application on their own. So, it is our responsibility to make the Smart Nation transition as easy as possible for our seniors. For the new DCP, can the Minister clarify what parts of these new systems would be accessed by retail property owners? Or would the platform be operated primarily by stakeholders, such as lawyers, bankers and property agents? Are these public-facing user interfaces designed with our seniors in mind? Support for multiple languages, visual impairment or simply good design thinking, this would go a long way in helping our seniors.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. And I thank the Minister for the reply. I just have three supplementary questions. I think most BTO projects do complete on schedule or even before schedule. It is also in the interests of contractors to complete ahead so that they are able to recover and reinvest their capital faster. So, would the Ministry, perhaps, consider creating an incentive system for contractors, to reward them when they complete projects materially ahead of projections while maintaining quality standards? It could be tax rebates or positive recognitions of their work. Second, I received feedback from residents that in contrast to the recently newly announced and launched BTO developments which have much shorter waiting times, which is very much welcomed by residents, there are also some BTO developments, also in Yishun, that have a longer waiting time of around five to 10 years. So, some future homeowners now have a delayed life plans – whether it is starting a new family or moving into a new home. So, they are actually having a delayed life plans on that part. So, does HDB actually have measures to support or give recourse to these home buyers? And third, would the Minister consider allowing more plots of land, especially those that are projected to have longer development periods to start development ahead of the BTO schedule so that then they are able to then have a perceived shorter waiting time of flats for future time buyers? In other words, instead of Build-To-Order, we have Build-Before-Order, so BBO?”
“What is the expected impact of the levy on passenger fares and also air freight costs? And how does the Government plan to maintain Singapore's competitiveness and perhaps, also harmonise standards as an aviation hub, given that other regional airports may not impose a similar levy? Mr Deputy Speaker, these questions aside, I support the Bill and hope such sustainable spirit would expand in future to other aviation-adjacent industries.”
“Many global players, like the US, UK and the EU, have enacted specific legislations that invests in the development of second generation SAFs as the available biofuels currently made from the hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) process, are in limited supply. The success of these projects is uncertain, whereby the costs of failed ventures are largely incurred by investors and in this case, the SAF fund. Therefore, the SAF fund is inherently risky as the SAF industry is still in an early stage and profits may be vulnerable to sudden changes in technological advancements, viability of second generation SAFs and policies of other countries. I would like to ask the Minister of State what steps will be taken by the Government to ensure the resilience of the SAF fund, while managing the risks and fluctuations in the SAF industry due to technological developments and/or global political uncertainty? In particular, will the SAF fund invest in the second generation SAF industry? Second, on levy impact on consumers and maintaining competitiveness as an aviation hub. I would like to touch on the costs that would be incurred by consumers as a result of this act. Research has shown that biojet fuel can be two to eight times more expensive than conventional kerosene jet fuel. Singapore is fortunate enough that we can afford to expend more to protect the environment and the levies and funds set out in clause 9 of the Bill today would certainly assist us in affording this transition towards SAFs. However, air travel in Singapore is already considerably expensive for regular consumers. I would like to ask the Minister of State if the Government has calculated how much of the levy costs are predicted to be shifted onto consumers versus industry stakeholders?”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, I stand in support of the CAAS Amendment Bill. In February 2016, ICAO announced the first global CO2 Standards for 13 new aircrafts launched after 2020. More countries than ever, including our neighbours, such as Indonesia, have pledged to incorporate SAFs into their aviation industries. Malaysia has also opened a biofuel processing plant, facilitating potential regional trade in SAFs in the upcoming years. I am glad that Singapore is joining in on this global movement to achieve net-zero emissions domestically and internationally in aviation emissions by 2050.The aviation industry is responsible for 2.5% of global emissions and SAFs can contribute around 65% reduction in emissions. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (Amendment) Bill, therefore, aims to aid Singapore towards this endeavour. On this Bill, I have two questions: first, the risks of the SAF market; and second, the levy impact on consumers while we maintain our competitiveness as an aviation hub. My first question really touches on the risk of investing in the SAF market, which is a novel market, subject to high uncertainty. The new sections 25C and 25D proposed in the Bill state that the Authority may use the SAF fund to carry out investments. The net income of the fund is calculated by an addition or reduction from the income derived from investments. The Bill also accounts for instances where such investments could lead to losses. A big concern in the SAF industry is in its novelty stage, especially in second generation SAF processes, which are not yet proven to be commercially viable.”
“I am very grateful to Nee Soon residents for giving our Nee Soon GRC team this opportunity to be your representatives. We will also continue to work with you to build a home with a heart in Nee Soon. I will do my utmost to continue caring for residents' various needs and to speak up in Parliament. (In English): In conclusion, as a nation, as a "we first" society. As a Nee Soon family, it is always residents first. Once again, we are grateful to all Nee Soon residents for the opportunity to serve you and to work with you to make Nee Soon a home with a heart. We can chart our own path, not just be an efficient and productive city, but also to be a "we first" city state with everyday care at every stage of life – a city that not only recognises the challenges that every generation faces, but also a city where its citizens are willing to work together, not being divided by lines of age, gender, religion, ethnicity, education or socioeconomic status, but joined by our common purpose of seeing one another thrive. We are going up, up and up. This is our moment – our moment for a caring "we first" society to shine. Mr Speaker, it is in pursuit of this moment and our vision for Singapore that I support the Motion. [Applause.] 7.22 pm”
“I believe that to achieve this goal, we must work hard to take care of Singaporeans' needs at every stage of life. Firstly, of course, are our elderly. In Nee Soon South, my goal is to ensure that seniors remember every day to "move their hands and speak up, move their feet and exercise their minds." We want to encourage the elderly to be more independent and healthier, able to remain active in the community, moving their hands to participate in activities and interacting to make more friends. We must also make the community more senior-friendly, allowing the elderly to move their feet to go around with friends and exercise their minds to stay mentally sharp, even initiating activities to engage more elderly friends. Another group I particularly care about is our "Senior Youths", Singaporeans in their 20s and 30s, of which I am also a part. Singaporeans of this age suddenly discover one day that we too have become so-called adults, facing real-world challenges. Some may have just entered the society, others may have just started families, trying to find their footing in this uncertain world. We hope to fulfil our responsibilities as children to our parents, or as new parents ourselves, whilst also hoping to advance in our careers and achieve our ideals and aspirations. Many Senior Youths have told me that the roles of caregiver and working professional often present a difficult choice, but I do not think this is inevitable. I hope that the Government can provide more support – whether it is more childcare leave or more employers providing better work arrangements – we can do our best to help Singaporeans of this age group balance family and career. Singapore is moving towards a “we first” society. In Nee Soon, we put "Residents First".”
“From a Nee Soon Pets Fiesta attended by 3,000 animal lovers just over the weekend to the quiet dedication of a network of community feeders who brave rain or shine to care for our community animals, these reflect something larger: a kinder, more caring home. Coincidentally, just as Minister of State Alvin Tan who met the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) team in July, I also had the chance to visit their Sungei Tengah premises where I met Halia, a gentle community dog and she was ready for adoption at that time. Just about two weeks ago, SPCA's Executive Director, Mr Walter Leong, shared with me that Halia had been adopted and found her forever home. Animal welfare is not just about animals. It is about the kind of society we want to build, one that values life. SPCA and Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) recently released the White Paper on Strengthening Protections for Animal Welfare with 15 recommendations, 145 pages, and also special contributions from a special friend, Mr Louis Ng. I thank Minister Chee for the written reply that some of these recommendations could be adopted as part of the ongoing review on The Animals and Birds Act 1965. The review ensures the Act remains effective in deterring acts of animal cruelty and abuse. I believe we now have a strong starting point to discuss and debate key animal welfare reforms, be it through more animal welfare education, better enforcement against cruelty and neglect, and raising awareness of the Five Domains of Animal Welfare. Sir, in Mandarin, please. (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, in President Tharman's Address on the Government's policies, he emphasised that our country needs to build a diverse "we first" society.”
“Senior youths aspire to be good parents and filial children, but face the anxiety of balancing caregiving responsibilities with work responsibility. I thank Mr President for laying out a clear agenda to support the employment of our graduates. Measures such as the GRaduate Industry Traineeships (GRIT) Programme show our commitment and innovation to find solutions that work for employers and jobseekers. I hope the GRIT could also expand to young early-career workers – our senior youths – who may have unfortunately lost their jobs recently and are now looking to switch career paths. Besides training, a "we first" society also needs more childcare leave and caring workplaces to support our senior youths' roles as caregivers. On workplaces, these need not come at the expense of productivity. Our tripartite framework tells us that it is never a zero-sum game between our workers and our companies. They require a Government that is willing to broker conversations and provide leadership, a union that is sensitive to the needs of workers, and companies that are willing to experiment and provide feedback. Sometimes, the process of arriving at these solutions might seem slow, but I believe that in building a truly compassionate society, it is necessary that we pause to hear one another out, and each of us in this House can play our part in ensuring that Singaporeans we care about are heard and their concerns addressed. Fourth, everyday care in a "we first" society starts with caring for our animals too. Nee Soon has an animal-loving community. I have had the privilege to see the quiet but powerful ways animals and animal lovers bring our community together.”
“One practical way to do so is to encourage training of Mental Health First Aid responders, in schools and neighbourhoods, who are trained to identify mental health symptoms and offer support in de-escalating mental health crises. By teaching our children to support those around them, we create a culture where mental health struggles are not perceived as a diminishing of one's capabilities and value, but a challenge that can be overcome with community support to allow every person to realise their full potential. To all our boys and girls sitting for PSLE, do your best and know that your best is good enough. We are all rooting for you. Jiayou! Third, everyday care in a "we first" society also means caring for those who might be at the peak of their health but face less obvious challenges. I am speaking about a group. I call them senior youths, not young seniors, but senior youths – Singaporeans in their mid-20s to mid-30s. These are young Singaporeans who are burdened with adulting responsibilities. They have just entered the workforce, just got married, just started their parenthood journey. They are finding their footing in today's uncertain world with a rapidly changing economic order but also bearing the responsibility of being caregivers to their children and/or senior parents. In interacting with our senior youths, and being one myself, I understand how their high aspirations are met with real anxieties. Senior youths aspire to have fulfilling careers and give their families a good life and have anxiety over job security as they hear the increasing challenges for graduates to secure a job in the face of economic headwinds.”
“So, they must enjoy the learning process. They must learn to embrace the discomfort that comes with navigating uncertain situations outside structured classrooms. An education system in which students enjoy learning does not mean lower standards or less rigorous curriculums. By evaluating students based on processes over outcomes, it encourages students to take on greater challenges. So, make learning more joyful, less stressful. This approach should also extend to extra-curricular programmes, where students are encouraged to develop their interests in sports and arts for self-enrichment, not only for winning competitions. I am glad MOE is planning to address the issue of "green-harvesting" or the disproportionate selection of competition-ready students under their review of the DSA scheme this year. A caring society for our schooling youths also means taking action to help them overcome challenges of mental health and bullying. A 2024 study by the Institute of Mental Health stated that about one in three 15- to 35-year-olds reported severe or extremely severe symptoms of stress, anxiety and/or depression, with causes linked to excessive social media use, cyberbullying and body image concerns. Bullying, both physical and cyber, is increasingly prevalent, with a National Institute of Education study discovering that one in four upper primary students had been bullied in 2024 and a small number stating that they had also been bullies. These youths are not only struggling. They are struggling silently, as a sizeable group does not seek any professional help. I hope to support more safe spaces for youths to express their struggles to trusted adults and peers.”
“It is now our turn, my turn, to take care for them in their silver years. As we adapt to an ageing population, our seniors must be able to live with dignity, security, and purpose. Accessibility is a priority for me in Nee Soon South. We can do more to make our public spaces, transport, and housing more senior-friendly. We must also invest more in upstream preventative healthcare, encouraging independent living, healthy lifestyles, early intervention and a closely-knit community. In Nee Soon South, there is always an activity for our seniors, every day. At my house visits, I am inspired to see our seniors doing their part to age well. One of them is 85-years-young Mdm Tay, who has been selling fishball noodles at Peiying Primary School for 62 years and counting. Or a Mr Sim who runs five kilometres at 78 years old every single day. As a government, we must not only support active seniors such as Mdm Tay and Mr Sim but also reach out to other seniors and empower them to age well too. Second, everyday care in a "we first" society starts with caring for our young in schools. We have an amazing academic record. But, for many students, their formative years consist of a high-pressure race through the schooling system, with the end goal of getting good grades, entering a good university and finding a good job. Learning feels like an obstacle they have to overcome to achieve a narrow definition of success focused on academic grades. As we prepare our young for a world with technology like AI, they need to be equipped with more than grades to survive. Success in school should also be defined by developing their ability to learn and grow. This cannot be learnt by memorising facts from a textbook. Instead, it must be cultivated through students' active and willing participation.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Motion of Thanks to the President. Thank you for staying with us and with Members of this House for this important Motion. As we reflect on the President's address, one message rings clear. It is time that we restructure the meaning of success for Singaporeans. It is not merely by economic metrics, but by how we uplift everyone around us with dignity, care and purpose at every stage of life. The 14th Parliament started in the middle of a COVID-19 crisis. The 15th Parliament began a new chapter with a sea of economic turbulence. President Tharman spoke directly to our lived realities as we ride this tide of change: youths seeking meaningful jobs, families navigating rising costs and caregiving pressures, seniors hoping for joyful and fulfilling lives. The President and Prime Minister also spoke on how we must always put "we" before "me", because the strength of Singapore lies in how we care, uplift and stand together. I believe that this starts with everyday care across all life stages, from zero to 100, is the next step in our journey to a "we first" society. We must become a society where our progress is measured, not by prosperity, but by how we care for one another, a Singapore where persons at any milestone are cared for as they grow up or grow old. Let me share some thoughts on how we can build this "we first" society spotlighting groups that are close to my heart – our seniors, our youths, our senior youths, and our animal loving community. First, everyday care in a "we first" society starts with caring for our seniors. As a community volunteer for more than 15 years, I have had the opportunity and privilege to journey with and witness first-hand the strength and contributions of our seniors.”