Mark Chay
Singapore
“Thank you, Mdm Deputy Speaker. I recognise the hon Member's comments and I recognise that there was a fancy chart with GDP, but we cannot look at athlete performance juxtaposed to GDP alone. There are many different factors and, if you ask me, high performance takes time.”
“Yes, the Leader of the Opposition. Regarding our silat athletes and swimmers, I just want to clarify that for the silat athlete, whether he is aware that the drink-driving incident actually happened on 27 November 2022 and the silat competition at the SEA Games actually happened on 18 May 2023.”
“I would like to thank the hon Member for his comments. Yes, I do think that there is room for improvement and there is definitely no perfect system. I am paraphrasing from yesterday.”
“I thank Mr Leon Perera for his comments in his speech. I have just one clarification on the support for athletes who are not in popular sports. He cited bowling as well as billiards, with Peter Gilchrist, Aloysius Yapp, Shayna Ng as well as Cherie Tan. They are all spexScholarship holders.”
“Thank you, Mdm Deputy Speaker. I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question and clarifications. Again, I think sports is a continuing journey. I do not speak on behalf of SNOC, but I think the door is not closed. Again, these are decisions made by SNOC and not by myself.”
“Yes, of course. When it comes to sports, you cannot just look at the socio-economic background of a country specifically. You have to look at it as a whole. I think that is the question that I had for Assoc Prof Jamus Lim, whether he considered it as a whole, not just looking at our economic status in the region.”
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“Sir, in December 2022, the Government took over the management of the Singapore Sports Hub under a new entity, Kallang Alive Sports Management (KASM). I will be the first to state that as a tenant of Kallang Wave Mall, there have been visible improvements in some areas. But, overall, I feel that there is a change in the vibrancy and energy of the precinct. Not long ago, the Sports Hub felt like a ghost town, unless Jay Chou was performing. Today, programmes are organised for participants of all interests every day of the week. The public can access sports and fitness classes, rent equipment and use world-class facilities to pursue their sporting ambitions. The events calendar looks vibrant, and many community events, local and international sports competitions and concerts are planned in the coming months. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] KSAM is already delivering on its promise of more opportunities for locals to compete in and use its facilities. Just last month, the Ministry of Education (MOE) announced that the National School Games track and field finals would return to the National Stadium. It has been four years since that has happened. With so much optimism and potential linked with the Sports Hub and KASM, I would like to raise the following points. One, many of the facilities are used by the National Sports Associations (NSAs) for national team training. The anticipated increase in events at the Sports Hub will inevitably disrupt national training and national teams could potentially be displaced for several days if the facility is used for an event.”
“Mdm Chair, the Public Transport Council (PTC) Survey showed that there is generally high satisfaction with the P2P service. However, the report also revealed that the wait times were less satisfactory. Acknowledging that there can never be such anything such as a "perfect" system, I have to make three points. First, I would like to ask MOT how it intends to improve P2P service waiting times. Second, it is good that the PTC has expanded the scope of research to persons with disabilities (PwDs) and their caregivers. Important service attributes that PwDs identified to include in Singapore's public transport system are reliability, safety and security, and accessibility. I want to ask MOT how it has taken the data collected from the PTC Survey to enhance the experience of PwDs and their caregivers. Can MOT also share its plans to improve the user experience of the elderly to achieve its objective of providing a sound transport system? Third, I would like to ask MOT to share more about its plan to increase awareness and growth of the Caring SG Commuters movement, which promotes courteous behaviour, such as giving up seats for the elderly, pregnant women and PwDs. Strengthen Support for P2P Livelihoods”
“Under the ERF, certain PEIs who meet high-quality assurance standards would also be granted the "EduTrust" mark. As Singapore's economy develops rapidly and there is a need to ramp up capacity to allow Singaporeans to be trained, would SSG consider streamlining the processes that would enable a training institution to offer SSG/WSQ courses without having to apply for separate certifications? For instance, can the process be streamlined so PEIs with EduTrust qualifications qualify to become an ATO? I understand that currently, all IHLs are exempted from such checks and can offer SSG/WSQ courses without having to qualify under the ATO framework separately. Enabling Lifelong Learning”
“Mr Chairman, I am a director and shareholder of various private education institutions and I have had some experience with the Skills Framework, which is designed to provide key information on sectors, career pathways, occupations or job roles, and existing and emerging skills required for the occupations or job roles. It also provides training programmes for skills upgrading and mastery. There are currently 34 industries with a defined skills framework. It helps provide critical information on the general career pathway, the roles within these sectors and the skills required to meet those roles. These frameworks were progressively launched from 2016. The Skills Framework is a masterpiece that took great effort by the relevant stakeholders such as the employers, Government agencies, trade associations and so on to assemble. It is therefore pertinent to ensure that the framework is reviewed and updated from time to time to ensure that this remains in step with applicable and emerging trends and developments. Given the above, I would like to ask MOE if there are any statistics on the actual adoption by the employers of the Skills Framework in hiring employees within the stated sector? Also, are there any statistics on how the Skills Framework has allowed Singaporeans to either gain employment or progress in their existing roles after undergoing training in these areas? A critical piece for the success of continuing education is access to courses, namely, through Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) and Private Education Institutions (PEIs). Currently, two different regimes govern private training institutions in Singapore – the ATO framework and the Enhanced Registration Framework (ERF) for PEIs.”
“First, it strikes me as unusual that Singaporeans living in Hong Kong, an otherwise modern and sophisticated educational system, would demand more Singapore-style education there rather than in other ASEAN capitals with comparatively weaker educational systems. Second, such demand itself is, in fact, endogenous. If such schools existed, it would encourage more locals to consider taking on regional postings, which in turn would generate the requisite demand. Through Enterprise Singapore, the Government is expending much treasure to support our firms in their regionalisation efforts. It has also worked hard to encourage our professionals to consider regional postings. What I am suggesting here today is simply another step towards lowering the barriers to making our local talent ever more international and ever more competitive. Developing Resilient Adult Learners”
“And they would take the same common exams – PSLE, “O” or “N” Levels – at the appropriate time and level. 6.45 pm Why would the taxpayer wish to subsidise schools located in other countries? For starters, students attending these schools would be Singaporeans more likely than not. It makes sense that they be provided with a subsidised Singaporean education as others in their cohort are. Moreover, these children are often simply following their parents overseas as they are being posted rather than making any conscious decision of their own to relocate. Furthermore, the subsidy has an additional benefit from the perspective of the parents. By reducing the frictions associated with moving their families to a different country, it offers positive incentives for our local professionals to relocate and thereby upgrade their experience and exposure to the region, which is often cited as a reason for local middle managers being skipped over for promotion. In a response to a Parliamentary Question I filed late last year, Minister of State Gan explained that MOE already provides funding and teaching support to one international school in Hong Kong. She said that MOE did so because there were a sizable number of Singaporean children there and that this assistance helped with the reintegration of these kids back to our educational system here. So, there is already a precedent to this suggestion. She also mentioned, however, that there was a lack of demand for such education elsewhere, which was why it was not offered beyond Hong Kong. To this, I will only add two thoughts.”
“Additionally, with the influx of students from different countries, these educational institutions provide an invaluable opportunity for cross-cultural exchange and collaboration. Furthermore, international students can help expand the global reach of Singapore's private education sector, increasing the international visibility as a leader in high quality education. Mr Chairman, private education institutions (PEIs) have a vital role to play in Singapore's success as an education hub. These institutions offer Singaporean students the chance to pursue specialised vocational diplomas or degrees from foreign universities whilst in Singapore as an alternative to attending our local universities. PEIs can also provide tailored curriculums adapted to a student's specific needs. Given this, I would like to ask MOE to share its plans to improve the quality and credibility of education concerning PEIs. In addition, could MOE share how it plans to work with other Government agencies such as ICA and MOM to ensure necessary approvals such as student pass applications and training work pass applications are processed seamlessly? Singapore International Schools in ASEAN Capital Cities Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim: I wish to suggest that the Ministry consider funding a network of international schools located in all major regional capitals within ASEAN. These schools will offer the full Singapore curriculum similar to that of any local MOE school, from the kindergarten through to the secondary school level. Students that attend such schools would be able to transfer relatively seamlessly from a school back in, say, Jakarta or Bangkok, back to one in Jurong or Buangkok. They would pay comparable supplemental fees just as any student enrolled in a local school would.”
“Mr Chairman, I am a director and shareholder of various private education institutions and I consider myself privileged to be part of the stellar education system that Singapore boasts. As we all know, Singapore is home to some of the world's best universities. Our public school system is among the world’s best and our students consistently scoring near the top in education rankings in OECD countries. But our local and international schools offer a wide range of curricula which provide quality and holistic learning experiences aimed at equipping students with the necessary skills for the future workforce, and our excellent tertiary institutions and research facilities make Singapore an ideal place to pursue higher education and participate in innovative research initiatives. Our global reputation for academic excellence is not the only reason why Singapore is one of the top destinations for international students looking to pursue high quality education. There are at least three other reasons why Singapore has grown to be the academic hub that it is. First, Singapore has excellent transport links with many other countries, which makes it easy for international students to travel to and from their home countries. Second, we have a highly developed and efficient system of infrastructure and public services, which make for a high quality of life for its residents. And third, the promotion of English as the primary language spoken in Singapore means that international students can easily integrate into the country without having to learn a new language. In the same vein, the significance of international students cannot be understated. They bring diversity and cultural richness to Singapore's society.”
“They learn pedagogical and andragogical training. They understand curriculum. They are able to design a programme and the definition of teaching is the engagement of learners to enable understanding and application of knowledge, concepts and processes through design, content selection, delivery, assessment and reflection. That is in itself, a skill. Also, the nature of such courses is competency-based, practical and vocational in nature and not necessarily academic. I often lean on my experience in sports and I know that the best athlete may not be the best coaches. Of course, if you are a practitioner, of course if you are great at what you do, you are able to impart passion and ignite a fire to it to enable your students, your charges, your athletes to go further and pursue this. But let us be very clear, that when you are in the training ground, when you are at the pool or the court, you are there to teach, you are there to coach and having the right skills is of utmost importance. In conclusion, I believe the SkillsFuture movement will continue to be an essential part of lifelong education and strengthen the competitiveness of Singapore's workforce. I believe the proposed amendments to the Bill will safeguard not just Singaporeans but the reputation and brand of Singapore and its training and education system.”
“It is incredibly upsetting to see marketing agents going to the heartlands using potentially inaccurate and misleading information to recruit students. I, therefore, am happy that this Bill also captures marketing agents. There should be no room for unscrupulous agents to profit from Government-funded training programmes. And let me say that again. There should be no room for unscrupulous agents to profit from Government-funded training programmes. And in my humble opinion, Mr Speaker, training providers should not be allowed to engage commission-based recruitment agents for any SkillsFuture-funded courses. Singapore takes pride in many things. A high standard of education is one of them. The SkillsFuture programme has delivered in many ways to encourage Singaporeans to take charge of their learning and career development. It promotes lifelong learning, ensuring the workforce in Singapore is equipped with the relevant skills to meet the changing economy, thereby facilitating Singaporeans to transition into new industries and occupations. However, care should be taken that funding should only be provided for students who genuinely wish to upgrade themselves. At this juncture, I would like to take the opportunity to respond to comments made by Assoc Prof Jamus Lim in his speech yesterday. I believe that even more so trainers of SkillsFuture and WSG courses should undergo appropriate training to teach. I myself have undergone the Advanced Certificate of Training Assessment (ACTA) course which was a precursor to the ACLP programme which Assoc Prof Lim had referred to yesterday. In my course of work, I have hired and observed many trainers and there is a difference between those who have and have not gone through the programme.”
“Mr Speaker, Happy Birthday! And thank you for the opportunity to join this debate on the SkillsFuture Singapore Agency (Amendment) Bill. At the outset, I would like to declare that I am a director of three institutions that provide SkillsFuture-funded courses. As a practitioner in the industry, I wholeheartedly welcome these amendments and I would like to seek the following clarifications and make the following suggestions. First, regarding the appointment of inspectors, I would like to ask the Minister what the qualifications are to be an appointed inspector? As inspectors are given a degree of power and authority, what happens when such powers are abused? It would be expected that these inspectors discharge their duties professionally and in a demeanour expected of any public officer. Second, the definition of "advertisement" in article 57(E) seems relatively narrow. I should be grateful if the Minister could address how the Bill captures other forms of marketing, such as roadshows or in-person hard selling. Mr Speaker, I have been in the education and training industry for over a decade. I have encountered a variety of dishonest actors in the industry. Some of them are educators and a majority of them are agents. Education institutions that engage agents may provide accurate information about a programme; however, there is little education institutions can do should such marketing agents go off script and use unethical means to close a sale. This is particularly so as it is not realistic to expect all prospective students to be familiar with the prevailing rules and regulations in order to qualify them for funding support from the Government.”
“It is based on these ideals for a better Singapore that were first articulated more than five decades ago that we have built this inclusive global city which we are all proud to call home today. Singapore has, indeed, become a beacon for many and, while conservative in our nature, we are a tolerant, peaceful and harmonious society, where everyone can live in community without fear. I hope that one day, we will not have to rely on the Constitution to safeguard, respect and celebrate our differences where there is a lot more binding us together as Singaporeans – a love for food, being "kiasu", being "champion grumblers" – than what differentiates us. We have built a society based on interracial and inter-religious harmony. I am certain we can establish a similarly harmonious relationship among one another regardless of our differences. In fact, we can learn to welcome, protect and even celebrate those differences, as one diverse, inclusive harmonious nation of Singaporeans.”
“This also ties into the ongoing Forward Singapore exercise, as we refresh our social compact to pursue a more equal and inclusive society. Second, would be on education for our children. Are we doing enough to ensure that our children understand that even though their peers may not fit into the definition of a traditional family unit, either because of their home situation or their personal realities, that these peers should not be treated differently or, worse, derisively? I would like to encourage MOE to have meaningful conversations with students, not for the purposes of problem solving, but to seek understanding. I would like to see more education content on handling relationships, not just in the heterosexual sense, but all definitions of relationships. I agree with my Parliamentary colleague here, the hon Member Darryl David, that schools should be a safe space to explore, debate and educate about respect and inclusivity, and we should train our teachers to have productive conversations with students about these. So, in conclusion, Mr Speaker, Sir, regardless of where all in this House stand, I think we all agree that we want the best for our country and our people for a prosperous and inclusive and forward-looking Singapore. During his speech to announce Singapore's Independence from Malaysia on 9 August 1965, our founding father Lee Kuan Yew said: "Everyone will have his place: equal; language, culture, religion." We are, thus, compelled to move in this direction and ensure that every Singaporean can live a joyful, happy and peaceful life and contribute meaningfully to this great nation.”
“Mr Speaker, section 377A of the Penal Code is a complex topic, one that has been passionately debated in and out of this House. I am glad that the Singapore Government has decided to finally repeal section 377A. I believe section 377A is no longer relevant in contemporary Singaporean society and I agree with its repeal. I would also like to state my support for the inclusion of Article 156 of the Constitution, which clarifies that the power to make laws to do with the institution of marriage rightly rests with this very Parliament and for Parliament to protect the prevailing definition of marriage. This could potentially be a divisive issue, but it may not be. I see it instead as an opportunity to open meaningful conversations about equality and inclusivity within our society. Equality being one of our nation's ideals, we need to ensure that policies implemented to uphold the equal protection of rights for Singaporeans who do not fit squarely into the definition of a traditional family unit. So, for instance, single-parent households and LGBTQ+ Singaporeans, amongst others – after all, these people and many others not mentioned, contribute to the diverse, vibrant, welcoming society that is so admired around the world. Do our policies recognise this and are we doing enough for them? In this regard, I would like to put forward the following suggestions. First, can PMO consider coordinating a policy review across the whole-of-Government and ensure that those who are not married are actively considered as part of the policy-making process? Other jurisdictions, such as the European Union, have undertaken similar reviews in ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their background, are not unfairly discriminated against.”
“I agree with the Minister that the Internet and technology are changing rapidly and as we debate about the Online Safety Bill in the context of SMS today, we can plan for legislation on gaming in the future. We should keep the conversation going. In fact, we should speak openly about gaming and how to game responsibly. I would like to suggest that the Ministry, together with other relevant agencies, such as MOE and MHA, come together with the gaming and e-sports community to craft a path forward. In closing, Mr Deputy Speaker, notwithstanding my clarifications, I am in support of the Online Safety Bill. The Internet was created to be a tool of empowerment and should be a safe space for Singaporeans to explore and engage freely and securely.”
“Today, the industry is already recognising toxicity as a problem and some major gaming companies have taken initiatives to launch their own anti-toxicity programmes, but with little success. As technology and graphics become increasingly sophisticated, many of the most popular games are thrilling and exciting in part because they showcase violent behaviour and explicit conduct with realistic detail. Storylines and game themes can also depict disagreeable messages and social behaviours. With Big Tech firms investing heavily in the metaverse, we can expect more pervasive, more immersive technology and experiences very soon in our everyday lives. Clearly stated age ratings, warnings and age restrictions are already in place. But are these enough? Can we better protect children from exposure to sexualisation and violence? I would like to encourage the Ministry to consider how players and gamers can be protected as well. Online gaming may also expose vulnerable groups to Loot Boxes and Gochas. They are a commonplace in game design and architecture. They create an element of chance and reward which, in turn, creates a stickiness to the game. This element of chance may seed undesirable habits which not only affect the players, but their families and persons around them, much like how problem gambling affects a community and not just the gambler alone. At this juncture, I would like to declare that I am an officer at the Global Esports Federation. And I would like to say that not all games are violent or gratuitous. There are many genres of games that focus on strategy, desirable values and are productive.”
“Students gain knowledge and skills to, one, harness the power of information and communication technology (ICT) for positive purposes; two, maintain a positive presence online; and three, be safe and responsible users of ICT. Going a step further, I would suggest creating easily accessible safe counselling spaces in schools or create online chatrooms for children to access counselling services if they are adversely affected after an incident or exposure. Ideally, parents should be the first port of call to address any feelings of confusion, disgust or anxiety that can follow exposure to online harassment. The reality is that not all parents are equipped or prepared to have such conversations in a helpful, supportive or productive manner. Children, and even adults, can be severely traumatised by explicit content and hateful language. When trauma is left unaddressed and repressed, it can manifest itself in unhealthy ways. In the code proposed for designated SMS, I would like to propose that tools that allow children and parents to manage online safety and directions to where to seek help if exposed to harmful or inappropriate material be made available. Mr Deputy Speaker, while this new Bill puts a lot of emphasis on moderating and cleaning up content on social media services and platforms, harmful content also exists in online games as well. Toxic behaviours, coarse language, harassment, threats and explicit sexual and violent content are examples of harmful content found in online games. And while this Bill is not intended to address gaming, perhaps the Ministry can engage the e-sports and gaming community and consider similar protections for players and gamers in the future.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to join this debate on the Online Safety Bill. I believe that this is a move in the right direction in making the Internet safer for all to use. I am comforted that measures are now being taken to combat the proliferation of violent and harmful materials online. Through this Bill, we are sending a strong statement that, in Singapore, we will regulate our online communication services and hold them to a high standard of conduct because there is no place for the public sharing of content that can reasonably be deemed to have a harmful outcome or intent. The Bill introduces a new part to the Broadcasting Act to regulate Online Communication Services (OCS). Social Media Services (SMS) are listed as a type of OCS. Under the Bill, SMS will need to implement measures to limit local users' exposure to harmful content, thus forcing OCS to be more accountable to users. As there are many forms of social media, it would be good if the Ministry can clarify if messaging platforms, such as WhatsApp, Telegram, WeChat and Kakao Talk would be considered as SMS. Mr Deputy Speaker, I am also pleased that, in Singapore, we recognise that the law is only one vehicle of the social order. With respect to safeguarding children from online harms, rather than tackling this issue primarily from the legislature, robust and comprehensive education programmes should be in place to complement these policies. I am particularly heartened to see that MOE's Character and Citizenship Education syllabus includes "cyber wellness". As part of the syllabus, students learn about navigating cyberspace.”
“I recognise that there are opportunities for Singapore to pivot importing renewable energy from nearby countries; however, this would increase the reliance from overseas sources and affect our energy security. Lastly, Mr Speaker, I would like to reiterate my firm support of the Bill. It reinforces Singapore's commitment to a net-zero emissions country by 2050 and forces us to find solutions to demonstrate competitiveness in a low-carbon future.”
“Mr Speaker, I would like to applaud the steps that Singapore is taking to build a greener future and it is especially commendable in today's context that private enterprises, such as Surbana Jurong and Keppel Corporation are implementing policies with sustainability as one of the top agendas. The proposed amendments to the CPA are a positive step in the right direction and I stand in support of the Bill. I would, however, like to clarify the following points. The carbon price is proposed to increase five times to $25 per tonne of emissions by 2024 and $45 by 2026. According to the World Bank's State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2022, this would mean that Singapore would lead Asia in carbon prices. I would like to ask what this would mean to companies that are eligible to be taxed, in terms of Singapore's competitiveness as a destination to set up operations. In addition, with the significant increases in carbon tax, I would like to ask the Minister what the plans are for these additional revenues. One suggestion would be to allocate some of these to research and development (R&D) programmes related to green energy and sustainability, or education programmes to prepare companies for carbon tax reporting. I understand that there are programmes already in place to incentivise and support environmental sustainability. I would like to ask the Minister what the take-up rate of these grants are and how we can increase the utilisation of such grants. I am also concerned about how the increase in carbon prices will impact the daily living costs in Singapore and what are the Government's plans to ensure that energy prices remain stable.”
“On the first supplementary question, it is more like, giving them an option. National Sports Associations (NSAs) can play a part in delivering these co-curricular activities through SP-CCA programmes. We are not forcing any students to choose. We are simply providing options for them. If they so choose to, then it is great. It will be good to have the opportunity to have these programmes at the Primary school level as well as the Secondary school level. The second question is, these are co-curricular activities. Presumably, there is a curriculum for CCAs to be delivered; there are some things or outcomes that will be delivered through the CCAs. How are these delivered through these SP-CCA programmes and how are these communicated to SportSG so that these outcomes are delivered through CCAs?”
“I would like to thank the Minister of State for her explanation of the update of the SP-CCA. I think it is a very useful tool, especially, with some of the schools not having the resources as well as the number of athletes or participants to form a full team or the CCAs. I have two supplementary questions. First, what are the considerations for sports uniform group or visual and performing arts programmes to be included as an SP-CCA programme? Would the consideration for strategic national representation or high performance be made a consideration, including such sports or programmes? I think this comes from like team sports, for example, where you cannot really form a team; or take, for example, diving or gymnastics, where we have athletes going to the Olympic games, and not all schools provide these CCAs. I think the number of schools are reducing. So, how can they be considered? The second supplementary question is on the current SP-CCA programme. How is MOE engaging SportSG to ensure the delivery of these programmes are aligned to the curriculum prescribed by MOE, as these are co-curricular activities?”
“I firmly believe that Healthier SG is a strategy which will support our healthcare workers, by placing a greater responsibility of an individual's health on the individual and also provide access to a wide network of support and expertise bolstered by a robust technology platform. Healthier SG is an ambitious strategy and by no means a simple matter. It requires an immense level of coordination from various organisations to make it a success. Together, we can look forward to greater quality of life in our senior years. I support this Motion.”
“Players walk through a place and move their bodies as they navigate the game, gaining physical exercise that can increase cerebral blood flow associated with improvement in general cognitive performance. We live in an amazing time, where technology can bridge the physical and virtual worlds. During the pandemic when physical activity in groups was limited, we made do exercising from home. Technology played an important role in connecting our physical activity done at home to an online community. Many of us took part in virtual races and activities and where we logged distances walked, swum and cycled. I remember even doing a push-up challenge with Speaker to raise funds for the Community Chest. Platforms like Zwift enable us to compete in real-time in virtual reality, connecting with people from all over the world. I would like to ask if MOH has considered the applications of simulated and virtual sport to increase and track activity. Gamification creates a stickiness and technology connects and gathers data for us to make educated decisions on our health and physical performance. The potential to connect and activate is boundless. However, the strength of our strategy is only as strong as its weakest link. The White Paper must be able to connect with Singaporeans from different socio-economic backgrounds, or different physical and cognitive abilities. This includes persons with disabilities as well as those who are not technologically savvy. It would be reassuring to hear details on how the Minister has considered these vulnerable groups in MOH's plans. In conclusion, I would like to say that I am extremely proud of Singapore's healthcare system and our healthcare workers.”
“Training a young athlete for peak performance is different from training an adult in his or her 30s and 40s, and is different from training a senior with chronic disease. It may seem intuitive. However, many coaching and fitness certification courses do not address the physiological differences in depth. I would like to ask the Minister what strategies have been considered to roll out continuing education for professionals in this sector. Perhaps, such courses can be delivered through CoachSG and PA. Mr Deputy Speaker, I believe education does not stop when we leave school. In Primary school, we all went through health education. In Secondary school, we went through physical education. But what happens when we become adults? Should knowledge come from the family doctor? I would like to ask if educational programmes are planned to be rolled out to inform Singaporeans of health risks, prevention methods and physical maintenance in relation to an individual's age and condition. Such information can be bespoke based on data and information collected on wearable technology and pushed through an app. This brings me to my next point which is leveraging digital technology. As our population ages, a concern is mental and cognitive health. Dementia is a concern of mine. Perhaps, with wearable and mobile technology being more accessible, we can explore how gaming and virtual reality can help diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's. Researchers at UC San Francisco described that an immersive game called Labryinth-VR, where players wear a head-mounted virtual reality display and navigate through "neighbourhoods" of increasing size and complexity and run errands.”
“One is never too old to participate in sport and there is ample medical evidence to show that one can benefit from exercise, even if one starts late." I agree with Dr Tan and we can do more to design programmes which are "veteran-friendly", modifying games, adjust training intensity, make it fun, such that physical activity is a way of life. Physical activity promotes optimal health and is integral in the prevention and treatment of many medical conditions. Sport, activity, exercise is medicine. Which brings me to my second point on education and certification. In the Healthier SG White Paper, a doctor will be able to keep track of an individual's health conditions, detect health problems early, work with the individual on a care plan and refer the individual to suitable activities or programmes in the community. Knowledge of disease care is as important as knowledge of disease prevention. I would like to ask the Minister what are MOH's plans to provide opportunities for doctors as well as healthcare professionals, sports and fitness professionals, to attain relevant training with respect to prescribing exercise to special populations. One such course is Exercise is Medicine, which is a global health initiative managed by the American College of Sports Medicine. Exercise is Medicine strives to make physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in clinical care, connecting healthcare with evidence-based physical activity resources for people everywhere, for all abilities. Physicians and other healthcare providers should be encouraged to include physical activity when designing treatment plans and to refer patients to evidence-based exercise programmes and qualified exercise professionals.”
“It would be better to see more engagement with private sector entities that provide relevant and structured programmes. Some of these programmes are customised to the requirements of our seniors and persons with chronic diseases. Partnering such private sector entities would give SportSG and PA greater options and relevant programmes to communities that require specialised programming. What are MOH's plans to engage the sports, fitness and wellness community in its Healthier SG strategy? Sports has a large part to play in getting Singaporeans active. In the last National Sports Participation Survey (NSPS), swimming, walking and jogging are the only activities that consistently rank amongst the top five most participated activities across all age groups ranging 13 to over 60 years. Physical health and mental health ranked amongst the top motivations for participants in these activities. From my own experience, I can tell you ploughing up and down a swimming pool by yourself is not the most exciting nor the most social activity. But when you come together as a group, complete sets, set goals and throw in a little competitiveness, sports can be a fun and it can be sustainable. Which is why I believe National Sports Associations, private sports clubs and academies have a part to play in in the Healthier SG White Paper. Structured, competitive sports and games should not be limited to just a person's school years, but for life. I would like to quote a former Nominated Member of Parliament Dr Benedict Tan who delivered a speech here in Parliament in 2015 on 10 worrying trends in Singapore's sports culture. He said, "Our sports events can be more veteran-friendly.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, on the onset, I would like to declare that I am the President of Singapore Swimming Association and a director of two private education institutions in the business of certifying and accrediting sports coaches and fitness professionals. Please allow me to congratulate the Health Minister as well as the team at MOH for this progressive strategy. The shift from being a reactive to a strategy that promotes preventive healthcare makes perfect sense. Quite frankly, it is high time that we make this move. I would like to address three matters related to the White Paper: on engaging with the sports, fitness and wellness community on education and certification and on leveraging digital technology. On engaging with the sports, fitness and wellness community, I am happy to see that the White Paper asserts that improving health goes beyond the doctor's visit and encourages residents to adopt a healthier lifestyle. This reinforces what sports and fitness practitioners have long believed. International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said that "sport and physical activity are the low-cost, high-impact tools for healthy bodies, healthy minds and resilient communities." The World Health Organization statistics show that one in four adults, and four out of five adolescents do not get enough physical activity. Globally, the estimated to cost US$54 billion in direct healthcare and another US$14 billion in lost productivity. This has a significant impact on populations, more so on economies like Singapore which depend heavily on its people. It is good to see that there are plans to activate community partners, such as SportSG and the People's Association (PA).”
“For reasons I do not know, the TV production crew did not have the graphic of the Singapore flag. I felt very sad at that instance. Sad because I felt, in a way, deprived of the ability to share my glory with Singapore. So, to me, this underscores the significance of our national flag and our national symbols. As a former national athlete, I would like to say that every call to the national team is a moment of immense pride. It is a privilege which our national athletes do not take lightly. It is an honour to wear our national flag emblazoned on the jersey, track suit or swimming cap. On the matter of wearing the national flag on the team kits, I would like to ask two questions. One, what is the process for National Sports Associations (NSAs) and other organisations to seek approval for the national flag or symbols to be on the team uniform? Two, are there guidelines for the type of national teams that can have the national flag or symbols on the uniform? For example, can a youth team wear the national flag on the kit? To conclude, our national symbols evoke immense pride. They facilitate opportunities to build solidarity during both challenging times like COVID-19 and during celebratory occasions like international competitions. They stir up the national spirit and stimulate civic duty in the elements and colours that remind us of the values Singaporeans should embody. Most importantly, too, Mdm Deputy Speaker, these symbols are an immediate point of connection, camaraderie and respect amongst our people across the world. These are positive things that we, as Parliamentarians, should encourage and I am firm in my support of the Bill.”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, Singapore is a young nation, as are our national symbols. These representations of our nationhood were developed because these visible, identifiable symbols are necessary in defining and unifying Singaporeans. As a multicultural and diverse nation, our national symbols have been instrumental in creating and cementing our identity. Therefore, I stand in support of the Bill, which seeks to promote appropriate use of national symbols while allowing for their wider use by Singaporeans to express national pride and solidarity. This will give Singaporeans the clarity and flexibility in their use whilst preserving the honour and respect that our national symbols deserve. The significance of our national symbols cannot be understated. Our national athletes compete, often overseas, in packed stadia. When they compete, they do not just represent themselves but the very best of Singapore and what Singapore stands for. I can tell you, when you are behind the blocks, looking up at stands filled with tens of thousands of spectators and you see a Singapore flag, it fills your heart, and you dig deep to give off more for our country. When our athletes win, we often see them take their national flags to the podium to show their patriotism and to acknowledge the support from home which enabled them to achieve greatness and do Singapore proud. I would like to share a personal story 22 years ago when I was an athlete. In 2000, I represented Singapore at the FINA World Cup in Australia. I swam well enough to make the finals, just two lanes away from the world record holder. When I watched the replay on TV that night, I was disappointed to see that next to my name where the Singapore flag should have been was a grey box.”
“The Bill also prevents persons convicted of serious crimes, such as sexual violence and drug-related offences, from adopting and I would like to make two points on this matter. First, I am happy to see that the Bill recognises the reformation process and the Court may consider exceptional cases for overcomers to be eligible for adoption. Second, like overcomers, birth parents may be deemed unfit or unwilling to care for children at a point of time. But what if they can overcome and be deemed able and willing to parent later? In these instances, would there be an opportunity for the birth parents to reconcile with their birth children? Lastly, on the criteria for suitability to adopt, my hope is for us to be a progressive nation and begin to have conversations on non-traditional family units. While I do not disagree with the Government's position against deliberate single parenthood through surrogacy, adoption or same-sex parents, I am pragmatic in acknowledging the possibility that other non-traditional family structures may be able to meet the needs of an adopted child just as efficiently. Although I respect the policies in place today, it is my hope that, in time, we dispense with evaluations of suitability based on sexual orientation or relationship status when the key qualifications and thresholds for suitability have been satisfied. Mr Deputy Speaker, I conclude by restating my firm support for this progressive Bill that modernises and legitimises Singapore's adoption process to provide for and protect children in need of forever families.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, I rise in support of the Adoption of Children Bill, which seeks to improve the systems and processes surrounding adoption in Singapore with a child welfare first approach. I am pleased by the added rigour, scrutiny and support that will be soon embedded in the screening, selection and post-adoption processes, to ultimately, safeguard the well-being and the rights of children across Singapore. Please allow me to share a few thoughts on the Bill. One, on the requirement for adopters to undergo suitability assessments; two, on breaking cycles of abuse and neglect; and three, on the suitability and criteria to adopt. Mr Deputy Speaker, I am encouraged by the move to conduct mandatory Adoption Suitability Assessments (ASA) on all prospective adoptive parents. This is to ensure a robust due diligence process which ascertains the fitness, readiness and suitability of adoption applicants. I would like to ask if ASA is a two-way matching process that is fair and transparent to the potential parents as well. Will there be a comprehensive evaluation of the child's medical, mental and emotional status? In addition, will full disclosure of these details be shared with potential adoptive parents? In particular, the mental health and condition of adopted children are a concern and potential adopters should be made aware of the unique needs of the child they are adopting. I move to my next point on breaking cycles of abuse and neglect. I fully agree that access to a safe, stable environment is paramount to the health, happiness and development of the child. The Bill states that the Court may dispense with a child's birth parents' consent to the adoption if the birth parents are unfit or unwilling to care for the child.”
“Thank you, Mr Chairman. I would just like to make two clarifications. One is to ask the Minister about the establishment of gaming, digital content and technology hub and the second is on the Para Sports Academy. How many athletes will it impact? At what level will it impact? And what are the tangible goals to understand what the success of this Para Sports Academy will look like?”
“If we were to celebrate our coaches, we should also consider strengthening the regulatory framework which governs coaches, and sports for that matter. The SafeSport Unified Code was launched last year and this was a huge step forward in ensuring the safety of our participants in sports. However, there is a lacuna in its ambit. It only affects NROC-registered coaches. What happens if the alleged offender is, for instance, an unregistered coach, a team manager or a volunteer? To plug this gap, I have two suggestions for the Ministry. One, develop a framework for licensing and compulsory registration for all sports coaches and instructors; and two, extend the registration to administrators and volunteers. I believe these measures would ensure a consistent standard and accountability for all persons who undertake the coaching role, which will then form a sturdy foundation for the sports scene in Singapore to thrive. Sports and Sustainability”
“On coaching education in the broader sense, I am happy to note that CoachSG is working with experts at Leeds Beckett University to develop a coaching competency framework that would impact and shape our coaching development and education pathway in Singapore. I would like to ask how this study will manifest in the CoachSG courses, and, just as importantly, how the study and the competency framework would result in greater recognition of coaches and their true value proposition, in terms of remuneration. Chairman, I will move to my second point – recognising coaches and their accomplishments. In my Budget 2022 Debate speech, I listed five Singaporean athletes who have emerged on top of the world in their respective disciplines. Can we name all their coaches who helped them achieve this feat? Do we know that these coaches were all local Singaporeans? And when was the last time we recognised a coach for a National Day Award? The achievements of coaches have not enjoyed the same level of recognition as our national athletes do, and this should not be the case. They are with our athletes every step of the way, and these coaches not only ensure the physical performance of our athletes, they also play important roles in developing the athletes in imparting values and ethics. I would, therefore, reason that their jobs are as important and deserving of recognition as those teachers at our MOE schools. I would like to propose that coaches be recognised for their contributions to inspire more Singaporeans to take on the mantle of coach and groom generations of world champions to come. I now move to my final point – improving coaching standards and regulations.”
“Chairman, I would like to raise three points for MCCY to consider. One, additional funds for national teams. As Team Singapore takes the stage multiple times this year, I would like to ask for additional funds to be allocated to enable our Team Singapore athletes a fair shot at preparing, qualifying and competing at these major international competitions. Two, additional resources to build our capabilities for sport science and administration. I would like to ask if there are sufficient sports science resources and personnel to support our athletes. If not, what is the plan to ramp up in time for the games? Three, greater support for Team Singapore athletes serving their National Service. Many of our Team Singapore athletes are National Servicemen. I would, therefore, like to ask if provisions have been made to enable and support our National Servicemen who have qualified for the games, for instance, allowing them time out to train and compete. Empowering the Coaching Profession At the outset, I would like to declare the I am a coach with the Singapore Disability Sports Council. I would like to raise three points in this regard. I will first speak on empowering coaches with the requisite knowledge and skills. As Singapore moves to be more inclusive in the sporting arena, it becomes all the more timely to ensure that coaches are equipped with the necessary skills to handle differently-abled athletes. I would like to suggest CoachSG work together with the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) to develop and run courses.”
“Inclusivity and accessibility must be at the forefront of these experiences. Inclusion cannot be a fringe initiative. We must be proactive in designing and producing content that recognises and considers essential demographics. Gender, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, language, religion, physical and mental abilities and socio-economic status are important parameters that we must not neglect. Singapore is our home. We want a future filled with opportunities and security for our families. Sports and the arts are, arguably, the two most universal and influential languages we have. I seek clarity on how the Ministry intends to encourage and promote diverse participation in sports and the arts. I would like to ask the Ministry how it can empower the underrepresented and marginalised populations to feel included via sports and the arts. Inclusive Arts and Culture”
“On the future of entertainment, I would like to discuss two points: first, the need for enabling technology and the metaverse; and second, the importance of adapting to hybrid and digital events. Mdm Chairman, entertainment platforms and opportunities will almost be exclusive to the Metaverse in the not-too-distant future. This will serve as the future for many things we are currently doing today. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs), e-commerce and the integration of collectibles give the audience ownership of their fan experience. These will enhance interactions between users and their favourite teams. It would be highly beneficial to Singapore if the Ministry could encourage digital content and technologies to facilitate interaction between the real and virtual worlds. I would like the Ministry to consider a gaming, technology and digital content hub. This hub can bring Singapore significant economic opportunities, be an incubator for human capital development and, most importantly, a gateway to youths and community engagement. I am now moving on to my next point, the need to adapt to hybrid and digital events. As Singapore opens post-COVID-19, rather than making digital versions of traditional physical experiences, events need to leverage digital and hybrid extensions to engage audiences better. Singapore needs to encourage the arts and sports sectors to adapt. In the sports and arts industry, COVID-19 testing and safe management measures (SMMs) will remain for the foreseeable future. I want to encourage the Ministry to work together with event organisers and venues to ensure the safety of participants and spectators. We must also keep in mind the viability and sustainability of such events to create practical SMMs that make sense to everyone involved.”
“Mdm Chairman, I am aware that MCCY has been engaging citizens through different platforms, such as the Emerging Stronger Conversations, which was launched as part of the Singapore Together Movement in June 2020. There are also Conversations on Singapore Women's Development and OnePeople.sg. Creating these platforms is commendable and well-intentioned, with the goal of bringing Singaporeans to work with one another for a better future. Feedback is critical for growth and I would like to request that MCCY provide an update on the progress of these conversations. I am aware that these discussions typically span a wide range of topics, such as national identity, care for the elderly, technology, governance and so on. The impact of these dialogues would provide reliable insights into the state and progress of our nation in different areas. It is, therefore, important that MCCY answers the following questions. How have these conversations translated into concrete and measurable action? How will MCCY continue to provide Singaporeans with opportunities to contribute ideas and work towards our vision of a caring, just and equal society? The Future of Entertainment The world is changing in so many ways. What we do for entertainment today will be replaced by emerging ideas and innovations. The future of entertainment is firmly rooted in digitisation and technology. Netflix, for instance, has revolutionised the entertainment industry by giving customers original and high-quality on-demand content available to people regardless of location. Other platforms, such as Twitch and YouTube, take live content to hundreds of millions of viewers around the world.”
“Martina Navratilova once said disability is a matter of perception. If you can do just one thing well, you are needed by somebody. Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are part of our society and should be given a fair shot and employment without discrimination. As Members of this House know, I am privileged to be coaching a champion paralympic swimmer Swimming and representing her country have been Pin Xiu's dream. However, not all persons with disabilities are as fortunate as Pin Xiu. Through my journey in parasports, I have met many other differently abled individuals. Some are already in the workforce; some are in school. But what is most evident is their desire to be independent and productive members of society. This is why I will be speaking on stronger employment support for PWDs. Sir, everyone needs to earn a living and support themselves and their dependents. This is especially so in Singapore, differently abled or not, but if opportunities are thwarted and with no support by society, there will be no means for survival. PWDs can work and earn a decent living. Most PWDs are highly skilled and should be given a chance at employment and not be rejected. I recognise that over the years, MSF has steadily increased employment support for PWDs. While PWDs who are able to work have access to job opportunities, there is still more that we can do on this front. There is also feedback that more services could be provided for PWDs above 18 years of age who are unable to work. Chairman, I would like to ask if MSF has plans to support PWDs above the age of 18 with work opportunities and services so that they may stay meaningfully engaged. Caregivers of Special Needs Individuals”
“Mdm Chairman, the metaverse is the seamless convergence of our digital and physical lives, creating a virtual and unified community where people can relax, socialise, play, transact and work. Web3 refers to the third version of the Internet. Even though the metaverse and Web3 will provide opportunities for a better future, we should be concerned about issues of digital policies, digital identity, cybersecurity and data protection. The metaverse and Web3 will benefit both businesses and consumer environments as well as business-to-business enterprises. For instance, for a manufacturer who wants to purchase equipment for spare parts, the current process involves receiving an email in two-dimensional pictures as a brochure. In the metaverse, there could be a virtual environment to test how the products work in a physical environment. The metaverse is expected to bring more hazards to privacy, safety and security. There are concerns about uncivil behaviour, bullying and stalking in the mixed or virtual reality worlds. The metaverse could also provide forums for manipulation and misinformation. Web3 is expected to bring about a paradigm shift in the way that people shop, interact socially and browse the Internet. Web3 will focus on improving sharing of content, collective ownership and personalisation. To ensure that citizens remain protected, can the Ministry consider updating our laws that protect Singaporeans from online harassment, identity theft and virtual crimes?”
“Mdm Chairman, COVID-19 has impacted our ability to travel the world freely. Last year, travellers had to navigate many different restrictions imposed by different countries. At last year's Global Esports Games, Singapore welcomed over 150 players and officials to Singapore. These players and officials all stayed in a bubble. I must admit that understanding the immigration requirements and explaining them to 40 different nations was a tedious task, but everyone understood what they needed to do – what they need to do before arrival, during their stay in Singapore and before they departed. The global Esports Federation also conducted a post-event survey with participants and I am happy to report that participants gave an 89% satisfaction rating at the way our Immigration handled the transit of passengers. Everyone was very impressed with Singapore's efficiency. I am glad that Singapore is slowly and cautiously opening our borders to allow more travel for work, social and other purposes. One distinguishing feature of travel during COVID-19 is the travel rules. Each country has its own travel restrictions, instructions and protocols to abide by. Clearing immigration during travel amidst the pandemic can, therefore, be quite a daunting task. As we further open our borders, how will ICA ensure that the immigration clearance processes for travellers are smooth, seamless and safe for travellers? Is there scope to leverage technology to simplify and automate immigration clearance processes and make them contactless, as far as possible? Automated Travel Lanes for Singaporeans”
“Mdm Chairman, I believe in giving our ex-offenders second chances and preparing them while they are in prison so that they can have a fair shot at it after they are released. I also echo hon Member Zhulkarnain bin Abdul Rahim's suggestion to call ex-offenders the "overcomers" – having overcomed the difficulties of the past. One of the things inmates worry about is whether they can get a job after prison and whether they can have the right skills to keep up with the demands of the job. Prisons and Yellow Ribbon Singapore have done a good job in facilitating inmates' learning and upskilling even while they are in prison. I am especially encouraged to know about the Train and Place (TAP) and Grow initiative, where the inmates are offered the opportunity to acquire certificates and complete diploma courses in certain fields, such as media skills training, while in prison. I also understand that inmates can also be matched with specific jobs after they complete their courses with compatible employers who are prepared to give them a chance. This is a great initiative that allows inmates to receive targeted and industry-specific skills training. Can the Ministry provide more information about how successful the programme has been in helping inmates not just to secure jobs after their release, but in equipping them with the necessary skills to sustain and retain their jobs in the long term? Lastly, are there any plans to extend the TAP and Grow initiative to other industries? Yellow Ribbon and Inclusive Hiring”
“I believe the best is yet to be and I am excited about the possibilities in these aspects, strengthening our Singapore Core and identity.”
“With the support of SportSG, Singapore Tourism Board and the National Youth Council and many others, the event was able to showcase Singapore as an e-sports and gaming hub and proved that Singapore had the capability to host such properties and do it well. The GEG21 showcased how gaming and entertainment in the metaverse could look like as we look towards the future. When I speak of the metaverse, I mean the seamless merging of our physical and digital worlds. For example, the opening ceremony with Singaporean artist Shigga Shay performing live on stage in a motion capture suit being beamed into the metaverse as an avatar was a sight to behold. We should anticipate more Singaporeans spending time in the metaverse and draft parameters to govern it, its uses, potential hazards and protections for citizens, for example. During GEG21, we also saw local technology firm, Refract, showcase "active e-sport" which it co-created with traditional sports body, World Taekwondo Federation. If you are wondering what e-sport is, it is using the entire body as a controller competing in virtual reality. This breaks down physical limitations, such as age, gender and physical size. Why do I raise these points? Because I think they will go a long way towards enhancing and cultivating the uniqueness and strength of Singapore. I urge you to consider them with an open mind and imagination. I look forward to more conversations on these topics to best position Singapore to continue leading and innovating globally. Mr Speaker, that concludes the three issues that I wish to contribute to this session. I raise these issues because they will contribute towards enhancing and cultivating the fabric of Singapore's society.”
“These performances inspire us, ignite the competitive fire within us and redefine our definition of what is possible. Mr Speaker, Team Singapore takes the international stage multiple times this year at the Southeast Asian Games, ASEAN Para Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and Asian Para Games. This, as well as the various world and regional championships and qualifiers our athletes compete in. I would like to ask for additional support for our Team Singapore athletes as they prepare to fly our flag high at these events. Behind every athlete is an entourage that comprises our sports scientists, coaches and sports administrators. I would like to request for more resources to bolster up their capabilities and enable our athletes to achieve greater performances. As many of our Team Singapore athletes are also National Servicemen, I would like to encourage greater collaboration between MINDEF and MCCY to enable our Team Singapore athletes to continue fulfilling their National Service obligations and requirements, whilst being able to train, compete and bring glory to Singapore. National Sports Associations (NSAs), like many of our charities, were not able to conduct events. This will, no doubt, affect the national team performances downstream. Essentially, many of our youth and development athletes have lost two years of physical literacy and competitive experience. I would like to suggest additional resources be put into NSAs for community participation and development programmes. Hosting and organising events are another vehicle for the sports industry to grow and develop. In December 2021, Singapore hosted the inaugural Global Esports Games (GEG21). This event had a staggering 500 million accumulated views and a peak live viewership of 4.4 million.”
“I am thankful for Minister Lawrence Wong’s continued support for the sports and arts sectors. The Sports and Arts Resilience Grants have helped the sector with some relief and I hope they will continue to be available for organisations that are still affected by the pandemic. On my third point, I would like the Ministry to encourage the growth of sports in Singapore. Before I move on to this point, I would like to declare that I am the Chairman of the SNOC Athletes’ Commission, a coach at the Singapore Disabilities Sports Council and a Director of the Global Esports Federation. The year 2021 has been a terrific year for Singapore sports. We were all inspired by the fantastic performances of our athletes in Tokyo and sang the Majullah Singapura twice at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre. As an Olympian, I am very thankful to the Members of this House who supported the Motion to recognise Team Singapore’s performances at these Olympics and Paralympics. As Yip Pin Xiu’s coach, I am thankful that Pin Xiu’s achievements were recognised and she was awarded the President’s Award for Inspiring Achievement by President Halimah just two weeks ago. Singapore had several athletes become world champions last year. Aloysius Yapp became Singapore's first number-one-ranked pool billiard player. In bowling, Shayna Ng won gold at the IBF Super World Championships. In e-sports, Singapore's DOTA-2 Women's Team comprising Sheng Ying "KazeL" Ho, Hui Chun "Merody" Tay, Amanda "bings" Lim, Joanne "Minkiey" Lim and Paula "xiaoma" Teo clinched the gold medal in a close final against Team Great Britain at the Global Esports Games. To cap off a fantastic year, shuttler Loh Kean Yew did us all proud by winning the 2021 Badminton World Federation World Championships title.”
“At the AFF Suzuki Cup in December 2021, a maximum of 10,000 fans were allowed into the 55,000-capacity National Stadium. The SMMs did not allow for food and drinks to be consumed at the venue. This was a start, nonetheless. Many of the international events require minimum spectator numbers and ticket sales to break even. Enabling food and drinks to be consumed at these venues is also part of the experience of watching a live event. It would be good if distinctive SMMs as well as the administration of these SMMs can be considered for such events organised at venues, such as the Singapore Sports Hub. The sports industry has been hit hard since the start of the pandemic. Productivity has been low because of the nature of the industry. Things are picking up; things are getting better. One group I would like to focus on are the operators that service children who are unvaccinated. Because of the SMMs, they are unable to operate productively. These operators perform an important function – introducing physical skills to toddlers and tweens. They feed our development and competitive programmes. If we do not help them, we will see the effects in our competitive sport pipeline in the future. The fitness industry has also been affected since the start of the pandemic. Gyms have seen a steady decline in their memberships. And although SMMs have eased, what would really move the needle for the big box gyms would be to increase the maximum capacity of these facilities to over 50 if the minimum size requirements are met. Boutique gyms also are suffering. Reducing the physical distancing requirement between individuals from two metres to 1.5 metres would make a huge difference in terms of sustaining their businesses.”
“I wholeheartedly support a review of the programming at IHLs to not only provide quality continuing education and training, but also to prepare Singaporeans with skills to take up job opportunities in the market. But we must not forget our seniors and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in this endeavour. How would we enable PWDs to access job opportunities? Is there more that we can do in this endeavour? I believe that addressing these concerns will not only lay the foundation for the successful implementation of these measures but also create a liveable and affordable Singapore. I now move on to talk about my second point – ensuring a safe and sensible reopening of Singapore. As Singapore takes a positive posture to reopening and leans on the possibilities of a COVID-19-endemic world, I would like to take a moment to thank our frontliners and immigration officers for their hard work and dedication over the past two years in ensuring the health and safety of Singaporeans and its visitors. Our airports, seaports and causeways are the first and last experience Singaporeans and tourists have of Singapore. I would like to suggest resources be allocated to our ports of entry to ensure safe, reliable and efficient transit of Singaporeans and visitors, thus, maintaining Singapore’s competitiveness as a hub for business and travel. With events returning to Singapore, such as the Singapore Rugby 7s in April, the Singapore Grand Prix in October and many other MICE events on the calendar, I hope the MTF will consider not only safe management measures (SMMs) that balance the safety of participants, officials and spectators, but also the viability, practicality and experience of these events.”
“This is a concern which many hon Members and colleagues have raised, in particular, the effects of rising costs felt, primarily, by the sandwich class and youths in Singapore today. On the GST hike, what is welcomed is the implementation of GST in stages which enables Singaporeans to plan and make provisions for the increase. I am comforted that the Government has considered cushioning measures to lessen the impact of the GST increase and fully support the top-up of $640 million to the Assurance Package. I also note that low-wage workers and seniors are considered, with cash payouts to seniors, as well as the raising of the income threshold of the GST Voucher (GSTV) scheme. Although the cushioning measures are generous, the rising cost of living is a concern and I raise three issues in this regard. First, GST is expected to rise to 9% by 2024 and there is also going to be an increase in the carbon tax. Given additionally that the rising tensions in Europe are expected to bring an increase in energy prices, I am concerned daily living expenses will increase significantly. Second, on manpower, I am also concerned about the adjustments to the foreign worker policies, in particular, the rise in minimum qualifying salaries for S-Pass holders and the impact of these adjustments on the hospitality, F&B and construction industries. Would such measures increase the costs of labour which would, ultimately, be borne by the end consumer? The cost of living in Singapore will also impact Singapore’s competitiveness in being able to attract talent from overseas. We need to keep a close eye on this. Finally, investing in our people is the right step forward.”