Masagos Zulkifli B M M
Singapore
“Coordination between Early Intervention (EI) centres, families and preschools is important for the continuity of support for children with developmental needs.”
“The Taxi Subsidy Scheme supports persons with disabilities (PwDs) who are unable to take public transport, by providing means-tested subsidies to offset the cost of taxi travel to school, work and employment-related training supported by SG Enable.”
“The Skills and Salary Guidelines published by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) guides social service agencies (SSAs) to pay their employees fair and competitive remuneration and maintain the sector's attractiveness. The Guidelines are adjusted so that salaries remain competitive with comparable roles in competing markets.”
“Staff turnover rates vary across social service agencies (SSAs). An individual's decision to leave an organisation is influenced by a myriad of factors, of which pay is only one.”
“Beyond the requirement of a structured daily programme, community-based SCFA administrators have the flexibility to offer programmes and additional enrichment activities that meet the needs of their students. MSF does not track staff salaries and turnover of SCCs in general nor those that administer SCFA.”
“Male preschool educators comprised about 1% of the early childhood workforce in each of the last five years. The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) has not issued guidelines pertaining to the rules set by preschool centres specific to the conduct of male preschool educators.”
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“Examples include, (a) increasing greenery and shade in schools, and installing more numerous and powerful fans in classrooms to provide a more conducive environment for children’s learning; (b) adopting hybrid cooling or air-conditioning systems in the common areas of new Government-built nursing homes and eldercare centres – that is, senior care centres and active ageing centres – to provide respite; and (c) installing energy-efficient air-conditioning and applying heat-reflective coatings to the roofs and walls in centres and homes for vulnerable groups. Lower-income households eligible for financial assistance may approach their Social Service Office if they need help coping with rising heat. Agencies are studying if further heat adaptation and active cooling measures for vulnerable groups are needed. Despite these provisions, we recognise that rising heat affects people differently based on their health and living conditions. The Government will need to partner the community to look out for those among us who need more help.”
“The Government adopts a multi-pronged heat resilience approach: first, broad-based measures that benefit all segments of our society; and second, targeted interventions for vulnerable groups who face greater risk from heat stress. We have developed initiatives to raise awareness of the impact of rising temperatures and strengthen the community's resilience to heat. For example, the Heat Stress Advisory was launched in 2023 to help the general population make more informed decisions on undertaking prolonged outdoor activities, so that they can minimise the risk of heat stress and heat-related illnesses. We are enhancing the heat resilience of our infrastructure to better withstand rising temperatures. For example, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) will work closely with Town Councils to apply cool coatings to all HDB estates, including rental housing, by 2030. To mitigate the risks of extreme heat, the Government has also developed national-level heatwave response plans which will be activated upon forecast of a heatwave. This includes the opening of cooling centres islandwide in accessible community spaces, such as community centres and residents' networks, where members of the public can seek respite from the heat. Besides these broad-based measures, the Government provides targeted support for vulnerable groups.”
“Individuals will be disqualified from having their criminal records spent if the sentence imposed on them meets certain criteria as prescribed in the Registration of Criminals Act (RCA). This includes individuals convicted of relevant offences under the Children and Young Persons Act (CYPA), which carry stiff penalties of imprisonment and/or fine. This ensures that screening regimes remain robust, particularly for roles involving contact with children and vulnerable persons. In more egregious child abuse cases, individuals may also be convicted under the Penal Code, such as for offences of voluntarily causing grievous hurt, or causing the death of a child aged below 14 years by sustained abuse. These individuals will also be disqualified from having their criminal records spent as such offences are covered under the Third Schedule of RCA. The Ministry of Social and Family Development will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Home Affairs to enhance the effectiveness of the various safeguards in place for the safety of children.”
“Yes. The ComCare per capita household income benchmark is reviewed every two to three years and was last updated in July 2023.”
“Lower-income families face diverse challenges to stable employment, such as caregiving responsibilities, family functioning issues and lower education qualifications. These make it hard for them to hold down a regular job or attain a higher wage. Social Service Offices, ComLink+ family coaches and Family Service Centre case workers journey with families to address these issues. This includes linking families with the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) for employment assistance and social service agencies for other needs. Families receive training support under SkillsFuture and Workfare. Those that put in the effort and earn a better wage are further recognised with additional cash and CPF payouts under the ComLink+ Progress Package for Employment. Beyond these, the Ministry of Social and Family Development is reviewing how we can provide more targeted employment support services. For example, we are partnering e2i and TOUCH Community Services to help more ComLink+ families. To prepare them for employment, we work to increase their motivation and build their skills. Following successful job placement, we help them manage work stressors and stay employed. We are also exploring additional financial support and incentives for jobseekers with lower education qualifications to upgrade their skills. Ultimately, a whole-of-society effort is needed to help lower-income families achieve better employment outcomes. Community partners can help families address their barriers to employment, and employers can be more understanding and provide flexible work arrangements.”
“Finally, I note Members have given useful inputs and suggestion that we will take into consideration when drafting the subsidiary legislation as well as operational procedures to support the implementation of the amendments. I also ask for Members' understanding that I will not be able to address some of Members' other queries and comments that go beyond the remit of this Bill. Mr Speaker, I will now conclude. This Bill has been several years in the making. NCSS first formally engaged the sector on the proposed amendments at its AGM in July 2024. Since then, there have been many further engagement sessions, which have helped shape the Bill before us today. Many Members, including Ms Phua, Dr Hamid and Ms Chen, highlighted the importance of preserving the sector's voice and of continuing to engage the sector and ensure coordinated action across stakeholders. To echo Mr Xie Yao Quan's observation, this is indeed what MSF and NCSS have been doing, including through the consultation process for this Bill and will continue to do. This Bill strengthens NCSS' ability to act as the bridge for sector feedback to be translated into policy. By formalising NCSS' expanded role as Sector Developer, NCSS is better able to consult more widely, identify ground needs and closely partner and coordinate with stakeholders to develop the social service sector. With this Bill, NCSS will be well positioned to lead the sector to achieve better outcomes and improve the quality of life of users of our social services. I thank Members for your support for this Bill. Mr Speaker, I seek to move. 4.09 pm”
“This includes funding SSAs through the Transformation Sustainability Scheme to enhance their people management practices, redesigning jobs and augmenting manpower with volunteers and technology. We share Dr Rizal's views that worker well-being is important and have rolled out various initiatives to support our sector professionals. For example, NCSS introduced the Sabbatical Leave Scheme, which offers eligible professionals a chance to rejuvenate with 10 weeks of paid sabbatical leave. Moving forward, MSF and NCSS will be setting up a Protection Practitioners Care Fund to implement capability building and well-being initiatives for protection practitioners. More details will be shared later this year. Ensuring good jobs in the sector will continue to be part of NCSS' work as sector developer and we will work with all stakeholders, including sector members, unions and MOH to ensure there are quality jobs and clear salary guidelines in the sector. On the Ministerial power to issue directions, this is part of the governance framework for all Statutory Boards and there is already a broadly similar power under the NCSS Act today. This is not intended to interfere with NCSS' exercise of its functions or limit NCSS from representing feedback from the sector. We value the critical function that NCSS plays in reflecting the sector's voice, to ensure that our policies are grounded in operational needs and realities. Mr Yong asked about the channels to provide feedback on NCSS's administrative decisions. Both MSF and NCSS have open channels for organisations to provide feedback and we are committed to ensure that our policies and programmes are effective in meeting their outcomes.”
“Broadly similar obligations already exist in subsidiary legislation under the NCSS Act today and are intended to protect service users, for accountability and to uplift the sector. For example, today, Full Council Members must submit copies of their annual report, audited accounts and balance sheet to NCSS yearly. This is important, given that many of these organisations, who will become sector members after the amendments, receive donations and public funds and must steward these resources appropriately. NCSS is always mindful of the compliance load on member organisations, particularly small ones, when new standards and obligations are introduced. We thank Mr Hoe, Ms Phua and Dr Hamid for their suggestions to take a proportionate approach and provide sufficient time and capacity-building support for sector members to meet any standards imposed. NCSS will support and engage sector members when implementing any new standards and do so in a practical manner, including providing relevant resources and training, as it has been doing. In response to Mr Yong's query on the functions and governance of ComChest, the amendments do not change the fundraising function of ComChest. The updated governance provisions apply to the conduct and management of ComChest, rather than grant recipients. Besides impact on organisations, Ms Lee, Dr Rizal and Ms Hazlina asked about the impact on professionals. It is indeed both MSF's and NCSS' intent to support our social service professionals and we have been doing so. In recent years, NCSS has embarked on several initiatives to address sector manpower needs.”
“As social issues have become increasingly cross-cutting, NCSS will work closely with relevant Government agencies across different domains and leverage inter-agency platforms and mechanisms to identify and meet service users' needs holistically and in a coordinated manner. A few Members also asked about the implications of the Bill for innovation in the sector. Ms Phua, Ms Chen, Dr Hamid, Dr Wan Rizal, Mr Hoe and Mr Yip expressed concerns about the potential impact of NCSS setting standards on sector members, especially smaller ones, as well as of the Ministerial power to issue directions to NCSS. First, on innovation. It is in NCSS' DNA to work with the sector to incubate ideas to meet emerging needs. This will not change with this Bill. For example, NCSS recently introduced the Income OrangeAid Caregiver Support Accelerator Grant, in partnership with Income Insurance Limited, to encourage SSAs and their partners to develop solutions to strengthen support for caregivers in Singapore – an important area of need that we are seeing. NCSS also supports innovation in the sector, for example, through the National Design Challenge, a platform where anyone can step forward to design solutions for social issues. NCSS also supports SSAs in measuring the effectiveness of their programmes through the SG60 Towards Sustainability Fund, which provides funding and capability building support. NCSS will continue to take a principled and risk-proportionate approach to governance, to promote innovation and reduce red tape, while maintaining high standards of accountability. The need to meet standards and obligations set by NCSS is not new to current Council Members.”
“Mr Yip may be assured that MSF and NCSS values the work of all who serve on NCSS' committees and Board and recognises them through various platforms. I would also like to highlight that at the end of the day, Council appointments are not the only avenue for sector voices to be heard. As sector developer, NCSS will continue to closely engage the sector, gather insights from the ground, and partner with the Government to strengthen outcomes. In the last few years, NCSS has been organising leadership visits between MSF's and NCSS' management and SSAs, small group engagements with Board leaders, on top of large-scale engagements, workshops and clinics that are open to all NCSS member organisations. I have attended some of these engagements. And these will continue. MSF and NCSS value the views, insights and work of our ecosystem players, and will continue listening to and co-creating with the sector. Like many Members stressed in their speeches, the key is to have processes that build trust. There is no single perfect system or process, but it will be in the conduct of each nomination and appointment, and in the everyday engagements and partnerships that NCSS forms with stakeholders in social services, that we strengthen the trust that we have built over the years. Lastly, I want to address the most important issue, which is the impact of the changes on the users of social services, the sector and society. As Ms Denise Phua noted, this Bill will indeed strengthen NCSS' role, as sector developer, to coordinate services to provide more effective and efficient support to those in need, and raise the sector's organisational and digital capabilities.”
“These prescribed requirements cover procedural matters, such as each sector member nominating only one individual from their organisation, which would include their board members, and fully completing application forms. As earlier shared, a Nominations Committee will be established to assist with the nominations process. To Ms Hazlina's points, the committee will comprise individuals with diverse experience, expertise and high standing in the sector. We will share details of the composition of the committee in due course. Mr Yong and Prof Poon asked about the rationale behind providing for a range in the Council size, with an increased maximum size of 27, and how the exact size will be determined in practice. The range is comparable to that of the allowed size of other Statutory Boards that play similar roles in their sectors, like the National Arts Council and the National Heritage Board, and the eventual size will be based on the needs of the time. Ms Chen and Ms Lee asked if the reasons for rejecting nominations or removing Council members would be communicated. Sector members will be notified of the outcome of their nominations. If there are prescribed requirements that the nominees do not meet, we may inform the sector member accordingly. On the removal of Council members, even though the Bill provides that the Minister is not obliged to provide reasons, where appropriate, we will engage the relevant Council member in the exceptional circumstances where the Minister has to exercise the power. Mr Yip asked about the transition for current NCSS Board and committee members. Practically, our intent is for them to serve out their current term, that is, until 31 July 2026.”
“Based on our past experience with the NCSS Board, the results of elections are dependent on who chooses to run at the annual general meeting (AGM), how well-known the candidates are amongst those voting and sometimes, how influential the nominating organisation is. The shift to a fully appointed Council allows for the composition of the Council to be considered as a whole, so that it better represents the sector and has the necessary mix of skills and perspectives. This brings me to the specific criteria and process for Council appointments, which Ms Chen, Mr Yip, Mr Cai, Ms Lee, Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim, Mr Yong and Mr Hoe asked about. As Mr Hoe rightly pointed out, it is not desirable for every detail and criterion to be hardcoded in primary legislation, and trying to do so may introduce unnecessary rigidity that will not be helpful to NCSS functioning effectively, particularly as needs change in the future. We are working out the specific implementation details and will share more with sector members in due course. As Prof Poon pointed out, NCSS needs broad expertise and deep sector insight to effectively steward the sector. Broadly, we will consider whether individuals have relevant experience in senior leadership, governance or social service. We would also look out for individuals with specific skillsets, like law, finance or technology. Beyond professional credentials, experience on the ground is also important. Process-wise, the Chairperson will submit all nominations to the Minister, except for those which do not meet requirements prescribed by Regulations.”
“This is also the thinking behind the clause requiring that sector members' aims, objects and activities do not go against public interest, public order or national harmony. Similar clauses exist in other legislation. The appeal mechanism is also precisely in place as a check and balance for NCSS' sector membership decisions. Sector membership applications will first be assessed by the Council. Appeals will only go to the Minister if an applicant disputes a decision that the Council stands by. We agree with Mr Hoe on the importance of transparency and the appeal processes and timelines will be clearly communicated. I will now move on to the Council-related comments. I would like to thank Members for their suggestions and comments, including Prof Kenneth Poon for sharing his personal experience as an NCSS Board Member. Ms Elysa Chen, Mr Hoe, Ms Lee and Mr Yip asked how we can ensure diverse representation under a fully-Minister appointed Council. Unlike the previous elections system for the NCSS Board, an appointment approach gives us greater certainty that we can constitute the Council with people from various backgrounds, including candidates from organisations of different sizes and nature, and with the necessary range of skills and experiences. We have provided that at least half of the Council, excluding the Chairperson, must come from sector members' nominations, as a clear indication of our commitment to ensure that the sector is represented on the Council. To further expand the range of perspectives, we have also proposed amendments to allow employees of sector members to be appointed onto the Council, since their expertise and experience will provide important ground perspectives, as Ms Lee also observed.”
“On social enterprises, the Singapore Centre for Social Enterprise (raiSE), established by MSF, serves as the dedicated membership body to provide them tailored support and resources. Moving forward, if a social enterprise also wishes to be an NCSS sector member, its application will be assessed, in consultation with raiSE, on a case-by-case basis, depending on its objectives and activities. Nevertheless, as a sector developer, NCSS will work with partners in the ecosystem regardless of their sector membership status to find solutions to our social challenges. Indeed, over the years, NCSS has been working closely with raiSE – itself a current NCSS member organisation – to build stronger enterprise capabilities in the sector for financial sustainability and partnerships between SSAs and social enterprises to better serve users. Mr Yip, Mr Hoe and Dr Hamid Razak asked about the rejection and revocation of sector membership and appeals to the Minister for such decisions, emphasising the importance of transparency and independence of such processes. In particular, Mr Yip asked if agencies that challenge policy gaps could be misinterpreted as acting against the public interest. I assure Members that we want to continue to have constructive conversations. In fact, we welcome diverse views and suggestions, including surfacing challenges and gaps in existing policies and programmes, that can help us strengthen the ecosystem. The aim of these powers is to ensure that organisations meet the criteria for sector membership and to safeguard the diverse yet cohesive, responsible and respectful social service sector that we have built over the years.”
“Mr Speaker, I thank the Members for their comments and support for the Bill. I hear their aspirations, their caution and I take them in good spirit. I am heartened by the care shown for the social service sector and the endorsement of NCSS' work. Members have expressed broad support for NCSS' role as a sector developer, the value of sector membership and the need for a diverse and representative Council. I will now address the questions and clarifications that Members have raised. Ms Lee Hui Ying, Mr Cai Yinzhou, Mr Melvin Yong and Mr David Hoe asked for clarifications on sector membership. On whom will qualify, an organisation must have the primary function of providing or directly supporting the provision of a social service in Singapore. NCSS will look at each application and assess the organisation's objectives and activities against these criteria. Today, there are about 400 Full Council Members and close to 100 Associate Council Members. With the changes, all Full Council Members will be transitioned to become sector members. So, about 400 of them, since the criteria for Full Council membership align with those of sector membership. Associate Council membership will be ceased. Current Associate Council members who meet the criteria are welcome to apply for sector membership. But there may be some organisations, such as those whose primary functions do not relate to social services within Singapore, which would not qualify for sector membership. Such organisations are a subset of all Associate Council Members, and joined NCSS at a time when the membership criteria was much broader. NCSS will ease this transition, including honouring any existing support until its expiry.”
“To build a future-ready sector, we will continue to take a strengths-based approach, be proactive to address problems upstream and adopt a whole-of-society approach. The Government cannot do all this alone. Even with increased Government involvement, we need the continued partnership of our sector and community to support those in need. NCSS has played an instrumental role in sustaining this ethos, including by rallying the community to give their time, talent and treasure back to society. NCSS' efforts empower stakeholders from the sector and wider community to play their part, contributing to our "we first" society. The enhancements in this Bill will further position NCSS to carry out this role. This Bill reflects MSF and NCSS' shared commitment to building a strong and future-ready social service sector, supported by a compassionate and giving society. Mr Speaker, I seek to move. [(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)]”
“By setting the maximum Council term at three years, Council members will have a longer runway to contribute meaningfully to NCSS' work. Council members may also be re-appointed, subject to the Public Service Division's (PSD's) guidelines that apply to Statutory Boards. Along with the amendments to NCSS' committees, we will also refresh the functions of ComChest, which serves as NCSS' philanthropic and engagement arm. Clause 7 provides that ComChest's role extends beyond fundraising to include mobilising other resources, such as volunteers. Finally, we have also taken this opportunity to update the NCSS Act in line with current legislation for other Statutory Boards with similar functions. This includes modernising the language and structure of the Act, such as updating the financial provisions, strengthening clauses relating to the governance of the Council, ComChest and NCSS' committees to maintain high standards of conduct; providing for Council members to be paid an honorarium in line with the PSD's guidelines; and reclassifying NCSS as a Group 1A public body in the First Schedule to the Public Sector (Governance) Act 2018, similar to other Statutory Boards that play sector developer roles. Mr Speaker, let me conclude. The work of the social service sector directly impacts the lives of our citizens, especially those in need. The social service sector has always been driven by its strong sense of purpose. This is a strong foundation for us to build upon. As our sector faces increasingly complex social needs, our policies and institutions must continue to strengthen, support and transform the sector so that we not only meet the needs of today, but are prepared for what lies ahead.”
“I would like to assure Members that at least half of the Council, excluding the Chairperson, will be appointed from individuals nominated by sector members. So, putting aside the Chairperson, it will always be at least half from sector nominees. For example, if there are 10 Council members appointed from sector members' nominations, the Minister will appoint at most 10 other Council members, as well as the Chairperson. This is similar to today's practice, where about half of the NCSS Board consists of individuals elected by NCSS member organisations, as earlier mentioned. Sector members will be invited to submit one nominee each, who must be from their organisation at the point of appointment onto the Council, as a potential Council candidate. The NCSS Chairperson, operationally assisted by a Nominations Committee comprising respected sector leaders, will submit the full list of eligible nominations to the Minister for consideration. These changes are important as NCSS plays a critical role in the sector, as a fully funded Statutory Board with expanded objects, functions and powers as sector developer. The Council will comprise a maximum of 27 members and a minimum of 15, with a maximum term of three years. Today, the NCSS Act provides for a Board of 23 members, with a maximum term of two years. By providing for a range in the Council size, we will have greater flexibility in determining the optimal Council size for each term, informed by the sector's needs. For the incoming Council in 2026, we intend to maintain a Council size comparable to today's Board. This will allow us to balance both diversity on the Council and agility in the NCSS' decision-making.”
“NCSS' priority is to deliver better outcomes for service users rather than to focus on an organisation's sector membership status, type or size. MSF and NCSS will continue to keep open channels and engagement platforms to hear from the wider sector. NCSS' grants or other support will also be accessible to agencies whose work aligns with NCSS' priorities, even if they are not sector members. The third key area focuses on strengthening the Council and its committees. As NCSS' responsibilities expand, we must ensure that the Council is fit-for-purpose and understands the sector's needs, to provide effective governance and lead NCSS and the sector through the fast-changing landscape. In line with other Statutory Boards playing a sector developer role, clause 5 provides that NCSS will be constituted and governed by its Council, headed by a Chairperson. Clause 5 also introduces amendments to broaden representation on the Council, through a Council appointed by the Minister and widened pool of eligible candidates. Today, excluding the President, half of the NCSS Board is elected by member organisations. We want to ensure that the sector's diversity, vibrancy and voice is reflected in the Council, and it possesses an optimal mix of skills, experience and knowledge to guide NCSS' work. A fully-appointed Council, with nominations from sector members, will enable us to achieve this. To this end, we will move away from the current restrictions applicable to the NCSS Board and allow employees of sector members to sit on the Council. The practical, operational and programmatic expertise of senior management of sector members will complement the governance perspectives that other Council members can provide.”
“By social service, our intent is to especially cover interventions or programmes that improve the welfare of vulnerable or disadvantaged persons in Singapore, or support the emotional and psychological well-being of the local community. For instance, this would include services such as family counselling and financial assistance. We also took in feedback that organisations whose primary purpose is to directly support the provision of a social service are important players and should be able to apply for sector membership. This includes professional bodies for social service professionals; organisations that mobilise resources for social service providers or service users; and organisations providing capability building to social service providers. An organisation's eligibility for sector membership will be assessed based on a range of factors, including what it states as its objects and how it carries out its activities. Member organisations are charged nominal membership fees today. However, fees will not be charged for sector membership. With these changes, the current membership base will be rationalised and supported in their transition. Most member organisations will experience minimal impact to their day-to-day membership experience. All Full Council members, who make up the majority of NCSS' membership today, will be transitioned to become sector members. This is because the current criteria for Full Council members aligns with that of sector membership. NCSS will ease the transition for all other current Council members. This includes honouring all existing funding support until the expiry of the support. As sector developer, NCSS will also continue to engage and support stakeholders in the wider ecosystem, beyond sector members alone.”
“Third, in developing the broader social service ecosystem. In the spirit of "we first", NCSS will ramp up efforts to encourage those who are able to contribute their time, talent, treasure, testimonies and ties to uplift communities in need. NCSS will pilot new ideas and technologies, and develop new partnerships with stakeholders such as social enterprises and the private sector. For example, NCSS has embarked on a pilot with private providers to explore new ways of delivering counselling and make services more accessible. Another example is the Social Changemaker Series, where NCSS will bring together corporates and SSAs to co-develop solutions to address needs in the sector. These efforts to meet the needs of service users and improve their quality of life are at the heart of NCSS' work. The second area introduces a streamlined sector membership framework. Membership has been central to NCSS since its early years as SCSS, when it brought different agencies in our sector together. Through our engagements, many member organisations have told us that membership remains of sentimental and practical value as a platform for networking and community-building. Today, NCSS has three types of membership for organisations in the sector, "Full", "Associate" and "Honorary" membership. With the change in NCSS' constitution, clause 10 introduces sector membership, a single-tier membership framework for organisations in the sector to complement NCSS' sector developer role. Organisations whose primary function is to provide a social service in Singapore or to directly support the provision of a social service in Singapore may apply to become a sector member.”
“Clause 6 reflects this by inserting a new section 11 on objectives and functions of Council and section 12 on powers of Council. It also gives NCSS clear functions and powers to pursue these objectives. The updated scope of NCSS' objectives and functions also clarifies its mandate to develop the wider social service sector, beyond focusing on specific stakeholders. Allow me to elaborate how NCSS' work will reflect this. First, in terms of strengthening social service delivery. The social service sector exists to improve the lives of persons with social needs. NCSS will monitor service users' progress and make data available to the sector. This is important so that we have a feedback mechanism for service providers, funders and philanthropic organisations to improve the outcomes for service users and increase their social impact. NCSS will also collect and use data to identify emerging needs and to allocate resources to services that address critical and unmet needs. For instance, NCSS launched the Disability and Inclusion Panel Study in 2022 to understand the experiences and needs of persons with disabilities and their caregivers, which informs Singapore's broader strategy for disability inclusion. Second, in terms of building the sector's capabilities. NCSS will ramp up existing efforts to develop the sector's organisational and professional capabilities such as enhancing the Organisational Health Framework for Social Services. This will enable service providers to identify their strengths and areas for development, so that they are better able to deliver services. NCSS will also drive efforts to better harness volunteers and technology in the sector, enabling service providers to innovate, expand their outreach and improve services.”
“In tandem with the Sector Evaluation Framework launched by NCSS in 2022, the sector now has a common language to measure the impact of services. This enables providers and funders to deliver better outcomes for service users. Mr Speaker, the NCSS Act which empowers NCSS to carry out its role has remained largely unchanged since it was enacted in 1992. Given the significant shifts in our social service landscape, MSF and NCSS reviewed how NCSS should be best positioned to continue serving the sector effectively. This Bill is the result of that review and reflects both NCSS' and the sector's proposals. To shape this Bill, we conducted extensive engagements with about 300 NCSS member organisations and members of the public. I thank all who gave their views and ideas. Your feedback has helped us better understand the sector's needs and aspirations, and has been instrumental in shaping the current proposed amendments. I will now share the key provisions in the Bill, which can be grouped into four key areas. First, to reflect NCSS' role as sector developer. Second, to introduce a streamlined sector membership framework. Third, to strengthen the Council, the Community Chest (ComChest) and NCSS' committees. And fourth, to update and align the Act with those of other Statutory Boards. The first key area relates to refreshing NCSS' objectives, functions and powers. NCSS has responded to shifts in the landscape and expanded to become a sector developer for the social service sector. NCSS does so in three important ways which are articulated as NCSS' core objectives in the Bill. First, strengthening social service delivery. Second, building the capability of sector stakeholders. And third, developing the broader social service ecosystem.”
“For example, MSF has stepped up in developing, managing and co-funding a range of social services, such as family services, to raise their quality and accessibility. In addition, MSF's funding for social service programmes has doubled in the last decade from $172 million dollars in financial year (FY)2014 to $346 million dollars in FY2024. NCSS has taken a larger role as sector developer to strengthen social service delivery, build organisational and professional capabilities and develop the social service ecosystem. To ensure that NCSS is adequately resourced to fulfil this expanded role, the Government has progressively increased its funding over the years, particularly by providing full funding for NCSS' core functions since 2022. This has enabled NCSS to invest in building the sector's longer-term capabilities. To share some examples: NCSS set up the Community Capability Trust in 2020 to strengthen the organisations that deliver services, including helping SSAs adopt digital technologies that improve the quality and efficiency of their services. NCSS has also introduced various initiatives to develop the people that deliver our services. The Social Service Institute (SSI) operates as the sector's main continuing education and training centre to upskill social service professionals. NCSS also supports the sector in talent attraction and retention through programmes like Sun Ray, to develop sector leadership. NCSS published the Sustainable Philanthropy Framework and Guidelines for Social Impact Metrics in 2024 and 2025 respectively, to encourage long-term corporate philanthropy and support businesses in measuring their social impact.”
“Mr Speaker, I move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The National Council of Social Service (NCSS) plays a vital role in Singapore's social service sector, driving better outcomes for those who need support. Communities coming together to support those in need have always existed. In the early Independence years, the social service sector was primarily made up of many small voluntary groups, each doing their best with limited resources. To coordinate and bring together these groups, NCSS' predecessor, the Singapore Council of Social Service (SCSS) was formed in 1958. By 1992, rapid economic growth brought new social challenges. To take on a more strategic and proactive role in welfare planning and provision, SCSS was restructured to become NCSS, serving as a Statutory Board and membership body. Today, social needs are more complex and cut across multiple domains such as economic and health. Greater coordination and collaboration are needed across the sector. To more holistically support those they serve, social service agencies (SSAs) have expanded beyond addressing singular causes. The broader ecosystem supporting social services has also expanded. While SSAs remain our sector's backbone, we now have more stakeholders such as social enterprises, corporates and philanthropic organisations. In response to these shifts, the Government and NCSS have been partnering more closely over the years to support the sector, playing distinct yet complementary roles. The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) leads the development of social policies, rolls out nationwide initiatives and performs key statutory functions.”
“Under the Mental Capacity Act, no amendments can be made to a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) once it is executed. To make changes to an LPA, a Donor must revoke his or her LPA and make a new LPA to replace the one that has been cancelled. An LPA can only be revoked by the Donor and not the Donee. In the past five years (2021 to 2025), 4,379 LPAs were revoked and replaced with a new LPA by the Donor. Of these, 3,799 Donors were aged 50 and above. Within the same period, four LPAs were revoked by a Court order.”
“The indicators used to track families' progress towards stability, self-reliance and social mobility, and families' outcomes in the domains of family functioning and children's development and education, are available in the Ministry of Social and Family Development's Supporting Lower-Income Households Trends Report 2025 at https://go.gov.sg/msflowerincometrendsreport2025. Under ComLink+, family coaches and Family Service Centre (FSC) case workers identify families with greater needs and work with relevant agencies to address them. This includes programmes and services providing upstream support for children and caregivers, such as preschool enrolment and KidSTART.”
“Based on the ComCare Trends Report FY2018 to FY2022, the number and proportion of ComCare Long-Term Assistance (LTA) beneficiaries aged 65 and above were 3,400 (81% of all LTA beneficiaries) in FY2020, 3,300 (81%) in FY2021, and 3,200 (82%) in FY2022. For ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance (SMTA), the respective figures were 7,500 (9% of all SMTA beneficiaries) in FY2020, 7,300 (10%) in FY2021, and 5,500 (9%) in FY2022. The Ministry of Social and Family Development stopped computing the number and proportion from FY2023, as the figures have remained stable and are of limited analytical use. Data on the proportion of Silver Support Scheme recipients that concurrently receive ComCare LTA or SMTA are not available.”
“The Tripartite Guidelines on FWA Requests are intended to facilitate this by setting out how employees should request for and use FWAs responsibly and how employers should respond to these requests. In addition, we have progressively enhanced parental leave provisions to support working parents, including recent enhancements to Government-Paid Paternity Leave and the introduction of the new Shared Parental Leave scheme. When fully implemented from 1 April 2026, eligible couples will be entitled to 30 weeks of paid parental leave in the child's first year. For couples and families facing stress in their marital or family relationships, there are online resources on the Family Assist portal, as well as professional family counselling provided via the Strengthening Families Programme (FAM). Families can seek help and gain the support and skills to handle their relationship challenges and build family resilience. There is no single policy or programme that is most effective in strengthening family resilience. Our approach is to holistically support families at every stage of life, from upstream programmes that foster strong relationships to additional support for those facing challenges and stresses. Building a family-friendly Singapore is a whole-of-society endeavour. Besides the Government's efforts, strong social and community networks created by community partners, businesses and individuals also contribute to strong and resilient families.”
“Families are the bedrock of our society. Based on the Ministry of Social and Family Development's (MSF's) survey on families in 2023, 85.9% of families reported moderate to high family resilience scores. MSF actively works with our community and corporate partners to journey with families through every stage of life. The Families For Life (FFL) movement supports families through a wide range of evidence-based or evidence-informed programmes and resources. These include marriage preparation programmes which equip couples with essential skills and build strong foundations for their marriage, the Journey with You (JoY) marriage initiative that provides mentoring to couples in their first year of marriage, and parenting programmes that provide parents with strategies to foster positive parent-child relationships. Couples and parents have generally found these programmes to be effective. In 2025, the roll-out of Families for Life@Community across all 24 towns was completed. Couples and parents now have greater access to these programmes and support groups. MSF also works with the FFL Council to promote family bonding through partnerships with community and corporate partners. National initiatives, such as the National Family Festival, provide opportunities for families to spend time together. FFL Council also supports employers to foster family-friendly workplaces, such as organising lunchtime talks on parenting topics and corporate family days. Together, these efforts reinforce the importance of family time and work-life harmony. We encourage employers to provide a family-friendly work environment to help employees manage both their work and caregiving responsibilities. This includes availing Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs) to those who require it.”
“Preschool operators have to apply to the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) to obtain approval for all staff, including non-teaching staff, whom operators wish to deploy to work in a preschool. As part of our review of such applications, ECDA will conduct checks to assess that the individual does not pose a risk to children's safety or whether the individual has been barred from working in a preschool. Individuals must also complete a self-declaration form on any prior offences committed and warnings issued by ECDA or the police. ECDA does not impose mandatory psychological screening for preschool staff seeking employment in the sector. Instead, staff must complete a pre-employment medical check and be certified fit to work with children by a medical practitioner before they can be approved for deployment. This includes a compulsory declaration of whether they have a history of psychiatric conditions. If so declared, the individual must obtain certification from a medical practitioner that he or she is suitable to work with young children. Individuals who furnish false information to ECDA can be found guilty of having committed an offence under the Early Childhood Development Centres Act and can face a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment of up to six months or both, if convicted. ECDA may also cancel the approval for such persons to be deployed to work in preschools.”
“This question has been raised in this House on 5 November 2025 by a number of Members and answered jointly by the Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration. [Please refer to "Lessons Learnt and New Processes following Review into Megan Khung Case", Official Report, 5 November 2025, Vol 96, Issue 10, Oral Answers to Questions section.] We have no further updates at this time.”
“Preschool operators have to apply to the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) to obtain approval for all staff, including non-teaching staff, whom they wish to deploy to work in a preschool. As part of our review of such applications, ECDA will conduct checks to assess that the individual does not pose a risk to children's safety or has been barred from working in a preschool. Individuals must also complete a self-declaration form on any prior offences committed and warnings issued by ECDA or the Police. Individuals seeking employment in preschools must also submit a pre-employment medical report that certifies them to be fit for work in a preschool. This includes a compulsory declaration of whether they have a history of psychiatric conditions. If so declared, the individual must obtain certification from a medical practitioner that he or she is suitable to work with young children. As employers, preschools have their own procedures to recruit suitable staff to work with or around children, such as interviews and reference checks.”
“Preschools are responsible for ensuring the safety of children under their care and must comply with requirements under the Early Childhood Development Centre Act and Regulations and other prevailing legislation. Operators must seek the Early Childhood Development Agency's (ECDA's) approval for all staff whom they wish to deploy to work in a preschool. They must also establish the necessary systems and processes to ensure child safety, including appropriate deployment and supervision of all staff. ECDA will take action against errant operators, considering the facts of each case. This may include imposing financial penalties, directing the operator to submit and implement a corrective action plan, shortening or revocation of the preschool’s licence. For errant staff, ECDA can impose administrative actions like stern reminders, coupled with a requirement to undergo retraining or cancel approval for the individual to be deployed in the preschool. Child safety and well-being is a key priority for the Ministry for Social and Family Development and ECDA and have been strengthening safeguards for child safety in preschools over the years. We will continue to review and enhance our safeguards and enforcement measures as necessary.”
“The recent initiatives announced aim to attract more fresh entrants into the sector and better support the professional growth and development of our social service professionals, which include social workers, counsellors and psychologists in mental health and family support services. They include, firstly, enhancements to the Social Service Tribe Study Award to support individuals pursuing associate-level qualifications; secondly, enhancements to the Professional Development Sponsorship to provide full funding up from the current 75% funding, to provide greater support for existing social service professionals to gain professional qualifications; and thirdly, expanded funding support for the Foundational Leadership grants to include first-time and senior leaders to build their leadership competencies. The Ministry of Social and Family Development tracks the manpower needs of key services in the social service sector, along with manpower outcomes, such as salaries, inflow, retention and shortfalls of key professions. We will work closely with our social service agencies and partners to monitor the uptake of the enhanced schemes and programme capacity to ensure that our social services, including those for mental health and family support, are adequately resourced and accessible to those who need them.”
“In cases of regulatory breaches, including child mismanagement incidents, the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) will impose a penalty that is proportionate to the circumstances. This may include financial penalties, shortening or revocation of the preschool's licence. ECDA will consider all the facts of the case to determine the appropriate penalty. These include the severity of the breach, whether the breaches were systemic in nature and, most importantly, if the preschool can continue providing services in a manner that is safe for children. Revocation of a preschool's licence is not a decision that ECDA takes lightly, given the impact to parents' care arrangements and operators' and educators' livelihoods. Child safety in preschools is a fundamental priority to the Ministry of Social and Family Development. ECDA will continue to work with preschool operators to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements to safeguard children's well-being in preschools.”
“The Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDC) Act and Regulations do not require both male and female staff to be present during all interactions with children. Instead, the ECDC Act and Regulations stipulate that all preschools must put in place measures to provide a safe and positive learning environment for children. This includes establishing protocols to ensure activities are conducted by qualified staff who are approved for deployment by the Early Childhood Development Agency and ensuring that staff are briefed and implement appropriate child management practices and safety protocols. All staff, regardless of sex, have to abide by the stipulated protocols when interacting with or caring for infants and children in a preschool.”
“Only about 0.2% of the resident workforce is aged 15 to 17. Around three-quarters of these were working while schooling, including those on internship or vacation jobs, while the remaining one-quarter were fully engaged in work. There can be many reasons for them to work, which may also depend on personal and family circumstances. Some may be working to build up skills in their area of interest or to explore opportunities before committing to long-term study. There may also be a subset who work to supplement their families' income. Schools work with community partners to support and encourage students with irregular attendance, including those who forgo their studies for work, to stay engaged in their studies. The Government also provides financial assistance through ComCare to help lower-income families meet their basic living needs. Vulnerable lower-income families with children below the age of 21 receive additional help through ComLink+, where dedicated family coaches provide customised wraparound support and journey with the family.”
“There are currently no plans to review the term "illegitimacy", which is a legal concept with established meaning applied across various statutes. Where benefits or laws differentiate based on legitimacy status, they reflect the Government's efforts to promote strong marriages and parenthood within marriage. This is in line with the prevailing social norms of the family as the building block of society. Under the Women's Charter, parents are obliged to maintain their children, regardless of their legitimacy status. In the area of inheritance under intestacy laws, an illegitimate child is entitled to inherit a part or the whole of his mother's estate if the mother dies with no surviving legitimate issue. The mother, on the other hand, is entitled to inherit a part or the whole of her illegitimate child's estate, as if the child was legitimate and she was the sole surviving parent. Parents who wish to provide for their illegitimate children can still do so through a will.”
“This question has been answered as part of the Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration’s oral reply to Parliamentary Questions at the sitting on 5 November 2025. [Please refer to "Lessons Learnt and New Processes following Review into Megan Khung Case", Official Report, 5 November 2025, Vol 96, Issue 10, Oral Answers to Questions section, and "Measures for Prompt Police Case Resolution and Mandating Assignment of Police Officers with Child Protection Training in Child-related Cases", Official Report, 5 November 2025, Vol 96, Issue 10, Oral Answers to Questions section.]”
“This question has been answered as part of the Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration's oral reply to Parliamentary Questions at the Sitting on 5 November 2025. [Please refer to "Current Escalation Protocol for Breaches in Care and Protection Orders Involving Children", Official Report, 5 November 2025, Vol 96, Issue 10, Written Answers to Questions section.]”
“ECDA does not mandate operators to conduct regular review of CCTV footage, although some may do so as part of their supervisory practices. Mandating regular review of CCTV footage as a regulatory requirement will increase the administrative burden on our educators and potentially take time and attention away from their primary role to care for and nurture our children. Ultimately, CCTV cameras in preschools are only a part of a suite of existing measures to ensure child safety. Firstly, operators must put in place standard operating procedures for child safety and well-being and ensure that these are implemented effectively by all their centres and staff. Secondly, other forms of supervision of child management practices must be exercised, such as regular walkabouts by principals to observe staff-child interactions. Lastly, operators must empower staff and provide the channels for them to proactively report inappropriate practices to their principal and management team. Everyone must play their part to provide a safe and secure environment in our preschools.”
“My response will address the question on the implementation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras filed by Mr Ng Shi Xuan. Mr Darryl David has also filed a related question1 for oral answer at a subsequent Sitting and may wish to withdraw his question after this session. All preschools must install CCTV cameras and comply with Early Childhood Development Agency's (ECDA's) regulatory requirements on the installation and maintenance of cameras and the collection, storage and submission of footage. While ECDA does not prescribe the type of CCTV camera system that must be installed, for example, whether it must be a tamper-proof recording system, preschools must provide CCTV footage when requested by ECDA to facilitate investigations. ECDA will take firm action against errant operators or individuals who fail to meet our regulatory requirements. Individuals who refuse to provide the required CCTV footage without reasonable excuse or have tampered with or destroyed CCTV footage can be found guilty of having committed an offence under the Early Childhood Development Centres Act and be fined up to $5,000 or imprisoned for up to six months, or both. I thank the Member for his suggestion on using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to review CCTV footage. ECDA has introduced an Early Childhood Industry Digital Plan, which provides funding to help preschools adopt pre-approved digital solutions. ECDA is currently working with video analytics providers to develop AI solutions that can detect safety hazards and potential misconduct in preschools, which could potentially be included as pre-approved digital solutions under the Early Childhood Industry Digital Plan. ECDA will also be deploying AI to improve our review of CCTV footage during investigations.”
“Under the Integrated Childcare Programme (ICCP), which was launched in 2003, resource persons in selected preschools were funded to customise the curriculum for children with developmental needs (DN). However, children who required targeted Early Intervention (EI) support would still have to enrol in separate programmes, such as the Development Support and Learning Support (DS-LS) or Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC). Since 2012, we have increased accessibility of direct EI support for children with DN within preschool settings. Key enhancements included the expansion of DS-LS to more preschools and the provision of coaching to preschool teachers by EI professionals to support DN children in the classroom. The Inclusive Support Programme (InSP) was piloted in 2021 and will continue to scale to more preschools from next year onwards. Unlike ICCP, InSP provides integrated El services within the preschool setting for children requiring medium levels of El support. With these enhancements, children with DN were able to receive better support in preschools across various levels of EI support. Hence, ICCP was discontinued in 2024. To better support children with DN in preschools, the Early Childhood and Development Agency has also introduced a requirement for every preschool to appoint an Inclusion Coordinator by 2023 to support the identification of children that may require EI and to refer parents and educators to relevant EI resources and services.”
“The Ministry of Social and Family Development's Protective Service (PSV) applies to the Youth Court for a care and protection order (CPO) when there are immediate safety concerns or risk of serious harm to the child, and the parents are assessed to be unable or unwilling to cooperate in safety plans to prevent harm to the child. A breach of the CPO would trigger an immediate reassessment of the risk of harm. If the risk is high, PSV will take steps to ensure the child's safety. This may include exercising statutory powers to remove the child from the home or referring the case to the Police if an offence is suspected or Police involvement is necessary to ensure the child's safety. The case may also be brought to the Youth Court for review, where additional safety conditions may be imposed to address immediate risks. Such conditions may include having all contact between the parents and the child supervised by PSV, particularly where the child has been placed in alternative care. The Court may also direct the parents to undergo counselling, psychotherapy or other intervention programmes as part of the CPO conditions.”
“Fifty-four percent of ComCare Short-to-Medium Term Assistance (SMTA) households that exited SMTA in 2020 returned within 36 months. This data is available in the Ministry of Social and Family Development's Supporting Lower-Income Households Trends Report 2024 at https://go.gov.sg/msflowerincomereport2024. ComLink+ was only rolled out to eligible families in 2023. The SMTA return rate for ComLink+ families is therefore not available.”
“Research has consistently shown that the early years are a crucial period where positive experiences and relationships can shape our children's future learning and development. As the child's first and most influential teacher, parents play an important role in their development. We encourage parents to spend more quality time with their children, such as by bonding with their children through daily routines like dinner and bedtime, as well as activities like play and reading. Employers have a part to play, by providing a family-friendly work environment that supports working parents in balancing their caregiving and work commitments. The Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests, which took effect on 1 December 2024, was introduced to support all workers, including parents, to better manage their work and caregiving responsibilities in a sustainable manner. This sets out the process for employees to request one-off or more sustained arrangements to meet their caregiving needs. We have observed that more parents are enrolling their children in full-day childcare over half-day programmes to balance their work and family commitments. To support children in preschools, the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) has prioritised improvements to the quality of preschool care and education and embraced a holistic approach to child development. For example, the national learning and development frameworks were updated in recent years to place greater prominence on developing children's social and emotional competencies. ECDA also curates relevant resources and training related to children's social and emotional development for educators as part of capability-building efforts to support children's holistic development.”
“This question has been answered as part of the Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration's oral reply to Parliamentary Questions at the Sitting on 5 November 2025.”
“Fostering does not end when a child turns 16. Under the Children and Young Persons Act (CYPA) 1993, the fostering scheme enables family-based care for children and young persons below 18 years of age who require protection or alternative care. However, if the child or youth is still schooling or not ready to live independently, the fostering arrangement may continue until the youth turns 21. This is to provide stability and support during the transition to adulthood.”
“The Take-A-Break (TAB) is a pilot administered by a social service agency, SPD, and supported by SG Enable since 2020. The service provides respite to caregivers by providing assistance for personal care, escort or social engagement of persons with disabilities. Since 2020, 576 applications have been received. Around 84% of these applications were approved, while 13% were subsequently withdrawn by the applicants. The remaining 3% were rejected as the requests were outside the scope of TAB. Overnight respite care is available under TAB. Interested caregivers may request for this service through their service provider. We are in the midst of reviewing TAB and its plan beyond 31 March 2026.”