Nadia Ahmad Samdin
Singapore
“Other exchanges have pursued dual, listings and cross-market linkages. The experience has been mixed. While these frameworks generally reduce friction and improve access, they have not always translated into influence. Some companies eventually opt out of dual listing as a hitch.”
“Thank you, Speaker, and I thank the Minister as well. I have just two points, mainly related to the site-specific studies, as it appears that this is a very key part of the process, and I am not sure if I missed it.”
“Second, singles up till now can typically only purchase 2-room, Flexi or resale flats, given that two-room flexi flats are highly sought after by both singles and seniors, can the Ministry consider expanding the options?”
“Thank you, Chairman. I have three follow-up questions. The first is regarding food resilience and the initial plans for the Lim Chu Kang Agri-District. Could the Minister of State please elaborate on that. The second, I am very glad to hear of the top-up to the ACT Fund.”
“Could the Ministry share how aquacultural farms are transitioning towards climate resilience systems, such as hybrid or re-circulating agricultural technologies as well as the take-up rates of support schemes, the extent of transition across the sector and any key challenges in scaling the adoption of such technologies.”
“The recently published Green Skills Report defines what are green jobs and green skills, finding that such competencies are being integrated into mainstream roles, not just specialist jobs, with about 5,000 workers projected to be needed by 2030.”
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“Sir, to navigate through the unknown together as one inclusive society, we must go beyond protecting our borders and resources, to tend to something equally precious – the mental health and well-being of our people. The well-being of our children is essential. Every child is precious in an ageing society and they are the future of our nation. But they carry a heavy load in the face of turbulent around us and this can manifest in mental health conditions, bullying and self-harm. With increased digital exposure, our children are subjected to the mercy of algorithms designed to sustain their attention, often with sensational or emotional posts. Trends shift quickly. What our children see today may not be the same tomorrow. Social media also forces our children to grow up too fast. Primary school children dance to mildly risque dance moves ala K-Pop Demon Hunters, chasing likes before they have the maturity to process their own actions. Coupled with deepfakes and false content, this results in a disorientation of body image and a disjoint in their perception between what is portrayed online and the real world. Over a prolonged period, our children may lack the confidence to navigate the world and feel stressed as they worry how they can keep up with changes, questioning what the truth is. I am glad that Grow Well SG, a coordinated effort to help our children, was launched earlier this year. I hope that children's mental health screening will also be part of the health plans and I also hope that services by CREST-Youth teams can be expanded to include children under 12. We must start earlier.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I join the other hon Members in this House in adding to the chorus of support for the Motion of Thanks. In his address, Mr President highlighted fundamental shifts in the tides, leading to a far less predictable world. Just in the last month, we have seen protests in Indonesia, UK, USA and leadership upheavals in countries from Japan, Thailand to Nepal and France. Leaders raced to uphold promises, undo the work of their predecessors and bring forth change within a political term, often, an impossible task. The global and economic order is in transition and people are clamouring to be heard. Compounding this are ongoing conflicts felt not just as remote death tolls beyond our shores but real atrocities which citizen reporters, humanitarian workers and everyday residents stream online. As we travel to work and feed our children at night, these dominate our feeds and we feel the suffering from half a world ago, a stereo split screen like watching two worlds exist at once. While real-time information promotes compassion, it also magnifies anxiety in our hyperconnected world and there is dissonance within so difficult to reconcile. All these, amidst the slow yet inevitable backdrop of climate change, no longer a distant march but here in the form of hottest years on record, flash floods, droughts, rising sea levels. Extreme weather destabilises food sources and supply chains, causing scarcity and rising costs. Our youth faces anxieties about the future they will inherit. Working adults feel sandwiched as they shoulder pressures at work and at home. Seniors confront major life transitions and isolation.”
“(In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Thank you, Speaker. Let me begin by saying that I agree with the Minister that we should focus on and prioritise Singapore and Singaporeans in all our decisions and actions. On that note, I know that many people disagree with Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank. This is not just a matter of national security, but also a matter of national conscience. (In English): In terms of our interests, Sir, it is not just a matter of national security for us in Singapore but arguably also a question of national conscience as many have expressed very strong views. I have two supplementary questions. How do we expect the proposed sanctions to move the needle on peace and desired outcomes, including a two-state solution, given the very extreme views on both sides, as mentioned by the Minister, including members of the Israeli government who have rejected the two-state solution, not just political activists or settlers in the West Bank, by vowing to destroy Gaza? The Minister has, in his answer to the hon Member Mr Saktiandi Supaat earlier mentioned that sanctions have not always proven to be effective. I seek the Minister's views and how we can re-envision these sanctions could impact Israel, Palestine as well as other actors, for example, the US. Second supplementary question. The Minister also mentioned how we have consistently maintained open lines of communication with both ends and that this is important, not just in times of peace, but also during times of crisis. So, will the Government thus consider using these open lines of communication to support perhaps ceasefire negotiations, in some shape or form, more directly beyond the humanitarian assistance?”
“I thank the Minister for the reply as well. I have two follow-up supplementary questions. The first is, I note that there were several individual officers involved. Other than the disciplinary action taken against these individual officers, will the Ministry also consider moving upstream to conduct, for example, refresher training across the board, as well as employing a digital automated or AI means upstream, beyond just on the audit. The second supplementary question I have is whether any of this impact the speed and projects that are under these contracts.”
“Thus, the importance of your role, Mr Speaker, Sir. Over the past two years, you have discharged your duties with integrity, compassion and sincerity. Your meticulousness in catching the hands that pop up in ensuring as many MPs as possible have the chance to speak and calm demeanour is much appreciated. Beyond your role locally, your commendable dedication to forge ties with parliamentarians as far as Brazil and near as Brunei, puts us in good stead. In a world fraught with uncertainty, building bridges is important as our little red dot continues to navigate complex geopolitical currents. Sir, you are a steady hand with an unwavering commitment to both your residents, whom you have served for almost 20 years, and Singaporeans at large, a recurring theme from your first speech as an MP in this House, to your previous efforts in relations to the Maintenance of Parents Act and even sometimes, your social media posts, it is on families and the important role they play in society. I would like to end by thanking all families and loved ones who are here with us tonight, and serve alongside us, and also the wonderful staff of Parliament House, who keep things running behind the scenes under your leadership. Congratulations once again, Mr Speaker, Sir. [Applause.]”
“Mr Speaker, in Malay. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] The lion city glows with pride The people’s voice serve as our guide It is a joyful honour no words can confer To address you, esteemed Speaker, Sir. Honourable Mr Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your re-election as the Speaker of Parliament. Sir, it is our hope that you will continue to be impartial. Besides serving as the Presiding Officer, the Speaker of Parliament also acts as the custodian this House. By ensuring fairness and upholding order, the Speaker of Parliament protects the dignity of the entire parliamentary institution as well as our nation's democracy. Your duties remind us that strength is not forged by silencing differences, but by collectively sharpening wisdom. Especially in this era, where disagreements can divide society. Therefore, this is important for the people of Singapore, our citizens, who have placed their trust in us to represent their voices. May we always fulfil our responsibilities for the people and serve the nation. Parliament is not merely a building where laws are drafted. Parliament symbolises a promise that our nation's future is shaped through consensus and consideration of diverse voices. In making our deliberations, we should not forget the beneficiaries of our decisions, namely the youths. (In English): Speaker, Sir, Parliament is where the hopes fears, dreams and worries of our people are conveyed from homes to health climate to crows and chickens, food to families, sports and schools, transport to tariffs – I could go on. As we deliberate, let us also remember the next generation who are the future beneficiaries and bearers of the choices which we make today. Our youths' voices must also find resonance here.”
“Sir, thank you for your indulgence. My first question is on Tunas. I appreciate what Senior Minister of State Zaqy mentioned about how we have expanded it to go beyond just Malay/Muslim Organisations (MMOs) to also include the professional networks and also M3@Towns. But really significantly, we see very few Malay/Muslim young women leaders who are stepping forward and I wonder if there is a way to expand the remit of Tunas, for example, to also include Malay/Muslim societies in the Institutes of Higher Learning, for example, to be part of some of the activities so that we can continue to grow a robust pipeline of leadership. The other is in relation to Bersamamu. I thank Minister for sharing about the expansion. Really, what I hope is while we have done so much for young families, there still are a lot of big families who often have children who fall through the cracks, and I wonder if there is a way to better triangulate what we do with KidSTART, ComLink, in KelasMateMatika and all, such that, especially those larger families with very young children who are very vulnerable will receive the support so they have a good foundation.”
“Could the Minister share how inclusive the Tunas initiative is in reaching out to various groups of our Malay/Muslim youths in terms of gender, age, and educational background? Uplifting Young Couples and Families (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] We must continue our efforts to support and strengthen our young Malay/Muslim couples and families. Strong and stable families are the foundation that ensures future generations succeed. Some young couples may need support in dealing with fertility challenges or issues they face in their new roles as wives or husbands, or as parents who simply wish to do their best for their children. Currently, there are various measures and public policies implemented to support our couples and young parents. With the various initiatives introduced by the Government, could the Minister share how these public policies benefit young Malay/Muslim families, especially for parents who have irregular working hours? Next, the latest developments of the “Bersamamu” programme. Early childhood education plays an important role in supporting children's mental development and character formation. Therefore, may I ask the Minister to share more about the effectiveness of programmes like KelasMateMatika run by Mendaki? What new programmes are being planned to support our children and young families? And finally, are there efforts to encourage more young parents to participate in these programmes? 1.45 pm KelasMateMatika - Early Childhood Development”
“Chairman, in Malay, please. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Mr Chairman, I am heartened to see the increasing number of opportunities, programmes and initiatives specifically implemented to support our Malay/Muslim youths. Indeed, many have contributed to help our youths overcome challenges and develop their careers. I refer to the various mentoring programmes that are tailored to help our youths realise their dreams. These include the #amPowered programme organised by Mendaki, Mara Mentoring by Mendaki Club and Cool-Yah Conversations under M3. Malay/Muslim organisations also organise many activities to support our youths. Given the many mentoring programmes that help Malay/Muslim youths build professional networks and explore new industries, I would like to ask, firstly, what are the success and participation rates for these programmes; how have these mentoring programmes helped our youths explore new industries and employment opportunities; and is the programmes’ effectiveness being tracked? What efforts are being taken to encourage more professionals and organisations to contribute their time in supporting and shaping the next generation? Our Malay/Muslim organisations play an important role in our community. Now, almost all Malay/Muslim organisations are led by a new generation of leaders. For our Malay/Muslim youths, such organisations provide opportunities for them to step forward, learn from more experienced community leaders, gain new perspectives beyond the classroom and serve our community and nation. Hence, how can we empower our Malay/Muslim youths who wish to contribute to society and train themselves to become future leaders? Has there been any effort to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of these programmes?”
“How is the Government continuing to improve the public rental scheme to support the evolving needs of Singaporeans, including reviewing the qualifying criteria? Fresh Start Housing Scheme”
“Homes for Seniors and Singles Finally, Sir, Singapore's demographic has been evolving as our country matures, and two trends have grown increasingly clear. Our population is ageing and more people are choosing to remain single. These groups have distinct housing needs. First, seniors prefer to age in place. As this happens, the infrastructure in our housing estates must change to serve seniors' needs. To this end, HDB has taken several decisive steps to support seniors with both their external and internal living environments. Could MND provide a progress update on the take-up rate of the EASE 2.0 programme since its introduction, including the uptake and demographic of seniors who have benefited? I welcome the announcement, like many of my colleagues, to expand elements of EASE 2.0 to seniors not living in HDB flats. Could MND please provide more details? How will MND assess households who may require the support? In terms of their external living environment, what meaningful upgrades have been identified from community walks to be part of the Silver Upgrading Programme to transform our neighbourhood common spaces and encourage healthy living spans? How can MND work with other agencies, for example, Town Council, LTA and NParks, to ensure that the features are done in a way that is not duplicative. On behalf of my residents affected by SERS at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, Blocks 562 to 565, I would also like to ask what else can be done to help these residents in their relocation, especially the elderly who envisioned being able to age in place? Finally, what are some learnings from the single-room shared facilities typology, and is the Government looking to expand this?”
“What are some best-in-class practices which MND has adopted in maintaining the balance between intensifying and preserving greenery as well as ecosystems, while developing housing estates around green, blue and brown spaces. 100k Corals Programme Sir, safeguarding Singapore's blue and green spaces has long been a priority for MND. In December last year, NParks launched its most ambitious coral restoration project yet, the 100k Corals Initiative, which aims to plant 100,000 corals in degraded reefs and new sites. I applaud NParks for this programme, especially given that corals form the backbone of many of our marine ecosystems. Can MND provide more details on the 100k Corals Initiative, were there any target species we are trying to revive during this programme? And how will these efforts contribute to the diversity and vibrancy of our marine environment? How can we better involve the public and interested volunteers, for example, through citizen science activities? Has MND also considered whether mangrove trees, for example, can be part of our planted tree or coral programmes? A key component of protecting our Blue Spaces is educating the public about the rich biodiversity surrounding our shores and empowering them to take a personal interest in conserving our waters. To this end, groups, such as Friends of the Marine Park, play a critical role. The proposed designation of our Second Marine Park at Lazarus South Kusu Reef was a significant one, amidst the crowded competition for the use of our sea space and climate change. What are the updates that MND can share? And how can we continue to interest Singaporeans to care for our Blue Spaces, as part of our island city-state identity?”
“Singapore is known around the world for integrating nature into our urban cityscape. We take pride in our green efforts to keep us cool and our natural spaces are an essential part of our cultural identity as an island city-state. I am grateful to NParks and the wider MND family for these efforts. MND announced the vision to transform Singapore into a city in nature back in 2020. Can we have an update on the progress made on this front? How will NParks continue to ramp up efforts, including maintaining and upgrading parks in private and public housing estates in a timely manner, to ensure equitable access to nature? In the past year, what has NParks done to involve more members of the community in our efforts to transform Singapore into a city in nature? What are the key initiatives planned for 2025? What is NParks doing to make green and blue spaces more accessible and inclusive for all Singaporeans? Being a city in nature also means learning to co-exist with Singapore's diverse wildlife and understanding that we share this island that we all call home. Yet, in the past years, we have had several encounters, from tapirs to crocodiles, otters to crows, chickens to koels. Our vision for every household to be within 10 minutes from a park, also means that inhabitants of the park are also 10 minutes from our households. I would also like to ask how MND organises itself and community groups, to tackle these very real human-wildlife concerns, including disamenities caused by urban birds, while staying true to our desire to be a city in nature. For example, in Ang Mo Kio, we have faced hygiene and noise challenges by pigeons, crows, chickens, mynahs and loss of fish from ponds, such as koi by otters, just to name a few.”
“Madam, as we continue to look for innovative ways to improve the quality of life in our neighbourhoods, we have seen how technology can play an important role in enhancing efficiency and service delivery. One key area where technology can make a real difference in supporting MSE is in tackling everyday challenges, such as monitoring cleanliness and pest control. We have already seen some examples, such as in NEA's optical surveillance cameras dedicated to combat high rise littering or thermal imagery to detect smoking offences – although perhaps, not enough, per Member Louis Ng's speech earlier. I hope more of such technologies can be used to better protect our neighbourhoods at scale and complement the work of Town Councils. Can the Ministry share how it intends to dial up the use of technology and AI to enable MSE's work, for example, through monitoring cleanliness in poorer performing areas, as well as tackling pigeon, urban bird and rodent issues in our neighbourhoods and, in particular, private estates, where cleaners are required to clean a network of streets which are sometimes confusing and have roadside barriers?”
“Madam, hawker centres and markets are an institution, a gem in our heartlands for generations. Many a spirited debate has ensued over which area has the best mee rebus, freshest fruits and tastiest "kopi peng". To that, I would put forward that the answer is in Ang Mo Kio. With the inscription of hawker culture in the UNESCO list, hawkers are in the spotlight, but many are growing older and struggling with both cost pressures and legacy challenges as it is not easy to attract and sustain younger players. Could the Ministry provide an update on its efforts to celebrate and sustain the hawker trade while carrying on the legacies of hawkers approaching retirement, given the lack of successors entering the trade? How are we supporting both hawkers and wet market stallholders to remain competitive in the current cost environment? I am grateful for the Hawker Centre Transformation Programme (HTP), which was helpful in upgrading older markets, such as the Cheng San Market and Cook Food Centre in Ang Mo Kio. Older hawker centres often have fundamental infrastructure issues which are hard to resolve through regular Repair and Redecoration (R&R) works and persistent challenges such as urban birds, heat and drainage. I would like to ask what learnings can be derived from the first batch of the HTP. How else can we more comprehensively upgrade our hawker centres to keep them clean and cool for generations to come?”
“Madam, with more than 90% of our food being imported, our ambitious 30-by-30 goal was set in an attempt to increase food security. However, we have experienced some setbacks, such as reports of vegetable, poultry and fish farms shutting in recent years. I would like to ask the Minister what is the current progress towards the 30-by-30 goal and is the Ministry considering a review of this goal? How is the Government supporting local farms, given the challenging business climate and has the Government seen an increment in the take-up rates of productivity grants? Finally, is MSE working with local community gardeners in our neighbourhoods, for example, through the Eco Fund for Food Security? To uplift the local aquaculture sector, the Singapore Aquaculture Plan was launched in November 2024. I was glad to see that this is a collaborative effort and thank all involved, as aquaculture is yet another demand on our limited sea space which is highly utilised. Can the Ministry provide more details on the initiatives announced in the Singapore Aquaculture Plan, including an update on the exploration of potential sites in the Southern Waters for further studies on integrating closed containment aquaculture systems with open net cage systems for a new hybrid model for fish farming? What regulations are in place to ensure any businesses which set up fish farms in open waters will keep our marine environment clean? Grant Access for Local Private Enterprises”
“Chairman, the need to invest in climate adaptation measures cannot be more pressing. Could the Ministry provide an update on the progress on coastal protection plans, both on the "Long Island" project and site specific studies, together with any early results? What is the progress of PUB's Code of Practice study to develop legislation surrounding coastal protection and how will these measures be appropriately enforced to ensure compliance? How will the Ministry ensure that coastal protection measures are adequately funded? Beyond coastal protection measures, our neighbourhoods have been more vulnerable to floods lately, such as in Bukit Timah in December 2024 and Jalan Seaview in January 2025. Could the Ministry also provide an update on plans to upgrade drainage infrastructure and enhance flood resilience? How is the Ministry engaging communities to ensure that Singapore continues to be flood ready? And can there be any tech-enabled solutions to keep Singaporeans apprised of potential flooding in a timely manner? Flood Resilience”
“Chairman, as our urban living grows increasingly dense, well-planned community areas are essential in creating dynamic and sustainable neighbourhoods. The Ministry has stated that it had identified opportunities to optimise state properties to better meet community needs and create greater social impact. What criteria is used to evaluate which state properties should be redeveloped? What are the specific community needs that are taken into consideration, given our diverse demographic? Does the Ministry have plans to pilot community concepts that engage a broader spectrum of Singaporeans so as to create dynamic spaces that foster meaningful interactions? Could the Ministry consider piloting co-living concepts in these properties, for example, or create more care and recreational spaces for Singaporeans? SLA's Reinventing Spaces into Vibrant Places Programme”
“Chairman, I continue to speak up for law students and young lawyers in this Chamber. The demands of the legal industry on our juniors are not easy. To keep pace with the fast-evolving demands of the profession and to take care of our young lawyers while maintaining a strong pipeline, it is essential to ensure that our legal training frameworks remain robust and forward-looking. Under the new practice training framework, trainee lawyers must satisfy the dual seat requirement by rotating through a solicitor's seat and a litigation seat. For smaller firms operating as niche practices, arrangements must be made to rotate trainees to a covering law practice for them to gain exposure to a secondary seat. Does the Ministry have any indication as to the capacity of smaller firms to undertake the training of young lawyers and recruit future talent, given the necessity of rotating trainees out of their firm? Are measures being considered to support these firms in navigating such demands? With our growing role as a leading international arbitration hub, a rising number of disputes from our civil law neighbours may be heard on our shores. Is the Ministry considering furthering educational reforms to deepen and broaden civil law expertise among our law students and practitioners to ensure that we can remain at the forefront of international dispute resolution? 1.30 pm Update on International Conventions”
“Sir, in recent years, we have seen a rise in the seriousness and prevalence of online harms, such as cyberbullying and non-consensual sharing of intimate images. Singapore has developed a framework to address and mitigate these online harms through various legislation. The Ministry's plans to establish a dedicated agency, codify statutory torts and lift the veil of anonymity, will serve to enhance accountability and fortify our efforts in this regard. I would like to ask for an elaboration of the nature of timely assistance which will be provided to victims of online harms. Will the agency, for example, have the power to compel the removal of harmful content? How will the assistance be augmented to support vulnerable victims, for example, children as well as women? The agency will also be empowered to disclose the identity information of perpetrators to victims under specified circumstances. How will this be implemented in practice, given that many online platforms only require an email address for registration? What if the user of the account is overseas, for example? Finally, tackling online harms must be done upstream. How else can the agency work with community groups to educate the public on constructive and safe online behaviour? Pre-trial Release”
“I look forward to participating in the COS debates.”
“We grow intolerant of different perspectives, focused on the needing to be right and someone else wrong, and in our frustration forget that society is stronger because of diverse views, that the collective pull is stronger than the sum of its parts. Against the odds, we have built a society where different cultures, perspectives and backgrounds have coexisted in relative harmony. Harmony is not the absence of differences, but what prevails in spite of it. Our harmony can only be sustained if we recognise that we are interconnected by the same collective responsibility and have an active citizenry which trusts not just in the Government, but also in each other. I hope that in the spirit of SG60, more can be done to encourage ground-up activities and programmes in local communities and between different groups. A social compact is not something bound on paper, nor does it come with an expiration date after a single Budget cycle. It is a living, breathing commitment – one that transcends generations, upheld by every government and every citizen. Budget 2025 is a reaffirmation of this commitment – a promise that the Government is striving to build a society where every individual can thrive regardless of age and circumstance. It is a call to join hands. For those who laid the foundations of Singapore, for all of us who call this nation home today, and for the generations who will inherit this legacy, we must renew our shared promise and reignite the Singapore dream – to protect and steward the progress we have made, to provide stability and security, even in the most uncertain times, and to break new ground so that future generations can dream even bigger than we ever thought possible. This is the vision that we carry forward for Singapore's future.”
“A 2023 study by the Singapore Management University's Centre for Research on Successful Ageing revealed that only half of the respondents surveyed felt there was at least a 50% chance they would have to lower their standards of living. I am also glad that we have geared up to focus on preventive health to encourage longer health spans. We must also extend our reach to those who are isolated, ensuring they have access to the resources they need. Whether that means bringing services to their doorsteps or encouraging them to come out and participate in more inclusive community activities, outreach efforts cannot be touch and go as some seniors may be tentative at first. I hope we can find solutions to offer active ageing programmes, mental health services and daily rehabilitative exercises to our seniors in private estates, where the space to build centres is often difficult to find. I would love to see an active ageing centre in a park or utilise a container concept, for example. For seniors living in older private estates, extending the Enhancement for Active Seniors programme is a good move and answers the appeal of many of my colleagues and I. These seniors may be deemed asset rich but cash poor and feel left out of various schemes. I look forward to hearing more about how the Ministry will be rolling this out and hope we can also increase awareness on support schemes such as the Home Caregiving Grant. Madam, we continue to write our Singapore story in a time where Singapore is becoming increasingly diverse, with many increasingly isolated in our own bubbles. Globally, we see people fragmenting into us versus them.”
“The SkillsFuture framework as a whole has received a reboot – for example, the Jobseeker Support Scheme announced last year as well as the expansion of the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme targeting mid-career Singaporeans to pursue upskilling, which will now be given a monthly allowance to those who continue to work part-time. This is a good step, which acknowledges the reality where not everyone can afford to take full-time off. Beyond structural unemployment and displacement due to cost pressures, some are also forced to slow down due to caregiving needs. By 2030, around one in four Singaporeans will be 65 and above. And our caregiving needs are growing. To this end, while it is not quite the full Carer's Allowance, I support the move to raise the maximum qualifying per capita household income for the Home Caregiving Grant as well as the increment of the quantum to offset caregiving costs. I hope that over time, we can look into doing more for caregivers' mental health and financial well-being, recognising the key role they play. This leads me to my final group – our seniors. Madam, our elders who contributed to Singapore's growth and prosperity today face a different Singapore. Some are struggling with a reality that they did not foresee. While the idea of life after leaving the workforce was perhaps once associated with relaxation, many find themselves battling poor health and limited financial resources. As of October 2024, Singapore has 64,000 older seniors of whom 60% are frail to severely frail and 4% at high risk of social isolation.”
“And secondly, while the Government provides significant grants and subsidies for housing, education and healthcare beyond financial costs, the most precious resource of all time is scarce for daddies and mommies to spend with their little ones. Surveys also reflect that long work hours and stress from work are the top obstacles couples face in getting pregnant. Ultimately, we must work towards creating an environment where families feel empowered by the decision to have children. This will not be resolved in one Budget or by the Government alone, but will take a shifting of mindsets in society, support from employers and a redefining of what success looks like beyond the corporate ladder, followed by the ability to live that life on our own terms. As industries evolve and technology becomes more integrated into every sector, middle-aged workers are increasingly finding themselves at crossroads. Some global companies have also decided it no longer makes financial sense to operate some roles in Singapore and instead choose to move to regional neighbours with cheaper labour costs or replace labour with automation. This is our reality. There may be someone else who is cheaper, but given our nimble size, we can be faster, and with Singaporeans' talent, we can be better. For those who lose their jobs, the fear of being left behind is overwhelming. It is not just their dreams which are paused, but that of their whole families deferred. How do we ensure they are empowered to rejoin the workforce with relevant skills quickly?”
“Take for example, the dream of a large family. For some young couples in Singapore, this feels out of reach due to the costs associated with raising a child. Every parent wants the best for their child. The pressures of balancing work, childcare and maintaining a home sometimes discourage young couples from expanding their family as they are uncertain if they can provide the same level of support and opportunities for a household with more children. I am heartened by the recent steps the Government has taken to ease some of these burdens, such as the move towards shared paid parental leave last year and the introduction of $500 in Child LifeSG Credits for all children aged 12 and below. The additional support of up to $16,000 for each third and subsequent child, is a welcome measure that recognises the challenges of growing a family in today's economic climate. It is strategic in that this scheme is not just for newborns, but for existing families where at least one child is six or younger, and alleviates the dilution of household finances when an additional child arrives towards a more equitable distribution of resources. I am also grateful that implementation was immediate, a fairly unusual timeline, but necessarily decisive in the face of our declining TFR. I hope we can also do more to support grandparents who often play an important role in caregiving, in terms of learning new skills and forming care networks. While financial support is important, it is equally crucial to address the underlying issues that makes starting and growing a family so challenging. I touched on some of these points in my recent speech for the Motion on families: for couples, with fertility health and treatments, as many are getting married later at a later age.”
“We must ensure that we continue to be a Singapore that can dream of hopeful opportunities, endless possibilities and a future where no one is left behind. We must cultivate a new social compact – one that welcomes diversity and strengthens the bonds between all communities, no matter how different, just as our Pioneers did when they built this nation together. Today, we are living longer with innovations in technology that seek to make life better. In his Budget Statement, the Prime Minister talked about how we ended 2024 on a strong footing. Our economy grew. Singaporeans generally saw wage increases that outpaced inflation and income inequality after Government taxes and transfers is at its lowest since 2000. But somehow in coffee shops and online, some sentiments would indicate that life feels otherwise. Statistics and indexes do not translate. Singaporeans continue to feel the pinch from higher prices, an epidemic of stress plague students and workers and the daily grind somehow does not spark that much joy. The promise of the Singapore dream seems out of reach. With the changing of the guards to our 4G leadership, I hope for a renewed vigour, a cautious optimism amidst the global contest of might, a version 4.0 of the Singapore dream, if you will, where our people can increasingly define success by their own measures, where Singapore can hold multiple versions of life and success that we each want and that there is space for each one of us here; where we lean into our strengths rather than be caged by how society sees weaknesses. Not everyone will start from the same place in life, but having tailored support that can help meet people's needs where they are, in a timely way, is critical and must sit at the centre of the schemes that we design.”
“Madam, in Malay, please. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] In his 2025 Budget speech, the Prime Minister reminded us that our country rose from rather difficult challenges 60 years ago. At that time, we would not have been able to withstand the complex global environment without instilling order and efficiency in our society. When people think about Singapore now, what are the images that usually come to mind? Clean streets, a safe city, strict laws and a stable national system. In just 60 years, we have transformed into a modern metropolis. What will be the dreams, aspirations and choices of our people today that will shape our country's future in the next 60 years? To face our future, I would like to emphasize two things. Firstly, we must ensure that Singapore remains as a country where everyone has their own dreams and is supported to achieve those dreams. Second, we must also form a new social compact. This spirit should celebrate the differences in our society and also further strengthen the bonds between all communities, as our pioneers did when they started to build this nation. (In English): Madam, just 60 years ago, it would have been hard to imagine Singapore as the city we are today. This country was built on the dreams and pragmatic choices our Pioneers made amidst a challenging world order. Today, we face new turbulent times. We would not have survived the chaos if we did not build order and efficiency into our society. When people think of Singapore today, what picture comes to mind? Clean streets, safe city, strict laws, stable systems, but what are the dreams, aspirations and choices that will build our next bound? I will make two main points.”
“Sir, does the Government expect the increased flat supply to be able to meet needs based on the existing application pool? Could the Government also share how the take up rate of the Open Market vouchers has been since its launch in July 2024 and what is the proportion of the average 4-room and 3-room flat unit rental cost that is subsidised by the Open Market vouchers? Sir, watching our son's little fingers curled around mine fill my heart with a love like I have never known before. Success for me has been redefined somewhat and can be as simple as having 10 minutes in between work to hold him and feed him, or watching him interact with his daddy and his grandparents. As we build a "Singapore Made for Families", I am grateful that we already have several of the key building blocks in place: safe streets, well planned towns, with homes and with childcare options, decisive shifts on paid parental leave, good education system and more. We must continue to support families of all shapes and sizes, to assure Singaporeans that the Government and society at large will walk alongside them in this journey. To tie my speech back to Chinese New Year, amidst the well wishes of 早生贵子, or may you be blessed with a child soon, I wish you strength, patient and hope your hearts find peace.”
“Also, given that grandparents often play an important caregiving role in raising children, could the Government also consider building more 3Gen units in such towns so that families have the option of staying together under one roof? It would also be helpful if elderly who do not have much savings are able to continue receiving certain subsidies or reliefs, which they would have otherwise enjoyed if they are still staying in their own flats, should they choose to move into these 3Gen units with their children. Finally, on the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme. I am grateful for this option, which has grown in popularity in recent years and been a lifeline for families, married couples, applicants under the fiancé-fiancée scheme and divorced or widowed parents with children, the latter being a family unit, often going through much pain and changes. I also note that the Government has ramped up supply dramatically, with the intention to double the amount of available units to 4,000 this year. While this also means that redevelopment into potential new BTO housing is halted, for example, in the case of Tanglin Halt, I know that many are relieved that they are able to secure this interim housing while awaiting their keys. Under this scheme, the Government considers families with greater needs first, couples with at least one child, including expectant parents, get priority in the allocation of flats. While many understand this, a young couple shared with me their disappointment in failing to secure a unit despite multiple applications. Although they are married, they continue to live separately with their respective parents due to space constraints and the expensive private rental market. This too, can be a barrier to starting a family.”
“" I would like to talk about the space to raise families. Over the last few years, I have come across residents who have tried very hard to start their own journey into familyhood, or who wish to grow their families but housing remains a challenge. The recent October 2024 sales exercise revealed that the median application rate for first-time families was 2.6, with the Central Trio at Ang Mo Kio being 4.1. For many, the desire to have a home starts from having a house. Even though the Government has introduced a slew of measures, such as first-timer priority and the family and parenthood priority scheme, for those who live in estates such as Ang Mo Kio, new sales launches are few and far between due to the lack of land parcels to build on. Young residents who have lived here all their life often lament the inability to secure housing near their parents who they wish to stay near to for caregiving purposes. For longevity, couples also tend to prefer at least a 4-room flat to cater for a bedroom for themselves, a combination of one or two children, a caregiver, such as a helper or their parents, and living space to cater to work-from-home arrangements. While resale flats are an option, a quick search on the HDB website of resale flat prices in the last six months in Ang Mo Kio for 4-room flats range from $455,000 to above $1 million. I recognise that the Government has taken steps to cool the market and that this is, ultimately, a case of "willing buyer, willing seller", but this can be very daunting for young couples. I would like to ask whether median income of Singaporeans has kept pace with the average cost of resale flats and if the Government can explore different ways of supporting young couples who wish to live near their parents beyond the proximity grant.”
“I am glad that we are doing more to help Singaporeans fulfil their dreams of having children for those who choose to do so and hope that more will come forward to support each other on this journey. To this end, I am grateful for platforms such as Fertility SG, a non-profit started by IVF warriors, which provides a safe space for men and women who wish to find out more about fertility health and assisted reproduction. It is important that this information and support is available to people from all walks of life. Sir, while the process of trying to conceive itself can often feel lonely and helpless, many new moms and dads after conceiving also struggle with the transition to parenthood. Modern parenting can be overwhelming with society's expectations and our own, from Instagram posts on expensive gender reveal parties, pregnancy and baby photo shoots, breastfeeding, milk supply woes, the never-ending list of things to purchase for our little ones, to advice from well-meaning strangers. The list goes on. We have read cases of postpartum depression affecting marriages and cases which have also ended in the tragic loss of life. It could be helpful if there was an automated process where parents receive an email or SMS after registering their child's birth or before leaving the hospital, where parents could consider and consent to have their contact information shared so as to join community circles near their homes, perhaps at the nearest community club or other organisations. Hospitals can also provide bite size information to spot signs of postnatal depression via text if parents consent; and this can also be provided upon discharge after delivery. Sir, for the third and final question, "When are you having a second one?”
“It is one thing to encourage people to have children, but even more important for people to be empowered with information to make their own informed decisions. These topics can also be included as part of marriage preparation programmes, such that young couples can discuss things like fertility screening, having children and financial considerations early. Female and male infertility can be a sensitive issue and it would be helpful for couples to have the option of facilitated discussions by experts. Fertility treatments can also be taxing both emotionally and financially. While elective egg freezing is not a guarantee for babies later in life. I am glad that we have moved on permitting this as of 2023, including raising the age limit from 35 to 37, so as to cater for women to have more options. Various hospital websites state that the cost can range from $7,000 to $15,000, amounts that would make most of us think carefully before pursuing this. Beyond that, there is also the time off from work required, the check-up, the injections, the careful counting, the restrictions on diet and lifestyle. My favourite is the advice "try not to stress" in an already very stressful situation. To quote a Reddit user, egg freezing is an amazing innovation, but it is so far from cost free. I would like to ask if the Government can consider supporting fertility screening and elective egg freezing through permitting MediSave withdrawal subsidies or co-funding, subject to the assisted reproductive treatment limit of $15,000 in a lifetime. A Straits Time article published that KK Women's and Children's Hospital has recorded more than 40% increase in IVF cases between 2014 and 2023, and that hospitals are ramping up capacity to support assisted reproductive treatments.”
“" At our wedding, my husband shared that how he knew we were right for each other was that it was the first time he could see himself starting a family. I, too, could envision him, not just as a good husband, but as a great daddy. Intentional and thoughtful about the kind of values we would hope to impart to our kids, but also aware of just how much it takes to try and raise them accordingly. But for six years, as much as we wanted, we could not answer the second question, for a variety of personal reasons. Every year which passed would see more questions, reinforced this time with "don't wait so long" and "you're not getting any younger, you know". Auntie, trust me, I knew. As I neared 35, the reminder that my biological clock was ticking loomed over me, as did reminders that I was born with a fixed number of eggs, which were depleting, both in quality and quantity, as the months went by. While some may choose to stay single or childfree, not enough is said for those who long for children of their own but are unable to become a parent. This could be due to health reasons, whether physical or mental, anxieties or traumas from their own childhood, a lack of information or a lack of financial resources to seek help early. Defined by World Health Organization as a couple's inability to conceive after one year, infertility currently affects about 15% of couples in Singapore. While questions often focus on the woman, causes of infertility are actually relatively split evenly between male and female factors. Sir, it starts with awareness. I would like to ask what fertility health education programmes are available, whether in schools at the appropriate age or in the community, for youths to have better awareness of fertility health.”
“However, a study which polled more than 22,000 people in eight countries, found that Singaporeans do not place as much emphasis on egalitarian gender relationships in a marriage as people in other countries, such as Spain or Norway. One of the principal investigators in Singapore, Prof Yong, said that "Singaporeans seem to think that women who work and do most of the domestic duties at home are not any worse off than if both husband and wife share the domestic duties equally when they are both in the workforce". Many wives tell me they disagree. Despite much progress over the years, women still find themselves carrying an unequal mental load and face bias in workplace and society, for example, in terms of sexist comments and being the default parent. And so, a rising number of women choose to stay single, prioritising freedom and the ability to invest in their career, hobby and other pursuits. While moves have been made in recent time to nudge equality in family life, for example, through Shared Parental Leave, ultimately, it will take time for mindsets to shift. Society must also change its views on men who choose to stay home at work or work more flexible roles, appreciate those who are active fathers alongside their partners and give them space to participate meaningfully in the raising of children. We are all responsible for the gender stories that we live and tell, and these affect our social identities, from how we advertise to the way we value care work, how we interact with each other at home in terms of chores, careless stereotypes and how we speak to girls and boys from a young age. Society must do better to challenge these stereotypes. Which leads me to the second question, "When are you having a baby?”
“The caregiving burden will grow, and in family units where there are single children, this typically falls upon them. However, this pressing need at the country level may not find resonance at a personal level with Singaporeans for many reasons. Coming out of the Chinese New Year period, I am sure many around my age are asked some permutation of the famous trinity of questions. One, when are you getting married? Two, when are you having a baby? And the third, no matter how recently you have given birth, when are you having a second one? I answered the first question, "When are you getting married?", after I turned 28, just 1.5 years shy of the median age of first marriages in Singapore for brides in 2023. For grooms, this is 31, also in line with the global trend of later marriages. But peak fertility age is in the earlier part of our 20s. For those who are graduating from Institutions of Higher Learning (IHLs), 20s is often a time of "chiong-ing", pursuing career, supporting older parents, saving up for that BTO. For many, it is also the first time out of formal education, where the world seems less linear, opportunities abound and experiences like travel open up more. So, for many youths today, the picture of marriage and family where men go out to work and women stay at home to raise children is outdated and less enticing. According to a 2020 Singapore Population Census, the percentage of couples with both parents working is 52.5%. In particular, as women today see unprecedented levels of self-autonomy and financial independence, they desire a shared partnership instead of reinforced gender roles.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise in support of the Motion. I have recently been blessed with the chance to become a mother and the arrival of our little boy has brought new perspectives as well as solidified previous beliefs. One such belief is from the old phrase, "It takes a village to raise a child." I would like to take a moment to express my deep respect and appreciation for all parents and caregivers who raise children; from infant carers and early childhood educators who look after children when mummies and daddies go to work; foreign domestic workers who share the load of keeping a home neat and tidy; grandparents who go through a sequel of raising the grandchildren later in life; friends who happily babysit our children for a few hours; well-wishers who offer encouraging words; doctors and nurses who bring them into this world and care for them when they are sick, it does indeed take a kampung and I am very grateful for mine. Sir, there are families with children, families without, families who do not want any, and families who do. It is not our place to impose our personal preferences on others, but from a statistical perspective, encouraging more families to have children is indeed critical to Singapore's future. Our TFR fell below one for the first time in 2023. This is not just a concern economically in our ageing society, due to a shrinking local workforce which demands supplementary talent as we strive to remain competitive in a turbulent world, but also socially, as demographic changes affect the composition and fabric of our society. It also results in more Singaporeans being sandwiched, with the old age support ratio projected to decrease to 2.7 in 2030.”
“While the BCA's preliminary estimation looks at not that many buildings involved in the introduction of the MEI regime and I note that these building owners will receive an advanced audit notice, I would like to ask what is the Ministry projected timeline for the introduction and progressive rollout of MEI for all older buildings? As a whole, how would these processes and timelines be communicated to building owners? In conclusion, Sir, with the implementation of the MEI regime, buildings of different ages are progressively on board our green journey. Some people joke that our national bird is the crane, with the amount of new buildings and constructions that we see. But we should also safeguard older buildings and their memories and ensure that they are running sustainably. Beyond this Bill, I recall a point I made in the 2022 Motion on "Towards a Low-Carbon Society" moved by the Government Parliamentary Committee for Sustainability and the Environment. Then, I called for individuals, society and Government to remain bold and demonstrate our national commitment to support businesses and our people in the green and blue economies and to hold ourselves to high standards, so that together, our collective actions are impact-oriented. I am glad that progress has been made since. With the introduction of the MEI regime, I hope that we can close the gaps steadily and fulfil our commitment to green 80% of our buildings by 2030. Finally, I hope that the Government will continue to prioritise and be ambitious to reach our net-zero goals by 2050, while working with and supporting industries and individuals to manage costs and take action. I support the Bill.”
“Finally, while the initial focus is to tackle, I understand, the top 25% of building typology in terms of energy consumption over a period of up to three years, to reduce their energy use intensity by the predetermined threshold for prescribed period, is there a roadmap to encourage this group of buildings to progressively go beyond the pre-determined threshold reduction towards perhaps achieving a fixed level of energy consumption in absolute value, depending on the type of building? How ambitious will this pre-determined threshold be and how often will it be reviewed to ensure that we are keeping with our national targets? Finally, some technical clarifications. In particular, for section 22FK, which specifies that the CBC must cancel an MEI audit notice issued in relation to a Type 1 building if he or she is satisfied, whether or not through further information provided, that the Type 1 building is not an energy-intensive building. I would like to clarify, what would be considered satisfactory for the cancellation of an MEI audit notice? Secondly, on the maintenance period under section 22FT. After building owners have implemented their measures in the EEIP, I note that the owner of the building must maintain the specified reduction or approve reduction in energy use intensity in relation to that building for a prescribed maintenance period. I would like to ask what is the prescribed maintenance period we are looking at and what would happen after this period?”
“As discussed in the Super Low Energy Building Technology Roadmap by BCA, possible sources of electrical consumption in a building can be attributed to functions of cooling, ventilation, lights, lifts, among others. The cost of implementing sustainable solutions is understandably a concern to building owners who will be subject to the MEI regime. While building owners will be required to appoint a qualified person to conduct an energy audit and develop an EEIP for their building, and I note the Ministry will not prescribe the specific actions, it is critical that building owners, themselves, are educated on what would actually be effective and buy in to the EEIP, while considering also longer-term maintenance plans, costs and whether some element of the cost should be factored into tenants' leases. On this, I would like to clarify if BCA plans to make available a list of qualified contractors or approved works to support building owners exploring available pathways to achieve their EEIP. Will the longer-term cost savings be explained to building owners and, on average, for the different sub-typologies, how long will it take for such cost savings to be recognised? Further, I note that the co-funding of the Green Mark Incentive Scheme for Existing Buildings 2.0 is available for owners looking to undertake more significant retrofitting works. How much has been disbursed under this scheme and to what impact since it was first introduced in 2022 and does the Government foresee an increased take-up with the introduction of the MEI regime? I would like to ask if there are other sources of funding and incentive available for owners looking at perhaps a smaller scale of retrofitting, but may not have the necessary funds to do so.”
“The energy consumption of a building comprises both central system for common areas, but also usage by individual tenants. The targeted building typologies for the introduction of the MEI regime may house various stakeholders under one roof. In particular, I note in the BCA Building Energy Benchmarking Report 2023 that commercial buildings consume significantly more electricity than the other building types targeted for the MEI regime. Commercial buildings, such as office and retail spaces, are made up of multiple tenants with varying levels of energy consumption. While building owners can take proactive steps and implement measures for central systems, such as installing light sensors and replacing faulty appliances, the situation can vary as it involves the spaces of their tenants. On this, I would like to clarify how the Government can support building owners in relaying the requirements of the MEI regime and mandating tenants to implement energy-efficient measures within their leased units. Further, in a situation where some of these older buildings may not be able to accurately capture the energy consumption by different stakeholders and consumption levels have not gone down after implementing measures laid out in their EEIP, how can building owners be supported to stay on track? Are there interim check-ins within the three years or so after the submission of the audit report and the one year after the implementation of the EEIP? Although BCA has introduced a Green Lease toolkit aimed at encouraging sustainable initiatives, I would like to inquire on the awareness and uptake of Green Leases in the past one year. Secondly, further support.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Bill. In particular, I am supportive of the introduction of the MEI regime, which I will focus on in my speech today. As one of the early countries to ratify the Paris Agreement in 2016, our Government is committed to mitigate the effects of climate change and play our part as responsible global citizens. Presently, buildings account for around 20% of Singapore carbon emissions and more than a third of Singapore's electricity consumption. As of December 2023, current efforts have greened about 58% of our buildings by GFA. However, there are still some gaps in our journey to achieve our goal of 80%. Today, a stock of older buildings, which were not designed with sustainable features in mind, are energy inefficient. It is crucial to include these buildings and journey with them through our country's efforts to green the nation. The introduction of this regime is also similar to other ones, such as in the EU and the United Kingdom. For example, the Energy White Paper released by the UK Parliament in 2020 shared similar goals to eliminate emissions from domestic and commercial buildings and achieve net-zero by 2050. The government laid out several plans to achieve this goal. One of which is the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme, a mandatory energy assessment scheme for organisations in the UK to meet particular qualification criteria. Through this scheme, organisations must calculate the total energy consumed by themselves, the building, industrial processes and transport systems. Thereafter, organisations will identify areas for improvements and ensure that plans are fulfilled. I have three clarifications. Firstly, buildings with multiple tenants.”
“Thank you, Speaker, and I thank the Ministers for their Statements as well. Just two points. Beyond the workers and specialised professionals who have been really hard at work, I think we have also been able to engage some of the researchers who have specialised skills. For example, Minister Desmond Lee mentioned Friends of Marine Park, who went out, I think, maybe the day or two, really soon after, to engage in the work and there are many more volunteers, as the Ministers have pointed out, who are really interested to come forward, whether those who kayak out at sea or those who do beach clean-ups. I think they are looking forward to maybe when the next phase might be so, that they can really galvanise and come together. Is there a rough indication how long more this will take? And will there be any sort of maybe training or briefing at a very high level to be able to equip them with the information on how they can best help with the clean-up? The second is, beyond the wanting to help. I think many also want accountability in due course to be able to hear more as to how the collision happened and whether the parties responsible or the parties involved will be taking accountability.”
“Mr Speaker, I thank the Senior Minister of State. I understand that MOH has more supervisory and regulatory authority in this case. The Senior Minister of State highlighted about the one-year duration which, understandably, is causing parents even further anxiety, given the long wait. What is the Ministry's assessment on the reasonableness of this one-year duration for completing the remaining testing? Is there any other way that MOH can provide direction or support for other industry partners to expedite the testing of the cord blood units?”
“Thank you, Speaker. Just one short follow-up supplementary question. I understand, hon Minister, that there are limitations in the directions that could be provided. However, was there any consideration, given the sensitive nature of the post, to request for a clarification, given that the embassy's post took the original video out of context, as well as perhaps an apology as many in the community, from various communities, were quite upset about the post?”
“Thank you, Speaker, just a quick follow-up supplementary question for the Senior Minister of State. Thank you for sharing about the training places and learning opportunities. I think many students are very interested to pursue this route. Could the Senior Minister of State give a little bit more detail about how these training opportunities will trickle down to our learning institutions?”
“I thank the Minister for sharing about the upcoming RLAF Ramadan fundraising appeal. I believe the previous tranche, over $5 million was raised, it truly speaks to the generosity of Singaporeans. Just two clarifications for the Minister. Firstly, given that the media has reported how the receipt of aid has been affected on the ground in Gaza, is the Minister able to share at all how the earlier tranche of aid was used by RLAF to reach the innocent victims of the Israel-Palestine crisis and the rebuilding in Gaza as well as the intended use of the future ones, so that Singaporeans are aware of the impact of their efforts? Secondly, given how protracted the hostilities have been, while the heart of this is not a religious issue, how can community leaders help Singaporeans of all backgrounds process the deep sense of injustice and helplessness felt, so as to prevent unfortunate divisive postings on social media as well as impact on the ground and which affect communities, such as Singaporean Muslims and Singaporean Jews?”
“Our community leadership remains crucial, especially at a time when the challenges that our society face are increasing and becoming more complex, such as climate change, online harms, mental well-being and so on. I hope that more from our generation will step forward to lead us to face these challenges. Can the Minister provide an update on the Tunas Bersama M3 programme? How does the Tunas programme help to develop our organisations’ leadership for the future and better meet the needs of our community? Can Tunas be expanded to provide training and networking opportunities to other office-bearers in the MMOs, as well as the key groups serving the community? Enhancements to the Bersamamu Programme”
“Thank you, in Malay please. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] As a small country, we are vulnerable to global and geopolitical developments. Religious and Malay/Muslim organisation leaders have been the guiding light for our community in navigating crucial challenges, whether in dealing with the global pandemic, technological developments and geopolitical issues, such as the ongoing crisis in Gaza. They also play a role in representing our community, both nationally and globally. A minority Muslim community in a country like Singapore faces unique challenges. Asatizah and leaders of Malay/Muslim organisations play an important role in guiding the response of our community. Our actions and responses should recognise the context of Singapore's plural and multicultural society, based on religious principles. May I ask how MUIS can continue to equip and support our asatizah, to guide our community in addressing contemporary issues? What kind of support and resources are available to our religious and MMO leaders, in terms of training opportunities and global exposure, to broaden their experience and deepen their capabilities, to guide and unite our community? 5.00 pm Tunas Bersama M³ Programme and MMO Leadership (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Serving the community is a never-ending task. Leadership renewal plans are key in sustaining the impact that Malay/Muslim organisations have made over the years. In 2021, Minister Masagos launched the Tunas Bersama M3 programme to groom the next generation of Malay/Muslim leaders by equipping them with the knowledge, skills and networks to lead their community and respective organisations.”
“I would like to ask, following up from URA's plans last November to reclaim Long Island off East Coast Park, what steps will URA take to prioritise and comprehensively consider nature-based solutions in the reclamation and development process? And how does the Government expect this development to affect marine life in the Singapore Straits? Enhancement works to Sisters Island are slated to complete this year. Could the Minister provide an update on when the park will be opened, how the public can access Big Sisters Island, and any visitor caps that will be imposed to manage the carrying capacity? Is the Government considering a second marine park in Singapore? Finally, Tiny Away Escape was launched on Lazarus Islands in 2023. Has the Government assessed any impact on nature and wildlife on and around the islands? And what other pilot ecotourism concepts are being considered for the southern islands? Action against Pigeon Feeders”