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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“For instance, Australia's Online Safety Act, which came into effect early this year, replaced the patchwork of online safety legislation to create a more consistent and clearer regulatory framework. Next, more can be done to ensure that minors are protected from hyper-sexualisation or inappropriate content. In Parliament, I have spoken about the need to educate youths and parents on a safer Internet culture. Minors are a vulnerable group who may not understand the way algorithms work to micro-target audiences with tailored messages and content who could be influenced to consume or produce content that is not age-appropriate before they have the ability to fully evaluate the harms and risks of such behaviour. Tragically, the case of Molly Russell in the United Kingdom is a striking reminder of the very real dangers. In 2017, 14-year-old Molly died by suicide after viewing online content about self-harm on platforms. In the six months before her death, it was reported that Molly had saved, liked or shared 16,300 pieces of content on one platform alone, of which more than 2,100 in total, or 12 a day, were related to suicide, depression and self-harm. Algorithms had pushed harmful materials to her accounts, some of which she had not requested. The coroner's inquest concluded recently, ruling that harmful social media content contributed to her death "in a more than minimal way". While such devastating cases are not common, even one case is one too many and we must do all we can to prevent such occurrences from happening in Singapore, including imposing appropriate regulations and considering how we can hold the appropriate parties responsible for the content they allow on their platforms, which can also lead to other physical harms, such as eating disorders or self-injury.”
“Indeed, the UK's proposed Online Safety Bill came under significant fire last year for its heavy-handedness, which would have compelled online intermediaries to proactively access the content of users' private messages. There have been cases of heavy-handed content moderation in other jurisdictions, which can be seen as an over-reach and invasion of privacy, causing individuals to lose access to their email and social media accounts, leading to much consternation. However, there is potential for the Bill to compel social media giants to share data, such as historical posts and messages when the user, who is a victim of image-based sexual abuse, requests it and requires evidence, for example. This is not impossible. For instance, the Personal Data Protection Act already requires organisations to reveal the data they have on platform users, should the users ask for it. In light of this, I would like to ask the Ministry what factors has it considered in deciding that the current Bill will not provide such recourse in covering private messaging channels. Relatedly, I do appreciate that legislation exists to deal with other aspects of gender-based online harm. For example, when Telegram groups have been found to distribute obscene images of women, administrators were charged under the Penal Code, including with distributing obscene material and facilitating the provision of sexual services. Has the Government considered streamlining all online-related harms into the Online Safety Bill, rather than relying on sections in the Penal Code and Protection from Harassment Act, placing a burden on victims to show that harm has, indeed, been inflicted?”
“Recognising these grim realities, it is important to ensure that regulations are put in place to safeguard the online space as much as we would our physical space. This Bill sends a strong signal that the Government does not take online harms lightly. That said, I would like to highlight three specific portions where I believe there is room for the Bill to be expanded on and I will be addressing potentially sensitive issues, such as gender-based online harms and suicide, in my speech. First, the amendment tackles online harms in general, but does not specifically address the prevalence of gender-based online harms. The gender element of online safety cannot be ignored. In fact, the Sunlight Alliance for Action found that 31% of respondents have experienced or witnessed gender-based online harms. While the Bill governs a wide range of actions by online communication services (OCS), it will not cover communications within private chat groups, such as SMS and direct messages. Gender-based online harms take many forms and a significant proportion of these occur in private communication channels. A number of women have shared with me that they have been on the receiving end of lewd or explicit messages. In 2021, AWARE reported that 70% of technology-facilitated sexual violence seen by their Sexual Assault Care Centre involved image-based sexual abuse. And almost 30% of these cases took place on private message platforms, such as WhatsApp and Telegram, which is an increase in percentage from previous years. I recognise that there are significant privacy concerns and logistical challenges in regulating private messaging.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Bill. First, I would like to declare my interest as a board member of SG Her Empowerment, an Institution of Public Character that strives to empower girls and women through community engagements, partnerships and research, including on the topic of providing more holistic support to those who have faced online harms. Sir, with this Online Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, Singapore joins the ranks of jurisdictions, such as Australia and Germany, which have dedicated laws regulating the online space. The proposed amendments aim to protect Singapore users from harmful online content and move beyond prescriptive statutory compliance towards public accountability. Online platforms can enhance connectivity and access to information for users. During COVID-19, online platforms allowed us to stay in touch and check in on each other. But social media platforms can be all-consuming, for example, when doom-scrolling displaces other forms of interactions and feeds on one's insecurities, putting the number of friends and followers you have on display and subjecting physical appearance to visible likes and comments, sometimes, under troll anonymous accounts. For many, it is a tricky place where being yourself is simply not enough and putting yourself out there may have unwanted consequences. Nearly half of Singaporeans polled by the Sunlight Alliance for Action have personally experienced online harms. These include being cyberbullied, stalked virtually and befriended by people who have fake identities. Yet, over 40% of people affected said that they would not take action, as they believe that nothing will come out of it.”
“Thank you, Speaker. I have just one follow-up supplementary question for the Minister. This relates to retail consumer protection. Will EMA or MTI consider strengthening retail consumer protection and safeguards such as the ease of transfer ability or novation of consumer contracts to alternative retailers, or also maybe a recourse mechanism for a more cost-efficient and expeditious consumer-related dispute resolution.”
“Does the task force plan on providing more manpower and resources, other than just raising literacy and providing education?”
“Yes. Sorry. So, my question is, will the task force consider focusing, as a special focus area, on the elderly's mental health and their caregivers as well? The second part is, I appreciate focus area 1, but I think we need to be realistic that in order to have better access, quality and coordination of these services, we also need to have more resources because AIC and other agencies tend to be really overstretched. All the good work that is done in support —”
“Thank you very much. I have two supplementary questions. The first is on my question about the focus on the elderly. I am very appreciative of the three focus areas as well as the 12 recommendations that we are seeking consultations on. However, in 2020, we saw the highest number of elderly suicides since 1991. While in 2021, the number has gone down slightly, it remains to be seen what the future might hold. In any case, the vocabulary around elderly mental health is much less socialised. Many still consider it very taboo and I think —”
“] As we have already seen, the ability to own a house is one of the main concerns of every Singaporean. For young couples who have just started working, they are worried that their savings and CPF funds will not be sufficient to buy a new flat in view of the rising cost of housing. For those who have retired like many Cheng San – Seletar residents who were selected to undergo SERS, they are worried that they cannot afford a replacement home. Therefore, subsidies and grants of $30,000, and a $10,000 removal allowance for reasonable expenses are most welcome. I hope the Government can review the subsidies and assistance given because I understand that it was last revised in 2014. (In English): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am committed to bringing my residents' appeal to Parliament. We are 606 affected households – hardworking Singaporeans who have worked for most of their lives to pay off their housing loans. And many have been looking forward to living out their older years, debt free. Each of these units tell different stories and many of them are close neighbours and even hope to ballot together to continue staying along the same corridors. I am grateful that we have written a successful housing story over the past few decades and while there are no easy answers in redevelopment, whether SERS or VERS, as our leases decay, we must write a new chapter, assure and bring along our people, so they know that they will always have a fair and concrete stake in our country. [Applause.]”
“Many have expressed disappointment on the estimations, highlighting the number of bus services currently running at the SERS blocks versus the new site, access to wet markets and in particular, proximity to the future Tavistock MRT station. Works for this station has started, and they will be putting up with the dust and the noise, but not be able to reap the benefits. Could the Ministry clarify if these such conveniences are being considered in the independent valuer's valuation and also that the new site will be improved along the way to include amenities, given that this estate will be home to at least 1,000 households? I also understand that the new SERS replacement area has been marked for further residential use. Could the Ministry please elaborate what the residents can expect in the future and what will become of the old site? On pricing, the range of a 4-room flat in the replacement site is up to $563,000 and with BTO prices rising, I would be grateful if the Ministry could share what the breakdown of the components that make up this price? Finally, one other concern I have is on the number of new replacement flats available. The projected total number of flats is 1,065 up to level 25, whereas the current SERS flats only have 606 units up to level 13. So, based on my estimation, this means that there is only 530 flats in the new site that level 13 and below. This implies that if all current residents select the new site, some residents will have to buy higher floor, meaning at a higher flat price, or may have to choose a different flat type, depending on the mix. I will be grateful if HDB could please revisit the flat mix and ensure that there is a comparable flat? Mr Deputy Speaker, in Malay, please. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.”
“I would like to also ask, based on past SERS exercises, how many exercises have SERS affected residents been able to choose from, on average, which allowed them this 10% priority allocation? Knowing these estimates will allow residents to plan accordingly. Out of the 606 resident households, there are approximately a quarter of residents who are required to pay a resale levy. I understand the principle of this is building a pot of monies that will be redistributed from sellers who have benefited from subsidised housing in the past, to buyers whose turn it is now to benefit from said subsidy. The resale levy payable is determined at the point you book your second subsidised flat and payment must be made, using your flat sale proceeds and/or cash. Housing loans are not to be extended. In 2019, hon Member Ms Tin Pei Ling had asked, "Given that SERS is involuntary, whether the Government would consider waiving the resale levy for households affected by SERS". This is an ask by many who do not have this cash and I would like to ask if MND can consider waiving or deferring the payment of this levy. I appreciated the HDB SERS team who have taken great pains to walk through the SERS timeline in detail with residents. I understand that the valuation of the homes will be released sometime in Q42022. Many have felt the uncertainty, with some already putting their flats on the open market for prices as high as $700,000. The rehousing decision has to be made by Q12023. I ask for the Ministry's assurance that the residents will be given ample time to consider their options and many have shared that three months are not enough. They hope that valuation will be carefully considered and released as soon as possible so that they can make plans. And finally, on valuation.”
“However, the take-up rate of LBS is low, is fairly small – 1,636 households in 2019 and 1,528 households in 2020. There are both emotional and financial reasons given for this. Some wish to hand their homes down to children, some prefer to sublet as rental income, some would rather the cash be realised on hand rather than going into CPF and some feel there is uncertainty if they outlive the length of the lease. Through this SERS exercise, I fully empathise with the concerns of our residents. As LBS requires careful consideration, I would like to ask if HDB will be able to consider either dialogues or individual sessions with seniors who wish to consider this. One other rehousing option is a 10% priority in new sales exercises if the delivery possession date of such flats is before that of the SERS replacement site. Some residents see this as a good opportunity to move nearer to their children or grandchildren, or nearer to schools of their school-going children's choice. But I have two points here. Some residents have also expressed hopes of applying and receiving the 10% priority allocation for another upcoming Ang Mo Kio BTO launched in August 2022, consisting of 2-room Flexi, 4-room, 5-room and 3Gen flats, in particular highlighting that this would be nearer the MRT station. For inter-generational families or young families who wish to take this chance to buy a bigger home, the 5-room option here, which is not available in the SERS replacement site, is an attractive and important one. Some are eagerly awaiting to hear the delivery possession date. Priority allocation would allow them some certainty, as the largest flat type in the previous Ang Mo Kio BTO in November 2019 was oversubscribed by more than 13 times.”
“As a part of HDB's homes for life strategy, this option is only granted to home owners over the age of 55. And I ask if the HDB will consider extending this option to younger home owners on a case-by-case basis, if they find it more affordable. I also note that home owners who purchase this 50-year lease will be able to sell or rent out their flats in the future. And given the young age that this applies to, I think this is a good idea. However, I seek some clarity. For example, a 46-year-old resident who may go through a medical emergency in 10 years after moving into the new home which causes a lot of financial strain, to the point where her family may need to downsize their house to receive cash on hand for treatment. I understand that it is not possible for HDB to know what the housing market will be like in the future, but I wonder if the market for such shorter-lease homes will be a ready and favourable one for sellers. How will they be priced and what will happen once the full 50 years run out given that the rest of the estate will have until 99 years? In the future, this estate may pose a curious mix of flats with varying leases, potentially creating price distortion in the market and I would like to ask if HDB has considered these implications. Sir, one other change which HDB has proposed is to permit eligible residents to participate in the Lease Buyback Scheme (LBS) with their existing flat. Previously, flat owners could no longer apply for the LBS after their flat has been announced for SERS and would have to fulfil a five-year minimum occupancy period (MOP) on their replacement flat. Given that many living in these SERS blocks are seniors, a significant portion will qualify for this.”
“During house visits on Saturday, Mdm Loh and Mr Cang, in their 60s and 70s, were appreciative that this option was now available, allowing them to move to a brand new flat of a similar size, for roughly the same number of years left on their current lease by the time the replacement site is completed. But there may still be barriers standing in the way of achieving the intended positive effects. Notably, the Bala Curve: the financial value of leases decay in an accelerated fashion towards the end of the lease. In simple terms, what this might mean for SERS residents is this: 50% of the lease does not mean the 50% of the listing price. Every 99-year leasehold land in Singapore is pegged to 96% of freehold land's value. As the lease starts to be used up, the value of the land as a percentage of the freehold land decreases. Estimates drawn up by HDB naturally make certain assumptions. Residents will be able to use all their CPF refunded sums to buy a new flat, they are eligible for a SERS grant of $30,000 and there is no outstanding loan for their current home. Based on these assumptions, I understand that residents who decide to purchase homes on a 50-year lease will generally see positive proceeds from the sale of their flats. In the same examples provided by HDB, should the current home owner pick the 99-year lease option for a replacement 4-room flat, they could be $55,000 out-of-pocket, as an estimate. But what percentage of residents actually meet all these assumptions? I seek the Ministry's assurance that no resident will have to top up further funds should they choose this proposed 50-year lease option. And if it is not the case, then what will HDB's approach be to ensure no resident is disadvantaged?”
“And many residents who showed me their estimated financial plans were worried that just to maintain a flat of the same size at the replacement site, could involve a top-up of $70,000, $80,000 or $90,000, which meant dipping into their retirement savings, or trying to find a new loan. In the alternative, they could move to an area where houses are cheaper, or accept a smaller unit. But given that they did not ask to be rehomed, or that they were interested in a unit with a a new lease in the first place, these outcomes are, to put it plainly, shocking to them. For this reason, I do welcome the recent announcements by HDB to offer alternative lease options and I sincerely thank those involved in bringing this to fruition as I know that such shifts in policy require much deliberation. But even with these options, there are still gaps to cross as needs vary greatly across our resident demographics. While I understand that it is improbable in policy making that every single circumstance gets accounted for, I think Members of this House will agree that the goal is to strive towards making sure that home owners do not get disadvantaged by redevelopment programmes like SERS. And since value will be unlocked, I hope that this can be shared with residents I have some clarifications. I will begin with rehousing options, focusing on the options for a new replacement flat. Two days ago, HDB announced some bold additions to the rehousing options available, which also meant changes in my speech. In the discussions I have had with residents, a significant number indicated that they did not need or want to buy a new 99-year lease. They just want to live out their retiring years in peace. I am glad that residents now have this option of a 50-year lease.”
“We have heard that this applies to only approximately 5% of all HDB estates and that most projects have already been selected. I ask that we consider how best to mitigate the chasm between the needs of the future and the needs of the present. SERS is blunt in its application affecting all residents of the identified estates, but given the variety of the home owners and complexity of the housing schemes, the solutions offered cannot be based on a one-size-fits-all approach. In this regard, HDB has over the years introduced new policies to cater to a diverse customer base, sensitive to needs and refined provisions to suit changing circumstances. The implementation of redevelopment programmes like SERS faces inherent challenges, exasperated by factors like an ageing population and the financial burden inherent to a decaying lease. To illustrate this, the SERS flats in this Ang Mo Kio are approximately 43 years old, with around 56 years left on the lease as of the date of the announcement. At the same time, more than half of my residents are over the age of 55. Take the case of Mr S, a retiree who shared that he has lived there for over 40 years – he is the original owner. He has paid off the loan for his flat and has been living on his savings since he first retired. His daughters and grandchildren visit frequently and they see this time and space together as a retreat. He is in his 70s and so, can no longer take out a new loan, which means that he will need to use his savings to pay for the replacement flat. Due to the difference in lease values of the old and new flat, according to him, HDB's conservative estimates were that he might have to pay $135,000 if he chooses a comparable unit of the same size.”
“However, as redevelopment is a fact of life in land scarce Singapore, I hope that the context of the issues raised and potential solutions proposed will be given consideration in the broader pursuit of achieving equitable outcomes in housing redevelopment. Sir, with more than 80% of our population today living in HDB flats, home ownership continues to be a cornerstone of our public housing system. As our flats continue to age creeping towards year 99, redevelopment has become an even more important part of being able to fulfil the housing needs of future generations. I would like to take a moment to briefly look at the rationale for the 99-year lease. In the 1950s, living conditions were a far cry in the settlements than what they are today. And to remedy this, in the 1960s, the HDB was established. From its formation, it was clear that in land scarce Singapore, the constant development of new towns, further and further out from the core, was not going to be tenable. And, as explained in National Day Rally 2018 by Prime Minister, the 99-year lease was introduced to be fair to future generations too. At the crux of this is the ability to be able to, upon the end of the 99-year lease, reclaim the land and build new flats for the next generation of home owners. This makes sense. Demand for new public housing is steep as earmarked by the oversubscriptions generally each time HDB releases a new BTO project from the many Meet-the-People Sessions appeals that my fellow hon colleagues face every week. Redevelopment programmes like SERS were introduced as part of a broader strategy to meet this demand by ensuring that land is used more effectively. SERS is a selective scheme limited to precincts with high redevelopment potential.”
“(In English): First, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I would like to sincerely thank our residents in Cheng San-Seletar for their trust in sharing their worries and concerns with my team and I, as well as the HDB team, who have been willing to listen to these concerns and also have taken steps to propose options for residents. It has been many sleepless nights on either side. Since the announcement in April, I have had the opportunity to speak with my residents who live in the four blocks been identified for the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS). I have spoken to some residents during my house visits, at the Meet-the-People Sessions, on the phone, via email and other means. In past SERS exercises, words, such as "windfall", or "the lucky ones" were used. But SERS can be seen as a bane. It depends on the circumstances of each individual household and the sites which have been identified. I have encountered different reactions. Some look at it as an opportunity to replace an old flat with a new one that will likely appreciate in value. Meanwhile, for others, it is a destabilising event. Beyond financial reasons, some are reluctant to move as they saw themselves growing old for the rest of their lives in the current unit. These perspectives are informed by factors like age of the home owners, health, employment status, ability to take on debt and the financial implications of the large difference in market value between their old flats and the price of the new ones. This Adjournment Motion is motivated by the Ang Mo Kio SERS exercise in the constituency that I serve.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, in Mandarin, for my residents, please. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Since the announcement of SERS in April, I have spoken with a number of residents about the effect of SERS on their lives. I have a total of 606 households affected by SERS. Each of these units tell different stories – a single mother who worked hard to move out of a rental unit into a resale flat after her divorce; an elderly uncle who hopes to continue to live in a same sized flat so that his grandchildren can continue to come over and stay; a resident who recently used her life savings to renovate because they had no choice due to spalling concrete of their old flat. Two elderly sisters bought flats adjacent to each other in the hopes of being able to look after each other in their old age. The older sister told me that her salary earned her barely enough to get by and she had just paid off her loan. Now she doesn’t know what to do; when she was talking to me, she almost broke into tears. I would like to share the concerns of my residents. They wrote to me, "Upon hearing the news on SERS, we are constantly worrying over our housing issue." My residents are worried; I am also very worried because most of them are senior citizens and retirees. Despite that, they still say that they will work together with the Government to achieve a win-win situation so that the residents can retire in a stress-free environment, and that the land can be better utilised for our future generations.”
“Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I thank the Minister for Health as well for the response, including setting out some of the criteria which will be taken into consideration for the reactivation of the TraceTogether programme. I have a supplementary question and it was an article in The Straits Times yesterday, which said, and I quote, "TraceTogether tokens and even SafeEntry Gateway boxes are Government properties and throwing them away could be considered an offence", and it then goes on to list certain offences under the Penal Code, Vandalism Act and Computer Misuse Act. I think, this has caused some alarm among people who may have inadvertently disposed of or misplaced their tokens. So, it will be very helpful to have some clarification on what to do with these tokens and what happens if there has been any inadvertent disposal, as well as some assurance in terms of the data that is or is not connected while the app remains in the phone.”
“In doing so, it will allow women to have bigger dreams so that other women, particularly our young, will dare to try and achieve the aspirations that they hope for. (In English): Our position on Singapore Women's Development is for all of us. The policies in this White Paper do not grant women opportunities and rights at the expense of men. They seek to improve on our current system – a society in which all contributions are recognised and respected. In this Singapore, men and women can play to their strengths without labels. In my own generation, I see how equitable access to opportunities have catapulted women into lives that our mothers and grandmothers could only dream of. I know that all of us in this House, men and women Parliamentarians alike, will work even harder such that Singapore will be fairer and more inclusive for the generations of young women to come. To our dear girls, "Don't let anyone or anything hold you back." Mdm Deputy Speaker, I support the White Paper and look forward to the collective action that we will take as a society together.”
“One response was, "Why do you victimise yourself that way?" The double-barrelled identifiers by race and gender were somewhat affronting to some people. But why should minority and women mean victim, or less than? Why should not minority and women mean strong and capable? Mdm Deputy Speaker, in Malay, please. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] In my speech earlier, I touched on how Singapore, since long ago, has taken steps and provided opportunities for women to achieve our aspirations. The White Paper on Singapore Women’s Development shows the Government's commitment to take firm action to support women in fulfilling our aspirations. However, I hope we will not just depend on laws. As a society, we should also play a role. Recently, we have seen an incident where misogynistic comments or a list that sexualised our religious teachers have degraded our women. The community came together to condemn such acts, and incidents like this have encouraged more discussions on the importance of respecting and upholding the dignity of our women. Have we changed how we see the role of our mothers, older sisters, younger sisters, or wives at home? A recent study by the Singapore Muslim Women's Association (PPIS) highlighted a concern faced by Singapore Malay women. They face a dilemma of balancing their aspirations at work and at home. The study also hoped that more efforts can be implemented to overcome negative stereotypes that could further complicate the efforts of our Malay women in climbing the ladder of success. It is my hope that more Malay/Muslim women are given the opportunity to hold positions as company chiefs and leaders of community organisations.”
“And although childcare subsidies do exist, the burden of proving the work hours falls onto them, and sometimes are difficult to substantiate, especially for self-employed mothers. For some families, work may, inevitably, reduce ComCare or increased HDB rental fees, such that they are in a financially worse position than should she stay at home. I am happy to hear that KidSTART and flexible childminding support will be expanded. Yet, these women face other barriers like aspirational poverty or lower social capital. As ComLink scales up, I hope that there can also be better integrated programmes catered for women to achieve personal growth and empowerment beyond family and child-centric efforts. Additionally, specific groups of women need more support. In this House, I have called for more to be done for families of offenders. Generally, there are 10 times more men than women in our penal population. For many male offenders in prison, they leave behind wives, sisters, mothers, daughters outside to wait and face the world. We must reach out more proactively to these women and their families to provide support from the point of incarceration to release and reintegration and not leave this assistance to chanced house visits by our teams on the ground or relying on referral pathways in the male offenders' hands. Such initiatives could make a world of difference to the women whose struggles and aspirations may otherwise be overlooked. I recently chatted with two young women who co-founded their first business. They have worked with large tech companies, both in Singapore and overseas, and shared with me some responses they got when they introduced themselves as minority women founders, identifiers that they were proud of.”
“I hope that in considering what can make a woman whole, we look at who she is and not just who she could be relative to someone else, like a wife or a mother. I hope we can, in the words of Minister Ong Ye Kung earlier, consider the unconscious remarks that we make. On this note, I appreciate the steps we are taking on elective egg freezing. With this, women can have the time and space to make choices instead of rushing headlong into starting a family. This benefits not only them but the children they may welcome into their lives in a planned, responsible manner. As a Member of this House who is a woman under 35 years old, it is something my peers and I have often discussed and I know that there are women slightly older who wish that they have this option, too. This is a topic that has prompted much discussion, and I hope that we can continue to have these important conversations in a way that is mindful of different beliefs and, ultimately, for greater progress. With FWAs, leadership cultivation, this White Paper proposes actions that benefit many white-collar working women. However, any discussion on gender equality is incomplete without considering the experiences of women from lower-income backgrounds. With limited resources, it can be all the more difficult for these women to have a voice and a choice despite their courage and best efforts. The proposed solution for lower-income women we often hear is, "Why don't you get a job?" Well, many jobs have irregular hours due to overtime while most childcare services have fixed daytime hours, making it more difficult to viably care for children without additional expenses.”
“As Singapore's population ages and care burdens increase, such models may be examined further, including how we may potentially finance them. I hope that the criteria which a care recipient of the HCG must meet can be expanded as well, as some seniors fall just shy of the three ADL criteria, but face other serious challenges that require dedicated care and similar expenses. I also look forward to hearing more about how the Household Services Scheme can be broadened and make more accessible in a timely manner to meet demand. Who will care for our caregivers in their old age, those who have given up hopes and dreams of their own, once the care recipients are no longer around? I am glad to hear the efforts elaborated by Parliamentary Secretary Rahayu Mahzam earlier on this front. I would like to briefly touch on a point that is close to the hearts of many women in my generation on setting up a home. When you get to your 20s, you are asked at every festive season, wedding and funeral, "When are you getting married?" After you get married, you are asked, "When are you having children?" When you have one child, you are asked, "Why are you stopping at one?" And when you have many children, you are asked, "Why do you have so many?" But it is not always within the control of the woman and such comments can be very hurtful reminders of what they hope for, but have not come true. I hope that society can consider for women who remain single because of personal decisions; women who have made a tough choice to leave relationships; women who cannot have kids because of infertility challenges either of their own or of their partner; or women who need to focus on careers because they are the only child who can look after their parents.”
“" I am heartened to note that there are plans to facilitate greater women's representation in leadership roles, strengthen workplace fairness and introduce new tripartite guidelines, calling on employers to consider FWA requests from employees fairly. Beyond guidelines, I also hope that societal norms will change as both parents become more actively involved in raising children. Other than embracing women as equal partners in the workplace, these shifts need to occur in our homes, too. One focus of the White Paper is on caregiving, as many of my colleagues have spoken about. As noted last year, there are approximately 210,000 caregivers in Singapore, most of whom are women aged 40 and above. During my Meet-the-People Sessions, I have encountered women who told me the difficulties in securing migrant domestic workers' help during COVID-19 meant that they, as mothers, wives, sisters, aunties and daughters, had to make the tough choice to leave their jobs to ensure an elderly parent or child is looked after, while it was not even in the realm of contemplation that their brothers or husbands would do it instead. Many mothers also shared how the expectation always fell to them to take emergency leave in the case of an ill child. Emotional labour aside, caregiver's income decreases by 63% on average, reducing their ability to save for retirement. I applaud the proposal to enhance the Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) which will now provide up to $400 in relief per month. At the same time. I believe there is room for the scheme to be expanded to better reflect the true value of unpaid caregiving. In Hawaii, for example, the government grants up to US$70 a day to unpaid primary caregivers of senior relatives to alleviate caregiving burdens.”
“Efforts like the mentoring programmes and workshops by Tech for She, a group of working professionals and youth and tech, are an important part of the ecosystem. Institutes of Higher Learning as well have some programmes to attract and retain female STEM talent, such as NTU's Women@NTU initiative, which also supports early career female researchers. But a European-based Microsoft survey found that young girls become interested in STEM at about age 11 and may lose interest by age 15. By focusing women in STEM efforts at the tertiary level, are we too late? I look forward to hearing more about how STEM can be made even more accessible and relevant to girls in Secondary or Primary schools. We must amplify the story of women in STEM. Recently, a ground-up initiative, the Codette Project, which believes that every woman deserves an equal chance at success and that tech can get her there, launched an exhibition featuring minority women from different ages and backgrounds in the tech industry. It sends a clear message that these spaces belong to people like us, too, and "success looks like this", the name of the exhibition. It is, unfortunately, still a reality that women face a childcare penalty. Mother's wages typically stagnate and enter a permanently lower trajectory, especially if they take time off to care for their children. Even when women do not become mothers, studies have shown that the mere perception of this possibility can lead them to being treated differently by co-workers. There are also times when women affected by societal pressures and unwanted reminders of ticking biological clocks hold ourselves back. For example, "I should not put myself out there for a promotion since I should be trying for a child ASAP after marriage.”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, I stand in support of the recommendations in the White Paper. Over the years, Singapore has become a place of more equal opportunity for women, thanks to policy efforts by the Government, tireless advocacy by civil society champions and the encouragement and partnership of male allies. Each generation could start to dream bigger. Yet, as we chase the aspirations that we rightfully deserve, we run into social barriers and our own voices are often dimmed by societal expectations and mindsets that have not caught up with the times. At the workplace today, three-quarters of Singapore women between 25 and 64 years old are employed. But the types and trajectory of women's careers tend to differ significantly from those of men. There is no lack of women at entry level but female representation tapers off in senior positions. In the boardroom, female representation stands at just 17.6% in our top 100 primary listed companies. Women are sometimes perceived as too much or bossy when they are assertive and decisive. These women are then seen as less likeable or capable and, hence, less likely to rise through the ranks. Leadership is not just about the boardroom or in politics. But even stepping back from becoming a prefect in Primary school, for example, for fear of being unliked for the same qualities which are viewed positively in boys, is not something that we want for our girls. Many fast-growing and well-paying jobs are in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Yet, women account for only a third of employed residents working in STEM. Just 50% of women who graduate with STEM qualifications go on to pursue related careers in this male-dominated space.”
“Question No 34, please. The Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment (Dr Amy Khor Lean Suan) (for the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment): Since 2015, all newly built and redeveloped hawker centres have been smoke-free. As for existing hawker centres, NEA has been engaging local stakeholders, such as the Hawkers' Associations and Town Councils, on the progressive removal of smoking corners when opportune, such as during repair and redecoration works. NEA has also stopped accepting applications for smoking corners in food retail establishments since June 2017. Existing smoking corners in food retail establishments are allowed to remain until the current licence of the food retail establishment is terminated or cancelled. There are, currently, 21 hawker centres and about 560 food retail establishments with smoking corners, a decrease from the more than 950 smoking corners in June 2017. We expect the number of smoking corners to further reduce over time. There are, currently, no plans to require designated smoking corners to be enclosed or to be retrofitted with special air filters. We will continue to review the smoking prohibition regulations from time to time.”
“I would like to thank Minister Masagos Zulkifli and Second Minister Mohamad Maliki Osman. In Malay, please. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] I would like to come back to my two questions on FITRAH, that is, if M3 will collaborate with the Malay/Muslim organisations, ComLink and other agencies. Are there plans to offer and coordinate support to the family of offenders, not just at the beginning or the end of their incarceration period, but throughout the sentence so that the offender's family can emerge stronger? Second, as the FITRAH programme requires the commitment and support from a rather large number of volunteers, how will the FITRAH structure be strengthened for the long term?”
“I would like to ask whether the Government employs a strategic approach to support the students' capability and development and increase opportunities for them to obtain scholarships to enhance their skills in new growth areas. Apart from preparing students with skills even while they are still school, how can MENDAKI work with companies and industries to support the transition to new growth areas?”
“If we look at it, usually at the beginning of the offender's sentence, the offender's family may not feel desperate for daily needs. However, as time goes by, the offenders' families may feel trapped and depressed. If we are not careful, other family members can be affected, too. Efforts, such as reintegration support for offenders and families should be stepped up. I would like to ask how many families have been helped by FITRAH. Can FITRAH monitor and identify any multigenerational problems in the family, and how does FITRAH help those families? Are there plans to coordinate efforts and assistance for the family, not only at the beginning or the end of the prison sentence, but also for the entire incarceration period, so that the families of the offenders are not neglected? More families are facing complex issues such as mental health and teenage pregnancies, and there is a need for FITRAH to mobilise volunteers to help these families. So, how can the FITRAH structure be strengthened for the long term so that this effort can continue? 1.30 pm Encouraging Young Talent (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] When I was given the opportunity to serve in MENDAKI's Committee on The Future Economy, we surveyed our students to understand how we can support their aspirations and ensure that they have a place and role in the future economy. When asked where they received career advice, students from madrasahs and secular schools shared that they usually asked their parents and relatives, although schools now have education and career counsellors. While family advice is important, our young people in this generation are growing up in a different era and economy where job and education opportunities are very much different, compared to 20 years ago.”
“Thank you, Chairman. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Since the M3 network was established some years ago, we are now in a better position to understand how our outreach efforts can be coordinated to enhance our community. Organisations and agencies have adopted a collaborative attitude to achieve better outcomes for the people. However, there are still residents in rental units facing multigenerational issues, and this hinders their aspirations to achieve a better life. Last year, the Government launched Project DIAN@M3 in Geylang Serai, Bedok and Jalan Besar. What are the best practices learnt in terms of volunteer engagement and data sharing that have led to better collaboration among agencies in helping families living in rental units? How can we coordinate and work more closely with Malay/Muslim organisations that are actively helping the residents in order to avoid duplication of efforts? What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for Project DIAN@M3 in reaching out to our community over the next decade? FITRAH – Supporting Families of Offenders (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] In Cheng San-Seletar, my team of volunteers run a research project to better understand the needs of families which have an incarcerated family member. More often than not, these offenders are the sole breadwinner, like the father, husband or son. Incarceration is something that can impact the institution of family. Although the offender was the one being incarcerated, his family members are also affected. Usually, the assistance or support given to the offender's family only comes at the beginning or the end of the offender's sentence.”
“The EPE studies the ecological profile of green spaces in Singapore and understands how these spaces can boost ecological connectivity. One year on from its launch, what are EPE’s findings so far? How have findings from EPE shaped NParks’ internal nature conservation strategies and approaches to safeguarding our green spaces? May I also ask how have consultations with academics and the nature community supported these profiling efforts, and are there plans to further involve the community? City in Nature”
“Others receive variable incomes in the gig economy, making it more difficult for them to access loans. How can we support them, too? I would like to ask what criteria does MND use to preliminarily assess individuals to be ready to buy a flat, such that they can be supported by the home ownership support team. And for those who are unable to, what are the typical barriers which prevent them from doing so? During COVID-19, we saw an increasing number of PRS applicants who may not fall within the original policy intent but do have pressing needs. Given limited resources, does MND have plans to expand or evolve the options, criteria and objectives of the PRS to cater to a more diverse group of Singaporeans? Vibrancy of Heritage Precincts As Singapore continues to develop, we have seen how our heritage districts have evolved over the years. They are an important part of keeping our history and traditions alive and relevant today. But our local businesses in these districts have faced many challenges in the last few years. What plans does the Government have to reinvigorate the vibrancy of Kampong Glam and our other heritage districts after the pandemic shock to increase footfall? Would the Government consider looking into best practices on tenant mix to ensure a seamless integration of our older tenants and newer stallholders in the area? What plans does the Government have to balance heritage and conservation against the risk of gentrification and how does the Government intend to involve all the local stakeholders? Updates on Ecological Profiling Exercise Finally, last February, NParks launched an Ecological Profiling Exercise (EPE) in consultation with the nature community and academics.”
“Thank you, Chairman. People aged 65 and older are projected to hit 47% of our population by 2050. Many seniors wish to right-size while retaining their independence. Single or widowed seniors, especially those with no children, often do not have anyone to turn to for housing advice and one bad decision could spiral into another. What efforts and safeguards are in place to ensure that seniors understand their various options and financial ability in considering housing options, prior to making a firm decision? Recognising our nation’s changing demographics, last February, MND partnered HDB and MOH to launch the first Community Care Apartments in Bukit Batok. Last year, all 169 Community Care Apartment units were oversubscribed within one day. Given the high demand, how can these Community Care Apartments be complemented by programming on the ground? Given rising housing prices and competing uses for land, does MND have a framework in place to keep the price of these homes at an affordable level for our seniors? Public Rental Housing and Home Ownership Singapore’s Public Rental Scheme (PRS) is a key social safety net for households with no other housing options or family support. As of 2020, about 50,000 households lived in rental flats under the PRS. I note the recent announcement which shared that 4,500 households living in public rental flats moved on to buy their own homes over the past five years with the help of various HDB schemes and grants. Many of these families aspire to move on to home ownership, especially those young families with working-age adults. However, this can be an uphill battle. For instance, some families have previously owned an HDB flat but fallen on hard times, such that HDB subsidies are less readily available.”
“Thank you, Chairman. I thank Minister Grace Fu for giving the update on the progress of the SG Eco Fund. I would like to ask and clarify what environmental and community outcomes are tracked as part of the Fund to ensure the effectiveness of the Fund and that these are mapped towards the Singapore Green Plan.”
“Chairman, Singapore has long been known as a Garden City. Two years ago, MND announced its plans to transform our green landscape even further, turning Singapore into a “City in Nature”. This includes dedicating another 200 hectares of nature parks by 2030 and having 300 kilometres of Nature Ways and 500 kilometres of park connectors by 2030. Could the Minister please give an update on the progress made so far in transforming Singapore into a City in Nature? Does NParks have further plans to enhance and expand Singapore’s green and blue spaces? Ultimately, our green and blue spaces exist for our people and for future generations. As such, it is important for the community to have a voice in shaping the landscapes they live and play in. How can the Ministry better collaborate and consult with the community? Furthermore, visitorship to our Southern Islands increased by 20% to 30% in 2020 and they are being promoted as a good escape from the city. What are the strategies to ensure that the amenities are kept up-to-date and the Ministry’s plans to balance competing priorities both on the islands and in the sea space surrounding it? Will the Ministry consider carrying out a capacity assessment to ensure our nature spaces are protected? Climate Change Education in Schools”
“Chairman, with $50 million set aside in total, the SG Eco Fund has had two grant calls so far, awarding almost $4 million to 79 projects – no small amount to show our commitment to the environment. These funds have supported a wide range of projects from community-based scavenger hunts to a freshwater mangrove wetland development project, among many others. As we approach nine months since the results of the first grant call, I would like to ask what is the progress of the SG Eco Fund so far? Given the wide-ranging sizes and types of projects which it has supported, what environmental and community outcomes does the SG Eco Fund track to ensure that the projects are achieving their goals and do these contribute towards our national targets and Green Plan? Further, how can the SG Eco Fund better reach out to the community and are there ways for the Eco Fund to collaborate with the private sector for catalytic and sustainable funding as well as capacity building? Eco Towns”
“Can the Ministry consider a citizen committee, for example? Ensuring Food Security”
“I am heartened that much progress has been made in the last year towards the 30 by 30 plan, to reduce our reliance on food imports. According to a survey done by SFA, 98% of Singaporeans agree that this is an important effort. However, concerns of space and sustainability, including that of sea spaces, are always a concern. What are the Government’s plans to optimise sea spaces for food production? And given the heavy investment required, does the Government have plans to provide the industry with greater certainty on the use of land or sea space? Will measures be put in place to ensure a more sustainable aquaculture industry? Efforts to Tackle Marine Litter Last year, it was announced that the Government is working on a framework to shore up defences against marine litter to protect our coastline and surrounding waters. Some of my youth volunteers and I had the opportunity to join environmental activists, students and clean-up crews at a Kayak and Clean event, where we found discarded nets, plastics and other types of marine litter floating around our island. I have also had the opportunity to do dive clean-ups off our Southern Islands with marine scientists and volunteers from Our Singapore Reefs. From youths to seniors, expats to Singaporeans, I am grateful for active and caring citizens who run efforts such as the East Coast Beach Plan, Green Nudge, One Planet and even our own Young PAP who have played a part in keeping our shores clean. I would like to ask whether the Ministry has further plans to tackle marine litter as a concerted effort and how the Government can better consult and co-create solutions with ground-up groups and businesses to optimise efforts and resources in tackling issues, such as marine litter and climate change, beyond dialogues and panels.”
“Chairman, may I take my two cuts together, please?”
“Chairman, as we transition to endemic living, our hawker scene has also undergone significant challenges. Our hawkers are an important part of our heritage, and have seen some tough times during COVID-19. However, some issues are evergreen, for example, urban bird management and ensuring clean hawker centres. I also hope that in due course, we will be able to reduce food, produce and packaging wastage in hawker centres, where everyone can play a part in food rescue efforts with the relevant overarching structures and support put in place. Can the Government share more details about how the Hawker Centres Transformation Programme is enabling hawker centres to be more efficient and sustainable, and how many hawker centres will benefit from this? How has hawker centre cleanliness improved over the past year, and does the Government have any preliminary findings on the effectiveness of the Clean Tables Campaign?”
“Chairman, during last year's Budget, as part of our climate adaptation measures, it was announced that Public Utilities Board (PUB) and JTC Corporation (JTC) will embark on site specific studies at the coastlines of City-East Coast and Jurong Island for coastal protection. To enhance flood resilience, PUB has spent almost $2 billion in the last decade and plans to spend $1.4 billion more in the next five years for drainage work. I understand that future studies for the northwest coast have also been planned. I would also like to add to the questions raised by the previous Members before me, to ask how will the Government ensure that these measures are cost-effective? How will the Government plan to take into account existing ecosystems such as mangroves or intertidal zones as nature-based solutions, both in terms of conservation as well as potential solutions. Protecting our Coastlines”
“Chairman, the Zero Waste Masterplan was introduced in 2019. It is an important blueprint for us to move forward towards being a sustainable city and it is essential we continuously move towards the targets we set for a greener Singapore. I would like to ask: While we have already embraced the circular economy approach in several areas through our successes in closing a number of resource loops such as water, what are the plans to better incorporate circularity efforts as part of our national strategy for other resource loops? How will the Government support the proper management of the three priority waste streams – namely food, e-waste, and packaging – to promote resource sustainability? In addition, what is the progress of the Zero Waste Masterplan and are we on track to reduce waste to landfills by 20% by 2026? Encouraging Domestic Recycling Efforts”
“Chairman, Singapore's position as a global legal hub is well-known and one that we do not take for granted. But every system is, ultimately, made up of people and around the world. The legal profession is facing significant strain. Singapore is no exception and we have heard instances of young lawyers leaving the industry and feeling disillusioned. A record number of 538 lawyers left the profession in 2021, most of whom were in the junior category. The demands of practice today, with unrelenting advances of technology, long hours, complex cases and transactions, are very real. This is not about millennial strawberries. While it sounds like an exciting career, it is one that, more often than not, veers towards burnout and, if we do not do something meaningfully to tackle structural and attitudinal factors, it will be an unhealthy race to the bottom. Yet, the legal needs of our society and economy are constantly evolving. To remain as a preferred jurisdiction for dispute resolution, we must remain competitive and have good people. What plans does the Government have to work with the legal sector to attract, manage and retain young legal talent sustainably in the long run? Are there any structural or skilling concerns to ensure that we can continue to meet the evolving legal needs of our society and economy?”
“If we want to chart a new direction for Singapore, let us uphold our pledge to progress together, and emerge even stronger so that each generation can benefit from our nation’s progress. (In English): Mr Speaker, Sir, it is a precarious balancing act, managing the needs, wants, ideals and aspirations of citizens. Singapore is no stranger to cater to these differences, while at the same time rallying our people towards common goals and purpose. Decades ago, the idea of a multiracial, multi-religious society, was thought to be impossible given the times and our geographical context. In many ways, even today it remains an anomaly. From increased healthcare spending to care for our seniors, to heeding the call to tackle climate change despite the increased complexities that threaten to pull us in different directions, I support the steps taken in Budget 2022 and believe we can and will find common ground to work together, despite our differences, towards progress for all. In the words of our talented artists, Linying and Evan Low in last year’s NDP song, and do not worry, I will not scare you by singing, "Come whatever on the road ahead; We did it before, and we'll do it again."”
“Last year, the Population Census report stated that the number of Malay families living in 1-room and 2-room rental flats had more than doubled over the past decade. And this is due to several factors such as the increase in the number of rental homes that are provided especially for families that need it. Each family has different needs and problems. They usually need help from various quarters, and we have to look for a holistic strategy and way. We should engage this group more closely. Therefore, I am glad that efforts such as the Commlink and the DIAN@M3 project are available, in which the Government, agencies and volunteers can coordinate efforts to reach out to residents living in rental houses and help them achieve their dreams and a brighter future for the next generation. Social service agencies such as the South Central FSC have provided innovative and holistic approaches such as the Keystart Home Ownership where they offer assistance which includes housing mortgages and the cost of shifting to a new home. This pandemic has also reminded us that with time and changes in technology, it is possible that the jobs we have now will no longer be relevant in the future. A study by NTU last year showed that only 58% of women with STEM qualifications had embarked in careers in STEM-related fields, compared to 70% of men with the same qualifications. We should definitely encourage more people within our community, especially women, to venture into STEM and the growth industries. I hope the Government can open up more channels and opportunities so that our community can participate in these fields.”
“Like many others who have seen the large bulk of their incomes slashed, many have tried to pivot, some have taken their skills online and others have transitioned into other careers, but they remain hopeful that they will able to earn a living once again by doing what they know and love best. I have two questions. Workplaces such as gyms have been able to operate with restrictions for some time now, in an attempt to mitigate the risk of transmission. Are there ways in which we can limit the risks of transmission of performing on stage at an eatery that serves food and drinks, so that live music can return? Will the Government consider introducing balanced measures that enable this? With watchful eye on Omicron, as measures relax in stages, can the Government give some clarity, what are some sort of circumstances and conditions we will need to see before members of this community will be able to return to work? Mr Speaker, Sir, in Malay please. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] MAS and MTI recently reported a 2.4% increase in Singapore's core inflation compared to a year ago. This increase was driven by increases in the prices of food, electricity and gas. As a small country, Singapore cannot escape geopolitical shocks and incidents that occur globally. Although our economy is still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's Budget has demonstrated the Government's concern to continue supporting and enhancing the capabilities of Singaporeans. Nonetheless, COVID-19 and the rising cost of living have presented even more challenges for our community, particularly in terms of access & opportunities to prepare for an uncertain future.”
“” Incentivising employment is something the Government has done. From employers to employees, many appreciate these efforts. In 2020, for example, the Government set aside $100 million to fund a traineeship scheme as a stop-gap measure to help new graduates increase employability amid a weak job market due to the pandemic. In Budget 2022, a total of $500 million for a Jobs and Business Support Package will be set aside to support workers and businesses in segments of the economy that are facing slower recoveries. How will our youth be supported through this package? The lack of internships and in-person opportunities have made it difficult for some to even figure out what they want to do. And there is little we can do to replace those years. I also know of youths who have turned to the gig economy as a means of generating an income. Some now consider this to be their full-time job, while others use their freelancing skills as a side hustle for the time being. As more turn to these roles as viable options, how can we work with companies to ensure better protections for these workers in the long run? Artists, musicians, dancers, actors, physical trainers and many others have been unable to generate an income at different points of the pandemic. Some of them have been able to return to work in a limited capacity, others not so much. While frequent testing is important, ART kits also come at a cost from already reduced incomes. One hard hit group includes live musicians such as bands and DJs who previously held residencies at nightlife institutions. Since March 2020, many have not been able to continue their residencies and some hotspots have shuttered.”