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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“Having to rely on informal processes and the grace of colleagues to secure the foregoing can be extremely stressful. Many people living with a mental health illness do want to work and can contribute to the workforce if they are adequately supported. For those who are not able to work, would we be willing to explore how social assistance can be more nuanced to tide over different demographics of people during difficult times? These are complex issues with many considerations but it is an important step for us to take sooner, rather than later. Mr Speaker, Sir, over the last two years, our youth have faced unprecedented challenges from their experience of going to school, graduating and entering the workforce during a pandemic. A TODAY Youth Survey found 55 % of 18- to 35-year-olds felt a dent in their financial prospects as a result of COVID-19. In my chats with youth on Zoom, via Instagram DM and in-person, many share their worries for the future. A commentary piece written by final year University student, Natalie Tan, was published in January 2022. She notes how the pandemic has short-changed young people in financial, professional and social ways. In Natalie’s words, “For graduating cohorts last year, the absence of in-person graduation ceremonies was like a nail in the coffin. It felt like we ran the race, won the prize but we are not there to collect the medal and hug family and batchmates. "It’s also tough to transit from attending classes on Zoom to searching for jobs in this floundering economy. With limited doors open, we went about in circles trying to figure out the next stage of our lives. Those of us who managed to find jobs had to contend with a lonely onboarding experience. Others weren’t so lucky.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, we must take the next steps in becoming a more mental health ready society. In particular, increasing access and affordability for people seeking mental health treatment and working towards better protections and integration of life for people with mental health conditions. Currently, patients seeking mental health treatments can lean, to a certain extent, on MediSave and Government grants. We know that other than stigma and shame, cost can often be a prohibitive reason why people do not seek help. Furthermore, mental health challenges can be recurring and, unfortunately, the road to recovery is not always linear. Options in the private sector for insurance coverage are few. A CNA article in September 2021 notes that there is rising interest in mental health insurance, but options remain inadequate. AIA, which launched the first insurance policy in Singapore to cover mental illness in January 2019, said the take-up rate for its Beyond Critical Care plan rose by more than 470% compared with the same period in 2020. Other than reviewing the withdrawal limits, will the Government consider working with the private sector to incentivise more options for the provision of mental health insurance coverage? We must go beyond mental health awareness and towards integration and acceptance of people with mental health conditions, including skilling, literacy and a more inclusive workforce. As an example, how do we ensure that people suffering from mental health conditions are given a fair shot and not turned away simply because of their conditions at a job interview? How do we also ensure that the caregivers may apply for discretional time-off to take care of emergencies that may arise.”
“Even if diagnosed, there is still a lack of social understanding on how a person who on the outside might seem okay, is not able to function because of what is going on in their minds. It is easier to see the difficulty someone faces in climbing a set of stairs, for example, if their leg is broken, but it is not as easy to understand that the same or even seemingly simpler tasks like getting out of bed, also can present a challenge for someone with mental health challenges, much less keeping up with the pace of life. Is it no wonder, that many hide their conditions away? On their own, already they may feel like they are a burden, without society’s reminders that they are not where they want to be in life. Mental health challenges do not fit in a neat little box. The implications of being diagnosed or having a loved one who is diagnosed with a serious mental health condition spans financial, familial and social considerations. As such, I am glad that the Government in 2021 announced the formation of the inter-agency task force and I certainly look forward to hearing more about the next actionable steps and plans. Besides the Government, it is really civic society and ground-up groups who have made great strides in promoting mental health awareness to reach different pockets of society. Awareness and education is but the first step towards destigmatisation. From Campus Psy to Silver Ribbon Singapore, Over the Rainbow to Hayaa’ Network and Samaritans of Singapore, youth, volunteers, suicide survivors and even religious teachers are telling stories of the complex realities which those who face mental health challenges are going through. And I am deeply appreciative of their work. But this is not enough.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Budget gives Singaporeans an insight into the ways which the Government stewards and allocates resources to help Singapore and Singaporeans grow. It acts as a steer and a benchmark for Singaporeans to understand where we are going and how we intend to get there. History has shown us that societies tend to stratify as they develop. With development comes a difference in wants, needs and aspirations. If left unaddressed, some of these differences may ultimately cause irreconcilable tensions. We see this happening all over the world and how we negotiate these differences in Singapore is imperative to our collective progress. While we cannot completely fight it, we can try to stave off the undesirable outcomes that it can bring, by ensuring that people, regardless of background, have a seat at the table to share in inclusive economic growth. Access to opportunities is key. While there is much in Budget 2022 to talk about, I will focus on two areas for my English speech: support for mental health and social integration, and a stake for our youth. From our frontliners to students, healthcare workers to teachers, seniors to caregivers, battling COVID-19 has taken its toll on Singaporeans. A survey reported by TODAY in October 2021 indicated that 68% of respondents in Singapore said they found 2021 to be the most stressful year they have experienced. More than half said they felt like they have lost control over their future. In 2020, Singapore reported 452 suicides, a 13% increase compared to 400 cases the year before. For seniors, we saw the highest number of suicides since 1991. Unlike physical health, the effects of poor mental health often go undiagnosed until too late, it starts to interfere in significant ways with one’s life.”
“And if parents prove they are unable to comply with the order, what other steps can be taken? In the context of the amendments at hand, how will the programmes be tailor-made for our community and how can support be better coordinated in the best interest of the child? While so much has been made possible and more convenient with digitalisation and broader access to support programmes, it is important that the interests and quality of justice remain the overriding priority in this case. Notwithstanding my clarifications, Sir, I support the Bill.”
“In essence, we should be concerned that there are still those within our community who may not be ready for this transition and our digitalisation efforts should facilitate the hearing process from the perspective of certain parties without affecting the safety, protection and rights of each party to seek equitable access to justice. I hope this amendment will not result in more pressure or difficulties for certain parties and I hope that adequate preparations, support and resources will be provided for everyone, including Court officials, in this transition. (In English): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, a secondary area of clarification I have is with regard to the proposed section 43C, which has been raised in a previous Sitting, as mentioned earlier. I am heartened that support for children is becoming more explicit and expanded. This is important, as, even though it was mentioned then that the bulk of responsibility should fall on the parents, during these difficult times, especially, not all parents may be sufficiently equipped to also play the roles of counsellor, psychiatrist and other roles for a child's care that may require a professional to better protect their well-being. These complexities raise questions on who should be making the decisions for the programmes and how they are arriving at them. I would like to clarify what would be guiding the decision-making process the Courts will be using to reach a specific recommendation. What are perhaps some of the factors which will be considered in order to accomplish this? Furthermore, even though parents want the best for their children, grief and other stressors might make it difficult for them to comply with the order. How will we make sure that there is also appropriate support and resources for parents?”
“Without an actual video feed for corroboration, I would like to ask what safeguards will SYC put in place to ensure that proceedings conducted by electronic means are conducted in a way that is fair to all parties? As we move forward with these changes, it will be useful for the public to also understand factors that are considered by SYC when deciding under what circumstances a matter will be decided without hearing oral arguments, as permitted with the insertion of section 35B. For such matters, the judge will be making decisions based on affidavits and submissions only. In such cases, could the Minister share some examples of proceedings where oral arguments will not be necessary? I ask this in hopes of getting clarity that there will be little risk for those who are not equipped to provide an affidavit with enough relevant context or details, in particular, any litigants-in-person. Mr Speaker, in Malay, please. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Mr Deputy Speaker, this amendment Bill will have a positive effect on the hearing process, particularly if we encounter complicated situations like a pandemic which prevent certain parties from meeting physically. However, as we strive to implement digital proceedings, it is very important for us to ensure that each party is able to submit statements and get fair and full representation that is free from any threat or intimidation. In my speech, I presented three main focus areas. These include how the Syariah Court can consider several situations where the hearing process may be unsuitable or is not yet suitable to be held online.”
“Currently, the choice of setting up a dedicated venue to provide a conducive setting for online hearings is left up to the discretion of counsel. Not everyone can afford representation and, even when they can, there may be other prohibitive factors that come into play. Will the Minister consider establishing a centralised dedicated venue to facilitate this? There are also lessons which we can learn from incidents overseas. An online court hearing held in the US in March 2021 was halted when a prosecutor realised that the victim and her abuser were in the same room in her house. The abuser intended to intimidate his victim to coerce her into adjusting her testimony by being in a position where he could threaten her safety. He did this while pretending on screen that they were in two separate locations. It was fortunate in this case that the prosecutor caught on, but, unlike a physical court setting where there are significant safeguards against intimidation, the possibility of a similar scenario in the example earlier is more likely online. What checks would be in place to prevent such actions from happening? Many of us would have also experienced frustrating technology failures at some point, for example, due to an unstable Internet connection or an issue with the device. It would be important for parties to virtual Court proceedings to be permitted to change to an alternative device if a party encounters video malfunction in the midst of a remote hearing. However, in the event there is no alternative device, would parties be permitted to defer the proceedings? I also understand that, in such an event with all parties' unanimous consent, SYC may proceed with the remainder of the hearing through live audio link only, without an accompanying live video stream.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, COVID-19 has accelerated the digitalisation of processes for Singaporeans. Whether it is working from home, scanning QR codes or managing digital wallets, many of us have become more comfortable with the use of remote technologies and virtual conferencing. I am glad that we are now making amendments that will, hopefully, bring the same benefits of digitalisation to the Syariah Court or SYC. I would like to ask for some clarifications mainly relating to the digitalisation and stakeholder preparedness for new processes to ensure that the quality of the proceedings does not erode in the transition online and consideration for areas and scenarios in which digital processes may not, for the time being, be sufficient. The insertion of section 45A provides that the SYC or Appeal Board may conduct hearings through electronic means of communication. There are challenges and potential points of amelioration in the transition to digital proceedings from the perspectives of Court, counsel and witnesses. Safeguards need to be put in place to protect amongst other things, the propriety, solemnity, integrity and orderliness of proceedings. It is important to ensure that each party can express their case independently, fairly with all relevant details. The complexity of this transition must be tackled head on. For SYC users and officers who may not find the digitalised processes intuitive, or those who want to use them but face difficulties, what training, resources and support will be available for individuals who need help – in particular, SYC staff or litigants-in-person? How long will the transition take and how will ongoing cases during this transition be impacted?”
“This is why we must continue to be bold, 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. Our systems have started shifting in recent years to embrace these changes, but other than ensuring that systems are strong, they must also be accessible to our local businesses and people. Systems change works alongside individual action and there are many in the private sector and civil society who are tackling climate change. Every action and every champion counts. Underscoring the transitions in our systems is the opportunity for our people from all walks of life to be front and centre in this green economy, including taking advantage of the new jobs and career options. Let us keep up the momentum and take concerted, sustainable action, as we build capabilities to transform and quite literally, try to save the world.”
“All countries will in time transition to green energy, transport and manufacturing systems, yet green technology, infrastructure and finance are not equitably distributed. In the region, Singapore can play a critical role in the sharing of knowledge and collation of best practices, so that as a region we can tap on the opportunities in the green transition. To further ride on these winds, we could also leverage upon Singapore’s (MICE) industry to host regular sustainability conventions and workshops to connect locals with top global talents. This would spearhead regular sustainability-related MICE events to shape industrial innovation, attracting regional and international experts in the process. It would aid in attracting established global partners and budding brands in ASEAN to further the sustainability agenda. Mdm Deputy Speaker, while climate change is a crisis, Singapore can leverage on the opportunities that it brings for our people and economy. This Motion seeks good, inclusive environmental and economic outcomes for Singapore and Singaporeans. And I thank the young PAP for their continued dedication to the cause and publishing the Climate Action Strategy Position Paper. New methods of financing would, indeed, invite exciting opportunities for our businesses to grow and contribute to a greener economy. However, I would like to reiterate that the greening process is not just about swapping out for new systems. Businesses and consumers must realise and be prepared that this is ultimately a transition and it would also involve the process of unlearning, and shifting away from old operations, financing and activities that are unsustainable.”
“It is imperative that Singapore stands in lockstep with international standards for sustainability reporting. I hope that more guidelines and resources can be given to the relevant institutions and partners to understand and reconcile the myriad of reporting and assurance frameworks currently available. Additionally, I hope that there will be further guidelines developed that are ASEAN-centric and Singapore-centric, to better cater to our local SMEs and smaller companies own auditing standards. With stronger support and partnerships, the quality of our chartered accountants and auditing companies will remain first class as we further develop the sustainable accounting ecosystem at home. While we want to achieve regulatory clarity, it may be difficult to do when the green financing and sustainably accounting sectors are still rather new and it is unclear what the best standards are. However, this challenge comes with an opportunity to position Singapore as a global leader in the green regulatory space, while enhancing our status as a green financial hub. One of the ways we can do this is through the creation of an autonomous Sustainability Administration policy-oriented think tank, as a Centre of Excellence for Sustainability Administration. Given that regulations are complex and still emerging, there is room for policy and regulatory research to harmonise and raise the standards of sustainability. Singapore has a golden opportunity to become a regional and even global thought leader in these spaces. The demand for sustainability auditing and green financing will certainly increase in the coming years. Not only can we ride on the winds of sustainability, but we can also redirect it. To become a leader in this space is not only for our own position as a nation.”
“Second, it would do well for us to have a national sustainability accounting strategy. Given Singapore’s status as a financial hub, and increasingly, a green financing hub, we should continue to finetune our green financing and sustainable accounting standards. While Singapore has stringent financial auditing frameworks, sustainability accounting is still a fairly nascent concept worldwide, and there is a high reliance on accuracy, transparency and reliability of disclosures that form the basis of such sustainability assessments. There is greater recognition among stakeholders that ESG disclosures are necessary and not just a good to have. SGX recently mandated issuers to provide climate-related disclosures by FY23 or FY24, depending on industry. When shifting winds are difficult to navigate, businesses are increasingly choosing to have third party auditors or second opinions to verify ESG disclosures. However, such ESG assurance frameworks tend to be decentralised and varied. The variety of frameworks could potentially create an obstacle to the consistency of the reporting, and comparison, of ESG performance across entities. There have been some efforts to somewhat synthesise these frameworks, such as MAS’ Project Greenprint providing a common portal to examine ESG disclosures across different international reporting frameworks. But it would be of greater clarity to work towards a strong, Singaporean standard, compatible with global standards for our businesses to aspire towards to reduce compliance costs. Internationally, various institutions have started moving. The International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation announced the creation of the International Sustainability Standards Board during COP26.”
“Some specific measures could include greater clarity on what are green and sustainability-linked loans especially for SMEs, its benefits, criteria for businesses to access them and what exactly about their businesses and supply chains would need to change. Most importantly, it should be clear to our businesses what specific impact-metrics need to be tracked, and how they can track them, perhaps leveraging on technology where possible. The benefit of enhancing clarity is two-fold. Businesses are empowered to assess their own eligibility for these loans when they have access to information and such tools. And second, it provides greater transparency and accountability, to manage greenwashing. It is in our interest to make green financing more accessible for all players, to allow as many actors as possible to participate and transform. Additionally, the creation of an MSE- or MAS-endorsed Green Loan and Bond Catalogue could be helpful in supporting businesses moving in the right direction. Ultimately, we should try to acknowledge businesses for transitioning to more sustainable business models. The catalogue could formally recognise businesses that undertook or are undertaking significant and genuine sustainability efforts. This would increase their visibility and encourage consumers to support them. Entities interested in procuring goods and services from sustainable sources could refer to such catalogue. Including specific measures which businesses have undertaken to go green in the catalogue would also be helpful to other local businesses who are interested in pivoting to more sustainable endeavours, as they would have a better understanding of best practices and how they can participate.”
“Global funds that are linked to ESG-related standards more than doubled in 2020, compared to 2019. More than ever, we need quality frameworks and regulatory support to empower financial institutions and businesses with the know-how of going green. On an international level, the Green Loan Principles developed by the International Capital Market Association provides a framework for green financing. Regionally, we also see how ASEAN is participating in this effort with the ASEAN Green Bond Standards. On a local level, schemes such as the MAS Green and Sustainability-Linked Loan Grant are useful in defraying the cost of accessing green finance. And for businesses which find it challenging to retrofit their operations to fulfil sustainability metrics, the Enterprise Sustainability Programme launched last year supports Singaporean companies, including SMEs, to build capabilities. I look forward to more details on the training workshops and resources which will be available. While opportunities exist, what is the take-up rate and how can we best support our local businesses, especially SMEs, in understanding and seizing them? One possibility is encouraging financial institutions to increase the accessibility of green loans, especially for smaller firms, while providing the capacity building to do so. Some corporates have been trailblazers in the past few years, publishing green bond frameworks and corporate governance strategies at a company level for going green. But it would be better if we also make it accessible for small players to participate in this process to ensure that compliance costs do not bog them down.”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, the winds of sustainability are shifting. Spurred by pledges at COP26, we look to the future growth of green finance with cautious optimism. Today, climate finance, green bonds and loans are firmly on the agenda of governments and central banks. For the financial industry, increasing scrutiny and sectoral demand for ESG financing are pushing banks to green portfolios. Greening will eventually take place across all industries. Our green financing capabilities and frameworks need to be robust and ready to support these transitions. Singapore’s financial landscape is notably shifting in tandem with these winds. Both the private and public sector have rolled out laudable initiatives to support this transition. Some of these include the formation of the Green Finance Industry Taskforce, the MOF Green Bonds Programme Office and initiatives like the NEA Green Bond Framework, the recent SGX enhancements on sustainability reporting and climate-related disclosures, as well as the issuance of green loans by multiple financial institutions. It is encouraging that we see more initiatives to enhance our green financing capacity, with the MAS acknowledging it as a powerful enabler to achieve an effective yet inclusive transition to net zero in the region. However, the transition to a greener financing ecosystem is a challenging and complex one. Some businesses and operations might be ill-equipped to ride on and benefit from these winds. The central focus of my speech today is to highlight more ways we can support local businesses and the local ecosystem in green financing and accountability. Today, there is a myriad of attempts to develop universal green loan and green bond standards.”
“(In English): Mdm Deputy Speaker, overall, I am heartened that this Bill equips inmates with more opportunities to upskill and seek meaningful employment. It also introduces practical measures to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of SPS’ operations. Notwithstanding the above clarifications, I believe that these amendments will bring about benefits to society as a whole. I support the Bill.”
“Inmates’ correspondence with family members and friends are already subject to scrutiny and from my understanding, inmates are restricted to sending out two letters or up to four emails in a month. In the context of COVID-19, when face-to-face visits have been suspended from volunteers and family members, letters have been all the more important as a form of personalised communication between inmates and their families and as a pillar of support. For example, a pregnant mom trying to reach out to her husband who is an inmate, or a daughter in prison trying to find out more about her elderly ill parents. Would the processing time of written correspondence between inmates and their families be affected? I will continue in Malay. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Mdm Deputy Speaker, I rise in support of this Bill which steps up efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate ex-inmates back into society. Through the EmPS, ex-inmates can enhance their skills and education for their future after being released from prison. This will open up more opportunities to explore other sectors of employment or education. However, apart from them undergoing upskilling courses or seeking employment through EmPS, I am also concerned whether they are burdened by the lack of savings or money for expenses. Although family support is very important, we also recognise that not all ex-convicts have family support or enough savings for their daily expenses or to continue their education. In addition to our support towards the rehabilitation and integration efforts of inmates, can the Government also look at how they can be given some form of financial assistance and receive guidance after their release so that they do not face any hardship in their daily expenses?”
“Of those that secured a job, many found that their positions and pay grade were less than commensurate with their educational qualifications. The work to manage negative societal attitudes is endless, but I do hope and urge those in and out of the House today, to address any personal prejudices that we might come across to help unlock the second prison. I am very blessed to have a mixed pool of volunteers on the ground, some of whom have served their time, some of whom we met through the Yellow Ribbon Project actually and then decided to spend their time volunteering. Many share that in the past, it was always someone else visiting them and their families and that helped them along in their journeys. Allowing them to cultivate stronger ties with their neighbours and own communities on the ground gives them a chance to see things from a different perspective, make amends and to feel like they too can have purpose and help others. I am very grateful when they choose to step forward despite curious glances at tagging bracelets, difficult conversations about where they have been for the past few months and even more grateful when they manage to stay the course. I hope that society and more community organisations will give them a chance to become volunteers and in time, community leaders, perhaps, when it is possible to do so safely. My last point on the Bill is regarding the amendment on regulations to redact or withhold inmates’ correspondence to maintain prison security. It is without a doubt vitally important for SPS to ensure the integrity and security of prison systems. However, I would like to ask about possible unintended consequences of this amendment.”
“I hope that some flexibility, on a carefully considered case-by-case basis where deserving and appropriate, can be granted in the long home leave phase or other appropriate accommodation be considered. Next, while enhancing the employment opportunities is important, staying employed, retaining employment and being relevant are just as important. I understand that the Yellow Ribbon Project does have career coaching, career guidance and job facilitation programmes but not all offenders may be aware of or know how to take up these support schemes meaningfully. Would the Government consider allocating resources for coaches, for example, for the medium-term to support these ex-offenders for an appropriate period of time after release? They can also help them with administrative and logistical matters such as registering for lost ICs or setting up bank accounts. This would increase the chances of job retention after placement and employment in the long run to provide stability for ex-offenders and their families. In addition, some face financial difficulties or even debt from the day of release. Would there be any educational support stipends considered to support them as they take up opportunities under EmPS? Lastly, while the EmPS might better equip inmates with workforce-ready skillsets, on its own, it cannot change employers and colleagues' perceptions of and sometimes prejudice against, ex-offenders. Unfortunately, stigma against ex-offenders remains prevalent. The Singapore After-Care Association (SACA) published a study on ex-offenders who had participated in their Education Support Programme and completed higher education post-release. Respondents noted that their criminal record hindered them in all stages of employment.”
“That said, I hope to seek some clarifications on the Bill. First is with regard to the available opportunities under the EmPS. What kinds of jobs, education and upskilling programmes will be available to inmates? Do the nature of these jobs differ from those offered under the Work Release Scheme? How do we ensure that work environments are conducive for rehabilitation and minimise the chance of recidivism? Beyond just jobs, would these educational opportunities only be limited to vocational training, or will they also include academic programmes for those who may desire to do so? I hope that a broader scope of upskilling opportunities to keep pace with the workforce of the future would be considered. Second is on eligibility and progression through the scheme. I note that the EmPS consists of three phases: the in-camp phase, the weekend home leave phase and the long home leave phase. What is the intended duration of each phase? If progress to the next phase is decided on a case-by-case basis, what are some of the criteria used in this decision? With respect to the in-camp phase and work release centre, I understand that Institution S2 at the Selarang Park Complex, which is run by SPS, is currently the only facility designated as a work release centre. Will there be sufficient space for suitable offenders to participate in the programme, or will other spaces be created in due course? In addition, one of the criteria mentioned in the Bill for eligibility of the programme is the level of family support an inmate has. Unfortunately, not all offenders have family support. And in fact, it could be poor familial ties which had caused them to offend in the first place. However, that does not mean that they do not have the heart, nor the will, to complete the programme.”
“In 2021, I have spoken about similar issues, such as assistance for inmates’ families and support for youth offenders, and I am heartened that more steps are being taken to enhance the rehabilitative process as it is a critical step in helping inmates – and their families – to reintegrate and in time contribute to society. The expansion of the Work Release Scheme to also include educational and upskilling opportunities is important. Studies consistently show that education while carrying out one’s sentence improves an inmate’s post-release employment outcomes and reduces recidivism rates. To give an example, a 2013 study showed how participation in educational programmes increased the chances of employment of American inmates upon their release by 13% compared to their peers and are 43% less likely to recidivate compared to those who did not undergo the programme. Similarly, in Australia, a 2018 study found that inmates who successfully completed vocational education and training programmes were 2.5 times more likely to remain out of prison after two years. The EmPS takes things one step further by allowing inmates to access educational opportunities they would otherwise not have been able to take advantage of while serving their sentence. Our two-year recidivism rate has almost halved in 20 years to reach approximately 22%, although the five-year recidivism rate is higher. Singapore Prison Services (SPS) has also been expanding its rehabilitation efforts in recent years. From 2019 to 2020, there was a 42% increase in the number of inmates who underwent community-based rehabilitation and the completion rates for these programmes were over 90%. The EmPS underscores SPS’ commitment towards rehabilitation as a sentencing principle and will complement these efforts.”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, I rise in support of the Bill. A few years ago, I was given the opportunity to engage with girls undergoing reformative training. A group of volunteers and I shared with them practical tips and life skills such as budgeting, how to go about applying for school or a job. And some of them shared how nobody had ever sat with them like that, listening to their thoughts, offering advice when appropriate and personalising next steps depending on what best suited them. When they came out, we would meet with our girls and all of them would express similar regrets and also new resolve – to change, to do better, both for themselves and their families. However, many feared that past decisions would continue to follow them like a stain caused by indelible ink throughout their lives. Mdm Deputy Speaker, the sentencing principles of deterrence, proportionate punishment, prevention and rehabilitation hold different weight in the context of specific facts of each case. Offenders serve time after committing their wrongdoings, but often their families – spouses, parents, young children – are punished too. And this punishment can continue unless we unlock the second prison in society. The Prisons (Amendment) Bill proposes mainly two categories of amendments, including enhancing community corrections for better rehabilitation and reintegration outcomes. I would like to start by affirming my support for the Employment Preparation Scheme, or EmPS, which aims to better enable our inmates to reintegrate into society and the workplace.”
“Both siblings lived separately from their mother. I thank AIC who had seen her to discuss care options, but none were suitable as her mother had an illness which prevented her from going into a care home and in any event strongly did not want to do so, prizing independence. The daughter felt a deep sense of filial piety and did not insist. However, when her brother and his family was on Quarantine Order, the 14 days back then which ensued were a nightmare for her as she struggled to balance work and caregiving, and even thought about quitting her job. I know many families have faced this dilemma too and hope we can look ahead to ensure that our caregiving needs are met, women are allowed to participate actively in the workforce and we also support our MDWs to be more equipped and better prepared for the roles they take on in our families.”
“Qualifying for the grant requires means testing and assessment of the care recipient's ability to carry out activities of daily living or ADL. These measures ensure that the ones with the most needs receive the grant but it leaves a gap where vulnerable groups can fall into. For instance, a dual income couple with an elderly mother and two young children may find themselves needing an MDW but they may fail to qualify for the HCG because their elderly mother only requires assistance to perform two ADLs, despite having other chronic health issues. Even though hiring an MDW may be the least expensive option, this sandwiched class of families will be paying the full price. We could explore a points-based system where the number of ADLs that require assistance in household per capita, a monthly income can be tiered. A combination of these scores can provide a fuller picture for families in greater financial need versus separating the financial and functional criteria. In addition, we can also explore compensating part-time family caregivers better under the grant. In Hawaii, for example, their Kupuna Caregivers Assistance Act provides a daily stipend to a caregiver who is also working 30 hours a week. This approach allows caregivers to continue working in some capacity, or dial back at work while assuming caregiving responsibilities. In closing, I wish to acknowledge and highlight the challenges faced by many Singaporeans during this pandemic in employing MDWs to support caregiving needs. Some have described being at their wits end, finishing up annual leave to race to their loved ones’ side. One resident shared that while waiting for the entry approval of an MDW to be approved, she would take turns to care for her elderly mother who was a fall risk, with her brother.”
“One possible solution is the model recently announced by HDB, MOH and MND: the Community Care Apartments to encourage independent living. And I am very much looking forward to see how care can be better aggregated so our seniors live with dignity in their golden years. Lastly, prior to the pandemic, families often turned to MDWs as a more timely solution due to unfamiliarity with existing schemes and the limited time in finding suitable caregiving options. Some have also raised concerns about the waiting list for subsidised elder sitting services and nursing homes and looking for suitable step-down care services causes stress for families. Many also find it risky to wait and see if their loved ones qualify for a subsidised space or not. Mr Speaker, Sir, MDWs will likely continue to be part of our caregiving landscape. Closer attention should be paid to the matching and training of our MDWs. There are stories of MDWs experiencing burnout when expectations of their jobs are mismatched with the tasks required. A study conducted by AWARE and HOME shared this sentiment, pointing to the lack of information provided by employers and verification by employment agencies. We could look at establishing a more thorough needs assessment, which can be verified by employment agencies through submitted health records. Should that be a mismatch of skills and job requirements, employers can then apply for the caregivers' training grant to upskill the MDW. Another proposal would be expanding the homecare giving grant (HCG). Currently, the grant provides a $200 monthly payout to families supporting their loved ones with permanent moderate disability.”
“AIC has developed the network of community care services which fall under three broad themes: homecare, daycare and stay-in care. These initiatives are greatly appreciated. However, they can come across as piece-meal with multiple application processes and many adult children rely on an MDW as an all-in-one solution to care for their aged parents. There is almost a quarter of a million MDWs here on work permits as of June 2021. And despite the pandemic, some reports have suggested that the demand for MDWs remains steady, if not, increased, even as costs trended upwards. MDWs continue to be important as part of our caregiving landscape for a few key reasons. First, seniors have complex needs and applying for different segregated services can be more expensive and inconvenient. Round trips for medical transport services are between $62 and $90 before subsidies, which can be unaffordable for some. In Cheng San-Seletar, I am very grateful for community befrienders who often step in to accompany seniors, who are fall risks to their hospital appointments. On the other hand, home personal care costs cost approximately $20 per hour prior to means test subsidies and referrals from hospitals or polyclinics are often required. With higher collective costs and sometimes incomplete combinations of services, hiring an MDW is often a coherent solution. Second, our seniors tend to price independence and have preferences against institutionalised care. The perceived loss of independence in a nursing home is something they are concerned about and so children hire MDW as this support is compatible with their filial duty to meet their parents' desires to age-in-place without compromising on safety.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I will continue building on the hon Member Ms Tin Pei Ling's points by talking about MDW care for our seniors. By 2050, almost half of Singapore's total population will be at least 65. As such, care support is of utmost concern not just for our elders but for the adult children who bear the responsibility to look after their own children and their aged parents. It has been said in this Chamber that the true costs of caregiving affects certain groups disproportionately. During the closing session of the conversations on Singapore women's development, the Prime Minister acknowledged that women often tend to have additional caregiving responsibilities for both young and old and that more can be done to support them emotionally and financially. Dependence on such unpaid family caregivers who are usually women is not longer tenable. In the late 1970s, the foreign maid scheme was launched to enable families to employ MDWs and support women's participation in the workplace. In May this year, it was announced that all new entry approvals for work pass holders from countries with higher risk of COVID-19 will be temporarily halted, including Indonesia, Philippines and Myanmar, all three of which provide the bulk of Singapore's MDWs. Many of us would have had residents appealed to us to allow MDWs to secure entry approvals to care for both young and old in Singapore. With dual income households now forming more than half of all married couples as of 2020, an MDW is often considered an important of fulfilling caregiving needs for families from various income backgrounds. Let us take stock briefly. Aside from MDWs, what caregiving solutions are available for seniors? This is my focus today.”
“And in these difficult circumstances, I would also like to ask if the Government will also consider ensuring that there is support for such employees from these companies who are choosing to downsize or exit. The task of switching over from gas to green is a complex one and will take some time. We must pay careful consideration to ensure that while we are in transition, supply is reliable and prices are stable. Given our limitations as a small city-state, I am cognisant that we will have to straddle two walls before we can cross over the picket fence into greener pastures. On that note, Mr Speaker, I am looking forward to the journey from gas to green with stronger compliance and standards and protection for critical infrastructure and consumers. Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the Bill.”
“Few governments can or choose to fill the infrastructure investment gap alone. With the Minister's approval, EMA will now have the ability to raise capital not just from the Government, but also any source in or outside of Singapore. I think it is important for Singaporeans to be able to participate and benefit from supporting the nation's infrastructural goals. Will preference be given to Singaporeans who would like to participate in the issuance of such an infrastructure bond? And under what conditions would EMA look to raise capital from outside of Singapore? In the event that large amounts of overseas capital are approved of and raised, will the Government make the sources of such capital public knowledge? Given the lessons we can glean now from the instability of such markets, I stand in support of the spirit of the move, but I do seek some clarity in the execution. On the instability of the energy markets, we have seen a few reports of private energy retailers closing due to rising prices. In this Bill, there are clarifications on the ability to draw down on electricity retailers' deposits to offset outstanding settlement payments and this move intends to protect consumer interests to reduce the amount of default costs borne by consumers in the event of insolvencies. It has been reported that at least five energy retailers have announced exits, while others have stopped taking on new customers and are considering changes to their business model. I applaud the Government for taking the prudent step of protecting consumers' interests by drawing down on these deposits. However, many of these companies have employees, too.”
“I am also glad that EMA will verify the cleanliness of energy inputs, including requiring proof of carbon output. So, steps are being taken. As we move to ensure the importation of energy from more carbon-neutral sources, I hope that the overall supply chain in which the energy is transported here will also be taken into consideration when evaluating the reduction in carbon footprint from these efforts. And in the same vein, I hope that we will also apply rigorous environmental and sustainability standards in the construction of the infrastructure. In this Bill, I support the levers proposed to require, not just encourage, power generation companies to improve the energy efficiency of their existing units and shift towards cleaner and more efficient modes of power generation as the amendments enable EMA to implement policies, standards to require electricity generation licensees to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In this regard, it would be important for EMA to start work early alongside industry for successful compliance with these standards. I would also like to ask if EMA is planning for a transition period for such companies and, if so, how long will this be? Next, the proposed amendments to have EMA build, acquire, own and operate critical power sector infrastructure if the private market fails to do is a prudent one towards safeguarding the security of our power system although I recognise that certain stakeholders are concerned that these units would compete with existing units in the Singapore wholesale electricity market with the effect of depressing wholesale electricity prices. I also support the move to allow EMA to raise capital and issue bonds as this protects our energy plans to a better degree from adverse market forces.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, uninterrupted and affordable access to energy is one of the cornerstones of modern civilisation. From keeping the lights on and putting food on the table, our ability to get to work or powering the devices that have become so integral in both our personal and professional lives, energy is the bedrock of what makes life powered by technology possible. Fossil fuels have been the primary source of meeting our energy requirements for decades. However, the world has become increasingly aware about the negative environmental impacts of fuelling our energy needs primarily through fossil fuels. How we cross over to cleaner energy matters. Do we wait until after the switch from gas to green to make an impact? Or do we take incremental steps to do what we can in the here and now as we make the transition. I am glad to see the Government's conviction to retiring almost all existing natural gas fuel power plants over the next one to two decades as part of our enhanced 2030 nationally-determined contributions and 2050 long-term low emissions development strategy. We have already seen some exciting ways which Singapore plans on harnessing greener energy options, such as solar energy, clean energy imports and low-carbon alternatives. In July this year, we officially open one of the world's largest floating solar farms. As we debate this Bill, COP26 is underway in Glasgow. Natural gas power plants provide more than 95% of Singapore's electricity demand today. So, I am heartened by the recent announcement that Singapore intends to import 30% of our electricity supply from low-carbon sources by 2035, for example, through subsea cables from Indonesia and Australia.”
“Furthermore, there are also members of our Pioneer Generation who still face further difficulties in saving for their retirement, even beyond 70. Will the Government consider extending further assistance to employers who are specifically supporting workers over 70 who choose to work, instead of only supporting based on internal retirement and re-employment ages? Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the demographic shift we are facing is one that is significant. The unique socio-cultural context of Singapore makes the task of ensuring our workforce is ready for this move is a difficult one. I am heartened by the Government's move to support the seniors who make up an important part of our workforce and I do have residents to tell me they still feel young at heart and want to continue working. I am glad we are looking to support those who make this choice. I also hope that our employers, employees and workspaces are also ready to be open to transform in tandem with our policies and appreciate the value of an inclusive and age-diverse workplace. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I support this Bill.”
“TAFEP's annual report for the annual year 2020 to 2021, showed that the proportion of complaints related to ageism rose to about 12.5% higher than the 10% reported in the year before. TAFEP and TADM have been very valuable at resolving some of the complaints employees have. The announcement of future anti-discrimination legislation as well is encouraging. However, while employers cannot forcibly retire elderly workers based on age, it remains that unfair dismissals may happen under the guise of other benchmarks. Is the Government considering additional measures to improve the implementation of this policy and how successful has TAFEP been in working with firms to ensure that they no longer practise such ageist company policies? The final point I wish to make is that, while we all have a role as employees in a society in embracing this shift, the majority of the efforts and costs to ensure all seniors continue to have an important role in the workplace will fall on our employers. They are the ones who face not just the monetary responsibility of wages and CPF, but also the responsibility of creating an inclusive workplace designed for our seniors. The CPF Transition Offset, Senior Employment Credit scheme, as well as the Senior Worker Early Adoption Grant have all been helpful in supporting progressive employers in maintaining older workers. However, during this transition period, employers may still find difficulties sustaining long-term employment for seniors. The Senior Employment Credit scheme is also set to expire at the end of next year. Would the Government consider extending some form of wage offset scheme to support firms to increase their re-employment age policies along with the increase in the statutory cap?”
“Would the Government consider providing incentives for companies that actively re-scope roles for seniors and have age-friendly workspaces? How else can the public sector take the lead in embracing an age-diverse workforce and enhance the culture of workplaces? Can opportunities for older workers be better consolidated and made accessible for this demographic, together with more tailored support, for them to move on into new roles? Companies that are unable to retain their senior employees or find alternatives, may offer a one-off employment assistance payment, with the recommended sum being 3.5 months worth of salary. While useful for our seniors, I would like to ask if there are any plans for the Government to increase this level of support who do not get re-employed. It is already difficult for anyone to look for a new job in this climate, let alone for older workers. While our overall re-employment statistics are improving, the rate for our seniors do not seem to be as buoyant. The proportion of retrenched residents aged 60 and above who re-entered re-employment six months post-retrenchment, is 43.8% for the second quarter of 2021. This is lower than the fourth quarter of 2020's 46.7% and the first quarter of 2021's 55.7%. On an annual basis, the statistics in our second quarter is also lower than nine out of 10 of the previous second quarters. What are the implications of this trend? And considering that the recommended EAP is only for 3.5 months of salary, are there plans for additional support to improve this figure as we navigate our way out of the pandemic? My second point, the main dispute resolution platform to resolve workplace-related disputes is the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management, or TADM.”
“While it may not be practical to fully adopt the same cultural dynamics, we would do well to remember that both in and out of the workplace, our seniors bring much value, mentorship and expertise. This Bill keeps our seniors' options open if they want to work and protects against wrongful dismissal, giving our older workers some security and clarity. There is no magic switch which flicks when you turn 63 or 65. Your experience continues to be valuable and the skills accumulated over the years remain yours. I have three broad points of clarification. My first point is on ensuring that seniors not just have employment, but gainful employment, which is appropriate for them with commensurate salary. We know that some seniors may choose to work to keep busy, but there are also seniors who need to continue working due to economic needs. The outcome of this shift has to be meaningfully accompanied by job redesign and early career structuring. For example, a mature PMET should find opportunities in the same or related roles or roles they are keen on exploring and can be trained for, rather than be shifted to menial or labour-intensive roles, which may be counter-intuitive as he or she hits retirement age. As we continue to raise this age to 65 by 2030, we also need to ensure that our employers actively re-scope job roles and backend processes to unlock the true value of our seniors. Sometimes, this could mean scoping down roles with appropriate salaries, if older workers do not wish or are unable to continue with the same job at the same pace. Other than the efforts by the union, which I recognise and applaud, does the Government have any further plans to assist employers and employees on reaching an agreement for fair terms should their role be scoped down?”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the life expectancy of Singaporeans has increased to almost 85 years, compared to 76 years back in 1990. According to MOH's action plan for successful ageing, about 25% of our population will be over 65 by 2030 and the United Nations projects this percentage to be almost one in two by 2050. The ageing population narrative is not an unfamiliar one. Our leaders saw it as an eventuality that happens to most developed countries. Due to a multitude of factors, people are living longer and having fewer children. One of the differences between Singapore and the rest of the developed world is the speed at which it has happened, along with the other limitations we have, such as, our reliance on our people as a main resource. The challenges of an ageing population are multi-faceted, spanning from retirement adequacy, healthcare readiness and, with relevance to this Bill, their place in the workforce. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, while I stand in support of this Bill, I would like to also make the point that seniors work for a variety of reasons, some to keep active and meaningfully occupied, but not every senior who works wants to work. Some do it out of necessity due to financial, familial and a variety of other circumstances too numerous and too personalised for us to paint broad strokes over. Having said that, I lend my support to this Bill in the spirit of protecting the seniors who make up an important part of our workforce and who want to continue to work. In cultures like Japan, seniority is looked upon with a reverence both in and out of the workplace. Honorifics are given to the elderly as recognition of the experience that time has given them.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker, Sir, and I thank the Minister for his responses. I have two supplementary questions. The first is given that the intention is to make the liberal arts education more accessible, how much larger does MOE expect the cohorts to be, given that it is to be noted that the current projected 500-student cohort for the New College is not actually that much bigger than the current combined cohorts of USP and YNC, as well as to what extent will the composition be made up of Singaporeans as well as foreign students? Second, given that potential students will be applying for the next admission cycle in the coming months, will MOE guide or require the New College to set out its admission policy and confirmed majors to be offered, for example, so that potential students and parents can make considered decisions, given that this is a fairly short amount of time? And Minister, if I could just go back to the Question No 13, my original PQ: if MOE will consider facilitating any assistance to those who had to forego other universities in order to take up this offer?”
“I will not be here today without the support of my father and husband, who help to prepare breakfast or coffee and with the household chores. I acknowledge that not all women receive the same support and guidance. Some are facing a dilemma too. They are pressured by their husbands or families to abandon their career aspirations. This Bill is a step forward that reflects the Government's policy of being inclusive and family-friendly. I hope that this proposal can transform workplace culture to provide opportunities for parents to progress in their careers without any stigma and dilemma. I hope that more fathers will step forward to use paternity leave and the time given to help their wives and children in order to foster closer family ties at home. (In English): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am encouraged by the amendments introduced and support the Bill.”
“Incorporating family-friendly policies in our workplace could be positive tools for hiring and employee retention, where employees feel cared for and they can grow with the family through different life stages and are more likely to remain loyal in a good work environment. There is a high correlation between employee satisfaction, family-friendly policies and flexibility in work. Mr Deputy Speaker, please allow me to continue in Malay. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] In several meetings between myself, residents and volunteers in Ang Mo Kio, I have observed a change of mindset among fathers. Many of them now share the same responsibilities as mothers in terms of caregiving, providing guidance and spending time with their families. They show more concern and get involved in the daily chores. But at the same time, fathers have also shared with me the dilemma they face in balancing their responsibilities as dedicated husbands, fathers and workers. We need efforts, not just on the part of the Government, but also from all levels of society, to eradicate the kind of thinking and workplace culture that places more pressure on the role of fathers or mothers. There are many companies that can be emulated as inclusive employers. For example, the founder of Zahid & Shah Group encourages their employees to take paternity leave, provides flexible work arrangements and gives time-off to fathers who need to help their wives or accompany their elderly parents to vaccination appointments. Guidance and support from men are also important in our efforts to encourage women to achieve their career aspirations and their lifelong dreams.”
“In Germany, parents can access Parental Allowance Plus, which gives them the right to receive a parental allowance from the government, including if both parents decide to take parental leave at the same time, thus allowing for precious family time instead of foisting the responsibility of caregiving on just one parent. Spouses or partners who take care of the child after birth, even if the child is not their own, may also receive parental allowance, subject to the same conditions which give greater recognition to different family structures. This also applies to relatives up to the third degree, if the parents cannot look after their child alone on account of a hardship, such as disability, and also goes beyond adopted parents to include children taken into foster care with the aim of adoption. I hope that, as society evolves and family structures change, we will be even more inclusive in the definition of the child. My second point, the impact on business. At the same time, we also need to recognise associated costs in implementing family-friendly policies, especially for businesses, in particular, SMEs or start-ups, which may struggle to find workers to cover. Where we can, we should also try to alleviate the cost on businesses. For example, financially covering more days of childcare leave may take some financial stress off employers, instead of only covering the last three days. Encouraging employees to take paid leave may be costly for employers, but discouraging it or setting up unfriendly work practices can be costlier.”
“We already have a low take-up rate of paternity leave, with some pointing to societal attitudes, stigma, against men being caregivers as reasons for this, especially in the private sector. The perfect woman is often imagined to have it all. While I have not yet had the opportunity to be a mom, I remember the daily dilemmas of a former colleague and friend of mine who has three children and, when one child is sick, it can be impossible to find a caregiver or enough days of leave. On the ground, we have heard of parents begging school principals to keep their child in infantcare if it is only a sniffle or light cough, instead of taking the child home, or despairing when a helper or grandparent is suddenly put on a Quarantine Order. It can be an impossible situation for parents. Financial incentives will only go so far. As a society, we need to adjust both policies and mindsets to encourage fathers to play a more active role in raising their children. Currently, fathers have two weeks of paternity leave, with the option of "taking" four weeks from their partners. But despite the Government's ongoing efforts to get men more involved in raising their children, the majority of fathers do not take up the shared leave. Some have expressed reluctance to reduce the leave of the mothers as they read the differential in leave as a signal as to who is more responsible. More equal exclusive paternity leave, 16 weeks versus two weeks, will create opportunities for fathers, rather than making couples make tough decisions on a limited number of weeks, as mothers, too, prize the chance to bond with their child. In the future, we can consider varying mechanisms to support wider family structures of fathers or mothers in their caregiving journey.”
“COVID-19 with home-based learning and work from home, has also brought about new realities, with a marked effect on what the family unit requires of each of its members, fathers included, and also what employers can expect from employees. I am glad that this Bill introduces the Government-Paid Paternity Benefit (GPPB) and Government-Paid Adoption Benefit (GPAB) schemes – the former giving fathers more benefits, signalling that they are important, too, when it comes to making trade-offs between work and family. I understand that eligible parents will be able to apply for these schemes from December 2021 and hope that the Government can provide an indicative timeline on the application process, as I am sure many will be interested to know how they can apply and what sort of records will employers and employees be required to keep to prevent disputes down the line, especially for retrenched parents. Businesses will take the point from legislation. I am also glad that we are amending the benefits to recognise short-term employment contracts and parents who are, unfortunately, affected by unforeseen circumstances, such as retrenchment, which can cause great uncertainty, as well as extending compassion to parents of stillborn children, allowing them time to recover physically and emotionally. I would like to raise two points, the first being societal attitudes and women’s development. The monetisation of unused paternity leave under the GPPB provides an option that can benefit our families. However, it may not provide an incentive for parents to shoulder more responsibility at home. In fact, it may have the unintended consequence of lowering the opportunity cost for fathers.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Bill. It has often been quoted that our greatest resource is our people. Our people drive the economy, forming a skilled and productive workforce in order to remain competitive. This same workforce must reproduce itself and, at the same time, provide care to our children who will be the workforce of the future. Our total fertility rate (TFR) in 2020 was a historical low. Today, traditional notions of gender roles have shifted to more women pursuing their aspirations in the workforce while earning to support the family, away from the figure of the sole male breadwinner going out to work while the woman stays home. The last decade has seen an increase in the proportion of resident married-couple households with working wives and, as of 2020, more than half of our married couples are dual-income. With more women participating in the workforce, the dynamics of having a child today are very different from before. But while the players have changed, the rules of the game have not quite kept up and expectations are still rooted in the past. It is not uncommon to hear women struggling with the mental load, burnt out from caregiving responsibilities, expected to attend that 5.30 pm Zoom work call while preparing dinner for the family and swinging by childcare to pick up the infant. There is still a gender bias in caregiving, something we have repeatedly heard during the ongoing Conversations on Singapore Women’s Development, highlighting a clear demand for greater equality in sharing responsibilities at home.”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, I thank the Senior Minister of State for his response. Encouraging help-seeking behaviour is an important part of any mental health strategy. Affordability and the stigma around seeking help are two factors of the many which affect an individual's decision whether or not to reach out for help. For some, the treatment required may be prolonged over several years and can be very expensive. I have two points. The first is, many young working adults have come up to me and they are worried about the impact of seeking help and having mental health records and how this may affect their career prospects in the future. While there are many good psychiatrists and counsellors in the public health sector, there remains a segment who fear that their mental health records, will be accessible by Government agencies as well as employers. And so, they postpone seeking help because private help remains out of reach. What is the Ministry's assurance and clarity on this point? The second point is, turning to insurance; Will the Government consider working more closely with private insurers to encourage the provision of affordable and comprehensive mental health coverage for Singaporeans, just like any other medical and surgical coverage? For example, legislation like the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act in the US?”
“Could the Minister please elaborate what led to the spread of COVID-19 in the Jurong Fishery Port, whether there are clearer findings on the mechanism of transmission of COVID-19 into the Port and subsequently into our local markets and whether our seafood is safe for consumption? Finally, as we look towards reopening, while we understand that there have been efforts to make the operations at the Port contactless, we also understand that it is hard work and working in the markets can be strenuous and there are, inevitably, close interactions between the workers. Do our SMMs need changing and how can we ensure the safe reopening of Jurong Fishery Port and our markets and hawker centres?”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker and thank you to the Ministers for the update. I have two groups of clarification points. The first is stemming from a worry about discrimination on treatment between those who have been vaccinated versus those who are unable to and those who do not wish to be vaccinated and the treatment that they receive. On the one hand, I empathise and hear the calls of those saying, "What is the point of being vaccinated if I am still faced with certain restrictions or why are we being penalised?" But at the same time, I know full well the impact of some of those who are unvaccinated for various medical reasons, in particular, our seniors and the social impact of the isolation not being able to be involved in activities. As such, I wonder if, in the TraceTogether app, for example, we might consider amending it to show those who are vaccinated, those who are not vaccinated and those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons and if there can be differentiation of treatment. If so, how? And also, how this might take into account, for example, families who have seniors or children who are unable to be vaccinated. Moving to my second group of clarification points, I think we have spoken about the KTV cluster. But I would also like to ask about the Jurong Fishery Port cluster as this spread has impacted stallholders, workers and residents alike in both my Cheng San and Chong Boon markets as well as food centres. Firstly, with the closure of Jurong Fishery Port and seafood stalls in the markets, what is the impact on the supply of our seafood and what are the measures which have been taken to mitigate disruption to these supplies? Secondly, some are also very worried about the safety of eating seafood during this time.”
“Thank you, Speaker, and I thank the Minister of State Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim for his response to my PQ, Question No 15. I am really glad to see that there are increasing efforts to enhance coordination between agencies, as issues, such as the potential entrenchment of community within the rental flat paradigm, are complex and really will require a more nuanced and sustained approach, as well as adequate resources to see real outcomes over the longer term. So, I have three supplementary questions. Firstly, are the other plans for the efforts under Project DIAN@M3 to be integrated with national efforts, such as ComLink, for example, and how would the duplication of these efforts be avoided? Second, given that home ownership is also closely related to other factors, such as employment and family structures, is there room for Project DIAN@M3 to be a sandbox for potential policy adjustments and what sort of community assets will be integrated, given that these involve multiple agencies? And finally, I am sure many of us will be interested in understanding what sort of outcomes the Government is hoping to see from this and also the timeline. So, could the Minister of State please share when will Project Dian@M3 be rolled out?”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. I have got two clarifications, please. First, we know that journalists play a critical role in society and nation-building. I would like to ask what impact will the restructured model have on the lives and livelihoods of existing SPH media employees. In addition, is there likely to be any further downsizing as part of the transfer of SPH's media business to the CLG and, if so, will the Government ensure that any employees in transition are supported? My second clarification in Malay, please, Sir, adding on to my hon colleague Ms Mariam Jaafar's question earlier. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Local papers like Berita Harian play an important role as a source of news and information for our community, especially for our senior citizens and they highlight stories of pride, interest and concern to the community. I would like to ask whether the Government funding will include support for the mother tongue newsrooms to embrace digital transformation and ensure that readers continue to have diversity and the highest quality in our mother tongue newspapers. (In English): Thank you.”
“Earlier this year, MCCY had organised "Emerging Stronger Together" and "Ciptasama" sessions for the Malay/Muslim community to share their views and suggestions in building a community of success and a better Singapore for the future. I note from the "Emerging Stronger" website that only 6% of the participants in these conversations were Malay. And I hope that more in our community can participate, "Ciptasama" – Co-creating with Community (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] I also support concerted efforts such as the "Ciptasama" programme which takes in views and engages the community to create the future that we want. However, in order to build and support the good efforts outlined under M3, I hope that more Malay/Muslim organisations will join forces with M3 agencies to pilot new ideas and have a deeper understanding of the community's concerns. I would like to ask what are the key issues that participants have raised and what are the Government's plans for a joint action with the community to achieve this vision? And what roles can Malay/Muslim organizations play to enhance M3's efforts in reaching out and engaging our Malay/Muslim community more comprehensively, especially the Malay/Muslim women, since this is the year of Celebrating Singapore Women? Update on M3”