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.”
The complete record
Every one of 406 lines we hold for Nadia Ahmad Samdin, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 8 of 9.
“Thank you, Deputy Chair, I will be speaking in both Malay and English. "Bersamamu" – Strengthening Marriages (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] As of September last year, more than 5,700 couples have joined the Bersamamu programme. However, since the COVID-19 outbreak, many activities and plans had to be postponed or cancelled, particularly for young couples who wish to get married. (In English): Marriage is a journey and it is important for couples to have a strong foundation, as they face many unknown stresses in transitioning to this new stage of life, for example, finances and family, work in care-giving. From first time newlyweds to reconstituted families, every relationship is different. But access to a listening ear and sound advice from trusted leaders is valuable. As part of my work on the ground, I have encountered young women at different stages of their relationships. Some were teen moms, some were struggling to find a job and others found it difficult to balance the responsibilities of a new wife. I have had a newlywed write to me once when she opened up her heart on some of the identity issues she faced, after having a baby and becoming a stay-at-home mom. Her email struck me as I realised that both she and I, had gotten married at about the same time. I would like to ask for an update on the "Bersamamu" programme and for any feedback, thus far, from "Naib Kadis" and participants. In addition, due to the restrictions imposed due to COVID-19, how can the programme be better supported for online outreach, and given the diversity of the couples, is it possible to consider customisable modules to cater for the different needs and demographics of couples who may require more targeted support?”
“Mr Speaker, I would really like to thank the Minister and the teams from MHA and MinLaw behind this review and for hearing the voices of many young women as well as the effort to engage and review the framework. I have three clarifications. The first, from a victim-centric point of view. Other than the intention to amend the maximum penalties for three sexual offences, will the Government consider putting in place programmes and training to better ensure trauma literacy within the criminal justice system to safeguard the interest of victims of hurt and sexual offences? Second, Sir, the trauma on victims can be irreversible. But I have spoken in this House about going beyond second chances and I have worked with young offenders and families with people incarcerated. I know that some offenders pay for a very long time, beyond their sentence, and society includes them too. I hope the Minister can elaborate more about how the sentencing principles of deterrence and rehabilitation to prevent future incidence of reoffending are balanced in the second proposal as the range of sexual and hurt offences is very wide. What do certain offences where rehabilitation will not be considered include? My last point. It is very evident from heated discussions online that there is significant public interest in this space. What steps are being taken to educate the public and, in particular, youths about consent and power dynamics in sexual interactions and what role can the media and public more responsibly play to elevate the conversation? I appreciate the sentencing guideline and just hope that it can be made friendly to the layman so that it is easily disseminated, for example, by social media.”
“Each block or street, houses the community and COVID-19 has shifted our lifestyles and many of us are spending more time at home and in our neighbourhood. As a result, there was an increase in reports of feedback on social disamenities from 280 per month to about 2,100 per month in April to June 2020. However, COVID-19 has also brought about many positive stories and examples of neighbourliness. For example, sanitisers in lives or people who volunteered to buy food for those who may not have been as mobile. How is MSO leveraging this opportunity to nudge or grow community ownership of common spaces in good neighbourliness, and where neighbour relationships have broken down, how can agencies better work together to intervene and help resolve neighbour disputes in both public and private estates? Technology to Improve Service Delivery”
“Chairman, housing is an essential part of our lives. My flat is more than just an address. It is my safe space and home. During the 2019 National Day Rally, Prime Minister announced that prime land in Singapore Greater Southern Waterfront will be slated for urban development. More public housing projects are also slated to be launched in city centre locations. However, flats situated on prime land suggest a higher cost than most current BTO flats. I would like to ask the Minister what are the plans to ensure that new HDB flats, regardless of the location, will remain affordable for all Singaporeans and given that prime locations will appeal to many, what are some of the measures being considered to give Singaporeans an equal chance and if there are measures to maintain the inclusive and diverse characteristics of HDB estates in prime areas? To meet the diverse housing needs of our population, including first-timer families, seniors and singles, the HDB has also introduced innovative types of public housing such as the Community Care Apartments which other hon Members have spoken about. These flats can start from prices as low as $52,000 and have variable leases and even come with advanced care options such as housekeeping. I am very grateful that we are piloting new models. This is critical and I am also glad that we are caring for our seniors. I would also like to ask the Minister whether there are studies or information on the potential impact of the new housing models on the values of existing flats around them and how can the Ministry ensure that new models of flats will not adversely affect existing home owners in the same area. 4.45 pm When we stay in our homes, we do not just stay alone.”
“As we evolve into a new norm, food delivery services have also played an important role over the past year with more people handling food before it reaches the consumer. Beyond consumers indicating how many stars out of five on food delivery platforms, can we indicate cleanliness and hygiene, for example, and will delivery riders be equipped and trained to better handle food? Growing Singapore's Agri-food Eco-system”
“What is the progress of the farms that were awarded the 30 by 30 Express Grant and successful tenderers of the agri-land and MCSP plots and are we on track to meeting our goals? How will the Government ensure that the new support schemes meet painpoints and are effective in helping our farmers to grow the local agri-food sector capabilities? Can we also have the Government's assurance that the boost in locally produced food will go first and foremost towards meeting domestic consumption, or if they are grown for export, will that count towards our "30 by 30" target? Sustainable Aquaculture and Clean Oceans As of 2019, there are around 220 licensed land-based and sea-based farms in Singapore. The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted Eco-Ark, our first high-tech fish farm, which is able to produce 166 tons of fish a year. Achieving our aquaculture goals should be done in a sustainable and resource efficient manner that is friendly to our marine environment. Some of our sea-based farms are located near community spaces. For example, near Bendera Bay in the Southern Islands. For such farms in close proximity to our blue spaces, I hope we are extra mindful of the potential impact. Could the Government elaborate how close containment sea-based farming systems are more energy efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional sea-based farming systems? Does the Government have additional plans to increase the resilience of the aquaculture sector? And does the Government plan to have support for the labour market to adjust to these new technologies? Ensuring Food Safety Finally, on safeguarding food safety. It has been more than a year since the formation of SFA. How has the consolidation of food functions into a single agency benefited the industry?”
“Thank you, Madam. These cuts are about food. First, our hawker centres. The recent recognition of Singapore's Hawker culture as an intangible cultural heritage under UNESCO and the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us many lessons about our wet markets and hawker centres. Wet markets are such an important part of our culture and I recently had the opportunity to interact with two young women Pam and Tahira, who initiated the Pass the Pasar Movement to encourage more Singaporeans to visit our wet markets and share the experiences. Such efforts continue to make these precious spaces relevant for the next generation and, as someone from the younger generation I disagree that hawker centres are less popular among my generation today as many of us "tabao"-ed these places during the circuit breaker. Will the Government be considering further enhancements to the infrastructure of our hawker centres to ensure they will: firstly, be safe and clean; and secondly, continue to be relevant and exciting for our people from all walks of life. As we embark on our sustainability push, will the Government also be looking into how to make hawker centres and wet markets more sustainable in the long run and reduce food wastage at scale? Support for Local Food Production COVID-19 has shown that food security is of utmost importance. During critical periods when supply chains could be disrupted, the delivery of vital goods could be impaired and in Singapore we are investing in increasing local food production as a safeguard. In 2020, SFA launched the 30 by 30 Express Grant to help farms accelerate the ramp up in local food production.”
“Madam, growing up, we teach our children that Singapore is an island city-state and many of us have fond memories by the beach or enjoy fishing, boating or watersports. Our blue spaces are precious and debris pollution, coastal development and high usage of these spaces can have lasting negative impact on our marine environment. When we factor in climate change and the fact that only about 30% of our island is only less than five metres above the mean sea level, I believe that coastal protection needs to be a priority for now and for future generations. The announcement of the PUB assuming the role of the nation's Coastal Protection Agency in 2020 is heartening, as efforts are coordinated. Can the Minister update on PUB's effort, since assuming this role, and what are the future plans? What are some examples of coastal adaptation solutions that will be examined under the site specific studies mentioned and to what extent will nature based solutions be considered as we must be careful about reclamation. And will there be a coastal protection masterplan similar to the Green Building masterplan? Mitigating Impacts of Extreme Weather”
“As we work towards greener towns and improve connectivity in green corridors, how can we better manage human-wildlife tensions and educate the public? Role of Schools and IHLs in Green Plan Beyond infrastructure, it is also about lifestyle. To inculcate sustainable habits, we have to start from a young age. Young Singaporeans spend a large part of their formative years in school where educators impart knowledge and shape the values of our youths from a young age. We see that every school is a good school, but schools cannot just be good. They also need to be meaningful for life. A Junior College Economics student can tell you the effects of negative externalities of pollution on the market. That is good. But if despite having this knowledge, they still do not choose to adjust to a greener lifestyle, that may not be very meaningful. I had called for sustainability to be adopted as part of the core curriculum during the climate change Motion, and I am very heartened to hear that the Government is working towards this. I would like to ask how will climate change and sustainability be taught beyond science subjects to incorporate social justice and economic elements of climate change, and what is the vision for the school environment to have responsible habits for a sustainable Singapore for all? What efforts can schools embark on to reduce energy usage and waste generation on campus? And in light of the recent announcement that 20% of schools will be carbon neutral by 2030, what are some of the support measures that the Government will extend for this goal to be reached? Careers in the Environmental Sector”
“Thank you. Our efforts for a more sustainable Singapore must be in both the hardware and infrastructure we built to fight climate change and also the hardware of Singaporeans – our behaviour, priorities and lifestyle. I would like to ask the Ministry if there are any updates on increasing the climate resilience of our infrastructure in towns particularly in older housing estate such as McPherson, Cheng San and Seletar, and if there are any plans on supporting the development of nature-based solutions to make our island city as a whole, more climate resilient. Beyond towns through our city, it has also been a year since the Government announced its vision towards becoming a city in nature. In the announcement, NParks shared four key strategies: extending our nature park network, intensifying nature and gardens and parks, restoring nature into the built environment and strengthening connectivity between our green spaces. In my earlier Budget debate speech, I shared my hopes that some recommendations from the Blue Plan can also be incorporated into the Green Plan. As an island city-state, our waters and marine environment are also a very important part of our living environment. Can the Ministry give an update on the progress made, challenges faced, and possible extensions in carrying out this vision? And beyond our green spaces, does the Government have further plans to better protect blue spaces in Singapore and integrate this into our city in nature vision? As we integrate nature with urban development, we inevitably also encroach into the homes of our Singaporean wildlife. Human-wildlife tensions are increasing and I am sure many of us have had heart-stopping moments when we see videos of pangolins or otters crossing the road into incoming traffic.”
“Thank you, Chairman. I would really like to thank the Senior Minister of State for addressing my point earlier on. I was very keen and heartened to know that there have been discussions on how we can protect our women and girls online. And this is particularly poignant as this is the year of celebrating Singapore Women. I know it is preliminary but could the Senior Minister of State please share some of the ideas raised during the discussion and the type of partners who are involved? I have heard parents shared how they feel really ill-equipped to deal with, for example, Tik Tok, Snapchat and OnlyFans. But we know that banning and deleting these apps will not solve the issue. So, I hope that any efforts, moving forward, will involve equipping parents as well.”
“Chairman, our youths are digital natives, born into a world where the internet is deeply integrated into our lives. From learning, entertainment, grabbing food, getting around, socialisation and civic discourse, digital tools have tremendous benefits and can be an equaliser. Not sure of something? Just Google it and check. We need to ensure that children from all walks of life are equipped to take advantage of the opportunities brought about by technology. Still, the open nature of the digital realm presents dangers. From cyberbullying and exposure to unhealthy content to online radicalisation, the internet can also be polarising with social media warriors calling for people to blindly take sides instead of engaging in healthy discourse. I would like to ask what the plans are to equip and guide youth from all walks of life and their parents towards a better and safer internet that enables social discourse and protect our youth, especially young girls, against online bullying and hypersexualisation. Seniors Go Digital”
“Chairman, often, access to justice is not something people think about until they are in need of a just and timely legal outcome. Often, when the need strikes, they are at a loss and this could be during a time where there is family violence, death or trauma. I am glad that the Ministry is evaluating the considerations for a potential Public Defender's Office and support the efforts to make legal information more accessible. For example, the iLab Chatbot or the My Legacy website in beta testing phase. However, digital solutions may not be useful for elderly or less tech-savvy Singaporeans. Planning for end-of-life issues can be very sensitive. I would like to ask for MinLaw's plans to make legal aid more accessible to persons from all walks of life, and if it can consider simplifying the process for family members to deal with the estate of a deceased Singaporean, as many may not appreciate the difference between a grant of probate and a letter of administration, or understand when they can apply to the Public Trustee for assistance. Easier Access to Legal Knowledge”
“So, today, we are looking at how we provide more of the very broad perspective of how they can support in terms of counselling and so forth. As we move forward, we will take on Ms Nadia's idea of how we can also provide training that will touch on the different profiles of families who may be affected by such incarceration. So, I thank Ms Nadia for her suggestion and ideas. And with this, Prisons and MSF are going to work together closely with the FSCs. I am confident we are able to not only reach out to more people, but we are able to have more targeted help and assistance to those who are affected by incarceration.”
“Thank you, Chairman, and I would also like to thank the Minister of State for hearing out my suggestions earlier. I very much appreciate the work of our Singapore Prison Service as Captains of Lives and I just have two follow ups. As some of the family situations are very complex, how can prisons better work with FSCs or enhance aftercare or introduce more family counselling and parenting skills programmes to inmates and their families? My second point is, I would very much like to ask what steps the Ministry is willing to consider, to monitor and break intergenerational offending, and also in cases where both parents are incarcerated when there are children involved. Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: Sir, I thank the Member for the very important question because essentially when I engage Singaporeans, and I visit the community partners, the issue or concern has always been how are we taking care of the families, how we are making sure that the reintegration process is seamless, better and, at the same time, they are worried about inter-generational cycle, passing down to the next generation. So, as I mentioned earlier in my speech, this year, Prisons will work with MSF to share some of these data. We work with the ex-offenders to see how we can better understand and get to know more information – what is needed on the ground. And we are going to roll this out to the rest of Singapore. Essentially, we had a pilot, and we are going to roll this out to the FSCs across Singapore and to see how we can have more of such interventions to help the families. And also, in relation to the training of our volunteers, our staff who are involved in such work, we want them to better understand the landscape that they are facing.”
“Mr Chairman, adult male offenders make up the majority of inmates and many have spouses and children. The point when an accused is incarcerated can be very destabilising on families and there are cases where both parents are incarcerated. My volunteers and I have met spouses so reliant on their husbands that they continue to seek instructions while they are in prison. Some divorcees despair as getting maintenance from the incarcerated exes can be difficult. While we appreciate the work done by the Yellow Ribbon Community Project, this is a touchpoint that is volunteer-driven and not a consistent or comprehensive solution – and some offenders opt out of the scheme. While I am grateful for the establishment of FITRAH, will the Government consider training staff and volunteers to be equipped for different demographics of offenders, for example, addicts or youths, and more targeted interventions to monitor and break inter-generational offenders? Can measures be in place to support families better? Rehabilitation and Re-integration Efforts”
“Sir, I thank the Minister of State for his response. I think many appreciate the fact that we are tackling food security and note that we have a "30 by 30" goal. But there are concerns that as we ramp up production and improve productivity, whether there is also an equal focus on and resources being put towards ensuring and monitoring that production is environmentally sustainable. To that end, I am glad to hear about the upcoming "Clean and Green" standard and also the work of the Citizens' Workgroup. But, for example, practices such as proper waste management, how will that be looked into? I would be very grateful if the Ministry could share some of its plans in this regard. And also to what extent is food from land-based and sea-based farms exported for consumption overseas instead of being consumed here in Singapore, and does that go towards our "30 by 30" goal?”
“He was asked if Singapore believes in the notion of a safety net for those who fall between the cracks of a successful economy. And, in response, Senior Minister Tharman spoke about the notion of a trampoline which we are familiar with. An economy that helps people bounce back is hard to argue against and I think that most people would agree with the visual narrative of people being able to bounce back higher with effort from the difficulties that we face. Particularly during a time like this when families who have never had to ask for help before, now find themselves in that position. I ask this House to visualise the diversity of people we see in Singapore in our house visits, in our Meet-the-People sessions and in our daily activities. Do some people have others around them that care enough to help teach them the best way to jump on the trampoline while others may not? For those who are unable to jump as high, is it possible that some of their trampolines need fixing? And is it possible that some of them do not have the physical or mental faculties to jump on a trampoline? I think for most of us, we would say yes to the above. So, how are we going to provide for access to opportunities for the different levels of people on the trampoline? What is the quality of life for those who, through no fault of their own, can no longer jump on? Mr Speaker, Sir, we need to plan prudently to get through the pandemic and today's Budget policies affect tomorrow's generations as our youth will inherit the world we are creating today. May this Budget and the ones in years to come help us find ourselves in a caring, compassionate and confidence society, long into the future. On that note, I support the Budget.”
“As a younger male woman, I am conscious that in the Fourteenth Parliament, we have the fifth, sixth and seventh Malay women Members of Parliament in this House since the beginning of Parliament. Today, Malay women occupy spaces in advocacy, education, law, the arts, environmental issues, research and many more, and we will continue to progress with continued access to the opportunities to do so. I never thought I would have the opportunity to study law or become a lawyer and for some of the young women I have befriended and worked with during their time in prison and after release, I know that many of them do not dare to plan for a future or have the social capital to apply to someone, somewhere in hopes of getting a job. One girl had shared that she was awarded a bursary assistance to do a course and joined the Armed Forces – her childhood ambition. But due to bad company, being locked out of home by her family, she relapsed and offended again before she could even try to pick up the pieces. When she came out, she worked in a warehouse as a pest fumigator. Her dreams were gone. I hope that efforts, through the M3 framework, such as FITRAH, Ciptasama and youth mentoring will be resourced, evolved and diversified to include particularly vulnerable groups, such as at-risk youths, and spouses and children of repeat offenders who may be stuck in cycles of not having hope, on a structural and consistent basis working in partnership with Malay/Muslim organisations, many of which are looking forward and are grateful for the announcement on support for charity sector. I hope this work continues. In conclusion, I reference a portion of Senior Minister Tharman's interview with Stephen Sackur in 2015.”
“EVs are a discontinuous innovation which requires significant behavioural change from customers. Geoffrey Moore, who studies patterns of adoption suggests that there is a chasm of adoption between the early market and the mainstream market that sits between 15% and 18% of adoption rates and crossing that chasm will see widespread adoption, while failing to cross that chasm will see these technologies fail to make it to mainstream. I do believe the financial incentives announced are welcome and will create visible change in the landscape of vehicles that we see on our roads in the coming years. And, in fact, EV sales have picked up in January. But we are a far cry away from crossing the chasm. Many of the incentives have a stop date by 2023 attached to them and it may take us longer than that to cross the chasm. One of the biggest consumer concerns when it comes to EVs is reliable, convenient and consistent access to charging stations or better yet, supercharging stations. The economics and infrastructure considerations of installing charging stations are complex, from how our AC power grids affect considerations for charging stations to policies that help keep charging affordable for consumers and profitable for partners interested in installing these stations. I hope the Government keeps the public informed on the mechanisms it intends to deploy on these and other factors so as to allay consumer concerns. And beyond land transportation, I hope more can be done to encourage cleaner energy and electric marine vehicles and boats in our waters The ability for all Singaporeans to share in the progress of the nation is a cornerstone in ensuring our collective success.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I welcome the announcement of the Singapore Green Plan 2030. This is a chance for us to approach recovery the right way – to ensure that it is not growth at all costs. The Green Plan has five pillars. But did you know that in 2018, more than 100 people contributed to the third edition of the Blue Plan, which has six recommendations in protecting our marine environment? I hope that our Green Plan can incorporate some of the recommendations of the Blue Plan. Our blue spaces are precious and generally multi-used for the volume of activities that it accommodates. We see more and more people appreciating our blue spaces, our oceans, through rising number of visitors in our Southern Islands, for example. And I hope for a stronger commitment so that our blue spaces are not left out of Green Plan conversations. For example, our Park Connector Network connects green spaces around Singapore. We also need to consider the protection of blue connectors in our marine systems, which connect open seas, seagrass meadows, reefs, intertidal habitats and are impacted by debris pollution and coastal development. I hope there will be resources for better management of marine species, for example, which will lead to healthier oceans. The community groups, such as Friends of the Marine Park is ready in to contribute to these efforts. Sir, I am also heartened by the Government's commitment to mainstream adoption of Electric Vehicles, or EVs. Aside from continued improvement to our public transport system, policies that encourage EV adoption is a way forward in giving our citizens the ability to participate in the reduction of their carbon footprint. Based on reports, the number of EVs on the road makes up 0.2% of the cars in circulation.”
“For example, a push towards entrepreneurship to initiatives in Institutes of Higher Learning's accelerator programmes supported by corporates or even grants like the Youth Action Challenge, a programme I know from my days at the National Youth Council. And we also have the SGUnited Traineeship Programme. While these policies provide opportunities, I am also wary of the potential consequences that our fresh graduates may face in the medium or longer run. Grants do not translate to salaries and some may turn to temporary gig jobs to make ends meet and get stuck where they do not want to be. While the training allowance does help our graduates gain employment in the short run, I hope we also consider how employment might look like for them after six months. For example, under-employment issues and access to subsequent employment opportunities or wage growth after trainee allowances for these young entrants to the workforce. Under the SGUnited Jobs and Skills package, there is some incentive for firms who employ mature local hires above 40 years old, persons with disabilities and ex-offenders. How can the Government lead by example and how will our institutions, such as a Singapore Prison Service, be able to offer timely training opportunities in relevant industries? Do inmates have the opportunity to develop other job-ready skills, so that re-integration and ability to provide for their family upon release is a smoother transition? Beyond incentives, it is also about society, reducing stigma against this group of workers. Residents in my Meet-the-People sessions have shared how tough it can be to get a job except in, perhaps, certain industries, such as logistics or F&B. How are we going to ensure that they will be able to access the jobs that are currently being created?”
“Sir, it is for this reason that I have faith that Singapore can navigate the social and environmental perils that often rear its heads in a young and growing capitalist economy. Mr Speaker, I am heartened by the Budget's approach to economic recovery. There is stimulus to spur the growth of green industries and liquidity for local businesses to sprout and adapt to the future. Sir, these plans are meant to be good for Singapore and our people, but over the years, both locally and abroad, we have seen the exploitation of Government schemes by some businesses. It is for this reason that I ask we ensure that the potential for abuse remains low as we administer these funds so that the funds fulfil the intended purpose. Among local businesses, there is worry that when wage support runs out, they may not be able to keep people employed. In his speech, the Deputy Prime Minister spoke about the purpose of economic transformation, being to grow opportunities for our people to realise their full potential and aspirations. With stiffer competition from global talents as well as long-term wage support being untenable, I would like to touch on employment opportunities for two groups in particular. For a young person graduating today. The employment landscape is daunting. The annual Joint Autonomous Universities Graduate Employment Survey last year found that 69.8% of fresh graduates from permanent full-time jobs down from 81.7% the year before. This means that the future for our youths is less certain, less stable. Many are also required to support elderly parents. But there have been efforts to give our youths options and I recognise that. I hope these continue.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, growing up, my dad was the sole breadwinner. Although he did not a degree, he had the opportunity to work for a national carrier in the early glory days. Over three decades, he took night classes, was loyal, worked hard and got promoted. But in 2003, SARS hit Singapore and many in his rank could not be retained. My family was not spared. How tough it was for my amazing parents to put up a brave front for my brother and I to pick up something new. Fast forward to today, and families across Singapore find themselves in a similar circumstance due to COVID-19 and I find myself in the position of having a voice in this House, which was unimaginable to the teenage me 18 years ago. I understand deeply the worries that come with an uncertain view of one's future, the opportunity costs that come with dreams deferred. With this in mind and in heart, my speech today is in hopes for continued commitment to an inclusive, sustainable and equitable Singapore for all in Budget 2021. An earlier version of our pledge that was suggested by former Deputy Prime Minister S Rajaratnam in a letter dated February 1966 said, "We, as citizens of Singapore, pledge ourselves to forget differences of race, language or religion and become one united people; to build a democratic society where justice and equality will prevail, where we will seek happiness and progress by helping one another." The nuance of that last sentence is beautiful. In this pandemic, we have indeed seen Singaporeans seeking happiness in progress by helping one another – from keeping food on the table to keeping each other safe from the virus. Amidst the pandemic, we have yet again shown that this young nation can stay united in pursuit of common goals despite our differences, emerging stronger.”
“It is evident to me that the various protocols around the TT data, for example, encryption, storage on local device and the automatic destruction after 25 days, were in place solely for contact tracing purposes at the time. However, as a lawyer, I also understand the potential utility for which the TT data could bring as evidence, in particular, for grave offences, and the potential to charge an accused who committed a wrongdoing, exonerate someone who is innocent, and give peace to victims and their families. Based on several conversations I have had on the ground, many Singaporeans understand and are willing for TT data to be used in investigations although some do wish that they had been consulted first. I hope that some of the above clarifications can be addressed. Notwithstanding the above, Mr Speaker, Sir, I believe that the Bill reflects a practical position and compromise, and express my support.”
“People want to have an understanding and assurance on how long the programme will last, that it will continue to remain opt-in, under what conditions that may change and when it would be laid to rest. Of course, it is impossible for us to give a fixed date for when the TT programme can be terminated as it is still unclear how long COVID-19 will last and even more uncertain what its impact may be on society at large. However, it is possible for us to take a condition-based approach in detailing the life cycle of the TT programme, a way of specifying the conditions that will prompt a significant change in our present use of the TT app and device. This is so Singaporeans are prepared in advance for any changes in the TT programme as the conditions and parameters for this would have already been specified. As an example, one of the "conditions" could be, should there be no new infections, both community and imported, for a period of x number of months, the TT programme will then be laid to rest. While we are dealing with unprecedented challenges and we recognise that things change very quickly, such an open approach will help engender trust. In closing, Mr Speaker, Sir, at the heart of it, I, along with many Singaporeans, believe in the importance of contact tracing and the utility of the TT programme. I have read a number of concerns and confusion over the past month and I do feel bad for the engineers and teams behind the programme because I genuinely believe they were doing the best they can, all the while working in the heat of a crisis under immense pressure. I also appreciate the difficult position that we are debating today and the Minister's candour.”
“How will we deal with cases where TT data is used in investigations where the actual charge, in the end, does not fall within the categories of these serious offences? Will the use of TT data during investigations put pressure on prosecutors to proceed with a holding charge for a more serious offence in order to legitimise the use of TT data? While I note section 82(7), I would also like to seek confirmation whether an individual will be able to meaningfully offer both his TT and SafeEntry data as evidence. In the event one is being investigated for a serious offence but claims innocence, can such individual volunteer and access personal contact tracing data, noting the possible privacy concerns of others, as that individual's personal contact tracing data may involve the data of others who were around the individual at a particular time. And, finally, for example, in a case of sexual assault, it can be a very traumatic experience for victims. Cases do go unreported and some take a very long time before they come to light. Given that TT data is automatically deleted in 25 days and very little actual information is collected and stored, how useful is this data for investigations? I would appreciate if the Government could please share some of its considerations in this regard. My third point. Mr Speaker, over the course of my engagements regarding the inclusion of TT data, people have also shared their concerns with me over the likelihood of TraceTogether one day becoming compulsory, along with a slew of other privacy concerns. There is speculation circulating, and the only way to combat this speculation is with clarity. Specifically, I would like to request for clarity on the life cycle of the programme.”
“Some suggestions for consideration are: to ensure that the Github repository is updated within a reasonable time when there are application updates that have been rolled out; to update the Opentrace repository with opensource licences; to publish brief transparency reports on perhaps a bi-annual basis that will help the public understand how the data is being used, provided that the release of such data will not disrupt any investigations; and to reaffirm the commitment that TT data will always be stored on the user's device, only shared with the Government when the user takes action to upload the data and can be deleted at the request of the user. On my second point, there are several stages in the investigation and criminal prosecution process. Generally, when the Police have been informed of a possible offence, an investigation is initiated. Evidence is obtained. The investigation officers or IOs meet with the prosecutors in the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC). The DPPs will decide on the actual charge to proceed with, subject to their own internal procedures and approval structures, as well as whether sufficient evidence has been collected. The person under investigation or arrest will then appear in Court to be formally charged. But some investigations do not conclude with the person investigated being charged for a variety of reasons. For cases that proceed to prosecution, at the stage of criminal investigations, our IOs would likely have an idea of the range of offences which could apply. But the final charge may not be set out until much later. Even then, during trial, charges may be amended or dropped.”
“We cannot take their concerns lightly. My worry is that despite the utility and practicality of TT, the cost of going beyond the initial promise of what the TT data can be used for may drive away those who are skeptical of the assurances which this Bill is actually seeking to provide. To move forward together, I hope for a focus on building trust and gaining confidence for the programme. And, in this respect I have some clarifications to raise, and assurances I hope to seek. These fall into three broad categories: first, transparency in the technology; second, transparency in the projected life cycle and use; and third, transparency in the process of using TT data in investigations. When the TT programme first started, the Government gave public access to the technology behind it. The programme's base code, Opentrace, is open source. I received an email from a young resident of mine seeking clarification on the continued commitment in making Opentrace, open source. There were two points in particular. As of 10 January, the Opentrace Github repository for Android was updated close to 10 months prior. However, the app on Play Store was updated on 7 December. This suggests that the version listed on the Github repository, is not the same version as that which was on the application. There are also no opensource licences listed and the terms of use and distribution should be outlined in the repository itself.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, it has been slightly over a year since COVID-19 forced its first city into lockdown. The following months saw governments across the world pushed into doing the same, changing our lives and livelihoods in substantial ways for the safety of our citizens. In Singapore, the situation is largely under control. Thanks to the sacrifices of our frontline workers, work by our Government and Civil Service, and the civic mindedness of our citizens in complying with regulations. We have put society before self. But the community cases remind us that the COVID-19 curve has only been flattened, and not quashed. With every report of a new case, what swiftly follows are assurances that the close contacts are being identified and quarantined, the capabilities of our contact tracing team on full display. The positive impact of TraceTogether, or TT for short, in increasing the efficiency of our contact tracing efforts is undeniable but given the developments since we last sat in this House last month, we must also understand the sentiments of some Singaporeans about the expanded use of TT data in connection with the investigation powers under the CPC beyond what was originally promised to be used solely for contact tracing purposes. This is the first time that a database of Bluetooth data that can tell who we are with, and for approximately how long, is recorded and accessible by the Government under specified conditions. While we note the strict conditions in which the data can be accessed, the very collection and storage of such information does involve an ideological leap in some quarters. However, many believed in the purpose for which the data would be used and on that basis more than 4.2 million people have enrolled in the programme today.”
“Research has shown that mangroves can store three to five times more carbon per hectare than other forest types, and sea grass meadows are up to 35 times better than rainforests at storing carbon. Nature-based solutions also allow for more participatory development. The Sultan Shoal project in connection with the development at Tuas which commenced in 2013 was an example where an environmental impact study was done, public volunteers were engaged, and science, conservation, biodiversity and development needs were carefully considered together. As more Singaporeans are interested in the conservation of our blue and green spaces over the years, such consultative efforts, although requiring more coordination, will allow for wider public participation, so that more have a stake in our development, and better awareness. Mr Speaker, Sir, some amendments to the Motion have been put forth for consideration before the House. I appreciate the multiple voices, both within and outside the House, on this important topic and hope that more will come forward with concrete proposals and solutions. When we talk about climate change, the conversation often begins with us thinking about what kind of world we want to leave for our children and grandchildren. But in order to secure this, the time to act is now, and I urge the Government to accelerate and continue building on the good efforts which are in place in consultation with all stakeholders before it is too late. 5.16 pm”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, we know that nature already mitigates a significant portion of man-made greenhouse gas emissions: approximately a quarter of these emissions are absorbed by trees, plants and soil, while another quarter is absorbed into marine systems. If protected, sustainably managed and restored, nature has the power to do even more. In Malay, please. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] As a green and blue spaces enthusiast, I am saddened to see the change in the ocean's temperature which has affected several species of ocean life and caused the bleaching of coral reefs which previously filled the ocean with colour. We must raise awareness about the threat of climate change and how we, as a society, can take proactive steps to fight it. We must explore nature-based solutions and invite the public to participate to fight climate change. For example, studies have shown that mangroves and sea grass meadows are able to store more carbon dioxide per hectare than any other forest types. The Government can explore such solutions and engage more members of our community to raise awareness and fight climate change. (In English): Mr Speaker Sir, as a diver who loves our oceans, I have felt first-hand the difference in temperature in the water, seen certain species in areas where they should not be, and stared in dismay at white lifeless corals which were once alive with colour, when diving in the same place over the years. Climate change means warming oceans and rising sea levels, which poses a threat to reefs and marine life. Beyond just the hard engineering of polders and seawalls, mangroves, sea grass meadows and corals can also be part of our defences against climate change.”
“However, utilities bills and the My Carbon Footprint function by the SP Group are designed to help residential consumers better track and reduce their energy and water consumption, as well as their carbon footprint. It provides a comparison to the average consumption of neighbours in similar housing types within a block or a street in relation to landed homes. The publishing and accessibility of such information breaks down the information in a relatable and personal way for individuals. Climate change solutions come not just from the Government, but also through public efforts, and I hope that more individuals take steps to actively understand their carbon footprint. In driving corporate change, while previous suggestions to publish data have been met with responses that emissions data is confidential, could an alternative be to recognise and affirm low-emitters across different industries to incentivise positive behaviour? Research has shown that younger buyers are more discerning consumers and Millennials and Generation Z have the spending power to influence the retail landscape through their purchasing decisions. A US Forbes 2019 report found that 62% of Generation Z, who were already in the workforce, prefer to buy from sustainable brands, and more than half of them stated that they were willing to spend more on such products. Collective behavioural change can, ultimately, influence commercial decisions, and a generation of educated consumers can only make conscious consumption choices if they have the relevant information at hand.”
“For example, more Values in Action projects can be jointly organised with community groups and civil society, such as Green Nudge, Zero Waste SG or the Forest School, so that students are empowered to contribute to the community and also get involved in systemic climate solutions. With the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment's announcement that more than 50,000 new and upgraded jobs will be created in the next 10 years for the sector. Education and career guidance counsellors can more actively introduce pathways related to climate solutions, such as sustainable finance or engineering in green technology. A whole-of-school approach would also be necessary, for example, the displaying of each cohort's trash to show the impact of their habits, or having a farm-to-table canteen. We know that our students and our schools already run a variety of programmes, and our teachers and students have packed schedules. Climate change education is also an opportunity for schools to deepen partnerships with other organisations in the community, such as interest groups and advocates, who can come in to supplement climate change curriculum, and teachers and students can learn alongside each other together, leaning on green experts. In December 2019, a poll on climate change perceptions by the National Climate Change Secretariat in Singapore revealed that over 90% of those polled were aware of climate change and its impact, and almost 80% were prepared to play their part towards a low-carbon Singapore. However, less than half of those polled said they knew what they could do to address it. One of the reasons why environmental issues can feel foreign to us is because of its perceived intangibility.”
“In focus-group discussions run by the Young PAP, participants expressed hopes that climate change and sustainability can be better interwoven into our national curriculum. While geography and science subjects do touch on these topics, the teaching can be piecemeal with little being said about the social justice element and economic impact of climate change in subjects, such as Social Studies or Character and Citizenship Education. Not all our students are equally equipped to discuss these issues and they continue to see people around them leading highly unsustainable lifestyles despite what they learn in textbooks. Would the Government consider, first, to review the curriculum with sustainability as one of the core pillars of educational outcomes and, second, building responsible habits through a holistic approach so that it goes beyond a subject to a lifestyle? For example, in "A" Level economics, carbon policies can be discussed. In addition, the "O" Level Social Studies syllabus discusses a globalised world, but its key concepts and content sections do not meaningfully incorporate climate change. Beyond the classroom, I am sure many of us remember the Young Scientist badges in Primary school. In recent times, the community behind the Singapore Blue Plan 2018 suggested the Young Marine Biologist Badge, and Temasek Foundation and the Science Centre of Singapore have also organised the Young Sustainability Champion Programme. Our efforts in educating students about climate change must include hands-on approaches such as these.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, over the years, generations have been categorised by the technological advancements of their time, and also the crises and social issues that challenged the values and shaped their growing years. In the past year, we had talked about children born last year as "Coronials" and "Quaranteens". But other than COVID-19, a longer term issue which also has implications on survival and economic viability that is top of mind for many in my generation is climate change. Today, we know that climate change is more expansive than the environment and is entangled in our socio-economic system at large; it is not a single-issue concern. Finding and implementing solutions to climate change involve complex trade-offs, and the world we live in today has entrenched barriers. The trans-boundary nature of climate change also requires global action. Singapore cannot go at this alone. And if we truly want to move the needle, we need to strengthen cooperation across countries and move together. Social norms will not change on their own. We need to engage more heavily in climate change education. We also need to give people enough information to make informed decisions grounded in data. Climate change solutions should be developed in a consultative manner, utilising nature-based solutions where possible. Singapore is nimble and can set an example, playing our part in the global community. Here, in our island city state, we have felt the effects of climate change first-hand, such as warming temperatures, and increased levels in annual rainfall have caused ponding during the monsoon seasons, with the rains last month making it the wettest January we have had in 30 years. So, Mr Speaker, Sir, I am grateful for the opportunity to add my voice in support of the Motion today.”
“Thank you, Speaker. I thank the Minister for her response. Since the circuit breaker, we have seen an increase in the use of food delivery services, I have two supplementary questions. Will the Ministry consider looking into guidelines to mandate F&B merchants on food delivery platforms to display the relevant grades or awards obtained under the Food Hygiene Recognition Scheme (FHRS) so that customers are aware and have access to the information? And secondly, whether food delivery riders are regulated or fall under the FHRS and if so, how?”
“Thank you very much, Speaker. The hon Member, Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked about what would happen in the event that the tokens have their batteries dead, for example. I would like to ask, what about if the tokens are stolen? Is there a clear reporting process because ultimately this is tied to the individuals; I see number and I just like to understand what is the process for residents in the event that their tokens are stolen.”
“Second, this amendment will apply section 56 to purchases or transfers – to acquisitions or transfers of interests in a flat in both a sole, or a multi-owner situation. Mdm Deputy Speaker, I wish to ask the Minister, where the entire flat is compulsorily acquired by the HDB due to the actions of one of its owners, how will HDB balance the rights of the other co-owners of that flat who may be innocent and unaware of the actions of the owner who had made the wrongful statements or representations? If the co-owners are not complicit and have done nothing wrong, it may come across as unfair to them to suffer the same severe consequences. For example, will they be first given the opportunity to sell the flat on the open market? Or will these innocent co-owners be prejudiced by the compulsory acquisition in any future applications for another HDB flat? It would help if innocent co-owners are allowed another HDB concessionary loan if they had used up their entitled HDB concessionary loans for the previous flat which was subject to CA action. I believe some clarity on how innocent HDB owners will be treated will assure many of us. In conclusion, Mdm Deputy Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to share some of considerations and views which I felt are important to be raised. I wish to state my appreciation for the difficult task that the Minister and HDB has in protecting and ensuring a fair outcome for HDB owners while ensuring that access to our HDB flats is not abused and used only by eligible persons as intended. And I believe most Singaporeans do share that same appreciation. Notwithstanding the above clarifications, I conclude my speech in support of this Bill. 6.57 pm”
“I note that sections 56(1)(f) and (g), which are not amended, already allow the HDB to take CA action over a flat if an owner made a misleading statement or misrepresentation of a material fact relating to the purchase of that flat. This amendment to introduce the new section 56(1)(ga) appears to extend the existing grounds in two ways. HDB can now take CA action against flat owners who had made a misleading statement or material misrepresentation. One, in the transfer of a flat, and not just a purchase; and in relation to an owner's acquisition of an interest in the flat or the transfer of an interest in the flat to a related person, including a spouse, brother, parent or a remoter lineal ancestor or issue. I would like to make two points. I note that this CA action right is intended to apply even if the person who made that misleading statement or misrepresentation about their eligibility to own the flat, did so innocently. It seems a little harsh for HDB to take CA action over an innocent misrepresentation or misstatement, especially for eligibility factors which are straightforward or provable. What are some examples of the misleading statements or misrepresentations relating to eligibility which prompted this amendment and why is it that these factors cannot be independently verified? The consequences of a CA action are understandably severe: (a) in accordance with HDB's compensation policy, owners of a flat subject to CA action will obtain compensation decided by the HDB; and (b) their future applications for a flat may be affected if they have used up their allocated number of HDB concessionary loans. What factors will be taken into consideration in determining the compensation in the event of an innocent misrepresentation?”
“Second, when the HDB mortgage is administered by a replacement bank, will the commercial terms of the mortgage be kept the same vis-a-vis HDB owners? It is a fairly standard term in bank documentation that commercial banks may reserve the right to change the applicable interest rate without prior notice. Needless to say, an increase in interest rates on the loans may have a hard financial impact on homeowners. Third, aside from the effect of this amendment on HDB owners, I wish to ask the Minister whether this intended use of HDB mortgages as collateral, especially given the financially troubled times ahead, may lead to an increased pressure on the banks to foreclose on HDB mortgages with outstanding arrears more quickly in order to balance their books. In other words, will Singaporeans who are unable to keep up with their loan installments be at greater risk of losing their homes? Mdm Deputy Speaker, I believe Singaporeans will accept the risk of a potentially different holding bank for their HDB mortgages if they are well-informed of the change, if they are assured of the commercial terms of the loans that they had signed up to and if their concerns about any potential foreclosures are addressed. I turn now to the second point I would like to make about this Bill – compulsory acquisition. This Bill also intends to add in a further ground for HDB to take compulsory acquisition, or CA action, of a HDB flat if the owner of that flat and I quote – "... made a misleading statement in his application [to the HDB], or a misrepresentation of a material fact (whether innocently or otherwise)" in relation to the acquisition of that flat or an interest in that flat, or in the transfer of an interest in that flat to a related person.”
“With this, banks can then extend a greater supply of credit to Singaporeans and Singaporean businesses. This is in line with efforts by MAS. For example, the MAS Singapore Dollar Facility for ESG Loans provides a line of credit to our banks and finance companies at 0.1% interest per annum, to ensure vital credit for our SMEs during these difficult times. Mdm Deputy Speaker, in that light, I support this amendment. However, I have some clarifications. It is critical for us to communicate to our fellow Singaporeans the impact of these changes, and make it clear if this amendment will affect HDB flat owners' rights. We want to prevent the proliferation of false narratives. We should also aim to provide clarity as to what would happen in the event that the collateral is enforced. I appreciate that this would be an unusual situation, but given that we are living in unprecedented times, I believe Singaporeans want to be prepared for any outcome. First, in the event that MAS enforces on the HDB mortgages as collateral, will MAS, HDB or the bank provide prompt notice of the change to the affected HDB owner? What administrative steps will HDB owners need to take in such a scenario? They would likely have to change the bank they make their monthly mortgage payments to. Many of my residents are seniors, some of whom may not be technologically savvy or mobile, and unable to reproduce documents from a long time ago. What is the process and timeline for the appointment of a replacement bank and how will mortgage payments be managed in the meantime? What happens if some HDB owners accidentally continue to make mortgage payments to the former bank?”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, in the last year, Singaporean families have stayed at home through the pandemic and, thankfully, most of us have been able to keep ourselves safe from the COVID-19 virus. We have worked from home, studied from home and our homes have sheltered us. For some 3.2 million Singaporeans like me, that home is an HDB flat. And for many Singaporeans who may face difficult times from the economic repercussions of this virus, holding on to our homes is one of our highest priorities. I support the HDB's efforts and measures to help Singaporeans during this period. For example, the suspension of late payment charges on HDB mortgage arrears till March 2021; and that households living in public rental flats will receive a 50% rental rebate between 1 October and 31 December 2020. These were welcome announcements. I am certain that this Bill on the Housing and Development Act will be of interest to many people who will want to know if they and their homes will be affected. I also support the clear message from the Minister that the proposed amendments in this Bill will not impact HDB flat owners adversely. However, I would like to raise some points. One of the amendments in this Bill aims to allow our domestic banks to use HDB mortgages as collateral for a grant of facility from MAS. Our domestic banks can borrow from MAS as a lender of last resort, or for precautionary liquidity. When they do so, these banks may have to offer some kind of assets as collateral or security for the loans. Through this amendment, MAS will be able to recognise HDB residential mortgages placed with these banks as collateral and these banks will then be able to obtain more liquidity from MAS.”
“(In English): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, ultimately, our laws reflect social norms and will only be effective when implemented well. Keeping Singapore clean is a shared responsibility, and even as the Ministry introduces heightened standards for the protection of our people, I urge the Ministry to work with industry and give sufficient time for industry and our workforce to respond. Notwithstanding my suggestions expressed in this speech, I support the Environmental Public Health (Amendment) Bill.”
“While reactive learning is, unfortunately, going to be necessary when dealing with a pandemic, we can take a proactive approach by working with the public to transform Singapore from a cleaned city, to a clean city. We must find more effective ways of working with the public to imbue a culture of personal responsibility in the cleanliness of the facilities that we share, as they do in countries, such as Japan, which has a national habit of Marie Kondo-ing and keeping things clean and tidy. I believe that we must double down our efforts in building a responsible culture to keep our public toilets clean, return our trays and utensils so that food scraps do not attract unwanted pests which carry diseases, and picking up after ourselves in shared spaces. Deputy Speaker, Sir, a few words in Malay. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Frontline workers especially cleaners play a very important role in keeping the environment clean. With the establishment of new jobs such as the environmental manager, the environmental control coordinator and the environmental control officer, I hope that this will create new career development pathways for our frontline officers so that they can upskill and obtain better salaries. I hope that businesses will give priority to local workers to take on these new jobs. However, these policies will not be enough in our efforts to combat the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak if Singaporeans do not play their part to maintain our environmental hygiene. Cleanliness is our shared social responsibility. We must cultivate good habits and promote a culture where cleanliness is prioritised no matter where we are, whether inside or outside our homes.”
“The discretion to make these directives will need to be weighed carefully and I know that premise managers will be wondering what sort of manner and time period is likely to be specified, as businesses need to plan for these possibilities and this will incur cost. I am also heartened that individuals who are required to carry out the disinfecting of the relevant premises will need to be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment. Sir, as highlighted in the earlier part of my speech, our cleaners are essential workers who play a valuable role in keeping society safe. We have seen instances in the early days of COVID-19, where conservancy workers and cleaners were merely equipped by their employers with masks, disinfectants and simple cloths. In short, I would like to suggest the Ministry to take collaborative approach when working with premise managers and workers to meet the new standards set out in this Bill, especially in the early days of transition and to prioritise safety of our essential workers. Third, I understand that the amendments also envision Codes of Practices which will set out sector-specific standards required as part of the ES regime. I would like to ask the Ministry when these Codes of Practices will be introduced and how much time the different industries will have to respond to these Codes. It would be helpful if the Ministry can explain why there are different sector-specific standards and whether ECC and ECO skills and training will be transferable across the industries. Like we did with SARS in 2003, we have and we are still learning from COVID-19.”
“They offer an opportunity for training, skill acquisition and capability development. I sincerely hope that businesses will look inwards for talent that can be nurtured when thinking about these appointments, so as to enable our cleaners to develop new skills and earn more. I also hope that the Ministry can provide employers with support on the above and discourage organisations from simply outsourcing these functions. I am unsure whether these roles, if fulfilled by part-time external workers, will have an actual effect on improving cleanliness standards. One suggestion would be for the Ministry to consider a reduction in training fees for businesses that send existing Singaporean employees to be upgraded and certified. Second, one of the biggest lessons we have learned from COVID-19 is the importance of prompt and timely action in our response to pandemics. While I also support the move to expand the powers of the Director-General to issue directives to any entity or persons to clean and/or disinfect the premises from the first warning signs of a potential health risk or disease outbreak, we are also aware that viruses do not only have an impact on health, but also on the economy. These expanded powers include the possibility of the Director-General giving a directive to close the relevant premises, or any part of the relevant premises, for a period not exceeding 14 days for the purpose of cleaning and disinfecting – such cleaning and disinfecting to take place in a manner and within the time specified in such directive.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, over the last year, we have seen our lives reshaped and reorganised by COVID-19. We have had to build up our resilience as a society, while we stay home to flatten the curve. But not everyone could do this. "Stay home because we can't" – this was one of the viral phrases first expressed by essential workers. COVID-19 can be acquired through contact with surfaces contaminated with the virus and laboratory tests have demonstrated that the virus can survive on surfaces for two to three days. As such, ensuring environmental hygiene through regular cleaning and disinfection of places with high volume of people minimises the risk of transmission. During this time, many essential workers were required to step-up the cleaning regimes, their efforts on this front kept us safe. As Singapore plans for Phase Three, gradually reopens and allows for more public movement, we must as a society remain vigilant. The events of the past few months have made a few things clear. Government and pandemic response teams need to be constantly receptive to new information and err on the side of caution and we must all play our part. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of civic mindedness and the responsibility shared between Government, businesses and the public to keep each other safe. I am supportive of this Bill and have four points to make on the amendments. First, the pandemic has highlighted the important role essential workers play in keeping Singapore safe. The establishment of the environmental control coordinator and environmental control officer roles can be a step towards elevating the essential worker and creating pathways for career development in environmental health as individuals become experts in the subject matter.”
“(In English): In closing, we must build bridges of understanding to deal with the shifts in the global World Order and the needs of different generations. I am confident in who we are as a people and our Singaporean values that put us in good stead during these unprecedented times. As Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said in the earlier part of the debate: adapt to change but stay true to our values. The world will change with or without us, and our Little Red Dot’s best shot at driving is to change as we stay united together. We are a young country and I believe our best days are ahead of us. Mr Speaker, I support the Motion. [Applause.] 4.04 pm”
“There is no doubt in my mind that our youth are deserving and that the Government recognises this and has heavily invested in building up our youth. I hope that we continue to do so and reach even more youth segments. Mr Speaker, a few words in Malay. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] I am concerned about the COVID-19 crisis occupying the minds of our community. I am however confident that this crisis is only temporary and we can overcome it. This is because, in these trying times, the Malay community has shown solidarity to help one another in order to move forward together: I have seen the spirit of mutual cooperation and collaboration between M3 and Malay/ Muslim organizations under the SG Teguh Bersatu initiative. I am also touched to see many seniors such as retired teachers as well as qualified business leaders coming forward to help the community. I am also glad to see youths taking the time to embark on initiatives and serve the community. When I look at our community, I am filled with admiration because our Malay community is a resilient one. We appreciate the guidance from the older generation and have faith in our youths to progress towards a brighter future. I am also aware that the government has drawn up various programmes to help needy families. In the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s addendum, Minister Masagos Zulkifli outlined the government’s focus on improving social assistance so that families who need it can receive services that are more comprehensive and coordinated. I welcome this effort as it enhances the government’s reach to connect residents to the last-mile service delivery. I acknowledge that assistance given in a timely manner can change one’s life.”