Ng Eng Hen
Singapore
“I think we try to keep this virtuous state of affairs as long as we can to make sure that we can invest steadily. Year-to-year fluctuations would occur, whether it is economic, not so much in COVID-19, but remember the Global Financial Crisis? Everybody needs to take a haircut. If you have to take a haircut, you have to take a haircut.”
“Mr Chairman, as the World around us becomes more unpredictable and changes, the more we need to keep the strongest commitment to strengthen our own defences and, if needed, we must be willing to do more. Singapore celebrates 60 years of Independence this year.”
“MINDEF will continue to work with partners to encourage Singaporeans to raise their digital literacy, develop and maintain good cybersecurity habits, protect sensitive data and guard against scams, fake news and disinformation so as to make the digital domain a safer and more secure space.”
“The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) conducts regular mobilisation exercises (MOBEX) of our National Service (NS) forces. In a silent mobilisation, NSmen are notified through their personal contact numbers. Open mobilisations include the broadcast of unit code-words through mass media.”
“In 2020, the Ministry of Defence replied to a Parliamentary Question on this matter that the relocation of Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) would likely occur around 2030 or beyond, after Changi Air Base and Tengah Air Base have been expanded to house the existing assets at PLAB.”
“When incidents or near-misses happen, as it did where one Hunter armoured fighting vehicle rear-ended another during Exercise Wallaby in Australia, thorough investigations are conducted and lessons learnt shared across the units.”
The complete record
Every one of 2,266 lines we hold for Ng Eng Hen, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 21 of 46.
“Mr Speaker, let me give a direct response to Ms Ellen Lee's question on the trends of training-related deaths for National Servicemen. We have, on average, a handful of deaths. On average, two over the last decade for training deaths involving National Servicemen. Now, Sir, when I give that number, I do not want to give the impression that we are satisfied with the number. But having said that, one recognises that our safety standards are fairly high, comparatively. Again, I am not saying that that is a figure we accept. We are always striving towards zero injuries and deaths, but that is the figure as it is. The two-per-year is to be taken in the context of how many servicemen we have in training. We have 40,000 full-time National Servicemen. Each year, about 180,000 NSmen come back for their In-Camp Training for a few days to a few weeks. We will continue to strengthen the safety system, so that we can keep the numbers to as low as possible.”
“The SAF will learn from the incidents, correct any inadequacies and punish those who disregarded safety regulations. I am happy to answer clarifications.”
“We will explore safer alternatives to the existing type of smoke grenade for use in training. We will reinforce measures to ensure safe management of servicemen with a history of asthma. We will also ensure that the TSRs are adhered to on the ground. But beyond the specific measures, the SAF will also make three key systemic changes to strengthen training safety across the whole SAF. First, we will deploy more safety officers on the ground. They will be designated as full-time Unit Safety Officers whose primary role will be to ensure that units and servicemen comply with safety measures. Second, an Army Safety Review Board (ASRB), chaired by a senior civil servant outside MINDEF, has been set up to review the Army's overall safety structure, processes and culture. Third, the SAF will set up an SAF Inspectorate, reporting directly to the Chief of Defence Force. The SAF Inspectorate will set the safety culture across the entire SAF and oversee the individual inspectorates of the three services. In this way, it will promulgate best practices and ensure the robustness of safety-related policies, that they are up to date and sound throughout the SAF. Page: 1255 Mr Speaker, Sir, every Singaporean son is precious and any injury or death in the SAF is one too many. But to prevent injuries and death, our commanders and soldiers must observe training safety regulations. Any commander who ignores safety regulations, whether wilfully or negligently, puts his soldiers at risk, and is not fit for command. Our soldiers can train realistically and safely. There need not be a compromise. Indeed, the more we ensure that conditions are safe, the greater confidence our soldiers will have in training. These two deaths could have been avoided if safety instructions had been followed.”
“Other personnel in the Combat Intelligence School have also been relieved of their duties: (a) The Head of the Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition Wing, Major Poon Chen Song; Page: 1254 (b) The School Sergeant Major, 1st Warrant Officer Lim Ser Wei; (c) The exercise Supervising Officer, Lieutenant Marcus Koh Men; and (d) The exercise Conducting Officer, Master Sergeant Lee Kong Kean. All these SAF personnel have been re-deployed to assignments where they will not be supervising soldiers for training or operations. As in the previous case, the Chief Military Prosecutor will determine if these personnel should be subject to a General Court Martial (GCM). Police investigations are also ongoing to determine whether to prosecute the personnel involved in Civil Court. This includes the unlicensed driver of the jeep, 3SG Cavin Tan. The vehicular management system in the CIS has been tightened. The SAF has also reviewed other units to ensure that unauthorised driving does not occur during field training. It is now mandatory for drivers to display their driving licence visibly on the vehicle dashboard. All SAF units have now tightened control over the use and movement of vehicles so that the keys of that vehicle are not inadvertently handed to unlicensed drivers. While the SAF has a robust training safety system in place, these two incidents show that more needs to be done. The SAF is determined to put things right and correct any inadequacies uncovered. More importantly, we want to ensure that these lax attitudes toward training safety remain isolated instances and do not take root in our system. Specifically, after these two incidents, we have already tightened the control and management of SAF vehicles in units and during field training.”
“When the jeep overturned, 3SG Tan was thrown out and pinned under the jeep. 3SG Tan was extricated, attended to by a medic and evacuated in a safety vehicle to the Nee Soon Camp Medical Centre. The duty Medical Officer immediately accompanied 3SG Tan to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital via SAF ambulance. 3SG Tan underwent emergency surgery but, despite this, succumbed to his injuries. According to the Health Sciences Authority, the cause of death, as certified by the forensic pathologist, was "haemorrhage from severe pelvic crush injuries". The COI was of the opinion that specific instances of individual negligence and breaches of safety had contributed to 3SG Tan's death. First, the jeep driver was not licensed to drive. The Conducting Officer had assigned the jeep driver to drive without checking if he had a licence. Neither did the assigned jeep driver highlight to his superior that he was not licensed to drive a jeep. Second, the two rear passengers, one of whom was 3SG Tan, were not wearing helmets or lap belts. The Vehicle Commander did not ensure that the jeep passengers wore their helmets or lap belts. The COI found that Combat Intelligence School (CIS), the school in question which conducted this training package, had a weak safety culture. In the course of its investigations, the COI uncovered other previous instances of unlicensed driving. The vehicle management system was also not satisfactory, with lax access to vehicles by servicemen in the field during training. Shortly after the incident, MINDEF removed the Commanding Officer (CO) of the Combat Intelligence School, Lieutenant-Colonel Vincent Lam Fei Liong, from his command and appointed a new Commanding Officer.”
“For missions, we will continue to use zinc chloride smoke grenades as they are judged still to be the most operationally effective. The second public concern arising from this case is due to asthma, as a significant proportion of National Servicemen – one in five – have asthma, albeit often in a mild form. The SAF convened a Respiratory Medicine Specialist Advisory Board, consisting of five senior respiratory medicine specialists to address this issue, taking into account the COI report. The Advisory Board concluded that the SAF medical classification on asthma is relevant, up to date and in line with national and international standards. It is still safe for servicemen with a history of asthma to undergo training with smoke grenades if the TSRs are followed. I thank the COI and the Board for their valuable work. Page: 1253 MINDEF has relieved the exercise Chief Safety Officer, Captain Chia Thye Siong, and the Platoon Commander who threw the smoke grenades, Captain Najib Hanuk Bin Muhamad Jalal, of their duties. They have been re-deployed to assignments which do not oversee soldiers in training or operations. Following procedures and due process, the Chief Military Prosecutor will determine if these personnel should be subject to a General Court Martial (GCM), to establish their degree of culpability and, if found guilty, to mete out the appropriate punishment. Police investigations are also ongoing to determine whether to prosecute the personnel involved in Civil Court. Let me now present the COI findings on the death of 3SG Tan. 3SG Tan was an instructor of a Reconnaissance Commanders' Course held at the Marsiling training area on 11 May this year. He was travelling with other instructors in a scout jeep and seated at the rear of the jeep.”
“Sir, smoke grenades which produce zinc chloride fumes have been in use by the SAF since 1970s. They are also used by other militaries and agencies, such as the United States and the Republic of Korea militaries, because in acceptable concentrations of exposure, these smoke grenades are safe. Lung injury following exposure to zinc chloride fumes, and even deaths, have been reported in international literature but the numbers are few and mainly occur after exposure to high concentrations of zinc chloride fumes. In fact, PTE Lee's death directly attributable to zinc chloride inhalation is the first on SAF's records. To update our TSR for smoke grenades, MINDEF had in 1998 commissioned the Department of Community, Occupational and Family Medicine of the National University of Singapore to conduct a detailed technical evaluation of smoke grenades. Specifically, concentrations of zinc chloride fumes were measured at different distances from the thrown smoke grenades to determine the safety parameters. The findings of that study now form the TSR for smoke grenades that I have previously detailed. Smoke grenades, which have zinc chloride fumes, are still safe to use if the TSRs are observed. However, despite these assurances, I can understand the anxiety of our soldiers and their families, arising from this isolated incident of a death due to inhalation of zinc chloride fumes. So that our soldiers can train with confidence, MINDEF would like to address these concerns directly. Following PTE Lee's death, the SAF has suspended for training exercises the use of the smoke grenades which produce zinc chloride fumes. The suspension will continue as the SAF is studying using smoke grenades which do not produce zinc chloride for training exercises.”
“The COI opined that "if the TSR had been complied with, PTE Lee and his platoon mates would not have been subjected to smoke that was as dense as that during the incident, and for as long as they were during the incident" and that "reduced exposure to smoke would have reduced the risks of any adverse reactions to the smoke." The COI concluded that "the cause of death of PTE Lee resulted from inhalation of the fumes from the smoke grenades used in the incident". The COI is of the opinion that the actions of the Platoon Commander, a Regular Captain, were negligent as he was aware of the specific TSR but did not comply with it. PTE Lee's pre-enlistment medical screening records revealed that he had a history of asthma. The COI found that PTE Lee's medical classification and vocational assignment were appropriate, based on the severity and control of his asthma condition. The COI was unable to establish with certainty if PTE Lee's history of asthma was a contributory factor to his death. First, the COI noted that the specific effects of zinc chloride fumes on asthmatics had not been reported in medical literature. Second, adverse reactions to zinc chloride can occur even in individuals without asthma. Third, the other platoon mates with asthma had developed only mild symptoms after the exposure to the zinc chloride fumes in the same exercise. Page: 1252 To prevent a recurrence, the COI recommended measures to ensure compliance with TSRs through strengthening the role of the Safety Officer and educating commanders and troops on the Training Safety Regulations. Sir, I have concluded the findings and recommendations from the COI and would like to now brief Members on SAF's and MINDEF's measures in acting on the report. First, on the use of smoke grenades in training.”
“Smoke grenades were thrown outside a building. PTE Lee entered one of the rooms of that building, and experienced breathing difficulties after exposure to the smoke. He was immediately accompanied away from the smoke but lost consciousness outside the building. He received Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation on the spot and was evacuated in a safety vehicle to the Sungei Gedong Medical Centre, before being sent to the National University Hospital (NUH) in an SAF ambulance. Resuscitative efforts by an SAF medical officer continued throughout the journey and at NUH. The COI found that "the medical aid rendered was timely, adequate and proper". Regrettably, however, PTE Lee was pronounced dead after these attempts failed. Page: 1251 The cause of death was certified by the forensic pathologist of the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) to be due to an "acute allergic reaction to zinc chloride due to inhalation of zinc chloride fumes". Zinc chloride is a primary component of smoke grenades currently used in the SAF. The COI found that the number of smoke grenades used in the exercise exceeded the limit specified in training safety regulations. The Training Safety Regulations (TSR) stipulate that the minimum distance between each thrown smoke grenade should be not less than 20 metres and that the minimum distance between troops and the thrown smoke grenade should not be less than 10 metres. Based on the exercise layout, not more than two smoke grenades should have been used, but the Platoon Commander had thrown six grenades instead.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to report to this House the findings from the Committees of Inquiry (COI) that were convened after the deaths of two full-time National Servicemen in separate training incidents in April and May this year. Before I begin, I want to offer my deepest condolences to the families of PTE Lee Rui Feng Dominique Sarron and 3SG Tan Mou Sheng. The SAF and MINDEF are deeply sorry for the untimely and tragic loss of PTE Lee and 3SG Tan and the anguish and distress it has brought to their families. I will now ask the Clerk to distribute the facts of these two cases [copies of factsheet were distributed to hon Members]. The COIs were convened by the Armed Forces Council to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of PTE Lee and 3SG Tan. COIs are chaired by senior civil servants outside MINDEF. Members also include one or two medical specialists, who would be able to provide professional expertise. The COI has full powers and access to information and personnel to independently investigate fully the circumstances leading to death, to determine the contributory events or persons and make recommendations to rectify lapses, if any. MINDEF and the SAF treat COI reports with utmost seriousness so that we can avoid similar occurrences. In the cases of PTE Lee and 3SG Tan, their respective COIs have uncovered clear breaches of training safety regulations in the events that led to their deaths. I will now brief the Members of this House on their key findings, and the follow-up measures the SAF will take in response. First, on PTE Lee Rui Feng Dominique Sarron. The main substantive findings from the COI report on PTE Lee. On 17 April 2012, PTE Lee participated in an exercise at the Murai Urban Training Facility at Lim Chu Kang.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I intend to make a Ministerial Statement to the House at the conclusion of proceedings on item 1 on today's Order Paper. As such, I beg to move, [(proc text) That, under Standing Order 10(2), a Ministerial Statement by the Minister for Defence be taken immediately after item 1 on the Order Paper for today. (proc text)] [(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)] [(proc text) Resolved, "That, under Standing Order 10(2), a Ministerial Statement by the Minister for Defence be taken immediately after item 1 on the Order Paper for today." (proc text)] Page: 1220”
“Mr Speaker, as I said and it stands, those who default on their NS liabilities or fail to register or enlist are NS defaulters, and that is in our Enlistment Act, and that Act stands. Page: 1213”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, Permanent Residents who are liable for National Service but who leave Singapore before enlistment and fail to register or enlist for National Service have committed an offence under the Enlistment Act. They are NS defaulters. Under the Enlistment Act, NS defaulters shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or both. They would have to fulfil their National Service obligations thereafter. None of them are allowed to return on student passes or work passes or on PR status, without resolving their NS offence and serving out their NS liability.”
“Again, Mr Speaker, yes. The Member has brought up a very relevant point. The SAF is now required to respond to a wider spectrum of threats, not only scenarios of extreme aggression, response to extreme aggression, but, in recent years, as you have seen, response to humanitarian assistance in the Indian Ocean tsunami, in terms of Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar. That calls for a re-look at our capabilities, not only in terms of transport but in terms of integrating our various services. So, this is very much well into our planning process, and we will acquire platforms that allow us to fulfil our missions, that are very cost effective. And yet, at the same time, we are also mindful in terms of our manpower resources to make sure that they are manned very leanly. Page: 1047”
“The answer to the Member is, yes, and it is a good problem. I will just give two examples, recent ones. Recently, when I visited the division headquarters (HQ), these were NSmen who were in their late 30s and early 40s. For Members who had done NS, you would remember that when you entered in-camp training (ICT) and you were recceing the grounds for the deployment and operations, previously there was a bit of a lag time. The complaint that they gave me was that the moment they entered into ICT, the division HQ was up and running and they were staring at computer screens, the recce was over and done with. Because now you can recce and send images back on the spot without even having to come back. So, it is a good problem and the Member is quite right, some of them are saying that the transition – from civilian life just an hour before, to military operations – is a stark one. And I see that as a good problem. Page: 1047 Another example is these technical gadgets that we have, we place them on men, or our tanks or various platforms, where you know that you are shot, and that provides realism into the training situation. So, I would say, yes, as the technologically advanced platforms are put into place not only in terms of effect but for training, there is certainly more realism and it does require our men to train more realistically. But the feedback has been that it is a positive one. They like the fact that this is realistic.”
“For the Navy, the Formidable-class frigates need a full complement of about 70 men, a very lean crew compared to similar warships from other navies, which typically operate with about 100 men. The recently acquired Heron-1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) also gives us greater aerial surveillance capabilities for the same number of people deployed, as compared to older UAVs. The SAF will continue to invest steadily and prudently in such advanced technologies to sharpen our capabilities and to be more efficient in the use of our manpower resources. Beyond investing in technologically advanced platforms, we also leverage on technology to network our platforms together to provide us greater synergy in training and operations. So, one example is the recently inaugurated community for Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence. Another important factor driving up the overall capability and productivity of the SAF lies in the rising quality of our servicemen. Our servicemen are more educated now and also more technologically savvy and are able to train more effectively, as well as operate the sophisticated systems within the 3G SAF. So, as a whole, the higher quality of our NSmen, combined with the advanced platforms and effective use of technology to network our systems, will ensure that the SAF continues to be an effective military force and a strong deterrent against any aggression.”
“Mr Speaker, as National Service (NS) enlistees are drawn from eligible male Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, the SAF is affected by birth rates and demographic trends. To illustrate, let me give Members some figures. So, if you look at the 1990s, we were drawing in about 15,000 NSmen that were enlisted into the SAF each year. This was in the 1990s. From the year 2000, we experienced higher numbers because the children born to cohorts of baby-boomers came of enlistment age, and this included the males born in the year of the Dragon in 1988. So, as a result, the SAF enlistments increased and reached a peak of about 21,000 in 2011. Going forward, due to an ageing population and declining fertility trends, SAF enlistments are expected to gradually taper and revert to levels in the 1990s, of about 15,000 each year. With these enlistment numbers, our long-term projections till 2040 indicate that the SAF will still be able to mobilise about 300,000 soldiers from Regulars, Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) and Operationally Ready NSmen (ORNS). The SAF has taken into account our manpower requirements over the longer term through our transformation towards a 3rd Generation (3G) SAF. Through advances in technology and with more effective systems and platforms, various units within the 3G SAF are now more potent and yet need fewer men to operate. Page: 1046 Let me give Members some examples. The recently acquired High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) needs only three men to fully operate the system, compared with 12 men needed for other artillery systems with less precision and destructive effects.”
“We are moving towards more concrete and practical steps for confidence building. One clear example is the exercise to be held next year in Brunei, which Brunei is chairing under the auspices of the ASEAN Defence Ministers-Plus. It will be the first exercise that I know of that will have 18 nations under the Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief (HADR) and Military Medicine theme in which 18 nations – the 10-plus-8 – will participate in. Singapore is very supportive of this and giving our full assistance to Brunei when they asked for it, and we will participate in that exercise as well.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, with regard to the Member's first supplementary question: these are specific figures that he is asking for – whether it is 80% for that particular operation, Enduring Freedom. I hesitate to accept the preamble unless the Member claims that he is really sure of the figures. But if he wants an affirmation that that is the figure, I would have to check it out and I would encourage him to file another Parliamentary Question on it. Related to the question, if there is such an exigency, it is theoretical and I would hesitate to respond to any theoretical construct. Let me just say broadly, in general terms, the use of military ships and planes falls under two specific agreements. One, as I said, the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding as well as the Strategic Framework Agreement for the Use of Facilities. Those are specific terms in which they can use our facilities, and I think the US has adhered to that over the years. Page: 951 How do we see Singapore within the context of US-Sino relations? We are friends of both and we certainly seek that not only in our relationship with either China or the US but indeed, more importantly, the US-China relationship to be a constructive one. As we have often said, the US-China relationship for the next few decades will be the most important relationship that shapes the outcome of the Asia-Pacific region. In private as well as in public, we have advocated both sides to look for constructive measures, to look for ways in which that relationship can be based on building trust as well as mutually beneficial outcomes. In the public domains and in multi-lateral fora, we have pushed for that. The Shangri-la Dialogue, the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus.”
“Page: 950 Ultimately, Singapore is friends with both, and hopes that the US-China relations flourish. We do not wish to see their relations deteriorate and, indeed, both sides – China and the US – have openly affirmed that the Asia-Pacific region is big enough to accommodate both the US and China. Other nations need not choose better relations with one at the expense of the other. Instead, all stakeholders should work towards an inclusive regional security framework that builds common understanding and cooperation. To achieve this, the ASEAN Defence Ministers and their "Plus" partners are expanding dialogue and enhancing military-to-military interactions through the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting and other multilateral fora. Asst Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene (Nominated Member): Mr Speaker, I thank the Minister for his reply. I have two follow-up questions. One relates to the operational exigencies with regard to the US military presence here in Singapore. I understand that in Operation Enduring Freedom, which was the US military's response in Afghanistan in the immediate aftermath of September 11, 80% of US air power stationed in Afghanistan either came through Singapore or was serviced from Singapore. My question is whether in the event of an operational exigency, what would be the expectations or demands on Singapore? Secondly, I am glad that the Minister has affirmed that the Sino-US relationship and their engagement in the region are not a zero-sum game. I would like to ask the Minister how he sees Singapore's role in trying to further this idea that it need not be a zero-sum game.”
“Mr Speaker, the United States is widely acknowledged to have played a key role for the past half a century in providing the security within the Asia-Pacific region that facilitated the development and progress of its regional countries, Singapore included. Singapore, therefore, welcomes the US' continued engagement of this region to ensure Asia's prosperity and security. In recognition of the US' positive influence in the region, we have allowed US military aircraft and vessels to use our facilities for several decades – first, under our 1990 Memorandum of Understanding and, later, in 2005, under the Strategic Framework Agreement signed by Prime Minister Lee and then-President George W Bush. The recent announcement of the deployment of up to four US Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) to use our military facilities is consistent with these signed agreements. US ships and planes use our facilities for transit and are not based in Singapore. Their crew members do not live here. Similarly, the LCS crew will live on board their ship for the duration of their deployment, and their family members will not live in Singapore. The Member asked about China. For China, Singapore recognises that it is a rising power in Asia and a critical security partner of this region. The US-China relationship is the most important relationship that will affect the peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Singapore is, therefore, heartened to note that both sides have openly committed to building a cooperative partnership based on mutual respect and benefit. That said, elements of competition and even strategic rivalry can be expected, and much work remains for both countries to foster positive ties.”
“The table shows the breakdown of National Service (NS) defaulter cases from 2006 to 2011. NS defaulters are those who failed to register or enlist for NS, or failed to return after their exit permits expired. Page: 925 As we are not able to locate them, we do not have the updated place of residence for NS defaulters. Page: 925”
“While there has been some of the most creative campaigns and advertisements around, there is a limitation to what awareness programmes can do to sway the deeply-rooted mindsets of those who have no sense of social responsibility. It has to be a coordinated, concerted effort by all socially responsible people in Singapore, alongside the authorities. A litter-free environment, clean public toilets and hawker centres are not elusive if all of us play our part. We are a civilised city with good infrastructure, educated people and a history of being one of the cleanest countries in the world. There is no excuse for us not to be on par with Japan, South Korea and the Scandinavian nations. Let us not let 44 years of hard work cleaning up our country go to waste. Together, we can make Singapore clean and beautiful!”
“Education on social responsibility and public hygiene should be widely encouraged in school activities. My friends in Japan told me that Japanese children are encouraged and taught from a very young age to clean up after themselves. School children are tasked to work in teams to clean their classrooms and corridors after class on a rotational basis. Some schools even assign toilet cleaning duties to the students, although hired cleaners are still responsible for aspects that demand greater skill and difficulty. In local schools, toilet and cleaning duties tend to be delegated to errant students as a form of punishment. This should not be the case. Cleaning up after oneself is a social obligation that everyone should be proud of doing, not punished into doing. At home, parents should be good role models to their children. With the hike in foreign worker levies, this is the best opportunity to work with businesses to help them lower their dependence on foreign cleaners. All Town Councils too will support this, I believe. Assist them to design and implement technology and methodologies that will help them to keep their establishments clean. Encourage them to provide proper facilities for convenient disposal of rubbish, and insist on proper behaviour and responsibility. Let us begin with the meeting rooms. After a meeting, participants should be encouraged to clear the room of any cups and papers and not let the cleaner do the work. Page: 894 In conclusion, maintaining public cleanliness is not only the duty of the authorities and cleaning staff. Littering is a problem that plagues many countries.”
“Page: 893 Considering that the majority of people in Singapore do not litter, it is essential to grow this population by establishing a social norm where these morally-upright people are not afraid to reprimand litterbugs, where they are keen to spread good practices within their social sphere of influence. This is very commonly practised in Japan. I have a resident who just recently visited Japan with his daughter, and he told me that his daughter saw a Pepsi can left on the floor. With good intention, she picked up the can and she was walking to look for a bin. And she walked and walked and walked but could not find a bin. Then she quietly put it down on the floor again. And at this moment, she was surrounded by a group of Japanese and pointing to her to ask her to pick up the can. I think this is the behaviour that we would like to see in Singapore. At the beginning of this year, the Public Hygiene Council had announced that this is what it hopes to do in outreach efforts to inculcate good hygiene practices. I commend such effort. I also propose teaching citizens how they can approach litterbugs in a safe and inoffensive manner to assert their stand, as one of the greatest concerns about calling out illegal acts is being treated with aggression. Perhaps if there is such a scheme, I would volunteer my grassroots leaders and residents who are keen to be trained by NEA. Let us showcase our role models. Let us recognise businesses that make the effort to encourage their employees to support the clean and beautiful philosophy. Social and moral responsibilities are values that are more effectively inculcated from a young age. It is time to instil these values via our education system by imparting knowledge and introducing hands-on projects.”
“This initiative was so popular and lucrative that courses were created to teach citizens how to take good photos and videos of offenders which could serve as evidence for the police. There is even a term "ssu-parazzi" which is used to refer to regular citizens who specialise in catching litterbugs on film. If the Singapore public is not willing to testify in Court, then encourage them to put the litterbugs on YouTube and let it go viral for everyone to see. Or send it to a Government agency for upload onto a web or Facebook to shame the litterbugs so that their friends, colleagues, relatives, family may spot them. Perhaps we should start another campaign: shame on you, litterbugs! Looking at the quality of photos and videos posted on STOMP of citizens committing anti-social acts in public, I believe our citizens do not require professional training. On a serious note, they have proven their keen instincts for bizarre acts around them, as well as a sense of moral responsibility. Otherwise, they would not have taken the trouble and risk to capture those scenes and posting them online to shame the offenders. Let us make the most out of their interest and skills. Encourage them to turn over the evidence to the authorities. These would facilitate easier location and arrest of offenders. In the long run, litterbugs will be conditioned to bin their litter right on the understanding that someone out there is always ready to catch their anti-social antics on camera. This initiative would incur a cost for rewarding citizens' whose work has led to successful arrests. However, the costs can be derived from the fines paid by litterbugs.”
“They litter where litter has accumulated; this is evident in the case of stacks of rubbish found at lift landings or outside rubbish chutes in HDB estates. They litter where they know others will pick up after them; our cleaners are so efficient that litterbugs are under the impression that their offence is of no consequence. There is no reinforcement of anti-littering mentality from a young age. With the prevalence of maid employment, such mentality is probably deemed unnecessary by some parents as the maids would clean up after the children. Some adults, sadly, do not set a good example to their children. According to a survey this year by NEA about littering, about six in 10 respondents say they "never litter". This shows that about 60% of our population are considerate people with morals, but may lack the courage to tell off the 40% who litter, and would rather develop tolerance for the offence. Page: 892 It takes a concerted effort from all parties to make social responsibility obligatory. Government agencies may explore more effective enforcement methods to nab the litterbugs. While the state of cleanliness is deteriorating, I understand that the number of litterbugs nabbed is decreasing instead of increasing. I just wonder, why? Is it because the enforcement officers are not in plain clothes, but in uniforms where people can then recognise them? Or is there a lack of usage of technology? Take South Korea − one of the countries praised for high public cleanliness standards – has likewise had its fair share of littering problems in the past. The Seoul authorities came up with a unique solution – reward citizens for producing evidence of lawbreakers, litterbugs included, caught red-handed in the act.”
“Somebody told me recently that in the radio Programme Capital 958 radio station, there was a caller who called in and said, "I heard MP Lee Bee Wah say that she wants to implement ‘no cleaner days'. But we all have already paid Town Council fees, why should we be deprived of cleaners?" This attitude is deplorable, indeed, and need to be changed! Those of us who dine at the hawker centres must have been plagued by the wince-worthy sight of messy tables covered with dirty utensils, food particles and gravy. Never mind that many large hawker centres these days have return points for patrons to deposit their dirty trays and utensils. It is very disheartening indeed! They can return the trays in schools and during their reservist training, why can it not be done when they are out into the working world? Hiring more cleaners is not a long-lasting solution. Eventually, the wages of these cleaners will weigh down heavily upon the shoulders of the tax payers, while promoting further dependence on foreign workers. Neither is increasing the severity of penalties, if we cannot spare the resources to police offenders all over Singapore. The only solution is to change the mindset and habit of all residents of Singapore. There needs to be a commitment from us as individuals to uphold our Clean and Beautiful City image. It is crucial to understand why people litter in Singapore. I have arrived at a few main conclusions, based on personal observation and research shared by other countries as part of their anti-litter campaigns. Litterbugs have no sense of ownership; they litter at public places, thinking that it does not make a difference to their lives.”
“These days, the picture is fading, especially at certain busy thoroughfares, walkways, bus stops, and so forth. Page: 891 Let me share with Members my experience in Nee Soon South. In Khatib Central, we have cleaners cleaning at 9.00 am as well as 5.00 pm. So, last Friday, I told Town Council cleaners not to do any cleaning from 5.00 pm onwards. And on Saturday, I went with about 100 grassroots leaders and community leaders to Khatib Central. We picked up bags and bags of rubbish. A lot of cigarettes butts, Toto/4D tickets and a lot of rubbish that was cleared out from the cars onto the carpark lots, and a lot of rubbish left behind at the loading and unloading bays at the back of the shops. And I am sure this is not uniquely Nee Soon South. It happens in a lot of places in Singapore. Perhaps we have indeed become complacent. Perhaps a new generation has not learnt the lesson that filth and grime can impact environmental health. We have become dependent on an army of 70,000 cleaners, who do two to three rounds of cleaning each day in the public areas. While the various Government agencies have organised awareness campaigns year after year, and enforced penalties on the offenders who were booked, many get away. They know that the enforcement officers cannot be everywhere, every time and any time. People are disposing litter where they should not. This is despite the fact that we almost "litter" our surroundings with bins to make it easier for them to throw their unwanted cups, papers, cigarette butts, etc. To many, they feel: why make the effort to throw the rubbish in the right place when someone will clean up after me?”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That Parliament do now adjourn." [(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)] Standard of Cleanliness in Singapore 6.45 pm Er Dr Lee Bee Wah: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I urge this House, being aware that with the population growth, indiscriminate littering has made the upkeep and cleanliness of housing estates increasingly difficult, and mindful that there is a limit to the deployment of more manpower for cleaning work, pledge that Singapore is committed to preserve its reputation as a clean and beautiful garden city. Growing up in a clean and beautiful garden city is something older Singaporeans are accustomed to. They have lived through the worst years of the pre-1960s and help our country to achieve its reputation as a litter-free garden city. The first national Keep Singapore Clean campaign was launched by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew on 1st October 1968. The month-long campaign was aimed at making Singapore the cleanest and greenest city in the region by focusing on the problem of inconsiderate littering. The campaign sought to instil in Singaporeans of all ages the importance of keeping public places clean. More than just a campaign, there were also changes in public health laws, hawkers were re-housed at hawker centres, proper sewage systems were developed, and disease control was vigorously pursued. The belief was that improved environmental conditions will not only enhance the quality of life for Singaporeans and cultivate national pride but also attract foreign investors and tourists to our shores. Indeed, years ago, I would take delight in hearing tourists and foreign friends express surprise and admiration over our sparkling pavements and the roadsides lined with lush, fresh greenery and floral.”
“They represent Singaporeans of all ages from all walks of life and background who spend many hours a week over several months preparing and rehearsing to perfect their drills and performances. The commitment and contributions of these participants are entirely voluntary and far exceed what they receive.”
“The National Day Parade (NDP) is the most significant highlight on our national calendar and one that brings Singaporeans here and overseas, of all races and religions, together to celebrate our independence. Each year, 125,000 spectators10 watch the parade live at the Marina Bay Floating Platform and over 2 million view the show on television. Many more Singaporeans follow the parade around the world through Channel NewsAsia (International) and Live Web streaming. Government expenditures on the NDP for the last 10 Financial Years are presented in the Table below. In general, costs of the NDP rose substantially when held in venues like the Padang and the Marina Float as these sites required substantial preparatory work for the show and spectator stands. The NDP show accounts for about half the expenditure and includes costs of production and items such as costumes and props, lighting and effects, as well as rental of multi-media equipment. The remaining expenditure is on infrastructure development and improvement works, logistics and supplies, publicity and security operations. Manpower costs are imputed in all these items but as they are not directly costed, MINDEF is unable to provide an accurate figure. On average, about 10,000 SAF and Home Team personnel are deployed for the NDP. Very few civil servants are directly involved. Another 5,000 participants from civilian organisations, private companies, schools and volunteer groups take part in various segments of the celebration. Participants are provided meals and transportation for the rehearsals. They are also provided props and costumes for their performances.”
“There are currently 41 full-time National Servicemen and 61 Operationally-Ready National Servicemen with Asperger's Syndrome. They were either diagnosed with this condition before enlistment or during full-time National Service when they were referred to the SAF psychiatrist for behavioural issues. Over the five-year period from 2007-2011, a total of 55 pre-enlistees diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome were enlisted into full-time National Service. The number each year ranged from five to 15 and were assigned the appropriate Physical Employment Standards (PES) based on their ability to function socially and carry out vocational duties. They are usually assigned PES C or lower. To enable SAF servicemen with Asperger's Syndrome to be meaningfully engaged and contribute during their full-time National Service, SAF psychiatrists, psychologists and counsellors work closely with these servicemen and their unit commanders to equip them with inter-personal and vocational skills.”
“At the same time, we will do the utmost to ensure the well-being and safety of our National Servicemen, and work on enhancing their motivation and morale. We will continue our efforts to engender pride in Singaporeans for the institution of National Service and enhance their commitment to defence. MINDEF continues to actively engage the public. Our Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence, or ACCORD, draws members from a wide spectrum of society. Their inputs and expertise allow MINDEF to strengthen our awareness of public sentiment and respond to the concerns of the public. We will continue to work towards strengthening national resilience and collective commitment to defence through our annual Total Defence campaign. MINDEF will continue to adopt a personal, inclusive and ground-up approach to our engagement efforts. We will also tap on new channels in social media to connect with the public. In partnership with all Singaporeans, MINDEF will stand steadfast and alert in our task to ensure that Singapore remains safe and secure for all. Page: 23 Ministry of Education (Addendum to the President's Address)”
“We currently have a team of 10 Military Institutional Trainers, a 13-strong medical team and a six-man Imagery Analysis Team in Afghanistan. We will continue to play our part in the international efforts to combat piracy in the Gulf of Aden, as part of Combined Task Force 151. The SAF is respected as a credible and professional armed forces, ready to defend the interests of our country. Our prudent and steady investment in defence will enable us to build an SAF with capabilities for a wide spectrum of operations, primarily to protect our nation against direct threats and also respond flexibly in peacetime to transnational security challenges posed by terrorism, piracy, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and natural disasters. The SAF will continue to modernise and upgrade its capabilities into an integrated, network-centric force, with the ability to sense quicker, manoeuvre forces effectively, and strike targets precisely. In our transformation efforts, we will continue to rely on the dynamism, will and professionalism of our people. As our systems and operations become more complex, our people will need to build deep professional expertise, and engage in knowledge creation and continuous learning. We will continue to enhance our training methods, curriculum and learning environment, and provide fulfilling careers and opportunities for professional development. There will also be more opportunities for continuing education and training as part of our servicemen's professional development. Page: 23 National Service remains a crucial and indispensible element of Singapore's defence. National servicemen form the backbone of the SAF. We must ensure that training is realistic and effective to raise a potent fighting force.”
“A secure environment lays the foundation for peace and progress in Singapore. A strong defence safeguards our sovereignty and vital interests and enlarges our political space in the pursuit of a better future for Singaporeans. This need for stability is especially pertinent given the uncertainties in the regional environment driven by global strategic shifts. The aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis is still unfolding as the US and Europe face considerable economic difficulties. There have been dramatic changes in the Middle East but the ramifications of this "Arab Spring" remain uncertain. The fight against terrorism has not ended even though Osama bin Laden is dead. In our region, we continue to see flashes of tension in the Korean Peninsula and over the South China Sea. The interplay of relations between US and China will continue to have an impact on ASEAN and our region. Singapore works closely with our friends and like-minded partners through bilateral and multilateral platforms. Our efforts seek to strengthen relationships with individual partners, while actively encouraging an open and inclusive regional security architecture with ASEAN at the centre. We have pushed for greater regional cooperation through fora such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus. The Shangri-la Dialogue will continue to be an important and useful platform for security leaders to meet and share perspectives. Beyond our shores, Singapore will continue to play our role judiciously as a responsible member of the global community to ensure peace and stability in our region. The SAF makes niche contributions to international security operations and participates in the multinational stabilisation and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan.”
“Front or back bench, pro-Government or Opposition, let us each resolve to find the wisdom through rigorous debate and impartial scrutiny on issues that affect the lives of our people. Let us, above all, have the courage of our convictions to speak out and do what is the best for our nation. On this raison d'etre, Mr Speaker, we entrust ourselves to your impartial and guiding hand and the mercy and finality of your judicious guillotine. 4.06 pm”
“Mr Abdullah also spearheaded initiatives to improve the physical facilities of this Chamber. These included the installation of security glass panels, LCD screens, adjustable lecterns, better acoustic walls and an improved ventilation system. He ably chaired various Select Committees of the House and in particular the Special Select Committee that nominated four batches of Nominated Members of Parliament. During his tenure, Mr Abdullah had the distinction of serving as the President of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) from 2007 to 2008 and the President of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) from 2009 to 2010, which culminated in Singapore hosting the 29th AIPA General Assembly in August 2008 and the 18th Meeting of the APPF in January 2010. Mr Speaker, Mr Abdullah's long career spanning some 26 years in Parliament is an outstanding record of distinguished service and this House puts on record its appreciation and gratitude to him. We hope he will enjoy a long, deserved and happy retirement and wish him the very best for the years ahead. [Applause.] Mr Speaker, Sir, this Twelfth Parliament has an increased number of Members, with 87 elected Members and three Non-Constituency Members. With nine Opposition Members, this House has the largest number of Members on its Opposition benches since 1967. Of the 90 Members that we now have, 30 are new Members, forming one-third of the House. I welcome all Members to this Twelfth Parliament. Old or new, let us Members all resolve to conduct ourselves in a manner that maintains the high esteem of our Parliament. To this honourable elected position, let us never betray the trust or degrade the respect won from Singaporeans.”
“(vii) last year, the House deliberated on a backbencher's Bill, the Maintenance of Parents (Amendment) Bill, to reinforce the social responsibility of parental maintenance. (viii) recently, the Constitution (Amendment) Bill was also debated and passed which raised the minimum number of opposition seats in the House to nine. I would also remind everyone that in the midst of this turbulent period, we had a change of Prime Minister in 2004. Singaporeans have been through a lot and have shown resilience. Mr Speaker, greater nations have stumbled, if not fractured, over lesser crises we have had to face in the last decade. Through it all, this Parliament has guided Singapore through these momentous changes in the political and social landscape and played its vital and positive role in Singapore's nation building. Mr Abdullah, as Speaker, has delivered on his promise to be impartial and to preserve the dignity of this House. He did this with quiet patience and firmness in the conduct of House proceedings and ensured that the standards of behaviour and debate in this House were maintained. Mr Abdullah also sought to improve on our efficiency, yet never sacrificing our ability to make adequate representation on behalf of Singaporeans. And he reminded Members, "But be as concise as you can and try hard to avoid repetition. Long and rambling speeches are also subject to the laws of diminishing returns!" Page: 10 To this end, he proposed changes to the Standing Orders in 2004 and 2010 which were supported by all Members that provided for more efficient business rules. Revised speech times gave Members more opportunities to speak in Budget debates, allowed the use of multiple languages in a single speech, and provided greater flexibility in the extension of sitting times.”
“(iii) in 2005, the House debated the Government's proposal to allow for casinos to be built in Singapore, a first in Singapore's history, followed by the passing of the Casino Control Bill. (iv) in 2006 and thereafter, this House debated and approved significant changes to our CPF system and extended employment through the Retirement Age (Amendment) Bill to improve the retirement adequacy for Singaporeans. In tandem, the fourth pillar of our social support system was added through Workfare. (v) in 2007, there was intense debate on the retention of section 377A of the Penal Code which criminalises acts of gross indecency between two male adults. Views and positions were polarised. Public petitions from both camps were received, as were hate mails by NMPs who argued their convictions. After two days of debate, Parliament concluded that legislation has to reflect both the societal norms and the views of the majority and opted to keep section 377A. Prime Minister Lee also spoke on the issue and expressed that the social norms in Singapore call for heterosexual and stable family units, but that the Government acknowledged homosexuals' contributions in society and assured that section 377A will not be actively enforced. He highlighted that people on both sides hold strong fundamental views on the matter and discussions will not bring the views of the two groups any closer, and hence it is better to stay status quo for now. (vi) in February 2009, in response to the global financial crisis, Parliament passed the Supply Bill and the Supplementary Supply (FY 2008) Bill. The President gave his assent to the corresponding Acts, effectively giving his formal approval for the drawdown of past reserves, for the first time ever, amounting to S$4.9 billion.”
“] Mr Abdullah Tarmugi was first elected as the seventh Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore at its Tenth Parliament and re-elected for the Eleventh Parliament, in all, nine-and-a-half years, from 2002 to 2011. On his election as Speaker, Mr Abdullah declared, "I shall do my utmost to fulfil the trust and confidence that Members have put in me to preside over the proceedings of this House and to preserve the dignity and role of this august institution. I shall be impartial as Members expect me to be." Further, he urged Members to "speak honestly, speak sincerely and without fear and let your conscience be your guide." His wise exhortations guided Members as they wrestled over significant pieces of legislation and motions across the spectrum of social, moral and political issues that would test conventional norms in Singapore's Tenth and Eleventh Parliaments. These debates, many contentious, reflected the challenges that confronted Singaporeans through a turbulent decade. Among others they included: (i) the Motion on the Ministry of Home Affairs' White Paper on The Jemaah Islamiyah Arrests and the Threat of Terrorism in 2003 as Singapore grappled with the homegrown threat of terrorism. It was a seminal paper that has kept us safe till now. Page: 9 (ii) in March that same year, 2003, invoking a Certificate of Urgency, this House expeditiously amended the Infectious Diseases Act to tackle the global SARS crisis. In effect, we doubled jail terms and fines for those who breach quarantine orders or expose the community to the infection by other means of wilful action or sheer neglect. With these new powers for quarantine, SARS was contained.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, on behalf of the House, I extend to you our warmest congratulations on your election as the Speaker of the Twelfth Parliament of Singapore. Sir, apart from your legal training, you also have an abiding passion for sports, having been a rugby player in your student days. You have served in the Singapore Olympic Foundation and Singapore Disability Sports Council. This House can, therefore, expect a Speaker who is used to robust interchanges to spur the others to greater heights, but always within the gentlemanly rules of fair play. Indeed, since your election to this House in 2006, you had participated actively in the debates of the House, moving and supporting motions on many issues and presenting the concerns of those who elected you to this House. Together with your chairmanship of two Government Parliamentary Committees, you bring much parliamentary and legal expertise to your role. Mr Speaker, as the eighth Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, you join an illustrious line of distinguished persons who have occupied the Chair of the House since our beginning as a Legislative Assembly in 1955. In electing you, this House places its full confidence in your ability to preside over its proceedings with dignity, fairness and impartiality. I am sure all Members will join me in pledging our full support and cooperation as you seek to improve this institution further, to uphold the standards of this Chamber and maintain the decorum by which our debates are conducted. Mr Speaker, Sir, on behalf of the House, I wish also to pay a tribute to your immediate predecessor, Mr Abdullah Tarmugi, who is with us in our Gallery. [Applause.”
“We do not want to be ahead of ourselves, we do not want to be complacent, but I think these are signs that it is a good start. Mrs Josephine Teo asked for an assurance and let me give it categorically. No student in Singapore, because he or she lacks the financial means, would be denied an education in any of our institutions. If you are able to enter that institution, we will support you financially and you will be able to complete that institution. Higher fees are for those who can afford it but no student or family that cannot afford it will be denied an education, and I can say that categorically. Mr Christopher de Souza has also asked for progress in the post-graduate programmes. I am happy to say that we announced last year that we were trying to launch a Dual Masters Degree which means that Masters students will get both a Masters from MIT as well as SUTD, and that indeed has come about. The Dual Masters programme will provide a very valuable articulation pathway for top SUTD undergraduates. Admissions have been launched and MIT and SUTD are on the track to admit their first Dual Masters cohort this year. So we will have a situation where SUTD will, in fact, produce Master graduates before its Bachelor graduates. It is a bit odd but I think that is a reflection of the commitment as well as the respect that MIT has for SUTD. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. – [Dr Ng Eng Hen]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. CONVEYANCING (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 4.20 pm”
“To have a common curriculum that has not been done in any university I know of. As I travel and share these plans, the responses have been very intriguing. It has gone off to a good start and we want to be able to offer to students something special. By the end of the day, how do we know if we will succeed? The way you know is by looking at intermediate markers. The type of students who apply for it because students are quite clever, and the faculty members. By way of sharing progress: I think we have got on to a good start. We had two admission exercises last year – April and October 2010. SUTD has set very high admission standards and despite that, it has received over 2,000 applications. High calibre students who are basically in the top 10 percentile of our population. Secondly, faculty members. SUTD has also successfully recruited an initial core of top faculty which includes academics and graduates from Cambridge, Harvard, Stanford, EPF in Lausanne, Switzerland. In fact, seven of them are now in MIT for a year-long customised faculty development programme. They are there, so they are working alongside MIT professors designing the curriculum for SUTD. Thirdly, industry's response. The way industry responds to this university will tell you whether they think that this is where we are going to produce graduates which are worthwhile. And I am happy to say that SUTD has already secured participation from industry heavyweights who are willing to fund internship or to allow these graduates to join their companies for exposure and these include IBM, Google, Huawei, Keppel Corporation and Deutsche Bank. Good brand names. This is the university that has not opened its doors but already you have got good feedback from students, from faculty, and from industry.”
“Mr Speaker, let me thank the Members for their support for the Bill. They have both raised very relevant issues that entered our thinking in designing and implementing this fourth university – SUTD. In fact, if I can sum up, first, how do we ensure that in the face of not only an increasing number of graduates locally but globally, on an explosion of graduates coming onstream, that whatever university we create, for today's Bill, SUTD adds value to graduates in terms of employability and training of their minds? Mr Christopher de Souza's point: how do we ensure that it adds value and can I give some updates? Let me address these questions. Mrs Josephine Teo is absolutely spot-on. In the face of these changes and trends, we cannot plan a university especially for our small population just to cater only to aspirations. Aspirations count. We can recount how all of us, during our house-to-house visits, see photos of parents and their graduate children wearing their caps. Invariably, their mother and father will bring you to the photo and then will explain to you where it was and how it was such a defining moment. We have to meet these aspirations, but we have to meet them such that there is value in the education they get. As I have mentioned, with 14 million graduates coming onstream and given that the world is interconnected, employers will have a choice of the type of graduates they want. Our approach to SUTD was to give something different. We do not know what we do not know and the best bet is to bring in people with very strong entrepreneurial and very credible capabilities as university professors to design the curriculum. It is a very novel concept to just amalgamate all three disciplines: Information Systems, Architecture and Engineering.”
“(c) Clause 9 provides accountability for the use of public funds by requiring the university to allow the Minister full and free access to the company's financial information; and (d) Clause 12 provides for a consequential amendment to the Private Education Act 2009 (PE Act) to exempt SUTD from the PE Act. SUTD is on track to matriculate its first cohort of students next year (2012). Students who have been admitted thus far are of a high quality both in grades and co-curricular activities. We are also very pleased with the ownership and engagement of MIT and Zhejiang University. MIT and SUTD have agreed to mount Dual-Masters programmes this year; in other words, two Masters degrees – one from SUTD and one from MIT. As a signal of MIT's commitment and confidence in the quality of SUTD. The local industry and community have also been forthcoming with numerous offers of internships and scholarships to students of SUTD, showing their support for this innovative curriculum. I am confident that SUTD will, in due course, become a new peak of excellence in Singapore's higher education landscape, and be upheld as an innovation in the global university sector. Mr Speaker, Sir, this Bill will facilitate our goals and aspirations for SUTD. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed.”
“However, given the substantial investment of public monies in SUTD and the key role our universities play in nation building, it will, like our other autonomous universities, have to be gazetted by an Act of Parliament to safeguard public interests. The SUTD Bill will, therefore, serve three key functions: (a) First, it signals to the public the Government's support for SUTD and assures the public of SUTD's credibility and standing; (b) Second, it empowers the Government to better guide the strategic development of SUTD towards meeting national objectives; and (c) Third, the Bill enables the Government to resource the university adequately to meet these objectives, while putting in place an accountability framework to monitor the use of public funds. Let me now highlight the key clauses in this Bill: (a) Clauses 3 and 8 will signal the Government’s support for SUTD to the public. Clause 3 affirms the function of the university and allows the university to confer and award degrees and other qualifications in its own name. Clause 8 makes provision for the Government to provide funding to SUTD, which will be expected to be deployed only for those objectives agreed to by the Minister for Education; (b) Clauses 4 to 7 safeguard public interest by granting the Minister for Education the power to appoint and remove Trustees, and to give his consent for: (i) the admission and removal of members of the university; (ii) the disposal of the university's undertaking or property; (iii) the voluntary winding-up of the university; and (iv) any alterations to the university's constituent documents.”
“Its educational programme will be distinctive in several ways: (a) First, as undergraduates, SUTD students will be exposed to research that is focused on addressing global challenges in areas such as healthcare, energy and environment, and those that the developing world faces; (b) Second, its curriculum will be multi-disciplinary, with degree programmes cutting across traditional engineering disciplines and integrated by design as a central theme; and (c) Third, internships and innovation programmes will also feature strongly in SUTD's curricular and extra-curricular programmes. The cost of such a high quality education at SUTD will be high. It is a different format, and you need it to develop smaller classes, a lot of interaction and it will cost about two to three times that of traditional courses. As I mentioned in this House previously, it is only fair that benefiting students bear their fair share of the costs and pay higher fees compared to other programmes in the local universities. At the same time, financial aid options, including loans and bursaries will be available for qualified needy students. As with all other publicly-funded universities, the Government will ensure that no capable student will be denied a chance to matriculate at SUTD due to the lack of financial resources. Our intent is for SUTD to be an Autonomous University, a separate legal entity, allowing it to take full ownership of its own development. This is the same approach that we had used for the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University and Singapore Management University. Basically, the greater autonomy promotes differentiation and motivates these universities to want to achieve greater excellence.”
“For example and as a start, SUTD and the Singapore Management University (SMU) are exploring the possibility of working together to launch mutually beneficial educational programmes. Second, we established SUTD in collaboration with MIT and Zhejiang University, both of which are eminent universities representing the best of East and West. SUTD students will benefit from MIT’s strong tradition of engineering excellence and entrepreneurial spirit. Its core curriculum will be jointly developed with MIT and will involve top MIT faculty in co-teaching the programmes. Through Zhejiang University, SUTD students will gain access to China, through the electives developed and delivered by Zhejiang University faculty in SUTD. There will also be opportunities for students to spend time both in MIT and Zhejiang University. This unique East-West partnership, with SUTD positioned at the centre, offers many opportunities for the flow of ideas and talent. This will be mutually beneficial to all three parties. This partnership has yielded results even before SUTD formally starts lessons. Led by MIT faculty, SUTD students-to-be participated in the International Robotics Competition in Shanghai last year. It has not started classes yet; they were just basically on the enrolment list. So, SUTD decided to rope these students-to-be to participate in the International Robotics Competition, and they emerged in second and third places. SUTD's mission is to nurture technologically grounded leaders to serve societal needs.”
“Singapore needs to ride on the wave of growth in China and tap on good ideas from the US. With our cosmopolitan outlook and bilingual language and culture, we can function as a bridge between these two giant economies. This was the motivation behind the establishment of SUTD, in collaboration with two top universities in their respective countries, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) from the US and Zhejiang University from China. All these new institutions that I have listed, which were added within the last two years – the SIT with its top-class foreign partners, NTU's new medical school with Imperial College, SUTD, the Yale-NUS College, new degree programmes at NAFA and LASALLE – now position our higher education sector for the future. We have a forward-looking higher education sector, not a backward-glancing one, which will prepare our students well for their future. And I think they offer exciting new and high quality tertiary education for Singaporeans, and to attract top international talent. Let me now focus on the substance of today's Bill, SUTD. First, SUTD is conceptualised as a medium-sized, high-quality and research-intensive university, with an undergraduate population of about 4,000, focusing on technology and design in the disciplines of engineering, information systems and architecture. SUTD hopes to produce graduates who are innovators, who can bring ideas from the drawing board into the real economy, very much like what MIT and Zhejiang University have produced. For those who know these universities, that is indeed the culture of these two universities. Apart from these foreign partners, SUTD will also leverage on other local universities.”