Nicholas Fang
Singapore
“I thank the Minister for the answers. I have three clarifications. In terms of the contingency plans for the preparation phase for Team Singapore athletes, is there any thought given to perhaps sending our athletes overseas to prepare in the run-up?”
“Mdm Speaker, one clarification for the Senior Minister of State. It is accepted that the targets that are to be met by end of 2015, would largely be 70% to 80%. I think that is a conventional wisdom of what would be achieved by the deadline of end of next year.”
“Apologies to the Minister for asking him to predict the weather. I think it has been proven historically that that is almost impossible to do. But given the unpredictability of the current situation, is there a need to reassess or change the way that Singaporeans are being advised to prepare for the haze in the months going forward?”
“Mdm Speaker, one supplementary question for the Deputy Prime Minister. I understand the latest news is that there was another attempt yesterday of another driver from Malaysia attempting to make an illegal entry at Woodlands.”
“Thank you, Madam. Apologies to the Minister to strain his voice for replies to two supplementary questions. In my cut yesterday on sporting culture, I mentioned that there seems to be a need for a greater appreciation of sports as an entertainment option comparable to movies, theatres and things like that.”
“Mdm Speaker, one supplementary question for the Acting Minister. Having travelled and trained in a variety of sports institutions around the world, this concept of trying to balance academics and sport is something that Singaporeans hold very dear. It seems to be ethos of the Sports School.”
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“Mdm Speaker, I thank the Minister for the very detailed and systematic explanation. It contrasts quite significantly with the initial replies that we, in the media, and, to a certain extent, the public, were receiving from NLB in the immediate aftermath of news emerging. The fact that the Minister is repeating himself Page: 25 also speaks to the complexity of an issue like this. I refer to my original question to the Minister which basically asks if there is an actual standard of procedure for communicating such information of such decisions with the relevant background, with the relevant context so that people can immediately appreciate the significance, the reasons or the rationale behind it, especially when it involves issues of community norms, of learning, of knowledge and the restriction of such things in our social space. Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: I agree with the Member that we can improve our communications and procedures. As I have said, going forward, we will learn from this experience and do what we can to try and explain as much as possible our decision-making process.”
“Madam, I declare my interest as a member of the media and an employer of one of the companies that puts out some of the videos on the Page: 29 free-to-air channels. I have to say that some of the videos have been very well received. The fact that thought was put in to make them topical to coincide with the World Cup season, means that the Pioneer Generation Package (PGP) message was brought forward in a very engaging way. I agree with what the Prime Minister said on his Facebook that it is very effective. I would just like to ask the Minister of State: has the Ministry analysed the different channels and avenues where engagement and explanation have been pushed out? Many Members of this House have been doing face-to-face engagement. They have been working with REACH, they have been doing Facebook chats which is a relatively new innovation. Given these – the traditional media channels as well as face-to-face engagement – does the Ministry have any feedback on which one is more effective or has been more receptive? And going forward, where would the emphasis be placed in terms of the future efforts for current and future policies?”
“I thank the Minister for the answers. I have three clarifications. In terms of the contingency plans for the preparation phase for Team Singapore athletes, is there any thought given to perhaps sending our athletes overseas to prepare in the run-up? We have seen, this year in particular, the transboundary haze's appearance in countries like Singapore has been coming earlier and earlier. A lot of it is dependent on the climate situation. So, can we consider helping our athletes prepare better by sending them overseas? My second clarification is: has there been any standard set as to the level of air quality that will trigger events being moved indoors, and events being cancelled completely? My third clarification is: given all these contingencies of shifting events around and with the potential for postponing them, is there any indication of extra costs being incurred by SINGSOC and by Singapore as the host?”
“Mdm Speaker, one clarification for the Senior Minister of State. It is accepted that the targets that are to be met by end of 2015, would largely be 70% to 80%. I think that is a conventional wisdom of what would be achieved by the deadline of end of next year. Is there any projection as to when the remaining 30%, 20%, Page: 22 is likely to be achieved, post-2015?”
“Thank you, Mdm Speaker. Two questions for the Deputy Prime Minister. It is heartening to hear that the SOC force will be doubled and increased. I would just like to ask how will the emphasis in terms of their dual responsibilities of maintaining public order as well as counter terrorism operations be delineated and where will the emphasis be placed given that it does send a strong signal to the rest of the world whichever side that we place the emphasis on. A related question to that: instead of increasing instances of disorder here or given the lack of frequency of such incidents relative to other countries, is there a potential for deploying our forces for more exchange or training in other countries in neighbouring partners to gain greater exposure? One question for the Manpower Minister. It is heartening to hear that there will be efforts taken to improve the lives of foreign workers here and also to help them to understand life in Singapore a bit better. Will this ever come into contradiction or tension with the long-term aim of keeping such a workforce transient and not necessarily encouraging them to sink roots in Singapore?”
“Apologies to the Minister for asking him to predict the weather. I think it has been proven historically that that is almost impossible to do. But given the unpredictability of the current situation, is there a need to reassess or change the way that Singaporeans are being advised to prepare for the haze in the months going forward?”
“Mdm Speaker, one supplementary question for the Deputy Prime Minister. I understand the latest news is that there was another attempt yesterday of another driver from Malaysia attempting to make an illegal entry at Woodlands. Are there any indications, in the review and investigation, why there seems to be a heightened increase in frequency in recent months of these sorts of attempts? Is there any indication whether this is an upward trend that is likely to continue, or is it too early to say?”
“Thank you, Madam. Apologies to the Minister to strain his voice for replies to two supplementary questions. In my cut yesterday on sporting culture, I mentioned that there seems to be a need for a greater appreciation of sports as an entertainment option comparable to movies, theatres and things like that. Would the Ministry consider doing anything to help local providers of such events or organisers for such events with some support? That is, some guidance as to how to create iconic events that Singaporeans will appreciate as sports and entertainment options, rather than just participative. My second question is related to the heartening news of the greater encouragement for the greater spirit of giving among corporates in Singapore. I would like to ask the Minister how this balances them with efforts to encourage individual philanthropy and how to strike a balance between the two elements.”
“I would also echo a call made by Mr Ng Ser Miang, a veteran of the local and international sporting scene for us to look to develop our own Singapore sports event which can become iconic on the global stage instead of merely paying for the rights to hold international events that come and go depending on where the money is. I feel as well that the corporate sector too can do more to encourage a greater appreciation of sports. There have been some staunch supporting sponsors in the local scene such as OCBC, Standard Chartered, Osim and others which have helped to grow local sporting events and develop our national athletes. Perhaps more companies can step forward to offer more regular support, for example, sponsoring the S League or some other sporting leagues and encouraging inter-company rivalries, and broadening a fan base and following for such events. 6.45 pm It is going to take a multi-pronged approach to drive the development of a true Singapore sporting culture with all sectors and stakeholders having a critical part to play. But I honestly believe that the benefits will make all of this worthwhile in the long run. SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games 2015”
“They will also learn how to assess situations under pressure and to make decisions – when to take risk and when not to do so. They would learn to believe in themselves and to have confidence in the face of adversity and they will learn the value of integrity and honest effort. While essential for any athlete looking to excel at the top levels of sport, these virtues will also benefit entrepreneurs, young students, businessmen, public officials; basically anyone. Many top athletes have gone on to achieve success outside of the sporting sphere and they have credited the lessons they learned during their competitive days as being a critical part of their success journey. Page: 152 How do we achieve this in Singapore? I firmly believe that we need a more broad- based appreciation for sports beyond just joining in as a participant. Yes, experiencing it first-hand is very powerful but not anyone is cut out to be an athlete, regardless of the level, and not all of us have the time or resources to play a particular sport. But it is possible to develop an appreciation of sports as a sports fan as well and to follow the exploits of athletes, enjoy the thrills and spills of watching competitions "live" or on television, in the papers and magazines and online. And it is possible to learn some of the key values I mentioned earlier vicariously as well. It is a great way to get the young involved from an early age. I hope that the Ministry can encourage the development of the sports sector to include more options to enjoy sports as entertainment, either through more spectator-friendly events or more diverse coverage in the different media.”
“Other popular sports for most Singaporeans looking to keep fit include football, badminton, basketball, table tennis. Our stadiums are quite well utilised by weekend warriors and also after office hours. And this is an encouraging base to build on but I have to say we are still a far cry from being a truly sporting nation. Is this goal something that we should aim for in the first place? Well, I think so. I said on previous occasions in this House that sports have many intrinsic benefits and in discussions with other veterans of the local sporting scene, there is widespread agreement that many of the virtues of sports are not extolled often enough. The health and fitness aspects are well known but are gaining in importance as we face an ageing population in the years ahead. A population kept fit and strong through sporting activities and exercise is less likely to require significant medical treatment later in life. At the same time, sport can teach and transmit other less tangible benefits, including a core set of values that can be very useful for life in general. As Singapore matures and develops as a nation and society, we will face evolving challenges. Some of these will be familiar to us, most will not. Climate change, a maturing economy and a competitive global marketplace and other social and demographic challenges will require certain qualities and characteristics in people to be able to survive and thrive. People who have played sport enjoy the experience of being on the playing fields, work as part of a team, planned for and worked with a specific goal over a long duration of time, and would have picked up a wide range of positive attributes. These include resilience, respect for others – be they team-mates or opponents – focus, determination and patience.”
“Sir, on to culture of a different sort – sporting culture. As we approach the official opening of the Singapore Sports Hub later this year, much focus has been on the amount of investment being pumped into the sports sector to build more infrastructure for the community. It is certainly welcome to know that we will have world leading facilities that can host top international sporting events as well as more infrastructure in neighbourhoods across Singapore which will make it easier for more people to enjoy a healthy sporting lifestyle. My concern is that such efforts and investments are not enough. You may remember a sports movie, "Field of Dreams" where a farmer builds a baseball diamond on his farm after hearing a voice telling him, "If you build it, he will come". That is in reference to a dead baseball legend in the movie. Now, I am paraphrasing here but, perhaps, we are hopeful that if we build more facilities, they – people – will come to use them. This may work in movies but I think more needs to be done. The creation of a deep and sustainable sports culture is not an easy task but it is, certainly, a worthwhile one. Singapore's sports culture has long been based around participation. The number of mass participation runs, cycling events, triathlons and adventure races over the years is testament to the popularity and commercial viability of these events. But if you consider the most popular mass event in Singapore, the Standard Chartered Marathon, where we often see a peak of just over 60,000 runners taking part, this is a significant field for a marathon. But it is the biggest Page: 151 event in Singapore and it represents virtually all endurance athletes in the country. Other events will not hit such large numbers.”
“While the Park Connectors Network is a useful way for people to travel around certain parts of the island, it is not very useful for those looking to travel into the Central Business District or other commercial areas for work. I am aware of the Government's position on the creation of a dedicated bicycle lane and also the concerns of the significant car lobby in Singapore. But I hope we can continue to explore the potential possibility of such lanes, perhaps not all over the country, but in key areas where many people travel to work. A second aspect of the infrastructure that will make it easier for Singapore to be a cycling-friendly place would be to have shower facilities to enable people to be ready for work after reaching their destinations. This is something the private sector could be encouraged to address. But perhaps the most critical aspect is the need for a broader mindset change. Motorists see cyclists as a nuisance, clogging up the roads and impeding traffic. While some cyclists do ride irresponsibly, many are safe riders. The key issue to creating a broader understanding is that if more people commute on bikes, it would actually ease the number of vehicles on the road, allowing for a smoother flow of traffic for cars and also on public transport. If drivers can adopt a more patient and accommodating stance towards cyclists, this would increase the confidence of more people to start riding and perhaps consider adopting it as a way of getting around. I hope the Ministry would consider encouraging this idea in the years ahead. Page: 88 Request for Signalised Traffic Crossing”
“Madam, when we think of cycling, two things normally come to mind – danger and discomfort. Danger in terms of the risks cyclists face when riding on our roads, as highlighted by accidents and traffic deaths which were in our headlines periodically. Discomfort because of our climate, which is almost constantly hot and humid. We heard on numerous occasions in the House from Members calling for more to be done to make it easier for people to cycle around the country. Much of the debate has centred on how to improve bike networks within towns or how to weave cycling into the public transport network potentially as the first or last-mile solution, as hon Member Mr Ang Wei Neng just mentioned. I believe and agree with Dr Janil Puthucheary that there is more potential for Singapore to be a true cycling city where more people use cycling as a form Page: 87 of transport and even to exercise. Theoretically, small land area and a developed network of well surfaced roads here means it is not difficult to get around on two wheels. This would bring a number of benefits. Among them, better health for people who choose cycling to commute, less strain on our roads and public transport infrastructure and an environment where people are more in touch with their surroundings. As a long-time, and sometimes, competitive cyclist, I have always enjoyed being out and about on two wheels. I do bear some scars from my rides, but I believe that it can be a safe and enjoyable endeavour overall if a few measures are put in place. The first and easiest to address is to create better infrastructure for people who are keen to use cycling as a form of transport.”
“As other hon Members have mentioned earlier, the challenges surrounding haze is significant as it involves not just cross-border relations but cross-sector stakeholders from public and private sectors, civil society as well as non-government organisations. Singapore's move to implement a Bill on transboundary haze, which will have powers to penalise Singapore-based companies which contribute to the haze problem through activities overseas, is a progressive and landmark step to address the cross-border nature of this problem. Questions have been raised over the intricacies of implementing such a measure but it is an important first step. It is now up to all the different parties to continue to work to find a long-term solution to what is becoming an increasingly worrying problem for the region. To that end, I hope the Ministry can consider encouraging or leading more multi-sector engagement that includes all stakeholders to discuss the haze and future environmental challenges. Our environment, by definition, affects all of us. If we have to find solutions to any challenges in this area, all of us will be required to participate and contribute in the process. Page: 162”
“It is worth reminding ourselves that more than our driving habits alone, our daily consumption practices can also have an impact on the environment and climate change. NEA's 3R Campaign – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – is a good multi-pronged effort to broaden awareness and educate Singaporeans, especially the youths, Page: 161 on how to lessen the negative effect our daily lives have on the environment. It is also heartening to know that an increasing number of recycling bins and other facilities are appearing across Singapore and that more people are using these. We need to continue to spread awareness about these and other measures and, more importantly, the need for all of us to make an effort in our daily lives. It is very easy for the people of a small nation like ours to say, "Well, there is not much point for us to do anything because no matter what we do, it is only a drop in the ocean as we are too small to have a major impact". In absolute terms, this may be true but each of us doing our part also has the effect of putting us on the map as a world leader in terms of our green efforts. This can serve as an example to other nations of how a motivated population can collectively make a difference. At the same time, it allows us to have a more credible voice on environmental issues on the global stage, and for us to serve as a hub for knowledge, technical development and international discussions. This international leadership position is going to become increasingly important. A good example of why is transboundary haze, which is becoming a regular occurrence in the region, and has just made an unwelcome return to Singapore in the past weeks.”
“Sir, I am glad that Budget 2014 continues to emphasise the importance of the environment to Singapore and Singaporeans through the enhancements and extensions to the tax framework affecting the Early Turnover Scheme and Carbon Emissions-based Vehicle Scheme. This will continue to have a positive effect when it comes to lowering the pollutive effects of our car population. In a small and dense city like Singapore, our relatively big population of cars will no doubt have an impact on the quality of our air, especially as the number of vehicles continues to grow. But it is not clear yet how effective these and other measures will be in actually lowering our car population in the long run. Anecdotally, I only have one colleague out of all the people I know who has given up her car when the COE expired recently. She is trying to use public transport but is also monitoring the COE prices to see when she can re-enter the driver demographic. In most other cases, my friends and acquaintances still view cars as a necessity even as they complain about the high costs associated with car ownership. This is understandable in the cases of families with young children or elderly parents. But the rest of us, myself included, often see cars as a convenient option, especially when it comes to getting to various locations on time and with many things to carry. Many of us in this House would share similar sentiments. We need to remember that the issue of cars is more than just the pollution they can cause but also the impact it has on our carbon footprints. The focus on carbon footprints of individuals and larger organisations has faded a bit from public discussion in recent months.”
“I think that before we can Page: 17 talk about the conviction and the ability to use some of the hardware that we will acquire, we have to ensure that we receive broad-based support from the younger generation and generations to come who commit to NS as an important part of nation-building, as an important part of Singapore's growth story going forward. This becomes even more critical with the diminishing population, given the population trends that we are facing, that everyone carries out their duties, not just in the sense of fulfilling the time required to ticking the box and saying that I have completed it, but to do it wholeheartedly and with the conviction that this is something that it is really relevant and really important for the future and security of Singapore. Each generation comes forward and says that we are willing to do our part. But how do we communicate to them that the relevance and the importance of having a strong defence force is something that is integral to the question and survivability of Singapore going forward? And I believe ensuring that the communication and the awareness of the evolving framework that we are facing will continue to be an important part going forward.”
“Through my work as a member of the Working Group of the CSNS committee, we have heard many stories of the commitment by NSmen, both full-time and those who have moved out of their full-time service, is very, very great. My own experiences as an NSman show that many of my compatriots and my colleagues within the unit are willing to extend the service voluntarily to ensure that they play a role and continue to play a role in the defence of the country. As other hon Members have mentioned so far, a key question now is how do we ensure that the future generations take on the significance of everyone doing their part for Total Defence. The relevance of Usman Harun, the recent incident, the historical anecdotes of what happened during Konfrontasi, I think much of this is actually lost on the younger generation. I hope that the Ministry, as it continues to plan its budget going forward – considering the hardware that we need to acquire and to renew to ensure that we remain relevant as an international force – will also consider devoting sufficient resources to communicating the message of the need for defence. I think it is very easy for the younger generation these days to be a little bit cynical and to point out the fact that given that we are friends with so many nations, there is no real need for a defence force that is strong or stronger, in terms of relative capabilities to our neighbours, given that we are friends with everyone. Members in the House spoke yesterday of the need to speak from a position of strength before we can exhibit work from the heart.”
“Madam, many Members have spoken on the changing and evolving challenges that face Singapore and other small countries in this region, in terms of security concerns and relations with other powers. The increasing tensions between China and Japan seem to draw in even superpowers like the United States and there are implications for smaller states within ASEAN in their relations between these two superpowers. The maritime territorial disputes in the South China Seas though not directly affecting Singapore itself as a non-claimant state, also threaten to draw in some of our partner nations within the ASEAN grouping as well, and there are pressures for ASEAN as a whole and for small countries like Singapore to take a stand potentially to align itself on one side or the other, which goes contrary to the nature of ASEAN and to Singapore's position of being a friend to all sides. The implications for Singapore, in terms of defence, are far reaching, in terms of the changing, evolving international concerns. I believe the Defence Page: 16 Minister has mentioned the potential of Singapore being part of the multinational force under the auspices of ASEAN. I think the evolving nature of the SAF should take into consideration what this will actually mean for the development of the force as we go forward. Other challenges that face our country, Singapore, of course, involve issues like terrorism, which is a continually evolving challenge, and the current Third Generation SAF and, hopefully, the Fourth Generation SAF, will also take into consideration some of the future needs to deal with such challenges as times evolve. A core issue, despite all these challenges from abroad and within, comes down to the idea of communicating what it means to have a strong defence in Singapore.”
“The transformation of our economy is of interest to foreign investors; our social policies and how we treat foreign workers impact decisions whether to come to Singapore or not; and our cultural shifts and evolution signal what life here in Singapore will be like for all stakeholders. Page: 25 The conversation about what it means to be Singaporean and what lies at the heart of the "Singapore soul", has been gaining pace, in part due to the debate sparked by the Population White Paper and other discussions last year. More and more Singaporeans began to think and talk about what values we hold dear and how we embody them in our daily lives. I am heartened that this year's Budget, and those that I have been privileged to have been able to debate in this House in the last two years, have sought to incorporate such discussions even as we look at hard data and numbers. Indeed, the Pioneer Generation Package also prompts us to look back at the journey we have been on in the past five decades and to remember the lessons on the way as we gear up for the road ahead. I would like to steal a phrase from fellow Nominated Member, the hon Ms Janice Koh, and say that I believe this year's Budget continues to help us on our way to becoming not just a liveable society, but a loveable one at that. Madam, I support the Budget. 12.43 pm”
“This collective sense of us all being in it together, is not just relevant when it comes to our future economic development, but also how we will be able to handle challenges in the years ahead. Mdm Speaker, I would propose to reconsider a different acronym for negative ones like NIMBY or Not In My Backyard. But before we criticise and complain, perhaps we should wait for a moment, and realise that "We are All In this Together" (WAIT). Even as we enter new periods of growth, see the advent of new technologies, and build on the global framework of cooperation and collaboration in the current globalised world, challenges can hit us from the most unexpected places. In just the last few months alone, we have seen unprecedented levels of transboundary haze which is threatening to make a comeback even as we speak, the first riot in almost 50 years, attempted cyber attacks on Government and commercial online infrastructure, and a spat with our neighbour Indonesia over the naming of a warship. There are also regional tensions within ASEAN nations, and also potential rifts between major powers in Asia, such as Japan and China, that threaten to embroil smaller states like Singapore, and global superpowers like the US. Even as we grapple with domestic issues, such as local and national politics, policy decisions and implementation aimed at improving the lives of Singaporeans, and the challenges of day-to-day life, we should not forget that we are part of an international community. I think it is important that all of us bear in mind the need to look outwards, even as we look more deeply inwards, and remember that the world is watching to see how we conduct ourselves as a maturing nation and member of the regional and global framework.”
“More often than not, they place emphasis and give priority to work-life balance, a high salary or other benefits and are quick to leave if they sense better conditions elsewhere. I agree again wholeheartedly with the Deputy Prime Minister when he says that, as individuals or companies and as a society, we have to take pride in developing expertise and flair in every vocation. This includes the innate satisfaction that can be derived from being good at one's job. This will play a crucial part in ensuring that our economy stays competitive and continues to improve in the years ahead. Employers, as such, have a vested interest to support the view that doing a job well is what counts, not necessarily long hours at work. This year's Budget includes help for some of the more vulnerable segments of our society, with the aim of strengthening social support and safety nets, while at the same time encouraging a compact between personal and collective responsibility – and ensuring that everyone plays a role in Singapore's continued growth and progress. I think this idea bears deeper consideration by all of us. It is a common joke to say that we are a country of world-champion complainers, and also contenders for the title should there ever be an SMS world championship. It might not be that much of an exaggeration. Page: 24 Our instincts often seem to find fault and complain, instead of offering solutions or encouragement to those who are trying to do so. But as we enter the next phase of our growth story, the need for us to develop a different common mindset is becoming more pressing. As our population growth slows, the ideas and creativity of every individual become even more important, as do our efforts in all areas of society.”
“But there were other elements in Deputy Prime Minister Tharman's speech which I found interesting and timely, given the environment we are facing today, and I would like to touch on those now. The Deputy Prime Minister said that transforming our economy is not just about technology, and productivity is not ultimately about the dollars and cents of upgrading. It also requires a change in our social norms and he said restructuring our economy will succeed if it is tied to these changes in our social practices. I agree wholeheartedly. As we draw nearer to Singapore's 50th birthday, it is quite clear that society has changed, from the pervading culture that existed at the time of our Independence. People are less inclined to follow norms or instructions blindly, preferring instead to question and having to be convinced. Page: 23 The Deputy Prime Minister said that we need a workplace culture where employees' views and contributions are valued, up and down the line, and that productivity will improve when employees are engaged and empowered. But I also think the benefits of this philosophy extend beyond the workplace. The efforts by the Government to reach out to more people in recent years, for example, through the "Our Singapore Conversation" process and various other forums, such as those organised by the Committee to strengthen National Service, are examples of how greater engagement is being conducted. I was also very heartened to hear the Deputy Prime Minister saying in his speech that there is a need to develop a culture of excellence and mastery of our jobs. I work with different groups of young people in the course of my job and it is worrying to me that not all of them are passionate about becoming excellent at what they do, or mastering their professions.”
“Page: 22 Much of the feedback over the Pioneer Generation Package has been positive, and I look forward to more details to be released during the Committee of Supply and the debate to follow. But the fact that it is for life, offered to everyone without means testing, and has its funding front-loaded through the $8 billion fund, is fundamentally reassuring, not just for the pioneers, but also for their families and children who know they will have help when it comes to taking care of the health of the older generation, now and in the years to come. Another strong point of this year's Budget is the focused and targeted measures aimed at helping or pushing SMEs towards greater productivity and innovation, through the use of technology and reduced reliance on foreign labour. As the hon Member Mr Inderjit Singh had just said a few minutes ago, these measures may mean pain for some companies and sectors. But if we are serious about restructuring the economy in a way that is sustainable and viable for the long term, I am glad to see a clear signal and direction being set for the broader economy, instead of just a reliance on handouts or subsidies that often just paper over what really needs to be done by companies and industries to stay competitive in the global marketplace. The focus on quality growth and the building of a fair and equitable Singapore society is an extension of the Budgets of the past two years. This consistency is heartening and helps to generate a greater sense of economic stability both within the country, and also from the point of view of external parties who are interested in investing or growing here.”
“Mdm Speaker, thank you for allowing me to join this debate. When Deputy Prime Minister Tharman announced this year's Budget, I was personally very happy. The idea of providing support for older citizens, such as those in the Pioneer Generation of Singapore who were critical parts of our growth story, is something that I have spoken about with family members and friends in recent years. My mother is in her mid-60s and she was very pleased to hear about the Pioneer Generation Package's focus on healthcare, given that it definitely ranks among the key concerns for people of her generation and older. My father, who is in his mid-70s now, actually asked me about two years ago why more help was not being directed to older Singaporeans who did not have much CPF, due to the contributions framework that was in place during their careers, and who, in many cases, have to grapple with the higher cost of living we face today, in many cases, as retirees. On the issue on cost of living, I noticed that there is a fair amount of excitement that is making its way in the media and across Facebook about the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) report that ranks Singapore as the most expensive city in the world. And while cost has definitely gone up since our early years, since Independence, I think it is good to note that this report is an Internet tool designed to help human resource and finance managers calculate cost of living allowances and build compensation packages for expatriates and business travellers. It actually incorporates easy-to-understand comparisons of cost of living indices across cities. It may not be warranted to create a lot of excitement and concern over the rising cost of living, but cost has gone up since our Pioneer Generation days.”
“Mdm Speaker, one supplementary question for the Acting Minister. Having travelled and trained in a variety of sports institutions around the world, this concept of trying to balance academics and sport is something that Singaporeans hold very dear. It seems to be ethos of the Sports School. Would we ever come to a stage and acknowledge the fact that at the top level of global sport now, it is almost impossible to reach Olympic champions level, trying to balance academics in sport the way that we try to do in Singapore?”
“Mdm Speaker, one supplementary clarification for the Deputy Prime Minister. I appreciate the fact that the officers on the ground had chosen to report this as an immigration offence as opposed to a breach of border security. Does this mean that the particulars of the driver and vehicle were then not circulated to all the other ground forces? Is that the reason why, at Cantonment Complex, when the officers responded to the "999" call by the taxi driver initially, and then at MFA, the officers failed to respond or recognise immediately that this was a vehicle involved in the breach three days earlier?”
“Mdm Speaker, I thank the Second Minister for the reply. There have been reports that Myanmar received considerable support from the international community, especially from countries like China and Japan, in the staging of their Southeast Games last year. Is there any concern on the part of the Ministry that such influence – be it through soft power like a sports event – could then influence Myanmar as Chair of ASEAN, as we saw it during Cambodia's chairmanship two years ago?”
“Madam, one supplementary question. Would the Ministry consider engaging other agencies, such as National Arts Council or STB, to be able to provide a bit of a qualitative differentiation between establishments that try to promote live music, local talent and the local music industry versus a KTV lounge, for example. Would there be a need for that?”
“Question No 8. The Second Minister for Home Affairs (Mr S Iswaran) (for the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs): Mdm Speaker, may I have your permission to take Question Nos 8 and 9 together?”
“Mdm Speaker, one clarification and supplementary question. Given the recent performances at the 2013 SEA Games and given that it followed very shortly on from the awarding of the SpEx scholarships, perhaps it is a little bit premature to use that as a benchmark as to how the athletes in this first batch performed. Given that the 2015 SEA Games, the 2016 Olympics and subsequent competitions are coming up very shortly, is there a need on the part of the Ministry to want to focus a little bit more to ensure that we attain those high performance results, with a more targeted approach, perhaps not such a broad spectrum as 15 sports?”
“Mdm Speaker, three questions for the Deputy Prime Minister and one question for the Acting Minister for Manpower. I understand that the COI still has work to do before the actual causes and situation around the riot are determined but in preliminary engagement that the Deputy Prime Minister mentioned by various Members of the House with the foreign worker community, has there been any feedback on the interaction with and the treatment by the Police Force of foreign workers in Singapore both before the riots on 8 December and in the aftermath. Second question would be: has there been any indication that there is a need by the SOC to perhaps rebalance their emphasis on public order versus Page: 85 public security as their two key priorities currently? On the point about evidence that there was alcohol at the cause of the riot, it is probably not required for the offences that the accused were arrested for but were breathalysers used for them in any way? One question for the Acting Minister. The workers in the sectors that were involved in the riots, I believe the emphasis is on keeping this workforce a transient workforce instead of encouraging them to lay down roots in Singapore. But at the same time, there is, of course, as the Acting Minister has mentioned, a need to look out for social and emotional welfare of these foreign workers. How do we balance between these two concerns? Are there any guiding principles of framework that help us to balance these two efforts?”
“Thank you, Mdm Speaker, and I thank the Senior Minister of State for the reply. I have one supplementary question: the solution or whatever compromise that seems to have been reached in the US, appears to have just postponed some of the inherent problems in the system for barely a few more months. With further development and engagement with the US imminent and, as the Senior Minister of State mentioned, with the upcoming TPP, are there greater concerns on the part of the Ministry in terms of how the potential of the "kicking of the can down the road" would continue to impact Singapore and ASEAN and US relations in the months ahead?”
“Madam, just a quick clarification. The Acting Minister did say a decision by the end of this year. Is that correct?”
“Thank you, Madam. One supplementary question. The preparations for the National Day Parade typically require about a year's worth of planning. Is there any concern on the part of the Ministry about the potential delay in terms of the preparation build-up and Page: 49 impact on next year's parade?”
“Thank you, Mdm Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister if there is a potential in the future for all our airbase facilities to be consolidated in a possible location, and what are the factors that might actually contribute to us consolidating them in that way.”
“Mdm Speaker, I thank the Minister for the information and the explanations. Given that there is no real need to press the panic button for either H7N9 or novel coronavirus right now, is it a good time now for us to look at how we can create greater civic-minded or community-driven measures to deal with such diseases? This aspect of the way we deal with endemic diseases like dengue most recently, can the Ministry do more now that there is no need to panic, to start this going?”
“Minister, what about the second part of the question – whether it is possible to outsource some of these clerical functions?”
“Madam, I thank the Minister for the answers. I would just like to express gratitude at this point to the Minister and the Ministry for the work they have done in making National Service a worthwhile and fulfilling experience for all NS men. As an NSman myself, I have experienced it first-hand. At the same time, I have heard feedback, especially from full-time NSmen in clerical positions, who complain that they do not feel fulfilled or actively engaged in a useful way for the two years of their experience. My clarification is in two parts. Would it be possible for clerical and administrative functions within the SAF to be outsourced in the way that a lot of the cookhouse functions and some of the training functions have been outsourced to commercial suppliers? As a follow-on from that, would the then non-combat personnel who were allocated clerical and administrative tasks be possibly deployed to carry out some social functions in the same way that many militaries in other countries, including Singapore, contribute during humanitarian disasters or crises to help the broader community. This would then contribute more to Singapore's concept of Total Defence in the economic, social, psychological and civil areas, as well as the military.”
“Madam, I have two clarifications for the Acting Minister. With regard to the sports facilities, a question that I have for the Ministry is: have we done an analysis of whether there is a shortage in supply or over demand from Singaporeans for more sports facilities? If not, how are we going to create this demand to take advantage of all the wonderful facilities that were described? Is it a question of putting the cart before the horse, in that sense? My second point is in relation to the clarification that the Acting Minister gave to Er Dr Lee with regard to changing the model of how sponsorship and financial support for corporates to come in. In Singapore, our NSAs are encouraged or mandated to become, if not a full-fledged institution of public character (IPC), then, at least, a charity. Companies that give donations, not sponsorships, then receive certain tax benefits in that sense. That has created an impression of sports as not necessarily being the vehicle for brand promotion, as the Acting Minister described, but more as a charitable cause that has to be supported and then getting tax benefits. Is there a consideration to try to change that perception by removing this requirement to become a charity or Page: 104 IPC?”
“The expectations of most sportsmen are still for the team to perform when it counts. And as we gear up for the opening of the Sports Hub in the hosting of major international events, such as the 2015 Southeast Asian Games, we should remember that we all hope for Team Singapore to continue delivering top sporting results for the country. Madam, as a final point, I would like to reiterate an issue I raised in this House earlier, which is the need for qualified sports administrators to ensure that our sports sector continue to grow and improve. We are seeing more and more young athletes committing to the rigours of full-time training and competition programmes. And many sports in Singapore are beginning to see some good results at different levels. Much of the work done in the National Sports Associations is carried out by volunteer management committees which Page: 70 comprise dedicated and passionate individuals. However, the fact that they are not full-time means that their ability to contribute is limited by their other work schedules. I hope the Minister will consider diverting more resources to the training of sports administrators, be it through education programmes at our learning institutions or through career development options, so that our pool of sports administrators can continue to grow and improve their capabilities. It would be a shame if our sporting development is hindered by a lack of administrative support, especially given the encouraging signs we are already seeing in the local sports sector. Community Sports”
“We will be required to adapt and grow as a people and to be prepared for some situations which may be difficult and uncomfortable. A sporting culture, where sports and competition are ingrained in all of us from an early age, can imbue important traits and characteristics like social resilience, determination and focus and can be invaluable in creating a robust people. The challenges and pressures in a sporting environment, while different from those in other high stress situations, such as military conflict, for example, creates similar reactions in individuals and can teach us how to deal with such adversity. At the same time, sports offer opportunities for great empowerment for those who are disabled, disadvantaged and for both genders to achieve parity. On the sporting field, one's social status, income level, physical characteristics or gender, are often outweighed by work ethic, determination, teamwork and strategy. We have heard recently about the perils of meritocracy taken to extremes. Sports can encourage greater empathy for others through teamwork. It can also create a deeper appreciation for humanity and remove sentiments of entitlement as all sportsmen know that a resounding victory one day can be followed swiftly by a crushing defeat if one does not continue to work hard or slips into complacency. I would, though, caution against moving too far away from what lies at the core goal of all sporting endeavours, which is performance in competition. If we allow these auxiliary benefits of sports to overshadow the focus of performing at one's best on the sporting field, then we are moving away from sports and entering the realm of games. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it should not dilute the focus on sports for sports' sake.”
“Or having tens of thousands of people take part in a marathon once or twice a year is laudable, having five million passionate fans of sports of all kinds is a far more powerful proposition that can lead to an increase in non-Government funding and sponsorship as well as moral support for our local athletes who can sometimes feel a bit alone when flying our flag. Madam, the focus of the Vision 2030 Joint Project by the Singapore Sports Council and MCCY to map out Singapore's sporting plan for the next two decades is on how sports can best be leveraged to achieve certain aims, such as maintaining Singapore's social integrity and economic strength. It states that sports can help us overcome the challenges being presented by an ageing population, rising regional and international economic competition and the increased diversity within our multicultural and multiracial society. It also states that sports can be employed as a national strategy to stimulate positive, deeply embedded values for Singaporeans and our nation. I think this is even more relevant when we place it in the context of this year's Budget which acknowledges that Singapore's economy and society are undergoing transition and restructuring. Our population trends, a shifting global economy and evolving social trends and values have meant a need to re-evaluate and restructure. At the same time, there has been a growing debate over what we and future generations should nurture and hold dear in terms of our value systems and Page: 69 philosophies for living as a society and a nation. Over the next few years, the challenges we will face as Singaporeans will test us in ways that not many of us are familiar with.”
“I would like to ask the Minister whether any of the new funding being allocated in this year's Budget would be directed at encouraging the creation of a nation of sports fans who, while not necessarily all sportsmen themselves, will follow sporting news in the various media and get behind sporting heroes, both foreign and local, as they compete all around the world. If the experiences Page: 68 of countries like the US and Australia are anything to go by, a key part of a true sporting culture is an appreciation for sports as a form of entertainment and inspiration, as a valid alternative to, say, going for a movie or spending two hours in a shopping mall, for example. This passion and appreciation can include, but is not necessarily restricted to, our support for one's own home team or national players but extends to a joy and celebration of sporting endeavours, all the drama they encompass, and the exemplification of our humanness, values and different characters and personalities that are laid there on the sporting field. We should encourage the showcasing of such aspects through sporting events, both those that cater to mass participation and also those that are exhibition events that allow young and old Singaporeans to enjoy the thrills and spills of top-notch world-class competitions among the best athletes in the world. This can serve to inspire our next generation of champions but also, hopefully, inspire more sponsors to enter the sports sector to seek out viable champions for their brand, thus reducing the burden on the Government, through the Singapore Sports Council, to continue funding sports at all levels.”
“Madam, I would like to declare my interest as the President of two National Sports Associations and I am a member of the Singapore National Olympic Council. The news announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Tharman in his Budget Speech regarding a scheduled increase in funding for sporting activities in Singapore was very welcomed. The 30% increase in funding for sports programmes over the next five years, along with the doubling of the investment into regional and community sports facilities, will enable the sports fraternity to consolidate the progress it has made over the past few years. But more importantly, it will also enable the full impact and benefits of sports to be felt throughout our society at a time when such benefits are sorely needed. Singapore sportsmen and women have enjoyed mixed fortunes over the years. Highlights, like recent Olympic triumphs in a limited number of sports, have been juxtaposed against near misses in other regional events and the lack of similar success among more sports. Local athletes often bemoan the relative lack of financial support compared to major sporting nations in the west and other challenges specific to Singapore, such as the intense focus on academic excellence and success in careers, National Service as well as a society that does not seem to value and reward sporting achievements. In fact, much of our limited sporting success seems to have been achieved in spite of a lack of a true sporting culture and not because of the presence of one.”
“While such artificial green spaces have benefits and offer a conducive environment for exercise and other such activities, it is different from being able to explore an untouched jungle in its natural form. These natural environments offer many learning opportunities and life experiences for younger generations who spend a majority of their time indoors in artificial air-conditioned climates staring at books and computer screens. As we continue planning for economic growth and sustainability for our current and future generations, it is imperative that we do not forget to also work to protect the natural environment that sustains us all. Page: 24”
“While transboundary smoke haze from the land and forest fires in the region is also a problem that affects our air quality intermittently, this is largely beyond our immediate control. But we do have the ability to affect the number of cars on our roads and their pollutive impact. The Carbon Emissions-based Vehicle Scheme (CEVS) which was rolled out this year incentivises people to buy cars with low carbon emissions, but decreases the focus on nitrogen oxides and particulate matter which can directly affect the health of people. It is heartening to note that the NEA has announced Singapore will adopt the World Health Organization's Air Quality Guidelines as a target to be achieved by 2020 enabling us to achieve a high standard of public health and economic competitiveness compared to our regional rivals like Hong Kong. That being said, this is still an area that bears monitoring and the impact of poor air quality on Singapore's status as a liveable city as well as on the health of Singaporeans can be significant and safeguarding our clean city air will require all Singaporeans to chip in. Mdm Chair, I would like to turn very quickly now to the aspect of the Land Use Plan announced earlier this year which is that of green spaces. Under the Plan, 85% or over eight in 10 residents will be living within a 10-minute walk to a park by 2030, up from the current 80%. But there are also significant plans to maximise land use by developing and re-developing spaces to cater for a larger population in 20 years' time. This could come at the expense of natural green spaces even as man-made parks and spaces increase and become more accessible.”
“There has been little to suggest that all Singaporeans have accepted the gravity of the climate change issue and are actively adjusting their lifestyles to become more environmentally conscious by recycling more, for example, or lowering the individual and household carbon footprint. The Government can take a leadership role in this area to ensure that the NCCS strategy gains greater traction across the whole nation and this could be in the form of awareness building campaigns or other such activities. Mdm Chair, if developments in our regional neighbours are anything to go by, the issue of declining air quality is likely to be another major challenge facing residents in Singapore. Singaporeans have recently expressed the range of views over the off-Budget measures to adjust the restrictions on car loans and the additional registration fee for cars. Most of these centred on whether cars have become too expensive for Singaporeans to own and concern over road congestion. What has not been widely discussed is the impact that increased numbers of vehicles would have on the quality of air in our city. Like many other major cities, air emissions from industries and motor vehicles are the two key sources of air pollution for us domestically. While we enjoy an air quality that is better than many cities in Asia and comparable with US and European cities, this may not always be the case. Already, overseas visitors tell me that they can notice a difference in air quality when they are in our CBD area compared to outlining Page: 23 parts of the country and this is unlikely to be due to industrial emissions but caused by the dense concentration of vehicles in the city.”
“Mdm Chair, this year's Budget has focused on creating a better Singapore and a critical aspect of this is the provision and maintenance of a healthy environment for all residents and citizens to work and live and play in. Even as we work to address concerns that have been raised with respect to economic growth, among other issues, the Government needs to reassure Singaporeans and others living in the country that the clean and sustainable environment would be a key priority now and in the future to provide an attractive home for current and future generations. Page: 22 Among the biggest threats facing our environment is the increasing risk of climate change. Already, we are seeing shifting weather patterns and more extreme weather changes which could be attributed to global climate change. Last June, the National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS) released the National Climate Strategy 2012 which outlined the country's plans to address climate change through a whole of nation approach. Among the key elements of this climate strategy are reducing emissions across sectors, building capabilities to adapt to the impact of climate change, forging partnerships on climate change, action and also improving energy efficiencies. But the key element of the strategy requires every single Singaporean to play his or her part in combating climate change and this could require changes in lifestyles or adjustments in business processes. The recent concerns surrounding the future of Singapore's population demographic and the impact of this in the evolving global economic landscape would have on our economic growth have dominated public discussion and debate.”