Poh Li San
Singapore
“Thank you, Speaker, and I thank the Senior Minister of State Janil. I have two supplementary questions. The first one, will NEA consider adjusting gate fees for industrial and commercial waste collection to shift behaviour of businesses towards higher recycling rates, especially for food waste which accounts for about 11% of total waste b…”
“Thank you, Speaker, and I thank the Senior Minister of State Janil. I believe my questions in my speech were not addressed in the Senior Minister of State's reply.”
“Thank you, Speaker, and I thank the Senior Minister of State for her reply. I have a supplementary question on such an arrangement for existing flat owners who require back-to-back sale of their existing homes to finance their BTO flats.”
“Singapore households can achieve dual savings by combining Government-provided climate vouchers with the direct import of efficient appliances from overseas suppliers, whilst business operators, particularly those in the food and beverage industry who need to purchase multiple appliances, can also avoid excessive energy costs by using ene…”
“Coastal protection is a candidate for the latter even if we want to harness the power of the former. I ask the Minister to consider a centralised approach towards the design and construction of all coastal protection measures to ensure the most robust outcomes.”
“Mr Chairman, on behalf of all hon Members who have participated in the MSE Committee of Supply, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Minister Grace Fu, Senior Minister of State Zaqy, Senior Minister of State Janil, Senior Parliamentary Secretary Goh and all members of MSE, PUB, NEA, SFA.”
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“Many of the suggestions and feedback are collated from community partners whom I work with. I would like to thank Dementia Singapore, Agency for Integrated Care, National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre, AWWA Singapore, Dementia and Co, and the Tsao Foundation, amongst others, for the impactful work that has been done to help PLWDs and their families. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation and gratitude to the staff, volunteers and families who had shared their thoughts and suggestions with me. I hope to carry their voices in this House so that, as a society, Singapore can be better prepared for dementia. Capacity projection for dementia care is a challenging task because the needs of PLWDs are wide-ranging and complex. There are different types of dementia and the health conditions for PLWDs at different stages of dementia can vary across a wide spectrum. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. A range of care facilities are needed to provide comprehensive care for PLWDs and to support their caregivers. Capacity building can be broadly discussed in two categories, namely, medical facilities and expertise, as well as community facilities and programmes. Over the years, the Government has been building up its capacity in the provision of primary care. By 2030, there will be 32 polyclinics island wide. I look forward to mental health and memory clinics being available in all polyclinics so that PLWDs can access these facilities quite conveniently. I urge the Ministry to consider including dementia detection as an option for seniors undergoing regular health screening. Early diagnostics and detection are critical to help patients slow down the progress of dementia.”
“On this note, I would like to ask the Ministry if a comprehensive study on the social and economic impact of dementia on Singapore can be commissioned. My mother is also a PLWD. Caregiving has, indeed, been very challenging. Fortunately, my family members have been able to rally together to support one another and we are fortunate to have access to help and support. However, for many Singaporeans, they may have great difficulty coping with caregiving for a loved one afflicted with dementia. In fact, I have met several residents who are struggling to cope with caregiving. They shared that due to lack of social interaction during the pandemic, their loved ones who are afflicted with dementia have shown significant cognitive decline and deterioration of their motor skills. In recent years, there have been concerted efforts to increase awareness and provide community support services to help families with PLWDs. I sincerely appreciate the efforts made by the Government and various community groups, voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs) and volunteers to assist PLWDs and their families. Nonetheless, we are racing against time as there is a fast-closing window to get ready before the dementia emergency hits us. I urge the Government to expedite the implementation of dementia-focused policies and the building of more dementia-friendly infrastructure and community programmes. As details regarding future measures for dementia was not quite covered in the recent Healthier SG White Paper, I would like to share my ideas in this Adjournment Motion. They are in three broad categories. I will start with building capacity which takes the longest lead time; then mitigation against challenges associated with dementia; and finally, prevention.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, September was World Alzheimer's Month. It is a timely reminder to consider how we can better prepare Singapore to be a dementia-friendly society. Singapore is ageing rapidly. In time to come, there will be more senior citizens and they will live longer, too. Currently, around one in six Singaporeans is aged 65 and older, with an average lifespan of 83.5 years. By 2030, around one in four citizens will be aged 65 and above. The downside is that with more older people, there will also be more people afflicted with dementia. Amongst the seniors, one in 10 persons above age 60 has been diagnosed with dementia. The incidence rate will increase to one out of two for those above age 85. At present, there are approximately 92,000 persons diagnosed with dementia and this number is projected to increase by 65% to 152,000 in the next eight years. These staggering statistics represent a wake-up call. Is Singapore ready to cope with more people living with dementia? More importantly, can Singapore be a more dementia-friendly society as this disease becomes more prevalent in our rapidly-ageing society? Dementia is a terminal illness because people living with dementia, or PLWDs in short, will not recover. Their condition will only deteriorate over time. In the advanced stage, most PLWDs would require extensive caregiving needs. Caregiving for PLWDs is challenging and may require 24/7 attention. Very often, family members will have to give up their work and some may even suffer from burnout. There will be also implications for the caregivers' own financial security in old age and the productivity of our labour force will also take a hit. The economic impact to the families and society at large cannot be underestimated.”
“I would like to thank the Minister. I have two supplementary questions. Firstly, given the declining birth rates and also a shrinking male population over the next 10 to 20 years, other than transformation using technology, does MINDEF have plans to further increase the recruitment of full-time servicewomen to augment the numbers to meet operational needs? My second question is on flexible work arrangements (FWAs) for our servicewomen. Beyond no-pay leave and current FWAs, what else can MINDEF offer our servicewomen, so that they can spend a few years to start their young families and still come back to the force to contribute?”
“Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to Minister of State Sun Xueling, Minister of State Low Yen Ling, Parliamentary Secretary Rahayu Mazam, members of the PAP Women's Wing and Young PAP, as well as to many others who had contributed towards the White Paper on Singapore Women's Development. I am confident that the recommendations will drive significant improvements in the decades ahead and enable more women in Singapore to hold up half the sky, while the men hold up the other half. On a personal note, as we chart our new way forward together, I hope to see more women representation in the Cabinet with more than just a mere 15% made up of only three women and 17 male Ministers. Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to conclude my support for the Motion.”
“] Since both men and women contribute in the workforce, it is necessary for the Government to provide better facilities for homecare. I fully support the call in the White Paper for more equality in the family and society, because caregivers themselves also need to rest and be cared for. I am glad to note that access to affordable and quality preschool facilities will be enhanced. I urge the Ministry to pay special attention to estates with many young families and provide adequate childcare facilities. Likewise, in ageing estates, the Ministry must ensure senior day-care centres are easily accessible and affordable. With a rapidly-ageing population, we can expect more demand for migrant domestic workers to assist with caregiving for seniors. As of 2020, there are almost 250,000 migrant domestic workers in Singapore. This is not sustainable for the nation in the long run. We will need to provide more and better institutional care and community support for seniors so that their children can go to work with peace of mind. People should also be better informed about geriatric care and the community support system available. (In English): Working women tend to juggle one too many roles at home and at work. Prolonged periods of heavy loads can be draining on their own physical and mental health and may even cause burnouts. At a certain phase, they may have to prioritise familial responsibilities, like caregiving for young children or aged parents and take a break from their jobs. I trust that the Government will consider providing incentives to encourage MNCs, and especially SMEs, to introduce a sabbatical system not just for women but for both genders. Women, actually, do care about the men's welfare as well.”
“Other than the media, public events and fora featuring female speakers, discussing issues that are of concern to the women community are important informal ways for women to share their experience and learn from one another. In Sembawang West, women corporate and community leaders attend our annual SG Women's Festival event to share their experience and discuss best practices in areas, such as career, financial planning, health and wellness, caregiving and sustainability. These platforms help to create informal interest groups and build a support ecosystem for women. To add, the SG Heroines Award, CNA Women Award and Her World Women of the Year Award are important recognitions that inspire and rally women communities to do more for the society. I support the White Paper's proposal to develop career mentorship and networking opportunities for women. We need more professional and informal women bodies to recruit, retain and network with women in the various sectors. For instance, the Women Aviation International SG chapter was set up in March 2021 to encourage more young women to join the aviation sector. While it is an initiative started by women for the benefit of other women, there is sincere support from our male counterparts who understand the need to attract and retain the best talents into this industry. Being a participant in their programmes, I am heartened by the support from agencies and companies, such as the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore) and Airbus Singapore, for example. Mr Speaker, I would like to speak in Mandarin for the next segment. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.”
“Mdm Zuraidah was also inducted into the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame in 2014 to honour her achievements. I am heartened that outstanding women have been given accolades like Mdm Zuraidah. The stories of these outstanding women have inspired younger women to challenge themselves and excel beyond their predecessors. (In English): Over the years, we have seen more women athletes excelling in sports. At the recent Tokyo Olympics, out of our 23 national athletes fielded, 17 were women. Similarly, of the 10 competitors for the Paralympics, there were six female representatives. I am hopeful that more women national athletes will make Singaporeans proud. The media and entertainment industry has an impact and plays a vital role in the amplification of women in society. Often times, women are portrayed second to men and that stereotyping is blindly amplifying certain biases. Not all women are Bond girls whose sole responsibility is to wait for their handsome male hero to come home to them or behave like the female protagonist in constant distress, as portrayed in Korean drama "Crash Landing on You". I certainly hope the next Bond star will be a female lead and more female being portrayed as heroines in dramas. We need to reshape the archaic perceptions of how women are portrayed in our society. Our local media must work towards shifting the narrative by placing equal emphasis between men and women by sharing aspirational stories with a positive reflection of fairness and inclusivity for all genders and races and not just for the rich or powerful. We must curate positive stories that will inspire and amplify the right values.”
“But as they progress to the tertiary level, fewer opt for STEM subjects, especially when it comes to engineering and computer science. Only 55% of the women who graduated with STEM degrees or diplomas pursued related careers, compared to 70% of men. We need to look into this. A women's contribution can only further assist in the field of engineering and science. I also agree with the recommendations made in the White Paper to enhance equality in the workplace. It is important to make a concerted effort to encourage our young women to chase their dreams and develop their fullest potential in their careers without any hesitation and with the fullest support. As the Paper has pointed out, mindsets about what jobs are appropriate for which gender will need to shift. It is crucial to showcase the wide and diverse range of possibilities and opportunities for women. Over the years, many trailblazing women have paved the way for our younger women and provided them the much-needed inspiration and confidence to achieve their goals that will, in turn, help Singapore to progress. Mr Speaker, I would like to say a few words in Malay. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Earlier in my speech, I mentioned the progress made by the Singapore Police Force in women’s development over the past decades. One pioneering female officer in the Police force is Mdm Zuraidah Abdullah. She joined the SPF in 1986, helmed several command positions in operations and training and was the first woman to achieve the rank of Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police. Beyond the Police Force, Mdm Zuraidah was also the chairperson of the Malay Heritage Foundation and currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of self-help group MENDAKI after her retirement from the SPF.”
“If physically and mentally demanding roles in the SAF and SPF have made progress in the representation of women over the years, employers, such as the Civil Service, Statutory Boards and MNCs should also set an example by recruiting more women. In fact, some Nordic countries had implemented gender quotas in their parliaments and in the board room. These practices can assist in expediting the progress of women. Where there is a shortage of talent and keen competition to recruit and retain capable staff in the sunrise and fast-growing sectors, such as sustainability and IT, companies should look beyond their usual hunting grounds and tap half the manpower talent pool in the female population as a solution to their problems. You may like to know that in the early days of the United States' space programme, all the "human computers" were women. These are the staff at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) who performed highly complex mathematical calculations for aviation experiments and, subsequently, spaceflights. So, have no misconception that women do not have the IT aptitude. I am in agreement with the White Paper's recommendation to encourage and support women to choose and excel in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) industries, which have been predominantly male, until recent years. I am currently employed in the aviation sector and women make up only 3% of chief executives, compared with more than 10% in many other industries. We can do better. Women's low representation in STEM careers has been described as a "leaky pipeline". In our Primary and Secondary schools, girls often perform as well as the boys in science and mathematics.”
“The numbers are pretty alarming. The percentage of the total women service personnel in the SAF is only about 7%. Should we be seriously considering more Singaporean women to be part of SAF? When I joined SAF as a helicopter pilot in the Air Force some 25 years ago, there were only five women pilots in the entire Air Force and we were limited to flying transport planes and helicopters. Since then, the rules have changed. There are, currently, more women pilots and they are flying mean machines like the F15SG Eagles and F-16 Falcons. Some of these women pilots are even helming the fort as Squadron Commanders. Similarly, there are breakthroughs made in various combat units in the Army and the Navy. SAF's efforts to continue to attract and retain women and placing them in frontline combat roles are very encouraging. However, we will have to do more in attracting women to be part of our defence team. It has been more than 35 years since the very first combat servicewoman was recruited and I am looking forward to the Minister for Defence's assessment of the progress in this regard, specifically on the measures to increase the proportion of servicewomen and progression pathways for our women. Women have made some progress over the years in the Singapore Police Force. From just 10 Policewomen in 1949 to 19%, of which 16% are in senior leadership roles. This is a 50% increase from 2011. Women Police officers can play a key role in enhancing the security and safety of our society, especially when the nature of crimes has evolved and technology has enhanced our ability to conduct surveillance and crime prevention. Let us try to bring up the percentages of women Police officers.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, Singapore is a city where human resource is scarce and the supply of talent and skills is not commensurate with our required demand. With our ageing workforce and inability to recruit and retain competent resources, the risk of an unsustainable economy and a rise in inequality may increase. So, are we doing enough in this competitive and fast-evolving global economy? Are our institutional mindsets adjusted to attract more Singapore women to have a more significant role in our workforce? We have made some progress in the development of women since the passing of the Women's Charter some 50 years ago. We can do much more. The role of today's women is no longer just about gender equality, preconceptions or biases but diversity, inclusion and the social development of communities and families. The White Paper on Women's Development is timely, with its recommendations in empowering women to play a bigger role in more economic sectors and to helm leadership positions across various industries. Over the past decades, several organisations have successfully tapped talents from the female workforce. They have provided women with opportunities to excel in the workforce and such opportunities provided the path to senior roles. More opportunities must be provided to women in predominantly male organisations and companies. I am passionate about the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and one area that our women can contribute to would be our defence sector. Recent conflicts around the world have reminded us starkly that we cannot depend on anyone else to protect ourselves, our nation. In reference to a Straits Times article published in February 2016, in the next 50 years, the number of male Singaporeans between 15 and 24 years old is expected to halve.”
“Thank you, Mr Chairman. I have two questions. One is for Minister Iswaran. I thank him for the One Aviation Fund to assist the airport community. Minister Iswaran mentioned that about one-third of our airport workers have already left the airport sector, given the pandemic situation and we know that in the Airport, many frontline jobs are actually filled by foreign workers. So, my question is that given the border closures or the border restrictions, how can Government further help airport companies get ready and ensure that we have sufficient workers prepared for the recovery of the aviation sector? The second question is for Senior Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng. I thank him for sharing about the island-wide cycling network and the plans. I would like to know if there are any plans to prioritise the building of the stretches of cycling network for cyclists who are involved in day-to-day commuting, especially in the last mile stretches, for example, to the MRT stations? During these peak periods where the cyclists are rushing, there could be a surge in the traffic and that may lead to safety concerns, especially against pedestrians who are using the same stretch. So, I hope that there will be some prioritisation of the building of such last mile stretches in the cycling network.”
“Chairman, over the years, the Government has conducted several reviews of regulations to ensure safe usage of active mobility devices. Active mobility modes have also increased in popularity since the pandemic started. Would the Ministry provide an update on the situation today? How many Singaporeans and residents are using active mobility devices on a regular basis today, compared to the last two years? What are the Government’s plans to support active mobility while ensuring safety for all users and pedestrians? Would the Ministry provide an update on the Islandwide Cycling Network? With the rise in the number of cyclists for commuting, delivery and leisure, would the Government speed up the construction of cycling networks, especially in towns with dense cycling traffic? Safe and Responsible Riding”
“Mr Chairman, the aviation sector is a manpower-intensive one, with more than 50,000 workers working in Changi Airport pre-COVID-19. After more than two years of the pandemic, how many workers were still employed at the end of 2021? With the gradual resumption of travel, how can the Government ensure that there are sufficient workers to cope with the border reopening? What are the measures to increase the automation of labour-intensive jobs? In the longer term, how can we ensure that the aviation sector remains attractive and provides good jobs? How will the Government continue to support the sector to scale up its capacity and capabilities? Sustainability in Aviation Sector Last month, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore convened the inaugural meeting of the International Advisory Panel on Sustainable Air Hub to develop a blueprint for Singapore to become a sustainable aviation hub. Would the Ministry share more about its plans under the blueprint? Companies in the aviation sector are trying to keep afloat amidst a very difficult environment caused by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and, now, the war in Ukraine, which will lead to higher oil prices. What will the Government do to help the aviation sector cope with increased carbon taxes in addition to the other cost pressures? What grants and funds are available for the aviation industry to invest in new technology and equipment that will reduce carbon emissions and boost energy efficiency?”
“Thank you. Mr Chairman, I would like to first declare my interest as an Executive in the Changi Airport Group. The aviation sector has been one of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the spread of the Omicron variant has been a drag on the recovery of the sector, there was still cautious optimism at the beginning of this year that global air travel demand will pick up over the course of 2022. Unfortunately, the war in Ukraine has now cast a shadow over the much-anticipated recovery of this sector. As Russia accounts for about 10% of the world's supply of crude oil, there will be serious disruptions due to the sanctions against Russia by the international community. Not only will oil prices jump, there will also be an impact on the supplies of jet fuel and, in turn, an upward pressure on the price of plane tickets. Flights over Europe may also need to be rerouted due to the war. Would the Ministry share its views on these events and their impact and its outlook for the aviation sector? What is our strategy going forward to minimise the impact of the pandemic and the war on our aviation sector? Despite these challenges, we should try to proceed to open our borders safely. Will the Ministry provide an update on the upcoming plans to reopen our borders? With different countries issuing different travel regulations in their attempts to control the pandemic, air travel has become challenging and fraught with confusion. There should be better coordination amongst countries. A uniform set of travel regulations would be more helpful to rejuvenate air travel. What is the Ministry's view on this and what can Singapore do to contribute to improve cooperation with our partner countries, especially those with the most traffic with Singapore?”
“Mr Chairman, may I take my two cuts together?”
“Mr Chairman, the prices of resale HDB flats have gone up quite a bit recently. What measures are available to assist Singaporeans who are ineligible for BTO flats and executive condominiums (ECs) due to their higher household incomes but who still find resale flats and private properties not so affordable? Would HDB consider allowing Singaporeans whose earnings exceed the household income ceiling to purchase BTOs and ECs at a non-subsidised or tiered subsidised rates? Improving Current BTO Model”
“Mr Chairman, I have two questions. The first one is for the Senior Minister. The Senior Minister mentioned that about 5,000 companies now have given their commitment towards the decarbonisation solution. I would like to know how many out of these 5,000 are actually present in Singapore and what kind of contribution would they be able to help us in our decarbonisation efforts locally. On the second question, the Senior Minister and Minister Gan Kim Yong also shared about some of these new and nascent technologies, such as carbon capture and hydrogen, that we are now studying to open up our own technologies for future renewable energies. So, I would like to understand more about do we have any plans to devote more of our resources, our Budget, to investments in such energy, new nascent energy and technologies. Some of these facilities will require also large amounts of land to build them. Do we have plans to adjust our land use plans to accommodate such facilities? 2.15 pm”
“How will the Government facilitate collaboration between education and training institutions, research and industry stakeholders to create relevant academic, internship and apprenticeship in sustainability-related industries? IHL Efforts in Supporting Green Economy”
“Mr Chairman, how is the Government preparing our teachers from Primary schools to Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) for the green economy? Do we have a roadmap for Universities, Polytechnics, ITEs, JCs and Secondary schools to support the green economy? The Government will need to update the education curriculum and teaching materials for sustainability-related courses. Is this being done for our teachers? What are the programmes to train and equip our teaching staff with the latest skillsets and knowledge so that, in turn, they can teach their students the same required by businesses and industries? Preparing Students for Green Economy In order to prepare our students for the green economy, changes will need to be made to our curriculum. Has the Government set up a general roadmap for all our education institutions so that the design of the courses and programmes fulfil the wide-ranging demands of the green economy? The inaugural Skills Demand for the Future Economy report has identified more than 450 green job roles across 17 sectors, ranging from manufacturing and trade and connectivity, to financial services and the built environment. How does MOE ensure that relevant courses, diplomas and degrees are offered in the IHLs and schools in order to prepare a pipeline of local talents to fill the jobs required for the green economy? Considering lifelong learning now to be an integral part of Singapore’s education, the system should incorporate sustainability modules which can be picked up at all ages. Is provision being made for such flexibility in the SkillsFuture courses and programmes?”
“Mr Chairman, to support our goal of growing 30% of our local nutritional needs by 2030, the Ministry should encourage more local community efforts, such as growing small edible plants in households and available plots in housing estates. Urban rooftop farms on multi-storey carparks will not only contribute to this movement but also bring together neighbours in a meaningful endeavour and build social cohesion. How will the Ministry support such farming efforts? Sustainable Built Environment”
“What are the Ministry’s plans after this date? Will it extend the lifespan of Semakau Landfill? NEA has been administering the $45 million Closing the Resource Loop funding initiative on sustainable resource recovery solutions. Are there any updates on the progress of this initiative? Low-carbon Future”
“Mr Chairman, the Singapore Green Plan 2030 was greatly welcomed when it was launched last year. With the national agenda on sustainability set out, it creates a clear framework to rally a whole-of-nation movement. Can the Government provide an update on our progress thus far for the Green Plan and what are the additional programmes and goals? Considering the impact of the pandemic, are we still on track to reach the targets of the five pillars of the Green Plan – City in Nature, Energy Reset, Sustainable Living, Green Economy and Resilient Future? For example, are labour shortages delaying the development of new parks, greener buildings and the goal of producing locally 30% of our national nutritional needs by 2030? How successful have we been in getting green investments and green jobs? Have Singaporeans managed to conserve more water and electricity in the past year? Research and development hold the key to our green aspirations. How would the Government direct its R&D funding to achieve Singapore Green Plan outcomes? Are we attracting and nurturing enough talents in green and sustainability engineering, R&D and related technological explorations? What impact has our R&D investments into sustainability and climate resilience projects made? How will we encourage more Singaporeans to take up deeper research in this field as a career? Waste Management In 2020, about 52% of the 5.88 million tonnes of solid waste generated were recycled. The rest were incinerated and sent to our only landfill – Semakau Island Landfill. At the current rate of waste incineration, it is expected to be full by 2035. We must expedite measures to reduce waste in the next few years. Will the Ministry consider more drastic measures, such as higher fees or fines, to reduce waste generation?”
“Chairman, the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties, or COP26 in short, concluded with many countries committing to net-zero pledges. Due to our lack of renewable energy resources, we may only be able to meet the net-zero target by or around 2050, as we avail of new opportunities in the carbon market and technological breakthroughs. How will Singapore respond to calls for increased climate ambition and action? In order to meet the net-zero target in a shorter time frame, what kind of changes on the part of households and industries would be required? Will the Government share some figures and scenarios to help Singaporeans understand? These details are necessary to get support from Singaporeans for climate mitigation related measures, which will entail changes in our lifestyle, business processes, social practices, just to name a few. What more can the Government do to rally businesses, civil society groups and the people to accelerate the race to zero? Can the Government also share what are the key considerations that underpin Singapore’s approach to setting climate targets? What are the trade-offs and circumstances that the Government has to account for? One of the chief concerns would be the impact on the cost of living, jobs and businesses. How will the Government balance the need to mitigate climate change and ensure Singapore’s survival and competitiveness? What are our revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to be submitted to UNFCC in 2022? Does Singapore intend to declare our Carbon Net Zero goal to UNFCC and if so, by when? Net-zero by 2050”
“Thank you, Mr Chairman. This clarification is for Minister of State Desmond Tan. I thank him for giving us an update on the progress of the DTSS but I like to know a bit more about what are the PUB's plans to mitigate localised flooding in regions that are outside the capture vicinity of the DTSS? For example, last year, remember that Bukit Timah area as well as Loyang areas experienced quite severe flash floods. I would like Minister of State Desmond to share a bit with us.”
“Mr Chairman, we have water supply from the Four National Taps: water from local catchment, imported water, NEWater and desalinated water. Desalinated water and NEWater meet up to 70% of today's water demand and is projected to go up to 80% in 2030 and 85% by 2060. 5.15 pm While desalination and NEWater are weather resilient and free from the vagaries tied to imported water, they are energy intensive. In view of the current global energy challenges and Singapore’s commitment to transit to greener energy sources, how will PUB leverage on R&D and technology to enhance water efficiency and treatment? And what is the progress of our research projects in this field and are we collaborating with any foreign partners on this endeavour?”
“The Chairman, the last extension of the smoking prohibition was in 2019, when Orchard Road was designated as Singapore’s first NSZ. Does the Ministry intend to roll out more NSZs or prohibit smoking in more places to protect the public from the harmful effects of second-hand tobacco smoke, such as smoking corners at food retail establishments? Many residents have been bothered by their neighbours’ second-hand smoke emitted from their windows and balconies. Would the Ministry please do more to curb second-hand smoke in residences, especially when complaints are from families with young children or residents with health problems and the neighbours are consistent and heavy smokers? Smoking Prohibition”
“Mr Chairman, with climate change, we can expect to experience more unpredictable and intense rainfall. Over the years, we have been working on a number of projects to improve drainage and surface run-off and enhance storm water management. Would the Ministry share an update on these projects and future ones? 4.45 pm Maintenance and protection of drainage pathways are important, as we learnt from recent incidents where flash floods were caused by blockages and violations from engineering works in the vicinity. What are PUB’s plans to mitigate inland floods? In the face of rising sea levels, we need to start on coastal protection. To defend our coastal areas from erosion, we have erected walls and stone embankments covering 70% to 80% of Singapore's coastline. Eventually, some of them will have to be built higher. What are the plans for these, including new seawalls, going forward? When do we expect the construction of sea walls to commence? And would the Ministry share updates on the progress of reclamation works as well? The rest of our coastline are natural areas such as beaches and mangroves. How does the Government ensure that coastal adaptation measures are cost-effective and adequately resourced; and how can the marine ecosystem be protected while these measures are being carried out? Lastly, what progress has been made on coastal protection efforts since last year? Shoring up Climate Resilience”
“On this note, I would like to enquire from Minister for Health on the progress of the National Mental Health Competency Training Framework. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, our people are our most precious resource and we must put in our best efforts to help them stay in good health, physically and mentally, so that they can attain their highest potential and live a happy life as Singaporeans. We are a small nation and there are only so few of us. All the more we need to take care of one another and leave no one behind. We need to stay united to survive in a competitive global environment. The Budget has established a good framework for all of us to work together for our common future. I would like to conclude with my support for the Budget.”
“Unfortunately, since then-Minister for Health Mr Gan Kim Yong declared "War on Diabetes" in 2016, the prevalence of diabetes is 9.5% in 2019, up from 8.6% in 2016. The prevalence of diabetes was higher among Malays and Indians at 14.4% and 14.2% respectively, compared to Chinese at 8.2%. Would the Government consider allocating more resources to customise health measures to help bring down the prevalence among the different ethnic groups? There may be genetic, diet and lifestyle differences which need to be addressed, specifically in order to target this problem more effectively. (In English): The frequent consumption of sugary drinks may cause diabetes and obesity. I am concerned about the mushrooming of bubble tea outlets all over Singapore over the past few years. Another concern is the prevalence of binge drinking amongst Singaporeans. Young adults in the 18 to 39 years age group were most likely to binge drink in pubs and bars. Binge drinking may cause a whole host of health problems, as well as unsafe acts, such as driving under the influence of alcohol. Binge drinking has risen to 10.5%. As part of a suite of preventive healthcare measures, I hope the Government is looking to regulate and reduce the number of bubble tea outlets, pubs and bars. Another major area of concern is mental health, particularly worsened due to the pandemic. Mental health issues are unseen, and it is hard to understand the real extent of this social and health malaise. It is particularly debilitating because many young people are afflicted and the damage can be very long term or dire. We have no choice but to ensure that we have qualified professionals and allocate sufficient resources in our healthcare systems to provide treatment and support for those affected.”
“We also need to proactively plan for some of our very own Singaporeans to pursue engineering, in particular, environment engineering. Advanced technology is the key to unlocking many constraints in harnessing renewable energy and achieving circularity in waste management. The Government must do more to signal to the nation about the importance of having talents in engineering and R&D. Mr Deputy Speaker, in the final segment of my speech, I will share my concerns on the burgeoning spending on social services, in particular, in healthcare expenditure, as Singapore enters a rapid ageing phase. On top of channelling resources on geriatric care and building more community hospitals, I urge MOH to focus more on upstream prevention healthcare services, such as free annual health screening services for Singaporeans above 35 years old, as early intervention and treatments are often more effective and less expensive. The preventive efforts should also focus on encouraging the younger population to live a healthier and more active lifestyle. As we recover from the pandemic, more aggressive efforts should be put into community programmes focusing on nutrition and fitness. Although these programmes will take time and concerted efforts, this may well be the best approach to reverse the rising trend of healthcare spending resulting from diabetes and obesity. Mr Deputy Speaker, I would like to say something in Malay about preventive healthcare. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] With a rapidly ageing population, it is imperative that we get all Singaporeans on early preventive healthcare in order to survive the silver tsunami. The right direction would be to plan ahead for the long term, by shifting spending towards preventive and community-based healthcare.”
“I would like to ask Government agencies, such as HDB and SFA, to be supportive of such community initiatives and review their rules and regulations to facilitate more of such projects that can easily provide positive social impact. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I will now move onto the topic of a greener and more sustainable Singapore. Green Capital, including carbon taxes and green bonds, is the catalyst to jumpstart our transition to a green economic ecosystem. The issuance of green bonds will allow the Government and businesses to invest in new technology and build a strong foundation for a green ecosystem. These bonds will greatly reduce the financial risks to our Government, especially for mega infrastructure investment projects for green energy production and for transition to greener business models. As an example, the transformation to a more sustainable Jurong Island. Though the newly introduced phased carbon tax increase will help businesses cope and transit more gradually to greener practices, there has been little mention of grants for developing talents needed to support the green economy. R&D for renewable energy production and energy optimisation technologies is important. Presently, many countries are fighting for talents to support their sustainability related industries. It is advisable to start positioning Singapore as a serious regional green hub. We will need the talent to build our green industries. It is also time for us to invest more in the training and nurturing of a new generation of innovators and engineers for the sustainability sector. In recent years, many young talents have pursued careers with big IT firms that have set up headquarters in Singapore.”
“Assistance schemes could be interest-free loans or grants to partially offset initial capex investment, particularly for initial large investments required for scaling-up automation. Mr Deputy Speaker, I will now speak in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] We are heading in the correct direction in revamping our tax system, but the Government can do more. Retirees will be hit by the double impact of the rising costs of living and the GST increase after next year. The Assurance Package cash payout and GST Voucher – Cash (Senior's Bonus) will offset the expense increases. However, many retirees have limited savings, they are worried about what would happen after the period of support ends. Families with special needs members also do not have any additional help. Will the Government give more support to social enterprises that help to match interested retirees and able persons with special needs with micro jobs? For those who are able, matched with suitable tasks, they will be able to supplement their household incomes and be meaningfully engaged as they contribute to our community. (In English): We will be starting a Wellness Kampung for seniors in the Sembawang West constituency. This will be a common space at the void deck where residents come together to socialise and exercise. There will also be an urban farm on the rooftop of a multi-storey carpark next to it, that will provide micro-jobs for the seniors. It can be a modern-day kampung where residents exchange information about job opportunities like babysitting, tuition, part-time jobs, handy-man jobs and so on.”
“Through the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) and the Workfare Incentives Supplement (WIS), we have been increasing wages to attract more Singaporeans to take on various jobs, especially those that are currently taken on by foreign workers. Though is a difficult period for many businesses that are facing severe manpower crunch, we should persist in this workforce transformation and build a strong Singaporean Core. We must try to continue to hire more locals. In tandem, we need to redesign the operations and job processes and improve the working conditions for lower-wage jobs or Singaporeans need to change their attitude towards low-wage jobs. Business owners should also shift their mindset and relook at how to improve the work conditions that have been deterring Singaporeans to take on such roles. Having said that, workers will always take on jobs with remuneration that justifies. I would also like to appeal to the Government to provide more support to social enterprises. Many social enterprises employ untapped resources that include post-retirement seniors and high-functioning special needs individuals. These senior workers can remain active and sharp. With some tweaks in the job roles, this particular group of workers can assist in certain jobs, previously done by foreign workers. Though easier said than done, we should automate whenever possible. Understandably, many businesses are reluctant to invest in the capital expenditure required for automation. However, new technology and improved business processes is a must. I hope the Ministry will consider providing better assistance to our SMEs to offset the upfront costs for automation and innovation.”
“Some high-income earners may feel that they have worked very hard for their success and that is not fair to have to share with others who did not work as hard as they did. I do agree that nothing is absolutely fair and it is never possible to completely justify who should be paying more or less taxes. However, it is important to cultivate the growth mindset that those who can afford to pay a little more taxes should do so. Even with the higher tax revenue, the cost of living and doing business will still continue to rise. We will have to manage the rising inflation while maintaining our economy's competitiveness. One major area of concern is the push for productivity gains, especially in view of the curbs in foreign labour inflows, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past decades, the availability of low-cost foreign workers has benefited business owners and kept businesses running competitively. To add, these foreign workers are willing to perform labour-intensive jobs, which Singaporeans tend to eschew. We have to find a way to win ourselves of the heavy reliance on foreign labour as the easy availability of foreign workers has depressed are blue-collar workers' wages and it will continue to do so. There is no easy solution and we will need to assist our low-wage Singaporean workers by slowing the supply of foreign labour. I am concerned that even with the Government's Progressive Wage Credit Scheme (PWCS) to support part of the wage increases, businesses will still have to pass along some cost increases to customers and consumers.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, Budget 2022 is balanced and designed with a clear focus on better preparing Singaporeans for the future. Most measures address concerns such as a green economy, assistance for badly affected businesses and supporting skills upgrading. The Budget is fair and inclusive. The Finance Minister has shared that by raising the top-tier tax rates from 22% to 24%, an additional $170 million of tax revenue could be collected. Over the past year, there has been a 30% increase in a number of millionaires in Singapore, from around 207,000 in 2019 to 270,000 in 2020. The personal income tax rate varies in different countries. It is around 37% in the US, 40% in Switzerland, 56% in Japan and 45% in China. Comparatively, even though our top marginal personal income taxes are 24%, it is still relatively low compared to these developed countries. Singapore's top-tier owners should find the revised tax rate favourable. Over the past week, I have spoken to several high-income earning Singaporeans. It is heartening to know that most high earners agree that the business-friendly social and commercial conditions in Singapore have helped them succeed and prosper. Some are supportive of the higher taxes to provide for heavier social spending. They understand that the changes to the tax system are necessary for the sustainability and stability of Singapore's infrastructure, conducive policies, secure environment and well-developed digital infrastructure. Singapore has moved into a different phase of development. Going forward, Singaporeans should expect more tax changes to meet the demands of the changing demographics and economic conditions, with the top-tier owners expecting to contribute even more towards tax revenues.”
“Finally, in the context of rescue operations of hijacked aircraft, such as in the case of SQ 117, what is the legal liability for unintended injuries or deaths inflicted on innocent hostages by our security forces? Will the security forces be subjected to legal actions too? I hope that the security forces would be accorded immunity because they are risking their own lives while neutralising terrorists, in order to save innocent passengers and crew. Mr Speaker, Sir, terrorist threats are evolving and Singapore remains a target. Securing our civil aviation system is not just the job of the security agencies. Everyone has a part to play. We must all remain vigilant and continually strengthen our defences against threats that may undermine the safety and security of our civil aviation system. Notwithstanding my clarifications, I support the amendment Bill. 2.57 pm”
“Hence, as a leading international air hub, Singapore will need to ensure that in the worst-case scenario of a terrorist attack, we have done all we can to be able to extradite perpetrators from most parts of the world, so that they can be tried for their crimes and to be meted punishments, and the criminal trial and punishment may also provide a form of closure for the families of the victims. Mr Speaker, Sir, given the importance of this Bill, I would like to seek some clarifications from the Minister for Transport. Firstly, why has it taken Singapore more than a decade to accede to this treaty? From the perspective of our aviation security operations, the stated activities and listed items are already forbidden. We already have in place measures to protect the cockpit and prevent unlawful interference of an aircraft, and security screening to detect and remove prohibited items which may be used as weapons to threaten flight crews. Biological, chemical or nuclear items are already included in the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) technical specifications of Dangerous Goods. Hence, accession to the treaty will not have an onerous impact on our existing ground processes. Second, I would like to ask how many other countries are signatories to the Convention and Protocol. Also, how do these numbers compare to the other three international agreements relevant to aircraft hijacking, namely, the Tokyo Convention, the Hague Convention and the Montreal Convention? What are the main reasons for the differences in response and support from the international community?”
“It was the single and most destructive event that had changed the nature and future of air travel permanently. Indeed, over the years, the tools deployed by terrorists and hijackers have become even more destructive, sophisticated and harder to detect. Our security forces will have to stay abreast of the latest developments happening on the dark side, gather intelligence on a global network and ensure that security measures are updated and tightly-enforced. We will also need to work with other nations due to the cross-border nature of such threats. This is why it is so important for us to support this Bill. The Hijacking of Aircraft and Protection of Aircraft and International Airports Amendment Bill will pave the way for Singapore's accession to the Beijing Convention 2010 and Beijing Protocol 2010. In summary, the Convention criminalises the use of civil aircraft as a weapon and the illegal transport or discharge of dangerous materials, including explosive, radioactive, biological, chemical or nuclear (BCN) weapons to attack aircraft or other targets. In addition, provisions for extradition among Convention and Protocol partners will be useful in the event of the absence of extradition treaties between affected countries for the listed offences. Take for example, the terrorist attack on Korean Airlines Flight 858 in 1987. The perpetrator, Kim Hyon Hui, a North Korean spy, was caught and extradited from Bahrain to Seoul for trial, for planting the bomb which killed 115 people on that flight. Such cases can potentially involve multiple jurisdictions.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I declare my interest as an executive staff with the Changi Airport Group. Please allow me to recount a chilling event that could have gone horribly wrong during the early days of Changi Airport. On 26 March 1991, Singapore Airlines Flight 117 was hijacked. There were 114 passengers and 11 crew on board. The plane was hijacked mid-air while enroute from Subang, Malaysia, to Singapore Changi Airport, by four Pakistani terrorists who were armed with explosives and knives. Eight and a half gruelling hours after the hijacked plane landed at Changi Airport, the hijackers gave a last five-minute deadline for their demands. They issued a threat to kill one passenger every 10 minutes if their demands were not met. With three minutes to go, the SAF Commandos stormed the plane and within just 30 seconds, killed all four hijackers, with no injuries to hostages. The commandos not only secured the plane, rescued all 125 people on board but also safeguarded the future of our Changi airhub. It has been 31 years since that first and only hijacking of a Singapore aircraft. The rescue operation was testament to our capabilities to keep Changi Airport safe and secure. As a global aviation hub, a core fundamental for success is the ability to maintain the highest level of security at all times, so as to deter potential perpetrators and facilitate the smooth and secure running of daily operations. To do so, we not only need stringent aviation security processes, valiant and capable security forces but also effective international aviation law and cooperation with other countries. Ten years after SQ 117, in 2001, the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States happened. The terrorists had used the aircraft itself as weapon of mass destruction.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I have a question for the Minister for Transport. Specific to the arrangement of the delegation of the FIR, may I know what are the benefits direct to Singapore?”
“I hope the Ministry is also considering the example of floating neighbourhoods, such as Waterbuurt in Amsterdam. Another example worth monitoring will be the proposed floating city off the coast of Busan in South Korea, a UN-backed project, which is expected to have its first platforms up by 2025 . Strengthening our climate defence is expensive. A strong economy is the prerequisite to a strong defence. And we need to maintain our lead as a hub, especially as a financial centre, so that we can afford to pay for climate mitigation infrastructure. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as I wrap up this Motion, I would like to thank Minister Grace Fu and Minister Gan Kim Yong for listening to our concerns, for responding so positively to our proposals and for their strong commitment in supporting this Motion. And having heard the Ministries' new initiatives and blueprint to enhance green financing and corporate accountability and create green jobs for Singaporeans, I am assured that, so long we stay committed to this green journey, we stand an excellent chance of staying ahead of the competition, as we transition to a low-carbon economy, and we will leave no Singaporeans behind. [Applause.] [(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)] [(proc text) Resolved, (proc text)] [(proc text) That this House calls on the Government to enhance green financing, create more green jobs and strengthen corporate accountability, in partnership with the private sector, civil society and community, to advance Singapore's inclusive transition towards a low-carbon society. (proc text)]”
“MSE has recently implemented the Green Action Community Plan and the 15 PAP Town Councils have also started the Action for Green Town programme to make our towns greener, zero-waste and energy-efficient. These are excellent programmes to rally communities to take action together, to keep our homes and environment green. And compared to the potential in decarbonisation in the industry sector, our individual actions may seem small and insignificant. However, such efforts are very important and necessary to nurture a green culture and a green mindset among our people. From the daily green efforts of individuals, these choices will affect bigger ones in an expanding circle of influence. And it is my hope that, over time, being environmentally conscious and responsible will become a signature trait of a Singaporean. Finally, I would like to address the big question, which is the subtext of all climate-related discussions – will we be okay? Will being a low-carbon society keep Singapore safe from climate change? Looking at the extreme weather patterns and events that have befallen other countries recently, such as the floods in Malaysia, we must ask ourselves: will we be able to avert the climate crisis? These existential concerns bring us back to the fundamental question of why we are doing what we are doing. The truth is that there is no guarantee because human beings are dependent on one another. We are also affected by the actions taken by other nations. Will they be able to fulfil their pledges and follow up with implementation? Fortunately, we are not entirely defenceless. We are already proceeding with works, such as the polder construction at Pulau Tekong and looking at other options to protect our coasts.”
“And I trust that this Private Member’s Motion and the Young PAP paper on climate change would kickstart more public engagement and create greater awareness and understanding in our society. It has been said that "justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done". And similarly, if I may say so, climate mitigation steps must not only be taken, but also must be seen to be taken. There are quite a number of green initiatives already rolled out by the Government, some corporates and private civil organisations and community groups. But we should ponder, besides our luscious greenery, would Singapore strike you as a particularly green, low-carbon society? With the COVID-19 pandemic, more single-use disposable plastic is used than ever, as food and drinks containers, in medications and more. We do a lot more food deliveries these days, and travel by private hire cars is growing in popularity. Stuck and unable to travel, people shop a lot more online and many of these items include fast fashion which will still be destined for hours in incinerators and landfills when they are no longer fashionable. Interestingly, even as we observe the above trends, we also see more people making the effort to be environmentally responsible, such as by reducing the use of plastic bags, repairing, recycling and re-using, and even cutting down on the consumption of meat, another major contributor to carbon and methane emissions. So, I urge MSE to continue with its public education efforts and collaborations with civil society groups to encourage Singaporeans and residents to make more green choices in their everyday lives.”
“In order for our transition to a low-carbon society to be truly inclusive, we need everyone, from the man-in-the street to the most senior policymaker, to share a common understanding of climate change and sustainability, in particular, how climate change affects our country and what are the trade-offs for us. Everyone perceives the "sustainability elephant" in a different way, somewhat like the situation in the parable where the blind men touched the various parts of an elephant. For mitigation measures to succeed, we should have a clear and holistic understanding of the precarious situation our island state is in. With a full understanding, each of us will have a greater sense of urgency and motivation to do what is needed. Our people need to understand why we need to take action, why we would need to compromise in specific areas, why certain sacrifices have to be made and what assistance will be provided to those whose livelihoods have been affected. Measures to ensure environmental as well as economic sustainability must be well-thought through, communicated and understood by all quarters of the society. Then, we can all embark on this green journey in a coordinated and collaborative way. And the key to creating awareness and common understanding is via clear communication and continual engagement, within different quarters in the society and involving all levels. The discourse must not only remain here in Parliament but, more importantly, should continue in business fora, community workshops, in schools, for example. And viewpoints and suggestions from different groups can then be heard and included into Government policies, business practices and community programmes.”
“They also opined that a tiered carbon tax regime being fairer as companies with lower emissions will pay a lower rate. Ms Foo Mee Har and Mr Saktiandi Supaat also urged the Government to give businesses ample notice on how the carbon tax will change. Also, they emphasised the need to equalise carbon tax treatment for Singapore-based businesses and foreign businesses importing to Singapore. Third, but perhaps most importantly, to ensure Singaporeans can seize the opportunities of the green economy in an inclusive manner, Members spoke about how we can equip Singaporeans of all backgrounds and ages to take advantage of these opportunities in the new green economy. Mr Henry Kwek, Ms Rachel Ong and I spoke about the importance of sustainability R&D and training. We also spoke about the close collaboration with industry and SkillsFuture roadmap for sustainability-related sectors and having more internships and on-the-job training in the sustainability sector. Mr Henry Kwek, Mr Dennis Tan, Mr Liang Eng Hwa and I emphasised the importance of inclusiveness, to train Singaporeans of all backgrounds and ages, including mature PMETs, to seize new opportunities in the sustainability sector. And, finally, Ms Hany Soh and Ms Rachel Ong are also strong proponents of green entrepreneurship and encouraged startups in this sector. Now, to sum up this debate, I would like to turn the spotlight on two other key phrases in our Motion – "inclusive transition" and "low-carbon society". In the course of our discussion, the emphasis so far has very much been on "what to do" and "how to do".”
“Mr Don Wee, Ms Nadia Samdin and Ms He Ting Ru highlighted the need to develop international standards for sustainability reporting and accounting and build local capability in these areas by working with associations and companies. There should also be a national accountability strategy and think-tank on sustainability administration. Ms Foo Mee Har and Ms Nadia Samdin further highlighted the need to support SMEs with more guidance, such as pre-identified green solutions and increased awareness of green loans and grants, especially for small firms. And looking beyond our jurisdiction, Prof Koh Lian Pin and I spoke about how the international carbon trading framework, as agreed at COP26, and carbon offset credits can help us achieve a win-win strategy together with our neighbouring countries to fund renewable energy projects and environment conservation. Secondly, on the topic of carbon tax, several Members spoke about how we can further balance sustainability and business concerns in levying the carbon tax. Mr Edward Chia, Ms Mariam Jaafar and Mr Louis Ng pushed for more support to transform business practices, so that carbon tax does not end up as a pass-through cost, resulting in higher cost of living. In addition, Mr Gerald Giam and Ms Mariam Jaafar also called for the Government to invest in sustainability technology innovation to help companies transform their businesses, becoming more sustainable and competitive. Also, to ensure the lower-income groups are not disadvantaged, Mr Edward Chia and Mr Louis Ng suggested providing rebates to lower-income families to cushion the impact of carbon tax. Mr Louis Ng, Ms Foo Mee Har, Mr Derrick Goh and Mr Saktiandi Supaat called for an increase in carbon tax so as to nudge firms towards more sustainable practices.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to express my sincere thanks to all the Members who had participated enthusiastically in this debate and to my fellow colleagues who had listened so patiently to all our speeches. I also wish to thank Young PAP's Climate Change Policy Team for putting together the second climate change paper which captured comprehensive views and suggestions from the businesses and civil society groups. Members of this House have spoken extensively on wide-ranging topics pertaining to green financing, carbon trading and carbon tax, green jobs and corporate accountability. They have shared many valuable viewpoints and practical recommendations. Let me attempt to do a recap here, which can be broadly organised into three main groups of proposals, raised by the 19 Members who spoke in this debate. Firstly, to develop Singapore as the regional hub for sustainability-related services and products that will also lower our own carbon footprint, Ms Nadia Samdin suggested that publishing a guide on firms that do well in reducing emissions. Prof Koh Lian Pin, Ms He Ting Ru and Assoc Prof Jamus Lim highlighted the concerns of greenwashing and the regulatory role of the Government to protect consumer interests. Mr Don Wee, Mr Derrick Goh, Ms Mariam Jaafar, Mr Henry Kwek and Mr Gan Thiam Poh proposed to develop Singapore as the carbon exchange marketplace for the region and building on our carbon marketplace ImpactX. Mr Liang Eng Hwa and Mr Gan Thiam Poh called for Singapore to be developed as a green finance hub of the region. And to support this goal, more Government green bonds to finance sustainability projects should be issued and tax exemptions for green finance products should be extended to companies.”
“Such innovative and green solutions can help companies with a big fleet of motorbikes and self-employed delivery riders go green, without massive investments in motorbike charging infrastructure by the Government. We ought to be responsive and learn from the best green practices in other cities similar to Singapore. Sir, in our journey to go green, we should be open and willing to give new solutions a chance. After all, acceptance of different ways to solving problems is necessary for innovation, which will drive our tech and development sector. (in English): Mr Speaker, Sir, the transition to the Green Economy is like a fast-paced mass marathon. On one hand, we are racing against time to mitigate this climate emergency. On the other, we also need to sustain this transition over the long term. Most importantly, we must work together as a closely coordinated team, comprising the Government, civil society groups and the community, to develop a low-carbon and green ecosystem. We hope to have the support of this House and Singaporeans to press ahead on this green journey together, to build a better Singapore for our future generations. Mr Speaker Sir, I beg to move. [Applause.] [(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)]”