Rahayu Mahzam
Singapore
“We engage the insurance providers quite regularly, but we are very mindful about where we intervene, especially because they need to be competitive and there is a commercial dimension to it, which we feel that we should respect. So, how we intervene is via the conditions that are put in place vis-a-vis the consumers.”
“So, that is not something they can worry about. There is already the S+3M framework that is already in place, so we know that MediShield Life is one, they have their MediSave and if all else fails, there is MediFund.”
“Should there be disputes over specific claims, policyholders can take it to the Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (FIDReC), an independent and impartial institution that assists with insurance-related disputes.”
“It is just a symptom, so the underlying cost pressures still need to be addressed. The description that we had put earlier in the past is that it is a knot that we need to untangle; and that is something we are doing with a multi-pronged, with engagements with different parties and stakeholders.”
“I appreciate the Member's feedback. As I said earlier, this is something that we will continue to consider. But we do also have to appreciate that the information that we get is live, in terms of waiting times and all that.”
“But I do take the point and we are actually reviewing to see what is a meaningful way to put out this information so that the public can understand, so that we can all track properly whether the good health outcomes are a result of the efforts that we are making. I will take the feedback back and we will continue to review this.”
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“While there is a growing pool of allied educators specialising in learning and behavioural support and a large number of teachers trained to meet special needs in mainstream schools, teachers have been reported to be shorthanded in managing students requiring additional learning support. In addition, we have also seen reports in the papers about the Lien Foundation survey which alluded to a high burn-out rate of professionals working with special needs children. Fifty-one percent of the 423 professionals surveyed felt that burning out quickly was one of the key challenges they faced. Forty-four percent said salaries and benefits were unattractive while 34% pointed to manpower shortage as a challenge. We, therefore, secondly, need to improve the profession and career pathway of special education teachers. Currently, these teachers are hired by various social service organisations who are guided by the salary scale recommended by NCSS. The general perception is that these teachers receive less recognition and their pay packages are less attractive than their counterparts in mainstream education. I propose that these teachers come under the purview of MOE, like their peers in mainstream schools, so that they would have access to the same salary scales, as well as career opportunities, which would, in turn, raise the stature and attractiveness of the role and encourage more to pursue a career in this profession. Having more educators trained in supporting special needs would better support the learning needs of our children and ensure that they can achieve their fullest potential. These teachers can be tapped on to support students in mainstream or SPED schools.”
“I understand that there are also lessons in Character and Citizenship Education in mainstream schools that help raise awareness of disabilities and how each person can play a part in developing an inclusive society. Schools have also forged partnerships with Voluntary Welfare Organisations to provide opportunities for students to interact meaningfully and deepen mutual understanding. These are all great efforts but we need to build on them. So, we should have an education system where children with and without special needs learn and play within the same setting but in different pathways. I believe that this is more accurately described as an integrated education system. That way, students can receive different support and assistance based on their needs but yet have the opportunity to interact meaningfully. Currently, there are special needs students in mainstream schools. However, such arrangements, in some situations, have been challenging for the teachers as well as the students – those with and without special needs. We hear many instances where the teachers and the allied educators cannot manage the students and the class situation. Teachers get stressed, the students in class are affected, parents chime in and express their unhappiness about the arrangements and everyone is discouraged by the efforts to be inclusive. So, to do this properly, we need to build the proper support structure and have sufficient resources. One key resource is the group of teachers who are trained to teach students with special needs. It appears that there is currently a shortage of such teachers.”
“Learning is personalised and children are taught to embrace diversity and respect for each other. I accept that the model is not necessarily easy to replicate, but, for now, let us focus on the results that could be achieved if we truly set out to be inclusive. Secondly, there is great future economic value in equipping our special needs children with the necessary skills so that they could be independent. Research shows that when children with special needs are being supported to communicate with their peers, they enhance their independent communication, mastery of augmentative and alternative communication strategies and have increased speech and language development. If we intervene early, in schools, we give them the necessary skills and prepare them for the future, there is a greater chance that they would graduate school and join the workforce. If they can work well, be independent and contribute meaningfully towards the economy, less resources need to be spent on support structures or schemes when they are adults. In light of the above, I make the following recommendations to enhance the education landscape. For one, we should have an integrated education system and school setting. A common misunderstanding of an inclusive education is one where there is simply a presence of students with disabilities in a classroom or school setting but where micro or macro exclusion still occurs. If there is segregation and the children are not treated equally within the same setting, that is not truly inclusive education. In 2012, MOE announced that 20 Special Education (SPED) Schools will be paired with mainstream schools so that students from both schools have the opportunities to mingle, for example, during recess and at school events.”
“A pragmatist may also say that it would be unreasonable to expect the Government to put in large resources and funding to address needs of only a small percentage of people in the community. But I trust one can agree that enhancing inclusiveness within our education system will bring great benefit to Singapore as a whole. Firstly, fully embracing people with special needs within our community creates opportunities for people to be more caring and compassionate. I recall a conversation I had with you, Mr Speaker, when you were then the Minister for Social and Family Development. You feel strongly that people with special needs have a role to play in helping build kindness and empathy in the community. They are conduits through which we can elevate the level of compassion amongst Singaporeans. I fully agree. Research shows that a genuinely inclusive education system allows children to build and develop friendships that they might not have encountered otherwise, as inclusive settings encourage higher levels of interaction than segregated settings. What results is better outcomes for social and communication development and an early inculcation of values of inclusion. Such early exposure benefit both children with and without special needs, where they will be better able to demonstrate greater compassion, empathy and have better understanding on how to interact with their peers and accept diversity. These children could develop better interpersonal skills and exhibit greater adaptability. These results could already be seen at Kindle Garden, a preschool by Asian Women's Welfare Association, Singapore's first inclusive preschool. At Kindle Garden, children with different needs and different backgrounds study together.”
“To me, though, it felt like a rejection, that children like Ayden will always be seen as a burden, that they should be put in appropriate places. I cried my eyes out that afternoon. So, what does all this have to do with the Motion today? Why am I telling you these stories? There are many different aspects of the Motion that we can debate about today but I would like to speak about inclusive education from the perspective of persons with special needs. The reality is, whilst Singapore has made great strides in encouraging and promoting inclusiveness within our community, we have some way to go in truly walking the talk. Our society is still not yet able to truly view persons with disabilities as an equally valued member of the community. And I believe that we can review and build our education system so as to change perceptions, normalise disabilities; so that people can appreciate that persons with special needs are simply differently abled and are of no lesser value than any other member of society. Singapore has done a lot towards building an inclusive society. The Government started the journey in 2007 when the First Enabling Masterplan (EM1) was drafted and adopted. EM1 outlined a vision where persons with disabilities are fully integrated, empowered to reach their potential and are contributing members of society. A decade later, the Third Enabling Masterplan had been drafted and is currently being implemented. However, there are still gaps and areas which we can give more attention to, so as to truly embrace people with different abilities and give them the opportunity and motivation to excel. I would like to say at this juncture that this is not about seeking special treatment.”
“Half of the parents they polled indicated that they were uncomfortable about their child having to sit next to one with special needs in class. I also hear stories from parents of children with special needs about how people treat their children. One father shared that on one occasion, a few young children were running towards his daughter. They probably just wanted to play, but their caregiver was heard shouting "不要去那边！她是神经病的人!”. Do not go there. She is a crazy person. Several months back, I heard on the radio, a caller commenting on a discussion on inclusivity. The man said that his wife is a teacher and that there is a child with special needs in her class. His wife must have shared her challenges with him. He said that he was of the view that "these children" should not be put in the same class as normal children. They are disruptive and cause a lot of problems to the teachers and the class. He felt that parents of children with special needs are in denial and they want to believe that their children are normal, so they insist that their children be in mainstream schools when they actually should be taught elsewhere. Honestly, I understood where this gentleman was coming from. The challenges faced by teachers in such settings are real. We need to deal with these challenges. I will touch on this a little later in my speech. But the caller's solution to the problem offended and hurt me as a parent. His tone and the curt manner in which he declared his views reflected how he felt about children who are different. They should be taught separately, kept apart from normal children. I appreciate it may not be completely fair to postulate from his brief remarks what he thought of people with special needs in general.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to firstly declare that I am a parent of a child with Down's Syndrome. My son Ayden is, therefore, by common definition, a child with special needs. The first few months of Ayden's life was probably the most challenging period in my life. Down's Syndrome children typically have certain associated medical conditions. So, at the beginning, I was at Kandang Kerbau Hospital almost every other week for a slew of medical appointments. Other parents, whose children have special needs, would probably share similar experiences. In addition to the worry about the children's health, there is also always that nagging fear about their future, how society would see them, whether they will be able to take care of themselves when they grow up, what will become of them when we, the parents, pass away. It is not uncommon to hear this – and I believe the hon Member Ms Denise Phua would have shared this – that these parents often say that they would rather live to see their child die so that they could ensure that the child's needs are met to the end. It is heartbreaking to hear. This worry is not unjustified. A quick sensing of the current environment suggests that society, whilst now more open and accepting of people with special needs, is still not completely comfortable with them. The National Council of Social Service (NCSS) conducted an attitude study with 1,400 citizens and permanent residents in 2015 and found that the public viewed persons with disabilities less favourably than those without a disability. They also had less favourable attitudes towards those with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder. The Lien Foundation's Inclusive Attitudes Study conducted in 2016 echoed this finding.”
“If they do not have proper housing, they will face some difficulties.”
“They have all these in broad terms but it does not really help because they just give rough figures or, sometimes, to the extent that they would not even have an indication of the housing loan eligibility because they do not have the divorce order yet. I think there is hesitance in fixing a certain amount before they actually know the full picture. To be fair to the parties, you really need to guide them along. So, one, I would suggest that you review the process in respect of housing guidance to help divorced parties; and, two, I would just echo Mr Louis Ng's point that we may need to review this position about making it an exception because the policy itself does not gel with the principle of a shared care and control arrangement. Because the parties are actually ordered to be able to allow the children to live with them. So, the idea is that, half the time, they are living with the father and half the time they are living with the mother. If they do not have proper housing —”
“Speaker, I thank the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for her clarification. I would just like to take this opportunity to echo Mr Louis Ng's concerns on this matter. I am a practising divorce lawyer and this is a matter I see fairly commonly. Even if the order is not a shared order, even if it is share and control to one parent, there is always this disagreement and issues with regard to the housing arrangements because only one party can list and use the children's name. I would just want to highlight and stress the difficulties that parties have. This becomes an issue of contention because they have difficulties arranging for their housing later, especially in shared care and control arrangements. Parties have difficulties resolving it in a divorce. So, it does not help in the resolution of the divorce, if we do not figure out how we can lay out plans that can help parties moving forward. There is already this housing guidance arrangement that is given to parties at divorce. They have to fill it up and sign it. From my experience and from anecdotal evidence given by clients who have gone through the process, depending on the officer, the advice given may not necessarily be as thorough and helpful. So, I believe that in circumstances where there is a divorce, it would be helpful if parties are given a very clear outcome, a very clear option that is available to them, especially at that stage before they actually go through the whole divorce process so that they can see how much loan they can take out, how much monies they have, what are their options.”
“It may be useful to give litigants in person more time to file a notice of appeal, especially where they are seeking determination on a question of law or jurisdiction. Fourteen days may be too short a time to seek legal advice and prepare the notice of appeal. As the Tribunal will be a place where the public interact with the justice system to seek recourse for their grievances, we must also evaluate the experience one goes through and, often, the experience can greatly impact one’s impression of the justice system. I am happy to note that the Tribunal will be empowered to issue its own Practice Directions, which would be made available to the public. I trust these Practice Directions will not take the usual form as the ones issued to legal practitioners and will be easy and simple to follow. Since 10 July 2017, the CJTS allows for parties to file claims from the comfort of their homes. It is also important for this system to be supported by a call centre where calls about procedure are dealt with. I believe this is similar to the suggestion by fellow Member Ms Joan Pereira. These calls can be managed by a trained pool of paralegals who may be the best placed to assist. At the Tribunals, we must continue to remain open to assist those in need of guidance, keeping in mind that such officers can render legal advice. In conclusion, while the proposed amendments greatly enable access to justice, we must continue to create awareness about such resources amongst our residents and, minimally, information about these Tribunals should be available at every community club. The awareness is a critical enabler to access justice. Mr Deputy Speaker, I stand in support of this Bill.”
“Currently, the Tribunal does not have the power to make cost orders except when the claim brought forward is frivolous and vexatious. This was envisioned to give the litigant in person with genuine claims a piece of mind to air their concerns and be given an opportunity to be heard. Often, litigants in persons may be unable to see the other parties’ perspective easily and may be over-zealous in pursuing their claims. I would urge that the exercise of these powers to order costs be done very judiciously so as not to penalise lay persons too quickly. I also support the enhancement for the Tribunal to order mediation. As a mediator, I definitely see value in mediation being a key step in dispute resolution. Mediation is, however, a consensual process. I, therefore, hope that in mandating mediation within this process, the Tribunal takes the effort to ensure that parties understand and appreciate the purpose and value of mediation so that they are attending such mediation sessions with an open mind to resolving such disputes. If it becomes clear that the gap between parties is too big, then mediation may not be the most appropriate option, and parties should be able to go through the process without any delay. Currently, there is no avenue to appeal unless a question of law or jurisdiction arises. This had led to some dissatisfaction by some who have come before the Tribunal. It is a fine balance between providing finality of outcome and ensuring just outcomes. In this regard, I am happy to note that District Courts would be empowered to remit a matter to the Tribunal for reconsideration or order a rehearing by a different tribunal and grant a stay of execution where appropriate.”
“On the other hand, lawyers may feel that more work is being taken away from them as more processes are made simpler for litigants-in-person. I note that there will always be challenges as we seek to set limits. I trust, however, that the Ministry remains open to review this limit at the appropriate junctures. The limitation period for bringing a claim to the Tribunals has also been increased from one year to two years. This is a good alignment with the limitation period for bringing claims in other tribunals in the State Courts. Additionally, the amendments also seek to broaden the types of claims that can be heard at the Tribunals, such as hire purchase claims, in addition to pre-existing categories, such as any contract for sale of goods or provision of services; claim in tort in respect of any property; and contract for the lease of residential premises that does not exceed two years. While the inclusion of hire purchase claims is a welcomed addition, another common area of need for many Singaporeans is a platform to resolve disputes arising from personal loans. Currently when parties enter into IOUs or written personal loans, they are unable to use the Tribunals to assist with resolving their dispute. Previously, Members of this House had also asked about platforms to arbitrate personal injury or property damage claims relating to the use of personal mobility devices. As the needs of Singaporeans continue to change, we must constantly evaluate the types of claims that can be arbitrated under the Tribunals. I, therefore, urge the Ministry to consider including some of these claims, perhaps in the next review or amendment of the Act. This amendment also seeks to empower the Tribunal to award costs against parties where necessary.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, I first declare my interest as a practising lawyer. In recent years, great strides have been made to strengthen access to justice to the public. Enabling access to justice must remain a cornerstone of our legal framework, as robust and efficient dispute resolution greatly aids businesses and consumers alike. I am, therefore, pleased to hear of the amendments to the Act to strengthen access to justice in Singapore. I note that in 1984, the Tribunals, through the joint efforts of MinLaw and MTI, were introduced to allow for a speedy and inexpensive machinery to handle small claims arising from disputes between consumers and suppliers. It sought to ensure that (a) there is consumer protection with speedy dispute resolution that is not belaboured by strict rules of evidence or Court procedures; (b) cost is kept to a minimum; and (c) a litigant in person is not disadvantaged by the inability to afford legal representation. As we review the existing Act, we should continue to be guided by these principles. In this vein, I have some comments to make in relation to some of the proposed amendments in this Bill. The jurisdictional limit of the Tribunals was $2,000 in 1984. This limit, over time, has been increased to $10,000. The amendments propose an increase in the quantum of jurisdictional limit to S$20,000, by default, and up to S$30,000 if parties agree to the same. This is welcomed. However, it is notable that the last revision on the limit was done in 1998, almost 20 years ago. Some may express concerns that the proposed limit is still too low, especially as the litigation costs, even for claims slightly above S$30,000, can sometimes be quite high.”
“Secondly, I note that there would be instances where the vulnerable adult would have to be taken away from the care he or she has. Do we have sufficient manpower, support and spaces like the care facilities that the Minister referred to, to ensure that the care of these vulnerable adults, temporary or otherwise, is seamless and comprehensive? Further, what are the measures or support framework in place to ensure reconciliation with families where appropriate? I know that the Minister had earlier shared that Court orders could be made to direct family members to attend counselling. Are there other mechanisms to assist with reconciliation and appropriate follow-ups with the family members? Thirdly, I believe that the cases that would fall under this category would be complicated and potentially emotionally and logistically challenging. The social welfare officers need to be trained in various aspects. They should be equipped with skills in dealing with, for example, violent relatives, they need to understand the Court processes and also have greater depth in dealing with and recognising psychological on top of physical harm. Are all our officers fully trained and equipped to handle various circumstances? I would be grateful if the Minister could shed some light on the matters I raised. Notwithstanding my request for clarifications, I support this Bill.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I would like to take this opportunity to laud the efforts that have been done to present this Bill to Parliament. As my other colleagues have said, this has been a long-awaited Bill, with many hoping to see more teeth in legislation to help safeguard vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect or self-neglect. I understand that for far too long, social workers have been left frustrated with the inability to take action in situations where they feel that more could be done. I note the great balancing act that needs to be put in place to ensure that while we do what we think is necessary for the group that cannot help themselves, we do not inadvertently trample on individual rights and liberties. Therefore, although personally, I share the sentiments of some of my colleagues who feel that the Bill could extend to protect against issues like financial abuse, I appreciate the caution with which we proceed on this Bill. I hope that the Ministry would review the matter further and consider other recourse available to the elderly in this respect. For the purposes of this speech though, I would like to focus on the implementation of the Bill. In my humble opinion, for this Bill to be effectively administered and for the true spirit of the Bill to be embraced, we need to ensure that there are appropriate support, resources and manpower in place to respond to the circumstances that would arise in the course of enforcement of this Bill. I, therefore, have some clarifications to make. Firstly, I would like to understand who would form the team of qualified assessors on the ground. What would be the requirements of these assessors and would there be specified training given to them?”
“As Minister Indranee articulately put it just now, it is our values that define us, and I believe that our values will guide us through any turning points in our journey as we continue writing our Singapore Story. The story of the resilience, grit and determination of our forefathers will continue to live in us. I have faith in our collective wisdom to choose what is best for the country in the long run, not just for the short term, and to distinguish the truth from falsehoods, to appreciate sincerity and hard work in building Singapore and to find common ground in the midst of many differing views. Mr Speaker, I trust I have completed in good time. I support this Motion.”
“The previous generation of leaders set high standards of efficiency, of integrity and we should build on these standards. However, the challenge faced by the new generation of leaders is great. Issues about maintaining or, in fact, earning and building trust have surfaced. There are vocal groups who may be in the minority, but their dissent is strong and their views are amplified through social media. The landscape of information flow has changed. We all have confirmation biases and social media helps create echo chambers where already-held beliefs, no matter how unreasonable they may be, are reinforced. It is an uphill battle, but I have faith in the leadership. I am heartened by the candour and humility of the Government. Over the last few days of this debate, I have heard the acknowledgement and acceptance of the people’s grievances, their feedback, and the plan and determination to do better. I have also personally seen the leadership at work with the people and even behind closed-door discussions. There is an earnest desire to engage, to lay out the various tradeoffs and explain why some things can or cannot be done. There is an earnest effort to review and make changes, where appropriate, to help ease difficulties. But there is also courage to make the right decisions, to make unpopular decisions, and to do what is important and right for Singapore. I feel that it is this earnestness and courage that define this current Government. Clearly, there is just no short cut to this except the hard work of engaging and helping each group, each person, each individual, and in earning their trust and respect, one heart at a time. I also have faith in our people.”
“We must make use of the available opportunities, provide support and assistance where possible, and work together to enhance the standard of living of all Singaporeans. (In English): Mr Speaker, allow me to continue in English. Many of my esteemed colleagues in this House had shared their insights from their interactions and discussions with residents and other groups of people. Allow me to add to this and share some of my insights. For one, the people want an efficient Government, one that responds to issues quickly and solves all problems immediately. The people I spoke to lamented about transportation woes, problems with shared bicycles, danger imposed by personal mobility devices. Whilst they acknowledge the current efforts in place to resolve the issues, many hope for a faster solution. Secondly, there is a desire for the Government to allow for space to dissent and disagree. Some shared that the Government should not be high-handed in its approach in responding to criticism, and that there should be better acceptance of its inadequacies and a willingness to change and do better. Above all, the people want to be assured that the Government is a compassionate one, one that would fight for its people, be on their side and do right by them. It seems that unpopular decisions like the Goods and Services Tax increases, imposing car park charges on teachers, no matter how logical they may sound, make people wonder if the Government has heard the people and really care. For some people, the many lofty plans and policies will not matter if at the end of the day it does not make their lives better. The expectation on the Government is very high. As it should be, I feel. Our people deserve the best.”
“Each student should be able to grab any opportunity in the course of his or her education, regardless of background. Life is different now. Many parents may be able to afford to provide more for their children. However, we must make sure that no one is left behind. Now, there is an Opportunity Fund, a fund that can be used for beneficial co-curricular activities to further develop students from low-income families. I hope that the administration of this fund can be enhanced to ensure that students are aware of the various opportunities that are available and that more students can benefit from this fund. We also have the KidSTART programme, which is a pilot programme that aims to provide comprehensive support to low-income families. It is hoped that this will increase the potential of children from such families, and these children will have the same opportunities as children from other families. I truly welcome this effort. However, I hope that this programme can be developed even more quickly so that it can benefit more families. I would like to also suggest that the Ministry look at how this programme can be right-scaled so that certain aspects can be replicated and applied to children from middle-income families. The reason is that although parents from this group may be able to afford certain things for their children, the cost of living may affect their ability to provide additional things. It will be good if support can also be rendered to these families. The Government may be able to implement certain policies and programmes but, in the end, all of us play a role in ensuring that our society can progress together.”
“Thank you, Speaker, for the challenge, and apologies to the House. Mr Speaker, Sir, allow me to begin my speech in Malay. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.]: This year, President Halimah Yacob delivered her maiden President’s Address. For me, it was a proud moment and a source of inspiration. Seeing a Malay lady as the President delivering an address charting the direction of our country, made me really think about progress in Singapore. In Singapore, a woman can occupy the highest position in society. In Singapore, a minority race can have the same status as the other races. In Singapore, if we are willing to work hard, there are pathways and opportunities to keep progressing. I admit, and I am aware, that not everyone has the same situation in life. For instance, a particular family’s financial situation and the lack of social networks and social capital, can definitely impact one’s direction in life. Those who come from low-income families generally need to work harder compared to those who come from wealthy families. This turns the pursuit of progress into an unfair competition. This year’s President's Address has certainly outlined inequality as an issue that we must overcome. I am heartened to see the Government giving due attention to this issue and making it a national priority. I recall when I was a student, and when there was an opportunity to take part in a study visit overseas, I did not even think about participating because I knew the cost was high and my parents could not afford it. Overseas programmes are not necessarily a priority, but such activities, which are done outside the classroom, are opportunities to gain new experiences and knowledge.”
“The provision of pro bono services, in my view, is a key component within the community as it helps to augment the existing Legal Aid scheme that is available. I hope that with the access to this new Fund, there would be more resources and additional effort to bridge any gaps in the provision of legal services, especially to those who may not meet the criteria to obtain Legal Aid. As mentioned above, I believe that the proposed amendments will ensure that the high standards expected of this profession will be maintained. I stand in support of this Bill.”
“When the clients cannot be contacted, the lawyer then has difficulties. There have been situations where the lawyer cannot close the firm because of this outstanding issue. Typically, the lawyer would ask another lawyer to take over the account, but this can be a hassle. The issue is now resolved with the introduction of the UM Fund. I appreciate the effort in calibrating the provisions of this new section to be fair to the lawyer, the Law Society as well as the client, especially if eventually he or she does show up and claim the monies. I note that the effect of the proposed sections 70K(3) and 70K(4) is that the lawyer may potentially face a claim from a client that resurfaces within six years from the time the unclaimed money is transferred to the Law Society. I appreciate that the proposed clause 70L allows for a channel for the client or claimant to apply to the Law Society for payment of the whole or part of the unclaimed money and, upon payment, the Law Society and lawyer are discharged from liability to the claimant for the amount paid. In these circumstances, may I seek clarification on the intent of section 70K(4) as there would be a wait of six years before the lawyer is discharged and free from any liability? I am heartened that there is provision in the proposed section 70L(5) to deal with situations where claims come in after the expiry of the six-year period. I believe this reflects reasonableness and compassion, values which should be upheld by the fraternity. The final point I wish to raise is on the usage of the monies in the UM Fund. I note that the monies forming part of the Fund may be used to fund, amongst other things, pro bono services provided by the Law Society.”
“Thank you, Deputy Speaker. I declare that I am a lawyer in private practice. The Legal Profession Act and the various subsidiary legislation, including the Legal Profession (Professional Conduct) Rules and the Legal Profession (Solicitor's Account) Rules, govern the profession and help ensure that the integrity of the profession is preserved. I am heartened, therefore, by the further enhancements that I believe will ensure that the high standards expected of the profession will be maintained. I wish to record my observations on several proposed amendments in this Bill. Firstly, I note clauses 22, 23, 24 and 26 to 29 of the Bill relate to amendments to expand the range of measures that may be imposed in disciplinary proceedings to include remedial measures. This is a laudable move in that it allows for a suite of more nuanced, meaningful and fair sanctions. The profession calls for high standards of conduct, and I believe we should continue to assert this. However, it is important to have regulation that seeks to encourage good behaviour and rehabilitate undesirable conduct, instead of being merely punitive. I, therefore, hope that in its application, the directions or orders for remedial measures will help to encourage better conduct amongst the lawyers who face disciplinary proceedings. Secondly, I note the introduction of the new Part VB relating to the UM Fund. This is definitely a welcomed move. For far too long, lawyers have had difficulties in dealing with monies put in as deposit by clients or deposited in favour of the clients, who subsequently cannot be reached. Lawyers are required to keep monies belonging to clients in the client's account, until there is a proper invoice or proper instructions are given for monies to be paid out.”
“The Bill before us today is an important measure that can encourage people to be more concerned about the impact of our lives on the environment. Our daily activities usually generate carbon that will pollute the air and destroy the environment. Most of the carbon in the air is emitted by certain industries. Under this new legislation, certain companies will be taxed based on their carbon emissions. The money that needs to be set aside for this carbon tax will nudge these companies into paying more attention to carbon emissions and find new ways to be more productive and environmentally-friendly. Many have voiced concern that the cost of living will rise due to this carbon tax. Perhaps the Government can try to monitor this and do something so that companies and businesses do not take the opportunity to engage in unfair profiteering. However, I think that people should also be aware and change their way of life gradually and reduce our carbon footprint. We can cut waste, reduce usage of electrical devices, we can walk more instead of taking the car, and so on. We will save money and, at the same time, we save the environment. I am sure that with fair and balanced legislation, and sustained educational efforts, we can realise our vision of preserving a beautiful environment for our children. (In English): Mr Speaker, in English. It is important for us to do our part to protect the environment, but this needs to go beyond platitudes and be translated into actual action. This Bill is a show of action. However, having rules alone is not enough. We really need to take the opportunity to continue educating the public so that everyone can embrace changes positively and work towards developing more eco-friendly habits. Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the Bill.”
“I note that the Minister for Finance had indicated that the Government is prepared to spend more than the revenue generated from the carbon tax within the same period to support worthwhile projects which deliver the necessary abatement in emissions, and the Minister had earlier repeated this in his speech. This is heartening. In this regard, I would like to know from the Minister if there will be any new or enhanced grants in place to encourage green innovation. Aside from the concerns and feedback from the businesses, we have also heard a lot of comments from the public about their fear on how the carbon tax will impact the cost of living. There has already been a buzz about increases in prices of food and drinks at coffee shops. Some businesses have attributed the increases in cost to the cost of water as well as to the prospective increase in Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the carbon tax, even when they have yet to be imposed. I, therefore, wonder if there is any way for the Government to monitor the knock-on effect of the implementation of the carbon tax on consumers and put in place some regulation to avoid unfair profiteering. It is necessary to note that in our effort to protect the environment, that we do not inadvertently hurt the very people whom we are protecting the environment for. Mr Speaker, allow me to say a few words in Malay. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] We often talk about the importance of protecting the environment; preserving it for future generations. However, this is not about just paying lip-service but rather something that we should embody. It is an essential value which should be present in all of us and we must take actions in our daily lives to execute this vision.”
“There were some queries as to whether there is a plan to move towards a carbon trading system in the future where companies with low emissions could sell off their credits to larger emitters. It does allow for flexibility, but we do need to think about the overall impact to the effort in reducing emissions. I also note that the Minister had made reference to the International Credit System and that Singapore will carefully study the feasibility of linking our carbon tax framework to other CP jurisdictions with high environmental integrity. The implementation of this Act, if it comes to pass, will clearly change the way businesses are run. There will be administrative work to be done, mechanisms which need to be put in place to track emissions, as well as auditing to be carried out to ensure compliance. Given that this is a completely new regime that the businesses are facing, would the Government be providing support, perhaps in the form of business consultancy, to help the affected entities manage the change? Following from this, perhaps the expected revenue from the carbon tax could be channelled towards supporting or incentivising companies to stay through the course in their efforts to reduce emissions. While we show the stick, it is also useful to dangle the carrot to encourage positive development in this sector. There is a lot of potential to harness green innovation. But some further funding may need to be allocated to this cause. The Government is expected to collect carbon tax revenues of about S$1 billion over the next five years.”
“Mr Speaker, I am a board member of the Singapore Environment Council (SEC). I must confess that prior to being on the council, my awareness of environmental issues was low. I still have much to learn but, at least now, I am more conscious about the effect my actions have on the environment and the need to take steps to reduce my carbon footprint. The consciousness to protect our environment is not just a lofty ideal but an essential value, which should be present in all of us. This value should be nurtured, and we need to continue to educate people, young and old, about the role each of us plays in protecting the environment. The introduction of this Bill is an opportunity to further inform and edify people about the environment. This Bill is premised on the desire and need to create a sustainable future for our children. In addressing the common feedback and concerns about the Bill, we should continue to remind the public and various stakeholders of this pertinent vision. At the same time, there also needs to be support to the people, businesses and stakeholders in adjusting to the changes put in place and the knock-on effects of the same. There are clearly challenges in implementing such a bold and new initiative to regulate conduct and practices which have been in place for a long time. It is understandable and commendable, therefore, that the Government has chosen a soft start and an incremental approach by imposing a lower tax per tonne of emission at the beginning and increasing the same over time. The carbon credit system has also been lauded for allowing for some flexibility.”
“This could encourage more mature and constructive discussions in the youth sphere, which will, hopefully, help to shape views and instill the youths with the same sense of responsibility and ownership of our Pioneer Generation. Our Singapore Fund We say this very often, that we all have a part to play in our nation's development. However, we need to go beyond platitudes and think about the things that we can do to contribute to our country. Our Singapore Fund was established in August 2016 following from Our Singapore Conversation. I saw it as a call to action, a platform which allows Singaporeans to take ownership of their vision for the country and do something about it. I am, therefore, keen to find out more about the usage of this fund. I think the usage can give a reflection of people's passion in doing various projects for the community. The data could perhaps inform us about the awareness of the fund and the different interests out there. Perhaps we could do more to encourage more people to use the fund. I would like to ask the Ministry for an update on the status of Our Singapore Fund. How many projects have been funded to date, and has there been any review of the eligibility criteria to encourage more people to apply for the fund? Charities and Online Donations”
“Thank you, Chairman. The youths of today will be the ones helming the nation in the future. It is crucial to engage them and let them have a say on key issues affecting our people. I note that the Ministry has taken a lot of effort to engage our young people. In particular, I note that the National Youth Council (NYC) has done a lot over the years to understand youths and refine its outreach. I am a new council member, and it has been exciting to hear about the work in this sector. Reaching out to the diverse groups of youths can be challenging. The youths today have very different experiences from the generations before them and aspire for different things. There is, therefore, a need to truly understand the group before we can harness their potential. There is scope to enhance such engagements by having targeted approaches for the different archetypes of youths. Not all young people are the same. Not all are vocal and not all may be interested in giving their views. But they should be interested, and their views matter. We could look at sharing information and obtaining feedback in the medium that is more suitable and comfortable for the different groups. This could mean repackaging information in bite-sized forms and engaging them through social media. We go to them, have discussion sessions where they hang out after school or where they seek recreation. We should also be open to implement meaningful ideas generated from the discussions. I, therefore, hope the Ministry will consider providing our youths with opportunities to play a part in policy making.”
“Sir, the arts is a platform to encourage inclusiveness within the community. It is also an avenue to empower the less advantaged amongst us, including the isolated elderly, people with disabilities and youths at-risk. This vision, however, can only be achieved if we make arts accessible to the different groups within our community. This means, everyone, regardless of their social status, background and abilities, should have access to various spaces, such as museums, heritage sites, theatres, and have the opportunity to participate in arts programmes. Last year, the WeCare Arts Fund was renewed to increase access to the less advantaged groups in our community, the underserved. Since the Fund was started in 2014, the arts projects involved over 8,000 beneficiaries. This is, indeed, encouraging. Is there any assessment on the value and impact of the programmes on the beneficiaries involved? Also, how many more groups would the Ministry be reaching out to? We need to continue to ensure that the arts and heritage spaces are accessible. Has the Ministry assessed the accessibility of the different spaces for the different groups? How can our arts and heritage spaces be more inclusive and welcoming for people with disabilities? What else is the Ministry doing to ensure that the underserved and the underprivileged in our community have access to arts and heritage?”
“Mr Chairman, in Malay. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] During the dialogue sessions with our Malay/Muslim community, some issues that are frequently raised pertain to concerns about the ever-changing economy and efforts that individuals should make to keep updating their skills so that they stay relevant. Many are aware about the importance of attending the right training courses so that they can upgrade themselves. But some are worried whether they can still keep their jobs due to increasing competition. Some are unsure what they need to do to prepare for the new economy. Some also wish to know which sectors or industries will grow and should be given due attention. Although I understand their concern, I am proud that there are an awareness and a desire to continue improving themselves. It is important that we provide strong support to help the community in this matter so that they can stay relevant in the new economy. Hence, I was pleased when a committee headed by Senior Parliamentary Secretary Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim and Parliamentary Secretary Amrin Amin was set up last year to help Malay/Muslim professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) with training courses and enhancing their employability. May I ask about the plans and efforts that are being done and continue to be refined to help our workers? Are there efforts to start early and engage students in order to inculcate awareness and skills about working in the new economy? What are the efforts done to keep encouraging students and PMETs to continue obtaining qualifications and upgrading themselves even if they have completed formal education in schools? Digitalisation Efforts in the Community”
“Looking at the global trends and what is happening in the world today in terms of Islamic education, ideologies inculcation and the matters religious leaders and clerics have to grapple with, the time is right for us to undertake this and to grab the opportunity to make the positive impact that we have to. This is a major undertaking and we must ensure we plan it right. How are we doing this? It is not about imposing models from other countries to Singapore but more about customisation and implementing our own unique model for the College. We must also ensure that the College has engagement and outreach to the community and will prove beneficial to the future and potential students and educators. Have the relevant personnel planned the relevant engagements and focus group discussions with the local targeted stakeholders and what other progress has been made pertaining to the Singapore Islamic College? 10.45 am”
“Chairman, in Malay, please. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] The family is an important unit in society. To ensure that a community is strong and robust, the family unit must be strong and robust. Therefore, it is important that we continue paying attention to efforts that build and preserve family ties. Among efforts being done include conducting courses that are suitable for families, including couples who wish to marry or have just married, parents with young children, and so on. Over the years, we have seen many developments amongst our Malay/Muslim families. I understand that more are getting married and there are fewer marriages between couples under 21 years old. We also see fewer cases of remarriages after a divorce. Although there is a slight improvement, divorce rates appear stable. I feel that there is still room for us to continue helping couples and families in this matter. One specific effort being done is to monitor and provide guidance to young couples under 21 years old. Last year, amendments were made to the Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA) in which there is a provision which requires couples, when one of them is under 21 years old, to attend marriage preparation courses and obtain parental consent before proceeding with their marriage. May I know the outcome of this effort? Can the Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs provide the latest information on this matter? Singapore Islamic College Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef: Sir, Singapore education has a strong branding and is known for its high standards and comprehensiveness. Now, we are embarking on setting up an Islamic college.”
“Earlier, the Senior Parliamentary Secretary addressed the query I had regarding the solutions for the tight manpower situation for the preschool sector. The Senior Parliamentary Secretary had indicated that there were innovative strategies to deal with this. Can I check how many preschools are using the technological solutions in the schools and how have these been improving their productivity? Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: Sir, I am happy that there is quite a good interest in how we can use technology and smart solutions in the operation of our preschools. Today, about 800 preschools have already indicated their interest to adopt smart solutions. We realise that, by doing this, it will bring lots of benefits. In fact, about half of these centres have implemented some of these solutions and they can expect a savings of 40-100 man-hours a month. In some centres, if you look at it, they have enjoyed a savings of as much as 270 man-hours a month. That is quite a good number. When we also look at the centralised meal catering services, more than 50 schools have taken up this arrangement. And we found that it has reduced costs by as much as 10%. So, it shows that the preschools and operators can benefit a lot by using smart solutions and we want to encourage more take-up rates.”
“[Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] I am the Chairperson of the Malay Language Month this year which is an annual event to celebrate and encourage the use of Malay Language amongst the public. One issue that deserves attention in our effort to preserve the Malay Language is the importance of cultivating interest among the young. We are aware that the early years are important in our children's development. Early education and exposure are important in order to develop their linguistic capabilities. In my discussions with preschool educators in my role as the Malay Language Month Chairperson, some of them said they have difficulties in getting suitable teaching materials for their students. I understand that improvements have been made in this matter whereby materials like Big Books were made available for teachers. I am sure that this situation can be further improved to help mother tongue teachers in preschools. As Singapore prioritises bilingual education, what can the Ministry do to ensure that preschool students receive quality mother tongue education? Enabling Masterplan for the Disabled”
“At a time when Singaporeans are getting worried about the social divide between those who are better-off and those who are less advantaged, it is important for us to focus on core efforts that can help close this divide. I trust we can all agree that quality education can be a social leveller. Every child, regardless of his or her background, should have access to good education from a young age. We know that ages between 0 to four years old are the most important years for development. Therefore, I am happy to hear the Prime Minister's announcement at the National Day Rally last year about the Government's investments into early childhood education. In recent years, we have made significant investments in this sector which has expanded so rapidly to cater to the needs of our young. To have quality preschool education, you need good infrastructure, good resources and, more importantly, good and sufficient teachers and other staff members. I would like to find out from the Ministry how will the Ministry support the growth of the early childhood education sector amidst a tight manpower situation. Early Childhood”
“Sir, many of the elderly residents who come to see me at my Meet-the-People Sessions (MPS) request for financial assistance. Often, many of these senior citizens are uncomfortable seeking help from their children. They feel that their children have enough financial problems of their own without having to worry about their elderly parents. I would refer these seniors to SSO and, usually, some form of assistance is given. There appears to be an increasing expectation that the Government ought to bear a large part of the responsibility of taking care of the elderly. Is this reflected in the results of the recent IPS survey which Ms Tin Pei Ling also referred to? To some extent, I understand the sentiment. If families are facing some difficulties, as far as possible, there should be a support structure in place to assist. However, it is important that the family continues to be the first line of support for those who need help. This is a value that our society should embrace and adhere to. I would like to understand the Ministry's view on this issue, in particular, how does the Ministry see the role of the Government in providing the social support structure for the people? Is there some way we could provide families with some support but ultimately empower them to care for their vulnerable family members themselves? Early Childhood and Special Needs Support”
“Sir, I am a practising lawyer. I was happy to note that the legal sector has been involved in the industry transformation exercise and the CFE Legal and Accounting Working Group was set up to look into the future growth of the legal and accounting sectors. It has been almost a year since the Working Group made its recommendations. What have been the developments and achievements following the recommendations? In particular, I noted many meaningful initiatives have been launched, including TechStart by the Law Society of Singapore and the Future of Law Innovation Programme (FLIP). How many small and medium-sized law practices have been engaged through these initiatives? What has been the impact on the small and medium-sized law practices so far? There was news in the United States (US) about how artificial intelligence (AI) has beaten some top lawyers in reviewing contracts more accurately. Their contract reviewing algorithm was created by a legal AI platform LawGeex with teams based in New York and Tel Aviv. Researchers found that the AI was 10% more accurate than humans in spotting key legal issues with business contracts – an everyday task for most lawyers. I think lawyers should be worried. Technology is clearly disrupting the legal sector. At the same time, the Singapore Bar is steadily growing with more than 5,000 qualified lawyers currently in practice and with the Courts and the Ministry enhancing various services to the public, including enhancement of pro bono schemes and reforms in the Family Justice system as well as placing Singapore as an international legal hub. Against this backdrop, how will the Ministry support Singapore lawyers and Singapore law practices, especially the small and medium-sized law practices, to be ready for the future?”
“Chairman, I have two questions. One is for the Second Minister. I just want to clarify on the effectiveness of SGSecure. Has SGSecure been effective in increasing awareness and also preparedness of Singaporeans? My second clarification is to the Parliamentary Secretary. I just want to check. It has to do with the drug issue, not a new issue. We surely have experience and some data. I am just wondering if the Ministry conducts studies and also perhaps use behavioural insights to inform it and to help it in its preventive drug outreach.”
“What is the status of the current efforts and further plans to work with the Malay/Muslim organisations in this regard?”
“I have a soft spot for the families of those who are incarcerated for drug offences. The family members may have not been the ones who have been the addict, but they also have to pay a price for the crime. I note that the Malay community is over-represented amongst the drug-offenders. I have close relatives who were incarcerated for drug-related offences and were in and out of prison for many years. I saw how their families were affected by this. Fortunately, the families overcame their challenges and the children are now all grown up, working and meaningfully contributing to the economy. Not all families are as fortunate, as we have seen many cases where children of the drug offenders becoming addicts themselves. It is, therefore, important to continue to create awareness about the dangers and impact of drug abuse. It is also important to support the families and ensure that there are proper rehabilitation and support upon release of the drug offenders from prison so that they can continue living their lives and participate in the future economy like everyone else. Difficulties in getting a job or inability to have a stable income in a challenging economy can contribute towards these ex-offenders succumbing to temptations and reoffending. The effort put in by the Ministry in the "Dadah itu Haram" campaign to tackle offending, reoffending and the drug abuse issue within the Malay/Muslim community is, therefore, commendable. I note that there is outreach to the Malay/Muslim organisations to help support this campaign. And this is an important effort. I would like to seek some updates from the Ministry on this campaign. What has been the community’s response to the campaign?”
“The aim of online harassment is the same as the offline mode, to shame the debtor in his community and harass the debtor's associates until he pays up. There is one difference – the loan sharks are innovating to avoid detection and identification, for example, by stealing the debtor's identity and posting it, to utterly destroy his reputation. The widespread use of Police closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance in public housing estates and tough enforcement have led to the steady decline of loan shark harassment cases since 2010. But there is a spike in cases last year for the first time, with electronic harassment contributing to the spike. Can the Minister clarify whether this spike also represents a spike in Singaporeans borrowing from loan sharks? Can the Minister also elaborate how the Police is combatting online forms of loan shark harassment so as to assure the public? Immigration Policy”
“It is unsettling to see acts of terror still happening all over the world. Although the incidents have happened in other countries, Singaporeans are acutely aware that the same tragedy can happen on our soil. It is worrying when we also hear reports of the arrests and detention of radicalised Singaporeans who could have potentially caused harm at home. In this regard, I would like to ask the Ministry to give an update on the current level of threat. What is the current level of threat of terrorism on the international, regional and domestic fronts? I trust the Ministry and the Home Team are taking all efforts to ensure that our country is prepared to deflect and respond to any potential attacks. I believe it would be good to assure Singaporeans of the counterterrorism efforts in place to protect Singaporeans. Could the Ministry provide an update on what has been done to build the Home Team's capabilities? Aside from the Home Team, it is important that the community stays vigilant and is also equipped with the necessary preparedness. To this end, SGSecure has been an excellent effort in creating awareness and building the skills of members of the community in response to a terror attack. I would like to seek an update on the efforts of implementing SGSecure on the ground. Are there means to measure the level of awareness and preparedness of the community? What more can be done to equip our community with the necessary skills and protect them against any attacks? Unlicensed Moneylending Harassment Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong (Non-Constituency Member): Chairman, loan sharks have been turning to online harassment of debtors.”
“Sir, I would like to direct a clarification to Minister Josephine Teo. I am happy to hear that there will be enhancements to the Assisted Reproduction Technology Co-funding scheme. I have some residents who have approached me because of the age limit of the scheme. So, I am wondering whether the Ministry will be open to consider extending the scheme to those who are above 40 years old.”
“Support for Couples I have been married for about six years before I became pregnant with my baby. I delivered a baby boy last year when I was already 37 years old. My experience is not an uncommon one. We do see many people marrying later and having children later in their lives. Many of us get caught up with our careers and may not plan the time for finding a partner and building a family. It takes effort and time to find the right partner. And most Singaporeans want to have all things in place before they start a family. This will also take time. Of course, it is best if we can encourage Singaporeans to get settled down and have children when they are younger. But the reality is that this may be easier said than done. With couples marrying later, more married couples may face difficulties in conceiving or have challenges during pregnancy. Will the Government provide more support for these couples, such as through enhancing assisted reproduction technology co-funding or raising the age limit to 40 years and above?”
“I will take my two cuts together. Singapore attracts people from all over the world. They want to work and live here and raise their families here. We have seen many different communities come to Singapore to make it a home, enjoying our social fabric. These new communities bring with them their language, culture and these add vibrancy to our cultural landscape. However, it is inevitable that, from time to time, we see some tensions as people learn to appreciate different cultures and ways of life. Some may feel uncomfortable with or suspicious of people and communities whom they are not familiar with. In Malay, there is a saying "tak kenal maka tak cinta", which means "you do not know so you do not love". When you do not know someone, it is easy to attribute faults or make that person a common enemy. On occasion, I hear complaints of lack of friendliness and of noise attributed to the newcomers in our community. These may seem like petty issues, but it affects our day-to-day lives. At a more serious level, the newcomers are seen as taking away all our jobs and breaking our families. These negative sentiments need to be addressed. We need to accept that global boundaries have become porous and that Singapore's economy is also dependent on it being open. Some people may be here only for a temporary period. Some may be new citizens. In any case though, they are part of our big community. For Singapore to do well, the community needs to be cohesive and integrated. There needs to be platforms to encourage interaction and foster understanding. I understand that there are many efforts in place to integrate the different communities. What more can be done to strengthen integration and bring about greater cohesion?”
“For my third and final point, I think that it is important for the people to continue playing a role in complementing efforts to assist the community. We can contribute in many ways, be it through donations or by helping out. We must encourage the spirit of helping one another. I am confident that with the joint effort of the Government, families and community, a comprehensive support network can be established. Let me conclude in English. (In English): Mr Speaker, let me conclude in English. My grassroots leaders translated the meaning of the greetings which the three children recited to me. They were wishes of good luck and blessings. I certainly hope all the good wishes that the children wished for me also come true for the family and for Singapore. May the five blessings arrive at our doors! And may good fortune come from all directions! Mr Speaker, I thank the Minister for Finance for the Budget Statement. I stand in support of the Budget.”
“Will our country continue to survive in the coming years? How can we continue to ensure that our country can still compete internationally in an ever-changing world? What should we do to provide a good life for our children who will inherit this nation from us? There are three things that I would like to emphasise. First, it is important for us to think about the long-term impact of each decision made for our country. The Government needs to balance efforts to look after the well-being of the people, with the efforts to ensure that this nation stays strong for future generations. Therefore, we must understand the need to increase the rate of GST to achieve long-term benefits. We need to be prepared for a rainy day. Some have asked, "Is there no other way?" Various suggestions may have been raised, but all of them will have an impact on the nation’s assets. There are those who rejected the increase in the GST but, in the same breath, they asked the Government to enhance social assistance measures. The Government sometimes have to make decisions that are less popular but are important for the good of the nation in the long term. Second, at the individual and family level, we also need to stay prepared for the future. We must be open-minded, work hard to acquire new knowledge and upgrade our skills. We need to pay attention to our children’s education, so that they will not be left behind in this current of rapid change. In this regard, I welcome the Council for the Development of the Singapore Malay/Muslim Community's (MENDAKI's) efforts to enhance our community’s education. I hope that MENDAKI and other Malay/Muslim organisations can continue to update the information and knowledge that can be conveyed to our community.”
“They did not meet the criteria to receive financial assistance from the schools and I had submitted appeals to the schools, which were eventually successful. I had also referred these requests to the Giveaway Gateway platform at Bukit Batok East, where the requests for assistance were conveyed to other residents. Many came forward without hesitation to help their fellow residents in need. During one of my ang pow presentation sessions to the elderly in the past weeks, one senior citizen approached me. He told me he had brought walking sticks to be donated to the Residents Committee (RC) and asked that I tell the RC members to give them out to anyone who needs them. It may seem like a small gesture. But this is, in fact, a significant show of caring and sharing. This is the spirit of giving that the Minister for Finance spoke about in his Budget Statement. I am happy to note that there is an allocation of effort in fostering this value and encouraging everyone to contribute to the community. In particular, I look forward to the enhancement of SG Cares and the one-stop platform Giving.sg. If I may suggest, we could look at the data available from this platform and understand behavioural inclinations. This information could then be used to curate social nudges that may further create awareness of the different community efforts and encourage the spirit of giving. Mr Speaker, Sir, allow me to say a few words in Malay. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] A subject that became a hot topic recently was the issue of the GST rate increase which will be implemented within a four-year period. Many have voiced their views on this matter. Clearly, discussions about the Budget gave us an opportunity to think about matters that are important to our nation.”