Shawn Huang Wei Zhong
Singapore
“I thank the Member for the question. Contractors who are PW Mark eligible are required to obtain and maintain the PW Mark throughout the contract period. They are also required to notify the contracting authorities if there are any changes to their PW Mark status.”
“Mismatches in the labour market may be driven by shifts in skill requirements. For example, firms are expanding technology functions, driving sustained demand for jobs like AI engineers and engineering professionals, while restructuring other professional, manager, executive and technician (PMET) roles that have become easier to automate.…”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. With regard to Parliamentary Question No 16, I would just like to clarify that Career Conversion Programmes provide salary support to employers. Thank you.”
“Mr Speaker, this question for oral answer has been addressed by written reply, to Question No 97 on the Order Paper for the 7 April 2026 Sitting.”
“There are schemes out there, for example, if a platform worker would like to transition to full-time employment or to a different platform, they can always approach WSG with a suite of capabilities, SkillsFuture, as well as the Career Conversion Programmes.”
“In 2025, the gross monthly income from employment, excluding employer Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions, of full-time employed resident professionals, managers and executives (PMEs) was about $4,500 at the 10th percentile, $5,400 at the 20th percentile and $6,000 at the 25th percentile. The median income was $8,400.”
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“I thank Ms Jean See for her suggestion. We will look into it.”
“There is a search engine today, but it requires traders to use specific technical search terms to retrieve the correct codes. Customs has been working with the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Government Technology Agency and the Public Service Division to develop a new search engine using AI. It will allow traders to search for the right product codes using layman descriptions and it will also make recommendations on the required licenses for controlled goods, as a further value-add. The new search engine will be more user-friendly and help traders navigate the regulatory landscape more efficiently. The new search engine will be soft launched later this year. Following the soft launch, agencies will gather public feedback and make necessary refinements to the search engine. From next month, Customs will also progressively implement new data analytics tools to better service public enquiries. This tool will allow Customs to leverage real-time data insights to identify patterns in enquiries raised on customs procedures. This will help them provide more up-to-date and swifter responses. We expect the average turnaround time for enquiries to reduce by about 30%.”
“Today, almost all the invoices billed to Government agencies adopt 30 days or shorter credit terms. We remain committed to keep prompt payment rates above 95%. To Ms Jessica Tan's question, in FY2023, 98% of invoices were paid within their credit terms. Furthermore, MOF will provide Government agencies with guidelines to address businesses' suggestions that include having more payment milestones and clarifying administrative processes. The issue of prompt payment is one that extends beyond government procurement. Businesses should also pay other businesses promptly. SBF is setting up a workgroup to review the development of a Code for transactions between businesses and we welcome this initiative. Mr Liang and Mr Chia asked what MOF agencies are doing to improve the experience of transacting with Government. This has been a continuous endeavour for MOF agencies. Today, it is relatively easy to file taxes with IRAS and apply for customs permits with Customs, following many years of system enhancements. But improvements can always be made, and we will continue to make them. Since November 2024, IRAS has expedited tax clearance for employers filing on behalf of non-citizen employees who cease employment in Singapore. Previously, employers would typically need to wait two to three days to receive IRAS' Directive to pay tax and release monies to the employee. IRAS now issues the Directive on the same day for straightforward cases, which make up 70% of filings. This will apply to about 180,000 filings a year. Customs has been exploring the use of AI to address a pain point for traders today – finding the right product codes and licenses applicable to their products. There are over 21,000 product codes.”
“Mr Liang, Ms Tan, Mr Chia and Ms Mariam Jaafar asked if the Government could make it easier for startups and businesses with innovative solutions. They highlighted that heavy administrative burdens and the expectations of having a track record might hamper their access to government procurement opportunities. Today, many agencies require businesses to demonstrate track record and financial capacity so that only businesses able to deliver the projects are selected. This helps to ensure reliability, especially for goods, services and infrastructure used by the public. This consideration remains relevant. But it can be challenging if the proposed solution is new to the market, especially a new technology or product, and more so if the business is a startup. Further, the pilot phase and the deployment phase are typically structured as separate tenders today. A business that wins the tender for the pilot phase has no certainty that it will get to deploy its solution at scale with the Government, even if the pilot was successful. To address these concerns, MOF will introduce the Innovative Procurement Partnership. This initiative will enable the Government to award contracts covering both pilot and subsequent deployment of innovative solutions which are new to the market. This means that businesses can be assured of the opportunity to scale up its innovative product or service, if the pilot is successful. More details will be provided in the second half of this year. Last year, we said that the Government would improve the promptness of payments to vendors. Mr Liang asked what measures the Government is taking. We have worked with SBF and ASME to survey businesses to better understand the current process gaps. Feedback from businesses surveyed was generally positive.”
“Ms Tan asked for an update on Tender Lite's effectiveness and whether the Government would consider expanding Tender Lite to other sectors. Tender Lite has simplified the procurement of general goods and services, and covers tenders up to $1 million. As of 1 January 2025, more than 700 Tender Lite opportunities have been published on GeBIZ. Of these, more than 400 have been awarded. About 85% were awarded to SMEs. Tender Lite has been well received. About 90% of businesses who responded to our survey provided feedback that the simpler conditions of contract in Tender Lite made participation in government tenders easier. MOF has been working closely with industry stakeholders. These include the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME) and sector-specific Trade Associations to further develop Tender Lite. We will be expanding Tender Lite to construction and information and communications technology (ICT) contracts, which will benefit businesses in these sectors. Tender Lite for construction contracts will be launched in May 2025. It will benefit construction businesses. First, by reducing administrative processes. We will be simplifying the conditions for closing of accounts or conclusion of projects. Second, we will share risks with businesses. We will cap the liquidated damages at 10% of contract value and remove the need for security deposits. We will also remove or shorten the Defects Liability Period where possible. These changes will help to ease contractors' cashflow. Tender Lite for ICT contracts will be implemented in phases from the second half of this year. Consultations with industry are ongoing and details will be published in due course. Next, let me touch on the new Innovative Procurement Partnership.”
“These include the substantial support that we provide to all Singaporeans for their training needs, such as the SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme and SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme, which the Prime Minister covered in his Budget Speech. Workforce Singapore (WSG) and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) also provide a range of resources to help individuals with their training decisions. For example, SkillsFuture Jobs-Skills Insights publications are useful references for individuals, including freelancers, seeking to reskill or upskill. Creatives in the arts sector can also look to the National Arts Council's (NAC's) Capability Development Grant. This grant can support up to 90% of the training activity or programme costs for SEPs. NAC's Art Resource Hub also provides resources, spaces and networking opportunities for SEPs in the arts sector. These include mentorships and career guidance to help SEPs in their professional career development as well as resources that can help SEPs with relevant business and legal knowledge. In support of entrepreneurial efforts, we will continue to make government procurement opportunities more accessible to our businesses, including small businesses. This year, MOF will introduce two additional initiatives. First, we will expand Tender Lite, an initiative first rolled out in April 2024 to streamline procurement conditions. Second, we will make it easier for businesses participating in tenders that require innovative solutions, to progress from pilot to deployment at scale. We will introduce a new initiative, Innovative Procurement Partnership. Let me touch on each in turn. Mr Liang Eng Hwa, Ms Jessica Tan and Mr Edward Chia talked about making it easier for smaller businesses to access government procurement opportunities.”
“Mr Chairman, I will address Members' questions and suggestions on government procurement and how we can improve the experience of transacting with the Government. First, on procurement. Let me start by articulating our key procurement principles. Our procurement rules are designed to uphold open and fair competition, achieve value for money and manage project risks. But we need to take care that these do not result in heavy compliance costs for our businesses. Improving access to government procurement is a win-win for Government and businesses. The Government benefits from the competition fostered by a wider supplier pool, while more businesses can leverage government contracts to build track records. Ms Jean See asked the Government to consider using Government procurement to strengthen the employability of our freelance creatives. We understand the challenges of keeping up with technological trends and evolving demands, in particular, for freelancers who do not benefit from training typically provided by employers to employees. When assessing value for money in procurement, the Government looks for optimal balance between benefits and costs. Benefits can include the achievement of economic, social and environmental objectives. We do take into consideration important social objectives. For example, we require our suppliers to comply with the Progressive Wage Model, where applicable. However, government procurement requirements must also be non-discriminatory and fair to all businesses, in line with our international trade obligations. Ms Jean See's objectives to strengthen the employability of freelancers is important and it can be addressed through resources and programmes the Government has put in place.”
“Mr Speaker, no school bus attendant has been required by the Ministry of Education (MOE) to install and use mobile applications for their duties. As part of its efforts to improve work efficiencies and support the school bus sector, MOE had invited willing school bus drivers and attendants to trial a mobile web-based application to take attendance of the students taking their school buses. This trial is voluntary as we understand that school bus operators may have their preferred means to take attendance or would have other considerations such as cost of purchasing mobile phones.”
“I thank the hon Member for the question. With regard to the specifics on the tie-breaker, the Member actually has filed a Parliamentary Question, which is Question No 47, which we will address in full. With regard to the distances, for example, MOE is committed to assigning a school that is closest, with vacancy, within the vicinity.”
“If those aspects or avenues actually fail, then parents are encouraged to also approach MOE and we will see how we can better facilitate and see if within the vicinity or closer to the vicinity, what are the available schools. On the last query on affiliation benefits, this is not exactly related to the posting, so I suggest the Member to post a more specific question on affiliation at the next Sitting.”
“I thank Member He Ting Ru for her supplementary questions. I think for the first one with regard to the guidance given to parents and so on, most certainly, awareness and education and outreach is definitely very important. And that is why the school has done much of the work on the ground, especially before the release of PSLE results, engaging students, reaching out to the parents. And on the day of the results, to make sure that they choose a wider cluster of schools, probably the top three choices would be something that they would desire, but that for the bottom three choices, at least select two or three schools that has a much higher COP, so that they make sure that the clustering is a little more diverse. So, that is the first point. The second point in terms of the COP, COP is actually historical data, based on the previous year. Although it is somewhat a good reference, these fluctuations always occur and are very common. A plus or minus one point is common for the majority of the schools. But then again, out of an entire range from four points up to 20-plus points, plus or minus one point in difference of the COPs is actually quite normal. For the third part, the Member had questions about appeals. We do not have the direct numbers of appeals, but appeals percentages are very low and it is consistent over the last couple of years. The appeals do go direct to the schools and for each of those desired schools, the parents and the students as well are encouraged to go to the school and then find out the process. There is also an online link where the appeals process is well known.”
“The Ministry of Education (MOE) plans for sufficient Secondary 1 places to cater to all Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) students in that cohort. This means that every student who takes the PSLE and qualifies for secondary school will be guaranteed a place at one of our secondary schools. The 2024 PSLE cohort was larger than cohorts in the previous years and this was taken into account in our planning. Under the 2024 Secondary 1 Posting Exercise, more than 90% of the cohort were placed in schools among their six choices. This was consistent across all posting groups. For the remaining students, they were posted to the school nearest to their residences that had vacancies in their eligible posting groups. Overall, the posting outcome was comparable to the previous three years. Schools' cut-off points, or COPs, can fluctuate from year to year, depending on the cohort's PSLE score and their school choices. When more students with the same PSLE score pick the same schools, the COPs of these schools could become more stringent than what they were in previous years. The larger cohort taking the PSLE in 2024 could also have contributed to this effect for some of the popular schools. Therefore, besides encouraging students and their parents to only use the previous year's COPs as a reference, we have strongly encouraged them in 2024 to select at least two or three schools where their PSLE score better than the school's previous year's COP. This would increase their chances of securing a place in one of the preferred school choices. We also encourage students and parents to look beyond COPs and to consider the school's culture and distinctive programmes alongside the students' strengths and interests.”
“We cannot control external factors like wars or disruptions, but a stronger Singapore dollar has helped to keep inflation rates in Singapore lower than elsewhere. We have rolled out significant and broad-based support measures over the past few years to help Singaporeans with higher cost of living. We stand ready to do more to help Singaporeans if needed in a sustainable, fair and effective way, with more help to lower- and middle-income Singaporeans. We will continue to listen to Singaporeans' concerns and take necessary measures to address these concerns. We will continue to help Singaporeans sustain real income growth through higher productivity and enhanced skills.”
“A lower-income household with two young children will get about $6,500 and a retired elderly couple with no income will get about $12,400. Over the years, we have continued to enhance our measures that provide more targeted support to those who are more in need. For example, in Budget 2024, the Government announced an increase in the quarterly Silver Support payments and an income threshold to qualify for support to provide more help to low-income seniors. On top of the national schemes, the CDCs and grassroots organisations also have their own schemes. We have heard what hon Members Edward Chia, Liang Eng Hwa and Mariam Jaafar have highlighted and what they have done for their community. Third, the Government stands ready to do more to support Singaporeans, should it be necessary. The Government will continue to monitor global conditions closely. For example, an increase in geopolitical and trade tensions may lead to higher commodity prices and reverse the decline in imported costs. The broad-based support that we have provided over the past few years will help every family, but we recognise that there may be still gaps for some households. For these households, we will continue to review and update our social support schemes. We are also heartened that many in society have come together to help with cost of living, especially for the more vulnerable groups. Importantly, we will continue to sustain real income growth for Singaporeans. We do this by creating good jobs for Singaporeans, we help them upgrade their skills and earn a higher pay. It is a more sustainable way to manage price pressures by ensuring that our incomes grow faster than inflation. Let me reiterate the Government's approach.”
“And today, we have enhanced the Assurance Package to more than $10 billion, comprising cash payouts, MediSave top-ups, CDC Vouchers as well as additional U-Save and S&CC rebates. In particular, the Government has been giving out CDC Vouchers to Singaporean households every year since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The number of participating hawkers has grown over time. Half of the CDC Vouchers can be spent at hawkers and heartland merchants. This means that CDC Vouchers not only help Singaporean households with their cost of living, but also support our hawkers. There is more support on the way. In January 2025, every Singaporean household will receive another $300 in CDC Vouchers. In the coming months, all adult Singaporeans will also receive between $200 and $600 in cash payouts. The Assurance Package is on top of the permanent GST Voucher, or GSTV, scheme that already supports lower- and middle-income Singaporeans and households with daily living expenses, including food. We introduced this scheme in 2012 and have enhanced it over the years. Most recently, we have increased the GSTV cash amount in 2023 so that eligible Singaporeans can receive up to $850 in cash each year. We also implemented a personal income tax rebate of 50% tax payable for the year of assessment 2024, capped at $200, so that the benefits go mostly to middle-income workers. Ms Hazel Poa has proposed more help for vulnerable groups, such as food discounts and more CDC Vouchers for the lower-income. In fact, this is what the Government has been doing. When you add up all these measures, for example, a middle-income household with two young children will get about $4,400 in rebates, payouts and support this year.”
“Mr Speaker, central to this Motion is the issue of cost of living and the important role played by hawker centres in ensuring Singaporeans have access to good, affordable food. Senior Minister of State Koh Poh Koon will be speaking about the Government's policies to keep food affordable and enable hawkers to earn a living and fair income. Before he does so, I would like to share how the Government has been supporting Singaporeans with cost-of-living pressures. This Government understands Singaporeans' concerns and anxieties about high prices. We have taken decisive action to help and will not hesitate to do more if necessary. First, the Government has taken actions to tackle inflation. A big part of the inflation that we are facing has external causes. The COVID-19 pandemic and the wars in Europe and the Middle East have contributed to rising food, energy and transport prices globally. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) acted quickly to tighten monetary policy five times. The stronger the Singapore dollar meant that inflation did not reach the highs seen in other countries. Inflation has now fallen significantly from its peak. Hawker food inflation, fallen, compared to the earlier part of this year. Overall, core inflation in 2024 is expected to continue to decrease and to drop further in 2025. MAS' monetary policy will continue to ensure the medium-term price stability. Second, we have introduced a comprehensive package of measures to cushion the impact on households and enhanced it several times. Even as inflation has moderated, we know that Singaporeans still feel the impact of higher prices. Hence, we have enhanced the Assurance Package several times since it was first introduced in 2022, to help Singaporeans cope with rising costs of living.”
“I thank the Member for the follow-up supplementary question. Yes, we are monitoring the situation and working closely with the AUs. In fact, the AUs are working closely with and getting feedback from the student leaders on the ground as well, and will put in measures as needed.”
“I thank the Member for his supplementary questions. With regard to his first question, MOE meets regularly with the AUs at various platforms, including at the Ministerial level. MOE also expects these AUs as publicly funded institutions to provide a conducive learning environment for students as part of their mission to provide quality education. AUs are given the space and autonomy to manage the day-to-day logistics and welfare of the students. But in this case, MOE will intervene as necessary. With regard to the Member's second question, the AUs do have different campus contexts and also very different visitor profiles and are thus best placed to determine the right visitor management policies on their own needs, on their own ground. NTU and NUS have taken appropriate measures to address these issues when they arise. For example, responding to an increase in tourists, NUS has introduced enhanced measures in August and more recently, in September and October as well, during key periods. For NTU, they have enforced designated paths and schedules for tourists in order to prioritise the needs and well-being of students and staff. With regard to tour operators, currently the AUs are working closely with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to communicate any new policy and measures that are being implemented in schools. And these are communicated to the travel agents and operators. Just a reminder that all operators are to respect the universities as places of teaching and learning, and to ensure that they do not disrupt students' learning and welfare and campus operations as a whole.”
“Mr Speaker, to care for the needs and well-being of students and staff, the autonomous universities (AUs) have implemented various measures to manage visitor numbers and access. These include prioritising campus transport and food court access for students and staff during peak hours and requiring advance registration before allowing tour groups on campus. AUs will continue to monitor the situation and adjust their measures accordingly.”
“With regards to labelling of public art, we would like to inform Ms Chandradas that all works directly commissioned by NAC through the Public Art Trust will be and are appropriately attributed and labelled. In fact, in 2022, NAC released a Guide to Commissioning Public Art, which contains guidelines and best practices on labelling. To conclude, first, create. What does creating mean? Arts expand imagination, enhance creativity and develop adaptability, nurturing dispositions such as curiosity, openness and reflectiveness. We also must enable arts students to connect with one another, with others in the community as well as society. And finally, we want our Arts students to be able to contribute to the lives of others by using their creativity to communicate their ideas. And with that, we will nurture a generation of creative thinkers, connectors and contributors who will help shape our Singapore society and bring our nation forward.”
“Some Art and Music teachers also engage in external performances, gigs, exhibitions as a way to keep in touch with their practice.”
“We appreciate our arts teachers' unwavering commitment to go above and beyond to develop our students; foster creativity; and multi-disciplinary learning, to enable our students to flourish. We applaud their tireless efforts in nurturing the artistic growth of our students and enriching their educational journey. In our commitment to supporting arts teachers, it is important we understand how they are evaluated. Teachers are assessed based on how well they perform compared to other teachers, ensuring that their hard work and expertise are recognised and valued within the education system, regardless of the subject they teach. Over the years, we have enhanced the support provided to arts teachers. This includes, centrally developing teaching resources, offering more professional development opportunities, fostering learning communities among arts teachers across schools and facilitating collaborations with arts professionals to enhance teaching. MOE's Art and Music Instructors Scheme provides grants for primary schools to hire arts instructors. Schools can also engage vendors to conduct workshops and excursions, in different art forms, for their students. We will continue to explore other ways to support our arts teachers, including their workload. Ms Chandradas asked about arts teachers continuing their own practice outside of schools. MOE encourages our arts teachers to continue being practitioners, as it helps them teach better. To celebrate the identity of Art and Music teachers as artists and musicians, MOE provides annual national platforms for our Art and Music teachers to showcase their creative explorations and expressions. Over 100 Art and Music teachers participates in these showcases annually.”
“We will continue to review our curriculum regularly to ensure its relevance in preparing our students for the future. We agree that including drama in our primary school curriculum can build students' confidence, communication skills and other important competencies. Drama strategies are used in different subjects to make learning more enriching. For example, in primary English Language class, students may take part in the "hot seat" activity. They step into the shoes of different characters from a story and answer questions of the characters' actions and decisions. This helps them understand the story better by seeing things from the characters' perspectives. The ability to engage in meaningful discussions about artworks is a fundamental aspect of our art syllabuses. We regularly feature contemporary artworks that generate discussions that go beyond the arts to other disciplines and global issues. Ms Chandradas referred to the works of artist Mr Robert Zhao. He led a five-day workshop two years ago for some of our pre-university Art students, during which participants discussed global concerns and created art in response to the theme "Emergency". We will continue to explore how more we can enhance connections across disciplines meaningfully while ensuring that knowledge and skills within each discipline are not diluted. At the heart of quality arts education, are our arts teachers. MOE values our arts teachers, whose passion and hard work play a crucial role in holistic education. MOE is committed to supporting them as well as former teachers who wish to return, whether full-time, part-time or adjunct terms.”
“In partnership with the National Arts Council (NAC), our Museum-Based Learning and Performing Arts-Based Learning help to bridge classroom learning and real-world artistic practice for our Primary 4 and lower secondary students. Annually, 95% of MOE schools access the NAC Arts Education Programme (NAC-AEP), which offers over 1,000 quality artist-led arts education experiences, complementing their arts learning in schools. Schools are also deepening their partnerships with Singapore arts professionals to co-design and deliver bespoke arts learning experiences for their students, with the support of NAC's AISS. In 2024, schools are rolling out over 100 AISS projects. In addition, students in our Enhanced Art Programme schools are mentored by our local artists in collaboration with Nanyang Polytechnic, while budding songwriters from our schools are mentored by local songwriters in the Singapore Youth Festival. We have made good progress in developing students' creativity, not just through arts education but through total curriculum. According to the 2022 results of the Programme for International Student Assessment, also known as PISA, Singapore is the top-performing education system in Creative Thinking among 64 participating systems. Our students, regardless of social-economic status, demonstrated the ability to generate original and diverse ideas for a wide range of problem-solving tasks and contexts, which required expression and imagination. They also reported favourable perceptions of their teachers' pedagogies, which helped in nurturing their creativity. Our students' performance in the study is testament to the impact of our curriculum design and teaching approaches in fostering creativity.”
“Furthermore, the University of the Arts Singapore, Singapore's first Government-supported private university of the arts, admits its first cohort this month. In our international scans, we find that our arts curriculum standards and teaching methods are on par with those of other developed nations. Our arts syllabuses are updated regularly to feature contemporary works, as well as pieces from diverse cultures, including works by local artists and musicians. The wide repertoire serves as a rich tapestry of inspiration for our students and demonstrates to our students that they, too, can be creators in the arts. Our revised arts curriculum empowers students to go beyond appreciating the works of artists and musicians, to creating and communicating their own ideas. This allows them to be immersed in a diverse range of creative experiences, from activities that foster critical thinking in PAL drama lessons to innovative art and music projects at the primary and lower secondary levels. For instance, in a primary school art lesson, students are challenged to consider how narratives presented in artworks can be enhanced by accompanying soundscapes. Lower secondary music lessons introduce students to digital tools for recording and performing their compositions, showcasing their artistic voice. The arts CCAs provide platforms for students to present their creative works through exhibitions, concerts, dance performances and theatrical productions. Ms Chandradas mentioned overcoming siloed approaches in implementation, by encouraging cooperation across institutions. We have, in recent years, forged more partnerships with Government agencies and the arts industry to provide our students with exposure to real-world artistic experiences.”
“Mr Speaker, I thank Ms Usha Chandradas for highlighting the role of arts education in nurturing creativity. MOE is committed to developing students holistically, in the moral, intellectual, social, physical and aesthetic dimensions. Arts education is an integral part of holistic education. Through arts education, we aim to nurture learners who appreciate the arts, express themselves creatively, think critically, embrace ambiguity and welcome diverse perspectives. Over the years, we have strengthened arts education in our schools and higher education institutions, establishing a suite of provisions to cater to students with varying levels of interest and ability. All students up to Secondary 2, receive comprehensive arts education through MOE's centrally designed curriculum. Besides Art and Music lessons, lower primary students have additional exposure to the arts through the Programme for Active Learning (PAL). Those with greater interest in the arts may join arts Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) in their schools. At upper secondary and pre-university, students who are passionate about the arts can pursue them as an elective subject. Some schools offer specialised arts programmes, such as the Art or Music Elective Programme, or the more recently introduced Enhanced Art or Music Programme. In fact, schools also engage professional performing arts groups and artists to provide exposure to various art forms and cultivate appreciation at the cohort, course and CCA levels. The School of the Arts, established in 2008, provides an alternative pathway for students demonstrating talent and interest in the arts. Beyond the school system, students can choose over 80 publicly funded arts and design related courses across various Institutes of Higher Learning.”
“Chairman, in the digital age, the integration of technology into education emerges not just as a trend but as a fundamental shift in how knowledge is acquired, processed and applied. The importance of leveraging technology to enhance education lies in its unparalleled potential to foster more inclusive, engaging and personalised learning experiences. 7.00 pm Through digital tools and platforms, educators can tailor instruction to meet the diverse needs of students, accommodating various learning styles and pace. Technology facilitates access to a vast repository of information and resources; breaking down geographical and socio-economic barriers to education; encourages interactive learning – where students are not passive recipients of information but active participants in their educational journey; exploring concepts through multimedia content; virtual simulations and global classrooms. As such, what is the progress of the Transforming Education through Technology Masterplan 2030 and how are we transforming our education system to effectively meet the needs of the future? Learning Technologies”
“Chairman, R&D fuels the creation of new products, services and processes, enabling businesses to innovate and stay ahead of competition. This continuous innovation is essential for sustaining long-term economic growth, as it leads to the development of unique offerings that meet emerging consumer needs and adapt to changing market conditions. Through R&D, companies and economies can find new methods of production, utilise resources more efficiently and improve operational processes. It also encourages entrepreneurship by providing the knowledge base and technological advancements necessary for the creation of startups. As such, what are some R&D initiatives and sectors that MTI will be focusing on to grow our Singapore economy? R&D Investments and Priorities”
“Chairman, the marine and offshore engineering sector has long been a cornerstone of our nation's industrial landscape, contributing significantly to our economic development and global trade capabilities. However, in the face of evolving global energy demands, technological advancements and the urgency for sustainability, there is a pressing need to transform and future-proof this vital sector. As such, can the Government share more on how the industry transformation plans to assist the marine and offshore engineering sector? Revitalisation of Tourism”
“Chairman, in the intricate tapestry of our nation's economy, trade associations and chambers (TACs) stand out as pivotal enablers that bolster the capabilities, reach and resilience of our businesses across various sectors. By offering a platform for advocacy, sharing best practices and facilitating collaborations, TACs play a crucial role in the upliftment and sustainability of businesses, particularly SMEs that form the backbone of our economy. As such, what are we doing to ensure that TACs are sufficiently equipped to play this role effectively? Plans to Enhance the Manufacturing Sector”
“The vitality of our heartland enterprises is indispensable to the socio-economic fabric of our nation, serving not just the backbone of our local economy but also the heartbeat of our community life. In 2022, MTI and Enterprise Singapore launched "Our Heartlands 2025" initiative to revitalise local neighborhoods. As such, can MTI provide an update on the support measures for heartland enterprises under this initiative? Supporting Heartland Enterprises”
“Chairman, in recent years, particularly in the wake of the global pandemic, SMEs have faced unprecedented challenges that have tested their resilience, adaptability and sustainability. MTI has been instrumental in introducing various support measures to aid these enterprises as they navigate the complexities of recovery and seek new opportunities for growth. As such, how will the Government continue to support these SMEs? Enterprise Growth Support and Tourism”
“Chairman, in an era where global economies are increasingly interconnected and digital technologies are rapidly evolving, the need for our businesses to stay competitive has never been more critical. As we navigate through the complexities of the 21st century – including the pressing challenges posed by climate change – the imperative for digital innovation, global market expansion and sustainable practices is paramount to not only surviving but thrive in the global marketplace. Digitalisation and sustainable practices are essential pillars for resilience and growth in the complex web of global supply chains and commerce. Digitalisation by enabling seamless integration of technologies, facilitates unparalleled efficiencies, agility and connectivity among businesses worldwide, thereby enhancing competitiveness and access to markets. Concurrently, sustainability practices address the urgent need to minimise environmental impact and promote responsibility sourcing and production methods. As such, what are some of the key measures that MTI is undertaking to support our sectors and firms in their transformation efforts, particularly in digitalisation, internationalisation and sustainability? Staying Competitive in a BEPS 2.0 World”
“The global economic environment has become more uncertain in recent years. Even as we deepen cooperation with our traditional partners, Singapore should do more to strengthen its links with other global players. There are new economic opportunities in emerging markets that Singapore can tap on, both regionally and further afield. We have complementary strengths and shared interests in cooperating with these diverse partners on supply chain resilience, the green and digital economies, as well as renewable energy. We must work to diversify Singapore's options and expand our network of friends around the world. This will mitigate the external shocks and challenges brought about by an increasingly fragmented world. How is Singapore building relations and trade links with new and emerging markets?”
“Chairman, Prime Minister and Chinese President Xi Jinping upgraded relations between Singapore and China to an "All Round High-Quality Future-Oriented Partnership" in March 2023. This was an important milestone that affirmed the longstanding and mutually beneficial partnership that we share. It reflects our mutual commitment to deepen and refresh our wide-ranging cooperation – including in new and emerging areas. Bilateral cooperation is deep and multifaceted. On the economic front, China is our top merchandise trading partner while Singapore is China's largest foreign investor. Our cooperation is anchored by institutional mechanisms, such as the three government-to-government projects: Suzhou Industrial Park, Tianjin Eco-City and Chongqing Connectivity Initiative. Both sides kept a high tempo of bilateral exchanges throughout 2023. Singapore welcomed several senior PRC leaders in 2023, including Vice-President Han Zheng last November and Foreign Minister Wang Yi last August. 1.15 pm In turn, many Singapore delegations have visited China, including Prime Minister in March, Deputy Prime Minister Wong in May and December, and several other Ministers. Deputy Prime Minister Wong had a successful visit to China last December to co-chair the 19th Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) with Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, concluding 24 deliverables across a broad range of sectors. For instance, we announced the signing of the China-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (CSFTA) Further Upgrade Protocol. There were also deliverables in areas like green, digital, finance, and food security cooperation. As such, what is our outlook for China in 2024 and in the long term? US-China Relations”
“Could MINDEF provide an update of when the OneNS app will officially replace the NS Portal platform, and whether further improvements have been made following earlier trial roll-outs?”
“Thank you, Chairman. As technology rapidly evolves, it is important for the Government to take the opportunity to redesign and streamline public services, ensuring that processes are easy to follow and are able to engage stakeholders effectively. As citizens of a smart nation, we also understand first-hand the value of harnessing technology to transform the way we live and work. This too can be applied to the NS experience. At the Committee of Supply debate last year, MINDEF unveiled the OneNS platform and also highlighted the introduction of an automated system to calculate make-up pay claim amounts. I was happy to hear MINDEF's update that ground feedback on the automated make-up pay system has thus far been good. As the filing of make-up pay and claims has been a major administrative burden for many employers and NSmen, could MINDEF share the additional steps taken to digitise and improve administrative processes for our NSmen? Updates on OneNS At the Committee of Supply debate last year, MINDEF updated that the first phase of the OneNS was rolled out to selected In-Camp Training units. Intended as a replacement for the existing NS Portal, the key benefit of the OneNS app has the potential of centralising all NS-related services and transactions into a single mobile app, enhancing efficiency and ease of access. I understand that the app is also able to anticipate and determine the unique needs of each serviceman and personalise digital services to ensure easy access to relevant information. Compared to the challenges that some may have encountered in using the NS Portal, I hope that the OneNS app will go a long way in improving the NS experience for all.”
“Chairman, the nature of warfare is evolving, with battles no longer confined to the traditional physical domains of the sea, air and land. It is taking place in the digital domain. Increasingly, it is possible to inflict more damage by infiltrating networks, sabotaging government or civilian infrastructure and disrupting day-to-day operations. Similar to conventional warfare, such attacks target a country by eroding trust in the government, undermine social cohesion and weaken military industrial capacity. We have seen this strategy play out, for example, the hacking operations on Israeli sites and apps, as well as multiple Internet blackouts in the Gaza Strip since the start of the Israeli-Hamas conflict. Closer to home, we also remember the disruption caused by the SingHealth data breach in 2018, the distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks on StarHub in 2016 and the 2017 cyberattack on MINDEF systems. In view of Singapore's vulnerability to such attacks, could the Minister for Defence provide views on what MINDEF/SAF is doing to address threats in the digital domain, including steps that the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) is taking to guard against these threats? Updates on the Digital and Intelligence Service”
“In Ukraine, the male life expectancy has decreased from 67 years before the war to 57 years after, or right now. For women, it has declined from 76 to 70 years. And it is not just about war and conflict alone. Countries with high levels of violence experience lower levels of life expectancy more than peaceful ones, estimating a gap of around 14 years – between the least and the most violent countries. It is not just conflict related, but also many other factors – homicide, violence, quality of life, education and all. We are building version 1 and version 2, just like how internet browsers and applications evolved, with progressive and improving versions. We must do so and build better versions ourselves and for Singapore. We cannot expect to be perfect in all we do. But we try. And we try harder, in delivering better capabilities for better life every day. It is called building – building for the future. Today's capabilities were built by past generations. And as we build for today and for future generations – a life that is longer, healthier, more meaningful, more fulfilling and inclusive for all. Just like our shining examples – Singapore Airlines and Singapore Changi Airport. It is not an achievement of probability. It was not a rare occasion marked by a cosmic alignment of constellations. It requires effort – collective effort from all Singaporeans. So, let us all build together for a better tomorrow. Mr Speaker, I support the Budget.”
“We embark on lifelong learning, instil adaptability and self-learning to ride the tides of changing technological advancements and build resilience to our relevance of skills and competencies. In the past, work was more linear and the pace of change was gradual. We saw how we restructured again and again, securing one generation after the other and building on one another's success. Today Singapore's workforce stands amongst the most proficient in terms of management, vocation and technical skills. According to INSEAD's annual Global Talent Competitiveness Index, Singapore ranked number one in global knowledge and skills, which included management and communication abilities; and third in vocational and technical skills. And this is out of 134 countries. This year ITE celebrates its 32nd anniversary and it continues to build strength to strength. We do not say that we are doing well, that we have accumulated enough capabilities and that we can invest less in our education system. We do not say that we are too high in our rankings and that we can afford to drop a little, because this is insidious. Is there space for a city state to be a bit lower in our commitment to the future – to our future generations? We cannot. We cannot because as Singaporeans deep within our core, we know what it takes to be relevant and we know what it takes to take care of our future generations. How do we value life? More importantly, how do we cherish it, respect it and be good stewards of the life given to us? Gaza has one of the youngest populations in the world. Forty percent of Gaza's population is 14 years and below. The median age is just 18 in 2020. Those age 65 years and above are less than 3% of the population.”
“How determined are we, that after a hundred or 200 years, that we are still a sovereign and independent state, against all odds and statistics, to surpass beyond the average lifespan of empires and countries? Some estimate that our Reserves are just below $2 trillion. To put things in perspective, assuming that our estimation is accurate, our Reserves are worth less than Apple. It is worth less than Microsoft. It is worth less than Google and, more recently, Nvidia decided to be more valuable than us. So, when you make your next purchase of an Apple product, Microsoft or Google, or the next graphics card with Nvidia, remember that their market capitalisation is higher than our entire national Reserves. Our Reserves are worth less than the companies that I have mentioned. It is worth reflecting on how we plan to save, invest and allocate our resources for the future. We are fortunate to have the Reserves that can power a Budget that we have today. It is made possible because of the prudence and the value of our founding and past generations. It is this consistent act over numerous decades that enabled us to take care of all Singaporeans, for all to lead a longer and better life. How do we value the lives of our children? Save the Children ranked Singapore the best place to grow up. We give our very best to our children and our future generations. In 2013, Singapore spent and invested $8,550 for every primary school student. In 2020, the Government invested $13,350. Everyone has access to quality education. We have the basis to debate about education every now and then because we have gotten the basics right. Remember that we are of that generation 20 to 30 years ago where we had much less resources and knowledge. It is not perfect, but we progress and make relevant.”
“It matters deeply. It matters because we must understand the difficulty and the amount of collective effort, as a nation, to be in a position of strength. The investment climate, how connected and coherent is our infrastructure? How skilled and nimble is our workforce? Our legal frameworks, technology and innovation, our international agreements? How accessible are our market and trade? How ambitious and energetic are our citizens? There are also social factors that are equally important: our social and political stability, our healthcare systems, education and quality of life. All these factors are what attract companies and individuals to invest time and resources here in Singapore. It remains attractive because of what we have been doing for decades. It must be so for the next 50 years and it must be so for the next hundred years. How do we value our future and our future generations? The lifespan of a country is 158 years, whilst an empire is about 250 years. This is historic data, and we are at our 59th year mark and approaching our 60th. On this land that we stand and live upon for the last 700 years, it has been tumultuous. From the 13th century, starting with history from Palembang, the Srivijaya empire to Majapahit, to Melaya then to the British, then to the Japanese, back to the British, Malaysia and then Singapore – all these in the last 700 years. And we must remember our vulnerabilities as a nation-state. History is replete with lessons to be learnt and relearnt. The ancient Republic of Venice, the Republic of Genoa, Carthage, Sparta, the Byzantines – where political fragmentation and external pressures eroded state powers and the Hanseatic league.”
“In 2010, there were 700 centenarians and, in 2020, there are more than 1,500, more than double. Today, most of our five-year-olds can expect to live up to the age of 100. And by 2050, living up to 100 will become a norm for our newborns. The question then again is: how do we value life? What would you do to have an additional year of good health, an additional 20 years of good health to do the important things in life? If you have an extra dollar, where will you place it? How about the next dollar? And the next? Every marginal and incremental dollar, how would you spend, manage and invest it? How do we get the incremental dollar to live longer, better, healthier and more meaningful lives? In 2022, ASEAN's foreign direct investments (FDI) have reached a high of $224 billion. Singapore comprised two-thirds of that, at $141 billion. I repeat: two-thirds of all the FDIs in ASEAN. Singapore ranks eighth globally for inward FDIs and first in the Asia-Pacific. So, what are FDIs? It refers to investments made by a company or individual from one country, investing and having business interests in another. And how much advantage and wealth does that generate for Singapore? In 2022, Singapore's FDI equals to 31.7% of Singapore's nominal GDP. That is particularly important for Singapore, as it displays the forward-looking economic trajectory. FDI creates quality employment, facilitates and encourages technology transfer. It spurs infrastructure development and increases our export capacities. Singapore's economic achievement today is built over decades, with leadership, bonus and collective teamwork. This requires a confluence of economic and social factors, balance for sustainable future for all. It is not by sheer luck that we could earn that one incremental dollar.”
“Mr Speaker, how do we value life? In Singapore, in the 1960s, those born then had a life expectancy of 64 years. In the 1980s and 1990s, it improved to 70 to 75 years. Today, we have a life expectancy of 84 years. Over the last 60 years, our life expectancy in Singapore has increased by 20 years, a 31% increase. How do we value a year of good health? How do we value 20 additional years? Singapore has continued to invest more into healthcare, to take care of Singaporeans, from $789 per capita in 2011, to $2,674 per capita today, a 338% increase over the last 10 years. How is this made possible? These consistent investments in building up capabilities of our healthcare workers, of our infrastructure, it is a complex and long-term commitment. These capabilities require a confluence of investments in infrastructure, equipment, training and education. There must be sound and sustainable healthcare policies, coupled with a culture of excellence and a spirit of innovation, pushing the edge and frontier of medical research and technology. What does it mean for all of us? Five of Singapore's hospitals are in the top 150 in the world, with Singapore General Hospital being the top 10. A remarkable achievement. So, imagine, whenever our grandparents or parents are in need of medical care, a surgery or emergency medical treatment, have comfort that there is a team of highly competent and motivated healthcare workers who are one of the best in the world doing their best to deliver world-class care. For ophthalmology, Singapore National Eye Centre is ranked third in the world, and Singapore Eye Research Institute is ranked fifth in the world. Today, Singaporeans continue to age well and are healthier than before. More can be done and the results are clear.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to pay homage to the mental health workers – psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, social workers, psychiatric nurses and all those who labour in the vast and complex network in the field of mental health. This tribute is a salute to their unwavering commitment, their compassion and the profound impact they have made on the lives of those they touch. Their work often goes beyond the call of duty. With every individual they help, they weave a stronger and more compassionate fabric for our society, ensuring that no one has to walk the path of mental challenges alone. They see beyond the stigma and labels, reaching out to the person struggling in the shadows, offering them a lifeline, a listening ear and the promise of a brighter tomorrow. In times of crisis, their calm and steady presence provides the anchor many need to weather their personal storms. They remind us that it is okay to be not okay and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Their work is a testament to the idea that mental health is an integral part of overall health, deserving of the same attention, care and respect. Let this tribute be a reminder of the gratitude and respect that they so richly deserve. Their dedication, patience and compassion light the way forward for all of us, as we strive towards a future where mental wellness is prioritised and cherished. To those who are stuck in traffic on a slope with a manual transmission, fear not. We are here with you on this journey. For me, with sincere appreciation and a grateful heart, I give thanks and tribute to all those who have taught me how to drive. May our children soar to greater heights to the moon and beyond and above all their mighty things. Mr Speaker, I support the Motion.”
“It is designed to ensure that these children have access to the same opportunities for healthy development as their peers, recognising the profound impact that the early years on a child's future health, well-being and educational achievement. KidSTART celebrates its 10th anniversary and, likewise, we should do the same for our children's mental health transition. I suggest establishing a national mental health and transition programme for kids and adolescents. KidsSoar, a progamme that is dedicated and focused on mental health transitions for children and adolescents, which is a certainty, embodies a philosophy centred around understanding, supporting and nurturing emotional and psychological well-being of young individuals, to be pre-emptive, preventative and, if needed, resourced to support recovery. This programme should be designed to acknowledge the importance of mental health as a critical component of overall health and to ensure that children and adolescents are equipped to navigate life's challenges with resilience, a programme that is compassionate and understanding, that empowers, through education and practice, inclusive and accessible, and holistic in approach. This will reflect the spirit of our unwavering commitment to the growth and healing of young minds. It acknowledges that the journey may be long and challenging, but we believe in the potential for growth, healing and positive change. We must do more, and we must do more today. In a world that often moves at an overwhelming pace, there are struggles of the mind that can be as debilitating as those of the body. There lies a group of unsung heroes dedicated to the art and science of healing not just the individual, but the very fabric of our society.”
“But we need to get the required help to those in the moderate and mild risk levels to prevent further escalation. Some are irreversible. Family Service Centres (FSCs) with counsellors and psychologists are leaning forward and assisting schools and families in need. Guidance branch and psychological service branches are working hard on the cases. We need more trauma specialists. We need specialists that have deep skills to manage cases, such as the "hidden youth syndrome", which is also known as hikikomori. In Singapore, the ratios of psychiatrists and psychologists to population are 4.6 and 9.7 per 100,000, respectively. These are much lower than the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. It is not uncommon to wait for two to three months for a diagnosis, whilst the child continues to lose time in school, stacking on the challenges further. Our methodology and the typical observe, orient, decide and act (OODA) framework, though still relevant, will be less effective here. Each year, we are looking at a mass transition. All our kids will be facing this. Some will face greater difficulty and others less. We should not leave it to chance because the transition is a 100% certainty of occurrence. But how it is navigated will have less certain outcomes. So, let us sharpen our emphasis and target resources on this specific transition to ensure that all our kids have a more certain outcome. In the spirit of KidSTART, where we are rooted in the belief that every child deserves a strong start in life, regardless of their socio-economic background, this guiding principle is embodied in KidSTART's comprehensive approach to supporting early childhood development for children from low-income families.”
“Imagine how many times the engine would have grinded to a halt and having to learn and restart again. Given all these, we have yet to include the environmental influences, genetic factors and adverse experiences, such as abuse, neglect, exposure to violence, exposure to adversity, pressure to conform with peers and the exploration of identity, quality of home life and relationships with peers, bullying, harsh parenting and socio-economic problems. This is no longer a simple scenario of travelling or driving along an expressway. Imagine being caught in a traffic jam within the car park at Plaza Singapura on a weekend. You are going up a spiral slope on the next level. You are a newly minted driver, driving a manual transmission vehicle with constantly changing accelerator and brakes and clutch. A sequence of clutch, brake, gear, brake, accelerator, clutch, accelerator, brake. It is a very difficult task, challenging. So, the math is clear. The science is evolving with greater clarity. We must be where the help is needed, where the children and adolescents are. We need better coordination and targeted resourcing. Our student councillors are managing an overwhelming caseload. Our student welfare officers are working in parallel. Teachers trained in counselling are doing their level best, juggling the multiple hats and roles. The Response, Early Intervention and Assessment in Community Mental Health (REACH) team, our community-based health service, has received more than 1,500 referrals per year. But based on mathematical projections, over 5,000 per year will need help. That is a possible deficit of 3,500 per year. Our child protective services caseloads will need more capacity. They are already prioritising severe cases.”
“During puberty, the brain undergoes substantial restructuring and pruning of neural connections. The maturation of neural circuits, especially in the prefrontal cortex and limbic system, involves changes in the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. As the brain rewires itself for adult functioning, as part of puberty, the role and regulation of GABA may shift, leading to a temporal reduction in inhibitory effects on the neural circuits. Members must be wondering why I am highlighting these evolving conditions. It is important because it is a critical period. At this juncture, puberty also coincides with the most critical period of neuroplasticity, where the brain is particularly sensitive to environmental inputs and experiences. The changes in GABA transmission during this time may reflect the brain's adaptation to these inputs, altering synaptic strength and connectivity in a way that requires modification of inhibitory signalling. This also means that the brain is developing, forming and setting the foundations of its neurochemical activity which may have a long-lasting impact throughout life. So, imagine being a child or an adolescent having to manage these changes. It is made more difficult because the change is not overnight. It is a gradual but relatively rapid change, which requires a keen sense of self-awareness and learning how to self-manage and respond. It is a swirl of changing chaos for a young individual. So, imagine those who grew up driving an automatic transmission all their lives and, suddenly, in a short period of time, they have to learn and drive a manual transmission but with an additional complication that the sensitivity of the accelerator, brakes and clutch is constantly changing.”
“However, anything short of that, the consequences of failing to address children and adolescents' mental health conditions will extend to adulthood, impairing both physical and mental health and limiting opportunities to lead fulfilling lives as adults. The math is clear. This is the problem definition that we are facing. The question is: do we have the resources to manage mental health challenges? So, how about the science of it? Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and dopamine are two critical neurotransmitters in the brain that play significant roles in regulating various physiological and psychological processes. GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, which helps to calm down nerve activity, reducing neural excitability throughout the nervous system. Dopamine, on the other hand, is a neurotransmitter that is involved in reward, motivation, memory, attention and even regulating body movements. The levels of activity of these neurotransmitters can change over time due to various factors, including age, stress, environmental influences and hormonal changes. So, to put it simply, if you are driving, you can view dopamine as the accelerator and GABA as the brakes – both essential and both countering and balancing the needs. But as children approach puberty, it is marked by significant changes in hormones, including increases in estrogen and testosterone. These hormones have been shown to influence GABA neurotransmission. For example, estrogen can modulate GABA receptor expression and function, potentially altering the efficacy of GABAergic inhibition. Testosterone has been implicated in the modulation of GABAA receptors, which might inhibit signalling. But this is not it.”