Sun Xueling
Singapore
“We are deploying electric vehicle (EV) chargers in tandem with growing demand, within the constraints of space and electricity. As EV technology is continuously improving, we are also mindful not to overbuild as chargers can become obsolete quickly.”
“I thank Member Dr Choo Pei Ling for raising feedback from her Tengah residents. Currently, two multi-storey car parks in Tengah have EV chargers, and LTA subsidiary, EV-Electric (EVe) Charging Pte Ltd, is in the process of deploying EV chargers in another eight multi-storey car parks in Tengah.”
“The Government targets to deploy 60,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging points by 2030, which comprise 40,000 in public car parks, and 20,000 in private premises. As of March 2026, there are 30,500 EV charging points deployed in Singapore. We are on track to achieving our 2030 target in tandem with the growing demand for EVs.”
“In 2025, about 30% of Build-To-Order (BTO) blocks were completed earlier than their estimated completion dates at the point of flat booking. On average, these blocks were completed about two months earlier.”
“Yes, thank you. We agree with Dr Neo that it is important to bring together the wider ecosystem and we will consult all stakeholders. The Ministry of Transport's immediate focus is to drive the usage of drones more extensively, especially by the public sector and this is because we already have many potential use cases.”
“I thank the Member for her question. Earlier, I mentioned in my reply that the HDB notifies buyers at three junctures. This is to give buyers adequate time to plan. And that is why it is at the one year before, six months before and three months before.”
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“On drones, they are used across Singapore for a wide variety of functions, from ship-to-shore deliveries at our port to inspections of our rail and road infrastructure and high-rise cleaning. Many of these use cases improve productivity and worker safety, allowing workers to focus on tasks that call for human judgement and expertise. We are carefully studying how drones can be deployed while being mindful of Singapore's dense urban environment, complex airspace and security needs. We will continue to support responsible innovation through trials, testbeds and regulatory refinement. Sir, I thank the GPC for raising this Motion. Our best chance at delivering a good life for our people is to strengthen Singapore’s long-term economic competitiveness and anchor good jobs in Singapore. This can be achieved through international cooperation, appropriate use of frontier technologies and establishing world-class infrastructure to reinforce our position as a globally connected aviation, maritime and logistics hub. This is how Singapore stays relevant and secures our competitiveness in an uncertain world. Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the Motion. [Applause.]”
“With the adoption and charger incentives for heavy vehicles, registrations of electric heavy vehicles rose from less than 1% of all heavy vehicle registrations last year to around 20% as of May this year. We will continue to monitor take-up and see how best to achieve our electrification targets. We will also continue to study new EV technologies adapted around the world, including smart charging technologies to better optimise the grid as well as battery energy storage solutions to manage grid capacity constraints during peak hours. Ms Poh Li San and Dr Neo Kok Beng have highlighted the opportunities in electric and hybrid-electric aircraft for short-haul routes and drones. I have extensively addressed this topic in my response speech during the Adjournment Motion on “Low Altitude-Economy: Building the Flying Car, Air Tourism and Drone Logistics Industry” during the 8 April Parliamentary Sitting. Electric and hybrid-electric aircraft is an emerging technology but in the short term, they can only complement aircrafts powered by sustainable aviation fuel as hybrid-electric aircraft technology may take time to commercialise and are not yet suitable for deployment. We will be ambitious but pragmatic, and keep our options open. There is potential for Singapore to go further as a centre of excellence for research into cleaner and greener aircraft, working with partners, such as the Agency for Science, Technology and Research and our IHLs, with funding set under RIE2030. We will study the Member's proposal carefully and work with industry partners to take it forward where it plays to our strengths.”
“The new job role is more sustainable and offers a higher pay. In time, autonomous tractors can be used to move cargo and airside equipment. Technology tools can also be used to optimise work planning. OpsAssist is an AI Tool that SATS uses to enable better manpower and equipment allocation for each aircraft turnaround. OpsAssist also schedules in breaks for workers to ensure that their well-being is well taken care of. Beyond our air and sea gateways, Mr Liang Eng Hwa raised the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore HSR project. Such bilateral projects can only proceed if there are mutual interests and benefits. We remain open to discussing new proposals with Malaysia in good faith, starting from a clean slate. Mr Dennis Tan, Mr Edward Chia and Ms Poh Li San have highlighted the importance of greening our aviation and maritime sectors. We agree. For aviation, our Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint sets the direction. Sustainability aviation fuel will remain our primary lever for cutting emissions across the bulk of our air traffic. Our goal is to start with a 1% sustainability aviation fuel uplift, rising to 3% to 5% by 2030, subject to global developments and the wider availability of sustainability aviation fuel. For maritime, the MPA is working closely with the industry to prepare for a multi-fuel future, by investing in infrastructure, developing technical standards and licensing frameworks to ensure that we can handle these fuels safely. These efforts reflect our commitment to position our port to meet the evolving needs of international shipping as it decarbonises. Mr Liang Eng Hwa raised suggestions to support the electrification of heavy vehicles. This is indeed our direction.”
“Changi Airport's story is one of deliberate ambition, constant reinvention and an unwavering commitment to connect us to the world. The Changi East Development, including T5, positions Changi Airport for the future of air travel, anchoring good jobs and a significant part of our economy. To address Mr Edward Chia's, Mr Sharael Taha's and Ms Valerie Lee's suggestion on strengthening Changi's connectivity to other parts of Singapore and the region, we are studying how to best enable seamless air-sea transfers between Changi Airport and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, and synergise future developments in the wider Changi region including Changi Business Park, Changi Village and Loyang. We agree with Mr Fadli Fawzi's suggestion, that infrastructure should also improve Singaporeans' lived experience. The Changi East Urban district will be a new lifestyle and business hub for Singaporeans and visitors to connect, work and play. Expanding Changi Airport gives us an opportunity to rethink existing processes, increase productivity and transform jobs. Ms Poh Li San has rightly highlighted that many roles in ground-handling and facilities management are physically demanding and will increasingly take its toll on our ageing workforce. We agree with Mr Gerald Giam's point that digital tools should benefit workers. Changi Airport has been deploying automation, robotics and AI to improve the safety and productivity of our workers. Since January 2026, autonomous baggage tractors are used to move passenger bags between terminals. They spare workers from repetitive driving, reduces fatigue and frees them up for complex and safety-critical last mile services. From driving a single tractor, a worker can now oversee and coordinate a fleet of vehicles or be trained to maintain the vehicles.”
“Regardless of your background, you share one thing in common: you work hard every day to earn a living for your families and shoulder your responsibilities at home. Each day, you race against time to make it easier and more convenient for Singaporeans to get around. For that, we are deeply grateful. In the face of innovations such as AI and AVs, I believe we must always keep the interests of our transport workers in mind and be people-centric. I have always believed that the ultimate purpose of technology is to benefit people – residents and workers alike. Based on the current situation, AVs will introduced gradually and progressively. MOT will roll out new technologies and AI at a pace that residents, passengers and drivers are comfortable with. At the same time, our tripartite partners are actively working together. We will be introducing a Manpower Transition Package to support taxi and private-hire drivers through career transition, skills training and career guidance. We hope this will help our drivers seize the employment opportunities that this technological transformation brings. I believe that technology is not an end in itself. The well-being of Singaporeans is the objective behind all our efforts. As we work to enhance Singapore's transport efficiency and technological edge, we remain committed to protecting the livelihoods and well-being of our people. I am confident that as long as the Government, businesses, and workers strive together towards this common goal, we will not only be able to navigate this new wave of technological change, but also seize the opportunities that it brings to build a better future together. (In English): Mr Speaker, Sir, in English please. Our air hub is one of Singapore's crown jewels.”
“She believes AVs will change the scene of driving worldwide, and she also sees new and more specialised roles emerging for drivers, such as helping wheelchair users, families with young children and others who need extra care on their journeys. Another driver is Mr Raymond Tong. Mr Tong is actually here with us today in the Gallery. Mr Tong has spent over a decade behind the wheel. He qualified as a safety operator and he has gone on to get certification as a remote operator. In his words, he wants a front-row seat as to where the industry is heading. Mr Tong says he wants to support our efforts towards the future of mobility, about the future of AVs, so he is here with us today, despite his very busy schedule. Thank you, Mr Tong! The Government will take a proactive approach to help workers adapt, support job transitions and to equip Singaporeans with the skills and capabilities needed in the age of autonomy and AI. The manpower transition package is one of more upcoming moves we are putting in place for our P2P drivers. We will continue to work closely with the unions and support our workers as jobs evolve. Mr Speaker, in Chinese, please. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Times are constantly changing. The advancement of technology and the application of AI have given rise to cause for concern. For instance, whether people's livelihoods might be affected. Our taxi and private-hire drivers are no exception. Some of you have worked with taxi companies for many years; some found flexible work with Grab after a career transition; some are very familiar with the streets of Singapore and have excellent driving skills.”
“GrabAcademy, Grab's training arm, has been onboarded as a registered training provider with SWDA to deliver AV-related training. For drivers who wish to pivot to other transport related jobs such as Bus captains, we will introduce a new pathway under the "CCP for Public Transport Professionals". This follows recent announcements we have made regarding increasing salaries and sign on bonuses for new bus captains. Drivers who are keen to move into other sectors can tap on existing programmes offered by the SWDA. Second, we will pilot a new training incentive scheme from January 2027, focusing on short-form courses. Drivers do not just forego some income when they go for training. They also incur other costs such as car rental expenses. Hence, under this scheme, eligible drivers will get a training incentive of $20 per hour for attending any of over 2,000 curated SWDA-supported courses, up to a cap of 80 hours of training. This training incentive amount is significantly higher than any other training allowances currently offered as we understand that drivers have additional expenditure like car rentals to manage. Drivers can tap on this incentive to acquire new skills before committing to longer-term programmes, such as the CCPs. Third, we will launch a new one-stop webpage with relevant information and resources curated for drivers and to raise awareness of the new support measures available. Some of our drivers are already taking steps to thrive in this future of mobility. Ms Ang Li Wei used to drive a taxi with ComfortDelGro, but she seized the opportunity to train as a safety operator for AVs.”
“We recognise that autonomy and AI, if not managed well, can bring disruption to existing jobs, industries and business models. The ultimate purpose of using technology is to benefit people – our residents and our workers. We will not adopt technology blindly. Technology's worth lies in the problems it solves and the lives it improves. We will roll out the use of autonomy and AI at a pace acceptable to residents, commuters and drivers. As the Acting Minister has mentioned, the introduction of AVs will be a gradual process to give our commuters and drivers time to adapt. Widespread adoption is still some time away. We have been engaging taxi and private hire drivers early as we want to ensure that our drivers are well-equipped to seize job opportunities from this transition and that they can stay ahead of this change. I recently met leaders from the NTA and NPHVA again, together with Ms Yeo Wan Ling. The union leaders ask what they can do to equip themselves and their members. Together with our tripartite partners, we have put together a manpower transition package to empower our taxi and private hire car drivers to stay ahead of industry developments and to explore new career options with confidence. This package has three parts. First, Place-and-Train Career Conversion Programmes (CCPs). This is for drivers looking to transition into new roles that come with up to 90% salary support. The CCPs will be launched in third quarter of this year. We will introduce a CCP for drivers keen to pivot to the AVs sector, known as the "CCP for Autonomous Vehicle specialists". Like all CCPs, participants will be offered employment prior to the commencement of the programme and training supported by the SWDA.”
“As of June this year, close to 10,000 unique riders have taken the shuttles and 99% of them surveyed said they felt safe and they would recommend the ride to others. Riders provided feedback that they would like more destinations, direct connections and flexible bookings. We will work with the operators to improve the service. We agree with Mr Ang Wei Neng's suggestion that AVs should first be deployed to serve underserved areas. We will progressively extend AVs to new areas with clear transport needs and are considering areas, such as Sentosa, Tuas and Mandai as possibilities. We are also expanding AV trials to other modes of transport, including public buses. We will begin piloting autonomous buses on two public bus services, Service 400 in Marina Bay and Service 191 in One-North. However, in response to Mr Ang Wei Neng's and Mr Fadli Fawzi's points, further deployment must be realistic. The technology for AV buses is not as mature compared to that of AV cars. Current autonomous bus models also have a smaller passenger capacity compared to our public buses. Public buses also have to meet the needs of different commuters – such as the elderly, parents with children in strollers and persons with disabilities. Hence, the operational aspects of autonomous public buses have to be worked through to meet the needs of different commuters. That said, we agree that there are good use cases for autonomous buses, such as night bus services, and we will consider it when the technology is more mature. As autonomy grows across our airport, seaport and roads, new job opportunities will emerge in areas such as fleet management and remote operations, autonomous EV engineering as well as business development.”
“He said that the workplace is now more comfortable and he is happier with the shift arrangements. We are investing in our maritime workforce just as deliberately across different stages of their career. Seafarers remain the backbone of the industry. The Sail Milestone Achievement Programme provides up to $50,000 for local seafarers. Together with our unions and partners, we have also enhanced the Tripartite Maritime Training Award for individuals seeking a seafaring career. On shore, the Career Conversion Programme for the Sea Transport sector reskilled close to 200 mid-career entrants and existing employees last year, equipping them for roles in digitalisation, decarbonisation and cybersecurity. New pathways into shore-based roles are opening, such as Singapore Management University's Industry Graduate Diploma in Maritime for mid-career transitions. Additionally, as Mr Dennis Tan mentioned, we want to prepare Singaporeans to take on leadership roles in the maritime sector. As maritime is global in nature, maritime leaders will need to have experience and capabilities running international operations and managing cross-cultural teams. And this is why we have launched a new Maritime Cluster Fund Global Rotation Scheme. The scheme provides grants to companies to co-fund the overseas deployments of local middle-managers to equip them with the competencies to take on supervisory roles. On our roads, the deployment of AVs can help us meet our connectivity needs, ease manpower constraints in public transport and improve safety. Grab and ComfortDelGro currently operate 16 fixed route autonomous shuttles in Punggol. Safety operators are on board to ensure safety in this initial deployment phase.”
“Mr Speaker, I rise in support of the Motion. Members have affirmed the strategic importance of transport and connectivity and shared their suggestions on how we can strengthen Singapore's long-term economic competitiveness. I value their suggestions. Technology is key to realising these ambitions. If we harness technology early and well to create opportunities and improve lives for our residents and our workers, we can thrive in an increasingly uncertain world. Several Members have highlighted that transformation must create good jobs for Singaporeans. We agree. The use of technology helps us solve problems, but people will always remain at the heart of transport. Experience, judgement, professionalism and care are not replaceable. Our transport workforce will always be at the core of our transport services. As Mr Sanjeev Kumar and Mr Wan Rizal have highlighted, we will work closely with tripartite partners to ensure that Singaporeans are well-positioned to seize these new opportunities. Last July, I launched the $200 million OneAviation Manpower Fund to support employers, unions and workers. CAAS and NTUC have also announced a partnership to co-design an AI training roadmap for aviation union leaders. Autonomy and AI are at work across our Transport sector. In Tuas port, automation has been built in from the ground up. Automated guided vehicles move containers and cranes are operated remotely, making it one of the most advanced container terminals in the world. Trials for autonomous prime movers are also underway in Pasir Panjang terminal. I spoke to Mr Faiz who works at PSA in Pasir Panjang. He used to drive a prime mover but has now transited to work in the control room as a remote operator for autonomous prime movers.”
“As to whether or not there is a need for us to mandate certain measures, we will consider that after we have exhausted all these other possibilities.”
“I thank the Member for his questions, and also very helpful feedback as to how we can better optimise our electrical infrastructure to support EV charging. Indeed, we do face constraints, land constraints, electrical capacity constraints. So, on his suggestions, firstly, on his question as to whether we monitor utilisation at the individual charger level, most of the time, we see that the chargers are grouped together in a cluster in a car park. So, currently, we monitor utilisation for the car park rather than at the individual electrical charger level because we feel that this is more useful for us to analyse if the charging provision in the car park is sufficient. He had also had a question as to whether or not the charger utilisation is currently being accounted for when evaluating future tenders or contract renewal. Currently, that is not our position. As to his suggestion as to whether or not we should mandate scheduled charging, there are various ways for us to look at how we can better optimise electrical charging throughout the day. I had talked about the idle fees that some of the EVCOs actually implement. There are also other possibilities, such as load balancing and scheduled charging, which can help us better distribute how the electrical capacity is distributed across chargers and across buildings, and also tying that to software. All in all, there are other methods for us to look at how we can better make use of electricity, given our grid constraints. At the same time, we are also exploring with the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Energy Market Authority on electrical capacity upgrades. So, we are doing that all together.”
“We are deploying electric vehicle (EV) chargers in tandem with growing demand, within the constraints of space and electricity. As EV technology is continuously improving, we are also mindful not to overbuild as chargers can become obsolete quickly. We monitor utilisation rates closely and will deploy more chargers when utilisation is high, electrical capacity permitting. EV Charging Operators (EVCOs) implement various incentives and disincentives to optimise usage throughout different times of the day. Some EVCOs impose idle fees during non-overnight hours to deter unnecessary occupancy of EV charging lots. Other operators charge lower prices during off-peak hours. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will work with EVCOs to explore other measures to encourage charging during off-peak periods.”
“I thank Member Dr Choo Pei Ling for raising feedback from her Tengah residents. Currently, two multi-storey car parks in Tengah have EV chargers, and LTA subsidiary, EV-Electric (EVe) Charging Pte Ltd, is in the process of deploying EV chargers in another eight multi-storey car parks in Tengah. We have taken into account the feedback from Tengah residents and are improving the process for new Build-To-Order (BTO) estates. So, for instance, starting from BTOs that obtained Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) since last month, there is now a new arrangement, where LTA subsidiary EVe works closely with HDB to start deploying EV chargers from the point that residents start collecting their keys – so, at the point of TOP. This will allow residents moving into new BTO estates to actually gain access to EV chargers earlier.”
“The Government targets to deploy 60,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging points by 2030, which comprise 40,000 in public car parks, and 20,000 in private premises. As of March 2026, there are 30,500 EV charging points deployed in Singapore. We are on track to achieving our 2030 target in tandem with the growing demand for EVs. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) monitors EV adoption rates closely and coordinates with agencies such as the Energy Market Authority, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) and JTC to deploy EV charges and key supporting infrastructure. For car parks with high demand, LTA will work with EV charger operators to deploy more chargers, electrical capacity permitting. By end 2027, there will also be at least one fast charging hub in every HDB town.”
“Yes. I thank Assoc Prof Jamus Lim for retracting his earlier inaccurate statement.”
“Yes, thank you. We agree with Dr Neo that it is important to bring together the wider ecosystem and we will consult all stakeholders. The Ministry of Transport's immediate focus is to drive the usage of drones more extensively, especially by the public sector and this is because we already have many potential use cases. And we will also continue to work with the private sector on commercial use cases while continuing to emphasise safety and being cognisant of our unique operating environment. Allow me to end off by assuring the House that we will continue to work together closely to safely and responsibly harness the benefits of low-altitude technologies for our transport sector and Singapore’s wider economy. Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. 6.05 pm”
“Against this backdrop, we have generally adopted a conservative approach in the past. But with drone technology becoming more mature, we can do more. We are studying the approaches in overseas jurisdictions and will adapt what is relevant to Singapore’s operating environment. Dr Neo mentioned China as an example, and we agree that there are aspects that Singapore can learn from. Chinese cities are trialling drones for a multitude of urban use cases, including food and parcel deliveries, high-rise façade inspections, traffic monitoring and enforcement, and search and rescue operations, many of which Singapore may also wish to explore. The Chinese government has also provided strong support for companies involved in drone development and production in the form of tax reliefs, subsidies and industrial parks. In the US too, there has been significant progress. Commercial companies like Wing, a Google spin-off that our Acting Minister of Transport visited just last month, have commenced delivery operations across the country. In these cities, regulatory frameworks are evolving rapidly. For instance, some cities in China have recently tightened their regulations for recreational and civilian drone operations. And in the US, the regulatory frameworks vary considerably depending on the state and the city. In Singapore, the Government, as I have mentioned, will continue to closely monitor the evolution of this space. Dr Neo proposed a national strategy on advanced air mobility and the low-altitude economy. He mentioned a “triple-helix approach” involving the Government, industry and research or educational institutions. We agree with Dr Neo —”
“Beyond our educational institutions, there is a wide range of facilities, workshops and courses available to the wider public. CAAS has launched two Unmanned Aircraft Flying Areas at Pandan Reservoir and Dover Road where enthusiasts can gather and conduct their own recreational operations. At the same time, CAAS partners with vendors, such as Just Fly It, to conduct hands-on workshops. Members of the public may also use their SkillsFuture credits to attend short-term drone operation courses by institutions, such as the Singapore Management University and Institute of Technical Education, to ensure that their skills are kept up to date. While we have made considerable progress thus far, we know that more can definitely be done. And this will require overcoming certain constraints, which Dr Neo has alluded to. First, Singapore’s airspace is limited. With multiple airports and air bases, and flights coming and going constantly, the use of our low-altitude airspace will need to be managed carefully between civil and military aircraft, and drones and eVTOLs. Second, Singapore has a dense and highly built-up urban environment. And this gives rise to complex issues relating to security, safety and privacy, due to the dense high-rise residential areas and closely co-located security-sensitive locations across our island. Third, Singapore’s unpredictable weather and tropical climate pose practical challenges for aviation. This is something that we already need to manage carefully for large planes at Changi, let alone smaller and more unstable low-altitude aircraft. It is essential for overall aviation safety that we test new technologies rigorously and work out robust operational processes prior to development.”
“These flights can safely operate over larger areas and longer distances away from the drone operator, potentially with reduced manpower. The Ministry of Home Affairs is exploring using beyond-visual-line-of-sight drones to deliver automated external defibrillators during emergencies. We have also revised our regulations to allow commercial operators to seek approval on a per-activity rather than per-drone basis. In particular, this has benefited drone light show operators, who handle thousands of drones at a go to create visually stunning spectacles. In 2025, we also enhanced real-time airspace clearance processes to expedite approval of drone activities, such that operators can now obtain immediate clearance for drone operations at certain heights and locations. Third, we are investing in talent and manpower, as Dr Neo had suggested. We are intensifying education efforts to promote the responsible use of drones, develop suitable technical skills and nurture interest in low-altitude technologies for Singaporeans of all backgrounds and ages. We are working closely with our educational institutions to integrate drone-related courses into formal curricula. Dr Neo suggested creating specialisations in advanced air mobility technologies, especially at the tertiary level. Those taking aerospace engineering courses at university can today access an increasing variety of drone-related modules. Four out of our five polytechnics are also approved as Unmanned Aircraft Training Organisations, and conduct practical courses in drone operations. Several primary and secondary schools have also introduced drone flying with their curricula or as part of the Applied Learning Programme.”
“First, we support research and innovation through trials, sandboxes and funding. We agree with Dr Neo that these are important for rigorous testing within safe and controlled environments. This helps us determine the viability of new use cases and figure out how drone technologies and operational processes can be further refined to meet desired outcomes. For example, PUB worked with ST Engineering to use drones to monitor water quality and activities at six reservoirs, which is a faster and more accurate alternative to the traditional method of in-person patrols. Using drones in this manner can potentially reduce the required man-hours by up to 70%. We also identify areas that we can temporarily use as sandboxes for flight trials. In the case of the NTU research team which Dr Neo mentioned, CAAS facilitated the initial hover tests of their prototype eVTOL at the former Turf City racecourse in Kranji last year, ahead of its public unveiling at this year’s Singapore Airshow. We will review how we can expand testing sites, including exploring overseas sandboxes in partnership with regional neighbours, as Dr Neo has suggested. These can be located further from urban areas and provide a safer and larger environment to trial larger drones and eVTOLs. Second, we adapt and streamline our rules regularly to allow a wider scope of low-altitude operations. In 2025, we allowed some commercial drone operations to be conducted at higher altitudes in designated areas for all days of the week for façade inspections. This increased the flexibility and productivity of these inspections, and reduced operating costs. We have also facilitated trials for beyond-visual-line-of-sight flights.”
“By reducing the need for frequent boat trips, drones alleviate manpower demands and minimise risks faced by maritime workers when operating in challenging sea conditions. For land transport, drones already help to inspect Singapore’s train and road tunnels. They allow our engineers to carry out their inspections more efficiently and with greater precision, while reducing the need for manpower to operate in potentially hazardous or hard-to-access environments. For aviation, commercial firms are exploring the use of drones for visual inspections of aircraft, to complement existing maintenance processes. This allows for faster checks, enhance accuracy and improve safety outcomes, freeing up our maintenance personnel to focus their expertise where it is most needed. For the built environment, the Building and Construction Authority, and the Housing and Development Board already use drones to conduct periodic façade inspections in a faster and more efficient manner. In October last year, the Ministry of National Development also trialled the use of drones to conduct high-rise ledge cleaning in Punggol, which would otherwise need to be conducted by workers on gondolas, which incurs higher safety risks. We hope to scale up such operations so that more buildings in Singapore can be assessed and maintained using drones. For security, the Singapore Police Force deploys drones to monitor crowd numbers in real-time during major events like the National Day Parade or the Marina Bay Countdown. As you can see, there are many use cases that our various public sector agencies are already using drones for. The Government has sought to create a conducive ecosystem in Singapore for the safe experimentation, development and deployment of drones.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, I thank Dr Neo for raising his Motion. The Government pays close attention to the development of the low-altitude economy. Indeed, drones and eVTOLs can be viable options for economic, transport and logistics uses. We agree with Dr Neo that these technologies provide opportunities to enhance safety and productivity, enable new operational capabilities and services, and support innovation, across multiple domains. In particular, Dr Neo spoke at length about eVTOLs, which his company, NEO Aeronautics, focuses on, and mentioned air mobility, air tourism and air logistics as areas of opportunity for Singapore. Unfortunately, it may not be viable to deploy eVTOLs extensively as a domestic transport option. EVTOLS are similar to helicopters, and are more viable in places with severe traffic congestion, and where point-to-point flight can cut down travel time considerably. They will have marginal utility in Singapore, where airspace is congested and given that we already benefit from a well-connected ground transport network. However, eVTOLs could eventually become a viable option for cross-border travel to adjacent offshore islands, or even cross-border cargo transfer with neighbouring countries. We will continue to monitor the progress of eVTOL technologies and its safety and cost considerations. In contrast, drone technology is at a more mature stage, with more viable and developed use cases. In Singapore, public sector agencies and commercial players are already using drones in practical, beneficial and meaningful ways across numerous domains. For logistics, we are already trialling the use of drones for ship‑to‑shore deliveries at our port, to transfer and turnaround high-value or essential items.”
“Vacancy rates for Housing and Development Board (HDB) rental shops have remained low and stable over the past five years. Some amount of churn is healthy, as it allows less competitive businesses to exit and new businesses to enter, which provide products and services that can better meet the needs of residents. HDB uses trade mix controls for HDB rental shops to ensure a good variety of shops to serve residents. When there are vacancies, HDB will assess the trade designation and tender them out as soon as possible.”
“I thank the Member for her question. Earlier, I mentioned in my reply that the HDB notifies buyers at three junctures. This is to give buyers adequate time to plan. And that is why it is at the one year before, six months before and three months before. So, this is to give them adequate time to plan for what they should do with their previous flat, their existing flat, as the Member mentioned. But in situations where they are already in financial difficulty and are not able to match the back-to-back arrangements, HDB will step in to see how they can facilitate the arrangements so that both the buyers and the sellers, in this instance, can find an acceptable arrangement that works for the both of them.”
“In 2025, about 30% of Build-To-Order (BTO) blocks were completed earlier than their estimated completion dates at the point of flat booking. On average, these blocks were completed about two months earlier. To assist the buyers with their planning and housing arrangements, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) notifies them at three junctures: one year before, six months before and three months before the expected completion of their flat. These include any updates to their flat’s probable completion date and the latest probable completion date is also available to buyers when they log into their accounts on the MyHDB Page. When their flats are ready, buyers are required to collect their keys and pay the balance flat price within a month. Those who face difficulties due to early completions can approach HDB for assistance. HDB may provide key collection deferrals to buyers who need additional time to sell their existing flat or work out their financing arrangements.”
“Mr Speaker, earlier, Member Ms Joan Pereira had a question with regard to rental cost and hawker food prices. That was addressed by Senior Minister of State Zaqy. But I also thought that in relation to what she asked, another area where people might be concerned about could be the HDB coffee shops, because that is also where they buy their meals. I would like to share that during COVID-19, HDB had provided additional assistance, such as rental waivers for HDB rental shops. HDB had also considered appeals from tenants who are facing financial hardship or poor business conditions by granting instalment payment plans. So, if like what Senior Minister of State Zaqy said, we would monitor the situation, and if there is a need for us to sync up what we do with regard to rental costs to help with how hawkers or coffeeshop operators are doing, then we will do so.”
“Thank you, Assoc Prof Lim. The Member might want to check with his Town Council staff, because I have a copy of correspondence between the Member as well as the HDB staff. The Town Council staff might have been copied. This was in relation to a request that the Member made in 2021. The HDB staff, and I quote the email that was sent back to the Member, it says, "We refer to your request to install playgrounds and cloud kitchens on multi-storey car parks in Sengkang". The email then goes on to say, "HDB provides residential car parks primarily to meet the parking needs of HDB residents". Then, it goes on to say that "HDB does look into requests for conversion of car park lots into alternative non-parking uses at suitable sites, if the carparks are assessed to be sufficient to meet parking needs after the conversion of the lots. In addition, as MSCPs are not designed upfront to support non-parking facilities in terms of their structural loading, we also have to assess if it is technically feasible to support other non-parking uses. Aside from this, there are other considerations, such as regulatory requirements, fire and safety, building safety standards, for instance, suitability of location and potential disamenities to residents that the non-parking uses may create". So, I think by citing these four reasons and considerations in the email between HDB and the Member, I think it quite amply explains what are the considerations that HDB has, and in the Member's proposal to repurpose those MSCPs for community use, if the Member is able to address the considerations that HDB has, I think we would be happy to facilitate those requests.”
“I thank Assoc Prof Lim for raising the questions. Could I first ask the basis for the statement that the Member made on 5 March, last month? Because, and I quote, the Member had mentioned that, "One objection is that there is an opportunity cost to foregone income, since such lots could generate potential revenue and this has sometimes been MND's response to requests for converting car park spaces to other uses, such as community gardens". Could I first clarify if there was correspondence with the Ministry of National Development (MND) that suggests that this is why the Member thinks that the MND is not allowing the conversion of the MSCPs? Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim: Thank you for the request. This was conveyed to me by Town Council staff. If I was mistaken in this statement, I will retract that request. But nevertheless, I think the general spirit of my question remains, which is that in prior requests that the Town Council has made requesting a change of use, MND has cited various reasons for not permitting this change of use. And hence, my request for asking for a clear set of criteria.”
“On Mr Hoe's first question, parking demand can change and evolve over time, especially in a new estate. You could have changes in household sizes and with that, changing in parking needs. That is why it can take quite a number of years before parking demand in a new estate stabilises. That is the case for Clementi Peaks, which I mentioned was completed less than four years ago. So, HDB does not recommend conversion of parking spaces into alternative uses during the early years of developments, because with premature conversion where the parking spaces are removed permanently, this could lead to parking shortages in the later years should the parking demand grow. On Mr Hoe's second question, our HDB estates are designed with playgrounds, with community spaces, with open lawns. And residents can use these places for leisure. For under-utilised space in MSCPs, these are incidental spaces, and they are not designed and intended for community activities and gatherings. But where the opportunity arises, HDB can consider repurposing suitable carparks into alternative uses, subject to meeting the parking needs of residents, which I mentioned earlier, as well as technical feasibility.”
“The Housing and Development Board (HDB) periodically receives requests to repurpose multi-storey car parks (MSCPs) for alternative uses. This matter was also raised by the Member for Sengkang Group Representation Constituency (GRC), Assoc Prof Jamus Lim, during the Committee of Supply (COS) 2026 debate for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth last month. As MSCPs are built for vehicle parking, HDB would need to carefully evaluate proposals to repurpose these MSCPs. They have to bear in mind considerations, such as residents' needs and safety. The assessment also includes the factors cited by Mr David Hoe, such as having enough lots to meet the demand for parking over time, potential disamenities to residents and technical considerations including fire safety requirements, exit capacity and structural loading. Revenue considerations, including opportunity costs from forgone income that Assoc Prof Jamus Lim mentioned at the COS debate last month, are not a factor in HDB's assessment. It is important for me to clarify this point, so that members of the public have the correct set of facts and do not form the wrong impression based on what Assoc Prof Lim said. In the case of Clementi Peaks, the project was completed less than four years ago in July 2022. Parking needs have not yet fully stabilised and it is too early to consider converting the parking spaces to other uses at this juncture.”
“I thank the Member for her clarification. I will have to come back to her specifically on the timeline that she requested, but on the question she had about the disamenities that can be caused due to construction works, we definitely recognise this, that it disrupts residents, commuters, motorists as well. And we continue to seek our residents' patience and understanding. Just bear in mind that we are trying to enhance transport connectivity at the end of the day, as well as to shorten travel times for our commuters as well as our motorists. Before the commencement of construction works, the LTA often carries out assessments to determine if existing road networks can be improved. LTA and its contractors will also work closely with stakeholders and residents living near the works to minimise the inconvenience caused to them. And where possible, additional road or lane closures which are needed during certain phases of work will be carried out during off peak periods to avoid further inconvenience to residents.”
“On the Member's second question, our constraint really is our electrical infrastructure. I would like share that we have kickstarted our first phase of upgrades, which would benefit around 450 HDB multi-storey car parks and this upgrade is expected to complete by around 2029. And for future tranches of deployment, so as to meet the targets, the numbers that Mr Edward Chia had mentioned, we are working with MTI and EMA to optimise our electrical grid to minimise costly grid upgrades and we will see what more can be done.”
“I thank the Member for his clarification. We started with a baseline deployment of at least three charging points per HDB car park. And I have shared in my earlier reply that 90% of our car parks have achieved this. So, moving forward, we are monitoring developments in charging technology, and that is why in my speech, I had talked about a mix of slow chargers as well as fast chargers. I wanted to take the opportunity to talk about how we are sequencing our fast-charging hubs. I had mentioned that we will be looking at having one in each HDB town, and this will be relying on existing spare capacity at car parks where possible, and for future tranches of deployment, we are also working with the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), and the Energy Market Authority (EMA) to optimise our electrical grid to minimise costly grid upgrades. So, I think when we look at our charging infrastructure, we should look at it holistically. It should be a mix in future of slow chargers, fast chargers, and we are keeping our eye on ultra-fast charging hubs.”
“If companies need the flexibility to transport either workers or goods on their rear decks, they can choose to replace the cage structure with a canopy, side railings and rain covers. I thank the NGOs for this suggestion and their patience while we assessed the risks. 5.45 pm To Mr Jackson Lam's query about MOT's approach to road safety, we continuously enhance road safety through both infrastructure improvements and community engagement. Our Friendly Streets initiative exemplifies this, where LTA constructs new signalised crossings, barrier-free crossings and wider centre islands for safe crossing. There are also reduced speed limits and other traffic calming measures. In the five pilot sites with Friendly Streets, we have seen average vehicular speeds reducing by up to 25%. More residents are also walking or cycling along these Friendly Streets. Twenty-five more sites are in the works, such as in Holland/Buona Vista and Punggol. Given the positive feedback, we will roll out another 20 new Friendly Streets over the next few years. Some of the new sites include Pandan Gardens and Kampong Gelam. Residents can look forward to being engaged on road infrastructure improvements to improve safety, convenience and comfort. By 2030, every town will have at least one Friendly Street. This means at least 50 Friendly Streets island-wide. Chairman, transport connects us all, to family, to work and to the world. Our investments into infrastructure, people and technology will ensure that these connections remain strong, safe and sustainable, for Singapore and Singaporeans.”
“We are commencing our AV bus trials on public bus service 191 and 400 later this year. The Government, led by LTA’s Singapore Bus Academy, is working closely with public transport operators like SBST, our unions and AV tech solution providers to prepare our bus captains. Through the support and training programmes, we will upskill these bus captains and ensure that they are equipped with the required skills to take on new roles, such as safety and remote operators, fleet managers and other positions in the technical and passenger service functions. Our priority is to ensure that our bus captains are well equipped with the required skills to take on new and meaningful roles in this AV transition as we pilot the AV services in a safe and responsible manner. I would like to touch on improving safety of worker transport. Government agencies have been working closely with industry and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to improve the safety of worker transport. We have made good progress, introducing requirements for lorries ferrying workers to be fitted with canopies and higher protective side railings, have lower speed limits and to meet minimum space requirements. In close consultation with our tripartite partners, we will take a further step. From 1 January 2027, we will no longer allow the ferrying of workers in caged lorries. Caged lorry decks present additional safety risks to rear deck passengers. For example, if a lorry with a cage door that is latched or locked from the outside is involved in an accident or a fire, workers may not be able to escape. Companies may still use their caged lorries to transport goods.”
“Major automotive employers, such as Borneo Motors, BYD, Cycle & Carriage and Komoco, and our public bus operators will also support with employment opportunities. Eligible individuals and employees will enjoy at least 50% course fee subsidies for SSG-approved courses. I will now touch on public buses and its workforce. The Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme was introduced in July 2024 to enhance bus connectivity, especially in newer estates located further from MRT stations and to also offer alternatives travel modes along rail lines with high ridership. Specifically for the North-East region, we have introduced 12 new bus services over the past 1.5 years, including 11 peak period services and extended the routes of two existing bus services. Residents have expressed appreciation for the new bus services, but they often ask if there can be more bus connections to other destinations. Mr Chairman, the binding constraint to more bus services is not the number of buses but rather the number of bus captains. The job of a bus captain is not easy, as described by Ms Yeo Wan Ling. We have worked with bus operators and the National Transport Workers’ Union to improve the working conditions for bus drivers over the years, such as longer breaks during shifts and caps on shift lengths. But this has not arrested the decline in local recruitment. As mentioned by Acting Minister Jeffrey Siow, we will do more to encourage locals to join the bus sector, including mid-career entrants. This would include working with bus operators and the union to raise salaries and improving working conditions and career progression for bus captains. Ms Yeo also asked how we are preparing bus captains for the AV transition.”
“Those who prefer to charge while running errands for one to two hours can do so at a fast-charging hub, with multiple fast charging points of power ratings of around 50 kW. And those who would like a quick charge of 10 to 20 minutes, similar to the experience at petrol kiosks today, can do so at ultra-fast charging points above 150 kW. Currently, there are fast-charging hubs in commercial and industrial premises, such as Pasir Ris Mall, Suntec City and Corporation Place in Jurong West. We will deploy more fast-charging hubs so that there will be at least one fast-charging hub per HDB town by the end of next year. Each hub will be equipped with at least six fast charging points. We will start in areas with higher EV charging demand and adequate electrical capacity, such as carparks near Compass One in Sengkang, MacPherson market and Plantation Plaza in Tengah. We are also working with industry to explore ultra-fast charging options and agencies to optimise our electrical grid for our growing charging needs. Mr Ang Wei Neng and Ms Yeo Wan Ling highlighted the importance of equipping our workforce for the EV transition. We launched the National EV Safety Specialist Certification in 2022, which has provided more than 2,000 people with foundational safety training in EV maintenance. We will build on this effort. MOT’s National Transport Academy, SkillsFuture Singapore and the Institution of Engineers, Singapore will launch a Skills Pathway for EV Technical Specialists. This charts out the progression roadmap for a career in EV maintenance, including the training available from IHLs, the Singapore Bus Academy and NTUC LearningHub.”
“We are also developing a more holistic legal framework for AVs, which will specify clearly the responsibilities and accountability of key parties in the ecosystem. This will provide clarity to our workers, industry and the public, and we will consult each of these groups in the coming year. We are also leveraging technology for a cleaner living environment. EVs have zero tailpipe emissions. Our air quality will improve, our children no longer have to breathe in harmful fumes from vehicles. EVs are also quiet. We often receive feedback on traffic noise. EVs will improve this. In January 2026, EV adoption grew to a record 55% of new car registrations. Mr Louis Chua and Ms Tin Pei Ling asked whether our EV charger network is adequate to support the growing EV fleet. I am pleased to share that there are more than 29,000 charging points island-wide. We have achieved our target to provide all HDB residents with convenient access to a charger, with more than 90% of HDB carparks equipped with slow chargers. This addresses the needs of residents who want to charge their cars overnight. Mr Ang Wei Neng and Mr Dennis Tan suggested deploying more fast chargers. We have already deployed 150 fast charging points at 70 carparks at HDB town centres and JTC premises. Technology continues to evolve rapidly. There are more EV models that now support faster charging. New ultra-fast chargers that can add hundreds of kilometres of range to EVs in under 10 minutes. And there are also more sophisticated grid management solutions which allow us to reduce costly infrastructure upgrades. We envision a mix of charging options to serve different preferences. EV owners who prefer overnight charging can continue to use the slow charging points near your homes.”
“He shared that training to be a safety operator on board the autonomous shuttle allowed him to augment his driving experience so that man and machine operate seamlessly as one. Mr Vincent Teo and Ms Sarah Binte Ahmad wanted to try something new after driving for several years and see the new technology in action. They worked hard for their safety operator training with GrabAcademy and WeRide, which required a 90% passing score. I hear that Sarah’s four children are incredibly proud of their cool mom and Vincent will be progressing to an AV remote operator course soon. These are examples of fellow taxi and private hire vehicle drivers who are giving autonomous technology a try. And new jobs will not just be in the area of safety operators. There will be new jobs for more individualised in-person customer service which cannot be provided by a machine. There will be new jobs in maintenance and operations of autonomous fleets. New jobs in software and engineering. These are better paying jobs of the future that not only our current drivers can consider, but also our younger generation who may be interested in the future of autonomy. This is an evolving space and many other countries, like China, Japan, the United Arab Emirates and the United States, are deploying AVs. Our best strategy is to prepare our people, our infrastructure and our laws. As the Prime Minister mentioned, we will make sure that autonomous technology and AI work for us. Together with our unions, we are developing training and conversion programmes for our drivers. We are mapping out new job roles and opportunities for our drivers. I understand that the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) is having engagement sessions on AVs. So, a shoutout – if you are curious to find out more, please sign up!”
“We are ensuring that our public transport network remains accessible and convenient. But manpower remains a binding constraint. The sustainable, long-term solution is to leverage technology, such as AVs. Ms Yeo Wan Ling asked for an update on the autonomous shuttle operations in Punggol, the AV regulatory framework and support for the manpower transition. In Punggol, around 740 people have tried the shuttles on Routes 1 and 3. Many commented that the rides were smooth and comfortable, and 99% said they would recommend the service to others. The shuttles provide last-mile connections not previously provided by direct transport links and reduce travel disruptions by up to 15 minutes. Punggol residents have seen the shuttles making their rounds and told me they are excited to try it soon. Given the positive feedback, we will open up the rides on Routes 1 and 3 to the public from 1 April. The rides will be accompanied with a commentary on features of the AV, and they will be free for an initial period. This will allow more people to experience the technology and provide feedback for the operator to improve its service. Grab, the operator, will share more details on how to register for the rides. From the middle of this year, commuters may board and alight at any stop along Routes 1 and 3 at a flat fare of $4 per passenger. ComfortDelGro’s autonomous shuttles on Route 2 in Punggol are making good progress in familiarisation and we look forward to commencing by-invite rides for Route 2 soon. On my rounds in Punggol, I spoke with safety operators on board our autonomous shuttles. Mr Victor Tan has been a taxi driver and a driving instructor with ComfortDelGro for the past 15 years.”
“Airport operations and planning is an exciting discipline that will become increasingly technologically driven as we prepare for T5. We deployed the first driverless autonomous baggage tractors at Changi just two months ago, which will help to enhance worker safety, reduce physical workload and allow operations to continue in all weather conditions. Autonomous wheelchairs are also being trialled in T2 to help us meet the changing mobility needs of our passengers in the future. This is the exciting future that draws in our students like Ms Ng Yu Jing from Temasek Polytechnic. Yu Jing and her course mates shared with me their enthusiasm to be a part of T5, and to chart the next chapter of Singapore’s aviation story. Efforts to attract women into aviation do not just rest with the Government. When I attended the Women In Aviation Singapore Chapter Gala last year, I was heartened to see women and companies leaning forward to provide opportunities for women at every level in aviation. This includes the Women In Aviation Singapore Chapter mentorship programme, which gives young mentees access to valuable perspectives beyond their organisation. Women In Aviation Singapore Chapter’s mentorship programme has supported over 100 mentees over the past four years. CAAS has also been working closely with Women In Aviation Singapore Chapter to conduct outreach efforts to girls in schools and young women just starting out on their careers. We are excited for more women to join our aviation sector, especially as we continue to face manpower shortages and there are many well-paying jobs available. The OneAviation workforce will continue to remain at the forefront as our aviation sector continues to grow. Let me now turn to the land transport sector.”
“This will enable us to build a future-ready and resilient next generation of aviation professionals. CAAS will share more details for each of these three areas in the coming year. To complement these efforts, we are also strengthening our outreach to bring aviation opportunities closer to Singaporeans. Last Saturday, I attended the East Side OneAviation Careers Fair at Heartbeat@Bedok. There were over 2,000 job vacancies available in the aviation and aerospace sector and 18 participating organisations. I look forward to working with interested Community Development Councils (CDCs) to bring aviation and aerospace careers to more local communities in Singapore. Let me repeat that. I look forward to working with interested CDCs to bring aviation and aerospace careers to more local communities in Singapore. Ms Poh Li San asked about how we are attracting women to join the aviation sector. I recently met Ms Megan Zheng, who has been an air traffic control officer (ATCO) for the past 12 years. She shared that it is a job like no other. Other than it being deeply fulfilling, she knows that every instruction that she gives helps guide an aircraft safely to land and that she is responsible for the lives of all the passengers and crew on board. 5.30 pm And while ATCOs work shifts, Megan explained that her rosters are planned well in advance, up to a year ahead. And this allows officers like herself with two young children to plan their family commitments and personal time with confidence. About 40% of our ATCO workforce are women today, and this has been growing steadily. As our air traffic continues to grow, we look forward to having more ATCOs join us. Beyond the skies, the way that we run our airport is also evolving.”
“Over the past six months, CAAS has consulted extensively with aviation companies, schools, unions and workers to understand how to help Singaporeans access quality jobs in the aviation industry and progress in their careers. Three priorities have emerged. First, CAAS will work with our IHLs to integrate professional training and undergraduate education. The aviation industry offers many rewarding and well-paying careers, such as in air traffic control and aircraft engineering. We have a good pipeline of IHL students who are training for such roles. This includes Wong Rui Qi, who is currently pursuing a diploma in Aerospace Engineering at Temasek Polytechnic. I met Rui Qi last year. Rui Qi shared with me about his interest in aerospace engineering and his eagerness to start a career as a licensed aircraft engineer as soon as possible. Today, upon graduation, Rui Qi will still need to undergo up to 44 months of professional training before attaining a professional license from CAAS to become a licensed aircraft engineer. By embedding industry-recognised skills training into the IHL curriculum, students, like Rui Qi, will be able to graduate more job-ready and embark on their aviation careers quickly. Second, CAAS will enhance the workplace environment and experience for the Changi workforce. This could include enhancing our infrastructure, improving transport accessibility to and from the airport, particularly during late and early hours, and also providing better rest facilities for workers. Third, CAAS will work with NTUC to develop a sector-wide mentorship scheme. This will support the career development of new entrants to the aviation workforce in key operational roles.”
“Mr Chairman, I will respond to Members on air and land transport issues. We are focused on building a globally oriented, future-focussed and people-centric transport system. Singapore's aviation story is one of constant evolution. From a small island nation, we have built one of the world's most interconnected air hubs. We are now linked to over 170 cities around the world. However, being a hub also means we are not immune to global disruptions. We are monitoring the Middle East conflict closely. The safety of flights and passengers remain our top priority. Singapore Airlines and Scoot have suspended their flights to affected Middle Eastern destinations until 7 March. We will continue to monitor the situation. Other airlines that fly to Middle Eastern destinations from Changi have also cancelled or delayed their flights. But even as we navigate the global climate of uncertainty, we never lose sight of the longer-term horizon. Over the next decade, we expect Changi to continue to grow. Our growth thus far has also created over 60,000 quality jobs directly in aviation, from air traffic controllers managing our busy skies to engineers managing our aircrafts. By 2040, global air travel demand is set to double and Asia Pacific will be driving two thirds of this growth. We are already preparing our infrastructure to support this by building T5. Just as important is our OneAviation workforce. The growth of Changi will bring about more opportunities for all, including good, well-paying jobs for Singaporeans. Mr Sharael Taha asked how we are investing in our aviation workforce. CAAS has committed $200 million towards the OneAviation Manpower Fund to attract, develop and retain the OneAviation workforce.”
“Mr Pritam Singh made a clarification on his cut and did not have a question for me, so I have nothing to add.”
“In recent years, we have stepped up our efforts to make our HDB towns more liveable, inclusive and responsive to residents' needs. We will continue to work with Singaporeans to build flats and neighbourhoods that they are proud to call home.”
“This helps to safeguard our markets, including public and private rental markets, guarding against the impact of such illicit activities. Taken together, these measures help to ensure that our residents continue to have convenient access to an affordable and diverse selection of heartland shops and services. Mr Chairman, I will now say a few words in Mandarin, please. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] To help the residents access quality and affordable goods and services, as well as to maintain reasonable and stable rentals, HDB will ensure that each housing estate and town has sufficient supply of shops. For shops under HDB, we have other measures to maintain the stability of shop rentals. Since 2018, HDB has evaluated tender submissions for new coffee shops and new supermarkets based on the “price-quality” method. HDB not only considers the tender price but also conducts a more comprehensive evaluation of the tender proposals. In addition, HDB has also launched the following measures in January this year. First, to encourage rational bidding, successful bidders are required to maintain their tendered rent for two tenancy terms instead of one tenancy term of three years. Second, to protect stall holders’ interests, HDB has begun collecting data on stall rents charged by coffee shop operators under its management in order to provide stall holders with more comprehensive and transparent rental information. The above policies ensure the reasonableness and stability of rental rates for shops under HDB, allowing residents to continue enjoying reasonably priced goods and services. (In English): Mr Chairman, we will update our housing policies to support the diverse needs of different groups, including young couples, larger families and seniors.”
“Tenderers are thus encouraged to strike a balance between competitiveness and business sustainability when submitting their tender bids. For HDB shop tenants facing financial difficulties, HDB will work closely to provide targeted support, where feasible, so that residents can continue to have access to affordable goods and services in their neighbourhood. In terms of stall rents in HDB coffee shops, it is HDB's intent to enhance transparency and support a well-functioning market by making available relevant rental data to members of the public so that potential stall holders can make prudent business decisions. HDB has announced in January 2026 that we will start collecting data on stall rents charged by rental coffee shop operators and we will look at how this data can be presented in an accessible way to the public. We are exploring the feasibility of collecting and publishing other relevant rental data for HDB coffee shops, such as the rent charged by HDB for outdoor refreshment areas. For HDB sold shops which are in private hands, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) maintains records on lease and tenancy transactions of privately-owned HDB shops that are submitted to IRAS for the payment of stamp duty. This rental data collected by IRAS is made available by geographical location and property type on URA's Real Estate Information System (REALIS). We are committed to publishing accurate data which will help potential shop or stall holders make their decisions. And we will consider a dedicated portal if that is necessary. More broadly, we are also taking a whole-of-Government approach to prevent, detect and penalise money laundering activities, including through strengthening our monitoring and sensemaking mechanisms.”