Tan Kiat How
Singapore
“(In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Thank you, Mr Speaker. Earlier I spoke about the policy objective of the Speak Mandarin Campaign, and we have remained consistent and united on this objective over the years. The question is our measures – how might we show some flexibility when it comes to movie screenings?”
“Sir, I can take the Member's question first, about the institutional arrangement. IMDA works very closely with different Government agencies including the NHB. In fact, we work closely on films, the classification of films. So, there is no need for an explicit institution arrangement as they are already doing so.”
“These are the primary objectives, but we will continue to see how we can think about meaningful information for family members. I know family members when they put their loved ones in nursing homes, there is a range of factors they consider.”
“These are lessons we have learned and we will make sure that those lessons would be incorporated in our standard operating procedures in our approach next time. Lastly, I just want to thank the Member for coming by at least a few times to my constituency to speak to my merchants, the hawkers, the residents.”
“For example, there are no dialect restrictions for arts performances or content available on the Internet and online streaming services. On free-to-air television and radio, we believe that Mandarin should continue to be the mainstay.”
“If there is more demand, we will discuss it with the film distributor and see how we can provide additional flexibility. But we will take a review as it comes along and it is certainly something for which we will speak to all members, industry partners, community partners about, and take their views on board.”
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“I thank the Member for the supplementary question and reminder. I am very glad to hear that the residents enjoy the park connectors and green spaces that are available along Sungei Serangoon. These are considerations that we will factor into the planning and I just want to assure the Member by reiterating what I said just now that most of the vegetated areas around Sungei Serangoon on the eastern bank are currently rezoned for B2 industrial use and there are no plans to launch the area for development in the near term.”
“If the impact on the environment is substantial or could be significant, an environmental study will be required to assess in greater detail the full impact and develop more extensive mitigation measures. And this will be done closer to redevelopment works, which will only take place from 2030 onwards. So, these are the processes and I assure the Member and members of the public that the various considerations that the Member has raised will be considered. On the specific part of Sungei Serangoon, allow me just to provide some context. I am looking at the map of the Sungei Serangoon and the locations around it. Most of the vegetated areas along Sungei Serangoon are located on the eastern bank, which is currently zoned for B2 industrial use and there are no plans to launch the area for redevelopment in the near term, except for an industrial cluster in the vicinity of the upcoming Defu station on the Cross Island Line. Actually, more importantly, most of the areas on the western bank of Sungei Serangoon have already been developed with an existing park connector running along the western bank from Tampines Road to Punggol Promenade. And to enhance the connector area, URA is working with the National Parks Board (NParks) to see how we can continue to build on that, potentially extending the park connector along the eastern bank from 2025. So, to assure residents living in the area, actually, we have already put in place open spaces, park connectors and also looking at how we can continue to extend it to benefit not just the residents living there but people using the space for various activities as well.”
“Sir, let me maybe set the context of the development plans for the area. The site will be developed progressively over several decades after the relocation of the airbase from the 2030s. And as shared by the Member earlier, it is an exciting development for the Paya Lebar site. During the draft masterplan 2019 exhibition, URA shared the vision that the airbase and the surrounding industrial areas can be transformed into a liveable and sustainable new town, built on the unique identity as a former airport and airbase. And the new town will have a myriad of housing, employment and recreational opportunities. New nodes of employment to bring jobs nearer homes, more direct connections between adjacent towns, including Hougang, and the rich aviation heritage of its former use. Importantly as well, a network of parks and open spaces and new ways for our residents to live, work and play. And URA has been engaging the public and seeking feedback on the PLAB redevelopment plans and engaging industry and professional bodies, like the Singapore Institute of Architects and the Singapore Institute of Planners, to develop a conceptual masterplan and precinct designs. So, to the Member's question, this is something that we will build on and continue to refine and it takes years to do so. This is still a very early stage of the entire concept plan and we will develop a masterplan based on that. And after the masterplan has been developed, developing agencies will undergo an in-depth consultation process with the relevant technical agencies to discuss the scope of the works, including the expected impact on the environment as well as the mitigation measures and monitoring plans to be put in place to minimise the impact when studying the feasibility of the whole area's redevelopment.”
“The redevelopment of Paya Lebar Airbase will only commence from the 2030s. Prior to that, we will evaluate the potential impact on the environment and biodiversity in the area and conduct more detailed environmental studies if the impact is assessed to be significant. These studies will also inform mitigation measures for the redevelopment, including the integration of green spaces in and around Paya Lebar Airbase. For Sungei Serangoon, a network of parks and park connectors has been safeguarded to enhance green spaces for biodiversity as well as provide recreational spaces for the community.”
“Sir, may I have your permission to take Question Nos 10 and 11 together, please?”
“Madam, the broad strategies for the use of sea space can be found in the Long-Term Plan Review. The specific use will be guided by more detailed plans worked out by the respective agencies with URA and those plans will have to consider the environmental impact. And as shared by the Member Ms Nadia Samdin, we are guided by the ecological profiling exercise (EPE), which is an ongoing, iterative effort to look at the impact on the environment, the marine ecosystem, biodiversity. In fact, we just completed a major one for the marine and sea spaces. It is a continual process. For example, the EPE, from when we last completed it, had given us inputs for the Long-Term Plan Review. Those assessments will guide the agencies in the use of sea space. Earlier in the session, we had a discussion on the use of sea spaces for aquaculture and fish farming where Senior Minister of State Koh Poh Koon had given answers to Ms Nadia Samdin and Mr Louis Ng. So, this is a real-life example of how we use the EPE and how the agencies use the EPE to guide some of the environmental impact assessments for the use of those spaces. So, it will be case-by-case, for the specific use. 2.01 pm”
“During the Adjournment Motion on protecting our marine spaces and Southern Islands earlier this year, the Minister for National Development also shared how agencies coordinate our plans from planning to implementation and engage nature groups and other stakeholders, so that their inputs can be considered. URA, MPA and the relevant agencies will continue to engage the community on plans for our sea spaces.”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, under the Foreshores Act, the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) may grant Temporary Occupation Licences (TOLs) for the temporary occupation of the foreshore and seabed in Singapore for any period not exceeding one year. If there are development works intended in the TOL area, the applicant will need to carry out in-depth consultation with agencies, such as the National Parks Board (NParks), National Environmental Agency (NEA), Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA). Through the consultation, agencies will consider the impact of the development, determine if an environmental study needs to be conducted and require the necessary mitigation measures to be put in place. SLA will only issue the TOL after the necessary clearances from the technical agencies and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) have been obtained. As part of the planning process, URA works closely with agencies to coordinate our plans in our sea spaces, such as through the Long-Term Plan Review. In the long term, most of the sea space within our port limits will continue to be used by the maritime industry and for port activities, which are important enablers of our economy. URA will continue to work with MPA and other relevant agencies, such as NParks, SFA and SportSG, to plan for other important uses and activities within our sea space, such as aquaculture, industries, utilities and recreation, and ensure that these uses are carried out in an environmentally sensitive manner to minimise any impact on the marine ecosystem and biodiversity.”
“Sir, there seems to be a lot of interest in postal services today. Let me take Mr Chua's questions in turn. First, about the recourse that the Government, as a regulator, has in respect of the terms and conditions of the licence. Let me first explain that SingPost is a public postal licensee. It means that it applied for a licence to deliver a service in Singapore. So, there is no subsidy to the postal licensee. It is actually operating a business in Singapore and has applied for a licence to do so. IMDA, as the regulator, imposes certain conditions as part of that licence, and one of the conditions is the quality of service of the licensee. I hope that helps to address Mr Chua's first question around the obligations and recourse. These are all part and parcel of the terms and conditions of the licence and its regulated operations. The second question is around the commercial aspect. Like I mentioned earlier, SingPost is a publicly listed company and has its own set of corporate governance rules around its financial statements and its own set of considerations that it shares with its shareholders. So, I will not touch on that because it is under the remit of the board and management of the company. But I just want to point out that even in its most recent financial statements to its shareholders, the overall company is profitable. And when it talked about its specific segment of post and parcels, we should see that in that context as well. Even in the post and parcel segment of its business, basic postal service or the regulated service, is just one part of that sub-business that it operates. Lastly, can the Member Mr Chua repeat the second question or have I answered all the questions? Okay. I have replied to all.”
“Sir, I do not have an answer at this point in time to the Member's question. I would invite him to file a Parliamentary Question and we can take a look at that. But broadly, let me set the context by saying that the quality of service framework, which broadly looks at the service level agreement between the licensee and its customers, and how it delivers the basic postal mails, these are issues that have been around for many, many years. It is something that was continually refined to make sure that it meets the needs of the consumers in Singapore and the needs of the licensees. These are things that we benchmark with the rest of the world. In fact, Singapore has one of the most stringent quality of service framework compared to comparable cities and countries around the world.”
“Sir, let me take the three questions by Mr Seah in turn. Firstly, on the quality of service, I would like to assure the Member that there is a quality of service framework in place for the regulated service offered by SingPost. IMDA, as the postal regulator, will continue to ensure that the postal licensee keeps up and complies with the quality of service. The second question is around adjustments. Sir, I am mindful that SingPost is a listed company and many of these reviews will have to be taken together between the regulator and the licensee as part of their regular discussions. I would like to assure the Member that all these discussions will be in the context of the cost overheads, postal rate adjustments, declining volume and the operating environment. These factors will be considered as part of the discussions. Thirdly, on the part about local employees, this something that we are mindful of. I am sure that SingPost, as a responsible employer, would be mindful of this as well. In fact, I think there are regular conversations between them and the unions representing the postal employees. So, these are the issues that we have to discuss as part of the overall discussion around the future of the postal services, and as part of the discussions between the regulator and the licensee.”
“The amendments under this Bill are necessary to implement CORENET X, which will deliver significant benefits for the industry and agencies. Madam, I beg to move. 1.17 pm”
“Agencies also intend to implement sector-specific measures, such as improving the training for our workers, to improve safety outcomes. So, many of the suggestions raised by Mr Leon Perera – and I thank him for those suggestions – had also been considered by the MAST task force and we will continue to see how we can improve and incorporate good practices, not just from overseas but good practices within our firms in our sector, and share these good practices with many of our industry partners. And when an accident or incident occurs, how will we get learning points from that incident after our investigation and see how we can do better as a community to support our migrant workers here in Singapore. So, those suggestions around demerit points, safety committees, in-depth sharing of knowledge and best practices, these are things we will continue to look at. I thank him for his suggestions and the taskforce will continue to look at those suggestions as we improve workplace safety for everyone. That said, firms must also take ownership and see worker safety as a core part of their operations. Individuals must also take responsibility for keeping themselves and their fellow workers at the worksite safe. Together, we can do our part to look after our migrant workers and ensure their safety. Mdm Deputy Speaker, let me conclude by thanking the Members once again for their support of the Bill. CORENET X is, indeed, a significant milestone for our built environment sector. We have been partnering the sector closely during its conceptualisation and development and we will continue to work with the sector to take in feedback and help firms prepare for the shift to CORENET X.”
“This is also not within the scope of the Bill but let me briefly respond. The safety of our workers is a priority for all of us in the built environment sector. Mr Perera may not have been in the Chamber when the Parliamentary Question was answered this morning. This is the question raised by Mr Yip Hon Weng. The Senior Minister of State for Manpower Mr Zaqy Mohamad had also given a fairly comprehensive reply to Mr Yip. Let me just touch on a few points. Workplace safety is an important priority for us. When accidents happen, it is an opportunity for us to reflect, learn and see how we can do better as an industry, as a sector. Every fatality is a tragedy that we hope to avoid for future building works. This culture, this safety mindset is in line with our entire effort to transform the way we build in Singapore. Many of the efforts under the refreshed build environment Industry Transformation Map (ITM) would not only raise productivity, but also improve workplace safety and put workers' safety at the centre of what we do. For instance, using robotics and automation, we reduce both the need for manual labour as well as the safety risk for workers. Our shift towards pre-fabrication using Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) technologies will move more construction work from worksites into factory-like settings. This can lead to better worker safety outcomes, with fewer workers deployed on site. The Government will lead by example. As mentioned by Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad earlier in the reply to the Parliamentary Question, the Multi-Agency Workplace Safety Taskforce (MAST) was set up in May this year. Agencies will place greater emphasis on safety considerations in tender requirements and evaluations.”
“NEA will determine whether to pursue any enforcement action based on the facts of each case. Whether a deviation is considered material would depend on the circumstances of the case including, but not limited to, prevailing requirements under NEA's codes of practice and legislation. Both BCA and NEA will conduct formal investigations and examine the facts of the case carefully, before embarking on any enforcement action under these provisions. Third, on the need for Environmental Impact Assessment, or EIA, legislation. This is not within the scope of the Bill, but let me briefly clarify nonetheless. Environmental considerations are already integrated into our planning process. As part of the planning approval process, development projects near sensitive areas such as Nature Reserves, Nature Areas and other areas with significant biodiversity, marine, and coastal areas undergo in-depth consultation with relevant technical agencies on the expected impact on the environment. If the impact on the environment could be significant, agencies will ask for an environmental study to assess in greater detail the full impact and develop more mitigation measures to minimise the impact of the development. EIA reports are also made publicly available online, unless there are reasons to maintain confidentiality, such as security considerations. Projects are also subject to existing regulatory standards by various agencies, which developers should be aware of. So, we will continue to study ways to enhance the EIA framework, such as the ongoing pilot to centralise the management of EIA consultancy services for the Housing and Development Board (HDB) and JTC projects under NParks. Let me now move on to Mr Leon Perera's comments on migrant worker safety.”
“That is why we have worked with the industry on sandbox projects to test out and refine the new features and processes. We will onboard users in phases and roll out features progressively and make adjustments as necessary. We will first work with partner firms to test out the new features from the soft launch in December 2023, before gradually accepting more submissions on a voluntary basis. Agencies will also provide helpdesk support as CORENET X is progressively rolled out. We are also paying special attention to the needs of our SMEs, as mentioned by Mr Kwek. In particular, we are helping them make the shift from 2D submissions to Building Information Modelling, or BIM, submissions. As I had mentioned earlier, local SMEs will be able to receive co-funding support for BIM authoring solutions and training programmes for CORENET X under the Productivity Solutions Grant, or PSG. We plan to implement this PSG support within the next few months. I encourage our SMEs to tap on the support available and start your BIM journey as soon as possible. Let me touch on the remaining points raised by Mr Louis Ng. First, on the new section 20(1A) of the BC Act. This provision allows for an accused to argue that they reasonably believed that the plans lodged were compliant with the necessary requirements. In each case, whether the defence is made out would depend on the specific facts, such as the qualifications and experience of the accused, the nature of the work, and other relevant factors. Second, on the new section 33H of the EPMA, this provision stipulates that it is an offence to carry out controlled works that deviate in any material way from approved plans. The intent is to ensure that the works are carried out according to approved plans in order to prevent pollution.”
“BCA has observed that the plans submitted by QPs for such works today are usually in order and downstream rectification works are not likely to be required. That said, the Commissioner of Building Control may still require the plans to be submitted for approval if he or she views that they are not fully compliant. This provides a safeguard in the event that certain plans will require more detailed review. Mr Henry Kwek asked if there would be delays due to the consolidated approvals from agencies at the various gateways. On the contrary, this new process should help project teams save time. As mentioned, this should reduce abortive works, as agencies would jointly review the plans and resolve any conflicts upfront. QPs would no longer need to keep adjusting their plans, to reconcile and address different requirements from different agencies at multiple points of the approval process. In addition, we will establish service standards to ensure that agencies provide timely responses to project teams at each gateway. At the Design and Construction Gateways, agencies are expected to respond within 20 working days for most submissions. At the Occupancy Permit and Statutory Completion Gateway, agencies are expected to respond to applications for Temporary Occupation Permits, or TOP, and Certificates of Statutory Completion, or CSC, within seven working days from the date of their respective inspections. Let me move on to the next issue around the implementation of CORENET X. I fully agree with Mr Kwek that CORENET X involves significant changes, both for the agencies and the industry. Hence, we will need to ensure a smooth transition from the existing CORENET platform.”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, I would like to thank Mr Louis Ng, Mr Leon Perera and Mr Henry Kwek for the support for the Bill and the new CORENET X system. Let me now address the issues that they have raised earlier. I will start with the points regarding the redesigned regulatory process under CORENET X. To recap, there will be three key submission gateways at the design, construction and occupation and completion phases. At each gateway, project teams will need to consolidate the critical project requirements and submit them for approval. Agencies will then work together to provide a consolidated and coordinated response to project teams. Project teams can then proceed with the relevant works after each gateway is cleared. This streamlined process will minimise abortive works later, by ensuring that key parameters associated with each gateway are jointly reviewed by agencies, before works proceed. So, for the specific examples raised by Mr Louis Ng, the design certificates under the Environmental Protection and Management Act or EPMA, and Environmental Public Health Act or EPHA, and the provisional permission under the Planning Act, would only be granted after agencies have jointly assessed that the key environmental and planning parameters for the project are in order at the Design Gateway. This would give project teams greater assurance to commence some preliminary works, without needing to wait for agencies' approvals of the detailed building design at the Construction Gateway. Mr Ng also asked about the lodgment scheme under the Building Control Act, or BC Act. This is a business-friendly measure that will provide the industry with expedited approvals for less complex, lower risk building works.”
“An example of an SME firm that has upskilled itself is DCA Architects, which has adapted its inhouse workflows to align with the new CORENET X processes. DCA Architects is also preparing its project team for CORENET X submissions by participating in the CORENET X sandbox and is sending its QPs for the necessary training programmes. To support more SMEs in their upskilling efforts, I am happy to share that we are expanding the scope of the Productivity Solutions Grant, or PSG, to include a package comprising BIM authoring solutions and training programmes to utilise these solutions for CORENET X. Local SMEs will now be able to receive up to 50% funding support for qualifying solutions, to help them make the transition to BIM under CORENET X. BCA will release more details in the coming months. We will pay close attention to the industry readiness for CORENET X through regular checks with the industry. In the meantime, I encourage our industry practitioners, especially QPs, to tap on the various resources available and upskill yourselves to reap the full benefits of CORENET X. So, please do approach BCA or your respective trade associations for more details. Mdm Deputy Speaker, to conclude, this Bill is necessary to implement the new CORENET X platform. CORENET X will create productivity savings and reduce regulatory burden for both the industry and agencies. More importantly, CORENET X is not just an IT system but will play an integral role in the ongoing transformation of our built environment sector by driving greater digitalisation and collaboration across the project value chain. Madam, I beg to move. [(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)]”
“This iterative process of seeking inputs and incorporating feedback has built a deep vein of trust and understanding between agencies and the industry. As we roll out CORENET X in the coming years, we will leverage this close partnership to ensure its success. As with any new system, we recognise that all parties will require sufficient time to adjust to the changes. To this end, we will onboard users in phases and roll out features progressively, beginning with a soft launch of CORENET X in December this year. As a start, we will work with partner firms to test out the new features, with projects of varying sizes and building typologies. For the first year following the launch, we will gradually encourage more submissions for new projects to come on board on a voluntary basis. This will encourage the industry to familiarise themselves with the new platform and processes and ensure a smooth transition as we move towards onboarding all submissions. We will release more details when ready. This phased approach will provide the industry with sufficient time to prepare for CORENET X. We have put in place various resources, such as training courses, industry briefings and webinars, a Code of Practice as a guide for submission requirements and a dedicated CORENET X website with self-help resources. And we will continue to work closely with trade associations and professional boards to reach out to their members, including smaller firms, to inform and train them on the use of CORENET X. To date, we have trained more than 350 industry professionals on the submission requirements and the new regulatory approval process under CORENET X.”
“This involves providing them with powers to grant approvals for controlled works. Both Director-Generals will also have powers of enforcement, such as by issuing directions and imposing timelines for project parties to comply with. Fourth, amendments to enable electronic service of relevant documents. To enable CORENET X, provisions for electronic services will be harmonised under various Acts across agencies for clarity. Hence, clauses 10, 16, 18, 21, 22, 27 and 28 will amend the relevant legislation to make clear that BCA, NEA, National Parks Board (NParks), Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and URA can electronically serve approvals, directions and other documents related to building works, using a common electronic service system in specified circumstances. Madam, CORENET X is a significant effort that is the culmination of many years of hard work and effort. Without the close partnership and valuable insights of industry stakeholders, it would not have been possible for us to bring CORENET X to fruition. Since 2018, more than 100 industry representatives have worked with us to develop the new CORENET X regulatory approval process. Agencies have also established Communities of Practice with various industry stakeholders, including consultants and developers. This involves monthly meetings for agencies to provide progress updates and receive feedback on the development of CORENET X. We are also working with the industry on sandbox projects to test out and refine the new features and processes prior to launch. The sandbox involves submissions from both public and private sector projects across various building typologies.”
“The design can then be developed in greater detail to be submitted for URA's approval of the WP later on, at the Construction Gateway. This new process will help QPs to avoid reworking detailed designs at a later stage, because issues with key design parameters would be picked up by regulators earlier. Second, the amendments to provide for lodgment. Today, agencies already allow for the lodgment of building plans for simple submissions. Under the lodgment process, QPs declare that their building plans are compliant with agencies' requirements, and approvals are expedited. Together with CORENET X, all agencies will harmonise their lodgment approach for works of lower risk, such as certain landed housing developments. Hence, clauses 2, 4 to 9, 11, 12, 16 to 18 and 20 will amend the Building Control Act, the Environmental Protection and Management Act, or EPMA, and the Environmental Public Health Act, or EPHA, to provide for lodgment of building plans under Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and National Environment Agency (NEA). We expect that the response times for lodged projects could decrease from up to seven days for some agencies, to within a day when CORENET X is fully implemented. Third, amendments to regularise approvals under EPMA and EPHA. Today, NEA ensures that building plans comply with pollution control and environmental public health requirements by administratively riding on BCA's approvals. Clauses 16 to 18 and 20 will amend the EPMA and EPHA to provide the Director-General of Environmental Protection and the Director-General of Public Health with powers to ensure that building and other works meet pollution control requirements and environmental public health requirements respectively.”
“This coordinated process will enable cross-agency issues and conflicts to be identified and resolved in a systemic manner. So, taken together, CORENET X can help reduce the overall time and effort from the industry to obtain approvals across the development process. For a project above 5,000 square metres submitted in BIM, approval times could be reduced by 20% to 25% based on preliminary estimates. For smaller projects, agencies have also streamlined requirements to expedite regulatory approvals under CORENET X. For example, simpler works, such as minor standalone structures, can enjoy a Direct Submission Process, or DSP. Under DSP, such works will only require a single submission, compared to the submissions at the Design and Construction Gateways required for other works. Madam, the Bill will support the new regulatory approval process under CORENET X by providing agencies with relevant powers. It will also harmonise regulatory processes across agencies, in tandem with CORENET X. I will now outline the key amendments. First, amendments to the Planning Act. Currently, when applying for Written Permission, or WP, Qualified Persons (QP) must submit a full set of design details complying with Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)'s guidelines and requirements. Where there are non-compliances, URA may issue Provisional Permission, or PP, instead of WP. Clause 25 will amend the Planning Act to allow QPs to apply for and for URA to approve as the competent authority, the PP separately from the WP. This means that QPs will only be required to submit key design parameters to receive the PP earlier at the Design Gateway, together with similar clearances from other agencies.”
“The capturing of accurate building design data within the BIM models will also facilitate new possibilities, including their use as "digital twins" for building maintenance. Second, the use of new technologies under CORENET X will deliver productivity gains for both the industry and agencies. One example is the Collaboration Platform, which will allow Government agencies to review regulatory submissions concurrently. This will facilitate collaboration across agencies to put together a clear, consolidated response to consultants, which will help to reduce the number of iterations between agencies and the industry today. We intend to introduce an Automated Model Checker. This will automate the checking of regulatory rules and speed up compliance checks for agencies. The industry can also utilise the checker to review their designs and correct any non-compliances before making their submissions. Third, CORENET X will support a redesigned process for regulatory submissions for building works. Today, the project team submits different sets of building plans across various touchpoints for different agencies. This can result in discrepancies leading to plan adjustments and abortive work, which can delay the completion timeline for projects. Under CORENET X, we will streamline more than 20 existing touchpoints with agencies into just three key submission gateways at the design, construction and occupation and completion phases. There will also be an optional Piling Gateway between the Design and Construction Gateways. This will provide flexibility for projects to start piling work earlier. At each submission gateway, agencies will provide a consolidated response to each submission from the industry, rather than issuing piecemeal directions in silos.”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, on behalf of the Minister for National Development, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time". The Ministry of National Development (MND) launched the refreshed Built Environment Industry Transformation Map, or ITM, last September. The ITM aims to raise the adoption of digitalisation, automation and prefabrication to position the sector to be more future-ready and resilient, taking in the lessons learnt from COVID-19. CORENET X is a key initiative to support our digitalisation efforts. CORENET X is a one-stop digital shopfront for the industry to make regulatory submissions for building works. We expect it to bring about significant benefits for both the industry and the agencies. First, CORENET X will drive greater industry collaboration through data interoperability. We will require eligible projects to prepare their plans in Building Information Modelling, or BIM format, which is essentially a 3D digital building model. Consultants will be required to submit their BIM models for these projects through a standard submission format, which is aligned to common data standards. This will allow for BIM models to be read by various BIM-based software used by other project stakeholders and will also allow consultants across multiple disciplines to coordinate on a single BIM submission. Data interoperability can also allow contractors and facilities managers to weigh in on the building design at an earlier stage, so that consultants can incorporate considerations for construction and maintenance upfront. The BIM models can then be passed on to contractors to guide construction downstream and minimise abortive work from creating their own models from scratch.”
“The second one was to enable SMEs to apply grants through using their Corppass, so that it is more seamless. And also, how we put together a panel of consultants appointed by Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) and the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) to provide advisory services related to cybersecurity and data protection. Because many SMEs tell us they understand the benefits of digitalisation, but are concerned with cybersecurity attacks and personal data breaches. So, we convened a set of consultants appointed by CSA and PDPA to advise these SMEs. These are just some examples how we enhanced the programme and I encourage the Member to look at our speeches in March this year for greater details. The second question by Mr Edward Chia was around whether we track the mental wellness of the employees. I must say not at this point in that specific set of questions that he asked. But we track the broader indicators. Hopefully, that also correlates to the well-being of the employee. We do not just look at workers hired and the value-added per worker, which is indicative of productivity gains but also, importantly, salary increments, wage increments. And we do track those. I do believe that these are important contributors to a person's mental well-being and emotional well-being. But this is the feedback we will take into consideration. I will discuss it with my colleagues.”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, let me take Member Mr Edward Chia's supplementary questions in turn. Let me address the first one around the CTO-as-a-Service. We launched the CTO-as-a-Service initiative in 2021, that is, about a couple of years ago. The intent was to give SMEs the confidence and convenience to go digital. SMEs, through this platform, can better access their own individual company's digital readiness through a set of checklists, through a set of assessment, maturity assessments, so that they can better choose a set of solutions to work for their needs, tailored to different sectors. If they need to go further, there is a consultancy that they can tap on to get advice on how they can proceed on their own digital transformation journey and a set of resources that are available to them on the platform. Since the launch, we are very glad to see many more companies coming on board and benefiting from these solutions. In fact, I am heartened to see smaller mom-and-pop shops coming on board, not just the mid-sized companies, but smaller companies who realise and understand the benefits of digitalisation. Through our process of engaging these companies and through the feedback from our consultants who are part of the CTO-as-a-Service consultancy, we have identified areas where we can enhance our programme. This was announced earlier this year as part of MCI's Committee of Supply debate. A few things, for example – I would not go through the long list – the Member can refer to our speeches as part of the Committee of Supply debate – but some areas were how we enhanced the platform to incorporate vendor reviews from other user SMEs so that we can improve the quality of the vendors in the platform.”
“We should continue to hasten our digital transformation because, as a system, I believe our ecosystem in Singapore, our business environment, can enable us to be thriving competitive economy that can allow us to create new opportunities for companies and all Singaporeans.”
“You can invest a lot in digital solutions but if it is not cybersafe and is subject to cybersecurity attacks – and many of our SMEs are not a target but collateral damage – all the hard work and investment over the many years can be wiped out overnight. So, even as we help our companies digitalise, we will help them to be cybersecure. These will be some of the focus areas for the Digital Enterprise Blueprint over the coming months. The second point that Mr Liang asked was about whether COVID-19 has helped to accelerate the pace of digitalisation. Anecdotally, we hear many businesses say that, thankfully, because of their early investment in digital technologies and solutions, they were able to operate even during the COVID-19 pandemic. They had their business continuity plans in place. Their workers and employees could continue to work remotely offsite. They could continue to service their customers and clients remotely – even customers and clients who are not based in Singapore. Anecdotally, we do hear feedback from our companies, including SMEs saying that they had benefited from early investments in digital technologies. In my conversations with many of the towkays at SMEs, business owners and management of companies, they also indicate to me they are not resting on their laurels. Many of the conversations have shifted at the management level, at the board level, from seeing digitalisation and technology as a cost centre to one of investment in capabilities, investment for greater competitiveness and better productivity for their employees. I am very glad these conversations have shifted partly, perhaps, due to COVID-19, but they reinforce the point that we must not lose these gains.”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, I thank Mr Liang for his two supplementary questions. On the first question about the benefits being greater for the SMEs when they use tailored solutions, I will make a couple of observations. First, it is our observation as well. It is really because of the state of our digitalisation and transformation efforts in our economy across industries and companies. There is no sector in Singapore that is not touched by digitalisation. However, having said that, the low-hanging fruits or the easy benefits of using digital technology or solutions are largely reaped. It is how firms can better use digital technologies by going deeper, transforming their business operations – transforming not just their customer-facing operations, but also how they work with their vendors, partners and supply chains in the broader ecosystem they are in. Therefore, we have to look at sector by sector. The SMEs in the manufacturing sector will have very different needs from the SMEs in the retail, hospitality or legal profession. That is the reason why we work very hard with the trade associations and partners to develop Industry Digital Plans so that the technology roadmaps, the digital skills recommendations and solutions that are available to those SMEs would be specific to their needs. Building on this, the Digital Enterprise Blueprint will look at how we can help our companies, including SMEs, deepen their digitalisation and tap on emerging new technologies, like generative AI, cloud-based solutions, while at the same time making sure that they are cybersecure and can also protect their customer data.”
“Sir, I thank Mr Louis Ng for his two questions. I explained earlier about our study which used camera traps in our nature parks and nature reserves. And we benchmarked them with some of the comparable densities that we found in the region of similar tracts of land and similar vegetation. But it is not a complete science. It is something for which we have to find a balance. When I say "science-based", it is that we want to look at evidence and we work very closely with our institutes of higher learning, researchers, international partners and industry partners, to make sure that our approach is in line with best practices around the world. On the Member's second point about how effective it has been, I also mentioned earlier in my reply how we measure their density and look at comparisons around the world. But it is also not just about removing wild boars. I explained our approach earlier in terms of how we have exclusion fences, cattle grids, and how we work together with the community to educate members of the public and our residents about feeding wildlife, and how we use a science-based approach to track the carrying capacity or density of wild boars. So, it is a holistic approach. I am not saying that we are perfect or that we have found the answers. This is an issue that does not just confront Singapore. Many other jurisdictions, many other countries that we speak to beyond Asia, in Europe as well, face the same problems and challenges. We are constantly working with them, understanding what they do and updating our playbook here.”
“So, our approach is a proactive one, using a science- and community-based approach to manage wild boars and to maintain the balance in our ecosystem.”
“Sir, I thank Mr Edward Chia for his two questions. The first one is on walking dogs. For dog owners who walk their dogs in parks that are near forested areas, we encourage them to avoid walking their dogs at night due to the low visibility and the possibility of encountering nocturnal wildlife. If a dog owner sees a wild boar in the distance while walking his or her dog, the owner is advised to keep the dog close by tightening its leash and to move away from the wild boar as quietly and rapidly as possible. On the Member's second question on the ecological role of wild boars, as I mentioned earlier, wild boars are indigenous to many parts of the world, including in Europe, parts of Asia, in Singapore and the region. They do serve important ecological functions, such as acting as seed dispersers and helping with soil nutrient recycling with their rooting behaviour. Wild boars are omnivorous. They eat not just vegetation, but they also dig up soil to eat the small worms and insects under the soil. Their feeding behaviour helps to have a positive impact on the ecosystem by dispersing seeds. So, in this way, they can help to regenerate native flora. Boars also compete aggressively with other species for food. So, they play an important ecological function. But at the same time, I think we look at two extreme suggestions that have been raised by different people. Firstly, as I explained in my earlier reply, we proactively adopt a science- and community-based approach to manage the wild boar population, importantly to ensure public safety. But on the other hand, it is also impossible to not have any wild boars in Singapore at all, not least because within our region, there are many wild boars outside of Singapore and they can swim to Singapore as well.”
“Between 2019 and 2020, NParks conducted a study using camera traps which found that the density of wild boars was about 6.57 per kilometre square in our nature reserves and about 5.22 per kilometre square in our nature parks. These densities are lower than those recorded in larger tracts of forest reserves in the region with similar vegetation types. As I shared in my earlier reply, NParks will continue to take a comprehensive science- and community-based approach to manage Singapore's wild boar population. This includes conducting habitat modification to reduce their food sources, managing their movements through fencing and hoarding, and removing wild boars where necessary to ensure public safety. We will also continue to discourage the feeding of wildlife and take enforcement action against such acts.”
“Sir, on the first question by Mr Liang Eng Hwa on the effectiveness of the exclusion measures, let me set the context by saying that in certain hotspots, NParks has installed exclusion fences that adhere to specific guidelines, such as the depth of installation and the type of materials used. These have been effective in restricting the wild boars' access to the fenced areas. In some areas, NParks has also deployed cattle grids, which are metal grates designed with gaps that are wide enough for the feet of hooved animals, such as wild boars, to enter. This deters such animals from crossing the grid, whilst still allowing people to cross. In Pulau Ubin, it has been observed that wild boars tend to avoid stepping across such cattle grids. Therefore, to restrict the wild boars access to Zhenghua Nature Park, NParks has been installing a combination of exclusion fencing and cattle grids at three access points where we have deemed it more likely that wild boars could enter the residential areas. The cattle grids at the Bangkit underpass were completed on 23 June 2023 and our monitoring shows that these grids, as well as the areas with exclusion fencing, have been effective so far. NParks is also installing a combination of exclusion fences and cattle grids along Chestnut Avenue and under the Gali Batu flyover. These works are expected to be completed by end-August 2023. NParks will continue to monitor the efficacy of these measures, moving forward. On Mr Liang Eng Hwa's second question, I would like to share with the Member that NParks carries out tracking studies to monitor changes in the wild boar population and to identify hotspots. Based on NParks' findings, the wild boar population in Singapore's nature reserves has remained relatively stable.”
“This includes carrying out habitat modification, such as removing oil palms to reduce wild boars' food sources. In line with the practice in many other countries, NParks also removes boars where necessary to ensure public safety. Based on studies by NParks, these measures have helped to keep the wild boar population in our nature reserves stable, at a density that is lower than those recorded in similar forest reserves in the region. NParks is also working closely with stakeholders on public education and outreach, to promote safe and responsible human-wildlife encounters. This includes discouraging the feeding of wildlife, which can alter their natural foraging behaviour and cause them to rely on humans for food. NParks does this through public education as well as enforcement action against illegal feeding of wildlife. NParks is also engaging the community on how to respond to wildlife sightings, such as remaining calm and keeping a safe distance if they encounter a wild boar. When a member of the public reports a wild boar sighting, NParks will respond immediately. NParks will trap and remove any wild boar that is found in a residential area, to ensure public safety. NParks will continue to take a comprehensive science- and community-based approach to manage Singapore's wild boar population and to ensure public safety.”
“Members have asked about what the National Parks Board (NParks) is doing to manage Singapore's wild boar population and to ensure public safety. Public safety is our priority. We want residents to feel safe in and around our green spaces. That is why we take a proactive, holistic and science-based approach in managing the wild boar population. Wild boars are naturally found in many parts of the world, including Singapore and our region. For the most part, wild boars travel in herds and stay within forested areas. While Bukit Panjang and the adjacent Zhenghua Nature Park do not have a resident wild boar population, wild boars appear from time to time due to the estate's close proximity to nature reserves and other forested areas, such as Chestnut Nature Park and Dairy Farm Nature Park. We know that residents in Zhenghua and Bukit Panjang are concerned about the recent wild boar incidents in the area. NParks has taken steps to mitigate the risks and will be closely monitoring the situation. For instance, NParks has trapped and removed 19 wild boars from the vicinity of Bukit Panjang since May this year. In addition, NParks has been installing exclusion fences to reduce the possibility of wild boars entering the estate. NParks is also working closely with the grassroots and the Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council to engage the community on proper food waste management to reduce human-generated food sources that may attract wild boars. Wild boars have high reproductive rates, giving birth up to twice a year with a litter size of up to 12 piglets. Female wild boars can start reproducing from 18 months of age. Wild boars also do not have natural predators in Singapore. NParks, therefore, has to actively manage the wild boar population.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, may I take the next three questions together?”
“Mr Speaker, I thank the Member for his supplementary question. It is always particularly heart-wrenching and upsetting when you hear about crimes and scams targeting the more vulnerable in our population – the elderly or people with disabilities. For that particular case, I am glad that the case was quickly dealt with by the IMDA colleagues and the telcos, and I thank the Member, Mr Zhulkarnain, for commending the IMDA team on that. In fact, for this case, when the IMDA team knew about the appeal from Mr Zhulkarnain, they immediately contacted the telco staff and within a couple of days, the telcos agreed to waive or freeze the charges and we got back to the family very soon, because we know the anxieties and the concerns of the parents, the family members and the individual himself. As I understand it, a Police report has been made over the case, and Police investigations are ongoing. But the broader point that Mr Zhulkarnain has raised is something that we are continually looking into. We will work together with our telcos, especially their frontline staff, to review their practices and whether additional staff training may be needed, so that they can flag out some of these possible scams and tactics being used against the vulnerable members of our community and see what ways we can improve the telcos themselves. This is in their interest. They are, also – in a way, a victim of this crime – defrauded by some of these scams. So, it is in our collective interest to not just minimise the risk of scams and such tactics against vulnerable members of the community, but to collectively take action to prevent such cases from happening. I thank the Member for his suggestion. It is something that we will continue to review.”
“Mdm Chairman, I will keep it brief. The short answer to the Member's suggestions is yes, we certainly will explore all the different ways in which you can better manage the human-wildlife conflicts, including being more proactive about looking at the habitats of the wildlife and at the specific areas where there are food sources, and how we can make sure we minimise the food source available to them, so that they can stop foraging at the human-inhabited areas. One important component is how we work with the community. We have seen good successes where we have worked with community groups. For example, I mentioned the Urban Wildlife Group and the Otters Working Group, where we proactively engaged the residents ahead of time, for example, to prepare their facilities better to prevent otters from coming into their homes or minimise the risk or the threat that the otters feel when the young pups are in the habitat. So, there are many ways we are doing so, and we will continue to do so. We welcome suggestions as we do.”
“I see, okay. I will just cite one example, in the interest of time. It is under the Built Environment Technology Alliance, or BETA, programme. Woh Hup Group and Alliance Concrete Singapore Pte Ltd, in collaboration with the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), have developed a manufacturing process for low-carbon concrete. This is one of the few in the world that we are trying out, and if successful, this technology could help position companies, like those participating in this project, to better secure overseas construction projects, especially at the time where sustainability and green considerations are at the top of many buyers' minds around the world and our region.”
“SG initiative, public sector buildings and developments undergoing Addition and Alteration (A&A) works must attain Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy standards, with a maintainability badge, which are only awarded to projects demonstrating exemplary design for maintainability performance. This is significant and public sector buildings above 5,000 square metres are also required to adopt smart FM. So, in gist, we are walking the talk, we are taking the lead and we are setting high targets for ourselves. The second question that the Member had – through all this effort of investing in raising productivity, investing in innovation, whether it leads to a competitive advantage for our firms, for our workers, that can be exported, and can be monetised and can be commercialised abroad? The answer is that we certainly hope so. This is one of the objectives that we have, under the refreshed Built Environment Industry Transformation Map (ITM) that we launched last year in September. Growing our innovation and enterprise ecosystem, in this space, has always been part of our focus in the Built Environment. And recent years, we have, in fact, placed more emphasis on translating our research and innovation effort into economic outcomes for commercialisation and export. We are working very closely as it is an ecosystem approach, with Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), industry partners, research institutes, and importantly, Government agencies as lead users. I will just cite one example, in the interest of time.”
“This will be piloted with construction tenders, with a minimum estimated procurement value of $50 million and their associated consultancy tenders. At the planning and design stage, I mentioned earlier how we are bringing together the various regulatory agencies to streamline their processes and to make it easier and more efficient for building developers and their consultants to submit plans and get approvals early. At the construction stage, GPEs are required to commit to a 25% to 30% site productivity improvement over the 2010 levels, by 2025, for construction projects. So, we are taking lead, not just in terms of streamlining of regulatory approvals, but also setting high site productivity targets for our own projects. I also spoke about various construction innovations, like Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA), Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) and many other techniques. These are some techniques that many of our Government agencies are adopting in their own projects. I would just like to specifically highlight one, which I think is going to be quite important, because it is not just for new builds. I mentioned earlier, that a lot of the total lifecycle cost of a building is in its operations and maintenance phase. You can build a building for three years, five years, but you may have to operate and maintain the building for decades. And that is where we can make a big difference in terms of efficiency and sustainability targets. The public sector is taking the lead in adopting design for maintainability as smart facilities management. Under the GreenGov.”
“Mdm Chairman, I thank the Member for the two questions. On the first one, BCA is taking the lead to bring together the various Government agencies who are in the infrastructure space. For example, the Land Transport Authority (LTA), JTC Corporation (JTC) for industrial properties and so on. They are known as the Government Procuring Entities, or GPEs for short. BCA is taking the lead to bring them together. Collectively, we are trying to raise productivity and transform the BE sector. I just mentioned a few things that might be noteworthy for the Member. First, starting at the contracting stage. I spoke about the collaborative contracting model earlier. Agencies, not just HDB, but the other significant GPEs will be piloting the collaborative contracting approach. I mentioned earlier, that at least 10 public sector projects have piloted or will be piloting this approach. This is a very important approach that raises the level of productivity and encourages a shared alignment of project stakeholders' interests towards common project goals so that issues are resolved early, tackling issues early. Hopefully, this would lead to reduced cost and reduce time delays as much as possible. So, that is one, at the contracting stage, we are looking how to implement good practices like collaborative contracting. The second is to support Singapore's transition towards a green economy under the GreenGov.SG programme. The Ministry of Finance (MOF) and Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) COS have announced earlier that environmental sustainability considerations will be incorporated in the public sector tenders and evaluation processes, starting from 2024.”
“In closing, I would like to reiterate our commitment to engaging community and industry partners across a range of issues, from the Built Environment sector transformation to navigating human-wildlife interactions. Together, I am confident that we will be able to adapt and evolve our approaches to tackle emerging challenges that may come our way.”
“At the 2021 United Nations Asia Environmental Enforcement Awards, we were recognised for our contributions in intercepting the illegal trade of elephant ivory. I am glad that the Member also agrees with us that global action and international cooperation are key. Many cases of illegal wildlife trade involve entities in multiple countries. In the debate to move the amendments last year, Mr Leon Perera asked if Singapore should consider a different approach to regulating wildlife trade, to use a reverse listing model, which will make "no trade" the default. While I can fully appreciate the spirit behind the suggestion, it will neither be feasible nor effective for us to do so as we cannot unilaterally impose such an approach on the rest of the world. CITES is currently the only international convention under the United Nations that regulates the trade of endangered species and almost all countries have signed up to this. So, it is important that our approach to illegal wildlife trade is aligned with CITES regulations. NParks will continue to work closely with counterparts in source and destination countries and share information with international organisations, like CITES and INTERPOL, to assist in their further investigations and enforcement. At the local level, we will continue to engage various stakeholders, including TCM shops and the community, to raise awareness on the role that they can play in combating illegal wildlife trade. I would like to assure the Member as well as other Members, including Mr Louis Ng, who had raised these issues on many previous occasions that we will continue to be vigilant to the threat posed by illegal wildlife trade.”
“We will consult the public and relevant stakeholders on our proposals and will share more details when available. Let me now turn to the issue of cats. To Mr Louis Ng's question, we are looking to further promote the well-being of pet and community cats. We are in the midst of a public consultation on the proposed cat management framework. This framework aims to promote responsible cat ownership and caregiving, while safeguarding public health. One of the components being considered is a licensing and microchipping scheme for pet cats. Alongside this, we will study allowing pet cats in HDB flats. Since last September, we have been consulting extensively on this framework. We are heartened to have received a strong response to our public survey, which garnered more than 30,000 responses. We are conducting a detailed analysis of the results and will share our findings when ready. So, I can assure Mr Louis Ng that we are not pussy-footing around this issue and this is certainly not a cat-and-mouse game as he mentioned earlier. Lastly, Mr Leon Perera also provided some suggestions on how we can enhance efforts in tackling the global illegal wildlife trade, such as working with other countries and the local community. As the Member has said, we had an extensive debate on this topic when we moved the amendments to the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act last year and I am glad that the Member supported the Government's approach on the amendments. But let me briefly reiterate a few points. Singapore is committed to the global fight against illegal wildlife trade. In fact, our efforts have been recognised internationally.”
“Recently, we had an extended discussion during Question Time where we spoke about this issue of chickens and cocks. In fact, this was because of the cut raised by Mr Ang Wei Neng, Mr Louis Ng jumped in, and I think Assoc Prof Jamus Lim from Sengkang also raised an intractable Town Council issue of persistent crowing, which we managed to solve with him. I offered some tips to Assoc Prof Jamus Lim at that point of time on how to deal with crowing cocks. I will be happy to share those tips with Mr Chong separately. But I would like to assure Mr Chong that NParks is aware of and will continue to support the Town Council and his grassroots leaders in tackling these issues. In addition to promoting safe and responsible human-wildlife encounters, we must also protect animal health and welfare. Mr Louis Ng and Mr Leon Perera have asked about our approach to managing animal abuse and cruelty, specifically on whether we will consider raising penalties for such offences. Again, we had a recent discussion in this House on this topic in response to a Parliamentary Question raised by Mr Louis Ng. I would like to reiterate my assurance to Members that we take a serious view on acts of animal cruelty and abuse. NParks investigates all feedback on such cases and takes the appropriate enforcement action. In cases where individuals suffer from psychiatric conditions, the Courts may already direct a Mandatory Treatment Order. So, it is part of the regime today. To further strengthen our safeguards on animal health and welfare, as well as public health and safety, we are reviewing the Animals and Birds Act, including the possibility of enhancing penalties for animal cruelty and abuse.”
“Last April, the UWG members launched the "Our Wild Neighbours" initiative – a country-wide outreach programme to raise public awareness of Singapore's native wildlife. The Otter Working Group closely follows the otter families and their movements and shares this information with NParks. This allows NParks to proactively cordon off areas with young otter pups to minimise the likelihood of human-wildlife conflict. The Government will also do our part. NParks implements a holistic suite of measures to manage the wildlife population, including habitat modification and food source reduction. This is an inter-agency effort. NParks works with NEA and SFA on many of these efforts, such as reducing food sources for pest birds at food establishments. Where necessary to protect public safety, NParks also undertakes population control measures. NParks monitors bird feeding hotspots and works with Town Councils and NEA to carry out targeted enforcement. 5.30 pm Over the past two years, we have taken enforcement action against more than a hundred cases of bird-feeding each year, with actions ranging from warnings to prosecution for more serious cases. We will continue to educate members of the community through platforms, such as school assembly talks, public webinars and HDB's MyNiceHome roadshows. These efforts are supported by science, through population surveys and research studies. These help us better understand the ecology of our wildlife, so that we can continue to refine our approach. Mr Chong Kee Hiong also raised specific pest bird and chicken-related issues in the estates in his constituency. As a fellow Member of Parliament, I fully empathise with Mr Chong on his current situation – caught between different communities of his residents.”
“Second, to continue to support the digital transformation of SMEs, BCA will extend the Productivity Solutions Grant, with a new $21 million tranche, for another three years. SMEs will be provided with funding support of up to 50% of qualifying costs when adopting pre-approved digital solutions. Third, we will also extend the Investment Allowance Scheme for the construction industry for another five years. Businesses can enjoy tax allowances when they invest in advanced construction equipment. We have shaken off the shadow of the pandemic and can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. The Government will continue to work together with the industry to make our BE sector more resilient and sustainable, as well as continue efforts to improve its productivity and reduce its reliance on manual labour. (In English): Let me now turn to another important topic of interest to Members here. Let me talk about chicken, birds and cats. Let me first address queries from Ms Nadia Samdin and Mr Chong Kee Hiong. Everyone has a role to play in ensuring safe and positive human-wildlife encounters. As individuals, we must learn how to share spaces with our wildlife. For example, we can observe from a distance when we come across animals and avoid intruding into their spaces. It may trigger a reaction from animals, especially mothers protecting the young. We can also refrain from feeding wildlife as this can alter their natural foraging behaviour and lead to increases in their population. Community partners can help to jointly develop and implement solutions for wildlife management. I am glad that we have the support of partners like the Urban Wildlife Working Group (UWG) and Otter Working Group in this regard.”