Tan Wu Meng
Singapore
“So, if I may just recall briefly what I said five years ago during the debate on the President's Address. Healthcare is about all our people's lives, your life and mine, the lives of our loved ones, the life of every Singaporean. And with that, let us all hope for healthier and happier lives together.”
“Mr Chairman, I thank all who contributed to this debate. Our MOH leadership and MPs of all persuasions. Also want to express deepest thanks to our entire healthcare family, our front liners, the support team and our public officers. If I may briefly seek the indulgence of Speaker —”
“I thank the Ministry of Transport (MOT) for sharing that there are plans to introduce regulations to address the issue of online shops selling AMDs that are in breach and unsafe.”
“The online Community Justice and Tribunals System brings convenience to those who can go online. What happens to seniors who are less digitally-savvy, less literate or who may not be so familiar with the English language?”
“Mr Speaker, I thank MOE for this move. On the topic of social capital and social network diversity, can I ask the Senior Parliamentary Secretary that for these studies, will MOE look at it much further into the future?”
“Mr Speaker, I thank the Minister of State for her answer. My Clementi residents shared with me that they discovered their child was vaping. Because they did not know what to do, they brought their child to the nearest Police station. The Police referred the case to HSA and the child was issued with a $300 fine for vaping.”
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“Mr Chairman, Sir, if I may beg your indulgence, in case we overrun by a little bit.”
“Your service and dedication help keep Singapore independent and sovereign, and help safeguard the interests of Singapore and our fellow Singaporeans wherever our people may be around the world. Besides COVID-19, our Overseas Missions also kept close watch on regional developments and provided consular assistance to Singaporeans. Last year, when protests in Hong Kong were at the peak, we deployed MFA consular officers at Hong Kong airport to provide consular assistance to Singaporeans wanting to return home. Our officers were also on the ground to assist the next-of-kin of two Singaporeans who, unfortunately, lost their lives while kayaking off Mersing, Malaysia, in August 2019. MFA will continue doing our best to assist Singaporeans who get into difficult situations overseas. We also use technology to make consular services more convenient. Our fellow Singaporeans travelling abroad can look forward to a simplified e-Registration process with personal particulars pre-filled by MyInfo. We also accept e-Payments, including PayNow, at our consular service centre and we will continue transforming and digitalising consular and immigration-related services for the public. Mr Chairman, in conclusion, our foreign policy begins at home. And MFA, with the support of our fellow Singaporeans, will continue to pursue a foreign policy that serves the interests of Singapore and our fellow Singaporeans amidst an increasingly uncertain global environment.”
“Many of our overseas Missions also organise cultural events, such as film festivals and art exhibitions, to highlight a softer side of Singapore that people may not always associate us with. Mr Chairman, Sir, foreign policy begins at home. And all of us have a collective stake as external developments can directly affect our future. We will, therefore, need the understanding of our fellow Singaporeans on our foreign policy decisions, especially when core national interests are at stake. Ms Joan Pereira asked about MFA's efforts to engage Singaporeans. Indeed, we are listening to young Singaporeans' views, ideas and concerns about the world while sharing about the policy challenges and trade-offs that we face as a small country. We have stepped up sharing sessions with young Singaporeans conducted by our retired experienced MFA ambassadors. And every Singaporean, by showing the world the best of us and what we stand for, can help grow our space in the world and help keep our little red dot shining. Sir, MFA also engages Singaporeans through our consular work. Minister Vivian shared how MFA officers volunteered to fly into Wuhan to bring our fellow Singaporeans home during the COVID-19 outbreak. Colleagues in our Embassy in Beijing and our Consulates-General in Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Xiamen have worked day and night to help Singaporeans in China during this period. Our Embassy in Tokyo assisted five Singaporeans who were on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked at Yokohama. Sir, I want to take the opportunity to specially thank and commend our MFA officers who very often serve far away from home and loved ones.”
“And one of our own international law practitioners, Ms Rena Lee, is currently serving as President of this conference. For the first time, Sir, Singapore is fielding a candidate to head a major United Nations body – the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). We are confident that our candidate, Chief Executive of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore Mr Daren Tang, has the right credentials to contribute positively to WIPO’s work. Daren also stands for Singapore’s longstanding commitment to a rules-based multilateral system, international cooperation and inclusive development. My colleagues and I wish him the very best at the upcoming elections over the next few days. Sir, as a small island nation, we must keep growing our network of friends around the world to build goodwill for Singapore. We share our development journey with other countries through the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP). It was established in 1992 for Singapore to "pay forward" the assistance that we received from the international community in our early years of independence. Through SCP courses, we support other countries in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals and managing global and regional challenges, such as infectious disease control, climate change and cybersecurity. We will work with our partners to incorporate COVID-19 content into our health-related SCP courses to help strengthen pandemic resilience in the region. Mr Terence Ho asked about using the arts as soft power. Indeed, MFA works closely with MCCY to showcase our diverse arts and multicultural heritage overseas. MCCY has a cultural MOU with Australia, which has helped many of our performing arts groups presenting works at Australia's major arts festivals.”
“We co-launched the WTO Joint Statement Initiative on Electronic Commerce to kick-start negotiations for rules governing e-commerce. We are also working with other WTO members to preserve the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism. This is crucial for us as it ensures global trade rules are enforced and any trade disagreements, if they happen, are resolved constructively. Besides the WTO, Singapore continues to pursue bilateral and plurilateral economic agreements to safeguard our economic interests. For example, we signed an FTA with the Eurasian Economic Union last year and are negotiating FTAs with MERCOSUR and the Pacific Alliance. These will create more opportunities for trade and investment beyond Singapore's traditional markets. Sir, Singapore also participates at multilateral platforms to protect and advance our interests. These platforms ensure that the development of international rules and norms reflects the concerns of all countries, big or small. Singapore has been a strong advocate for small states to play a bigger role at the UN and other multilateral fora. As Chair of the Forum of Small States, Singapore actively engages fellow small states to discuss common challenges and advance common interests. We have also been contributing actively to the development of international rules. For example, we played a key role in shaping what is now known as the Singapore Convention on Mediation, which provides for cross-border enforcement of mediated settlement agreements. We also participate actively in a UN Intergovernmental Conference to negotiate a new international agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction.”
“Mr Chairman, Minister of State Sam Tan spoke about how we should strengthen bilateral ties with key partners. I will share about Singapore's efforts to uphold the rules-based multilateral trading system, while playing an active role in international fora. I will also share how we are engaging our fellow Singaporeans at home and abroad and helping fellow Singaporeans who need help overseas. Mr Desmond Choo asked about multilateralism in the present global climate. Indeed, the deepening mood of nationalist, isolationist and protectionist sentiments in many countries is eroding support for globalisation and multilateralism. This matters for us because it can affect global norms on free trade and international law, both of which are integral to Singapore's survival as a small nation-state. Indeed, Sir, trade is Singapore’s lifeline and crucial for our economy. It is needed to create opportunities for Singaporeans and Singapore businesses. By plugging into global value chains, specialising in areas where we have comparative advantage, our companies and workers can upskill, evolve and move up the value chain. So, we have consistently advocated for free and open trade, further regional economic integration and the rules-based multilateral trading system. We also participate actively and constructively in multilateral fora, such as the WTO, APEC and G20, as convenor of the Global Governance Group. We promote engagement between the G20 and the wider UN membership. Singapore will continue to play our part to strengthen the foundations that underpin the global trading system. We firmly support the efforts to bring the WTO up-to-date so that it remains well-functioning, effective and relevant.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, I take your indulgence.”
“I understand that there was a local study on inter-generational offending. It is found that one in five inmates who are drug-abusing parents had children who had also committed crimes. The researches assessed that this was due to the exposure to similar risk factors and adverse childhood experiences. Sir, this is a human cost. It is a cost that can affect and can devastate a family across more than one generation. It tells us that when drugs poison a family, it can poison not just the current generation, but affect the prospects of the next. The poison of drugs can contribute to avoidable, adverse outcomes. The poison of drugs can harm families. The poison of drugs can exacerbate inequality in a society. In Singapore, the proportion of new abusers in the past year remained high at 41%. And today, there is social media and mass media spreading misinformation that normalises drug use. And much of this content increasingly targeted at vulnerable youths, targeted at our next generation, targeted at our future. Other than tough drug laws and strict enforcement, can the Minister also tell us how MHA will engage the community to guard against the harms of drug abuse?”
“I understand that MHA has been working hard to address this issue. In 2019, the Police set up the Anti-Scam Centre focusing on disrupting scammers’ operations and mitigating the monetary losses of victims by collaborating with financial institutions, telecommunication companies and digital platform owners. But I am sure more can be done. Furthermore, while the Police can work with institutions to deal with the situation, we must always remember that education is key, all the more so today because when scammers can reach out to people or our loved ones through mobile phones and instant messages, the additional safeguard of an informed and vigilant individual becomes more important than ever. 11.30 am So, the community needs to be made more aware of scams, to avoid falling prey to scammers and prevent loved ones from being tricked and misled as well. So, can the Minister share with us, how is MHA going to engage the community to help counter the increased threat of scams in our society? Mr Chairman, on Drug Abuse. Sir, as a Member of Parliament looking after a Constituency, as someone who has practised as a doctor, I have seen first-hand the damage that drugs can cause to families and to patients, to adults and the young. Drug addiction extracts huge costs from the society. The costs of crime. The costs of lives poisoned and destroyed. The costs that sometimes cannot be measured in dollars and cents alone. An NTU study commissioned by MHA in 2016, looked at the quantitative aspects. They assessed that the total cost of drug crime was as high as S$1.23 billion in 2015, even though our drug abuse rates are much lower than in other countries. But again, the cost is not just about dollars and cents. It is a human cost, a cost in our people's lives.”
“Our entire nation and society are the frontlines against terrorism and, our defence, likewise, must be whole-of-society, whole-of-community, whole-of-nation. So, can the Minister share with us how will MHA be engaging the community at large to ensure that Singapore is well-prepared against the terrorism threat? Secondly, Mr Chairman, on scams, in particular, e-scams. Social media has created new ways for people to keep in touch, whether from halfway around the world or from halfway across our island. But it has also become a new channel for crime. Based on a report by Consumers International, the widespread use of social media has brought new opportunities for criminals to connect with consumers and commit fraud; and scammers devising new and more innovative ways to trick people out of their money or harvest their personal data. Scams have the potential to cause great harm to consumers and the financial losses can be potentially life-changing. When a scammer succeeds, people can lose an entire lifetime's worth of savings. And with electronic cash transfers, the misappropriated money can be in a different country within minutes of the scam, even before the victim has informed the authorities. This is a global problem and many of us know of fellow Singaporeans who have been affected, too. In 2019, Police statistics show that the total number of reported crimes increased by 6.3%, primarily due to a significant increase in scam cases. The total number of scam cases went up by 53% to 9,500 cases in 2019, up from 6,100 cases in 2018. A total of $168 million was lost to scammers last year in 2019. So, it is a worrying situation because, with each scam incident, someone has been deceived and lost his/her savings or harmed.”
“Mr Chairman, the Home Team has continued to do well in keeping Singapore as a safe and secure home. As Mr Teo Ser Luck mentioned earlier, if we look at the international rankings, Singapore has been doing well and it is something we see not just in the rankings but also in the lived experience of our communities. Sometimes, on late-night walkabouts in Clementi town, which I help look after, I meet residents from different backgrounds and walks of life out and about at night on jalan-jalan, comfortable that even at night, it is alright to go out and walk around. But this effort to keep Singapore safe is never-ending. As the world changes, criminals have found new ways to reach into our communities and heartlands to reach into the lives and minds of our people. Today, I will speak on three challenges that the Home Team can hopefully continue to address even more in-depth and to a greater extent than before – terrorism, scams and drugs. On terrorism, Mr Chairman, Singapore has not experienced a terror attack in the past few years. But we must never take this for granted. Terrorism is a continuing threat to Singapore, as ISIS continues to attract many followers with their violent ideology. In January this year, a Singaporean man was charged with terrorist financing. Last month, in February, a 17-year-old Singaporean Secondary school student was detained for supporting ISIS. But it would be difficult, if not impossible, for MHA to fight terrorism alone. Potential threats may go undetected if the general population is not aware, not alert and not on the look-out. So, it is critical to engage our community and build awareness.”
“Mr Chairman, in our HDB estates, our void decks are anything but empty. They can be places of friendship and fellowship, when neighbours gather. The void deck can be a place of joy, a wedding venue for a community to celebrate. The void deck can be a place of sadness when a resident has passed away and family, friends and neighbours come to say goodbye. The void deck can be a place of potential, a white space that can someday be used for a social service office (SSO), a senior activity centre (SAC), a kindergarten and more. Indeed, our void decks are not devoid. But some residents worry about the shape of newer HDB blocks that do not have void decks. Some of my older residents may someday move in with their children. Some may be affected by Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) and move from old blocks to new blocks within Clementi. My older residents look upon newer precincts with some curiosity. The see the new pavilions, the new sky gardens. But, to these seniors, they feel it is quite different from the void decks. Maybe not so adaptable, not so airy, something different. Sir, infrastructure policy must have a long tail. What we build today must be future-proof to meet the needs of tomorrow, and void decks and other wide spaces add to that flexibility for tomorrow. So, can the Minister share with us what HDB's plans are to provision for sufficient shared common spaces in our newer estates? How is HDB designing newer estates so that neighbours can gather together, children can play together, families can celebrate together and, when there is a bereavement, people can say goodbye to loved ones near to their home and among neighbours? Coordinating Infrastructure”
“Mdm T has a grown-up daughter with special needs who had been very ill and, while back, had spent some months in the hospital. Mdm T's family has a domestic helper who has been with the family for nearly 20 years. Mdm T wants her domestic helper to have a vacation once a year. But at the same time, the family has been worried about how to arrange caregiver support when the domestic helper is away. Mdm T shared with us about how it is not straightforward at all to arrange a temporary domestic helper for short durations, such as for a period of two weeks. But, Sir, these arrangements can be crucial to help prevent caregiver burnout, whether it is a domestic helper or a family member providing the care. So, can the Minister tell us what efforts are being made to make respite care more accessible to parents with special needs children, whether young children with special needs, or grown-up adult children with special needs? Mr Chairman, these three stories are of Clementi families whom I have met in the constituency which I look after. But we know these stories are not unique to Clementi. And as we see through the eyes of our people, each story speaks to a broader policy question or a wider theme, a wider principle. So, I look forward to hearing from our Minister on what we can do together – the Government, community and society – to help parents with special needs children, as the children grow up, and as the parents grow older. Support for Those with Mental Issues”
“I know our MOE and MSF colleagues have been looking into this, and I am sure they will continue finding ways to make things even better. So, can the Minister share about what progress has been made, what support is available, and how we can help parents of special needs children learn more about these programmes and how to access them when the children transition to mainstream schools? Sir, the second question is: how do we help adult Singaporeans with special needs, especially when the parents grow old and pass on? Mr L, not his real name, is my Clementi resident. He has been ill the past few years and recently lost his battle with cancer. I met his widow. She herself is not in good health and needs a wheelchair to get around. They have a son who is nearing 50 years old, with special needs and a limited ability to take care of himself. Mrs L spoke to us. She says she hopes her health will hold up. But she is understandably worried about what will happen to her special needs son once she herself passes on. Mr Chairman, as our population grows older, there will be more seniors in our community who have grown-up special needs children still needing that extra care and support. So, can the Minister share about how we are coordinating across agencies and community partners to better support our seniors who are worried about their special needs children and how we can support the adult children when the parents become too ill to act as caregivers or when the parents pass on? Sir, the third question is on how we can strengthen respite care support for caregivers of special needs children. During my home visits in Clementi, I have met Mdm T, not her real name.”
“Mr Chairman, in my maiden Adjournment Motion as a backbencher, I spoke about how important it is that we always "see through the eyes of our people". If I may, please allow me to share three stories of my Clementi residents' journeys – three stories, three journeys, three questions that speak to policy and what the Government and society can look at. First, how do we, as a society, ensure continuity of support for our special needs students who transition into mainstream schools? One of my Clementi residents, Ms N, not her real name, is a young lady with cerebral palsy. She gets around with a wheelchair. We have met N and her mother. When N was younger, she went to a school for special needs students with cerebral palsy. But more recently, N has moved to a mainstream school. This was an achievement for N. She and her mum are proud of her achievement. But as N's mother shared with me, it also brought unexpected challenges. Previously, N's special needs school provided the transport arrangements. But in the mainstream school, N discovered there was difficulty finding these specialised transport arrangements. Her mum looked around and found out that private transport for N and her wheelchair would cost $750 to $1,000 a month. N can take public transport, but it takes two different buses. She has to change bus in between. During rush hour, some drivers will not wait for her and it can take multiple buses before N can find a bus to board. And when the weather is rainy, when it rains, it is even more of a worry for N and her mother. Mr Chairman, as more of our students with special needs make the transition to mainstream schools, we should look at how to maintain that continuity of support, so that the transition is not unnecessarily jarring.”
“I thank Mr Lim for his clarification. Certain considerations apply. First of these is whether the extent of commitment by the individual consumer is very substantial and whether there have been legitimate opportunities for the consumer to decline entering into a contract at that point in time. I hear what the Member said about how someone going for a massage finds himself under the wrong kind of pressure. But we also have to bear in mind that if a consumer feels they have been wrongfully confined, if someone is trying to extract certain decisions or concessions while they are in a vulnerable position, a consumer can and should consider asking for the authorities to be alerted. If someone locks you in a room and asks you to sign a contract, I think Mr Lim Biow Chuan, being a lawyer, he also knows what the options are available. And you do not necessarily need to call in a lawyer for that. So, that is one part of it. But more broadly, I would say there is also the need for us, throughout society, to continue sending a message, not just looking at legislative measures but also as a community of consumers and concerned citizens, about what kind of sales tactics are acceptable, unacceptable or completely beyond the pale in our society.”
“So, there are actually two distinct scenarios in that one question which Mr Pritam Singh has raised. One scenario is, if the retailer is still in the market and the consumer decides to initiate termination of the contract, and to move to another retailer because of a better deal. In that situation, if the consumer is the one initiating the termination and moving to a different supplier, then those terms and conditions, whether there is an early termination fee, would apply. But, in the event of the other situation, when a retailer chooses to exit the market, firstly, as I mentioned earlier, the retailer has to source around to see if another retailer will offer an equivalent plan to the existing consumers. In that situation, even then, the consumer can decide he does not like this alternative because there is another better alternative available in the market when the existing retailer exits, the consumer still has that choice. So, it depends on which situation Mr Pritam Singh is looking at for the purposes of this question.”
“I thank Mr Pritam Singh for his clarification. From the viewpoint of household consumers, one of the key objectives in the OEM is that in the event a retailer exits, that household continues to receive electricity. The power is not disconnected. As a first instance, if a retailer is exiting, they are expected to try and find an alternative supplier for that household with equivalent terms or, failing which, if the alternative cannot be found, the household reverts to SP Group as the provider of last resort in such a situation. Mr Pritam Singh also raised a separate question, which is, whether there is a concept of expectation loss here. It is worth bearing in mind that in the current operating environment, where households may have obtained discounted rates from an electricity supplier, and subsequently, if the supplier exits, and they revert to SP Group, they have obtained savings at that point. So, I am just wondering what Mr Pritam Singh means by seeking compensation.”
“Those with less time, less awareness of market prices, and less purchasing experience, will benefit the most. As for seniors without smartphones, they can still benefit through hearing of good bargains from neighbours, family members or friends who use the app. (In English): In conclusion, economic transformation is a collective effort. It takes all of us – Government, businesses, TACs and our workers – our brothers and sisters in the Labour Movement. It takes all of us, working together, to transform our economy to succeed. Let us continue working together to create good jobs, better opportunities and a bright future for Singapore and all our fellow Singaporeans.”
“On Mr Lim Biow Chuan's suggestion, the Government has to balance between consumers' interests and a pro-enterprise environment. A broad-based cooling off period may potentially be subject to abuse and introduce uncertainty to businesses. There are also challenges, some quite complex, in defining the arena of "beauty and slimming" services. CASE and the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) have conducted outreach activities to educate consumers on what our consumers should watch out for before committing to purchases. On Mr Lim Biow Chuan's suggestion for MAS to take reference from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority's approach to chargeback policies, MAS will study this. ABS has also developed Frequently Asked Questions on chargeback. MAS will continue to work with stakeholders to educate consumers on their rights and obligations when making purchases using credit cards. Sir, generally speaking, if you are a consumer, do read the terms and conditions carefully. If you are not sure, do not be afraid to ask. Is the business reputable? What kind of financial commitments are in the contract? Think about buying from CaseTrust businesses which offer a cooling off period. Let me reassure this House that CCCS will not hesitate to take action against retailers who persist in unfair practices. Chairman, in Mandarin please. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.]: We also want consumers to access information more easily and compare options, and save money, time and effort. MTI is working with CASE to develop a crowdsourcing app for consumers to compare prices for groceries and cooked food. Through this app, consumers are able to share price information which benefits the wider community.”
“Retailers who wish to exit the market are expected to find other retailers to take on those consumers on the same terms and conditions. If the retailer cannot find a replacement or if the consumer rejects the proposed transfer, the supply of electricity to the consumer will not be disrupted as the consumer will be transferred to SP Group. 1.45 pm Mr Pritam Singh asked about the retailer who had been selling electricity to the Aljunied-Hougang Town Council. Red Dot Power was predominantly retailing to businesses. It was not involved in the full OEM launch and we understand that Red Dot Power's exit was due to cash flow issues. I hear Mr Saktiandi Supaat and Mr Teo Ser Luck's feedback on instalment plans. In my own constituency duties, I have seen similar situations with my residents and, in my previous role as a backbencher, I have filed Parliamentary Questions on related topics as well. So, I hear their concerns. Today, most consumer credit providers, such as moneylenders and financial institutions, are already regulated. Such providers have to adhere to rules, including borrowing limits. While retailers offering inhouse credit sales agreements are not specifically regulated today, they are still subject to general laws, like the Sale of Goods Act and CPFTA. I agree that there should be adequate information disclosure by retailers so that consumers can make informed decisions. Enticement of consumers to over-leverage on credit should not be allowed. The Government is working with stakeholders to review industry practices and the appropriate regulatory response. MoneySENSE, the national financial education programme, also provides consumers with tips on what they should look out for when taking loans and instalments.”
“For example, the requirement to affix company stamps on Government forms has been removed. We agree with companies' feedback that this was outdated, unnecessary, cumbersome and time-consuming. However, the suggestion of imposing a "sunset clause" on regulations may be too prescriptive. Agencies, too, need flexibility. What is more important is a mindset where agencies are continuously alive – alive to the idea of rules review, alive to the idea of adapting, alive to the idea of transformation. A living culture of asking "why do we have this rule?", "is the rule still needed?", "is there a better way of doing things?" Because governance is not always about adding more rules. Sometimes, we subtract, we simplify. Sometimes, we need to tidy up to spark innovation; and, sometimes, we need to tidy up to spark joy. Besides supporting our enterprises, we want well-functioning markets that help consumers benefit from more choices and more competitive prices. Under the Open Electricity Market (OEM), households and small businesses now have more choices. At the same time, we will ensure that consumers’ interests are protected. I would like to assure Mr Pritam Singh that retailers in the OEM are thoroughly vetted and have to satisfy a stringent set of requirements before being allowed to serve OEM consumers. For example, retailers have to consistently hedge at least 50% of their wholesale electricity price risk. Retailers must also safeguard all security deposits collected from household consumers and return them to these household consumers should a retailer exit the market. EMA also has safeguards in place to prevent retailers from unilaterally terminating contracts, unless the retailer is exiting the market or the consumer has breached the contract terms.”
“For this, we need a pro-business environment. As the Minister for Finance said during the Budget Debate, the Government must be prepared to experiment and take calculated risks. This applies to our regulations, which Mr Baey Yam Keng and Mr Lee Yi Shyan touched upon. First, we must create an environment where new business ideas can take flight. One way is through regulatory sandboxes, where companies can learn quickly, iterate quickly. This has enabled new business concepts like dining in a "Floating Donut" in Marina Bay. When the idea was first raised or first floated, agencies had public safety and pollution concerns. But with the sandbox in place, the company was allowed to test their business concept for six months, with necessary safeguards. Second, we want to streamline regulations to reduce costs, cut paperwork and free up resources. This is a progressive economic policy move because it is the smaller businesses which have fewer resources to navigate regulations. Third, we will make it easier for businesses to apply for licences. Starting with the food services sector, we will pilot a one-stop portal to help automate the application process and cut down processing time as far as possible. For example, the portal will automatically recommend a course of action for land use approvals. This will save companies the hassle of going to different agencies' websites to find out the approved land use of a particular place. To Mr Lee Yi Shyan's query, the Pro-Enterprise Panel (PEP) and agencies have, together, developed the best practices on licensing approaches. They have also reviewed and streamlined more than 1,000 regulations since PEP’s formation in 2000, based on ground feedback and international reports on the ease of doing business in Singapore.”
“Mr Chairman, for broad-based economic success, the Government cannot do it alone. Our TACs are crucial partners on this journey. TACs are a store of social capital – institutional memory, industry networks, access to overseas markets. TACs help the Government to better understand the needs of our business community. To Mr Liang Eng Hwa and Mr Douglas Foo’s queries, we support our TACs to broaden the reach of our ITMs and drive industry projects through the LEAD programme. Since its launch in 2005, the LEAD programme has supported more than 50 TACs in spearheading projects involving close to 52,000 companies. Last year, the Association of SMEs launched the SME Cloud Exchange Network Software (SMECEN) with LEAD support. This is a cloud-based platform for companies to perform accounting and human resource functions. SMEs adopting SMECEN can reduce the average manhours per job by up to 80%, which will allow their workers to take on higher-value work, higher-value functions. In 2017, LEAD was expanded to support a larger base of TACs. The maximum funding level was also increased from 70% to 90% of qualifying costs for high-impact projects involving multiple TACs. I encourage our TACs to play an even stronger role. ESG will develop five-year roadmaps with TACs to help our TACs adopt a longer-term strategy to drive industry transformation. For example, ESG is developing a roadmap with SBF to help our local businesses access overseas markets. We will support TACs to implement the roadmaps through the LEAD programme. This includes seconding our public officers to selected TACs to allow our officers to better understand our businesses' concerns as we work together as one Team Singapore. Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat spoke about developing our enterprises.”
“Mr Chairman, there is a growing trend globally and regionally to legalise cannabis for recreational and medical use. In October 2018, Canada became the second country in the world to legalise cannabis for recreational use, after Uruguay became the first such country in 2013. In the US, around 10 states have legalised cannabis for recreational use and more than 30 states have legalised cannabis for medical use. In our region, two countries have recently legalised cannabis for medical use – South Korea in November 2018 and Thailand in December 2018. [Deputy Speaker (Mr Charles Chong) in the Chair] This trend poses implications for young people, patients and healthcare professionals. Young Singaporeans studying or working in jurisdictions which have legalised cannabis may have attitudes towards drugs shaped by the social environment there. Patients in Singapore may read online posts about jurisdictions which have legalised cannabis for medical use. Healthcare professionals, in turn, may be faced with challenging conversations with patients, who might ask about differing policies regarding legalisation of cannabis for medical use, across different countries. What is the Government’s assessment of this emerging trend in overseas jurisdictions? And what is the Government’s response? Youths and Drug Abuse”
“Our officers represent Singapore across a broad range of fields and issues, to protect our sovereignty and independence, look after overseas Singaporeans in trouble, and expand opportunities for Singaporeans. Mr Chairman, in conclusion, uncertainty will remain a common feature of the international landscape, but MFA will continue to seek out opportunities to advance the interests of Singapore and our fellow Singaporeans.”
“The year 2018 was another busy year for us. There were several major natural disasters overseas. For example, we deployed a Crisis Response Team to assist Singaporeans who were stranded in Lombok following an earthquake in August last year. We launched the "Be Informed and Be Safe" initiative to provide safe travel information through various platforms, such as the new MFA website and social media. Travel advice for certain common destinations can now be found on the MFA website. We also produced four short videos featuring common travel myths during the year-end holiday travel period. MFA will continue to do our best to assist Singaporeans who get into difficult situations overseas. To have adequate financial protection against unexpected emergencies, Singaporeans should always purchase travel insurance when travelling. In addition, we have used technology to provide useful and timely services to Singaporean travellers. We are collaborating with partners to improve the public's experience through existing systems like the AskJamie@MFA virtual assistant on the MFA website. We will pursue new ways to digitalise the delivery of consular-related services and improve user experience through a Service Journey approach. Our Overseas Missions are key touchpoints for Singaporeans living and working overseas. We will continue to work closely with various Government agencies like the Overseas Singaporean Unit on efforts to engage and strengthen bonds, so that Singaporeans overseas can remain connected to Singapore. On that note, I would like to highlight how resource-intensive MFA’s service of Singapore and Singaporeans is. Our MFA officers work under challenging conditions, and at great cost to our officers' personal and family lives.”
“45 pm I also emphasised the importance of platforms, such as the U20 and our ASEAN Smart Cities Network, which provide cities "safe spaces" to share and learn from one another, while building a shared commons of knowledge and best practices. Even as we look outward, our foreign policy is ultimately centred on, firstly, serving the interests of Singapore and Singaporeans; and secondly, buttressing our domestic resilience. As Minister Vivian Balakrishnan shared earlier, diplomacy starts at home, foreign policy starts at home. Given evolving regional and global dynamics, Singapore's foreign policy can only be successful with the support and understanding of Singaporeans. Ms Joan Pereira and Mr Mohamed Irshad asked about MFA's foreign policy outreach efforts to the younger generation, as well as how to combat fake news. I am happy to share that MFA has been stepping up our outreach to Singaporeans, including our students, to explain the fundamental principles of Singapore’s foreign policy and our vulnerabilities as a small country. To mitigate the risks of Singaporeans being distracted, divided and deceived by fake news and online falsehoods, MFA must establish ourselves as the authoritative source of information on Singapore’s foreign policy. We have enhanced our public engagement through social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, Telegram and WhatsApp, to establish MFA as an essential source for the public to verify facts and news. Ms Pereira also sought an update on MFA's measures to address the changing needs and expectations of travelling Singaporeans, advice for travellers, and the role of our Overseas Missions in strengthening ties with Singaporeans. Our consular work has increased in volume and complexity, as more Singaporeans travel and work abroad.”
“As convenor of the Global Governance Group (3G), Singapore will continue to promote engagement between the G20 and the wider UN membership. Mr Chong Kee Hiong asked about advancing Singapore's interests in the face of increasing unilateralism globally. As a small state, we alone cannot deal with the complex and transboundary nature of today’s challenges. We must continue working through multilateral platforms, such as the UN. Singapore's role at multilateral platforms like the UN seeks to fulfil three main objectives. First, to strengthen the multilateral rules-based international system for greater global stability. Second, to be a responsible member of the international community by sharing our experiences and fulfilling our commitments. These include countering radical ideologies, strengthening cyber resilience and promoting sustainable development. Third, to work with like-minded partners to represent interests and perspectives of the region and other small states. We have done this through the development of cyber norms and partnerships in ASEAN, our role as convenor of the Forum of Small States, as well as convenor of 3G. Singapore does not shy away from challenges. In every challenge, there is opportunity for Singapore to improve ourselves, to share our expertise and experience, and learn from other countries. I represented Singapore at two G20 ministerial meetings on Energy, as well as Trade and Investment in Argentina last year. At the inaugural Urban 20 Mayors Summit, the U-20, in Buenos Aires last October, I shared Singapore’s approach to urban planning and the core of our urban design, which must be fundamentally about "seeing through the eyes of our people". 3.”
“Minister Vivian Balakrishnan spoke on two key initiatives, namely, RCEP, which we are working to conclude this year, and CPTPP, which entered into force on 30 December 2018. Mr Mohamed Irshad asked about the CPTPP's benefits for Singapore. Apart from the increased market access for our companies as mentioned by Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, CPTPP is also a forward-looking agreement. First, it updates rules in traditional areas, including services, investment and non-tariff measures. Second, it establishes a common set of enforceable rules to address modern trade issues in areas, such as e-commerce and intellectual property. Apart from our immediate region, we have also looked across the Pacific to MERCOSUR comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, and the Pacific Alliance comprising Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru to diversify our economic and free trade networks. As Senior Minister of State Mohamad Maliki highlighted earlier, we are negotiating FTAs with MERCOSUR and the Pacific Alliance to create opportunities for Singaporeans and Singapore companies to expand into new areas and enhance trade with emerging markets. Singapore also remains engaged at APEC and G20. Both are key multilateral fora which bring economies together for international economic cooperation. I attended last year's APEC Ministerial Meeting in Port Moresby, together with Senior Minister of State Mohamad Maliki, while our Prime Minister attended the Leaders’ Meeting. Singapore sees great potential for APEC's leadership role in deepening regional economic integration and incubating new ideas. At Japan’s invitation, Singapore will attend the G20 Summit and related meetings in Osaka in June this year.”
“Mr Chairman, Minister Vivian Balakrishnan spoke about the contours of today’s uncertain external environment. A key feature of this is the competition between major powers for pre-eminence. Tit-for-tat trade tariffs have affected the global economy, including Singapore's. I will share on what Singapore has done to actively uphold the rules-based multilateral trading system, by pursuing the strategies of openness, integration and diversification. Trade, at slightly more than three times our GDP, is Singapore’s lifeline. We have consistently articulated our support for free and open trade. The post-World War Two multilateral trading system anchored by rules and norms has served the world, including Singapore, well. However, just like any neighbourhood, we can expect friction when multiple parties, big and small, coexist in the same environment. Yet, it is precisely this rules-based international system that allows such disagreements to be resolved through constructive cooperation and agreed rules in a non-discriminatory manner. Singapore firmly supports a rules-based and inclusive trading system, as embodied in the WTO. Assoc Prof Walter Theseira asked if we can do more. Together with like-minded Members, we are working on WTO reforms to ensure that the WTO remains well-functioning and effective for all. This includes updating the WTO's rulebook so that it remains relevant to businesses and governments. For instance, there is scope to develop new trade rules to address e-commerce and the broader digital economy. Singapore’s commitment to the multilateral trading system is also evident through our various efforts to advance trade liberalisation and economic integration.”
“Mr Chairman, the establishment of Cyber Defence training is key to a future-ready 21st century defence capability. And these skills will come in useful, not just in the SAF, because the cyber frontline is everywhere anywhere where there is a network, a digital device, a gadget connected to the Internet of Things. And so, as successive generations of cyber defence vocationalist graduates complete their full-time NS and become operationally-ready NSmen, these servicemen can add to the pool of cyber defence knowledge and cyber defence instincts in Singapore. Can MINDEF share more on how our Cyber Defenders' skills can be accredited and recognised, in ways that will help potential employers, in turn, recognise their value to organisations, workplaces and to Singapore? Cyber NS Scheme”
“I thank the Member for her question. Indeed, there is a "no wrong door" policy. As part of the "no wrong door" policy, it is also incumbent on us to advise Members if the question may best be answered by a department with the appropriate knowledge, competency, understanding and jurisdiction. I seek the Member's understanding on this, please.”
“I thank the Member for her question. Indeed, the precise inner workings of a private enterprise are not immediately within the purview of MTI. [Laughter.] However, if the Member wishes to file a separate PQ to the relevant agency or agencies, I am sure my colleagues will be happy to oblige as best as they can.”
“The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) has been notified of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Enterprise's proposed acquisition of Kopitiam and its subsidiaries on 28 September 2018 and is currently assessing the transaction. NTUC Enterprise has committed not to proceed with the merger until CCCS has issued its decision. There are many factors influencing food prices, such as cost of raw materials and manpower costs. The Government does not set food prices. Instead, we focus our efforts on helping Singaporeans to have access to affordable food options. For example, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) has reviewed tender mechanisms to consider factors, such as affordability, when tendering eating houses. The Ministry of National Development (MND) and the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) have also announced plans to build more HDB eating houses and hawker centres in future. Such measures will allow consumers to make informed purchasing decisions across a range of cooked food choices.”
“The proposed amendment to the Electricity Act today also clarifies the right of small contestable consumers to revert to buying electricity at the regulated tariff, if they cannot, or do not, wish to purchase electricity from a retailer. This amendment covers all households. Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the Member who has spoken on this Bill, and the valuable comments provided. In summary, this Bill will ensure that the Electricity Act continues to remain effective and relevant in ensuring the safe and reliable supply of electricity, amidst the changing energy landscape. Sir, I beg to move. [(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)] [(proc text) Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. (proc text)] [(proc text) The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. – [Dr Tan Wu Meng.] (proc text)] [(proc text) Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. (proc text)]”
“On the other hand, retailers are able to set their prices based on their own business strategies to adapt to shorter-term factors, such as prevailing market conditions and level of competition. We do share the Member's concern over ensuring that all households, including our senior citizens, and small businesses are able to make an informed choice on their electricity supplier. To this end, EMA uses regulatory measures, as well as community outreach. As the regulator, EMA requires retailers to present and seek households' acknowledgement of the Consumer Advisory and Fact Sheet on the key contractual terms, such as payment terms, contract duration, security deposit and early termination charges. EMA also requires retailers to safeguard all security deposits collected from households. For community outreach, EMA will also embark on education and awareness campaigns to inform consumers about the OEM and what to look out for when switching to a retailer. EMA is also working closely with various grassroots organisations to ensure that senior citizens are kept informed as well, especially seniors who are not so literate or not literate. This is one of the reasons why the nationwide rollout of the OEM from 1 November 2018 will be done in zones, so that EMA and retailers can focus their resources to help consumers better understand their options before making a decision. Mr Speaker, I would like to emphasise that consumers who do not wish to switch to a retailer can remain with SP Group and continue buying electricity at the regulated tariff. As a consumer, you do not need to switch, there is no deadline to switch, and you can take time to consider your options and whether to switch.”
“The amendments to the Electricity Act make clear that this includes through wireless means, in addition to physical means. Furthermore, the Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act also includes offences relating to cyberattacks or hacking, such as the unauthorised access to computers or computer systems, and unauthorised use or interception of computer services. We have also formulated a cybersecurity governance framework for the energy industry in close partnership with the Cyber Security Agency (CSA). The energy industry's Critical Information Infrastructures (CIIs) also adopt best practices in security management. So, for example, the computer systems in CIIs are isolated from the Internet. In addition, there are regular industry-wide exercises and sharing sessions to ensure the sector's resilience and readiness in emergency responses to cyberattacks. We will continue to work with CSA and the industry to ensure the robustness and relevance of our cybersecurity governance framework. I will now address the Member's queries regarding contestability and the Open Electricity Market (OEM). The Member asked about how the regulated tariff is determined and why retailers can charge less for their electricity packages. The regulated tariff, charged by SP Group and approved by EMA, is set based on a fixed formula that reflects the long-term costs to produce and deliver electricity in Singapore. SP Group is required to supply electricity to all consumers and has to bear the risk of an uncertain consumer base as it does not tie down its customers to any contract or impose early termination charges.”
“Mr Speaker, I thank the Member for the queries and support for the Bill. Let me first address Ms Joan Pereira's suggestions regarding our communication and contingency plans during a power outage. We had discussed this earlier during the round-up speech for the Gas (Amendment) Bill and we very much agree that we can continue working on ways to improve by learning from best practices around the world, as well as experiences near and far. Let me also address the Member's question on microgrids and cybersecurity. As the Member rightly noted, microgrids can operate independently during an emergency. And we are also studying various aspects of microgrids, because these can allow for easier integration of various energy technologies. So, for example, the upcoming microgrid at the Singapore Institute of Technology's campus in Punggol will be the first urban microgrid in Singapore that will integrate various types of energy technologies, including renewable sources and energy storage. There is also an ongoing microgrid testbed at Pulau Ubin which is studying the real-world impact of renewable energy on grid system stability and reliability. These testbeds will provide useful insights to help EMA in planning for future grid designs, as well as the main grid to ensure resiliency. We will continue to explore where such microgrids would be suitable for deployment in Singapore. As for cybersecurity threats to our electricity transmission system, I would like to assure the Member that the Electricity Act already gives EMA the mandate to address such threats, and EMA takes such threats very seriously. For example, under the Electricity Act, EMA is able to go after persons who hinder or prevent the grid from being used or operated in the manner in which it is intended for.”
“EMA is working with the industry to review processes for handling events, such as the recent power outage, to ensure they remain satisfactory. During the blackout, SP Group officers were immediately activated and deployed at key substations and control centres. SP Group also provided the public with progressive updates on its social media channels and concurrently informed the media of updates as well. But as with every incident, we will review carefully to see how we can further improve our responses. Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the Member who spoke on this Bill and the valuable comments he provided. In summary, this Bill will ensure that the Gas Act continues to remain effective and relevant in enhancing gas supply security and strengthening safeguards for such critical infrastructure. Sir, I beg to move. [(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)] [(proc text) Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. (proc text)] [(proc text) The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. – [Dr Tan Wu Meng.] (proc text)] [(proc text) Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. (proc text)]”
“So, we have to find the balance, and we have adopted a calibrated approach in our system planning certain level of redundancy at national grid level, together with a higher level of redundancy for critical systems at the local level. Critical services and infrastructure, such as lifts and traffic signalling systems, have contingency plans for power outages that might happen on the national grid. For example, passenger lifts must be installed with an Automatic Rescue Device, so that if there is a power failure, the lift will be parked at the nearest floor and open its doors. For lifts in very high-rise residential buildings or those serving both residential and non-residential uses, a standby generator is required to provide emergency power to resume at least one lift's operations. As for our public hospitals, these are provided with dual supply sources. So, if one of the supply sources fails, each is able to provide backup to the hospital. In addition, if there is any disruption from the main power source, there are backup power systems, such as diesel generators and Uninterrupted Power Supplies (UPS) systems, and these will automatically kick in to support critical equipment and critical facilities. And our public hospitals also carry out preventive maintenance, regular maintenance, to ensure that both their electrical installations and power system backups are in good working condition. During the power outage on 18 September, hospitals in the affected areas activated their backup power supply immediately, and this prevented disruptions to their operations and patient care. The Member also spoke on the importance of having a well-equipped public to respond to emergencies, and this is well-noted.”
“Let me now address the Member's queries on our energy sustainability. Singapore is exploring other ways to broaden our energy options. Among the renewable energy options, solar PV has the greatest potential for wider deployment in Singapore. But even then, there are challenges to adopting solar energy at scale, for example, competing uses for limited land, and the intermittency of the electricity generated by solar PV due to high cloud cover and urban shading. Despite these challenges, we have grown the amount of solar PV deployed from 10 megawatt peak (MWp) in 2012 to more than 160 MWp today. This is just a start. We are planning to raise our solar generation capacity to 350 MWp by 2020 and to one GWp beyond 2020. We are also investing in research and development to increase the efficiency of solar PV and the accuracy of forecasting solar power output in our tropical climate. This includes testbeds on utility-scale energy storage systems that could facilitate greater deployment of solar PV in Singapore while ensuring that our power system's security, reliability and stability are not compromised. Let me now address the Member's queries on our energy resilience, including his question on the safeguards we have for critical services. My colleague, Senior Minister of State Koh Poh Koon, had spoken about this during question time, but if I may just share again. In the design of any electricity grid system, we have to balance redundancy and assurance with cost imposed on consumers. The higher the degree of redundancy, the smaller the probability of disruption, the higher the cost at the system level.”
“The terminal today has a peak throughput capacity of 11 million tonnes per annum, sufficient to meet demand for the near future. The Government will continue to plan ahead for our next phase of LNG infrastructure development. We are currently exploring several options to see which best meet our long-term LNG needs and further improve our energy security. As I have highlighted earlier, the proposed amendment in clause 14 of the Bill will further enhance EMA's ability to deal with a wide range of potential risks that may emerge. It empowers EMA to issue directions to require any person to take measures to address or alleviate the severe gas shortage or prevent it from occurring or continuing. Beyond meeting our domestic energy requirements, we have been taking steps to capitalise on our strategic location to develop Singapore as a regional gas hub. Our LNG terminal can conduct storage and reloads, and we have spare capacity available for trading. We have also been working with the industry to build a strong supporting ecosystem, with players, such as consulting firms, law firms, shipbrokers, price reporting agencies and other services providers. All these and more have established their presence in Singapore, adding to the depth of the ecosystem. Thanks to the efforts of Enterprise Singapore in building the LNG trading community, there are now more than 45 companies with an LNG trading or business development presence here. And to further increase dynamism in our gas market, EMA has also formalised the spot LNG import framework in October 2017. So, interested parties can now import spot LNG, subject to a market-wide cap of 10% of our long-term contracted gas sales agreements. In summary, there is actually a whole-of-ecosystem approach to looking at our energy resilience.”
“Mr Speaker, I thank the Member for the queries and support for the Bill. Let me address Nominated Member of Parliament Mr Mohamed Irshad's questions on our energy supply, sustainability and resilience. As a small country without any natural resources, Singapore imports nearly all of our energy needs. This makes us vulnerable to supply risks. Prior to 2013, we were completely reliant on Malaysia and Indonesia for our natural gas supply, which is transported to us via pipes. As the Member has noted, our piped gas contracts are set to expire over the next decade or so. As all of our gas supply is handled commercially, whether our piped gas contracts are renewed will depend on commercial negotiations. And we welcome renewals or new contracts for piped gas. In October 2017, EMA lifted its moratorium on new piped gas contracts to facilitate this. To enhance our energy security and competitiveness, the Government has pursued diversification of our gas sources as a strategy. To that end, the Government has built an LNG terminal, which has enabled us to procure natural gas in the form of LNG from a wider range of sources, such as Australia, the United States (US) as well as Trinidad and Tobago. We have also adopted a Competitive Licensing Framework to procure LNG on a tranche-by-tranche basis. This will provide Singapore with the flexibility to take advantage of opportunities in the global gas market, including more competitive price indexation and contract terms, while diversifying our gas sources to reinforce our supply security. To further strengthen our energy security, we have also added capacity to the LNG terminal ahead of demand, providing us with spare capacity to cater for any potential disruption in our piped natural gas supply.”
“And so, quality growth, Sir, is very much part of the mission of all our economic agencies and our businesses, creating opportunities for young Singaporeans of all backgrounds. Opportunities to rise, whether you start in a multinational corporation (MNC) or whether you start an SME yourself. An SME that may start small but, someday, grow big, maybe even become a unicorn. And being able to do that, whether you are born in a private property or in a rental flat. Opportunities to grow through picking up skills and experiences, either from your peers or through partnerships between trade associations and agencies. Opportunities to grow and learn, no matter what background you come from. Opportunities to take flight, to learn management and leadership, to get overseas work exposure to develop your potential, regardless of whether your parents have pre-existing wealth or entrepreneurship networks. We have to keep those opportunities coming to fellow Singaporeans, so that our younger generation can continue to rise and grow. Mr Speaker, we are small, but we can. And we must be brave and we must be bold. Brave enough to face the future. Bold enough to overcome. And so long as we pull together, strive together, brave and bold, I know we will survive. And I know we will thrive. [Applause.]”
“Mr Speaker, sharing experiences and knowledge is also part of that reinvestment and regeneration, for example, overseas market workshops that help our local Singaporeans learn more about going overseas and exploring new markets. We have seen programmes, such as those on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), or on Consumerism for Indonesia. We see programmes investing in our workers and mid-career professionals as well. For example, Enterprise Singapore and Workforce Singapore have teamed up to help mid-career professionals develop skillsets for regional jobs in the Wholesale Trade and Logistics Sector. The programme is called the Professional Conversion Programme for Southeast Asia, but the key message is that there are ongoing reinvestment and regeneration. Sir, our trade associations and chambers (TACs) have an important role in this journey as well. Many of us would have heard stories of veteran entrepreneurs sharing their knowledge, sharing their own social capital and networks to mentor younger peers and younger entrants in the SME sector. Mr Speaker, it bears repeating that quality growth is good for workers, good for businesses and good for society. It is one key way in which we can continue fighting inequality. Sir, growth also can help our fellow Singaporeans with the cost of living. Singapore is small. We are price takers when the trade system around the world undergoes changes, when oil prices go up and down, when the price of goods shifts. We cannot change those global prices. We are price takers. But when we invest in our people and continue investing, when we uplift and empower our workers, we build towards better jobs, better prospects and better capability to cope with that cost of living.”
“Likewise, helping our fellow Singaporeans to go regional to find new opportunities is part of this, too. Mr Speaker, Sir, there is also investment in shared infrastructure and shared knowledge – another lesson we can learn from other economies around the world. Economists like Mariana Mazzucato have written about this. She pointed out the example of the iPhone, how it is built, not just on private enterprise, but on many innovations originally funded by the US government. For example, the Internet, once upon a time, started out as a project funded by the American defence establishment. But today, it is part of the innovation commons that powers so much on innovation and entrepreneurship in the US. Touchscreen technology was initially developed at the University of Delaware, with partial public funding. Closer to home, Mr Speaker, if I may talk about food, because food is a great passion for all of us in this House and fellow Singaporeans at large. Enterprise Singapore, one of our agencies, is leading FoodInnovate, a multi-agency programme, and the theme of shared infrastructure comes through again, for example, if you imagine some equipment items, like a high-pressure processing resource (HPPR). Basically, it is a machine that involves many precision parts which would require a large capital outlay. It may not be so easy for a small business to buy one. Not every business can afford to buy one. But when agencies establish a shared resource, many companies benefit, including the smaller small and medium enterprises (SMEs). And this helps level the playing field and create opportunity.”
“The role of government and businesses working together; how working together can be reinvestment to regenerate shared resources and grow the shared common space and common resources that all can benefit from. Mr Speaker, I spoke on this previously, in the 2016 Budget Debate. If I may tell the story again in a slightly different way. Earlier this decade, there was a Harvard study by Michael Porter. They looked at many United States (US) businesses, and the Harvard study suggested that some US businesses could invest more, that they were not investing enough, according to the Harvard Group; not enough investment in workers' skills, not enough development of supply chain networks, not enough regeneration of infrastructure. Even though investment would have helped all companies do better, it did not always make short-term business sense for individual companies. Clayton Christensen calls it “The Capitalist’s Dilemma" – when short-term considerations run up against long-term issues in the business. But Mr Speaker, in Singapore, with the support of fellow Singaporeans, the Government, businesses and workers can come together and reinvest and regenerate, for example, investing in workers and shared skills, because it helps workers and helps businesses. The ongoing tripartite effort by our brothers and sisters in the Labour Movement to upgrade workers' skills is reinvestment in our human captial, reinvestment in our workforce. And we must continue encouraging companies to invest in skills upgrading because this uplifts the worker and uplifts other companies in the sector as well. It must continue to be part of a deepening culture and social compact between our employers and workers.”
“Some countries around the world are facing that. A slow economy favours old money: those who already own capital; those who already own land; those who can charge rents without labour or innovation; those who build a rentier society without value creation. Sir, Singapore must never become a society where there is only old wealth, without new enterprise. There has to be growth, good quality growth. Quality growth rebalances an economy, so that the rates of return on capital can be matched or surpassed by the rate of return on work, whether it is deeply skilled work, the work that an artisan does with his hands through years of experience and knowledge; the deeply-skilled work that a specialised nurse brings to caring for patients and supporting caregivers. It is the knowledge work by experts with deep learning and interdisciplinary skills. I am told today that there are lawyers learning blockchain and studying how it will transform ledgers and transactions. Two very different disciplines; yet, coming together to create new domains of knowledge work. Innovation works as ideas are generated and implemented. Makers making the future, often in scenarios where buzzwords become the factories of tomorrow. Advanced manufacturing, where robotics, 3D printing and additive manufacturing combine with the Internet of Things. Factories which might have seemed like something out of science fiction a decade ago, but which are rapidly becoming reality. Entrepreneurship work, the work that young Singaporeans go about when starting a business, building those skills, creating opportunities to rise together with co-workers and employees. Sir, growth can be a force for young Singaporeans to rise and do well. We also continue to learn from the experiences of other countries.”
“Mr Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to join in this debate. I stand in support of the Motion. In this House yesterday and today, we have seen wide agreement across the Members that inequality is one of the great challenges of our modern era not just in Singapore, but also across many nations, many societies around the world. Much of the discussion in Singapore and around the world as well has been about redistribution, about redistributing resources, opportunities and so on. But there is also a deeper theme, which is that of social cohesion, whether fellow citizens, whether fellow Singaporeans see one another as brothers and sisters with a common destiny. Because if you do not see your neighbour as your brother or sister, then the question of whether you are your brother’s keeper or sister's keeper does not even arise. That is why our policies to maintain social cohesion, that sense of friendship and fellowship with each generation must continue, and must continue being deepened and reforged. But, Mr Speaker, is it enough just to have redistribution and social cohesion? Both are important; very, very important. But are they enough to sustain a fair and just society into the future, not just for one term of government or one generation, but for generations to come? Mr Speaker, today, I want to raise the idea that to sustain a fairer and more equal society, to help our workers and families keep pace with the cost of living as the world changes around us, there must also be economic growth. Quality growth. Quality growth, so our people can rise and live better with each generation. Because growth, combined with reinvestment in our people and our communities, can be a very powerful force, a force against inequality. Mr Speaker, imagine a slow economy.”