Yip Hon Weng
Singapore
“But we must also keep building our trust. It is the only infrastructure a small country cannot afford to lose. Every generation since Independence has earned our place in the world. Our responsibility is to see that the next generation is given the chance to do the same.”
“It can reinforce Singapore's role as a trusted financial centre, a gateway to Asia and a platform for long-term growth. But at the end of the day, we should also be clear about how success will be measured in practical terms. How much incremental daily trading volume are we seeking to generate?”
“I thank the Minister of State for his reply. While the US dollar remains dominant, some economists have suggested that the global monetary system may gradually become more fragmented and multi-polar over time.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the Minister for his reply. Given reports that some firms are slowing workforce expansion due to cost pressures due to the situation in the Middle East, has MOM observed any corresponding shift in firms hiring preferences between local workers and our foreign workforce?”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the Minister of State for her reply. Many Singaporeans are already facing rising premiums year after year. As we have seen recently, even with cheaper riders, base premiums continue increasing. So, households may still have to pay more overall.”
“Because this is not just a technology transition, it is a workforce transition. The establishment of the Tripartite Jobs Council is an important step in ensuring that this alignment happens in practice. Technology will move. Markets will adapt. But we must be clear about the future we are building.”
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“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I thank the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for her response. Can she provide an update on the nursing manpower situation in our local restructured hospitals? And based on her reply, only 15 students entered Nursing programmes from the IBDP and IP. What more can be done to encourage more students to take up nursing from these educational routes?”
“This is how we support families in Singapore, by building a resilient society that values family well-being and supports caregiving. I support the Bill.”
“This legislation may be perceived as an unfortunate necessity, acknowledging the sad reality that extreme cases of elder neglect or abuse do exist in Singapore. In such distressing cases, the state needs to provide avenues for justice for parents who have selflessly devoted themselves to raising their children. Similarly, the state also has the responsibility to provide justice for the individuals who have suffered at the hands of their parents, which some of the amendments in this Bill addressed. However, it is important to recognise that this Bill does not address the underlying issue at its core, the weakening family ties and the diminished perception amongst children regarding the importance of reciprocating their parents' love and care. How then do we tackle this issue? One key focus area must be the reinforcement of education from an early age to honour parents and for parents to understand that love and respect are bi-directional. Responsible parenting plays a significant role in shaping children into model citizens. Parents should actively engage with their children, spend quality time with them and provide emotional support. They should be good role models by treating their own parents and their children's grandparents with love and respect. By strengthening the bonds between parents and children, we can build a foundation of trust and love within families. In doing so, we reduce the likelihood of strained relationships that necessitate legal intervention in the likes of the Maintenance of Parents Act. When love becomes the driving force within families, familial duty comes naturally. This is an intrinsic expression of affection and care, rather than being perceived as a burden or legal obligation.”
“This becomes even more significant when considering the sandwich class, who may already face challenges in raising their own children. It is important to strike a balance that ensures adequate support for the parents while avoiding any abuse of the system. Finally, will statistics be shared to shed light on the number of instances in which the law has been unfairly used against children? Sharing such data can help identify any patterns or discrepancies, enabling us to make informed decisions and address any issues that may arise. In conclusion, Mdm Deputy Speaker, the story of Jiāng Gé that I shared earlier is not unique. The virtue of honouring parents stands as a golden rule that has been ingrained in various religions and cultures throughout history. It is a universal teaching. Nevertheless, we have to recognise that complex dynamics interplay within families. The reality is that no two families are the same and perfection is often elusive. Each family faces its own unique set of challenges and problems. During my interactions with residents at my Meet-the-People Sessions (MPS) in Yio Chu Kang, I have witnessed numerous cases typifying these complex dynamics. Sibling rivalries and disparities in wealth between the children's families often place a significant strain on the division of caregiving responsibilities for their parents. It is not uncommon for unmarried children to shoulder the primary burden of caregiving for aged parents, leading to feelings of resentment and imbalance. Furthermore, the introduction of spouses into the equation further complicates matters. Hence, the notion of "perfect families" where the responsibility of supporting aged parents is equitably distributed is a rarity.”
“Furthermore, it is critical that we clarify what constitutes sufficiently serious abuse to exempt an individual from the responsibilities outlined in this Bill. For instance, let us consider a situation where a child's basic needs were met but he endured frequent verbal abuse or witnessed his mother being subjected to abuse due to their father's infidelity, gambling addiction or alcoholism. These circumstances had a profound impact on his upbringing and mental well-being. In response to this toxic environment, the child made the difficult decision to estrange himself from his family as soon as he was financially capable. Should this child be expected to resume his responsibility to financially support his parents? Second, Mdm Deputy Speaker, clause 4 raises important questions regarding the circumstances that led to the parents' destitution. What if the parents' financial hardship is a result of their own financial mismanagement or previous instances of family abuse? Additionally, how many of these destitute parents have willingly chosen this path despite having the means to provide a roof over their own heads? Also, in doing so, are we inadvertently perpetuating the notion of children being seen as a retirement plan, a concept that is progressively being questioned by youths today? Should individuals who have suffered severe abuse at the hands of their parents, to the point where attending mandatory conciliatory sessions would trigger them and reopen old wounds, be forced to participate in these sessions? Third, we must consider how the Tribunal will determine a reasonable amount to support these parents, particularly to prevent any potentially excessive claims.”
“This captivating story, much like others within the Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars, vividly illustrates the ideal relationship between parents and children. This Bill that we are discussing today ultimately revolves around this concept of filial piety. However, life is often not so simple. Families face a myriad of unique issues, ranging from instances of parental abuse and neglect to cases where the children themselves endure these hardships inflicted on them by their own parents. It is precisely because of these complexities and the need to address such diverse situations that we find ourselves gathered here today. I would like to seek some clarifications on the Bill. Mdm Deputy Speaker, my first clarification is regarding clause 4 of the Bill. It is important to consider that many of these cases date back to a time when the adult children were themselves young and vulnerable. It was uncommon for children of that age to speak out or report their parents' actions. In the past, conflicts within families were typically treated as private affairs. These were often resolved or not talked about beyond the household without formal reports. As a result, access to family counselling was limited. The idea of foster care or shelters then was also felt to be primarily catered to children who had lost their parents. It is only in recent years where there are more government initiatives to raise awareness that domestic abuse has begun to be taken more seriously. Considering these circumstances, it raises the question of what additional services or processes are available to assist these individuals in providing evidence of such neglect or abuse. Without a Police or social welfare report, how else can they substantiate claims of ill treatment?”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, the importance of filial piety is deeply ingrained in our collective consciousness. Throughout the ages, captivating tales of filial devotion have been woven into the tapestry of our cultural heritage. They serve as powerful reminders of the importance of honouring and caring for our parents. One of the most famous stories about filial piety comes from the classic teachings of Confucianism, known as the Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars. One of the teachings involved a man named Jiang Ge, who lived during the Eastern Han Dynasty. As a young boy, he lost his father. He was brought up by his mother, whom he became extremely devoted to. During a period of war and chaos, Jiang Ge fled his hometown, carrying his elderly mother on his back all the way. They encountered bandits several times. These thieves intended to kill them. But upon witnessing Jiang Ge's filial piety, the bandits could not bear to harm the mother and son, and even pointed out a safe route to him. Jiang Ge and his mother eventually found safe refuge and he worked hard and lived simply. This was to ensure that his mother had everything she needed until the end of her days. Jiang Ge's story is a powerful example of filial piety, where a son's unwavering commitment to his mother's wellbeing in the face of adversity is recognised and honoured, even by crooks. It also epitomises the very essence of filial piety – the importance of caring for and respecting our parents, regardless of the challenges we may encounter. It mirrors the sacrifices that parents make to raise their children. It illustrates the reciprocity inherent in the bond between parents and offspring.”
“Thank you, Mdm Deputy Speaker. I thank the Senior Minister of State for his response. Demolition works are high-risk construction activities. Are construction workers trained to recognise tell-tale signs of structural collapse in demolition works and what are the reporting channels for such incidents? And does the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) require having Safety Officers on site to ensure that demolition workers are carried out according to plans by the contractors?”
“I thank the Senior Minister of State for his reply. I have two supplementary questions. As a result of the difficulties in booking polyclinic slots, how many senior patients have gone to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Departments at the hospitals for non-emergency cases? Secondly, will MOH consider training Active Ageing Centre (AAC) staff to help seniors book polyclinic appointments, since AACs are located within the community and the neighbourhood?”
“It will also mean that information should flow seamlessly between hospitals to care professionals in the community to better manage seniors health and social conditions. The eventual end state would be one patient, one health record or wellness record, one IT system and hopefully all these overseen by one Ministry of Ageing, to deliver coordinated holistic and integrated care to transform Singapore into the best place to live in. I support the Motion.”
“In fact, as our aged population becomes increasingly educated and literate in years to come, we expect much of this empowerment to require self-help and initiation on the part of our seniors. Seniors would want to be empowered to make independent and informed decisions. We need to nudge them in the right direction. A key move is to promote better transparency, push out more information on various health related topics, such as the cancer CDL list and insurance. In this regard, we should explore ways that the Silver Generation Office can help in this area. By providing seniors with the necessary information and resources, we can enable them to take better care of their health and well-being. Ultimately, this will lead to better health outcomes and greater independence for our seniors. In conclusion, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, we need to transform the way we deliver care for our aged population. We need integration not fragmentation. But what does a truly integrated system look like? For me, it is a system where there will be a seamless integration of care services organised around the senior, with a 360 view of his physical, mental and emotional health. How can we achieve this? This will require drawing up care in a seamless manner across settings between acute and long-term care, between acute and primary care and between primary and care in the community. It would mean adopting a multidisciplinary and person-centric approach. It entails doctors working closely with other health and social care professionals such as Allied Health Officers, social workers and even community befrienders to identify the common care needs for seniors and to offer integrated interventions. Health and social care must transcend boundaries to help seniors to age well in the community.”
“Can we merge these IT systems to ensure that healthcare professionals have access to a unified platform to manage their patients' healthcare needs? The same applies to merging GovTech systems and Integrated Health Information Systems (IHiS), ensuring that we have better data sharing between health and social sectors. We must also explore ways to better enable data sharing between Government and SSAs on information regarding the wellness of seniors, both from the health and social sectors. Currently, data sharing seems rather fragmented. We should strive for a holistic view of the senior, encompassing both health and social aspects. Finally, we must explore ways to leverage telehealth to facilitate care integration. What are the plans to scale up current pilots? How can we ensure that telehealth is utilised effectively to provide comprehensive care for our seniors? Third, as we seek to improve care integration for seniors. We must also focus on further empowerment for care integration. One critical question that we must ask is this: can we better empower our seniors to better take care of themselves? To answer this question, we need to explore key messages and initiatives that seniors should look out for as they age. One possible solution is to provide seniors and caregivers with a health booklet containing relevant information to help them manage their health effectively. This is similar to the child health booklet provided to primary school students and their parents. While we acknowledge this may not be feasible for those who are illiterate or have visual disabilities, it will still be a useful tool for many seniors and caregivers who need guidance.”
“Do healthcare professionals, including general practitioners (GPs) and their clinic assistants, know what kinds or types of exercise programmes exist or are provided by various organisations in the neighbourhood? If so, are they knowledgeable enough to recommend them to their patients? Similarly, do our social service professionals know how to identify health-related issues in seniors and refer them to the appropriate healthcare professionals? A concept may look promising on paper, but the devil is always in implementation. How do we help prepare healthcare staff outside of MOH who are to be part of this project? We need to move away from the fear of over-medicalising healthcare and encourage greater collaboration between health and social care. Is it time to move away from an interagency ministerial committee and consider establishing a Ministry of Ageing? Organisation drives behaviour. A dedicated ministry can spearhead integrated policies relating to ageing, ensure that the needs of our seniors are met and make Singapore a great place to age in. Second, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, we need better enablers to support care integration. It is essential that we have an integrated system that allows for seamless collaboration between health and social care. To achieve this we need to address the current issue of healthcare legacy IT as well as IT systems being used by different clusters. I mentioned about this in my previous Parliamentary speeches and during the Committee of Supply debate. For example, some clusters use Health Buddy where others use HealthHub. There are also a myriad of different computer systems across community, primary and tertiary healthcare providers, ranging from CCMS, Epic to Citrix. Can the systems inter-operate?”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, today's Motion has raised some salient issues. I would like to speak on ageing issues and explore ways in which we can better empower our seniors to continue to lead fulfilling lives. It is imperative that our healthcare system is equipped to handle the unique challenges that comes with a super aged society. We have to be forward-looking and address the issues now or we risk seeing our infrastructure and facilities unable to cope with demands. This will impose a significant fiscal burden on Singapore in the future. I would like to speak on three issues. First, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, we need to better organise care integration. I agree with Dr Tan Yia Swam that greater cross-collaboration is necessary but I wish to add that this is particularly pertinent between health and social care, which falls under the purview of MOH (MOH) and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) respectively. The Healthier SG initiative is undoubtedly a step in the right direction. We want health, not healthcare. Social prescription is a key component in this. We need to encourage our seniors to engage in activities that promote their overall health. There are plenty of free exercise and wellness programmes to do. This is made available by Sport Singapore, PA and various social service agencies (SSAs), but we must rally the ground-up support and get active participation. What is being done in this respect to link up the two sides? Otherwise, it is just another startup project – good for sound bites but may be ineffective in helping our residents. Social prescription and healthcare must go hand in hand. There needs to be greater integration between health and social care.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker and I thank the Senior Minister of State for his responses to my Parliamentary Questions (PQs). I have two supplementary questions to each of the PQs. First, under the capitation model, will there be a system in place to review the exceptional cases where patients outlive their prognosis or if their illness do not follow through the usual trajectory and ensure that care is not denied for these cases. Second, given the rapid advancement in technology, especially in medical devices and pharmacology, how often are the care protocols reviewed, such that the capitation model and formulas are kept relevant with the most cost-effective treatments available? Third, under the capitation model, will physicians be less incentivised to think out of the box to treat patients with complex clinical conditions as it may require costlier treatments. And lastly, while it is part of the plan for Healthier SG to stick with one general practitioner (GP), will capitation restrict patient choices for tertiary care as they will now be covered under regional area and served by a particular hospital?”
“Yes. In conclusion, Mdm Deputy Speaker, I mentioned at the start of my speech that one can fall ill many times, but one can only die once. In my response to the President's Address, I asked the House what does the "good life" look like. Today, I would like to ask the opposite question – what is a "good death"? Reports have consistent findings that the majority of Singaporeans would like to die at home surrounded by loved ones. Personally, unlike Ling Ling, I do not wish for fairy lights at my death bed. Certainly, not beautiful flowers! But, like Ling Ling and many others, I do want to die at home surrounded by loved ones. But I also want a quick and peaceful death, without being sustained artificially by tubes and machines, and with no regrets. To live a life worth living is to be prepared to die at any time. And if I do not go as quickly, I would want those who care for me to be supported emotionally and financially in my final days. I believe I speak not just for myself, but for all my fellow Singaporeans.”
“All these frequent necessities take a toll. In addition, how will the shift to a capitation funding model for our healthcare help in the affordability of palliative care? Is there a concern that this may lead to undertreatment, or a denial of care that could compromise a patient's quality of life, particularly for patients with complex or chronic conditions, if providers feel that providing certain services will exceed the budget? After all, patients sometimes do outlive their prognosis.”
“That is why all palliative care service providers should provide or link caregivers to partners who can provide emotional support during and after the caregiving period. Mdm Deputy Speaker, I move on to the topic on affordability. It is no secret that healthcare costs can be a huge burden on families, especially when dealing with end-of-life care. Extending the use of MediSave to patients receiving care at home is a good start. MOH has also set a goal to lower the percentage of people who pass away in hospitals. This would require that hospitals and hospice councils offer affordable and accessible palliative care services to patients in their own homes. But we can do more. Currently, only healthcare professionals who specialise in palliative care can assist patients in making MediSave claims. But I understand that there are plans to expand this to MOH-supported home medical and nursing providers who offer basic palliative care. Can the Ministry provide more information on this? Additionally, I am interested in the progress of the pilot programme between Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) and Dover Park Hospice, which aims to provide patients with timely and seamless care across different settings. Are there any updates on this initiative? Can we also consider providing subsidies for professional palliative caregiving? Another suggestion is to extend MedisSield Life to home hospice care. It is also important to note that the cost of family caregiving is often not included in the healthcare financing model, even though families are often integral to care at the end of life. Let us not forget about the out-of-pocket expenses that can quickly add up. It is not just the cost of medications and supplies, but also transportation to and from hospital appointments.”
“Through my interactions with my residents, I would like to highlight four areas to reduce the stress of caregiving. First, caregiver education is key. Caregivers need to understand the illness of their loved ones, the trajectory of the illness, and what to expect as it progresses. They also need to know who to call for help, especially during a crisis. This knowledge can go a long way in reducing uncertainty, stress and anxiety for the caregiver. Second, peer support is also critical. Caregivers can learn a lot from each other. It can be very helpful to understand and have emotional support from people who have gone through similar journeys. Online support groups, even through simple means, such as organising through WhatsApp, is a great idea. But we need to figure out the logistics of setting it up and maintaining it, as well as ensuring that it is accessible to all who need it. Third, caregiver respite is important for those caring for loved ones that may require care for longer than a few months. Can the Ministry clarify how many hospice day care centres for the terminally ill are there? Are they adequate to meet demand? Are there plans to expand availability? Would the Government consider providing respite care services for the caregiver, or make it more available like in Australia, where dying at home is more common? Such services allow carers to take some time off, and to get emotional relief and help whilst ensuring that the patient is looked after. Fourth, ensuring care for caregivers. Many caregivers feel guilty taking a break. Some may even struggle to let go, despite family members offer to help. When their loved one passes on, some may even develop depression, if their support system is not there.”
“Today, I will focus on what else we can do in terms of caregiver and financial support, and in making palliative care at home accessible, acceptable and affordable for all. First, caregivers are the bedrock of a community-based quality ageing experience. As Member Ms Ng Ling Ling has mentioned in her speech, many people prefer to die at home. Having plans such as ACP, LPA and AMD in place certainly help reduce the stress that may arise amongst family members and give clear directions for the caregiver. However, even with these plans in place, we still need to see how best to support the caregiver. As mentioned earlier, many people are still not aware, or uncomfortable talking about end-of-life. This leads to a lot of dynamics amongst siblings, each wanting to do the best for their parents. But the definition of "best", may not be aligned. In the end, there may not be a consensus. A stalemate persists. Often, the ones who are left to provide for the care for those at end-of-life is the child who may not be married. This can bring about a lot of negative emotions, such as resentment and overall helplessness, for being the one left to shoulder the burden alone. So, the support for the caregiver must also consider his or her emotional and mental health. In my Budget response speech this year, I highlighted that navigating the fragmented landscape of caregiver assistance and services can be overwhelming, especially for those who are limited in their English language proficiency. I suggested matching a dedicated care coordinator with a family. These coordinators can guide caregivers to assess practical help. They can look out for their psychological well-being and provide timely interventions when needed.”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, being the Member of Parliament (MP) of Yio Chu Kang, which is a constituency with many seniors, I have had the chance to attend many wakes and speak with family members. This has allowed me to understand more about their lives, their aspirations as well as their challenges, so that I can better support their needs as their MP. Understandably, the conversations at wakes are never easy. They revolve around the last days of their loved ones and for many, this includes the need for palliative care. Many of the residents I have spoken to have confirmed that support for palliative care is still nascent. Many just do not know what to do. This is unfortunate, but hardly surprising. Death is an uncomfortable subject. But as they say, you can fall ill many times, but you only die once. We plan for so many other milestones in life, from marriage to birthdays and beyond. But when it comes to our twilight years, many people refuse to face up to the inevitable. This is also compounded by the belief that death is still considered a taboo subject in our Asian culture. Some well-meaning children may even worry that their parents or grandparents will think that they are cursing them, if they bring up the subject. However, we must overcome this reluctance and have an honest conversation about death and end-of-life care. It is heartening to know that the clinical protocols in hospitals are being improved, and that healthcare providers are being upskilled to develop general palliative care capabilities. I am also pleased that there are also plans to engage in early conversations with patients and their loved ones on their wishes.”
“The Bill states that information sharing will only be permitted if the customer's behaviour or transaction activities exhibit predetermined "red flags" that cross stipulated thresholds, suggesting that potential financial crime could be taking place. Will the predetermined "red flags" and thresholds be listed? What are the safeguards in place to ensure that information is not shared too easily? In conclusion, Mdm Deputy Speaker, I am heartened that the Bill is forward-looking. Specifically, it provides the necessary groundwork for the Act to include not just banks incorporated in Singapore. It is important that we have a comprehensive and consistent approach to combat financial crime across all FIs operating in Singapore. I support the Bill.”
“Some banks may take the view that they should report everything even remotely suspicious. There may also be unintended consequences of using COSMIC. For instance, clients, potential clients or third parties may even be able to work out which of the banks have stricter or more relaxed ML/TF/PF policies since everyone will eventually be working off the same set of information on COSMIC. Second, what happens after the discovery of irregularities? If banks share information about transactions suspected of being involved in ML/TF/PF activities, will the transactions be further investigated? Consequently, will the investigations impact other transactions? There may also be liability issues in instances where one bank acted wrongly or inaccurately, based on information provided by another bank. Would MAS or another agency be double checking the veracity of the information? Although banks are protected against civil suits, does the Bill grant them immunity from clients for the breach of confidentiality, particularly if the suspicion of illicit transactions is later proven to be unfounded? Likewise, are banks immune from litigation by MAS if their transactions are investigated? Third, the fact alone that ML/TF/PF activities are often cross-border in nature poses a significant challenge to the feasibility of the framework. As these activities tend to involve multiple banks or branches overseas, how does this Bill aid in this aspect, in getting overseas branches to share information? Fourth, what are the triggers for information sharing?”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, this Bill is an important piece of legislation. It seeks to safeguard Singapore's status as a key financial centre and node for transactions. The finance industry today is turbocharged by technology. Money shifts electronically across borders in seconds. This facilitates business and trade, but at the same time, it gives rise to vulnerabilities for easy funding of illicit activities. We must be careful not to sully our hub status by allowing cases of ML/TF/PF to take place. I would like to raise some clarifications on the Bill. First, Mdm Deputy Speaker, what are the benefits for banks to join COSMIC? Considering that it is voluntary to participate, what would incentivise banks to do so? After all, client confidentiality is paramount for most banks, especially larger ones that rely on customer loyalty. Many would be concerned with information sharing with affiliates of the participating banks outside Singapore. Moreover, it is worth noting that certain banks are alleged to have been involved in scandals related to the very transgressions this Bill seeks to remedy. As such, why would they choose to come forward on their own accord and potentially put their business at risk? Also, given that banks will still have to conduct the usual KYC checks and continue to report suspicious transactions, this new platform, in some way, may overlap with what is already in the market. Additionally, laws against ML/TF/PF already exist. As such, how will this Bill enhance these efforts? Banks using COSMIC may also question the source of the information. For example, there may be queries on what information did the reporting banks base their report on? What is or is not good information can also be quite subjective.”
“But there needs to be a balance between allowing for easier prosecution and collaborators who may have genuinely been misled by syndicates. My concern is for seniors. We cannot ignore the fact that vulnerable seniors and genuine scam victims exist. We must adopt a comprehensive approach to safeguard our seniors' personal data, whilst also provide education on digital and cyber safety to vulnerable groups. The Government and relevant organisations should also continue to work towards enhancing the security of their systems to prevent the compromise of personal data. I pause here to note that the effect of the Bill makes it easier for the prosecution to prove an offence. In part, the Bill removes the burden on the prosecution to prove that the accused had actual knowledge or reasonable grounds to believe, and puts the onus on the accused to rebut the presumption of reasonable grounds of belief. Whilst the Bills may be contrary to the general position that one is innocent until proven otherwise, ultimately, I agree that the proposed amendments set out in the Bills are vital to meet the ever-evolving financial crimes in a digital age. Further, I firmly believe that our Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) prosecutors and our Singapore Police Force investigation officers will act judiciously in deciding whether to prosecute individuals. I support the Bills.”
“What measures will be taken to mitigate the exploitation of seniors who may not fully understand the nature of their actions, when transferring money under the guidance of others, such as "friends" or acquaintances? In my Yio Chu Kang estate, there are many senior residents who live alone or spend a significant amount of time alone as their children are working. These vulnerable individuals are often not digitally savvy, making them more susceptible to falling prey to scammers who pose as friends or manipulate or force them into becoming money mules. Scammers often take advantage of their victims' fears and insecurities to extract more money or account information. If the victims' accounts are frozen due to illegal activity, they face a double whammy of being charged with a criminal offence for acting out of fear. While my grassroots leaders and I do our best to raise awareness, emotions and panic tend to cloud judgement, as often seen in love or kidnap scams. Will the law consider the circumstances and susceptibility of elderly victims in these cases? Another important consideration is how the proposed law will affect our ongoing efforts to educate seniors about digital and cyber safety, such as the Seniors Go Digital initiative. Could the law make seniors more apprehensive about using digital technology and undermine our progress in this area? It is disheartening to hear seniors express reluctance to transact online when we discuss new scams with them. Their reaction suggests that they may forsake digital transactions altogether, to avoid the risk of being scammed. In conclusion, Mdm Deputy Speaker, it is important that individuals face penalties for allowing the use of their personal and banking accounts to abet criminal activities.”
“Will the Government be more selective in granting access to Singpass to more companies and services? This is something which Member Mr Murali raised earlier. Additionally, what measures are in place to mitigate the risks associated with the exposure of Singpass credentials, if these services are compromised? How can the security of users' credentials be guaranteed? To ensure the full support of our people in our Smart Nation ambition, we must build their confidence not only in the robustness of our cyber networks and systems, but also in the solutions available, in case of system failures and vulnerabilities. Citizens should not have to fear losing money or personal data with each attempt to conduct a digital transaction. Fourth, Mdm Deputy Speaker, some aspects of the Bills pose concern for seniors, who may be less savvy with online transactions and scams. Many banks are shifting towards digital transactions, which is disconcerting for seniors who may not be familiar with online banking technology. Despite the lack of confidence, some of them invariably may have to resort to conducting their banking activities online. In such cases, they may seek assistance from others, which puts them at risk, if these individuals have malicious intentions. Amongst seniors who conduct banking activities online on a regular basis, can the Government share what percentage have fallen victim to scams or have become involved in money transfers for illegal activities? How will the law address cases where seniors willingly hand over control of their Singpass or bank accounts to family members or caregivers who may then use them for illegal activities?”
“While going after the small fry or runners is important to break the chain, these people are just a cog in the wheel, who are easily replaceable. We need to also target the mastermind behind these criminal operations. Can the Government share what is being done to track the syndicate masterminds, even if the crimes are transnational in nature? While it may not be directly under the purview of the two Bills, can the Government share what is being done to track and retrieve the amount of money stolen via cybercrimes? What is the current success rate of the retrieval of stolen funds? And is this level deemed satisfactory? This is an issue that is of utmost importance to scam victims and residents who are becoming increasingly wary of cyber transactions. Third, Mdm Deputy Speaker, while we take action against those who intentionally give away their Singpass credentials for criminal activities, we must also consider the security weaknesses that may lead to the compromise of Singpass credentials. These deficiencies can arise from both technological vulnerabilities and social engineering, such as manipulating not just the user, but also customer service staff who handle the affected accounts. What measures are Government taking to enhance the security of these systems? How can we leverage technology to prevent users from unintentionally or wilfully disclosing their Singpass login information during any part of the login process? Will the system require additional levels of authentication to ensure better safeguards? How will the Government balance the need for increased authentication, with the goal of expanding the use of Singpass for various transactions and services, which is a critical aspect of our Smart Nation initiatives?”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, our nation is moving towards a digital-ready future, as part of our Smart Nation strategy. Correspondingly, this comes with the increasing prevalence of digital transactions. As a financial hub, it is imperative that we tighten our legislations on the digital front. The amendments to the two Bills are therefore timely and necessary. I have several clarifications. First, Mdm Deputy Speaker, I wish to raise some general queries on the implementation of the two Bills. Recent media reports have shed light on a different aspect of scamming incidents. Specifically, some individuals who were believed to be scammers, were, in fact, victims of scam syndicates. They may have been lured into committing offences. From such incidents, we understand that there is a myriad of factors involved. This includes the fact that these individuals may themselves have been deceived and were unaware as to where the truth lies. With the constantly evolving nature and increasing complexity of scams, how does the Ministry ascertain whether a suspect is adequately educated, or can recognise a scam? How does the Ministry determine whether the suspect was cognisant of their role in a scam? Next, I note that between 2020 and 2022, the Police investigated over 19,000 money mules. Yet, fewer than 250 cases were prosecuted. Is the rate of prosecution a result of insufficient evidence? As such, does this Bill seek to remedy the inherent difficulty of proving that money mules have knowingly assisted in money laundering offences? Moreover, how will the changes proposed in the Bills specifically address the challenges? My second concern is regarding the enforcement of penalties against criminal masterminds in scam and cybercrime syndicates.”
“Thank you, Mdm Deputy Speaker. I just have a very short supplementary question. How often are the checks and inspections on these charging stations to ensure that they are not being tampered with or compromised on our public transport system?”
“Thank you, Mdm Deputy Speaker. I have one supplementary question for the Minister of State. Will the Ministry consider including elderly monitoring technology that uses sensors, motion detectors and so on as part of the EASE or the Enhancement for Active Seniors programme. This is to encourage and incentivise seniors and their family members to adopt such systems and prevent seniors living alone from passing on undetected. Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: Madam, I thank the Member for the supplementary question and also for the suggestion. Indeed, we are reviewing the EASE programme and we are also exploring technological solutions for seniors to live and age well, as well as in the community.”
“Thank you, Mdm Deputy Speaker. I thank the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for his reply. Do areas where there is a higher percentage of Blooboxes collected, have a higher recyclables collection rate? On a related note, for these areas, is there a higher percentage of recyclables that can actually be recycled that are not contaminants? Finally, as the deadline for collection is now over, for residents who have not collected the Bloobox but wish to have one, how do they go about getting one?”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. The work in the social service sector is challenging and oftentimes can be emotionally and mentally draining. How often does the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) intend to review the salary adjustments to make the pay more competitive and to attract people to join the sector? Besides salary adjustments, what else is MSF doing to improve their attractiveness of the sector and is MSF working with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to attract more students into the sector through more industry-relevant course curriculum in tertiary institutions, like the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), polytechnics and our universities?”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the Senior Minister of State for his reply. I just have a very short supplementary question. Will the Ministry of Finance (MOF) also consider working with the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the banks to monitor the structuring of such loans for property purchases?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I thank the Minister for his reply. I have two supplementary questions. First, would the Ministry be prepared to work with the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) to develop a platform like Price Kaki, which will allow patients to compare cancer drug prices across the public, as well as the private hospitals and clinics? Second, pharmaceutical companies may be selling the same medications to Singaporeans at higher prices than other countries with comparable economic situations. Would the Ministry be prepared to work with MTI and CCCS to investigate this?”
“Currently, almost one in five Singaporeans are aged 65 and above. We see it all around us. I certainly see it in my estate in Yio Chu Kang. Over the past three years, I have seen how our residents have aged. It is very visible. More seniors are moving around in the neighbourhood with wheelchairs and walking aids. More requests for aged care services. More wakes to attend. Second, it is about opportunities, not about liabilities. Productive ageing requires a shift in our thinking from a paradigm centred on ageing as being problematic, to one which views seniors as resources – assets that can continue to contribute to society in various ways. It is about opportunities for growth and contribution, rather than casting the aged as a liability. Finally, we need to shift from "them" to "us". Ageing affects not just our seniors. Ultimately, it is about all of us. Growing old is inevitable. We will all grow old one day. A simple shift on using more inclusive terms, such as "we" and "us", in place of "they" and "them", helps all of us to remember that we are all ageing. Personally, I sometimes do get comments from my residents that I look young. But I remind myself that the operative word is "look" and that we will all grow old one day and be forced to reckon with our own mortality. We will all need to come to terms and embrace the experience of ageing. Finally, we all have different versions of what is the "good life". Notwithstanding, most will agree that to leverage productive longevity, we will need to embrace our silver years – to work, to contribute and to care and by acknowledging that ageing is not about when, but now. It is about opportunities, not about liabilities, and it is not about them, but about us. Only then, can we turn the good life into a great one.”
“As the demand for caregiving services continues to grow, we should recognise caregiving as a viable career choice. Professionalising caregiving may attract more people to the profession and improve the quality of care provided. Presently, caregiving is often associated with tasks, like medical escorting, personal care and housekeeping. On the contrary, caregiving extends beyond these roles. There are opportunities for specialisation and leadership, including caregiver trainers, managers, schedulers and care assessment professionals, just to name a few. To formalise these roles and provide the necessary training, we need to develop a scheme to professionalise caregiving. As part of long-term planning, we should also consider formal education to provide a solid foundation for professional caregiving and certification. For instance, many community colleges and healthcare agencies in the US offer courses to obtain home care certification. Highly skilled caregivers have more opportunities to service clients, especially those with specific needs, such as dementia or physical challenges. In conclusion, Mdm Deputy Speaker, with higher life expectancy, how will the "good life" look like? How can we fully embrace the opportunities that comes with living longer? I have shared in my speech that one way is to embrace productive longevity. It is to be empowered to lead our lives the way we want to – to work, contribute and care for others. To do so, we must also reframe our concept of ageing: first, it is not about when, but now. I circle back to what I said earlier in my speech, an often-quoted statistic, that by 2030, one in four Singaporeans will be aged 65 and above. But we must remember that ageing continues, as we speak.”
“Regrettably, we often see the bulk of caregiving responsibilities being shouldered by a single individual – typically a wife, mother or daughter. There remains a significant gender disparity in caregiving, with women assuming a disproportionate amount of the workload. Can we take steps to encourage men to participate more in caregiving? Achieving this will require us to challenge the societal norms and gendered attitudes that place greater emphasis on men building careers and less on caregiving responsibilities. It is essential to enhance caregiver training. This is to ensure that caregivers have the necessary skills to look after their loved ones competently. There are currently over 40 training providers offering more than 200 Caregivers Training Grant-approved courses. Nonetheless, it is pertinent to evaluate the effectiveness of these programmes. What is the current take-up rate and how beneficial do participants find these courses? Additionally, we need to increase awareness about the availability of these courses and ensure that the accessibility and scheduling meet the demand. How can the Government provide additional support in this area? Expanding caregiver support is critical, as Singapore's population ages and more people require informal caregiving. MOH has taken steps to enhance caregiver support. Besides training, as mentioned earlier, over the years, enhancements have been made to financial support, caregiver respite services and platforms to help with care navigation. There have also been continued attempts to encourage FWAs. It is also good that we are recognising that caregivers themselves, too, need self-care to prevent burnout. Can we explore ways to improve caregiver support, such as offering additional caregiver leave?”
“I urge the Government to take more proactive measures to introduce and incorporate these concepts into more places of employment. Second, Mdm Deputy Speaker, is the concept of giving. We must actively encourage our seniors to volunteer and share their skills with others. Silver years can be a time for renewal where individuals can explore new passions and interests, engage in meaningful activities and continue to contribute back to society. The numerous benefits of volunteering for seniors include better self-rated health, higher life satisfaction and prevention of cognitive decline over time. Organisations, like RSVP Singapore, are excellent partners in growing senior volunteerism. However, we should assess our current volunteerism framework and determine how we can increase volunteerism rates. How do we compare globally with other countries on this front? Are there specific targets that we have set ourselves in this area? Besides, it would also be helpful to consider other demographic factors, such as income level, gender, race and religion, to ensure that volunteering opportunities are inclusive and varied. Third, Mdm Deputy Speaker, we should enable care. Care for seniors and recognising caregivers' contributions. This includes providing informal caregivers with more support and professionalising caregiving as a career to meet the rising demand for caregiving needs. The role of a caregiver is a challenging one that requires significant physical and emotional effort. With our demographic shifts, we are also now seeing a greater number of seniors caring for other seniors. In my Yio Chu Kang estate, I have a 70-plus-year-old daughter caring for a 90-plus-year-old mother. This is becoming a regular scenario.”
“Steve Jobs once said, "Your work is going to fill a large part of your life and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do." Wise words, indeed. We can continue loving what we do even as we grow old. We must, thereby, support our seniors to work longer – for those who want to, are healthy enough and still have the passion to do so. The relevant initiatives in this year's Budget are a step in the right direction. It is heartening to note that our senior employability rate is healthy, compared to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries. Correspondingly, we should focus on creating quality jobs for our seniors. This enables them to utilise their depth of knowledge and experience obtained over a lifetime. The health benefits associated with ongoing mental engagement are numerous. Moreover, mentoring and job-sharing allow seniors to pass on their skills to younger and less experienced employees. That said, it is important to recognise that many older workers desire part-time work with flexible options which allow them to spend time on leisure and with their families. I fully support the call for more flexible work options for seniors, as previously emphasised in my Committee of Supply speech. There are several ways that we can implement these options, such as sabbatical leave, job-sharing, micro jobs and phased retirement. These concepts are relatively new to our workforce. As such, there may be resistance and scepticism from employers. The Government should take the lead and show how they can be implemented with minimal disruption while still reaping the benefits.”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, I would like to thank Mdm President for sharing her views on the Government's plans and priorities for the remaining term of the Government. Today, I will focus my speech on the topic of ageing, specifically, the concept of productive longevity. We have made significant progress to support successful ageing in Singapore in the preceding half term of the Government. We raised the retirement age to help seniors stay active and engaged in society. Our Central Provident Fund schemes were updated to better cater to the changing needs of the ageing population. We have strengthened our healthcare system through Healthier SG by focusing on preventive care. We are also scaling up healthcare and long-term care facilities in the community to better support our seniors. But there is still much more to be done. Being a country with one of the highest life expectancies in the world, but also one having the lowest birth rates, we face a double whammy. We must address the reality that every household in Singapore will eventually have a senior member. It is projected that by 2030, one in four Singaporeans will be aged 65 and above. This ratio is expected to increase further. This rapid expansion of our ageing population means that the productive engagement of our seniors is no longer optional. It will be an absolute necessity. We must encourage our seniors to engage in gainful activities that will not only benefit themselves, but also their families, communities and society as a whole. I will speak on three general areas – work, contribution and care for others – three areas which I believe are critical elements for productive longevity. First, Mdm Deputy Speaker, work.”
“A New England proverb puts it most succinctly on how we can do so, "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without." By doing this, we can achieve a greener and more sustainable Singapore for every one. I support the Bill.”
“With on-site classes returning in full force, have there been any recent studies conducted on the amount of food waste generated in these premises? This may serve as an opportunity to raise awareness among National Service recruits and students about the importance of not wasting food. It is important to start educating individuals from a young age. I note that under current provisions, new buildings must treat food waste on-site. However, with approval from the National Environment Agency (NEA), building managers of new buildings may seek alternative food waste treatment methods located off-site. Are these off-site facilities designated by NEA? What are the requirements and what is the proximity amongst them? If so, how does the Ministry define whether an off-site facility is adequately close to the buildings to ensure efficient and safe transportation of food waste? In conclusion, Mr Speaker, Sir, these initiatives are a step in the right direction towards promoting responsible consumption and changing mindsets in the long term. Pursuing these initiatives is, ultimately, about balancing business costs and sustainability efforts. Nonetheless, this does not need to be a zero-sum game. More innovative solutions and technology must be explored to make going green less costly and reduce the associated overheads. Most importantly, we should endeavour not to have waste at all. We must embrace a culture that minimises waste or, even better, no waste, and practises consumption in moderation. This cannot be the sole responsibility of the Government. Rather, it must be a collective effort of every individual and organisation to make a significant impact on our environment.”
“Are there any potential disruptions in the waste management industry that need to be addressed, especially for elderly waste collectors who rely on collecting recyclables to supplement their income? Could the Ministry mandate the establishment of beverage container return points in the community and in public areas instead of leaving it as a voluntary initiative? It seems reasonable to assume that these return points would be more heavily used, given that many consumers would purchase their beverages online or from heartland retailers, vending machines and supermarkets. If not, how does the Ministry plan to monitor demand and increase the number of return points, if existing ones prove to be insufficient? Additionally, how does the scheme take into consideration the needs of seniors and those with mobility limitations who may find it inconvenient to return beverage containers? These individuals would have to incur the extra costs of beverages but may be unable to return the beverage containers for a refund of their deposits. What measures are in place to engage the public and ensure a high level of awareness and participation rates, particularly during the initial stages of implementation? Will the campaign be promoted in schools and at community events? Will there be publicity materials in stores and public areas, reminding and instructing consumers to utilise the return points? Third, Mr Speaker, Sir, I have some questions regarding the food waste management scheme. Is the Ministry considering expanding the scheme to cover other types of buildings and premises besides industrial and commercial buildings? Locations which come to mind are the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) cookhouses. Other potential sites may include schools, hospitals and nursing homes.”
“In fact, some retailers are already charging 10 cents per bag. I understand that supermarkets will be required to publish information on how the proceeds from the sale of plastic bags would be used for charitable or other environmental causes. Are there existing guidelines as to what constitutes proper use of the funds? Next, we should also consider expanding the plastic bag charge to cover all single-use disposable plastic items. My colleagues and I have raised concerns about the environmental impact of such items in Parliament before and I have asked about the measures to reduce their use by enterprises. With meetings, gatherings and events resuming in full force, disposable cutlery, plates and cups are, once again, being used at these occasions. For individuals, many food and beverages (F&B) retailers are already charging for takeaways with disposable containers and single-use cutlery. Therefore, a mandatory charge for disposable items would not be a new concept. I am of the view that charging for single-use plastic bags is the right step forward as we should discourage waste. Perhaps, when we, as a society, better understand the detrimental impact of plastic pollution on our health and the environment, we may consider a complete ban on single-use plastics as momentary convenience may lead to prolonged harm on our health and on the environment. Second, Mr Speaker, Sir, I wish to raise some concerns regarding the beverage container return scheme. Will this scheme have an impact on karang gunis and waste collectors in the industry, since metal cans and plastic bottles are still sought after?”
“How has the Ministry factored in these perspectives in the implementation of the plastic bag charge? Moreover, while the plastic bag charge is a positive step, it should not be viewed as the ultimate solution. Consumers might start purchasing single-use plastic bags from online and overseas retailers, where they are usually more affordable in bulk. How will the Ministry tackle this problem and ensure that we are not simply redirecting residents to another source of plastic bags that cannot be recycled? This may cause our residents to pay more, and it will not solve the problem. Will this not impact our less well-off residents? Another concern regarding the plastic bag charge is that retailers may use their voluntary participation in the scheme as an excuse to incorporate the cost into the prices of their products. In doing so, they continue to give out plastic bags without offering consumers a choice. This would make it difficult for consumers to know that they are paying for the bags as the charge would be factored into the total bill. Whilst this may be small and insignificant when compared to the overall cost of the sales, this may constitute profiteering, especially for those who may have brought their own bags. How will the Ministry ensure that retailers are transparent about the plastic bag charge and that consumers are fully informed about a retailer's plastic bag policy? It is critical to grant all consumers the freedom to make choices about plastic bag use to achieve the policy's objective. Otherwise, some businesses may take advantage of the situation. Ultimately, consumers will bear the losses. This brings me to my next point. Is the five-cent charge per plastic bag enough to discourage consumption or should we consider charging more?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the proposed measures in this Bill are important steps towards a more sustainable Singapore. I have some clarifications on the proposed measures in the Bill. First, Mr Speaker, Sir, it is important that the scheme to charge for disposable plastic bags has been carefully studied for implementation. To ensure the success of this policy, we should learn from the experiences of other countries that have implemented similar policies. What are some of the challenges that they have faced? What are the key lessons that we can learn from them? I have received feedback from residents who questioned the need to discourage the use of plastic bags at supermarkets. Many Members have also spoken about this. They argue that these bags are often reused by households to bag rubbish. They have expressed concern that discouraging plastic bag use may result in food waste being thrown directly down rubbish chutes. This leads to other environmental issues, such as the breeding of pests. Are there plans in place to monitor this situation? Will there be increased enforcement of regulations targeting the failure to properly bag rubbish for disposal? The Ministry has assured that the public will continue to have access to disposable bags from other sources. This includes those available for bagging fresh produce from supermarkets. Hence, it should not hinder the practice of responsible waste disposal. Even so, this could lead residents to exploit such loopholes by taking extra bags. Some residents have also shared that since plastic is incinerated in Singapore, their remains take up less space in landfills than other types of waste. They felt that the resources spent on discouraging the use of plastic bags could be better spent on managing other types of waste instead.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his reply. Just one short supplementary question. For first-time BTO applicants who do not choose a flat for valid reasons, like out of budget, will exceptions be made for them to retain their priority status? Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: Sir, I thank the Member for the supplementary question. As I shared earlier, when there are extenuating circumstances, HDB may exercise flexibility on a case-by-case basis. So, I will urge the applicant with the circumstance shared by the Member earlier, to appeal with the documentary proof or evidence and we will take a look at it.”
“I thank the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for her reply. My first question is on cancer services. I wish to ask whether the Ministry will consider allowing more MediSave use for patients who may need services, like consults and tests, for late-stage cancers. This is because some patients may want to tap on their MediSave instead of burdening their loved ones. Second, how often will the new cap of $3,600 a year for MediShield Life claim limit for cancer drug services be reviewed to ensure that cancer services remain affordable for Singaporeans?”
“But, even so, millions across the globe died and economies were set back around the world. Disease X could be a similar threat like COVID-19. It also could be far worse. So, the question remains: what if the next pandemic happens tomorrow? Our experience taught us that things happen quickly with little information. Our Government must have the gumption to make hard policy decisions swiftly, as each decision has huge ramifications on our people, Singapore and for the costs of the pandemic. This was how it was like in the early days of COVID-19; it is also how it will be like for future pandemics. To me, this boils down to one thing. We must build and maintain the trust that Singaporeans have in our Government to do the right thing and to do things right. And we must do that by learning from past pandemics and preparing for our pandemic response now.”