High-Risk Industries Allowed to Pivot during COVID-19 Situation and Efforts to Mitigate Risks

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (a) what other potentially high-risk industries have been allowed to pivot during the COVID-19 situation; and (b) what is being done to mitigate the risks.

The nightlife industry is the only industry that has not been allowed to operate at all throughout the pandemic. As such, nightlife firms had the option to apply for a grant from Enterprise Singapore to pivot to permitted activities, for example, F&B, fitness gyms, co-working spaces. In comparison, there are no restrictions for firms in other industries to pivot to another industry. However, as other industries generally remained open during the pandemic, the decision to pivot is purely commercial and they will not be eligible for a pivot grant.

Companies that pivot to new sectors are required to adhere to the Safe Management Measures (SMMs) and regulatory requirements of that sector. Enforcement action is taken by the responsible agencies and penalties are meted out to companies that breach these SMMs or regulations.