Arts, culture & sports — Topics

3 Apr 2024

Adding Outdoor and Indoor Sports Halls of Institutes of Technical Education and Institutes of Higher Learning to Dual-Use Scheme

The Minister of State confirmed that some IHL sports facilities like tennis courts and running tracks are already under the Dual-Use Scheme or available for public rental, while non-sport spaces like classrooms are leased for continuing education.
A key consideration for expanding the scheme is whether facilities have separate physical access points to ensure operational safety and security for public use.
The Ministry encourages direct approaches to IHLs for leasing facilities, as some institutions already rent out spaces for activities like Healthier SG programmes.
The member sought a more systematic way to make both sports and non-sport facilities broadly available post-COVID, considering increased demand.
The response noted that many facilities are heavily used by students and staff, which limits their availability for public use during certain hours.

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3 Apr 2024

Differences in Employment and Salary Outcomes for Graduates from Different University Courses

The Minister of State explained that arts, design, and media (ADM) graduates have stable employment but lower starting salaries compared to peers in sectors like engineering and business, due to market demand and a higher proportion of freelancers, while the government supports this through initiatives like the Our SG Arts Plan and partnerships with agencies like Dsg and IMDA.
Health sciences graduates saw a 6% salary increase in 2023, higher than the average, and the Ministry of Health works with healthcare clusters to review salaries and provide funding support to ensure competitiveness, with a focus on community care sectors and salary guidelines.
Nominated MP See Jinli Jean asked about integrating arts graduates into growth industries like tourism and entertainment, and bridging health sciences graduates with opportunities from Healthier SG, to which the Minister replied that ADM graduates already work in diverse fields like PR and marketing, and MOE will collaborate with MOH to update curricula and skills frameworks for better opportunities.

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3 Apr 2024

Ensuring Public Access to Golfing Facilities Given Closure of All Public Golf Courses by 2024

The closure of all three public golf courses by 2024 raises concerns about public access, prompting questions about converting private courses for public use and ensuring affordability for schools and students.
The government has extended the tenancy of Mandai Executive Golf Course until 2026 and arranged affordable public slots at Keppel Sime Course to maintain near-term access while balancing land needs for housing and other demands.
Longer-term feasibility studies for public golfing facilities are ongoing, with public accessibility being a key consideration in future agreements, including exploring options like night golfing at Keppel Sime Course.

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2 Apr 2024

Editorial Policy Guidelines and Content Reviews for Guest Writers who Produce Work for SPH Media Trust Publications

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim questioned the Ministry of Communications and Information about guidelines for editorial policies on guest writers in vernacular media, content reviews for the "Crossroads" series in Lianhe Zaobao, awareness of Philip Chan Man Ping's content, and whether public funding for SPH Media Trust would be tied to preventing foreign interference.
The Ministry clarified that it does not set editorial policies for news media outlets and that government funding for SPH Media supports talent, technology, and vernacular capabilities, linked to performance metrics like reach and engagement, not editorial decisions.
The Ministry emphasized that safeguarding against foreign interference is a priority, citing the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act which prohibits SPH Media from receiving foreign funding without ministerial approval.

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2 Apr 2024

Showcasing Products by Local Visual Asset Creators and Artists, and Boosting Their Economic Opportunities

MP See Jinli Jean asked the Ministry for Trade and Industry about showcasing Singaporean visual asset creators' products on heartland business platforms and plans to boost their economic opportunities.
Minister Gan Kim Yong highlighted that agencies like DesignSingapore Council, Enterprise Singapore, National Arts Council, and National Heritage Board already collaborate with local creators to showcase their work through events and platforms such as "Rasa Gombak Day Out", Craft X Design, Singapore Design Week, and FIND – Design Fair Asia.
These initiatives enable local visual asset creators to present their work to potential clients, including local and global brand owners, thereby enhancing their economic opportunities.

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2 Apr 2024

Proposal for Busking at Food Centres

Lim Biow Chuan asked whether busking or singers could be allowed at food centres to create a better dining environment.
The National Arts Council works with venue owners to explore busking partnerships, considering the venue's identity and stakeholder reception.
Over 80 designated busking locations exist in Singapore, including spots near several food centres, with a new location at Lau Pa Sat in December 2023.
NAC plans to continue collaborating with interested partners to expand suitable busking locations, including areas with food and beverage outlets.

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2 Apr 2024

Factoring in Findings from Environmental Impact Studies for Development of Former Keppel Club and Gillman Barracks Sites

The Ministry for National Development will commence environmental and heritage studies for Gillman Barracks in the second quarter of 2024, with the findings to be published online for public feedback, and these plans will incorporate past studies, including the ecological connectivity findings from the Keppel Club site redevelopment.
The Minister confirmed that ecological connectivity identified in the Keppel Club Environmental Impact Study, including corridors between the Southern Ridges and Labrador Nature Reserve, will be considered to prevent significant biodiversity loss in the Gillman Barracks development.
Existing tenancies at Gillman Barracks will not be affected and will expire progressively by 2030; the government will engage tenants and future users as planning progresses, with full environmental and heritage reports made available online for public reference.

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7 Mar 2024

Clarification by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth

The Minister for Culture, Community and Youth corrected the date for the spexPotential programme, stating it will begin in April 2024, not August 2024.
The programme aims to support young athletes transitioning to higher levels, as highlighted by the success of debutants at the SEA Games.
The correction was made through a written statement circulated with the Speaker's leave, in accordance with Standing Order No 29(5).
The original speech was delivered during the Committee of Supply debate for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth on 7 March 2024.
The minister reiterated the positive performance of young athletes, noting they won a third of Singapore's gold medals at the SEA Games.

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7 Mar 2024

Committee of Supply – Head X (Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth)

The Minister outlined MCCY’s role in fostering national unity through sports, arts, and community engagement, highlighting initiatives like expanding sports participation, supporting high-performance athletes, and investing $100 million in the arts sector over four years.
The Ministry announced plans to enhance sports accessibility, including new community facilities, the return of inter-constituency games, and expanded support for athletes with disabilities and emerging sports through the One Team Singapore Fund.
MCCY detailed efforts to grow the arts and heritage ecosystem, such as developing new arts spaces, launching Heritage Activation Nodes, and collaborating with healthcare partners to use arts for seniors’ well-being, while supporting freelancers and sustainable practices in the sector.
The Ministry emphasized community and corporate giving, including platforms like the Youth Action Challenge, SG Cares Volunteer Centres, and the newly launched Collective for a Stronger Society to connect donors with causes and strengthen social cohesion.

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6 Mar 2024

Committee of Supply – Head X (Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth)

The debate highlighted the government’s support for emerging sports and the need to expand facilities for inclusive sports participation, with a focus on upgrading existing infrastructure and building new amenities to encourage active lifestyles across all demographics.
Key initiatives were discussed for supporting Malay/Muslim community advancement through education and employment programs, including mentorship, professional networks, and targeted interventions to help individuals thrive in a dynamic economy.
The arts and culture sector received attention on funding allocation for the Our SG Arts Plan, with calls for greater transparency on disbursement and preserving heritage spaces, alongside plans to engage youths and seniors in cultural preservation efforts.

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5 Mar 2024

Government Grants to Support Marquee Events and Considerations in Decision-making

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has supported leisure events through grants since 1998, with assessments focusing on qualitative and quantitative benefits like visitor numbers and brand profiling.
STB provided support for events such as the Olympic Esports Week and HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in 2024, and the government invested $500 million in 2022 for tourism recovery post-COVID.
While competing with regional governments' event funds, STB aims to maintain Singapore's competitiveness by being strategic and bold in securing world-class events.
STB coordinates with other agencies, recognizing Singapore's hub status that benefits the region, while prioritizing Singapore's best interests in decision-making.

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4 Mar 2024

Government Expenditure to Develop Local Music Industry in Last Five Years

The Government, primarily through the National Arts Council (NAC), has spent on grants, scholarships, and strategic initiatives to develop the local music industry over the last five years.
Funding supports music projects, capability development, international exposure, and organisational support for companies and orchestras, alongside platforms like Hear65 to boost visibility.
Outcomes include increased public engagement through campaigns, accolades for national orchestras and individual artists, and the growth of local talent through competitions and international recognition.
NAC plans to continue nurturing artists and forging partnerships in line with the Our SG Arts Plan 2023 to 2027.

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4 Mar 2024

Guidelines to Ensure Development on Southern Islands Preserves Cultural Significance of The Islands

The debate centered on ensuring that development on the Southern Islands is sensitive to the islands’ cultural significance.
The government is committed to preserving the heritage and biodiversity of the islands for future generations.
Development plans consider the islands’ idyllic setting and aim to minimize environmental and heritage impact.
Agencies will collaborate closely with stakeholders to carry out developments in a sensitive manner.

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4 Mar 2024

Economic Returns from Government Grants Provided for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour Concerts in Singapore

The Minister explained that the government’s grant for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour was justified by significant direct economic benefits, such as tourist spending and enhanced global recognition, despite not disclosing the exact amount due to business confidentiality.
He noted that Singapore faces regional competition for major events, and the grant was part of a broader strategy to position Singapore as a cultural and entertainment hub, leveraging its strategic location, infrastructure, and safety.
The government highlighted efforts to make concerts more inclusive, such as reserving tickets for lower-income families and volunteers, and exploring ways to involve local artists in marquee events.
In response to concerns about exclusivity clauses, the Minister confirmed confidentiality agreements exist and that the government would assess any breaches and take appropriate measures.
The debate also touched on setting tangible targets for the concert economy, with the Minister emphasizing a balanced approach that values both economic returns and social benefits for the community.

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1 Mar 2024

Removal of Proverb or "Peribahasa" Section from GCE "O" Level Malay Language Examinations from 2024

The Ministry clarified that while the proverb (Peribahasa) section is removed as a standalone exam component from 2024, it will still be taught in lessons and assessed within texts to promote contextual understanding and inferential skills.
Schools will continue to integrate Peribahasa in textbooks, lessons, and activities like discussions and research, with the Malay Language Learning and Promotion Committee organizing community events to foster appreciation of cultural values.
To engage students, the Ministry encourages using modern methods like TikTok competitions and video production, helping students explore Peribahasa through technology and critical thinking in their daily lives.

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7 Feb 2024

Places of Worship Gazetted as National Monuments and Located on Privately-owned Leasehold Lands

Leong Mun Wai asked the Ministry for Culture, Community and Youth how many places of worship gazetted as national monuments sit on privately owned leasehold land and whether exceptions could be made to grant them freehold or 999-year leases.
Edwin Tong Chun Fai responded that 21 such places of worship are gazetted as National Monuments on privately owned leasehold land.
He explained that the National Heritage Board considers factors like the monuments' character, significance, community function, and associated intangible cultural heritage when evaluating lease extensions.

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7 Feb 2024

Preserving Heritage and Identity after Merger of Primary and Secondary Schools

The Ministry of Education works with stakeholders to preserve schools' heritage and identities during mergers by displaying history, traditions, and values in heritage spaces or retaining artefacts like mascots.
Newly merged schools build new identities by unifying communities around common values, songs, and symbols such as school crests, with stakeholders co-creating these elements and organizing collective events.
For schools that become defunct after mergers, MOE identifies and preserves key heritage components by collaborating with stakeholders to capture and retain worthy traditions.

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5 Feb 2024

Utilisation of Cultural Medallion Fund Entitlements

Usha Chandradas asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth about the dollar amount of unutilised Cultural Medallion (CM) Fund entitlements and the reasons for their non-use.
Edwin Tong Chun Fai stated that of the $9.4 million awarded since 2001, $3.4 million remains unutilised as of January 2024.
He explained that entitlements remain unused because recipients are still conceptualising projects or have no concrete plans yet.
The National Arts Council supports and works closely with CM recipients to increase Fund utilisation.

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5 Feb 2024

Expected Performance of Singapore's Creative Economy and Growth Prospects

Singapore's creative economy, encompassing arts, culture, media, and design, has grown significantly, with nominal value-added rising nearly 50% from $7.9 billion in 2017 to $11.7 billion in 2022.
The outlook for the creative economy remains positive, though growth prospects depend on broader economic conditions and the ability of practitioners to leverage technology and regional or international partnerships.
The government will continue supporting the sector through funding, skills development, and partnerships with the private sector to create opportunities for creative professionals.

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5 Feb 2024

Usage of ActiveSG's Inclusive Swimming Pools and Gyms by Persons with Disabilities

Ong Hua Han inquired about the proportion of persons with disabilities using ActiveSG’s inclusive swimming pools from 2019 to 2023 and whether more pools will be retrofitted with ramps beyond the current six.
He also asked if ActiveSG tracks the number of persons with disabilities using inclusive gyms and plans to increase their gym usage ahead of making all gyms inclusive by 2026.
Edwin Tong responded that ActiveSG does not track user disability status but noted rising sports participation among persons with disabilities from 28% in 2015 to 54% in 2022.
ActiveSG has increased accessible swimming pools from six to eight, plans two more by end-2025, and will study installing features like ramps and hoists at all remaining pools; all new facilities will be inclusive.
Eight gyms are already accessible, all 27 will be inclusive by 2026, and a gym orientation programme for persons with disabilities will launch this year, while the Disability Sports Master Plan is being updated.

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