Arts, culture & sports

• Hazel Poa asked for the total cost of organising the 2022 Formula One Singapore Grand Prix, the amount co-funded by the Government, and the types of costs covered.
• The total cost of the 2022 race was between $135 million and $140 million, similar to previous years.
• The Government co-funded 60% of the total cost, covering items like racetrack maintenance, infrastructure setup such as grandstands and hospitality suites, and security and medical services.

• Mr Louis Ng asked for an update on the NAC review of buskers' feedback regarding sharing busking slots on the e-service portal and when findings would be ready.
• Minister Edwin Tong responded that the NAC is engaging stakeholders, including the busking community, in a review of the busking scheme.
• The review is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
• NAC will share the results of the review once it is ready.

• Gerald Giam asked for a breakdown of the award process for the new seven-year Formula One Singapore Grand Prix contract and whether it is being reviewed due to possible conflicts of interest.
• Gan Kim Yong explained that the contract was extended based on an independent study showing significant tourism benefits and that the decision was made to support post-COVID recovery and accommodate construction plans.
• The Ministry declined to comment on any ongoing CPIB investigations related to the contract award.

• Senior Parliamentary Secretary Eric Chua outlined Singapore's high-performance sports ecosystem, emphasizing that success is not solely medal-driven but built on long-term development, a robust support system, and holistic athlete care, with examples from the recent SEA and ASEAN Para Games.
• Assoc Prof Jamus Lim acknowledged the government's efforts but argued that Singapore underperforms relative to its investment, calling for clearer, measurable goals and more effective use of resources to improve sporting outcomes.
• The House debated and passed amendments to the motion, which replaced "undertake a" with "continue its" and "clear achievable goals for sporting success" with "our goals in sports," with some members registering dissent over the wording changes.

• Parliament celebrated the achievements of Singapore's athletes and para-athletes at the recent SEA and ASEAN Para Games, while calling for a comprehensive evaluation of the sporting ecosystem to set clear goals for the next decade, as proposed in an amended motion.
• Debates highlighted concerns over the underperformance of football and the management of the Sports Hub, emphasizing the need for better youth development, infrastructure, and strategic planning to enhance Singapore's sporting success.
• The discussion also stressed the importance of supporting athletes' post-career well-being, increasing inclusivity and accessibility in sports, and fostering a sustainable ecosystem through community engagement and corporate partnerships.

• The Minister confirmed that the overstatement of circulation figures occurred before SPH Media Trust (SMT) was formed and before any government funding was disbursed, so no public funds were affected, and a police report has been filed for investigation.
• SMT is implementing several measures to address the issues, including benchmarking reporting to international standards, improving internal controls and risk management, and committing to regular updates, with the government expecting full compliance.
• The government will continue its $900 million funding support for SMT, emphasizing digital transformation and public trust, with safeguards in the funding agreement allowing for audits and potential funding adjustments if accountability is not met.

• Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim questioned why audition requirements for renewing busking licences cannot be fulfilled using technological solutions like live video conferencing.
• He also asked if such an alternative method would be restricted only to buskers with established track records.
• Edwin Tong Chun Fai responded that the matter had already been addressed in a prior official reply dated 9 May 2023.

• The Ministry acknowledged the national football team’s poor results at the SEA Games and said a review panel has been commissioned to share findings and recommendations soon.
• The government reaffirmed its commitment to the long-term "Unleash the Roar!" project to uplift Singapore football, noting that steady progress includes partnerships with LaLiga and the expansion of School Football Academies.
• Key measures to rebuild the ecosystem include establishing a national framework for talent development, setting up a national football development centre, enhancing coach and scout training, and launching a UTR! scholarship for promising footballers.

• The FAS review on the football team’s performance at the 2023 SEA Games is ongoing, with findings expected in July.
• The government prioritizes developing local talent but is open to assessing and naturalising foreign players who demonstrate both sporting ability and commitment to integrating into Singapore.
• Any naturalisation scheme will be carefully calibrated to align with broader sporting policies and the principles of granting citizenship.

• The Minister confirmed that while some applicants have not complied with NAC guidelines in the last five years, the cases are largely administrative, such as missing deliverables or exceeding funding caps, and the number has been declining.
• Grant assessments consider artistic merit, public engagement, and alignment with strategic priorities like the Our SG Arts Plan, with publicly available guidelines detailing eligibility and conditions.
• NAC conducts regular project check-ins to pre-empt non-compliance and takes appeals into account, especially for strong mitigating reasons such as COVID-19 impact.

• Dennis Tan asked whether the 24-month training period for PE teachers at NIE affects intake compared to the 16-month period for other subjects and if there are plans to review it.
• Chan Chun Sing explained that the longer training includes content subjects like sports science and outdoor education, which are essential for safe PE lesson delivery, unlike other teachers who already have content knowledge from prior degrees.
• The Minister stated that the longer course has not reduced applicants, with PE trainees receiving remuneration during training, so duration does not discourage enrollment, and feedback has been positive.
• There are no plans to shorten the PE teacher training programme due to its perceived effectiveness and lack of negative impact on intake.

• Dennis Tan asked if consultations were held with stakeholders, particularly the 350 employees, before deciding on the closure timeline of the Singapore Turf Club.
• Lawrence Wong referred to a previous reply given on 3 July 2023 regarding consultations and redevelopment timelines.
• The earlier response indicated that consultations had taken place with relevant parties, including employees.
• The closure is scheduled with the last race in October 2024 and full closure by March 2027.
• Stakeholder engagement was part of the planning process before finalizing the closure decision.

• Mr Don Wee asked if a review of Singapore's football teams' performance at the 2023 SEA Games was conducted and for its findings and recommendations.
• Minister Edwin Tong acknowledged the team's disappointing results and confirmed the Football Association of Singapore has commissioned a review panel.
• The panel's findings and recommendations will be shared soon.

• The Arts House Limited, a public company set up by the National Arts Council, manages several arts venues including historical spaces like The Arts House.
• The National Arts Council provides publicly available funding guidelines that Arts House Limited must follow in its venue rental processes.
• Venue hirers are required to comply with Arts House Limited’s terms, which include adhering to NAC guidelines and obtaining necessary public agency licences for performances.

• Louis Ng asked whether the busking audition panel can give feedback to candidates and reasons when unsuccessful.
• Edwin Tong said the panel assesses minimum standards and audience engagement but cannot provide individual feedback due to high volume.
• He noted the National Arts Council reviews the busking scheme through surveys and stakeholder consultations.
• The NAC will continue to find platforms to engage the busking community to improve policies.
• The response emphasizes practicality in judging while seeking community input for future improvements.

• Miss Cheryl Chan raised concerns about the use of bots to book sports facilities via ActiveSG and asked about measures to strengthen the system and deterrents beyond account suspension or termination.
• The Senior Parliamentary Secretary responded that Sport Singapore has enhanced its booking system with a web application firewall and upgraded reCAPTCHA software, increased monitoring of booking records and social platforms, and taken enforcement actions such as checking that hirers are present.
• Sport Singapore has suspended over 270 scripters and 180 on-seller accounts in the past two years, and from 1 July introduced harsher penalties including longer suspensions for first-time offenders and permanent termination for repeat offenders, leading to a significant reduction in feedback.
• The government continues to enhance its systems to counter evolving bot technologies and urges the public not to purchase bookings from on-sellers.

• Sitoh Yih Pin asked if the Ministry will allow Singaporeans without digital access to the Active Wallet on the ActiveSG app to use alternative payment methods at ActiveSG facility entrances.
• Edwin Tong Chun Fai confirmed that Singaporeans without the app can access all ActiveSG Sport Centres by visiting a guest office with their ID to create accounts, book facilities, and top up via NETS or credit card.
• After account setup, individuals can enter facilities by scanning any card with their identity barcode, providing a non-digital alternative for those without app access.

• Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim inquired about the consultation process with stakeholders regarding the Singapore Turf Club's closure in 2024.
• Lawrence Wong stated that the questions were previously addressed in the Official Report of 3 July 2023.
• The referenced report pertains to the redevelopment of the Singapore Turf Club site and its completion timelines.

• The Ministry of Health is building on the Enabling Masterplan 2030 to support healthier lives for younger persons with disabilities, including those with intellectual disabilities.
• Pilots such as a Community Integrated Health Team are underway, partnering with social service agencies and healthcare professionals to provide multidisciplinary, community-based care for PwDs with complex needs.
• Healthier SG initiatives include updated physical activity guidelines inclusive of PwDs and expanded sports opportunities through the Para Sports Academy and the Disability Sports Masterplan.
• MOH and MSF are studying service gaps and coordinating with stakeholders to strengthen support for PwDs’ health and healthcare needs.
• MOH is committed to working with partners on further programmes and pilots to make healthy living more accessible for all residents.

The Singapore Turf Club (STC) will close by March 2027 to redevelop the site for housing and leisure facilities, addressing land constraints and declining spectatorship.
Support measures include job placement and skills training for affected STC employees and trainers, and responsible rehoming or exportation of the 700 racehorses.
Infrastructure planning with the Ministry of Transport will assess traffic impact, and heritage elements of the STC will be commemorated in future developments.