Arts, culture & sports — Topics

9 May 2023

Sensory Rooms for Individuals to Develop their Senses within Government-owned Sports and Cultural Facilities

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim inquired whether the Ministry would consider adding sensory rooms to government-owned sports and cultural facilities to help individuals develop their senses.
Edwin Tong Chun Fai noted that public arts, heritage, and sports facilities aim to be inclusive, with existing sensory rooms and programs like the National Museum’s Quiet Room and National Gallery’s Calm Room.
The government collaborates with community partners such as SG Enable to offer inclusive programming, including Quiet Mornings at museums and Relaxed Performances at Esplanade.
Sport Singapore ensures calm spaces are available during events with special needs participants and is identifying existing sports centre rooms for conversion into sensory-friendly spaces.
Efforts are underway to build capabilities among arts, cultural, and sports organizations to strengthen inclusive programming and support for individuals with sensory needs.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 May 2023

Simplified Busking Audition Process

Louis Ng asked whether the busking audition process could be simplified for renewals compared to new applicants.
The National Arts Council explained that live auditions ensure fair evaluation and maintain performance quality, with multiple audition slots offered yearly.
NAC is studying a simplified renewal process for buskers with good track records, possibly using online submissions while preserving fairness.
New buskers and those less digitally savvy will continue to have access to live auditions.
NAC plans to consult the busking community on any new ideas before implementing changes.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

21 Apr 2023

Support Freelance Exercise Professionals to Obtain Certificates to Register on National Registry of Exercise Professionals

Sport Singapore will launch the National Registry of Exercise Professionals (NREP) in phases, allowing freelancers to register with specific certifications, a provisional membership for those without first aid certification, and subsidised training.
The Ministry has been engaging over 400 exercise professionals and industry stakeholders like gyms and fitness businesses to raise awareness of the NREP and encourage its use in hiring criteria.
The response from the industry has been positive towards the NREP, and engagement efforts will continue through all implementation phases.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

21 Apr 2023

Proposal to Allow Hawkers above Age 60 to Hire One Foreign Worker to Help with Food Preparation

Dr Tan Yia Swam proposed allowing hawkers over 60 to hire one foreign worker for food preparation and to train them to preserve hawker culture.
The government maintains that only Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents may operate or work in NEA-managed hawker centres to protect the local identity of the culture.
To address manpower challenges, schemes like the enhanced Hawkers' Productivity Grant provide co-funding for automation and digital solutions to boost productivity.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 Apr 2023

Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth

MCCY aims to strengthen national unity and shared identity through arts, heritage, and sports initiatives, such as new museums, festivals, and enhanced sports facilities.
The ministry promotes social cohesion by expanding volunteerism, intergenerational and cross-community programmes, and refreshing platforms like Racial and Religious Harmony Circles.
MCCY supports inclusive growth by enhancing opportunities for persons with disabilities, youth, and businesses in social contributions, including through schemes like the Corporate Volunteer Scheme and Mentoring SG.
Through the Forward Singapore exercise, MCCY encourages citizens to co-create policies and solutions, fostering partnerships between the government and communities.
The ministry focuses on building a resilient, caring society by encouraging Singaporeans to donate, volunteer, and participate in community projects across all ages.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

21 Mar 2023

Abuse of Government-linked Online Reservation Systems

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim raised concerns about the abuse of Government-linked online reservation systems, including the resale of slots, and inquired whether the Government tracks such incidents and the frequency of these abuses.
He also asked if the Ministry has evaluated the effectiveness of existing safeguards, such as anti-bot solutions, login limits, and account suspensions, to prevent automated tools from monopolising available slots.
Mrs Josephine Teo, responding for the Prime Minister, acknowledged the issue of bots and resale activities undermining fairness, and outlined measures taken by SportSG, including on-site enforcement, pattern checks, and account suspensions, which have led to over 600 cancelled bookings and about 200 suspended accounts since 2021.
The Government has implemented technical measures like CAPTCHA, login delays, and bot-detecting firewalls, but must balance security with user experience, considering the impact on persons with disabilities and those with intermittent internet access.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

20 Mar 2023

SportSG's Shoe Collection and Recycling Programme and Oversight

Leong Mun Wai asked about the total cost to the Government of SportSG's shoe collection and recycling programme since its inception and whether sub-contractors would continue to be used.
He also inquired about plans to improve oversight of such sub-contractors for the programme.
Edwin Tong stated that cost and recycling programme updates were provided in a previous parliamentary reply and noted that process chain tightening has been undertaken to support sustainability goals.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

20 Mar 2023

Extension of Complimentary Admission to Children’s Museum Singapore

Ms Hany Soh asked if the complimentary admission to Children’s Museum Singapore would be extended beyond 31 March 2023.
The Minister stated that publicly-funded museums, including Children’s Museum Singapore, will continue to offer free admission to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents beyond that date.
Tourists and foreign residents will continue to be charged prevailing admission rates.
The policy aims to make museums accessible to Singaporeans and strengthen national identity and belonging.
This approach aligns with the broader goal of sharing Singapore’s history and cultural heritage with its citizens.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Mar 2023

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

The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) is refreshing the national arts and heritage plans for 2023-2027 to grow the creative economy, increase arts access, and deepen Singapore's identity, with new digital initiatives and expanded arts spaces.
The Singapore Sports Hub has been brought under government management to enhance community integration, with plans for more events and facilities; football development under "Unleash the Roar!" will establish a national youth development centre from July 2023.
MCCY is enhancing community dispute management and mental well-being networks, including expanding SG Cares Volunteer Centres and Harmony Circles to foster neighbourliness and support mental health.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Mar 2023

Making More Historic War Bunkers Accessible to Public

Leon Perera asked if more historic war bunkers can be made accessible to the public through guided tours or heritage attractions for safe visitation.
The National Heritage Board (NHB) already provides public access to several WWII sites, including the Battlebox and museums, but some sites are unsuitable for year-round public access due to private ownership, safety concerns, or ecological impact.
NHB partners with stakeholders to offer time-limited special access tours, such as at Fort Connaught and Old Changi Hospital, under its Battle for Singapore programme.
The Ministry and NHB commit to continuing collaborations to enhance research, documentation, and public access to WWII heritage sites.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Mar 2023

Documenting Golden Mile Complex's Heritage

Leon Perera asked about documenting Golden Mile Complex's intangible heritage, highlighting its role as an early high-rise apartment and transit point.
Desmond Lee noted existing heritage documentation efforts, including a 2019 NUS study with interviews on intangible heritage.
He also mentioned public initiatives like books, videos, and blogs that have captured the building's history.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

27 Feb 2023

Cost Savings from Removing Reward Milestones in National Steps Challenge for Clocking Daily Cumulative Steps

Leong Mun Wai queried the estimated cost savings from removing reward milestones for 7,500 and 10,000 daily steps in the National Steps Challenge and how these savings compare to potential health costs from a more sedentary lifestyle.
Ong Ye Kung explained that the Health Promotion Board is expanding community physical activities, increasing weekly outreach from 31,000 to 47,000 participants.
Due to resource limits, HPB must lower maximum Healthpoints individuals can earn in the challenge, as participants at various step levels already develop active habits with minimal Healthpoint influence.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

27 Feb 2023

Siting Sports Stadium within Housing Estates

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked about the considerations for siting sports stadiums in housing estates and whether running tracks are standard amenities in every town.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary explained that the Sports Facilities Master Plan aims to provide all HDB towns with either a Town or Regional Sports Centre, supplemented by Town Play Fields based on population trends and needs.
SportSG considers factors such as town population, sport popularity, usage rates, space availability, proximity to other amenities, and resident feedback when deciding on specific facilities.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

22 Feb 2023

Further Actions on SPH Media Trust's Incorrect Circulation Numbers

Gerald Giam asked whether the Ministry would request SPH Media Trust (SMT) to release its full investigation report on circulation discrepancies and when the report would be completed and released.
Josephine Teo stated the discrepancies occurred before SMT was formed and before government funding, and the internal review data was not used for funding decisions.
Teo noted the decision to share the full report lies with SMT’s own leadership, as the government expects SMT to uphold public trust and fulfill its responsibilities.
She added that SMT’s Audit and Risk Committee should be given sufficient time for a thorough investigation, and the completion timeline depends on their findings.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Feb 2023

Corporate Culture in SPH Media Trust

Hazel Poa asked about concerns over the corporate culture of the Government-funded SPH Media Trust, emphasizing the importance of integrity and credibility in news media.
Mrs Josephine Teo referred to a previous government response on the issue, specifically the Official Report from 6 February 2023 regarding SPH Media Trust's inflated circulation numbers.
The debate highlighted the need for accountability in a publicly funded media entity to maintain public trust.
The exchange underscored the government's stance that the matter had already been addressed in prior parliamentary replies.
The discussion reflects ongoing scrutiny of corporate governance in state-supported news organizations.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Feb 2023

Publication of Audit Findings into SPH Media Trust's Inflated Circulation Numbers

MP Hazel Poa asked whether an external investigation into SPH Media Trust’s inflated circulation numbers would be conducted and its report made public, and whether the Ministry would share the Trust’s review details and reasons for delayed disclosure.
Minister Josephine Teo responded that the circulation discrepancies did not affect public funds, government funding for SPH Media Trust remains unchanged and focused on capability development, and further questions should await the Trust’s own audit committee findings.
The Minister emphasized that SPH Media Trust must uphold public trust, rectify issues, be transparent about its plans, and refer any evidence of wrongdoing to relevant authorities.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Feb 2023

Commemoration of 100th Anniversary of the Late Mr Lee Kuan Yew's Birth

The Minister announced that various community groups, including business leaders and academia, are proposing initiatives such as conferences, publications, and a fund for educational causes to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Mr Lee Kuan Yew's birth and engage Singaporean youths with his legacy.
Government agencies are coordinating with these efforts and have planned their own activities, including a travelling exhibition by the National Heritage Board, a National Museum exhibition, NParks events to mark the 60th anniversary of Singapore's greening journey, and a commemorative coin by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
The Minister emphasized that all commemorative efforts aim to reflect Mr Lee's contributions and values, inspiring new generations to continue nation-building in line with the ideals he championed.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Feb 2023

Updates on Singapore Sports Hub Takeover and Plans Following Takeover

The transition from Sports Hub Pte Ltd to the Government was completed smoothly on 9 December 2022, with due diligence ongoing and a termination sum of $1.4 billion, about $0.1 billion lower than projected.
The Government advanced the termination sum from the Contingencies Funds with the President’s concurrence, to be replaced via a Supplementary Supply Bill without drawing on past reserves.
The new management has introduced community events like live performances, a Big Walk, and a Chinese New Year carnival, with plans for more school matches, open houses, and marquee sports and entertainment events.
Developments in the Kallang Alive precinct, including the Kallang Football Hub and Tennis Centre, are on track for completion this year.
The Sports Hub aims to become a vibrant community, sporting, and lifestyle space for all Singaporeans to enjoy.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Feb 2023

Data on Library Books Removed from Public Borrowing List

Over the last five years, the National Library Board (NLB) has removed one book from public borrowing due to its violent content, while other books have been reclassified to different age-appropriate sections or kept in their original collections after review.
The NLB ensures collections are appropriate for different age groups and uses a Parental Guidance label in its catalogue and during check-out to alert readers to potentially sensitive content in children's titles.
When the public provides feedback on titles, the NLB reviews them with its independent Library Consultative Panel, which considers community perspectives and content guidelines from the Infocomm Media Development Authority.
Since 2018, the NLB has received 42 instances of public feedback, resulting in one title being withdrawn, 17 children's titles moved to higher age-group sections, one adult title reclassified to the reference section, and 23 titles assessed as suitable to remain.
The NLB adds an average of 86,000 new titles annually to keep collections updated and relevant, and its processes for removing titles consider factors such as social norms, content guidelines, and public feedback.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Feb 2023

Audit of Singapore Press Holdings' Financial Statements and Circulation Numbers

Leong Mun Wai asked whether the government independently audited Singapore Press Holdings’ financial statements and circulation data before granting public funding and why not if it did not.
Leong also asked which newspaper titles had inflated circulation numbers, if an external forensic audit would be conducted beyond the September 2020 to March 2022 review, and which other periods would be examined.
Josephine Teo referred the questions to the government’s official response dated 6 February 2023, which addressed queries on SPH Media Trust’s inflated circulation numbers.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source