Arts, culture & sports — Topics

3 Oct 2022

Future Plans for Park Connector Networks

NParks aims to expand Singapore's park connector network from 370 km to 500 km by 2030, providing more options for residents to exercise near green spaces and water bodies.
A 360-km island-wide network of recreational routes, including park connectors and trails like the Round Island Route, is being established to allow longer walks and cycles in natural spaces.
These expansions support the goal of enabling all households to be within a 10-minute walk from a park by 2030 and enhance ecological connectivity to strengthen Singapore's resilience as a City in Nature.

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3 Oct 2022

Improvement and Maintenance of Mountain Biking Trails

The National Parks Board inspects mountain biking trails every three months and conducts additional checks after heavy rainfall or reports, carrying out repairs as needed to ensure safety and environmental protection.
The Ministry is cautious about expanding trails due to potential adverse impacts on natural habitats, and will balance conservation efforts with community needs.
NParks manages over 28 kilometers of trails across locations like Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Chestnut Nature Park, and Pulau Ubin.
The maintenance regime focuses on drainage and overall condition, but no additional resources were explicitly promised in the response.

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3 Oct 2022

Ensuring Better Oversight of Public Expenditures

Leong Mun Wai criticized two major public expenditures totaling $2.4 billion, questioning the financial prudence behind the $900 million funding for SPH Media Trust and the $1.5 billion termination cost for the Sports Hub public-private partnership.
He argued that SPH shareholders should have left more assets to fund the media trust rather than relying on taxpayers, and that the Sports Hub termination cost was overly generous, suggesting a lower figure based on his analysis of debt and reserves.
Minister Indranee Rajah rejected the allegations as without basis, explaining that both transactions were carefully considered to serve national interests, such as preserving a Singaporean media lens and vernacular languages, and that the Sports Hub termination was financially neutral compared to continuing the partnership.

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13 Sep 2022

Breakdown of $193.7 Million Annual Fee Paid to Sports Hub Pte Ltd

Hazel Poa inquired about the $193.7 million annual fee paid to Sports Hub Pte Ltd, asking whether it includes costs beyond operations, maintenance, lifecycle, and debt servicing, for a breakdown of these costs, and if contractual clauses allow discontinuation of payment for non-performance.
Edwin Tong Chun Fai explained that 65% of the fee covers SHPL's debt repayments for the Sports Hub construction loan, with the remainder funding daily maintenance, operations, and lifecycle costs of the assets.
The payments are tied to SHPL meeting Key Performance Indicators on facility availability, event programming, cleanliness, security, and customer care, with deductions applied for unmet KPIs but no full fee discontinuation mentioned.

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13 Sep 2022

Mental Health Support for Singapore’s Athletes during Training and in Run-up to Competitions

The Singapore Sports Institute and National Youth Sports Institute provide holistic mental health support through dedicated sport psychologists and Athlete Life personnel, offering one-on-one consults and psycho-education, especially ahead of major competitions like the SEA, Commonwealth, and ASEAN Para Games, using tools such as the Fitness and Freshness Survey.
SSI proactively monitors athletes' mental health by integrating a well-being survey into regular medical check-ups since 2020, screening for issues like eating and sleeping disorders, and referring cases to the Singapore Sport and Exercise Medicine Centre for clinical follow-up when needed.
SSI and NYSI partner with coaches and National Sports Associations to enhance mental resilience by providing training to recognise symptoms and practise self-care, with programmes like mental health literacy and Psychological First Aid courses for staff.
Efforts to raise awareness include launching infographics on mental health for athletes during World Mental Health Day to make information accessible, alongside ongoing encouragement from Singaporeans to support athletes throughout their sporting journeys.

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12 Sep 2022

Number of Fitness Activities and Participants Registered at Residents Network Clusters

Leon Perera asked about the average monthly number of fitness activities and participants in Residents Network Clusters from 2019 to 2022, and the maximum number of activities each cluster can register for.
Ong Ye Kung provided data showing that HPB's monthly physical activity sessions averaged 3,100 in 2019, 2,400 in 2020, 800 in 2021, and 3,200 up to June 2022, with participants averaging 82,100, 55,600, 11,300, and 39,000 respectively.
The minister clarified that there is no maximum cap on the number of physical activities Residents Networks can partner with HPB, as programs are organized based on demand and geographical spread.

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12 Sep 2022

Observations with Resumption of National School Games This Year

The National School Games resumed with all 29 sports, featuring adjustments like shorter playing durations and more substitutions to ensure safe participation without compromising competition quality.
Participation numbers were comparable to 2019, with students showing high motivation and sportsmanship, though competition standards varied, with younger athletes slightly below pre-COVID levels due to later training resumption.
Teachers and parents supported the events, noting student growth in social-emotional competencies and character development through the experience.

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12 Sep 2022

Impact of Change of Singapore Sports Hub Ownership and Management on Access to Facilities and Government Funding

The government confirmed that funding for National Sports Associations (NSAs) will not be affected by the change in Sports Hub ownership, as existing funds for operating and maintaining the Hub will continue.
NSAs will retain priority access to book Sports Hub and ActiveSG facilities for national team training, with SportSG assisting in securing alternative venues if needed.
Post-takeover, the government aims to optimize facility use across NSAs, athletes, and the public, ensuring a balanced approach to high-performance and recreational needs.

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2 Aug 2022

Progress of Singapore's E-sports Scene and Info-Communications and Media Professionals Required to Support Games Sector

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Singapore's e-sports scene grew significantly, with the global e-sports audience expected to exceed 500 million in 2022 and events like the Garena's Free Fire World Series achieving record viewership.
The games sector in Singapore, including e-sports, has created diverse job opportunities, with nearly 2,000 people employed in the sector in 2021, though a skilled talent shortage persists globally.
The 2,700 info-communications and media professionals figure from IMDA's 2019 survey is an indicative estimate based on expected growth, not a fixed target, and actual job creation varies with market conditions.
The government plans to support growth in the games and e-sports sector by enabling job creation and training Singaporeans with relevant skills to seize emerging opportunities.

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2 Aug 2022

Structuring Tenders in Whole-of-Government Period Contract and Framework Agreement to Build Up Players in Creative Services Industry

Mrs Josephine Teo explained that the whole-of-Government Period Contract and Framework Agreement (PCFA) for Creative Services was introduced in 2018 to streamline procurement and achieve value-for-money through aggregated demand and open tender, resulting in a panel of vendors predominantly SMEs.
She noted that while the PCFA does not guarantee contracts, all vendors on the panel have received projects of varying sizes based on agency assessments of quality and price, with no irregularities observed, and this exposure helps vendors build track records and client awareness.
To further support the creative services industry, MCI encourages agencies to consider a wider range of vendors, share vendor information proactively, and allow payment for pitching services to assist smaller agencies.
MCI will continue to refine the PCFA by monitoring expenditure distribution and increasing invitations-to-pitch, while making adjustments to better promote industry growth.

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2 Aug 2022

National Symbols Bill

The National Symbols Bill aims to consolidate and declare Singapore’s national and presidential symbols, replacing the outdated Singapore Arms and Flag and National Anthem Act from 1959.
It introduces comprehensive regulations on the use of these symbols to ensure proper respect and uniformity across all contexts.
The bill was presented by the Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth on behalf of the minister and is scheduled for a second reading in the next parliamentary sitting.

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1 Aug 2022

Sports Facilities at Proposed Housing Development cum Sports Centre Site at Farrer Park

The Minister announced that the redevelopment will replace the existing swimming complex with new sheltered and outdoor pools in a sports centre, retain and convert the boxing gym to a multi-purpose space, and add flexible indoor sports areas in the multi-storey car park along with a jogging track and a 1.2-hectare central green space for community sports.
The Minister stated that the total area for sports facilities in Farrer Park will not be reduced despite the redevelopment, with open spaces and new amenities ensuring sufficient access for residents.
The Minister emphasized that plans consider Farrer Park’s sporting heritage and community feedback, and the overall Sports Facilities Master Plan will continue to provide sufficient facilities across national and town levels, including developments at Kallang Alive! precinct.

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1 Aug 2022

Percentage of Freshwater Bodies Open to Public for Recreation and Plans to Increase Access

Shawn Huang asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about the percentage of freshwater bodies open for public recreation and plans to increase access and approved activities.
Grace Fu responded that PUB collaborates with agencies to offer recreational activities at eight reservoirs and two waterways, with fishing allowed at designated sites in 10 reservoirs and five waterways.
She noted that agencies continually review demand and possibilities for opening more freshwater bodies for recreation, balancing recreational use with the primary function of reservoirs as raw water sources.
Considerations include impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity, water quality, and space for other uses like floating solar systems in land-scarce Singapore.

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1 Aug 2022

Managing Traffic and Parking in and Around Sports Hub to Prevent Massive Traffic Congestion or Illegal Parking During Major Events

Lim Biow Chuan asked if Sports Hub Pte Ltd could manage traffic and parking in public areas around the Sports Hub during major events to prevent congestion or illegal parking.
Edwin Tong Chun Fai explained that Sports Hub Pte Ltd must submit a Traffic Management and Crowd Control plan before major events and uses additional marshals on event days.
The Sports Hub is accessible via multiple public transport options, and attendees are encouraged to use public transport and arrive early through media and direct communications.
Government agencies increase their presence in surrounding residential areas on event days to deter illegal parking.
Sports Hub Pte Ltd will continue collaborating with government agencies to improve traffic and parking management as more events resume.

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1 Aug 2022

New Guidelines for Future Public-private partnership Projects Given Termination of Singapore Sports Hub Partnership Agreement

Edward Chia asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth about new safeguards and guidelines for future public-private partnership (PPP) projects following the termination of the Singapore Sports Hub agreement, including lessons learned from the experience.
He also sought clarification on the considerations behind the termination, the total financial and non-financial costs to the Government during the PPP's operation, and the anticipated costs of SportSG taking over full management.
Wan Rizal inquired about SportSG’s plans to enhance facility utilisation, attract world-class events and talents, and improve access for Singaporeans at the Sports Hub.
Edwin Tong noted that all these questions were addressed in the Ministerial Statement delivered on 1 August 2022, which detailed efforts to unlock the Sports Hub’s full potential.

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1 Aug 2022

Waiver of Admission Fees to Local Places of Interest to Encourage More Family Outings during Year of Celebrating SG Families

Hany Soh proposed that the Singapore Tourism Board collaborate with private operators to waive or offset admission fees for children and seniors at local attractions during the Year of Celebrating SG Families to promote inter-generational family outings.
Gan Kim Yong highlighted that partners of the Made For Families initiative have already introduced family-friendly deals and promotions throughout 2022, including discounts for attractions and events.
The Singapore Tourism Board continues to support the SingapoRediscovers campaign to encourage Singaporeans to explore local, often admission-free, attractions and strengthen family bonds beyond the ended voucher scheme.

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1 Aug 2022

"Live" Broadcast of English Premier League Matches Under IMDA's Crosscarriage Framework

Murali Pillai questioned whether pay TV operators have discretion under IMDA’s Cross Carriage Measure (CCM) to not share exclusive content and whether both Singtel and StarHub must jointly broadcast all English Premier League matches live, even if exceeding four channels, with measures to ensure this.
Murali Pillai also asked why IMDA allows StarHub to charge $64.90 per month for the Premier League Pack via crosscarriage, compared to a $19.99 promotional rate for the same content via StarHub’s set-top boxes.
Josephine Teo explained that the CCM requires exclusive "live" TV programmes to be cross-carried on non-discriminatory terms, but StarHub decides the number of live channels and must broadcast non-real-time matches within 48 hours, with IMDA oversight.
She clarified that the $64.90 price applies to Pay TV platform subscriptions for all subscribers, while the $19.99 rate is for StarHub’s OTT Premier+ pack, which is not covered by CCM and offers discounts for bundled services.
The CCM aims to reduce consumer inconvenience and costs by enabling access to exclusive content via one set-top box, but it does not apply to OTT platforms where content is more accessible.

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1 Aug 2022

Unlocking the Sports Hub's Full Potential for Singapore

The Minister explained that the Government will terminate the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with Sports Hub Pte Ltd (SHPL) and take over ownership and management of the Sports Hub on 9 December 2022, citing a need to better drive community participation and social outcomes, which the profit-driven consortium model could not sufficiently prioritize.
The decision to use a PPP model in 2010 was justified by the need for international expertise and to share risks, but the Minister stated the environment has since matured, with the local sports ecosystem now capable of managing the Hub independently, and the termination costs are financially comparable to continuing the PPP until 2035.
Post-takeover, the vision is to integrate the Sports Hub with the broader Kallang Alive precinct, making it more accessible for community events, school games, and family activities, while leveraging shared infrastructure and economies of scale to enhance sports and lifestyle offerings for Singaporeans.

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5 Jul 2022

Clarification by Minister for Defence

Long-term deferments from full-time National Service are exceptional and granted only to athletes with potential to win medals at top-tier international competitions like the Olympics.
Swimmers Joseph Schooling and Quah Zheng Wen were granted deferments of seven years and six years respectively for the 2016 and 2020 Olympics, as clarified by the Minister for Defence.
The Minister for Defence provided a factual correction to his earlier parliamentary reply, specifying the exact deferment periods granted to the athletes.

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5 Jul 2022

Plans to Make SportSG a World-class Venue for Sporting Events Which is Accessible to the Community

The Minister for Culture, Community and Youth will provide a detailed response in an upcoming Ministerial Statement regarding the direction and plans for the Singapore Sports Hub under SportSG.
The government intends to enhance the Sports Hub to be a world-class venue for major sporting events while ensuring it remains accessible to the community.
The Minister’s statement will outline strategies to balance international sporting standards with community engagement and inclusivity.

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