Arts, culture & sports — Topics

5 Jul 2022

Criteria for Development Works to Require Heritage Impact Assessment and Status of Bukit Brown Cemetery

Leon Perera asked for the criteria determining when a heritage impact assessment (HIA) is required, whether Bukit Brown Cemetery would qualify, if public or NGO consensus on heritage value would be a factor, and for commitment to publish heritage studies even when HIAs are deemed unnecessary.
Desmond Lee outlined that heritage considerations are integrated into planning through a robust evaluation process and collaboration with expert panels, with HIAs introduced in March 2022 for major public projects affecting significant heritage sites.
He noted that HIAs are typically for large-scale public developments in rich heritage areas, while smaller-impact projects are assessed case-by-case with possible heritage recall measures.
Regarding Bukit Brown, he stated that part of the area is zoned residential under Master Plan 2019, with cemetery areas preserved until longer-term review is needed.
The government engages community and expert input upstream, but public or NGO consensus is not explicitly a formal criterion for triggering an HIA.

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5 Jul 2022

Incidents Reported under Safe Sport Unified Code

Since the launch of the Safe Sport Unified Code in November 2021, the Safe Sport Commission has received 22 reports of alleged infringements, comprising eight formal reports and 14 disclosures.
All eight formal reports have been investigated and referred to National Sport Associations or the National Registry of Coaches for resolution, with five cases resolved and three pending.
Of the formal reports, two alleged serious incidents and six alleged incidents of low harm and/or low culpability, with appropriate penalties and training imposed on culpable parties.

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5 Jul 2022

Number of Fitness Activities for Registration Per Residents Network Cluster

Leon Perera asked if there was a reduction in the number of fitness activities each Residents Network cluster could register, and if so, what the rationale was given health promotion efforts.
Ong Ye Kung responded that the Health Promotion Board had merged physical activity sessions previously split into smaller groups due to COVID-19 restrictions.
He clarified that there was no reduction in overall capacity or variety of the activities.
The changes were administrative adjustments rather than cuts to fitness opportunities for residents.

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5 Jul 2022

National Dialogue and Review of Policy Regarding National Athletes Serving National Service

Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen affirmed that National Service (NS) remains a universal and equitable obligation for all eligible male Singaporeans and PRs, with strict enforcement against defaulters, while allowing only sparing, justified deferments or disruptions for national athletes competing at top-tier international events.
Deferments for athletes are granted exceptionally based on merit and potential to bring national glory, but recipients must still fulfill all NS duties and training, a policy that has faced public criticism over perceived unfairness and personal gain.
The government will incorporate diverse views, including both supporters and critics of athlete deferments, in future NS policy reviews, emphasizing that NS duties always take precedence over personal pursuits.

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5 Jul 2022

Changes for Public and Sporting Community following Government's Takeover of Singapore Sports Hub

Seah Kian Peng questioned what changes the public and sporting community can expect after Sport Singapore's takeover of the Singapore Sports Hub.
The Minister of State proposed that the question be addressed as part of a ministerial statement scheduled for a later sitting.
The Deputy Speaker moved on to the next question without providing an immediate response.

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4 Jul 2022

Current and Future Efforts in Pulau Ubin Conservation Project

The Ubin Project, started in 2014, aims to preserve the island’s rustic charm, natural environment, biodiversity, and heritage through the Friends of Ubin Network (FUN) and ground-up initiatives.
Success measures include habitat enhancement and species recovery, such as science-based mangrove restoration and planting native trees, which have led to population increases and the discovery of new species like a spider new to science.
Heritage conservation involves restoring kampong houses and community-led documentation of cultural heritage through projects like archaeological surveys and cultural mapping.
Future plans focus on continuing partnerships with FUN and stakeholders to maintain Pulau Ubin as a rustic and natural island for future generations.
Community initiatives like Pesta Ubin and Ubin Day have been supported to preserve the island’s cultural heritage and way of life.

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4 Jul 2022

Inclusion of SEA Games Silver and Bronze Medallists in Major Games Award Programme

Ms Mariam Jaafar asked if the Major Games Award Programme can be expanded to include SEA Games silver and bronze medallists.
Edwin Tong clarified that the programme is managed by the Singapore National Olympic Council, which decides on award categories in consultation with sponsors.
The award structure considers the higher competition level and four-year frequency of Olympic, Commonwealth, and Asian Games, compared to the biennial SEA Games.
No decision was announced on whether SEA Games silver and bronze medallists would be included in the programme.
The discussion highlighted the need to balance recognition for athletes with the programme's existing criteria and sponsor agreements.

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4 Jul 2022

Decision for Government to Take Over Ownership and Management of Singapore Sports Hub

Multiple MPs questioned the Government's decision to terminate the public-private partnership (PPP) with SportsHub Pte Ltd and take over ownership and management of the Singapore Sports Hub, citing concerns about contractual limitations, performance failures, financial costs, and the lack of clarity on SportSG's capabilities and long-term plans.
Key issues raised included the reasons for terminating the PPP before its 2035 end date, the outstanding responsibilities and final payment to SportsHub Pte Ltd, the financial and strategic implications of the takeover, and the lessons learned from the PPP model to improve future contracts.
MPs sought clarity on SportSG's vision, operational model, and plans to enhance community access, support junior sports development, and balance world-class events with affordable public use, as well as funding arrangements for related facilities like Kallang Alive.
The Minister of State indicated that a detailed ministerial statement would be provided to address the 20 questions, covering the Government's rationale, financial impact, and future plans for the Singapore Sports Hub.

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5 Apr 2022

Safeguards to Ensure Core Aspects of Singapore's Culture are not Lost in Current Pandemic and Youths Continue to Develop their Cultural Identity

The government rolled out a $75 million Arts and Culture Resilience Package to support jobs, organisations, and over 1,500 digitalisation projects, ensuring continued access to arts and culture during the pandemic.
Educational and youth engagement programmes, such as the Singapore Youth Festival, Museum-Based Learning, and incubation initiatives like ArtsXplore, were adapted to hybrid or virtual formats to sustain cultural participation.
Plans for Our SG Art and Heritage Plans 2.0 will involve conversations with youths and the community to incorporate their views and preserve Singapore’s cultural identity.

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5 Apr 2022

Plans to Allow Reopening of Family KTVs and Expected Safe Management Measures

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked about the status of plans to reopen family KTVs and the expected safe management measures.
Gan Kim Yong announced that MTI and MHA intend to reopen nightlife, including karaoke establishments, on 19 April 2022.
The measures will include core parameters like group sizes, mask-wearing, workplace rules, safe distancing, and capacity limits.
Nightlife venues with dancing will require supervised Antigen Rapid Tests for customers before entry.

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4 Apr 2022

Negotiations Between Government and Singapore Press Holdings Ltd Before Establishment of SPH Media Trust

Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Communications and Information about the duration and number of negotiation rounds between the Government and Singapore Press Holdings Limited before the establishment of SPH Media Trust.
Mrs Josephine Teo clarified that the discussions were not negotiations but exploratory talks where SPH explained its restructuring proposal to seek in-principle regulatory approval under the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act.
MCI agreed to SPH's proposal to transfer its media business to a Company Limited by Guarantee, citing structural pressures like digital disruption and declining ad revenues, which would allow sustainable investment without stock market constraints.

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10 Mar 2022

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

The debate emphasized the need to strengthen Singapore's social compact, address emerging fault lines from the pandemic like racism and economic inequality, and support vulnerable families, particularly in the Malay/Muslim community, through programs like M3 and Project DIAN@M3.
Ministers outlined strategies to build a competent, future-ready workforce and community, focusing on education, lifelong learning, scholarships, mentorship, and partnering with industry to create opportunities in growth sectors for the Malay/Muslim community.
Parliament also discussed enhancing the community dispute resolution framework, promoting racial and religious harmony through refreshed IRCCs, and supporting the arts, culture, heritage, and sports sectors in their post-pandemic recovery and sustainability.

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8 Mar 2022

Plans and Timeline to Implement Busking Zones

Louis Ng asked about the plans and timeline to implement busking zones announced in March 2020, which were delayed due to COVID-19.
The Minister explained that while new busking zones at Singapore River and Ang Mo Kio were intended, the pandemic led to suspension and no implementation; NAC is now working on an online system for equitable access and plans to expand pilot projects when safe.
NAC has engaged buskers, rolled out alternative digital platforms and workshops, and remains committed to improving busking infrastructure while considering stakeholder feedback and public health conditions.

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4 Mar 2022

Plans for New Housing Estate in Mount Pleasant and Incorporating Lessons from Pilot Heritage Study into Planning Processes

The Minister confirmed that the pilot heritage study for the Mount Pleasant area examined architectural, historical, social, and communal values to guide the integration of heritage elements into the new housing estate.
The study’s findings are informing the development of a broader heritage impact assessment framework to strengthen future heritage evaluations and planning processes.
The URA’s current planning process already includes community and stakeholder consultations, and the new framework will continue to emphasize upstream engagement with heritage groups and the public.

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4 Mar 2022

Key Learnings from Process that Led to Conservation of Golden Mile Complex

The key learnings from the Golden Mile Complex conservation process included deep stakeholder engagement, balancing financial interests with heritage merits, and using unprecedented incentives to support adaptive reuse.
The Government cannot publicly share detailed technical studies or the full incentive package due to confidentiality and commercial sensitivities, though the conservation merits and package were made public.
The approach for other modernist icons like People's Park Complex will involve a systematic, consultative process to balance conservation with redevelopment needs, guided by the lessons learned from Golden Mile Complex.

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15 Feb 2022

Processing and Preservation of First-generation, decommissioned MRT Trains in Singapore

Dennis Tan asked how decommissioned MRT trains are processed and whether first-generation trains will be preserved for public heritage.
S Iswaran confirmed that 106 North-South East-West Line trains and 19 Bukit Panjang LRT trains are being decommissioned and have contributed to Singapore’s history.
The Land Transport Authority is in discussions with organizations interested in using some trains for education, training, and heritage purposes.
Interested parties can contact LTA for further details on preserving or repurposing the trains.

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15 Feb 2022

Update on Discussion with SPH Media Trust on Funding Support Measures to Ensure Sustainability in Competitive Media Industry and Limited Local Market

The Government will provide up to $180 million annually for five years to support SPH Media Trust's digital transformation, with funds allocated to technology, digital talent, and sustaining vernacular newsrooms.
Key performance indicators will track reach, engagement, and resilience, with half-yearly progress reports and a review after five years to ensure accountability and effective use of public funds.
Editorial independence will be maintained, as funding does not influence content, and the government emphasizes that trust and audience reach are the basis for support, not political interference.

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14 Feb 2022

Plans to Support SPH Media Trust in Digital Transformation

Miss Cheryl Chan asked if the Government has plans to support SPH Media Trust in digital transformation and specific areas of support.
Mrs Josephine Teo confirmed the Government's commitment to support SPH Media Trust in areas like digital innovation and capability development.
MCI will provide a detailed update to Parliament shortly on the specific plans.

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14 Feb 2022

Projected Annual Government Expenditure on Subsidy for Hosting Formula One Singapore Grand Prix from 2022 to 2028

The Government will co-fund 60% of the estimated $135 million to $140 million annual costs of hosting the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix from 2022 to 2028.
The decision to extend support for seven more years was based on a cost-benefit analysis, with projected economic benefits outweighing the government’s expenditure.
Since 2008, the race has generated about $130 million in annual incremental tourist spending and attracted over 550,000 international visitors, with more than 30 MICE events clustered around it each year.
The Grand Prix also provides global branding benefits, with the 2019 event generating an estimated $70 million to $75 million in media value, and supports local business revenue and jobs.

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14 Feb 2022

Considerations in Extending Formula One Singapore Grand Prix for Another Seven Years and Expected Overall Benefits to Singapore

The Government decided to extend the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix for another seven years after evaluating that projected economic benefits outweigh the costs, with the Government co-funding 60% of annual organisational costs estimated at $135 million to $140 million.
Since 2008, the race has generated around $130 million in annual tourist spending, attracted over 550,000 international visitors, and served as a focal point for more than 30 MICE events each year, boosting Singapore's global branding with a media value of $70 million to $75 million in 2019.
The race benefits local businesses, with 90% of organisation sub-contracted to Singapore-based companies and around 30,000 staff and contractors working at the circuit per race, generating revenue and jobs for Singaporeans.
The first few years of the new term may see lower economic benefits due to COVID-19's impact on international travel, but the extension aims to sustain Singapore's global city reputation, support tourism recovery, and normalise long-term appeal.

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