Arts, culture & sports — Topics

12 Jan 2022

Building on Success that Singapore Football Team Achieved at AFF Suzuki Cup 2021

The Ministry will build on the Lions' AFF Suzuki Cup 2021 success through the Unleash the Roar! initiative, which aims to uplift football at amateur and professional levels and rally national support.
A key strategy is strengthening youth development by establishing School Football Academies in secondary schools and introducing a National Football Curriculum with trained coaches.
Strategic partnerships with Borussia Dortmund and La Liga are formed to accelerate local talent development and strengthen the football ecosystem.
The government emphasizes the need for continued public support to inspire young football aspirants and unite Singaporeans behind the national team.
These efforts focus on creating a sustainable pipeline of players and raising standards to achieve long-term success for Singapore football.

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12 Jan 2022

Considerations for Classifying "Red Lines: Political Cartoons and the Struggle Against Censorship" as Objectionable under Undesirable Publications Act

The Minister for Social and Family Development stated that "Red Lines: Political Cartoons and the Struggle Against Censorship" was classified as objectionable under the Undesirable Publications Act because it contained denigrating caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad and other religions, which were deemed offensive by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) and threaten religious harmony in Singapore's multi-religious society.
The Minister for Communications and Information clarified that the decision was based on offensive religious content, not political cartoons, citing similar past classifications of non-political publications that denigrated religions or incited hatred.
Members of the public can report offensive content to IMDA or through social media platforms' feedback mechanisms, and IMDA consults relevant agencies like MUIS when assessing content that affects religious harmony, including within religious communities.

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12 Jan 2022

Proposal for Redacted Version of Banned Book "Red Lines: Political Cartoons and the Struggle Against Censorship" to be Considered for Publication

IMDA assessed the book "Red Lines: Political Cartoons and the Struggle Against Censorship" as objectionable under the Undesirable Publications Act due to images that denigrate religions, including reproductions of Charlie Hebdo's cartoons of Prophet Muhammad, which the government states cannot be allowed to preserve racial and religious harmony.
The Minister confirmed that in the past five years, six other publications have been deemed objectionable for similar reasons, and removal of offensive content does not automatically permit distribution; any revised version would require a full re-assessment by IMDA.
The book’s distributor and authors have not yet confirmed specific plans to revise the content, but they may approach IMDA for a re-assessment if they decide to produce a redacted version.

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12 Jan 2022

Steps and Programmes to Identify, Groom and Develop Promising Local Athletes

The Government supports athletes through a dual approach: broad-based sports access via ActiveSG academies and infrastructure, and the High-Performance Sport system offering tailored, holistic support including sports science and coaching.
Athletes benefit from the spexScholarship and related programmes providing financial stipends, educational support, and career assistance, with over 168 scholarship recipients and 500+ student-athletes supported since 2013.
World-class coaches are hired through NSA grants and integrated into the training system, with a focus on transferring expertise to local coaches to build a sustainable coaching pipeline.
Post-retirement safety nets include career transition support via spexBusiness partnerships and opportunities in sports-related fields, ensuring athletes have pathways beyond competitive sports.
The Government matches private donations to the One Team Singapore Fund and retains no athlete prize money, ensuring direct support and incentives for athletes to excel regardless of competition outcomes.

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11 Jan 2022

Proposal to Preserve RSS Resolution as Part of Republic of Singapore Navy’s Heritage

MP Desmond Choo asked if the RSS Resolution could be preserved as part of the Republic of Singapore Navy's heritage and potentially as a tourist attraction.
Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen affirmed the value of preserving heritage artefacts but noted that space and resource constraints make it impractical to preserve every retired platform.
The SAF already maintains heritage museums and uses iconic exhibits, but costly upkeep limits preservation to items of exceptional historical significance.
The RSN has preserved parts of its first ship, RSS Panglima, and plans to use digital and virtual reality to share the stories of retired ships like RSS Resolution.
These efforts aim to honor the contributions of past servicemen and provide immersive experiences without needing to retain every physical vessel.

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10 Jan 2022

Median Income of Visual and Performing Artistes in 2019, 2020 and 2021 and Efforts to Further Develop Local Arts Industry

The median monthly income for workers in the arts, entertainment and recreation sector was between $3,800 and $4,100 from 2018 to 2020, with 2021 data to be released later by the Ministry of Manpower.
The outlook for the arts scene in 2022 is cautiously optimistic, building on digital engagement and new experiences developed during COVID-19, with continued efforts to blend digital and in-person activities.
Efforts to develop the local arts industry include growing audience engagement, enhancing digital capabilities for arts workers, creating experimental spaces, boosting sustainability through funds like stART and the Cultural Matching Fund, and public consultations for the next Our SG Arts Plan.

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10 Jan 2022

Outcome of Objections or Representations Submitted by Members of Public Regarding Bukit Brown in Draft Master Plan 2013

Leon Perera questioned whether public objections about Bukit Brown in the 2013 Draft Master Plan were dismissed as frivolous, why no public hearing was held before the 2014 Master Plan was gazetted, and if such hearings could be made public.
Desmond Lee affirmed that the government reviews all public feedback, citing design changes to the Lornie Highway viaduct and heritage projects like artifact documentation as evidence of incorporating input on Bukit Brown.
The government committed to balancing heritage protection with urban development needs by continuing to engage stakeholders and review feedback on future plans.

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10 Jan 2022

Three Most Frequently Visited Parks and Plans to Develop More Coastal Parks for Recreation and Gathering

NParks conducts biennial surveys and the most frequently visited parks in the 2021 survey were East Coast Park, Jurong Lake Gardens, and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, with their natural landscapes and ambience cited as key attractions.
The Ministry is expanding Singapore’s network of parks as part of the City in Nature vision, including more coastal parks.
Future coastal parks to be developed include Lim Chu Kang Nature Park, Mandai Mangrove and Mudflat Nature Park, and Khatib Bongsu Nature Park.
These new coastal parks will provide greater access to spaces for sensitive, nature-based recreation and gatherings.
The plans align with efforts to enhance recreational opportunities and ecological connectivity across Singapore’s park network.

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10 Jan 2022

Feedback Received on Noise from 24-hour Gymnasium Located at Void Decks of HDB Blocks and Actions Taken

Member of Parliament Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked HDB about the number of noise complaints received from 24-hour gyms at void decks, any prior surveys on such gyms, and actions taken to mitigate noise issues.
Minister Desmond Lee responded that there are 46 gyms in HDB commercial premises, with 17 in blocks with flats above, and gym operators must seek approval and implement noise-reducing measures.
From January 2020 to June 2021, HDB received five noise complaints involving two gyms, which were addressed by adjusting operating hours and monitoring noise levels, resulting in no further complaints.
HDB warned that persistent noise complaints could lead to revocation of gym operation approvals, balancing resident living environment with access to facilities.
The debate highlights HDB’s efforts to manage noise issues while accommodating growing demand for fitness facilities in residential areas.

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10 Jan 2022

Resumption of In-person Co-curricular Activities and Varying Group Sizes for Team Sports Training in Schools

Mr Christopher de Souza raised questions on resuming in-person co-curricular activities and modifying group sizes for team sports to allow smaller training groups and five-a-side formats instead of eleven-a-side.
Education Minister Chan Chun Sing confirmed that in-person CCAs resumed for secondary schools and junior colleges from November 2021 with safe management measures, and plans are underway to resume national competitions like the National School Games and Singapore Youth Festival in 2022.
Modifications will be made to team sports by adjusting game formats, such as four-a-side hockey instead of eleven-a-side, and a pilot since November 2021 allows team sports training in groups of up to 10 students.
For primary schools, in-person CCAs will resume from January 2022, but the ministry will adopt a cautious approach to resuming inter-school events due to students’ vaccination status.

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3 Nov 2021

Resumption of Recreational Team Sports at Public and Private Sports Facilities with Pre-event Antigen Rapid Tests

Sharael Taha inquired about the resumption of recreational team sports like football and rugby at sports facilities, with pre-event Antigen Rapid Tests required for participants.
Ong Ye Kung responded that he had already addressed this matter in a prior reply to questions on updated COVID-19 protocols.
The debate centered on the conditions for resuming team sports under pandemic measures, with a reference to existing official documentation for details.

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2 Nov 2021

Support for Cultural Associations to Document and Preserve Artefacts

Leon Perera asked about Ministry plans to support cultural associations with artefact preservation during relocations or closures, outreach on donations to NHB museums, and clearer criteria for artefact accession or rejection.
Edwin Tong explained that NHB provides professional advice, workshops, and grant support for documenting and preserving private collections, citing examples like the Eurasian Association and Singapore Heritage Society.
NHB receives and accepts many artefact donations but assesses each based on significance to the Singapore Story, authenticity, display suitability, and alignment with museum strategies, following international best practices.
The Ministry highlighted that donation criteria are publicly available on museum websites and that support is case-by-case, emphasizing partnerships with community stakeholders.

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2 Nov 2021

Preservation of Monuments (Amendment) Bill

The Bill amends the Preservation of Monuments Act to expand the definition of a monument to include sites, such as the Padang, ensuring open spaces of national historical significance receive the highest level of legal protection.
It introduces new enforcement powers for the National Heritage Board, including warrantless entry for officers under strict conditions, to prevent damage or unauthorized alterations to monuments and proposed monuments.
The amendments also enhance public engagement by requiring the publication of notices for proposed monuments and align penalty provisions with those in the Planning Act, while ensuring that due process and stakeholder consultation are maintained.

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5 Oct 2021

Celebrating Singaporean Athletes’ Victories and Honouring Efforts in Setbacks

The Ministry, through Sport Singapore and Mediacorp, used social media, broadcasts, and community screenings to keep Singaporeans engaged with Team Singapore athletes during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Ground-up efforts by volunteers, community groups, schools, and overseas supporters organically rallied to cheer for athletes, including virtual events and social media campaigns.
Initiatives like the "One Day" campaign and youth athlete stories by the National Youth Sports Institute celebrate athletes’ journeys and resilience, highlighting their grit and perseverance.
The Ministry emphasises the importance of providing opportunities for Singaporeans to connect with, follow, and encourage athletes, especially during challenging times.
Ongoing support is encouraged for upcoming events like the Hanoi SEA Games, Birmingham Commonwealth Games, and Hangzhou Asian Games to rally behind Team Singapore.

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5 Oct 2021

Mental and Emotional Well-being Support for Singapore Athletes Before and After Major Sports Competitions

The Government provides mental and emotional wellness support through the Singapore Sport Institute and National Youth Sports Institute, including one-on-one consultations, psychological skills training, and tailored tools like a travel essentials kit for major competitions.
Post-competition debriefs are conducted to help athletes process outcomes, check mental well-being, and plan future milestones or transitions, with additional programs like mental health literacy for coaches and well-being surveys during medical check-ups.
Athletes receive ongoing support through partnerships with National Sport Associations to build resilience and self-care, reinforced by public encouragement and solidarity from Singaporeans, which boosts their overall well-being.

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5 Oct 2021

Monetary Awards for Paralympians

Members of Parliament raised concerns about the disparity in monetary awards between Paralympians and Olympians and called for more support for disability sports.
The Minister clarified that award schemes are managed by non-governmental councils and the gap in cash awards does not reflect the Government's valuation of athletes.
The Government highlighted its equal support for all athletes through a High Performance Sports system and the One Team Singapore Fund, which matches donations to support both able-bodied and para-athletes.

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5 Oct 2021

Olympic and Paralympic Achievements

The Minister celebrated Team Singapore's Olympians and Paralympians for their achievements and resilience at the Tokyo 2020 Games, highlighting individual stories and announcing a new President’s Award for Inspiring Achievement for Yip Pin Xiu.
Several MPs praised the athletes' dedication and called for stronger support systems, including better integration of sports and education, more corporate partnerships, and improved career transition programmes for athletes.
The debate also addressed the disparity in cash awards between Olympic and Paralympic athletes, with calls for greater parity and efforts to enhance inclusivity and accessibility in disability sports.
The Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to investing in both elite performance and grassroots sports development to foster a vibrant sporting culture in Singapore.

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4 Oct 2021

Plans to Review Singaporean Athletes' Performance at Recent 2020 Tokyo Olympics

The Ministry for Culture, Community and Youth has confirmed that a review of Singaporean athletes' performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics is already underway, incorporating feedback from athletes, coaches, and National Sports Associations.
The review will analyze performance systemically, considering the operating environment and challenges during the pandemic, and will feed into the continuous improvement of the High Performance Sports system for future games.
Strategic plans for the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics will be informed by this review, with current focus on preparing for the busy Major Games schedule in 2022.

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4 Oct 2021

Concussion-related Injuries among Students in Contact Sports for Co-curricular Activities

Melvin Yong asked whether concussion-related injuries are common among students in contact sports CCAs and what safeguards are in place for their long-term health.
Chan Chun Sing stated that such injuries are rare, with fewer than eight cases annually from 2017 to 2019, and only two cases in 2020 with none in 2021 due to pandemic disruptions.
The Ministry of Education provides sport-specific safety guides, concussion management guidelines, and resources for schools to recognize and manage injuries, including requiring medical clearance and a graduated return-to-sport strategy.
Protective gear like head guards and helmets are compulsory in some sports, and paramedics trained in head-spine injury management are present at major competitions.

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4 Oct 2021

Preservation of Monuments (Amendment) Bill

The Preservation of Monuments (Amendment) Bill was introduced to amend the Preservation of Monuments Act and make a related amendment to the National Heritage Board Act, presented by the Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, Ms Low Yen Ling, on behalf of the Minister.
The bill was read for the first time in Parliament, with the second reading scheduled for the next available sitting, and ordered to be printed.

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