Arts, culture & sports — Topics

10 May 2021

Achievement Points for Sports Not Offered at National School Games

Mark Chay inquired about CCA points and national colours for students whose sports are not offered at the National School Games.
Lawrence Wong explained that MOE resumed NSG with 12 non-contact sports to safeguard student well-being and ensured all selected representatives receive equal recognition and CCA achievement points.
The SSSC Colours Award requires top four placings in NSG, so students whose sports are not offered cannot qualify based on NSG achievements alone.
However, students representing Singapore through official sports bodies at major games can still be nominated for the award.
This approach aligns with the measures taken in 2020 when NSG was suspended for all sports.

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10 May 2021

Space Utilisation Rates at Goodman Arts Centre, Stamford Arts Centre and Aliwal Arts Centre

Leon Perera inquired about the space utilisation rates, under-utilisation, and potential government investigation at Goodman Arts Centre, Stamford Arts Centre, and Aliwal Arts Centre.
Edwin Tong responded that these publicly-managed spaces aim for optimal use, fair access, and inclusivity, with arts floor area growing 35% from 2010 to 2020.
Utilisation rates at the three centres ranged from 65% to 85% in 2019, with shared facilities at 66% in Q1 2021, and the National Arts Council will continue monitoring usage.

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10 May 2021

Publishing Summaries of NAC's Consultations on Arts Management Issues

Leon Perera asked whether NAC publishes summaries of its consultations on arts management issues and if it uses the REACH platform for public consultation.
Edwin Tong responded that NAC regularly engages the arts community and publicly shares key issues and outcomes from consultations on its website, with examples including reports from Emerging Stronger Conversations and feedback sessions on the Arts Resource Hub.
He noted that not all consultations are handled identically, and the level of public disclosure varies depending on the specific issue, with upcoming engagements planned for new grants and the next SG Arts Plan.
Tong confirmed that NAC uses multiple engagement platforms, including REACH, and selects the most appropriate method for each consultation.
NAC will continue to use REACH and other platforms as suitable for future engagements with the arts community.

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10 May 2021

Standardised Treatment for Tenants at State-owned Properties

Members of Parliament raised concerns about whether statutory boards provide consistent treatment to tenants of state-owned properties, particularly the National Arts Council (NAC) and Sport Singapore (SportSG), and questioned the transparency, consent, and support processes for lease changes.
The Ministry explained that statutory boards tailor tenant treatment based on their specific functions and tenant needs, with regular policy reviews and stakeholder engagements, and highlighted NAC’s Framework for Arts Spaces (FFAS) which offers subsidized rates, diversified spaces, and early engagement for lease transitions.
For sports, SportSG facilitates direct allocation of spaces to National Sports Associations guided by multi-year plans, provides facilities grants, and engages tenants early for changes or renewals, working to identify replacement sites when needed.
NAC’s FFAS includes open calls, formal assessments, and differentiated support for artists at various stages, with public consultations and published rationales to enhance transparency and community involvement.
Both NAC and SportSG commit to ongoing reviews and stakeholder engagement to ensure policies remain relevant and to support continuity and access for arts and sports groups.

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10 May 2021

Effectiveness of Hawkers Succession Scheme

Mr Mohd Fahmi Aliman asked the Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment about the effectiveness report of the Hawkers Succession Scheme and its collaboration with hawker community stakeholders, and also inquired about the nominal stipend for veteran hawkers and extending eligibility to those with less than 15 years of experience.
The Minister, Grace Fu Hai Yien, explained that the scheme aims to sustain hawker heritage through apprenticeship and mentorship, with consultations already held with hawkers, associations, food advocates, and culinary experts, and an independent advisory panel will be formed to guide the process.
The pilot scheme will initially consider veteran hawkers with at least 15 years of experience but is open to exceptions, and NEA is finalising stipend details and plans to launch the pilot later this year with a two-year evaluation to be shared upon completion.
The Ministry highlighted that aspiring hawkers can already join the Hawkers’ Development Programme for training and mentorship, while the new scheme specifically focuses on pairing retiring veterans with successors.

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10 May 2021

Efforts to Care for Migrant Workers' Mental Well-being and Allow for Measured Access to Facilities Beyond their Dormitories

The Ministry of Manpower has expanded migrant workers' recreation opportunities, including more frequent and longer visits to recreation centres and reopened in-dorm communal facilities, while keeping them updated on COVID-19 measures through the FWMOMCare app.
To support mental well-being, a multi-stakeholder taskforce called Project DAWN was established to develop a comprehensive support ecosystem, with counselling in native languages, mental health resources, and training for frontline professionals and peer support leaders.
Restrictions are being eased in a safe, gradual manner, with controlled community visits allowed when dormitory cases remain low and further easing possible when vaccination rates are high and transmission risks are reduced.

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10 May 2021

Restructuring in the Local News Media

The Government supports SPH’s proposal to restructure its media business into a Company Limited by Guarantee to ensure its long-term sustainability, citing the global decline in traditional media revenue and the need for digital transformation.
The new CLG structure will allow the media business to operate on commercial principles while reinvesting surpluses, with the Government committing to provide funding support for digital innovation and capability development.
The Minister emphasized that the restructuring will preserve editorial independence and high journalistic standards, with safeguards under the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act to maintain trust and avoid political interference.

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10 May 2021

Sustainability of Local Print News Industry amidst Shift Towards Digital News

Darryl David and Jessica Tan sought government action to sustain the local print news industry amid digital shifts and international competition.
Dr Janil Puthucheary requested permission to address the questions in a ministerial statement by Minister Iswaran later that day.
The Deputy Speaker granted consent and moved to Question No 22, indicating the debate was deferred for a formal government response.

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5 Apr 2021

Limits in Place for Construction of Building Structures on Land Designated as National Park

Gerald Giam asked about limits on building structures in national parks, why Bedok Reservoir Park and Coney Island Park were chosen for specific projects, and whether such facilities could be built outside parks to preserve greenery.
Desmond Lee explained that compatible facilities are placed in or near parks to enhance visitor amenities while minimizing environmental impact through design integration and careful site selection.
The HomeTeamNS Bedok Clubhouse was chosen to provide more amenities for park visitors and waterfront access, with its design intended to blend into the park environment.
The Outward Bound Singapore campus at Coney Island was selected for its accessibility and suitability for outdoor programs, with efforts to enhance greenery during construction.

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5 Apr 2021

Status and Outcome of Police Investigations into Report by SportSG in April 2017 on Alleged Misuse of Funds Resulting in Police Raids on Local Football Clubs

Sylvia Lim inquired about the status and outcome of police investigations into a 2017 SportSG report alleging misuse of funds that led to raids on the Football Association of Singapore and three local football clubs.
Minister K Shanmugam stated that the Attorney-General's Chambers is reviewing the investigation findings by the Commercial Affairs Department.
He indicated it was not appropriate to comment further on the matter at this time.
The response confirmed the investigation is ongoing pending legal review.

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5 Apr 2021

Ensuring Students have Basic Swimming Proficiency and Water Survival Skills to Minimise Drowning Incidents

Member of Parliament Gerald Giam inquired about the implementation of the SwimSafer 2.0 programme in primary schools, the percentage of Primary 6 and Secondary 4 students who completed stages 1 to 3 in 2020, and how the Ministry ensures all students have basic swimming skills.
Minister Lawrence Wong confirmed that all primary schools use the SwimSafer programme, typically enrolling the entire Primary 3 cohort, with 2019 data showing 83%, 55%, and 39% of participants met Stage 1, 2, and 3 requirements, respectively, though the 2020 cohort faced disruptions due to COVID.
The Minister highlighted that students who fail Stage 1 can receive remediation and re-testing, and the programme is fully funded by the Ministry of Education and conducted during curriculum time to ensure universal access.

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5 Apr 2021

Resumption of Team Sports for National School Games

Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Education about allowing team sports such as football, hockey, and netball to resume for the National School Games and how the Ministry is collaborating with schools to restart these activities.
The Minister for Education, Lawrence Wong, confirmed that the National School Games will resume from 29 March to 27 May 2021 for select non-contact sports to reduce COVID-19 transmission risks, but team sports involving physical contact will not be included at this stage.
The Ministry will continue monitoring the situation and work with sports councils and schools to ensure safe conduct, reviewing plans as needed based on the national posture.

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5 Apr 2021

Organising Major Events Under COVID-19 Restrictions

Edwin Tong outlined the successful execution of the Singapore Tennis Open with strict COVID-19 measures, including daily testing and bubbling of international personnel, safe management protocols for staff and spectators, and close coordination among agencies and partners.
The event demonstrated that major international sporting events can be safely hosted under pandemic restrictions, serving as a model for future events.
The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth plans to host more international and major sporting events in Singapore, with continued collaboration with health authorities to implement safe management measures.

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5 Apr 2021

Plagiarisation of "Count On Me Singapore" Song and Actions against Infringements of National Symbols

The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) addressed the plagiarism of "Count on Me Singapore" by an Indian composer, noting that the infringing party apologized and withdrew their claims after the Ministry pressed for substantiation, avoiding protracted legal action.
MCCY monitors for infringements of national symbols through media checks, online sensing, and public feedback, and is reviewing rules and intellectual property protections while emphasizing public respect for national symbols.
The Government generally holds copyright to national songs, requiring permission for public performances, and takes a measured approach to enforcement, balancing protection of rights with practical resolution.

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8 Mar 2021

Incentivise Local Chefs to Innovate and Create Unique Local Dishes to Enhance Singapore's Hawker Heritage

Member Christopher de Souza proposed a programme to incentivise local chefs to innovate and create unique local dishes to enhance Singapore's hawker heritage.
Minister Edwin Tong affirmed that Hawker Culture is a living heritage that evolves, citing examples of innovative hawkers featured in Singapore's UNESCO inscription.
He stated that MCCY and NHB are committed to safeguarding and promoting hawker culture, including through partnerships, documentation, and research projects.
NEA has programmes like the Incubation Stall Programme and Hawkers' Development Programme to support aspiring hawkers and foster innovation.
The government is confident that continued community support will sustain a vibrant hawker culture with new and innovative dishes.

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8 Mar 2021

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

The debate highlighted the need to bolster Singapore's cultural soul and sports sector, with calls for support for local arts, football development, and safe sports environments, while emphasizing community resilience and digital adaptation amid COVID-19.
Members raised concerns about the Malay/Muslim community, including questions on religious leadership, halal certification, and job support, with ministers outlining efforts to strengthen community programs, upskill workers, and promote interfaith harmony.
The arts and culture sector sought more support for digital transformation and livelihoods, with the government announcing enhanced funding and initiatives to sustain jobs and innovation, while also celebrating heritage like hawker culture.

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3 Mar 2021

Temporary Occupation Licences for Properties Already Acquired by and Reverted to Government

The Minister explained that Temporary Occupation Licences (TOLs) for government-acquired properties are assessed on a case-by-case basis, considering factors like the property's nature, heritage value, immediate use needs, and potential redevelopment plans.
TOLs are short-term instruments to maintain flexibility for the government, with decisions on renewal or termination influenced by the licensee's use, breaches of conditions, or land requirements for redevelopment; consultations with agencies like URA or MCCY occur before issuance.
The government considers requests to pass TOLs to surviving relatives upon the death of a licensee, evaluating each case on its merits, context, and other relevant factors.
In response to a supplementary question, the Minister stated that TOL extensions (beyond one year) could be considered for properties with strong heritage cases, taking into account community use and heritage value, though specific durations depend on redevelopment timelines and discretion.
The government engages with heritage groups and other stakeholders as part of the consultative process when making TOL decisions, though final authority rests with the Singapore Land Authority.

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2 Mar 2021

Annual Visitorship to Haw Par Villa, Progress of Upgrading Works and Plans for Conservation

Annual visitorship to Haw Par Villa increased from 180,000 in 2016 to 344,000 in 2019, then dropped to 109,000 in 2020 due to COVID-19 closures; the operator is responsible for maintenance and developing initiatives to attract visitors, with upgrading works on track for reopening in Q3 2021 with enhancements like night lighting and air conditioning.
STB collaborates with NHB to preserve the site’s heritage, using a 2017 study to guide repair and upkeep efforts, but has not commented on gazetting the park as a national monument or conservation area.
Future plans for Haw Par Villa over the next 10–20 years were not detailed in the response, with the focus remaining on current upgrading and heritage conservation.

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1 Mar 2021

Conservation and Redevelopment Plans for Jalan Kubor Cemetery Area

The Jalan Kubor Cemetery area is zoned "Residential" under the 1998 Master Plan to meet future housing needs, but specific redevelopment plans and timelines are yet to be finalized and will depend on future detailed studies.
The National Heritage Board completed a 2014 study documenting the cemetery's history and personalities buried there, and the Urban Redevelopment Authority will collaborate with NHB and expert panels to consider the site's heritage aspects in future planning.
There is no immediate commitment to conserve the area as part of the Kampong Glam conservation zone, as redevelopment is subject to ongoing assessments and detailed studies.

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1 Mar 2021

Review of Alleged Misappropriation and Pawning of Ceremonial Jewellery at Hindu Endowments Board

Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth about the Hindu Endowments Board's review of alleged misappropriation and pawning of gold ceremonial jewellery worth over $2 million between 2016 and 2020, and steps to prevent recurrence.
The Minister confirmed the incident occurred at the Sri Mariamman Temple, with the former Chief Priest charged under the Penal Code and other Acts, and the case is before the courts.
The Hindu Endowments Board conducted a special audit of gold inventories across all its temples, found no other irregularities, and is improving governance, including better gold movement registers and tighter oversight.
The Board is increasing audits, including unannounced ones, and working with the Commissioner of Charities to strengthen controls and share lessons with other Hindu temple charities.
The response emphasised serious follow-up actions to prevent future abuse and ensure proper management of ceremonial jewellery across all endowments.

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