Arts, culture & sports — Topics

25 Feb 2021

Heritage Impact Assessment for Proposed Redevelopment or Change to Land Use

Leon Perera proposed a mandatory heritage impact assessment for sites deemed significant by the public or not-for-profit groups, even if not formally conserved, and asked how URA and other boards integrate heritage considerations beyond URA's Conservation Department.
Desmond Lee affirmed the value of built heritage for identity and history, noting that Singapore balances heritage preservation with development needs through a systematic, consultative planning framework.
He explained that all development proposals are evaluated for heritage impact, with URA collaborating with NHB, expert panels, and stakeholders to incorporate heritage considerations upstream in land use planning.
He highlighted ongoing efforts, such as NHB's heritage surveys, URA's research on areas of heritage interest, and engagement with the Heritage and Identity Partnership and the public to guide long-term planning and specific site developments.
Lee emphasized partnerships with stakeholders to protect heritage while developing the city, citing examples like the Bukit Timah Fire Station and Pasir Panjang Power District, and noted upcoming public feedback on long-term plans.

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2 Feb 2021

Number of Films, Videos, Plays and Others Requiring Content Changes Before Approval for General Dissemination in Past Five Years

Over the past five years, the Infocomm Media Development Authority received 24,196 film classification applications and 5,001 for Arts Entertainment content.
137 films (0.57%) required edits before approval, primarily due to offensive religious content or explicit sexual depictions.
18 Arts Entertainment productions (0.36%) were edited, with a small minority involving promotion of terrorism or violence.

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1 Feb 2021

Number and Types of CCAs Offered at Primary and Secondary Schools

For 2019 and 2020, primary schools had a median of five physical sports CCAs and 12 (2019) or 11 (2020) non-sports CCAs, while secondary schools had six physical sports CCAs and 15 (2019) or 14 (2020) non-sports CCAs.
Non-sports CCAs are typically more numerous than physical sports CCAs due to their broader range across visual and performing arts, uniformed groups, and clubs.
The government avoids naming schools with the fewest CCAs to prevent unfair comparisons and instead supports them through external partnerships and programs to expand CCA access based on student needs.

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1 Feb 2021

Continued Vibrancy and Sustainability of Singapore’s Hawker Culture

The Ministry highlights long-term priorities to sustain Singapore’s hawker culture, focusing on addressing manpower constraints through productivity measures like centralised dishwashing and automation subsidies.
Initiatives are in place to attract new hawkers by keeping rents reasonable, offering incubation stalls, and providing training through apprenticeships and a succession scheme for retiring veterans.
New hawker centres are designed with improved infrastructure, including larger stalls, better ventilation, family-friendly amenities, and provisions for automated systems to support sustainability and hygiene.

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4 Jan 2021

Update on Next Phase of Rail Corridor plan

Liang Eng Hwa sought an update on the next phase of the Rail Corridor plan, the completion timeline for the northern stretch, and whether new stretches will have seamless connections to nearby HDB towns like Bukit Panjang.
Desmond Lee stated that the Rail Corridor, spanning 24 km, is being developed as a continuous green corridor to enhance biodiversity and heritage, with works ongoing along the southern and central stretches since 2018.
By 1Q 2021, a continuous trail from Spooner Road to Hillview Road will be available, and the northern stretch is already accessible with improvement works starting early 2021.
The corridor is linked to towns like Bukit Batok, Bukit Panjang, and Choa Chu Kang via the Western Adventure Loop, with new access paths planned for easier integration.
More details will be released as the project progresses, ensuring the corridor serves as an inclusive community space for all users.

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3 Nov 2020

Busking Despite On-going COVID-19 Situation

Louis Ng asked whether buskers can resume performing, when, and if not, why not, given the ongoing COVID-19 situation.
Edwin Tong responded that the Ministry is exploring safe busking pilots at selected venues with strict health measures, but faces challenges like high-risk activities and crowd management.
The Ministry is encouraging buskers to use digital platforms and upskill, with initiatives like online performances and virtual talks to support the arts community during the pandemic.

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3 Nov 2020

Digital Distribution of Government's Tourism Vouchers to Singaporeans including the Elderly and Extension of Use of Vouchers to Arts-related Activities

Members of Parliament raised concerns about the digital distribution of tourism vouchers, the need to assist seniors unfamiliar with SingPass, fraud prevention, and expanding voucher use to arts-related activities.
The Minister of State outlined that vouchers can be redeemed via SingPass with physical touchpoints at community centres and booking platforms to help seniors, while safeguards include SingPass authentication, audits, and public advisories against scams.
Arts-related activities are not directly eligible, but museums and galleries can qualify as tourist attractions, and arts organisations can bundle offerings with eligible merchants; the government supports the arts sector through other schemes like the Jobs Support Scheme and Arts and Culture Resilience Package.
The Ministry plans to collaborate with social service organizations and community centres to create senior-friendly tours and off-peak sessions, while exploring additional physical touchpoints and managing attraction capacity safely across the voucher validity period.

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2 Nov 2020

Disbursement of $55 Million to Arts Sector since Its Announcement in March 2020

Edwin Tong reported that of the $55 million announced in March 2020, the funds have been disbursed through several grant schemes including the ACRP Operating Grant, Capability Development Scheme for the Arts, and Digitalisation Fund, generating over 10,000 work and training opportunities and supporting nearly 1,200 digitalization projects.
The initiatives also provided rental waivers and venue hire subsidies to help arts organizations manage costs, with the ACRP Operating Grant expected to benefit over 300 organizations.
No specific timeline was provided for the disbursement of the remaining funds, but the minister outlined the overall goal to safeguard livelihoods, retain talent, and position the sector for post-COVID recovery.

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2 Nov 2020

Update on Access to and Use of Recreation Centres by Migrant Workers Cleared for Work

Miss Rachel Ong asked the Ministry of Manpower for an update on migrant workers' access to recreation centres, including the percentage who have used them, access schedules for those cleared but not working, and a timeline for full social access.
Mrs Josephine Teo responded that trials began in August 2020, with eight recreation centres offering services and allocated timeslots to prevent overcrowding, and eligibility requires no dormitory infections and negative COVID-19 tests or recovery.
As of late October, about 150,000 dormitory residents (50% of total) were included in trials, with 30,000 (20% of participants) visiting recreation centres, and access was expanded from 31 October to all cleared dormitory residents.
The ministry is studying how to support migrant workers' recreational needs while managing transmission risks from large gatherings and prolonged interactions.

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2 Nov 2020

Development of E-sports and Gaming Industries in Singapore

There are approximately 190 game development and publishing companies operating in Singapore, including local players like SEA Group and multinationals such as Ubisoft.
The industry is expected to require about 2,700 info-communications and media professionals over the next two years to support growth in roles such as Software Programmer, Games Producer, and Project Manager.
Initiatives like DigiPen (Singapore) and IMDA's partnerships with companies are being used to train local talent for e-sports and gaming jobs, including plans to develop 500 Data/Business Analysts, Engineers, and other professionals with SEA Group.

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14 Oct 2020

Proposal for Students to Learn Alongside Differently Abled or Special Needs Students

The Ministry of Education stated that about 80% of students with special educational needs are already integrated into mainstream schools, where they learn alongside peers and are supported by Allied Educators.
Special Education (SPED) schools have satellite partnerships with mainstream schools to facilitate joint activities like community service and arts, fostering social interaction and inclusivity.
Inclusive initiatives include joint participation in events like the National School Games and Singapore Youth Festival, as well as programmes like the Play Inclusive campaign and an inclusive sailing pilot with Outward Bound Singapore.

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6 Oct 2020

Final Cost of Revamp of National Archives Building and Amount of Budget Overrun

The revamp of the National Archives building had an original budget of $37 million, with the restoration and construction works originally projected at $20.53 million but finalised at $22.25 million due to unanticipated structural and site issues.
Despite the $1.72 million increase in construction costs, the overall project was completed within the $37 million budget without requiring additional funding.
The National Library Board has addressed the lapses highlighted by the Auditor-General for FY2019/20 by conducting an internal review and tightening procurement and contract management processes.

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6 Oct 2020

Measures to Restrict Young's Access to Harmful and Dangerous Content Available through Streaming Services

The Minister explained that IMDA regulates streaming services with a Content Code requiring rating and prominent display of content classifications, including NC16, M18, or R21 for sensitive themes like suicide, to inform viewers and protect the young.
Service providers must implement parental locks for content rated NC16 or higher, and R21 content requires a reliable age verification mechanism and a PIN lock by default, ensuring restricted access for minors.
Internet Access Service Providers are required to offer parental control services, allowing parents to manage their children’s access to online content, alongside public awareness efforts to promote responsible online behavior.
The Minister acknowledged that regulation alone cannot block all undesirable content due to the internet’s borderless nature, emphasizing the need for public awareness and initiatives like the Media Literacy Council’s campaigns.
IMDA reviews content based on feedback and engages providers to rectify inappropriate ratings, reinforcing a multi-faceted approach to safeguarding young people from harmful streaming content.

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6 Oct 2020

Increasing Support for the Sustenance of Livelihoods amongst Performing Arts Workers

MP Carrie Tan highlighted the arts sector's struggles, noting a 50% funding drop and proposing measures like extended JSS, broader Digitalisation Fund eligibility, wage guidelines, and capacity-building, using examples of low-income artists and international success stories like South Korea.
Minister Low Yen Ling clarified that arts funding actually increased, outlined existing support schemes including the $55 million Arts and Culture Resilience Package, and explained that JSS provides up to 50% wage support for the sector, contradicting Tan's claim of only 10%.
The government is implementing measures such as the Capability Development Scheme, Digital Presentation Grant for arts, and commissioning projects to support freelancers, while also working with institutions to help workers access relief and promote fair employment practices.
Both sides emphasized the arts' role in national cohesion and recovery, with Tan calling for greater investment akin to historical examples like the New Deal, and Low urging continued partnership to strengthen the sector post-COVID.

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5 Oct 2020

Plans for National School Games (NSG) Competitions and School Sporting Events in Q1 2021

The Minister for Education confirmed that National School Games (NSG) and similar sporting events were cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19.
Plans are in place to resume NSG in 2021 with enhanced Safe Management Measures, focusing on minimizing intermingling and ensuring hygiene.
Modifications to some sports may be implemented to allow safe participation, with details to be announced later.
Schools have already resumed some sports co-curricular activities within current national guidelines.
MOE is committed to providing a holistic education while maintaining a safe learning environment.

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5 Oct 2020

Safe Distancing Guidelines for Outdoor Live Performances

Henry Kwek asked the Ministry to work with the National Arts Council on specific safe distancing guidelines for outdoor live performances, instead of blanket restrictions, to help artists earn a living.
Minister Edwin Tong acknowledged the arts sector’s struggles and highlighted global COVID-19 risks from live performances, citing examples in the Netherlands and Japan.
The Ministry and NAC are developing safe management measures through pilots at indoor and outdoor venues to resume live performances safely.
Successful pilots, like a traditional music performance at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre, will guide the gradual scaling of live events while prioritizing health safety.
The public is urged to support the arts through online shows and donations, and to cooperate with new safe management measures during this transition.

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24 Aug 2020

Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth

MCCY will build social capital and community resilience by expanding volunteer networks, supporting ground-up movements, and helping Singaporeans stay connected through initiatives like SG Cares and digital platforms for religious and cultural activities.
The ministry is safeguarding and growing the arts, heritage, and sports sectors through funding, digitalisation, training, and new opportunities like the #SGCultureAnywhere campaign and support for athletes, including the Inspire Fund.
MCCY is focusing on youth development by creating digital corps roles, providing life skills and Asia-ready exposure, and strengthening mental well-being resources and peer support networks.
The ministry will facilitate national conversations like Emerging Stronger Conversations and SG Together Action Networks to co-create solutions and strengthen social cohesion post-COVID-19.
MCCY aims to preserve and showcase Singapore’s culture and heritage, including the nomination of Hawker Culture for UNESCO recognition, while promoting respectful dialogue on race and religion.

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4 Jun 2020

Availability of Tertiary-Level Courses Related to E-sports

Melvin Yong asked the Minister for Education about the number of tertiary institutions offering e-sports courses and plans to expand such diploma and undergraduate programmes to meet workforce demand.
Ong Ye Kung responded that no institutes of higher learning currently offer specific e-sports courses, but students can gain relevant skills through broader programmes like Game Design, Infocomm Technology, and Sports Management.
Some institutions incorporate e-sports elements into existing curricula, such as Republic Polytechnic’s Diploma in Business with a Sport Management specialisation, which includes internships and projects in the e-sports industry.
Additional e-sports engagement exists through student clubs and research centres, like NUS’ E-Gaming Society, SMU’s eSports, and SUTD’s Game Lab.

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26 May 2020

Help for Artiste and Arts Groups during COVID-19 Pandemic

The Senior Parliamentary Secretary outlined that artists and arts groups can access broad-based government schemes like the Enhanced Jobs Support Scheme and the COVID-19 Support Grant, while the National Arts Council maintains its funding for major companies and project grants.
A $55 million Arts and Culture Resilience Package (ACRP) is being used to support digital commissions, online performances, and training programs, with allocations tailored to the sector's evolving needs until the end of 2020.
In response to a question about buskers, it was confirmed that NAC is reaching out to them, including through online platforms like *SCAPE to enable performances and maintain audience engagement.

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5 May 2020

Impact of Home-Based Learning and School Closures on Students Applying to Secondary Schools under Direct School Admission

The Direct School Admission (DSA) exercise will proceed this year with a similar application timeline, but evaluation methods will shift to video-conferencing for interviews and e-auditions, with students participating from their primary schools to ensure safety and equity.
Schools will rely more on students' track records, online applications, and demonstrated passion, character, and dedication, especially in the absence of national sports trials, and will use transparent and fair criteria for selection.
Primary schools will actively encourage students from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply for DSA, with MOE providing details to ensure equitable access.
The education system views the pandemic as an opportunity to advance reforms, such as reducing exam emphasis and enhancing digital literacy and character education, reinforcing the importance of evaluating potential and character beyond traditional metrics.

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