Arts, culture & sports — Topics

7 Oct 2019

Economic and Other Benefits of Hosting F1 Singapore Grand Prix Beyond 2021

Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked about the economic and other benefits of hosting the F1 Singapore Grand Prix and whether these benefits continue beyond 2021.
Between 2008 and 2018, the event attracted over 490,000 international visitors, generating more than S$1.4 billion in tourism receipts and benefiting local businesses.
The Grand Prix has been broadcast to a global audience of over 840 million viewers, enhancing Singapore's international visibility.
The government will evaluate the costs versus benefits to decide on continuing the event beyond 2021.
The debate focused on assessing both tangible economic impacts and intangible benefits like global exposure for future considerations.

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7 Oct 2019

Ensuring Media Literacy Council's Materials are Appropriate for Schools

Anthea Ong inquired about the Media Literacy Council's guidelines on fake news, satire, and age-appropriate materials, as well as the Ministry's overall media literacy plan including the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act.
Leon Perera asked about the printing and distribution statistics of the "Get Smart with Sherlock" booklet and requested a review of the vetting processes for such materials.
S Iswaran explained that the Council does not issue guidelines but promotes online safety and civility through its "Be Safe, Be Smart, and Be Kind" themes, and noted that the "Get Smart with Sherlock" guide was intended for adults but was distributed to 29 schools, leading to advisories for parent use and a halt in distribution.

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4 Sep 2019

Nurturing Local Start-ups and Talent in Electronic Game Development and E-sports

The government is supporting local game and e-sports start-ups through initiatives like Startup SG and PIXEL, while also fostering talent via courses at institutions like DigiPen and by attracting international studios.
Officials emphasized that market mechanisms should guide commercial decisions, such as publisher agreements, and that public funds should address market failures rather than pick winners.
Concerns were raised about post-graduate training avenues and gaming addiction, with the government highlighting on-the-job learning with leading companies and prevention-focused efforts to manage gaming disorders.

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2 Sep 2019

Strategic Plans for Singapore's National Football Team to Qualify for FIFA World Cup in 2034

The Minister for Culture, Community and Youth acknowledges the ambition for the national football team to qualify for the 2034 FIFA World Cup and commits to supporting the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) in its strategic planning.
The government welcomes input from the FAS on its specific plans and how the football community and government can collaborate to achieve this goal.
The debate underscores the need for a comprehensive strategy involving sports development, community engagement, and governmental support to realize the 2034 World Cup qualification objective.

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6 Aug 2019

Extension of Duration of Bicentennial Exhibition

Christopher de Souza proposed extending the Bicentennial Exhibition to the end of 2020 or making it permanent and updatable for future milestones like Singapore’s 60th birthday in 2025.
The Prime Minister’s Office responded that the exhibition has been well-received with over 300,000 visitors and is reviewing requests for extension or permanence, considering costs, technical implications, and appropriate formats.
De Souza also suggested adding an interactive survey about future priorities like defence, education, and trade, in addition to the existing one on Singapore’s DNA.
The Minister acknowledged the suggestions, stating the Bicentennial Office will consider extending the exhibition, updating it for milestones, and exploring the new survey idea.
Both sides emphasized the exhibition’s value in educating Singaporeans on history and identity, with plans to share future decisions in due course.

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5 Aug 2019

Guidelines for Wearing of Headgear Worn in Celebration of Racial Harmony Day in Schools

The Ministry of Education allows students to wear headgear that complements ethnic outfits during Racial Harmony Day celebrations in schools.
However, headgear may not be permitted for safety reasons during activities like Physical Education, laboratory work, or workshops, even on this day.
Some schools recently conveyed requirements in a way that led to misunderstandings, which have since been clarified with parents.

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5 Aug 2019

Total Hours of Children Programmes Broadcast on Free-to-air Television Channels

Over the last three years, free-to-air channels broadcast about 90 hours of children’s programmes weekly, broken down into six hours in Chinese, 78 in English, three in Malay, and four in Tamil, with more than 70% classified as educational.
Educational examples include the bilingual preschool series Junction Tree, the International Emmy-nominated historical drama Shahrukh & Warsan, and the interactive Mandarin series Train Your Brain.
Mediacorp consolidates children’s content on Toggle Kids for a safe digital environment and enhances navigability, while the broadcaster self-regulates under IMDA codes to ensure programmes are wholesome and free from inappropriate advertising.

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5 Aug 2019

Taking Busking to the Next Level

Louis Ng proposed easing busking regulations by allowing more than five busking sites per applicant, exploring a mobile app to show available spots, and implementing a ballot system for popular locations to ensure fair access.
He highlighted the need for specific sites and times for circus acts, which require more space and face challenges due to first-come-first-served rules.
Ng announced plans for a new Buskers Association to support the community and collaboration with the National Arts Council, while also committing to new busking sites in Nee Soon East.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary agreed to support trials of these ideas, including balloting and designated sites, and welcomed the formation of the Buskers Association to co-create guidelines.
Both speakers emphasized the importance of busking in adding vibrancy to public spaces and supporting artists’ livelihoods, while fostering collaboration between the government, venue owners, and the busking community.

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5 Aug 2019

Update on Review of Sports Hub Public-Private Partnership Arrangement

Seah Kian Peng asked for an update on the review of the Sports Hub public-private partnership arrangement and whether the Ministry is satisfied with its outcomes.
Grace Fu highlighted the Sports Hub's hosting of major events but noted room for improvement and that Sport Singapore monitors the operator's performance to ensure national objectives are met.
Seah raised follow-up questions on lessons learned from the PPP and the status of the new CEO search, noting the current acting CEO arrangement is not ideal.
Grace Fu stated that detailed learning points from the PPP should be addressed via a separate parliamentary question and acknowledged concerns about management continuity, with the Chairman currently serving as acting CEO.
Both the Ministry and the company are engaged in ongoing discussions to ensure high-quality management at the Sports Hub.

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5 Aug 2019

Rationale for Inability to Recover Overpayment Amount for Contract Variations in National Gallery Development Project

The Ministry explained that the $13 million was a waiver of penalties for delays, not an overpayment, and was part of contract variations necessary for a complex project involving two monuments.
The Minister clarified that the Auditor-General’s finding about recovering the amount was due to it being too late, not fraud, and the Ministry’s audit found no need for major recoveries.
The National Gallery Singapore is enhancing its financial and procurement processes following the audit, with the Ministry working to implement recommendations from the Auditor-General.

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8 Jul 2019

Achieving Arts Excellence in Singapore

Mr Terence Ho proposed that Singapore achieve arts excellence by grooming top professionals and boosting the arts ecosystem, suggesting the upgrade of arts academies like NAFA and LASALLE into a full-fledged university and establishing clear career pathways for artists.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng acknowledged the importance of arts in nation-building and agreed on supporting talent development, noting the existing range of arts education options and the need to carefully study the proposal for an arts university.
The government highlighted ongoing initiatives to support freelancers, grow audiences, and provide platforms for young artists, while committing to partner with the arts community to sustain a vibrant and globally recognized arts scene.

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7 May 2019

Fires Involving Conserved Heritage Buildings

The SCDF responded to 104 fires involving conserved buildings from 2016 to 2018, and the Fire Code, last updated in 2018, includes specific requirements for older structures such as fire-rated floorboards and alarms for conserved shophouses.
The Ministry will amend the Fire Safety Act to require owners of conserved buildings that have not undergone upgrades to carry out critical fire safety upgrades if deemed necessary.
For renovation and alteration works, Qualified Persons like registered architects and professional engineers ensure compliance with the Fire Code, with an independent Registered Inspector verifying completion and SCDF conducting random audits and inspections.

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1 Apr 2019

Statistics and Review on Application of Number of Busking Sites and Audition Cycles for Buskers

Mr Louis Ng questioned why only five busking sites are allocated to each successful applicant and asked if there are plans to expand the number of designated sites, audition cycles, and audition slots.
He also requested statistics on the number of Busking Card applications received, rejections, top reasons for rejection, and fully booked audition slots over the past five years.
The Minister explained that the Busking Scheme aims to enhance vibrancy and provide arts opportunities, with about 300 applications received annually and 600 audition slots available quarterly, of which 80% were used last year.
The audition panel assesses competency, audience engagement, expressiveness, and originality, and successful applicants are allocated sites to ensure a good spread across Singapore to prevent overcrowding and dis-amenities.
Over 90% of buskers receive at least one preferred location, and currently, around 300 approved buskers operate across more than 80 locations.

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8 Mar 2019

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

The debate highlighted the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth’s efforts in fostering citizen engagement, community building, and national identity, with members questioning how to move beyond top-down approaches to more inclusive, ground-up participation, especially among youths and diverse communities.
Key topics included support for madrasahs and the Malay/Muslim community (e.g., M3 initiative, asatizah development), with calls for updates on programs, funding, and inter-agency collaboration to address educational and social needs.
Members also discussed enhancing arts, sports, and heritage sectors, emphasizing inclusivity, accessibility for persons with disabilities, overseas exposure for talents, and the need for systemic changes to support athletes and artists.

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13 Feb 2019

Cancellation of Art Stage Singapore Shortly before Opening

Leon Perera questioned the government's support for exhibitors affected by Art Stage Singapore's last-minute cancellation and measures to ensure the future viability of art fairs in Singapore.
Minister Grace Fu explained that while government agencies had supported Art Stage, they do not share commercial risks, and the arts community, including private and non-profit organizations, rallied to support affected exhibitors through alternative events like ARTery.
The Minister reaffirmed Singapore's commitment to being a global hub for Southeast Asian art, highlighting the resilience of the arts ecosystem despite the disappointment of the cancellation.
Leon Perera raised concerns about declining exhibitor numbers and the local collector base, asking if strategies would change, and suggested an early warning system for event cancellations to avoid disruptions.
Minister Fu responded that while the government encourages commercial proposals and monitors market growth, imposing financial disclosures on private organizers is inappropriate, and she remains optimistic about Singapore's art market despite the setback.

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12 Feb 2019

Efforts to Reflect Women’s Contributions to Nation-building in Singapore Bicentennial Celebration

Prof Lim Sun Sun asked if the Singapore Bicentennial celebration will better reflect women's contributions to nation-building.
The Prime Minister's Office responded that the Bicentennial will highlight diverse contributions, including women, through stories of individuals like Hajjah Fatimah and Checha Davies, and through partnerships with over 270 community groups.
Specific efforts include featuring women's narratives on social media, studying female philanthropists, and creating heritage trails related to groups such as the Samsui women.

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11 Feb 2019

Renewal of Completely Utilised Active SG Credits

Prof Fatimah Lateef asked about the renewal of Active SG credits after full use and any potential changes to terms.
Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that the $100 credit was a one-time incentive introduced in 2014 to promote an active lifestyle.
Currently, there are no plans to renew credits for members who have fully used them, but efforts to encourage active lifestyles continue.

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11 Feb 2019

More Support for Athletes About to Retire from Sports

The Minister affirmed the government's comprehensive support for athletes transitioning out of high-performance sports through partnerships with the Singapore Sport Institute and the spexBusiness Network, which provides career opportunities, mentorship, and professional development.
Since 2013, 230 athletes have benefited from these programs, with examples including positions at companies like Deloitte and Toyota, as well as support for entrepreneurial ventures.
National Sports Associations are encouraged to adopt similar initiatives, with some already offering bursaries and educational arrangements to aid athletes' post-career transitions.
The development of Singapore's sports ecosystem has created more pathways for retired athletes to pursue careers in sports, such as coaching, continuing to contribute to the community.

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11 Feb 2019

Profiteering by Scalpers who Resell Tickets for Concerts and Sports Events at High Prices

Mr Ong Teng Koon asked the Minister for Trade and Industry if legislation will be considered to prevent professional scalpers from profiteering on resold event tickets.
Minister Chan Chun Sing stated that there is no general prohibition on resale, with prices determined by willing buyers and sellers, and the government should not set profit margins.
He advised consumers to check terms, compare prices, and verify ticket legitimacy with official organisers to protect themselves.
Consumers can report unfair trading practices to CASE, while the Competition and Consumer Commission and Police can investigate and take action against errant suppliers.
The response emphasises consumer vigilance and existing regulatory avenues rather than new legislation to control resale prices.

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15 Jan 2019

Culture Pass for Events to Encourage Cultural Discovery

Mr Terence Ho proposed a "culture pass" mobile app offering credits for students and seniors to attend cultural events, similar to the ActiveSG scheme, to promote cultural discovery.
The Ministry acknowledged the importance of culture in Singapore and highlighted existing initiatives like free admission to museums, annual festivals, and community-based arts and heritage programs that have increased public engagement.
The Ministry, along with the National Arts Council and National Heritage Board, committed to considering the "culture pass" suggestion as part of ongoing plans to expand audience reach and leverage technology.

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