Arts, culture & sports — Topics

15 Jan 2019

Nominating Singapore's Hawker Culture for UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Culture Heritage of Humanity

The National Heritage Board is preparing materials for Singapore’s nomination of hawker culture to UNESCO, with a committee guiding the effort until results are announced in late 2020.
Over 220,000 pledges of support and more than 8,000 pledge cards have been collected from Singaporeans across various public spaces and events.
Community groups, schools, and businesses have actively contributed by submitting letters, organizing projects, and volunteering to raise awareness for the nomination.

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15 Jan 2019

Objections to Performance of RuPauls' Drag Race Show in Singapore

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah raised concerns about objections, approval criteria, censorship processes, and age restrictions for the RuPaul's Drag Race show in Singapore.
S Iswaran explained that IMDA uses the Arts Entertainment Classification Code to assess performances, with LGBT content often leading to higher age classifications like R18.
The show has been classified R18 in past instances, and IMDA is currently assessing a 2019 application for the performance under the established regulatory framework.

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14 Jan 2019

Review of Singapore Youth Festival Arts Presentation

Mr Terence Ho Wee San asked about a review of the Singapore Youth Festival Arts Presentation and the participation rate and performing standards of past festivals.
Minister Ong Ye Kung stated that the Ministry of Education regularly reviews the SYF, which has promoted arts in schools since 1966, with the current format introduced in 2012 to enhance students' appreciation and joy of learning in the arts.
Participation in the SYF Arts Presentation has remained steady over the last six years, with rates of 5-6% for primary and junior college/centralised institute drama and 7-8% for secondary and junior college/centralised institute levels across artforms.
Feedback from judges indicates that performance standards across various artforms have been consistently positive, and performing standards have been stable since the current format was introduced.

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14 Jan 2019

Sports and Arts Programmes to Replace Weighted Examinations for P1 and P2 Students

The Ministry of Education (MOE) has removed all weighted assessments and examinations for Primary 1 and 2 students since 2019 to help them adapt to school without early academic pressure.
Sports and arts are core parts of the curriculum, with about a quarter of lower primary curriculum time dedicated to these areas through lessons and the Programme for Active Learning.
The freed-up curriculum time from removing exams will be used for pacing teaching and adopting diverse strategies to enrich learning and build confidence in students.
MOE believes this approach fosters curiosity and prepares students better for lifelong learning, as opposed to being driven by exams and grades from a young age.
The Ministry’s current programmes are designed to help students discover their strengths and interests, which will guide their co-curricular choices in higher primary levels.

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14 Jan 2019

The Arts as an Integral Part of Our People and a Strategic National Resource

Terence Ho emphasized making traditional arts integral to Singapore’s society to connect communities, proposing a “Culture Pass” app, more infrastructure, and aligning government ministries to support arts as a strategic resource.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary acknowledged the arts’ role in national identity and well-being, noting increased arts attendance and highlighting government initiatives like the “Our SG Arts Plan,” cultural infrastructure investments, and partnerships to engage diverse communities.
Both speakers agreed on the need for arts education, support for traditional arts, and collaborative efforts among government, private, and people sectors to foster a vibrant, sustainable arts ecosystem.

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14 Jan 2019

Leveraging SG Arts Plan to Emphasise Importance of Arts Education

Terence Ho Wee San asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth how the SG Arts Plan can emphasize arts education beyond grooming artists to also create future arts ambassadors, audiences, patrons, collectors, and leaders.
The Minister highlighted that the National Arts Council's Our SG Arts Plan strengthens arts education through initiatives like the Artist-in-School Scheme, high participation in the Arts Education Programme, and museum-based learning in schools.
She noted that the School of the Arts and tertiary institutions provide artistic development, with many graduates becoming supporters even if not practitioners, and outlined future efforts to support educators, grow research, increase access, engage schools, and bolster early childhood arts education.

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14 Jan 2019

Prevalence of Regular ActiveSG Users

Seah Kian Peng asked about the percentage of regular ActiveSG users, other metrics to measure success, and plans to boost participation.
The Minister responded that 14% of ActiveSG members use their credits weekly, noting that credit transactions alone do not fully reflect activity levels due to group bookings and free facilities.
The Ministry highlighted increased national sports participation, with 17 million facility visits and 68% of respondents engaging in sports weekly, and outlined initiatives like innovative programs and events like GetActive! Singapore.

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20 Nov 2018

Additional Hidden Costs in Award of Contracts to Overseas Tenderer for Mid-Autumn Festival 2016 and Chinese New Year 2017

The Auditor-General’s report highlighted that the People’s Association did not account for additional transportation and site costs in its tender evaluations for the Mid-Autumn Festival 2016 and Chinese New Year 2017, but these costs were known and averaged $34,000 per event from 2014 to 2016; an independent investigation into Chingay Parade 2017 procurement found no conclusive wrongdoing but referred the matter to the Police due to concerns over transaction authenticity.
The Minister clarified that the AGO did not find “hidden costs” and that the lapses were administrative, with PA acknowledging them and implementing measures to prevent recurrence; internal audits had earlier identified procurement issues, which were addressed before the AGO’s latest review.
The Minister emphasized that accountability lies with PA’s management and that any wrongdoing will be addressed, while criticizing the MP’s use of terms like “fraud” as unsupported by the AGO report and highlighting the difference between qualified and unqualified audit opinions, noting PA’s accounts have been unqualified in recent years.

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19 Nov 2018

Singaporeans Enrolled in Courses Related to eSports

Dr Lim Wee Kiak inquired about the number of Singaporeans enrolling in eSports courses, career prospects in the industry, and the Ministry's plans to expand opportunities for youths.
The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth highlighted initiatives like the ASEAN youth esports tournament Hyperplay and support for establishing a National Sport Association to develop the eSports ecosystem.
Private sector companies such as Razer, Sea, and Singtel are creating business and career opportunities, while educational institutions offer related programmes in design and media.
The Ministry will continue monitoring eSports development to support youth passions and potential in this growing field.

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1 Oct 2018

Water Bodies in Singapore Open for Fishing

Seah Kian Peng asked which water bodies in Singapore are open for fishing and whether there are plans to open more.
Masagos Zulkifli explained that under the ABC Waters Programme, PUB has opened 10 reservoirs and five waterways for fishing, with a full list on PUB’s website.
He noted that designated fishing areas are kept safe and separate from other activities, and PUB will continue to assess new sites while emphasizing responsible fishing practices.
The minister appealed to the public to fish responsibly and report illegal activities to PUB’s hotline.

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10 Sep 2018

Coordinating Body for Organisation of All Mass Sports Activities

Lim Biow Chuan suggested creating a coordinating body for mass sports activities to prevent traffic disruptions and late-night noise.
Grace Fu explained that agencies already coordinate, with organisers needing approvals from Traffic Police, Land Transport Authority, and Sport Singapore for road closures.
Organisers must engage affected residents and businesses about road closure timings and alternative access.
The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth will study the suggestion and engage Lim Biow Chuan on it.

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10 Sep 2018

Review of Relevant Literature Text for Lower Secondary Classes with Global Pivot to Asia

The Ministry of Education regularly reviews literature texts based on educational objectives like literary merit, accessibility, and relevance to today’s context.
Texts for lower secondary literature include a wide range from Singapore, the region, and the world, with schools able to choose from a recommended list or select their own.
There has been a growing emphasis on texts from Singapore and the region in recent years.
Mother Tongue language textbooks already include adapted excerpts from Asian classics, such as Romance of the Three Kingdoms for Chinese and Sejarah Melayu for Malay.
The Ministry will continue to review texts to ensure exposure to different cultures, beliefs, and practices.

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10 Sep 2018

Addressing Issues That Limit Artistic Expression in Everyday Places

Nominated Member Kok Heng Leun argued that artistic expression should extend beyond conventional venues into everyday public spaces, emphasizing the need for spontaneity, trust, and fewer legal barriers, while suggesting an independent body to resolve disputes over public art.
Minister Grace Fu acknowledged the vibrancy of Singapore's arts scene, highlighting government-supported initiatives like public art commissions, busking schemes, and community programs, but stressed the importance of balancing artistic expression with public needs and respectful consultation with stakeholders.
Both speakers recognized the value of art in fostering community connections, with Leun advocating for more freedom and Fu outlining existing efforts to expand access while ensuring sensitivity to Singapore's diverse society.

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10 Sep 2018

Training and Support Systems for Talented Singapore Athletes Considering Professional Sporting Careers

Ganesh Rajaram asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth if Sport Singapore and national sports associations have programmes to advise talented athletes on professional sporting careers and whether a comprehensive support system exists for preparations, expectations, and contract negotiations, and if athletes are aware of these systems.
The Minister stated that Sport Singapore partners with stakeholders to provide financial grants, coaching, sports science, medicine, overseas training, and the Athlete Life Management programme to support athletes' personal development and transition to post-sport careers.
The Singapore Sports Institute offers the spexBusiness Network for career opportunities and the spexEducation Scheme with 12 Institutes of Higher Learning for flexible academic arrangements, benefiting over 600 athletes collectively, while also providing athlete life coaching for education and scholarships.
The decision to turn professional is personal and left to the athlete in consultation with family, managers, and national sports associations, with Sport Singapore sharing key considerations and resources, including a 2016 reference guide developed with Deloitte on securing corporate sponsorships.
The Minister confirmed that Team Singapore athletes are aware of and can access all these programmes to support their overall well-being and pursuit of sporting excellence.

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10 Sep 2018

Complaints over Library Books with Homosexual Content

Mr Kok Heng Leun asked about complaints over library books with homosexual content since 2014, including breakdowns by section, titles, actions taken, comparisons to complaints about religious or racial content, and the overall policy.
The Minister for Communications and Information reported that 11 complaints were received about homosexual content, with eight titles moved to sections for older readers and three retained for children and young adults.
NLB received 23 complaints about race, religion, or other topics, leading to seven titles moved to older-reader sections, eight retained, and eight Malay children’s titles withdrawn due to controversial religious content.
NLB’s collection policy aims for age-appropriate and diverse materials, referencing IMDA guidelines, and uses the Library Consultative Panel to provide community perspectives on content concerns.
The debate highlights NLB’s approach to balancing a wide-ranging library collection with sensitivity to community norms through careful selection, review, and occasional adjustments to book placement or removal.

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10 Sep 2018

Update on Investigation into Possible Misuse of Funds at Tiong Bahru Football Club

Ganesh Rajaram inquired about the progress of the investigation into possible misuse of funds at Tiong Bahru Football Club.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary confirmed that police investigations are in their final phase and recommendations will be submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
It was stated that no further comments could be made at this time due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.

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6 Aug 2018

Preserving Farrer Park Field and Adjoining Facilities for Sports Heritage

Melvin Yong asked whether the Ministry would preserve Farrer Park Field and adjoining facilities due to their rich sports heritage rather than converting them into residential development.
Lawrence Wong noted the historical significance of Farrer Park Field and adjacent sports facilities from the 1930s–1950s, which served as training grounds for local athletes but have since seen reduced use with newer venues built.
He explained that the area is now considered suitable for housing due to its city proximity and transit access, with current plans to develop it for housing and community facilities including a park.
The Ministry will incorporate elements of the area’s sports heritage into future plans and seek feedback from stakeholders and community partners during detailed planning.

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6 Aug 2018

Ministry’s Policy on Assisting Singaporeans who Seek NS Deferment

The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth supports NS deferment for athletes who consistently demonstrate high potential to succeed in international competitions and provide a definitive commitment to return to serve NS, as seen with swimmers Joseph Schooling and Quah Zheng Wen.
The Ministry works with MINDEF, MHA, and National Sports Associations to accommodate training for enlisted athletes, allowing them to train with their teams during NS, rather than solely relying on deferment.
For team sports, the Ministry assesses the overall team development plan, the athlete’s role and potential contribution, and the readiness for major games when considering NS deferment or training privileges.

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6 Aug 2018

NS Deferment for Sportsmen

Members of Parliament asked about the criteria for National Service deferment for sportsmen, including whether professional contracts like Benjamin Davis's with Fulham FC qualify, and how deferment applies to team sports, individual sports, and non-sporting achievements.
The Minister for Defence explained that NS deferment is granted only exceptionally for national interest, not personal career pursuit, and highlighted past deferments for Olympians Joseph Schooling, Quah Zheng Wen, and Maximilian Soh under strict conditions.
The application for Benjamin Davis was rejected because his father could not commit to a return date for NS, prioritized his son's career over national duty, and did not outline contributions to Singapore football, which contravenes the principle of equity in the Enlistment Act.
MINDEF has shown flexibility by adjusting enlistment dates, granting time off, and offering disruptions for national servicemen in team sports like football and water polo, while maintaining that NS and sporting excellence can coexist.
The Minister emphasized that deferment is not based on talent alone but on national interest, and that Singaporeans like Saifullah Akbar and the Fandi brothers have fulfilled NS while pursuing professional football careers.

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10 Jul 2018

Free Live Broadcasts of World Cup 2018 in Singapore

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked whether free live broadcasts of World Cup 2018 would be available in Singapore, where to access them, if more than nine matches could be shown for free, and if the Ministry could work with sponsors for future events.
Minister S Iswaran confirmed all 64 matches would be screened for free at public venues like community centres and the Singapore Sports Hub, with nine matches also broadcast live on Mediacorp’s Okto channel.
The Minister noted that rising broadcast rights costs make free live broadcasts challenging, and commercial sponsorship is crucial to keep such events accessible to Singaporean viewers.

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