Arts, culture & sports — Topics

9 Jul 2018

Promoting Integration between Students Attending International and MOE-run Schools

The Ministry promotes integration through Character and Citizenship Education lessons and exchange programmes with international schools, both locally and overseas, to help students value diversity and work with different cultures.
Additional opportunities for deeper interaction include sports competitions, Model United Nations conferences, debating championships, and common interest youth groups that involve both mainstream and international school students.
Schools will continue to actively create opportunities for students to interact across different school types to develop cultural literacy and foster an inclusive society.

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9 Jul 2018

National Library Board (Amendment) Bill

The Minister for Communications and Information introduced amendments to the National Library Board Act to update its legal mandate to collect, preserve, and provide access to Singapore's published heritage in both print and electronic forms, addressing the rise of digital content like e-books and websites.
The proposed amendments expand the definition of "library materials" to include electronic and online content, empower NLB to conduct automated web-harvesting of publicly accessible Singapore websites without prior consent, and require publishers to deposit electronic copies of their works within four weeks of publication.
During the debate, MPs supported the Bill but raised clarifications on protecting publishers' interests, ensuring copyright safeguards, determining the scope and frequency of web-archiving, and balancing public access with copyright protection; the Minister addressed these by outlining access controls, security measures, and international practices.

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9 Jul 2018

Singapore Tourism (Cess Collection) (Amendment) Bill

The Singapore Tourism (Cess Collection) Act is being updated to clarify cess rules, ensure consistent taxation for strategic tourism events like the Formula One Grand Prix, and extend cess collection to other business models, though no immediate expansions are planned.
The amendments aim to align administrative requirements with GST standards, such as increasing record retention to five years and empowering authorities to collect information for cess policy and enforcement.
A government minister highlighted that cess from hotels during the F1 race has averaged $13 million annually, supplemented the Tourism Development Fund, and contributed to $1.4 billion in tourism receipts over a decade.
A non-constituency member suggested ringfencing cess collection in the Tourism Development Fund and using it to support affected businesses, and the government confirmed the F1 race brings net benefits despite costs and inconveniences.
The debate concluded with support for the bill, emphasizing fair burden-sharing for event benefits and ongoing industry consultation for any future cess changes.

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7 May 2018

Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth

The Ministry aims to build a caring, cohesive, and confident Singapore through an active citizenry and vibrant arts, heritage, sports, and youth landscapes, addressing economic and demographic challenges by fostering shared identity, trust, and civic responsibility.
Key initiatives include safeguarding heritage via the Our SG Heritage Plan and UNESCO convention, enriching the arts scene with support for freelancers and fair employment, and using sports to rally national pride through enhanced high-performance systems and community programmes.
Efforts to promote inclusivity and social cohesion involve expanding access to arts, heritage, sports, and youth programmes, launching disability sports initiatives, and conducting Youth Conversations to engage young Singaporeans on future challenges.
The ministry supports community care through SG Cares to boost volunteerism, enhances local ecosystems for vulnerable groups and seniors, and promotes Active Health to encourage lifestyle ownership and ageing in place.
These measures collectively aim to strengthen the Singapore spirit, ensure a caring and inclusive society, and invite all citizens to build a better home together.

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21 Mar 2018

Smoking and Alcohol Consumption by Spectators and Players in the Vicinity of Sports Stadiums

Assoc Prof Randolph Tan inquired about the frequency of smoking and alcohol consumption by spectators and players near sports stadiums, including on running tracks, and whether there has been feedback from other users about the impact of such gatherings on sporting activities.
Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that smoking is prohibited at all sporting facilities under the Smoking (Prohibition in Certain Places) Act, and alcohol consumption is generally disallowed but may be permitted at certain events with approvals from venue operators and licensing authorities.
She added that Sport Singapore has received few complaints related to smoking and alcohol consumption within and around sporting facilities.

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21 Mar 2018

Films (Amendment) Bill

The Minister outlined amendments to the Films Act to formalize a co-classification scheme, reduce regulatory scope to focus on public distribution and exhibition, and enhance IMDA's enforcement powers, citing technological changes and the need to protect national harmony and minors.
Members raised concerns about potential impacts on artistic freedom, self-censorship, and the clarity of terms like "against national security," while supporting the bill's intent to modernize regulations and protect societal interests.
Discussions emphasized the need for transparency in appeals, safeguards against abuse of enforcement powers, and ensuring the Films Appeal Committee's composition reflects diverse perspectives, including industry representation.

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19 Mar 2018

National Library Board (Amendment) Bill

The National Library Board (Amendment) Bill was presented by the Minister for Communications and Information to amend the National Library Board Act.
The bill also seeks to make consequential and related amendments to the Copyright Act.
The bill was read for the first time and scheduled for a second reading at the next parliamentary sitting.

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8 Mar 2018

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

MCCY emphasized strengthening social cohesion and national identity through arts, heritage, sports, and youth initiatives, highlighting new plans like the Our SG Heritage Plan, Youth Conversations, and scaling up community engagement platforms such as BRIDGE and ActiveSG academies.
The Ministry announced enhanced support for the Malay/Muslim community, including revised Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy income criteria, assistance for madrasahs like Madrasah Wak Tanjong, and progress on the proposed Singapore Islamic College, alongside digital transformation efforts for community organizations.
Discussions covered concerns about social divides, football development, and support for freelancers and charities, with MCCY outlining measures to promote inclusivity, volunteerism, and partnerships across sectors to build a caring and resilient society.

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6 Mar 2018

Committee of Supply – Head Q (Ministry of Communications and Information)

Minister Yaacob Ibrahim outlined the "ABC" strategy to build Singapore's digital economy: Accelerate digitalisation of existing sectors through initiatives like SMEs Go Digital and Kampong Glam's digital transformation, Build up infocomm media companies through schemes like Accreditation@SG Digital and the Open Innovation Platform, and Create future digital sectors such as AI, cybersecurity, and immersive media.
The Ministry is scaling up the TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA) with $145 million to create 20,000 new training places by 2020, focusing on frontier technologies and expanding support for mid-career professionals and new sectors like manufacturing and professional services.
To ensure digital readiness and inclusion, the Ministry is launching a Digital Readiness Blueprint with initiatives like digital clinics for seniors, basic digital skills training in four languages, and partnerships with community groups to help all Singaporeans benefit from the digital age.
Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat highlighted efforts to grow the media sector through content, capabilities, channels, and collaboration, including support for local media companies, partnerships with international players, and initiatives to develop digital storytelling and media talent.
Minister Yaacob Ibrahim showcased the transformation of Singapore's libraries, which have seen increased visitorship and digital reach, and are partnering with agencies to promote lifelong learning, digital readiness, and preservation of national heritage through digitisation and community involvement.

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5 Mar 2018

Committee of Supply – Head Q (Ministry of Communications and Information)

Members of Parliament emphasized the urgent need for Singapore to embrace digital transformation across all sectors, highlighting the growth of the infocomm media sector and the creation of over 13,000 PMET jobs, while urging the Ministry to update on the performance of digital initiatives for SMEs and other industries.
Key concerns were raised about ensuring a robust cybersecurity ecosystem, revisiting privacy laws to enable data use for enterprise and government applications, and developing regulatory frameworks for AI to address ethical issues like data protection and societal readiness.
Discussions focused on supporting vulnerable groups, such as seniors and low-income families, through digital literacy programs, and ensuring equitable access to digital services, including the transition from analogue to digital TV and cybersecurity education for the public and SMEs.
The debate underscored the importance of quality journalism, partnerships in the media industry, and the role of libraries and cultural institutions in promoting lifelong learning and preserving Singapore's heritage in the digital age.

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27 Feb 2018

Criteria for Retention of Central Cluster over Other Buildings in Dakota Crescent

The central cluster of six blocks in Dakota Crescent was retained because it contains the distinctive architectural features of the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) flats and includes the central courtyard, which holds special meaning for residents.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority engaged various stakeholders, including residents and heritage groups, whose feedback highlighted the importance of the courtyard as a gathering place, influencing the retention decision.
The Ministry intends to study suggestions for civic and institutional uses for the central cluster while working closely with stakeholders, and will redevelop the remaining land for public housing.

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27 Feb 2018

Films (Amendment) Bill

The Films (Amendment) Bill seeks to update the Films Act and make related changes to other legislation, presented by Minister Yaacob Ibrahim.
The bill was introduced for its first reading and scheduled for a second reading after 14 March 2018.
The debate focuses on modernizing film regulations to address new technologies and distribution methods.
Proposed changes aim to balance creative freedom with content classification and public interest considerations.

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19 Feb 2018

Singapore's Broadcast Rights for 2020 Tokyo Olympics

The Minister confirmed that negotiations for live broadcast rights for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics are ongoing and should be left to commercial parties, as the government should not underwrite potentially high costs.
He noted that broadcasting rights fees have risen rapidly, making it difficult for broadcasters to recoup costs due to cheaper viewing options, and that excessive profit-seeking could limit public access.
A supplementary question suggested pooling resources like other countries, but the Minister reiterated that the government will not intervene, preferring to let market forces and commercial negotiations decide the outcome.

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19 Feb 2018

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

The Second Minister for Home Affairs confirmed that police investigations into possible misuse of funds at Tiong Bahru Football Club and related entities are ongoing, with a large volume of records seized, and further commentary is avoided to prevent prejudicing the inquiry.
A follow-up question raised concerns about the accountability of S-League clubs implicated in the case ahead of the new season, to which the Minister responded that specific details cannot be shared but highlighted regulatory progress on fruit machines since 2017.
The Minister outlined that new, stricter regulations for fruit machines were implemented in July 2017, requiring clubs including football clubs to observe enhanced permits, reduced availability, and stronger safeguards, and these measures continue to apply despite ongoing investigations.

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5 Feb 2018

Plans to Bridge Possible Class Divide in Singapore Population

Seah Kian Peng questioned whether a class divide is widening and asked for the Ministry's plans to bridge any gaps, to which Grace Fu highlighted government efforts in reducing economic disparity and fostering social integration.
An IPS study showed encouraging social mixing across race and religion, though networks are less diverse in education and housing, with sports, arts, and volunteer activities identified as key to promoting integration.
Initiatives like the MOE-OBS programme for secondary students and ActiveSG sports centres aim to create opportunities for positive interactions among Singaporeans from different backgrounds.
The SG Cares movement partners various sectors to encourage volunteering and support for those in need, while the government emphasizes that building social cohesion requires collective commitment from all citizens.

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8 Jan 2018

Sports Hub as Default Location for National Day Parades

Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap questioned why the Sports Hub is not designated as the default location for future National Day Parades (NDP).
Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that the NDP has been held at various venues, including the Padang, the Float@Marina Bay, and the National Stadium, with the Float becoming popular for its city skyline views and unobstructed displays.
The Float will be redeveloped into National Service (NS) Square and serve as the primary NDP venue, but the Sports Hub and Padang can still be used in selected years.
This arrangement allows the Sports Hub to focus on its year-round event calendar while maintaining flexibility for hosting the NDP in line with its integrated sports, entertainment, and lifestyle hub vision.

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7 Nov 2017

Guidelines and Conditions for Arts Funding

The National Arts Council (NAC) prioritizes public funds to support artistic merit and audience engagement while maintaining guidelines to ensure social cohesion, with the current guidelines last updated in 2013.
NAC engages the arts community through panels and reviews, such as the 2016 Major Grant scheme review, and maintains a policy that arts funding must not undermine public institutions or political parties, which is reviewed periodically.
The government defends the guideline against politicizing arts funding, noting few cases of denial, and asserts that while the arts community is consulted, public sentiment and national identity are also key considerations in funding decisions.

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7 Nov 2017

Government Support for Full-time Sportsmen After Sports

The Ministry supports athletes' post-sports careers through the Singapore Sports Institute, offering financial grants, training, and career development opportunities via the spexBusiness Network, which connects athletes with internships, flexible work, and over 50 companies across 25 industries.
Structured programmes exist for athletes to pursue education and skills training in sports-related fields like coaching and facility management, with opportunities at Institutes of Higher Learning and through professional conversion pathways.
The government encourages more companies to join spexBusiness Network to aid athletes' transitions, while also creating jobs within sports ecosystems for former athletes to mentor and develop younger talent.
Athletes are provided options to continue in sports careers, such as coaching or management roles, or transition to non-sports sectors, with support for part-time or full-time internships and apprenticeships.
Examples include former athletes like Derek Wong, Charmaine Soh, and Gary Tan who have successfully moved into careers with partners like Deloitte or coaching roles, highlighting the effectiveness of the support system.

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6 Nov 2017

Stricter Safety Regulations for High-risk Sports

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah proposed stricter safety regulations for mixed martial arts and making it mandatory for high-risk public sports events to be overseen by Sport Singapore.
Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that sports safety is typically governed by international and national sports associations, but commercial mixed martial arts events operated by private promoters limit these bodies' regulatory power.
She noted that Sport Singapore’s Sports Safety Committee provides guidelines for event organizers, recommending risk management plans, pre-event evaluations, and adequate medical resources for high-risk events.
The committee's last review was in 2015, and it emphasizes that participants also bear personal responsibility for their safety during sports activities.
Sport Singapore will continue collaborating with stakeholders to enhance public education and awareness on sports safety.

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6 Nov 2017

Use of Public Spaces by Private Outdoor Educators under National Outdoor Adventure Education Masterplan

Private outdoor educators may use public spaces like parks as long as their activities do not deprive other public users of the space, with larger or structured activities requiring an online application.
For reservoirs and waterways, private organisations must apply on a case-by-case basis, with considerations for operational impact, environmental safety, and participant safety.
The government supports private outdoor education providers using public spaces provided activities do not disrupt agencies’ operations or cause significant environmental or public inconvenience.

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