Arts, culture & sports

• 1.78 million claimed SG60 credits, but only 40% used them, mostly on gyms and courts.
• SportSG expanded programmes like pickleball and Active Health to attract wider groups.
• Credit offsets raised to 60% for youth and 100% for senior programmes to boost uptake.

• Assoc Prof Goh asked how major games inclusion influences school sports and if SportSG/SpexSG advise.
• Minister Lee referred to a written answer from 5 May 2026, not addressing it orally.

• MOE and SSSC are reviewing the Colours Award framework.
• They will consider recognising student-athletes from special education schools.
• These athletes represent Singapore at key sporting events.

• Police will step up enforcement against illegal football betting during FIFA World Cup.
• Unlicensed gambling ads are banned; offenders face fines up to $20,000.
• Inducing underage gambling is an offence with fines up to $300,000 or jail.

• Bill aligns media regulation with telecoms, adding IMDA approval for 30% media stakes and ministerial separation orders. • MPs support but urge clear criteria, proportionality, transparency, and safeguards to avoid deterring investment or chilling independent media. • Workers' impact, including union role and fair transitions, must be considered in major media restructuring.

• HDB and NParks use design frameworks and tropical-friendly materials to encourage playground use.
• Five-yearly Sample Household Survey tracks usage; satisfaction among young families remains high.

• Over 25,000 seniors joined HPB and SportSG fall-risk programmes in five years.
• Effectiveness shown: 70% improved strength/mobility in HPB; 85% improved in CALM.
• Programmes to expand to reach 10,000 more seniors by end-2026.

• CCS monitors ticketing market, acted against dominant firm in 2008 for exclusive venue deals.
• Industry now has more competition from multiple providers, venues, and promoters.
• No recent complaints; watchdog will keep monitoring to ensure vibrant live events scene.

• Sport serves broader youth development beyond major international games.
• Support tiered by readiness, with emerging sports funded via initiatives like Athletes' Inspire Fund.
• National School Games inclusion depends on development value, interest, participation, and ecosystem capacity.

• NSG inclusion based on student interest, participation, facilities, coaches, and associations, not Major Games status.
• MOE works with SportSG and SpexSG; NSG prioritizes student development, not elite pathways.
• Education Conversations will gather public feedback on holistic development, not specifically NSG sports.

• The Kallang operator has no exclusive ticketing arrangement; TSPs are chosen via open tender.
• Event hirers pick any panel TSP and set booking fees commercially, as international practice.
• Booking fees are disclosed on event pages and throughout the ticket purchase journey.

• About 140 of 500+ busking acts perform weekly at over 90 locations.
• Auditions ensure quality, but endorsed buskers access all sites inclusively.
• NAC provides workshops, performance platforms, and networking to help buskers grow.

• Rent hikes at Goodman Arts Centre not due to decreased funding or subsidies.
• Reason for rent hikes unspecified in debate.
• Ministry considers short-term assistance for affected arts community.

• Ireland's Basic Income for the Arts scheme provides financial relief but is limited and temporary.
• Singapore adopts a multi-dimensional approach, focusing on skills development, organizational support, and audience growth.
• Initiatives include Skills Framework for Arts, organizational funding, and audience cultivation programs.

• Minister details support measures for artists facing rent hikes and deferment of increases until 2027.
• NAC works to unlock affordable arts spaces, with rates below commercial levels and grants available.
• A long-term study is underway to ensure sustainable, accessible creative workspaces for artists.

• Gerald Giam questioned the SwimSafer programme’s targets, tracking of proficiency beyond Primary 3, and plans for non-swimmers; Desmond Lee replied that the Ministry sets no proficiency targets, does not track beyond compulsory school lessons, and offers a fully funded remediation programme for students who do not pass Stage 1.

He Ting Ru asked about community feedback concerning the naming of various festivals and greetings used in Singapore. David Neo acknowledged that such feedback is received occasionally and emphasized that the names of public holidays are well-established. He noted that some community members prefer different terms based on context and audience. The Ministry encourages respectful and inclusive use of greetings.

Valerie Lee asked about plans to support residents affected by renovations at ActiveSG facilities and provisions for continued access to sports activities. David Neo explained that Sport Singapore regularly renovates facilities to maintain quality and align with community needs. Residents will be notified in advance of facility closures and provided with information on alternative locations. Efforts will be made to minimize user impact by coordinating with groups and class instructors and avoiding simultaneous renovations at multiple nearby facilities.