Arts, culture & sports — Topics

16 Aug 2016

Info-communications Media Development Authority Bill

The debate highlighted the need for IMDA to balance light-touch regulation with promotion of innovation in the converged infocomm and media sector, with members urging representation of industry practitioners on its board and support for local content creators.
Concerns were raised about potential conflicts between regulatory and developmental roles, with calls for transparent procedures in content classification and appeals to protect creative expression while upholding community values.
Speakers emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships for non-commercial content of national interest, such as live broadcasts of the Olympics, and suggested IMDA could facilitate such initiatives.
The discussion included recommendations to improve talent development, including harmonizing career tracks for non-degree holders and establishing a guild to support freelance media professionals.
The Minister affirmed IMDA’s dual focus on regulation and industry growth, outlined initiatives like the TechSkills Accelerator, and committed to addressing issues such as content transparency and consumer protection.

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16 Aug 2016

Info-communications Media Development Authority Bill

The Minister for Communications and Information introduced the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) Bill to merge the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) and Media Development Authority (MDA) into a single converged regulator, citing the rapid convergence of infocomm and media sectors as the main driver for this restructuring.
The Bill aims to establish IMDA with the same functions and powers as IDA and MDA, focusing on industry development, consumer protection, content regulation, and personal data protection, while streamlining regulations for businesses in a digitally converged landscape.
Supporters, such as Zaqy Mohamad, endorsed the restructuring as timely to address blurred regulatory lines in sectors like telecommunications and media, but raised concerns about simplifying content regulations and ensuring affordable access to content like sports broadcasts.
Key priorities for IMDA include building a skilled Singaporean talent pool for the infocomm media sector, enhancing innovation facilities, and leveraging synergies across infocomm and media to drive economic growth and create new opportunities for businesses and consumers.
The Bill includes transitional arrangements to repeal existing acts, transfer personnel and undertakings, and incorporate the Personal Data Protection Commission under IMDA, ensuring regulatory continuity while promoting a more integrated and competitive infocomm media ecosystem.

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15 Aug 2016

Upcoming Survey on Intangible Cultural Heritage

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh and Mr Kok Heng Leun raised several questions on the intangible cultural heritage survey, including vendor evaluation criteria, public release of findings, duration sufficiency, scope coverage, future surveys, and public consultation processes.
Minister Grace Fu explained that vendor selection follows transparent and fair procurement principles, with expertise in intangible heritage and heritage research being key criteria, and that findings will be shared via NHB’s online platforms and programmes.
She stated the 16-month duration is optimal for the initial survey, with plans to continue documenting additional heritage elements over time and to collaborate with partners for further research.
NHB will consult heritage groups, stakeholders, practitioners, and the public, and invite contributions of knowledge and stories during the survey process.

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15 Aug 2016

Media Authority's Due Diligence and Oversight Processes in Provision of Financial Support

Leon Perera questioned MDA's due diligence and oversight in providing $15 million in financial support to RGM Entertainment and RGM Group in 2010 and 2011, asking about processes, lapses, and subsequent improvements.
MDA checked RGM's track record, projected returns, and co-investment partners before investing, but in 2011, it discovered difficulties in recovering funds and suspected wrongdoing, leading to reports to CAD and legal action.
CAD found RGM's principal forged bank statements to hide missing funds, resulting in criminal charges, a jail sentence, and the winding up of RGM entities.
Following the incident, MDA discontinued equity co-investments due to complexity and risk, shifting to a grant-based model with disbursement tied to project deliverables and enhanced governance measures.
MDA strengthened oversight by tightening grant criteria, implementing an online grant management system, commissioning direct project audits, and establishing whistle-blowing hotlines for reporting potential wrongdoing.

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15 Aug 2016

Regulator's Decision for Same-sex Kiss Scene in Musical

Kok Heng Leun questioned why the Media Development Authority (MDA) took action against a same-sex kiss scene in Les Miserables and what process led to the decision.
Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim explained that MDA classifies arts based on the Arts Entertainment Classification Code, considering themes and context, and initially gave the musical a "General" rating as the scene was not disclosed in the original submission.
After public feedback, MDA reviewed the performance and proposed revising the rating to "Advisory" due to the scene, but the applicant chose to remove it to retain the "General" rating.

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15 Aug 2016

Olympic Achievements

Joseph Schooling won Singapore's first Olympic gold medal at the 2016 Rio Games in the men's 100m butterfly, breaking an Olympic record and beating champions like Michael Phelps, prompting national celebrations and pride.
Members of Parliament highlighted the collective support from Schooling's family, coaches, sports institutions, and the nation, emphasizing his journey as an inspiration for young Singaporeans to pursue their dreams through hard work and dedication.
The debate concluded with the House unanimously agreeing to congratulate Schooling and all Team Singapore athletes, viewing his achievement as a milestone that unites the nation and motivates future sporting excellence.

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15 Aug 2016

Consultancy Services for Construction of Bin Centre at Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall

The Minister explained that the consultancy for the bin centre was a contract variation for the broader redevelopment, procured as a lump sum to manage complex multi-institutional needs and limit cost escalation, with total consultancy costs at 8.7% of project costs, within industry benchmarks.
The consultant conducted extensive feasibility studies for site selection, structural works, traffic and pedestrian flows, odour control, and sensitive design, leading to construction cost savings of $420,000 through value engineering.
The Ministry acknowledged the Auditor-General's concern about documentation for the fee assessment but noted the AGO did not find the consultant overpaid, and stated that a fixed lump-sum contract would still be used if the project were done again due to the project's complexity.
In response to questions, the Minister clarified that facade design was part of the broader consultancy scope considering historical aesthetics, and while the AGO's percentage rule is reasonable for typical construction, it could reasonably be deviated from for this unique, non-construction-focused consultancy.

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9 May 2016

Local Businesses' Access to OBS Facilities at Coney Island

Thomas Chua Kee Seng asked if local businesses can use the new Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) facilities on Coney Island for team-building, since the existing OBS at Pulau Ubin no longer serves businesses.
Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that the new OBS @ Coney and existing OBS at Pulau Ubin aim to expand outdoor adventure training for every youth in upper secondary school.
The immediate priority for OBS is to recruit and train more instructional staff to ensure safe and meaningful experiences for students.
OBS focuses on developing resilient youths through challenging shared experiences, while corporates are encouraged to use private sector outdoor adventure providers.

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9 May 2016

Fencing Up of Open Fields in HDB Estates

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh asked whether decisions to fence open fields in HDB estates were made with resident input, what the utilisation rates are on weekdays versus weekends, and if fields can be opened during off-peak periods without booking.
Chan Chun Sing explained that fields managed by the People's Association are for community use, and fencing decisions are made with grassroots organisations based on safety, security, noise, and maintenance, citing Punggol's field as an example of resident-requested fencing.
Utilisation rates are higher on weekends and school holidays, and residents can book fields through grassroots organisations for community activities.

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9 May 2016

Documentation and Legal Ownership of Excavated Artefacts

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh asked whether excavated artefacts over the last five years were documented and reported to the Government, their legal ownership status, and how they are stored and protected.
The Minister clarified that artefacts on state land belong to the state, with mandatory documentation and reporting to the National Heritage Board (NHB), while artefacts on private land are not owned by NHB but are protected through collaboration with stakeholders.
The Minister stated that NHB is reviewing legal ownership of artefacts on private land to address gaps and will seek feedback from archaeologists and heritage experts.
The Minister noted that guidelines for storage and protection are applied in collaboration with partner agencies, maritime finds are supported under the Merchant Shipping Act, and public engagement is encouraged to protect and display artefacts for historical appreciation.

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9 May 2016

Special Multigenerational Rates at Major Tourist Attractions

Joan Pereira asked whether the Ministry would encourage major tourist attractions to offer special rates for multi-generational Singaporean families to promote bonding.
The Senior Minister of State responded that many attractions already offer tiered pricing for seniors and children, such as the Singapore Zoo and Science Centre, and the Ministry will continue to encourage such initiatives.
The Ministry noted that MCCY-run facilities, including museums, offer free entry to Singaporeans and organize family-friendly events like the Singapore Heritage Festival to foster intergenerational bonding.
Additional platforms for bonding include concessionary rates at ActiveSG sports facilities and free-access public spaces like Marina Barrage and parks, supported by community events organized by the Families for Life Council.

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14 Apr 2016

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

Minister Yaacob Ibrahim outlined initiatives to prepare the Malay/Muslim community for a changing economy and diverse socio-religious landscape, including the Future Ready Unit, MENDAKI SENSE courses, and MUIS's conference on fatwas to promote progressive religious thinking.
Minister Grace Fu emphasized building national identity and a caring society through shared experiences in sports, arts, and heritage, highlighting programs like Team Nila, OBS @ Coney, and the Our Singapore Fund to support citizen-led projects.
The Ministry addressed parliamentary queries on various topics, including racial harmony, volunteerism, support for traditional arts, and enhancements to sports and community facilities, while assuring ongoing efforts to strengthen social cohesion and inclusivity.

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13 Apr 2016

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

Miss Cheng Li Hui raised concerns about preserving the rustic nature of Coney Island despite its expansion, asking about measures to minimize environmental impact and maintain its natural state.
She questioned the $250 million cost of the project as high compared to other infrastructure, seeking details on the development plans and components driving the expenses.
The speaker also inquired about the future plans for the existing OBS and adventure campsites in relation to the new developments.

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13 Apr 2016

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

Members highlighted the need to build on the momentum from SG50 through initiatives like the Our Singapore Fund and to seek details on its implementation and potential expansion.
There was significant focus on supporting the Malay/Muslim community, including calls for MENDAKI’s plans, assistance for madrasah students, and the role of mosques and religious teachers in fostering harmony and countering radicalisation.
Debates on arts and culture emphasized enhancing accessibility, nurturing traditional arts, and ensuring community engagement, while also addressing the budget and potential political alignment of the People’s Association.
Sports discussions covered supporting para-athletes, improving local facilities like Yishun Swimming Complex, and encouraging a societal shift towards accepting sports as a viable career.
Several members advocated for stronger youth and family resilience, proposing modules for religious discourse, expanding Outward Bound School experiences, and better support for families and volunteers.

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11 Apr 2016

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

Members of Parliament raised concerns about the growth of the infocomm and media sectors, emphasizing the need to develop a strong Singaporean core talent pool, enhance training for mid-career professionals, and balance foreign manpower dependency while supporting local startups and content creators.
The debate highlighted cybersecurity as a critical priority, with calls for stronger legislation, international cooperation, and resilience measures for critical infrastructure, alongside the need to raise awareness among businesses and individuals.
Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) was discussed extensively, focusing on the need for high-quality local content, support for independent producers, and adapting to digital competition from global platforms like Netflix, while ensuring accessibility and relevance for all demographics.

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4 Apr 2016

Support for Sports Not Affiliated with National Sports Associations

Darryl David asked whether more support could be given to sports not affiliated with National Sports Associations to promote a healthy lifestyle.
The Minister acknowledged that while most sports are supported by NSAs, Sport Singapore works with developing sports like Ultimate Frisbee, Flippa Ball, and Tchoukball to provide opportunities and lower barriers to participation.
The Minister explained that representing Singapore in international competitions requires consideration of expertise, recognition, and resource allocation, as limited funds must prioritize sports with established talent pipelines.
Darryl David raised a supplementary question about support for less popular sports like Dodgeball, specifically regarding representing Singapore internationally.
The Minister responded that support for non-NSA sports is inclusive, but representing Singapore in competitions requires careful evaluation to ensure resources are used effectively for talent development.

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14 Mar 2016

Physical Education Lessons in Schools

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah inquired about the current weekly hours of Physical Education (PE) lessons for school children and whether the duration is adequate.
Ng Chee Meng stated that PE has been increased to 2 to 2.5 hours per week, up from 1 to 1.5 hours per week, as announced in 2010.
The minister explained that PE helps students develop movement skills, health knowledge, and sports values, supported by recreational competitions and camps.
The goal is to equip students with the capability to enjoy physical activities and sports both during and after their schooling years.

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1 Mar 2016

Plans to Preserve Singapore's Food Heritage

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked about plans to preserve local food recipes and organize more food trails, to which the Senior Minister of State replied that the National Heritage Board has been documenting recipes, holding exhibitions, and supporting community-led projects like heritage trails and storybooks to engage younger generations.
The government emphasized that preserving food heritage involves inter-generational and inter-cultural bonding, with initiatives such as the "Deliciously Singaporean" exhibition and grants for projects that share food stories and recipes.
Dr Lim highlighted concerns about the loss of hawker skills and the need to ensure hawker centres remain vibrant, suggesting closer work between ministries and the National Environment Agency.
The Senior Minister of State noted that hawker stall licensees in government-managed centres must be locals, but does not support further restrictions in privately-managed centres, valuing affordability, accessibility, and innovation in food evolution.

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29 Feb 2016

Payments Made to Sports Hub Partner Per Year for Building, Maintaining and Operating Facility

The Government pays Sports Hub Pte Ltd an annual availability payment of $193.7 million, subject to inflation, for building, maintaining, and operating the Sports Hub under a 25-year public-private partnership.
Full annual payments began in July 2014, with the total estimated cost spread evenly over the contract period to manage project risks and ensure accountability.
At the end of the concession period, Sports Hub Pte Ltd is required to hand back the facilities to the Government.

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29 Feb 2016

Review of Arts Fund Guidelines

David Ong asked about the take-up rate of the Arts Fund over the past five years and whether its funding guidelines, especially measurable indicators, should be reviewed.
The National Arts Council reported that take-up rates from FY2011 to FY2015 were healthy, ranging from 75% to 100%.
The Arts Fund, administered by NAC and funded by Tote Board, aims to bring arts to a wider community and has increased its annual funding from $750,000 to $1.5 million since FY2012.
After a 2011 review, the guidelines emphasized reaching new audiences with quality performances, leading to audience growth from about 220,000 in FY2012 to a projected 340,000 by FY2015.
The minister stated that current indicators, such as audience reach and satisfaction, remain relevant to the fund's objectives, with no immediate changes indicated.

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