Arts, culture & sports — Topics

29 Feb 2016

Updates on Licensing Irregularities at Singapore Rifle Association and Singapore Gun Club

The Minister confirmed that police inspected the Singapore Rifle Association and Singapore Gun Club armouries in February 2016 and took custody of several arms without valid licences, though all licensed firearms were accounted for and none were missing.
Police investigations into the unlicensed arms are ongoing, and interim measures have been taken, including granting a licence to the Singapore Shooting Association to manage the armouries and restricting access to national shooters and police-approved personnel.
Authorities are conducting a holistic review of security at the National Shooting Centre and will collaborate with Sport Singapore and the Singapore Shooting Association to ensure robust security measures and compliance with licensing requirements.

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29 Feb 2016

Utilisation of ActiveSG$100 Credits

Approximately two-thirds of ActiveSG members have used their $100 credits to book facilities or join programmes, with credits now non-expiring if used at least once a year.
The Ministry does not plan to top up credits for existing members but offers affordable pricing and free programmes to encourage active lifestyles.
Seniors aged 55 and above received an additional $25 credits in 2015 and enjoy discounted rates, but there is no special concession for Pioneer Generation cardholders for free facility use.

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29 Feb 2016

Payment for Rental of Sports Hub for Extra Rehearsal Days for National Day Parade

The Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, stated that NDP 2016 at the National Stadium is expected to cost about $39.4 million, with venue costs at 15% (approximately $5.91 million) due to it being a private venue, compared to previous NDPs at public sites like the Padang and Marina Bay Platform which had lower venue costs.
The Government acknowledges the higher costs but highlights advantages such as increased spectator capacity (275,000 people) compared to previous venues, while noting that detailed cost breakdowns are not provided in the Budget and future costs for using the Sports Hub are theoretical and unspecified.
Parliament members raised concerns about the rental agreement allowing only 45 days for rehearsals versus the estimated 80 days needed, the lack of dispute resolution mechanisms in the public-private partnership, and the justification for using SG50 NDP costs as a benchmark for future parades.

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28 Jan 2016

Line-up of Sporting Events at Sports Hub

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked about the Sports Hub's event line-up, pricing issues affecting bookings, and government efforts to attract more international sporting events.
The Minister outlined the Sports Hub's current events, including the World Rugby Sevens Series and National School Games, while noting it is still in a start-up phase and improvements are ongoing.
The Minister explained that pricing and operational challenges are part of the private sector's management, but the government is closely monitoring the hub's performance and event calendar.
Follow-up questions raised concerns about the timeline for improvements, the reasonableness of expected returns, and the need for better alignment between public and private sector goals in the PPP arrangement.
The Minister emphasized regular engagement with Sports Hub management and stated that the government's priority is ensuring contractual obligations and public expectations are met, without direct involvement in private rental negotiations.

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27 Jan 2016

Display of Trailers for Horror or Violent Movies in Public Places

Christopher de Souza requested that the government prohibit trailers for PG13 and above horror or violent movies, such as "Pay the Ghost," from being displayed in public spaces like MRT stations frequented by children.
Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim explained that trailers are classified by the Media Development Authority (MDA) using the same rating system as films, and a trailer’s rating may differ from the film’s rating to better protect younger viewers.
The MDA bans the public exhibition of trailers classified PG13 or higher before G or PG films and on public video walls, and is investigating the matter for any violations.

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15 Jan 2016

Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth

The Ministry aims to strengthen national identity and community cohesion by deepening engagement efforts, including through digital platforms and the SGfuture initiative, to involve citizens in shaping Singapore’s future.
It will preserve and celebrate Singapore’s heritage through museums and memorials like the Founders’ Memorial, while supporting arts and sports ecosystems to inspire national pride and provide pathways for excellence.
The Ministry seeks to embed a culture of giving and volunteerism across all life stages, with initiatives like the Youth Corps Singapore and support for senior volunteers, to encourage community contribution.
It will promote inclusivity and community bonding through expanded programmes in arts, heritage, and sports, such as Outward Bound Singapore and ActiveSG, to foster neighbourliness and accessibility for all.
The Ministry’s overall goal is to build a caring, cohesive society that builds on past achievements to write the next chapter of Singapore’s story together.

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15 Jan 2016

Ministry of Communications and Information

The Ministry will restructure infocomm and media authorities into the Government Technology Organisation and IMDA to reflect industry convergence and update related legislation for a unified approach.
Initiatives include transitioning to digital broadcasting, launching Design 2025, expanding skills training in computational thinking and coding, and supporting start-ups and entrepreneurship in these sectors.
The Smart Nation Platform will be rolled out with sensors and data sharing, while a national cybersecurity strategy will be developed with increased funding and new legislation to protect critical infrastructure.
Efforts to enhance public access to history and archives, transform libraries for lifelong learning, and promote a National Reading Movement will be undertaken.
Public service broadcast content will be improved with more local programming and inclusivity measures, and government engagement with Singaporeans on policies will be strengthened through digital platforms.

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18 Aug 2015

More Leeway for Potentially Controversial Performances

Mr Baey Yam Keng asked if the approach used for the play "Chronology on Death"—which involved an R18 rating and post-show dialogues—could be applied to other potentially controversial performances to allow more leeway.
The Minister explained that the Media Development Authority classifies performances based on social norms and consults the Arts Consultative Panel, and that the R18 rating with a post-show dialogue was specific to this play due to its sensitive religious themes, not a general policy.
The Minister clarified that post-show dialogues are not automatically granted for controversial content and each case is assessed individually, especially for works that denigrate religion, language, or race.
It was noted that this approach has been used twice before, and the post-show dialogue for "Chronology on Death" proceeded smoothly, with the director explaining the play's intent to the audience.
The Minister stated that while the government may explore more flexibility within the classification code, any decision will remain case-by-case and aligned with the Arts Consultative Panel's recommendations and the existing classification framework.

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18 Aug 2015

Prevent Doping in Sports

Benedict Tan asked about new legislation to align Singapore with the World Anti-Doping Code and UNESCO convention, but the Minister replied that current laws, including the Singapore Sports Council Act, already empower Anti-Doping Singapore (ADS) to meet obligations, and no further legislation is needed.
The Minister acknowledged that bodybuilding, despite being dropped from the Singapore National Olympic Council, will still be supported by ADS to maintain anti-doping protocols, while recreational gym users remain outside ADS's purview due to a focus on competitive athletes.
To address doping in non-competitive contexts, the Minister emphasized increasing public awareness and education through Sport Singapore and ADS rather than intrusive policing, underscoring personal responsibility.

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17 Aug 2015

Maintaining Singapore Botanic Gardens' UNESCO Status

The Minister affirmed the government’s full commitment to protect the Singapore Botanic Gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, outlining measures such as height controls in the surrounding area, careful site planning to manage visitor distribution, and increased inspection frequency for heritage buildings.
A World Heritage Site Management Committee involving residents, experts, and volunteers has been established to oversee developments, and the public is encouraged to participate through volunteer schemes and by visiting and keeping the Gardens clean.
The National Parks Board has stepped up public education and outreach, including heritage tours, to highlight the Gardens’ historical and cultural significance following the increase in visitorship after its UNESCO inscription.

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14 Jul 2015

Sign-up Rate for ActiveSG

Dr Chia Shi-Lu asked about the number of Singaporeans and permanent residents who have signed up for ActiveSG, whether these numbers meet targets, and plans to boost credit utilisation if not.
Minister Lawrence Wong responded that 815,000 people have signed up, with close to 90% being citizens, and about three in five have used their credits, exceeding initial expectations; plans include expanding programmes through schools and corporate partnerships.
Dr Chia sought clarification on the programme’s duration and whether credits could be used for events like marathons or spectating, to which the Minister confirmed ActiveSG is a permanent movement, credits have no expiration, and their use is focused on participation rather than spectating.

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14 Jul 2015

Lasting Legacy from Recent SEA Games

The Ministry will strengthen the high-performance sports system by reviewing past performances, improving athlete development plans, and enhancing sports science support through partnerships with National Sports Associations and the Singapore Sports Institute.
Efforts will be made to boost youth athlete development and support working athletes, including a review of the Singapore Sports School and collaboration with employers to help athletes balance training and work.
To sustain public interest, the Ministry will create a more vibrant sports calendar with diverse events, grow the ActiveSG movement to promote active lifestyles, and encourage a culture of attending sports events with family and friends.
The Ministry aims to build on the Singapore Spirit demonstrated during the SEA Games by strengthening sports volunteerism and fostering national unity, with upcoming events like the ASEAN Para Games providing further opportunities to rally the community.

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13 Jul 2015

Balancing Needs of Conservationists and Recreational Visitors at Nature Reserves

NParks allows recreational activities in nature reserves provided they do not cause serious environmental damage, having developed trails, boardwalks, and amenities that attract about 1.2 million visitors annually.
Higher-impact activities like mountain biking are directed to nature parks, which act as buffers for the reserves, exemplified by the Bukit Timah Mountain Bike Trail minimizing impact on the adjacent reserve.
The Butterfly Trail is closed during nearby park construction, but new biking trails at Chestnut Nature Park will bring the total to 30 kilometers, supporting both conservation and public enjoyment.
NParks emphasizes sustainable management of the reserves, which host fragile ecosystems with over 1,000 plant and 500 animal species, many endangered and unique to Singapore.
The overall approach aims to balance conservation needs with recreational access so Singaporeans can enjoy natural heritage now and in the future.

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13 Jul 2015

Determining Whether Artistic Work Undermines Legitimacy of Public Institutions or Threaten National Security/Stability

Ms Kuik Shiao-Yin asked how the National Arts Council (NAC) works with other bodies to assess if artistic works undermine public institutions or threaten national security.
NAC consults relevant agencies like the Media Development Authority (MDA) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for input on art works, including classification ratings.
NAC communicates closely with grant applicants to understand project context and makes the final funding decision based on received inputs.

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13 Jul 2015

Retraction of Art Grant Monies

Ms Kuik Shiao-Yin asked how NAC mitigates costs for grant recipients whose approved grants are retracted, whether they should be discharged from returning funds, and how NAC ensures its grant process remains non-partisan and objective.
Lawrence Wong explained that NAC, as a public agency, follows government policies to safeguard national interests and can withdraw grants if funding agreements are breached, with rare recoveries of disbursed public monies.
He noted that artists or groups may still receive other forms of NAC support like arts housing or professional development, cushioning the impact of a specific grant withdrawal.
To ensure impartiality, NAC involves external assessors and uses published criteria such as artistic merit, public engagement, and applicant capacity in grant evaluations.
The responses clarify that while grant withdrawal is rare, NAC has clear procedures to recover funds if needed and maintains an objective assessment process.

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13 Jul 2015

Crowd Control Measures at Sports Hub

Baey Yam Keng inquired about standard procedures for crowd management and safety at the Sports Hub and the Ministry's checks and enforcement measures.
Lawrence Wong confirmed that Sports Hub Pte Ltd has SOPs for crowd control, tailors plans for each event, and collaborates with authorities for large events.
The Ministry stated that lessons from the SEA Games Closing Ceremony are being used to refine SOPs and improve future event management at the Sports Hub.

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11 May 2015

Re-scheduling Sports Competitions to Avoid Thunderstorm Peak Hours

Benedict Tan proposed shifting school sports competitions to night sessions during the rainy season to avoid thunderstorm peak hours and improve attendance for families and alumni.
MOE emphasized the need to balance safety, student well-being, and stakeholder needs, noting that some sports cannot be held indoors and are postponed during bad weather.
Scheduling in the evening would strain public sports facilities and extend school hours for students and teachers.
MOE has no immediate plans to move competitions to evenings but will explore ways to enhance parental involvement while considering all parties' needs.

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11 May 2015

Competitive and Fringe Events at 28th Southeast Asian Games

Preparations for the 28th SEA Games are progressing well with full-scale test runs at venues, featuring 36 sports, around 400 events, 10,000 athletes and officials, and a record 748-athlete contingent for Singapore.
The Ministry will not hold a dedicated exhibition on Singapore-ASEAN relations but will highlight these ties through the Opening Ceremony and social media, while encouraging public support for Team Singapore to create a home-ground advantage.
Ticket sales are generally better than expected, though uneven, with events like the Opening Ceremony and water polo finals sold out; fringe carnivals are planned at the Sports Hub and Marina Bay to enhance the experience.
The Sports Hub's hybrid Desso pitch will use a lay-and-play solution with grass grown offsite, and for oversubscribed events, live telecasts, community screenings, and mobile apps will expand access for the public.

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13 Apr 2015

Update on Junior Sports Academy Programme

Benedict Tan asked about the outcomes, selection criteria, future expansion, popularity, and stakeholder needs for the Junior Sports Academy (JSA) programme, while Heng Swee Keat outlined its history, benefits, and revised structure.
The JSA, established in 2008, has engaged over 2,200 students, fostering sports skills, teamwork, and values, with a revised programme offering two years of sports modules and educational workshops for Primary 4 students.
The revised JSA, based on global best practices, will start with 12 sports and expand to 28, aiming to provide a holistic pathway for talent development with support from parents, coaches, and sports associations.

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13 Apr 2015

Honouring the Founding Prime Minister of Singapore, the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew

The Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, stated that while many suggestions have been made to honour the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, such as naming landmarks or placing his image on currency, decisions should not be rushed and must align with Mr Lee’s ideals of multiracialism, meritocracy, and integrity rather than promoting a personality cult.
He highlighted that Mr Lee was cautious about monuments and explicitly wished for his Oxley Road home to be demolished after his death, a wish documented in his will and respected by the government, though digital preservation of the house was suggested.
A committee chaired by Mr Lee Tzu Yang will explore conceptualising a Founders’ Memorial to honour not just Mr Lee but the entire founding generation, aiming to foster national unity and educate future generations on Singapore’s history and values.
Members of Parliament emphasised the importance of inclusivity, ensuring all communities can connect to the commemoration, and the need to focus on embedding Mr Lee’s ideals in education and national identity rather than solely on physical memorials.
The Prime Minister concluded that any memorial must be meaningful, forward-looking, and developed over time with public input, avoiding haste to ensure it resonates with future generations and strengthens Singapore’s nationhood.

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