Arts, culture & sports — Topics

7 Jul 2014

Payment and Protection of Freelancers in Film and Television Industry

The Media Development Authority (MDA) worked with the Association of Independent Producers (AIPRO) to establish a Code of Industry Best Practices in July 2012, which initially focused on payment terms and contracts for freelancers and will later include workplace insurance.
Since 2007, MDA has received only two reported cases of non-payment from funded projects, which spurred the creation of the Code, and no new cases have been reported since.
Freelancers can report non-payment or late payment directly to MDA via its website feedback channel, and MDA may withhold new project funding from companies found guilty of misconduct.
AIPRO is expanding the Code to cover dispute resolution, training members to handle disputes with help from the Singapore Mediation Centre, in addition to existing channels like the Small Claims Tribunal.
The Code has been adopted by industry players such as MediaCorp for Public Service Broadcast content, benefiting both AIPRO members and non-members.

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7 Jul 2014

Mandatory Coaching Workshops for Instructors who Train Students in Schools

Ang Hin Kee questioned how the mandatory coaching workshop for sports instructors ensures high-quality coaching in schools, focusing on its pre-requisite role for Ministry registration.
Heng Swee Keat explained the workshop, introduced in 2012, emphasizes character development and sports values, covering areas like athlete-centered principles and safety, but does not address all aspects of quality coaching such as sports science or injury prevention.
The Minister noted that over 1,100 coaches have completed the workshop, with provisional registration allowed for others pending completion by end-2015, and stressed the need for continuous skill upgrades through other programs.

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7 Jul 2014

Freelance Instructors Offering Co-curricular Activities in Schools (Impact of move to register such instructors)

Freelance instructors are concerned about registering with the Ministry of Education (MOE) in time to bid for school contracts for co-curricular and enrichment activities.
MOE introduced the registration policy with a nine-month lead time from March 2014, starting January 2015, to allow instructors to comply.
Sports instructors must attend a workshop on coaching standards by end of 2015, with provisional registration available for those unable to attend immediately.
MOE is communicating registration requirements through partnerships with agencies like Sports Singapore and the National Arts Council.
The policy aims to support schools in procuring suitable instructors while ensuring instructors have sufficient time to meet registration needs.

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7 Jul 2014

Students' Participation in Co-curricular Activities

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah questioned the original objective of CCAs, whether schools pressure students due to MOE KPIs, and if students could participate without performances or competitions, while highlighting concerns about late-night rehearsals and lack of table tennis CCAs due to funding.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary stated that CCAs are integral to holistic education, offering recreational and service-oriented options without compulsory performances, and confirmed MOE does not set CCA KPIs or award competitions, focusing instead on quality practices.
MOE advised schools to balance student needs, avoid over-taxing, and allow schools to fund additional CCAs like table tennis through block grants or self-raised funds, emphasizing open communication among parents, students, and schools.

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16 May 2014

Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth

MCCY aims to develop Singapore as a distinctive cultural capital by supporting artists, enhancing arts spaces, and opening international opportunities for local talents.
The ministry is advancing national cultural infrastructure with new facilities like the National Gallery and Indian Heritage Centre, while also expanding sports facilities to ensure accessibility for all Singaporeans.
Efforts are being made to promote community engagement, youth participation, and a spirit of giving, especially through the upcoming SG50 celebrations to foster national unity and shared aspirations.

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16 May 2014

Ministry of Communications and Information

The Ministry aims to develop a vibrant infocomm, media, and design sector to improve quality of life, including a new Infocomm Media Masterplan to make Singapore a Smart Nation and promoting computational thinking in youth.
It will nurture startups by improving the ecosystem, level the playing field for accredited firms in government tenders, and build new infrastructure like a nationwide sensor network.
The Ministry will enhance regulatory frameworks, such as classifying internet services as essential utilities and amending the Broadcasting Act, while expanding co-regulation and content classification to protect consumers and public interest.
Initiatives include digitizing national collections, improving public service broadcasts, and setting up a Digital Inclusion Fund to ensure accessibility for all Singaporeans, including the disabled.
The Ministry will strengthen public engagement through REACH and enhance government communications, including translation services, to foster a connected and informed nation.

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14 Apr 2014

Holding of Finals of Featured Sports at Sports Hub

Assoc Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene questioned whether the finals of featured sports under the Community Games and the 2nd National Games would be held at the Sports Hub.
Lawrence Wong confirmed that the Community Games 2014 finals will not be at the Sports Hub due to its facilities being unavailable during planning.
The 2nd Singapore National Games will take place in the second half of 2014.
Some finals of the 2nd National Games will be held at the Sports Hub to provide Singaporeans with sports experiences at the venue.

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14 Apr 2014

Higher Viewer Subscription Charges for Broadcast of World Cup and Sports Programmes

Members of Parliament raised concerns about the high subscription charges for broadcasting the World Cup and other sports programmes, questioning the accessibility for Singaporeans and the effectiveness of existing regulatory measures like cross-carriage and the anti-siphoning list.
The Senior Minister of State explained that Singapore is a "price-taker" due to global increases in sports content rights costs and its small market size, and defended the cross-carriage policy for expanding channel availability without directly regulating prices.
The Ministry acknowledged the need for ongoing reviews of policies, including the anti-siphoning list and cross-carriage measures, but emphasized the challenge of balancing consumer interests with the commercial realities of high-cost, exclusive sports content.

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11 Mar 2014

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

The Ministry is preserving and promoting traditional arts through initiatives like the National Traditional Arts Plan, proactive outreach to groups, and matching funds to support heritage and engage younger audiences.
Support for disabled athletes is being enhanced through grants, scholarships, career schemes, research, and accessible infrastructure, with a focus on inspiring the community ahead of hosting the 2015 ASEAN Para Games.
MCCY is expanding inclusivity by partnering with social service sectors to bring arts and sports to vulnerable groups via programs like ArtReach and SportCares, which rely on community and corporate support.

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11 Mar 2014

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

Several MPs emphasized making arts and culture more accessible and integrated into daily life, advocating for greater outreach to heartlands and underserved groups, and supporting traditional arts and local artists.
The Malay/Muslim community's progress, challenges in education, employment, health, and family cohesion were discussed, with calls for stronger community collaboration, enhanced support for youth and women, and addressing perceptions of inequality and loyalty.
Sports development was a key focus, including building infrastructure like the Sports Hub and community facilities, supporting para-athletes and national sports associations, and promoting a broader sporting culture through initiatives like ActiveSG.

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10 Mar 2014

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

The debate centered on developing Singapore's infocomm and media sectors through a new integrated masterplan, which includes ideas like a nationwide heterogeneous network (HetNet), home-based healthcare for seniors, and a national coding movement (CODE@SG) to promote computational thinking.
Members raised concerns about digital inclusivity for the elderly and low-income households, leading to announcements of an assistance package for digital TV and enhanced library services, including mini mobile libraries and reading programmes for seniors and children.
The government outlined plans to support local media and creative industries, including bolstering public service broadcasting, promoting local music and film, and establishing a National Translation Committee to improve multilingual communications.

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3 Mar 2014

Students under Direct School Admission (DSA) Scheme who Drop Out of CCAs

The Ministry of Education (MOE) stated that the Direct School Admission (DSA) scheme allows schools to admit students based on diverse talents, with an expectation that students commit to their designated Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs), though schools may handle case-by-case transfers for reasons like sports injuries.
Over the past three years, about 95% of DSA-admitted students remained enrolled in their related CCA two years after admission, indicating the system generally works, with schools counseling students who lose interest.
MOE emphasized that while there is no single uniform policy, the principle is for schools to honor student commitments and handle withdrawals case-by-case, ensuring consistent communication across schools as the DSA scheme expands.

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18 Feb 2014

Promoting Singapore's Cultural and Creative Assets

The Acting Minister outlined that MCCY collaborates with MFA and overseas missions to promote Singapore's cultural assets, citing the Singapore-France Cultural Agreement and events like the Singapour Festivarts in Paris to enhance bilateral ties and position Singapore as a cultural capital.
Support for artists and creative professionals includes grants from NAC for international platforms, with 850 artists benefiting over five years, and similar support from MDA and the Design Singapore Council for media and design sectors to access global opportunities.
The Minister noted the lack of a central budget for cultural diplomacy efforts, as activities are multi-agency and decentralized, with no single annual spending figure available.
In response to a query about enhancing cultural diplomacy without cultural attachés, the Minister emphasized existing close coordination with overseas missions, but left open the consideration of establishing cultural secretariats in key capitals like Tokyo, New York, Shanghai, and London.

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18 Feb 2014

Accepting Students under Direct School Admission Scheme's Academic and Sports Tracks

Mr Ang Wei Neng questioned the distribution and rationale of the Direct School Admission (DSA) scheme, particularly regarding academic and sports tracks and the acceptance of students with significantly lower PSLE scores.
The Minister of State explained that DSA aims to recognize diverse talents beyond PSLE scores, with 63% of admissions based on academic merits and 17% on sports merits in top schools, and confirmed that 10% of sports-admitted students had PSLE scores 30 points below the cut-off.
MOE acknowledged concerns about unintended consequences and announced a review of the DSA policy to better support student development while maintaining its core objective of recognizing diverse achievements.
Additional points raised included potential expansion of DSA to all secondary schools and questions about students dropping out of CCA activities after admission via DSA, with MOE indicating case-by-case school policies and a need for further review.

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18 Feb 2014

Update on Arts Classification Framework

The Minister announced a two-tier Term Licensing Scheme under the amended Public Entertainment and Meetings Act, allowing arts groups to self-classify performances for "General" or "Restricted 18" ratings, with public consultation planned for the Amendment Bill in Q2 2014.
Feedback from stakeholders highlighted concerns about potential self-censorship versus relaxation of standards, and implementation challenges such as training, responsibilities of content assessors, and consequences for misclassification; MDA will conduct training and a pilot scheme in Q2 2014.
MDA emphasized a co-regulatory approach, aiming to calibrate standards based on societal views, and will address disagreements or complaints through consultation, a consultative panel, and a fair, context-sensitive assessment process, with punitive measures and an appeals process to be detailed in the Bill.

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18 Feb 2014

Sports Hub's Completion Schedule

Mr Nicholas Fang asked if the Sports Hub would open by April 2014 as targeted.
The Acting Minister confirmed the overall project is on track for April, though the National Stadium will need extra weeks for roof and seat testing.
A phased opening is planned, with facilities like the Aquatic Centre available from April and the National Stadium ready for events by June.

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18 Feb 2014

Assessment of Singapore Sports School's Ability to Meet Original Objectives

The Acting Minister affirmed that the Singapore Sports School has largely succeeded in combining quality sports and academic education, with notable achievements in international competitions and high academic progression rates for graduates.
A strategic review is underway to enhance the school’s programmes, including exploring a more flexible curriculum for elite athletes, through-train partnerships with tertiary institutions, and better customization for different sports.
Concerns were raised about lightening the academic curriculum for top athletes, the fairness of Direct School Admission, and ensuring non-discrimination against athletes not attending the Sports School, with the Minister noting these points for further consideration with relevant agencies.

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17 Feb 2014

Schools Offering Drama as "O" and "A" Level Subjects

Janice Koh asked about the current and past numbers of schools and students offering Drama at O and A levels, whether more Singapore content could be added to the syllabus, and plans to encourage more schools to offer Drama with teacher training.
The Minister responded that O level Drama and A level Theatre Studies and Drama are offered by a few schools, with stable student numbers averaging around 56 for A level and 81 for O level over the years, including SOTA students.
MOE is developing a new O level Drama syllabus for 2017 to better cater to student interests and strengthen appreciation of Singapore culture, with a dedicated drama unit providing resources and teacher training.
Both O and A level syllabuses already encourage students to draw from their lives and Singapore content, using local plays and featuring Asian theatre in the curriculum.

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17 Feb 2014

Measures Adopted by Schools to Prevent Fatal Incidents during Physical Education Classes

Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Minister for Education for an update on the recent deaths of two Secondary school students during PE lessons and the measures being taken to prevent future incidents.
Heng Swee Keat expressed deep sadness over the tragedies and confirmed that police are investigating the causes, while MOE has reviewed and confirmed that safety protocols were followed in both cases.
MOE has reminded all schools to regularly review risk assessments, collect medical declarations from parents, conduct checks on students' well-being before PE lessons, and ensure warming-up and cooling-down exercises are performed.
PE teachers are trained in first-aid and CPR, and schools are required to follow safety procedures for all physical activities to ensure a safe environment for holistic student development.

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21 Jan 2014

NS Deferment by Artists and Arts Talents

Ms Janice Koh asked the Ministry of Defence for statistics on NS deferment applications by male artists from 2003 to 2013, details on the approval process, and whether a formal appeals committee could be established.
Minister Ng Eng Hen responded that NS deferment is granted very selectively only to individuals with exceptional talents who can contribute to national pride, not personal achievement, and is assessed jointly by MINDEF and MCCY.
Between 2003 and 2013, only five applications for arts-related deferment were received, with two granted, and deferred artists must enlist for NS as soon as possible after their deferment period.

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