Arts, culture & sports — Topics

21 Jan 2014

State of Chinese Dialects in Singapore

Assoc Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene inquired about the Government’s assessment of Chinese dialects’ state and sustainability in an English-dominant environment, and the potential impact of their decline on Chinese-Singaporean culture and heritage.
Lawrence Wong explained that the bilingual policy encourages Mandarin to foster common communication and economic opportunities, while acknowledging dialects’ continued use in informal settings, traditional arts, and cultural activities.
Efforts to preserve Chinese dialects include dialect classes by Clan Associations, grants from the National Heritage Board, support for dialect-based arts from the National Arts Council, and curated dialect materials at the National Library’s Library@Chinatown.
These initiatives aim to ensure Chinese dialects remain accessible as part of Chinese-Singaporean culture and heritage for future generations.

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21 Jan 2014

Granting of Public Entertainment Category One Licences

Public Entertainment Category One licences are assessed by the Police with input from other agencies, considering factors like applicant background, law and order, and community impact, with no fixed quota but regular reviews of local density and mix.
Renewals depend on the licence holder’s track record and community feedback, with outlets generally allowed to continue if they have a good record.
Live music venues like Broadcast HQ are denied Category One licences in areas like Little India due to past vice incidents, though they may receive Category Two licences for recorded music; the government aims to balance regulation with support for the arts industry.

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21 Jan 2014

Sale of Tickets for Concerts

Lim Biow Chuan asked whether the government would regulate concert ticket sales to protect consumers from financial loss if events are cancelled, noting concerns about ticketing agents and refunds.
The Acting Minister responded that current consumer protection laws apply, and major ticketing agents like Sistic hold revenues until events conclude, enabling refunds; he preferred industry self-regulation and consumer awareness over new regulations.
Lim Biow Chuan raised follow-up concerns about the impact of concert cancellations on Singapore’s reputation, consumer confidence, and potential breaches of the Companies Act by event organisers.
The Minister acknowledged that cancellations occur globally, but noted few in Singapore, and mentioned that in the case of a bankrupt K-pop concert promoter, Sistic would refund consumers as it held the ticket revenues.

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21 Jan 2014

Lessons from 2013 Southeast Asian Games

Nicholas Fang questioned whether the 2013 SEA Games results would prompt changes to the Sports Excellence Scholarship scheme, such as including more athletes from lesser-known sports or focusing on fewer sports for better Olympic results.
The Minister affirmed the government's commitment to supporting athletes across 50 sports through the High Performance Sports system and the SpEx Scholarships, emphasizing performance-based support rather than sport-specific focus.
The Minister noted the SpEx Scholarship program was new and not directly linked to the 2013 SEA Games results, which were due to prior investments, but the system would better prepare athletes for future competitions like the 2015 SEA Games.
Nicholas Fang followed up, suggesting a more targeted approach given upcoming major games, to which the Minister responded that they are already working closely with National Sports Associations to focus on sports featured in the SEA Games.

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20 Jan 2014

Development Plans for Mid-sized Theatres

Janice Koh inquired about the plans for the two mid-sized theatres originally proposed as part of the Esplanade and how the Ministry will address the rising demand for mid-sized venues in the central arts district.
Lawrence Wong confirmed that the original plans for the mid-sized theatres at the Esplanade are still under consideration, with detailed specifications being studied to determine costs, funding, and timing.
As an interim measure, the reopening of Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall in August 2014, with 600 and 670 seats respectively, will help alleviate the demand for mid-sized performing venues.

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20 Jan 2014

Funding Formula for Government Grants to Gardens by the Bay

Laurence Lien asked about the Government's funding formula for grants to Gardens by the Bay and whether future funding would be reduced.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the Government fully funded the Gardens' development and currently covers 50% of annual operating expenses for outdoor gardens, with other costs recovered from admissions, commercial activities, and sponsorships.
The Government will continue to review the funding framework as the Gardens is still in its initial years of operation to ensure it meets its objectives as a national public garden.

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20 Jan 2014

Criteria for Registration under Broadcasting (Class Licence) Notification Framework

The Media Development Authority (MDA) regulates internet content providers through three licensing categories: individual licences for services like online TV and major news portals, automatic class licences for most websites, and a class licence requiring registration for entities involved in political or religious issues or those receiving foreign funding.
The MDA requires registration and an undertaking against foreign funding for sites like The Independent and The Breakfast Network due to their political content and corporate structure, applying a longstanding principle to prevent foreign influence in Singapore’s media.
The registration process is straightforward, involving submission of basic details, but some entities have raised concerns about the forms being onerous; the MDA is open to streamlining the process while maintaining the foreign funding prohibition.

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12 Nov 2013

Impact of Tightened Foreign Workers Inflow on Arts and Creative Industries

Ms Janice Koh raised concerns about how tightened foreign worker inflows affect the talent pool for arts and creative industries, and suggested policy refinements for modest pay scales and freelance work, as well as a special pass for foreign arts graduates.
The government explained that foreign workforce policies aim to drive productivity and are applied consistently, using fixed monthly salary as a key criterion for work pass eligibility to ensure quality and economic contribution.
While acknowledging the unique challenges in the arts sector, the government noted that flexibility for specific arts professionals is considered case-by-case with support from the National Arts Council.

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12 Nov 2013

Art Pieces Displayed in Public Areas

Ms Janice Koh raised questions about the number of public art pieces placed under the Public Art Tax Incentive Scheme and Art Incentive Scheme for New Developments in Central Area, a yearly breakdown for the last five years, and the availability of a comprehensive public listing including the status and condition of the artworks.
The Acting Minister, Mr Lawrence Wong, responded that since its 2006 launch, five artworks have been placed under the Public Art Tax Incentive Scheme, and from 2005 to 2012, 36 artworks were approved under the Art Incentive Scheme for New Developments in Central Area, with agencies committing to make information public.
Ms Koh followed up with concerns about accountability for artworks during demolition or renovation, the impact of the expired URA scheme, and the potential for enhanced tax incentives or online resources to share best practices.
Mr Wong stated that public agencies (NHB and URA) manage relocated artworks, MCCY is exploring ways to promote more public art through various schemes beyond tax incentives, and the Ministry is open to considering online resources for better information sharing.
The debate highlighted ongoing efforts to encourage public art maintenance and commissioning, with a focus on public accountability, accessibility, and support for artists and developments.

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11 Nov 2013

Drama Offering in Primary and Secondary Schools

Janice Koh asked the Minister for Education about the number of Primary and Secondary schools offering drama, students studying it in the core curriculum, schools using drama as a pedagogical tool, students exposed to drama in class, and whether there has been an upward trend in its application.
Heng Swee Keat responded that drama is used as a pedagogical tool to enrich learning during formal lessons, with only four Secondary schools offering it as a formal subject.
More than 180 Primary and Secondary schools use drama across various subjects, and over 170 drama instructors have taught in school drama clubs or speech and drama programmes.

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11 Nov 2013

URA's Art Incentive Scheme for New Developments In Central Area

URA's Art Incentive Scheme for New Developments in the Central Area ran from 2005 to 2012, offering additional gross floor area to developers who integrated public artworks in their projects, resulting in 36 artworks across nine private developments.
The scheme was deemed successful in catalyzing public art along activity corridors, with many developers now voluntarily installing artworks without incentives, as seen with pieces like "Nutmeg and Mace" and "The Bull."
The Ministry plans to continue promoting public art in commercial developments through various measures, including non-GFA incentives like NParks' installation of "Playsets of Yesteryears" at Raffles Place.

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11 Nov 2013

Use of Drama in Teaching

Janice Koh questioned the proportion of teachers with specialized, in-service, or no drama training, and asked whether pre-service teachers will receive drama training, if drama programs can be added to the Singapore Teachers' Academy for the aRts, and if drama will be formally included in the Primary core curriculum.
Heng Swee Keat stated that over 70% of Primary and Secondary schools use drama across subjects and highlighted existing pre-service and in-service drama training, including courses for Chinese Language teachers and upcoming schemes from 2014 to support drama teachers and research.
The Ministry emphasized that teaching methods like drama are chosen based on student needs and that teachers are equipped through various training programs, with drama offered as part of the Programme for Active Learning for young pupils.

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11 Nov 2013

Reduction of Noise for Sporting Events Held at Nicoll Highway/ Tanjong Rhu Area

Lim Biow Chuan asked if police would impose licensing conditions on sporting event organisers in the Nicoll Highway/Tanjong Rhu area to prevent noise disturbances during early morning hours.
Teo Chee Hean stated that URA requires approval for events in the Marina Bay area, and police issue public entertainment licences with noise mitigation measures such as event hour restrictions.
Organisers must engage nearby stakeholders to manage inconveniences, and non-compliance can lead to prosecution with fines up to $10,000.

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21 Oct 2013

Expenses in Support of Singapore's Candidate for Presidency of International Olympic Committee

Sylvia Lim asked about the extent of public funds and resources used to support Singapore’s candidate for the 2013 International Olympic Committee (IOC) presidency.
Lawrence Wong clarified that the IOC is a non-governmental organization and its members are elected independently.
He stated that the candidate, Mr. Ng Ser Miang, ran as an individual IOC member and not as a government representative.
Wong confirmed that no public funds were used to support the candidate’s campaign.
The response emphasized the separation between the government and the IOC’s internal electoral processes.

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21 Oct 2013

New Running Track for Cedar Girls Secondary School When Current One is Removed

Sitoh Yih Pin asked if Cedar Girls Secondary School could get a new 400-metre running track after its current one is removed in 2017.
Heng Swee Keat explained that the school had been using an old adjacent track temporarily since 1995, but this arrangement will end due to the Bidadari Estate development.
The Ministry noted that secondary schools already have standard sports facilities that meet PE curriculum needs, and schools can use community facilities like nearby stadium tracks.

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21 Oct 2013

Removal of 400-metre Running Track of Cedar Girls Secondary School

Sitoh Yih Pin requested the Ministry for National Development to reconsider the removal of Cedar Girls Secondary School's 400-metre running track when its lease expires in 2017.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the site was allocated for temporary use until 2017 and is now required for the Bidadari Estate development, which includes residential units, infrastructure, and public amenities.
The Bidadari Estate plans feature a 10-hectare park, jogging path, and cycling track, which will be accessible to the community and the school.
Public feedback was overwhelmingly positive (96% support), and the lease extension cannot be granted due to the scheduled development.

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21 Oct 2013

Sports Event in Nature Reserve

Ms Faizah Jamal questioned the rationale for allowing a commercial high-impact sports event in a nature reserve since 2009, including its environmental impact and compliance with the Parks and Trees Act.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that NParks evaluates each event's impact and imposes strict conditions to protect flora and fauna, with enforcement action for breaches.
For the North Face 100, only a small segment of the route is within the nature reserve, and organizers must implement measures like spacing runners and setting up rubbish disposal areas.

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21 Oct 2013

Soccer Match-fixing

Alex Yam asked when authorities became aware of match-fixing, if Singapore is a hub for syndicates, and what measures will be taken to keep the country free of such crime.
Teo Chee Hean stated that agencies have investigated 10 football corruption cases over 10 years, with six convictions and firm action against illegal betting, and highlighted penalties including fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of gains.
Investigations into recent arrests were hampered by overseas activities, but a joint team with INTERPOL and Europol led to the arrest of 14 suspects in September 2013, with some detained under temporary provisions.
Authorities work with international agencies and the Football Association of Singapore through education, polygraph testing, and cooperation to combat cross-border match-fixing.
The government affirmed continued firm action and legal enforcement to ensure Singapore remains free of match-fixing crime.

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21 Oct 2013

Economic Benefit from 2013 Formula 1 Grand Prix

The 2013 Singapore Grand Prix attracted over 260,000 spectators, the highest since its debut, and is expected to maintain steady economic benefits.
The event generates about $150 million in incremental tourism receipts per race and has drawn over 200,000 international visitors in the last five years.
The race provides global branding for Singapore, with 430 million cumulative TV viewers and direct economic spin-offs for local SMEs, which handle 80% of the race organization work.
Community engagement includes school visits, tours for the public, and practical event experience for ITE students, enhancing local involvement and pride.
The government and race promoter plan continued changes to increase excitement and broaden community participation in the event.

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21 Oct 2013

Update on Media Convergence Review

The Government supports a multi-pronged approach to address online piracy, focusing on public education, promoting legitimate content sources, and considering regulatory measures like site blocking.
Public education initiatives, such as outreach programs and IP Academy courses, aim to cultivate respect for copyright, while content providers are expanding legal access through digital services.
The Ministry is finalizing its review on site blocking as a regulatory tool, noting evidence of its effectiveness in reducing access to infringing sites, though it is not a complete solution.
The Copyright Act is being reviewed to keep pace with technological changes, balancing the protection of rights owners with consumer access to legitimate content.

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