Arts, culture & sports — Topics

21 Oct 2013

National Service Enlistment for Top Male Athletes

David Ong asked the Ministry of Defence to consider a more flexible National Service enlistment approach for top male athletes to allow them to excel at sports during their prime.
The Minister for Defence explained that deferment from full-time NS may be granted in exceptional cases to athletes assessed as potential international medal winners, citing the approval of Joseph Schooling's deferment until 2016 to train for the Olympics.
David Ong sought clearer criteria and a formal deferment scheme for elite athletes to plan their sporting careers confidently, with the Minister reiterating that deferments require athletes to demonstrate necessity for full-time training and compete at high levels, assessed case-by-case with MCCY.
Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked if deferments could consider events beyond the Olympics, such as the Asian Games, to which the Minister confirmed other high-level competitions are considered if deemed exceptional.

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16 Sep 2013

Increasing Visitorship to Gillman Barracks

The Ministry for Trade and Industry reported that while Gillman Barracks has hosted over 90 exhibitions and attracted international interest, it does not track aggregated visitorship or sales figures for the site.
To enhance the area, plans include improving accessibility with covered walkways and adding food and retail options, anchoring vibrancy through events, and boosting public outreach via media.
The Centre for Contemporary Art, set to open by NTU, will support non-selling exhibitions, research, and an Artist Residency Programme that includes studios for Singapore-based artists.

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16 Sep 2013

Singapore Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation's Status as National Sports Association

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef sought clarification on the future direction and support for bodybuilding professionals and amateurs, whether athletes can still represent Singapore in competitions, and if the Singapore Sports Council would plan remedial actions to reinstate the federation's status.
Lawrence Wong explained that the Singapore Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation was revoked as a National Sports Association due to repeated administrative lapses and doping infractions, and the Singapore Sports Council is now discussing with potential parties to form a new NSA to represent the sport.
Despite the revocation, bodybuilding athletes can still compete in regional and international events through their sports clubs, and for major games like the SEA and Asian Games, selected athletes will be directly overseen by the Singapore National Olympic Council and Singapore Sports Council.

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16 Sep 2013

Guidelines on Visual Materials Shown in Lectures at Tertiary Institutions

Baey Yam Keng asked about censorship rules for videos shown in tertiary lectures and whether more leeway could be given to lecturers for educational use.
The Minister of State explained that the Film Act requires classification for commercial films, but tertiary institutions can screen R21 films for education with MDA approval under supervised conditions.
The Ministry allows such screenings in controlled environments like libraries or lectures, with measures to restrict access to age-restricted materials.

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16 Sep 2013

Update on Construction of Sports Hub

The Singapore Sports Hub construction is on schedule and expected to begin operations in April 2014, with the new National Stadium technically available for the National Day Parade (NDP) in August 2014, though logistical and rehearsal requirements are being reviewed before a final venue decision.
The NDP Organising Committee is in close discussions with relevant bodies and aims to decide on the NDP 2014 venue by the end of the year, addressing concerns about preparation lead times.
Feedback on improving access for citizens in wheelchairs at the NDP venue will be conveyed to the Ministry of Defence, which oversees the parade, while long-term plans for the floating platform are being studied for potential uses beyond the NDP.

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12 Aug 2013

Estimated Budget for Hosting the 28th Southeast Asian Games in June 2015

Assoc Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene asked for the estimated budget and measures to prevent overruns for Singapore's hosting of the 28th SEA Games in June 2015.
Lawrence Wong stated that the budget is not yet finalised as the SEA Games Federation will finalise plans after the 2013 Games in Myanmar, and he will inform Parliament once the budget is set.
To avoid overruns, SINGSOC will tightly monitor areas like venue construction, event organisation, and IT, and work with stakeholders to define service levels and control costs.
SINGSOC will plan ahead, leverage existing sports facilities, bring forward procurements, and actively seek corporate sponsorship to help manage expenses.
The overall goal is to keep the costs under control and ensure the success of the Games through close coordination with the Singapore National Olympic Council and the SEA Games Federation.

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12 Aug 2013

Provision of Localised Platform for Arts and Cultural Interest Groups to Partner Training Institutes

The government has demonstrated a commitment to supporting ground-up arts initiatives through existing programs and partnerships between community groups, training institutes, and national arts institutions.
Various agencies already provide support for volunteers through toolkits, advisory panels, workshops, and training programmes to organise arts and cultural events.
The proposal to close streets like Waterloo or Short Street for monthly arts activities is under consideration, with consultation needed from local stakeholders including tenants and residents.
There is an ongoing focus on creating pedestrian-friendly environments in arts and heritage districts to provide more space for cultural initiatives.
Current collaborations between community arts clubs, training institutes, and national agencies are already yielding exhibitions, talks, workshops, and other community projects.

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12 Aug 2013

Comparison of Premier League Charges in Singapore and Other Countries

Mr Zaqy Mohamad questioned how Singapore's local subscription cost for paid BPL channels compares with charges by other TV operators in major markets and whether MDA foresees other impacts or inconvenience to consumers due to the cross-carriage measure.
Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim clarified that the cross-carriage measure's intent is not to lower pay TV costs, noting that global premium sports content acquisition costs are rising significantly, with BPL rights costs increasing substantially in markets like the UK, Thailand, and Vietnam.
MDA compared Singapore's BPL pricing in PPP terms with bundled offerings in Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Australia, and the UK, finding Singapore more expensive than Malaysia and Australia but less expensive than the UK, Hong Kong, and Thailand, with competitive bundles and rebates leading to potentially lower prices locally.
MDA is monitoring the implementation of the cross-carriage measure through the Media Market Conduct Code to ensure no discrimination in customer service and will take firm action against any breaches by pay TV operators.

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12 Aug 2013

Naming Rights of Sports Hub

Assoc Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene questioned why the 2012 naming rights MOU with OCBC Bank was not approved, seeking better management guidelines and an update on facility naming and revenue, and asking how fair value is ensured.
Lawrence Wong explained that the Sports Hub operates under a PPP agreement where the private operator SHPL manages commercial opportunities without government approval, but requires SSC approval for individual facility names.
The Ministry and SSC rejected a proposal to sell naming rights for the entire Sports Hub, deciding to preserve it as a national icon free from commercial naming, while allowing sponsorship deals for individual facilities.
Assessments for naming rights sales involve independent valuations to determine fair value, and details for individual facility naming are still being finalized.

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12 Aug 2013

Plans for Tampines Bike Park

Irene Ng asked if Tampines Bike Park will be closed, when, and what plans exist for replacement mountain bike and BMX tracks.
Lawrence Wong confirmed the park will close as the site is needed for residential use, with closure expected around mid-2014, and that alternatives like Bukit Timah, Kent Ridge, and Ketam trails are available for mountain biking.
The Singapore Sports Council is discussing potential replacement sites for the BMX track with land planning authorities and aims to announce a replacement by end-2014.

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12 Aug 2013

Commissioning Local and Regional Artists to Create Art Works

Janice Koh asked if the Ministry would set up a special fund to commission new public art and sculptures by local and regional artists for public spaces, with the first commissions timed for Singapore's 50th birthday in 2015.
Lawrence Wong highlighted existing schemes like the National Arts Council’s grants and commissions and the National Heritage Board’s Public Art Tax Incentive Scheme to support public art.
The Ministry is reviewing how to further encourage more art in public spaces, emphasizing the need for support from stakeholders such as commercial entities and building owners.

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9 Jul 2013

Implementation of Cultural Donation Matching Fund

Janice Koh asked for an update on the Cultural Donation Matching Fund, how to ensure it attracts new sponsorships rather than replacing existing ones, whether its guidelines will match those of the National Arts Council, and if donations from April 2013 will be recognized.
Lawrence Wong explained that consultations with stakeholders and an online public exercise are underway, with the fund intended to signal shared responsibility and encourage new donations, as art groups see opportunities to tap new giving sources.
The fund will have its own governance guidelines based on references from existing ones like the National Arts Council, and while finalization is on track within months, it will not be backdated to April 2013.

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9 Jul 2013

Bukit Brown Cemetery as a UNESCO Heritage Site

Janice Koh asked whether Bukit Brown Cemetery meets UNESCO's "Outstanding Universal Values" criteria, if a study would be conducted, and if a portion could be gazetted for preservation.
Lawrence Wong acknowledged the cemetery's heritage value and efforts by agencies like the National Heritage Board to document and preserve it, but noted that UNESCO standards are stringent and the site was not considered a candidate in prior consultations.
The government's focus remains on nominating the Singapore Botanic Gardens for UNESCO listing to better understand the process before considering other sites like Bukit Brown.

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9 Jul 2013

Lifting Participation Rates in Arts Courses at Grassroots Organisations

The Acting Minister explained that over 200 drama courses were held in Community Clubs in 2012, with additional drama workshops offered by libraries and the Esplanade, and community events like PAssionArts month featured 30 theatre programmes for residents to co-create works with professionals.
Theatre interest groups such as Ageless Theatre for seniors and Yellow Chair Productions are available at Community Clubs, while the National Arts Council supports groups like The Necessary Stage which runs the Theatre for Seniors programme and workshops in playwriting and acting for youths.
The Ministry and its agencies will continue to partner with artists and theatre groups to provide more drama-related activities and programmes to boost community participation.

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9 Jul 2013

Development Plans for Pulau Ubin

The government affirmed there are no current development plans for Pulau Ubin and aims to preserve its rustic state as an outdoor playground for Singaporeans, with ongoing community engagement to maintain this vision.
Officials clarified that a letter sent to residents was a census survey and TOL regularization notice, not an eviction notice, and apologized for its distressing wording while outlining financial assistance and phased fees for those remaining.
Members raised concerns about communication in local languages, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting residents like Kamariah Abdullah to sustain the kampung spirit, with the Ministry committing to better processes and stakeholder engagement.
Proposals for a retirees village or gazetting Pulau Ubin as a cultural heritage site were noted as suggestions for future consideration, but the priority remains keeping the island rustic and accessible to Singaporeans.

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8 Jul 2013

Criteria for Accreditation of Media Organisations and Personnel

Mr Chen Show Mao asked about the principles and criteria for accrediting media organisations and personnel, including whether there are different standards for online versus traditional media and if individually licensed online news websites qualify as news organisations under the accreditation system.
Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim explained that accreditation is granted to news organisations that regularly cover Government events and is not mandatory for news-gathering, with criteria focusing on the organisation’s reach, distribution, and professional standing.
He stated that the platform—whether traditional or online—is not a factor in accreditation, and that the licensing of online news websites is separate from and does not affect the accreditation process or criteria.

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8 Jul 2013

Licences for Commercial Rock Concerts in Residential Areas

Ang Hin Kee questioned why arts entertainment licences are approved for commercial rock concerts at open fields next to residential areas at night and what measures address the resulting noise pollution.
Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim explained that the Media Development Authority (MDA) works with the Police to impose conditions such as sound level limits and event hours to minimize noise, and considers community feedback.
Most licensed commercial rock concerts are held at commercial venues away from residential areas, but for those near homes, MDA consults on law, order, and traffic measures and may require approvals from Town Councils and the Singapore Land Authority.
Non-compliance with licensing conditions can result in fines up to $10,000, and the track record of organizers and venues is monitored for future license assessments.

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8 Jul 2013

Support for Local Artistes Taking Part in International Film Festivals

The MDA provides support for local films through grants like the New Talent Feature Grant and the Marketing Assistance Scheme, which helped fund the promotion and Cannes participation of "Ilo Ilo."
The Singapore Film Commission showcases award-winning local films and plans to enhance support for future festival participation and talent development.
Awards like the Cultural Medallion, Young Artist Award, and Singapore Youth Award recognise and reward outstanding local artistes, with past recipients including filmmakers.

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8 Jul 2013

Non-Award of Sportsman of the Year Award for 2013

The Sportsman of the Year award is part of the Singapore Sports Awards run by the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC), with a Selection Committee comprising sports administrators, athletes, and journalists making final decisions based on nominations from National Sports Associations.
The award criteria include sporting achievements, competition level and standard, and whether the athlete is an outstanding role model or has inspiring performances, with high standards given rising sporting achievements in Singapore.
The award was not given in 2013 as the Selection Committee determined no nomination met the stringent criteria, a decision that has also occurred in previous years such as 2009 and 2010.
The government respects the independent decision of the SNOC Selection Committee and encourages athletes to continue striving for excellence to bring pride to Singapore.

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8 Jul 2013

Financing Arrangements for Changi Motorsports Hub Project

The Ministry explained that the Changi Motorsports Hub was always intended as a fully private commercial venture, unlike the public-private partnership model used for the Sports Hub, and the project was terminated because the winning bidder failed to secure financing after paying for the land.
The Singapore Sports Council (SSC) incurred no direct costs beyond standard tender expenses, with any post-termination site costs to be deducted from the eventual partial refund to the defaulting bidder, SG Changi.
After reassessing market interest, the Government concluded that providing public subsidies or concessions for the project was not a good use of public funds, given its limited community impact and commercial nature.
The Government has learned to be more cautious in evaluating the financial strength and potential financing challenges of bidders in future tenders to prevent similar occurrences.

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