Arts, culture & sports

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked about the digital support provided under the SG Heritage Business Scheme for heritage businesses to modernize and grow. David Neo responded that the scheme offers branding visibility, marketing tools, and grants for transformation projects, including digital innovations like Augmented Reality applications and online games. Heritage businesses can also access additional grants for adopting digital solutions and expanding their market presence. The National Heritage Board plans to develop promotional campaigns, create an online register of designated businesses, and seek industry partnerships for further support.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked about expanding the SG Culture Pass to include a wider literary focus and the possibility of an annual "Literary Pass" for purchasing Singapore literature. David Neo responded that the Culture Pass will include local literary works starting from 1 March 2026, allowing Singaporeans to use credits to buy books from participating bookstores. Eligible titles will encompass various genres by Singaporean authors. There are currently no plans for a separate credit scheme specifically for Sing Lit, as it can already be accessed through the Culture Pass. The Ministry will continue to support the literary ecosystem and foster audience engagement at events like the Singapore Writers Festival.

Yip Hon Weng asked if the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth would consider expanding the use of ActiveSG credits to include sports facilities in community centres and The Kallang for greater accessibility. Goh Hanyan confirmed that ActiveSG credits are currently usable at various ActiveSG facilities and that they have recently expanded to over 370 school sports facilities under the Dual-Use Scheme. Yip highlighted residents' interest in using credits at community facilities and emphasized the need for seamless access to encourage active lifestyles. Goh stated that SportSG is working on improving the My ActiveSG+ booking system and plans to expand the use of credits for People's Association facilities.

• Alex Yam opened the debate emphasizing the need for a strong national identity rooted in social trust amidst global instability, and proposed a vision for a "we first" society that prioritizes collective resilience and understanding.
• Mariam Jaafar discussed the pressures facing youth, advocating for mosques to serve as supportive community hubs offering engagement, listening, and spiritual guidance, especially for mental well-being.
• Multiple speakers raised issues about community engagement, expressing the importance of programs like the Bersamamu initiative and Project ARIF, aimed at supporting young families and enhancing social cohesion.
• The Acting Minister laid out plans to foster a multicultural society, emphasizing the importance of community-building through arts, sports, and heritage while announcing the new $50 million SG Partnerships Fund to support ground-up initiatives and citizen-led projects.
• Discussions also highlighted the need for improved integration and avenues for youth voices in shaping policies, ensuring their participation in community efforts while addressing the challenges posed by societal changes and digital disconnect.

He Ting Ru raised concerns about ensuring the SG Culture Pass is accessible to lower-income Singaporeans and less engaged groups through targeted outreach. David Neo responded that the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) is collaborating with social and community agencies to reach these groups. The MCCY organizes outings for seniors with Active Ageing Centres and adapts events for those with mobility challenges in nursing homes. Additionally, the ministry works with the People's Association to facilitate more accessible events in local communities. The WeCare Arts Experience fund has been expanded to include Culture Pass eligible programs, aiding social service agencies in providing access to arts and heritage for low-income families and seniors. MCCY aims to continue these partnerships to enhance accessibility to local arts and heritage.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik proposed the implementation of a Fixed Book Price scheme for Singaporean literature to support local authors. David Neo responded that the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth reviews strategies to support Sing Lit and has noted mixed opinions on the effectiveness of such a scheme. Concerns were raised about a Fixed Book Price potentially limiting price competition and affecting accessibility for lower-income readers. Instead, the ministry plans to expand the SG Culture Pass scheme to include local literary works to promote Sing Lit.

Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for National Development about the removal of a mural on 59 Arab Street by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). Chee Hong Tat explained that the removal was mandated because murals are prohibited on the front façades of conserved shophouses to preserve architectural features and the character of the historic district. URA consulted with the Kampong Gelam Alliance and the Heritage and Identity Partnership, both of which supported maintaining existing guidelines on murals. The tenant has complied and removed the mural.

Fadli Fawzi questioned the Minister for National Development regarding the potential for relaxing conservation guidelines on murals in heritage districts like Kampong Gelam to enhance tourism. Chee Hong Tat stated that while mural art can add vibrancy without compromising heritage features, the Urban Redevelopment Authority has consulted relevant organizations and concluded that existing guidelines for murals on conserved shophouses should remain unchanged.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik requested the Minister for Digital Development and Information to reconsider compensation for local authors and publishers as the Ministry previously declined a Public Lending Rights scheme for libraries. Josephine Teo responded that the National Library Board (NLB) supports local authors by purchasing books and promoting Singapore Collections to provide access to local literature. She emphasized that paying above market prices for books would limit the number of titles acquired, affecting the library's ability to meet user needs. Teo highlighted NLB's initiatives to promote local literature and authors through events and partnerships to strengthen Singapore's reading culture.

Valerie Lee asked about the proportion of migrant workers in specific sectors living in purpose-built dormitories near recreational centres and measures for affordable goods and services. Tan See Leng responded that 22% of non-Malaysian migrant workers in the construction, marine, and processing sectors reside in such dormitories within one kilometre of a recreation centre. Free shuttle services are available to improve access to these centres. Operators of recreation centres are obligated to maintain reasonable prices and receive funding based on meeting annual visitorship targets.

Valerie Lee asked about the average time taken to onboard new programs onto the Culture Pass platform and the existence of a price review mechanism to ensure fair pricing. David Neo responded that most complete applications are processed within one month, while incomplete applications receive assistance. The Ministry has safeguards to maintain fair pricing, aligning it with similar offerings outside the Culture Pass. As of January 2026, the average ticket price for programs is approximately $50, with prices remaining stable compared to before the Culture Pass was introduced.

Valerie Lee asked about potential reviews or changes to the eligibility criteria for the SG Heritage Business Scheme and the total funding disbursed since its launch. David Neo explained the scheme recognizes heritage businesses that have strong community ties, have been in the same location for at least 30 years, and offer traditional goods or services. The National Heritage Board is reviewing the scheme's parameters to include more businesses outside the Central Area. No direct funding is provided; instead, support includes marketing guidance and tailored business consultancy, as well as access to other grants to enhance productivity and sustainability.

Kenneth Tiong raised concerns about Singapore's co-curricular activities (CCA) system, sharing a resident's story about her son who faced significant challenges in pursuing his passion for tennis due to the selection processes in schools. He argued that the current model creates barriers and limits access for students, particularly those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and proposed reforms to allow broader participation without exclusion. Tiong advocated for a shift towards developmental programs alongside competitive squads and emphasized creating more open and accessible systems across schools. The Senior Minister of State for Education, David Neo, acknowledged the issues raised and supported efforts to improve access to CCAs while assuring that the Ministry of Education remains committed to holistic education and will continue reviewing and enhancing the current CCA framework.

David Hoe asked if the Ministry for Culture, Community and Youth would expand diploma pathways for student-athletes at the Singapore Sports School (SSP) to support their diverse career aspirations. David Neo responded that SSP has been actively enhancing support for student-athletes, recently partnering with Temasek Polytechnic to offer five new STEM-based diploma programmes starting in 2027. This initiative broadens SSP's offerings to include pathways from three out of five polytechnics, alongside existing options like the International Baccalaureate Diploma, which can be extended for greater academic flexibility. The Ministry and SSP will continue to collaborate with educational partners to develop more athlete-friendly educational opportunities.

David Hoe inquired about the Health Promotion Board's (HPB) assessment of "smart" public outdoor fitness corners designed to enhance physical activity, especially among seniors and lower-income residents, and the possibility of piloting such facilities in heartland areas like Clementi. Ong Ye Kung responded that HPB has not conducted assessments of these smart fitness corners. He highlighted that Singapore has over 3,400 outdoor fitness corners and 28 ActiveSG gyms offering accessible exercise options, along with online resources and a mobile app to support residents in using these facilities effectively.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat inquired about the progress of the Singapore Youth League (SYL) and the Ministry's view on reliance on private football academies for youth development. David Neo reported that the SYL has seen significant participation, with 6,000 youths playing an average of 30 competitive matches yearly since its 2024 launch. The Ministry emphasizes a collaborative approach involving various stakeholders in youth football to foster a strong talent pool for national teams.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis requested information from the Deputy Prime Minister regarding the cess collected, government expenditure, and GDP contribution for the past four editions of the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix. Gan Kim Yong stated that from 2022 to 2025, an average of $30 million in cess has been collected annually, with estimated costs of $140 million for organizing the race. Since 2008, the event has generated over $2.2 billion in incremental tourism receipts, but the government does not evaluate individual events' contributions to national GDP.

Elysa Chen asked how the Ministry of Education supports students from lower-income families in accessing training, preparation, and exposure opportunities for the Direct School Admission (DSA) scheme. Desmond Lee responded that the Ministry invests resources like Opportunity Fund grants to schools for subsidizing co-curricular activities and runs the Junior Sports Academy for students with potential, regardless of prior training. The main goal is to help these students discover their strengths rather than specifically prepare them for DSA, which considers a holistic view of student potential and personal qualities. The approach acknowledges that talent development can be influenced by a student's background and available opportunities.

Fadli Fawzi asked if the National Heritage Board (NHB) has studied the significance of traditional kampung-style mosques and if they will be considered for conservation. David Neo responded that NHB recognizes the heritage value of these mosques and has documented their history, including featuring Masjid Petempatan Melayu Sembawang in the Sembawang Heritage Trail. NHB will collaborate with the Urban Redevelopment Authority to evaluate suitable buildings, including mosques, for preservation based on various factors like heritage value and community interests.

Assoc Prof Terence Ho raised questions about the need for clearer guidelines on permissible public activities like dancing and how the government can mitigate public disamenity from such activities while maintaining vibrancy. K Shanmugam responded that informal activities, including dancing, are generally allowed in public spaces as long as they do not obstruct others or cause a nuisance, with police intervention only occurring in case of law and order concerns.