Arts, culture & sports — Topics

25 Feb 2013

Upgrading Plans for Pasir Ris Park

Zainal Sapari inquired about upgrade plans for Pasir Ris Park due to population growth from new housing and the timeline for such works.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that minor upgrades, including improvements to the playground, drainage, footpaths, and park facilities, would be carried out this year.
He added that in the long term, the coastal Round Island Route would connect Pasir Ris Park with other parks and recreational areas to enhance the experience for residents.

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7 Feb 2013

Visitorship at Museums

Janice Koh raised concerns about declining visitorship and exhibitions at the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) since 2009, questioning if budget allocations should be increased to support museums.
Acting Minister Lawrence Wong explained the drop in visitors was due to SAM's strategic shift toward Southeast Asian and contemporary local art, which prioritizes quality and relevance over international blockbusters.
Koh emphasized the need for more outreach, marketing, and a balanced mix of international and local exhibitions to attract broader audiences, including for events like the Singapore Biennale.
Wong agreed on the importance of accessible art and outreach, noting efforts to enhance exhibitions and partnerships to engage schools and community groups.
Both parties acknowledged the need for continued government support to balance local/regional art development with occasional international blockbusters to draw diverse visitors.

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7 Feb 2013

Initiatives and Resources for Community Engagement Masterplan

The Acting Minister provided an update on the Community Engagement Masterplan, stating that $19 million had been expended as of December 2012, with funds allocated to building engagement networks, supporting community arts programmes, and upgrading facilities.
The Masterplan uses both quantitative and qualitative indicators to measure success, such as programme reach and public surveys on arts’ impact on quality of life, with lead agency MCCY accountable for overall progress.
In response to supplementary questions, the Minister agreed that agency-specific success indicators should be published where possible and acknowledged the need for better training and exposure for community engagement officers working with arts groups.

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6 Feb 2013

Effectiveness of Foreign Sports Talent Scheme in Retaining New Citizens

Since the Foreign Sports Talent Scheme started in 1996, 64 athletes have been granted Singapore citizenship, with 10 granted in the last five years, averaging 2 years and 10 months of residence before citizenship.
Four of the 64 athletes have renounced their Singapore citizenship, citing reasons such as more playing opportunities abroad, retirement plans, or difficulty adapting to the local lifestyle.
The scheme aims to raise sports standards and support local talent, with integration programs including community events, English lessons, and mentors to help athletes assimilate into Singapore society.

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6 Feb 2013

Policy on Naming Rights for Sports Hub Facilities

The Sports Hub operates under a 25-year PPP agreement where the commercial operator sells naming rights for individual facilities (except the National Stadium) to fund enhancements and community events, subject to the Singapore Sports Council’s (SSC) consent.
Any interested party can approach the operator for naming rights deals without preferential treatment, and SSC evaluates applications on a case-by-case basis, considering reasonable grounds such as excluding unsuitable sponsors.
The government is open to naming some facilities after public figures or sports personalities instead of commercial naming, and the overall Sports Hub name will not be commercialized.

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6 Feb 2013

Impact of Government's Cross-carriage Measure on Competitiveness of Broadcast and Content Market

The cross-carriage measure has increased content commonality, with over 50 channels now available on multiple platforms, and the market has grown with more subscribers and service innovation.
The government clarified that the measure's goal is not to lower subscription costs, which are influenced by rising global content prices, but to enhance choice and competitiveness.
Authorities are closely monitoring contract negotiations, such as for the Barclays Premier League, to prevent circumvention of the measure and ensure fair market access.
While the common set-top box initiative was shelved due to unmet proposals, the government sees no regulatory barriers preventing new players from entering the market.

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5 Feb 2013

Land for Golf Courses

Irene Ng asked how many golf courses exist in Singapore, their total land area, the proportion of land used, plans for more golf courses, and the guiding principles for land allocation.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that there are 18 golf courses occupying 1,500 hectares, which is about 2% of Singapore’s total land area.
Khaw stated there are no plans to allocate more land for golf courses, and some current golf course land will be repurposed for more productive uses due to increasing land demands.
He noted that all golf courses are on leasehold land, with most on 30-year leases, allowing the government to progressively redevelop these areas.

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5 Feb 2013

Government Scholarships for Media Studies

Janice Koh inquired about the number of government media scholarships awarded from 2010 to 2012, the reasons for the 2012 scheme revision to include co-sponsorship and a bond period, and whether this change would disadvantage freelance media practitioners like screenwriters and directors.
The Media Development Authority revised the Media Education Scheme in 2012 to better align with industry needs, partnering with media companies to offer full scholarships with job placements and a three-to-five-year bond, resulting in six new awards that year.
Following feedback from the film community, MDA introduced the MES(Film) category in 2013 to support independent filmmakers through mentorship and a two-year service commitment instead of traditional employment, demonstrating a commitment to incorporating industry input.

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5 Feb 2013

Development of Sports Administration and Management Expertise

The Acting Minister affirmed that sports administration and management are key priorities, with the Singapore Sports Council providing grants, an organisational excellence framework, and educational partnerships to enhance NSA capabilities.
Nicholas Fang highlighted that current financial support for NSAs is insufficient to attract talent, suggesting dedicated educational programs and a focus on administrative excellence in fundraising efforts.
Christopher de Souza emphasized the direct link between well-staffed federations and athletic success, advocating for more grants to support administrative roles.
The Minister committed to a comprehensive study on the sports sector's manpower needs, including salary benchmarks and educational programs, to ensure a stable supply of expertise.
Stakeholders agreed on the need for a holistic approach to develop sports administration, including organisational excellence and competency frameworks, with a willingness to provide additional support if required.

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4 Feb 2013

Framework for Arts Spaces

The National Arts Council has implemented a new Framework for Arts Spaces, rolling out developments like the Goodman Arts Centre and upcoming Aliwal Arts Centre to better support artists and groups through capacity building and public engagement.
The government is facilitating co-location of arts groups in commercial developments via the Community/Sports Facilities Scheme, allowing them to pay only a service charge instead of rent, with examples including Very Special Arts and Singapore Dance Theatre.
Subsidised shared storage facilities are available at new arts centres, but the council continues to explore more affordable options, including partnerships with commercial players, to address storage challenges for dance and theatre companies.
The National Arts Council is working with the People’s Association to co-locate artists in community spaces and enhance facilities at community clubs, supporting programming and integrating arts into local hubs.

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4 Feb 2013

Arts Housing Scheme

The Arts Housing Scheme currently provides about 24,000 sqm of floor area for artists and arts groups, which is also the Gross Floor Area cap for rental subvention, with an additional 15,000 sqm available at the Goodman Arts Centre.
The number of artists and arts groups benefiting from subsidised studios increased by nearly 90% from 2007 to 2013, broadly in line with the growth in registered arts companies.
The National Arts Council has introduced a new Framework for Arts Spaces with shared facilities, short-term studios, and co-tenancy to optimise space and support more artists, including emerging practitioners.
The government regularly reviews the scheme and works with partners to develop alternative options for arts housing, acknowledging it cannot house all artists in subsidised spaces.

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4 Feb 2013

Direct School Admission (DSA) Scheme

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah inquired about the value added to sporting capability through the DSA scheme, the number of DSA students pursuing sports professionally post-graduation, the lowest PSLE score for admission to RI or RGS via DSA, and the academic performance of DSA students at RI and RGS over five years.
Heng Swee Keat explained that the DSA scheme, introduced in 2004, promotes holistic education by recognizing diverse talents, with schools offering programmes to develop sporting strengths, and noted that about 250 DSA students represented Singapore nationally between 2010 and 2012.
He stated that DSA students must achieve a PSLE score allowing admission to the school's course, with 188 being the lowest score for RI or RGS, and that over 90% of the first two DSA batches at these schools completed "A" levels and were eligible for university degrees.
The overall goal of DSA is to broaden success definitions and reduce emphasis on exams, with ongoing reviews to improve the scheme.

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4 Feb 2013

Impact of "Sex.Violence.Familyvalues" Film Ban on Development of Creative Society

Janice Koh questioned whether Singapore has the right conditions for a creative society and what challenges exist, citing the film ban and an artist's arrest.
Lawrence Wong emphasized balancing artistic expression with respect for the law and multi-racial harmony, noting that the space for creativity evolves with societal maturity.
The government is investing in community arts programs and arts education to foster creativity, audience appreciation, and responsible expression within Singapore's social context.

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4 Feb 2013

Youth Participation in the Arts

The Acting Minister explained that the 12% drop in youth arts participation from 2009 to 2011 was largely due to a redefinition of survey criteria to exclude participation solely for academic or school purposes, making the data more comparable across demographics.
The Ministry highlighted the benefits of arts participation for youth, including fostering fulfillment, confidence, creativity, and societal vibrancy, and outlined initiatives like the $40 million Arts and Culture Education Masterplan to improve school-based arts exposure.
Following clarifications from Ms Janice Koh, the Minister acknowledged gaps in tracking arts participation among children under 15 and committed to considering broader surveys to better understand youth engagement in the arts.

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4 Feb 2013

Preparations for 2013 SEA Games in Myanmar

Nicholas Fang asked for updates on Myanmar's preparation for the 2013 SEA Games and whether it would impact Singapore athletes' preparations.
Lawrence Wong confirmed Myanmar is on schedule to host the Games, with facilities under construction but expected to be ready, and sports list discussions ongoing.
Singapore's sports bodies are already preparing athletes through training schedules and milestones for the 2013 SEA Games.
Nicholas Fang raised concerns about the unpredictable inclusion of non-Olympic sports in the SEA Games, affecting athlete preparation, and asked about measures to improve visibility for future Games.
Lawrence Wong stated that Singapore advocates for Olympic-level sports in the SEA Games but acknowledges the inclusion of traditional sports, and will maintain this stance for Singapore's 2015 hosting.

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14 Jan 2013

Tisch School of The Arts Asia

Mrs Lina Chiam questioned the EDB on the failure of education projects like Tisch School of the Arts Asia, the amount of public money spent on such projects, and the lack of transparency regarding the EDB-NYU contract for Tisch Asia.
Minister Lim Hng Kiang explained that while the broader Global Schoolhouse initiative has successfully attracted renowned foreign universities and boosted Singapore's education brand, specific projects like Tisch Asia faced financial unsustainability due to factors like currency appreciation and high costs.
EDB provided S$11.68 million in loans and S$5.3 million in grants to Tisch Asia, which was established in 2007 but closed due to revenue shortfalls and cost overruns, despite NYU's subsidies and efforts to find sustainable options.
For the University of New South Wales Asia, EDB had provided S$15 million in loans and S$17.5 million in grants, as previously reported in Parliament.
The government is focused on minimizing disruption to affected students, with Tisch Asia remaining open until 2015 to teach out existing students, while EDB discusses loan repayment details with NYU.

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14 Jan 2013

Progress on Singapore Memory Project

The Singapore Memory Project has collected over 500,000 memories, with 67% in text, 32% in photos, and 1% in video, and about 90% in English with a mix of other languages.
The target of 5 million memories by 2015 is a quantitative indicator, but the project's main focus is on building narratives of shared values and experiences, and it will continue as a permanent NLB effort.
NLB uses a hybrid outreach approach, including physical roadshows, student-led interviews in heartlands, and digital channels like a web portal, mobile app, and social media, to engage Singaporeans of all ages and races.

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14 Jan 2013

Improving Standards of Singapore Football

The Minister attributed Singapore's 2012 Suzuki Cup success to the Football Association of Singapore's long-term talent development system since 2000, which received increased funding from the Singapore Sports Council and sponsors.
To retain top players domestically, the government aims to provide strong development opportunities through teams like Lions XII in the Malaysian Super League and S-League clubs, while acknowledging that some players may benefit from overseas experience.
The Minister suggested engaging national players to act as role models by visiting schools and conducting soccer clinics to inspire youth and promote the sport more widely.

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16 Nov 2012

Free Entry to Museums

Janice Koh asked if the National Heritage Board could provide free entry to all Singaporeans at its museums year-round.
The Acting Minister stated that NHB already offers free admission to specific groups like students, teachers, National Servicemen, and seniors, plus 15 open house days annually and free entry in August for National Day.
He noted that while free admission has increased visitor numbers, sustainable programming requires resources, and some countries with free entry see visitorship taper off.
The Ministry and NHB will continue reviewing policies to balance accessibility, visitor experience, and appreciation of heritage.

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16 Nov 2012

Horror and Violent Film Trailers in Prime-time Belt

Christopher de Souza raised a concern about horror and violent film trailers being shown during prime-time hours before 10 pm, citing a local child's distressing experience with such a trailer at 8 pm.
The Ministry's representative confirmed that existing regulations prohibit trailers with horror or violent content from airing on free-to-air television between 6 am and 10 pm, and similar restrictions apply to subscription channels, with required classification ratings and scheduling.
The Ministry offered to investigate the specific case mentioned and reaffirmed that guidelines are in place to protect family audiences, welcoming further feedback on any breaches.

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