Arts, culture & sports — Topics

16 Nov 2012

R21 Movies on Pay Television

Christopher de Souza questioned the rationale for allowing R21 movies on pay TV and asked for reassurance that children at home would be protected.
The Senior Minister of State explained that the decision followed a 2010 Censorship Review Committee recommendation, with safeguards like parental locks, identity verification, and limited content access to balance adult choice with child protection.
The Minister assured that the government will keep content standards aligned with societal comfort and will continue prioritizing the protection of minors while responding to evolving media demands.

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16 Nov 2012

Murals in Kampung Glam

The Ministry explained that URA’s broad guidelines allow murals on conserved shophouses if they respect the site’s context and enhance the area’s character, and that existing murals in Haji Lane were approved because they suit the creative commercial vibe and were well-received.
The Kampung Glam Business Association has proposed a mural arts programme to improve aesthetics, with URA facilitating discussions; plans are preliminary and involve engaging various stakeholders to balance heritage conservation with artistic expression.
URA’s decision to permit murals reflects a relaxation of past approaches, aiming to encourage community ownership and artistic expression while maintaining conservation standards, with ongoing refinement of guidelines through stakeholder engagement.

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15 Nov 2012

Radio Airtime for Local Music

The Ministry acknowledged the need to support local music but consulted the industry on a quota, which was advised against due to a current lack of a strong library of broadcast-quality local music.
MediaCorp Radio dedicates around 10% of airtime to local music, with variations by language station, while other broadcasters like SPH UnionWorks and SAFRA allocate between 15% to 20% depending on their strategies.
Efforts beyond quotas include promoting live performances at educational institutes, collating local works for broadcast, and leveraging digital platforms like YouTube and mobile apps to increase access to local music.
Initiatives such as MDA’s funding schemes for local artists and a joint proposal for TV theme songs aim to build a sustainable ecosystem and expand the repertoire of local music for broadcast.
The Ministry emphasizes a balanced approach to develop a strong audience base for homegrown music through industry collaboration and multiple exposure avenues.

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15 Nov 2012

Impact of Imported Shows at Integrated Resorts on Local Productions

Janice Koh inquired about the impact of imported shows at integrated resorts on local productions, specifically whether the rise in attendance was due to these shows and how they affected ticket sales, sponsorship, and marketing for local groups.
Lawrence Wong noted that imported shows, particularly blockbuster musicals, significantly contributed to increased attendance but could not confirm their impact on local ticket sales due to data confidentiality, while acknowledging stiffer competition for audiences and sponsors.
The National Arts Council is doubling direct support to local arts groups through grants and introducing new programs like Market and Audience Development to help them remain viable amid competition.

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14 Nov 2012

Mountain Bikes on Bukit Timah Nature Trails

Faizah Jamal inquired about NParks' enforcement measures for night mountain bikers on Bukit Timah Trails to prevent disturbance to residents and wildlife, and whether stricter measures are needed given the sport's popularity.
Khaw Boon Wan clarified that mountain biking is only allowed on one designated trail around the nature reserve's perimeter, with other trails reserved for walking, and NParks uses "No Cycling" signs and summons for enforcement.
NParks educates cyclists on responsible behavior, including proper night lighting use to avoid disturbing residents and the nature reserve, and currently sees no need for stricter night cycling measures.
The debate highlights concerns about balancing recreational use with environmental protection and resident peace in a gazetted nature reserve.
Both speakers address the growing popularity of mountain biking while emphasizing existing regulatory and educational frameworks.

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14 Nov 2012

Curbs on Media during Hougang By-election Campaign in May 2012

Asst Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene questioned if the Government controlled or influenced the media during the Hougang by-election campaign in May 2012.
Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim responded that the media must exercise professional integrity and provide fair, objective, and credible coverage to retain public trust, especially amid diverse online information sources.
He cited a 2012 Edelman Trust Barometer showing 65% trust in Singapore’s media among the informed public, higher than in the US, UK, and Australia.
The Minister emphasized that Singapore’s mainstream media have performed well and must maintain credibility and fairness to stay relevant in a competitive media environment.

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14 Nov 2012

Funds Disbursed Under Multi-million Dollar Award Programme

Since 1991, the Multi-Million Dollar Award Programme (MAP) has disbursed $21.76 million, with $20.43 million to athletes and $1.33 million to National Sports Associations, awarded for 483 medals across the SEA Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and Olympic Games.
Nominated Member Nicholas Fang questioned the transactional nature of the MAP and suggested shifting support to front-load training and preparation for athletes, moving away from reward-based incentives.
Minister Lawrence Wong noted that MAP is funded by sponsors and reviewed periodically, and he expressed openness to discussing a balance between reward-based support and upfront investment in athlete development with SNOC and the sports community.

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14 Nov 2012

Discounted Rentals for Local Arts Groups

The Acting Minister confirmed that subsidized and preferential rental rates are provided to local arts groups at venues like the Esplanade, with discounts ranging from 35% to over 60% depending on the group's status.
Nominated Member Janice Koh highlighted that high venue rental costs can consume a large portion of arts groups' budgets, creating financial pressure and potentially leading to higher ticket prices.
The Minister stated that the National Arts Council is reviewing its grant framework to offer more support to arts groups and that efforts are underway to expand and upgrade performance spaces across Singapore.

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12 Nov 2012

Heritage Roads in Singapore

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked how many heritage roads exist in Singapore, what criteria determine their selection, and whether specific maintenance guidelines are in place.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed there are five gazetted heritage roads under the Parks and Trees Act, selected for their lush, mature roadside trees and vegetation, with protection for green buffers up to 10 metres on both sides.
Maintenance for these roads includes regular tree pruning, annual inspections, and ad-hoc checks after storms to ensure public safety and long-term sustainability.

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12 Nov 2012

Singapore's Participation in Formula One Grand Prix

Mrs Lina Chiam requested a cost-benefit report on the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix for the next five years and a comparison between projected and actual tourism receipts from the last three years.
S Iswaran stated that the F1 event has transformed Singapore's tourism sector, generated about $150 million in incremental tourism receipts per race, and attracted close to 200,000 international visitors over the first five races, exceeding initial projections.
The government co-funds 60% of the race costs, which are estimated at $150 million per event, and the event has provided significant global branding benefits, with over 360 million television viewers worldwide.
Future benefits are expected to be sustained with lower costs due to infrastructure optimization and revised terms with race promoters, while efforts to minimize public inconveniences will continue.

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12 Nov 2012

Remembering Singapore's Founding Generation

Asst Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene asked the Government about plans to honour and remember the contributions of Singapore's founding generation as part of nation-building.
Lawrence Wong agreed that remembering the founding generation strengthens national identity and outlined initiatives by the National Heritage Board, National Archives, and National Library to educate Singaporeans through exhibitions, trails, publications, and collaborations with schools.
He highlighted recent commemoration efforts, including special exhibitions from 2007 to 2012, a new exhibition in 2012, and plans to expand outreach, with the Ministry welcoming further ideas to engage younger generations.

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12 Nov 2012

Film Rating of "Sex.Violence.FamilyValues"

Janice Koh raised concerns about the MDA’s reversal of the film’s rating from M18 to Not Allowed for All Rating, questioning the process, lack of alternatives, and its impact on Singapore filmmakers.
Minister Yaacob Ibrahim explained that strong public feedback on the film’s trailer led the MDA to consult the Films Consultative Panel, which overwhelmingly found the film offensive and recommended the NAR rating.
The Minister emphasized that the MDA reflects community standards, that the case is isolated, and that filmmakers can appeal to the Films Appeal Committee for a final decision.
Janice Koh argued that blocking the film denies Singaporeans a chance to discuss racial issues and shrinks the common space, while the Minister disagreed, citing other platforms for dialogue.
David Ong and Baey Yam Keng sought clarification on the classification process, industry engagement, and how differences between the Board of Film Censors and the Films Consultative Panel are resolved.

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12 Nov 2012

Focus on Sports with New Ministry for Culture, Community and Youth

Nicholas Fang asked how sports can help the new Ministry engage youth and build community ties, and whether this might dilute high-performance sports goals, to which Lawrence Wong replied that sports participation and excellence are complementary and mutually reinforcing, with initiatives like the Singapore National Games and SportCares fostering community involvement while inspiring athletic achievement.
Wong emphasized that broadening sports participation will enhance talent development for high-performance sports, and both goals are integral to the Ministry’s aims, supported by the Sports Vision 2030 report and activities like community games.
In a follow-up, Fang questioned how limited resources would be allocated between community and high-performance sports, suggesting the People’s Association could take a greater role in community sports.
Wong acknowledged resource constraints and the need for balanced allocation, noting that community sports are largely handled by the People’s Association, while more resources will be directed toward high-performance systems like the Sports Pathway Committee and Singapore Sports Institute to strengthen the overall sports ecosystem.

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12 Nov 2012

Admission Criteria for Specialised Independent Schools

Intan Azura Mokhtar proposed reviewing admission criteria for Specialised Independent Schools (SIS) like the School of the Arts (SOTA) and Singapore Sports School (SSP) to allow students from all academic streams if they meet artistic or sporting criteria.
The Acting Minister responded that the SSP already admits students from all streams based on sporting and academic performance, while SOTA requires students to meet the Express stream academic cut-off to prepare for the rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, with plans to consolidate before changes.
Further questions were raised about alternative qualifications at SOTA and more flexible programmes at SSP, with the Minister indicating openness to discussion but emphasizing the need for SOTA to consolidate first and exploring expanded offerings at SSP.
A query on resource allocation between SIS and niche mainstream schools prompted the Minister to note higher costs for specialised institutions but lack of specific figures, suggesting a separate parliamentary question for details.

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16 Oct 2012

Special Assistance Plan Schools

Minister Heng Swee Keat affirmed that Special Assistance Plan (SAP) schools have effectively nurtured bilingual and bicultural students with a strong foundation in Chinese language and culture, grooming cultural transmitters and language specialists for the Chinese community.
SAP schools offer unique programmes such as Chinese enrichment modules, overseas immersion in China, teaching traditional Chinese values, and integrating Chinese language with non-examination subjects, which are not available in non-SAP schools.
While SAP schools create an immersive Chinese environment that can pose challenges for students taking non-Chinese mother tongues, they have introduced initiatives like Conversational Malay programmes and inter-school activities to promote cross-ethnic interaction and inclusivity.

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16 Oct 2012

Assessment of Inaugural Singapore National Games

More than 100,000 people participated in the inaugural Singapore National Games, including over 11,000 athletes, 600 officials, and 5,000 volunteers.
The government spent about $5.2 million to host the Games, with the private sector contributing over $1 million in sponsorships.
The Minister assessed the inaugural Games as an encouraging start that met many objectives and pledged to refine the format to strengthen sporting culture and connect Singaporeans through sports.

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16 Oct 2012

Plans for The Float@Marina Bay

The Float@Marina Bay was built as a temporary 25,000-seat venue for the National Day Parade and other large events, and is available for public rental on non-event days.
The government intends to retain The Float for recreation, sports, and community use after the Sports Hub’s completion in 2014.
The Singapore Sports Council is working with relevant agencies to transform The Float into an active public space open for general use when no events are held.

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15 Oct 2012

Amount of Government Grants Received by Media Production Houses

Janice Koh asked for the current number of active independent media production houses in Singapore, the number receiving government grants for film and television projects over the last five years, and the total grant amounts each year.
Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim stated that in 2010, there were 590 companies engaged in film and video-related services in Singapore.
He noted that from 2007 to 2011, about 130 independent production companies produced MDA-supported Public Service Broadcast and non-PSB television and film projects.
Over that five-year period, the MDA disbursed about $235 million to these companies for locally-produced PSB television programmes and industry film and television projects.
The response did not provide a breakdown of grant amounts per year or a detailed list of companies receiving grants annually.

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15 Oct 2012

Number and Profile of People Working in Singapore Media Industry

The media industry in Singapore employs about 68,300 people, including sub-sectors like film, broadcasting, publishing, and online media.
The film and video subsector accounts for 6% and broadcasting for 7% of media employment, each with over 4,000 workers.
Freelancers in the media sector are estimated at around 29,000, though exact numbers vary due to project-based work and lack of official statistics.

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15 Oct 2012

Construction and Maintenance Costs for Gardens by the Bay

The final development cost for Gardens by the Bay is within the approved $1.035 billion budget, which excludes land costs but includes supporting infrastructure and was increased from the original $893 million due to construction cost rises and complex site conditions.
The annual operating cost is estimated at $53 million, with the government subsidizing half of the outdoor gardens' cost, while the rest will be funded through ticket sales, rentals, parking charges, and sponsorships.
While most of the Gardens is free to enter, the minister highlighted that a suite of ticket concessions for the Conservatories ensures affordability for all Singaporeans, noting that free access is a feature not commonly seen in other top gardens worldwide.

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