Arts, culture & sports

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked about the findings of the 2020 pilot to remove CCA selection trials, the number of schools adopting this model, and whether both recreational and competitive CCA tiers would be offered. Desmond Lee responded that the pilot allowed primary schools to allocate CCA choices without selection trials, with about two-thirds of schools currently following this practice. Most remaining schools conduct trials only for oversubscribed CCAs to maintain quality experiences. Schools also offer recreational options and collaborate with SportSG for additional sports opportunities, and the Ministry aims to strengthen the CCA system for meaningful development for all students.

Low Wu Yang Andre asked about the number of public fitness facilities and specifically those equipped with adjustable resistance machines for higher impact training. David Neo responded that there are over 3,400 fitness corners in HDB estates, parks, and facilities maintained by the National Parks Board, primarily designed for multiple age groups. Most fitness corners feature fixed-resistance or bodyweight equipment, while residents can also utilize 28 ActiveSG gyms equipped with a variety of equipment, including variable resistance machines and specialized pneumatic technology.

Saktiandi Supaat posed questions regarding the number of complaints or appeals related to the selection processes for junior athletes in National Sports Associations (NSAs) over the past five years, how many were investigated, and the safeguards in place for fair selection. David Neo emphasized the importance of fair and transparent selection processes to support TeamSG's success and noted that the Government does not monitor complaints about selection. NSAs are required to have merit-based criteria for selection, which do not consider socio-economic background, and they must submit their policies for review. Athletes can appeal selection decisions under certain conditions, and there is an established appeals process, including independent committees, with an option to escalate disputes through an Alternative Dispute Resolution framework. Concerns can be addressed by NSAs, SportSG, and SNOC.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked about the number of applications for the spexGLOW (Grant for Loss of Wages) since its inception, including the count of rejections and their reasons, as well as how many athletes funded by the grant have medaled at major games. David Neo explained that spexGLOW supports TeamSG athletes taking no-pay leave to train full-time, and that applications are managed cooperatively with National Sports Associations. Since 2018, 216 spexGLOW applications have been supported, with 39 athletes who received this support winning medals at the 2025 SEA Games, including notable athletes like Calvin Quek and Siti Khadijah.

Cai Yinzhou asked about measures for assessing designated fishing zones, plans for opening more zones, and public consultations in town planning to include fishing areas. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that the Public Utilities Board does not actively plan fishing zones but will evaluate requests for recreational fishing at waterways and reservoirs considering safety and input from land planning agencies.

Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked if the government monitors commercial rental trends and tenant composition in heritage conservation zones like Kampong Glam, particularly regarding the impact of rising rents on culturally significant retailers and district character. Saktiandi Supaat raised concerns about rent increases in heartlands, questioning whether the Urban Redevelopment Authority tracks retail rents in suburban areas and what measures are in place to prevent the displacement of heritage businesses. Chee Hong Tat referenced a previous discussion on moderating shop rental increases in heritage precincts, suggesting that related issues had been addressed in the past.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik questioned whether the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth plans to build a larger alternative stadium than the 6,000-seater Jalan Besar Stadium to host major football matches, given scheduling conflicts at the National Stadium. David Neo responded that the NS Square and Toa Payoh Integrated Development, with capacities of 30,000 and 10,000, will be operational by 2027 and 2030, providing more venue options for major events. In the interim, innovative solutions like adding temporary stands at Bishan Stadium have been used to accommodate larger crowds for specific matches.

Ng Shi Xuan questioned the Minister for Digital Development and Information about government programs or grants for media startups focused on local content, including cultural features. Josephine Teo responded that the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) already supports local media companies, including startups, in content creation and development. Further information is available on IMDA's website.

Kenneth Goh raised concerns with the Minister for Education regarding accommodations for student-athletes facing conflicts between core module examinations and national training or competitions. Desmond Lee confirmed that autonomous universities (AUs) are committed to supporting student-athletes and customize academic support based on individual needs. Arrangements such as rescheduling exams and offering alternative assessments, like online assignments and pre-recorded presentations, are implemented where possible. These practices are formalized in a memorandum of understanding signed between the AUs and the Singapore Sports School.

Saktiandi Supaat questioned the Deputy Prime Minister about tracking food and beverage outlet closures from 2015 to 2025, including breakdowns by type and common closure reasons, as well as measures to preserve local heritage. The Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Alvin Tan, indicated that while the government tracks business cessations, it does not categorize them by outlet type, but noted a 42% net increase in F&B entities during that period. Efforts to support local heritage businesses and enhance F&B offerings are in place through various initiatives, including the Inter-agency Task Force for Heritage Businesses. Saktiandi raised concerns about the impact of closures on independent operators and proposed increasing support from SME Centres for struggling heritage businesses, which Tan acknowledged while highlighting existing support programs for SMEs.

Kenneth Goh raised concerns about how the spexPotential program accommodates athletes who peak later in their careers and the potential disadvantages of early progression benchmarks. The Acting Minister David Neo explained that support is tailored to individual athletes based on performance and potential rather than solely age, with no limits on the duration of support as long as criteria are met. The spex framework offers support across various stages of an athlete's journey, including for those who switch sports or are late bloomers, illustrated by the example of Paralympian Theresa Goh. Goh recommended extending the evaluation window for spex grants to better suit older athletes with diverse life circumstances, which Neo acknowledged and expressed openness to considering.

Kenneth Goh raised concerns regarding the Ministry's monitoring of youth sports participation among those applying for Direct Schools Admission (DSA) in sports, including those who are not admitted. David Neo responded that the Government does not track the continuity of sports participation post-schooling for these youths. He highlighted that SportSG and the Singapore Sports School collaborate with various partners to ensure multiple entry points for talented athletes into national teams, regardless of how they enter secondary school. Additionally, the Ministry offers a range of talent identification and development programs to support athletes of all ages and ensures that late developers receive support through the Sport Excellence framework.

Assoc Prof Kenneth Goh questioned the Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth on how the ministry encourages coaching, safety, and governance standards in sports programs run by private entities and community groups, as well as the nature of adherence to these standards. David Neo explained that organizations like the National Registry of Coaches and the Safe Sport Unified Code set baseline requirements for certification and safety practices. While some national sports associations, such as the Singapore Sailing Federation, enforce these standards for their programs, adherence is currently encouraged rather than mandated for private entities and community groups. The ministry aims to uplift industry standards through voluntary participation and ongoing engagement.

Victor Lye raised concerns regarding the balance between pedestrian needs and youth dancers at Bayfront MRT station, asking about alternatives to deterrent measures and plans for designated public spaces for youth arts activities. David Neo responded that the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) collaborates with partners to provide accessible spaces for youth arts, including free dance spaces at ActiveSG Sport Centres and public areas. The MCCY is redeveloping the Somerset Belt into a youth precinct and the National Arts Council (NAC) is working on initiatives to unlock rehearsal and performance spaces for artists. The ministry assesses public space use based on factors like accessibility and safety while encouraging a vibrant arts community. MCCY will continue to identify spaces catering to the diverse needs of youths.

Fadli Fawzi asked about the number of shophouses on wakaf land in Kampong Glam and MUIS's plans to preserve their cultural identity and historical value. Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim confirmed that there are 26 shophouses on wakaf land in the area. MUIS and Warees Investments manage these properties while considering their cultural and historical significance, collaborating with agencies to support local heritage businesses and enhance Kampong Glam's heritage through initiatives like the Kampong Gelam Place Plan.

Valerie Lee asked about the percentage of sheltered playgrounds and outdoor fitness stations within HDB estates and public parks, and whether the government would fund retrofitting existing facilities with shelters. Chee Hong Tat responded that the Housing and Development Board and NParks enhance thermal comfort through measures like sun-shade analysis and planting trees for shade. He noted that there are existing funding schemes and upgrading programs for Town Councils and NParks to rejuvenate facilities, potentially including additional shade.

Assoc Prof Kenneth Goh asked if student-athletes representing Singapore at major games face additional tuition or administrative fees due to lighter academic loads and a longer time-to-graduation. Desmond Lee responded that schools and Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) support national athletes in balancing academics and sports. Student-athletes can apply for Leave of Absence (LOA) for training or competitions, with school fees waived, though a nominal fee may apply for administrative costs. IHLs also offer flexible arrangements and additional financial support may be provided based on individual circumstances.

Edward Chia Bing Hui asked about the current capacity and coverage of strength training facilities for seniors, specifically regarding programs like Gym Tonic, and whether there are plans to expand access. Ong Ye Kung confirmed that the capacity and coverage of such facilities are being increased, including fitness corners in HDB estates and ActiveSG gyms islandwide. Programs to improve muscle strength for seniors, organized by various agencies, are also available at expanded Active Ageing Centres, complementing private offerings. The Ministry will continue to monitor and support the uptake of strength training among seniors.

Denise Phua Lay Peng raised concerns about measures to moderate shop rental increases in heritage precincts like Chinatown and Kampong Gelam to support long-standing businesses. Fadli Fawzi questioned whether the government is aware of bidding wars driving up rents and what actions might be taken. The Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Syed Harun Alhabsyi, highlighted that retail rents have increased moderately (around 2% annually) and emphasized the government's ongoing efforts to support heritage businesses through the SG Heritage Business Scheme and collaboration with various agencies. Stakeholders' diverse interests and the need for a comprehensive approach to preserve heritage while balancing business needs were acknowledged. Suggestions for enhancing support and coordination among relevant agencies to maintain the character of heritage districts were discussed, including addressing non-rental issues faced by SMEs.

Ng Shi Xuan asked about the redemption rates of the SG Culture Pass across different age groups and the popularity of various cultural categories. David Neo reported that over 1.1 million Singaporeans registered for the scheme, with significant youth participation, as they account for half of the credit usage. Live events were the most popular category, followed by workshops, tours, talks, festivals, and exhibitions, while only 33 out of 742 events had zero redemptions. To increase redemption rates, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth plans to expand the Culture Pass offerings and enhance outreach efforts in collaboration with various community partners.