Arts, culture & sports

Fadli Fawzi asked if certain areas, like Chinatown, could be designated for community groups to perform without a busking license and if these groups could obtain a busking license instead. David Neo explained that the Public Entertainments Act regulates public performances to ensure public interest, safety, and community norms. Prospective buskers must apply for a Letter of Endorsement (LOE) from the National Arts Council (NAC), which oversees the quality and designated locations for busking in Singapore. Community groups can apply for an LOE through auditions with the NAC, which also reviews designated busking locations in collaboration with venue owners.

Lee Hong Chuang asked how the Ministry encourages the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) to assist National Sport Associations (NSAs) in various areas beyond administrative support. David Neo highlighted the government's recognition of NSAs' importance and described several collaborative initiatives between SportSG and SNOC. These initiatives focus on governance improvement by requiring adherence to proper principles, athlete development through access to sports science and training facilities, coaching excellence via development programs, and community engagement through educational initiatives and awards. Neo encouraged NSAs to utilize these resources to enhance their capabilities and promote sporting excellence.

The debate centered around the Singapore Sports Council (Amendment) Bill, which aims to modernize the country's sports framework. Key points included the expansion of SportSG's functions to include mind sports and e-sports, fostering both engagement and career pathways for these disciplines. Concerns were raised about ensuring accessibility and affordability of sports facilities, as well as the potential risks of over-regulation affecting grassroots organizations. The significance of supporting athletes beyond their competitive years through education and career opportunities was emphasized, highlighting the need for comprehensive support structures. Members urged the importance of inclusivity for seniors and persons with disabilities in sports participation.

The Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Mr David Neo, reported a significant increase in the support for athletes, noting that over 1,500 carded athletes across 55 sports are currently receiving assistance, compared to 272 athletes across 14 sports in 1993. This represents a 450% increase in the number of supported athletes and a 300% increase in the number of sports. A written correction was later issued to clarify the percentage increase in the number of sports supported.

Valerie Lee asked about the take-up rate of the SG Culture Pass and the possibility of transferring unused credits among family members due to disability or constraints. David Neo reported that as of January 2026, over 1.1 million Singaporeans have registered, with $9.8 million in credits used by 136,000 individuals, and most users show interest in engaging further with cultural activities. Unused SG Culture Pass credits cannot be transferred among family members, but citizens can purchase tickets for others within their credit balance. The Ministry is enhancing accessibility to arts and heritage programmes, including partnerships to assist seniors and those with mobility challenges, and expanding options to purchase local books starting March 2026.

Mariam Jaafar asked about the availability of more ActiveSG gyms and programs like the Combat Age-Related Loss of Muscle (CALM) series in Woodlands town. David Neo responded that residents already have access to various public sports facilities, including the renovated ActiveSG gym and Active Health Lab at Woodlands Sport Centre, which has extended its hours to accommodate more users. The CALM program targets seniors for frailty prevention and is offered at Active Ageing Centres (AACs) for better accessibility. SportSG plans to collaborate with more AACs and community organizations to expand the CALM program for seniors in Woodlands.

Cai Yinzhou requested the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment to improve recreational fishing access for families and children by considering additional temporary fishing sites during school holidays and piloting rod rental or family fishing programs at popular fishing locations. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that the suggested location, ABC Waters @ Lorong 8 Toa Payoh, is unsuitable for recreational fishing due to safety concerns related to high water velocity during heavy rain.

Valerie Lee asked about follow-up actions from the 2021 Charmingly Changi competition and the reasons for the delay in implementing proposed ideas for Changi Point. Chee Hong Tat responded that agencies are exploring rejuvenation plans to transform Changi Point into a recreational hub with new leisure and hospitality experiences, incorporating competition ideas where feasible. More information regarding the plans for the area will be shared when available.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis requested information on the budget and expenses related to the renaming of the Singapore Sports Hub to The Kallang and Kallang Alive Sport Management to The Kallang Group. David Neo highlighted the vibrant usage of The Kallang since the government's takeover in December 2022, with 4,000 event days and nearly 9.5 million visitors. The rebranding aims to enhance the venue's reputation for sports and entertainment while honoring Singapore's cultural heritage. The rebranding was accomplished within the existing operational budget of The Kallang Group, ensuring cost-effectiveness throughout the process.

Elysa Chen asked about potential expansion of financial support and training infrastructure for football and other team sports following the national football team’s successful qualification for the Asian Cup. David Neo acknowledged the team's historic achievement and highlighted Sport Singapore's existing support for the Football Association of Singapore, including funding for training and competitions, access to training facilities, and technical expertise. SportSG plans to enhance support for the national team ahead of the AFC Asian Cup, including overseas training camps and additional sports science assistance. SportSG will continue collaborating with National Sports Associations to develop high-performing team sports in Singapore.

David Hoe expressed support for the Singapore Sports Council (Amendment) Bill, highlighting its role in modernizing the recognition of sports to include mind sports and e-sports, while also extending its focus to physical fitness activities. He raised concerns about the operationalization of mind sports, questioning how to define and recognize them beyond traditional examples, to avoid ambiguity. Hoe cautioned against potential resource crowding in physical sports due to the bill's inclusions and emphasized the importance of maintaining a distinction between physical and mind sports for public health. He called for a proactive approach in utilizing underused spaces for fitness activities and ensuring a supportive framework for youth e-sports participation, prioritizing health and well-being.

The Singapore Sports Council (Amendment) Bill aims to modernize the legislative framework governing sports in Singapore, acknowledging the evolution of the sporting landscape. The Bill expands the definition of "sports" to include mind sports and e-sports, reflecting their growing participation and significance. It enhances Sport Singapore's (SportSG) mandate to oversee athlete development, ensure coaching standards, and promote inclusivity, particularly for persons with disabilities. The focus is also on establishing educational and career support for athletes, emphasizing a holistic approach to their development. Concerns were raised about the efficacy of a larger SportSG Council, potential resource dilution for traditional sports, and ensuring equitable funding models across diverse sporting activities.

Valerie Lee queried the government on improvements to the Sports Excellence awards to better support elite athletes' training and welfare. Alex Yam suggested recognizing SEA Games silver and bronze medalists to motivate emerging athletes and proposed alternative forms of recognition beyond monetary rewards. Elysa Chen asked for a breakdown of funding for national athletes competing in the SEA Games and comparisons to past funding levels. The Acting Minister highlighted a significant increase in athlete support and ongoing reviews of their programs, emphasizing the importance of athletes' feedback and the holistic development of athletes. The government also aims to enhance access to sports for underprivileged youth through initiatives like the School Sports Fiesta.

Mariam Jaafar asked the Minister for Health about initiatives to promote strength training and resistance activity among middle-aged and older Singaporeans to combat muscle loss and maintain functional independence. The Minister of State for Health highlighted efforts by the Health Promotion Board and Sport Singapore, including the Singapore Physical Activity Guidelines and community programs like Start2Move, aimed at familiarizing residents with strength training. Jaafar raised concerns about middle-aged individuals feeling fatigued and lacking confidence in using gym equipment, inquiring about the availability of safe, guided training programs and the need for more ActiveSG facilities in her constituency. The Minister confirmed that tracking of functional outcomes exists for some programs and emphasized the availability of on-site trainers at ActiveSG gyms to assist new users.

Ng Chee Meng asked if the Ministry for National Development would consider converting under-utilized upper levels of multi-storey carparks into community sports facilities for the Jalan Kayu-Fernvale area. Chee Hong Tat responded that the Housing and Development Board is collaborating with Sport Singapore to explore this conversion and will keep the request in mind. However, he noted that such conversions require thorough evaluations regarding parking demand, potential impacts on residents, and safety considerations.

Valerie Lee raised concerns about the impact of STOMP on public trust and the standards of state-supported platforms due to its tabloid-style content. Josephine Teo responded that the Government does not interfere with media editorial decisions but expects all outlets to maintain responsible journalism standards. STOMP is licensed under the Online News Licensing Scheme and must adhere to content standards to ensure compliance with laws regarding racial harmony, public order, and decency. Lee was advised to address specific concerns directly to STOMP.

Yeo Wan Ling asked about the applicability of film classification and censorship to short-form reel-style content on social media. Josephine Teo explained that Singapore's film classification framework does not cover such videos, but the Government has implemented online safety measures to protect users. The Infocomm Media Development Authority can direct social media platforms to remove egregious content, and designated services must mitigate exposure to harmful material, particularly for children. Additionally, public education initiatives, such as the Positive Use Guide on Technology and Social Media, aim to help Singaporeans navigate digital risks.

Gerald Giam Yean Song requested information from the Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth regarding direct payments to athletes under various spex schemes, including total payments, number of recipients, and median annual cash payments for the last three years. David Neo highlighted the success of Singapore’s athletes in recent competitions and outlined the government’s investment in a robust High Performance Sport system that supports over 1,500 athletes across 55 sports, significantly increasing from previous years. He mentioned enhancements to the spex programmes, including new initiatives for younger athletes and academic support through scholarships, as well as bolstering financial support through CPF top-ups. Neo emphasized the tailored nature of support based on each athlete's specific needs and performance, and reassured that policies are regularly reviewed for accountability and adequacy. Finally, he called for continued collaboration between the government, corporate partners, and the public to support Singapore's athletes.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis inquired about the last review of the Major Games Award Programme and whether the Government would update cash incentives due to inflation and include incentives for SEA Games Silver and Bronze medallists. David Neo explained that the Government provides support through the Sport Excellence initiatives, encompassing training, financial aid, and athlete services, regardless of medal wins. He stated that the Major Games Award Programme is managed by the Singapore National Olympic Council, which periodically reviews the programme and consults with sponsors regarding award categories and monetary rewards. Neo encouraged corporate sponsorship to support athletes and highlighted other forms of recognition for athletes by the SNOC and National Sports Associations.