Economy & business — Topics

3 Mar 2020

Criteria Used in Assessing Electricity Retailer's Application to Pass on Additional Costs to Consumers

Louis Ng asked the criteria the Energy Market Authority (EMA) uses to assess electricity retailers' applications to pass carbon tax costs to consumers.
Retailers offer standard price plans (SPPs) where rates cannot change mid-contract and non-SPPs where rates can change only as per clearly specified clauses upfront.
Retailers must ensure rate changes are reasonable and compliant with contracts, and the EMA will investigate and act against unfair pricing or practices.

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3 Mar 2020

Consideration for Ministries to Produce Climate Compliance Certificate Prior to Budget Approval

Louis Ng Kok Kwang proposed requiring Ministries to obtain a climate compliance certificate before budget approval to align with Singapore's climate commitments.
Teo Chee Hean responded that whole-of-government initiatives like the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Climate Change and PSTLES already coordinate climate efforts across agencies.
He noted specific programs such as the SolarNova Programme and Green Building Masterplan drive sustainability, with biennial reporting via the Singapore Public Sector Outcomes Review.
The government indicated plans to raise ambitions for future PSTLES phases, making a separate compliance certificate unnecessary.

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3 Mar 2020

Committee of Supply Reporting Progress

The Leader of the House, Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien, sought consent to report progress and adjourn the sitting to the next day, which was granted by the Chairman.
A resolution was passed to report progress and seek leave to sit again the following day.
Ms Fu then formally reported that the Committee of Supply had made further progress on the Estimates of Expenditure for the 2020/2021 financial year and requested leave to resume the sitting tomorrow.
The Deputy Speaker acknowledged the report and confirmed the adjournment.

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3 Mar 2020

Committee of Supply – Head Q (Ministry of Communications and Information)

Parliament debated digitalisation's impact on Singapore's economy, workforce, and society, with MPs raising concerns about data constraints, talent shortages, and the need to support SMEs and mid-career workers in transitioning to a digital future.
Key discussions focused on cybersecurity, data protection, and the ethical use of technologies like facial recognition and AI, with calls for stronger regulations and public education to safeguard digital spaces and combat online falsehoods.
Ministers highlighted government initiatives such as the SMEs Go Digital programme, TeSA for skills training, and the nationwide parcel locker network, while emphasising efforts to ensure digital inclusion for low-income households and seniors.

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3 Mar 2020

Committee of Supply – Head V (Ministry of Trade and Industry)

Minister Chan Chun Sing outlined measures to support businesses and workers amid COVID-19, including cash flow loans and wage support, while emphasising long-term economic transformation through supply chain resilience, digital economy agreements, and upgrading tourism and innovation capabilities.
Senior Minister of State Koh Poh Koon highlighted innovation as key to competitiveness, detailing support for deep-tech startups, Industry 4.0 adoption, and sustainable solutions like circular economy projects and agri-food tech to turn climate challenges into opportunities.
Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat discussed enterprise support schemes like SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit and the Heartland Enterprise Upgrading Programme, alongside regulatory reforms and digital platforms to help firms transform, scale up, and better serve consumers.
Parliamentary Secretary Tan Wu Meng emphasised tripartite partnerships with Trade Associations and Chambers for market expansion and consumer protection, including the Price Kaki app rollout and the STEER programme to bolster industry resilience.
During clarifications, ministers addressed landlord-tenant issues on property tax rebates, the balance between regulation and enterprise growth, and the impact of public grants on productivity, reaffirming a collaborative approach to navigate economic challenges.

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3 Mar 2020

Estimates of Expenditure for the Financial Year 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021

The Parliament met on the 3rd allotted day to consider the Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021 in the Committee of Supply.
Mr Speaker presided over the session, facilitating the procedural consideration of the government’s proposed expenditure for that period.

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2 Mar 2020

Committee of Supply Reporting Progress

The Leader of the House sought and obtained consent to move that progress be reported and leave be asked to sit again the next day.
A formal resolution was passed, allowing the Committee of Supply to report progress and adjourn the debate.
Grace Fu Hai Yien formally reported that the Committee of Supply had made further progress on the 2020/2021 Estimates of Expenditure and requested leave to sit again.
The Deputy Speaker approved the request, concluding the session.

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2 Mar 2020

Committee of Supply – Head V (Ministry of Trade and Industry)

Several MPs emphasized the need to diversify Singapore’s economy beyond traditional markets and sectors, urging support for SMEs, deep-tech startups, and new growth clusters like agri-tech, while enhancing market connectivity and reducing over-reliance on China, especially amid COVID-19 disruptions.
Concerns were raised about workforce transformation, with calls for stronger mid-career reskilling, employer incentives, and a push for local hiring targets to ensure job resilience and reduce dependency on foreign talent, while leveraging programs like SkillsFuture and the Capability Transfer Programme.
MPs highlighted challenges in business support accessibility, including simplifying grant applications, increasing visibility of SME Centres, and improving enterprise development through differentiated support, digitalisation for heartland businesses, and better evaluation of policy effectiveness and sustainability considerations.

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2 Mar 2020

Estimates of Expenditure for the Financial Year 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021

The debate on the Estimates of Expenditure for the 2020–2021 financial year commenced with the formal order for consideration on the Committee of Supply.
The Speaker presided over the session and oversaw the initial procedural arrangements.
No substantive motions or ministerial statements were presented during the opening segment of the debate.

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2 Mar 2020

Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for FY2019/2020

The Committee of Supply considered and approved the Supplementary Estimates for FY2019/2020 without amendments, taking the relevant Heads of Expenditure en bloc.
A total of $375,889,300 was approved under the Supplementary Main Estimates for Heads Q, S, T, V, X, and Z.
A total of $96,788,900 was approved under the Supplementary Development Estimates for Heads C, K, and Q.
The Second Minister for Finance reported the resolutions to Parliament, which were subsequently agreed upon.
The Parliament formally agreed with the Committee's resolutions, concluding the approval process for the supplementary expenditure.

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28 Feb 2020

Data on Median and Mean Road Taxes Paid by Owners of Electric, Hybrid and Petrol Cars in Past Three Years

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Transport for the median and mean road taxes paid by owners of electric, hybrid, and petrol cars over the past three years, and whether the Ministry would start collecting such data if not already doing so.
Khaw Boon Wan responded by providing the data in a tabulated format, confirming the figures for each car type and year.
The exchange highlights parliamentary interest in understanding road tax burdens across different vehicle categories and the Ministry’s readiness to share this information.

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28 Feb 2020

Committee of Supply Reporting Progress

The Leader of the House moved to report progress and request leave to sit again on March 2, 2020.
The Chairman consented, and the motion was resolved accordingly.
Grace Fu Hai Yien reported that the Committee of Supply had made progress on the 2020/2021 Estimates.
The Deputy Speaker acknowledged the report and granted leave for the next sitting.

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28 Feb 2020

Committee of Supply – Head R (Ministry of Law)

Ministers and MPs discussed strengthening Singapore’s legal hub by promoting arbitration and mediation, citing recent initiatives like the Maxwell Chambers Suites and the Singapore Convention on Mediation, with the goal of attracting more international legal business.
The debate covered enhancing access to justice through digital reforms such as online legal aid portals, simplifying court procedures for Employment Claims Tribunals and family law, and improving support for vulnerable groups in civil and criminal cases.
Parliament highlighted the role of intellectual property in competitiveness, outlining measures like IPOS International’s advisory services and IDEAS scheme to help companies, especially SMEs, better protect and monetize their IP.
Technology’s impact on the legal sector was addressed, including plans for a Technology Innovation Roadmap, support for law firms adopting tech solutions, and upskilling legal professionals and paralegals for future-ready careers.

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28 Feb 2020

Committee of Supply – Head M (Ministry of Finance)

Members raised concerns about recurring lapses in public sector procurement and contract management, prompting questions on how MOF ensures accountability, value-for-money, and effective tracking of government spending, especially for large infrastructure projects.
The debate touched on fiscal sustainability and the use of reserves, with inquiries about the long-term viability of Net Investment Returns Contribution (NIRC) growth and the approach to debt financing for major projects.
Issues around transparency and accountability for sovereign wealth funds (GIC and Temasek) were highlighted, with calls for greater disclosure on succession planning and executive remuneration.
Several MPs advocated for tax reliefs and child benefits to be extended to single unwed parents and single fathers, arguing that current policies discriminate against them despite government statements valuing all parents equally.
The government outlined efforts to transform public service processes, including digitalisation of procurement, enhanced SME participation in government tenders, and partnerships under the SG Together movement to co-create solutions for inclusive growth and support for persons with special needs.

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28 Feb 2020

Estimates of Expenditure of Singapore for the Financial Year 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021

The Chairman outlined procedures for debating the FY2020–2021 Estimates, including the application of guillotine times and strict adherence to speech limits.
A total of 531 amendments to the Estimates of Expenditure were submitted for consideration during the Committee of Supply.
The discussion began with Head U – Prime Minister's Office, with Mr Seah Kian Peng called to speak.

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28 Feb 2020

Commencement Time of Committee of Supply

The Speaker announced the immediate commencement of the Committee of Supply to debate the Estimates, following the completion of the Budget Statement debate.
A revised guillotine time of 4.50 pm was set for Head U – Prime Minister's Office, incorporating a tea break.
Members will be informed of updated conclusion times for subsequent Heads of Expenditure.

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28 Feb 2020

Debate on Annual Budget Statement

Pritam Singh and Sitoh Yih Pin debated fiscal prudence and transparency, with Singh questioning the lack of details on reserves and the GST hike rationale, while Sitoh praised the budget's ability to avoid drawing on reserves during the COVID-19 crisis.
Teo Ser Luck shared his entrepreneurial experience, cautioning against over-reliance on government grants and emphasizing the need for businesses to innovate and adapt, while highlighting opportunities amid the pandemic.
Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat responded by defending the Unity Budget, explaining the necessity of the GST increase for healthcare funding, and outlining support measures for COVID-19, while calling for unity and collective responsibility for future generations.

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27 Feb 2020

Debate on Annual Budget Statement

The debate centered on supporting Singaporeans and businesses through the COVID-19 crisis, with members praising the Unity Budget's timely, expansive measures like the Stabilisation and Support Package and Care and Support Package to protect jobs and livelihoods.
Several speakers highlighted the need for enhanced support for vulnerable groups, including caregivers, persons with disabilities, and low-income families, with suggestions for more robust data, flexible work arrangements, and inclusive community initiatives.
Fiscal sustainability and long-term planning were emphasized, with calls for careful management of reserves and consideration of new revenue sources like wealth taxes, while also addressing climate change through investments like the Coastal and Flood Protection Fund.

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26 Feb 2020

Update on Possibility of Disallowing Downward Revisions from Salary Indicated in In-principle Approval Letter of Foreign Workers

Louis Ng asked for an update on disallowing downward salary revisions from the IPA letter for foreign workers.
MOM retained flexibility for employers to renegotiate salaries after consultation with stakeholders, arguing that disallowing cuts could force termination or hinder cost-saving measures during downturns.
MOM enforces protections by penalizing employers who reduce salaries without worker consent, requiring them to cover salary shortfalls and imposing fines up to $10,000 per worker.

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26 Feb 2020

Plan to Commemorate 30th Anniversary of Singapore-China Relations

Singapore and China are commemorating the 30th anniversary of their diplomatic relations established on 3 October 1990, with a multifaceted partnership spanning government, business, and people-to-people ties, including major joint projects like the Suzhou Industrial Park and Tianjin Eco-City.
The two countries have robust economic relations, with China being Singapore’s largest trading partner and Singapore being China’s largest foreign investor since 2013, and they continue to expand cooperation in areas like the Belt and Road Initiative and smart city development.
Despite the COVID-19 outbreak, Singapore has shown solidarity with China through donations and medical support, and both nations plan high-level exchanges, including a State Visit by President Halimah Yacob and the 16th Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation.
Cultural and historical ties will be highlighted through exhibitions, such as the Asian Civilisations Museum’s Tang Shipwreck Collection at the Shanghai Museum and an exhibition on China’s Ming Dynasty in Singapore, to promote mutual understanding and people-to-people connections.

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