Family & gender — Topics

28 Nov 2022

Effect of Announced Fee and Salary Adjustments on Private Preschool Operators' Sustainability

Darryl David inquired whether the Government considered the impact of fee reductions and salary enhancements for anchor and partner preschool operators on private preschool operators and if there are plans to support their sustainability.
Masagos Zulkifli clarified that the measures are part of a long-term strategy to provide affordable, quality preschools, noting that anchor and partner operators are private sector entities following fee caps and quality requirements.
He explained that private preschools not on these schemes can offer niche programs and price higher, but face competitive pressure from other sectors for skilled manpower, which the Government aims to mitigate through continued support.
Masagos assured that all preschool operators, including those not on anchor or partner schemes, benefit from various ECDA schemes, funding, and sector-wide initiatives to enhance productivity, training, and career development.
The Minister emphasized that the recent moves support families and educators, expand affordable preschool capacity, and maintain a vibrant, competitive sector that meets diverse family needs through innovation.

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28 Nov 2022

Statistics on Family Violence Cases and Support Available for Victims

Police reports on family violence slightly increased from 5,134 in 2020 to 5,190 in 2021, with 2,603 reports from January to June 2022 compared to 2,638 in the same period in 2021, and data tracking began in 2020 to support the Taskforce on Family Violence.
Police collaborate with social service agencies to support victims, including referrals to Family Service Centres, crisis shelters, and the application for Personal Protection Orders, while also assessing risk and encouraging victims to seek legal protection.
The Victim Care Cadre Programme has 167 volunteers and has supported over 490 victims of sexual crime and family violence since 2014, with victims able to request urgent or scheduled emotional support during investigations.

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28 Nov 2022

Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment No 3) Bill

The repeal of section 377A was debated as a move to decriminalize private homosexual acts, reflecting evolving societal values, while acknowledging concerns about potential social polarization and the need to maintain national unity amid other challenges like the pandemic and cost of living.
A constitutional amendment to protect the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman was proposed, ensuring that Parliament retains the authority to define marriage based on prevailing societal values, thereby addressing fears about changes to family policies and norms.
Speakers emphasized the importance of civil dialogue and avoiding divisive activism, with calls to protect social harmony, support inclusive education, and prevent foreign influence or cancel culture from affecting Singapore's societal cohesion.

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28 Nov 2022

Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment No 3) Bill

The government is repealing Section 377A of the Penal Code, which criminalized male homosexual acts, citing that private consensual acts between adults should not be a crime and that leaving it risks a court ruling that could have disruptive social consequences.
Simultaneously, the government is amending the Constitution to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman, protecting this definition and related policies (e.g., on housing, education, and adoption) from constitutional challenges, while leaving Parliament the power to change this definition in the future by a simple majority.
Debates highlighted the need for balance in a diverse society, with the government assuring that the repeal does not signal an endorsement of homosexual lifestyles, and that existing pro-family policies and societal norms upholding heterosexual marriage will be maintained.

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9 Nov 2022

Celebrating SG Families: Embracing Parenthood through Live, Work and Play

Hany Soh highlighted challenges faced by working parents in securing affordable infant care and suggested expanding preschool slots along commute routes, increasing flexibility for operators, and promoting flexible work arrangements to support family bonding.
Sun Xueling responded that the government is expanding preschool places and supports flexible work through tripartite standards, emphasizing community and employer collaboration to create a family-friendly Singapore under the A Singapore Made for Families 2025 plan.
Both speakers agreed on the importance of strengthening family ties through accessible childcare, flexible work policies, and affordable community activities, with the government committing to whole-of-society efforts to enhance family well-being.

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8 Nov 2022

Annual Median and Average Monthly Income of Single Unwed Parents in Past Four Years

The Minister reported that the average monthly income for single unwed mothers below 35 years old increased from $1,800 in 2017 to $2,500 in 2020, while those aged 35 and above saw an increase from $5,600 to $5,900 over the same period.
Median monthly income for single unwed mothers below 35 years old rose from $600 in 2017 to $700 in 2020, while those aged 35 and above remained stable at $3,400.
Data for 2021 is not yet available, and detailed wage information for the single age band of 35 to 36 years old is unavailable due to the small population size.

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8 Nov 2022

Pegging Cost-of-Living Support to Numbers in Households

Gan Thiam Poh suggested reviewing cost-of-living support to be based on household size to better assist larger low- and middle-income families with children.
Lawrence Wong explained that current schemes use a mix of individual and household criteria, with measures like CDC vouchers and education subsidies already accounting for family sizes.
The government provides targeted support such as cash payouts, education top-ups, and lowered childcare fees, while continuously reviewing criteria to ensure assistance reaches those with greater needs.

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7 Nov 2022

Take-up Rate and Use of Building and Construction Authority's Accessibility Fund

Hany Soh asked about the take-up rate of the Building and Construction Authority’s Accessibility Fund over the past three years and how many applicants used it for family-friendly facilities such as lactation rooms and diaper changing stations.
Desmond Lee responded that 25 building owners applied for the fund from 2019 to 2021, with four applications including family-friendly features.
The fund co-funds up to 80% of basic accessibility upgrades and 60% of Universal Design features, and was enhanced in August 2022 to provide up to $100,000 for buildings built between 1990 and 2014.
The enhancement aims to encourage more voluntary upgrading to improve building accessibility, including family-friendly facilities.
The response highlighted ongoing government efforts to support inclusive infrastructure through targeted funding schemes.

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7 Nov 2022

Outcome of Single Unwed Parents' Applications to Purchase HDB Flats in 2021

Mr. Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development for statistics on single unwed parents' HDB flat applications in 2021 and the reasons for any rejections.
In 2021, HDB received 145 requests from single unwed parents to purchase a flat, with almost all approved.
Only 13 requests were rejected, due to applicants failing to submit required documents, lacking sufficient funds, or exceeding the income ceiling.

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7 Nov 2022

Study on Effect of HDB's 10-year Minimum Occupation Period on Projected Birth Rate Trends

The Ministry of National Development does not have a study on how the 10-year minimum occupation period for Prime Location Public Housing (PLH) flats may affect projected birth rates, but remains open to considering such a study.
The 10-year MOP for PLH flats is intended to curb speculation and ensure flats are used for long-term occupation, with the PLH model also offering 3- and 4-room flats for young couples starting families.
The government is committed to supporting marriage and parenthood aspirations by ramping up housing supply, with up to 23,000 BTO flats launched yearly in 2022–2023 and plans for up to 100,000 flats from 2021 to 2025.
First-timer applicants in non-mature estates are given priority, and a range of resale flats are available for immediate occupation to meet diverse housing needs.
Housing policies are continuously reviewed to ensure affordability, accessibility, and support for Singaporeans owning their first home.

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7 Nov 2022

Factors Driving Decline in Intention to Get Married

The 2021 Marriage and Parenthood Survey showed a declining proportion of singles intending to marry, with reasons including a preference for individual freedom, focus on career or studies, and a belief that marriage would not improve their lives.
The Government is creating a supportive environment for marriage and parenthood by promoting flexible work arrangements to help balance career and family goals.
Efforts are also being made to help singles expand their social networks through subsidized lifestyle activities and events organized by the Social Development Network and partners.

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7 Nov 2022

Provision of Childcare Sick Leave to Civil Servants

Louis Ng Kok Kwang questioned the rationale for providing civil servants with childcare sick leave beyond the legislated allowance and why it is allocated per child rather than as a fixed number.
Chan Chun Sing explained that the civil service's childcare sick leave policy predates the 2004 legislation and was introduced in 1987 to support the government's population policy encouraging larger families.
The policy increases a parent's childcare sick leave eligibility with each additional child, up to a maximum of three children, to align with the intent of promoting family growth.

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7 Nov 2022

Effect of Long Waiting Times for BTO Flats on Couples' Plans to Have Children

He Ting Ru asked whether the Government will study how BTO waiting times affect couples' plans to have children, what impact COVID-19 delays have had, and if findings can be shared.
Indranee Rajah responded that there are no specific studies planned but acknowledged housing access is a key factor, and the Government is already acting on feedback from couples.
The Government is reducing BTO delays, with projects delayed by six months or more dropping from 80% to under 50%, and is on track to launch 23,000 flats per year in 2022 and 2023.
Efforts include launching more short-wait BTO projects where possible and providing temporary housing through the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme.
The Government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring affordable public housing, especially for first-time homeowners.

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7 Nov 2022

Ability of Divorced Couples to Afford HDB Flats after Sale of Matrimonial Home

Mr Sharael Taha asked the Minister for National Development about the percentage of divorced couples who can afford their own HDB flats after selling their matrimonial home, with breakdowns by age and gender, and for those who cannot, the solutions available to them.
The Second Minister for National Development responded that from 2019 to 2021, about 12,800 divorcees bought a resale or new HDB flat, with 60% being females and 70% below 50 years old, but HDB does not track if these were previously matrimonial flats.
For divorcees who cannot afford an HDB flat, options include renting from the open market, staying with family, or applying for public rental flats, with about 2,800 such applications approved from 2019 to 2021, and HDB provides further assistance upon request.

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20 Oct 2022

Malaysian Confinement Nannies Granted Work Permits and Average Duration of Employment

Malaysian confinement nannies received an average of about 600, 700, and 900 Work Permits per month in 2019, 2020, and 2021 respectively.
The average duration of employment for these nannies is approximately 40 days.
The data reflects a consistent increase in Work Permits granted over the three-year period.

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20 Oct 2022

Annual Applications for HDB Rental Flats from Single Unwed Parents Below Age 21

Ms Poh Li San inquired about the annual number of HDB rental flat applications from single unwed parents under 21, their outcomes, reasons for rejection, and whether data collection would start.
Desmond Lee stated that applications are assessed holistically, with case-by-case consideration for those with insufficient finances, prioritizing the child's best interests and social worker input.
From 2018 to August 2022, HDB received 58 such applications, with about 30% successful, often due to family support or incomplete information.

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20 Oct 2022

Provision of Stable Temporary Housing for Unwed Parents and Victim-survivors of Family Violence

The Minister noted that HDB does not separately track waiting times for divorced or unwed parents, with the average wait for a public rental flat being about eight months, and it will expedite allocations for those in urgent need due to family violence.
Social services provide immediate shelter options through Transitional Shelters and Crisis Shelters for unwed parents and family violence survivors, with no cap on stay duration and support to secure longer-term housing.
The government encourages reliance on existing family and friend support networks to minimize disruption, but highlighted that those in need should contact Social Service Offices, Family Service Centres, or the ComCare hotline for help.

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20 Oct 2022

Provision of Evening Care for Adults with Disabilities to Relieve Caregivers Who Are Elderly Parents

Christopher de Souza proposed evening care for adults with disabilities to give elderly caregivers time to rest.
MSF funds 32 Day Activity Centres offering full-day or part-day programmes until 5:00 pm, providing respite and skills training.
Overnight respite care is available at Adult Disability Homes for caregivers facing urgent needs.
Eligible caregivers can apply for a Migrant Domestic Worker Levy Concession to reduce hiring costs for additional help.

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20 Oct 2022

Vacancies in Kindergartens, Childcare and Infant Care Centres in Vicinity of Yishun Spring BTO Estate

Mr Derrick Goh asked for the number of vacancies in kindergartens, childcare, and infant care centres near the Yishun Spring BTO estate and whether the Ministry can handle increased demand when new residents move in by the second half of 2022.
As of July 2022, the Yishun Planning Area had 9,200 childcare and 580 infant care places with about 80% enrolment, with 34 childcare and 6 infant care centres having immediate vacancies, and additional centres expected to have vacancies within a year.
There are 11 kindergartens in the area, enrolling 1,300 children with an average enrolment rate below 50% across two daily sessions.
The Early Childhood and Development Agency (ECDA) works with HDB to develop preschools near new public housing, with 170 new childcare and 25 new infant care places planned by anchor operators in Yishun by end-2022, sited within the new Yishun Spring precinct.

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20 Oct 2022

Reasons for Newly-admitted Prison Inmates' Non-participation in Yellow Ribbon Community Project

Approximately 40% of newly-admitted inmates do not request to join the Yellow Ribbon Community Project (YRCP), with the most common reason being the belief that their families do not need assistance or are already receiving support, while others fear stigma or have no family.
The Singapore Prison Service (SPS) actively promotes YRCP through officer explanations and broadcasts on inmates’ tablets, and allows inmates to join at any time during their incarceration.
SPS has established multiple touchpoints for family assistance, including triaging inmates with young children for referrals to Family Service Centres and providing walk-in support at Family Resource Centres in Changi Prison Link Centre.
Community partners such as The Salvation Army and New Life Stories are engaged to deliver family programmes, ensuring additional support channels beyond YRCP.

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