Family & gender — Topics

18 Aug 2015

Link between Unequal Benefits for Unwed and Married Mothers and Births within Marriage

Ms Kuik Shiao-Yin inquired about the effects of unequal benefits for unwed and married mothers on birth and abortion trends over the past decade, and asked about alternative incentives for births within marriage.
Minister Tan Chuan-Jin reported that live births increased from 37,000 to 42,000 annually from 2004 to 2014, with single-parent births remaining stable at 1-1.5% of total births.
The number of abortions declined for both married and unwed females over the past decade, with married abortions dropping from 6,522 to 4,538 and unwed abortions from 4,857 to 3,406.
The Minister noted that many factors could explain these trends and it is not possible to attribute them to a single cause, while reaffirming the government's commitment to supporting marriage and parenthood aspirations.

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18 Aug 2015

Priority for BTO 2-room Flats for Singaporeans with Foreign Spouses

Gan Thiam Poh proposed giving priority to Singaporeans married to foreign spouses who are childless for 2-room BTO flats.
The Minister explained that HDB considers housing needs, demand, and supply when assigning priority.
Low application rates for 2-room BTO flats by families allow more support for singles, with half the supply in non-mature estates reserved for them.
Singaporeans with foreign spouses and no children are treated the same as singles in this allocation process.
This approach ensures fairness while addressing the housing needs of different applicant groups.

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17 Aug 2015

Raising Quota under Married Child Priority Scheme for Mature Estates

Tin Pei Ling proposed increasing the quota under the Married Child Priority Scheme for mature estates to help young couples care for elderly parents living there.
Khaw Boon Wan noted that HDB already allocates 30% of flat supply in mature estates for first-time buyers under the scheme, with priority given to families living together or near each other.
He encouraged considering HDB resale flats near parents to access a higher $40,000 CPF Housing Grant and mentioned ongoing efforts to further support such arrangements.

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17 Aug 2015

Tighter Control over Child Development Accounts to Prevent Unauthorised Withdrawals

The Ministry of Social and Family Development outlined multiple controls for Child Development Accounts, including parental authorisation, institution procedures, monthly bank statements, and regular audits, following an audit that revealed unauthorised withdrawals at Sweetlands childcare centres, which have been referred for investigation.
Parents affected by the Sweetlands case have been notified and advised to check transaction validity or request statements from CDA banks; the Auditor-General's Office audits government matching grants but not individual CDA account usage.
To address concerns, the Ministry assured continuity and quality of services at Sweetlands centres by deploying staff to monitor operations and engage parents, while emphasising strict enforcement and penalties for breaches to safeguard children's interests.

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17 Aug 2015

Opportunities for Women in Singapore Armed Forces

The Minister affirmed that the Singapore Armed Forces operates on a meritocratic system where women are given equal opportunities to advance, with examples cited of women holding high-ranking positions such as Division Sergeant Major, Brigadier-General, and Commanding Officer.
The Minister confirmed that women could be appointed to top military leadership roles like Chief of the Army or Chief of Defence Force if they are meritorious, while noting that appointments to political office fall under the Prime Minister's purview.
The Minister agreed that promotions are structured and require a series of appointments, and emphasized the need for gender-neutral standards and postings to ensure qualified women are not denied opportunities.
The Minister highlighted that SAF’s policies support the life-cycle needs of servicewomen, align with international agreements like UN CEDAW, and aim to attract more women to contribute to national defence.

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14 Jul 2015

Childcare Places in Mature Estates under Remaking Our Heartland Programme

Mrs Lina Chiam inquired about meeting childcare demand in mature estates under the Remaking Our Heartland programme, where limited land makes new facilities challenging.
Tan Chuan-Jin explained that ECDA monitors existing and projected childcare demand in mature estates.
If capacity needs expansion, ECDA may collaborate with HDB and operators to extend existing centres or find alternative sites like retail malls or co-located facilities.
For new BTO developments in mature estates, ECDA works with HDB to pre-build childcare facilities based on anticipated demand.

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14 Jul 2015

Eligibility of First-time HDB Applicants with Foreign Spouses for Married Child Priority Scheme

The question was raised on whether first-time HDB applicants with foreign spouses can qualify for the Married Child Priority Scheme.
The Minister clarified that such applicants are indeed eligible under the scheme.
The eligibility is conditional on having at least one child who is a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident.
This confirmation provides clarity for couples with mixed nationality backgrounds seeking housing support.
The policy balances family cohesion and national priorities by linking eligibility to the child's residency status.

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13 Jul 2015

Citizenship for PRs with Singaporean Children and Grandchildren

Gan Thiam Poh proposed allowing PRs over 60 who have lived in Singapore for over 20 years and have Singaporean children or grandchildren to be eligible for citizenship, and giving priority to foreign spouses of SCs with three or more Singaporean children.
Teo Chee Hean stated that elderly parents of SCs can be sponsored for citizenship based on criteria like the sponsor's SC status, the elderly parent's residence length, and financial ability, but grandparents cannot be sponsored.
He added that foreign spouses of SCs may apply for PR or citizenship under the Family Ties Scheme, with assessments considering the sponsor's ability to support the family, length of marriage, and whether the couple has children, though more children do not guarantee higher priority.

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13 Jul 2015

Statistics on Relationship Profile of Permanent Residents

Gan Thiam Poh asked for statistics over the past five years on the number and percentage of PRs and new PRs who are spouses or siblings of Singapore citizens, and whether the zero growth rate for PRs will be maintained despite increasing marriages between Singaporeans and foreigners.
Teo Chee Hean, responding for the Prime Minister, stated that from 2010 to 2014, an average of 4,000 spouses of Singapore citizens were granted PR annually under the Family Ties Scheme, with 62,100 such spouses holding PR as of end-2014, while marriages between Singaporeans and foreigners have remained stable at around 6,700 per year.
He clarified that the figures exclude spouses who obtained PR on their own merits or were already PRs before marriage, and that the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority does not track PRs who are siblings of citizens, as siblings are not eligible under the Family Ties Scheme and are assessed individually.

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13 Jul 2015

Maternity Leave for Single Working Mothers

Ms Kuik asked about the principles behind extending 16 weeks of paid maternity leave to single working mothers and how the policy balances equal opportunities for children with supporting parenthood within marriage.
Minister Tan Chuan-Jin explained that the government aims to balance three objectives: providing equal opportunities for all children, promoting parenthood within marriage as the societal norm, and offering support to vulnerable families, including single parents.
He noted that while single unwed mothers receive support through education, healthcare, work, and financial programs, specific benefits like extended maternity leave are currently reserved for married mothers to uphold marriage norms.
The Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by single unwed parents and stated that the government is reviewing these areas to make adjustments where possible.
He emphasized that support for single mothers extends beyond maternity leave and includes community services like Family Service Centres, hotlines, and counselling programs.

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13 Jul 2015

Removing Income Eligibility Criteria for Married Couples to Purchase HDB Resale Flats near Parents

Pritam Singh proposed removing the income eligibility criteria for married couples purchasing HDB resale flats near their parents to allow more access to the CPF Housing Grant.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the current income ceiling of $10,000 for first-timer families ensures housing subsidies target those who need more help, with a higher $15,000 ceiling for extended families living together.
The Minister noted that flexibility is already exercised case-by-case for families exceeding the income limit but still needing subsidized housing.
While acknowledging that rising incomes are prompting a review of the income ceiling, Khaw Boon Wan emphasized that priority must always be given to those who need assistance most.

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11 May 2015

Promotion of Greater Awareness Among Parents and Early Childhood Teachers for Special Needs Students

The Ministry of Education works with the Early Childhood Development Agency and the Ministry of Social and Family Development to equip preschool educators with skills to identify special needs early and raise awareness of intervention strategies, while also involving the Ministry of Health and voluntary welfare organisations to support the psychological and socio-emotional well-being of children and parents.
Support programmes such as the Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children and Development Support Programme are available for preschool children with special needs, and in mainstream schools, trained personnel like Allied Educators and school counsellors provide case consultation and intervention, with collaboration from the Institute of Mental Health for mental health services.
Parent support groups exist in mainstream and special education schools, and resources are provided through the Parents-in-Education website, with the Ministry also engaging voluntary welfare organisations to offer post-diagnosis educational guidance and emotional support for parents.

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11 May 2015

Take-up Rate for HPV Vaccination Among Eligible Females

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked for the HPV vaccination take-up rate among 9 to 26-year-old females over the last three years and plans to enhance it.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong stated the HPV vaccine was added to the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule in 2010, with an Expert Committee recommending it for girls aged 9 to 26.
Based on voluntary MediSave claims, 34,209 persons took up HPV vaccinations from 2012 to 2014.
To boost awareness, information on HPV infection and vaccination is disseminated through print media, healthcare societies, and from May 2015, via the Health Promotion Board's digital platform.
The ministry will continue monitoring vaccination uptake and work to increase public awareness of its benefits.

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11 May 2015

Success and Take-up Rates of Assisted Reproduction Technology Treatments

From 2009 to 2013, the average success rate for IVF treatments resulting in a live birth was 22% in public hospitals and 20% in private institutions.
A total of 11,979 fresh IVF cycles were performed for Singaporean couples during this period, with a 22% success rate.
Over 80% of IVF cycles for Singaporean couples in public hospitals benefited from government co-funding in 2013, which also covers frozen cycles, and couples can use MediSave for IVF in both public and private centers.

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13 Apr 2015

Update on Public Consultation Exercise on Criteria for Pre-abortion Counselling

The Ministry of Health conducted a public consultation in November 2014 on extending pre-abortion counselling to all pregnant women seeking termination of pregnancy in Singapore.
Based on feedback from healthcare professionals, social workers, and NGOs, MOH decided to extend mandatory pre-abortion counselling to all women, regardless of nationality, educational status, or number of children, effective 17 April 2015.
Existing abortion counsellors will be required to attend a refresher course every two years to update their skills, and the updated guidelines will outline recommended components for pre- and post-abortion counselling.
MOH updated abortion counselling materials and briefed abortion institutions on the enhancements, with a summary of the consultation feedback available on its website.

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13 Apr 2015

Success Rate of Home Ownership Plus Education (HOPE) Scheme

Since its 2004 implementation, over 3,200 families have participated in the HOPE scheme, with about 40% increasing household income and maternal employment rising from 30% to 60%.
Nine in 10 families have remained in the scheme, while 10% withdrew—approximately 39% because they wished to have a third child, 35% due to disengagement from support sessions or separation.
The scheme targets lower-income couples aiming to keep family size small, with eligibility based on factors like age, income, and employment, and families can leave anytime for other support programs.
The Ministry considers the scheme successful in supporting families’ self-improvement and stability, though it acknowledges the two-child limit is tailored to specific vulnerable groups.
The government offers parallel programs like PREP and INSPIRASI hubs to strengthen marriages and provide ongoing support, even for families who exit HOPE.

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13 Apr 2015

Planning of Childcare Places in New HDB Estates

Dr Lee Bee Wah questioned how the Ministry determines the number of childcare places in new HDB precincts and whether current planning parameters are sufficient, citing long queues in Nee Soon South.
The Minister of State clarified that the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) plans the number and size of childcare centres based on projected demand, while HDB sets aside space and works with agencies to construct them.
Dr Lee expressed surprise at this division of responsibility and argued that the current allocation of about 100 places per 1,000-unit BTO is insufficient, urging a review of planning parameters.
The Minister of State assured that HDB works closely with ECDA to anticipate demand and accommodate requests for more facilities, noting ongoing and planned centres in Nee Soon South.
Another MP suggested that for in-fill BTO projects, HDB and ECDA should consider demand from existing neighbourhoods to compensate for any gaps in childcare facilities.

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13 Apr 2015

Applications for BTO and Sale of Balance Flats under Married Child Priority Scheme

Ms Tin Pei Ling asked for statistics on BTO and SBF applications under the Married Child Priority Scheme (MCPS) from 2011 to 2014, success rates, average unsuccessful applicants, plans to help couples live near parents, and whether flat supply meets demand.
The Minister replied that MCPS applications were about 14,000 in 2011, 18,100 in 2012, 15,700 in 2013, and 8,400 in the first nine months of 2014, with success rates averaging 59% and increasing success in non-mature estates.
The average number of unsuccessful MCPS applicants per exercise dropped from 724 in 2011 to 578 in 2014, with BTO applications falling from 511 to 241.
Over 100,000 new BTO flats were offered from 2011 to 2014, clearing the backlog for first-timers, and MCPS was converted to a quota-based priority scheme in November 2014 to better support families staying near parents.
Additional support includes the Higher-Tier CPF Housing Grant for resale flats to help couples stay near or with their parents.

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13 Mar 2015

Committee of Supply – Head I (Ministry of Social and Family Development)

MSF announced new measures to enhance early childhood services, including a Partner Operator Scheme to keep childcare fees affordable, a CDA top-up for children, and a Professional Development Programme to uplift the quality and careers of early childhood educators.
The Ministry will enact the Vulnerable Adults Act to better protect elderly and vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect, and will enhance support for persons with disabilities through expanded intervention programmes, transport subsidies, and employment initiatives.
MSF outlined a future-ready social service sector strategy, focusing on integrated systems like the Social Service Net, professional development for social workers, and support for social enterprises to build a more cohesive and responsive community support network.

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12 Mar 2015

Committee of Supply – Head I (Ministry of Social and Family Development)

Denise Phua proposed creating a cross-ministry Municipal Services Office to better coordinate social services, advocated tiered support for VWOs of different sizes, and called for a "Grand Social Challenges" series to address major societal issues with innovative ideas.
Multiple MPs raised concerns about the preschool sector, highlighting shortages of qualified teachers, high attrition rates, and the need for better training, retention strategies, and clearer accountability on how government subsidies affect fees and teacher wages.
Several members urged more support for adults with disabilities, including better employment opportunities, caregiver support, and improved communication of the Enabling Masterplan, while others argued for equal benefits and housing rights for single parents.

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