Religion, race & rights

Gerald Giam Yean Song asked about the take-up rate of the Enabling Mark since its introduction in 2020 and whether financial incentives would be considered to encourage employer participation. Masagos Zulkifli reported that the number of accredited organisations has risen significantly from 89 in 2021 to 246 in 2024, indicating an upward trend in adoption. The Enabling Mark serves as a framework for organisations to improve disability-inclusive employment and enhance their corporate image. Measures to support employers include customized employment support, wage offsets for employees with disabilities, and the upcoming Employer Development Grant effective January 2025 to bolster inclusive hiring capabilities.

Saktiandi Supaat raised several questions regarding gender representation in leadership roles, specifically asking for details about the percentage of female directors who are executive versus non-executive, the proportion of women in C-suite roles among the top 100 SGX-listed companies as of June 2024, and steps to address institutional factors causing gender inequality. Masagos Zulkifli reported that women's participation on boards of those companies stands at 25.3%, with 9.1% being Executive Directors and 90.9% Non-Executive Directors. The government, in collaboration with the Council for Board Diversity, is conducting a study on female C-suite representation and is committed to promoting workplace fairness through new legislation. Initiatives are also underway to encourage family-friendly workplace practices and increase female participation in STEM fields to support women's career aspirations and leadership development. Overall, a collective societal effort is emphasized to ensure inclusive workplaces and address gender biases.

Gerald Giam Yean Song raised concerns regarding the lower hiring rates of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in the public sector compared to the private sector, querying specific contributing factors. Minister Chan Chun Sing responded that job nature differences make such a comparison less meaningful and emphasized the importance of meaningful employment based on capabilities rather than merely meeting numerical targets. Giam highlighted that the private sector employed significantly more PwDs and urged the public sector to lead by example in inclusive hiring. Denise Phua noted successful efforts in inclusive employment across various public agencies and suggested forming a task force to enhance these efforts further. Chan agreed on the importance of meaningful work for PwDs over artificial targets, stressing ongoing commitment to accommodating and empowering individuals in the workforce.

Patrick Tay Teck Guan raised concerns about the use of Automated Employment Decision Tools (AEDT) and suggested guidelines to prevent biases in hiring and promotions, including bias audits and disclosure requirements. Minister for Manpower Dr. Tan See Leng stated that employers must adhere to existing fair employment guidelines and emphasized the importance of addressing grievances through the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP), which has not received reports of discrimination due to AI tools. Dr. Tan also acknowledged the rapid evolution of AI technology, indicating that while regulations are necessary, they should not stifle innovation, and emphasized the importance of workers' consent and data privacy in AI-driven decisions. Pritam Singh highlighted the information asymmetry between employees and employers regarding AI algorithms and urged the Ministry to consider new approaches to encourage reporting of concerns. Dr. Tan responded that balanced tripartism and transparent handling of complaints are crucial for maintaining a fair and equitable workplace.

Dr. Wan Rizal raised questions regarding the expansion of interfaith and youth initiatives for community resilience, measurement of these initiatives' impacts, and the incorporation of digital engagement to involve youths in discussions on resilience and anti-radicalization. Minister Edwin Tong highlighted MCCY's partnerships with community stakeholders in organizing programs that promote social cohesion, including Racial and Religious Harmony Circles and various youth dialogues, reaching significant numbers of participants. The ministry supports initiatives like the "Interreligious Youth with Pope Francis" dialogue and offers conversation toolkits to facilitate discussions on race and religion among youths. Digital efforts include collaborations with influencers to promote positive engagement among Muslim youths and initiatives that center on cultural diversity appreciation. There is a call for continued community partnerships with MCCY to enhance cohesion in Singapore.

Jean See inquired about the Ministry of Digital Development and Information's plans for training local creative practitioners to ensure high-traffic Government websites meet international accessibility standards by 2030, and how the Ministry promotes similar standards in the private sector. Josephine Teo confirmed the Government's goal to make these websites accessible by 2030, including engaging local design practitioners for feedback and training. The Government supports non-Government entities' accessibility improvements through tools like the Oobee web accessibility testing tool and initiatives like the Co-Creation Lab, which gathers diverse stakeholders to understand accessibility challenges. The Ministry aims to continue raising awareness and collaborating with private sector and community partners to enhance digital accessibility for all.

Ong Hua Han asked about the number of car parks lacking accessible parking lots as per the Code on Accessibility in the Built Environment and plans to enhance accessibility in these car parks. Desmond Lee explained that the Code was first introduced in 1990, requiring new or renovated buildings to comply, but older car parks are not mandated to provide accessible features retroactively. The government encourages owners of older car parks to upgrade for accessibility and offers support through the Accessibility Fund to help finance these changes.

Ong Hua Han raised concerns about the graduation age of Special Education (SPED) schools, asking for the rationale behind the current age of 18 and the possibility of extending it to 21 to provide students more time to develop life skills. Chan Chun Sing explained that the SPED curriculum is structured for a 12-year duration aimed at preparing students for post-school pathways by age 18, focusing on transition planning from age 13. SPED students with vocational potential may pursue pathways up to 21 for certification, and the Ministry collaborates with other agencies to ensure post-school support through programmes like the School-to-Work Transition Programme. The government aims to provide a smooth transition into community services for those requiring adult disability services, while emphasizing the importance of caregiver support in skill reinforcement. Additionally, SPED graduates may continue to develop their skills through lifelong learning opportunities provided by various educational frameworks and initiatives.

A bill aimed at protecting against discriminatory employment practices and establishing fair employment practices was introduced by the Minister for Manpower, Dr. Tan See Leng. The bill is set to be read a second time at the next Parliament sitting and will be printed for further consideration. The Speaker indicated that discussions on another set of government bills would occur later in the session. The Clerk was instructed to read the Orders of the Day and Notices of Motions.

Christopher de Souza raised concerns about the booking difficulties senior citizens face for polyclinic appointments and any additional measures taken since July 2023 to assist those who are not technologically savvy. Dr. Janil Puthucheary reported an increase in seniors visiting polyclinics, from over 260,000 in July 2023 to over 300,000 in July 2024. Seniors can receive assistance for appointment bookings at polyclinics, Active Ageing Centres, and Community Health Posts, as well as through call centres or in-person visits. Polyclinics will also triage walk-in patients with urgent needs, including frail seniors, if appointment slots are full.

• Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for National Development for figures over the past five years on coffee shop operators warned to replace halal stallholders and those whose HDB tenancy was not renewed for failing to provide a halal stall.
• Since 2005, HDB rental coffee shop operators must have at least one halal stall, and if one ceases, they must find a replacement within the tenancy period, with non-renewal or termination possible if they fail to do so.
• In the last five years, 12 operators received reminders to find a replacement halal stallholder, and HDB allows appeals for extensions assessed case by case.
• While some operators face challenges due to lower area demand, HDB has not yet rejected any tenancy renewal specifically for failing to provide a halal stall.

• Leong Mun Wai asked whether there are plans for a mosque in Tengah New Town, including reasons if not, location details, and expected completion timeline.
• Masagos Zulkifli explained that MUIS centrally coordinates mosque development and upgrading based on demographic changes and new town developments across Singapore.
• The Mosque Building and Mendaki Fund (MBMF), funded by working Muslims, supports building mosques in new estates like Sengkang and Punggol and upgrading in mature estates like Jurong and Woodlands.
• MUIS will prudently use MBMF to address religious needs and continue collaborating with agencies to assess the need for new mosques or rejuvenation of existing ones.

• Female students made up about 25% of enrolments in AI and machine learning programmes across Singapore’s universities and polytechnics over the past five years, with over 90% graduation rates for both female and male students.
• Initiatives like NTU’s POWERS programme and polytechnics’ collaboration with SG Women in Tech are being used to raise awareness and interest among female students in AI-related courses.
• The Ministry of Education is continuing efforts to support female participation through career talks, workshops, hackathons, and mentorship opportunities in STEM fields.

• The Government uses a broad-based approach to encourage philanthropic giving to the arts, with initiatives like the Cultural Matching Fund that provides dollar-for-dollar matching grants for private donations to arts and heritage charities.
• Smaller arts groups are supported through the Sustain the Arts (stART) Fund, which is funded by private donations and may be matched via the Cultural Matching Fund to aid operational needs and community programmes.
• Specific minority arts groups, such as Indian dance group Apsaras Arts and Malay theatre group Teater Ekamatra, have benefited from these funding mechanisms.
• Additional government support for minority arts groups to develop their craft and reach wider audiences was detailed in a prior parliamentary reply on 9 September 2024.

• Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for Manpower about the status of the anti-discrimination legislation announced at the National Day Rally 2021.
• The Minister for Manpower, Tan See Leng, responded that the Workplace Fairness Bill will be tabled in Parliament this month.
• The debate highlighted the government's commitment to introducing legislation to address workplace discrimination.
• The exchange confirmed that the legislative process is moving forward as planned since the initial announcement.
• The focus remains on ensuring fair treatment in the workplace through new legal measures.

• Leong Mun Wai questioned why policyholders under 40 are excluded from redeeming MediShield Life premium discounts earned through the Healthy 365 app.
• Ong Ye Kung explained that the pilot project aims to encourage healthier lifestyles and is targeted at those aged 40 and above.
• The age restriction aligns with the Healthier SG initiative, which also focuses on the same age group.
• Targeting this group is intended to better demonstrate the link between healthy habits and health outcomes for potential permanent adoption.

• Patrick Tay urged the implementation of the “3Ps” framework—Prevent, Protect, and Partner—to create respectful workplaces for educators, advocating for clear communication protocols, stronger punitive measures against harassment, and enhanced partnerships with parents and unions.
• The Ministry of State for Education acknowledged the challenges faced by teachers and affirmed commitments to support their well-being, including enforcing zero-tolerance policies against harassment and providing resources like counselling and parent-teacher guidelines.
• Both speakers emphasized the critical role of school leadership and tripartite efforts, including unions, in fostering a supportive environment, and highlighted the need to recognize and address the emotional labor and gendered aspects of teaching.

Leong Mun Wai asked about recourse for workers facing employment discrimination due to tattoos under the Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment Practices. Tan See Leng confirmed that affected workers can seek advice and assistance from the Tripartite Alliance. Employers must adhere to fair employment practices, hiring based on merit, but can consider genuine occupational requirements affecting job performance related to tattoos.

Leong Mun Wai asked whether the rules for changing race apply to foreign pass holders and if the ICA verifies their declared race. K Shanmugam explained that foreigners applying for long-term passes must declare their race, and the ICA may request supporting documents when necessary. However, foreign pass holders are not required to change their registered race with the ICA if they decide to do so, as their stay is transient. In contrast, Permanent Residents and Singapore Citizens must register any change of race with the ICA.

Christopher de Souza proposed conducting a survey to identify communal spaces in neighborhoods with many seniors for potential lift installations to assist individuals with mobility difficulties. Desmond Lee responded that the Housing and Development Board (HDB) has implemented Universal Design and barrier-free principles in new developments since 2006, ensuring compliance with accessibility codes. Additionally, the recently launched Silver Upgrading Programme (SUP) aims to make older HDB precincts more senior-friendly, with community walks to gather feedback on enhancements needed. HDB is committed to continuing improvements in the inclusivity and accessibility of HDB estates.