Religion, race & rights — Topics

9 Mar 2022

Plans for Continued Education and Training for Special Needs Children after 18 Years of Age

The Ministry of Education (MOE) supports special needs students through mainstream schools, Special Education (SPED) schools with customized curricula, and a Transition Planning Coordinator who develops Individual Transition Plans for post-school pathways.
Work-capable students can pursue vocational programs leading to certificates from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) or Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ), with internships and further training options at ITE and external centers.
The MOE-MSF-SG Enable School-to-Work Transition Programme provides up to two years of customized job training and internships for students needing more time to become work-ready.
Persons with Disabilities, including SPED graduates, can access lifelong learning through SkillsFuture subsidies, Open Door Programme grants, and customized courses from training providers.

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9 Mar 2022

Placing Primary School Students Taking Subjects at Foundation Level in Same Class as Other Students to Ensure Social Mixing

The Second Minister for Education explained that Primary 5 and 6 classes already mix students taking Foundation and Standard level subjects, with diversity in gender, race, and ability considered, while acknowledging class size and resource constraints.
Louis Ng Kok Kwang sought clarification on how streaming at Primary 5 is done, questioning whether it is based on learning ability, race, or interest, and whether mixed-form classes from Secondary schools could be extended to Primary schools.
The Minister responded that streaming is based on subject-level choices after Primary 4 assessments and parental consultation, with schools given flexibility to create inclusive classes while balancing social mixing with teaching practicality.
The Minister emphasized that social mixing is one of many considerations in class formation, and opportunities for interaction also occur through school-wide platforms like Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs).
The debate highlighted efforts to foster social mixing in Primary schools while addressing challenges like class size and teacher capacity, with a focus on holistic development and diverse classroom environments.

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9 Mar 2022

Update on Application Made against Attorney-General by 17 Prisoners Awaiting Capital Punishment

The High Court dismissed an application by 17 prisoners alleging the Attorney-General acted arbitrarily and discriminated against them based on ethnicity, calling it baseless and an abuse of process.
The application was linked to foreign involvement, including a UK-based NGO and Malaysian lawyers, with sensitive documents leaked online before court proceedings, which was deemed a breach of court rules.
The government highlighted this as an example of foreign interference aimed at undermining public trust in Singapore’s criminal justice system and stirring racial tensions.
The Minister emphasized that the death penalty remains a key deterrent for serious crimes and is supported by the majority of Singaporeans, with foreign entities attempting to influence domestic policy.
The debate concluded with a call for greater public awareness to counter such foreign interference and safeguard Singapore’s legal and social integrity.

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9 Mar 2022

Comparison of Proportion of Gainfully Employed Special Needs Adults Pre- and During COVID-19 Pandemic

The employment rate for special needs adults in Singapore rose from 28.2% pre-COVID (2018-2019) to 30.1% during the pandemic (2020-2021), with most employed in community, social, and food services sectors.
Common barriers to employment include the need for workplace adaptation, communication difficulties, and employer concerns about additional costs for modifications and support.
Government initiatives like the Open Door Programme, Enabling Employment Credit, and Jobs Growth Incentive provide job matching, wage offsets, and training to support employment of persons with disabilities.
SG Enable collaborates with Workforce Singapore and e2i for job matching, with funding schemes integrated through programs like the Open Door Programme.
Targeted support during the pandemic included new programs under the National Jobs Council, creating nearly 300 job and training opportunities for persons with disabilities.

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7 Mar 2022

Withdrawal of Reservation to Article 25(e) of UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Leon Perera asked the Minister for Social and Family Development about Singapore's intention to withdraw its reservation to Article 25(e) of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which guarantees non-discriminatory health access for persons with disabilities, and the timeline for doing so.
The Minister affirmed Singapore's support for non-discriminatory treatment towards persons with disabilities and highlighted that the Monetary Authority of Singapore is developing guidelines on fair practices for all customers, including those with disabilities.
Public consultations on the guidelines are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2022.
Following the issuance of these guidelines, Singapore intends to withdraw its reservation to Article 25(e).

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7 Mar 2022

Streaming of Students at Primary 3 or 4

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked whether primary school students are streamed into different classes in Primary 3 or Primary 4.
Chan Chun Sing stated that Primary 3 classes are allocated to ensure a mix of gender, race, and learning ability for a holistic learning environment.
Class allocations are maintained from Primary 3 to Primary 4 to provide stability and support teacher-student relationships.
This continuity helps teachers offer better pastoral care and cater to individual student development.
The approach aims to enhance socio-emotional competencies and broaden students' perspectives.

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4 Mar 2022

Update on Proposed Guidelines for Insurers to Adopt Fair and Responsible Practices Towards Persons with Disabilities and Mental Health Conditions

Leon Perera asked for an update on proposed guidelines for insurers to treat persons with disabilities and those with mental health conditions fairly, and the reasons for delays.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) have engaged insurers to ensure fair practices, with reviews finding no unfair underwriting but noting communication improvements needed.
MAS will codify fair underwriting principles into guidelines, ensuring applications from persons with disabilities are assessed on risk-relevant information rather than disability status alone.
The guidelines' scope has been expanded to include a broader range of financial institutions and customers, with public consultation expected in the second half of 2022.
MAS and MSF continue to engage stakeholders, and the Life Insurance Association is developing a consumer guide to enhance transparency in insurers' risk assessments.

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2 Mar 2022

Studies on Effects of Introduction of Gender-neutral Fertility Leave on Employability of Individuals Using It

Louis Ng asked for updates on studies about the effects of gender-neutral fertility leave on employability and the reasons if none exist.
The Ministry of Manpower confirmed no new studies have been undertaken since the last response and no proposals from researchers have been received.
Researchers can apply to the Social Science Research Council to conduct such studies, and the Ministry welcomes robust studies from stakeholders to inform policy discussions.

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1 Mar 2022

Impact of Updated Safe Management Measures on Religious Activities, Events and Prayers in Mosques

The Multi-Ministry Task Force's updated safe management measures will ease restrictions, allowing mosques to increase capacity for religious activities and prayers.
The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) estimates a 60% increase in Friday prayer spaces and overall capacity, enabling about 100,000 congregants weekly.
MUIS is preparing mosques for implementation and hopes improvements in the COVID-19 situation will allow these measures to be in place for Ramadan starting 3 April.
The community is thanked for cooperation and urged to remain vigilant as Singapore transitions to the next phase of managing COVID-19.

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18 Feb 2022

Take-up Rate of Trust Services for Persons with Disabilities from Low- and Middle-income Families

The Special Needs Trust Company (SNTC) manages 889 trust accounts, with 65% set up by families living in HDB flats, and the Ministry fully funds its operating costs to keep services affordable with a low $5,000 initial capital requirement.
SNTC offers financial assistance and the GOAL scheme to help low-income families cover the initial $5,000 for trust setup, including matching grants and insurance provisions to ensure long-term care funds.
The Ministry is exploring ways to maintain affordability and accessibility for low- and middle-income families, with plans to assess gaps in demand after the GOAL scheme matures.

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14 Feb 2022

Available Places in Special Education Schools for Students with Autism and Other Disabilities and Average Waiting Time for Enrolment

Nineteen out of 22 SPED schools have programmes for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with six focusing exclusively on ASD and others also accepting students with other Special Educational Needs.
Most applicants receive a confirmed place within three months, though processing can extend to six months if more assessment is needed, and some families opt to wait for their preferred school.
MOE supports parents through annual forums, open houses, and a system allowing up to three school choices on applications.
MOE continuously monitors demand and collaborates with Social Service Agencies to plan for various SEN profiles, including ASD.

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14 Feb 2022

Measures in Place to Prevent Discriminatory Practice in Rental Market of HDB Flats to Minorities

Miss Cheryl Chan asked about measures to prevent discriminatory practices in the rental market for HDB flats affecting minorities and how newer BTOs with fewer units per precinct affect the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) quotas by block and neighbourhood.
Desmond Lee stated that property agents must follow CEA guidelines to be sensitive to Singapore's multiracial society, with disciplinary actions for non-compliance, but rental agreements are private, requiring community trust over strict legal enforcement.
The EIP applies limits at block and neighbourhood levels regardless of precinct size, and all new BTO flat sales are subject to these limits to maintain balanced ethnic mixes.

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14 Feb 2022

Reported Cases of Sexual Harassment at Workplace in Past Five Years

Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Manpower about the number of workplace sexual harassment cases reported in the past five years and the actions taken.
The Police handled 378 workplace sexual harassment cases between January and September 2021, investigating 305 and completing 154 cases, with 70 resulting in warnings and two in convictions.
TAFEP handles cases not meeting legal thresholds, requiring employer investigations and cooperation, and has managed about 10 reports annually since 2019, with all employers taking corrective measures.
The government urges employees to approach TAFEP or the Police for assistance with workplace harassment.

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14 Feb 2022

Training of Bus Captains in Inclusive Service Delivery to Assist Commuters with Special Needs

All public transport operators train bus captains to assist commuters with special needs, with over 6,300 BCs completing the Enhanced Vocational Licence Training Programme since 2016.
Training materials and programs are regularly updated based on feedback from commuters, caregivers, and social service agencies, with initiatives like the Caring SG Commuters Committee gathering input and promoting inclusive commuting culture.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary noted that while assistance for wheelchair users is clear, helping those with strollers may be less evident, encouraging commuters to seek help and provide feedback to improve training, while also promoting a community approach through programs like the Caring Commuter Champion initiative.

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14 Feb 2022

Support for Children with Special Needs and Their Caregivers

The ministers outlined a comprehensive support framework for children with special needs, including early detection through developmental screenings, tailored educational pathways in mainstream or special education schools, and transition planning to post-school life and employment, while emphasizing the critical role of parents as partners.
Caregivers can access resources through SG Enable's Enabling Guide, training workshops, respite services, and mental health hotlines, with community initiatives like Project 3i fostering peer support and professional guidance.
Multiple MPs highlighted the need for better coordination, more strategic information sharing, proactive registries for caregivers, and stronger community involvement to prevent tragedies and ensure holistic support across national, community, and family levels.

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12 Jan 2022

Clarification by Minister for Communications and Information

The Minister clarified that IMDA has deemed six other publications objectionable in the past five years for denigrating religious communities, none of which were political in nature.
These publications contained offensive and prejudicial content about other religions or espoused polemical teachings likely to cause ill will and hatred among religious groups in Singapore.
The publication "Red Lines" was found objectionable for similar reasons, as it also risked promoting religious discord.
The Minister provided a factual correction to her earlier reply, emphasizing that the classification was based on religious content, not political subject matter.

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12 Jan 2022

Criteria for Institutions of a Public Character to be Allowed to Cater to Sectional Interests

Leon Perera inquired about the criteria for Institutions of a Public Character (IPCs) to cater to sectional interests, the number and names of organizations granted such allowances, and whether the criteria could be expanded to help groups facing fundraising difficulties during COVID-19.
Edwin Tong explained that the government supports charities through initiatives like the Community Chest’s Change for Charity, donation-matching schemes, and digital transformation programs such as the Charities Lean Forward series and Tech-and-Go! hub.
IPCs are required to serve the community broadly, but the Minister can grant waivers on a case-by-case basis for exceptional cases, such as the four self-help groups (CDAC, Yayasan Mendaki, SINDA, Eurasian Association), which complement government efforts while also serving all ethnic groups.
Charities seeking waivers must justify their request in their IPC application to the Commissioner of Charities, reflecting the government’s balanced approach to regulatory standards and community needs.

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12 Jan 2022

Academic and Other Considerations in Streaming of Primary School Students

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked whether primary school students are streamed by academic results and, if so, the rationale, or what other criteria are used instead.
Chan Chun Sing replied that schools aim for diverse form classes based on gender, race, nationality, and learning ability, keeping them together for at least two years.
At upper primary levels, schools may use Subject-Based Banding to create broad teaching groups due to differing subject combinations.

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12 Jan 2022

Health Insurance for Employees Aged 65 and Above, and Heath Checks to Determine Their Ability to Work Beyond Statutory Retirement and Re-employment Ages

Mr Yip asked about health insurance coverage for employees aged 65 and above, employer difficulties procuring it, and the Ministry’s efforts to improve accessibility, with the Minister noting most employers provide some medical benefits but restructuring to the Portable Medical Benefits Scheme (PMBS) is recommended to avoid duplication with MediShield Life and support senior employment.
The Minister said using health checks to determine work ability could create uncertainty and risk unfair re-employment denials, so Tripartite Guidelines presume seniors are fit unless signs of unfitness appear, and retirement ages are already job-specific in some regulated cases.
Despite the pandemic, employment rates for those aged 55-64 and 65+ have increased, showing statutory retirement and re-employment ages effectively support senior employment.

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12 Jan 2022

Female Workforce Participation in Emerging Industries and Sectors with Dearth of Women Talents

The Minister noted that Singapore's female employment rate has risen from 54% in 2010 to 57.7% in 2020, with women's share in PMET roles increasing from 41.1% to 45.6%, and observed growth in sectors like information and communication, financial services, and health and social services where women now constitute 52.8%.
While women’s representation in STEM jobs has increased from 29.9% in 2015 to 32.4% in 2020, the sector still sees a dearth of female talent, which a 2019 study linked to gender differences in traits, skills, values on flexibility, and social norms rather than pure opportunity gaps.
The Ministry plans to collaborate with tripartite partners and community stakeholders to enhance women's access and retention in the workforce, particularly in emerging industries like digitalisation and sustainability, despite existing gender imbalances.

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