Religion, race & rights — Topics

12 Jan 2022

Considerations for Classifying "Red Lines: Political Cartoons and the Struggle Against Censorship" as Objectionable under Undesirable Publications Act

The Minister for Social and Family Development stated that "Red Lines: Political Cartoons and the Struggle Against Censorship" was classified as objectionable under the Undesirable Publications Act because it contained denigrating caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad and other religions, which were deemed offensive by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) and threaten religious harmony in Singapore's multi-religious society.
The Minister for Communications and Information clarified that the decision was based on offensive religious content, not political cartoons, citing similar past classifications of non-political publications that denigrated religions or incited hatred.
Members of the public can report offensive content to IMDA or through social media platforms' feedback mechanisms, and IMDA consults relevant agencies like MUIS when assessing content that affects religious harmony, including within religious communities.

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12 Jan 2022

Proposal for Redacted Version of Banned Book "Red Lines: Political Cartoons and the Struggle Against Censorship" to be Considered for Publication

IMDA assessed the book "Red Lines: Political Cartoons and the Struggle Against Censorship" as objectionable under the Undesirable Publications Act due to images that denigrate religions, including reproductions of Charlie Hebdo's cartoons of Prophet Muhammad, which the government states cannot be allowed to preserve racial and religious harmony.
The Minister confirmed that in the past five years, six other publications have been deemed objectionable for similar reasons, and removal of offensive content does not automatically permit distribution; any revised version would require a full re-assessment by IMDA.
The book’s distributor and authors have not yet confirmed specific plans to revise the content, but they may approach IMDA for a re-assessment if they decide to produce a redacted version.

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11 Jan 2022

Protection and Recourse Available to Employees Who Experience Workplace Discrimination or Wrongful Termination for Not Being Vaccinated

The Ministry of Manpower emphasized that the Workforce Vaccination Measures aim to protect unvaccinated individuals and maintain workplace safety, with vaccination being a key tool to reduce transmission.
For unvaccinated but medically eligible employees, employers may redeploy them to work-from-home roles, place them on no-pay leave, or terminate their contracts as a last resort, which is not considered discrimination or wrongful dismissal if done in accordance with employment contracts.
Employees medically ineligible for vaccination are still permitted to enter workplaces, and if they face discrimination or dismissal based on vaccination status, they are advised to seek assistance from the Ministry of Manpower.

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11 Jan 2022

Study on Prevalence of Concept of Intergenerational Teams in Local Companies

Yip Hon Weng asked whether any study has been conducted on the prevalence of inter-generational teams in local companies and how the Ministry will encourage work redesign to leverage age diversity.
The Ministry of Manpower does not have specific data on the prevalence of such teams but emphasises that an age-diverse workforce is crucial for business competitiveness as populations age.
The Ministry supports businesses by increasing statutory retirement and re-employment ages and expecting employers to adopt fair, merit-based employment practices.
The Ministry encourages age-friendly job redesign through grants like the Productivity Solutions Grant and Enterprise Development Grant, and recognises such practices via the Tripartite Standard on Age-friendly Workplace Practices.
Tripartite partners like NTUC support workforce transformation through initiatives such as Company Training Committees, contributing to strong senior employment rates despite the pandemic.

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11 Jan 2022

Proposal for Foldable Wheelchair Lifts to be Installed at HDB Blocks without Lift Access on Every Floor

Gerald Giam asked if HDB plans to install foldable wheelchair lifts in blocks where lifts don't stop on every floor, to assist residents with mobility issues.
The Minister explained that foldable wheelchair lifts are not feasible due to fire safety regulations, as they would obstruct escape paths and introduce electrical fire risks.
HDB is instead piloting powered stair climbers as an alternative, which can help wheelchairs traverse stairs with assistance.
Most blocks without full lift access have been upgraded, and for the remaining blocks, HDB is exploring cost-reduction and accessibility alternatives.
Residents needing urgent lift access can apply for a Lift Access Housing Grant of up to $30,000 when purchasing a flat with direct lift access.

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11 Jan 2022

Data on Gender Diversity on Boards of Singapore Public Listed Companies

The government is committed to enhancing gender diversity on boards, with initiatives like the Council for Board Diversity promoting more women on boards of top listed companies, statutory boards, and public institutions.
As of June 2021, women held 18% of board seats in the top 100 listed companies, a significant increase from 7.5% in 2014, and efforts continue to expand the pipeline of board-ready women.
A 2019 survey showed 98% of companies used personal contacts for board appointments, while 17% used executive search firms, prompting ongoing outreach to nominating committees.
Since January 2022, SGX requires listed companies to disclose diversity policies, including gender diversity, to further encourage female representation.
The government will continue collaborating with stakeholders to reduce barriers and support more women in attaining board leadership roles.

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11 Jan 2022

Proportion of Female Students in STEM Courses and Plans to Enrol More of Them

In 2021, about 40% of students in STEM disciplines at Singapore’s Institutes of Higher Learning were female, and roughly one-third of employed residents in STEM jobs were women.
Top courses with high female enrolment include Early Childhood Education, Beauty and Wellness, and Speech and Language Therapy, while efforts in schools and IHLs—such as Applied Learning Programmes, national competitions, career guidance, and initiatives like Women@NTU and POWERS—aim to build interest in STEM and counter gender stereotypes.
The Ministry of Education and IHLs plan to continue working with partners to encourage female participation in STEM courses and careers, focusing on interest and aptitude rather than setting specific enrolment targets.

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11 Jan 2022

Statistics of Women Leaders in Technology and Innovation Sectors in Singapore

Ms Tin Pei Ling asked for statistics on women leaders in Singapore's tech and innovation sectors across mid-management, senior management, and board levels, as well as the Ministry's efforts to grow the women talent pipeline.
According to a 2020 report, women make up 41% of Singapore's tech workforce, higher than the global average of 28%, while women on boards of SGX-listed tech companies increased from 12% in 2019 to 14% in 2021.
The Ministry, through IMDA, has initiatives like the SG Women in Tech movement, MentorConnect programme, and the SG100 Women in Tech List to profile and support women in tech.
Companies such as Amazon, PayPal, Microsoft, Razer, and Shopee have joined the SG Women in Tech Corporate Pledge, committing to fair hiring and support programmes, reaching over 120,000 people.
The government plans to review and expand these programmes to further support women's career aspirations and integrate them into the digital economy.

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11 Jan 2022

Amounts Allocated to Enhance Employment and Employability for Youths with Special Needs

The government allocated approximately $4.2 million in FY2020 and FY2021 to support youth transition and internship programmes, benefiting about 160 youths with disabilities in FY2020.
Multiple schemes like the Open Door Programme, Enabling Employment Credit, and Jobs Growth Incentive have placed thousands of persons with disabilities into jobs and provided wage support to employers.
Initiatives are being expanded, including extending the School-to-Work programme and launching new training and employment schemes under the National Jobs Council.
The government is implementing recommendations from the Third Enabling Masterplan and plans to further strengthen disability-inclusive employment efforts in the upcoming Enabling Masterplan 2030.

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11 Jan 2022

Annual Number of Discrimination-related Claims Filed with Employment Claims Tribunal

Between 2019 and 2021, the Employment Claims Tribunal (ECT) received 12 discrimination-related dismissal claims that proceeded to adjudication, with the vast majority of the 120 initial claims resolved through mediation before reaching that stage.
Of the 12 claims adjudicated, eight were dismissed, one was withdrawn, one was pending, and two reached amicable settlements, resulting in no compensation orders being granted to employees for wrongful dismissal due to discrimination.
The Ministry of Manpower and the ECT do not classify wrongful dismissal claims by specific discrimination categories, so a detailed breakdown by type of discrimination cannot be provided.
Since no compensation was awarded in any adjudicated cases, the average and range of compensation in wrongful dismissal cases involving discrimination could not be determined.

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10 Jan 2022

Plans to Raise Awareness and Capture Female Talent Pool to Augment Workforce and Challenges Faced

The government supports workforce participation through flexible work arrangements, work-life harmony practices, and recognition under Tripartite Standards.
Efforts are being made to enhance preschool accessibility and affordability to enable parents, especially mothers, to work with peace of mind.
Programs like Career Trials and Career Conversion Programmes assist women in re-entering the workforce, alongside mentorship and training initiatives.
Tripartite Guidelines ensure fair recruitment and promotion based on merit, with plans to strengthen legal protections against discrimination.
Female employment rates have increased steadily due to collaborative efforts, though challenges like domestic responsibilities remain.

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10 Jan 2022

Reports of Workplace Grievances and Discrimination because of Increased Family Responsibilities and Caregiving Duties in Last Two Years

Nadia Ahmad Samdin inquired about data on workplace grievances and discrimination reports linked to increased family responsibilities and caregiving duties during the pandemic for the last two years, specifically how many involved women.
Minister Tan See Leng stated that the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices received an annual average of about 14 reports related to discrimination due to marital status and family responsibilities between 2020 and 2021, similar to the period from 2017 to 2019.
Of the reports in the last two years, approximately 80% were from women, a decrease from 95% between 2017 and 2019.
The response indicates that the number of reported cases did not significantly increase during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic years.
The proportion of reports from women dropped slightly, suggesting a broader demographic affected by these issues in recent years.

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10 Jan 2022

Update on Move to Allow Donning of Hijab for Healthcare Workers

Since November 2021, female Muslim healthcare staff in Singapore's public hospitals can wear the tudung as an add-on to their uniforms, and around 20% have started doing so by end December 2021.
The Ministry of Health has implemented clinical guidelines and refitted N95 masks to ensure infection control standards are maintained for staff wearing the tudung.
Feedback from both Muslim and non-Muslim staff has been generally positive, with Muslim staff appreciating the change and patients respecting their choice, including some receiving compliments on their professional appearance.

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10 Jan 2022

Help to Alleviate Impact on Elderly and Disabled Commuters when Public Bus Services are Re-routed or Discontinued

The Minister for Transport stated that LTA balances operational and financial considerations when amending bus routes, aiming to minimize commuter inconvenience through adjustments like retaining and adjusting Service 65 and increasing Service 228 frequency on Bedok Reservoir Road.
LTA deploys service ambassadors at key bus stops during the initial days of route changes to guide commuters, including the elderly and disabled, and advise them on efficient travel routes.
LTA and the Public Transport Council collaborate with operators to promote an inclusive commuter culture, including growing the Caring Commuter Champion volunteer corps to assist vulnerable commuters.

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10 Jan 2022

Findings in Academic Freedom Survey 2021 by AcademiaSG

Leon Perera questioned the government on the 2021 Academic Freedom Survey findings, which showed that academics working on politically sensitive topics, especially in Singapore studies and among women, felt more constrained, and asked if steps would be taken to improve academic freedom.
The Second Minister for Education responded that autonomous universities are committed to academic freedom, highlighted the low 10% response rate of the survey, and cautioned against generalizing its findings, asserting that academics are not inhibited in researching sensitive topics.
The minister cited examples of published Singapore studies and government-funded research on sensitive issues, including projects led by female academics, to demonstrate that academic freedom is protected and that academics do not self-censor.

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3 Nov 2021

Data on Socio-economic and Ethnic Profiles of Secondary Students and Ensuring Socio-economic Diversity in Schools

Leon Perera requested data from 2011 to 2020 on the socio-economic and ethnic profiles of secondary students, including housing type, household income, financial assistance, parental education, and race, and asked if the Ministry monitors school diversity.
Chan Chun Sing explained that secondary schools are designed to meet diverse student needs, with admissions based on academic and non-academic profiles, and that schools offer varied programmes to cater to different learner types.
He highlighted that admissions consider student choices and PSLE or DSA placements, leading to varied demographic profiles across schools, but emphasised the importance of openness to all backgrounds and opportunities for interaction.
The Ministry ensures affordability through bursaries and scholarships, reserves 20% of places in each course for non-affiliated students, and promotes interaction via co-curricular activities, values-in-action projects, and cluster-based activities.
The overall approach balances tailored education for students' needs with measures to foster diversity and cross-background interaction in schools.

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3 Nov 2021

Take-up for Enhancement for Active Seniors Programme and Plans to Build Elderly-, Child- and Disabled-friendly Features in HDB Flats and Estates

The Ministry of National Development has incorporated universal design principles in all new HDB developments since 2006, including barrier-free access, wider corridors, and features like three-generation playgrounds to serve residents across all life stages.
The Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme, which provides safety and mobility enhancements for seniors, has benefited over 242,000 households as of September 2021, alongside other initiatives like short-lease Flexi flats and Community Care Apartments.
HDB is reviewing the pilot Wheelchair Lifter Programme, launched in 2018, which has seen positive feedback from users, and will consider expanding it to more estates based on the outcome of the review.

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2 Nov 2021

Efforts in Addressing Mental Health Issues and Suicide cases within Muslim Community

The Ministry of Social and Family Development outlines a multi-pronged national strategy focusing on building resilience, encouraging help-seeking, supporting at-risk groups, and providing crisis support for mental health and suicide prevention, accessible to all Singaporeans including the Muslim community.
Schools and madrasahs implement mental health education, staff training for early identification, and peer support structures, with community partners like Club HEAL providing counselling for students, while broader efforts like the "Beyond the Label" campaign tackle stigma and promote help-seeking.
Community organizations such as PPIS's SYM Academy and the SGTeguhBersatu Taskforce deliver targeted psycho-social support and resilience resources for Muslim women and families, complementing national services like IMH and SOS hotlines, GP clinics, and integrated care from AIC.

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2 Nov 2021

Retirement and Re-employment (Amendment) Bill

The Retirement and Re-employment (Amendment) Bill aims to raise the retirement and re-employment ages progressively to 65 and 70 respectively by 2030, allowing older workers to continue contributing to the economy and providing businesses access to experienced workers.
Speakers supported the Bills but emphasized the need for additional measures, such as expediting fair employment legislation to prevent age discrimination, promoting fundamental changes in HR policies like flexible work arrangements, and redesigning jobs to leverage seniors' strengths.
The CPF (Amendment) Bill includes provisions to simplify the distribution of un-nominated CPF monies through a beneficiary representative, with safeguards to protect beneficiaries' interests and expedite disbursements, though some members raised concerns about potential disputes and accessibility for overseas beneficiaries.

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2 Nov 2021

Review of Enforcement Agencies' Investigation Protocols for Teenagers and Those with Special Needs

Several MPs asked about extending the Appropriate Adult Scheme to suspects aged 16–17 and improving protocols for minors and those with special needs, especially in drug cases and mental health situations.
The Minister of State outlined current measures, including video recording of interviews and the use of Appropriate Adults for those under 16 or with mental disabilities, while confirming a review on extending the scheme to older teens.
Concerns were raised about identifying vulnerable persons during initial contact, the training and staffing of officers, and ensuring family involvement, with the Minister noting ongoing training and collaboration with agencies.
Questions about statistics on young persons with mental health conditions were addressed by explaining that such data is not tracked, but diversionary programmes are used for most youth offenders to avoid prosecution.
Following the case of Justin Lee, the Minister emphasized the need for clearer messaging on drug dangers and rehabilitation, while clarifying that his death occurred while on bail, not in custody.

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