Religion, race & rights — Topics

The Minister for Social and Family Development outlined extensive national and community financial and estate planning initiatives for Malay/Muslims, including MoneySENSE, MENDAKI programmes, and religious guidance from MUIS, while noting the lack of specific take-up rate data.
A separate, lengthy debate on the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) saw the Workers' Party advocate for its eventual abolition to move toward a race-neutral society, while the government defended EIP as essential for racial integration and social cohesion, with discussions on case-by-case waivers and policy reviews.
Other topics included the role of Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) in teaching multiculturalism, the relevance of the CMIO classification for tracking outcomes, and community projects like Project DIAN@M3 to support Malay/Muslim families in rental flats.

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5 Jul 2021

Home Ownership Schemes for Malay/Muslim Community

Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin inquired about how Project DIAN@M3, which aids Malay families in rental flats to own homes, will work alongside HDB's Home Ownership Support Team to prevent overlap and be resourced for success.
The Minister responded that the government offers housing grants and priority schemes, with enhanced support for rental flat families, including guidance from HDB's Home Ownership Support Team, while community initiatives like M3 programs complement these efforts.
Project DIAN@M3 aims to provide integrated support for Malay/Muslim families in rental flats by connecting them to national and community programs for education, employment, social support, and health, focusing on inter-generational mobility, employment outcomes, and positive family environments.
The project will be led by the M3 Engagement Coordination Office, using existing resources to equip volunteers for outreach, and welcomes partnerships to help vulnerable families achieve home ownership.

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5 Jul 2021

Review of Ethnic Integration Policy for HDB Blocks and Neighbourhoods

The Minister explained that the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) remains necessary to prevent ethnic enclaves in HDB blocks and neighbourhoods, as historical and recent data show concentrations would occur without it, undermining social cohesion.
While acknowledging increasing inter-racial marriages and changing household profiles, the Minister confirmed the EIP is regularly reviewed to align with national demographics and allows inter-ethnic households to choose their ethnic quota when buying a flat.
The Minister highlighted challenges for minority sellers when EIP limits are reached, noting HDB provides flexibility through case-by-case appeals and waivers, with successful appeals rising from 14% in 2018 to 21% in 2020.
The Minister stressed the EIP is one of several tools for racial harmony, supported by over 60% of Singaporeans in a REACH survey, but recognised its intrusive nature and ongoing efforts to address its rough edges while upholding the larger social goal of multiracialism.

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5 Jul 2021

Addressing Concerns from Students about Racial, Religious and Gender Discrimination amongst Educators

The Ministry of Education outlined that schools and Institutes of Higher Learning have established feedback channels, including direct approaches to staff and formal mechanisms, for students to report discrimination, with assurances of support and confidentiality.
Disciplinary and counseling procedures are applied to address breaches of conduct, while curricula and policies are regularly reviewed through engagement with educators, students, and parents to improve anti-discrimination efforts.
The Ministry emphasized that while anonymous feedback is allowed, identifying oneself is encouraged for thorough investigation, and safeguards are in place to protect those who report discrimination from victimization.

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5 Jul 2021

Managing Community Conversations on Sensitive Race and Religion Topics and Addressing Tensions due to Racial Insensitivities

The Minister outlined a multi-pronged approach to manage racial and religious tensions, combining legal enforcement against hate speech, promoting respectful online norms, and supporting community dialogues to build mutual understanding.
The government trains facilitators from the public service and community groups to lead conversations on sensitive topics, and funds initiatives like the Harmony Fund and BRIDGE program to foster open dialogue and interfaith understanding.
Efforts are made to enlarge common spaces for interaction through arts, heritage, sports, and school programs, with a focus on nurturing empathy and respect in students through the refreshed Character and Citizenship Education curriculum.
The government collaborates with social media companies and the Media Literacy Council to address racial insensitivities online, while encouraging ground-up projects to strengthen social cohesion.
The Minister emphasized that racial harmony requires continuous work, with all Singaporeans playing a part in building a nation regardless of race, language, or religion.

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11 May 2021

Local Communities' Reaction to Anti-Asian Hate Crimes Overseas

The government denounced anti-Asian hate crimes overseas and reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to racial harmony through laws against hate speech, community initiatives like BRIDGE, and efforts to expand shared experiences across communities.
In response to rising xenophobia during COVID-19, the government highlighted recent local incidents and emphasized a dual approach of legal action and community engagement to prevent hate from taking root in Singapore.
A Member of Parliament raised concerns about increased racist behavior linked to the pandemic and asked about recourse for victims, with the Minister acknowledging the issue and stressing the need to strengthen social cohesion against divisive forces.

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10 May 2021

Key Factors Contributing to Reduction of Gender Wage Gaps over Past Decade and Industries where Gender Wage Gap is Zero or Reversed

The adjusted gender pay gap in Singapore narrowed from 8.8% in 2002 to 6.0% in 2018, which is lower than in many other developed countries, with occupational segregation being the main factor behind the remaining gap.
Industries with zero or reversed gender wage gaps were not specified in the response, but the Minister highlighted efforts to support women entering male-dominated fields like healthcare and STEM, where men are currently overrepresented in higher-paying roles.
The government is promoting mentorship, career guidance, merit-based employment, flexible work arrangements, and shared caregiving to reduce the gap and support women’s career progression, though wider societal changes are still needed.

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10 May 2021

Improve Affordability of On-demand Point-to-point Transport Services for Personal Mobility Aids and Devices

Raeesah Khan asked the Ministry for Transport about plans to make on-demand transport more affordable for users of wheelchairs and personal mobility devices.
Ong Ye Kung outlined existing measures, including regular taxis for foldable wheelchairs and subsidised SMRT London Cabs for motorised wheelchairs and personal mobility aids.
The Government offers the Taxi Subsidy Scheme for persons with disabilities who cannot use public transport, covering up to 80% of travel costs for school, work, or training.
The Ministry is committed to continuing support for persons with disabilities, including affordable point-to-point transport services.

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10 May 2021

Support for Pre-schoolers Identified with Special Needs or Learning Disabilities

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked about the number of pre-schoolers in mainstream pre-schools identified with special needs or learning disabilities and whether early childhood educators have the necessary skills to support them.
The Development Support and Learning Support (DS-LS) Programme supports children aged five and six with mild developmental delays at about 550 pre-schools, offering sessions with educators or therapists.
For nursery children with moderate to severe delays, pre-schools can refer them to hospitals or the Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) for more intensive support.
The government is studying the appropriateness of identifying and intervening for younger nursery children with mild delays through the DS-LS programme.
Additional support is provided through KidSTART for low-income families, forming a range of assistance including KidSTART, DS-LS, and EIPIC.

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10 May 2021

Availability of Safe Spaces for Youths of Institutes of Higher Learning to Engage and Have Difficult or Contentious Conversations

The Minister for Education affirmed that Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) are committed to providing a safe and conducive environment for students to engage in rational discourse and develop critical thinking skills.
IHLs’ Codes of Conduct emphasize civil, respectful, and balanced discourse, allowing students to voice differing opinions objectively without fear of being "cancelled."
At the national level, platforms like Youth Conversations and the Youth Action Challenge, organized by the National Youth Council, offer additional safe avenues for youths to discuss diverse perspectives with peers and experts.

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10 May 2021

Collection of Data by Working Group on Health for Ethnic Minorities to Examine Root Causes of Poor Health in Such Communities

Dr Shahira Abdullah questioned if the Working Group on Health for Ethnic Minorities would collect data on social determinants to identify root causes of poor health in ethnic communities.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong confirmed the group will examine causes of poor health in Indian and Malay communities, including social determinants, using national survey data and qualitative studies.
The aim is to develop culturally appropriate interventions to improve health and well-being in these communities.

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