Religion, race & rights — Topics

10 May 2021

Dementia-friendly Features for Older Estates and Future HDB Housing Projects

The Ministry for National Development affirmed that HDB estates are designed inclusively for all ages, incorporating Universal Design and barrier-free features to support seniors and other residents.
Existing estates are upgraded with senior-friendly features through programmes like the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme, and new developments follow the “Designing for Life” roadmap to support residents’ health across life stages, including those with dementia.
The Nee Soon pilot introduced dementia-friendly features like clear wayfinding markers, large block numbers, and distinct colours, which HDB plans to incorporate into future BTO projects and existing estates through upgrades.
HDB will continue collaborating with experts and agencies to explore and integrate additional dementia-friendly features in both new and existing housing projects.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 May 2021

Features in Public Service Hiring Process to Ensure Those Aged 60 and Above have Fair Interview Opportunities

Approximately 3% of Singapore's resident labour force aged 60 and above are full-time or contract workers in the Public Service, serving in diverse roles such as teaching, operations, technical, and corporate administration.
Public Service recruitment follows merit-based principles and TAFEP guidelines, selecting the best person for the job based on skills, qualifications, and experience, without asking for age in applications.
Flexible work arrangements like staggered hours, telecommuting, and part-time work are available to all public officers of any age if their job role permits.
The Public Service has extended retirement and re-employment ages ahead of the national schedule and provides career coaching and training to support mature workers' adaptability and employability.
Efforts continue to educate leaders, supervisors, and HR managers to ensure fair employment practices and the employability of mature workers across the Public Service.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 May 2021

Making Public Buses More Accessible to Ageing Population and Adding More Stops in Feeder Buses Routes

Mr Chong Kee Hiong asked the Minister for Transport to outline measures making public buses more accessible for the elderly and to consider adding more feeder bus stops in estates during off-peak hours.
Minister Ong Ye Kung highlighted that all buses are wheelchair accessible and transport hubs are barrier-free, aligning with the Land Transport Masterplan 2040's inclusivity goals.
He noted that adding more bus stops is not practical due to operational challenges, longer journey times, and safety concerns, as current stops are already spaced 300–400 meters apart.
The Land Transport Authority will continue reviewing community requests for accessibility improvements while balancing operational and financial constraints.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 May 2021

Educating Youths in Schools about Hate-based Violence to Avoid Pitfalls of Radicalisation

Schools teach social cohesion and racial harmony through subjects like Social Studies and Character and Citizenship Education, focusing on countering extreme ideas and fostering empathy.
Students engage in teacher-facilitated discussions to recognize and counter hate speech and harmful content, with a peer support structure in place by 2022 to promote inclusivity.
Co-curricular activities, learning journeys, and cultural celebrations help build cross-cultural understanding and sensitivity among students.
Institutes of Higher Learning extend these efforts with programmes that promote critical thinking and a supportive campus environment.
Parents and community groups also contribute to guiding youths toward socially desirable values and attitudes.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 May 2021

Evolution of Special Assistance Plan (SAP) Schools to Stay Relevant

SAP schools were established in 1979 to develop bilingual students amid declining enrolment in Chinese-medium schools and have evolved to promote mother tongue learning, cultural preservation, and bilingualism in response to global and regional changes.
They now offer programmes like Conversational Malay and cross-community initiatives to foster multicultural understanding, with examples including Dunman High’s Diversity and Inclusivity programme and collaborations with heritage centres.
The government plans to continue evolving SAP schools to nurture bilingual leaders, support multi-racial society, and prepare students for opportunities in a changing world, while similar programmes exist for Malay and Tamil languages.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 May 2021

Wrongful Dismissal Involving Employees who were Pregnant at Time of Dismissal

Since April 2019, TADM has handled 110 wrongful dismissal claims involving pregnant employees, with about 80% resolved through mediation and the rest referred to the Employment Claims Tribunals.
TADM investigates dismissal circumstances by gathering facts from both parties, assesses claims, and facilitates settlements, often explaining performance issues while encouraging compassionate ex-gratia payments.
For in-employment or pre-employment discrimination cases, TAFEP refers evidence-based complaints to MOM for investigation, which can lead to enforcement actions like HR process rectification or work pass suspensions.
MOM advises individuals to file discrimination complaints with TAFEP for issues before or during employment, and with TADM for dismissal-related matters.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Apr 2021

Outcome of Investigation and Actions Taken in Case of Self-styled Prophet Exposed by The Straits Times on 9 November 2020

MUIS received a complaint in 2015 about a self-styled prophet but initially found insufficient evidence to take action.
After further investigation and a 2017 Fatwa Committee ruling, MUIS ordered the individual to stop unauthorised healing services and propagating unverified teachings.
Following a 2020 media report, MUIS reopened the case and sought public input, with investigations ongoing and findings to be shared later.
MUIS emphasises relying on strong evidence, using fatwas, counselling, and education to address deviant teachings while advising the public to seek guidance from certified religious teachers.
The case highlights MUIS's role as Singapore's top Islamic authority in providing religious guidance and countering false teachings.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Apr 2021

Breakdown of Number of Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Students in Mainstream Schools and Schools Offering Singapore Sign Language to Hearing Students in Past Five Years

Over the past five years, the number of deaf and hard-of-hearing students in mainstream schools has remained stable, with about 500–700 at the primary level, 500–650 at the secondary level, and 250–450 at the pre-tertiary level.
Only designated schools like Mayflower Primary and Beatty Secondary, along with MOE Kindergarten @ Mayflower, offer Singapore Sign Language (SgSL) support for students with hearing loss, but no mainstream schools currently offer SgSL as a language to hearing students.
The Ministry is not considering offering SgSL as a third language but supports its learning through community courses and programmes by organizations such as SADeaf and ExtraOrdinary Horizons.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Apr 2021

Addressing Concerns of Religious Groups Before Approving COVID-19 Vaccines for Use in Singapore

The Minister confirmed that vaccine approval in Singapore is based solely on safety, quality, and effectiveness, with no religious or moral considerations affecting the process.
The currently authorized Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines do not use abortion-derived cell lines, addressing the specific concern raised.
Individuals can choose their vaccination center, which may offer different vaccines, but selection is subject to appointment availability rather than religious preference.
No religious groups in Singapore have raised concerns about the vaccines, and the government encourages all medically eligible individuals to get vaccinated for public safety.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Apr 2021

Organisations Working Collectively to Engage Youths Online and Offline on the Ills of Radicalisation

The Ministry of Home Affairs collaborates with schools, religious, and social organizations through the SGSecure movement to deliver age-appropriate awareness content and activities on radicalisation.
Agencies like ISD conduct workshops, talks, seminars, and online webinars for students, youths, and educators, adapting outreach efforts for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Community partners such as the Religious Rehabilitation Group run counter-ideology activities, including assembly talks, digital content, and learning journeys to promote understanding and mutual respect.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Apr 2021

Wheelchair-bound HDB Residents Living on Floors Without Lift Access

Hazel Poa inquired about the number of wheelchair-bound HDB residents living without lift access and the annual complaints received over the past three years.
Desmond Lee outlined ongoing efforts to improve accessibility, including retrofitting HDB blocks, the Lift Upgrading Programme, and the Lift Access Housing Grant, noting that about 150 blocks still lack direct lift access due to cost or technical constraints.
The government has introduced initiatives like the Enhanced EASE programme and wheelchair lifter pilots, with over 1,900 ramps installed and 10 lifters deployed as of February 2021.
HDB does not track the exact number of wheelchair-bound residents but handles every request for mobility assistance and received 27 feedback cases on accessibility issues in the past year.
Ongoing programmes such as the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme aim to further improve estates, with recognition that more can be done to assist less mobile residents.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Apr 2021

Persons with Disabilities Who Have Approached SG Enable for Employment and Job Placement Assistance

Mr Melvin Yong asked the Minister for Social and Family Development about the number of persons with disabilities who sought employment help from SG Enable over the past five years, the average success rate, and future plans to support their employment.
SG Enable and its partners have placed over 3,000 persons with disabilities in jobs through the Open Door Programme since 2014, with more than 60% remaining employed with the same employer after six months.
The government has enhanced support, including the ODP Training Grant offering 95% course fee subsidies and the Enabling Employment Credit providing up to 30% wage offsets for eligible employers.
Three new programmes—Place and Train, Attach and Train, and Skills Development—were launched to complement existing efforts amid COVID-19 impacts.
A cross-sectoral workgroup under the Third Enabling Masterplan has concluded its work and will soon release recommendations to better support persons with disabilities in the future economy.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Apr 2021

Obligations for Employers to Prevent Workplace Sexual Harassment

Mr. Gerald Giam asked about the legal obligations of employers to prevent workplace sexual harassment, including measures, reporting procedures, complaint handling, and consequences for non-compliance, as well as plans to strengthen legislation.
Mrs. Josephine Teo responded that Singapore uses a tripartite approach with guidelines, standards, and advisories rather than relying solely on legislation, including the 2015 Tripartite Advisory on Managing Workplace Harassment.
The Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) oversees implementation, provides training and resources, and investigates complaints, with employers advised to take preventive actions and cooperate to avoid MOM reviews of work pass privileges.
Civil remedies under the Penal Code and Protection from Harassment Act are available for harassment, and TAFEP has referred a small number of cases to the Police while monitoring for further needed measures.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

8 Mar 2021

Scale up Existing Tripartite Guidelines Addressing Workplace Sexual Harassment with Clear Definition of Workplace Sexual Harassment

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked if the Ministry of Manpower would enhance tripartite guidelines on workplace sexual harassment by providing a clear definition and examples to help companies recognize such behavior.
Josephine Teo responded that the government does not tolerate workplace or sexual harassment and referenced the Tripartite Advisory on Managing Workplace Harassment, which outlines harassing behaviors, legal protections, and employer responsibilities.
She noted that the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices require companies to have grievance processes and confidentiality measures for handling sexual harassment complaints, with support from TAFEP’s Workplace Harassment Resource and Recourse Centre.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

8 Mar 2021

Committee of Supply – Head X (Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth)

The debate highlighted the need to bolster Singapore's cultural soul and sports sector, with calls for support for local arts, football development, and safe sports environments, while emphasizing community resilience and digital adaptation amid COVID-19.
Members raised concerns about the Malay/Muslim community, including questions on religious leadership, halal certification, and job support, with ministers outlining efforts to strengthen community programs, upskill workers, and promote interfaith harmony.
The arts and culture sector sought more support for digital transformation and livelihoods, with the government announcing enhanced funding and initiatives to sustain jobs and innovation, while also celebrating heritage like hawker culture.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Mar 2021

Breakdown of Persons with Disabilities Who Have Found Placements via Open Door Programme since Its Launch

The Open Door Programme (ODP), administered by SG Enable, has placed over 3,000 persons with disabilities (PwDs) into jobs from 2014 to 2020, with the top sectors being Food Services, Administrative and Support Services, and Retail.
More than 60% of PwDs placed through the ODP remained employed with the same employer after six months, and the programme supports both full-time and part-time placements based on individual circumstances.
The government uses employment credits and incentives to support PwD employment, contributing to a sustained average employment rate of around 29% for resident PwDs aged 15 to 64.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Mar 2021

Committee of Supply – Head T (Ministry of National Development)

Parliament debated how to keep HDB estates liveable and inclusive, with MPs proposing more community spaces, better support for vulnerable groups, and greater resident involvement in upgrading plans, while the Ministry outlined plans to transform the built environment sector and introduce new housing models for prime locations.
Concerns were raised about ageing flat maintenance, rental housing shortages, and the impact of the Ethnic Integration Policy, with the Ministry responding by highlighting initiatives like the Home Improvement Programme, increased rental options, and targeted support for lower-income households.
The discussion also covered transforming the construction industry through technology and green standards, while ensuring public housing remains affordable, with the Ministry emphasising that flat pricing is based on affordability rather than cost.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Mar 2021

Nature of Discrimination in Cases that Breached Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices

Over the past three years, MOM penalised about 50 firms annually for breaching fair employment guidelines, mainly suspending work pass privileges, with 60% of cases involving nationality discrimination and about one-third split between gender and age discrimination.
The government issues warnings for less severe breaches and tracks public perceptions of discrimination through regular surveys, noting an increase in perceived discrimination from 2014 to 2018.
Penalties are not limited to work pass curtailment; firms may face compensation orders, demerit points, or legal action for false declarations, and there have been no repeat offenders in the past three years.
The penalty framework was reviewed in 2020 and may be further reviewed to better align penalties with the type of discrimination, such as non-nationality-based discrimination.
MOM is considering publishing breach statistics annually if it helps shape employer behaviour and clarify public understanding of fair employment practices.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Mar 2021

Prioritisation Criteria for Planned Lift Installation for Pedestrian Overhead Bridges Across Different Towns in Singapore

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Transport about the distribution of planned lift installations for pedestrian overhead bridges across different towns and whether prioritisation criteria should consider the relative proportion of seniors in a town, not just absolute numbers, to avoid disadvantaging elderly in younger towns.
He also specifically queried whether the overhead bridge near Block 327A Anchorvale Road could be retrofitted with a lift to benefit seniors and if it would be prioritised in future retrofitting within Anchorvale.
Ong Ye Kung responded that prioritisation is guided by the number of seniors and commuters with mobility challenges who will benefit, and how well the bridge connects them to public transport and healthcare, rather than the proportion of seniors in a town.
He noted that lifts have been provided at bridges near Sengkang General and Community Hospital to serve seniors and patients, and the bridge at Block 333D is being fitted with lifts, with LTA periodically reviewing its programme.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Mar 2021

Representation of Persons with Disabilities on Boards and Management of Social Service Organisations

The Minister stated that social service organisations in Singapore operate independently and are not required to track or report the percentage of persons with disabilities on their boards or management, though they are encouraged to diversify their leadership.
Existing structures like the Enabling Masterplan Steering Committees and various cross-sectoral workgroups include persons with disabilities and stakeholders to inform policy, with recent engagement sessions involving nearly 300 participants.
The government monitors implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities through an Inter-Ministry Committee, and agencies like BCA and SG Enable involve disability organisations in policy reviews and governance, including having persons with disabilities on SG Enable’s board.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source