Religion, race & rights — Topics

2 Feb 2021

Database of Adult Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and Special Needs

The Ministry of Social and Family Development maintains a database of adults with intellectual and other disabilities who have applied for government-funded services, but does not have a comprehensive register of all undiagnosed and diagnosed individuals.
Personal data is generally shared with non-government entities only with consent, though exceptions may be made for safety or well-being concerns, with assessments to balance purpose and privacy, and partners must comply with data protection laws.
Outreach to vulnerable adults, including those living alone or with elderly caregivers, is conducted through partnerships with grassroots groups, healthcare agencies, and social services, with ongoing efforts to identify and support those in need.

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2 Feb 2021

Eligibility for Community Care Apartments

The Minister for National Development announced the pilot launch of Community Care Apartments in Bukit Batok, which integrate senior-friendly housing with scalable care services, with eligibility depending on age, income, and care needs, and further expansion contingent on the pilot's reception.
Members of Parliament raised concerns about expanding eligibility to include caregivers under 65 and persons with disabilities below 65, with the Minister indicating openness to considering exceptions and studying adaptations of the model for persons with disabilities.
The debate highlighted the need to evaluate the pilot beyond demand, focusing on resident feedback, holistic well-being, social integration, and the effectiveness of new housing models in supporting seniors’ aging-in-place continuum.

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1 Feb 2021

Review of Rules and Regulations Governing Placement on Fair Consideration Framework Watchlist

Ms Hazel Poa asked if the rules will be reviewed to cover indicators like high nationality concentration that place companies on the FCF Watchlist even if they have not broken any rules.
Mrs Josephine Teo explained that the FCF Watchlist targets firms with unusually high foreign PMET ratios or single-nationality concentrations to proactively address discriminatory hiring.
She noted that most firms on the Watchlist improve with guidance and have hired over 4,800 Singaporean PMETs since 2016, with many exiting the Watchlist within a year.
Firms that do not cooperate face work pass restrictions, allowing a calibrated approach that expands local employment more effectively than uniform penalties.

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1 Feb 2021

Sanctions on Companies Requiring Nursing Mothers to Return to Office without Provision of Appropriate Lactation Rooms and Other Support Measures

Miss Rachel Ong asked whether sanctions can be imposed on companies that require nursing mothers to return to the office without lactation rooms, and what measures the Ministry will take to support Flexible Working Arrangements (FWAs) for nursing mothers, including reopening the Work Life Grant and whether it supports lactation rooms.
The Minister acknowledged the importance of supporting nursing mothers and promoting FWAs through tripartite efforts, noting that 85% of employers offered FWAs in 2019 and adoption has increased, so the Work Life Grant is not currently being reopened.
The government requires building owners to provide lactation rooms under enhanced Building and Construction Authority codes, with funding support for older buildings, but cautioned that sanctions could lead to unintended consequences like reduced employment of nursing mothers or women.
The Ministry plans to implement recommendations from the Citizens’ Panel on Work-Life Harmony to further enhance FWA provision and take-up, while continuing to advocate for supportive practices for nursing mothers.

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1 Feb 2021

Age Limit for Matched Retirement Savings Scheme

Foo Mee Har questioned why the Matched Retirement Savings Scheme caps eligibility at age 70, excluding older seniors from its benefits.
Mrs Josephine Teo explained the scheme targets seniors below 70 to maximize compound interest benefits, noting those over 70 typically already receive CPF payouts and have other support like healthcare and cash schemes.
The government affirmed ongoing reviews to keep the scheme relevant while addressing seniors' retirement needs through existing alternative measures.

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1 Feb 2021

Effects of Introducing Gender-neutral Fertility Leave on Employability

Mr Louis Ng asked whether the Ministry of Manpower has studied the effects of gender-neutral fertility leave on employability and if it plans to undertake such a study.
Mrs Josephine Teo responded that the government will consider the suggestion along with other studies and available resources, noting ongoing enhancements to leave provisions and the tripartite approach.
The government has progressively expanded childcare leave, paternity leave, shared parental leave, and adoption leave, and introduced tripartite standards for unpaid caregiving leave.
Feedback indicates that flexible work arrangements are more sustainable than additional leave, and efforts are underway to entrench such arrangements across sectors.
The Ministry is assessing the impact of policy changes on employers and employability amid economic uncertainty.

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1 Feb 2021

Guidelines on Students with Gender Dysphoria

The Ministry of Education focuses on providing a supportive and conducive learning environment for students with gender dysphoria, with medical treatment decisions handled by professionals and families, requiring parental consent for minors.
Schools can exercise flexibility on rules for students with valid medical grounds, working individually with stakeholders including medical professionals, students, and parents to make practical arrangements.
The Ministry declines to present regular public reports to Parliament, citing respect for family privacy and the need to avoid public airing of sensitive situations.

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5 Jan 2021

Help for Mature Workers Transitioning to Another Industry and Tackling Unemployment after Removal of Jobs Support Scheme

The government has introduced enhanced support for mature workers through the SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package and the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Support Package, offering higher wage subsidies and training credits to help them transition to new industries.
The Jobs Growth Incentive provides 50% wage support for hiring mature local workers, double that for younger hires, to encourage employers to consider their valuable experience and skills.
For aviation and tourism sectors affected by the removal of the Jobs Support Scheme, targeted measures like the Enhanced Aviation Support Package and tourism initiatives aim to preserve jobs and facilitate reskilling for new roles.
Workforce Singapore has expanded career matching and coaching services, including online platforms and physical centres, to assist mature jobseekers in finding new opportunities.
The government is reviewing further extensions of support and promoting job redesign and digital reskilling programs to help workers adapt to evolving industry needs.

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5 Jan 2021

Applications for Permits for Public Assemblies Outside Speakers' Corner

Since the Public Order Act was introduced in 2009, the Police received 11,269 applications for permits for public assemblies outside Speakers' Corner, approving 8,545, with rejections due to reasons including cancellation by organizers or specific concerns under Section 7(2) of the Act such as public disorder, safety risks, or threats to public order.
The Minister did not provide specific reasons for each approval or rejection, as tabulating them would require a review of every application, and the Police do not track how many one-person assemblies or processions were approved or rejected.
For one-person assemblies, the same public order considerations apply, as the provisions of the Public Order Act can be breached by individuals, and assemblies are not prevented outright but require a permit to allow Police assessment, with the majority of applications being approved.

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5 Jan 2021

Discrimination Cases Dealt With by Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices

Mrs Josephine Teo reported that in the first half of 2020, TAFEP investigated 260 cases of possible breaches of the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices, with penalties imposed on about 70 employers and no repeat offenders.
The Ministry of Manpower tracks public perception of fair employment practices through regular polls and detailed surveys, with findings published in the November 2020 Employment Standards Report.
The Ministry emphasized its ongoing vigilance against discriminatory practices and commitment to taking action against errant employers to build fair workplaces for all employees.

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5 Jan 2021

Rationale for Support Threshold in Jobs Growth Incentive Scheme

The Jobs Growth Incentive (JGI) provides 50% salary support for hiring mature local workers aged 40 and above, which is double the rate for younger hires, as part of broader efforts like the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Support Package to help them transition careers.
The government is monitoring the JGI's take-up and effectiveness, with a $1 billion budget set aside, but has not set specific numerical targets for mature worker hires, as success is viewed holistically alongside overall employment recovery.
While some parliamentary members suggested increasing the support threshold to 75% to better incentivize hiring mature workers, the Minister emphasized that the JGI is one tool in a wider suite of measures, and adjustments will be considered based on data and economic conditions.

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4 Jan 2021

Median and Average Discount or Premium for Flats Transacted by Minority Ethnic Groups vis-a-vis Chinese Ethnic Group Based on Resale Transactions in Same Year and Block in Last Five Years

The Minister explained that resale flat prices are negotiated based on various factors like market conditions, location, and lease length, making ethnic group comparisons not meaningful, as prices can vary widely across estates and ethnic groups.
Even within the same year and block, differences in storey height, flat condition, and other factors affect prices, and such comparisons are often not feasible due to low transaction volumes for specific ethnic groups in many blocks.
The Minister noted that asking for median or average discounts or premiums between minority ethnic groups and the Chinese ethnic group is not meaningful, as resale transactions are highly variable and influenced by individual circumstances rather than ethnicity alone.

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4 Jan 2021

Measures in Place to Ensure Physically Challenged Are Not Unduly Inconvenienced by COVID-19-related Entry and Exit Controls at Facilities and Buildings

Joan Pereira asked the Minister for National Development about measures to ensure physically challenged individuals are not unduly inconvenienced by COVID-19 entry and exit controls at facilities and buildings.
Desmond Lee stated that building owners and occupiers must continue to meet BCA's Code on Accessibility requirements, including providing at least one accessible entrance and route to key features like lifts and accessible toilets.
He added that agencies will work with building owners to address feedback on accessibility issues and explore solutions to reduce inconvenience for physically challenged visitors.

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4 Jan 2021

Update on Setting Up of Referral Process for Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices with Oversight of Workplace Harassment Cases

TAFEP has established itself as the main centre for workplace harassment cases since 2019, working with partners to refer and handle cases, including providing support and advising on legal recourse where necessary.
Between January 2019 and October 2020, TAFEP handled around 80 workplace harassment cases, with about one-fifth related to sexual harassment and the rest involving verbal abuse, bullying, and physical abuse.
TAFEP has increased its publicity through digital and social media to raise awareness about reporting avenues and will continue collaborating with agencies like NTUC and SNEF to promote a safe work environment.

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4 Jan 2021

Outcome of Cases Reported in Last 10 Years to MUIS for Contravention of Section 139 of Administration of Muslim Law Act

MUIS received five complaints in the last 10 years for alleged promulgation of false doctrines under Section 139 of the Administration of Muslim Law Act.
All cases were investigated and addressed through fatwas, counselling, and public education, with no criminal charges or convictions reported.
The religious authorities prefer non-legislative approaches like counselling and have implemented the Asatizah Recognition Scheme to regulate teachers and prevent false doctrines.

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4 Jan 2021

Sexual Assault Cases Handled by OneSafe Centre in Last Three Years and Plans to Review Requirement and Timeframe for Forensic and Medical Examinations

Ms Raeesah Khan asked about the annual number of sexual assault cases handled by the OneSafe Centre as a percentage of total police cases and whether the 72-hour timeframe for forensic exams will be reviewed.
She also questioned the requirement for parental consent for victims under 21 and suggested lowering the age to 16 or allowing third-party signatures to encourage reporting.
Minister K Shanmugam responded that forensic exams are for serious crimes like rape and are most effective within 72 hours, as per WHO guidelines, with 70 exams conducted at OneSafe from 2017–2019.
He explained that parental consent is required for minors due to common law, but the ministry is reviewing the minimum age for consent among other issues.

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4 Jan 2021

Health and Life Insurance for Persons with Disabilities

The Ministry has consulted with persons with disabilities and their representative organisations, and will issue guidelines for private insurers to ensure fair treatment without discrimination based on disability or mental health conditions.
Private insurers must assess applications using objective risk data rather than the fact of a disability, and the Monetary Authority of Singapore and Ministry of Social and Family Development are working with the industry to implement these guidelines, which will be finalised after public consultation.
National insurance schemes MediShield Life and CareShield Life cover persons with disabilities, while private insurance options vary, and the government is collecting data and ensuring fair practices through industry associations.

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4 Jan 2021

Catering to Needs of Students with Physical Disabilities in Schools

Minister Lawrence Wong stated that all primary and secondary schools in Singapore have basic handicapped facilities like accessible toilets, with a continuing programme to install lifts in older buildings to ensure full barrier-free accessibility.
There are currently 64 primary schools, 34 secondary schools, and 4 Junior Colleges/Centralised Institutes with full barrier-free accessibility, and this list will grow as new and upgraded schools are equipped with lifts and ramps.
The Ministry of Education provides assistive learning provisions such as adjustable furniture and collaborates with Social Service Agencies to offer transition support, including assessments and advice on educational accommodations for students with physical disabilities.
Parents can access the list of barrier-free accessible schools through the MOE website and information guides for Primary 1 Registration and Secondary 1 Posting, ensuring transparency in school choices.
MOE reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting the learning needs of students with physical disabilities in all schools.

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4 Jan 2021

Safeguards for Elderly and Vulnerable Users as More Government Services Move to Singpass Digital Platform

Ministers assured that safeguards like facial verification, multi-user SMS two-factor authentication, and physical counters at public service centres will remain accessible to ensure inclusive access for elderly and vulnerable users without smartphones.
The government provides digital literacy training and subsidized devices through initiatives like the SG Digital Office and Mobile Access for Seniors to help seniors adapt to Singpass.
While banks prefer Singpass for secure identity verification, physical counters and alternative services will continue to be available for those unable to use digital platforms.

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4 Nov 2020

Average Waiting Time for Differently Abled Children to Enrol in Intervention Programme for Infants and Children

The average waiting time for differently abled children to be enrolled in the Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) is approximately six months, with variations based on parental preferences and ongoing efforts to expand EIPIC places to reduce waiting times.
Teacher-to-child ratios in EIPIC vary depending on the child's needs, ranging from one-to-one support for children with higher needs to groups of six to eight children led by an early intervention teacher with at least one other professional.
Preschools must follow minimum staff-child ratios set by the Early Childhood Development Agency, and they may deploy additional staff or receive support from early intervention professionals through various programmes to better assist children with developmental needs.

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