Religion, race & rights — Topics

6 Apr 2020

Tripartite Standard on Gender-Equal Workplace Practices to Require Companies to Adopt Regular Audits of Employee Wages to Ensure Gender Parity and Adequate Female Representation in Key Positions

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Ministry for Manpower to consider introducing a Tripartite Standard on Gender-Equal Workplace Practices requiring companies to conduct regular wage audits and ensure adequate female representation in key leadership positions.
Mrs Josephine Teo responded that while the Ministry supports fair employment practices, imposing a Tripartite Standard may not achieve the desired outcomes and could unintentionally discourage hiring lower-wage women or widen pay gaps.
The government prefers addressing root causes, such as social norms and caregiving roles, by promoting flexible work arrangements and other initiatives to support women's career progression and leadership opportunities.
Singapore has made progress, with the adjusted gender pay gap narrowing and women's board representation increasing, and the government aims to continue encouraging balanced caregiving responsibilities and workplace flexibility.
The debate highlights differing approaches: legislating audits and standards versus addressing underlying social and structural factors to achieve gender parity in the workplace.

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26 Mar 2020

Breastfeeding on Public Trains and Buses

The Ministry of Transport confirmed that breastfeeding is not prohibited on Singapore's public trains and buses, and nursing rooms are provided at key transport nodes for those who prefer privacy.
Louis Ng pointed out that SMRT's website still suggests it's best to feed children before entering stations, which may deter mothers, and urged clearer messaging.
The Ministry agreed to advise public transport operators to update their websites and FAQs to affirm that breastfeeding is allowed without restriction.
It was confirmed that there are no regulations requiring mothers to cover up while breastfeeding on public transport.

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25 Mar 2020

Breakdown by Gender and Current Employment Status of Singaporeans Eligible for Budget 2020 Matched Retirement Savings Scheme and Average and Median Balances in CPF Accounts

About 435,000 Singaporeans aged 55 to 70 are eligible for the Matched Retirement Savings Scheme (MRSS), which aims to help those who have not met the CPF Basic Retirement Sum save more for retirement.
Roughly half are active CPF contributors, with slightly more women than men; among them, women have lower average and median CPF balances ($108,000 and $90,000) compared to men ($146,000 and $133,000).
About one-third are inactive contributors, likely caregivers, with 2.5 times as many women as men; women in this group have lower average and median balances ($60,000 and $39,000) than men ($96,000 and $63,000).
Around 20% are self-employed persons (SEPs), with twice as many men as women; women SEPs have lower average and median balances ($72,000 and $48,000) compared to men ($113,000 and $88,000).

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25 Mar 2020

Number of Sexual Crime Offenders who Have Escaped Mandatory Caning Due to Age

Murali Pillai asked about the number of offenders aged 50 and above who have avoided mandatory caning for serious sexual offences in the past five years and whether the age limit should be removed.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary confirmed that 13 offenders above 50 were convicted for aggravated rape or sexual assault by penetration in the last five years and were not caned due to their age, with courts able to impose additional imprisonment instead.
Murali Pillai highlighted that the age limit of 50 originated from a 1900 colonial law when life expectancy was lower, and noted that Malaysia allows caning for offenders above 50 if medically fit, questioning the rationality of the age threshold.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary acknowledged the colonial legacy of the age limit and stated that the government regularly reviews criminal justice policies, including considering trends and statistics for offenders above 50, but did not commit to changing the policy.
Both sides emphasized ongoing reviews of caning policies, with the government indicating it would provide updates if any changes are made to the age requirement for mandatory caning.

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6 Mar 2020

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

MCCY will introduce measures to enhance access to opportunities across life stages, including free gym and pool access for seniors aged 65 and above, and a grant to help low-income families afford preschool fees.
The Ministry is strengthening social cohesion by supporting the asatizah fraternity through professional development initiatives and promoting community engagement efforts like the CiptaSama dialogues to address issues facing the Malay/Muslim community.
To support the arts and culture sector amid COVID-19, MCCY will provide a 30% rental subsidy for national cultural institutions and an enhanced capability development grant for arts groups and freelancers.

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6 Mar 2020

Incentives for Shopping Malls to Install Tactile Paving to Aid Visually Impaired

Louis Ng asked the Ministry for National Development to consider providing more incentives, such as partial funding, for shopping malls to install tactile paving for the visually impaired.
The Minister of State responded that the Building and Construction Authority’s Accessibility Fund already co-funds up to 60% of construction costs, capped at $300,000 per development, for features like tactile paving in eligible private buildings including malls.
Louis Ng shared feedback from a visually impaired person who found tactile paving effective at one location but lacking at another, and suggested making it compulsory for easier navigation.
The Minister acknowledged that newer buildings are required to have accessibility features, while older buildings are encouraged through funding during renovations, noting the fund's substantial support and citing high compliance in areas like Orchard Road.
Both sides emphasized ongoing efforts to raise awareness and improve accessibility, with the Minister noting enforcement challenges for older buildings not originally designed with such features.

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6 Mar 2020

Attitudes of Students from Special Assistance Plan Schools towards Inclusivity

Louis Ng asked the Ministry of Education whether it has studied the attitudes of students from Special Assistance Plan (SAP) schools towards inclusivity and people from different cultural backgrounds, and if not, whether such a study would be considered.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education stated that a 2018 study found no difference in attitudes between SAP and non-SAP students, emphasizing that SAP schools were established to preserve Chinese language and culture, not as elite institutions, and that they promote cross-cultural interaction through programs like conversational Malay.
She also noted that within SAP schools, there are opportunities for social mixing, such as Malay language programs in seven of the 11 secondary SAP schools, and that MOE provides various platforms for all students to learn about other cultures.
The Minister for Education affirmed Singapore’s multi-racial identity and the rationale for diverse school types, acknowledging that SAP schools may offer fewer inter-racial interactions but urged students to engage in the wider community and highlighted the schools' efforts in teaching conversational Malay.
Both officials underscored that the education system supports bilingualism and inclusivity, with MOE continuing efforts to foster unity across all school types.

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4 Mar 2020

Support for Children Aged Below Seven with Developmental Needs to Secure Preschool Placements

Anthea Ong asked how many children under seven with developmental needs have been denied enrolment or expelled from preschools, and how the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) supports these families in securing placements.
Desmond Lee noted that many children with developmental needs are enrolled in preschools, with 75% of those in EIPIC also attending preschools, and that about 550 preschools offer support programmes for mild needs.
ECDA addresses a few annual cases of preschools struggling with moderate to severe needs by working with parents, SG Enable, EIPIC centres, and preschools to find solutions, including referrals to better-suited preschools.
The government is enhancing support through initiatives like the Development Support-Plus programme, which provides in-preschool early intervention, and the Inclusive Preschool Workgroup to improve support for moderate to severe needs.

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4 Mar 2020

Delinking Childcare Subsidies from Mother's Employment Status

Ms Anthea Ong asked why childcare subsidies are linked to the mother's employment status and whether this criteria will be delinked.
Minister Desmond Lee explained that higher subsidies are provided to working mothers to support their labour market participation, while all parents receive basic subsidies regardless of employment status.
The Minister noted flexibility for non-working mothers needing childcare, with additional support for low-income families and alternative kindergarten subsidies not tied to the mother’s employment.
Ms Ong questioned why the criteria specify only the mother’s employment and not the father’s, to which the Minister responded that the subsidy aims to encourage mothers to return to work.
The debate highlighted ongoing considerations for childcare subsidy eligibility, with potential updates to be announced at the Committee of Supply.

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4 Mar 2020

Steps to Avoid Discrimination on Basis of Descent for Primary School Admission

The Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of descent in school admission, and all Singaporean citizens are admitted without denial based on such factors.
Primary 1 admission uses criteria like proximity, sibling links, alumni ties, and volunteerism to select students when places are oversubscribed, as there are no exam results to guide choices.
MOE balances these priorities while reserving places for students with no prior connections to the school and aims to make schools more open and accessible.

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3 Mar 2020

Committee of Supply – Head S (Ministry of Manpower)

The Ministry of Manpower announced a comprehensive SkillsFuture Mid-Career Support Package, including enhanced salary support for employers hiring workers aged 40 and above and a new training support scheme for self-employed persons to address reskilling and job security.
Fair hiring practices were strengthened, with the Fair Consideration Framework expanded to cover higher salary thresholds and increased penalties for discriminatory employers, while a new Senior Worker Support Package was introduced to support older workers with wage offsets and grants.
Flexible work arrangements and work-life harmony were emphasized, with the government adopting a "Make It Easy" and "Make It Known" approach to encourage adoption, including sector-specific guides and a Tripartite Advisory on mental well-being at workplaces.

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18 Feb 2020

Complaints of Excessive Number of Foreigners Working in Financial Institutions

Over the past three years, MOM and TAFEP received 65 complaints about the excessive hiring of foreigners in financial institutions, though many lacked specific details for follow-up.
Investigations into substantiated cases led to actions such as withholding work pass privileges, and locals consistently hold over 80% of high-paying jobs in the sector.
MOM has increased penalties for discrimination and uses data analytics to detect unfair hiring, urging the public to report specific instances confidentially.

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18 Feb 2020

Review of Sexual Education in Schools with Greater Emphasis on Gender Equality

Anthea Ong proposed a review of sexual education to include greater focus on gender equality, beyond just protection and abuse, and asked about the frequency and process of programme reviews.
Ong Ye Kung stated that sexuality education already covers gender roles and stereotypes, emphasizing that interests and careers are not defined by gender, alongside self-development and relationship skills.
The Ministry of Education conducts regular reviews of sexual education programmes, incorporating research, stakeholder input, and local context, with recent updates addressing pornography and social media impacts.

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18 Feb 2020

Help for HDB Owners in Financial Hardship Who Are Unable to Sell Flats Due to Ethnic Integration Policy

Lim Biow Chuan asked if the Government will provide financial aid to HDB owners who cannot sell their flats due to the Ethnic Integration Policy but need to sell because of financial hardship.
The Second Minister for National Development responded that HDB offers extensions for selling, may temporarily reduce or defer mortgage payments, and can exercise flexibility with the Ethnic Integration Policy for exceptional cases, while also referring owners to financial counselling and other assistance schemes.
Pritam Singh queried whether affected households have to sell at lower prices relative to neighboring units despite the extension, and the Minister clarified that sale prices depend on flat attributes and location, not solely on the policy.

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4 Feb 2020

Public Service's Response to TAFEP Guideline on Mental Health Declaration

The Public Service has removed mental health declaration questions from job application forms since May 2017 and does not track the number of applicants with mental health conditions who join or are rejected.
Public agencies provide support through alternative work arrangements, counselling services, and training for managers to recognize and support employees with mental health conditions, including peer support networks.
The government does not have a specific "mental health leave" policy but allows for medical leave and flexible arrangements based on individual needs, and it welcomes details on any cases where agencies may not adhere to guidelines for further follow-up.

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3 Feb 2020

Efforts to Address Attitudes of Students and Educators towards Sexual Objectification, Harassment and Abuse of Women

The Ministry of Education and Institutes of Higher Learning have enhanced education for students and staff through orientations, online modules, workshops, and campaigns to address sexual misconduct.
They have strengthened disciplinary frameworks, including imposing tougher penalties such as expulsion for sexual misconduct.
Campus infrastructure has been improved with expanded CCTV coverage and full-height partitions in restrooms to prevent incidents like voyeurism.
Support for victims has been bolstered with training for first responders, 24-hour helplines, dedicated victim care units, and enhanced counselling services.

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3 Feb 2020

More Protection against Discrimination from Employers for Patients who Receive Mental Health Treatment

Ong Teng Koon asked whether the Ministry of Health can offer patients receiving mental health treatment more protection against employer discrimination by allowing them not to disclose treatment details or medication on medical bills used for reimbursement.
Gan Kim Yong explained that current regulations require itemized medical bills for transparency, but patient confidentiality ensures employers only receive medical certification for sick leave without detailed condition or treatment information.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce mental health stigma, including the "Beyond the Label" campaign, partnerships with HPB and MOE, and revised TAFEP guidelines to prevent discriminatory questions on mental health in job applications.
The Ministry continues to support an inclusive society through community mental health initiatives and encourages individuals facing discrimination to seek help from TAFEP.

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3 Feb 2020

Survey on Perceptions of Discriminatory Hiring and Other HR Practices to Include Employee Respondents

Leon Perera inquired whether the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has conducted a survey on perceptions of discriminatory hiring and HR practices that includes employee respondents, and when findings would be published.
The Minister of State for Manpower replied that over 80% of job seekers in a 2018 MOM survey did not perceive discrimination, and highlighted improvements in employment outcomes for older workers and women, as well as a narrowing gender pay gap.
Perera sought clarifications on the survey's scope, including whether it covered both job seekers and employed individuals, the breakdown of perceived discrimination types, sample size, and publication plans.
The Minister of State confirmed the survey was nationally representative with about 3,100 individuals and 3,400 establishments, and stated an occasional paper on fair employment would be published later in the year.

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6 Jan 2020

Complaints of and Action Taken against Employment Discrimination

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira questioned whether employers refusing to interview or hire qualified job applicants due to religious attire violate fair employment guidelines, requested data on TAFEP complaints about religious wear discrimination over five years broken down by industry, and asked about actions taken against such employers.
Mrs Josephine Teo confirmed that the Tripartite Guidelines require hiring based on merit and allow religious wear unless specific uniform or safety requirements exist, which must be clearly communicated, and noted TAFEP received 16 such complaints in five years, less than 1% of total complaints.
Most complaints stemmed from insensitivity in communicating dress codes, all employers complied with TAFEP’s advice to rectify practices, and TAFEP investigates all discrimination complaints and works with the Ministry of Manpower for enforcement on substantiated cases.

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6 Jan 2020

Feedback Exercises with Workers Filing Discrimination or Workplace Harassment Reports and Their Satisfaction with Follow-up Actions Taken

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira asked whether TAFEP conducts feedback exercises with workers who filed discrimination or harassment reports and about complainant satisfaction with follow-up actions.
Mrs Josephine Teo stated that TAFEP investigates all complaints, refers cases to MOM when warranted, and updates complainants on outcomes, noting many are appreciative.

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