Religion, race & rights — Topics

1 Oct 2018

Eligibility of Unemployed Single Person above 35 years old with Disability for Additional and Special CPF Housing Grants

An unemployed single person above 35 years old with a disability is not automatically eligible for the Additional CPF Housing Grant or Special CPF Housing Grant when buying an HDB flat under the Singles Scheme, as eligibility typically requires at least one applicant to have worked continuously for 12 months before application.
The grants are intended for low- to middle-income households with steady employment to ensure long-term financial ability to service housing loans and sustain flat ownership.
Individuals unfit for work due to disability can apply for the grants with eligible family members or other singles under the Joint Singles Scheme.
For those wishing to buy a flat alone under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme, HDB may assess requests on a case-by-case basis, considering medical certification of disability and the ability to sustain the purchase long-term without employment.

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1 Oct 2018

Review of Retirement Age

Intan Azura Mokhtar asked about plans to raise the retirement age to 65 without affecting salary or benefits due to longer lifespans.
Josephine Teo highlighted the Tripartite Workgroup on Older Workers formed to review retirement and re-employment ages holistically.
The workgroup has begun meetings and gathering stakeholder views, with initial findings to be shared at the next Committee of Supply debate.

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1 Oct 2018

Review of Criteria for Lease Buyback Scheme

Mr Gan Thiam Poh and Mr Alex Yam raised questions about the Lease Buyback Scheme (LBS), including the number of households that have joined, flat-type breakdowns, exceptions, rejections, and the possibility of lowering the minimum age requirement.
Minister Lawrence Wong reported that about 3,100 households have used the LBS since 2009, with rejections mainly due to not meeting the age requirement of 65, though HDB has granted about 50 exceptions since April 2015 for circumstances like ill health or financial difficulty.
Miss Cheng Li Hui highlighted a specific case of a resident aged 65 being rejected due to his wife not meeting the age criterion, prompting the Minister to offer to review the case separately if more details are provided.

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10 Sep 2018

Stakeholders Registered under SG Enable or Have Employment Programmes for Special Needs Adults

SG Enable and its partners have collaborated with over 1,000 employers to hire persons with disabilities, offering advisory services, training, job placement, and support.
The government provides financial incentives like the Special Employment Credit and grants under the Open Door Programme to assist employers in hiring and integrating persons with disabilities.
Initiatives such as the annual Inclusive Business Forum and the Enabling Employers Network aim to share best practices and encourage more inclusive hiring.
Efforts are underway under the Third Enabling Masterplan to enhance job opportunities, refine training programs, and collaborate with industry leaders.
MSF continues to work with partners to expand employer participation and improve workplace adaptations for persons with disabilities.

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10 Sep 2018

Regional Studies Programme and Scholarship Introduced

The Regional Studies Programme (RSP) and its scholarship were introduced in 2008 to nurture non-Malays proficient in the Malay Language and regional engagement.
Approximately 100 students per secondary school cohort receive the RSP scholarship out of about 400 participating students.
The breakdown of scholarship recipients by ethnicity is around 90% Chinese and 10% Indian and Other Races.

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10 Sep 2018

Coverage of and Payouts to Disabled Persons under CareShield Life

Murali Pillai inquired whether severely disabled Singaporeans and residents would receive lifelong coverage and payouts under CareShield Life.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong confirmed that the national scheme provides lifetime coverage and payouts for eligible individuals as long as they remain severely disabled.
He emphasized that CareShield Life is a key pillar of Singapore’s social safety net for citizens and residents.

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10 Sep 2018

Exemption from Proficiency Driving Test for Class 4 Driving Licence Holders on Reaching Age 65

Kwek Hian Chuan Henry asked if Class 4 driving licence holders could be exempted from the proficiency driving test at age 65.
The Minister explained that ageing may affect driving ability, so all motorists over 65 must have their fitness certified, with heavier requirements for heavy vehicle drivers.
Heavy vehicle drivers must undergo annual medical exams and proficiency tests from age 65, and enhanced versions annually after 70, to ensure safety due to the higher risk and skill needed for such vehicles.

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10 Sep 2018

Addressing Issues That Limit Artistic Expression in Everyday Places

Nominated Member Kok Heng Leun argued that artistic expression should extend beyond conventional venues into everyday public spaces, emphasizing the need for spontaneity, trust, and fewer legal barriers, while suggesting an independent body to resolve disputes over public art.
Minister Grace Fu acknowledged the vibrancy of Singapore's arts scene, highlighting government-supported initiatives like public art commissions, busking schemes, and community programs, but stressed the importance of balancing artistic expression with public needs and respectful consultation with stakeholders.
Both speakers recognized the value of art in fostering community connections, with Leun advocating for more freedom and Fu outlining existing efforts to expand access while ensuring sensitivity to Singapore's diverse society.

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10 Sep 2018

Complaints of Job Discrimination Faced by People with Disabilities

The Ministry of Manpower reported receiving only four complaints of job discrimination against people with disabilities in the past five years, which were resolved through mediation without evidence of discrimination, attributing issues to poor communication.
The Ministry opposes enacting an anti-discrimination law, arguing it could deter employers from hiring persons with disabilities due to fears of legal repercussions, preferring education and support programs like the Open Door Programme.
To address discrimination holistically, the Ministry collaborates on initiatives like the Tripartite Standards for Recruitment and Grievance Handling, which have been adopted by hundreds of employers to promote fair and inclusive practices.

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10 Sep 2018

Installation of Elderly-friendly Facilities in Schools to Cater to Ageing Teaching Workforce and Those with Mobility Issues

K Thanaletchimi asked how many schools have elderly-friendly facilities like lifts and if there are plans to install them in schools that lack them.
The Ministry of Education responded that about 70% of government schools have lifts, with the remainder scheduled to get lifts within five years through major upgrades or a special programme.
The Ministry confirmed that teachers and other stakeholders are consulted on lift locations, considering demographics, student profiles, and teaching needs.
Thanaletchimi raised a concern about lifts being placed near gyms instead of mainstream classrooms, suggesting inadequate consultation on placement.
The Ministry acknowledged the specific case, promised to seek further details, and reiterated its commitment to addressing accessibility issues based on school priorities.

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10 Sep 2018

Complaints over Library Books with Homosexual Content

Mr Kok Heng Leun asked about complaints over library books with homosexual content since 2014, including breakdowns by section, titles, actions taken, comparisons to complaints about religious or racial content, and the overall policy.
The Minister for Communications and Information reported that 11 complaints were received about homosexual content, with eight titles moved to sections for older readers and three retained for children and young adults.
NLB received 23 complaints about race, religion, or other topics, leading to seven titles moved to older-reader sections, eight retained, and eight Malay children’s titles withdrawn due to controversial religious content.
NLB’s collection policy aims for age-appropriate and diverse materials, referencing IMDA guidelines, and uses the Library Consultative Panel to provide community perspectives on content concerns.
The debate highlights NLB’s approach to balancing a wide-ranging library collection with sensitivity to community norms through careful selection, review, and occasional adjustments to book placement or removal.

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6 Aug 2018

Education Institutions in Singapore for Special Needs Youths Aged 18 and Above

Dr Lee inquired about education institutions for special needs youths aged 18 and above and options for those unable to find employment.
The government responded that special needs students can enroll in Post-Secondary Education Institutions, with support from SEN Support Offices and vocational schools like Metta School and Delta Senior School up to age 21.
Programmes such as the School-to-Work Transition, Sheltered Workshops, and Day Activity Centres are available to support employment and daily living for those with varying needs.

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6 Aug 2018

Cases of Underaged Domestic Helpers for Past Five Years and Actions Taken against Errant Agencies

The Ministry of Manpower reported that over the past five years, approximately 130 foreign domestic workers per year were found to be under the minimum age requirement of 23.
Since 2013, over 100 employment agencies have faced penalties ranging from warnings to prosecution, with two recent cases resulting in maximum fines and licence revocation.
MOM employs a multi-layered approach including upstream checks by agencies, mandatory programmes for workers, visual checks, and permanent debarment for violations, while urging employers to report suspected underaged helpers.

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6 Aug 2018

Special Needs Children of School-going Age

As of December 2017, there were 30,000 students with special educational needs, with 80% in mainstream schools and 20% in special education (SPED) schools.
There are 19 SPED schools spread across the island, including in heartland areas, with three new campuses opened this year and more planned.
SPED schools cater to specific disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, or multiple disabilities, with specialized support for each need.
The government aims to ensure each child has a place in a suitable school, though some children may need to attend centralised specialised centres due to low numbers with specific needs.
Early intervention is emphasized, with many children diagnosed during preschool years and benefiting from early support.

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6 Aug 2018

Ensuring Good Re-employment and Age-friendly Hiring Practices by Public Service's Outsourced Providers

The Government encourages all employers, including outsourced providers, to adopt good re-employment and age-friendly hiring practices through broad-based measures like the Special Employment Credit and WorkPro Age Management Grant.
Tripartite partners have issued the Tripartite Standard on Age-friendly Workplace Practices and Guidelines on Re-employment to guide employers in not using age as a selection criterion and engaging employees early on re-employment.
In procurement, the Government ensures tender specifications do not discriminate based on age or gender, but does not dictate employment practices, relying instead on supportive policies to promote good practices.

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6 Aug 2018

People's Association’s Malay Activity Executive Committees Council

MESRA coordinates Malay Activity Executive Committees across community clubs to foster inter-community interaction and collaboration, while the Community Leaders’ Forum (CLF), formed in 2003 under MENDAKI, supports Malay/Muslim voluntary organizations in areas like education, youth, family, and employability.
The CLF has expanded significantly since its inception, with partner organizations growing from 12 in 2004 to 65 by 2015, and has launched flagship programs addressing social issues such as school attendance, family support, and employability.
After achieving its initial objectives, the CLF Steering Committee was succeeded in 2015 by two new committees—the Malay/Muslim Capability Development Fund Steering Committee and the CLF Leadership and Advancement Benefaction Scheme Steering Committee—which continue to oversee CLF activities.
Moving forward, collaboration among MESRA, MENDAKI, and MUIS will be strengthened to enhance programs, reach more community segments, and improve volunteer and community leader development.

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6 Aug 2018

Proposal for Free Public Transport on Buses and MRT for Senior Citizens during Off-peak Hours

Gan Thiam Poh proposed free public transport for seniors above 75 during off-peak hours and audio announcements on buses to aid the elderly.
Khaw Boon Wan highlighted existing fare discounts for seniors, including up to 57% off, capped fares, early-bird discounts, monthly passes, and vouchers for lower-income seniors.
He noted that public transport fares are regularly reviewed for affordability and sustainability, with significant subsidies already provided, and that new buses will include audio announcements.

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10 Jul 2018

Trend of Cord Blood Donation by Minority Races

Melvin Yong asked about the trend of cord blood donations by minority races over the past five years and plans to encourage such donations.
Over the past five years, the public Singapore Cord Blood Bank received about 4,000 annual donations, with 69% from Chinese, 9% from Malays, and 9% from Indians.
The Ministry has programmes to raise awareness, including efforts tailored for minority communities, such as working with the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore to address concerns of the Malay community.

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10 Jul 2018

Number of Teachers Trained to Teach Special Needs Students

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar asked for the number of teachers and allied educators trained to teach special needs students in four specialised schools, and the ratio compared to mainstream schools.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary responded that all teachers in these schools have SEN awareness training, with about 15% holding higher-level qualifications, and each school has about 10 specialised staff to support students.
Dr Intan Mokhtar highlighted that at least half of the recent intake in these schools are students with special needs and urged more funding for teacher deployment and additional support staff.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary assured that the schools receive resourcing, including MOE-seconded trained teachers, in-house training, and consultancy services, to cater to students' needs.
Both speakers emphasized the commitment to providing the best support for students with special needs in these specialised schools.

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9 Jul 2018

Promoting Integration between Students Attending International and MOE-run Schools

The Ministry promotes integration through Character and Citizenship Education lessons and exchange programmes with international schools, both locally and overseas, to help students value diversity and work with different cultures.
Additional opportunities for deeper interaction include sports competitions, Model United Nations conferences, debating championships, and common interest youth groups that involve both mainstream and international school students.
Schools will continue to actively create opportunities for students to interact across different school types to develop cultural literacy and foster an inclusive society.

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