Religion, race & rights

• MP asked if the concessionary MDW levy threshold should be lowered for seniors aged 60–66 living alone.
• Minister said threshold stays at 67; those needing daily living assistance qualify under the disability concession.
• No plans to lower age threshold; eligibility remains targeted to genuine caregiving needs.

• SAFVC has about 1,100 in-service volunteers: 52% male, 48% female; 70% are new citizens or PRs.
• Annual applications rose from 600 (2014-2020) to 900 (recent 5 years), reaching 1,300 in 2025.
• Minister gave overall figures instead of the requested yearly gender and residency breakdown.

• Pritam Singh sought annual data on citizenship and PR grants by age and gender.
• Minister Shanmugam provided only average annual numbers for ages 18-45 with gender breakdown.

• Seniors 60+ make up 32% of prepayment loss cases and 42% of losses, proportional to population share.
• Government relies on CaseTrust accreditation, mandatory refund protections, and tailored education for elderly consumers.
• Independent panel reviews high-value prepayment protections, with recommendations due later this year.

• Bus captains aged 61+ are proportionally more likely to cause severe accidents, though numbers are small.
• Medical assessments are required for captains aged 50 and above during licence renewals.
• Safety measures include 360-degree cameras and reduced continuous driving time.

• Ms He Ting Ru queried if new mental health guidelines will consider gender-specific differences and higher anxiety rates in adolescent girls.
• The Health Minister affirmed guidelines aim to balance timely access to mental health support for all youths with necessary parental involvement and safeguards.

• Police investigated eight unlawful assemblies supporting Palestine, not due to cause but public order breaches.
• Four cases ongoing, one acquitted pending appeal, three concluded with police warnings.

• MP questions if kids lose out when nearby schools lack their mother tongue.
• Ministry says most schools offer three official languages; few SAP schools are exceptions.
• Planning aims to ensure access to a nearby primary school for all students.

Adult Disability Homes have 1,500 places with over 80% utilisation and 100 on the waitlist; Hostels have 130 places with 80-90% utilisation and 75 on the waitlist. New community-based support pilots aim to serve 250 individuals, reducing reliance on residential care.

Prof Poon inquired about future care planning participation for families with disabilities; 1,975 care plans were developed from 2021-2025. SG Enable’s new Resource Centre and ministry efforts aim to strengthen sector capabilities and encourage more families to access support.

• The Minister explained that decisions on closing NPCs consider police operational needs and resources, ensuring no reduction in presence or response; online service accessibility is tracked via community engagement, with face-to-face help available at all 33 NPCs and 64 NPPs, including videocall support at unmanned centers.

• Miss Rachel Ong proposed extending up to 95% SG Enable training subsidies to SkillsFuture programmes for broader skill access. Desmond Lee responded that a taskforce is studying enhanced support measures, with details to be announced later.

• Ng Chee Meng inquired if the Ministry tracks career progression for persons with disabilities, including training and wage data.
• The Ministry confirmed wage growth and rising employment in professional roles, with 21.6% participating in training.

The government provides community support like Harmony Circles and Asatizah Solace Care, open to all, to help Singaporeans process global conflicts and maintain social cohesion. Initiatives include dialogues, fundraising, and counseling, with a focus on national interest and interfaith harmony.

He Ting Ru asked about community feedback concerning the naming of various festivals and greetings used in Singapore. David Neo acknowledged that such feedback is received occasionally and emphasized that the names of public holidays are well-established. He noted that some community members prefer different terms based on context and audience. The Ministry encourages respectful and inclusive use of greetings.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik questioned whether the WSQ modules under the Progressive Wage Model for security officers include training for recognizing and responding to persons with special needs. K Shanmugam responded that WSQ modules focus on skills like threat detection and incident management, essential for security duties. Currently, there is no training for special needs recognition included in the modules. The Government plans to review training requirements in consultation with the industry to enhance the effectiveness of security officers.

Fadli Fawzi sought information on the requirements for obtaining letters of support from MUIS for tarawih prayers at qaryah venues, the number of applications received from the People's Association and other groups, and the success rate of applications from non-PA affiliates. Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim explained that qaryahs must be mosque-affiliated to receive support letters, ensuring they adhere to religious standards, such as using qualified teachers for prayers and safeguarding funds. He noted that while data over ten years is lacking, all applications to MUIS in the last three years have been successful.

The debate focused on enhancing social mobility and support for lower-income families within Singapore, emphasizing the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Social and Family Development. The ComLink+ initiative aims to provide a comprehensive support system for families, including immediate assistance, steady support for progression, and resources for long-term goals. Enhancements to the ComLink+ Progress Packages include new quarterly payouts and simplified conditions to encourage family participation, aimed at reducing barriers to accessing support. The Ministry also commits to continuous evaluation and refinement of its programs, collaborating with community partners to ensure effective outreach and sustained assistance, particularly for families with disabilities. Finally, there is a strong focus on creating a more inclusive society by empowering individuals with disabilities through job opportunities and community integration efforts.

He Ting Ru asked about the support provided to schools and teachers regarding the impacts of the manosphere on students. Desmond Lee responded that the Ministry of Education promotes gender equality and respect through the curriculum, including character education and social studies. Students are taught to avoid stereotyping, develop critical thinking, and evaluate online content. Teachers facilitate discussions that promote understanding of gender equality and social well-being, while also teaching digital literacy skills to discern bias and manipulation online. The MOE offers training and resources for teachers to effectively address these issues.

• Alex Yam opened the debate emphasizing the need for a strong national identity rooted in social trust amidst global instability, and proposed a vision for a "we first" society that prioritizes collective resilience and understanding.
• Mariam Jaafar discussed the pressures facing youth, advocating for mosques to serve as supportive community hubs offering engagement, listening, and spiritual guidance, especially for mental well-being.
• Multiple speakers raised issues about community engagement, expressing the importance of programs like the Bersamamu initiative and Project ARIF, aimed at supporting young families and enhancing social cohesion.
• The Acting Minister laid out plans to foster a multicultural society, emphasizing the importance of community-building through arts, sports, and heritage while announcing the new $50 million SG Partnerships Fund to support ground-up initiatives and citizen-led projects.
• Discussions also highlighted the need for improved integration and avenues for youth voices in shaping policies, ensuring their participation in community efforts while addressing the challenges posed by societal changes and digital disconnect.