Religion, race & rights — Topics

8 May 2017

Criteria for Approval of COE/ARF Waivers for Drivers with Disabilities

The Disabled Persons Scheme (DPS) provides COE and ARF waivers for Singapore Citizens with permanent disabilities who are lower-income, employed, and require a vehicle for work but cannot use public transport without assistance.
Eligibility requires medical certification from Tan Tock Seng Rehabilitation Centre, proof of gainful employment with a demonstrated need for a vehicle, and meeting means-test criteria.
Additional support includes exemptions from motor vehicle loan restrictions and the Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS) as an alternative for those unable to use public transport.
Both DPS and TSS aim to complement public transport and promote independent living for persons with disabilities.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

8 May 2017

Gender Budgeting to Determine Effect of Policies on Women

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh asked whether the Government practises gender budgeting to assess policies' impact on women, particularly regarding fertility and labour participation, and for which policies this applies.
Heng Swee Keat stated that Singapore does not use formal gender budgeting but integrates gender considerations in policy design and resource allocation to advance women's advancement and equality.
The Minister highlighted policy measures such as affordable preschool, Work-Life Grants, enhanced parental leave, and legal protections like the Women's Charter to support women and families.
Statistics show progress: higher tertiary education and employment rates for women, steady wage growth, and increased flexible work arrangements benefiting workers overall.
Singapore's efforts are detailed in reports to the United Nations' Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, demonstrating ongoing commitment to gender equality.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

8 May 2017

Extension of Taxi Driver Licence beyond Age 75 for Those who are Fit

Foo Mee Har questioned if taxi drivers over 75 could extend their vocational licences based on fitness and passing annual assessments.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that taxi driving imposes greater physical and cognitive stress than private driving, making an age limit necessary for passenger safety despite medical checks.
He noted the age limit has been raised from 70 to 75 over the years and will be periodically reviewed in line with population health and lifespan improvements.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

8 May 2017

Age Restriction for Private Security Officer's Licence Applicants

Zainal Sapari questioned if the minimum age for private security officer licence applicants should be raised to 18.
The Ministry explained that current policy allows applicants aged 16 and above, aligning with the Employment Act’s definition of non-child status.
All security officers, regardless of age, must complete the same accredited training and assessments to ensure competency.
Fewer than 10 active officers are below 18 out of over 40,000, and no adverse feedback has been reported on younger officers.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Apr 2017

Aspirations of Singapore Women

The debate highlighted the ongoing need to address gender stereotypes and discrimination in Singapore, including workplace inequality, under-representation of women in leadership roles, and the disproportionate burden of caregiving on women.
Members proposed concrete measures to support women, such as promoting flexible work arrangements, enhancing financial literacy and retirement adequacy, and providing targeted support for women returning to the workforce.
The discussion also touched on the need for societal mindset shifts, including encouraging shared caregiving responsibilities between men and women and challenging traditional gender roles from a young age.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Apr 2017

Funding Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Pursuing University Studies

Leon Perera asked about funding help for persons with disabilities pursuing their first degree who are ineligible for scholarships or grants due to age.
The government provides subsidies, bursaries, loans, and allows use of Post-Secondary Education Account funds to ensure no student is denied education due to financial constraints.
Additional targeted measures include the SkillsFuture Study Award for Persons with Disabilities and financial assistance for assistive technology and support services at universities.
SPD scholarships are merit-based and not age-restricted, though they are managed independently of the Ministry of Education.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Apr 2017

Employers' Attitudes towards Hiring of Older Workers

A 2016 survey found that about 70% of employers are willing to redesign job scopes for older workers, and the employment rate for residents aged 55-64 has steadily increased, with Singapore ranking highly among OECD countries, including stable retention in the IT sector.
Over the past three years, the Ministry of Manpower and TAFEP received fewer than 80 annual age discrimination complaints, with IT sector cases making up about 7% of these, and investigations led to actions like work pass curtailment for errant employers.
The government engages employers through TAFEP campaigns and initiatives like the Career Support Programme and Professional Conversion Programmes, which offer wage support to encourage hiring of older workers, while also urging older workers to upskill through schemes like SkillsFuture.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Apr 2017

Use of Industrial Premises for Religious Activities

Gan Thiam Poh asked for an update on the take-up rate of using industrial premises for religious activities.
Lawrence Wong explained that guidelines were introduced in June 2012 to allow limited, non-exclusive use of Business 1 industrial space for religious purposes during factory downtime.
The guidelines require industrial activities to remain the predominant use and prevent any alteration to the premises' primary function.
Since the guidelines began, 17 churches and two Taoist temples have been approved for such use.
The response underscores a balanced approach to accommodating religious needs while preserving the industrial character of the premises.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Apr 2017

Lifts in Schools

Mr Zainal Sapari asked about the number of government schools with lifts and plans for barrier-free access for all.
The Ministry of Education installs lifts in new schools and during major upgrades of existing ones.
Currently, about 70% of government primary and secondary schools have lifts.
The remaining schools will be equipped with lifts when they undergo major upgrading.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Apr 2017

Government Support for Efforts to Enhance Women Representation at Leadership Positions

Ms Sun Xueling asked how the Government can better support the Diversity Action Committee (DAC) to enhance women's representation in leadership and on corporate boards.
The Government, through the Ministry of Social and Family Development, established DAC in 2014 and is considering its recommendation to strengthen the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s Code of Corporate Governance to require disclosure of diversity policies.
Companies are urged to widen board search criteria, adopt best practices for appointments, and mentor women leaders, while the Government and private sector are encouraged to collaborate with DAC to accelerate progress.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Apr 2017

Diversity HR Management Policy at Healthcare Institutions

Health Minister Gan Kim Yong affirmed that public healthcare institutions have diversity management policies and provide training for HR staff and supervisors to handle workplace diversity across age, race, culture, gender, nationality, religion, and disabilities.
New employees receive orientation modules on workplace culture and diversity, and social activities are organized to encourage bonding among staff from different backgrounds.
Institutions will continue collaborating with unions and employees to gather feedback and improve diversity practices regularly.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Apr 2017

Aspirations of Singapore Women

The debate emphasized the need to support Singaporean women in balancing careers and family, with proposals for more flexible work arrangements, better childcare and eldercare support, and expanded access to fertility treatments like ART subsidies and social egg freezing.
Speakers highlighted systemic barriers such as workplace inflexibility, the double burden of caregiving, and the challenges for women re-entering the workforce, suggesting enhanced SkillsFuture programmes, mentorship, and fair employment practices to address these issues.
There was a call for societal and policy shifts, including encouraging men to share domestic responsibilities, reviewing the education system to reduce parental stress, and providing targeted support for single parents and homemakers to achieve financial independence.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Apr 2017

Aspirations of Singapore Women

The motion affirms Singapore women’s contributions and calls for whole-of-society support to help them balance family and career while preparing for the future economy.
It proposes creating more caregiving capacity by expanding childcare and eldercare facilities, extending operating hours, and developing a SkillsFuture package with training, job matching, and financial support for back-to-work women.
It advocates providing more options through flexible work arrangements with industry standards and recognition for employers, as well as supporting women’s entrepreneurship.
It aims to remove barriers by challenging stereotypes, setting targets for female board representation, addressing unconscious bias, and ensuring fair pay and career progression.
It emphasises being future-ready by building digital fluency and STEM skills for women, leveraging technology to enable flexibility and close gender gaps in the digital economy.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Apr 2017

Public Order (Amendment) Bill

The Bill strengthens security for large public and private events by requiring organizers to notify police in advance and mandating security measures for events with over 5,000 or 10,000 attendees, respectively, to address terrorism risks.
It amends the law to allow police to refuse permits for assemblies or processions involving foreigners or foreign entities directed toward political ends, to prevent foreign interference in Singapore's domestic politics.
Concerns were raised about the broad definition of "political ends," potential impact on civil society and free speech, and the financial burden of security costs on event organizers, with calls for clearer guidelines and support for smaller groups.
The Minister emphasized that the amendments focus on foreign involvement, not local citizen participation, and that police discretion is necessary to balance security with public order, while appealing to trust in executive decision-making.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Apr 2017

Breakdown of Foreign Domestic Worker Numbers by Nationality

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Ministry of Manpower why it is reluctant to provide a breakdown of foreign domestic workers by nationality, questioning the rationale for withholding such data.
The Minister of State for Manpower explained that disclosing this information is not in Singapore's interest due to potential sensitivities among local groups and the countries of origin of the workers.
Dennis Tan clarified that countries like Australia publish similar data quarterly without issue and asked the Ministry to reconsider its position.
The Minister of State reiterated that Singapore's context differs from Australia's, emphasizing that the sensitivity of the data outweighs the benefits of disclosure for national and household interests.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Mar 2017

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

The Ministry for Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) will partner Singaporeans to build a caring and cohesive society through initiatives like the SG Cares movement, the Our Singapore Fund, and youth volunteerism, while also expanding shared experiences in sports and the arts to strengthen national identity and social bonds.
The Ministry for Muslim Affairs (MMA) announced new measures to support the Malay/Muslim community, including a committee to help PMETs with reskilling, updates on madrasah education and infrastructure, and plans to review the Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA), while emphasizing the importance of religious guidance through the Mandatory Asatizah Recognition Scheme (ARS).
MCCY will enhance support for the arts, heritage, and sports sectors, including a top-up to the Cultural Matching Fund, the development of a national Heritage Plan, and improvements to high-performance sports systems, while also making these spaces more accessible to persons with disabilities and lower-income families.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

8 Mar 2017

Presidential Council for Minority Rights' Assent to Bills

Leon Perera asked about the number of times the Presidential Council for Minority Rights suggested changes or withheld assent to Bills, the timing and issues involved.
Prime Minister’s Office clarified that the Council does not suggest changes or withhold assent but only highlights legislation disadvantageous to minorities, and noted no adverse reports in the past two terms.
The Minister explained that all Bills undergo three layers of checks before reaching the Council, and the Council can seek input if needed, but no legislation has been flagged for minority disadvantage.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Mar 2017

Committee of Supply − Head K (Ministry of Education)

Members called for a fundamental rethink of Singapore’s education system to prepare for the future economy, urging MOE to form a team to review schools, curricula, and assessments, and to move away from rigid structures like high-stakes exams and streaming, while promoting lifelong learning, learnability, and character development.
Several MPs raised concerns about the streaming system, PSLE scoring, Direct School Admission (DSA) fairness, and school affiliation advantages, suggesting a shift to subject-based banding, allowing principals more discretion in admissions, and reviewing affiliation priority to ensure equitable access to popular schools.
Debates highlighted the need for greater support for students with special needs, including more allied educators, a SPED Academy, consistent support in tertiary institutions, and solutions for school transport and employment, while also calling for mandatory dyslexia screening and inclusive hiring in schools.
Topics on school sports culture, class sizes, tuition industry, and early childhood education were addressed, with calls to revitalise school sports, study the impact of class size, engage the tuition sector, expand MOE kindergartens, and improve after-school care alignment with full-day preschools.
Members emphasized enhancing bilingual and regional language education, including ASEAN languages and mother tongues, to support multiculturalism and internationalisation, while also strengthening parent-school-community partnerships to enrich children's educational experiences.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Mar 2017

Committee of Supply − Head E (Judicature)

Murali Pillai praised the Singapore Judiciary's efficiency and proposed allowing all faiths to take oaths in court according to their religious beliefs, similar to practices in other common law jurisdictions.
The Senior Minister of State for Law argued that the current system, where affirmations have the same legal effect as oaths for non-Christians, is sufficient and that expanding oath-taking could create practical difficulties and unnecessary costs.
Murali Pillai withdrew his amendment to reduce funding for Head E (Judicature) after the Senior Minister of State's explanation, and the sums for Head E were approved.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Mar 2017

Committee of Supply − Head P (Ministry of Home Affairs)

Speakers expressed heightened concern over terrorism threats, highlighting incidents involving radicalised individuals and potential attacks, and called for updates on how the Ministry of Home Affairs tracks threats, reinforces enforcement, and strengthens community resilience and racial harmony.
The debate emphasized the need to enhance the SGSecure movement, improve coordination among community response committees, and address challenges in the private security industry, including the grading exercise and the role of foreign auxiliary police officers.
Members raised issues on drug abuse trends, rehabilitation efforts, and the importance of family support and skills training for inmates, while the Minister reaffirmed Singapore's firm stance against drugs and outlined measures to combat online drug availability and support reintegration.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source