Written Answers to WP's Oral Questions
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre
Consideration Of Alternative Sites Before Forest Was Cleared For Jurong Innovation District's Cleantech Park And Bahar Precincts
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) regarding the planned clearance of 52 hectares of forest in the Jurong Innovation District for the CleanTech Park and Bahar precincts, what alternative sites were evaluated to preserve the area’s ecological linkage; (b) why were these alternatives not selected; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider stronger mitigation beyond the proposed 14.5 hectares of retained green space.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: The Government takes a long-term approach to land planning to support the diverse and competing needs in our land-scarce Singapore. We assess the suitability of various sites before making development decisions, taking into account a range of factors such as locational attributes and synergies with existing developments.
In the case of CleanTech Park and Bahar, both precincts will be integrated with existing industrial sites at Bulim and upcoming sites at the Tengah Industrial Estate. This will support the overall development of the Jurong Innovation District (JID) as Singapore’s hub for next-generation advanced manufacturing activities including
robotics, medical technology, and smart logistics. Its proximity to the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) will also facilitate close industry-academia collaborations. Collectively, JID is expected to cater for some 95,000 jobs, providing good job opportunities for local residents.
JTC commissioned an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the planned developments at CleanTech Park and Bahar. The EIA identified mitigation measures such as the retention of forested areas with higher ecological values, transplanting plant species of conservation significance, and implementing wildlife management, response and rescue plans. JTC reviewed these in consultation with nature groups, and will adopt these mitigation measures as much as practicable, and integrate the retained forested areas with new greenery spaces within the industrial developments. JTC will also incorporate features in JID to bring the “live, work and play” concept to life for residents in the Jurong region. For example, JTC has developed a five-hectare green sanctuary known as the Potter’s Garden in CleanTech Park to integrate green spaces, and celebrate Jurong’s pottery heritage and Singapore’s last two heritage dragon kilns.
Assessment Of 11% Decline In Reading On Trust That Next Generation Of Singaporeans Would Be Better Off
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) what is the Government’s assessment of the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer finding that only 31% of Singapore residents believe the next generation will be better off, a 11% decline from the previous year; and (b) whether internal Government data corroborates this decline in intergenerational optimism.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: The Edelman Trust Barometer is an annual global survey that captures public sentiment, which can be influenced by prevailing economic conditions and current events. The 2026 findings show a decline in intergenerational optimism and heightened concerns about jobs, not only in Singapore, but across many of the countries surveyed.
The Government regularly gathers feedback from Singaporeans on their aspirations and views about the future. Our own surveys do not indicate a comparable deterioration in the outlook of young Singaporeans. Beyond surveys, we also track objective indicators of inter-generational mobility. Previously published data show that Singapore has performed well in sustaining social mobility compared to other advanced economies. We will release updated findings in due course.
Trend Of Foreign Technology Companies Re-Domiciling In Singapore To Mitigate Geopolitical Regulatory Risks
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) whether the Government monitors the trend of foreign technology companies re-domiciling in Singapore primarily to mitigate geopolitical regulatory risks; (b) what assessment has been made of the reputational risks to Singapore’s status as a neutral technology hub; and (c) what criteria ensure such entities maintain substantive business operations and local workforce commitments here.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: All companies domiciled in Singapore, whether local- or foreign-owned, must register with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and must comply with our laws and regulations. Some companies may also be subject to compliance oversight by relevant regulatory agencies.
Foreign companies that re-domicile in Singapore must meet minimum requirements for substantive business activity, such as total assets, revenue or employment, in addition to requirements for solvency and legality. The Government does not require companies that re-domicile to Singapore to provide a reason for their application.
We welcome all legitimate technology companies to be established in Singapore. This approach reinforces Singapore’s position as an open economy and trusted business hub, contributes to employment creation for Singaporeans, and strengthens our growing technology and innovation ecosystem.
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song
Error Rate In Sex-Sorting Process For Mosquitoes In Project Wolbachia And Process To Ensure These Mosquitoes Lack Physiological Capability To Bite Humans
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) how many reports of biting by male Wolbachia mosquitoes have been received since 2024; (b) what is the current error rate for the sex-sorting process for Project Wolbachia; and (c) what scientific evidence ensures that these released male mosquitoes lack the physiological capability to bite or draw blood from humans.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: We have not received any report of biting by male Wolbachia mosquitoes. Residents in Project Wolbachia sites may still experience mosquito bites from female mosquitoes of species that are found locally, including those not released by Project Wolbachia. Source reduction efforts, therefore, remain important in suppressing the mosquito population.
Through our rigorous laboratory studies and quality control checks, we found that the sex-sorting process for Project Wolbachia achieved an accuracy of 99.9% The small number of female Wolbachia mosquitoes inadvertently released is negligible compared to the overall mosquito population in the community, and these females have significantly reduced ability to transmit diseases. Neighbourhoods where male Wolbachia mosquitoes have been released have seen an 80% reduction in female Aedes aegypti mosquito populations and more than 70% reduction in dengue risk.
NEA has thoroughly studied the Wolbachia-Aedes suppression technology and conducted independent risk assessments, concluding that it is safe and poses no risk to human health. This conclusion is supported by international research and independent reviews.
Summonses Issued To Cyclists For Failing To Display Front And Rear Lights For Night Rides
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) in each of the last three years, how many summonses were issued to cyclists for failing to display front white and rear red lights at night; (b) which groups of cyclists most frequently commit these offences; and (c) what specific education efforts target this requirement and how is their effectiveness measured against compliance rates observed during enforcement, if any.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: Between 2023 to 2025, 167 summonses were issued to cyclists for failing to display front white and rear red lights at night: 42 in 2023, 79 in 2024, and 46 in 2025. The summonses were mostly issued to cyclists on roads.
The Government partners stakeholders, such as through the conducting of school talks, to raise public awareness of safe practices, including the use of lights on bicycles.
Factors For Continued Decline In Full-Time Permanent Employment Rate For Polytechnic Graduates Since 2022
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what factors contributed to the (i) continued decline in the full-time permanent employment rate for polytechnic graduates since 2022 and (ii) increase in involuntary part-time employment rate over the same period; and (b) whether the Ministry will intervene in sectors with significant reductions in local polytechnic graduate hires, including by reviewing S-Pass dependency ratio ceilings.
Dr Tan See Leng: The change in polytechnic graduate employment rates since 2022 reflects a moderation from a post-pandemic surge in hiring, when employment rates were elevated compared to historical norms. It also reflects a more cautious hiring sentiment amid broader economic uncertainty and geopolitical developments.
Looking at the longer-term trends, polytechnic graduate outcomes have remained stable in the last ten years, with around 9 in 10 graduates securing employment within six months after graduation. Entry-level job opportunities for fresh graduates also remain available, with about 39,000 entry-level PMET vacancies in September 2025, up from 31,000 in June 2025.
We regularly review the polytechnic curriculum to equip graduates with industry ready skills. Our polytechnics collaborate closely with industry partners to provide industry exposure opportunities such as internships for our polytechnic students.
Our foreign workforce policy aims to provide business with access to skilled foreign manpower whilst encouraging them to build a strong local core. The S Pass Dependency Ratio Ceilings (DRCs) are already kept tight at 10% in Services, and 15% in the other sectors. In addition, MOM has been progressively increasing the S Pass Qualifying Salary to raise the quality of S Pass holders and ensure that they do not undercut the wages of local associate professionals and technicians.
We will continue to work together with our polytechnics and industry partners to support our fresh graduates in finding good jobs. Graduates who require more help to find a job can approach their polytechnics’ career services centre. Workforce Singapore or NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) career centres for additional assistance.
Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan
Construction Status And Expected Completion For Tampines North Integrated Transport Hub
Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) what is the current construction status and expected completion date of the Tampines North Integrated Transport Hub; (b) what factors contributed to the extended timeline from initial planning in 2013 to expected completion in 2030; and (c) what lessons have been learned to expedite future integrated transport hub developments.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: Integrated Transport Hubs, or ITHs, are developments with integrated bus interchanges that are seamlessly linked to MRT stations and adjoining residential and commercial developments such as shopping malls. These developments are typically planned to be completed together with or after the completion of new rail stations. These developments are also complex and require more time to construct compared to a single use development, as they integrate various use requirements within a single site.
The Tampines North ITH was planned to be completed together with the future Tampines North Cross Island Line station. As the construction of Cross Island Line was delayed by one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the timeline of Tampines North ITH was also shifted back by a year. Construction of the Tampines North ITH
commenced in 2024 and we hope to complete it by 2030. In the meantime, residents in the area are served by the Tampines North Bus Interchange.
Range Of Total Annual Compensation For Political Office Holders From 2018 To 2024
Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) what has been the total annual compensation range for political office holders from 2018 to 2024; (b) what were the ranges for (i) Performance Bonus (ii) National Bonus and (iii) Annual Variable Component over this period; and (c) whether the Ministry
will provide data comparing how political salaries tracked against median and 90th percentile household incomes during this period.
Mr Chan Chun Sing: The current salary structure and compensation package for Political Office Holders was established by a review committee in 2012 and implemented from 2011, when the then-Government assumed its new term of office. The framework and salaries have not changed since. Although a subsequent committee was formed in 2017 to review the 2012 framework, the Government of the day decided not to make any changes to political salaries then as the economy then was undergoing transition.
Then, and remains the case today, the norm annual salary of an entry-level Minister is $1.1 million. This is based on a 40% discount to the market benchmark established in 2012.
The salary points for other political appointment holders are pegged as a fixed ratio to the entry-level Minister’s norm salary level.
The annual salary is made up of fixed and variable pay components, split around 65:35 respectively. The fixed pay components comprise monthly salary and 13th month Non-Pensionable Annual Allowance, and make up 65% of the total annual salary. The variable pay is made up of the National Bonus, Annual Variable Component and individual Performance Bonus, which together make up about 35% of the total annual salary.
The National Bonus is determined equally by four indicators related to the socio economic progress of Singaporeans as laid out in the White Paper: namely, the real median income growth rate of Singaporeans; the real growth rate of the lowest 20th percentile income of Singaporeans; the unemployment rate of Singaporeans; and the real GDP growth rate. No National Bonus is paid if the targets are not met. Three months of bonus will be paid if the targets are met, or up to six months if targets are far exceeded.
The Annual Variable Component is the same amount that all Civil Servants receive. Between 2018 and 2024, it ranged between 0 and 1.5 months. The individual Performance Bonus may range from 0 to 6 months each year, as determined by the Prime Minister.
All the components added up – fixed pay plus variable pay, including any and all bonuses – make up the norm level of $1.1 million for an entry level MR4 Minister. The Member asked how the salaries have tracked against household income. As the issue at hand relates to salaries of individual political office holders, a more appropriate comparison would be with individual incomes.
While political salaries have not changed since the 2012 review, based on MOM’s published data, incomes of Singapore Citizen earners at the 20th percentile and median have conversely increased by 87% and 80% respectively within the same time period.
The Government has recently appointed an independent committee to recommend appropriate salaries and propose refinements to the framework. It will submit its report to the Government when it is ready, after which we will provide an update to Parliament.
Ms He Ting Ru
Guidance To Schools To Encourage Students To Speak Up About School-Related Issues Through Appropriate Channels
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Education (a) will the Ministry issue clear guidance to schools on how to encourage students to speak up about school related issues through appropriate channels, including discussions with teachers, parents, or on social media; and (b) to ensure that students are not discouraged or penalised by teachers for respectfully expressing concerns or views publicly in the public interest.
Mr Desmond Lee: Schools are safe spaces for students to learn to express their views respectfully and constructively. The Ministry of Education provides schools with guidance on ways to build a positive culture that encourages student voice and provide platforms to allow students to discuss issues with School Leaders, teachers, student leaders and their peers. Schools have the autonomy to decide on the appropriate approaches to take. These could include dialogues, focus group discussions and online channels like surveys or forums.
Students will not be discouraged from nor penalised for expressing their views respectfully and constructively.
Data On Non-Residents Residing In Singapore For More Than Five Years And Those Who Have Unsuccessfully Applied For Resident Status
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many non-residents have resided in Singapore for more than five consecutive years; (b) how many have unsuccessfully applied for resident status; (c) what support or pathways exist for long-term residents who wish to integrate but have not obtained Permanent Residence; and (d) whether and how the Ministry tracks the social integration outcomes of this group.
Mr K Shanmugam: As of December 2025, there were about 390,000 non residents who have been in Singapore on their current work passes or long-term immigration facilities for more than five consecutive years. The majority of them are work permit holders and migrant domestic workers. A large majority of them are unlikely to qualify for Permanent Residency status in Singapore. We do not track the number of them who have unsuccessfully applied for Permanent Residence.
On (c), the general approach taken is that these non-residents are in Singapore because (i) their employers need them and (ii) in other cases, they are allowed to stay in Singapore for the economy, for family or other similar reasons. Most of them, as stated, will not qualify for Permanent Residency. Work permit holders for example are generally restricted from setting up roots in Singapore.
This context has to be understood. Nevertheless there will be some who may be keen to engage with our community. They can learn about Singapore's shared values, history and culture through visits to our museums and heritage sites. Second, they can (in so far as they are able to, and to the extent that they are not restricted by the conditions of their passes) build ties with locals by participating in community grassroots programmes, such as neighbourhood trails, cultural festivals and local sports and arts events. Third, they can also contribute through volunteering opportunities.
The Government has to decide how to focus its limited resources – in assessing how much it should do, in the context of integrating such non-residents. The Government regularly engages locals and non-residents to understand their sentiments including on this issue.
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik
Expanding Vehicle-Specific Data Collection By LTA For More Offence Types
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Acting Minister for Transport with regard to the sharing in 2023 that vehicle-specific data collected by the Land Transport Authority will only be used for payment, charges and enforcement such as against non-payment of ERP charges, whether such enforcement includes or will include enforcement of speeding violations or other traffic offences beyond non payment of charges.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: At the moment, the ERP2 system is designed primarily for payment and charges. It can also be used for enforcement, including for traffic offences like speeding, but further enhancements will be needed. The use of such data will be governed by existing laws such as the Public Service (Governance) Act. The Member may refer to the Second Reading of the Land Transport and Related Matters Bill for more details on the use of ERP2 for enforcement.
Allowing E-Polling Via Singpass For Home Improvement Programme And Extending Programme To HDB Blocks Built After 1997
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry has conducted or plans to conduct a review to extend the Home Improvement Programme to HDB blocks built after 1997, given that some of these blocks are now approaching 30 years of age and may require similar essential improvement works.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: The Home Improvement Programme (HIP) addresses safety and common maintenance issues in older flats, when they are at around the 30-year mark. The Housing and Development Board (HDB) will extend the programme to flats built after 1997, when the selection of older flats built before that has been substantially completed. The exact timeline for doing so will be contingent on budget availability and industry capacity.
Over the years, HDB has progressively enhanced HIP and its processes, including polling and implementation. To improve voting convenience and HIP participation, residents who cannot be around during the HIP polling exercise may appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf. HDB recognises the potential benefits of online voting. This will have to be studied further to ensure voting integrity, system reliability and cyber security.
On implementation timelines, HDB announces the blocks selected for HIP as soon as a decision has been made, so that residents can plan their own renovations taking into consideration upcoming HIP works. The average duration between announcement and commencement is about one and a half years. The actual duration varies across projects, depending on the tender process, resident engagement, and any site-specific complexities for the HIP works. HDB also needs to cater sufficient time for residents to select their preferred HIP optional items and designs, as well as for contractors to survey the existing flats and procure construction materials.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim
Data On Profile Of Persons With Forfeited Skillsfuture Credits And Total Value Involved
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Education (a) what is the total value of SkillsFuture credits forfeited following expiry at end-2025, disaggregated by (i) age group and (ii) income group; and (b) whether the Ministry plans to conduct a nationwide survey to study factors influencing SkillsFuture credit usage.
Mr Desmond Lee: The Government provided a one-off SkillsFuture Credit top up of $500 to all eligible Singaporeans aged 25 and above in 2020. Unlike the Opening Credit of $500 given at age 25 and the Mid-Career Credit of $4,000 given at age 40 that do not expire, this top-up had a validity period of 5 years and expired by the end of 2025. This was intended to encourage individuals to take active steps in upskilling or picking up a new skill.
About 40% of eligible Singaporeans had used their one-off SkillsFuture Credit top-up before expiry. Among those aged 30 to 60, the figure is higher at around 45%. We do not track utilisation by income group.
There are various reasons why individuals may have chosen not to use the SkillsFuture Credit top-up. Some could have attended training that was sponsored by their employers, and others could have decided that they do not need to attend additional training at this point in their career. The SkillsFuture Credit is just one of many ways that Government supports Singaporeans in their lifelong learning journey. More importantly, our goal is to encourage and support Singaporeans to undergo meaningful and relevant training, whether or not they tap on SkillsFuture Credit to do so.
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat
Exposure Of Singapore's Reserves To Proposed Changes To Section 892 Of US Tax Code
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) whether the Ministry has assessed the exposure of Singapore's reserves to the proposed changes to section 892 of the US tax code; (b) whether Singapore has made representations to the US Treasury before the 13 February 2026 comment deadline; and (c) whether the Ministry retains confidence that GIC's and Temasek's US investments are adequately protected from this regulatory change.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: The Government expects our investment entities to operate on a commercial basis and to fully comply with the laws and regulations of the jurisdictions they invest in. We also expect them to closely monitor regulatory changes in overseas jurisdictions, and to adjust their portfolios accordingly should these affect our investment returns or risks.
As with other investors and interested parties, GIC and Temasek may provide feedback or comments on proposed regulatory or tax changes introduced by the United States or other foreign governments, where relevant.
Separately, the Singapore Government maintains regular and constructive engagement with the US Treasury on a broad range of issues, including developments in financial and tax regulations.
The Government retains confidence that our investment entities have the capabilities and risk-management frameworks to assess and manage the implications of regulatory changes, and to take appropriate steps to protect Singapore’s investment interests.
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong
Allowing HDB Homeowners To Replace Entrance Doors With Fire-Rated Ones Under Home Improvement
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for National Development whether HDB can consider allowing homeowners to replace their entrance doors with fire-rated doors under the Home Improvement Programme (HIP), regardless of whether their flats require fire-rated doors in accordance with SCDF's Fire Code.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: The Housing and Development Board (HDB) blocks are designed and built in accordance with the prevailing Fire Code. Generally, each residential unit is designed as a fire compartment with concrete walls and floor and a fire-rated entrance door to minimise fire spread between units. However, there are situations where a fire-rated entrance door is not required. For example, the entrance door need not be fire-rated if it is more than three metres away from an exit staircase and facing an external corridor. This is because the external corridor is designed for efficient dispersion of heat and smoke, mitigating fire spread between units.
Under the Home Improvement Programme, flats are provided with fire-rated doors only where required by the Fire Code. This approach ensures both regulatory compliance and financial prudence.
Due Diligence Conducted To Ensure Independence Of Firms Appointed To Assess Carbon Credit Integrity
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) what governance frameworks and due diligence ensured the independence of BeZero Carbon, Calyx Global, and Sylvera during their appointment to assess carbon credit integrity; and (b) what oversight mechanisms mitigate potential conflicts of interest regarding these firms' commercial relationships with international credit developers when supporting Singapore’s environmental integrity assessments of carbon credits.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: The carbon rating service providers - BeZero Carbon, Calyx Global, and Sylvera – were appointed by The National Environment Agency (NEA) through a competitive tender process to provide independent assessment of carbon credit methodologies and projects, supplementing the Government’s environmental integrity assessments under the International Carbon Credits (ICC) Framework. Providers were selected based on their independence, transparent publication of their ratings, methodologies and frameworks, capabilities, market expertise, team qualifications, track record and cost competitiveness.
NEA maintains oversight through disclosure and declaration requirements to identify potential or perceived conflicts of interest during the contract period and regularly monitors the providers' commercial relationships. NEA will manage work allocation to providers to ensure that no single provider develops undue influence on assessment outcomes, and that providers are excluded from assessing projects where they have existing commercial relationships or financial interests that could compromise independence.
These providers serve to supplement, rather than replace NEA's environmental integrity assessment of carbon credit projects. Approvals remain with the Government, evaluated against Singapore's Eligibility Criteria to ensure the high environmental integrity of ICCs.
Mr Fadli Fawzi
Finding On Consumption Of Infant Formula Products Contaminated With Cereulide Toxins
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) whether any infants have consumed infant formula products contaminated with cereulide toxins; and (b) what steps the Government is taking to increase the surveillance of infant formula products to ensure their safety.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: As of 30 January 2026, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) have identified three cases who had consumed the affected products with mild symptoms likely associated with cereulide exposure. All cases have since recovered.
SFA ensures both imported and locally manufactured infant formula meet safety requirements through our food safety surveillance. Cereulide is an uncommon contaminant in infant formula products that should not be present with effective controls in the manufacturing process.
SFA was alerted to overseas recalls of infant formula contaminated with cereulide in a raw ingredient in early January 2026, and has stepped up testing of infant formula products for cereulide. SFA has directed and announced the recall of infant formula products detected with cereulide.
The Communicable Diseases Agency is also working closely with SFA and conducting surveillance with doctors and hospitals to monitor for potential cases of cereulide poisoning in children.
Written Questions
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre
Review On Local AI Start-Up Manus's Acquisition By Meta And Implications On Singapore's AI Ecosystem
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) whether the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore is reviewing Meta's acquisition of local AI start-up Manus; (b) how the Ministry assesses the impact of such acquisitions on the competitiveness of Singapore's domestic AI innovation ecosystem; and (c) whether the current merger notification framework remains adequate.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: Singapore adopts a voluntary merger notification regime to balance between effective regulatory oversight while keeping compliance costs low and not stifling innovation. Merger parties are expected to self-assess whether their transaction gives rise to potential competition concerns. They may approach the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCS) for pre-notification discussions or seek guidance on whether the merger may be anti-competitive.
CCS is not currently reviewing Meta’s acquisition of Manus. The parties involved have not notified CCS for a merger assessment and there has been no reason to suggest that the acquisition may result in potential competition issues in Singapore. CCS is empowered to step in if it obtains information suggesting otherwise.
Singapore’s AI innovation ecosystem is a vibrant one, with many companies and start-ups developing a broad range of products and services. Mergers and acquisitions is a common exit strategy for start-ups and their investors, especially in a new, fast-growing sector. CCS will monitor developments in the AI market to ensure that it remains competitive and facilitates innovation.
Scheduling System For MRT Train Frequencies, Conditions Triggering Injection Of Additional Trains And Reviewing Commuter Feedback
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) whether MRT train frequencies currently operate on fixed timetables or dynamic schedules responsive to real-time demand; (b) what specific thresholds of platform crowding, loading or other metrics trigger the injection of additional trains; and (c) how frequently are these thresholds reviewed against actual commuter feedback.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: Our MRT trains operate on fixed schedules, planned to meet anticipated passenger demand and maintain regular train arrival frequencies. The schedules are not typically adjusted during service hours, as any adjustment or train injection will disrupt the smooth flow of trains, especially during peak periods where the train arrival frequency is already high.
The Land Transport Authority works with rail operators regularly to adjust train schedules in advance, based on demand and loading trends as well as commuter feedback. Operators are required to plan the schedules such that crowding is maintained below five passengers per square metre. In practice, they have ensured that the loading is kept well below this level, to alleviate platform crowding and avoid situations where passengers have difficulty boarding.
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis
Value Of Locally Produced High-End AI Chips And Efforts To Overcome Existing Key Constraints From 2020 To 2025
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) in each of the last five years, what is the dollar value of advanced computing commodities and high-end artificial intelligence chips that are produced locally; (b) what are the key constraints in raising the share of high-end chipmaking in Singapore; and (c) what efforts are being undertaken to overcome them.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: Singapore’s semiconductor output grew from $100 billion in 2020 to $133 billion in 2024. Companies do not disclose product-specific data to the Government.
High-end chipmaking is attractive because it is technologically complex and capital intensive. It can potentially produce higher value but also carries higher risks. As a result, global competition for semiconductor investments is intense and has increased over the last few years, as countries seek to participate in the supply of artificial intelligence chips. However, chipmaking is land and energy intensive, which requires Singapore to be selective as to the projects we pursue.
We adopt a multi-pronged strategy to grow high-end chipmaking in Singapore. We are expanding the manufacturing footprint of globally leading semiconductor companies in Singapore. Recent wins include KLA’s new manufacturing facility for some of its most advanced inspection tools and Micron’s $30 billion investment to build a new NAND flash memory chip plant in Singapore.
We are also promoting these semiconductor companies and promising semiconductor start-ups to establish and expand their R&D activities here, to deepen our technological capabilities in high-end chipmaking. An example is A*STAR’s partnership with GlobalFoundries to accelerate advanced packaging and silicon photonics innovation in Singapore.
In addition, we are deepening our public R&D capabilities, including the setting up of national platforms that support companies and start-ups in their translational research, such as A*STAR’s National Semiconductor Translation and Innovation Centre. Doing so uplifts the semiconductor ecosystem to remain globally competitive and attractive to leading semiconductor companies to invest in Singapore.
Additional Measures To Support Sustainability Of Individual Stallholder System
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Education (a) whether additional measures are planned to further support the sustainability of the Individual Stallholder System; and (b) what are the Government’s expectations for the number of schools that will adopt the Central Kitchen Meal Model by 2030.
Mr Desmond Lee: This question has been addressed as part of the Ministry of Education’s oral reply to Parliamentary Questions No. 14 to 20 on 3 February 2026.
Considerations For Pro-Rating ABSD Remission Timeline For Developers By Size Of Residential Development
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Government has considered pro-rating the Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) remission timeline for developers by the size of the residential development as measured by Gross Floor Area (GFA) or projected number of residential units; and (b) if not, why not.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: The ABSD regime for licensed housing developers (ABSD (HD)) is intended to ensure the timely release of housing supply by developers. Since March 2025, we have extended the ABSD (HD) remission timelines for the commencement, sale and completion of complex projects, which include large en bloc redevelopments where the site yields at least 700 residential units upon redevelopment and the number of residential units upon redevelopment is at least 1.5 times the number of residential units of the existing development.
Cost-Benefit Analysis For Escrow Deposits In Private Hire Car And Taxi Rental Industry
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) whether the Government has considered having private hire car and taxi rental companies place rental deposits in escrow; (b) if so, what are the assess costs and benefits from such a measure; and (c) if not, why not.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: Imposing escrow arrangements would result in increased costs, as taxi or private hire car companies would require additional working capital for their operations. These costs would likely be passed on to hirers through higher rental rates, and to passengers of point-to-point transport services through increased fares.
Electric Vehicle Charger Breakdown By AC Versus DC Type And Kilowatt Rating
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Acting Minister for Transport what is the breakdown of electric vehicle chargers in Singapore by (i) alternating current versus direct current type and (ii) kilowatt rating.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: There are around 28,300 charging points in Singapore. About 24,900 have alternating current, of which about 50% have charger power ratings of 7.4kW and below. About 3,200 charging points have direct current, of which over 90% have charger power ratings of 50kW and above (i.e. fast chargers). The remaining 200 charging points are battery swapping points for electric motorcycles.
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik
Community Health Post-Expansion And Heartland Public Health Screening Programme Plans
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health in light of the expansion of community health posts in more neighbourhoods, whether there are plans to run more public health screenings in heartland areas.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Community Health Posts (CHPs) complement the family doctor’s care. They support residents to achieve their health goals by providing services such as medication management and lifestyle counselling. As part of Healthier SG, we are encouraging higher take-up of health screening through family doctors. The family doctor is best placed to assess the resident’s health conditions, recommend the appropriate regular screenings, explain screening results, and guide follow-ups. Under Healthier SG Screening, eligible Singapore Citizen enrollees can access fully subsidised screening at their enrolled primary care provider.
Public Transport Customer Satisfaction Survey Findings And Publication Of 2024 And 2025 Findings
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) whether the Public Transport Council had conducted the Public Transport Customer Satisfaction Survey (PTCSS) in 2024; and (b) if so, when will the findings for the surveys conducted in (i) 2024 and (ii) 2025 be published.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: The Public Transport Customer Satisfaction Survey (PTCSS) was not conducted in 2024 as the Public Transport Council (PTC) was reviewing the survey methodology. The PTC subsequently conducted the survey in 3Q2025 based on a new methodology. Findings from the 2025 survey will be shared later in 2026, after the PTC completes its analysis of the responses.
Ms He Ting Ru
Eatwise SG Performance Indicators For Detecting Malnutrition Risk Among Seniors, Current Performance Levels And Annual Targets For Nutrition Screenings
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether the EatWise SG initiative has defined performance indicators for early detection and referral of seniors at malnutrition risk; (b) what are the current performance levels; and (c) what annual targets have been set through 2030, given projected ageing demographics.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: EatWise SG is an initiative to equip healthcare workers to deliver better diet recommendations for the prevention and management of chronic diseases and malnutrition. Under this initiative, an EatWise SG resource and training package was developed to help doctors and nurses deliver nutrition advice, including during HealthierSG and Nurse Counselling sessions. E-learning programmes and workshops on nutrition risk identification including malnutrition and diet advice are also being rolled out to primary care doctors, nurses and community care providers.
Through EatWise SG, primary care and community providers can conduct nutritional assessments during opportunistic frailty screening to identify at-risk seniors who would benefit from diet interventions. As EatWise SG pilots are still in the early stages, the Ministry of Health does not have sufficient data to report on outcomes or referrals for seniors with malnutrition risk. We will monitor effectiveness of the capability development efforts through indicators such as patient satisfaction with nutrition care and patient-reported adherence to the recommended diet strategies.
Police Reports On AI-Generated Non-Consensual Intimate Images On X's Grok Platform
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) how many police reports have been made about AI-generated non-consensual intimate images on X’s Grok platform to date; (b) how many cases that were investigated have led to directions against X; (c) what enforcement actions are being planned if X fails to meet these directions, if any; and (d) whether the Ministry will consider an outright ban of Grok.
Mrs Josephine Teo: As of January 2026, there have been no police reports lodged in Singapore in relation to AI-generated non-consensual intimate images on X’s Grok platform.
The Infocomm Media Development Authority is engaging X on the issue of harmful and inappropriate content, such as non-consensual sexualised imagery, being generated and distributed on X using Grok. We note that X has taken some measures to address the matter globally, which includes preventing the Grok account on X from producing images of women and children in revealing clothing.
We will continue to monitor the issue closely and will work with X to enhance online safety for Singapore users on its platform.
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song
Update On "My Healthy Plate" Guidelines For Ultra Processed Food Consumption Tracking And Health Impact Among Singaporeans
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health in light of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans which prioritise real whole foods over ultra-processed foods (a) what is the Ministry’s assessment of the guidelines’ applicability to Singaporeans; (b) whether the Ministry tracks Singaporeans’ average percentage of daily caloric intake from ultra-processed foods; and (c) whether the Ministry will update the My Healthy Plate guidelines to specifically discourage ultra-processed foods.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: This reply will also address a similar question for oral answer raised by Mr Yip Hon Weng for a subsequent sitting.
The Health Promotion Board’s latest National Nutrition Survey shows that ultra processed foods (UPFs) account for less than one-third of Singapore residents’ total caloric intake. This is lower than that in Western countries such as the United Kingdom and United States, where UPFs contribute to more than half of total caloric intake. Generally, products with higher levels of processing have less favourable nutrient profiles which are characterised by elevated caloric density, excessive nutrients of concern, and reduced dietary fibre and essential vitamins. Our current guidelines already discourage consumption of such foods based on their nutrient profiles.
We will continue to monitor emerging evidence and international developments, as well as encourage industry reformulation to improve nutrient profiles of food products via our Healthier Choice Symbol programme.
Data On Singaporeans Categorised As NEETs By Demographics
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Manpower for the last three years (a) what is the number of Singaporeans categorised as Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEETs), broken down by age group; (b) what is the median duration these individuals remain as NEETs; and (c) what percentage of Singaporean NEETs aged 40 and above have remained outside the workforce for more than 12 months.
Dr Tan See Leng: Consistent with the practice of international organisations such as the United Nations and the International Labour Organisation, the Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) indicator is used to track early-life labour market vulnerabilities of young persons during their transition from formal education to employment. The indicator is therefore usually compiled for youths aged between 15 and 24, but not extended to older age groups whose labour market participation is shaped by different considerations, such as caregiving responsibilities and health conditions.
While the traditional NEET definition does not fully reflect how some youths today explore options outside formal education or employment, the number of NEETs continued to decline. In Singapore, the number of residents1aged 15 to 24 who were categorised as NEETs declined over the past three years, from 17,100 in 2023 to 16,900 in 2024 and 15,900 in 2025.2 Over the same period, the average duration of NEET status was six months, suggesting that NEET spells among youths were generally transitory due to short breaks between jobs or periods immediately after leaving school rather than prolonged unemployment.
Data on the percentage of NEET residents aged 40 and over is not tracked. For such residents, sustained detachment from the labour market is monitored using indicators such as long-term unemployment, labour force participation, and economic inactivity, which are more appropriate for capturing their labour market circumstances.
Note(s) to Question No(s) 57:
1 Residents refer to Singapore citizens and permanent residents.
2 Data for 2025 is preliminary. Annual figures are the simple averages of the figures obtained at more frequent intervals in the year.
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat
Statistics Of Eligibility Of Enabling Employment Credit Employers And Barriers Preventing Greater Uptake
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) of the employers eligible for the Enabling Employment Credit, what proportion have utilised it; (b) what are the main barriers preventing greater uptake; and (c) given the target of 40% employment rate for persons with disabilities by 2030 versus the current 32.7%, what additional measures are planned to close this gap.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: Employers who hire resident persons with disabilities earning less than $4,000 per month are eligible for the Enabling Employment Credit, and will be automatically enrolled in the scheme based on their Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions to these employees.
The Member may refer to the written reply we had given on 14 October 2025 on addressing challenges that prevent special needs young adults from securing and retaining employment, which mentions the barriers faced by employers in hiring persons with disabilities and measures put in place to support them and persons with disabilities.
The Taskforce on Assurance for Families with Persons with Disabilities, announced in December 2025, will also study and develop recommendations to further strengthen support for employers and build resilience for persons with disabilities in the workplace.
Taken together, these measures will support our continued efforts to raise the employment rate of resident persons with disabilities aged 15 to 64 to 40% by 2030, from 34.7% for the period of 2024 to 2025.
Statistics On Employment Outcomes For SPED Graduates From 2022 To 2024 And Publication Of Annual Sped Graduate Employment Data
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for Education (a) what proportion of Special Education (SPED) school graduates in 2022, 2023 and 2024 were placed into employment within one year of graduation; (b) of these graduates, what proportion remained in employment as of end 2025; and (c) whether the Ministry will publish annual SPED graduate employment data comparable to the Graduate Employment Survey for universities.
Mr Desmond Lee: Students in Special Education (SPED) schools have moderate to-severe Special Educational Needs and require specialised support and curriculum customisation to cater to their diverse needs. As the range of needs is broad and diverse in SPED, students in SPED learn essential knowledge, skills and attributes that can help them live independently to the best of their ability.
Of the approximately 500 SPED graduates each year from 2022 to 2024, about half were placed into employment in open or supported settings, enrolled in internship programmes, or progressed to institutes of higher learning within six months of graduation. Those employed found jobs in sectors such as retail, horticulture and hospitality. SPED graduates with higher needs may proceed to services such as sheltered workshops and day activity centres to develop skills for community living.
The Ministry of Education works with the Ministry of Social and Family Development and SG Enable to study the outcomes and experiences of persons with disabilities, which are reported through publications such as the Disability Trends Report 2024, which reports holistically on a range of outcomes, including employment.
The recently launched inter-agency Taskforce on Assurance for Families with persons with disabilities will study how to better support persons with disabilities, including SPED graduates, to achieve positive and sustained employment outcomes. More information on the Taskforce’s findings and recommendations will be shared in due course.
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong
Reviewing $5,000 SEN Fund Cap In Light Of Rising Private Specialised Support Costs
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Education (a) whether the Ministry will review the $5,000 Special Educational Needs (SEN) Fund cap for students with learning and behavioural disabilities in light of rising costs for private specialised support; and (b) how many such students currently benefit from both the SEN Fund and the MOE Financial Assistance Scheme with newly expanded income criteria.
Mr Desmond Lee: The Ministry of Education (MOE) regularly reviews the provisions of the MOE Special Educational Needs (SEN) Fund to ensure that it can meet student support needs. The $5,000 cap for students with learning and behavioural disabilities has been sufficient based on utilisation patterns thus far.
The revised income criteria for Government bursaries were announced in October 2025 and take effect from Academic Year 2026, which commenced in January 2026 for the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and will commence in April 2026 for polytechnics. As students may apply for the SEN Fund and Government bursaries at different points throughout the academic year and the new academic year has not yet started for most institutions, there is no data yet on the number of students who receive both the SEN Fund and Government bursaries under the revised income criteria.
Update On LUP Status For Blocks Determined To Be Unfeasible And Application Rate For Enhanced LHG
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for National Development (a) of the approximately 140 HDB blocks identified in 2025 as lacking direct lift access, how many were offered the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) in the past year; and (b) what is the current number of blocks where same-floor lift access remains unfeasible due to technical or cost constraints.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: Since its introduction in 2001, the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) has been successfully implemented in the vast majority of more than 5,300 Housing and Development Board (HDB) blocks originally built without direct lift access on every floor.
In 2025, LUP was announced for six blocks. There are plans for LUP to be extended to about 40 more blocks progressively. Thereafter, there will be about 100 blocks which have not benefitted from LUP due to high costs, costing more than $200,000 per benefiting unit. HDB will continue to explore new technologies to provide direct lift access to remaining blocks, where feasible.
To further support residents in these blocks who are in urgent need of direct lift access due to medical conditions or mobility reasons, the Lift Access Housing Grant (LHG) has been raised from $30,000 to $80,000 in April 2025, for residents to buy another flat with direct lift access. In the eight months after the LHG enhancement in April 2025, HDB received 18 LHG applications. This is an increase from the 11 applications received per year prior to the enhancement.
Residents staying in units without direct lift access who face mobility challenges can approach HDB for assistance on their LHG application.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim
Breakdown Of Government-Funded PhD Scholars In Science Disciplines By Citizenship Over Past Five Years And Bond Completion Rates
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Education (a) how many government-funded PhD scholarships in science disciplines were awarded to (i) Singapore Citizens (ii) Permanent Residents and (iii) international students, respectively, over the past five years; (b) what is the average scholarship value per student by group; (c) what is the proportion in each group that failed to complete their bond obligations; and (d) what recovery mechanisms are triggered in default cases.
Mr Desmond Lee: Over the past decade, an average of about 6,000 PhD students have been enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) courses in the Autonomous Universities (AUs) annually. The proportion of Singapore Citizens (SCs) and Permanent Residents (PRs) has been stable at around one-third of the PhD student population.
About 90% of the STEM PhD students in the AUs are Government-funded through tuition fee subsidies and stipends. SCs receive the highest level of funding to reflect the privileges of citizenship. For example, SCs receive $4,300 per month in stipends, compared to $3,900 for PRs and $3,500 for International Students (IS).
PhD students carry out teaching and research supervision duties at the AUs as a service obligation. These students serve out their service obligation during their PhD candidature.
Breakdown Of PhD Students In Science Disciplines At Autonomous Universities By Citizenship For Past Five Years
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Education (a) for each of the past five years, what proportion of PhD students in science disciplines at each autonomous university are (i) Singapore Citizens, (ii) Permanent Residents and (iii) international students, respectively; and (b) how have these proportions evolved compared to 20 years ago.
Mr Desmond Lee: Over the past decade, an average of about 6,000 PhD students have been enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) courses in the Autonomous Universities (AUs) annually. The proportion of Singapore Citizens (SCs) and Permanent Residents (PRs) has been stable at around one-third of the PhD student population.
About 90% of the STEM PhD students in the AUs are Government-funded through tuition fee subsidies and stipends. SCs receive the highest level of funding to reflect the privileges of citizenship. For example, SCs receive $4,300 per month in stipends, compared to $3,900 for PRs and $3,500 for International Students (IS). PhD students carry out teaching and research supervision duties at the AUs as a service obligation. These students serve out their service obligation during their PhD candidature.
Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan
Circumstances For Suspension Or Termination Of Caterer's Operations Under Central Kitchen Meal Model
Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked the Minister for Education (a) under what circumstances will the Ministry suspend or terminate a caterer’s operations under the Central Kitchen Meal Model; and (b) what contingency protocols exist to ensure that students continue to have access to school meals during such periods of operational suspensions.
Mr Desmond Lee: This question has been addressed as part of the Ministry of Education’s oral reply to Parliamentary Question No 14 to 20 on 3 February 2026.
Protocols To Ensure Timely Detection, Confirmation And Parent Notification Of Gastroenteritis Outbreak In Schools
Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked the Minister for Education in respect of the recent gastroenteritis outbreak at North View Primary School (a) what protocols govern the timeframe for confirming such outbreaks; (b) whether these protocols were followed in this case; and (c) if not, whether the Ministry will review these protocols to ensure more timely outbreak detection, confirmation and parent notification.
Mr Desmond Lee: This question has been addressed as part of the Ministry of Education’s oral reply to Parliamentary Question No 14 to 20 on 3 February 2026.
Mr Fadli Fawzi
Statistics Of Shophouses In Kampong Glam On Wakaf Land And MUIS' Preservation Plans
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (a) how many shophouses in Kampong Glam are on wakaf land; and (b) how does MUIS intend to preserve the cultural identity and historical value of such shophouses.
Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) and its subsidiary, Warees Investments, manage wakaf properties in Singapore in accordance with the terms in the wakaf deeds of each property. In Kampong Glam, 26 shophouses are situated on wakaf land.
In managing wakaf properties, MUIS and Warees consider the cultural identity and historical value of the locality. They work closely with relevant agencies to preserve and enhance heritage value and legacy.
For instance, Warees has partnered with agencies in recent years to support local heritage businesses in Kampong Glam, in sectors such as Food and Beverage as well as retail. MUIS and Warees are also supporting other rejuvenation and placemaking efforts, such as the Kampong Gelam Place Plan, to enhance Kampong Glam's heritage offerings and experiences.
