Written Answers to WP's Oral Questions
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik
Proportion Of Polyclinic Consultations Conducted Via Telehealth Services
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) for each of the years 2024 and 2025, what proportion of total polyclinic consultations were conducted via telehealth services; (b) whether the uptake of telehealth services by patients will be encouraged, and if so, how; and (c) whether patient satisfaction in telehealth services are being tracked and assessed, and if so, how.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Polyclinics handle over 600,000 attendances a month. Telehealth services accounted for about 2% of such attendances in both 2024 and 2025.
The volume is modest, partly because we use telehealth when it can be delivered appropriately and safely. For example, it is suitable for reviewing of test results, monitoring patient recovery, and follow-up of chronic conditions, but we should not do away with the initial in-person consultation.
There are ongoing efforts by the polyclinic clusters to expand the use of telehealth where appropriate and to provide support for patients facing difficulties in navigating technology, including working with community partners.
While patient satisfaction for telehealth services is currently not specifically tracked by the Ministry of Health (MOH), the polyclinics do gather feedback from their patients to contribute towards service improvement initiatives.
Providing Tracking Devices For Dementia Patients At Subsidised Rates
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health whether the Ministry plans to provide tracking devices for dementia patients at reduced or subsidised costs to support their safety and caregiving needs.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: The Ministry of Health (MOH) does not recommend the routine use of such tracking devices for dementia patients. There are ethical and privacy issues involved in the use of such devices for dementia patients and require careful consideration as part of a broader care plan. Some community trials are underway.
Proposal For Higher Compensation For Local Authors And Publishers For Books Provided To NLB Libraries For Public Borrowing
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information in view that the Ministry has previously declined considering a Public Lending Rights scheme for libraries under the National Library Board (NLB), whether the Ministry will consider compensating local authors and publishers with higher remuneration for the books they provided to NLB libraries for the purpose of public borrowing.
Mrs Josephine Teo: The National Library Board (NLB) supports local authors and publishers by buying books and promoting them. All our libraries carry Singapore Collections to ensure that Singaporeans have access to local books and perspectives.
NLB pays fair value for the books it acquires, whether local or foreign. Paying above market prices would simply mean buying fewer copies or titles. This will limit its ability to meet the varied needs of library users.
Instead, NLB supports local authors and publishers through a broader range of initiatives to raise awareness of Singapore Literature, authors and publishers. Working with many partners across the local literary ecosystem, these efforts include supporting book launches and facilitating the sale of books by local authors at selected events. NLB will continue with such efforts to build a vibrant reading ecosystem in Singapore.
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat
Restriction Orders Issued Under Protection From Scams Act 2025
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many restriction orders have been issued under the Protection from Scams Act 2025 since its commencement; (b) of these, how many have been varied or cancelled early; and (c) what progress has been made with banks on graduated restrictions such as transaction limits or preserved GIRO payments, rather than requiring victims to apply for each withdrawal.
Mr K Shanmugam: As of 15 February 2026, 12 Restriction Orders (ROs) have been issued. Of these, one had been lifted as the individual was assessed to no longer be at risk of transferring money to the scammer, two had ceased as they had reached the statutory maximum of five extensions, while nine remain in effect. Scam victims subjected to an RO can apply to the Police to transfer or withdraw money from their bank accounts. 10 out of the 12 RO recipients had requested for money withdrawals for daily expenses, which the Police had approved. The remaining two RO recipients did not request to transfer or withdraw any money. Requests relating to funds for legitimate purposes, such as daily expenses and bills, are processed quickly to minimise inconvenience to the RO recipients. The banks have assessed that significant system changes are required to allow for graduated restrictions. We have therefore decided not to prioritise the development of such graduated restrictions at this time.
Dedicated Mycareersfuture Platform For Blue-Collar And Vocational Jobseekers
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether there is a dedicated equivalent of MyCareersFuture for blue-collar and vocational job seekers such as drivers, plumbers, and technicians; (b) if not, how such workers are expected to discover job opportunities; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider enhancing MyCareersFuture to better serve non-professional, manager, executive and technician (non-PMET) job seekers.
Dr Tan See Leng: MyCareersFuture portal provides job search support for all jobseekers by listing both PMET and non-PMET job vacancies.
Jobseekers who require additional support can tap on employment facilitation services offered by Workforce Singapore (WSG), NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute (e2i), as well as WSG’s appointed career matching providers (Ingeus and AKG) via 32 career centres and Jobs and Skills Centres across Singapore. They can also participate in career events organised by WSG, NTUC’s e2i and Community Development Councils (CDCs), including those under the Jobs Nearby @ CDC initiative that connects residents to job opportunities closer to home.
Limits Of Current Funding Model For Disability Services Tagged To Organisation Rather Than Beneficiary
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) whether the current funding model for disability services, where per capita funding follows the organisation rather than the beneficiary, prevents families from accessing services across multiple providers; and (b) whether the Ministry has considered (i) portable funding that empowers families to choose and (ii) how such alternative funding would affect service quality through competition.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) aims to provide persons with disabilities (PwDs) access to safe and effective disability services appropriate for their needs, while keeping service costs sustainable and fees affordable for families with PwDs.
Our approach to providing government support for disability services, such as Day Activity Centres and Adult Disability Homes, achieve these objectives through the appointment of disability providers and the use of enrolment-based subsidies.
First, MSF appoints disability service providers to deliver government-funded services based on various factors. These factors include their capabilities and track record in delivering safe and effective specialised intervention and care services for PwDs, while keeping service costs reasonable through the selection process. Appointed service providers are required to abide by service model requirements and standards and are subject to regular audits. In addition, MSF, together with SG Enable and NCSS, works closely with the disability sector to enhance the range of disability services, build capabilities, and encourage fundraising and volunteer participation from the wider community to ensure that PwDs’ needs can be met sustainably.
Second, PwDs enrolling in government-supported disability services are provided with means-tested subsidies to defray the cost of services. This enrolment-based subsidies will follow the beneficiary, should they enrol with a different appointed service provider. Instead of having to take on the burden of searching and assessing the disability services and providers in the market, PwDs and their caregivers can also receive support via SG Enable to navigate the range of services and be referred to the government-supported disability services appropriate to the PwDs’ need from the pool of appointed service providers.
Providing disability services through portable subsidies and free market competition among service providers alone may lead to suboptimal provision of services and cost escalation. This is because not all PwDs and their families have the professional knowledge or the bandwidth to determine the specialised interventions they need from the services offered by service providers.
We may also see inequitable access to disability services especially for PwDs with more complex or specialised needs, as service providers will find it more efficient to serve larger segments of PwDs with lower or common support needs due to the specialised capabilities and costs involved in serving smaller segments of PwDs with more complex or specialised needs.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim
Tracking Environmental Impact Of AI Usage
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) whether the Government tracks the environmental impact of artificial intelligence usage, including data centre energy consumption and emissions; (b) if so, what methodologies are used and findings obtained; and (c) whether such impacts have been assessed against Singapore’s long-term environmental targets, including the Singapore Green Plan 2030.
Mrs Josephine Teo: This question has been addressed in a related Parliamentary Question filed by Ms Elysa Chen at the 3 March Parliament sitting. While Singapore does not have a pre-determined upper limit to DC capacity, we work within the envelope of our resource constraints and long-term environmental commitments. Therefore, we adopt a calibrated approach to growing the sector. We monitor the resource footprint of DCs using internationally recognised metrics like power and water usage effectiveness.
These metrics are used in the assessment of applicants for new DC capacity, which is primarily allocated through the competitive Call for Application mechanism. We expect applicants to be best-in-class for resource efficiency.
The upcoming Digital Infrastructure Act aims to uplift the energy efficiency and overall sustainability of DCs. We will share more details when ready.
Collecting Capital Gains Income Data In National Surveys To More Accurately Measure Household Market Income
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry whether the Government will consider collecting data on capital gains income in national surveys to more accurately measure household market income.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: We have no plans to do so. Based on international statistical standards and the practice of major national statistical agencies, capital gains are not considered a component of household market income. This is because they are typically irregular and reflect changes in asset values as opposed to being recurring income that is available for current consumption.
Assistance For Households In Recovering Fees Paid In Advance, Following Sudden Closure Of Student Care Centre
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Education whether the Ministry has plans to assist affected households in recovering student and kindergarten care fees paid in advance, following the sudden closure of Little Professors Learning Centre.
Mr Desmond Lee: This question has been addressed by MOE’s answer to oral Parliamentary Question Nos 3-6 on 2 March 2026.
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong
Impact Of Multiple Mounted Mobile Devices Or Digital Screens On Driving Performance
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the Ministry has conducted or commissioned any studies on the impact of multiple mounted mobile devices or digital screens within a driver’s field of view on reaction time and driving performance; and (b) whether there are plans to review current regulations to address excessive screen use in moving vehicles.
Mr K Shanmugam: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Traffic Police have not commissioned studies on the impact of multiple mounted mobile devices or digital screens on reaction time and driving performance.
It is the driver’s responsibility to stay alert on the roads at all times and drive safely. The key issue is not the installation or mounting of devices, but in the wrongful use of such devices while driving. Disallowing the mounting of devices could be counterproductive, as drivers may instead hold their devices in their hands while driving, which poses a graver risk and is precisely the behaviour that the law prohibits.
Singapore already has comprehensive rules governing the wrongful use of mobile devices while driving. Under section 65B (1) of the Road Traffic Act, a driver commits an offence if he or she holds a mobile communication device and uses any of its communicative or other functions while the vehicle is in motion. No proof of harm is required. A first-time offender is liable to a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment of up to six months, or both. A repeat offender faces a fine of up to $2,000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.
The offence also carries 12 demerit points with a composition fine of $400 for light vehicles and $500 for heavy vehicles. Offences committed in School Zones, Silver Zones, or Friendly Zones Streets incur two additional demerit points and an additional $100 fine.
Rule 126 of the Road Traffic (Motor Vehicles, Construction and Use) Rules makes it an offence to install any visual display unit in a manner that poses a safety hazard or causes distraction.
Taken together, the current rules are adequate in targeting the wrongful and distracting use of mobile devices while driving. There are no plans to review regulations relating to the use of mounted screens in moving vehicles.
Summonses Issued To Drivers For Using Mobile Devices While Driving In Past Five Years
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many motorists have been issued summonses in each of the past five years for using mobile devices while driving, including mounted devices; and (b) whether enforcement differentiates between (i) passive navigation display and (ii) active interaction such as typing, swiping or video viewing.
Mr K Shanmugam: About 2,800 motorists were issued summonses on average annually between 2021 and 2025 for using mobile communication devices while driving.
Three conditions must be fulfilled to make out an offence of using a mobile communication device while driving. First, the vehicle must be in motion. Second, the motorist must have held a mobile communication device in his or her hand. It is not an offence to use a mounted device. Third, the motorist must have operated any of its functions, including viewing a passive navigation display, typing, swiping or video viewing.
Even if a driver uses a mounted device while driving, he or she may, depending on the facts of the case, be liable for the offence of driving without due care and attention or reasonable consideration, or for reckless or dangerous driving.
Mr Fadli Fawzi
Review Discretion Given To Supermarket Operators On Use Of Funds Collected From Plastic Bag Charges
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) whether the National Environment Agency will review its stance in relation to allowing supermarket operators to have discretion over how the funds collected from supermarket plastic bag charges are used; and (b) if not, why not.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: Supermarket operators who are obligated to implement the disposable carrier bag charge are required to publish information annually on the number of disposable carrier bags supplied, amount of proceeds collected, and how the proceeds are used. This ensures transparency and public accountability.
The large majority of proceeds collected have been channelled towards environmental or social causes. We are heartened by the attention that non governmental organisations and the public have applied on the operators. This scrutiny will encourage operators to use their proceeds more judiciously. The government will monitor the use of proceeds by the supermarket operators, and continue to encourage them to channel the proceeds to environmental or social causes.
Fires Involving Blue Recycling Bins
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) in the past three years, whether the blue recycling bins have been involved in a fire; and (b) if so, how many cases.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: Over the past three years, the number of fires involving blue recycling bins has averaged around 35 each year. These fires were likely caused by the improper disposal of fire hazards such as batteries and lit cigarettes.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) has been working to educate the residents on the proper use of our recycling infrastructure to minimise fire risk. Under the annual Recycle Right Campaign, NEA educates the public to dispose of used batteries only in e-waste bins and other e-waste collection points. The blue recycling bins should be used only for paper and cardboard, plastics, metals and glass items.
Relaxing Conservation Guidelines For Painting Of Murals In Heritage Districts
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Urban Redevelopment Authority has studied if a relaxation of conservation guidelines around the painting of murals in heritage districts such as Kampong Glam will have a positive impact on tourism and visitation; (b) if so, whether the results of such a study can be released; and (c) if not, whether such a study can be conducted.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: There are many opportunities for mural art in our historic districts to increase vibrancy and footfall, without obscuring key architectural and heritage features of the conserved buildings and affecting the established character and ambience of our historic districts. For example, murals are permitted on the side walls of corner shophouses and rear boundary walls.
URA has consulted the Kampong Gelam Alliance and the Heritage and Identity Partnership, both of whom agreed to maintain the prevailing guidelines for murals on conserved shophouses.
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song
Increasing EDG Support Level To Encourage Greater Participation In Productivity And Innovation Projects
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) to what extent is the $0.62 billion projected underspending in development expenditure for FY2025 due to the reduction in the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) support level; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider increasing the EDG support level to encourage greater participation in productivity and innovation projects amidst persistent inflationary pressures.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: The $0.62 billion projected reduction in the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s (MTI) development expenditure for FY2025 was not due to a reduction in the support level of the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG), which has not changed since April 2023. Instead, it mainly reflects adjustments in development expenditure across MTI and its agencies, as some larger investment projects required more time than anticipated for review. Disbursements will therefore be made in 2026 instead.
The Government is fully committed to supporting our enterprises to grow and transform amid the uncertain and volatile economic environment. At Budget 2026, the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance announced enhancements to the support levels for internationalisation grant schemes. Local SMEs will receive support of up to 70% of eligible costs, up from the previous 50%, while local non-SMEs will receive support of up to 50% of eligible costs, up from 30%.
Written Questions
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik
Philanthropic Contributions Made By Single Family Offices To Local Charitable Organisations Since 2024
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) whether the Ministry tracks philanthropic contributions made by Single Family Offices to local charitable organisations; (b) if so, what is the total amount of such contributions since 2024; and (c) if not, why not.
Mr Gan Kim Yong (for the Prime Minister): I refer the Member to the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s response1 to Mr Saktiandi Supaat on the economic and social contributions of Single Family Offices for the Parliament Sitting on 24 September 2025.
Note(s) to Question No(s) 1:
1 https://www.mas.gov.sg/news/parliamentary-replies/2025/written-reply-to-parliamentary-question-on single-family-offices
Fixed Book Price Scheme Implementation For Singlit Books And Setting Minimum Prices For Local Books Written By Singaporean Authors
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) whether the Ministry will consider implementing a Fixed Book Price scheme for SingLit books or books written by Singaporean authors, similar to countries like France and Germany; and (b) if not tenable, whether the Ministry will consider introducing a scheme that allows for local books to be set at certain minimum prices.
Mr David Neo: The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and the National Arts Council (NAC) continually review our strategies and support for the literary arts and Singapore Literature (Sing Lit) so that our writers are nurtured, and the impact of their work can be felt in Singaporeans’ daily lives.
We also regularly study and learn from the strategies of other nations. We note that views on the Fixed Book Price scheme are mixed. Some claim that it has reduced deep discounting practices while others have cautioned that it limits consumers’ ability to benefit from price competition, and that similar objectives could potentially be achieved through more targeted support measures such as grants or direct subsidies. As Singapore is an open and highly digitalised market, readers also buy books through international e-commerce and parallel channels.
A Fixed Book Price scheme may also impact the affordability and accessibility of Sing Lit to local readers, particularly lower-income Singaporeans. Therefore, instead of setting a minimum price, MCCY has expanded the SG Culture Pass scheme to include local literary works from 1 March 2026. This will help promote Sing Lit to more citizens.
Ms He Ting Ru
Green And Sustainability Linked Loans Originated By Financial Institutions In Singapore Offered To New Corporate And Smes In Past Five Years
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) what was the annual total value and number of green and sustainability linked loans originated by financial institutions in Singapore over the past five years; (b) what proportion of these loans represent lending to new corporate and SME in each year; and (c) whether the Ministry can provide a breakdown by size of borrower.
Mr Gan Kim Yong (for the Prime Minister) : A total of 261 green, social, sustainability, and sustainability-linked loans (GSSSL), worth SGD 137.3 billion, were taken up by Singapore companies between 2020 and 20241. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) does not have a breakdown based on the size of borrower, including SMEs.
Note(s) to Question No(s) 2:
1 As reported in MAS’ Annual Sustainability Report 2024/2025, the data was extracted from Environmental Finance Database, based on country of borrower headquarters.
Recorded Incidences Of AI-Induced Psychosis In Past Three Years And Measures To Address AI-Related Mental Health Issues
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry is aware of increasing recorded incidences of AI-induced psychosis; (b) if so, what are the number of cases across in each of the past three years; and (c) how is the Ministry working with relevant partners to better study and tackle this issue.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: There are international reports about psychological disturbances potentially related to intensive AI use, but this is not an established clinical diagnosis. Other than a few anecdotal cases, no clear trends that these cases are on the rise have been observed locally, but we are monitoring this closely because the potential health risk posed by AI and digital media is of real concern.
HDB Animal Ownership Regulations, Breakdown Of Pet Related Complaints In Last Five Years And Enforcement Measures To Address Pet-Related Concerns
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for National Development (a) what are the current regulations and limits on the number of animals allowed in HDB flats; (b) what are the avenues of recourse for neighbours affected by noise, odour or hygiene issues; and (c) whether more updated enforcement measures and public education are needed to better address this concern.
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for National Development in each of the last five years (a) how many reports has HDB received about nuisance caused by pets kept in neighbouring flats; (b) whether the Ministry can provide a breakdown by complaints about (i) type of pet and (ii) excessive number of pets; and (c) how many cases ended up with enforcement action being taken.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: The Housing and Development Board (HDB) allows residents to keep up to two cats, and one dog of an approved breed in an HDB flat. Residents may also keep small pets, such as birds, if these pets do not cause nuisance and disturbance to the neighbours and living environment.
Between 2021 and 2025, HDB received on average about 4,000 pet-related feedback per year, with 22% related to birds, 31% related to cats and 47% related to dogs. In 2025, about 20% of pet-related feedback was related to an excessive number of pets. This category was not specifically tracked prior to 2025.
If a resident’s pet is causing disamenities to neighbours, HDB will advise the pet owner to take the necessary measures to reduce the inconvenience. This includes seeking help from Animal and Veterinary Services (AVS) accredited dog trainers if a resident’s dog has disruptive behaviours that cause disamenities. If neighbour disputes arise, HDB will also advise the parties concerned to discuss the issue amicably, and if necessary, go through community mediation. For recalcitrant cases, the flat owners may be asked to re-home their pets, with assistance from animal welfare groups if needed.
To enhance public education and awareness, the National Parks Board (NParks) works closely with stakeholders, such as schools, community interest groups, and animal welfare groups, to organise events promoting responsible pet ownership and best practices for pet care. NParks also requires all first-time cat or dog licence applicants to complete a free online course on responsible pet ownership before licence issuance.
SG Culture Pass Outreach To Lower-Income Groups Less Likely To Attend Heritage Events Through Community Agency Partnerships For Arts Access
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth how the Ministry is ensuring that SG Culture Pass utilisation reaches lower income Singaporeans and groups less likely to attend arts and heritage events, including targeted outreach through social and community agencies.
Mr David Neo: To help Singaporeans benefit from the SG Culture Pass, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) has partnered social and community agencies that work directly with groups that could face barriers to access.
Through our partnership with the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), MCCY has organised outings with Active Ageing Centres (AACs) for seniors to attend Culture Pass eligible arts and heritage events. We work with AACs to curate suitable events, arrange transport and logistics, and assist seniors with ticket purchases using their Culture Pass credits. For seniors with mobility challenges in nursing homes, we arrange for eligible programmes to be conducted onsite.
MCCY works closely with People’s Association (PA) to reach communities through their Resident Networks (RNs) and Community Centres (CCs), organising outings to help Singaporeans utilise their Culture Pass credits. We will bring more Culture Pass eligible events to the heartlands, so that Singaporeans can access them easily.
The WeCare Arts Experience (WCAE) fund has also been expanded to include Culture Pass eligible programmes. This means that Social Service Agencies and Grassroots Organisations can apply for the WCAE to defray transport and other logistics costs, so that their beneficiaries (including low income families and seniors) can more conveniently access and participate in the programmes offered by the Culture Pass.
MCCY will continue to partner social and community agencies so that even more Singaporeans can enjoy our local arts and heritage through the SG Culture Pass.
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat
A*Star Scholarship Recipients' Research Fields And Bond Service Affected By Transitional Changes In Successive Rie Masterplans
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) how many A*STAR scholarship recipients have had their research fields deprioritised while serving their bonds, due to transitions across successive Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) masterplans; (b) what percentage of these scholars are currently in roles utilising their doctoral expertise; and (c) for scholars with no adjacent redeployment available, whether A*STAR will consider bond release or industry transfer.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: About 80% of A*STAR scholarship graduates are employed in roles which leverage their doctoral expertise. These include roles in both academia and industry.
The remaining 20% have pivoted to a variety of other roles for reasons not necessarily due to deprioritisation of their research fields. These roles include corporate leadership and management positions across various sectors. It reflects how A*STAR scholars have gained knowledge and competencies that are transferable beyond the research ecosystem.
Where redeployment is required, A*STAR facilitates transfers within A*STAR as well as secondments or transfers to the institutes of higher learning and the private sector.
Mr Fadli Fawzi
Availability Of Overseas Experience For Students Of Autonomous Universities
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for Education (a) whether the Ministry monitors the availability of overseas experiences to students of autonomous universities through programmes such as the NUS Overseas Colleges programme; (b) if so, whether such availability has decreased over the past five years; and (c) what are the reasons for any such decreases.
Mr Desmond Lee: The autonomous universities (AUs) offer their students meaningful overseas exposure through programmes such as academic exchanges, immersions and internships. The availability of such opportunities declined sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, but has since recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
Employment Restrictions For Dependent Pass Holders Enrolled In Local Educational Institutions
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what is the policy rationale for prohibiting Dependant Pass (DP) holders enrolled in local educational institutions from part-time employment without a separate work pass; (b) whether this policy accounts for prevalence of foreign manpower in the relevant sectors of part-time employment; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider permitting part-time work for DP-holding students, to support internship and work study requirements.
Dr Tan See Leng: Dependant’s Pass holders enrolled in eligible local educational institutions are allowed to work if the work is part of their course requirements. They will need to apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) before they start work.
As this policy is meant to support course requirements, it does not need to account for the prevalence of foreign manpower across different sectors.
Reconsideration Of Decision To Order Removal Of Mural On 59 Arab Street
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Urban Redevelopment Authority can reconsider its decision to order the removal of a mural on 59 Arab Street; and (b) if not, why not.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) ordered the removal of the mural at 59 Arab Street as murals are not allowed on front façades of conserved shophouses, except those at Haji Lane, given that they may obscure key architectural and heritage features, and affect the established character and ambience of the historic district.
In its assessment, URA had consulted the Kampong Gelam Alliance and the Heritage and Identity Partnership, both of whom agreed to maintain the prevailing guidelines for murals on conserved shophouses. The tenant has since removed the mural.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim
Participation Rates Of Schools And Students For Uplift Enhanced School Resourcing And Gear-Up Programmes In Past Five Years
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Education for each of the past five years, how many (i) schools and (ii) students participated in the UPLIFT Enhanced School Resourcing and the Guiding and Empowering Students for Affiliation and Resilience to Unlock their Potential (GEAR-UP) programmes, respectively.
Mr Desmond Lee: As part of the Ministry of Education’s (MOE’s) efforts to uplift students from disadvantaged backgrounds, selected schools were given additional resources and worked with community partners to encourage their students with higher needs to attend school regularly – a key factor that reflects the students’ engagement in learning and enables them to make educational progress. UPLIFT Enhanced School Resourcing (UESR) and GEAR-UP were rolled out across different phases since 2019. By the end of 2025, UESR provided additional resourcing to 100 schools, while GEAR-UP was implemented in 120 secondary schools, with some schools running both initiatives. Collectively, more than 11,000 students benefited annually from these initiatives. About 30% of the target students who previously had absenteeism issues managed to achieve regular school attendance over time.
As part of a holistic review to strengthen support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, UESR and GEAR-UP have been folded into a new enhanced support package for schools from 2026, which MOE had recently announced at this year’s Committee of Supply debate.
Metrics To Assess Effectiveness Of Uplift Enhanced School Resourcing And Gear-Up Programmes And Results For Past Five Years
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Education (a) what metrics the Ministry uses to assess the effectiveness of (i) the UPLIFT Enhanced School Resourcing programme and (ii) the Guiding and Empowering Students for Affiliation and Resilience to Unlock their Potential (GEAR-UP) programme; and (b) what the corresponding figures have been for each of the past five years.
Mr Desmond Lee: As part of the Ministry of Education’s (MOE’s) efforts to uplift students from disadvantaged backgrounds, selected schools were given additional resources and worked with community partners to encourage their students with higher needs to attend school regularly – a key factor that reflects the students’ engagement in learning and enables them to make educational progress. UPLIFT Enhanced School Resourcing (UESR) and GEAR-UP were rolled out across different phases since 2019. By the end of 2025, UESR provided additional resourcing to 100 schools, while GEAR-UP was implemented in 120 secondary schools, with some schools running both initiatives. Collectively, more than 11,000 students benefited annually from these initiatives. About 30% of the target students who previously had absenteeism issues managed to achieve regular school attendance over time.
As part of a holistic review to strengthen support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, UESR and GEAR-UP have been folded into a new enhanced support package for schools from 2026, which MOE had recently announced at this year’s Committee of Supply debate.
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song
Commuters' Travel Patterns And Behaviour During Circle Line Service Adjustments For Future Long-Term Rail Renewal Works Planning
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) what are the findings from the travel patterns of commuters during the ongoing Circle Line service adjustments; (b) what proportion of commuters opted for shuttle buses versus alternative rail lines; and (c) how will these insights into commuter behaviour inform the planning of future long term service closures for rail renewal works.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: Following the first week where around 30,000 commuters tried out the shuttle bus service, weekly ridership for shuttle services has settled at around 20,000. We do not have a precise estimate for the number of commuters using alternative rail lines as commuters are free to move between lines after tapping into the system.
Despite the decrease in peak Circle Line frequencies to facilitate tunnel works, the approach of providing and publicising bus and rail alternatives has kept wait times and loading for trains manageable. Most commuters continue to be able to board the first train, other than at certain busy stretches during the peak hours where higher crowding is observed even without the planned closures. We will incorporate feedback from commuters in refining our provision of alternative travel options for future service adjustments.
