Written Answers to WP's Oral Questions
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre
Complaints Received And Timeline Of Discovery Of Inappropriate Clauses Within Severance Agreements By Tripartite Partners
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre asked the Minister for Manpower (a) in the last three years, how many complaints has the Ministry received regarding severance agreements which contain clauses discouraging staff from approaching authorities or unions; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider legislation to prohibit such coercive clauses to better protect workers' rights.
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre asked the Minister for Manpower in respect of the retrenchment by an online travel booking platform (a) at what stage did tripartite partners become aware of inappropriate clauses in the severance agreements; (b) whether this was through proactive monitoring or public reporting; and (c) what proactive audit mechanisms exists to prevent the inclusion of clauses that undermine a worker's right to seek redress in severance agreements.
Dr Tan See Leng: To recap, it was reported in September 2025 that Agoda had carried out a retrenchment exercise in early August 2025. The media reported that Agoda included clauses in the severance agreement which discouraged affected workers from making reports to unions and the authorities.
With regard to Agoda’s severance agreement clauses, tripartite partners were made aware of them through the media. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) does not proactively monitor severance agreements as such contracts between firms and workers are private and confidential. However, if we receive complaints on the severance agreements, we will investigate the matter. MOM, the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP), and the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) swiftly engaged Agoda following the media reports. Agoda has since publicly apologised and reached out to affected employees to clarify the intent of the clauses.
MOM understands and empathises with our workers’ concerns over such inappropriate clauses. However, the Government is mindful not to over-regulate and be intrusive into private contractual agreements that are often entered into voluntarily between employers and workers. Instead, MOM works with tripartite partners to encourage employers to conduct their retrenchment exercises fairly and responsibly. This includes providing sufficient time for affected workers to consider the severance agreement offered, so that they can seek their own independent legal advice if necessary. There are also clear and accessible channels for employees to seek redress where required. Provisions that discourage or inhibit employees from approaching the authorities should not be included under any circumstances. Over the last three years, besides the Agoda case, MOM has not received any complaints regarding clauses discouraging workers from approaching the authorities or unions.
Should workers encounter unfair or illegal clauses in their severance agreements, they may approach MOM or TAFEP. MOM takes a serious view of such clauses and will not hesitate to take action against errant employers where necessary.
Reviewing Conduct Of Insurers With Unreasonable Behaviour When Assessing Claims By Accident Victims
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance whether the Ministry will take steps to (i) review the conduct of insurers who have demonstrated unreasonable behaviour in assessing claims by victims of accidents and (ii) strengthen its regulatory framework to discourage insurers from engaging in overly litigious behaviour against vulnerable third-party claimants.
Mr Gan Kim Yong (for the Prime Minister): The member may want to refer to MAS’ response to similar questions filed by Mr Liang Eng Hwa and Mr Ng Shi Xuan for the Sitting on 4 November 2025.
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis
Reported Statistics Of Victims Of Human Trafficking
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs in the last year (a) what is the number of reports of persons who have been reported victims of human trafficking; and (b) what is the number of Singapore-registered companies that have been or are currently being investigated in relation to scams involving illicit overseas recruitment activities.
Mr K Shanmugam: Trafficking in Persons (TIP) is generally categorised into sex trafficking and labour trafficking. In 2024, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) investigated 40 alleged TIP cases for potential sex trafficking offences and five for labour trafficking offences, involving a total of 53 victims. None of the victims involved in these cases were linked to recruitment for overseas scam-related activities.
The authorities are looking into a Singapore registered company in relation to recruitment for scam-related activities overseas. We are unable to provide further details at this juncture as investigations are ongoing.
Reasons For Non-Disclosure Of Identities Of Five Content Creators Issued Advisory Letters For Providing Non Licensed Financial Advice
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance with regard to the five content creators who were issued advisory letters by MAS for providing financial advice without a licence (a) what were the considerations for not disclosing their identities and respective content of the advice; and (b) whether clear examples of such content which may not have complied with MAS guidelines can be published for greater clarity.
Mr Gan Kim Yong (for the Prime Minister): This question has been addressed in a reply at the Parliament Sitting on 4 November 2025.
Takedown Of Self-Harm And Suicidal Content On Social Media Channels
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information whether the Ministry will consider banning access or implementing takedown requests for self-harm and suicidal content on social media channels, online messaging platforms and online game platforms.
Mrs Josephine Teo: The Government takes a serious view of harmful online content that may affect Singapore users’ physical and mental well-being, including content relating to suicide and self-harm. Hence, we have introduced measures to mitigate Singapore users’ exposure to such harmful online content.
Under the Broadcasting Act, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) can direct Social Media Services and App Distribution Services, also known as app stores, to disable access by Singapore users to content advocating or instructing on self-harm or suicide on social media services and apps, including gaming apps. Groups with very large memberships on social media services can also be used to propagate egregious content. Those that are open and enable online interactions for social purposes are no different from non-private communications. IMDA can therefore take the same actions against them under the Broadcasting Act.
For suicide and self-harm content shared via private messages, IMDA’s Code of Practice for designated Social Media Services requires them to provide easily accessible user reporting mechanisms throughout its service. If individuals encounter harmful private messages on these social media services, they could block the sender or report the sender to the service.
The digital landscape is constantly evolving. The Government will continue to update our regulatory efforts to promote safe and trusted online spaces.
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song
Mechanisms In FIT-P To Address Protectionism From Major Economies
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) whether the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership (FIT-P) has any mechanisms to address the growing trend of protectionism from major economies; (b) how will the Ministry work to ensure it is more than a discussion forum and can achieve tangible results; and (c) what is the timeline for its initiatives to produce concrete outcomes that can be scaled up to multilateral frameworks.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: The Future of Investment and Trade Partnership (FIT Partnership) was launched on 16 September 2025. It seeks to address today’s climate of rising protectionism in three ways. First, it brings together like-minded small, medium and trade-dependent countries to uphold the rules-based multilateral trading system and ensure that trade remains fair and open. Second, it will develop concrete initiatives that strengthen supply chain resilience, facilitate trade and investment, and support inclusive growth, both amongst its members and with partners beyond. Third, it will advance a positive trade agenda to demonstrate that multilateral cooperation can deliver tangible outcomes.
To ensure that the FIT Partnership meets its objectives, its governance structure has been designed to be outcome oriented. A key feature is the ability for subsets of members to move ahead on issues of common interest without necessitating the participation of all members. This will allow the group to progress quickly on initiatives with shared interest, without being held back by protracted negotiations. The FIT Partnership will also work with the private sector to ensure that initiatives address real business challenges and deliver practical impact.
Singapore will host the first FIT Partnership Ministerial meeting in November 2025 to set out a more detailed programme of work and adopt deliverables that are ready. Over time, initiatives that gain traction can be taken forward at wider multilateral platforms like the WTO, or be adopted more broadly by other partners.
COEs Not Registered To Vehicles After Successful Bids
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) what is the number of COEs that were bid for but not used to register a vehicle in each of the past three years; (b) whether the current one-year COE validity period facilitates speculative bidding by dealers; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider shortening the validity period to three or six months to discourage front-running and moderate COE prices.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: From 2022 to 2024, an average of about 650, or 1% of temporary COEs (TCOEs) issued for successful bids were not used to register a vehicle within a year. The low proportion of TCOE expiry suggests that the dealers are not speculating and are bidding based on actual demand for COEs.
TCOE validity periods are already shorter than one year across all COE categories, ranging from one month for Category D to six months for Categories A and B.
Reviewing Public Transport Fare Adjustment Formula
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) whether the Ministry will review the current fare adjustment formula, which allows a maximum allowable hike of 14.4% in 2025, in view that this figure appears to be detached from average wage growth; (b) what is the maximum number of years a deferred quantum can be carried forward; and (c) what is the policy rationale for this limit.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: In setting public transport fares, the Public Transport Council (PTC) aims to keep fares affordable for commuters, while ensuring that our public transport system remains financially sustainable. In deciding the fare adjustment each year, PTC is guided by a fare adjustment formula which reflects the costs of providing public transport services, including national wage growth, core inflation and energy prices.
For this year’s fare exercise, the PTC has taken into consideration the fare formula output of 1.5%, and the deferred fare quantum of 12.9% which represents costs incurred in previous years that have not been passed through into fares. This
results in a maximum allowable fare adjustment quantum of 14.4%, out of which PTC decided on a fare increase of 5%, with the rest being funded through a Government subsidy.
There is no limit to how long the deferred fare quantum can be carried forward. In the fare reviews over the past two years, the deferred fare quantum has been reduced from 15.6% in 2023 to 9.4% today.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim
Guidelines For Mall Operators To Allocate For Short Term Delivery-Driver Parking
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry has considered issuing guidelines for mall operators to set aside short-term delivery-driver parking for bicycles and motorcycles.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: In 2022, URA and LTA issued guidelines to facilitate safe and efficient delivery pick-ups at commercial malls. The guidelines were developed by a tripartite committee comprising representatives from government agencies, mall owners and facility managers, platform companies and the National Delivery Champions Association based on feedback from multiple focus group discussions with delivery riders. They include setting aside delivery waiting bays for delivery personnel to park their motorcycles and active mobility devices, as well as providing a reasonable parking grace period of 15 to 20 minutes to enable the riders to pick up their deliveries.
Ensuring Admission Scores For Engineering Undergraduate Programmes Sufficiently Meet Programme's Rigours
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Education (a) how does the Ministry ensure that admission scores for undergraduate engineering programmes are sufficient to meet the rigours of the programme; and (b) whether the Ministry has guidelines for autonomous universities to have similar admission requirements for degree programmes of comparable intellectual rigour, such as engineering and computer science.
Mr Desmond Lee: The Ministry of Education (MOE) sets minimum eligibility criteria for applications to our autonomous universities (AUs). Beyond this, each AU decides on its own admissions metrics and programme requirements.
While MOE does not prescribe the scores required for admission to programmes at the AUs, we closely track the outcomes of AU graduates, including by programme.
Rationale For Ending Fostering Arrangements At Age 16
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Social and Family Development what is the rationale for ending fostering arrangements once a child reaches 16 years of age.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: Fostering does not end when a child turns 16. Under the Children and Young Persons Act (CYPA, 1993), the fostering scheme enables family-based care for children and young persons below 18 years of age who require protection or alternative care. However, if the child or youth is still schooling or not ready to live independently, the fostering arrangement may continue until the youth turns 21. This is to provide stability and support during the transition to adulthood.
Mr Fadli Fawzi
Train Loading Operating Performance Standards And Maximum Load During Peak Hours
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) what are the current Operating Performance Standards (OPS) for train loading; (b) what is the maximum number of persons per square metre or train car currently observed during peak hours on each MRT line; and (c) whether any MRT lines are projected to exceed the current OPS for train loading during peak hours by 2030.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: Our Operating Performance Standards (OPS) require operators of MRT lines to keep average passenger loading on our trains below 5 persons per square metre. Based on the latest loading figures from September 2025, the average loading recorded during peak periods did not exceed this on any MRT line.
With the planned capacity upgrades and expansions to our rail network, we do not anticipate that any line will exceed the OPS for loading by 2030.
Vacancy Rate For Nursing Positions In Restructured Hospitals
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what is the current vacancy rate for nursing positions in restructured hospitals as at end of September 2025; (b) how does this compare with the number of recent local nursing graduates seeking placements; and (c) whether the Ministry has been prioritising the hiring of local nursing graduates before seeking non-resident nurses from overseas.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: In the most recent three months, there were more than 900 nursing job vacancies across public hospitals. That said, current vacancy rate is not a meaningful metric in healthcare, because the system is expanding, and we are constantly hiring ahead of demand to fill the positions that are needed when new hospital and healthcare institutions are opened. We are starting to recruit for the new Eastern General Hospital and redevelopment of Alexandra Hospital.
There has been no slowdown of hiring of nurses. Many local nursing graduates join the public healthcare sector, and to date, close to 1,000 are hired by clusters this year, which is similar to the past two years.
Clusters have provided feedback that some job applicants prefer certain work locations or shift patterns, which do not meet the needs of the hiring institutions. We encourage nursing graduates to be open to try a wider variety of work conditions to gain a richer work experience.
We are working towards growing our national healthcare manpower by another 20% by 2030 to support capacity expansion. Local nurses are not enough to fulfil those manpower needs, and we therefore have to continue to supplement with foreign nurses.
Dwell Times For Trains At Interchange And Non Interchange Stations
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) what is the current average dwell time for trains at (i) interchange and (ii) non-interchange stations on each MRT and LRT lines respectively; (b) how do these average dwell times compare with those (i) in 2015 and (ii) other Asian metro systems currently; (c) whether MRT dwell times can be reduced to shorten commutes; and (d) if not, why not.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: Dwell times at stations for our MRT and LRT trains depend on operating conditions and passenger loading. They must be long enough to provide sufficient time for all passengers, including elderly commuters as well as commuters using wheelchairs and personal mobility aids, to alight from and board the train in a safe manner. Dwell times range from around 35 to 60 seconds for interchange stations, and from around 30 to 50 seconds for non-interchange stations. These dwell times have remained largely constant over the past decade, and are comparable to metro systems in Taipei and Hong Kong.
Ms He Ting Ru
Effectiveness Of Measures To Address Startup Costs, Rental Pressures And Structural Disadvantages Facing Smaller SMEs And F&B Businesses
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) whether current, including newly-announced initiatives adequately account for high startup costs, rental pressures, and structural disadvantages facing smaller SMEs in F&B business compared to established F&B chains; and (b) if not, how does the Government plan to further support smaller and newer F&B businesses in improving productivity, given that many lack the capital and manpower for large scale transformation.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: The Government has put in place many initiatives to support SMEs.
The Enterprise Financing Scheme (EFS) – Working Capital Loan helps smaller businesses access financing and manage cashflow needs. Businesses can also benefit from the 50% Corporate Income Tax rebate for Assessment Years 2025 and 2024, with a minimum benefit of $2,000 for active companies with at least one local employee. Enterprise Singapore has also rolled out schemes to help SMEs improve productivity and develop new offerings. The Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) can help food services SMEs install equipment such as smart cooking machines and rotary cookers, and adopt digital systems such as the Connected Business Suite (CBS), which integrates solutions for F&B businesses’ front-of-house and back-of-house operations. These solutions help reduce firms’ reliance on manpower and improve efficiency. The Government also continues to support our businesses in the heartlands, which includes F&B SMEs, through Community Development Council (CDC) Vouchers. These vouchers have helped boost businesses’ sales and footfall. From the launch of the digital CDC Vouchers scheme in December 2021 to July 2025, $1.26 billion in CDC Vouchers have been spent at participating hawkers and heartland merchants.
More recently, Enterprise Singapore launched two new initiatives for smaller F&B businesses. The FoodX programme enables smaller F&B businesses to better manage business costs by using shared resources, such as through centralising food preparation, to take advantage of economies of scale. The F&B Process Optimisation Programme (POP) helps F&B businesses engage consultants to review and optimise their processes to improve manpower utilisation, revenue generation, and customer satisfaction. From the second half of 2026, employers can look forward to receiving a fresh $10,000 in a new redesigned Skills Future Enterprise Credit (SFEC) that was announced in Budget 2025. Employers can receive these credits via an online wallet that they can use to immediately offset out-of-pocket costs for eligible workforce transformation initiatives, rather than do so on a reimbursement basis. This will help ease cash flow concerns for employers.
To expand our outreach, the Government partners industry stakeholders and key trade associations such as the Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS) to support the development and transformation of Singapore’s food services sector, by addressing common industry challenges such as manpower constraints and changing consumer preferences.
The Government will continue to review our measures to support SMEs, including smaller SMEs in the F&B business, to ensure they remain relevant.
Audit And Verification Mechanisms To Ensure Accuracy Of Service Delay Lengths Reported By Rail Operators
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) what auditing or verification mechanisms are in place to ensure the accuracy of service delay lengths reported by rail operators; (b) whether LTA can provide a list of all delays reported in 2025, with their associated service delay timings; and (c) can LTA integrate the impact that such delays and disruptions have on passengers into its reliability performance measurement.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: When a rail disruption occurs, the train operators are required to inform commuters about the expected duration of the service delay within 15 minutes. However, the additional traveling time announced is meant to be indicative and to serve as a general advisory. The actual journey delay experienced by individual commuters will differ depending on their locations and destinations. The Rail Reliability Taskforce is studying how we can provide commuters with more customised information, depending on their specific location and destination. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is also studying additional metrics that better reflect the impact of rail disruptions on commuters, which will be included in future editions of its rail reliability report.
For regulatory purposes, LTA only tracks the total time taken by the operator to resolve an incident, and not the additional traveling time. For the period of January to August 2025, there were 17 MRT disruptions ranging from nine to 160 mins and 12 LRT disruptions ranging from 10 to 300 mins.
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik
Automated Bus Ramps And Infrastructural Upgrades For Autonomous Vehicles
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) whether the Ministry will require autonomous vehicles (AV) to be introduced as part of Singapore’s public transport network be fitted with automated bus ramps facilitate safe and independent boarding for wheelchair users; and (b) whether modifications will be made to bus stops to enable wheelchair users to safely flag down and board AVs.
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) what infrastructural upgrades are planned to accommodate autonomous vehicle deployment on public roads, if any; and (b) how are such infrastructure changes likely to affect existing road users.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: Autonomous buses, like those to be used for the upcoming pilot on public bus services 400 (Marina Bay) and 191 (one-north) are designed with wheelchair bays and low ramps that can be deployed to facilitate boarding and alighting of wheelchair users. Autonomous shuttles like the 8-seater Roboshuttle used in Punggol can accommodate folded wheelchairs and do not have ramps. For both pilots, the safety operators onboard will assist passengers on wheelchairs.
We are working with operators and manufacturers to consider the accessibility and inclusivity of autonomous buses and shuttles for commuters with different mobility needs, especially for future operations where the safety operator is no longer on board the vehicle.
Autonomous buses will use the same bus stops as regular public buses. These bus stops are barrier-free.
The pilots for autonomous buses and shuttles will provide the Land Transport Authority (LTA) with data to determine whether additional infrastructure, such as pick-up and drop-off points, or sensors, will be needed.
Supporting Teachers With Limited Public Transport Options To Reach School On Time
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Minister for Education (a) whether the Ministry will consider providing teachers who face persistent delays in reaching school on time due to limited public transport options with some form of support or allowance; and (b) in areas where bus services during morning peak hours are infrequent or unreliable, whether the Ministry will consider providing flexible reporting times or other assistance to affected teachers.
Mr Desmond Lee: All schools start no earlier than 7.30am. The Ministry of Education (MOE) also generally deploys teachers to schools that are located within one hour of travel by public transport from their homes.
Teachers can request for a change in posting to schools nearer to their homes. MOE will support a change, where possible.
All schools have the autonomy to implement flexible work arrangements, where operationally feasible. These include allowing teachers to report for work slightly later, if they have no lesson or duty at the start of the school day. Where teachers face persistent challenges to report to work on time, we will further review how best to support them.
Mr Pritam Singh
Expanding Criteria Governing Outfit Of Existing Pedestrian Overhead Bridges With Lifts To Include Hawker Centres
Mr Pritam Singh asked the Acting Minister for Transport whether the Ministry will consider expanding the criteria that govern the outfitting of existing Pedestrian Overhead Bridges (POBs) with lifts to POBs located near hawker centres, in view of the importance of hawker centres as a node of the community.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: The Land Transport Authority (LTA) already prioritises the installation of lifts at pedestrian overhead bridges (POBs) with high footfall and serve more seniors. These POBs are typically near key transport nodes and amenities like hawker centres.
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat
Deployment Of Private Credit Growth Fund Given Rising Global Private-Credit Risks
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) whether the deployment of the Private Credit Growth Fund will be pulled back given rising global private-credit risks; and (b) whether GIC’s caution on the private-credit market will inform the Ministry’s stance on the deployment of the Fund, or are the views separately held.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: GIC’s caution reflects its commercial assessment of the (global) private credit market, which has grown significantly in the US and to a lesser extent in Europe. However, aside from Australia and Korea, the private credit market in our region is much less matured. The Private Credit Growth Fund (PCGF) was thus established to support the strategies of high-growth Singapore enterprises which require tailored financing solutions beyond what traditional debt or equity instruments can offer. Enterprise Singapore will work with the appointed fund manager to ensure that investments made are in line with the fund’s developmental objectives.
The appointed fund manager for PCGF will exercise independent commercial discretion to assess the merits of a deal, including prevailing market conditions as well as the risk-reward profile of each opportunity, to determine the appropriate pace and level of capital deployment.
Disparity Between Increased Use Of AI And Unchanged Working Hours For Teachers
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for Education (a) how does the Ministry account for the OECD Teaching and Learning International Survey 2024 findings showing that 75% of teachers use AI, but weekly work hours remain at around 47 since 2018 with rising stress levels; and (b) whether teacher workload reduction will be made a KPI alongside learning outcomes, for AI adoption, with baselines, targets, timelines and published results.
Mr Desmond Lee: This question has been addressed in my response on the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) 2024 findings and management of teachers’ workload and well-being at the Parliamentary Sitting on 4 November 2025, which will be made available on the Ministry of Education's (MOE’s) website.
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong
Impact On OneMillionTrees Movement When Trees Are Lost From Redevelopment Or Infrastructure Works
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether large-scale tree losses from redevelopment or infrastructure works are deducted from the tally of the OneMillionTrees movement; (b) whether campaign success is measured by net canopy cover, biodiversity and ecological connectivity rather than gross planting numbers; (c) whether forest clearances are factored into the targets; and (d) if so, how.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: The OneMillionTrees movement was launched in April 2020 to involve the community in planting one million trees across Singapore between 2020 and 2030, to foster greater stewardship of our greenery and nature in Singaporeans.
The movement contributes towards our larger vision of transforming Singapore into a City in Nature, through enhancing existing landscapes and habitats for flora and fauna, and strengthening ecological connectivity between our green spaces. The movement encompasses planting trees in streetscapes, parks and park connectors, nature reserves and nature parks as well as various community and institutional spaces.
Trees planted under the movement are separate from existing greenery replacement measures to offset clearance due to development. These measures include replacement tree planting and increasing greenery and other natural elements in urban areas.
Update On Inter-Agency Efforts To Detect, Track And Neutralise Unauthorised Unmanned Aircraft System Activities Near Aiports
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the Ministry can provide an update on the inter-agency efforts to routinely detect, track, and neutralise unauthorised unmanned aircraft system (UAS) activities near Changi and Seletar Airports, including those launched from sea waters off Singapore; and (b) whether any steps will be taken to enhance current counter-UAS capabilities and coordination given recent incidents in certain European airports.
Mr K Shanmugam: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) coordinates and advises various agencies on how they should address threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) across the island. Responsible agencies are required to detect, identify, and neutralise unauthorised UAS activities which pose a threat to aviation or public safety and security, including at Changi and Seletar Airports. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Changi Airport Group (CAG) have direct responsibility for the safety and security of Changi and Seletar Airport operations.
The airports take a multi-layered approach. First, there are upstream measures such as a 5km No-Fly Zone around Singapore’s aerodromes.
Second, in-situ counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) have been deployed at Changi and Seletar Airports by CAAS and CAG. These systems are capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralising unauthorised UAS.
Third, there are established inter-agency protocols for incident response to C UAS threats near the airports, including those launched from offshore waters, involving CAAS, the Singapore Police Force, the Singapore Armed Forces, and the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore. These protocols are exercised regularly. Police frontline officers are trained and equipped with handheld jammers, to neutralise unauthorised UAS. This includes officers who are part of the Strategic Location Response deployment, which was announced earlier in June. They are able to respond more swiftly to public security incidents, including UAS incidents near the airports.
Members will appreciate that while these measures have been put in place, there are always risks arising from human agency; and technology is constantly evolving. Those with bad intentions also access the latest technology. Thus, it is always a constant effort to maintain security.
Allowing Bus Service 87 To Stop In Front Of Hougang Polyclinic
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Acting Minister for Transport whether the LTA will consider allowing bus number 87 to stop at the bus stops in front of Hougang Polyclinic for the benefit of commuters especially seniors, from Hougang Avenue 5 going to Hougang Polyclinic so that commuters can avoid accessing on foot or transfer via the Hougang Bus Interchange or other nearby bus stops.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: In 2022, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) made temporary changes to the routes of several bus services, including service 87, due to construction works for the Cross Island MRT line. These services will revert to the pre-2022 routes after construction works are completed, which is expected to be in 2030.
While the amended route of service 87 passes in front of Hougang Polyclinic, having more buses call at the bus stop would affect the existing six bus services calling at the bus stop, and cause congestion along Hougang Ave 4. This would create safety issues for and inconvenience to pedestrians and other road users.
Written Questions
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik
Measures To Ensure Equivalent Corporate Governance Standards Abroad For SGX-Listed Entities
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance what measures are in place to ensure that SGX-listed entities uphold equivalent standards of governance and integrity overseas as they do in Singapore.
Mr Gan Kim Yong (for the Prime Minister): My response will cover the question raised by Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik in today’s Order Paper, as well as a related question filed by him for the Sitting on or after 6 November 2025.
The boards and senior management of listed entities must put in place effective systems of internal controls and risk management for their operations, whether local or overseas. This includes putting in place a code of conduct and ethics, as well as adequate safeguards to address and mitigate compliance risks. These requirements, as set out in the SGX Listing Rules and Code of Corporate Governance, enable strong corporate governance processes to guide their day-to-day operations and commercial decisions.
In addition to local requirements, it is incumbent on listed entities to comply with the applicable laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where they operate, and to cooperate with the relevant authorities in their investigations.
Where a listed entity encounters issues with its foreign operations, the board should assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the systems of internal controls and risk management and take steps to address any significant weaknesses identified. It should also ensure that all material disclosures, including investigations by relevant authorities and the outcomes of these investigations, are made in a timely manner, as required under the Securities and Futures Act (SFA) and the SGX Listing Rules.
When disclosures are inadequate or unclear, SGX RegCo, as the frontline regulator, will issue public queries or engage directly with entities to seek further information. Under the SFA, intentional or reckless failures to comply with the Listing Rules’ disclosure obligations are further subject to a fine of up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment of up to seven years.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore works closely with SGX RegCo to ensure that listed entities fulfill their governance and disclosure obligations. Where there are infringements, we will not hesitate to take firm action to preserve high standards of governance and transparency in our capital markets.
Low Ridership Of City Direct Services 675, 676 And 677 And Strategies For Traffic Optimisation
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) whether the Ministry has studied the reasons for the low evening peak ridership of City Direct Services 675, 676, and 677; (b) what are the Ministry’s plans to improve ridership, if any; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider traffic measures or reducing bus stops to improve travel speeds and journey times.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: Ridership during the evening peak is generally lower compared to the morning peak. We are monitoring the ridership on services 675, 676 and 677 but we have no immediate plans to adjust these services at this time.
Ms He Ting Ru
Data On Applications And Approvals For Tax Incentives Under Section 13u Of Income Tax Act 1947 For Last 10 Years
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance for each of the last 10 years (a) how many entities have applied for tax incentives under section 13U of the Income Tax Act 1947, formerly known as section 13X; and (b) how many entities have been granted the incentive.
Mr Gan Kim Yong (for the Prime Minister): My response will also address related questions by Ms Sylvia Lim, Mr Louis Chua and Ms He Ting Ru from yesterday and today, as well as a written question by Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik scheduled for tomorrow’s Sitting.
Singapore upholds high regulatory standards in our financial system aligned with international standards. It is one reason why many investors view Singapore as a trusted financial hub. Like other global financial centres, having high standards does not mean there will be zero cases involving entities and individuals who break the rules or who fail to comply with our regulatory requirements. What is key is that where wrongdoing is identified, the authorities will investigate thoroughly and take firm enforcement action in accordance with the law.
The money laundering investigations by the Police against Chen Zhi and related associates are ongoing. Enforcement operations were conducted on 30 October 2025. Arising from the enforcement operations, the Police have issued prohibition of disposal orders and seized a range of assets, including properties, cars, bank accounts and securities accounts. Prior to the indictment of Chen Zhi by the US, our Police had been conducting probes into Chen Zhi and his associates. Thus far, MAS has identified two Single Family Offices (SFO) funds granted tax incentives that are linked to the sanctioned individuals. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has ceased the tax incentives. As investigations are ongoing, I seek Members’ understanding that I am not able to comment further on the details at this stage.
Based on available data over the past three years, about 3% out of 1,300 applications1were rejected. Besides the rejected applications, some potential applicants also withdrew their interest to apply before submitting a formal application when questions were posed and requirements were clarified at the pre-application stage.
As part of the tax incentive application process, individuals and entities are screened against databases to check that there are no reports on their involvement in illegal activities such as money laundering and terrorism financing. The SFO fund is also required to open and maintain an account with an MAS-licensed bank and be subject to the bank’s customer due diligence and ongoing monitoring checks, including detecting any unusual or suspicious transactions.
MAS regularly reviews and refines its regulatory regime. It consulted on proposed changes to the SFO regulatory regime in July 2023. In addition to now requiring all SFOs based in Singapore, whether they are receiving tax incentives or not, to maintain bank accounts, SFOs will need to notify MAS upon the commencement of their operations and submit annual returns to MAS. The returns supplement MAS’ ongoing surveillance efforts to maintain the integrity of our financial system.
MAS and the financial industry will continue to review our surveillance and detection capabilities. But we need to adopt a sensible and calibrated approach, and should refrain from a knee-jerk overreaction when cases happen from time to time. Similar to all major international financial centres, it is not possible to have zero incidents given the complex nature of the financial services industry and the high volume of daily transactions. In addition, combatting financial crime requires a global effort as illicit fund flows are often cross-border in nature. In the Prince Holdings case, the US seized US$15 billion in Bitcoins and the UK froze 19 properties. All major financial centres have to remain vigilant and work together to combat financial crime.
SFOs linked to individuals convicted of money laundering offences represent a very small proportion of the overall sector, at less than 1%2. We have to remain open to bona fide family offices and genuine investors, to continue growing our financial services industry and creating good jobs for our people. As at end 2024, the wealth management and private banking functions in banks employed more than 13,000 locals3. High net worth clients also use other service providers such as legal and tax advisors, fund administrators and accounting firms.
Compared to other financial centres, many industry stakeholders already consider Singapore to have more stringent due diligence standards for high net worth clients. If we were to tighten further to the point where the processes become overly cumbersome, it will affect our competitiveness, deter legitimate investors and put many local jobs at risk. This is not the outcome we want for Singapore.
There is a Chinese saying that when we open the windows, some flies may also enter. The solution is not to shut our windows and block out sunlight and fresh air. What matters is that we act swiftly to deal with the flies that enter, while also letting in sunlight and fresh air. This is the approach we take in Singapore. Risk-proportionate, not zero risk.
MAS will continue to take a risk-proportionate approach to maintain our status as a trusted financial centre. MAS expects our financial institutions to do the same, so that we collectively maintain high standards while keeping our system efficient and competitive. Singapore will also continue to work closely with our international counterparts to deter and enforce against bad actors who operate across different jurisdictions.
Note(s) to Question No(s) 3:
1 These are applications for the tax incentive schemes for funds under sections 13O and 13U (formerly the sections 13R and 13X respectively) of the Income Tax Act.
2 SFOs with tax exemption that have links to individuals convicted of money laundering offences in the last 3 years.
3 Estimated from MAS’ Manpower Survey.
Breakdown Of New COE Registrations Awarded To Existing Holders Versus Recent And First-Time Owners In 2025
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Acting Minister for Transport for each COE bidding exercise in 2025 and excluding COEs registered to companies, what is the breakdown in absolute numbers and percentages of new COE registrations that were awarded to (i) existing COE holders, (ii) recent holders who had a COE within the last 60 days and (iii) those without a COE within the last 60 days respectively.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: On average across Categories A and B in the first three quarters in 2025, around four in five or about 24,000 COEs were awarded to existing COE holders, around 2% or about 500 COEs were awarded to those who held a COE within the last 60days, and around one in five or about 6,000 COEs were awarded to those who had not held a COE in the last 60 days.
Data On Individual COE Ownership And Breakdown Of Ownership Distribution By Individual And Household Size In Last 10 Years
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Acting Minister for Transport over the last 10 years and excluding Certificate of Entitlement (COEs) registered to companies (a) how many individuals have held a COE; (b) what is the distribution of total COEs held per individual including both sequential and concurrent ownership; and (c) how does this distribution further break down when adjusted for household size on a per capita basis.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: Over the last 10 years, around 800,000 unique individuals owned a car. An average of about 5% of car-owning individuals owned multiple cars. An average of about 15% of car-owning households owned multiple cars. Adjusting the number of cars owned by households on a per capita basis is not meaningful, as households have different needs, and cars may also be used by individuals beyond the immediate household.
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong
Expanding Extended Producer Responsibility To Textiles And Fast Fashion And Reducing Burden On Consumers
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) whether the extended producer responsibility approach will be expanded beyond e-waste and packaging to include textiles and fast fashion; and (b) how will the Government ensure that producers bear greater responsibility for product end-of-life to reduce the burden on consumers and municipal systems.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: My Ministry and the National Environment Agency have been progressively implementing extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes to strengthen producer responsibility. We also encourage and support ground-up efforts from industry to manage waste responsibly, such as the Alliance for Action on Packaging Waste Reduction for the e-Commerce sector.
Our current areas of focus for EPR are e-waste which was implemented in 2021, and beverage containers which will be introduced next year through the Beverage Container Return Scheme.
Used textiles are not readily recyclable due to the highly varied materials and fibre blends used. Currently, they are collected via a network of channels (e.g. in-store collection points) for resale or reuse. My Ministry will continue to review ways to support proper management of textile waste.
Proper waste management remains a shared responsibility. All of us play a part to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Studies On Effect Of Forested Areas Towards Water Flows And Rising Water Levels In Areas Between Tampines Road And Serangoon East Dam
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) whether studies are done on how the forested areas between Tampines Road and Serangoon East Dam help to stabilise water flow into the Serangoon Reservoir; and (b) whether canals in Sungei Serangoon can withstand water level rise from increase in storm water runoff caused by any current or future developments in the forested areas.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: Based on the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Master Plan for the area, the Public Utilities Board has assessed that the Sungei Serangoon drainage system, including the area between Tampines Road and Serangoon East Dam, is adequate.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim
Number Of Carbon Offset Credits Purchased By Singapore Annually
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) how many carbon offset credits has Singapore purchased annually since 2023; (b) which are the main source countries; and (c) whether any originate from this region.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: To date, the Government and carbon tax-liable companies have not purchased any carbon credits under the International Carbon Credits Framework. In September 2025, the Government announced that it will contract high quality nature-based carbon credits from four projects in Ghana, Paraguay and Peru. These projects are expected to deliver 2.175 million tonnes of carbon credits towards our 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution.
Average PSLE Aggregate Scores For Lowest Performing National Primary Schools And Madrasahs
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Education what has been the annual average PSLE aggregate scores for (i) the six lowest-performing national primary schools and (ii) the four madrasahs, since 2021.
Mr Desmond Lee: From 2021 to 2024, the average PSLE Score for the six lowest performing national primary schools has been stable at 22.
The four madrasahs, which are designated schools under the Compulsory Education Act, are required to meet the PSLE benchmark, which is pegged at the average PSLE Score of Malay pupils taking four Standard-level subjects in the six lowest-performing national primary schools. Since 2021, the four madrasahs have met the PSLE benchmark.
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis
Rental Structure Analysis For Socially-Conscious Enterprise Hawker Centres
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) what is the number and percentage of stallholders under the Socially Conscious Enterprise Hawker Centre operators that have rental formulae based on the higher of a fixed rental or a percentage of gross turnover; and (b) what are the (i) range of percentage of gross turnover charged and (ii) share of gross turnover rents as a proportion of overall rents charged.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: Stall rentals at Socially-Conscious Enterprise Hawker Centres (SEHCs) are proposed by operators in their tender bids to the National Environment Agency (NEA). Since 2019, NEA has further capped stall rentals to the average of independently valued rents. Currently, only one SEHC operator applies a rental formula where stall rent may be tied to monthly gross turnover, which is subject to a rent cap of $2,550 per month.
Duration Of Vacancy Of Flats Under Lease Buyback Scheme And Under Relaunch Of Sbf Exercise In Past 10 Years
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the median, average, and longest duration between HDB's repossession of a flat under the Lease Buyback Scheme and the relaunch of the same unit in a Sale of Balance Flats exercise in the past 10 years; and (b) whether HDB has internal KPIs relating to the vacancy period of repossessed flats under the scheme.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: After flats are returned under the Lease Buyback Scheme (LBS), the Housing and Development Board conducts sprucing works, which typically take up to six months depending on factors such as the condition of the returned flat and extent of works required. These flats are then offered for sale as soon as possible under the next Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercise.
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song
Reports Of Ransomware Incidents By Singapore-Based Companies And Legislation On Ban Of Ransom Payments
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) how many ransomware incidents have been reported by Singapore-based companies in the past three years, with a breakdown by company size; (b) whether the Ministry plans to legislate a ban on ransom payments; and (c) what is the Ministry’s assessment of the net benefit of such a ban, balancing reduced criminal funding against business impact.
Mrs Josephine Teo: On average, there were 141 ransomware incidents reported to Government agencies annually between 2022 to 2024. Around 60% of these incidents were reported by small and medium enterprises1. The rest were reported by larger enterprises as well as non-profit organisations.
Singapore strongly discourages the payment of ransoms to ransomware actors. These attackers are criminals. Payment does not guarantee restoration of access to affected systems and data or prevent stolen data from being published. Organisations that have paid up may also be viewed as “soft targets” and prone to repeat attacks. Instead, we encourage everyone to adopt good cyber hygiene practices to better protect their systems and data against ransomware. We have made resources available at the Ransomware Portal to help them better protect themselves.
We are aware that some countries such as the UK are considering legislating a ban on ransom payments. The aim is to disincentivise ransom payments, and in so doing, cut off an important source of criminal funding for the ransomware industry. However, there are also concerns ransom payments may simply be pushed underground. We are therefore continuing engagements with our counterparts to better assess the effectiveness of legislating a ban.
Note(s) to Question No(s) 39:
1 Enterprises with a group revenue of up to S$100 million or a maximum employment size of 200 employees.
Considerations And Efforts Taken To Increase Usage Of $500 Skillsfuture Credits Before Its Expiry End-2025
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Education (a) how many Singaporeans have used their SkillsFuture Credits for the Udemy Business-Republic Polytechnic Annual Subscription Plan since its launch; and (b) whether more can be done to encourage Singaporeans to use their one-off SkillsFuture Credit top-up before it expires in 2025 for this online option, such as lowering the annual subscription price and more publicity.
Mr Desmond Lee: I will take oral Parliamentary Question No 78 and written Parliamentary Question No 42 to 43 on today's Order Paper.
My response will also cover the matters raised in the written Parliamentary Question scheduled for the earlier sitting on 4 November 2025 from Dr Charlene Chen. I invite Members to seek clarifications as needed.
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 will expire by the end of 2025 after about five years of validity, as it was intended to nudge individuals to take timely upskilling action.
As at end-September 2025, close to 800,000 Singaporeans, or about three in 10 eligible Singaporeans, have used their SkillsFuture Credit top-up. Mid-career workers aged 40 to 60 made up close to half of this group. Top areas of training include information and communications, food services, advertising and sales and marketing. About 10,000 individuals have used their SkillsFuture Credit for online training subscriptions by Udemy, EdX and Coursera that are offered through local training providers.
There are various reasons why individuals choose not to use their SkillsFuture Credit top-up. Many could have attended training with employer sponsorship and did not have to tap on their SkillsFuture Credit to offset the out-of-pocket training fees. In 2024, about 241,000 individuals were sponsored by their employers to attend training supported by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG).
We also recognise that there is opportunity cost for working adults to pursue training, requiring them to set aside time from work, family or personal commitments. To support these individuals, we have lowered the barriers to learning by leveraging e learning and introducing flexible training modalities, such as bite-sized modules and part time programmes that are work-compatible.
SSG has also stepped up efforts to enhance the MySkillsFuture portal to make it easier for users to navigate the course catalogue, and search for courses based on their career goals, skills needs or interests. SSG will continue to enhance the MySkillsFuture user interface based on user feedback, including plans to better integrate the course search and course sign up with training providers. More details will be released later.
We do not intend to extend the expiry of this one-off SkillsFuture Credit top-up. SSG will continue to guide learners to access training programmes that meet their needs, including those that target in-demand and emerging skills such as in AI upskilling. Individuals with expiring credits can consider whether there are suitable courses or online training subscriptions that meet their learning and career needs.
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat
Proposal For Dog Run Area On State Land Near Serangoon North View
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for Law whether the Government will designate a dog run on the state land parcel adjacent to Serangoon North View.
Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai: The Government currently has no plans for a dog run park on the State land parcel in question.
Prohibiting Employer Requests For Last-Drawn Salary Information During Recruitment To Promote Fair Wage Practices
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for Manpower whether the Ministry will consider prohibiting employers from requesting last-drawn salary information during recruitment to promote wage determination based on skills and role requirements, prevent anchoring and indexing of offers to prior pay, and mitigate disadvantages from unfavourable starting salaries.
Dr Tan See Leng: The Ministry of Manpower does not plan to prohibit employers from requesting last-drawn salary information during recruitment. Such information may be relevant for employers to gauge a candidate's seniority or to make an appropriate offer. However, employers who rely heavily on prior pay may risk overlooking strong candidates by anchoring offers to pay levels that do not reflect current skills. Jobseekers are not obliged to disclose their past salaries and may negotiate compensation based on their skills, experience, and the demands of the role.
Mr Fadli Fawzi
Faraid Inheritance Rights For Muslim Children Born Out Of Wedlock Under Administration Of Muslim Law Act
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs for the list of circumstances in which a Muslim child who was born out of wedlock (i) can and (ii) cannot be recognised as a faraid beneficiary under the Administration of Muslim Law Act.
Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: According to the ruling of the Legal (Fatwa) Committee, which is chaired by the Mufti, a Muslim child born out of wedlock is eligible to be a beneficiary under Muslim inheritance law (Faraid) if the deceased is the child’s biological mother or a maternal relative, but not if the deceased is the child’s biological father or a paternal relative.
Data On Muslim And Muslim Convert Marriages By Gender From January 2000 To October 2025
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth from 1 January 2000 to 23 October 2025 (a) what is the annual number of marriages registered with the Registry of Marriages involving a Muslim person broken down by gender; and (b) what is the annual number of marriages registered with the Registry of Muslim Marriages involving a recent Muslim convert broken down by gender.
Mr David Neo: From 2000 to 2024, there was an average of about 20,700 civil marriages and 4,900 Muslim marriages a year. The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth does not track the further breakdown requested.
