Written Answers to WP's Oral Questions

Ms He Ting Ru

Assessing Arbitration Clauses In Contracts To Ensure Freelancers Can Seek Redress Before Small Claims Tribunal

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Law (a) whether the Ministry has assessed if arbitration clauses in freelancer contracts should be unenforceable to the extent that they prevent individual freelancers from bringing a qualifying claim before the Small Claims Tribunals; and (b) what approaches the Ministry is considering to ensure that such freelancers can still seek redress before the Tribunal where appropriate.

Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai: The Government recognises the concerns that some freelancers may face where dispute resolution processes become too costly or impractical relative to the value of the claim. At the same time, Singapore’s legal framework is founded on principles of freedom of contract and party autonomy, including parties’ ability to agree on how disputes should be resolved. Where parties have agreed to arbitration, there is generally an expectation that they will be honoured. Hence, the Government will not lightly intervene in privately negotiated arbitration agreements. 

Parties may choose arbitration for a range of legitimate reasons, including confidentiality, and the ability to appoint a subject matter expert as arbitrator. There is also procedural flexibility – the market may develop low-cost, expedited and simplified arbitration processes for lower value claims. We should not close these off. Arbitration remains an important tool which supports commercial certainty and effective dispute resolution. 

The Ministry is committed to ensuring that there is meaningful and practical access to justice. In some cases, particularly for lower-value claims, the cost and complexity of certain forms of arbitration may make it difficult for freelancers to pursue legitimate claims. The Ministry is working closely with the Judiciary to ensure 

that court and tribunal processes, including the Small Claims Tribunals, remain accessible, affordable and effective. We are also studying if there can be an appropriate framework which could allow certain claims to be resolved at the Small Claims Tribunal, notwithstanding an arbitration clause, while balancing the various interests and considerations set out above. 

Guidelines For IHL Educators When Using AI Tools For Grading And Assessment Purposes

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Education in relation to the usage of artificial intelligence tools by educators in Institutes of Higher Learning for grading and assessment purposes (a) what safeguards govern accuracy, bias, confidentiality of student data, and human oversight in the final marking decision; and (b) whether the Ministry can share more details of the guidelines issued to educators about its use. 

Mr Desmond Lee: The Ministry of Education (MOE) has shared guidelines on the use of AI in education with all Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs). These guidelines cover the use of AI in teaching and assessment, as well as how AI use should be aligned with learning outcomes. For details on these guidelines, members may refer to the response to Questions 41 and 42 for oral answer in the 24 September 2025 Order Paper. 

In line with MOE’s guidelines, the IHLs use AI for assessment in a careful and calibrated manner. Before being deployed, AI grading tools are validated for reliability to ensure that the assessment outcomes reflect the intended mastery by students. More importantly, educators retain responsibility for the final grading decision by remaining in-the-loop during the assessment process, and reviewing individual assessment outcomes. Educators must also inform their students when AI is used in assessments and communicate the grading criteria clearly. 

In line with prevailing government guidelines for data governance, all IHLs have institutional safeguards to protect the confidentiality of student data. For instance, only institutionally approved AI platforms are used for AI-assisted assessment, and all personal identifiers are removed from student work before it is processed by AI grading systems.

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis

Data On Annual Premiums Of Medical Insurance Policies For EP Holders By Percentile, And Mandating Companies To Provide Medical Insurance Coverage

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether the Government has data on the current (i) 25th percentile (ii) median (iii) average and (iv) 75th percentile for annual premiums of medical insurance policies for foreign employment pass (EP) holders; and (b) whether the Government is considering mandating companies to provide medical insurance coverage for EP holders who do not have existing medical insurance coverage. 

Dr Tan See Leng: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) does not track the annual premiums of medical insurance policies for Employment Pass (EP) Holders. MOM does not intend to require employers to purchase medical insurance for EP Holders. Unlike Work Permit Holders and S Pass Holders, EP Holders are subject to a higher salary threshold and have the means to purchase their own insurance.

Number Of Individuals Claiming Course Fees Relief And Average Relief Granted Per Individual Per Year

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance in each of the last five years, what are the (i) number of individuals who have claimed course fees relief (ii) the average course fees relief granted per individual per year (iii) total amount of course fees relief granted and (iv) total amount of individual income tax foregone from course fees relief. 

Ms Indranee Rajah: The Government publishes data on personal income tax, which is publicly available on www.data.gov.sg. This includes data on the number of Course Fees Relief claimants and the amount of the relief granted. The member may refer to the website to access the data for the first three questions. 

On the last question, the average amount of individual income tax foregone from Course Fees Relief was around $13 million per year over the Years of Assessment 2020 to 2024. 

Difference Between Actual Waiting Times And Initial Projections For BTO Developments

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for National Development for HDB BTO projects completed in the last five years, what have been the realised median and average difference in waiting time compared to initial projections at project launch. 

Mr Chee Hong Tat: This question was addressed in the Ministry of National Development’s reply on 5 May 2026 to the question by Mr Sharael Taha.

Mr Low Wu Yang Andre

Holistic Study To Inform Singapore’s Path Towards Vision For Zero Road Fatalities

Mr Low Wu Yang Andre asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs given that road fatalities have risen for five consecutive years to a 10-year high despite successive enforcement measures, whether the Traffic Police has commissioned or intends to commission a holistic structural study, including road engineering and infrastructure design factors, to inform Singapore’s path towards the Vision Zero target of zero road fatalities. 

Mr K Shanmugam: The Government adopts a holistic approach to road safety. Besides enforcement, the Traffic Police (TP) and Land Transport Authority (LTA) work together on road infrastructure, regulations and penalties, and public education. 

On road infrastructure and design, TP and LTA take into account community feedback to implement traffic calming measures, in particular at violation- and accident-prone locations. LTA will also be expanding Friendly Streets to all towns by 2030, which will entail roads with reduced speed limits and road markings to assist vehicle drivers to be more careful. 

Vision Zero is an example of successful intervention in road safety in Finland. The Government also approaches road safety on the basis that every fatality is one too many. We will draw reference from the example in Finland, as well as others, in reducing road accidents. However, road accidents are often caused when drivers engage in risky behaviour (for example drink driving or speeding and other such behaviour). This happens despite the penalties, and despite the public education that is going on. 

Mr Fadli Fawzi

Assessing Success Of Healthy Meals In Schools Programme In Cultivating Healthy Eating Habits

Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what outcome-based indicators does the Health Promotion Board (HPB) use to assess whether the Healthy Meals in Schools Programme is achieving its objective of cultivating healthy eating habits among students; and (b) whether HPB collects data on actual food consumption rates or plate waste in schools under the Programme. 

Mr Ong Ye Kung: The Healthy Meals in Schools programme (HMSP) is part of a broader suite of school-based efforts which complement Grow Well SG to cultivate healthy eating habits from young such as nutrition education and parent engagement initiatives. As it would not be straightforward to attribute outcomes to the programme in isolation, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) tracks more broadly the eating habits of students under Grow Well SG. 

HPB does not collect data on actual food consumption rates or plate waste in schools under the programme. HPB engages regularly with schools and canteen vendors to ensure that meals served continue to meet the required guidelines, and incorporates their feedback to refine the implementation of the guidelines. HPB also provides resources, such as the HMSP Toolkit for Schools, which includes sample recipes using healthier ingredients and cooking methods. 

HPB will continue to work with stakeholders such as the Ministry of Education, schools and canteen vendors to strengthen and review the programme and better support students in developing healthy eating habits. 

Indicators To Measure Effectiveness Of Schemes And Grants To Support AI Training

Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what outcome indicators will be used to evaluate whether the free premium artificial intelligence (AI) tool subscription scheme has achieved its workforce objectives; and (b) whether the Training Quality And Outcomes Measurement (TRAQOM) outcomes survey will be extended to cover short-form AI courses eligible for the scheme. 

Dr Tan See Leng: The Government will provide free subscriptions to selected premium AI tools to Singaporeans who participate in eligible training programmes. The subscription will give them the opportunity to have hands-on practice with these tools, by experimenting with and integrating AI in their daily work and lives. This supports our broader objective of raising the overall level of AI literacy in our workforce and giving workers greater confidence to face the AI transformation of the economy and jobs. 

To evaluate whether the scheme has met its objectives, we will track a range of indicators on usage and attitudes towards AI. These include aggregate data on the take-up of the subscriptions, patterns of usage and sustained engagement over the six month free access period and beyond. We may also conduct periodic surveys to assess users' confidence and perceived capability to apply AI at work, to better understand how access to the free AI subscriptions has supported practical workplace use. 

The Training Quality and Outcomes Measurement (TRAQOM) survey is applied to all SSG-funded courses, including the curated AI courses that serve as a prerequisite for the subscription.

Plans For Means-Tested University Fee Subsidy Scheme At National Level

Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for Education (a) whether the Government has any plans to work with other community self-help groups to introduce a means tested university subsidy scheme similar to MENDAKI's Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy scheme or to introduce such a scheme at the national level; and (b) if not, why not. 

Mr Desmond Lee: Singaporean students from lower- and middle-income families pursuing an undergraduate degree in our Autonomous Universities may apply for a government bursary, which covers up to 75% of the subsidised tuition fees for general degree courses. The bursaries are reviewed regularly to ensure that they are adequate. In October 2025, we announced that the income eligibility threshold will be raised from Academic Year 2026, from the gross monthly household income or GHI of $10,000 to $12,000, and gross monthly household per capita income or PCI from $2,500 to $3,000. 

The Autonomous Universities also offer other financial assistance, on top of the government bursaries provided. 

MENDAKI’s Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy (TTFS) complements broader national financial assistance schemes by providing additional means-tested subsidies for Malay students from lower- and middle-income households. There are no plans for other self-help groups to offer a similar scheme. 

The Government continues to welcome private organisations and individuals, social service agencies, and self-help groups to provide additional assistance to meet the needs of specific communities or groups of students in their pursuit of higher education. 

Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat

Principal Levers In Proposed Blind Box Regulations

Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) what are the principal regulatory levers under consideration for the proposed blind box regulations in relation to sealed packs of trading card game (TCG) products; (b) whether requiring retailers to open sealed packs and sell cards as individually identified items is among the options; and (c) what consultation has been conducted with TCG retailers, collectors and youth-serving organisations. 

Mr K Shanmugam: The Ministry of Home Affairs will share the specifics of our proposed blind box regulations, which will also cover trading card games later this year. We are currently engaging industry stakeholders. The regulations will aim to mitigate the gambling inducement risk of blind boxes. 

We do not intend to require the sellers of blind boxes, of trading cards or otherwise, to open the sealed boxes and sell the contents as individual items. This would effectively ban blind boxes. Any proposed safeguard will need to be proportionate to the gambling inducement risk of the product. 

Average Processing Time For Children Of Singaporeans Awaiting Permanent Residency Or Citizenship Decisions

Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many children of Singaporeans await Permanent Residency or citizenship decisions; (b) what is the average processing time; (c) whether the Ministry is aware some of these children are on rolling visitor visas; and (d) whether the Ministry will expedite such cases, given the Government expects to take in between 25,000 and 30,000 new citizens annually over the next five years. 

Mr K Shanmugam: As of 31 Dec 2025, there were 914 children who had a pending Permanent Residency (PR) or Singapore Citizenship (SC) application sponsored by their Singaporean parent. 

Most applications for PR and SC are processed within 6 and 12 months respectively. Some applications may take longer to process. It depends on the facts of the case, the need to verify documents, and other relevant factors. The SC applications for young children generally take less time. For children born overseas to SCs, their SC applications are expedited because often there will be a need to travel. Such applications are generally processed within a month, depending on the case, and whether all required documents are submitted and are in order. 

While their application is being processed, these children may visit or stay in Singapore on other immigration passes such as a Short-Term Visit Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass, Dependant’s Pass or Student’s Pass, subject to the prevailing criteria. 

The Government will seek to process such applications as quickly as possible, without compromising the robustness of the assessment and checks.

Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik

Mandating Cyclical Improvement Requirements For Critical Building Systems In Private Developments

Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry will consider introducing mandatory cyclical improvement requirements for critical building systems in private developments, such as lifts, roofing and electrical systems; and (b) if not, what safeguards exist to ensure that ageing private estates undertake such improvements in a timely manner under the current voluntary framework. 

Mr Chee Hong Tat: There are currently no plans to introduce mandatory cyclical improvement requirements for critical building systems in private developments. Mandatory upgrades at a fixed frequency or when systems meet a certain age may not be practical, as the failure risk of these systems can vary widely in lifespan and usage patterns. 

To safeguard public safety, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) requires building owners to carry out periodic inspections for key systems. For instance, lifts must be inspected annually. There are requirements for building facades, including roofs, to be inspected at least once every seven years under the Periodic Facade Inspection (PFI) regime. Where there are findings from the inspections, building owners are responsible to implement remedial actions. BCA is also reviewing measures to ensure that ageing lifts and escalators keep pace with modern safety standards, such as through the inclusion of features that regulate their speed and movement.

Under the Building (Strata Management) Act (BSMA), the responsibility for the proper maintenance and upkeep of strata developments rests with the Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST), and collectively, the subsidiary proprietors. As part of the ongoing BSMA review, BCA is studying ways to help MCSTs plan for and work towards having adequate sinking funds for essential maintenance or upgrades. 

Review Of Seat Widths And Spacing On MRT Trains And Public Buses

Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) whether LTA takes into account updated anthropometric data of the Singapore population when specifying seat widths and spacing for MRT trains and public buses; (b) when these specifications were last reviewed; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider revising seating standards given that Singaporeans are now taller and broader. 

Mr Jeffrey Siow: The Land Transport Authority (LTA) requires that seats on all new trains must minimally be 48cm wide. As buses have more space constraints, seats on all new buses have lower requirements, but must still minimally be 42cm wide. Our standards exceed the relevant European Union standards for bus and train seats. 

We have no plans to revise the minimum standards for seat width at this time. LTA will continue to evaluate train and bus designs holistically based on commuter feedback and capacity requirements, including to maintain sufficient space for standing commuters and wheelchair users. 

Review Of Floor-To-Ceiling Heights, Doorway Dimensions And Corridor Widths Against Updated Anthropometric Data Of Singapore Population

Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether HDB and the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) review floor-to-ceiling heights, doorway dimensions and corridor widths against updated anthropometric data of the Singapore population; (b) when such design standards were last revised; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider a periodic review of building codes to account for the trend of Singaporeans growing taller and larger in build. 

Mr Chee Hong Tat: The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) conducts periodic reviews of building codes, including floor-to-ceiling heights, doorway dimensions, and corridor widths, to ensure that our buildings are safe, accessible and meet the needs of building users. These reviews consider relevant anthropometric data where applicable.

There have been no recent revisions to the minimum floor-to-ceiling height, as the average height of Singapore’s population has not increased significantly to warrant a revision. Similarly, there have been no recent revisions to the minimum dimensions of doorways and corridors, which take into account the needs of wheelchair users and have been assessed to remain adequate for the build of Singapore’s population. 

The Housing Development Board (HDB) designs its flats in compliance with building codes and incorporates universal design principles to cater to the diverse needs of residents. 

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song

Regulations To Prevent Insurers From Denying Claims On Newer Procedures Not Explicitly Listed In Legacy Policy Wording

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) whether MAS will review medical insurance contracts to ensure that definitions of surgical procedures are updated to include modern, less invasive medical advances; and (b) what regulatory measures are being considered to prevent insurers from denying claims solely because a newer, more effective procedure is not explicitly listed in legacy policy wording. 

Mr Gan Kim Yong (for the Prime Minister): With constantly advancing medical care, it is natural for policyholders to ask if their existing insurance coverage keeps pace with newer, less invasive procedures. 

Let me explain how this works for two broad types of health insurance. MediShield Life pays for medically necessary treatments and surgical procedures that are listed in the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP). MOH regularly updates the TOSP to keep MediShield Life relevant and adjusts the premiums where necessary. Integrated Shield Plans generally align with MediShield Life. 

Critical illness insurance, or CI, works differently. Severe stage CI policies pay a fixed lump sum when a person is diagnosed with an advanced stage CI or undergoes a specified major procedure. The Life Insurance Association, Singapore (LIA) regularly updates its standardised severe stage CI definitions to reflect medical advances. Insurers will adopt LIA’s latest definitions when issuing new severe stage CI policies. Existing policies, however, do not assume the updated LIA definitions, as the updated severe stage CI definitions and any associated newer procedures and treatments could widen the scope of policy coverage and increase the incidence of claims. Doing so without a corresponding premium adjustment could impact the sustainability of the product. 

LIA is studying the feasibility of allowing policyholders of existing CI policies to adjust their coverage to include newer treatments with appropriate premium adjustments. As there are complex implications on the actuarial assessment, the study will take time. 

Meanwhile, I encourage consumers to regularly review the type, coverage and affordability of their health insurance policies in line with their evolving needs. As medical technology evolves, some conditions can now be treated through less invasive procedures with shorter recovery times. For coverage of these treatments, insurers offer comprehensive or early stage CI plans, which cover a broader range of procedures. The scope of coverage and cost for these products varies amongst insurers. Consumers can seek financial advice to help determine the level of protection that suits their needs and budget. 

Resources For Sports That Are Not Yet Featured In Major Games But Have High Competitive Potential

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) what is the Ministry’s assessment of the development potential of tchoukball in Singapore; (b) how the Ministry forecasts which emerging sports, like tchoukball, will be included in future major games; and (c) how it allocates resources to sports that are not featured in major games but demonstrate high international competitive potential and have a significant community following. 

Mr David Neo: In answering this question, it is important for us to remind ourselves of what sport is and what sports stands for. Sports has the ability to bring people together, imbues character, and promotes teamwork. And that is why we constantly promote wider participation in sports among our youths – because it is intrinsically valuable for youth development. It nurtures better Singaporeans. 

Broad-based sport participation and high-performance sport are mutually reinforcing and support one another. Developing a wider interest and love for sports through a diverse range of sports expands the pipeline for high-performance sport, and means stronger community and national support for our national athletes. When Team Singapore athletes excel on the world stage, it in turn inspires our youth to take up sports and strive for excellence. 

The Government’s approach to promoting sports programmes and competitions in schools goes well beyond those in the Major Games. Because sport serves a broader purpose for our youths – fostering interactions and social mixing among students, and developing physical fitness and values such as resilience and teamwork. 

In selecting sports for the National School Games, the Ministry of Education (MOE) therefore incorporates factors such as its value to student development, interest levels, school participation patterns, and the ecosystem's capacity — including facilities, qualified coaches and officials, and the NSA's ability to support competitions. The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and MOE will work with ready, willing and able NSAs to introduce more sports into the NSG to reflect the diverse interests of our youths. 

For high-performance sport, the Government places great importance on identifying and developing athletes, and has been increasing investments to help athletes compete better and longer. Developing a strong pipeline of youths in sports included in the Major Games is key to our high-performance strategy. We do this through structured youth pathways, deepening of coaching and specialist expertise, and close partnerships with NSAs to identify and nurture talent early. Just last week, we announced our largest-ever cohort of 247 spexScholars and spexPotential recipients across 41 sports. 

As a nation with a small population base and finite resources, we tier our support based on each sport's needs, readiness and potential contributions, with a focus on the Major Games as these are multi-sports and have the largest contingent of Team Singapore athletes, are most watched by and followed by Singaporeans, and most able to rally our nation and inspire the Singapore spirit. 

The Government has also been investing in emerging sports. Through the Athletes' Inspire Fund, we have supported athletes in sports such as pickleball, powerlifting, dodgeball and kickboxing. We have supported NSAs in hosting international competitions, such as the 2023 World Youth Tchoukball Championship. With the Government’s support, Tchoukball Association of Singapore (TBAS) attained Charity status in 2024, unlocking access to the One Team Singapore Fund (OTSF) where the Government matches donations dollar-for-dollar. With the formation of SpexSG last month, we will work more closely with and empower NSAs to be strong stewards of their sports. 

The sporting landscape is always evolving, and the decision on which sports feature in future Major Games rests with international and regional multi-sport governing bodies. Against such a backdrop, we take a practical and long-term view to partner with our stakeholders and invest in sports that show potential, building pathways and community participation, because we value sport and the positive benefits it brings to Singaporeans in and of itself, in addition to being ready should opportunities arise. Emerging sports today can be part of Major Games tomorrow. Floorball is one such example – through sustained effort, community interest, and a committed NSA, it was included as an official medal sport at the SEA Games since 2015. 

The Government will continue to invest in sports that Singaporeans care about as these are sports with the power to unite us and bring us together as a nation.

Covered Pedestrian And Cycling Pathway On Causeway

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) whether the Ministry will coordinate with the Malaysian authorities to construct a designated, covered pedestrian and cycling pathway on the Causeway to provide a safer, greener and more efficient alternative to motorised transport on one of the world’s busiest land crossings; and (b) what discussions have already taken place on this matter, if any.

Mr Jeffrey Siow: While cycling is permitted on both sides of the Causeway, Malaysia currently prohibits walking along the Causeway. There are currently no plans for a covered pedestrian and cycling pathway along the Causeway.

Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan

Providing Guidance And Gathering Feedback For AI Use In Schools

Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked the Minister for Education regarding the introduction of AI tools for Primary 4 to 6 students (a) what are the specific AI use cases planned for this age group; (b) what age-appropriateness assessments have been conducted before extending AI tool access to this age range; and (c) what guidance is provided to parents on how their children will interact with AI tools in and beyond school. 

Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked the Minister for Education (a) whether the Ministry has a dedicated formal channel through which teachers, students, and parents can provide feedback on the artificial intelligence (AI) in education strategy roll-out; (b) if not, whether the Ministry intends to establish one; (c) what are the existing channels through which the Ministry has gathered such feedback; and (d) how many pieces of feedback have been received to date. 

Mr Desmond Lee: This question has been addressed by the Ministry of Education's answer to oral Parliamentary Question Nos 2 to 5 on 6 May 2026. 

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong

Resource Allocation For Sports That Lack Pathways To Major Games But Maintain Significant Student Participation And Developmental Value

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Education (a) whether the National School Games is designed for participation and character development or as a talent pipeline for major Games; (b) how does the Ministry determine which niche sports to retain; and (c) how resources are allocated to sports that lack pathways to major Games but maintain significant student participation and developmental value. 

Mr Desmond Lee: This question has been addressed by the Ministry of Education's written answer to oral Parliamentary Question No 88 on 5 May 2026. 

Mandating Sufficient Parking Space Within Construction Sites To Prevent Project-Related Vehicles From Parking Along Public Roads

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Acting Minister for Transport whether LTA will work with the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) to mandate that developers and contractors allocate sufficient space within construction sites for parking and waiting for all project-related vehicles during construction to prevent occupation of public road lanes along construction sites, affecting traffic flow and creating disamenities to other road users for the entire period of construction. 

Mr Jeffrey Siow: It is impractical to mandate parking or holding spaces for vehicles within construction sites, due to the additional space required, and operational constraints during construction. 

To manage vehicular movements in and out of the worksites safely and efficiently, contractors may deploy traffic marshals and schedule vehicle arrivals at staggered intervals. Enforcement is conducted against indiscriminate parking or stopping of vehicles along public roads. Hotspots are closely monitored and technology such as parking enforcement cameras are adopted. 

Refurbishment Plans For First-Generation C830 Circle Line Trains

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) whether there are refurbishment plans for the first-generation C830 Circle Line trains as they approach 20 years of service; (b) what the typical lead time and duration are for such refurbishments; and (c) what technical or cost-benefit criteria determine the choice between refurbishment and full fleet replacement. 

Mr Jeffrey Siow: The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is currently assessing the scope and timing for the refurbishment of the first-generation Circle Line trains. This assessment is based on train performance and condition, the need to replace obsolete parts, and whether there are viable upgrades available. Our trains typically undergo one major refurbishment around the 20 year mark, although this can vary according to train condition, before they are replaced with newer trains. 

Written Questions

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim

Consideration To Provide Additional Paid Childcare Leave For Parents With Preterm Births

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance whether there has been further consideration of providing additional paid childcare leave for parents with preterm births, given the need for more time and care due to potential health complications. 

Ms Indranee Rajah: We regularly receive feedback on enhancing child-related leave provisions, including the Member’s suggestion. In recent years, parental leave provisions have been significantly enhanced, such that parents now have 30 weeks of paid leave, including 10 weeks of Shared Parental Leave. 

In considering further enhancements to leave provisions, we will have to strike a balance between employees’ caregiving needs, and the operational impact on employers, who are still adjusting to recent parental leave enhancements. 

Beyond leave provisions, it is equally important for employers to implement work-life friendly practices, such as flexible work arrangements, and demonstrate understanding towards parents who may require time away from work to care for their children. We will continue to work with Tripartite Partners to foster work-life friendly workplaces. 

Examining Measures Adopted In Other Countries To Increase Adopted Of Residential Solar Installations On Private Properties

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry whether the Ministry will consider examining measures adopted in other countries to increase the adoption of residential solar installations on private properties with a view to adapting them for local implementation. 

Mr Gan Kim Yong: The adoption of residential solar installations on private properties has increased more than four times in five years, from around 1,400 in 2020 to around 6,900 in 2025. This has been driven by favourable economics. Solar panel costs have come down over the years, and the payback period for rooftop solar can be five years or even shorter. For residential building owners who may be concerned about costs, some solar vendors offer “rent-to-own” models that allow them to enjoy the benefits of solar installation with little to no upfront cost. 

Some jurisdictions have introduced measures to increase solar adoption, such as making it mandatory for new residential buildings to install solar panels. In Singapore, we have no plans at this stage to mandate solar panel installation on private residential buildings because some of these buildings have other rooftop uses such as greenery, or their rooftops may not be suited to solar installation due to factors such as shading from neighbouring buildings.

The Government will continue to push for solar deployment in Singapore and will consider additional measures to accelerate solar adoption if there is a need to do so. 

Expanding Paediatric And Geriatric Inpatient Care Services At Regional Hospitals

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health whether there are plans to expand the suite of (i) paediatric and (ii) geriatric services offered at regional hospitals, in particular to address limited inpatient care services in such hospitals, to better support the demographic distribution of young and old households in such towns. 

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Geriatric medicine services are available in all public acute hospitals. It is provided by multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care for elderly patients. 

The planning of hospital-based paediatric services is guided by clinical considerations and demographic trends, which drive demand. Given birth trends and our demography, KK Women and Children’s Hospital (KKH) and National University Hospital (NUH) and private hospitals such as Thomson Medical and Mount Alvernia are adequate to serve the needs of our population. This also ensures sufficient case volume for paediatric specialists to maintain their expertise and provide treatment with good outcomes, particularly for children with rare or more complex conditions. 

In addition, General Practitioners are trained to manage a wide range of common ambulatory medical conditions in children, supported by community-based paediatricians. KKH and NUH have also planned for outpatient satellite paediatric clinic services to be sited in some of our regional hospitals, such as Sengkang General Hospital (SKH), Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH) and Woodlands Hospital (WH). Ambulatory child development clinics are also available island-wide.

Reasons On Six-Month Duration For Service Reduction Project At Sengkang LRT’s West Loop

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Acting Minister for Transport why the expected duration of the project resulting in the reduction of service on the West Loop of the Sengkang LRT system is six months. 

Mr Jeffrey Siow: The closure of the Sengkang West Loop is needed to connect new reception tracks from the expanded Sengkang LRT depot to the existing LRT network. 

These heavy works include modification of existing tracks, construction of connections to the new reception tracks, and the diversion and replacement of electrical and mechanical systems. These works must be carefully sequenced and carried out for worker safety. The system must also be thoroughly inspected and tested before being reopened for service. 

Scope And Rationale Of Public Transport Voucher In Offsetting Recent VS Cumulative Fare Increases Since 2020

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) whether the Public Transport Voucher is intended to offset only the most recent fare increase or also cumulative fare increases since 2020; and (b) if not, what is the rationale for not covering cumulative increases. 

Mr Jeffrey Siow: Public Transport Vouchers (PTVs) are provided in years where public transport fares are increased, to cushion the impact of the immediate cost increase on lower-income households. The PTVs are not intended to offset cumulative fare increases over time. 

There are other structural support measures in place to keep public transport affordable. The Government provides over $2 billion in annual subsidies to fund bus and train services. In recent years, the Government has also provided additional subsidies of $200 to $300 million annually, which has allowed the Public Transport Council to defer the bulk of fare increases. Concession groups like students, senior citizens, Person with Disabilities (PWD) and workfare recipients also enjoy discounts of up to 70% off adult per-journey fares. 

Mr Fadli Fawzi

Proportion Of Keep-Left Summonses Involving Slow Vehicles And Detection Of Lane Discipline Offences

Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) what proportion of summonses issued for failing to keep left on expressways involved vehicles subject to a statutory speed limit of 60 km/h or below; and (b) how such violations are detected given that fixed enforcement cameras are not currently deployed for lane discipline offences. 

Mr K Shanmugam: All the summonses issued for the offence of failing to keep left on expressways have involved vehicles with a vehicular speed limit of 60 km/h or slower, since the offence in the Road Traffic (Expressway Traffic) Rules only applies to such vehicles. 

These violations are detected through on-road enforcement by Traffic Police officers, reports submitted by members of the public, and traffic accident investigations. 

Data On Reports On Illegal Waste Dumping Received Since 2020 And Measures To Reduce Illegal Dumping In Residential Areas

Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) for each year since 2020, what is the number of reports of illegal dumping of waste received by the National Environment Agency; (b) what are the current measures NEA adopts to reduce the incidence of these behaviours in residential areas; and (c) how NEA tracks the effectiveness of these measures. 

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: Improper disposal of waste in residential areas, including bulky waste items, constitutes a littering offence under the Environmental Public Health Act 1987. From 2020 to 2025, the National Environment Agency (NEA) received an average of about 4,500 feedback per year for improper disposal of bulky waste. 

NEA takes a multi-pronged approach to deter improper waste disposal in residential areas. This includes working with Town Councils, which manage the cleaning of the Housing and Development Board estates, to educate residents on proper disposal practices. Town Councils may also deploy larger bins for residents to dispose of their bulky waste. Residents may check with their Town Councils if they provide free removal for certain number of bulky items each month. For persistent hotspots, NEA may deploy surveillance cameras for enforcement purposes. 

NEA tracks the effectiveness of these measures through feedback trends, enforcement numbers and recurrence rates at identified hotspots. 

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong

Simplifying HealtHhub Terms Of Use For Seniors And Residents Of All Literacy Levels

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry will provide a simplified version of HealthHub's Terms of Use to ensure digital access to health records is not conditional on accepting broad contractual terms; and (b) what measures are taken to ensure that these terms are accessible and easy to understand for seniors and residents of all literacy levels. 

Mr Ong Ye Kung: HealthHub's Terms of Use (TOU) is broadly similar to those of other digital health apps. It covers the full range of HealthHub's functions, from access to health records and appointment scheduling, to bill payment, the caregiver module and more. The TOUs set out protections and liabilities to safeguard against illegal or inappropriate use that could compromise the platform for all users.

We will continue to review the TOU to ensure clarity for users. Users who require assistance in understanding the TOU or managing their HealthHub access can call 1800 225 4482 or email contact_us@healthhub.sg. 

Study On Factors Hindering Switch From Private Transport To Achieve 75% Peak-Period Modal Share Goal

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) with Singapore at around ten percentage points short of the 2030 target of 75% mass public transport peak-period modal share, whether LTA has studied the factors hindering the switch from private transport, including rail service reliability; and (b) if not, whether LTA will commission such a study, including the effect of rail service reliability on public transport adoption. 

Mr Jeffrey Siow: Public transport peak-period modal share has continued to grow steadily over the years. There are several reasons why we have not yet hit the target of 75%. For example, the growth of the private hire car industry has provided Singaporeans with an affordable means of point-to-point transport, on a pay-per-use basis. The impact of COVID-19 and the delay to new public transport infrastructure including new rail lines like the Cross Island Line, Circle Line Stage 6 and the Jurong Region Line, has further slowed public transport adoption. However, there is no evidence that changes in rail reliability have affected public transport adoption. In any case, the reliability of our train system remains above our targets. On improving the attractiveness of public transport, feedback from commuters generally focus on more direct connections and improved comfort. We expect public transport peak-period modal share to grow over time as new train lines are completed, including the upcoming Jurong Region Line and the Cross Island Line. 

Ms He Ting Ru

Guidance Provided To Mental Health Providers On Minor Referrals And Parental Consent Thresholds For Tier 2 Services

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what guidance has been issued to mental health service providers on accepting referrals for Tier 2 low-intensity services from minors without parental consent while the parental consent guidelines have yet to be published; and (b) what parental consent threshold are service providers currently directed to apply for Tier 2 services. 

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Currently, mental health professionals who are members of the Singapore Association for Counselling, the Singapore Psychological Society and the Singapore Association of Social Workers are guided by their respective professional codes of practice to seek parental consent before providing care to minors in general.

The Ministry of Health is consulting stakeholders on our draft parental consent guidelines and will share more when ready. 

Monitoring Microplastic Concentrations In Singapore's Marine Environment, Reservoirs And Food Chain And Plans To Legislate Bans Or Mandatory Labelling

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) what monitoring and mitigation measures are in place under the Singapore Green Plan 2030 to detect and address microplastic concentrations in Singapore's marine environment, reservoirs, and food chain; and (b) whether the Government will consider legislative bans on intentional microplastics or mandatory labelling similar to those in the EU. 

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: The Singapore Food Agency and the Public Utilities Board, Singapore’s National Water Agency monitor the level of microplastics in our food and across the water loop, including in our reservoirs and seawater used in desalination. Data shows that the level of microplastics in these sources remains low or undetectable. 

As microplastics can be produced from the breakdown of larger plastic debris, my Ministry implements measures to reduce plastic waste generation and prevent its leakage into the environment. These include a robust waste management system and strict anti-littering enforcement, complemented by 3P (People, Public and Private) engagement programmes. 

Nevertheless, my Ministry is closely monitoring international discussions and scientific studies on this topic. Singapore will continue to take an evidence-based approach and review our policies as scientific understanding and international best practices evolve. 

Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat

Funding Criteria For Anchor And Partner Operator Preschools And Proportion Of Non-Citizen And Non-PR Enrolment

Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what is the basis for ECDA's sizing of operator-level funding for Anchor and Partner Operator preschools; (b) whether enrolment is a criterion; (c) if so, whether non-citizen and non-permanent resident (PR) children count toward enrolment; (d) what proportion of enrolment in the past three years have been non citizens and non-PRs; and (e) whether the Ministry will restrict operator-level subsidies to citizen and PR enrolment. 

Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) funds Anchor Operator (AOP) and Partner Operator (POP) preschools to improve affordability and quality. Funding is sized based on the number of children enrolled, adherence to fee caps, achievement of quality benchmarks, and the provision of competitive salaries for preschool educators. 

While AOP and POP preschools welcome children of all nationalities, Government funding for these preschools is designed primarily to benefit Singaporean children and their families. Therefore, the citizenship of enrolled children is taken into consideration in the grant design and requirements. Non-resident children make up a very small proportion of less than 5% of total enrolment in these preschools.

Policy Rationale, Appeal Outcomes And Potential Refinements To The 4-Room Cap On Downsizing Exemption For Seniors Aged Above 55

Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for National Development since introducing the 15-month wait-out exemption for seniors above 55 downsizing from private property to 4-room or smaller resale flats (a) how many appeals have been received from senior households seeking 5-room flats; (b) how many appeals have been approved; (c) what is the policy rationale for capping at 4-room flats; and (d) whether HDB will calibrate rules by household size or caregiving needs. 

Mr Chee Hong Tat: The 15-month wait-out period for private property owners was introduced as a temporary measure to moderate demand for the Housing and Development Board (HDB) resale flats and prioritise access to public housing for Singaporeans with more urgent housing needs, such as first-time home buyers. 

Some seniors may wish to move from their private property to an HDB flat, to strengthen their retirement adequacy. To support them, seniors aged 55 and above purchasing 4-room or smaller flats are exempted from this wait-out period. Seniors seeking to buy 5-room or bigger resale flats can approach HDB for assistance. HDB will continue to consider these appeals on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration extenuating circumstances such as household size and medical needs. 

As the Ministry of National Development mentioned previously, we are monitoring the market and when conditions allow, we intend to remove the 15-month wait-out period requirement. 

Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik

Allowing Use Of Child Development Account Funds To Cover Field Trip And Excursion Expenses Requiring Parental Participation

Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Minister for Social and Family Development whether the Government can consider allowing the use of Child Development Account funds to cover field trip and excursion expenses incurred by both parents and children, where parental participation is required or encouraged. 

Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The Child Development Account (CDA) can be used to cover field trips and excursion expenses offered by the preschools. As the CDA is intended to support children’s direct educational and healthcare needs, it can only be used for the child or his/her siblings’ expenses but not for parents’ expenses. 

Inclusion Of Delivery Orders From Participating Hawkers And Heartland Merchants For CDC Voucher Scheme To Benefit Elderly, Homebound And Less Mobile Residents

Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth given that CDC Vouchers currently cannot be used for e commerce or online transactions, whether the Government will consider expanding the CDC Vouchers Scheme to allow residents to use their vouchers for delivery orders from participating hawkers and heartland merchants, so as to benefit elderly, homebound, and less mobile residents who may face difficulties visiting physical outlets. 

Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai: I am answering in my capacity as the Minister charged with the responsibility for the People’s Association (PA). The CDC Vouchers Scheme was first introduced in June 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic with two key objectives – (i) to help Singaporean households cope with daily expenses; and (ii) to support hawkers and heartland merchants and to boost the vibrancy of our heartland neighbourhoods and businesses. Expanding the CDC Vouchers to e-commerce or online transactions would deviate from this dual-pronged intention and dilute its benefits. 

We recognise that some residents, including seniors and those with mobility challenges, may need extra help visiting physical outlets. Residents who require assistance may ask family members or caregivers to help them use their vouchers. 

Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan

Data Protection Standards For AI Tools Usage In Schools And Assessing AI's Impact On Student Learning Outcomes

Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked the Minister for Education (a) what minimum data protection standards schools are required to apply when directing students to use AI tools not hosted on the Singapore Student Learning Space; (b) whether parental notification or consent is required before students use such tools for school-assigned work; and (c) how compliance with these standards is monitored. 

Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked the Minister for Education (a) what is the scope of the Ministry’s study on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on students’ learning, in terms of education levels covered and learning outcomes measured; (b) what is the expected timeline for findings to be published; and (c) how will the findings be used to inform or revise the AI in education strategy.

Mr Desmond Lee: This question has been addressed by the Ministry of Education's answer to oral Parliamentary Question Nos 2 to 5 on 6 May 2026. 

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis

Statistics On Enhanced Medical Insurance Annual Premiums For Foreign Workers By Co-Payment Option And Percentile Distribution

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Manpower whether the Government has data on the current (i) 25th percentile (ii) median (iii) average and (iv) 75th percentile for annual premiums of policies with and without the 25% co payment option that meet the enhanced policy requirements, for approved insurers offering enhanced medical insurance for foreign workers. 

Dr Tan See Leng: The Ministry of Manpower does not track the annual premiums of medical insurance policies for migrant workers. 

Timeline On Reclamation And Development, Land Area Increase And Target Land Use Breakdown For Changi Bay

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for National Development what is the expected (i) reclamation and development timelines of Changi Bay (ii) the increase in land area upon full reclamation and (iii) breakdown of the target land use.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: Reclamation for Changi Bay commenced in 2023 and approximately 900 hectares of land will eventually be reclaimed. The development timelines and specific land uses for Changi Bay are still under study.

Ms Sylvia Lim

Status And Timeline Of Lift Upgrading Programme For Block 128 Lorong Ah Soo And Blocks 230, 234 And 363 In Hougang

Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the status of the Lift Upgrading Programme for potential implementation at Blk 128 Lorong Ah Soo, Blks 230 and 234 Hougang Ave 1 and Blk 363 Hougang Ave 5; (b) when the lifts are expected to be ready for use; and (c) whether the works can be expedited so as to address the needs of residents. 

Mr Chee Hong Tat: The Housing and Development Board (HDB) is currently procuring a contractor and consultants for the LUP works at Block 128 Lorong Ah Soo, Blocks 230 and 234 Hougang Avenue 1 and Block 363 Hougang Avenue 5. HDB will also work with relevant partners to form a Working Committee to develop the implementation plan and engage residents. 

Depending on project planning and resident engagement, LUP projects typically take about three years from announcement to completion. 

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song

Review Of Detection Methods And Gaps For Underground Utilities, And Subsidies For Adoption Of Advanced Detection Technologies By Contractors

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry will review the adequacy of current methods for verifying the exact locations and depths of underground utilities; (b) how the detection gap for non conductive and non-metallic assets, such as fibre optic cables and PVC pipes, is being addressed; and (c) whether the Government will provide subsidies to contractors for the adoption of advanced detection technologies. 

Mr Chee Hong Tat: As most of our utilities are delivered through underground cables and pipelines, there are processes in place to minimise the risks of accidental damage to them. For example, contractors are required to undertake topography surveys and conduct trial trenches to verify the locations and depths of existing cables and pipelines before works can be conducted in their vicinity. 

The Government has improved these processes as well as the methods used to verify the locations and depths of underground cables and pipelines over the years. For example, to enhance the detectability of non-conductive assets such as fibre optic cables, the Government has, since 2015, mandated Telcos to implement metallic tracer cables alongside all newly laid fibre optic cables. The Government also required contractors of selected infrastructure projects to adopt advanced non-invasive geo referenced technologies such as the Electro-Magnetic Locator (EML) and Multi Channel Ground Penetrating Radar (MCGPR) to supplement trial trenches and improve the efficacy of detecting different underground utilities. 

We will continue to improve the processes and methods for verifying the exact locations and depths of underground utilities, and to study how best to support the industry in scaling up the adoption of these technologies. We will also try out technology solutions that can further enhance the industry’s ability to detect underground cables and pipelines. 

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