Written Answers to WP's Oral Questions
Ms He Ting Ru
Evaluation Criteria For Central Kitchen Pilot Project For Schools And Priorities Behind Expansion To More Schools
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Education (a) what were the criteria used to evaluate the effectiveness of the central kitchen pilot at Yusof Ishak Secondary School; and (b) what were the key priorities behind the decision to expand the operating model to 13 schools commencing from January 2026.
Mr Desmond Lee: The Central Kitchen Meal Model (CKMM) was piloted at Yusof Ishak Secondary School from 2022. The school had just moved into its new campus and did not have existing canteen stallholders.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) had assessed the pilot on four key criteria - operational efficiency, food quality, cost-effectiveness, and student satisfaction. The pilot demonstrated that this model could streamline meal preparation and distribution, while meeting nutritional standards and food safety guidelines.
The Individual Stallholder System remains MOE's primary and predominant operating model for school canteens, and MOE will continue to support schools and stallholders to operate this model. The CKMM serves as an alternative solution for schools facing challenges in finding enough stallholders for their canteens. This was the basis that the model was expanded to 13 more schools in January 2026. The aim was to allow students in these schools to continue to have access to healthy and affordable meals.
Circumstances Leading To Discovery Of Town Council Grant Disbursement Shortfall Between FY2011 And FY2024
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for National Development regarding the shortfall of Town Council grant disbursement calculations between FY2011 and FY2024 (a) what were the circumstances that led to the error being discovered; (b) what steps are in place to ensure that this does not occur again; and (c) what additional guidance will be given to Town Councils deciding whether to retrospectively adjust their financial and handover statements to reflect this.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: The Service and Conservancy Charges Operating Grant is an annual grant provided by the Ministry of National Development (MND) to Town Councils to help with the costs of estate maintenance, meet their operating needs and reduce residents’ cost burden. The grant is disbursed annually for 4-room and smaller flats, with higher grants given for the smaller flat types.
The shortfall in the grant was discovered by the Housing & Development Board (HDB) during an internal review. The conversion of the reports from hardcopy to digital format in recent years has facilitated more comprehensive checks on the grant computation process, which led to the identification of the underpayments.
To prevent future discrepancies, HDB has strengthened the grant computation process by introducing additional checks to reconcile records and verify the accuracy of the grant amounts.
MND has advised Town Councils to consult their auditors on whether it is necessary to retrospectively adjust their financial and handover statements to reflect the underpayment of the grant. For instance, as the underpayments differ across Town Councils, their auditors will have advise whether, in their professional judgement, the amounts concerned are deemed to be material.
Ms Sylvia Lim
Data On Suspects And Proceeds Recovered From Gold Investment Scam Involving Genneva Pte Ltd
Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs regarding the multi-million dollar gold investment scam involving Genneva Pte Ltd reported to the Police in 2012 (a) whether there are any pending cases against suspects that have not yet concluded; (b) what is the value of the proceeds of crime recovered by the Police; and (c) when can victims file claims to the recovered proceeds.
Mr K Shanmugam: The Police concluded their investigation in relation to the case involving Genneva Pte Ltd several years ago.
In 2019, six individuals were charged. From 2020 to 2025, five of them were convicted in court of various offences, including fraudulent trading, cheating, and money laundering. Court proceedings are still ongoing for the remaining individual.
The Police had seized properties amounting to more than S$1.5 million from Genneva Pte Ltd and its related companies and will be making a court application to distribute them to the claimants.
The distribution process is complex and may take some time, as there is a large number of potential claimants. The Police will notify them on the filing of their claims in due course.
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song
Support For Employees Affected By Abrupt Closure Of Companies And Proposal To Amend Insolvency, Restructuring And Dissolution Act 2018 To Prioritise Payout To Employees
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Manpower for each of the last three years (a) how many workers have been affected by corporate liquidations and what is the total quantum of unpaid wages; (b) how many workers received payouts from the short-term relief fund; and (c) what is the total amount disbursed to these affected individuals to help them tide through financial difficulties following the abrupt closure of their employers.
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Manpower whether the Ministry will explore (i) mandatory wage recovery insurance (ii) personal liability for directors for unpaid salaries and (iii) amending the Insolvency, Restructuring and Dissolution Act 2018 to prioritise employees over secured creditors by default without requiring employees to file claims with the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management, to deter irresponsible business closures and ensure workers are paid first.
Dr Tan See Leng: When businesses wind up, including preparing for and during liquidation proceedings, firms should act responsibly and ensure that workers’ salaries are paid on time to the best of their abilities.
The Government fully recognises the importance of employees’ claims on salaries in the event of their employers winding up. In the Insolvency, Restructuring and Dissolution Act, employees’ claims are already ranked first and above all other
unsecured debts, and are behind only the costs and expenses of administration, which are necessary for the winding up to proceed smoothly.
We have measures in place to support employees and ensure responsible business practices. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) investigates and takes action against employers who breach employment legislation when winding up, including those who wilfully do not pay salaries despite having the means to do so. If employers truly cannot pay their salary arrears due to business failure, the Short-Term Relief Fund (STRF) is available to provide financial assistance to eligible local lower income workers.
Between 2023 to 2025, about $600,000 was disbursed from the STRF to 260 workers who did not receive their salaries due to corporate liquidation. MOM does not track the total number of workers with unpaid wages due to corporate liquidations.
We also provide workers who have lost their jobs with support to search for and take on new jobs with good longer-term prospects. Local workers may tap on career matching services and training programmes offered by WSG, SSG and e2i, and may also receive temporary financial support under the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support
scheme. Lower-income households who require financial assistance to meet basic needs may also approach their Social Service Office.
Beyond measures to support displaced workers, the Government encourages and supports Singaporeans to take care of their career health and stay relevant in their jobs. Under the Career Health SG programme, workers can tap on various tools to do so, such as the CareersFinder feature on WSG’s MyCareersFuture job portal and the Polaris career guidance programme. Such programmes help workers to be better equipped to navigate challenges and stay resilient in their careers.
Increasing Public Transport Vouchers For Lower-Income Households To Defray Recent Fare Hike
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) whether there will be any increase in Public Transport Vouchers to help lower income households defray the recent fare increases; (b) if so, whether the Government aims to maintain its previous objective of defraying six months of fare increases; and (c) whether the Government will consider defraying 12 months of fare increases instead.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: Public Transport Vouchers help lower-income households defray part of any fare increase. In 2024, the quantum increased to $60 from $50. Six months of fare increase is indicative but not a cap; households requiring more support
can submit an appeal online or at their local Community Centres or Community Clubs for additional vouchers.
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat
Transfer Of Non-Pedagogical Administrative Tasks From Teachers To School Administrative And Operations Personnel
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for Education whether the Ministry will consider mandating the transfer of non-pedagogical administrative tasks, such as the management of parental consent forms, monetary collections, and event logistics, from teachers to school administrative and operations personnel to align with the Ministry’s objective of reducing teacher workload.
Mr Desmond Lee: All schools have dedicated administrative teams that help with administrative tasks like collection of money and logistical aspects of organising events. Schools also use technology for tasks like management of consent forms from parents. Schools are expected to tap on such support to reduce administrative workload for teachers. Given differing school operating contexts, the Ministry of Education does not mandate which specific administrative duties in a school needs to be transferred. This is to allow individual school leaders, who best understand the needs of the school and the capabilities of his colleagues, to have the flexibility in balancing workload across different colleagues.
Reviewing Temasek's Risk-Return Framework To Value Strategic Ecosystem Building Alongside Commercial Returns
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) whether the Government will review Temasek’s risk-return framework to explicitly value strategic ecosystem building alongside commercial returns; (b) whether the Government has assessed the impact of Temasek’s recent deprioritisation of direct early-stage local investments on Singapore’s ability to nurture nascent high potential industries; and (c) if so, whether alternative capital support mechanisms will be introduced to fill this gap.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: This question has been addressed in the reply to Parliamentary Questions *12 to *14 on the Order Paper for 12 January 2026.
Update On Strengthening Consular Assistance And Crisis Response Capabilities For Singaporeans During Emergencies
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) what are the Ministry’s standard operating procedures, if any, for providing emergency consular aid and ensuring the safety of Singaporeans during overseas crises such as the (i) Brown University shooting on 13 December 2025, (ii) Bondi Beach shooting on 14 December 2025 and (iii) Taipei knife attack on 19 December 2025; and (b) what assistance, if any, was rendered by our overseas missions following the Brown University shooting.
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: This response will address Parliamentary Question No. 992 raised by Member Lee Hong Chuang and Parliamentary Question No. 1002 raised by Member Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat in today’s Order Paper.
When a crisis or major incident occurs overseas, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) mounts an appropriate consular response. First, we determine the nature and severity of the incident. Second, we disseminate relevant information and updates to Singaporeans who may potentially be involved. Third, we provide consular assistance to Singaporeans in distress. This includes contacting eRegistered Singaporeans to check on their well-being, liaising with local authorities, issuing Document of Identity for lost passports, and facilitating the return of Singaporeans back home if necessary. We may also issue Travel Notices and Advisories for Singaporeans to avoid travel to that region. That said, every incident is unique and circumstances in the foreign country vary widely – so our responses must be customised accordingly.
Let me cite some examples from recent incidents. During the floods in Hat Yai, our Crisis Response Team was deployed overseas to reach Singaporeans and help bring them home. MFA also helped facilitate the departure of 11 Singaporeans from Iran during the Israel-Iran conflict in June 2025.
When the attacks at Brown University, Bondi Beach, and Taipei occurred, our Missions took immediate action, including contacting Singaporeans that eRegistered, posting updates and advice, and liaising with local authorities to ensure the well-being of our citizens.
We encourage Singaporeans to eRegister when they travel, as this allows MFA to reach out and render prompt consular assistance where needed. We also urge Singaporeans to stay vigilant and take precautions for their personal safety while abroad, purchase comprehensive travel insurance, and refer to MFA’s Travel Advisories and Notices.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim
Extension Of Guidelines For Designated Delivery Driver Parking Lots To Existing Malls
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Acting Minister for Transport whether the guidelines for commercial mall operators to set aside designated short term delivery driver parking for bicycles and/or motorcycles will be retroactively promulgated to existing malls, or if they only apply to new developments.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: URA and LTA issued an advisory note in 2022 to encourage commercial malls to set aside delivery waiting bays for the motorcycles and active mobility devices of delivery personnel. This applies to both new and existing developments.
Agencies are also studying other ways to make future developments friendlier to delivery riders, such as mandating delivery waiting bays. More information will be shared when ready.
Reviewing Income Ceiling For Executive Condominiums
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for National Development given the small $2,000 differential in monthly income cap for couples applying for BTO flats versus Executive Condominium (a) whether HDB will consider raising the income cap of one or the other or both to better align with rising household incomes of the top quintile; and (b) whether HDB will institute periodic increases for income ceilings to align with nominal wage changes.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: The current monthly household income ceilings for subsidised flats sold by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) and Executive Condominium units sold by property developers are $14,000 and $16,000 respectively.
This Government will continue to ensure that public housing remains affordable and accessible for Singaporeans. I had indicated in August 2025 that MND and HDB are reviewing the income ceilings, and we will provide an update when ready.
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis
Reasons For 55% Increase In People's Association's Expenditure For Year Ended March 2025
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) what are the reasons for the 55% increase in the People’s Association’s expenditure for activities and projects to $1,136 million for the year ended March 2025 against $733 million in the preceding financial year; and (b) what is the breakdown of the increased expenditure, by (i) activity and (ii) geography, respectively.
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 increase in PA’s expenditure for activities and projects from the Financial Year (FY) 2023 to FY2024 was primarily driven by the Community Development Council (CDC) Vouchers Scheme, a national initiative that PA administers. The FY2024 expenditure covered payments to heartland merchants, hawkers and supermarkets across three tranches of CDC Vouchers, while the FY2023 expenditure covered these payments across two tranches. The increased expenditure incurred by PA in FY2024 reflects the additional tranche, as part of the greater support by the Government in providing direct financial relief to households for daily expenses. The increase in PA’s expenditure for activities and projects in FY2024 is also due to the supporting of a higher volume of events and programmes organised by Grassroots Organisations, CDCs, and PA for the benefit of residents across Singapore.
Total Expenditure And Budgeted Fees For And Incurred For Renamed "The Kallang" And "The Kallang Group"
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth what is the total expenditure and fees budgeted for and already incurred in relation to (i) the renaming of the Singapore Sports Hub to The Kallang and (ii) the renaming of Kallang Alive Sport Management to The Kallang Group.
Mr David Neo: Since the Government took over the Sports Hub in December 2022, it has become more vibrant and accessible to Singaporeans from all walks of life. In this time, The Kallang has seen more than 4,000 event days and welcomed nearly 9.5 million visitors. The Kallang Group has hosted world-class sport and entertainment events, from the Singapore Tennis Open to the Taylor Swift concerts, as well as various local community events including more than 200 National School Games and school events, and annual signature events like Harmony Fest!, Majulah Fiesta and One Countdown.
The destination rebranding of the “Singapore Sports Hub” to “The Kallang” seeks to strengthen its reputation as a leading destination for sport, entertainment, lifestyle and community events in the region. We have since received positive feedback for the new name, and how it honours the cultural significance deeply embedded in Singapore’s sporting heritage and collective identity.
This destination rebranding exercise was managed within the operational budget of The Kallang Group, with no increase to the overall operational budget provision for the Group. The Kallang Group has been prudent, leveraging planned events to amplify rebranding efforts and ensuring cost effectiveness throughout the procurement process.
Government’s Contributions To Pax Silica Initiative
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) what are the nature of the Government’s contributions to the Pax Silica initiative, if any; (b) which Singapore companies are involved, if any; and (c) what are the Key Performance Indicators and key objectives relating to the initiative, if any.
Mrs Josephine Teo: Singapore’s participation in the Pax Silica Summit is in line with our approach of pursuing cooperation with international partners on the basis of mutual benefit.
The inaugural Summit included government representatives from Australia, Israel, Japan, the Netherlands, South Korea, Singapore, the UAE, the UK, and the US. Permanent Secretary (Development) of the Ministry of Digital Development and Information Mr Chng Kai Fong was Singapore’s representative. The Summit discussed collaboration in key sectors of the emerging digital economy, including potential new opportunities for leading companies and investors across our economies. These include sectors such as advanced manufacturing and AI infrastructure, which are key industries for Singapore and our companies.
The Summit issued a non-binding Pax Silica Declaration that reflects a shared commitment to advance prosperity, tech progress, and economic security for our peoples.
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong
Educating Parents On “Set, Think, Report, And Engage & Support” Framework In Context Of Blind Box Or Gacha Mechanisms Available Online
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) whether the “Set, Think, Report, and Engage & Support” framework introduced by IMDA on 1 November 2025 can be used to educate parents in the context of parental regulations on blind box or gacha mechanisms available online; and (b) how does the Ministry intend to educate the public, especially parents, on this framework.
Mrs Josephine Teo: In today's digital age, parents often worry about the impact of screen use and what their children might encounter online. To address this, the Government has identified four key actions that families should adopt to foster healthy digital habits and keep their children safe and supported online: Set boundaries online, Think before you act, Report inappropriate content, and Engage & support your child in their online journey. These actions are designed as broad-based principles that are easily applicable to various online situations and issues, including in-game purchases and online spending, and help establish the foundation for children to develop healthy digital habits and become discerning and responsible digital users.
To support parents, the Infocomm Media Development Authority has launched a comprehensive set of resources on the Digital for Life (DfL) portal to translate these actions into practical steps. The resources, developed in consultation with parents, youths and key partners like the Media Literacy Council, are tailored according to the various stages in the parenting journey, based on their child’s developmental age range, and their experiences with key digital milestones such as their first screen and first device. In collaboration with community partners, the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) has also launched a series of digital parenting workshops to proactively reach parents in their local communities.
MDDI, MOE and MSF have also jointly developed the Positive Use Guide on Technology and Social Media, with practical tips for parents on setting limits on gaming time and handle stopping points for games with flexibility. Relevant content of the Guide will be reinforced through MOE’s Cyber Wellness lessons and shared with parents and families.
Specific to loot boxes, with reference to the Member’s query on blind boxes or gacha, the National Council on Problem Gambling also conducts outreach to parents and youths to raise awareness of the gambling inducement risks on youths, who may be incentivised to try their luck by buying more loot boxes and are unaware that this constitutes gambling behaviour. This includes social media posts, talks, and workshops targeted at parents and youths.
The Ministry, together with other relevant agencies, will continue to monitor these concerns and strengthen support initiatives where needed through collaboration with parents, community partners and schools.
Avenues Of Recourse For Consumers Facing Predatory Practices By Blind Box Or Gacha Mechanism Service Providers
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) what are the existing avenues of recourse for consumers facing unfair and predatory practices by blind box or gacha mechanism service providers; and (b) how does the Ministry intend to educate consumers on such avenues and how consumers can use them to protect their consumer rights.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: When purchasing blind box or ‘gacha’ products, there is no guarantee of obtaining a specific item. The use of blind boxes or ‘gacha’ mechanisms is not prohibited under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act 2003 (CPFTA). However, under the CPFTA, it is an unfair practice for a business to make false or misleading claims about its goods and services, such as misrepresenting the odds of obtaining certain variants of a product through a blind box or a ‘gacha’ mechanism.
Consumers who encounter such unfair practices may approach the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) for assistance. CASE can represent consumers in negotiating a settlement or mediating with the supplier. In more serious cases, CASE may refer errant suppliers to the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCS) for investigation under the CPFTA.
CCS and CASE regularly conduct outreach and public education efforts to inform and educate consumers about their rights and available avenues for redress.
Improving Accessibility For Seniors Commuting Between Hougang Ave 5 And Hougang Polyclinic By Adjusting Bus Routes
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Acting Minister for Transport whether LTA can improve bus accessibility for seniors commuting between Hougang Avenue 5 and Hougang Polyclinic by adjusting current bus routes to allow at least one bus service serving Hougang Avenue 5 to stop directly at the Polyclinic, eliminating the need for transferring buses or walking from a different stop.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: We would like to better support our seniors but, unfortunately, the bus stop for Hougang Polyclinic is very near to the access road for the polyclinic, and bus routes cannot be amended to call there at this time. As explained in our previous reply, having more buses call at this stop will affect the safe movement of vehicles and create inconvenience to pedestrians and other road users.
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre
Proposal To Publish Real-Time Train Arrival Data On LTA Datamall
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) whether the Land Transport Authority (LTA) will consider publishing real-time train arrival data on the LTA DataMall similar to the existing bus arrival API; (b) if so, what is the implementation timeline; and (c) if not, what are the specific technical or security impediments preventing the release of this data for public scrutiny.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: The Land Transport Authority (LTA) does not provide real time train arrival data online, as intervals between train arrivals are short, and next train arrivals are adequately communicated to commuters at all train stations.
Adapting Structural Envelope Of Existing North East Line Station Boxes To Accommodate Platform Elongation For Longer Train Sets
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) whether the structural envelope of existing North East Line station boxes can accommodate platform elongation for longer train sets as a capacity boosting measure; (b) whether corresponding turnback sidings and depot stabling tracks have the requisite length to support these longer formations; and (c) whether such capacity upgrades can be achieved without extensive new underground excavation.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: The North East Line is designed for a six-car train system. Supporting trains with more cars would require major modification works to the underground station, platforms, tunnels, tracks including sidings, and the depot. This cannot be achieved without heavy excavation, which would in turn require stopping North East Line service entirely for at least a year if not longer. Significant land acquisition would also be needed to extend the stations.
The Cross Island Line, when completed, will add to the MRT connectivity and capacity for the North East. We are also studying the feasibility of the Seletar Line which will also benefit the region.
Detection Of Toxic Air Pollutants Exceeding International Safety Limits In Jalan Kayu, Punggol Or Seletar
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) whether any hazardous air pollutants or volatile organic compounds exceeding international safety limits were detected in Jalan Kayu, Punggol, or Seletar over the past five years; (b) if so, what were the identified sources; and (c) what specific long-term health risk assessments have been conducted for residents in these areas.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: In addition to pollutants comprising the Pollutant Standards Index, the National Environment Agency (NEA) continuously monitors a range of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) at its ambient air monitoring stations. Long-term data trends of key pollutants are published in the State of the Environment (SOE) report every 5 years. The first edition of the report was published in 2021, with a second edition due to be released later this year.
The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) and NEA have been working with Punggol Grassroots Advisors to address similar concerns from residents. VOC readings at our ambient air monitoring stations in residential areas, including four in the north-eastern regions, are well within relevant international guidelines. One of the VOCs of interest is benzene. On an annual basis, Singapore’s national ambient benzene level is approximately 0.3 parts per billion (ppb), well below international benchmarks such as the European Union long-term exposure annual limit value of 1.6 ppb. For shorter term exposure, the US EPA 1-hour Acute Exposure Guideline Level-1 (AEGL-1) represents the airborne concentration above which the general population could experience notable discomfort or irritation. The hourly benzene readings across each of these ambient air monitoring stations are well below 1% of the AEGL-1 threshold.
Arising from our engagements with Punggol grassroots advisors in recent months, NEA will be making data on ambient benzene levels available to the public more regularly via their website including by geographical locations.
Good air quality safeguards public health and a good living environment. We have a range of policies in place to safeguard air quality, such as efforts to reduce vehicular and industrial emissions. On the bilateral front, we regularly engage our Malaysian counterparts through existing platforms to exchange information on environmental issues of mutual interest, including cross-border pollution concerns.
MSE and NEA will continue to review our ambient air quality targets and efforts to ensure that they remain relevant and effective in safeguarding a clean and liveable environment for everyone.
Mr Fadli Fawzi
Classification Decisions For Oral Interviews With Mdm Kwa Geok Choo And Founding Leaders
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information in respect of the declassification of the Albatross File (a) why was the oral history interview of Madam Kwa Geok Choo classified for over 40 years; (b) whether any other similar interviews remain classified; (c) who are the founding leaders whose interviews remain classified; (d) whether these interviews can be declassified; and (e) if not, why not.
Mrs Josephine Teo: As Members are aware, my Ministry recently released the contents of Dr Goh Keng Swee’s Albatross File, together with the excerpts of the oral histories of many of our founding leaders pertaining to the Separation of Singapore from Malaysia.
Oral history interviews conducted by NAS are governed by oral history agreements signed by the interviewees. The terms of the agreement vary based on the interviewees’ requests. For example, Mr C V Devan Nair, Mr S Rajaratnam, Mr E W Barker and Dr Albert Winsemius all signed the same agreement, which specified that the Cabinet Secretary may consider releasing their oral history interviews five years after their death. Their oral history interviews have been released in full.
Before releasing interviews for public access on Archives Online, NAS reviews them for sensitivities, including personal or private information about individuals, as well as matters that may affect national security or international relations. Where such sensitivities remain, access may need to stay partially or fully restricted for a longer time, even after the agreed withholding period has passed. This was the case for the oral histories of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Mdm Kwa Geok Choo and Dr Goh Keng Swee. Substantial excerpts of these oral histories were published recently together with “The Albatross File: Inside Separation”.
About 80% of NAS’s oral history collection is already publicly accessible. This includes interviews with many notable leaders from the pioneer generation, such as Mr Lim Kim San, Mr Othman Wok, Mr Lee Khoon Choy, Mr Mahmud Awang and Mr David Marshall. NAS will continue to work towards providing access to all interviews as soon as it is feasible to do so. Dr Goh’s oral history interview has been released with some redactions, and a fuller version of Mr Lee’s oral history interview will be made available soon. The oral history interview of Mr Ong Pang Boon will also be released later this year, in accordance with his request for a withholding period of 15 years after he was last interviewed in 2010.
Expected Singapore Population For Infrastructure Planning Parameter Beyond 2030
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) whether the Government expects Singapore's total population to be at, above, or below 6.9 million beyond 2030; and (b) what are the justifications for such projections.
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance what is the population figure used by the Government as an infrastructure planning parameter to plan for the long term beyond 2030.
Ms Indranee Rajah: Our future population size depends on various demographic trends, such as birth rates, life expectancies, and migration, as well as future social and economic needs. We thus develop various scenarios which are used for infrastructure planning to ensure that we are prepared for a range of possible outcomes, and do not plan on the basis of any single population number.
Our scenarios show that our total population is expected to remain significantly below 6.9 million by 2030, and that 6.9 million remains relevant as a planning parameter for the 2030s.
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik
Criteria To Distinguish Scams From Civil Or Commercial Disputes
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) how does the Singapore Police Force determine whether a case is classified as a scam in situations where a seller fails to complete a transaction and multiple buyers are affected; and (b) what criteria are used to distinguish such cases from civil or commercial disputes.
Mr K Shanmugam: Sellers who deceive victims into making payments without any intent to provide the goods or service may be liable for cheating under the Penal Code. If the seller failed to provide the goods or service but did not have fraudulent intent, no cheating offence would be disclosed and the buyer may seek redress through civil remedies.
In determining if a case is a scam, the Police assess each case based on its facts and circumstances, for example, whether the seller impersonated a legitimate shop or became uncontactable immediately after receiving payment.
Reviewing Income Ceiling For Executive Condominiums
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Minister for National Development given the rising prices of Executive Condominiums (EC), whether HDB will review the current income ceiling for EC eligibility to ensure that they remain accessible to their intended group of middle-income households.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: The current monthly household income ceilings for subsidised flats sold by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) and Executive Condominium units sold by property developers are $14,000 and $16,000 respectively.
This Government will continue to ensure that public housing remains affordable and accessible for Singaporeans. I had indicated in August 2025 that MND and HDB are reviewing the income ceilings, and we will provide an update when ready.
Written Questions
Ms He Ting Ru
Implications Of Increased Electricity Demands And Measures To Support Sustainable Growth And Expansion Of Data Centre Capacity
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry in light of the second Data Centre Call for Application issued in December 2025 (a) what assessment has the Government made of the implications for electricity demand; and (b) what consideration is being given to accelerating or increasing renewable electricity development and import targets to support sustainable growth of data centre capacity.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: The development of data centres in Singapore is carefully managed. The second Data Centre – Call for Application (DC-CFA2) exercise was launched only after carefully assessing the availability of electricity and other resources needed to support new data centre capacity without compromising other needs.
Under the DC-CFA2 requirements, at least half of the new data centres’ energy requirements must be powered by one or more of the green energy pathways stipulated in the exercise. This requirement is in line with the Green Data Centre Roadmap launched by the Infocomm Media Development Authority in 2024, which guides data centres on improving energy efficiency and using green energy to support our ambitions for the digital economy.
Singapore's Stance On Fossil Fuel Phase-Out Language At COP30
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment whether the Government supported the inclusion of language describing the phasing out of planet-warming fossil fuels in the decision text of the UN Climate Change Conference 2025 (COP30).
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien : Singapore supported the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties COP28 decision calling on all countries to contribute to global efforts to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems. At COP30, multiple parties tabled versions of texts to advance work on this decision which did not achieve consensus. Singapore remained engaged, along with the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)[1], in the negotiations and will continue to work constructively to advance the global energy transition.
[1] The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) is an inter-governmental organisation representing the negotiating interests of small island and low-lying coastal developing states, of which Singapore is a member.
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song
Data On Government’s Security Officers’ Working Hours Across Different Models And Proportion Of Officers Working Overtime In 2025
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) what is the current percentage of the Government's security contracts that have transitioned to outcome-based models that do not require security officers to be stationed for 12 hours at a time; and (b) what percentage of security officers working under Government contracts work 65 or more overtime hours monthly in 2025.
Mr K Shanmugam: Since 2020, all Government Procuring Entities (GPEs) are required to adopt outcome-based contracts (OBC) in the procurement of security services, unless they have strong reasons not to do so. All GPEs that procure security services have adopted at least one OBC.
The Government does not track data on the working hours and shift patterns of security officers across GPE security contracts. Nonetheless, measures are in place to safeguard security officers’ welfare, for example under Police’s licensing conditions. The Government will continue working with tripartite partners to ensure fair and reasonable working conditions for security officers.
Assessment Of Singapore’s Defence Ecosystem’s Competitiveness And Growth In Defence Export Value
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence (a) whether the Ministry assesses Singapore's defence ecosystem dynamism and agility in pivoting towards emerging demands; (b) if so, what is the current assessment and percentage increase in defence export value over five years; and (c) whether the Ministry is aware of any expansion by the local defence industry in manufacturing and research capacity amid global defence spending surge.
Mr Chan Chun Sing: The Ministry of Defence and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) regularly review our operational needs and challenges, and strive to develop solutions, capabilities and technologies ahead of emerging threats. In doing so, we incorporate observations and lessons from global conflicts and developments. For obvious reasons, we do not always disclose all our capabilities or build-up plans, unless it is deemed useful for deterrence or operational purposes.
In developing, producing, and sustaining equipment and capabilities for the SAF, we tap on the global and local defence industries. In some cases, we work closely with local defence players to develop new solutions for our unique needs. Past examples include our Navy’s unmanned surface vessels and our Army’s armoured fighting vehicles and SAFTI City smart training facility.
From these experiences as well as their own efforts, some of our local companies have developed solutions and products for overseas markets. We do not comment on such commercial investments, exports and sales.
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat
Exclusion Of Regional Regulatory Authorities As Hsa Reference Agencies And Impacts On Acceleration Of Drug Access
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what specific technical or regulatory barriers prevent the inclusion of Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency and South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as reference agencies for therapeutic product registration; (b) to what extent does such exclusion delay the registration of medicines optimised for regional populations; and (c) whether the Ministry will conduct a feasibility study on recognising such World Health Organisation Listed Authorities as HSA's reference agencies, to accelerate drug access.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) currently recognises six reference agencies - US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), Health Canada, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia, Swissmedic, and Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of the United Kingdom.
This current six reference jurisdictions comprise major markets which typically receive first-wave filings from pharmaceutical companies, of which HSA has established collaborative evaluation process and joint review with. This includes aligned scientific standards for quality, safety and efficacy, as well as access to comprehensive scientific assessment and evaluation reports in English that HSA can rely upon for its verification process. Through these arrangements, we could offer an expedited 60 working day turning around time for therapeutic product registration, which is fast by international standards.
HSA continuously reviews its regulatory framework to ensure patients in Singapore have optimal access to safe and effective therapeutic products. Hence, HSA is in talks with other WHO-Listed Authorities, including Japan and South Korea, to explore closer regulatory cooperation initiatives.
Significance Of Healthier SG’s Capitation Model On Healthcare Financing And Mechanisms To Ensure Healthier SG’s Long-Term Fiscal Sustainability
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether the shift in model from the Community Health Assist Scheme's means-tested co-payments to Healthier SG's capitation model signals a departure from the Ministry's philosophy of shared responsibility in healthcare financing; and (b) without market-based price signals to moderate demand under the capitation model, what specific mechanisms will prevent buffet syndrome and ensure Healthier SG's long-term fiscal sustainability.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: What the Member might be asking is why many preventive care services under Healthier SG are fully subsidised, while other healthcare services, including those under the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), require co payment by patients.
The key reason is that we want to encourage cost effective preventive care. Hence for preventive care services where we hope that as many people take it up as possible under Healthier SG, we have given full subsidies to the target population segment . Subsidies for all other healthcare services, including acute hospital care or chronic care, continue to be means-tested and require co-payment, to instill some discipline in healthcare provision and consumption, because unnecessary consumption of healthcare and over-servicing can lead to rapid cost escalation, a financially unsustainable healthcare system and poorer health outcomes in the long term.
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong
Patient Follow-Up Testing At Different Healthcare Cluster Polyclinics
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether patients may have follow-up tests, including blood tests, scans, or procedures in a polyclinic physically closer to them, but belonging to a different public healthcare cluster from the hospital that ordered the follow-up tests; and (b) whether such hospitals will have access to the ensuing test reports.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Patients can have tests, scans or procedures performed if available at polyclinics regardless of the public healthcare cluster of the hospital that ordered them. In some cases, patients may be reviewed by a polyclinic doctor before
the tests are performed. The test results are made available to the hospitals via the National Electronic Health Record (NEHR), which enables secure sharing of patient data across public healthcare institutions. Access to this data will become more seamless as we move towards using the same electronic medical record system across all public healthcare institutions.
Data On CPF Life Monthly Payout Recipients Aged 65 And Above Paying Premiums In Cash Due To Insufficient Medisave Funds
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what is the number of Singapore citizens aged 65 and above who are currently receiving CPF LIFE monthly payouts and who need to pay their annual premiums for national health insurance schemes in cash due to insufficient MediSave funds; and (b) of this, how many are paying amounts that exceed 50% of their annual CPF LIFE payouts.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: The Ministry of Health does not track the data requested by the Member. However, we expect most seniors receiving CPF LIFE payouts to have also accumulated a healthy MediSave balance, which can be used for their national health insurance annual premiums.
In addition, the Government provides support to keep premiums affordable, including premium subsidies for the lower- to middle-income, subsidies and MediSave top-ups for Pioneer Generation seniors, and additional support for Merdeka Generation seniors’ premiums.
The Government will continue to assure Singaporeans that no one will lose their MediShield Life and CareShield Life coverage due to financial difficulties.
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre
Measures Towards Industrial Air Pollution Reduction For North-Eastern Singapore And Cross-Border Air Pollution Public Reporting Framework
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) what measurable targets have been set for reducing industrial air pollution impact in north-eastern Singapore; and (b) whether the Ministry will commit to publishing periodic public reports detailing air quality trends and the outcomes of bilateral engagements regarding cross-border pollution incidents.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: This question has been addressed in the combined reply to Parliamentary Question No. 69 at the 13 January 2026 Parliament sitting.
LTA Evaluation Of Longer Train Sets Using Selective Door Operation On North East Line
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre asked the Acting Minister for Transport whether the Land Transport Authority has evaluated the feasibility of Selective Door Operation (SDO) to deploy longer train sets on the North East Line as a capacity boosting measure.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has studied the use of Selective Door Operation (SDO) to deploy longer trains along existing lines, and found it unfeasible for the North East Line. Longer dwell times would be needed at each station to allow for safe boarding and alighting, especially during peak hours, which will lengthen headways and journey times and reduce rather than increase system capacity. SDO will also require significant depot and track modification works to accommodate longer train sets.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim
Distinguishing Effects Of School-Based Versus Private Tuition On Singapore Students’ Performance In International Benchmarks
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Education whether the Ministry has assessed (a) what proportion of Singapore students’ performance in international benchmarks such as the Programme for International Student Assessment can be attributed to school-based learning versus external tuition or enrichment; and (b) what methodologies are used to distinguish the relative contributions of each.
Mr Desmond Lee : Research has shown that many inter-dependent factors — both in and outside schools — can influence student learning1. It is not possible to conclusively partition educational outcomes into distinct parts attributable to different contributing sources.
Mr Fadli Fawzi
Target Date Updates On 2022 Orchard Road Pedestrian Zone Implementation Plan
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the status of the plan announced in 2022 to pedestrianise a 500m stretch of Orchard Road between Buyong Road and Handy Road; and (b) when is the target date for completion.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: The pedestrianisation of Orchard Road between Buyong Road and Handy Road is in its design phase, and the completion timeline will be announced when ready.
Road Conversion Status And Progress For Footpaths, Cycling Paths Or Bus Lanes
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Acting Minister for Transport in respect of the 60 sites identified in March 2021 where roads can be converted into footpaths, cycling paths or bus lanes (a) how many such conversions have taken place; and (b) for those sites yet to be converted, why have the conversions yet to take place.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: Of the 60 sites identified in March 2021, six road repurposing projects have been completed and five are in progress. For each site, the Land Transport Authority is engaging stakeholders and undertaking detailed engineering studies before implementation. Some of the sites identified have also been converted under the new Friendly Streets initiative, which will be expanded to all towns by 2030.
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis
Revising Construction Guidelines And Building Codes For Seismic Action Impact Assessment In Singapore
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the Ministry’s assessment of the adequacy of the construction guidelines and building codes in relation to catering for the impact of seismic actions; and (b) whether any revisions are being planned, such as the inclusion of buildings below 20 metres in height.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: Buildings in Singapore are required to be designed according to the relevant building codes to be sufficiently robust to withstand lateral forces, including tremors from distant earthquakes.
Singapore is classified as a low-seismicity region under the Eurocode design framework, based on our distance from active seismic fault lines. Due to our low seismicity context, seismic design considerations apply only to new buildings above 20 metres in height (~seven storeys) that are located on soft soil, and there are currently no plans to extend the requirements to buildings which are 20 metres and below in height.
The Building and Construction Authority will continue to review building design and safety requirements where necessary, in line with latest scientific evidence, international standards, and environment conditions.
HDB Resale Levy Interest Cases And Waiver Approvals For Second Time Subsidised Flat Buyers In Last 10 Years
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the number of HDB flats in respect of which accrued interest on the resale levy will be payable if the former owners purchase a second subsidised flat; and (b) over the last 10 years (i) what is the number of cases annually where such resale levy interest was charged and (ii) what is the number of partial or full waivers granted.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: Under the current resale levy policy, in place since March 2006, Second-Timers (STs) pay a resale levy upon the sale of the first subsidised flat or on the collection of keys to the second flat, whichever is later. There is no interest component.
Under an earlier policy, ST households who sold their first subsidised flat between May 1997 and March 2006 could defer resale levy payment until the collection of keys to their second subsidised flat, subject to interest of 5% per annum.
Nonetheless, since 2015, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) has waived the accrued interest on the resale levy payable by all ST seniors right-sizing to a smaller flat. HDB has also been exercising flexibility for other affected STs upon appeal.
Following the implementation of the HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter in 2023, HDB has automatically waived the accrued interest for ST households without requiring an appeal.
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik
Wakaf Masyarakat Singapura's Participation Through Wills And CPF Nominations
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs since the launch of the Wakaf Masyarakat Singapura (a) how many Muslims have added the Fund to their will or nominated the Fund as a beneficiary through their CPF or insurance; and (b) how will the Government ensure that all segments of the Muslim community understand and are able to contribute to the Fund.
Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: Wakaf Masyarakat Singapura (WMS) was launched in August 2024 to create a long-term sustainable funding stream for the social and religious needs of the Singapore Muslim community.
At least 150 Muslims have designated the WMS as a beneficiary through their wills, Central Provident Fund nominations, or insurance policies.
The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) engages in comprehensive outreach to increase the community’s understanding of WMS and encourage contributions. This includes partnering religious and corporate institutions to broaden access to WMS contribution channels, as well as encouraging community participation during key occasions such as Ramadan, haj and the Islamic New Year.
These measures help ensure that all segments of the community understand the significance of the WMS and are able to contribute according to their means.
Syariah Court Divorce Applications And Reasons For Divorce Each Year From 2021 To 2025
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs for each year from 2021 to 2025, (a) how many applications were received by the Syariah Court for divorces; (b) of these, how many applicants eventually divorced due to (i) infidelity (ii) financial problems and (iii) desertion, respectively.
Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: Under the Administration of Muslim Law Act, applicants must first register for and attend the Marriage Counselling Programme (MCP) before they may proceed to apply for divorce at the Syariah Court.
Based on the latest available data from 2021 and 2024, the Syariah Court received an annual average of 2,986 MCP registrations. Of these, an average of 1,991 proceeded to file for divorce, and ultimately, an average of 1,478 cases resulted in divorce.
Data on the main reasons for the application for divorce is as published by the Department of Statistics (Link here: https://tablebuilder.singstat.gov.sg/table/TS/M830267).
