Written Answers to WP's Oral Questions and Written Questions on 23 Sep 2025
CORRELATION BETWEEN NUMBER OF TRAINS OPERATING ON NEL DURING PEAK AND CAPACITY UTILISATION
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Acting Minister for Transport what are LTA's plans to alleviate train congestion or to increase train frequency for the North-East Line (NEL), especially for commuters living in the northeast.
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) what is the current number of trains operating on the North-East Line (NEL) during peak-hours; (b) what is (i) the corresponding maximum passengers per hour per direction and (ii) the capacity utilisation during peak-hours; and (c) whether there are plans and the potential to further increase capacity of the NEL given rising demand.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: This response will also address related questions for subsequent Parliamentary Sittings from 24 September and 25 September 2025.
SBS Transit (SBST) is currently operating up to 40 trains along the NEL during the peak-hours of 7.30am to 9.30am, up from 36 trains previously in 2024. The wait time between trains during peak hours is less than two minutes. Most commuters are able to board the first train that arrives; however, during peak hour, some commuters may have to wait another two minutes to board the second train.
Beyond increasing NEL train frequencies and adding new trains, LTA has enhanced the five existing peak-hour bus services and added five new peak-hour bus services for the Northeast Region. Land Transport Authority (LTA) has also improved incentives for the Travel Smart Journeys programme to encourage commuters to shift their timing or mode of their journeys.
While the pandemic had delayed the planned opening of Cross Island Line (CRL), we are on track to completing the CRL Phase 1 and the CRL Punggol Extension by early 2030s. LTA is also conducting feasibility studies for a new Seletar Line to provide an additional option for commuters travelling from the Northeast to the city centre
FACTORS TRIGGERING INCREASED PUBLIC SECTOR HIRING TO SUPPORT SINGAPOREANS AND FRESH GRADUATE VACANCIES IN PUBLIC SERVICE
Mr Pritam Singh asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) of the approximately 2,400 immediate vacancies on Careers@Gov available in the public sector for fresh graduates as of 10 July 2025, what is the total number of applicants for these vacancies to-date; (b) how many vacancies have been filled; and (c) how many new vacancies for fresh graduates have been created in the public service since 10 July 2025.
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance in view of the threat of artificial intelligence-driven job displacement, what specific economic indicators or graduate unemployment thresholds will trigger an increased public sector hiring to support Singaporeans as has been done during past economic downturns.
Mr Chan Chun Sing (for the Prime Minister): I will answer the questions filed by Mr Low Wu Yang Andre and Mr Pritam Singh together, as they both relate to public sector hiring.
To Mr Low Wu Yang Andre’s question, employment rates are affected by various factors such as economic and labour market conditions. Increases in public sector hiring in response to economic downturns will take the cue from the larger national response to economic conditions.
In deciding whether to trigger further support for Singaporeans during an economic downturn, the government closely monitors a range of economic indicators such as Gross Domestic Product growth and sectoral value-added growth, as well as labour market indicators such as unemployment rates, employment growth, retrenchments, and polls that track firms’ hiring and wage expectations. Beyond specific trigger points based on the economic outlook, we also stay responsive to feedback on the ground to address specific concerns as they arise.
Based on economic and labour market data for 2Q 2025, economic conditions remain stable, but this is set against a backdrop of some uncertainty as a result of trade tensions and geopolitical conflict.
Mr Pritam Singh asked about the status of public sector hiring. Around 45% of the earlier projected 2,400 vacancies in the public sector have been filled. To increase awareness of the job opportunities in the public sector, we have expanded our outreach through additional efforts such as the SG Public Service Career Fair held on 23 August 2025. The Fair attracted around 1,800 fresh graduates. There will continue to be new vacancies as needs of public agencies evolve. For example, more than 300 new vacancies for fresh graduates have been added as of 11 September 2025. We will continue to hire people with the right skills, values, and attitudes to the Public Service, and we welcome capable and committed Singaporeans to come forward to take up the vacancies.
To further support fresh graduates in gaining experience and practical skills that will strengthen their employability, we will be introducing the GRIT@Gov Traineeship Programme from October 2025.
We will continue to monitor the situation and longer-term trends closely.
REASONS AND TREND OF VACANT COMMERCIAL UNITS AND IMPACT OF HIGH RENTS ON BUSINESS VIABILITY AND GROWTH
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for National Development (a) what has been the trend of vacant commercial units in Singapore over the past three years; (b) whether this is due to landlords holding out for higher rents to secure better valuations; (c) what impact do persistently high rents have on business viability and growth; and (d) whether a vacancy tax is being considered.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: My response will also cover matters raised in the question by Mr Kenneth Tiong scheduled for a subsequent sitting.
Vacancy rates for commercial properties have remained stable over the past three years at around 7% for retail spaces and around 11% for office spaces, comparable to pre COVID levels. Landlords are unlikely to leave their properties vacant for too long, as prolonged vacancy could affect property valuation and limit capital appreciation. It is also not financially sustainable for the landlord to incur holding costs, such as property tax and mortgage repayments, as well as opportunity costs from foregone rental income. Given these considerations, we do not see a need to impose a vacancy tax on commercial properties.
We acknowledge concerns from some retail and F&B business owners that their business costs, including rents, have risen. At an aggregate level, rent increases of private retail spaces have trended below the inflation rate in the past three years. At a local level, there will invariably be differences in the rents, with some commercial properties commanding higher rents due to their more attractive attributes, such as shopping malls integrated with Mass Rapid Transit stations. For more cost-conscious businesses, a variety of lower-cost options remain available.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority publishes detailed rental data every quarter, which offers the public and businesses sufficient insights to make well-informed leasing or investment decisions.
QUANTIFYING ECONOMIC IMPACT OF BANNING FERRYING OF WORKERS ON BACK OF LORRIES
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) whether studies have been done to examine and quantify the economic impact of banning workers being ferried on the back of lorries; and (b) if so, whether details of these studies can be shared.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: Improving the safety of all road users is a priority for Ministry of Transport, and this requires the collective effort by all stakeholders. Over the years, government agencies have rolled out several measures, together with our tripartite partners and the non-governmental organisations. These include requirements for lorries to be fitted with canopies and higher protective side railings, have lower speed limits and minimum space requirements.
We also studied the economic impact should we disallow workers from being ferried on the back of lorries, but found it difficult to quantify the economic impact – the impact is not only direct, but also indirect. In some cases, we would not even be able to quantify the impact. To illustrate the challenge, in order to shift foreign workers entirely to buses, we need many more bus drivers. But we already face an acute shortage of drivers. Even for public buses, despite multiple wage increases over the years, we continue to face challenges hiring and retaining our bus drivers. Nonetheless, we have been working together with our tripartite partners, including the industry associations, for feedback and suggestions.
The crux of the matter is to improve the safety of transportation for our workers. We will continue to work closely with the industry and other government agencies to study the issue and will update on improvements in due time.
ALLOCATION OF COUNSELLORS TO SCHOOLS
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for Education (a) what criteria warrant more than one full-time counsellor per school; (b) whether independent audits have assessed allocation adequacy; (c) if so, whether results will be published and when will allocations be revised; and (d) whether the Ministry will meet the American School Counsellor Association (ASCA) recommendation of 1:250 counsellor-to-student ratio.
Mr Desmond Lee: Ms Jessica Tan and Mr Kenneth Tiong asked about the government’s support for students’ mental health. I will address related queries raised by Dr Wan Rizal and Ms Eileen Chong who have filed PQs for the Sitting on or after 24 September 2025, to provide a more holistic answer.
Ministry of Education (MOE) is committed to supporting our students' mental well being. We integrate mental health education into our Character and Citizenship Education curriculum from primary to pre-university levels. Students learn essential skills for mental well-being, and also ways to manage their emotions and stress.
They also learn where and how to seek help, and become more resilient.
Every school has one or two trained school counsellors, based on needs. There are about 220 trained counsellors in our primary schools and another 220 in our secondary schools. MOE reviews our deployment of counsellors annually based on the caseload and case complexity reported by schools. Schools with greater counselling needs would be provided with additional resources such as a second counsellor or flexi-adjunct counsellor. This needs-based staffing approach allows us to deploy resources where they are most needed, rather than applying a single staffing ratio regardless of context.
Beyond the counsellors, students can access support through the ecosystem of support in schools, comprising teachers and peer support networks. The implementation is monitored at the school level, with regular engagement and support from MOE. MOE also tracks a suite of mental health indicators across the system and monitors developments in other comparable systems for review and improvement. The Government is committed to improving mental health access to all, including our youths. As part of the National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy, the Government has developed the Tiered Care Model to better support individuals according to their mental health needs. For those with mild to moderate needs who can be supported in the community, we are strengthening referral pathways across schools, community based services and hospitals to make care delivery more seamless.
For students who prefer to seek help outside schools, we encourage them to turn to trusted adults at home and access community support such as the Response, Early Intervention and Assessment in Community Mental Health (REACH) teams, national Mindline 1771, or in-person services like the Youth Community Outreach Teams (CREST-Youth) and CHAT at *SCAPE. In addition, Ministry of Health is also looking into factors influencing youth help-seeking (including parental consent) to improve youth’s access to mental health services.
PROSECUTION AND POLICE INVESTIGATIONS INTO OFFENCES UNDER PART 9 OF ADMINISTRATION OF MUSLIM LAW ACT 1966
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (a) whether the Government prosecutes offences under Part 9 of the Administration of Muslim Law Act 1966 (such as cohabitation outside marriage, enticing unmarried woman
from wali and non-payment of zakat); (b) if so, whether investigations are initiated only after a complaint by MUIS is made; and (c) what role does MUIS play during related Police investigations and charging decisions by the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: Instances of suspected offences under Part 9 of the Administration of Muslim Law Act 1966 (AMLA) may be picked up through complaints by the public, or through other channels such as regular mosque and community engagements. As some of these offences pertain to an individual’s private life, court prosecution may not always be appropriate. Depending on the facts, circumstances and severity of the case, Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) may undertake other measures, including public education, religious counselling through our network of Asatizah, or issuing fatwas.
Where necessary, MUIS may also lodge a police report. Police investigations and charging decisions by the Attorney-General’s Chambers are carried out independently. There has been one recent instance of a Muslim person being charged and convicted for an offence under Part 9 of the AMLA. This relates to an offence of teaching false doctrine under Section 139.
UNDERSTATING GINI COEFFICIENT AND UNDER-ACCOUNTING OF INCOME INEQUALITY DUE TO EXCLUSION OF ASSET AND INVESTMENT INCOME
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance whether it is the Ministry’s assessment that exclusion of income earned from assets and investments is likely to understate Singapore’s Gini coefficient and thus significantly under-account for income inequality in Singapore, based on its estimates of non-work income earned by higher-earning residents.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: In many jurisdictions, better-off households tend also to have more non-employment income, such as from assets and investments. However, such income tends to be under-reported.
Ministry of Finance and the Department of Statistics have been studying how to measure non-employment income better, and will share the findings when ready.
IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW GUIDELINES TO PROVIDE CLARITY IN JOB POSTINGS ON EMPLOYMENT PLATFORMS
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Manpower whether the Ministry will implement new guidelines (i) mandating that employers provide clarity in job postings on employment platforms including salary ranges, job descriptions and expected recruitment timelines and (ii) requiring employers to furnish unsuccessful interviewees with a reason for their rejection so that they can use it as developmental feedback to enhance their future employability.
Dr Tan See Leng: Clear job postings can be mutually beneficial for employers and job seekers by reducing search costs for both sides. As a baseline, the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices stipulate that selection criteria should be stated clearly in job advertisements. The Ministry of Manpower encourages employers to provide as much details as they can in job postings to facilitate the selection process.
At the same time, some employers may wish to keep job postings broader for competitive and internal confidentiality reasons. Mandating that employers must lock in and provide these details upfront can have the unintended effect of limiting the pool of applicants and turning away jobseekers whom employers would have been prepared to negotiate with and make adjustments for. This would run counter to the Government’s efforts to encourage employers to move away from a ‘plug-and-play’ approach, and towards a ‘plug-train-and-play’ approach, to consider a wider group of applicants who may have less experience and qualifications but have aptitude and willingness to learn.
The Member’s suggestion to require employers to furnish unsuccessful interviewees with a reason for their rejection would be very onerous for employers as hiring decisions are often based on a host of considerations involving multiple decision-makers, and including confidential matters such as the relative performance of other candidates. Smaller employers may have more limited human resource capabilities and find it challenging to provide individual responses to every applicant, while larger employers typically receive substantial numbers of job applications. Mandating that all employers must provide reasons for rejection to each applicant would thus create significant operational burdens and compliance costs for both small and larger employers.
Nevertheless, we encourage employers and job applicants to provide constructive feedback to each other, where practical. The Workplace Fairness Act, when brought into force, will also safeguard merit-based hiring and provide jobseekers with recourse if they have been subjected to discrimination during the selection process.
TOTAL QUANTUM OF GOVERNMENT GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES PROVIDED TO OPERATORS OR PRESCHOOLS UNDER AOP AND POP
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) for each financial year in the last five years, what is the total quantum of Government grants and subsidies provided directly to operators of preschools under the (i) Anchor Operator and (ii) Partner Operator schemes, separate from subsidies disbursed to parents; and (b) what does this amount to on a per-enrolled-student basis for each scheme.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The Government has invested significantly in the early childhood sector to give every child a good start in life. The annual Government expenditure on the early childhood sector has increased from around $1.5 billion in FY2020 to over $2 billion in FY2024. The average Government expenditure per preschool-aged child has increased from $7,900 to $13,000 over the same period, with a higher amount spent per child in Anchor and Partner Operator (AOP and POP) preschools and on children from lower-income families.
We provide funding to AOPs and POPs to ensure that they invest in quality improvements and keep within monthly fee caps. These fee caps were lowered to $640 and $680 respectively for full-day childcare this year. We will further reduce these fee caps to $610 and $650 respectively in 2026, and families will pay even less after basic and means-tested subsidies.
STATISTICS ON TEACHERS WHO JOINED FLEXI-ADJUNCT TEACHING SCHEME AND MEDIAN DURATION OF TEACHERS ON SCHEME
Mr Pritam Singh asked the Minister for Education from 2022 to 2024 (a) how many teachers have joined the flexi-adjunct teaching scheme from the General Education Service annually; and (b) what is the median duration of that time teachers remain on the flexi-adjunct scheme for each of these years.
Mr Desmond Lee: From 2022 to 2024, around 220 teachers on average were engaged as Flexi-Adjunct Teachers within 12 months of leaving the Education Service. As the Flexi-Adjunct Teaching Scheme is a casual employment scheme, it is not meaningful to track the duration that teachers remain on the scheme.
WAIVING NON-SELECTION COUNTS WHEN FINAL BTO UNIT PRICE EXCEEDS INDICATIVE PRICE RANGE
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for National Development whether HDB will consider waiving non-selection counts when the final price of a BTO unit exceeds the indicative price range given for a project.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat applicants who are invited to book a flat, but choose not to do so, will incur a non-selection count (NSC). First-Timer families with an NSC will be considered Second-Timers for a year when balloting for a Build-To-Order (BTO) flat, while Second-Timer families, First-Timer singles and seniors who incur an NSC will have to wait one year before they can apply for a flat again. This ensures more efficient flat allocation, so that those with urgent housing needs can secure their flats more quickly.
HDB provides indicative flat price ranges at every BTO sales exercise to allow prospective applicants to make informed decisions on their flat applications. To date, the prices of all BTO flats have been within the indicative flat price ranges provided.
HDB does exercise flexibility in waiving the NSC in some cases. For instance, HDB recognises that applicants invited to book at the tail end of the flat booking exercise may face limited choices, and will waive the NSC for applicants who have 10 or fewer flats to choose from in a BTO sales exercise, and five or fewer flats to choose from in an SBF sales exercise. HDB will also assess appeals for waiver of the NSC on a case-by-case basis, particularly where applicants face extenuating circumstances that affect their ability to proceed with the flat purchase.
UPDATE ON PLANS AND JUSTIFICATION TO TERMINATE ALLIED EDUCATORS PROGRAMME
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Education (a) whether there are plans to terminate the Allied Educators programme; and (b) if so, what is the justification.
Mr Desmond Lee: Allied Educators are integral to our teaching force, comprising Special Education Needs Officers (SENOs), School Counsellors (SCs), Student Welfare Officers (SWOs), Outdoor Allied Educators (OAEs) and Allied Educators in Teaching and Learning [AED(T&L)].
Ministry of Education (MOE) has been reshaping our workforce for priority areas like special educational needs, socio-emotional support, student support, and outdoor adventure learning. MOE has therefore grown specific groups of Allied Educators such as Special Education Needs Officers and School Counsellors, while scaling back on others, such as Allied Educators in Teaching and Learning.
For Allied Educators in Teaching and Learning, we have been helping them to transition into roles in areas of greater need over the past nine years, through work attachments and training. Most of them have moved into meaningful alternative careers within MOE and the Public Service.
PROVIDING ENGLISH-LANGUAGE PROGRAMMES EQUIVALENT TO AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITIES' MANDARIN POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Education whether, alongside the launch of postgraduate programmes in Mandarin at autonomous universities, the Ministry will ensure that equivalent English-language programmes are provided.
Mr Desmond Lee: English is the primary medium of instruction across the Autonomous Universities (AUs). The proportion of Mandarin-medium programmes is small, comprising less than 5% of all Postgraduate by Coursework programmes offered at the AUs, and with a small student intake relative to that of all Master’s programmes.
Most of these Mandarin-medium programmes have English-taught equivalents, or are taught bilingually.
The AUs have autonomy to offer postgraduate programmes. Mandarin-medium programmes were developed in response to strong demand by both local and international students keen to seek opportunities in Mandarin-speaking markets. These programmes are open to all students.
REQUIREMENT FOR TOWN COUNCILS TO BEAR COSTS OF SHELTERED LINKWAYS AND FOOTPATHS FOR LTA PROJECTS ON HDB LAND
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) why are Town Councils required to bear the costs of connecting sheltered linkways and footpaths for projects implemented by LTA on HDB land, such as the construction of elevators at pedestrian overhead bridges; and (b) whether the Ministry will review this cost allocation to ensure Town Councils are not unduly burdened financially.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: Land Transport Authority (LTA) works with Housing and Development Board (HDB) to build covered linkways that connect transport infrastructure, like bus stops, bus interchanges, and MRT stations, to nearby HDB developments, and sheltered pedestrian overhead bridges (POBs). LTA also builds the lifts for these overhead bridges. All these are fully funded by the Government, to encourage the use of public transport.
However, in cases where residents request additional covered linkways to provide alternative routes when there are already existing covered linkways connecting the same transport infrastructure, POBs, and HDB developments, LTA will provide the linkway if the Town Council agrees to co-fund the construction. This strikes a balance between providing convenience to residents and commuters and the need to maintain fiscal prudence.
CONSOLIDATING AND COORDINATING SUICIDE DATA TO FORMULATE TARGETED SUPPORT
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what steps are taken by the National Mental Health Office to better consolidate and coordinate data relating to suicide statistics in order to formulate more targeted protective support for those at risk; (b) whether a national suicide prevention strategy will be developed to ensure our suicide prevention efforts support all segments; and (c) if so, when.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: We adopt a whole-of-society strategy to address the issue of suicides. We have run public education campaigns to address stigma and normalise help seeking; trained peer supporters and frontline personnel to identify and support those in crises; and built up resilience among our youth through school-based programmes. More recently, we implemented the national mindline 1771 to provide 24/7 access for those in distress.
The National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy launched by the Interagency Taskforce on Mental Health and Well-being in October 2023 supports all segments of our population via a Tiered Care Model based on severity of mental health needs and the corresponding intensity of interventions required. We will continue to review the effectiveness of our measures.
PERCENTAGE OF PRE-2018 HDB UNITS LACKING HOME FIRE ALARM DEVICES AND COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS MANDATING COMPULSORY INSTALLATION OF SUCH DEVICES
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) what percentage of pre-2018 HDB units lack
Home Fire Alarm Devices (HFADs); (b) what cost-benefit analysis supports not mandating HFADs for older units when it is compulsory for new HDB homes; (c) whether HFADs will be mandated for all units/corridors of older HDB blocks; and (d) whether linkage to centralised building systems will be considered for efficient evacuations.
Mr K Shanmugam: As of June 2025, Home Fire Alarm Devices (HFADs) have been installed in about 191,000 Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats, or 17% of all HDB flats. Of these, 74,000 flats or 39% were built prior to 2018.
In 2018, we made it mandatory for all new residential premises to have HFADs. For existing residential premises, we took a risk-calibrated approach and only mandated it for homes which are carrying out fire safety related addition and alteration works. This was to strike a balance in wanting to ensure its adoption, but in a practical manner. Nonetheless, we strongly encourage all homeowners to install HFADs and have put in place several schemes to support them in doing so.
More than 80% of HDB public rental flats already have HFADs installed, and HDB will progressively install HFADs in the remaining 20%. The installation of HFADs is done at no charge to the tenants.
In 2024, Ministry of National Development expanded the Enhancement for Active Seniors programme to include the installation of HFADs. Seniors can enjoy a subsidy of up to 95% to install HFADs in their homes.
HFADs are also installed as part of fire safety works, under the Home Improvement Programme in cases where fire-rated doors are installed.
We will continue to review the fire safety of our HDB flats. However, we do not see a need for HFADs at HDB corridors, or for centralised building fire management systems, at this juncture.
BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF PROVISIONAL AND ACTUAL SUICIDE STATISTICS FOR MORE RESPONSIVE POLICIES AND COMMUNITY INTERVENTIONS
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs in respect of the significant difference between the provisional and actual data for suicide statistics for 2023 (a) whether the Ministry can provide an update on the strategies for more accurate and timely data; and (b) whether explanations can be provided for this disparity to better understand and aid more responsive policies and community interventions for suicide prevention.
Mr K Shanmugam: The provisional number of deaths from suicide reported in the annual Report on Registration of Births and Deaths are based on those confirmed to be suicides as at the time of publication of the report.
At the time of publication, there could, in addition, be a number of unnatural death cases which are still pending an outcome from the Coroner’s Inquiry. These cases are captured in the same report under “Symptoms, signs & abnormal clinical & laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified”.
Some of these cases may subsequently be classified as suicides after the completion of the Coroner’s Inquiry, and the number of suicides for that year will then be updated accordingly in the following year’s Report on Registration of Births and Deaths. Hence, the finalised number of deaths from suicide for a particular year will generally be higher than the provisional number.
The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority will provide an explanatory note in future Reports on Registration of Births and Deaths.
CONSIDERATIONS OF MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENTS MANAGED UNDER SINGLE MCST
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether there are other mixed-use developments in Singapore managed under a single MCST like Compass One and Compass Heights; and (b) if not, what were
the considerations in allowing Compass One and Compass Heights to be managed under one MCST.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: The majority of strata mixed-use developments in Singapore, including Compass One and Compass Heights, operate under a single-tier Management Corporation Strata Title structure.
ADEQUACY OF AML CONTROLS FOR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS PENALISED FOR BREACHING AML REQUIREMENTS IN 2016/2017 AND 2025
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance in relation to the same financial institutions which are penalised for breaching anti-money laundering (AML) requirements in 2016/2017 and 2025 (a) how do the breaches differ for each incident; (b) whether the Government considers these institutions to have sufficiently strengthened their AML controls after 2016/2017; and (c) if so, why are these institutions penalised again in 2025.
Mr Alvin Tan (for the Prime Minister): As announced on 4 July 2025, nine financial institutions (FIs) which have breached their anti-money laundering obligations were subject to Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) regulatory action.
In respect of FIs that were penalised in both 2016/2017 and 2025, their earlier breaches were largely due to their failures in transaction monitoring, arising out of deficiencies in their relevant systems and controls. Following the issuance of financial penalties in 2016/2017, they have remediated these deficiencies. In 2025,
MAS found breaches by these FIs in other areas such as customer risk assessment, establishment and corroboration of customers’ source of wealth, and post-suspicious transaction report follow-up. While MAS also found some breaches relating to transaction monitoring, they were due to inconsistent implementation by FI’s employees. MAS noted that that the FIs’ transaction monitoring systems and controls were generally in place.
The FIs involved have accepted that they had fallen short and have implemented remediation measures, including stronger oversight of staff tasked with implementing controls and checks.
Criminals continuously shift their tactics to evade controls, and FIs must adapt their
control measures in tandem.
IMPACT OF TOKENIZE XCHANGE OPERATIONS CESSATION AND RECOURSE FOR CUSTOMERS
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) what is the number of customers in Singapore who have been impacted by the ceasing of operations of Tokenize Xchange; (b) what is the amount of funds that have been impacted; and (c) what is the recourse for customers in Singapore.
Mr Gan Kim Yong (for the Prime Minister): Amazingtech Pte Ltd (ATPL), the operator of Tokenize Xchange, was not licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) but was operating under a temporary exemption as part of the transitional arrangements when the Payment Services Act 2019 came into force. ATPL’s status as a non-licensed entity was disclosed on MAS’ website and ATPL’s customer agreement. This exemption would end when its application was withdrawn, approved or rejected. Following MAS’ rejection of its licence application, ATPL was required to wind down its payment services business in an orderly manner.
Subsequent developments showed that ATPL was unable to meet its obligations to customers. On 15 August 2025, ATPL was placed under interim judicial management by way of a High Court order following a petition by several creditors.
As ATPL is not regulated by MAS, we do not have the information requested by Mr Chua. We note that the appointed interim judicial managers (IJMs) submitted a report to the High Court on 9 September 2025, which estimated the total amount owing to customers in monies and digital assets at $266.3 million as of 15 August 2025. As of 9 September 2025, 2,241 customers had lodged their details with the IJMs. Customers of ATPL should register their information with the IJMs if they have not already done so.
MAS has taken a consistent position advising members of the public that crypto is not suitable for retail investors and to deal only with licensed entities.
This year, MAS through MoneySense has also made further efforts to raise awareness among the public about potential fraudulent schemes under the guise of crypto. In MoneySense materials, members of the public have been warned about risks such as rug-pulling and pump-and-dump schemes. Members of the public should exercise extreme caution and stay away from putting their monies with parties they do not know, and in schemes that are high risk, unsuitable and which they do not fully understand.
CRITERIA TO REVOKE PERMANENT RESIDENCY OR WORK PASS WHEN COMMITTING CRIMINAL OFFENCES IN SINGAPORE
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs in what circumstances will (i) permanent residents and (ii) work pass holders have their permanent residency or work pass revoked when they commit a criminal offence in Singapore.
Mr K Shanmugam: Foreigners, including Singapore permanent residents and work pass holders, who break our laws or engage in undesirable conduct may have their passes or permits cancelled and be prohibited from re-entry into Singapore. There is a framework to assess such cases, based on the facts, the nature and severity of the incident, the person’s family roots here, and the contributions of the person to Singapore.
BREAKDOWN OF DATA ON RESIDENTIAL FIRES IN HDB FLATS BY CAUSE AND TYPE OF ACTIVE MOBILITY DEVICES
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) what proportion of the residential fires in HDB flats this year are caused by active mobility devices (AMDs) or their batteries; (b) of the fires due to AMDs or their batteries, what is the breakdown by the three main types of devices: (i) mobility scooters (ii) electric bicycles and (iii) e-scooters.
Mr K Shanmugam: In the first half of 2025, fires involving Active Mobility Devices or their batteries accounted for less than two percent (or eight cases) of the fires in Housing and Development Board flats. Of these, one and seven fires were attributable to Power Assisted Bicycles and Personal Mobility Devices respectively.
REVIEW OF COST-BEARING RESPONSIBILITY FOR HAWKERS TO PROVIDE AFFORDABLE MEALS FOR LOW-INCOME PATRONS
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) what are the principles that currently guide who should bear the cost of providing affordable, nutritious meals to low-income patrons; and (b) whether the Ministry will review the current distribution of responsibility to prevent it from disproportionately falling on hawkers.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: This question will be addressed at the next Sitting on 24 September 2025, together with similar Parliamentary Questions, for a more holistic reply.
LEVELS OF PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES (PFAS) IN SINGAPORE’S DRINKING WATER FROM 2016 TO 2025
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment for each year since 2016, what has been the level of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Singapore’s drinking water.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: The Public Utilities Board (PUB) has been monitoring per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Singapore’s drinking water through its comprehensive water sampling programme since 2016. Based on PUB’s advanced laboratory testing capabilities, PFAS have not been detected in our drinking water.
ENQUIRY ON 2027 TARGET GOALS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT AND LEARNING SUPPORT (DS-LS) PROGRAMME IN PRESCHOOLS
Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what is the number and percentage of preschools that currently offer the Development Support and Learning Support (DS-LS) programme; and (b) whether ECDA is on track to reach the target of expanding the DS-LS programme to cover 80% of preschoolers aged five to six by 2027.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The Development Support and Learning Support (DS-LS) programme serves children requiring low levels of Early Intervention (EI) support. As of end 2024, over 900 preschools offer DS-LS, covering 68% of preschoolers aged five to six. The Early Childhood Development Agency has met the target of covering 60% of target preschoolers by 2025 and is on track to cover 80% of target preschoolers at a steady state.
DEVELOPMENT OF FRAMEWORKS TO TRACK RECENT GRADUATES’ LONG-TERM EMPLOYABILITY AND MITIGATE RISKS OF SKILLS OBSOLESCENCE
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre asked the Minister for Education in view of the rapid advancements of AI (a) what frameworks are being developed with our Institutes of Higher Learning to (i) guide the review of curricula and (ii) track and mitigate the risk of skills obsolescence for recent graduates; and (b) what new metrics will be used to measure the long-term employability of recent graduates in an AI driven economy.
Mr Desmond Lee: The Government closely monitors the employment outcomes of fresh graduates and workers through (a) the Ministry of Education’s (MOE’s) Graduate Employment Survey (GES) conducted six months after graduation, and (b) the Ministry of Manpower’s Labour Force Survey.
The employment rates of fresh graduates six months post-graduation have remained broadly stable over the decade, with some year-to-year fluctuations due to economic cycles and cyclical changes at the sector level. Median salaries for fresh graduates have continued to rise year-on-year, increasing by 3 to 5% in 2024. The long-term unemployment rate of younger workers under 30 years has remained low at between 0.6 to 1.2% between June 2024 and June 2025. Notwithstanding the current global and economic uncertainty, the employment rates of the 2025 graduating cohort as of June 2025 remained comparable to the 2024 graduating cohort at the corresponding time last year.
That said, many undergraduates and fresh graduates may be concerned about their job prospects in the current economic climate, and their employability given how rapidly new technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) are reshaping industries and jobs.
The Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) seek to align their curriculum with evolving industry needs, including through exposing students to industry-focused applications of AI.
First, IHLs regularly review their curriculum and course offerings in consultation with sector agencies and industry partners. Where appropriate, IHLs partner industry to design, deliver, assess, and certify curriculum. For example, under Nanyang Polytechnic’s Professional Competency Model, two AI-related diploma courses directly involve industry in all four aspects. IHLs have also expanded their offerings of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary courses, which allow students to gain exposure and apply their skills to multiple sectors and domains.
Second, the IHLs have strengthened industry partnerships for students to keep abreast of the latest industry developments, deepen their learning and gain working experience. Internships or industry attachments are already a graduation requirement for the Polytechnics and Institute of Technical Education, and for most undergraduate programmes at the Autonomous Universities. Students also have the opportunity to work on industry projects as part of their curriculum, including through the Centres of Innovation and Centres of Excellence.
Third, the IHLs’ curriculum helps students to learn about AI and equips them with baseline digital literacy and AI competencies to navigate an AI-pervasive world. Students also learn how to use AI within their disciplines and industries, and IHLs integrate industry-relevant AI tools into courses and partner with industry to create hands-on AI learning environments where appropriate.
Fourth, the IHLs have increased curricular focus on helping students learn beyond AI, by developing key competencies like critical thinking, interpersonal and collaboration skills, as well as the ability to work across cultures. These competencies are critical in equipping graduates with skills that can bring value beyond AI itself, and that they effectively navigate the workplace and be resilient in responding to future trends and changes.
MOE and IHLs will continue to monitor employment outcomes of fresh graduates, and work closely with industry partners and sector agencies to align curricula with industry needs, and provide students with the opportunities to deepen their learning through internships and industry projects.
AVERAGE AND MEDIAN TENURE DURATION OF TEACHERS ACROSS 30-YEAR PERIOD
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Education what are the average and median tenure durations of teachers for the periods (i) 1995 to 2009 and (ii) 2010 to 2025.
Mr Desmond Lee : From 1995 to 2009, the median length of service was five to nine years. From 2010 to 2025, the median length of service was 10 to 14 years.
AVERAGE AND MEDIAN ATTRITION RATES OF TEACHERS ACROSS 30- YEAR PERIOD
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Education what are the average and median attrition rates of teachers for the periods (i) 1995 to 2009 and (ii) 2010 to 2025.
Mr Desmond Lee: For both the periods (i) 1995 to 2009 and (ii) 2010 to 2024, the mean and median annual resignation rates of teachers have been around 2% to 3%. We expect the resignation rate for 2025 to remain around this range.
COMPLAINTS AGAINST EMPLOYEE MONITORING BEYOND WORKING HOURS, AND ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS AND EMPLOYEE RECOURSE AVAILABLE
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre asked the Minister for Manpower over the last three years (a) how many complaints has the Ministry received regarding intrusive employee monitoring practices outside of working hours, such as location tracking by employers; (b) what percentage of these complaints has resulted in advisories or enforcement actions against the employer; and (c) what specific recourse is available to employees whose privacy has been breached.
Dr Tan See Leng: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) does not track complaints regarding intrusive employee monitoring practices because such practices fall outside of the scope of the Employment Act.
If employees are of the view that their company’s policies breach their privacy, they should first surface the issue through their company's grievance-handling channel or approach their union if their company is unionised. Employees may also approach the Tripartite Alliance for Fair & Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) for further assistance.
UPDATE ON CONSIDERATIONS FOR DEFAULT PUBLICATION OF ANONYMISED EMPLOYMENT CLAIMS TRIBUNAL DECISIONS
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Manpower whether the Ministry can give an update about its deliberations on whether it will make it the default position to publish the judgment and grounds of decision for cases brought before the Employment Claims Tribunal on an anonymised basis.
Dr Tan See Leng: In general, the Executive leaves it to the Courts to decide on which judgments to publish. The Courts have determined that judgments delivered in the Employment Claims Tribunals (ECT) need not be published by default. Going forward, given the considerable body of case law developed since the establishment of the ECT in 2017, the Judiciary will be publishing selected ECT judgments which serve as useful reference to parties and the general public. The publication of a curated set of ECT judgments, targeted to be made available in phases from the second half of 2026, aims to provide greater awareness and a better understanding of the legal rights and responsibilities in employer-employee relationships. This in turn enhances access to justice. The Courts may also make judgments available upon request by any party and with the Courts’ approval. This approach strikes a balance between helping the public understand the law and how it is applied, ensuring that the ECT continues to dispense justice in a timely manner, and maintaining the confidential nature of such proceedings.
UPDATED RISK ANALYSIS ON IMPACTS OF SUMATRAN EARTHQUAKES AND MERSING FAULT ZONE AND ENHANCING STRUCTURAL SAFETY OF HDB BUILDINGS
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether risk assessment based on distant Sumatran quakes has been reviewed and updated following the recent seismic activity in Johor from the proximate Mersing Fault Zone; (b) what analysis assesses HDB blocks’ ability to withstand shaking from this nearer source; and (c) whether the Ministry will commit to targeted structural inspections for the most vulnerable older HDB estates.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: All buildings, including Housing and Development Board (HDB) blocks, are designed to be sufficiently robust to withstand lateral forces including tremors from earthquakes in the region. HDB and the Building and Contruction Authority (BCA) have also installed tremor sensors on selected buildings to monitor real-time data to assess the potential impact of seismic activities on our buildings.
Real-time data from HDB’s and BCA’s tremor sensors showed that the recent earthquake in Johor had no impact on buildings in Singapore, including older HDB estates. BCA and HDB will continue to monitor regional seismic developments and review risk assessment frameworks as necessary.
To ensure building and public safety, BCA has put in place a rigorous regime of periodic structural inspections, which identify signs of structural defects and deterioration.
MANAGEMENT OF CROW-RELATED PUBLIC NUISANCE AND SAFETY THREATS IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for National Development (a) when and why did controlled shooting for crow management cease; (b) whether there is a timeline to review reinstatement; (c) whether crow-related public nuisance and safety threats in residential estates has escalated; and (d) if so, whether the Government has a framework to address such increased nuisance and threats.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: Since 2024, the National Parks Board (NParks) has removed more than 8,600 crow nests and 16,000 crows from urban hotspots islandwide. With the recent increase in pest bird-related feedback, NParks has been stepping up its multi-pronged efforts to manage the disamenities. These include direct population control with enhanced trapping and removal methods, crow nest removal, enforcement against illegal bird feeding, and education and outreach efforts to reduce human generated food sources.
To further mitigate crow-related disamenities, the Ministry of National Development and NParks have been working closely with the Singapore Police Force
over the past few months to resume the shooting of crows as part of our efforts to bring down the crow population.
LONG-TERM COMMERCIAL OR INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY VACANCIES AND THEIR IMPACTS ON RENTAL MARKETS
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the current total stock in square metres of office, retail, and industrial space that has remained vacant for over one year; (b) whether studies have been undertaken to investigate the prevalence and scale of persistently vacant commercial or industrial units and their impact on rental volumes and prices; and (c) if so, what are the details of the studies.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: As of June 2025, the total stock of retail, office and industrial spaces that have remained vacant for more than a year are 220,000 square metres (sqm), 440,000 sqm and 2.7 million sqm, respectively. By proportion, these
figures represent 3.4%, 5.4%, and 5.0% of the total available space in each sector, and are generally comparable to pre-pandemic levels.
MEASURES TO SUPPORT PWM WORKERS RESIDING IN PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING EXPERIENCING RENT INCREASES IN VIEW OF WAGE ADJUSTMENTS
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry has data on the number of workers covered under the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) who currently reside in public rental housing and have experienced rent increases following wage adjustments; and (b) what specific support measures are in place to cushion the impact of rental increases for these PWM workers.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: The Housing and Development Board (HDB) does not track public rental tenants by the sectors they are employed in.
For tenants of public rental flats, including workers covered under the Progressive Wage Model, HDB will not raise their rent during the tenancy term even if there is an increase in their incomes.
As HDB rental rates are heavily subsidised, it is fair to all taxpayers for a tenant to pay higher rent when his income rises. Before any increase in rent is applied upon tenancy renewal, HDB will consider factors such as household size and living expenses to ensure that any rent increase is lower than the income increase, so that the tenants are still financially better off when they earn higher incomes
STATISTICS ON RIDERSHIP AND AVERAGE LOAD FACTORS FOR CITY DIRECT SERVICES 675, 676 AND 677 SINCE JANUARY 2025 AND DURING PEAK HOURS
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) what are the ridership statistics for City Direct Services 675, 676, and 677 since their launch in January 2025; and (b) what are the current average load factors for each of these services during peak hours.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: Loading for City Direct Services 675, 676, and 677 has stabilised at
around 35% to 45% in the morning peak, and at around 10% to 15% in the evening peak.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RAIL SERVICE RELIABILITY AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT ADOPTION
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Acting Minister for Transport whether the Ministry has conducted studies on the relationship between rail service reliability and public transport adoption.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: We have not conducted such studies. In 2024, 66% of peak period journeys were completed by public transport and this proportion has been growing over time. The vast majority of these journeys are completed smoothly.
COMPLETION RATES OF LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY ACROSS SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC PROFILES AND POSSIBLE EXTENSION BEYOND 31 MARCH 2026
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) to date, what is the number of Singaporeans who have completed their Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), broken down by (i) race (ii) age group (iii) income and (iv) gender;
(b) whether the Ministry will extend the waiver of the LPA Form 1 filing fee beyond 31 March 2026; and (c) if no, why not.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: As of 15 August 2025, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) has registered over 350,000 Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) made by Singaporeans.
93% of the LPAs were made by Chinese donors, followed by 3% by Indian donors and 2% by Malay donors. The remaining 2% were made by donors of other ethnicities. 19% of the donors were above 75 years old, 63% were aged between 50 and 75, 18% were under the age of 50. 58% of the LPAs were made by female donors.
MSF does not collect information of the income of the donors who have submitted their LPA applications.
MSF encourages all Singaporeans to make their LPA as soon as possible to provide peace of mind for themselves and clarity for their families. We will consider the suggestion to further extend the waiver of the LPA Form 1 filing fee for Singaporeans beyond 31 March 2026.
