Written Answers to WP's Oral Questions and Written Questions on 24 Sep 2025
DETAILS ON PROPOSED COLLABORATION BETWEEN SPH MEDIA AND CHINESE STATE-OWNED NEWS ORGANISATIONS
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) whether the Ministry, as a major financial backer of SPH Media Trust, is aware of the details of the proposed collaboration between SPH Media and several Chinese state-owned news organisations; and (b) if so, whether any assessment of potential foreign interference has been conducted.
Mrs Josephine Teo: It is not clear which proposed collaboration the member is referring to. SPH Media, as a news agency that covers international developments, should be plugged into the international media network and have many collaborations with foreign partners and industry players, including Chinese news organisations, to share content as well as insights on latest developments in the media landscape.
Nonetheless, the Member can be assured that there are regulations in place to guard against foreign interference of our local media. Under the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act and the Broadcasting Act, the Government has provisions to guard against foreign interference of editorial content and decision-making in local newspapers and broadcast media. Funds from foreign sources for non-commercial purposes are prohibited for such newspaper and broadcasting companies. These safeguards apply regardless of whether the newspaper is receiving Government funding, and we will take swift action should we detect any signs of foreign interference in our local media.
PROCESSING ISSUES IN HOUSEHOLD MEANS ELIGIBILITY SYSTEM
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) how were the processing issues in the Household Means Eligibility System discovered; (b) whether means-tested individuals can independently verify if the subsidies and grants given to them have been accurately disbursed; and (c) if so, how.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Ministry of Health was first alerted to the processing issues in the Household Means Eligibility System (HOMES) following a query from a member of public about her application for subsidies on 13 January 2025. The member of public reported that she was earning business income but had been assessed as not earning any income by HOMES.
There are various types of subsidies in healthcare and social services that are means-tested, i.e. the levels of subsidies and grants are based on proxies of household means such as per capita household income of family members staying in the same household. While the subsidy levels and eligibility criteria for various schemes are generally published on the respective agencies’ websites, individuals may find it cumbersome to self-verify their subsidies and grants. Individuals can approach their service providers if they have queries. In the meantime, re-assessment of all affected cases have been completed and agencies are actively notifying affected individuals.
IMPACT OF INCREASED VOLATILITY IN GIC'S RETURNS ON INTEREST RATES OF SPECIAL SINGAPORE GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) whether the drop in GIC’s 20-year annualised real returns and the expected increase in volatility in GIC’s returns over the next decade is expected to impact the interest rate of the Special Singapore Government Securities issued by the Government to the CPF Board; and (b) if not, why not.
Ms Indranee Rajah (for the Prime Minister): Interest rates of Special Singapore Government Securities (SSGS) are based on Central Provident Fund (CPF) interest rates and are independent of GIC’s returns. The CPF Board invests CPF savings entirely in risk-free SSGS issued by the Government. The Government then invests SSGS proceeds together with its other assets through GIC. The Government guarantees CPF savings and pays the SSGS interest rates to CPF Board regardless of GIC’s returns over any period. The Government is able to do so because it pursues a prudent fiscal policy that enables a healthy buffer of net assets which allows it to absorb risks across market cycles.
ASSESSING G20 NATIONS' GOLD RESERVES INCREASE AND IMPLICATIONS FOR SINGAPORE'S RESERVE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) what assessments have been made of G20 nations’ recent increases in gold reserves as a percentage of total reserves; (b) whether any review has evaluated implications for our reserve management strategy; and (c) what factors will trigger a reconsideration of our current gold allocation.
Ms Indranee Rajah (for the Prime Minister): The global demand for gold reflects its role as a safe-haven asset during periods of economic and geopolitical
uncertainty. In Singapore’s context, the size of our gold holdings is based on our long term objective of ensuring that our reserves portfolio remains resilient and well diversified across economic and market conditions.
POPULARITY OF ENHANCED TRAVEL SMART JOURNEYS INITIATIVE
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Acting Minister for Transport whether the Ministry will consider streamlining the Travel Smart Journeys initiative by allowing fare incentives to be automatically applied at the point of payment, rather than requiring prior enrolment through the SimplyGo app.
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) what is the current adoption rate of the enhanced Travel Smart Journeys initiative which requires commuters to enrol via the SimplyGo app to receive fare incentives, and (b) whether the Ministry intends to increase participation among eligible commuters; and (c) if so, how so.
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) whether the Ministry has seen a noticeable impact on peak-hour crowding at the North East MRT Line stations as a result of the enhancement of the Travel Smart Journeys (TSJ) initiative on 2 January 2025; and (b) if so, whether details can be shared about TSJ’s effect on crowding.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: The Travel Smart Journeys (TSJ) initiative was introduced in February 2020 to encourage commuters to adjust their commute away from busier segments of our Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network during the morning peak period. In January this year, we enhanced the initiative by introducing incentives for commuters who shift the timing of their travel, increasing the maximum rebates to 80% of fares, and adding more bus services which qualify for the rebates.
Consequently, approximately 7,000 more commuters have benefited. Instead of taking the North East Line (NEL) during the morning peak period, about eight in 10
adjusted their travel time on the NEL to before or after peak hours, while the rest switched to taking buses. Adoption rate of Travel Smart Journeys is still low and we are looking to enhance the programme to encourage more commuters to consider shifting their timing or changing their mode of transport.
To enjoy the benefits of TSJ, commuters can easily enrol through the SimplyGo app. Points can then be calculated and awarded to their account for each eligible journey. Use of the SimplyGo app allows commuters to accumulate points before redeeming in blocks and encourages sustained use of the TSJ programme. Land Transport Authority will continue to improve the TSJ to benefit more commuters.
WEIGHING INTANGIBLE CIVIC AND HERITAGE VALUE OF PUBLIC LIBRARY AGAINST ECONOMY VALUE OF LAND
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) what framework weighs the intangible civic and heritage value of a public library against the economic value of the land; (b) how is this value calculated and factored in the relocation of Ang Mo Kio and Geylang East public libraries; and (c) when does land optimisation yield to preserving non-commercial public spaces for knowledge and community purposes.
Mrs Josephine Teo: My response will also cover the matters raised in the Oral Question by Mr Andre Low, which is scheduled for a subsequent Sitting. If the questions have been addressed, it may not be necessary to proceed with the Questions for future Sittings.
I thank the Members for raising questions regarding our libraries. I have shared in my reply to Ms Tin Pei Ling’s adjournment motion yesterday that libraries play a fundamental role as custodians of knowledge and serve as critical community institutions. Our libraries are key anchors for the community that must remain accessible.
The revamp and relocation of libraries are in line with National Library Board (NLB’s) Libraries of the Future (LOTF) Masterplan, a 15-year plan that charts the next phase of development for public libraries from 2017 to 2030.
As part of this plan, NLB’s strategy has been to move standalone libraries to locations which have easy access to transportation hubs and networks. These locations, which may include shopping malls and integrated hubs, provide convenience to library users and ensure that public libraries are accessible to as many residents as possible. By siting public libraries at convenient locations, at least 80 per cent of the resident population stay within 15 minutes by public transport.
The decision to relocate any library is not taken lightly. NLB does so in consultation with the relevant government agencies and community partners. NLB takes into consideration various factors such as land use plans, accessibility to major transport nodes, the number of residents it can best serve, the library’s age, the number of years since the last major renovation and the suitability of the available space. Ultimately, NLB makes the decision based on how it can best serve and reach more patrons with its services and collections.
NLB’s experience has shown that these decisions have led to more people visiting libraries. Mall libraries receive about 30% more visitors per month on average than standalone libraries over a three-year period. The average monthly visitorship of a mall library is about 60,000. In contrast, the monthly average visitorship to Ang Mo Kio Library and Geylang East Library are only about 50-60% of that. Relocating Ang Mo Kio Library and Geylang East Library to nearby malls will enable NLB to serve more residents.
The Government understands that public libraries hold social relevance and fond memories for many people. Apart from conserving Queenstown Library, NLB and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) will work together with stakeholders on ways to celebrate the legacies of libraries that are relocated. This includes heritage interpretation in various forms, such as through digital documentation, physical
markers like storyboards and sensitive urban design to retain a sense of place and character.
REASONS FOR 45% OF TOTAL POSTAL VOTES BEING REJECTED FOR COUNTING AT 2025 GENERAL ELECTION
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) what are the reasons that led to 2,734 postal votes or 45% of the total postal votes of 6,097 received in Singapore being rejected for counting at the 2025 General Election; (b) whether the Elections Department is reviewing how such a high attrition rate can be reduced.
Mr Chan Chun Sing (for the Prime Minister): At General Election 2025 (GE2025), 45% of the postal voting return envelopes containing postal ballot papers which reached the Returning Officer (RO) in time, that is by the 10th day after Polling Day, were rejected for counting due to (a) faint, illegible, or missing postmarks, (b) mismatched specimen and wet-ink signature, and (c) torn or opened return envelopes. Before each postal voting return envelope is rejected, it would be shown to the candidates and counting agents present and the reason for rejection would also be pointed out to them.
To reduce the attrition rate, the Elections Department (ELD) will continue to strengthen its outreach efforts ahead of the next election, to educate postal voters on what to do to better ensure that their postal ballot papers reach Singapore in time and be accepted for counting. These include ensuring that postal voters use the same signature as that presented as their specimen signature and posting their postal ballot papers early. To minimise the problem of missing postmarks, even though the postal voting return envelope is pre-paid, postal voters may wish to affix a postage stamp. This is because postal service operators are more likely to postmark postage stamps on the envelopes to prevent their reuse. Postal voters can also consider using express airmail services to have greater assurance of the proper delivery of their postal voting return envelopes.
PROTOCOL FOR INVESTIGATION AND RELEASE OF FOREIGN VISITORS DETAINED FOR CRIMINAL OFFENCES
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) what is the protocol for the investigation and release of foreign visitors detained for a criminal offence; (b) whether diplomatic intervention from a foreign embassy can influence the legal outcome of such a case; and (c) why are two Italian swimmers recently issued only a warning and an entry ban for a shoplifting offence.
Mr K Shanmugam: The two swimmers were treated in accordance with a framework for treating offenders, based on types of offences committed – and the same framework applies to all persons, whether foreign or local. Singaporeans are treated similarly.
In the case of foreign offenders, the Singapore authorities will inform them of their right to consular access upon their arrest or detention. Should they request consular access, we will inform the embassy, so that the embassy can provide consular assistance as appropriate. This is a requirement under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, to which Singapore is a party. Singaporeans have similar rights if they are arrested or detained in other countries. The provision of consular assistance has no bearing on the investigation process and legal outcome.
In the case of the two Italian swimmers, they stole items worth about $150. The items were recovered.
After they were arrested, the two requested consular access. The Police alerted the Italian embassy of their arrest, and continued their investigations. There were no diplomatic interventions to influence the legal outcome.
In deciding on the appropriate course of action for a case, the Police and Attorney General's Chambers will generally consider the following factors: (i) The facts and circumstances of the case, (ii) the severity of the offence, (iii) any aggravating or mitigating factors; and (iv) how similar cases have been treated. In this case, the Police and AGC assessed that a 12-month conditional warning was appropriate. Given that they are foreigners, an entry ban was also imposed – such a ban will obviously not be applicable to Singaporeans.
LESSONS FROM FIRE AT CHILDREN'S ENRICHMENT CENTRE AT RIVER VALLEY ROAD SHOPHOUSE IN APRIL 2025
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) what is the cause of the fire which took place at the River Valley Road shophouse on 8 April 2025; and (b) what are the lessons learned in terms of fire prevention and fire escape, whether for purposes of (i) an educational or children’s enrichment establishment or (ii) such shophouse premises generally.
Mr K Shanmugam: Investigations are still ongoing. Based on Singapore Civil Defence Force’s (SCDF’s) preliminary findings, the fire had likely originated from an area used for storage on the second storey of the shophouse. SCDF also found several fire safety non-compliances, including unauthorised works involving the erection of partitions within the premises.
POSSIBILITY OF TADM SETTLEMENTS BECOMING COURT JUDGEMENTS
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether the Ministry will provide that settlements mediated by the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management automatically become court judgments, with penalties for employer defaults; (b) if not, why not; and (c) how is the requirement for workers to commence separate court enforcement proceedings when an employer defaults assessed to balance employee interests against defaulting employers.
Dr Tan See Leng: The power to grant a court order is exercised by the Judiciary. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) does not have the legal authority to exercise a judicial power to convert settlement agreements into court orders. Either party may instead register a settlement agreement recorded at the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) with the District Court.
A registered settlement agreement is enforceable as an order of the District Court and entitles one party to take enforcement action against the defaulting party for breaching the settlement agreement. The Courts will determine if the terms of the court order have been breached. Whilst a settlement that is not registered with the District Court is still legally binding, a party must first successfully sue the defaulting
party for breaching the terms of the settlement agreement and obtain a court order, before any enforcement action can be taken.
Notwithstanding the Court’s involvement, MOM and tripartite partners have put in place a process to ensure that workers receive the agreed payment as far as possible. Once a settlement agreement has been registered and is enforceable as a court order, if the worker did not receive payment by the due date, he can inform TADM who will help to engage the employer, advise the worker on the process to apply to the Courts to enforce the court order, and escalate as necessary to MOM for possible enforcement actions. Penalties such as warnings, fines, debarment from applying for work passes, and prosecution in court, may be imposed on errant employers.
TIME TAKEN BETWEEN DEBT RECOVERY BY LICENSED DEBT COLLECTION COMPANIES AND DISBURSEMENT TO CLIENTS
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether statistics are collected on the time taken between debt recovery by licensed debt collection companies and the disbursement to clients both by (i) company and (ii) in aggregate; (b) if so, whether this information can be made public; and (c) if not, whether tracking mechanisms exist to evaluate performance.
Mr K Shanmugam: The Police do not track such statistics. The Police’s regulation of the debt collection industry is aimed at preventing problematic debt collection conduct, in particular to address the disamenities which may arise from
such conduct. It does not regulate the commercial arrangements between debt collection companies and their clients.
PLANS FOR PHASING OUT HYBRID VEHICLES
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Acting Minister for Transport whether the Ministry can provide an update on plans to set a deadline for the phase-out of hybrid vehicles so as to promote business and consumer certainty.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: All new car registrations will have to be of cleaner-energy models from 2030. By 2040, all cars should be cleaner-energy. Cleaner-energy models include electric and hybrid cars.
We currently have no plans to phase out hybrid cars, and are monitoring the adoption of cleaner-energy cars.
PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION POLICY TO GRANT ELECTED OPPOSITION MPS FAIR AND EQUITABLE ACCESS TO COMMUNITY CENTRE FACILITIES WITHIN THEIR OWN CONSTITUENCIES
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) whether the Government will adjust the People's Association (PA) policy to grant elected opposition Members of Parliament fair and equitable access to community centre facilities for community engagement and welfare activities within their own constituencies; and (b) if so, when.
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 PA is set up to serve the Government of the day as a Statutory Board under the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. Its mission includes fostering social cohesion and racial harmony, connecting the Government to the people, people to people, and the people to the Government. The PA also canvasses views and feedback on Government policy, taking care to explain Government policy to people, as well as assist in the implementation of such policy.
The PA’s role is manifold. It includes (amongst other things):
- The last mile connection on the ground, explaining Government policies and the reasons for such policies (which, as an illustration, can range from the need for tax increases, to explaining how the progressive tax system works, and the application of Housing and Development Board policies). In doing so, the PA also gets people to support initiatives of the Government (which, as an illustration, can range from healthier lifestyle choices, helping protect oneself from scams, supporting local businesses and also explaining initiatives announced during the Budget and at other speeches).
- Helping to build a more united Singapore, and a more harmonious society, improving race relations, and build strong links across religious lines. Help build stronger local communities through a variety of events. All the functions that the PA undertakes – whether through events, programmes, or activities at any of the spaces and facilities run by PA, is consistent with the above stated role, to serve the Government of the day, and implement Government policies. The Government will appoint persons as GRAs whom it has the confidence in, to help lead the Grassroots Organisations and volunteers to perform the above roles. The GRA must be able to do all of the above, including explaining the Government policies honestly, help the Government govern (which is a key part of the role of the Civil Service) by assisting to implement Government policies on the ground. However, the PA does not conduct any political activity with any political party. PA does not allow its events or venues to be used for partisan purposes by any political party, nor does it allow them to be used for religious and/ or unlawful purposes.
The PA’s mission is as stated above, and in discharging this role, PA provides common spaces at which the PA runs its programmes and activities, including community facilities for members of the public to utilise for social and recreational activities. PA’s spaces and activities are open to every resident, regardless of which constituency they reside in, their background and political affiliation. This principle
ensures that PA facilities serve the broader community while fulfilling our statutory mandate.
RATIONALE FOR MAINTAINING DISTINCTION BETWEEN CITIZENS AND PRS' CPF WITHDRAWAL PERIOD. REASON NOT ALLOWING TAX-DEDUCTIBLE CPF TOP-UPS TO CPF LIFE GOING TOWARD RETIREMENT SUM SCHEME PAYOUTS
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Manpower (a) why tax deductible CPF top-ups for members on CPF LIFE must go toward CPF LIFE instead
of Retirement Sum Scheme payouts if the member so chooses; and (b) why does this apply even where the member has met the Full Retirement Sum.
Dr Tan See Leng: Today, Central Provident Fund (CPF) members who have started their retirement payouts will either be on CPF LIFE or the Retirement Sum Scheme (RSS), but not both. As such, tax-deductible top-ups will go towards the respective scheme that the member is on, but not both. Members who have at least $60,000 in their Retirement Account when they start their retirement payouts will be automatically included in CPF LIFE. This covers members who have set aside their Full Retirement Sum (FRS). RSS payouts are not relevant to members who have set aside their FRS.
For those on CPF LIFE, their top-ups will be streamed out via CPF LIFE, which ensures that no matter how long a member lives for, he or she would be provided with a monthly payout for life. This ensures that members will not outlive their savings, even as life expectancy increases. Hence, streaming out top-ups via CPF LIFE allows members to boost their monthly retirement payouts for life.
For those on RSS, their tops-up will be streamed out via RSS payouts. Streaming out top-ups via RSS will also boost monthly retirement payouts. However, RSS payouts are designed to last up to 20 years from the payout eligibility age, or until CPF savings run out.
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BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT FEES PAID BY WORK PERMIT HOLDERS IN SINGAPORE AND IN HOME COUNTRIES
Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether the Ministry has conducted surveys on recruitment fees paid by work permit holders in Singapore and in their home countries; (b) if so, whether the Ministry will release its findings with breakdowns by (i) country of origin (ii) sector and (iii) gender; and (c) if not, whether the Ministry will consider conducting such surveys in the near future.
Dr Tan See Leng: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) conducts ad hoc surveys on the total recruitment fees paid by work permit holders. Among first-time non domestic work permit holders who indicated paying recruitment fees, the typical total recruitment fees in 2024 by sector are as follows: (a) Construction sector: between $1,000 and $7,800; (b) Marine shipyard sector: between $1,200 and $4,800; (c) Process sector: between $600 and $7,200; (d) Manufacturing sector: between $1,500 and $7,400; and (e) Services sector: between $900 and $7,100.
The typical fees by gender are as follows: (a) males: between $1,000 and $7,200; and (b) females: between $300 and $5,600.
MOM does not publicly disclose data broken down by nationality, in view of sensitivities bilaterally and among different communities in Singapore.
REVIEWING QUANTUM OF MORNING PRE-PEAK FARES DISCOUNT
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) whether the Public Transport Council will be increasing the quantum of the Morning Pre-Peak Fares discount, currently set at 50 cents since its introduction in 2017; and (b) if so, what considerations will guide the increment of this fare incentive.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: The Public Transport Council (PTC) reviews public transport fares annually, including all concession and discount schemes such as the Morning Pre-Peak Fares discount scheme. In making any adjustments, PTC will consider factors such as affordability, financial sustainability of the public transport system and peak period crowding. PTC will announce its decision for its 2025 review later this year.
PROGRESS OF INSTALLING GREEN ROOFS AT BUS STOPS
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) what is the progress on LTA’s project of installing green roofs by growing grass on our bus stops to reduce ambient heat and create a more comfortable environment for commuters; (b) how effective have such roofs been in lowering ambient temperatures; and (c) whether there are plans to expand the project including in Hougang.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: Land Transport Authority (LTA) has worked with National Parks Board to install green roofs at 200 bus stops. Based on our studies, the green roofs can help lower ambient temperatures by up to around 2 degrees Celsius, providing a more comfortable environment for commuters.
LTA plans to roll out more green roofs at bus stops located near residential estates, health institutions, parks and major transport nodes, including bus stops in Hougang. As infrastructure provisions must be made to support the green roof, the roll out would be timed with the planned replacement and upgrading of bus stop shelters. Back to Contents
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR EMISSIONS-INTENSIVE TRADE-EXPOSED COMPANIES TO CLAIM TRANSITIONAL ALLOWANCES
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) whether the criteria for companies to be eligible for the transitional allowances that provides support for Emissions-Intensive-Trade-Exposed (EITE) companies can be shared; (b) what is the timeline of the transition framework for EITE companies; and (c) whether there is a targeted end date for the provision of such transitional allowances.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: We provide transitory allowances for companies in Emissions-Intensive and Trade-Exposed sectors. These companies compete globally and face competition from counterparts in jurisdictions with lower or no carbon prices.
We will review the provision of transitory allowances and adjust them based on how companies have delivered on their decarbonisation plans, taking into consideration international developments and advancements in decarbonisation technologies.
ASSESSING A*STAR’S INDUSTRIAL VALUE-ADD TO LOCAL ENTERPRISES
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) beyond patents, publications and licensing revenue, what KPIs does the Ministry use to assess A*STAR’s industrial value-add to local enterprises, especially SMEs; and (b) how many SMEs have commercialised A*STAR-originated technology in the past five years.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: Agency for Science, Technology and Research’s (A*STAR’s) value-add to local enterprises is assessed through indicators such as (a) the number of projects that A*STAR undertakes with local enterprises, (b) the number of research scientists and engineers (RSEs) seconded to local enterprises under the Technology for Enterprise Capability Upgrading (T-Up) programme, and (c) the number of A*STAR spin-offs.
These indicators reflect three key ways that A*STAR supports local enterprises. First, providing access to research capabilities, intellectual property and technologies. This includes access to shared prototyping and pilot-scale production facilities such as National Semiconductor Translation and Innovation Centre (NSTIC) and Innovation Factory@Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), that would otherwise require substantial upfront investments by the companies. A*STAR aims to set up more of such facilities moving forward. Over the past five years, A*STAR has undertaken more than 2,400 projects with 925 local enterprises.
Second, transferring knowledge and talent to drive transformation. Through the T-Up programme, A*STAR has seconded more than 300 RSEs to 177 local enterprises over the past five years, equipping them with technical expertise that they may not be able to build in-house. Our evaluation studies show that enterprises participating in T-Up saw 44% higher revenue and 22% higher total employment than non-participating firms on average within three years of starting the T-Up project.
Third, nurturing deep-tech startups from lab to market. A*STAR technologies have spun off more than 70 new companies over the past five years. Notable examples of companies that are launched on the back of an IP or technology from A*STAR include Mirxes and MetaOptics, which have successfully scaled internationally.
230 local small and medium enterprises and startups have licensed 302 A*STAR originated technologies over the past five years.
ANNUAL NUMBER OF NEW PERMANENT HIRES FROM EXTERNAL RECRUITMENT, CONTRACT HIRES AND CONTRACT STAFF TO PERMANENT EMPLACEMENT IN CIVIL SERVICE AND STATUTORY BOARDS FOR LAST FIVE YEARS
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance for each of the last five years, what is the annual number of new hires in the Civil Service and statutory boards who are (i) permanent hires from external recruitment (ii) contract hires and (iii) contract staff converted to permanent emplacement, respectively.
Mr Chan Chun Sing (for the Prime Minister): Contract appointments are offered by Public Service agencies for roles on specific projects over a specific period, or as a means to assess officers’ suitability for a long-term career in the Public Service before offering them permanent appointments. This approach has benefits to the agencies and the officers. Both sides can assess the officers’ fit for the job. The majority of our new hires are offered a contract appointment. Some agencies may offer permanent appointments for certain roles, such as those that require recruits to attend training over an extended period, for example those in the education or Home Team uniformed services. Nevertheless, these officers are also generally required to
serve a probation period of at least one year before they are confirmed in their jobs. Between 2020 and 2024, the Public Service recruited about 14,000 officers a year. About 76% of these appointments were on contracts-of-service. Of the new recruits appointed into the Civil Service on contracts-of-service in 2020 and 2021, about 45% have been emplaced. 28% exited within two years of their appointment, and the remainder could be (i) considered for emplacement later; (ii) exited or (iii) appointed to projects that had a finite tenure. The Public Service Division does not have data on the proportion of emplaced officers in Statutory Boards.
NUMBER OF REJECTED LTVP AND LTVP+ APPLICATIONS FROM 2020 TO 2024 AND PERCENTAGE OF APPLICATIONS WITH AT LEAST ONE SINGAPOREAN CHILD
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) from 2020 to 2024, how many applications for Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) and LTVP+ were rejected despite the marriages lasting at least three years; and (b) what percentage of these applicants have at least one Singaporean child.
Mr K Shanmugam: From 2020 to 2024, an annual average of about 600 Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP)/LTVP+ applications from foreign spouses of Singapore citizens with at least three years of marriage were rejected. Of these applications, around 3% declared that they have at least one Singaporean child.
REDRESS MECHANISMS UNDER REGULATORY OVERSIGHT FOR CLIENTS OF LICENSED DEBT COLLECTION COMPANIES IN DISPUTE CASES
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs what are the redress mechanisms available under regulatory oversight for clients of licensed debt collection companies in cases of disputes, such as delayed disbursements.
Mr K Shanmugam: The Police’s regulation of the debt collection industry is aimed at preventing problematic debt collection conduct. It does not regulate the commercial arrangements between debt collection companies and their clients.
COMPLETION AND FINDINGS OF INVESTIGATIONS OF FIRES AT BMTC ON PULAU TEKONG AND MITIGATING STEPS TO IMPROVE FIRE SAFETY AT BMTC
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence (a) whether investigations into the causes of two fires at the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) on Pulau Tekong within three weeks on 20 June 2025 and 11 July 2025 have been completed; and (b) if so, what are the findings and steps that the Ministry and SAF will be taking to improve fire safety at BMTC.
Mr Chan Chun Sing: Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) buildings, like all others in the Singapore Armed Forces, comply with national fire safety standards and codes, and are routinely audited and inspected by certified fire safety inspectors. BMTC staff also hold regular fire drills to keep themselves prepared, and all recruits undergo a fire drill within 48 hours of enlistment. BMTC works closely with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) to regularly review fire safety and emergency response protocols so that its emergency readiness remains high.
The two fires at BMTC on 20 June 2025 and 11 July 2025 occurred in unoccupied accommodation blocks. No personnel was injured. The SCDF has completed its investigations into the two fires. It concluded that the ignition source in
both instances was consistent with a naked flame applied to combustible materials, and was unlikely to be due to an electrical source.
Following the two fires, BMTC has increased patrols around unoccupied buildings. It also plans to install closed-circuit television cameras at such buildings for added security.
MONTHLY AVERAGE ELECTRICITY AND WATER CONSUMPTION RATES IN 2024 BY HOUSING TYPE AND PROJECT TRENDS FOR NEXT FIVE YEARS
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) in 2024, what was the monthly average electricity and water consumption rates for households living in (i) HDB flats broken down by flat type (ii) private condominiums and (iii) landed properties; and (b) what is the projected trend of these rates in the next five years.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien : The average monthly consumption for electricity and water[1]in 2024 are as follows:
(i) For households living in HDB flats,
1-Room and 2-Room HDB flats: Electricity: 175.7 kWh, Water: 8.9 m³ 3-Room HDB flats: Electricity: 276.1 kWh, Water: 12.2 m³
4-Room HDB flats: Electricity: 380.7 kWh, Water: 15.4 m³
5-Room and executive HDB flats: Electricity: 464.0 kWh, Water: 17.1 m³
(ii) For private apartments and condominiums, Electricity: 522.0 kWh, Water: 13.4 m³.
(iii) For landed properties, Electricity: 1208.2 kWh, Water: 30.6 m³. [1] The monthly household water consumption for each housing type can be found on SP Group’s website.
We expect the existing household consumption trends for electricity and water to continue in the next five years. Household electricity consumption would likely continue to see a gradual increase, due to factors such as switching from town gas and liquified petroleum gas to induction cooking, increased air-conditioner usage with higher temperatures and greater electric vehicle adoption. Household water consumption has been gradually decreasing with adoption of more efficient water fittings and appliances in homes.
IMPACT OF UNUSED CARBON OFFSET LIMITS FROM 2024 TO 2025 ON SINGAPORE’S CARBON EMISSIONS PATHWAY
Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) what is the projected impact of allowing companies to roll over their unused carbon offset limit from 2024 to 2025 on Singapore's carbon emissions pathway; and (b) whether the Ministry intends to continue this policy when the carbon tax rises to $45/tCO2 in 2026.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: The Government had permitted carbon taxable companies to roll over their unused carbon offset limits from 2024 to 2025 due to a constrained supply of International Carbon Credits as the market is still in nascency. We have not decided whether to extend the rollover provision for Emission Year 2025.
FUNDING CRITERIA FOR GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMMES GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIES
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Minister for Education (a) why does there Ministry limit Government subsidies to selected Master's degree programmes; (b) how does the Ministry determine which Master's programmes qualify for subsidy; and (c) what criteria are used to assess (i) the viability of subsidising a programme and (ii) its relevance to national manpower needs.
Mr Desmond Lee: The Ministry of Education (MOE) provides significant subsidies for Singaporeans in the Autonomous Universities (AUs) pursuing their first undergraduate degree. As for post-graduate by coursework programmes, programmes such as those that are required as entry requirements for certain professions such as architecture, and those that are aligned with industry needs, based on consultation with sector agencies, are subsidised by MOE. MOE will regularly review the subsidy framework for post-graduate programmes.
In addition, AUs also offer post-graduate programmes on a non-subsidised basis, if they assess them to be viable.
Other than MOE subsidies, most AUs offer fee rebates to Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, as well as alumni, who take up post-graduate programmes. Additional university subsidies, scholarships or study awards are also available to eligible students.
REASONS AGAINST MANDATORY REST PERIODS FOR SERVICE WORKERS AND ENSURING COMPLIANCE WITH VOLUNTARY GUIDELINES
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what is the reason for not mandating that service workers be allowed to sit during off-peak periods given the health risks of prolonged standing; (b) how does the Ministry ensure adherence to voluntary guidelines in workplaces such as food courts and retail stores; and (c) whether it will mandate employers to allow sitting to prevent long-term health problems.
Dr Tan See Leng: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) encourages all employers to provide adequate rest and welfare for their employees. To help employers create a conducive and healthy work environment, MOM and the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council have issued the WSH Guidelines on Improving Ergonomics in the Workplace, which provide recommendations on how employers can support employees who need to stand while at work. These include allowing employees to sit and rest at regular intervals, and providing anti-fatigue mats or sit-stand stools.
Mandatory regulations on when service workers should be allowed to sit may not effectively address the diverse operational requirements of different workplaces. Our current approach allows employers to implement appropriate solutions tailored to their specific circumstances and their workers’ needs.
MOM and the WSH Council work with industry associations, unions and employers to promote awareness and adoption of the good practices in the Guidelines on Improving Ergonomics in the Workplace. We will continue to regularly review our occupational health policies, taking into account the latest scientific evidence and international best practices.
REGULATION ON FREELANCE CONFINEMENT NANNIES WORKING IN SINGAPORE WITHOUT AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY CONTRACT
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what is the policy rationale for allowing foreign freelance confinement nannies to work in Singapore without a contract with an employment agency; and (b) whether the Ministry has considered introducing a mandatory licensing framework for these nannies, including requirements for formal training, professional conduct standards, and a public register of licensed practitioners.
Dr Tan See Leng: All migrant workers, including migrant domestic workers and confinement nannies, must have a valid Work Permit to work in Singapore. Employers may apply for the necessary work permits directly with the Ministry of Manpower or through an Employment Agency (EA). This provides flexibility for employers, who can self-help to hire directly without incurring the additional costs of engaging an EA.
Like other home-based care arrangements such as babysitters, confinement nanny services are private arrangements that employers source on their own. These arrangements are decentralised, varied and highly personalised in nature due to the diversity of home environments and employers’ needs. Hence, they are not amenable to standardisation and regulation.
EFFORTS TO EDUCATE AND PROTECT MIGRANT WORKERS AGAINST KICKBACKS
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Manpower (a) how often does the Ministry or its agencies educate migrant workers on kickbacks; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider (i) increasing the frequency of such education and (ii) amending the law to strengthen protections for affected workers.
Dr Tan See Leng: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) leverages various touch points to regularly educate migrant workers on kickbacks and to encourage them to report such offences. These include the Settling-In-Programme which is mandatory for all first-time, non-Malaysian migrant workers in the Construction, Marine, Process, and Manufacturing sectors, as well as through the FWMOMCare app, social media channels and partnerships with non-governmental organisations. The collection of kickbacks is a serious offence. Under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, offenders may face up to two years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $30,000, or both. To date, the Courts have imposed substantial fines of $10,000 to $15,000 per charge or imprisonment terms. On top of these penalties, the Courts may order offenders to surrender the monies received from the affected workers if no restitution has been made.
These measures have been effective in keeping the number of kickback cases low. Migrant workers can report kickbacks without fear of reprisal from their employers as MOM will facilitate a change of employment for those who wish to continue working in Singapore. We will continue to monitor the situation and review the penalties where necessary.
NUMBER OF CHANGE OF EMPLOYER (COE) LETTERS AND SUBSEQUENT IN-PRINCIPLE APPROVALS ISSUED BETWEEN 1 JANUARY 2025 TO 30 JUNE 2025
Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked the Minister for Manpower (a) how many Change of Employer (COE) letters have been issued to work permit holders with valid employment claims (i) in 2024 and (ii) from 1 January 2025 to 30 June 2025, respectively; and (b) how many of these work permit holders subsequently got In Principle Approvals issued within the validity period of their COE letters.
Dr Tan See Leng: Work Permit holders with valid salary claims lodged with the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management are allowed to look for a new employer and would be issued with Change of Employer (COE) letters. About 1,600 and 1,100 Work Permit holders with valid salary claims were issued with such COE letters in 2024 and from January to June 2025 respectively.
Of these, about 65% subsequently obtained a Work Permit approval within the validity period of their COE letters. For the remaining workers, there were either no
Work Permit applications submitted, or their Work Permit applications were rejected because the employer did not meet Work Permit requirements, such as having insufficient Work Permit quota.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS (EIA) REQUIRING NON DISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS (NDAS) FROM 2021 TO 2025 AND POSSIBLE PUBLICATION OF CLEARER GUIDELINES FOR EIA NDAS
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for National Development (a) what proportion of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) in the last five years required Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs); (b) how does the Ministry reconcile genuine consultation with NDAs that hinder informed discourse and scrutiny; and (c) whether the Ministry will publish clear guidelines defining exceptional conditions justifying EIA NDAs, making transparency the default.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: By default, most Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) reports are made available online. In cases where there are considerations requiring confidentiality, such as national security, agencies make available the hardcopy EIA reports to interested members of public to view upon request. Viewers are required to sign Non-Disclosure Agreements, given the confidentiality considerations.
REGULATORY OVERSIGHT OVER RAIL OPERATORS’ SAFETY DECISIONS FOLLOWING EAST-WEST LINE INCIDENT ON 25 SEPTEMBER 2024
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Acting Minister for Transport in respect of the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau’s report on the East-West Line train derailment on 25 September 2024 (a) why was the operator permitted to extend the overhaul interval of the 37-year-old KHI train by 38% without LTA's approval; (b) what engineering assessments justified this; and (c) how will such safety decisions face direct regulatory oversight henceforth.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: This reply also addresses Mr Gerald Giam’s question on a related topic for subsequent Parliament Sitting.
While manufacturers provide maintenance recommendations, it is the responsibility of operators to determine the maintenance requirements of their trains based on ground experience and operating context. It is common for metro operators around the world to adjust maintenance requirements based on the performance, condition, and usage of the trains. Operators are expected to adhere to their own defined maintenance requirements, and to properly document any waivers. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) audits these as part of the operators’ licence requirements.
Based on the investigation reports for the September 2024 East-West Line incident, SMRT had extended the overhaul interval for the incident train on two separate occasions, relying on the overall performance and reliability of their train fleet. As axle box failures are not common, SMRT had not undertaken a detailed engineering and risk assessment specific to extending the overhaul interval for the axle box.
LTA has tightened its oversight of the operators’ maintenance procedures, and now requires waivers or adjustments to maintenance schedules to be submitted for LTA’s review before they can be implemented.
INITIATIVES AND PROJECTS TOWARDS ATTAINING 2030 TARGET OF 75% MASS PUBLIC TRANSPORT MODAL SHARE
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) what is the current mass public transport modal share during peak periods; and (b) what specific initiatives and projects is the Ministry introducing to support its 2030 target for a 75% mass public transport modal share during peak periods.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: The peak-period mode share of all motorised journeys for mass public transport was 66% last year.
Once the Jurong Region Line and Cross Island Line are completed by the early 2030s, eight in 10 households will be within a 10-minute walk from a train station.
Under the Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme, the Land Transport Authority is improving bus services for residents farther away from transport nodes. These efforts are aimed at improving the attractiveness of public transport.
INITIATIVES AND MEASURES TO RAISE PUBLIC AWARENESS ON CORRECT USAGE OF RESPECTIVE PATHS AMONG PEDESTRIANS AND CYCLISTS
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) what safety measures are in place ensuring that pedestrians do not use cycling lanes which are alongside pedestrian-only footpaths; (b) whether LTA will be stepping up public education efforts to encourage pedestrians and riders to stay within the respective designated portions of the shared path to promote a safer and more considerate use of shared paths for all users.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: The Land Transport Authority’s (LTA’s) Active Mobility Enforcement Officers conduct regular patrols to ensure adherence to the path segregation of cycling paths and pedestrian-only paths. Pedestrians are encouraged to use the pedestrian-only paths.
To enhance pedestrian safety, LTA also works with relevant agencies to implement additional safety measures, such as installation of convex mirrors at locations with line-of-sight issues, and trimming of overgrown hedges that narrow the paths.
LTA will continue to raise awareness on safe path use through education campaigns, partnering the community and schools, as well as directly educating users.
