ESTIMATED HDB BTO UNITS LAUNCHED IN 2025 FOR ELIGIBLE SINGLES
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for National Development in view of the overwhelming demand from first-time single home buyers in the recent October 2024 HDB BTO exercise, what is the projected number of HDB BTO units to be launched from 2025 onwards which eligible singles can apply for.
Mr Desmond Lee: Under the New Flat Classification Framework which applies to sales from October 2024 onwards, eligible first-timer singles can apply for new 2-room Flexi flats islandwide. Previously, they were limited to applying for new flats in the non mature estates.
To meet this demand, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) is increasing the supply of 2-room Flexi Build-to-Order (BTO) flats. From 2024 to 2026, HDB will launch up to 14,000 2-room Flexi BTO flats islandwide. This is more than a 50% increase from the 9,000 units launched in the Non-Mature Estates from 2020 to 2023. We are prepared to continue putting out a strong pipeline of flats to meet demand.
In February 2025, HDB will offer about 5,000 BTO flats across five projects. HDB will also hold the largest-ever Sale of Balance Flats exercise with more than 5,500 flats across various towns or estates.
SELECTION PROCESS AND CRITERIA FOR KEYNOTE SPEAKERS AT SIEW AND POSSIBLE IMPACT ON SINGAPORE’S REPUTATION DUE TO CONFLICTING SPEAKER’S VIEWS
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) how are sponsors and keynote speakers for the annual Singapore International Energy Week selected; (b) what is the amount paid by Aramco as the top sponsor of the event with a significant presence and a keynote speech; and (c) how will the views shared by the chief executive of Aramco during his keynote speech on 21 October 2024 affect the perception of Singapore’s decarbonisation efforts, especially since his views run counter to Singapore’s decarbonisation and energy transition goals. 30 Ms He Ting Ru asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry in respect of the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) organised by the Energy Market Authority (a) what is the Ministry’s assessment of the remarks by the chief executive of the key event sponsor, Aramco, in his keynote address; and (b) whether the organiser vets the headline speeches for factual errors and to ensure they espouse values compatible with Singapore given the impact of SIEW on Singapore’s international reputation.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: Every year, a wide range of public and private sector leaders from around the world share their perspectives on the global energy transition at the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW). The speakers are invited to focus their remarks on the SIEW theme for the year, and are responsible for the content of their speeches. The organiser does not vet their speeches. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to the energy transition. Each country would have to chart its own path to navigate the energy trilemma of security, affordability and sustainability, based on its unique circumstances. To remain credible, SIEW must remain an open platform for participants to share these different perspectives.
This year’s SIEW was supported by several companies, including Aramco, Siemens Energy, EDP Renewables, ExxonMobil, Sembcorp, DBS Bank, SMBC, and Google. We are unable to disclose further details of SIEW’s sponsorship arrangements due to commercial confidentiality.
DIFFERENTIATION IN TERMS OF REFERENCE OF NEW NHB STUDY ON 38 OXLEY ROAD FROM 2016 MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE’S ASSESSMENT
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) what are the terms of reference for the National Heritage Board (NHB)’s current study of 38 Oxley Road to assess if the site has historical, heritage, and architectural significance; and (b) how does the present NHB study differ from the terms of reference of the Ministerial Committee on 38 Oxley Road formed in June 2016 and which assessed that the building has historical, heritage, and architectural significance.
Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai: The National Heritage Board (NHB) conducts research on buildings, sites or structures with the potential to be considered as a National Monument. Such research could cover technical aspects such as the historic, cultural, architectural and national importance of the building, site or structure. The research is then presented to the Preservation of Sites and Monuments Advisory Board (PSM AB), set up by NHB under Section 7 of the Preservation of Monuments Act, for their independent assessment, as part of the decision-making process on whether the building, site or structure should be preserved as a National Monument. The PSM AB makes this assessment based on objective criteria, for all sites which have the potential to be preserved as a National Monument.
In the case of 38 Oxley Road, this research was done by NHB for the 2018 Ministerial Committee Report. While the research was incorporated into the Report, the Ministerial Committee concluded that no decision had to be made at that point in time, and all options would be kept open. Hence, the research was not presented to the PSM AB for their assessment then on the suitability of 38 Oxley Road as a National Monument.
In view of the recent application by the owner to demolish the building, which would immediately rule out a proper and full consideration of options, NHB has commenced the process to determine 38 Oxley Road’s eligibility and suitability for preservation as a National Monument. This includes presenting the research to the PSM AB for their independent assessment. Based on the assessment, NHB would then provide a recommendation to the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth to decide whether to issue a Preservation Order for the Site under the Preservation of Monuments Act.
This follows the usual assessment process before any building, site or structure can be preserved as a National Monument, and we will apply this accordingly to 38 Oxley Road.
STATISTICS OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS BY SENIORS TO AIC FOR FUNDING OF HEARING AIDS PURCHASE AND RANGE OF FUNDING
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Health in the past three years (a) how many applications have been made by Singaporean seniors to the Agency for Integrated Care for funding to purchase hearing aids outside of, or not having qualified for assistance under, the Seniors Mobility and Enabling Fund or the Assistive Technology Fund; and (b) of which, how many succeeded in their applications and what is the range of funding allowed for the successful applicants.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: The Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF) and Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) provide eligible seniors with means-tested subsidies of up to 90% for hearing aids. On average, of the 4,000 unique seniors who applied for SMF subsidies for hearing aids annually since 2019, more than 99% were successful, with most of them receiving 90% subsidy. In 2024, the Annual Value and Per Capita Household Income criteria for means-tested subsidy schemes, including SMF and ATF, were revised, to ensure that Singaporeans with greater needs continue to receive support Seniors who do not qualify for SMF or ATF subsidies and require financial assistance for hearing aids can approach AIC, SG Enable or Medical Social Workers at our public hospitals. Depending on their individual circumstances, the seniors can be matched to other forms of financial support available including from Social Service Agencies and charities. The Government does not track the applications made by Singaporean seniors for such alternative funding for hearing aids.
The Government will continue to review SMF and ATF regularly to ensure that the schemes provide adequate support to those in need.
REVIEWING ANIMALS AND BIRDS ACT TO STRENGTHEN PENALTIES FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY, COMPARING PENALTIES INTERNATIONALLY AND IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINES
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for National Development (a) what specific measures will the Ministry be considering in the review of the Animals and Birds Act to strengthen penalties for animal cruelty; (b) whether the Ministry will consider increasing jail terms and fines; (c) how does Singapore’s current penalties under the Act compare with those of other developed nations; and (d) what timelines are set for implementing changes to ensure effective deterrence against animal cruelty.
Mr Desmond Lee: As part of National Parks Board’s (NParks’) efforts to safeguard animal health and welfare, as well as public health and safety, we have embarked on a review of the Animals and Birds Act. This includes a review of the penalty framework, including fines and jail terms, to ensure that they are effective in deterring acts of animal cruelty and abuse.
NParks will continue to take a collaborative approach in this review and consult the public and community stakeholders. We will also study the regulations and penalties of overseas jurisdictions.
We will share more details of the review, including the timeline, when ready.
STATISTICS OF OVERSTAYERS IN SINGAPORE ILLEGALLY OVER PAST TWO YEARS AND OVERSTAYERS AT-LARGE
Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) in each year of the past two years, what is the average number of foreigners who remain in Singapore illegally after the expiry of their visit passes issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority; and (b) what is the total number of overstayers who have not yet been arrested by the authorities.
Mr K Shanmugam: In the past two years, an average of 450 overstayers were arrested each year. Of these, about 270 were holders of a Short-Term or Long-Term Visit Pass.
We estimate that there are about 500 to 600 overstayers who have not been arrested. This is less than 0.001% of our annual visitor arrival numbers. Some may have inadvertently stayed past the validity of their issued pass, while others do so intentionally for reasons such as to seek employment.
It is not always possible to immediately arrest overstayers as they may have changed their contact details or residential address from the details previously declared to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). That said, ICA will continue its rigorous enforcement checks, and work with other law enforcement agencies such as the Singapore Police Force, to detect and arrest overstayers to ensure the situation is kept under control.
ANNUAL COST OF GOVTECH AS A COST CENTRE AND EXPECTED TIMELINE TO INCREASE REVENUE-GENERATING CAPACITIES
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) in the last three years, what is the total annual cost booked to GovTech as a cost centre; (b) whether there are plans to increase the revenue-generating capacities of GovTech and its associated departments; and (c) if so, what are the key milestones and timelines.
Mrs Josephine Teo (for the Prime Minister): The primary role of GovTech is to harness and develop info-communications technology solutions and capabilities to drive our Digital Government and Smart Nation efforts. From Financial Year (FY) 2021 to FY2023, GovTech’s average annual expenditure was $1.7 billion, which was less than 2% of total Ministry expenditure.
GovTech is almost fully funded from (i) central grants from the Government and (ii) other Government agencies paying for the use of GovTech’s services and products. This is unlikely to change significantly in the near future.
BCA’S REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION TO UPDATE REGULATIONS OF GUIDELINES FOR PERIODIC FACADE INSPECTIONS DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND EXTREME WEATHERS
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for National Development (a) how often does BCA review regulations and guidelines for periodic facade inspections; (b) whether BCA has considered updating the regulations and guidelines to account for more extreme weather as a result of climate change; and (c) whether BCA will be conducting additional inspections of buildings considering the possibility of earlier deterioration due to more extreme weather.
Mr Desmond Lee: The periodic facade inspection regime was recently introduced in 2022. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) will continue to keep abreast of developments in structural safety and materials, and climate change projections. Taking reference to this and prevailing building safety standards in other jurisdictions, it will review our regulations and guidelines where necessary. BCA also recently completed a study on the effects of climate change on façade materials, which showed that most materials can withstand the more extreme climate conditions that are projected. For potentially vulnerable materials, the current inspection regime is assessed to be sufficient to address their potential deterioration in a timely manner. With more extreme weather, BCA is also studying and updating design wind speeds used in structural calculations, in consultation with industry experts and other agencies.
RATIONALE AND LIMITATIONS FOR DELAYING IMPLEMENTATION OF 2019 LEGISLATIVE CHANGES TO INCLUDE SUSPECTS AGED 16 AND 17 YEARS OLD WITHIN JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM
Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what are the reasons why the Youth Courts are still not ready to implement the legislative changes passed in 2019 to include youth suspects aged 16 and 17 years old within its juvenile justice system; and (b) what are the limitations that have contributed to this delay.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The extension of Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) Youth Home Orders to older youths aged 16 to below 18 years cannot be implemented without considering infrastructure, programme, and curriculum changes.
When the legislative changes are brought into effect, we expect to cater to 40% more youths in MSF Youth Homes. Existing facilities have to be enhanced to accommodate more older youths safely, and without compromising the rehabilitation of the younger youths. Works also have to be carried out on a secure facility that continues to operate 24 hours a day and seven days a week. New rehabilitation programmes have to be designed or existing ones enhanced in order to provide effective intervention.
The older youths also have different education requirements, as most will be in the post-secondary phase. Facilities have to be prepared so that they can be offered an adequate range of academic and vocational offerings. MSF has been working with the Ministry of Education, Institute of Technical Education, polytechnics, SkillsFuture Singapore and Workforce Singapore. We are making good progress and expect the legislative changes to come into effect early 2025.
WRITTEN PQS
ANNUAL DOLLAR AMOUNTS OF CORPORATE INCOME TAX REVENUES FORGONE IN LAST FIVE YEARS FROM INCENTIVES GRANTED
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance in the last five years, for companies currently granted concessionary corporate income tax rates via tax incentives, what is the estimated annual dollar amounts of foregone corporate income tax revenues based on the difference between their effective tax rates versus (i) average effective corporate income tax rates and (ii) the statutory corporate income tax rate.
Mr Lawrence Wong: Like many jurisdictions, Singapore uses a range of grants and tax incentives to compete for investments. Such incentives are not automatically granted to all companies looking to invest in Singapore. They are offered judiciously, only if the economic agencies assess that the incentive is necessary to land the investment here and the investment will generate a net benefit for Singapore’s economy. The value of incentives awarded is a fraction of the projected total value of the investment. Tax revenue forgone from these tax incentives are notional. It is not correct to assume that our tax base will remain unchanged if we did not provide such incentives.
ENROLMENT AND GRADUATION RATES OF FEMALE VIS-A-VIS MALE STUDENTS IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND MACHINE LEARNING COURSES
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Education over the past five years (a) what are the enrolment and graduation rates of female students in artificial intelligence (Al) and machine learning courses across Singapore’s universities and polytechnics; (b) how do these figures compare to that of the male counterparts; and (c) what targeted measures are being implemented to increase female participation and retention in Al-related academic programmes.
Mr Chan Chun Sing: Over the past five years, female students comprised about a quarter of enrolment in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning programmes at the Polytechnics and Autonomous Universities (AUS). Similar to male students, more than 90% of these female students graduate from their programmes.
The Polytechnics and AUs will continue to raise awareness and interest in Al-related careers and courses through avenues such as Open Houses and programmes for female students. For example, the Nanyang Technological University’s Promotion of Women in Engineering, Research and Science (POWERS) programme equips female students with professional and personal skillsets to embark on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers. The Polytechnics partner with the Infocomm Media Development Authority through the SG Women in Tech (SGWIT) initiative to grow female students’ interest in tech careers through talks, workshops, hackathons, and mentorship opportunities.
SINGAPOREANS SEEKING DENTAL TREATMENT IN JOHOR BAHRU AND MEASURES TO ENHANCE COMPETITIVENESS OF DENTAL INDUSTRY
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry has data on the number of Singaporeans who have sought dental treatment in Johor Bahru (JB) in the past year; (b) what is the average cost difference between comparable dental procedures in Singapore and JB; (c) how many dental clinics in Singapore have closed in the past five years; and (d) what specific measures is the Ministry implementing to enhance the competitiveness of Singapore’s dental industry against regional competitors.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: The Ministry of Health does not collect or track data on Singaporeans seeking dental treatment in Johor Bahru or the costs of dental procedures there. From 2019 to 2023, the number of dental clinics in Singapore increased by over 10% from 1,091 in 2019 to 1,228 in 2023.
Cost of doing business in Singapore is higher than Johor Bahru. That said, we will continue to ensure that dentists are well-trained and competent, and dental services in Singapore are safe, of high quality and, through various support schemes, remain affordable for Singaporeans.
PROCESSING TIME FOR HDB HFE LETTER FROM APPLICATION TO DOCUMENT SUBMISSION AND POSSIBLE EXTENSION OF VALIDITY PERIOD
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the median processing time for the HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter from (i) the point of application and (ii) the point all required documents are submitted to HDB; and (b) whether the Government can consider extending the validity period of the HFE Letter to minimise the need for re-application.
Mr Desmond Lee: Between 1 November 2023 and 31 October 2024, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) processed more than 135,000 applications for HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter. Applications with complete documents are generally processed within about a week. For applications submitted without complete documents, HDB will need to request for the full set of documents to be submitted, before processing the application. Applicants are therefore advised to provide accurate and complete information during their HFE letter application for a faster response. In November 2023, as part of a regular review to improve the flat buyer’s experience, HDB extended the validity period of HFE letter from 6 to 9 months. This serves to strike a balance between providing home seekers with greater convenience and ensuring a holistic and fair assessment of their eligibility for housing subsidies and loan based on recent household income. There are currently no plans to further extend the validity period of HFE letter.
US ETF EQUITY INDEX FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR CPF MEMBERS TO INVEST THROUGH CPFIS AND PLANS TO INCLUDE DIRECT INVESTMENT OPTIONS
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Manpower (a) which are the US Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) equity index funds that CPF members can currently invest in directly under the CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS); (b) given that the CPFIS approved list includes only Singapore-based ETFs and that US equity exposure is available only through unit trusts with higher expense ratios, whether the Ministry plans to include direct investment options in US ETF equity index funds under CPFIS; and (c) whether CPF will proactively seek to add low-cost US ETF index funds to improve returns for CPF members.
Dr Tan See Leng: To safeguard Central Provident Fund (CPF) members’ interest, only Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) can be included under the CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS), as foreign products are subject to changing regulations in jurisdictions outside of the Government’s regulatory oversight. Currently, there are ETFs listed on the SGX with exposure to United States (US) equities1. Fund managers of SGX-listed ETFs may choose to apply for their products to be included under the CPFIS depending on their commercial considerations. The CPF Board carefully assesses these applications, taking into consideration factors such as investment-related fees and investment track records.
CPF members already have the option to invest directly in a number of low-cost, passively managed unit trusts with US equity exposure through the CPFIS2. These unit trusts have comparable expense ratios as ETFs.