ORAL PQS
NUMBER OF FOREIGN MOTHERS WITH SINGAPOREAN CHILDREN WHO REMAIN LTVP HOLDERS AFTER YEARS OF MARRIAGE TO SINGAPOREAN SPOUSES
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) what is the current share of foreign mothers with Singaporean children who remain holding Long-Term Visit Passes (LTVPs) after eight years of marriage to their Singaporean spouses; (b) whether the Government plans to assist this group of foreign mothers to apply and obtain their Singapore citizenship or permanent residency; and (c) if not, whether this group of foreign mothers will remain on LTVPs indefinitely.
Mr K Shanmugam: As at end-June 2024, out of the total number of Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) or Long-Term Visit Pass-Plus (LTVP+) holders who were foreign spouses of Singaporeans, 7.5% were foreign mothers with minor Singaporean children and were married to their Singaporean spouse for at least eight years.
All Permanent Residency (PR) and Singapore Citizenship applications from foreign spouses are evaluated on a range of criteria, including the ability of the Singaporean sponsor to support the family, length of marriage, and whether the couple has children from the marriage. The fact that the foreign spouse is married to a Singaporean and has Singaporean children will also be considered.
Foreign spouses who do not qualify for PR can apply for an LTVP or LTVP+ to reside in Singapore.
SAFEGUARDS REQUIRED OF BANKS WHEN OFFERING DIGITAL BANKING SERVICES TO THOSE UNDER AGE 16
Ms He Ting Ru: To ask the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) what specific security measures and safeguards are required of banks before they can offer digital banking services to minors under 16 years old; (b) how do these measures differ from the requirements for adult accounts; and (c) what remediation processes must banks have in place for unauthorized transactions involving minor-operated accounts.
Ms He Ting Ru: To ask the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance
(a) whether the existing fraud protection frameworks fully cover losses from unauthorised transactions in child-operated bank accounts;
(b) where a minor’s bank account credentials are compromised, who bears ultimate liability between the bank, parents, and the minor; and
(c) what is the prescribed timeline for banks to investigate and resolve such cases.
Mr Gan Kim Yong (for the Prime Minister): Bank accounts for children under 16 years old can only be opened by parents on their child’s behalf. This applies to both joint accounts between parent and child, and accounts in the child’s name only.
For joint accounts, the parent as joint account holder is able to control and operate the account.
For children’s sole name accounts, banks have set significantly lower default daily transaction limits of $50 to $100, which can be lowered by the parent. This is part of the additional functions that banks provide to facilitate parental supervision. For instance, parents can also view their child’s transactions via internet or mobile banking, and will receive real-time notifications on outgoing transactions and high-risk activities such as changes to transaction limits or personal particulars, to alert them of unusual transactions and account activities.
Ultimately, parents determine whether and when to open or close an account for their child, how much funds they wish to place into the account at account opening, and the appropriate daily transaction limit to set for the account. This recognises that parents are responsible for their child’s usage of the account, and best placed to supervise their child’s access to digital banking services. Such accounts provide the parent an opportunity to closely supervise his or her child’s management of a bank account, before the child reaches 16 years of age and obtains a sole name account that they manage independently.
All bank accounts, including accounts of customers below 16 years old, are subject to security measures put in place by banks to safeguard against unauthorised transactions. In addition to real-time notification alerts, banks also provide a kill switch which can be activated by either the parent or the child to block all online payment transactions from the account where needed.
Banks are expected to follow up promptly when they receive a report of a fraudulent transactions on the account from either the parent or the child. The Shared Responsibility Framework, which assigns relevant duties for financial institutions and telecommunications companies to mitigate phishing scams, would similarly apply to accounts operated by minors. Should banks breach any duties under the framework, they would be expected to provide payouts to affected scam victims, regardless of the account holder’s age. Otherwise, banks may also consider making payouts under their goodwill frameworks, taking into account specific circumstances of each case.
The investigation timelines are also the same. Banks are expected to complete investigations of cases involving unauthorised transactions within 21 business days for standard cases, or 45 business days if the case is complex.
STEPS TO INCREASE UPTAKE OF LOCALLY PRODUCED FOOD BY MAJOR INSTITUTIONAL BUYERS
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song: To ask the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) what steps are being taken to increase the uptake of locally produced food by major institutional buyers which supply key Government entities including the SAF, public hospitals, prisons, welfare homes and senior care centres; and (b) whether the Government will consider incentivising these buyers through long-term contracts, contractual requirements or price support measures to promote the market viability of Singapore’s local food producers in line with the “30 by 30” goal.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has been supporting the industry in achieving greater offtake for local produce through various initiatives. This includes incorporating a criterion in Government procurement to give additional points to businesses who have undertaken sustainability initiatives, such as being recognised under the Farm-to-Table Recognition Programme (FTTRP) for procuring locally grown produce. The additional points increase their chances of securing government catering contracts, including those with key Government entities.
Beyond working with suppliers on contracts with Government entities, SFA has also been working with the Singapore Agro-Food Enterprises Federation Limited (SAFEF) to facilitate long-term commercial contracts between farmers and food businesses. This provides producers with certainty of demand and pricing while providing food businesses with the convenience of access to a wide array of local produce from different farms, and constancy of supplies of good quality produce. In May 2024, SAFEF partnered FairPrice to launch a pilot to sell aggregated locally farmed vegetables and marine tilapia under the brands “SG Farmers’ Market” and “The Straits Fish” at 44 and 20 FairPrice outlets respectively. This helped our local produce gain more visibility among consumers and increased sales. SFA also works closely with our supermarket retailers to promote local produce through prominent in-store marketing materials and fairs to encourage shoppers to buy local produce and educate them on the benefits of local produce.
Beyond the local market, farms can leverage the Singapore brand and our food safety recognition to export their products. SFA has also compiled market reports and import requirements of different countries and regions into a Library of Export Market Requirements on SFA’s website to support farms looking to export their produce and works closely with other government agencies to facilitate Singapore’s food trade flows and to support businesses in gaining market access.
While the Government will do its part, the viability of our local agri-food sector also depends on consumer demand for their products. Consumers can play a part by choosing to purchase local produce which can be easily recognised by the red SG Fresh Produce logo or dine at food businesses under the FTTRP. Local produce is fresher, lasts longer and incurs less transport miles as it need not travel long distances or for long periods of time before reaching consumers.
SFA will continue to explore initiatives to scale demand offtake for local produce. Together, we can continue to safeguard Singapore’s food security.
OPTION TO RENEGOTIATE RENTAL CONTRACTS OF HDB-OWNED COFFEE SHOPS AFTER CERTAIN NUMBER OF YEARS
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim: To ask the Minister for National Development whether HDB will consider renegotiating rental contracts for HDB-owned coffee shops after a certain number of years following a successful tender bid, if it is shown that the patronage of the coffee shop is worse than originally anticipated.
Mr Desmond Lee: The Housing and Development Board (HDB) currently owns and rents out about 390 coffee shops to operators, typically on three-year tenancies. This rent for the first tenancy is determined through open tender using the Price Quality Method. When an existing tenancy is due for renewal, the rent for the next tenancy period is assessed by professional valuers appointed by HDB, with reference to comparable coffee shop rents and prevailing market and local conditions. Generally, HDB does not renegotiate rents during the tenancy period. Operators who face serious difficulties can nonetheless approach HDB to discuss how best we can assist them.
This approach has kept rents and occupancy rates stable. Over the last five years, 97% of HDB rental coffee shop operators had their rents remain unchanged or slightly reduced. Only about 1% of operators return their coffee shops to HDB citing poor business or cost reasons.
HDB COMMERCIAL UNIT TENANTS ENGAGING IN ADDITIONAL TRADES ASIDE FROM THOSE SPECIFIED IN TENANCY AGREEMENT
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis: To ask the Minister for National Development (a) whether tenants of HDB commercial units are allowed to engage in additional complementary trades aside from those specified in the tenancy agreement during their existing term without having to submit a separate application to do so; and (b) if not, whether HDB can consider exercising greater flexibility for such change of trades restrictions to enable businesses to more nimbly meet consumer demands.
Mr Desmond Lee: The Housing and Development Board (HDB) carefully plans for the provision of commercial amenities in HDB estates to ensure a balanced trade mix, providing residents with access to essential goods and services while minimising potential disamenities.
All tenants must fulfil the conditions stated in their respective tenancy agreements, including the specific trade they are allowed to operate. During the first tenancy which is awarded through open tender, tenants are not allowed to change their trade to be fair to other bidders who had submitted bids based on the trade specified in the tender. During subsequent tenancy periods that are no longer awarded through tender, tenants can seek HDB’s approval if they wish to engage in different or additional trades. HDB will assess such requests on a case-by-case basis, to ensure that the proposed change does not compromise residents’ wellbeing.
STIPULATING MANDATORY RECORD-KEEPING PERIOD FOR CCTV FOOTAGE AT PRESCHOOLS
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) whether the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) stipulates the mandatory record keeping period for CCTV footage at preschools; and (b) if not, whether ECDA will consider doing so.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: As part of regulatory requirements imposed by the Early Childhood Development Agency, preschools must ensure that closed-circuit television footage is recorded and stored for a minimum of 30 days.
DISCOURAGING COMMUTERS FROM BLARING VIDEOS OR MUSIC LOUDLY FROM MOBILE DEVICES WHILE ON TRAINS AND BUSES
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong: To ask the Minister for Transport (a) what are the current measures being taken by bus and rail operators to discourage or prevent commuters from blaring loud videos or music from their mobile devices while commuting; and (b) whether there are plans to curb the blaring of loud videos or music by commuters on onboard trains and buses by (i) reviewing the adequacy of current regimes or measures and (ii) considering what other actions as well as public education campaigns that can be carried out.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: Passengers should not make loud noises on public transport. Those who refuse to comply despite reminders by our public transport staff could be referred to the Police.
Besides enforcement, the Land Transport Authority, the Public Transport Council, and our public transport operators also collaborate with partners such as the Singapore Kindness Movement to promote gracious commuting behaviours through advisories displayed across the public transport network, social media as well as regular engagements with the community and schools. As part of the Graciousness on Public Transport Campaign, we remind passengers to keep their noise levels down so that others can enjoy a more pleasant ride.
WRITTEN PQS
NATIONAL QUANTUM OFFICE’S PRIMARY SCIENTIFIC MISSION AND FIVE- AND 10-YEAR MILESTONES
Ms He Ting Ru: To ask the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) what is the primary scientific mission of the National Quantum Office (NQO); and (b) what specific measurable quantum technology milestones has the NQO set for the next five and ten years.
Mr Heng Swee Keat (for the Prime Minister): The National Quantum Office (NQO) was established to develop the quantum Research and Development (R&D) ecosystem in Singapore. NQO has identified four thrusts under the National Quantum Strategy to achieve this goal.
First, it will promote scientific excellence in high-impact areas of quantum research by bringing together top research talent across our universities and research institutes at the Centre for Quantum Technologies.
Second, it will seek to strengthen Singapore’s engineering capabilities to translate quantum research into solutions in promising areas such as remote sensing and biomedical imaging. It will also build capabilities in the design and building of quantum processors through the National Quantum Processor Initiative.
Third, NQO aims to attract, develop and retain talent to build a quantum-ready workforce. For instance, the National Quantum Scholarship Scheme will develop a pipeline of 100 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and 100 Masters-level graduates over the next five years.
Fourth, it will work on building a vibrant quantum industry. NQO will leverage national quantum-related programmes such as the National Quantum Computing Hub, to catalyse collaborations with industry.
While the success of research in such cutting-edge areas is inherently uncertain, these four thrusts represent an integrated approach in building Singapore’s quantum ecosystem.
ESTABLISHING AN INDEPENDENT SECURITIES REGULATOR SEPARATE FROM SGX
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim: To ask the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) whether the Government will consider establishing an independent securities regulator instead of having Singapore Exchange Regulation (SGX RegCo) that undertakes all frontline regulatory functions and is a wholly owned subsidiary of SGX; and (b) if not, why.
Mr Gan Kim Yong (for the Prime Minister): Singapore’s capital markets operate under a dual-level regulatory framework. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), as the statutory regulator, has the broad mandate of overseeing the proper functioning of financial markets, including exchanges like the Singapore Exchange Ltd (SGX). The Singapore Exchange Regulation Pte Ltd (SGX RegCo), a separate subsidiary of SGX, undertakes front-line regulatory functions of SGX as a self-regulatory organisation (SRO) to maintain fair, orderly and transparent markets. These functions include listing approvals, market surveillance and supervision of members.
The advantage of a SRO is that it can be more responsive to market conditions, while independent governance can be put in place to address conflicts of interest. SGX RegCo has an independent Chairman and a majority of directors who are independent.
There is a spectrum of regulatory arrangements globally and there is no one arrangement that is held out to be most appropriate for all jurisdictions. The Equity Markets Review Group set up in August this year has been looking into measures to strengthen equities market development in Singapore, and will include a review of our regulatory framework in this regard. It is engaging market participants for their feedback.
SPECIFIC TARGET YEAR FOR COMPLETION OF RELOCATION OF PAYA LEBAR AIR BASE
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis: To ask the Minister for Defence (a) whether the relocation of Paya Lebar Air Base is on track for 2030 and beyond; and (b) whether a specific target year for the relocation to be completed has been fixed and, if not, why.
Dr Ng Eng Hen: In 2020, the Ministry of Defence replied to a Parliamentary Question on this matter that the relocation of Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) would likely occur around 2030 or beyond, after Changi Air Base and Tengah Air Base have been expanded to house the existing assets at PLAB.
Despite some project delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we expect the relocation of PLAB to take place within the previously projected timeline. With various projects still in development, a definitive date for relocation now, would be premature.
CASES OF NEA OFFICERS’ INABILITY TO GAIN ACCESS TO PROPERTIES TO CONDUCT DENGUE INSPECTIONS
Ms He Ting Ru: To ask the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) in each year of the last three years, how many instances were logged where National Environment Agency’s dengue inspection officers are unable to gain entry into a house due to residents not being at home or the property being vacant; and (b) what alternative procedures do officers take to conduct an inspection in such situations, especially in cases where repeated visits are made but officers cannot gain entry
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: Between 2021 and 2023, the National Environment Agency’s (NEA’s) dengue inspection officers inspected 600,000 homes on average each year. NEA takes a risk-based approach to prioritise the deployment of dengue inspection officers to dengue cluster areas. Generally, the island-wide average accessibility rate is around 40 per cent. In areas with large dengue clusters, NEA was able to inspect more than 90 per cent of the homes, based on 2023 data. When initial inspection attempts are unsuccessful, NEA officers will return for inspection at another time and if necessary, serve a letter to the resident to arrange for another date to inspect the unit. If NEA’s dengue inspection officers are still unable to gain access despite repeated visits, NEA will serve notices under the Control of Vectors and Pesticides Act 1998 (CVPA) to require residents to make their homes available for inspection.
When the dengue situation is very serious and the homes are vacant or continue to remain inaccessible even after NEA has made repeated attempts, including through neighbours and grassroots, and issued legal notices, NEA may exercise its statutory authority under Section 36 of the CVPA to gain entry to these premises to conduct vector inspections to mitigate public health risks. From 2021 to 2023, 129 inspections were carried out under Section 36 of the CVPA. Operational protocols are in place to ensure that such entries are conducted safely and under strict supervision.
STUDY ON HEALTH RISKS OF PROLONGED STANDING IN RETAIL SECTOR AND ITS IMPACT ON PRODUCTIVITY, RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song: To ask the Minister for Manpower
(a) whether the Ministry will consider conducting a study on the health risks of prolonged standing in the retail sector;
(b) whether voluntary guidelines will be introduced to encourage retailers to provide seating breaks when not attending to customers and to counter cultural norms that expect staff to stand continuously to appear attentive; and
(c) whether the Ministry will evaluate the impact of such practices on workforce health, productivity and recruitment and retention of older workers in the sector.
Dr Tan See Leng: The Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM’s) occupational health experts review scientific studies on the potential health risks associated with prolonged standing on a regular basis. In general, anyone who stands for prolonged periods of time (e.g. more than 4 hours a day in a fixed location) may experience swollen feet or weakened muscles in the long run.
Together with the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council, we have issued WSH Guidelines on Improving Ergonomics in the Workplace to strongly encourage all employers, including retailers, to provide adequate rest and welfare for frontline staff who need to stand as part of their jobs. The Guidelines include good practices for employers to support employees who need to stand for prolonged periods. such as allowing them to sit and rest at regular intervals, and providing anti-fatigue mats or sit stand stools. Retail employers can also improve displays or storage areas for easier access, leverage on lifting aids to reduce manual tasks and streamline work processes for greater efficiency. These can help all employees, including older workers, perform their tasks safely and effectively.
COMMUNITY STANDARDS TO IMPROVE ETIQUETTE FOR MOTORISED AND NON-MOTORISED AMD USERS AND PEDESTRIANS IN PUBLIC PLACES
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song: To ask the Minister for Transport
(a) whether the Ministry will establish community standards, beyond existing regulations, to improve etiquette and reduce friction between motorised and non-motorised active mobility device users and pedestrians in public places;
(b) whether these standards will include appropriate speeds for different situations, yielding to pedestrians, courteous bell use and keeping left when not overtaking; and
(c) how will the Ministry widely propagate these standards, including to persons who are not proficient in English.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: Under the existing Active Mobility Code of Conduct for Users of Public Paths, guidelines are set out to encourage safe and gracious interactions between path users. For example, users of active mobility devices are advised to give way to pedestrians, slow down at intersections and crowded areas, and use bells and lights in a manner which is considerate to other path users. Pedestrians are also advised on appropriate etiquette, such as to keep left when not overtaking.
To enhance safety for path users, we are converting footpaths adjacent to cycling paths into Pedestrian-Only Paths, with enforcement on converted Pedestrian-Only Paths from 1 July 2025.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) conducts public education and outreach to different user segments to propagate these guidelines and regulations. This includes public education campaigns, community engagements and school programmes. Publicity materials in vernacular languages are also available on LTA’s website.
On the ground, enforcement officers engage and educate path users on proper path etiquette. I am heartened that many members of the public also volunteer as Active Mobility Community Ambassadors to educate pedestrians and device users in their communities, on rules and gracious path sharing. Coming from different backgrounds and ethnicities, the volunteers help to reach out to diverse groups of users, from seniors to migrant workers, including using the vernacular languages.
INTRODUCTION OF FEEDER BUS SERVICE TO SERVE COMPASSVALE CRESCENT
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim: To ask the Minister for Transport given the objectives of the Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme, whether LTA will consider introducing a feeder bus service to serve Compassvale Crescent which remains underserved by a feeder service in contrast to Rivervale Crescent and Anchorvale Crescent.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: Compassvale Crescent residents are currently served by 14 bus services along Sengkang East Road, Compassvale Street, and Punggol Road, which connect them to the transport hub at Sengkang town centre and destinations such as Punggol, Pasir Ris or Changi Airport. Residents living closer to Compassvale Street are also within a 10-minute walk to Sengkang Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Station and Compassvale Light Rail Transit (LRT) station.
The Land Transport Authority is progressively introducing enhancements to the bus network under the Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme, and will take into consideration feedback from residents and community leaders.