EFFECTS OF MOTHER TONGUE LANGUAGE LEARNING OPTIONS ON STRESS LEVELS OF STUDENTS
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Education (a) whether there has been any study on the effects of Mother Tongue Language (MTL) options on stress levels for students who have been offered MTL options; (b) whether this practice has led to an emphasis on textbook competency over functional literacy; and (c) whether this practice significantly disadvantages children who may have weaker disposition toward languages, despite being gifted in other academic areas.
Mr Chan Chun Sing: Our Mother Tongue Language (MTL) enables us to understand our own culture and maintain a strong link to our heritage. It also offers Singaporeans a comparative advantage by allowing us to connect with people who speak the same language, as well as tapping into wider opportunities in the region. To this end, equipping our students with strong foundation in MTL is important, and has been a part of our education policy on bilingualism.
The Ministry of Education recognises that students have different abilities in the learning of MTL. It is understandable for some students to feel stress in subjects that they are weaker in. Our MTL curriculum is differentiated to cater to students of different learning needs and levels of readiness. Students who faced difficulties in MTL can learn at a more appropriate pace. For example, they can receive more individualised support through the MT Support Programme at P3 and P4. They can take the less demanding Foundation MTL at P5 and P6, and G1 or G2 MTL as they move up to Secondary level, and still progress to pre-university.
Our MTL curriculum is designed to enable students to use MTL in everyday situations, beyond just academic settings. For example, our Primary 1 students learn how to use MTL in their daily routines like buying food in the canteen and greeting their family members. Other students also participate in activities like heritage walk, drama appreciation and songwriting competition to facilitate their learning and use of MTL. Such approaches help students learn better and reduce their anxiety.
Students who are gifted in other areas such as mathematics and arts are developed through special programmes in schools. While we develop our students to suit their strengths, we also seek to develop our students holistically so that they will have a wide range of skills to thrive in a dynamic world and connect with people around them.
RISE IN PUBLIC FLAT RENTALS DUE TO INCOME INCREASES AND QUANTUM OF RENTAL INCREASES
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for National Development (a) how many public rental flat tenants experienced rent increases in the past year due to income increases; (b) what was the average percentage increase in such cases; (c) whether the Ministry has conducted studies into the extent to which rent increases may disincentivise work or income progression among tenants; and (d) whether the Ministry will consider further refining the current rent adjustment model to better support tenants’ efforts towards financial independence.
Mr Desmond Lee: Rents under the Public Rental Scheme are reviewed during tenancy renewal, every two to three years. The Housing and Development Board (HDB) does not impose rent increases during the tenancy term, even if tenants’ incomes increase during this period.
In 2024, about a quarter of public rental households that renewed their tenancies had experienced income growth. Among them, about 1 in 5 experienced a rent increase. Their median rent increase was about $150, significantly lower than their median income increase of about $1,300.
The Government provides higher subsidies to lower-income households as they require greater support. To maintain the incentive for work and income growth, the Government has made refinements to the public housing rent structure over the years. HDB generally ensures that rent increases are significantly lower than tenants’ income growth, so that tenants are better off as their incomes improve. Factors such as household size and individual circumstances are also considered to ensure that the rent remains affordable. In addition, tenants who have signed the Agreement for Lease and made the downpayment for a booked flat do not experience any further rent increase, even if their income increases during the time they are waiting for the booked flat.
We will continue to review the Public Rental Scheme regularly to ensure it meets tenants’ needs.
PLANS FOR EUNOS COMMUNITY CLUB AND TIMELINE OF CLUB’S REOPENING
Mr Pritam Singh asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) what are the People’s Association’s plans for the Eunos Community Club (CC); (b) why has the CC remained hoarded up and closed to Eunos residents for many years; and (c) when does the Ministry intend for it to be reopened for resident and community use.
Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai: For all Community Clubs (CCs), the People’s Association (PA) maintains a periodic Upgrading and/or Cyclical Maintenance Programme to keep our CCs well maintained, functional and fit for purpose. Eunos CC was selected for upgrading in 2023 under this programme.
A tender for upgrading works was called in September 2022. The scope of works included the enhancement of existing spaces and also partial demolition and construction of a new 4-storey block which included a rooftop basketball court and extension of multi purpose hall with new foyer. In anticipation of the impending upgrading works, Eunos CC was closed.
However, the tender bids for the upgrading works were returned at a substantially higher amount than had been expected. This was due in part to the increased construction costs immediately post-COVID and other factors. After an assessment, it was decided that it would not be prudent to proceed with the upgrading works at that time.
Instead, in consultation with the Grassroots Advisor, PA decided to scale down the works to only essential ones, at a lower cost, and defer the other larger items to a later date.
The intention, subject to exigencies, is to complete these works and reopen the CC by Q4 2025 or early 2026.
In the period of time since the closure of Eunos CC in September 2022, the Eunos Cultural Centre has been used to serve residents’ needs and hosting regular community activities, events, and programmes. This will continue until Eunos CC is re-opened
EXPECTED INCREASE IN PEAK-HOUR TRAIN FREQUENCY ON NORTH EAST LINE WITH PROGRESSIVE ADDITION OF SIX NEW TRAINS
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Transport (a) what is the expected increase in peak-hour train frequency on the North-East Line (NEL) with the progressive addition of six new trains since July 2023 and the recent opening of the Punggol Coast MRT Station; (b) when will the increased frequency be implemented; and (c) what is the (i) maximum number of trains that can be operating on the NEL and (ii) minimum interval between trains based on current technical constraints of the NEL.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: With the opening of Punggol Coast station and the addition of new trains serving the North East Line (NEL), the NEL will be able to support the operation of a maximum of 42 trains, up from 36 trains.
The Land Transport Authority works with the operator to monitor ridership, and will adjust NEL frequencies within technical limits to ensure that there is sufficient train capacity for commuters, taking into consideration the safety and reliability of the train services. This can vary throughout the day and during different periods of the week and year.
DEDICATED WORKSPACES IN CAMPS FOR NSMEN TO HANDLE URGENT WORK DURING IN-CAMP TRAINING
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Defence (a) whether the Ministry has considered creating dedicated workspaces in camps for NSmen during In Camp Training (ICT) to handle urgent work without disrupting training; (b) what measures are in place to ensure employers do not interrupt NSmen’s ICT obligations with work-related demands, particularly in roles requiring continuous availability; and (c) whether the Ministry will review policies to better balance ICT obligations with professional duties and ensure that NS obligations do not disadvantage Singaporean men in career progression compared to female and foreign counterparts.
Dr Ng Eng Hen: NSmen are called up for In-Camp Training (ICT) for periods necessary to meet essential operational and training needs. To minimise disruption to NSmen and their employers, NSmen are typically notified of their call-ups up to six months in advance so that suitable work coverage arrangements can be planned early. NSmen with critical work commitments during the stipulated ICT period can apply for deferment, and make up for their ICT at a later time.
During their ICT, NSmen who need to address unforeseen or urgent work exigencies are allowed to do so on their own devices in designated non-sensitive areas of the SAF camps. Wireless@SG is also being progressively installed in SAF camps, which provides NSmen better connectivity.
NSmen’s duty to perform ICT is backed by legislation. Under the Enlistment Act, employers are required to grant their NSmen employees leave of absence during their ICT period. Employers who contravene the legislative provisions are liable for fines or custodial sentences. MINDEF has not had to take such legal actions against employers because employers in Singapore understand the critical need for NS and have been supportive of their NSmen employees. In the small number of cases whereby NSmen felt that they were not supported or discriminated by their employers, the causes were predominantly misunderstandings or miscommunications which were resolved after MINDEF’s facilitation.
MINDEF also has a range of efforts to further encourage employers to support their NSmen employees. These include regular engagements as well as recognition of exemplary employers via the NS Mark accreditation and Total Defence Award.
ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION WHEN DATA CENTRES’ CAPACITIES RISE BY A THIRD AND IMPACT ON SINGAPORE’S GREENHOUSE EMISSIONS
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) what percentage of total electricity consumption are data centres forecasted to contribute when capacities increase by at least a third in the coming years; and (b) whether this increase remains in line with our aim for greenhouse gas emissions to peak in 2028.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: In May 2024, the Government announced our aim to provide at least 300 megawatts of additional data centre capacity in the near term and potentially more through low-carbon energy deployments. The growth in capacity is in line with our projections to peak emissions in 2028.
STORAGE CAPACITY AND COST OF VIDEO AND AUDIO FILES RECORDED BY POLICE BODY-WORN AND OTHER CAMERAS
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) what is the storage capacity needed for data including but not limited to footage and audio for Police body cameras and other existing Police cameras; (b) what is the cost for such storage; and (c) what additional storage requirements and costs are estimated for including recorded video Police interviews.
Mr K Shanmugam: For operational security reasons, the Ministry of Home Affairs does not divulge details of storage capacity for body-worn cameras and other police cameras.
The Member may refer to the Budget Book for the overall project costs for body worn cameras and other police cameras.
KEEPING TRACK OF OR ASSESSING SINGAPORE CITIZENS OR RESIDENTS PLACED ON INTERPOL’S RED NOTICE
Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the Government keeps track of the presence of persons in Singapore who have become the subject of Interpol Red Notices; (b) how many of such person currently are (i) Singapore Citizens and (ii) Permanent Residents (PRs); and (c) in the case of such PRs, what is the Government’s approach towards their PR status.
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether there are individuals who are currently wanted persons on Interpol’s Red Notice residing in Singapore and, if so, what is the number of such individuals; (b) what levels of monitoring or investigations are imposed on such persons; and (c) whether the requesting member countries or the individuals’ country of citizenship are notified of their presence in Singapore.
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority conducts checks against the various Interpol notices, including Red Notices, as part of the routine process for assessing citizenship, permanent residency and work permit applications; and (b) what action is taken if a match is found.
Mr K Shanmugam: The Police closely monitor INTERPOL Notices. An INTERPOL Red Notice is not an arrest warrant, but an international alert for a wanted person published at the request of a member country. Hence, an INTERPOL Red Notice does not confer the Police with powers to arrest a fugitive wanted by a foreign jurisdiction. The Police would only be able to do so pursuant to an extradition request made under an extradition treaty.
Nevertheless, we will take action against such persons, if there is sufficient evidence against them to take action in Singapore, and if the offences are such that action can be taken in Singapore. Depending on the evidence, their immigration facilities may also be revoked, if they are foreigners. When an individual with links to Singapore is the subject of an INTERPOL Red Notice, we will keep the individual under close watch, and commence investigations, in the above circumstances. In addition, if such persons who are foreigners are deemed to be an immediate threat to the safety and security of Singapore, we will take action to remove them from Singapore, including declaring them as prohibited immigrants.
All new applications and renewals for immigration facilities are screened against available adverse information. The presence of any adverse information, including INTERPOL Red Notices, are considered during the assessment.
As at December 2024, about 80 individuals linked to Singapore are traced to INTERPOL Red Notices. About half of them are Singaporeans. About half of them are not in Singapore. We are unable to share more details as such information comes from INTERPOL and the issuing countries.
Where the issuing country of an INTERPOL Red Notice has contacted us, our relevant authorities cooperate with them within the ambit of our laws. We may also contact them proactively if we have significant security concerns, or there is sufficient evidence that offences might have been committed under our laws.
RENOVATION PLANS FOR FUTSAL COURT AND OTHER FACILITIES AT PETAL GARDENS IN EUNOS WARD OF ALJUNIED GRC
Mr Pritam Singh asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth in view of the state of the sports and community facilities at Petal Gardens in the Eunos ward of Aljunied GRC (a) when does the People’s Association (PA) plan to renovate and modernise the futsal court and other facilities there; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider returning this area to the Town Council for management for community use as it was prior to the year 2011.
Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai: The People’s Association (PA) currently leases the community site at Petal Gardens from the Housing Development Board to run regular community activities for residents at this site.
PA maintains and upkeeps these facilities at Petal Gardens, ensuring they remain accessible and in good condition for residents’ use. A tender for the cyclical maintenance and improvement of the facilities at Petal Gardens, including the futsal court, was published on 16 December 2024. It is intended to complete the works by Q1 2026.
The current arrangement has been effective, with Petal Gardens and other community sites under PA management being well-utilised for regular activities for residents. PA will continue to ensure that the facilities at Petal Gardens are well maintained, and that community activities are available and accessible to all Eunos residents.