Termination of bonds for scholarships offered by Government agencies
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance with regard to the various scholarship schemes offered by Government agencies over the past decade (a) how many scholarship recipients terminated their bonds during their course of study; and (b) how many scholarship recipients terminated their bonds during their period of service.
Mr Chan Chun Sing (for the Prime Minister): Between 2014 and 2023, Ministries and Statutory Boards collectively awarded 4,500 scholarships or an average of 450 scholarships per year. However, the total number of scholarship recipients in the system at any one time is significantly larger because each scholarship recipient takes about four years to complete their studies, and then works in the Public Service to serve out their bond and beyond.
The proportion of bond-breakers is low. Each year on average over the last 10 years, 10 scholarship recipients broke their bond during their studies and 14 resigned before serving out the full length of their bond. Scholarship recipients who do not serve out their bonds are required to repay the value of their scholarship, taking into account the number of years they have served.
Update of electoral register for voters turning age 21 after 1 June 2024
Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance whether the electoral register will be updated in 2025 to enable those turning 21 after 1 June 2024 to vote at the next General Election.
Mr Chan Chun Sing (for the Prime Minister): As the Elections Department announced on 22 January 2025, the Prime Minister has directed the Registration Officer to revise the Registers of Electors based on the prescribed date of 1 February 2025 and to complete the revision before 1 April 2025. Subject to other requirements being met, Singapore Citizens aged 21 years and above as of the prescribed date will be included in the Registers of Electors.
Creation of jobs for Singapore citizens in Johor-Singapore special economic zone and mitigating effects of potential business closures in Singapore
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) over the next five years, what is the expected number of new skilled jobs that will be created for Singapore citizens under the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ); and (b) how does the Ministry plan to mitigate the effects of companies potentially shutting down operations in Singapore after a move to the SEZ.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) seeks to capitalise on the complementary strengths of Singapore and Johor to strengthen Singapore’s competitiveness and create good jobs for Singaporeans.
Many Singapore-based firms are already operating in Johor to take advantage of the resources there while focusing their operations in Singapore on headquarters and research functions where we have relative strengths.
Singapore and Malaysia will also jointly attract new international investments to the JS-SEZ that benefit both countries. Compared to firms located in jurisdictions that are further away, firms investing in the JS-SEZ are more likely to establish operations in Singapore or tap on the services provided by Singapore companies, thereby creating value for our economy.
Impact of US' ai diffusion policy and export controls on Singapore's competitiveness and tech businesses
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry in view of the new artificial intelligence diffusion policy and export controls by the United States introduced in January 2025, where Singapore is not listed as among the 18 countries granted exceptions, what is the Government’s assessment of (i) the ability of Singapore-based entities to import high-end chips and technologies from the United States and (ii) Singapore’s artificial intelligence competitiveness.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: The new artificial intelligence (AI) diffusion rule has not been finalised and is subject to further change by the Trump Administration. We are closely monitoring the situation and engaging companies on the potential impact, if any, to their AI activities in Singapore. If necessary, we will consider measures that are appropriate to ensure that Singapore-based companies will continue to have access to high-end chips and technologies from the United States.
Media coverage when accused persons are brought back to scenes of crime
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Home Affairs why does the Singapore Police Force allow media coverage when accused persons are brought back to the scenes of crime to assist in further investigation.
Mr K Shanmugam: The Police will make an assessment (based on public interest) in deciding whether to disclose the identity of person(s) under investigation. In such cases, the Police may also facilitate media coverage of the accused person’s return to the crime scene so that they can report on the developments in the case. Strict cordons are put in place where necessary, to ensure the media, as well as members of the public, remain at a safe distance to avoid any interference with the investigation.
Public access to judgments of tribunals and financial industry disputes resolution centre, and potential for searchable database
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Law (a) what percentage of judgments delivered in the Small Claims Tribunals, Employment Claims Tribunal, and Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre are publicly accessible; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider establishing a searchable database of tribunal decisions and widely publicise its existence to enhance transparency in dispute resolution and access to justice for individual claimants.
Mr K Shanmugam: In general, the Executive leaves it to the Courts to decide on which judgments to publish. The Courts have decided that judgments delivered in the Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) and Employment Claims Tribunals (ECT) need not be published. The Courts’ position is that they may make judgments available to any individual, whether a party or a non-party to the SCT or ECT proceedings, upon request. The Courts have explained that this approach strikes a balance between helping the public understand the law and how it is applied, ensuring that the tribunals continue to dispense justice in a timely manner, and maintaining the confidential nature of some proceedings.
The SCT and ECT have published guides to help the public understand the types of disputes adjudicated by the SCT and ECT, and to navigate court processes. The Courts have said that there are also efforts by them to leverage on advances in technology to help the public with their claims.
As mentioned previously in Parliament, the Ministry of Manpower is reviewing the publication of ECT judgments. Further, the State Courts have indicated that they are also considering the feasibility of publishing selected SCT and ECT judgments on an anonymised basis, without a prior request being made.
The Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (FIDReC) is an independent alternative dispute resolution centre that seeks to promote amicable and fair outcomes in disputes between consumers and financial institutions. FIDReC is neither part of the Government nor the Judiciary. We understand that FIDReC adjudication decisions are not published as its processes are confidential and conducted without prejudice. Instead, FIDReC publishes case studies and annual reports on their website that include learning points for the public. We have conveyed the Member’s feedback to FIDReC.
Promoting awareness of and implementing preventive measures against sarcopenia
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Health (a) what initiatives are currently in place to (i) promote awareness of sarcopenia and its associated consequences for older people (ii) encourage regular resistance training from a younger age as a preventative health approach to reducing the risk of sarcopenia; and (b) whether greater funding can be provided for the construction of exercise facilities that are safe to use and easily accessible to those at risk of sarcopenia to mitigate its effects.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Sarcopenia refers to the progressive loss of muscle mass as one ages. Seniors who have a well-balanced diet and an active physical lifestyle have a lower risk of sarcopenia.
To help more seniors age actively, we have set aside $3.5 billion over the next decade for Age Well SG initiatives, including enhancing and expanding the network of Active Ageing Centres (AACs). By 2025, seniors will be served by 220 AACs offering a variety of activities including physical exercises that support those at risk of sarcopenia. This includes the Health Promotion Board (HPB)’s Steady Lah programme which incorporates progressive muscle strengthening exercises.
Under the Live Well, Age Well programme by the HPB and the People’s Association, Singaporeans aged 50 and above can also participate in various active ageing activities in the community, including weekly group exercises to build strength, balance and flexibility, and workshops to learn about healthy eating.
There are various public awareness campaigns that promote healthy eating and physical lifestyle habits by the Ministry of Health. For instance, through Health Hub, social media and other channels, HPB raises awareness of the need for seniors to have sufficient protein intake as part of a well-balanced diet.
Reviewing usage of Medishield life and Integrated Shield Plans for overseas outpatient and inpatient medical treatment
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Health whether the Government is considering reviewing the use of MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans for overseas outpatient and inpatient medical treatment.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: MediShield Life is designed as a universal and basic health insurance plan. Hence, it covers subsidised bills at public hospitals in Singapore. Any expansion for medical treatments overseas will likely raise premiums, and undermine the original objective of the scheme.
As for Integrated Shield Plans, most provide coverage for emergency overseas medical treatments. Such coverage is provided based on insurers’ commercial considerations.
HDB owners with annulled marriages selling instead of surrendering flats in last five years
Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for National Development (a) in the last five years, whether HDB has permitted flat owners whose marriages are annulled to sell their flats instead of surrendering them; and (b) if so, what are the factors taken into account.
Mr Desmond Lee: If flat owners are unable to form an eligible family nucleus to retain flat ownership following the annulment of their marriage, the owners are required to surrender their flat to the Housing and Development Board (HDB). Over the last five years, HDB has allowed the sale of flat following annulment in only a few cases that faced extenuating circumstances – for example, a confluence of significant financial difficulties and challenging family circumstances.
Additional balloting chances for unsuccessful first-timer families' BTO applications in non-mature estates
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for National Development in light of the transition to the Standard, Plus and Prime housing classification framework for HDB BTO flats (a) whether the scheme to provide additional ballot chances to first timer families with two or more previous unsuccessful BTO applications in non-mature estates is still in place; and (b) what is the success rate for such applicants at their third application.
Mr Desmond Lee: First-timer (FT) families get priority allocation under the new flat classification framework. The Housing and Development Board (HDB) sets aside the majority of the Build-To-Order (BTO) flat supply for them, and additionally accords them priority through various schemes. For example, First-Timer (Parents and Married Couples), or FT(PMC)s, get first priority under the Family and Parenthood Priority Scheme (FPPS), when they apply for a 4-room and smaller Standard BTO flat. Since the scheme was launched in October 2023, about 9 in 10 or 90% of FT(PMC)s, who applied for a 4-room and smaller flat in non-mature estates (NMEs) were invited to book a flat.
Under the new flat classification framework, all FT families who have been unsuccessful in two or more BTO attempts for a Standard flat will receive one additional ballot chance for each subsequent application they make for a Standard flat. FT(PMC) applicants may accumulate up to five ballot chances while other first-timer applicants may accumulate up to four ballot chances. The old NME framework and the new flat classification framework are inherently different. Hence, additional ballots from the old NME framework have not been ported over to the new flat classification framework. However, FT families applying under the new framework will continue to enjoy the benefit of the priority measures described above.
As HDB has only conducted one BTO exercise under the new flat classification framework, data is not yet available on the success rate of Standard flat applicants at their second or third application.
Possibility of designating loading and unloading bays for overnight parking in Sengkang and Punggol
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for National Development whether it is possible to designate certain loading and unloading bays for overnight parking between 10.30 pm and 7.00 am in estates such as Sengkang and Punggol, where uncovered parking spaces are limited.
Mr Desmond Lee: Loading and unloading bays (LUBs) are intended for loading and unloading activities by residents, maintenance staff and delivery personnel throughout the day. Hence, allowing vehicles to park at LUBs could lead to inconvenience and disamenities to residents.
In the early 2000s, the Housing and Development Board exercised flexibility to allow season parking holders to park overnight from 10pm to 10am at a small number of LUBs, including 14 locations in Sengkang and Punggol, to address localised shortage of parking spaces at that time. There are no plans to extend this arrangement to more LUBs, so as to preserve the limited number of LUB lots for loading and unloading activities.
Total value of unclaimed CDC vouchers per household in 2024
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) what is the total value of CDC Vouchers 2024 that are unclaimed on 31 December 2024; and (b) what is the breakdown of the nature of households who have these unclaimed CDC vouchers.
Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai: Since January 2023, the Community Development Council (CDC) Vouchers have been split equally between the hawkers and heartland merchant category and the supermarket category. This strikes a balance between supporting Singaporean households with their daily expenses and supporting hawkers and heartland merchants.
Across the 2023 and 2024 tranches of CDC vouchers, more than $1.3 billion worth of CDC vouchers have been spent. Of this, about 49.6% were spent at heartland merchants and 50.4% were spent at supermarkets.
Every Singaporean household can only claim one set of CDC Vouchers per tranche. Some Singaporean households might be unable to claim their CDC vouchers for a variety of reasons, for example, when more than one Singaporean household resides in the same rental address, or their registered address is not a residential address.
Singaporean households living in co-tenanted premises are not disadvantaged as long as they can provide proof of their separate households. In such cases, the household that has yet to claim their vouchers may make an appeal at any Community Centre or Club.
If Singaporean households experience difficulty in claiming their CDC Vouchers digitally, they can bring along their National Registration Identity Card (showing their current registered address), CDC Vouchers Scheme notification letter and relevant official documents (showing their name and current address) e.g. utilities bill, property tax to the nearest Community Centre or Club to apply for their vouchers.
Under the Regulation 11A of the National Registration Act, all Identity Card holders need to report a change of address within 28 days of moving into a new residence, whether the residence is located in or outside of Singapore. Singaporean households who come across previous owner or occupants who did not update their address with the authorities after they have moved out, and have made false claims of the CDC Vouchers, may report the incident to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and the Police.
For CDC Vouchers Scheme 2024, as of 31 December 2024, 97%, or about 1.3 million, Singaporean households had claimed their CDC Vouchers 2024 (January) and (June), which is the highest claim figures since the launch of the digital scheme in 2021. There remains a small group of households that did not claim, for example, households whose residents are living overseas. The CDCs continue to work on ensuring all eligible Singaporean households can claim and spend their vouchers by reaching out especially to digitally less-savvy residents.
The Government remains committed to ensuring that the CDC Vouchers Scheme best serves Singaporean households and local businesses. We will continue to monitor its implementation and review where needed to ensure its effectiveness. Back to Contents
Reports of landlords making false claims for CDC vouchers meant for tenants and punishment for such claims
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth with regard to the 2023 and 2024 CDC vouchers (a) how many appeals were received for disputes which tenants alleged that the landlord had claimed CDC vouchers that should have been allocated to them; (b) how many such cases resulted in CDC vouchers being issued to the tenants instead; (c) how many individuals were found to have made false claims for CDC vouchers; and (d) whether any penalties have been meted out to such individuals and, if so, what are the penalties.
Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai: Since January 2023, the Community Development Council (CDC) Vouchers have been split equally between the hawkers and heartland merchant category and the supermarket category. This strikes a balance between supporting Singaporean households with their daily expenses and supporting hawkers and heartland merchants.
Across the 2023 and 2024 tranches of CDC vouchers, more than $1.3 billion worth of CDC vouchers have been spent. Of this, about 49.6% were spent at heartland merchants and 50.4% were spent at supermarkets.
Every Singaporean household can only claim one set of CDC Vouchers per tranche. Some Singaporean households might be unable to claim their CDC vouchers for a variety of reasons, for example, when more than one Singaporean household resides in the same rental address, or their registered address is not a residential address.
Singaporean households living in co-tenanted premises are not disadvantaged as long as they can provide proof of their separate households. In such cases, the household that has yet to claim their vouchers may make an appeal at any Community Centre or Club.
If Singaporean households experience difficulty in claiming their CDC Vouchers digitally, they can bring along their National Registration Identity Card (showing their current registered address), CDC Vouchers Scheme notification letter and relevant official documents (showing their name and current address) e.g. utilities bill, property tax to the nearest Community Centre or Club to apply for their vouchers.
Under the Regulation 11A of the National Registration Act, all Identity Card holders need to report a change of address within 28 days of moving into a new residence, whether the residence is located in or outside of Singapore. Singaporean households who come across previous owner or occupants who did not update their address with the authorities after they have moved out, and have made false claims of the CDC Vouchers, may report the incident to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and the Police.
For CDC Vouchers Scheme 2024, as of 31 December 2024, 97%, or about 1.3 million, Singaporean households had claimed their CDC Vouchers 2024 (January) and (June), which is the highest claim figures since the launch of the digital scheme in 2021. There remains a small group of households that did not claim, for example, households whose residents are living overseas. The CDCs continue to work on ensuring all eligible Singaporean households can claim and spend their vouchers by reaching out especially to digitally less-savvy residents.
The Government remains committed to ensuring that the CDC Vouchers Scheme best serves Singaporean households and local businesses. We will continue to monitor its implementation and review where needed to ensure its effectiveness.
Statistics and enforcement measures for noise complaints on public transport
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Transport (a) what percentage of noise complaints on public transport resulted in successful enforcement action in the past three years; (b) what is the mean response time between a complaint being lodged and the arrival of enforcement officers on the scene; and (c) how many repeat offenders have been identified through the current enforcement system.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: We adopt a measured approach against nuisance behaviours based on their severity. Public transport staff are trained to manage noise-related complaints, and will not hesitate to take action against egregious cases. In almost all cases, the passengers involved are cooperative when approached by staff to lower their volume. Further enforcement action will be taken if an offending passenger refuses to comply.
To encourage considerate commuting behaviour, the Land Transport Authority has introduced new signages, including those held by public transport staff during their rounds, in trains and buses reminding passengers to keep their volume low. Public transport staff have also stepped-up checks at train stations and onboard buses. Back to Contents
Extension of bus service 371 route for benefit of elderly residents in Sengkang and Compassvale
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Transport whether it is possible for existing bus services serving the Sengkang town currently plying Compassvale Street, such as feeder Bus Service 371, to have their routes extended slightly to loop around Compassvale Crescent, to better serve the residents, especially the elderly, of that area.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: We had responded to a similar question from the Member at the November 2024 Parliament Sitting.
Compassvale Crescent residents have access to 14 bus services within 400 metres. These services ply Sengkang East Road, Compassvale Street or Punggol Road, and connect them to the transport hub at Sengkang town centre and other destinations. Residents living closer to Compassvale Street are also within a 10-minute walk of Sengkang MRT Station and Compassvale LRT station.
The Land Transport Authority will study Associate Professor Jamus Lim’s suggestion, but one trade-off of the proposed amendment is that it will affect a significant number of existing commuters who are using Bus Service 371 to travel to and from Sengkang Bus Interchange and MRT. These commuters will face longer journey times and higher fares with the amended route.
Inclusion of hybrid vehicles as cleaner energy models for new car registrations from 2030
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Transport in view of the Government's mandate for all new car and taxi registrations to be of cleaner-energy models from 2030 (a) why are hybrid vehicles deemed to fall into this category; (b) what percentage of vehicle registrations from 2030 are projected to be hybrid vehicles; and (c) whether there will be any mandate for all new car and taxi vehicles registrations to be zero-emission only.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: As hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) emit lower carbon emissions than internal combustion engine vehicles, they are part of the cleaner vehicle population.
The proportion of cleaner energy cars registered annually continues to grow. In 2024, more than 82% of newly registered cars were cleaner energy models, as compared to 65% in 2023 and 51% in 2022. Within this, electric cars are growing at the fastest rate. In 2024, 34% of newly registered cars were EVs, as compared to 18% in 2023 and 12% in 2022.
There are currently no plans to ban new registrations of hybrid cars and taxis, as it is neither necessary nor practical to do so.
Impact on voting rights arising from incident where NRIC registered addresses were changed by scammers
Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance whether the Government has studied the impact on the voting rights of Singaporeans arising from scams involving changes of NRIC-registered addresses.
Mr Chan Chun Sing (for the Prime Minister): The Elections Department (ELD) draws data, including residential addresses, from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) to compile the Registers of Electors. Each Register, compiled by electoral division, sets out the list of voters for that electoral division.
On 11 January 2025, the ICA reported that there were unauthorised attempts to change residential addresses registered with ICA. ICA has since reached out to all affected individuals to verify their correct residential address and rectify this in ICA’s system.
As announced on 22 January 2025, the Prime Minister has directed that the Registers be updated based on the prescribed date of 1 February 2025. When the revision is completed, they will be open for public inspection for two weeks. During this inspection period, a person may submit a claim to update his particulars, including his National Registration Identity Card address, in the Register if his particulars are inaccurate. In addition, all year round, Singaporeans may check their voting status and particulars in the Registers via “My Profile” on their Singpass App and via Voter Services on ELD’s website. Those who are unable to do so electronically may visit any Community Centre or Club and ServiceSG centres or ELD’s office for assistance.
I strongly encourage every voter to check their voting status and particulars when the revised Registers are open for public inspection. ELD will issue a press release ahead of the opening of the Registers. If they observe any inaccuracies, they should inform ELD during the inspection period to ensure that their particulars are accurately reflected in the Registers.
Data on cut-off points for secondary 1 school admission for students from affiliated and non-affiliated primary schools
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Education (a) in each year since 2021, what is the median and average percentage of places at secondary schools with affiliated primary schools taken up by affiliated pupils; (b) what is the median and average cut-off point difference between affiliated pupils and non-affiliated pupils for these schools; and (c) whether the Ministry will review the disparity for affiliated schools pupils to gain entrance into the affiliated secondary school.
Mr Chan Chun Sing: In Singapore, our goals in education are to spark the joy of learning in students, help them realise their potential and build the foundations for them to be active, contributing members of society. This is why we have a variegated education landscape that offers our students a range of school options catering to their diverse interests, needs and strengths. Affiliated schools contribute to one part of this landscape, with their long history and distinctive school culture.
In achieving this balance, we acknowledge that there are competing policy tensions. First, we want to right-site our students based on their individual strengths and interests. Now with Full-Subject Based Banding across our secondary school system, including affiliated schools, we are better able to achieve this today than before. Second, we recognise that there are some educational merits to school affiliation. For example, the affiliation policy provides schools with a long history and distinctive culture with the opportunity to consistently imbue their school values, ethos and culture into their students over a longer period.
Third, we want to ensure that our society remains open and cohesive; not closed and fractured. This starts in our schools. Even as we support the building of school culture, values and tradition, this must not come at the expense of social cohesion and what we stand for as a nation.
This is why we have evolved our education system over time, as our society matures and faces greater risk of becoming more stratified. One example was when the Ministry of Education (MOE) required affiliated secondary schools to reserve 20% of places for non-affiliated students, when there was none before, from the 2019 Secondary One Posting Exercise. With MOE’s encouragement, some affiliated schools have also tightened the Affiliate Minimum Requirements that affiliates must meet to be eligible for priority to the school, facilitating greater access for non-affiliated students.
For each year since the 2021 Secondary One Posting Exercise, about half of the Secondary One cohort of the affiliated secondary schools are from non-affiliated primary schools, with the remaining half from their respective affiliated primary schools. The difference in cut-off points between affiliates and non-affiliates varies depending on the Posting Group. For Posting Group 3, the average difference is about seven points. For Posting Groups 2 and 1, the average difference is smaller, at two and one point respectively, as the ranges of cut-off points in these posting groups are narrower than for Posting Group 3. The median mirrors the average for all three Posting Groups.
While this may be the current balance that we have established for now, we will continue to adjust and make further refinements, as time goes by and circumstances change, so that we can achieve the right balance for the future.
Measurable outcomes from overseas markets immersion programme
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what are the measurable outcomes from the Overseas Markets Immersion Programme over the next five years; (b) how will its success be assessed against the $16 million budget; (c) what are the safeguards against firms using the programme to subsidise routine business costs instead of employee development; (d) how will Workforce Singapore ensure that the submitted career plans lead to meaningful outcomes; (e) how can smaller firms with limited resources access the programme; and (f) what share of the budget will benefit SMEs.
Dr Tan See Leng: The Overseas Markets Immersion Programme (OMIP), launched in November 2024 by Workforce Singapore (WSG), aims to encourage companies to send more local employees with little or no overseas experience for overseas work postings. This enables workers to gain regional or global work experience, alongside with building overseas networks that will help them progress in their careers. It also supports employers to build a globally competitive workforce to realise their overseas expansion and business growth plans.
OMIP will run for two years till 2026. After two years, we will review the outcomes of OMIP to assess its success. These outcomes include the number of local employees successfully placed in overseas postings, and the number of companies supported in expanding into new overseas markets.
We have also put in place measures to ensure meaningful career outcomes for employees embarking on OMIP.
First, companies must submit a business growth or transformation plan, to show that the overseas posting will contribute to business expansion.
Second, companies must provide a comprehensive on-the-job training plan describing the developmental skills and competencies that the trainee is expected to acquire by the end of their in-market training. Both the business plan and training plan must be approved by either WSG or the Singapore Business Federation, which is WSG’s appointed Programme Partner for OMIP.
Third, to ensure the training leads to meaningful career outcomes, companies must prepare a career development plan (CDP) outlining the employee’s development over the next 24 months, including the potential career pathways that the trainee will have after completing the overseas posting. Companies must submit this plan in their application, and update the plan again when claiming reimbursement.
To fulfil these criteria, employers and employees must do their part to follow through and make the most of their overseas training experience. This is why WSG requires companies to get their trainees and their supervisors to acknowledge the CDP.
OMIP is open for application to both small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) and non-SME companies. Each OMIP application is assessed based on merit and potential impact, rather than company size. We hope that through OMIP, many more Singaporeans can gain overseas work experience to help them progress into higher positions, and companies too will be equipped with a globally-oriented workforce to support their overseas expansion plans.
Probe into cause and impact of oil leak at Shell energy and chemical park on Bukom on 27 December 2024
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment in respect of the oil leak from the oil processing unit at the Shell Energy and Chemical Park on Bukom on 27 December 2024 (a) what products were leaked; (b) what was the cause of the leak; (c) how long has the leak occurred before it was discovered and how soon did Shell notify the authorities; and (d) what actions have been taken to ensure that such leaks can be prevented or minimised in future.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: At approximately 9:30am on 26 December 2024, Shell Singapore Pte. Ltd. (Shell) discovered oil sheens in the waters off Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Singapore at Pulau Bukom. Shell informed the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and National Environment Agency (NEA) of the oil sheens around 12 noon and 1:15pm respectively. An MPA craft arrived on site at 12:15pm to assess the situation and provide support. Shell completed the clean-up works on 28 December 2024 and there were no other oil sightings since then.
Shell estimated that a few tonnes of refined oil products were leaked into the water. Shell’s investigations are still on-going. Meanwhile, as a precautionary measure, Shell has carried out pipeline integrity checks across its Bukom facility and enhanced the monitoring of various discharge points leading to the watercourse.
Agencies are still investigating the incident and will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement actions if any lapses are uncovered.
To ensure that appropriate measures are in place to prevent the recurrence of such incidents, NEA and relevant agencies have requested Shell’s senior management to account for the overall operations and maintenance system at their Bukom facility. NEA has also directed Shell to engage an independent consultant to review the facilities and practices at its Bukom facility.
In addition to regular inspections on industrial facilities, NEA has reminded the operators of all similar facilities to ensure that inspections, maintenance and repairs, as well as emergency response procedures are regularly reviewed and updated. Relevant learning points from the oil leak incidents will be shared with the operators of other similar industrial facilities.
Errors on OneMap school query system affecting parents' choice of school for primary 1 registration
Mr Pritam Singh asked the Minister for Education (a) whether the Singapore Land Authority has uncovered any glitches or errors on the OneMap School Query service including inaccurately reflecting the distance between a place of residence and the 1km or 1-2km radius of any school; and (b) what recourse do parents have when they rely on incorrect information from such glitches or errors, if any, to make choices related to their choice of preferred school for the Primary 1 admission exercise.
Mr Chan Chun Sing: The home-school distance category shown on OneMap SchoolQuery is the official distance measurement that Ministry of Education (MOE) uses for Primary One Registration when balloting is required.
When utilising the OneMap SchoolQuery function for primary schools, users are informed that home-school distance information is updated annually by June, prior to the start of the year’s Primary One Registration Exercise which is conducted from July to August. This is to incorporate the latest changes in residential and school developments. In computing the home-school distance, the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) system uses the latest available information submitted by the Qualified Person engaged by the developer or owner of the property to the Building and Construction Authority. This approach has been consistently applied and MOE has not uncovered any “error” or “glitch” in the computation of home-school distance categories on SLA’s OneMap SchoolQuery.
Members of the public who have queries on updated changes in home-school distance categories, can approach MOE, which will look into such cases together with the relevant agencies.
Data on transactions related to and composition of owner occupied and investment properties in private residential market
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for National Development (a) in each year over the last five years, what is the breakdown in the number and value of primary sale and secondary sale transactions in the private residential market that is for the purpose of owner-occupied property versus investment property; and (b) whether the Government has observed any changes in the composition of owner-occupied and investment properties in the private residential market in the last five years.
Mr Desmond Lee: From 2020 to 2024, the increase in owner-occupied private residential properties was more than three times the increase in non-owner-occupied private residential properties. In 2020, the number of owner-occupied and non-owner occupied private residential properties were around 236,000 units and 166,000 units respectively. This increased by around 27,000 units to 263,000 owner-occupied units, and by around 8,000 units to 174,000 non-owner-occupied units in 2024.
The larger increase in the number of owner-occupied private residential properties can be attributed to the measures we had introduced over the years to prioritise housing purchases for genuine owner-occupation, such as raising of Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty for purchase of second and subsequent properties.
It is not meaningful to compare data on owner-occupied private residential properties between primary and secondary sales, given that a large proportion of primary sales involve uncompleted units that do not have owner-occupation status.
Aligning un-related nationally determined contributions to reduce emissions with singapore's net-zero emissions trajectory
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment whether the Government will explain how its upcoming Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) submission to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is aligned with the country's net-zero emissions trajectory.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: Singapore is committed to our target of attaining net zero emissions by 2050. Our 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution, which we will be submitting on 10 February 2025 as required under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, will keep Singapore on track to achieve our 2050 target. Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean, Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Climate Change, will elaborate on this at the upcoming Committee of Supply Debate.
Additional ballot for BTO flat applicants who had been unsuccessful in one to two previous attempts
Mr Pritam Singh asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether applicants who have been unsuccessful in applying for both a non-mature flat under the pre-October 2024 mature and non-mature BTO flat classification framework and a Standard flat under the new BTO flat classification framework are entitled to an additional ballot for their second and subsequent Standard flat applications; and (b) whether the new BTO flat classification framework assures applicants of a high chance to choose a flat by the second or third Standard flat application.
Mr Desmond Lee: First-timer (FT) families get priority allocation under the new flat classification framework. The Housing and Development Board (HDB) sets aside the majority of the Build-To-Order (BTO) flat supply for them, and additionally accords them priority through various schemes. For example, First-Timer (Parents & Married Couples), or FT(PMC), get first priority under the Family and Parenthood Priority Scheme, when they apply for a four-room and smaller Standard BTO flat. Since the scheme was launched in October 2023, about nine in 10 or 90% of FT(PMC), who applied for a four-room and smaller flat in non-mature estates (NMEs) were invited to book a flat.
Under the new flat classification framework, all FT families who have been unsuccessful in two or more BTO attempts for a Standard flat will receive one additional ballot chance for each subsequent application they make for a Standard flat. FT(PMC) applicants may accumulate up to five ballot chances while other first-timer applicants may accumulate up to four ballot chances. The old NME framework and the new flat classification framework are inherently different. Hence, additional ballots from the old NME framework have not been ported over to the new flat classification framework. However, FT families applying under the new framework will continue to enjoy the benefit of the priority measures described above.
As HDB has only conducted one BTO exercise under the new flat classification framework, data is not yet available on the success rate of Standard flat applicants at their second or third application.
Framework for evaluating speakers at campus events to ensure preservation of academic freedom
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Education (a) whether the Ministry has advised autonomous universities (AUs) on implementing any administrative formalities assessment framework for evaluating speakers at campus events; (b) if so, how does the Ministry ensure such frameworks do not undermine academic freedom, including in politically sensitive contexts; and (c) whether these frameworks align with global academic freedom standards.
Mr Chan Chun Sing: Autonomous Universities (AUs) have the right and responsibility to implement an assessment framework for evaluating speakers at campus events.
As stated in Ministry of Education’s reply to a Parliamentary Question on 9 January 2024, AUs manage their own events, including deciding on invited speakers. As common spaces for learning, AUs are aware that while they should promote critical thinking and appreciation of diverse viewpoints, they must also respect Singapore’s wider social norms, help students to appreciate our national interests, protect our hard-earned harmony and not ride roughshod over the sensitivities of others. Neither should AUs be used by organisations or individuals to further their agenda at our expense or in the name of academic freedom. Where necessary, the Ministry will advise the AUs to uphold these.
Ultimate beneficial owners disclosure to Government for residential property transactions
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Law (a) whether the disclosure of the ultimate beneficial owners (UBO) to SLA or other Government agency is needed for all residential property transactions; (b) whether UBO information is available to the public; (c) if so, how can this be accessed by potential end-buyers or their lawyers; and (d) under what circumstances and to whom can such information be disclosed.
Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai (The Second Minister for Law): Disclosure of the identities and citizenship of purchasers and ultimate beneficial owners are required to be made to the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) for all landed residential property transactions. This is to ensure compliance with the Residential Property Act 1976. This is regardless of whether the purchase is made by an individual, or through a vehicle such as a trust or entity. Such disclosures are generally not required by the SLA for non-landed properties such as condominium and apartment units.
This information on ultimate beneficial ownership is not made public by SLA. This is not required in the conveyancing process for property transactions. The purchase of assets by companies, trusts, and other vehicles is a well known process, and long recognised by law.
As regards the question on who potential buyers or their lawyers can deal with, under the Land Titles Act 1993, potential buyers or their lawyers can deal with the party reflected in the title document as the legal owner of the property.
Frequency of inspections to detect potholes on roads, and review of design and materials for road construction
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Transport in view of reports of nearly 100 potholes detected in the first 12 days of 2025 (a) what percentage of LTA road inspections are triggered by public complaints as compared to scheduled checks; (b) whether inspection frequency is seasonally adjusted for wear and tear due to the monsoon season; (c) how are contractors held to durability standards for pothole repairs; and (d) whether high-traffic and rainfall-prone road designs are being updated with water resistant materials and improved construction standards.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: The Land Transport Authority (LTA) regularly inspects roads for defects, including potholes. During periods of prolonged heavy rainfall, LTA conducts additional inspections and dedicates more resources to carry out the necessary repairs. To complement these inspections, members of the public can also report on potholes via public feedback channels. Last year, these public feedback channels enabled LTA to detect around 30% of potholes. The remaining 70% were detected via LTA’s inspections.
LTA has also been proactively carrying out road resurfacing at several locations across the island as a preventive measure, to reduce the need for pothole repairs. Through these efforts, the total number of potholes detected each year has dropped by almost 70% from 2021 to 2024. LTA will continue to closely monitor our road conditions and explore new solutions that can improve road durability.
Reasons for decline in clinical trial approvals despite increase in biomedical investments
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Health with regard to the decline in clinical trial approvals from 178 in 2008 to 127 in 2023 (a) what are the reasons for the decline despite the increase in biomedical investments in Singapore; (b) whether there have been any policy changes that caused the decline; (c) if so, what are they; and (d) what is the Health Science Authority’s assessment on why the decline occurred.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: We should first recognise Singapore’s strengths and disadvantages in this field. We are recognised for our excellent healthcare infrastructure, strong research capabilities, experienced key opinion leaders, and responsive and efficient health product regulation system. However, we are fundamentally limited by our smaller demographic base, and hence number of participants in clinical trials.
Over the years, regional players have invested heavily in building their clinical research capabilities and ecosystems, growing their global share of clinical trials. These larger countries often offer competitive advantages such as lower trial costs, and larger research participant populations. Hence, the competition for hosting clinical trials is getting more intense.
We will continue to enhance our attractiveness as a clinical trial destination, but in areas we are strong in. We are actively participating in regional and international clinical research networks. In 2023, about 80% of trials received by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) were multinational clinical trials, highlighting our significant involvement in cross-border research. We have been focusing on early phase and innovative product trials that are potentially impactful and can lead to benefits for Singaporeans. Notably, in recent years, we have seen an increase in oncology trials to over 50% of trials approved in Singapore in 2023, which aligns with our focus on high impact research areas. The Singapore Clinical Research Institute, with the support of the Ministry of Health, is also streamlining processes to reduce trial start up times, enhancing trial cost transparency, and dedicating specialised talent and resources to support efficient trial operations.
Post clinical trial, Singapore is an important production base, hosting many key players in the industry. Our HSA has become an internationally highly reputable reference agency, with which suppliers would want to register their health products. In other words, like all industries, we will continue to grow the parts of the value chain where we are strong in, but may have to cede some areas where we are disadvantaged. Back to Contents
Prevalence of deliberate under-reporting of overtime hours by employers of non-domestic migrant workers
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether the Ministry tracks the prevalence of deliberate under-reporting of overtime hours by employers of non domestic migrant workers; and (b) what penalties are typically meted out against employers who provide inaccurate payslips.
Dr Tan See Leng: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) tracks non-compliance with overtime pay requirements that are detected through complaints or inspections. These include cases where the employer under-reports the overtime hours worked or underpaid for the overtime worked. For breaches of overtime regulations due to lack of knowledge, MOM will generally take an educational approach and employers will cooperate to rectify the breach. For egregious cases, we take a strong stance against any infringements. We will take enforcement action, which can include fines and prosecution. For employers who provide inaccurate payslips, MOM can issue caution letters or impose administrative penalties of $100 for the first breach and $200 for the subsequent breach. In the past five years, on average per year, MOM took action against about 40 employers for under or non-provision of overtime pay and against about 10 employers for issuing inaccurate payslips. Employees who are not paid for their overtime work or who are given inaccurate payslips are advised to approach MOM for assistance or the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management to file claims.
